20141203 southhillsliving

Holiday extravaganza!

CHRISTMAS PAST + LOCAL GIFT IDEAS

DECEMBER 2014 A FREE BI MONTHLY PUBLICATION

contents

DECEMBER 2014

features

in every issue

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12 Days of Christmas Make new traditions with family activities.

15 Pittsburgh Presents 34 28 Back on Track Shop small, shop local with these unique gift ideas.

Local collectors hope to keep model train collecting alive.

6 SOUTH HILLS LIVING December 2014

Historical flashback

8 From the editor 10 Calendar of events 12 Photo album 32 Neighborhood spotlight

from the editor I katie green

Holiday traditions

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unning all over the South Hills – and beyond – collecting gift ideas to photograph for South Hills Living’s annual gift guide, and the photo shoot with Megan Wylie Ruffing, has become a tradition of sorts at our office. This year, Megan and I hung a beautiful red backdrop on my office door and began shooting the cover – beautiful packages wrapped by The Almanac’s circulation manager, Judi Smith. While we were shooting, we realized that we needed some tape – but in order to get it, we would have to open the door, thus bringing the backdrop down.

So, we improvised. I contorted myself into an awkward position, trying my best to keep strings of Christmas lights hanging above the presents while staying out of the shots. The photos with the lights ended up on the cutting room floor – they turned out more cheesy than elegant. But, it’s a prefect example of just how much styling, editing and work goes into a “simple” photo shoot. I’ve often joked that we take 100 photos and are lucky to get one that works – except I’m not actually joking.

While Megan and I were busy styling the cover and photographing unique gift ideas for you (see page 16), Eleanor Bailey was scouring the region for free or low cost family-friendly things to see and do during the 12 Days of Christmas. Hopefully, her story on page 23 will help start a new holiday tradition or two for you and yours.

Keeping with the holiday theme, David Singer talked to local model train aficionados. Collecting antique model trains can get quite expensive – and quite elaborate. One collector interviewed boasts a $300,000, 2,000-piece collection. Unfortunately, today’s generation isn’t getting in on the action, leaving some to wonder if train collecting is a dying pastime. Read more on page 28.

Finally, take a glimpse of holidays past in our Historical Flashback on page 34.

But don’t forget about Christmas present.

Published bi-monthly by Observer Publishing Company South Hills 2600 Boyce Road Plaza, Suite 142 Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 724.941.7725 Washington 122 S. Main Street Washington, PA 15301 724.222.2200 Greene County 32 Church Street Waynesburg, PA 15370 724.852.2602 PUBLISHER Thomas P. Northrop DIRECTOR OF NEWS Lucy Northrop Corwin EDITOR Katie Green ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Matt Miller CONTRIBUTORS Eleanor Bailey David Singer Megan Wylie Ruffing

On the cover

Wishing our South Hills Living family and friends a Happy Holiday season,

Katie Green Editor

8 SOUTH HILLS LIVING December 2014

Cover photo by Megan Wylie Ruffing

what’s happening I calendar of events Through 12.13 “An Ozark Country Christmas” Pohl Productions Crowne Plaza Cabaret Dinner Theater, Bethel Park 724.746.1178

Through 12.30 Holiday Art Market Washington Community Arts & Cultural Center, Washington www.washarts.org

12.3-19 “Oliver Twist” Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre Charity Randall Theatre, Oakland 412.561.6000

12.4-7, 12.10-13 “A Tuna Christmas” Little Lake Theatre Company littlelake.org

12.4-20 “Great Expectations” Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre Charity Randall Theatre, Oakland 412.561.6000

12.5-7 All-Clad Factory Sale Washington County Fairgrounds all-clad.com

12.5-21 “A Musical Christmas Carol” Pittsburgh CLO Byham Theater 412.456.6666

12.5-28 “The Nutcracker”

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre The Benedum Center 412.281.0360

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12.5 Make-A-Wish Holiday Breakfast Hosted by Coldwell Banker Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South, Bethel Park 412.833.5405 ext. 200

12.6 Breakfast with Santa Claus South Fayette High School southfayette.org

12.6 Seton-La Salle’s Green and Gold Gala Circuit Center, South Side 412.561.3583.

12.7 Tree Lighting & Children’s Holiday Party Peters Township Municipal Center peterstownship.com

12.7 Blood Drive Baldwin Community U.M. Church 412.884.8519

12.13 Jingle Bell Run/Walk Benefiting The Arthritis Foundation North Shore 412.250.3342

12.13 Holiday Dance Spectacular Upper St. Clair Theatre academyofdancepgh.com

12.13 Holiday Open House (With a Little Bling!)

Crate Cooking School, Green Tree 412.341.5700

12.16 Aeolian Winds of Pittsburgh Holiday Concert Upper St. Clair Township Library twpusc.org

12.18-1.11 “Uproar” off the WALL Productions, Carnegie insideoffthewall.com

12.19-20 South Hills Chorale Holidays Wrapped in Song Westminster Presbyterian Church, Upper St. Clair 412.220.4227

12.19-1.10 “Or,” off the WALL Productions, Carnegie insideoffthewall.com

January 1.6-10 The Second City’s “N’At’s All Folks” Pittsburgh Public Theater O’Reilly Theater 412.316.1600

1.8 Dancing with the Stars Live!

Benedum Center 412.456.6666

1.23 Symphony of Food Benefiting WOMEN of Southwestern Pa Bella Sera womenofswpa.org

photo ALBUM Photos by Eleanor Bailey

Bethel’s Bounty Bethel’s Bounty marked another successful event for the Bethel Park Community Foundation. Held at the Bethel Park Community Center, guests sampled fare from Pasta Too, The Rice Inn, Give Mia Cookie, Eat ‘n Park, Tim Cassidy Catering, Bethel Bakery and more. Sponsors included Bethel Bakery, Evey True Value Hardware, Brentwood Bank, Attorney Samuel Moore and The Almanac/South Hills Living magazine.

Kimberley Martin, Frank and Rosemary Krill

Taylor Arnoni, Joan Morton, Kris Arnoni, Nick Arnoni, Bethel Park District Magistrate Ron Arnoni

Mary and Andy Amrhein

Terri and Ken Capristo, Laura and Willis Evans, Tom Bailey

Steven Davis, Kaitlyn Ellsworth, Maura Ellsworth 12 SOUTH HILLS LIVING December 2014

Jan Ruzicka, Cyd West, Doris Waite

For our third annual gift guide, we wanted to give you ideas that are out of the box – ideas that were invented or crafted locally, or gifts that help you to keep more of your hard-earned money in your own communities.

EDITED BY KATIE GREEN PHOTOS BY MEGAN WYLIE RUFFING

December 2014 SOUTH HILLS LIVING 15

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1. What to get the oenophile who already has a complete collection? The Hollywood Collections by Holly Adler Tuscan Winery Decorative Wooden Bartender Christmas nutcracker. Note: this guy is not functional, only decorative. $94, Cobb Collection, Peters Twp. 724.969.1600.

2. Snuggle up and get through winter nights with the Earthing throw, a plush cotton conductive blanket. Bonus – it comes with a book and a DVD to help you get grounded, energy-wise. $150, AVANI Institute, Peters Twp. Avaniinstitute.com.

16 SOUTH HILLS LIVING December 2014

3. Gift the fashionista on your list this Botkier Soho Tote, and gift yourself, too – for every $100 you spend, get a $25 gift card. $295, Jules Pittsburgh, Lawrenceville. julespittsburgh. com.

4. Art is in jewelry designer Emily Armenta’s blood – she hails from a family of artists and has been designing and working with stones since she was a child. Check out an array of her bangles locally.

Starting at $800, Louis Anthony Jewelers, Upper St. Clair.

412.854.0310.

5. This dry, full-bodied Arrowhead Wine Cellars Cabernet Franc red, grown on the shores of Lake Erie, pairs perfectly with poultry, and Middle Eastern fare. Or, combine it with Trax Farms Apple Cider and Trax Hot Mulled Wine Spices for a hot mulled wine that pairs perfectly with winter. $15.99, Trax Farms’ Wine Shop, Finleyville. traxfarms.com.

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7. Take a trip back in time

and see how Pittsburgh’s Mellon Square evolved to the beautiful space it is today with “Mellon Square: Discovering a Modern Masterpiece.” Perfect for the history buff or architecture fan on your gift list. $24.95, available on Amazon.com.

8. The brainchild of Cal U grad Emily Imblum, these decorative insulin pump accessories allow wearers to sport their pumps in style, rather than try to conceal them. The Chevron pattern is en vogue right now, and is great for teens. $9.99. pump-

peelz.com.

9. Mt. Washington native Greta Falvo hand-pours these all-natural, dye-free scented soy candles come in seasonal holiday scents. Starting at

$14, Soyil Candles, Mt. Washington. Order online or find where to buy in the South Hills at soyil.com.

10. Know a theater buff?

Gift them tickets or even a subscription to Little Lake Theatre. The young thespian will enjoy a pass to Little Lake’s Looking Glass Theater.

Prices vary, Little Lake Theatre Company, Canonsburg. littlelake.org.

11. The Norman Childs

Eyewear Streets Collection was inspired by streets in Child’s hometown of Pittsburgh. The Walnut (left) has a slight Cat-Eye Shape and plenty of great colors to choose from.” For men, The Ellsworth (right) has a small, rectangular shape that benefits from a small face.

Shop the South Hills Village store or order online. $450.

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11. Warm, versatile and stylish sum up this Desigual Coat. Wear it ice

skating or wear it for date night – either way, you’ll want winter to stay! $299, MoZaic Boutique, Collier Twp. mozaicboutique.com.

12. Cobb Collection owner Cynthia Cobb says that Woof & Poof dolls

are holiday best-sellers – and with a reasonable price point and super adorable choices, why wouldn’t they be? $41, Cobb Collection, Peters Twp. 724.969.1600.

13. The adventurous child on your list will enjoy an Edible Chemistry

Kit. They can make color-changing foaming jelly, polymer pudding, and even cabbages that do as they are told. Everything is edible and nontoxic. $18, Senator John Heinz History Center, Strip District. 412.454.6000.

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More ideas!

• U Rock Music Center in McMurray specializes in teaching music lessons to kids and teens. Mention South Hills Living and buy two lessons, get two free. urockmusiccenter.com.

• Help a far away loved one feel like they are in the ’Burgh by shipping them a Primanti Bros. sandwich kit via goldbely.com. $109 for four sandwiches.

• A slew of local history books, complete with photos, are available online at arcadiapublishing.com. Local neighborhoods include Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park, Castle Shannon, Dormont, Upper St. Clair and Bridgeville. $21.99.

the 12 days of

christmas

BY ELEANOR BAILEY

The region offers family-friendly events for everybody Tradition defines The Twelve Days of Christmas as the season between Dec. 25 and Jan. 6. Today the holiday season starts as early as the day after Thanksgiving as shoppers search for perfect presents, and ends after the dawn of a new year as students head back to the classroom and employees return to office buildings. But, there is much more time for merriment and a plethora of activities to keep friends and families entertained.

Just as in the English carol, we trimmed the list to a dozen must-see events and must-do activities that promote family-friendly themes to instill long-lasting traditions for years to come.

ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS Christians commemorate the birth of the Son of God on Dec. 25 and a visit to view the crèche at 600 Grant St. in Downtown Pittsburgh is the perfect place to begin celebrating the Nativity of Christ. The largerthan-life display is the world’s only authorized replica of the Christmas crèche that stands outside St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Originally erected in 1999, the stable is 64 feet wide, 42 feet high, 36 feet deep. It weighs approximately 66,000 pounds. Twenty life-size figures, including the infant Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the Three Kings, three shepherds, a woman and child, a servant girl, three angels, camel, donkey, ox, cow, ram and goat, occupy the structure, which delights visitors through the Epiphany in January.

ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS Nothing signals the day after Christmas like the Harlem Globetrotters. These basketball magicians have been entertaining fans in Pittsburgh for as long as Tim McConnell can remember.

McConnell grew up watching the high-flying, dunking and shooting wizards of the hardwood. He and his brothers, Tommy and Michael, always received tickets in their stockings to attend the games played at the Civic Arena.

While Tom, who is the women’s coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, preferred Curly Neal’s dribbling routine, Tim says his personal favorite was Meadow Lark Lemon’s famous hook shot as well as the paper in the bucket as fake water.

“We enjoyed the trickery and fun with the fans that the Globetrotters brought each year,” McConnell says. “We went for a number of years.

It definitely became a tradition that we looked forward to each year.”

While the Globetrotters will perform two shows

at 1 and 6 p.m. Dec. 26 at the Consol Energy Center, scholastic teams will take to the hardwood for many holiday tournaments and entertain area fans at a fraction of the cost.

For 48 years, wrestling fans have attended the Powerade Tournament. This year’s event begins with pigtail matches at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 29 and continues through the championships set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 30 at Canon-McMillan High School.

According to Canon-McMillan athletic director Frank Vulcano, who also serves on the tournament committee, Powerade 2014 features teams from 10 different states including Utah and California. Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park, South Park, Waynesburg and Trinity as well as host Canon-McMillan are among the area teams competing.

“If you are a wrestling fan,” said Frank Vulcano, “this year’s tournament is a must see. Each and every year we seem to be getting better talent and this year is no different. The tournament gives the Pennsylvania wrestlers and fans a chance to see different styles of wrestling.”

December 2014 SOUTH HILLS LIVING 23

ON THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS Driving around the neighborhood, children dressed in their pajamas, viewing lights has been an ancient holiday activity for families since the invention of the automobile.

“It is a great tradition because it has the family doing something together at this time of year,” says Jack Allen. The Bethel Park mayor added he enjoyed looking at neighborhood lights as a youth and continued the ritual with his three daughters. “We would not only look at lights, but also stop for a treat and make a night of it.” Since his family lived in different parts of the country, including Metro New York, before relocating to the South Hills, Allen viewed many displays, including those in Manhattan.

Hence, Oglebay would not be a stretch for the Allen children as they have kept up the tradition with their own families. The resort, located in Wheeling, W.Va., boasts one of America’s largest holiday light shows and runs through Jan. 4.

This holiday tradition began in 1985 with just five light displays and landscape lighting covering about 125 acres over a three-mile drive throughout the resort. Since then, the show has grown into one of the nation’s largest light shows, covering more than 300 acres over a six-mile drive throughout the resort.

Eighty larger-than-life light displays are now part of this glowing show, including the new Rainbow Tunnel, which is 100 feet long with multi-colored lights.

“We are very excited about this year’s new addition,” says marketing director Caren Knoyer. “Thirty arches will span the road leading down to the lake area. We are certain this tunnel will be a big hit.”

In addition to the displays, Oglebay offers a light and music extravaganza, Gardens of Light, featuring 150 hanging baskets of lights, illuminated flowers, trees and shrubs, combined with holiday tunes, the Christmas Tree Garden as well as the Carriage House Glass.

For more information, visit www.oglebay-resort.com.

Closer to home, Kennywood Park strings displays to attract customers. Municipalities, like Bethel Park and neighboring Whitehall, do so in the spirit of fun and competition. Both communities hold contests. According to Mayor Allen, there are nine wards in Bethel Park and one or two people judge each one. “They are judged on the nicest display of Christmas lights,” Allen says. At the January council meeting, the nine winners and runners-up are presented with certificates. They are also invited to be judges for the following year’s competition.

“We have great houses in every ward,” Allen says. “Almost to the person, the people that do the lights do it for the spirit of Christmas. They do it as a family and it is a tradition that they have with their family.”

24 SOUTH HILLS LIVING December 2014

Receive a pair of ice skates for Christmas?

Then head to the rink, says Bob Hlebinsky.

According to the facility’s manager at the Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center, ice skating is portrayed as a typical activity that fits in with the ‘White Christmas’ ideal. Many holiday specials feature ice skating as part of their background and programs. In fact, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” leads off with the entire Peanuts gang, including Snoopy, skating on a frozen pond.

“Families use this time to bring their children to the rink to introduce them to the sport the same as their parents brought them,” Hlebinsky explains.

The Play Date on Ice program is also popular with parents of preschool-age children.

According to Hlebinsky, the sessions “allow sleds, toys and various props not normally permitted during regular public skates.”

While Mt. Lebanon, as well as Ice Castle in Castle Shannon and Iceoplex in Southpointe feature indoor skating, Allegheny County parks, and PPG Place in Pittsburgh, provide places to skate outdoors.

Until March 1, the plaza between Third and Fourth avenues transforms into

the MassMutual Pittsburgh Ice Rink at PPG Place. First opened in 2001, the ice rink measures 104’ by 104’ and is available for parties, lessons, corporate events and groups. Call 412-394-3641 to schedule a private event.

South Park and North Park outdoor ice skating rinks are closed on Christmas. For information on lessons or admission, call 412-833-1499 (South Park) or 724-9351280 (North Park).

ON THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS So you decided to ice skate in Pittsburgh.

Don’t forget to warm up in the Wintergarden.

“I love Christmas at PPG Place. The tree lights sparkle off of the glass buildings and it is beautiful. It’s an enchanting place to work during the holidays,” says Anita D. Falce, marketing events coordinator for the facility.

Inside PPG Place boasts two festive exhibits that attract visitors of all ages. Through Jan. 7, the atrium houses the Spirits of Giving From Around the World as well as the Gingerbread House Display, complete with a train set.

Admission is free. Donations, however, are accepted for the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s Free Care Fund.

According to Falce, the Spirits of Giving From Around the World is a “one-of-a-kind display” that has been a “can’t miss” holiday tradition for 30 years. After several years, local artist Dorian Cleavenger, who has since moved to California, enhanced the exhibit with his paintings.

Sixteen Santas and the accompanying artwork depict how Christmas is celebrated around the world. The life-sized figures, robed in their traditional apparel, capture the folklore and fantasy from many nations.

For example, Grandfather Frost travels house-to-house in Russia, bearing gifts on the non-religious holiday of New Year’s. In Latin America, ‘Viejo Pasero’ or Old Man Christmas delivers holiday treats, including piñatas

full of gifts, poinsettias, roosters and chickens. In Italy, La Befana comes down the chimney with gifts and firewood on Epiphany Eve, Jan. 5. She carries a hand bell to announce her arrival and wields a cane as a warning to bad children, who will receive a lump of coal.

Twelve years ago, PPG Place added the gingerbread houses. According to Falce, the first show featured fewer than 100 houses. It has since expanded to more than 500 displays. Different demographics compete, says Falce. Participants range from adults to young children, scout troops to students of all ages, individuals to organizations, senior citizens to chefs.

According to Falce, the weekend the houses are delivered is always fun. “The children are so proud of their creations. They will show you every detail in their house. We get to see each of the houses and every detail close-up and hear stories from the builders on how they came up with the theme and how they got their group together to build.”

For most bakers and designers, constructing a gingerbread house has become an annual event. “It’s something that grandmothers do with their teen-age grandchildren, parents with their children, or groups of friends do together. Then they make a special trip downtown to see their house in the exhibit and make it a day of holiday celebrations in town,” Falce says.

Don Jones enhances the exhibit with model trains from his private collection. The engines weave through the village of colorful, candy-covered creations and wraps around the base of a spectacular 32-foot Christmas tree.

At lunchtime during the work week, Friday events and all day Saturday and Sunday, local musicians perform in the Wintergarden.

“Where else in Pittsburgh can you come and ice skate around a 65-foot Christmas tree surrounded by glass ‘castles’ then stroll through a magical room filled with Santas, gingerbread houses and trains?” asks Falce enthusiastically.

ON THE SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS At the Carnegie Science Center, one can walk through time and experience Christmas when the rail was king in Western Pennsylvania. The world-renowned Miniature Railroad and Village features hundreds of realistic animated scenes that illustrate how people lived, worked and played in the region during an era spanning the 1880s to the late 1930s. Open for its 90th season, the exhibit is yet another can’t miss holiday treat, as updates offer new surprises for visitors.

“Family members scattered across the country often reunite for the holidays and join together to enjoy the traditions they grew up with and we are honored when they choose a visit among these traditions,” says Patty Rogers, curator of historic exhibits.

The railroad platform features 105 animations, more than a quarter-million trees, 14 aircraft, 85 automobiles, one incline (the Monongahela), 60 trucks, 22 horse-drawn vehicles and 23,000 fans packed into a replica of Forbes Field. The locomotives are all Lionel and follow the “O” Scale, where ¼ inch equals one foot. Generally, five trains and one trolley operate at one time.

In addition to Forbes Field, historic Manchester-Farms, Fallingwater, Punxsutawney Phil at Gobbler’s Knob, Luna Park and the Sharon Steel Mill, Buhl Planetarium is sure to become a fan favorite. It debuts this year.

“I am super excited about our replica,” Rogers says. “So many visitors have fond memories of visiting the Miniature Railroad and Village as children when it was at the Buhl Planetarium. It is fitting the Buhl is making its debut on the display this year in honor of its 75th anniversary.”

As for a personal favorite, Rogers selects Fallingwater. “It was a real challenge to replicate Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece in miniature.”

While the exhibit is open nearly year round, Rogers begins planning next year’s model in January. In between she is “super busy” with special train-related programs as well as Lionel Days and Locomotion Weekend. Call 412-237-3400 for the latest information.

ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS A night of merriment awaits those welcoming a new year as the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust hosts First Night Pittsburgh. In its 21st year, the celebration offers 150 events, showcasing local, regional and national artists.

“We literally have something for everyone because of the diversity in our programming,” says Darcy C. Kucenic, the director of Highmark First Night Pittsburgh. “It truly is a family-friendly event, although not every activity is geared to children. It is safe to bring your children because there is no alcohol. It’s a community event in which people can celebrate Pittsburgh and the hope that a new year can bring and everybody all coming together.”

The evening begins at 6 p.m. with fireworks, “because the smallest of our revelers are not always awake or in town at midnight,” says Kucenic. The artist parade with the bands and puppets begins at 8 p.m.

December 2014 SOUTH HILLS LIVING 25

ON THE NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

“That’s truly unique and special,” Kucenic adds. At 10:45 p.m. is the headline event, usually a national act, announced the first week of December. “Everybody comes out on the street for a great concert,” notes Kucenic. Of course, another popular attraction is the countdown to midnight and the raising of he Future of Pittsburgh ball, adds Kucenic. The main pyrotechnical show is scheduled for midnight.

“We have so many mainstays,” Kucenic says. “Each event is structured in such a way that it’s popular in its own way.”

Popular is the price. Admission is $10 on Dec. 31. Buttons can be purchased in advance for $8 at Giant Eagle or the box office at Theater Square. Ages 5 and under are free.

Because 90 percent of the acts and attractions are held indoors, weather should not be a deterrent for revelers.

What factors into the program’s success is planning. Once Jan. 2 rolls around, Kucenic starts working on next year’s First Night.

“I’m reporting and evaluating,” she says, “but I enjoy it. It’s great to bring new audiences to the Cultural District.”

For more information, call 412-456-6666.

ON THE EIGHTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS After welcoming in the New Year, Kucenic, like many midnight revelers, relaxes. She slips into sweatpants and drives to Latrobe and enjoys dinner with her family. “That’s all I do. I do take the day off.”

For many, the day off starts with watching the Rose Bowl parade and morphs into viewing one college football bowl game after the next. Others head to the malls to take advantage of post-holiday discounts. Some take in a movie. While the holidays usher in Hollywood’s blockbusters, some local theaters will offer classic films during December. The Hollywood Theater in Dormont will feature “A Christmas Story” as well as a new documentary called “Jingle Bell Rocks,” not to mention “White Christmas” and more, says Chad Hunter.

“We also will be showing ‘Die Hard’, it’s set at Christmas time, and yes, even the 1970s horror film, ‘Black Christmas.’ We’re gong to show it separately and also as an event or two as a double feature [with ‘White Christmas,’]” the executive director of the movie house says.

For the stay-at-home crowd, renting holiday classics from Redbox and Netflix provides an inexpensive way for families to enjoy entertainment together. According to the Internet, while “Polar Express,” “Home Alone,” “A Christmas Carol,” “Miracle on 34th Street” and “Scrooged” are quite popular, “It’s A Wonderful Life” ranks No. 1 among rental for the Christmas season.

26 SOUTH HILLS LIVING December 2014

Outside the land appears barren, but there is something always blooming at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and the holiday season is no exception. The Oakland facility is decked out with seasonal flowers and decorations. “It really feels so warm and inviting inside,” says Jordyn Melino, MLA. And, the exhibit coordinator is excited about this year’s Winter Light Garden and Flower Show, running through Jan. 11. “Winter Wonderland,” this year’s theme, brings to life the classic carol, written by Pennsylvania native Dick Smith in 1904.

While the subject of the winter flower show changes every year and there is something new to see, Melino keeps visitors in mind when designing the displays. She creates ‘photo opportunities’ because families and couples often pose in front of the floral arrangements for pictures.

Last year, the Conservancy added a one-of-a-kind exhibit. The custom glass artwork was specifically made for display in the Winter Flower Shows. According to Melino, the artists McCormack and Figg created over 100 glass mushrooms for the Serpentine room. Each has individual lights to let them shine at night, too. Melino also notes the artists created glass specifically for the Orchid, Fern and Stove rooms.

Introduced three years ago, the Winter Light Garden has become a “huge” attraction, adds Melino. The garden sparkles with luminous orbs, trees and fountains of light.

“There’s something really breathtaking and magical about being outdoors and enjoying lights throughout the gardens,” said Melino, who designed the exhibit. “The Winter Light Garden really celebrates the architecture of the gardens and lets visitors enjoy nature in winter.”

Melino predicts the garden, which features large-star magnolias in the summer, is going to be a family holiday tradition. “Our attendance just keeps growing every year,” she says.

The conservancy has expanded the Winter Light Garden to include its Discovery Garden.

This 14,00-square-foot space greatly increases the outdoor light experience, says Melino. “We have also pulled some of those light features into the Conservatory and added a few to some key rooms,” she adds. For example, the Palm Court, the first room that visitors enter, displays chandeliers overhead, as well as some lit archways decorated with swags of tillandsia.

During the holiday season, Santa arrives at Phipps between 11 a.m and 2 p.m. through Dec. 20. Candlelight Evenings, where the walkways are lit and live music wafts through the air, continue through Jan. 11. The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will be featured for a 30-minute creative movement class and story time session, dubbed Sugar Plum Fairy, at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 13.

Family fun days run Dec. 26-30, and Phipps rings in 2015 from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 31.

ON THE 10TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS A cup of cocoa or hot tea is the perfect way to warm up after making that snowman or sledding down Sunny Slope in South Park. For some, attending tea is a holiday tradition and some Pittsburghers combine a visit to the Omni William Penn Hotel with a stroll past Macy’s Department Store to view the historic windows.

Afternoon tea is served in the Palm Court lounge in the hotel from 2:30-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Reservations are recommended by calling 412-553-5235. During the holidays, the elegant main lobby and Terrace Room are decorated, making tea festive.

Closer to home, pink is always the shade of the season at Bella’s House of Fine Teas, located in Bethel Park. Throughout December, Bella’s is holding high tea, featuring such specialties as butternut squash and cherry almond scones. On Jan. 4, a full English tea will be served. Patrons discuss what will happen on Season 4 of “Downton Abbey,” which premiers Jan. 5.

While tea was not a holiday trend with the proprietor, Bella Howard said she has had families come to her establishment who have made it a tradition.

“We are real busy the day after Christmas,” she notes.

“The environment is so inviting and relaxing. After a cup of tea, the conversation just flows. It’s so delightful,” she says, noting that Bella’s has a cup of tea for everybody.

In addition to soup and salad, Bella’s High Tea includes four different tea sandwiches and desserts. Her menu changes monthly and features seasonal delicacies.

Howard says that visitors can personalize their tea.

During the holidays, patrons often bring festive centerpieces and favors to decorate an already properly set table.

Currently, Bella’s is accepting reservations for holiday parties. For groups of 15 or more, the teahouse is open Sundays. The teahouse is closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. For more information, call 412-835-3702.

ON THE 11TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS What would the holidays be without a trip to Oakland to see the Nationality Rooms in the Cathedral of Learning or the decorated trees and Nativity at the Carnegie Museum?

The Nationality Rooms are located on the first and third floors of the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning. Used for classes when school is in session, the rooms were designed to represent the culture of various ethnic groups that settled in Allegheny County and are supported by these cultural groups and governments.

Members of Quo Vadis, a student organization, conduct guided tours for nearly 30,000 visitors each year. Special interpretations are adapted for children, senior citizens, the handicapped and groups with

special interests such as architecture, interior design, art, mythology or religion.

For the winter holidays, the 30 rooms are decorated according to each nation’s traditions and they remain in that appearance until the Saturday of the Martin Luther King Day in 2015.

A free Open House will occur noon-4 p.m. Dec. 7, when musical and dance performances are every 15 minutes.

Timed, ticketed tours will occur from Dec. 27 through 31.

For more information, call 412-624-6000.

Until Jan. 5, the Carnegie Hall of Architecture is filled with several towering 20-foot Colorado spruce trees, each adorned with handcrafted ornaments

that celebrate the beauty of winter.

Additionally, the museum showcases the Neapolitan presepio. One of the finest Nativity scenes of its kind, the exhibit has been a Pittsburgh holiday tradition since 1957.

Handcrafted by artisans between 1700 and 1830, the presepio features lifelike figures and colorful details that re-create the Nativity within a vibrant panorama of 18th-century Italian village life. More than 100 superbly modeled human and angelic figures, along with animals, accessories and architectural elements, cover a 250-square-foot area and create a memorable depiction of the Nativity as seen through the eyes of Neapolitan artisans and collectors.

For more information, call 412-622-3131.

ON THE 12TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS By the 12th day of Christmas, everybody experiences an epiphany. It’s time to put the past behind and get serious about the future. So recycle that tree and shape up.

Peters Township accepts Christmas trees at a dropoff site in Peterswood Park Dec. 26-Jan. 23. The public works department processes the discarded decoration through a limb chipper. The wood chips are then offered as pine mulch for residents. The mulch is available on a first-come, first-served basis until it is exhausted, says Peters C. Overcashier.

Mt. Lebanon does much the same thing, only the municipality offers curbside service. Christmas trees will be picked up for recycling on Jan. 10 and 17.

Trees should be placed at the curb the night before either collection date. Trees should be free of all decorations, including tinsel, and lights. Trees should not be placed in plastic bags.

According to the municipality, its contractor has been instructed to leave behind any trees that do not meet these requirements, because any foreign material on the tress could potentially damage the equipment used to make the wood chips.

While trees may also be placed at curbside for

regular trash pickup, Mt. Lebanon encourages recycling. In fact, residents are welcome to drop their discarded fir at the public works facility themselves during the recycling period.

And, if exhaustion has set in from that little bit of exertion, then it’s time to drop a few pounds – after all, spring break and swimsuit season are just around the corner.

According to Patty Wolf at Healthtrax, people do make resolutions to lose weight in the New Year and gyms do see a spike in attendance around the first of the year because fitness centers have sold a lot of memberships as Christmas presents. However, within three months, statistics show the drop off is remarkable.

“The hardest part is, once you set a goal, getting there and staying there,” Wolf says. “If you are already active and exercise, then you are going to go to the gym regardless.”

Few encounter success because they fail to make lifestyle changes. Because Healthtrax works with its members, the Bethel Park facility maintains a “high retention rate” Wolf says. “We do things differently.

We truly are a wellness and fitness center.”

December 2014 SOUTH HILLS LIVING 27

GETTING BACK ON TRACK

Keeping train collecting alive STORY & PHOTOS

BY DAVID SINGER A coin flip at a model train show could make or break you hundreds of dollars. It’s a sometimes costly game played by Bill Snodgrass to keep the shows interesting and lively. He’s one of a handful of locals who may be among the last devout generation of traders and buyers to keep the hobby of traditional model train collecting alive.

“A guy came up to my table haggling over a smaller gondola car. It was worth maybe three dollars. He said, ‘I’ll give you two dollars.’ Meantime, I’m also talking with someone who’s ready to throw down $300 for a rare engine. I said to the guy, ‘Two dollars and it’s yours.’ He kept going – $1.50, he said. I took it, put it on the ground and crushed it with my foot. There ... it’s free!,” Snodgrass says with a laugh.

The 70-year-old Southpointe resident says you can’t have that kind of fun in online bidding wars.

He said it probably wasn’t the best thing to do, but games like a coin toss are fun for everyone – or, at least for the winning party.

“I would do this at least once a show. You’re haggling with someone and you can’t agree. He wants it for $400, I’m saying $500. You can’t get to a middle ground, so, I say, ‘let’s flip for it!’ Hardly anyone has turned it down. And sometimes I lose by getting ahead of myself and saying let’s flip it for all or nothing,” he says.

Snodgrass recalls selling a 1952 Sante Fe engine to Neil Young at the popular York (County) Expo Train Show, which is sanctioned by the Train Collectors Association.

“He was wearing a cowboy hat. I didn’t recognize him. It was the 1980s, and well I wasn’t a big Neil Young fan, but he was a fan of that Sante Fe.” Star power from Young, or Rod Stewart, also a collector, hasn’t done much to change the “old boys’ club” image of collecting post-war era trains from 1945-69 – they’re the idyllic lines everyone thinks about around Christmas time, but are seldom set out anymore – but one Castle Shannon resident is trying to make it a more family-friendly activity.

“We had a train ride for kids and food for everyone. It was our second year doing the October show at the Castle Shannon fire hall and we had nearly a thousand people come through to look

28 SOUTH HILLS LIVING December 2014

more than 108 tables of trains,” says Fred Molly, a 62-year-old volunteer organizer with the fire department.

The former undertaker is the last person who wants to see model train collecting die, so he’s doing everything he can ahead of the 2017 Pittsburgh TCA convention to bolster the area’s reputation for train collecting.

“People who look for this kind of stuff aren’t looking online. You have to leatherhoof it with traditional fliers and get in front of people’s faces.

That’s what gets people excited: seeing a flier with the old-school Lionel font on it. It brings back memories for a lot of people, and that’s what connects with them to get them out to shows.”

Molly laments because of the old-fashioned approach to advertising, trading and collecting, it’s left younger people out of the mix.

“There are the newer models – fancy new stuff with complex electronics. But I am a purist like most who go to these shows. You want the stuff you had as a kid. And that’s where a lot of these old guys are going with it: they couldn’t have it as a kid, or missed a model year, and now they have the time and money to get that toy!”

Like most who collect, he was given a model train set prior to his first birthday – some even got their first sets before they were born.

“And each Christmas there’d be a new car under the tree. Or every couple of years, a new set or a new engine to pull the cars you got the last year,” Molly says.

Molly and his wife have no children, leaving his insured collection of nearly 700 pieces to face an uncertain future. Meantime, he’s trying to convince people to get offline and go to shows.

“I became a TCA member in 1991. The TCA is built on trust, and that’s why I’ve never been

A couple of 1950s-era Sante Fe engines­­­– like the one Neil Young bought off of Bill Snodgrass in 1988.

disappointed going to a show or mailing and trading with members across the country. If you get something you didn’t expect, which is rare, they give your money back. You can get swindled on eBay or other online sites. You don’t know whether you’re getting an authentic piece or a fake, fraud or forgery.”

Authenticity strikes at the core of why train collectors and sellers are so passionate about their hobby. Knowing the difference of color schemes or whether a model year was rubber-stamped or heat-pressed can be a difference of a hundred dollars. It seems arbitrary to outsiders, but it’s serious business to collectors, who pride themselves on knowing the subtleties of each year’s model variations, according to Molly.

“This isn’t like today’s collecting, where trains

or other models or toys are produced in limited edition sets. These were limited because they didn’t sell enough one year, or, the manufacturer ran out. They’re rare because they’re rare – not because the manufacturer determines it’s going to be rare!”

Those who don’t go to shows or aren’t TCA members often rely on local experts to guide them in new purchases or replacement parts. One such man is Jim Moorhouse, whose Dormont store, The Train Gallery, has been a place for both novice and long-time collectors to talk shop and look over the newest catalogs.

“The first week of December, we’ll get the latest models. Lionel has trains now going for $2,000, but you can get starter sets for around $300,” the 59-year-old says.

Fred Molly explains some of the novel features first introduced during his childhood, like the ammonium nitrate pills that were used to create smoke in the steam engine replicas.

December 2014 SOUTH HILLS LIVING 29

The Train Gallery is a good place for do-ityourself builders who want to get scenery and infrastructure to place around the track.

“For mountains and that kind of topography, it’s plaster over wire. Then we have lichen that you can paint different colors for the foliage and trees... the nice thing about this aspect of collecting is you’re never done; you can keep adding detail and make it photo-realistic,” he says, adding that this is a hobby for those who never want to grow up, but also for those who always want something new to do.

“This hobby is so unique because you can emphasize whatever aspects you want. And you get a practical education about electricity, a little wiring and plaster work, and of course planning the layout, the turns and the switches. You’re not just setting it up and playing with it.”

For history buffs, Moorhouse said Lionel and other makers specialize in regional-specific trains and cars. He said those, however, are for advanced modelers.

One collector who lives in Pleasant Hills sought out localized train replicas partly because his collecting mirrored his real-life work as a trolley communications operator.

“I worked for Port Authority for nearly a decade. I was a radio operator for a year or so for the entire South Hills trolley line in 1990-91,” says David Todd throttles his train full speed around the track.

30 SOUTH HILLS LIVING December 2014

Jim Moorhouse looks over his demo display, which looks much like the ones set up in store fronts in the 1950s.

David Todd, 63, as he held up a replica Castle Shannon trolley.

“This is about six years old, and it’s really neat.

They recorded a Port Authority conductor calling

out the stops and it plays them as it goes around the track,” he said. Todd says he has $300,000 worth of trains (roughly 2,000 pieces) after collecting all these years, getting his first set when he was a year old.

“My 7-year-old grandson, he’s the heir to all this stuff. He still gets sets. And he’ll get these. Hopefully it’ll keep him busy. I mean, this stuff kept me off the streets when I was a kid,” Todd said.

Todd’s wrap-around setup of about 80 feet of inter-spliced track has been moved to his outside porch, which he weather-proofed and placed space heaters around the track so he can toil well into the winter. The hobby often encroaches on wives’ space, like it did for Molly.

“I have to take it all down. Been in the process of doing it now for a while. The Mrs. wants her game room back,” Molly says. Likewise for Snodgrass.

“It took me two years to build it, a weekend to take it down,” he says. Yet, Moorhouse said the push and pull for space doesn’t have to end up with trains boxed up in the attic.

“This display here shows what you can do with a small amount of space. If you plan it right, you can keep rearranging and make the room,” he said, pointing to the 6’x9’ display.

But the trains are likely to end up in the attic anyway if younger generations don’t preserve the interdisciplinary hobby.

“My grandson was 7 when he started getting into sets. He’s now 15 and says he’s looking to sell them. I was hoping he’d stay with it,” Snodgrass says.

“I doubt anyone in 20 years is going to be feeling nostalgic about a certain iPad. It’s just not the same,” Molly says. “But are these up and coming generations going to care anyway? I don’t know.

It’s tough to tell when they’ve got their face stuck on a screen instead of outside playing in the dirt or down in the basement laying down their first sets of track.” n

neighborhood I spotlight Fredo’s Deli and Market

Knossos Gyros

Dormont

The Borough of Dormont is the most densely-populated municipality in Allegheny County, according to the 2010 census. Thankfully, it’s a melting pot of people, and its businesses reflect that diversity.

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY DAVID SINGER At FREDO’S DELI AND MARKET, you get a bit of Bosnia in everything you taste. “We have lots of European – Slovenian, Croatian, Serbian food and groceries,” says Mediha Cehic, a Bosnian immigrant whose store at 1451 Potomac Ave. has been serving up authentic ethnic and American food for nearly five years. Sadik, co-owner and Mediha’s husband, is proud that despite their various ethnic offerings, Dormont customers awarded them GrubHub.com’s best Italian sandwich in the area. Sadik pointed out items in the small grocery you can’t find hardly anywhere else. “This rose hip jam is delicious, and plum jams, as well as many varieties of smoked meats.”

At KNOSSOS GYROS, 1439 Potomac Ave., homemade dishes mix traditional Greek and Polish comfort food with Pittsburgh style. “My favorite is the chicken and steak gyro – because I don’t like lamb that much,” owner Tammy Ruggieri says. Lamb gyros are on hand, and the Knosso’s burger is a beef patty stacked with gyro sauce, lettuce, tomato and onion.

The famished can tackle the 13” pizza boat, a sub with traditional Italian-pie toppings, or the stuffed Pierogie gyro, as enormous as it sounds. Retro confections – like candy cigarettes – are displayed in the front case. Oh, and it’s not on the menu yet, but you can ask for it: falafel! And Knosso’s delivers.

Luke Parker wants to introduce you to a steamed sandwich. “The steamer brings out the meats’ juices, melts the cheese just right and keeps the buns soft and hot,” the co-operator of PARKER’S PGH said.

Open since mid-October, the restaurant at 2911 Glenmore Ave. is a counter-top sit-down lunch spot.

Meatball, caprese and hummus sandwiches are featured, deli favorites are livened up with homemade and original sauces and locally bought produce for toppings. “We try to get as much as we can from businesses in Dormont and Pittsburgh.” Truly a family affair, Parker works alongside his mom, Roseann, and his two business partners, Greg and Dave Laffey.

At THINK PINK VINTAGE ART AND FASHION BOUTIQUE, 2854 Broadway Ave., there are accessories and bargains for any taste – hand-crafted necklaces, framed historical photos of celebrities from the 32 SOUTH HILLS LIVING December 2014

Parker’s PGH

’50s and ’60s, historical books and DVDs for $2, and even furniture and contemporary-styled purses are available. “This is helping artists. They bring their crafts and goods here, and I give 75 percent of the profit back to them,” says owner and curator Valerie Valenti. “I’m always looking for artists with a good heart who want to share what they made with the world and help them express their identity.”

A full-service laundromat, THE LAUNDRY BASKET at 1608 Potomac Ave. specializes in wash-andfold drop-off service as well as home delivery. “It’s a convenient choice for anyone,” says owner and operator Gina Super. For the wash and fold treatment, Super says most customers use the service by dropping off clothes on their way to work, and it’s ready by the time a customer is returning home. Do-it-yourselfers can take their own laundry and play Pennsylvania Lottery games while waiting. And commercial businesses can have routine service for their employees.

“We can provide regularly scheduled cleaning for all their linens, uniforms and table cloths.” And yes, the Basket does dry-cleaning.

It’s BYOB at THAI SPOON. Located at 1409 Potomac Ave., the popular eatery boasts seasonal favorites such as Winter Curry, with pumpkin, zucchini, bell peppers, baby carrots, potatoes, broccoli and basil in a green coconut curry sauce. Vegetarian options aplenty, any meal can be complimented with meat such as duck, chicken, shrimp, crab and others. Those looking to warm-up can choose the level of spiciness in the old standby of pad Thai, or go all in for the “Volcano,” a meal for the brave: baby back pork ribs simmered in a hot chili and herb sauce.

MOONSTONES is a metaphysical haven. In the store, located at 2892 W. Liberty Ave., hang wind chimes, ornaments, crystals, tapestries; oils and candles lie within reach of djembe drums, jewels and tarot cards. “It’s a spiritual smorgasbord,” says owner Amy Mokricky. From herbs, delicious teas, botanical body care, Pagan tools, Buddhist prayer beads, Judaic Kabbahla, Islamic readings, Christian affirmations – all are represented. Just stepping inside the store is soothing.

Think Pink Boutique

Thai Spoon

MoonStones

Shoppers in Downtown Pittsburgh’s Horne’s Department Store, circa 1950.

Castle Shannon Volunteer Fire Department held its awards ceremony for the Fire Prevention Essay Contest each holiday season at the firehouse on Park Avenue. This photo is undated.

Balloons were a big part of the Canonsburg Christmas parade in 1948, which featured the arrival of Santa riding on top of a locomotive train engine.

34 SOUTH HILLS LIVING December 2014

Downtown Pittsburgh’s Horne’s Department Store decorated for Christmas in 1948.

Following each Christmas, Castle Shannon residents were asked to bring their trees for a community tree burning. Pictured at the 1958 event are Leo Yagello, Sam Sciullo, Mayor Ed Orbringer, Carl Rizzo and Alex Bown.

The Gulf Station at the corner of Cedar and Cochran roads in Mt. Lebanon won Gulf Oil’s best decorated station contest in the tri-state area in 1957.

COURTESY SENATOR JOHN HEINZ HISTORY CENTER, “IMAGES OF AMERICA: CASTLE SHANNON,” “IMAGES OF AMERICA: CANONSBURG,” “IMAGES OF AMERICA: MT. LEBANON”

historical FLASHBACK

Few things evoke such fond, nostalgic memories as holidays past. After all, that’s when family traditions were born, be they trimming the tree with Shiny Bright ornaments, taking a “big trip” to shop Downtown’s department stores or bundling up for the Christmas parade. Take lots of photos this holiday season – they are sure to be enjoyed by future generations!