The Mon Valley Quilt Club recently announced that the 2019 recipient of their annual scholarship is Corrine Mandarino.

Mon Valley Community Band Provides Entertainment and Offers Musicians an Outlet to Keep Playing

The Mon Valley Community Band is a group of local musicians who volunteer their time and talents to bring music to the local area.

The members range in age from teenagers to people in their eighties who simply like to play music. This local music ensemble has been in existence for over 100 years and continues the tradition of bringing lively musical presentations to a number of audiences throughout the year.

The band is made up of people with varing backgrounds. It has many members who are or were music educators. There are people from the medical profession, executives, salespeople and truck drivers. Some are retired but many are still working. This makes the band a very diverse group.

Max Gonano acts as the director. He has a long history in music education and ended his career as the Chairman of the Music Department at California University of Pa. Max has a knack for teaching and improving the playing ability of the members.

The repertoire performed by the band include a plethora of numbers ranging from traditional band marches to lyrical compositions, from lively broadway show tunes, to pieces brimming with patriotic nostalgia. They also hit a lot of arrangements of current music and never forget about the "oldies". From Sousa to Gershwin and Bach to Rock! What sets this band apart from others is that the music is never boring.

So where would you expect to hear the band? They perform at retirement communities, senior citizen homes and many community events throughout Southwestern Pa. The audiences always appreciate the band's performances which is shown by being invited back year after year.

Does this sound interesting to you? The band is always looking for new members. Whether you are a seasoned performer or someone who played "once upon a time", pick up your instrument and join the fun. There are some members who had not played for years. But playing an instrument is like riding a bike, with a little practice it comes right back to you.

For more information see the band website at www.mvcb.ofswpa.org or just send an email to mvcbofswpa@gmail.com to get started.

Mini Dance Team is looking for kids who want to compete dance at a local dance competition.

You must be near California, PA during Fall 2019. Costs will include: competition entry fees, costumes, and dance team t-shirt. Dancers will need appropriate tights and shoes. Spaces are limited! You can sign up by emailing girl8eliza@hotmail.com or our by visiting our website at www.girl8eliza.wixsite.com/minidanceteam. We will compete in Spring 2O2O.

If you are trying to kick the habit, but need a little help, Monongahela Valley Hospital’s Community Care Network (CCN) is offering the ‘Smoke Free for Life’ program sponsored by BREATHE Pennsylvania.