Category Archives: western pa

Pittsburgh showed up for the NFL Draft — and so did everyone else

Pittsburgh had its moment on the national football stage, and the region delivered.

I spent most of Friday and Saturday in Downtown Pittsburgh and on the North Shore, taking in the NFL Draft events, walking around, talking with visitors and soaking up a weekend that felt equal parts football festival and Pittsburgh pride.

It was a blast.

I started both days in Moon, parking at the park-and-ride lot and taking Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s Football Flyer into town. It was quick and easy. As a public transit fan, it was a great way to invite suburbanites and people who don’t think about public transit to experience a big event and skip the traffic, letting someone else handle the drive.

The bus rides became part of the experience. I met people from Ohio, Illinois, California, Washington state and New England. Some were staying in hotels around Moon, Robinson and the airport area. Others had driven in from Ohio for the day. There were Browns fans, Chargers fans, Bengals fans, Ravens fans (ugh) and, yes, even Eagles fans (boo!).

Terrible Towel display

That was one of the best parts of the weekend: Seeing so many different fan bases walking around Pittsburgh. Team jerseys, hats and shirts were everywhere — on the bus, Downtown, along the North Shore and even at the Sheetz in Moon. There is something funny and wonderful about walking into a Sheetz and seeing a mix of Steelers, Browns, Ravens, Vikings, Cowboys and Bengals gear all in one place.

That does not happen every day.

Steely McBeam

Downtown and the North Shore were packed with things to see and do. There were displays, fan experiences, photo opportunities (managed to get a selfie with Steely McBeam!) and plenty of reasons to stop every few feet and look around. The giant Terrible Towel display was a highlight. So were the Lombardi trophies, because let’s be honest, Pittsburgh knows a thing or six about those.

I also spotted NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and saw plenty of well-known Pittsburghers throughout the weekend.

Roger Goodell
NFL commissioner

One of my favorite moments was watching Montour High School graduate Michael Keaton present a draft pick. (You might know him as Batman.)

Michael Keaton

There were plenty of those moments.

I watched Pat McAfee host a kicking contest at Heinz Field — yes, I still call it Heinz Field — and got walked on the field. For any football fan, that is a pretty cool experience. For someone from Pittsburgh, it hits a little differently. You look around and think of all the games, all the players, all the memories and all the times that stadium has been part of the region’s story. (*hits play on “Renegade”*)

After the draft events, I spent some time walking around Downtown. I stopped into the Silly Goose gift shop, the second location of the store that started in Jim Thorpe, Pa. The owner has become well-known on social media among Pennsylvanians for his dry humor and fun personality, so it was nice to check out the Pittsburgh version in person.

Silly Goose on Wood Street in Pittsburgh

And, because no good Downtown outing is complete without a treat, I got ice cream from Millie’s.

What I loved most was not just the draft itself. It was seeing people experience Pittsburgh.

The NFL Draft gave us a chance to show off a little.

I hope the fans who came here had a great time. I hope they tell people back home that Pittsburgh was worth the trip. And more than anything, I hope they come back.

Because as fun as the draft was, it was only one weekend. There is so much more Pittsburgh waiting for them.

Pride was born from resistance. That fight is far from over.

I was reminded Saturday that Pride isn’t just a party.

Pride is a reminder — of progress made and of the work that’s still very much unfinished.

While at the Pride event in Erie, Pennsylvania, I noticed that at least two boats at a marina next door had flags emblazoned with, “Trump won.”

Those flags and the meaning behind them are not patriotism.

Those flags are not about humanity.

Those flags aren’t about peace or love.

Those flags do stand for harm and hurt.

Those flags do represent evil.

While at the Pride event, I saw kindness abound.

I saw people sharing positive exchanges with strangers.

I saw people supporting their LGBTQ kids, family members, friends, colleagues.

I saw people who just want to exist without threats from Republicans.

I saw people who just want to exist without being told they don’t belong.

I saw people who just want to exist without their life being considered political.

I saw people who just want to stay alive.

Republicans have made it very clear: their agenda includes harming LGBTQ people as much as possible.

Republicans are rolling back LGBTQ protections at every level.

Especially for trans youths.

That’s not hyperbole.

And it’s not just happening with Republicans in Washington.

It’s happening on school boards, municipal governments, county councils.

These aren’t isolated incidents.

They’re coordinated.

Republicans are moving in sync, with direct marching orders — from small towns to Washington.

And LGBTQ people are paying the price.

Look around.

Book bans.

Drag bans.

Theater performances canceled.

Health care access targeted.

Businesses harassed.

Education cut.

Historical records erased.

Pride flags debated like they’re threats.

This isn’t about “just politics.”

This is about people’s lives.

And too many people are shrugging it off like it’s just more noise.

Supporting a party that’s actively working to harm LGBTQ people — at any level — isn’t neutral.

It’s not “just about the economy” or “just local.”

Republicans are connected to a broader playbook.

One that’s strategic, aggressive and deeply harmful.

The people doing harm are loud.

The rest of us need to stop being so quiet.

Not saying anything? That helps them.

Voting for the “nice” Republican on your school board? That helps them.

Supporting their businesses (Yes, even Chick-fil-A)? That helps them.

Acting like these issues are too complicated to speak on? That helps them, too.

What’s happening now is serious.

And if it doesn’t make you uncomfortable, it should.

The Science Behind Pixar: A journey into animation at Carnegie Science Center

If you’ve ever wondered how Pixar creates its iconic animated films, the answers await you at “The Science Behind Pixar,” an immersive exhibit at the Carnegie Science Center.

After experiencing this immersive, hands-on journey myself, I can confidently say this exhibit is a must-see for fans of animation, science and storytelling alike.

Opened in May 2024 and extended through Jan. 26, the two-story, 12,000-square-foot exhibition transforms the PPG Science Pavilion into “PIXARburgh,” drawing visitors of all ages to dive into the fascinating intersection of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) that fuels Pixar’s creative magic.

A behind-the-scenes look at Pixar’s movie-making process

From the moment you step into “The Science Behind Pixar,” you’re invited to explore the complex world of animation.

The exhibit features more than 50 hands-on activities that break down the intricate steps Pixar takes to bring beloved films like “Toy Story,” “Monsters Inc.” and “Finding Nemo” to life.

At various interactive stations, you can:

  • Design a robot friend for WALL-E by using magnetic body parts to experiment with how minor changes can impact storytelling.
  • Adjust lighting on a set from “Up” to see how color and brightness can create entirely different moods.
  • Control cameras on a large recreation of a set from “A Bug’s Life” to understand how perspective shapes the storytelling process.

These experiences provide a deeper appreciation for the technological brilliance and artistic creativity that go into Pixar’s films.

Selfies with your Pixar pals

The exhibit also delivers unforgettable photo moments with life-size recreations of fan-favorite characters. Snap selfies with Buzz Lightyear, Sulley, Mike, Dory, Nemo and WALL-E. These vibrant displays are perfect for Pixar fans of all ages and make for incredible keepsakes.



STEM meets storytelling

Pixar’s magic lies in its ability to merge science and creativity, and this exhibit captures that fusion perfectly.

“As Pittsburgh’s most-visited museum, the Science Center strives to connect visitors of all ages with science that ignites curiosity that endures for a lifetime,” Carnegie Science Center Director Jason Brown said in a news release.

Why you should go

Whether you’re a long-time Pixar fan, a STEM enthusiast or simply curious about how animated movies are made, “The Science Behind Pixar” offers something for everyone. It’s an eye-opening, hands-on exploration of the meticulous processes behind the films that have touched our hearts for decades.

Its run was extended for a few more weeks! Don’t miss your chance to explore this one-of-a-kind exhibit before it closes on Jan. 26.

3 Wegmans set to open in 2025. Is a Pittsburgh area store among them?

Wegmans will open three new locations in 2025 — including two stores in new markets.

There was speculation in 2024 that Wegmans could be looking at two different locations in the Pittsburgh area — including Cranberry Township, which is in a northern suburb of Pittsburgh, and possibly a location in South Fayette Township in Allegheny County.

Wegmans fans in the Pittsburgh area will have to wait a big longer because none of the company’s three new stores in 2025 are set to open in Western Pennsylvania.

The Rochester, New York-based grocery store, with its cult-like following, will enter Connecticut with a store in Norwalk.

This 92,000-square-foot store will offer 13 full-service checkouts and 15 self-checkouts.

This store will have a two-story parking garage with 551 parking spaces and a bridge into a mezzanine level of the food market.

An “Interesting fact,” Wegmans notes for this store, is that the parking garage will include solar canopies.

Wegmans will enter Long Island, New York, with a store in Lake Grove in February. The 101,000-square-foot store will have more than 630 parking spots, 14 full-service checkouts and 14 self-checkouts.

And, Wegmans notes, the top of the store’s clock tower will be the highest point in Lake Grove.

The company’s third new store for 2025 is in Rockville, Maryland, where Wegmans will open its ninth store in that market.

This 80,000-square-foot store in the Twinbrook Quarter Community will feature two levels of parking below the store.

The “interesting fact” for this store is more peculiar than interesting: Wegmans shoppers will get 90 minutes of free parking.

Read more about what these three new stores will offer in a news release from Wegmans.

The cult-like following of Wegmans

Wegmans isn’t just a grocery store—it’s an experience.

With its roots in Rochester, New York, the chain has amassed a loyal following that many would describe as cult-like.

Customers rave about the store’s unique ability to make grocery shopping feel like a treat rather than a chore. What makes Wegmans so special?

For starters, it’s the attention to detail.

From the impeccably organized aisles to the high-quality produce, artisanal baked goods and chef-inspired prepared foods, Wegmans takes pride in delivering excellence at every level.

Shoppers know they can rely on Wegmans for items that aren’t just staples but also inspiration—whether it’s the store-made fresh sushi, decadent desserts or its impressive international food selection.

But what really sets Wegmans apart is its customer service.

Employees are trained to be helpful and approachable, creating an atmosphere where customers feel valued.

Many Wegmans fans describe the store as a place that goes beyond transactions—it feels like a community.

Over the years, the grocery chain has become a destination in and of itself, drawing road-trippers and loyalists willing to drive hours just to shop there (I am among them!).

The store even inspires online fan groups and countless social media posts, where customers swap tips, share their favorite finds and celebrate new store openings with a fervor usually reserved for concerts or theme parks.

Wegmaniacs: The passionate fans driving the Wegmans phenomenon

To truly understand Wegmans’ success, you need to know about the “Wegmaniacs.”

This nickname, affectionately given to the grocery chain’s most devoted fans, perfectly captures the enthusiasm—and sometimes obsession—that Wegmans inspires.

The term originated organically, coined by shoppers themselves and embraced in fan groups, online forums and even news coverage.

So, what makes a Wegmaniac?

It’s someone who goes out of their way to shop at Wegmans, whether that means driving hours to the nearest store or marking their calendar for the grand opening of a new location.

For Wegmaniacs, Wegmans is more than a grocery store—it’s a lifestyle.

They rave about the chain’s prepared foods (those subs and sushi!), the high-quality store-brand items and the welcoming shopping experience.

This devotion goes beyond the aisles, too.

Wegmaniacs are known to swap tips about the best seasonal products, track down rare Wegmans finds, and even create ranking lists of their favorite items, from frozen meals to bakery treats.

Social media is alive with posts celebrating Wegmans’ legendary customer service, beautifully curated displays and even its holiday offerings.

For some Wegmaniacs, the brand is a family tradition, passed down through generations of shoppers who have grown up with Wegmans as a staple in their lives.

Others are newer converts, discovering the magic after the chain’s steady expansion into new markets.

Whatever their origin story, one thing is clear: Wegmaniacs don’t just shop—they evangelize.

As a proud Wegmaniac myself, I can confidently say there’s no grocery store quite like it. Two-hour drives to grocery shop at Wegmans became a regular part of my life once I discovered Wegmans.

And as Wegmans prepares to open three new stores in 2025, including two in cities new to the brand, I can only imagine how many more Wegmaniacs will soon be joining the ranks.

After all, once you experience Wegmans, there’s no going back.

Kennywood Park nearing 125th anniversary

What began as a trolley park in the late 1800s is now one of America’s top amusement parks.

Nestled above the Monongahela River, Kennywood Park has remained a constant as the world around it in the Mon Valley — sometimes referred to as “the valley that built the world” — changed.

The park sits across the river from a still-in-operation steel mill — one of a few left in a region that prospered in its heyday of steel works that provided jobs and also polluted the region.

Most of the steel mills are gone, the cities dotting the region that flourished during the time now struggle, and the area’s population continues dwindling.

As the region around it changed, Kennywood Park solidified itself as Western Pennsylvania’s amusement park, with annual school picnics, celebrity guests, ethnic celebrations and thrills for everybody in the family.

In 2022, as COVID-19 pandemic restrictions lifted and people navigated a new world, Kennywood Park management ushered in the start of a major celebration: The kickoff of the park’s 125th anniversary.

With it came word of the return of one of four rides the park removed, plus other park improvements — long overdue cosmetic enhancements to spruce up the park.

Sadly, with the great changes came a rollback in operating hours. The park, where legend has it that the coasters run faster at night, and where thousands of lights sparkle when the sun goes down, closed before the sun was even at the horizon, marking regular closings at 7 or 8 p.m.

It seems, more big changes are in the works in 2023 for the park’s 125th anniversary.

Kennywood is teasing at least one themed area improvement.

Little details are available but, apparently, aliens speak Pittsburghese!

The QR code takes fans to a site on Kennywood’s page.

Looking carefully at the site, these are some clues:

  • The site title says “UFOTracker.”
  • The image shows the number “1122,” which could mean the park might use Nov. 22 to reveal more information.
  • The image also shows “2023,” so that seems pretty obvious.

The Cosmic Chaos, which sits next to this area, was added to the park in 2007. It was manufactured by Zamperla, where the generic ride is called the Mega Disk’O.

The new ride is rumored to also be from Zamperla. Kennywood has some other Zamperla rides, including Aero 360 and SS Kenny (in Kiddieland).

Could any of these rides be coming to Kennywood in 2023? Hmm…

Of course, before then, the park will hold its Phantom Fall Fest (you know it as Phantom Fright Nights but now with daytime fun for everyone) and Holiday Lights!