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.