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Additional information on this topic provided below.
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Ohio River Watershed Celebration
Text and photos submitted by Maggie Hall of DEP and
Melissa Busler of Stream Restoration Inc.
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a sunny September 17th, 425 participants celebrated the second
annual Ohio River Watershed Celebration, and learned about watersheds
while enjoying a fun cruise aboard the Gateway Clipper’s
largest vessel, “The Majestic”. The group traveled
up the Allegheny River from “The Point” to Aspinwall,
east of Pittsburgh.
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were activities galore on board including a narration on the
upstream trip, locking through L&D #2, 4 captivating speakers
with short presentations, and the opportunity to network with
those who presented poster displays. At the end of the day,
prizes were awarded for the kid’s coloring contest and
scavenger hunt. Some lucky winners took home bountiful door
prizes, such as gift baskets from Westsylvania, a Steelers football
or Penguin tickets. A student won the Grand Prize, a print by
famed local artist Robert Griffing.
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celebration has been growing! New this year were pre-cruise
festivities on the dock. There were poster displays on the dock
(a total of 40 displays counting those on-board). We helped
celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Lewis & Clark Expedition
and its roots in the Pittsburgh area. Susie Kline, an Interpreter
from the Army Corps of Engineers described the replica artifacts
in the Discovery Trunk. There was a display of artwork from
famed Western PA artist Robert Griffing.
hree
Native American Re-enactors rode along, as did some volunteer
kids dressed as the Recycle Characters! Tom Grote emceed the
“Kick-off Event”, featuring speakers such as Denny
Tubbs, who explained this year’s theme “Touch The
Water”. Dave Sewak, of Westsylvania provided the historical
perspective along our rivers.
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on board, guests were entertained by classical singing sensation
15 year old Mollie Maiolo, who ended with the National Anthem.
A small drama played out when word spread that “The Majestic”
might not fit below the 16th St. Bridge, undergoing maintenance.
As with any partnership, a few calls and help from PennDOT,
and Allegheny County and Captain Brian sailed right under! The
crowd on the top deck first held their breath, and then cheered!
Later, we enjoyed the munchies!
aggie Hall and Dave Plank of DEP provided an in-depth guided
narration of points of interest. Melissa Busler arranged activities
for students and home schoolers (with prizes for all), while
Ann Tipper fascinated kids with the Pittsburgh Voyager’s
water-testing equipment. Bob Beran of Aquascape showed how to
use plant identification keys. We had a live screech owl from
the Aviary and Wells Creek Watershed Association brought a live
snapping turtle!
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his event was possible through a partnership of 14 Sponsors
and 46 Partners. Special thanks go to Committee Members Margaret
Dunn, Shaun and Melissa Busler, Denny Tubbs, Tom Grote, Dave
Sewak, Sam Harper, Beth Brennan, Sherry Carlin, Marty Warchol,
Terry Pallas, Dave Plank, Deanna Treter, Laurie Popek, Anthony
Mendicino, Amanda Illar, Rich Kowalski, Maggie Gates and Maggie
Hall.
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