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.