Monday, July 29, 2013

WESA Public Radio Interview


I had the pleasure of being interviewed on the Essential Pittsburgh show on our local NPR affiliate, WESA 90.5 FM about a week ago.  I was on with host Paul Guggenheimer and writer Leah Samuel, whose recent article on the website Public Source addressed wage and hour violations in the hotel industry.  Thankfully, I was on not as a violator but as one of the good players in the industry.  However, I did try to make the point that wage and hour laws can be confusing for employers and employees, and that while there are some bad actors who consistently transgress, on many occasions the violations are honest mistakes by the operator, who will then make restitution and see that the problems do not arise again.

You can listen to the broadcast here.

Friday, July 12, 2013

Biggest Water Balloon Fight in the World Tomorrow!


I'd like to share with you a really special charity event which is taking place this Saturday at the Highmark (Riverhounds) Stadium at Station Square.  It's the Great AmericanWater Balloon Fight, a massive water balloon battle on the stadium field, with the proceeds of the event benefitting "Team Tassy," an organization devoted to helping the families of Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of January 2010.  The water balloon fight consists of  four teams of contestants, led by a celebrity captain, doing battle with over 100,000 water balloons.  The organization raises money through contestants obtaining sponsors and through ticket sales.    It's a family friendly event with four bands, lots of food, and other amusements.  It  should be a great way to spend a summer day. 

Tassy Filsaime is a young man from Port Au Prince Haiti who was in severe need of an operation to remove a tumor on his jaw.  Two years ago, Pittsburgher Ian Rosenberger (a finalist on the "Survivor" television program) and some friends organized a fundraiser at our Grand Hall to raise the $30,000 they needed to bring Tassy to the U.S. and to get him this life saving operation.  The event and the operation was a success, but Ian and Company wanted to do more for the people of Haiti.  Thus they formed Team Tassy, an organization aimed at healing the families of Haiti by "teaching them to fish" so to speak.  First, they help stabilize a family's health concerns (as in Tassy's case), then they will work with the family in helping to educate the children and to find jobs for those who can work.  The focus is on the longitudinal well being of the family -- allowing them to sustain themselves.  It's truly inspiring. 

Tassy, who is doing well and going to school in Pittsburgh, will be there, along with Ian and many others.  If you have time on Saturday afternoon, I'd urge you to stop by this worthwhile event. 

Details :

What:   Great American Water Balloon Fight (also featuring food and live music)
Where:  Highmark Stadium, Station Square
When:   Saturday, July 13, 2012.  Doors open - 10:00 a.m.; Fight starts - 1:00 p.m. 

Link to Team Tassy Website:  http://teamtassy.org/


Link to Great American Water Balloon Fight Website:  http://www.teamtassy.org/waterballoon/

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Some Arresting Wedding Images from Photographer Ryan Zarichnak


A photographer, Ryan Zarichnak, shared some photography he had recently completed of a wedding (Laura and Justin) who had their wedding reception at our Grand Hall at the Priory in early May.  Ryan had quite a few striking images which are featured on his blog post of the wedding and reception, and which are definitely worth a look.  He has some nice action shots in the Grand Hall, and some offbeat images - including some shots at Lockhart Tire, a service station located a couple of blocks from us.

You can access Ryan's blog post here.