Alan Freed Photography

I was grateful to be one of fewer than 5 members of the media allowed to cover Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney this morning! I enjoyed the chance to shoot the event for Reuters News Agency, as well as for my old hometown newspaper.

It was a pleasure to work with our Ambridge High School JROTC program to get banners hung at the school, appropriately next to the flagpoles! I had a chance to see them outside earlier today, and if I do say so myself, I'm pretty proud of how they turned out. Best wishes to our seniors, some of whom are planning a career in the military. Deepest appreciation for your service!

I had a great time earlier this evening getting to know Gavin -- Ambridge Area High School Class of 2021! We were very lucky with the weather as it was a bit menacing in the late afternoon, and it actually rained just after we wrapped everything up. Awesome timing! It was fun talking about our shared love of travel, and the irony that Gavin's one and only bucket list item is to visit all 50 states. When I was his age, that was my only bucket list item, too, and I'm glad to say I got them all crossed off a number of years ago. I'm sure he'll get there, too! Gavin is talking about tackling a career in psychology down the road. Best wishes for a memorable senior year!

Tonight's senior photo session took me back to one of my favorite spots -- Hartwood Acres. We weren't alone by any stretch; many other folks were taking advantage of the beautiful weather and fall foliage for photos as well! As the evening went on, I learned that I have a few things in common with Erika -- Shaler Area High School Class of 2021. First, she is a trumpet player in the band, like I once was. I still like to get my trumpet out every so often, mainly to terrify ...our cat :) And she was just accepted at Clarion University, where I majored in Communications way back in the day. She is planning to study graphical arts and technical theatre design there, joining her sister who is now a Junior at CUP. Best wishes for an awesome senior year!

What an awesome night for senior photos... beautiful fall leaves, paired with a beautiful young lady! It was a lot of fun meeting Bre-Ana -- Ambridge Area High School Class of 2021 -- this evening. We even had an innocent bystander who saw us taking photos, and she offered up her vintage bicycle as a prop... so that was a fun addition to the experience. :) Bre spends a bit of her time as a volunteer at the Humane Society, which makes good sense as she is hoping to pursuit... a career as a veterinary technician after she graduates. Best wishes for a fantastic senior year!