Editor's Picks category, Page 396
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...
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...
Starbucks reopening cafes with some changes amid coronavirus pandemic
After many Starbucks locations across the country — and world — closed amid the coronavirus pandemic, the coffee chain giant is now quickly moving to reopen cafes. Starting this week, customers can pick up orders at the door. At locations where safety guidelines can be applied, they can pick up...
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...
Ohio GOP lawmaker Nino Vitale refuses to wear a mask because faces are the ‘likeness of God’Video
At least the excuse Nino Vitale used for not wearing a mask was a little more interesting than what Vice President Mike Pence recently offered. Vitale, an Ohio state representative, said Monday he will not wear a mask during the coronavirus pandemic because faces are the “likeness of God.” “This...
Cinco de Mayo meal deals, virtual 5K offered
Since large social gatherings remain off-limits in Southwestern Pennsylvania, area residents who want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo Tuesday with Mexican cuisine will have to make do with DIY or take-out. For the latter, Chipotle Mexican Grill is offering free Queso Blanco when added to an entree order on Tuesday....
