Christmas kicks off in Greene
Leighana Gooden, 4, of Waynesburg enjoys a conversation with Santa Claus during the “BreakFast with Santa” event at the Greene County Fairgrounds on Dec. 3. The event was one of many holiday events held throughout the county last weekend.
Santa and Mrs. Claus were the guests of honor during the Wayensburg Area Chamber of Commerce's annual Christmas Parade, which was held Saturday afternoon in downtown Waynesburg. (Photo by steve Barrett)
Chrissy Lahew of Waynesburg is all smiles as she poses with her dog during the Waynesburg Christmas parade. Lahew was part of Greene County ABATE's entry in the parade. There were 87 entries in this year's parade. (Photo by steve Barrett)
Amanda Frampton, daughter of Stephen and Debra Frampton of New Freeport, performs during the "Winter Wonderland Gala" at the county courthouse on Dec. 3. The annual event, hosted by the Rotary Club of Waynesburg and sponsored this year by Alpha Natural Resources, featured a wide array of seasonal entertainment, food and decorations. Proceeds from the event will benefit local charities. (Photo by Steve Barrett)
Jeff Scott, manager of Appalachian operations for Tanglewood Exploration LLC, and Kerry Marisa cut down a Christmas tree at the Kent Tree Farm in Greene County on Dec. 3 during the Marisa family's "Old Fashioned Christmas Tree Sale." All trees were free of charge to customers, thanks to Tanglewood's generosity. (Photo by Steve Barrett)
Marie Frye, board member of the Greene County Historical Society, puts the finishing touches on one of the decorated Christmas trees on display at the county museum during the museum's Christmas Open House. (Photo by Steve Barrett)
WAYNESBURG — The Christmas season officially kicked off in Greene County last weekend with a slew of holiday events held all throughout the area.
And though there were many events held during the first weekend of December, there are plenty more seasonal treats that have been scheduled for the rest of the month.
Last weekend, area residents were treated to a number of merry activities, including Waynesburg Prosperous and Beautiful’s annual Holiday Open House on Friday, and the Waynesburg Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas Parade, a “Breakfast with Santa” at the county fairgrounds, the “Old Fashioned Christmas Tree Sale” at Kent’s Tree Farm, the Greene County Museum’s Christmas Open House, the “Winter Wonderland” gala at the county courthouse, “Light Up Night” in Carmichaels and the Waynesburg University Christmas concert, all on Saturday.
All of these events were reportedly well attended by area residents who were apparently filled with holiday spirit.
The Waynesburg Area Chamber of Commerce recently announced the winners of the annual Christmas Parade. The parade, which was underwritten by Senior Life, featured 86 entries representing various area schools, churches, civic organizations, agencies and businesses.
Winners of the float entry competitions were: Judges’ choice and best overall float, Greene ARC Inc.; first-place float, Four Seasons Resorts of West Finley; second-place float, EMS Southwest; and third-place float, Disabled American Veterans of Waynesburg. Honorable mentions went to Kalivoda Dance Center, Moschetta’s Performing Arts, and Golden Living Center of Waynesburg.
Chamber President Alan Laick welcomed the crowd at the beginning of the parade and served as co-announcer with WANB Radio personality Doug Wilson, who also participated in the parade with the local 140th PA. Volunteers, a Civil War re-enactment group.
The National Anthem was sung during the parade by Robin Anderson of Mt. Morris.
Joanna Allen, 2011 Miss Rain Day, and John Mariner, recipient of the Chamber’s 2011 individual Distinguished Service Award, served as the parade’s co-grand marshals. They were followed by the Waynesburg Lions Club, who was selected as this year’s organization winner for the Distinguished Service Award.
The parade also featured various young ladies who were crowned Miss Merry Christmas queens from the county’s schools. This year’s queens are: Julie Gialone, Jefferson Morgan; Kassie Reed, West Greene; Emily Phillips, Waynesburg; Megan Orndoff, Greene County Career and Technology Center; Katie Laskody, Greene County Career and Technology Center; Casey Cole, Carmichaels; and Molly Namet, Mapletown.
Waynesburg University’s student-operated television station, WCYJ-TV, videotaped, narrated and edited the parade for broadcast on local stations. A broadcast date will be announced soon.
The Waynesburg Chamber recognized the many area businesses and individuals who helped to make this year’s parade a success, and at the conclusion of the parade they officially welcomed Santa and Mrs. Claus into the downtown area to kick off the holiday season in Waynesburg.
Melody Longstreth, executive director of the Chamber, said everyone involved with the parade was pleased with the number of entries, the cooperative weather and the impressive turnout.
“Everything ran very smoothly, the crowd was terrific and the sun was shining and the weather was great, and those factors helped make the parade a wonderful experience,” she said.
Regarding concerns about traffic being congested during the parade,Longstreth said she was pleased to report that there were no problems reported.
“We did everything we could ahead of time to ensure that traffic would not be an issue,” she said. “We notified many oil and gas companies ahead of time to let them know about the parade, and they were very appreciative of our efforts. Everything worked out fine.”
As busy as last weekend was, there are still many more seasonal events that are being held throughout the county that will delight even the grumpiest Grinch.
The following events have been announced. The information listed here was sent to our office by press time.
The sixth annual “Empty Chair” service, a non-denominational service, will be held on Monday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Roberts Chapel on the Waynesburg University campus.
The service will be led by Pastors Gary Grau and Dr. Donald Wilson.
The Waynesburg University Lamplighters will provide some portion of the entertainment for the evening, along with other local musicians/performers. The annual event is sponsored by GriefSHARE, a support group for those touched by the loss of a loved one.
Although the idea for the Empty Chair service came from a local homicide survivors’ support group, the service is for anyone who is thinking about deceased loved ones at Christmas time.
Those attending are encouraged to bring pictures of their loved ones that will be displayed on memory boards. The names of lost loved ones will be read during the candle-lighting portion of the service. Special music will be performed.
After the service, guests will be invited to gather in the chapel’s fellowship hall for refreshments and to share pictures and stories of deceased loved ones.
GriefSHARE member Sandy Seybold, whose son died in a vehicular crash, is making ornaments that people attending the service can take home as reminders of their loved ones. Seybold has made ornaments for each of the annual services.
For more information about the “Empty Chair” service, contact Cherie Rumskey at the Victim/Witness Assistance Program at 724-852-5229.
Two additional Christmas parades have been announced. The Mt. Morris Christmas Parade will be held on Dec. 10; for more info, call 724-324-5443. And, the annual Ice Plant Christmas Parade will be held in Greensboro on Dec. 17 at 2 p.m.; for more info, call Lisa Miller at 724-998-8242. Additional information about these parades was not made available to the Messenger by press time.
A Holiday Craft Blast, sponsored by the Nathaniel Greene Historical Foundation, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10. The event will be held at the Greene County Fairgrounds in the 4-H building. For more info, call Mary Shine at 724-943-4462, or visit www.natgreene.org.
A Community Christmas dinner will be held Sunday, Dec. 11 at 5 p.m. at the Center Twp. Fire Hall in Rogersville. Meat, rolls and beverages will be provided. Those attending should bring a covered dish. Santa Claus will visit.
The Graysville Volunteer Fire Company Christmas dinner will be held Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. in the fire hall in Graysville. Meat, rolls and beverages will be provided. All participants are asked to bring a covered dish. Santa Claus will be visiting.
The annual Christmas Toy Program, sponsored by the Tri-County Leathernecks, will hold its toy distribution on Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at four separate locations: Greene County Fairgrounds, Carmichaels Fire Hall, Greensboro Fire Hall and St. Thomas Church in Clarksville. The Leathernecks are still accepting donations of toys at the following locations in Waynesburg: Big Lots, Giant Eagle, Dollar General and Walmart. Additional locations: All Community Banks, Carmichaels Shop n Save, Carmichaels Borough Building and in Rogersville, Rush’s Grocery Store. Call John “Buzz” Walters at 724-499-5348 for more info.
A Holiday Escape will be held at the Greene County Fairgrounds on Thursday, Dec. 29 from: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This annual family event offers a free movie, games, crafts, free lunch and free family fun and activities. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring your own pillow or comfortable seating. There will be games, agency information, door prizes, gifts and, just maybe, a visit from Santa. Call to register. Sponsored by Greene County Commissioners, Greene County Human Services and Greene County MAGIC Collaborative/Family Stability Community Team.
For more info, call Tracie Sypin at 724-852-5276.