Defying the age-old adage that "money doesn't grow on trees," the Christmas tree industry is poised for a banner year, with the National Christmas Tree Association estimating sales of 25-30 million trees, generating a staggering $1.38 billion in revenue. For perspective, if the American Christmas tree market was a nation, it would have a higher Gross Domestic Product than 12 other countries, ranking it between Seychelles and Grenada, according to the World Bank. Pennsylvania is rated one of the highest producers of Christmas trees in the country, but given this year’s dry and extended summer, local farms are trying to stay in front of the challenges of the overall ...
Tis the season for a ‘tree-mendous holiday experience! As live Christmas trees regain their sparkle, local Christmas tree farmers are dishing out their top tips to make finding the perfect tree a joyful, stress-free adventure! Amanda Leavitt, whose family owns Candle Tree Farm in Washington County, said the first thing she would tell buyers, especially those that may be shopping for the first time, is to wear the right attire. “Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and shoes you don’t mind getting muddy,” Leavitt said. “And I would also recommend checking out the website of the farm you’re going to to see if there’s anything else you need to bring with you.” ...
Supported by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging and The Albert Gallatin Human Services Agency Inc., the Masontown Senior Center is helping seniors by providing a variety of resources and offerings to enhance, improve or assist the lives of seniors in the area. Despite their ...
South Strabane firefighters will be a little safer responding to crashes on interstates in the township with the help of a "scorpion." The South Strabane Fire Department recently purchased a specialized truck designed to alert motorists on the highway that crews are working at a crash site ...
Taylor Schumacher scored a game-high 26 points, including the 1,000th of her career, in McGuffey’s 65-40 victory over Avella on Saturday to win the Avella Tip-off tournament. The Highlanders used a 24-12 advantage in the second quarter to take control. McGuffey had a 20-12 advantage in the ...
Waynesburg University earned its third straight victory in defeating Carlow, 68-55, on Saturday at Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse. Waynesburg improved to 3-4 this season while Carlow fell to 1-6. The Yellow Jackets used a 13-0 run in the first half to take a 37-25 lead at halftime. Carlow scored ...
Growing up in a family of West Virginia sports fans, Trinity senior Matthew Robaugh knows the lyrics to John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” If he didn’t, the Mountaineer faithful would require him to learn the song very quickly, which is a staple in Morgantown after every ...
The great misadventure began before the journey to Springfield, Mass., in a Pittsburgh parking garage. I shoved a blanket into my already-stuffed tote bag, breaking the handle. Both suitcases were brimming over with formal wear – to a wedding, we were heading – and other necessities and ...
Children who attend St. John’s Catholic Preschool in McMurray entertained residents of The Waters of McMurray Senior Living with a Thanksgiving skit recently. “One of our part-time resident aides, Anna Cooper, also works at the preschool and she thought the residents would enjoy getting ...