16146 Spring/Summer 2015 - City of Sharon, Pennsylvania

16146
A newsletter to the citizens of Sharon sponsored by Sharon Community and Economic Development Commission.
8th Edition - Spring/Summer 2015
Sharon Spring Fling - May 2
Celebrate Spring in Beautiful Downtown Sharon!
Spring is in the air and we are celebrating in Downtown Sharon! On Saturday, May 2
from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. join us for our Sharon Spring Fling. Come shop LOCAL and register
at participating Greater Sharon Associates merchants to win fresh flowers for spring. Or
participate in one of the many downtown events.
The Shenango Valley Gardeners Club will host a plant sale at the corner of State Street &
Water Avenue. The fundraiser benefits their community garden projects.
Both First Presbyterian and First Methodist Churches have their annual rummage sales on
May 1 & 2. The bargains are amazing and all the proceeds support the life and work of these
churches in our area.
The Apollo Maennerchor Club is hosting its
second annual Maifest in the club’s Festhalle
to celebrate the arrival of spring. There will be
German music, beer, and food, as well as dancing
around the Maibaum and a performance by the Apollo
Maennerchor singers.
James E. Winner Arts & Culture Center presents Little
Women, a new musical based on Louisa May Alcott’s life.
The play follows the adventures of four sisters and their
experience growing up in Civil War America. Audiences of
all ages will enjoy this classic book brought to life on stage
with a brilliant and touching score. May 1 & 2 at 8 p.m. and
May 3 at 2 p.m.
A rededication of the Veteran’s Monument is also planned
at 9:30 am at the corner of East State and Oakland.
Other May 2 Evening Activities:
Buhl Community Spring Dance
Featuring DJ Platter
Tip Tap Toe Spring Dance Recital
Sharon High School Auditorium
I  LOCAL!
Welcome to Beautiful
Downtown Sharon
By 2013, the two couples, Jason
Camerlengo and his fiancé Shelby
Dukes and John LaRocca and his
wife Patty, had purchased the vacant
building at 23 Chestnut Street in
downtown Sharon. This was the onset
of what would be nearly a two-year
journey to the opening of Brewtus
Brewing Company.
In 2012, a group of friends and family
members came up with the name
Brewtus Brewers for their new soonto-be brewpub—the first on-premise
micro-brewery in the Shenango Valley
since pre-prohibition.
“We’ve put what seems to be a
metric ton of work and renovation into
the building, as well as acquiring a
seven ton barrel brew system,” stated
Shelby Dukes, spokesperson for the
Brewery. “We’ve also spent a lot of time
on marketing and behind the scenes
work, and can’t wait to open in late
spring of this year.” In addition to their
brewed beer, the new micro-brewery
will offer a selection of wines from the
state and some old-fashioned root beer,
which also will be brewed on-premise.
Brewtus Brewers will be managed
by a local Sharon native and Sharon
High School graduate Gabby Rahn.
Executive Chef Nick Osman, also a
Sharon High School graduate, will
produce hand-crafted sandwiches and
burgers, and charcuterie platters, while
Pizza Chef Dom Ferrara will make up
artisan pizzas, all with a special twist.
Dukes added, “We are so proud to be
part of the Shenango Valley, especially
the Sharon downtown renewal, and we
look forward to welcoming everyone
soon to Brewtus Brewing Company!”
These fabulous shops are new or expanded!
Dreaming Tree Photography
Jessica Williams – 146 E. State St.
Charmed Coffee Café
Terri Duffield – 42 E. State St.
The Emerald Tablet
Odin Smith and Alanna Butler – 110 E. State St.
Haitian Sensations
Joseph Altenor – 869 E. State St.
OMISSION: We apologize for not including Marcia Moyer’s name in the last issue. She is owner of Tickled, one of our great new business lineup!
And here’s to the “old guard,” tried and true, who have withstood the test of time!
Two By the Tracks
The Marigold • The Other Side
Ken & Debbie Koewachich – 30 N. Main St.
Warehouse Sales
Mike Lisac – 200 W. Silver St.
Starkey’s Computer &
Electronics
Shawn Starkey – 20 S. Railroad St.
Professional Whites Uniforms
Debbie Schosser – 106 E. State St.
Downtown
Sharon will once
again welcome
“WaterFire
Sharon” to the
Shenango River.
The Saturday
2015 dates and themes are July 18
(Americana), August 22 (Jazz) and
September 26 (Boheme).
‘WaterFire Sharon has also
announced its new Executive Director,
Michael Nelson,” said Gary Meszaros,
co-chair of WaterFire Sharon. “Michael
has been involved since the early
stages of WaterFire and has served as
a volunteer in many capacities. He’s
been most active on the river where he
has served as a boat captain several
times. He has also been an active
volunteer with clean up days in and
around the city, as well as in the river.”
WaterFire was brought to Sharon for
its inaugural year in 2013, resulting in
70,000 spectators over three lighting
events. In 2014, three more lightings
were brought to Sharon, including
one that proved WaterFire was a “rain
or shine” event. Even on that rainy
day, nearly 10,000 people came to
downtown Sharon. Visitors continue to
travel from surrounding states, and as
far as Canada, to experience WaterFire.
“We need over 600 volunteers to
make WaterFire work,” said Nelson.
“There are multiple opportunities for
anyone who has a little or a lot of
time that they want to share. The
opportunities for volunteering are
widely varied, and no matter your age
or experience, we need and would be
happy to have your help.”
This summer, our downtown will
once again be filled with artists,
interactive areas, children events, live
entertainment, and food vendors.
Each Waterfire will begin at noon with
the ceremonial lightings taking place
around dusk.
For the most up-to-date schedules,
go to Waterfiresharonpa.org or follow
WaterfireSharon on Facebook.
Significant funding is necessary for
each Waterfire. Generous business,
individuals, and grant funders
support this unique arts experience.
Contributions of any size are both
needed and appreciated. To help,
please contact Michael Nelson
at 724-866-1837 or mknelson@
waterfiresharonpa.org, or go to www.
watefiresharon.org.
Meet Robert Fiscus, Chief of Fire/Rescue and Code Enforcement
Full Name and Title: Robert G. Fiscus Jr., Chief of Fire/Rescue and Code Enforcement
Birthday: March 5, 1977
Family: Wife, Laurie, two sons, Ben (6) and Grant (4), and one daughter Corinne (1)
Length of Employment with City of Sharon: 13 Years
Favorite Place to Vacation: Anywhere with sunshine and a beach
Hobbies: Refereeing Football and Lifting Weights
Favorite Food: Steak
Best Advice You Have Ever Been Given: If you worry about yesterday’s failures,
today’s successes will be few.
Favorite Thing About Sharon PA: The people and, specifically, their enthusiasm,
energy and dedication in the revitalization of the city’s downtown and neighborhoods.
Buhl Legacy Lives On...
Happy 100th Birthday, Buhl Park!
Frank and Julia Buhl, who lived in
Sharon, created Buhl Farm so that
everyone in the community would have
a place to enjoy the outdoors. This year
marks the centennial for our beloved
Buhl Park and many new events are
planned to celebrate this auspicious
occasion.
“All of our usual events will have a
birthday spin on them, and we are very
excited about a number of special things
that we have added throughout the year,”
explains Mitzi Kuster, who co-chairs the
Centennial Committee with her husband,
Tom. Mrs. Kuster adds, “Much thought
and preparation has gone into this, and
we are hoping that the community will
come and enjoy all that we have in store
for them.”
Julie Norris, activities director, added,
“There are things we have been wanting
to do at the park for quite some time;
everything from a Tea Social to a Fall
Festival, and this is the year we are
making them happen!”
Some things are planned just for the
Centennial Celebration, while others will
become an annual event. In addition
to all of the activities, 2015 calendars
and coffee mugs have been created to
commemorate the 100th birthday
and are available for purchase at the
Casino. These items may be shipped;
for information please contact Julie
Norris at 724-981-5522, ext. 103. To see
everything that is happening at Buhl Park
this year, visit www.buhlfarmpark.com.
Buhl Community Recreation Center
At the beginning of the twentieth
century, Frank H. Buhl had a vision.
This great industrialist realized the need
for a quality recreational facility for the
people of Sharon, PA and its surrounding
communities.
On September 19, 1903, Frank Buhl
and his wife, Julia Forker Buhl, delivered
the deed of F.H. Buhl Club to its
directors and officers. Mr. Buhl told of his
experiences as a young man in Sharon
34 years prior, when he first arrived in
town. He realized there was no place
to go to spend an evening and very few
places that could keep a young man
from “falling into devious ways.”
When the doors opened in 1903, the
F.H. Buhl Club became an important part
of the social, recreational, and cultural
life of the town. The Club continued to
flourish, and, in 1906, it was known as
“the finest equipped club of its kind in the
world”.
Today the Buhl Community Recreation
Center has nearly 1,800 members,
and its mission is “To provide quality
recreational, social wellness and
Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa
Frank Buhl’s wedding present to his wife Julia is now a luxury inn,
day spa, event venue and offers public tours by reservation. Listed on
the National Register of Historic Places, the “castle” is a member of the
prestigious Select Registry: Distinguished Inns of North America. The
award-winning inn has been named America’s Top 10 Romantic Inns,
Top 10 Luxury Inns, Pennsylvania Innkeepers of the Year, and Keystone
Society for Tourism.
educational programs for people of all
ages in our communities.”
Every week, over 60 organized classes
and activities are offered, ranging from
youth sports, youth fitness, student
athlete fitness and strength training,
adult deluxe fitness, aquatic fitness,
adult personal fitness training, and such
enhancement programs as student
tutoring, musical instrument lessons,
voice lessons, needle point and aquatic
programs to include swimming lessons.
The mission of the Buhl Community
Recreation Center is to continue the
dream of Frank Buhl in perpetuity. That
mission continues to be fulfilled a century
later.
Hope Center for Arts & Technology
The Hope Center for Arts &
Technology (HopeCAT) is coming to
Sharon, PA, with plans to open in
2016.
Since 2012, a local steering
committee has worked to bring Bill
Strickland’s Manchester Bidwell
educational model to this community.
An affiliate of the National Center for
Arts & Technology (NCAT), HopeCAT
will provide a two-part strategy to
address the real challenges of poverty
and despair. This strategy includes
an avenue to gainful employment
for adults who are unemployed,
underemployed or who have been
dislocated from work and the
promotion of academic achievement
among youth through studio based
visual arts education.
HopeCAT joins eight locations
across the country built on the
Manchester Bidwell educational
model: San Francisco, CA; Cincinnati
and Cleveland, OH; Grand Rapids,
MI; Brockway, PA; Buffalo, NY;
New Haven, CT; and Boston, MA.
Over a dozen additional cities are in
the process of establishing affiliate
sites. With interest from community
leaders both nationally and abroad,
the Manchester Bidwell educational
model is well positioned for continued
growth.
To date, HopeCAT’s board raised
initial funding, commissioned a
thorough feasibility study, and secured
a $2.6 million RACP matching grant.
HopeCAT recently transitioned into
the planning phase of replication and
will partner with NCAT to build out the
center’s initial staffing, training and
education programs, and construction
plans, bringing another enterprise
to the valley that will drive economic
development.
The center will be located on
the West Hill in the former Sacred
Heart Elementary School. It will be
funded through support from regional
foundations and employers, private
donations, and legislatively directed
funding, similar to the Manchester
Bidwell educational models in
Brockway and Pittsburgh.
For further information please
visit www.HopeCAT.org or contact
Executive Director Tom Roberts at
724-308-5135.
Visit www.CityofSharon.net.
Find out what’s going on in the area, download necessary forms,
use links to connect to area resources, and view pictures
highlighting the beauty of our city.
Follow Us on Facebook!
Penn State Shenango to Celebrate 50 Years!
More than 50 years ago, a group of
local citizens had a dream of bringing
an affordable college to the Shenango
Valley so that students in the area could
continue their education. Following the
idea, in 1964, the Penn State Board
of Trustees met with The Shenango
Valley Citizens College Procurement
Committee, and in 1965, the first
students enrolled at the, then, Penn
State Shenango Valley Campus, which
occupied the east wing of Kennedy
Christian High School for the first two
years of operation.
Flash forward to 2015, and Penn
State Shenango now sits on thirteen
acres in downtown Sharon as the only
1965
2015
urban campus in the Penn
State system. The campus
offers both baccalaureate and
associate degree programs–
giving students the opportunity
to complete their degree without
moving from the area.
During the past fifty years,
the Shenango campus has
completed millions of dollars
of new building construction,
as well as major renovations,
transforming the former Sharon
City School District’s grade school
and junior high, and the downtown
North Flats area, into a state-of-theart higher education institution. The
campus boasts upto-date technology
and computer labs,
advanced chemistry
and biology labs, a
student-centered Great
Hall and fitness center,
a contemporary library,
valued Learning Center,
modern offices, outside
sitting and studying
areas, as well as many
other amenities.
In celebration of
its fifty years, Penn
State Shenango will be hosting
several events beginning with its 50th
Anniversary Alumni Kickoff event on
Saturday, August 22. An Open House
for the community will be held from
3 to 5 p.m. that day on the campus
outside lawn and will include tours and
memorabilia, children’s games and
activities, snacks, and live music. An
evening event for invited Penn State
alumni and friends will be held from 5 to
8 p.m.
The campus’ 50th Anniversary Gala
event, which will be hosted by the Penn
State Shenango Alumni Society and
Advisory Board, will take place March
31, 2016. For information about Penn
State Shenango or its 50th Anniversary
celebrations, please contact Liz Izenas
at 724-983-2906.
Sharon Community & Economic Development Commission
Presents….
SHOWCASE SHARON!
Wednesday, May 27 • 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
James E. Winner Jr. Arts & Culture Center
This free event is your chance to mix and mingle, network with others, and find out more about downtown revitalization
efforts! Representatives from Sharon Community and Economic Commission, Art Commission, Beautification Commission,
WaterFire, HopeCAT, Penn State Shenango, Primary Health Network and many more groups will be on hand to give us
updates on upcoming events and projects. Contact Laura@BuhlMansion.com for more information.
Primary Health Network Expands Downtown
Max De Pree, a noted American
businessman, once said, “We cannot
become what we want to be by
remaining what we are.” This is a quote
Drew Pierce, new CEO of the Primary
Health Network, has lived by. When
assuming this role in December of
2014, Pierce made it very clear that he
would continue the visionary work of
the original CEO, Jack Laeng, who had
guided PHN’s development for over 30
years.
As Laeng stated, “Drew has
demonstrated the vision and skills
necessary to lead Primary Health
for many years to come.” Pierce’s
experience in expansion projects, as
well as his background in finance and
operations, has played a key role in
the new Sharon project. Regarding the
project’s significance, Laeng stated,
“This project, though extensive, is
proof of the belief of the forthcoming
revitalization to the Sharon Area.”
The new Primary Health
Network Sharon Facility will
be the first new building in
downtown Sharon since the
1960s, and it will employ over
130 local community members.
The building will host primary and
specialty care medical offices,
including two pediatric offices;
two obstetrical/gynecological
offices; two mental health offices;
ear, nose, and throat practices;
orthopedic practices; diagnostics and
laboratory services; medical education
institutions; a cafe and conference
room; Primary Health Network
administrative offices; and 15,000
square feet of undeveloped space to
accommodate future needs.
Pierce’s drive in his new position is
evident, as he stated, “We continuously
strive to be at the forefront of cutting
edge medicine. By hosting all services
under one roof, our patients are able
to really take their care into their own
hands, and our providers are able to
exemplify the continuity of care we
speak of so regularly.”
The new Sharon building is on track
to open summer 2016. Regarding
adapting to his new role, Pierce stated,
“I am honored and humbled to lead
an organization such as the Primary
Health Network, which stands ready
to meet the health care needs of
all residents in the communities we
serve.”
Laurel Technical Institute Adult Learning
by Nancy Decker and
Douglas Decker.
Laurel Technical Institute became a
‘Sharon’ business in September 2007.
The institute promotes programs that
are designed to meet the needs of the
regional community. The downtown
locations, which include 200 Sterling
Ave. and 892 S. Dock St., are part of a
four-campus family of schools owned
LTI’s specialty is geared
toward the adult learner
who is looking to achieve
a specialized associate
degree, diploma, or
certification within 18
months or less. With
the backing of national accreditation
through the Accrediting Council for
Independent Colleges and Schools
(ACICS), LTI has been recognized
as an ‘Honor Roll Institution.’ Most
recently, LTI also added the ranking of
a STEM-Friendly School and proudly
earned the designation of a MilitaryFriendly Institution.
LTI offers programs in the School
of Allied Health, School of Business,
School of Spa & Cosmetology Arts,
School of Information Technology, and
School of Trades.
Nancy and Douglas welcome
visitors to stop at one of their locations
in downtown Sharon to take a “Laurel
Look,” visit their website at www.
laurel.edu, or like them on Facebook!
For more information, contact Laurel
Technical Institute at 724-983-0700.
16146
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Sharon, PA
PERMIT No. 22
A newsletter to the citizens of Sharon sponsored by Sharon Community and Economic Development Commission.
Ongoing Summer
Entertainment
May – August
Brown Bag
Lunchtime Concert Series
Wednesdays at Noon
June 14 – August 26
Buhl Farm Park
Summer Concert Series
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Sundays at 6:00 p.m.
Design Services Donated by: SCPGroup
Calendar of Events
May
1-3 – Little Women – James E. Winner Jr Arts & Culture
Center
1-2 – First Presbyterian & First Methodist Churches’
Rummage Sales
2 – Rededication of Veteran’s Monument
2 – Spring Fling DownTown ShopAround & Flower
Giveaway – throughout downtown
2 – Shenango Valley Gardeners Plant Sale – corner of
State & Water
2 – Maifest Celebration – Maennerchor Club Festhalle
2 – Buhl Community Spring Dance – Featuring DJ Platter
2 – Tip Tap Toe Spring Dance Recital – Sharon High
School Auditorium
3 – Julia’s Silver Tea – Buhl Park
3 – Fly Casting Clinic with Ted Fauceglia – Buhl Park
3 – Shenango Valley Chorale – First Methodist Church
6 – Strimbu BBQ – Yankee Lake
6-9 – Used Book Sale – Community Library of the
Shenango Valley
9 – Birdwatching Walk – Buhl Park
10 – Sharon Beautification & Sharon Historical Society
Historical Walking Tour
13 – Middle School Band and Orchestra Concert –
Sharon High School Auditorium
14 – High School Band and Orchestra Concert – Sharon
High School Auditorium
16 – Armed Forces Day – Buhl Park
19 – Case Avenue Spring Concert – Case Ave
19 – Jazz Band Concert – Sharon High School
Auditorium
20 – West Hill Spring Concert – West Hill
20 – Middle School Choir Concert – Sharon High School
Auditorium
21 – Musser Spring Concert – Musser
21 – High School Choir Concert – Sharon High School
Auditorium
21 – Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce Phoenix
Award Luncheon – The Corinthian
25 – Memorial Day Parade
27 – Showcase Sharon – James E. Winner Jr. Arts &
Culture Center
28 – Brian Stafford Lecture and Reception – Buhl Park
31 – Cana’s Musical Kickoff to Summer – St. John’s
Episcopal Church
31 – Spring Fest – Sharon Slovenian Home
June
6 – Friends of Buhl Park 5K Run/Walk – Buhl Park
12 – Joe Valentino 27 Hole Scramble – Buhl Park
13 – Penn State Shenango Alumni Society Golf Scramble
20 – Mercer County Trails Bike Tour – Buhl Park
27 – Star Wars Extravaganza (put on by the 501st
Legion) – Community Library of the Shenango Valley
27 – Touch a Truck – Buhl Park
27 – Movie Under the Stars – Buhl Park
July
11 – Penn State Shenango Cornhole Tournament
13 – Buhl Golf Scramble
19 – WaterFire Sharon
25-27 – Lube-aPalooza
27 – Northwestern PA Guitar Show – James E. Winner Jr
Arts & Culture Center
August
1 – Rockin’ on the Rails, Chris Higbee Concert – Main
Street by Warehouse Sales
2 or 9 (tba) – Evening in the Gardens – Buhl Mansion
Guesthouse & Spa – to benefit Beautification
Commission
14-16 – Schoolhouse Rock Live! – James E. Winner Jr
Arts & Culture Center
15 – Back to School Dance – Buhl Park
22 – WaterFire Sharon
22 – Penn State Shenango 50th Anniversary Kickoff
26 – Auschwitz, 70 Years Later – Community Library of
the Shenango Valley
29 – Movie Under the Stars – Buhl Park
30 – Penn State Shenango Health & Wellness Fair
September
7 – Buhl Day – Buhl Park
11 – Septemberfest, Sharon Rotary
12 – Birdwatching Walk – Buhl Park
13 – Dog Day at the Park – Buhl Park
16 – Ladies Tee Off – Buhl Park
17 – Henry & Catherine Evans Community Service Award
Dinner
23-26 – Used Book Sale – Community Library of the
Shenango Valley
26 – WaterFire Sharon
26 – Sharon Hall of Fame Induction – Sharon City School
October
1 – Keystone Blind Association’s Sizzler – Shriner’s on
Lamor Road
3 – Penn State Shenango Dr. Jane Williams 5K Run/1.5
Mile Walk
4 – Oktoberfest – Maennerchor Club Festhalle
6 – Shenango River Watchers Wine and Cheese – Buhl
Mansion Guesthouse & Spa
7 – O’Brien Clambake – Tiffany’s Banquet Centre
10 – Arboretum Walk – Buhl Park
10-11 – Fall Fest – Buhl Park
15 – Sharon’s first annual “Bottle & Brew” Wine & Beer
Walk – throughout downtown
16 – Buhl Park Gala
16-18 – The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee –
James E. Winner Jr Arts & Culture Center
22 – Community Library of Shenango Valley Wine and
Cheese – Library
tba – UPMC Boo Ball – The Corinthian