Harry Funk stories, Page 3
Whitehall historian provides Underground Railroad perspective
In greeting members of a full-house audience, David Thomas set the scene for the evening’s topic, the Underground Railroad in Pennsylvania. “Think of your journey here tonight. It’s a little drizzly, a little dark out there,” Thomas, president of the Whitehall Borough Historical Society, said. “Now think of what it...
Jefferson Hills resident prepares for intense swim-bike-run competition
When she has the will, Ebtehal Badawi makes her way. As an artist with a strong desire to promote acceptance and understanding, the Jefferson Hills resident launched an initiative called Pittsburgh Builds Bridges, based around her painting of an arched span adorned with clenched hands of various colors and religious...
Dads, daughters enjoy Ties and Tiaras in Bethel Park
As Bethel Park’s assistant recreation director, Lindsey Sibert spends quite a bit of time planning and organizing community activities. Ties and Tiaras is among her favorites. “It’s one of those events where everybody has a good time,” she said. “These little girls are just so excited to be here, and...
Event benefits Mon River Arts’ inclusive Penguin Project
Plenty of people enjoy time in the limelight. The Penguin Project gives young entertainers an opportunity, no matter what their perceived limitations. A national initiative hosted locally by Mon River Arts, the Penguin Project pairs individuals ages 10 to 21 who have developmental disabilities with peer mentors. “We have participants...
Fans get ‘Shrek’ sneak peek at Thomas Jefferson
Anyone who’s seen theatrical productions involving the “Shrek” universe knows to expect quite the array of costumery, from the malevolent Lord Farquaad to the grumpy but lovable titular ogre. In advance of Thomas Jefferson High School’s March 13-16 production of “Shrek the Musical,” fans of the franchise had the opportunity...
Bethel Park student qualifies for Special Olympics USA Games
Forget Disney World — Molly Mathias is going to Minnesota. She was in for the surprise of her life when she and other members of Bethel Park’s unified indoor bocce team took a trip to Pittsburgh’s Southside Works on the morning of Jan. 28. That’s when the Bethel Park senior...
Bethel Park chili competition nets $6,000 for nonprofits
A fine way to fend off winter’s chill is a bowl of chili. Or, as was the case at Bethel Park’s inaugural Battle of the Bowls Chili Cook Off, sampling small paper cups’ worth of cooks’ creations. And while guests of the Feb. 1 event at the Bethel Park Community...
412 Gives Back Gala at Fox Chapel Golf Club raises $165,000 for Make-A-Wish
Given that the event sold out within five hours of tickets going on sale, meeting a fundraising goal of $100,000 pretty much was a foregone conclusion. By the time everything was accounted for, proceeds from the second annual 412 Gives Back Gala totaled $165,000. The money benefits Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania...
Hampton police officer memorialized with film produced by son
While going through Army basic training at the same location, Rob and Rodger Kirsopp created some cases of mistaken identity for their drill instructors. And the brothers usually were the ones who paid the price. “We both ended up having to do pushups together,” Rob recalled. “For no reason, other...
Monessen native hosts peace conference as Rotary International president
Smile. You’re promoting peace. “It is such a simple thing that we can all do,” Monessen native Stephanie Urchick said. “When you smile at somebody, you acknowledge they exist. You’re recognizing their humanity.” Plus you’re likely to receive one in return. As the 2024-25 president of Rotary International, leading 1.4...
Richland History Group hosts Soldiers and Sailors curator for Civil War retrospective
For the first two years of the American Civil War, supporters of the North seemed to hear almost solely about battle victories by the South. “You have to imagine how terrified people became when the Confederate army entered into Pennsylvania in June 1863,” historian Michael Kraus said. “So Pittsburgh is...
Bethel Park observes Wreaths Across America Day
Perhaps the most poignant moment of Bethel Park’s Wreaths Across America observance took place when Debbie Huffner and Rogert Kurtz started walking in tandem. Each had lost a son while on active duty serving his country: Patrick Kutschbach, who was 25 when he died in Afghanistan in 2007, and 10...
North Hills, Shaler Area students combine on conservation project
Teachers tend to notice when substantial numbers of students fail to report to school. On the morning of Sept. 21, 2021, Abbey Nilson started to worry about the empty desks in her sustainability class at Shaler Area High School. As it turned out, some 40 students had to be rescued...
Pine-Richland psychologist’s son in clinical trial for genetic disorder
On the road from the West Coast back to Western Pennsylvania, Pine-Richland School District psychologist Missy Ramirez received a text message from a friend. “Let me know when you’re coming. Pull off the exit. People want to meet you.” Missy replied to the effect of, huh? “OK, the cat’s out...
Millvale lights up the night
At the end of one month and the start of another came temperatures below the freezing point. But that didn’t stand in the way of success for a couple of Millvale Community Development Corp.-supported events. Nov. 30 was Small Business Saturday in the borough, and shoppers didn’t hesitate to check...
State legislators host Veterans Recognition Breakfast
The day after Dave McCormick was declared the official winner of his race for the U.S. Senate, he was having breakfast in Upper St. Clair. McCormick’s first official act as Senator-elect was to serve as the featured speaker for a Nov. 22 Veterans Recognition Breakfast hosted by two state legislators...
Young Harrison resident gives back as Mini Miss Military Star
By the time she reaches school age, community service will be nothing new to Eloise Lamm. The Harrison resident is the reigning Mini Miss Military Star Pennsylvania, crowned in the category for 2- to 4-year-olds. Eloise earned the title during an October pageant presented by the Miss Military Star Organization,...
Scott-based service provider Mainstay marks 25th anniversary
An organization that fills a vital need for a quarter of a century can be considered as a mainstay. Meeting those criteria is a Scott-based nonprofit that goes by the name, appropriately enough, Mainstay. Founded in 1999 for the benefit of people who have intellectual disabilities and/or autism, Mainstay Life...
Bethel Park district judge co-authors book on navigating success
In co-authoring a book called “Navigate Your Path to Success,” Bethel Park resident Ron Arnoni writes from experience. The longtime district judge served his home municipality and Upper St. Clair has a career in public office dating back to when he served on borough council and then as mayor of...
Documentary pays tribute to longtime Hampton police officer
This holiday season undoubtedly is a difficult one for the Kirsopp family of Hampton. For the first time, Robbie, Ray and Rachel are facing the challenge of trying to celebrate without their father, township police Sgt. Robert James Kirsopp, who died May 1 at age 52. But his children and...
’Tis the season for model train museum’s holiday display in Richland
The holiday tradition of model railroad displays helped get Ray Mueser hooked on the hobby. “My dad had two Lionels he put around the Christmas tree, and he had houses. One time they went out,” Mueser recalled about his parents, “and when they came home, I had all the houses...
Reserve considers 1-mill real estate tax increase
A potential 1-mill real estate tax increase in Reserve corresponds with the township’s negotiation this year of a new collective bargaining agreement. “The reason for that is they have to be competitive with other departments,” township manager Jan Kowalski explained. “If they are not earning a similar salary to other...
Ross proposes real estate tax increase for 1st time in 14 years
Real estate taxes in Ross could rise by 1 mill, according to the township’s 2025 draft budget as presented at the Nov. 6 board of commissioners committee meeting. “I believe that this budget sensibly appropriates the funds to which the township has available, while real estate reassessments, inflation and large...
Bethel Park resident leads effort to provide socks for people in need
With the approach of winter, plenty of feet will have added protection thanks to the Walk On with Walter Paul Foundation. After the unexpected passing of Walter Paul Miller II at age 44, his sister Mandi started an effort in his memory to collect socks for donation to those in...
Hampton Heroes: Vet brings message of ‘ordinary people doing extraordinary things’
While serving with the U.S. Army in the Middle East, Sgt. Maj. Colin Boley received orders to lead a raid on an enemy position. “They told me that we had a meeting place, simply two people, not a big deal,” he recalled. “So I decided to tell my young leaders,...
