Scarves in the Park returns to Monongahela

BY MATT PETRAS
For the MVI
Corrina Withrow, Monongahela councilperson Sarah O’Brien and their family Saturday morning continued the annual tradition of hanging scarves on trees in Chess Park to signal free, donated winter clothes for anyone who needs them.
“People need help. Life is hard,” Withrow said. “And we have this incredible community who comes out every year with brand new donations.”
Withrow took the reins of this tradition years ago from originator Kim Velmer. Anyone who would like to donate articles of clothing can leave them in the gazebo for people to take throughout the winter. This year, because of the city’s postponement of Merry and Bright Night to Dec. 1, the clothes will be removed then for one day and then returned.
At 9 a.m., Withrow’s grandchildren and O’Brien’s young daughter hung scarves on a few of the park’s trees. The tall teenage boys, Alex Bowen and Hunter Bowen, handled the highest branches while 4-year-old Maria O’Brien and 12-year-old Madline Bowen tackled those lower to the ground.

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