Category: Uncategorized

Giving Tuesday

On Tuesday, December 2, Luminari will join millions around the world in celebrating Giving Tuesday, a global movement that reminds us that generosity is not just about making a donation, but about making a difference. Whether it’s a kind word, …

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Apply for the Lumianri Award

Now Accepting Applications for the 2026 Luminari Award Our annual search for Pittsburgh’s next young luminare is officially underway, and applications are now open for the 2026 Luminari Award, a prestigious merit-based scholarship for students in grades 7–11. One exceptional …

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Go for it

Cruising Along: Even When It’s Not What You Planned by Dana Wineland O’Rourke, contributing writer Every day is a gift, and milestones should be celebrated. My husband, Tim, and I married September 30, 1978.  We chose that as our wedding …

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Gob(ble)smacked

A Thanksgiving surprise, served with pasta and perspective by Margot Callahan, contributing writer What is it about being American that makes us think that we’re the center of the world? It’s an interesting psychological quirk, that fortunately, isn’t only American. …

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Song number four will be about the shipwreck

by Beth Dolinar, contributing writer “For the shipwreck, start in a minor key.” That was the advice from a seasoned songwriter who was among a group of guitar players and singers in what’s known as Folk Song Circle. It’s a …

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Operation Sleepover at Grams

by Dana Wineland O’Rourke, contributing writer This summer, our nine-year-old granddaughter Gianna expressed how much she wanted to have an all-cousin sleepover at my house before everyone headed back to school.  I never want to disappoint her but explained that …

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Music should be shared

by Beth Dolinar, contributing writer My parents came home after I’d already gone to bed. I was in 8th grade and it was a school night.  “Come on down,” my father called upstairs.  I walked into the kitchen and there …

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Chores

  by Margot Callahan, contributing writer For most of my life, I didn’t know much about where my food came from, and like most people, I was okay with that. Then, I got my list of chores from the Amish …

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Mystery Box Recipes

by Luminari featuring recipes created by our 2025 campers Camp Delicious! students wrapped up the week with flavor during our Mystery Box Competition on our last day of summer camp. With surprise ingredients such as Belgium dark chocolate, caramel cheese, …

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The music within

Recently, Tom Berich, Operations Manager at Luminari, spoke with Cooper Hernishen, a student from Bethel Park High School just outside Pittsburgh. In June 2025, Cooper had the chance to attend the latest Music Makers! camp. As you’ll discover in this …

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