When we talk about what makes Pittsburgh such a great place to live, we tend to think of the pro sports teams, affordable housing, a vibrant arts scene, and that million-dollar view from the Fort Pitt tunnel.

Many people get excited for fall because it brings Oktoberfest. This well-known beer festival actually began as a wedding party. The first Oktoberfest took place in 1810 in Munich, Germany, to celebrate Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.

When it comes to your health, the saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” still rings true. It’s up to you and your primary care team to aim to prevent illness and injury whenever possible. This is done through preventive measures like adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle, having routine physicals and screenings, and avoiding risk factors for disease.

When UPMC Passavant was recently recognized as the No. 2 Best Hospital in the Pittsburgh region by U.S. News & World Report, I felt immense pride. But more, I felt gratitude. Gratitude for the physicians, nurses and countless others whose dedication makes this possible. Most importantly, gratitude for the trust our communities place in us every day.

5 Generations Bakers, producer of the well-known Jenny Lee Swirl Breads, has joined with two other local companies to introduce a new Jenny Lee Swirl Brew.

Fox Chapel Area High School 2026 graduate Emily Korczyski was named a third-place national winner in the 2026 Create Real Impact Contest. The students produced a public service announcement (PSA) titled, The Final Rose.

Franklin Park resident Dr. Cindy Zurchin didn’t learn resilience by choice, but by necessity. When she was just 17 years old, her car was rearended by a speeding driver, and she was pushed into oncoming traffic. A truck then hit the front end of her car and her Ford Mustang exploded into flames as she was ejected and violently thrown to the side of the road, 30 feet away. She was on fire.

This month, while still exploring restaurants in the North Pittsburgh area, we ventured away from the usual Italian trend and moved more into Mediterranean cuisine. Tucked away on the side streets of a quaint Fox Chapel neighborhood, Avva is a cute little restaurant with a great patio that sets the vibe for a casual, relaxing evening.

Check out local sales, entertainment, networking and more this October!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's a time for reflection on breast cancer research, prevention, and treatment. A special group of area ladies is gearing up this month in their fight for the cure!

The time has arrived for streaming services and theatres alike to roll out their horror lineups and, as usual, I could not be more thrilled. From the latest take on Stephen King’s classic Carrie, to the prequel series Camp Crystal Lake, as well as Scream celebrating 30 years by playing in theatres, nostalgia is having a moment. The question of “Why do you like this stuff?” has always been asked, and for good reason.

Beginning this October, with the blessing of Laura Arnold, the magazine’s President and Publisher, I’m adding a little spice to my MOM2MOMS column. I’ve realized how fortunate I am to meet people of all ages, ethnicities, backgrounds, and upbringings every day. Whether in person, by phone, or by email, or while teaching a cooking class, hosting a Dinner in the Dark, or hosting a networking event, I’m always hearing new stories, and I want to share them. We all have a story. W

For the past several years, a 33-foot Veterans train display has been an uplifting part of the HJ Heinz Aspinwall VA Hospital at 1010 Delafield Road. Located in the main entrance atrium, the impressive exhibit wraps around three sides of the grand staircase in Building 71. The exhibit replicates so many nostalgic and memorable pieces of Pittsburgh.

For decades, vegetable sales have been strong, especially sweet corn from September to October. However, now it is said that kids are back at school and eating habits have changed. Well, I agree with starting school, but for decades customers have sought fresh vegetables and sweet corn through the end of the season, and the harvest season can run well into October.

The most extraordinary thing in the world is an ordinary man and an ordinary woman and their ordinary children. G. K. Chesterton