Wilkinsburg residence 1st in state to earn EnerPHit certification from Passive House Institute
A small home in Wilkinsburg has earned a big architectural distinction. Recently renovated for energy efficiency, the century-old building has earned a Passive House EnerPHit certification from the Passive House Institute — the highest certification available for energy efficiency in existing buildings. It’s the first house in Pennsylvania to achieve...
Fox Chapel Area School District residents dig out after major snowstorm
Some residents in the Fox Chapel Area School District bundled up and ventured out during the blizzard conditions Jan. 25 as Winter Storm Fern pummeled the Pittsburgh region with snowfall. The Wiley family of Fox Chapel decided to make a Steelers-themed snowman, and pint-sized Bennett Wiley, 3, helped. “My favorite...
Cronuts and cruffins among Mexican-themed delights at newly opened Gordo’s Cafe & Cantina in O’Hara
Don’t settle for an average doughnut when you could grab a gourmet cronut. That’s the message from Brian Gorder to patrons at his new eatery in O’Hara, Gordo’s Cafe & Cantina. He’s showcasing made-from-scratch desserts, pastries, pizza, salads, meat sandwiches and specialty meals in the building that housed a Max...
Fox Chapel Area sophomore advocates for improved pedestrian safety in O’Hara, Fox Chapel
Fox Chapel Area High School sophomore Siddarth Srinivasan of O’Hara used to walk to school on most days. His walking route was altered last year when he moved to a new home off Field Club Road in O’Hara from his old residence in the Falconhurst plan. He said he doesn’t...
‘Read the room’: Western Pennsylvanians weigh in on cellphone etiquette
Pastor James Arter of First Evangelical Lutheran Church and Cross Roads Community Presbyterian Church in Leechburg vividly recalls the moment he experienced a cellphone etiquette faux pas during a funeral viewing. Arter witnessed a female snapping selfies with her phone over an open casket that contained the deceased. “I had...
‘Age in place’ living boasts home elevators, river views in OakmontVideo
The elevator entrance inside the garage of a newly built brownstone is the first clue that the residence at Overlook Brownstones has designed modern living solutions for aging-in-place along the Allegheny River in Oakmont. The state-of-the-art elevator travels from the garage to all four floors of the brick brownstone at...
Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church launches 12th annual Fill the Truck to help local food pantries
The 12th annual Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church Fill the Truck event is underway and accepting nonperishable food donations. Deacons Katie Walker and co-moderator Kim Power are hopeful that donations will pile up because food banks are in need. “We work as a team, and this year, more than ever, food...
New educational era unfolds as Rockwell Middle School opens at Shady Side Academy in Fox Chapel
There’s new excitement on a historic campus in Fox Chapel. Shady Side Academy Rockwell Middle School has officially opened on the Senior School campus along Fox Chapel Road. The $26 million project brings grades 6-12 together on the same campus. The private boarding and day school has been educating students...
‘Pierogi Paradise’ awaits at old-school Starlite Lounge in Blawnox
An authentic taste of a yinzer staple awaits at Starlite Lounge in Blawnox, dubbed “Pittsburgh’s Pierogi Paradise” by owner Ronny “Moondog” Esser. Pinching pierogi dough has evolved into a way of life for Esser and the staff members who make his family’s Slovak-inspired pierogi. Starlite is casual, no fuss and...
Steelers-themed playoff desserts served up in Oakmont, Lower Burrell
Here we go … with plenty of black and gold icing showing up on cakes and sweets, as Steelers-themed dessert options debut at a pair of bakeries in the Alle-Kiski Valley. As the Steelers have been preparing for their Monday night wild-card playoff matchup against the Houston Texans, so to...
Paczki are back at Western Pennsylvania bakeries
Paczki season kicked off Jan. 6 at Oakmont Bakery where customers were at-the-ready to get their hands on the fried polish pastry known for sweet fruit or cream fillings inside a crispy dough. Similar to a doughnut, but richer, bigger and filled with a hearty helping of fruit or cream,...
From Paris to Western Pennsylvania: Escargot gains popularity at local restaurants
Escargot is popping up on menus at more eateries around the Pittsburgh region. While not quite as prevalent as the Pittsburgh salad, wings or pierogis, escargot provides a funky, French food option for those willing to nosh on something more exotic. Technically classified as a mollusk seafood, escargot (pronounced es-car-go...
1850 Victorian home boasts original turret in historic Saltsburg
The next homeowner of an authentic Saltsburg Victorian residence built in 1850 will have something most homes don’t — an original turret. A three-story brick home requiring some TLC is a new listing by Howard Hanna Mt. Lebanon Realtor Santino Merante for $175,000. “This home needs some love, but the...
Irwin family welcomes first New Year’s baby born at Allegheny Health Network
Rachel Solis was due to deliver a baby Jan. 5. She had experienced a few labor pains of late and had the family car packed and ready to go, just in case. Her family visited relatives for a New Year’s Eve dinner, but Rachel never finished her meal. Halfway through...
Longtime volunteer retires from board of Sharpsburg Neighborhood Organization
A lifelong Sharpsburg resident, antique aficionado and volunteer board member for the Sharpsburg Neighborhood Organization recently was recognized for eight years of service. Charles “Chas” Smith Jr. retired from SNO in December. He was recognized with the distinguished Board Service Award for outstanding volunteerism by board chair Lauren Bucaro. Smith,...
Sharpsburg Neighborhood Organization continues mission of creating a ‘community of opportunity’
Jodi Klebick is relishing her role as executive director of the Sharpsburg Neighborhood Organization, a nonprofit working to improve the quality of life for Sharpsburg residents. Klebick, who was hired in 2024, resides in Highland Park, but most days she can be found at SNO’s headquarters at 511 S. Main...
Allegheny River’s only floating Airbnb of its kind is in Blawnox
Full-time Pittsburgh River Rescue diver Greg Tersine spends much of his time in and around water, so building a floating house on the Allegheny River felt natural for the water-loving Blawnox resident. “I grew up on the rivers,” said Tersine, a homeowner in Blawnox and Squirrel Hill. “I was looking...
Former Mary’s Vine wine lounge hits the market for $5.3 million in Rankin
A former family-owned and -operated upscale wine lounge and restaurant is for sale in Rankin. Mary’s Vine closed in October. A Facebook post last week announced that the business, housed in a former Catholic church, is on the market for $5.3 million. Listing agent Jim Jarrett of Berkshire Hathaway Home...
Fourth-generation Aspinwall resident wears numerous job ‘hats’ in the borough
Ryan Santelli can walk to his job and that’s just one of the things he loves about living in Aspinwall. As a fourth-generation Aspinwall resident, Santelli is employed as the borough’s building and zoning officer, building inspector and emergency management coordinator. “It’s the shortest work commute I’ve ever had,” Santelli...
‘Sunnymede’ estate boasts European-style architectural roots, for sale in Sewickley Heights
An Old World estate with authentic European details and an impressive architectural pedigree is on the market in Sewickley Heights. Sunnymede is a French-inspired luxury estate designed by the late, renowned architect William Boyd Jr., boasting historic formal gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the man behind the design of...
Con Alma seeks donations to keep the doors open and the jazz playing
Please don’t stop the music. That’s the plea from owners of a popular live jazz restaurant venue with the launch last week of a GoFundMe campaign. They have a fundraising goal of $150,000 to pay off mounting business-related bills. Con Alma is the only jazz bar and restaurant in Downtown...
Police department social worker dedicated to helping residents in need in Sharpsburg
Mary Bauer isn’t a police officer, but you’ll find her office inside the Sharpsburg Police Department. The McCandless resident is a full-time police social worker at the ready to assist Sharpsburg police officers with any social-related needs for police interactions. “I grew up in a family of helpers and my...
Amid rising questions about pet vaccines, veterinarians say risks remain rare
Jennifer Sybol keeps a cherished urn with her beloved dog Jasmine’s ashes on display in the dog room of her Penn Hills home. Sybol said Jasmine developed health complications after receiving too many vaccines when she was 5. Her white blood cell count “went way up” and began working against...
Retired contractor completes years-long build of high-tech home in O’Hara
Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither was a state-of-the-art custom home on the market in O’Hara. Retired homeowner, civil engineer and general contractor Lou Marsico originally kicked off construction on the more than 5,000-square-foot, five-bedroom residence in 2022. At that time, the house was intended for Marsico’s adult...
Splurge Boutique delivers warm welcome, unique finds in O’Hara
The welcome is always warm for shoppers visiting Splurge in Fox Chapel Plaza. Owner Kym Pelcher of Fox Chapel greets every customer with the same upbeat energy. “I always try to be real positive and I have a sign that says ‘No Drama Please’ and we greet every customer. I...
