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Explore Every IN Community Magazine Story

Discover all of our IN Community Magazines articles — local stories, community highlights, and features that keep you connected and informed.

Strength Beyond Her Years

Fort Couch Middle School student Juliette Hirzel pushes past limits to honor the legacy of World War II heroes. Juliette Hirzel crossing the 13-mile marker in the shadows of the Organ Mountains of New Mexico. It’s not every day that a 14-year-old chooses to test her limits. But for Juliette Hirzel, who took on one of the most grueling endurance challenges in the country, the 65-mile Bataan Memorial Death March, the challenge meant something more. The 14-year-old Fort Couch Mi

May 293 min read

Roots of Change

South Fayette resident Kathleen Stanley is helping reshape another local community through compassion, connection and a bold vision for affordable housing. For Kathleen Stanley, the path to transforming a community didn’t begin with a grand plan—it began with people. A longtime resident of South Fayette Township, Stanley has spent more than a decade working in Sharpsburg, where she now serves as executive director of Roots of Faith. When she first arrived, the borough faced s

May 293 min read

An outdoor daytime photograph shows an asphalt road curving up a hill through a grassy park lined with many mature trees with new spring green leaves. On the right, a large white sign with dark text and a blue decorative arch reads "WELCOME TO CARNEGIE PARK," followed by park rules, mounted on metal posts next to a chain-link fence enclosing a tennis court. A wooden utility pole with a street light stands along the road further in the distance. The sky is bright blue with a few light clouds.

Welcome to Carnegie Park

In the heart of the community, Carnegie Municipal Park has a history that reflects the people who built it and those who continue to visit. Carnegie Municipal Park’s beautiful green space will be the scene for “Party in the Park,” a community celebration on May 30, from noon to 10 p.m. Vintage cars will make their appearance from noon to 3 p.m., and the entire park will resonate with the sounds of The Mansfield 5, The Jaggerz, and The Timothy Earl Bands. The evening will cul

May 292 min read

A wide, outdoor photograph features an overo paint horse running from right to left across a muddy, partially grassy field. The horse has a light brown and white coat with a flowing white mane and tail. In the background, several other horses of various colors graze in a mowed field enclosed by a multi-level wire fence, with a dense forest line beyond. Overlaid in the center of the image is the white, stylized text "RANCH REBOOT."

Ranch Reboot

The nexus of nature, community, faith and fun are providing an atmosphere of growth and spiritual development for all ages at WLD Ranch. WLD Ranch has summer camps for kids, teaches horseback riding and horse care, holds retreats for both men and women, and has programs for couples to enrich their marriage. It provides a community for believers to be strengthened in the quiet of nature’s serene backdrop. As Christy Preston, an instructor at the ranch, explains it, “Camp minis

May 283 min read

A close-up shot of a player playing field hockey with protective gear on. The background features other players on a blue surface. They wear a black helmet with a white mask, a white mask, black and purple shorts, black and white socks, and white gloves, holding a field hockey stick in both hands with their right arm extended.

Two Plum Teens To Represent Team USA At Isbhf World Championships In Slovakia

This summer, two young athletes from Plum Borough will step onto the rink and the international stage, proudly wearing the red, white, and blue of Team USA. Brayden Caliguiri, 16, and Tyler Brenner, 17, have each earned spots on the United States national team for the 2026 International Street and Ball Hockey Federation World Championships, set to take place in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia from July 1–5, 2026. Brayden will compete in the ISBHF U16 Men’s World Championships, whil

May 282 min read

Hitting All the Right Notes

Ross Township’s resident orchestra, the Pittsburgh Philharmonic, celebrates 50 years of bringing accessible, high-quality music to the region. For more than 50 years, the Pittsburgh Philharmonic has been bringing the power of live orchestral music to audiences across southwestern Pennsylvania—proving that passion, dedication and community can create something truly extraordinary. Founded in 1975 as the North Pittsburgh Civic Symphony, the orchestra was created to give local m

May 282 min read

Richland Township Earns its Wings

Richland Township’s designation as the 100th Bird Town in PA highlights a growing commitment to conservation and community. In a milestone moment for both conservation and community pride, Richland Township has been named a Bird Town by Bird Town Pennsylvania—a designation that reflects years of grassroots effort and a growing statewide movement toward sustainability. Richland is the 100th Bird Town in the state. “It means the township is the ‘capstone’ of a decade-long movem

May 272 min read

Soph performs on stage in a dramatic costume as the character Ursula, with theatrical lighting and a dark background.

A Voice on the Rise

Bethel Park junior Sophia Willis took center stage at Carnegie Hall in February. Soph performs the role of Ursula in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” Photo by Thomas Evans Photography. For Sophia Willis (Soph), music has always been part of her life—but this year, it reached a whole new level. The 16-year-old junior at Bethel Park High School recently earned the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall, a milestone that many young artists only dream of. “It was exhilarating,” sa

May 272 min read

Two round, gold-rimmed drop earrings featuring small, light blue pressed flowers and gold flakes encased in clear resin, set against a pink floral-patterned background with the text 'Forever in Bloom' above them.

Forever in Bloom

Greensburg entrepreneur Alexandra Gerstel transforms wedding flowers into timeless, wearable art. For Alexandra Gerstel, beauty has always been about more than what meets the eye—it’s about meaning, memories and the stories we carry with us through the years. As the founder and artist behind Preciosa Jewelry Co., the Greensburg native has built a business rooted in transforming special moments into lasting keepsakes. Gerstel launched her company in August of 2022, shortly aft

May 263 min read

Green Tree Nature Center

This center is an oasis of wildlife in the heart of a suburban area, providing a quick getaway to a natural plant and animal habitat. Located in the heart of Green Tree at the corner of Hillcrest Ave. and Crestmont Dr., the Green Tree Nature Center is easily accessible for a quick reset—whether an early-morning visit, a lunch break or an after-work walk to get your steps in. The 18-acre oasis features plenty of native plants and flora in its forested area, along with lots of

May 192 min read

A graphic design featuring an action photograph from an outdoor pickleball game alongside bold promotional text. The left side of the graphic consists of a solid, vibrant blue sidebar overlayed with large, stacked white text that reads "PICKLEBALL FEVER HITS THE SOUTH HILLS." The right side features a bright, daytime photograph of a pickleball match in progress on an outdoor court with a red and tan surface. In the foreground, a young man with dark hair, sunglasses, a blue t-shirt, and dark athletic shorts is viewed from behind as he lunges forward to strike a yellow pickleball near the net with his black-and-green paddle. Across the net, two opponents stand ready on the opposite side of the court: a woman wearing a teal athletic two-piece set and sunglasses, and a man wearing a light grey t-shirt, dark shorts, and sunglasses holding a black paddle. A black chain-link fence and a line of lush green trees under a bright sky form the background.

Pickleball Fever Hits the South Hills

How courts are becoming the hottest summer hangout in the south suburbs. In the rolling hills and leafy cul-de-sacs of Pittsburgh’s south suburbs, a new sound has officially overtaken the Friday night roar of high school football stadiums and the Sunday afternoon crack of a baseball bat. It is the rhythmic, plastic pop-pop-pop of the pickleball, a sound that has transformed the region into one of the sport’s most intense hotspots for active older adults looking for low-impact

May 193 min read

A professional portrait of Marine Staff Sgt. Hannah Davis smiling and looking directly at the camera. She is wearing her official United States Marine Corps dress blue uniform, complete with her insignia and white uniform cover, set against a soft-focus, neutral studio background.

Marines the Few, the Proud—and the Musical!

Moon Area High School graduate Hannah Davis is now serving her country as a soloist and concert moderator staff sergeant with “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band! As a member of this band, Staff Sgt. Davis is part of a tradition that began in 1798. She often performs in front of dignitaries at official functions, including U.S. Presidential inaugurations, state funerals and arrival ceremonies for foreign ambassadors and military personnel. Although Davis has been

May 154 min read

A horizontal layout featuring three photos side by side with a text banner at the bottom. The left image shows an outdoor selection of potted shrubs and ornamental grasses; the middle image captures dense pink and purple potted flowers on a multi-tiered display; and the right image features potted cacti and other non-flowering plants beneath hanging ferns. Below the images, a banner includes the headline "Growing Through Generations."

Growing Through Generations

With over 80 years of history, Kubrick Brothers Garden Center blends personalized service, evolving design trends and deep community ties to create something truly enduring. Long before it became a treasured destination for gardeners and homeowners, Kubrick Brothers Garden Center began as something much simpler—a small, family-run produce stand in the 1940s in Brushton, Pennsylvania. Founded by five brothers—including the late Clarence Kubrick, father of current owner John Ku

May 153 min read

Dorothy Gale and Professor Marvel share a scene on stage, both gazing into a glowing crystal ball positioned between them. Dorothy, wearing her blue gingham dress, sits and holds the prop with both hands. Professor Marvel, wearing his gray suit and a new dark turban, stands over her and gestures toward the crystal ball with both hands.

Mars Area High School Presents “The Wizard of Oz” Spring Musical

Mars Area High School students presented “The Wizard of Oz” on March 13–14 in the school auditorium, bringing L. Frank Baum’s beloved story to life. The production followed Dorothy Gale—portrayed by Jenna Smith—as she was swept away to the magical land of Oz and journeyed to the Emerald City, meeting unforgettable characters along the way. Performances included one evening show and two Saturday performances. PHOTOS BY JOSH SCHWOEBEL

Apr 211 min read

A view from behind a small crowd of attendees gathered in the lobby of the new Norwin High School Performing Arts Center. A woman in a black dress stands at the center, speaking to the guests and holding a piece of paper. The entrance to the theater is marked by large blue lettering on wood paneling that reads "NORWIN HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER." Several district officials stand to the side, listening to the presentation.

Norwin Celebrates Opening of New High School Performing Arts Center

The Norwin School District proudly hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, March 4, to celebrate the official completion and opening of the new Norwin High School Performing Arts Center. The event welcomed members of the Norwin Board of Education, teachers, staff, community members, District administration, and project partners who helped bring the renovation to life. Guests enjoyed a first look at the transformed space and were greeted with a special sneak peek of the

Apr 153 min read

A wide, straight-on exterior shot of the historic Venetia School, a three-story red brick building with a symmetrical design and large multi-paned windows. The central entrance features bright red double doors under a crenelated brick parapet. A small paved walkway leads to the entrance, and several dark wooden benches are situated on the lawn to the left. The sky is overcast, and the surrounding landscape shows bare trees and patches of melting snow.

A Century of Standing Tall

The historic Venetia School has evolved from a rural schoolhouse into a vibrant community hub—remaining an important part of the community for 100 years. Long before it became a gathering place for community groups and local events, the historic Venetia School building stood at the heart of a growing township. The land where it sits today was first occupied in the 1700s by James and Joshua Wright—among the earliest settlers in what would eventually become Peters Township. As

Apr 152 min read

A joyful indoor group photo of four people. On the left, Mayor Tom Maglicco, wearing glasses, a dark jacket, and a dark tie, holds a young child who is laughing hysterically with eyes closed. The child wears a red and black plaid shirt and beige pants. Standing slightly behind them are a smiling woman in a light-colored shirt and another smiling person wearing a black and white plaid shirt and glasses. The background suggests a brightly lit hallway or reception area.

Mayor Tom Maglicco Highlights EarlyProgress in First Two Months in Office

In just two months since taking office, Mayor Tom Maglicco has moved quickly to advance key priorities centered on infrastructure, economic development, and neighborhood preservation. A lifelong resident of McKeesport, Maglicco has paired hands-on community engagement with strategic planning, focusing on both immediate needs and long-term growth. Infrastructure: Modern Tools and Strategic Investment Infrastructure has been one of the administration’s earliest focal points. Am

Apr 154 min read

A dramatic, full-ensemble stage shot featuring the citizens and guards of Arendelle. In the front center, a teenage actor portraying Hans stands in a commanding pose, wearing white trousers and a blue long-coat with a capelet, holding a silver sword high in his right hand. To his right, the Duke of Weselton stands in a red cape and black jacket, also singing. On the far right, two guards in long red tunics hold silver-tipped spears. Behind them, a large group of cast members in various townsperson costumes—including dresses, waistcoats, and cloaks—all have their mouths open in song with intense expressions. The stage floor is decorated with a large white snowflake decal.

Seneca Valley Presents its All-School Musical

Seneca Valley brought Disney’s “Frozen” to the stage as its all-school musical, with performances held March 12–15 in the Seneca Valley Intermediate High School Auditorium. Set in a kingdom called Arendelle, the story follows sisters Anna and Elsa on a journey of love, acceptance and sisterhood. The production featured beloved songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez along with new music written for the stage. PHOTOS BY PRIMETIME SHOTS

Apr 141 min read

A wide-angle group portrait of approximately 35 students and adults associated with the Human-Centered AI project, posing in a modern room with exposed ceiling beams. The group is arranged in three rows—some sitting on the floor, some in chairs, and others standing—against a vibrant orange and red paneled wall with two large black screens. The students are wearing various school-affiliated clothing, including the matching grey West Allegheny "WA" quarter-zips and hoodies representing the Cornell, Peters Township, and South Fayette school districts. Faculty advisors and CMU representatives are interspersed throughout the group, capturing a collaborative regional partnership between the four school districts and Carnegie Mellon University.

West Allegheny Partners with CMU to Explore Human-Centered AI

A Regional Partnership Empowering Students to Reimagine the Future of Education West Allegheny School District was honored to be a recipient of this year’s Moonshot Grant, powered by Remake Learning, and funded by the Grable Foundation. The grant project titled Human-Centered AI (HCAI) as a Pathway to Re-envisioning K-12 Education is a unique learning opportunity for high school students. Throughout this school year, twenty seniors from four local school districts are engagin

Apr 146 min read

A serene, sunny day in a community park, viewed from under the dappled shade of a large, mature tree. A detailed, classically designed wooden bench sits prominently on a dirt path under the tree's branches. In the mid-ground, a well-manicured green lawn leads to two matching, green-roofed picnic pavilions and a neat playground area with orange-framed equipment (a swing and possibly a ladder structure), all set against a backdrop of distant, residential buildings. The stylized, cream-colored text "Park It!" is prominently overlayed across the upper-mid-ground of the image.

Park It!

Just when you thought the winter would never be over, a ray of sun shines through and welcomes you to local outdoor spaces again. Oakmont, Verona and Penn Hills are blessed with many wonderful outdoor areas, including some with views of the Allegheny River. It’s time to get out and enjoy the warmer weather as spring begins. Following are a few of the parks in the area, with each one offering something a little bit different. Oakmont has beautiful Riverside Park, with pavilio

Apr 133 min read

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