Mon Valley Magazine - May/June 2024

14

MEET ZIGGY, THE LOCAL SAVANNAH BANANA PLAYER WITH MANY TRICKS UNDER HIS SLEEVE

20 LANDMARK RESTAURANT SEES REFRESH UNDER NEW OWNERS

LOVE TO YOUR MOTHER

As I sit down to write this column, the only thing nagging at me is Mother’s Day. Right now, it’s the beginning of May. I recently crafted a social media post asking our readers about the recipes moms have passed down to their daughters for a story. I adapted a quick poem of a recipe for a mother’s love. Ingredients include compassion, patience, energy, patience, kindness, forgiveness, joy, laughter, grace and discipline.

In writing that, the feeling that this was my first motherless Mother’s Day flooded me. I lost my mom last August. Last year, as I approached my first holiday season without my life’s magic maker, my dear mother, who kept my spirits bright, I reflected on love and loss when you’re accustomed to creating memories with your family. I’d love to share a little of that with you now. If Mother’s Day or Father’s Day is also hard for you, I’m thinking of you.

I’ve written a lot about grief since I lost both of my parents within six years, with a healthy dose of the COVID pandemic in between. Sadness has touched much of my 20s, but I try my hardest to stay resilient, optimistic and thankful. So, in the midst of mourning my mother, I hope you will give me just a little bit of space to honor her and recount to you my thoughts on moving forward without the ones you love.

Grief and morning are like the ocean. At first, you’re out so far that the waves crash over you constantly. You feel overwhelmed by their intensity. Breathing is challenging as another forceful wave knocks you back. You think, can I make it through this? Am I strong enough to go on? As time marches forward, you get closer and closer to the shore. The sandy beach is now in sight, but the waves keep coming.

Now, they sneak up behind you when you’ve let your guard down, when you least expect it. They still overwhelm you with their power. Eventually, you crawl to the shore, spent and exhausted. The waves always come, but now you’re equipped to handle them. You have tools, and you can even, sometimes, see them coming. Others are with you on the beach to hold your hand or simply be with you, experiencing the sadness lapping at your toes.

I share this with you not because I don’t think you’ve experienced loss. I know we’ve been through some tough times. I’m sharing this so you feel less alone. Grief can be all-encompassing and isolating. If you’re like me and you’re missing the ones you love this season, there’s no making the hurt go away. You learn to live with and appreciate it because if you stop hurting, you stop remembering.

Thank you for reading this vulnerable editor’s letter. I’m wishing you and yours love and light.

Above photos courtesy of Charlerio Sweeper

Photo courtesy of Canva

Charleroi Sweeper Company keeps region tidy with vacuum sales and repairs

Story by John Sacco

Larry Tavlarides has been enamored with sweepers since he was a young boy. Keeping it clean is important to him. He is a dying breed.

Tavlarides, who owned a sweeper cleaning business in Lower Burrell, purchased the former Charleroi Sweeper.

They are two stores that sell sweepers in western Pennsylvania.

“Really, it’s about my passion for the industry, the products well and my desire to help others,” Tavlarides said. “It’s about service to provide a good, quality sweeper and to provide one that works best for the customer. It’s also important to provide repair of those products if need be.”

Tavlarides, who owned a sweeper cleaning business in Lower Burrell, purchased Charleroi Sweeper from owners the late Sonny and Donna Russo.

Tavlarides wanted to maintain the level of service, reliability and pride maintained throughout the Russo family’s longtime company ownership.

His two stores, among a diminishing number of such in western Pennsylvania, provide unique possibilities today.

What makes his stores unique is that he sells the Riccar brand, and he also services all makes and models.

During the Russo’s ownership, the Charleroi store attracted customers from McMurray, Allison Park, Fredericktown, Belle Vernon, Monessen and Washington.

“People are tired of using products that don’t perform well or last as long as before or receive the service that was provided in past times,” Tavlarides explained. “My charge is to offer affordable vacuums that are not over-priced that will perform well.”

Tavlarides has literally been intrigued with vacuums since he was 5 years old.

“I actually dreamed about this kind of job,” he said. So, I’m living out my childhood dream. By the time I was 10 years old, I was working in a vacuum store on the South Hills.”

According to Grand View Research, the global vacuum cleaner market was valued at $13.65 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow 10 percent from 2024 to 2030. Changing lifestyles, high disposable incomes and a growing working population account for much of this growth.

“The growth of the market is being largely influenced by the rapid technological developments facilitating ease of usage and lesser human intervention. A prominent example of such development is the advent of robotic vacuum cleaners that efficiently clean spaces without human intervention.”

Tavlarides knows that has nothing to do with the mom-andpop vacuum stores that still exist in smaller communities where people do their own cleaning.

He opened the store in Lower Burrell “from the ground up” and was eager to take ownership of the Charleroi store from his friends.

“Sonny approached me in 2019 about buying the store,” Tavlarides said. “COVID hit and put things on hold. I always felt it would be a nice store to own someday.

“They again approached me in 2022, wanting to retire. Sonny worked with me in the transition. We became good friends. He wanted to help me meet people and make sure things went well.

“I assured them he and his wife would always be part of the store. Unfortunately, Sonny passed away shortly thereafter.”

The Russo’s grandson, Eric, is Tavlarides’s lone employee in the shop.

“It’s an honor for me to own and work in the store,” he said. Charleroi Sweeper Company is located at 618 Fallowfield Ave., Charleroi. Customers can reach the company at 412-609-9686 or charleroisweepercompany@gmail.com. Visit sweepercompany.com for more information.

A LIFE OF YOUR OWN

Community LIFE helps keep seniors independent and in their homes with an all-inclusive program and insurance plan. With eight Health and Wellness Centers throughout the region, you can drop by and have a cup of coffee, laugh with friends, and take care of your health all at once. And for your convenience, this program offers transportation to and from the centers and to medical appointments.

This friendly, vibrant community is created

through Community LIFE’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity, as they welcome seniors from all walks of life to join their program. They offer a complete network of medical specialists to cover the full spectrum of medical and health care needs, from diseases like dementia to physical disabilities. Comprehensive health care teams help coordinate care with access to physical and occupational therapists, dietitians, social workers, and more.

“My life just completely turned around.”

-James Y.

Community LIFE services: • Medical care • Pharmacy • In-home care • Transportation • Recreation • Meals

• Rehabilitation

Let Community LIFE handle your everyday care, so you can spend more time with the people you care about.

Visit commlife.org to apply or call 1-866-419-1693 to learn about program eligibility.

live, work, play • mon valley

Creating the Perfect Backyard Retreat

Outdoor living spaces are in demand more than ever before. A beautiful and functional outdoor space isn’t just a nice place to relax. It also provides health benefit for you and your family and helps to increase your property value.

While there are small things you can do to create a relaxing space, consider tackling some larger projects to create your ideal backyard retreat.

Decks and Patios

Maybe your space is lacking a patio or deck, or maybe your current space desperately needs updated. Decks and patios are two separate entities that requires their own specific material. A patio is built at ground level, on a flat surface, and typically is constructed of a permanent material such as stone pavers, brick or poured concrete. A deck floats in the air, supported by footings, at a height of anywhere from a few inches to many feet and can be built on an existing slope.

“We’ve got everything you need to create the perfect backyard oasis,” Donna Tomasko, owner of Charleroi Home Warehouse Inc., said. “We have a great selection of decking and railings to start or complete your project.”

Siding

Upgrading your siding can be a quick and easy way to create an ideal space, add value and curb appeal to your home. In terms of aesthetics, siding influences the look and design of your home, and it’s one of the first things people notice. On the functional side of things, siding can affect the structural integrity of your home. Damaged or worn siding may mean that it is not performing correctly.

Tomasko said Charleroi Home Warehouse Inc. has numerous durable siding options to choose from including vinyl and stone.

“We have many different options to help dress up your home,” she said. “Those extra touches make a difference, and in the end, help to create a truly unique space.”

Roofing

Whether you’re interested in a new metal roof, long-lasting shingles or adding a roof to your deck or patio, updating or addressing your roofing can have several impacts. Not only does it add to your home’s aesthetics, but it can lower electricity bills and make your outdoor space more useable.

Tomasko said her knowledgeable staff can help you navigate your options and put you in contact with local contractors.

“We really do have it all,” she said. “We can even order products for you and deliver them straight to your door.

2023

From quality materials at low prices to truly knowledgeable staff, we’re here to help you improve the overall look of your home and enjoy your investment.”

For ideas and products, browse Charleroi Home Warehouse Inc.’s complete exterior home remodeling options.

We provide quality, name-brand products from energy efficient windows to durable roofing. We have everything you need to create your dream home.

Sponsored content brought to you by CHARLEROI

Home Warehouse Inc. located at 7 McKean Ave., Charleroi, PA For more information, call 724-483-8111.

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP SERIES

Empowering Women in Leadership: A Conference for Growth and Inspiration! Join us for a day of networking, learning and empowerment at the 1st Women in Leadership Series.

July 10, 2024 – Cost: $40 Vendor tables are available at $25 10:00am Vendors & Networking 12:00 Lunch

Speaker to follow Nemacolin County Club 3100 US Route 40, Bealsville Jenny Dilucia Podcaster “Spill with Me Jenny D”

Building support through a community of individuals dealing with cancer or conditions causing an altered self-image. We aim to promote healing through outreach, advocacy, interaction, activity, resources and education.

This meeting’s charity is Face2Face Healing. Scan the QR code for ways to donate.

We will be having a “Pink Out.”

Thursday, June 6th, 2024

EVENT SPONSOR: LOCATION:

L to R: Mallory Mascara(front), Victoria Duda, Madison McKendrick, Linda McQueen, Jessica Mascara(Owner), MaKenzie Mascara, Renee Hofmeister, Krisi Secrist, Cindy Kotch

Ribbon Cutting

The MVRCC was honored to be part of Live, Laugh, Play, and Learn LLC’s ribbon-cutting ceremony and Open House to celebrate their newly expanded location at 303 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon.

They are adding classes and services daily for children of all different ages. For more information visit their website at livelaughplayandlearn.com or call 724-243-3214. Visit them on Facebook!

Meet Ziggy, the local Savannah Banana player with many tricks under his sleeve

Story by Rick Shrum

Alex Ziegler embodies an expression authored decades ago by Jim Bouton, fabled baseball iconoclast, author and all-star pitcher. Bouton, who died in 2019, said of the game he embraced:

“You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball, and in the end, it turns out that it was the other way around.”

“Baseball is my everything,” said Ziegler, a PennWest California alumnus known widely as Ziggy. The game of his youth has a grip on him, to be sure — and vice versa. Ziegler, at 30, is still playing baseball for pay in stadiums across the country and having a rollicking time.

Ziggy is in his third year with the Savannah Bananas, an exhibition barnstorming team similar to the Harlem Globetrotters — playing primarily for fun while entertaining audiences.

“The exception to that,” he said, “is all of the Trotters’ (basketball) games are scripted — they win every one (against the Washington Nationals). Our entertainment is scripted, but we play real baseball.”

Another exception is the Globetrotters wear shorts. Bananas players don kilts and a lot of yellow for games.”

Photos courtesy of the Savannah Bananas

The Georgia-based team was formed in 2015 and began competing the following spring. The Bananas play their home games at Grayson Stadium, where, according to the team website, they have sold out every contest since their inception — 200-plus.

The carnival atmosphere there is alluring, featuring owner Jesse Cole in his omnipresent yellow tuxedo and a senior citizens dance team. The team also has a breakdancing coach.

Although he is far from the major leagues and light years from a mega-bucks contract, Ziggy is savoring this gig. “I told my parents that my dream was to be a professional baseball player or an entertainer,” he said, laughing.

His roles with the Bananas enable him, to an extent, to fulfill both aspirations. He and his teammates are paid based on their roles and responsibilities. “I am doing OK financially,” Ziegler said.

He does play in games, but the 5-foot-8, 175-pounder readily admits, “I am there mostly for entertainment.” The performances are truly difficult to replicate.

“I can balance pretty much anything on my face. My dad, who coached me when I was younger, had some goofy talents and was able to balance a bat on his nose. I started to balance stuff when I was 12 years old. I balanced things in high school and got dollars from classmates.”

Ziggy also was a featured attraction at PiratesFest in January, when he balanced a ladder on his face, and in 2022, he appeared on “You Bet Your Life,” a game show where he did tricks for hosts Jay Leno and Kevin Eubanks. He also had a pleasant homecoming when he put on a halftime show at a Butler High boys basketball game. Golden Tornado coach Matt Clement was a top-notch major-league pitcher.

Ziegler developed into a “marathon man” as well. “When I was 26, I balanced a baseball bat on my nose for 90 minutes.” Bat balancing and trick shots are two of his entertainment specialties. A video of each, he said, got large followings.

Ziggy has become a baseball star in an unconventional way. He has a Fortnite emote, a trendy video game among teens that features games, concerts and live events. He said the Bananas drafted him in 2022 after one of his videos went viral.

Baseball is an athletic passion he continues to pursue. Ziegler played center field while at Butler High School, lettering for three years, before moving on to Cal U., where he secured a sports management degree.

He went out for the Vulcans team as a walk-on, but a mere two weeks into his first season, he sustained a broken jaw in an outfield collision. “My jaw was wired for weeks,” Ziggy said. A lefthander, he ended up pitching there for two seasons, mostly as an effective reliever. He later endured a labrum injury to that arm, which is supported by four anchors.

Although bus trips can be tedious — hour upon hour — Ziegler is enjoying a highly satisfying career while seeing most of the country. The Savannah Bananas are scheduled to play in 23 states this season, including the stadiums of two MLB teams: the Philadelphia Phillies and Cleveland Guardians. “This has been so much fun,” Ziggy said. “I like living life like a rock star. I’d like to do this as long as possible.”

• Easily accessible from Toll Hwy 43, I-70 & Route 88

• New MMVTA Bus Service Available

• Experienced physicians, nurses and anesthesiology staff

• State-of-the art equipment and procedures

• Joint Commission Accredited

• FREE and convenient parking

• Comfortable waiting area for families

Pain Management: Anthony Cuneo, MD

Gastroenterology: Nicholas Bellicini, DO

Bridger Clarke MD

Jung-Min Lee, MD

Lisa Oliva, DO

Robert Pagano, MD

Theresa Schuerle, DO

• Ophthalmology (Cataract, Glaucoma,Corneal)

• Pain Management

• Gastroenterology

• Orthopaedics

• General Surgery

• Podiatry

Podiatry: Khoi Vo, DPM

Colon/Rectal: Steven Esser, MD

Orthopaedic Surgery: Vincent Ripepi, DO

Allan Tissenbaum, MD

Justin Zenner, MD

Ophthalmology: Thomas Findlan, DO

Charles Kent MD

Anagha Medsinge, MD

James Mondzelewski, MD

Julia Polat, MD

Aaron Wang, MD

General Surgery:

Hiram Gonzalez-Ortiz, MD

Prakorb Isariyawongse, MD

Landmark restaurant sees refresh under new owners

Since the 1950s, people who drive into Fredericktown have been accustomed to seeing a two-story building near the entrance to town. For years, even decades, Bartoletti’s restaurant, as the establishment was called, had been one of Fredericktown’s major hangouts, drawing both residents and out-of-towners.

Downstairs in the restaurant, one of the most popular dinner items was broasted chicken along with the “Fedutes,” a steak sandwich named after the man who concocted it. Most times, an orange soda was the traditional beverage accompaniment. Upstairs, 14 rooms were reserved for overnight guests, most often itinerant workers.

By the 1980s, new ownership under the Simpson family changed the name to the Riviera and continued to operate the now landmark restaurant.

Ownership changed once again in November 2022 when two partners, friends since students at Beth-Center High School, Carmen Faieta and Danny Welsh and his wife, Natalie, bought the building built on the banks of the Monongahela.

“The place was pretty run down when we bought it,” Faieta said.

After a six-month, $1.2 million renovation, the Vesta 88 River house opened for business on May 1, 2023.

Considering the fact that coal, especially the Vesta mines, played such a huge role in the area’s economy, the new

Story and photos by Dave Zuchowski

Ahi tuna plate and Timmy’s three meatball extravaganza

owners wanted to spotlight the restaurant’s connection to the coal industry.

For instance, in the 1940s, the Vesta 4 mine in Richeyville was once the largest in the world after the walls between it and the adjacent Vesta 5 mine were removed.

Even before entering the restaurant, visitors can see largescale photos of miners and related subjects affixed to the outer wall. Just inside is a dressed miner resting on the floor.

Mounted on the wall to the left is a time board on which the miners logged in and out of work using brass tokens.

Inside the restaurant, more mine memories are stoked. Laminated table tops show a map of the Vesta Mine Company complex from 1983, along with slews of coal mining photos from the area.

Even the back of the menu pays tribute to the mining community and its workers where the owners printed “The Miner’s Creed,” a poem by Welsh’s aunt Kim.

“When it came to name the restaurant, we wanted to include the word Vesta,” Welsh said. “Initially, we thought because there were a total of seven Vesta mines, we ought to call it Vesta 8. But Natalie thought that, because we’re located right off Route 88, the Vesta 88 River House would be the better name.”

Faieta and Welsh were business partners in both Vesta Mine Services and Vesta Mine Supply when they decided to purchase the Fredericktown property.

“It had always been a dream of ours to open a restaurant, and, when we saw the building was available and on the riverfront, we decided to do something positive for the area and buy it,” Faieta said.

Running three businesses at once isn’t an easy job. Welsh said he works seven days a week but adds that his staff are some of the best people around who they rely on when they’re not on site.

Since opening just over a year ago, they’ve put together an entirely new menu of traditional Italian fare mixed with a spin on American and local favorites, like the popular wings recipe copied from the now-closed Faieta’s restaurant in Vestaburg.

The wings are featured in an all-you-can-eat special for $15.99 on Mondays. On Wednesday, it’s all-you-can-eat pasta with your choice of meat, Alfredo or marinara sauce for $14.99. Thursday is steak night (a 16-oz. New York strip and other cuts as well), and Friday is seafood night that usually features a trio of fish, crab cake and your choice of shrimp style.

Carmen Faieta in front of a sign saved from his grandparents’ bar in Vestaburg

The Vesta 88 River House Staff

Executive chef Paul Yakopovich attended Johnson and Wales Culinary Academy both in Savannah, South Carolina, and Providence, Rhode Island. He worked at the Grove Park Inn, Zia Taqueria and Tupelo Honey in Asheville, North Carolina. Southern influences in his cuisine can be found in dishes like his shrimp and grits, served in Vesta 88’s Sunday brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We’re lucky to have Paul on our staff,” Welsh said. “Whenever Carmen and I have some new food ideas, Paul tries them out with no hesitation.”

At the moment, the owners are obtaining the licensing requirements needed for the upstairs area, which will feature a banquet hall with a kitchen and prep area.

Outside, overlooking the river, is an area called the Barge Patio Bar, a large patio complete with a stage where live bands perform throughout the spring and summer. The 2024 season will open on May 18 with Laces Out. A ful live music schedule is listed on the restaurant’s Facebook page. Both food (ribs, chicken, hot dogs and burgers) and alcoholic beverages are served on the Barge Patio.

A pontoon party boat, complete with an onboard restroom and Bluetooth technology, is docked outside on the river and available for rental by the hour. Vesta 88 supplies the captain, and food and beverages are available for purchase on board. Phone 724-377-5255 for details and bookings.

The Vesta 88 River House is located at 564 Front Street in Fredericktown. Visit vesta88.com for more information.

The broasted chicken sign saved from Bartoletti’s restaurant

Michele Goodwin, front house manager, holding the Old C&B bread bowl with meatballs and sausage

Value • Integrity • Community

The staff at The Residence at Hilltop continually strives to provide the best quality lifestyle for each and every resident. Our residents truly become part of the family.

This dedication, teamed with a beautiful and functional environment is why neighbors, family and friends throughout the Mononghela Valley and surrounding communities now call The Residence at Hilltop home.

There are perks to There are perks to Banking Like a Rebel Banking Like a Rebel