The GreeneScene Podcast

Dust off those zombie costumes and get ready to dance, Greene County! Halloween is creeping up, and in this episode of the GreeneScene Podcast, host Shelly Brown catches up with a familiar face and local favorite: Dolly Throckmorton, instructor at the Waynesburg Arts Academy (and former owner of In Motion Dance & Fitness).
Dolly is bringing back one of the most iconic, spooktacular local traditions in recent memory: a community recreation of Michael Jackson’s legendary Thriller dance! Originally inspired by the global "Thrill the World" movement, Dolly is opening the floor to local dancers of all backgrounds, ages 18 and up, to learn the choreography throughout October and put on a unforgettable performance at the historic Denny House Halloween Party.
Event Details:
> Thriller Rehearsals: Every Tuesday evening in October at the Waynesburg Arts Academy. ($20 total for the full month of sessions!)> Performance & Party: Thursday, October 29th at the Denny House.
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Follow the GreeneScene Community Magazine on social media for more:> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreeneSceneCommunityMagazine> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenescenecommunitymagazine
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Executive Producer: Pam MarisaProducers: Vicky Hughes & Sandy WilsonHosts: Shelly Brown, Dolly Throckmorton, & TR MahleAudio Editor/Manager: Jacob Ahlbrand
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For more information on the GreeneScene Community Magazine, visit https://greenescenemagazine.com.

When our neighbors come together, incredible things happen right here in Greene County! In this episode of the GreeneScene Podcast, host Shelly Brown sits down with three passionate community leaders: Ann Hrabik (Executive Director of United Way of Washington & Greene Counties), Jessica Tennant (Director of Marketing & Fundraising), and Ellen Rossi (President of the EQT Foundation and United Way Ambassador).
With the recent merger uniting Washington and Greene Counties, the local United Way is bringing more "boots on the ground" than ever before. From funding 26 vital local programs to answering life-changing calls through their 211 helpline, the team shares how every dollar raised stays right here to uplift our families, youth, veterans, and seniors.
In this episode, we’re sharing:
> Community Impact & The 211 Helpline: Jessica shares a moving story of how a quick call to the 211 helpline restored heat for a local family during a severe winter storm, showing how a single connection can change a life.> Mark Your Calendars for the Campaign Kickoff: All the details for their upcoming event on at RGB Coffee in Waynesburg! Come grab a cup of coffee, chat with the team, and learn how you can get involved.> Hands-On Community Programs: Discover exciting initiatives like the "Build a Bike" event in December, "Holiday Helping Hands" for local seniors, and "Days of Caring" that match volunteers with hands-on projects across the county.> New Local Resources: Hear about the brand-new Volunteer Hub space and the upcoming monthly "Think Tank" meeting happening at The Way Community Center.
Events & Contact Details:
> Campaign Kickoff: Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM | RGB Coffee, Community Room, Waynesburg> Think Tank Meeting: Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 9:30 AM | The Way Community Center> Need Assistance? Call 211 to connect with local resources for food security, housing, utilities, and more.
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Follow the GreeneScene Community Magazine on social media for more:> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreeneSceneCommunityMagazine> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenescenecommunitymagazine
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Executive Producer: Pam MarisaProducers: Vicky Hughes & Sandy WilsonHosts: Shelly Brown, Dolly Throckmorton, & TR MahleAudio Editor/Manager: Jacob Ahlbrand
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For more information on the GreeneScene Community Magazine, visit https://greenescenemagazine.com.

Thank you to First Student for sponsoring this episode! Visit https://firststudentinc.com/ for more information and details.
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School is back in session, Greene County! In this episode of the GreeneScene Podcast, host Shelly Brown steps into the classroom to explore the changing landscape of modern education with three passionate leaders from the Jefferson-Morgan School District: Superintendent Brandon Robinson, Principal and Assistant Superintendent Wes Loring, and 4th-grade math teacher (and 2026 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year) Maddie Loring!
Together, they are proving that small-town schools can lead the way in big-time innovation. From Brandon’s fresh, collaborative leadership style (and impressive sneaker collection!) to Wes and Maddie’s deep local roots, you’ll hear how JM is transforming into a true hub for the entire community.
In this episode, we’re learning about:
> A Teacher of the Year in Our Backyard: Maddie Loring shares her journey from graduating as a Rocket in 2011 to becoming a statewide ambassador for education right back in her hometown.
> Building Good Neighbors: How JM's leadership course gets students out into the county for service hours by having them volunteering at fishing derbies, craft shows, and baseball clinics to develop the "whole child."
> Empowering Creativity: Brandon and Wes discuss the power of trusting teachers, embracing the Gifted Program for outside-the-box thinkers, and leaning into modern tech like AI rather than running from it.
> Connecting with Kids: The importance of real human engagement, pausing to ask students what they truly need, and a unique 45-minute daily block that lets kids build interpersonal skills and explore their interests.
To follow the Rockets, visit https://jmsd.org/
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Follow the GreeneScene Community Magazine on social media for more:> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreeneSceneCommunityMagazine> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenescenecommunitymagazine
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Executive Producer: Pam MarisaProducers: Vicky Hughes & Sandy WilsonHosts: Shelly Brown, Dolly Throckmorton, & TR MahleAudio Editor/Manager: Jacob Ahlbrand
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For more information on the GreeneScene Community Magazine, visit https://greenescenemagazine.com.

Thank you to Hayden Excavating for sponsoring this episode! Visit https://haydenexcavating.us/ for more information and details.
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In this episode of the GreeneScene Podcast, host Shelly Brown sits down with two incredible community leaders: Pam Marisa, owner of Direct Results, and Dawn Mankey, Director of Programming at The Way Community Center.
Together, Pam and Dawn take us behind the scenes of Touch-A-Truck, a completely free annual event hosted by the First Baptist Church that has been bringing joy to local families for 14 years. What started with just 10 vehicles and 99 children has grown into a massive celebration drawing over 2,000 neighbors every autumn, all to give kids a hands-on look at the big rigs, fire trucks, and heavy machinery that build and protect our community!
In this episode, we’re sharing:
> How It All Began: The inspiring story of how a pastor’s vision to create a free event for local kids turned into a staple community gathering.
> Incredible Impact: Dawn shares the moving story of a young boy whose childhood visit to Touch-A-Truck inspired him to grow up and become an electrician for West Penn Power!
> Fan Favorites & Massive Cranes: From racecars brought by Hartman & Hartman to giant cranes hoisting candy-filled piñatas high in the sky (plus why the classic fire truck and school bus still reign supreme).
Mark Your Calendars!
> When: September 26th from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
> Where: First Baptist Church & The Way Community Center (Waynesburg, PA)
> Cost: 100% Free for the entire community!
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Follow the GreeneScene Community Magazine on social media for more:> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreeneSceneCommunityMagazine> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenescenecommunitymagazine
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Executive Producer: Pam MarisaProducers: Vicky Hughes & Sandy WilsonHosts: Shelly Brown, Dolly Throckmorton, & TR MahleAudio Editor/Manager: Jacob Ahlbrand
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For more information on the GreeneScene Community Magazine, visit https://greenescenemagazine.com.

Thank you to Wayne Lumber & Supply for sponsoring this episode! Visit https://waynelumbersupply.com/ for more information and details.
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There is nothing quite like the feeling of stepping out into the garden and harvesting food you grew with your own two hands. In this episode of the GreeneScene Podcast, hosts Shelly Brown and TR Mahle sit down with two neighbors who are passionate about helping our county bloom: Cheryl Brendel, County Coordinator for the Greene County Master Gardeners, and long-time Master Gardener John Areford.
Whether you are trying to wrangle local deer away from your garden, curious about new pollinators visiting your squash patches, or dealing with a mysterious blight on your tomato plants (which is actually what first brought John to the program), Cheryl and John are here to show us that help is always just a phone call away. Best of all, the Penn State Extension Master Gardener helpline and community resources are completely free for all Greene County residents!
In this episode, we’re digging into:
> Rooted in Community: Learning science-based gardening knowledge and sharing it right back with neighbors across the county.
> Wild Neighbors & Garden Pests: How the shift in natural habitats have affected our local deer and wildlife populations, plus practical, real-world tips (like proper fencing) to protect your harvest.
> Insects, Bees, and Blight: A fascinating look at new native pollinators, like a newly discovered bee species attracted specifically to squash, and how to spot invasive plants and insects making their way into Pennsylvania.
> Growing Your Own Food: Why home gardening and programs like "Seed to Supper" are more important now than ever for local families.
To reach out to the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Greene County, visit extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/greene
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Follow the GreeneScene Community Magazine on social media for more:> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreeneSceneCommunityMagazine> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenescenecommunitymagazine
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Executive Producer: Pam MarisaProducers: Vicky Hughes & Sandy WilsonHosts: Shelly Brown, Dolly Throckmorton, & TR MahleAudio Editor/Manager: Jacob Ahlbrand
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For more information on the GreeneScene Community Magazine, visit https://greenescenemagazine.com.

Thank you to the Waynesburg Milling Company for sponsoring this episode! Visit https://www.waynesburgmillingcompany.com/ for more information.
Thank you to the Greene County Fair for sponsoring this episode! Visit https://greenecountyfair.org/ for information and updates on the event.
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August is just around the corner, and that means the Greene County Fairgrounds are about to come alive! In this episode of the GreeneScene Podcast, host Shelly Brown sits down with a wonderful mix of generations from our local 4-H community: dedicated leaders Tracy Cole and Robin Archer, alongside two inspiring local youth members, Lillian Cheek and Zach Butler.
In this episode, we talk about:
> Life in the Barn: Lillian shares the daily dedication it takes to raise and personally shear her lambs, while Zach walks us through the 16-month commitment of raising market steers (including working through a broken thumb right before a show!).> More Than Just Farming: Robin and Tracy discuss how Greene County’s unique county-wide clubs help youth thrive, exploring non-livestock projects like robotics, photography, sewing, and the leadership-building County Council.> The Business of Ag: How the 4-H "buyer's walk" teaches kids real-world salesmanship, public speaking, and financial smarts, plus how Lillian and Zach are investing their auction profits into savings and trading accounts for their futures.> The Hardest Part: A candid look at the emotional resilience it takes for these kids to say goodbye to their animals on auction night, and how that teaches them responsibility like nothing else can.
We wrap things up with a live rendition of the 4-H pledge and a message from Zach and Lillian to any local kids thinking about joining the club.
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Follow the GreeneScene Community Magazine on social media for more:> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreeneSceneCommunityMagazine> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenescenecommunitymagazine
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Executive Producer: Pam MarisaProducers: Vicky Hughes & Sandy WilsonHosts: Shelly Brown, Dolly Throckmorton, & TR MahleAudio Editor/Manager: Jacob Ahlbrand
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For more information on the GreeneScene Community Magazine, visit https://greenescenemagazine.com.