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.