JoAnne Klimovich Harrop stories, Page 67
Western Pa. Goodwill stores reopening with safety protocols in place
Goodwill stores in southwestern Pennsylvania are reopening beginning Monday. With Gov. Tom Wolf’s decision to move the area from red to yellow phase in the coronavirus reopening plan, the company will start with limited hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. According to a news release, these safety precautions will...
West Deer woman to appear on ‘The Price Is Right’
Mary Kay Giarrusso is hard of hearing, so she didn’t know at first that she should come on down. But her husband, and everyone around her in the studio audience, recognized the signature call. “When I heard, ‘Mary Kay Giarrusso, come on down. You are the next contestant on ‘The...
Parade honors Richland World War II veteran who turns 100 on Armed Forces DayVideo
It’s fitting that Bryce Billetdeaux turned 100 on Armed Forces Day. It’s also fitting there was a parade to celebrate the milestone. The World War II U.S. Navy veteran was honored Saturday. With covid-19 restrictions in place, cars lined up at the Richland Township Municipal Building on Dickey Road and...
Pine boutique owner provides comfort to nurses during pandemic
Judy Masucci found a way to embrace the people who do the comforting. The owner of Levana Bratique, a lingerie boutique in Pine, started Pittsburgh’s version of The Comfort Project, bringing gift bags with pajamas, bralettes, candles, cookies and other items to nurses caring for covid-19 patients. Masucci launched it...
Eat’n Park’s CEO talks future of restaurant dining
Customers won’t physically see the smiles on the faces of Eat’n Park employees when the Pittsburgh-based restaurant chain eventually opens its doors for dine-in eating. Masks will cover them. “But they will be smiling,” said Jeffrey Broadhurst, president and CEO Eat’n Park Hospitality Group on a Zoom call with Pittsburgh...
Red Lobster CEO on Mother’s Day mayhem: ‘We let many of you down’
Red Lobster’s CEO apologized Tuesday for its Mother’s Day mishap that left crowds of customers waiting for hours for unfilled orders at restaurants in Ross and other states. “I apologize that we disappointed many of you this past weekend as you placed orders for Mother’s Day, one of the most...
Pittsburgh’s Klavon’s Ice Cream Parlor ready to dish out dessert
This is sweet news. Klavon’s Ice Cream Parlor in the Strip District is reopening as soon as it’s allowed by the state as part of Allegheny County moving into the yellow phase of coronavirus control. Customers can arrange an appointment online to get what the shop, which used to be...
High school yearbooks go virtual for Western Pa. grads
For high school graduates of 2020, that chance to write a senior yearbook message has been taken away with the pandemic. But resourceful teenagers have found a way to sign a yearbook virtually. They’re creating yearbooks on Instagram, the social media platform that emphasizes photographs. In most cases, one student...
Pittsburgh nursing home holds parade to honor health care workersVideo
The Jewish Association on Aging’s Charles Morris Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Squirrel Hill held a parade Thursday to celebrate National Nurses Week and National Nursing Home Week. Cars lined up decorated with balloons and signs thanking the workers who are caring for others every day, especially during the pandemic....
Big ‘thank you’: Cheswick resident and pizza shop owner feeds health care workers during National Nurses Week
Arslan “Allen” Ovezgylyjov came to the U.S. from Turkmenistan, central Asia, in 2008 in search of a better life. “I can’t say thanks enough to be living in the United States and to have my business and my family here,” said the Cheswick resident. “I have made a life here,...
Brighton Heights artist shares puppet costumes with Pittsburgh during pandemic
Giant puppets are popping up around Pittsburgh. One might see them standing near a front door, walking down a street or dancing to music. The colorful characters are courtesy of Brighton Heights artist Cheryl Capezzuti. She has hundreds of puppet costumes housed in her North Side studio. They’ve been used...
Decorate your own Eat’n Park Smiley cookies at home
Eat’n Park on Tuesday launched decorating kits for its popular Smiley cookies. The package contains six plain, baked Smiley cookies, three bags of colorful icing, sanding sugar and sprinkles. Decorating Smiley cookies has always been a hit at community events with Eat’n Park’s Team Smiley, said Kevin O’Connell, the chain’s...
Pittsburgh’s Nellie Bly gets spotlight in empowerment project
This was a different kind of draft for the National Football League. It featured players who made their mark in the game of life. The draft consisted of 32 iconic women pioneers in American history, honoring the centennial of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. Thirty-two...
Carnegie Science Center relays positive message to Pittsburgh on billboards
The Carnegie Science Center has partnered with Pittsburgh-based Chairman of the Boards and Lamar Advertising to post uplifting messages on billboards. The companies offered free space to help get the word out from the science center. There were four digital and one static billboard sharing the words “Think like a...
‘Virtual Senior Academy’ expands to connect more older adults during pandemic
Many older adults feel isolated and lonely — and not just during quarantine for a pandemic. But the past six weeks of social distancing and stay-at-home orders have removed more seniors from routine companionship. In response to the increased need, the Jewish Healthcare Foundation has ramped up its Virtual Senior...
Graduating seniors recognized on Waterfront video board
The Waterfront in Homestead is saluting seniors. Photos of 2020 graduates – high school and college – are being displayed on the video board located at the main entrance to the shopping center near the AMC Theatre. The project launched Friday to help recognize individuals who aren’t going to have...
Sheetz to extend pay increase for employees during pandemic
Sheetz announced Thursday it is extending its extra pay for employees until June 4. When the $3 an hour increase was announced March 25, it was set to run through April 23, for all employees working during the pandemic. “This extension is to express our continued gratitude for our hardworking...
Nemacolin to reopen with limited occupancy, private butlers
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington plans to partially reopen its five-star hotel — Falling Rock — on May 8. Private butlers will provide each guest with a customized itinerary and will be available 24/7 via phone call, text or video for assistance. All guests will receive a mask, hand sanitizer...
Pittsburgh YMCA’s weekly virtual dance parties to continue
Show off your dance moves. During the state’s stay-at-home order, organizations have had to come up with innovative ways to engage people, especially kids. The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh introduced virtual dance parties from 7 to 8 p.m. on Friday nights in April. The parties will continue through May. The...
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces Liberty Magic season
Magic is coming back. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust on Tuesday announced its 2020-21 Liberty Magic season, which begins in September. The performances take place at 811 Liberty Ave. in Downtown Pittsburgh, beside the Harris Theater. ”What makes Liberty Magic a unique experience is its roots in parlor magic – a...
Walnut Grill in Settlers Ridge opens for takeout
Walnut Grill in Settlers Ridge in Robinson opens at 3 p.m. Wednesday for takeout and delivery services after being closed during the coronavirus pandemic. “As we further navigate through the covid-19 environment, we feel that it is a good time to turn the lights back on at the Robinson location...
American Heart Association addresses CPR during coronavirus pandemicVideo
Covid-19 fears have altered most aspects of daily life, especially physical human contact. The American Heart Assocation realizes that people may be reluctant to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) — a lifesaving act that requires direct physical contact. A senior director with the regional AHA, Gina Hrach, said they are “currently...
Coronavirus pandemic can be alarming for Western Pa. allergy sufferers
For most people, opening a window or stepping outside for a breath of fresh air is a welcome respite, especially during Pennsylvania’s stay-at-home order. But for those with allergies, pollen from trees and grass can bring misery. The allergens can cause a runny nose, malaise, watery eyes and coughing —which...
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra cancels, postpones concerts
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra concerts through mid-June will be either canceled or postponed, officials said Monday. The changes are being made because of ongoing restrictions from public health and government entities related to the coronavirus pandemic. “This crisis has hit hard the performing arts community, and the Pittsburgh Symphony is no...
Pittsburgh councilman O’Connor recalls golfing with Michael Jordan, says he beat him on front 9
One day in 2003, Corey O’Connor’s father called with great news: They were going to play a round of golf with Hall of Fame NBA player Michael Jordan. It was for the annual Mario Lemieux Celebrity Invitational at The Club at Nevillewood in the South Hills. Tee time: 9:35 a.m....
