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Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Spend an evening in the islands with Tom Watt, the #1 Jimmy Buffett impersonator
January 15, 2011
7:00-11:00
Skyview Firehall - off Rt. 885 by Pat Bus Garage
$25/person or $45/couple
Ticket includes show, buffet and draft beer.
Benefits West Mifflin Titan High School Football and Cheerleaders
Tickets and info: Lori-412-759-4728
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Niners' new interim coach made mark at Steel Valley
Not everyone knows that Jim Tomsula, the interim coach of the San Francisco 49ers, played for a championship team at Steel Valley High School in 1984.
Thomas Jefferson coach Bill Cherpak and Woodland Hills' George Novak are two who do.
Tomsula, 43, and Cherpak were shoulder-to-shoulder offensive and defensive linemen for Novak, then the Steel Valley coach, when they won the WPIAL Big Ten Conference with a 10-0 regular-season record.
"He was Pittsburgh all the way through," Cherpak said of Tomsula, a native of Homestead. "He was tough. He was the worker. He didn't get as much attention because he was shorter (6-foot, 255 pounds), but he was just as good a player as anybody else."
Tomsula had been the 49ers' defensive line coach since 2007, keeping his job when Mike Singletary replaced former head coach Mike Nolan in 2008. Ultimately, Tomsula replaced Singletary, who was fired Sunday with one game left in the season.
True to Cherpak's description, Tomsula was working when he got word of the coaching change Sunday night. Immediately after arriving from St. Louis, where the 49ers had lost to the Rams to fall to 5-10, Tomsula started watching film, preparing for the next game.
Jed York, 49ers president and CEO, said Tomsula apologized to him Monday for not wearing a suit and tie to his introductory news conference. Tomsula was so focused on his job that he never made it home to change clothes.
Tomsula has a long coaching resume that began after he played at Middle Tennessee State and Catawba (N.C.) College. Initially, he worked in the food service industry before beginning a coaching career at Charleston Southern (S.C.) University in 1997 -- against his father's wishes.
Cherpak, who remains close friends with Tomsula and his family, remembers Tomsula's father saying, "This coaching will never take you anywhere."
Undaunted, Tomsula coached at Catawba in the fall and NFL Europe in the spring and summer, working for the England Monarchs, Scottish Claymores, Berlin Thunder and Rhein Fire from 1998-2006. He was Rhein's head coach in '06.
"He was a fighter," Cherpak said. "He was one of those guys who busted his butt in everything he did. In the summer, he would work in construction and go straight to work out."
This summer, Tomsula, Cherpak and Novak organized a football camp at Thomas Jefferson for boys with Down Syndrome. A total of 40 attended, many of whom were playing football for the first time. Tomsula conducted a similar camp in California.
Tomsula's wife Julie has invited Cherpak to the 49ers' home game Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. It's a big day for the family, because Tomsula is not expected to keep the job.
"I'm on a one-week calendar," he said.
No matter what happens in the future, Novak and Cherpak do not expect Tomsula to change.
"He's a regular guy," Novak said.
Said Cherpak: "He is hometown. You would never know he is a head coach. You tackle. You block. There is only one ball on the field. He doesn't make it any harder than it is, any more important than it is."
By Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Blast From the Past: Old Steel Mill Forges New Life as a Park
(Dec. 2) -- Preservationists outside Pittsburgh are fighting to put an abandoned steel mill back to work -- not so it can produce metal, but so it can protect history.
Since the blast furnaces fired up for the last time at the Carrie Furnace in 1978, the decaying steel mill on the bank of the Monongahela River has served as a solemn reminder of the industry that turned Pittsburgh into a thriving city -- then left it polluted and jobless.
Now, more than three decades after the Carrie Furnace went from being a bustling workplace for 4,000 employees to a 168-acre ghost town, a team of preservationists is trying to convert the remains of the hulking factory in Rankin, Pa., into a museum dedicated to the region's steel history.
"Pittsburgh is known for steel," said Sherris Moreira, a spokeswoman for Rivers of Steel Heritage Corp., the group spearheading the preservation project. "There is this pride that people here have for their steel heritage -- and this is a tangible way for people to connect with that history."
Rivers of Steel hopes to preserve the remaining structures, transforming the industrial ruin into an interactive historical center inside a park.
At the heart of the proposed preservation project are the two remaining blast furnaces, which were built in 1907 and left largely unchanged until U.S. Steel halted operations at the Carrie Furnace.
The massive ovens are rare examples of pre-World War II steel-making technology -- and they could make the perfect centerpiece for the proposed museum, according to Rivers of Steel curator of collections Tiffani Emig.
"They were never invested in for improvements and they were never upgraded. Everything was done by hand up until the day it closed," Emig said. "That's what makes them special."
Those industrial relics -- along with five other furnaces that were demolished -- manufactured as much as 1,200 tons of iron per day, creating metals used in the construction of the Empire State Building and St. Louis' Gateway Arch.
When the blast furnaces were operational, they turned ore, coke and limestone flux into a molten metal that was transported by rail across the aptly named "Hot Metal Bridge" to U.S. Steel's Homestead Works, where it was converted into steel.
The Homestead Works were razed in 1988 and the site was converted into a shopping mall in 1999. Today, all that remains of the historic steel mill are the smokestacks, which tower over a movie theater parking lot across the river from the Carrie Furnace.
The Carrie Furnace has already been deemed a National Historic Landmark, meaning it likely won't meet the same fate as the Homestead Works. But that doesn't mean the site isn't in danger.
When industry moved out, nature moved in. Tree roots have undermined the stability of some Carrie Furnace buildings, and grapevines scale the superstructure of the sprawling mill. Foxes, hawks and deer have recently been spotted on the site -- and they're not the only new visitors.
The abandoned steel mill has become a destination for graffiti artists, paintball players, vagrants and vandals who strip the site and sell the stolen scrap metal.
"The wiring and anything else that can be scrapped has been taken out," said Emig, who told AOL News she's often chased away uninvited visitors. "With the graffiti, the paint wears off. It's the people who are physically stripping the site who are the problem."
Rivers of Steel plans to restore some parts of the Carrie Furnace to look the way they did when the plant was operational. But other parts -- like a massive sculpture of a deer head built from metal and wire in the 1990s by the Industrial Arts Co-Op -- will remain as they are today.
"We will preserve some of the graffiti, definitely the deer," Emig said. "This site didn't die in 1978. This place continued to be used, and we want to show that."
Even if Rivers of Steel gets its wish and is able to preserve the remaining steel mill structures, the rest of the 168-acre property could look very different in the coming years. Allegheny County owns the entire site and began renting the Carrie Furnace buildings to Rivers of Steel in May.
County officials are looking for builders interested in bringing light manufacturing and residential development to the rest of the grassy plot.
New businesses or homes near the old steel mill will certainly change the site's context, but they won't compromise the Carrie Furnace as a historic site, according to Emig.
"It's already compromised," she said. "There's only two furnaces left; there used to be seven. You work with what you have."
The most important thing the Carrie Furnace has is its historic site, according to Arthur Ziegler, president of the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation.
"We have saved artifacts from the mills -- blowing engines, a Bessemer converter and so forth -- but we had to relocate them," Ziegler said. "But this will be the first time it's all preserved on site."
Obviously, making the dilapidated steel mill a safe destination for sightseers isn't going to be easy -- or cheap.
The group's "bare-bones cost estimate" for the project is $78 million. Current funding only allows for repairs of a severely damaged roof at one of the powerhouses.
To fund other projects, like securing shaky catwalks, clearing out tons of debris from the mill's stock house, or perhaps building a monorail like the one depicted in flashy conceptual images of the historic center, the group will seek public funding and private donations.
There's talk of approaching the National Parks Service for help, but it's unclear whether the cash-strapped agency would be interested in or able to offer assistance.
Though finances are a concern, Moreira says she's been encouraged by the interest in the project.
"Heritage matters," said Moreira, whose group has given tours of the Carrie Furnace to more than 700 eager visitors in the past two months. "It's not only important to know where we come from, but it's important looking into the future.
According to Moreira, many Pittsburghers have started looking to the city's steel-making roots as a source of pride.
"There was a lot of bitterness when the steel went away. People wanted to move on. But now people are at the point where they want to look back," she said.
"This isn't just steel; it's about emotions."
AOL News
December 2, 2010
http://www.aolnews.com/2010/12/02/blast-from-the-past-old-steel-mill-forges-new-life-as-a-park/
Since the blast furnaces fired up for the last time at the Carrie Furnace in 1978, the decaying steel mill on the bank of the Monongahela River has served as a solemn reminder of the industry that turned Pittsburgh into a thriving city -- then left it polluted and jobless.
Now, more than three decades after the Carrie Furnace went from being a bustling workplace for 4,000 employees to a 168-acre ghost town, a team of preservationists is trying to convert the remains of the hulking factory in Rankin, Pa., into a museum dedicated to the region's steel history.
"Pittsburgh is known for steel," said Sherris Moreira, a spokeswoman for Rivers of Steel Heritage Corp., the group spearheading the preservation project. "There is this pride that people here have for their steel heritage -- and this is a tangible way for people to connect with that history."
Rivers of Steel hopes to preserve the remaining structures, transforming the industrial ruin into an interactive historical center inside a park.
At the heart of the proposed preservation project are the two remaining blast furnaces, which were built in 1907 and left largely unchanged until U.S. Steel halted operations at the Carrie Furnace.
The massive ovens are rare examples of pre-World War II steel-making technology -- and they could make the perfect centerpiece for the proposed museum, according to Rivers of Steel curator of collections Tiffani Emig.
"They were never invested in for improvements and they were never upgraded. Everything was done by hand up until the day it closed," Emig said. "That's what makes them special."
Those industrial relics -- along with five other furnaces that were demolished -- manufactured as much as 1,200 tons of iron per day, creating metals used in the construction of the Empire State Building and St. Louis' Gateway Arch.
When the blast furnaces were operational, they turned ore, coke and limestone flux into a molten metal that was transported by rail across the aptly named "Hot Metal Bridge" to U.S. Steel's Homestead Works, where it was converted into steel.
The Homestead Works were razed in 1988 and the site was converted into a shopping mall in 1999. Today, all that remains of the historic steel mill are the smokestacks, which tower over a movie theater parking lot across the river from the Carrie Furnace.
The Carrie Furnace has already been deemed a National Historic Landmark, meaning it likely won't meet the same fate as the Homestead Works. But that doesn't mean the site isn't in danger.
When industry moved out, nature moved in. Tree roots have undermined the stability of some Carrie Furnace buildings, and grapevines scale the superstructure of the sprawling mill. Foxes, hawks and deer have recently been spotted on the site -- and they're not the only new visitors.
The abandoned steel mill has become a destination for graffiti artists, paintball players, vagrants and vandals who strip the site and sell the stolen scrap metal.
"The wiring and anything else that can be scrapped has been taken out," said Emig, who told AOL News she's often chased away uninvited visitors. "With the graffiti, the paint wears off. It's the people who are physically stripping the site who are the problem."
Rivers of Steel plans to restore some parts of the Carrie Furnace to look the way they did when the plant was operational. But other parts -- like a massive sculpture of a deer head built from metal and wire in the 1990s by the Industrial Arts Co-Op -- will remain as they are today.
"We will preserve some of the graffiti, definitely the deer," Emig said. "This site didn't die in 1978. This place continued to be used, and we want to show that."
Even if Rivers of Steel gets its wish and is able to preserve the remaining steel mill structures, the rest of the 168-acre property could look very different in the coming years. Allegheny County owns the entire site and began renting the Carrie Furnace buildings to Rivers of Steel in May.
County officials are looking for builders interested in bringing light manufacturing and residential development to the rest of the grassy plot.
New businesses or homes near the old steel mill will certainly change the site's context, but they won't compromise the Carrie Furnace as a historic site, according to Emig.
"It's already compromised," she said. "There's only two furnaces left; there used to be seven. You work with what you have."
The most important thing the Carrie Furnace has is its historic site, according to Arthur Ziegler, president of the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation.
"We have saved artifacts from the mills -- blowing engines, a Bessemer converter and so forth -- but we had to relocate them," Ziegler said. "But this will be the first time it's all preserved on site."
Obviously, making the dilapidated steel mill a safe destination for sightseers isn't going to be easy -- or cheap.
The group's "bare-bones cost estimate" for the project is $78 million. Current funding only allows for repairs of a severely damaged roof at one of the powerhouses.
To fund other projects, like securing shaky catwalks, clearing out tons of debris from the mill's stock house, or perhaps building a monorail like the one depicted in flashy conceptual images of the historic center, the group will seek public funding and private donations.
There's talk of approaching the National Parks Service for help, but it's unclear whether the cash-strapped agency would be interested in or able to offer assistance.
Though finances are a concern, Moreira says she's been encouraged by the interest in the project.
"Heritage matters," said Moreira, whose group has given tours of the Carrie Furnace to more than 700 eager visitors in the past two months. "It's not only important to know where we come from, but it's important looking into the future.
Sponsored Links
In the years since the steel industry left Pittsburgh, the "Steel City" has in many ways attempted to distance itself from its metal-producing past. But the city's industrial legacy lives on -- and not just in the name of its football team and local beer.According to Moreira, many Pittsburghers have started looking to the city's steel-making roots as a source of pride.
"There was a lot of bitterness when the steel went away. People wanted to move on. But now people are at the point where they want to look back," she said.
"This isn't just steel; it's about emotions."
AOL News
December 2, 2010
http://www.aolnews.com/2010/12/02/blast-from-the-past-old-steel-mill-forges-new-life-as-a-park/
Batch, Steelers take part in annual 'Batch of Toys' drive
Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch scored a touchdown for local children as he hosted his fifth annual Collect a Batch of Toys drive.
People lined up outside and around Dave & Buster’s restaurant in Homestead Tuesday afternoon to donate a toy and get an autograph or picture taken with Batch and his Steelers teammates.
“It’s sad to know that so many kids don’t have the opportunities that other kids have,” Batch said. “I’ve delivered thousands of toys for the holidays, and every year when the last toy is delivered, I always wish I had more of them to give.”
The Homestead native said he is happy to serve and bring attention to his hometown and the Pittsburgh area.
“This is where I’m from and I see the impact the Steelers have,” he said.
Other Steelers in attendance included James Farrior, Ryan Mundy, Dennis Dixon, Max Starks, Flozell Adams, Maurkice Pouncey, Crezdon Butler, Ramon Foster, Matt Spaeth and Frank Summers.
Batch said he appreciates the assistance he gets from his teammates, who also brought numerous toys to donate.
“They’ve been supportive of everything I’ve done,” he said.
Dixon said it’s great to see Batch helping out his hometown.
“He’s my role model for the way he represents himself on and off the field,” he said.
Batch said he’s appreciative so many people came out to donate toys.
“This is the fifth year and it keeps growing every year,” he said.
In the past four years, the drive has distributed more than 25,000 toys to children in need.
The quarterback personally delivers the toys to children and their families at The Salvation Army, the Women’s Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, Children’s Hospital of UPMC of Pittsburgh, financially challenged families in Allegheny County and Toys for Tots.
“It’s a wonderful thing he does,” Batch’s mom Lynn Settles said. “I enjoy watching him give back to the community.”
Pittsburgh resident Jim Cottler and his son Jim Cottler Jr. have been coming to Batch’s toy drive every year.
“It gives toys to kids who can’t afford to have a Christmas,” he said. “Charlie does a lot of good for the community.”
Dave & Buster’s also was giving out a $10 Power Card for each donation.
“The players have a very busy lifestyle,” said Robert Marin, Dave & Buster’s general manager.
“I’m ecstatic they would take time out of their day to come to Dave and Buster’s for the toy drive.”
He said the restaurant is always looking for ways to help the community and jumped at being involved with the toy drive this year, when Nancy Bruce Harris of Clear Channel Radio mentioned it to him.
Toy donations of new, unwrapped toys still can be made at Best of the Batch Foundation offices, 2000 West St. in Munhall, through Dec. 20. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information or to arrange pickup of large donations, call the foundation office at 412-326-0119.
By Stacy Lee, MCKEESPORT DAILY NEWS
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
People lined up outside and around Dave & Buster’s restaurant in Homestead Tuesday afternoon to donate a toy and get an autograph or picture taken with Batch and his Steelers teammates.
“It’s sad to know that so many kids don’t have the opportunities that other kids have,” Batch said. “I’ve delivered thousands of toys for the holidays, and every year when the last toy is delivered, I always wish I had more of them to give.”
The Homestead native said he is happy to serve and bring attention to his hometown and the Pittsburgh area.
“This is where I’m from and I see the impact the Steelers have,” he said.
Other Steelers in attendance included James Farrior, Ryan Mundy, Dennis Dixon, Max Starks, Flozell Adams, Maurkice Pouncey, Crezdon Butler, Ramon Foster, Matt Spaeth and Frank Summers.
Batch said he appreciates the assistance he gets from his teammates, who also brought numerous toys to donate.
“They’ve been supportive of everything I’ve done,” he said.
Dixon said it’s great to see Batch helping out his hometown.
“He’s my role model for the way he represents himself on and off the field,” he said.
Batch said he’s appreciative so many people came out to donate toys.
“This is the fifth year and it keeps growing every year,” he said.
In the past four years, the drive has distributed more than 25,000 toys to children in need.
The quarterback personally delivers the toys to children and their families at The Salvation Army, the Women’s Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, Children’s Hospital of UPMC of Pittsburgh, financially challenged families in Allegheny County and Toys for Tots.
“It’s a wonderful thing he does,” Batch’s mom Lynn Settles said. “I enjoy watching him give back to the community.”
Pittsburgh resident Jim Cottler and his son Jim Cottler Jr. have been coming to Batch’s toy drive every year.
“It gives toys to kids who can’t afford to have a Christmas,” he said. “Charlie does a lot of good for the community.”
Dave & Buster’s also was giving out a $10 Power Card for each donation.
“The players have a very busy lifestyle,” said Robert Marin, Dave & Buster’s general manager.
“I’m ecstatic they would take time out of their day to come to Dave and Buster’s for the toy drive.”
He said the restaurant is always looking for ways to help the community and jumped at being involved with the toy drive this year, when Nancy Bruce Harris of Clear Channel Radio mentioned it to him.
Toy donations of new, unwrapped toys still can be made at Best of the Batch Foundation offices, 2000 West St. in Munhall, through Dec. 20. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information or to arrange pickup of large donations, call the foundation office at 412-326-0119.
By Stacy Lee, MCKEESPORT DAILY NEWS
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
PITTSBURGH STEELERS QB CHARLIE BATCH TO COLLECT A “BATCH OF TOYS”
CHARLIE BATCH TO HOST 5TH ANNUAL TOY DRIVE TO BENEFIT ‘TOYS FOR TOTS’ & THE BEST OF THE BATCH FOUNDATION ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2010
Homestead, PA – Pittsburgh Steelers QB Charlie Batch will lead the effort to collect a “Batch of Toys” in his 5th Annual Toy Drive to benefit “Toys For Tots” and the Best of The Batch Foundation next Tuesday, December 14, 2010 from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Dave & Buster’s at 180 E. Waterfront Drive in Homestead, PA.
Charlie Batch and his teammates will sign autographs for fans in exchange for donations of new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to less fortunate kids. Toys for children of all ages will be accepted, and those who make donations will receive a complimentary $10 Dave & Buster’s PowerCard.
In its first four years, the “Batch of Toys” program has distributed more than 25,000 toys to needy children, and Charlie’s goal this year is to exceed 10,000 toys.
“It’s sad to know that so many kids don’t have the opportunities that other kids have,” said Batch. “I’ve delivered thousands of toys for the holidays, and every year when the last toy is delivered, I always wish I had more of them to give.”
Charlie personally delivers toys, along with smiles and joy to children and families at The Salvation Army, the Women’s Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Jail, Children’s Hospital, to financially challenged families in Allegheny County and to Toys for Tots.
In addition to the Dave & Buster’s location, toy donations can also be made at The Best of the Batch Foundation offices now through December 20th at 2000 West Street in Munhall, PA. Office hours are 9:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday. The pickup of large donations can be scheduled by calling the foundation office at 412.326.0119. Additional information about the “Batch of Toys” program and additional donation information is available at www.batchfoundation.org.
For updated information on Charlie Batch & his Best of the Batch Foundation, fans can follow on Facebook!
www.facebook.com/BestoftheBatchFoundation
Charlie Batch in the News:Watch Charlie Batch on ESPN First Take with Jay Crawford (http://bit.ly/cKUW3B), talking about Ben Roethlisberger's return, the Steelers start to the year at 3-1, his Best of the Batch Foundation, Project CHUCK Youth Basketball League, mentoring Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor, Eastern Michigan football and the Best of the Batch Foundation. Read about Batch’s mentorship of Pryor in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review at http://bit.ly/dCS9Qs and his motivation for establishing the Best of the Batch Foundation in this Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article: http://bit.ly/aydX6f.
The Best of the Batch Foundation is a registered non-profit foundation founded in 1999 by NFL quarterback Charlie Batch. The Best of the Batch Foundation’s mission is to provide opportunities and guidance to disadvantaged youth in the city of Pittsburgh, PA and surrounding areas through programs designed to encourage academic excellence through sports, positive motivation and community pride. For more information on the foundation, its programs, or how to contribute, please contact Latasha Wilson, Executive Director, at 412-326-0119, lwilson@batchfoundation.org, or visit the website at www.batchfoundation.org.
Governor Rendell: New State Investments Will Create Thousands of New Jobs in Allegheny County
PITTSBURGH, Dec. 13, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today said Pennsylvania has awarded $84 million for 19 projects throughout Allegheny County that will provide the foundation for the creation of more than 10,000 new jobs.
"We've been investing in Pennsylvania communities and businesses since the start of my administration with great success," the Governor said. "The 19 new investments we are announcing today will go a long way toward ensuring the health and viability of these communities for many years to come."
Funding for the 19 projects comes from the state's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, which operates on a reimbursement basis as construction expenses are billed and paid on projects that have been approved by the General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor.
In addition to the state's $84 million investment, the projects will leverage $165 million in private support.
Point Park University will receive a $2.5 million RACP grant from Governor Rendell for the construction of a park at Wood Street and Boulevard of the Allies. The new facility will improve the quality of life for visitors and residents of the neighborhood by replacing a surface parking lot with greenery and water features. It will also be a key component of the university's academic village initiative.
Governor Rendell said Pennsylvania has strategically used its ability to borrow money for vital community projects like these. Wall Street debt-rating agencies, like Moody's Investors Services, consistently categorize the commonwealth's debt burden as low.
"Programs like RACP and investments like these have helped to keep Pennsylvania's construction industry going despite the economic downturn. These investments, and others like it that we have made across the state for the past 8 years, have helped to keep Pennsylvania's unemployment rate below the national average for 91 of the 94 past months," Governor Rendell said.
For more information about economic development initiatives in Pennsylvania, visit www.newpa.com or call 1-866-466-3972.
Media contact: Gary Tuma, 717-783-1116
Editor's Note: A list of the projects Governor Rendell announced today, and the amount of funding each project received from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, is below.
Clinton Industrial Park, $8 million for Phase Two, the development of industrial and commercial sites at or surrounding the Greater Pittsburgh International Airport. The $20 million project is anticipated to create more than 2,000 permanent direct and indirect jobs, as well as 180 temporary construction jobs.
Westport Development/Findlay Industrial Park, $3 million for the project's second phase, which will extend Solar Drive in the Findlay Industrial Park, adding approximately 2,700 linear feet of roadway along with all utilities. The project will create 244 acres of development-ready land, which can be subdivided and sold to warehouse and distribution users ranging from 40,000 square feet to 1 million square feet. The $6.5 million project is expected to create 2,151 permanent jobs and 140 temporary construction jobs.
McKeesport Industrial Center, $5 million for Phase Two, the continued remediation and development of a 133-acre brownfield site along the Monongahela River in McKeesport. The project includes demolition, construction, renovation and infrastructure enhancements that will open 65 acres of the site. Future remediated space will focus on the continued growth of the flex park for business and industrial development. The $10 million project is expected to create 265 new jobs and 120 construction jobs, and it will retain 841 existing jobs.
Tech One Business Park, Monroeville, $3 million to continue constructing Stroschein Road to serve as an additional entrance into Bechtel Corporation. The project will alleviate traffic and safety issues for an adjacent residential community that currently has hundreds of cars from the business using a residential street to enter and exit the business park. This will open about 100 acres of the adjoining vacant and underutilized business park for development. The $12 million project is expected to create 200 permanent and 60 construction jobs, and will retain 549 existing positions.
Carrie Furnace Hot Metal Bridge, $5 million, for the remediation and rehabilitation of an existing hot metal bridge located in the Munhall and Rankin boroughs. The project will vehicular and pedestrian traffic and link the Carrie Furnace brownfield to State Route 837 and allow greater access to the area. The $35 million project is expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs at the redevelopment site, as well as 150 temporary construction jobs.
McClaren Business Park, Findlay Township, $5 million, for the construction of a new road that will connect to McClaren Road near the interchange with I-376. Several shovel-ready sites will be opened and prepared for development. The $11 million project is expected to create 400 permanent jobs and 250 construction jobs.
Tech 21, Marshall Township, $3 million, for the preparation of pad-ready sites in the Tech 21 development as well as general improvements to its entrance of the development and existing wetlands. The $6 million project is expected to create 4,267 permanent jobs and 200 construction jobs.
City Center - Duquesne Redevelopment, $5 million, for the continued remediation and development of a 240-acre brownfield along the Monongahela River. This phase of the $10 million project will open 75 new acres of development, create 410 permanent jobs and 165 construction jobs, and will retain 686 existing positions.
Point Park University Academic Village, $2.5 million, for the construction of an urban park at Wood Street and Boulevard of the Allies in what is now a surface parking lot. The park will add green space, a water feature, and a premier restaurant opportunity to the neighborhood, and is a key component of key component of the university's Academic Village initiative. The $7.5 million project is expected to create 310 construction jobs.
Robert Morris University School of Business Complex, Moon Township, $5 million, for an 18,000-square-foot facility that will include classroom space, the PNC Trading Center, the U.S. Steel Videoconferencing and Technology Resource Center, and the Allegheny Technologies Global Business Library. The $10.4 million project is expected to create 20 permanent jobs and 250 temporary construction jobs.
Robert Morris University Nursing Simulation Center, $5 million, for a 19,000-square-foot nursing simulation education, research and training facility. The center will contribute significantly to the research and training of health care professionals in southwestern Pennsylvania. The $11 million project is expected to create 13 permanent jobs and 250 temporary construction jobs.
2600 E. Carson Street, Pittsburgh, $5 million, for the acquisition, rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of a prominent historic seven-story structure in the South Side Flats neighborhood. The structure will be transformed into a mixed-use building that will contain approximately 87 one- and two-bedroom rental apartments plus 10,000 square feet of street-level retail space. The $27.8 million project is expected to create 55 permanent jobs and 125 construction jobs.
Residences at the Strip (Armstrong Cork II), $1.5 million, for the construction of a four-story building that will offer 90 market-rate residential rental units on Railroad Street (between 24th and 25th Streets) in Pittsburgh. The $18.34 million project is expected to create 15 permanent jobs and 125 construction jobs.
Downtown Preservation, $4 million, for the restoration and preservation projects on smaller-scale properties in the Fifth Forbes Corridor in downtown Pittsburgh. The goal of this investment will be to leverage private investment in the many buildings that may have a first-floor tenant, but the upper floors are vacant or under-occupied and feature unimproved facades. The $8 million project is expected to create 250 permanent jobs and 100 temporary construction jobs, and will retain 10 existing positions.
Baum Square Parking Garage, East Liberty, $4.5 million, for the construction of a structured parking facility that will include 140-plus spaces and will support various mixed-use redevelopment efforts in East Liberty. The $10.5 million project is expected to create 25 permanent jobs and 100 construction jobs.
Doughboy Square - 34th and Butler, Lower Lawrenceville, $1 million, to anchor a critical gateway location and - through construction, infrastructure, site prep, and streetscape improvements along both sides of this corner lot development - help eliminate a disjointed segment of the district. The $6.1 million project is expected to create 200 permanent jobs and 70 construction jobs.
Strip District & Produce Terminal Redevelopment, $15 million, for the complete renovation of the outdated Produce Terminal and residential-compatible development on the land between the terminal and the Allegheny Riverfront, as well as parking, sidewalks, lighting, new utilities and other investments to support the development. The $30.9 million is expected to create 788 permanent jobs and 636 construction jobs.
Chatham University Eden Hall Campus EcoCenter, $3 million, to rehabilitate and renovate two existing barns on the campus and become anchors to a new academic and outreach/conference complex. The EcoCenter will include a multi-purpose assembly space for conferences, various student activities, and community outreach programs; a kitchen facility; and a series of flex spaces that will be used as classrooms, faculty offices, a bookstore and for student recreation. The $8.8 million project is expected to create 285 permanent jobs and 40 construction jobs, and will retain three existing positions.
Western PA Life Science Economic Growth Initiative, $500,000, for a life sciences campus on the south side of Pittsburgh at the River Park Commons Business Center. The facility will attract burgeoning life sciences companies. This phase of the project will include the conversion of the building for its initial occupants and the construction of new laboratory space. The $1 million project is expected to create 25 permanent jobs and 15 construction jobs, and will retain 24 existing positions.
SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor
Thursday, December 9, 2010
"Vivaldi Gloria" Concert at St. Maximilian Kolbe
This Sunday December 12, 2010 at 3:00pm, The "Vivaldi Gloria" Concert will be performed at St Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 363 W. 11th Ave Extension, Homestead, PA 15120.
Admission is free!
This is a monumental event for the Steel Valley. We've have had wonderful concerts at our Carnegie Library Concert Hall, but never a concert of this caliber in any church in the valley.
The Combines choirs of the Pittsburgh Compline Choir and St. Andrew Episcopal Church Schola Cantorum (Highland Park) under the direction of Dr. Alastair Stout and Peter Luley, will perform in it's entirety the "Vivaldi Gloria". In addition, inspired carols and hymns of the season will be celebrated.
The Pittsburgh Baroque Ensemble's reputation speaks for itself. The group is under the musical direction of Rick Murrell, one of the finest Baroque trumpet players in the nation. Also other instrumentalists are coming from other parts of the country to perform at both at Saint Max on Dec. 12 and at Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside on Friday Dec. 10 to perform in it's entirety the Messiah. The choir is a mix of some of the cities finest singers and our soloist are second to none. This is truly an event you want to experience.
Admission is free!
This is a monumental event for the Steel Valley. We've have had wonderful concerts at our Carnegie Library Concert Hall, but never a concert of this caliber in any church in the valley.
The Combines choirs of the Pittsburgh Compline Choir and St. Andrew Episcopal Church Schola Cantorum (Highland Park) under the direction of Dr. Alastair Stout and Peter Luley, will perform in it's entirety the "Vivaldi Gloria". In addition, inspired carols and hymns of the season will be celebrated.
The Pittsburgh Baroque Ensemble's reputation speaks for itself. The group is under the musical direction of Rick Murrell, one of the finest Baroque trumpet players in the nation. Also other instrumentalists are coming from other parts of the country to perform at both at Saint Max on Dec. 12 and at Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside on Friday Dec. 10 to perform in it's entirety the Messiah. The choir is a mix of some of the cities finest singers and our soloist are second to none. This is truly an event you want to experience.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Visit the Center during the Steel Valley Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 4 - 12:00 pm
Visit the BMNECC before and during the annual Steel Valley Christmas Parade, which starts at 12:00 pm in front of the West Homestead Police Station (456 West 8th Avenue) and travels along 8th Avenue through Homestead, ending in Munhall. The BMNECC will be serving coffee and selling soup from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, so stop by and warm up! For more information, visit the Steel Valley Matters website.
Visit the BMNECC before and during the annual Steel Valley Christmas Parade, which starts at 12:00 pm in front of the West Homestead Police Station (456 West 8th Avenue) and travels along 8th Avenue through Homestead, ending in Munhall. The BMNECC will be serving coffee and selling soup from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, so stop by and warm up! For more information, visit the Steel Valley Matters website.
Buy Bulgarian Gifts at pump house Holiday Heritage Market
Saturday, December 4 - 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
The BMNECC will take part in the annual Holiday Heritage Market at the Rivers of Steel Pump House. We will be selling traditional Bulgarian gift items, such as our beautiful ceramic kitchenware, plus a variety of our delicious Bulgarian soups. We'll also hand out samples of our homemade strudel.
Learn more.
The BMNECC will take part in the annual Holiday Heritage Market at the Rivers of Steel Pump House. We will be selling traditional Bulgarian gift items, such as our beautiful ceramic kitchenware, plus a variety of our delicious Bulgarian soups. We'll also hand out samples of our homemade strudel.
Learn more.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Holiday parade lives on in the Steel Valley
With Homestead borough’s event planner and program director Denise Kelly retired, some thought there would be no Christmas parade in the Steel Valley this year.
Steel Valley residents should fear not as Homestead Mayor Betty Esper has stepped up as the coordinator of the Historic Steel Valley Christmas Parade, planned for Saturday at noon.
Parade lineup will be at 11:15 a.m. along Forest Avenue in West Homestead. The parade will go from Forest Avenue down Eighth Avenue to end at Shop’n Save in Homestead for cookies and drinks.
“It’s very hard for someone to step in,” Esper said. “I’m using the lineup from last year. It’s like (Kelly) is helping us organize it.”
Kelly organized the parade for more than 15 years. Esper organized the parade before Kelly. Esper said the majority of the groups in the parade last year also signed up this year. U.S. Steel once again is sponsoring the parade and Santa Claus will be the grand marshal.
“It’s his parade,” Esper said. “Why shouldn’t he be grand marshal?”
The parade will begin with equipment from surrounding fire organizations.
It will include local mayors and other elected leaders. Homecoming queens from Steel Valley and West Mifflin Area high schools will precede their school’s bands. Other high school marching bands in attendance will be Westinghouse and Pittsburgh Oliver. KDKA’s traffic and transportation reporter Jim Lokay will be in the parade. Arrangements are still being worked out for a possible appearance by Steel Valley High School’s all-time leading rusher, tailback Delrece Williams.
The parade’s approximately 100 units will include local police departments and EMS companies, Scouts, clowns, stilt walkers, military organizations, dance groups, musical groups, puppeteers, costumed characters and antique cars.
There will be no prizes for window decorating or floats this year.
“The parade is important because it brings our three communities together along with our wonderful neighbors to celebrate the season,” parade committee member Colleen Fedor said.
Before and during the parade, there will be no parking in the 100-300 block of E. Eighth Avenue and the 100 block of W. Eighth Avenue. From approximately noon to1:30 p.m., motorists will not be able to cross the Homestead Grays Bridge or access Eighth Avenue in Homestead in any direction. Port Authority buses will be rerouted during that time.
Anyone who would like to participate in the parade should call 412-461-0667.
By Stacy Lee, MCKEESPORT DAILY NEWS
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Steel Valley residents should fear not as Homestead Mayor Betty Esper has stepped up as the coordinator of the Historic Steel Valley Christmas Parade, planned for Saturday at noon.
Parade lineup will be at 11:15 a.m. along Forest Avenue in West Homestead. The parade will go from Forest Avenue down Eighth Avenue to end at Shop’n Save in Homestead for cookies and drinks.
“It’s very hard for someone to step in,” Esper said. “I’m using the lineup from last year. It’s like (Kelly) is helping us organize it.”
Kelly organized the parade for more than 15 years. Esper organized the parade before Kelly. Esper said the majority of the groups in the parade last year also signed up this year. U.S. Steel once again is sponsoring the parade and Santa Claus will be the grand marshal.
“It’s his parade,” Esper said. “Why shouldn’t he be grand marshal?”
The parade will begin with equipment from surrounding fire organizations.
It will include local mayors and other elected leaders. Homecoming queens from Steel Valley and West Mifflin Area high schools will precede their school’s bands. Other high school marching bands in attendance will be Westinghouse and Pittsburgh Oliver. KDKA’s traffic and transportation reporter Jim Lokay will be in the parade. Arrangements are still being worked out for a possible appearance by Steel Valley High School’s all-time leading rusher, tailback Delrece Williams.
The parade’s approximately 100 units will include local police departments and EMS companies, Scouts, clowns, stilt walkers, military organizations, dance groups, musical groups, puppeteers, costumed characters and antique cars.
There will be no prizes for window decorating or floats this year.
“The parade is important because it brings our three communities together along with our wonderful neighbors to celebrate the season,” parade committee member Colleen Fedor said.
Before and during the parade, there will be no parking in the 100-300 block of E. Eighth Avenue and the 100 block of W. Eighth Avenue. From approximately noon to1:30 p.m., motorists will not be able to cross the Homestead Grays Bridge or access Eighth Avenue in Homestead in any direction. Port Authority buses will be rerouted during that time.
Anyone who would like to participate in the parade should call 412-461-0667.
By Stacy Lee, MCKEESPORT DAILY NEWS
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Soup's On!
The Bulgarian Cultural Center in West Homestead sells 14 homemade meat and vegetarian soups, plus other Bulgarian specialties, each Saturday to help fund its arts, education and preservation activities.
Saturdays, 9:00 am to noon (or by appointment), from September 11 through December 18, 2010.
Phone 412-461-6188.
You can pre-order items online at: www.bmnecc.org/order_soup.aspx
Saturdays, 9:00 am to noon (or by appointment), from September 11 through December 18, 2010.
Phone 412-461-6188.
You can pre-order items online at: www.bmnecc.org/order_soup.aspx
SV art auction features locals
The public has an opportunity to bid on artwork by famous local artists while benefiting a nonprofit arts organization.
The Steel Valley Arts Council will have its first silent art auction next month at artspace105 in Homestead.
“This collection of art on auction is one of the most impressive groups of work that reflect the region’s architecture, its ethos and characteristics,” SVAC vice president Eric Sloss said. “This will be a wonderful time to buy a great piece of art at an economical price.”
People will be able to bid on the artwork Dec. 4 from noon-2 p.m., Dec. 8 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Dec. 11 from 7-9 p.m. at artspace105. Dec. 4 also will feature Steel Valley’s Christmas Parade. Bidders can bid in different increments by writing their name and phone number next to the piece they want. After the three days of bidding, winners will be announced Dec. 11. Those winners can pick up their artwork Dec. 11 and pay by Visa, Mastercard, checks or cash.
More than 45 art pieces of various mediums ranging in price from $50 to $1,000 will be up for bid. All the art reflects the region in some way, including paintings by Robert Qualters, signed and unsigned George Nama-copied sketchbook pages, wood cut prints by Walter Gasowski, the artist collective Society for Pennsylvania and Surrounding Area History, in addition to art by Paul Kolesar, Paula Bland, Anna Marie Sninsky and Roslyn Stulga.
“Nama’s sketchbook prints show row houses snuggled against the rolling hills of Western Pennsylvania,” Sloss said. “Qualters’ street light banners are of women making pirogues or of the onion domes on top of local churches, and Paula Bland’s cubist-like paintings reflect the effort and labor of the area’s steel mills.”
SVAC, which is a nonprofit arts organization serving the areas of Homestead, Munhall and West Homestead, has been promoting the arts for nearly two decades.
“During that time, artwork has been donated to us,” Sloss said. “We thought it would be good to give back to the community. This also gives us the opportunity to put money towards our operating expenses to sustain our work in the valley.”
He said the SVAC board came up with the silent art auction idea.
Artspace105 is located next to the Homestead Grays Bridge at 105 E. Eighth Ave. On-street parking is available on Seventh and Eighth avenues. More samples of the artwork to be auctioned off can be found at www.steelvalleyarts.org/auction.htm.
By Stacy Lee, MCKEESPORT DAILY NEWS
Monday, November 29, 2010
The Steel Valley Arts Council will have its first silent art auction next month at artspace105 in Homestead.
“This collection of art on auction is one of the most impressive groups of work that reflect the region’s architecture, its ethos and characteristics,” SVAC vice president Eric Sloss said. “This will be a wonderful time to buy a great piece of art at an economical price.”
People will be able to bid on the artwork Dec. 4 from noon-2 p.m., Dec. 8 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Dec. 11 from 7-9 p.m. at artspace105. Dec. 4 also will feature Steel Valley’s Christmas Parade. Bidders can bid in different increments by writing their name and phone number next to the piece they want. After the three days of bidding, winners will be announced Dec. 11. Those winners can pick up their artwork Dec. 11 and pay by Visa, Mastercard, checks or cash.
More than 45 art pieces of various mediums ranging in price from $50 to $1,000 will be up for bid. All the art reflects the region in some way, including paintings by Robert Qualters, signed and unsigned George Nama-copied sketchbook pages, wood cut prints by Walter Gasowski, the artist collective Society for Pennsylvania and Surrounding Area History, in addition to art by Paul Kolesar, Paula Bland, Anna Marie Sninsky and Roslyn Stulga.
“Nama’s sketchbook prints show row houses snuggled against the rolling hills of Western Pennsylvania,” Sloss said. “Qualters’ street light banners are of women making pirogues or of the onion domes on top of local churches, and Paula Bland’s cubist-like paintings reflect the effort and labor of the area’s steel mills.”
SVAC, which is a nonprofit arts organization serving the areas of Homestead, Munhall and West Homestead, has been promoting the arts for nearly two decades.
“During that time, artwork has been donated to us,” Sloss said. “We thought it would be good to give back to the community. This also gives us the opportunity to put money towards our operating expenses to sustain our work in the valley.”
He said the SVAC board came up with the silent art auction idea.
Artspace105 is located next to the Homestead Grays Bridge at 105 E. Eighth Ave. On-street parking is available on Seventh and Eighth avenues. More samples of the artwork to be auctioned off can be found at www.steelvalleyarts.org/auction.htm.
By Stacy Lee, MCKEESPORT DAILY NEWS
Monday, November 29, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
West Mifflin Schedules Light Up Night Festivities
The borough’s annual Light Up Night, which will be held on Tuesday November 30th at 6:00 P.M. at the municipal building, will have plenty of new attractions.
The night will be filled with music, dance, activities and of course Santa Claus.
On stage, Pack 31 will start the evening with the Pledge to our great flag. Throughout the evening you will be treated to the wonderful sounds of the WMASD Chorus and band, as well as the First Baptist Church of WM Mass Choir, along with youth dancers from A.B.C. and Tiffany Sopp Dance Studios.
On the grounds some of your favorite mascots will be on hand for photographs with the kids, Ronald McDonald, Wendy, Chick-Fila Cow, Smiley Cookie, Cruiser the Hamster, The Kia Sock Monster and Moono Big Red. The Shriner’s Clowns and Eddie Ace the Magician will entertain us as well. D.J. Sean provided by the Holiday Inn Express will fill the air with holiday music throughout the evening, Skyvue Restaurant is serving hot chocolate while you enjoy a “Smiley Cookie”, children will be decorated with holiday tattoos by the Brierly Heights Woman’s Club, And the WMHS Cheerleaders will be doing face-painting while the High School Basketball team will help with escorting.
The West Mifflin Lions Club will be on hand to collect non-perishable food items for those in need.
Holiday gifts for the children have been donated by, the Borough of West Mifflin, Century III Mall, Century Heritage FCU, Senator Costa, State Representative Gergly, Tri-Boro FCU, PA one-Call, Prism, Children’s Hospital and Mayor Chris and Denise Kelly.
The evening will end with each child having the opportunity to take photograph with Santa Claus, courtesy of WM Best Buy.
If you would like to participate there is still time, please call 412-287-3402
The night will be filled with music, dance, activities and of course Santa Claus.
On stage, Pack 31 will start the evening with the Pledge to our great flag. Throughout the evening you will be treated to the wonderful sounds of the WMASD Chorus and band, as well as the First Baptist Church of WM Mass Choir, along with youth dancers from A.B.C. and Tiffany Sopp Dance Studios.
On the grounds some of your favorite mascots will be on hand for photographs with the kids, Ronald McDonald, Wendy, Chick-Fila Cow, Smiley Cookie, Cruiser the Hamster, The Kia Sock Monster and Moono Big Red. The Shriner’s Clowns and Eddie Ace the Magician will entertain us as well. D.J. Sean provided by the Holiday Inn Express will fill the air with holiday music throughout the evening, Skyvue Restaurant is serving hot chocolate while you enjoy a “Smiley Cookie”, children will be decorated with holiday tattoos by the Brierly Heights Woman’s Club, And the WMHS Cheerleaders will be doing face-painting while the High School Basketball team will help with escorting.
The West Mifflin Lions Club will be on hand to collect non-perishable food items for those in need.
Holiday gifts for the children have been donated by, the Borough of West Mifflin, Century III Mall, Century Heritage FCU, Senator Costa, State Representative Gergly, Tri-Boro FCU, PA one-Call, Prism, Children’s Hospital and Mayor Chris and Denise Kelly.
The evening will end with each child having the opportunity to take photograph with Santa Claus, courtesy of WM Best Buy.
If you would like to participate there is still time, please call 412-287-3402
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area Sponsors Holiday Heritage Market at Historic Pump House
(Homestead, Pa) – Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area is sponsoring a Holiday Heritage Market 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Historic Pump House located in The Waterfront, a popular Pittsburgh area shopping district. In its second year, the ethnic artisan market is a way for the national heritage area to spotlight and promote the diverse history of the Pittsburgh region.
Free and open to the public, the event will include authentic, ethnic heritage art, such as Bulgarian-Macedonian pottery, Hungarian wood carvings, Native American beadwork and pre-colonial maps. Crafts representing the Pittsburgh region’s more recent green heritage include mosaic glassware, bottle cap jewelry and purses made from recycled materials, among others.
The event will also include a taste exploration of our region’s ethnic heritage with foods representing Greece, Hungary, Bulgaria-Macedonia and Carpo-Russyn. Soup samples will be available and other foods can be purchased. Planned art demonstrations include German sawdust carpets and German stained glass. In the afternoon, music will be provided by Joe Grkman, Jr., - of the award-winning Slovenian Polka band Grkmania, who play regularly at Hofbrauhaus in Pittsburgh’s Southside. Visitors can also take part in a Pick-a-Prize Auction, with chances to win items such as Bulgarian pottery and tickets to next year’s Irish Festival.
The event will be held at The Pump House, 880 E. Waterfront Drive, Munhall. The building is the historic site of the 1892 Battle of Homestead. Built in 1891, the structure was barely a year old when it took its place in history as the site of the infamous Battle of Homestead. On July 6, 1892 the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers and the Pinkerton Guards hired by the Carnegie Steel Company clashed on the banks of the Monongahela River beneath the Pump House – now considered one of the most dramatic conflicts in American Labor history. Today the Pump House is the only brick structure that remains of United States Steel’s Homestead Works. Now under the auspices of Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area, the Pump House can be rented for private events.
For more information, please contact Sherris Moreira at 412.464.4060, ext. 46 or smoreira@riversofsteel.com.
The Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area is managed by the non-profit Steel Industry Heritage Corporation (SIHC) in partnership with the National Park Service and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. SIHC works with communities throughout the region to identify, conserve, promote, and interpret the cultural, historic, recreational and other resources associated with steel and steel-related industries. The goal of the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area is to use these resources to encourage community revitalization through cultural tourism, historic preservation, natural and recreational resource conservation, cultural and educational programs and related economic development. Rivers of Steel National Heritage area encompasses Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties. For more information, visit www.riversofsteel.com
Friday, November 19, 2010
Hollywood Heartthrob to Make Salvation Army Benefit Appearance - Mt. Lebanon's Own Joe Manganiello Comes Home to Give Back
You have seen him on Spiderman, One Tree Hill, True Blood and much more. Now see him up close and personal. Mt. Lebanon's own Hollywood heartthrob Joe Manganiello is coming home for the WPXI TV Channel 11 My Macy's Parade and a Meet and Greet to benefit The Salvation Army.
Get to know Joe after the parade at the WPXI TV and 96.1 KISS Salvation Army Red Kettle drive on Saturday, November 27th from 2:00 to 3:00 pm at the Homestead Waterfront Towne Square. Admission is free, plus enjoy free Dave and Busters gift cards and other prizes while supplies last. For a suggested donation of $5.00, get an autograph and snap a photo with the popular TV and movie star. Please help WPXI, KISS FM, Joe and The Salvation Army wage war on poverty.
Start your own Red Kettle campaign online and win VIP passes to the My Macy's holiday parade Nov 27th and lunch with the celebrity guests. The highest fundraiser gets the goods. Log on to www.wpxi.com/pittsburghparade for details.
WPXI TV Channel 11 My Macy's Parade and Waste Management are also sponsoring a Salvation Army toy drive at the downtown Pittsburgh parade. Look for the toy donation area in the parade broadcast zone. Toys will supplement The Salvation Army's Treasures for Children toy program.
"WPXI and Clear Channel have a long history of supporting The Salvation Army at Christmas," said The Salvation Army's Western Pennsylvania Divisional Commander Major Robert Reel. "We are thrilled to have Joe on board, giving his time to help our families in need. It says a lot about his character that he remembers to give back to his hometown."
Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 120 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log onto www.salvationarmy-wpa.org. The Salvation Army ... Doing the most good . . . for the most people . . . in the most need.
SOURCE The Salvation Army
CARNEGIE, Pa., Nov. 18, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/
St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish Craft Show
St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish Craft Show plus Cash for Gold.
This Saturday, November 20th 9:00am - 3:00pm.
Bring your old jewelry, coins, etc and get some cash!!!! 20+ crafters will be there.
363 W. 11th Avenue Extension
Homestead, PA, 15120-1438
This Saturday, November 20th 9:00am - 3:00pm.
Bring your old jewelry, coins, etc and get some cash!!!! 20+ crafters will be there.
363 W. 11th Avenue Extension
Homestead, PA, 15120-1438
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Holiday Heritage Market
Save the date for the Holiday Heritage Market held 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Pump House, 880 E. Waterfront Drive in Homestead.
There will be all kinds of ethnic crafts and foods for purchase as well as art demonstrations to be enjoyed.
Get handmade heritage gifts for your loved ones for the holidays!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
FREE Thanksgiving Dinner
FREE Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Tuesday November 23, 2010
6:00 pm
Salvation Army
Steel Valley Corps
104 E. 9th Ave.
Homestead, PA
Tuesday November 23, 2010
6:00 pm
Salvation Army
Steel Valley Corps
104 E. 9th Ave.
Homestead, PA
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Photographer uses poets to bring character to 'Milltown' images
The black-and-white photographs stand alone on their own merits.
Sometimes stark, sometimes playful, sometimes poignant, Charlee Brodsky's images of Homestead and the Waterfront, the shopping center that replaced a steel mill along the banks of the Monongahela River, need no explanation.
But Brodsky, a professor of photography at Carnegie Mellon University, knew there were hidden stories pictures alone could not tell. She enlisted writers Jane McCafferty and Jim Daniels, colleagues at CMU, to add words to the photos.
"What they're doing is bringing character to the images," Brodsky says of the book, "From Milltown to Malltown," which combines her photographs with poems by McCafferty and Daniels. "They're making them have individual voices; they're making them a little bit less generic. I think that by working with the image and by working with the voice they bring to those images, we have more of a sense of place, a true place. It's like fiction. In the very beginning, we say these poems are not based on any one person or any thing, but it becomes more real. We're imagining in our head who these people are who walk these streets, who lived here, who go shopping at the Waterfront. It makes it a more tangible place for me."
Brodsky's photos were shot in Homestead (the Milltown portion of the book) and at the Waterfront (Malltown). There are images of abandoned buildings and residents, the apartment complexes at the Waterfront and people who work in stores and restaurants.
The writers, used to following what McCafferty calls "the wild, roaming beast" that is the imagination, relished the opportunity to confine their writing to set reference points.
"What really impressed me is that it's not arbitrary what you come up with," McCafferty says. "The photograph is really, in some sense, determining what comes out, even though there's a variety of things that might happen. It feels like there's an inevitability. I guess it's sort of like imposing a form on a poem.'
The images inspired a range of perspectives. A long view of the Loews Theater prompted Daniels to compare the building's facade to "the uncombed hair of an adulterous lover/after a night of disgust and disappointment." In a photograph of a woman blowing a bubble, McCafferty recognizes children in the background who are "Eager, curious as they look off/camera for what might/be coming to the rescue."
"I think it speaks to the subtlety of the photographs," McCafferty says. "They're not in-your-face, literal photographs. They're playful, and they're subtle, and there are ways to enter them; there are all kinds of points of view in the photographs."
McCafferty and Daniels found humor in some of the photos. An oversized advertisement for a restaurant became Daniels' "Coming Soon: Monster Hamburger Takes Over Universe?" McCafferty turned the photograph "Future Resident Parking Only" into a Seinfeldian plea not to get a parking ticket.
"There are absurdities in there that you can't help but try to figure out," Daniels says.
One theme that emerges in "From Milltown to Malltown" is the inexorable march of progress. Homestead has been irrevocably changed by the loss of the steel industry. To have that replaced with a parcel of land devoted strictly to commerce is not necessarily a tragedy.
"We didn't want it to be a simplification, that the Waterfront is bad," Daniels says. "There are human beings in these places, and this is their environment. We were looking at it at that level in terms of how people interact with that environment."
"I think we all have a story we want to tell," Brodsky says, "so we were always going back to 'What is the story?' And I think the story is based on a real place. We wanted to be relatively truthful to what we felt the story was, and that was the history of this place and how it's evolving, what we're losing and perhaps even what we're gaining."
Brodsky remembers taking photos of Waterfront and talking to young people who had no idea of the land's history. They didn't realize the dozen smokestacks near the entrance of the center were once part of an industrial site that provided jobs and sustenance for thousands of families in the Mon Valley.
"So much of the project is about respecting ghosts," McCafferty says, "and asserting history where it's being erased. It can't really be erased if you're thinking of the spirit of the place.'
By Rege Behe, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Williams breaks WPIAL's one-season rushing yardage mark
Steel Valley coach Rod Steele went into the game Friday against South Allegheny hoping to get Delrece Williams to 2,000 yards rushing this season.
Steel Valley primed for 28th Veterans Day celebration
One of the longest-running Veterans Day programs in the area is set to unite the Steel Valley community in honoring servicemen and women of the past, present and future.
Steel Valley School District will host its 28th annual Veterans Day program on Nov. 11 at 9 a.m. in the high school auditorium.
"We have kids participating in it from kindergarten through 12th grade," Veterans Day Program committee member John Tichon said. "The kindergarten students come and sing. They've attended every event up to this point. The elementary kids participate in a poster contest. From grades 6-12, we have essay contests.
"This is our 28th straight year and we're proud of it. It permits the adults in the community to interact with the children."
"This committee started 28 years ago," committee member Jill Fleming-Salopek said. "Right now, Veterans Day assemblies have become popular in schools. When we started doing this, it wasn't normal in schools."
She said the assembly bridges the generation gap.
"We do different things to bridge the gap of understanding of the sacrifice of the veterans," Fleming-Salopek said. "We try to get the students to articulate it through music, artwork and writing."
The theme will be "Service and Sacrifice."
Also planned is a tribute to Marine Corps veteran Vincent Rodgers Sr., who served in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
"Since he came out of the service, he visited the veteran's hospital (in Aspinwall) at least once a week," committee member and Homestead Mayor Betty Esper said. "He put in 4,000 volunteer hours. That's one of the reasons we're honoring him."
"He's in his early 90s and he still does that," Tichon said. "He's quite a guy."
Steel Valley High School student Aaron Bott will be sworn in to the Marine Corps at the ceremony, as well.
There will be a memorial tribute to Pfc. Albert Colletto Jr., Lance Cpl. Kenneth A. Stanciu, Superior Court Judge John G. Brosky, Staff Sgt. Paul L. Vernon, John Palo, John Posipanka, Michael Curtin Sr., Medal of Honor recipient Technical Sgt. John "Jack" D. Kelly, Ed Lutheran, Edward Esper, James Campbell, Robert Hemminger, Ron Hess, William Connelly, John Deffenbaugh and John Mrazik.
Brosky, who passed away Oct. 10, was on the Veterans Day Program Committee. He served in the Army during World War II and later joined the Pennsylvania National Guard.
Brosky was an Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas judge for nearly 20 years and a state Superior Court judge for 22 years.
Edward Rock Sr., a charter member of the Veterans Day program committee, will receive the 2010 Mind, Heart and Spirit Lifetime Achievement Award from Duquesne University, his alma mater, at an upcoming ceremony. He served in the China-Burma-India Theater in World War II.
Rock co-founded Duquesne's Beta Pi Sigma fraternity. He retired from Westinghouse and volunteered at his church and with various veterans and civic organizations.
Veterans Day programs also will take place at Barrett Elementary on Nov. 5 at 9:15 a.m. and Park Elementary on Nov. 12 at 9 a.m.
Fleming-Salopek said one of the goals of the committee is to continue to include new community members and younger veterans and their families in the Veterans Day program.
By Stacy Lee, MCKEESPORT DAILY NEWS
Monday, November 1, 2010
Salvation Army to launch annual Red Kettle drive
Ring the bells — Red Kettle time is here.
The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division has announced activities for the holiday season, during which its Allegheny County corps hopes to net $810,000.
Army divisional spokeswoman Virginia Knor said more than 100 of those familiar kettles will be set out until Dec. 24.
Knor said Vector Security and WWSW-94.5 will be official sponsors of the kettles, but additional volunteers and kettle sites are needed.
Activities scheduled for the upcoming holiday period that impact Mon-Yough communities include signups for families in need for Christmas food and toy assistance.
In McKeesport, that will happen Tuesdays in November from 9 a.m. till noon and 1-3 p.m. at the Army's Worship and Service Center, 812 Walnut St.
Applicants must bring photo identification and proof of income and expenses. Call Capts. Sean and Andrea Barton, 412-673-6627 for details.
Other holiday activities will include:
• "Adopt-A-Family" through Dec. 11. Sponsors are in the process of selecting and purchasing holiday gifts for needy families in Allegheny County. Gifts will be collected at the Army's 1323 Forbes Ave. location in Pittsburgh's Uptown section from Dec. 1-11, then distributed through Dec. 17. Call 412-394-3580, ext. 102.
• Wendy's annual Frosty Key Tag promotion through Dec. 31 at the company's area restaurants. A $1 tag means a full year of free Junior Frosties.
• The ninth annual Garbage Bag Gala Friday from 7-10 p.m. at the Fox Chapel Racquet Club. Some of the most stylish women in Western Pennsylvania will raise dollars creating and wearing dresses made from garbage bags. Call 412-999-1250 .
• Family Fun Nights Nov. 10 and Dec. 8 from 5-8 p.m. at Fuddruckers in the Waterfront. Twenty-five percent of every purchase will be donated to the Army's Steel Valley Worship and Service Center along Ninth Avenue. Call Maj. Karen Garrett or Capt. Kathy Dorchak at 412-461-2460 for details.
• Allegheny County annual Doing the Most Good Dinner, Nov. 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Station Square. It's a special evening featuring Jerome Bettis and honoring the Memon Family, Dr. Stephen Fisher, Marilyn DeHuff and John Newman. Call 412-446-1642.
• Run the Lights at Hartwood Acres Rite Aid Celebration of Lights Nov. 17. The event raises funds for new winter outerwear for needy kids and seniors throughout Western Pennsylvania. Call 412-446-1639.
• Wal-Mart Red Kettle Kickoff Challenge, Nov. 18 at 11:45 a.m. This annual partnership will be marked this year at the Wal-Mart in Robinson Township. Wal-Mart stores in Allegheny County, including those in North Versailles Township and West Mifflin, challenge each other to raise the most dollars.
• Steelers Red Kettle Day, Nov. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Heinz Field.
• Thanksgiving Food Distribution for registered families, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. at the Braddock Worship and Service Center, 300 Holland Ave. Call Lt. Yvonne Guillaume at 412-271-2407.
• Honeysuckle White Thanksgiving Dinner, Nov. 23 at 6 p.m. at the Steel Valley Worship and Service Center, 104 E. Ninth Ave. Call 412-461-2460.
• Honeysuckle White Thanksgiving Dinner, Nov. 24 at 6 p.m. Volunteers are needed at the Braddock Worship and Service Center. Call 412-271-2407
• Honeysuckle White Holiday Dinner, Nov. 26 from noon till 1 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help prepare and serve meals and to clean up at the McKeesport Worship and Service Center. Call 412-673-6627.
• After School Program/Christmas Family Night Dec. 9 at 4:30 for and by the children and their families in the after-school program at the Steel Valley Worship and Service Center.
• Project Bundle-Up's 24th annual telethon Dec. 10, 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., on WTAE-4.
• Steel Valley Worship and Service Center Toy Sorting for Needy Children, Dec. 13-16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers can call 412-461-2460.
• Christmas program with special guest Majs. Timothy and Mary Gair Dec. 19 at 11 a.m. at the Steel Valley Worship and Service Center.
• Steel Valley Worship and Service Center Holiday Toy Distribution Dec. 20-22 from 10 a.m. till 3 p.m.
• Braddock Worship and Service Center toy distribution for needy children Dec. 20-21 from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m.
• McKeesport Worship and Service Center toy distribution for needy children Dec. 21 from 9 a.m. till noon.
• Braddock Worship and Service Center Christmas Eve community dinner Dec. 24 from 6-9 p.m. Join the Braddock Corps for dinner or call to volunteer, 412-271-2407.
• McKeesport Worship and Service Center Christmas dinner Dec. 25 at noon. Call 412-673-6627.
• Braddock Worship and Service Center community fellowship dinner and watchnight service Dec. 31 from 6-9 p.m.
By Patrick Cloonan, MCKEESPORT DAILY NEWS
Monday, November 1, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Cancer Caring Center Doughraiser at Uno's
Come on down to the Waterfront in Homestead on Thursday, November 18 For an all day/night Doughraiser at Uno's!!
Every bite helps - come in for lunch, dinner, snacks, or drinks; eat in, take out, or order online and up to 20% of your bill will be donated to the Cancer Caring Center. You can even order party platters! Go to unos.com. Really, raising money was never more delicious!
Gather up your friends, family and co-workers and join us. All you need is an appetite and one of the attached Doughraiser coupons!
Feel free to make copies to pass out. Help us to spread the word on Facebook and Twitter! We will also be raffling off some pretty great prizes like Waterfront Gift certificates, Steelers merchandise, and much more!
For Info and Coupon: www.cancercaring.org
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Carnegie Library of Homestead Halloween Party
This Friday night, October 29th from 5-7 pm. It is for kids 5th grade and under. Also, on November 1st from 5-6 we will be having a Day of the Dead craft.
For more info: Emily Salsberry, Library Services Coordinator/Youth Services Librarian Carnegie Library of Homestead 412-462-3444 ex 224.
Check out our events calendar at www.homesteadlibrary.org
Monday, October 25, 2010
Homestead Author Publishes New Book
Homestead, PA - Uplifting the Failing Society, a new book by Cheryl C. Chapman, has been released by RoseDog Books.
In the opening chapter, Chapman describes several painful incidents that occurred to her during her adolescent years. Her intent is to beckon the reader to recognize, relate, and relive the first time he experienced emotional pain.
Chapter two helps the reader identify the source of his pain, why it occurred, and how it manifests itself in one’s life. It explains the beginning of all emotional conflicts and the resultant fight/flight patterns that we eventually experience.
Will you or won’t you? That is the question! Chapter three is where the reader bares all and decides whether he wants to conquer his demons. This is where he decides if the truth has any relevance in his life.
The battle begins when you decide to challenge the beast within. Pain and fear have been challenged and will no longer torment you. Chapter four explains the importance of self-affirmation when overcoming emotional conflicts.
Chapter five provides the results of the reader’s hard-fought struggle.
The power of words is revealed and the pain is released. Free at last!
Cheryl C. Chapman is a reading specialist and has taught reading in the public schools for over twenty years and at the community college level as well. She has served her community as an elected official and a member of its planning commission. She presently works as a community activist and an educator. She enjoys traveling and writing poetry. She holds an M.Ed. from the University of Pittsburgh.
Uplifting the Failing Society is a 32-page paperback with a retail price of $8.00. The ISBN is 978-1-4349-9940-5. It was published by RoseDog Books of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For more information or to request a review copy, please visit our virtual pressroom at http://www.rosedog.com/pressroom or our online bookstore at http://www.rosedogbookstore.com.
New Aspen Dental Practice Offers Another Option for Patients Looking for a Dentist in Homestead, PA
Patients looking for a dentist in Homestead, PA will have a new option for their dental care needs when an Aspen Dental office opens in the Waterfront at 240 Waterfront Drive East on Thursday, October 28. The new practice will provide dental services that range from dentures and preventive care to general dentistry and restoration.
In addition to offering patients the choice of eight styles of Aspen Dental's exclusive ComfiDents® brand full and partial dentures, the new practice will provide comprehensive dental exams, hygiene services, treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, extractions, fillings, oral surgery, whitening, and crown and bridge work. The office features state-of-the-art digital radiography to better diagnose and treat patients, as well as advanced screening for oral cancer.
At this new Aspen Dental location, patients will enjoy:
- Personalized treatment. Quick-fix solutions don't solve larger or chronic oral health problems. That's why Aspen Dental takes a comprehensive approach to dental care. Following the initial exam and X-rays, each patient receives a customized treatment plan designed with long-term oral and overall health in mind.
- Wide range of flexible payment options. Cost shouldn't prevent patients from getting the dental care they deserve. That's why Aspen Dental offers fees that are below market average, special promotions and senior discounts, and free new-patient exams for patients without dental insurance. Personalized, flexible payment plan options are available for patients who'd like to finance their care. The practice works with all insurance providers and handles the paperwork, saving patients time and hassle.
- Convenient hours and location. The office will be open extended hours, including evenings and select Saturdays, so that patients can receive their care at a time that works for their schedule. Walk-in and emergency patients are welcome.
- Variety of options for denture patients. ComfiDents® full and partial dentures come in eight styles, giving patients more options than are available at traditional dental practices. Regardless of the denture selected, each is custom-crafted, and the dentist works with every patient to ensure proper fit and comfort. As an added convenience, Aspen Dental has its own on-site denture laboratory, which typically ensures same-day turnaround for denture repairs, relines or adjustments. Free denture consultations are available for all denture patients.
To make an appointment, patients can call 412-462-4400 or 800-ASPEN DENTAL (800-277-3633), or visit www.aspendental.com.
Friday, October 22, 2010
WANTED, HISTORIC STEEL VALLEY CHRISTMAS PARADE COMMITTEE MEMBERS!
Individuals interested in helping to plan, organize, coordinate, and direct the best Christmas parade in the area, contact: Mayor Betty Esper (412) 461-1340
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
From Milltown to Malltown
A new book of poetry and photography by Carnegie Mellon University professors Jim Daniels, Jane McCafferty and Charlee Brodsky explores the transformation of Homestead, Pa., and its neighboring Steel Valley communities, from the once thriving steel-producing capital of the world to an area divided.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
"From Milltown to Malltown," CMU Professors Explore
PITTSBURGH—A new book of poetry and photography by Carnegie Mellon University professors Jim Daniels, Jane McCafferty and Charlee Brodsky explores the transformation of Homestead, Pa., and its neighboring Steel Valley communities, from the once thriving steel-producing capital of the world to an area divided. "From Milltown to Malltown" combines poems by Daniels and McCafferty with Brodksy's photos to tell the story of the bordering towns of Homestead, West Homestead and Munhall, where on one side of the railroad tracks is a popular commercialized shopping destination, and on the other side communities struggling to survive.
"The key to this project is the work of Charlee Brodsky — she's been photographing Homestead for a long time and really brings the community to life in her pictures," said Daniels, the Thomas Stockham Baker Professor of English and accomplished poet, author and screenwriter. "As a writer, I'm always looking for tension and contrast, and her photos always seem to pull me in, inspire me to reflect on the emotion they generate."
McCafferty, an associate professor of English, agrees. "Charlee introduced me to how interesting the relationship of words and images can be. Every picture tells not just one story, but an almost infinite number of stories, depending on who's looking," she said.
Homestead, home of Carnegie Steel in the 1800s and U.S. Steel in the 1900s, was the site of the famous strike in 1892 when iron and steel workers fought for better wages. Today, 12 smokestacks from the mill — situated between a movie theater and a restaurant — are some of the few remnants of Homestead's steel industry past.
"Working with writers Jim Daniels and Jane McCafferty is a gift," said Brodsky, professor of photography in the School of Design. "Jim and Jane's poems are an elegy to Homestead. What the three of us want to do in our book is to respectfully represent the town of Homestead as it is now by telling stories that are true to the place. We hope that we have done that."
Famed American poet Dorianne Laux called the book "a provocative and haunting portrait of working class America in decline and the scars we bear in the name of progress."
Published by Marick Press, "From Milltown to Malltown" contains 37 poems and 37 photos. Daniels, McCafferty and Brodsky will be available to discuss their work and sign copies of the book at 4:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 1 at the Carnegie Mellon University Bookstore.
For more information, visit http://www.marickpress.com/index.php?/milltown-jim-daniels or watch a video of Daniels reading select poems from the book at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0nh1RjmbYY.
"The key to this project is the work of Charlee Brodsky — she's been photographing Homestead for a long time and really brings the community to life in her pictures," said Daniels, the Thomas Stockham Baker Professor of English and accomplished poet, author and screenwriter. "As a writer, I'm always looking for tension and contrast, and her photos always seem to pull me in, inspire me to reflect on the emotion they generate."
McCafferty, an associate professor of English, agrees. "Charlee introduced me to how interesting the relationship of words and images can be. Every picture tells not just one story, but an almost infinite number of stories, depending on who's looking," she said.
Homestead, home of Carnegie Steel in the 1800s and U.S. Steel in the 1900s, was the site of the famous strike in 1892 when iron and steel workers fought for better wages. Today, 12 smokestacks from the mill — situated between a movie theater and a restaurant — are some of the few remnants of Homestead's steel industry past.
"Working with writers Jim Daniels and Jane McCafferty is a gift," said Brodsky, professor of photography in the School of Design. "Jim and Jane's poems are an elegy to Homestead. What the three of us want to do in our book is to respectfully represent the town of Homestead as it is now by telling stories that are true to the place. We hope that we have done that."
Famed American poet Dorianne Laux called the book "a provocative and haunting portrait of working class America in decline and the scars we bear in the name of progress."
Published by Marick Press, "From Milltown to Malltown" contains 37 poems and 37 photos. Daniels, McCafferty and Brodsky will be available to discuss their work and sign copies of the book at 4:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 1 at the Carnegie Mellon University Bookstore.
For more information, visit http://www.marickpress.com/index.php?/milltown-jim-daniels or watch a video of Daniels reading select poems from the book at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0nh1RjmbYY.
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