Harry Funk stories, Page 21
Hampton High School Marching Band scores best-ever showing
“A Night to Dismember” was, if you’ll pardon the expression, a night to remember. The Hampton High School Marching Band’s horror-themed show received a score 90.375 out of 100, good for fourth place among 17 sets of performers, at the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Marching Band Association Championships. “That was exciting. We...
‘Books and Brews’: Plum library program addresses one of America’s best-loved beverages
That ice-cold beer you’re sipping had its share of searing temperatures on its way to your taste buds. “Boiling, perhaps surprisingly to some folks, is extremely important in the brewing process,” Hunter Bedford told an inquisitive group gathered at Plum Borough Community Library. The professional brewer, happily plying his trade...
‘I could create a rapport’: Stories help Bethel Park musician connect with audiences
A song with a name like “Drinkin’ Wine, Spo-Dee-O-Dee” has to have a story behind it. And Bethel Park resident Mark Shuttleworth tells it whenever he performs the 73-year-old precursor to what became rock ’n’ roll. Spo-dee-o-dee, you see, was the nickname for a concoction made of port and lemon...
Students help with tree planting at Miners Memorial Park in Bethel Park
The first-graders gathered at Miners Memorial Park had learned their lessons well. “Why do we plant trees?” Brian Tarbert, president of the Bethel Park Shade Tree Commission, asked the youngsters, who proceeded to give detailed answers based on their studies about the environmentally beneficial attributes of the tall, woody perennials....
Bethel Park Music Boosters’ hoagie sales mark 50 years
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Bethel Park Music Boosters’ hoagie sales, the organization is taking a cue from Willie Wonka. “When you purchase your delicious hoagie, look inside the wrapper for the special surprise of a golden ticket,” Aaron Booz announced. “In each sale, we slip in 50...
Reality check: Hampton eighth-graders learn how to become savvy spenders, savers
When it came to deciding how to keep herself sufficiently entertained, Sonia Troiana had to choose between splurging and sticking to her budget. “They were really trying to sell it to me,” the Hampton Middle School student said. “They were like, ‘Well, you’re going to be really lonely and have...
Community contributes to ‘Remembering Rennerdale’ book
At the height of the covid-19 pandemic, recently widowed Kathleen Zimbicki found a way to maintain her sanity, as she’ll admit, by painting watercolors of neighbors’ homes in the Rennerdale section of Collier. Through social media, she shared her portraits with other artists, seeking their feedback. “One of the greatest...
Bethel Park vibist pays tribute to brother with new album
When contemplating a musical instrument to pursue, many a young man’s thoughts turn to percussion, particularly the primal attraction of beating on a drum kit. That was Lou Lucarelli’s selection back in the day. But eventually, he decided to study a second, not nearly as well-known percussive instrument. “I played...
School spirit flourishes at Plum Homecoming event
Plum residents know how to fill a high school parking lot. Nearly 1,000 members of the community arrived on Oct. 6 to show their support for the Mustangs football team and several other school groups. The occasion was a Homecoming extravaganza featuring food trucks, performances and a massive bonfire to...
Heidelberg VFD brings back Fall Fest
Heidelberg Volunteer Fire Department hosted its first Fall Fest in 2021, around the time that residents of the borough and surrounding communities were starting to participate in activities following the prolonged limitations caused by covid-19. “We were really excited to finally bring everyone together,” Noah Wanielista, fire department vice president,...
Bethel Park Boy Scout troop celebrates centennial
Boy Scouts of America Troop 215 still is going strong after 100 years, with Bethel Presbyterian Church serving as its charter organization since 1922. On Sept. 24, the church served as the site of a centennial celebration attended by many of the current 41 members and 30 or so adult...
Sculpture exhibition graces Bridgeville Public Library
Through the end of October, Bridgeville Public Library is serving as home to an intriguing collection of artwork. On the patio outside, patrons will find pieces with titles such as “Achromatic Modules On Polished Aluminum Platform” and the ironic, given its location, “Interior Reflections I.” And positioned atop bookcases are...
‘A community event’: Monroeville, Pitcairn residents enjoy Gateway’s Homecoming festivities
Combine favorable weather with success on the football field, and Gateway High School’s Homecoming weekend was a winner. A pep rally at Antimarino Stadium the day before the Gators’ 21-10 victory over Penn-Trafford set the pace, as did the immediately following Community Homecoming Carnival, hosted by the Student Government Association....
Wednesday is Kindness Day at University Park Elementary School in Monroeville
If cinematic bully Scut Farkus had attended University Park Elementary School, he may not have been so inclined to pick on Ralphie and his classmates in “A Christmas Story.” The midpoint of each week is Kindness Wednesday at the Gateway School District building, serving as a reminder for students —...
No change in Plum fireworks rules in wake of new state law
The lighting of what Pennsylvania law deems as consumer fireworks will continue to be permitted in Plum. During their Oct. 3 work session, members of borough council agreed to maintain existing local regulations in the wake of a new state law that became effective in September. “The changes aren’t so...
Parade takes new route to Bethel Park Community Day
The route may have changed for 2022, but the parade preceding the annual Bethel Park Community Day drew the same spirit of enthusiasm as ever. Instead of proceeding from the municipal building to Highland Avenue and Bethel Church Road, the parade took a more direct approach to Bethel Park High...
Heroes to Heroes: Event in Mt. Washington honors human services professionals, clients
Among the people in myriad professions who have worked toward mitigating the devastating effects of the covid-19 are “unsung heroes that, in our opinion, went unnoticed.” “These are the men and women of human service agencies who selflessly and tirelessly, under the limitations of pandemic conditions, somehow found a way...
Monroeville’s Divine Mercy Academy hits stride
In 2018, families with children attending the pair of Catholic elementary schools in Monroeville, St. Bernadette and North American Martyrs, learned of their impending merger. Principal Nikole Laubham thinks the combination of the two, Divine Mercy Academy, is hitting its stride with the start of another school year. “With any...
Retired Steeler visits Hampton restaurant to receive donation
What appears to be a routine football play has the potential to change a life drastically. Ask Ryan Shazier. On a Monday night in 2017, the Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker collapsed after making a tackle, having suffered an injury that necessitated spinal stabilization surgery and had doctors wondering if he ever...
South Arts Pittsburgh members’ work shines at Bethel Park show
If it qualifies as an art medium, Sue Denner probably has tackled it. Whether she produces graphics or paints using acrylics, oils or watercolors, the past president of South Arts Pittsburgh continues to cultivate her creativity. “I’ve been sketching since I was in grade school, really, and have taken a...
Steelers players deliver air purifiers to Carnegie Boys & Girls Club
A visit from some real, live Pittsburgh Steelers certainly provided a sense of excitement. So did the prospect of eating hot slices of delicious pizza. But for youngsters who frequent the Carnegie Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania, the most enduring aspect of an afternoon of special activities was...
‘Dedicated to service’: Bridgeville event honors first responders, memorializes 9/11 lives lost
From the shock, uncertainty, sadness and dread surrounding the events of Sept. 11, 2001, rose certain signs of positivity. Lt. Col. Ronald Gaudelli recalls the overwhelming benevolence. “In the days that followed, people from across the country donated their time, resources and efforts to organize and assist those in need,”...
Collier resident works toward digital equity
For anyone with a tendency to take internet connectivity for granted, consider what happened in certain circumstances when covid-19 forced education into a virtual environment. “During the pandemic, you were hearing stories about how kids couldn’t do their homework and how that had to go to McDonald’s to get online,”...
Bethel Park family hosts Strides for CJD in honor of father
Perhaps the most widely recognized wedding tradition is the bride’s father accompanying her to the altar. When Shannon Golden married Dominick Zandona in the spring, she had to come up with a different idea. “After she walked down the aisle, the deejay played my dad’s voicemail that he had left...
Double bubbles: Plum artist’s work featured on cans from pair of breweries
Move over, Andy Warhol. You’re familiar with his Campbell’s Soup Cans, the paintings that rocked the art world when he unveiled them — wow! — 60 years ago. Today, quite a few artists are rocking a different type of can, one that may be even more popular than soup: Beer....
