Mulkeen Scholarship winner Ian Harris, pictured here with Kevin Toman, nephew and godchild of Terrence Mulkeen, has been invited into the Carnegie Mellon Science and Humanities Scholars Program where he plans to study physics. Ian will
also run cross country and track for the university.

Twenty-five years ago, a bunch of buddies from St. Bernard School came together on the evening of March 29, 1991, as they had just learned of the death of Lt. Terry Mulkeen, their fellow altar server, little league playmate, high school football and basketball teammate and lifelong friend. Born out of that gathering was the Lt. Terrence Mulkeen Memorial Award, a scholarship bestowed upon a senior from Mt. Lebanon High School who exemplified the life of Terry, an academically and athletically gifted student who earned his wings with the United States Navy and was killed during a training mission at the end of Operation Desert Storm.

This year’s recipient of the $7,000 scholarship will be attending Carnegie Mellon University, the alma mater of Lt. Mulkeen. Ian Harris is a gifted cellist and a National Merit semifinalist. His academic rating is stellar as well as his talent as a cross country and track runner. He held part-time jobs while volunteering his time in community organizations and participating in the Christ United Methodist Church Youth Group. His parents are Sandra Harris and Dianne Wainwright.

Mary Grace Musuneggi, Chairman and CEO of The Musuneggi Financial Group, has been selected as the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors-Pennsylvania’s 2016 Humanitarian Award recipient. Musuneggi received the award for her longtime work with Dress for Success Pittsburgh and Toys for Tots, and for Single Steps Strategies, a life planning program designed for women that Musuneggi founded.

Mt. Lebanon native Kelly Trumbull is returning to the CLO Cabaret after appearing as Gabriella in last year’s production of Boeing Boeing. Trumbull, who teaches in the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University and Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Music, will be serving as the assistant stage manager and understudy for the roles of Annabella/Margaret/Pamela in the CLO’s production of The 39 Steps.

Milo Hindman is the new manager of Coldwell Banker’s South Hills office. He has been with Coldwell Banker for five years, and most recently managed the company’s Pleasant Hills office.

On July 4, 1976, the U.S. celebrated 200 years. On the same day, Iraj Chiani opened the Persian and Oriental Rug Gallery at the corner of Washington Road and Central Way just four years after he came to the U.S. from Iran with $10 in his pocket.

The Pirates were nine games out of first in the National League East that year. Since then, the Pirates got really good, then really awful and now they’re good again. And Chiani is still selling  fine handmade rugs in the building he purchased.

With a business that’s been a Mt. Lebanon mainstay for four decades, it’s safe to say he now has more than $10 in his pocket. Over the years, he’s moved to various spots in the building; currently you enter on  Central Way; Bistro 19 is his tenant at the front of the building.

Conveniently, Chiani’s wife, Maryam, an assistant professor of prosthodontics at Pitt, maintains a dental practice just across the street at 520 Washington Road.

Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, Persian and Oriental Rug Gallery, is one of the oldest businesses on Washington Road. It  is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and other times by appointment. Call: (412) 563-1212.