New Castle, PA

I wanted to revisit the Lawrence County farm Markets to check out the fall pumpkin displays. Well I found a little extra surprise waiting for me. Sunflowers, sunflowers and more sunflowers. Why is it everyone loves those huge, funny, happy looking flowers? They gently sway in the breeze as though they are hundreds of smiley faces inviting all who pass by to stop and look at them. These golden gems are the project of Michael Sperdute. He is the son of Steven and Susan Sperdute part owners of the Sperdute Farm market on Kildoo Road in North Beaver Township.

These flowers have been quite the attraction at the farm market. It is a sight to behold. Dorothy Sperdute, Michael's grandmother told me that Michael had about seven acres of sunflowers planted in two different locations with a field of soybeans separating the fields. His sunflowers are well and thriving while Michael is away attending classes in Erie, Pennsylvania at Penn State Campus of Erie. Instead of the usual scare crow to discourage the birds from a feeding frenzy. Michael has a soldier who stands in the middle of the field, proud of his duty to protect Michael's project.

UPDATE September 23 2008

I asked Susan Sperdute, Michaels mom if she would send me some information about Michael and his project and I wanted to update this post with her e-mail.

Audrey Prylybski, a recent visitor said of the sunflowers

" They are the sun when there is no sun"

You are all welcome to attend the 18 th Annual Lawrence County Polish Day.....Sunday September 21, 2008 Sponsored by the American Polish Central Committee of Lawrence County.... Held at Cascade Park Pavilion .Join the fun and excitement and star studded evening with Top Polka Bands from

The East Coast & From Chicago........

Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push .and..Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones

Doors & Kitchen open at noon..Polish food by Holy Trinity PNC Church

ADMISSION- $ 12.00 (16 and under free)

Dancing from 1:30 PM - 8:00 PM ____ Ethnic Foods, crafts and more

PROCEEDS BENEFIT APCC SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The expressed purpose of this organization is to cultivate, enrich, and develop patriotic social and cultural spirit with the Polish-Americans community of Lawrence County. The American Polish Central Committee has initiated a number of successful projects and fund raisers throughout it's many years.This committee has been responsible for immense success with their commitment, and dedication to celebrate their Polish cultures, and traditions while at the same time using this to fund raise to always help and serve the needs of others. Among the many projects is a new activity that includes a Polish " Wigilia" Supper, volunteer donations benefit Polish Orphanage " Jutrzenka" and they also had a showing of original Polish films

The organization has continued to participate in community-led activities by showing a representation within them . The group has initiated Lawrence County Polish Day as a catalyst toward supporting local and international organizations and relief funds for 17 consecutive years. Polish Day and the events surrounding it have funded scholarships awarded to local college students. Over$ 43,000 have been donated to this cause. This event draws polka lovers from all over the country . Again I would say ...

.Another Lawrence County Pride...Congratulations to the efforts of the Lawrence County Polish Day Committee and the many dedicated people and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make this as always a SHOWCASE CELEBRATION.......Sto Lat....

Thought you might like to hear some Eddie Blazonczyk Polka music....Enjoy

Officers

Gary Fray-Chairman

Kenneth Koscinski-vice chairman

Alice Ostrowski-Recording Secretary

Bernadette Przybylski-Treasurer -SS Philip & James Representative

Chris Bok- Publicity

Michaeline Noga- Mary Mother of Hope Representative

Marie Jermakowicz- Holy Trinity Representative

Very Rev. Marcell Pytlarz- Chaplain

The following slide show is a project of the American Polish Central Committee of Lawrence County of their successful drive to collect needed children's items for the Orphanage in Poland.

* Credit for the pictures from the country of Poland to the Polish Tourist Promotion Agency * Credit and a Thank You to Bernadette Przybylski for Polish Day Photos and information.

It is that time ..... summer has slipped away and a beautiful fall is anticipated. The harvest is ready.
Small road side stands dots the area, offering fresh corn and a variety of vegetables.

I took the short drive to the beautiful countryside to visited two established farm markets, they not only offer top quality fresh picked produce daily but they extend down home country hospitality. and friendly customer appreciation. Both these farms markets are in Lawrence .County, a short drive from New Castle to the North Beaver Township farm country. A few miles outside New Castle limits.

The Leckwart Farm Market is certainly a common everyday name to produce buyers in the New Castle area Giant Eagle Super Markets The Leckwart farms have supplied vegetables to the market since 1990.

The farm market started in 1948 when Walter and Mary Leckwart bought the farm on Sunnyside road. Before long the Leckwarts farm was noted as the place for buying freshly picked peaches from their peach farm. The farm market grew from a small country road side stand selling peaches and vegetables, to the well known.. Leckwart Country Farm Market that it is today. Price winning, fresh, produce, neatly line the inside of the market- . Customers from across the county drive to the market, just for their butter sweet corn. various vegetables, including peppers of all types. and of course pumpkins.

The legacy of dedication and long endless days working the farm and running the market has been handed down to Joseph and Jean Leckwart and their family. It is a loved, family affair of commitment to each other that produces their success.

I took photos of the acres and acres of vegetable and rows of corn just waiting to be harvested. I thought I would share these beautiful photos with you.

While I was there, Joe, Jean and family were busy with their display of beautiful mums and pumpkins. A busy time at the Leckwart farm. Stop and pay them a visit while the fresh produce is still in season and pick up a copy of their family recipe for Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers.

By the way tell them I said Hi and I'll be back for the pumpkin display.

Directions : short drive out of Mahoningtown - south on Rt 18...just outside of the city limits... first right to Sunnyside Road.

Open Monday thro Friday 9:00 to 6:00 and Sunday 9:00 to 4:00 shop phone 724-6523787

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A short drive on Rt 108 to Brewster road then on Kildoo Road is where you find the sought after Sperdute Farm Market.

Felix and Julia Sperdute immigrants from Italy brought to America their love for farming and hard work, this Legacy was handed to their son Al Sperdute who started in 1959 selling vegetables and corn along a road side stand outside of Mahoningtown, where today the bill board loudly announces their Sperdute Farm Market.

In1994 the country style log cabin, was built and today this country store is on the list of destinations to see.The Farm is run by Al, his wife Dorothy and their two sons Steve and David. On my visit I talked with Al and he responded that they farm 150 acres of grain, 100 acres of soybeans and 75 acres of wheat. He also said they have a commercial vegetable washer and also grade their vegetables.

The Sperdute Farm has been recognized for their prize vegetables. Al showed me boxes of blue ribbons from the Canfield Fair in Ohio where for the 8th year the Sperdute Farm has won blue ribbons for their commercial display catagory. Al said at one time they raised cattle but not any more, grain, vegetables and of course pumpkins and many Fall items are what they market. Steve and David Sperdute also own GMS Landscaping Ground Maintenance Service. I talked with Dave and he said in a couple days the massive display of pumpkins will be done, The shop should be completely stocked with fall decorations. I asked Dave " It's 24/7 job isn't it"? Dave replied "almost year around, the pumpkins are really a hazzle because they are so much work and the selling time is so short......we get a little rest from about November til March" I would say A much deserved rest for both these farmers The Leckwart and Sperdute Farm Markets who grow all their own vegetables that they market. We can be proud to claim them as a Lawrence County's Pride. The Sperdute Farm Market is open every day 9:00 til 6:00 market phone is 724-667-8866 GMS Landscaping Ground Maintenance ( Steve & Dave ) phone is 724-667-9992

Beautiful Fall days will be around the corner..Take a ride through the Countryside to visit these two outstanding markets.

Enjoy the photos below of the Sperdute Farm.

Making strides to end domestic and sexual violence

I stopped at the Crisis Shelter booth at the Lawrence County Fair and talked with Carol. The Crisis Center in New Castle, has not only been a shelter for those in a horrific situation but an emotional empowerment for the victims of domestic and sexual violence. There, the victims find a safe shelter of protection and loving care, a helping hand, to break from, what no one should endure .A place to regain their dignity and well being. They have a 24 hour hot line at 724-6529036 for help

If you can, on Saturday October 11 2008...think about spending a beautiful fall day, with others who care to help this worthy cause.

Just a short Post to get the word out that The Crises Shelter of Lawrence County, New Castle Pa

will sponsor their 2008 5 K Run-Walk on October 11, 2008

• When
• Event begins at 9:00 AM
• Registration starts at 7:30 AM

• Location
  
• Pearson Park New Castle, Pa

• Entrance Fee
  
• Single-$16
  
• Family-$35
  
• Team -$12 member
• Day of the race
• single $20
• family $ 40

All Pre-registration must be postmarked by September 27, 2008

Send entrance form and make checks payable to

Crisis Shelter of Lawrence County

1218 W. State Street.

New Castle, Pa 16101

Important information and details on awards and registration please visit their web site at

A registration form must be signed

http://www.crisisshelter.org or call Carol at 724-758-8662

photo credit ..tbadger

Here we are again ......a double fun time event.

Every year, New Castle Pennsylvania, Lawrence County, closes down the bypass leading into the city to celebrate their Fireworks Festival ..

At the same time, Mary Mother of Hope celebrates Summerfest, at the Parish Center .

This event this year was held on July 11 & 12.

I just returned home from Penn State College from visiting my family and what a coincidence...Penn State also celebrated their Fine Arts Show. Low and behold ..the streets were closed off at State College for their festivities, What an amazing experience at Penn State. We even caught the Boalsburg Festival. What a fun time.

I made sure I was home in time to catch the last day of New Castle's well planned event.

Our New Castle events were a success, well attended and appreciated, How can you resist the aroma of all that great cooking filtering through our city. I was fortunate to capture photos at the very beginning, just minutes before the crowds came. This year the kids had a chance to enter a Guitar Hero Contest.

The youth are very much involved along with their families in these anticipated events.

Many of our area churches sponsor events during the year as projects, the church congregation work together to prepare for these events. It usually takes months of preparation, a team of coordinators and many, many volunteers to achieve the success that these events attain.

The Rev.Victor Molka pastor of Mary Mother of Church has always applauded his volunteers and parishioners for their dedication to making the Summerfest a yearly project.

The volunteers enjoy the fellowship. They work together and realize that their efforts are appreciated by the whole community. Thank you, Mary Mother of Hope Summerfest organizers and New Castle Fireworks Festival committee, for another summer time fun event. .... Lets see .. St. Vitus festival and The Lawrence County Farm show...can't forget the Moraine Lake Arthur regatta coming up.

Haven't I said............

that this is FUN PLACE to live....

Did I fail to mention the fun time event ended ......

with an amazing display of fireworks...even under the threat of a late day rain prediction.

Fireworks Capital of the World