Fox Chapel Herald category, Page 34
‘Justice was served’: Killer of off-duty cop slain in Blawnox gets maximum prison time
A judge Thursday sentenced a Pittsburgh man to 20 to 40 years in prison for killing an off-duty Oakdale police officer during a road-rage incident. Kevin McSwiggen, 42, of the city’s Greenfield neighborhood was convicted in July by a jury of third-degree murder in the July 3, 2022, shooting death...
Then and Now: Longtime bank landmark now prominent retail/office space
A prominent building in the Aspinwall business section has been drawing people to the corner of First Street and Brilliant Avenue for nearly 100 years. The red-brick building is a well-recognized cornerstone, initially home to financial institutions before transforming into a retail hub. Known originally as the Bank of Aspinwall,...
Fox Chapel teen looking for volunteers to expand nonprofit recycling program
A Fox Chapel teen who launched a free recycling program last year is looking to add some helpers. Kabeer Chopra, 17, founded GreenBridge412 to help residents get rid of materials such as batteries, plastics and glass in a responsible manner. He goes to clients’ houses on Sundays to collect the...
Entrepreneurial sisters expand Bits & Bows offerings for other bigs and littles
Being promoted to big brother or big sister is a really big deal. That’s why big sister Katie Shelby and little sister Sarah Shelby created merchandise to capture that special sibling moment through their accessories brand, which strives to “add an ounce of magic to someone’s day.” The siblings own...
O’Hara kindergartners gobble up special Thanksgiving-themed day
Kindergartners at O’Hara Elementary School gobbled up a special Thanksgiving-themed day Nov. 25, complete with special activities and stories, to celebrate the holiday....
Free veterinary clinic at Sharpsburg nonprofit helps pet owners in need
A newly launched pet clinic at Roots of Faith in Sharpsburg is working to boost the health of animals and their humans. In partnership with Allegheny Health Network and Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh, a semiregular event will tend to the health of furry friends and their owners — all...
New housing development proposed in Indiana Township; public hearing scheduled
Indiana Township residents and property owners have an opportunity to weigh in on a proposed residential development off Saxonburg Boulevard. Imperial-based developer Maronda Homes wants to build 32 single-family homes on a 22.47-acre property in a residential district. The housing plan, called Frederick Farms, is expected to feature similar homes...
Sharpsburg passes budget with no tax increase; Hall of Fame induction set at next council meeting
Sharpsburg property owners will not have to pay more in real estate taxes or borough sewage fees as part of next year’s budget. Council approved its 2025 spending plan Nov. 21. It maintains the millage and sewage rates at current levels. A draft of the budget was made available at...
Dorseyville or Whoville? Young thespians delight with ‘Seussical Jr.’ performance
Young thespians at Dorseyville Middle School recently wrapped up their fall musical run of “Seussical Jr.” Director Pamela Fiano chose the whimsical Dr. Seuss-themed musical to mark the theater program’s 20th anniversary. “I chose this show because it has a sweet message and it’s fun,” Fiano said. “It’s about sticking...
Vintage colonial in exclusive Fox Chapel plan melds classic, modern aesthetics
A 95-year-old colonial home boasting an outdoor sport court is on the market in Fox Chapel. Berkshire Hathaway Realtor Julie Rost, a Fox Chapel native, listed 143 North Drive for $2.4 million in October. The home was built in 1929, five years before Fox Chapel was incorporated in 1934 after...
In brief: Herald area events for the week of Dec. 2, 2024
O’Hara organizing a ‘Spread Cheer’ food collection O’Hara Township is sponsoring a Spread Cheer Food Drive from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 14 in the municipal parking lot to support St. Vincent de Paul in Sharpsburg. Nonperishable items that can be used as side dishes for the holidays and...
2nd station for West Deer EMS expected to shorten response times
West Deer EMS has landed a permanent substation in Indiana Township which is expected to reduce call times for emergency responses, officials said. Director Bill Humes said the move is a boon to his service, which responds to about 3,200 calls a year. That number is up 42% over last...
Check out these upcoming programs at the Cooper-Siegel and Sharpsburg libraries
The Cooper-Siegel Community Library and its Sharpsburg branch offer a variety of programming for visitors of all ages. To view a complete list of offerings, visit coopersiegel.librarycalendar.com. Events at both libraries are listed and can be viewed according to age group and location. Registration is required for most programs as...
Fox Chapel area real estate transactions, week of Dec. 1, 2024
Aspinwall Robert Defazio trustee sold property at 221 Commercial Ave. to Bogacz Buildings 4 LLC for $805,600. Blawnox Nicholas Liberto sold property at 1117 North Ave. to Michael Derensis II and Madeleine Ross Beiler for $192,000. Water Rinehart Jr. sold property at 41 Riverside Court to Amanda Burkhart for $25,000....
Shady Side Academy girls taking it one step at a time in WPIAL title defense
Jonna Burke is much more focused on the beginning of the season than the end. The Shady Side Academy girls’ basketball coach said it is nice to have benchmarks from last season to shoot for. The Bulldogs won the WPIAL Class 3A championship and made a run to the PIAA...
Fox Chapel girls wrestling winning matches as program grows
Atia DiGioia fought the battle with uncertainty and nerves before she ever stepped on the wrestling mat. The Fox Chapel junior wasn’t entirely sure how wrestling would go for her. But having a close friend, Emma Srodes, to train with at practice made things easier. “The first week or so,...
Fox Chapel teams, athletes filled trophy cases during successful fall season
There were plenty of moments during the fall sports season to give people in the Fox Chapel school district a reason to follow the action closely. First, Foxes sophomore Carson Kittsley stole the show with a cool performance at the Penn State White Course. By shooting 5-under par on the...
Student news: A roundup of accolades
• Five Fox Chapel Area High School students placed at the annual M&M Lake Erie Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament. The team of juniors Joanna Li and Zachary Rubin won first place in Policy Debate. Senior Swati Mylarappa and freshman Ottilie Happold each were named Merit Speakers, which is equivalent...
Camp Guyasuta features new showstopper with illuminated waterfall
Christmas in Guyasuta will have an extra special glow this year as organizers introduce the newest feature, an illuminated waterfall. The winter-themed extravaganza is scheduled Nov. 30 at the Scouting America-owned campgrounds and is a fan-favorite to kick off the holiday season. “There is no better way to get into...
Fairview students find canine company with Stryker, district’s 3rd therapy dog
Things have gotten a lot more paws-itive at Fairview Elementary School in Indiana Township. And it’s all because of Stryker, the newest therapy dog serving the Fox Chapel Area School District. The 1-year-old mixed breed motivates students to be on their best behavior. At the school store, students can exchange...
Fox Chapel Area educators collect 2 carloads of goods for Blawnox Community Food Pantry
Members of the Fox Chapel Educators Association held a fall drive from Oct. 22 to Nov. 13 to collect food and other items for the Blawnox Community Food Pantry. This is FCEA’s second year of donating goods for the pantry’s Thanksgiving food drive and baskets. Two carloads of donations, collected...
Sharpsburg invites public to weigh in on 19th Street transformation
Sharpsburg Mayor Kayla Portis hopes a project to transform 19th Street will highlight inclusivity and accessibility for all. The borough is hosting a meeting Dec. 3 to gather input on a sweeping improvement plan expected next year. It will see the redevelopment of 19th Street as an access point to...
Neighbor Spotlight: Aspinwall sommelier, former actor, humbled by support amid cancer battle
Longtime sommelier Jerome “Jerry” Metallo of Aspinwall is pouring all of his efforts into the fight of his life. Metallo, 54, was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer this summer. The unexpected news sent shock waves through his mind, body and life that he shares with Cara, his wife of...
Members of high school’s Fishing Club help to restock Pine Creek with trout
Members of the Fox Chapel Area High School Fishing Club partnered with the Allison Park Sportsmen’s Club and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to restock trout Oct. 22 at the Pine Creek watershed. Club members Josiah Rivera, a senior, and juniors Dylan Calig, Miles Carey, Nicholas Krist, Gino Pototo...
‘A hand up’: SSA grad partners with celebrity chef to continue vet-run food truck program
The death of a friend who struggled to find the resources to start a culinary business inspired Lt. Cmdr. Jordan J. Foley to create a food truck program. His late friend was a classmate at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. “My friend didn’t have the support network to...
