Joyce Hanz stories, Page 40
Cornerstone Restaurant in Aspinwall welcomes new chef from California
An Aspinwall eatery has a new chef. Cornerstone Restaurant & Bar hired executive chef Peter Henry this spring. He replaces Jason Mooney, who’d been chef for eight years but had to leave due to health reasons. “We’re excited to have Peter join our Cornerstone family. We know that his passion...
Volunteers sought for 32nd annual Kiski River cleanup this weekend
Volunteers willing to float their boat — and collect garbage along the banks of the Kiski River — are needed for a two-day cleanup event this weekend. Sponsored by the Kiski Watershed Association and Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission, the cleanup is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to noon Friday...
Wooden Door Winery’s Allegheny Township location for sale
A popular winery in Allegheny Township is up for sale. Wooden Door Winery at 4087 Greenwood Road opened in 2010. Husband and wife wine-making team and co-owners Jeff and Krissy Pollick have a message for all of their loyal customers: “We are open. We are not closing,” said Krissy Pollick...
Former Yak Diner in North Apollo reopens with new owners as Dolly’s Diner
An iconic roadside diner reopened Monday under new ownership and a new name in North Apollo. Dolly’s Diner, formerly the Yak Diner, welcomed patrons beginning at 6:30 a.m., after months of renovations and relocating of the classic 1950s-style diner from 2104 River Road less than a half-mile to its new...
Children’s musical celebrates reading by bringing novel characters to life in Vandergrift
More than 23 young thespians from Armstrong and Westmoreland counties are busy rehearsing for the upcoming production of “The Enchanted Bookshop Musical.” The musical celebrates the joy of reading and is based on the popular children’s play “The Enchanted Bookshop.” The show is presented by Armstrong Community Theater and will...
West Leechburg boy raises thousands — again — for Alzheimer’s research
He’s a pint-sized fundraiser with a sweet goal. Every year, Brody Toy, 10, of West Leechburg operates a tricked-out lemonade stand to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research. A fifth-grader at David Leech Elementary, Brody has raised more than $16,000 since starting his fundraiser in 2016. “I’m just a boy with...
New patio at Casino Theatre in Vandergrift made possible by tourism grant
There’s now more room to roam for patrons visiting the Casino Theatre in Vandergrift. New patio furniture, including sponsored, personalized black and gray benches, were installed this spring on the terrace outside the theater, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. An $11,800 grant from the Westmoreland...
Fox Chapel and O’Hara residents asked to complete online survey on community planning
Fox Chapel and O’Hara officials are seeking public input as they develop concepts and long-range plans for both municipalities. A survey has been created as part of planforourfuture.com, a website with a goal of addressing key issues to create a long-range comprehensive plan for both municipalities for the next 10...
Alle-Kiski Valley native says turning 100 ‘is unbelievable,’ plans large birthday bash
Jean Magness woke up in her North Apollo home Thursday and pondered turning 100 years old by conducting a weather check. “I was hoping it would be a nice day on my birthday,” Magness said. “This day is good. I’m very glad to be here. It looks pretty good. “I...
Shady Side Academy in Fox Chapel graduates 127 seniors
Shady Side Academy Senior School conducted commencement excercises on June 3 in the Michael J. Farrell Stadium in Fox Chapel. Shady Side Academy’s Class of 2022 graduated 127 seniors. The commencement ceremony was live streamed on YouTube, here. Here are members of the Shady Side Academy Senior School Class of...
Cousin of slain Apollo woman found at U-Haul facility works to help those suffering from abuse
A domestic and sexual abuse survivor is volunteering her decorating talents to help other victims find comfort after fleeing from their abusers. Jennifer Zimmerman, 52, of Wexford said she escaped from years of mental and physical domestic abuse. Today, she is focusing her style skills to transform seven rooms at...
Vandergrift mourns sudden death of Assistant Fire Chief Frank Morton
Frank L. Morton III is being remembered by fellow firefighters, friends and community members for his unwavering dedication and service to the citizens of Vandergrift. Morton, of East Vandergrift, served nine years with Vandergrift Volunteer Fire Department No. 2. Morton died Tuesday at Allegheny Valley Hospital in Harrison from a...
Vandergrift Fireman’s Carnival kicks off Alle-Kiski Valley’s festival season
After losing about $10,000 in revenue because of the pandemic, organizers of the Vandergrift Fireman’s Carnival are hopeful to recoup much-needed funds with this year’s event. The carnival kicks off Tuesday and runs through Saturday night in Kennedy Park. Sponsored by the Vandergrift Volunteer Fire Department, the event is the...
Access to clean water coming to dozens of residents in Bell Township
Kim Hardin is tired of having orange-colored water at her residence on Forest Drive in Bell Township. “The sooner I can get city water, the happier I’ll be,” Hardin said. “My commodes and tubs in the bathrooms were so orange when we bought this house eight years ago — it...
Emmy-award winning Shady Side Academy alum to give commencement address
An Emmy-winning sports producer will address the 2022 graduating class during Shady Side Academy Senior School’s commencement exercises on June 3 in the Michael J. Farrell Stadium. Bentley Weiner, who graduated from SSA in 1992, is vice-president of HBO Sports Documentaries at Warner Bros. Discovery. Recent films include “Tiger,” a...
Women-owned businesses unite in Aspinwall to host inaugural shopping, socializing event for the public
A group of women-owned businesses have united to create The Merchants of Aspinwall, a new, collaborative approach aiming to attract business in the historic borough. The new organization will host its inaugural “Sip, Chat & Shop” event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on June 15. Participating female-owned stores in...
Oakmont firefighter remembered for 54 years of steadfast service
William “Billy” Peoples is being remembered by family and friends around Oakmont as a tirelessly dedicated public servant. Peoples served with the Oakmont Volunteer Fire Department for 54 years, 12 of those as chief. “I always remembered him being a firefighter. He didn’t want to miss a call,” said great-niece...
Conny Creek Brewing taps into increased business with brew truck
Members of the Layton family of North Apollo continue to pour their energy into two businesses celebrating suds, food and socializing. Conny Creek Brewing Company, with locations in Allegheny Township and Saxonburg, is a family-friendly brewpub serving craft beers brewed in-house by brewmaster Lee Layton. Layton is a co-owner with...
Kiski Area superintendent hosts new coffee chat to encourage community relations
A new coffee-themed social is brewing in the Kiski Area School District. Kiski Area Superintendent Misty Slavic will host her inaugural “Coffee Chat With the Superintendent” on Friday, June 10. The free gathering kicks off at 9 a.m. All residents of the district are invited to attend. Participants should register...
Fallen soldiers honored throughout Alle-Kiski Valley on Memorial DayVideo
Memorial Day is much more than just parades and picnics. Some people mark the holiday as the unofficial start of summer, while others remember to pay tribute to those who served in the military. In Vandergrift, a multi-stop morning of patriotic tributes kicked off around 7:30 a.m. Monday, hosted by...
Vandergrift officials continue efforts to fight blight in the borough
Vandergrift officials are continuing efforts to fight blight in the borough, but the walls aren’t tumbling down quickly enough for some residents. This year, Vandergrift Council identified five abandoned and/or unsafe properties on Longfellow Street and Washington and Franklin avenues. The borough recently completed the demolition of an abandoned former...
Kiski Area golf fundraiser returns after 2-year hiatus at Willowbrook Country Club
The largest fundraiser benefitting the Kiski Area School District is back. The 14th annual Jeff McAfoose Golf Classic returns July 30 after a two-year absence because of the pandemic. The event kicks off at noon with a lunch at Willowbrook Country Club in Allegheny Township. Tickets are $125 per golfer,...
Neighborhood specialty market expands in Aspinwall
A specialty food store in Aspinwall is expanding with a new casually-themed cafe. Feast on Brilliant, owned by Patti Danforth, is re-branding itself into a “feast gourmet market and eatery,” Danforth said. “The new cafe side is a warm and inviting family space, which we hope appeals to all ages....
Free smoke alarms and installation offered to Vandergrift area residents
Vandergrift fire officials and volunteers are on a mission to spread fire-safety awareness throughout the borough. Vandergrift Volunteer Fire Department Nos. 1 and 2 launched the “Sound The Alarm” campaign, sponsored by the American Red Cross, to provide free installation on June 4 of up to three smoke detectors in...
Autistic student uses art as therapeutic tool
A Fox Chapel Area High School senior is channeling her love of art as a therapeutic tool. Emily Hook, 17, is autistic, but her diagnosis came years after struggling with mental health issues that first surfaced in the third-grade. “I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember,”...
