Pier 1 Imports Sale

Pier 1 Imports - Waterfront Store

Entire Store On Sale

Everything MUST GO!

Entire Store

20%-50% off original ticketed price

All Furniture, Home Accents & Décor, Rugs, Pillows, Window Treatments, Dinnerware, Glassware, Table Linens, Candles, Fragrances and so much more!

Selling to the Bare Walls!

This Location Only: 240 E WATERFRONT DR, HOMESTEAD.
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130 Anniversary- Homestead 2010 Community Day

As you may already know, 2010 is Homestead Borough’s 130th Anniversary. This year's plans are underway for a wonderful grand opening of our new Municipal Building as well as plans to commemorate our Anniversary at our annual Community Day event. Plans for this celebration are being made for Saturday, July 10^th to be held in Frick Park, and of course money is a factor. We are currently seeking sponsors to cover some of the costs for this hometown Anniversary celebration.

I am appealing to all the Homestead organizations and businesses, as well as regional businesses to help us appropriately commemorate this occasion. To that end, we are requesting sponsorship of $25.00 per business or organization. Sponsorship includes a printed sign with your business/organizations name displayed at our Community Day event

There will be activities, games and local performances in Frick Park and our hope is to have a well known musical group perform in the early evening. Our current plan is to host this event from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM. We of course are open to any suggestions you may have and we encourage you to think of a way through your business or organization to make this year’s event even more memorable. Homestead is a community where good things are continuing to happen.


Mayor Betty Esper

You may mail your $25.00 sponsorship check to:

Homestead 130^th Anniversary Celebration

140 east Ninth Avenue

Homestead, Pa 15120

*Please make check payable to Spirit of Christmas


Contact: Denise Kelly
(412) 462-7272
homesteadwns@aol.com

Annex Cookery is reborn in Homestead

There is something very coming-full-circle about the name of Judith Tener-Lewis' Annex Cookery in Homestead.

The store began in 1967 as an annex to her mother's grocery store, which Ms. Tener-Lewis' Italian-born grandfather, Serafino Bonomi, started in the early 1900s on Streets Run Road in Baldwin. When Ms. Tener-Lewis opened on Walnut Street, Shadyside, in 1975, she brought the name with her, although newcomers surely wondered, Annex to what?

In its newest incarnation in a historic building at 218 E. Eighth Ave., Annex Cookery is once again an annex ­-- or rather, has one. Let's put it this way: The store and its next-door neighbor, the Tin Front Cafe, are equal partners in a high-spirited venture that is bringing community, comfort food and quality cookware to Homestead's main street.

The two businesses are a family affair. Ms. Tener-Lewis and her husband, architect, artist and author David Lewis, both of West Homestead, own five historic commercial buildings on Eighth Avenue and are restoring them as money allows. Nothing is done on the cheap or on the fly, so the just-completed four-bedroom, three-bath apartment, a potential live-work space above the cookware shop and cafe, has been fully insulated and beautifully appointed.

While Ms. Tener-Lewis runs Annex Cookery, her son, Daniel Steinitz, and his wife, Ellie Gumlock, operate the Tin Front Cafe, a fresh-and-local, no-meat eatery open for breakfast, lunch and early dinners five days a week, with shorter hours on Sundays.

The three-story building and its elaborate, Classical, pressed metal ornament caught Mr. Lewis' eye about 10 years ago.

"When we bought the building it was a jitney stand," Ms. Tener-Lewis said. "David wanted to turn it into a store for me."

Mr. Steinitz, a University of Pittsburgh business school grad, also encouraged his mother to reopen the shop she closed as a retail space in 1998, after 23 years on Walnut Street. After operating for a few years as a Web-based business, Ms. Tener-Lewis quietly opened Annex Cookery in late 2004 on the first floor of a slim, two-story building they also own adjacent to the tin-front one. The long, narrow, brick-walled space once was an alley traveled by coaches to get to the former stable and settlers' cottage behind the tin-front building. Between the cottage and the back of the tin-front building is a courtyard that will accommodate al fresco dining come spring.

Now Annex Cookery has grown into the tin-front building and expanded its wares. Some of them rest on the former back bar of the late, lamented Homestead landmark, Chiodo's tavern.

During construction, "Daniel said, 'I'd like to buy Chiodo's back bar,' and we said 'Are you crazy?' because money was just pouring out. But we got it and we love it," Ms. Tener-Lewis said. Chiodo's bar is next door, serving as the cafe's coffee bar.

She said that what customers liked about her Walnut Street location was the personal attention they got. Her prices are good, too, lower than retail.

"I want customers," she said. "I want to sell."

Most of her merchandise is picked "because it's wonderful and beautiful and all sort of hangs together in a collection," she said.

With limited space, she sells only a few lines of cookware, including All-Clad, Le Creuset, Joyce Chen and Nigella Lawson.

Annex also carries oven-to-table La Chambaware, the sturdy, smoked, unglazed black pottery made in the village of La Chamba, Colombia, mostly by women. These elegant vessels -- bean pots, casseroles, tagines and more -- also can be used on the stovetop or in the microwave.

A glass-topped wooden table by Robert Brandagee holds hand-thrown bowls, teapots and unomi cups by Minnesota potter Guillermo Cuellar, who studied with Mr. Lewis' lifelong friend, Warren MacKenzie, and shares his Japanese aesthetic of beauty, simplicity and utility.

Tabletop ware, both traditional and contemporary, includes Italian-made Vietri and Deruta, and Annieglass, artisan-made in California. Most of Annex's flatware is designed by artists and architects for Finland's Iittala.

Colorful ruffled aprons and smocks, OXO kitchen tools and Cuisinart, Krups and Waring Pro appliances round out the eclectic shop. Annex's distinctive light shades -- large paper umbrellas -- are for sale, too, at $22 each.

Bowls carved from wild olive wood in Zimbabwe are a reminder of her husband's strong ties to his native South Africa.

Mr. Lewis, a fine vegetarian cook who for decades has shared his dinner table with an ever-evolving cast of friends and family, serves as guiding light and inspiration. He taught Ms. Gumlock to bake the cafe's whole wheat and white bread; she also makes its scones, muffins and cookies and runs the kitchen.

Mr. Lewis' custom blend of Darjeeling and Assam is the cafe's house tea; herbal teas are custom-blended by Jeffrey Berta in Slippery Rock, including a heavenly Lady Grey Lavender Tips.

Among other items on the seasonal menu: Cheesy Cheddar Grits ($3); Apple and Brie French Toast ($5.25); Spicy Spinach, Mushroom and Mozzarella Quesadilla ($5); and Spinach Salad with Gorgonzola, Pears and Spiced Walnuts ($4.95).

The cafe's walls are lined with prints of paintings by the late East Liberty restaurateur Peter Contis, another Lewis friend whom he wrote about in his 1995 book, "Byzantine Butterflies."

Mr. Lewis moved to West Homestead in 1988 after becoming involved in efforts to revive the Mon Valley steel towns, beginning with the Remaking Cities conference that year, for which he brought Prince Charles to Pittsburgh.

With the new ventures and with other shop owners on Eighth Avenue, "We're trying to make Main Street the center of the community," Mr. Lewis said. The cafe also hosts community meetings.

Now retired from architecture and from teaching at Carnegie Mellon University, Mr. Lewis has had more time to devote to his own artwork; the animals in his paintings have roared off their brown paper backgrounds and exploded in size to become large painted metal sculptures; two of them crawl across the tin-front building's storefronts and four more greet visitors from display windows across the street. Others are soon to alight on neighboring businesses, transforming the block in a way that just might be contagious.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

By Patricia Lowry, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

HAITI SURVIVORS FUNDRAISER

A fundraiser for the survivors of the tragic Haiti earthquake is being held tomorrow Saturday January 23, 2010 at the Carnegie Library of Homestead Music Hall at 510 Tenth Avenue in Munhall.

Performance of the P.R.O.M.I.S.E. Group band will begin at 8pm, Saturday 23rd. Entrance donations is $25 and 1 bag of nonperishable food and survival items or $10 with 1 bag.

Residential Homes for Sale

Mon Valley Initiative currently has several affordable priced homes for sale within the Mon Valley. Click here to see our current flyer or call 412-464-4000 for more information.

Waterfront Ridge provides accessibility for everyone

At Waterfront Ridge in Munhall, developer Steve Chupinka's goal was to build affordable and accessible houses.

"As a real estate agent, I really saw a need for it," said Mr. Chupinka, president of Bryler Development and K&S Real Estate.

It was a need also recognized by United Cerebral Palsy/Community Living and Support Services, a nonprofit human service provider for people with disabilities in Allegheny and surrounding counties.

They joined together to create a two-unit, one-level patio home that is handicapped-accessible and uses "smart home" technology. There will be an open house at 106 and 108 Waterfront Ridge Lane today from noon to 5 p.m. Later this month, four men with disabilities will move into the units. Twenty more units are to be built in the development.

"This is a community where anyone can live," Mr. Chupinka said.

The first two units have been specially designed to serve the needs of the men involved in the UCP/CLASS program, said Ron Ruppen, facilities coordinator for UCP Community Service Centre. Two of them are in wheelchairs and have cerebral palsy, and the other two have different levels of brain injury but are ambulatory.

Smart technology includes monitors that detect water leaks and bathroom floors made of special material to prevent slipping. An intercom system links the two units, so in case of an emergency, phones or panic buttons are programmed to activate the intercom to call UCP staff members for help.

Cameras will monitor the entrances so residents can see visitors on their television screens. All of the doorways are at least 36 inches wide, so wheelchairs can easily pass through.

The entrance to the house does not have a step for better wheelchair movement, Mr. Ruppen said. The bathrooms are wide enough to allow for easy turning radius for a wheelchair, and the showers have roll-in access.

"This home and the home next door are fully accessible, but they are residential in nature," said Al Condeluci, CEO of UPC/CLASS. "They don't look institutional."

The single-floor living spaces include two bedrooms, each with their own bathroom, a large living room area, kitchen, dining area, laundry room and back porch overlooking the Monongahela River.

UCP/CLASS designed its first smart home two years ago in North Versailles, Mr. Condeluci said. One of the key elements they were aiming for with the Munhall location is "visitability." The sidewalks between the houses facilitate connections with the community, he said.

The homes' design also promotes the idea of aging in place, or creating a home that remains easy to manage and access as residents age.

The four men who will live in the houses saw their newly finished homes last Thursday. The men, who are currently living at Alvern Gardens in Castle Shannon, gave input about furniture, paint colors and kitchen accessories, UCP/CLASS residential supervisor Beth Dotson said.

UCP/CLASS owns the house and will provide staff support for the men, who will pay rent and utilities.

The Waterfront Ridge properties will cost $135,000 to start and can run up to $200,000 depending on what technology and other amenities are included.

For more information, call 724-263-6843 or go to www.brylerdevelopment.com/waterfrontridge. To get to Waterfront Ridge from Pittsburgh, take the Homestead Grays Bridge, left on Route 837, right on Whitaker Way and follow the signs.

Saturday, January 09, 2010

By Kaitlynn Riely, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

ASKO, Inc. Acquires Wapakoneta Machine Company

HOMESTEAD, Pa., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- ASKO, Inc. a worldwide manufacturer of shear knives and wear parts for metal producers, processors, and recyclers, has recently acquired assets of The Wapakoneta Machine Company, expanding ASKO's already extensive product and service capabilities.

In acquiring Wapak intellectual property, machinery, equipment and inventories, ASKO recognizes opportunities to serve new customers, expand business and create growth. The integration of the Wapak business into ASKO's will benefit ASKO customers, ASKO employees and strengthen the company.

Bill Rackoff, CEO of ASKO, remarked that, "ASKO's acquisition affords Wapakoneta customers the continuous availability of tooling grades and outstanding performance they have long relied upon. ASKO's entire team looks forward to servicing Wapakoneta customer tooling requirements."

Wapakoneta's President, Dan Fischer, stated, "Wapakoneta is pleased that with ASKO's purchase of assets, the customers of Wapakoneta may look forward to the continuous and reliable supply of the grades and quality products that Wapakoneta has perfected over the years. The employees and shareholders of Wapakoneta are working together closely with ASKO to assure a seamless transition for Wapakoneta's former customers."

Wapak, founded in 1891, has continually manufactured and serviced industrial knives at its sole manufacturing facility in Western Ohio. Wapak's products include straight and circular knives for the steel and non ferrous metals industries, slitter tooling, and hardened machine ways.

The acquisition affords Wapak customers full access to ASKO's extensive line of industry leading grades, technical expertise, and worldwide supply base. ASKO manufactures and supplies shear knives, slitter tooling, and wear parts for the metal producing, processing and recycling industries. ASKO has also developed EdgeMaster slitter set-up software which improves slit edge quality, speeds the set-up process, and improves set-up accuracy, addressing the unique demands of any coil processing operation.

ASKO combines expert understanding of specialty tool materials, heat treating, and tooling application requirements to create innovative metal processing solutions. With a network of manufacturing and service facilities and sales engineers located throughout the world, ASKO supplies customers' high standards wherever metal processing occurs. ASKO offers grade and design recommendations tailored to specific industrial applications, enhancing customer quality and productivity.

For additional information about ASKO or product offerings, contact Bill Rackoff: Bill.Rackoff@Askoinc.com or visit our website: www.askoinc.com.

SOURCE ASKO, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.askoinc.com

GAI acquires engineering company

GAI Consultants Inc. of Homestead said Friday it acquired the Bonar Group Inc., a Fort Wayne, Ind.-based consulting and engineering company for an undisclosed price.

"The Bonar Group is a very complementary fit for GAI. This merger will greatly expand our geographic footprint in the Midwest and strengthen GAI's technical capabilities," said CEO Gary M. DeJidas. GAI is a 700-person, employee-owned engineering and environmental consulting company.

Bonar Group President Tom Cicero will serve as GAI vice president and manager of the company's Midwest operations, which include offices in Ohio and Kentucky.

Bonar has a staff of 60 located in five offices throughout the Midwest.

In 2009, GAI opened six offices, including one in Murrysville, Westmoreland County. Other acquisitions by GAI include JMP & Associates, an electrical engineering firm in Cincinnati this year, and in 2008, BBS Engineering, a mechanical engineering firm in Cincinnati.

GAI was founded in 1958 and located in Monroeville until 2004 when it purchased its current building at the Waterfront development in Homestead. GAI has about 700 employees of which 350 are located in the Pittsburgh region.

Business has grown from about $40 million in 2004 to about $70 million, according to GAI's Web site.

"Last week we hired 10 new employees, and look forward to adding more in 2010 as new and additional work is contracted," said Diane Landers, vice president and chief marketing officer. The company expects future growth in the energy and waste water fields, she said.

Since moving to Homestead, GAI has added a three-story, 24,000-square-foot annex behind its headquarters, which Anthony Morrocco, GAI's managing officer in Pittsburgh, said would contain about 90 employees.

Specializing in environmental studies and providing help in transportation and land development projects, the company counts among its clients Point Park University, local natural gas and electric utilities, the Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority and local universities, Landers said.

More than half of the company is owned by employees. No details were released on the remaining ownership.

By Sam Spatter, FOR THE TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, January 9, 2010

A Dozen Things I want to do on stage

A one woman cabaret by Rebecca Nagle

Hosted by the Steel Valley Arts Council

Artspace 105

105 East 8th Avenue Homestead, PA

Sunday Jan 17, 2010

at 3:00pm

A Dozen Things I want to do on stage is a new one-woman cabaret by Rebecca Nagle. Of the dozen, Nagle will undress to "Wenn Ich Mir Was Wünschen Dürfte", fit in a small box, tell your secrets, discuss why something is racist, fall in love, read her fantasies, act out your fantasies, induce a tragedy, fall down, take truth serum while letting the audience ask her questions, tell a tall tale, and disembowel herself.

Using the format of 1920’s political European cabaret, A Dozen Things combines contortion, burlesque, poetry, games, lecture, ritual, confession, audience participation, science experiments, real-life moments and staged performance to deliver hard truths, half-truths and straight up lies. The cabaret plays with the familiar themes and tropes of the human condition, namely: sexuality, violence, fantasy, love, tragedy, ecstasy, history, and death. Nagle pits reality and action against fantasy and performance for an all out social deconstructionist battle.

Rebecca Nagle is a performance, new media and community artist. She grew up in Kansas. She is an internationally exhibited and collected artist with works in the New Museum, NY and Ssamzie Art Warehouse, South Korea. Nagle has shown at Current Gallery, Art in General, Site Santa Fe, Artscape, and Conflux Festival. She was hailed by Baltimore City's Paper's senior arts editor Bret McCabe as "Baltimore's very own life-is-art-is-life performance maven…mingling the internet and performance into a fresh and vital new thing". Rebecca's art projects challenge people around issues of intimacy, the body, power, boundaries and efficacy. She is currently trying to make the world a more open, equitable and creative place through community organizing and radical performance art. To follow her efforts go to www.rebeccanagle.com.

The 2009 Munchies!

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

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

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

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

Battlefield chaplain from Munhall devoted to youth ministry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Decorated Window Contest & Christmas Parade Float Winners

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 8th Ave Merchants Holiday Shopping Saturdays

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

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

Christmas Praise Night

Homestead Park UMC is presenting a Christmas Praise Night

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



Central Highland UMC, Elizabeth

Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Clairton

Anne Ashley UMC, Munhall

1ST Christian Church, McKeesport

Homestead Park UMC

And area youth and children to perform solos and duets!



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

Which benefits our children going to Summer Camp!

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

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

Homestead Park UMC
4231 Shady Avenue, Munhall


For more information, please phone: 412 462 9030

The 2009 Historic Steel Valley Christmas Parade Line-Up

Saturday December 5, 2009 12 Noon

1 FIRE TRUCKS

2 United States Steel Banner

3 STEEL VALLEY MAYORS Master Muffler Vehicles

4 Homestead Police Department/ Council Members Judge Mike Marmo

5 MUNHALL WEST HMSTD PD'S/Council members

5A Allegheny County Sheriff's Office

6 WEST MIFFLIN ROTC

7 GUMMY KNIGHT EXPRESS

8 State Rep Bill Kortz

9 Mon Valley HOGS/Hot Metal Motorcycles

10 TV personalities - WTAE

11 CATHOLIC WAR VETERANS

12 BEST BUY The Geek Squad

13 STEEL VALLEY BAND

14 STEEL VALLEY QUEEN

15 Steel Valley Cheerleaders/Rhythum Club

16 STEEL VALLEY WOMENS SOCCER

17 SYRIAN CLOWNS: DR. CUDDLES

18 Steel Valley School Board

19 SYRIA ROAD RIGS

20 FROGGY 98.3

21 Eldercrest Nursing Facility

22 TROOP 50681/Daisy & Girl Scouts

23 STEEL VALLEY YOUTH ATHL. ASSOC

24 STEEL VALLEY CHAMBER

25 STEEL VALLEY ROTARY

26 STATE FARM Insurance & Bear

27 JOYFUL TWIRLERS,Monroeville

28

29 MACEY, BOB

30 REP.MARC. GERGELY

31 FITZGERALD, RICH

32 COSTA, JAY

33 W.M. CUB SCOUTS PACK # 31

34 W.M.BROWNIE TRP. 188

36 David Doyle Stilt Walker

37 COMMUNITY OF CRUCIFIED ONE

38 IMPROV COMEDY CLUB/Brian linsinbigler

39 HOMESTEAD DUNKIN DONUT

40 Macy's

41 Italian Village Pizza Mascot

42 BARRET AND PARK SCHOOLS

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

44 Boy Scout Troop Pack 15

45 Young Preservationist

46 MAPS

47 West Mifflin Boy Scout Troop 1111

48 KNIGHTS BARBER SHOP

49 PROPEL SCHOOLS

50 US ARMY Hummvee

51 TRI BORO FCU

52 Steel Valley Girl Scout Troop 54204

53 Duquesne - West Mifflin Boys & Girls Club

54 Puppets on Parade

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

57 Greg the Can Man

58 STEEL VALLEY FAMILY CENTER

59 HARMONY CLUB OF HOMESTEAD

60 CHICK-FIL-A on Lowes Home Improvement

61 Homestead District Lions Club

62 St.Theresa's Cheerleaders/Basketball Team

63 KENNYWOOD TROLLY

65 Syria Highlanders Pipe & Drum

66 TURTLE CREEK MH/MR

67 MUSA

68 Daisy TROOP 50522 ANN ASHLEY

69 Guardian Storage

70 BENNETT, SANDY

71 KEN FISHER ANTIQUE CAR

72 MULLIGANS

73 Michael Jackson Impersonator-

74 Tracy's Fashions

75 STRONG WOMEN/STRONG GIRLS

76 BLACK MNT. Spirt sch chinese kung/fu

77 Waterfront Christian Church Float

78 MCDONALDS

79 PANDA BEAR

80 WALMART

81 MARY ANN & COMPANY DANCE

82 Lloyds Brothers Antique Cars

83 MCGRUFF CRIME DOG

84 STEAK AND SHAKE

85 TRANSITIONAL SERVICES

86 Oliver High School Band

87 GIANT EAGLE

88 ELMO/ COOKIE MONSTER- Carrying Banner

89 Fuddruckers

90 STILTS Uncle Sam

91 Carnegie Library of Homestead

92 SAND CASTLE DUNKIN THE DRAGON

93 Steel Valley COG

94 REB ROBIN RESTAURANT

95 Syrian Sidewinders

96 YMCA UPMC_TRI_BORO STEPPERS

97 Wendys

98 HOMESTEAD PARK UMC

99 West Mifflin Homecoming Queen- Donahoe

100 WEST MIFFLIN HIGH "THUNDER BAND"

101 DJ Sean

102 HOMESTEAD DEMOCRATS

103 SALVATION ARMY CANTEEN/FLOAT

104 EAT-N-PARK SMILEY COOKIE

105 HORSES

106 Beginning With Books

107 SANTA

108 RALPHS

2009 Historic Steel Valley Christmas Parade

Saturday December 5, 2009 12 Noon

www.svchristmasparade.com

Latshaw Pops Orchestra

Don't miss a wonderful presentation by the Latshaw Pops Orchestra for a festive night of your favorite Christmas carols. Colorful costumes with singing and dancing will lift the spirits of all that attend.

Ticket prices are $18 and $23 which makes it affordable to bring the whole family.

Friday December 11, 2009

Carnegie Library Music Hall of Homesteasd

For more info goto www.Librarymusichall.com or www.latshawproductions.com

Artist Holiday Market

Featuring locally-made, one-of-a-kind functional and decorative ethnic crafts and food at our historic location, the Pump House, 880 E. Waterfront Drive, Munhall, 15120 on December 5, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The market will include metalwork, Hmong embroidery, African fiber-arts, Bulgarian pottery, Native American beadwork, Peruvian Day of the Dead figurines, and items focusing on the industrial heritage of western PA.

Pump House tours will be offered at Noon, 1 p.m., and 2 pm.

For more information, please contact 412-464-4020 x 45 or
jthrockmorton@riversofsteel.com,

visit http://www.riversofsteel.com/things-to-do/event/holiday-artist-market/.

Community leaders get a taste of Steel Valley progress

Steel Valley area business owners and government officials got a taste of future development via a breakfast meeting at the Bulgarian-Macedonial National Educational & Cultural Center in West Homestead.

Kitty Lesko, Steel Valley Enterprise Zone Corp. president, welcomed guests at Wednesday morning's event. A presentation by SVEZC coordinator Chuck Starrett, as well as positive speeches from I-TEAM President and Executive Director Eddie Wehrer and Homestead council President Drew Borcik followed.

"With today's event, what we're trying to do is connect with the business people, building owners and residents of the area," Starrett said. "Things are going on. There are major investments taking place. All of the projects that we talk about are not easy to undertake. Renovating buildings, building new buildings, is expensive."

The SVEZC is the economic development vehicle for Homestead, West Homestead, Munhall and a portion of Pittsburgh's 31st Ward. SVEZC administers the state-designated Enterprise Zone Program and links to many other resources locally, in Allegheny County, and at the state and federal levels.

I-TEAM, a grass-roots community organization, was founded in August 2007 and has provided a variety of hands-on learning activities for students in the area. Participants do not have to attend Steel Valley schools, but must live within the district.

Starrett's presentation focused on development in the area since 1997 when Homestead and neighboring communities were stuck with the decaying Homestead Works site and not much development. Approximately $750 million worth of investments have been made in Steel Valley since that time.

In 2000, a comprehensive urban design plan was adopted. The Waterfront opened that same year. Other developments highlighted in the presentation include the Urban Design Ventures building along E. Eighth Avenue, Steeler quarterback Charlie Batch's renovation of the historic Homestead Bakery at 235 E. Seventh Ave., as well as renovations to the old Half Brothers building in the borough.

Businesses that recently opened in the area include the Tin Front Cafe at 216 E. Eighth Ave. and the Blue Dust Bar & Restaurant at 601 Amity St.

Starrett said approximately 50 loft apartment units are expected to be open soon along the 100 and 200 blocks of E. Eighth and Seventh avenues, and other developments are in the works.

Wehrer said Steel Valley has a lot to feel good about, and focused on the impact school districts have on communities and how his organization is trying to help the education of future employees and business owners.

"I have an awful lot of pride in the place," he said. "That's probably a common theme for a lot of the people that are here. I know not everybody here has grown up here. Those who did have that pride and I think those who have moved in the area have gained that pride themselves.

"We're a strong people. The mills are no longer here, obviously, but that toughness and that spirit of the people who were working for Carnegie Steel and U.S. Steel is still with us. That's what really has enabled us to move from 1997 with nothing but brown(fields) to 2009, and you've got a lot of development going on in the area.

"The value of their homes are directly tied to the successes and failures of that school district. Everybody who owns a business here, the value of the business is tied to that perceived quality of the Steel Valley education. (With) professional development for teachers and the summer camp for students, as much as anything, we're trying to foster teamwork, trying to set high standards. Teamwork is huge with what we try to do."

Borcik discussed the cooperation between Homestead, West Homestead and Munhall officials as well as others through the Steel Valley Intergovernmental Steering Committee and its subcommittees.

He said it was perceived that the three boroughs were in competition with each other, and measures were taken to change that in order to help the area move forward.

"We're moving ahead and I'm very happy about that," Borcik said. "Many of us here share a common history and common memories."

Allegheny County council President Rich Fitzgerald, D-Squirrel Hill, said he and Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato hosted a delegation of county commissioners from all over the nation and took them on a tour in the Homestead area as part of the G-20 summit.

"I think there has been an awful lot of cooperation and an awful lot of good people who have led the three boroughs," he said.

"I think that is really what has led to a lot of the revitalization and the hope we all have moving forward. I think 10 years ago, we did have a much different attitude about what could occur and much more fear and trepidation as to what the future is.

"Today, I think we all have a much different attitude and we see some of the growth potential that continues to occur."

"It takes many different aspects to bring it all together, and that's key," Lesko said.

Information about the many initiatives in the area were available after the meeting.

Area businesses and others who wish to learn more about how to develop facilities in Steel Valley and keep updated on such situations can do so online at www.svezc.org or www.steelvalleyavenues.com.

Information also is available by calling 412-462-8870

By Michael DiVittorio, Daily News Staff Writer Thursday, October 15, 2009

Craft Show & Food Festival

Saturday October 24, 2009

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

St. John's Cathedral Center

Munhall, PA

Get a Great Deal on a Meal And Help Needy Families - Fuddruckers and the Steel Valley Salvation Army Join Forces

Enjoy a great meal while making a difference for greater Homestead-area needy families. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, October 14th and make a dinner date. From 5:00 PM through 8:00 PM, the Waterfront Fuddruckers restaurant will donate 25% of the check total to The Salvation Army's Steel Valley Worship and Service Center from those customers who present a special flyer. The Waterfront Best Buy will join in the festivities and show movies for the children.

"Christmas is just around the corner and our client assistance lists are swelling," said Major Karen Garrett, The Salvation Army's Steel Valley Worship and Service Center Commanding Officer. This promotion couldn't have come at a better time and we are grateful to our generous neighbors at Fuddruckers."

In order for The Salvation Army to receive the 25% per check donation, download the required flyer at www.salvationarmy-wpa.org and present it to the Fuddruckers staff.

Contributions will stay in the greater-Homestead area and directly support needy families. For more information, contact Major Karen Garrett at 412-461-2460.

Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 118 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log onto www.salvationarmy-wpa.org. The Salvation Army . . . Doing the most good . . . for the most people . . . in the most need.

SOURCE Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division

What's New at BMNECC

October 8 - 14, 2009

Bulgarian Macedonian National Educational & Cultural Center

Click here to see our Events Calendar

Friday, October 9 - Blues Dance - 8:00 to midnight
The Center is hosting a Blues Dance with music provided by a D.J. One-hour dance lessons begin at 8:00. Admission is $8 or $6 for students with I.D. Cash bar. Phone 412-461-6188 for information, or visit the Steel City Blues Dancing Website.

Saturday, October 10 - Soup Sega!
Soup and other culinary delights are available every Saturday from 9:00 am to noon. Click here to see our menu and to pre-order items on-line.

Saturday, October 10 - BMNECC Hosts Open House During RADical Days
The BMNECC is taking part in the Allegheny Regional Asset District's RADical Days by opening its doors for free tours of the Center from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Learn more »

Saturday, October 10 - Salsa Dance - 8:00 to midnight
The Center is hosting a Salsa Dance, with music provided by DJ Jeff Shirey. One-hour lessons begin at 8:00. Admission is $6. Cash bar. Phone 412-461-6188 for information, or visit the Pittsburgh Salsa Website.

Important Upcoming Events

Saturday, October 17 - Board Meeting - 11:00 am
This meeting is for board members only.

Saturday, October 17 - Vecherinka - 7:30 to 11:30 pm
Join us for an evening of song, dance, live music and tasty treats. One-hour lessons begin at 7:30 pm. Admission is $5 for members and $7 for non-members. For information, click here or phone 412-461-6188.

Saturday, October 24 - Zydeco Dance - 7:30 to 11:30 pm

The Center is hosting a Zydeco Dance, with live music provided by The Zydeco Dogz . One-hour dance lessons begin at 7:30. Admission is $8. Cash bar. Phone 412-461-6188 for information, or visit the Pittsburgh Cajun-Zydeco Website .

Sunday, October 25 - Anne Feeney Concert - 7:30 pm
Anne Feeney, singer, songwriter and activist, will play at the BMNECC on Sunday, October 25. Anne is well known locally, nationally and internationally for her songs and activism in support of worker's rights. Her special guest will be David Rovics who has been described as "the musical voice of the progressive movement in the USA." Come to the concert and join Anne as she celebrated 40 years of "raising hell." More infomation on both Anne and David can be found on their web sites: www.annefeeney.com and www.davidrovics.com.

**Wednesday, October 28, 10:00 am - Donate to BMNECC Through PittsburghGives
The BMNECC is now part of the The Pittsburgh Foundation's Pittsburgh Gives program. On Wednesday, October 28, beginning at 10:00 am, you will be able to make online-only contributions to the BMNECC via the Pittsburgh Gives Match Day event. On that date, the Foundation will match donations 50 cents to the dollar! Mark your calendars and please consider donating to the BMNECC. Click here to see our profile on the Foundation's Pittsburgh Giveswebsite.

Sunday, November 1 - Estate & Collectible Jewelry and Accessories Sale
The Center is hosting its second Jewelry and Accessories Sale to raise funds for its ongoing education, community outreach and historic preservation projects. The event is from noon to 5:00 pm. Admission is $5. Beverages and refreshments will be available for sale. Click here for more info.

Saturday, November 21 - Fall Concert - Dancing Around Bulgaria
Join us at the Carnegie Library Music Hall in Homestead at 7:00 pm for our 13th annual Fall Concert. Click here for more info.

Saturday, November 21 - Vecherinka - 9:00 pm to 12:00 am
Join us for an evening of song, dance, live music and tasty treats at this special Vecherinka following the Fall Concert. Click here for more info.

Wednesday, December 2 - BMNECC Shopping Night at Ten Thousand Villages
Shop with us at Ten Thousand Villages in Squirrel Hill from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The BMNECC receives a percentage of all net sales made in the store during those hours, so please join us! The store is located at 5824 Forbes Avenue in Squirrel Hill, between Little's Shoes and Dollar Bank. Click here for more details.

Saturdays This Fall - Children's Bulgarian Language Classes
Bulgarian language classes for children are being held on Saturday mornings at 10:30 am at the Center. Mariana Danailova is our instructor for the fall semester. Please contact the Center at 412-461-6188 for more information.

NEW - Adult Bulgarian Language Classes
Contact the Center at 412-461-6188 if you would like to participate in an adult course in Bulgarian language. A class will be organized if there is sufficient interest.

NEW - Sign Up For Adult Movement Classes
Elsa Limbach, former artistic director of Dance Alloy Theater and BMNECC board member, will offer an adult movement class for fitness, flexibility and fun. The tentative time is Saturdays at 12:15 pm. Those interested should call Elsa at home: 412-361-1887.

THE 2009 HISTORIC STEEL VALLEY CHRISTMAS PARADE

Planning is underway for the 2009 Historic Steel Valley Christmas Parade. Once again we are proud to have United States Steel as our major sponsor. Many new additions (and more to come) have been added to this year’s event which will be held on Saturday, December 5th at 12:00 noon. Participant lineup is 11:15 AM in W. Homestead on Forest Ave. (West Homestead Police Station). The Parade travels along 8th Ave. from W. Homestead to Munhall. It is approximately 1 mile of level roadway.

Refreshments will be available before the Parade at the Bulgarian (BMNECC) Hall across from the W. Homestead Station. After the Parade free refreshments will be served by the Rainbow Kitchen and Shop n Save. The Tin Front Café, Donna’s Home Cooking and Blue Dust are the newest eateries in town so please play them a visit. Fuddruckers, Chick-Fil-A and other Waterfront Restaurants will be offering parade specials. Don’t miss the shopping opportunities at the Waterfront and on 8th Avenue as well, many new shops have opened and/or are under construction!

Bands and marching units participating will be vying for a cash prize and certificates for the most outstanding unit. We have attempted to make the Parade and related activities more interesting. A $200.00 prize will be awarded for the best holiday-decorated window and a $100.00 prize for the second best decorated windows on the “Avenues” as determined by the Parade “Storefront” judges. To make the Parade more competitive, we have a $350.00 prize for the “best” creative float and a $150.00 prize for the runner-up. Wouldn't that be a wonderful way to make a donation to your favorite charity or to raise money for your group?

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. Your participation in the Parade will be a great way to kick off the holiday season. So put your ingenuity to work and join us in the 2009 Parade.

Please Contact Denise Kelly at e-mail: homesteadwns@aol.com or 412-462-7272 by Nov. 9th to add your organization to the Parade.

Denise Kelly, On behalf of Homestead, Munhall and West Homestead Mayor

For more Info visit: www.svchristmasparade.com