Residents celebrate good deeds, triumphs
For some folks, 2021 seemed like a continuation of 2020. With the COVID-19 pandemic still sweeping across the globe and new variants making their way to America's shores, good news stories felt few and far between.
But 2021 was, ultimately, a year in which people united once again. Good deeds were done, people and seasons celebrated, and challenges were conquered by the residents of Butler County. Despite uncertainty, people gave, and cheered, and loved, and made headlines.
Here's a reminder of the uplifting stories you read this year.
Many county residents were generous with their time and resources, and their dedicated efforts to make their world a better place were recognized.In March, retired couple Elaine and Ed Snyder of Mars started a local chapter of the national nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace. The organization's goal is to build twin beds for children ages 3 to 17 so, as the Snyder's motto states, “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.”The Snyders built 14 beds on their first day with recruited volunteers, and received two requests for beds in 24 hours. The beds are free to any qualifying family and come with a mattress, blanket, comforter, sheets and a pillow.Anyone wishing to donate, volunteer or request a bed from the Snyders can visit shpbeds.org/chapter/pa-mars.Drew Weifenbach, 11, donated items and money to Operation Troop Appreciation in September. This was not the first time Drew has made it a point to give back to troops during his summer vacation.With the help of his parents, Drew collected money and hygiene and housekeeping items for servicemen and servicewomen stationed overseas and returning home.
Against all odds, some were able to celebrate great victories in the past year.Scott Hainley, a captain of the Prospect Volunteer Fire Department, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and underwent serious chemotherapy in June. His crew of firefighters was there to support him through a 21-day treatment process.In August, after being unable to serve with his crew and do what he loved, Hainley completed his treatment and rang the celebration bell at Allegheny Health Network Institute in Butler. In celebration, Hainley's family watched him leave his last treatment in a fire truck, blasting the horn alongside his crew.In December, Knoch High School varsity cheerleader Veanna Pollard, 16, celebrated beating leukemia with her cheer squad at a basketball game.Veanna was diagnosed in 2019 and was unable to fill her position as a base on the cheer team for two long years. Her motto, “B+ for Veanna,” was adopted by her and her crowd of supporters, and was representative of her positive attitude through her cancer journey.Veanna's cheer team celebrated her first game back by retiring their orange ribbon pins worn in support of her fight, and Veanna cheered for her team as loud as they cheered for her.
Some of Butler's greatest events were reinstated, including multiple festivals across the county.Main Street in Butler was a hot spot for weekend events, including the 10th annual Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival, which had 1,000 Jeeps from near and far in its Invasion parade on Main Street in June.The return of Cruise-A-Palooza had a turnout of 1,500 new and old vehicles in August. The Butler Italian Festival took place later that same month, and food, drink and entertainment from Italy were celebrated.Butler's ever-popular Fair and Farm Show each made a triumphant return after being canceled in 2020, with record-breaking attendance at both events.Slippery Rock's VillageFest returned after a year off due to COVID-19 restrictions. The event boasted games and activities for children, food and craft vendors as well as entertainers. According to previous reports, it was the best turnout the September festival had ever received.Oktoberfest in Saxonburg was well attended and had 250 participating vendors. It ran alongside the Saxonburg Arts Festival, which came back after COVID-19 restrictions.Christmas spirit was cultivated at multiple holiday parades on the Main streets of Butler, Saxonburg and Zelienople, while Light Up Nights were held in Chicora, Slippery Rock and Mars communities.
Inspiring figures came in all shapes and sizes this year.Tom Kissel, of Mars, celebrated his life being saved by his three-legged Pomeranian Tater Tot and nurse Mary Jo Lender in October.In July, Kissel and Tater Tot were on the dock of River Forest Yacht Club when a swell on the Allegheny River caused Kissel to be thrown off the dock, hitting his head twice and rendering him unconscious. As he floated in the water, Tater Tot swam in circles around Kissel. The dog was spotted by Lender and her husband. Lender performed chest compressions on Kissel until paramedics arrived and shocked his heart back into rhythm.After a brief coma, Kissel was back to perfect health, and at a ceremony on that very dock Lender and Tater Tot were honored by the Allegheny Health Network, county officials and friends and family.
