SV Biology Club Wins Envirothon The Seneca Valley Biology Club cleaned up the competition by winning the Butler County Envirothon Competition on April 27. The first-place team then attended the (virtual) state-level competition on Monday, May 10. First place team members include Avani Salunkhe, Ty Laughlin, Josie Walter, Gargi Rane and Mark Wimer. SV Biology Club members have qualified for state-level Envirothon competitions for the past 30 years. Shaler Area to Commemorate 5

Crispy Spicy Tuna Roll the Main Event at Mola By Max McCrory I often have trouble finding new things to try at sushi restaurants, where many only serve standards such as California rolls and salmon avocado rolls. Don’t get me wrong—those dishes are classics for a reason—but sometimes I want to branch out and try a new roll. Mola is the perfect place to test out some new, tasty options! Located in East Liberty, Mola has an expansive menu with a number of unique options, as wel

New Businesses Offering Everything from Cheddar Corndogs to Design Consultation Compiled by Max McCrory Summer is in full swing, which makes it a great time to visit some of the newer businesses that have opened in Pittsburgh’s northern region. Thai Table & Kitchen— 472 44th Street, Lawrenceville Thai Table & Kitchen opened in February with authentic Thai food in a cozy spot in Lawrenceville. This new spot has a vast menu with classic and inventive dishes, like chicken satay,

By Cody Hoellerman, Chief Community Engagement Officer Take a minute to think about some of the charges that appear on your credit card statement each month. A streaming service (or two, or three) to watch your favorite shows and movies, your daily cup of coffee, even that box that arrives like clockwork at your door filled with clothing, health or beauty products, dinner ingredients or other items that brighten your day. The list of these recurring fees goes on and on… But w

While many pet owners have heard of raw feeding, finding the right information about the products available can be difficult. That’s why Jacquelynn Michalik, owner of Asgard Raw Dog and Cat Meals and Shedquarters Self Serve Pet Wash & Pet Supplies in Millvale, makes a point of consulting with customers before they take the leap. “If you google the term ‘raw diet,’ your head will implode,” she laughed. “It’s like politics and religion—no two people have the same opinions about

In the wake of the COVID pandemic, most of us could use a reset when it comes to wellness and mental health. Since we don’t come equipped with a do-over button, it might be wise to try something that has kept people balanced for centuries—yoga. If you’ve never tried yoga or if, like me, you lean toward the clumsy side, the idea of starting this ancient practice can be intimidating. Andrea Kirkham, owner of the Sangha Center Yoga in Beaver, understands this hesitation. “The ha

Summer is finally here, and that means enjoying all of the rewards of the season—including ice cream! And while many of us grew up on the standard chocolate, vanilla and strawberry flavors, there are so many options available now that it might take you right up until fall to try them all. From lemon cake to chocolate raspberry truffle to banana cream pie to vegan and lactose-intolerant alternatives, there’s something for every taste. “We love ice cream, and we love creating n

June is Adopt-A-Cat Month, aptly occurring during the peak of “kitten season,” when animal shelters and rescues are overwhelmed with caring for copious amounts of stray cat litters. “With such an influx of cats in need of immediate help and a limited amount of space and resources, kitten season can be a difficult time for any shelter,” according to Cody Hoellerman, Animal Friends’ chief community engagement officer. As a result, now is the perfect time to adopt a kitten or ca

Dawn Andersson’s whimsical Marshall Township property contains unexpected flourishes like hand-knit coverings decorating trees’ soaring trunks, pottery affixed to a tree, and a bench incorporating bronze sculptures of Andersson’s husband, Craig, and their children and grandchildren. Andersson is currently knitting a 7-foot tree sleeve. “I love to knit, and I have an incredible supply of knitting yarn, which I have shared with a lot of friends,” she explained. “I say, ‘I'll ne

“She gives hope to the hopeless,” is how Grace Coleman describes Roxanne Davis. Coleman is the director of Crisis Center North (CCN), where Davis is the adult counselor. To listen to Coleman, Davis sounds almost too good to be true for their clients, but it is no wonder. Davis herself has survived incredible challenges, making her the perfect beacon of hope to other abuse survivors. “She has been there. She is one of the most resilient individuals that I have ever met, and I

On October 25, 2015, 32-year-old Wexford resident and North Allegheny graduate Michael Kovacic was running in the EQT Pittsburgh 10-Miler when he suddenly collapsed. Although medics tried to revive him, Kovacic passed away from cardiac arrythmia, leaving behind his widow, Traci, and two very young children. Knowing how very difficult those initial grieving months were, and with the support of family and a group of friends, Traci Kovacic started a charity called Angels By Your

National Donut Day is celebrated on the first Friday of June. But why commemorate something so delicious only one day a year? If you’re ready to road trip again, you only have to travel a short distance to sample as many sugar-laden, jelly-filled, icing-covered delights as you desire—on the Butler County Donut Trail in Butler County, OH. Launched in January 2016, the trail meanders through 80 miles of southwestern Ohio and takes about 4-1/2 hours to complete if you’re plannin

In the wise words of Mahatma Gandhi, “No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive.” This sentiment includes academia, which does not have the best history of inclusion. To acknowledge the mistakes of the past while working toward a more equitable future for all is on the agenda for most colleges and universities these days. Pittsburgh-region institutions of higher education are no exception, with many of them hiring diversity and inclusion officers to help tackle this

On October 27, 2018, a gunman stormed the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood, killing 11 worshipers. That horrific tragedy spurred conversations that ultimately led to the creation of the Collaboratory Against Hate Research and Action Center. The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) pooled their wealth of knowledge and resources to form the Collaboratory. Leading the efforts are the dean of Pitt’s School of Arts &

Humans are constantly bombarded by messages encouraging us to donate blood. We know it is important for saving lives, so many of us line up to give as often as possible. But did you know the need is also great for our furry canine family members? Dogs rely on blood donations from other dogs any time they need a transfusion or have a medical emergency involving serious injuries. Thanks to the ongoing global pandemic, there is now a nationwide shortage of dog blood. The good ne

Megan Charowski wasn’t thinking about her safety when her flight was detoured because of bad weather. She was thinking about her dogs, who would be stranded at their daycare. “We had enough fuel to circle in the air for an hour or two, but our pups were at daycare and it would be closed before we landed,” she said. Thinking quickly, Charowski purchased Wi-Fi on the plane and used the Rover app to find someone to pick them up and care for them until she and her husband landed

Not even a global pandemic could stop the small but mighty borough of Verona from a growth spurt. Verona stretches along Allegheny River Boulevard and is about 70 businesses strong, with a population of more than 2,700. And this year, the borough will have reached a major milestone: it is celebrating its sesquicentennial—the 150th anniversary of its May 10, 1871 incorporation. Early in the last century, Verona was a booming railroad town, complete with railroad shops, a found

The 62nd Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival is on this year, and it will include outdoor performances, food vendors, and Artist Market booths—and it has expanded to include Point State Park. “We could not be more grateful to our governor, elected officials, and partners at the park for making this transition to utilization of Point State Park possible,” said Sarah Aziz, director of the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival and director of festival management for the Pitt