Ribbon Cuttings Welcome New Businesses

Saturday, December 11 began like any other day in Bellevue until what to our wondering eyes did appear? The jolly old elf, himself! Lo and behold, Santa Claus came to Bellevue with one of his elves. We spotted them around 11am as we were preparing for ribbon-cuttings scheduled to begin at 1 pm to welcome four new businesses to Bellevue! 

We snapped a quick photo of the duo in front of one of our new businesses "On the Move Wireless" and  received a big wave and shouts of Merry Christmas as we raced out of sight to gather our ribbon and scissors for the event.

Just before 1pm we arrived at "MG's Makin' Scents" at 405 Lincoln Avenue. Owners Breann Rosenal and Missy Goldsmith of Avalon produce candles in every imaginable scent. Gift baskets, jewelry, candle holders, bamboo and sweet treats are also available at very reasonable prices.

Our next stop was "Pennies from Heaven" at 496 Lincoln Avenue. Shop owners, Phyllis Hannah and Fred Bacon of Avalon, offer an extensive selection of avant-garde clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children at very affordable prices.

The Acoustic Moose Café was our third stop on our ribbon-cutting adventure. Adam Gibson and Lindsey Chadwick will marry in April. Lindsey, a native of Cook Forest in Clarion County, moved to Nashville, TN after graduating from Penn State University with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies. Adam, also a native of  Western PA, received a degree in Music Business from Belmont University in Nashville, TN  and as fate intervened, the two would meet. They returned to Pennsylvania and fortunately, for us, they decided to open a business in Bellevue.  Adam is an accomplished guitarist/singer/songwriter and plans to perform at the Acoustic Moose in the near future. Plans include featuring local artisans and entertainers at 516 Lincoln Avenue. The wood-stoked brick oven generates fabulous mountain pies and s'mores.

Our final stop was where we began at "On the Move Wireless" located at 603 Lincoln Avenue when we first encountered Santa.

The 4G Clear C network offered here is based on the government microwave use of the 1950's era which was recently re-discovered to be able to provide for expedited internet connections.

We celebrate the dedication of these entrepreneurial individuals who chose to invest in Bellevue. We are grateful to those who joined us in support of these new enterprises including Gina Caruso-Ross Township, Lisa Caden-Bellevue, Mike Kocis, forever friend of Adam and Lindsey, Donna Sebastian, a lifelong resident of Bellevue, the Cricket elves and Linda Woshner, Vice-President of Bellevue Council, who officiated at the event. Each business was presented with a framed memento marking the occasion.

We invite you to join us in support of all Bellevue businesses! Think Big! Shop Small! The local businesses are here for you!

Create a joyful and pleasant experience in the main business district | Pepsi Refresh Everything

Please  vote each and everyday through December for this valuable community benefit. The $25K grant depends on you to Create a joyful and pleasant experience in the main business district! Sign-up and sign-in or simply Text 104353 to Pepsi (73774) *Standard text messaging rates apply. Enjoy Bellevue!

Tributes to Veterans-November 11, 2010

Veterans' Day-2010: "On the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour in the year of our Lord 2010, Andrew Bayne Park in the heart of Bellevue, welcomed Veterans."

Lincoln Bakery Celebrates 65 Years!

Lincoln Bakery literally takes the "cake" for being the longest running family-owned business in Bellevue celebrating 65 years of serving up heavenly cakes and pastries to patrons in Bellevue and the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area.

The saga began in 1945 when Andrew and Stephanie Slezak purchased the bakery which had been operating for 10 years in Bellevue.  With the help of  their four daughters, the bakery business continued to flourish.

Fast-forward forty-five years to Andrew's retirement to find his daughter Sandy and her husband Joe determined to keep the family business alive.  Over the next seven years, the business grew beyond its physical boundaries and they purchased the adjacent building to provide for the needed expansion.  In 1999, Joe hired an extremely talented and innovative cake decorator who developed a new line of unique wedding and exclusive holiday cakes  including the turkey, the Santa, the hamburger, beer mug and other wonderfully whimsical shapes.

Twenty years later, the family business, built on the tradition of quality scratch baking, has a new European facade and a new line of fancy pastries.  On September 4th, the 65th anniversary celebration began at 10am with a clown making balloon animals for the kids and the Lincoln Bakery staff distributing specially imprinted balloons, t-shirts, hot dogs and of course, delectable slices of their famous almond, lemon and chocolate cakes.  Numerous specialty prizes were awarded to the entrants of the chinese auction raffle drawing.

The day was most eventful and we look forward to enjoying many more years of the fanciful and heavenly treats prepared by Lincoln Bakery being made available to us.  We thank Joe and all his dedicated staff for keeping the tradition alive in Bellevue!

North Boroughs YMCA 5K Run/Fun Walk

The throngs of contestants gathered in the early morning hours on July 17, 2010 to compete in the 3rd annual North Boroughs YMCA 5K Run/Fun Walk. Organizer Brandon Gillingham was on site very early to check the route and facilitate the Miles of Smiles timing services and to  meet with the volunteers assembled to assist with registration.

Sponsors of the event set-up booths on the front patio of the YMCA for the walk which was scheduled to start at 8am, and the road race which followed at 8:15am.  Although the walkers, who supported the event which benefited the Northgate Cross Country team and the North Boroughs Strong Communities Campaign were not timed, more than 100 registered in advance and on the day of the race and completed the entire course.

A total of 222 chose to run the race and the top three in each of the age categories were awarded medals.  Greg Byrkes at age 26 was the first to cross the finish line with a time of 16:30.20, followed by Nate Alter, age 18 at 17.11.70 and Hans Rottmann, age 42 at 17.15.30 for the men's category.  Abby Hewitt, age 19 with a time of 18:46.10 was the top finisher in the women's division followed by Bridgit Walters, age 17 in 2nd place and Kristine Udvari, age 35 who placed 3rd in the event.

Councilman Dave Gillingham, tag #371 was the 198th to complete the race and then demonstrated his good sportsmanship in the Dunking Tank on the final day of the annual NSCoC sidewalk sales. The weather was a steaming 88 degree day and we expect he most certainly enjoyed the frequent dunkings after his 34:52.80 race.

Thanks to all who participated in the event including Tim Gillingham who rode his bicycle in advance of the registered participants and a very special thanks to the Bellevue Police Department for their support of the event in posting signs and monitoring road closures and in particular Officer Hudson, the bicycle patrolman, for his participation accompanying the final finisher, Toni Farah, age 77, to the end of the race having a time of 57:50 as the final contestant to cross the finish line.

We look forward to seeing all of you and then some, in 2011 as this event gathers momentum for healthy living in the North Boroughs!  Be certain to view the Enjoy Bellevue photo array and feel free to send us your photos to include in the album.  We love to feature contributors' recordings of local area events!

Go Skateboarding Day- Free Skate Jam and Cookout

Summer has arrived! In Bellevue, the season kicked off with “Go Skateboarding Day-Free Skate Jam and Cookout” hosted by Plank Eye Board Shop, co-sponsored by Enjoy Bellevue.  Owners Carlo Leo and Brian Buck organized the 1pm-5pm event for skateboarders to demonstrate their skills on the ramps, skate rails, boxes and other obstacles. The $1 entry best trick contest began at 2:30 pm and ultimately the prize money was awarded to Jarred Michalski, a Fox Chapel native and a student at Pitt, now residing in Bloomfield. The title of overall best was also claimed by Jarred for the Go Skate Day.

Plank Eye Board Shop opened in July 2008, in the old Murphy Building, to then relocate to 11 Sheridan Avenue in October 2009. Carlo and Brian are pursuing a Skate Park at Bayne Park Researching other parks, attending Council meetings, exploring funding, the project has a great start, gaining momentum with members of the skateboard community jumping on the board for the sport. Go skate!

A Sneak Peek...

Here is a sneak peek at the upcoming musical performance of Annie, the 30th anniversary presentation of the Assumption Theater Guild.  The full-scale production premieres Saturday, March 13 at 7:00 pm in McGovern Hall for two weekends with four shows through Sunday, March 21.

"The sun will come up tomorrow" on the cast and crew!  Come and enjoy the "Annie" experience!  Live local theater is the bees knees!

Advance tickets are available by calling 412-369-5646 for Reservation Information. Download and print the reservation form at ATG2010  Tickets will also be available at the door 30 minutes before each show.

Assumption Theater Guild presents ANNIE

Assumption Theater Guild cast and crew have been rehearsing and preparing for this full-scale production of 'ANNIE' for four and often five days each week since early January.  We were granted a sneak peek of the creative process as this ATG 30th Anniversary show comes to life!  "The sun will come up tomorrow!"

Mark your calendars and save the dates as the curtain will rise for this wonderful event!  Only four performances, the shows are Saturday March 13 and March 20 at 7pm and Sunday March 14 and March 21 at 2pm. Come and enjoy this lively production of Annie!  Reserve your Annie tickets now starring Erin Halligan as Annie and Grant Saylor as Daddy Warbucks.  Tickets can be reserved by calling 412-369-5646. Adults $8; Children/Senior citizens $6.  Catch up with the cast and crew and download the ticket order form at Assumption Theater Guild  to print and mail. For best seating, reserve your tickets in advance. Tickets will be available at the door 30 minutes prior to each show.  "Bet your bottom dollar" you will want to experience this full-scale musical production commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the ATG!

Super Snow!

The Super Snow of February 2010 will be remembered!  The more than 20 inches of snow blanketing the area was a picture postcard scene which at once was a joy to behold, soon followed by the reality of creating a mountain of work for many.  Happy were the kids for the cancellation of schools.  Happy were the snow removal businesses whose plows were put into overdrive.  Happy were the residents of Bellevue for constant clearing of streets thanks to the dedicated DPW crew!

The initial shock of the overwhelming task of clearing even a path was quickly surpassed by the community spirit which prevailed throughout the ordeal.  The sight of neighbors on the streets, assisting neighbors with snow removal from vehicles, parking spaces and the public sidewalks was a rewarding experience.  It was pure delight!   We are truly blessed that Bellevue is the kind of place where "community" comes first!

The Art of Michael Gaskill

Matthews Arts hosted this First Friday artist's reception event showcasing the Art of Michael Gaskill on February 5, 2010.  The original art presented in several different mediums illustrates the broad range of talent of this emerging artist.  The works installed for this exhibit remain on display through February 27.

The monthly receptions are a great opportunity to socialize with the artist in residence and discuss the various techniques.

Andrew Kaufmann and Elizabeth Leslie open at Matthews Arts

Matthews Arts fosters the growth and development of emerging and established local artists with a new show, every month, at 12 N Balph Avenue in Bellevue.

An artists' reception providing an introduction to the original works of Andrew Kaufmann and Elizabeth Leslie, was held January 8, 2010.

Jamais Vu, a hand-colored piece by Andrew Kaufmann, demonstrates the range of medium of this artist's palette which includes watercolor, oil and altered photographs.  Elizabeth Leslie brings fantasy to life with the likes of Fairie of Empathy.  Her works are a brilliant interpretation of youthful imagination.  The artworks are on display throughout the month of January.

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.