Joyce Hanz stories, Page 3

Thousands of anthropomorphics, nicknamed furries, endured sweltering temperatures Thursday to kick off the 2024 Pittsburgh Anthrocon at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The four-day convention running through Sunday is expected to be the largest to date, with more than 15,000 furries from around the globe enjoying activities that include...

Kiski Township supervisors have formally accepted the resignation of former police Chief Lee Bartolicius. Armstrong County Commissioner Anthony Shea confirmed Thursday to TribLive that township supervisors accepted Bartolicius’ resignation during a meeting Wednesday night. TribLive first reported on Bartolicius’ ousting June 21. Shea did not attend the meeting, but he...

Nick Triveri of Freeport wears his patriotism on his sleeve every Fourth of July. For the 14th year, the 71-year-old organized a reading of the Declaration of Independence at Riverside Park in Freeport. “I feel the Fourth of July is a whole lot more important than just shooting off fireworks...

A new brewery opened in Etna earlier this year and co-owner Dominic Cincotta said he’s happy to operate in a welcoming business environment after years of shopping around for locations in and around Pittsburgh. “We always looked for a taproom around the city and it’s very hard — and expensive,”...

With the Fourth of July fast approaching, an uptick in folks flying the U.S. flag is set to unfurl from coast to coast. However, some people may be unknowingly disrespecting Old Glory if they don’t know the proper way to display it. Vandergrift Veterans Honor Guard member Mike Reilly has...

A Leechburg man has found an eco-friendly solution to his aversion to pushing a lawn mower. “I hate mowing lawns,” said Danny Hilliard, a steel industry writer, international traveler and avid fisherman. Hilliard decided to implement a “no-mow” lifestyle three years ago with the purchase of a historic residence along...

Freeport resident Lori Zarichnak wasn’t keen on any of the pumpkin rolls she ate while growing up in Western Pennsylvania, so she decided to do something about it. “I like to bake, and I used my degree in chemistry to come up with a pumpkin roll recipe that I would...

A rental frenzy is underway in Oakmont and surrounding communities in anticipation of the 2025 U.S. Open Championship. Some homeowners already are looking to cash in, potentially raking in big bucks, by renting out their homes to golf fans, who will be flocking to the borough for the June 12...

Mary Ann Hoss paid a few cents less for gas this week as she fueled up for a road trip from Lower Burrell to her camp a few hours away. But that was due more to global circumstances than anything Hoss did. While the nation is experiencing a rare summertime...

Fox Chapel Area High School held its Class of 2024 commencement June 9 at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum in Oakland. Clara Kelley served as orator, representing all of her fellow graduates. Micah Cagley, senior class council leader, led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Megan Mulhern, student...

A garden club founded in 1924 is hoping to grow its membership as it celebrates 100 years of gardening outreach and fellowship in Western Pennsylvania. The Linden Garden Club, founded on May 15, 1924, by the late Mrs. William H. Mercur, originally welcomed women residing in and around Linden Avenue...

More couples are saying “I do” to exotic wedding destination locations in place of traditional church weddings. According to the 2023 Destination Wedding Global Market Report, the destination wedding industry is projected to grow from $27.6 billion in 2023 to $36 billion this year. Mexico tops the list of tropical...

An authentic Latin American eatery is serving up more than sandwiches and specialty items at Tu y Yo Cafe in Indiana Township. “I make it all with love,” said co-owner Grace Betancourt-Jones, the friendly force behind the five-year success of the casual cafe that’s tucked away in a small strip...

An authentic Latin American eatery is serving up more than sandwiches and specialty items at Tu y Yo Cafe in Indiana Township. “I make it all with love,” said co-owner Grace Betancourt-Jones, the friendly force behind the five-year success of the casual all-day cafe that’s tucked away in a small...

Armstrong County’s former Inn at Lenape Heights Event Center & Golf Resort is poised to reopen this month as a private mental health treatment facility. “We do envision this being a top-level facility,” said Rob Samuels, co-owner of the planned Lenape Wellness Center in Manor Township. “Our goal is to...

Nothing screams summer like a scenic alfresco picnic. Take your sweetie on a “datecation” outdoors for a fresh-air experience that doesn’t break the bank. Outdoor-inspired destinations abound in Western Pennsylvania, and those seeking an adventurous date are sure to find the perfect picnic spot. So pack a picnic, pile into...

Wiener World Pittsburgh and its iconic hot dogs are setting up shop at a new location at the U.S. Steel Tower on June 3. The popular hot dog joint, in business since 1965 at its Downtown Smithfield Street location, closed its doors on May 23. Owner Denny Scott of Wilkins...

An original log cabin from the 1700s is still going strong as the oldest residence in Fox Chapel. And now it’s for sale. Originally known as Summer Seat, the cabin was bought from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1786 for just under three British pounds. The log cabin portion remains...

Aspinwall honored members of the military who made the ultimate sacrifice with a parade and wreath-laying ceremony Monday during its 107th Memorial Day Celebration. A parade kicked off at noon on Commercial Avenue and proceeded throughout the borough and ended back on Commercial. Parade organizer Barbara Leonard began volunteering in...

A Pittsburgh nonprofit is using art to educate the public about wildlife. A mega-sized mural depicting a raccoon amid colorful flowers and butterflies, gazing over East Carson Street in Pittsburgh’s South Side neighborhood, is the most recent creation of street artist and muralist Jeremy M. Raymer. The mural was commissioned...

Ron Owen of O’Hara is the “spring chicken” when enjoying a round of golf with longtime golfing friends at the Pittsburgh Field Club in Fox Chapel. That’s because, at 75, Owen frequently covers 18 holes with his 86- and 90-year-old golf comrades Walter Meloy and Tom Bigley, both formerly of...

A random plastic taco holder in Pittsburgh’s Strip District served as inspiration for a quirky, tasty twist on traditional pancakes at G&G Restaurant in Vandergrift. “I just looked at it and thought that would be cool to stick a pancake into,” said G&G co-owner Chris Kakias, creator of a variety...