Leslie Savisky stories, Page 4

The story of how Reclamation Community Center in Monroeville came to fruition has many layers, according to founder and executive director Tom Mitlo. He, wife Jan and their three children used to attend Monroeville Baptist Church services in the space the center now occupies. Tom was the building and grounds...

The 19th annual National Friends of Libraries Week, is third week in October, promoting people support libraries across the country. “We are the boosters for the library,” Friends of the Monroeville Public Library member Amy Baer said. “Just like boosters are needed for schools and athletic groups, we help promote...

For Gateway counselors, graduating from high school is not the end. In fact, it’s just the beginning. The expectation is that all students research the path they’d like to take after graduation. whether it be joining the workforce or military, pursuing a skilled trade, or enrolling in a traditional college,...

In honor of World Peace Day, Monroeville Rotary held its fifth annual International Day of Peace Program on Sept. 21, along with its first 5K Run Walk, at Monroeville Community Park West. Established in 1981 by the United Nations, International Day of Peace is observed worldwide to promote harmony, pacifism...

The Monroeville Historical Society held its annual Heritage Day Sept. 28 at McGinley House and McCully Log House. “Our goal is to preserve Monroeville’s history and to educate the community,” Society President Bruce Walker said. The society conducted tours of the McGinley House — the oldest existing stone house in...

Monroeville’s Gateway School District will have a clay target team beginning next spring. School board members voted unanimously this weekto allow creation of the team, which will not use any district funds. Solicitor Bruce Dice told directors he checked with the district’s insurer and the league activities will be covered....

Gateway School Board’s building and grounds committee members are working to prioritize renovation projects across the district. Director of Facilities and Grounds John Walsh was asked at the Sept. 23 school board meeting how the projects are being prioritized. “Anything that effects the kids on a daily basis or is...

Artist Ian Whetstone recalls the first drawing he made, as well as his family’s positive reaction. “My mom still has a crayon drawing of a horse that I made while we stayed in a cabin when I was about five,” Whetstone said. “I’ve been doing artwork in some form or...

When producer Mary Chase took over the Gateway’s musical during the 2022-23 school year, she knew she wanted to start up an old tradition – the high school’s Alumni Showcase. “The last one was held in 2018, and I think they used to have them more frequently in the past,”...

Located in the heart of Monroeville, the Old Stone Church was built in 1894, replacing the original Crossroads Presbyterian Church founded in 1834. The new nondenominational church was created in order to adapt to a growing congregation. According to Joe Ventresca, Monroeville Historical Society vice president, stones from Crossroads Church...

When not creating with paint or clay, artist Sarah Hunter of Greensburg enjoys nurturing her “wild” habitat in the suburban backyard. She wants to support nature, while encouraging her neighbors to do the same. “We really need to support our native plants and pollinators,” said Hunter, who is a member...

A little bit of color can go a long way, especially when it creates appealing and creative spaces for students to learn and grow. PPG Industries, in coordination with PNC Bank, participated in a community outreach event at Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s Sunrise School last month. More than 50 employee volunteers...

Aug. 22 marked the beginning of a new school year for the students at Divine Mercy Academy, and students and teachers had a variety of answers to the question “What are you looking forward to this school year?” The school teaches students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Art and STREAM...

The sixth annual Monroeville Public Library Fun Fest was held Aug. 24 with community and vendor booths, food, games and music. Activities included balloon artists, hair tinsel station, bounce house and inflatable obstacle course, basket raffle, a magician and ceramic animal painting. Country Flair Farm was on site with a...

Gateway School Board tabled a request this week to form a student clay target shooting club. Parent Christine Sterner spoke to the school board this week and was accompanied by her husband, their two sons and one of their friends who are interested in starting a club at the Monroeville...

Gateway School Board may raise the salary for school nurses in an attempt to hire more staff for the Monroeville district. During the board meeting Monday, directors learned there are five nursing vacancies in the district. “Part of our hope is that after we looked at the data regarding compensation...

Friends recall a favorite saying of the late Scott Williams of Monroeville. “There’s a right way, there’s a wrong way, and then there’s the Gateway.” A paraplegic since the age of 18, Williams, 59, died July 26, 2024, at UPMC Montefiore Hospital in Oakland after a prolonged battle with cancer....

Sunrise School in Monroeville, part of the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, had a “Picnic Month” theme during recent lessons. The school’s pupils, ages five to 21, are primarily special education students from the eastern part of Allegheny County. Class curriculum is geared toward learning support, life skills, multi-disabilities and autism, as...

After her mother passed away in 2016 from colorectal cancer, Dr. Abi Fapohunda wanted to use her education and background to focus on early detection. “I knew I had to give back, to do something,” said Fapohunda, an assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. Fapohunda...

Murrysville native Sam Wasilak’s fascination with photography and architecture will come to life on the walls of the Monroeville Public Library beginning this week. Now a Monroeville resident, Wasilak’s exhibit “Untitled Architecture,” sponsored by the Friends of the Monroeville Public Library, will kick off with a reception from 6 to...

Imagine as a child having your own creature – with names such as Red-Ranger, Cone-Jumper or Joker – come to life. After reading the interactive story “Go Away Big Green Monster” last year, Tracy Ricciardi’s preschool class at Gateway High School drew pictures and created their own monsters using templates....

Pittsburgh Riverhounds midfielders Kenardo Forbes and Robbie Mertz will be talking soccer and signing autographs from 4 to 6 p.m. July 17 at SpectroDolce Confectionary inside Monroeville Mall. The club’s mascot AMO will be present, and patrons will enjoy sweet treats and activities. SpectroDolce will be revealing a new milkshake...

Sabers Cheer Camp was held June 24 to 27 at Divine Mercy Academy’s gymnasium, 245 Azalea Drive in Monroeville. All It was open to students going into kindergarten through eighth grade from any local school. According to PTG Fundraising Chairperson Tina Cuda, camp consisted of 37 cheerleaders this year from...

Friends of the Monroeville Public Library are inviting patrons to own a piece of library history during this month’s art exhibit, which includes a showing and sale of artwork that was donated and previously displayed at the library. The sale will run from through July 29 at the Elaine Biondi...

Gateway Musical and Monroeville Recreation Parks partnered for the second year in a row for Gateway’s Summer Theater Camp. All students entering third through eighth grades at Gateway and surrounding districts were welcome to participate. Approximately 25 campers auditioned on June 22; workshops on acting, vocal lessons, choreography and staging...