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Joyce Hanz stories, Page 50

Joyce Hanz
Joyce Hanz
Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff, dies at 88
Vandergrift's historic Casino Theatre to reopen Saturday 
Vandergrift’s historic Casino Theatre soon will welcome theatergoers again. The 121-year-old theater, which describes itself as Southwestern Pennsylvania’s oldest operating theater, was shuttered last year because of the pandemic. The Trib previously reported that the venue lost more than $70,000 in booking and show revenue since the pandemic-related shutdown. “We...
Upscale eatery 1844 Restaurant reopening in Gilpin
The upscale 1844 Restaurant in Gilpin is set to reopen after remaining closed for more than a year because of the coronavirus pandemic. The family-owned and operated restaurant is scheduled to welcome diners again on July 9. The pandemic forced owner Bob Gorelli, 78, to close in March 2020. He...
Appraising the situation, Michelle Bradley went to great lengths to deal with pandemic
Real estate appraiser Michelle Czekalski Bradley went above and beyond during the pandemic in her quest to follow covid-related safety protocols. Bradley, 54, created her own custom covid prevention outfit to wear while appraising properties. “I scoured the internet every night for gloves, booties, rain ponchos and anything that would...
Overcoming challenges, Alle-Kiski Valley businesses continue to recover
Alle-Kiski Valley businesses are beginning to emerge from the incredible challenges caused by last year’s covid-19 pandemic. Many small-business owners said they’ve experienced a significant loss of income, stress and hardship during the shutdown and subsequent covid restrictions placed on their businesses. A 2020 U.S. Census Bureau Small Business Survey...
Kid vendors will be in the spotlight next month in Vandergrift
A new children’s vendor show is coming to Vandergrift. The inaugural Kids Vendor Show, sponsored by The Center on Franklin Avenue, is scheduled for July 10 at the Center, 262 Franklin Ave. The event will showcase vendors and activities for, by and in support of children. Center founder and owner...
Vandergrift puppeteer spreads cheer, uses craft to help traumatized kids
David English of Vandergrift has a passion for puppetry. His love of the art began when he was 3. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in theater and puppetry from West Virginia University. English said watching “The Muppets” as a youngster in his hometown of Oakmont made a lasting impression....
Apollo-Ridge students combine art, conservation message in street murals 
Colorful murals touting an environmental message are taking over Apollo. The Storm Drain Mural Project is underway and 15 acrylic murals were installed this week throughout the borough by art students from Apollo-Ridge High School. The public art display began nine months ago, created by Apollo-Ridge art student Kate Myers...
Signature Dishes: Pulled pork nachos at Allusion Brewing in Vandergrift 
This is part of an ongoing series highlighting Signature Dishes at locally-owned restaurants in the region. See Trib Total Media’s new online directory of restaurants, Dine Local, at dinelocal.triblive.com. A pint-sized entrepreneur is cooking up a key ingredient used in a signature dish at Allusion Brewing Co. in Vandergrift. Emilee...
Kidspalooza returns to Parks Township this weekend
A Parks Township fire company is giving back with a free children’s festival. The 4th Annual Kidspalooza returns Saturday after being canceled last year because of the covid-19 pandemic. The daylong festival is sponsored by the Parks Township Fire Department. Lead organizer and volunteer firefighter Jaden McCluskey said Kidspalooza was...
Senior lofts in former elementary school coming to East Vandergrift
A new loft-style residential complex for senior citizens is coming to East Vandergrift. Morning Sun Senior Lofts is billed as an affordable 42-unit housing development for people 62 and older. The $13 million revitalization project involves developing the former East Vandergrift Elementary School on McKinley Avenue. The building, currently abandoned...
Twisted Thistle in Leechburg temporarily closes amid staffing, cost issues
An upscale eatery in Leechburg has closed for the summer months. Twisted Thistle on Market Street announced the news on social media Saturday. Co-managing partners Linda Alworth and Joe Hesketh said the decision to close to the dining public was necessitated by staffing issues and increased food prices and poor...
Vandergift installs surveillance cameras at Kennedy Park
Sections of Kennedy Park in Vandergrift are now under 24/7 video surveillance. Vandergrift officials approved the purchase and installation of the cameras during a council meeting in April. In an effort to deter and stop ongoing vandalism and littering, borough officials recently installed six video cameras on the stage building...
East Vandergrift hires exterminator to combat rat problem
Unwelcome guests showed up at a Memorial Day family gathering near Susanne DeFalco’s home in East Vandergrift. “My kids were there for a cookout, and they were sitting here watching rats go up and down the steps,” said DeFalco, 76. DeFalco is one of five residents who voiced their concerns...
Vandergrift Fireman’s Carnival returns through Saturday night
The Vandergrift Fireman’s Carnival is back. Sponsored by Vandergrift Volunteer Fire Department No. 1, the event continues from 6 to 10 p.m. nightly through Saturday, weather permitting, in Kennedy Park. The annual fundraiser began in 1991 but was canceled last year because of the covid-19 pandemic. “It’s great to see...
Vandergrift suspends cop whose encounter with Black restaurant patron went viral
Vandergrift has suspended a police officer who had been the target of an internal investigation concerning his conduct while on duty. Officer William Moore’s unpaid suspension took effect Tuesday and will last four weeks, into early July. The decision was made Monday after council emerged from behind closed doors following...
Washington Township centenarian credits 'good Italian genes,' active lifestyle for longevity 
Frank Pugliano Sr. of Washington Township doesn’t let the grass grow under his feet. The new centenarian remains almost entirely self-sufficient, including handling his weekly lawn-mowing duties on his own. “I have to trim too,” Pugliano said. Pugliano, a World War II veteran, celebrated his 100th birthday with a large,...
Police investigating Stowe shooting that happened near all-star football game
A 17-year-old boy was shot Sunday evening in a Stowe neighborhood near Sto-Rox Junior-Senior High School where an all-star football game was being played. The shooting happened near the intersection of Russellwood Avenue and Dale Street about a block away from the football stadium. Allegheny County police are assisting Stowe...
Leechburg celebrates 'Fem' Biagioni's 100th with a bash 
The Leechburg community gathered Sunday to celebrate a huge milestone for one of its own. Almost 200 guests filled the ballroom at the Marconi Club in Leechburg to celebrate the 100th birthday of Leechburg native Ufemio “Fem” Biagioni. A proud Navy veteran and former Leechburg business owner, Biagioni celebrated several...
Benefit concert rocks Roosevelt Park in Arnold 
Roosevelt Park in Arnold was rockin’ for revenue Sunday. The ninth annual Rockin’ Roosevelt Benefit Concert returned under sultry skies as hundreds of attendees enjoyed food, fellowship and live music performed by 11 bands. Organizer Lou Downard said the event typically raises $2,000-$3,000 and all proceeds are used to maintain...
Introducing the Kiski Area High School Class of 2021
Here is the Kiski Area High School Class of 2021: Austin David Abell-Swarmer, Neo Vincent Alberti, Caitlyn Rose Alexander, Nathan C. Alexander, Rowan Andrew Alexander, Cody Nathaniel Arenth, Anthony Aronson, Madison Mae Artman, Autumn Ann Ashbaugh, Cameron Robert Augustine, Jonathan Michael Lee Ayres, Marissa Lee Baker, Tyler Andrew Bala, Sarah...
No action taken on Vandergrift police officer's employment following lengthy closed-door meeting
The fate of a Vandergrift police officer who has been the target of an internal investigation for his conduct while on duty during an April incident remains unresolved. Officer William Moore, a 20-year veteran of the department, has been on paid leave since shortly after the April 17 incident. During...
Signature Dishes: Pepperoni rolls at CoCo Coffeehouse in Leechburg 
This is part of an ongoing series highlighting Signature Dishes at locally owned restaurants in the region. See Trib Total Media’s new online directory of restaurants, Dine Local, at dinelocal.triblive.com A Leechburg business owner is on a roll with an Italian-inspired signature dish. Nikki Saxion, proprietor of CoCo Coffeehouse on...
Parks Township property housing Uncle Charley's Sausage HQ on the market
The owner of a Parks Township building that serves as the headquarters for Uncle Charley’s Sausage has listed the property for sale, pricing it at nearly $1.8 million. The 16,568-square-foot building is owned by Pittsburgh-based McKnight Acquisition Co. The company said in a statement Uncle Charley’s has a long-term lease...
Kiski Area Upper Elementary murals focus on diversity, kindness 
Murals created by students at Kiski Area Upper Elementary, hung outside the cafeteria Tuesday, are the culmination of the school’s monthlong focus in February on kindness and diversity. “We want to make all students and families feel welcome in our building. Every person is unique, and every person is different,”...
Bear sighting sparks excitement in Gilpin
A black bear helped itself to an early Memorial Day picnic Friday at the Henry household in Gilpin, Armstrong County. The bear made its way onto the back deck, dumped over a garbage can near dusk and then settled in for a snack session. Homeowner Paula Henry said it was...


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