Cranberry Foundation

More than 30 volunteers got their hands dirty at Powell Farm, helping harvest pumpkins for Cranberry Township's Great Pumpkin Festival on October 23.

Organized by the Cranberry Conservancy, this was Powell Farm's first public volunteer event, and following its success, similar events are in the works for as early as next spring.

Volunteers also heard from Powell Farm Program Supervisor Noah Petronic and Cranberry Foundation Executive Director Amy Smith about the farm’s future and how the Cranberry Conservancy supports those goals.

Interested in becoming a steward and serving the community as part of the Cranberry Conservancy? Learn more ➡ cranberryfoundation.org/cranberryconservancy

60 new books. 60 new opportunities to discover something new.📚

When the Cranberry Public Library received a $1,250 Community Grant from the Cranberry Foundation, the funding helped bring 60 new juvenile nonfiction books to the shelves.

From pop icon biographies and sports to STEM and more, these aren't just new books; they're new opportunities for young readers to find a subject that sparks their curiosity, learn about someone who inspires them, or discover a passion they didn't know they had.

That's what a community grant can do.

A grant becomes books.
Books become curiosity.
And curiosity can become something much bigger.

Thank you to the Cranberry Public Library for putting this grant to work for the next generation of readers.

📸: Cranberry Public Library

Different faiths. Different traditions. More in common than you might think.

IDEA recently brought together representatives from several faith traditions for an Interfaith panel discussion, creating an opportunity to learn more about the beliefs, traditions, and practices that shape different communities.

While the panelists shared many differences, they also highlighted something just as meaningful: the common ground that exists across faiths and beliefs.

Conversations like this remind us that understanding starts with listening, and that our differences don't have to divide us. They can be an opportunity to learn from one another and discover what connects us.

Thank you to IDEA and all of the panelists for creating space for an open, thoughtful conversation in our community.

Planning for the future can make a big difference, especially when it comes to aging and eldercare.

IDEA is hosting Aging & Eldercare on November 8 at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center, a panel discussion featuring experts in aging and dementia who will share information, answer questions, and help attendees better understand the resources available in our community.

Attendees can also connect with area organizations at resource tables to get questions answered and learn more about planning ahead.

Free to attend; registration is recommended. ➡ https://bit.ly/4xQpcf9

Join the conversation and connect with resources that can help you and your loved ones plan for the future.

Something NEW is coming to Cranberry Township this holiday season, and you won't want to miss it. ✨

🎨SAVE THE DATE: November 13🎨

Join the Cranberry Foundation and Cranberry Artists Network (CAN) for the inaugural Mistletoe and Masterpieces: An Art Gallery Experience. It's a brand new evening celebrating local art, beautifully decorated holiday trees, and the magic of the season.

The Cranberry Municipal Center will be transformed into an immersive holiday experience, with CAN artists showcased throughout the building, and the official kickoff of the Cranberry Foundation Tree Gallery.

It's part art gallery, part holiday celebration, and all about community.

Mark your calendar! Tickets will be available soon!

Research is growing at Powell Farm 🌱

Powell Farm is working with Penn State Extension on an on-farm trial comparing two approaches to growing pumpkins: conventional tillage and no-till planting.

For the no-till field, winter rye was crimped and rolled into a mat before pumpkins were seeded directly into the residue. The goal is to help prevent erosion, keep pumpkins cleaner, and potentially reduce the need for herbicides.

The early results are interesting: the no-till pumpkins are noticeably cleaner, while the conventionally planted pumpkins have larger plants and fruit. But the real comparison will come at harvest, when the pumpkins can be counted and evaluated. 🎃

The trial was recently highlighted during a twilight meeting at Powell Farm, bringing PSU Extension and others into the field to see the research firsthand.

This is exactly the kind of relationship Powell Farm hopes to build for the future: working with PSU Extension on ongoing trials that can generate practical agricultural knowledge and connect farmers, researchers, and the public right here in Western Pennsylvania.

We're proud to see Powell Farm helping create a place where agriculture, research, and education can grow together.

Special thanks to Thiele Farms in Armstrong County and Soergel Orchards in Allegheny County for allowing Powell Farm to borrow some equipment during this trial!

Don't forget to register!

On September 29, the IDEA Team is moderating a panel discussion featuring leaders of multiple faith traditions.

Many Beliefs, One Community: An Interfaith Panel Discussion is your opportunity to discover the power of conversation, connection, and community.

This free event brings together leaders for a thoughtful panel discussion exploring the beliefs, values, and experiences that shape our community. Attendees will also have the opportunity to visit interactive booths featuring sacred books, cultural artifacts, and traditional foods representing each tradition.

The panel of speakers represents several religious traditions, including:

• Hinduism – Shailaja Cherukupalli, spiritual teacher and speaker
• Islam – Imam Mohamed Yacoub, Islamic Center of Western PA
• Buddhism – Bhante Pema, Pittsburgh Buddhist Center
• Catholicism – Deacon Don Pepe, Divine Grace Parish
• Christianity/Pentecostal – Pastor Titilayo O. Ajagbe, RCCG Streams of Praise
• Universalist - James Murray, Interim Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the South Hills

📅 September 29, 2026
🕕 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
📍 Cranberry Township Municipal Center, Council Chambers

Register today ➡ https://bit.ly/4gSa7Dr

Don't forget to sign up to help pick pumpkins at Powell Farm! 🎃

We've heard from so many of you interested in volunteering at Powell Farm, and this is your opportunity to join us for our first harvesting day!

On October 6 from 4-6 p.m., grab your boots and work gloves and help pick pumpkins for Cranberry Township's Great Pumpkin Festival on October 23.

After the work is done, stick around for a cup of c***r and a chance to learn more about what's ahead for Powell Farm and the Cranberry Conservancy.

Registration is required. Spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Come experience Powell Farm up close, lend a hand to a community event, and be part of what's next for this special place.

Register ➡ https://bit.ly/4gT6hLL

You asked! Now it's time to get your hands dirty! 🎃

We've heard from so many of you interested in volunteering at Powell Farm, and now a small group of community members will have the chance to join us for our first harvesting day!

On October 6 from 4-6 p.m., grab your boots and work gloves and help pick pumpkins for Cranberry Township's Great Pumpkin Festival on October 23.

After the work is done, stick around for a cup of c***r and a chance to learn more about what's ahead for Powell Farm and the Cranberry Conservancy.

Registration is required. Spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Come experience Powell Farm up close, lend a hand to a community event, and be part of what's next for this special place.

Register ➡ https://bit.ly/4gT6hLL

Discover the power of conversation, connection, and community at Many Beliefs, One Community: An Interfaith Panel Discussion.

Hosted by the IDEA Team, this free event brings together leaders from diverse faith traditions for a thoughtful panel discussion exploring the beliefs, values, and experiences that shape our community. Attendees will also have the opportunity to visit interactive booths featuring sacred books, cultural artifacts, and traditional foods representing each tradition.

Join us for this unique opportunity to celebrate understanding across cultures and beliefs.

📅 September 29, 2026
🕕 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
📍 Cranberry Township Municipal Center, Council Chambers

Register today ➡ https://bit.ly/4gSa7Dr