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

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

Gemini said A woman in a black dress stands and claps excitedly at her dinner table, celebrating with fellow guests during the 17th Annual Symphony of Food at Bella Sera.

17th Annual Symphony of Food

WOMEN of Southwestern PA hosted its sold-out 17th Annual Symphony of Food on Jan. 30 at Bella Sera Event Villa & Catering—bringing together community leaders, area residents, sponsors, and volunteers for an elegant evening benefiting women and children in need. The event featured dining, raffles, auctions and live entertainment, highlighted by an inspiring presentation from Marlella Thomas of the Legacy of Hope Center, continuing the organization’s 25-year mission that has ra

Mar 191 min read

The "Hidden Folk" ensemble performing a scene in the forest during North Allegheny Senior High School’s production of "Frozen."

NASH Presents Disney’s ‘Frozen,’ the Musical!

North Allegheny Senior High School presented the musical “Frozen” from Feb. 25 through March 1, bringing the beloved Disney story to life on stage. Featuring favorite songs and characters from the hit animated film—including sisters Elsa and Anna, and of course, Olaf the snowman—the students produced five evening performances and a Sunday matinee. A special Gold Card member preview performance was also held Feb. 24, offering an early look at the show. PHOTOS BY RUBY MORRIS

Mar 161 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

A group of McDowell Trojan lacrosse players in white jerseys with blue numbers huddle together in a celebratory circle on the field at sunset. Player number 17 is seen from the back, jumping slightly with his lacrosse stick raised high in the air, capturing the high-energy "fastest game on two feet" atmosphere described in the article.

Lightning Lacrosse

Lacrosse is known as the “fastest game on two feet.” With a ball that zings across the field at 75 miles per hour, it’s an exciting game to watch and play. Lacrosse has grown in popularity across the country, and Millcreek has also seen a growing interest in the sport. Josh Bischof, president of the McDowell Trojan Lacrosse Booster Club, has been involved in the sport for years. His oldest daughter, Adelaide, began playing in fourth grade and fell in love with it. His younge

Mar 32 min read

Inside Baxter’s R•Cade in Southpointe, two children stand at a "Classic Neon Bowling" arcade game in the foreground. In the background, another child plays on a long wooden shuffleboard table within the modern, well-lit entertainment venue and restaurant space.

Old School Meets New Cool!

Baxter’s R•Cade in Southpointe brings play and nostalgia to the South Hills. In a region known for its growing entertainment scene, Baxter’s R•Cade has quickly carved out a space as a go-to destination for play, food, connection—wrapped in a bit of nostalgia. Located in Southpointe Town Center in Canonsburg, Baxter’s blends classic arcade fun with an elevated restaurant and bar experience, offering something refreshingly different for the South Hills. The idea came from Dan

Feb 202 min read

A young actress in a red military-style jacket with gold epaulettes stands center stage with her hands clasped in a pleading gesture, looking upward with an emotional expression. To her right, another actress in a pink dress and a floral headpiece places a supportive hand on her shoulder.

Woodland Hills Performing Arts Presents 2026 Junior Musical

The Woodland Hills Performing Arts Department presented “Guys and Dolls, Jr.” as this year’s junior musical, with four performances in mid-January at the Thomas G. Crone Auditorium. The full-scale production starred students in grades 7–9 and brought the humor and heart of the Broadway classic to the junior stage. Directed by Robert Carr, the show featured a large student cast and crew, highlighting the talent across the district’s middle grades. The production was praised as

Feb 161 min read

An action shot of Maya Bhandari in a red and black wrestling singlet and headgear, engaged in a competitive match. She is being held from behind by an opponent in a blue singlet as they both grapple for position on a grey wrestling mat. To the left, the stylized article title "Going to the MAT" is overlaid in bold blue and red text.

Going to the Mat

At just 9 years old, Upper St. Clair’s Maya Bhandari is finding success on the mat as part of the fastest-growing high school sport in the country—girls wrestling. On wrestling mats across Pennsylvania and beyond, Maya Claire Bhandari is making her presence known—not just with wins, but with more confidence than the average elementary school student. A fourth grader at Streams Elementary School in the Upper St. Clair School District, Maya is only 9 years old, but she already

Feb 163 min read

A group of approximately 20 firefighters from the Fuller Hose Volunteer Fire Department posing in full turnout gear and high-visibility vests. They are positioned in front of two gray fire trucks with their emergency lights flashing under a dramatic, cloudy twilight sky. Several firefighters in the front row are kneeling and holding hydraulic rescue tools.

The Heart of the Community

The Fuller Hose Volunteer Fire Department has been answering the call to care on cold, dark nights for over 140 years. After the town of North East burned to the ground multiple times, the citizens saw an obvious need for fire protection. In 1885, a fire company was launched with 26 members. Ezra N. Fuller donated $100 toward the purchase of a hand-drawn hose cart, and the members paid homage by naming the company in his honor. According to legend, years later when Fuller Ho

Feb 163 min read

A group of approximately 30 runners from the Sewickley Runners Club posing together on a street corner in front of a white building. The members are dressed in colorful athletic wear, with some standing and others kneeling, capturing the community spirit of their weekly Tuesday evening meet-up.

Miles That Matter

The Sewickley Runners Club has built a community one Tuesday at a time. On any given Tuesday evening in Sewickley, a familiar scene unfolds at the corner of Beaver and Broad streets—sneakers laced up, friendly greetings are exchanged, and runners of all ages and paces gather with a shared purpose. This scene is the meeting of the Sewickley Runners Club (SRC)—a weekly tradition that has grown from a small idea into a thriving community built on consistency and connection. The

Feb 163 min read

A serene shot of a woman receiving a restorative hot stone massage, a signature service for spring renewal. She lies face down on a white massage table with four smooth, dark stones placed along her spine, embodying the relaxation and muscle-soothing treatments found at local spas.

Blissful Escapes—Erie

From exfoliating scrubs to restorative massages, treat yourself to a spring spa treatment designed to renew skin, relax muscles, and welcome the warmer months. Cold days and heavy layers can leave both body and mind feeling dull. Spring is nature’s reminder that renewal is possible. With brightening facials, restorative massages, and revitalizing body treatments, spas offer an ideal way to refresh after months of winter hibernation. Here’s a list of local spas and salons wher

Feb 135 min read

A close-up, low-angle shot of a dense bed of pink, red, and white periwinkle flowers (vinca) in full bloom. The foreground shows the bright petals and lush green leaves in sharp detail, while the background softly blurs into a sunlit greenhouse or outdoor garden center, capturing the essence of a local nursery in the spring season.

Petal Pushers—Erie

A guide to a few of the local garden nurseries where the season comes alive with colorful annuals, native perennials, flowering trees and more. Elk Creek Lawn and Garden Address: 4984 North Creek Road, Girard Contact: facebook.com/elkcreeklgp, 814.774.0700 Find what you need to make your garden grow at this family-owned garden center. Be sure to check out the pet supplies and great selection of garden statues and decor as well. Gordon L. Luke’s Greenhouse Address: 77 Grahamvi

Feb 132 min read

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