Editor's Picks category, Page 406
Go native: Local Audubon Society will deliver plants for hummingbirds, butterflies
Although its doors have been closed during the pandemic, the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania is taking orders for native plants from its nurseries and bird seed that it will deliver to area homes. Audubon offers more than 70 species of native plants that attract birds, butterflies and a range...
Some jobless workers still waiting for benefits as Western Pa. businesses look to reopen
Matt Kastner of Irwin has been waiting for almost two months for the day he can return to his job at a Blawnox music store, which has been closed since mid-March as part of Pennsylvania’s attempt to slow the spread of covid-19. “We haven’t received word when the store will...
Roy Horn, dark-haired half of flamboyant illusionists Siegfried & Roy, dies of complications related to coronavirus
Roy Horn, the dark-haired half of Siegfried & Roy, the flamboyant, German-born illusionists whose lavish stage productions and trademark disappearing white tigers and lions made them one of the biggest draws on the Las Vegas Strip, died Friday. He was 75. Horn, who suffered a severe wound to his neck...
87-year-old Unity golfer scores 1st hole-in-one after coronavirus banVideo
At 87, Don Ferlin thought he’d never sink a hole-in-one. Heck, with the coronavirus pandemic dragging on and golf courses declared off-limits by Gov. Tom Wolf until May 1, the Unity man wondered whether he would ever tee off again. But Thursday, Ferlin and his longtime golfing buddies, Sonny Baughman...
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....
New book: ‘Mister Rogers’ actor stayed in closet to remain on show
Francois Clemmons vividly recalls a come-to-Jesus meeting with Fred Rogers 52 years ago, as if it happened yesterday. Clemmons, who had spent a good portion of his life struggling with his sexuality, was coming into his own as a gay man. He was frequenting a gay club behind the Greyhound...
Community-supported agriculture thriving during pandemic
Community-supported agriculture has been around for years, said Don Kretschmann, owner of Kretschmann Family Farm in Beaver County. But now, during a public health crisis, the assets of local, organically-grown produce is really catching on. Moreover, the long-standing distribution method is built for the time of social distancing: Most customers...
Excela offers support for teens feeling overwhelmed by pandemic
Students and high school seniors could be dealing with emotions such as grief, anxiety, guilt and loss as the coronavius pandemic disrupts their lives. Their eating and sleeping habits might be different than normal and dreams could be getting disturbing, said Marcie Stover-Jividen, outpatient behavioral health therapist at Excela Health....
Whoa Nellie Dairy Farm in Fayette County to be featured on Fox News’ ‘Daily Briefing’
A Fayette County dairy farm that made a quick turnaround to pasteurize, bottle and sell its own milk instead of dumping supplies due to a milk glut will be featured at 2 p.m. Thursday on “The Daily Briefing” on Fox News. Ben and Mary Beth Brown, owners of Whoa Nellie...
GetGo donates Girl Scout cookies to educators during Teacher Appreciation Week
Giant Eagle’s GetGo Cafe and Market convenience chain is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week by giving teachers in the Pittsburgh region a cookie break. GetGo has purchased $25,000 worth of Tagalongs, Samoas, Thin Mints and other Girl Scout cookies for the doubly sweet gesture. Store officials noted the covid-19 pandemic has...
Picnicking — the socially distanced way — for Mother’s DayVideo
Every milestone or holiday that comes and goes in quarantine feels like a pinch. We Zoom, we FaceTime, we wish each other well on social media, we send cards and gifts. And now it’s Mother’s Day, and we wish we could do more. Luckily, I live near by mom, and...
South Greensburg man marks 80th birthday with surprise parade thanks to friends, familyVideo
Robert “Boo” Shrader thought he was going to have a quiet 80th birthday celebration on Wednesday with pizza, cake and family. Until he was instructed to put his coat and shoes on and get outside. On an unseasonably cool May day in his South Greensburg neighborhood, about 40 vehicles filled...
Outer Banks set to reopen to visitorsVideo
Three counties on North Carolina’s tourist-reliant Outer Banks announced plans Wednesday to lift coronavirus-related visitor restrictions, although they warned of the need to continue to practice social distancing amid the ongoing pandemic. In a joint statement, officials in Currituck, Dare and Hyde counties said restrictions on entry for visitors will...
From pancakes to prime rib, Mother’s Day takeout options abound
The good news is that, even though you can’t take Mom out to eat on Sunday, you still can treat her to a special Mother’s Day meal. The better news is that you don’t have to cook it yourself. Restaurants around the area are offering a variety of takeout brunch...
Limited, timed tickets planned for Pittsburgh Zoo whenever it opens
As the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium waits to learn when it can reopen, plans are in the works as to how the zoo will operate with social distancing. The zoo is closed to the public because of the covid-19 pandemic. Gov. Tom Wolf has not given dates when zoos...
Cold, snow and new record low in forecast for Pittsburgh area
The Pittsburgh area is poised to set a new record low temperature Friday night into Saturday morning, and some snow accumulation will be possible in the highest ridge tops, a National Weather Service meteorologist said Wednesday. The high and low temperatures through Saturday are expected to be well below the...
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation latest to hold virtual fundraiser gala
Gone are the days — well at least they’re gone this spring — when people dress up to go festive galas, joining with family and friends for evening of food and drink, all for their favorite non-profit in need of money. Instead, the typical galas are being replaced by virtual...
Daniel Radcliffe, other celebs reading ‘Harry Potter’ on videoVideo
Harry Potter will be reading Harry Potter in a new video series announced Tuesday. Actor Daniel Radcliffe, who came to fame playing the young wizard, is reading the first chapter of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” on the Wizarding World website. It can also be found in audio format...
Excela employees donate $80K to Westmoreland food bank
The Westmoreland County Food Bank has seen an “overwhelming” increase in need with no end in sight, CEO Jennifer Miller said. “Our biggest obstacle right now is the unknown,” she said. But the organization knows for sure it can count on an $80,000 donation from Excela Health employees. “This $80,000...
Pittsburgh food bank plans drive-up distributions at airport, PPG Paints Arena
The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank will host two drive-up distributions this week, one at Pittsburgh International Airport and one at PPG Paints Arena. The event at the airport will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday. Parking lots open at 11 a.m., and the distribution can accommodate 1,000...
Where’s the beef? Wendy’s out of burgers at some U.S. locations
Some diners at Wendy’s around the country are asking “where’s the beef?” as the fast food chain runs out of burgers because of food supply disruptions. According to The New York Times, nearly 1 in 5 Wendy’s restaurants were sold out of beef products, including hamburgers, on Monday night. In...
Ocean City set to reopen beaches, boardwalk Mother’s Day weekend
The boardwalk and beach in Ocean City, Md., will reopen Saturday, WBAL-TV reported. People will not be required to wear masks, but city council is urging beachgoers to continue to practice social distancing. Restaurants will still be open for carry-out only, and hotels are open only for essential workers, WBAL...
Trib offers HSSN services to produce, livestream Western Pa. graduations
As high schools try to plan Class of 2020 graduation ceremonies amid the uncertainty of coronavirus restrictions, HSSN has added its video capabilities to their menu of options. HSSN, the High School Sports Network of Trib Total Media, is offering high school administrators across the region its video production and...
Pittsburgh-area nonprofits develop alternatives as signature fundraisers are canceled
This past Saturday would have been Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s annual Spring Hat Luncheon. The event not only has an attendance roster of 600 of Pittsburgh’s fashionable who’s who, it raises more than a half-million much-needed dollars for the nonprofit. With the covid-19 pandemic, the luncheon didn’t go off as scheduled...
Where’s my check? Answers to common relief payment questionsVideo
The U.S. government has distributed about 130 million economic impact payments to taxpayers in less than 30 days. The IRS anticipates sending more than 150 million payments as part of a massive coronavirus rescue package. The distribution has had some hiccups, including an overwhelmed website, payments to deceased taxpayers and...
