Positively the best life

Whitehall's Nancy Stampahar tends to look at the glass as half-full, and she'd like to help you see it that way, too.

"Peace, Love and Lemonade: A Recipe To Make Your Life Sweeter," is her recently self-published book that points the way toward more positive thinking.

"When you get stuck in life and you can't take it anymore, this will help show how to get through it," said Ms. Stampahar, a professional public speaker and consultant.

The book is inspired by Ms. Stampahar's personal experiences and is dedicated to the memory of Jeff, her brother who died two years ago at age 46. Mr. Stampahar was intellectually disabled.

"The book took a whole different twist after he died, mainly the premise about courage and trying," said Ms. Stampahar, who called him the most courageous person she's known.

"He had a lot of tough times, but people with disabilities are pretty neat. They can inspire you not to sweat the small stuff."

The first official book signing for "Peace, Love and Lemonade" is Monday, when ACHIEVA's Awards of Excellence are presented at the Sheraton Station Square.

ACHIEVA provides services to mentally disabled teens and adults: "It celebrates volunteerism and leadership," said Ms. Stampahar, who recently joined the Allegheny County board.

A portion of the book's sales will go toward the Jeffrey J. Stampahar Fund at ACHIEVA. The book retails for $17.95 and is avaiable locally and through online book sellers. Her Web site (www.peaceloveandlemonade.com) should be up by next Monday.

No place like stage for the holidays

Pleasant Hills Middle School and CLO Academy student Alyssa Gephart will start her fourth straight holiday season onstage when the CLO's "A Musical Christmas Carol" opens Dec. 7 at the Byham Theater.

This is the sixth-grader's first year in the role of Belinda Cratchit, and she said she owes a lot to her parents, Lori and Keith Gephart, as well as to her school superintendent, Dr. John Lozosky. Pointing out that she must miss many of her classes during the show's four-week rehearsal period, she said "the only reason I can do theater like this is that I keep my grades up."

Alyssa, a McKeesport resident, just turned 12, but said the weekend holiday performances, sometimes as many as three a day, were a small price to pay to be a part of the show. "It's an honor to be part of 'Christmas Carol.' And I enjoy doing this so much."

Remember a life well lived

Students, staff and family of the late Bob Chiappetta gathered for a memorial mass and dedication ceremony at St. Germain School in Bethel Park last week.

A new computer lab and equipment were dedicated in honor of he late school principal, who served 1998 to 2002.

Mr. Chiappetta, 60, whose 34-year career in education included stints as principal of middle schools in Moon and Fox Chapel, died Jan. 6, of a brain tumor.

"We remember Mr. Chiappetta for his commitment to our school community and for his love of children,'' Principal Patricia Bibro said.

His widow, Donna Chiappetta, attended the dedication.

Chanukah here

The South Hills Jewish Community Center, Beth El Congregation, Chabad and Temple Emanuel are preparing for a community-wide Chanukah Zimriyah, or songfest, at the JCC, located at 345 Kane Boulevard.

The songfest will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 6. There will be lighting of candles, singing, and a chance to sample those delicious sufganiyot (Israeli jelly doughnuts). Additional kosher food items will be available.

Chanukah, also spelled Hanukah, is the Hebrew word for "dedication." The eight-day holiday commemorates the re-dedication of the Jerusalem Temple by Judah the Maccabee around 164 B.C.E.

For more, call Sybil Lieberman, 412- 278-1975, ext. 208.