The Middlesex Life

This episode the team talks with Appleseed Events owner and founder, Amanda Becker. They discuss some of the challenges of running an events planning business and the types of people who naturally love this kind of work. Maybe you're one of them!They also talk about the growth of agriculture and the historical context of how the area's farms came to be.Email us: [email protected] Community Action (website)Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications hereNext Board of Supervisors Township Meeting: Wed, May 20 @ 6:30pmNext Planning Commission Meeting: Wed, May 27 @ 6:30pmAmanda Becker Owner | Appleseed EventsFB: AppleseedEventsInsta: appleseedeventsYouTube: w: Appleseed Eventsw: AllGreen Outdoor Livinge: [email protected]: (724) 931-2507Meadowcroft Rockshelter and VillageWhat’s OnSaturday May 2PA Geology Tour (Self-Driven) 9-2PM$15/members- $25/non-membersThis driving tour will meet at the Miller Esker Natural Area (also known as Jacksville Esker), Worth Township, near Portersville. Then drive to McConnell’s Mill State Park and look at 300 million year old rock formations. Then travel to Cleland rock overlook and learn how melting glacial water ripped out a deep gorge in a geologic instant. (Eskers form when melting ice carves a river-like tunnel within a glacier; as the glacier recedes, sand and gravel are deposited and leave behind a serpentine mound that becomes covered with soil and vegetation.)Contact Ryan Stauffer at [email protected] who sign up will receive a detailed email that will include all locations, directions, and a list of what to bring.Saturday May 9How to care for your woodland propertyFREE workshop for Middlesex Township residentsOrganized by Middlesex Community Action & Jess Pierce, DCNR ForestryTownship offices 133 Browns Hill Road • 1-4PMLearn aboutHow to care for your woodland propertyHow to keep invasive plants under controlHow well-managed woodland can give you a source of incomeRegister by emailing Peter Walker [email protected]

This week the team delves into the fascinating world of virtual assistants with Priscilla Green, owner and founder of Freedom To Focus. And some exciting things are coming up for you to join in with! Check the podcast notes for details.Email us: [email protected] Community Action (website)Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications hereNext Board of Supervisors Township Meeting: Wed, May 4 @ 6:30pmNext Planning Commission Meeting: Wed, April 22 @ 6:30pmPriscilla Green Owner | Freedom To FocusFB: freedomtofocusInsta: freedomtofocusw: Freedom To Focuse: [email protected] Sisterhood OnlineWhat’s OnI Map Invasives — Learn about invasive species in your community! Saturday April 2510:00AM – 12:00PMJennings Environmental Education Center Classroom 2951 Prospect Rd. Slippery Rock, PA 16057Free; No Registration RequiredApril is Invasive Pest and Disease Awareness Month!Curious about invasive plants and insects in your community? iMapInvasives is an online tool for professionals and citizen scientists to track and record invasive species. The Pennsylvania Coordinator for this project will talk about this website and mobile app, and how you can use it to help protect our natural resources. In addition, you will meet Ruby the Spotted-Lanternfly-sniffing dog and her handler Shelby!MCA Woodlands WorkshopSaturday May 91:00PM - 4:00PMTownship offices: 133 Browns Hill RoadHow to care for your woodland propertyFREE workshop for Middlesex Township residentsOrganized by Middlesex Community Action & Jess Pierce, DCNR ForestryLearn about:How to care for your woodland propertyHow to keep invasive plants under controlHow well-managed woodland can give you a source of incomeRegister by emailing Peter Walker [email protected]

Peter sits down for a rare on-site conversation with Jimi Dean, owner of Jimi's Sunnyside Up Diner, and the team talks about 300 million years worth of soil. You have to hear it to believe it.Email us: [email protected] Community Action (website)Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications hereNext Board of Supervisors Township Meeting: Wed, April 15 @ 6:30pmNext Planning Commission Meeting: Wed, April 22 @ 6:30pmJimi Dean, Owner | Jimi’s Sunnyside Up DinerAddress: 1318 Pittsburgh Rd, Valencia, PA 16059FB: Jimi's Sunnyside Up Dinerp: (724) 898-0000What’s OnButler Birders Club Book DiscussionApril 17The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renkl5-6 Succop Nature Park - The House185 Airport Rd.Gather with fellow readers for a cup of tea and a thoughtful discussion of the book of the month Washington’s Trail 1753 - Annual SummitApril 168:30am-4:00pmButler Country Club310 Country Club Rd, Butler, PAThe area of Washington’s Trail that Washington explored and traveled became an important part of the Revolutionary War. This event will look at the people, places and things that helped Washington evolve a fledgling army into a forceful one. Hear how the inhabitants and the frontier that they guarded became an important part of Washington’s success.$75 - Must registerIncludes day of speakers, networking, continental breakfast, buffet lunch, displays, vendors, door prize drawings. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Program begins promptly at 9 a.m.

Peter starts us off by taking a walk in the woods with Jessica Pierce, Middlesex native and Forester for PA Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources. They discuss the nature of the area and the uniqueness of our township. Then the team has a chat with Melissa Sullivan, owner of Valencia Donut Co and world traveler, who decided to put down community roots in Middlesex Township by buying the business.Email us: [email protected] Community Action (website)Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications hereNext Board of Supervisors Township Meeting: Wed, April 15 @ 6:30pmNext Planning Commission Meeting: Wed, Mar 25 @ 6:30pmJessica Pierce, Forester | PA Dept of Conservation and Natural ResourcesFB: PaDCNRInsta: PaDCNRMelissa Sullivan, Owner | Valencia Donut Cow: ValenciaDonutCo.comFB: Valencia Donut CoInsta: ValenciaDonutCoYouTube: e: Order Online Here!p: (724) 903-0400What’s OnNative Seed Paper Making - Succop Nature Preserve March 21, 10am - 12pm$10 member, $15 nonmemberLearn the process of up-cycling junk mail and scrap paper and try your hand at making some sheets to take home and hand-harvested native wildflower seeds to create seed paper. Use as a gift tag, card, or card insert. Family friendly (school age and up), registration required. Butler County Career Fair  Free and open to the community!March 25, 10am - 2pm Butler Community College Field House107 College Drive, Butler Campus Meet employers from the Greater Pittsburgh region. Attendees do not need to pre-register.  If you are job hunting, please bring copies of your updated resume to distribute to employers. Professional dress is expected.

The Middlesex Township legendary farmer himself, Art King, joins the team and talks about the past, present, and future of Harvest Valley Farms and farming in general. Don't be fooled. Farming is a science as well as an art. No pun intended, Art.Email us: ⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Middlesex Community Action⁠ (website)Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications ⁠here⁠Next Board of Supervisors Township Meeting: Wed, Mar 18 @ 6:30PMHere’s the ⁠PICTURE⁠ of the invoice Peter found! Let us know what you decipher at ⁠[email protected]⁠Art King | Harvest Valley FarmsJoin the ⁠Harvest Valley Farms CSA⁠ herew: ⁠harvestvalleyfarms.com⁠FB: ⁠Harvest Valley Farms⁠Insta: ⁠EatLocl⁠YouTube: e: ⁠Contact CSA Manager⁠p: (724) 898-3276What’s OnMars High School Musical Theatre presents The Wizard of OzMarch 13 & 14 7:30pm in the HS auditoriumTickets on sale ⁠cur8.com⁠ SRU Theatre presents Ride The Cyclone, the musicalMarch 6-7, 10-11 at 7:30, March 8 matinee at 2pmSRU’s East Stoner Black Box Theatre - 103 Campus Dr, Slippery Rock“Hilarious and outlandish story, the lives of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster. When they awake in limbo, a mechanical fortune teller invites each to tell a story to win a prize like no other — the chance to return to life. This popular musical is a funny, moving look at what makes a life well-lived!”Tickets are general admission - buy at ⁠www.sru.edu/tickets⁠ or in person at the box office$15 for adults; $12 students74th annual GFWC Intermediate League Of Butler Antiques Show And SaleMarch 20-21-22   6-9pm; 3/21-22 open at 10amat the Tesla/Ramada - 139 Pittsburgh Road ButlerInfo on their Facebook page ⁠⁠GFCW Intermediate League⁠⁠Over 35 dealers - toys, glassware, jewelry, furniture and moreProceeds will benefit community projectsTickets $15 for Friday; $10 for Saturday or Sunday

The team has a chat with Mary Brewer, a Middlesex Twp resident and artisan, and discovers the multi-faceted life she's created just by saying yes to things and taking chances. Trust us. You're going to love this!Email us: [email protected] Community Action (website)Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications hereNext Board of Supervisors Township Meeting: Wed, Mar 4 @ 6:30PMMary Brewer | Local Artisanw: www.RoyalForest.netFB: Royal ForestInsta: Royal.Forest.ArtYouTube: Mary Brewere: Contact PageWhat’s OnWashington/Cherry Pie Hikes at JenningsCarved In IceSaxonburg Winterfest

The team talks with JoAnn Echtler to learn more about the real estate market in Middlesex Township, and they inquire with her about the herd of fainting goats she has. Not to be missed! Email us: [email protected] Community Action (website)Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications hereNext Board of Supervisors Township Meeting: Wed Feb 18,  @ 6:30PMJoAnn Echtler | Realtorw: www.JoAnnSoldThat.comFB: JoAnn M EchtlerInsta: @JoAnnSoldThate: [email protected]: (724) 776-3686Fainting Goats Video & ExplanationWhat’s OnFREE Naturist Led WalkEvery Thursday - Succup Nature Park -  Airport Rd & Route 8 - 9-10amGet to know our park, trails and see what changes with each season. Registration is requested so they can plan.https://www.aswp.orgRaptor Encounters - Succup Nature Park Thursday 2/12 Different times for different ages (Families, Adults, Preschoolers) $10/$15Explore the fascinating lives of hawks, owls, falcons, and other birds of prey. Each event offers a chance to see these magnificent birds up close and gain a new appreciation for their role in western Pennsylvania ecosystems.https://www.aswp.orgFour Course Dinner with Chef Jason Rodgers (Della Terra - Zelie)Selenite Tea House Thursday 2/126:30-8:30 - $75 per person, registrations are requiredIntimate 4 course dinner, celebrates comforting flavors, refined technique, and the quiet beauty of gathering during winter.

The team chats with Jonny Kigin of Noteworthy Music and discovers a way for Peter to have theme music played by one of his children each time he enters a room. You'll never guess which instrument he wants them to use!Email us: [email protected] Community Action (website)Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications hereNext Board of Supervisors Township Meeting: Wed, Feb 18 @ 6:30PMJonny Kigin | Noteworthy Musicw: https://www.noteworthymusicpa.comFB: noteworthymusicpaInsta: noteworthy_pap: (724) 443-0040What's OnWinterfest Butler County photo contest - DINERS + DATE NIGHTSSweetest Season Pancake Breakfast

The team invites Ryan Stauffer to join them and discuss Succop Nature Park and the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania. They talk fire craft, trees, birds, and Maple Syrup. Yum! And Peter gives insight into the oil boom that helped form Middlesex Township and the surrounding area. Follow the podcast, leave a comment on how we can improve (or what you love), or send us an email to tell us something you really enjoy about the township.Email us: [email protected] Community Action (website)Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications hereRyan Stauffer | Succop Nature Parkw: https://www.aswp.org/our-places/succop-nature-park/FB: https://www.facebook.com/AudubonWesternPA/Insta: @AudubonWesternPAYouTube: @aswpyoutube4149e: [email protected]: Drake’s Well in TitusvilleOil Creek State Park Bike TrailWhat is a Pileated Woodpecker?What’s OnSuccop Winter Tree ID ClassMoraine State Park Bird WalkSuccop Winter Firecraft Class

The team talks Middlesex historical figure Miss West (1844-1924) who made quite a name for herself not be messed with. They also sit down with Janae Callihan, Director of the Mars Area Public Library and discover the range of opportunities the library provides to the surrounding townships. And, as always, check out What's On for things you can do through the next couple of wintry weeks. Merry Christmas!Email us: [email protected] Community Action (website)Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications hereNext Board of Supervisors Township Meeting: Wed, Jan 21 @ 6:30PMJanae Callihan | Director, Mars Area Public LibrarySign up for the Mars Library Newsletter Herew: https://www.marsarealibrary.orgFB: marsareapubliclibraryInsta: marsareapubliclibraryYouTube: e: [email protected]: (724) 625-9048What’s OnSouth Butler Christmas Bird CountSuccop Kids Christmas Bird CountMars Area Public Library Calendar Page

The team welcomes local author & musician Cecilia Tomko to the show, as well as special guest, Megan Afonwhine, daughter of Peter and Cerri Walker! Topics include a historical custody battle for the ages complete with interstate travel - Moraine State Park and Lake Arthur (do you know who Arthur was?) - books using Butler as the backdrop for the storyline - and what is the favorite Middlesex Twp Christmas movie? Listen and let us know what you think!Email us: [email protected] Community Action (website)Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications hereCecilia Tomko | Local Authorw: https://ceciliatomko.comInsta: @ccbutlerYouTube: @ceciliatomko6667e: [email protected]: The Saint of Music on YahooWhat’s OnFun Fore All Three Rivers Paintball Experience Butler Photo Contest 

Peter and Patty welcome Erin Cioffi and Lee Ann Hune to the podcast to talk about The Lighthouse Foundation. If you think they are only a local food bank, you definitely want to listen. The first medical endeavors in the township are explored, and you'll learn about Nanny Tea. Email us: [email protected] Community Action (website)Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications hereErin Cioffi & Lee Ann Hune | The Lighthouse Foundationw: https://www.thelighthousepa.orgFB: thelighthousefoundationInsta: thelighthouse_foundation_e: [email protected]: 724-586-5554What’s OnSmall Business Saturday Spirit of Christmas ParadeLight Up MarsChristmas Carol BingoMHY Gift DriveLighthouse Foundation Toy Shoppe

The Middlesex Life team discusses MHY Family Services (located on the 228) with its Chair of the Board of Directors, Jim Rankin. The changes it's gone through since 2020, the geographical reach of the organization, and its astounding success rate in helping people in need.Email us: [email protected] Community Action (website)Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications hereJim Rankin | MHY Family Servicesw: mhyfamilyservices.orgFB: mhyfamilyservicesInsta: mhy.familyservicese: [email protected]: 724-625-3141What's OnBuilt in Butler Cranberry Mens Chorus at Quality GardensMars Area Fall Craft ShowRegional Learning Alliance Art Exhibit: Sharing Our Space with Birds of the World

Christine Ewing drops by the studio to talk all things Bloom Cafe, including a recap of the Hobbit Fest in September and how the idea originated. Peter and Scott discuss the way the township was built with mills at its core.Email us: ⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Middlesex Community Action⁠ (website)Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications ⁠here⁠Christine Ewing | Bloom Cafew: ⁠https://bloomcafeqgi.com⁠FB: ⁠BloomatQuality⁠Insta: ⁠@BloomatQuality ⁠⁠Frankleberry Craft Show⁠⁠Quoth the Raven: Nevermore (Hob Nob Theatre)⁠⁠German Christmas Market in Harmony

This week the team talks with Nancy Reno of Reno Dairy Farm. The last remaining dairy farm in Middlesex Twp. She shares what it's like as a dairy farmer and gives some insight into how the milk makes it from the cow to your refrigerator. You probably didn't know there was this much happening before you take your swig out of the carton. Also, learn about the first schools in the township. You'll be surprised just how early they showed up!Email us: [email protected] Community Action (website)What's On This (or next) MonthStormy Oaks Harvest Valley FarmsFreedom Farms Selenite Tea House Middlesex Township Trunk or Treat

TML welcomes Middlesex Township's recently hired Police Chief, Justin Bouch. We talk all things from what police do throughout the day to the Middlesex Twp lockup. If you haven't met Chief Bouch yet, this is a great introduction to get to know him. Peter takes us down the literal road of history by exploring Route 8. Make sure to listen to What's On to learn about the Harvest Festivals yet to take place.Email us: [email protected] Community Action (website)Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications hereJustin Bouch | Middlesex Township Police Chiefw: https://www.middlesextownship.org/directory.aspx?EID=61FB: https://www.facebook.com/MiddesexTownshipPD/p: (724) 898-3533Mars Applefest Freedom Farms Fall FestButler Oktoberfest

The TML Podcast team have a seat at the table with Jeff Winkle, Middlesex Township Manager to get a good picture of what is involved with managing the township. Peter goes old school with politics and preachers from the early 1800s. And we take a look at What's On over the next couple weeks.Email us: [email protected] Community Action (website)Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications hereJeff Winkle | Middlesex Township Managerw: https://www.middlesextownship.orgFB: https://www.facebook.com/588514591002274e: [email protected]: (724) 898-3571

Peter and Scott talk with Kelley Perry about her journey from Hampton, PA to leaving the criminal justice system to opening up a local tea house and event space in Middlesex Twp. Peter gives us the lowdown on some of the first crimes recorded in the township. And Patty gets some feedback from the community at the Celebrate the Lake event.Email us: ⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Middlesex Community Action⁠ (website)Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications hereSelenite Tea House | Kelley Perryw: https://seleniteteahouse.comFB: https://www.facebook.com/588514591002274Insta: https://www.instagram.com/seleniteteahouse/Thanks to our interviewees at Celebrate the Lake: Christina, Abby, Dennis, Ed, Sara, Lorraine, Matt, and Rachel. People like you make this township great!

Peter and Scott sit down with T Lyle Ferderber, co-founder of Frankferd Farms and end up talking about the beginnings of organic farming in Middlesex and the way his farm distributes their grain across the country. He also tells a couple stories of planes landing in a field in the township. Peter gives us a rundown of the history of Middlesex going back centuries.Email us: [email protected] Community Action (website)Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications hereMeadowcroft Rockshelter, Avella, PA   https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/visit/meadowcroft/Frankferd Farmsw: https://frankferd.cominsta: https://www.instagram.com/frankferdfarms/Facebook: Frankferd Farms Foods, Inc. | Saxonburg PA - FacebookGlade Run Lake Conservancy (website)

This week the team introduces the podcast to the world. Peter and Amanda talk with Valerie Cannon, chocolatier and owner of The Speckled Hen Chocolate Company. And upcoming events are discussed.Email us: [email protected]⁠Middlesex Community Action⁠ (website)Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications hereSpeckled Hen Chocolate Company (website)The Speckled Hen Chocolate Company (Facebook)Glade Run Lake Conservancy (website)Celebrate the Lake Event Info - Aug 16, 2025