Silver Linings, Part I

We asked a broad array of Pittsburghers—the pandemic has certainly brought hardships, but what “silver linings” have accompanied it that have affected your life in a positive way?

Years ago, I was given the sage advice to always “listen to learn.” This pandemic delivered a whopper of learnings. Celebrate the good in our life—family, friends, furry companions, nature, fresh-brewed coffee, a home-cooked meal, a good day’s work. —Kim Ravenda, Huntington Bank

As a new college president who was traveling constantly before March, a silver lining has been being “grounded,” enabling me to be fully engaged on campus, more active locally, and more present for my family. —Hilary L. Link, Allegheny College

I have been impressed with the creativity and dedication of our employees. On a personal level, witnessing the resiliency and sanguinity of my 95-year-old mother, who lives with us, has been a delight. —Christopher Donahue, Federated Hermes

Life has become more focused, productive and enjoyable for everyone in my family. We’ve had more time together, and gained a better appreciation for what each of us does. My companies and foundations have become more agile and innovative, and employees are happier working from home. In India, where I grew up, cities are cleaner and you can see the skylines. And, best of all, business travel has stopped! —Sunil Wadhwani, Mastech Corporation

A silver lining was being able to spend time in the kitchen with my youngest daughter, who moved home for a period during the height of the pandemic. My perspective was refreshed with new recipes, ideas and her unique and youthful touch. —Lee Deiseroth, The Fluted Mushroom

I have found that our customers have developed a more intimate relationship with their spaces and recognize the importance of being surrounded by things that make them happy. Interior design can offer a sanctuary within these challenging times, and at Weisshouse this service is not only something we excel at, it is what we love to do. —Stacy Weiss, Weisshouse

Kayaking among herons and shimmering minnows. Scanning family photos—perseverance yet smiles during the Great Depression. Staying in touch with friends. Reading “Shadows on the Koyukuk.” Hearing the laughter and play of neighborhood children. —Jody Dimeling, Bill Few Associates

When the hospitals reported dangerous shortages of PPE, we organized a collection of PPE to donate to UPMC and were blown away by the response. We ended up needing the Pitt Movers to deliver the donations in a moving truck. Swanson School of Engineering researchers stepped up in other ways. It truly was humanity at its finest. —David Vorp, University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering

My children are on the brink of early adolescence and its corresponding independence, so during the pandemic I have enjoyed slowing things down and focusing on my kids while they are still fully in childhood. —Bart Griffith Jr., Shady Side Academy

It was great to see PPG people making a positive difference during the pandemic—donating more than 80,000 protective masks to U.S. hospitals, producing hand sanitizer, making our paints and coatings for many essential industries, supporting relief organizations and more. The agility of our dedicated workforce makes me proud and will be a lasting legacy. —Michael McGarry, PPG

With so little to look forward to, day after day, without hesitation, the best outcome of our COVID time were family dinners. For the past nine years, as our children were growing, after-school activities and our own work travel made the spectre of weeknight family dinners a three-hour marathon at best. Pleasant for almost no one, food shoveled in at all stages of reheating—COVID quarantine stopped all of this. With one boy home from Kenyon College, a high school junior daughter and an 8th grader son all on pause—Gus and I found our travel and meetings on pause, too. With Zoom class and meeting fatigue setting in—the dinner table was live—a point in the day of true communion, with (mostly) good food—moments we had only caught glimpses of in the past years came to life. —Anne Hanna Engel, Howard Hanna Insurance Services

The pandemic has allowed Dara and me to have a lot more family time with the boys. We have been able to slow down and enjoy time being together in Pittsburgh. —John Henne, Henne Jewelers