Tawnya Panizzi stories, Page 110
Coronavirus pandemic causes shift in environmental, sustainability efforts
With its economic and health impacts unmistakable, the coronavirus pandemic is revealing environmental tradeoffs as it lingers on. From a spike in hand-sanitizing wipes to paper towels to personal protective equipment (PPE), sustainability has been moved to the back burner. “In the middle of a global health pandemic, you want...
Shaler’s Fawcett Field, Eagle Canyon Trail to get upgrades next year
Nearly $700,000 in upgrades are scheduled for Fawcett Field and Eagle Canyon Trail in Shaler, but work will be pushed to 2021 while commissioners try to secure money to cover the work. The project targets stream restoration, restrooms and trail widening. Commissioners in April approved a $500,000 grant application to...
Fox Chapel Area School District outdoor facilities reopening Friday
Most of the Fox Chapel Area School District’s outdoor facilities will open Friday for recreational use. District officials announced the reopening with the caveat that visitors follow CDC guidelines that include wearing a mask at all times. Visitors are typically a common site at each of the properties, whether for...
Eden Hall trout to be harvested, delivered to 412 Food Rescue in Millvale
Fish that were raised at Chatham University’s Eden Hall will be harvested today and Saturday to feed people across the Lower Valley. The coronavirus pandemic canceled usual operations at the Aquaculture Center in Richland Township, where fish are raised to feed students and fulfill other projects at the campus along...
Central Catholic High School celebrates class of 2020
It was a busy weekend for Central Catholic High School faculty and staff, many of whom visited 64 different ZIP codes to surprise the Class of 2020 with personalized gifts and send the seniors off in celebration. Brother Tony Baginski, Central Catholic principal, led the team to 218 homes where...
Online book club, virtual Blawnox meeting and more
Cooper-Siegel Community Library will offer an online book club from noon to 1 p.m. May 15. “Booked for Lunch” will be offered through Zoom. This month’s book is “They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei, available on Hoopla Digital. This free library resource is available online and through the App...
Fox Chapel is the first municipality in Pa. to ban the use of coal tar
Fox Chapel has become the first municipality in the state to ban coal tar, commonly used to seal asphalt driveways, along with other chemicals that are similarly toxic. “This is nasty stuff,” councilwoman Mandy Steele said. “I’m committed to exposing the worst chemical offenders and getting them out of our...
The Herald top stories for the week of May 3Video
Here are some of the top stories of the week from The Herald: - Aspinwall begins paving work early. - Sunken boat pulled from Fox Chapel Yacht Club. - Fox Chapel Area announces tentative graduation plans. - Frontline workers at UPMC St. Margaret surprised with flowers....
Shaler, Etna pool openings to be determined
Swimming pools in Etna and Shaler could open this summer, officials said, pending recommendations from the Allegheny County and state health departments. Decisions could come later this month, when both councils are scheduled to meet. “We are waiting for direction,” Tim Rogers, Shaler manager, said. Commissioners meet on May 12...
Fox Chapel Area High School switches annual talent show to virtual format
In lieu of its annual year-end talent show, Fox Chapel Area High School is moving forward with an online version to showcase singing, dancing, magic or other entertaining capabilities. Video production teacher Ryan Devlin is seeking submissions from students through May 31. The show will be called “FC’s At Home...
Shady Side Academy students, teacher using 3D printer to make PPE
Shady Side Academy students are using the school’s 3D printers to help battle covid-19. Teacher Jesse Robinson and four students have set a hefty goal of producing 5,000 pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) for Pittsburgh’s frontline workers. Junior Nick Zana spearheaded the project after noticing people from the global...
St. Margaret Foundation honors frontline workers with sign
Passersby are likely to notice a colorful addition to the front lawn at UPMC St. Margaret along Freeport Road, near Aspinwall. The St. Margaret Foundation erected a block-letter sign that stood waist-high in rainbow colors and reads “Thank U UPMC St. Margaret Heroes,” “As the employees drive in and out...
Fox Chapel Area High School announces end of year plans
Fox Chapel Area seniors will have a prom and graduation, providing the CDC guidelines permit, district officials announced this week. “Ideas are constantly evolving,” High School Principal Michael Hower said. He emailed families to detail of flurry of school activities that are being rescheduled for summer, when coronavirus-related restrictions are...
Etna installing ADA-compliant curb ramps
Traffic delays in Etna will be sporadic through June after a project launched this week to install ADA-compliant curb ramps. Work will require single-lane alternating traffic, typically between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., according to PennDOT officials. Projects are being targeted in the following areas: - Freeport-Butler street from Washington...
Aspinwall beginning $200,000 worth of road work this week
Aspinwall is making up for last year’s postponed paving program by getting an early jump on $200,000 in work this week. Borough officials expect paving to start Monday and last through Friday, dependent on the weather. Residents are reminded to pay attention to the No Parking notices that will be...
Camp Guyasuta planning to hold summer sessions — with modifications
Summer STEM sessions at Camp Guyasuta in O’Hara are moving forward but will look a little different this year, with an eye toward coronavirus concerns, organizers said. Water fountains will be converted to bottle filling stations and touchless check-in will be instituted, among other changes at the Boy Scout-owned camp....
Fox Chapel Area School District move-up days being held virtually
As the school year begins to wind down, high school seniors aren’t the only students missing out on traditional year-end milestones. May lower classmen are waiting to hear how their “move-up” days or class-level graduations will be celebrated. At Fox Chapel Area, staff at the four elementary schools are working...
Fox Chapel area top stories from the week of April 26Video
Here are some of the week’s top stories from the Lower Valley: - St. Margaret Foundation spends $50,000 on gift cards for hospital staff. - Memorial Day parades canceled amid coronavirus. - Fox Chapel Area elects new superintendent. - Sharpsburg has buddy program for those in need....
Waste Management resuming collection of bulk items, yard waste
Waste Management will resume regular collections on Monday, about five weeks after halting some specialized pick-ups in an attempt to stem the spread of coronavirus. This means yard waste like grass clippings and tree limbs, as well as bulk items like furniture or appliances, can be set at the curb...
Etna police seek help locating woman, 20, missing since January
Etna police need help locating a 20-year-old woman missing since Jan. 9. Kaylene Oehling, 20, is about 5 feet, 2 inches and 110 pounds. She has dark brown hair and wears glasses. She sometimes goes by the name Kaylene Young. Police said Oehling last contacted her mother at about 1:30...
St. Margaret Foundation thanks employees with gift cards
Nearly 2,000 UPMC St. Margaret employees got a thank-you in the form of a $25 gift card this week for fighting on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic. “Not all heroes wear capes,” St. Margaret Foundation President Mary Lee Gannon said. “The real heroes wear scrubs.” The Giant Eagle gift...
No injuries reported in Arnold fire
No one was injured in a fire Wednesday morning along Arnold’s Victoria Avenue. Arnold Volunteer Engine Co. No. 2 Fire Chief Keith Dziobak said no one was home when crews responded to the fire in the 1500 block of Victoria Avenue at about 7 a.m. The fire appeared to start...
Fox Chapel Area School Board special meeting will reveal new superintendent, grad plans
Fox Chapel Area School Board will host a special meeting Tuesday during which the district could reveal its new superintendent as well as potential graduation plans amid the covid-19 school closure. Board members are expected to vote on a superintendent after a five-month nationwide search. A committee narrowed a pool...
Shady Side Academy planning on-campus commencement in summer
Shady Side Academy seniors will have an on-campus commencement despite the still-unfolding coronavirus outbreak. Leaders said Thursday they are committed to celebrating the school’s seniors, even if the event doesn’t resemble their traditional ceremony. “Several groups are exploring alternate options for end-of-year events across the four campuses,” Jen Roupe, director...
Historian, author Tom Powers hosting virtual program on O’Hara
Beyond its tree-covered hillsides and cozy locale along the Allegheny River, O’Hara has a rich history that includes several surprises, according to local historian Tom Powers. The lifelong resident plans to recount highlights of his book, “Portrait of American Community,” in a virtual workshop at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Powers hopes...
