Every year on Sept. 11, our nation spends time reflecting on what happened on that day in 2001. We memorialize those who died, we give thanks to those who helped save people at Ground Zero, and we come to the conclusion that terrorism is still the greatest threat to our country. This year, on the 10th anniversary of the attacks, I have spent time reflecting but in a slightly different way. Rather than simply remembering what happened, I am asking myself more difficult questions. What, for instance, have I come to understand about this terrorist attack in the last 10 years that I didn't …

As Labor Day weekend progresses in Sewickley, the sun is becoming less and less visible and temperatures are steadily falling. Saturday was a full-fledged summer day, but Labor Day is ushering in autumn, complete with clouds and rain. While this holiday weekend may leave us slightly disappointed, next weekend is far more important in the life of Sewickley, where a number of major annual events will take place in one jam-packed weekend. So if you're bummed that your Labor Day festivities got rained out, just wait until next weekend. That's when all of the real action happens in Sewickley. The …

The transition from summer to fall has never been easy for me. Between school starting and the pool closing, the end of summer used to feel like the end of life as I knew it. Now that I am out of school and no longer have the free time to lounge by the pool, the changing of the seasons seems more bearable and perhaps something to anticipate. For at least the second time in my life, I am not dreading another school year or the loss of carefree summer days. Things are changing around me, yet everything in my life is staying the same. Because I'm not one for change, I like it. Now that my …

Most mornings as I peer out my window by my kitchen sink, I check the weather and for any activity that may be going on in the alley behind my apartment building. I generally see nothing of note and go back to doing the dishes. However, a few weeks ago, the scenery was anything but boring, as I woke up to bright orange graffiti covering the once plain white wall in the alley.  "Well," I thought, "at least the artist wrote a congenial message as he was defiling property.  It could have been worse." The words, "Welcome to Sewickley," in some version of cursive graced the alleyway's wall and I …

While I have never had the disposable income to shop regularly at Sewickley’s women’s clothing boutique, Bailey & Bailey, I have visited the store countless times over the years.  Whether I’m simply browsing, rummaging through the sale rack or shopping for a special occasion, it’s rare to leave the shop without coveting several clothing items. Because Pittsburgh has often been behind the curve when it comes to high-end fashion, it’s a treat to be able to at least look at beautiful clothes, even when I can’t necessarily afford them.  Bailey & Bailey owners Holly Miller and Elsa Cabiya have …

Pittsburgh isn’t known for being a particularly “young” city, as many 20-somethings choose to move to more happening spots such as Chicago, Los Angeles or New York City.  Some in their early 20s who grew up in the area decide to go anywhere-but-here.  Having lived in both the city of Pittsburgh and Sewickley as a child, adolescent, college student and young professional, I have come to realize that neither are as dull as they're often made out to be.  Both places are rather full of vibrant youngsters, making them fun places to live even if you’re in your 20s or 30s. While Sewickley may not be…

Construction in the Pittsburgh area is in full force. By the time I dodge the orange cones on Beaver Street and hit the open road on Route 65 heading toward Downtown, I am stopped in my tracks by detours, cones and barriers aplenty.  When I reach the city, I have to navigate my way around the Mellon Arena, where roads are closed. Even if I avoid the city altogether, Sunday-afternoon traffic sporadically pops up on Interstate-376 East heading toward Mt. Lebanon, leaving me stuck for an hour, alone with my anger and impatience. None of this includes traffic and road closings from the filming of…

Knowing everybody in a small town has its perks. For instance, I once forgot my wallet at Starbucks and someone I knew found it and returned it personally. I often get discounts and great service at the local dry cleaner and frame shop because the employees or owners know me. There is usually someone to chat with or some passerby who addresses me by name wherever I go. Although knowing the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker makes me feel right at home, at times I wish I could slip on the classic glasses/nose/mustache disguise and go on my way without having to small talk. I must …

Due to the fact that I live a stone’s throw from Safran’s grocery store, I do the majority of my shopping there, but from time to time I find myself at the Leetsdale Giant Eagle. Although I do “find” myself there in a figurative way, I have been losing myself there because of the recent expansion and renovations. Over a weeklong period this summer, I happened to end up at the Giant Eagle almost every day, and each day it looked entirely different. Now, it appears as though most things are in place, but I can no longer get in and out of the store quickly because of its sheer size. When people …

As much as I love a good beach vacation, I have recently come to realize that one does not have to travel far in order to reach maximum relaxation capacity. I, for one, have found myself at ultimate ease this week while spending time in the Sewickley home while family friends are out of town. When these friends asked me to look after their house, plants and dogs for the week, I hesitated to say yes — mostly because of the dog situation. Having never owned dogs, I am not very fond of them, nor do I know what to do with them. Even playing fetch turns into such a chore because I can never seem …

I am generally not in favor of change. Traditions are something that my family has a lot of, so over the years I have learned to look forward to specific occasions, knowing exactly what was to come — the food, the company, even the conversation was pretty predictable. As my three sisters and I have grown, it seems as though we are unable to keep all of our beloved traditions, particularly our holiday rituals. It pains me that, for the first time, I will spend one of my favorite summer days, the Fourth of July, without any of my sisters. Unlike Christmas, we don’t have one Fourth of July …

I have always enjoyed the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” It has always been the case, however, that I have never been able to create any “trash” because I refuse to throw anything away. Clothes and other miscellaneous items pile up when they could be donated or bought (for a very nominal fee) by others who could really use them.For years, my mother has been trying to get me to change my pack-rat ways to no avail. But after my experience last week visiting the site of Japan’s earthquake and tsunami, I think it will be easier to donate things I don’t need or use. In an …

After seeing the news footage of the earthquake and the ensuing tsunami that slammed into Japan in March and hearing about the Fukushima nuclear power plant explosion, I thought I wouldn’t be making a return trip to the country anytime soon.I traveled to Japan in December, and I couldn’t wait to go back. Seeing news accounts of the destruction and devastation of so many of its people was heartbreaking, and I presumed the country as a whole was no longer a desirable destination or a safe place to travel.I was fortunate enough, however, to have been able to take another trip to Japan, where I'…

An interesting trend I have noticed since I’ve moved to Sewickley is its residents’ tendency to move around within the community. Without having to think, I could rattle off the names of dozens of people I know who have lived in two or more houses in Sewickley. Of course, it’s natural for families to outgrow their houses and for empty nesters to downsize into a smaller house, but never have I seen so many people move just for the sake of moving. There are countless beautiful homes here, so I could imagine that someone might want to try out more than one in a lifetime, but I for one find …

Even though I live in a small town and know many people here, I still encounter unfamiliar faces. I am ashamed to say that some of the people that I know the least or -- dare I say it -- don’t know at all are my own neighbors.While I grew up in a house that sits between those of our family's two best friends, I don’t know anyone across the street, nor have I seen the people who live in the house directly behind my parents’ yard.I got to thinking about this when I heard that those neighbors recently delivered several notes to the door, saying the pine tree in between the two yards was causing …

As I waited for the results of Tuesday’s Leetsdale Council primary election, I read up a bit on the candidates who set out to challenge the incumbents.What I read about these three candidates who ran on the "Candidates for Change" slate resonated with what I’ve been hearing around Allegheny County, as well as our nation at large — people are looking for change.From the grassroots groups up to the federal level, citizens are questioning if their governments have been overspending and not truly looking out for the public.As have many others, I have gone through most of my life unaware of much …

Favorite childhood memories for many people often revolve around summer camp. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I believe that my sisters and I created one of the best and most memorable summer camp experiences for Edgeworth and Sewickley children back in the day. When we were in middle school, my older sister Sarah, our neighbor Carrilee and I decided that running a summer camp in our yard would be a great way to make some cash. We already had a little babysitting experience under our belts, but this would be an even quicker money-maker because we could take on a bunch of kids at the …

On what seems to be the first sunny day in weeks, I can’t help but notice that everyone seems to be as relieved as I am to finally get outside.Although many Sewickley residents are fortunate enough to have yards and porches where they can enjoy nice weather, our community is also home to several beautiful public parks.Growing up in Sewickley, I have many fond memories from these parks and am thrilled to see the establishment of newer parks, such as Riverfront Park and Mary Roberts Rinehart Nature Park, especially because they are tied to Sewickley’s rich history.Riverfront Park, located on …

After reading about the pending budget cuts at the Quaker Valley School District, I can’t help but feel lucky I am no longer in school there, nor do I have children who attend classes. I still live in Sewickley, however, and I feel a strong connection to the school district. Even though I now have no involvement with QV schools, I hate seeing the district suffer. While the district's budget cuts have yet to be approved, I imagine that the financial troubles in Harrisburg will affect Quaker Valley in some capacity, though no one is sure how. What troubles me is that at least 12 positions could…

Even though flowers are just beginning to bloom in Sewickley, college students already are hitting the books to study for finals and soon will gear up for summer vacation.  Lots of college freshman returning home to Sewickley this summer may be wondering, “What now?”  Sure, hanging out at the pool is fun, but most students are probably trying to make a little cash and gain valuable work experience at the same time.  If you're among them and you think you’re too late — fear not. Here are a few ideas to get you started on the path to a great summer job in Sewickley:  Lifeguard: If you can still…