Upscale barbecue restaurant opens overlooking Frosty Valley Golf Links
Always B Smiling helps keep patients with disabilities smiling Peters Township group supporting families with Thanksgiving 5K
4 Giving thanks through The Gratitude Run
10
Always B Smiling brings smiles to the ones who need it the most
12
Owl’s Nest: A fusion of upscale barbecue and cigar lounge with a European flair
One of our stories in this edition focuses on the grateful nature of our current season. Peters Township resident Chris Weiss created The Gratitude Run last year in hopes of helping one of his neighbors who needed a helping hand during a hard time, and the response was beyond his expectations. Weiss wants to grow The Gratitude Run but not increase the Peters Township event. Instead, he’d like to replicate it in other communities so neighbors are helping neighbors. Keeping the giving local keeps it special.
Now, I’m not a runner. I’ve always said that if I’m running, you should be, too, because I am running away from something. But I love The Gratitude Run’s hyperlocal nature and Weiss’s vision for its potential future. In my experience, there is a lot of good that comes from humans gathering together for the express purpose of making positive change. It ripples far beyond the genesis in unexpected and beautiful ways. And the most meaningful personal impacts come when you can help someone directly.
For example, I experienced a concussion in 2021. The recovery was difficult. I wasn’t permitted to drive for months. Looking at screens made me sick, and for a time, I couldn’t even stand in the kitchen without getting dizzy and needing to sit down and close my eyes. Because of that, I couldn’t cook, but I needed nutritious food to get better. I relied on my friends, family and loved ones, as well as the kindness of a stranger. I signed up for Lasagna Love, an organization that partners those in need with someone locally to provide a home-cooked meal. This person I’ve never met delivered a delicious lasagna packed with veggies to my door, paired with garlic bread and salad. Of course, it can be easy to help those we know, but to extend this kindness to an unknown neighbor brought me to tears and continues to touch my heart.
I am a terrible cook and have never made a lasagna, so I’ve never signed up to reciprocate, lest I force my attempt on some unsuspecting victim. But I try to give back in my life wherever I can, especially through my work. I strive to highlight organizations that deserve the limelight, like The Gratitide Run and Always B Smiling, which you can read about in this edition. I love meeting people in our region who are passionate about what they do. That energy is infectious and keeps me going, finding worthwhile stories to tell in the South Hills and beyond.
As always, if you have a story idea, please reach out. Email me at tthurston@observer-reporter.com, or give me a call at 724-222-2200 ext. 2421. I’d love to hear from you, whether it’s a note about a story or a suggestion for the future. I keep all these notes, and some even decorate my desk at work!
Take care, stay safe and see you in the next edition.
on the cover
By Kristin Emery
All photos courtesy of The Gratitude Run
Chris Weiss has always been a runner and even enjoyed getting up early each Thanksgiving morning to participate in annual runs like Pittsburgh’s Turkey Trot before gathering with family to give thanks and enjoy a delicious meal. The Peters Township resident wanted to do more in his own community, and when he learned a close friend and neighbor had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, he and his wife set up a GoFundMe to help the family with expenses. Then, Weiss wondered if anyone would want to gather Thanksgiving morning, go for a 5K run at nearby Peterswood Park in Venetia and maybe raise a little money for the family’s fund. He decided to call it The Gratitude Run.
“I made a flyer for The Gratitude Run on my computer with a turkey with running shoes, attached the QR code for the GoFundMe and gave a little story about the family that needed help,” Weiss explains. He, his wife and three sons posted it on their social media accounts and hoped for the best. After a call from the township informing him that he had to go through a formal process, everything got sorted out, and the first annual Gratitude Run was scheduled for Thanksgiving morning.
“I thought, well, how many people are gonna show up? And we get there, and 300 plus people showed up.”
The event wound up raising nearly $100,000 for the family. “People were parking all over,” he says. “I didn’t expect all these people. I went and got six dozen donuts and two big things of coffee and we were just totally, totally overwhelmed. It was so cool!”
The proceeds from the run benefitted the family of Aaron Smith, who passed away about a month before The Gratitude Run last year. His wife, Jess, and children Wyatt, Sadie and Josie all attended the run and spoke to the crowd. The rollercoaster of Aaron’s diagnosis in 2022, various chemotherapy treatments, radiation, immunotherapy, liver and kidney failure and eventual passing took a toll on the family. Still, Jess told Chris the support from the run was uplifting.
“What I did understand in that moment was community, and when somebody is going through something, they show up. They showed up in a big, big way,” Weiss remembers. “So, I thought, why not do it again each year?” He created a 501(c)(3) with a governing board, and now the second annual Gratitude Run is drawing near this Thanksgiving morning.
The board looked for nominations for families in need throughout the Peters Township community, and this year’s beneficiary will be Jeff Serena and his family. Friends call him the person you can count on for just about anything. Recently, some concerning symptoms prompted Jeff to have medical tests performed, and he received the devastating news that he has stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma. Doctors have determined that 75 percent of Serena’s liver has been overtaken by this cancer, and it has metastasized and spread to his lungs. The Navy veteran is a devoted father to son Casey and husband to wife Kristin. He owns and operates two successful small businesses, Carved Stone by Serena and Protect a Deck. Serena’s diagnosis and chemotherapy treatments have severely disrupted his ability to work and support his family, and many of the treatments are not covered by insurance.
The second annual Gratitude Run will start at 9 a.m. on Nov. 28 at 750 Bebout Road in Venetia and will take place on a paved portion of the Montour Trail. Those interested can register in advance and donate on the run’s website or just show up on Thanksgiving morning. “This is the first real year, like a legitimate year,” says Weiss. “About 50 people already signed up to run the race.”
You don’t even have to be a runner to help. Walkers, runners and families are all welcome, and you don’t even have time yourself. The goal is to show gratitude, give thanks and help the Serena family. “We’re trying to do sponsors,” says Weiss. “This year, I actually have a t-shirt sponsor. I’m trying to get 20 companies that want to pay $1,000 to be on the t-shirt and on the website.”
Chris would like to grow The Gratitude Run, but not by making the Peters Township event bigger. Instead, he’d love to see the idea spread to neighboring communities, each of which would hold its own separate runs to help a family in need in each place.
“I’ve got a buddy coming from Upper St. Clair that’s going to run and kind of check everything out,” he says. “I’ve got a buddy coming from South Bend. My hope is that we set it up so that you could have The Gratitude Run to really support your community. I don’t want to lose the communal aspect of this. It’s your community coming together on Thanksgiving morning to support a family in your community. I just want to really keep that whole idea.”
To register for The Gratitude Run or to donate, visit thegratituderun.org.
PRE-PREPARED FOOD FOR CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS DAY
The holidays are very hectic. Maybe we can help by taking some of the stress of preparing your holiday parties with full or half trays of some of your favorites from Angelo's. We prepare these items and give them to you on December 24th, cold and ready to finish in your home oven. Our entire party tray list (online) is available, but here are the most popular items ordered; every year.
pan of chicken romano, piccata or marsala .... 30 pieces $180 half pan $100 pan of lasagna and sauce .......................................... $190 half pan $100 pan of meatballs 50 count ............................................... $95 half pan $50 pan of rigatoni ............................................................... $90 half pan $50 pan of hot sausage with 2 dozen rolls ....... $95 half pan with 1 dozen rolls $50 pan of green salad with 2 dressings and bread .................... $75 half pan $40 hot wings 100 pieces ......................................................................... $125 pan of cajun pasta salad ............................................... $95 half pan $50 grilled vegetables half pan .............................................. $95 half pan $50 flatbread kits roll it out and bake it fresh at home ..................................... $10 mushrooms with crabmeat 25 count ................................................. $75 walnut farina torte or tiramisu whole pan ........................................ $50 meat and cheese trays with fruit and crostini for 10-12 .................. $60
Orders Taken Until December 21st Pick Up Times Are 10-12 Gift Cards Also Available 12-3
Nestled in the beautiful community of Peters Township, you will find Designer Consignor, a woman-owned, award winning, upscale resale shop offering both high-end designer items as well as popular mall brands. It is the kind of place where friends meet to share their love of treasure hunting
Owner, Barb Gallo, loves the idea of being good to the environment by recycling and reusing quality items, but says the relationships between the staff, consignors, and customers are the best part of the business. Barb credits the success of the business to “her amazing team, fabulous consignors, and the support of the wonderful customers”.
Hundreds of items are entered daily from thousands of the area’s best dressed consignors with the best dressed homes. The shop sells women’s clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, furniture, and home décor.
Designer Consignor prides itself on giving back to the community through regular donations to the City Mission and other local organizations.
Designer Consignor offers a way to turn gently used items into cash and keep your family wearing in-style, like-new designer items for a fraction of retail. The shop never stops taking inseason merchandise year-round. To become a consignor, there is a one-time $30 account set up fee and a yearly maintenance fee. The shop offers a 50/50 split and a 60-day consignment period. You can check your account online and pick up your check anytime. No appointment is necessary for drop offs. Follow on Facebook for consignor information and sneak peeks of inventory.
Stop by Designer Consignor of Peters Township, you never know what treasures you might find!
Emergency Generators We can install your generator - permanent or portable. We can help you size a generator for your home or office.
Smoke Detectors Did you remember to change your battery when you changed your clock? Smoke detectors should be replaced every 5 to 10 years, call us to ease your mind and we can take care of this for you!
We install Car Chargers for Electric Cars! We can help you with your electrical needs for your Holiday decorations! Call us and we can help you with that!
By April Barbe All photos courtesy of Always B Smiling
Dean and Kristin Huibregtse understand the struggle of caring for a child with special needs. Their son, Bennett, passed away in July 2020 after facing obstacles that included two kidney transplants, cerebral palsy, cortical vision impairment and intellectual disability.
“When Bennett passed, we made a promise that we would continue to share his smile with the world and, in doing so, bring smiles to so many others,” said Kristin Huibregtse. “Bennett loved a good laugh while flashing his amazing smile and that is the mission of Always B Smiling … to bring smiles to the ones who need it the most.”
Always B Smiling Inc. is a nonprofit organization established in 2020 in Canonsburg to create smiles for individuals with disabilities and health challenges and their families in the greater Pittsburgh area.
The organization is centered around Bennett and his spirit, Kristin said.
“His journey, filled with both joy and challenges, serves as a source of inspiration. Born with a rare and life-threatening condition, Bennett’s resilience, courage and infectious smile became a symbol of hope and determination for those around him,” she said.
Kristin added that the core message of Always B Smiling is to find joy and meaning in every moment, no matter the challenges.
As the face of the organization, Bennett’s story helps to raise awareness about the needs of individuals with disabilities and life-threatening conditions. The group works to bring happiness, support and community connection to individuals and families who face similar journeys.
“It has grown to be more than just who we serve. It has also become a place for the community to give back and get involved in a very special place,” Kristin said.
Always B Smiling has helped more than 700 individuals and their families in the past three-and-a-half years, according to Kristin.
She said the most prominent challenges for parents are emotional and mental strain, limited access to resources and services, balancing time and attention, social isolation and advocacy and education.
“This past August, we opened our new 3,300-square-foot Activity and Learning Center, an inclusive space where individuals with disabilities can engage in tailored therapeutic programs, creative arts, social interaction and educational activities,” Kristin said.
The center is designed to cater to the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of individuals with a range of disabilities.
“Through therapy-based activities, skill-building exercises and social opportunities, the center fosters independence, self-confidence and joy. Thanks to Edith Trees for helping us
build our dream,” she added.
Always B Smiling programs currently offered include:
• “B” Active programs: These programs promote a healthy and active lifestyle for our participants and their families. Experiences include adaptive bike rides, adaptive running, adaptive yoga, drumming and arts.
• “B” Supported programs: This is a way to create smiles for children and families during their hospital stay so they can focus on something other than their health challenges. The program also recognizes the dedicated healthcare workers who care for those in need.
• “B” Independent programs: These programs recognize the need to develop independent life skills by allowing participants to make meaningful community contributions. This is done through various pop-up programs that offer hands-on work experiences along the Montour Trail.
• “B” Together events: Always B Smiling offers events for participants with disabilities and health challenges and their families. These events support social well-being where participants can interact with their peers outside of school and parents can connect.
• School programs: Local school-sponsored trips engage students outside the classroom while enjoying nature and being active on the Montour Trail.
In spring 2025, a new sensory zone will allow interpretation of the world through touch, vision, smell, hearing and proprioception. It will also include a quiet space with sensory panels for individuals who need to decompress from overstimulation, Kristin said.
The funds for this project were provided from the Washington County local share account.
According to Kristin, the sensory area will be covered in
specialized turf with low fiber height and tight gauge with dense, high-performance turf throughout. It provides a surface that allows for supreme mobility for individuals in wheelchairs providing a consistent, level and safe surface where everyone can play without restrictions.
Included in this sensory space will be an ADA-compliant inclusive whirl, several ADA plant potter gardens, sculpted sensory equipment like a butterfly, inch worm and ladybug, percussion play including musical instruments with pentatonic tuning, ADA turf mounds to roll over and sensory panels to explore textures, shapes and colors. The area will include landscaping, fencing and concrete to finish the space.
“It will be the perfect place for many to enjoy, especially after one of our adaptive bike rides down the nine miles of Montour trail surrounding our new center. Also, it will include a greenhouse for learning how to grow, care and learn about horticulture,” Kristin said.
Fundraisers next year include:
• On Feb. 22, at the St. Clair Country Club, the annual B Together Night will be held, where people will explore American cuisine and create smiles. Guests will be taken on a culinary journey through the diverse flavors of America, with each room offering signature dishes from different regions of the country. There will also be games, exclusive auction items and live entertainment — all while connecting with fellow supporters.
• On July 20, the Miles for Smiles, a 5k walk/run event, will be held at the Activity Center on the Montour Trail in McMurray. Kristin said the event will celebrate Bennett’s life.
Always B Smiling is funded through grants, corporate sponsorships and individual donations. All programs have no fees for families.
For more information, visit www.alwaysbsmiling.org.
By Michele Gillis | All photos courtesy of Owl’s Nest
Kirill Faerovitch, the owner of Owl’s Nest restaurant in Upper St. Clair, wants customers to feel as if they are in a mysterious, magical and comfortable place surrounded by an enchanted forest while enjoying an upscale barbeque meal or a cigar in the cigar lounge.
“In various cultures, the snowy owl is a symbol of strength, wisdom, mystery, due to its presence and ghostly white appearance,” said Faerovitch. “A nest is more like a family. So if you think of a home, it’s like your nest, right? Where your kids are and so on and so forth. So, I want the restaurant to feel like home.”
Faerovitch, who has been in the cigar business for 25 years, already owned two cigar bars in the area, Jernigans and Puffs’n’Stuff. When the building became available, he thought it would be a great place to open a restaurant and a cigar bar since it had been a restaurant before. Faerovitch is originally from Russia but has lived in the states for over 30 years and has made quite a name for himself as an entrepreneur.
The building needed significant renovations, new equipment, remodeling and new plumbing. Faerovitch had an interior designer come in and pick a color scheme. The restaurant also sits on a golf course, so there is a lot of scenery around, almost like an enchanted forest.
“We play jazz at night, so it’s more of a vogue New York feel of the 1960s,” said Faerovitch.
He describes the fare at the restaurant as barbeque with a European flair.
Why European? Faerovitch is inspired by restaurants featured in the Michelin guide, those leaning European that are popular on Instagram.
“That’s what people want to see first. They want to eat with their eyes.”
Faerovitch described how the food is prepared at Owl’s Nest
to make it stand out.
“We cook the brisket authentic style on a 1,000-gallon smoker that was built in Mississippi,” said Faerovitch. The offset smoker can cook brisket or any other meat anywhere between 10 to 15 hours.
“It’s very labor intensive,” he added. “It’s not your side of the road barbeque.”
He said a lot of love and labor goes into cooking the brisket and all their smoked meats.
“You have to do it on wood. It’s not just throwing something on a grill,” said Faerovitch. “I mean, nothing against the grill, don’t get me wrong, I mean, people cook wonderful stuff on a grill, but I don’t think it gives it the props it deserves.”
Faerovitch found his chef, Grigorii (Grisha) Vartanov, on Facebook. Vartanov was already cooking Texas barbeque, so they partnered together in the restaurant.
A few items to note on the menu are burrata, grilled watermelon, wagyu brisket, mango salad, barbeque brisket soup, avocado salad, duck breast, pit master specialties featuring all the smoked meats and sides and honey cake for dessert.
“The setting on the golf course is very pleasant,” said David Nill. “The restaurant and lounge are versatile with different rooms, cigar lounge and deck options. The staff and chef are kind and accommodating. The Texas barbecue and smoked meats bring something new to the area. The accompanying sides to the meals are fresh and original. It is also very close
and central for Upper St. Clair, Peters Township and South Fayette.”
Though children are welcome at the restaurant, Owl’s Nest might be reserved for more special occasions.
“Yes, it is a fancier dinner,” said Faerovitch. “It’s like bringing the barbecue to the next level. It is a fancy food because it takes a lot of love and labor.”
The restaurant does not have a liquor license yet, but should in the next few months. In the meantime, guests can bring their own alcohol to enjoy.
“The restaurant has a laid back, family feel with a tremendous attention to the quality of their food,” said Lou Schinosi. “The chef takes pride in the meat smoking process and delivers delicious creations from brisket soup to ribs and pulled pork. I recently attended a special ‘couples’ night where a 36-ounce Tomahawk steak for two was prepared to perfection. The layered honey cake is one of a kind. The area was really in need of a great dining experience and the Owl’s Nest delivers. It’s a hidden gem of the South Hills.”
Specials run at the Owl’s Nest occasionally and usually focus on a specific meat. Recently, there was a special on a Tomahawk steak, a ribeye on the bone that would be smoked first and then finished on the grill.
The restaurant is located at 2652 Hidden Valley Road in Upper St. Clair. For more information, visit the Owl’s Nest Facebook page or Instagram page.
The hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 12-9 p.m. The Owl’s Nest is closed on Monday and Tuesday, but the hours will change as the need increases.
“We plan to be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the future,” said Faerovitch.
SpringHouse Creamery, Eatery, Country Store and Catering opened in 1975 on the Minor family’s dairy working farm in Eighty-Four. In our old-fashioned country story, you can enjoy family-recipe meals, goodies in our from-scratch bakery, a smokehouse for old-fashioned hickory smoked hams, classy catering, ice cream concoctions galore and, of course, farm fresh milk and famous rich chocolate milk.
1531 Route 136 Washington 724.228.3339
springhousemarket.com
At CRUST! Café and Pizzeria we pay attention to quality and that starts with the dough. Our mission at CRUST! Café and Pizzeria is to give you the freshest product, made with the best ingredients, prepared by people who care.
A Pittsburgh family tradition since 1958. Our dough is homemade from scratch, our sauce is slow cooked from Italian tomatoes, our signature cheeses are hand grated daily... just as John Mineo did in 1958. We believe never change a great family recipe.
Richard Bortz Jr. Owner
249 E. Roy Furman Hwy. Waynesburg, PA
724.627.6171 bortzchevy.com
Mark Baer, Owner 83 Murtland Avenue Washington, PA
724-249-6047
3344 Washington Road McMurray, PA
Mark Baer, Owner 83 Murtland Avenue Washington, PA
724-993-4430
3073 Washington Pike Bridgeville, PA 15017
412-564-9829 colussy.com
724.941.3000 southhillsauto.com 3644 Washington Road McMurray, PA
Mark Baer, Owner 71 Murtland Avenue Washington, PA
724-914-6670
Jeff Innes, New Car Manager Route 19, McMurray, PA
724.942.3000 southhillsauto.com TREGEMBO MOTORS PRE-OWNED VEHICLES
724.947.3381 starlakeford.com THREE RIVERS VOLKSWAGEN
MOTORS PRE-OWNED VEHICLES
John Warne, Owner 100 East Pike Street, Cannonsburg, PA
John Bauer, General Manager 3694 Washington Road McMurray PA
724.941.6100 3riversvw.com
CHEVROLET Intersection of Rt. 19, I-79,& I-70 Exit 19A Washington, PA 724.222.2800 washingtonchevy.com STAR LAKE FORD 1212 Main Street Burgettstown, PA
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724.941.1600 southhillslincoln.net SOUTH HILLS TOYOTA 2403 Washington Road Rt. 19 Cannonsburg, PA
724.743.1144 southhillstoyota.com
Barry Tregembo, Owner 1-70, Exit 32B Bentleyville, PA
724.239.2200 tregembomotors.com
WASHINGTON HONDA
Rt. 19 Strabane Square Washington, PA
724.222.2213 washingtonpahonda.com
WASHINGTON HYUNDAI Rt. 19 Strabane Square Washington, PA
724.222.2213 washingtonpahyundai.com
Washington Health System has a proud history of caring for our community and putting the needs of our patients first. This tradition of service and excellence will continue and grow as we join UPMC, one of the nation’s top health systems.
Our a liation with UPMC, built on shared values and a mission to provide world-class, compassionate care, already has benefited our community for the past few years through access to expanded cancer care, heart and vascular services, pediatric specialists, and telestroke capabilities right here in Washington County.
Now, as UPMC Washington, we can provide even greater access to the expertise and technology of UPMC and advance health care in our region for generations to come.
For more information, visit WHS.org.
