Joyce Hanz stories, Page 36

There’s now more room to roam for patrons visiting the Casino Theatre in Vandergrift. New patio furniture, including sponsored, personalized black and gray benches, were installed this spring on the terrace outside the theater, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. An $11,800 grant from the Westmoreland...

Fox Chapel and O’Hara officials are seeking public input as they develop concepts and long-range plans for both municipalities. A survey has been created as part of planforourfuture.com, a website with a goal of addressing key issues to create a long-range comprehensive plan for both municipalities for the next 10...

Jean Magness woke up in her North Apollo home Thursday and pondered turning 100 years old by conducting a weather check. “I was hoping it would be a nice day on my birthday,” Magness said. “This day is good. I’m very glad to be here. It looks pretty good. “I...

Shady Side Academy Senior School conducted commencement excercises on June 3 in the Michael J. Farrell Stadium in Fox Chapel. Shady Side Academy’s Class of 2022 graduated 127 seniors. The commencement ceremony was live streamed on YouTube, here. Here are members of the Shady Side Academy Senior School Class of...

A domestic and sexual abuse survivor is volunteering her decorating talents to help other victims find comfort after fleeing from their abusers. Jennifer Zimmerman, 52, of Wexford said she escaped from years of mental and physical domestic abuse. Today, she is focusing her style skills to transform seven rooms at...

Frank L. Morton III is being remembered by fellow firefighters, friends and community members for his unwavering dedication and service to the citizens of Vandergrift. Morton, of East Vandergrift, served nine years with Vandergrift Volunteer Fire Department No. 2. Morton died Tuesday at Allegheny Valley Hospital in Harrison from a...

After losing about $10,000 in revenue because of the pandemic, organizers of the Vandergrift Fireman’s Carnival are hopeful to recoup much-needed funds with this year’s event. The carnival kicks off Tuesday and runs through Saturday night in Kennedy Park. Sponsored by the Vandergrift Volunteer Fire Department, the event is the...

Kim Hardin is tired of having orange-colored water at her residence on Forest Drive in Bell Township. “The sooner I can get city water, the happier I’ll be,” Hardin said. “My commodes and tubs in the bathrooms were so orange when we bought this house eight years ago — it...

An Emmy-winning sports producer will address the 2022 graduating class during Shady Side Academy Senior School’s commencement exercises on June 3 in the Michael J. Farrell Stadium. Bentley Weiner, who graduated from SSA in 1992, is vice-president of HBO Sports Documentaries at Warner Bros. Discovery. Recent films include “Tiger,” a...

A group of women-owned businesses have united to create The Merchants of Aspinwall, a new, collaborative approach aiming to attract business in the historic borough. The new organization will host its inaugural “Sip, Chat & Shop” event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on June 15. Participating female-owned stores in...

William “Billy” Peoples is being remembered by family and friends around Oakmont as a tirelessly dedicated public servant. Peoples served with the Oakmont Volunteer Fire Department for 54 years, 12 of those as chief. “I always remembered him being a firefighter. He didn’t want to miss a call,” said great-niece...

Members of the Layton family of North Apollo continue to pour their energy into two businesses celebrating suds, food and socializing. Conny Creek Brewing Company, with locations in Allegheny Township and Saxonburg, is a family-friendly brewpub serving craft beers brewed in-house by brewmaster Lee Layton. Layton is a co-owner with...

A new coffee-themed social is brewing in the Kiski Area School District. Kiski Area Superintendent Misty Slavic will host her inaugural “Coffee Chat With the Superintendent” on Friday, June 10. The free gathering kicks off at 9 a.m. All residents of the district are invited to attend. Participants should register...

Vandergrift officials are continuing efforts to fight blight in the borough, but the walls aren’t tumbling down quickly enough for some residents. This year, Vandergrift Council identified five abandoned and/or unsafe properties on Longfellow Street and Washington and Franklin avenues. The borough recently completed the demolition of an abandoned former...

The largest fundraiser benefitting the Kiski Area School District is back. The 14th annual Jeff McAfoose Golf Classic returns July 30 after a two-year absence because of the pandemic. The event kicks off at noon with a lunch at Willowbrook Country Club in Allegheny Township. Tickets are $125 per golfer,...

A specialty food store in Aspinwall is expanding with a new casually-themed cafe. Feast on Brilliant, owned by Patti Danforth, is re-branding itself into a “feast gourmet market and eatery,” Danforth said. “The new cafe side is a warm and inviting family space, which we hope appeals to all ages....

Vandergrift fire officials and volunteers are on a mission to spread fire-safety awareness throughout the borough. Vandergrift Volunteer Fire Department Nos. 1 and 2 launched the “Sound The Alarm” campaign, sponsored by the American Red Cross, to provide free installation on June 4 of up to three smoke detectors in...

A Fox Chapel Area High School senior is channeling her love of art as a therapeutic tool. Emily Hook, 17, is autistic, but her diagnosis came years after struggling with mental health issues that first surfaced in the third-grade. “I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember,”...

A multi-stop morning of patriotic tributes is scheduled in Vandergrift and Allegheny Township on Memorial Day. The Vandergrift Joint Veterans, including the American Legion Post 114, Vandergrift VFW 566 and the Vandergrift Veterans Honor Guard, will host a half-day morning program Monday to honor American veterans who fought and died...

Artfest organizers in Vandergrift are planning a bigger-than-ever festival this summer on the heels last year’s success. More than 1,000 folks visited a closed-off Grant Avenue last August, during the daylong festival celebrating all things arts. The annual Artfest is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 31. Chairperson...

Students from Julie Erb’s kindergarten class at Martin Elementary School in New Kensington are looking forward to a special party Friday to honor their teacher. Erb is one of two Alle-Kiski Valley educators who received statewide recognition this week for excellence in academics. The Education Partnership named Erb its Elementary...

A new STEM-focused, 3-D fundraising project is under way at Shady Side Academy Senior School in Fox Chapel. The Build the Bulldog project is a crowd-sourced, collaborative, global effort where community members and makers work together to design and make a 3-D printed statue of the Shady Side Academy Bulldog....

Following the death of Kelly Steele on Saturday, family members are remembering the Apollo resident as a kind-hearted person and devoted mother and grandmother. “She was loved by many. So many,” said Ean Steele, 23, her son and oldest child. “All she did was love back. I loved her so...