Talk of the Town

Moon Township Dunkin' Donuts Open for Business

The breakfast chain bustles on its opening day in Moon Township.

Dunkin' Donuts opened its doors today on the corner of Carnot and Beaver Grade roads.  The breakfast eatery, located in the former Hometown Pizza building just off University Boulevard, opened at 5 a.m. today to packed crowds and long lines at the drive-through.  Developers at Heartland Restaurant Group, which operates the Moon franchise location, said the store was orignally slated to open after April 28.  The chain restaurant features free WiFi, a sit-in dining room and Dunkin' Donuts' signature menu of breakfast confections and coffee.  Patch stopped by for a quick caffeine fix, and now we want to know: What do you think of the new Dunkin' Donuts? Have you been there yet? How was the service?

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Vision for Vacancy

Vision for Vacancy: What Should Move into this Building?

Tell us what business you would like to see move into this property at the corner of Carnot and Beaver Grade roads.

Vacant buildings and unused storefronts are eyesores, but an empty storefront can also be an opportunity. You don't need to be a commercial developer or city planner—or have money to invest in a business project—to have the next great idea. The former Carnot Beer Distributor building at the corner of Carnot and Beaver Grade roads is a piece of prime real estate in Moon—a Dunkin Donut will open next door in the coming months, and there are several fast-food joints right across the street. Township supervisors recently said that commercial developers had expressed interest in the nearby township garage.  But this building remains vacant, and we want to know what business you envision for this vacancy.   What business would benefit the Moon …

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Update: RMU Student Sexually Assaulted on Carnot Road

Moon Police said a man attacked a woman as she walked to her car.

Moon Police said a 22-year-old female Robert Morris University student was sexually assaulted Thursday outside the Smoke Stack on University Boulevard.  Police said the woman was attacked between 6:30 and 7 p.m. as she returned to her car, which was parked behind the building on Carnot Road. The woman told police that as she returned to her vehicle, a male grabbed her from the back and placed a weapon, possibly a box-cutter knife, to her neck.  The suspect was attempting to sexually assault the woman as she broke free, according to police. The woman was injured in the struggle, receiving a gash in her leg as well as bruises and abrasions. She has been treated and released from Heritage Valley Sewickley Hospital, police said. Smoke Stack …

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Food Pantry Hosts Christmas Dinner for Moon-Area Clients

As the Christmas nears, pantry volunteers work to serve a growing clientele during the holiday season.

Sandy Hersberger said it gives her a chance to catch up with the community. The West Hills Food Pantry director, who has been at the helm of the Moon-based nonprofit for more than two decades, said the organization's annual Christmas dinner allows her to mingle with those who patronize the pantry. The holiday get-together included free dinners to those who regularly seek the pantry's assistance, along with crafts for children and a visit from Santa Claus. Pantry volunteers whisked plates by the tray-full across the Sharon Community Presbyterian Church's gathering hall as clients sat down to the tune of Christmas carols. Those in attendance raved about the food. "It's nice for it to not be all about business," she said, after the final …

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Community Gears Up for Mile of Cans Fundraiser

The event will be Saturday and will benefit Moon's West Hills Food Pantry. Find out more about getting involved.

Judy Littell said it might just be the best-kept secret in Moon. “You’d be surprised how many people don’t even know we have a food pantry in Moon Township,” said Littell, organizer for this weekend’s Mile of Cans fundraiser. “They’ll say we don’t need a food pantry in Moon, but last week they served 185 families.”  The Sharon Community Presbyterian Church at 10 a.m. Saturday will be host for the 15th annual Mile of Cans fundraiser to benefit the West Hills Food Pantry.  The event serves as the largest annual food and money-raiser for the Moon-based pantry, which is housed on church grounds. Several Moon businesses and churches, including Impact Christian Church, have pledged to take an active role in the effort. Longtime pantry director …

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