The 2009 Munchies!

Best place to stick it to the man: Quick! Free association exercise! Here's the phrase: The Waterfront. If your answer is "Hari-kari is underrated" because your trip to the altar of 21st century capitalism to buy cheaply made foreign goods on the former site of a glorious steel mill was further sullied by a meal at a corporate chain restaurant, then you should hit Blue Dust (601 Amity St., Homestead, 412-461-6220) a family-owned gastropub named after a steel byproduct (note to those born after 1983 -- they once made steel at the Waterfront). With good grub, great beer and some house vodkas seasoned by horseradish and Thai pepper chili -- it sounds like a dare, but one you'll be glad you took -- you can eat local and thumb your nose at the flair-wearers of the world.

Best New Place to Eat Sushi 'Til You Burst: No joke. Munch was at Hokkaido a few weeks ago, and I saw this guy make about 17 trips to the all-you-can-eat sushi bar, like he was going for the world record for California roll consumption or something, and then he's in the middle of his 18th plate, and he's starting to slow down a little bit, and BLAM! he explodes right there in the dining room. Rice and fish bits everywhere. Unpleasant, yes, but not enough to stop Munch from sampling the Mongolian BBQ pit, the crab legs, and the fried pork buns at Hokkaido Seafood Buffet (612 Browns Hill Road, Squirrel Hill, 412-421-1422).

Munch wishes all the FOMs a Happy New Year! If you'd like to be an FOM, search Munch von Munchausen on Facebook.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09365/1024643-440.stm#ixzz0bH2yk4Ng

Battlefield chaplain from Munhall devoted to youth ministry

Whether he was ministering to GIs fighting on the battlefields of Vietnam or to a retired steelworker in a hospital, the Rev. Raymond Saunders was known for his kindness and compassion.

As a chaplain assistant in Vietnam in 1967-68, Rev. Saunders would hold Bible studies and counsel and encourage young men -- many of them teenagers -- before they went into battle, said his son, Jesse Saunders of Baldwin Borough.

"And Dad would try to inspire them for what they had accomplished and hopefully prepare them for their return to civilian life," he said.

The Rev. Raymond W. Saunders of Munhall died of cancer on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009, in his home. He was 64.

Upon his discharge from the military in 1969, Rev. Saunders enrolled in the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in Highland Park and in 1973 was ordained a Presbyterian minister.

Born in Homestead and raised in West Mifflin, Rev. Saunders was one of four children of steelworker James Saunders and his wife, Olive Kelly Saunders.

Upon graduating from West Mifflin High School in 1962, he attended Penn State University, where he became involved with Young Life.

He gained experience volunteering in the summer camps of Young Life, an organization geared to helping young people develop skills, assets and attitudes to reach their God-given potential.

While serving in Vietnam, Rev. Saunders met Rita "Tosh" Geraci, a New Jersey resident who was stationed in Vietnam with the American Red Cross. They were married in 1968.

Mrs. Saunders is a nurse at the Veterans Affairs hospital in O'Hara.

Rev. Saunders devoted his ministry to the work of Young Life and was area director of Steel Valley Young Life since 1969.

Among his numerous awards and commendations was his induction into the Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation Youth Ministry Hall of Fame.

"People trusted my father," Jesse Saunders said. "He was the kind of person who cared about others and not about himself."

In addition to his wife and son, Rev. Saunders is survived by his daughter, Kelly Elizabeth Saunders-Gonzalez of Churchill; two grandchildren; and his siblings, Iris Jean Watkins of Washington, Washington County; Janis Edwards of Munhall; and James Saunders of McMurray.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. today in Homestead United Presbyterian Church, 908 Ann St., Homestead.

Arrangements are being handled by Savolskis-Wasik-Glenn Funeral Home Inc. in Munhall.

By Jerry Vondas
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Decorated Window Contest & Christmas Parade Float Winners

Immediately after sunset on the day before the parade, our judges canvassed 8th. Avenue searching for the "Best Decorated Storefront". The winner, by unanimous decision, was Tracy's Place, located at 219 E 8th. Ave. Tracy's received the Judges top scores for the talent and effort put into the overall display. There was a tie for second place between long time favorites, Penn Automotive and The Steel Valley Family Center. It was apparent to all of the judges that the effort and creativity keeps getting better and better each year.

The Decorated Window Contest was incredible, stated one judge! There were more participants than ever before, once again verifying that our business district is making a rebound. During this holiday season please take notice and stop in the businesses that are making a difference in our hometown. They include, Mr. Lees Hardware Store, Extreme Restoration, A&B Donut, Magistrate Torkowsky's Office, The Outerskin, Computer Goo Roos, MDL Insurance, Valencia's Party Balloon, Mon Valley Initiative, Shirley's Beauty Shop,Headstart, Home Cooking by Donna, Annex Cookery, Tin Front Cafe, Blemah Doo's, Retro on Eighth, The Black Mountain Spirit School of Chinese Kung Fu, Dreamz, Cricket, Duke's Upper Deck, Waterfront Embroidery, Avis Rent a Car, and Homestead Monument Works.

It was a beautiful Night in the Steel Valley. The Bridge Manger Scene was lit by the North Star, most of the wreaths on 8th Ave were glowing and the entire SV was still humming tunes from the Munhall & West Homestead Light up Night celebrations.

Volunteer judges for the window Decorating Contest were Former Barrett Elementary School Principal Doris Hyde, Vincent Guierie the General Manager of the Best Buy Waterfront Store, and Brenda Washington O'Neil, Homestead resident.

Newcomers to the Historic Steel Valley Parade, Walmart (West Mifflin) took top honors for their float dedicated to raising funds for the Children's Miracle Network. There was also a tie for second place, between, Eldercrest Nursing Home and the Steel Valley Family Center sharing the honors. The Boy and Girl Scout floats were great depictions of their scouting experiences. The floats from the local social service groups and local banks exhibited their loyalty to not just their costumers, but also to the Steel Valley area. The tributes to two of our beloved Steel Valley mentors was touching, as was the depiction of Michael Jackson. Some of the characters especially DORA, Cookie Monster and Elmo stole the show. The children were running into the street to hug each one of them. Our local Waterfront restaurants, Chick Fil a, Fuddruckers, and Eat n Park were there to help us celebrate.

The local bands were fantastic! Leading the Parade was our award winning Steel Valley Band. The beautiful holiday music and the marching provided a wonderful show of its own. The Oliver High School Band was small but mighty, with a beautiful sound and talented marchers. The West Mifflin Band, which stretched an entire city block, filled the streets with blue and gold colors and exciting holiday sounds. The Joyful Twirlers, the Duquesne -West Mifflin Boys and Girls Club, the Braddock YMCA-UPMC Steppers and Mary Ann's Dance Company showed us delightful moves as they performed in front of the reviewing stand.

It was also gratifying to see so many business represented either by a vehicle or walkers. A parade is just not a parade without our National Colors, so thanks to the Catholic War Veterans, WM R.O.T.C. and the United Sates Army. And last but not least, we had the real Santa Claus as the Parade Marshal. Mark your calendars now to join us in our celebration during the December 4, 2010 Historic Steel Valley Holiday Parade.

PS check out more photographs in the Valley Mirror and a full page Monday, December 7th edition of the McKeesport Daily News.
Happy Holidays

The 8th Ave Merchants Holiday Shopping Saturdays

The 8th Ave Merchants are having Holiday Shopping Saturdays till Christmas with special promotions and holiday treats at these local independent specialty shops: Hot City Tattoo, Candystore, Mostly Mod, Retro on 8th, Tin Front Cafe, Annex Cookery, Home Cooked by Donna, Exclusive Hair & Skin Salon, Ancient Ruins, Blemah Doo's African Market Place, Tracy's Place, Homestead Appliances, Tattoo You II, Posh Nail Boutique, Blue Dust.

This Saturday, Dec 19, 2009 Carole singing by The Small Family Ensemble at 1pm.

Christmas Praise Night

Homestead Park UMC is presenting a Christmas Praise Night

On Wednesday, December 9, 2009 with surrounding area churchs!



Central Highland UMC, Elizabeth

Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Clairton

Anne Ashley UMC, Munhall

1ST Christian Church, McKeesport

Homestead Park UMC

And area youth and children to perform solos and duets!



A SPAGHETTI Dinner will be served from 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM prior to the PRAISE NIGHT

Which benefits our children going to Summer Camp!

The cost is $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children.

It will be an evening to remember to start off your Christmas season!

Homestead Park UMC
4231 Shady Avenue, Munhall


For more information, please phone: 412 462 9030

The 2009 Historic Steel Valley Christmas Parade Line-Up

Saturday December 5, 2009 12 Noon

1 FIRE TRUCKS

2 United States Steel Banner

3 STEEL VALLEY MAYORS Master Muffler Vehicles

4 Homestead Police Department/ Council Members Judge Mike Marmo

5 MUNHALL WEST HMSTD PD'S/Council members

5A Allegheny County Sheriff's Office

6 WEST MIFFLIN ROTC

7 GUMMY KNIGHT EXPRESS

8 State Rep Bill Kortz

9 Mon Valley HOGS/Hot Metal Motorcycles

10 TV personalities - WTAE

11 CATHOLIC WAR VETERANS

12 BEST BUY The Geek Squad

13 STEEL VALLEY BAND

14 STEEL VALLEY QUEEN

15 Steel Valley Cheerleaders/Rhythum Club

16 STEEL VALLEY WOMENS SOCCER

17 SYRIAN CLOWNS: DR. CUDDLES

18 Steel Valley School Board

19 SYRIA ROAD RIGS

20 FROGGY 98.3

21 Eldercrest Nursing Facility

22 TROOP 50681/Daisy & Girl Scouts

23 STEEL VALLEY YOUTH ATHL. ASSOC

24 STEEL VALLEY CHAMBER

25 STEEL VALLEY ROTARY

26 STATE FARM Insurance & Bear

27 JOYFUL TWIRLERS,Monroeville

28

29 MACEY, BOB

30 REP.MARC. GERGELY

31 FITZGERALD, RICH

32 COSTA, JAY

33 W.M. CUB SCOUTS PACK # 31

34 W.M.BROWNIE TRP. 188

36 David Doyle Stilt Walker

37 COMMUNITY OF CRUCIFIED ONE

38 IMPROV COMEDY CLUB/Brian linsinbigler

39 HOMESTEAD DUNKIN DONUT

40 Macy's

41 Italian Village Pizza Mascot

42 BARRET AND PARK SCHOOLS

43 LIL BO PEEP/Mistress Mary/Raggedy Ann & Andy

44 Boy Scout Troop Pack 15

45 Young Preservationist

46 MAPS

47 West Mifflin Boy Scout Troop 1111

48 KNIGHTS BARBER SHOP

49 PROPEL SCHOOLS

50 US ARMY Hummvee

51 TRI BORO FCU

52 Steel Valley Girl Scout Troop 54204

53 Duquesne - West Mifflin Boys & Girls Club

54 Puppets on Parade

55 KELLY'S TRUCK(Clifford the Big Red Dog)

57 Greg the Can Man

58 STEEL VALLEY FAMILY CENTER

59 HARMONY CLUB OF HOMESTEAD

60 CHICK-FIL-A on Lowes Home Improvement

61 Homestead District Lions Club

62 St.Theresa's Cheerleaders/Basketball Team

63 KENNYWOOD TROLLY

65 Syria Highlanders Pipe & Drum

66 TURTLE CREEK MH/MR

67 MUSA

68 Daisy TROOP 50522 ANN ASHLEY

69 Guardian Storage

70 BENNETT, SANDY

71 KEN FISHER ANTIQUE CAR

72 MULLIGANS

73 Michael Jackson Impersonator-

74 Tracy's Fashions

75 STRONG WOMEN/STRONG GIRLS

76 BLACK MNT. Spirt sch chinese kung/fu

77 Waterfront Christian Church Float

78 MCDONALDS

79 PANDA BEAR

80 WALMART

81 MARY ANN & COMPANY DANCE

82 Lloyds Brothers Antique Cars

83 MCGRUFF CRIME DOG

84 STEAK AND SHAKE

85 TRANSITIONAL SERVICES

86 Oliver High School Band

87 GIANT EAGLE

88 ELMO/ COOKIE MONSTER- Carrying Banner

89 Fuddruckers

90 STILTS Uncle Sam

91 Carnegie Library of Homestead

92 SAND CASTLE DUNKIN THE DRAGON

93 Steel Valley COG

94 REB ROBIN RESTAURANT

95 Syrian Sidewinders

96 YMCA UPMC_TRI_BORO STEPPERS

97 Wendys

98 HOMESTEAD PARK UMC

99 West Mifflin Homecoming Queen- Donahoe

100 WEST MIFFLIN HIGH "THUNDER BAND"

101 DJ Sean

102 HOMESTEAD DEMOCRATS

103 SALVATION ARMY CANTEEN/FLOAT

104 EAT-N-PARK SMILEY COOKIE

105 HORSES

106 Beginning With Books

107 SANTA

108 RALPHS