Category: News || By Submitted Report

The city's 27th annual Festival of Trees hosts more than 70 Christmas trees, mostly with hand-made ornaments, decked out to represent themes, causes or local businesses in the Mon-Yough area.

Doors to the Jacob Woll Pavilion in Renziehausen Park open Thursday and the event continues through Monday. Hours are 12 to 9 p.m. daily. Admission is $2 per person, while children are admitted free with one canned good to be donated to local food pantries.

"Sleigh-hay Rides" through Renzie will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Monday and 12 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, courtesy of the city's public works department. Refreshments are being sold by culinary students from McKeesport Area High School, while one of Santa Claus' "helpers" will be available for photos daily from 12:30 to 4 and from 5:30 to 9.

Baked goods will be sold by the city's Semper Fidelis Club.

The nearby McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center will hold a holiday open house daily from 12 to 8 p.m. during the Festival of Trees, with four additional trees on display and the city's restored 1832 schoolhouse available for tours. Popcorn and hot chocolate will be available.

The neighboring Garden Club of McKeesport also will be open from 12 to 7 p.m. daily with handmade wreaths, swags and kissing balls made from live greens, along with other gifts and crafts.

A complete list of trees follows. (All descriptions were supplied by participants in the Festival of Trees.)

1. Striffler Family Funeral Homes -- Remembrance: This tree has an ornament representing all of the deceased Striffler's has served this past year. The ornament is a remembrance for the family to keep.
   


2. Striffler Family Funeral Homes -- Pet Remembrance Tree: This tree is trimmed with ornaments in remembrance of the loyal pets whose owners have called on Striffler Family Funeral Homes.
   


3. N.A.P.A. -- We Keep America Running
   


4. White Oak Animal Safe Haven -- Animal Tree: W.O.A.S.H. is a no-kill shelter that provides medical care and good homes for homeless animals. Come visit us, we may have your new best friend.
   


5. Strifflers' Design Monuments -- Veterans Memorial Tree: We wanted to remember all of those who have served in the United States Armed Services allowing us the freedom that we enjoy today.
   


6. Children Youth and Families -- Families are our Source of Strength: Children Youth and Families, a part of the Department of Human Services, strives to prevent child abuse and neglect by helping to support and strengthen families. This year our employees were asked to bring in an ornament, the ornament may be handmade by their child, a client' child or one that evokes a family memory.
   


7. Mon Valley School -- Like Snowflakes, No Child is the Same: The tree is decorated with ornaments made by students with autism. The "puzzle piece" symbol will be the center of the shape used to create unique, individualized ornaments.
   


8. South Allegheny Middle/High School Life Skills Program -- Fall Sports: The South Allegheny Middle/High Life Skills classroom is decorating a "Fall Sports" theme tree in honor of the success of the Girls and Boys Soccer and Football Teams. The girls soccer team went undefeated during the regular season play, the boys soccer made the playoffs and the football team made the playoffs for the first time since 1986 (26 years). Students from Mr Ruzich's classroom will be making ornaments in class and within the woodshop classroom. The tree will be decorated blue and gold and also acknowledge the seniors of each team. Students will also cut soccer balls, footballs and the school logo out of wood for ornaments. Happy Holidays from Gladiator Country!!
   


9. South Allegheny French IV and V -- A Mardi Gras Christmas: The students in South Allegheny French IV and V classes spent time in the school library researching Mardi Gras traditions. Groups of students used this research to develop an ornament that reflected these traditions. Also incorporated are the colors of Mardi Gras; Purple (Justice), Green (Faith), and Gold (Power) the students hope to inspire cultural acceptance and diversity through this tree.
   


10. Mon Yough Community Services -- Vocational Business Alliance -- Winter Wonderland: Our tree is decorated with glittering decorated pinecones. The ornaments feature each of our individual programs within Vocational Services. Mon Yough Community Services has a variety of programs within our Vocational Business Alliance to help adults with Intellectual Disabilities develop, maintain and increase various skills. The tree's decorations were made by the staff and consumers of the Vocational Business Alliance.
    


11. Mon Yough Catholic School -- Our Elves on a Tree: The tree is composed of some very special elves. They are students in grades K-3. During this time of Advent the little elves prepare for the birthday of the baby Jesus. They do this by helping at home, doing their work at school, being kind and praying. The tree is done with a Scandinavian color scheme of red and white ornaments. The elves were done with the help of the Sixth Grade and include faces made from actual photographs of the students. There are 100 elves on the tree. Can you find your special elf? The inspiration came from the book The Shelf Elf.
    


12. Parkview Community F.C.U. -- Peace, Love & Joy 2013: Let's believe the New Year will bring Peace, Love & Joy to everyone! Happy Holidays from Parkview Community F.C.U.
    


13. ACHD/WiC -- What a Wonderful WiC: Ornaments represent the people we serve as well as the benefits we provide.
    


14. McKeesport Art Group -- A Cupcake Christmas: The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of CUPCAKES danced in their heads ... just what are sugarplums anyway?
    


15. First Commonwealth Bank -- it's your time to be First this Holiday Season!: First Commonwealth Bank -- "Money may not grow on trees, but we can help make it feel like it does!" Decorations include green bulbs, paper play money, and red FCB logo ribbons. McKeesport Office Staff: Jennifer Bibb -- Office Manager, Cecelia Sharrock -- Customer Service, Sharon Wilhelm -- Teller Supervisor, Loretta Antimary & Sue Meyer -- Teller Service Rep.
    


16. McKeesport High School Alumni & Friends Association -- Let it Snow -- Tiger Snow globe: Each Tiger Snow Globe is specially personalized with an alumni name or pet name.
    


17. McKeesport Business & Professional Woman's Club -- Christmas by the Sea: Our tree this year is a 4 1/2 foot tree with white lights. Our theme "Christmas by the Sea" is carried out with sea shell ornaments. Some were hand-made and some were purchased on trips to the beach. The shells are from Florida, South Carolina and Maryland and since hurricane Sandy devastated many East Coast beaches -- the shells are so much more precious. Our thanks go out to our long-time club member, Ellanore Hamill, who graciously let us use her mementos.
    


18. Altrusa international Club of McKeesport -- Putting it All Together: Altrusa International Club of McKeesport is a community organization which focuses on literacy and servicing the needs of the community. Affiliation with Long Run Children's Learning Center has been our focus. Our tree demonstrates the tools children use to "Put It All Together" during their school day. Colors on the tree represent Altrusa.
    


19. McKeesport Trail Commission -- A Trail Time Christmas: The McKeesport Trail Commission has selected "A Trail Time Christmas" as the theme for their first-year entry in McKeesport's 2012 Festival of Trees. It is their hope to heighten awareness of the four bicycling/hiking/walking trials that are bringing visitors from all over the United States as many from around the world to our city. The Great Allegheny Passage, The McKeesport and Versailles Loop Trail, the McKee's Point Trail and the Steel Valley Trail are wonderful healthy recreational areas for bicycling, walking, hiking, rollerblading, skateboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Sharon Soles and her committee, Bobbie Billsborrow, Lynn Dougherty, Margaret Garrahy and Annie Washowich checked with Santa to see what avid trail users have on their Christmas list this year and you will see some of the items that they have requested under the tree. Among the ornaments will be many handcrafted from the natural flora and fauna found along the local trails and in the trails' decorate garden areas. When the festival is over, the natural tree will be mulched and returned to nature.
    


20. The Craig Family -- Hearts of Gold: The Hearts of Gold tree is dedicated to the Police, Firefighters and EMS personnel for giving help to everyone with no regard to their personal safety.
    


21. Beulah Park UMC -- CHRiST-mas Around the World: The ornaments on our tree show different traditions depicting the birth of the Christ child.
    


22. Joyful Bloomers garden Club -- The Joyful Bloomers Calendar gardening: We are the Joyful Bloomers Garden Club and we bloom all year long! This year in keeping with the theme of our tree "Calendar Gardening" we made calendars using pictures of our gardens and garden projects throughout the year. Then our members designed garden tools, which of course, are used to maintain a beautiful garden, to designate a particular holiday or season.
    


23. The Garden Club of McKeesport -- A Peppermint Christmas: Christmas is such a joyful time of the year. The colors red and white bring a special glow to the season. White reminds us of a snowy frosty winter. Red is a happy reminder of the season and both colors remind us of Santa Claus, Peppermint and Candy Canes.
    


24. Y-i-STA: Y-I-STA is an after school program for students 9th-11th grade. Contributors to the tree include the following groups: Community Projects and Arts and Crafts (All Students) and group / teachers Mrs. McCormick and Ms. Sayles. Ornaments are specialized to Y-I-STA groups: Cooking, Science, Arts and Crafts, Community Projects, Readers, Theater, Gym and Graphic Design. The tree represents all the students and teachers from the Y-I-STA program.
    


25. Centennial Elementary -- "Frosty's Fingerprints": People involved: Tara Reed (Art Teacher at McClure & Centennial) & Centennial Elementary students K-4. Materials used: Scratch-foam, construction paper, crayons, markers, glue, cotton balls, yarn and white paint which they pressed their fingers into and made a print. The concept is that they made their fingerprints into snowmen.
    


26. Francis McClure intermediate School -- Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow: The concept is students looking outside of their windows wishing for snow. People involved: Tara Reed (Art Teacher at McClure & Centennial) & McClure's 6th grade students. Materials used: Craft sticks, glue, felt, yarn, paint and cotton.
    


27. McKeesport Area School District Central Administration: Our tree will feature donations from our central administrative staff and office. The toys themselves will adorn the tree. After the festival, the toys will be donated to a local charity.
    


28. McKeesport Area High School Student Council -- Red Carpet Christmas: The 2012 McKeesport Student Council presents a Red Carpet Christmas straight from Hollywood. Created with both Glitz and Glamour, our tree symbolizes class power and elegance adorned with red and gold ornaments. We have also added director's clipboards for an added Hollywood experience.
    


29. Mayor's Select Committee on Crime and Violence Beginning January 2013, the Mayor's Select Committee on Crime and Violence will begin an initiative called "message of the quarter." This message will saturate the spirits of the people with positive messages -- with the first message being respect. Our tree is intended to be our first public display of the positive benefits of showing respect for one another as we work together for a better McKeesport. We hope that everyone who visits the festival will take a button and wear it proudly and carry the message in their everyday lives.
    


30. City Hall employees -- Grandma's Christmas Tree: The City Hall Employees tree this year is decorated with ornaments collected over the years by the mayor and by city administrators' assistant Annette James' late mother Joan James. Joan loved Christmas and one of her hobbies was collecting ornaments.
    


31. Girl Scout Daisy Troop # 58112 -- 100 Years of Making The World a Better Place: 2012 marks the 100 year anniversary of Girl Scouts. Our founder, Juliette Gordon Low, believed that Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Girl Scout Daisy Troop #58112 dedicates this tree in her honor. Each member has made an ornament from a recycled can that will later hang on their own Christmas Tree. Our garland is made from fallen pinecones, some of which the girls will repurpose into bird feeders later this year. Our tree also bares handmade ornaments that celebrate 100 years of Girl Scouts and each girl's interpretation of "Making The World A Better Place". Our troop is comprised of 12 first-grade girls from the McKeesport School District: Brooke Cain, Madeline Cherepko, Gwen Hinerman, Jocelyn Kovac, Paige Mathews, Brooke Moody, Ava Nicholson, Elizabeth Swanter, Madison, Vereb, Isabella Wanless, Christina Was, & Mariah Wilson, 2 Volunteer Leaders: Jennifer Swanger and Michelle Hinerman, and 1 Troop Assistant: Kelly Hinerman, who is also a Girl Scout Ambassador from troop # 54092. Tree donated by Jennifer Garner of McKeesport.
    


32. Hall Park Neighborhood by George Mushalko -- Woodland Tree: This tree is made of 8,000 + pieces that are all natural handmade materials. There were all picked in the woods at Renzie Park and Penn State. It took eight months to pick, dry, shellac and varnish these ornaments.
    


33. AIU McKeesport Family Center -- Twelve Months of Christmas: The McKeesport Family Center is a non-profit organization that provides services to families that have children ages 0-5 years and who reside in the McKeesport and surrounding areas.
    Our Parent Council voted on the theme for this year's tree "The Twelve Months of Christmas". Families enjoyed decorating ornaments representing the 12 months of the year; examples include holidays from each month; St. Patrick's Day, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Halloween, etc.
    


34. Ventures in People -- The Sounds of Peace: Children ages 6-10 made bells out of ribbon, Dixie cups and foil. They also made paper mache doves using colored paper. All ornaments are handmade.
    


35. St. Agnes School -- God's given Talents (Children's Creativity): The students of St. Agnes School from Preschool through 8th grade created the various ornaments displayed on our tree either during Art class or an activity period. The Pre School and Kindergarten students made the candy canes stemming from their Math classes of studying sorting and patterns; while 4th graders just finished their study of trees in science and used the pinecones from the gymnosperm to make the pinecone skiers. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades used their art classes to make the reindeer, angels, Christmas trees and poinsettias. While 6th, 7th & 8th graders used their activity period to create the glue ornaments, counted cross-stitch ornaments, origami and ribbon ornaments. All ornaments were created using a very limited budget and recycling. Let us remember Jesus is the reason for the season thus the reason for the crèche below the tree.
    


36. The Well Ministries -- Let Your Light Shine: The ornaments on our tree represent that Jesus is the reason we celebrate this season and He is the Light! "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12 "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." John 12:46 "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16
    We pray that as you go through this holiday season you remember to let your Light shine whether it be as an ornament on your tree, a sign on your house, the way you treat your neighbors, or even the way you say "Merry Christmas" to everyone you meet, including cashiers at the stores.
    


37. McKeesport City Council: McKeesport City Council Members wish everyone a happy, healthy holiday.
    


38. McKeesport First Steps Parenting Program -- Angels Circling McKeesport: McKeesport 1st Steps Parenting Program is an in- home visitation program servicing families with children from birth -- 5 years old. We help families to help themselves by providing the resources they need to be strong. Strong families make a strong community where the hope of our children's future begins. The first steps parents decorated Angels and recycled can lids representing the angels circling McKeesport Bringing Back a Bright Future to promote a strong community. Our children are the future of McKeesport.
    


39. Praise Christian Academy Students -- Taste and see that the Lord is good: As stated in Psalm 34:8, "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." Praise Christian Academy students created these sweet cupcake and cookie ornaments as a wonderful reminder that putting our trust in our Lord and Savior brings much happiness to all. We pray that everyone enjoys the sweetness of His love during this blessed season.
    


40. Dirty Dogs Dog Wash -- Dirty Doggonest Best Christmas Tree: Dirty Dogs Dog Wash -- located at 1020 Fifth Avenue, East McKeesport, has full-service grooming by appointment and also do-it-yourself dog washing. "Making your pal, nice to smell" we want to remind folks to get Fido cleaned up and cut so he'll look great for the holidays. After all he's an important part of the family! The Hensley Family -- Steve, Valerie, Mark, Cole and Milan wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
    


41. Brightside Academy early education Care -- Our "Bright" Future: The children of Brightside Academy McKeesport created ornaments depicting what they would like to be in the future.
    


42. The Re-Treat -- Re-Treating the Needy: The Re-Treat Bar/Restaurant is collecting canned good/non-perishable food items throughout November and December for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank we would like to celebrate this by offering a tree comprised of decorations regarding food items (package labels, coupons, etc.) We will also be decorating it with candy and assorted small foods which, when the festival is over, will also be donated to the Food Bank.
    


43. Highland Grove Task Force: The Highland Grove Task Force has once again been put together to celebrate community awareness. Part of being aware is noticing the needs of others. In doing so, we will be decorating our tree with Winter items (scarves, hats, gloves, etc.) that will be donated to local charities' collections this holiday season.
    


44. McKeesport Area High School National Honor Society -- Christmas Reflections: Members of the National Honor Society at McKeesport Area High School are known for academic achievement as well as service to the community. They are grateful to family members, scholars, philosophers, and educators who have been influential in their academic pursuits. The members traditionally create parchment scrolls containing quotes from these sources of inspiration.
    


45. The McKeesport Lions Club -- We Serve: As Lion Members of McKeesport, we appreciate the opportunity to serve in the community. The Lions Tree is a uncut, live tree dressed in our colors of gold and purple. Our theme is "We Serve." After The Festival of Trees we will replant the tree in a park setting. This requires extra work and expense. This effort shows that we accept the challenge of "Being Green" and "Working Together for a Better McKeesport." Ornaments include Lion, Lioness and Cub Lions representing the young and old men and women that is an organization recognized in McKeesport for their efforts. Also, hung are the notes from our Concert in the Park Series and eyeglasses as a reminder that we collect used glasses and have them refurbished and distributed to less fortunate Countries.
    


46. The McKeesport Area Ministerium -- Believe: The McKeesport Ministerium is a group of pastors and lay persons representing various churches and non-profit organizations in the McKeesport area that meet the second Thursday of each month for prayer and Christian fellowship. They sponsor several events throughout the year including a Prayer Service for Christian Unity in January and a Community Thanksgiving Service the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The theme of our tree comes from the "Believe Campaign" started in 2009 to "help people believe in something again. The emphasis is to believe in God, but also to believe in themselves so they can have a better self esteem to better their lives, their neighborhoods, and their community." We have been distributing these "believe" buttons throughout the year at various venues and churches. Please feel free to take a "believe" button from under our tree or off
    the tree itself.
    


47. UPMC St. Margaret School of Nursing, Class of 2013, McKeesport Campus -- The Healthy Heart Tree: With heart disease on the rise, the future nurses at UPMC St. Margaret School of Nursing hope to provide an awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy heart. As you can see on our tree, by taking even the smallest steps, you can make a lifetime of difference. In promoting good health we ask that you keep your heart healthy this holiday season with one of our festive recipes!
    


48. McKeesport College Club -- What We're About: *College Scholarships *Women Leaders *Community Service Ornaments: pictures, lights
    


49. The Joey-O Foundation for Autism Awareness -- Autism Awareness Tree: Used nationally as a symbol for Autism, the puzzle piece reflects the mystery of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Joey-O Foundation tree features puzzle pieces in a variety of shapes and colors to represent the diversity of those affected by Autism.
    


50. Trib Total Media / The Daily News -- Holiday Headlines: A team of Daily News researchers has scoured the archives of The Christmas Times to uncover some of the most memorable headlines of holidays past.
    


51. George Washington PTO -- The Gift of Reading: Reading is a fundamental part of a child's education. Without the ability to read, children can not excel in any aspect of school. That is why George Washington along with the PTO are very excited to show everyone how important reading is to us and to the children. George Washington and the PTO would like to encourage all parents and children to read at least 20 minutes each day.
    


52. American Cancer Society Relay for Life McKeesport -- Travel With Us in Search of a Cure: Relay for Life is an overnight, non-competitive community event where teams of 10-15 people ake turns walking or running around a track. Teams camp out and enjoy themselves in a carnival-like atmosphere complete with entertainment, food, games, and fun. We celebrate cancer survivors with a survivors lap and dinner. We remember those who lost their battle and honor survivors at our luninaria ceremony. The event is open to the public! Admission is free! Relay For Life unites members of the community who are committed to the fight against cancer. It includes the following communities: McKeesport, White Oak, Glassport, Dravosburg, Elizabeth, Duquesne, Homestead, Liberty, Lincoln, Munhall, North Versailles, West Homestead and Clairton.
    


53. McKeesport Marina -- A Fisherman's Christmas: The McKeesport Marina is featuring a tree decorated with brightly colored red and white bobbers combined with brightly colored bulbs. It is topped by the fishman's hat and the tree is festooned with gummy worms and fish.
    


54. Corpus Christi Church Choir, McKeesport: The Choir cut out musical decorations from recycled sheet music and the tree is circled with musical tinsel. This symbolizes how each voice is combined to make one beautiful voice singing for the glory of God.
    


55. Kane Regional Hospital in McKeesport -- Tribute to Our Armed Forces: Our patriotic red white and blue tree is a tribute to our nation's Armed Forces. Photos of our veterans adorn the tree. Also available are Christmas cards for visitors to sign; they will be sent to our troops as part of Operation Christmas Card. This program mission is to love our troops, one card at a time. It is their desire to put a card into the hands of all those deployed during the holidays, boosting their moral and spirit.
    


56. Members and Staff of LaRosa Boys and Girls Club -- Respect Our House: Our 2012 motto at the LaRosa Boys & Girls Club is "RESPECT THIS HOUSE". Keeping with the long standing tenant of "Respect" being the foundation of all good in society. Club members are encouraged to respect other club members, staff, all other authority figures, and especially their club and are encouraged to take pride and ownership of it. This tree contains ornaments made by club members to illustrate what respect means to them, and their house, the LaRosa Boys and Girls Club of McKeesport. We wish you a blessed Christmas, Happy Holiday season, and a healthy and prosperous New Year!
    


57. McKeesport Police Department -- Honoring Our Heroes: Our tree honors the police that patrol our streets. Each glass ornament has the name and badge number of all our officers that serve our area- human and canine. The Blue Angel next to the tree speaks to us of their dedication, and reminds us to put a blue light in our holiday window in honor of their service.
    


58. Semper Fidelis Club Of McKeesport -- Tree Of Scholars: Our concept this year is that to have scholars many people are involved. Our group consists of many women who are scholars themselves, but they are, also, women who are involved in businesses, education and the social scene. Our special ornaments are the origami women's dresses that serve as a garland which shows the support the students and the club have supported throughout the years. The 19 Angels represent the present members of the organization at this time. These ornaments have been handmade.
    


59. McKeesport Board of Recreation -- every day is a gift: Our tree is decorated to remind us every day we get a new opportunity to be with and take care of our friends, our families, our communities and our world. What did you do with your gift today?
    


60. Eat'n Park, McKeesport: It is the 30th anniversary of the famous Eat'n Park Christmas Star Commercial. In honor of our favorite commercial, Eat'n Park is re-creating the Star Tree, loved by all.
    


61. Propel McKeesport -- Life Habits Toward greatness: Academics, Attitude, Behavior and Pride, No Excuses, Treat Others the Way You Want to be eated, Teamwork. These are the 6 Life Habits Toward Greatness that Propel McKeesport instills in its students. The habits are embedded into the daily curriculum and reinforced throughout the entire building by staff and students alike. Each ornament on the tree, created by students in grades K-4, represents these habits. Whether it is having a positive attitude or showing teamwork, no habit goes unnoticed on our "Habit Tree."
    


62. Mama Pepino's Pizza -- That's Amore: This tree is dedicated to everyone's favorite meal. The tree is decorated with a variety of different pizzas.
    


63. MASD -- Pre-K Counts -- Santa's Candy Shop: The children from the MASD Pre-K Counts classrooms have chosen a "sweet" holiday theme for their tree. They know that the elves and Mrs. Clause are busy preparing all of the tasty treats they envision in their dreams as they anticipate Santa's arrival. May all of us also dream of those wonderful holiday memories through the eyes of the children we serve.
    


64. PNC Bank
    


65. Cub Scout Pack 53 -- The Spirit of Pack 53: Cub Scout Pack 53 is comprised of 40 scouts from South Allegheny area which includes the boroughs of Glassport, Liberty, Lincoln and Port Vue. Each scout made one or more ornaments for the tree, including clothespin scouts or foam s'mores. In addition, the tree is decorated in cub scout blue and gold colors.
    


66. McKeesport Ambulance Rescue Service -- McKeesport Memories: The tree will feature a collection of past and present McKeesport.
    


67. Carnegie Library of McKeesport -- Clifford's Christmas: The Carnegie Library of McKeesport is celebrating Clifford the Big Red Dog's Fiftieth Birthday! Kids of all ages love Clifford! Stop by to see Clifford's house and bone ornaments. Visit
    the library to see all of Clifford's books. You can also register at the Library for our family Christmas Party on December 20th.
    


68. State Representative Bill Kortz -- Christmas in the 38th Legislative District: A paper ornament assortment of the various services that our office handles: PennDOT, ACCESS, Property Tax/Rent Rebate, etc.
    


69. Rep. Marc Gergely & TCV/MH/MR ATF -- Nature in Pennsylvania
    


70. We took some of the state animals and wildlife from PA and incorporated them into the theme of the tree.
    


71. Mayor Cherepko -- Mayor's Tree: Mayor Cherepko invites all who attend the Festival of Trees to take a "Pride In McKeesport" pin and business card listing the city's new website. We can all "Work Together for a Better McKeesport"
    


72. State Senator Jim Brewster: Senator Brewster is proud to represent the 37 communities that make up the 45th Senatorial District! The communities are represented on decorated stockings that are each hung with care! Along with the stockings, there are various ornaments and bright white lights that fill the tree with holiday cheer! The tree topper is the seal of the Senate of Pennsylvania surrounded by festive holiday bows! State Senator Jim Brewster wishes everyone a wonderful holiday season and a safe, happy, and healthy New Year!
    


73. The McKeesport Firemen -- Toys for Children: The tree will feature fire trucks and ornaments with a surprise helper under the tree.
    


74. St Patrick's CCD -- Jesus is WHOOO Christmas is all about!: Our owl themed tree is a reminder of whooo Christmas is all about, Jesus! The children of St. Patrick's CCD, grades 1-8, have hand crafted or decorated owl ornaments to adorn their tree. The true meaning of Christmas and the birth of our Savior is often lost with the overwhelming preparations of the holiday. It is important to take time to remember that Jesus was born so we can have everlasting life in heaven. As the season is celebrated don't forget that Jesus is whooo Christmas is all about!
    


75. Auberle Shelter Children -- Snow Man: The art of making snowman is very simple and available to many families. It brings families together. It doesn't cost anything to produce. Making snowman brings the simple joy of childhood and innocence that we admire in our children. The shelter children at Auberle pray that the world will be restored to its innocence and joy like making snowman

Trees Displayed at the Heritage Center

1. High Victorian
   
2. Winter Forest
   
3. Cheers to Our Teachers
   
4. International Flair
   
5. Americana

The McKeesport Regional History and Heritage Center will be open from 12 to 8 p.m. during Festival of Trees. Popcorn and hot chocolate are available. The gift shop will offer unique holiday gifts as well as a gift basket raffle. A free children's raffle and free children's activity are also available.

Garden Clubhouse: The Garden Club will be selling fresh greens. Visit their Kids Corner Christmas Shop Bake Sale. Hours: 12 to 7 p.m.

Presented by McKeesport Recreation Board Festival of Trees Committee members Mayor Mike Cherepko, Recreation Director James Brown, Co-Chairpersons Patricia Harris and Cheryl Cotter, and McKeesport Recreation Board members Warren Bolden, Dan Carr, Cheryl Cotter, Annette James, Chuck Jarrell, Ron Melocchi, Ernie Oatneal, Jennifer Shields, Jennifer Vertullo and V. Fawn Walker-Montgomery

Festival of Trees Volunteers: Dee Connor -- Volunteer Coordinator, Nina Burkett, Pat and Maisie Carr, Frank and Charlene Graham, Annette James, Chuck Jarrell, Don and Cathy Kuhns, V. Fawn Walker-Montgomery, Eleanor Nogales, Margie O'Gurkis, Margaret O'Keson, Bill Richards and Joann Wakefield

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