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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.

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

Freshmen Ellie Lange, Delaney O’Toole Make Immediate Impact

It’s not often high school athletes make their mark in school history so early in their careers, but ninth-grade swimming standouts Ellie Lange and Delaney O’Toole have done just that. Both Ellie and Delaney excelled at the WPIAL Class 3A championships, held February 26 and 27 at Trees Hall at the University of Pittsburgh. Ellie won gold in the 200 individual medley (IM), and Delaney placed first in the 50 freestyle and the 100 backstroke. Both were also part of the 400 frees

Apr 134 min read

A detailed photograph of a white horse and a chestnut horse with a blaze, standing side-by-side in a well-used dirt barnyard paddock in front of a rustic red barn. A stylized, 3D red, orange, and yellow title overlay is centered in the foreground, reading "Down on the Farm."

Down on the Farm

The lives of our ancestors were connected to the land in a delicate dance between nature and the changing seasons. We can rekindle that connection at Round Hill Park. Very few of us are farmers these days. But those who make their living from the land have a wonderful opportunity to be outdoors, working with plants and animals. Round Hill Park is perhaps one of the most unique areas in the Allegheny County Parks system. It is an actual working farm, complete with cows, goats,

Apr 92 min read

Cupcake Liners to Couture

North Allegheny student Sidney Rice stitches sustainability and imagination into a fast-rising future in fashion. At just 17, Sidney Rice is redefining what fashion can be—and where it can come from. A lifelong Pittsburgher, Sidney, a junior at North Allegheny Senior High School, recently earned national recognition as a 2026 YoungArts Award winner in fashion design. Sidney’s journey began early—with thread, a needle, and creativity. “My mom taught me to sew when I was 6,” sh

Mar 163 min read

Be a Lifeline for Animals!

You can help save the life of animals by supporting Animal Lifeline Pittsburgh. Animal Lifeline Pittsburgh in Homestead provides care for at-risk and homeless pets, including a lifesaving transport program for animals in need. It is a nonprofit supported by a 100% volunteer staff, which assures that every dollar donated goes directly to the needs of the animals. Some of the care Animal Lifeline provides includes emergency medical care, dental care, spaying and neutering, and

Mar 52 min read

A wide-angle, panoramic photograph of the historic Mt. Alvernia Motherhouse. The large, three-story brick building features distinctive Gothic Revival architecture with arched windows, red trim, and a prominent central stone entrance with a large arched doorway. A central tower with a decorative peaked roof sits atop the building against a cloudy sky. A brick walkway and a green grassy slope lead up to the structure.

Reimagining Mt. Alvernia: A Landmark Campus Poised for Renewal

Within the past year, the Shaler Township Board of Commissioners granted a zoning change to the Mt. Alvernia campus located in the First Ward. Vacant since 2018, the Mt. Alvernia campus spans approximately 24 acres across both Shaler and Millvale. It features more than 200,000 square feet of historic buildings anchored by the magnificent Motherhouse constructed in 1897. Q Development seeks to revitalize the property and reintegrate it into the surrounding community, all while

Mar 52 min read

A photograph showing the humble beginnings of a community food pantry on a residential driveway. A large black plastic storage bin with a bright yellow lid sits next to a small vintage cooler and a red Playmate cooler. A light blue plastic Adirondack chair holds a hand-lettered white sign that reads "FREE FOOD PANTRY" in black marker. In the background, a fluffy grey and white dog stands on a grassy lawn scattered with autumn leaves in front of a white house.

Yard Food Pantry Goes Viral

The world of AJ Owen suddenly got a whole lot bigger when he reached out to the community with compassion. EARLY DAYS OF THE FOOD PANTRY In November 2025, AJ Owen explained to his children that people were going to lose their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and they might go hungry. “My two children are 7 and 9 years old, and I’ve always wanted them to be knowledgeable about what is going on in the world around them.” Kids often see things pretty sim

Mar 52 min read

A group of Carlynton Junior Senior High School students dressed in formal attire, smiling and posing together indoors before their National Honor Society induction ceremony in November. The students represent the values of scholarship and leadership highlighted in the article.

Carlynton National Honor Society Students Lead through Service & Commitment

Students strike a pose prior to the Induction Ceremony in November. The National Honor Society (NHS) chapter at Carlynton Junior Senior High School continues to show the organization’s values of scholarship, leadership, service, and character through its involvement in both school and community service. During the first semester, Carlynton NHS students completed over 1,000 hours of volunteer service, showing their dedication not only to academics but also to helping others. T

Mar 33 min read

Jude Glover, dressed in a white tunic with a red sash as Jesus, stands center stage singing during the production of "Another Miracle." To his right, Sylvia Youshack as Mary and another actress look on with emotional expressions, while Leo Pietroforte and another male performer stand to the left in patterned biblical robes. They are performing in front of three arched backdrops painted with blue skies and mountains.

Leap of Faith

A grandfather’s music, a grandson’s vision and a cast of young performers came together to produce and perform an original musical rooted in faith and collaboration. Jude Glover (center) portrays Jesus with Sylvia Youshack (right) as Mary and Leo Pietroforte as Lazarus. “Another Miracle” premiered in February at Carnegie Stage in downtown Carnegie, marking the first time the original musical had ever been fully produced and staged. The invitation-only performances were not th

Mar 33 min read

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