Another Memorable Memorial Day

BEAVER--

Local residents passed yet another Memorial Day in their typical fashion-- attending the holiday parade and festivities.

The parade was held on Third Street, where hundreds of people lined the sidewalks all wearing red, white and blue. The parade itself lasted about 15 minutes and included the local JROTC crew, veteran chapters, and youth baseball and softball teams.

After the march had ended, the crowd made its way to the cemetery for the memorial service, where speakers, clergy, and choral members respectfully paid tribute to the country's fallen.

Everyone enjoyed the day's blue sky, abundant sunshine and balmy temperatures-- perfect weather for cookouts and picnics.

Farmer's Market Preview 2015

BEAVER--

The Farmer's Market has returned to town for the summer promising exciting new attractions.

The local outdoor produce sale, which runs May through June at the court house parking lot, opened May 2nd.

Although fruits and vegetables have long been the main draw to the market, this year various vendor personalities are making appearances. Beaver's gourmet chocolate source, Duclienea Chocolates, has teamed up with the town's newest culinary start-up, Beaver County Bagel Co., to run a booth. Both seller's products have received rave reviews from consumers. Beaver Bagel Co. has generated particular excitement due to its wide selection of fresh bagels--available in varieties such as sesame and blueberry-- and baked goods. "We've never had a really good source for bagels in town. It's exciting," said one Farmer's Market customer.

Candy and bread aren't the only things making their debut at the Farmer's Market. A local kettle corn company recently set up shop, offering bagfuls of warm, sweet and salty kernels. They also offer free samples to any first-time skeptics. However, one taste is all that should be needed for this booth to lock in a sale.

Of course, the trendy additions won't make customers forget what they've really come for: the colorful arrays of produce and plants that growers like Spring Hill and Floyd farms have been offering for years. Currently, leeks and onions are the most abundant crops available. Spring Hill Farm told the Missy Times the wet spring has been hard on the pea crops, slowing down there growth. But with summer nearly here, Farmer's Market fans should expect abundant supplies of corn, tomatoes and squash in no time.

Yard Sale Season Returns to Western Pennsylvania

BEAVER--

Looking for bargains? You won't just find them at Good Will anymore.

On May 9th, the season of outdoor yard and garage sales officially returned to Beaver, Pennsylvania with the 2015 Town Yard Sale. The progressive sale spanning from River Road to Seventh Street continued a multiple-year tradition for the borough, fostering neighborhood camaraderie and resident cleanliness.

Locals went all out for the event, participating in large numbers as both buyers and sellers. Some sources even reported the most participants in the history of the sale this year. The added attraction of the Town Sidewalk Sale, in which Third Street Businesses hosted liquidations and promotions of their own, heightened excitement.

Merchandise included the typical yard sale wares-- clothes, toys and oddities --but a few sellers boasted interesting selections of artwork, antiques and household items. Missy Koshute snagged a brookstone iPad case and Keyboard from a neighbor's sale. "It was a great find," she says.

The best sidewalk sale display went to Sapling and Sons Snail Mail Supply Co. (although the judging was slightly biased). Sapling had an impressive array of specialty cars, holiday and party items available at discounted prices. Discontinued greeting cards marked down to $1 were the definite favorite.

Individual yard sale numbers are on the rise now that summer is here. Buyers can be sure to find at least one large sale being held every week in town.

Beaver VFD Hosts Race, Editor Runs it in 26:41

On Saturday, June 1st, the Beaver Volunteer Fire Department hosted its 12th annual 5k/ 10k race. In the 5k, the 348 registered runners, a record number for the event, the largest of its kind in Beaver County, ranged from ages 3 to 73. The winner of the race was Jaron Martin (no city listed), 20, who finished with a lightning time of 16:51. Timing chips were provided by Smiley Miles, and post-race snow cones, fruit and water were provided by Luckey Insurance Agency and Pizza Joe's.

     Despite the nascent morning heat, no injuries were reported and all present along the course --a scenic 3.2 mile loop down 2nd Street and River Road--  appeared to have an enjoyable time. "This is such a nice place to run." One runner was overheard remarking.

     The shirts this year were a fluorescent orange with a fire hat logo and words "Beaver Volunteer Fire Department 12th Annual 5k/ 10k Race" Emblazoned on the front.

The course only boasts a few legitimate hills, the worst of which being a steady slope from the East End curve back up to 2nd Street. Thankfully, local citizens George and Joline Atkins were there to step up to the plate --or shall I say road-- and spray fading runners as they trounced the last leg of their journey.

    Runners traveled from miles around to attend the race, from cities such as Slippery Rock, PA to East Liverpool, OH; But the farthest distance, by far, was traveled by a 50 year old woman all the way from Oakwood, Illinois.

This race may not have been a marathon, but on a Saturday morning in small-town America, it was just as exciting, and fun too.

A Stream of Conscious from the Local Book Sale

                                

I went to a book sale this weekend. Here's what went on in my head:

Here I am at the library. Boy, am I excited for this book sale!

Walk into the room, WOAH! My eyes need time to adjust. The colors, the lines, the bookish smell, it's way too overwelming.

Tables everywhere packed with books. Hmmmm, which ones do I choose? Let's look at some titles: Novel set in Amish country, "Land of Lincoln", "The Help", novel set in Amish country, "The History of Surnames", novel set in Amish country, juicy romance, "The Boy in the Striped Panamas", novel set in Amish country, Anne of Green Gables, horror book, novel set in Amish country.... what is with all these novels set in Amish country?!?!
Browsing, browsing, squeeze around the fellow bookworms. La dee da, ooooh, look at that one! Whoops, just kidding not my kind of book. Here's an interesting choice. Do they really write books about that? Geez, I've already been here an hour! Better finish up, oh this one or that?

 Here, just take these four. Alright, I'm ready now. Go up to the table, five dollars? Sure. (Never mind that they're only 75 cents each!) Never let a librarian use her beady eyes to weasel $5 out of you. Rats, I'm going to regret that later.
Gather up my finds, walk out the door. What's that, you say, old lady? "Look at these books! Where did they all COME from?"

Hehe, well, it's not magic, ma'am, it's just a book sale.

The Beaver Area Memorial Library held its annual book sale on Saturday, June 1st. All proceeds benefitted the library (even extra proceeds!). This week they are offering any books you can fit in a bag for $5. Please stop by and support the library.

Unseasonable Memorial Day Still Iconic, Poignant

                                 

The unofficial start of summer didn't feel too summery in Beaver Cemetery on Memorial Day morning. Clouds covered the sky and the men and women gathered among the gravestones shivered a bit in their short-sleeved patriotic garb.

But unseasonable temperatures and gloomy weather didn't deter Beaver residents from coming out to the annual parade and cemetery service. Young and old alike lined the main street to catch a glimpse of the veterans and little-league teams marching by, cheering, waving flags and collecting candy.

At the service, Beaver District Attorney Anthony Berosh gave the keynote speech after the invocation by Reverend James Equels. He posed the question "Who are they?" about the fallen soldiers we honor on Memorial Day. "I address you today not as District attorney," he began, "But as a husband, father, brother and friend...... " Continuing, he identified the said soldiers by the generals they served, the places they fought, and the professions they held. Concluding, he exclaimed, "Let all within the sound of my voice take up the cry: 'Who are they? Who are they?  [From the streets of Beaver to the farms of Hanover, they are among us,] They are Heroes."

Beaver's young people also played a major role in the ceremony. Nick Kanapesky, Senior Class President, recited the Gettysburg address. Beaver Area High School Chorus sang "God Bless America", and the local Boy Scout troop assisted in handing out programs to spectators. Other youths participated in the fife and drum corps and presentation of the colors.

On a holiday so often defined by picnics, pool-parties and outdoor festivities, outdoor conditions were unfavorable; but Memorial Day in Beaver, with its patriotism, enthusiasm and sincerity, was still a success. As one citizen observed, "It's iconic. It's America at its finest."

New Shop on the Block

Tonight we went up and sampled Beaver's newest culinary venue, "Sincerely Yogurt". I was super excited to try it, as were the droves of  customers filling the shop to its capacity. It was hilarious to watch how everyone reacted to the yogurt shop concept, obviously something new in these parts.  They hovered about trying to figure out what to do, mixing up the toppings bar with the yogurt station, and vice versa, until an employee gathered them around and gave the Sincerely Yogurt rundown: you get a cup, fill it with the flavors you choose, add toppings, and then place your dish on the scale at the counter and pay by the ounce (55 cents per ounce).

The flavor line-up tonight included some classic frozen yogurt staples --mango, raspberry and green tea--  which taste tart and fruity, and also a few varieties with sweet ice cream-like consistency: peanut butter, banana, and french vanilla, to name a few. Over at the toppings bar, choices were abundant. Marshmallow bits, fruit, candy, sprinkles, nuts, almost any topping you could think of was available. Most of the kids beelined straight for the gummy worms and chocolate pieces, while many adults created interesting blends of fruits.

Leaving the crowded shop, blooming with activity and lively music, it was plain to see that "Sincerely Yogurt"  had created quite a buzz in town. But only time will tell whether this new kid on the block has the stuff to keep the business coming, and the staying power to become Beaver's next hang-out.

The Sights of Light-Up Night: a Never Before Published Article

                                    The Sights of Light-Up Night    

The Friday after Thanksgiving was bitterly cold. The icy wind blew through the early winter night air, biting the cheeks and fingers of anyone who dared to go out in it. The black dome of the sky was covered with clouds, not a star shone up above.

     You might wonder why anyone would want to be outside in these conditions, but there actually were tens, maybe hundreds of people out around town on this very night in Beaver Pennsylvania. No, the residents of our small town are not crazy. It’s not a habit of ours to be out in freezing 20 degree weather in the dark. On the contrary, most of the time, most people would much prefer to be shut inside their nice, warm houses. But, besides being Black Friday, this November 26^th marked a very special once in a lifetime (actually once in a year) occasion. It was Beaver’s annual Light-Up Night, and I observed it firsthand.

      At about twenty after six, armed with gloves, hats, and scarves, we walked up to Third Street just in time to catch a glimpse of the parade, which was very interesting, to say the least. The floats, band, cars and carriages would process down the street and then turn around and make a loop so that, at times, the parade was going in two different directions! It was very entertaining. After the parade had ended, we started to look around.

      True to its name, Light-Up Night was quite full of lights. All of Main Street was aglow. The Christmas lights that were strung on the trees in October were finally lit. The windows of the storefronts were all dressed up with holiday decorations beckoning you inside and luminaries lined the sidewalk.

      Clusters of people filtered in and out of the open stores, viewing the merchandise, watching the live models in the Shirley Shop, listening to the orchestra students from Beaver as they moved from store to store, and some, even eating at one of the restaurants.

The Borough offered free hot chocolate and donuts, while down at the historical museum’s log cabin, costumed volunteers served homemade cookies and hot apple cider cooked over a warm fire.

     After we had seen all the sights of Light-Up Night, we walked back home to our warm house and went to bed. What a wonderful job Beaver did, yet again, putting on such a festive event.

This post is from November, 2010

"The Missy Times" Highlighted in Local Newsletter

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Exciting News!

The Missy Times was recently highlighted in Beaver's own Borough newsletter. The local publication, which is published quarterly by the Borough Council Committee, features lots of tidbits of news, history, town updates and more.

"We're very excited to have The Missy Times highlighted in such a broad way" said editor Missy Koshute.

If you have not yet seen the article, titled "Local Girl Turned Publisher", log onto beaverpa.us where you can find the newsletter's link.

Summer Update

I haven't updated in over a month (oops!) and I think that may be a record. Ever since we returned home from our Nebraska trip -which you will hear all about in the upcoming Missy Times-  life around the Koshute household has been both busy and lazy at the same time. Last week Dad, Mom, Nick and I drove down to Deleware and spent some vacation time relaxing at Bethany Beach. I helped out at our church's Vacation Bible School the week before, and one Sunday before that, Mom, Gina and I went up to Moraine State Park where we biked and walked the trails around Lake Arthur. In between I've been swimming at the pool, hanging at the library, playing with friends, and watching Food Network Star and "Shark Week" on the Discovery Channel.

Anyway, I just wanted to give you a brief update and apologize for not posting in a while. I'll try harder to get some real, solid posts up this month so you won't be left in the dark. A new Missy Times is headed your way, so stay tuned to your mailbox!

5 Possible Missy Times Headlines

Have you been wondering what's been going on in Beaver? Well wonder no longer:

1. Missy Takes on Projects to Escape Summer Boredom
2. Ice Cream Shop Moves To Beaver
3. Carnival Arrives in Town
4. 10 Tips to Surviving a Graduation Party
5.  Koshutes Battle Garden Pests

(Bonus) Missy Runs Race


Which headline would you like to see a story on?

Pictures from Beaver's Memorial Day Celebration

Men dressed as civil war soldiers march down the parade route

The people bow their heads in prayer as Dr. William H. Silver gives the innovocation at the cemetery service

The soldiers stand at attention as they prepare for the volley fire salute

The people rise from their seats and applaud

Springtime in a Small Town

 Spring is finally here. And for the residents of Beaver Pennsylvania, that's a relief to know. After months of cold winter weather and weeks of damp March/April/May showers, it seemed as if spring had forgotten our little town.

But spring is making a comeback.

• If in the fall it looks like all the life is slowly being drained out of the world, the spring seems the exact opposite, as if life is being squeezed into it. Everything appears fresh and renewed, bursting in spring newness. Every color is to the most extreme and vibrant degree. The greens of the trees and grass are GREEN, the pinks of the flowers are PINK, and the blue of the sky is BLUE. As you can see, this fact rings true on our street (see picture above).

•  As I mentioned before, people in Beaver are very prone to catch spring fever.  As I ride my bike up and down River Road and around town, I notice all the people out and about, taking advantage of the beautiful weather. Some are playing in the parks, working in their gardens, taking brisk walks, sitting on park benches, or like me, riding their bikes. That's one of the great things about living in a small town. You can get practically anywhere in town by walking, or riding your bike. This past week since the regular soccer fields were closed, my team got to practice by the fire station which is only a few blocks away. It was nice not to have a ten minute drive to get to practice and be able to walk home in the warm evening twilight. I think the place where people mingle the most in the spring/summer around here is River Road since the scenery looks so pretty this time of year.  Yesterday I saw a woman reading a book on a park bench while a man sat leaning against a nearby tree and strumming on his guitar.

• Besides the spontaneous spring activities, there are some organized events planned as well. The Beaver Town Yardsale took place this Saturday. People flowed from one street to another to mull over the many yardsales and see who's junk would become their treasure.  Museums all over the county were open to visitors this weekend for the Beaver County History Days. I wasn't able to participate in this event, but from what I saw from last year's celebration, I'm sure it was a big hit. Fort McIntosh was rededicated with great fanfare on Saturday in front of it's beautiful new memorial which was built as a thank-you present from the president of the dredger company, whoose ugly dredger has graced our river for the past few years. The Borough is gearing up for all the other upcoming summer festivies as well, such as the Memorial Day Parade, Garrision Day, the summer carnival, and more.

Ah, spring.....its such a great season, isn't it? What's spring like in your town?