Lance: To the lowly Springdale thief. Someone broke into D&B Records this week to steal donations for the owners' 1-year-old granddaughter, who has a rare form of cancer. The owners say a jug with about $1,000 in contributions was taken after the front door was pried open. It takes a pretty hard heart to steal from a sick child.
Laurel: To the Businessmen. This group of area musicians has been holding benefit concerts for charitable causes since 1999. The 10 musicians all have day jobs so they use their love of music to help others. They have raised approximately $200,000 in the last 10 years, to benefit individuals, flood victims, Children's Hospital Free Care Fund and the Autism Society. How nice is that⢠Last week, they held a concert at the Fox Chapel Yacht Club to benefit Juvenile Diabetes.
Lance: To Highlands School Board. Guess the incumbents didn't get the message from the election. Residents don't like the partisan, punitive actions of this board majority that lost the election. Two longtime employees at basketball games, a ticket taker and a scorekeeper were left off a list to hire for this season. And it seems obvious the only reason is that they supported opposition candidates. How childish. Grow up, people.
Observation: With Respironics' purchase of 56 acres in the Westmoreland County Business and Research Park in Upper Burrell, we hope the county has plans to open a new park in the region. With the transfer of 575 Respironics employees from Murrysville to the park, and plans to expand, nearly all the parcels are gone. The wooded park has been more successful at attracting expanding and new companies than planners ever dreamed.
Lance: To all the towns that had Santa arrive before Thanksgiving. We know stores decorate earlier each year to get shoppers in the mood. That's one thing. But aren't there any sacred traditions left⢠It is pretty sad to see the little kids sitting on Santa's knee a week before we even enjoy our turkey dinner.
Laurel: To area businesses and the Habitat for Humanity. Shoppers can't miss the four gorgeous playhouses on display at the Pittsburgh Mills mall. What a great Christmas present for some young children in the area. And for a great cause. All money from the raffle tickets goes to the local chapter to build houses for needy families. The drawing is Dec. 29.
Laurel: To the Carnegie Museum's restored dinosaur exhibit. It reopened this week and is getting rave reviews. Certainly one of Pittsburgh's crown jewels.
Welcome: It's always nice to see the college kids back in town for the holiday. They appreciate home cooking so much more after eating at the dining hall. We wish all the families a happy Thanksgiving vacation. And we hope all the late leaves fall by this weekend so the kids can help rake.
