the almanac F E B R U A RY 16, 2025
SOUTH HILLS COMMUNITY NEWS
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Hot commodities FORT COUCH STUDENTS WIN FUTURE CITY COMPETITION PAGE A4
PHOTOS: JILL THURSTON/OBSERVER-REPORTER
An array of antique coal stoves collected by Russell Smith, of Kiefer Coal & Supply Co. in Bethel Park
Antique coal, gas stoves are Baldwin man’s longtime hobby
WPIAL TITLE AMONG GOALS FOR CHARTIERS VALLEY’S DAVIS PAGE B1
By Jill Thurston Staff writer
jthurston@observer-reporter.com
The jewel of Russell’s Smith’s antique coal and gas stove collection is an 1887 Germer coal stove, made in Erie and considered the “Cadillac” of stoves back in the day, with decorative medallions of the manufacturer’s three daughters across the front. His collection of about 20 antique stoves, along with display cases of associated items, is housed in the upper portion of the Kiefer Coal & Supply Co., 5088 West Library Ave. in Bethel Park. He and his wife, Jane, are third-generation owners of the company that supplies concrete for commercial and residential projects. Smith, of Baldwin, loves all things antique, but Russell Smith of Kiefer Coal & Supply is shown with the topper for a coal stove he has a particular appreciation for the turn-ofdating back to 1845. Smith found the topper, missing from the stove when it was SEE STOVES PAGE A2 donated, at a flea market.
DAVINCI WORKSHOP AND CAFE OFFERS FUN ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES PAGE B3 What’s happening, B3 Real estate transactions, A6 Classifieds, B4-6
Stone Soup Day brings classroom community to life Inspired by a timeless European folktale, students in Jessica Kotula’s classroom at Upper St. Clair High School hosted their first Stone Soup Day. The story of Stone Soup teaches the lesson that when individuals work together and share resources, they can achieve more than they could alone. In the tale, a simple soup transforms into a hearty meal, thanks to the contributions of an initially reluctant community. In Kotula’s classroom, the same spirit of collaboration came to life. Students contributed chopped vegetables, spices, noodles, drinks, and snacks to create a soup. But the event was about more than just food – it was a celebration of teamwork and the strength of their classroom community. “The idea is about a community working together to
help all members by contributing something to achieve a communal goal,” Kotula explained. “I’m so proud of the students in our classroom. Together, we are our own community.” As a symbolic gesture, each guest that entered the classroom was invited to add an individually wrapped meatball – representing the “stone” – to the soup. The heartiness of the soup demonstrated the vastness of the classroom community. The day also provided students the opportunity to give back. They enjoyed hosting and serving visitors who stopped by to share in the experience. Guests included teachers and building administrators, who were treated to warm bowls of soup and a sense of camaraderie. SEE SOUP PAGE A2 Upper St. Clair students serve up a hearty meal during Stone Soup Day.
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