By Lois Thomson

The steel industry in Pittsburgh shut down operations decades ago, and many towns in the Mon Valley suffered as a result. However, the Rivers of Steel organization is an arts and heritage preservation corporation that aims to highlight the artistry and innovation of that Pittsburgh region.

For most people, 2020 has been a difficult year. The COVID-19 pandemic touched practically every aspect of life creating increases in unemployment, shortages in supplies and anxiety among much of the population. With the holidays approaching, many families in the mid-Mon Valley will not need to worry about providing toys for their children thanks to Monongahela Valley Hospital and the Mon Valley Leathernecks, a group of former Marines who coordinate the local Toys for Tots Campaign.

By Charlotte Hopkins

During the pandemic, the Mon River Arts had to postpone, and in some cases cancel classes and events altogether. Three of the dance and theater classes have since been rescheduled for March 1 – May 1 of 2021 and the registration begins on December 1, 2020.

By Matthew Peaslee

Members of the Brentwood High School girls’ basketball team joined other community residents to weather the heavy rain on Nov. 21. Standing alongside Brownsville Road, the girls helped collect money from pedestrians and motorists for the Tim Tebow Foundation and St. Jude Foundation. It was part of a nationwide Save the Children Fundraiser. The goal of the Pittsburgh/Brentwood team was to raise $10,000.