A photo shows a scrumptious pie baked by Father Michael Wolfe at the Snow Shoe & Clarence Parish. PHOTO PROVIDED

SNOW SHOE — Since Father Michael Wolfe came to the Snow Shoe & Clarence Parish, he has found a unique way to unite the community through a memory of his own youth — pie making with his grandmother.

For the past eight years, Father Mike has brought his famous apple pie making to the parish, marrying his love of cooking and Italian upbringing with giving back. People of all ages take part in the event, cranking out more than 1,400 apple pies over a three-week period. The volunteers start as early as 6:30 a.m. and work all day.

The Social Hall in Snow Shoe was built in 1955 and has a long history. Soon celebrating 60 years of service, the hall has seen it all, from weddings with hundreds of guests to roller skating throughout the weekend, Bingo, funerals and the long-time running annual Lions Club Monte Carlo event. The money raised from the pie sale is used to pay the Social Hall’s fuel and electricity bills.

This was truly a team effort. Their strongest trooper, Mary Wozniak, at 93 years young, is a driving force whose hard work always gives the rest of the volunteers a break throughout the long day. However, not to worry, Ruth Martin, another leader, kept everyone in check and the process moving along.

Those who could not be there to help bake donated goods to make the pies — sugar, flour, butter, you name it.

The bushels of apples were retrieved by Ellen Boyer and her family from Boyer’s Orchard in New Paris, Pa. The Boyers have gotten accustomed to Father Mike’s increased orders and were impressed with themselves that they were able to have his order of 86 bushels of apples ready upon arrival at the orchard.

The pie makers have been welcomed to sell their pies at Titan Market, and other parishes have taken as many pies as the bakers can supply.

Recently, another group has joined the effort, a new spot called “The Market” joins Mountain Top Swimming Pool as a location where people could purchase the pies.

This space, located next to the Family Dollar in Snow Shoe, provides a place for Father Mike, local nonprofits and other vendors to sell their goods with support from landlords Sam McCartney and Tom Watson.

So, next year in late October and November, if you smell apple pie, you’ll know why!

Think that’s all? Just wait! During the Lenten season, many of the same folks will be back in action, rolling out delicious pierogies.