IN Canon-Mac Summer 2016 | Page 11

SOMETHING IN CIVIL AIR PATROL FOR ALL AGES AT CADET TRAINING SCHOOL On a cold spring weekend in April, Civil Air Patrol cadets from all corners of western Pennsylvania converged upon the hills of Ford City to participate in the Basic Cadet Orientation Program (BCOP) and gain an in-depth look into the Cadet Program. For most of them, this was their first opportunity to be exposed to the life of a cadet. They were schooled on the cadet oath, core values, how to care for their uniforms and how to wear them properly. Teamwork is a huge part of the weekend. Cadets learned the basics of how to be a part of a flight and the importance of relying on each other to build a strong squadron. The weekend ended with a graduation ceremony featuring awards given to those cadets who excelled or reached milestones in their cadet career. BCOP also provided the perfect opportunity for cadets to form a strong base on which they will build their cadet careers. It prepared them for their next step, which is attending the weeklong Summer Cadet Training School at Fort Indiantown Gap. C/CMSgt Zachary Keyes of Canonsburg had the opportunity to serve on the BCOP staff. He is also the Cadet Commander of the Washington Composite Squadron located in Washington, PA. It was a great opportunity for him as he prepares to staff the Summer Cadet Training School. Staffing along with Keyes was 2ndLt Bernice Polasky who served as the Logistics Officer. Polasky is the Finance Officer for the Washington Composite Squadron. What makes this pair unique is that they are a grandmother and grandson team and have been members of Civil Air Patrol for three years. They are a true example of how there is something for everyone in Civil Air Patrol. The squadron, commanded by Maj. Nancy Parker, meets every Wednesday at the Washington Flyers’ Club from 7-9 p.m. CAP was founded just before the start of American involvement in World War II. Squadron 601 is just one of 1,500-plus squadrons around the country involved in cadet programs, emergency services, and aerospace education within their communities. and, most importantly, serve as role models for young women personally and professionally. CALLING ALL YOUNG SINGERS IN THE SOUTH HILLS AREA! The South Hills Children’s Choir (SHCC) is holding auditions for the 2016-2017 season on Aug. 19 and 20 and Aug. 26 and 27. These are held at View Crest Presbyterian Church in Eighty Four. No experience or special preparation necessary. Go to the choir website, shcchoir.org, fill out the audition form, and sign up for a time slot. If you have further questions contact Jennie Nolan at 724.949.0048 or [email protected]. The SHCC is dedicated to providing even the busiest of young singers with an outlet for their creativity. Not only do they acquire skills that will help them throughout the rest of their lives, but they also make deep and lasting relationships with fellow singers. And rehearsals are only once a week! This fun, enriching group is dedicated to providing quality choral training for both new and experienced musicians while performing in and around our area, including Carnegie Hall, NYC, in June! The choir’s mission, as a nonprofit community children’s choir, is to provide quality music education and artistic excellence in choral performance while enriching the lives of youth from all backgrounds. It believes the experience will form the foundation of a lifelong relationship with music for the singers and their families. COLLECTIONS FOR OUR COMMUNITY The Washington Physician Group, part of the Washington Health System, held a donation contest between physician offices for the Greater Washington County Food Bank. This contest included monetary donations and food donations as well as items to help the GWCFB fill its new thrift store. The thrift Continued on next page > Canon-Mac | Summer 2016 | icmags.com 9