Recognizing Excellence In The 'Burgh

It's not every day you come across a professional whose warmth, insight and dedication rise above the rest, but when you do they deserve to be acknowledged.

I’m proud to recognize attorney Stephanie Boris of The Elder Law Offices of Shields and Boris. Not just for her work in elder law and estate planning, but for her heart and innovation she brings.

Attorney Stephanie’s additional credentials as Certified Dementia Practitioner and Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer reflect a rare level of commitment. One that puts empathy and clarity at the forefront of legal support for families navigating complex transitions.

I found this to be quite intriguing, unique and ever so needed. 
 
This isn't a sponsorship or feature, just heartfelt recognition for someone making a  powerful difference. I’m continuously passionate about honoring professionals like Attorney Stephanie because they remind me of what true service and strong quality character and client care should be.

https://www.shieldsandboris.com/

“Tuesday Scoop: From roaring engines to riverboats & flower fields — Pittsburgh’s Summer Events Rundown”

Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix

📅 July 11–20, 2025
Celebrate 43 years of vintage motorsport! Events span from street races in Schenley Park to high-speed action at Pitt Race in Wampum. Highlights include:

• Black Tie & Tailpipes Gala – July 11 at Heinz History Center

• Historics – July 11–13 at Pitt Race

• Downtown Car Display, Waterfront Cruise, Garden Party at Phipps… and street races through Schenley Park on July 19–20

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Fun fact: It's the nation’s largest vintage street race, drawing ~200,000 fans and supporting local special-needs groups for over 40 years  https://pvgp.org/

Tekko 2025 (Japanese Pop‑Culture Convention)

📅 July 17–20

At David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Tekko returns as the region’s go-to event for anime, cosplay, J‑rock, gaming, and more. Expect panels, a formal ball, contests, concerts, and thousands of fans

conventioncalendar.com+

https://www.pittsburghcc.com/events/tekko-20251/

allevFreedom Farms Wildflower Fest

📅 July 19–20
📍 Valencia, PA (Freedom Farms, 434 Overbrook Rd)

Immerse yourself in tractor-drawn rides through vibrant sunflowers, zinnias, snapdragons, pony rides, a sunflower maze, hay mountain, corn pit, live music, food/vendors — perfect for families. Admission is $10 (under 3 free)   https://www.visitpittsburgh.com/events/freedom-farms-wildflower-fest/?visitpittsburgh.com+3

🌿 Bonus Summer Picks

• Three Rivers Regatta – Though it shifts to early August some years, this iconic riverfront boat fest, concerts, competitions & fireworks traditionally runs around early July

• Dirty Dozen Cycle Race – Pittsburgh’s infamous hill-climb cycling event typically takes over in late July

🌿 Natural Ways to Keep Cool & Pest-Free This Summer

Pittsburgh’s humidity can be brutal — and so can the bugs! Here’s a double-duty roundup that keeps your space (and your mind) chill this summer.

🧊 Stay Cool Naturally

• Cucumber Water Spritz: Slice up cucumber, lemon, and mint and chill it in a spray bottle for a refreshing facial mist.

• DIY Cooling Neck Wrap: Soak a cloth in chilled green tea and a few drops of peppermint oil. Keep in the fridge and wear around your neck during hot afternoons.

• Freeze Your Sheets: It sounds odd, but throw pillowcases or top sheets in a ziplock and into the freezer for 30 minutes before bed — you'll thank yourself.

🦟 Natural Mosquito/Housefly Repellents

• Lemon + Clove Fly Repellent: Slice a lemon in half, stick 6–8 cloves into each half, and place in rooms or outdoor tables — works like a charm and smells great.

• Basil on the Windowsill: A pot of basil or mint near entrances deters mosquitos and is always a culinary win.

• DIY Mosquito Spray: Mix 10 drops of citronella, tea tree, or eucalyptus oil with water in a spray bottle. Shake and spritz on clothes before heading outdoors.

Bonus Tip for Business Owners:
Keeping entryways pest-free with a pot of lavender or rosemary not only helps reduce flies, but adds a fragrant, welcoming vibe for walk-ins.

These 2 are wild :-) 

Palm Palm (Shadyside)

Opening July 6 at 5996 Centre Ave, Palm Palm offers a mid-century glam coastal-inspired experience from the Ritual House team. The menu rotates seasonally—don’t miss the indulgent truffle spaghettios or coconut mirage dessert—and cocktails like the “Palm Reader” gin concoction.

The playful vintage atmosphere echoes Slim Aarons aesthetics!

Shore Thing (North Shore)

A unique floating venue on the Allegheny River launched July 1 near Clemente and Warhol bridges. Built from retired barges, it combines dining, drinks, and live events on 4,800 sq ft of waterfront platform.

Great for summer nights—check Riverlife’s social media for weather closures.

Beyond Advertising: Why Visibility and Trust Are the Real Game-Changers for Pittsburgh’s Small Businesses

In a city that values hard work and heritage, being seen is no longer enough. Whether you're a family-run café in Bloomfield or a wellness clinic in South Hills, the key to long-term success is being trusted.

And in 2025, trust doesn’t come from being loud — it comes from being positioned.

Big-budget ads can boost awareness for a minute. But what sticks? Credibility. Reputation. Visibility that means something. The kind of recognition that puts your business in front of the right eyes with the right message — as a leader, not just a name.

The Pittsburgh Shift:

More local businesses are stepping away from constant promo-mode and investing in how they’re perceived — online and in the community. They’re earning media features. Sharing real stories. Leaning into customer experience. And they’re winning the long game.

If your business is doing something worth sharing — innovating, giving back, serving with heart — don’t bury it.

Because in today’s world, people don’t just want to buy — they want to believe.

 

Want to stand out for more than your services?

Nominate your business (or a favorite local one!) for recognition in High5 Pittsburgh. It’s more than exposure — it’s how trust is built.

👉 Nominate someone for recognition

Maximize your digital “front door.”
In today’s landscape, your digital presence—Google profile, social media, review sites—is often the first interaction a customer has with your business. Make sure:

• Your Google Business Profile is complete with updated hours, menus, photos.

• Social media profiles reflect your brand’s tone and values.

• Online reviews are monitored and responded to promptly—positive or negative.

Why it matters: 90% of consumers search online before visiting a business, and 85% trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.

A polished, active profile not only improves visibility but builds trust—and trust leads to footfall.

At High5 Pittsburgh, we believe in lifting up our community—whether it’s through supporting local businesses, recognizing incredible people, or spreading positivity. That’s why we’re launching The High5 Challenge Series! 🎉

Each month, we’ll bring you 2 new, fun challenges to spark connections, and celebrate what makes Pittsburgh amazing.

✅ End of the month – The Business Idea Challenge (for creative thinkers & entrepreneurs!)

✅ Beginning of the month – A fun community                      challenge (for everyone—no business needed!)

🔹 Next Month’s Challenge for our Community Will Be        About A "High5 to Kindness!"
   

A little kindness goes a long way! Your challenge (if you choose to accept it will be to:

✅ Perform one small act of kindness—help a neighbor, support a local shop, or simply brighten someone’s day.

✅ Share what you did! Reply to this post via text

 412- 681-1105 or email: high5pittsburgh@gmail.com with #High5Pittsburgh so we can feature standout stories in the following week’s issue!

💡 Why join in? Because small actions create a BIG impact. Plus, who doesn’t love a good High5? 🙌

🚀 Let’s kick off the first challenge strong! Are you in?

"Pittsburgh is a city where things get done." - Andy Warhol 

Why was the Pittsburgh newspaper so good at reporting on sports?

Because they had a lot of page turnovers!

Why it's perfect:

• Cold and refreshing — great for hot days.

• Sweet, salty, tangy — hits all the flavor notes.

• Simple but impressive — makes a great BBQ side or light lunch.

🍉 Ingredients:

• 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed or balled

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped or torn

• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)

• 1/4 cup cucumber, thinly sliced or diced (optional but cooling)

🍯 For the dressing:

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Pinch of sea salt

👩‍🍳 Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, feta, mint, and optional ingredients (onion/cucumber).

2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, olive oil, and salt.

3. Drizzle dressing over the watermelon mixture. Gently toss to combine.

4. Chill in fridge for 15–30 minutes before serving for extra refreshment.

5. Optional: Top with a few extra mint leaves or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a surprise kick.

🧊 Tip:

If you’re serving it at a picnic or outdoor event, freeze a few cubes of watermelon ahead of time and add them in right before serving to keep everything cold without watering it down.

High5 Shines A Light On Pittsburgh's Exceptional Businesses and Community Stars

High 5 Pittsburgh this isn't just a newsletter it's a movement to celebrate the best of our city. We showcase standout businesses community leaders and products that inspire trust recognition and excellence. From small businesses making a big impact to individuals going the extra mile we give a well deserved high 5 to those who make Pittsburgh shine.

Kyle's Cake N'at 

A very exclusive specialty is Kyle’s Cake N’at.

At Kyle’s Cakes N’at, the motto says it all: “Life is short. Eat cheesecake.”

This artisan cheesecake shop, rooted in a cherished family recipe, has gained a devoted following over the years for its exceptional quality and personal touch.

What sets Kyle’s Cakes N’at apart isn’t just the outstanding flavor of their handcrafted cheesecakes—like their top-seller, Lemon Raspberry—but also their dedication to stellar customer service.

From humble beginnings at regional farmers markets four years ago, Kyle’s Cakes, in June, recently celebrated the grand opening of their storefront located in Millvale (Pittsburgh), 543 North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15209 offering customers a more convenient way to satisfy their cheesecake cravings.

Open from Wednesday through Sunday, customers can now enjoy the flexibility of picking up cheesecakes throughout the week instead of waiting for market weekends.

For cheesecake lovers beyond the region, Kyle’s Cakes N’at ships nationwide to the lower 48 states. Each cheesecake is frozen, carefully packaged with dry ice, and shipped using two-day delivery, ensuring it arrives perfectly chilled and ready to enjoy.

Whether you’re stopping by the store, browsing at the farmers market, or ordering from afar, Kyle’s Cakes N’at promises a dessert experience that’s both indulgent and unforgettable.

You can reach Kyle’s Cake N’at at: 412-405-1575

Pets of Pittsburgh

Do you have a pet with a story?

We’d love to feature them!

🐾 Pet Story of the Week: Lucy the Lifesaver

When 9-year-old Grace and her family took a summer day trip to Moraine State Park, they packed the usual: sunscreen, snacks, and their golden retriever, Lucy.

As the family settled near the lake, Lucy wandered along the shoreline, occasionally splashing in the water. Suddenly, she began barking—loudly and persistently. At first, they thought she’d spotted a duck or fish. But then she bolted down the path and into the water.

About 20 feet offshore, a young boy who had been paddleboarding had fallen in and was struggling to stay afloat—no life jacket, and no adult nearby.

Lucy swam out and instinctively let the boy grab hold of her back. She paddled him back to shore where a few shocked beachgoers helped pull him up. His parents came running moments later.

They later told Grace’s family that their son had been trying to stand up on the board but lost his balance. He panicked, swallowed water, and couldn’t call for help.

Lucy was awarded a special "Honorary Lifeguard" bandana from the park rangers, and her story went semi-viral on local social media. Grace now proudly tells everyone, “Lucy doesn’t just fetch sticks. She saves lives.”

Nominate a Business or Individual Today.

Just email : high5pittsburgh@gmail.com and we'll take it from there !

That’s it for this week, Pittsburgh!

High5 to New Biz, Big Milestones & Festive Fun in Pittsburgh!

I’d love to hear from you:

• What local business should I spotlight next?

• Have a trivia idea, event, or fun fact to share? Drop me a message! high5pittsburgh@gmail.com or 412-681-1105

Let’s keep building connections and celebrating what makes our city shine.

See you next Tuesday! 

"Here's to what makes your heart happy and your soul smile." cas

Your Local Visibility Champion