Steelers' great Butler gets Canton nomination

Former Steelers cornerback Jack Butler took his longest leap in his long wait at the door of the Pro Football Hall of Fame when he became one of two Seniors Committee nominees today.

A Pittsburgh native who lives in Munhall, Butler, 83, joins guard Dick Stanfel as the two seniors finalists for election in the Hall's Class of 2012. They will join 15 modern-era candidates on the ballot; the other candidates will not be chosen until December. The two seniors do not compete with the modern candidates for a spot in the Hall but are voted on separately and often both seniors are elected.

Both Butler and Stanfel were members of the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1950s.

Butler, a 6-1, 200-pound cornerback who played at St. Bonaventure, played nine seasons with the Steelers from 1951-59. He earned Pro Bowl honors four straight seasons (1956-59) and was named first-team All-NFL in the final three years of his career. Butler had 52 career interceptions for 827 yards and four touchdowns that included a league-high and career best 10 interceptions during the 1957 season.

Butler, who never played football in high school, went undrafted but, as the press release from the Hall of Fame stated, "quickly developed into one of the finest defensive players of the decade noted as not only a great interceptor but also as an outstanding tackler." When he retired because of a leg injury that nearly killed him, he was second in career interceptions in the NFL. He returned four of them for touchdowns, along with scoring on one fumble return.

After his retirement, Butler became a coach briefly, then went into scouting with the Steelers and became director of the BLESTO scouting network, a job he held for four decades.

Stanfel, a second-round pick from San Francisco by the Detroit Lions in 1951, was regarded as a premier guard during his era. He al;os played for the Washington Redskins, where he retired after the 1958 season.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11236/1169594-100.stm?cmpid=latest.xml#ixzz1Vzg0hyFz

Biketoberfest focuses on Steel Valley Trail

You may have noticed there are a lot of bicyclists pedaling their way along a recently opened portion of the Steel Valley Trail between the Waterfront shopping center and the Riverton bridge crossing the Monongahela River from Duquesne into McKeesport.

Organizers of the upcoming Biketoberfest 2011 on Oct. 1 have noticed the increase in two-wheel traffic and are hoping their event will serve as celebration of the trail and its recreational and economic potentials.

"You're getting to see a part of this region that is a real gem," said Maury Burgwin, president of the Mon Yough Area Chamber of Commerce, referring to cyclists who travel a newly opened section of the Great Allegheny Passage trail which runs from the Historic Pump House on Waterfront Drive in Munhall to the RIDC City Center of Duquesne industrial park. Tours of that trail section as well as a leg that continues across the river into McKeesport and on to the Boston trail head in Elizabeth Township in part or in whole, will be a feature of Biketoberfest, as will live music, food, crafts and family-friendly activities.

The MYAC and the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area are hosts for this event, which goes from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Rivers of Steel pump house will serve as the starting and end points for 5-, 10-, 20- and 30-mile tours. Proceeds generated by the event will benefit the Chamber of Commerce.

"The more people that are aware the trail is here, the better," said Burgwin, adding he sees the trail as a means of "promoting the Mon Valley big time" to local trail users and tourists from all over the world.

Mark Urbassik, chairman of the MYAC board of directors, developed the idea for the bicycle tour as a way to reach out to the communities along the trail and bring outdoor activities into the Mon Valley. In addition to showcasing the present trail and its potential for future development, Urbassik said organizers are also "trying to highlight the industrial and steel heritage of the region. There's a lot of history there for sure."

The new part of the trail provides cross river views of the U.S. Steel Edgar Thomson Plant in Braddock and the Westinghouse Bridge between East Pittsburgh and North Versailles Township. It passes below Kennywood Park, offering a view of its roller coasters, and has two bridge crossings of active railroad lines.

Sherris Moreira, director of marketing and tourism development for the Rivers of Steel, said docents from her organization will be providing tours of the pump house that day. The pump house will also play host to its last Community Heritage Market of the season that day.

The weekly market, which got under way this summer, regularly features food, crafts, local artists, businesses and farmers, as well as entertainment and demonstrations.

Moreira said the new section of trail which officially opened June 17 has meant a big increase in interest in the pump house because of its proximity to the Waterfront trail head. Before the trail opened, between five and 10 cars a day would park in the pump house lot. After the trail leg opened, she said as many as 50 to 100 cars a day are being parked in the lot.

"We decided let's make it as bike-friendly as possible," Moreira said. She said there is now a vending machine at the pump house stocked largely with sports drinks favored by bicyclists, and bike racks where cyclists can secure their machines.

Rivers of Steel was happy to partner with the chamber for the upcoming ride and Moreira said the heritage group is looking at hosting its own bike event in the spring, probably with help from the chamber. She said the two groups working together is "a natural pairing."

"We have this great historical site and the trail helps promote and revitalize" the local economy, she said. Moreira sees the trail as an avenue for spreading throughout the Mon Valley the prosperity presently enjoyed by businesses at the Waterfront.

Biketoberfest will be rain or shine. Registration runs from 8-11 a.m. The cost is $20 for adults, $10 for children under 18 and $50 for families for those who register before Sept. 16. The cost for those who register Sept. 17 or later is $25 for adults, $15 for children and $60 for families.

Participants will receive a T-shirt commemorating the event; shirts are not guaranteed for late registrants.

There are other ways to support the event including water station sponsorships for a donation of $50; bronze sponsorships for $150; silver sponsorships for $250; and gold sponsorships for $350 donations.

The event is meant to accommodate riders of varying physical abilities with a 5-mile family ride around the Waterfront; a 10-mile ride to Duquesne and back; a 20-mile ride to McKeesport and back, and a 30-mile ride to Boston and back.

For more information or to register, call 412-678-2450.

By Eric Slagle, MCKEESPORT DAILY NEWS
Saturday, August 13, 2011

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Shop for a Good Cause and Support the Steel Valley Salvation Army

Raising more than $38 million for charities across the country since 2006, Macy's Shop for a Cause is a unique one-day-only shopping event created to support local charities' fundraising efforts. This year, Macy's will partner with the Steel Valley Salvation Army to invite customers to participate in Macy's sixth annual "Shop for a Cause" charity shopping event. Macy's 2011 Shop for a Cause will take place on Saturday, August 27th at all area Macy's locations. Customers can purchase tickets now from the Steel Valley Salvation Army at 104 East 9th Avenue in Homestead.

"Macy's is committed to giving back to our local communities. Our annual Shop for a Cause Program, which has raised more than $38 million for local and national charities in the past five years, is meaningful for us because it gives our customers and associates an opportunity to give back to the local charities, schools and non-profits that matter a great deal to them," said Martine Reardon, Macy's Executive Vice President of Marketing. "We are proud to offer our customers an easy way to make a positive difference while enjoying great savings at Macy's."

Macy's has provided The Salvation Army in Homestead with shopping passes to sell for $5 each. The organization will keep 100% of every ticket it sells. The more The Salvation Army sells, the more money it will raise. By purchasing a shopping pass to the event from The Salvation Army, customers support vital community programs and services while enjoying a day of spectacular discounts, entertainment, special events. Pass holders will enjoy special discounts on most regular, sale and clearance purchases all day. Some exclusions apply.

Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy's stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers.

For ticket information, call Sandra Wolfe, Steel Valley Salvation Army Case Manager at 412-461-2460.

Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 124 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

West Mifflin’s Community Day and Crime Watch Parade

West Mifflin’s 2011 Community Day is rapidly approaching and a wonderful day is being planned. As Mayor ( and the Mayors wife) of this great Borough, one of my responsibilities is to organize the Crime Watch Parade that precedes the event at noon on September 10. I am busy making arrangements for various businesses to be a involved in this parade and therefore, I am inviting you to put a vehicle, walkers or a display in the parade to represent your organization.

Line-up begins at Holy Spirit Church at 11:15 at 2603 Old Elizabeth Road and the Parade follows to the Allegheny County Airport where the Community Day event actually takes place. (Approximately ¾ mile)

There will be booths representing many of the churches, non-profits and for profit businesses that reside in West Mifflin. Entertainment and great food will also be available, with a fireworks display at the end of the day.

This is the second year for the event to be held at the Airport (it was always been held at the high school) and it has provided a great space for the thousands of people who attend. Due to the timing of this event, (10 years after 9/11) we are hoping to honor our veterans and all who lost their lives since and during that horrific time.

Everyone loves a Parade and it would be wonderful to see so many organizations represented.

If you have questions, please call Denise Kelly 412-287-3402 for clarification; otherwise please respond if you are able to be in the Parade by e-mail at neecie1362@aol.com

Denise Kelly