Harry Funk stories, Page 25
Solicitation hours extended in Hampton
Solicitors have an extra two hours each day to visit Hampton residences and businesses that do not opt out of such activities. Hampton Council on April 27 approved an amendment to the township’s peddling and solicitation ordinance, establishing permissible hours between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. The change came about...
‘They were so excited’: Gateway students host prom for classmates
The group of Gateway High School students who stepped outside on a chilly but sunny Wednesday afternoon had the surprise of their lives. In front of the school’s main entrance were two bus-sized limousines, ready to transport them for an excursion around the greater Gateway campus. “The limo ride was...
Plum Chamber of Commerce presents Touch A Truck on May 14
In 2019, plenty of youngsters — grownups, too — had the opportunity for close encounters of the vehicular kind during the Touch A Truck, the Plum Chamber of Commerce’s largest event to date. Chances for a repeat were delayed two years, but plans call for a convoy to gather again...
Enjoy nature at Allegheny Land Trust’s Barking Slopes Conservation Area in Plum
Technology and a walk in the woods tend not to mix. “We usually promote putting your phone away while hiking,” Lindsay Dill said, ready to produce hers as she traversed a tree-canopied trail. “But sometimes it can help.” Her stroll led her through the lower reaches of the Barking Slopes...
Plum painter puts particularly creative perspective into familiar themes
In a time-honored spousal activity, Bob and Nicole Freyer were relaxing in front of the television, watching a show called “Pumpkin Wars.” “It’s not that hard,” Bob said about the participants’ creative endeavors. “They’re just connecting lines.” To which Nicole replied, “I’ve never seen you do anything artistic.” Actually, Bob...
‘She Was First!’: Illustrator’s new coloring book features 45 groundbreaking women
Coloring books are for kids. True, but older folks can enjoy them, too, especially when they’re the creations of illustrator Diana Zourelias. For example, the latest book by the Aspinwall native and Cecil Township resident provides an educational component that can be of value and interest to readers and crayon...
Public Art Bridgeville launches activities with outdoor sculpture exhibition
Get ready for some particularly interesting sights around Bridgeville. As of May 1, an outdoor sculpture exhibition will be in place at various locations as the first endeavor of a new organization that looks to cultivate creativity in the borough. Public Art Bridgeville is spearheaded by nearly half-century professional sculptor...
‘I want to leave a legacy’: Scott musician joined by plenty of friends on latest release
The name that Scott musician Dave Molter chose for his latest album drew questions of concern from at least one of his friends. “It’s a title,” he told her. “Don’t worry about it.” Actually, the idea for what to call the nine-song release came from Molter’s co-producer, Al Snyder, who...
Brentwood painter provides ‘Unbroken’ support for Ukraine
Finishing a piece of her artwork less than 24 hours after she started is something out of the ordinary for Linda Barnicott. “Normally, I’m the type of person who sketches it out, then I do a pen-and-ink. Then I’ll maybe do a watercolor wash, and then I’ll paint it with...
‘I made that’: Hampton blacksmith helps cultivate customers’ creativity
With the most popular month for weddings approaching, future wives are taking great care in selecting their ideal rings. Their future husbands, not so much. “It’s not that special to them,” Hampton resident and entrepreneur Craig Cowan said. “But their bride always says, ‘Hey, you’ve got to walk down the...
Stewards at Steward: Gateway students help provide environmentally friendly alternatives for Earth Day
In 1970, the nation’s first Earth Day ushered in an era of American conscientiousness on behalf of the environment. Well, maybe that finally will start happening in earnest a few generations down the road, thanks to people like Kassandra Poliziani. The kindergarten teacher at Gateway’s Dr. Cleveland Steward Jr. Elementary...
At 103, Bethel Park tole artist continues to work with fellow painters
After leading art lessons for more than half a century, Jean Benson still tends to downplay her role. “I don’t really teach,” the Bethel Park resident said. “Everybody comes in and paints their own things. I just help ’em out.” Whatever she wants to call it, she’s back in action...
South Fayette couple’s nonprofit brightens lives of children with special needs
The mission of the nonprofit Always B Smiling, as would be expected, is to put perpetual grins on people’s faces. More specifically, founders Dean and Kristin Huibregtse of South Fayette seek to brighten the lives of children with special needs and, by extension, their caregivers and family members. “Dean and...
Oakmont artist plans painting party in Riverside Park
By April 20, any remnants of Punxsutawney Phil’s wintertime prognostications should be long gone. “It’s supposed to be spring,” artist Sara Kirsch said. “So let’s hope the world hears us say that.” She spoke as the temperature dropped and rain clouds gathered yet again a few weeks prior to a...
Glenshaw Century Club schedules fashion show in Hampton, craft fair in Shaler
A pertinent number for the Glenshaw Century Club is 76, the years that have passed since its founding as a Shaler-based philanthropic group. An impressive sum is $750,000, the total amount the club has awarded in scholarships since the 1940s. Perhaps the most intriguing figure is 100, as in “century.”...
Hampton High School spring musical returns with ‘Into the Woods’
They say that everyone deserves a second chance. Perhaps that applies to plays, too. In 2008, Daniel Franklin directed the Stephen Sondheim-composed “Into the Woods” as the Hampton High School spring musical. Fourteen years later, he has selected a rare repeat of productions. “Maybe it’s the fondness as we look...
Hampton’s Allison Park Post Office No. 1 in customer satisfaction
On your next visit to Hampton’s Allison Park Post Office, cue up the “Cheers” theme. “I’ve likened it to working at the local tavern,” Chuck Levine said. “I’ll have the same people come in and get to know them by name. They know you by name. So it’s comfortable working...
Judge names outstanding citizens for Bethel Park, Upper St. Clair
Moving to Bethel Park must have awakened John Oakes’ sense of community spirit. “Once we got here and he started volunteering, I thought, who are you? He was just involved in everything,” his wife, Amanda, said. “He has a heart of gold, and he just really loves to help everybody....
‘We appreciate you guys’: Custodial staffers honor Bethel Park students
Some of the more conscientious students at Bethel Park’s William Penn Elementary School received some words of gratitude. “Thank you for the hard work you do,” they were told recently by George Reganick. “You might not think much of it, but I do.” Mr. George, as the youngsters know him,...
Let’s throw: Creativity abounds at Katie’s Clay Studio in Hampton
Amid her steamy scenes with Patrick Swayze, the character played by Demi Moore in “Ghost” makes working on a potter’s wheel look easy. So does Katie Petrovich. The owner of Katie’s Clay Studio in Hampton starts spinning a wheel, and within minutes she has crafted a high-caliber creation. “I’ve been...
Imagination Art Series: Painter puts pandemic productivity on display at Monroeville Public Library
In a decades-long series of business ventures, the one scheduled for a 2020 launch looked to be the most fun of all. Monroeville native Sheldon Klasfeld was going to open a bar. “Then on March 15, everything shut down,” he said. “So that never happened.” Neither did many of the...
Hampton High School’s Talbot Thon fights pediatric cancer
Whether they were playing volleyball or dodgeball, participating in Zumba or purchasing food-truck cuisine, the folks who gathered at Hampton High School on March 25 seemed to have something in common. They were smiling. After spending a significant portion of their lives to this point contending with covid-related restrictions, Hampton...
Hampton’s hub of history: Depreciation Lands Museum prepares for Opening Day
What now is Hampton, believe it or not, once was in Connecticut. That changed by decree of England’s King Charles II back in late the 1600s, and the geographic curiosity represents one of the fascinating facets of history you’re bound to learn at the Depreciation Lands Museum. Rather than memorizing...
Aquinas Academy students raise $3,500 on behalf of Ukrainian orphans
Thanks to a couple of groups of empathetic youngsters, more than $3,500 is going to a relief fund for Ukrainian orphans. Students at Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh in Hampton raised the money through two efforts, with third- and fifth-graders bringing in some $1,000 through a bake sale. The remainder came...
Shamrock Shuffle welcomes spring to Mt. Lebanon despite wintry weather
For a day of emerging from hibernation, it was a cold one. The first day of spring marked the second annual running of the Shamrock Shuffle to benefit Ave Maria Academy. And Leslie Krueger, principal at the school’s Mt. Lebanon campus, drew the comparison of the event to the practices...
