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!