South Hills Mon Valley Messenger December 2014

FREE! DECEMBER 2014 Vol. 11, Issue 6

messengerpaper.com MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Save the Date for 2nd ‘Hoodie Hoo Day’ Celebration

THE CIVIL WAR IS COMING TO DONORA Traveling Exhibit Will Be On Display for Six Weeks (See page 28)

Nativity Scene Planned at Brightwood Christian Church

I

2014 Hoodie Hoo Day

Save the date for Hoodie Hoo Day, to be held Friday, February 20, 2015. This will be the 2nd Hoodie Hoo Day sponsored by the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce. The event helps to chase winter away by dressing in brightly colored clothing and shouting “Hoodie Hoo” three times to the sky at exactly the stroke of noon. Noise making, live music, food and nonsense are also on the schedule of events for the day. Please visit 'Charleroi Hoodie Hoo Day' on Facebook to check for all updates regarding details.

f you want to discover the true meaning of Christmas, visit the Live Nativity Scene at Brightwood Christian Church in Bethel Park. The Nativity Scene is a tradition at Brightwood Christian Church since 1985 and is presented on the front lawn of the church, using costumed members of the congregation, a barn stage, and live animals in a fencedin area. This year it will be presented on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, December 21, 22 and 23, from 6 - 9 p.m. There will also be a hospitality table inside the church at Campbell Hall to welcome anyone who wants to come in from the cold to enjoy some hot coffee and cookies. Bring your children and grandchildren; they will love you for it. Brightwood Christian Church is located at 5044 West Library Ave. and Center Street in Bethel Park. For more information, visit our website at brightwoodchurch.org.

————————————————————————————————————————— 2 messengerpaper.com

LOCAL NEWS

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Veterans Honored During Ceremony at Chess Park in Monongahela By Paul Chasko A crowd was gathered at Chess Park in Monongahela to honor veterans on November 11th. Men and women from various Mon Valley veterans groups were in attendance to be certain that their comrades-in-arms – active, inactive and fallen – would be honored on this day. The Mon Valley Honor Guard, consisting of volunteers from several Valley veterans groups, was there, as were the Keynote speaker and former Marine Mid-Mon Valley Shipmates and a conCommissioner Larry Maggi tingent of the Mon Valley Leathernecks – all in uniform and carrying their colors. It was an impressive sight - doubly so realizing that most of these men paying tribute were on the high side of 65 years in age. Yet, they wanted to be here to do their duty. The City of Monongahela was represented by Mayor Bob Kepics, some members of Council, Police Chief Brian Tempest, and several police officers. After a welcome by Mayor Bob Kepics, the colors were advanced by the Mon Valley Leathernecks . The National Anthem was sung by Kim Van Voorhis, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by veteran George Hutchko. The invocation was given by Rev. Frank Sloan Jr. A two-bell ceremony was conducted by the Mid-Mon Valley Shipmates. John Koller, Commander of American Legion Post 613 of Finleyville, read a tribute to Mrs. Marge Hunter, who passed away in August. She was a long–time

Commander Bob Koller speaks

Mayor Bob Kepics opens the ceremonies

member of the VFW Auxilliary and a past VFW state officer. She had been a frequent speaker at many veterans memorial services. Washington County Commissioner Larry Maggi gave the keynote address praising veterans of past and present, and noting those who have passed. The benediction by Rev. Mark Woomer was followed by a rifle salute and playing of “Taps.” The colors were retired by the Mon Valley Leathernecks, followed by a few closing remarks from veteran Tom Corey. It was a moving Veterans Day ceremony. Go to our website gallery at www.messengerpaper.com for more photos by Paul Chasko of this event.

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

messengerpaper.com —————————————————————————————————————————— 3

————————————————————————————————————————— 4 messengerpaper.com

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

PLACES to GO THINGS to SEE STUFF to DO DECEMBER 2

WEEKLY TUESDAY NIGHT BINGO - at the St. Francis of Assisi Church Finley Hall. 7:15 p.m. for the "Early Bird" games and 7:30 p.m. for the regular bingo. Admission is $6 for 20 regular games and 5 specials. Doors open at 6 p.m. DECEMBER 3

WOMEN’S CLUB OF JEFFERSON HILLS MEETING - 6:30 p.m. at the Jefferson Hills Municipal Building on Old Clairton Road. The program for the upcoming meeting will be the Annual Holiday Party and Meeting. Husbands and guests are invited. The scheduled program will be “Brothers Juggling Trio”. Membership is open to all residents of Jefferson Hills, as well as the surrounding communities. For further information, please call 412-384-3318 or 412-6554224.

MON VALLEY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CHRISTMAS PARTY - 5:30 – 8 p.m., at the Charleroi Elks Club, 3rd and Fallowfield Ave. The cost is $20/person, and includes drink tickets, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, and music by D.J. Jerry J. Reservations can be made on line at www.mvrchamber.org or by calling 724-483-3507.

DECEMBER 5

DECEMBER 6

FRIENDS OF SOUTH PARK LIGHT UP NIGHT - 6 p.m. at the gazebo on Maple Springs Drive, South Park. Santa will arrive at 6:30. Windover Hills UMC( along with holiday words from the pastor, Jude Urso) will provide the music and refreshments will follow at the community house. Free event.

CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES AND A HAYRIDE - sponsored by The Woman's Club of West Newton from 5 to 9 p.m. There will be six homes to tour, a live nativity, bonfire and Santa. Tickets are $15 and available at William's Ace Hardware and Gary's Chuckwagon Restaurant in West Newton or by calling Sandy 724-8727401 or Terri 724-872-4175.

DECEMBER 4

DECEMBER 5 - 6

WEEKLY THURSDAY NIGHT BINGO - at the Community Center in Fayette City. Benefits the Fayette City VFC. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., Bingo starts at 6:50 p.m.

CRECHE SHOW - Friday from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church Of Monongahela. Come celebrate the birth of the Christ Child with more than 300 nativities on display. Also, children's room with crafts, puzzles and storytelling for children 3-9 years. For more info, call 724-258-7054 or visit www.fumcmon.com.

FOOD AND FRIENDS FREE MEAL PROGRAM - 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Thomas Presbyterian Church 1068 Linden Road, Venetia, PA. All are welcome. For information, contact Patti at 724-941-6609.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: "RING THE BELLS... IT'S CHRISTMAS!" - presented by Shepherd's Voice beginning at 7 p.m. at Riverview Baptist Church, 405 Main Street (Rt. 88), New Eagle. No admission fee. Refreshments following concert. BREAKFAST WITH SANTA - at First United Methodist Church, 200 State Street, Belle Vernon from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. A delicious breakfast of pan-

Looking for something fun and exciting for the whole family during this holiday season?

O O O O

Free Eveenrtt!Bar

ss Including De

c.18 Thursday De 19 Friday Dec. 7:00 PM

For Your Free Tickets Call 724-348-1680 Crossroads Ministries O 81 Walter Long Road O Finleyville, PA one mile south of Trax Farms overlooking Rte.88

December 2014 ————————————————————————————————————————— cakes and sausage will be served followed by a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event is free of charge; however free-will offerings will be accepted. SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISER - A fundraiser to benefit autism will be held on Saturday, December 6 at the New Bentleyville Tavern in Bentleyville, Pa. The event will begin at 3 p.m. at the tavern, and will include a spaghetti dinner, a DJ, karaoke, and Chinese auction. DECEMBER 7

MON VALLEY COIN CLUB MEETING - 2 PM at the Mon Valley Senior Citizens Center located in the Chamber Plaza in Charleroi. All members and the general public are invited. Program will be the annual Christmas party. Cost is $11 person for food and refreshments payable at the door. A 50/50 will be offered along with prizes for kids. For more information, call 724-984-6611. BLOOD DRIVE - at Baldwin Community United Methodist Church, 5001 Baptist Road, from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. To schedule an appointment, visit the website centralbloodbank.org, click on "Make an Appointment"; search with group code G0110006 or call 412-884-8519. Walk-ins are also welcome. DECEMBER 8

BELLE VERNON AREA REALITY TOUR DRUG EDUCATION PROGRAM - 6 to 9 p.m. at the Belle Vernon Area High School. The program is recommended for children ages 10 and up when accompanied by parent or guardian. Pre-registration is required by visiting the website www.realitytour.org. For more information, email bellevernonarearealitytour@gmail.com or follow BVA Reality Tour on Facebook. DECEMBER 9

THE COUPON CONNECTION 5:30 p.m. at the Monongahela Library in the Activity Room. This is a great time to bring your extra coupons to share or to sort through the Coupon Box for items you need. For more information call (724) 518-3529, email

couponconnectionmv@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/CouponConnection/ SOUTH HILLS COIN CLUB MEETING - 8 p.m. at the Bethel Presbyterian Church, 2999 Bethel Church Rd. All members and the general public are invited. This month's program will be the annual Christmas party. Cost is $5 per person for pizza and refreshments payable at the door. A 50/50 will be offered and kids prizes to be awarded. Applications are now being accepted for membership. For more information, call 724-984-6611. CLOTHES 4U - will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 200 State Street, Belle Vernon. MONTHLY MEETINGS OF THE SOUTH HILLS FRIENDS OF THE MONTOUR TRAIL - 6:30 p.m. at the South Park Township Community room, 2675 Brownsville Road, South Park. The South Hills Friends are responsible for maintenance of the Montour Trail between Library and Clairton. Individuals interested in the Montour Trail are encouraged to attend. For more information, visit www.montourtrail.org or email info@montourtrail.org. WEEKLY TUESDAY NIGHT BINGO - at the St. Francis of Assisi Church Finley Hall. 7:15 p.m. for the "Early Bird" games and 7:30 p.m. for the regular bingo. Admission is $6 for 20 regular games and 5 specials. Doors open at 6 p.m. DECEMBER 11

MEETING OF THE CHARLEROI LODGE #615 FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS - 7:30 p.m. in the Masonic Hall at the corner of 7th and McKean Aves in Charleroi. All members are encouraged to attend. For more information, call 724-984-6611.

More Event Listings on page 6

messengerpaper.com —————————————————————————————————————————— 5

————————————————————————————————————————— 6 messengerpaper.com

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

PLACES to GO THINGS to SEE STUFF to DO DECEMBER 11

KNIT AND CROCHET GROUP 5:30-7 p.m. at the Donora Public Library, 510 Meldon Ave., Donora. Join us as we show and tell what we're working on, and take advantage of this opportunity to learn new stitches, get help and share ideas. Bring your current project and enjoy a fun and inspiring evening among other knitters and crocheters. For more information, and if you plan to attend, please call the library at 724-379-7940. Free parking in our lot. WEEKLY THURSDAY NIGHT BINGO - at the Community Center in Fayette City. Benefits the Fayette City VFC. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., Bingo starts at 6:50 p.m. DECEMBER 12

CHRISTMAS DINNER AND CONCERT: 6:30 p.m. at Crossroads Ministries, 81 Walter Long Road, Finleyville. We invite you to enjoy a beautiful Christmas dinner in a festive setting. After dinner, we are happy to offer a Christmas celebration of jazz and joyful music featuring nationally and internationally known saxophonist, Kim Costanza and his band. Tickets are only $15 per person. For tickets, call the church at 724 -348- 1620. DECEMBER 13

CHRISTMAS COOKIE PARADE 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at First United

Methodist Church of Monongahela. Come buy homemade cookies for the holidays. Refreshments and door prizes. For more info, call 724-2587054 or visit www.fumcmon.com. PET PICTURES WITH SANTA 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Budd Baer Auto Group, 71 Murtland Ave. Bring the whole family, 2 & 4 legged, for a funfilled holiday event. Crafts for the kids, refreshments, raffle baskets & more. Proceeds benefit Washington Area Humane Society. DECEMBER 16

WEEKLY TUESDAY NIGHT BINGO - at the St. Francis of Assisi Church Finley Hall. 7:15 p.m. for the "Early Bird" games and 7:30 p.m. for the regular bingo. Admission is $6 for 20 regular games and 5 specials. Doors open at 6 p.m. DECEMBER 18

FOOD AND FRIENDS FREE MEAL PROGRAM - 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Thomas Presbyterian Church 1068 Linden Road, Venetia, PA. All are welcome. For information, contact Patti at 724-941-6609. WEEKLY THURSDAY NIGHT BINGO - at the Community Center in Fayette City. Benefits the Fayette City VFC. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., Bingo starts at 6:50 p.m.

RETIRED MEN’S LUNCHEON GROUP OF PLEASANT HILLS MEETING - Noon in the Fellowship Hall of the Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church, corner of Old Clairton Road and Audrey Drive in Pleasant Hills. We will have the Thomas Jefferson High School Jazz Ensembles under the direction of James Mirabella. Cost for the lunch is only $7. For more information, or to indicate your intention to attend, call the office of the Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church at 412-655-2000 by Friday, December 12 to be included in the lunch order. DECEMBER 18-19

JINGLE JAM: “CHRISTMAS WRAPPED UP!” - at Crossroads Ministries, 81 Walter Long Road, Finleyville, at 7 p.m. There will be a free dessert bar each night after the event. Free tickets are available by calling 724-348-1620. DECEMBER 19

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT - "It's a Wonderful Life" at 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Monongahela. Light refreshments provided. Free and all are welcome. For more info, call 724-258-7054 or visit www.fumcmon.com. DECEMBER 20

OLDIES DANCE - sponsored by the White Oak American Legion located at

2813 Capital St. from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. A 50/50 will be offered and the kitchen will be open. Admission is still only $5 per person. All proceeds benefit veterans programs. Music from the 50s and early sixties by Candy and Mike. For more information. call 724-984-6611. ITSY BITSY MORNINGS - from 9 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 200 State Street, Belle Vernon. This program is designed for small, pre-school and kindergarten children with a story, craft and game experience. A simple breakfast will be served. Call Pastor Ken at 412-4184363 and leave contact information to register your child. DECEMBER 27

THE COUPON CONNECTION 10 a.m. at the Monongahela Library in the Activity Room. This is a great time to bring your extra coupons to share or to sort through the Coupon Box for items you need. For more information call (724) 518-3529, email couponconnectionmv@gmail.com or find us on at www.facebook.com/groups/CouponCo nnection/.

Email your event listings to news@messengerpaper.com

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

LOCAL NEWS

Holiday Train Tradition Continues with Mid-Mon Valley Model Railroad Club Train Display The Mid-Mon Valley Model Railroad Club is continuing its tradition of hosting its Holiday Open House. The doors will be open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays through January 4, 2015 from 12 - 5 p.m. The tradition started soon after the club found its first home in the 1980s and is still a success. Each year, new generations are introduced to the hobby. The setting appeals to young and old alike, with its upper and lower levels of track and scenery. The scenery is designed to evoke the history of the mid-Mon Valley. The more mature visitors are likely to recognize scenes that no longer exist and the younger visitors will derive joy from following some of the numerous trains from room to room. The helix (spiral track), which allows the trains to travel from the lower level to the upper level and vice versa, has always been a great source of interest to all generations. A visitor may follow a train through three rooms of scenery, as the trains literally go through the walls to the next room, and back again. Step stools are made available for those who need the extra height to see the upper level, but parents are cautioned to assist their children to prevent stumbles and touching the display. Historical artifacts from area railroads are on display in the last room and photographs line the hallway toward the roomful of artifacts. Items to be seen include trainmen's lanterns, switch locks, tickets, timetables, caps, signal lights and many other fascinating objects. While in the last room, visitors take time out to see the view from the cab of a model locomotive as seen by the model engineer. This view is transmitted from a camera hidden in the nose of one of the locomotives and displayed on a television screen. This gives one a truly unique perspective of the layout that cannot be seen from the aisles. The continuing efforts on the display are funded by the public's donations. While there is no true admission fee, a suggested donation level of at least $1 per person will help further the efforts to preserve the history of the mid-Mon Valley. More generous donations will help to offset those who are unable to donate. All the work is done by members of the club, so if you are interest in membership, ask for information while visiting or see the website at www.mmvmrrc.org. Membership is open to interested individuals ages 10 and up; candidates must be National Model Railroad Association members. For further information, contact S. Werner at 724-379-8584 or see the website.

Rep. Pete Daley’s Office to Assist Residents This December State Rep. Peter J. Daley II, D-Fayette/Washington, is alerting residents to free help with state programs and applications available during December. A staff member will be at the Center on the Hill, 100 Summit Road in Belle Vernon, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8, to help with any state-related concern. The monthly outreach supplements the constituent services available Monday - Friday at Daley’s main office at 657 McKean Ave. in Donora and his California office at the Center in the Woods, 130 Woodland Court in Brownsville.The income guidelines for applying are $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 a year for renters, with half of Social Security – and now Social Security COLAs – excluded."No appointments are needed," Daley said. "Staff members can help with any state program, including heating assistance." More information about any state-related program or service is available by calling Daley’s Donora office toll free at 1-800-467-9486.

messengerpaper.com —————————————————————————————————————————— 7

December 13 Pleasant Hills Church Hosts Annual Illumination Night The Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church, 199 Old Clairton Road, will host its annual Illumination Night on December 13 from 5 – 8 p.m. The event features a horse-drawn carriage ride, magician, ice sculptor, trolley ride, Shriner clowns with balloon animals, hot apple cider, s’mores over camp fires and much more. This year’s performers include the Civic Light Opera (CLO) Mini Stars, Thomas Jefferson High School chorus, Brentwood High School jazz band and the Shade Sisters Studio dancers. Children can participate with making organized crafts or decorating Christmas cookies. Parking is available at the Pleasant Hills Middle School at 404 Old Clairton Road and at the borough building at 401 E. Bruceton Road where a free shuttle will transport guests to the church beginning at 4:30 p.m.

SEND US YOUR NEWS! Email: news@messengerpaper.com

————————————————————————————————————————— 8 messengerpaper.com

LOCAL NEWS

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

A Cold Monongahela Light-Up Night Still Provides Warm Memories By Paul Chasko Even on an unseasonably cold late November night, Monongahela was crowded with folks eager to see performances of local talent, and kids were lined up to visit with Santa Claus. Santa made a few stops through town and set up shop in front of his house on Main Street . The shopping district was nearly as bright as day We’re keeping warm at Chess Park. with the Christmas lights turned on. A section of the street was blocked off and made a great stage for youth dance groups to perform. There were several groups from The Dance Company by Lori. Up the street a bit, Christmas Carols were being sung by a choral group. Of course, Santa was sitting in front of his house and a block-long line had formed with kids waiting to visit with him and tell him about their Christmas wishes. At Chess Park, those in attendance could catch concert by a new local talent. Gabby Barrett is 14 years old and has been performing at various venues throughout southwestern PA. She has a great voice and, in fact, is scheduled to perform and compete on NBC’s “The Voice” next season. She’s produced a single and is coming out with an album – a nice collection of her songs. A schedule of her

What I really want for Christmas is…

Dancers on Main Street

upcoming free performances can be found on her website, www.gabbybarrett.com, along with a nice sampling of her music. Despite the cold temperatures, Monongahela’s Light- up Night celebration was a great success. Go to our website gallery at www.messengerpaper.com for more photos by Paul Chasko of this event.

DECEMBER 2014 EVENTS AT BETH ISRAEL CENTER SYNAGOGUE

Women Knit Caps for MVH Cancer Patients

Beth Israel Center Synagogue is located at 115 Gill Hall Road at the border of Pleasant Hills and Jefferson Hills. Our spiritual leader is Rabbi Amy Greenbaum and our president is Mr. Arthur Weinblum. For membership information, contact the office at 412-655-2144 or view our website at bethisraelpgh.org. We welcome new members.

Christmas will come a little early for some cancer patients at Monongahela Valley Hospital’s Charles L. and Rose Sweeney Melenyzer Pavilion and Regional Cancer Center. The knitting group from the First Baptist Church in Monongahela recently donated 14 handmade knitted caps for cancer patients. The knitting group’s members, including two sisters, have been knitting together for six months and wanted to send positive thoughts and prayers to patients as they receive treatment. Shown are knitting instructor Barbara Dash Furgiuele, sisters Suzanne Schock and Connie Caldwell, and Bonny Holmes, Mon-Vale Oncology supervisor. All three knitters live in Monongahela and Ms. Furgiuele teaches at the Memory Tree Button & Yarn Shop in Monongahela. The ladies plan to continue knitting caps to replenish their original donation.

Friday Night Services On Friday night, December 5, we will be celebrating Sisterhood Sabbath with Rabbi Amy Greenbaum and guitarist Janet Mostow. Services begin at 7:30 p.m. A social hour and oneg (refreshments) will follow services. Chanukah Luncheon and Silent Auction Sunday, December 21 at noon. Cost is $18 per adult and $9 per child 12 and under. RSVP by Dec. 9 at 412-655-2144 and send payment to Beth Israel Center Synagogue , PO Box 10873, Pittsburgh, PA 15236. Join the fun. Bring your menorah. Enjoy the delicious food and the great prizes at the silent auction. Gift Items to Purchase from Beth Israel Center History Book: The People of Beth Israel Center- Fifty Years by Carolee E. Burack This is a 346-page book filled with hundreds of photographs and stories. $75. Cookbook: Tried and True Recipes - The Best of Beth Israel Center's Sisterhood. 147 pages. Sale price : $10. Contact the office for more information and to purchase a book.

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

LOCAL NEWS

Monessen VFD #1 Auxiliary Holds Fantastic Craft Show

Cooper Marinos with his mom, Melinda Marinos, worked in the kitchen to serve up some tasty food to customers.

By Jill Brown

Shannon Koch, an independent consultant with Jamberry Nails, was there to represent the manicure kits.

Monessen Volunteer Fire Department #1 Auxiliary put together an outstanding annual craft and vendor show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 15 at the Fireman’s Social Hall at Eastgate 15 in Monessen. Karen Marinos, secretary of Monessen VFD #1 Auxiliary, organized the event, along with the auxiliary. She says, besides the fact that she holds the event every year, “I did it to get everyone in the holiday spirit and to get them shopping.” A wide assortment of craft vendors Amanda Arnold, with the auxiliary, was available for eager shoppers. Everyone with the auxiliary did an and Karen Marinos, secretary of Monessen VFD #1 Auxiliary, and Karen’s grandson, excellent job of bringing the vendors Cooper Marinos, all were busy together. working at the craft show One crafter, Elaine Ondrish, with Lucky Girl Candles, sold soy candles with rings inside valued up to $5,000. She commented, “I love candles. I always have them burning in my home.” Shannon Koch presented Jamberry nails, a unique way to manicure nails that last up to two weeks. The nail wraps are stylish and inexpensive. Ashley James from Greensburg was available selling sweets and there to raise awareness for epilepsy. One way to help out is to donate or sign up to be an advocate. For more information, you may visit the website at www.efwp.org. Along with a big raffle, the kitchen Connie Poland from Donora, was open with food including haluski, with Crown Jewels, makes everything she sells by herself. hot dogs, walking tacos, pizza, coffee or tea, and hot chocolate. All in all, the crafts and vendor show for 2014, was a well-organized success! All proceeds benefit Monessen VFD #1 Auxiliary. Thanks to all who participated!

messengerpaper.com —————————————————————————————————————————— 9

The Greater Monessen Historical Society Gets Ready for Christmastime The Greater Monessen Historical Society will participate in the official Monessen Christmas celebration on Saturday, December 6 at Monessen Public Library and Cultural Center. Santa will be present from 1 to 4 p.m. to have his photo taken and listen to the wish lists of all children. The photos will be printed and mailed to each child with a special letter from the jolly elf compliments of GMHS. Dr. Malcolm Weiss has loaned several pieces of his art collection to the Heritage Museum. The works showcase the industrial heritage of Southwestern Pennsylvania and are done by regional artists. Visit the museum to see the artwork during regular business hours. The Historical Society is searching for donations of antique Christmas decorations to use in the front display windows of the Monessen Heritage Museum. Items can be dropped off during regular business hours, Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The GMHS open house holiday celebration will be held on Saturday, December 20 from noon until 3 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Public welcome.

The Heritage Museum will be closed from December 22 until January 2, when it reopens. The spring exhibit will showcase Monessen’s once-large Finnish community. Anyone having photos or memorabilia from Finnish families, neighborhoods, businesses or events are asked to bring them to the Museum during regular business hours. Items can be either loaned or donated. Photo scans can be emailed to Monessen@verizon.net. Membership in the Historical Society is based on a calendar year of January through December and is $15 for an individual, $20 for a family and $50 for a business or organization. Please renew your membership today or give a gift membership to someone. Consider donating to the Annual Fund Appeal. Donations are used to preserve local history, maintain the museum and sponsor events throughout the year. The Museum Annex project will allow room for larger events and give space for a permanent Monessen exhibit. The interior needs new electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, as well as dry wall and flooring to make it usable. Please be generous.

Valley Art Club Elect New Officers for 2015 During the November meeting, elections were held for the 2015 year: President: Sally Taylor Vice President: Michelle Meneskie Treasurer: Susan Weaver Secretary: Mary Ann Kopach-Laber Plans were finalized for the December luncheon to be held at the Back Porch Restaurant in Speers on December 9 at 3 p.m. An induction ceremony will be held for the new officers and there will be a gift exchange among members. The club will resume its meetings in March of 2015. Persons interested in joining can contact outgoing president, Christine Gilotty, at 724930-0147 or incoming President, Sally Taylor, at 724-872-4642 for details about the club.

————————————————————————————————————————— 10 messengerpaper.com

LOCAL NEWS

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

News from the Donora Historical Society and Smog Museum On October 19, the Donora Historical Society welcomed 45 people from all over for our 4th annual Cement City Home and Walking Tour. It was our largest group to date, and this year’s event was deemed a sellout. We are expecting to have two tours in 2015, either one in the spring and one in the fall, or two in the fall. If you have any questions about Cement City or one of our tours please consult our website and click the “Cement City” tab, or call or email the historical society. If you are interested in one of next year’s tours or would like to schedule a private tour for your group, please call or email the historical society and we will add your contact information to our list. In collaboration with the California University of PA and the Heinz History Center, we held our 2nd annual Environmental Conference on Wednesday, October 29 at the Donora Borough Building. The conference was a hands-on workshop and technology was supplied by Cal U and the Heinz History Center. Over 130 students and teachers from middle and high schools around the Mon Valley as well as interested citizens were in attendance. The inspiration for this year’s conference was a poem written in 1950, by a 21-year-old German man named Guenter Kunert who wrote a poem about the 1948 Smog titled “The Song of a Small Town.” For him, what took place in Donora in 1948 paralleled his struggles of surviving WWII as a young German-Jew and what was taking shape politically in Berlin at that time. Later, this poem was translated by Penn State University languages

professor Dr. Manfred Keune and presented to the Donora Historical Society, and Guenter Kunert would go on to become one of Germany's greatest contemporary writers. On September 13, as part of the Heinz History Center Affiliate Ambassador’s Series, Smog Museum curator Brian Charlton presented “Donora and the 1948 Air Quality Crisis” at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh. The Donora Historical Society is a Heinz History Center Affiliate member. The subject matter of the presentation caught the attention of C-SPAN and they were on-hand to film. You can view Charlton’s presentation by consulting our website and click on the “1948 Smog” tab. Charlton is expected to speak again at the Heinz History Center some time in 2015 on Stan “The Man” Musial. The rotating exhibit at the Smog Museum will feature a comprehensive display to honor Donora war veterans for Veterans Day. If you like military artifacts, you will appreciate this exhibit. There will be no formal presentation scheduled for Monday, December 1, as we will have our annual Christmas dinner at Campa’s Restaurant in Donora. If you would like to attend, please contact the Historical Society. Each pays for their own dinner. If you have additional questions about the subjects mentioned above, the society, museum, meetings or possibly volunteering, feel free to stop by or email us at DonoraHistoricalSociety @gmail.com or by calling 724-8230364 and leaving a message. Or visit us at www.DonoraHistoricalSociety.org.

Take a Break from Holiday Stress with Homemade Soup The Sisters of St Francis of the Providence of God are offering those stressed from holiday preparations a break from cooking with warm hearty soup. The Sisters' monthly soup takeout fundraiser on Wednesday, December 10 will offer patrons wedding soup, chicken n’ dumpling soup, or loaded baked potato soup for $5 a quart , which includes two dinner rolls. Orders must be placed no later than Thursday, December 4 by calling 412-885-7232 or e-mailing info@osfprov.org. Soup orders can be picked up on Wednesday, Dec. 11 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Sisters’ Motherhouse, located at 3603 McRoberts Road.

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

LOCAL NEWS

Monessen Amphitheater and Walking Track Choice Venues for Monessen’s Fall Festival By Jill Brown A fall festival was held at Monessen Walking Track on October 25 from 5 - 8 p.m. Coordinated by the amphitheater committee, secretary Karla Spangler mainly put it together, according to Committee President Matthew Shorraw. Vice president Jacquelyn Pierce did most of the costume judging. The event included a doggie parade and children’s costume contest. Although there were some tears and barking, the windy night went surprisingly well. Children were judged by age category, and dogs were judged in first - third place. There were also raffle contests, food, and baked goods. From 7- 8 p.m., people who had decorated their car trunks participated in “trunk or treat,” passing out candy from their cars. At 8 p.m., a movie, “Hocus Pocus,” was shown at the amphitheater. The evening turned out to be a fun event, and a doggone good one!

Bonni Smiley and her dog, Hunter, from Monessen, placed 2nd place in the doggie costume competition.

Diana Garry, 9, took 1st place for her pretty costume in the 9-12 age group.

Go to our website gallery at www.messengerpaper.com for more photos by Paul Chasko of this event.

Food and Toy Drive for Finleyville Food Bank In Full Swing The temperatures are dropping and the need for the food pantry is rising. During this time of year we always see the quantity of those that need help with food and other items rise. The Finleyville Food Bank is thinking ahead and preparing for this increase in need. We are starting our annual toy and food drive early this year. We are now accepting new toys and food or monetary donations to help us through these highdemand months. The toys will be given to the families that are registered at the Finleyville Food Bank during our December distribution. Any food donations we receive will be distributed monthly, and monetary donations are used to purchase additional food and toy items as needed. Please find it in your heart to help those less fortunate by giving to the local Finleyville Food Bank. Donations may be dropped off on any Saturday morning at the Finleyville Food Bank between 8:30 and 11 a.m. or mailed to 3595 Washington Ave., Finleyville, PA 15332. If you have any questions please call Rose Monich at 724-348-7821.

messengerpaper.com 11 ——————————————————————————————————————————

BOROUGH OF JEFFERSON HILLS AND JEFFERSON HILLS LIBRARY ANNOUNCE UPCOMING DECEMBER ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS The Borough of Jefferson Hills will kick off the holiday season with a celebration at the Municipal Center on Monday, December 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. The event includes free photos with Santa; storytime with Mrs. Claus; holiday decorations and trees through the Municipal Center; and refreshments and children's crafts will highlight the event. The Thomas Jefferson High School orchestra will perform and the TJ Jaguar will make a guest appearance. Adults are invited to a New Year’s Eve Party at the Floreffe Volunteer Fire Company, 1540 State Street, Jefferson Hills, PA on December 31 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Cost is $25 per person or $45 per couple. Food, beer and mixers are provided. Call 412384-9644 for more information or tickets. Mayor Janice Cmar and the Borough of Jefferson Hills Police Department will collect toys for local needy children from December 1 through December 15 at the Jefferson Hills Municipal Center first floor next to the police department. Local families in need of this assistance may pick up an application at the police sation weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The South Hills Art League will hold an exhibit of paintings at the

Borough of Jefferson Hills Municipal Center, second floor living room area, during regular library hours from December 9 - January 6. The Friends of Jefferson Hills Library will sponsor a Holiday fresh cookie sale on Sunday, December 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Municipal Center Community Room. Della Robbia Flowers invites area adults to craft a fresh floral/pine centerpiece at the Municipal Center Community Room on Monday, December 22 from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. Cost is $50. Register at the library at 412-655-7741. Gentle Beginners YOGA meets Saturdays throughout December (except December 26) from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Nutritionist Mark Davis of Jefferson Hospital will present a workshop titled "Boosting Your Immune System" on Saturday, December 6 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Municipal Center Community Room Borough of Jefferson Hills Library Story Times for children ages 3 and up for December are Thursdays, December 11 and 18. Tweens and Teens will craft Holiday Cards for Soldiers on December 17 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Visit us online at www.messengerpaper.com

————————————————————————————————————————— 12 messengerpaper.com

LOCAL NEWS

2014 Monessen Halloween Parade a Haunting Success

Wendy Brick, dressed as Stormy, worked for Castle Blood and distributed discount coupons for them.

Ann Koper of Monessen said she was dressed as the “Angel of Death” and looked the scary part.

By Jill Brown The scary, the cute, and the original came out to participate in the Monessen Parade at 7 p.m. on October 23, which ended on Donner Ave. Castle Blood took pleasure in organizing the event, and the community participated in it enthusiastically. The big crowd waited with anticipation for the first police cars to drive past and the parade to begin. Trophies were awarded to those in the parade whom judges liked best, and marchers had a diverse array of costumes. The children especially liked catching candy from the trucks. It was great for the city that so many people attended the event, and hopefully just as many will join in on the next Monessen community festivity.

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

The Schoolhouse Arts Center in Bethel Park Plans Art Market and Holiday Sales The Heritage Box Gift Shop, located in The Schoolhouse Arts Center, is stocked with handmade items for Christmas. It is bulging at the seams with Christmas decorations, quilted items, stained and etched glass, photography, jewelry, scarves, hats, purses and much more. The Schoolhouse, home of the Bethel Park Historical Society, is open Tues. - Sat. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are located at 2600 South Park Rd. in Bethel Park. Just look for the newly refurbished trolley. South Arts, also housed in the building, is having a Merry, Merry Art Market with fund raising activities and dinner on December 6 from 10 to 8 with dinner served from 5 to 8. Dinner tickets in advance are $12 and $14 at the door and are available in the Heritage Box. Both organizations are 501c3 non-profit.

Harmony Singers of Pittsburgh Present Holiday Concert in Bethel Park

Gemma Ferguson, Dixie Ferguson and Morgan Calderone, with Shannon Motycki (back row), enjoyed the parade in Monessen.

Elizabeth Churches Team Together for Chili Cook-Off By Charlotte Hopkins Bethesda United Presbyterian Church and the First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth teamed together for their second annual Elizabeth Chili Cook-Off. Pots of steaming chili lined Plum Street as chefs tried to win over guests with their best homemade chili recipes. There were seven contestants this year, and the community members in attendance voted for their favorites. In the end, Carol Jean (CJ) McKenzie was named the Chili Cook-Off champion, with a turkey chili dish named as second place winner. McKenzie's prize winning chili dish will be on the menu in December at the Top O' the Mornin' Donut Shop in Elizabeth. Got a homemade chili recipe that you are proud of and that brings on raves from friends and family? Contact either Walt Pietschmann of Bethesda United Presbyterian Church or Reverend Jim Davidson of First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth to reserve your spot in the 2015 Elizabeth Chili Cook-Off!

PHOTO CREDIT: Jon Batchelor

The Harmony Singers of Pittsburgh will present a holiday concert, “Jingle, Jingle Holiday,” under the direction of Cynthia G. Pratt on Wednesday, December 10 at 7 p.m. at Brightwood Christian Church, 5044 West Library Ave., Bethel Park. Selections from the show include “Deck the Hall with Haydn,” “Night of the Father’s Love,” and “Tell Us ‘Bout a Baby.” The concert will feature favorite carols, holiday music, and a sing-a-long. Refreshments will be served following the concert. The concert is free and open to the public. A free-will offering to benefit the charitable and entertainment efforts of the Harmony Singers will be accepted. The Harmony Singers are available to perform for civic, social, church, or business organizations. For information about the group or to reserve them for an event, visit www.harmonysingers.org.

Visit us online at www.messengerpaper.com

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

DECEMBER PROGRAMS AT PETERS TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY Peters Township Public Library is located at 616 E. McMurray Rd., McMurray and can be reached at 724941-9430. Below is a list of their events for December:

able to offer one-on-one sessions for individuals interested in getting started finding their ancestors. Register to attend by emailing programs@ptlibrary.org or call 724-941-9430.

Trinity Bell Choir Tuesday, December 2, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Party Sunday, December 7, 6 p.m. Join us at the library for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Party, held in partnership with the Peters Township Parks and Recreation Department. Festivities will include lighting and decorating the outdoors township tree at 6 p.m., followed by holiday caroling. Refreshments, visits with Santa, and holiday crafts for children will be offered in the library.

Liven Up Your Holidays with Fresh Greens Wednesday, December 3, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Designers from Crossroad Florist will demonstrate several ideas to use live evergreen and boxwood to create beautiful holiday decorations. Register to attend by emailing programs@ptlibrary.org or call 724-9419430. Sewing Machine Basics Thursday, December 4, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Cost: $5 Minimum age: 12 The library has acquired a Janome Sewist 500 sewing machine to help furnish our new Maker Space. Join Sue Gates, owner of Sew Much Fun, to learn some of the basic requirements needed to operate the machine. Register at the library. Embroidery Machine Basics Thursday, December 4, 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Cost: $5 Minimum age: 12 The library has acquired a Janome 350E Memory Craft embroidery machine to help furnish our new Maker Space. Join Sue Gates, owner of Sew Much Fun, to learn some of the basic requirements needed to operate the machine. Register at the library’s circulation desk. Beginning Genealogy Workshop Friday, December 5, 1 - 3:30 p.m. Members of the Genealogy Society of Western Pennsylvania will be avail-

messengerpaper.com 13 ——————————————————————————————————————————

LOCAL NEWS

Computers 101 Tuesday, December 9, 7 - 8:45 p.m. Cost: $5 Determine what computer to buy by looking at what you want to do with it. Participants will learn about: the various parts of a computer and what they do, computer terminology, software that will be needed, and useful techniques that will make using computers easier. Pre-registration is required by Monday, December 9. Registration is not complete until payment is received; register at the library’s circulation desk. Laughter Club Thursday, December 18, 10 - 11 a.m. The Laughter Clubs promote laughter inside to support happiness outside. Participants get together to use laughter to improve health and outlook, as laughter can reduce stress, strengthen your immune system, and lower your blood pressure. Register to attend by emailing programs@ptlibrary.org or call 724-941-9430. Drop-ins are welcome!

to rish nter U n e e Dr. K Joint C g n i d com e an Wel ee Bon Mag the

Exceptional care, from an exceptional hip and knee joint replacement team.

Ken Urish, MD

Brian Hamlin, MD

Tony DiGioia, MD

Main Office: Magee-Womens Hospital Bone and Joint Center 300 Halket St. Suite 1601 Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Anton Plakseychuk, MD

Satellite Offices: UPMC South Hills 1300 Oxford Drive Suite LLC Bethel Park, PA 15102

Peter Siska, MD

Heinz 57 Center 339 Sixth Avenue 5th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Visit UPMC.com/MageeBoneandJointCenter or call 412-641-8643.

THE BONE AND JOINT CENTER AT

REMINDER:

Editorial Deadline for the January issue is December 12

Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

————————————————————————————————————————— 14 messengerpaper.com

LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER EVENTS AT CLAIRTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Clairton Public Library is located at 616 Miller Ave. and can be reached at 412233-7966. Listed below are December programs:

– 4 p.m. for adult-led reading activities along with the kids from Sisters’ Place. Inquire at the main desk for details at 412-233-7966.

Trim- a-Tree Party We welcome everyone of all ages to help us celebrate the holidays during our Trim-a-Tree party. Tree decorations, carols, snacks, and good fun all come together on December 6 from 1 – 3 p.m.

Book Clubs for Adults Our library hosts two book clubs, one on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 1, and the other on every 3rd Monday at 9 a.m. Anyone interested in joining may request a copy of the month’s book at the main desk, or just drop in at book club time. Join us for a stimulating book chat along with coffee and snacks.

Wise Walk Get in shape for Santa with our weekly Wise Walk. We walk, rain or shine (or snow!) on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. Walk at your own pace, but join us this Saturday. We start out at the library. Cuddle Time Children from birth to two years of age can enjoy learning the rhythm and cadence of storybook language. Every child needs to be accompanied by an (adult) lap to cuddle on. This activity takes place at the library every Tuesday from 11 - 11:30 a.m. Stories for Tots On Wednesday mornings, toddlers ages 2 and up are invited to a story time plus a fun and educational group activity. Bring your child at 10 a.m. for more important experiences with book learning. Don’t forget to bring your library card, which will allow you and your young ones to select books to take home to enjoy. Kids after School Older children are invited to the library every other Monday from 3:30

Game Day Every third Saturday the library schedules a children’s game day. Many board games are provided, and all school-aged students are welcome to participate. Come at noon and play until 2 p.m. Literary Feast We’re collecting recipes for a library cookbook. Please contribute your best recipes for any kind of food…hot or cold, easy or complicated, trendy or old-fashioned…submit them all. Bring or mail them to the library. Include your first and last names as you would want them in the book. Come on, let’s have a feast! Join The Friends of the Library The Friends of the Library (FOL) are volunteers who plan events and fundraisers to enhance the programs and facilities of Clairton Public Library. Please join our group. The next meeting will be held on January 8, 2015.

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Monessen Veterans Day Parade Brings Mon Valley Together to Honor Vets By Jill Brown The Monessen Veterans Council paid tribute to our veterans with one of the grandest parades Monessen has ever seen. This 70th annual parade was held on November 8, 2014 at 2 p.m. in downtown Monessen and on the upper and lower streets, and a special luncheon for veterans took place beforehand at the Monessen Firemen’s Social Hall. The amount of planning and organization that went into this event was tremendous. Chairman of the Monessen Veterans Council Ron Chromulak said the event “was a huge success. There were a hundred different units. The parade lasted over an hour.” The enjoyable salute to the troops

featured: high school bands, Boy Scout troops, and veterans groups from Westmoreland County to Washington Township. Also, there were many groups in vehicles, jeeps, and trucks, and with floats and displays. Additionally, there were cars with Westmoreland and Washington County Commissioners and their veterans offices, and representatives from schools, churches, businesses and civic organizations. Chromulak concluded, “Monessen has not seen a parade this big in a very long time.” Thanks and appreciation goes out to Chromulak, the Monessen Veterans Council, and other volunteers for their work and to the Mon Valley for their participation.

SPC Anthony Nganga, a veteran from Donora serving in the reserves, proudly wears his uniform as he watches the Monessen Veterans Parade.

Monessen Veterans Council Chairman Ron Chromulak waves to onlookers in the parade he organized.

McMurray Lions Club Sells Koeze Nut Products as Holiday Fundraiser The McMurray Lions Club is selling Koeze products, such as cashews, mixed nuts, chocolates, caramel corn, and more. These exceptional mouth-watering products are an excellent gift for the upcoming holidays. For a complete listing of products, pricing, and questions, go to the Club’s website at www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/mcmurray/. Proceeds go directly to help local Lions charities.

Mychele Iddings, Maley Iddings, Kyrsten Iddings, and Garrin Billy hold signs to show their support for their dad and grandfather, Bill Brounce, a Vietnam vet and president of Legion Riders who was in the Veterans Parade.

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

messengerpaper.com 15 ——————————————————————————————————————————

————————————————————————————————————————— 16 messengerpaper.com

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Trax Farms Oktoberfest Celebration Brings More Fun Every Year

The Cal U Choir was great

By Paul Chasko From late September through the end of October, the Trax Farm Oktoberfest has become an annual stop for families looking for a nearideal fall fun experience that is close to home. This year, there were stacks of pumpkins in every size and shape imaginable. Kids were turned loose to crawl over the mountains of pumpkins to find just the perfect one. There was great food available at so many food booths that it was hard to decide what to have for lunch. Festival goers stopped to listen to the Cal U Choir perform in the picnic pavilion.

Little girl, big tractor

Go to our website gallery at www.messengerpaper.com for more photos by Paul Chasko of this event.

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

messengerpaper.com 17 ——————————————————————————————————————————

————————————————————————————————————————— 18 messengerpaper.com

LOCAL NEWS

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

of the Month Should holiday collection efforts be kept within the confines of the communities holding the collection drives? Yes - Toys, food, and other donations should go to the residents in need of that specific community. No - All donations should be distributed where they are needed most, even if it's in another community.

Vote YES or NO Log on to: www.messengerpaper.com to place your vote. Look for the results in our January issue.

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

messengerpaper.com 19 ——————————————————————————————————————————

————————————————————————————————————————— 20 messengerpaper.com

LOCAL NEWS

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Greenock Woman Keeping the Homeless Warm this Winter By Charlotte Hopkins With winter winds already biting down on Pittsburgh, it is hard to imagine what the homeless are enduring this time of year, but Joy Hunter, of Greenock, is doing her part to answer that need. She is now collecting yarn to make afghans for the homeless in McKeesport and Pittsburgh. Joy started making blankets in 2002, with several members of her church, Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church. At first, the lap blankets were for shut-ins and for patients at McKeesport Hospital in the oncology department. She first learned of the patients' needs from her son, who worked at the hospital at the time. Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church also makes quilts. Those ladies are called the Peace Quilters. Through the years they have made 1500 quilts and distributed them to the Lutheran World Relief, an organization which then sent the quilts to the Sunshine Kitchen in McKeesport, the Intersection Food Bank, and even to thirld-world countries. Those interested in donating yarn or fabric for quilts can contact Joy at 412-7515148. You can also call the Lutheran Church at 412-751-8073.

The Good Ol’ Days House Plans Christmas Pajama Party to Benefit Domestic Abuse Shelters You are invited to visit The Good Ol’ Days House, a unique vacation house rental opened in 2009 and located at 914 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. for a Christmas Pajama Party & Open House event. Bring a new pair of women’s or children’s pajamas or loungewear and slippers or socks to donate, and take a Christmas open house tour of this vintage mid-century home filled with Christmas memories. For many families this year, the old-fashioned tradition of wearing a new pair of PJs and getting all tucked in bed waiting for Santa Claus to arrive may be difficult - so help us continue that old tradition today by helping those women and children in our area who are struggling. For more information, contact Melanie Patterson at 724331-3654 or visit www.NostalgicGuesthouse.com and like or share The Good Ol’ Days House on Facebook.

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

Let's Talk Real Estate by ROGER DOLANCH Broker/Owner

Using a Multiple Listing Service MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service. The real estate market is highly competitive, and our business is unique in that competitors must constantly cooperate with each other to ensure successful transactions. Multiple Listing Services facilitate that cooperation. The MLS is a virtual property warehouse. When property is available for sale, it goes into the warehouse. When it is sold, it is reported as sold and remains in the warehouse. Since real estate cannot actually be physically stored in a warehouse, the MLS only contains information. In the late 1800s, real estate brokers and agents from different companies regularly held monthly meetings of their local REALTOR® Board as they

LOCAL NEWS

messengerpaper.com —————————————————————————————————————————— 21

continue to do to this day. Back then, while attending to business at these meetings, the attendees would also take advantage of the opportunity to promote properties they were hired to sell to the other REALTORS® in the hopes that they were working with a buyer that would be a good match to their property. The first MLS was born, based on a fundamental principal that's unique to organized real estate: “Help me sell my inventory and I'll help you sell yours.” Essentially, the MLS is a group of private databases that are maintained and paid for by real estate professionals to help their clients buy and sell property. In most cases, access to information from MLS listings is provided to the public free-of-charge by participating REALTORS®. Data that is not publicly accessible includes information that would endanger sellers' privacy or safety, such as seller contact information, special situations and terms. Today the country is covered by large regional multi-list services. Member REALTORS® share information about properties they have listed and invite other brokers to cooperate in their sale in exchange for compensation if they produce the buyer. Sellers benefit by increased exposure to their property. Buyers benefit because they can access all MLS-listed properties while working with one REALTOR®. Appraisers benefit because the MLS

records are much more detailed than tax records to aid them in determining value. The MLS is a powerful force for competition. It levels the playing field so that even the smallest brokerage in town can compete with the biggest multistate firm. Buyers and sellers can work with the one REATLOR®, confident that they have access to the largest pool of properties for sale in the marketplace. Over 90% of recent buyers used MLS websites in their search, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. The MLS is also the source of information to feed almost all of those other real estate websites. Some of those websites are up-to-the- minute accurate, and some of them may take a few weeks or even months to migrate properly, depending on the technology being utilized by the site itself. The closer one gets to the actual multi-list, the more up to date the information, which is another advantage to working with your ONE favorite CENTURY 21 Frontier Realty REALTOR®.

Finleyville 724-348-7470 Belle Vernon 724-929-2180 McMurray 724-941-8680

————————————————————————————————————————— 22 messengerpaper.com

LOCAL NEWS

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

LOCAL NEWS

messengerpaper.com —————————————————————————————————————————— 23

An End and a Beginning: Hogmany and Hagis and Scots Irish Dancers Featured at Oliver Miller Homestead The Oliver Miller Homestead will celebrate Hogmany on Sunday, December 7 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Hogmany is the Scots’ way to celebrate the New Year. Some of the superstitions which the Scots believed would bring good luck for the New Year is to pay off debts, tune musical instruments, wash and mend clothing, wind clocks and return borrowed items. Hagis will be cooked over the fire. The associates, in period dress, will also conduct tours of the Stone House, the springhouse, the log house, the forge, demonstration shed, and the barn, and will present ongoing demonstrations of spinning, weaving, quilting, open hearth cooking, blacksmith work, and the use of hand tools to make everyday items. The Trading Post, which is located in the barn, will be open for business with books, trade goods, and items made at the Homestead available for sale. The Oliver Miller Homestead, a historic landmark and Whiskey Rebellion site, is located on Stone Manse Drive, just off the circle in South Park and is part of the Allegheny County Park System. It is open every Sunday through December 8. The last admission is at 4 p.m. An admission of $2 is asked on special event days and $1 on other Sundays. Call 412-835-1554 or check the website at www.olivermiller.org for more information and a map.

————————————————————————————————————————— 24 messengerpaper.com

LOCAL NEWS

Santa Releases Schedule for 2014 in Monongahela Santa will be at Santa’s house, located in front of Community Bank on Main Street in Monongahela, on the following dates and times: • Friday, December 5 from 6 - 8 p.m. • Saturday, December 6 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. • Friday, December 12 from 6 - 8 p.m. • Saturday, December 13 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. • Friday, December 19 from 6 - 8 p.m. • Saturday, December 20 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. • Monday, December 22 from 4 - 7 p.m.

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

West Newton Community Singers Plan Christmas Concert West Newton Community Singers are proud to present their 38th Annual Christmas concert titled "Sing We Now of Christmas” on Friday, December 5 at 7 p.m. at West Newton United Presbyterian Church, located on Main and 3rd Streets. The group is under the leadership of Richard Carson and Lauren Cross, accompanist. The program features works including ‘Sing We Now of Christmas’ arranged by Mark Hayes, 'Hallelujah Chorus’ from the Handel’s Messiah, ‘Build a Snowman,’ and many familiar carols to get the mood for the holiday season. There will be several soloists performing special music. Advance tickets are available at Dee Taylor Insurance Agency or from any member. Adults are $5 and students are $3. Tickets purchased at the door will be $6 for adults and $3 for students. For more information, call 724-872-6093.

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

LOCAL NEWS

Constellation Energy Receives Electricity Supply Endorsement for ChamberChoice Residential Energy Program OnDemand Energy Solutions has announced that they have signed an agreement with Constellation Energy in preservation of the ChamberChoice Friends and Family Residential Energy Program; this program will provide chamber and community members competitively fixed-priced residential energy products and services. Under the agreement, OnDemand Energy Solutions (managing consultant of Constellation Energy for the ChamberChoice Friends and Family Energy Program) will seek to extend and strengthen its relationship with the ChamberChoice Chambers participating in the Residential Energy Program. Chamber and community members may call 1-855-544-3830 to enroll or may register online at www.ondemandenergy.com via the residential energy button. The Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is a participating Chamber in ChamberChoice products.

Rostraver Township Historical Society Commemmorates 100th Anniversary of Darr Mine Disaster Rostraver Township Historical Society has acquired a very large poster regarding the Coal Miner U.S. Postage Stamp, subsequently issued in August 2013. Rep. Ted Harhai of the 58th district of PA was instrumental in securing a Coal Miner U.S. Postage Stamp. The poster was produced by The Pennsylvania House of Representatives and donated by Mary Lou Magiske, a Darr Mine Disaster researcher. The disaster occurred in Van Meter, PA, on December 19, 1907. It is located in Rostraver Township. There were 239 men and boys killed, and one survivor, according to the Pittsburg Coal Co. and testified to by extant relatives. The victims were buried in various local cemeteries and at least one in an out-of-state cemetery, but 71 of them are in a common grave in Olive Branch Cemetery, on Route 981 South, heading towards Smithton, PA. Franz Josef, Emperor of Austria, provided the very large stone monument in 1909. At this point in time, Darr Mine still remains the worst Pennsylvania coal mining disaster. The Rostraver Township Historical Society participated in the 100th Anniversary Commemoration of the disaster. This event brought hundreds of people to Rostraver Township; many photos can be seen on the following web site: http://www.americanhungarianfederation.org/news_DarrMine.htm This site contains names of the 239 victims. Due to so many foreigners being involved, many of their names recorded on the coal mine owner’s roster of employees have been corrected, reflecting the spelling of both given and surnames to more closely match their actual foreign spellings. Recognizing the more accurate church record’s spellings was another reason for the corrections.

messengerpaper.com 25 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Charleroi Rotary Club and President Honored at Rotary Foundation Dinner District 7330 of Rotary International held its annual foundation dinner at the Willow Room in Rostraver Township on Friday, November 7. Many awards were given to clubs as well as to individual members. The Rotary Club of Charleroi received an award for being a “100% Sustaining Membership” chapter of the international organization. This means that every member of the club contributed at least $100 to Rotary International over the past year. Along with the club award, President Steve Arnowitz was honored by becoming a Paul Harris Fellow. This award is achieved by any Rotarian who has donated at least $1,000 to Rotary International. The “Student of the Month” program is continuing this year. One student is honored at the Rotary meeting on the third Wednesday of each month from October-April. The October Student of the Month is Laine Mosco. The Charleroi Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at the Back Porch restaurant in Lower Speers. Meetings begin at noon and are held in the Side Door meeting rooms. New members are always welcome. For more information, contact Steve Arnowitz at 412-389-2096 or John Helfenstein at 724-494-3195.

Club President Steve Arnowitz has been named a Paul Harris Fellow.

Club President Steve Arnowitz presents a certificate to October Student of the Month Laine Mosco.

Elizabeth Forward Area Community Chorus Announces Christmas Concert The members of the Elizabeth Forward Area Community Chorus would like to invite you to our Christmas Concert titled ‘A Birth’. This is a great way to start your holiday season as the chorus and junior chorus perform uplifting and fun seasonal numbers. The concert will be held at the Elizabeth Forward High School on December 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. and December 7 at 3 p.m. The high school is located off of Rt. 48 and Weigles Hill Road in Elizabeth Township. Ticket prices at the door are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors/students. A discount of $2 is available on each ticket purchased in advance. Please call 412-751-0526 to purchase a ticket at the reduced price. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Canned goods will also be collected at each concert.

————————————————————————————————————————— 26 messengerpaper.com

LOCAL NEWS

WHITEHALL PUBLIC LIBRARY DECEMBER EVENTS Whitehall Public Library is located at 100 Borough Park Dr., Pittsburgh, and can be reached at 412-882-6622. Below is their schedule of events for December: Make your own Gingerbread House - Monday December 8 at 7 p.m. Family Night Special! Join us to create your own Gingerbread house. Supplies will be provided. Free online registration required at www.whitehallpubliclibrary.org or call 412-882-6622. Conversation Salon Wednesday December 10 at 1 p.m. Join our conversation salon for a lively discussion of current topics and events of the day. This group meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Stay local and get vocal! No registration required. Fireside Tales: A Very Whitehall Christmas Friday December 12 at 10:30 a.m. It’s a holiday story! Gather around the library stacks for this festive program of tales and treats! Professional storyteller Lisa Hollingsworth-Segedy will take you back to times of roasted chestnuts, white nights, and mistletoe while you relax with yuletide snacks and drinks. Space is limited. Free online registration required at www.whitehallpubliclibrary.org or call 412-882-6622. Calligraphy 101: The Art of the Written Word Monday December 15 at 1 p.m. Join us for this special presentation

on the art of bringing letters to life! Professional calligrapher Karen Nordstrom Roberts will illuminate just how words on a page can become --with a flourish here and a slant there-- a thing of beauty. The presentation will also include a workshop so you can practice your own style! Materials will be supplied. Space is limited. Free - online registration required at www.whitehallpubliclibrary.org or call 412-882-6622. Pittsburgh's Mansions: A Stately Presentation Tuesday December 16 at 1 p.m. Join us for a special presentation by Melanie Linn Gutowski, author of Pittsburgh's Mansions. Her book explores the stately homes of Western Pennsylvania's prominent residents from the 1830s through the 1920s, complete with vintage photographs and local trivia. The author will highlight several mansions from the book, answer your questions, and sign copies. Space is limited. Free - online registration required at www.whitehallpubliclibrary.org or call 412-8826622. Classic Works! Book Club Saturday December 20, 10:30 a.m. Join the book club devoted to turning that masterpiece into a piece of cake! We’ll tackle another classic work each month to tease out its meaning and discuss whether the work "works" and if it deserves its place on history’s highest shelf. Questions? Call Brandon at 412-882-6622.

Woman's Club of West Newton Plans Christmas House Tour The Woman's Club of West Newton is sponsoring a Christmas tour of homes and a hayride on Saturday, December 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. There will be six homes to tour, a live nativity, a bonfire and Santa. Tickets are $15 and available at William's Ace Hardware and Gary's Chuckwagon Restaurant in West Newton or by calling Sandy 724-872-7401 or Terri 724-872-4175.

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

DECEMBER PROGRAMS AT BALDWIN PUBLIC LIBRARY Baldwin Public Library is located at 41 Macek Dr #115, Pittsburgh, and can be reached at 412-885-2255. Below is their schedule of events for December. No School Fun Day - Monday, December 1 at 1 p.m. Cartons provided, but please bring one can of icing and one bag of candy. Registration required. K-6. Bouncing Babies and Books Tuesday December 2 and December 9 at 10:30 a.m. This storytime, for babies birth-24 months, will include a book, singing, musical instruments, and a lot of fun! No registration required. Tales and Tunes - Tuesday December 2 and December 9 at 11:30 a.m. Geared toward toddlers and preschoolers. Science Chefs (K-3) - Wednesday, December 3 at 6:30 p.m. We will travel to different countries while learning the science of cooking. Explore science experiments to do in your kitchen, followed by an easy-tomake recipe using food from the experiment. Registration requested. Teen Books & Baking Wednesday, December 3 at 6:30 p.m. Bring your favorite mug and a book, graphic novel, comic, or whatever else you are reading. We will talk about what we are reading while we bake! FREE - Registration is requested. Tales for 2s and 3s - Thursday, December 4 and December 11 at 10:30 a.m. A storytime specifically geared for toddlers who are 24-36 months old with a caregiver. t PJ Family Storytime - Thursday, December 4 at 6:30 p.m. Dress the kids in their pajamas and head to the library for our new evening family storytime that will be held every other week! Preschool Alphabet Parade Friday, December 5 at 10:30 a.m. Fun stories, songs, activities, and a craft for children ages 3-5 with a caregiver. We will travel through the alphabet and feature a letter each week. New for fall: lower case alphabet/craft.

Drop and Shop Saturday Saturday, December 6 at 11 a.m. Bring your children, ages 4-7, to the library for some fun while you power shop! They will make holiday crafts, participate in a storytime, play holiday games, and watch a holiday show! Please pack a lunch and a drink for your child. Registration required. Teen Craft Night Monday, December 8 at 6:30 p.m. Perler Beads — Turn whatever you make into a key chain, necklace, fun headband, a tree ornament, or whatever you can think of! FREE - Online registration requested. Brushes Before Bedtime Wednesday, December 10 at 6:30 p.m. Family Art Night / Registration requested. We provide all of the supplies and art smocks…your family provides the creativity and fun! Friends of BBPL Meeting Thursday, December 11 at 7 p.m. The Friends of BBPL are looking for members to help organize fundraising events, volunteer at library programs and be an advocate of the Library with the Baldwin Community. Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday each month at 7:00 p.m. For further information or to join, call 412-885-2255 or email us at baldwinateinetwork.net Preschool Alphabet Parade Friday, December 5 at 10:30 a.m. Fun stories, songs, activities, and a craft for children ages 3-5. Teen Movie Release Party! Friday, December 12 at 6 p.m. Dress up as your favorite characters from these books-turned-movies, and enjoy food, fun, prizes and a movie at these themed parties celebrating these movie releases! FREE - Online registration is requested.We will be watching The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, rated PG-13. Ho Ho Holiday Party - Saturday, December 13 at 10:30 a.m. . Come and see our reader’s theater group perform in a holiday play, join in a sing-along, enjoy cookies and refreshments, and even a visit from a jolly man in a red suit! Bring your camera! Registration required.

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

LOCAL NEWS

Early Thanksgiving Takes Place Thanks to Shepherd’s Finance, LLC and GWCFB

Kathy Kennedy (left), Pantry Liaison at the Greater Washington County Food Bank, stops for a picture with volunteers and investors of Shepherd’s Finance, LLC.

Thanksgiving preparations began early for some Canonsburg residents, thanks to a generous donation from Shepherd’s Finance, LLC based in Jacksonville, FL. Greater Washington County Food Bank Pantries (GWCFB), Canon House, and Canon Apartments have already received holiday turkeys or gift cards to purchase food for their Thanksgiving Day festivities. “During the holiday months, the pains of hunger and insecurity take on greater urgency for many of our clients,” explained GWCFB Executive Director Connie Burd. “Through the support of donors like Shepherd’s Finance, we are able to ease some of the worry many families face during this season.” On Friday, November 14th, the team of investors at Shepherd’s Finance joined GWCFB staff and volunteers to handout turkeys and gift cards to clients. Everyone received a warm holiday welcome. “Shepherd’s Finance and their investors are making us shine a little brighter this Holiday Season,” stated Kathy Kennedy, Pantry Liaison at the GWCFB. Kennedy, who works

with all pantries under the GWCFB name, helped alongside Coordinator Kay Keen at the Canon Apartments Food Pantry and Coordinator Alice Bock of Canon Apartments during this holiday distribution. All were overwhelmed and appreciative of the generous financial gift that Shepherd’s Finance provided the GWCFB and the joyful spirits of those who volunteered that day. The Greater Washington County Food Bank would like to issue a special thank you to Shepherd’s Financial for joining in the cause and helping families with food insecurities in Washington County. They were the first to donate to the CentiMark Matching Funds Challenge as well,which has the potential to help raise $100,000 for the GWCFB and their pantries. GWCFB is located at 1020 Rte. 519 in Eighty Four, PA 15301. For more information on how you can support the mission to end hunger in Washington County, please call 724229-8175 or visit the website at www.gwcfb.org or on Facebook.

Visit us online at www.messengerpaper.com

messengerpaper.com 27 ——————————————————————————————————————————

28 messengerpaper.com —————————————————————————————————————————

LOCAL NEWS

The Civil War Is Coming To Donora Traveling Exhibit Will Be On Display for Six Weeks The Donora Historical Society was selected as a destination for the Heinz History Center’s traveling Civil War exhibit that has been traveling throughout Western Pennsylvania since 2012 – the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War. The 500 square foot exhibit will be held in partnership with the Donora Public Library and will be displayed in the lower level community room for six weeks starting on March 20, 2015 and will run through April 28, 2015 – the timeframe of which coincides with the 150th anniversary of the ending of the Civil War. Six weeks of activities are being planned along with the exhibit, such as local Civil War displays, presentations, round table discussions, and book signings, etc. School groups, youth groups and other social groups are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Please check our website at www.DonoraHistoricalSociety.org and click on the “Civil War Exhibit” tab for a description of the exhibit and the schedule of events as it continues to unfold. Individual and corporate sponsors are being sought. If you or your group would like to participate,contact the Historical Society to offer your ideas or to schedule a visit for your group by emailing us at DonoraHistoricalSociety@gmail.com or by calling 724-823-0364 and leaving a message.

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Bentleyville Borough Holds Annual Halloween Parade

The Grim Reaper sent chills down spines

By Alice Harris

West Newton Library Celebrates the Month of December On Saturday, December 6 at 11 a.m. the West Newton Library invites everyone of all ages to stop by and help us celebrate Bert's birthday. Bert is a sweet little dog who has volunteered as the library's mascot. We will be throwing and old-fashioned birthday party with cake and games. Also, for the little ones, Bert picked out a book to read called Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle and Glenn Murray. So make sure you save the date and get your picture with Bert. The event is free to the public. On Saturday, December 13 at 10 a.m. the West Newton Library will be holding its annual Christmas Celebration for the kids. We will find out who Auntie Claus is, plus we’ll read other great Christmas stories. You will get to make a special keepsake ornament, construct your own Santa Claus beard, and even get a chance to sit on Santa's lap. Save the date for a morning of fun. The event is free to the public. The West Newton Library is getting prepared for the 2015 season and starting to look for guest speakers to schedule. If you are interested in speaking on a special topic please give us a call. We are actively looking for old vintage jewelry, costume jewelry, and modern jewelry for our upcoming annual sale in late spring. If you would like to make a donation to help the library, please give us a call to arrange for a pickup. The Friends of the West Newton Library are in search of a few good volunteers to help us with our events. If you have any particular skill or would like to help with our activities we would love to hear from you. We are looking for anyone of any age who loves books and would like to help make the library a success.

AUTISM FUNDRAISER IN BENTLEYVILLE ON DECEMBER 6 A fundraiser to benefit autism will be held on Saturday, December 6 at the New Bentleyville Tavern in Bentleyville, Pa. The event will begin at 3 p.m. at the tavern, and will include a spaghetti dinner, a DJ, karaoke, and Chinese auction. Chris Buckley, staff writer for the Valley Independent will be the guest bartender from 5 to 7 p.m. Chris’ son Timmy has autism. Proceeds will raise funds for the charity Running Down Autism. www.runningdownautism.org. For more information or questions, please call Chris at 724-797-2589.

Bentleyville Volunteer Fire Department members and their popular mascot

Bayer Farms gorgeous percheron horses pulled the wagon carrying the Washington County Fair Queen and Princess.

Bentleyville Borough held its annual Halloween parade on Saturday October 25, 2014 at 1 p.m. Prizes were awarded to participants according to age groups and divisions. A craft show was held in conjunction with the parade. Treat bags for the children were distributed at the borough building. A perfect sunny warm afternoon brought many out to enjoy the festivities in Bentleyville.

MVH Employees Brighten Christmas for Mon Valley Children This Christmas will be much brighter for many children in the Mon Valley, thanks to the generosity of Monongahela Valley Hospital’s staff. MVH employees in every department have collected new, unwrapped gifts for the mid-Mon Valley Toys for Tots program since it began in 1986, and the collection boxes throughout the hospital campus are filling up. In addition, hospital leaders have been assembling toys in a Santa’s-workshopstyle gathering every year for the last seven years, according to MVH Toys for Tots Coordinators John Bogdan, RN, BSN, nurse manager of the Behavioral Health and EEG Departments, and Doug Prentice, Storeroom manager. Toys for Tots Program Coordinator Wally Fronzaglio, of Donora, attended to witness this year’s recent toy assembly held in the hospital’s Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center. Fronzaglio then accepted the assembled toys afterwards on behalf of the Mon Valley Leathernecks, a group of more than 160 former Marines of all ages that “does all the legwork” for the local Toys for Tots Program. The Leathernecks formed in 1986 to run a local collection program. Fronzaglio said the Leathernecks also accept cash donations and then purchase additional new toys from stores in the Mon Valley, which he says is an extra little boost to the local economy. Anyone can send a check made payable to “Toys for Tots” to Wally Fronzaglio/Toys for Tots, 204 Brokaw Ave., Donora, PA 15033, before Dec. 15. Checks received after that date will be used for the 2015 drive. For more information on the local program, contact Coordinator Wally Fronzaglio after 5 p.m. at 724-379-8888.

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

LOCAL NEWS

66th Monessen Lions Club Charter Meeting Honors Lion of the Year

DECEMBER EVENTS AT MONESSEN PUBLIC LIBRARY

The 66th Monessen Lions Club charter meeting recently took place. The Lions Club focuses on community and humanitarian service. At the meeting, Don Hayes was honored with the Lion of the Year award. Past King Lion Lucille D’Alfonso presented Hayes with the Lion of the Year plaque. The after-dinner speaker of this meeting was Natalie Ruschell. She is a former member of the Board of Trustees of the McDonald Free Library and a former member of the Board of Directors of the Lion of the Year Don Hayes and Greater Pittsburgh Guild for the Blind, past King Lion Lucille D’Alfonso where she served additionally as the with the Lion of the Year plaque. Board’s secretary and assistant treasurer. She more recently served on the Board of Directors of Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh. She is a current member of the Board of Directors of the Beacon Lodge and the Washington-Greene County Blind Association.

Sisters Home Overflows with Christmas Spirit as Motherhouse Doors Open for ‘Christmas on Mt. Providence’ Tours As they prepare to celebrate their 92nd Christmas as a community, the Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God are opening their doors for neighbors and friends to share in the traditions, history and beauty of Christmas on Mt. Providence – the affectionate name for their home overlooking Pittsburgh’s South Hills. On Thursday, December 11, the Sisters will welcome visitors into their home for ‘Christmas on Mt. Providence’ – a spin-off of the popular ‘History at Twilight’ tours. Congregational archivist Dennis Wodzinski will guide guests through over 90 years of holiday traditions and captivating history of the Sisters while touring a festively decorated motherhouse and Mary Immaculate Chapel. The event begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 11 in the reception area of the Sisters’ motherhouse, located at 3603 McRoberts Road in Whitehall. Light refreshments with the Sisters will follow the tour. The event is free to attend, but reservations are requested. For more information and to reserve a space, please call 412-885-7231 or e-mail info@osfprov.org. Owner/Publisher Douglas E. Haniford

Published Monthly by Haniford Enterprises, LLC Contact us: P.O. Box 13363, Pittsburgh, PA 15243 Phone/Fax: (412) 249-8177 E-mail: news@messengerpaper.com The South Hills - Mon Valley Messenger is published during the last week of the month preceding the issue date. It is available FREE of charge at over 320 area locations throughout the South Hills and Mon Valley communities.

Editor Christen Stroh Editorial Coordinator Judy Gramm Contributing Writers Ken Askew, J.R. Brower, Paul Chasko, Colette Dell Tracy Fedkoe, William Frankfort Alice Harris , Charlotte Hopkins Mandy Withers-Kozlowski Heather Latorre, Samantha Milton Miranda Startare Christen Stroh

messengerpaper.com 29 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Monessen Public Library & Cultural Center will present the South Hills Brass and their original musical production of the Dr. Seuss classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" on Monday, December 15 at 6 p.m. The South Hills Brass, a traditional brass quintet, has sectioned the story with Christmas carols and features Ms. Catherine Deepas as storyteller and Mr. Michael Gilbert in the role of the Grinch. The program will also include selections or traditional Holiday music and conclude with the Canadian Brass arrangement of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus from the Messiah. Admission to the program is free. Local children’s author “Uncle” Dave Howard will be at the Monessen Public Library on Monday, December 15 from 4:30 -7 p.m. to discuss his children’s books, including the awardwinning book, Lady’s Day to Play. The session, sponsored by the Friends of the Monessen Public library, will include a book discussion, questionand-answer session and book-signing. Copies of his books will also be available for purchase. For more information about Uncle Dave, please visit his website at http://www.uncledavesbooks.com/ A change has been made in the library wifi usage policy. Those who want to use the library's wifi will have to have a valid library card. When someone tries to access the wifi, he will be prompted for his library card number and password, which is the

Photography Paul Chasko Alice Harris Marianne Kleppner Advertising: Heather Daerr, Kim Davidovich Carlo Bonadio, Kelly Frost Charmaine Nebash Circulation Manager Ken Askew Art Director JMC Graphics, adsjmcgraphics@aol.com (412) 835-5796

last 4 digits of the phone number provided to us. Monessen Public Library & Cultural Center is selling the Enjoy Coupon Book as a fundraiser to support the operations and activities of the library. Books are available for a $30 donation at the front desk. The book pays for itself after using a few of the enclosed coupon offers. There are deals for dining out, sports activities, theatres, cultural events and even the dry cleaners. They make great holiday gifts! Another great gift idea is the Book Lover’s Calendar, which contains a year’s worth of great authors, great books and great reading. The calendar is available for a $10 donation at the library. The Holiday Boutique at the library features great Christmas stocking stuffers and gifts. The hours will be noon - 3 p.m. on days the library is open (Monday – Thursday and Saturday). Monessen Public Library & Cultural Center will be closed on December 24, 25 and 31, as well as January 1. A special craft hour will be held on Wednesday, December 10 at 5 p.m. to make holiday ornaments in the Children’s Room. The Children’s Christmas party will be on Monday, December 22 at 6 p.m. Santa Claus will be present to join in the fun and have his photo taken with children of all ages. The Mon Valley Genealogy Forum will not meet in December.

Editorial Policy The South Hills-Mon Valley Messenger publishes community news free of charge. We welcome the submission of articles, news releases, community announcements, editorials and letters for publication. The Messenger will accept information via telephone, e-mail, Fax, or U.S. mail. Articles submitted without the complete name, address and telephone number of the author will not be printed. All submissions are subject to editing for length, clarity and taste. Photographs will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Deadline for submissions is the 15th day of the month preceding issue date.

© The South Hills-Mon Valley Messenger and Haniford Enterprises, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. We reserve the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at anytime. The opinions expressed in the Messenger are those of the author, and not necessarily of the Messenger.

For advertising information, call (412) 249-8177 or e-mail news@messengerpaper.com

————————————————————————————————————————— 30 messengerpaper.com

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Local People News Century 21 Frontier Realty Bids Farewell to Dedicated Secretary Thank you and best wishes to Mary Anne Kelch, who will be retiring from Century 21 Frontier Realty (formerly Century 21 Van Voorhis Realtors) in December. She has been a dedicated secretary for these real estate offices for the past 33 + years. It's been a privilege to have worked with her and to call her our friend. We wish her the best and hope she has a wonderful retirement. We thank you, Mary Anne, for all your hard work and help. Good Luck & Best Wishes, Ellen, Bobby, Joyce, Vivian and all who have worked with you through the years

Your source for hometown, community news...

the

South Hills- Mon Valley MESSENGER

Charthene Club Names Bailey Worthing November Girl of the Month Bailey Worthing has been selected as the November Girl of the Month by the Charthene Club. Bailey is a senior honor student at Charleroi Area High School. She serves as secretary for the Executive Committee and treasurer of the Drama Club. She is a member of the Physics Club; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Club; Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America; Spanish Club; and Student Council. Bailey was awarded 1st place in the Modern Language Competition at California University. Bailey Worthing Bailey participates in Relay for Life, Blood Drives, Peer Tutoring, and Charleroi Clean-Up Days. She also volunteers at Four Oaks Personal Care Home and has sung for the residences at Autumn Arbor Personal Care Home. She is employed at Pizza Hut. Bailey is the daughter of Heidi Worthing. Her future plans at to attend Seton Hill in their five-year physician assistant program.

Phone or Fax: 412.249.8177 • Email: news@messengerpaper.com

Automotive

Complete Automotive Service State Inspection & Emissions Station Used Parts / Towing & Roadside Assistance

Tap into the power of the Messenger. Call today to learn more. 412.249.8177

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

messengerpaper.com —————————————————————————————————————————— 31

Business & Merchant News News and Events from the Peters Township Chamber

Wendy’s Grand Re-Opening Ribbon-Cutting

Multi-Chamber Progressive Luncheon

Vintage to Vogue Grand Re-Opening Holiday Open House

Upcoming Events December 10 Holiday Luncheon

For more information, contact the Peters Township Chamber at 724-941-6345 or e-mail us at info@peterstownshipchamber.com

Check out our new website atwww.PTCOC.org!

Please Welcome Our New Members The Grounds Guys of Mt Lebanon Heisler’s Market Liberty Mutual Insurance RE/MAX Home Center Ridgewell Financial Consultants Trax Farms After-Hours

Visit us online at www.messengerpaper.com

————————————————————————————————————————— 32 messengerpaper.com

MON VALLEY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS Edward M. Bryner Charleroi Borough Council 809 Crest Avenue Charleroi, PA 15022 Associate Member Duke of Oil Camera Bartolotta 1304 Country Club Road Monongahela, PA 15063 724-258-8885 Auto Services First Commonwealth Bank Jennifer Bibb 548 Rock Run Road Elizabeth, PA 15037 412-673-7086 www.fcbanking.com Bank Commissioner Diana Irey-Vaughan, Washington County 100 West Beau Street, Suite 702 Washington, PA 15301 724-228-6721 www.co.washington.pa.us Associate Member Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Donald I Mangel 201 W. Wheeling Street Washington, PA 15301 724-223-4430 Employment Services for the Disabled Re/Max Select Realty Dionne Malush 130 Valley View Drive Belle Vernon, PA 15012 724-554-3514 www.DionneMalush.com Real Estate Mark A. Smith 22 Andrews Lane Charleroi, PA 15022 Associate Member

BUSINESS & MERCHANT NEWS

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

GRC Holds Ribbon-Cuttings for Grand Openings of New Businesses The GRC had the pleasure to welcome two new businesses to the community and celebrate the growth and expansion of another with grand opening ribbon cuttings.

Lisa Doria State Farm Insurance The grand opening of Lisa Doria State Farm Insurance, located at 209 Post Lane, Belle Vernon, was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting on Thursday, Nov. 13. Lisa Doria State Farm Insurance provides all Pictured are (l-r): GRC treasurer Bernie Zunic, GRC president Deborah Puglia and GRC vice presiinsurance services dent Mary Esther Antal, with Lisa Doria, principal agent, and Brianna Ehnn, team member. including home, auto, fire and life insurance, financial services and banking services such as credit cards, line of credit, vehicle financing, deposit accounts, savings accounts and CDS. Lisa grew up in Star Junction and has been a resident of Rostraver Township for the past 10 years. A strong community leader, Lisa is a member of the Belle Vernon Rotary, Greater Rostraver Chamber of Commerce, St. Anne Church and former Young Leadership Board Member of Girl’s Hope. Lisa holds a MBA, has over 20 years of sales and service experience, and has been with State Farm for a year receiving the quality training needed to open her own office. To learn more about the services offered by Lisa Doria State Farm Insurance, call 724-268-3929.

Tiny Dancer Boutique A ribbon cutting was held at Tiny Dancer Boutique on Oct. 30 to welcome them to the Greater Rostraver Chamber of Commerce and the community. Tiny Dancer Boutique, located at 1228 Rostraver Rd., Belle Vernon is a retail shop specializing in dance apparel, shoes, accessories and athletic wear. The convenient location and store hours will accommodate local dance teachers, students, athletes and their parents. Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.tinydancerboutique.com or call 724-7988117.

Pictured are (l-r): GRC Board President Deborah Puglia and Justin, Amy, Alex and Hannah Nash.

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

BUSINESS & MERCHANT NEWS

Charleroi Volunteer Fire Dept. Shines in November MVRCC Member Spotlight

Pictured are (l -r): Bob Whiten, Sr., Kerry McCorkle, Sr., Hayden Roberts, Bob Anderson, Glen Haukedahl, Steve Anderson, Andrew Akers, Doug Prentice, Jr., Bob Whiten, Jr., Ian Whiten, and Matt Prentice. Kneeling (l -r): Charlie Yakich, Doug Prentice, Sr., and Kerry McCorkle, Jr.

The Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to honor the Charleroi Volunteer Fire Department, No. 33, in the November Member Spotlight. They serve tirelessly and fearlessly to protect the citizens and property of the Borough of Charleroi and to all mid-Mon Valley communities. Always present at community events, the CVFD recently participated in the Mon Valley Hospital/Lois Orange Ducoeur Breast Cancer Walk held in downtown Charleroi.

E-mail your News to:

news@messengerpaper.com

messengerpaper.com 33 ——————————————————————————————————————————

34 messengerpaper.com —————————————————————————————————————————

BUSINESS & MERCHANT NEWS

Giant Eagle Named GRC November Business of the Month

Pictured are (l-r): Lynn Grimes, GRC Board Member; Shelley Canigiani, Grocery Team Leader; and Cathy Yurkovich.

The Giant Eagle supermarket, located at 300 Tri-County Lane in the TriCounty Plaza in Belle Vernon, was awarded the Business of the Month honors for November by the Greater Rostraver Chamber of Commerce. For store information, call 724-929-6750.

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

MACC November Business of the Month is Doreen Walters, Associate Broker/Realtor, Northwood Realty Services Monongahela Area Chamber of Commence is pleased to name Doreen Walters, Associate Broker/ Realtor, Northwood Realty Services, as their November Business of the Month. Doreen has been practicing real estate for almost 18 years. She stated, “I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to help so many people achieve their goals of home ownership and helping sellers capitalize on their property sales. It has always been my mission to provide the highest level of professional service by sharing my knowledge and experience to help clients make the best possible decisions in their real estate transactions.” Doreen has been committed to passionately help her clients while continuing to exceed expectations! “I am proud to be a part of moving the Mon Valley into a brighter, safer and more successful future,” she said.

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

BUSINESS & MERCHANT NEWS

Quality Pasta Company Holds Ribbon Cutting

The Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce recently participated in the ribbon cutting at Quality Pasta Company, celebrating their opening at the former Sparkle grocery space at Chamber Plaza. The site is now home to a state-of-the-art food packaging facility, creating packaging for dry grocery products and providing 20 new jobs to the region. The opening of this facility represents 100% occupancy of the building left vacant by the departure of Montgomery Wards, Rite Aid and Sparkle Grocery Store. Taking part in the festivities are left to right: Harlan Shober, Washington County Commissioner; Brooks Robinson, Governor’s Action Team; Representative Peter Daley; Paul DeStefano, President of Quality Pasta; Armand Ferrara, MVRCC President; Mayor John Mollenauer; former Mayor Nancy Ellis; Washington County Commissioners Larry Maggi and Diana Irey-Vaughn; and Alex Spagno, Quality Pasta Company.

GREATER ROSTRAVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS Tiny Dancer Boutique Amy Nash, 1228 Rostraver Road, Belle Vernon, PA 15012 Phone: 724-798-8117 www.tinydancerboutique.com Retail/Specialty Store State Farm Insurance Lisa Doria, 209 Post Lane, Belle Vernon, PA 15012 Phone: 724-268-3929 Fax: 724-243-3468 Jablonski Notary Agency Anne Jablonski Belle Vernon, PA 15012 Phone; 724-243-3792 Fax: 724-243-3725 www.jablonskisnotaryagency.com

messengerpaper.com 35 ——————————————————————————————————————————

————————————————————————————————————————— 36 messengerpaper.com

BUSINESS & MERCHANT NEWS

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Prima Diva Boutique Stages Grand Re-opening for New Location

Seen here cutting the ribbon on November 14 are (l - r): Deb Keefer, MVRCC Director; Rick Mudrick, MVRCC Vice President; owner’s sister Heather Ellis; owner’s daughter Heathe Amey; John Mollenauer, Charleroi Mayor; Daneen Troup, owner; Sienna Amey, granddaughter of owner; Kelsey Troup, owner’s daughter; Janice Beam, owner’s mother; and Susan Jo Johnson, Susan Jo’s Salon.

The Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce participated in the Grand Re-opening of Prima Diva Boutique at its new location at 435 Fallowfield Ave. in Charleroi. Owner Daneen Troup expanded her space and inventory by moving from her original location on McKean Ave. where she started the business 3 1/2 years ago. She was joined by over 200 customers, friends and family members to wish her well at the event, which featured a children’s fashion show, music, live entertainment and food. Customers can also visit the boutique on line at www.primadivaboutique.com and on Facebook.

Visit us online at www.messengerpaper.com

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

messengerpaper.com 37 ——————————————————————————————————————————

————————————————————————————————————————— 38 messengerpaper.com

BUSINESS & MERCHANT NEWS

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Jefferson Hills Borough Holds Ribbon Cutting for Public Works Facility

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held indoors because of inclement weather.

On a cold, rainy November 1, Jefferson Hills Borough Council, Mayor Janice Cmar, Public Works Director Tom Lovell, Borough Manager Doug Arndt and the Borough Administrative and Public Works staff, architect David McLean, contractors, government officials, and guests participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony that dedicated the Borough's new public works complex and salt storage facility on 11 acres adjacent to the Municipal Center. Special guests were State Senator Matt Smith, PA State House Rep. Rick Saccone, West Jefferson Hills School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Panza, and West Jefferson Hills School Board President Anthony Angotti. "I want to thank everybody who has come out today. Obviously it is not the best

Council President Chris King (left) and Council Vice President Jay Weber

Public Works Director Thomas Lovell poses with the ceremonial scissors.

of days outside. But for us inside it is an important day. It is not every day that you have a capital project of this size that actually comes to fruition. So we are proud of that and we want to showcase it to everyone and recognize those who were involved in the process," said Council President Chris King. President King thanked the West Jefferson Hills School District Superintendent, Michael Panza, and School Board President, Anthony Angotti, for the school district's donation of land for the project. "Some of the property that this facility is built on was donated by the school district, and we want to thank you," King stated. "It is a great example of working together."

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

Seniors

• •••••••••

messengerpaper.com 39 ——————————————————————————————————————————

•••••••••••

Seniors for Safe Driving Plans Upcoming Events Seniors for Safe Driving presents highway safety education programs for senior citizens 55 years of age and older. The highway safety programs are certified by the Pennsylvania Dept. of Transportation. The successful completion of the program makes seniors eligible for a 5% discount on their automobile insurance premiums, across the board, for a period of three years. The discount is mandated by PA state law. If you have never participated in a senior driving program before, you must attend a two-day program. To qualify for a one-day program, you must have taken a senior driving program in the past. No exceptions. Upcoming Programs: N. Huntingdon - Redstone Highlands, December 3, 12 - 4 p.m. McKeesport - Carnegie Library, December 10, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Upper St. Clair - Rec Dept of USC, December 11, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. N. Huntingdon - Redstone Highlands, January 7, 12 - 4 p.m. Bethel Park - Paramount Senior Living, January 21, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Pleasant Hills - St. Elizabeth Church, January 22, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. To register, call 800-559-4880 or online at www.seniorsforsafedriving.com.

Don’t Be Left Out of The Messenger Senior Section. For Editorial or Advertising Opportunities, call (412) 249-8177

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

————————————————————————————————————————— 40 messengerpaper.com

ASK the

EXPERTS PODIATRY AND FOOT HEALTH

Q: What is Heel Spur Syndrome? By Pam Wrobleski, Administrator at Southwestern Ambulatory Surgery Center

A:

New Surgeon in the Neighborhood Hiram Gonzalez-Ortiz, M.D., a general surgeon, welcomes new patients at the Mon-Vale Primary Care Practices office on Brownsville Road Extension in Finleyville. Dr. Gonzalez-Ortiz brings world-class surgical care to the area and offers: I Inpatient and outpatient surgery I Traditional and minimally invasive surgical procedures I Compassionate care I An affiliation with Monongahela Valley Hospital

A heel spur is an extra bone that grows at the spot where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel. The heels spur forms in response to the plantar fascia tugging on the heel bone. Typically, with Heel Spur Syndrome, the sole of the foot hurts when you stand up, especially in the morning. Pain usually occurs on the inside of the foot, near the spot where the heel and arch meet. The pain may lessen after a few steps, but it returns after rest or with prolonged movement. X-Rays of your foot may be taken. You may need an MRI to confirm a stress fracture of the heel bone or a tear in the plantar fascia if symptoms don’t subside with podiatric care. Reducing symptoms is the first goal. Then they work to correct the cause of the problem. If pain is due to poor foot structure, custom-made shoe inserts (orthotics) may help. Others may benefit from a simple change in shoe brands or a stretching program. Often oral or injectable medicines bring immediate relief. Rarely, surgery is needed if other types of treatment don’t control the symptoms. During surgery, the plantar fascia is partially released to reduce the abnormal tension.

For an appointment with one of our experienced podiatrists, please call one of the offices listed below. Southwestern Ambulatory Surgery Center and our physicians participate in all insurances, including UPMC, Highmark, Aetna and most other plans.

Martik Plaza 6108 Brownsville Road Extension Suite 204, Finleyville, PA 15332 724-929-4122

Associates in Podiatry Dr. Lynne Haubelt Dr. David Mance Dr. Scott Solbach 3000 Brownsville Road Pittsburgh, PA 15227 412-881-5580 MM/MK-MVM/9-14

Academy of Podiatry Dr. John Snyder Dr. Jason Hughes Dr. Zachary Thomas 5841 Library Road Bethel Park, PA 15102 412-831-1515

Dr. Eric Freiwald GBU Building 4232 Brownsville Road Pittsburgh, PA 15227 412-881-5989

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

SENIOR NEWS

Local Program Brightens the Holidays for Seniors in Southwest Allegheny and Washington Counties This season, many seniors in southwest Allegheny and Washington counties seniors who are alone or impoverished will receive some holiday cheer thanks to the Be a Santa to a Senior® program. Sponsored by the local Home Instead Senior Care® office, the program brings together area nonprofits, retailers, numerous volunteers and members of the community to provide gifts and companionship for lonely and isolated seniors. “It is heartbreaking to think of the senior members of our community spending the holidays all by themselves, without any gifts or any way to celebrate the season,” said Lucy Cichon, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office serving southwest Allegheny and Washington counties. “But all too often, that’s what happens when seniors live alone. It can be a really tough time of year for them.” Home Instead Senior Care has partnered with several local agencies to help with the gift collection and distribution. Program officials hope to collect 1,000 gifts in order to help more than 350 area seniors this holiday season. Participating retail locations will display ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ Christmas trees until December 15 that feature ornaments with seniors’ first names and their gift requests. Holiday shoppers can pick ornaments from the trees, buy the items listed and return them unwrapped (and with the ornament attached) to the store.

A ‘BE A SANTA TO A SENIOR’ TREE WILL BE LOCATED AT: Washington Crown Center, 1500 West Chestnut St. Washington Classics by Rene, 23A Old Clairton Rd., Pleasant Hills Curves in Bethel Park, Corner of South Park Rd and Church Rd., Bethel Park Walgreens in Upper St. Clair, Corner of Route 19 and Washington Road Thomas Campbell Christian Center, 850 Beech Street, Washington Home Instead Senior Care, 2000 Oxford Dr., Bethel Park Program partners and volunteers will wrap and distribute the gifts to local seniors who might otherwise spend the holiday alone. “During this season of giving, we encourage shoppers to buy a little extra for a local senior,” said Cichon. “Your gift – and more importantly the visit that comes with the delivery – could make their holiday season.” For more information about the program, visit BeaSantatoaSenior.com or call 412-595-7554.

messengerpaper.com 41 ——————————————————————————————————————————

SENIOR NEWS FROM THE VENETIA COMMUNITY CENTER The following information is for the Venetia Community Center, located at 800 Venetia Rd., Venetia. We are sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging. Listed is our program for December 11. First, we have a nurse coming from Caring Missions of Washington. Sharon Rice will be doing blood pressure screenings from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. followed by a delicious lunch prepared by the Canonsburg Senior Center and brought down by our faithful drivers and served by our kitchen volunteers. We will be entertained by the following organizations: • Caring Missions of Washington - Sharon Rice • Humbert Lane - Sherry Huntington • Beinhauer Funeral Home - Kelly Carter • Progressive Mobility - Sally Edwards A great time is being planned for December 11. All you need is a reservation by calling Erma at 724-941-6956. In addition to the lunch, there will be a Chinese auction and 50/50 for some lucky winners, and don't forget Santa Claus. Birthdays for December are Bill Crawford, Bill Higbee, Elizabeth Jefferies, Lois McCloskey, and Dorothy Townsend.

Email your Health News to: news@messengerpaper.com

PITTSBURGH EYE INSTITUTE

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Valley Seniors Club Plan Cruise Trip This Spring Valley Seniors Club is sponsoring an 11-day cruise to the Western Caribbean, April 18 - 28, 2015 with Royal Caribbean. The trip includes Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica and their private island, Labadie. Transportation to and from Baltimore is included. Inside cabins start at $1,272 including port charges and taxes. For information, call Marlene Owens at 724-258-3950.

412 382 7155

www.pittlasik.com

————————————————————————————————————————— 42 messengerpaper.com

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Recent Local Death Notices AMMON, Robert Norman, 66, of New Eagle, died October 15. Arrangements by Frye Funeral Home, Inc. in Monongahela. ANGEL, Dolores “Dolly”, of Baldwin Boro, died November 4. Arrangements by Griffith Funeral Home, Inc. in South Park Township. BACCELLI, Mary J., 91, of Whitehall, died October 27. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills. BALLIARD, George Bennett, 72, of Union Township, died October 21. Arrangements by Frye Funeral Home, Inc. in Monongahela. BANKS, Norma J. (Weidenhof), 79, of Bethel Park, died October 22. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills. BAUMANN, Thomas Raymond, 64, of Fallowfield Township, died October 18. Arrangements by Frye Funeral Home, Inc. in Monongahela. BEEDLE, Marian, 98, of Finleyville, died November 7. Arrangements by Kegel Funeral Home in Finleyville. BENDEL, Elizabeth, 88, of Jefferson Hills, died October 28. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills. BOWEN, Robin Jean Davis, 48, of Monongahela, died October 2. Arrangements by Frye Funeral Home, Inc. in Monongahela. BURY, Andrew G., 86, of Roscoe, died November 5. Arrangements by Melenyzer Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Inc. in Roscoe. CAMPBELL, James, 67, of Finleyville, died October 13. Arrangements by Kegel Funeral Home in Finleyville. CANCILLA, Anthony J., 89, of Castle Shannon, died November 5. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills. CHAPASKO, Norma Daugherty, 75, of Charleroi, died November 6. Arrangements by Schrock-Hogan Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Charleroi. COSTELLO, Mary, 87, of Union Township, died October 29.

Arrangements by Frye Funeral Home, Inc. in Monongahela. COYLE, Teresa, 48, of New Eagle, died October 18. Arrangements by Frye Funeral Home, Inc. in Monongahela. CUDDY, Gerald C., 85, of Bethel Park, died October 24. Arrangements by the Paul L. Henney Memorial Chapel in Bethel Park. DEVERS, Gerald Wilson, 86, of New Eagle, died October 15. Arrangements by Frye Funeral Home, Inc. in Monongahela. DUNN, Geraldine L., (Becker), of Bethel Park, died November 12. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills. DUSCH, Regina M., “Jean” (McGurk), 92, of South Park, died October 27. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills. EICHLER, Alfred Tennyson Jr., 64, of Jefferson Borough, died October 26. Arrangements by Griffith Funeral Home, Inc. in South Park Township. ERICKSON, Eva P., 98, of McMurray, died November 3. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills. ETTENSON, Norman J., 87, of Bethel Park, died October 17. Arrangements by the Paul L. Henney Memorial Chapel in Bethel Park. FABISESKI, Rose “Rosie” (Dolinar), 97, of Baldwin, died November 1. Arrangements by Griffith Funeral Home, Inc. in South Park Township. FINLEY, Lawrence H. “Larry”, 96, of Bethel Park, died November 8. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills. FLEMING, Elsie M., 100, of Bethel Park, died October 25. Arrangements by the Paul L. Henney Memorial Chapel in Bethel Park. FOSTER, Karin M., 67, of Bethel Park, died October 11. Arrangements by the Paul L. Henney Memorial Chapel in Bethel Park. GIBSON, Helen, 87, of Clairton, died November 8. Arrangements by

Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills. GUY, Andrew, 88, of Charleroi, died November 16. Arrangements by Carl J. Spallino Funeral Home in Charleroi. GUZZI, Dominick, 88, of South Park, died October22. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills. HANEY, Dorothy “Dot” (Novak), 88, of Elizabeth, formerly of West Homestead, died November 2. Arrangements by Stephen Slater Funeral Home in Jefferson Hills. HARTMAN, Charles N., 84, of Bethel Park, died October 17. Arrangements by the Paul L. Henney Memorial Chapel in Bethel Park. HELA, Dorothy, 63, of Stockdale, died November 7. Arrangements by Melenyzer Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Inc. in Roscoe. HINKEL, R. James, of BaldwinWhitehall, died November 15. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills. HORAN, Helen M., 81, of Castle Shannon, died November 10. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills. HOUGH, Esther M., 85, of Monongahela, died October 29. Arrangements by Marshall Marra Funeral Home in Monongahela. HOUSTON, John E. Jr., 87, of North Charleroi, died October 28. Arrangements by Schrock-Hogan Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Charleroi. HUNT, Rebecca, 59, of Pleasant Hills, died November 13. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills. HUYGENS, Frank V., 90, of South Park, died October 23. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills. JANOCSKO, Michelle M., 19, of Bethel Park, died October 14. Arrangements by the Paul L. Henney Memorial Chapel in Bethel Park. JURCZAK, Leona, 98, formerly of North Charleroi, died November 11.

Arrangements by Schrock-Hogan Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Charleroi. KAHL, Dorothy Ruth, 92, of Monongahela (Carroll Township), died October 15. Arrangements by Marshall Marra Funeral Home in Monongahela. LIGNELLI, Clemintina “Sese” (Fidanzato), 91, of Tampa, FL, formerly of Monongahela, died October 7. Arrangements by Marshall Marra Funeral Home in Monongahela. MANCINI, James A., 68, of Elrama, died October 17. Arrangements by Kegel Funeral Home in Finleyville. MANKO, James L., 54, of Eighty-four and Nottingham Township, died November 8. Arrangements by Kegel Funeral Home in Finleyville. MARCHELLETTA, Niblo R., 91, of Jefferson Boro, died November 6. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills. MASTRO, Lorraine C. (Leach), 86, of Monongahela, died October 6. Arrangements by Marshall Marra Funeral Home in Monongahela. MATTSON, Frederick C., 85, of West Mifflin, died November 6. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills. MINERD, Rosemarie A. DuJordan Doerfler, 76, of Charleroi, died November 2. Arrangements by Carl J. Spallino Funeral Home in Charleroi. MOORE, Mary, 73, of Finleyville, died November 4. Arrangements by Kegel Funeral Home in Finleyville. NAGY, Bruna, 88, of Baldwin, died November 9. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills. OSBORNE, Donald “Oz”, 60, of Charleroi, died October 21. Arrangements by Carl J. Spallino Funeral Home in Charleroi. PAVLIK, Mary L. (Filoconio), 96, of Clairton, formerly of Jeannette, died November 4. Arrangements by Stephen Slater Funeral Home in Jefferson Hills.

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

Recent Local Death Notices PAYNE, Donna M., (Simmons), 64, of North Hills, formerly of Jefferson Hills, died October 23. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills. POVICH, Martha “Marcie”, 91, of Carroll Township, died October 29. Arrangements by Melenyzer Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Inc. in Roscoe. PUST, Glenn R., 53, of Monongahela, died October 15. Arrangements by Marshall Marra Funeral Home in Monongahela. QUINET, Julius C., 98, formerly of Bethel Park, died October 19. Arrangements by the Paul L. Henney Memorial Chapel in Bethel Park. RAVISH, Stanley John, 88, of Forward Township, died October 4. Arrangements by Frye Funeral Home, Inc. in Monongahela. SCHAFFER, Edward, 84, of Bethel Park, died October 6. Arrangements by the Paul L. Henney Memorial Chapel in Bethel Park. SCHENCK, William Jr., 66, of Bethel Park, died November 13. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills. SHAW, Shirley Ann, 80, of Monongahela, died October 11. Arrangements by Frye Funeral Home, Inc. in Monongahela. SIMMONS, Judge Paul A., 93, of Monongahela, died October 9. Arrangements by Frye Funeral Home, Inc. in Monongahela. SLOGAN, Dolores “Chris” A., 91, of Pleasant Hills, died October 26. Arrangements by Griffith Funeral Home, Inc. in South Park Township. SMITH, Janice R., 65, of Bethel Park, died November 5. Arrangements by Kegel Funeral Home in Finleyville. SMITH, William H., 80, of Bethel Park, died October 8. Arrangements by the Paul L. Henney Memorial Chapel in Bethel Park. STEPHENSON, Martha (Allison), 84, of Baldwin Boro, died November 4. Arrangements by Griffith Funeral Home, Inc. in South Park Township.

STOCKDALE, Carole Ann, 67, Fallowfield Township, died October 25. Arrangements by Schrock-Hogan Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Charleroi. TAMBELLA, John Joseph, 88, of Pleasant Hills, died November 13. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills. TAYLOR, Jean, 86, of Curry, died November 13. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills. TIERNAN, George L., 74, of Roscoe, died November 13. Arrangements by Melenyzer Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Inc. in Roscoe. TRAYNER, Thelma, 87, formerly of Belle Vernon, died October 21. Arrangements by Melenyzer Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Inc. in Roscoe. TROIANO, Yolanda “Lil”, 96, of Carroll Township, died October 21. Arrangements by Carl J. Spallino Funeral Home in Charleroi. TYRPIN, Donna C., 86, of Long Branch, died October 27. Arrangements by Melenyzer Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Inc. in Roscoe. TYRPIN, Stanley, 87, of Long Branch, died November 3. Arrangements by Melenyzer Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Inc. in Roscoe. VESTRAT, Grace May (Behanna), 73, of Monongahela, died October 8. Arrangements by Marshall Marra Funeral Home in Monongahela. WAGGETT, Beatrice A. “Sis” (Towers), 91, of Baldwin, died October 24. Arrangements by Griffith Funeral Home, Inc. in South Park Township. WELLINGTON, James “Jim” “Poppa” Howard, 69, of Finleyville, died November 2. Arrangements by Kegel Funeral Home in Finleyville. ZACCHERO, Margaret “Peggy” (Cooper), 88, of Baldwin Township, died October 29. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills.

messengerpaper.com 43 ——————————————————————————————————————————

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

44 messengerpaper.com —————————————————————————————————————————

SPORTS Steel City Warriors Visit with GRC Members

Ron Necciai Among Those Inducted into the PA Sports Hall of Fame

Several players, along with front office staff and the team owner of the Steel City Warriors, visited with GRC members at a Meet & Greet on Nov. 18th. The Steel City Warriors play in the Federal Hockey League. The Warriors play at home at the Rostraver Ice Gardens. Tickets are available by calling 724-823-0765 or visiting www.steelcitywarriors.com.

2014 inductees: Seated: Elizabeth Cope for deceased father Myron; Bob Milkvy; Gerald Karver; Debbie Black; and Ron Necciai. Standing: Joseph Bressi; Kane Kalas for deceased father Harry; John McDonald; Lance Rautzhan; John Cartwright and Robert Donato.

Evie Moreno and Erin Palangio. Standing (l-r): Zach Tatrn, Jake Slimm, Rob Morton, Team Owner Annice Reaves, MJ Graham, Colin Dunne.

;OLYL»Z Z[PSS [PTL [V I\` H *SHZZPJ I\[ UV[ T\JO

EPA’s proposed rules will eliminate your choice to buy a new Classic on or about April 2015.

Now is the best time to buy a new Classic.

Call today! +LHSLYZOPW 5HTL *P[` :[H[L 7OVUL 5\TILY Outdoor Wood Furnace *Once proposed EPA rules are in effect, the retail sale of Classic furnaces in the United States will no longer be allowed. According to the EPA, the proposed standards would only apply to new wood heaters and will not affect wood heaters already in use in home or wood heaters currently for sale. 14-nnnn

*LU[YHS)VPSLY JVT

Ron Necciai was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame as the 19th Mid Mon Valley chapter inductee. Proceedings were held for the 52nd Annual State Induction Ceremony Saturday, November 8 at the Woodlands Inn and Resort Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Necciai was among 11 inductees including: Deborah Black, Bucks County chapter for basketball; Joseph Bressi, Ed Romance chapter as a basketball coach; John Cartright, Delaware County chapter for Pictured are (l-r): Steve Russell, Mid Mon Valley football; Myron S. Cope, chapter general chairman; Ron Necciai; and Dr. Western chapter for sportsSteve George, president of the Pennsylvania writer-broadcaster; Bob Sports Hall of Fame. Donato, Delaware County chapter as a basketball official; Harry M. Kalas deceased, Delaware County chapter for baseball broadcasting; George Karver, Bucks County chapter for track and field; John M. McDonald, Allen-Rogowicz chapter for football and track; Dr. Robert Mlkvy, Carbon County Area chapter for basketball; Lance Rautzhan, Allen-Rogowicz chapter for baseball.

Visit us online at www.messengerpaper.com

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

messengerpaper.com 45 ——————————————————————————————————————————

School News...School News Ringgold Elementary South Holds Spectacular Veterans Day Performance All set for a Native American chant

By Paul Chasko

“Ha Va Na Gila”

The Ringgold Elementary School South (RESS) fifth grade students celebrated Veterans Day with a musical performance that celebrated our nation of diversity where “all people are appreciated for the unique individuals they are.” That was the basic theme of the performance, which highlighted all of our ethnic origins by remembering all who came to America searching for a better way of life. It was obvious that the fifth graders, teachers and parents/guardians worked hard on this performance. The kids’ costumes, singing and dancing were sensational, and the performance was enjoyed by all especially the veterans who were guests of honor. There were musical songs and dances that originated all over this world and were brought to America. The program closed with several patriotic numbers and a slide presentation specifically to honor the veterans who attended. The performers enjoy the applause

An old Irish favorite – “McNamara’s Band”

Go to our website gallery at www.messengerpaper.com for more photos by Paul Chasko of this event.

The girls sing “Sakura” – a Japanese folk song

The Hawaiian “Hukalai”

Swinging to the Pennsylvania Polka

————————————————————————————————————————— 46 messengerpaper.com

SCHOOL NEWS

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Elizabeth Forward Middle School Honors Veterans By Alice Harris First place winner of the Patriots Pen 2014-15 essay contest is Angelina McKorkle (speaking). Runners up are Macy Miskiewicz, Sam Large, and Gracie Elster.

DeJuanna Gile read 'Thank You Veterans' by Jamie Badour.

Elizabeth Forward Middle School celebrated Veterans Day with a tribute to US veterans. Veterans of the Kastan Uveges VFW Post 7632 and Alonzo L. Weigle American Legion Post 553 posted colors and honored POW and MIA with a table and remembrance ceremony. Guest speaker Lt. Colonel Richard D. Collage spoke on the meaning of Veterans Day and what you can do to honor a veteran and concluded by thanking them for their service. He advised students to have goals, write them down, tell others about them, and to work hard to achieve those goals.

Students also participated in the ceremony. The Star Spangled Banner was performed by the Middle School Symphonic Band, the 7th-8th grade orchestra performed “God Bless America,” and the 7th-8th grade chorus performed ‘America the Beautiful’. DeJuanna Gile read ‘Thank You Veterans’, ‘Freedom Isn’t Free’ was read by Kelly Strong, and the ‘History of Taps’ was read by Joram Stith. Hayley Palmer and Natalie Brogna performed 'Taps' and Kaelyn McClain played the snare drum. Patriots Pen essay winners were awarded by Robert MacPherson. After a video tribute by local veterans, guests were invited to the library for refreshments.

Posting of colors by the Kastan Uveges VFW Post 7632 and Alonzo L. Weigle American Legion Post 553

Old Trails Professional Women’s Club Recognizes Students of the Month for Art The Students of the Month for the field of art from four area high schools were honored and received certificates at the November meeting of the Old Trails Professional Women's Club at King's Restaurant in Bentleyville. The students introduced their guests, showed examples of their art work, and told of their plans after graduation. Taylor Green from Beth Center was with her mother, Denise Green and grandmother, Dorothy Cernicky. From Bentworth was Amanda Cole, accompanied by her parents, Joe and Kay Cole, and her sister. From California was Shelbe Lee Ferry, accompanied by her parents, Alan and Sandra Ferry, and her brother. Charleroi's student was Lyssa Current, who attended with her parents, Mark and Marla Current.

Joram Stith read 'The History of Taps'.

Guest Speaker Lieutenant Colonel Richard D. Collage, Pennsylvania National Guard, PA Counter-drug Joint Task Force.

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

SCHOOL NEWS

messengerpaper.com 47 ——————————————————————————————————————————

"Where Faith and Knowledge Meet" Madonna Catholic Regional

SCHOOL NEWS First Quarter Honor Roll for Madonna Catholic Regional School GRADE 8 High Honors Nina Alvarez, Chase Angotti Honors Elizabeth Quattrone, Anthony Romasco, Carina Villella GRADE 7 Highest Honors Jennie Bostich, Jake Caldwell, Shane Simpson High Honors Amara Behanna, Mickey Falappi, Morgan Motycki, Frank Startare Honors Jillian Scherer, Elaina Serrao GRADE 6 High Honors Jacob Brigode, Rebecca Grandinette Honors Clayton Rosensteel, Jesse Sala, Paige Sands

Pathfinder School Takes First Place in Gingerbread Competition The PPG Gingerbread Display/Competition and Train Display is held every year at the Wintergarden at PPG Place in downtown Pittsburgh. The event is going on now through January 7, 2015 and is free of charge. This year, The Pathfinder School scored a first place ribbon in their division with their entry, “A Very Minion Christmas!”, based on characters from the movie Despicable Me, a favorite with Pathfinder students. This is the third time that the Pathfinder School has participated in the Gingerbread Display/ Competition and the first time that every classroom contributed to the finished product.

Clairton City School District Receives Grant to Fund Clairton Writes! Program Clairton was given a grant from the Heinz Endowment with the purpose to empower teachers so they can impact the lives of African-American and/or economically disadvantaged youth. Clairton Writes! is the product of this grant. We are utilizing the funding to increase writing across the curriculum in our district. Although there is a focus group of students who are part of the Clairton Writes! team, all students in our building will benefit from this grant, as we are using these Celina Maselli and Anastasia Snowden work on their writing during Clairton Writes! students to pass on what they learn to others. Clairton Writes! is a group of students in grades 6-8. High school AP students are working as mentors to the 6-8th grade students. The first meeting took place on Saturday, November 8 from 9:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. at the middle school. We had 13 middle schoolers and 2 high schoolers attend. Students worked collaboratively to write songs which were then recorded.

St. Elizabeth Elementary School Holds Preschool Story Hour on Dec. 3 St. Elizabeth Elementary School will hold a preschool story hour open to the public on Wednesday, December 3 from 1 - 2 p.m. Any child that is 3 years old and older (and potty-trained) is welcome to attend! We will have great stories followed by some fun activities. Children can be dropped off after signing in with one of the preschool teachers. Parents can stay, but it’s not necessary. It is a fun time that your preschooler won’t want to miss! If you have any questions, please call Sue Lydon at 412-881-2958 or email slydon@st-elizabeth.org. We look forward to seeing you there!

————————————————————————————————————————— 48 messengerpaper.com

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

YOUR HEALTH TOPS WeightLoss Program Now Has Belle Vernon Support Group TOPS stands for Take Off Pounds Sensibly, and we've helped millions of people to do just that over for 60+ years. You’re invited to check out our new Belle Vernon support group chapter that meets at 3 p.m. on Sundays at MVH Plex, Willowpointe, Room 120. You don't have to gain weight for the holidays - just call Denise for more information at 412-298-8148 or Karen at 724-684-5615. Real people lose weight by eating better, staying motivated with group support and making small steady lifestyle changes. Join TOPS today!

Healthy Directions at Giant Eagle Welcomes New Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner Ms. Susanne Davison brings many years of health care experience to the medical center located inside the Finleyville Giant Eagle on Route 88. She is a graduate of Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburgh and spent the first 14 years of her registered nursing career as a child/adolescent psychiatric nurse at St. Francis Medical Center and The Bradley Center — both in Pittsburgh. Ms. Davison joined the United States Air Force in 2003, where she entered at the rank of Captain and performed the duties of a labor and delivery nurse at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. After only three years in the service, she was selected for an Air Suanne Davison Force scholarship to attend the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, MD, to obtain her MSN and become a family nurse practitioner. Ms. Davison was then assigned to start her nurse practitioner career at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. During her tenure at the Academy, as she succeeded in rank from Captain to Major, she provided primary care to active-duty military personnel, retirees and their dependents. She then transferred to work directly with the cadets providing primary care to more than 4,000 cadets and active-duty military in an urgent care-like setting. During her time stationed at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Ms. Davison was deployed for one year to Kandahar, Afghanistan to mentor Afghan doctors and medics. She has received several awards and medals during her service. Ms. Davison returned to Pittsburgh at the end of 2013 as a disabled veteran to be with family. She worked for a non-profit agency and in an occupational health setting before joining the staff of Healthy Directions. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, and Physicians, Scientists and Engineers for Healthy Energy.

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

HEALTH

messengerpaper.com 49 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Now delivering. Advanced women’s care before, during and after pregnancy. We’re accepting new patients. Brand new patients. Our labor and delivery center is now open, giving South Hills communities access to elegant new birthing suites, state-of-the art technology, and the experience and expertise of the Allegheny Health Network’s superb doctors, right in your community. If you’re expecting, or SODQQLQJ WR EH \RX ZRQ¡W ÀQG D EHWWHU SODFH IRU \RX DQG \RXU EDE\ Visit ahn.org/womens to take a virtual tour, or call 412.DOCTORS to learn more.

————————————————————————————————————————— 50 messengerpaper.com

HEALTH

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

MONONGAHELA VALLEY HOSPITAL DECEMBER EVENTS Monongahela Valley Hospital is sponsoring a variety of informative programs in December. Many of the events will be held in the hospital’s Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center (ECC) unless otherwise noted. BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP - Monday, December 1 from 2 – 4 p.m., Hospital, 7-East Family Room. This support group is free and open to all breast cancer patients and their families. The group meets the first Monday of each month. For more information, call 724258-1704. BABY CARE CLASS - Monday, December 1 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., MonVale HealthPLEX. Parents-to-be will learn baby care basics at this instructional session. Topics include home safety, car seat safety, immunizations, breast and bottle feeding, pacifiers, bathing and additional topics. For more information, call 724258-BABY (2229) ext. 9. AUXILIARY – MOE’S DINING EXPERIENCE - Tuesday, December 2 and Wednesday, December 3 at Moe’s

Southwest Grill, Trinity Point, 118 Trinity Point Drive, Washington. Purchase a meal ticket for $8 at the MVH gift shop and redeem it at Moe’s anytime on December 2 or 3. Tickets can only be used once. For more information, call 724-258-1167. INNOVATIONS IN MEDICINE – SHOULDER INJURY REPAIR Monday, December 8 at 6 p.m., ECC. Richard Mitchell, M.D., orthopedic surgeon, will present a free program to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder injuries. This program is part of MVH’s “Innovations in Medicine“ talks featuring physician guest speakers providing medical information to the community. Light refreshments will be served and parking is free. To register, call 724-258-1333. RSDS SUPPORT GROUP - Tuesday, December 9 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., ECC. The Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSDS) Support Group is free and open to all persons with RSDS or related illnesses. For more information, call 724-929-9492.

MANAGING YOUR DIABETES Tuesday, December 9 – Thursday, December 11 from 6 – 9 p.m., ECC. This program is designed to provide tools for daily diabetes self-management. Those attending will learn how to monitor blood sugar, understand diabetes medications and insulin, manage low and high blood sugars, improve his or her lifestyle, better understand carbohydrates and plan meals. The program runs for three consecutive days with either morning or evening classes available each month. Advance registration is required at least one week prior to the start of the scheduled class. For more information or to register, call 724-258-1483. FREE ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER WORKSHOPS - Wednesday, December 10, two sessions — 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., ECC. This free caregiver workshop will discuss Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementias plus stress management techniques. Classes are led by trained professionals. Nurses and social workers will receive 2 CEUs for attending. Light refreshments will be served. Reservations are required. Call 724-258-1333. AUXILIARY $5 JEWELRY SALE Monday, December 15 and Tuesday, December 16 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., ECC. The Auxiliary of Mon-Vale Health Resources, Inc. is sponsoring a $5 jewelry sale with a variety of costume jewelry available for purchase. Free parking provided with any purchase. Proceeds will be used to enhance services for MVH patients and visitors. For more information, call 724258-1167. CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Monday, December 15 at 2 p.m., Hospital,

Is your child struggling with...

ADHD, Autism, Behavior Problems, Trouble Learning? Call

7-East Family Room. This support group is free and open to all cancer patients and their families. The group meets the third Monday of each month. For additional information, call 724-258-1704. ADVANCED CARBOHYDRATE COUNTING - Wednesday, December 17 from 6 – 8 p.m., ECC. This session builds on the education received in the “Managing Your Diabetes” program. Learn more about food choices, dining out and how personal eating habits affect your blood glucose control. Completion of the three-day “Diabetes Self-Management Training” is required prior to attending this class. Registration is required at least one week prior to the start of the class. For more information or to register, call 724258-1483. STROKE SUPPORT GROUP Thursday, December 18 from 1 – 2:30 p.m., ECC. The Stroke Support Group is designed for patients and caregivers to share, learn and grow with people who can personally relate to the daily challenges and struggles they face dealing with strokes and their after-effects. The group meets the last Thursday of each month. For more information, call 724-258-1455. BREASTFEEDING CLASS - Monday, December 29 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., MonVale HealthPLEX. This free class is designed for mothers who plan to breastfeed to help them feel more comfortable and confident while feeding their newborns. Many props are used in this class including breast pumps. Partners and grandmothers are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, call 724-258-BABY (2229) ext. 9.

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

messengerpaper.com 51 ——————————————————————————————————————————

ORTHOPEDICS

ASK the

EXPERTS

Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture

Q: Do all distal biceps tendon injuries require surgery? A: No. Partial tears may be treated conservatively with rest and splint-

FURNITURE & BEDDING

ing, followed by progressive activity advancement. Complete tears of the distal biceps are routinely surgically repaired to prevent the 35% loss in supination strength, 20% loss in elbow flexion strength, and 40% loss of supination endurance. Supination is the ability to turn your palm face up as if you were turning a screw driver.

Q: Can you please explain how iComfort Sleep Systems by Serta is any different than a standard memory foam mattress

Q: How do I know if I have a complete rupture? A: In one study of 48 patients, only 17 (35%) heard an audible pop after

A: Today, many people prefer a memory foam mattress

"Pothole" Highway Appliances

for its pressure-relieving comfort, ability to conform and adapt to each person's body, and outstanding motion isolation. Even so, traditional memory foam technology hasn't changed much since it was invented more than 40 years ago. While it can provide great comfort to many, others find that memory foam mattresses can sleep too hot, sink in too deeply or make it hard to adjust sleep positions in the night. Isn't it about time that someone reinvented memory foam? Introducing the new iComfort Sleep System by Serta, featuring our Cool Action™ Gel Memory Foam - the world’s first memory foam infused with the support and cooling touch of Serta’s MicroSupport™ gel. This revolutionary new memory foam is designed to deliver superior pressure relief and more targeted support while sleeping cooler than ordinary memory foam. Plus, it is antimicrobial and dust mite resistant to help protect your mattress from potential allergens.

COOL ACTION™ GEL MEMORY FOAM What makes iComfort technology better than ordinary memory foam? Serta’s Cool Action Gel Memory Foam is designed to feel like traditional memory foam...only better! What makes our Cool Action material different is the MicroSupport gel, which is infused into premium memory foam to create an extremely comfortable, more supportive and cooler sleep surface. The iComfort® Sleep System offers a variety of options so you can find the level of comfort and support that is perfect for you. Choose from four different models with distinct feels ranging from cushion firm to luxuriously plush. Visit Highway Appliances today and let us show you the how the iComfort Sleep System by Serta can improve your sleeping experience. 2214 Rt. 88, Dunlevy(Exit 40 off Interstate 70, and just minutes off Rt. 43) 724-326-5616 www.highwayappliance.com

udy’s

their injury and of those 17 only 14 patients were confirmed to have a complete distal biceps tendon rupture after undergoing an MRI. It is therefore extremely important to be evaluated by an orthopaedic surgeon specialized in sports and upper extremity care so that a complete rupture is not missed.

Gerson B. Florez, M.D. Orthopaedic Hand & Upper Extremity Surgeon The Orthopedic Group

Q: Can my distal biceps tendon injury be treated with outpatient surgery? A: Yes. Spartan Health Surgicenter is increasing their orthopaedic care volume by working with The Orthopedic Group, a specialized group of fellowship trained surgeons. They will bring expert care and surgical techniques in the fields of hand and upper extremity as well as sports medicine to our facility.

Q: Will I need to be in a splint after surgery? A: Many post-operative protocols have proven effective in the orthopaedic literature, thus you will find variations among surgeons when it comes to post-operative splinting. Dr. Florez, uses a waterproof dressing and a hinged elbow brace that may be removed for hygiene care. This allows his patients to take a shower the day of surgery.

Q: How long before I am allowed to return to work? A: Dr. Florez does not limit range of motion after 2 weeks but does however impose a 1 pound lifting restriction for 10 weeks. If you are able to perform your daily work functions under these parameters, then you can return to work as early as two weeks.

Q: When can I start lifting weights for exercise or return to contact sports? A: Complete tendon-bone integration takes roughly 12 weeks. Dr. Florez requests that his patients delay weight lifting until 6 months from the time of surgery. An appropriate time frame for return to sports after distal biceps repair is 4 to 6 months, where football, rugby and weight lifting are delayed until the 6 month mark from the time of surgery.

S U R G I C E N T E R

For more information on The Orthopedic Group, visit the website www.theorthopedicgroup.com.

————————————————————————————————————————— 52 messengerpaper.com

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Home & Garden Tips on How to Prepare Your Windows and Doors for Winter and Save Energy (BPT) - A typical American household spends about $2,100 on energy bills each year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Most of that expense comes from a home's energy use during the winter heating season. But a quick home checkup can help you can reduce these costs, prepare for winter and enjoy energy savings. Properly installed and maintained windows and doors can help keep your home more comfortable year-round. Save on heating costs by preparing your windows and doors for winter with these tips: • Clear sills and moving parts of dirt and debris. Debris like sand, dirt or leaves can get caught in windowsills and moving parts of windows or doors. Clean these areas with a dry paintbrush

to create a tighter seal and enhance window and door performance. • Check weather stripping. Reattach or replace missing or worn weather stripping around windows and doors. Loose weather stripping can let cold air in during the winter and out in the summer, reducing energy efficiency. • Reapply caulk or sealant around windows and doors. Reseal areas around windows and doors that may

have been exposed to heavy weather or extreme sunlight - creating breaks in caulk or sealant - to help reduce potential drafts and leaks. • Installing snap-in blinds or shades. Install snap-in blinds or shades to help insulate your home from cold outdoor temperatures. Pella Designer Series windows and patio doors feature convenient between-the-glass options to add energy efficiency and privacy. • Repair or replace damaged exterior surfaces. Cracked or deteriorated wood associated with water penetration may allow moisture or cold air to leak into your home. Consult a professional to help correct any roof or drainage problems around your home. • Install storm doors. Storm doors add an extra layer of protection and help reduce air and moisture leakage.

Adding a Pella storm door can reduce energy loss through the entryway by up to 45 percent. • Replace old windows and doors with energy-efficient ones. If you have single-pane glass, clear glass, or older windows or doors, you may be paying more to heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer. Replace old windows with energy-efficient, double or triple-pane glass versions made with insulating argon, or install new durable fiberglass doors to help save money and energy yearround. Visit Pella Windows and Doors on Pinterest for design inspiration and Pella.com/news to connect with a Pella representative for tips on caring for your windows and doors, or choosing new replacements.

EXPIRES Expires12/31/2014 03-31-14

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

HOME & GARDEN

messengerpaper.com —————————————————————————————————————————— 53

————————————————————————————————————————— 54 messengerpaper.com

Tips to Update Your Home’s Technology

HERE ARE A FEW KEY TECH UPDATES TO FULLY BRING YOUR HOME INTO THE 21ST CENTURY. Modernize Your Landline As our mobile phones’ functionality expands with each generation, don’t leave your home phone in the dark ages. You can now link your mobile phone calls to your home phone. For example, with a Panasonic Link2Cell handset, you can link up to two smartphones to make and receive calls, as well as receive talking ID alerts so you never miss a text. You don’t even need a separate landline to use these features. Other technology highlights include Enhanced Noise Reduction that allows you to suppress background noise around callers while simultaneously enhancing their voices, and a powerful battery back-up system that keeps you connected when the power goes out. More information can be found at www.Panasonic.com. Continued on page 61.

HOME & GARDEN

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Recent Local Real Estate Transactions Seller

Buyer

Address

Price

BALDWIN BOROUGH William & Susan Traeger Joint Trust Christine Wacker and Timothy Spirko Mark Doerfler Cory Feeney Hilda Haberman Eugenia Tsangaris Robert Zabielski Richard and Ruth Zabielski Joseph Merkel Colleen Carver & James Chatterton Carver III Estate of Raymond Loreti Christopher and Christine Aul Diane Burton estate et al. David Kaslewicz Ann Schubert Jennifer Mizell Estate of Wesley Watts Martin and Amy Schmotzer Deutsche Bank Nat. Trust Co. trustee Ireena Podsobinski Audrey Moeller et al. Kenneth Moeller Kate Lynn Gasiorowski Mark and Laura Duffy David Mlinac Pauline Martinez Ruefle and Michael Ruefle Brian Numer Michael Burner Jr. and Wendy Burner Estate of Frances Dollinar Lacey Miller and Jeremy Scott Estate of Genevieve Pollock James Snyder Jr. and Katherine Fink Mount. W. IRA FBO Timothy J Kern IRA Andrew Gower and Alicia Bauer Bryan aka Brian Lijewski Wells Fargo Bank NA Sean Stefanik Scott and Catherine Miller

3399 Churchview Ave. 5111 Colewood Drive 440 Elaine Drive 5231 Glenburn Drive 62 Julie Drive 5312 Ranchview Drive 2935 Wildwood Ave. 5234 Gerry Drive 7 Scholar Drive 2813 Castleview Drive 1015 Edward Drive 4867 Elmwood Drive 410 Mary St. 1713 Michael Drive 5651 Sixth St. 840 Agnew Road 5248 Blossom Road 5147 Elmwood Drive 742 Lechner Lane

BALDWIN TOWNSHIP Janet Curley Wisloski Karen Ogg Sara Studt Michael Kassep Erin Boyts Gary Carman Michelle Jenkins

Erica Susanne Thomas Jennifer Cercone Corrado Ceccarelli Adam Jeffrey Reeves and Lauren Fiori Adam Holzworth Robert and Debra Raymond Aylesa Stevenson and Marc Kanski

560 Dewalt Drive 727 Newport Drive 824 Middle Road 721 Rose Lane 520 Crestline Drive 634 Donaldson Drive 508 Highview Road

$106,000 $126,500 $119,887 $125,000 $123,712 $116,500 $135,000

BENTLEYVILLE Patsy Polacheck Robert Hreha Jason Haga et al. Cynthia Damich et al.

Kirk and Nancy Reed Jeffrey and Denise Lancaster Dawn Crawford Hewitt Inc.

341 Main St. 133 Pittsburgh Road 202 Lackawana Ave. 503 Old West Road

$137,900 $10,000 $24,000 $64,900

BETHEL PARK George Dietz Brian Hayes Jeffrey Schmigel Matthew Fidler Smoker & Assoc. Partn.

Susan Wesolowski Brandon Crawford Andrew McKenna Dwayne and Holly Bartek Robert Smoker

336 Allandale Drive $199,000 3037 Bethel Church Road $99,000 5929 Dublin Road $252,000 515 Hollydale Drive $335,000 Library Road $0 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $11,058).

Now t r a n s find Real comm a c t i o n s f r Stats o u www. nity on ou m y o u r mess enger r website! p a per.c Real E Search om. our state and fi Transactio nd cu ns pa ge rr archiv ed ho ent and me sa les.

$86,500 $102,000 $114,900 $120,000 $195,000 $145,000 $37,500 $148,100 $7,500 $67,000 $65,830 $149,000 $224,900 $190,000 $88,900 $93,500 $138,000 $1,871 by sheriff's deed. $151,900

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

HOME & GARDEN

messengerpaper.com 55 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Recent Local Real Estate Transactions Seller Robert Smoker Elizabeth Merenick Salvatore Vitale Cindy Sherrill Estate of Stephen Kowalski Joseph Sholtis John McCormick Anna Vigonic Major Maynard John Lewandowski Christopher Heasley Donald McKinley David Murray Stephen Lucas Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Daniel Moore Paul Samolivitch Patricia Femeding Melissa Kottmeier Sterbal Robert Bishop Jr. JSCR Properties LLC Toni Marsnik Amy Burghardt David Parrish Richard Beyer Andrew Dexter

Buyer Smoker & Assoc. Partn.

Address

Price

Priscilla Drive $0 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $23,896). Patricia Ferneding 1336 Quail Run Circle $124,000 Mary Drangin 1337 Quail Run Circle $123,500 Frank Morgan III and Michele Morgan 186 Spartan Drive $180,000 Michael DeStefano 3580 Valley Drive $91,000 Scott Slaney and Lori Prendergast 5831 Wallace Ave. $307,000 Joseph and Grace Amorose 346 Allandale Drive $220,000 Daniel and Patricia Meshanko 352 Allandale Drive $230,900 Emily Herring 602 Arkwood Drive $114,000 James and Christine Knibloe 1301 Bethel Green Drive $306,500 Mitchell Weidner 2864 Cedar St. $91,000 Daniel and Alisha Wolford 5799 Glen Hill Drive $236,000 Mark Succheralli Jr. and Jordan Succeralli 1097 Greenbriar Drive $169,900 Brandon Zataweski 1036 Logan Road $149,900 Robert and Tereza Pacacha 260 Logan Road $55,500 David and Sally Paoletti 1113 McKnight Drive $167,000 Richard and Monica Kasten 157 Meadowbrook Drive $143,000 Sandra McLaren et al. and Maureen Lawarence 1358 Quail Run Circle $122,000 Denise Raye Jones 4989 Brightwood Road $75,000 Neal and Joyce Cready 5097 Brightwood Road $117,000 Brandon Kurjanowicz 512 Chessbriar Drive $204,550 Mary Ann McArdle 5570 Clarene Drive $103,500 Tannaz Nafe 5591 Florida Ave. $155,000 Kenneth Schwartz Jr. and Christie Schwartz 5886 Horseshoe Drive $185,000 James and Fiona Bell 206 Navajo Road $280,000 Adam and Cassandra Ringer 5803 Shirley Drive $156,350

Tips to Update Your Home’s Technology Continued from page 54

Home Theater Bring the theater experience home by giving your living room or den a tech makeover. A smart home theater system will sync with your devices so you can enjoy music wirelessly or access an external or network drive for media content. Don’t forget the surround sound, as well as a lighting scheme. Programmable Thermostat Going green and being comfortable can now go hand in hand. Improve your home’s energy efficiency and well-being at the same time by investing in a programmable thermostat. Look for a userfriendly, intuitive thermostat that automatically turns itself down when you are not home and that can also be programmed remotely from a laptop, tablet or smartphone. Even if you have all the latest mobile gadgets, there’s no guarantee your home life matches your techy on-the-go lifestyle. Take steps to bring your home up to speed.

————————————————————————————————————————— 56 messengerpaper.com

Finleyville Community Center Hall rental available for up to 100 persons • Parties • Receptions • Meetings • Shows • Bingo and more! For rental information call

724-348-6567 3547 Marion Avenue • Finleyville, PA 15332

Tap into the power of the Messenger. Call today to learn more. 412.249.8177

HOME & GARDEN

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Recent Local Real Estate Transactions Seller

Buyer

Address

Price

Mary Alice Evan Martin Siefering et al. Judith Schmitt Cortina Frank Romano Leonard Sikora Mary Ann Tischler Diana Johnson Estate of Merle Brickner Estate of Andrew Kozup Sofema Homes 1 L.P. Robert Nix Nabil Hajjar Thomas Gatz et al. Estate of Gary Trimmer Patrick Corbett Edward Mur

Eric Conners Ryan and Amanda Oesterle Steven Shannon Vincent and Dawn Maddox Karen Perkaus Matthew and Gena DeIuliis Diane Parker Moore Edward and Lisa Kramer Jerry and Natalie Sandoval Amanda DeFrain Cool Springs Assoc. L.P. Certified Investment Properties LLC Bernice Witt et al. and Jodi Witt Bryan Bolick Ian Joyce Heather Mur Stiles and Michael Stiles

3106 South Park Road $74,000 2680 Summit St. $159,500 906 Tanglewood Drive $166,000 3454 Thornwood Drive $192,000 182 Thunderwood Drive $182,500 2750 Tischler Road $275,000 5542 Beverly Court $398,000 1038 Fairview Drive $53,000 643 Galway Drive $190,000 1042 Gatewood Drive $211,000 Hamilton Road $75,000 107 Heather Drive $87,500 2101 Lenox Drive $130,000 550 Patterson Road $103,000 2516 Sylvania Drive $129,900 5199 Texas Ave. $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $55,000).

BRENTWOOD Kevin Brawdy Qualters Familly Trust John Mendel Robert Pacella et al. Elaine Rodgers Jeffrey Beck Marlene Nix Linda Reese Estate of Frances Riley

Michelle McClory Alan Densmore Kevin Redlinger Lorraine Race Ganga and Rabilal Timsina Brian Deighan Patrick Milas Colleen McCloskey and Andrew Chesky Til and Far Gurung

3235 Bookman Ave. 273 Greenlee Road 3009 Leola Ave. 219 Threnhauser Way 3970 Tuxey Ave. 59 W. Bellecrest Ave. 3224 Willett Road 207 Beisner Ave. 3931 Edge Road

$120,000 $59,000 $98,000 $77,000 $155,000 $88,500 $85,000 $97,500 $136,500

THE AREA’S PREMIER EXTERIOR REPLACEMENT COMPANY Only 3 short weeks from order to installation!

$ WINDOWS r SIDING r ROOFING r DOORS GUTTERS r GUTTER GUARDS www.windowsruspittsburgh.com

FREE

Windows R Us Pittsburgh

Windows R Us South

Windows R Us North

412-892-9960

724-786-7600

724-772-9000

751 High St. Brownsville, PA 15417

2599 Evans City Rd. Harmony, PA 16037

1116 Castle Shannon Blvd. Castle Shannon, PA 15234

no-hassle estimates!

Roofing Division

412-892-9960

188 INSTALLED

Lifetime Warranty Any Size t White Double Hung WINDOW “You’ve Tried The Rest, Now Try The Best!” No Gimmicks, No Games, Absolutely Lowest Prices FULLY LICENSED & INSURED

$188 includes basic window installation only t Some options and labor may affect final price

24- Hour Emergency Tarping Service Available 412-996-4398

t t t t t t t t

Roofing & Repairs Siding Gutters & Downspouts Replacement Windows Entry & Patio Doors Replacement Awnings Replacement Entry Doors Lifetime Warranty

Locally Owned Locally Operated

Serving The Tri-State Area TRUSTED LOCAL EXPERIENCE t LICENSED t INSURED PA License #019080 NAT-44040-1

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

HOME & GARDEN

messengerpaper.com —————————————————————————————————————————— 57 57

Recent Local Real Estate Transactions Seller John Schwartz Estate of Norma Becker Arrow Development LLC Alyssa King Carr Peter Suchy Amanda Baucom Michelle Ann Baranauskas Robert Wirth Timothy Patz Adam DeKnight

Buyer Indra and Sashi Gurung Elizabeth Ann Parnell Luke and Angela Heinlein Zachary Foizey Equity Trust Co. Cust FBO Lisa Jones IRA Rose Real Estate LLC Keith and Rosemary Kihn Mark Wirth US Bank NA Stephanie McClintock

Address 120 Van Wyck Ave. 135 Beisner Ave. 3023 Bremen Ave. 4327 Clairton Blvd. 2821 Clermont Ave. 235 E. Garden Road 115 Greenlee Road 3606 Shadewell Ave. 3402 Willett Road 3010 Brentwood Ave.

Price $82,500 $85,900 $81,500 $95,500 $70,000 $73,500 $72,000 $85,000 $1,866 by sheriff's deed. $74,000

Want to know what your house is worth? Call me! 3523 Washington Avenue Finleyville, PA 15332

Office 724.348.7470

Fax 724.348.8707 • Cell 724.348.8028 Each office is independently owned and operated

Email: marianne@century21.com www.c21frontier.com

CARROLL TOWNSHIP Gary Lenik Arthur Rodriguez et al. Housing & Urban Development Janice Louise Collins et al. Louis Amati III et al. Capital Services Inc.

Gerald and Barbara Maisano Aron and Helen Braddock Barbara Stoffel and Jane Necciai Malinda and Brian Pierce Marcellus Mineral Group LLC Jonathan Gessel

792 Route 481 111 Greenridge Drive 115 Laken St. 41 Pearl Alley Ridgeview Terrace 933 Route 837

CHARLEROI Azcan RPG LLC

Camelback 9 LLC

Estate of Albert Tonarelli Jennifer Johnson Lynda Package et al. Gregory Long Cindy Taylor

Robert Murphy Wells Fargo Bank Aaron Bethea Kyle and Elizabeth Campbell Joseph Federer

1007 Lookout Ave. $41,255 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $41,256). 611 Lookout Ave. $16,750 312 Meadow Ave. $1,359 by sheriff's deed. 837 Meadow Ave. $1,530 410 Fourth St. $54,000 527 First St. $4,500

$10,000 $127,000 $71,000 $20,000 $380,000 $9,000

! " # $

58 messengerpaper.com —————————————————————————————————————————

Tips to Heat Your Home Affordably this Winter

Investigate Heating Alternatives More than one million U.S. homes are currently heated with pellets, and it’s no wonder why -- pellet stoves eliminate 75 percent of the carbon emissions associated with fossil fuel heating. That’s roughly three times the impact of driving a hybrid car and saves consumers $400 to $1,500 or more each year, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. Plus, some state and local municipalities even offer a tax credit for heating all or part of a home with biomass fuels. Continued on page 59

HOME & GARDEN

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Recent Local Real Estate Transactions Seller Buyer Washington County Tax Claim Bureau Papafish Inc.

CLAIRTON Craig Miller

JM Real Esate Management Systems LLC

Federal National Mortgage Assn. Dwight Henley

Kaja Holdings 2 LLC Jarran Bell

Vatcharamai Sudtangthum Estate of Wilma Kocis David Maksin Stephen Stupar Jr. Donna Ross Matthew Krupp Federal National Mortgage Assn. Joseph Buondonno John LeBlanc

US Bank NA Robert and Bertha Gahagen Paul and Mary Rose Petrun Paul Petrun US Bank NA Joy Lopez McGraner Nasir Raees Mark Sikora Richard Lattanzi

DONORA Ringold School District David Mascara Veterans Administration Federal National Mortgage Assn.

Donora Borough Tabitha Trent George Goettel CR Homes LLC

Estate of Jose Garcia Frank Chappell

John McAfee IV and Karen McAfee Joseph Parfitt

Address Price 821 Lookout Ave. $2,299 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $2,300) by sheriff's deed.

562 Farnsworth Ave. $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $19,030). 223 N. Second St. $2,600 508 Pine Alley $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $6,380). 175 Halcomb Ave. $2,110 by sheriff's deed. 415 New York Ave. $15,000 1032 Toman Ave. $14,000 1106 Toman Ave. $6,000 664 Third St. $2,475 by sheriff's deed. 601 Lafayette Drive $32,500 878 Miller Ave. $7,000 213 N. Third St. $15,000 362 New York Ave. $8,000

1200 Chess St. $24,000 80 Delsandro Drive $127,200 60 Highland Ave. $95,500 527 Castner Ave. $8,242 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $8,243). 76 Castner Ave. $8,000 465 Seventh St. $5,000

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

HOME & GARDEN

messengerpaper.com 59 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Recent Local Real Estate Transactions Seller DUNLEVY James Stache

Buyer Stephen Barber and Samantha Rimel

Address 15 Nellie Ave.

Price $80,000

Tips to Heat Your Home Affordably this Winter Continued from page 58

ELIZABETH BOROUGH Estate of Alonzo Howell Robert Salzer

Maribel Howell Robert Salzer and Tammy Swaney

Paula Stevens

Kenneth and Lori Kolodziej

306 Church St. $66,500 1007 Eighth Ave. $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $44,165). 610 Bayard St. $12,000

ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP Estate of Connie Burnheimer Jeffrey Berger Barbara Ann Miklos Jonathan Durbiano Christopher Zeiler Estate of E. Philip Hruska David Aches Ventura Krutz Kathleen Trapana Romel Nicholas Thomas Beckowitz Linda Lee Wilson Byrum Mark Crouch Joseph Tkac et al. Kortney Tomaino Judith McCracken

Fayette Resources Inc. David and Tina Yankovich John Pasternak Jr. and Kristen Pasternak Thomas Ohler Panagiotis Diamantis Donna Juliette Clarke Salvatore Paul Mollise II Edward Campell Jr. and Betty Rae Campbell Brian and Janet Wingate Goodrum L.P. Angelo and Tammy Jo Hadad Timothy Wolfgang IRA Innovations LLC FBO Tammie Aaron Bar Bryan Hickey Ryan and Christine Lee O'Donnell Shelley Hartman

106 Gibson Drive 313 Kennet Drive 2135 Neal Drive 1614 Beechvue St. 710 Clark St. 1237 Penhurst St. Weddell Road 717 Zimmer Lane 1722 Blythdale Road 306 Braemont Place 448 Jeffrey Drive 207 Lexington Drive 926 Simpson Howell Road 400 Circle Drive 750 Scenery Drive 921 Schweitzer Road

CALL US!

$138,000 $204,000 $159,650 $4,000 $63,900 $117,644 $2,000 $60,000 $14,000 $165,000 $185,000 $117,000 $105,000 $70,000 $189,900 $80,000

Additionally, because pellets are made from renewable resources like residual forest waste and agricultural byproducts, they absorb nearly as much carbon growing as they give off when burned, making them carbon neutral, according to the Pellet Fuels Institute. To maximize cost savings, look for a high efficiency, free-standing pellet stove, like the XXV from Harman Stoves. This stylish pellet stove delivers controlled heat thanks to its cast iron details and roomsensing technology, which automatically adjusts heat output to maintain a consistent room temperature. You can also cut costs by replacing a drafty, masonry-built fireplace with an insert, like the Harman Accentra 52i which offers powerful and consistent heat with low maintenance and fuel-saving technology. To learn more about energy efficient, costsaving alternatives for home heating, visit www.HarmanStoves.com.

————————————————————————————————————————— 60 messengerpaper.com

Timely, BudgetFriendly Solutions for Getting Your House Ready for the Holidays

(BPT) - The fun chaos of the holidays is right around the corner. Family gatherings to plan, delicious meals to prepare, gifts to find and purchase, and a house to decorate ... the list goes on! With entertaining season approaching at warp speed, it's time to get your home spruced up and looking like new. Your time is precious around the holiday season, so to help make the most of your days - and budget - try these easy solutions to prepare for the holidays while keeping your sanity. • A fresh coat of paint is a quick and easy way to give your home a new look at an affordable price. Consider starting with the rooms most frequently used, but don't forget the guest bedrooms and bathrooms. To make the most of your Continued on page 61.

HOME & GARDEN

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Recent Local Real Estate Transactions Seller FALLOWFIELD John Bogdan Tammy Johnson Katie Rader Federal National Mortgage Assn. John Susick Karah Peters

Buyer

Address

RDL Inc. Anna Rudolph William Charles Henry Marjorie Christman Amanda Kope Timothy Hillgartner

Price

Jimmy Robinson Jr. Mark and Heather Wilson Washington County Tax Claim Bureau Robert Smith Jr.

39 Cemetery Ave. $42,218 9 Hillman St. $58,000 132 Raymond St. $170,000 6 Raymond St. $53,050 50 Van Voorhis Lane $3,645 Yankoskie Road $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $2,545). 1562 Grange Road $184,000 Laurel Road $1,400 by sheriff's deed.

FORWARD TOWNSHIP Estate of Alonzo Howell William Davis Debbie Beall

Helen Howell Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. trustee Matthew Skotnicki

Sunnyside Hollow Road 5796 Ella Hollow Road 9058 Roberts Hollow Road

$47,500 $2,151 by sheriff's deed. $103,900.

JEFFERSON HILLS Loretta Sudsina Edward McHugh et al. Environmentally Sound Enter. LLC Cindy Lou Kerecman et al. Castor Farm Assoc. Inc. Erin Lindelof Pollak Ross Jantzi Elizabeth Anne Tachoir Richard Barkand Environmentally Sound Enterp. LLC Columbus Family Partn. L.P. Environmentally Sound Enterp. LLC Dennis Lopata et al. Jack Fulmer John Charles Jeffrey Kertis HSBC Bank USA NA trustee Gerald Campolongo Patricia Ann Frye David Cuppett Brookfield Relocation Inc. NVR Inc.

Challin Dougherty Thomas Baer NVR Inc. Edwin and Diane Losteter Jeffrey and Heather James Joy Austero Richard and Linda McKee Robert Laskovics Jr. and Lori Laskovics Matthew and Linda Loukas NVR Inc. Sandra Gonzalez NVR Inc. Michelle Plantz Wesley White Justin Kovaly Michael Sweeney Jr. and Erin Sweeney Michael and Chelsea Calla Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Robert and Celeste Robison Brookfield Relocation Inc. Chad and Melinda Clark Kip Jenifer

124 Coal Valley Road 1407 Council Place 307 Greene Drive 1006 First St. Castor Lane 308 Joan of Arc Court 203 Orchard Court 1329 Route 885 2021 State St. 132 Washington Drive 1217 Andrew Drive 313 Greene Drive 115 Hillview Road 305 Miller Road 1627 Route 885 1358 S. Randolph Drive 3012 Shady Timber Lane 1503 Oneida Drive 3700 Peters Creek Road 4024 Rustic Woods Drive 4024 Rustic Woods Drive 113 Washington Drive

$15,000 $385,000 $42,000 $55,000 $80,000 $98,000 $290,000 $31,000 $90,000 $42,000 $268,500 $42,000 $52,500 $80,000 $65,000 $295,900 $192,500 $1,866 by sheriff's deed. $35,000 $346,000 $346,000 $335,000

MONESSEN Russell Morgan David Smith

PNC Bank NA Nakia Crews

28 Aliquippa Ave. 421 Forest St.

$1,490 by sheriff's deed. $6,500

SM

MITCHELL

Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Inc.

Providing Excellent Service For More Than 50 Years.

Complete Bathroom Remodeling; Service and Repair; Sewer and Drain Cleaning; Furnace and A/C Installations

mitchellplumbing.com

OUR 24 HGENCY R EME RVICE SE PLEASANT HILLS BETHEL PARK

UPPER ST. CLAIR MCMURRAY

MON VALLEY

412-653-1855 724-941-7360 724-258-9411

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

HOME & GARDEN

messengerpaper.com 61 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Recent Recent Local Local Real Real Estate Estate Transactions Transactions Seller

Buyer

Address

Price

Mickey Joe Salay Estate of George Kunsa Larry Sechrist Estate of Pauline Senich Bernard Shire

Brandon Vadella Mark and Mary Jo Garbart Christopher Obitko Daniel Harkins Jr. and Debra Harkins Bergstein & Galper PC

Melissa Lapinski Estate of Kathryn Cunningham Jamieson Reader

Jeffrey and Donna Marie Fero Nicholas and Eddy Bell Paul Ramsey

Jennie Melissas Thomas Bojsen Michael Mazur Estate of Lillian Mandzok

Deborah Garry Tressa and Danielle Nangle Wilma Swalin Raymond and Valerie Kane

1213 Reservoir Ave. $1,500. 1267 Second St. $83,300 152 Dennis Ave. $14,000 416 Frye Ave. $37,000 409 Schoonmaker Ave. $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $91,790). 1515 Marion Ave. $80,000 671 McMahon Ave. $8,000 301 Rebecca St. $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $5,000). 433 McKee Ave. $25,000 652 Knox Ave. $8,000 102 Pride St. $12,000 1352 State Road $66,550

MONONGAHELA William Brounce Donna Irwin Nancy Halt Gonzales Family L.P. Ringgold School Dist Marie Rice Lisa McClellan

James Johnson Daniel Degnan Codmat Inc. Odyssey Wresting Academy LLC Venetia Commons LLC James Pelissero Sharon Fulmer

777 E. Railroad St. 508 Elmira St. 420 Second St. 121 Railroad St. 12th St. 414 Sixth St. 528 Park Ave.

NEW EAGLE Peggy Ford Elizabeth Sichi

Brian Tempest Jr. and Catherine Tempest Derek Myers

121 Fifth Ave. 140 Fourth Ave.

$136,500 $141,500

NORTH BELLE VERNON Joseph Naylor Bernice Bradish PNC Bank NA Bonny Rabe Lind Donald Druciak

ABL Angels Wendy Ross Todd Reppert Daniel Rabe Jonathan Thomas Evans and Gina Moriarty

436 Broad Ave. 434 Henry St. 414 Broad Ave. 816 Henry St. 835 Graham St.

$16,000 $79,000 $87,500 $37,000 $35,835

$35,000 $34,500 $39,500 $47,000 $71,500 $3,200 $16,500

NORTH CHARLEROI Gary Michael Bumanglag et al. Richard Wyne and Michelle Segen Washington County Tax Claim Bureau Brad Vargo

701 N. Liberty Ave. 437 Highland Ave.

NOTTINGHAM TOWNSHIP Kenneth Foster Jr. Jeffrey Beisheim Leah Popson

Cheryl Collins David and Jill Esken Bow & Arrow Land Co. LLC

114 Fox Trot Drive 305 Hickory Nut Drive 441 Little Mingo Road

$162,000 $300,000 $250,000

PETERS TOWNSHIP Gregory Salerno Carol Weida James Lapp Angelo Brunetti Edward Tygard Jr. Estate of Jeffrey Sims Linda Lenik Bonnie Pierce Beverly Clark Phyllis Piacenza NVR Inc. John Brush Kevin O'Toole Augusta Maffei

Gary Salerno Elizabeth Marie Tekulve Strini & Marc Alle Strin Thomas Wilson Andrew and Amy Zahalsky Shirley Boettcher Legacy Housing LLC Leah Hast Jeffery Knell Deborah Patt Gordon Scott and Melanie Hinkle Maximilian Repepi Deutsche Bank National Bank Co. trustee Jared and Erin Griffith John Kerns

36 Circle Drive 101 Druid Drive 131 E. Highland Drive 265 E. McMurray Road 180 Hill Place Road 391 Mervin Drive 481 Pinewood Drive 222 Quail Run Road 607 Sagewood Drive 105 Cedar Drive 528 Cortland Drive 106 Elfwood Drive 102 Harvest Circle 128 Old Oak Road

$135,000 $322,500 $310,000 $1,200,000 $223,000 $12,500 $187,000 $147,500 $225,000 $272,500 $383,640 $1,499 by sheriff's deed. $406,000 $265,000

$28,900 $1,367 by sheriff's deed

Timely, Budget-Friendly Solutions for Getting Your House Ready for the Holidays Continued from page 60.

effort, use a paint that has the durability and color-lasting qualities you need. Valspar Reserve, available at Lowe's, resists stains and fading and allows you to easily wipe away marks without taking off paint, even if your guests accidentally scuff walls with their suitcases. • A simple way to decorate for the holidays year after year is with an artificial tree. Lowe's offers four trees pre-lit with color-changing LED lights, meaning you can change the look - and color - of the tree with just a push of the pedal making your decorating process much easier. For a formal dinner event, glowing white light sets a perfect ambiance. Switch to the multi-color option to delight the kids. • Use holiday decorations in unexpected ways to add festive cheer in every room of your home with minimal effort. Try hanging ornaments to decorate live plants, light fixtures, doorway overhangs, stairwells, mirrors and even the mantel. For this project, don't use expensive or family heirloom ornaments - just purchase coordinating ones that work with the color pattern you already have in the room. • Guests in the house mean more foot traffic and chance for a mess, but you don't have to worry about those inevitable spills or stains. STAINMASTER carpets available at Lowe's are 30 percent more resistant to stains than other brands, and with new carpets on the floor, you'll have a fresh new look in your home that won't cause you stress when everyone arrives for the holiday parties. • Potted evergreen plants decorated with lights bring plenty of festive feelings into a room. The best news is that when spring arrives, you can plant them outside in your backyard, or donate them to a community project that needs evergreen trees. Using live plants infuses the room with light and good, clean oxygen, and it's the subtle touches your guests will appreciate and remember. With these timely tips, you - and your home - will be ready for a holiday season of celebrations.

————————————————————————————————————————— 62 messengerpaper.com

What You Need to Know to Protect Your Home and Wallet from Weather Events (StatePoint) Last winter, hundreds of thousands of homeowners learned the hard way about the importance of having immediate back-up power. And, as more people work from home, power outages become more than an inconvenience, but an economic impediment as well. In addition to weather related outages, the electrical grid has been plagued by more and worse blackouts in recent years, due to aging wires, pole transformers and other lagging infrastructure. In fact, non-disaster-related outages affected at least 50,000 consumers last year. This, coupled with increasingly volatile weather patterns and an increasing reliance on technology, create a perfect storm for outages. To mitigate the inconvenience, cost and danger of inevitable power outages, it’s becoming increasingly important that every homeowner consider a backup generator. Don’t be intimidated by the prospect of purchasing and using one. With a bit of understanding and research, you can find an easy-to-operate unit that is right for you home. Here are some things to consider when seeking out a generator: • Know your needs. What devices you will need to power in the event of an outage? List running watts and starting watts for each device, and add them together to determine your total wattage requirements. Additionally, determine which type of fuel you prefer and what your primary use will be. For example, generators are not just handy for home emergencies; they can also be useful on camping trips, for tailgating before the game or for the job site. If you plan to use your generator on trips, ease of portability and flexibility is important. • Quality. Above all, a generator should offer durability, reliability, performance and security. For example, the Firman Platinum Series Generators powered by Kohler engines are known for these qualContinued on page 63

HOME & GARDEN

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Recent Local Real Estate Transactions Seller PETERS TOWNSHIP Linda Taylor James Bryja David Richard Hazen George Bradley Harold Hoffman Jeffrey Taylor Larry Watkins Benjamin Marcus Homes LLC Edwards Borden Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Shields Asphalt LLC Arthur Kelly Tobey Properties Trust Donald Drake NVR Inc. Deutsche Bank Nat. Bank Co. trustee NVR Inc.

Buyer

Address

Price

Benjamin Marcus Homes LLC George Dethlefsen Robert and Mlissa Hammond Harry and Beatrice George Thomas and Emily Oxenreiter Carlos Lopez Elizabeth and Richard Sichi Shawn and Katrina Fornear Theresa Matkosky Brian and Ella Kaiser Clinton Crouch Walter and Kathryn Enick St. Clair Memorial Hospital Christopher and Jennifer Dirksen Venkata and Rachna Pinisetti James and Joan Metzmaier Chetan Naik

Whispering Heights 306 Buckingham Drive 506 Center Church Road 101 Cove Court 118 Highland Drive 107 Horizon Drive 97 Little John Drive 301 Merrifield Drive 207 Ridgeview Drive 109 Scarborough Lane 630 Venetia Road 107 Victoria Drive 3918 Washington Road 124 Will Scarlett Drive 530 Cortland Drive 106 Elfwood Drive 408 Longleaf Drive

$152,000 $924,500 $220,000 $439,900 $375,000 $460,000 $388,000 $375,000 $225,000 $265,000 $12,300 $358,000 $452,000 $515,500 $453,510 $136,500 $501,920

PLEASANT HILLS Vincent Maddox Jean Eyrolles Michael Pahanish George Reed Margaret Yeager Colodny et al. James Salas

Jeffrey Pritchard Jr. Marlen Macon James Cornelison and Danielle Warnock Darlaine and Donald Taylor Richard and Rose McGee Gregory and Elizabeth Davis

31 Glenburn Drive 115 Lebanon Church Road 204 Old Lebanon Church Road 523 Arbor Lane 225 Capitol Drive 115 National Drive

$113,900 $139,000 $92,000 $110,000 $190,000 $194,900

ROSTRAVER Robert Battistone Estate of Eva Surgest Estate of Ann Camino Milissa Craggs Betty Girhiny Anthony Hutskow II Estate of Mary Lou Cullingford Federal National Mortgage Assn. Jack French Donald Cochenour Jason Mendicino Siarhei Spirydovich William Jolley

S&T Bank David and Kandi Francia Marshall Bishop Justin and Adrienne Jurcevich Jason and Lauren Atkins Joseph Kolano and Alison Battaglia Sarah Naylor and Conor Murphy Richard Cameron and Lisa Withum John and Sharon Ciferno Marc Waltonbaugh Gregory Panos Jr. Jason and Lynn Matusik Charles Pershing

636 Hamilton Ave. 737 Martin Road Route 201 1013 Henry St. 194 W. McClain Road 680 Circle Drive 1319 Fells Church Road 820 Hollyberry Lane Mt. Pleasant Road 305 Salen Church Road 119 Beaumont St. 451 Cherry Blossom Drive 16 Jean St.

SOUTH PARK Estate of Delia Zupancic Quality Rentals Shirley Blashich et al. Estate of Cathleen Cesar aka Cisar Devan Stine Hawkinberry Wade Burnett Hunting Ridge Development Corp. Mark Sawicki Joseph Rutter Clete Isenberg National Residential Nominee Serv. In James Bruni Lewis MacDonald et al. Kathy Ann Gault Shimer Estate of Lois Mercer Victor Koslosky Charles Nebel Jr.

David and Mark Albert Daniel and Lori Pavlik Bryan Smith Nicole and Kevin Brawdy James Sweeney and Erica Hindman National Residential Nominee Services In Carolyn Savikas and John Fishell Colin Cooper and Kelsey Welka Robert and Dana Knapp Kimberly Warren Justin and Michelle Srednicki Steven Vietmeier Carly Lapp Nancy Halboth Steven and Lindsay Megan Brosgol Mir Abdul Rahim Yahya and Lahora Jan Michael and Jill Jubeck

5920 Brownsville Road 3015 Decker Drive 2282 Helena St. 904 Holly Lynne Drive 1131 O'Rourke Drive 3074 Piney Bluff Drive Ridgevue Drive 1628 Connor Road 928 Holly Lynne Drive 2904 Overhill St. 3074 Piney Bluff Drive 858 Connolly Ave. 1531 Harding Ave. 900 Hidden Ridge Court Unit 203 3440 Ridge Lane 1049 Broughton Library Road 3424 Maple Drive

$1,460 by sheriff's deed. $196,000 $400,000 $100,000 $150,000 $134,900 $60,000 $131,000 $200,000 $138,500 $99,900 $329,900 $40,270

$160,000 $75,000 $65,000 $145,000 $95,000 $138,000 $77,000 $144,250 $177,000 $15,000 $138,000 $36,500 $124,000 $124,999 $89,900 $60,000 $132,900

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

HOME & GARDEN

messengerpaper.com 63 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Recent Local Real Estate Transactions Seller Estate of William Parker Matthew Graf Hunting Ridge Development Corp.

Buyer James George Lucas Lynn and Tandia Lee Sudduth Francis O'Connor

Address 1425 Marion Drive 1921 Riggs Road 1182 Wilson Road

SPEERS Scott Seich

Charles and Diane Cardinale

401-403 Elizabeth St.

Elaine Simpson and Clifford Hill Ian and Dana Coxon John and Anet Mendel Keif Fisher Dawna Mozes Daniel Seiler Jr.

5018 Norman Ave. 40 Norton Ave. 105 Viareggio Way 5139 Chevy Chase Drive 6714 Highland Ave. 6080 Pleasant St.

$145,000 $196,400 $179,000 $185,000 $153,000 $189,500

Adam Smoley and Rachel Andreyo

111 Gilmore Road

$139,900

Daniel Jakubek and Deanna Forney Deborah and Chad Rittle Evgeni Kolev Peykov and Silviya Stoimenova Dalise and William Brown Clayton and Talia DeLaney Kirwan Browne Gregory and Virginia Walker

1280 Prospect Road 23 Shadow Drive 230 Southvue Drive 4609 Veman Road 4379 Frank St. 5210 Fieldcrest Drive 5358 Tomfran Drive

$110,000 $108,500 $124,000 $120,000 $175,500 $100,000 $162,500

UNION TOWNSHIP Dorothy Dodd Christopher Aul James Fisher Brian Duggan Eleanor Sabatini David Esken Alex Fulton WHITEHALL Alice Cass Elizabeth Baxendell Davin Rizal et al. Douglas Peacock Amy Lynn McMIllen Estate of Margaret Murray Browne John Yerman Jr.

Real Estate Transactions provided by <RealSTATs>. Contact <RealSTATs> at 412-381-3880 or visit www.RealSTATs.net.

Price $125,000 $139,000 $192,500

$37,250

What You Need to Know to Protect Your Home and Wallet Continued from page 62.

ities and are offered at various price points. Their wheel barrow design provides ease of mobility, and the simple-tooperate control panel comes with outlet covers to protect against the elements. Additionally, they are designed for quieter operation, making them ideal for use at home. These generators are sold at Home Depot and on Amazon. • Ease of operation. Features such as a pull cord, electric and/or remote start, and durable tires for portability can make using a generator easy for anybody. • Don’t wait. You never know when you might need a generator. And an emergency situation is not the right time to do your research and find one. For online resources, generator selection and a wattage calculator, visit www.FirmanGenerators.com. Consider outfitting your home with a backup generator to stay comfortable, safe and connected no matter what

————————————————————————————————————————— 64 messengerpaper.com

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Local Worship Area Church News..Area Church News... Area Church News..

“Old Bethlehem” Christmas Event at Grace United Methodist Church Grace United Methodist Church, 420 California Dr.,Coal Center, will hold a unique Christmas event for families on Sunday, December 21 at 9:45 a.m. Families will gather in the Fellowship Hall for the 45 minute "Journey Through Bethlehem" experience. Families will receive a map and have the opportunity to visit six tent shops in "Old Bethlehem." At each shop, children can do a craft, play a game, or make a snack.

“Birthday in Bethlehem” at Windover Hills UMC Join us at Windover Hills UMC for “Birthday in Bethlehem” on December 20 from 1-3 p.m. Learn about the birth of Jesus through music, crafts, and story! Cookies and milk/hot chocolate will be served. Free and open to the community for all ages up to 4th grade. Windover Hills is located at 6751 Ridge Road, across from Sunny Slopes in South Park. Please call the church office if you have any questions at 412653-6899, and we hope to see you for Christmas!

Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church Announces Christmas Eve Service Schedule For additional information on our services, contact the church office at 412-655-2000 or visit www.pleasanthillschurch.com. 5 p.m. in the Great Room - New! Contemporary Family Candlelight Service; includes children’s birthday party for Jesus. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. in the Sanctuary Traditional Candlelight Service 11 p.m. in Fellowship Hall Candlelight Vigil Service

Nativity Church 2015 Lottery Calendars The Nativity Church 2015 lottery calendars are available for purchase at $30 each. The calendars are professionally printed in 4” x 6” booklet form, each one having a 3-digit number assigned to it that is good for the entire year. If your calendar number matches the number drawn by the PA Lottery Commission (7 p.m. drawing, straight hit only), you win the amount of money listed on the calendar for that day. It’s that easy! The prize money breaks down as follows: 354 days at $50/day, 9 holidays at $100/day, Christmas Day & New Year’s Day at $150/day There is no limit to your how many times you can win per year. If your number is drawn, you win. We keep the records and automatically send you a check for your winnings. To get your calendar, give us a call at 412-655-3000, or stop in the Nativity Parish Center at 5811 Curry Road between 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Monday - Friday. Christmas is right around the corner. These lottery calendars make great gifts! The proceeds benefit Nativity Church. Thank you for your support.

Christmas Eve Candlelit Celebration Slated at Bible Alliance Church Bible Alliance Church, 1300 Mt. Pleasant Road, West Newton, will be holding a Christmas Eve Candlelit Celebration on December 24 at 7 p.m. We invite you and your family to come out for a night of worship as we celebrate the birth of our Savior! For more information on our church, or for updates on other events, please visit our website at www.bacwn.com or contact the church office at 724-8725570.

Shepherd's Voice Presents Christmas Concert at Riverview Baptist Church Shepherd's Voice, a Christian women's quartet, will present their annual Christmas concert, "Ring the Bells... It's Christmas!" on ShepherdsVoice S a t u r d a y, Clockwise from December 6 at 7 top left are Linda p.m. at Riverview Yohe, Connie Baptist Church, Watkins, Debbie 405 Main St. (Rt. Harn and Debby Petrosky. 88), New Eagle. No admission fee. Refreshments provided following the concert.

Candlelight Christmas Eve Service to be Held at Mingo Creek Presbyterian Church Mingo Creek Church, 561 Mingo Church Road, Finleyville, will hold a Candlelight Christmas Eve Service on December 24 at 6 p.m. Communion will be served. Come and worship our Newborn King! All are welcome. For more information, call 724-348-5278 or visit www.mingochurch.org.

Live Nativity Planned at Community of Christ Community of Christ, 3472 South Park Rd., will be presenting their drivethrough Live Nativity this year on December 20 between 6 - 9 p.m. Our Christmas Sunday Service will be held on December 21 at 11 a.m. Christmas Eve Vespers will be held on December 24 at 7 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact Debbie at 412-833-6357 or email her at dgeffel@comcast.net.

Jingle Jam Scheduled at Crossroads Ministries Join us at Crossroads Ministries for the Jingle Jam family experience: “Christmas Wrapped Up!” We are getting wrapped up in the idea of generosity and thinking about how God gave us the greatest gift of all, His son, Jesus. Jingle Jam is a fun way for the whole family to experience the Christmas story and celebrate together! Jingle Jam: “Christmas Wrapped Up!” will be at Crossroads Ministries Thursday, December 18 and Friday, December 19 at 7 p.m. There will be a free dessert bar each night after the event. Free tickets are available by calling 724-348-1620. Crossroads Ministries is located at 81 Walter Long Road, Finleyville, one mile south of Trax Farms overlooking Route 88.

Christmas Dinner and Concert: A Christmas Celebration of Jazz and Joyful Music Save the date for Friday, December 12 at 6:30 p.m. for this year’s Christmas event at Crossroads Ministries, 81 Walter Long Road, Finleyville. We invite you to enjoy a beautiful Christmas dinner in a festive setting. After dinner, we are happy to offer a Christmas celebration of jazz and joyful music featuring nationally internationally known saxophonist Kim Costanza and his band, playing music to fill your heart with the Christmas spirit that will linger all season long. Come celebrate the season with us here at Crossroads. Be sure to get your tickets! They are only $15 per person. For tickets, call the church at 724 -3481620.

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

LOCAL WORSHIP

messengerer.com 65 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Area Church News..Area Church News...Area Church News..Area Church News...

Christmas in The Village of Venetia Lasts All December Long The residents of Historic Venetia warmly welcome you to a new festival for the holidays,"Christmas in The Village of Venetia." It's a month-long celebration of caring and sharing, singing and dramas, food and fun for all ages. Our friends of Venetia Heritage and Peters Creek historical societies, DARE model railroad club, Brownie troop 52499, South Hills Pet Rescue team, and Wrights United Methodist Church all welcome you to 20 days of Christmas celebrations from December 5-25th. Friday, Dec. 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Lighting of the 40-foot brilliant tree and village lights, with carol singing, s'mores, crafts, and the DARE train display opening. Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Princess Breakfast (9 a.m. till 11 a.m.) with Santa in Royal Welcome of the Princesses of Ice, Anna and Elsa (please RSVP); Workshop with Frozen crafts. DARE model train display and Nativities from around the world display. Strolling musicians guide you through awesome opportunities for giving back: South Hills Pet rescue team; Brownie troop 52499 mitten, hat, and scarf collection; OCC tracking; Heifer International and Wrights UMC Local and international missions. Saturday, Dec. 6, 6 – 8 p.m. Colossal Christmas Buffet and Christmas Carol Sing-along - (please RSVP). Sunday, Dec. 7, 12-5 p.m. ‘Soup and Stroll’ at colonial Wright House and Museum with storytelling, soup and re-enactors. Adults $8, under 10 $5. Open House at Historic Wright's UMC with Nativity display.DARE model train display. Saturday, Dec. 13 - Sing-along with

the ice princesses and karoke at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 - “Gloria” Nativity Musical Sunday December 21, 6 p.m. "The Bethlehem Inn" Dinner Theatre. Come join the great food and fun from the first December 24th. RSVP. Adults $10, Children $5. For more information of any events call 724-348-4059 or 814-758-1385 or log on to wrightsumc.com

Ravioli Sale at Speers United Methodist Church Speers United Methodist Church, 810 Jane Ave., Charleroi, is holding a ravioli sale. Pickup Sunday, December 14 at 12:30 p.m. or Sunday, December 21 at 12:30 p.m. Two kinds of ravioli meat and cheese. To place order, please call 724-986-6728 or 724-489-9267. $15 for 2 dozen or $8 for 1 dozen.

Auditions for "The Bethlehem Inn" December 6 Auditions for the Wrights/Venetia dinner theatre "The Bethlehem Inn" will be held Saturday Dec 6th at 3:00pm at Venetia Community Center. We are looking for 8 youth and children ages to portray an innkeeper, family and servants in a comedy set Dec 24, 0001.Performance is Sunday Dec 21, 6:00pm. Call Richard for details. 724346-4059."

St. David's Episcopal Church December Schedule Sunday, December 7 - St. Nicholas Day. The children will celebrate St. Nicholas Day with a service of their own. They will be escorted to their area before the adult service begins and returned at the conclusion of that service. Stories, songs and arts and crafts

will be included. Friday, December 12 - Preschool Pageant. The students of St. David's Christian Early Learning Center will reenact the birth of Jesus at 6:30. The performance will include vocal and bell choir performances. Cookies and refreshments will follow. Thursday, December 24 - Family Service. During the Christmas Eve family service at 4 p.m. the children of St. David's will reenact the Birth of Jesus. Walk-on parts are available and all children are encouraged to participate. This is a family-friendly service with carols. Cookies and refreshments will follow. Thursday, December 24 - Music. At 7 p.m. musicians and singers will present a selection of hymns and Christmas carols. This is a wonderful prelude to Christmas, as well as to the service that follows. Thursday, December 24 - Service. At 7:30 the candlelight service will begin. At the conclusion the lights will be dimmed and candles lighted as the congregation sings "Silent Night." Refreshments will follow. What a beautiful way to welcome and celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The public is invited to all performances and services. St. David's Episcopal Church can be found at 905 E. McMurray Rd. in Venetia. Please consider joining your neighbors and the congregation.

December Events at Monongahela's First United Methodist Church The members of our church are ready for our 8th Creche Show of over 300 creches on Friday, December 5 from 4 - 8 p.m. and Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The annual Christmas choir concert featuring Shepherd's Voice will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday,

December 10. The Cookie Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family Movie Night is on Friday, December at 7 p.m. featuring the movie "It's a Wonderful Life." Join us on Christmas Eve for our annual Candlelight service at 7 p.m. The women and men of our church are busy making chocolate candy. Orders are being taken now. Deadline to order is December 14. Pickup will be December 21. The list of candy is: chocolate -covered raisins, walnuts, coconut, peanut butter, pretzel crunch, chocolate pretzel rod tree, and the ever -popular chocolate covered pretzels, along with Nativity chocolate lollipops. Monongahela First United Methodist Church is located at 430 W. Main Street. For more information, call 724-258-7054.

St. Thomas A' Becket Plans Holiday Cookie Walk St. Thomas A' Becket in Jefferson Hills will hold a cookie walk on Saturday, December 6 in their school building. This will be held from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Purchasing these Christmas cookies can make your holiday preparations less burdensome. What is a cookie walk? It involves the sale of cookies which are home-made and donated by parishioners and friends. Customers arrive, receive a box and a plastic glove, choose their cookies or candy or nut rolls, etc. and pay by the pound for their goodies of choice. This is a Christmas fundraiser for the completion of the new St. Thomas A' Becket Church Hall. This will be held at the St. Thomas A' Becket School Building located at 139 Gill Hall Road in Jefferson Hills. For more details, email Sherri at Kearns1@msn.com or call 412-6506292.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Visit us online at www.messengerpaper.com

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

————————————————————————————————————————— 66 messengerpaper.com

Entertainment Live Music & Entertainment at Your Neighborhood Hot Spot!

by Mandy Withers-Kozlowski

DECEMBER 2014 DENNY’S ROADHOUSE

THE HANDLE BAR & GRILLE

724 - 258 - 6232 3431 Rt. 136, Finleyville (Corner of Ginger Hill Rd. & Rt. 136) Mondays – Saturdays Exotic/Lingerie Barmaids 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.

724 - 746 - HBAR 342 W. Pike St., Canonsburg Thursdays – 'Name That Tune' Music Trivia Fridays – Music Night

E&E CLUB

724 - 258 - 4755 1221 W. Main St., Monongahela 3 – Jam Night 5 – Country Gems 6 – Jake Ferry Stragglers 13 – The Satin Hearts 17 – Jam Night 19 – TBA 20 – Fungus 26 – TBA 27 – Luke Acoustic 31 – New Year’s Eve Party w/ Live Band

412 - 835 - 9935 6495 2nd Ave., South Park Wednesdays – Pool League Sundays – Free Pool ELRAMA TAVERN 412 - 384 - 3630 1520 Rt. 837, Elrama 2 – Open Jam 8 - 11 p.m. 6 – Trinity Wiseman 9 p.m. 12 a.m. 8 – Colors & Bottles 12 – Regular Joes 9:30 p.m. 16 – Open Jam 8 - 11 p.m. 19 – Mark Cyler Duo 7 p.m. 22 – Colors & Bottles 23 – Christmas Party w/ Todd Jones 9 p.m. 24 – CLOSED 25 – CLOSED - Merry Christmas! 27 – Bill Young 7 p.m. 30 – Bingo 7:30 p.m. 31 – New Year’s Eve Party w/ Ron Z 9:30 p.m.

HEY ANDY'S SPORTSBAR AND LOUNGE

THE HUNTING LODGE

724 - 348 - 7984 3529 Washington Ave., Finleyville Fridays – Free Juke Box 8 p.m. - close Saturdays – Free Juke Box 8 p.m. - close

PUMP the P U VOLU

THE KICKSTAND BAR & RESTAURANT

412 - 384 - 3080 1100 Hayden Blvd., Elizabeth 6 – Dave Iglar 20 – The Jades Fridays – Jamoke Saturdays – DJ Mike RINKY DINKS ROADHOUSE

724 - 228 - 1059 339 Amity Ridge Rd., Amity 6 – Billy Brown 13 – Owen Schmitt 19 – Rusty Haywhackers RIVER HOUSE CAFÉ

724 - 565 - 5700 506 McKean Ave., Charleroi 6 – The Classics 13 – Brother Jeep 20 – 4 RU Jazz 24 – CLOSED 25 – CLOSED 27 – Open Jukebox 31 – New Year’s Eve Party

ROY’S BY THE TRACKS 724 - 348 - 7118 3710 Rt. 88, Finleyville 5 – Matt Barranti Band 12 – The Rock-It Band 19 – Bad Newz 26 – TBA Wednesdays – Karaoke w/ Brett Saturdays – Karaoke Sundays – Karaoke TERRACE GARDENS

412 - 233 - 2626 1180 Woodland Ave., Clairton 5 – Daniels & McClain 12 – Chuck Corby 19 – Girlz in Black Hats 26 – Free Juke Box 31 – New Year’s Eve Party w/ The Regular Joes Wednesdays – Free Juke Box Saturdays – Free Juke Box

ME! VALLEY HOTEL

412 - 233 - 9800 1004 New England Hollow Rd., Jefferson Boro (Intersection of 837/Coal Valley Rd.) Fridays – Open Stage Night all musicians welcome WINTZELL'S OYSTER HOUSE

412 - 650 - 9090 530 East Bruceton Rd., Pleasant Hills 13 – Shot O' Soul 5 – DJ/Karaoke 19 – DJ/Karaoke 31 – Karaoke New Year's Eve Party

THE TROLLEY STOP INN

412 - 835 - 9600 6247 Library Rd., Bethel Park Fridays – Magician Jason Christopher 7 - 9 p.m.

ATTENTION: LOCAL BARS, RESTAURANTS, & NIGHTCLUBS If you would like to be included in the monthly “PUMP UP THE VOLUME” section to promote and list your bands, please send us your list of performances each month. There is no fee for this listing. Fax: 412-249-8177 or e-mail: mandy@messengerpaper.com or visit www.myspace.com/ufmpuv

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

messengerpaper.com 67 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Classifieds

arty P e at Priv Ads

E FRE

SERVICES • EMPLOYMENT • AUTOMOTIVE • MERCHANDISE • PRIVATE PARTY ADS FREE • ANNOUNCEMENTS • REAL ESTATE & RENTALS

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING THAT WORKS! Reach over 30,000 local readers

CALL THE MESSENGER TODAY AT (412) 249-8177. OR E-MAIL YOUR CLASSIFIED AD TO CLASSIFIEDS@MESSENGERPAPER.COM REAL ESTATE, RENTALS, HELP WANTED, AND A L L OTHER BUSINESS AD RATES – $8.00 (minimum) for up to 15 words, plus .35 cents for each additional word. Bold Type - .25 cents per word. Box - $1.50

FRANK MAGONE, ESQUIRE, Wills ... Estates ... Family Law • Serving the Mon Valley. Call: 724-258-2095 • frank@FrankMagoneLaw.com

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED! Top $$$$$ PAID! Running or Not, All Years, Makes, Models. Free Towing! We’re Local! 7 Days/Week. Call Toll Free: 1888-416-2330 ____________________________________ GET CASH TODAY for any car/truck. I will buy your car today. Any Condition. Call 1-800-864-5796 or www.carbuyguy.com ____________________________________ Need Car Insurance? Lowest Down Payment Canceled? State Letter/SR71? Accidents? Tickets? DUI? Instant Coverage! www.InsureACar.com TollFree 1-888-358-0908 ____________________________________ Need Car Insurance Now? Lowest Down Payment - Canceled? State Letter? Accidents? Tickets? DUI? Instant Coverage! INSUREDIRECT.COM Toll-Free 888-800-2312 ____________________________________

--------- AUTOMOTIVE ----------

CASH FOR CARS: Cars/Trucks Wanted! Running or Not! We Come To You! Any Make/Model. Instant Offer - Call: 1-800-569-0003 ____________________________________

1981 Cadillac Coupe de Ville, 81,000 miles, light blue, $3500. Call 724-379-4541 ____________________________________

-------------- BUSINESS TO BUSINESS ------------

-------- ADOPTION --------PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Talk with caring adoption expert. Choose from families Nationwide. LIVING EXPENSES PAID. Call 24/7 Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions 866-413-6296 Void In Illinois/New Mexico/Indiana ____________________________________ Adoring Family, Laughter, Love, Financial Security, Sports, Music and Many Opportunities Await First Baby. Expenses Paid. Please Call Mary Pat at 1800-735-0319 Or marypatnyc@gmail.com ____________________________________

--------- ATTORNEY ----------

JUNK CARS WANTED! FREE Tow! C.T. Auto Recyclers. 724-348-7467. ____________________________________ TOP CASH FOR CARS, Any Car/Truck, Running or Not. Call for INSTANT offer: 1-800-454-6951 ____________________________________

Reach 30,000 potential customers in the South Hills and Mon Valley communities! Advertise your business in the South Hills - Mon Valley Messenger. Call for more information at 412249-8177. Or e-mail to news@messenger paper.com. ____________________________________ Advertise to 500,000 Homes with a business card size ad. You choose the area of coverage in free community papers...we do the rest. Call 800-4507227 or visit macnetonline.com ____________________________________

-------------- COMPUTERS -----------COMPUTER TUNE-UP - Computer running slow? Chances are you may have viruses or spyware loaded on your machine. Complete virus and spyware removal along with the latest Microsoft Updates. $60.00 per machine. 412-944-4005. ____________________________________

DELL LAPTOP Computer. Extremely fast, professional grade model. Excellent condition. Windows 7, Premium software bundle. Perfect for home, school or business. Six month warranty. $399. 717-6536314 ____________________________________

-------------- EDUCATION -----------HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FROM HOME. 6 - 8 weeks. ACCREDITED. Get A Future! FREE Brochure. 1-800-264-8330. Benjamin Franklin HS www.diplomafromhome.com ____________________________________

-------------- EMPLOYMENT -----------Caregiver/companion Previous owner operator of a Personal Care Home has relocated. Will care for your loved one in their home or will assist them with shopping, errands, and doctors visits. Have references. Call Kathy (from Monongahela area) @ 724910-1940. ____________________________________ Home Based Business. Offer a rich, gourmet coffee infused with Garcinia Cambogia for dramatic weight loss and energy. Exceptional income opportunity. Sell on/off line. Free website. www.leanjoejava.com ____________________________________

The MESSENGER is the premier community newspaper in the South Hills and Mon Valley area of Pittsburgh. We are a free, monthly publication seeking to expand our coverage, and grow existing territories. The MESSENGER is looking to add experienced Sales Representatives to our growing team of professionals. Candidates should possess: Strong sales and/or customer service skills, ability to offer clients advice on ad content and design, handle several projects at once, work on a deadline, familiarity with Mon Valley area, reliable transportation, flexible schedule, computer with internet access and a personable, friendly attitude. Preferred candidates will possess: Prior newspaper or media experience, good communication and presentation skills and be motivated, determined and persistent. Interested applicants should email us at dhaniford@messengerpaper.com with a resume and cover letter, or mail to P.O. Box 13363, Pittsburgh, PA 15243.

————————————————————————————————————————— 68 messengerpaper.com Help Wanted - Bartender/Cook. Call: 724-3486607 ____________________________________ Child Care - Sunshine Kids is now hiring loving, energetic people who enjoy working with children. Part time or full time positions available. Please call Tammy at 724-348-6565 ____________________________________ Slagle Roofing & Construction, Inc. NEEDS... Experienced Roofers to join our team. FULL-TIME. Must have valid driver's license. STOP IN or CALL 724-258-6901. 208 W. Main Street, Monongahela ____________________________________ Experienced Hair Dresser Needed FULL or PART Time • 724-344-4656 Seeking energetic self-motivated individuals to manage day and evening shifts. Ability to multi-task. Strong leadership qualities and people skills. Duties include; phone order taking, operation of POS system, inventory and labor control, oversee cooks and drivers. Fast food management experience preferred. Will train. Call 724-348-8844. ____________________________________ Frac Sand Owner Operators Needed Immediately in Texas! Requires tractor, blower, pneumatic trailer. Sting Services Pays 80%...Unlimited Work 214250-1985 ____________________________________ HELP WANTED Earn Extra Income Assembling CD Cases From Home. Call our Live Operators Now! No experience necessary. 1-800-267-3944 Ext 2870 www.easywork-greatpay.com ____________________________________ Start Immediately! Great money from home with our FREE mailer program. LIVE operators available now! 866-780-0580 ext.110 or visit www.pacificbrochures.com ____________________________________ WORK AT HOME!! $570/WEEKLY** ASSEMBLING CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS + GREAT MONEY with our MAILER PROGRAM + HOME TYPING PROGRAM. PT/FT. Genuine! www.AvailableHelpWanted.com ____________________________________ The path to your dream job begins with a college degree. Education Quarters offers a free college matching service. CALL 1-800-375-6219 ____________________________________

CLASSIFIEDS

--------- EVENTS ----------Holding a Carnival! Fair! Festival! Jubilee! Promote it to over 1 Million readers for only $200!!! Visit www.midatlanticevents.net for more details or call 800-450-7227. ____________________________________ SHOP SMALL!!! NOVEMBER 29TH IS SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY! Many of your favorite small business stores and shops will have the perfect holiday gifts on sale. PLAN TO SHOP WITH YOUR FAVORITE SMALL BUSINESSES YOU SEE IN THIS PUBLICATION. Sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Community Papers Association. www.macpa.net | www.macnetonline.com ____________________________________

--------- HEALTH / MEDICAL / FITNESS ----------VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 50 Pills $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW! 1866-312-6061 ____________________________________ VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 40 Pills + 10 FREE. SPECIAL $99.00 100% guaranteed. FREE Shipping! 24/7 CALL NOW! 1-888-223-8818 ____________________________________ U.S. PRESCRIPTION Alternatives/ Zanax/ Somanex/ Fastin/ Benzadrine/ Phentrazine/ Viagra/. No Prescription Needed. Free Discreet Shipping. Order Now Toll Free 1-866-611-6889. ____________________________________ VIAGRA USERS! NO Prescription Needed! Viagra 100MG/Cialis 20mg, 40 pills +4 Free! Fast & Discreet Shipping! Call and Save Today! 1-888797-9029 ____________________________________ Viagra 100mg or CIALIS 20mg 40 tabs + 10 FREE! All for $99 including Shipping! Discreet, Fast Shipping. 1-888-836-0780 ____________________________________ Canada Drug Center is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call today 1-800-254-4073, for $10.00 off your first prescription and free shipping. ____________________________________

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

VIAGRA 100MG, 40pills+/4 free, only $99.00. Save Big Now, Discreet shipping. Call 1-800-3753305 ____________________________________ VIAGRA 100MG, 40pills+/4 free, only $99.00. Save Big Now, Discreet shipping. 100% guaranteed. FREE Shipping! 24/7 CALL NOW! 1-800-290-2142 Must Center in the Pittsburgh Pennysaver. ____________________________________

-------------- ITEMS FOR SALE -----------Recliner/rocker, Lane, fabric, $75. Tool box on wheels, 2 shelves, 3 drawers, $50. Wheelbarrow, $25. Soldering gun, $20. Tap & die set, $40. Small tools, 2 Christmas wreaths & garland, baby gate. Call 724-222-0936 ____________________________________ Children’s Play Table 24” x 24” x 20” high, metal with folding legs, Spiderman design top, $5.00. Call 724-684-5531 ____________________________________ Table - 6' Formica, heavy duty folding table, $30.00. Binoculars with case - Quintar 7 x RLE 37.5 Swiff Extra Wide Model #704, Sport King, $20.00. Panasonic Stereo Radio + Turntable, #SL-HM42 + Syntheisizer + Double Cassette Deck, $50. Bar Stools, 2 beige with backs, $30.00. Records - 45's 33 1/3 and 78's, make offer. Call 724-684-8243 ____________________________________ Yahama portable keyboard (Portatone) like new, makes good Christmas gift, $100, Finleyville area. Call 724-348-4501 ____________________________________ 3 table saws, 10 in. table saw craftsman, 3,450 rpm, 115 volts, 60 HE P42, 14 amp 1 hp, $275. 61/8 in. Jointer Planner Craftsman, 1/3 hp, 120 volts, 60 HE, 8 amp, $275. Band Saw, Rockwell, 1725 rpm, 1/2 hp, 115 volts, 230, $100. Call 724-3484324 (evenings) ____________________________________ 4 adjoining plots for sale. Mon Valley Memorial Park "Garden of the Cross" area. Beautiful view of the valley and river below. New lots through cemetery sell for $975 each. Will sell ALL 4 for $3000, 2 for $1600 or $850 each. Deed Transfer fee included ($95/lot)! 724-650-3520 ____________________________________

Mon Valley Memorial Park, Donora, 2 lots and 2 vault, $3600. 2 Lots $1600. Call 724-258-8631 ____________________________________ SURREY FOR SALE! 3-Seated, Horse Drawn: $1,500. • Horse Back Riding Lessons. • Riding Horses for Sale! www.logcabinstables.com. 724-787-4817 ____________________________________ Wheelbarrow, leaf blower, shop vac, McCullah weed wacker, used twice, all for $60. Call 724483-2969 ask for Phill. ____________________________________ Safe Step Walk-In Tub Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door. Anti-Slip Floors. American Made. Installation Included. Call 1-800-906-3115 for $750 Off ____________________________________

----------- ITEMS WANTED -------Outdoor plastic lighted blow mold Christmas decorations & vintage Christmas stuff. Call 412384-8759 or email caminda2008@yahoo.com. ____________________________________ Wanted - vintage and antique toy cap guns ,toy guns, holsters and any old western TV memorabilia. Some popular brands are Mattel, Kilgore, Stevens, Nichols, but I am interested in any and all. Collecting these items is my hobby and I would really appreciate a call if you have anything. I will pay cash. Please ask for Jeff at 724-782-0721 or 724-713-0289. ____________________________________ Collecting miscellaneous items for the needy. Call Louise at 724-483-8600. ____________________________________ JUNK CARS WANTED! FREE Tow! C.T. Auto Recyclers. 724-348-7467. ____________________________________ WANTED ANTIQUES – Oriental Rugs, Paintings, Quilts, Crocks with Blue, Furniture, Lamps or anything OLD! Please call me. Jim Gillespie at 412979-7050 or home 724-348-6203. ____________________________________ Canning Jars Wanted. Reasonable. 412-4032753. ____________________________________ Wanted to Buy. Silver Coins. 1964 or older. Will pay 20-times face value! Call Dave at 724-941-5420. ____________________________________

Affordable Apartment Living

December 2014 ————————————————————————————————————————— Wanted - Junk cars, trucks, etc., with or without title, all worth money. Also, local and long distance towing. Call 412-498-1622. ____________________________________ Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201 ____________________________________ CASH PAID- up to $25/Box for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. 1-DAYPAYMENT.1-800371-1136 ____________________________________ Want to purchase minerals and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201. ____________________________________ WANTED JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES 19671982 ONLY KAWASAKI Z1-900, KZ900, KZ1000, Z1R, KZ1000MKII, W1-650, H1-500, H2-750, S1250, S2-350, S3-400 Suzuki, GS400, GT380, Honda CB750 (1969-1976) CASH. 1-800-7721142, 1-310-721-0726 usa@classicrunners.com ____________________________________ Cash for unexpired DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! Free Shipping, Best Prices & 24 hr payment! Call 1855-440-4001 www.TestStripSearch.com. ____________________________________ CASH for sealed, unexpired DIABETIC TEST STRIPS/STOP SMOKING PRODUCTS! Free Shipping, 24hr Payments! Call 1-877-588-8500, Espanol Available www.TestStripSearch.com. ____________________________________

----------- MISCELLANEOUS --------Obamacare Health Insurance Open Enrollment Call 1-888-968-5392 or apply online www.goquoteme.com ____________________________________ DISH TV Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) SAVE! Regular Price $32.99 Ask About FREE SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 877-477-9659 ____________________________________ Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: 1-888-909-9905 18+. ____________________________________ CASH FOR CARS, Any Make or Model! Free Towing. Sell it TODAY. Instant offer: 1-800-8645784 ____________________________________ DISH TV Retailer. Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 1-800-6154064 ____________________________________ DirecTV! Act Now- $19.99/mo. Free 3-Months of HBO, Starz, SHOWTIME & CINEMAX FREE GENIE HD/DVR Upgrade! 2014 NFL Sunday Ticket included with Select Packages. New Customers Only. IV Support Holdings LLC- An authorized DirecTV Dealer. Call 1-800-354-1203 ____________________________________ !!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch. 1930-1980. Top Dollar paid!! Call Toll Free 1-866-433-8277 ____________________________________

CLASSIFIEDS

AIRLINE MANUFACTURING CAREERS Start Here – Get trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-686-1704 ____________________________________ Bundle & Save on your TV, Internet, Phone!!! Call Bundle Deals NOW Compare all Companies, Packages and Prices! Call 1-888-986-3957 TODAY! ____________________________________ CASH PAID- UP TO $25/BOX for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. BEST PRICES! Call 1-888-7767771. www.Cash4DiabeticSupplies.com ____________________________________ Get Lightning Fast High Speed Internet. AT&T U-Verse Plans starting at $14.95/mo! BUNDLE & save more with AT&T Internet+Phone+TV. CALL NOW. Offers End Soon! 855-980-5126 ____________________________________ Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: Call 1-877-737-9447 18+ ____________________________________ Viagra 100MG and Cialis 20mg! 40 pills + 4/FREE for only $99.00 #1 Male Enhancement, Discreet Shipping. Save $500! Buy The Blue Pill! 1800-213-6202 ____________________________________ CASH FOR CARS: All Cars/Trucks Wanted. Running or Not! Top Dollar Paid. We Come To You! Any Make/Model. Call For Instant Offer: 1-800-8645960 ____________________________________ OLD GUITAR'S, MANDOLIN'S & BANJO'S WANTED! Paying TOP CASH for 1920's thru 1980's models - Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Rickenbacker & many more. 1-800-401-0440 ____________________________________ DIRECTV, Internet, & Phone From $69.99/mo + Free 3 Months: HBO® Starz® SHOWTIME® CINEMAX®+ FREE GENIE 4 Room Upgrade + NFL SUNDAY TICKET! Limited offer. Call Now 888-248-5961 ____________________________________ HOTELS FOR HEROES – to find out more about how you can help our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need, visit the Fisher House website at www.fisherhouse.org ____________________________________ DISH TV Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) SAVE! Regular Price $32.99 Ask About FREE SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 877-451-6721 ____________________________________

------------- NOTICES ---------LOST – Wedding Ring. Men’s. White Gold. Lost while driving along Rt. 88 near Mingo Church Road, Finleyville. Very sentimental and important. Reward offered. If found, please call 412-760-2291. ____________________________________ Acorn Stairlifts. The AFFORDABLE solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!** Buy Direct & SAVE. Please call 1-800410-7127 for FREE DVD and brochure. ____________________________________

messengerpaper.com 69 ——————————————————————————————————————————

HOTELS FOR HEROS — to find out more about how you can help our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need, visit the Fisher House website at www.fisherhouse.org [Advertising supported by this publication] ____________________________________ Medical Guardian - Top-rated medical alarm and 24/7 medical alert monitoring. For a limited time, get free equipment, no activation fees, no commitment, a 2nd waterproof alert button for free and more only $29.95 per month. 800-279-4103 ____________________________________ SUPPORT our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need. For more information visit the Fisher House website at www.fisherhouse.org [Advertising supported by this publication] ____________________________________

------------ PETS -------ANGELS FOR ANIMALS. Collecting Aluminum Cans for an on-going fundraiser. (Please no steel, no pie tins, and no aluminum foil.) Also selling Enjoy & Entertainment Books for $30.00 each. For pick up of cans or delivery of books, call Jessie @ 724-9415737. ____________________________________

------------ REAL ESTATE -------Free - Junk/Salvage Mobile Homes. 724-3505983 ____________________________________

Your source for hometown, community news...

the South Hills-Mon Valley

MESSENGER Phone or Fax: 412.249.8177 • Email: news@messengerpaper.com

Priced to sell at only $39,900 For further information or to view the property, please call 724-518-7328 or 412-760-2291

Price Reduced!

————————————————————————————————————————— 70 messengerpaper.com House for Sale. Baldwin Boro, Custer Ave, 6 room, 3 bdrm, 1.5 bath, full basement & garage. $150,000. Call 724-348-8486 ____________________________________ RETIREMENT APARTMENTS, ALL INCLUSIVE. Meals, transportation, activities daily. Short Leases. Monthly specials! Call (866) 338-2607 ____________________________________ ABANDONED FARMLAND! 5 acres - $12,900. Adj to State Land! Southwest valley views, meadows, twn rd! E. Finger Lakes! Rare Deal! EZ terms! 888431-7214. NewYorkLandandLakes.com ____________________________________ BANK REPO’D LAND! 5 acres - $10,900! Great view, woods, fields, utils, yr round rd! Just off the NY State Thruway! Clear title, 100% G’teed! Terms avail! Call 888-738-6994 NOW! ____________________________________ CATSKILLS FARM – SHORT SALE! 58 acres $95,000. Mtn views, woods, Spring, twn rd, utils, survey, G’teed buildable! Priced 60% below Market! Terms! Hurry! 888-479-7997 NewYorkLandand Lakes.com ____________________________________ WESTERN COOPERSTOWN LAKE REGION! 6 acres - $24,900. Stream, spruce plantation, apple trees, hardwoods, beautiful views, gated driveway! Incredible bldg site! Fin is avail! 866-495-8733 NewYorkLandandLakes.com ____________________________________

CLASSIFIEDS

20 ACRES IN WEST TEXAS $15,900 $0 DOWN ONLY $99/mo. Special Offer, Save $2,000! No Qualifying-Owner Financing Great Property, Great Deal! 800-343-9444 ____________________________________ BEAUTIFUL STREAM 10 acres - $34,900 Woods, apple trees, views, 1,000 ft of stream! Cooperstown Lakes Region! Peaceful country bldg site! Twn rd, utils! Terms avail! 888-738-6994 newyorklandandlakes.com ____________________________________ REPOSSESSED LAND! 10 acres - $19,900. Woods, awesome view, just off the NY Thruway! Quiet country setting! Twn rd, utils. Hurry! Financing avail! 866-495-8733 ____________________________________ TUMBLING WATER 38 acres - $89,900. Fields, woods, valley views gorgeous stream! 1/2 hr west of Albany! Pristine setting on twn rd w/ utils! EZ terms! 888-431-7214 newyorklandandlakes.com ____________________________________

------------ SERVICES -------CARPET REPAIRS. Restretches, Patches, Installation. Small job in Rental Specialist. 25 years experience. Leave Message 412-651-8503 ____________________________________ Bobcat with 2 Buckets FOR RENT! $200/day + delivery & pick-up. Call: 724-825-7233. ____________________________________

December 2014 ——————————————————————————————————————————

SENIOR PLACEMENT SERVICE FREE. Stan Olszewski, helping older adults since 2007 with placement in assisted living, personal care, independent living and memory/Alzheimers’ care facilities. Call Stan at Senior Lifestyles Connections, 724787-7030 (24 hrs a day/7 days a week), email stan@seniorhelpfree.com or visit www.seniorhelp free.com. ____________________________________ RON’S ALL APPLIANCE REPAIR. REPAIRING REFRIGERATORS, WASHERS, DYERS, RANGES, SUBZEROS…ONE CALL DOES IT ALL: 724-6409383. 7 DAYS/WK, 24 HR. SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT. ____________________________________ COMPUTER TUNE-UP - Computer running slow? Chances are you may have viruses or spyware loaded on your machine. Complete virus and spyware removal along with the latest Microsoft Updates. $60.00 per machine. 724-348-6837. ____________________________________ A BETTER CHOICE, INC. Waterproof Your Basement. Repair Your Foundation. FREE ESTIMATES. Lifetime Transferable Warranty. 1-800343-2357 www.abetterchoiceinc.com PA0377 FAMILY MOVIE TRANSFERS AND DVD MONTAGE CREATIONS BY DEB CHEPLIC. Transfer family 8mm and Super 8 reel (projector) movies to DVD – also transfer VHS, VHS-C DV tapes, vinyl records and cassettes. Movies transferred digitally, frame by frame, for superior clarity. No projector flicker – reasonable rates. Create a one of a kind DVD Montage of special family events. 724-258-5336; email: dcheplic@gmail.com Web page:

LOCAL BUSINESSES, MERCHANTS AND SERVICES BANQUET FACILITY/ SOCIAL HALL

DVD TRANSFER/ HOME MOVIES

FINLEYVILLE AMERICAN LEGION – Morrison-Ritchie Post 613. 3537 W. Morrison-Ritchie Post 613. 3537 Washington Avenue, Finleyville. “We are dedicated to helping our veterans and our community.” Offering entertainment and a banquet room that accommodates 75 people. For more info, stop in and visit the lodge, or call 724-348-5608. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––

FAMILY MOVIE TRANSFERS AND DVD MONTAGE CREATIONS BY DEB CHEPLIC. Transfer family 8mm and Super 8 reel (projector) movies to DVD – also transfer VHS, VHS-C DV tapes, vinyl records and cassettes. Movies transferred digitally, frame by frame, for superior clarity. No projector flicker – reasonable rates. Create a one of a kind DVD Montage of special family events. 724-258-5336; email: dcheplic@gmail.com Web page: http://www.debcheplicmovietransfersandmontages.com

CATERING ITALIAN SPECIALTY & GOURMET CATERING, LLC Catering for All Events. Parties from 10 to 5000 People. Weddings * Graduations * Communions * Reunions. 412-3414626. www.iscatering.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Reader Advisory: the National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the following classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer “employment” but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it’s illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. 800 numbers may or may not reach Canada.

Monthly Pizza Puzzler!

RESTAURANT THE KICKSTAND BAR & RESTAURANT – Open Daily 3 p.m. 2 a.m.; Daily Specials; Homemade Soups. 1100 Hayden Blvd. 51 South. 412-384-3080. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––

READER ADVISORY:

Win a FREE Large “Grande” 1-topping Pizza from Vocelli Pizza*! Two (2) lucky winners every month! Just fill in the correct answers to the questions below, and write your name, addressand telephone number on the entry form. Then mail in your entry form to the Messenger. Each month we will draw two (2) local winners from all correct entries. Winners will receive a gift certificate good for one (1) FREE Large “GRANDE” pizza from Vocelli Pizza. Remember to look for a new Monthly Pizza Puzzler every month, and send in your entry form! (*Good only at Finleyville location. One entry per household per month. Employees of the The Messenger; Haniford Enterprises LLC, or Vocelli Pizza are not eligible.)

TAP INTO THE POWER OF THE MESSENGER. To be included in this directory, call (412) 249-8177.

• Official Entry Form •

(Deadline for entries is December 10)

Find the answers to these three (3) questions somewhere within this edition of the South Hills-Mon Valley Messenger. When will the 2nd Hoodie Hoo Day be held? Who was inducted into the PA Sports Hall of Fame? What business recently relocated in Charleroi? Name: Address: Phone Number: Entry forms should be submitted to: South Hills-Mon Valley Messenger, Attention: “Monthly Pizza Puzzler,” P.O. Box 13363, Pittsburgh, PA 15243

Congratulations to our November Pizza Puzzler winners! CINDY MANCINELLO- Charleroi • PATRICK SLAPPO - South Park

December 2014 —————————————————————————————————————————

messengerpaper.com 71 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Food & Dining Staying in or going out, plan your evening using the Messenger Dining Guide.

Walk in No Appointment Necessary Most insurance accepted.

Convenient Hours: Monday – Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lab hours: Monday – Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday 7 a.m. to noon No Sunday lab hours.

For more information call 724-348-6699. 3701 Route 88, Finleyville

mvhhealthydirections.com MM/MK-MVM/9-14