PHOTO: COURTESY OF STEVE RUDZINSKI
JOHNSON
PHOTO: COURTESY OF OLIVIA PASQUARELLI
RESCUE ME
Imagine yourself in crisis, and forced to seek emergency housing. Circumstances like domestic violence, medical emergencies, and addiction can contribute to this need. But against all odds, you find a safe place willing to take you in. Sadly, your beloved pet is not allowed to come with you. What do you do?
BY: KAHMEELA
Harmony Dog Rescue has been quietly making an impact on both human and canine lives as it works to create a solution to such a dilemma. This nonprofit, dedicated solely to providing emergency boarding for dogs in crisis, is filling a critical gap in the community. Their mission? To ensure that no one has to surrender their beloved pet due to unforeseen emergencies.
Founded by Tim Lydon and his partner, Molly McAleer, this organization serves the greater Pittsburgh area, including the seven counties surrounding Allegheny. Unlike other shelters, they focus on temporary foster care, aiming to reunite pets with their owners once a crisis has passed.
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON Tim Lydon carries Frannie at home
Lydon and McAleer understand that life is messy and that emergencies don’t adhere to a strict timeline. While their official contract offers 40 days of boarding, they often extend this period because, as Lydon tells Pittsburgh City Paper, “Very few things are just black and white.” This flexibility is crucial for people trying to get back on their feet.
They currently operate Harmony out of their Wilkinsburg home, where they can only take in two to three dogs — the pair credit their foster volunteers as the “lifeblood” of the organization. So far, they have received weekly applications from people looking to temporarily open their homes to a pup or two.
“I just think people see how important it is, what we’re doing because everyone knows someone who had to go to rehab or
had to leave a difficult situation … and that shouldn’t be the reason why you lose your dog,” says Lydon.
One of the most compelling aspects of their work is the community they’ve built. With nearly 30 volunteers and counting, they operate almost like dispatchers, connecting dogs in need with foster homes. Their volunteers come from all walks of life, united by a shared love for animals and a commitment to the mission. As Lydon puts it, “Dogs transcend a lot of hatred and division in society.”
Years ago, Lydon discovered he was destined to care for animals in some capacity while working on a 40-acre dog sanctuary in Ireland. “That was the first person I ever met who dedicated her life to dogs. And for me, that wasn’t strange,” Lydon recalls, “I was like, oh, this could be me. If I ever get
land, this is my life 100%, So I kind of gravitated toward dog rescue.”
Lydon became aware of emergency boarding services while working at a local animal shelter. The shelter offered an emergency boarding program and received calls a few times a month from people who needed help but didn’t want to surrender their dogs. Due to a lack of space or capacity, Lydon saw too many people being turned away. That’s when, Lydon says, “A kind of light bulb went off,” and he and McAleer decided to start Harmony.
However, the journey has been challenging. The demand for this service can be overwhelming, forcing Lydon and McAleer to turn people away due to limited resources.
“We could clone ourselves two or three times and still not meet every request,” says
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON
Tim Lydon and Molly McAleer of Harmony Dog Rescue pet their dog, Frannie on their front porch
Lydon. “We get calls and texts every single day. We knew we were filling a gap, but we didn’t realize how enormous this gap was.”
The work has also opened their eyes to broader issues affecting the community. Research shows that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a rise in the country’s unhoused population and an increase in domestic violence, and the need for Harmony’s services has never been greater.
Lydon and McAleer eventually want Harmony to follow a structure similar to Light of Life Rescue Mission, which offers an aftercare program to people once they’ve left the shelter. Lydon thinks it would be beneficial to provide a check-in service once the dogs are reunited with their humans to ensure everyone’s needs are being met.
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON
Molly McAleer of Harmony Dog Rescue holds her dog, Frannie
Despite the hurdles, the organization remains steadfast in its expressed mission of working “to ensure dogs are not left behind in dangerous situations, prevent them from being surrendered to shelters, and ultimately reunite them with their people.” They are continually seeking more foster homes, but also need other types of volunteers and donations of supplies like dog crates, food, and leashes. Every bit helps ensure that pets and their owners can stay together, even in the most challenging times.
“What we say is, everyone’s good at something. Some people are good at social media, cooking, whatever it may be.” Lydon continues, “[If] you believe in our mission, just reach out, and whatever you’re good at, we’ll find a way to incorporate that.” •
We provide training, supplies for the dog and pay for all the medical vetting. YOU provide a safe, loving temporary home. Be a hero, save a life today! www.PawsAcrossPittsburgh.com/foster
MONTHLY DONATION CAMPAIGN
Your donation means the world to us and because of your support, we can continue with our mission of saving more dogs & cats. For that we thank you!
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON
Tim and Molly's dog, Moses, peaks his head out of their front door
StAfF PeTs
Furry helpers behind the scenes
BY: CITY PAPER STAFF // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
Bw
Assistant Photographer
Age: 2 Breed: Tuxedo
Likes: Classical music
Dislikes: Ceiling fans
MaVe RiCk
B eA
Assistant Staff Writer
AlLiE (Allison)
Assistant Graphic Designer
Age: 8 Breed: Mutt but mostly German Shepard and Mountain Curr. So a lot of dogs look like her lol
Likes: Cheese, Men (?), Screaming at everything
Dislikes: Cars, runners, bicyclists (anything that moves too fast)
Assistant Audience Engagement Specialist
Age: 13-14ish Breed: Pit bull, Rhodesian ridgeback, sharpei, golden retriever, blackmouth cur, etc. etc.
Likes: Pets, snuggles, eating people food, throwing up people food, making wookie noises, snoring, sitting on small children dislikes: eing told what to do, firewor , the white dog down the road (that bastard), thunderstorms, dumpsters
Age: 5 Breed: American shorthair/tortoiseshell queen Likes: Going on walks, bird- and squirrel-watching, general adventures including climbing into the basement walls (she has been banned), challenging orange cat Frank the incumbent “Mayor of Montclair,” head scratches, boxes, cheese Dislikes: Being picked up, not being pet on her terms, paparazzi
NiKo
Assistant Advertising Representative
Age: 3 Breed: Siberian Likes: Morning snacks and curling up on a good lap Dislikes: Playful dogs and car rides
BaRaKa
Assistant arketing oordinator
Age: 12 Breed: Schipperke/ soot spirit Like: irty water, chicken, and cuddles
Dislikes: T-storms, other dogs, and regular dog food. ertified rea
P iCo
Assistant Editor in hie
Age: 4 Breed: Mutt to the max
Likes: tealing co ee, hi uea y raccoon
Dislikes: When the toddler pulls his tail
tUrD
Assistant arketing oordinator
Age: 13 Breed: eow
Likes : Wet cat food, screaming, and laying on illow Dislikes: Being hungry, babies, and cars
kIt TeN
Assistant arketing oordinator
Age: 9 Breed: eow
Likes: Treats, jumping really high, and nuggling with Baraka the dog
GrEgOr
Assistant e s Editor
Age: 9 Breed: American shorthair/trash baby
Likes: Early-morning headbutts, exploring the backyard, and getting Sink Drinks™
Dislikes: hunder, firewor , the doorbell
TuLiP
Assistant e s Editor
Age: 8 Breed: American shorthair/trash baby
Likes: Cuddles, naps, and watching the ird and uirrels Dislikes: Sports on TV, eo le wearing hoe indoor , not getting enough cuddles
pIg
Assistant arketing oordinator
Age: 13 Breed: eow
Likes : Being brushed meticulously, being held and birds
Dislikes: Hairballs, fire and late supper
Hosted by Last Call Trivia SEPT 5, 5:30-7PM
ChIcKeN
Assistant A E Editor
Age: 1 Breed: Chinese crested Likes: Stealing socks, chasing cats, pooping on the couch Dislikes: Wind, lantern ie , wal ing on gravel
Assistant A E Editor
Age: ? Breed: Unknown Likes: Sleeping, apples and carrots, farting Dislikes: Descending stairs, going for walks, people
JoAnIe
Assistant A E Editor
Age: 2 Breed: Domestic shorthair Likes: Being aloof, treats, hissing at her sisters Dislikes: Sharing food, being included, being picked up
MoNrOe
Assistant A E Editor
Age: 5 Breed: Domestic shorthair, Likes: Headbutts, sleeping under the co ee ta le, edti e Dislikes: Being chased, not getting her breaka t i ediately, having her rotten teeth pulled
Mo O n PiE
Assistant Editorial Designer
Age: 3 Breed: Calico Likes: Window time, sitting in the sink, being adorable Dislikes: Not being the center of attention
OpAl
Assistant Editorial Designer
Age: 6 Breed: Bombay Likes: Snacks, belly rubs, hiding in the couch tunnel, more snacks Dislikes: The sound of electric guitar, not getting enough snacks BuNnY
Assistant Editorial Designer
Age: 2 Breed: Domestic shorthair
Likes: Staying in one place, playing “birdie”, Sleeping on Lisa’s head
Dislikes: Other cats, being held
HAPPY HOUR, UNLEASHED
Thi all, dog lover will e a le to go o lea h a the Strip District welcomes its newest attrac tion: The Dog Penn, a dog park combined with a ull ervice ar
Married couple Alissa (Furman) May and Travis May are tran or ing the or er o e h a riola au age o uilding into a rand new conce t or the co unity
BY: KATY
The Dog Penn will feature 2,350 square feet of fully turfed outdoor space where dogs can play while their owners rela in dirondac chair with a cold everage in hand
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON Travis and Alissa May of The Dog Penn
“We’re a full bar — grab a cocktail or a beer, listen to music, and let the puppers play while you hang with your friends,” Travis tells Pittsburgh City Paper. “There’s nothing in Pittsburgh like this!”
The couple was inspired to create the Dog Penn after an epic road trip from Alaska to Pennsylvania, Alissa’s home state, where they encountered similar concepts along the way. Recognizing a need for dog-friendly spaces in Pittsburgh, they envisioned a place where dogs could run free and make friends.
Safety is a top priority at the Dog Penn. All dogs must register online with proof of up-to-date vaccinations and must be spayed or neutered. Trained dog handlers will be on-site to monitor play and ensure all pups are well-behaved. The turfed area will be treated nightly with a specialized cleaning system that kills 99% of bacteria including Bortadella and Parvo.
“We’re committed to safety for the dogs and amenities for the people,” Alissa says.
Inside the building, patrons can enjoy a wide selection of beverages, including wine, cocktails, and craft beer. Remote workers will appreciate the free WiFi, available outlets, and limited selection of coffee drinks. Whether you’re hanging out with your pup, joining friends, or stopping by solo, the Mays say everyone is welcome at their new hangout.
The Dog Penn will also feature a rotation of local food trucks. The indoor space will include a full-service bar and tables, while the outside area hosts the fully-turfed dog run and a 1,600-square-foot space for food trucks with additional seating.
As seasoned bartenders, the Mays are passionate about providing a worthwhile experience for both customers and employees. “We hope to create a really positive workplace. We’ve been in the industry for so long, we know we can foster a better experience,” they tell City Paper.
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON Marko Au and Michelle McLoota paint a mural of the Mays' dog on the side of The Dog Penn building
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON Travis and Alissa May of The Dog Penn walk through their building located in the Strip District.
“WE’RE A FULL BAR — GRAB A COCKTAIL OR A BEER, LISTEN TO MUSIC, AND LET THE PUPPERS PLAY WHILE YOU HANG WITH YOUR FRIENDS.”
The couple’s journey to opening The Dog Penn includes a period as seasonal nomads and a move to Alaska during the pandemic. Their friendly pup, Sabre, rescued from a remote Alaskan village, inspired the idea of combining a dog park with a bar.
More than just a bar, The Dog Penn aims to be a safe and welcoming space for dog lovers while giving back to the community. The business will partner with local dog shelters and organizations to fundraise and encourage pet adoption.
“We didn’t want to just open a bar. It was always about the dogs,” Travis says. “We want to give back to the community through outreach.”
In addition to community events, The Dog Penn will host movie nights, line dancing, BINGO, and private events. During colder months, outdoor heaters and blankets will keep patrons warm, while sails and umbrellas provide shade in the summer.
Visitors to The Dog Penn this fall can also enjoy a mural featuring Sabre and other Pittsburgh pups, painted by Hollidaysburg, Pa.-based artists Michelle McLoota and Marko Au of No Ka Oi Art.
ue to the o lea h dog ar and ull ervice ar, atron must be 21 years or older. Humans may socialize at no cost, but all dogs must be registered and owners must purchase a daily, monthly, or annual membership. Pittsburghers are encouraged to register their dogs and purchase memberships ahead of time. Pup parents can visit the Dog Penn’s website or social media for updates ahead of the bar’s mid-September grand opening. •
FLIPPING THE WIG
In today’s world, safe spaces are often places that cater to one ecific grou o eo le hey rovide a en e o elonging, where individual can connect with others who share similar interests, li e tyle , and ideologie et, in the heart o uirrel ill, there i one articular ace that war ly welco e and embraces three distinct and diver e co unitie a lace where the hair lo co unity, the trangender co unity, and the rthodo ewi h co unity co e together with one ingular co on ond erenity ig alon, located on urray ve , ha een urveying wig and roviding hair ervice while connecting co unitie or over year hi wo en owned and operated space has created connection and under tanding a ong neigh or who ay never have co e together otherwi e
Chami Saks, a wife and mother o five, tarted erenity ig alon in a all a e ent tudio, a decade ago eing a e er o the rthodo ewi h co unity, he tarted wearing wig once he got arried, a i a cu to ary rthodo ractice
Saks noticed that other women in her co unity either had to rely on their own skills or travel to places li e ew or to ervice their wig She also noticed a lack of places to urcha e a new wig in itt urgh got wig that really didn’t love,
ut didn t really now what el e wa out there, a tell Pittsburgh City Paper. “It was only once I started laying around with y own iece and e loring the wig world, wa a le to cu to i e y own iece and reali e the need or wig ervice in itt urgh, n , a ter outgrowing the a e ent tudio, a o ened u erenity ig alon t wa hortly a ter o ening u the urray ve storefront,that she started to receive a new clientele, di erent ro the one he had already accu ulated o en not o the rthodo aith who were e eriencing hair lo were co ing to the alon to urcha e wig , a ound ach wo an had a tory whether they were e eriencing alo ecia areata, an autoi une di order that cau e hair lo , or were going through che o treat ent, they loo ed toward erenity ig alon to hel the achieve a natural loo with a wig to regain a loo that wa lo t va, , ca e into the alon or the fir t ti e two year ago ter e eriencing une ected hair lo , va wa in earch o a lace to get a wig that would loo natural, and would tay gri ed to her head a he did activitie uch a ractice dance hen fir t ca e into the alon elt welco e i ediately en oy co ing ac to the alon and tal ing to the girl hey a e e eel good and eauti ul hey truly re tored
PHOTO : COURTESY OF OLIVIA PASQUARELLI
sta member works with a client at Serenity Wig Salon
my confidence after my hair fell out,” Ava says.
From working with wig wearers of all types and being a wig wearer herself, Saks decided that she wanted to start a wig line of her own. She took all the common issues with the wig, both in production and in wearing them, and decided to fix them. From that, the Lola Wig line was born.
“I wanted to make sure that people with no hair, only a little hair, and a full head of hair would be able to wear the piece comfortably,” Saks notes.
Named after her grandmother, who is a Holocaust survivor, the Lola wig became the wig that bridged all the gaps between wigs catered for the Orthodox community and wigs that were catered towards the hair loss community.
By listening to the needs of her clientele, Saks created a wig that was natural, secure, and ethically produced. The wigs are completely customizable to the client’s needs. The parting space hair is hand-tied one-by-one — upon being made and during repair in house-and short “baby hairs” are sewn in the front to allow for the most natural look. Inside of the wig is silicone to help grip to the head, regardless the amount of hair the client may have on them.
“I took into consideration what would be most comfortable for our clients. I wanted the piece to look natural and feel good. That is why I made sure to include realistic hairlines on the wigs and all other little customizations,” Saks says.
Once Serenity became a name in the Pittsburgh wig world, another new type of client began to come to the salon; people from the transgender community came seeking gender affirming solutions for hair.
Though not previously familiar with this community, the salon staff welcomed these clients with open arms and open ears, listening and understanding their experiences and needs. “I really embraced having the trans community come into the salon,” Saks says. “My mom did a good
job of teaching us about the world around us, and having a diverse clientele allows me to learn more and become a lot more accepting. Having trans clients has really helped me learn more about the community and the experience these individuals have.”
The impact spread beyond the staff. “Having a trans sibling has taught me so much about identity, how the world views others, and humanity itself,” says one client who preferred to remain anonymous. “As a cisgender person, gender expression often feels simple, largely due to society’s ingrained views. I’ve come to realize that small gestures, like respecting and asking for someone’s pronouns, can significantly affirm those experiencing gender dysphoria.”
The client adds, “For trans women, the transition process can be challenging — hormones take time, and hair growth can be slow. Offering services like matching hair to their true identity can make a meaningful difference. I applaud Serenity Wig Salon for making this part of their mission because trans women are women, and non-binary people deserve services that affirm their gender and help them feel accepted.”
The staff has made it their mission to continue educating themselves on all of their clients, from all walks of life. Olivia Pasquarelli, a long time employee of the salon, says, “What makes Serenity Wig Salon so special is witnessing groups who, according to the media, are supposed to ‘clash,’ come together, connect, and respect one another despite their differences. It’s a refreshing reminder that the world my parents promised — a world where everyone shows grace and understanding because we are all significant — does exist,” adding that, “while conflict may sell more than peace, a world rooted in empathy and understanding is real and all around us. Serenity Wig Salon is a beautiful microcosm of that, making it an incredibly special place.” •
KILLER CHRISTMAS
BY: OWEN GABBEY // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
If an independent, low-budget horror flick has come out of Pittsburgh in recent years, chances are Steve Rudzinski was behind it.
Rudzinski, a local filmmaker with a long list of credits and a Pittsburgh City Paper Best Of PGH win to his name, recently released Curtains for Christmas . His newest — now available to view on his Patreon and streaming soon on Tubi — is a real seasonal head-spinner, coming out in the summer, but ready for spooky season, while skewering (literally) Christmas films.
Curtains for Christmas centers around Holly (Aleen Isley), a woman obsessed with holiday rom-coms, who meets a man who shares a similar love. But Holly has a deadly mission to model her life after her favorite films, through violent means if necessary. Rudzinski praises the film for having “a female killer as the lead as well as some positive LGBTQ+ rep with two of the featured couples.”
For Rudzinski, the film, which is equal parts silly, referential, and gory, sometimes all at once, was a happy accident.
“2024 was supposed to be a year
PHOTO: COURTESY OF STEVE RUDZINSKI Aleen Isley in Curtains for Christmas
Aleen Isley in Curtains for Christmas
off for me,” Rudzinski, who, beyond writing and directing, also acts in, produces, and edits many of his films, tells City Paper . He adds that he just finished “what felt like a rapidfire film-and-release schedule” of several other projects: CarousHELL 2 , Amityville Christmas Vacation , Shingles the Movie, and CarousHELL 3
The love for movies and, more specifically, the love for making movies, drove much of the process behind Curtains for Christmas. It also presented a challenge for Rudzinski, who had to stick to one genre while paying homage to another, the latter of which required some research.
“It’s hard to name specific titles
“EVEN WHEN I’M HIRED BY A CLIENT TO PRODUCE AND DIRECT A FILM, I’M ARGUING FOR SHOOTING MY FILMS IN THE PITTSBURGH AREA.”
“I wanted to take a year off relaxing and enjoying the results of my work, not having to worry about the process of pre-production, production, and post-production,” he says. But when Isley brought up the idea for a female slasher based on holiday rom-coms, he couldn’t resist. “Before she even finished pitching it to me, I was already signing because I knew this was such a fun film that we had to make,” he says.
because Aleen and I both watched dozens and dozens of Christmas romcoms leading up to writing the script, not to mention I just already consider Christmas movies as a favorite genre, so I was probably influenced by many more movies than I’m even aware of,” Rudzinski explains.
There’s a clear love for the process in Rudzinski’s work, a desire to fight for making films you love with people you love. He cites Sam Raimi’s Evil
Dead as the moment he realized massive budgets and studio backing are not always necessary for making something commercially viable, as well as creative and entertaining.
The spirit and the consistency that infuses Rudzinski’s work are refreshing, especially at a time when Pittsburgh’s film scene is trying to get back to where it was pre-COVID. Rudzinski’s commitment to funding and shooting projects in the area — he says Curtains for Christmas was shot in Pittsburgh, Bridgeville, Coraopolis, and Washington — also creates jobs for local actors, camera operators, effects artists, musicians, and other filmmaking professionals. More importantly, it demonstrates that anyone can do this, which, ideally, contributes to making a city an attractive place for creatives and artists.
As Rudzinski puts it, “Even when I’m hired by a client to produce and direct a film, I’m arguing for shooting my films in the Pittsburgh area.”
Rudzinski says 2025 will mark
his 15th year of making independent films. When he first started filmmaking in 2010, his original goal was to have 10 releases in the next 10 years (a goal he already surpassed, he notes). He chalks this up to a system he believes allows him and his crew to produce films in a reasonable amount of time and within a small budget, and this applies to Curtains for Christmas
“Like always, I came up with an outline knowing what I have to work with, what amount of money I reasonably could raise, then wrote a great script that I know ahead of time how I’m going to film,” he explains. “We stick to our schedule, we finish on time, and if I’m editing myself, I’m usually doing that at the same time as filming. So that also helps prevent there being a long period of time between shooting and release. I think all of this adding up is what helps me be consistent with releases.” •
PHOTO: COURTESY OF STEVE RUDZINSKI Steve Rudzinski in Curtains for Christmas
SEVEN DAYS IN PITTSBURGH IN
THU., AUG. 29
THEATER
• HILL DISTRICT
Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company presents Radio Golf. 7 p.m. Continues through Sat., Sept. 14. August Wilson House. 1727 Bedford Ave., Hill District. $30-45. pghplaywrights.org
TALK • OAKDALE
Mysterious Moths: Growing the Darker Side of Butterflies 7-9 p.m. Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. 799 Pinkerton Run Rd., Oakdale. $35-45, $10 discount for members. pittsburghbotanicgarden.org
COMEDY • HOMESTEAD
Rhinestone Microphone: Queer Comedy Open Mic. 7:15-10:40 p.m. The Glitterbox Theater. 210 W. 8th Ave., Homestead. Free.
FRI., AUG. 30
PARTY • NORTH SIDE
Final Fridays with DJ Alex Rivera. 5-10 p.m.
The Andy Warhol Museum. 117 Sandusky St., North Side. Free. warhol.org
LIT • BLOOMFIELD
meTamophosis: A Queer & Trans Led
Reading Series 7-8:30 p.m. White Whale Bookstore. 4754 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield. Free. Registration required. Livestream available. whitewhalebookstore.com/events
FILM • SEWICKLEY
She Rises Up with Director Q&A 7 p.m. Screenings continue through Wed., Sept. 4. The Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center. 418 Walnut St., Sewickley. $8.75-11. thelindsaytheater.org
MUSIC
• MCKEES ROCKS
The 502s: Great American Road Trip with 8 p.m. Doors at 7 p.m. Roxian Theatre. 425 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks. roxiantheatre.com
MUSIC • OVERBROOK
Living Colour with NASH.V.ILL 8:30 p.m. Doors at 6:30 p.m. The Crafthouse Stage & Grill. 5024 Curry Rd., Overbrook. $35-38. crafthousepgh.com
COMEDY • DOWNTOWN
Select Start Improv Show: Wet Hot Improv Summer. 9 p.m. Arcade Comedy Theater. 943 Liberty Ave., Downtown. $15. arcadecomedytheater.com
SAT., AUG. 31
FESTIVAL • LAWRENCEVILLE
Enjoy the last warm days of the season during one of Spirit “biggest and wildest” parties of the year. The Summer Recess Food and Music Festival highlights a diverse array of local music, from lo-fi indie artist Ancient History to folk singer/songwriter Frank Hurricane. There’s also a DJ lineup, a drag show with The Moon Baby, a vendor market, and a long list of Pittsburgh
food purveyors serving tacos, dumplings, ice cream, and more. 2 p.m.-2 a.m. 51st St., Lawrenceville. $5-15. 21 and over after 9 p.m. spiritpgh.com
ART • DOWNTOWN
Nicholas Galanin: kʼidéin yéi jeené (You’re doing such a good job) 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through Sun., Sept. 29. Wood Street Galleries. 601 Wood St., Downtown. Free. trustarts.org
KIDS • WEST NEWTON
What ho! Hast thou a wee lord or lady or nonbinary youth? Bringest them to the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival for Children’s Weekend, where knights, maidens, and merrymaking await! Kidfocused festivities include games of skill, rides, knighting ceremonies, and more. Enter your little prince, princess, or pirate in a costume contest, or get their picture taken with the King and Queen. 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Continues through Sun., Sept. 2. 112 Renaissance Ln., West Newton. $25, free for kids 12 and under with paid adult ticket.
pittsburghrenfest.com/themed-weekends
BURLESQUE • SHARPSBURG
The Velvet Hearts! presents a Very Sapphic Saturday Show. 7 p.m. Love, Katie Distilling. 816 Main St., Sharpsburg. $20. instagram.com/ velvetheartsentertainment
MUSIC • BLOOMFIELD
The Pittsburgh Honky-Tonk Jukebox 7-11 p.m. Bloomfield Liedertafel. 410 S Mathilda St., Bloomfield. $20. wyep.org
PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE PLAIN ENGLISH CONSULTANT Ancient History, part of the Summer Recess Food and Music Festival at Spirit
PHOTO: COURTESY OF CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER Kamin Family Free Day at Carnegie Science Center
PHOTO: JIM MCCORMAC
Mysterious Moths: Growing the Darker Side of Butterflies at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
SUN., SEPT.1
MUSIC • DOWNTOWN
Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert. 7:30 p.m. Benedum Center. Seventh St. and Penn Ave., Downtown. $45-100. trustarts.org
MUSIC • LAWRENCEVILLE
King Buzzo and Trevor Dunn with JD Pinkus 8 p.m. Doors at 7 p.m. Thunderbird Music Hall. 4053 Butler St., Lawrenceville. $29.50. thunderbirdmusichall.com
SUN., SEPT. 1
FAMILY • NORTH SIDE
Kamin Family Free Day. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Carnegie Science Center. One Allegheny Ave., North Side. Free. Reservation required. carnegiesciencecenter.org
MUSIC • NORTH SHORE
Green Day: The Saviors Tour with the Smashing Pumpkins, Rancid, and the Linda Lindas. 5:30 p.m. Doors at 4 p.m. PNC Park. 115 Federal St., North Shore. Tickets start at $44. mlb.com
FESTIVAL • ALLISON PARK
Allegheny County Music Festival with Valleyview and Sweat. 5:30 p.m. Hartwood Acres Amphitheater. 4000 Middle Rd., Allison Park. $20 suggested donation per vehicle. alleghenycounty.us
COMEDY • DOWNTOWN
The Rock Comedy Show with Rodney Perry 7 p.m. August Wilson African American Cultural Center. 980 Liberty Ave., Downtown. $40-75. trustarts.org
MON., SEPT. 2
MUSIC • LAWRENCEVILLE
Bootblacks and The Bellwether Syndicate with Take Me With You and DJ Cadaver Kelly 7:30 p.m. Cattivo. 146 44th St., Lawrenceville. $16 in advance, $20 at the door. facebook.com/cattivopgh/events
TUE., SEPT. 3
MUSIC • BURGETTSTOWN
Dig through the ditches, and burn through the witches, and slam into The Pavilion at Star Lake when Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper appear for the Freaks on Parade Tour. The headlining legends of horror rock are joined by Filter and Ministry for a night that promises plenty of decade-spanning hits and headbanging theatrics. Feed your inner “Superbeast” during this incredible lineup. 6 p.m. 665 Route 18, Burgettstown. Tickets start at $39. pavilionstarlake.com/shows
MUSIC • STRIP DISTRICT
Steve Earle: Alone Again, Solo & Acoustic. 7:30 p.m. Doors at 6 p.m. Continues on Wed., Sept. 4. City Winery. 1627 Smallman St., Strip District. $95-130. citywinery.com
WED., SEPT. 4
MUSIC • DOWNTOWN
Dr. D. 5-7 p.m. Backyard at 8th & Penn. Eighth Ave. and Penn Ave., Downtown. Free. trustarts.org
Fantastic! Love Rebecca’s writing and this book didn’t disappoint. What’s next?
Read the whole series!
Great great mysteries. Characters in the series keep getting better.
PHOTO: EMMIE AMERICA
Green Day: The Saviors Tour at PNC Park
ESTATE NOTICE ESTATE OF MITCHELL, STANLEY, M. DECEASED OF PLEASANT HILLS, PA No. 022404842 of 2024. Zach Mitchell Extr. 1300 Cattail ln, Sewickley, PA 15143.
PUBLIC AUCTION
Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its a iliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 880 Saw Mill Run Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15226, September 11, 2024, at 1:15 PM. Stephanie White 3072, Ed Gordon 4028, Samuel Kyles 4081. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com.
Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.
Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
FINANCIAL
MARKET PLACE
Struggling With Your Private Student Loan Payment? New relief programs can reduce your payments. Learn your options. Good credit not necessary. Call the Helpline 888-670-5631 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Eastern) (AAN CAN)
PUBLIC AUCTION
Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its a iliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 1005 E Entry Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15216 on 09/11/2024 at 11:30 AM. John Mcquillan 2156, Kristal Mcintosh 3164, Gary Gather 5166. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com.
Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.
Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
FINANCIAL
SAVE BIG on HOME INSURANCE!
Compare 20 A-rated insurances companies. Get a quote within minutes. Average savings of $444/year! Call 844712-6153! (M-F 8am-8pm Central) (AAN CAN)
SERVICES
DIRECTV OVER INTERNET - Get your favorite live TV, sports and local channels. 99% signal reliability! CHOICE Package, $84.99/mo for 12 months. HBO Max and Premium Channels included for 3 mos (w/CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-877-350-1003
PUBLIC NOTICE
OPEN WAITING LIST FOR SECTION 8 HUD PROPERTIES
Wesley Plaza Properties has an open waiting list to apply for the Section 8 program. For more information on how to apply please contact us at 412-626-6111
PUBLIC NOTICE CHANGE OF SURNAME
This is to formally notify that ADAM AIJAZ, residing at 331 Devonshire Street, Apt D10, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA and a citizen of India, has legally changed his surname from AIJAZ to SHAH. This change aligns with his correct surname and is e ective as of 06.10.2021, following all necessary legal procedures. All future references to ADAM AIJAZ should now reflect with the new surname, ADAM AIJAZ SHAH. Please update your records accordingly. For any inquiries or clarifications, please contact the details provided below.
Aijaz Ahmad Father of Adam Aijaz Shah
331 Devonshire Street, Apt D10, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA Phone no.: +1 858 305 8301
The University of Pittsburgh’s Alcohol & Smoking Research Lab is looking for people to participate in a research project. You must:
• Currently smoke cigarettes
• Be 18-49 years old, in good health, and speak fluent English
• Be right handed, willing to not smoke before two sessions, and to fill out questionnaires
Earn up to $260 for participating in this study.
For more information, call (412) 407-5029
Pittsburgh City Paper is looking for a Digital Coordinator position. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and implementing digital marketing campaigns across multiple platforms, including social media, email, and our website. In the role you will also track and analyze campaign performance for all clients. Great team atmosphere! $40K salary and benefits.
Please email your resume and cover letter to Rachel Winner at rwinner@pghcitypaper.com
HERE’S THE DEETS
ACROSS
1. Fantastic Four star Jessica 5. “Look who showed up!”
10. Failures
14. Got the word out?
15. “The Best in Pests” sloganeer 16. Foil in the Olympics 17. Walked (upon)
18. Strange butcher’s waste?
20. Column creator
22. Go through one’s feed
23. Stand-up comic Wong
24. Pot of tea
27. Patisserie treats
28. Game where you might slap shot something across the cubicles?
32. Pitching legend Sandy
33. Time when many people give up
34. Zoom necessity, for short
37. Court order?
38. Western group
40. Shredder’s moment
41. Round selection
42. Touched
43. Flipped (through)
45. Shiny and sticky candy?
47. Immovable
50. __ Lankan
51. “You might remember her as ...”
52. Tending to live in barns and hoot?
54. Belly dancer decorations
58. The thing holding up the eave fell to ground?
61. “Sounds about right”
62. Working hard
63. Crime family
64. Bandmate of Mickey, Michael, and Peter
65. Puts on
66. Rides to the airport, say
67. Lake used in some creepy puns
DOWN
1. Routing letters
2. Tales from the past
3. Have kittens
4. Increases zest, with “to”
5. State in the Louisiana Purchase
6. Deep ditch
7. Do some schussing
8. Space station that used the Moscow Time zone
9. Stops working
10. O set, as expenses
11. Game, as experiences
12. Gave everyone a hand?
13. Puts on shelves
19. The Supreme Court with one recusal 21. Flaky mineral 25. Piece keeper
26. Top cards
28. Fuzzy green vegetable
29. Roast turkey wrap
30. Kick out
31. Installed some flooring, say 34. Place whose patrons are regularly buzzed
35. Toward shelter, at sea
36. Mean, median, and ___
39. Your rents, with “the”
40. If you’re on it, you’re cautious
42. “Despacito”
singer Luis
44. Quite long stretches
45. Swindles
46. Dunderhead
47. “That makes me cry”
48. 120 seconds before the hour
49. Small and tending to wear pointy shoes, probably
53. Code for building sites
55. Santa ___ (hot winds)
56. Moses’s great-grandfather
57. Eyelid irritation
59. Time piece?
60. Big name in bug sprays, and what’s been added to the this puzzle’s theme answers
Many Americans are fortunate to have dental coverage for their entire working life, throughemployer-provided benefits. When those benefits end with retirement, paying dental bills out-of-pocket can come as a shock, leading people to put off or even go without care.
Simply put — without dental insurance, there may be an important gap in your healthcare coverage.
When you’re comparing plans ...
Look for coverage that helps pay for major services. Some plans may limit the number of procedures — or pay for preventive care only.
Look for coverage with no deductibles. Some plans may require you to pay hundreds out of pocket before benefits are paid.
Shop for coverage with no annual maximum on cash benefits. Some plans have annual maximums of $1,000.
Medicare doesn’t pay for dental care.1
That’s right. As good as Medicare is, it was never meant to cover everything. That means if you want protection, you need to purchase individual insurance.
Early detection can prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones.
The best way to prevent large dental bills is preventive care. The American Dental Association recommends checkups twice a year.
Previous dental work can wear out.
Even if you’ve had quality dental work in the past, you shouldn’t take your dental health for granted. In fact, your odds of having a dental problem only go up as you age.2
Treatment is expensive — especially the services people over 50 often need.
Consider these national average costs of treatment ... $222 for a checkup ... $190 for a filling ... $1,213 for a crown.3 Unexpected bills like this can be a real burden, especially if you’re on a fixed income.
