Dunlap Creek Lake Outdoor Center
Fayette County Entrepreneur Jesse Pento never once saw himself owning a bait shop. Now, as the proud owner of Dunlap Creek Lake Outdoor Center, Jesse and his parents spends their time helping stock trout, selling tackle, and creating a pillar of entertainment for their homestead community.
In 2017, Jesse bought the DCLOC from its previous owner, known to many as Captain Al, who had owned the property for over 48 years. Although the lake itself is owned through the local government, the Pento family saw that the park had become dilapidated and in need of dramatic change. They committed themselves to revitalizing the Fayette County landmark for the next generation.
Collaborating with several government organizations, county officials, and grant programs, the Pento family is working with a local engineering company to make DCLOC a prime Fayette County tourist destination through a 5-10 year renewal plan. This change includes creating new bike and walking trails, adding a miniature water park, dedicating a section of the lake exclusively for children, and building a dog park to encourage pet-friendly tourists. They also plan to build a community center for local schools to use to study the lake’s ecosystem.
Jesse believes that the key element to the lake’s renovations succeeding is the community’s support. “The community is so active and dedicated to this lake,” Jesse says. “Whether it’s the stocking committee, the local officials, or the fishermen, this lake is significant to everyone in Fayette County, and I can’t wait to see how this project will bring our people even closer together.”
Blueprints: Home Ownership
Blueprints is a change agency that shapes futures by equipping and educating people to achieve their goals. Blueprints operates 35+ programs that serve nearly 20,000 participants each year in Greene & Washington Counties.
Blueprints features a Home Ownership Center that exists to assist area residents of all incomes to achieve and sustain the “American Dream.” The primary functions of the Home Ownership Center are:
To operate as a one-stop shop for prospective homebuyers and homeowners.
To ensure residents can access all of the services, products and training necessary to purchase or build, manage and maintain a home.
To stabilize and improve neighborhoods as more residents become and remain homeowners.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Blueprints is offering free virtual sessions to assist Greene County and Washington County residents with their home ownership needs. Individuals can meet with Blueprints’ staff without leaving their home through online platforms or scheduled telephone calls.
Due to the current economic crisis, a HUD-Certified Housing Counselor is available to offer expertise on how residents facing mortgage delinquency can take proactive steps now, including talking with their mortgage lender to let them know about possible inabilities to stay current on their payments. For residents with foreclosure notices, mitigation options will be pursued.
“The Home Ownership Center has supported families in their home purchase journey as well as those who have experienced home ownership hardships,” said Blueprints’ CEO Darlene Bigler. “We will continue to serve our communities and continue to develop resources to ensure that families can achieve their home ownership goals.”
The Home Ownership Center is the only center of its kind in the area and serves as the catalyst for all available housing resources through national, state and local programs. Funding through agency partners allows Blueprints to provide all of its services free of charge. A down payment assistance program is also available for income eligible participants.
The Home Ownership Center offers individual appointments as well as group workshops that are now available virtually. Through individual counseling sessions, Blueprints’ Housing Counselors work with homebuyers to determine what they can afford, review credit scores, create plans to repair credit scores, discuss options for down payment assistance and explore pre-qualification for suitable loan programs.
Depending on the topic, group workshops last between two and four hours and include:
- Pre-Home Purchase
- Credit Repair
- Pre-Home Closing
- Counseling/Post-Purchase Counseling
- Home Maintenance & Repair
- Foreclosure Prevention
Homebuyers are also connected to local realtors, homebuilders, mortgage lenders and home insurers, as well as local housing programs including the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Greene (RACG), Habitat for Humanity and Threshold Housing.
In partnership with the RACG, the Home Ownership Center also connects Greene County residents to local affordable housing. “Working with Blueprints has been a joy and privilege,” said RACG Executive Director Dave Calvario. “Blueprints’ Home Ownership Center has assisted more than 10 families purchase a home rehabilitated through our programs.”
The RACG is currently rehabilitating 10 homes located within the communities of Clarksville, Crucible and Nemacolin that will all be ready for sale throughout 2020. Home prices are anticipated to range between $50,000 to $70,000, per home. The homes will be available to residents with low-and-moderate incomes who qualify and participate in free HUD-Certified home purchase services available through Blueprints’ Home Ownership Center.
Since the Home Ownership Center was formally established, Blueprints’ HUD-Certified Housing Counselors have assisted more than 700 families to become homeowners or avoid foreclosure. “Through our work, I enjoy empowering participants with the education, options and tools they need to make informed home ownership decisions and supporting them along the way,” said Irene Keirsbilck, a 40+ year staff member at Blueprints.
- Blueprints’ Home Ownership Center and its staff have been recognized with awards including:
- Blueprints was named the “2016 Agency of the Year” by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
Keirsbilck was named the “2014 Housing Counselor of the Year” by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency; Keirsbilck was also named the “2014 Community Action Association of Pennsylvania Staff Member of the Year.”
The Home Ownership Center encourages interested local residents to contact Blueprints to schedule an appointment today. Blueprints’ Housing Counselors can work with you, regardless of your income or credit score.
For information on Blueprints services and resources, visit www.myblueprints.org or contact Blueprints at 877-814-0788, 724-225-9550, or at info@myblueprints.org. Additional contact information:
- Home Ownership Center Phone Number: (724) 225-9550
- Blueprints Email: info@myblueprints.org
- Blueprints Phone Number: 877-814-0788
- Waynesburg Location: 58 East Greene Street, Waynesburg, PA 15301
- Washington Location: 150 West Beau Street, Washington, PA 15370
Cheat River Campground
Cheat River Campground is a new campground recently opened in Springhill Township by Point Marion; it’s located five miles from Morgantown. It’s just on the other side of the dam from Cheat Lake, which means you have access to the same water, but with less cost to you!
There are 20 available spots with electric, water, septic clean out tanks and an option for a private boat dock. Campsites are available with or without campers and rent to own campers are available. Tent sites are also available for $25. The campground is very quiet, secluded, well lit and is gated on a dead end road to ensure privacy. Great fishing can be found along the river.
Monthly, full-time the price is $475/month, including water and electric. For recreational weekenders, the price is $275/month or $1900 for the year, including water and electric. Local clean out service is available and owner is responsible for proper disposal.
Blueprints: Aging Well
All across Greene County families have been stocking up on supplies and staying home amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. People are limiting their trips to restaurants and grocery stores and minimizing their contact with others. Schools are checking in on their students, health care workers are checking in on their patients, neighbors are checking in on each other, and a very special group of volunteers at Blueprints are checking in on the elderly population of Greene County.
Blueprints is a county social service organization serving Greene and Washington counties with the mission to “serve as the catalyst to mobilize the resources of the entire community to enable families and individuals in our service area to attain the skills, knowledge, motivations, and opportunities to become self-sufficient.” Blueprints offers numerous programs and services that serve many different members of our community. One of those services is Home Delivered Meals. Housed within the Aging Well department, the Home Delivered Meals service works to deliver fresh, hot meals to the members of the community who are over 60 and unable to leave their homes or prepare their own meals. These meals were normally delivered every day Monday through Friday by a volunteer from the Retired and Senior Volunteer program (RSVP). However, like most other organizations and businesses on March 17th , when Pennsylvania’s state wide stay at home order went into effect, the Home Delivered Meals service had to quickly and drastically change their operations.
They certainly did not want to leave the 257 clients who depend on their home delivered meals program without their service, but it was no longer safe for them to be delivering hot meals every day. To minimize contact and exposure to their vulnerable population they quickly transitioned to delivering frozen and shelf stable groceries that the clients can then prepare for themselves while safely at home. This change achieved the same goal and keeps both the clients and the volunteers safe. The same volunteers, working with Blueprint RSVP, also spend time each day calling people who live alone, checking in to make sure they are okay both mentally and physically.
Jill Peth, who works with the volunteers of RSVP reported that they have seen an increase in volunteers since the stay at home order went into place, and she “appreciates the volunteers helping to carry out the mission of Blueprints.” All volunteers who give their time to RSVP are 55 or older and have a variety of volunteer opportunities at Blueprints. Along with Home Delivered Meals and check in phone calls, the same volunteers currently offer grocery delivery to those who cannot safely leave their home. They utilize Giant Eagle’s grocery pick up service to prepare the order and then deliver it to those who need it. Anyone interested in either volunteering with the RSVP or in need of their services can contact Blueprints at 1-877-814-0788.
Morris Machinery
Morris Machinery, located in Prosperity, Pennsylvania, is a family-owned and operated business. Starting in 1998, with the help of his father, H.L. Morris, Rick Morris began selling pre-owned tractors. Since then, Morris Machinery has since grown significantly. In addition to being a Gravely Zero Turn dealer, they now sell three lines of new tractors including Branson, Zetor, and TYM; they also carry a full line of implements and hay equipment. Their exceptional service department offers tractor repairs on any make or model.
To this day, Morris Machinery is still family-owned and operated. Rick’s three children, Kelley, Samantha and Ben, have all completed their secondary educations and proudly continue to help out on the family farm and at the family business. Morris Machinery is committed to providing good, reliable service to their customers throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Morris Machinery LLC is located at: 823 Dunn Station Road, Prosperity, PA 15329 (Ruff Creek) 724-852-1060.
4 Seasons Lawn & Garden
After managing someone else’s business for 17 years, Murray Hoy was presented with an opportunity in 1995 that became a life-changer, a challenge, a blessing and most certainly a success…for Murray and for many other important people in his life.
Locally owned, and also locally respected, valued and appreciated, 4 Seasons Lawn & Garden in Waynesburg begins its story 25 years ago, when Murray and his father, Jack Hoy, decided to purchase an existing business that had come up for sale – Fran’s Lawn & Garden. A couple of months later they also purchased Yarish Sales in Carmichaels, a John Deere dealer, and merged that business into their Waynesburg location.
“Other than mowing my own grass, I had no experience in this industry,” Murray recalls with a chuckle. “When asked about it, I always told people I knew how to buy and sell stuff, and I knew how to treat customers, so the product didn’t really matter.” Although he has certainly since gained vast knowledge and experience in the world of lawn & garden equipment and more, Murray’s original formula has been the key to this company’s incredible quarter century of growth and stability. He cares about people – and he knows how to treat them well. It’s an inherited trait, and it applies to customers, employees, friends & family.
Murray and his wife Debbie, along with parents Jack and Jo Hoy, operated the family business on East High Street until 1997 when it was relocated to its current home on Rolling Meadows Rd. By 1998, Murray and Debbie had purchased Jack and Jo’s share in the business, and hired Jeremiah Allison who was to become a key employee and vital member of the 4 Seasons Family. “Through the years Jeremiah has worked and managed in nearly all aspects of the business and is responsible for much of our growth and where we are today. He is currently our sales manager and continues to be a vital contributor to our success,” Murray says.
While in high school, Courtney (Hoy) Hursey, Murray and Debbie’s daughter, worked part-time in the business, and also while in college. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minor in business management from Waynesburg University, Courtney joined the staff full-time and now handles everything from selling parts and equipment to purchasing, advertising and accounting.
After retiring from Fox Ford, Jack Hoy came back to 4 Seasons and has done pick-up and delivery since 2004. “He knows where everyone lives, he can tell you what kind of driveway they have, whether you can turn around a trailer there…and usually what kind of tractor they have,” Murray says of Jack, “at 81 years old he’s still going strong.”
Murray says his employees continue to top his list of assets needed to keep a business going and growing for 25 years: “Kurtis Patterson joined the team in February 2016 as a salesman and parts manager. Mike Harvey joined us in January 2017 as a service technician, bringing over 30 years of mechanical experience. Our newest full-time technician Justin Connelly joined the team in May 2017, with 10 years of experience, and we have been blessed with many other great employees along the way.”
So just what have these talented people achieved in the last 25 years? Some stats on sales will tell you much of the story:
In 1995, 4 Seasons Lawn & Garden had about 12 John Deere tractor models to choose from; today, there are over 50 models in stock and annual tractor sales have increased over 700% since then.
In 1995 a small shelf held a few chain saws and trimmers. Today there’s a 72-foot lighted wall display and three free standing displays with over 80 models of Stihl Power Equipment offered. Annual Stihl sales have increased over 900%.
The volume of equipment serviced each year has increased over 1,000% since 1995, as 4 Seasons Lawn & Garden has become the area’s most trusted service, repair & parts source for nearly all makes and models of lawn and garden equipment.
In addition to John Deere and Stihl, 4 Seasons Lawn & Garden has expanded to include many other trusted brands including Honda Power Equipment, Simplicity, Husqvarna, and most recently the addition of Kioti Tractors.
Murray is thankful for his people…all the people that have influenced the 25-year life of 4 Seasons Lawn & Garden. That includes the people who make up his coveted clientele: “None of this would have been possible without our customers, of course. Because of their loyalty and commitment, 4 Seasons has been able to grow and prosper the way we have in this community. They have choices, and they continue to choose 4 Seasons Lawn & Garden. That means a lot.”
Truly being a part of the community in which you operate, working together and supporting each other, is another element of success. There are more people to credit, according to Murray.
“Our business partners have also been a big part of our journey. Not only our commercial customers, but those who have served our own business needs all along the way. Direct Results and Shelly Brown have been supportive and involved with the marketing and promotion of 4 Seasons since the day she went into business. Fox Ford, Burns Tire, Hinerman Automotive, Yingling Insurance, Jacobs Petroleum and Community Bank, just to name a few, have all supplied our needs. They not only provided us professional services, we have also developed personal relationships with all of them, their services, advice and friendships have helped us reach this milestone.”
As any business owner might tell you, there are always challenges to be met. Murray says being able to adapt and change with the times, and not being afraid to try something new has worked for 4 Seasons Lawn & Garden. “Debbie and I thank our employees past and present, our customers big and small, our business partners, suppliers, and manufacturers for enabling and supporting those changes and decisions over the years, and in the future.”
What’s next in the life of 4 Seasons Lawn & Garden and its many people?
“From here I feel we have no limits, I think the Kioti brand will play a big role in our future, we will keep providing outstanding service, selling the best products, and living by the golden rule: Treat people the same way you would want to be treated,” Murray affirms.
It truly is about the people… ALL the people.
Blueprints: Early Learning
The end of the school year is usually full of laughter, fun, getting ready for new adventures and a lot of hugs. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Blueprints classrooms look a little different because they are happening from home!
Blueprints Early Learning programs serves over 1200 children and families, prenatal to 5 years of age throughout Greene & Washington Counties offering both center and home based programming. Although Blueprints Early Learning is a local non-profit school system, they follow the schedule and practices of local school districts and when Governor Wolf closed Pennsylvania schools due to the pandemic, the classrooms which are located in the schools and in other community locations also closed.
Because of the closure, Blueprints knew they needed to continue working with their families to ensure the children were continuing to meet their developmental milestones. Some of the changes Blueprints adopted were conducting “televisits” weekly for Head Start Home Based services, video and telephone calls conducted by caseworkers to ensure families have the resources they need and finally launching Blueprints Virtual Learning on a weekly basis. The Blueprints Virtual Learning Program provides families with ideas of how they could support the child’s growth & early learning at home each week by posting ideas for families such as books to read, art activities, and science & math for preschoolers which can be found by going to myblueprints.org
“Our staff is kind, dedicated, and caring,” said program director, Brenda Fronzaglio, “Keeping in touch with families has been their main priority throughout this pandemic.”
Behind the teachers & home visitors is a team of support staff, managers, and agency leaders working countless hours to break barriers for the enrolled families. Knowing that families may not have every education resource our classrooms have, the Early learning managers packed and distributed over 500 tote bags to distribute to enrolled families that included children’s books, resources for families, and a variety of early learning materials earlier this month. Blueprints Early Learning education managers Matt Rogan & Kris Krivanek would like families to know that the best way they can help their child to grow & learn is to spend time reading, singing silly songs together, and just doing simple things like taking a walk and just playing together. The best teaching tools are things that can be found around the house.
One can say the COVID-19 didn’t stop Blueprints from continuing to help provide services for the communities they serve. Blueprints main objective is to keep families informed with trusted facts and be a resource to families who may not know where to turn. “Our goal as an agency was to adapt to what was happening around us so we could provide all of our participants with credible resources, educational tools and support during these times of uncertainty” said Communications Manager, Anastasia Barr, “You may not be able to visit us in our offices or classrooms, but we aren’t letting the pandemic stop us from helping our families break barriers. We are just helping you do it virtually.”