TribLive
Kennywood admission cost is similar to other amusement parks, but there are ways to save
In the wake of the announcement that the Steel Curtain would be closed for the 2024 season, Kennywood enthusiasts took to social media to poke the amusement park for its $75 entrance fee. The reasoning, in part, went something like, "You're charging $75 to get in, and one of the
Apr 25
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop
TribLive
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JFilm Festival Brings Engaging Jewish Films to Pittsburgh
Film Pittsburgh's JFilm Festival, the largest Jewish cultural event in the region, will screen May 2-12 at three theaters around Pittsburgh. This is the 31st year for this highly anticipated event, which brings engaging independent Jewish-themed films to Pittsburgh. This year, JFilm will present 16 films, six of which will be available to screen virtually.
"Independent films are so impactful in people's lives." said Kathryn Spitz Cohan, Film Pittsburgh's executive director. "Sometimes they feed your mind by showing you some incredible little-known history like in 999: The Forgotten Girls and other times they feed your heart by transporting you to another time like the visit to the great resorts of The Catskills. But one thing is for sure: independent films always add a richness to the human experience."
JFilm will screen at the Carnegie Music Hall, the Oaks Theater, and CMU's McConomy Auditorium. The festival will include Q&As with visiting filmmakers, a Mother's Day screening with sweet bakery treats, scholar-led Film Schmooze discussions, and more.
One highlight will be opening night's Pittsburgh premiere of Left Alone Rhapsody: The Musical Memoir of Pianist John Bayless at the newly restored Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland. The film, sponsored by The Arthur J. and Betty F. Diskin Cultural Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, tells the inspiring story of Bayless, a Leonard Bernstein protégé and successful concert pianist and composer who suffered a debilitating stroke, and his heroic efforts to continue playing with his left hand alone. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Bayless and director Stewart Schulman. John Bayless will also play several songs before a dessert reception in the Music Hall's Foyer.
In other films to watch for, Spitz Cohan says, "We're excited for our audience to look back at some beloved pop culture icons in Remembering Gene Wilder and Shari & Lamb Chop. These lovely documentaries will have you revisiting happy memories with film and TV legends who were a big part of so many people's lives."
For more information about JFilm and to purchase tickets, visit FilmPittsburgh.org.
Apr 24
Caroline Collins
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TribLive
Kennywood kept Steel Curtain closure secret to bolster sales, lawsuit says
A New Kensington man is suing Kennywood, contending the West Mifflin amusement park withheld information about a seasonlong closure of its flagship attraction to bolster its season pass sales. Kennywood officials last week announced the Steel Curtain roller coaster would not open in the 2024 season, disappointing riders and leaving
Apr 23
Julia Felton
TribLive
TribLive
Rick Sebak to stir 'Kennywood Memories' for Greater Latrobe audience in benefit
Whether it was the thrill of riding the Thunderbolt roller coaster or the tasty treat of gobbling down Potato Patch french fries, many area residents can recall favorite moments of their childhood spent at Kennywood Park near Pittsburgh. Rick Sebak, longtime producer of documentaries for WQED and PBS, will revive
Apr 23
Jeff Himler
TribLive
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5 Signs of Storm Damage to Your Roof
Harsh storms, like the ones that we have seen recently in Western Pennsylvania, can cause all sorts of damage to your home, especially the roof. Some problems with your roof can be pretty easy to spot, but some damage isn't so simple to see.
Whether you can see these problems or not, fixing any of these issues that appear in the wake of a storm can help keep your home safe from any further harm. These strong storms can have sharp winds, heavy rain and even hail that can damage shingles, gutters, flashing and other areas around your roof.
These are some of the most common signs of storm damage to look out for:
Damaged or Missing Shingles
Your shingles are one of the first places you should look when spotting storm damage on your home. Sharp winds from these storms can cause shingles to blow away or loosen from your roof. Hail or even flying debris such as tree branches can crack or dent your shingles if it hits your roof. Also, shingles may curl upward after being damaged in a storm.
When shingles on your roof are missing or damaged, the material beneath it becomes at risk for early deterioration without having the protection of the shingles. These fragile areas need an urgent fix. By calling a roof contractor as soon as possible you can prevent disasters before another storm hits.
Water Leaks
Unwanted moisture inside your home after a storm can be a clear indication of storm damage. Wind-driven rain will quickly get into your home from openings in the roof, especially if there's no leak barrier installed with your roof.
Water damage that comes from these leaks may cause water staining on your ceilings and walls. This can also lead to a musty odor around your home as well as the drywall can crack due to excessive moisture and bulge out. Wet spots could also form around the toilet or pipes, which can be incorrectly associated with a plumbing issue.
Granule Loss
Roofing manufacturers add granules to shingles to help protect your roof against the sun's harmful UV rays. Unfortunately, harsh weather, mainly hail, can cause significant granule loss across your roof.
When you look for granule loss, check for areas of discoloration or dark spots on your roof. It is very difficult to spot missing granules when looking up from the ground at your roof, but you can often see the evidence of granule loss by looking at the ground directly beneath your roof. You can also check your gutters to see if there is an accumulation of granules in them.
A roofing contractor can identify granule loss by climbing onto the roof and performing a closer inspection.
Broken Downspouts, Gutters and Flashing
Shingles aren't the only thing that can be damaged by a severe storm. Downspouts, gutters and flashings can also take a beating from a storm. If hit by large pieces of hail, metal gutters and downspouts may dent while ones that are plastic can crack or break. Flashing can come loose from the winds or dent and break if impacted by hail. Meanwhile, debris such as leaves and dirt will clog your gutters.
Damaged gutters and downspouts are very easy to find, but flashing is a bit more difficult to spot for someone not experienced with roofing. Flashing is crucial to your roof with any cracks or openings leading to water leaks.
Damage to your Attic
Your attic is one of the most critical places to inspect after a storm for damage. Any dark spots on the attic walls and underside of the roof deck can indicate that moisture is present. Also, take note if any of the insulation in the attic appears wet. Water leaks will create wet insulation, causing the insulation to stop working correctly. This could possibly require an expensive replacement of your attic insulation. You also need to take into consideration that excessive water can cause mold to grow quickly in your attic as well. Inspection of the rafters and trusses for cracks or damage should also be done, especially during a snowstorm. Heavy snow and ice can add weight on the roof and the structure may show signs of bending, sagging and cracking if you are seeing over a foot of snow.
Call the Roofing Professionals at Mt. Pleasant Window & Remodeling. It's a great idea to call a professional roofing contractor to fix any roofing concerns before they worsen. Mt. Pleasant Window & Remodeling can help you inspect the roof and assess any possible damage after an intense storm. Call us today at 724-200-8555 or visit mtpleasantwindow.com.
Apr 22
Mt. Pleasant Window & Remodeling
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AP
Chicago's response to migrant influx stirs longstanding frustrations among Black residents
Chicago is one of several big American cities grappling with a surge of migrants. With help from state and federal funds, the city has spent more than $300 million to provide housing, health care and more to over 38,000 mostly South American migrants.
Apr 19
MATT BROWN
AP