JoAnne Klimovich Harrop stories, Page 63
The Clarks’ Scott Blasey to perform at diabetes fundraiser
If Julia Balobeck sleeps through her phone’s alarm, it can be life-threatening. The 18-year-old from Crafton has diabetes and wears a device that alerts her to low blood sugar through her smartphone. It also sends a warning to her mother’s phone. “At night she gets some crazy low readings,” said...
‘Shopopoly’ to showcase Downtown Pittsburgh’s business district
The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s latest promotion is a Golden Triangle take on an iconic board game. “Monopoly” has become “Shopopoly.” Customers who visit stores from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and get a color-coded game card (available at the shops or in Market Square) stamped to be entered into...
Quick Drip IV brings hydration therapy trend to South SideVideo
In a neighborhood known to attract people drinking their way to a hangover, Bo Trasada offers to help replenish the fluids and vitamins these individuals might have lost. He opened Quick Drip IV, a trendy intravenous hydration salon on Pittsburgh’s South Side. “An IV is the most efficient way to...
Freeport Theatre Festival presents ‘President Arthur’s Inspiration’
The words in these letters spoke volumes. Julia Sand wrote to then-vice president Chester A. Arthur, who would become the 21st president of the United States, offering advice on how to be a better man. Arthur read the correspondence and seemingly took it to heart. You will have to come...
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra announces financial changes because of pandemic
In the wake of canceled concerts and postponed tours, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on Thursday announced a series of financial cutbacks to help sustain the organization through the pandemic. The 87 musicians have agreed to a 25% reduction in base salary. Additionally, 75% of the staff has been affected with...
1 last chance to visit Kennywood, Sandcastle, Idlewild
Labor Day has become the unofficial end of summer. This year, it also marks the final weekend of 2020 to visit Kennywood Park in West Mifflin, Sandcastle Water Park in West Homestead and Idlewild & SoakZone in Ligonier Township. In past years, there were things to do celebrating Halloween and...
The Laser Loop, a former Kennywood favorite, is for saleVideo
Are you loopy enough to buy a roller coaster? Now, you can. The Laser Loop, an attraction at Kennywood Park in West Mifflin from 1980 to 1990, is for sale. You’ll need to negotiate the $490,000 asking price, which does not include the cost of dismantling the ride, transporting it...
Canine Companions for Independence provides dogs for people with disabilitiesVideo
Jessica Gardner rolls herself in her power wheelchair to the dryer. But with cerebral palsy, it’s difficult to pull the clothes out. Her best buddy comes to the rescue. Ford, a Labrador-golden retriever cross, has been by her side for four years. The two were matched through Canine Companions for...
Graeter’s Ice Cream hosts ‘Cones For The Cure’ fundraiser for pediatric brain cancerVideo
Six-year-old Elena left notes in her mom’s briefcase and her dad’s backpack. There were many written messages from the little girl before she died from brain cancer in 2007. “She hid some between books on the bookshelf, in the corners of our dresser drawers or between dishes in the china...
Art Rooney Awards Dinner and Auction held onlineVideo
The 47th annual Art Rooney Awards Dinner and Auction has gone virtual. Like so many nonprofits, the event could not be held live because of the pandemic. Organizers compiled a video with messages from the honorees, along with showcasing the football jerseys, golf packages, spa certificates and hotel stays that...
Lower Burrell woman, others join 6-person living-donor transplant swapVideo
Katherine “Kate” Maloney is definitely a daddy’s girl. And her father, Steve Leach, is definitely a girl dad. “When I look at my dad, I see a strong, hardworking man. I see my best friend,” said Maloney, 30, of Lower Burrell. “I see an amazing grandfather. I love that I...
Western Pa. veterans create art for virtual exhibit
The pieces of art were created by heroes. Twelve veterans from the Southwestern Veterans Center are part of the exhibit, “We Are Beautiful Art!” An opening was planned for March at the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, Downtown, but was canceled because of the pandemic. The 35-piece collection can be viewed...
Frick Pittsburgh opens some of its exhibits, grounds
Portions of The Frick Pittsburgh have reopened. The East End museum is operating with limited hours and is opening in phases. Not everything is available because of social distancing constraints inside the Clayton House, the cafe and the greenhouse, said Frick spokesman Greg Langel. The Car and Carriage museum and...
Artist creating huge street mural in Downtown PittsburghVideo
When Jayla Patton was 13 years old, her family’s cable television service got cut off. “The bills were expensive,” said Patton. “My father told me to forget about watching TV and to draw instead. It gave me something to do.” These days, it’s not just a way to pass the...
Animal Friends to benefit from sales of BrewDog beer showing adoptable canines
Cheers to your furry friends. Scottish craft brewer BrewDog has teamed locally with Animal Friends in Ohio Township as well as Gigi’s Shelter Services in Ohio to showcase adoptable dogs looking for forever homes. The brewery created Street Dog and Street Dog AF (alcohol free), beers of its Punk IPA...
Western Pa. mobile fashion boutiques to be part of national virtual marketVideo
Beth Buenaventura started her fashion business with a mobile truck. She then added to a brick-and-mortar boutique. Thursday, it will be transformed into a virtual shop. Buenaventura, owner of Fresh Nostalgia, a women’s clothing and accessories store in Downtown Pittsburgh, said her company will be one of nearly a dozen...
Vandergrift native to compete in virtual ‘East Coast Regional GrandSLAM’
Mariah Passarelli is going to share her story. The Vandergrift native who lives in Downtown Pittsburgh is one of eight people competing in The Moth’s first virtual East Coast Regional “GrandSLAM—A Multi-City Showdown” at 7:30 p.m. Monday. The Moth is a non-profit group based in New York City dedicated to...
VisitPittsburgh’s new marketing campaign invites people to rediscover the cityVideo
VisitPittsburgh is inviting people to visit Pittsburgh again. A new marketing campaign, “Rediscover Pittsburgh,” aims to drive visitation and encourage local and regional audiences to plan a weekday or weekend getaway right here in Pittsburgh. Via social media, VisitPittsburgh has been highlighting the area’s three rivers, outdoor dining possibilities, museum...
Big Burrito Restaurant Group reopens some locations
Chef Bill Fuller, president of Big Burrito Restaurant Group, has reopened restaurants Kaya, Soba and Umi. The nine Mad Mex locations in the region have stayed open during the pandemic, Fuller said Thursday, because of the Mar-GO-ritas, takeout and outdoor dining. The restaurants Alta Via and Casbah might open soon...
Kennywood, Idlewild, Sandcastle announce closing dates
Years ago, Labor Day always marked the final day of the season for Kennywood. The park is going back to that time. On Labor Day, Sept. 7, Kennywood will close until spring. “With so much uncertainty with covid-19 and schools going back in session we decided to end the season...
Owners of DiAnoia’s to open Pane è Pronto, a bakery and takeout spot, in Strip District
Pane è Pronto translates to “bread is ready.” Or in this case, almost ready. A new Italian takeout, bread and catering kitchen is planning to open by the end of September or beginning of October in Pittsburgh’s Strip District by the owners of DiAnoia’s Eatery and Pizzeria Davide. Located at...
Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh offers program for children during remote learning
Heather and Paul Cunningham have 6-year-old twins, Jackson and Julie, going into first grade. The couple work full time and their children’s school, Minadeo in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, will be online for at least the first nine weeks of the school year. They spent the final months of kindergarten...
WISH 99.7 morning host Cris Winter announces she’s left the station
On-air personality Cris Winter announced Tuesday on her “Cris Winter In The Morning” Facebook page that after working close to 40 years in Pittsburgh radio, her days on the air are over — for now. Winter said she was dismissed Friday after her show on WISH 99.7. “When you look...
Move over pumpkin spice, Primanti’s and East End Brewing bring back pickle beer
Primanti Bros. and East End Brewing Co. are bringing back their “Almost Famous Pickle Beer” collaboration. They hope the second serving is as good as the first. “Last year, it was bonkers how fast it went,” said Scott Smith, owner of East End Brewing in Larimer. “People came to the...
Ozanam founder Carl Kohlman honored with shoe lineVideo
Carl Kohlman has always believed in helping young people take steps in the right direction on the basketball court and in life. To continue his direction of moving forward at the Ozanam Cultural Center in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, a shoe has been designed in his name, the “Carl Kohlman Sneakers.”...
