WHIRL Magazine: September 2017 by WHIRL Publishing

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8/16/17 12:42 PM

The ABCs of Getting More Zs

A good night’s sleep is essential for overall health and plays a critical role in our everyday lives. Studies show that a restless night of sleep can affect your mood, judgment, and the ability to learn and retain information. But proper sleep can help to extend your life span, improve memory, boost creativity, reduce the risk of depression, and lower stress levels. So how much sleep do you need? Experts recommend that adults 18 and over should sleep between seven and nine hours each day. In fact, individuals who sleep ﬁve hours per night are 73 percent more likely to become obese than individuals who sleep p from seven to nine hours per night.

Even if you get less sleep than that, adding a few Zs can improve your energy and sharpness throughout the day. Building good sleep habits is the key, so try these tips: 1. Stay in sync. Try going to sleep and getting up at the same time each day, even on weekends. 2. Avoid sleeping in. This simple pleasure may do more harm than good, causing you to experience jet-lag type symptoms. Small naps can help you catch up on sleep after a late night. 3. Nap smart. Short naps (10-20 minutes) are ideal. If your naps last longer than 30 minutes, you’ll enter deeper stages of sleep and may wake up groggy. 4. Pump it up. Regular exercise increases the amount of time you are in deep, restorative stages of sleep. 5. Shut it down. Limit screen time starting one to two hours before going to bed.

And remember to talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms such as gasping for air, chest pain, or restlessness during sleep as they may be signs of obstructive sleep apnea.

6. Wind it down. Try deep breathing, muscle relaxation, or guided imagery techniques to ease your mind before bed, especially after a stressful day. 7. Create a cocoon. Keep light out, noise down, and temperatures cool for an optimal sleep environment.

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“Highest Member Satisfaction Among Commercial Health Plans in Pennsylvania, Two Years in a Row” –J.D. Power

When it comes to the quality of care you and your family deserve, second best just won’t do. And when you’re a member of UPMC Health Plan, it doesn’t have to. UPMC Health Plan provides access to the world-class doctors and hospitals of UPMC as well as thousands of community doctors and hospitals. Global medical services from Assist America, coverage for children until age 26 no matter where they live, and outstanding member service all mean YOU get the best health care plan.

Find out why more and more people are choosing UPMC Health Plan at UPMC HealthPlan.com/choose. UPMC Health Plan received the highest numerical score among commercial health plans in Pennsylvania in the J.D. Power 2016-2017 U.S. Member Health Plan Studies. 2017 Study based on 33,624 total responses from 8 commercial health plans in Pennsylvania measuring experiences and perceptions of members surveyed January 2017 - March 2017. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

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TABLE OF

/ CONTENTS

ON THE COVER

PITTSBURGH STEELER RYAN SHAZIER, SPORTING BLUE SHOES TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR ALOPECIA DURING THE NFL’S MY CAUSE MY CLEATS CAMPAIGN PHOTOGRAPH FROM PITTSBURGH STEELERS / KARL ROSER

FEATURES 36

FIGHTING FOR THE GRIDIRON THRONE Which team will rule the NFL and take the Lombardi Trophy this season? Five local sports experts make their predictions.

THE 2017 ONE WHIRL YOGA FEST + HEALTHY LIFESTYLE EXPO Revisit the vendors, instructors, and attendees who made our sixth annual event the best one yet.

3 PODCASTS WE LOVE Trust us, you’ll want to queue up this trio as soon as possible.

SPECIAL SECTIONS 49

EXPLORE GREENSBURG Learn more about the animal shelters of Westmoreland County and the local students who support their missions.

WHIRL@HOME From downsizing to decorating with velvet, we’ve got the home trends to try this fall.

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Catch the Steelers’ season opener on September 10!

PHOTOGRAPH FROM PITTSBURGH STEELERS / KARL ROSER

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TABLE OF

/ CONTENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE

FOOD & FASHION

PUBLISHERS’ PAGE

SAVE THE DATE

FACES OF WHIRL

FINANCE REPORT SPONSORED BY

STYLE NEWS FALL INTO FASHION

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

The start of a new season calls for fresh trends and trunk shows!

WHIRL ESTATE

WHIRL WEDDINGS

WHIRL DIRECTORY

ONE LAST WHIRL

EVENTS 33

PASSPORT TO ELEGANCE JET CENTER PARTY

KRISTI BOUTIQUE’S 5TH ANNIVERSARY

PITTSBURGH ZOO & PPG AQUARIUM’S SUMMER SAFARI

PITTSBURGH VEGFEST

NIGHT IN THE TROPICS

ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL’S 20TH ANNUAL SUMMER SWING

Try SAVOY’s divine dishes, like Pan-seared Sea Bass with a Mango Salsa and Miso Honey.

After its grand reopening, SAVOY serves up new flavors and the same community focus.

SPONSORED BY

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SEPTEMBER HAPPENINGS The team at Animal Friends officially opened the new Howard Ash Wellness Center, an $ 8.5 million facility on the nonprofit’s 75-acre campus in Ohio Township. From left: Eula Houston, a 60-year Animal Friends employee, with adoptable resident, Jazzy; David Swisher, president and CEO; Marleen Ashton, past chair, board of directors; Howard Ash, campaign honorary chair, board of directors; Gina Carlos, chair, board of directors; Stefania Romoff, campaign fundraising chair and vice chair, board of directors; John Weinstein, Allegheny County treasurer, treasurer, board of directors; Sarah McKean, secretary, board of directors; and Carla Patarini, volunteer, with adoptable resident, Champ.

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Blacktie & Tailpipes Gala committee posed for a photo at the annual event, held at the Pittsburgh Field Club. From left, back row: Kim and Bart Buckley, Gigi Saladna, Lisa Goeller Hrynda, Missy Harmon, April Mosites, Alice Easly, Megan DePaul, Alice Brannigan, and Peggy Snavely. From left, front row: John and Maggie Schmotzer.

BY MATTHEW HACKE + RACHEL JONES PHOTOGRAPHS FROM LINDA MITZEL, MARSHA GREEN, EY

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Ernst & Young, LLP (EY) applauded the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017 Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia Award winners for the impressive impacts they are making on the community. From left: Mike Denove, EY partner and EOY co-director; Lani Lazarri, Simple Sugars; Patrick Cozzens, Modern Transportation; Sean Marszalek, SDC Nutrition; Anna Zaydenberg, ComForCare Senior Services; Lalit Cordia, Thar Technologies; Mike Wagner, Target Freight Management | TFM Truckload; Jeff Broadhurst, Eat’n Park Hospitality Group; Joe Calloway, RE360; and Matt Lizanich, EY partner and EOY co-director. WH I R LM A G A Z I N E .C OM / WH IRL

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/ OF WHIRL For Pamela Gill, Marguerite McLaughlin, Candace Laszlo, and nearly 200 other guests, good times were in full bloom at the Garden Gala. Hosted at Northland Public Library by the library’s Foundation, the fundraiser supported the construction of the Learning Garden at Northland.

OVER start working on your

BAR BODY

Corey Carrington and Njaimeh Njie served as the featured speakers at The Space Between, held at Contemporary Craft. The Pittsburghbased artists spoke about how they approach their work, focusing on creativity and identity.

FALL specials at both locations Mary Murrin and Karla Boos joined in kicking off Quantum Theatre’s 27th season and introducing Stewart Urist, Quantum Theatre’s new managing director, with a cocktail party at The Union Project.

WALNUT STREET

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PHOTOGRAPHS FROM DAVE HOCHENDONER, STEPHANIE SUN, DAVID BIELEWICZ

8/16/17 1:01 PM

PRESENTED BY NORTHWOOD REALTY SERVICES

Amby and Anne Bauer, and Jocelyn and Jeff Hood had a sweet time at the Pressley Ridge Ice Cream Fundae VIP event, sipping Champagne and digging into Graeter’s ice cream!

Bill Flanagan, host of the “Our Region’s Business” on WPXI-TV, (not pictured) moderated a Small Business Week panel discussion at Alloy 26 at Nova Place, hosted by Comcast Business and CNBC. From left: Panelists Adam Paulisick, chief customer officer, Maya Design; Mona PappafavaRay, president and CEO, General Carbide Corp.; Juan Garrett, executive director, Riverside Center for Innovation; and Ilana Diamond, managing director, AlphaLab Gear.

Barry W. Bohn, CEO of Watson Institute; Jodi Angerman; and Mike Angerman, Watson Institute Board of Trustees member, celebrated Watson Institute’s Centennial Open House.

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM GREG SCIULLI, COMCAST BUSINESS, HALEY MOFFATT

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WH I R LM A G A Z I N E .C OM / WH IRL

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/ OF WHIRL Humane Action Pittsburgh received national recognition, earning the PA Volunteer Team of the Year from The Humane Society of the United States. From left: Natalie Ahwesh, vice president of legislative affairs; Brian Bonsteel, president and founder; Kristen Tullo, HSUS PA State director; Ashley Ruddy, director of events; and Colleen Schaefer, Humane Action Pittsburgh member.

Nearly 400 guests gathered for Celebrate the South Hills with SHIM (South Hills Interfaith Movement), where Jim Broadhurst, chairman of Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, and Suzy Broadhurst of Eat’n Park Hospitality Group were honored as South Hills Champions. The event raised $145,688 for the nonprofit! From left: Jim Guffey, executive director, SHIM; Jim Broadhurst; Suzy Broadhurst; and John Schrott, president, IKM, Inc.

Elmhurst Milked’s bartender Dylan Jones poured over 800 nutmilk mocktails to the crowd at OpenStreetsPGH.

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PHOTOGRAPHS FROM HUMANE ACTION PITTSBURGH, SANDY REIMER, MATT KAZMIERCZAK

8/16/17 1:02 PM

PRESENTED BY NORTHWOOD REALTY SERVICES

ALEXANDER WANG AG G JEANS AUTU AU TU UMN MN CASHMERE BELLSTA BE AFF BILL BI LLYY RE LL R ID D DIIM MA M K BYY STE S VE AOKI GOLD GO LDEN LD EN GOO O SE S JAMES PERSE JEAN JE AN SHOP JOHN VARVATOS Laura Penrod Kronk and Dolores Warwick (pictured here) co-hosted the Ladies Spring Luncheon to benefit DePaul School for Hearing & Speech. Dr. Ruth Auld, executive director of DePaul School; Dr. Jennifer Petrie Signore, director of development of DePaul School; and board members were also in attendance.

KSUBI LEVI’S MADE & CRAFTED D N F NS NU UDI D E JE J ANS AN NS CO CO. PUBL PU BLIC BL IC C SCH CHOO OOL OO OL RAG RA G & BO BONE NE ROBE RO BE ERT GEL E LE ER RODD RO DD D & GUN NN SCOT SC O CH H & SOD DA STAM A PD D TED BAKER THEORY VELVET BY GRAHAM & SPENCER ER VIVIIAN WESTWOOD Y-3 Z ZEGNA

Watson Institute honored First National Bank and Samuel W. and Judy Spanos with the Visionary Award for their support of the Institute’s mission at the 37th Annual First National Bank Pro Am Golf Tournament. From left: Samuel W. Spanos, Visionary Award winner; Charles E. Thorne, Watson Institute Board of Trustees member; and Judy Spanos, Visionary Award winner. PHOTOGRAPHS FROM DOLORES WARWICK, FRANK MATOUSEK

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WALNUT STREET SHADYSIDE

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/ OF WHIRL

Christopher Hahn, general director, Pittsburgh Opera; Chris Howard, president, Robert Morris University; Christian Schörnich, chief operating officer, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra; and Harris Ferris, executive director, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, gathered at the Robert Morris University CEO Club Cocktail Party, held at the University House in Edgeworth.

Joining Renaissance Hotels across the world in celebration of the hotelier’s 6th annual Day of Discovery, Renaissance Hotel Pittsburgh hosted Discglow Under the Dome, a silent disco that benefited the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. ONEBRILLIANT.COM 12 BRILLIANT AVE. ASPINWALL, PA 412.781.3443

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PHOTOGRAPHS FROM MICHAEL WILLIAMS, RENAISSANCE HOTEL PITTSBURGH

8/16/17 1:04 PM

PRESENTED BY NORTHWOOD REALTY SERVICES

Doc Mendelson, Lauren Pesce, Ron and Teresa Bauer, and Justin Davis celebrated the release of WHIRL Magazine’s August issue, which featured Pittsburgh’s 50 Finest Class of 2017.

Natalie Larkin of Central Valley High School posed with Carmen Derose, general manager of Grove City Premium Outlets, after she received the $ 500 Simon Youth Foundation Power of Orange Scholarship. Larkin plans to attend Penn State Beaver this fall.

Fifth grade students from Pittsburgh Westwood won the title of Grand Champions at the Dancing Classrooms Pittsburgh “Colors of the Rainbow” Spring 2017 Final Team Match held at Pittsburgh Allderdice High School. Dancing Classrooms Pittsburgh is a program of Pittsburgh Mercy, a member of Trinity Health, serving in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy.

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/ OF WHIRL

RuRu the rooster strutted his stuff at a poultry fashion show competition, where eight chickens and three Peking ducks rocked the runway before the Scenery Hill Outdoor Film Festival’s screening of “Chicken People.” Everyone left a winner!

FRESH, LOCAL ITALIAN 733 Copeland Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 412.682.2130

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Michael J. Smith, president and CEO, Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania; Ella Holsinger, vice president of human services, Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania; Frank Hammond, board member, Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania; Rebekah Fombelle, service delivery manager, Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania; and Rep. Dom Costa unveiled the new Welcome Center at Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM JACK JONES, KATIE KURYLO

8/16/17 1:05 PM

PRESENTED BY NORTHWOOD REALTY SERVICES

Gala committee chairs Melanie Crockard, Nancy Traina, Laura Penrod Kronk, and June Yonas embraced the theme of City Theatre’s 2017 Gala and Auction: Classic Hollywood, which supported the theatre.

celebrating season

Our season kicks off Sep. 22 with something for everyone including single tickets, season subscriptions and group rates. Come over to our house, we’ve been named one of the best venues in the world by Downbeat Magazine for live Jazz. Moxie’s Pittsburgh office, which features a Mobile First workspace, settled into its new home in the historic Alcoa Building. From left: Faith Radcliffe, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Ainsworth; Steve Joyce, vice president of marketing at Ainsworth; Beth Nigro, executive vice president and managing director at Moxie Pittsburgh; and Solange Claudio, president at Moxie.

31 13

31 YEARS 13 SHOWS 3 FAN PIX 1 GREAT NEW SEASON For concert information, call 412.322.0800. Visit us anytime at MCGJazz.org, follow us @mcgjazz.

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM KRISTI JAN HOOVER, LEAH WIEGMANN

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WH I R LM A G A Z I N E .C OM / WH IRL

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FINANCE

/ REPORT Co-chair Elyse Eichner poses with a child participant at the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Pittsburgh Section Back 2 School Store.

BACK TO SCHOOL WITH CONFIDENCE THE HUNTINGTON BANK BACKPACK INDEX HELPS FAMILIES PREPARE FOR THE BIG DAY 26

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ack-to-school season brings its familiar annual budget impact on families. And according to the 2017 Huntington Bank Backpack Index, released by Huntington in cooperation with Communities In Schools (CIS), costs for classroom supplies and school activity fees continue to climb.

The Huntington Bank Backpack Index has tracked classroom supply and school fee costs passed on to parents since 2007 to highlight the added burden of public school expenses beyond assessed taxes. The Index is limited to required supplies and common fees to bring attention to an often overlooked major annual expense. Other back-to-school surveys typically concentrate on clothing costs or what parents say they think they will spend. “We designed the Backpack Index as a basket of goods,” says George Mokrzan, Huntington Bank’s director of economics. “As we have assessed the cost annually for the same supplies and fees over 11 years, we have seen significant outpacing of inflation. While there is good news this year with minimal year-over-year impact, the set price for extracurricular fees for activities like sports and

EDITED BY RACHEL JONES •

PHOTOGRAPH FROM NEIL RICHMOND

8/16/17 1:06 PM

band represents an ongoing burden that can’t be lessened by merely shopping around.” While some families may not think much about having to purchase pencils, paper, tissues, hand sanitizer, and so on, families living in poverty have the greatest struggle keeping up with the ever-rising cost demands of a public education. “To help families struggling with back-to-school costs, Huntington sponsored the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Pittsburgh Section Back 2 School Store (B2SS),” says Raeanne Dalton, Huntington district manager. “All children deserve to enter the classroom on their first day feeling confident and excited about the upcoming year.” The NCJW hosted the 2017 B2SS with honorary chairs Charlie and Latasha Batch and received support from The Philip Chosky Charitable & Educational Foundation, The Jack Buncher Foundation, The Grable Foundation, Huntington Bank, Fox Rothschild LLP, Giant Eagle, Little’s Shoes, Pittsburgh Firefighters IAFF Local No. 1, and numerous other institutional and individual donors. On July 23, children attending the B2SS selected their items with a volunteer personal shopper, and parents visited the NCJW Resource Room to connect with local organizations and agencies for assistance with health care, parenting, financial literacy, career development, and other social services. The children in attendance were referred by ACH Clear Pathways, Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Bhutanese Community Association of Pittsburgh, Circles of East Liberty, East End Cooperative Ministries, Hosanna House, Kingsley Association, Northern Area Boys & Girls Club, Northside Common Ministries, Squirrel Hill Community Food Pantry, and Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.

WE STARTED GOING LOCAL BEFORE IT WAS TRENDY. ABOUT 150 YEARS AGO. At Huntington, we make it a point to work with those who move our community forward. As the #1 SBA lender in our region, we're proud to support local businesses and their efforts to make a difference right here in our neighborhood.

“Our goal is to prepare students for success by fostering positive self-esteem and sparking enthusiasm for the upcoming school year,” says Andrea Glickman, NCJW director of development. “This year, we served over 550 children!” — Kim Ravenda For more information, visit ncjwpgh.org. Huntington Bank, huntington.com

BY THE NUMBERS For the 2017-2018 school year, according to the Huntington Bank Backpack Index, parents can expect to pay: • $662 for elementary school children, a 1 percent increase compared to 2016 • $1,001 for middle school children, a 4.6 percent increase compared to 2016 • $1,489 for high school students, $9 less than 2016, a less than 1 percent decrease

Huntington is the #1 SBA 7(a) lender in the region made up of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia and Western PA. Source: U.S. SBA from October 1, 2009 through March 31, 2015. The Huntington National Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. ¥ ® and Huntington® are federally registered service marks of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. Huntington.® Welcome.TM is a service mark of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. © 2016 Huntington Bancshares Incorporated.

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FOOD

/ TOUR

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FINE DINING WITH A SOUTHERN TWIST SAVOY spices up the Strip District with sweet and savory dishes in a lively atmosphere. BY MATTHEW HACKE PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL FORNATARO ART DIRECTION BY ALYSSA OTTO

or almost six years, SAVOY has been a Strip District staple. Its popularity and success can easily be attributed to its delicious dishes, stunning décor, and most importantly, its attentive ownership and staff. But the team wanted to ramp up its impact even more, taking time to make changes to the space and menu. At the grand reopening last year, SAVOY unveiled a space that kept its focus on its Pittsburgh roots and diner base, while continuing to attract new faces in the community. “First and foremost, we changed up some of the décor. For example, we added soft seating and new wine racks,” says co-owner Carl Valenti. “We kept a lot of the modern features, but added more Pittsburghbased touches, such as the Baron Batch paintings and Teenie Harris photographs. Essentially, we wanted to recenter and refocus the restaurant on Pittsburgh.”

The main dining room and bar incorporate luxe, modern décor with special Pittsburgh touches.

Chuck Sanders, SAVOY’s founder, opened the restaurant as a gift to the City of Pittsburgh. “He wanted to create something that the city didn’t really offer: a space with an out-oftown vibe and the local community mixed in,” says Valenti. “The name of the restaurant came from Savoy Ballroom in New York, the first WH I R LM A G A Z I N E .C OM / WH IRL

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Chefs Rayshawn L. Pritchard and Claudy M. Pierre

Fried Oreos with Caramel and Chocolate Sauce finished with Powdered Sugar

integrated ballroom in the country. So, it was not only a place where African Americans could perform, but they could actually go to network and mingle as well. It became a staple for everyone from politicians to athletes, and entertainers to business people to get together. So, that’s kind of the idea of SAVOY. It’s a place that’s fair to everyone, open to everyone, and for the community.” Claudy M. Pierre and Rayshawn L. Pritchard, the duo behind the incredible menu, focus on American contemporary cuisine with a Southern twist. “The finishing touches on our dishes incorporate more spice and Southern themes,” says Pierre. “For instance, if you come to our Sunday brunch, we have mac and cheese, and our Brussel sprouts have a Southern inspiration to them, so to speak, with the added bacon. Those kinds of touches really give us a soul food — or food with soul — kind of feel.” The concept radiates throughout the variety of menu options, including award-winning dishes like salmon with a crab and shrimp stuffing, to barbecue and Sriracha-flavored ribs. “Most of the people that dine here are looking for that forward flavor profile and to push their palette to the next level,” says Pritchard. “So, I think that is what we’re trying to go for with our food.” In addition to the main dining and bar area on the first floor, SAVOY also offers the V Lounge upstairs and the Owner’s Suite

downstairs, each with distinct atmospheres. The Owner’s Suite allows guests to enjoy a more private dining experience. “Anyone can rent out the Owner’s Suite, but members get first pick,” says Valenti. For more of a party vibe, try the V Lounge — especially on the weekends. A DJ plays every Friday and Saturday, and the great patio area lends itself to any type of event. Recover from a packed weekend with Sunday brunch. “Our brunch includes a chef’s table buffet that gives you a feel of what our menu consists of,” says Pritchard. “For instance, we offer a smaller version of the crab cakes that we offer on our main menu at the buffet for customers to try, in addition to fresh omelets, chicken and waffles, and French toast casserole. So, it’s a nice spread of what we offer.” Come back for Monday Night Jazz, too, where local legends like Roger Humphries, Kenny Blake, Tony Campbell, and Fred Pugh perform in the main dining room while guests partake in specialty-themed cocktails and dining options. Fall is shaping up to be a busy time for SAVOY, as new events and menu items will be introduced. “On the first Friday of every month, we are going to be doing a live R&B late night in the main dining room from 10 p.m.-1 a.m,” Valenti says. “Menu wise, we’re going to be doing a $39 three-course meal that will feature a salad or soup option, an entrée, and a dessert. The dishes will rotate about every two weeks and are in addition to our regular menu.” Whether pushing the menu boundaries or hosting exciting community events, the main goal of SAVOY’s mission is and always has been to keep its diners happy. “We have so many generations that walk through our door. We get to see the grandparents, the young professionals, and children,” says Pierre. “It makes our jobs more meaningful, and we are always keeping that in mind when making our meals and entertaining in this space. It’s what truly makes SAVOY unique and special.”

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Pan-seared Sea Bass with a Mango Salsa and Miso Honey

Classic 6oz Petit Filet topped with Fried Onion Straws, Shallot Butter, a Red Wine Demi Glaze, and Parsley

Four Cheese Mac and Cheese, blended with Parmesan Cheese and Housemade Sweet-and-Savory Sriracha Sauce

SAVOY, 2623 Penn Ave., Strip District. 412.281.0660. savoypgh.com WH I R LM A G A Z I N E .C OM / WH IRL

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PASSPORT TO ELEGANCE JET CENTER PARTY WHO: Over 375 guests, including Bobby Rahal; Lee Olenick, managing director of UBS Walnut Wealth Management Group; Susan Gera and Erin Zagrocki, event co-chairs; Dan DelBianco, executive director of Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix; and Dan Taylor, president of Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Board of Directors WHAT: The inaugural event showcased rare and exotic automobiles and planes, while raising funds for the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix charities, Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School. WHERE: The Voyager Jet Center at Allegheny County Airport HIGHLIGHTS: Attendees got up close and personal with a B-25 Panchito and a new Ford GT owned by former racecar driver Chip Ganassi, among others. The event also included a silent auction, a performance by Beatlemania Now, an open bar provided by Helltown Brewery, and a strolling international dinner and dessert journey from Rania’s Catering. One lucky guest won two Delta Airlines first class tickets, while another won a Sir Richard Branson Limited Edition Accutron Titanium Pilot’s Watch, donated by Trinity Jewelers. — M.H. “Our goal was to create an event that was different from the other nine days of events that revolve around Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. We feel that we have succeeded in doing that, and we are already looking forward to planning next year’s event with the hope that it will be able to raise even more funds for our charities.” — Susan Gera PHOTOGRAPHS BY TARA ANTILL •

Michelle & Dan DelBianco

Bobby Rahal, Mark German

Tom Rohrich, Josh Vaughn

Andrew Stockey, Kristen Butler

GO TO PHOTOS.WHIRLMAGAZINE.COM TO VIEW AND PURCHASE ALL OF THE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT!

GET TOGETHER!

FIN E HAN DMAD E TA B L E WA R E , J E W E L R Y , G I F T S , FA S H I O N A N D H O M E ACC E S S O R I E S 4 1 9 B E AV E R S T . , S E W I C K L E Y • 4 1 2 – 2 5 9 – 8 2 9 7 • M O N –T H U 1 0 – 5 • F R I – S AT 1 0 – 7 • S U N 1 1 – 3 WH I R LM A G A Z I N E .C OM / WH IRL

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8/16/17 1:23 PM

KRISTI BOUTIQUE’S 5TH ANNIVERSARY WHO: 45 guests WHAT: Kristi Boutique celebrated its fifth anniversary by thanking everyone who has been a part of the boutique’s success. Guests enjoyed a beautiful spread from Thyme: A Modern Cookery, including herb-andcheese-stuffed mushrooms, doublechocolate brownies, and an artisanal cheese and charcuterie display. They also toasted to the future of Kristi Boutique with craft beer, wine, and bubbles!

Kristi West, Tammie Walsh, Jessa Gibbonui

Marcia & David Cook

WHERE: Kristi Boutique HIGHLIGHTS: From clients and partners of Kristi Boutique, to the staff’s family and friends, the group exemplified the sense of community the boutique has created in Aspinwall. — E.H. “Seeing the support from everyone in attendance was the best part of the night. We are so lucky to have such a friendship with so many of our clients.” — Kristi West, owner of Kristi Boutique

Leslie McAllister, Kathleen Fanto, Tori Mistick

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CATHERINE PALLADINO •

Karen West, Karla Moss, Valerie Rice

GO TO PHOTOS.WHIRLMAGAZINE.COM TO VIEW AND PURCHASE ALL OF THE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT!

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LOCATIONS GREATER PITTSBURGH AREA WHIRL917

5 W HI R L / SE PT E M BE R 2 0 1 7

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8/16/17 1:24 PM

PITTSBURGH ZOO & PPG AQUARIUM’S SUMMER SAFARI WHO: Nearly 1,000 guests, including Steve and Cynthia Lackey of BNY Mellon; WTAE-TV’s Sally Wiggin; Diana Rath, board member, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium; and Melana Mears, director of development, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium WHAT: Presented by BNY Mellon, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium’s annual Summer Safari invited guests for a late night at the zoo, celebrating the opening of the Jungle Odyssey exhibit and raising $150,000 for the Zoo’s conservation programs. WHERE: Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium HIGHLIGHTS: Giant anteaters, ocelots, and capybaras — oh my! Attendees got the chance to meet the zoo’s beloved animals. VIP guests explored the exciting Dinosaurs at the Pittsburgh Zoo exhibit as well. Live entertainment, drinks from Wigle Whiskey, and delicious treats by Chef Jess Rattanni kept everyone enthralled. Pest-a-Rant even served up Moroccan-spiced crickets and insect lollipops! — E.H. “The event’s highlights were the great atmosphere, music, and of course, the animals! We thank all of our Summer Safari guests who enjoyed a wonderful evening while supporting the Zoo’s conservation programs.” — Tracy Gray, public relations manager of Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Alysia Cagno, Tessa Yanetti with Duro the Three-Banded Armadillo

Anita & Joe Moran

Christina Rath with Merlin the Owl

Fred & Robin Grove

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHARLIE MAGOVERN •

GO TO PHOTOS.WHIRLMAGAZINE.COM TO VIEW AND PURCHASE ALL OF THE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT!

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WH I R LM A G A Z I N E .C OM / WH IRL

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8/16/17 1:24 PM

WHIRL

/ FEATURE

FOR

THE

THRONE BY RACHEL JONES PHOTOGRAPHS FROM PIT TSBURGH STEELERS / K ARL ROSER

THE BATTLE FOR DOMINANCE IN THE NORTH AND THE NFL OVERALL BEGINS, AND THE STEELERS HAVE THEIR EYES ON THE PRIZE.

ou’ve seen the T-shirts and banners — Pittsburgh’s reputation as a city of champions is not a secret. But when the New England Patriots were crowned the Super Bowl Champions of 2016, their Lombardi Trophy tally got dangerously close to the Steelers’ recordsetting collection.

With the triple-B offensive foundation of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, wide receiver Antonio Brown, and running back Le’Veon Bell; a stellar rookie class, starring former Pitt Panther running back James Conner and No.1 draft pick outside linebacker T.J. Watt; and a solid defense spearheaded by fiercely motivational inside linebacker Ryan Shazier, the potential is there.

Hungry to dethrone the Patriots and reclaim supremacy in the conference, the Pittsburgh Steelers spent the off-season preparing to give their all this year. “The Steelers got better this off-season, but so did the Patriots,” says Andrew Stockey, news anchor/sports director at WTAE-TV. “In many ways, this is similar to the 49ers-Cowboys battle of the ‘90s. They were clearly the two best teams in the NFC, and they basically prepared all year for the one game that mattered: the NFC Championship game, in which the teams met in three consecutive seasons. These two super powers are doing pretty much the same, expecting to play for a trip to the Super Bowl.”

“Quite simply, the Steelers are the best team out there,” says Bob Pompeani, sports anchor at KDKA-TV, “which doesn’t mean they can’t improve from last year. Better red zone numbers are essential. Last year, they talked about 30 points per game and fell short. This year, I think they can hit that goal.” We asked five local sports experts — KDKA-TV’s Bob Pompeani; WTAE-TV’s Andrew Stockey; and 93.7 The Fan’s Colin Dunlap, Chris Mueller, and Andrew Fillipponi — to weigh in on the 2017 season. Pittsburgh Steelers, steelers.com. KDKA-TV, pittsburgh.cbslocal.com. WTAE-TV, wtae.com. 93.7 The Fan, pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/station/93-7-the-fan.

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8/16/17 1:25 PM

“EVEN WITH LE’VEON BELL’S UNHAPPINESS OVER CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS, THIS IS A TEAM THAT OFFENSIVELY COMES TO THE TABLE LOADED WITH TALENT AND ANXIOUS TO PROVE THEY ARE THE BEST IN THE NFL.” — Andrew Stockey

PLAYERS TO WATCH BEN ROETHLISBERGER Andrew Fillipponi: “If he stays healthy, retirement talk will be just that: talk. If there’s a major injury, especially a concussion, it could accelerate his exit from the game.”

LE’VEON BELL Andrew Stockey: “Next to Ben, he is the most important piece of the Pittsburgh machine. When he is running well, the Steelers offense cannot be stopped.” AF: “Will he play well enough to justify the franchise tag and stay healthy enough to put himself in position for an extension or another tag?” Colin Dunlap: “If Bell doesn’t perform well in the early going, it feels like the fan base might really take him apart.”

MARTAVIS BRYANT “I STRONGLY FEEL THAT IF THE STEELERS SOMEHOW FIND A WAY TO REACH THE SUPER BOWL, THIS WILL BE BEN ROETHLISBERGER’S FINAL SEASON.” — Colin Dunlap

Bob Pompeani: “I have been bullish on the return of wide receiver Martavis Bryant, who so far has done everything to comply with the terms of his reinstatement. He seems highly motivated, as he should know this is make-or-break. I believe he will be a tough matchup, which will also benefit Antonio Brown. Plus, their overall receiving depth will be as good as it’s been since Mike Tomlin arrived here 10 years ago.” AS: “He sounds like a changed man after a season-long suspension. He looks physically like a different player. If he has changed, the Steelers will have the NFL’s best receiving tandem. And it won’t be close.”

JAMES HARRISON / T.J. WATT CD: “The amount of snaps James Harrison plays early on compared to T.J. Watt is something to pay close attention to.”

STEPHON TUITT BP: “Looking for Stephon Tuitt to have a monster year. He showed a lot last year. After the injury loss of Cam Heyward, he played some of his best football. Their line will be talented and deep in experience. It will help all other aspects of their defense.”

VINCE WILLIAMS BP: “He replaces Lawrence Timmons, who signed with Miami. This is a big loss and how Williams plays will go a long way in the run game. Every time Williams has been given a chance to start, he has stepped up. I expect him to do the same this year.”

JUJU SMITH-SCHUSTER Chris Mueller: “JuJu Smith-Schuster is an intriguing addition to the wide receiver corps. He’s tough, has good hands, and has a reputation for making tough catches in traffic. He was also the youngest player in the draft, so there’s plenty of room to grow. If he develops, the Steelers will have the best group of wide receivers in the league (assuming Martavis Bryant suits up every week).”

SEAN DAVIS CM: “On defense, Sean Davis seems poised to make a huge leap to stardom.” WH I R LM A G A Z I N E .C OM / WH IRL

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8/16/17 1:27 PM

“RYAN SHAZIER, BUD DUPREE, AND T.J. WATT WILL NEED TO BE SUPERB AT LINEBACKER FOR THIS DEFENSE TO REACH ITS FULL POTENTIAL.” — Chris Mueller

GAMES TO CATCH CD: “To me, both games against the Bengals will be enormous. One comes after a game on the road against Kansas City and the other comes at the very end of the season, in the final week on a Monday night in Cincinnati. Both have the probability to deeply impact the AFC playoffs.” BP: “The biggest key to this season is somehow overtaking New England as the top seed in the AFC. As they found out again last year, it’s nearly impossible to win in Foxborough in the playoffs. Oakland is also a team to be concerned with.” AS: “The December contest with New England at Heinz Field is the most important game of the season and very well could define whether this is just a playoff team … or a Super Bowl team. The other key games involve a stretch of four-straight prime time contests, unusual by any measure, but a testament to the Steelers popularity. Between November 16 and December 10, Pittsburgh will play prime time games against the Titans, Packers, Bengals, and Ravens. It’s more about the pressure of the prime time spotlight than the opposition.” CM: “New England in Week 15 (could decide homefield advantage in the AFC), Green Bay in Week 12, and Baltimore in Week 14.” AF: “The Christmas night game in Houston. If the Texans go with DeShaun Watson, the upside is there for them to join Pittsburgh, New England, and Oakland as AFC Super Bowl contenders.” 38

“THE STEELERS MUST AVOID LOSSES TO TEAMS THAT THEY ARE EXPECTED TO BEAT. WE HAVE SEEN THIS AS A RECURRING THEME OVER THE LAST SEVERAL SEASONS. THEY MUST ALSO BEAT NEW ENGLAND AT HOME THIS YEAR IN THE REGULAR SEASON. OWNING THE NO.1 SEED GOES A LONG WAY INTO DENYING THE PATRIOTS A CHANCE TO EVEN GET CLOSE TO MATCHING THE STEELERS’ SIX LOMBARDI TROPHIES.” — Bob Pompeani

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8/16/17 1:28 PM

“LOOK OUT FOR A COUPLE OF ROAD GAMES AT DETROIT AND CHICAGO. THOSE ARE THE TYPES OF GAMES THAT HAVE COST THE STEELERS BYES AND HOME PLAYOFF GAMES.” — Andrew Fillipponi

FINAL THOUGHTS CD: “I think the Steelers will go 12-4 in the regular season and, in that familiar refrain, lose to the Patriots in the AFC title game. It’s just a hump they cannot get over. The ‘losing to the Patriots in big games’ stain will end up being the mark on this era of the Steelers.” BP: “I like the Steelers to go 13-3 and win the AFC North. I believe this will be another banner season for the Steelers. When they win divisions, it’s normally by a game and it always seems to be tightly contested. Not this year! To me, they are heavily favored to win the AFC North, as, in my opinion, the Ravens have slipped and are dealing with an injured Joe Flacco at QB. The Bengals will have their share of issues on defense and what I still believe is an inconsistent offense.” AS: “For 2017, I expect the Steelers to return to the Conference Championship. What will happen in the AFC Championship? That, I cannot predict. But the home team will have a huge edge entering the game.” CM: “12-4. I have to believe that the offense, especially if everyone stays healthy and eligible, will be lethal. The defense — again, health permitting — should be better and more dynamic. This team is favored, at the moment, in all but two of its games, and yet I can’t help but think that Mike Tomlin still might preside over a head-scratching loss and maybe a stumble against a divisional opponent. Finishing 12-4 is a tough mark for any team to achieve, but with the talent on this roster, especially offensively, that should be the minimum expectation.” AF: “10-6, good enough to win the AFC North. The Ravens have the best defense in the division but no weapons on offense. Cincinnati will be better this year, but have an awful offensive line and a questionable defense.”

SEASON SCHEDULE September 10 September 17 September 24 October 1 October 8 October 15 October 22 October 29 -ByeNovember 12 November 16 November 26 December 4 December 10 December 17 December 25 December 31

@ vs. @ @ vs. @ vs. @

Cleveland Browns Minnesota Vikings Chicago Bears Baltimore Ravens Jacksonville Jaguars Kansas City Chiefs Cincinnati Bengals Detroit Lions

@ vs. vs. @ vs. vs. @ vs.

Indianapolis Colts Tennessee Titans Green Bay Packers Cincinnati Bengals Baltimore Ravens New England Patriots Houston Texans Cleveland Browns

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8/16/17 1:29 PM

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8/16/17 3:07 PM

2017

YOGA FEST + Healthy Lifestyle Expo BY CHRISTINE TUMPSON PHOTOGRAPHS BY CATHERINE PALLADINO

he 6th Annual One WHIRL Yoga Fest + Healthy Lifestyle Expo made it clear that even on a rainy day, health and wellness take precedence! Sponsoring the event for the sixth year in a row, UPMC Health Plan pointed the corporate spotlight onto the event, held at historic Point State Park. More than 800 participants filled the huge tents and vendor village constructed by All Occasions Party Rental. Vendors filled the perimeters of the festival and arrived from across the country, as well as from our own backyards. The crowd felt welcome at every turn with Pittsburgh Ballet Theater’s dance offerings, Yasso’s frozen Greek yogurt bars, Divine Prudence LLC’s meditation tools and tapestries, ONE WHIRL’s yoga leggings, Chop Shop Salad Shop’s hearty vegan salad and salmon poke salad, and so much more! Blume Honey Water, an early sponsor and favorite of the fest, introduced its new honey water-infused chapstick, which was quickly snatched up for its hydrating properties and tempting flavors. The early adopters in the group crowned it the newest contender for surfing and skiing.

Other sponsors included GNC, CBS Radio, Yelp, Ross Park Mall, Ford Motor Company, Piatt Sotheby’s, Union Fitness, Lamar, and Aerie. The vast section of corporate, community, and fitness businesses committed to making this year’s event a success was made even the sweeter by Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank serving as the event’s nonprofit alliance. This year’s classes were outstanding, with offerings from beginning to advanced, from chanting to meditation, from sunrise to late afternoon. Ever mindful that the Pittsburgh yoga community is one of the strongest and largest in the nation, and as that number continues to grow with evidence of the power of the poses, teachers and their studios offered one-on-one advice to students, and even took classes themselves! For more information, and to stay connected to the health and wellness network, visit whirlmagazine.com and onewhirlstudio.com. For a complete list of the classes and vendors at the 2017 One WHIRL Yoga Fest + Healthy Lifestyle Expo, visit whirlmagazine.com/yogafest.

WH I R LM A G A Z I N E .C OM / WH IRL

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8/16/17 3:08 PM

Tiffany Spitznagel, Chelsea Chaump, Jessica Camarote, Lynn Petrocelli of Arbonne International

Tyler Temple, Hillary Standiford of UPMC Health Plan

Christine Tumpson of ONE Whirl Studio, Gina Levine

Amy Rech, Janice Mellon of Isagenix

Krista Garabedian of Latés Pilates Studio, Amy Burke, Laura Burke of Equilibrium Pittsburgh Pilates Studio

Keren DeCarlo of Chateau Café & Cakery

Sam Stephen, Naomi Homison of Pittsburgh Juice Company with Mindy

Christy Shirlow, Jennifer Adams, Macy Bethge of L.L. Bean

Ellie Ottoson, Stephanie Slaubaugh, Laurie Mattock, Jill Maurer of Aerie

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8/16/17 3:09 PM

Scott Wells, Katherine Nguyen, Jorge Broche, Feb Zetts of Ultra Matcha

Prudence Zorrilla of Divine Prudence LLC

Laura Heller of Bend Active

Emilee Goodman, Brooke Goodman of SalĂşd Juicery

Taylor Maldonado, Margo Helein, Shayla Kemp of Ford

Pamela Tracy, Celeste Begandy of Piatt Sotheby

Jodi Nydes, Bianca Leonard, Elisa Sartore, Deronda Strother of Yasso

WH I R LM A G A Z I N E .C OM / WH IRL

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8/16/17 3:10 PM

WHIRL

/ FEATURE

3 PODCASTS WE LOVE BY K ATIE ROSSO

Tune into the audible entertainment that has us hooked

Taking over our headphones and revolutionizing how we spend our free time, podcasts provide everything from information and enlightenment, to entertainment and enchantment. The best part is, they appeal to such niche audiences, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sure to discover one that speciďŹ cally caters to your needs. To save you some searching, here are our top-three recommendations.

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8/16/17 3:11 PM

OH NO ROSS AND CARRIE Ross Blocher and Carrie Poppy recorded the first episode of their incredibly dynamic investigative podcast, Oh No Ross and Carrie, on $40 USB microphones at their local book club meetup. Six-and-a-half years later, Oh No Ross and Carrie is still showing up “so you don’t have to,” just now to a much bigger audience — encouraging all of their listeners to keep an open mind in all situations. Blocher, a trainer at Disney Animation, and Poppy, an investigative journalist, join forces to dig into "fringe science, spirituality, and claims of the paranormal.” The pair join religions like Mormonism and Scientology, try out fringe groups like Ordo Templi Orientis and the Raelians, and test therapeutic claims like cryotherapy and Reiki. Blocher and Poppy always emphasize that they go into these investigations with an open mind, and if they find convincing evidence that the claim is true, they will be willing to believe it. For Blocher, keeping an open mind isn’t something he has to try hard to do. “I feel like it comes naturally, like if I'm engaged with someone and they're talking to me and they're telling me something, then I'll just naturally be open,” he says. “My natural inclination is to agree with someone until I get that moment of reflection where I can say, 'OK, well let's compare that with what I already know.'" Poppy credits part of the pair’s open-mindedness to their Evangelical backgrounds. “I think what Ross and I have to offer is that we know exactly what it's like to be in their shoes,” she says. “So we might find the beliefs funny, but we also know exactly what it's like to be the believers. So I could never look at those people and think, 'Oh, you're crazy,’ because I know exactly how you got there, I've been there. There's this sort of empathy that's built-in.” Poppy and Blocher came up with the idea for the podcast when Poppy asked their Center for Inquiry book club if anyone wanted to accompany her to a Kabbalah Center open house that she had received a flyer for. Everyone in the group said no except for Blocher, who thought it was “awesome” and was excited to try it out. Although no one else wanted to go with them, Poppy says they all wanted to hear about it afterwards! “They kept asking more questions and asking more questions until it took up like half the book club,” Poppy says. “That's kind of when the light bulb went off. This is a service we can provide because we've had a great time.” For Blocher, he says it was “the 'ding' moment where [they] realized [they] might have something.” A week or so later, Poppy asked Blocher if he wanted to host a podcast, exploring topics similar to the Kabbalah Center open house, and of course, he agreed. Poppy and Blocher started with a list of 10 or 15 things they wanted to explore, but now the list is over 10 pages long. “We definitely won't run out of things to do,” Poppy says. “I look at that list [and] it will definitely outlive us.” PHOTOGRAPH FROM AMY DAVID ROTH

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She says the plan is to just keep doing it until the duo is “old and gray.” The experience of not knowing everything about the group going into it is the lifeblood of the show. It’s the personal experiences that make the show so unique. “We try not to overload ourselves with information going in, just to kind of stay unbiased and have this organic experience we can talk about on-air,” she says. Blocher says Oh No Ross and Carrie can help destigmatize the conversation about religion, spirituality, the paranormal, and fringe science. He says that people can take these ideas and interact with them, have a little fun with them, and not be threatened by them, showing the importance of exploration. Poppy says, “The show is just about human belief — why we end up believing things sometimes against rationality, but also what do these beliefs have in common, what do they offer all of us, and what things don't overlap between these different belief sets?” For more information, visit ohnopodcast.com. WH I R LM A G A Z I N E .C OM / WH IRL

8/16/17 3:13 PM

DEAR SUGAR RADIO “For the lost, lonely, and heartsick, Sugar is here, speaking straight into your ears.” The opening line to Dear Sugar Radio, a straightforward and honest podcast hosted by “Wild” author Cheryl Strayed and “The Rumpus” writer Steve Almond, is a perfect beginning to a fantastically sensitive podcast. It’s a podcast that teaches you a lot about radical empathy, and a lot about yourself, too. Both Strayed and Almond were anonymous advice columnists under the pseudonym “Sugar,” and continue to give advice to those who write them incredibly touching and personal letters, this time through audio. In one of the most poignant episodes, “Transgender Man Seeking Acceptance,” the Sugars talk to Cooper Lee Bombardier, an artist, award-winning writer, and transgender man. The letters that Strayed, Almond, and Bombardier discuss in the episode are about two transgender men who were searching for acceptance and love. Bombardier, a self-proclaimed “big fan” of Dear Sugar Radio, says that when he read the letters, he felt “a ton of compassion and recognition, as well as a reminder that no matter how much advancement trans and gendervariant people make in the West, it is a very individual and sometimes overwhelming journey for each person.” “I read those letters and thought: been there,” he says. “I also was reminded that, for me, no matter how much support was around me during my ‘coming out’ phase, it still felt like an incredibly lonely process. I still had to be alone with the thoughts in my head, the feelings in my heart, and the very singular experience of inhabiting my changing body.” In one letter, a transgender man is searching for acceptance from his “chronically unhappy” mother, and in the other, a different transgender man worries that he’ll never find love. 46

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Bombardier says that in his own experience, he “feared rejection, being unlovable, loss of community and family, and even feared [he’d] be ramping up the gender-based harassment and violence [he’d] already experienced,” but ultimately the only thing he can control in the world is himself. “Not living to shelter myself from fear was not really living,” Bombardier says. “If someone were to ask my advice, I'd ask if what they were most afraid of truly outweighs all they are missing out on while worrying about what other people think.” Bombardier is careful about foregrounding any opportunity to share his story with the fact that his story is “but one of countless, variegated, beautiful, diverse, and unique stories of what it means for any one person to be trans.” And his own stories change — over time, topic, focus, theme, what is being asked, who is asking, and what he says. So, the more specific and nuanced we keep the conversation, the better it is for everyone. This is where Dear Sugar Radio, and other podcasts that uplift a variety of voices, find their place. “I think it is important for trans people who can and want to share their stories to do so, to widen the range of representation, and to always seek to expand the number of voices we are willing to hear from in terms of what being trans means,” he says. As for the Sugars, Bombardier says that being on Dear Sugar Radio was different than other podcasts he’s been on because he “got to be in the studio with two authors who are among my pantheon of literary heroes, and yet, it ended up being just a really fun and engaging chat with two kind, down-to-earth, emotionally intelligent people.” For more information, visit npr.org.

PHOTOGRAPH FROM COOPER LEE BOMBARDIER

8/16/17 3:14 PM

wanted to help,” Thorn says. With a lot on his plate already, and a bigger-than-expected response to The Turnaround, Thorn was determined to not get stressed about everything. “[The Turnaround] was a side project that I was not getting paid for, that I was doing for my own benefit and the public good, and I was like, ‘I am not going to worry about this,’” he says. He wanted the shows to be conversations that could double as both entertaining and useful. “Ira Glass essentially delivers a journalism masterclass that reflects the fact that this is a guy who gained his success by making really thoughtful choices every step along the way,” Thorn tells us about the first episode of The Turnaround. Glass wants to share everything that he’s figured out on his own by trial-and-error so that other people can make the kind of incredible work that he makes. The Turnaround is one of many podcasts on the Maximum Fun network that tries to improve the world, whether by providing a service or simply making people laugh. One of Maximum Fun’s goals is to “be the change we want to see in the world,” Thorn says. He’s not trying to build a company that dominates the industry, he’s trying to build a sustainable company that makes the world a better place.

THE TURNAROUND In Jesse Thorn’s new revolutionary podcast, The Turnaround, the longtime interviewer interviews interviewers about interviewing. While it may sound confusing, the smart new podcast features expert tips, tricks, and advice from interviewing powerhouses like Ira Glass, Audie Cornish, Larry King, Susan Orlean, and more. Thorn has been interviewing professionally, or semiprofessionally, for more than 15 years, but he says he had never read a book, an article, or even seen anything about the art of interviewing. He says he was just “making it up as [he] went along” — and he assumed others were doing the same. Cue The Turnaround. The podcast is an incredibly fascinating look into the science of interviewing, for journalists and nonjournalists alike. “I know these people who I admire for their interviewing — people like the first two guests on the show, Susan Orlean and Ira Glass — and I thought, ‘I’ve never really asked them what they do,’” Thorn says. “But maybe I should, and if I’m going to do that, it should probably be a show, so that it exists as a resource for other people.” Thorn is the founder of Maximum Fun, an independent podcast network with over two dozen podcasts; he has his own podcasts, Bullseye and Jordan, Jesse, Go!; and he co-hosts and produces popular Maximum Fun podcasts like Judge John Hodgman. Despite all of this, he stills finds time for this innovative new show because he says he wanted it to be a resource for anyone who wanted to get into interviewing, no matter their background or economic status. Thorn says that he only expected 10 or so interviewers to want to participate, but the podcast ended up with 16 episodes. “Nobody wanted to keep secrets, everybody

PHOTOGRAPH FROM ZAC WOLF

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Thorn says podcasting is a special business because it has an “open, equitable architecture.” Apple and others have left the medium open to anyone, “and the minute that they start building walled gardens or they start charging for shelf space, to use two completely different metaphors, that is threatened.” He wants to keep podcasting open and fair to people who were in positions just like he was 10 years ago while making one of his first podcasts, The Sound of Young America — just a person with a great idea and a microphone. If listeners of The Turnaround take only one thing from the show, Thorn says he wants everyone to learn to be curious and truly listen. “Those are the things that came up over and over and over again, with every single person [I interviewed],” Thorn says. “It was, ‘Are you actually listening and are you actually opening your heart and lowering your defenses and being genuinely, truly curious? Are you caring about other people and what they have to say and what their lived experience is?’ If you’re not, you’re sunk from the beginning.” Thorn says that curiosity is the thing that ties together Audie Cornish, who is the “most homework-doer of all homework-doers, a woman who has an extraordinarily careful plan for everything,” and Larry King, “who prides himself on not having a plan for anything.” “They are both deeply, profoundly curious and really care, and when other people talk, they listen,” Thorn says. “It’s easy to go on autopilot. I like talking and goofing around, but one of the things that came of this for me was me asking myself very sincerely, ‘Are you opening your heart? Are you willing to look stupid? Are you willing to ask the questions you really want to know the answers to? And are you willing to listen?’” For more information, visit maximumfun.org/shows/ the-turnaround.

WH I R LM A G A Z I N E .C OM / WH IRL

8/16/17 3:15 PM

Building Relationships As the Head of Communications for Bayer Corporation’s U.S. Animal Health division, Seton Hill alumna Lauren Dorsch’s job focuses on building relationships as she works to promote the company’s health products for both pets and livestock. “Whether it’s with co-workers, journalists, nonproﬁts in our community, PR agencies or industry partners, my ability to enhance, maintain and defend the Bayer brand depends on the connections I make and am able to maintain,” says Lauren, a 2010 communication graduate. “Seton Hill taught me about people and building relationships.”

For more information on Seton Hill’s undergraduate programs, call 724-838-4281 or email admit@setonhill.edu.

ART

BIG

PARTY

Celebrating two years as The New Westmoreland!

Saturday, Oct. 21 > 7:30–11pm (VIP Reception: 6–7:30pm) For tickets and more info, visit thewestmoreland.org/bigartparty Presenting Sponsors: Mr. & Mrs. Roy Dorrance

Strassburger, McKenna, Gutnick & Gefsky Media Sponsor:

image: James Romaine, Photogram, n.d., Gift of Mrs. Lucy Ball Owsley, 1983.147 (detail)

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8/16/17 3:17 PM

EXPLORE

/ GREENSBURG

EXPLORE GREENSBURG

MAKING FURRY FRIENDS

PETER FINELLI & CHELSEA KOLODZIEJ OF LAKE ERIE COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE (LECOM) AT SETON HILL VISIT WAYWARD WHISKERS ANIMAL RESCUE The Wayward Whiskers Animal Rescue team epitomizes dedication. Not having a shelter building, founder Katelynn Jones and her volunteers foster every cat and kitten that Wayward Whiskers rescues, providing veterinary care, nutrition, and socialization until the animals find permanent homes. This organization typically has about 100 cats in their foster home network. To date, the group has found homes for nearly 500 cats and has spayed and neutered over 600 cats. Wayward Whiskers Animal Rescue is extremely active in Westmoreland County, consistently partnering with local businesses for fundraisers like guest bartending nights at local restaurants, ice cream fundraisers with local shops, and promotional events with local pet stores. The involvement in the community and Wayward Whiskers’ constant push to secure funds for the organization truly show the intense dedication of Jones and her team. Wayward Whiskers Animal Rescue, facebook.com/waywardanimalrescue15601.

MEET SOME OF WAYWARD WHISKERS’ CATS AND KITTENS AT PETSMART IN GREENSBURG ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS FROM 1-4 P.M., AS WELL AS PET VALU IN LATROBE. FOR MORE ADOPTION OPPORTUNITIES, EMAIL WAYWARDWHISKERS15601@GMAIL.COM.

EDITED BY RACHEL JONES BY VICTORIA DRAOVITCH OF THE GREENSBURG COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION PHOTOGRAPHS FROM SAVANNAH BUTLER OF SAVVY SHOTS PHOTOGRAPHY SPECIAL THANKS TO SUSAN ISOLA, JULIE FREEMAN, AND REBECCA BAKER

nimals have an amazing ability to capture our hearts and teach life lessons that humans cannot. Their loyalty, unconditional love, and unique personalities are the reasons we make animals a part of our families. Unfortunately, too many of these beautiful beings find themselves without loving homes, whether it is due to neglect, abuse, or abandonment. Thankfully, we have animal shelters to help provide proper care and protection to these animals, and place them in their forever homes. Putting the adorable, adoptable souls at local shelters in the spotlight, we introduced them to students at Seton Hill University, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) at Seton Hill, and University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. Their visits taught the students the selflessness and compassion of animal shelters — and helped them make some new furry friends, too!

“I GET LAUGHS WHEN I TELL OTHERS THAT MY LIFE COACH HAS FOUR LEGS. BUT THE TRUTH IS, I’VE NEVER SEEN AN ANIMAL OVERANALYZE ANYTHING THE WAY WE HUMANS DO. I LOVE HOW THEY ONLY LIVE IN THE PRESENT. IT’S INSPIRING.” — Peter Finelli, second year osteopathic medicine student at LECOM at Seton Hill

“I ENJOY CARING FOR ANIMALS IN NEED OF ADOPTION. THEY ARE SO FULL OF COMPASSION, AND IF I COULD, I WOULD PROBABLY ADOPT ALL OF THEM MYSELF! THERE ARE FEW THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPIER THAN SEEING A LONG-TIME SHELTER PET GET ADOPTED INTO THEIR FOREVER HOME.” — Chelsea Kolodziej, second year osteopathic medicine student at LECOM at Seton Hill

LECOM AT SETON HILL During the last 25 years, LECOM has grown to become the largest and one of the most affordable medical colleges in the country. Students who attend LECOM at Seton Hill in Greensburg use the highly successful Problem-Based Learning curriculum that emphasizes patient-case-based, selfdirected learning through small group interaction. Following the two-year pre-clinical curriculum, students benefit from valuable clinical training at Forbes Hospital in Monroeville, Conemaugh Health System in Johnstown, Uniontown Hospital in Uniontown, and other hospitals affiliated with LECOM. More than 10,000 LECOM physician, pharmacist, and dentist alumni are providing health care to patients across the U.S. For more information, visit lecom.edu. WH I R LM A G A Z I N E .C OM / WH IRL

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8/16/17 3:17 PM

ALEXANDRA GIPSON & ANNA GRAZIANO OF SETON HILL UNIVERSITY VISIT ACTION FOR ANIMALS HUMANE SOCIETY When you walk onto the premises of Action for Animals Humane Society, one of the first things you notice is a magnificent little castle. This castle was left over from what the grounds used to be: a miniature golf course. “When Action for Animals moved here, the construction crew wanted to tear that castle down,” says shelter manager Luann Hutcheson, “but I said, ‘Absolutely not. Castles are where dreams come true, and we are here to make dreams come true.’” Since 1983, Action for Animals has been sheltering and caring for the abused, abandoned, and stray animals of Westmoreland County.

The 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, non-government funded, no-kill shelter keeps animals free from the threat of unwarranted euthanasia. It is governed by an all-volunteer board of directors, led by board president Rita Whiteman and executive director Maggie Martin. While they mostly care for dogs and cats, they also house rabbits and guinea pigs. Once, Action for Animals even had an alligator! Action for Animals’ beautiful facilities include Tigre Pavilion, a cage-less, open-air cattery; the Blessed’s Dog Park; and walking paths, private visitation rooms, and outdoor covered play areas. To maintain these tremendous facilities and care for the 150-plus animals housed at Action for Animals, the shelter must raise $1,700 each day. Action for Animals Humane Society, 386 State Route 217, Latrobe. facebook.com/ ActionForAnimalsHS. afa.petfinder.com.

MEET ACTION FOR ANIMALS HUMANE SOCIETY AT THE CARNIVAL WALK AT TWIN LAKES PARK ON SEPTEMBER 16!

“MY FAMILY HAS RESCUED TWO DOGS FROM SHELTERS AND BOTH HAVE BEEN WONDERFUL ADDITIONS TO OUR FAMILY. HOPEFULLY, BY SEEING HOW LOVING THE ANIMALS IN THESE PICTURES ARE, PEOPLE WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO GO OUT AND ADOPT A PET.” — Alexandra Gipson, Seton Hill University ’19, English major with a focus in creative writing

“AS AN ANIMAL LOVER, ACTION FOR ANIMALS HAS A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART AS WELL AS IN THIS COMMUNITY. WE ARE ALL SO GRATEFUL FOR THE CARE THAT THESE ANIMALS ARE GIVEN HERE!” — Anna Graziano, Seton Hill University ’18, triple major in marketing, human resources, and entrepreneurship 50

SETON HILL UNIVERSITY Seton Hill University is a Catholic, liberal arts university that provides an inspirational setting for a distinctive education. Nowhere else can you benefit from more than 100 years of educational excellence in the liberal arts along with the best technology and resources available for teaching and learning. The 96 percent career/graduate school placement rate is the result of Seton Hill’s commitment to graduating students with an understanding of where they are headed, and giving them the knowledge, contacts, and resources to get there. For more information, visit setonhill.edu.

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8/16/17 3:18 PM

ZACK ZIMMERMAN & JENNA COLEMAN OF UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT GREENSBURG VISIT ANIMAL FRIENDS OF WESTMORELAND “Animal Friends Sanctuary, Coming Soon” reads a small sign on the windy Smiths Hill Road in Latrobe. This timid sign is an indicator of Candy Valentino Nelson’s grand plans on the horizon. Here, at 210 Smiths Hill Road, she will open Animal Friends Sanctuary of Westmoreland. The 62-acre farm will be able to rescue large animals like horses, donkeys, and cows, as well as smaller farm animals, including pigs, goats, sheep, and chickens. The Sanctuary also plans on inviting at-risk youth, children in foster homes, and children who have been abused or neglected to visit the farm to find safety and build trust as they relate to the stories of the abandoned animals who will seek refuge on the farm. A longtime animal activist, Nelson started Animal Friends of Westmoreland in 2006, and opened the Animal Friends of Westmoreland shelter in Youngwood, Pa, in 2009. This shelter rescues cats, dogs, and rabbits, housing about 70 animals. The life-saving work is done by only three paid staff members and an army of over 250 active volunteers, contributing over 20,000 man hours to the Animal Friends mission. Eventually, Nelson hopes to expand the Animal Friends Sanctuary to house the cats, dogs, and rabbits that the Animal Friends facility in Youngwood is unable to fit. Animal Friends of Westmoreland, 216 Depot St., Youngwood. animalfriendswestmoreland.org.

ANIMAL FRIENDS OF WESTMORELAND WILL BE HOSTING A BARNYARD BALL AT THE ANIMAL SANCTUARY ON OCTOBER 20!

Pitt spirit gear provided by the Pitt Greensburg Campus Store, “your first Pitt stop.” greensburg.pitt.edu/campus-store.

“I THINK THAT ANIMAL SHELTERS ARE A GREAT WAY FOR PEOPLE TO FIND A PET THAT FITS THEIR PERSONALITY BEST. THE WORKERS AND VOLUNTEERS AT THE SHELTERS CAN MATCH YOU WITH AN ANIMAL THAT WILL BEST MATCH YOUR LIFESTYLE.” — Zack Zimmerman, University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg ’18, criminal justice major and member of the PittGreensburg baseball team

“ALL OF THE LADIES AT THE ANIMAL FRIENDS OF WESTMORELAND SEEMED TO BE VERY ATTENTIVE AND COMPASSIONATE TOWARDS THE ANIMALS, WHICH IN MY OPINION, SHOULD RESONATE WITH PEOPLE LOOKING TO GET A RESCUED PET FROM SOMEWHERE THAT TRULY CARES.” — Jenna Coleman, University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg ’18, communication major and PittGreensburg Campus Store employee

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT GREENSBURG Founded in 1963, the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg is a publicly assisted, four-year, liberal arts college in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Pitt-Greensburg offers 29 baccalaureate degree programs, including new majors in nursing, health care management, public policy, and education, as well as 19 minors and five certificate programs. As part of the University of Pittsburgh system, Pitt-Greensburg offers the resources of a worldrenowned university combined with the individualized and immersive experiences of a small liberal arts college. Creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit permeate the campus and extend into its many collaborative projects with the Westmoreland County community. For more information, visit greensburg.pitt.edu. WH I R LM A G A Z I N E .C OM / WH IRL

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8/16/17 5:10 PM

WELCOME TO

YOUR FUTURE

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) is the LARGEST * and one of the MOST

AFFORDABLE medical schools in the nation.

LECOM leads the nation in medical* school applicants and it is a TOP TEN* ranked college for preparing primary care physicians. For more information visit LECOM.edu

* U.S. News and World Report Best Medical Colleges

&ROOHJH RI 2VWHRSDWKLF 0HGLFLQHɄȏɄ6FKRRO RI 3KDUPDF\ 6FKRRO RI 'HQWDO 0HGLFLQHɄȏɄ6FKRRO RI *UDGXDWH 6WXGLHV 0DVWHUV 3RVW %DFFDODXUHDWH Campuses in Erie and Greensburg, PA and Bradenton, FL

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT: BAR 9 If you’re looking for a trendy spot in Greensburg, Bar 9 is the place to go. When you enter this establishment, you are met with hip industrial décor and the sounds of today’s top hits. Bar 9’s drink menu is expansive, offering flavorful craft beer and a vast array of spirits. But Bar 9 is more than just a bar. Its full menu boasts everything from gourmet burgers and ahi tuna tacos, to comfort foods like lobster mac and cheese. Stop by on the weekends, too, when Bar 9 opens for lunch and fires up the grill for savory BBQ! Bar 9, 9 Mount Pleasant St., Greensburg. barninegbg.com.

HOUSE ON THE BLOCK: 290 LAKEWOOD ROAD, UNITY TOWNSHIP — LISTED AT $649,900 Greeting guests with custom, wrought iron front doors, this pristine home makes a strong first impression. Four bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and one half-bathroom fill the elegant abode, while a white picket fence surrounds the nearly one-acre lawn and spacious stone patio. From the fully equipped kitchen, to the home theater room with a wet bar, this house makes everyone feel like they’re home! — Rachel Jones For more information, contact Bonnie Rosenthal and Bernadette Deutsch of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services at 724.331.6032 and 412.558.7312. howardhanna.com. THE LAUREL HIGHLANDS VISITORS BUREAU IS THE MOST COMPLETE PLANNING RESOURCE FOR FINDING GREAT THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO STAY, SITES TO SEE, AND STORES TO SHOP THROUGHOUT THE REGION. FOR THE INSIDE SCOOP ON THE BEST EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES IN WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VISIT LAURELHIGHLANDS.ORG.

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8/16/17 3:23 PM

SAVE THE DATE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 | 6 P.M. THANK GOODNESS ITS SUMMER SERIES FINALE

@ The Palace Theatre TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 | 6 P.M. ALL SAINTS BREWING FUNDRAISER FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

@ All Saints Brewing Company SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 -SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 DELMONT APPLE ‘N’ ARTS FESTIVAL

@ Shields Farm SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS, OCTOBER 7-29 HALLOWBOO

@ Idlewild Park MONDAY, OCTOBER 9 -SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 GREENSBURG CRAFT BEER WEEK

@ Various Locations Presented by Tapped Brick Oven & Pour House, this celebration of craft beers will take place at various bars, restaurants, and businesses in the 15601 area. Events already slated for the week include Barrel Aged Beers & Cigars, Donut and Beer pairing, and Kegs and Eggs to coincide with Seton Hill Homecoming. For more information, visit

greensburgcraftbeerweek.com. — Jessica Hickey of the Downtown Greensburg Project FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13 -SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 FORT LIGONIER DAYS 2017

@ Downtown Ligonier SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 | 7 P.M. THE CLARKS

@ The Palace Theatre WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18 | 6 P.M. FASHIONFUSION: WESTMORELAND CULTURAL TRUST’S FASHION SHOW

@ The Palace Theatre The Annual Fashion Show supports the beautiful Palace Theatre with emcee Wendy Bell and local retailers displaying their latest trends on the runway. Local vendors, tasting stations, beauty bars, and shopping will be on site at the after-party’s merchant emporium.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21 | 7:30-11 P.M. BIG ART PARTY

@ The Westmoreland Museum of American Art TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7 | 8 P.M. REGINA SPEKTOR: A SPECIAL SOLO PERFORMANCE

@ The Palace Theatre

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8/16/17 3:32 PM

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: CSA PGH EDITED BY RACHEL JONES PHOTOGRAPHS FROM RAFAEL ABREU-CANEDO

“Do you know where your art comes from?” The question posed by CSA PGH is also answered by its fruitful program. Short for Community Supported Art, the initiative is modeled after Community Supported Agriculture boxes, where individuals purchase shares from local farmers in exchange for a collection of produce and other area-grown goodies. CSA PGH commissions local artists to create pieces, which are harvested as a bountiful box of art for community members to enjoy. Mutually beneficial for both parties, CSA PGH expands artists’ reach in the local art scene and introduces participants to the great works created in Pittsburgh. This year, CSA PGH teamed up with jurors Sean Beauford and Vicky A. Clark to select local artists to fill the 20 shares: Kevin Clancy, Sarika Goulatia, Mark Franchino with Jeremy Boyle, Seth LeDonne, John Peña, and Imin Yeh. Check out our exclusive look at the pieces that shareholders will pick up this month and learn more about the artists behind the pieces. For more information on this affordable, engaging program, visit csapgh.com. CSA PGH IS SUPPORTED BY PNC CHARITABLE TRUSTS AND ITS UMBRELLA ORGANIZATION, CDCP, IS SUPPORTED BY THE LOIS TACK THOMPSON FUND, KATHARINE C. MCCORMICK FUND NO. 2, WALTER AND MERRIAM MODELL MEMORIAL FUND, ALICE G. AND D. HALSEY DONALDSON FUND, AND ARTHUR EBERT FUND OF THE PITTSBURGH FOUNDATION.

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8/16/17 3:34 PM

JEREMY BOYLE

Both artists worked in collaboration to create this functional wooden nightlight!

Sarika Goulatia created this letterpress print with a QR code connecting the audience to the public portion of the project.

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Artist/musician Jeremy Boyle received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Illinois at Chicago and his Master of Fine Arts from The Ohio State University. A founding and current member of the Chicago group Joan of Arc, he recently toured Europe, Japan, and the U.S. in support of their new record, He’s Got the Whole This Land is Your Land in His Hands, produced by Joyful Noise Recordings. His artwork, most of which is sound and technologybased, has been exhibited in major cities across the U.S., including Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, Seattle, Miami, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. He is collaborating with Mark Franchino for a forthcoming exhibition at Hallwalls in Buffalo, N.Y. jeremyboyle.com.

& MARK FRANCHINO Long Island, N.Y., native Mark Franchino earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Delaware. Over the last 13 years, his work has been shown in more than 70 group and solo exhibitions nationally and internationally, including exhibitions at the Universität der Künste in Berlin, Germany; the International Print Center in New York City; and the Carnegie Museum of Art. He’s received numerous awards for his work, like the H. Douglas Pickering Memorial Award, and purchase prizes from Lessedra Gallery in Sophia, Bulgaria, and the Amity Art Foundation in Connecticut. The designer has shared his experiences in visiting artist lectures at the Cranbrook Academy of Art and the University of Alberta in Edmonton, and worked as an assistant curator and the print studio coordinator at the Plains Art Museum in Fargo, N.D., where he organized an international artist residency program. Currently, Franchino is an associate professor of art at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. markfranchinodesigns.com

SARIKA GOULATIA Contemporary sculptor/installation Sarika Goulatia earned bachelors and masters degrees in textiles at the National Institute of Fashion Technology in India, as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of Art at Carnegie Mellon University. The Gorakhpur, India, native moved to Pittsburgh in 2002. Her work has been displayed in solo and group exhibitions at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Gallery for the India in Focus Festival, the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, The Mine Factory, and Double Consciousness at Mattress Factory, as well as the Emerging Artist of the Year show, among others. Goulatia has received the Sally Gehl, Samuel Rosenberg, and Elizabeth Jones Award in Humanities and Art at Carnegie Mellon University, and has been awarded residency/exhibition opportunities at Neu Kirche and the Alloy at Carrie Furnace. Her artistry is as much a reflection of her own keen intellect and insatiable curiosity as it is a reflection of human experience. sarika-goulatia.com.

8/16/17 3:36 PM

KEVIN CLANCY Pittsburgh native Kevin Clancy earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with honors and distinction from the Studio for Interrelated Media at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. The interdisciplinary artist creates accumulative processbased installations, nomadic social spaces, and prismatic light environments that provide momentary glimpses into utopic possibilities. His work has been exhibited at Keleketla! Library in Johannesburg, South Africa; VIVO Media Arts Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia; Flux Factory in Queens, N.Y.; Mattress Factory; The Andy Warhol Museum; and ILLUMINUS, Samsøn, and Mobius in Boston. anenvyclick.com. Kevin Clancy created this lasercut dichroic window film package.

John Peña built this small sculpture set as a replica of his life-size word balloons.

JOHN PEÑA Pittsburgh resident John Peña attended a number of residencies, including The Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture in New York City, The Bemis Center for Contemporary Art in Omaha, Neb., and The Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, Mass. The multidisciplinary artist makes art as a way of exploring the natural world and his daily interactions. A few of his projects include: racing with clouds, sending a letter to the Pacific Ocean every day for 12 years, and creating a pirate radio station that played extinct bird sounds. For the last seven years, he has been making a drawing every day that records a memorable moment from his life. Recently, he’s been making life-size word balloons out of plaster that are precariously balanced on two-by-fours. johnpena.net

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Seth LeDonneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art book package includes a photograph, a screen-printed poster, and a pin.

SETH LEDONNE Seth LeDonne is a multidisciplinary artist with an interest in the intersections of community, spirituality, and wellness. His work examines and amplifies perceptions and reflections of the everyday by exploring the use of vulnerability and sentimentality as tools for reflection, connection, and eachotherness. LeDonne creates paintings, prints, writing, photos, and performances. He has been collecting and curating his work into self-published art books for over a decade, and he currently creates at Radiant Hall in Lawrenceville. sethledonne.com.

Imin Yeh assembled this paper sculpture set.

IMIN YEH Imin Yeh is an interdisciplinary and project-based artist working in sculpture, installation, and participatory events. Her projects use print media as a technical tool for realizing the ambition of largescale work and print as a conceptual strategy for exploring free, exchange, and craft-based economies. The projects utilize repetitive handcraft and mimicry as a strategy for examining the issues around the unseen labor and production that lies behind our many unconsidered everyday objects. Yeh received her Master of Fine Arts from California College for the Arts and is currently an assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon University. Her work has been exhibited at the San Jose Museum of Art, Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, and at the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco. She has been an Artist in Residency at Montalvo Art Center in Saratoga, Cali., Blue Mountain Center in New York, Sandarbh Artist Workshop in Partapur, India, and Recology San Francisco. Yeh is the recipient of a Eureka Fellowship from the Fleishhacker Foundation and an Individual Artist Grant from the San Francisco Arts Commission. iminyeh.info.

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8/16/17 3:38 PM

STYLE

/ NEWS

FALL INTO

FASHION With new trends and silhouettes on the horizon, we’ve been anxiously awaiting the start of autumn. To make this season your most fashionable yet, check out these designs from local boutiques. BY MOLLY NICHOLAS PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL FORNATARO STYLING BY ALYSSA OTTO

THROUGH THE FALL

2 1

Quality and longevity are essential to the designs and pieces that Vestis in Lawrenceville carries. These fall items will stand the test of time for seasons to come! Vestis, 5124 Butler St., Lawrenceville. 412.784.1112. vestispgh.com.

SAVE THE DATES!

THIS RUST-COLORED SCARF BLENDS CASHMERE AND WOOL, KEEPING YOU WARM ON CRISP, FALL EVENINGS.

PAIRING THIS DYED BUTTONDOWN WITH KHAKIS WILL BE SURE TO ELEVATE YOUR STYLE THIS SEASON.

EVEN SOCKS CAN EMBRACE FALL’S WARM COLOR PALETTE, LIKE THIS PAIR IN MARBLED GOLD!

1. 40 Colori Cashwool Rust Scarf, $89 2. Gitman Vintage Banded Collar Brushed Olive Geo Popover, $195 3. Corridor Indigo Dyed Japanese Dot Buttondown, $195 4. Anonymous Ism 5-color Gold Mix Sock, $25

ONCE THE COOL, FALL BREEZE HITS, YOU’LL WANT TO HAVE A POPOVER HANDY. PAIR THIS FUN PRINT WITH DARK WASH JEANS TO SPICE UP YOUR EVERYDAY LOOK!

Visit Vestis on SEPTEMBER 15 AND 16 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. for a custom shirt fitting! Vincent Nasserbakht of The Hop NYC will provide detailed measurements and selections of custom fabrics from the deep archives of his tailoring shop, including some extremely rare fabrics and exclusively made pieces. Your perfect shirt will be completed in about three to four weeks. Refreshments will be provided at the fitting. For more information, call 412.784.1112.

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8/16/17 3:42 PM

RUNWAY READY Joseph Ribkoff’s Fall 2017 collection captures the most wearable trends from the runway this season through the use of moody florals, statement sleeves, and ruffled details. Whether you’re dressing for an elegant event or an exciting night on the town, this Canadian brand is great for all occasions. Shop these outfits at Shirley Shoppe today, and don’t miss the Joseph Ribkoff Trunk Show on SEPTEMBER 21! Shirley Shoppe, 659 3rd St., Beaver. 724.774.5340. shirleyshoppe.com.

2. Joseph Ribkoff Strapless Floral Print Jumpsuit, $232

REVAMP YOUR SPRING FLORALS FOR FALL WITH THESE PRINTS.

LACE AND RUFFLE DETAILS ADD TO THIS SOPHISTICATED LOOK.

DRESS FOR THIS EVERCHANGING WEATHER BY SHOWING JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF SKIN.

1. Joseph Ribkoff Black Cold Shoulder Harem Style Jumpsuit, $238

3. Joseph Ribkoff Midnight Blue Sheath Dress, $223 4. Joseph Ribkoff Textured Pattern ¾ Sleeve Jacket, $295. Joseph Ribkoff Highwaisted Ankle-length Pant, $136

5. Joseph Ribkoff Offthe-shoulder Bell Sleeve Dress, $210 THIS JACKET KEEPS YOUR OUTFIT STYLISH WHILE KEEPING OUT THE COLD.

MAKE A STATEMENT IN THIS LBD WITH BILLOWING BELL SLEEVES.

A STYLISH SEPTEMBER Shop the most fashionable pieces for fall at Larrimor’s full line-up of designer trunk shows this month. Be sure to stop by, speak with the brand representatives, and get first pick on the pieces before they hit the shelves for the season. Larrimor’s, One PNC Plaza, 249 5th Ave., Downtown. 412.471.5727. larrimors.com.

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM PIERRE ARSENAUL PHOTOGRAPHY

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GIVE COMFY LEGGINGS A MORE SULTRY LOOK BY ADDING THIS SHEER LACE TOP.

SEPTEMBER 7-9 Nina McLemore Fall Trunk Show SEPTEMBER 14-16 Canali Fall Trunk Show featuring food and wine from Earth, Wheel, and Fire Mobile Wood Fired Pizza and Great Italian Wine

SEPTEMBER 21-23 Kinross Men’s & Women’s Fall Trunk Show featuring a Bourbon & Bass event with Max Miller. Reservations are required.

6. Joseph Ribkoff Semi-Sheer Top with Oversized Lace Ruffle, $210. Joseph Ribkoff Black Leggings, $100

SEPTEMBER 28-30 Zegna Fall Trunk Show featuring food and wine from Vallozzi’s Italian Catering and Great Italian Wine

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8/16/17 3:46 PM

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8/16/17 3:47 PM

STYLE STYLE

FEATURE / FEATURE

A DREAM TO

DESIGN Local shoe and handbag designer Emy Mack discusses the trajectory of starting her eponymous line and gives us a first look at her Fall/Winter 2017 collection. BY MAT THEW HACKE PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL FORNATARO

ust a few steps away from the hustle and bustle of Walnut Street in Shadyside sits a beautiful boutique selling elegant shoes, handbags, clothing, and women’s accessories. The store, Emy Mack Collective, is filled to the brim with special gems created by Pittsburghbased, New Jersey-born designer Emy Mack. “Throughout my childhood, my mother’s joke about me was, ‘You ask her to draw an orange, and she draws an orange shoe,’” Mack says amusingly. “So, I was very shoe obsessed from a young age.” After completing her undergraduate studies in business at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Mack wound up moving and working in the leather goods industry in Florence, Italy. “My interest in Italy, fashion, and the culture stems from my family’s background in the area and why I moved there after undergrad to pursue this program,” she says. “In fact, my maternal grandmother was a designer herself. She started off sewing and went into designing from there.” Mack moved back to Dallas after Florence, where she worked as an assistant buyer and then an assistant in public relations at luxury department store chain Neiman Marcus. “There really is no place like Neiman Marcus to get a well-rounded experience in fashion,”

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she says. “It’s a really fascinating and amazing company.” From Dallas, Mack took a marketing job in New York City that eventually led her to meet her husband and business partner, Rob Jamison. The newlyweds settled in Pittsburgh, as Jamison came home to work for his family business. “After my husband and his family sold their business, he and I started exploring the opportunity of starting a shoe brand,” says Mack. “The impetus of our reasoning was clear: We wanted to make an Italian-made product that was priced 20-30 percent lower than all the competition out there — so the Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik shoe brands of the world, so to speak. I just really saw an opportunity in the marketplace to do that.” Mack started meeting with and developing relationships with manufacturers in Italy, and taking advice from others in the industry. “I was given the advice that it’s easier to go from designing shoes to handbags, rather than the other way around,” she explains. “This makes sense because with a shoe, there are so many more components to it and it’s a much more complicated process.” Once she got a handle on the process, Mack started making customized shoes for family members and friends, then moved on to trunk shows. “For cost and efficiency reasons, I eventually decided that it would be better to just roll out a ready-to-wear shoe collection,” she says. The result: a collection of 30 shoes that sparked such interest, Emy Mack is now carried in over 40 specialty retailers across the U.S., Harvey Nichols luxury department store in Hong Kong, and her standalone boutique, Emy Mack Collective, in Shadyside. The success of Mack’s bi-yearly shoe collections led to her expansion into handbags and accessory ornamentations. “A friend of mine who works for a clothing line was outfitting a mother-of-the-bride one day. He sold her a pair of my shoes and she said, ‘Oh, I really wish I could have a handbag to match that.’ My friend then said, ‘Oh, Emy can make you a handbag!’ So I did, and that’s how I started designing handbags as well,” she says, laughing. “We also do these custom ornamentations, which people can put on their shoes or handbags. They are all hand-beaded and are permanently attached to really personalize a piece.” Currently, Mack is already hard at work designing her Fall/Winter 2018 collection, with plans to expand beyond the Emy Mack shoe line. “We’re looking to launch two other shoe brands with different concepts and price points,” says Mack. While still staying quiet on the details, Mack explains that she is taking what she’s learned growing her original brand and applying it in different ways with these two new ones. When reflecting on her nearly six-year-old brand and how far she has come on her journey, Mack gleamingly talks about how the people that she’s met along the way have inspired her and helped her grow. “I’ve really enjoyed going all over the country and meeting with these different stores that we work with. We do trunk shows where you get to meet the customers and there’s just this common thread of the love of shoes,” says Mack. “It’s just so gratifying to meet people who appreciate what you’re doing because it’s hard building a brand and it’s hard building a business. Some days you have people who are so critical of certain things, and then you meet these fantastic people who inspire you to keep going and keep doing what you’re doing because they love the brand.” Emy Mack Collective, 723 Filbert St., Shadyside. 412.681.1690. emymack.com.

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THE ART OF LUXURY SHOEMAKING

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A perfectly crafted Italian shoe begins as a simple sketch. Ideas and inspirations are taken and translated onto paper. Sketches are then refined and given to an artisan who creates a custom, handcarved last out of a block of wood. (Editor’s Note: A “last” is shaped like a human foot.) Each style of shoe requires its own last to set its shape, heel height, and size. A shell pattern is then created from the last, allowing for the pattern master to make the other components of the shoe. Over 25 components are used in an Italian-made women’s designer shoe. Assembly of the shoe starts with the pulling or lasting of the upper, which is the entire part that covers the foot. Uppers are then attached by hand to the insole on the underside of the last. The shoe requires a number of days to set before heels and outsoles can be added. Heels can be constructed of several layers of plastic or wood and covered in leather or cloth. Finally, the shoe is taken off of the last. Fine linings are added to the inside of the shoe. The outside of the shoe is finished by staining and polishing.

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EMY MACK’S FALL/WINTER 2017 LINE Take a peek inside the new collection and get the scoop on the trends that inspired it!

ANIMAL PRINTS

“Leopard print is the new neutral. Overtime, I’ve realized that anytime we make something in leopard or zebra print, it does really well. It’s not a trend anymore.”

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2 LACE

“Lace is a popular fabric this fall. I designed this one lace bootie in the collection that is really fun and perfect for the season!”

CLASSIC SILHOUETTES

“I feel like there’s a lot of longevity now in terms of trends. There’s more staying power, especially because our silhouettes are not going anywhere. They’re so timeless. I think certain toe characters evolve and then everything comes full circle again.”

7 4 15 1. "Megan" Zebra Flat, $295 2. “Adele” Bootie, $550 3. “Adrienne” Bootie, $595 4. “Harley” Clutch, $450 5. “Solaris” Barchetta Smoking Slipper, $285 6. “Harper” Clutch, $450 7. “Anastasia” Zebra Kitten Heel, $350 8. “Posh” Grey Suede Boot, $295 9. “Gabby” Grey Python Sneaker, $285 10. “Evelyn” Bootie, $695 11. “Erica” Bootie, $595 12. “Posh” Sand Suede Boot, $295 13. “Elisa” Bootie, $750 14. “Solaris” Red Velvet Smoking Slipper, $285 15. “Gabby” Grey Leopard Sneaker, $350 WH I R LM A G A Z I N E .C OM / WH IRL

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8/16/17 3:53 PM

Natalie Fristick, Leila Sleiman

PITTSBURGH VEGFEST WHO: Nearly 10,000 attendees WHAT: An outdoor food festival celebrating an ethical, plant-based lifestyle, Pittsburgh VegFest was awarded Best Food Festival by the City Paper in 2016. And we’re thinking they’ll hold the title this year, too! WHERE: Allegheny Commons Park East HIGHLIGHTS: Twenty-five food vendors, including Onion Maiden, Blue Sparrow Food Truck, and Sugar Spell Scoops, served up vegan cuisine, while over 50 organizations and small businesses kept compassionate consumption the topic of conversation. Live music and speakers, yoga classes, cooking demonstrations, and Chris P. Carrot (the event’s official mascot!) rounded out the family-friendly festival. — E.H. “It was so humbling and rewarding to see our city come out to celebrate a compassionate lifestyle. Next year, we will have a bigger layout and more food vendors!” — Leila Sleiman and Natalie Fristick, co-founders of Pittsburgh VegFest and Justice for Animals

Mike Eskenazi, Andrew Mulford with Charley, Riley

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM PRO HEADSHOTS, BY TARA ANTILL

GO TO PHOTOS.WHIRLMAGAZINE.COM TO VIEW AND PURCHASE ALL OF THE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT!

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John Freyvogel, Katy Timko

Jordan Karcher

Debbie Houston, Dalyn Houston, Diana Houston

412.441.5151 412.441.5151 5932 5932Penn PennCircle Circle South South Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA PA 15206 15206

mcnsalon.com

Abbi Slezak, Sam Slezak, John Herbick

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Carly Brickett, Grady Wirth, Brad Colvin, Lauren Sulkowski

NIGHT IN THE TROPICS WHO: 1,300 guests, including Cheryl Tracy, executive director of the National Aviary; Jane Dixon, event chair; and Colby Armstrong, former Pittsburgh Penguin WHAT: The 15th annual Night in the Tropics raised approximately $240,000 to support the National Aviary’s education and conservation programs, and avian medicine. WHERE: The National Aviary HIGHLIGHTS: Guests were transported to a tropical paradise as they perused the National Aviary’s exhibits and exotic birds, while also sampling delicious bites from more than 30 restaurants and voting for their favorites. (The winner of the taste awards was Ten Penny!) Fire performances by Tuika’s Polynesian Island Magic and live music by The Lava Game spiced up the night. Local artist Maria DeSimone Prascak added to the beautiful setting by painting a flamingo scene, and the piece was auctioned off at the end of the night. — E.H. “Guests really embraced the tropical theme — arriving in colorful sundresses and Hawaiian shirts, and everyone seemed to really love the diversity of entertainment, food, and drinks. We’re overwhelmed at the success of the event!” — Cheryl Tracy

Mac the Military Macaw

PHOTOGRAPHS BY SARAH COLLINS

GO TO PHOTOS.WHIRLMAGAZINE.COM TO VIEW AND PURCHASE ALL OF THE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT!

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Marilyn & John Bittel

Alieyyah Lewis, Lee Davis, Jameeta Lewis

Jane Dixon, Gail Newton, Cheryl Tracy with Franklin the Spectacled Owl

Mitchell & Allison Ebeck

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Lori & Jim Collins

ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL’S 20TH ANNUAL SUMMER SWING WHO: 650 guests — a record number! WHAT: The 20th Annual Summer Swing raised $340,000 to benefit St. Clair Hospital. The theme this year was “Broadway on the Green,” so guests enjoyed a dinner menu inspired by famous dishes served at iconic New York City restaurants, such as Thomas Keller’s Per Se, David Chang’s Momofuku, and Daniel Humm’s Eleven Madison Park. There was even a New York style hot dog stand on the outdoor patio! WHERE: St. Clair Country Club HIGHLIGHTS: Rema Webb performed live for guests before the evening wrapped. Webb performed on Broadway in The Color Purple, The Book of Mormon, and The Lion King, so this was a special treat for those in attendance! — M.N. “We thank and greatly appreciate all of our supporters who made this year’s Summer Swing such a resounding success.” — Kristen Beattie, manager of organizational advancement for St. Clair Hospital Foundation

Mark & Vicki McKenna

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHARLIE MAGOVERN

GO TO PHOTOS.WHIRLMAGAZINE.COM TO VIEW AND PURCHASE ALL OF THE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT!

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Tricia & Bob Hammel

David & Andrea Kalina

Brittany Kikta, Laura Gray

schoolhouseyoga.com east liberty squirrel hill north hills

Julie Rahner, Mike Klepeis

classes range from beginner to advanced gentle to challenging

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@HOME

/ COLOR CODE

Shop beautiful pieces for your home at Splurge in Fox Chapel! Turn the page to be inspired by even more items >>

BY MOLLY NICHOLAS PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL FORNATARO

MOVE OVER COPPER â&#x20AC;&#x201D; DARK METALS ARE THE NEWEST ACCENT TRENDING ACROSS PINTEREST BOARDS AND INSTAGRAMS ALIKE! LUXURIOUS AND RETRO, BRASS CAN HELP ACCESSORIZE THE HOME THROUGH FIXTURES, LIGHT PENDANTS, AND EVEN FURNITURE. AS FALL ARRIVES, KEEP IN MIND THE WARM, DARK TONES OF THE SEASON AS YOU FURNISH YOUR HOME. DETAILS IN WHIRL DIRECTORY, PAGE 94. WH I R LM A G A Z I N E .C OM / WH IRL

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@HOME

/ COLOR CODE Cortland Sling High-back Dining Arm Chair and 54-inch Round Umbrella Table in Textured Mayan Gold, price available upon request, Woodard Furniture

Watermark Brooklyn Elan Vital Faucet in Charcoal, price available upon request, SPLASH Kitchen Bath Home

Amerock Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Splendor Knob in Elegant Brass, $4.53, Amerock Hardware

Artistic Tile Michael Aram Collection Gotham Bronze Tile, price available upon request, SPLASH Kitchen Bath Home Copper Lantern, starting at $225, Splurge Schaub & Co. Cabinet Knob in Natural Bronze, price available upon request, SPLASH Kitchen Bath Home

Cross Knob and Escutcheon from Rocky Mountain Hardware in White Bronze Dark Patina, price available upon request, SPLASH Kitchen Bath Home

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Artistic Tile Michael Aram Collection Molten Steel Tile, price available upon request, SPLASH Kitchen Bath Home

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM WOODARD FURNITURE, AMEROCK HARDWARE

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Brizo Litze Faucet in Gold, price available upon request, SPLASH Kitchen Bath Home

13.25-inch Polished Brass Candlestick, $85, Barberry Handmade

Michael Aram “Olive Branch” Cheeseboard, $135, Splurge

Amerock Nature’s Splendor Cup Pull in Elegant Brass, $10.46, Amerock Hardware 9-inch Polished Brass Candlestick, $50, Barberry Handmade

Schaub & Co. Pull in Natural Bronze, price available upon request, SPLASH Kitchen Bath Home

Hammered Door Knob Set from Rocky Mountain Hardware in Silicon Bronze Light Patina, price available upon request, SPLASH Kitchen Bath Home

Nest Studio Home Step Pull Antique Brass, price available upon request, SPLASH Kitchen Bath Home

Equine Sculpture, $325, Splurge Bradford Adjustable Chaise Lounge and 17-inch Round End Table in Textured Mayan Gold, price available upon request, Woodard Furniture

Branch Candelabra, $295 (candles sold separately!), Splurge

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM AMEROCK HARDWARE, WOODARD FURNITURE

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/ FEATURE

RIGHT SIZING Explore the trend that’s sweeping the current real estate market BY CHRISTINE TUMPSON

obody said it would be easy. No one ever told anyone that life was going to be one smooth sail with sand dollars waiting to be collected upon the sand. The story we are told, somewhere maybe in childhood, makes it seem like it will be “The Family Stone” for all of us, where everyone comes back to one huge house where they all grew up, and where the parents live, with all of the children’s things still in their original rooms for the use of the next generation. But even that story had a tragedy that made it all seem slightly stuck in the past. That maybe it was better for everyone to move on, to take the next step, to end one chapter, and to start a new one. A trend that is taking root here in the City of Pittsburgh is evident every time you cross a bridge: downsizing. Apartments, condominiums, and townhouses are everywhere, as well as new green construction along the rivers, renovations of old office buildings Downtown, and especially, the influx of out-of-towners who see the opportunities here and point them out to those of us living here who are beginning to understand why it’s happening, and why it’s happening here. Downsizing is a national trend. People just don’t want to accumulate things anymore. We want experiences. We don’t want to be sitting in the den watching television all of the time. Some of the time, we want to be outside. We love to make our own food, but we also love exploring the exploding restaurant scene. The trend seems to be that the younger generations are living in smaller spaces in the city, moving to larger ones in other areas if they have children in schools, and relocating back to the city once their children have flown the nest. Rather than suffering through the dreaded empty-nest syndrome, modern couples are heading back into the action themselves. An exemplary couple is Dan and Steve. Longtime residents of a city mansion, they made a simple and quick escape once Steve had made up his mind that he needed to change his life. “When your husband says he needs a change, you go,” his partner laughs. Sitting at dinner with them, it was easy to notice their happiness as they finished one another’s sentences. “We loved our house, but we really had to draw it to a close. It was hard at first getting rid of things, but we made deliberate decisions and that helped. Plus, it’s nice to have everything right where I can find it now.” Now is their new townhouse in a riverfront community, with new neighbors, new remodeling projects, and lots of time to spend outdoors.

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Steve effuses, “I ride my bike every morning along the trail, we walk it with the dogs at sunset with our glasses of wine, and we have made new friends. Our kids thought we would be sad, but we are having a great time!” As for their children’s thoughts? “We get together on family vacations more.” The City of Pittsburgh is taking note of every single one of Pittsburgh’s recent accolades, encouraging people to relocate from other parts of the country, usually in search of smaller homes. According to Forbes.com, “Pittsburgh is one of the 10 best cities to retire early, due to its reasonable cost of living and high quality of life score.” Match this with other rankings, such as The New York Times declaring Pittsburgh among the top-five cities where less than $1,000 a month can buy a home and National Geographic Traveller ranking the city’s culinary scene as a reason to visit in 2017. The expenditures of monies on experiences seems tantamount to large mortgages. Realtor Maryann Bacharach of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services explains, “This is all true. Helen Hanna Casey tells us, ‘It’s not really downsizing, it’s right-sizing.’ I’ve been selling for 30 years, and this is the first time that a number of young people and middle-aged people are taking it down in scale. I show them a large home with a beautiful yard, and they say, ‘It’s too big. We don’t want that.’ Never before did people say that.” And it all seemed to hit within the past two years. “It’s the younger generation who is driving the trend,” says Bacharach. “The trend is to move on, to not stay in the house. I do have some go against this, with even larger homes being built in newer construction. But the big new trend I’m seeing is that people don’t want the responsibility of too much house. They don’t want the constant repairs. Buyers want everything to be finished when they walk in the door, from the floors to the furniture. Staging is a big deal now, too. People are wooed by the entire experience of the home now, from the size, the location, and even décor.” We only get so many decades in life, so rather than letting the toys in the attic become the ghosts of the past, put the Beanie Babies™ up for auction, and right size! @ For more information, contact Maryann Bacharach of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services at 412.874.8465. maryannbacharach.howardhanna.com.

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PRIME PROPERTIES 1

These spectacular residences help minimize the space you take up while maximizing your experience in the city. 2

WALNUT ON HIGHLAND 121 S. Highland Ave., East End — Starting at $1,100 per month 1. The city view and wall space in the bedroom make for a decorator’s dream. 2. The kitchen’s state-of-the-art appliances and dark wood-inspired flooring exude a sleek, modern look. 3. The living and dining areas offer stunning views of the neighborhood, bringing in an abundance of natural light and making the space feel even more open. 4. These micro-, one-, or twobedroom apartment units sit between the bustling neighborhoods of Shadyside and East Liberty, so your favorite shops and restaurants are all within walking distance.

For more information, contact Walnut Capital at 412.441.0300. walnutonhighland.com.

LAWRENCEVILLE PLACE Winesap Drive, Lawrenceville — Starting at $2,275 per month

1. The living room sits off to the side of the kitchen, giving you ample room to host friends for Steelers games! 2. Pick and choose from either a twoor three-bedroom townhouse model in one of Pittsburgh’s most vibrant neighborhoods. 3. The open kitchen includes built-in islands and stainless steel appliances, perfect for preparing any dish. 4. Host family dinners in the spacious dining area. The neutral wall space and wood-inspired flooring allow for endless furniture and décor options. For more information, contact Walnut Capital at 412.683.3809. walnutcapital.com/properties/ lawrenceville-place

BY MATTHEW HACKE • PHOTOGRAPHS FROM CHRISTOPHER LITHERLAND

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/ FEATURE

See why we’re smitten by this fabulous fabric! BY MATTHEW HACKE PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL FORNATARO, FROM HOT SKWASH

From the touchable texture to the striking tones of color when the light hits at different angles, velvet is our favorite fabric for home décor projects and sprucing up any room this fall. “Velvet has such a rich, tonal range for being a solid color textile,” says John Gurman, co-owner of LOOM Exquisite Textiles. “It really adds an interesting texture and depth of color into a space.” Kym Pelcher, owner of Splurge, explains the phenomenon is caused by the fabric’s tight weave, lending itself to deep, vibrant colors. This plush textile works well when used to update upholstery, or even just to elevate the look and feel of a tablescape. “Adding velvet into an entertaining situation can create a soft edge to a table setting of metal pieces and china, and break up the ho-hum of predictable table covers,” continues Gurman. Try incorporating velvet pillows — like these from Barberry Handmade! — into a seating area, too. It creates a comfortable and inviting space to host post-dinner conversations and cocktails. Plus, as Pelcher adds, “There’s nothing quite as soft as velvet.” We could not agree more! @

LOOM Exquisite Textiles, 2124 Penn Ave., Strip District. 412.586.4346. loomshowroom.com. Splurge, 1109 Freeport Road, Fox Chapel. 412.252.2242. splurge-shop.com. Barberry Handmade, 419 Beaver St., Sewickley. 412.259.8297. barberryhandmade.com.

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Hand Dyed Silk Devoré Velvet Pillow Ombré Design, $265, Barberry Handmade

Hand Dyed Silk Devoré Velvet Pillow Trellis Design, $360, Barberry Handmade

Hand Dy Dyed Silk Devoré Velvet Pillow W Woodgrain Design, $285, B Barberry Handmade

JF Fabrics Various Velvet Designs, $172 per yard, LOOM Exquisite Textiles Hot Skwash Velvet Pumpkins, starting at $20, Splurge

Hand Dyed Silk Devoré Velvet Pillow Fretwork Design, $285, Barberry Handmade

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@HOME

/ THE ONE Vintage Wooden Milk Crates, $50 each, Toll Gate Revival.

Kym Pelcher, owner of Splurge, with Michael Aram “Butterfly Ginkgo” Centerpiece Vase and Faux Floral Stems

FLORALS FOR FALL As the season changes and the temperature cools down, faux florals are the perfect way to bring the outside in and add warm, colorful touches to any room in your house. “Every room in the house could use a change of scenery now and then, or at the very least, seasonally,” says Kym Pelcher, owner of Splurge. “Florals are a great way to bring touches of fall colors into the home, or to inject a pop of new color anytime to really freshen up a space.” Today’s faux florals have really grown in popularity because they look more natural and realistic. “Faux florals have come a long way from where they once were in terms of quality and design. I travel to markets all across the country to find the most current, beautiful stems, which often look almost too real to be faux.” Pelcher says to “try the trend by using delicate sprays on their own to accent a simple tablescape or a mantle, or as part of a larger centerpiece,” such as the Michael Aram “Butterfly Gingko” Centerpiece Vase featured here and sold locally at Splurge. “These sprinklings of color will really invigorate any room.” @ Splurge, 1109 Freeport Road, Fox Chapel. 412.252.2242. splurge-shop.com

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BY MATTHEW HACKE • PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL FORNATARO

8/16/17 4:13 PM

Cranberry Twp. 1237 Freedom Road 724.772.1060

Glenshaw 1400 William Flynn Hwy. 412.486.2700

Murrysville 4807 William Penn Hwy. 724.733.2600

splashshowrooms.com

PETERS TOWNSHIP 136 MONTEREY DRIVE MCMURRAY, PA $1,190,000

A LIFESTYLE HOME FOR ENTERTAINING The interior boasts a 1st floor Master Suite, Executive Office, 18ft. Coffered Ceilings, Gourmet Kitchen, Heos Audio System, Theater room with 104” Black Diamond Screen, Stone Fireplaces and much more. Relax by the 44’ x 16’ Saline Pool located steps away from the stunning getaway Pool House with Bath, Kitchen, Vaulted Ceiling, Clerestory Windows, Fireplace and Accordion doors. Call today to schedule a private tour.

RE/MAX SELECT REALTY Kelly Raitano, Realtor & eAgent, 3921 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317 724-933-6300 x142 or Cell: 412-980-9668 call/text

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SEWICKLEY HEIGHTS • $1,399,000 • SABRINA GERACI • 412-963-6300

DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH • $1,390,000 • ROZ NEIMAN • 412-361-4000

Enjoy privacy, serenity, stunning views of the Ohio River, and a walking path directly to Sewickley Village! This beautiful home has a recently renovated kitchen and a wrap-around deck overlooking the pool.

Offering a Manhattan lifestyle in the Cultural District, this unique penthouse in a pet-friendly building has soaring ceilings, fine finishes everywhere, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views.

FOX CHAPEL • $1,325,000 • TRUDY WARD • 412-963-6300

JEFFERSON HILLS • $1,099,995 • MARY EVE KEARNS • 724-941-8800

This stunning Colonial on a level, fenced lot offers a fabulous kitchen designed for entertaining and a family room with French doors to a lovely patio with a built-in grill and a log-burning fireplace.

This masterpiece inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright has a fabulous main-level master suite and unique living spaces on the upper and lower levels. Porches, patios and decks overlook approx. 2.5 acres of grounds.

BELL ACRES • $925,000 • BETTY MORACA • 412-741-2200 SQUIRREL HILL • $850,000 • LEAH GEORGE • 412-421-9120 UPPER ST. CLAIR • $795,000 • LYNNE BINGHAM • 412-833-3600 Walls of windows and glass doors illuminate this spectacular home, which features a state-of-the-art kitchen, master suite with elaborate bath, sunroom, private patio, and wonderful landscaping.

Natural light streams into this charming, south-facing home across from Schenley Park, which has been updated while retaining original features such as gleaming hardwood floors and marble fireplaces.

The Art of Fine Homes HOWARDHANNA .COM

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This gorgeous, updated home in Westminster Manor has an ultra chic décor and spectacular upgrades with open floor plan, all new espresso floors, and new lower level featuring wet bar and bedroom suite.

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WHIRL

/ ESTATE

ALL

SHAPES + SIZES

With a variety of exquisite properties to choose from in our region, you will have no trouble finding the home, apartment, or townhouse of your dreams!

This four-bedroom, four and a half-bathroom home sits on a cul-de-sac in Moon Township.

SUBURBAN STUNNER 3016 Fallbrook Drive, Moon Township. — Listed at $899,900

Walk through the front door and into the spacious entryway, with cathedral ceilings and a curved staircase leading to the second level.

Cooking meals will be a breeze in this state-of-the-art kitchen. Appliances include a double oven, built-in steaming drawer, and wine cooler. The gourmet, black galaxy granite island includes a second sink.

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For more information, contact Christine Grady of RE/MAX Select Realty at 724.933.6300. selecthomefinder.com.

No need to head to the spa when you can relax in the master bathroom, equipped with a jet tub and large shower.

BY MATTHEW HACKE •

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM KRISTINA SCHMIDT

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Architect John A. Martine of STRADA Architecture was inspired by the hillside homes of Prague and Budapest when designing this South Side residence.

MODERN MASTERPIECE 42 Windom Hill Place, South Side. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Listed at $788,000

With its gorgeous tile backdrop and an oversized island, the gourmet kitchen is well-equipped for all of your cooking and entertaining needs.

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM MICHAEL HARITAN

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For more information, contact Michelle Sager of Piatt Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty at 412.471.4900. piattsothebysrealty.com

The modern master suite includes its own private balcony as well.

The open living room includes a built-in TV above the fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows.

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The two-story great room features an optional four-foot extension to make it an even bigger space for entertaining.

ROOM TO BREATHE 431 Fairmont Drive, Wexford. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Listed at $424,999

For more information, contact Brian Niklaus of Northwood Realty Services at 724.458.8800. northwood.com.

This three-bedroom, two and a half-bathroom townhome is located in a brand new development in the heart of Wexford, right off of Perry Highway.

Crown molding and large windows give the first floor master suite a luxurious feel.

Featuring stainless steel appliances and a built-in wall oven, the kitchen also boasts upgraded cabinets for plenty of storage space and stunning granite countertops. 86

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PHOTOGRAPHS FROM BRIAN NIKLAUS

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Settle in to the large, eat-in kitchen, featuring custom blue cabinetry for a functional pop of color. Abundant windows and high ceilings brighten up the open living room.

COUNTRY CHIC 928 Blackburn Road, Sewickley Heights. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Listed at $1,065,000

This pristine four-bedroom, three and a half-bathroom home, which was converted from a historic steel beam and concrete barn, sits on five acres. A separate guest cottage on the property includes an updated kitchen, as well as three additional bedrooms and bathrooms, perfect for outof-town visitors. PHOTOGRAPHS FROM MICHAEL CALLAWAY

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For more information, contact Kathe Barge of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services at 412.779.6060. howardhanna.com.

The updated bathrooms offer beautiful lighting fixtures, double sinks, and artistic tile.

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This gorgeous five-bedroom, five full and two half-bathroom home sits on a private cul-de-sac lot in Fox Chapel.

STOIC BEAUTY 918 Settlers Ridge, Fox Chapel. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Listed at $2,200,000

For more information, contact Julie Rost of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty at 412.521.5500. ThePreferredRealty.com.

Read a book or spend time with family and friends on the backyard patio.

The sunken family room features beautiful views and an incredible stone fireplace, perfect for relaxing during those chilly fall evenings. Greet guests in the massive foyer, opening up to this two-story abode in the woods. 88

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PHOTOGRAPHS FROM MELISSA CARTER PHOTOGRAPHY

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Take in the sights and sounds of Downtown out on the 40-foot balcony.

THE CENTER OF THE CITY 301 5th Ave., No. 705, Piatt Place, Downtown. — Listed at $1,548,000

For more information, contact Mark Jennings of Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty at 412.471.4900. piattsothebysrealty.com.

Custom built-in cabinets, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances complete the open kitchen and dining area.

Three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and one half-bathroom make up the living quarters of this prime Downtown penthouse. Find solace in the spacious shower with relaxing rain shower heads. PHOTOGRAPHS FROM GENE YUGER OF PITTSBURGH REAL ESTATE MEDIA

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WHIRL

/ WEDDINGS 1. Katie and Tony’s first dance was to “Wonderwall” by Oasis. “For years and years, we would always say that when we got married, this would be our first dance song,” Katie says. 2. On a family trip to Italy in 2015, Katie and her parents saw a street in Ferrara that had brightly colored umbrellas hanging upside down. “I found the visual very impactful,” Katie says. The umbrellas served as inspiration for the bridal shower at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. 3. Katie and Tony kicked off their wedding weekend with a Pittsburgh-themed welcome dinner at the Heinz History Center. 4. Katie says that taking a few “after” shots with Tony was probably her favorite part of the weekend. The stress and nerves of planning everything had ended, and she could finally relax — in an awesome jumpsuit, no less!

KATIE LYNCH & TONY VISCO High school sweethearts Katie Lynch and Tony Visco knew they wanted all of their friends and family, who live in numerous cities across the country, to share in their special day. In order to do so, they planned a weekend packed with celebrations, including a welcome dinner, the wedding itself, a next-day brunch, and a Pirates game. “The whole weekend was pretty emotional,” Tony says. “All of the hard work and planning, and seeing everything and everyone come together for our big weekend was a humbling experience. It really showed how blessed we are.” Katie and Tony’s St. Mary of the Mount ceremony and Fairmont Pittsburgh reception reflected their vision of a modern Midsummer Nights Dream, featuring jewel tones like magenta, plum, jade blue, and pops of neon green. “The best part of my wedding was having all of my family and friends in one place,” Katie says. “Entering each of the rooms and seeing the completed designs and all the hard work come to fruition was incredible.”

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EDITED BY RACHEL JONES • BY KATIE ROSSO •

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM MICHAEL WILL PHOTOGRAPHY

8/16/17 4:37 PM

1. The bride radiated in a sleeveless sheath gown with art deco-inspired beading at the neckline that carried over to the back. A birdcage veil and feather accents completed the look. 2. Maureen says the venue was “all conceptualized by my mom and sister.” They had the vision to dress up the room with the candle light and an art deco feel. 3. White orchids and calla lilies made up Maureen’s beautiful, flowy bouquet. 4. Maureen and Tim met while working together at Robert Morris University. Once they spent more time socially at work events and Tim asked her out for an official date, they were inseparable!

MAUREEN HESTER & TIMOTHY LAWRENCE Sara Bareilles’ “I Choose You” was threaded throughout Maureen Hester and Tim Lawrence’s relationship, from the proposal to the first dance song. And their wedding was exactly as the lyrics croon, “a beautiful start to a lifelong love letter.” Tim says the best moment of their Epiphany Catholic Church ceremony was “watching Moe walk down the aisle.” “It felt like the moment was finally here and I could marry my best friend,” he says. The men of Maureen’s family, including her father, sang “Glory of Love” by Peter Cetera at the reception, a tradition started by Maureen’s grandfather. “He sang at all of his daughters’ weddings, and my dad has continued at my sister’s and mine,” Maureen says. When looking for a space to host their reception, “Tim and I knew we wanted a room with character, a big dance floor, and a stage for the band,” Maureen says. “The Twentieth Century Club had everything we were looking for.” Gold décor, shimmering touches, and fluffy feathers bedecked the reception, exuding a 1920s theme that came together organically. “We never set out to have an ‘art deco or Gatsby-esque’ wedding, but we embraced it and love how perfectly everything fit together.”

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM DANIEL ESPER

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WHIRL

/ WEDDINGS 2

ALEXIS SCHAMING & RYAN MCGANN A freshman-year mixer is designed for meeting new people, but rarely do you meet the love of your life at one. For Alexis Schaming and Ryan McGann, the Central Catholic High School freshman mixer proved to be their lucky day. On their wedding day, Alexis chose a color scheme of sage green with blush and gold accents. “Since it was in the spring, I just really wanted it to be fresh,” Alexis says. The bride thought she knew what she wanted when she began trying on dresses: A-line with straps. But after trying on dozens of dresses in that style, she took a suggestion that was the complete opposite of her Pinterest dreams. Alexis fell in love with a beautiful strapless gown with lace overlay from Sorelle Bridal Salon. During their ceremony at St. Paul Cathedral — the same place the bride’s parents said “I do!” — the Pittsburgh natives shared a sweet moment. “It was supposed to rain and be very cold but as soon as we got to the ceremony, the sun came out,” says Alexis. “I remember kneeling on the altar with Ryan, and the sun coming through the stained-glass windows and hitting our faces.” 92

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1. The bride had a jacket made of lace from her dress to wear during the ceremony, a design inspired by Monique Lhuillier! 2. After eight years of dating, Ryan surprised Alexis with a sweet proposal at The Point. As an extra surprise, their family and friends came out from hiding to celebrate after she said yes! 3. Alexis carried a bouquet of peonies, tea roses, spray roses, tulips, dusty miller, and Japanese peonies. 4. Since the couple’s golden doodle, Dorrie, could not attend the festivities, Alexis surprised Ryan with cake pops custom-made to look like the pup! They even had treats at the Heinz History Center reception for guests to take home to their own dogs — “from Dorrie” herself.

BY MOLLY NICHOLAS • PHOTOGRAPHS FROM LEEANN MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

8/16/17 4:38 PM

ALISON CHESKY & DAVID STEPHENS David Stephens first caught Alison Chesky’s attention while they were both youth group leaders at David’s home church. She commented on how sweaty his hands were when they prayed as a group, and the conversation flowed from there. Alison and David wed at the First Presbyterian Church of Murrysville before a beautiful stained glass window. The bride shined in a delicate lace ballgown, while the groom kept it casual in jeans, a vest, and a bowtie. The couple carried out a “vintage, travel theme” with a reception at DiSalvos Station, an old train station. Decorative keepsakes, like Alison’s vintage suitcase, added to the atmosphere. “The entire day was amazing,” Alison says. “The best part was being surrounded by friends and family who love to dance. Our dance floor was the life of the party!” The dance floor also hosted some of the night’s more emotional moments, including the dances with their loved ones. “We both have very close relationships with our moms and dads, and being able to dance with them made for an incredible memory.”

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Alison carried a soft, romantic bouquet of roses, succulents, and greenery.

MEGAN BAUER & ZACHARY STEINMETZ Introduced by their best friends, who were dating at the time, Megan Bauer and Zachary Steinmetz instantly hit it off. During their almost-two-year engagement, the couple took their time planning every detail of their day at Oglebay Resort. Megan wanted pink décor and Zachary preferred silver, so they compromised to create a “pink and glitter celebration.” Megan fit the theme with a sparkly, beaded gown and a bright pink manicure. They said “I do” during an outdoor ceremony, complete with the mixing of pink and silver sand to symbolize their union. At the reception, Megan and Zachary shared their first dance as husband and wife to “Amazed” by Lonestar. They chose the song because they heard it during their first vacation together and it brought tears to Zachary’s eyes. When Megan asked what was wrong, Zachary said the song made him think of her. (Aw!) “Ever since then, it’s been ‘our song,’” Megan says. ”It’s funny because we both hate country music.”

{

The best moment of the wedding for Zachary was seeing Megan walk down the aisle. For Megan, it was getting pronounced husband and wife.

DETAILS IN WHIRL DIRECTORY, PAGE 94 | SUBMIT YOUR WEDDING FOR WHIRL’S CONSIDERATION AT WHIRLWEDDINGS.COM.

BY KATIE ROSSO •

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM GWEN RICHARDS OF IGNITE PHOTOGRAPHY, DAWN HACK

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/ DIRECTORY With these rings, Alison and David were wed!

REAL WEDDINGS KATIE LYNCH & TONY VISCO Accommodations, Cake, Catering, Lighting, & Reception Fairmont Pittsburgh Bride’s Gown Hyde Park Bridal Ceremony St. Mary of the Mount Decorations & Linens Mosaic, Inc. Entertainment Cityscape Florals Mocha Rose Floral and Event Design Hair & Makeup Beauty Justified Honeymoon Disney World Jewelry Vintage Grace Boutique Photographer Michael Will Photography Planner Shayla Hawkins Events Rentals All Occasions Party Rental, Marbella Event Furniture and Décor Rental Stationery Loree Mayer Tuxedos Samuel Baron Clothiers Videographer Yamean Studios

MAUREEN HESTER & TIMOTHY LAWRENCE Accommodations Pittsburgh Wyndham University Center Bride’s Gown Glitter & Grit Bridesmaids’ Dresses David’s Bridal Catering, Decorations, Linens, & Reception Twentieth Century Club Cupcakes Bethel Bakery Ceremony Epiphany Catholic Church Entertainment The Bachelor Boy Band Florals Mt. Lebanon Floral Hair Tease Salon Honeymoon St. Lucia Jewelry Frost and Company Makeup Simone Jené Makeup Photographer Daniel Esper Planner Bride’s Sister Stationery Jenessa Keneavy Tuxedos Men’s Wearhouse

Entertainment Ovation Band Florals The Farmer’s Daughter Hair Studio G Salon & Day Spa Honeymoon Napa Valley, Calif., and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Lighting Gray Phoenix Linens Mosaic, Inc. Photographer Leeann Marie Photography Reception Heinz History Center Rentals Vintage Alley Rentals Stationery Steve Schwartz Associates, Inc. Tuxedos Valotta’s Tuxedo Videographer Post Script Films

ALISON CHESKY & DAVID STEPHENS Cake Francesca’s Bakery Caterer, Ceremony, & Reception DiSalvos Station Restaurant Entertainment Chris Sammarone Favors & Vendor FairHaven Gifts Florals Rosebud Floral Hair & Makeup Shear Perfection Salon Honeymoon Skaneateles, New York Photographer Gwen Richards of Ignite Photography Videographer Patrick Vanhorn & Tony Tabron, P-Cubed Productions

Megan and Zachary showed off their personalities with striking footwear!

MEGAN & ZACHARY STEINMETZ Bride’s Gown Deborah’s Bridal Bridesmaids’ Dresses David’s Bridal Cake, Caterer, Ceremony, & Reception Oglebay Resort Entertainment DJ Brian Oliver Hair & Makeup Bellezza Fiori Honeymoon Myrtle Beach Jewelry Macy’s Photographer Dawn Hack Videographer Wedflik

ALEXIS SCHAMING & RYAN MCGANN Accommodations Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh Bride’s Gown Sorelle Bridal Salon Bridesmaids’ Dresses Bella Bridesmaids Cake Minerva Bakery Caterer Common Plea Catering Ceremony St. Paul Cathedral

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PHOTOGRAPHS FROM GWEN RICHARDS OF IGNITE PHOTOGRAPHY, DAWN HACK

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For their first dance as husband and wife, David and Alison chose “Real Good Hands” by Gregory Porter. “We loved the lyrics and David loves jazz,” Alison says.

COLOR CODE: HEAVY METALS Amerock Hardware, amerock.com. Barberry Handmade, 419 Beaver St., Sewickley. 412.259.8297. barberryhandmade.com. SPLASH Kitchen Bath Home, 724.772.1060. splashshowrooms.com. Splurge, 1109 Freeport Road, Fox Chapel. 412.252.2242. splurge-shop.com. Woodard Furniture, woodard-furniture.com.

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM GWEN RICHARDS OF IGNITE PHOTOGRAPHY, AMEROCK HARDWARE

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ONE LAST

/ WHIRL HOW DID YOU LAND THE ROLE OF TOBY ON “THIS IS US”? A couple years ago, I did a show called ‘The Knick’ on Cinemax. Steven Soderbergh directed it. Not many people saw it [laughs], but it was a really good show. A lot of people in the industry saw it, and pretty much every job I’ve had since almost always directly had to do with someone who saw that show. That included Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, two of the executive producers of ‘This Is Us.’ I don’t know how they looked at [my character on ‘The Knick,’ an ambulance driver who steals from patients] and thought I should read for Toby, but they invited me in and it all worked out. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE TOBY? So far, you’ve seen his relationship with Kate [played by Chrissy Metz]. People talk about how perfect Toby is or how romantic he is. All of the things he does are very loving and thoughtful. But he obviously has his downside — he throws tantrums, he storms off, he has his moments. I think what we’re finally learning about Toby and Kate is that the real relationship doesn’t start until you start delving into each other’s pain, really getting in there and doing the difficult work. I think he represents the Hollywood, romantic idea of what a relationship is supposed to be. The writers are using him now to sort of demonstrate how to get around that ideal, which I’m enjoying. Of course, I enjoy everything I get to do with Chrissy Metz. We get along so famously, and it’s a real honor and privilege to create next to her every day. WHICH STORYLINES REALLY AFFECTED YOU? My stuff with Kate is pretty fun, mostly. As far as the storylines in the show, though, I know a lot of us were really into William and his storyline. Ron Cephas Jones is just one of the best actors I’ve ever seen. Certainly made me cry every time I saw him. IN WHAT WAYS HAS THE SHOW IMPACTED VIEWERS? The stories that you see on screen are pulled right out of the hearts of our writers. Although the story is fictional, there are people in our writers’ room who are bearing their souls through all of these scenarios. What you end up with is an audience who watches this television show, and the title of the show is their response. You know? They watch it and say, ‘Holy s—, this is us.’ All of the relationships are so relatable that that’s the kind of response we’ve been getting. Our viewers, as far as I can tell, are just a lovely group of people.

THIS IS

CHRIS SULLIVAN And this is how the star of NBC’s “This Is Us” plays a role in connecting people across the country

Has anyone ever watched an episode of “This Is Us” and not cried? The engaging story of families embracing the ups and downs of life has captivated audiences since the first episode last fall. Lightening some of the heavier storylines with quick wit and swoon-worthy moments is Chris Sullivan’s character, Toby. We chatted with Sullivan about the show’s cultural phenomenon and the buzz around season two’s premiere SEPTEMBER 26. 96

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YOU AND YOUR CASTMATES PLAY ONE FAMILY ON THE SHOW. IS THAT KIND OF HOW IT IS OFF SET? It really is. Since last season, we’ve all gotten to spend time with each other off set. We’ve had quite a bit of press to do, which we find very enjoyable. It’s a chance for all of us to be in one place at the same time, which doesn’t happen very often, since the show is so broken into different storylines. It’s actually kind of shocking how well we get along. Not that I would expect these people to be jerks [laughs]. But just in life, when you gather this many personalities, people are bound to not be as compatible as we’ve turned out to be. MOST OF THE SHOW TAKES PLACE IN THE PITTSBURGH AREA. HAVE YOU BEEN TO THE CITY BEFORE? I’ve never been to Pittsburgh. The closest I’ve gotten to Pittsburgh was a charity event in New York for the Pittsburgh Film Commission. We are all hoping for a family field trip together to Pittsburgh. We should probably go to a Steelers game, right? OF COURSE! ARE YOU A FOOTBALL FAN? I grew up in Central California in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, so I got to witness the Joe Montana, Steve Young era with the 49ers. It was pretty impossible to escape that phenomenon as a kid. I don’t follow it as much as an adult. I was a competitive tennis player, so I follow that instead. I don’t want to jump on anyone’s bandwagon, you know — just because I’m on this TV show, so now I like the Steelers. But I’ll do it! “This Is Us,” nbc.com/this-is-us

The only hint Sullivan could share about season two? “I’m excited for everyone to see Toby try to get to know the family a little bit better.” So are we! BY RACHEL JONES •

PHOTOGRAPH FROM MAARTEN DE BOER/NBC

8/16/17 5:36 PM

One dollar at a time. One customer at a time. One bank for over 160 years.

Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC. Copyright ÂŠ 2017, Dollar Bank, Federal Savings Bank.

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