Broadway

September 23rd, 2017

At the beginning of each season, the WaterFire team chooses three themes for the lighting season. A long list of ideas is presented with input from volunteers, artists, board members and the community at large. Choosing three isn’t easy as there are many good ideas presented on that list! “Broadway” however was an easy choice to make, as we all enjoy the music of Broadway!

Shortly after 4 in the afternoon, WaterFire welcomes Ally Grande to sing Broadway tunes on the State Street Bridge Stage. Ally is a student at Sharon City School District, and will be performing songs from “The King and I”, “Wicked, the Musical”, “Les Misérables”, “Easter Parade”, and “Hairspray”. Ally will be followed by Lauren Kuncio of West Middlesex, who recently was the lead in Little Women at her High School’s production. Lauren will be in costume performing “Astonishing”. Do not miss these two talented young ladies!

 

Golden Broadway Classics will be performed by Area Community Theatre of Sharpsville (ACTS) beginning at 4:30 pm at the Penn State Auditorium. Come and enjoy the songs from some your favorite Broadway shows.

The entertainment on the river will welcome back Dan Alan Hogan and Brianna Bojewski as live performers from the boats. They have performed at WaterFire before, and each time have received an enthusiastic response from the audience. Their Broadway selections are sure to wow the audiences.

Torch bearers will include members of local and regional theater groups, stage crews, and performers.

The stages will offer a variety of music throughout the day and evening. Merchants have been busy decorating their windows with Broadway themes. Buhl Park has hired a Frank Sinatra tribute act to perform the evening of September 22 in the tent behind Quaker Steak and Lube. Join us as we see our town get a taste of the Big Apple with “Broadway.”

 

Area Community Theatre of Sharpsville presents Golden Broadway Classics

Stop by the Penn State Shenango Auditorium at 4:30pm for an exciting performance by the Area Community Theatre of Sharpsville!  Click the images for details, plus a musical program.

Bring your appetite to WaterFire!

WaterFire Food Court will be located in its original location, between Chestnut Street and S. Railroad Street, where the East Stage is also located.  There will be some food vendors on the street also. So bring your appetite! You’ll find Gyros, Homemade Meatball Subs, Pizza, Stromboli, Jambalaya, Roast Beef, Haitian Pork, Rice and Beans, Stir Fry, Cheese cake, Ice Cream, and more! So much deliciousness in one food court.

Our mouths are watering just thinking about it! What foods will you try?

History Walk of the Historic West State Street During WaterFire

Bring your questions and join the Sharon Historical Society in partnership with the Sharon Beautification Commission for History Walks of the historic West Sate Street. These walks will give attendees rare and unique opportunities to see behind the scenes in some of the most interesting buildings in Sharon.  The walk has become so popular that we will have three History Walks.  The start times are noon, 2 p.m., and 4 pm.  Please arrive 20 minutes before the walk begins.  Walks will depart from the west side of State Street Bridge, near Donna’s Diner.  The walk will last approximately 90 minutes.  Please be aware that comfortable shoes are a must!

Some of the stops for our September 2 History Walk will be:

• The Sharon Store/Winner Building
• The Luna, Columbia and Alpha Theatres
• The Garland, Exchange and Carver House Hotels.

 

THESE HISTORY WALKS ARE FREE TO ATTEND AND OPEN TO ALL.  A limited-edition keepsake booklet will be given to all who attend the walks.

Calling All Kids!

We have some special things planned for the children’s area, which will be open from 1pm – 6pm. This area, just for kids, is in the parking lot behind Primary Health/PNC bank – across the street from Quaker Steak and Lube.

We’ll learn water safety with “Bobber” and Sharon Regional Health System will be there to teach us first aid tips. There will also be interactive chalk drawings which were a big hit at the past two WaterFire events! You know all about Minions, right? The Movement Church is going to be there with Minions and crafts too! The Sharon robotics team will be there with more demonstrations which are always educational and enjoyable. There’s a lot of fun to be had in the children’s area – so bring your parents and check it out! Don’t forget to visit the Petting Zoo at River Garden’s Park, sponsored by the Sharon Recreation Commission! Not sure how to find that park? Ask anyone for directions to the corner of East Connelly Blvd and South Water Street – then follow the signs for the petting zoo. The animals will welcome your visit!

Meet the Orb Lighters:  Jim Landino, Brian Taylor, George “Jig” Warren

Brian Taylor

Brian Taylor is the successful man every town dreams about having – raised here, educated here, and by choice- stayed here. A native of neighboring New Wilmington PA, Brian is a Certified Financial Planner and owner of Taylor & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. His roles as a professional and as an entrepreneur is filling enough. Yet Brian finds enough time to serve his community in multiple ways as well as raise a family.

A graduate of Grove City College, Brian found his passion for finance and service. He was able to combine these two areas by becoming a financial planner. Brian has provided financial planning and growth to his client base for over 27 years. His dedication to helping his clients meet their financial goals is supported by his diligence, professionalism, experience, and expertise. The services he offers include Retirement Planning, Investments, Tax Planning Strategies, Estate Planning Strategies, Insurance, and Wealth Preservation Strategies. His love for service came long before attending Grove City College, and instilled in him by his parents. Raised in a home that valued faith and freedom, Brian holds tight to those values and instills them in the next Taylor generation.

Brian is active in his church, and has served as a director for the Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare Facility, New Wilmington, for 22 years. He can be seen at many community events and fundraisers, along with his family. The Taylors are the first to support efforts in education, community development, senior citizen population, and always the arts.
The arts, both fine and performing, hold a special place in Brian’s heart. Because of his deep appreciation for the creative skills of others, he has developed relationships with artists that have, in turn, been mutually beneficial for both. The artists have gained insight to arts economic impact from Brian, and he has enjoyed learning more about their processes of creating, as well as his personally collecting. Brian has been an integral part of the growth of the artist community in our area as a faithful supporter, encourager and friend. He quickly saw the value of WaterFire Sharon, for this small but progressive city, and has been a loyal supporter of it since its inception. As a sponsor, he cites its profound impact and positive image for our community being the reason he chooses to be involved.

Brian makes his home in New Wilmington with his wife of 30 years, Elaine. They have three children, Alex (married to Josh), Hunter, and Mia.

Tonight, we honor Brian Taylor for being a true friend and faithful supporter of his community and of the arts. We thank him for his belief in WaterFire, and the impact it makes on the entire region.

Jim Landino

Jim Landino has a success story that we are happy to tell! Born and raised in Wayland NY, Jim grew up understanding the true satisfaction of working hard, every day, and giving each day his absolute best. Whether it was delivering newspapers, picking potatoes, or digging ditches as a young boy, he made the most out of each and every day in both effort and production. These lessons carried him far in life as they shaped his values and his work ethic. In addition to these traits, he has a natural energy that carries him from challenge to challenge and adventure to adventure. He has vision that is transformative. All-important characteristics for a man who never runs out of ideas and never slows down!

After attending a tool and die trade school, he took an opportunity that would forever change his life – he joined The Electric Equipment Company of Rochester where he began his career in sales. Jim spent nine years learning the transformer and electrical services business. When approached by Sunbelt Transformer out of Temple Texas, he joined their sales division representing the Northeast Quadrant of the USA, headquartered in Sharon PA. That career change saw Jim’s transition, over a course of years, go from sales to the highest office – CEO and President of Sunbelt Transformer. His leadership made Sunbelt Transformer a very desirable company which was ultimately acquired in 2014.

Since the sale of Sunbelt Transformer, Jim has been involved with many renovations in the Sharon area, including the buildings formerly known as Sunshine Home of 1918, the IOOF Lodge of 1922 The Buhl Armory of 1908 and many more. These structures had two things in common: being in ill repair, and meeting a magician named Jim Landino. As the towns people watch the transformations of each of the buildings, we can’t help but sit back and marvel at his creativity, his generosity, and our good fortune to have him call Sharon “home”. We congratulate Jim as he was recently recognized by the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Phoenix Award for Beautification. His future ventures for the downtown area include the opening soon “Lulu Beans Cafe”, located at the corner of State Street and Sharpsville Avenue – hint: look for the giant 10 foot diameter coffee cup on the rooftop – you can’t miss it! He’ll also be adding a new spot for casual dining downtown in spring of 2018. This summer he acquired the company “Backyard Buddy” – car lifts for safe and convenient storage.

Jim makes his home with his fiancé Jen Krezeczowski, in the now completely remodeled IOOF Lodge 347 on Sharpsville Avenue. He is father to Alex and Olivia, as well as step father to Jen’s daughter Kira.
Tonight, we honor Jim Landino for his dedication to revitalization of his community at large. We thank him for his support of all things arts, including WaterFire Sharon.

George “Jig” Warren

Jig Warren is a business sensation that has affected thousands of lives of customers, employees, and friends. Born and raised in Sharon, Jig graduated from Sharon High School. At Cornell University, he received his BS degree from the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management. While there he was the Co-Captain of the Sprint Football Team and was selected to the All-League team.

After graduating from Cornell, Jig joined the U.S. Navy where he attended Officer’s School. He served in the South Vietnam Rivers and Coastline for 18 months. After Vietnam Jig was stationed at the Kingsville Texas Naval Air Station as the Manager of the Officers’ Club. After his service to our country, Jig returned to Sharon in route to Tampa, Florida where he worked as a hotel manager.

In 1970, he returned to Sharon and founded a restaurant company “Old Express Ltd.”. That was the beginning of his creating a series of successful restaurant businesses the like which had never been seen before. With his partner, Gary Meszaros, the next 42 years saw the creation of Old Express Restaurant, Freight House Night Club, Seafood Express, Hot Rod Café, and the famous Quaker Steak and Lube Restaurant. Quaker Steak and Lube became a chain with locations throughout many states and into Canada. Visitors to the area often seek out the opportunity to visit “The Original” Quaker Steak and Lube right in downtown Sharon. Out of these ventures came even more creative ideas and tourism draws, such as Bavarian Fun Fest, Small Ships Revue, Artie Gras, and the ever-popular Bike Night – just to name a few! In June of 2015, with his wife Paula, Jig purchased “The Keg Bar and Grille” (also in Sharon) and again created a successful restaurant business. He has turned “The Keg” into a very popular local tavern and friends’ meeting place. The couple expanded “The Keg” to include an outside seating area with a unique bar they bought and brought from Ellicottville, N.Y. No matter what the weather, passersby are sure to see a full parking lot and customers enjoying the company of this entrepreneurial couple.

Jig has most recently taken on the persona of “Bo Jiggly”, and performs with his “Diddly Bo”. The Diddly Bo is a single-string, stand-up bass-like instrument on a pitch fork. “It adds character to the bands I gig with” said Jig. The Warrens encourage WaterFire visitors to stop by “The Keg”!

Jig has also served the community by giving his time, guidance and expertise to the boards of: The Buhl Trustees, United Way, Penn State Advisory Board, Junior Achievement, The Walker Foundation, and the YMCA. He was recognized by the Chamber of Commerce in 1993 as the “Man of the Year”, and later received the Henry and Catherine Evans Community Service Award, the Distinguished Service Award from the Boy Scouts of America, he was inducted into the Sharon High School Hall of Fame in 2015, and most recently named the “Irish Man of the Year” in 2016. He is the proud father of Max, Meredith and Margo, and brother to Alex and Gaily.

Tonight, we honor Jig for his creative genius, his community minded nature, his military service, his support of WaterFire, and for his friendship to all.

Starlight Garden

Visit WaterFire Sharon’s “Starlight Garden”, located on the corner of South Water Avenue and Connelly Boulevard. Between 5 to 10 p.m., for $20, a donor will receive both a lit star with a ribbon, and a luminary with a blank card. The ribbon is used to write a wish or message on, and will be hung with the lit star in “Starlight Garden”. The card is also meant for the donor to write their wish or message on, and place it beneath the luminary. After the wishes are written, WaterFire Volunteers will be onsite to hang the star where the donor chooses within the garden. Not only is this a beautiful, magical looking spot of light along the river, it’s also a chance to personalize the experience of WaterFire even more. Writing a wish for the world, a loved one, even yourself, or sending a message to someone a far, it’s all up to the writer. After each event, the wishes are sealed, brought to the river operations and placed in a brazier at the following fire. A bow on that brazier designates for you where your wishes are. Enjoy how beautiful the blue glow of the stars looks paired along the orange glow of the braziers lit in the river. So what are you wishing for? From your friends at WaterFire, Sharon PA, “May all your wishes come true!”

Henry Ekker Autograph Collection

Enjoy sports? Admire athletes and their accomplishments? Then you won’t want to miss this one of a kind collection. Inside the library you’ll find a large, autographed, and unique sports memorabilia collection on display from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no charge to visit this collection that you’ll find on the library’s first floor. Also, located at the Community Library is The Literary Garden.  Members of Random Acts of Artists (RAA) installed this garden to help bring awareness to the importance of literature and the arts in our community.  Each of the over 40 posts are painted to represent a book or piece of literature theme of the artist’s choice.  Be sure to visit this inspirational garden.

Art Hotspots

As you stroll through downtown Sharon this 2017 WaterFire Sharon season, be sure to look for the many art spaces that are growing along the river! Here are some art points of interest to seek out.

• The vibrant mural on the Community Action building, was the first large scale mural work in Sharon by Leslie Michaels and friends.
• There is also a fun Sharon, Pa. mural near the Laskey’s building on N. Water Ave, facing State Street.
• And of course, admire beautiful downtown Sharon’s newest large scale art addition to downtown Sharon! Located W. State St. Reyer’s building- Mural by Joel Bergner, students from HOPE C.A.T and local artists contributors.
• Look to the corner of S. Water Ave & State St.- “It’s a Wonderful World” Sculpture art of trumpet player- George Junior Republic and Sharon HS students.
• The “Can Opener,” or “Angel” is the oldest sculpture art installation in Sharon at S. Water Ave & Connelly Blvd. It is made on Cor-ten Steel that when it rusts forms a protective coating, the same steel that was used on the Oakland Viaduct. It weighs 10 tons and actually is in need of some repair. The artist intended the structure to rust into a bed of slag. The slag has since been removed for flowers. It is located in George Warren Memorial Park/Garden on Water Ave.

 

The Random Acts of Artists (RAA) have been essential to creating new art spaces downtown:

• River Gardens Park – “Garden Gallery” colorful art installation – RAA artists
• River Gardens Park – “Willow Way” living willow archway- Carol Novosel & RAA artists
• Community Library of the Shenango Valley – “Literary Garden” colorful art installation with literary theme- RAA artists
• New for this season – “PEACE ROCKS” and RAA will be placing hundreds of painted and tagged rocks around Sharon during WaterFire. Start looking for them tucked around town any time after 2 pm. Want to participate? Stop by the volunteer registration booth at the center of town and take a rock — trade it, hide it, or pass it along to a friend! It’s sure to make you smile.
• Check out the alley across from Vine St.( between Michael Anthony’s and the Uniform Shop) – “Random Interface” 26 large portraits line the alley- RAA artists
• Corner of S. Water Ave & State St. – “Indian Drum” Improvised mixed media drum assemblage – Stella Shine & RAA artists
• Corner of S. Water Ave & State St. – “Dueling Pianos” Improvised mixed media and wind chime assemblage – Terry Polonsky & RAA artists
• Cravings Cafe & Creamery, 76 Shenango Ave. RAA’s “Artist of the Month” – The paintings by 20 RAA artists which were used as props in the Black Sheep Player’s production of “Love, Loss and the Clothes I Wore”. All 20 of these paintings will be auctioned off on August 12th as a fund raising event to benefit the local Autism organization. All proceeds go towards Autism.
• Never Enough Yarn, E. State St – RAA Gallery at NEY- Linda Brink will be the featured artist at the RAA Gallery at NEY (Never Enough Yarn) for all 3 Waterfire events this season.
• Columbia Theater Park – Various art contributed by RAA artists.
• Various locations around Sharon, “Painted Trash Barrels” – RAA artists
• RAA WATERFIRE EVE EVENT – Friday, July 14 from 7-10 p.m.- Alley across from Vine St. between Michael Anthony’s and the Uniform Shop- Public Presentation and Thank you party for all artists involved with the “Random Interface” art installation project. Music, taco bar, and more.

 

Look for art hidden on the streets:  All artist vendors and various RAA artists will be participating in the “Abandoned Art” project. Look for plastic bags with a note saying “You found me now I’m yours.” The art inside of the bag is yours for free.

Impromptu Art & Music:  There will also be several artists set up in the streets demonstrating their artistic talents for the public. These will range from raku pottery to drumming. Some planned, some popups – keep looking as you don’t know what you’ll see and where!

Our Artist Marketplace is Growing and Always Welcomes New Talent:  WaterFire Sharon, PA is excited to announce Jenn Crisan as our new Artisan Coordinator. Jenn is a fine art painter and is familiar with the local and national art market scene. We are working to grow the artisan marketplace at WaterFire Sharon. Apply via our website or directly here. Contact Jenn at jenncrisan@gmail.com or artistinfo@waterfiresharonpa.org with any feedback or questions. We are looking forward to a great selling season in the artisan marketplace!  Apply any time on the Zapp App. (Booth Size: 10′ x 10′)
Booth Fee:
One Event = $60
Two Events = $100
Three Events = $120

Seen enough? Ready to get Involved?

Have you seen enough to make you want to join? We welcome new volunteers! Come alone, in a group, whatever works for you! Whether you want to help in the preparation and planning, help set up vendors, work at the information center, tend to the braziers during the evening, or a variety of other areas to lend a hand, WaterFire Sharon would be happy to have you. Our volunteers are known to say things like, “I met so many new people and made so many new friends,” and, “It’s fun to be a part of something so big!” and, of course, “I’m always proud to see so many people come to our area and witness what we have going on here.” Maybe you’ll feel just that same way after experiencing WaterFire as a volunteer. Sign up for the next WaterFire event at the Souvenir and Information Center located at the corner of W. State Street and S. Water Avenue – in front of the food court. Ask questions and see what you may enjoy the most! If you can’t visit the booth, call our volunteer coordinator at (724) 301-1868 and Janet will be happy to fill you in on all the opportunities available to be a part of WaterFire.

Keep the fires burning!

Want to see WaterFire continue? We do, too! Please consider supporting this great event financially. Every dollar counts to make each lighting one that is safe, enjoyable, and a great mark on our entire area.   A boost to tourism and business, WaterFire is also part of the celebration of the arts in the region. As part of the Community Foundation, your contribution is tax deductible.  To make a donation, you can visit the Souvenir station during the event. Please help us keep the fires burning! Any donation to WaterFire Sharon is appreciated!  We simply cannot do it without our generous sponsors. Won’t you consider a sponsorship, big or small today? All financial contributions to WaterFire Sharon are 100% tax deductible.

Make a tax deductible contribution online here or send to: WaterFire Sharon, 7 West State Street, Suite 301, Sharon PA 16146 (724) 981-5882 x111 info@waterfiresharonpa.org

Your Donations at Work during WaterFire Sharon

Did you ever wonder if you could make a donation to WaterFire that could even make a difference?  On the river, there are so many things you can sponsor – things that you can personally see and enjoy!

It costs WaterFire about $6,000 to outfit the four boats per WaterFire season!  You could sponsor one boat for the entire season for $1,500.  Maybe you would prefer to sponsor one boat for one event? That would only be a $500 donation!

The kayaks are always in demand, but they cannot please the crowd without a cost!  To outfit 20 kayaks for the season, a donation of $1,020 will pay for the supplies needed to make fanciful pinwheels, sparkling hoops and glowing fish.  Can’t afford the whole lot?  A donation of $17 will help us to equip one kayak during one fire.

And what about all those braziers?  For $250, you can sponsor one brazier for the entire season!  That pays for the wood, fuel, hardware and the TLC it needs so it can be in its best shape to perform for our WaterFire guests.  There are over 50 braziers lit during each WaterFire!

The most affordable sponsorship comes with our torch procession.  One torch for all three events costs just $15.00. Interested in sponsoring all of the torches for the summer?  It’s yours for $1425.00! That’s 60 torches that will burn brightly because of your donation.