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!

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.

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.