Photo: (left to right) Carla Anderton, SueAnne Antonucci, Annette Buffer, Gerald Onesi, Mark Smith, & Joy Tillman-DeFerrari. Not pictured: Darren Hale, Heidi Kavanaugh & Adam Sedlock.

Mon Valley Academy for the Arts (MVAA) is pleased to announce the results of the elections for new officers and board members, which took place during the board meeting on January 17, 2024.

Current president Annette Buffer has been re-elected for a second term, showcasing the confidence and support of the MVAA community in her leadership. Buffer expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm, stating, "I am honored to continue serving as president of MVAA. Together, with the dedicated board and community, we will further enrich the arts experience in our region."

Carla Anderton, who has served as board secretary since February of 2020, was elected Vice President. In her statement, Anderton acknowledged the responsibility of stepping into this new role, saying, "I am humbled by the trust placed in me, and committed to contributing my best to its continued success. I also want to express my deep appreciation for Gerald Onesi's past and ongoing contributions to MVAA. I have very big shoes to fill."

Joy Tillman-DeFerrari, a professional photographer who has been with MVAA since its inception in 2016, was elected as Secretary, bringing her artistic passion and commitment to the board. 

SueAnne Antonucci, a current board member, was elected as Recording Secretary, and Darren Hale, a current board member, will take on the role of Chief Financial Officer. Current Chief Executive Officer Mark Smith will continue in his position, providing stability and strategic guidance.

Gerald Onesi, who faithfully served as vice president in 2023, will transition into a new and dynamic role as a community liaison, fostering connections between MVAA and the broader community.

The board of directors welcomes new members Heidi Kavanaugh and Adam Sedlock, who were elected to contribute their expertise and passion to further MVAA's mission.

Mark Smith, CEO of MVAA, commended the dedication of the board members, stating, "MVAA is fortunate to have such a committed and talented group of individuals leading our organization. Their voluntary contributions of time and talents are invaluable in advancing our mission."

The entire board looks forward to a productive and collaborative term, working together to enhance the impact of the arts in the Mon Valley community.

Liam Welsh is a 14-year-old drummer from Belle Vernon. Starting in second grade, young Liam began his drumming career with private music lessons and playing in the school band, moving on to become the lead snare drummer in the MVAA Reg’t Fife and Drum unit and playing in the Twin Coaches Jr. Stage band. In addition to his school studies, Liam has become a cross-country runner and fledgling farmer. Watch for this young rising star!

Mon Valley Academy for the Arts announces the addition of a new Spanish language class, "Aventuras en Español," to its curriculum. The classes, facilitated by experienced educator and writer Christina Gabonay, will be hosted at the Peter J. Daley Cultural Center (MVAA South) located at 119 Brownsville Ave., Brownsville, PA 15417.

The Elementary Exploratory Spanish class, titled "Aventuras en Español," is designed to introduce young learners to the exciting world of the Spanish language. The classes aim to make language acquisition enjoyable through interactive and engaging activities.

Class Options:

Based on enrollment, two class options are available:

1. Single Class for Ages 5-12 (10 am on Saturdays):

If enrollment is 8 or fewer, a unified class open to ages 5-12 will be offered at 10 am on Saturdays.

2. Two Separate Classes for Ages 10-12 (9-9:50 am) and Ages 6-9 (10 am):

With sufficient enrollment, two separate 50-minute classes of the same title and content will be offered. The first class, for ages 10-12, will run from 9-9:50 am on Saturdays, followed by the second class for ages 6-9 at 10 am.

Enrollment Details:

Each class can accommodate up to 10 children, with a minimum requirement of 4 per class. For the 10 am classes, two students are already pre-enrolled.

Semester Schedule:

The semester is planned for an official duration of 6 weeks, with an additional week built in at the end to accommodate any potential makeup classes due to weather, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Open House Invitation:

As part of the expansion, Mon Valley Academy for the Arts invites the community to an Open House on February 3 at the Peter J. Daley Cultural Center. Christina Gabonay will be available to discuss the new Spanish class, answer questions, and provide insights into the curriculum. We extend a warm invitation to the community to explore the diverse offerings during the Open House.

MVAA President Annette Buffer expressed excitement about the new class, stating, "We are delighted to introduce 'Aventuras en Español' to our curriculum, offering an enriching language experience for young learners. We encourage families to join us on February 3 to learn more about this exciting addition to our programs. Additionally, we are exploring the possibility of expanding this program to our Charleroi location if interest is sufficient."

For enrollment inquiries or additional information, please contact the MVAA at 724-561-5616 or email info@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org. Further details about Mon Valley Academy for the Arts can be found on their website at www.monvalleyacademyforthearts.org.

Tri-County Beekeeping Group presents Apiculture: So, You Want to “Bee” a Beekeeper…

February 24 from 9 am – 4 pm

Open to all interested in learning more about beekeeping. No experience is required. This event is to be held at the Peter J. Daley Cultural Center in Brownsville. Lunch is on your own.

To register, call Heidi Kavanaugh at 724-833-6474. Space is limited!

$20 registration fee per person

Peter J. Daley Cultural Center

119 Brownsville Ave., Brownsville, PA

Damon Buxton, Acoustic Guitarist & Composer

March 2 at 7 pm

Tickets $10 * BYOB * Light Refreshments

Peter J. Daley Cultural Center

119 Brownsville Ave., Brownsville, PA

Scan the QR Code, visit https://forms.gle/GmnkM5eAHLrUwhVcA, or call/text 724-970-5841 to guarantee a seat.

Join Us on Thursday Evenings!
Time: 6:30-8 PM
Cost: $20/Person (Free for Kids)
Programming By: Rivers of Steel Arts, Rivers of Steel Creative Leadership Program
Let us share the ArtLOVE! Romance and Springtime are on our Paint Palette.
Join Us for a four-session Valentine’s Day Series, followed by a three-session WaterColor Series and Usher in Spring with some Fabulous FatFlowers.
Paint for your Valentine Jan. 18th and 25th
Mamma and Me Valentine Painting Feb 1st
Bring your Valentine and Paint a Split Canvas for your LOVE on Feb. 8

BYOB for over 21 with valid ID.

Peter J. Daley Cultural Center
119 Brownsville Ave. Brownsville, PA 15417
Reservations and Information: 724-561-5616

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