by Dana Wineland O’Rouke, contributing writer Bayberry candles, cut-out cookies, and Christmas cards have been a tradition in our home since we married forty-five years ago. While I addressed as many Christmas cards this year as last, our mailbox, and …
A musical journey of loss, grief and hope By Brett McCutcheon A young local composer and a 2023 instructor for Luminari’s Music Makers! camp, Brett McCutcheon, unveiled his deeply moving project, “The Ocean – five years” on September 30, 2023. …
by Beth Dolinar, contributing writer While poking through my guest room closet looking for Thanksgiving decorations, I came across a small green wooden box. Its hinges were rusted and a scrape gouged a streak across the lid. Sitting there on …
If you are a high school student in the Pittsburgh area who is interested in diplomacy, cultural awareness, global affairs, government relations or community service, we encourage you to apply for the Luminari Award today. Our merit-based award is open …
by Dana Wineland O’Rouke, contributing writer Stories can teach, entertain, and more importantly, allow your legacy to live on. I’m humbled to share that my stories opened the door to address a large group of people during a Morning of …
Pescatarians — Vegans — Vegetarians — you can survive the holidays! Is it hopeless being a vegetarian or vegan over the holidays? No. Can it be somewhat difficult? At times, yes, especially if you are a vegan, which has greater …
by Dana Wineland O’Rourke, Contributing Writer Freshly waxed floors, stacks of textbooks, new boxes of crayons, and peanut butter sandwiches in brown paper bags; that’s what the first day of sixth grade looked and smelled like at St. Anthony School. …
by Beth Dolinar, Contributing Writer The first spotted lantern fly I ever laid eyes upon was in a netted cage at an apple orchard near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. I was there in August 2022 with a photographer, filming a documentary about …
The important role food can play in diplomacy by Debbie Casini Klein, Director, I Want to be an Ambassador! Diplomacy is the art of maintaining peaceful relationships between nations, groups or individuals. And an important aspect of diplomacy, which our …
by Gina Catanzarite, Director, Teen Writer! When I was a child, I read a chapter book called 100 Pounds of Popcorn by Hazel Krantz. Written in 1961, it tells the tale of a brother and sister who find a 100-pound …
