Editor's Picks category, Page 389
Game 7 Gang moves 60th anniversary of Pirates’ World Series celebration to PNC ParkVideo
They came to PNC Park on Tuesday with their memories, their stories and their folding chairs. The Game 7 Gang’s 60th anniversary celebration of Bill Mazeroski’s World Series-winning home run was pushed to the current home of the Pittsburgh Pirates by the pandemic. So, the diehard fans who annually celebrate...
The promise of 5G wireless – speed, hype, risk
A much-hyped network upgrade called “5G” means different things to different people. To industry proponents, it’s the next huge innovation in wireless internet. To the U.S. government, it’s the backbone technology of a future that America will wrestle with China to control. To many average people, it’s simply a mystery....
The Palace Theatre’s new livestream system will bring arts into homes
While audiences are unable to come to The Palace Theatre, Westmoreland Cultural Trust will bring programming to audiences with a new livestreaming service. “Livestreaming will allow us to bring back much-needed entertainment and cultural experiences that have been missing since the pandemic began,” said April Kopas, CEO of Westmoreland Cultural...
Steelers, Penguins fan Steve Byrne drops Pittsburgh references into directorial film debut
It’s natural for any filmmaker, right? You’re a week away from your first written and directed big-screen release. You’re worrying about how the premiere will be staged. You have press lined up all week. You’re coordinating with producers, actors and family. Above all else, though, one thing is weighing on...
Hockey referee plans to keep officiating after attack at New Kensington arena
When Mario de Leon returned home from refereeing an adult league hockey game Oct. 2, his wife saw the cut on his nose and wanted to know what had happened. He decided not to tell her, but then a court summons showed up. A Buffalo Township man accused of attacking...
Apple Hill Playhouse rummage sales to offer decades of costumes, props, antiques
Decades’ worth of memories will be up for sale beginning Saturday at Apple Hill Playhouse in Delmont. Props, costumes, antiques, furniture, appliances, tools, building materials and other items collected over the years will be available during rummage sales from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and Oct. 24-25. Owner Pat...
Pittsburgh’s Original Oyster House celebrates 150th anniversaryVideo
The Oyster House in Pittsburgh’s Market Square today celebrates 150 years in business. “I believe we have made it this far because we are unapologetically ourselves” said owner Jen Grippo, who took over the business after her father, Louis Grippo Sr., died in May 2017. “We do a few things...
Take in ‘The Poetry of Nature’ during Phipps Conservatory’s annual fall flower showVideo
A long tradition continues with the opening of “Fall Flower Show: The Poetry of Nature” at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh’s Oakland section. Featuring thousands of chrysanthemums in a rainbow of colors, the show is an annual tradition dating back to the fall of 1894, making it the...
Blessings offered to pets at New Hope Presbyterian
Pets were blessed Sunday at New Hope Presbyterian Church in North Huntingdon during the fourth annual New Hope Blessing of the Pets. The blessing was held near the Oct. 4 feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. Donations of food and animal toys were accepted...
After missing for more than 100 years, 8 species of freshwater mussels found in the KiskiVideo
— A recent scuba survey of the Kiski River, the first in more than 110 years in what was once a dead river, turned up eight species of freshwater mussels, surprising researchers. For more than a century, the river was sullied by large amounts of noxious drainage from coal mining...
1960 Pirates legends recall Bill Mazeroski’s ‘amazing’ home run that won World SeriesVideo
Editor’s note: This story was originally published on Oct. 10, 2020. Dick Groat vividly recalls the moment he realized the Pirates could beat the heavily favored Yankees in the 1960 World Series. It was the top of the ninth inning of Game 1 at Forbes Field, and the Pirates were...
‘Silence of the Lambs’ house in Fayette County back on the market
A piece of horror movie history is on the market again in Fayette County. The three-story house near Perryopolis was made famous by the Academy Award-winning 1991 movie “The Silence of the Lambs,” in which it was used as the home of vicious serial killer Buffalo Bill. Homeowner David Villarreal...
October is a hoot at the National Aviary with special owl programs
Who-oo wants to learn more about owls? The National Aviary is offering close encounters with the nocturnal birds of prey through its annual Owl-o-Ween days and other October programming. “There is no bird better for fall than an owl, and at Owl-o-Ween at the National Aviary, families can get to...
Growing up in Leechburg shaped monsignor’s faith, devotion to churchVideo
Growing up in Leechburg, Monsignor Larry Kulick was no stranger to church. “I often say one of the main reasons I’m a priest today is because of my experience in my home parish,” Kulick said. “I can remember being really interested in altar serving.” Kulick, 54, serves as diocesan administrator...
Western Pa. scare attractions will still bring Halloween screams despite covid
Sad to say, but Halloween might be the least-scary thing about 2020. Still, area scare attractions are doing their best to bring the heebie-jeebies to the masked masses, even in the midst of covid-19 restrictions. “Halloween seems like one of the few things you can do this year, because everyone’s...
‘Pearl Jam’ hackers take over Greensburg Aerobics Center Facebook page
A Facebook page belonging to The Aerobic Center at Lynch Field in Greensburg has been hacked, apparently by a company hawking shirts featuring the rock band Pearl Jam. “We’re trying to get it straightened out,” said center general manager Marianne Anzovino. “I’m furious.” Anzovino’s personal page also was hacked, she...
Why acorns are everywhere this year
That light “thud” you keep hearing outside is no doubt a falling acorn from an oak tree, likely a red oak, which will continue to unleash acorns in large numbers for the next two weeks, according to regional experts. The bountiful amount of acorns is indicative of a “very good...
Demolition begins on controversial Ewalt House in Lawrenceville
After several months of back-and-forth, the long-disputed fate of Lawrenceville’s Ewalt House has been decided. Demolition began Wednesday. Beth Rupert, one of the home’s owners, said demolition was a relief — with the building in disrepair, she said she feared the liability and safety of leaving the house standing. “It’s...
Valerie Bertinelli, David Lee Roth, Sammy Hagar, others post tributes to Eddie Van Halen
Rock legend Eddie Van Halen died Tuesday at the age of 65 after a long fight with throat cancer. Eddie, along with his brother Alex on drums, Michael Anthony on bass and singer David Lee Roth started Van Halen the band in Pasadena, Calif., in 1974. Eddie’s unique style and...
Clorox develops device for classrooms to detect ‘illness indicators’Video
The Clorox Co. said today it has developed an experimental device to be used in school classrooms that can detect “illness indicators” in real time. “Each year, schools face the challenge of preventing one cough or sneeze from turning into a cold or flu outbreak. For schools that have decided...
Nobel Peace Prize awaited as ray of hope after a tough year
In a year of the coronavirus pandemic, military conflicts, democratic backsliding and accelerating climate change, Friday’s announcement of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize is being awaited as a chance to impart hope to a world in turmoil. From climate activists to political dissidents to international organizations, there is no shortage...
Pittsburgh DJ Sean McDowell ranks Eddie Van Halen among greatest guitarists
Longtime WDVE disc jockey Sean McDowell has no doubts about guitar virtuoso Eddie Van Halen’s place in rock history. “I’ve always had him at number five on my list of the greatest rock guitarists ever,” said McDowell. “I’ve always had him there, at least since 1978, along with (Jimi) Hendrix,...
Pumpkin pie flavored milk is latest specialty drink from Schneider’s Dairy
With anything flavored with pumpkin popular in autumn, a local dairy is now offering pumpkin pie flavored milk. Whitehall-based Schneider’s Dairy is selling the flavored milk for a limited time as similar milk products gain in popularity. Sales of flavored whole milk jumped 36% from 2015 to the end of...
Wilkinsburg writer Deesha Philyaw a finalist for National Book Awards
A Wilkinsburg woman well known for her writing about race, gender, parenting and culture is now receiving national recognition for her fiction. Deesha Philyaw is among five finalists in the fiction category of the National Book Awards for her story collection “The Secret Lives of Church Ladies,” her first book...
Can’t find canned pumpkin? Holiday staple should return to shelves soon
Bakers hunting for canned pumpkin have found it to be a hit-or-miss proposition lately. They’ve even taken to sharing sightings on social media. The good news, according to allrecipes.com, is that there isn’t really a shortage. The bad news is that it doesn’t make the Thanksgiving pie staple any easier...
