The Changing Seasons

Mon Valley Works, Braddock Pennsylvania

"Float Boat" ... by Chihuly, at Phipps Conservatory

"Macchia Forest" by Chihuly

"Palm Court Tower" by Chihuly

The changing seasons here in western Pennsylvania is not only a thing of the present, but also a symbol of the past. With each day the leaves fall to the ground as a sign of things to come, like the leaves--some of our past also falls. There is not a better example of that than the steel industry; once a monster in the world of industrial horsepower highlighted during “World War Two” when Pittsburgh’s industrial might did produce more steel than all of Japan and Germany combined.

Now the colors have changed in the fall of that industry, with only a few steel mills still working. The realities of today have made yesterday’s tomorrow not the dreams of that yesterday, only the way it is. The area is still evolving from a hands on manufacturing economy, to a diverse list of professions and trades, filled with non-traditional employees and products. New businesses open everyday, as life goes on in western Pennsylvania.

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Phipps Conservatory is hosting a “Gardens & Glass” exhibit by artist Dale Chihuly. This glass art embedded within the gardens has been very successful, and very enlightening to the thousands who have walked the exhibit. This unique show is a perfect fit for Phipps Conservatory. It is a real gem, and a great example of how a lot of hard work and talent can change the way you see the world.

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Pennsylvania National Guard deployment:

Almost 4000 Pennsylvania soldiers of the 28th Division’s 56th Stryker Brigade have been notified that they may be deployed to Iraq. The Brigade is to mobilize in November 2008, then deploy to Iraq in February 2009. The unit from Southwestern Pennsylvania participating in the deployment is Company A, 1-112th Infantry, Ford City in Armstrong County. This will be the first deployment as a Stryker Brigade.

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Sports update:

The Steelers played the Denver Broncos this weekend. With 2 seconds left on the clock, the Broncos kicked a winning 48-yard field goal. Next week is another day.

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When you feel down and weary, remember that home is always here awaiting your return. Although you may see that some in the mainstream news paints your plight in the shadows of the valley … you can absolutely believe in your heart that your fellow Pennsylvanians believe that you stand proudly on top of the mountain.

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania