March 27, 2008 Edition

<Creativity Revealed at 22nd Annual Kiwanis Talent Show

Kiwanis Talent Show winners in Group two were, from
left, front: Katie Plas, first instrumental; Katherine
Fickell, first vocal; second row, Lauren Price, second
instrumental; Anna Betts, of the WES Girls Choir that
placed second vocal; Paige Lohrey, third instrumental;
third row: Leanna Price, third place in vocal duet
with Lauren; and members of the WES Choir in red
shirts, Brittany Gallagher, Asia Prickett, Elizabeth
Robey. Also not as pictured: Tarra Taylor, Jordan
Jackson, Chelsea Covert, Anisa Marmie, Desaray Lacy,
Jenny Ball, Danielle Crooks, Amy Zimmer, Kayley
Stephens, Demitra Habig, Laikyn Craycraft, Devon
Jones, Shayna Wilson, Rachele Wiley and Kayla Simmons.

               
Group one winners in the 22nd annual Kiwanis Talent
Show were, from left, Sidney Schuerman, first vocal;
Amanda Bennett, first dance; Aaron Yost, first
instrumental; second row, Madison Neiswonger, second
vocal; Matison Vinskovich, second vocal; back, Alexis
Dick, second dance; Abby Swallow, third instrumental;
and Madelyn Craig, second instrumental.        
Photos by M. Ackerman

Group III winners: Adrian Kehayas, front left, won
first place in the instrumental category as well as
being chosen for the Award of Artistic Excellence.
Earning first place in vocal was Michael Paulus,
center, who also earned the Best of Show trophy. Front
right is Caitlyn Moore, first place dance. In back are
Rachel Beckett, second place vocal and Jazimine
Miranda, third place vocal. The talent and creativity
of nearly 1,000 Monroe County youth have been revealed
at the annual Kiwanis Talent Contest.
                                                     
                                                     
Photos by Martha Ackerman

by Arlean Selvy
Publisher
        A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes … and a dream came
true for little Matison Vinskovich for her rendition
of the song by that title. She shared in the lineup of
winners in the Kiwanis Club’s 22nd Annual Amateur
Talent Contest held March 18 at Swiss Hills Career
Center .
        Matison was the third act to perform. This writer
thought it odd that she was wearing only one shoe as
she walked across the stage and accepted the
microphone – perhaps she’d hurt her foot, or lost a
shoe in her rush to get on stage. She didn’t look a
bit worried about anything as her teacher, Paula
Frank, started playing piano.
        Matison was dressed like a little princess. She wore
a pale blue gown with wide, silver satin trim at the
neck, just like Cinderella. She did a great job
singing … and when the song was over, the mystery of
her missing shoe was solved. Across the stage walked a
wee prince named Jake Vinskovich. Charming in his
princely attire and a gold crown, he carried a small
pillow. On the pillow, he balanced a shoe. You guessed
it. It was exactly the right size for Cinderella. Once
she’d slipped it on, the two walked off stage to the
sound of applause.
        Matison was in Group I – ages seven to 11. Other
winners in the Group I Vocal category were Sydney
Schuerman, first place and Madison Neiswonger, second
place.
        Madison Neiswonger, costumed in an old fashioned
dress and a black lace shawl tied at the bodice, had a
hint of the style and boldness of Karissa Renee
Martin. Karissa accompanied Madison on the piano as
the young contestant sang Castle on a Cloud –
beautifully done with flexibility and poise shining
through.
        Sydney Schuerman. What a performance she gave! She
belted out Second Hand Rose like it was her own story.
Aptly dressed for the part, Sydney wore a plaid jumper
and polka-dot blouse. Her grey crocheted hat featured
a large red rose and of course, she wore “second hand
pearls” … lots of them. Sydney drew applause,
applause, applause. I think the audience knew she was
a winner.
        Other vocals were by Logan Straw, Morgan Thompson,
Hannah Perkins, Amber Clark and the duo of Kaila
Skidmore and Lakin Carothers.
        Logan sang Honky Tonk, Donkey-Donk, a country western
song. He had the moves goin’ for him .. knees bendin’
and shoulders swayin’ to the rhythm.
        “Folks, it ain’t easy battin’ lead-off,” said Emcee
Bill Frank as he congratulated the young performer.
Young Logan set the stage for an evening of great
entertainment.
        Morgan Thompson offered another western tune,
Every-body’s Famous in a Small Town. She, like Logan,
did a fine job, and both have promise.
        Hannnah Perkins, a tiny gal in boot-cut jeans cut
loose with a kickin’ country tune titled, Down. The
theme was … stay away from me.
        Amber Clark. What patience, what poise. She sang to
the accompaniment of two guitarists, but not before
they’d experienced technical problems – and she
waited. More problems and her act was held up as
another went on. She waited. Finally back on stage,
she took her seat on a small stool between the
musicians. The music started. She sang When You Say
Nothing at All, and at one point she must have felt
she had nothing at all to sing. The words seemed to
vanish. But she didn’t give up; she picked it up and
went on. Her booted feet rested on the rungs of the
stool, tapping out the beat, poised and cool – and
talented. The emcee complimented her courage. “The
greatest acts of courage are when you pull it all back
and carry on,” he said. Even one of the judges
remarked, “What a good sport you are - it’s not easy
when equipment malfunctions.”
        Old Blue Jeans was presented by Kaila Skidmore and
Lakin Carothers. While Lakin wore blue jeans, Kaila
wore a blue jean skirt. The girls appeared to have fun
with their performance, which is what the talent show
is all about. It’s entertainment and it’s the
presentation of the talent of Monroe County students.
They’ve got it – and the audience enjoyed it.
        Winners in the Instrumental category were Aaron Yost,
first place, Madelyn Craig, second and Abby Swallow,
third. Also performing was Haleigh Black.
        Aaron played saxophone to background music of We Will
Rock You, and needless to say, it was masterfully
done.
        Madelyn played The Dragon Heart on piano and Abby
played Ava Maria. Haleigh also played piano. Needless
to say, they were winning performances!
        With the talent show held the day after St. Patrick’s
Day, Haleigh added a touch of Irish to her act. She
played Dance of the Irish and dressed in green for the
part. Her black shoes were adorned with large,
sparkling, gold buckles, and she wore a wee Irish tam.

        At the conclusion of the vocal and instrumental
presentations, Emcee Bill Frank was telling the truth
when he said judges would have a tough time making a
choice. Of the presentations, he said, “These first
acts are closer than two coats of paint!”
        In the Dance category were Amanda Bennett, who won
first place trophy and Alexis Dick who earned second
place.
        Alexis danced to Doin’ What Comes Naturally. It was
so cute that this Beacon writer got caught up in
watching and didn’t make many notes. A very catchy
tune.
        Amanda tapped through a peppy tune that seemed to
have a little Charleston spun in. The stage was slick
and gave dancers a bit of trouble … but no falls. She
danced to Sing, Sing, Sing.
        Wearing a gold gown and singing We are Young and
Beautiful, Katherine Fickell earned first place in
Group II Vocal category. She sang beautifully to the
accompaniment of music instructor Jack Skidmore on
guitar. Although she sang like a princess, looked like
a princess with her hair styled neatly in curls at the
crown of her head, and both feet were bare … there was
no prince carrying golden slippers to match her gown.
However, she certainly earned the golden first place
trophy. Of Katherine, one of the judges wrote: “You
looked beautiful! You’ve got it - keep singing. Loved
your performance.”
        Second place honors went to the Woodsfield
Elementary’s 7th and 8th  Grade Girls’ Choir, singing
Rhythm of Life. What can we say; they certainly do
have rhythm. They sang to the accompaniment of Paula
Frank.
        Third place vocal category went to the Price twins
Lauren and Leanna. Priceless. They are tops year after
year and did a great job with When You are Lonely. One
judge wrote: “You both are so comfortable on stage!
Grand Ole Oprey bound.”
        Other performances were by:
Jimmy Becca and Tristin Ensinger, American Idiot. The
boys played guitars.                    Brittany Gallagher sang a calm,
solemn, Cold As You.
        Austin Straw was great with a 60’s rendition of
Greased Lightening. The audience clapped steadily to
the tune as he delivered his performance, slicking his
auburn hair into a neat ducktail. “He has as many
moves as Travolta, and maybe more fans,” commented the
emcee.
        Annie Digity has been given at least two musical
talents, singing and playing piano. She sang and
played Beauty and the Beast. “Beautifully performed,”
wrote a judge. “It’s difficult for most to sing and
accompany oneself. Great job!”
        Kayla  Maine sang the National Anthem. She was
dressed as a typical American teen, jeans with her
name tag stuck on her knee.
        McKenna Collins sang I Wonder. She is way too cue to
sing a sad song. Great voice.
        Hayley Campbell sang Your Baby Girl.
        Asia Prickett sang Stand in a nice strong voice.
        Elizabeth Lovejoy sang a slow song titled Lithium.
        In the Instrumental category, winners were Katie
Plas, first place, Lauren Price, second and Paige
Lohrey, third.
        Katie introduced her piece as a “cute little song
called Buzzing Bee.” And, yes, her little fingers
buzzed up and down the keyboard.
        “I loved the way you curved your fingers over the
keys,” wrote one of the judges about Katie. “You were
fun to watch.”
        Lauren earned second place with her Kentucky
Mandolin. The song she chose was fast ... very fast
with lots of notes!
        Paige found her winning tune was a selection from
Bach. She did a fine job. “Great dynamics!” wrote a
judge. “You are very comfortable and competent at the
keyboard.”
        Leanna Price played Evie’s Waltz on violin. Very
country in her brown western boots and matching tan
and brown outfit.
        Brittany played As the Eagle Marches. With her right
foot in a walking cast, her toes were free to keep
time to the rhythm of the march.
        Claiming trophies in the Group III Vocal category for
ages 15 to 18, were Michael Paulus, first; Rachel
Beckett, second and Jazimine Miranda, third.
        Michael Paulus wrapped up the show and did an
outstanding job with his song from Fiddler on the
Roof, If I were a Rich Man, as sung by Tevye, the
philosophical village milkman.
        Michael won the Kiwanis Best of Show trophy and $40.
The award was presented by Kiwanian Karena Reusser.
        A senior at Monroe Central High School, he has
performed in the Kiwanis Talent Show since first
grade.
        Rachel had a winning performance with My Baby Loves
Me.  Strong voice - fun song!
        Jazimine performed a song that should make one think
about life, not just driving a vehicle ... Jesus Take
the Wheel.
        Others performing in the category were: Heather
Stephens, Kristin Defibaugh and Brenda Richmond.
        Heather sang I Wish. Here’s another gal with a strong
voice. Very articulated and not afraid to belt out the
lyrics.
        Kristin and Brenda sang a duet and seemed to enjoy
performing.
        In the Dance category, Caitlyn  Moore, costumed in a
red vest and shorts, shimmered and sparkled through
her routine. She had an ever-present smile and
confidence. She is good and she took home the first
place trophy.
        In the Instrumental category, Adrian Kehayas awed the
audience with his memorized, classical piece played on
piano.
        Adrian’s talent is outstanding and won not only the
first place in this category, but the Creative
Excellence trophy and $25.
        The Award of Creative Excellence was sponsored by
Kiwanian Dr. Kenneth Cooper, Swiss Valley Foot and
Ankle Center, who made the presentation.
        Directing the 22nd annual  event were Karena Reusser,
Dan Lollathin and David Phillips.
        Ken Phillips handled the sound technology. Using his
own equipment, Ken has been a great asset to the
Annual Talent Contest. Concessions were donated by
Riesbeck’s, Debbie Shoff and Modern Hardware.
        This year’s judges were Lois Starr, Rose Devoe Girard
and Lois Devoe Weis.
        Not only does Weis enjoy classical, jazz and gospel
music, but she is an American Idol fan and appreciates
many styles of music. She has been a member of her
church choir for 40 years. In her travels throughout
the US, canada and Europe, she enjoys visiting
churches that have renowned choirs or organs and looks
for concert halls and attends symphonies.
        Rose Girard and her sister were always involved in
talent shows. Their love of music began in Monroe
County when they were very young. Their mother
encouraged piano lessons. Her favorite types of music
include classical, choral and Celtic. She was a
military wife and often involved in performances given
by the officers’ wives.
        Lois Starr’s education and career background include
the study of piano for 13 years. She has given piano
lessons in her home and at the C.A. House Studio of
Music in St. Clairsville. She serves as organist and
pianist at the United Methodist Church of Woods-field.
One of her favorite activities is playing for gospel
hymn singspirations.   

< Cosmetology Classes Join With ACS in Cancer Program

        The Swiss Hills Cosmetology Classes have teamed up
with the American Cancer Society to participate in the
American Cancer Society’s Look Good, Feel Better
program.
        The program helps patients address the
appearance-related sideeffects of the cancer
treatment. The program strives to help the cancer
patients regain a sense of self-confidence and control
over their lives. Group programs are available for
women where licensed cosmetologists provide skin care,
head coverings including wigs and make-up tips to
women undergoing cancer treatment. According to Pat
Mc-Dougal, this program is available in Monroe County
and is funded by monies raised at the local Relay For
Life.
        Senior Swiss Hills Cosmeto-logy instructor Cathy
Markey was asked to help in styling some of the wigs
available from the Cancer Resource Center. Her class
washed and styled the wigs and for a small fee,
students will aid cancer patients with the fit,
styling and educate them on the care of a wig.
        Wigs are available at no charge in many styles and
colors for cancer patients. “We have access to wigs of
all colors, lengths and they are good wigs,” said
McDougal.
        The local Cancer Resource Center has relocated with
the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, now housed in
the former Nowadays location, across the alley from
the Courthouse.
        Markey noted that her students have benefited by
working hands-on with the wigs instead of reading it
in a book. Some of the things they have learned
include the advantages and disadvantages of wigs, the
reasons for hair loss, how to fit and style a wig, and
the benefits of natural vs. artificial hair.
        It is a partnership where everyone involved benefits,
especially the cancer patients and the students.
        Stop by the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life
booth at the Know Show, April 5 and 6.

< Wilson Explains Stimulus Filing

        The procedure for receiving the stimulus payment
offered by the federal government was explained by
Representative Charlie Wilson on March 19 at the
Monroe County Senior Center. He advised all seniors to
take advantage of the stimulus payment.   

by Martha Ackerman
Staff Writer
        “How do you smile on a day like this?” asked
Representative Charlie Wilson (D-6th District) after
he joined the Happy Heart Singers in a hearty
rendition of Charlie Brown, He’s a Clown. “You come to
the Monroe County Senior Center!” he laughed.
        The purpose of the March 19 visit to the  Center was
to encourage senior citizens to file for the stimulus
payment offered by the federal government.
        To file for the stimulus payment, one needs to fill
out a 1040A tax return for 2007. At the top of the
form write: Stimulus Payment.
        Taxpayers who already file a tax form need not file
an additional form.
        How much do you receive?  According to AARP
magazine, Social Security recipients, disabled
veterans with $3,000-plus income will get $300 for
individuals, $600 for couples.
        Single tax filers, with up to $75,000 adjusted gross
income, will receive $600. Income is reduced for
singles (with no children) after $75,000 and
eliminated at $87,000.
        Couples filing jointly with adjusted gross income of
$150,000 or less will receive $1,200. Rebate is
reduced for couples (with no children) after $150,000
and eliminated at $174,000.
        According to Wilson, the only parts of the form 1040A
that needs to be filled out are the label box with
your name, address, and if you are filing a joint or
single return and Social Security number or numbers if
filing jointly. The second part is the filing status:
single, married filing jointly or married filing
separately. The third part to fill out is line 14a,
Social Security benefits. Benefits must total at least
$3,000 to be eligible for the payment, but if other
income is needed to reach the $3,000 minimum, you can
add the income from pensions, etc., if necessary.
        On the back of form 1040A, sign and date.
        According to Christopher Ga-gin, district director,
staff attorney, who accompanied Wilson, for a faster
return, it is important to mail the form to the
following address: Dept. of Treasury IRS, Kansas City,
MO 64999-0015. The last four numbers are very
important, he noted.
        Local resident Donna Parr asked if she could assure
her mother that filing for this stimulus payment will
not cause problems for her next year.
        To that question Wilson said there are no strings
attached. “It is a purposeful effort to get money into
people’s hands.”
        “Some people say we are sliding into a recession. I
think we’re already there,” said Wilson. This stimulus
package is meant to help the economy.
        The filing deadline is Oct. 15. Wilson said the IRS
will start cutting checks the first of May.
        Monroe County Auditor Pandora Neuhart has the 1040a
forms on hand and she would be glad to mail one to
residents wanting to apply for the stimulus payment.
“If seniors have any questions about the stimulus
payment or need a form, please call the office at
740-472-0873,” said Neuhart.

<Our Readers Write

Dear Editor,
        This is in response to Dugan Demchak’s letter. I read
the letter and I would guess that Demchak has not had
the experience of having his home or anything else
destroyed by longwall mining.           Sure, coal provides
jobs and electricity, but to work your butt off to
have everything that you own destroyed by longwall
mining is very hard to accept.
        You’ve not had to sit in your living room and watch
your ceiling crack right in front of you, or hear
concrete busting that sounded like a shotgun going
off, or have your child be scared so bad that he can’t
go to sleep, all the while my well respected husband
is at work. Try telling your little one that
everything is going to be alright.
        About the part where you said the coal company does
not have to fix your home or provide you water that
was taken, check with the state. The coal company will
eventually settle or fix your home (and it doesn’t
happen for quite a while), but the emotional damage
will always be there. And as far as respect, I commend
Mr. Patton on his letter.
        I know you will probably reply to my letter too, but
until you have experienced longwall damage yourself
firsthand, I feel that you have no right to say
anything. And also, my nice brick home was in very
good condition before you went under it.
        And for everyone’s information, the coal mines are
not located in Monroe County.
Brenda Fisher
Beallsville

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