Sharon, PA
I have always been a people person and accept that I am at
my best when meeting new people and having new experiences that align with my
passions. I’m a 7 on the Enneagram.
https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-7/
Through the encouragement of a friend “MLP” I visited Sharon,
PA for an Art Event and opportunity to connect with MLP’s place of birth.
On this trip to Mercer
County, PA I encountered several similarities to my hometown located in Mercer County, NJ including, a close proximity
to other major cities like, Cleveland, OH., Columbus, OH., and Pittsburgh,
PA., located near a large body of water, a diverse population and
a growing if not thriving "Arts Community."
My solo trip included began with an ~5 hour drive which I haven’t done
in decades. The drive through scenic PA
included a few stops for fuel etc.
My Host
Sam Perry, Veteren, Artist and Ambassador
I spent a few nights with Sam Perry, Army Veteran, Community
Ambassador and Artist. Meeting Sam in
person was soul warming. After greeting
each other with a brotherly hug, he warmly said, “I thought you were taller.” A comment I’ve heard throughout my life and
this solidified our connection!
The weekend was a busy one, traveling throughout the region
meeting people, seeing landmarks etc. I
spent most of the time between Farrell, Sharon and Hermitage, similar to
traveling between Trenton, Ewing, Lawrence, Hamilton and Bordentown, NJ.
I was introduced to friends of MLP and Sam Perry, all of
which who were very warm, cordial and excited to hear I was in town for a visit
and to experience WaterFire Sharon.
One person I didn’t get a chance to meet was Karen
Winner. Scheduling didn’t permit the
connection, however I’ve heard so much about her from various people and look
forward to chatting with her in person.
Random Acts of Artist was another connection made on this visit. I met Key Leaders Linda Brink and Terry Polonsky at the unveiling of an interactive public exhibit in Bicentennial Park, that will eventually be a part of a larger public art space.
I have to mention Quaker Steak & Lube, a restaurant, bar and meeting place that was founded in Sharon, PA. I had the pleasure to visit the original location in Downtown Sharon, have a few pints and of course some wings.
Earlier on my trip I was introduced to George “Jigs” Warren and chatted over adult beverages in his newest establishment “The Keg.” Jigs and wife Paula are clearly at home in the restaurant business as evident by his loyal fans and supporters. Big Up to his lovely Daughter Margo as well!
It is with sadness that I think about my brief but warm meeting with Gary “Mo” Meszaros who “moved on” from this plain shortly after my visit. He and Jigs were the original partners for the now 50 + deep casual dining franchise built on the concept of a “cook-your-own-steak” establishment. Today chicken wings and the variety of sauces and seasonings used to flavor them lead the way.
I also want “shout out” to Carmela Perry, the Mother of Sam
and Mary Linda. This 90+ year old is
sharp and warmed me to tears during our time together chatting about life in
New York City, raising children, Sam and Mary Linda growing up and of course
Sharon, PA. She especially touched me
when she thanked me for taking care of her Daughter while she lives in New
Jersey.
In closing my time in the Sharon, Hermitage, Farrell and
Transfer areas of western Pennsylvania was very enjoyable and a place I am
looking forward to returning to.
Odin Smith of The Emerald Tablet
Gallery 29 owned by Donna Bostardi and Tony Kropp
Random Acts of Artists Linda R. Brink
Random Acts of Artists Terry Polonsky
Dennis of DJ’s Greenhouse located in Transfer PA
Sara McCauley of Redeemed and Beader’s Utopia
https://soundcloud.com/trenton365/sara-of-beaders-utopia
