Cheers & Jeers
Courtesy of Jen Salaway
Courtesy of Jen SalawayGraciana Grimes and Lucas Salaway, of Frazier High School, performed with the Macy’s Great American Marching Band at the 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
Cheers: A couple of area students were among those high-stepping through the streets of Manhattan last week as part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Lucas Salaway and Graciana Grimes, seniors at Frazier High School, performed in the Macy’s Great American Marching Band, joining an elite ensemble of top high school musicians from across the United States. For the pair, who have played in the Frazier band since elementary school, representing Frazier High and the town of Perryopolis held special meaning. “Knowing I’m from such a small school and the parade is such a big deal, I’m proud of myself and Graciana, and proud to represent our school and town,” said Salaway. Both musicians are well-versed on multiple instruments, but Salaway played the trombone while Grimes played the mellophone, a brass instrument similar to a French horn. The Macy’s event is the country’s second-oldest Thanksgiving parade and has been held since 1924. It typically attracts 3.5 million spectators and is watched by more than 50 million television viewers. The Great American Marching Band was created in 2006, and has since become a staple, bringing together top musicians, color guards and dancers from high schools nationwide.
Courtesy of Jen SalawayGraciana Grimes and Lucas Salaway, of Frazier High School, performed with the Macy’s Great American Marching Band at the 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
Cheers: Bakers from near and far came to Washington County last weekend for the World’s Largest Christmas Cookie Exchange. In all, 33 teams decked out in holiday regalia exchanged cookies at the fairgrounds Sunday while another 35 teams participated remotely at sites across the United States and in New Zealand. While numbers were still being tabulated this week, organizer Laura Magone estimates teams made around 80,000 cookies. For some of the bakers, like the Altadena Cookie Exchange, who participated remotely from California, the event was cathartic. Leading the team was Kelsey Cushing, whose family lost their home earlier this year in the Eaton Fire that destroyed more than 9,000 buildings and left 19 dead. Cushing lost everything, including Christmas ornaments, family heirlooms, homemade vanilla extracts, and bakeware used during holidays. For her and other team members, being a part of the exchange was healing. “Going through an experience like that, you cherish traditions, you mourn the loss of things. But we’re really resilient and strong, and we wanted to be a part of something joyful,” said Cushing. “We had such a fun time. Our community is going to make new traditions as we start over, and I bet we will do it again next year, even if it’s on our own.”
Cheers: The annual Give-A-Christmas campaign sponsored by the 蘑菇视频 is in full swing. Now in its 40th year, the fundraiser collects donations to help local units of the Salvation Army operate the organization’s many valuable programs. All of the money that is donated remains in the area, so contributions will help community members who are most in need. The newspaper reports the names of donors, along with any special messages they want to include. Many make donations in honor or memory of loved ones. Sparkle, the campaign’s mascot, thanked those who have already helped the Salvation Army by donating, and asks others to follow their lead. Contributions can be mailed to Give-A-Christmas, c/o 蘑菇视频, 8 E. Church St., Uniontown, Pa., 15401. Checks should be made out to Give-A-Christmas. Additionally, donations may be dropped off at the newspaper office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.