Brien Wall challenges U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy
The field of candidates looking to challenge U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair, is growing.
Brien Wall, of Upper St. Clair, a family life specialist with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., has announced he will seek the Democratic nomination for the 18th District seat. He joins Beth Hafer, daughter of former Allegheny County commissioner and state auditor general Barbara Hafer as potential Democratic challengers.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Democrat Candidate announces in the 18th Congressional District.
Murphy to face Dem challenger in '08
By Sarah Core,
Staff writerscore@observer-reporter.com
July is turning into a taxing month for U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy.Democrat Beth Hafer, 35, a former middle school teacher from Mt. Lebanon, announced (Read the Announcement)Tuesday that she will run against the three-term Republican for the 18th District congressional seat in 2008. Hafer said Murphy no longer represents the values treasured by the community."I was raised in a community that cared about hard-working families, quality education for our children and had leaders with strong values and ethical standards," she said in a news release. She said she plans on returning to those values by dealing with problems faced by working families, like rising health-care costs and the loss of local jobs..Hafer is a daughter of former state treasurer Barbara Hafer, who declined to run for the seat in 2006. Hafer now works as vice president for Hafer & Associates, a government consulting firm in Harrisburg.Also on Tuesday, the Pennsylvania 18th Patriots, a local group made up of war veterans and 18th congressional district residents, gathered publicly to invite Murphy to an Aug. 28 town hall meeting on the Iraq war.The group, which protested outside his Mt. Lebanon office July 3 against the continuation of the Iraq war, feel that its representative is not listening to its concerns."We got the typical response," member Caleb Payne, 24, said of Tuesday's afternoon event, where about 25 members of the Patriots were refused entry to Murphy's office. Payne said office staff told them they were too large of a group and requested they remain outside.He said the group is tired of written responses and wants to meet in person with Murphy.Paul Abernathy, 28, an Iraq war veteran who also attended the event, said he has been trying to sit down to talk with Murphy for a year."He hasn't treated us well as a representative," said Abernathy, a former Army combat engineer in the 3rd Infantry Division. Abernathy, who volunteered for the military right out of high school, said his experience in Iraq left him dismayed."I saw the current policy on the ground," he said. "It's one of futility."He said he thinks the presence of American troops is a factor of destabilization in the war-torn country, increasing violence in the area."I hope that sitting down with (us) face-to-face will help him rethink some of his polices regarding the Iraq war," Abernathy said."We're willing to work around his schedule," Payne added.The invitation comes just days after Murphy's failed vote against the Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act, a bill that calls for the immediate withdrawal and retreat of the U.S. military in Iraq. HR 2956 was passed on July 12 in a 223-201 vote. Next, it will be voted on in the Senate.If passed, the bill would require that the United States begin redeploying troops from Iraq within 120 days of its passage. It would also require that the United States have a "limited presence" in Iraq by April 1.Murphy's communications director, Mark Carpenter, could not be reached for comment Tuesday.Murphy, of Upper St. Clair, has represented the district since 2003.
By Sarah Core,
Staff writerscore@observer-reporter.com
July is turning into a taxing month for U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy.Democrat Beth Hafer, 35, a former middle school teacher from Mt. Lebanon, announced (Read the Announcement)Tuesday that she will run against the three-term Republican for the 18th District congressional seat in 2008. Hafer said Murphy no longer represents the values treasured by the community."I was raised in a community that cared about hard-working families, quality education for our children and had leaders with strong values and ethical standards," she said in a news release. She said she plans on returning to those values by dealing with problems faced by working families, like rising health-care costs and the loss of local jobs..Hafer is a daughter of former state treasurer Barbara Hafer, who declined to run for the seat in 2006. Hafer now works as vice president for Hafer & Associates, a government consulting firm in Harrisburg.Also on Tuesday, the Pennsylvania 18th Patriots, a local group made up of war veterans and 18th congressional district residents, gathered publicly to invite Murphy to an Aug. 28 town hall meeting on the Iraq war.The group, which protested outside his Mt. Lebanon office July 3 against the continuation of the Iraq war, feel that its representative is not listening to its concerns."We got the typical response," member Caleb Payne, 24, said of Tuesday's afternoon event, where about 25 members of the Patriots were refused entry to Murphy's office. Payne said office staff told them they were too large of a group and requested they remain outside.He said the group is tired of written responses and wants to meet in person with Murphy.Paul Abernathy, 28, an Iraq war veteran who also attended the event, said he has been trying to sit down to talk with Murphy for a year."He hasn't treated us well as a representative," said Abernathy, a former Army combat engineer in the 3rd Infantry Division. Abernathy, who volunteered for the military right out of high school, said his experience in Iraq left him dismayed."I saw the current policy on the ground," he said. "It's one of futility."He said he thinks the presence of American troops is a factor of destabilization in the war-torn country, increasing violence in the area."I hope that sitting down with (us) face-to-face will help him rethink some of his polices regarding the Iraq war," Abernathy said."We're willing to work around his schedule," Payne added.The invitation comes just days after Murphy's failed vote against the Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act, a bill that calls for the immediate withdrawal and retreat of the U.S. military in Iraq. HR 2956 was passed on July 12 in a 223-201 vote. Next, it will be voted on in the Senate.If passed, the bill would require that the United States begin redeploying troops from Iraq within 120 days of its passage. It would also require that the United States have a "limited presence" in Iraq by April 1.Murphy's communications director, Mark Carpenter, could not be reached for comment Tuesday.Murphy, of Upper St. Clair, has represented the district since 2003.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Thank you & Kudo’s to a good neighbor
On July 19, 2007, Residents of the Penn Towers, a housing community in Greensburg primarily comprising senior citizens, were invited to spend the day at nearby Seton Hill University Tuesday after power to their complex was cut by Allegheny Power for transformer
[Read this article]
On July 19, 2007, Residents of the Penn Towers, a housing community in Greensburg primarily comprising senior citizens, were invited to spend the day at nearby Seton Hill University Tuesday after power to their complex was cut by Allegheny Power for transformer
[Read this article]
Economic Development
LeNature's trustee, Giant Eagle agree to $20M purchase of Latrobe Plant
The trustee overseeing the sale of the LeNature's Inc. plant in Latrobe has reached an agreement to sell the facility to Giant Eagle. … … He said the two sides reached an agreement Thursday that will allow the region's largest supermarket chain to buy the building, land, machinery, inventory and office furniture, along with intellectual property that includes trademarks for beverages and patents for manufacturing. … …The company said it plans to produce its own line of beverages as it now does with a variety of food products under the Giant Eagle brand name. "The purchase of the closed LeNature's plant is a unique opportunity for Giant Eagle to manufacture its own beverages and to provide more than 50 full-time jobs in Latrobe," said attorney Dan Shapira, special counsel to Giant Eagle, in a statement.
The trustee overseeing the sale of the LeNature's Inc. plant in Latrobe has reached an agreement to sell the facility to Giant Eagle. … … He said the two sides reached an agreement Thursday that will allow the region's largest supermarket chain to buy the building, land, machinery, inventory and office furniture, along with intellectual property that includes trademarks for beverages and patents for manufacturing. … …The company said it plans to produce its own line of beverages as it now does with a variety of food products under the Giant Eagle brand name. "The purchase of the closed LeNature's plant is a unique opportunity for Giant Eagle to manufacture its own beverages and to provide more than 50 full-time jobs in Latrobe," said attorney Dan Shapira, special counsel to Giant Eagle, in a statement.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Greensburg, PA: The Leadership Westmoreland Program is now accepting registrations for the 2007-08 class beginning in September. Leadership 
Westmoreland is a ten month leadership development program designed to expand the pool of community leaders. Program topics include Local & County Government, Community & Economic Development, Education, Healthcare & Human Services, the Justice System, Business & Entrepreneurial Development, Our Heritage & Quality of Life, the Media and Understanding Diversity. The group will meet monthly for full and half day sessions.Sessions include participation in workshops, tours and projects that are designed to enhance participant’s creative leadership skills. The program is open to any adult (age 21 or over) who lives and/or works in Westmoreland County and has demonstrated a willingness to become active and involved in Westmoreland County. The program seeks participants from all sectors of the community including business, healthcare, social service, government, labor, education, professional services, industry, community volunteers and other interested citizens. The fee to attend the program is $750 and includes all materials and supplies, food and refreshments, admission charges and other program and conference fees. Registration is required; limited number of spaces available. Visit www.leadershipwestmoreland.com or contact one of the local Chambers of Commerce for additional information or to obtain an application.
Westmoreland is a ten month leadership development program designed to expand the pool of community leaders. Program topics include Local & County Government, Community & Economic Development, Education, Healthcare & Human Services, the Justice System, Business & Entrepreneurial Development, Our Heritage & Quality of Life, the Media and Understanding Diversity. The group will meet monthly for full and half day sessions.Sessions include participation in workshops, tours and projects that are designed to enhance participant’s creative leadership skills. The program is open to any adult (age 21 or over) who lives and/or works in Westmoreland County and has demonstrated a willingness to become active and involved in Westmoreland County. The program seeks participants from all sectors of the community including business, healthcare, social service, government, labor, education, professional services, industry, community volunteers and other interested citizens. The fee to attend the program is $750 and includes all materials and supplies, food and refreshments, admission charges and other program and conference fees. Registration is required; limited number of spaces available. Visit www.leadershipwestmoreland.com or contact one of the local Chambers of Commerce for additional information or to obtain an application. .
Latrobe Area: 724-537-2671
Latrobe Area: 724-537-2671
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Laurel Highlands: 724-547-7521
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Ligonier Valley: 724-238-4200
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Norwin Chamber: 724-863-0888
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Westmoreland Chamber: 724-834-2900
Weekend re-enactment, talks recall ambush of Hanna's Town
In what may come as a disappointment to local members of the Kevin Costner Fan Club, the authentic American Indian wardrobes spotted in Hanna's Town this weekend are not here for "Dances with Wolves 2."Instead, the Indians, along with British soldiers and civilian loyalists, are part of a dramatic retelling of the 1782 demise of frontier outpost Hanna's Town in Hempfield.History buffs can join about 50 re-enactors this weekend as log cabins and taverns come alive on the Pennsylvania frontier in the waning days of the American Revolution.Although there will be no attacking Indians running out of the woods, visitors can get a glimpse of life on the Forbes Trail settlement up until the raiding Indians and British allies ambushed the town 225 years ago, said Rush Blady, who is helping to coordinate the eventHanna's Town will burn again -- this time in simulation.Daytime activities include the usual Saturday afternoon fare in a frontier town: log-cabin building, leather tanning and militia drills.When evening falls, special tours will show the huddled survivors in the fort, where different perspectives on the raid will be shared. Reservations are required for the evening tour and cost $7 -- or 70 shillings.Hanna's Town, founded in 1773 by Robert Hanna, served as the first county seat of Westmoreland and was the site of the first English court west of the Allegheny Mountains.The town's glory days were short-lived, though, when on July 13, 1782, a joined force of British troops and Indians burned the community -- killing two and capturing many more."The town never recovered from the attack," Blady said, and the county seat eventually was moved to what became Greensburg.Noteworthy cases from the pre-Bill of Rights, more stringent court will be on display this weekend."There was no transcript, so you have to guess who said what," said Lisa Hays, executive director of the Westmoreland County Historical Society.One noteworthy case promises the thrills that only a "horse theft" trial can deliver, especially because Black Beauty-bandit cases were treated "like grand-theft auto is today," said Joanna Moyar, education coordinator for the historical society.Offering another outlook will be three Seneca Indians from Salamanca, N.Y. They will answer questions and demonstrate customs of the Seneca lifestyle. Children's activities include joining an Indian scout and playing period games."The Senecas are our honored guests," said Blady, who will wear an authentic period ensemble -- featuring a smock, oval spectacles and buckle shoes.More than half of the participants in the re-enactment are local, Blady said, but some are coming from as far as South Carolina and Massachusetts.The group of homesteaders, makeshift soldiers and British foes will camp out at the site.Hays said she hopes the commemoration will draw attention to Hanna's Town, which she called "the missing link" in the Pennsylvania parade of forts and settlements.The 225th anniversary also will be marked by construction on a new log cabin for the historical site.Blady said participants plan to construct a cabin "based on Hanna's original deeds." The crew expects to finish only the walls of the structure, so they will "raise the roof" at a future event.
In what may come as a disappointment to local members of the Kevin Costner Fan Club, the authentic American Indian wardrobes spotted in Hanna's Town this weekend are not here for "Dances with Wolves 2."Instead, the Indians, along with British soldiers and civilian loyalists, are part of a dramatic retelling of the 1782 demise of frontier outpost Hanna's Town in Hempfield.History buffs can join about 50 re-enactors this weekend as log cabins and taverns come alive on the Pennsylvania frontier in the waning days of the American Revolution.Although there will be no attacking Indians running out of the woods, visitors can get a glimpse of life on the Forbes Trail settlement up until the raiding Indians and British allies ambushed the town 225 years ago, said Rush Blady, who is helping to coordinate the eventHanna's Town will burn again -- this time in simulation.Daytime activities include the usual Saturday afternoon fare in a frontier town: log-cabin building, leather tanning and militia drills.When evening falls, special tours will show the huddled survivors in the fort, where different perspectives on the raid will be shared. Reservations are required for the evening tour and cost $7 -- or 70 shillings.Hanna's Town, founded in 1773 by Robert Hanna, served as the first county seat of Westmoreland and was the site of the first English court west of the Allegheny Mountains.The town's glory days were short-lived, though, when on July 13, 1782, a joined force of British troops and Indians burned the community -- killing two and capturing many more."The town never recovered from the attack," Blady said, and the county seat eventually was moved to what became Greensburg.Noteworthy cases from the pre-Bill of Rights, more stringent court will be on display this weekend."There was no transcript, so you have to guess who said what," said Lisa Hays, executive director of the Westmoreland County Historical Society.One noteworthy case promises the thrills that only a "horse theft" trial can deliver, especially because Black Beauty-bandit cases were treated "like grand-theft auto is today," said Joanna Moyar, education coordinator for the historical society.Offering another outlook will be three Seneca Indians from Salamanca, N.Y. They will answer questions and demonstrate customs of the Seneca lifestyle. Children's activities include joining an Indian scout and playing period games."The Senecas are our honored guests," said Blady, who will wear an authentic period ensemble -- featuring a smock, oval spectacles and buckle shoes.More than half of the participants in the re-enactment are local, Blady said, but some are coming from as far as South Carolina and Massachusetts.The group of homesteaders, makeshift soldiers and British foes will camp out at the site.Hays said she hopes the commemoration will draw attention to Hanna's Town, which she called "the missing link" in the Pennsylvania parade of forts and settlements.The 225th anniversary also will be marked by construction on a new log cabin for the historical site.Blady said participants plan to construct a cabin "based on Hanna's original deeds." The crew expects to finish only the walls of the structure, so they will "raise the roof" at a future event.
July 22 - West Overton marks Old Overholt Days
West Overton marks Old Overholt Days
By Barbara Hollenbaugh
West Overton Museums, outside Scottdale, will celebrate an unusual aspect of the Overholt family, who founded the village, Saturday and July 22.During the Old Overholt Days celebration, West Overton will note the military service of this Mennonite family during the Civil War.The village was founded in 1800 by Henry Overholt, a Swiss immigrant who moved there from Bucks County. Overholt's son, Abraham, an entrepreneur, expanded the town's modest grist mill and distillery. He later added other businesses, including a flour mill, a cooper's shop and a blacksmithing shop. He even launched a thriving pig trade.Abraham's grand-nephews, Aaron and John, enlisted in the 15th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Calvary, much against the wishes of their father, a local Mennonite bishop.This regiment served mainly as scouts; however, members played important roles in the Battle of Chickamauga. They also were present at Appomattox on the day Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered.The regiment mustered out of service in June 1865.Barbara Pearlstein, executive director of West Overton, said Old Overholt Days is a celebration of the history of the village and of the people who lived there."There will be demonstrations of cooking, farming and preserving, along with other period crafts, such as spinning and weaving." she said. "There also will be Civil War re-enactments, and even a mock trial for a Southern sympathizer."The musical group The Remnants will perform period music, as well.Pearlstein said she plans this year to test a new program that will depict the lives of children who lived and worked during the region's coal and coke era."We'll have a self-guided picture display in the barn," she said. "People will see what life was like for these children. They had no medical care. Also, there were no child labor laws."There will be children's activities as well. Kids will be able to sort coal by grade and by size, just as their counterparts did years ago.Pearlstein said she hopes to add more living history events to the celebration."West Overton once had a thriving pig trade," she said. "That should be illustrated."Also, the building that once housed the company store is still standing. I would like to focus on its importance to the villagers. I would like to bring more attention to the old post office, as well."Pearlstein emphasized that she doesn't want to diminish in any way the importance of the Civil War in the village's history; she simply wants to bring attention to the many other aspects of village life.Pearlstein hopes that people will leave the celebration with a deeper understanding of what life was like during the Civil War Period.But she said West Overton is in need of volunteers."There's a wealth of interpretation here," she said. "We simply don't have enough volunteers to help bring it to life."
By Barbara Hollenbaugh
West Overton Museums, outside Scottdale, will celebrate an unusual aspect of the Overholt family, who founded the village, Saturday and July 22.During the Old Overholt Days celebration, West Overton will note the military service of this Mennonite family during the Civil War.The village was founded in 1800 by Henry Overholt, a Swiss immigrant who moved there from Bucks County. Overholt's son, Abraham, an entrepreneur, expanded the town's modest grist mill and distillery. He later added other businesses, including a flour mill, a cooper's shop and a blacksmithing shop. He even launched a thriving pig trade.Abraham's grand-nephews, Aaron and John, enlisted in the 15th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Calvary, much against the wishes of their father, a local Mennonite bishop.This regiment served mainly as scouts; however, members played important roles in the Battle of Chickamauga. They also were present at Appomattox on the day Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered.The regiment mustered out of service in June 1865.Barbara Pearlstein, executive director of West Overton, said Old Overholt Days is a celebration of the history of the village and of the people who lived there."There will be demonstrations of cooking, farming and preserving, along with other period crafts, such as spinning and weaving." she said. "There also will be Civil War re-enactments, and even a mock trial for a Southern sympathizer."The musical group The Remnants will perform period music, as well.Pearlstein said she plans this year to test a new program that will depict the lives of children who lived and worked during the region's coal and coke era."We'll have a self-guided picture display in the barn," she said. "People will see what life was like for these children. They had no medical care. Also, there were no child labor laws."There will be children's activities as well. Kids will be able to sort coal by grade and by size, just as their counterparts did years ago.Pearlstein said she hopes to add more living history events to the celebration."West Overton once had a thriving pig trade," she said. "That should be illustrated."Also, the building that once housed the company store is still standing. I would like to focus on its importance to the villagers. I would like to bring more attention to the old post office, as well."Pearlstein emphasized that she doesn't want to diminish in any way the importance of the Civil War in the village's history; she simply wants to bring attention to the many other aspects of village life.Pearlstein hopes that people will leave the celebration with a deeper understanding of what life was like during the Civil War Period.But she said West Overton is in need of volunteers."There's a wealth of interpretation here," she said. "We simply don't have enough volunteers to help bring it to life."
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