Linda Barnicott at the 39er

Linda Barnicott, well-known Pittsburgh artist, will be at The 39er at the Waterfront on Saturday, December 6, 2008 from 11:00am to 2:00pm to personally autograph all of your purchases of her limited edition prints & art collectibles.

The 39er
39 Cent Cards & More!

155 East Bridge St., Homestead, PA 15120
Phone: (412) 476-8539
(Across from the Improv)

Linda Barnicott began her career as a portrait artist. Today she is beloved and sought-after for her enchanting portraits of Pittsburgh. Using rich pastel colors, she captures the unique beauty of famous Pittsburgh places with a charm all her own.

It began in 1989 with the now-famous tribute to downtown holiday shopping entitled “Meet Me Under Kaufmann’s Clock.” The work immediately won the hearts of Pittsburghers, who have been meeting friends under the clock downtown for years. From this work Linda created several series of Pittsburgh scenes, capturing warm memories that are loved by generations.

Linda's newest rich and vibrant painting "Game time at Heinz Field"
captures the passion and excitement of Pittsburgh football.

West Mifflin Holiday Light-Up Night

The West Mifflin Borough Annual Holiday Light Up Night will be held on Tuesday, November 25th at 6pm at the Borough building on Lebanon Church Road.

Join in with the community in starting the Holiday Season! The West Mifflin Titan High School Brass Band will provide the Holiday music to get all into the spirit of the season along with dancers from local dance studios.

Refreshments will be served and all children attending will receive a gift bag.

Area Christmas/Holiday Events

View all events at Borough of Homestead

Macy's Holiday Preview Show

Macy's - Waterfront
Cosmetics, Fragrances & Fine Jewelry
Saturday November 8, 2008
10am - 7pm

Holiday Music, Food compliments of Bravo at The Waterfront
Holiday Cookies and Raffle Baskets
Tickets $20 redeemable for merchandise

Partners In Time Food Drive for Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank

See any Cosmetic or Fragrance Associate for Details

Happy Veterans Day

Tuesday November 11, 2008

Munhall funeral home director was always on the go

By F.A. Krift
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, November 6, 2008

Even at the end, Albert Savolskis wanted to take his wife to the movies and vote on Election Day.

"He could barely walk, and he had no strength and obviously hadn't been driving for six months," said his son-in-law, Bill Glenn. "With conviction, he wanted to take his wife out to the movies."

That was Savolskis, his family said, a lover of travel and a handyman typically on the move.

Albert J. Savolskis of Munhall, a funeral home owner for 43 years and director for six decades, died Monday, Nov. 3, 2008, at home. He was 91.

"He was definitely not one to sit," said his daughter, Nancy Funa. "Not at all."

Mr. Savolskis visited six continents, hopped trains as a teenager and left high school after 10th grade. The son of a Lithuanian-born coal miner, he was one of 12 children.

Mr. Savolskis met his wife, Dorothy, when she came into his brother's grocery store in Homestead. He worked behind the butcher counter. She asked for pork chops. He asked for a date and gave her an extra chop, their daughter Dotty Wasik said.

They married in 1940. After serving in the Navy, Mr. Savolskis returned to Homestead and earned his general educational development diploma before finishing mortuary school. He worked for his father-in-law's business, Prokopovitsh Funeral Home.

After 20 years there, Mr. Savolskis started his company in 1965, Savolskis Funeral Home, now Savolskis-Wasik-Glenn Funeral Home in Munhall. His sons-in-law David Wasik and Glenn are partners.

"Al was the kind of guy who felt he could do anything," Glenn said. "He'd stick his neck out and take a risk and have enough confidence in himself."

He was on the Steel Valley School District board of directors, president of the West Mifflin Lions Club and a founding member of the Lithuanian Country Club of Pleasant Hills.

One of Mr. Savolskis' favorite places was Mexico. He'd travel there often and built a shack off the funeral home apartment for himself he called "La Boca," reminiscent of little villas along Mexico's Pacific Ocean coast.

Mr. Savolskis built La Boca with used materials, even the nails, something that he was proud of, said son-in-law Jack Funa.

"He figured out how to do it out of nothing, like an Egyptian building a pyramid," Jack Funa, an engineer, said of his father-in-law's ability. "I would be just amazed."

In addition to his wife and four daughters -- Nancy Funa, Dotty Wasik, Lulu Glenn and Sue Wonsock -- Mr. Savolskis is survived by a brother, Edward Savolskis; sisters Victoria Savolskis, Josephine Senatt, Eldona Sabo and Mildred Veslany; 15 grandchildren; and 38 great-grandchildren.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Savolskis-Wasik-Glenn Funeral Home Inc., 3501 Main St., Munhall. Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Friday in St. Therese Church, Munhall.

Bus trips reduced to Century III Mall

Tuesday, November 04, 2008
By Joe Grata, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Port Authority will reduce service to Century III Mall in West Mifflin beginning Nov. 23 "at the insistence of mall management," according to a news release issued today.

Buses on routes 35A Baldwin-Whitehall and 59A West Mifflin-North Versailles will no longer pick up or drop off riders at the mall. They'll terminate service at the West Mifflin Wal-Mart.

In addition, the authority will operate fewer trips into the mall on routes 46G Elizabeth, 51C Carrick and 55M Century III Mall routes.

Weekend service will not be affected.

In a news release, the authority said it "apologizes for any inconvenience the mall's decision causes riders."

At one time, the authority hailed mall management for being so accommodating to public transit. Over the years, the mall has complained that while the buses bring workers and patrons to its stores, they also bring a number of people who basically loaf and spend little money.

Festival of Carols Meeting

3rd Annual Festival of Carols

Calling all singers of the Steel Valley Festival of Carols choir and those who are interested in participating in this year's carol concert to attend an informational meeting Friday November 7, 2008 at 7:30 pm at Anne Ashley United Methodist Church, located on 22nd Ave. in Munhall.

This year's concert will be celebrated on Sunday, December 14, 2008 at 4 pm at the historic Saint Mary Magdalene Church at the corner of tenth Avenue and Amity Street in Homestead.

Help Those In Need This Christmas

We Need Your Help!!!

Steel Valley Matters Red Kettle campaign.

What can $40 do?

Believe it or not, $40 will help us provide a small family with an entire Christmas dinner, or Christmas gifts for 1-2 children. Did you go hungry last Christmas? I know of some children who did. Did you open gifts? Consider yourself blessed to not be a parent who was unable to provide a gift for their children. Be an angel to these families. Specify your donation to zip code 15120

Red Kettle contributions will assist The Salvation Army Steel Valley/Homestead Corps in providing meaningful assistance to many needy families, children and shut-ins, at Christmas and year round. The Red Kettle is a tradition that The Salvation Army has preserved for 126 years. Your donation helps make that possible.

Or you may mail donations to:

The Salvation Army ~ Steel Valley Corps
P.O. Box 395
Homestead, PA 15120-0395

Salvation Army Open House

The Salvation Army Captains Kathy and Keith Jacquie have announced that the Salvation Army will be having an open house from 3:00 -5:00PM on Thursday, October 30th before the annual block party.

The open house is to invite the community to see and experience the new equipment that was given to the Salvation Army through the Batch Foundation and the Steelers by way of the STRIVE organization. 

The STRIVE Organization puts into place all of the equipment throughout the entire National Football League.  

Come and see for yourself...     

Halloween - Trick or Treat!

Friday October 31, 2008

6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Homestead,
Munhall,
West Homestead,
West Mifflin, & Whitaker

LOCAL HALLOWEEN EVENTS

Tuesday October 28, 2008
Halloween Party at Barnes & Noble

Bring your kids to the Halloween Party at Barnes and Noble!
Tuesday October 28th at 6:30pm

Kids are invited to wear their costumes and Trick-or-Treat throughout the store.

Crafts, games, and other fun activities will be available to the kids.

Contact the Waterfront Barnes and Noble at 412-462-5743 for more information.


Thursday October 30, 2008
The Carnegie Library of Homestead's annual Halloween Party for children grades 5 and under. We will have games, a costume contest and more!

NEW this year, bring a decorated pumpkin to the party for our Pumpkin Costume Contest! Use glue, paper, paint, glitter...whatever you want to decorate your pumpkin before the party and bring it in to be voted on!

You pumpkin must be at the library by 5:30 to be in the contest. Volunteers will be needed for this event. Call Miss Emily if you have questions, or if you want to volunteer.

Contact : Emily Salsberry 412-462-3444.

Location : Shuffleboard Room.

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HOMESTEAD BOROUGH
The Homestead "Block Party" will be on Thursday October 30, 2008 on 9th Ave. in front of the Homestead police station from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.


Friday October 31, 2008
The West Homestead Halloween Parade will be on Friday, October 31st at Calhoun Park beginning at 5:00.

Steel Valley to induct first Hall of Famers

Thursday, October 23, 2008
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Six individuals and one family will be recognized at the inaugural induction of the Steel Valley Hall of Fame on Nov. 14.

Ronnie Lott, former San Francisco 49er and NFL Hall of Fame member, will be keynote speaker at the induction banquet that evening.

The Hall of Fame is a collaborative effort of three Steel Valley nonprofits: The Best of the Batch Foundation, the Munhall-based Carnegie Library of Homestead, and the I-TEAM, or Ironmen Technology Enrichment Academics Mentoring organization. The groups are joining efforts to honor current and former residents who have achieved outstanding accomplishments in the arts, sciences, business, sports and community service.

The 2008 Hall of Fame inductees are:

• Jack Butler: A longtime resident of Munhall and former Pittsburgh Steeler, he was named one of the 33 all-time greatest players in the 75-year history of the Steelers.

• David Lewis: A native of South Africa and an internationally renowned architect, he calls the Steel Valley home and has been involved in the preservation of the region's historical resources.

• George A. Nama: A Munhall native and prestigious artist, he is celebrated worldwide for his sculptures, etchings and sketches.

• Cumberland "Cum" Posey: Owner/manager of one of the Negro Baseball Leagues' greatest teams, the Homestead Grays, he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.

• Tamara Tunie: A Steel Valley High School and Carnegie Mellon University graduate, she stars on prime-time television and Broadway.

• Lynn Yanyo: Another Steel Valley High School and Carnegie Mellon University graduate, she has a doctorate in polymer science and engineering, and holds seven U.S. patents.

• The Campbell family: Well-known in the Steel Valley area for academic and athletic achievement, the family is revered for its unmatched philanthropy.

The I-TEAM, library and Best of the Batch Foundation are natural partners in this initiative as each emphasizes student and youth programming, academic excellence and character development.

"Our organizations want to inspire the young people of the Steel Valley by celebrating the great citizens the Steel Valley has produced. Artists, architects, scientists, athletes -- the Steel Valley has produced them all," said Charlie Batch, a graduate of Steel Valley High School and honorary chairperson of the banquet. "We can produce more. We want to be honoring a Steel Valley student graduating in 2009 at a future Steel Valley Hall of Fame Banquet."

The banquet, a biannual event, will be held at 6 p.m. at St. John Cathedral Center, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall.

Tickets for this gala are available at the library and cost $100 each, $175 for two, or $850 for a table of 10.

For more information, call 412-462-3444 or visit www.homesteadlibrary.org.

8th Annual Dickens of a Christmas Home Tour

As part of the 110th Anniversary celebration of the Carnegie Library of Homestead, the Historic Munhall Library Estates and the Carnegie Library of Homestead have partnered to bring you the best of the Christmas spirit. Join us for a wonderful dinner and a home tour this Christmas season.

Tickets for the Home Tour: $15

*Dinner only: $45

*Dinner & Tour: $55

*If you plan on having dinner, tickets must be purchased by December 10, 2008.

Tickets can be purchased up to and including the night of the event.

Buy Tickets, Click Here

2008 Historic Steel Valley Christmas Parade

Dear Friends,

We are currently planning the 2008 Historic Steel Valley Christmas Parade and this year we hope to have the best Parade ever! But we can't do it without your help!

You can help by spreading the word, help us to get participant's, make a float, march in the parade with your craziest costume on or just come out and watch. This is also a great way to advertise your business.

The Steel Valley is your community and it would be a wonderful way to show your pride and holiday spirit. As always, the 2008 Parade is the first Saturday in December, December 6th and it begins at 12:00 noon.

The participant’s lineup area is on Forest Avenue in West Homestead at 11:15 A.M. The Parade follows 8th Ave. from West Homestead to Munhall; approximately one mile. There will be bands and units participating and they will be judged with the promise of a financial award as well as a certificate will be given for the most outstanding unit. There are also transportation funds available. A $500.00 prize is being offered for the “best” creative float. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful way to make a donation to your favorite charity for the holiday season or as a fundraiser for your organization?

Any organization can enter a float or if you aren’t a creative float maker, just march in the Parade. We are looking for creativity and uniqueness in this year’s Parade. (A $10.00 float entry fee- made payable to the Spirit of Christmas)

After the Parade, the participants are then invited to enjoy refreshments which will be served at the end of the Parade in the Shop n ‘Save parking lot on Eighth Avenue. This is the area where the buses usually wait for the band members and all participants.

Don’t miss the activities at the Waterfront’s Town Center after the Parade too! Your participation in this years Parade will be a great way to kick off your holiday season. So put your creativity to work and join us in this year’s 2008 Parade.

Please contact me by email, fax or mail by November 7th so that we can add your organization to the 2008 HISTORIC STEEL VALLEY CHRISTMAS PARADE.

Sincerely,

Denise M. Kelly, Organizeron behalf of Betty Esper, Mayor of Homestead, Ray Bodnar, Mayor of Munhall and John Dindak, Mayor of West Homestead

PS: We have some great surprises in store for everyone!!!!

Phone: (412)462-7272 Fax: (412) 461-2059
Email: homesteadwns@aol.com
140 E. 9th Ave.Homestead, PA 15120

Steelers unveil fitness zone at Salvation Army

By Teresa Varley

Steelers.com

The look on the faces of the kids at the Steel Valley Salvation Army was all that was needed. No words needed to be spoken by them and for awhile, they were somewhat speechless. It was the smiles that said it all.

“I was one of these kids,” said Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch. “To see them walk into the door and participate in this is great. It’s exciting. The thanks you get are the smiles that you see.”

It didn’t take long, though, for the kids to come to life. And it’s no wonder.

A simple room at the place where they go for daily activities was transformed into a Steelers Youth Fitness Zone thanks to a partnership between the Steelers and United Way, along with the Salvation Army and STRIVE as a part of the 10th Annual NFL/United Way Hometown Huddle.

The walls were painted gold with black stripes to mimic those on Steelers jerseys. Banners hung throughout the room. There was workout equipment, the same kind that the Steelers have in their weight room. There were games to test agility and reaction and video games that require physical activity as opposed to just clicking the buttons on the game controllers as the idea is to encourage kids to be healthy and active.

And introducing it all to the kids were Batch and the team’s Rookie Club, which includes the team’s 2008 rookies, all who left their hand print and signature on a black wall with gold paint as a memory for the kids.

“This is really wonderful," said Major Robert Reel of the Salvation Army. “These children come down here after school for tutoring and exercise and various programs. Now they are able to come down for something like this. It’s awesome. It’s beautiful. It’s one thing to have all of this wonderful equipment, but the bonus is they get to meet all of these wonderful Steelers. They will be talking about this for months, weeks and years.”
For Batch it was a little extra special to take part because the Salvation Army location was right in the heart of his hometown of Homestead, Pa.
“This is great,” said Batch. “This is a place where I played growing up. This is the only place that people could come. It’s come a long way. To be able to come back and partner and do this in my hometown is great. I know the kids will benefit. I am glad I am able to do my part and continue to give back.”
The players spent time teaching the kids how to use the different machines, including the weights, box hockey, Dance Dance Revolution, Heavy Ball and 3 Kick, a machine which gives a full body workout while having fun.

“It’s always good to come back to your roots like when you were a kid and play games and hang out and have a good time,” said offensive tackle Tony Hills, who mastered Heavy Ball with the high score. “This was a lot of fun. To see these kids being able to have this facility, hopefully it will encourage them and empower them to want to do better in their lives.”

While the kids had a wonderful time and enjoyed the new equipment, it was hard to tell if it was them or the Steelers who were having more fun as their competitive nature started to take over going against each other after the kids had their chance.

“I think the most popular game was the dance game,” said wide receiver Limas Sweed, who spent time working with kids on the proper techniques on the weight equipment. “Guys are going back and forth trying to beat each other. I didn’t do too well. I had on Crocs. Crocs didn’t do too well with dance.”

A few minutes later, Sweed changed his mind.“It’s this game that is the one,” said Sweed of 3 Kick. “Guys are really competing. It’s about the kids, though. To see the kids out here having fun brings us back to our childhood. To come here and give back to these kids is cool.”

LIHEAP expanded for 2008

Rep. Mark G. Gergely
36th Legislative District
Allegheny County

Winter weather is just around the corner, and with colder temperatures and a sagging economy, I know that can mean hard times for local families.

Fortunately, Gov. Rendell announced he will expand the 2008 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) with an additional $87 million to help Pennsylvania families in need.

The eligibility income for Pennsylvania families has increased. That means families can earn more and still qualify; the income limit is up to $44,443 for a family of four.

Additionally, the minimum value of LIHEAP cash grants has increased, from $100 to $300. If you require crisis assistance, you may be eligible for a maximum grant of $800, up from $300. The program opens Nov. 3.

For more information about this or any other state-related issue, please contact my office or the Allegheny County Assistance Office at (412) 565-2151.

Steel Valley High School’s 26th Annual Veterans’ Day Program

Remembering Heroes

Calling all those who honor the ideals of the United States of America. This is a time when we can gather, beliefs and opinions aside, to respect and honor those who have answered the call of duty.

The Steel Valley Veterans’ Committee formally requests your attendance at the annual Veterans’ Day assembly honoring veterans of the Armed Services, Red Cross, USO members, and their families.

Please attend the assembly on Thursday, November 6, 2008, at 8:45 in Steel Valley High School’s Auditorium.

If you are a veteran who would like to join us for lunch, please contact Jill Fleming-Salopek at 412-464-3600 ext. 2906.

It is so easy to forget the sacrifice of all who have given of themselves especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. It is a small thing to pause, reflect, and thank God for the young men and woman who have given so much and asked so little.

We would especially like to lift up our Gold Star Mothers and the families who share the anguish of separation both at home and abroad.

Open to the public.

Halloween - Trick or Treat!

Friday October 31, 2008

6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Homestead,
Munhall,
West Homestead,
West Mifflin, & Whitaker

LOCAL HALLOWEEN EVENTS

Saturday October 25, 20008
WEST MIFFLIN ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARADE
Sponsored by the Mayor and Borough Council
The Borough of West Mifflin cordially invites you to join us for our 15th Annual Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 25th between the hours of 10:30 am - 12 Noon at the West Mifflin Area High School. Youngsters between the age of 1 - 10 years old. Parade, Refreshments, Haunted Gym and Costume Contest. Pre-registration is not required. Borough residents only!

Tuesday October 28, 2008
Halloween Party at Barnes & Noble

Bring your kids to the Halloween Party at Barnes and Noble!
Tuesday October 28th at 6:30pm

Kids are invited to wear their costumes and Trick-or-Treat throughout the store.

Crafts, games, and other fun activities will be available to the kids.

Contact the Waterfront Barnes and Noble at 412-462-5743 for more information.


Thursday October 30, 2008
The Carnegie Library of Homestead's annual Halloween Party for children grades 5 and under. We will have games, a costume contest and more!

NEW this year, bring a decorated pumpkin to the party for our Pumpkin Costume Contest! Use glue, paper, paint, glitter...whatever you want to decorate your pumpkin before the party and bring it in to be voted on!

You pumpkin must be at the library by 5:30 to be in the contest. Volunteers will be needed for this event. Call Miss Emily if you have questions, or if you want to volunteer.

Contact : Emily Salsberry 412-462-3444.

Location : Shuffleboard Room.

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HOMESTEAD BOROUGH
The Homestead "Block Party" will be on Thursday October 30, 2008 on 9th Ave. in front of the Homestead police station from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.


Friday October 31, 2008
The West Homestead Halloween Parade will be on Friday, October 31st at Calhoun Park beginning at 5:00.

BuyingHere: Munhall

Saturday, October 18, 2008

By Kevin Kirkland, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Mon Valley is not a hotbed of new construction. But the developer of Waterfront Ridge believes there is a market niche for handicapped-accessible, single-level homes near the Waterfront.

Bryler Development's Gemini model at 104 Waterfront Ridge Lane, Munhall, and its attached twin, 102, are the first of 20 planned houses in this gated community. Starting at $139,900, the 1,000-square-foot model has two bedrooms and one 9-by-9-foot bathroom with blocking behind the walls for grab bars. All doorways are at least 36 inches wide to allow for easy wheelchair access. Though the model has one step, the other 19 houses will have no-step entries.

Broker Steve Chupinka of K&S Real Estate (412-462-0450) is marketing Waterfront Ridge (www.brylerdevelopment.com/WaterfrontRidge) and is affiliated with the developer.

A second floor plan has more than 1,200 square feet and an optional powder room. Each unit has a one-car garage, vinyl siding, PVC porch railings, a concrete driveway and concrete-floored crawl space for storage. A $49 per month homeowner's fee covers lawn maintenance and snow removal.

Each homeowner received two remote controls and guest codes for the entry gate.

In addition to easy access to the Waterfront, the homes offer a view of the Monongahela River. An open house will be held from noon to 3 p.m. today.

To get to Waterfront Ridge from Pittsburgh, take the Homestead Grays Bridge, left on Route 837, right on Whitaker Way and follow the signs.

Hoffa - Filmed at West Homestead Police Station & 7th Ave.

Hoffa is a 1992 biographical film based on the life and mysterious death of Teamsters Union leader Jimmy Hoffa. Although it chronicles Hoffa's youth in Michigan to his leadership in New York City and Washington, D.C. and his death in a Detroit suburb, almost all of the film was shot in and around Pittsburgh with the city's landmarks (such as Gateway Center in the "Idlewild Airport" scene) serving as backdrops for the various locales in the film.

Jack Nicholson plays James R. "Jimmy" Hoffa, with Danny DeVito playing Robert "Bobby" Ciaro as well as directing the movie.

Roommates - Filmed at Rainbow Kitchen - Homestead

1995
Filmed at Rainbow Kitchen, 8th Ave., Homestead.
Starring Julianne Moore and Peter Falk

Striking Distance - Filmed in The Steel Valley

1993
Filmed on Parry Street & E. 7th Ave, West Homestead and Mon River, Homestead.
Starring Bruce Willis.

GUNG HO - Filmed in the Steel Valley

1986
Filmed at the Carnegie Music Hall of Homestead, Mesta and Allegheny County Airport.
Starring Michael Keaton.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

West Homestead Halloween Parade

The West Homestead Halloween Parade will be on Friday, October 31st at Calhoun Park beginning at 5:00 pm.

Trick or Treat Hours in West Homestead are 6:00 pm until 7:30 pm