Historic Munhall library adds elevator, amenities

The Carnegie Library of Homestead at last has an elevator in the historic, French Renaissance-style building.

Patrons now can navigate the 112-year-old Munhall building from the library area or Music Hall to the Athletic Club or to a future coffee shop without using steps.

Dan Lloyd said the library board has wanted to install an elevator since it acquired the building from U.S. Steel in 1988.

“It has always been that we don’t have the money for an elevator,” Lloyd, the library board president, said.

Installation of the elevator, completed earlier this month, was funded by a $150,000 federal Community Development Block Grant funneled through Allegheny County.

“That didn’t pay for the whole elevator,” Lloyd said. “We had some other grant money to fund soft costs and costs that weren’t funded by CDBG.”

He said the insight of the library’s consulting director of building operations Matthew Szanca helped to save the library a lot of money on utilities that could be put toward the elevator. Szanca noted that library athletic director Edward Child has had a large hand in cutting the water bill.

Lloyd said there are patrons who want to use the library’s athletic club, but can’t climb steps.

“There are people who want to use our Silver Sneakers room (but) can’t do steps because they have bad knees, but they can spin or they can work out on their upper body,” he said. “They could have emphysema or a lung disorder, like my father, who had to take Silver Sneakers at another location because, by the time he got up the steps, he was ready to go home.”

Szanca said the elevator is in Phase A, now going only from the first to the second floor. He said Phase B, which is awaiting funding, will allow the elevator to access the basement, swimming pool and other community rooms.

Lloyd said the idea for a coffee shop has been discussed since he became a library board member in 2004. He said he would visit Barnes & Noble at the Waterfront and note the nice atmosphere a coffee shop added to the business.

Lloyd said a committee was formed to bring a coffee shop to the library. After members toured other libraries, the committee recommended finding a corporate partner, and estimated the cost for the project would be $100,000.

Lloyd said he knew it wouldn’t be that expensive, and told the library board it would only cost approximately $20,000.

Even with an all-volunteer workforce, he said, the library didn’t have enough money to build the coffee shop. Lloyd’s aunt Betty Jane Lloyd donated $10,000 to complete the coffee shop.

“She wanted to see it finished,” Lloyd said.

The retro-designed room will be named Aunt B’s Coffee Shop.

Lloyd said the space where the coffee shop will be located was an old storage area with a wooden partition, which was removed.

“This building was designed by Alden & Harlow,” he said. “Alden & Harlow designed the Duquesne Club and I think designed the courthouse downtown. They are famous architects. Their vision was to have these windows illuminate this whole area when you came up the steps. The partition wall took away that whole idea that the architects had.”

Lloyd and Szanca said many people volunteered their services to create the room for free, including George Edwards painting the coffee shop, Bob DeLu aiding in construction, Robert Howell donating
light fixtures, and LeRoy Pettis contributed his art.

Work was started in December 2009, but wasn’t continuous because it was volunteer work done mostly by Lloyd and Szanca.

Library board member Susan Wonsock designed the room.

It eventually will contain vending machines and tables. Gourmet coffee might be sold during Music Hall concerts or other events.

“You can bring a magazine up here, sit down and read,” Lloyd said. “People who come in for Silver Sneakers can gather here after. We want to make it a meeting place.”

“This would be perfect for a small group of seniors to meet,” Szanca said.

A grand opening for the coffee shop is planned for March. It will coincide with the grand opening of a new welcome center and teen space at the library.

“The best thing that happened to the valley is Andrew Carnegie,” Szanca said. “The best thing that happened to the Carnegie Library of Homestead is Dan Lloyd.”

More information about Carnegie Library of Homestead is available by calling 412-462-3444, or online at the www.homesteadlibrary.org website.

By Stacy Lee, MCKEESPORT DAILY NEWS
Thursday, January 27, 2011

Read more: Historic Munhall library adds elevator, amenities - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/dailynewsmckeesport/s_720092.html#ixzz1CFQ8i9g7

The Pump House for your next venue

Looking for a unique venue for a wedding, art show, workshop or birthday party?

Check out our Historic Pump House in The Waterfront right by the Monongahela River.

Very earthy and artsy and historical.

Read more about the Pump House history.

Rivers of Steel

For more information, contact sdrane@riversofsteel.com

Tamara Tunie on The Today Show

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Pittsburgh Bleeds Black and Gold

The Steelers Remain a Blue-Collar Team in a Blue-Collar Town; 'It Really is a Religion Out Here'

PITTSBURGH, Pa.—Jim Kelly forged his entire Hall of Fame career in Buffalo. He went to four Super Bowls with the Bills. He set NFL records in Buffalo and had his number retired there.

But he grew up in Pittsburgh. His dad owns a Terrible Towel. And when his father moved to Buffalo this past year to be closer to his 13 grandchildren, "he did bring it with him," Mr. Kelly said, not one trace of pique apparent in his voice.

After all, that's Pittsburgh.

Nurses at the Oakbrook Commons cancer center tie the bright yellow, game-day waving Terrible Towels to the IV rods dispensing chemotheraphy treatments.

High school football players get more pumped for the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League championship, played on the Steelers' Heinz Field than they do for the state title game, out in Hershey Park.

Visitors at Pittsburgh International Airport have to pass side-by-side statues before leaving the airport. One is of George Washington, our country's first president and the official founder of Pittsburgh. The other is of Franco Harris, who caught a pass in a divisional playoff game.

"That's Pittsburgh," says Steelers backup quarterback Charlie Batch, chuckling.

The pass Mr. Harris caught, of course, was the legendary Immaculate Reception in the Steelers' 1972 franchise-igniting win over the Raiders.

Deflected off safety Jack Tatum, scooped by Mr. Harris, it was judged football's greatest play off all-time by NFL Films. The monument's place next to Mr. Washington, Steelers receiver Hines Ward said, "tells you all you need to know about football and this part of the country."

Although he's in his 13th year here, Mr. Ward is not a native. Mr. Batch, born and bred seven miles outside Pittsburgh proper in Homestead, is. He knows Pittsburgh, where the blood runs black and gold, where the legion of football Hall of Famers will likely never stop sprouting and where something is clearly in the water.

"No one knows what's in the water. That's the point. Have you seen that river?" Mr. Batch exclaims, pointing out the Steelers' practice facility toward to the brackish Monangahela. "It's all muddy and dark."

That is the point, of course. If ever a region was built in the image of this game, it would be here.

The city was borne of steel mills and manufacturing, and a blue-collar ethos that Mr. Kelly— whose father worked in a steel mill—said he often talked about sharing with fellow natives and Hall of Fame quarterbacks Joe Montana and Dan Marino.

"Nothing is given to you in Pittsburgh," Mr. Batch said, "and nothing is given to you in football either."

In the days of the steel mills and smokestacks, the Steelers and their lunch-pail nature were something everyone, rich and poor alike, could take pride in.

Today, as the industrial sites have been shuttered, the banks have moved in and events like the G20 Summit have landed in town, "Pittsburgh is still that steel mill town," native and former Jets tailback Curtis Martin said. "And the Steelers are still that blue-collar team."

George Novak coaches at Woodland Hills, whose six NFL players are the most from any one high school in the league. Jets linebacker Jason Taylor was a 6-foot-1, 165-pound home-schooled 11th grader outside Pittsburgh when Mr. Novak told him to come out for the team.

He was a safety. The next year he put on 15 pounds, and when he comes home with the Jets Sunday for this AFC title clash, he'll do it as a six-time Pro Bowler in his 14th NFL year.

"Jason was determined and very competitive," Mr. Novak said. "He learned that growing up in Western PA."

It's all tied together, from midget football to high school on through to the Steelers. Since the 1970s, when they won four Super Bowls, the Steelers have been a benchmark in the league. This Sunday they'll be looking for their eighth Super Bowl trip, and seventh Super Bowl trophy.

There's stability and there's success, and it makes Mr. Kelly rue what's happened in Buffalo, where he loves the Bills and hates that 14- and 15-year-olds have no personal recollection of the Bills as successful. No playoffs, few winning seasons and definitely no Super Bowls.

"When you keep winning as a franchise year in and year out, those kids, they continue to see the winning tradition," he said. "The passion automatically goes from parents to kids."

It's a passion that gives rise to the inane, like the Monroeville man who's painted the bricks on his house gold and black. Or the endearing, like the 80-year-old women who 24-year-old Steelers receiver Mike Wallace says regularly recognizes him at the grocery store. Or the occasionally tough, like the day after the Steelers' 2009 Super Bowl win, when Mr. Ward went to fill up gas.

"This woman says to me, 'Hey, we gonna win one next year?'" Mr. Ward said with a smile and a head shake. "I wanted to say, 'Let's enjoy this one for a minute.' It really is a religion out here."

Which is why religion is invoked in the names of the plays: Immaculate Reception. Immaculate Deflection (1996 AFC title game). Immaculate Interception (Super Bowl XLIII).

The lore is only part of the reason why nurse Susan Braun tied those towels to the IV rods at the cancer center this year.

"Terrible Towels are part of our culture here," Mrs. Braun said. "They're a sign of home and they stand for our strong city. I think it gives our patients some hope."

The weaving of that bond, Mr. Batch says, has as much to do with the Rooney family as it does the steel mills. Patriarch Art Rooney was the founding owner of the Steelers, an accomplished mediator who was unafraid to stand alone in opposition when the NFL considered moving another franchise to a then racially-tense Dallas in the early 1950s.

His son Dan took over day-to-day operations in 1974. Progenitor of the league's Rooney Rule, designed to increase interview opportunities for minority head coaching candidates, and a member of the Hall of Fame, Mr. Rooney is now ambassador to Ireland.

He's a man who still pays for his lunch in the cafeteria he owns, rides the team charter to away games and sits in coach.

"My first flight here, I was shocked. Not only was he not in first class, he was sitting in the last row by the bathroom, where you can't recline," Mr. Batch said, still incredulous all these years later. "He just said, 'I'm not playing a game tomorrow. I don't have to stretch my legs.' That's a Hall of Famer?"

That's how important football is here.

Maybe that's why Mr. Martin remembers having to rustle up 50 to 75 tickets every time the Jets came to town—"and how not only would those people not wear green, they'd be ready to fight with Jets fans," he said. "My mother was my only relative who didn't wish me ill will when I played the Steelers."

Maybe that's why picking an all-time all-Western Pennsylvania quarterback is impossible.

"Montana can start, Marino can come in after the half, and since I'm so good at the two-minute offense, I'll come in at the end," Mr. Kelly says.

But then what about Johnny Unitas?

"Johnny U can come coach us," Kelly says.

Right, except that Bill Cowher, Marty Schottenheimer, Packers coach Mike McCarthy and Bengals coach Marvin Lewis are all from Western Pennsylvania too.

"There really is no place like it," Mr. Roethlisberger said Thursday. "No one else matches their city like we do. We're blue collar, we're hard-working, we're good old guys and that's what this city is."

By ADITI KINKHABWALA

Wall Street Journal
January 21, 2011

So You Wanna DJ? Best Buy Brings Free DJ Workshops to Waterfront

Come see Pittsburgh area locals in action as they learn how to mix and scratch from DJ Sneek of the Scratch DJ Academy, one of the world’s leading brands in DJ and music production education.

It’s also an opportunity to check out Best Buy’s wide selection of music equipment, which will be utilized for the six-session series. Additional highlights include:

• Performance by internationally renowned DJ Sneek
• Chances to win select products, including Beats by Dr. Dre studio headphone.

When:				680 Waterfront Dr E
		Workshop 1: Kick it Off Right – History, Equipment, & Cueing a Sound
		(Featuring DJ Sneak)
				Thursday, January 20, 2011
				6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
		Workshop 2: Building Block – Droppin’ on the “1”
				Thursday, January 27, 2011
				7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
		Workshop 3: First Step to a Mix – Droppin’ on the “1” and BPM
				Thursday, February 3, 2011
				7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
		Workshop 4: The Real Deal – Beat-Matching & Creating a Set
				Thursday, February 10, 2011
				7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
		Workshop 5: Take It Up a Notch – Scratching & Advanced Beat-Matching
				Thursday, February 17, 2011
				7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
		Workshop 6: Showing Off Your Skills – Review, Performances, & Next Steps
				Thursday, February 24, 2011
				7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Where:		Best Buy 680 Waterfront Dr E 412-476-8061 Visit www.bestbuy.com/DJworkshop for more information
Why:		Pittsburgh is one of two cities where Best Buy customers can engage in this interactive experience with one of the top DJ production educators in the world. Using products found in Best Buy stores nationwide, participants can live out their fantasies by learning how to DJ from actual, established professionals. The sessions build on one another, beginning from the ground up and building a complete skill set as an amateur DJ. In addition, Best Buy is offering several exciting sweepstakes, including an opportunity to win popular Beats by Dr. Dre headphones.
Visuals/ Interviews:		Full set-up of DJ equipment provided by and available at Best Buy stores TV crews and photographers welcome Top DJs from Scratch Academy, including DJ Hapa and DJ Sneek are available for interviews to demonstrate the wide array of music products that are available at Best Buy

T.G.I. Friday’s makes food bank donation

T.G.I. Friday’s and Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank gained some generous friends through a Facebook campaign to raise money for the food bank.

The Waterfront T.G.I. Friday’s general manager Phil Sero presented GPCFB CEO Joyce Rothermel with a $268 check Tuesday.

The funds were raised in the “Can for a Fan” campaign.

That amount can be added to equal more than $6,000 the restaurant’s owner Bistro Group has donated to GPCFB in 2010.

“Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank serves 11 counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania,” Rothermel said. “We rely a lot on community support. Nothing means more to us than support from our neighbors. I don’t think it’s a secret that the Mon Valley is struggling.”

She said it’s going to take more businesses like T.G.I. Friday’s to get involved and help deal with the issues in the Mon Valley.

The campaign, which ran in November and December, donated a can of food for each new Facebook fan T.G.I. Friday’s received. Bistro Group gave the food bank cash for those cans because money would help more customers.

“It’s wonderful when technology gets used to reach out to people with a message,” Rothermel said. “Not only did T.G.I. Friday’s get more fans, but it linked fans to the food bank.”

The Waterfront T.G.I. Friday’s participated in Bartender Championships during 2010 with other surrounding Pittsburgh T.G.I. Friday’s owned by Bistro Group to raise more than $5,000 for the food bank.

“We do flair competitions every year,” Sero said. “It’s where the bartenders flip bottles similar to the movie ‘Cocktail’ and entertain the crowd. It promotes fun with the staff and guests.”

Bistro Group owns eight T.G.I. Friday’s locations in the Pittsburgh area and a total of 31 restaurants — with the majority being T.G.I. Friday’s — in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. Other locations donated funds from their own campaign to their local food bank.

The Pittsburgh locations raised $11,170 for charity in 2010.

By Stacy Lee, MCKEESPORT DAILY NEWS
Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Steel Valley Arts Council

Steel Valley Arts Council will showcase the work of three emerging artists in an exhibit titled Manufacturing Identity through Jan. 29 at artspace105 at 105 E. Eighth Ave.

On-street parking available.

Gallery hours are from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

More information: steelvalleyarts@gmail.com

16th Annual Munhall Volunteer Fire Co #1 Oldies Dance

The 16th Annual Munhall Volunteer Fire Co #1 Oldies Dance is just around the corner. All event information is listed below. If you need further information, please call 412-464-7321 or email at info@mystation200.com Web Site: www.mystation200.com

Jim Tomsula tied for all-time lead in winning percentage

Sunday’s 38-7 win by the 49ers over the Cardinals didn’t get much coverage on a day filled with games that actually mattered, but it was undoubtedly one of the biggest days in Jim Tomsula’s life.

Tomsula earned the win in his NFL head coaching debut and, with a new coach coming in, guaranteed himself a spot at the top of the league’s winning percentage list. He’s alongside such luminaries as Fred Bruney and Ray Prochaska on that list, one of the few coaching lists that rewards brief tenures. He even got a Gatorade bath at the end of the game. Not a bad day for a guy who was a defensive line coach a week ago.

If he ever does get into the mix for another head coaching job, Tomsula will be helped by the fact that his 49ers team came to play on Sunday. They showed a lot more fight than they showed for Singletary over most of the first 15 games and got rewarded with a blowout victory that leaves some good taste in their mouths as they await the arrival of a new regime. Alex Smith threw two touchdowns, Brian Westbrook ran for two scores and the defense predictably handled the two-headed Arizona quarterbacking monster of John Skelton and Richard Bartel with little problem.

Since we’re spotlighting proud days under dire circumstances, let’s take a moment to recognize Larry Fitzgerald. The Cardinals wide receiver certainly deserves better than Derek Anderson, Max Hall, Skelton and Bartel as his quarterbacks, but he still managed to pick up 90 catches and 1,137 receiving yards this season. That makes four straight years with 90 or more catches and more than 1,000 yards, which is only slightly less impressive than the fact that Fitzgerald went the whole season without attacking anyone on the sideline. Given the volatile nature of NFL wideouts, that’s pretty remarkable.

Hopefully, the Cardinals will do something to make sure he doesn’t finally reach his breaking point in 2011.

Posted by Josh Alper on January 3, 2011

NBC Sports

Trail gets $750K in state funds to help completion

Three quarters of a million dollars in state funds have been allocated to complete the missing segment of the Great Allegheny Passage.

State Sen. Jay Costa Jr., D-Forest Hills, announced Thursday that $750,000 in state redevelopment assistance grant monies have been awarded to provide the final push for completion of a continuous bike/hiking trail from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C.

The missing segment of the 150-mile long trail is about a one-mile gap of the Steel Valley Trail portion of the passage in West Homestead and Pittsburgh area.

Allegheny County officials estimate that segment to be finished in November 2011. Officials signed easement agreements with Sandcastle Waterpark and CSX Corp. in October.

“We’ve worked hard to revitalize the area that was hit so hard by the departure of the Homestead Works,” Costa said Thursday in a press release.

“These efforts are paying off, and completion of this trail is a huge win for the folks who work and play here. Not only is this a valuable resource for those who will be able to spend quality time outdoors, but the economic impact this trail has on the area can’t be understated. It attracts over 700,000 visitors every year, who spend millions of dollars and help to fuel the area’s turnaround.”

It is estimated that there is more than $40 million in indirect spending in trail towns annually, and 88 businesses have been created because of GAP.

“The completion of the Great Allegheny Passage is a transformational moment for our region, both economically and recreationally,” Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato said. “This trail has been improving the economy and quality of life in towns throughout the Laurel Highlands and Southwestern Pennsylvania, and now its benefits will spread north through the Mon Valley and into the city of Pittsburgh.”

The segment to be completed in the West Homestead area will go under a railroad bridge and the Glenwood Bridge to link with a portion of the trail that currently is being formed, then connect to the South Side trail.

The trail system has been 35 years in the making, and funding has come from individual trail users, local governments, private foundations and corporations, and state and federal grants.

This has been a banner year for the Steel Valley Trail, a nine-mile segment of the GAP. Two major projects were completed in July. Bridges were installed over Norfolk Southern railroads, one in Duquesne and one in Whitaker.

The one in Duquesne is in an area trail organizers call Port Perry. It is across the Monongahela River from Port Perry in North Versailles Township. The one in Whitaker stretches across the tracks between Kennywood Park and the Rankin Bridge.

Other trail events this year included a ribbon-cutting for the opening of a portion of the trail in late April near the intersection of Water Street and Ninth Avenue in McKeesport.

“I want to thank the commonwealth, especially Gov. Ed. Rendell and Sen. Jay Costa, for their continued support of this project,” Onorato said. “With the help of our generous foundation community and enthusiastic trail users, we have come a long way toward the completion of this incredible trail. But we wouldn’t be on the home stretch without the state’s support.”

Linda McKenna Boxx, president of the Allegheny Trail Alliance, also lauded the governor, senator and county executive for their support and for facilitating the funding.

“There will be a significant jump in traffic once the last link to Pittsburgh is complete,” Boxx said. “The trail is truly having an economic impact in the communities through which it passes, and we look forward to revitalization in the Mon Valley communities. Pittsburgh will truly become a biking Mecca.”

By Michael DiVittorio, MCKEESPORT DAILY NEWS
Friday, December 31, 2010

Steel Valley's Williams is Offensive Player of the Year

Before his senior season, the jury was still out on the direction of Steel Valley running back Delrece Williams’ future as a collegiate football player.

While Williams was completely dedicated to carrying the football at the next level, many recruiters saw his potential as most highly accentuated from the slot receiver position or in the defensive backfield.

“They knew he was athletic,” former Ironmen coach Ray Braszo, who led the team during Williams’ first three seasons, said. “A lot of times it seems that people want those real good athletes to also be able to play defense. They’re always looking for that kind of help. They probably believed that if he’s not the running back, he could go two ways.”

After the season Williams unfurled this fall, however, that debate should now most certainly be over.

Williams shattered Steel Valley’s single-season rushing record by gaining 2,388 yards and a WPIAL-best 34 touchdowns in leading the Ironmen to a 7-3 overall record, a 5-2 mark in the Century Conference and a trip to the Class AA playoffs.

For also setting the all-time WPIAL regular season rushing record at 2,149 yards, Williams is the 2010 Daily News Offensive Player of the Year.

Woodland Hills running back Lafayette Pitts, Clairton quarterback Desimon Green and McKeesport Area running back Sam Gooden were also considered for this year’s honors.

“It was really important for me to go out like this,” the 5-foot-11, 185-pound senior said. “I felt like I went out with a bang. This was my goal to go out of my senior season with a bang and hopefully get a scholarship.”

Although Braszo didn’t get to catch many of his former player’s games because he was coaching in his first season back at West Mifflin Area, Williams’ heavy offensive output came as no surprise.

“He was talented from ninth grade on when we had him,” Braszo, who previously coached the Titans for 17 seasons before his four-year stint at Steel Valley, said. “He was obviously going to be a good running back. It was just a matter of staying healthy and staying with it and working hard.”

“He’s kind of a natural talent, to go with the great personality he has, we thought he could be successful.”

And Williams’ success in his final high school campaign was nearly unparalleled around the WPIAL.

In ten games, he broke the 200-yard rushing barrier eight times.

Following a 215-yard, three-touchdown performance to lead the Ironmen to a critical 21-0 victory at Keystone Oaks in Week 7, Williams exploded for a career-best 342-yard, eight-touchdown showing at Quaker Valley the following week.

“That was a big game,” Williams said of facing Keystone Oaks. “They were a tough opponent. A lot of people were sleeping on them, but it was a make-or-break type game for us two. We stepped up to the plate.”

Williams would round out his regular season by racking up 317 yards and four touchdowns against South Allegheny before rushing for 236 yards and three scores in a crushing 19-18 loss to Beaver Falls in the first round of the WPIAL Class AA postseason.

“There wasn’t a game that we played this year that we didn’t have an opportunity to win,” first-year Steel Valley coach Rod Steele said.

With such consistently staggering rushing totals, the closest running back to approach Williams’ yardage totals was Hopewell junior Rushel Shell.

During his historic regular season, Williams carried the ball 222 times at a clip of 9.7 yards per carry, while Shell finished 47 yards behind him with 2,102 yards on 262 attempts — good for eight yards per carry.

Shell finished with 2,510 yards for the season after playing one more playoff game than Williams.

“(Delrece) has the work ethic and the inner drive,” Steele said. “He’s determined to be a good football player.”

Steele hasn’t been the only one to notice.

Since the beginning of the season, Williams has received considerable recruiting interest from West Virginia, UConn, Bowling Green, Illinois, Michigan State and Pitt.

When he receives his SAT scores in the next few weeks, Steele expects many — if not every one of those schools — to offer Williams a scholarship.

“He did a lot between the tackles,” Steele, who previously coached running backs at Pittsburgh Central Catholic, said. “He’s not that 4.4 kid that’s going to line up and just run right past you, but he has the intangibles as far as having great vision, great cutting ability, recognizing what goes on around him. That’s what makes him such a great athlete — a great running back.”

Williams will round out his high school football career when he takes part in the 2011 Offense-Defense All-American Bowl at Doug Shaw Stadium in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The game, which has featured Heisman Trophy winning Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, former Notre Dame and Seattle Seahawks receiver Golden Tate, along with Dallas Cowboys rookie receiver Dez Bryant, will be televised live on Versus at 4 p.m. on Friday.

Such exposure could only do wonders for Williams’ status on the national recruiting scene.

“He’s everything any coach would want in a running back,” Steele said. “I said it once, I’ll say it again, Delrece Williams could’ve lined up and played in the backfield for any team in the WPIAL. He has those intangibles and he’s determined to be great.”

“If there is any coach out there who is looking for a competitor,” he added. “Delrece Williams is the guy they want.”

To get to this point, though, Williams certainly has his teammates and coaches to thank.

That camaraderie will be the most lasting impact felt from his career with the Ironmen.

“I couldn’t do it all by myself,” Williams said.

“My line had a big part to do with it. It was a team effort. My team helped me become the player that I am.”

By John Santa, MCKEESPORT DAILY NEWS
Wednesday, December 29, 2010

New Years Eve at Sing Sing

For Info Call:
412-461-7426.

Spend an evening in the islands with Tom Watt, the #1 Jimmy Buffett impersonator

January 15, 2011

7:00-11:00

Skyview Firehall - off Rt. 885 by Pat Bus Garage

$25/person or $45/couple

Ticket includes show, buffet and draft beer.

Benefits West Mifflin Titan High School Football and Cheerleaders

Tickets and info: Lori-412-759-4728

Niners' new interim coach made mark at Steel Valley

Not everyone knows that Jim Tomsula, the interim coach of the San Francisco 49ers, played for a championship team at Steel Valley High School in 1984.

Thomas Jefferson coach Bill Cherpak and Woodland Hills' George Novak are two who do.

Tomsula, 43, and Cherpak were shoulder-to-shoulder offensive and defensive linemen for Novak, then the Steel Valley coach, when they won the WPIAL Big Ten Conference with a 10-0 regular-season record.

"He was Pittsburgh all the way through," Cherpak said of Tomsula, a native of Homestead. "He was tough. He was the worker. He didn't get as much attention because he was shorter (6-foot, 255 pounds), but he was just as good a player as anybody else."

Tomsula had been the 49ers' defensive line coach since 2007, keeping his job when Mike Singletary replaced former head coach Mike Nolan in 2008. Ultimately, Tomsula replaced Singletary, who was fired Sunday with one game left in the season.

True to Cherpak's description, Tomsula was working when he got word of the coaching change Sunday night. Immediately after arriving from St. Louis, where the 49ers had lost to the Rams to fall to 5-10, Tomsula started watching film, preparing for the next game.

Jed York, 49ers president and CEO, said Tomsula apologized to him Monday for not wearing a suit and tie to his introductory news conference. Tomsula was so focused on his job that he never made it home to change clothes.

Tomsula has a long coaching resume that began after he played at Middle Tennessee State and Catawba (N.C.) College. Initially, he worked in the food service industry before beginning a coaching career at Charleston Southern (S.C.) University in 1997 -- against his father's wishes.

Cherpak, who remains close friends with Tomsula and his family, remembers Tomsula's father saying, "This coaching will never take you anywhere."

Undaunted, Tomsula coached at Catawba in the fall and NFL Europe in the spring and summer, working for the England Monarchs, Scottish Claymores, Berlin Thunder and Rhein Fire from 1998-2006. He was Rhein's head coach in '06.

"He was a fighter," Cherpak said. "He was one of those guys who busted his butt in everything he did. In the summer, he would work in construction and go straight to work out."

This summer, Tomsula, Cherpak and Novak organized a football camp at Thomas Jefferson for boys with Down Syndrome. A total of 40 attended, many of whom were playing football for the first time. Tomsula conducted a similar camp in California.

Tomsula's wife Julie has invited Cherpak to the 49ers' home game Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. It's a big day for the family, because Tomsula is not expected to keep the job.

"I'm on a one-week calendar," he said.

No matter what happens in the future, Novak and Cherpak do not expect Tomsula to change.

"He's a regular guy," Novak said.

Said Cherpak: "He is hometown. You would never know he is a head coach. You tackle. You block. There is only one ball on the field. He doesn't make it any harder than it is, any more important than it is."

By Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Munch goes to Calypso Caribbean Grill

The scene: a smoke-filled Hollywood back-lot office. A young Munch pitches a screenplay to a tanned Tinseltown tycoon in tinted sunglasses, dragging off a Dunhill in a slender cigarette holder. Exasperated, Munch makes the case:

"It's a love story, see? A bootstraps fable! It's got everything!

A gal meets her fella in the islands! They fall in love! He moves Statesside! They open a restaurant! The American Dream! A fairy tale! Tropical locations! It's got it all, I tell ya!"

"I like it kid. Where do we shoot this epic?"

"At a strip mall in West Mifflin."

Long pause.

"Back up kid. Gimme that story again."

For the record: Sixteen years ago, a lass named Sharon goes on a Caribbean vacation in Barbados with some girlfriends and meets an island native, Terry.

Because men the world over are genetically incapable of resisting the charms of Pittsburgh girls, a long-distance courtship ensues and a little more than a year later, Terry and Sharon Ward were married.

Terry Ward has cooking in his DNA -- his family owned a restaurant on the equatorial haven. But, after marriage and a move to the United States, he continued his trade as a carpenter.

Sharon had her successful career as a chemist.

They had talked of opening a place together, serving authentic Caribbean cuisine, but the timing wasn't right, until ...

Fast forward to 2008.

The Great Recession strikes.

Sharon takes a voluntary severance from her company, which was making cutbacks.

Although the business climate is brutal, Sharon and Terry see their chance to take a big leap, and in October of last year, they open Calypso Caribbean Grill in the Kennywood Shops in West Mifflin.

When you think tropical paradise, naturally, you think Mon Valley, right mon? Not exactly.

But the cozy Calypso warms up an otherwise antiseptic shopping center, with its pastel painted walls, seashell decorations, and photographs of the pristine waters, glimmering white sand beaches and almost impossibly azure skies of Terry's homeland.

"That's great, kid, but how's the food?"

Quite good. Authentic.

A tapestry of sweet and spicy smells greet you upon entering the place.

The recipes of traditional Caribbean dishes are from Terry's family, many of them penned in the handwriting of his mother.

Munch tried an oxtail stew over a bed of wild rice with a side of fried plantains ($11.95). The cuts of oxtail were fatty (as they're supposed to be) and flavorful with a sauce that was both sweet but with just enough warming heat for a chilly December afternoon. The plantains were a sweet and savory treat with a starchy consistency.

Munch took out a jerk chicken sandwich with a side of lamb stew ($5.95) for dinner later.

The lamb stew seasonings were similarly delicious as the oxtail stew, but, in Munch's opinion, better, owing to a tastier selection of meat.

The jerk chicken was well-prepared and with a nice bite.

Trusty sidekick, the Blonde Barkeep Bud of Munch had the curry chicken over rice, with a side of macaroni and cheese. She reports that the chicken was tender, with a bit of spice, but not overpowering -- a well-balanced dish -- although the mac and cheese left a bit to be desired.

A host of other island staples such as curry goat, Roti and Bajan vegetables are also on the menu ($4.99-$9.95).

"So whaddya think sir? A Hollywood story. With a little 'Burgh and Bajan twist. Call it 'Eat, Pray, Love, n'at.' I smell Oscar!"

"Sorry kid. Sounds like a great place. But we're only doing 3-D vampire pictures these days. Tell 'em to hire on Nosferatu as a line cook and you got something."

Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Blast From the Past: Old Steel Mill Forges New Life as a Park

(Dec. 2) -- Preservationists outside Pittsburgh are fighting to put an abandoned steel mill back to work -- not so it can produce metal, but so it can protect history.

Since the blast furnaces fired up for the last time at the Carrie Furnace in 1978, the decaying steel mill on the bank of the Monongahela River has served as a solemn reminder of the industry that turned Pittsburgh into a thriving city -- then left it polluted and jobless.

Now, more than three decades after the Carrie Furnace went from being a bustling workplace for 4,000 employees to a 168-acre ghost town, a team of preservationists is trying to convert the remains of the hulking factory in Rankin, Pa., into a museum dedicated to the region's steel history.

"Pittsburgh is known for steel," said Sherris Moreira, a spokeswoman for Rivers of Steel Heritage Corp., the group spearheading the preservation project. "There is this pride that people here have for their steel heritage -- and this is a tangible way for people to connect with that history."

Rivers of Steel hopes to preserve the remaining structures, transforming the industrial ruin into an interactive historical center inside a park.

At the heart of the proposed preservation project are the two remaining blast furnaces, which were built in 1907 and left largely unchanged until U.S. Steel halted operations at the Carrie Furnace.

The massive ovens are rare examples of pre-World War II steel-making technology -- and they could make the perfect centerpiece for the proposed museum, according to Rivers of Steel curator of collections Tiffani Emig.

"They were never invested in for improvements and they were never upgraded. Everything was done by hand up until the day it closed," Emig said. "That's what makes them special."

Those industrial relics -- along with five other furnaces that were demolished -- manufactured as much as 1,200 tons of iron per day, creating metals used in the construction of the Empire State Building and St. Louis' Gateway Arch.

When the blast furnaces were operational, they turned ore, coke and limestone flux into a molten metal that was transported by rail across the aptly named "Hot Metal Bridge" to U.S. Steel's Homestead Works, where it was converted into steel.

The Homestead Works were razed in 1988 and the site was converted into a shopping mall in 1999. Today, all that remains of the historic steel mill are the smokestacks, which tower over a movie theater parking lot across the river from the Carrie Furnace.

The Carrie Furnace has already been deemed a National Historic Landmark, meaning it likely won't meet the same fate as the Homestead Works. But that doesn't mean the site isn't in danger.

When industry moved out, nature moved in. Tree roots have undermined the stability of some Carrie Furnace buildings, and grapevines scale the superstructure of the sprawling mill. Foxes, hawks and deer have recently been spotted on the site -- and they're not the only new visitors.

The abandoned steel mill has become a destination for graffiti artists, paintball players, vagrants and vandals who strip the site and sell the stolen scrap metal.

"The wiring and anything else that can be scrapped has been taken out," said Emig, who told AOL News she's often chased away uninvited visitors. "With the graffiti, the paint wears off. It's the people who are physically stripping the site who are the problem."

Rivers of Steel plans to restore some parts of the Carrie Furnace to look the way they did when the plant was operational. But other parts -- like a massive sculpture of a deer head built from metal and wire in the 1990s by the Industrial Arts Co-Op -- will remain as they are today.

"We will preserve some of the graffiti, definitely the deer," Emig said. "This site didn't die in 1978. This place continued to be used, and we want to show that."

Even if Rivers of Steel gets its wish and is able to preserve the remaining steel mill structures, the rest of the 168-acre property could look very different in the coming years. Allegheny County owns the entire site and began renting the Carrie Furnace buildings to Rivers of Steel in May.

County officials are looking for builders interested in bringing light manufacturing and residential development to the rest of the grassy plot.

New businesses or homes near the old steel mill will certainly change the site's context, but they won't compromise the Carrie Furnace as a historic site, according to Emig.

"It's already compromised," she said. "There's only two furnaces left; there used to be seven. You work with what you have."

The most important thing the Carrie Furnace has is its historic site, according to Arthur Ziegler, president of the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation.

"We have saved artifacts from the mills -- blowing engines, a Bessemer converter and so forth -- but we had to relocate them," Ziegler said. "But this will be the first time it's all preserved on site."

Obviously, making the dilapidated steel mill a safe destination for sightseers isn't going to be easy -- or cheap.
The group's "bare-bones cost estimate" for the project is $78 million. Current funding only allows for repairs of a severely damaged roof at one of the powerhouses.

To fund other projects, like securing shaky catwalks, clearing out tons of debris from the mill's stock house, or perhaps building a monorail like the one depicted in flashy conceptual images of the historic center, the group will seek public funding and private donations.

There's talk of approaching the National Parks Service for help, but it's unclear whether the cash-strapped agency would be interested in or able to offer assistance.

Though finances are a concern, Moreira says she's been encouraged by the interest in the project.

"Heritage matters," said Moreira, whose group has given tours of the Carrie Furnace to more than 700 eager visitors in the past two months. "It's not only important to know where we come from, but it's important looking into the future.

Sponsored Links

In the years since the steel industry left Pittsburgh, the "Steel City" has in many ways attempted to distance itself from its metal-producing past. But the city's industrial legacy lives on -- and not just in the name of its football team and local beer.

According to Moreira, many Pittsburghers have started looking to the city's steel-making roots as a source of pride.

"There was a lot of bitterness when the steel went away. People wanted to move on. But now people are at the point where they want to look back," she said.

"This isn't just steel; it's about emotions."

AOL News
December 2, 2010
http://www.aolnews.com/2010/12/02/blast-from-the-past-old-steel-mill-forges-new-life-as-a-park/

Batch, Steelers take part in annual 'Batch of Toys' drive

Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch scored a touchdown for local children as he hosted his fifth annual Collect a Batch of Toys drive.

People lined up outside and around Dave & Buster’s restaurant in Homestead Tuesday afternoon to donate a toy and get an autograph or picture taken with Batch and his Steelers teammates.

“It’s sad to know that so many kids don’t have the opportunities that other kids have,” Batch said. “I’ve delivered thousands of toys for the holidays, and every year when the last toy is delivered, I always wish I had more of them to give.”

The Homestead native said he is happy to serve and bring attention to his hometown and the Pittsburgh area.

“This is where I’m from and I see the impact the Steelers have,” he said.

Other Steelers in attendance included James Farrior, Ryan Mundy, Dennis Dixon, Max Starks, Flozell Adams, Maurkice Pouncey, Crezdon Butler, Ramon Foster, Matt Spaeth and Frank Summers.

Batch said he appreciates the assistance he gets from his teammates, who also brought numerous toys to donate.

“They’ve been supportive of everything I’ve done,” he said.

Dixon said it’s great to see Batch helping out his hometown.

“He’s my role model for the way he represents himself on and off the field,” he said.

Batch said he’s appreciative so many people came out to donate toys.

“This is the fifth year and it keeps growing every year,” he said.

In the past four years, the drive has distributed more than 25,000 toys to children in need.

The quarterback personally delivers the toys to children and their families at The Salvation Army, the Women’s Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, Children’s Hospital of UPMC of Pittsburgh, financially challenged families in Allegheny County and Toys for Tots.

“It’s a wonderful thing he does,” Batch’s mom Lynn Settles said. “I enjoy watching him give back to the community.”

Pittsburgh resident Jim Cottler and his son Jim Cottler Jr. have been coming to Batch’s toy drive every year.

“It gives toys to kids who can’t afford to have a Christmas,” he said. “Charlie does a lot of good for the community.”

Dave & Buster’s also was giving out a $10 Power Card for each donation.

“The players have a very busy lifestyle,” said Robert Marin, Dave & Buster’s general manager.

“I’m ecstatic they would take time out of their day to come to Dave and Buster’s for the toy drive.”

He said the restaurant is always looking for ways to help the community and jumped at being involved with the toy drive this year, when Nancy Bruce Harris of Clear Channel Radio mentioned it to him.

Toy donations of new, unwrapped toys still can be made at Best of the Batch Foundation offices, 2000 West St. in Munhall, through Dec. 20. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information or to arrange pickup of large donations, call the foundation office at 412-326-0119.

By Stacy Lee, MCKEESPORT DAILY NEWS
Wednesday, December 15, 2010

PITTSBURGH STEELERS QB CHARLIE BATCH TO COLLECT A “BATCH OF TOYS”

CHARLIE BATCH TO HOST 5TH ANNUAL TOY DRIVE TO BENEFIT ‘TOYS FOR TOTS’ & THE BEST OF THE BATCH FOUNDATION ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 9, 2010

Homestead, PA – Pittsburgh Steelers QB Charlie Batch will lead the effort to collect a “Batch of Toys” in his 5th Annual Toy Drive to benefit “Toys For Tots” and the Best of The Batch Foundation next Tuesday, December 14, 2010 from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Dave & Buster’s at 180 E. Waterfront Drive in Homestead, PA.

Charlie Batch and his teammates will sign autographs for fans in exchange for donations of new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to less fortunate kids. Toys for children of all ages will be accepted, and those who make donations will receive a complimentary $10 Dave & Buster’s PowerCard.

In its first four years, the “Batch of Toys” program has distributed more than 25,000 toys to needy children, and Charlie’s goal this year is to exceed 10,000 toys.

“It’s sad to know that so many kids don’t have the opportunities that other kids have,” said Batch. “I’ve delivered thousands of toys for the holidays, and every year when the last toy is delivered, I always wish I had more of them to give.”

Charlie personally delivers toys, along with smiles and joy to children and families at The Salvation Army, the Women’s Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Jail, Children’s Hospital, to financially challenged families in Allegheny County and to Toys for Tots.

In addition to the Dave & Buster’s location, toy donations can also be made at The Best of the Batch Foundation offices now through December 20th at 2000 West Street in Munhall, PA. Office hours are 9:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday. The pickup of large donations can be scheduled by calling the foundation office at 412.326.0119. Additional information about the “Batch of Toys” program and additional donation information is available at www.batchfoundation.org.

For updated information on Charlie Batch & his Best of the Batch Foundation, fans can follow on Facebook!

www.facebook.com/BestoftheBatchFoundation

www.facebook.com/CharlieBatch

Charlie Batch in the News:Watch Charlie Batch on ESPN First Take with Jay Crawford (http://bit.ly/cKUW3B), talking about Ben Roethlisberger's return, the Steelers start to the year at 3-1, his Best of the Batch Foundation, Project CHUCK Youth Basketball League, mentoring Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor, Eastern Michigan football and the Best of the Batch Foundation. Read about Batch’s mentorship of Pryor in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review at http://bit.ly/dCS9Qs and his motivation for establishing the Best of the Batch Foundation in this Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article: http://bit.ly/aydX6f.

The Best of the Batch Foundation is a registered non-profit foundation founded in 1999 by NFL quarterback Charlie Batch. The Best of the Batch Foundation’s mission is to provide opportunities and guidance to disadvantaged youth in the city of Pittsburgh, PA and surrounding areas through programs designed to encourage academic excellence through sports, positive motivation and community pride. For more information on the foundation, its programs, or how to contribute, please contact Latasha Wilson, Executive Director, at 412-326-0119, lwilson@batchfoundation.org, or visit the website at www.batchfoundation.org.

Governor Rendell: New State Investments Will Create Thousands of New Jobs in Allegheny County

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 13, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today said Pennsylvania has awarded $84 million for 19 projects throughout Allegheny County that will provide the foundation for the creation of more than 10,000 new jobs.

"We've been investing in Pennsylvania communities and businesses since the start of my administration with great success," the Governor said. "The 19 new investments we are announcing today will go a long way toward ensuring the health and viability of these communities for many years to come."

Funding for the 19 projects comes from the state's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, which operates on a reimbursement basis as construction expenses are billed and paid on projects that have been approved by the General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor.

In addition to the state's $84 million investment, the projects will leverage $165 million in private support.

Point Park University will receive a $2.5 million RACP grant from Governor Rendell for the construction of a park at Wood Street and Boulevard of the Allies. The new facility will improve the quality of life for visitors and residents of the neighborhood by replacing a surface parking lot with greenery and water features. It will also be a key component of the university's academic village initiative.

Governor Rendell said Pennsylvania has strategically used its ability to borrow money for vital community projects like these. Wall Street debt-rating agencies, like Moody's Investors Services, consistently categorize the commonwealth's debt burden as low.

"Programs like RACP and investments like these have helped to keep Pennsylvania's construction industry going despite the economic downturn. These investments, and others like it that we have made across the state for the past 8 years, have helped to keep Pennsylvania's unemployment rate below the national average for 91 of the 94 past months," Governor Rendell said.

For more information about economic development initiatives in Pennsylvania, visit www.newpa.com or call 1-866-466-3972.

Media contact: Gary Tuma, 717-783-1116

Editor's Note: A list of the projects Governor Rendell announced today, and the amount of funding each project received from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, is below.

Clinton Industrial Park, $8 million for Phase Two, the development of industrial and commercial sites at or surrounding the Greater Pittsburgh International Airport. The $20 million project is anticipated to create more than 2,000 permanent direct and indirect jobs, as well as 180 temporary construction jobs.

Westport Development/Findlay Industrial Park, $3 million for the project's second phase, which will extend Solar Drive in the Findlay Industrial Park, adding approximately 2,700 linear feet of roadway along with all utilities. The project will create 244 acres of development-ready land, which can be subdivided and sold to warehouse and distribution users ranging from 40,000 square feet to 1 million square feet. The $6.5 million project is expected to create 2,151 permanent jobs and 140 temporary construction jobs.

McKeesport Industrial Center, $5 million for Phase Two, the continued remediation and development of a 133-acre brownfield site along the Monongahela River in McKeesport. The project includes demolition, construction, renovation and infrastructure enhancements that will open 65 acres of the site. Future remediated space will focus on the continued growth of the flex park for business and industrial development. The $10 million project is expected to create 265 new jobs and 120 construction jobs, and it will retain 841 existing jobs.

Tech One Business Park, Monroeville, $3 million to continue constructing Stroschein Road to serve as an additional entrance into Bechtel Corporation. The project will alleviate traffic and safety issues for an adjacent residential community that currently has hundreds of cars from the business using a residential street to enter and exit the business park. This will open about 100 acres of the adjoining vacant and underutilized business park for development. The $12 million project is expected to create 200 permanent and 60 construction jobs, and will retain 549 existing positions.

Carrie Furnace Hot Metal Bridge, $5 million, for the remediation and rehabilitation of an existing hot metal bridge located in the Munhall and Rankin boroughs. The project will vehicular and pedestrian traffic and link the Carrie Furnace brownfield to State Route 837 and allow greater access to the area. The $35 million project is expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs at the redevelopment site, as well as 150 temporary construction jobs.

McClaren Business Park, Findlay Township, $5 million, for the construction of a new road that will connect to McClaren Road near the interchange with I-376. Several shovel-ready sites will be opened and prepared for development. The $11 million project is expected to create 400 permanent jobs and 250 construction jobs.

Tech 21, Marshall Township, $3 million, for the preparation of pad-ready sites in the Tech 21 development as well as general improvements to its entrance of the development and existing wetlands. The $6 million project is expected to create 4,267 permanent jobs and 200 construction jobs.

City Center - Duquesne Redevelopment, $5 million, for the continued remediation and development of a 240-acre brownfield along the Monongahela River. This phase of the $10 million project will open 75 new acres of development, create 410 permanent jobs and 165 construction jobs, and will retain 686 existing positions.

Point Park University Academic Village, $2.5 million, for the construction of an urban park at Wood Street and Boulevard of the Allies in what is now a surface parking lot. The park will add green space, a water feature, and a premier restaurant opportunity to the neighborhood, and is a key component of key component of the university's Academic Village initiative. The $7.5 million project is expected to create 310 construction jobs.

Robert Morris University School of Business Complex, Moon Township, $5 million, for an 18,000-square-foot facility that will include classroom space, the PNC Trading Center, the U.S. Steel Videoconferencing and Technology Resource Center, and the Allegheny Technologies Global Business Library. The $10.4 million project is expected to create 20 permanent jobs and 250 temporary construction jobs.

Robert Morris University Nursing Simulation Center, $5 million, for a 19,000-square-foot nursing simulation education, research and training facility. The center will contribute significantly to the research and training of health care professionals in southwestern Pennsylvania. The $11 million project is expected to create 13 permanent jobs and 250 temporary construction jobs.

2600 E. Carson Street, Pittsburgh, $5 million, for the acquisition, rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of a prominent historic seven-story structure in the South Side Flats neighborhood. The structure will be transformed into a mixed-use building that will contain approximately 87 one- and two-bedroom rental apartments plus 10,000 square feet of street-level retail space. The $27.8 million project is expected to create 55 permanent jobs and 125 construction jobs.

Residences at the Strip (Armstrong Cork II), $1.5 million, for the construction of a four-story building that will offer 90 market-rate residential rental units on Railroad Street (between 24th and 25th Streets) in Pittsburgh. The $18.34 million project is expected to create 15 permanent jobs and 125 construction jobs.

Downtown Preservation, $4 million, for the restoration and preservation projects on smaller-scale properties in the Fifth Forbes Corridor in downtown Pittsburgh. The goal of this investment will be to leverage private investment in the many buildings that may have a first-floor tenant, but the upper floors are vacant or under-occupied and feature unimproved facades. The $8 million project is expected to create 250 permanent jobs and 100 temporary construction jobs, and will retain 10 existing positions.

Baum Square Parking Garage, East Liberty, $4.5 million, for the construction of a structured parking facility that will include 140-plus spaces and will support various mixed-use redevelopment efforts in East Liberty. The $10.5 million project is expected to create 25 permanent jobs and 100 construction jobs.

Doughboy Square - 34th and Butler, Lower Lawrenceville, $1 million, to anchor a critical gateway location and - through construction, infrastructure, site prep, and streetscape improvements along both sides of this corner lot development - help eliminate a disjointed segment of the district. The $6.1 million project is expected to create 200 permanent jobs and 70 construction jobs.

Strip District & Produce Terminal Redevelopment, $15 million, for the complete renovation of the outdated Produce Terminal and residential-compatible development on the land between the terminal and the Allegheny Riverfront, as well as parking, sidewalks, lighting, new utilities and other investments to support the development. The $30.9 million is expected to create 788 permanent jobs and 636 construction jobs.

Chatham University Eden Hall Campus EcoCenter, $3 million, to rehabilitate and renovate two existing barns on the campus and become anchors to a new academic and outreach/conference complex. The EcoCenter will include a multi-purpose assembly space for conferences, various student activities, and community outreach programs; a kitchen facility; and a series of flex spaces that will be used as classrooms, faculty offices, a bookstore and for student recreation. The $8.8 million project is expected to create 285 permanent jobs and 40 construction jobs, and will retain three existing positions.

Western PA Life Science Economic Growth Initiative, $500,000, for a life sciences campus on the south side of Pittsburgh at the River Park Commons Business Center. The facility will attract burgeoning life sciences companies. This phase of the project will include the conversion of the building for its initial occupants and the construction of new laboratory space. The $1 million project is expected to create 25 permanent jobs and 15 construction jobs, and will retain 24 existing positions.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

"Vivaldi Gloria" Concert at St. Maximilian Kolbe

This Sunday December 12, 2010 at 3:00pm, The "Vivaldi Gloria" Concert will be performed at St Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 363 W. 11th Ave Extension, Homestead, PA 15120.

Admission is free!

This is a monumental event for the Steel Valley. We've have had wonderful concerts at our Carnegie Library Concert Hall, but never a concert of this caliber in any church in the valley.
The Combines choirs of the Pittsburgh Compline Choir and St. Andrew Episcopal Church Schola Cantorum (Highland Park) under the direction of Dr. Alastair Stout and Peter Luley, will perform in it's entirety the "Vivaldi Gloria". In addition, inspired carols and hymns of the season will be celebrated.

The Pittsburgh Baroque Ensemble's reputation speaks for itself. The group is under the musical direction of Rick Murrell, one of the finest Baroque trumpet players in the nation. Also other instrumentalists are coming from other parts of the country to perform at both at Saint Max on Dec. 12 and at Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside on Friday Dec. 10 to perform in it's entirety the Messiah. The choir is a mix of some of the cities finest singers and our soloist are second to none. This is truly an event you want to experience.

Waterfront Costco launches kosher bakery, one of only 12 nationwide

Fans of Costco’s extensive line of kosher foods now have yet another reason to visit its Waterfront store: a certified in-house kosher bakery.

The bakery, which is certified circle K dairy, was kashered two weeks ago in order to more fully serve the Jewish community in the area, according to Jeff Hepler, manager of the bakery.

“We’re in the middle of a predominantly Jewish community,” Hepler said. “We have lots of Jewish members who are always looking at the baked goods. This was a very good and smart business decision.”

Costco is offering an extensive variety of baked goods for sale, and the products are well priced.

Items available this week include freshly baked pumpkin and apple pies; an assortment of muffins and cookies; danish and croissants; cheesecakes; cinnamon rolls and rugelach. A beautifully decorated red velvet cake is also offered, along with an elegant, rich-looking chocolate cake.

Fanciful sheet cakes, decorated for Thanksgiving, are large enough to serve 48 people. Sheet cakes can also be ordered for special occasions, with 24 hours notice.

While there are 12 other Costco bakeries around the country that are certified kosher, this is the first one in the Pittsburgh area, Hepler said.

The Waterfront Costco is Pittsburgh’s third kosher bakery currently open. Sweet Tammy’s, whose products are all pareve, or dairy-free, opened on Murray Avenue. in December 2008. The Murray Avenue. Giant Eagle converted its bakery to kosher-pareve about six months later.

Although the kosher sweets are plentiful at Costco, don’t expect to find a variety of hechshered breads. While there were kosher dinner rolls available on a recent visit, most other breads were not certified kosher.

Still, Pittsburgh’s kosher community seems to be thrilled to have another bakery option.

“It’s a pleasure,” raved one shopper to another, as she loaded up her cart.

Read more: The Jewish Chronicle - Pittsburgh Costco launches kosher bakery one of only 12 nationwide

The Jewish Chroncile
by Toby Tabachnick
Staff Writer

Visit the Center during the Steel Valley Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 4 - 12:00 pm

Visit the BMNECC before and during the annual Steel Valley Christmas Parade, which starts at 12:00 pm in front of the West Homestead Police Station (456 West 8th Avenue) and travels along 8th Avenue through Homestead, ending in Munhall. The BMNECC will be serving coffee and selling soup from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, so stop by and warm up! For more information, visit the Steel Valley Matters website.

Buy Bulgarian Gifts at pump house Holiday Heritage Market

Saturday, December 4 - 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

The BMNECC will take part in the annual Holiday Heritage Market at the Rivers of Steel Pump House. We will be selling traditional Bulgarian gift items, such as our beautiful ceramic kitchenware, plus a variety of our delicious Bulgarian soups. We'll also hand out samples of our homemade strudel.
Learn more.

Line-Up for the 2010 Historic Steel Valley Christmas Parade

1. FIRE TRUCKS
2. All Steel Valley Police Vehicles
3. All County Police Vehicles
4. United States Steel Banner
5. West Mifflin ROTC- Air Force Jr.
6. STEEL VALLEY MAYORS in Joan Debolds convertible
7. MUNHALL WEST HMSTD PD'S/Council members
8. State Rep Bill Kortz
9. Mon Valley HOGS/Hot Metal Motorcycles
10. GRAND MARSHAL SANTA CLAUS
11. TV personalities - KDKA Reporter Jim Lokay
12. Salvation Army Canteen
13. CATHOLIC WAR VETERANS
14. American Legion- Homestead Grays
15. BEST BUY The Geek Squad
16. STEEL VALLEY BAND
17. STEEL VALLEY QUEEN
18. Steel Valley Cheerleaders/Rhythum Club
19. STEEL VALLEY WOMENS SOCCER
20. SYRIAN CLOWNS: DR. CUDDLES
21. Steel Valley School Board
22. Possibly Darius Williams- Broke all WPIAL running records
23. SYRIA ROAD RIGS
24. Syrian Sidewinders
25. Eldercrest Nursing Facility
26. TROOP 50681/Daisy & Girl Scouts
27. STEEL VALLEY Pop Warners YOUTH ATHL. ASSOC
28. Westinghouse High School Band
29. Master Muffler
30. Mulligans Sports Bar
31. STEEL VALLEY ROTARY
32. STATE FARM Insurance & Bear
33. JOYFUL TWIRLERS,Monroeville
34. Steeley McBeam - Steelers Mascot
35. REP.MARC. GERGELY
36. FITZGERALD, RICH
37. COSTA, JAY
38. W.M. CUB SCOUTS PACK # 31
39. W.M.BROWNIE TRP. 188
40. David Doyle Stilt Walker
41. Carnegie Library of Homestead
42. IMPROV COMEDY CLUB/Brian Linsinbigler
43. Home Instead Senior Care
44. Macy's
45. Italian Village Pizza Mascot
46. BARRET AND PARK SCHOOLS
47. Boy Scout Troop Pack 15
48. Young Preservationist
49. MAPS
50. West Mifflin Boy Scout Troop 1111
51. KNIGHTS BARBER SHOP
52. PROPEL SCHOOLS
53. US Army Humvee
54. Citizens Bank of Homestead
55. Steel Valley Girl Scout Troop 54204
56. Duquesne - West Mifflin Boys & Girls Club
57. Puppets on Parade
58. STEEL VALLEY FAMILY CENTER
59. HARMONY CLUB OF HOMESTEAD
60. CHICK-FIL-A
61. Homestead District Lions Club
62. Razzle Dazzle Musical Group-
63. Syria Highlanders Pipe & Drum ? Spoke to
64. TURTLE CREEK MH/MR
65. MUSA
66. Daisy TROOP 50522 ANN ASHLEY
67. Munhall Cub Scout Pack 4
68. Guardian Storage
69. BENNETT, SANDY
70. MARY ANN & COMPANY DANCE
71 .Michael Jackson Impersonator-
72. Tracy Fashion
73. STRONG WOMEN/STRONG GIRLS
74. BLACK MNT. Spirt sch chinese kung/fu
75. Waterfront Christian Church
76. MCDONALDS
77. PANDA BEAR
78. WALMART
79. Lloyds Brothers Antique Cars
80. MCGRUFF CRIME DOG
81. STEAK AND SHAKE
82. TRANSITIONAL SERVICES
83. Oliver High School Band
84. ELMO/ COOKIE MONSTER- Carrying Banner
85. Fuddruckers
86. Steel Valley COG
87. REB ROBIN RESTAURANT
88. HOMESTEAD PARK United Methodist Church
89. West Mifflin Police Department
90. West Mifflin Mayor- Chris Kelly
91. West Mifflin Homecoming Queen- .
92. WEST MIFFLIN HIGH "THUNDER BAND"
93. HOMESTEAD DEMOCRATS
94. HORSES
95. West Homestead Fire Department

Holiday parade lives on in the Steel Valley

With Homestead borough’s event planner and program director Denise Kelly retired, some thought there would be no Christmas parade in the Steel Valley this year.

Steel Valley residents should fear not as Homestead Mayor Betty Esper has stepped up as the coordinator of the Historic Steel Valley Christmas Parade, planned for Saturday at noon.

Parade lineup will be at 11:15 a.m. along Forest Avenue in West Homestead. The parade will go from Forest Avenue down Eighth Avenue to end at Shop’n Save in Homestead for cookies and drinks.

“It’s very hard for someone to step in,” Esper said. “I’m using the lineup from last year. It’s like (Kelly) is helping us organize it.”

Kelly organized the parade for more than 15 years. Esper organized the parade before Kelly. Esper said the majority of the groups in the parade last year also signed up this year. U.S. Steel once again is sponsoring the parade and Santa Claus will be the grand marshal.

“It’s his parade,” Esper said. “Why shouldn’t he be grand marshal?”

The parade will begin with equipment from surrounding fire organizations.

It will include local mayors and other elected leaders. Homecoming queens from Steel Valley and West Mifflin Area high schools will precede their school’s bands. Other high school marching bands in attendance will be Westinghouse and Pittsburgh Oliver. KDKA’s traffic and transportation reporter Jim Lokay will be in the parade. Arrangements are still being worked out for a possible appearance by Steel Valley High School’s all-time leading rusher, tailback Delrece Williams.

The parade’s approximately 100 units will include local police departments and EMS companies, Scouts, clowns, stilt walkers, military organizations, dance groups, musical groups, puppeteers, costumed characters and antique cars.

There will be no prizes for window decorating or floats this year.

“The parade is important because it brings our three communities together along with our wonderful neighbors to celebrate the season,” parade committee member Colleen Fedor said.

Before and during the parade, there will be no parking in the 100-300 block of E. Eighth Avenue and the 100 block of W. Eighth Avenue. From approximately noon to1:30 p.m., motorists will not be able to cross the Homestead Grays Bridge or access Eighth Avenue in Homestead in any direction. Port Authority buses will be rerouted during that time.

Anyone who would like to participate in the parade should call 412-461-0667.

By Stacy Lee, MCKEESPORT DAILY NEWS
Wednesday, December 1, 2010