Pittsburgh’s historically Black sororities and fraternities strive for public service, growth
When people think of fraternities and sororities, they often imagine frat house parties and car wash fundraisers. For Pittsburgh’s Divine Nine organizations, though, the bond runs deeper. The Divine Nine (D9) is a group of nine historically Black Greek-letter fraternities and sororities with thousands of chapters nationwide. Pittsburgh has representation...
Greensburg-based co-authors release new fantasy series for children
A story of friendship, resilience and adventure comes to life in co-authors Cameron Jackson and Amy Fussell’s new fantasy series. “The Enchantments of Walter Mirage” is a two-part literary debut for the pair, who run Twin Howl Press and self-publish their work. It follows the stories of two children —...
New college admission test gaining popularity
The SAT, accepted by almost all of the nearly 4,000 colleges and universities in the U.S., may have some growing competition. The Classic Learning Test (CLT) has proved quite the competitor against other admissions exams, including the SAT and ACT. Since its release in 2015, the CLT has reached more...
There’s just 1 Relay for Life left in the Alle-Kiski Valley, but cancer fundraising goes on
Jim Larko was an active participant in the Highlands Relay for Life for 17 years. The event, the Natrona Heights resident said, served as a remembrance for all the people he’s lost to cancer. “My wife and I first got involved with the Relay when a close friend of ours...
Traveling for the July 4th holiday? Here’s what to expect
Looking to travel for Independence Day weekend? So is the rest of the country. The AAA travel agency estimates a record 72.2 million Americans plan on traveling for the holiday, with 9.9 million travelers in the Mid-Atlantic region (including Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey) alone. Jim Garrity, AAA’s director...
Pittsburgh Regional Transit makes immediate route changes, including in the Alle-Kiski Valley
Bus routes in the Alle-Kiski Valley are among those that are affected by changes being made by Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT). The changes include 20 altered routes, like those of the P16 Penn Hills Flyer and the P78 Oakmont Flyer, and 39 other routes with bus stop changes, like the...
Pittsburgh Diocese to welcome 2 new priests
Deacons Alec Scheuer and Daniel Roberts didn’t imagine they’d end up dedicating their lives to the Catholic church. Though he was raised Catholic, Roberts, a 1997 graduate of North Hills Senior High School, said he started out as a “freelance actor” in Los Angeles and thought his path would lead...
Here’s where to find farmers markets in the region
Hampton Farmers Market When: Wednesdays, 3 p.m.-7 p.m., June 4- Oct. 8 (no July 2) Where: 3101 McCully Road, Allison Park Monroeville Lions Farmers Market When: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon, May 10- Nov. 22 Where: 501 Mall Circle Drive, Monroeville Ross Township Farmers Market When: Wednesdays, 3 p.m.-7 p.m., May-October Where:...
U.S. Open volunteers share what drove them to come to Oakmont this year
Karen Beeken assured a volunteer arriving early Wednesday at Oakmont Country Club that they would get their credentials. “I’ll take care of ya,” said Beeken, 72. Beeken of O’Hara is one of more than 4,000 volunteers working the 125th U.S. Open. They come from near and far, from all across...
Here’s where to eat if you’re visiting the U.S. Open
Looking for a nosh after a long day watching the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club? We’ve got you covered. From classic American handhelds to elevated Italian, here is your go-to list for some local eats. Zen Restaurant and Sushi Bar Distance from golf course: 3 minute drive...
Church community rallies behind Aspinwall music director in need of kidney
Before February of last year, Danny English was the type of man who liked to keep busy. Working as an office manager for State Farm while following his musical passions, teaching piano lessons and directing the music program for Aspinwall Presbyterian Church, English said his life was “busy, but I...
Westmoreland County community organization plans Arnold drug march
For years, the Arnold community has been facing issues involving drug-related deaths and acts of violence. Arnold resident Cheryl Banks hopes to provide a solution. Banks, 65, is spearheading a drug march led by Voices of Westmoreland, an organization dedicated to advocating for those living in Westmoreland County. The march,...
Penn Hills native named director of admissions at United States Military Academy West Point
Coming from humble beginnings in Penn Hills, Col. Rance A. Lee didn’t imagine life would lead him to where he is. “My parents didn’t have a lot of money for college so I had to look for other avenues to pay for school,” said Lee, who grew up as the...
New Kensington community remembers Officer Brian Shaw at 6th annual fundraising event
For the sixth year, Mogie’s Irish Pub in Lower Burrell will host a benefit concert honoring fallen New Kensington Officer Brian Shaw organized by the foundation that bears his name. Shaw was a member of the New Kensington department for five months when he was shot and killed during a...
Chatham students fear closure of Eden Hall campus dorm could affect access to classes this fall
Rachel Coyne is concerned about her upcoming semester at Chatham University’s Eden Hall campus in Richland. The school announced it is closing the sole dormitory on the branch campus, and students instead will be housed at the university’s main campus in Pittsburgh. Coyne, like other students who planned to live...
Tarentum boutique, 4 His Glory, strives to boost women’s confidence
After working as an aide for people with autism for more than 40 years, New Kensington resident Judy Leonard’s post-retirement plans were to travel and relax. God, she said, had another plans. “When I retired, I was trying to see what I was going to do with my life,” Leonard...
