Peters Township High School alum Alisha Cohen turned a hobby into a creative production agency—and now her colorful photography is featured on planners and calendars in more than 1,000 Walmart stores nationwide. When Alisha Cohen was growing up in Peters Township, she didn’t necessarily see photography as a career. In fact, she thought the opposite. “I always thought that photography/art wasn’t a practical career choice, so it was something that I did on the side just for fun

For several decades, McKeesport’s International Village has invited visitors to experience the sights, sounds and flavors of cultures around the world. Held each August at historic Renziehausen Park, the three-day celebration features freshly made ethnic foods, along with traditional music, dancing, crafts and community activities. Operated entirely by volunteers, the festival brings together local churches, temples and social organizations to share their cultural traditions

First United Methodist Church celebrates 100 years in McKeesport. For 100 years, the Gothic-style building at the corner of Cornell Street and Versailles Avenue has stood as a familiar landmark in McKeesport. But the history of First United Methodist Church of McKeesport stretches back much farther than the building itself. The congregation was founded in 1841 as the Methodist Episcopal Church of McKeesport. After meeting in several temporary locations, the congregation const

The Montour Railroad once threaded our area, rumbling through the countryside, peaking in the 1930s and passing out of sight and into history in 1984. The Montour Railroad began in 1877, and was privately owned by the Imperial Coal Company, running from the mines to Coraopolis. It was a short-line railroad, which offered both freight and passenger service to 15 area stations (the passenger service ended in 1927). Most railroads of that time were short lines running just a few

The story of Hilary Borneo, noted steel drum musician, is an interesting one that has meandered from Trinidad & Tobago through most of the U.S., with some interesting coincidences where his past sometimes crossed paths with his future. When Hilary was a small boy in Trinidad & Tobago in the 1950s, steel drum playing was not respected. In fact, it was still regarded as a rebellious activity. “The plantation owners had banned drum playing because they were afraid that the Trin

Area residents and friends kicked off the Independence Day holiday at Hampton Township’s annual Community Day on July 3 at Hampton Community Park. The free event featured live performances by No Bad JuJu and The Clarks, food trucks, community vendors, inflatables and games for children—and concluded with a spectacular Pyrotecnico fireworks display that lit up the night sky. PHOTOS BY RALPH LOVUOLO

At just 9 years old, Allison Park’s Callie Cochran is turning her love of softball into a growing apparel brand—and encouraging others to use their voices, too. Young athletes show off their Game On, Girls! spirit at Hampton Community Park. For 9-year-old Callie Cochran, it all started with a simple question. A softball player and fourth grader at Wyland Elementary, Callie was shopping for clothes when she noticed the boys in her grade had plenty of baseball-themed options to

Chartiers Valley High School is excited to expand opportunities for students in the 2026–2027 school year. As part of the school's ongoing commitment to preparing students for success after graduation, these class additions provide students with more ways to earn college credit while exploring rigorous and career-relevant coursework. Whether students are planning to attend a four-year university, pursue a specialized career pathway, or gain a competitive edge before graduatio

Residents and friends gathered at the Chartiers Room on July 18 dressed like flapper girls and dapper gents! The event was organized by the Bridgeville Community Association. When guests arrived, they were required to give a password to enter the speakeasy’s secret door. Everyone enjoyed a dinner catered by PJ’s Deli, and danced the night away to jazz renditions by the Rick Purcell Trio! Happy Birthday, Bridgeville! PHOTOS BY NICOLE TAFE

Marshall Township’s annual Community Day brought families together at Knob Hill Park on Aug. 22 for an evening of live entertainment, family fun and community celebration. Residents and friends enjoyed food trucks, local vendors, face painting, balloon art, inflatable rides, games and a performance by The Soul Searchers before the festivities concluded with a spectacular Zambelli fireworks display. PHOTOS BY RALPH LOVUOLO

McCandless has earned Bird Town Pennsylvania’s 96th designation, recognizing the community’s ongoing commitment to conservation, sustainability and creating a healthier environment for people and wildlife. McCandless has earned a new distinction—and this one has wings. It has officially been named Pennsylvania’s 96th Bird Town—joining a growing network of communities working to create healthier, more sustainable environments for birds, wildlife and people. For McCandless, the

The future of education in the Canon-McMillan School District is taking shape as construction continues on the new Wylandville Elementary School. The project is part of the District's long-term facilities plan, which previously included the construction of Muse Elementary and the middle school. As enrollment has continued to grow, District leaders have identified the need for additional space and updated facilities to better serve students. The new, state-of-the-art school wi

Our area was once the home of an important Civil War general, James Adam Ekin. His exemplary service in the military, however, was forever overshadowed by his connection to President Abraham Lincoln after his death. The Ekin House in Elizabeth, PA, was originally owned by General James Ekin, grandson of Stephen Bayard, the town’s founder. Photo courtesy of Abandoned Old & Interesting Places - Western PA. Ekin was born in 1819, to a mother whose father, Colonel Stephen Bayard,

This farmers market started in 2022 as a way to bring the community together for a few afternoons over the summer on Ann Street in Homestead. It offers area residents fresh and local produce, baked goods, refreshments, specialty products and more, plus live entertainment. PHOTOS BY RALPH LOVUOLO

Pro fisherman and Harborcreek native Dave Lefebre and his wife, Anne, are opening a coffeehouse and café that they hope will become a community hub. Lefebre’s bass fishing skills are well-known as one of the winningest fishermen on the FLW Tour. His most recent victory was a big one in May: the Heavy Hitters Championship Round of Major League Fishing, held on Orange Lake in Ocala, Florida. The fishing will continue, but back in Harborcreek, the angler has cast his line in a

Churchill Borough’s annual Community Day brought residents together at the Pace School grounds on Aug. 8 for a day of family-friendly fun, games and community activities. Hosted by the Churchill Recreation Board, the event featured entertainment and activities for all ages. Local volunteers, including students, helped make the annual event another successful celebration. PHOTOS BY RALPH LOVUOLO

Crisp air, corn mazes and pumpkin patches—unpacking hometown traditions that make fall unforgettable. Down on the Farm Gearhard Farms Annual Corn Maze When: Weekends from early September through Halloween Where: 5909 Saltsburg Road, Murrysville For more info: gearhardfarms.com Get lost in fall fun at Gearhard Farms! Each year since 2000, a corn maze has been designed with all ages in mind, offering various challenges for participants. Additional farm activities include hayrid

Crisp air, corn mazes and pumpkin patches—unpacking hometown traditions that make fall unforgettable. Down on the Farm Half Crown Hill Orchard Pick-Your-Own Where: 600 North Branch Road, McDonald For more info: hchorchard.com Fall fun down on the farm! Half Crown Hill Orchard is a family-owned and operated farm and retail market providing homegrown apples, pumpkins and honey. Pick your own apples and have a guided orchard tour, available by appointment. Hozak Farms Fall Festi

Crisp air, corn mazes and pumpkin patches—unpacking hometown traditions that make fall unforgettable. Down on the Farm Cheeseman Farm Pumpkin Festival and Fright Farm Where: 147 Kennedy Road, Portersville For more info: cheesemanfarm.com At the festival, families can take a hayride, pick a pumpkin, run and jump in the hay maze, enjoy the petting zoo and browse seasonal items and gifts. On the Fright Farm at night, teens and adults can experience a haunted hayride, corn maze a

Crisp air, corn mazes and pumpkin patches—unpacking hometown traditions that make fall unforgettable. Down on the Farm Port Farms Fall Harvest Festival When: September 12 through November 1 Where: 2055 Stone Quarry Road, Waterford For more info: portfarms.com This event includes wagon rides, a corn maze, wagon rides, corn pit, Kids Village, slides, ball zone, games, pedal carts, animal exhibits, mindbender mazes, trike track and more. Pumpkintown at Mason Farms Country Market