Sometimes once is not enough. At least not when somebody has something significant to say. We think these newsmakers from 2007 in PG South caught the flavor of life and issues here.

Encore. OK, we'll make your new year and say it: Play it again, Sam.

Happy New Year!

"Kaleidoscopes relieve stress, stimulate creativity by engaging both right and left brain hemispheres and even create healing."

-- Marcia Clark, artist from Peters who makes kaleidoscopes and had a holiday exhibit of 30 of them at the Artists' Co-op in Washington. "An eye for color." Jan. 4.

"These new homes will look like a project and that is quite frightening to this neighborhood. They will stick out like sore thumbs."

-- William Wakeley, of Munhall, who owns an old mansion on East 11th Avenue, about the Mon Valley Initiative's plans to build new houses in Munhall and Homestead.

On the other side of the coin:

"These are the nicest largest houses we have ever developed. We are selling them beyond what the market is out there.''

-- Doug Van Haitsma, housing and real estate director for Mon Valley Initiative. "Proposal for new housing draws complaints," Jan. 4

"I'm very much against smoking, I can't believe the restaurant association lobbied for smoking in restaurants or bars.''

-- Ron Molinaro, owner of II Pizzaiolo in Mt. Lebanon, a smoke-free establishment. Mr. Molinaro was commenting on the controversial Allegheny County smoke ban in "Tobacco shop offers smokers a haven.'' Jan. 11.

"It is a fabulous way to honor Martin Luther King Jr. and his life.''

-- Barbara Houston, of the South Hills Interfaith Ministries, on the planned Jan. 15 observance of "A day on for Dr. King" which asked residents to get out and be active in his honor. "A day on," Jan. 11.

"The [choice] was a very big surprise, we didn't realize some of the behind-the-scenes doings.''

-- Nick Kotik, D-South Fayette, talking about how shocked some Democratic state lawmakers from the South Hills were at the choice of Philadelphia Republican Dennis O'Brien as House speaker even though Dems hold the majority. "Speaker choice a surprise," Jan. 18.

"Misinformation, rumor and innuendo led to litigation that was costly to the district and harmful to families of board members. I will not let anyone put me through that again.''

-- Mark Trombetta, Upper St. Clair School Board president, about an ongoing review of the controversial International Baccalaureate program in the district. The program, cancelled in 2006, was restored after parents sued. A panel was appointed to do a review to determine if IB should continue. "Panel gets another month." Jan. 18.

"It's not just the South Hills. It's national.''

-- Terry Kushner, acting superintendent of Upper St. Clair Schools, of the taunting by student fans during local high school basketball games. "Rivalry in the Bleachers," Jan. 25.

"What a joy it is to hear students audition and to realize what a wonderful future they have ahead of them.''

-- Bruce Lauffer, of Jeannette, music director/conductor of Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra in Upper St. Clair. "Concert brings together talented young musicians." Jan. 25.

"People here don't have their hearts in it like last time.''

-- Cathy Kavalukas, of West Mifflin, of the ''Super Boring Sunday'' South residents were experiencing this year during the Super Bowl. "A year later, Super Bowl is little more than another game." Feb. 1.

"It was sad and disheartening to see kids behave in that manner, to be so disrespectful. I have never seen that type of behavior when I've traveled to other schools.''

-- Shileste Overton-Morris is the co-founder of It Takes A Girl, Inc., with Penn State professor Dr. Cheryl Dellasega. At an assembly in Mt. Lebanon High School aimed at teaching respect and communication skills, Dr. Dellasega was subject to catcalls and other rude behavior. "Lesson in insult misses," Feb. 1.

"Now I can oink better than anyone.''

-- Robert Milie, of Mt. Lebanon, about the material used -- a valve from a pig -- in his aortic valve replacement surgery. "Despite illness, it's a hearty Valentine's Day." Feb. 8.

"You cannot eat a Cadbury bar the size of your head, but it's much more exciting than a gummy bear.''

-- Leslie Bonci, director of sports nutrition at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in a story about the dietary merits of chocolate. "A season, reason to swoon." Feb. 8

"If you come here with just a suitcase and you don't know the language, how do you survive?"

-- Susan Franz, teacher in Pine-Richland Middle school, on the idea behind her efforts with Catholic Charities Refugee Services, which helped two immigrant families from Russia settle in an apartment on Dell Drive in Mt. Lebanon. "To Russians with love." Feb. 15.

"We have a city to run and I'm not going to have people afraid.''

-- McKeesport Mayor Jim Brewster hours after a 17-year old boy was shot stepping off a school bus in that town on Feb. 7. The boy survived. The mayor started a group to work to stop teen violence. "Shootings prompt mayor to start coalition against violence." Feb. 15.

"It doesn't make sense. They are cutting out a lot of people's livelihood.''

-- Alice Anthony, Baldwin Borough, in "Transit cuts endanger jobs," a story about planned cuts of bus lines in the South Hills and elsewhere by the Port Authority. Mrs. Anthony said she would lose her job in a nursing home if she can't take the bus. Feb. 22.

"Eighty percent of he households in this district don't have school-age children.''

-- Baldwin-Whitehall School director Jane Hunnewell about a possible tax hike to meet striking teacher demands. "Strike shows plight of aging district." Feb. 22.

"It feels like the right thing to do, to keep the house looking like it's supposed to look.''

-- Chad Wertz, of Mt. Lebanon, of the two-story expansion of his 1926 Colonial style home in the Mission Hills neighborhood of that town. "New effort afoot to preserve older homes." March 1.

"It's way worse than you could ever image it would be.''

-- Sandy Shannon, of Scott about the damage -- physical and emotional -- experienced by victims of the Jan. 29 King's condo fire, which displaced 11 tenants. "Neighbors burn with compassion." March 1.

"It was a bonding experience.''

-- Shannon Pelissero, of Finleyville, who had to find a new bus to get to her job at PPG Downtown after the close of the Palm Garden Bridge for construction caused rerouting. "Rider research pays off in transit detours." March 8.

"I don't see the state continually coming up with large sums of money to keep them going''

-- State Rep. Nick Kotik, D-Robinson, who wants incentives to consolidate small school districts. "Generating an urge to merge." March 8.

"I want everybody to understand this is an epidemic and we're going to lose somebody.''

-- District Judge Blaise Larotonda, Mt. Lebanon, of the growing numbers of underage drinkers he sees in court. "Underage arrests may double this year." March 15.

"People should be reminded that the wall is a memorial, not a granite statue.''

-- Fred Menzl, of West Mifflin, president of Chapter Four of Rolling Thunder, a national organization of motorcycle enthusiasts who work to remember Vietnam-era MIAs. He was talking about the Vietnam memorial in Washington D.C. "Thunder will ride to protect memorial during anti-war protest." March 15.

"She didn't treat us like kids.''

-- Andrew Kuhn, 14, of Mt. Lebanon, about why he and classmates were devoted to teacher Anne Matuszewski, called Mrs. Mat" by her pupils at St. Bernard school. Andrew and others dedicated the school's Stations of the Cross to their late teacher, who died of a brain tumor on Dec. 9, 2006. "Stations dedicated" March 22.

"Someone has to help and we're trying.''

-- Blaire Volbers, of Bethel Park, on why she helped plan a five-mile "Walk for Sudan" at Peters Creek Presbyterian Church in McMurray. "Teens plan walk." March 22.

"Each year my mother would wake me up and say: 'It snowed last night. There's no school today.' I don't know how long she caught me on that one. I guess hope springs eternal."

-- Walt Michalski, of Peters, on a perennial April Fools Day joke. "Playing the fool." March 29.

"We would like to know who we will be dealing with.''

-- Maurice Deul, president of Covenant retirement community in Mt. Lebanon, of the sale of the property along Bower Hill Road. Later the owner was identified as WHO. "Residents want identity of new owner." March 29.

"I wish there was a Waterfront in every financially distressed community.''

-- Joseph Hohman, president of Resource Development and Management, a consultant hired by the state to help the once financially troubled town of Homestead plan a recovery. He was talking about the hugely successful shopping and entertainment complex in Homestead. The town was removed in March from the state's program for financially distressed communities after 13 years. "Complex led town out of distress." April 5.

"You could get lost in this for days.''

-- Millie Corrigan, of Dormont, attending a session on pysanky, the art of making batik-style Ukrainian Easter eggs, which use wax and dye to produce intricate patterns. A class in the art was held at Upper St. Clair Public library. "Eggs draw plenty of interest." April 5.

"You can feel that spirit energy.''

-- Rose St. John, of Beaver County Ghost Hunters, talking about the historical home in Monongahela sometime called the Demon house. Locals say the house, built in the late 1800s on an abandoned burial ground, is haunted. "Ghost hunter picks Friday 13th for her presentation at library." April 12.

"Something was telling me it was the place to be.''

-- Dave Pahanish, a folk rock guitarist from Washington County, who moved to Nashville to advance his song-writing career and quickly signed on with 3 Rivers Publishing. "It took trip to Nashville to find 3 Rivers." April 12.

"I like what the group stands for.''

-- Mary Lou Vater, of Mount Washington, about her membership in Friends of Danang. The nonprofit raises money for projects in Vietnamese hamlets. "Bridging financial gaps in Danang." April 19.

"They say it can't be done, yet we are doing it.''

-- John Yost, of Glassport, of the warehouse studio he operates in the borough in an attempt to bring more movie production to the Mon Valley. "Tinseltown dreams on the Mon." April 19.

"Let us know if you have a question about school policies or your child's safety. Know if your child's friends have access to guns. Keep guns in your house locked up and away from children.'

-- Patrick T. O'Toole, superintendent of Upper St. Clair School District, in a letter to parents. The letter outlined steps that the district took to help students cope with residual fear from the April 16 shootings at Virginia Tech.

"We are here to celebrate the diversity of this wonderful country.''

-- Hakan Yildiz, executive director of the Pittsburgh Dialogue Foundation at opening ceremonies of International Children's Day at the Carnegie Library of Homestead in Munhall. "Youthful sharing of culture." April 26.

"I keep a low profile.''

-- Vito DiSalvo, of West Mifflin, that school district's chairman of music, who surprised students when he arranged for two well-known opera singers to perform at the annual tea for senior girls at the high school. Mr. DiSalvo accompanied on keyboard. "Steeped in tradition." May 3.

"I don't cry over jewelry.''

-- Bernadette Teahan, a senior citizen from the South Hills who used courage, common sense -- and a Lifeline [a personal emergency response service] button -- to alert police that a stranger had broken into her home and stolen her jewelry. "Burglar startled by response." May 3.

"I thought we were close, but I now realize, five years later, how much closer the business brought us.''

-- Heidi Walsh, of Mt. Lebanon, on running "Zzz's ... A slumber Boutique" with her mom Kassy Henciak. The pair was one of several mother-daughter business duos profiled in "Born partners." May 10

"It's better than a sedative.''

-- Bob Collet, of Baldwin Borough, who drives his 1966 Pontiac Bonneville convertible to three car cruises a week during the summer. "Classic cars are captivating." May 10.

"I learn to go faster with the American language.''

-- Jinan Hassan, formerly of Iraq, now of Whitehall, on why she took part in a series of word games with students from the Winchester Thurston School of Shadyside. The program was supported by Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council and other agencies."Smiling in the same language." May 17.

"It's exploding.''

-- Don Housley, an engineer, developer and real estate agent who is developing subdivisions in Jefferson Hills. "Home biz booming." May 17.

"After eight months of work we did not find one good reason to get rid of the program.''

-- Gary Graminski, part of a committee charged with studying the International Baccalaureate program at Upper St. Clair High School. The curriculum has divided members of the community. "Favorable IB report raises ire." May 24.

"The doctor will open the chest. He will do that with a saw and then remove all of the tissue and muscle and the heart will be exposed ... Did you eat breakfast?''

--Shawn Balaschak, manager of St. Clair's cardiac lab. He spoke to three students considering health careers who witnessed open heart surgery. One of them was Tara Halpin, 18, of Bethel Park High School, a hospital volunteer. She got faint and required some assistance leaving the OR. "Making the cut." May 24.

"People were coming in crying, everyone was very emotional. I did not expect that.''

-- John Croussouloudis, of Monessen, of the closing of his family's 80-year-old Keystone Baker, a Mon Valley icon. His nephew, J.J. Georgagis of Stockdale in Washington County, reopened the store. "Rolling in dough again," May 31.

"Ninety percent of people age 60 and over say they want to stay in their homes the rest of their lives.''

--Judy Willett, executive director of Beacon Hill Village in Boston. She was speaking to the newly formed nonprofit, Mt. Lebanon Living at Home Alliance, a group that provided referrals to senior citizens to stay in their homes. "Group forms to help elderly." May 31.

"I always thought Iraq was a very backward, bland country, But through these e-mails, I've learned that Iraq is a fairly modern country with a lot more than just desert.''

--Unnamed student in Mt. Lebanon high school Internet letter to doctor in Iraq.

"This is another venue for discussion. This allows more free flow of ideas for the kids to experience.''

-- Maegan Kern, Mt. Lebanon High School teacher who helped set up e-mail exchanges with a doctor in Iraq for students to learn more about the Middle East.

"It's a fun-loving social gathering''

-- Helen Wivagg, of Forward on why more than 400 people have joined the Pittsburgh Area Jitterbug club. "Members in the swing, on their toes." June 7.

"Our flag represents all we are as a nation. It blankets us all. And if we don't respect her, we don't respect our nation.''

-- John Kovach, of Bethel Park, on the flag retirement ceremony held in South Park on Flag Day. Mr. Kovach worked to get the space -- a circular area with a fire pit, surrounded by benches and flag poles -- which is used to retired tattered American flags with dignity.

"My first steps are to listen and learn.''

-- John R. Allison, on his first day on the job as Mt. Lebanon superintendent. "New superintendent takes personal approach." June 14.

"Travel numbers have not gone down as a result of gas prices.''

-- Bevi Powell, spokesperson for AAA East Central in Pittsburgh, on summer 2007 travel plans by South residents. Gas prices in mid-June hovered between $2.90 and $3 a gallon. "Finally! It's summer." June 21.

"I wouldn't have thought about this place a few weeks ago the way I think of it now.''

-- Andy Halliwell, of Upper St. Clair, an audio assistant for the documentary "McKeesport" being made in that Mon Valley town by the American Film Renaissance Institute and backed by philanthropist and former McKeesport resident Arthur Rupe. "History in focus." June 21.

"The red, white and blue stands for the many opportunities here to make what you want of yourself.''

-- John Federkeil,of West Mifflin, a Korean War veteran who talked about what the American flag means to him in "Flag connotes honor and sacrifice." June 28.

"It sure beats TV.''

-- Ralph Piacquadio, of Cecil, a co- owner of Armstrong's restaurant in Caste Village, Whitehall, where he produces a big fireworks display every weekend before July 4th.

"I couldn't believe we were ever going to hear [eastern European] music again. I was such a surprise when we found this group and it had so many kids who have no roots in Europe.''

-- Ruzica Popovic, a Bosnian refuge now living in Castle Shannon, commenting on her daughter Dajana's involvement in an ethnic dance group. "Junior Tamburitzans bring students closer to home." July 5.

"You can complain about kids running the streets, or you can do something to help.''

-- Michael Farnan, of Clairton, owner of the Village Inn, who contributed funding and equipment to a new boxing club in Clairton. "Club puts punch in program." July 5.

"I think they made a good investment.''

-- George C. Smith, of Mt. Lebanon, whose forefathers bought 197 acres that later became the Mt. Lebanon Public Golf Course. The course marked its 100th anniversary in July and received an Historic Landmark plaque as the oldest municipal course in the state. "Coming to the FORE." July 12.

"It's important for people to see what happened back then; we're here today because of pioneers.''

-- Phil Haines, of Bethel Park, a re-enactor at the Oliver Miller Homestead in South Park. He was part of a program at the National Historic Landmark marking the anniversary of the Whiskey Rebellion in July of 1794. The rebellion by Western Pennsylvania farmers against a whiskey tax is considered an early challenge to the new federal government. "Site of Whiskey Rebellion drama." July 12.

"This is our community and it's important to have all give input.''

-- George Darakos, manager of the business development division of Allegheny County Economic Development, in "Transit stations futures plotted" about a town meeting held to consider future development around LRT stops at Dormont junction, Mt. Lebanon and Potomac. July 19.

"I was stunned. I never saw this coming.''

-- Johno Prascak, of South Side, a painter who was commissioned to do a portrait of President George H.W. Bush. "Local artist gets surprise presidential commission." July 19.

"It's hard to find someone my age who really understands the way it was for the immigrants from Calabria or Sicily.''

-- Carmen Williams, a 22-year-old from Collier, who attended Italian Day sponsored by Italian Sons and Daughters of America at Kennywood Park. "Family, tradition hallmarks of Italian Day." July 26.

"It gives me inner peace.''

-- Linda Carter, of Bethel Park, a parishioner at Christ United Methodist in that town, of the church's Taize service, a time of quiet prayer, named after a community of brothers in France whose life is based on prayer and hospitality. "Taize brings peace to congregation." July 26.

"It helps to understand there is not only grief, but good memories too.''

-- Marilyn Cartwright, bereavement specialist for Mt. Lebanon-based Family Hospice and Palliative Care, about a program designed for kids who have lost loved ones. "Camp in Castle Shannon helps kids overcome grief." Aug. 2.

"If parents insist, organizations have to comply. The power is with the parents.''

-- Libby Cambell Turner, of Darkness to Light, a national nonprofit dedicated to prevention of child abuse, on the need for background checks for anyone who works with kids. "More volunteer groups require background checks." Aug. 2.

"I cannot believe how many people came. I don't have words.''

-- Anne Fleming Babish, of Mt. Lebanon, chairwoman of committee that organized ULTRApartythat raised $25,000 for the Autism Center of Pittsburgh. More than 2,000 came to the street party sponsored by LEBO, a young professionals group. "Dancing in the streets." Aug. 9.

"How can I get [her grandson with allergies] to come here when there are cat hairs everywhere?"

-- Joann Bieranowski , of Jefferson Hills, who along with neighbors asked council for help to stop a stray cat problem on Cassia and Tangelo drives. Council continues to look for humane ways to deal with the problem.

"We're all suckers for pets so it works for us.''

-- Lynn Bellonotti, McKeesport Ambulance Rescue Service, about new pet oxygen masks the group acquired. The masks are used on pets at fires and other emergency calls.

"The purpose is that Duquesne students get a chance to meet and interact with students from West Mifflin so they will be family when school starts.

-- The Rev. Jerome Stevenson, part of the West Mifflin community ministry, which sponsored a dance for students from both schools. Duquesne High School was closed by the state this year ; two-thirds of the students now go to West Mifflin High School; 1/3 to East Allegheny. A similar pre-school mixer was held at a church in North Versailles for those students being sent to East Allegheny. "West Mifflin mixer lets students meet new classmates." Aug. 16.

"It was education-driven, but there also were parent requests.''

-- Robyn Tedesco, spokesperson for West Mifflin schools; for the first time parents there had the option of enrolling children in full-day kindergarten. "Changes in place for youngest pupils." Aug. 23.

"You have to learn to say 'No.' "

-- Michele Rash, of Jefferson Hills, about the low-cut necklines and short skirts on some back-to-school fashions for even the youngest of kids this season. She's mom to Eva Marie, 9, and Anthony, 11. "Shoppers find bargain hunting skill." Aug. 23.

"Every time you study some aspect, it opens up ten more questions.''

-- Sandra Roberts of Whitwell, Tenn., teacher and co-director of the Paper Clipsproject, begun in 1998, in which students have collected 11 million paper clips to represent victims of the Nazis. She spoke to residents of the South Hills about the project and the Holocaust at Beth El Congregation in Scott. "Glimpse of Holocaust project coming to Bethel El." Aug. 30.

"I get nervous all over again.''

-- Cassie Rusnak, of Baldwin Borough, attending a pre-season tailgate party at Whitehall library where a film of the Feb. 5, 2006 Steelers victory in Super Bowl XL was shown. "Library rallies Steelers faithful to tailgate." Aug. 31.

"You don't have a support system. You don't know how to get around, then there's finding a doctor.''

-- Amy Holmes, of Peters, of the help she needed when her family moved here from Virginia. Accordingly, Mrs. Holmes started "Moving on after moving in.'' "Group makes moves easier." Sept. 6.

"They don't have to be told to do their homework. They are so happy to be in school. They use pencils smaller than my pinky and eight girls share one eraser. They soak up information and work together in ways we don't find in American schools.''

-- Lulu Orr, of Fox Chapel, on students at Hekima Place in Nairobi, Kenya. Mrs. Orr and her husband Prentiss visited the school earlier this year to build a wooden swing set and soccer goal posts. Hekima was founded by Kate Fletcher of Mt. Lebanon. "African school gives girls future and volunteers way to help." Sept. 6

"We like to say 'let there be light. ' We are living in Catholic School heaven.''

-- Shelia Riley, principal at the new St. Thomas More Elementary School in Bethel Park, on opening day Sept. 5. "More than a dream." Sept. 13.

"Someone could get seriously injured or die''

-- Paul Bronder, chief of Baldwin Independent Fire Co. No. 1, telling council he was concerned about problems with new radios purchased to be compatible with the county's 911 system. The problem later was fixed to the department's satisfaction.

"The borough came uninvited on our property and did damage.''

-- David Sullivan, of Baldwin Borough, talking to council about damage done to his backyard when the municipality repaired nearby Janie Drive hillside. Mr. Sullivan wanted a retaining wall built; council instead voted for a riprap style of repair which used large stones in terraced cuts on the hillside. ''Council OKs stone for repair." Sept. 20.

"We had everything back then.''

-- Phyllis Golik, a member of Duquesne High School's class of 1957, reminiscing on life in the mill town as she helped plan her class's 50th reunion. Duquesne high school closed in June. "Class of 1957 prepares for reunion." Sept. 20

"The game is sweet, plus I get free stuff.''

-- R.J. Henney, Mt. Lebanon High student, on why he got in a long line at the Best Buy store in Bethel Park the night before to wait for the 12:01 a.m. Sept. 25 release of the final installment of Bungie Studio's wildly popular Halo game series. "Gamers line up for fanboy fest." Sept 27.

"It only continues to be a hot topic because a group of people are fixated on this program. It's best for the district to move forward.''

-- Mark Trombetta, president of the Upper St. Clair School Board, after the board, on a 5-4 vote, decided to keep the controversial International Baccalaureate program going. "Vote on IB still sparks dispute." Sept. 27.

"There is a maximum security prison in Illinois with an inmate serving time for first-degree murder. That murder was of my youngest daughter, Nan."

-- Sol Toder, of Mt. Lebanon, speaking during the Annual Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims at the County Courthouse and lobbying for the proposed "Nan's Law," which would require greater security measures for hotel, motel industry. Miss Toder was murdered while staying in a Crestwood, Ill., hotel during a business trip. "Parents remember 1996 murder of daughter." Oct. 4.

"A lot of people walked out in tears."

-- Vince Gori, longtime parishioner of St. Paulinus Church in Clairton, after attending the church's final mass. The 70-year-old stone church was closed because of tight finances and a shrinking congregation. Members now go to St. Clare of Assisi Church in town. "Tears accompany closing of church." Oct. 4.

"This park is a big part of my memories of growing up here. So you can imagine how sick I felt when I had to watch 20 trees being destroyed.''

-- Kerry Huffman of Brentwood, a teacher, telling council she is angry about trees being removed from the community park to make room for a new practice field. "Tree removal angers neighbors." Oct. 11.

"It looked pretty cheesy, I must admit.''

-- Jonathan Nickovich, of Mt. Lebanon, describing his sculpture made of plastic cutlery which spelled out "Will U marry me?" The work was on display at Create-A-Frame/Handworks Gallery and shown during the town's Fist Friday street fair. The display was a surprise for Mr. Nickovich's finance Kellie Scopel, of Detroit, Mich. She said ''yes'' and the couple plans to be married in the new year. "Proposal emerges from shadows." Oct.11.

"I think the most wonderful thing he told us is that 'All the same things you and Dad taught us -- morals, values -- hold for gays as they do straights.' "

-- Cheryl Plummer, of Dormont, talking about her son Ethan, 17, a senior at Keystone Oaks High School. Ethan helped start the school's Gay-Straight Alliance. "Lesson for today: Tolerance." Oct. 18.

"The kids were really excited. They had no idea what to expect until they got here.''

-- Todd Keruskin, Baldwin High School principal, on the newly renovated south wing, part of a $63 million, five-phase building project there. "Light, bright and shiny as new." Oct. 18.

"If you live through a year on the front lines during the Korean War, you're not afraid of anything.''

-- Ed Slater, mayor of Liberty and retired steelworker. He was part of a group of South residents who were asked "It's Halloween, what really scares you?" Oct. 25.

"If you're willing to show up, we're willing to take you. Nobody comes with a hidden agenda.''

-- John Kealey, president of Baldwin Whitehall Athletic Boosters, talking about working the concession stands at high-school football games. "Boosters raise money, but focus is on students." Oct. 25.

"There's nothing inside because I am not a keeper of secrets.''

-- Vincent Liu, third-grade student at Markum Elementary in Mt. Lebanon, talking about "inside/outside" boxes made in a new art class. The project helps children express their obvious -- and their secret -- thoughts. "Art Expression." Nov. 1.

"Just my crazy hobby, they are very serious about their pinball in Sweden."

-- Kevin Martin, of North Strabane, who owns the rights to the Professional Amateur Pinball Association world championships, which were held in October in Scott. Many of the world's accomplished players, from as far away as Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands, descended on Mr. Martin's South facility for the four-day event. "Pinball wizard." Nov. 1

"It was kind of sad, but I thought it was pretty cool, too.''

-- Nate McClure, a fifth-grader from Jefferson Elementary School on a field trip to Lobbs Cemetery, resting place for veterans from the Revolutionary War to Vietnam. The trip was part of a campaign by the West Jefferson Hills Historical Society. "Honoring the past." Nov. 8.

"The commission race was very secondary given everything that happened during the past week.''

-- Joe DeIullis, of Mt. Lebanon, on winning a seat on that town's commission in the Nov. 6 General Election. On Oct. 31, his daughter Sarah was brutally attacked by her ex-boyfriend. Miss DeIullis, 16, continues to recuperate from head injuries, but is back in school. Her attacker, Robert DeAngelis, 16, was charged as an adult with attempted homicide, aggravated assault and unlawful restraint. He continues to recuperate from severe injuries he received when he threw himself in front of a trolley after the attack. "Daughter's injury steals joy from win." Nov. 8

"I know a lot of folks who don't think we should have done his, but I hope that you will join with us now.''

-- Ched Mertz, Upper St. Clair commission president, about board action approving a controversial $27 million recreation complex. "Board finally approves center." Nov. 15.

"I can't believe that Bethel Park -- not even [located] close to us -- is willing to do this for us.''

-- Stephane Pettus, a supervisor at the Women's Center and Shelter in the East End, about Bethel Park Library pitching in to help homeless families get library resources. "Homeless children get books." Nov. 15.

"When you go home at the end of a day like today you really appreciate your oven.''

-- Mary Pat Swauger, volunteer and re-enactor at the Oliver Miller Homestead in South Park. Volunteers at the pioneer village sponsored a circa 1780s harvest festival to coincide with Thanksgiving 2007. "Hearth is headquarters for frontier." Nov. 21.

"Being close to our building is a very useful training tool.''

-- John Graham, president of Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, on why the school doesn't want to move a 747 Boeing jet donated by Fed Ex. The Allegheny County Airport Authority had the aircraft moved to about a half-mile from campus so it does not interfere with operations at the West Mifflin airport where the institute is located. The dispute remains in Common Pleas Court. "Dispute over where to keep donated plan in courts." Nov. 21.

"It's nice to see our kids excited about folks on the other side of the world.''

-- Fred Pearson, principal of Bethel Park's Washington Elementary School, about a program to help youngsters in an orphanage in Zimbabwe. "Orphanage on top of students' holiday wish list" Nov. 29.

"We have more people just give up after we bring in the K-9 unit. Before, you'd have people hiding in closets.''

-- Timothy Bliss of McKeesport police about his patrols with Hari, an 8-year-old German shepherd. Hari is one of five dogs in the town's K-9 force. "K-9 officers gain respect as they earn their keep." Nov. 29.

"I was late in filing the financial disclosure statements ... The people who supported my election as president understand and recognize that it is not an issue that is going to hold us back operationally.''

-- Mark Hart, new Mt. Lebanon School Board president, about questions surrounding his status. Mr. Hart was elected over the board vice president, who traditionally would move up. At the same meeting, another director revealed that the state Auditor General's office said that Mr. Hart, who works as director of business for the Pittsburgh Steelers, had not filed his financial interest statement as required by the state ethnics commission. Mr. Hart eventually filed the forms. The late filing did not affect district business. "Hart elected leader in surprise vote." Dec. 6.

"It's amazing it hasn't turned into sawdust.''

-- Joe Konrad, formerly of Monroeville, now of New London, Conn., about a Christmas card that has been sent back and forth for the past 64 years between him and a WWII buddy.

"All those dreams from my younger days come back when I get that card."

-- Stewart Owens, of Liberty Borough, who is at the South Hills end of the exchange. "Six decades of memories in card sent each year." Dec. 6

"We plan to get even bigger next year, once you start something like this, you can't stop, or you disappoint thousands of people who look forward to it."

-- Robert Cox, of Baldwin Borough, whose holiday yard display has more than 150,000 lights and a $300 January electric bill. "It's twinkle time.'' Dec. 13.

"I love all of the parties... and the Christmas decorations. I really like the decorations.''

--Purity Wahu, 17, of Kenya, on her visit to the South Hills, her first time out of her homeland. She is a resident of Hekima Place, a home in Nairobi for girls orphaned by AIDS and other poverty related issues. The home was started in 2005 by Mt. Lebanon's Kate Fletcher. quote: Dec. 13.

"This is a timeless activity.''

-- Mary Benintend, first grade teacher at Markum elementary in Mt. Lebanon, about a tradition of making gingerbread houses at the school. "Gingerbread tradition turns 25 at Markham.'' Dec. 20.

"My Christmas sermons tend to be devotional, not as intellectual. Every three of fourth year I try to challenge those who are not there very much.

-- The Rev. Phillip Wainwright, pastor of St. Peters Episcopal in Brentwood. "Christmas sermons hold message of hope, peace.'' Dec. 20.

Happy New Year.