Tawnya Panizzi stories, Page 20
Sharpsburg’s 16th Street Park to get facelift
A facelift at the 16th Street Park in Sharpsburg is a sign of great things to come, according to borough officials. Arguably among the borough’s most popular recreation spots, the park sits along Main Street across from the municipal offices. Its official name is the Marion Gerardi Memorial Park. “It’s...
Faces of the Valley: Aspinwall Neighbors’ Sarah Shaffer works to make ‘great place to live even better’
From snow angels to soup delivery to sustainable rain gardens, Aspinwall Neighbors is just what the moniker says — a way to help connect people. “We’re guided by the mission of neighbors helping neighbors to build a thriving community,” said Sarah Shaffer, group president. A senior marketing manager for global...
As head of Aspinwall Neighbors, Sarah Shaffer works to make ‘great place to live even better’
From snow angels to soup delivery to sustainable rain gardens, Aspinwall Neighbors is just what the moniker says — a way to help connect people. “We’re guided by the mission of neighbors helping neighbors to build a thriving community,” said Sarah Shaffer, group president. A senior marketing manager for global...
Decreased barge traffic could impact river locks in Harmar, Highland Park
Lock service in Harmar and Highland Park could be on the chopping block pending a review of commercial barge traffic this year. “It could very well happen,” said Mike Ferris, president of the Allegheny River Development Corp. “We don’t know when it would happen, but it will be reviewed this...
Tarentum ministry aims to help people go from ‘surviving to thriving’
People with connections outside of their family tend to be healthier and more resilient. That’s the belief of a new initiative, Communities of Transformation, hosted nationally by the United Methodist Church. “People who have trust points — people you can rely on — are better able to reach their goals,”...
Natrona trailhead to provide town gateway, safe access to kayak launch
A trailhead project in the Natrona section of Harrison could begin moving forward if all goes smoothly with design and permit approvals. The township commissioners awarded a $30,000 contract to GAI Consultants in January to begin work on the project, which will create designated parking with safer access to the...
New rescue truck at Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services expands specialized response
While most fire departments across the state are struggling to stay afloat, Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services is finding itself on solid ground. A merger of Aspinwall and Sharpsburg, the department is expected to purchase a $1.3 million heavy rescue truck that not only will respond to local emergencies but...
Brackenridge sewing group, Holy Scraps, uses skills for community good
When life gives you scraps, make a quilt. That’s the motto of a weekly sewing group, Holy Scraps, run from the Salvation Army Allegheny Valley Worship and Service Center in Brackenridge. “These ladies have a tremendous heart for serving the community,” Capt. Selah Bender said. “They really use their talents...
Blawnox VFC staying focused on emergency preparedness
When a Norfolk Southern train derailed in Harmar nearly three years ago, thousands of gallons of crude oil spilled into Guys Run headed for the Allegheny River. Blawnox Volunteer Fire Company was among the first to respond, helping to boom the area and keep the toxic materials contained. Chief Jeff...
Deer Lakes social worker says broad work experience readied her for the job
Logan Donahue didn’t envision a job as a school social worker, but she couldn’t be happier with her new role at Deer Lakes School District. Her job experience includes work with a forensic psychologist, the homeless and people suffering traumatic brain injuries. She said the breadth of work adds to...
Free energy audits can boost efficiency, lower costs
Home energy audits are being offered to property owners in Sharpsburg with the goal of boosting utility efficiency and lowering heating bills. But there’s also a chance the assessment could lead to free attic insulation or a hot water pump for qualifying residents. “We want to find out where the...
3rd grade students trying to collect Valentines cards from every state
Students at Mary Queen of Apostles School in New Kensington are feeling the love. Third graders are on a mission to collect Valentine’s Day cards from all 50 states by Friday. They’re more than halfway to their goal. With two days left, students are still hoping for cards from Alaska,...
Winning $600,000 lottery ticket sold in Upper Burrell
Someone who bought a lottery ticket in Upper Burrell is $600,000 richer today. A jackpot-winning Pennsylvania Lottery Cash 5 with Quick Cash ticket was sold at The Little Store along Seventh Street Road. It matched all five balls for the Monday drawing — 7-16-18-37-38. “I don’t know who it is...
Tarentum gets state boost to continue waterline upgrades
Tarentum taxpayers are getting a boost from the state to address waterline woes, putting the borough one step closer to remedying a severely aged system. The borough is set to receive about $51,000 to replace a waterline along Tripak Boulevard, which has been an area vulnerable to breaks. It is...
Developer proposes 55+ community in Frazer
Vacant property along Butler-Logan Road in Frazer might someday be filled with resort-style homes for an older crowd. Foxlane Homes, developers of upscale 55-plus housing, hopes to build there. They were expected to bring a proposal to the township’s planning commission Wednesday but have delayed it at least a month....
Then and Now: Former Sharpsburg High School still a place for students to thrive
The former Sharpsburg High School, an enormous red brick building along Linden Street, served the borough for decades. It sat along Linden Street, marked by white columns and ornate windows. The district merged in 1970 with Fox Chapel Area, sending students to a new school along Field Club Road in...
Teen volunteerism helping to grow Roots of Faith in Sharpsburg
Fox Chapel Area High School junior Kelly Dayton doesn’t fancy herself a chef, but she never misses the chance to help prep a meal at Roots of Faith in Sharpsburg. The 17-year-old pencils in one Thursday each month to plate home-cooked dinners and serve them to dozens of people who...
Heights Plaza owners plan resurgence: ‘Despite challenges, it can still be community center’
If the longstanding Heights Plaza Shopping Center in Harrison is going to survive, it has to change with the times. At least that’s how the plaza’s owner, New York-based Benbrooke Realty Investment Co., sees it as it plans to demolish part of the almost 70-year-old shopping center to make room...
Former West Deer Municipal Building demolition to begin
Demolition of the former West Deer Municipal Building is expected to begin in this month but there’s a chance a small portion of it will remain to benefit homeless dogs. Chairwoman Beverly Jordan said the board is considering a plan to renovate the old police carport area into a 26-foot...
Trading pin design by Deer Lakes senior Morgan McCloskey among top 3 in state
Deer Lakes senior Morgan McCloskey was tasked with drumming up an advertising design to best represent Pennsylvania, and her first thought was a bright yellow chick. Specifically, she chose a marshmallow confection chick better known as a Peep, manufactured by the Just Born company in Bethlehem. “It’s bright and colorful,...
This year’s 18 Under Eighteen helping to shape the future
Deer Lakes senior Zier Williams has earned a reputation for his toughness on the football field, rushing for nearly 2,900 yards as a Lancer. Off the field, the teen has become known for compassion and promoting positive change. Williams, 18, has made it a mission to fight for the underdog...
U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio pushes rail safety bill with visit to Tarentum
Democratic U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio is hoping he can persuade President Donald Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress to support his renewed push for railroad safety. Deluzio, of Fox Chapel, is reintroducing his Railway Safety Act, a trio of bills aimed at improving federal oversight of railways. It’s an issue he...
Plans underway for transformation of 19th Street in Sharpsburg
A thriving community is possible only through engagement, according to Sharpsburg councilman Corey Ochai. He is urging residents to participate in a recently launched survey to help shape portions of the Main Street streetscape and access to the riverfront. “Community engagement is the best solution for us to find a...
Roundup: Missing Pitt med student found dead
A missing 30-year-old University of Pittsburgh medical student has been found dead. The body of Luis Espinoza, who had been missing since Monday, was found Friday around 8:30 a.m. in the 100 block of Sterling Street in the city’s South Side Slopes section. Espinoza was last seen around 10:30 a.m....
Then and Now: From farm stand to beer distributor to holistic health center, Aspinwall spot thrives
As mom and pop stores began to populate across the country in the early 1900s, Clover Farms made its name. By 1932, there were more than 150 Clover Farms stores in the Greater Pittsburgh area — with one situated along Commercial Avenue in Aspinwall. Samuel DiGregory and his daughter, Pauline,...
