Saturday, August 30, 2008
By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Steelers have decided to place veteran quarterback Charlie Batch on the injured reserve list, ending his season and ensuring that Byron Leftwich will be the top backup to Ben Roethlisberger the remainder of the year.
Also, the team has decided to release wide receiver Willie Reid, a former third-round draft choice, and former Pro Bowl return specialist Eddie Drummond as part of the cuts that will be announced later today by Coach Mike Tomlin. The Steelers have to get to a mandatory 53 players by 6 p.m. today.
As part of the process, the team is considering a trade that would involve one of their veteran backup offensive linemen -- tackle Max Starks, center Sean Mahan and tackle Trai Essex.
Batch, 33, had surgery to repair a broken right collarbone after he was injured in the team's first preseason game Aug. 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles. His contact with the Steelers expires at the end of the season, but he will still be paid his $1.355 million salary this season, even on IR.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Neighborhoods shown in Homestead exhibit
The Pitt News
August 27, 2008
Located on Homestead’s Eighth Avenue is a national historic landmark operated by the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area. Known as the Bost building, it was built as a hotel in the late 19th century and served as the headquarters of striking steelworkers during the Homestead Strike in 1892.
But today, it is home to a regional museum that recently opened a new exhibit entitled, “Seeing Pittsburgh.”
Since it opened to the public on July 9, Seeing Pittsburgh has featured photographs, artwork and audio recordings from 11 different Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
“This actually evolved over a number of years of really observing those small and very interesting and often topographically defined neighborhoods in the city,” said Ron Baraff, director of museum collections and archives at Rivers of Steel.
Baraff, along with co-organizer Tiffani Emig, said they thought about including Oakland in the exhibit, but it just didn’t work out.
“We picked certain types of communities that we really wanted, and once we were able to get into those communities, we had to follow that path,” he said.
They wanted to profile post-industrial and industrial neighborhoods, white-collar suburbs and blue-collar suburbs as well as neighborhoods that had remained “fairly constant” throughout the years, he said.
Once they decided on the 11 types of neighborhoods they wanted to profile, Baraff and Emig approached community groups in each neighborhood to find photographers.
“We didn’t want to pick the photographers, what we wanted to do was to have the community decide who should be involved,” said Baraff.
Stephen Grebinski, a Pitt senior living in Squirrel Hill, was one of the 44 photographers who contributed to the project.
Grebinski said he learned of Rivers of Steel in an architectural preservation class he was taking and started work on the project in February or March.
August 27, 2008
Located on Homestead’s Eighth Avenue is a national historic landmark operated by the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area. Known as the Bost building, it was built as a hotel in the late 19th century and served as the headquarters of striking steelworkers during the Homestead Strike in 1892.
But today, it is home to a regional museum that recently opened a new exhibit entitled, “Seeing Pittsburgh.”
Since it opened to the public on July 9, Seeing Pittsburgh has featured photographs, artwork and audio recordings from 11 different Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
“This actually evolved over a number of years of really observing those small and very interesting and often topographically defined neighborhoods in the city,” said Ron Baraff, director of museum collections and archives at Rivers of Steel.
Baraff, along with co-organizer Tiffani Emig, said they thought about including Oakland in the exhibit, but it just didn’t work out.
“We picked certain types of communities that we really wanted, and once we were able to get into those communities, we had to follow that path,” he said.
They wanted to profile post-industrial and industrial neighborhoods, white-collar suburbs and blue-collar suburbs as well as neighborhoods that had remained “fairly constant” throughout the years, he said.
Once they decided on the 11 types of neighborhoods they wanted to profile, Baraff and Emig approached community groups in each neighborhood to find photographers.
“We didn’t want to pick the photographers, what we wanted to do was to have the community decide who should be involved,” said Baraff.
Stephen Grebinski, a Pitt senior living in Squirrel Hill, was one of the 44 photographers who contributed to the project.
Grebinski said he learned of Rivers of Steel in an architectural preservation class he was taking and started work on the project in February or March.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Student to face mentor when Steel Valley, KO meet
By JOSH YOHE, Daily News Staff Writer
08/28/2008
When Nick Kamberis played football at Steel Valley in 1988, his defensive coordinator was a promising young coach named Ray Braszo.
By Kamberis' senior season, Braszo had left Steel Valley to take the head coaching job at West Mifflin Area.
Two decades later, Kamberis is a head coach himself and will meet one of his mentors at the place their respective football journeys began long ago.
Kamberis will guide his Keystone Oaks team into Campbell Field for an early season Century Conference showdown against defending champion Steel Valley Friday night.
"It should be a great night," Kamberis said. "Coach Braszo is someone that I have a lot of respect for. He's a great football coach and I think there are a lot of similarities in our teams. We're all coach (George) Novak guys. When you look at my teams, (Bill Cherpak's) teams, Ray's teams, they are all similar. We learn from each other."
Braszo has done a marvelous job at Steel Valley, turning what was a mediocre program for many years into a winner. Steel Valley went undefeated in the 2007 regular season and beat East Allegheny in the first round of the WPIAL Class AA playoffs before losing in the quarterfinals.
This year, however, could be different for the Ironmen.
Star quarterback Ryan Sabo and a host of other talented players were lost to graduation. Even Braszo admits he doesn't know how good his team will be this season.
"I don't know," he said. "I think we can be good. We're just so young. I mean, when I say we're young, I mean it. This is an extremely young football team and you never know how young kids are going to react."
Kamberis isn't buying that Steel Valley is too young to compete for another conference crown.
"Not for a second," he said. "Trust me, that's a scary football team. They are just so incredibly talented and so athletic. They are very good. It's the kind of game that will always get your attention, especially in Week 1."s
08/28/2008
When Nick Kamberis played football at Steel Valley in 1988, his defensive coordinator was a promising young coach named Ray Braszo.
By Kamberis' senior season, Braszo had left Steel Valley to take the head coaching job at West Mifflin Area.
Two decades later, Kamberis is a head coach himself and will meet one of his mentors at the place their respective football journeys began long ago.
Kamberis will guide his Keystone Oaks team into Campbell Field for an early season Century Conference showdown against defending champion Steel Valley Friday night.
"It should be a great night," Kamberis said. "Coach Braszo is someone that I have a lot of respect for. He's a great football coach and I think there are a lot of similarities in our teams. We're all coach (George) Novak guys. When you look at my teams, (Bill Cherpak's) teams, Ray's teams, they are all similar. We learn from each other."
Braszo has done a marvelous job at Steel Valley, turning what was a mediocre program for many years into a winner. Steel Valley went undefeated in the 2007 regular season and beat East Allegheny in the first round of the WPIAL Class AA playoffs before losing in the quarterfinals.
This year, however, could be different for the Ironmen.
Star quarterback Ryan Sabo and a host of other talented players were lost to graduation. Even Braszo admits he doesn't know how good his team will be this season.
"I don't know," he said. "I think we can be good. We're just so young. I mean, when I say we're young, I mean it. This is an extremely young football team and you never know how young kids are going to react."
Kamberis isn't buying that Steel Valley is too young to compete for another conference crown.
"Not for a second," he said. "Trust me, that's a scary football team. They are just so incredibly talented and so athletic. They are very good. It's the kind of game that will always get your attention, especially in Week 1."s
Fellowship center in Homestead moves beyond coffee
Eighth Avenue Place opens doors to virtually everyone
It was New Year's Eve 2006, and the Rev. Keith Kaufold had just conducted a service at a Methodist church in Penn Hills.
Driving back to his residence in Homestead, he crossed the Grays Bridge and glanced to his left.
There, on the door of a commercial building, was a "For Rent" sign he hadn't noticed before.
It was, for him, literally, a sign from God.
Two days later, his birthday, he phoned the owner of the building and took the first steps toward establishing Eighth Avenue Place.
He explained to Lloyd Cunningham that he wanted to create a safe environment for anyone to come in and have Fair Trade coffee, find fellowship or a free meal, or perhaps participate in Christian worship services.
"Finally, I asked Lloyd, 'What are your views on this?' and he said, 'You are me, 20 years ago.' "
"From a community standpoint, he's good for the town," said Mr. Cunningham, who owns Steel Valley Printers and leases another part of his building to a nonprofit art gallery.
"It's another viable business, per se, on Eighth Avenue, which is good for the business district."
Eighth Avenue Place had its grand opening last October, and as it approaches the first-year anniversary, its services have grown beyond free coffee and snacks from 6:30 to noon every morning.
There are evening programs addressing the needs of women (Tuesdays), recovery groups (Wednesdays), men (Thursdays) and a Bible study (Fridays).
Twice a month on Saturdays, there is "One Gathering," with a free meal provided at 3 p.m. followed by a service.
"A lot of churches have the service first, then the dinner, so people will stick around," said the Rev. Kaufold.
"Regardless of what you think about Jesus, you can have a meal. I don't want it to seem like 'If you worship God, we'll feed you.' "
Small-group participation runs from 5 to 20 participants each night; there have been upwards of 60 or 70 people for the Saturday gatherings.
Local churches, he added, have been generous in their support for Eighth Avenue Place, with donations of food and help.
A remarkable contribution was that of Christ United Methodist in Bethel Park, which staged a capital campaign to raise $50,000.
Individual donations can be sent to Eighth Avenue Ministries, 101 E. Eighth Ave., Homestead, PA 15120.
The Rev. Kaufold, 29, has roots in Munhall, where his family lived until 1992. They moved to Bethel Park and he graduated from Bethel Park High School in 1998. He has a degree in social work from California University.
Although he wasn't particularly religious growing up, he said he "had the fire lit within me," and later attended Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He also was a counselor at Jumonville, a Christian camp in the Laurel Highlands and worked with at-risk youth in various programs.
"I got to see these kids at the heart level," the Rev. Kaufold said.
Both of the Rev. Kaufold's parents are teachers: Susan, at Barrett Elementary in the Steel Valley district, Charles at Bethel Park High School.
There was a period, a few years back, where he found himself walking the streets, praying. On that New Year's evening, he said, he discovered his purpose.
Renovating the former WAMO/WHOD radio station, including the studio where disc jockey Porky Chedwick famously spun records, took about eight months. The Rev. Kaufold's girlfriend who helps run the place, is Monica Richmond, of Munhall. His father, his uncle David Duerr, of Bethel Park and a friend, Martin Davis, of Homestead, worked through the summer months, cleaning, painting, fixing up a kitchen.
"We were here every day, full-time," said Mr. Duerr, a retired software engineer who called the efforts "a labor of love."
Through Eighth Avenue Place, Mr. Duerr became friends with frequent visitor Aaron Hayes, of New Homestead.
The two were classmates at Steel Valley High School but didn't know each other back in the 1970s.
"I wish I'd would have [made friends] with him years ago," Mr. Duerr said.
This underscores a point that the Rev. Kaufold is trying to make with the coffee house: All are welcome, even though race has, in the past, been a divider.
"I believe this ministry is to encompass the whole life experience, the good and the bad," the Rev. Kaufold said.
"I grew up in upper Munhall. There is this notion that 'we don't go down there' [to Homestead] and in the same way, I'm sure some people who live there don't think to go 'up there.' "
On a recent morning, West Homestead resident Lori Speicher walked through the door, hand-in-hand with her daughter, Shania, 5.
There were hugs all around from staff, then Shania and Ms. Richmond settled onto the couch to read a book.
Ms. Speicher said she enjoys coming to Eighth Avenue Place for the company, and hoped to be able to convince some friends to join her.
For Mr. Hayes, visiting the coffee shop on a daily basic is more than pleasant routine: "These people keep my head right," he said.
It's therapeutic as well for Mr. Duerr, who said going to Eighth Avenue Place gives him a sense of purpose.
"I believe in Keith's vision," he said.
Getting that vision to the people has been the tough part. The grand opening of the coffee shop was a big deal, with about 100 visitors, including Homestead Mayor Betty Esper and her little fluffy dog.
But on the first real day of operation, the Rev. Kaufold arrived at 5:30 a.m., made the coffee and flung open the doors an hour later to find ... nothing.
Mr. Cunningham suggested that if people didn't come to him, perhaps he should go to them. Which is how the Rev. Kaufold ended up sitting under the bridge by a bus stop, handing out hot coffee.
"I think it was also out of loneliness," he said, laughing. "I got all set up, and we had a blast."
He said he'll continue playing basketball on Ninth Avenue and walking the streets because it might benefit those who need help but don't realize it.
"I refuse not to be seen," he said.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
By Maria Sciullo, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
It was New Year's Eve 2006, and the Rev. Keith Kaufold had just conducted a service at a Methodist church in Penn Hills.
Driving back to his residence in Homestead, he crossed the Grays Bridge and glanced to his left.
There, on the door of a commercial building, was a "For Rent" sign he hadn't noticed before.
It was, for him, literally, a sign from God.
Two days later, his birthday, he phoned the owner of the building and took the first steps toward establishing Eighth Avenue Place.
He explained to Lloyd Cunningham that he wanted to create a safe environment for anyone to come in and have Fair Trade coffee, find fellowship or a free meal, or perhaps participate in Christian worship services.
"Finally, I asked Lloyd, 'What are your views on this?' and he said, 'You are me, 20 years ago.' "
"From a community standpoint, he's good for the town," said Mr. Cunningham, who owns Steel Valley Printers and leases another part of his building to a nonprofit art gallery.
"It's another viable business, per se, on Eighth Avenue, which is good for the business district."
Eighth Avenue Place had its grand opening last October, and as it approaches the first-year anniversary, its services have grown beyond free coffee and snacks from 6:30 to noon every morning.
There are evening programs addressing the needs of women (Tuesdays), recovery groups (Wednesdays), men (Thursdays) and a Bible study (Fridays).
Twice a month on Saturdays, there is "One Gathering," with a free meal provided at 3 p.m. followed by a service.
"A lot of churches have the service first, then the dinner, so people will stick around," said the Rev. Kaufold.
"Regardless of what you think about Jesus, you can have a meal. I don't want it to seem like 'If you worship God, we'll feed you.' "
Small-group participation runs from 5 to 20 participants each night; there have been upwards of 60 or 70 people for the Saturday gatherings.
Local churches, he added, have been generous in their support for Eighth Avenue Place, with donations of food and help.
A remarkable contribution was that of Christ United Methodist in Bethel Park, which staged a capital campaign to raise $50,000.
Individual donations can be sent to Eighth Avenue Ministries, 101 E. Eighth Ave., Homestead, PA 15120.
The Rev. Kaufold, 29, has roots in Munhall, where his family lived until 1992. They moved to Bethel Park and he graduated from Bethel Park High School in 1998. He has a degree in social work from California University.
Although he wasn't particularly religious growing up, he said he "had the fire lit within me," and later attended Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He also was a counselor at Jumonville, a Christian camp in the Laurel Highlands and worked with at-risk youth in various programs.
"I got to see these kids at the heart level," the Rev. Kaufold said.
Both of the Rev. Kaufold's parents are teachers: Susan, at Barrett Elementary in the Steel Valley district, Charles at Bethel Park High School.
There was a period, a few years back, where he found himself walking the streets, praying. On that New Year's evening, he said, he discovered his purpose.
Renovating the former WAMO/WHOD radio station, including the studio where disc jockey Porky Chedwick famously spun records, took about eight months. The Rev. Kaufold's girlfriend who helps run the place, is Monica Richmond, of Munhall. His father, his uncle David Duerr, of Bethel Park and a friend, Martin Davis, of Homestead, worked through the summer months, cleaning, painting, fixing up a kitchen.
"We were here every day, full-time," said Mr. Duerr, a retired software engineer who called the efforts "a labor of love."
Through Eighth Avenue Place, Mr. Duerr became friends with frequent visitor Aaron Hayes, of New Homestead.
The two were classmates at Steel Valley High School but didn't know each other back in the 1970s.
"I wish I'd would have [made friends] with him years ago," Mr. Duerr said.
This underscores a point that the Rev. Kaufold is trying to make with the coffee house: All are welcome, even though race has, in the past, been a divider.
"I believe this ministry is to encompass the whole life experience, the good and the bad," the Rev. Kaufold said.
"I grew up in upper Munhall. There is this notion that 'we don't go down there' [to Homestead] and in the same way, I'm sure some people who live there don't think to go 'up there.' "
On a recent morning, West Homestead resident Lori Speicher walked through the door, hand-in-hand with her daughter, Shania, 5.
There were hugs all around from staff, then Shania and Ms. Richmond settled onto the couch to read a book.
Ms. Speicher said she enjoys coming to Eighth Avenue Place for the company, and hoped to be able to convince some friends to join her.
For Mr. Hayes, visiting the coffee shop on a daily basic is more than pleasant routine: "These people keep my head right," he said.
It's therapeutic as well for Mr. Duerr, who said going to Eighth Avenue Place gives him a sense of purpose.
"I believe in Keith's vision," he said.
Getting that vision to the people has been the tough part. The grand opening of the coffee shop was a big deal, with about 100 visitors, including Homestead Mayor Betty Esper and her little fluffy dog.
But on the first real day of operation, the Rev. Kaufold arrived at 5:30 a.m., made the coffee and flung open the doors an hour later to find ... nothing.
Mr. Cunningham suggested that if people didn't come to him, perhaps he should go to them. Which is how the Rev. Kaufold ended up sitting under the bridge by a bus stop, handing out hot coffee.
"I think it was also out of loneliness," he said, laughing. "I got all set up, and we had a blast."
He said he'll continue playing basketball on Ninth Avenue and walking the streets because it might benefit those who need help but don't realize it.
"I refuse not to be seen," he said.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
By Maria Sciullo, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steel Valley Arts Council hosts,
Ayo Sharpe-Mouzon for a dynamic interactive African Experience
artspace 105, 105 East Eighth Avenue, Homestead (next to Homestead Grays Bridge)
Saturday, August 30, 2008
3:00PM and 4:00PM (two one-hour performances)
Tickets available at the door:
Adults - $3.00
Children - $1.00 - must be accompanied by an adult
families encouraged!
Children and adults, join Ayo Sharpe-Mouzon as she presents authentic music from Africa. Learn the traditional call and response of African song as Ayo shares excerpts from her educational program, “The A, B, C’s of African Cultural Multi-arts.” Sing the “name song,” dance to the sound of a tapping drum or the shake of a shekere.
Energize your spirit as you listen, watch, and are inspired to move and make a joyful sound.
New to Pittsburgh, Ayo Sharp Mouzon is an African dancer/teacher, spoken-word entertainer, and motivational speaker who has over 25 years of experience gained throughout the country engaging children and adults as an eloquent and effective emissary for the transfer of knowledge regarding traditional and classical African cultural dance and song.
She has conducted workshops using movement as a tool to inspire people to acknowledge their internal energy. Ayo is currently listed with the Arizona Commission on the Arts Roster, in Pheonix, Arizona. She has worked as an Artist-in-Residence in schools in Arizona and California, and taught Master African Dance classes in Uniontown and Pittsburgh, PA through the YMCA and the Legacy Arts Project, respectively. Some of the songs that Ayo will be sharing are in her “Cowrie Shells” CD. Ayo also has a wonderful instructional DVD, “African Dance for Fitness.”
Steel Valley Arts Council (SVAC) is a non-profit arts organization with a mission to bring the arts to our community, nurture emerging artists, and encourage the participation in the arts. “Hosting Ayo in our gallery enables us to introduce this artist who is new to the area and celebrate a vibrant component of our community,” Roslyn Stulga, President of SVAC said, “Ayo embodies the magic of a storyteller. Moments after we met, I found myself drawn into the magic and before I knew it, I was hearing my own voice repeating her beautiful tones. She gives a delightful and uplifting performance, what a great way to start the holiday weekend with your family and friends.”
Ayo will be joined by the dynamic, Joy Brown (Ms. Jizrock) of the TruVibes Project Band. Joy is a popular Pittsburgh artist, singer, musician and songwriter, whose messages are positive and uplifting.
CONTACT:
Brian Britza, Artistic Director
Steel Valley Arts Council
412.476.0755
bbritza@gmail.com
www.steelvalleyarts.org
artspace 105, 105 East Eighth Avenue, Homestead (next to Homestead Grays Bridge)
Saturday, August 30, 2008
3:00PM and 4:00PM (two one-hour performances)
Tickets available at the door:
Adults - $3.00
Children - $1.00 - must be accompanied by an adult
families encouraged!
Children and adults, join Ayo Sharpe-Mouzon as she presents authentic music from Africa. Learn the traditional call and response of African song as Ayo shares excerpts from her educational program, “The A, B, C’s of African Cultural Multi-arts.” Sing the “name song,” dance to the sound of a tapping drum or the shake of a shekere.
Energize your spirit as you listen, watch, and are inspired to move and make a joyful sound.
New to Pittsburgh, Ayo Sharp Mouzon is an African dancer/teacher, spoken-word entertainer, and motivational speaker who has over 25 years of experience gained throughout the country engaging children and adults as an eloquent and effective emissary for the transfer of knowledge regarding traditional and classical African cultural dance and song.
She has conducted workshops using movement as a tool to inspire people to acknowledge their internal energy. Ayo is currently listed with the Arizona Commission on the Arts Roster, in Pheonix, Arizona. She has worked as an Artist-in-Residence in schools in Arizona and California, and taught Master African Dance classes in Uniontown and Pittsburgh, PA through the YMCA and the Legacy Arts Project, respectively. Some of the songs that Ayo will be sharing are in her “Cowrie Shells” CD. Ayo also has a wonderful instructional DVD, “African Dance for Fitness.”
Steel Valley Arts Council (SVAC) is a non-profit arts organization with a mission to bring the arts to our community, nurture emerging artists, and encourage the participation in the arts. “Hosting Ayo in our gallery enables us to introduce this artist who is new to the area and celebrate a vibrant component of our community,” Roslyn Stulga, President of SVAC said, “Ayo embodies the magic of a storyteller. Moments after we met, I found myself drawn into the magic and before I knew it, I was hearing my own voice repeating her beautiful tones. She gives a delightful and uplifting performance, what a great way to start the holiday weekend with your family and friends.”
Ayo will be joined by the dynamic, Joy Brown (Ms. Jizrock) of the TruVibes Project Band. Joy is a popular Pittsburgh artist, singer, musician and songwriter, whose messages are positive and uplifting.
CONTACT:
Brian Britza, Artistic Director
Steel Valley Arts Council
412.476.0755
bbritza@gmail.com
www.steelvalleyarts.org
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Homestead native donates to Steel Valley
Thursday, August 21, 2008
By Mary Niederberger, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Steel Valley School District is about to receive what appears to be its largest single donation yet from benefactor William Campbell, a Homestead native who is chairman of Intuit Inc., a technology software company.
School Director Joe Ducar, a friend of Mr. Campbell's, announced at Tuesday's board meeting that Mr. Campbell is willing to donate $3 million to build a full-sized gymnasium with locker rooms and four additional permanent classrooms at Barrett Elementary in Homestead.
Barrett is the smaller of the district's two elementary schools that hold grades 1-5. It currently has no gym and has some classes held in modular structures attached to the school, Mr. Ducar said. He said the cafeteria at Barrett doubles as a gym.
The donation will be made to the Steel Valley Foundation for Education, which plans to advertise bids for the project soon that an actual price can be determined, Mr. Ducar said.
Mr. Ducar said the donation will have to be accepted by the board during a formal vote. He's hoping that can be in the next month or two, but first, he said, the foundation wants to advertise for bids on the project.
Two members of the audience questioned why all of Mr. Campbell's donation was going to Barrett and not being shared with Park Elementary, which is in Munhall.
Mr. Ducar said although the gym will be attached to an elementary building, it will be full-sized and could be available for games of high school teams or community sports leagues.
In addition, he said community groups will be able to hold activities there.
"This is the first of Mr. Campbell's money to go to Barrett," Mr. Ducar said.
The $3 million donation is in addition to the $5.5 million Mr. Campbell already has donated to the district in recent years, including $1.1 million for improved technology last year and $1 million for a new middle school gym that is named after his late brother James.
Mr. Campbell also has donated money for improvements to the high school football field, for laptops for teachers, batting cages, pitching machines, football uniforms and equipment and band uniforms.
By Mary Niederberger, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Steel Valley School District is about to receive what appears to be its largest single donation yet from benefactor William Campbell, a Homestead native who is chairman of Intuit Inc., a technology software company.
School Director Joe Ducar, a friend of Mr. Campbell's, announced at Tuesday's board meeting that Mr. Campbell is willing to donate $3 million to build a full-sized gymnasium with locker rooms and four additional permanent classrooms at Barrett Elementary in Homestead.
Barrett is the smaller of the district's two elementary schools that hold grades 1-5. It currently has no gym and has some classes held in modular structures attached to the school, Mr. Ducar said. He said the cafeteria at Barrett doubles as a gym.
The donation will be made to the Steel Valley Foundation for Education, which plans to advertise bids for the project soon that an actual price can be determined, Mr. Ducar said.
Mr. Ducar said the donation will have to be accepted by the board during a formal vote. He's hoping that can be in the next month or two, but first, he said, the foundation wants to advertise for bids on the project.
Two members of the audience questioned why all of Mr. Campbell's donation was going to Barrett and not being shared with Park Elementary, which is in Munhall.
Mr. Ducar said although the gym will be attached to an elementary building, it will be full-sized and could be available for games of high school teams or community sports leagues.
In addition, he said community groups will be able to hold activities there.
"This is the first of Mr. Campbell's money to go to Barrett," Mr. Ducar said.
The $3 million donation is in addition to the $5.5 million Mr. Campbell already has donated to the district in recent years, including $1.1 million for improved technology last year and $1 million for a new middle school gym that is named after his late brother James.
Mr. Campbell also has donated money for improvements to the high school football field, for laptops for teachers, batting cages, pitching machines, football uniforms and equipment and band uniforms.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Raves: The Carnegie Library of Homestead
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
By Vincent DiRicco
It's all happening at the Carnegie Library of Homestead, the 'jewel of the valley'
What a place!
I'm slumped in a soft-pillowed chair in the adult reading section of the Carnegie Library of Homestead. About two hours ago, on the adjacent music hall stage, WTAE's Sally Wiggin began interviewing Anna Mae Gorman-Lindberg, a Mon Valley native who competed as a swimmer in the 1932 Olympics at the age of 16. After the interview, the audience moved to the main library area where I'm seated for a catered buffet luncheon.
Right now, my wife and several other volunteers are clearing the tables of plates, cups and other items left over by the 100 or so invited guests. As I watch, the image of the man, whose portrait hangs on a nearby wall, keeps popping into my mind.
Andrew Carnegie would be proud indeed to see how his philanthropic largess is still paying off today as the institution -- a library, music hall and athletic club all in one -- celebrates its 110th year of continuous operations.
For 10 years (1988-98), I served as a member of the library's board of directors. During that stretch, I came to appreciate what the so-called "jewel of the valley" meant to the surrounding communities in providing families with a wealth of educational, cultural and recreational opportunities. (For the record, the library is located in what's now Munhall, but it was all Homestead back in the day.)
Showcases, wall displays, framed photographs and trophies offer ample evidence of the CLoH's rich heritage in swimming, basketball, baseball and other sports endeavors. The music hall has been host to countless dance recitals, musicals, lectures and plays. Community events continue to attract an appreciative audience. The shuffleboard room, adjacent to the library, has remained a popular gathering venue for art auctions, meetings, receptions, book sales and workshops. And the athletic club gets a steady, year-round workout from its members.
I'm one of them. Three times a week I paddle away in the swimming pool -- the very pool where Anna Mae Gorman took lessons -- or work up a sweat on the treadmill or some other piece of equipment in the club's air-conditioned fitness room.
While I wait for my wife to finish up, I think back to some of the good times and the fun times I was privileged to experience as a board member. There was that electrifying evening in 1994 when the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra made a return visit to the library after an absence of 98 years. Ninety-eight years? Back on Nov. 19, 1898, the PSO, under the music direction of Victor Herbert, performed the second concert in the music hall of the newly dedicated Carnegie Library of Homestead. The cost of that concert was 35 cents.
The PSO's return in 1994 was considered a major community cultural event and board members went all out to publicize the occasion. That night, the audience gave the orchestra one of the greatest standing ovations it had ever received. I can't prove that. Just take my word for it.
There were other memorable moments. Then-Gov. Tom Ridge came to the library as a special guest to kick off its Centennial Celebration in 1989. Mr. Ridge was born in the former Homestead Hospital in 1945. The family moved to Erie when he was still young, but it was obvious to me and all the other guests that he was thoroughly enjoying the occasion that brought him back to his roots.
My wife interrupts my reverie to say she's ready to go and we head for the exit.
On the way out, I glance at the bulletin board with its jumbled array of announcements, schedules and coming events: chess classes, swimming classes, Silver Sneaker fitness classes, River City Brass Band appearance, toddler story time, a sunny funny fair and tickets on sale for performances by Citizen Cope and Hanson. (I frown. Never heard of them.)
"I guess that's what a library is supposed to be," I remark. "Something for everybody. What a place!"
"Are you going swimming tomorrow?" my wife asks on the drive home. I nod my head.
"Who knows, I may be lucky and see Anna Mae there. She's 92, you know, and I'm 81, so I think I should be able to keep up with her for a lap or two."
"In your dreams," my wife laughs.
By Vincent DiRicco
It's all happening at the Carnegie Library of Homestead, the 'jewel of the valley'
What a place!
I'm slumped in a soft-pillowed chair in the adult reading section of the Carnegie Library of Homestead. About two hours ago, on the adjacent music hall stage, WTAE's Sally Wiggin began interviewing Anna Mae Gorman-Lindberg, a Mon Valley native who competed as a swimmer in the 1932 Olympics at the age of 16. After the interview, the audience moved to the main library area where I'm seated for a catered buffet luncheon.
Right now, my wife and several other volunteers are clearing the tables of plates, cups and other items left over by the 100 or so invited guests. As I watch, the image of the man, whose portrait hangs on a nearby wall, keeps popping into my mind.
Andrew Carnegie would be proud indeed to see how his philanthropic largess is still paying off today as the institution -- a library, music hall and athletic club all in one -- celebrates its 110th year of continuous operations.
For 10 years (1988-98), I served as a member of the library's board of directors. During that stretch, I came to appreciate what the so-called "jewel of the valley" meant to the surrounding communities in providing families with a wealth of educational, cultural and recreational opportunities. (For the record, the library is located in what's now Munhall, but it was all Homestead back in the day.)
Showcases, wall displays, framed photographs and trophies offer ample evidence of the CLoH's rich heritage in swimming, basketball, baseball and other sports endeavors. The music hall has been host to countless dance recitals, musicals, lectures and plays. Community events continue to attract an appreciative audience. The shuffleboard room, adjacent to the library, has remained a popular gathering venue for art auctions, meetings, receptions, book sales and workshops. And the athletic club gets a steady, year-round workout from its members.
I'm one of them. Three times a week I paddle away in the swimming pool -- the very pool where Anna Mae Gorman took lessons -- or work up a sweat on the treadmill or some other piece of equipment in the club's air-conditioned fitness room.
While I wait for my wife to finish up, I think back to some of the good times and the fun times I was privileged to experience as a board member. There was that electrifying evening in 1994 when the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra made a return visit to the library after an absence of 98 years. Ninety-eight years? Back on Nov. 19, 1898, the PSO, under the music direction of Victor Herbert, performed the second concert in the music hall of the newly dedicated Carnegie Library of Homestead. The cost of that concert was 35 cents.
The PSO's return in 1994 was considered a major community cultural event and board members went all out to publicize the occasion. That night, the audience gave the orchestra one of the greatest standing ovations it had ever received. I can't prove that. Just take my word for it.
There were other memorable moments. Then-Gov. Tom Ridge came to the library as a special guest to kick off its Centennial Celebration in 1989. Mr. Ridge was born in the former Homestead Hospital in 1945. The family moved to Erie when he was still young, but it was obvious to me and all the other guests that he was thoroughly enjoying the occasion that brought him back to his roots.
My wife interrupts my reverie to say she's ready to go and we head for the exit.
On the way out, I glance at the bulletin board with its jumbled array of announcements, schedules and coming events: chess classes, swimming classes, Silver Sneaker fitness classes, River City Brass Band appearance, toddler story time, a sunny funny fair and tickets on sale for performances by Citizen Cope and Hanson. (I frown. Never heard of them.)
"I guess that's what a library is supposed to be," I remark. "Something for everybody. What a place!"
"Are you going swimming tomorrow?" my wife asks on the drive home. I nod my head.
"Who knows, I may be lucky and see Anna Mae there. She's 92, you know, and I'm 81, so I think I should be able to keep up with her for a lap or two."
"In your dreams," my wife laughs.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Sandcastle's Jukebox Sunday Nights offer beach-like ambiance
Shaking your groove thing under the stars is not limited to a vacation on the Riviera.
Just ask Kathleen and David Hahner, of Munhall. The couple spent Sunday night dancing, holding hands and strolling along the water.
And, in these days of high prices, all they had to do was take a short trip to West Homestead.
"It's like you're in paradise -- the music, water, food and drink, camaraderie and beach-like ambiance," echoed Kathleen O'Hare, 67, about the delights of Jukebox Sunday Nights held at Sandcastle water park each Sunday evening in the summer.
On Sunday, Ms. O'Hare, a nurse anesthetist from West Homestead, joined about 800 other fans of rhythm and blues, do-wop, rock 'n' roll and jitterbug, twisted, rocked and slow danced on an open-air dance floor.
The oldies fest, in its seventh year, is held through Aug. 31, from 6 to 10:30 p.m. in the Sandbar at Sandcastle, which is part of the Kennywood Entertainment family of parks.
"It's a day's vacation for many people," said the evening's disc jockey, Jeff Allen, 63, of the summer dancefest in the water park nestled along the banks of the Monongahela River.
To keep the floor in full swing, the Murrysville resident focuses on tunes from the 1950s, with a sprinkling of Motown, soul and pop from the 1960s and line dances.
Dancing Queens note: Mr. Allen plays no disco.
"I love to boogie-woogie to the old-time music," said Joseph Cabray, 72, of West Mifflin, a school bus driver, who said his favorite is, not surprisingly, "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu."
He and his wife, Angie, 70, a retired accounting clerk, come by twice a month.
"It's nice being outside, and I love the festive atmosphere," she said.
Bonnie McElhaney, 67, of Butler, began attending Jukebox Sunday Nights five years ago.
"It's a wonderful place to meet new people," said the retired teacher who is recently engaged.
It was an encore visit for Teresa and Andrew Yourish, both 47, of Monroeville.
While they attend oldies and ballroom dances, this dance "is special because it is held outside," said Mr. Yourish, a self-employed advertising photographer.
Sue Bryan, 64, of Turtle Creek, a nurses' aide, comes by every week to relax in the fresh air and socialize.
A widow, she listened to the oldies as she lounged in a nearby hot tub.
"You feel like you're out of Pittsburgh," she said of the experience.
Kathy and John Koerber, of Baldwin Borough, said they will return. Mr. Koerber won two future admission tickets in a raffle that evening.
But they would have come again anyway.
"I love watching other people dance. It brings back memories of my Carrick High School days," said Mrs. Koerber, 59, a retired cashier.
Her brother, Jim Farrier, 49, of Brentwood, a disc jockey who recommended the place to his sister, called the dance "a peaceful and inexpensive night out."
Renee Fera, 48, of Baldwin Borough, who swam at the water park earlier, enjoyed relaxing by the large fire pit in her bathing suit and munching on snacks.
"As a single parent, I have to watch my finances. I buy an annual pass and all this is included," she said. Ms. Fera is a customer service administrator who likes to dance.
"This is my vacation," she said.
For more, visit: www.sandcastlewaterpark.com
Admission to Jukebox Sunday Nights is $9.95 with buffet, or $6 without the buffet. After 8:30 p.m., the cover charge is $3. Full-service bars are available. Admission is free for season pass holders but does not include the buffet.
Post Gazette
Thursday, August 07, 2008
By Margaret Smykla
Just ask Kathleen and David Hahner, of Munhall. The couple spent Sunday night dancing, holding hands and strolling along the water.
And, in these days of high prices, all they had to do was take a short trip to West Homestead.
"It's like you're in paradise -- the music, water, food and drink, camaraderie and beach-like ambiance," echoed Kathleen O'Hare, 67, about the delights of Jukebox Sunday Nights held at Sandcastle water park each Sunday evening in the summer.
On Sunday, Ms. O'Hare, a nurse anesthetist from West Homestead, joined about 800 other fans of rhythm and blues, do-wop, rock 'n' roll and jitterbug, twisted, rocked and slow danced on an open-air dance floor.
The oldies fest, in its seventh year, is held through Aug. 31, from 6 to 10:30 p.m. in the Sandbar at Sandcastle, which is part of the Kennywood Entertainment family of parks.
"It's a day's vacation for many people," said the evening's disc jockey, Jeff Allen, 63, of the summer dancefest in the water park nestled along the banks of the Monongahela River.
To keep the floor in full swing, the Murrysville resident focuses on tunes from the 1950s, with a sprinkling of Motown, soul and pop from the 1960s and line dances.
Dancing Queens note: Mr. Allen plays no disco.
"I love to boogie-woogie to the old-time music," said Joseph Cabray, 72, of West Mifflin, a school bus driver, who said his favorite is, not surprisingly, "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu."
He and his wife, Angie, 70, a retired accounting clerk, come by twice a month.
"It's nice being outside, and I love the festive atmosphere," she said.
Bonnie McElhaney, 67, of Butler, began attending Jukebox Sunday Nights five years ago.
"It's a wonderful place to meet new people," said the retired teacher who is recently engaged.
It was an encore visit for Teresa and Andrew Yourish, both 47, of Monroeville.
While they attend oldies and ballroom dances, this dance "is special because it is held outside," said Mr. Yourish, a self-employed advertising photographer.
Sue Bryan, 64, of Turtle Creek, a nurses' aide, comes by every week to relax in the fresh air and socialize.
A widow, she listened to the oldies as she lounged in a nearby hot tub.
"You feel like you're out of Pittsburgh," she said of the experience.
Kathy and John Koerber, of Baldwin Borough, said they will return. Mr. Koerber won two future admission tickets in a raffle that evening.
But they would have come again anyway.
"I love watching other people dance. It brings back memories of my Carrick High School days," said Mrs. Koerber, 59, a retired cashier.
Her brother, Jim Farrier, 49, of Brentwood, a disc jockey who recommended the place to his sister, called the dance "a peaceful and inexpensive night out."
Renee Fera, 48, of Baldwin Borough, who swam at the water park earlier, enjoyed relaxing by the large fire pit in her bathing suit and munching on snacks.
"As a single parent, I have to watch my finances. I buy an annual pass and all this is included," she said. Ms. Fera is a customer service administrator who likes to dance.
"This is my vacation," she said.
For more, visit: www.sandcastlewaterpark.com
Admission to Jukebox Sunday Nights is $9.95 with buffet, or $6 without the buffet. After 8:30 p.m., the cover charge is $3. Full-service bars are available. Admission is free for season pass holders but does not include the buffet.
Post Gazette
Thursday, August 07, 2008
By Margaret Smykla
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