Out & About: Parks and rec comedy night is a tonic for 300 guests

Shirley McMarlin
Monday, March 9, 2020 12:01 a.m. | Monday, March 9, 2020 12:01 a.m.

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Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

From left: Matthew Forish of Youngstown with Kelly Rusnock and Annette and Tom Rusnock, all of Latrobe, members of Brian’s Brigade March for Parks Team.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Jay Tarara (left) of Greensburg and Malcolm Sias, Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation director

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

From left: Ron Stas, Theresa Stas, Melanie Stas and Sandra Stas, all of Unity at the Westmoreland County Parks comedy night, held Friday at the Youngwood Fire Hall.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Brandon Simpson (left), Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation assistant director, joins Citizens Advisory Board member Bob Myers, at the parks and rec comedy night, held March 6 at the Youngwood Fire Hall.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Eric Conrad (left) of Penn Township and Jocelyn Stas of Greensburg at the Westmoreland County Parks comedy night, held March 6 at the Youngwood Fire Hall.

They say laughter is the best medicine. The Mayo Clinic confirms it, noting on its website that laughter benefits internal organs by upping oxygen intake, lessens tension and stress, relieves pain and boosts the immune system.

That being the case, about 300 people left the Youngwood Fire Hall on March 6 in better shape than they went in, thanks to Comedy Night hosted by Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation.

The yuks came courtesy of featured comedians Tate Griffen and Sonya White.

The evening also included food and beverages, raffles, 50-50 drawings and auctions.

Proceeds of the event go to the annual March for Parks, said Lauren Jones, parks and rec communications coordinator. This year’s fundraiser is set for March 21 at Twin Lakes Park and Murrysville Sport Zone Arena.

Comedy night was organized by parks and rec staff, its Citizens Advisory Board and members of the Brian’s Brigade March for Parks team.

Organized by the family of the late Brian Rusnock, the brigade was behind the development of the Brian T. Rusnock Amphitheater at the Twin Lakes Park Expansion Area, which hosts an annual outdoor summer concert series.

Their large comedy night contingent included Thomas and Annette Rusnock, Kelly Rusnock and Matthew Forish, Daniel Vasinko, Theresa Stas, Bill and Elaine Stas, Jocelyn Stas and Eric Conrad, Ken Stas, Ron and Melanie Stas and Sandra Stas.

Also seen: Malcolm Sias, Brandon Simpson, Bob Myers, Jeremiah and Katie Ulishney, Jay and Kathy O’Toole and Mark and Cheryl Osikowicz.