Thursday, September 30, 2010
A Night at the Races
A Night at the Races
Benefiting the Little Sisters of the Poor of Pittsburgh and the construction of Mannion Court
Saturday, October 23rd, 2010 ~ 7:00PM
Come join us for a Night at the Races with friends of McGee at Westwood Golf Club in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, to benefit the construction of Mannion Court on the grounds of the Little Sisters of the Poor campus in Pittsburgh.
Tickets for the event, which includes admission, drinks and food, are $35. The format is as follows:
· 12 races with 10 horses each race.
· The first 10 races are $25 each horse; in the last two races, each horse is auctioned
There will also be a silent auction.
Westwood Golf Club is located at:
825 Commonwealth Ave
West Mifflin, PA 15122-1331
westwoodlinks.com
Directions: www.tinyurl.com/mcgeeraces
For more information, please call: (412) 921-2171 extension 26
Mon Valley School Craft Show
The Mon Valley School Craft Show is back by popular demand.
It will be held on Saturday, October 23, from 9:00 to 3:00 at Mon Valley School, 555 Lewis Run Road, Jefferson Hills, PA 15025.
The school is located right up from the Bowser Pontiac on Route 51 or off Rte 885 by CCAC South Campus.
The show will feature a variety of craft tables, a Chinese auction table, door prizes, food and refreshments for sale. A $2.00 admission fee entitles you to a free Chinese auction ticket.
Mon Valley School is one of the three special education centers of the Allegheny Intermediate Unit.
All proceeds will benefit student activities
The Avenues Autumn Down Street Block Party
Saturday, October 2 · 12:00pm - 10:00pm
East Eight Avenue @ Amity Street - East Eight Avenue and Amity Merchants District East Eighth Avenue, Homestead, PA
Food, Drink, Games, Sidewalk Craft Vendors, Children's Activities, Art, Music, and Fun for the Whole Family will be available on East Eight Avenue on October 2nd, 2010. Come to the Block Party to greet Capezzutti Puppets and other attractions.
In the evening, Lhagic and friends will perform at the Tin Front Cafe (216 East Eighth Ave) and at 7:30 pm Mike Stout will be having and new album release party at the former Moose Lodge building (112 East Eighth Ave) . Special Guest New Landers and proceeds to benefit Just Harvest.
East Eight Avenue @ Amity Street - East Eight Avenue and Amity Merchants District East Eighth Avenue, Homestead, PA
Food, Drink, Games, Sidewalk Craft Vendors, Children's Activities, Art, Music, and Fun for the Whole Family will be available on East Eight Avenue on October 2nd, 2010. Come to the Block Party to greet Capezzutti Puppets and other attractions.
In the evening, Lhagic and friends will perform at the Tin Front Cafe (216 East Eighth Ave) and at 7:30 pm Mike Stout will be having and new album release party at the former Moose Lodge building (112 East Eighth Ave) . Special Guest New Landers and proceeds to benefit Just Harvest.
Polka Mass
St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish
Polka Mass
Sunday October 17, 2010
10:30am Mass
After mass come down to the Parish Hall for a fun-filled day. The Karl Lukitsch Band will be playing and singing from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Tickets are $20 or 2 for $30.00. Kids ages 5-12 are $5.00. All the food you can eat, pierogies, cabbage n noddles, pigs in a blanket, ham, plus more. Tickets available by calling 412-461-1054.
Craft Show/Food Festival
St. John’s Cathedral Center
215 Greentree Road
Munhall, PA
Over 35 crafters, ethnic foods, Chinese Auction, Steeler Basket Raffle, and more!!
215 Greentree Road
Munhall, PA
Over 35 crafters, ethnic foods, Chinese Auction, Steeler Basket Raffle, and more!!
Kennywood ready for annual scare fest
Kennywood's annual seasonal celebration, Phantom Fright Nights, is nearly upon us.
The Halloween-themed event that transforms the West Mifflin amusement park into a foggy scare zone on weekends through the end of October kicks off Friday night at 7.
Kennywood spokesman Jeff Filicko said the park has added plenty of new twists this year that are designed to "keep people on their toes."
With lots of unexpected bumps, bangs and terrifying visions springing up unexpectedly throughout the park, even veteran fans of the seasonal transformation should find things to make their hearts beat faster.
The changes begin as patrons enter the park through the Kennyville Cemetery; the midway hasn't moved but park goers' progress through it has been altered compared to previous years.
More than 100 tombstones, 300 monsters, skeletons and other scary types, and 3,000 cornstalks are being employed to make the journey through the park a frightening one. There's also 2,500 square feet of colored gel lighting, 10,479 colored light bulbs, 50 strobe lights and 50 fog machines in place to help create ambiance.
Filicko said employees, who began preparing for Fright Nights back in August, "really have the chance to let their creativity shine" in getting the park ready for the season.
Kennywood employee Dave Cherep, who serves on the Fright Nights planning committee, said the haunted house Mortem Manor (located in what is the Parkside Cafe in the regular season) gets regular updates.
This year, planners have added to the walk-through attraction a scary bathroom feature that should serve as a reminder why it is dangerous to fall asleep in the tub.
"Next year, maybe we'll re-do the kitchen or the kids' bedroom," added Cherep.
On Wednesday, Kennywood employees were busy throughout the park decorating its 10 scare zones and haunted houses.
Checking the jaw of a fake skeleton, Kennywood employee Quintin Barber said the mannequin looked perfectly dressed, as it was, in preacher's clothes.
"Now we just have to stand him up somehow," Barber said as he looked over a pile of wooden rods that he was planning to use to hold up the dummy.
Most of the props used in Fright Nights are stored in the former K-Mart building above the park in the off-season. Filicko said the two-week lead-up to the beginning of Fright Nights is when park employees "really push to get things done."
All of the effort plus 17 operating roller coasters and rides and sideshow entertainment by Eric Starkey at Kennyville Stage should make for a seamless entertainment experience when the event begins on Friday.
Phantom Fright Nights take place every Friday and Saturday night through Oct. 30 from 7 p.m. till 1 a.m., plus a bonus night on Oct. 10 from 7 till 11 p.m. Tickets are $25.99 at the gate or $22.99 at participating Giant Eagle supermarkets. Special RIP passes for ghost tours and roller coasters, including Sky Rocket, are available at an additional cost.
For more information, call 412-461-0500 or visit the website www.kennywood.com
By Eric Slagle, MCKEESPORT DAILY NEWS
Thursday, September 30, 2010
The Halloween-themed event that transforms the West Mifflin amusement park into a foggy scare zone on weekends through the end of October kicks off Friday night at 7.
Kennywood spokesman Jeff Filicko said the park has added plenty of new twists this year that are designed to "keep people on their toes."
With lots of unexpected bumps, bangs and terrifying visions springing up unexpectedly throughout the park, even veteran fans of the seasonal transformation should find things to make their hearts beat faster.
The changes begin as patrons enter the park through the Kennyville Cemetery; the midway hasn't moved but park goers' progress through it has been altered compared to previous years.
More than 100 tombstones, 300 monsters, skeletons and other scary types, and 3,000 cornstalks are being employed to make the journey through the park a frightening one. There's also 2,500 square feet of colored gel lighting, 10,479 colored light bulbs, 50 strobe lights and 50 fog machines in place to help create ambiance.
Filicko said employees, who began preparing for Fright Nights back in August, "really have the chance to let their creativity shine" in getting the park ready for the season.
Kennywood employee Dave Cherep, who serves on the Fright Nights planning committee, said the haunted house Mortem Manor (located in what is the Parkside Cafe in the regular season) gets regular updates.
This year, planners have added to the walk-through attraction a scary bathroom feature that should serve as a reminder why it is dangerous to fall asleep in the tub.
"Next year, maybe we'll re-do the kitchen or the kids' bedroom," added Cherep.
On Wednesday, Kennywood employees were busy throughout the park decorating its 10 scare zones and haunted houses.
Checking the jaw of a fake skeleton, Kennywood employee Quintin Barber said the mannequin looked perfectly dressed, as it was, in preacher's clothes.
"Now we just have to stand him up somehow," Barber said as he looked over a pile of wooden rods that he was planning to use to hold up the dummy.
Most of the props used in Fright Nights are stored in the former K-Mart building above the park in the off-season. Filicko said the two-week lead-up to the beginning of Fright Nights is when park employees "really push to get things done."
All of the effort plus 17 operating roller coasters and rides and sideshow entertainment by Eric Starkey at Kennyville Stage should make for a seamless entertainment experience when the event begins on Friday.
Phantom Fright Nights take place every Friday and Saturday night through Oct. 30 from 7 p.m. till 1 a.m., plus a bonus night on Oct. 10 from 7 till 11 p.m. Tickets are $25.99 at the gate or $22.99 at participating Giant Eagle supermarkets. Special RIP passes for ghost tours and roller coasters, including Sky Rocket, are available at an additional cost.
For more information, call 412-461-0500 or visit the website www.kennywood.com
By Eric Slagle, MCKEESPORT DAILY NEWS
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Batch's Performance Makes Homestead Proud
Homestead (KDKA) - After a solid performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Homestead residents are proud to say that Charlie Batch got his start in the area.
Batch, who had his first start in nearly three years against Tampa Bay and threw for three touchdowns, grew up in the Mon Valley.
His performance in Sunday's game was especially meaningful considering it was unsure whether he'd even be on the roster this year.
Raymond Saunders of Homestead said that he's always known Batch was able to play the game well.
"I mean, the boy has always been talented. You know, I watched him going to Steel Valley, he has always been talented. He got the line; he did what he needed to do. He got the job done," he said.
Batch has invested in an old warehouse in the Homestead area that he is hoping to convert into upper-grade apartments. There is also a playground in his name that fills with aspiring athletes every year.
"You're just so proud. It's like your favorite son makes good. I don't care what the good is, but here he makes good because this kid has worked so hard. He's been on the sidelines so long; they almost got rid of him. He's hometown, I mean, he's hometown pride," said Betty Esper, mayor of Homestead.
With only one more game until Ben Roethlisberger returns from suspension, other Steeler fans are questioning whether Batch's performance against Tampa Bay will really keep him on the roster.
"I think they'll keep him around for second, third string, one of them. But I mean, Roethlisberger is obviously going to start," said South Side resident Charles Campbell.
The Steelers take on the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field Sunday. Batch fans are hopeful that he'll get the chance to be the starting quarterback.
KDKA
Sep 27, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Steelers great Butler has yet to enter Hall of Fame
With Pittsburgh Steelers defensive guru Dick LeBeau now enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Jack Butler's supporters are redoubling efforts to get the cornerback into Canton.
Long considered one of the National Football League's greatest defensive backs, Butler, 82, also helmed the groundbreaking BLESTO scouting service. But sportswriters and the Hall of Fame's Seniors Committee continue to punt his selection.
"When he was a player, Jack played for a very bad team. Had he played for the Lions or the Browns, he would've already been in the Hall of Fame, no questions asked," said Steelers vice president and minority owner Art Rooney Jr.
"We had all the greats from later teams get in, so people said there were too many Steelers. But this has penalized L.C. Greenwood, Andy Russell and Jack Butler. They should be in the Hall of Fame, too, but Jack was one of the greatest players to ever play the game and that means something special."
A native of Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood, Butler was raised in Whitehall. Attending seminary prep school in Canada, he never played high school football. When he gave up on becoming a priest, he made the roster at New York's St. Bonaventure University.
He joined the Steelers' camp as an undrafted free agent in 1951, a scrawny kid on the single wing. The last guy to make the team, Butler became an undersized third-string defensive end. Early in his rookie season, however, injuries in the secondary made him a cornerback.
"I'd never really played defensive back before," Butler said. "But I gave it my all."
At the end of a stellar season, franchise founder Art Rooney Sr. paid him a $500 bonus. For the following eight years, Butler starred for a team that produced only two winning campaigns. And he toiled offseasons as an electrician's handyman, a Vandergrift mill worker and a ranchhand on The Chief's horse farm.
"I sure didn't get rich playing football," Butler said.
For the past two years, Greensburg's Jeffrey W. Weber, an MSA Sports Network executive, has forwarded a breakdown of Butler's career statistics to Hall voters: 52 interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries. According to Weber's analysis, Butler did it by averaging a pick every eight passes attempted against him.
Butler's 827 return yards off interceptions tops all other Steelers, including Mel Blount and Rod Woodson. He's the only defensive back of the NFL's 1950s All-Decade Team not in Canton.
"Teams didn't throw as often back then, but when they did, they faced no tougher challenge than Jack Butler," Weber said. "He was a clean player. He hit hard, but he was fair. He was the best player on what charitably might be called a 'mediocre' team. Had he not been injured in 1959, he would've set records that would've taken years to break."
Butler's career stats mirror Detroit's Jack Christiansen, who was inducted into the Hall in 1970. Drafted a year after Christiansen retired, LeBeau in 1959 took up his mantle as a lockdown Lion. He's a fan of Butler, too.
"He's one of the best in the Steelers franchise, and you're talking about some pretty great players there," said LeBeau.
When he rolls up his trousers, Butler's knee looks like a drumstick twisted into a white knot, the aftermath of a 1959 injury that ended his career. The following season found him hobbling on crutches — hired by the Buffalo Bills as a coach, but unable to withstand the pain of working out with players.
Needing to support wife Bernadette and a Munhall family that grew to eight children, Butler scouted Steelers competitors. In 1963, he caught on at LESTO — short for the Lions, Eagles, Steelers Talent Organization — a pooled scouting service that rated pro prospects nationwide. It later became BLESTO when the Chicago Bears joined, then BLESTO-V with the Minnesota Vikings.
Today, it's just BLESTO, and it represents the Steelers, Bills, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Lions, Vikings and New York Giants. It competes with The National, serving 18 franchises, and all the teams that do their own scouting.
Butler ran BLESTO for 44 years, retiring in 2007. Art Rooney Jr., former Steelers coach Chuck Noll and Butler's BLESTO sculpted the dominant gridiron dynasty of the 1970s, and it became a breeding ground for top NFL scouts, many of whom later rose to become personnel directors, such as the Steelers' Kevin Colbert.
Butler already has shipped scouting appraisals of tens of thousands of college prospects to Canton. They're just waiting for the man who signed off on them, often using increasingly sophisticated stats, software programs, stopwatches and strength tests to rate potential. BLESTO and other services also founded the Indianapolis pre-draft combine that has become a collegiate rite of passage.
"We were looking at the archetypal player," Butler said. "If you were looking at the best possible combination of speed, power, intelligence and other qualities at each position, what would it all look like? So we set it up like that, ranking prospects from the 'ideal' to less impressive. We wanted teams to see what the standards should be for a player to be successful in the NFL.
"But we also knew that you can't always judge a book by the cover. Sometimes, we would find a player who didn't look on paper like he would be a great player, but there was just something about him that came out when he played in a game. Then I would simply say, 'This guy can play football.' "
In BLESTO's early years, scouts confronted an NFL desegregating in fits and starts. Butler refused to consider race in player evaluations. Instead, he divided the nation geographically and demanded scouts rate a prospect solely by ability.
"I only cared if they could play," said Butler. "The rest of the stuff wasn't important to me."
Including getting into Canton.
"I don't like to talk about myself like that," he said. "I don't care if I get in or not. I'm just glad that I contributed. I'm very proud of playing in the league and giving back afterward, but I don't dwell on the other stuff."
By Carl Prine, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Long considered one of the National Football League's greatest defensive backs, Butler, 82, also helmed the groundbreaking BLESTO scouting service. But sportswriters and the Hall of Fame's Seniors Committee continue to punt his selection.
"When he was a player, Jack played for a very bad team. Had he played for the Lions or the Browns, he would've already been in the Hall of Fame, no questions asked," said Steelers vice president and minority owner Art Rooney Jr.
"We had all the greats from later teams get in, so people said there were too many Steelers. But this has penalized L.C. Greenwood, Andy Russell and Jack Butler. They should be in the Hall of Fame, too, but Jack was one of the greatest players to ever play the game and that means something special."
A native of Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood, Butler was raised in Whitehall. Attending seminary prep school in Canada, he never played high school football. When he gave up on becoming a priest, he made the roster at New York's St. Bonaventure University.
He joined the Steelers' camp as an undrafted free agent in 1951, a scrawny kid on the single wing. The last guy to make the team, Butler became an undersized third-string defensive end. Early in his rookie season, however, injuries in the secondary made him a cornerback.
"I'd never really played defensive back before," Butler said. "But I gave it my all."
At the end of a stellar season, franchise founder Art Rooney Sr. paid him a $500 bonus. For the following eight years, Butler starred for a team that produced only two winning campaigns. And he toiled offseasons as an electrician's handyman, a Vandergrift mill worker and a ranchhand on The Chief's horse farm.
"I sure didn't get rich playing football," Butler said.
For the past two years, Greensburg's Jeffrey W. Weber, an MSA Sports Network executive, has forwarded a breakdown of Butler's career statistics to Hall voters: 52 interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries. According to Weber's analysis, Butler did it by averaging a pick every eight passes attempted against him.
Butler's 827 return yards off interceptions tops all other Steelers, including Mel Blount and Rod Woodson. He's the only defensive back of the NFL's 1950s All-Decade Team not in Canton.
"Teams didn't throw as often back then, but when they did, they faced no tougher challenge than Jack Butler," Weber said. "He was a clean player. He hit hard, but he was fair. He was the best player on what charitably might be called a 'mediocre' team. Had he not been injured in 1959, he would've set records that would've taken years to break."
Butler's career stats mirror Detroit's Jack Christiansen, who was inducted into the Hall in 1970. Drafted a year after Christiansen retired, LeBeau in 1959 took up his mantle as a lockdown Lion. He's a fan of Butler, too.
"He's one of the best in the Steelers franchise, and you're talking about some pretty great players there," said LeBeau.
When he rolls up his trousers, Butler's knee looks like a drumstick twisted into a white knot, the aftermath of a 1959 injury that ended his career. The following season found him hobbling on crutches — hired by the Buffalo Bills as a coach, but unable to withstand the pain of working out with players.
Needing to support wife Bernadette and a Munhall family that grew to eight children, Butler scouted Steelers competitors. In 1963, he caught on at LESTO — short for the Lions, Eagles, Steelers Talent Organization — a pooled scouting service that rated pro prospects nationwide. It later became BLESTO when the Chicago Bears joined, then BLESTO-V with the Minnesota Vikings.
Today, it's just BLESTO, and it represents the Steelers, Bills, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Lions, Vikings and New York Giants. It competes with The National, serving 18 franchises, and all the teams that do their own scouting.
Butler ran BLESTO for 44 years, retiring in 2007. Art Rooney Jr., former Steelers coach Chuck Noll and Butler's BLESTO sculpted the dominant gridiron dynasty of the 1970s, and it became a breeding ground for top NFL scouts, many of whom later rose to become personnel directors, such as the Steelers' Kevin Colbert.
Butler already has shipped scouting appraisals of tens of thousands of college prospects to Canton. They're just waiting for the man who signed off on them, often using increasingly sophisticated stats, software programs, stopwatches and strength tests to rate potential. BLESTO and other services also founded the Indianapolis pre-draft combine that has become a collegiate rite of passage.
"We were looking at the archetypal player," Butler said. "If you were looking at the best possible combination of speed, power, intelligence and other qualities at each position, what would it all look like? So we set it up like that, ranking prospects from the 'ideal' to less impressive. We wanted teams to see what the standards should be for a player to be successful in the NFL.
"But we also knew that you can't always judge a book by the cover. Sometimes, we would find a player who didn't look on paper like he would be a great player, but there was just something about him that came out when he played in a game. Then I would simply say, 'This guy can play football.' "
In BLESTO's early years, scouts confronted an NFL desegregating in fits and starts. Butler refused to consider race in player evaluations. Instead, he divided the nation geographically and demanded scouts rate a prospect solely by ability.
"I only cared if they could play," said Butler. "The rest of the stuff wasn't important to me."
Including getting into Canton.
"I don't like to talk about myself like that," he said. "I don't care if I get in or not. I'm just glad that I contributed. I'm very proud of playing in the league and giving back afterward, but I don't dwell on the other stuff."
By Carl Prine, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, August 21, 2010
RCA forges bonds with Steel Valley chamber, UPMC
Regional Chamber Alliance has taken steps to solidify new ties with Steel Valley area businesses while forming a new bond with McKeesport's largest employer.
RCA's CEO Maury Burgwin announced Wednesday three members of the former Steel Valley Chamber of Commerce board of directors have joined the RCA board.
"It is beneficial for the members of the Steel Valley Chamber to be part of a larger organization that has more clout now in the business community, and in the political community," said Ray Schon, a Munhall State Farm insurance agent who had been treasurer of the Steel Valley board.
Schon was added to the RCA board Tuesday along with SV president John Karafa Jr. of George Irvin Green Funeral Home Inc. in Munhall and attorney Phil Scolieri, who has offices in Pittsburgh and the Waterfront.
"They're very enthusiastic and they really want to roll their sleeves up," Burgwin said.
Burgwin also announced a board seat is being filled by former state Sen. Sean Logan, D-Plum, now vice president for community relations at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
"I look forward to serving in a role that will help identify and leverage opportunities for UPMC McKeesport, in particular, to work together with other local businesses and organizations to benefit the people who live and work here," Logan said in a release issued by RCA.
UPMC McKeesport has some 1,000 employees. Its role recently was expanded by the Pittsburgh-based hospital network to include areas formerly covered by UPMC Braddock.
UPMC also agreed to be the first RCA member to purchase a "president's circle" sponsorship.
"Within our corporate sponsorships it is the highest level that we have," Burgwin said. "UPMC will take a prominent place on the webpage as one of our sponsors."
"The RCA is under new direction with Maury," Schon said. "There are plans to do a regular schedule of networking events, breakfast, lunch and dinner networking."
Schon volunteered to be part of a networking/programming committee, citing his past work with the Outback restaurant chain.
That in turn put him on chambers of commerce in St. Clairsville, Ohio; Charlotte, N.C.; Virginia Beach, Va.; and Parkersburg, W.Va.
"They are going to meet to roll out an events schedule for 2011," Schon said of RCA.
"We're really shooting for a full slate of events in January."
Burgwin said another new RCA committee will work on building membership in an organization that reached 350 members with the merger with Steel Valley.
"We are moving forward in exciting ways and we want to invite you to contribute to our renewed vitality," Burgwin said in an e-mail to members and potential members Wednesday.
Also serving on the RCA board are Scott Biddle of Northwest Savings Bank, who chairs RCA's executive committee; Prudential Realtor Lori Maffeo, who is the vice chair; and Mark Urbassik of KU Resources Inc. in Duquesne, who is committee secretary.
Also on the board are Linda Curinga of Penn State Greater Allegheny; Certified Public Accountant Edward C. Datemasch; Bobby Fiori of Apter Industries Inc.; Dorothy's Candies proprietor Marti Gastel; Robin Khorey of Global Tax Network of Pennsylvania; and Elizabeth Township business coach Donald Lodge.
Also on the board are White Oak kitchen and bath design studio owner Ronald Massung; South Hills attorney Howard Murphy; Joseph Segina of U.S. Steel's Mon Valley Works; Clairton auto body shop owner Kathy Tachoir; Hatti Topolnak of Bechtel Bettis Inc.; and Dolores Weinstein of H. Wayne Weinstein Inc. in McKeesport.
By Patrick Cloonan, MCKEESPORT DAILY NEWS
Thursday, September 23, 2010
RCA's CEO Maury Burgwin announced Wednesday three members of the former Steel Valley Chamber of Commerce board of directors have joined the RCA board.
"It is beneficial for the members of the Steel Valley Chamber to be part of a larger organization that has more clout now in the business community, and in the political community," said Ray Schon, a Munhall State Farm insurance agent who had been treasurer of the Steel Valley board.
Schon was added to the RCA board Tuesday along with SV president John Karafa Jr. of George Irvin Green Funeral Home Inc. in Munhall and attorney Phil Scolieri, who has offices in Pittsburgh and the Waterfront.
"They're very enthusiastic and they really want to roll their sleeves up," Burgwin said.
Burgwin also announced a board seat is being filled by former state Sen. Sean Logan, D-Plum, now vice president for community relations at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
"I look forward to serving in a role that will help identify and leverage opportunities for UPMC McKeesport, in particular, to work together with other local businesses and organizations to benefit the people who live and work here," Logan said in a release issued by RCA.
UPMC McKeesport has some 1,000 employees. Its role recently was expanded by the Pittsburgh-based hospital network to include areas formerly covered by UPMC Braddock.
UPMC also agreed to be the first RCA member to purchase a "president's circle" sponsorship.
"Within our corporate sponsorships it is the highest level that we have," Burgwin said. "UPMC will take a prominent place on the webpage as one of our sponsors."
"The RCA is under new direction with Maury," Schon said. "There are plans to do a regular schedule of networking events, breakfast, lunch and dinner networking."
Schon volunteered to be part of a networking/programming committee, citing his past work with the Outback restaurant chain.
That in turn put him on chambers of commerce in St. Clairsville, Ohio; Charlotte, N.C.; Virginia Beach, Va.; and Parkersburg, W.Va.
"They are going to meet to roll out an events schedule for 2011," Schon said of RCA.
"We're really shooting for a full slate of events in January."
Burgwin said another new RCA committee will work on building membership in an organization that reached 350 members with the merger with Steel Valley.
"We are moving forward in exciting ways and we want to invite you to contribute to our renewed vitality," Burgwin said in an e-mail to members and potential members Wednesday.
Also serving on the RCA board are Scott Biddle of Northwest Savings Bank, who chairs RCA's executive committee; Prudential Realtor Lori Maffeo, who is the vice chair; and Mark Urbassik of KU Resources Inc. in Duquesne, who is committee secretary.
Also on the board are Linda Curinga of Penn State Greater Allegheny; Certified Public Accountant Edward C. Datemasch; Bobby Fiori of Apter Industries Inc.; Dorothy's Candies proprietor Marti Gastel; Robin Khorey of Global Tax Network of Pennsylvania; and Elizabeth Township business coach Donald Lodge.
Also on the board are White Oak kitchen and bath design studio owner Ronald Massung; South Hills attorney Howard Murphy; Joseph Segina of U.S. Steel's Mon Valley Works; Clairton auto body shop owner Kathy Tachoir; Hatti Topolnak of Bechtel Bettis Inc.; and Dolores Weinstein of H. Wayne Weinstein Inc. in McKeesport.
By Patrick Cloonan, MCKEESPORT DAILY NEWS
Thursday, September 23, 2010
The Avenues Autumn Down Street Block Party
Saturday October 2, 2010
12Noon to 10:00pm
East Eight Avenue @ Amity Street - East Eight Avenue and Amity Merchants DistrictEast Eighth Avenue Homestead, PA
Food, Drink, Games, Sidewalk Craft Vendors, Children's Activities, Art, Music, and Fun for the Whole Family will be available on East Eight Avenue on October 2nd, 2010. Come to the Block Party to greet Capezzutti Puppets and other attractions.
In the evening, Lhagic and friends will perform at the Tin Front Cafe (216 East Eighth Ave) and at 7:30 pm Mike Stout will be having and new album release party at the former Moose Lodge building (112 East Eighth Ave) . Special Guest New Landers and proceeds to benefit Just Harvest.
12Noon to 10:00pm
East Eight Avenue @ Amity Street - East Eight Avenue and Amity Merchants DistrictEast Eighth Avenue Homestead, PA
Food, Drink, Games, Sidewalk Craft Vendors, Children's Activities, Art, Music, and Fun for the Whole Family will be available on East Eight Avenue on October 2nd, 2010. Come to the Block Party to greet Capezzutti Puppets and other attractions.
In the evening, Lhagic and friends will perform at the Tin Front Cafe (216 East Eighth Ave) and at 7:30 pm Mike Stout will be having and new album release party at the former Moose Lodge building (112 East Eighth Ave) . Special Guest New Landers and proceeds to benefit Just Harvest.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Carrie Furance Hard Hat Tours
September 18 at 8:30, 9:15, 10 & 10:45 AM
Take a tour of the Carrie Furnaces of U.S. Steel's Homestead Works and experience the scale and majesty of the Mon Valley's last standing blast furnace.
Walk into the Ore Yards where hundreds of tons of raw materials were off loaded from rail cars and barges to feed the blast furnaces that smelted iron 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Travel through the towering Hot Stoves, the "lungs of the blast furnace" that blew super-heated air into the furnaces to begin the smelting process.
Step into the Cast House, where men and molten metal met every time the furnace was tapped. See where the flow of molten iron would fill waiting Torpedo Cars for the iron's trip across the Rankin Hot Metal Bridge to the Homestead Works where the steel making process was completed.
When: August 28, September 18, and October 9, 2010 at 8:30am, 9:15am, 10:00am, and 10:45am
Reservations required. A limited number of tickets remain. Please call 412-464-4020 ext. 32 or email sdrane@riversofsteel.com for information.
Visionworks Opens Friday Oct 1 at The Waterfront
PITTSBURGH, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Visionworks, Western PA's fastest growing optical retailer, is expanding to provide high quality eye care services to even more local residents. The company will open new locations at Butler Crossing and the Waterfront in Homestead on Wednesday, September 29 and Friday, October 1, respectively.
One of the nation's leading providers of eye care services, Visionworks also has locations in Cranberry Commons Mall, The Mall at Robinson, South Hills Village, Monroeville Mall, South Hills Four Seasons and Ross Park Mall. Plans are also underway for additional Visionworks locations in Monaca's Township Marketplace and Trinity Point in Washington, PA.
"Since we opened Pittsburgh's first Visionworks location in February, folks around here have learned they can count on Visionworks for low-cost and high-quality frames, lenses, contact lenses and sunglasses – plus the leading technology in vision correction," said John DiIanni, Regional Vice President. "And because we have a state-of-the-art processing laboratory on site, we can provide one-hour service on most prescriptions."
The new Visionworks stores will feature:
- Exclusive brands developed to provide Visionworks customers with fashionable designer styling and impeccable quality at a fraction of the price
- Best-selling designer brand frames including Bebe, GUESS, Nine West, Gant, Liz Claiborne, Candies, Rampage, Armani Exchange and Michael Kors
- The region's largest selection of durable kids' frames and a huge selection of impact- and scratch-resistant lenses
- A broad range of contact lenses and related products from leading manufacturers
- Convenient hours with stores open seven days a week including evenings
- In-store licensed Doctors of Optometry (no appointment necessary) who provide comprehensive eye exams and contact lens evaluations and fittings
- Acceptance of most vision insurance plans
- A 30-day money back satisfaction guarantee
"At Visionworks, we're committed to providing the most complete assortment at the best value. That's why Visionworks is a perfect fit for value-seeking residents across western Pennsylvania," said John DiIanni, Regional Vice President. "We want patients to leave our stores feeling confident they got the correct frame and lenses, all at the right price."
Because of strong consumer affinity for Visionworks, the company plans to continue its expansion in the Keystone State. Additional locations are likely to be added in western and central PA in 2011. Those new locations mean new jobs for the community -- each location is expected to employ 12 – 14 local residents.
For more information about Visionworks, including new store locations, visit www.visionworkseyewear.com or become a fan on Facebook.
Visionworks is a subsidiary of Eye Care Centers of America, Inc., a leading provider of eye care services with more than 430 optical retails stores in 35 states. Eye Care Center of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of HVHC, Inc., a Highmark company.
For more information about Eye Care Centers of America visit www.ecca.com http://www.ecca.com.
SOURCE Visionworks
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Best of the 'Burgh 2010 - Best Underground Art Space - Artspace 105
Best Underground Art Space: Shhh. Let me share a secret: Sometimes, the most engaging art galleries aren’t the ones with cheese plates and French wine. If you don’t want to be distracted by sterile hobnobbing and pretension, visit Artspace 105 in Homestead for exhibitions of photography, sculptures, woodworking and mixed media that brim with youthful energy and ethnically diverse subjects. 105 E. Eighth Ave., Homestead; 412-480-7246, www.steelvalleyarts.org
Best of the 'Burgh 2010: Food & Drink
Best Chocolate-Chip Cookie: Fans of the chocolate chip cookies from Nancy B’s Bakery in Homestead don’t say they’re the best in Pittsburgh. They say they’re the best in the world. Nancy B’s chocolate chip cookies are big, plump, moist marvels packed with gooey goodness and a flavor that begs the question, “What is the secret code of this cookie?” The bakery makes a full lineup of decadent cookies and other bakery faves, but the chocolate chip is the crown jewel. Call ahead to make sure they’re not sold out; the bakery’s open 9 a.m.-5 p.m, Mon.-Fri. 415 W. 7th Ave., West Homestead; 412/462-6222, www. nancybsbakery.com.
Noah’s Ark Named Best Funhouse/Walk-Through Attraction
ARLINGTON, Texas, Sept. 11, 2010 – The envelope, please … and the Golden Ticket Award goes to … In an awards’ show hosted this evening by Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia, Amusement Today announced the winners of its prestigious 2010 Golden Ticket Awards, which are presented to the “Best of the Best” in the amusement industry.
Calculated from an international poll conducted by Amusement Today, the Golden Ticket Awards are the results of a detailed survey that is sent to a database of experienced and well-traveled amusement park fans around the world – in balanced geographical regions – asking them to rate the “bests” in 25 categories such as “amusement parks,” “roller coasters,” “shows,” “landscaping” and “water rides.” The 2010 winners are …
Best Amusement Park
Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
Best Waterpark
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, New Braunfels, Texas
Best Children’s Park
Idlewild and SoakZone, Ligonier, Pa.
Best Marine Life Park
SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, Fla.
Best Seaside Park
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, Calif.
Best Wooden Coaster
The Voyage at Holiday World, Santa Claus, Ind.
Best Steel Coaster
Millennium Force at Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
Best Kids’ Area
Kings Island, Kings Mills, Ohio
Friendliest Staff
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Santa Claus, Ind.
Cleanest Park
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Santa Claus, Ind.
Best Halloween Event
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando, Orlando, Fla..
Best Landscaping
Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Va.
Best Christmas Event
Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood,
Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
Best Food
Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, Pa.
Best Shows
Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
Best Outdoor Night Show Production
IllumiNations: Reflections of the Earth
at Walt Disney World’s Epcot Center, Orlando, Fla.
Best Water Ride
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Fla.
Best Waterpark Ride
Wildebeest at Splashin’ Safari, Santa Claus, Ind.
Best Dark Ride
Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Fla.
Best Indoor Waterpark
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island, Galveston, Texas
Best Funhouse/Walk-Through Attraction
Noah’s Ark at Kennywood, West Mifflin, Pa.
Best Carousel
Grand Carousel at Knoebels Amusement Resort,
Elysburg, Pa.
Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Orlando,
Orlando, Fla.
Best New Ride of 2010 - Amusement Park
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Fla.
Best New Ride of 2010 - Waterpark
Wildebeest at Splashin’ Safari, Santa Claus, Ind.
Steel Valley chamber to merge with RCA
Steel Valley Chamber of Commerce is merging with Regional Chamber Alliance of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
McKeesport-based RCA and the Munhall-based chamber jointly announced Monday their respective boards approved the merger.
It expands RCA's influence into Munhall, Homestead, West Homestead and Whitaker, while boosting its ties in West Mifflin.
"It's a win-win for both organizations," Steel Valley chamber president John Karafa said.
Steel Valley's 100-plus members will be added to what will become a 350-member RCA. It bottomed out at 213 but now seeks to rise past its previous high of 450.
"We're very excited," Steel Valley chamber treasurer Ray Schon said. "It's an opportunity to network to a larger group."
It took effect immediately though Steel Valley's chamber will remain a separate entity until the end of the year.
"For all intents and purposes they become part of our organization today," RCA president and CEO Maury Burgwin said. "We are going to put some of their board members on our board."
Burgwin will be the speaker at Steel Valley's last meeting, Oct. 7 at 11:30 a.m. at Westwood Golf Club in West Mifflin.
Before that meeting, there could be even more news from RCA. Burgwin promised "another announcement in a week that is exciting," saying only that it would be "a further strengthening" of his organization.
As it happens, a merger first was discussed five years ago, when RCA still was known as Regional Business Alliance.
"This was a discussion that has been going on for some time before I came here," said Burgwin, who was named RCA's president and CEO in July.
RCA took on its present name in a July 2007 merger with McKeesport-based Mon-Yough Valley Chamber of Commerce, which in turn evolved out of chambers in the McKeesport and Turtle Creek areas. RCA also is an umbrella for Clairton, West Jefferson Hills and White Oak chambers.
"They first approached us in 2005, at which time we decided to stay our own individual chamber," Schon said.
Steel Valley, however, ran into a problem recently when its director Carolyn Whewell stepped down and Larry Rettger stepped in as interim director. It caused that chamber's board to reconsider ties with RCA.
"The Steel Valley Chamber has a rich tradition dating back over 40 years and we welcome them with open arms," Burgwin said.
The Steel Valley treasurer said his chamber's office along Main Street is not being staffed at this time.
"Throughout the last quarter of the year e-mails and phone lines are being forwarded to the RCA," Schon said.
RCA also is involved in a "community conversation" scheduled Thursday at 6 p.m. at McKees Cafe in the Palisades in McKeesport.
"I'm hoping we'll see a good attendance," Burgwin said.
The forum is part of the "Power of 32" regional visioning initiative aimed at drawing up a blueprint for the decades to come in 32 counties covering four states.
"It's just going to be a few facilitators," Burgwin said. "They'll go through a series of questions, like, 'What do you want your community to look like in 25 years?'"
The RCA CEO said a short film presentation will open the program, after which a discussion will be held that could take up to 21⁄2 hours.
By Patrick Cloonan, Daily News Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Harmony Club...Still lifting as we climb
On April 24 The Harmony Club of Homestead took their 110th Anniversary Celebration to a new venue, St. John’s Cathedral Center in Munhall. Nearly 300 attended the hat luncheon with the theme: “Salute to Sisterhood: Still lifting as We Climb.”
After a cheery welcome from Harmony Club president, Aldine Coleman and Homestead Mayor Betty Esper, it was time for lunch. Guests dined on stuffed chicken breast and Mediterranean-style orange roughy and enjoyed the music of Fred Pugh III and friends. A crowd favorite, KDKA’s Harold Hayes served as master of ceremonies.
Mary H. Page, Ph.D., archivist, Aurora Reading Club, was the guest speaker. Page said, “It’s important to leave large crumbs so ‘sistahs’ can find their way home to their roots.” She went on to say the club is only as strong as the sistahs in it.
Harmony club member Elayne Arrington, Ph.D., recognized the 2010 scholarship recipients: Taylor Owens, Charles Thompson Lawson and Jocelyn Smith.
The Harmony Club and friends took a moment of silence to remember long time member Easter Little Baker. Hayes commented that she will be missed by many after 60 years of service to the Harmony Club. The Mon Valley Library will be named after Baker.
LaMont Jones Jr., founder of The StyleArbiter.com, was the commentator for the centerpiece of the day, the spring fashion show. Models wore fashions from The Dress Barn (The Waterfront), Carlisle’s of Pittsburgh and The Men’s Wearhouse (The Waterfront).
Patricia Pugh Mitchell served as event chair. Models included Ashley Mitchell, Ryan Mitchell, Valerie Njie, Wrenna Watson, Robyn Greer and Howard Bullock Jr.
| Written by Debbie Norrell |
| Wednesday, 19 May 2010 08:58 |
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Munch goes to Tin Front Cafe
Munch usually associates eating near the Waterfront with places like P.F. Chang's, where a giant (and slightly ridiculous) horse statue lords over the entrance and where the corporate fare comes overpriced and mediocre. At Tin Front Cafe, the restaurant that opened adjacent to the kitchen store The Annex, the statuary is -- shall we say -- slightly less ostentatious. The facade of both The Annex and Tin Front Cafe are understated, so much so that Munch and Cheating Pescatarian Friend of Munch (cheating, because sometimes she's a chicken-atarian) briefly had trouble locating it among the dusty storefronts on Eighth Avenue. At Tin Front, there's a lizard-like tin monster that adorns the marquee. In its back patio, a giant tin chicken statue stands guard.
Tin Front, which opened near the beginning of this year, is not exactly walking distance from the big-box venues in the Waterfront (though Munch dares you to try and hoof it from Target to Panera without getting run over by an SUV). But the next time Munch picks up discount tchotchkes at Marshalls, it's where Munch will be grubbing.
Now Munch is a devout meat-atarian. Crocodile, veal, lamb, goat, water buffalo ... Munch has tried them all. Munch generally avoids joints that label themselves vegetarian, so Munch felt duped -- nay deceived -- when Munch learned that the cafe's award-winning chili was vegetarian. In fact, there was not a speck of meat, nary a millimeter-thin slice of prosciutto, to be found on the menu.
But Munch admits -- somewhat grudgingly -- that the meal was delicious and more surprising, wholly satisfying.
The inside of the cafe has a slightly rustic feel, cozy like a classic American diner, but flooded with light with the help of a couple of skylights. And there's a bar that serves up Pennsylvania microbrews and wine by the bottle and glass. In a nod to Europe, the bar has both coffee and alcoholic libations.
Munch and CPFOM were dazzled by the variety of dishes on the cafe's one-page menu, but eventually settled on the crostini with brie, apple and spiced walnuts ($7.95). The crostini was toasted to perfection -- still chewy in the center -- and the combination of flavors was perfect, with the richness of the brie cut by the tartness of the apple.
CPFOM ordered the Four Bean Chili ($3.95), which came in a small cup topped generously with cheese, sour cream and a little cilantro. Munch admits -- again grudgingly -- that it's the best chili Munch has had in a long time. It was spicy and unexpectedly sweet and unlike other vegetarian chilis, it was full-flavored, not thin.
CPFOM followed up with a Spinach Salad with Pears, Gorgonzola and Spiced Walnuts ($7.95), which was a nice balance of flavors. Munch somewhat skeptically ordered the Butternut Squash Lasagna with Basil Bechamel Sauce ($9.95). Again, no meat? Not even a little? But it was delicious, drawing on the creamy sweetness of pureed squash to give it its richness. And though it was rich, it also didn't feel unhealthy. With summer coming and the possibility of Munch bearing the waistline at the beach, this is certainly not a bad thing.
Basically, some aspects of Tin Front can feel a little like a contradiction, but in the end it's the best of both worlds. The bar food is vegetarian. It's got comfort food but not the kind that will put you in cardiac arrest. It's got microbrews for celebrating and delicious coffee for the night after celebrating. It's got the comforting ambiance of a greasy spoon, "but [the food] doesn't taste bad," quipped CPFOM, and there's free Wi-Fi! And, it's got cool statues ... but it's not P.F. Chang's.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
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.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
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.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Saturday, January 23, 2010
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 10th 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:
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 130th 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
Contact: Denise Kelly
(412) 462-7272
homesteadwns@aol.com
Friday, January 22, 2010
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
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.
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.
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