‘Milroy Mike’ rocks Armagh Township
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MILROY -- A reptile slithered its way to Milroy and now calls the town its home. Fear not, for he is a new, colorful friend made up entirely of stones.
"Milroy Mike," as he is fondly named, began a new wave of community and social involvement since his creation, painting a smile on Armagh Township residents' faces.
In June 2022, a Facebook page called "We <3 Armagh Township!" was created by Kaye-Raye Stuter in efforts to promote community awareness and support, and of course, share the love for the town where all the members reside. That is where she met Beth and Darren Weaver, the masterminds behind "Milroy Mike."
But Milroy isn't the only place you can find a stony serpent. "Around the same time Reedsville began theirs (Pearl, the Peace Snake), we were kicking around the idea of trying to find a location in Armagh Township that would be good," said Stuter.
And so it goes. "Beth made a head for 'Mike' and it began from there. We promoted it on the Facebook page to get people to add to it, and he was struggling a bit, so that's when we decided to have the rock painting party," she added.
This idea was brought to light by Chef K of SolidGold Concessions. The painting party, which was slated for Saturday, was held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Armagh Township Community Building.
"Around 20 kids and their families showed up to the rock painting party and seemed to really enjoy it," Stuter beamed.
"He doubled in size on Saturday," she continued. "'Mike' starts at the edge of the pavilion and we are hoping he at least goes all the way around. You know, maybe he can go around again," she joked.
But the artistry doesn't have to stop in youth. Milroy Community Senior Center is nearby and the seniors are in the process of painting rocks to add to "Mike."
Stuter encourages everyone to join in on the fun. "Anybody -- they don't even have to be in the community -- they can add rocks."
"We left a bucket of rocks there for anyone that wants to paint them and add whatever they want."
Stuter is excited to get more positive community involvement and social engagement with activities that help the revitalization of Armagh Township that brings forth measurable change for the town and its residents. And that begins with this beautiful, hands-on art installation that the community can partake in for years to come.
For more information or to pay a visit to "Mike," visit the Facebook page "We <3 Armagh Township!" or stop by the Armagh Township Community Building pavilion.