Mon River Communities Cruise

Press Release
July 6, 2009
Contact: Paula Johnston, AmeriCorps OSM/VISTA, member, BARC, 724-785-9331
Subject: BARC’s August events
Purpose: To announce upcoming BARC events

Mon River Communities Cruise on the Mon: Brownsville Area Revitalization Corporation will hold its’ first annual Gateway Clipper Fleet Cruise on the Monongahela River, Tuesday, August 4. Boarding at the Monongahela Aquatorium at 6:00pm, the Clipper will cruise down the Mon River. A buffet dinner and a cash bar will be provided. Advance tickets may be purchased before July 20 for $60 and from July 21 through July 30 for $65. In upcoming years, the cruise will depart from various communities on the Mon River in an effort to promote tourism in the Mon Valley. FMI call BARC at 724-785-9331.

Sojourn on the Mon: Brownsville Area Revitalization Corporation will hold the second annual “Sojourn on the Mon” this August 7 at 11:00am. Expert staff at the PA Fish and Boat Commission will lead the 2 mile round trip, which starts at the Brownsville Riverside Wharf. There is a $ 15 registration fee and each participant will receive a $5 off a commemorative t-shirt. Families with children and beginners are welcome. Canoes, life jackets and oars are provided, but you can bring your own equipment if you prefer. All participants must register in advance. The registration deadline is August 1 so that t-shirts can be ordered in time for the event. Space is limited.

For more info or to register call Paula Johnston at 724-785-9331.

Quote: Paula Johnston, OSM/VISTA, BARC, “This event is BARC’s second public effort at promoting the new Mid Mon River Water Trail Project. We want to get people out on the river, appreciating its recreational uses and natural beauty. Everyone is welcome, even if you’ve never stepped foot in a canoe before. The Fish and Boat Commission will bring experienced staff to guide us and give safety instructions. It’s a just a few miles round trip and nothing too strenuous. And we can pair you up with someone if you don’t have anyone to share a canoe with. Come out and enjoy the Mon.”
Quote: Norma Ryan, BARC, “This is a day to bring the community together for a day of fun on the Mon River.”
PFBC contact info: (for both sojourn and water trail)
Miranda Smith
Aquatic Resources Program Specialist, Southwest Region
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Bureau of Policy, Planning and Communications
236 Lake Road
Somerset, PA 15501-1644
Phone: 814-443-9841
Cell: 814-442-0722
Fax: 814-445-3497
e-mail: www.fish.state.pa.us

Healthy Steps Historic Walk: Historical architectural walk starting at Nemacolin Castle and proceeding to downtown Brownsville on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at 6:30pm. The tour will look at various historical buildings in the area with a focus on their architectural details. There will be an extended walk to the Thompson House on Water Street for those interested. BARC is co-sponsoring the event. FMI call 724-785-9331.

Book Signing with local writer Richard Wells: Local resident and author Richard Wells will sign copies of an updated version of his book Over the Side. Meet author Wells at the Heritage Museum in the Flatiron Building at 69 Market St. in Brownsville for the signing from 11:00—1:00. Wells was a photographer with both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines and photographed airplane crashes and other scenes which are featured in his book. He is currently a member of the National Assn. of Photographers and the Marine Corps League.