Bellevue Holiday Happenings-December 19

Mr McFeely, the "Speedy Delivery Messenger" from Mr Rogers Neighborhood, arrived in Bellevue early Saturday afternoon following his appearance at the Carnegie Science Center.    Mr McFeely provided personalized photos for all of the friends and neighbors who stopped by Stew's Hobby Shop for the meet and greet.  Autographing the specialty items speedy delivered to Stew’s Hobby Shop, the selection included The Fred Rogers 2010 Calendar, the Neighborhood Trolley, the Track-size Trolley, and the books “A Trolley Visit to Make Believe” and “Speedy Delivery.”  Mr McFeely also signed personal items during this special visit to Bellevue.   Our thanks and appreciation to Mr McFeely for bringing the "Speedy Delivery" message to Bellevue, and to Greg Stewart for hosting the event.

The invitation remains for "all aboard" at Stew's Hobby Shop to participate in the "Trains For A Kid's Christmas."  Your assistance with providing new and reconditioned trains for children, is most welcome.  The North Boroughs families will be receiving their trains in time for a Very Merry Christmas!

Also happening on Saturday, Lincoln Barber hosted a Customer Event from 10am-3pm, a celebration in appreciation of their customers, serving up refreshments and good cheer.  Bellevue is teeming with shopping specials and more for those special holiday gifts!  Shop Bellevue!

Bellevue Holiday Happenings-December 18

Northgate students under the direction of art instructor Kristin DeGiovanni, installed the "Art for Angels" exhibit.  The 4-8pm show and sale of the painted and kiln-fired ceramics, the colorful puffy pillows, the hand-painted stools originally crafted by the Industrial Arts department and the most excellent assortment of baked goods was hosted by Affogato.  For this group collaboration of the Northgate High school and Middle school Art Club students in conjunction with the Sewing Club and Industrial Arts group, the students created the works to be sold for the express purpose of supporting specific charities.  This year, the proceeds will be split between the Wounded Soldiers Fund and Children’s Hospital.  Last year, the students raised over $500 for Toys for Tots!  Any/all remaining items may still be available for puchase at Northgate.  Contact the Art Department at 412-732-3300 extension 1077 to inquire about those very special gifts.

The Bellevue Holiday Happenings included Santa's visit with Little Labels and Curiosity Shop participating with a wide array of fashions for all ages. Mane Attractions created "It's a Bling Thing" with holiday hair stylings, fashion consultations and the ultimate in professional glamour shots.  Our beloved Gabig brothers, Andy and Bob, presented their own musically-inspired variations of holiday tunes and other favorites on the guitar and harmonica at Muddy Cup, concluding the evening's activities.

Victorian Christmas at Bayne Library

Bayne Library celebrated the season hosting the 2009 Victorian Christmas with an Open House for Holiday Treats, Crafts, and Hourly Prize Drawings.  Christmas lovers of all ages attended the event from 10am-6pm.  Ms Sharon was the perfect hostess making certain the trays of treats were always filled to the delight of all.  Paul Toncic, the ADM (Avalon Deputy Mayor) as he is affectionately known, was among those who enjoyed the sweet and savory selection of hor d'oeuvres.

Traditional holiday music highlighted the event with a recital from Pittsburgh's own, "West Winds" which began at 5pm in the second floor conference room.   The quintet performed seasonal selections with the audience joining in song.  Deck the Halls, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Jingle Bells and many others were heard.  The concert concluded with the instrumental version and then the complete sing-a-long rendition of an all-time favorite "We Wish You a Merry Christmas! And a Happy New Year!"

The Characters of Christmas

The Assumption Theater Guild and The Faith Formation Commission presented a monologue program by Lois Sink, adapted by Carol Randolph and produced by special arrangement with the Contemporary Drama Service, at McGovern Hall.

Narrator Cara DeMotte provided an introduction to the individual Characters of Christmas including Elizabeth (Cathy Panza), Gabriel (Thomas Taylor), Mary (Jennifer Gauntner), Joseph (Scott Keener), the Shepherd (Robert Mancuso), the Inkeeper (Harry Bolette) and the Magi (Grant Saylor).

Each of the Characters stepped forward personifying their specific role surrounding the birth of the Christ Child.  The audience participated in the performance, assisted by piano accompanist, Ryan DeMotte.

Greenstone United Methodist Church Christmas Festival & Cookie Walk

Greenstone United Methodist Church hosted their Annual Cookie Walk.  Cookies, cookies and more cookies, table after table were sold. Baked with TLC by the volunteers, cookies were available throughout the dining room. Shoppers selected from the assortment and a large box was $15, a small box was $8.

Along with the homemade baked goods, crafters and vendors sold their wares in the gymnasium.  A visit from the big guy himself provided for numerous photo ops. “The Cookie Walk Cookbook,” and Greenstone's “Classic Cookbook” were available as well as a variety of other special treasures.

The Snack Shack was open for a light lunch and Christmas music was performed by many of the talented Greenstoners.

Lighting Up the Night Celebrating Bellevue

Light-Up Night 2009 began with two ribbon cutting ceremonies with Mayor Doscher officiating. At the Borough Hall, the Mayor expressed gratitude to all who participated in the renovation of the 1910 facility.   The public was invited to tour the building and enjoyed refreshments and entertainment.

In the inaugural ribbon cutting ceremony, "Little Labels" was the first of newly established Bellevue businesses to receive the official recognition.

Owned and operated by Irene Stewart, the children's clothing boutique, located at 8 Hawley Avenue, specializes in premiere apparel ranging in sizes from infants to teens.  The child-friendly boutique which includes a reading corner, will be open on Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-5pm, and Saturday from 10am to 3pm.  Ms Stewart was presented with a personalized framed keepsake of this new Enjoy Bellevue event.  Congratulations Little Labels!  Welcome to Bellevue!   May you enjoy many prosperous years!

This year's live tree was donated by AGH-Suburban Campus and stands in front of the Northwest Savings Bank. Borough DPW and hospital staff assisted with the installation of the 12' tree.   Decorating was completed by the North Suburban Chamber of Commerce.

Santa arrived on Lincoln Avenue atop the Bellevue Fire Company 108 ladder truck to the delight of the children of all ages!  Santa made his way to the Bellevue Central patio and invited the little ones to sit in his sleigh and add to their wish lists.  The cookies and cocoa, compliments of Citizens Bank and Joe's Rusty Nail were offered to all!  Frosty, Rudolph, and the Grinch greeted the guests on the patio and  the children were treated to face painting.  The Northgate Brass Ensemble under the direction of Mr Dilliott performed holiday favorites.  The choirs from Assumption Church and Bellevue Christian Church gave harmonious voice in the spirit of Christmas.

Children gathered at the Muddy Cup for the storytime with Ms Sharon. At 8pm, the Borough Hall's Rosemary Heflin Council Chambers was the scene of the unseen as performed by the masterful illusionist, Dan Kuniak.  His antics with interlocking rings, the disappearing tennis shoe, the multiplying foam balls, fully-colored blank coloring books and the finale with AbbyCadabra, the appearing rabbit, had the entire audience in stiches.  The storytime with Ms Sharon concluded the scheduled program of activities.

Matthews Arts hosted a reception for the "Views of Bellevue Group Show" featuring views of Bellevue in various media by local artists.  The show continues through December 30.  Mane Attractions produced a high style holiday fashions extravaganza and photo shoot showcasing clothing, hair and make-up.  Other businesses including Lincoln Barber Shop, Plank Eye Board Shop, Stew's Hobby Shop, Nibbles & Licks and many of the restaurants were open late for holiday revelers!  If you missed it, other holiday happenings are on the way.  Mark your calendars for December 18th and December 19th!  See you then!

Trains for a Kid’s Christmas

Our own Greg Stewart, the owner of Stew’s Hobby Shop, located at 553 Lincoln Ave is giving the gift of a train to children this year.  Kids and trains are a holiday tradition, providing for hours of pure enjoyment.  A nostalgic adventure into yesteryear, we are reminded to take a break from the harried world in which we live.

Greg knows that for some families, buying a train to encircle the holiday tree is pure luxury. In his desire to provide these children with the memory of a lifetime, Greg is asking for assistance from the community. He is offering new and reconditioned trains to families in the North Boroughs who otherwise would do without.  He has ordered new Lionel trains including 'The Polar Express,' and the 'Lionel Little Lines Train Play Set,' and is accepting donations of any/all trains which he will recondition to include in this "Great Train Giveaway."

You can participate in this worthwhile endeavor.  If you know of a family in the North Boroughs whose child would enjoy receiving a train this year, or you would like to sponsor a train, or even provide a $ donation, drop in at Stew's Hobby Shop and talk with Greg, Monday-Saturday from 10am-4pm, and on Tuesday and Thursday evening until 7pm. Merry Christmas to all, especially the children!

The 'Lionel Little Lines Train Play Set' shown above is suitable for children ages 3 and up.

Vendor Fair-Bayne Library

"Friends of the Library" sponsored a Vendor Fair set-up on the second floor of Bayne Library and Enjoy Bellevue participated this year!  We were there sporting the new Bellevue logo on t-shirts-$10, golf shirts-$23, crew and hooded sweatshirts-$23 and $29, and pins for a buck.  The Enjoy Bellevue annual memberships- Individual-$10, and Family-$15 provided an immediate 10% savings.  Joining with us were a number of friendly favorites including Partylite, Avon and Vanilla Bean Bakery as well as a few new kids on the block including Mary Kay Cosmetics, Usborne Books, Rob Rudy, Pat Quinn, Letters From Bellevue, Tastefully Simple, Children's Christmas Baskets, Scentsy Wickless Candles, Pampered Chef, and Creative Memories all offering a variety of enjoyable treats to buy as gifts, or keep for yourself.

The 2010 WWII Memorial Calendar

The 2010 WWII Memorial Calendar is dedicated to the Veterans and Citizens from Southwestern PA.  -Duty-Honor-Country-Service-Gratitiude. Matthews Arts,  12 N Balph Ave, Bellevue, PA is the North Hills location for the distribution and sale of this memorable piece. Proceeds from the sale of this calendar, comprised of submitted photos of many of the WWII soldiers from Southwestern PA, priced at $10.00, will be used to construct the Pittsburgh memorial. The triangular plot of land selected for the memorial, known as the Bosque, sits at the top of the Great Lawn of the North Shore Riverfront Park. Widely acclaimed as the "Greatest Generation," those who dutifully served our country during WWII are deserving of a rememberance of their service with the construction of this memorial. Visit Southwestern PA WWII Memorial for more information.

Ishtar and West of Cairo Live at Club Perqé

Club Perqé hosted Ishtar, Pittsburgh's Classic Bellyrock Band, whose interpretive music was accompanied by bellydancers Laila and Janim of West of Cairo.  Details and information for scheduling an event at Vivo's intimate underground venue is available by contacting the promoters, Martina DiBattista and Dennis Heffley via email at Club Perqe.

Veterans Day Ceremony in Bayne Park

Bayne Park was an idyllic setting for the Veterans Day Memorial service which began promptly at 11am on 11/11 in commemoration of the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne, France, for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front, which took effect at eleven o'clock in the morning — the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" of 1918.  Mayor Doscher welcomed the gathering to the annual ceremony dedicated to the Veterans of all wars.

Fr Tusky's faith-filled invocation was followed by a strident rendition of our National Anthem by Bellevue resident, Jade Young.  The highly decorated WWII veteran, Hugo Alicandri, led the observers in the Pledge of Allegiance.  And Taps, signaling the closing of the soldier's day...Lights Out was dutifully played.

Mrs Heffley's second grade class prepared a "Salute to the Veterans" with some reading their written statements of gratitude to the servicemen and women of our country.  Others in the class performed a songful tribute, raising their placards spelling the word V-E-T-E-R-A-N-S and waving American flags.

The keynote speaker for the day, Judge Michael E McCarthy, a Navy Seabee and Vietnam Veteran, spoke eloquently of his respect and admiration for all military personnel.  Jade Young and the combined 2nd grade voices continued the program with the celebrated 'God Bless America.'  The ceremony concluded with Fr Tusky offering the Benediction.  Ms Sharon, Librarian and Cultural Director offered refreshments to the guests.

Midnight Madness in Bellevue

For twelve years Erin has been inviting her devoted Erin's Hallmark followers to a Midnight Madness shopping spree in Bellevue.  The hullabaloo surrounding the annual event inspired us to expand the offering to showcase many of the other fine merchants of Bellevue.

At Plank Eye Board Shop, this newest location for boards and accessories available for the skateboard aficionado, visitors viewed the star-studded "Alien Workshop Mind Field" video of the masterful Rob Dyrdek. 

At Matthews Arts Gallery, Pittsburgh Artist Linda Barnicott was available to sign purchases. Renowned for her work in pastels, visitors selected from an array of originals and giclées representing significant Pittsburgh scenes - beginning at 6pm!

At Lincoln Barber Shop, the sounds and scenes in this renew-ovation of the 1966 shop were in full swing! Reminiscent partiers celebrated with Aaron and his friends - Frank and the Rat Pack!

At A Cut Above the Rest, Barb was serving up some sumptuous refreshments along with special holiday styles!

At Muddy Cup, Bob and Andy Gabig of The Blues Orphans entertained with song and banter on the guitar and harmonica. Everyone was laughing and singing along with these local boys from 8pm-10pm. Generous contributions filled the jar!

At Stew's Hobby Shop, visitors sampled the sauce! The shelves were well stocked with favorite Steeler stuff! Big Ben barbeque sauce, Steeler candles, Steeler train sets and more...

At Nibbles & Licks the sweets are hand-made for you and your sweetest!  Milk and dark chocolate covered candies, available by the pound, were available at a very special holiday price! Fine chocolates are always a splendid gift to give and to receive!

At Mane Attractions the models were live on Lincoln Ave! Fabulous hair styles, clothing and accessories showcasing the Holiday bling were the main attraction!

At Cricket the TXTM8 was the object of the $ Raffle! The cheap tickets offered a big reward! The clearance table was marked 1/2 price presenting a real deal on cases and chargers!

At Affogato it was coffee and more! With byob, there was the chatting with friends, playing of favorite board games and the enjoyment of the many specialty foods and flavors.

Restaurants were open for your dining pleasure including Joe's Rusty Nail, Luigi's, Uncle Chen's, Bellevue Diner, Pizza Bomonti, Pizza Milano, Dari-Villa, R&B's, Mojo Bistro, and Vivo.

Northgate Art-Halloween Windows

On Monday October 19, 2009 Northgate High School students applied their creative talents in the design and painting of the themed Halloween decorations of 28 storefronts in the Lincoln Avenue business district.

Despite the early 8am start and 28ºF frigid temperature, the students assembled at Kuhn’s Market to check-in for the project. Materials were distributed and under the direction of Kristin DeGiovanni, the 7-12 art teacher, the select group of students worked throughout the day creating scenes and figures representative of the Halloween season.

While the students' art suffered from issues of peeling paint, they continued in their efforts to create the masterpieces. While the works were best viewed in person, photographic images were published on the EnjoyBellevue site as Halloween to provide for online voting.  The paper ballots which were distributed throughout the business district were accepted at the Enjoy Bellevue location until October 30 to be included in the tally.

The top three window creations receiving votes, in alphabetical order, were Classic Chevrolet New Car Showroom, painted by Justin Para, Angelo Pagani , Richard Fiorenzo, Brandon Postlethwait, Kristen Callahan, Cassie Andreas, Plank Eye Board Shop, painted by Gwen McCracken, Chelsea Dungan, and Stew's Hobby Shop, painted by Nate Anthony.  The names of all of the participating students and their respective images is seen on the Halloween page.  An Enjoy Bellevue donation to Northgate Art Society is made in gratitude and recognition of the students community involvement.  Way to go Northgate!

Junior Council Members Are Appointed

A program of the PA State Association of Boroughs (PSAB), the Junior Council Person Program is an opportunity available for two students, Juniors or Seniors in high school to be included in the governing process of their own communities.  The students take an oath of office, attend monthly council meetings, budget sessions and any other special meetings, observe all borough council rules and are seated at council and participate in any and all borough business.  They cannot vote or attend executive sessions.  Bellevue’s inaugural Junior council members are Northgate Seniors- Ryan Casselberry and Brittany Channing.

Kathy Coder provided a brief introduction and history of the resolution adopted by the Borough of Bellevue necessary to establish the Junior Council affiliation.  District Justice Tara Smith administered the oath of office during Mr Matthews World Cultures class. (AP U.S. History, Anthropology, 10th Honors History, and World Cultures.  (Photo L-R) High School principal-Bryan Kyle, DJ Tara Smith, Ryan Casselberry, Brittany Channing, Bellevue Council President-Kathy Coder, Bellevue Resource Officer Mike Hudson.

The students are officially seated in the Council Chambers.  Congratulations to Ryan and Brittany for their achievement in this position of leadership.  They are our future!

Saturday Splatterday is DIY Art at Affogato

Organizers Andrew Carver and Cassandra Speicher focused their creative energies into crafting a day long art event at Affogato.  For an entire month they accumulated scrap wood and cardboard and transformed the material into sets and props filling the backyard.  A cemetary of R.I.P. tombstones was the backdrop for used coffee grinds representing the freshly dug graves. Tents, strung with lights provided shelter from the drizzle of the day and gave a glow to the evening. From 10am-4pm the kids painted 40+ pumpkins and participated in the production of the "Live Art" on the main stage.  Giant fingers protruding from the floor extended to the hay-filled lawn.

Andrew painted goulish faces on the children clamoring for the special effects.  Young Mr. Ridgeway was one of the recipients. Games and contests were conducted throughout the day and evening.  Food and drinks were available for all the hungry monsters preparing for Halloween.  The live art prizes were awarded to the winning ticket holders.

Andrew is seen in the hoodie. (right center)  Cassandra is seated next to Matthew Armold, the weekend pancake chef. (upper left)

Knights of Columbus Flea Market

The Knights of Columbus,  located at 450 Lincoln Avenue, hosted a flea market on Saturday, October 17, beginning at 8am.  Vendors set-up in the Main Hall offering a wide array of goods.  Many of the participants were hawking treasures from home while others offered brand new apparel.  A variety of fresh foods and fanciful snacks items were also available.

Northgate High School Band Festival

Spectators gathered at Alumni Field on Sheridan Avenue for the Band  Festival sponsored by the Northgate Band Boosters.  Northgate superintendent Dr Reggie Bonfield, and Mr Dilliott, the Band Director, provided the introductions.  The event featured eight of the area's High School Marching Bands with Bishop Canevin, Brentwood, Cambridge Springs, Carrick, Langley, Northgate, North Hills and Sto-Rox taking center stage.  Musical selections were accompanied by choreographed routines performed by the color guards and drill teams. The finale was an assembly of all eight bands providing for an extraordinary conclusion to the evening's festivities.

Chinese auctions, raffles and food sales contributed to the fundraising efforts.  The Northgate Flames Marching Band is planning a February 2010 trip to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida to participate in the “Share a Dream Come True Parade” in the Magic Kingdom.  Way to go Northgate!

Going Green Debuts In Bridal Fashion and More

Angella Morgan, owner of Angie's Bridal Consignment Boutique welcomed guests at her Open House event on October 3, 2009.  New and gently used elegance fills the racks. The boutique, located on the second floor at 12 Hawley Avenue-Suite 2, specializes in the uncommon sizes of 14 and up and sizes 6 and under.  For the past year and a half, Angie has worked on her dream to provide for the plus and mini bride. Her experience in the "standard size" bridal business provided the impetus for the idea, now coming to fruition, for the resale of high-end fashions.

The boutique also showcases bridal wear accessories including shoes, veils, tiaras, jewelry, and ring bearer pillows. Bridesmaid apparel, fancy prom dresses and holiday attire are available.

Wedding Bells Ring for Victoria and AC

Victoria Green and AC Dilliott united in marriage on October 3, 2009! Victoria is the owner of Affogato, an inspired coffee bar located at 613 Lincoln Avenue.  Sandwiches, pastries, famous filled pancakes-Saturday/Sunday 11am-2pm, and of course, great coffee highlight the menu.  Stop by and extend your best wishes to Victoria and AC for a lifetime of happiness!

Art Auction For the Cure at Matthews Arts

Matthews Arts hosted their 3rd annual Art Auction for the Cure on October 2nd.  Friends and supporters gathered at the art gallery during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise money to benefit research for the cure for breast cancer.  More than sixty pieces, donated by local artists, were individually presented by gallery owner, Susan Matthews.  Auctioneer Barbara Averell, Susan's sister, provided the description of each piece and led the back and forth, highly competitive contest, pounding her gavel and raising more than $2,600, exceeding last year's total.

The Art Auction was an enjoyable evening of wonderful art, good food, and genuine fun.  All of the proceeds were presented to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Pittsburgh Affiliate.

Montour Railroad Booksigning

Gene P Schaeffer loves the railways.  "Working on the railroad" provided ample material to author "The Montour Railroad."  Greg Stewart, owner of Stew's Hobby Shop, which opened on August 1st of this year, at 553 Lincoln Ave, (formerly, the Fashion Hosiery Shop), invited Gene for a book signing event.  On September 26, from 12-3, Gene was on-site to autograph his pictorial review of the life of the small Southwestern Pennsylvania coal-hauling railroad once owned and operated by Pittsburgh Coal Company.  Gene is passionate about recording the life and times of the railroads and is now publishing a memorandum on the Norfolk and Western Railway - Connellsville District.

Stew's Hobby Shop is your Bellevue connection to everything relating to trains, department 56 and many other collectibles, including dolls!  Stop in to see Greg, present your Enjoy Bellevue Membership Card and realize additional savings on new Lionel train sets.  Regular prices are already an exceptional value!