The Art Coach: Meet Bobbie Fertig

She’s not much of a talking teacher — far more likely to give you a nudge or “What if you tried it like this.” And while she might not be chatty like Bob Ross of PBS fame, painting with Bobbie Fertig promises to be a joy-filled experience.

Author: Jeff Coleman | June 7th, 2023 Painting an identity outside of the x’s and o’s of a husband’s success as a collegiate basketball coach isn’t a goal for Bobbie Fertig, but talent as an artist and teacher is quietly earning attention in Sharon. Her new teaching studio is in the glass and concrete space…

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Building Walt’s Magic Kingdom in Sharon

Walt Novosel has dreams—lots of them—and has a reputation for delivering. 

Author: Jeff Coleman | June 12th, 2023 When Walt Disney willed 27,000 acres of Florida swamp into America’s premiere kingdom of escape, a few generations of dreamers have taken notes on the audacity of his success—including Walt Novosel. The ex-baseball pro, engineer, husband, and father of four, has been imagining—and creating—ways for families to stay…

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The Flats: Reimagined Living

Soon, the spirit of this neighborhood will live again at The Flats, North Sharon with apartments and wellness amenities to transform your passion.

Author: Jeff Coleman | April 17th, 2023 They called the space between Shenango and Penn avenues, “The North Flats,” and for generations of families it was home. Workdays whistled the soundtrack of opportunity, as breadwinners marched from frame houses to posts at factories and stores. Families made their lives in the neighborhood. Before sundown, streets…

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Miss Nina is Bringing Elephant #8 to Sharon

When the new Elephant #8 opens in the Applegate Building on North Sharpsville Avenue, you’ll be transported right to Thailand.

Author: Jeff Coleman | March 30th, 2023 Narintra is “Miss Nina” to fans who’ve fallen in love with her mothering charms. But it’s the homestyle recipes from her childhood in Northern Thailand that have attracted a cult following. Nina’s first restaurant, “Elephant #8” in Slippery Rock, is a showpiece for the cuisine and culture of…

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Courtney Costa: In Sharon, It Takes a Band

Meet Courtney Costa, a community member with a passion for transforming properties who believes in hard work and working together.

Author: Jeff Coleman | March 20th, 2023 Courtney Costa has roots in Sharon, but the decision to buy a home and anchor a property management business here wasn’t nostalgia. It was the city’s welcome and vision for the future that made the difference. “Sharon is business friendly. They seem interested in getting unsightly businesses and…

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Brewing Up Fun: Croaker’s Brewing Company!

The City of Sharon welcomes the newest "frog" in our "pond," but we think they'll quickly become one of our favorite neighbors!

Author: Jeff Coleman | February 7th, 2023 Mara and Chris Palipchak knew it was time for their “small but mighty” brewing operation in New Castle to make the leap (excuse the pun) to downtown Sharon. Croaker’s Brewing Company has been the passion project of the mental health specialist and IT security guru. Now, it’s grown…

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Introducing: Sharon City Eyeworks

The City of Sharon is now home to an exciting new venture... a state-of-the-art optical studio.

Author: Jeff Coleman | January 24th, 2023 The skies are looking clear in the City of Sharon… but that’s probably because of Jim and Amy Schnieder’s new venture: Sharon City Eyeworks. The new state-of-the-art optical studio now offers eye exam services, in addition to the existing “Eyes of Faith Optical” eyewear boutique. Amy and Jim…

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Sugar Magnolia

Part six of the Independent Retailer's Month interview series featuring small businesses here in Sharon, PA.

The front entrance to Sugar Magnolia

In celebration of Independent Retailers Month, JCL Development reached out to several small business owners here in downtown Sharon, PA in hopes of highlighting all the wonderful and unique things we have to offer. This week, I met with Leanne Ekis, the owner of Sugar Magnolia Merchandise, to learn more about her business and her…

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Thyme In Your Kitchen

Part five of the Independent Retailer's Month interview series featuring small businesses here in Sharon, PA.

Thyme In Your Kitchen's cooking class space

In celebration of Independent Retailers Month, JCL Development reached out to several small business owners here in downtown Sharon, PA in hopes of highlighting all the wonderful and unique things we have to offer. This week, I met with Pat Evans, the owner of Thyme In Your Kitchen, to learn more about her business and…

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Haitian Sensation

Part four of the Independent Retailer's Month interview series featuring small businesses here in Sharon, PA.

In celebration of Independent Retailers Month, JCL Development reached out to several small business owners here in downtown Sharon, PA in hopes of highlighting all the wonderful and unique things we have to offer. This week, I met with Joseph Altenor, the owner of Haitian Sensation, to learn more about his business and his role…

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