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The Aurora Borealis

The Aurora Borealis

by Chris Petry Earlier this week as I was reviewing a list of potential topics for the day’s blog entry, my exuberant colleague bounced into the doorway of my office with an idea of her own. “Do you already have a topic lined up for this week? How about the Northern Lights? It’s trending right now.” Truth is, I was torn between discussing the benefits of sunblock and the

Exploring the Caves of Northeastern, OH

Exploring the Caves of Northeastern, OH

by Chris Petry You don’t have to be Batman to enjoy hanging out in a cave. After all, they include some of the richest, most geologically diverse, and downright fascinating natural rock formations on the planet. Or, should I say beneath it?   According to National Geographic, there are four different types of caves. First, there’s the coastal cave. Coastal caves are tunneled

Let's Talk About Sharks

Let's Talk About Sharks

by Chris Petry As we head off to the beach in droves, let us not forget the formidable threat that lies just below the surface of the water: human beings. Gotcha. I bet you thought I was going to use your captive time to rail against the dangers of the ever-popular, prehistoric, razor-teethed denizens of the deep we call sharks, but no! This article will not cater to the fear and paranoia that

10 Hiking Trails in Northeastern Ohio

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10 Hiking Trails in Northeastern Ohio

by Chris Petry There are two types of people in this world. Numero uno: you’re #SaltLife. You like nothing better than the feel of warm sand between your toes, lying on a beach towel with a dry martini, and gazing at the ocean tide with a primordial longing, as if called back to the place where life itself began. Then there’s numero two-o: You can think of nothing more refreshing th

This Memorial Day

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This Memorial Day

by Chris Petry Memorial Day is often recognized as the beginning of summer (though technically speaking June 21st claims that honor), and that means sweaters are tucked away until late fall, the kids are in their last week or so of school, and the smell of your neighbor’s barbecue begins permeating the air.   There’s certainly something magical about summer. Unless you&rsq

Learning to Disconnect

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Learning to Disconnect

It’s 2023. We (the world) are hopelessly attached to our smartphones, tablets, and virtual assistant technology. The thought of leaving home without our iPhone is almost as terrifying as waking up in a room full of clowns. If we didn’t have Alexa on standby, how would we know a package had been delivered? Open the door and look? No thank you!   Jokes aside, it’s easy to se

Summertime Pests

Summertime Pests

by Chris Petry With April showers come… house centipedes? Yuck! It’s an inescapable fact: when the snow and ice melts and temperatures begin to reliably double the freezing point (32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius) bugs will become an unavoidable part of daily life. From warding off fruit flies to avoiding hornet’s nests in the corners of outdoor structures, you&r

Dig It! Tips and Tricks for Your Garden

Dig It! Tips and Tricks for Your Garden

by Chris Petry Confession: I do NOT have a green thumb. I did at one time. Or perhaps it was the kind of pure dumb luck only an 8-year-old could muster that allowed me to grow a 40lb pumpkin one summer. Problem is, I never matched my efforts and I’m willing to bet there are a number of you reading this right now that fall squarely in my camp. Or worse, you scouted out the perfect plac

Congrats Jessica Webb! Hockey Mom of the Year

Congrats Jessica Webb! Hockey Mom of the Year

by Chris Petry On behalf of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty and Stouffer Realty and The Pittsburgh Penguins, it was a great honor to recognize Jessica Webb as Hockey Mom of the Year at last night’s Penguins vs. Blackhawks game.   Jessica was, of course, our Hockey Mom of the Month for February, 2023. A Greensburg native, Jessica is the current President of the

Enjoy a Night Out: Go to the Drive-In!

Enjoy a Night Out: Go to the Drive-In!

by Chris Petry It’s official: springtime is finally here. Of course, we live in Western, PA and Eastern, OH so a rogue snowstorm could blow through any second now, but let’s not talk about that. It’s time to clear the clutter that’s been piling up in your basement and attic all winter, tune up the lawnmower, fill the truck bed with mulch, and go to the Drive-In.