WHAT’ S NEWS IN CRANBERRY
The Armco Credit Union Mars branch staff dressed up for Halloween as common financial scams— credit card scams, romance scams, identity theft and phishing. This and other efforts aim to transform the topic of financial fraud into something engaging and memorable, sparking lively conversations among members.
ARMCO CREDIT UNION RECEIVES STATEWIDE AWARD FOR FRAUD EDUCATION
Armco Credit Union has been recognized as a 2025 Financial Literacy Award honoree by the CrossState Credit Union Foundation. The award specifically highlights Armco’ s innovative and engaging fraud education initiatives.
“ This award underscores our mission to empower our members,” said Randy Cypher, CEO.“ Fraud can affect anyone, and we’ ve made it a top priority to equip our community with the tools and knowledge they need to protect themselves.”
Armco’ s fraud education strategy was praised for its creativity, real-world relevance, and measurable impact. The initiative was led by the marketing department and supported by continuous staff training, frontline engagement and leadership’ s clear commitment to member protection.
“ The challenge with fraud education is that people think they’ ve seen it all— so they tune out traditional messages,” said Michele Jurysta, marketing manager.“ Our creative approach engages and educates members in a way that feels more relatable.”
A multi-channel campaign was developed with several touchpoints across the member experience. This included newsletters, social media, radio, website resources, in-branch displays and community outreach— all designed to educate members and provide tools to recognize, prevent and recover from fraud.
At the credit union’ s annual meeting, members received free fraud-prevention tools. For Halloween, the Mars branch staff dressed in themed Halloween costumes— such as a fisherman representing a phishing scam— as a creative, non-threatening way to start important conversations.
Further reinforcing this proactive culture is Armco’ s quarterly“ Fraud Busters Award,” which recognizes employees who take extra steps to protect members.“ This recognition program reinforces a culture where every team member plays a critical role in safeguarding our community,” explained Jurysta.
In addition to the Financial Literacy Award, Armco Credit Union received a $ 2,500 grant from the CrossState Credit Union Foundation to continue expanding its fraud education efforts.
To further demonstrate their commitment to these efforts, the credit union also holds the AARP BankSafe Seal— a designation given to financial institutions where at least 80 % of staff members are trained to recognize and respond to financial exploitation.
MARS FARMERS MARKET OPEN THROUGH OCTOBER
If you’ re searching for a weekend tradition that combines local flavor, community spirit and fresh finds, look no further than the Mars Farmers Market. Held every Saturday from 9 a. m. to noon through October, this yearly market takes place in the Advance Community Church parking lot across from the Post Office in the heart of Mars.
Shoppers will find an array of locally grown produce, artisan foods and handcrafted treasures. With rotating vendors and new finds each week, the Mars Farmers Market is always full of surprises.
Arrive early for the best selection, and enjoy the chance to connect with the community while supporting small-scale farmers and local makers.
SPEND LIGHT UP NIGHT WITH KEYNOTES!
Enjoy Pittsburgh’ s 2025 Light Up Night fireworks from one of the best views in the city: LeMont restaurant on Mt. Washington.
On Saturday, Nov. 22, Keynotes will host a special evening featuring cocktails, dinner, live entertainment, raffle baskets and a lottery tree— all leading up to the Zambelli fireworks at 9:30 p. m. Tickets are $ 100 per person, with reservations due by Nov. 14 at keynotesmusicscholarship. com.
The fundraiser supports Keynotes’ mission of awarding $ 16,000 in annual music scholarships to talented students, with more than $ 452,000 awarded since 1970.
CHECK OUT THE PHIPPS FALL FLOWER SHOW:‘ VISIONS OF JAPAN’
Opening Saturday, Oct. 4, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will celebrate the beauty of Japanese culture and chrysanthemums at its annual Fall Flower Show— Visions of Japan.
Visitors will enjoy colorful displays featuring a torii gate, cascading chrysanthemum pagoda, moon gate, dragon installation and more. Phipps has presented chrysanthemum shows since 1894, making this the nation’ s longest-running fall flower tradition. The show runs through Oct. 26.
The Garden Railroad will feature“ The Age of Dinosaurs,” which will transport guests back to the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods with moving dinosaur figures, roars, and prehistoric plant life. This exhibit will continue through March 8.
For details and tickets, visit phipps. conservatory. org / tickets. n
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