Union Finley Messenger January 2010

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JANUARY 2010

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Vol. 6, Issue 7

Health, Nutrition & Fitness Page 32

Table For One

A New Monthly Spotlight on Local Dining Page 57

INDEX: Local News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Places To Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Municipal News . . . . . . . . . 18 Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Home & Garden . . . . . . . . 28 People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Kids & Family . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Senior News . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 School News . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Food & Dining . . . . . . . . . . 56 Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

“ W E ’ R E T H E N E I G H B O R LY N E W S PA P E R �

Union Township • Finleyville • Gastonville • Eighty Four • Nottingham • Peters Township • Venetia • New Eagle • Monongahela • Elrama • Elizabeth • West Elizabeth • Jefferson Hills • Library • South Park

Turkeys For The Needy Over 700 Turkeys Distributed to Area Families

By Paul Chasko

T

he Peter’s Creek Trail Council of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) had a very busy time for a few weeks just before Thanksgiving. As part of the Turkey Hunters Care Program the group distributed over 700 frozen turkeys to families in the area to help complete their traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. The turkeys were delivered to the assistance agencies listed below just before Thanksgiving who saw that the turkeys were given to families most in need. • Central Food Bank of Elizabeth • Intersection – McKeesport • Carver Food Pantry

• Elizabeth Borough Food Pantry • Clairton Emergency Food Center • Sister Place Inc. – Clairton • Round Hill Food Pantry – Elizabeth Fwd. • Finleyville Food Pantry – Finleyville State representative Dave Levdansky assisted the local NWTF Chapter with grant funds that were used both as part of the social project and in wildlife habitat restoration. Shop and Save (Belle Vernon) assisted with procuring the frozen turkeys at a discounted price.

The NWTF is a national nonprofit conservation organization founded in 1973 and now has a membership of over 350,000.

The Peter’s Creek Chapter sponsors fund-

0 11pm

!

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Members of the Peter’s Creek Chapter of the NWTF delivering turkeys to the Finleyville Food Bank – State Representative Dave Levdansky lending a hand

raisers year-round to support their projects.

When the opportunity arises they ask that you support their efforts. The NWTF volunteers raise funds and work daily to improve critical wildlife habitat, increase access to public hunting land and introduce non-hunters to this great tradition.

Together the NWTF‘s partners, sponsors and members have raised over $286 million preserving the hunting heritage and conserving nearly 14 million acres of wildlife habitat. Over 700 area families have had a better Thanksgiving through the Peter’s Creek Chapter’s efforts – thanks guys.

YOU CAN HELP Donations to the Peter’s Creek Trail Chapter of the NWTF can be arranged by contacting Al Gouker at (412) 287-7459. More info on the NWTF or their Turkey Hunters Care Program can be found at www.nwtf.org.

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Road Traveled The

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By Wild Willy Frankfort

The Great Brown Carpet Well it’s that time of Seasonal Affective Disorder. year again. I am remindIn the early days it was ed of the description an called the Ague and was Indian friend of mine such a wide spread problem gave me.

He called that remedies were written January and February, up by physicians and “The time of the brown quacks alike in order to rug that starts on the combat this sometimes fatal ground and ends pointaffliction. ing up to the sky.”

It was thought that idleIn the early days when ness was the cause of the the trees were as big has Ague but we know that if houses and taller than a they would have had tanthree story buildings, the ning beds with good UV William “Wild Wily” Frankfurt only time you could disbulbs, it would have saved cern geographic changes many lives. was if there was a good snowfall.

I like this time of year. I appreciate the Winter time for Indian and White man cold and love getting out and running the was a time to work on personal items and woods. If we have a particularly cold perithings which could wait to be done. Work od, I can count on finding shed antlers on that was able to be completed while staying the ground and those big fungus growths on warm indoors was that work left for winter. the side of trees and dry rushes near ponds I can relate to that. When it’s too cold to and wet areas. If you’re a practitioner of hiseven contemplate trying to heat the shop, I torical living techniques you know what I’m do jobs like sewing, embroidery, drawing, talking about. Long story short, “I’m shopand painting. (That’s right I do what’s called ping for fire making tools.” single line embroidery. It was a common My wife thinks that I’m crazy for going decoration on gauntlets, knife sheaths, hol- out in the cold and sometimes worries that sters, and shooting pouches.) As I sit at my I’ll go out there and freeze my butt off but I drawing table, which sits in front of a large have spent countless hours and a good bit of picture window, I feel the cold upon my money learning to stay alive in the cold back. And it’s not hard for me to imagine weather. that I am in my cabin working at staying I think that this time of year offers a lot to warm and utilizing the limited sunlight to those who can live with the cold and that finish that work that I know I wouldn’t be the experience is for those who really are doing in the summer months. labeled as, “The hardier breed.” (Those Some folks and animals “nest” during this who can do it in near three hundred year time of year, others need to be outside, old style clothing are even more so!) working hard to stay warm and to soak up So if you’re feeling a little blue or just as much of the limited sunshine as possible. plain closed in, take the time to soak up A lack of sunshine can make you feel sick, those ardent rays of golden sun. The cold listless, and depressed. will make the experience all the more enjoyToday we have a name for that affliction able and you’ll get a little more exercise and which is caused by a lack of vitamin D, we could all use a little more of that.

Mom 2 Mom Sale at Windover Hills United Methodist Church Attention moms! Looking for a way to clean out some old kids clothes and/or toys?

Been meaning to have a yard sale and just haven't found the time? Well, we can help!

MOPS of Windover Hills is holding a “Mom 2 Mom” sale on Saturday, February 27. The sale will be held at Windover Hills United Methodist Church in South Park.

We are currently looking for moms who have children items to sell - clothes, toys, etc.

Moms can rent tables to set up and sell their items to the public. MOPS of Windover Hills will do plenty of advertising for this event. For more information, questions, or to register, contact Charity Winberg at 724-348-6591 or cwinberg24@verizon.net.

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Ladies With Heart All Volunteer Charity Group Helps Local Families

By Chasity M. Capasso Ladies With Heart is living up to its motto, “just a small group of ladies trying to help people in need in small ways.”

The non-profit, volunteer-sourced charity group is currently seeking new members and promoting a cook book that will benefit needy families this holiday season.

Based in Eighty-Four, Pa., Ladies with Heart has about 11 members and is seeking women of all ages to become involved on a volunteer basis. The only requirement is $3 per month in dues that helps to build the group’s bank account.

“We have a lot of fun,” said Loraine Lusk, the group’s founder and president. “It’s not too time-consuming. You help as much as you are able.”

Ladies with Heart was founded by Lusk in April 2004 after her father passed away and she needed to find something to “keep her mother‘s mind off of things.” Lusk says it was a dream of hers to help people, and dedicated the cookbook to her mother.

Cookbooks are on sale now for $10 each. They include recipes of all kinds that have been submitted and tested by members “from a good old rural community,” says Lusk. She added that while the cookbooks have raised over $2,000 so far, no plans have been made as to who the funds will benefit.

All funds raised help needy families who are out of work, affected by illnesses, house fires or other natural disasters. They have provided families with gift cards for gas and groceries, holiday baskets and have sang at nursing homes.

“We help year-round, in any way we can,“ Lusk said.

“We help in smaller ways because we are not a large organization, but we are starting to become known in the community.”

“For example, we have a family in our area whose wife is very sick,“ she added. “We helped with travel expenses to and from the Cleveland Clinic where she was being treated. We helped to provide Christmas gifts for the children, Thanksgiving baskets with grocery gift cards. It helped them tremendously.”

Ladies with Heart is able to help families in the Eighty Four and surrounding areas mainly through fundraising, such as hoagie and yard sales. They have also held white elephant sales at meetings and sold items such as “Rada” cutlery knives.

A calendar party is planned for this fall featuring a luncheon, Chinese auction and entertainment. No date has been set.

Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Edwards Chapel United Methodist Church, 3111 Route 136 in Finleyville.

To join Ladies with Heart or to order a cookbook, call Loraine at 724-258-6461 or 724-747-1151 for more information.

Donations can be made to: 58A Digger Lane, Eighty Four, PA 15330.

When it Comes to Selling Your Gold – Don’t Be a Fool Dear Editor: With gold selling over $1,200 an ounce these days, the dollar is on a freefall spin to extinction. Gold exchanges are advertising over the radio, TV, newspapers, etc. Don't be scammed (like the bank bailouts) by these hustlers popping up everywhere from hotels, flea markets, rental spaces, and you name it. They even beg you to mail it to them, even providing envelopes to suckers who don't know any better. You'll get chump change from all these services, but a reputable jewelry store will give you a much, much fairer price for your treasures. Take your gold to at least three stores to obtain an estimated value, then sell to the highest quote. It’s ironic that we put such value to gold here on earth, but in Heaven, the streets are paved with it!

-Rich Saporito - West Mifflin, PA

Ringgold’s Bill Marnich Deserving of RUDY Award Dear Editor, I am writing to seek support from area residents for a talented and courageous young man, Bill Marnich. Trusted Sports’ search for the nation’s most inspiring high school football player has been narrowed to 30 semifinalists from 22 states. Marnich, from Ringgold High School is the only semifinalist from Pennsylvania.

Please click on this link to vote for Bill Marnich for the High School Rudy Award. http://www.highschoolrudyawards.com/Nominees/126/Bill_Marnich.aspx A $10,000 academic scholarship and the inaugural RUDY Award goes to the winner, with $5,000 scholarships going to each runner-up. He is truly deserving of this award and your support is greatly appreciated.

-Lloyd C. Price, CAA, Athletic Director/Head Football Coach, Ringgold High School

Monongahela Volunteer Firefighters Say Thank You Dear Editor, The Monongahela volunteer firefighters have a lot to be thankful for this Christmas season. At the December Monongahela City Council meeting, council voted for a financial plan that would help out our financially strapped organization. Several members of the fire dept. have worked closely with city council over the past few months to secure funding that would help the firefighters to continue providing the city with emergency services.

The financial plan that was passed at the council meeting will enable the firefighters to get the necessary training they need to keep current with federal and state mandates. Assistant Fire Chief Joe Muntan believes that City Council has realized the importance of maintaining a volunteer fire dept. Council has set an example that other communities should follow. Just one volunteer firefighter saves the city $39,000. The department as a whole saves the city approximately 2 million dollars per year.

The firefighters feel that the recent work sessions held with council members and the mayor have been a testament of a true working relationship. This new administration was willing to listen to us and find a way to help. They asked a lot of tough questions and we provided them with all the information that they needed. We promised council to work closely with them and be 100% transparent to make sure that the monies would be spent efficiently.

On behalf of the Officers and members of the Monongahela Fire Department, we wish to extend our wishes for a safe and Merry Christmas to all.

-The Monongahela Volunteer Fire Department

Letters to the Editor can be submitted via e-mail to editor@unionfinley.com or by mail to P.O. Box 103, Finleyville, PA 15332.

All Letters to the Editor must be signed and must contain the author’s return address and telephone number for verification. Letters will be printed as submitted whenever possible; however, we reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, and taste, and to refuse to publish any and all letters received. Letters to the Editor represent the unsolicited opinions of our readers and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Union-Finley Messenger, its owners, editorial board, or writing staff. No compensation is offered for any submission, and the author assumes all responsibility for the accuracy and ramifications of their submission.

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PLACES TO GO . . .THINGS TO SEE. . . STUFF TO DO . . .

JANUARY 8 FREE BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS provided from 8:45 to 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 8 at the Peters Township Community Center. The screenings are provided courtesy of Canonsburg General Hospital. For more information, call the Community Relations Department at 724873-5835.

JANUARY 8-9 NEW EAGLE YOUTH SOCCER SIGNUPS - New Eagle Youth Soccer will be holding sign-ups for the spring session on January 8 and 9 at the New Eagle borough building on Main Street in New Eagle. Time for the sign-ups are as follows: January 8 (6:00 – 8:00 pm) January 9 (10:00 am – 12:00 noon) New players, please bring a copy of your birth certificate for age verification. Fees will be $35 for Washington County InHouse (U6 - U10) and $45 for travel players (U12 and up). Sibling discounts will be applied. For additional info, e-mail: neweaglesoccer@hotmail.com JANUARY 11 Oldies Dance - Royal Place Restaurant.

Monday, January 11 from 8:00 PM - 11:30 PM DJ Steve will be playing music from the 50's 60's and 70's. Sponsored by Parents Without Partners. South Hills Chapter #278. Admission PWP members: $5; Non embers: $7. Cash Bar. For more information, contact Barb at 412-835-2688. Royal Place Restaurant is located at 2660 Library Road (Rt. 88), Pittsburgh, PA 15234

HEART SAVER CPR WITH AED TRAINING - Canonsburg General Hospital on Monday, January 11 from 6 - 9 p.m., in the McNary Conference Center. Instructors for this class are certified by the American Heart Association. Attendees will learn heart-saver, or adult, one-person CPR in addition to techniques for dealing with an obstructed airway, AED training and relief of foreign body airway obstruction.

Participants will receive a two year certification after successful course completion.

Registration fee is $25.00. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. To register, call toll free at 1-877-284-2000.

JANUARY 13 UNDERSTANDING EMOTIONAL EATING AND FINDING BALANCE WITH FOOD - Licensed clinical social worker Elizabeth Babcock, MSW, LCSW, BCD will present, Understanding Emotional Eating and Finding Balance with Food at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13 in the McNary Conference Center at Canonsburg General Hospital. In this seminar, participants will explore why most people struggle with unhealthy urges to eat, and why diets predictably fail. To register, call Physician Access at 1-877-284-2000.

JANUARY 14 – 15 PURSE SALE - Thursday and Friday, January 14 and 15 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., ECC. The Auxiliary of Mon-Vale Health Resources, Inc. will present a purse sale that is open to the public. Proceeds from the event will be used by the Auxiliary for its charitable programs at Monongahela Valley Hospital. More information is available by calling 724-258-1167.

JANUARY 16 HEALTHCARE PROVIDER WITH AED Canonsburg Hospital will offer a HealthCare Provider with AED Class on Saturday, January 16 - New Certification, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., $35; Recertification, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., $35. The class includes CPR for all ages, AED (automatic external defibrillator) training and relief of foreign body airway obstruction.

Participants will receive a two-year certification after successful course completion. To register call 1-877-284-2000.

SPAGHETTI DINNER - A Spaghetti Dinner will be held Saturday, January 16 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Union Roads United Methodist Church, Gastonville. Eat in or take out. Adults are $6.00; children are $3.00. For more information, call 724-3486200.

THOMAS YOUTH LEAGUE BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL REGISTRATION Saturday, January 16 at Thomas Presbyterian Church, 1068 Linden Road from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Registration forms can be found on the website: www.eteamz.com/thomasbaseball.

For more Baseball info call Joe Hrycko (724) 348-6849. For more Softball info call Tom Herman (724) 941-9820. Participating communities include: North Strabane, Nottingham, Peters, Finleyville and Canonsburg.

JANUARY 17 PANCAKE BREAKFAST - will be held at South Hills Assembly of God Church, 2725 Bethel Church Road in Bethel Park from 10:00-1:30 pm Sunday, January 17.

Advanced tickets are Adults $5 per person ($7 at the door), Children 10 yrs. and under $2 per person ($2.50 at the door) and Family price total (children 10 yrs. & under) $15 ($18 at the door). Tickets available at the church. For more information call 412-835-8900 or visit www.southhillsassembly.org.

KIDS BASKETBALL FREE-THROW CONTEST – A Kids Basketball Free-Throw contest sponsored by The Knights Of Columbus, will be held on Sunday, January 17 from 1:30 PM until 5:00 PM at the Mon Valley YMCA. Compete in your own age and gender group: Girls: age groups 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and Boys: age groups 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 There will be Brass on Mahogany Winners Plaques for each group and Participation Patches and Certificates for all participants. There is no fee for participation.

Winners at this event will be eligible to compete at the district shoot-off in Monessen. District winners will compete in the regional contest. Regional scores will be sent on to the state committee for PA competition. Awards will be made at all levels.

The Mon Valley YMCA is located in Carroll Township, just off Route 88.

Registration forms are available at: Ringgold High School - Athletic Office Ringgold Middle School - Main Office Gastonville Elementary Center Main Office Donora Elementary Center - Main Office Mon Valley YMCA - Main Office St. Joan of Arc - Main Office Madonna Catholic - Main Office Bring your completed registration form and proof of birthdate to the YMCA between 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm

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JANUARY 21 and 23 SOUTH PARK BASEBALL 2010 REGISTRATION - Thursday, January 21 from 6 – 9 p.m., or Saturday, January 23 from 1 – 5 p.m. Registration takes place in the South Park Community Center at 2675 Brownsville Road. You can obtain a registration form from the SPBA website, at spbaseball.org.

All players, T-Ball through American Legion, may sign-up at this time.

Please note that there is no on-line registration. Registration fees are payable at the time of sign-up; please make checks payable to SPBA. Late registrations subject to $20 late fee. Board members will be available to answer questions during registration.

group members and a few original members. Now performing more than ever, and with their first CD released in 2002 “For Your Love”, the band is back and the legacy continues! Sponsored in part by South Hills Honda. For more information, contact Parks & Recreation at 724-942-5000.

JANUARY 23 TURKEY DINNER - Elizabeth Wesleyan Church, located on Church Street in Elizabeth is hosting a turkey dinner on January 23, 2009 from 3:00-6:00 pm. The cost for adults is $8, children under 12 years $4, and free for tots. For information please phone Mary at 412-384-4662.

JANUARY 22

JANUARY 23, 29 – 31

MIDNIGHT SWIM GYM - There will be a midnight Swim gym held at the Mon Valley YMCA on Friday night Jan. 22nd 2010 from 8:00pm-Midnight. Ages 8-17 welcome!

Swimming will be held from 8:00-10:00pm and the gym will be open from 10:00-midnight with dodgeball games played every half hour. The youth & Teen center will be open the whole evening from 8-midnight for everyone! This event is for all youth members and non-ymca members alike. $4.00 for ymca members and $7.00 for all non-ymca members.

UFAAA SPRING BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL REGISTRATION Spring Registration for the Union Finley Area Athletic Association (UFAAA) Baseball and Softball Leagues will be held at the Finleyville Community Center on Marion Avenue on the following days: Saturday January 23, 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon; Friday January 29, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Saturday January 30, 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon; and Sunday January 31, 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon. If this is the first time your child is playing with UFAAA, please bring a copy of his or her birth certificate. If you would like to volunteer, or for questions and additional information, please contact Michele Gohacki, UFAAA President at 724-3489168 or mgohacki@msn.com.

WINTER CONCERT IN PETERS TOWNSHIP- Come inside the Peters Township Recreation Center on Friday, January 22 from 7-9 p.m. to hear the sounds of Pittsburgh’s own The “New” Holidays which replicate the original sounds of the group “The Holidays” with a freshness and vitality that combines the past, present and future of the group with tunes that spans from the 50’s through the 80’s.

“The Holidays” debuted in 1958 and enjoyed regional and national notoriety, recording and performing hit songs such as “Then I’ll Be Tired of You”, “Lonely Summer”, and “Miss You”. They disbanded in 1962 and reformed in 1995 with new

JANUARY 31 SPAGHETTI DINNER - The Mon Valley Youth & Government Club will be holding a spaghetti dinner fundraiser at the YMCA on Sunday Jan. 31st 2010 from 1:004:00pm. cost is $6.00 per person and tickets include home-made spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread & butter, drinks and dessert.

Take-outs are available and tickets can be purchased at the door!

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Dealing With Your 2009 Tax Returns Tax Advice At The December NNCW Meeting

By Paul Chasko

The historic Coates House museum is "home' to the Elizabeth Township Historical Society.

Kathy Pacacha surveys one of the fabulous goodie tables .. which should she sample!

Elizabeth Township Historical Society Christmas Open House The Elizabeth Township Historical Society held it's Annual Christmas Open House on December 12 and 13, 2009 at it's headquarters, the historic Coates House, located at 5811 Smithfield Street in the Boston section of Elizabeth Township. Tours of the museum all decorated for the Holidays, lots of goodies and refreshments, and a warm atmosphere made for a very enjoyable weekend. (PHOTOS BY ALICE HARRIS)

Ronald Morgenstern and Rose Marie Sherer pause at one of the beautifully decorated trees displayed throughout the Coates House.

This rare and lovely 13 piece life sized hand painted Nativity display was donated by the Miklos families and dates to 1961.

The Union-Finley Messenger is a proud member of the following organizations:

Monongahela Area Chamber of Commerce

It was a chilly evening but there was a good turnout at the December 9, Union Township Neighbor to Neighbor Community Watch (NNCW) meeting.

The guest speaker was Anna Louise Lilley who is a Master Tax Advisor working for H&R Block.

She’s an “Enrolled Agent” which NNCW Secretary/Treasurer Gene Bender discusses a tax issue means she is certified by the with H&R Block’s Anna Louise Lilley (Master Tax Advisor).

IRS to defend clients under audit.

Mrs. Lilley reminded attendees that H&R Block was again offering their “second look” deal for those preparing their own taxes. For a nominal fee an H&R Block agent will examine returns submitted for the past three years to be certain they’re correct and that they’ve maximized any refunds due. This deal offers some added piece of mind as it gets you the H&R Block guarantee that they’ll pay interest and penalties resulting from an error they missed.

Mrs. Lilley also went over some tax law changes that took effect in 2009 as a result of the Recovery and Reinvestment act of 2009 (stimulus package). You may want to check into these to see if you qualify. Some are new credits and some are changes in existing credits.

She discussed each briefly.

Making Work Pay Credit for individuals who are employed or are self-employed there is a reduced income tax withholding for 2009 and 2010. If employers haven’t reduced withholding, be sure to claim the benefit when you file.

Economic Recovery Payment You should have gotten a $250 payment in 2009 – if you didn’t, find how to inquire on irs.gov.

First Time Home Buyer A refundable or non-refundable credit of $8,000 depending on when you purchased your home. As the law now stands 2008 purchases mast be refunded over time but 2009 purchases need not be refunded – but there are exceptions and Mrs. Lilly says there still may be changes.

Residential Energy – Efficient Home improvements The credit is back. Claim it if you can.

Vehicle Purchases Federal tax credits and a tax deduction for state and local taxes depending on whether you bought a standard or electric vehicle.

Unemployment Compensation In addition to the $25 per week increase and time extensions there’s now an exclusion of the first $2,400 received.

COBRA There’s a federal subsidy of 65% of monthly COBRA premiums for 9 months.

Earned Income Credit The tax credit has been increased for families with three or more children.

Child Tax Credit Eligibility requirements have been expanded.

American Opportunity Tax Credit and Section 529 Plan Distributions Expansions to assistance and credits for higher education.

She also mentioned that taking the RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) from IRA and 401k accounts might possibly be dropped again for 2010 but this issue has not yet been decided by congress. Also, there are other changes being considered that may yet affect our 2009 returns. Mrs. Lilley answered tax-related questions from those attending and offered some good suggestions on how folks can minimize their taxes. To get simple questions answered or to sign up for H&R Block assistance call Anna at (412) 655-7214. Her email address is lilley@tax.hrblock.com.

The regular meeting was followed by a Christmas Party with plenty of good food and snacks.

Due to the expected wintery weather, the NNCW administration has decided to suspend monthly meetings for January and February. The next meeting will be in March. There will be reminders posted in the Union-Finley Messenger but the meeting is scheduled for March 17 (almost spring) so you can mark your 2010 calendars.

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www.unionfinley.com A tractor trailer gets stuck across both lanes of Washington Avenue in Finleyville on December 20 while trying to make a turn off of Short Street.

Several good samaritans try to assist the driver.

This view shows the trailer as it stretches back down Short Street.

A Monongahela Police Department patrol car was on hand to help detour traffic.

A Nightmare on Short Street 18-Wheeler Causes Three Hour Detour in Finleyville

By Paul Chasko It had to be an embarrassing three hours for the driver of this big rig who on December 10 got his truck jammed up across Washington Avenue in Finleyville. After three hours of maneuvering, a tow-truck and another tractor showed up and got the rig straightened up enough to get it unstuck and out of Finleyville’s main street. Only minor damage was done to a street sign on Short Street. (PHOTOS BY MARIANNE KLEPPNER AND PAUL CHASKO)

The Short Street sign and pole were slightly damaged by the incident.

Trax Farm Rezoning Upheld Union Township Zoning-Hearing Board Rejects Appeal

By Paul Chasko On December 15, the Union Twp. Zoning-Hearing Board met at the fifth continuance of a hearing on an appeal made by Mr. Andy Tullai and Mr. Douglas Newman challenging the adoption of an ordinance to rezone approximately 45.2 acres of Trax Farm property from RD to C2 which would permit commercial development on the site. The appeal alleged that procedural errors were made in the process and also outlined substantive defects in the action itself.

The Board, over the past several months, heard and studied evidence presented by attorneys for Union Twp. and for the appellants and briefs submitted by both attorneys citing points of law that were pertinent to the appeal. At the December 15 meeting the three-member board voted unanimously to reject the appeal. The rezoning of the property to C2 stands adopted unless further legal action is brought by the appellants.

Finleyville Borough Dedicates New Town-Hall Clock

By Paul Chasko On November 29 just before the lightup night that kicks off the Christmas Season in Finleyville, a crowd of about 65 people gathered at the base of the new town-hall clock to witness its formal dedication.

Mayor Kutsek read a resolution recently passed by the Borough Council acknowledging acceptance of the clock donated by the VanVoorhis family.

The resolution sums up the appreciation of the gift.

The extended VanVoorhis Family gathers under WHEREAS, this the new Town-Hall Clock in Finleyville Grand Town-Hall (PHOTOS BY MARIANNE KLEPPNER) Clock is being dedicated in memory of Robert and Elizabeth (Honey) VanVoorhis; and WHEREAS, in 1947 Robert and Elizabeth began an insurance and real estate agency in Mingo and in 1958 moved the agency to Washington Avenue in Finleyville; and WHEREAS, Robert VanVoorhis was a past president in the Finleyville Lions Club and an active member in the Chamber of Commerce and Elizabeth VanVoorhis was a past president of the Finleyville Business and Professional Woman’s Club; and WHEREAS, Robert and Elizabeth were active in the Ginger Hill Grange, Mingo Church, St. Francis Church and the Peter’s Creek Historical Society: and WHEREAS, be it proclaimed that all passers-by of this Grand Town-Hall Clock will hold in remembrance and gratitude the VanVoorhis Family’s generosity; and be it PROCLAIMED FURTHER; our community has a con- Mayor Mike Kutsek of Finleyville tinuing sense of gratitude too all those who do so much applauds the donation of the new Town-Hall Clock in Finleyville for Finleyville, and the Council and Mayor of Finleyville Borough urge all citizens to share in this thank-you proclamation.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that we, Finleyville Residents, Borough Council, and Michael M. Kutsek, Mayor of the Borough of Finleyville do hereby applaud The Robert and Elizabeth VanVoorhis Family for over sixty years of service and generosity to Finleyville, the town they love. On behalf of the Finleyville governing body and citizens, we extend congratulations to all members of the Robert and Elizabeth VanVoorhis Family and we commend them for their commitment and dedication to our borough and our community.

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Santa Sightings!

Father Christmas Was Everywhere This Holiday Season Springhouse, St. Francis Church, and Trax Farms Host Santa Events

By Paul Chasko Seems that no matter where you were on the weekends in December you’d run into Santa. I bumped into him at the Springhouse in Eighty Four where he was having breakfast with kids and their families. Then again I saw him at Saint Francis Church in Finleyville where he was around for lunch with folks. I was out to Trax Farms later and, sure enough, there he was again with a whole line of kids with their Christmas wish lists waiting to jump up on his lap, tell him that they’d been pretty good during the year and convince him that they really needed all these things for Christmas. He certainly has been a busy guy. (PHOTOS BY PAUL CHASKO)

UNION-FINLEY MESSENGER

Owner/Publisher Douglas E. Haniford

Published Monthly by Haniford Enterprises, LLC

Assignment Editor Krista Ramsey

Contact us:

Editorial Coordinator Judy Gramm

P.O. Box 103 Finleyville, PA 15332 Phone/Fax: (412) 249-8177 E-mail: news@unionfinley.com The Union-Finley Messenger is published during the last week of the month preceding the issue date.

It is available FREE of charge at over 275 area locations throughout the South Hills and Mon Valley communities.

Subscriptions are also available.

Contributing Writers Ken Askew J.R. Brower, Jim Caldwell, Chasity Capasso, Paul Chasko, Andrea Earnest, William Frankfort, Alice Harris, Charlotte Hopkins, Mandy Withers-Kozlowski, Rick Lanning, Heather Latorre, Samantha Milton, Lisa Tomosky, Christen Stroh, Beth Stroud

Photography Marianne Kleppner Jeramie Kozlowski Lisa Saternos, Scott McCurdy Erika Banks Director of Sales & Marketing Lisa Tomosky Account Executives: Charmaine Nebash Tina Patterson Judi Robbins Renee Schoedel Art Director JMC Graphics adsjmcgraphics@aol.com (412) 835-5796

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Santa Visits Trax Farms

McClain Flinn (age 5) and Laekyn Flinn (age 3) from Jefferson Hills are ready to share their wish lists with Santa Claus.

Santa is in the house!

The Big Man makes a grand entrance to the Trax Farms lunch with Santa event.

Pleasant Hills Police Department Hosts Visit With Santa Each year, Pleasant Hills Police Department hosts a wonderful holiday extravaganza at Pleasant Hills Middle School. This year’s event was held Saturday, December 5. Local officers were on-hand to mingle with the kids and parents and ring in the holiday season. Those who attended enjoyed free pizza, popcorn, cookies, and drinks as well as a host of entertainment. Lisa DiGorio School of Dance performed a few numbers, Rockin Bob’s provided holiday music, and the Pittsburgh Pirate showed up for a visit! Children got their photos taken with Santa and received a goodie bag, too. The party is always a really nice way to meet with fellow neighbors and celebrate!

Kids enjoyed chasing a remote controlled police vehicle around!

Santa uses his Christmas Magic to help light up the Christmas Tree!

Sienna Weidner from Bethel Park, (age 3) reviews her letter to Santa one final time.

Officer Dave of Whitehall Police took a moment to entertain the kids

Thomas Jefferson High School students Krista Wright and Emily Coventry took some time on a Saturday to volunteer for face painting at the event.

Children lined up to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him their Christmas wish lists.

Bunola VFC Holds Lunch With Santa

By Alice Harris The Bunola Fire Company hosted 'Lunch with Santa' event on Sunday December 13. Many children came to see Santa, many prizes were given away, and everyone had a great time!

Santa makes his rounds, visiting with all the children.

Kim and Alexis Hostovich from South Park were all smiles at Light-up night at Trax Farms.

Little Will Beinlich just can't take his eyes off Santa! Visiting with him is Bailey Sypin (wearing Santa hat) and big sisters (l-r) Nancy, Abby, and Natalie Beinlich.

The kitchen crew Billie Gochis, Mike Trumpe, and Patti Hallam kept the food coming to fill hungry tummies!

Bernice Allegre (l-r) checked-in eager party goers while Annie Homa sold tickets for the many great Chinese Auction prizes!

(TRAX FARMS PHOTOS BY SCOTT MCCURDY)

Santa and Mrs. Claus along with some elves arrive in style for the Trax Farms Light-up Night.

Tiny 3 week old Anna Marie Boyd after her very first visit with Santa rests comfortably with Dad Jeffrey Allen Boyd and Brother Cody Boyd.

Kamryn and Jacob Williams came prepared with lists .. just in case they forgot something to tell Santa!

Mom Drenda Manes and Grandma Bertha Harbert were forced to see Santa with Riley and Jacob Manes as neither were comfortable with that big man in red!!

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Thinking Outside The Bus MMVTA Launches Study and Seeks Suggestions The Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority SUGGESTIONS (MMVTA) is launching a study that will help lead the agency into the future and To provide suggestions visit the make improvements. MMVTA is calling the TEM - Thinking Outside the BUS study a "Transit Enhancement Model (TEM) section on www.MMVTA.com, pick - Thinking Outside the BUS." up a form on the bus, call 724-489-0880 "The MMVTA has partnered with Clear to request a form, use the form View Strategies of Pittsburgh to help bring included in our advertisement in this the TEM - Thinking Outside the BUS study edition of the Union-Finley Messenger to reality," said MMVTA Executive Director or look for upcoming MMVTA Valerie Kissell. events in the community.

"MMVTA is about more than just buses. It is the people that ride them, who depend on them and support the bus. For those reasons the MMVTA has taken on the initiative of overhauling the way in which public transit is delivered in the Middle Monongahela River Valley."

The over goals are to improve services, increase efficiency, increase ridership, increase revenue, maximize performance and make the system more user friendly.

"Our study team has already been very active riding our services and formulating suggestions. However, now we need to hear from our riders and communities that support our services. We want to know their suggestion on how we can improve our services for them."

The study is taking a two phase public input approach. With the first phase now taking place for interested parties to provide the MMVTA with general suggestions and the second phase happening after the recommended plan is presented to the public.

"The MMVTA is now actively taking suggestions. Plus, we are also giving people the chance to win a few rewards for taking the time to share their suggestions with us," said Chairman of the Board Dr. Harry Miale.

"It is important for the MMVTA to gain useful feedback from all of our constituents. Plus, we understand that everyone is very busy. Therefore, we want to make sure that we make it worth while for everyone to have a chance to be rewarded when they gives a feedback.

Basically, tell us what you would like to see included in the plan and you may win too."

The phase one public suggestions period will run the month of January. Rewards including WalMart gift cards, Complimentary MMVTA Books of Trip Ticket, Free Monthly FLASH passes and one person will win Free MMVTA Transit for a Year.

Give The Snow Removal Guys A Break This winter let’s all try to keep the snow off public roads. Blowing, plowing or dumping snow from your driveway onto public roads creates a danger to drivers and more work for the snow-removal crews. In some municipalities it’s illegal. Just don’t do it and don’t park vehicles in the paths snow plows must take – Please.

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Lions Charter New Club In The Monongahela and Donora Area In keeping with the long tradition of Lions Clubs in the area, a new Lions club comes to the Mon Valley in January when 20 local men and women begin making plans to celebrate the charter night of the soon to be formed Monongahela Donora Area Lions Club. Several interested individuals, community leaders, and officers of District 14M Lions have been meeting for the past two months to form a service club to serve the needs of the Mon Valley residents.

Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired and made a strong commitment to community service and serving youth throughout the world. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit the Web site at www.lionsclubs.org.

The Monongahela Donora Area Lions Club will become officially chartered within the next few weeks and will eventually hold a formal charter night event to celebrate the momentous event. During the ceremonies, District 14-M Governor Richard A Tinsmith will present the members of the new club with their official charter. Current acting officers of the new club are: • President - Mark Repasky • Secretary - Rose Andrako • Treasurer - Daryl Miller Members of the Charleroi Lions Club, who sponsored the formation of the Monongahela Donora Area Lions Club, will also be on hand to congratulate members of the new club and to present them with their official gavel, gong, and ban-

ner. Lions Robert Rossi and Joe Palli will serve as Guiding Lions to the new club to promote its success.

“I am proud to welcome these men and women into Lions.

The Mon Valley will be proud to have such a fine group serving their community,” said District Governor Tinsmith. The new club will become the 52nd Club in District 14-M that is comprised of Fayette, Greene, Somerset, and Greene Counties. Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with nearly 1.3 million members in approximately 45,000 clubs in over 205 countries and geographical areas around the world.

The Monongahela Donora Area Lions Club plans to become involved with a local parish's soup kitchen and plan to have a WHITE CANE collection at area businesses to help the blind in the near future.

The club will meet on the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:30 PM at the Monongahela VFD social hall.

Upcoming meeting dates are Monday, January 4, 2010 and Monday, January 18, 2010.

Like other Lions clubs, the new club is open by invitation to men and women of good character who are interested in identifying needs within the community and working together to fulfill those needs.

For more information or to get involved with the Monongahela Donora Lions Club, please contact Membership Chairperson: Shelly Carney by email at: lionshelly@gmail.com

Winter Concert in Peters Township with “The Holidays” Come inside the Peters Township Recreation Center on Friday, January 22 from 7-9 p.m. to hear the sounds of Pittsburgh’s own The “New” Holidays which replicate the original sounds of the group “The Holidays” with a freshness and vitality that combines the past, present and future of the group with tunes that spans from the 50’s through the 80’s.

“The Holidays” debuted in 1958 and enjoyed regional and national notoriety, recording and performing hit songs such as “Then I’ll Be Tired of You”, “Lonely Summer”, and “Miss You”. They disbanded in 1962 and reformed in 1995 with new group members and a few original members.

Now performing more than ever, and with their first CD released in 2002 “For Your Love”, the band is back and the legacy continues! Sponsored in part by South Hills Honda.

For more information, contact Parks & Recreation at 724-942-5000.

“Understanding Emotional Eating and Finding Balance with Food” Wednesday, January 13, 2010 6:30 p.m.

McNary Conference Center Presented by licensed clinical social worker Elizabeth Babcock, MSW, LCSW, BCD In this seminar, participants will explore why most people struggle with unhealthy urges to eat, and why diets predictably fail (it’s the diets, not you). Whether you come to participate or simply listen, this information will help you understand why you’re stuck where you are, and what you can start doing right now to begin building the relationship you want with food.

You are not alone, and there are solutions!

To register for this free program, call Physician Access at 1-877-284-2000.

CANONSBURG GENERAL HOSPITAL www.wpahs.org

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Trax Farms Can Take The Work Out Of Your Weekend!

Food For The Holidays Dr. Mark DeFilippo from The Chiropratic Health Center in Finleyville, hands over collected food to Louise Twigg for the Finleyville Food Bank. The food was collected from their October food drive.

Trax Farms Deli is now offering Gourmet Rotisserie Chickens (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) for just $6.99 each, pre-orders welcome! Our hot food case also offers meals and sides everyday!!. We carry delicious Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, homemade soups, sandwiches and salad bowls. Your “Superbowl Sunday “can be easy and fun - with Wings, Sandwich Rings, Football Hoagies, Vegetable, Cheese and Meat Trays, Side Dishes and more..

MAKE TRAX for all your Bakery, Produce, Grocery and Wine Shop needs…

Enjoy pies, cakes, cookies, breads and rolls. Our produce department offers fresh, delicious produce year-round. Shop our specialty and everyday grocery area, and try Arrowhead wines available in our Wine Shop.

For special events, parties and gift giving… Make Trax Farms Your EVERYDAY Place To Shop!!

WINTER FLEA MARKETS

A Joyous Event Monongahela Women’s Club Hold Annual Christmas Party Monongahela Woman's Club had their Christmas Party and meeting on Monday, December 14th at the First Presbyterian Church in Monongahela. Club members provided hors d'oeuvres and the entertainment was provided by Shepherds Voice. This women's singing group is from the Riverview Baptist Church in New Eagle. Secular and Traditional Christmas songs were performed with a different rendition of Silent Night reminding us to get out of the hustle and bustle of the Christmas shopping, house decorating, baking and cooking and just have a "Silent Night" and remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Club members donated gifts for the Angel Tree sponsored by the Salvation Army for children in need. Rose Manich represented the Salvation Army and attended the meeting to collect all of the gifts provided for the children. Club members also brought canned goods to be donated to the Presbyterian Church Food Bank.

Members mourned the loss of an honorary member, Charlotte Ewing, and a book will be placed in the Monongahela Public Library in her memory. Charlotte was a member of the Club for over 40 years.

President Cathy Richardson provided kazoos for all Club members and the party ended with singing and kazoo playing for a lot of fun and laughter to end our meeting.

There is no meeting in January, and the next meeting will be held the second Monday in February at the First Presbyterian Church in Monongahela. Anyone interested in joining the Club can call our membership committee chairman Dorothy Shaffer at 412-384-8668 for an application.

Shepherd's Voice performed for the Monongahela Women’s Club at their annual Christmas Party.

Members of the group are (l-r) Debby Petrosky, Debbie Ham, Linda Yohe and Connie Watkins.

Stop by Trax Farms for our Indoor Winter Flea Markets on January 9 & 10, January 23 & 24, February 6 & 7, February 20 & 21 and March 6 & 7 Flea market hours starts at 10:00am.

You will find vendors selling antiques, gifts, collectibles, clothing, apparel, hobbies, food and much more. Whether you’re just browsing or ready to buy, there is something for everyone!!

Free parking and free admission make this the perfect family outing. Our café will be open to serve you. Come join the fun at Trax Farms Indoor Winter Flea Markets!!

If you are interested in being a vendor please call 412-835-3246 ext. 113 for information and to reserve a space.

Visit us on the web www.traxfarms.com click on the Deli to view all items available. Call (412) 835-3246 for details or to place your order.

Winter Store hours: Everyday 10-6 Rt. 88 between Library and Finleyville. Visit is on the web at www.traxfarms.com.

Meeting of South Hills Friends of the Montour Trail The South Hills Friends of the Montour Trail is a group of individuals interested in the maintenance, improvement and promotion of 10 miles of Montour Trail from Library (Milepost 35.3) to Clairton (Milepost 46.3). Regular meetings of the Friends group are held on the secThe trail parking lot at Brownsville Extension ond Wednesday of each and the Piney Fork Bridge at MP37.5. month at 6:30 p.m. at the Jefferson Hills Borough building. The January 2010 meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 13, and the February meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 10.

Individuals interested in the Montour Trail are encouraged to attend the monthly meetings or email through the Montour Trail web site www.montourtrail.org for additional information. Activities concerning the entire Montour Trail and links to the sites of other western Pennsylvania trails are also posted on the Montour Trail web site.

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‘Green’ Home To Reduce Total Owning Cost The site selection for the recent G20 Summit Meeting was chosen because Pittsburgh today serves as a model for economic and environmental transformation in the United States and abroad. Pittsburgh has a long history of renewing, reclaiming and redeveloping its environment while demonstrating a commitment to employ “green” technology to further stimulate economic recovery and development. The summit meeting was held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, the world’s first and largest green convention center.

What about the construction of residential dwellings? A green home means improving the way houses are constructed using less energy, conserving water, and selection of building materials to enhance the impact on economics, health and the environment over the life of the home and the inhabitants. These can lower utility bills as much as 50% annually and put those savings back in the pocket of savvy home owners!! Many existing home owners are upgrading piecemeal via government incentives which is a very long and laborious process.

Sherwood Village at Nottingham (www.sherwoodvillage.net) is one of the first planned carriage home communities offering new residential construction which meets the green building guidelines. They have earned the ENERGY STAR ratings established by the US Government and build to conform to the LEEDS CERTIFICATION standards.

What practical benefits does residential GREEN building offer?

1) Lower Total Owning Costs – Energy Star homes consume substantially less energy for heating, cooling, and water heating generating huge savings in utility costs over the lifetime of the home. The maximum savings is derived from higher efficiencies in quality of home construction, air filtration, HVAC equipment, lighting, and appliances.

2) Superior Performance – A more efficient home “envelope” (airtight sealing and insulation of structure) provides better protection against cold, heat, drafts, moisture, pollution, and noise plus insures consistent temperatures, improved indoor air quality and greater comfort.

3) Healthier Environment – Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted from certain solids or liquids which have short and long term adverse health effects. The use of product replacements such as low VOC paints, carpets, wood preservatives, finishes and adhesives are particularly effective, especially for those that are prone to allergies and other respiratory diseases.

4) Return on Investment – The trend is clear. By choosing a green home with the Energy Star rating, there is a confidence that the market value of the home will continue to appreciate and generate maximum return on the investment when it comes time to sell.

To learn more about Sherwood Village at Nottingham, and their planned carriage home community, please call 412-831-3800 ext. 158

Union Twp. Seeks Additional Zoning-Hearing Board Members Union Township is presently taking résumés and/or letters of interest for additional members of the Union Twp. Zoning-Hearing Board. Please send letters or resumes to: Mrs. Judith Taylor Union Twp. Municipal Bldg.

3904 Finleyville Elrama Rd. Finleyville, PA 15332 Applicants must be residents of Union Twp.

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Local Communities ‘Light Up The Night’ to Kick Off Holiday Season Finleyville Borough Elizabeth Borough

By Paul Chasko

By Alice Harris

The Finleyville Community Center was packed on November 29 for the Holiday Light-Up Event planned for several months by Mayor Kutsek and the Borough Council.

It was a spectacular evening for all in attendance. Santa arrived in a Finleyville Fire Truck and spent the better part of the evening handing out gifts and listening to the Christmas wishes of the kids. Carols were sung by candle-light and Go-Time Ministries put on a live Christmas Pageant to songs sung by some very talented vocalists. Hot dogs, snacks, hot and cold drinks were available to everyone there. It was a great way to begin the Christmas Season in Finleyville. Thanks to Mayor Kutsek, the Finleyville Borough Council and all who helped make this such a great event.

(PHOTOS BY MARIANNE KLEPPNER)

Elizabeth Borough held its Annual Light Up Night on Saturday, December 5th. The arrival of Santa in a beautiful horse drawn carriage, the lighting of the huge gorgeous Christmas tree, the singing of Christmas carols and lots of cookies and hot chocolate on this frosty evening put everyone in good spirits to start the Holidays.

(PHOTOS BY ALICE HARRIS)

Sandy Mayak leads the children with a Christmas Carol set to bells.

Led by Frosty the Snowman, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Santa's Elves arrive.

Santa and his Best Helper ready to receive Good Girls and Boys.

Mrs. Claus, Buzz Lightyear, and Santa's Elves put in many hours to make this event successful.

Grand Theater's Petite Players' beautiful voices carried throughout the town.

Go Time Ministries performs a Christmas Pagent at the Finleyville Community Center.

Light-up Night attendees gathered in the Finleyville Community Center to sing Christmas carols by candle light.

Finleyville Borough Mayor Mike Kutsek thanks everyone for attending.

Santa arrives to much fanfare and excitement.

Finleyville resident John Baumgarten sings a song in memory of his wife Madeline.

Monica Douglas passed out many cups of hot chocolate and Holiday cookies.

The lighting of the Borough's gorgeous living Christmas Tree signaled that Christmas was on it's way!

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NEWS FROM BROUGHTON VFW POST 1940 VFW Post 1940 Events and Activities On November 14, 2009, the VFW Post 1940 and Curry Women Group had a fund raiser for the Grady Boy All Stars. The night was full of excitement, starting with a Chinese Auction items, 50/50, t-shirt sale, spaghetti dinner, random contributions by members and people in the community and many other activities. We want to give a big thank you to the Broughton Fire Department and Barry Ferrelli for bringing up the fire truck so the Grady boys could have a ride and blow the siren. We also want to thank the Century United Soccer Association for letting us use their parking lot. The spaghetti dinner was made by Ed Jawoski and Ed Swagtko who spent their time preparing the food.

The fund raiser was a group effort by many of the members of the VFW Post 1940.

A group of veterans attended the program to honor the veterans at Ringgold Middle School. They are grateful for the program that the student and staff put on in their honor.

During this time of the year, please don’t forget about our Veterans, active and discharged. May God bless and keep them safe.

The post has started on the 2010 calendar of events. There are plans for a fund raiser for a building fund. The biggest event that is in the planning stages with the VFW Post 1940 and Vietnam Veterans Incorporated for a day of honoring the Vietnam veterans with many activities. More information will be available in January. If anyone is interested, please watch for further information.

Veterans in the Community: Post 1940 The VFW Post 1940 was authorized to organize and constitute a post in Broughton, Pennsylvania, on November 7, 1930. Veterans of Foreign Wars Cusic, Rooney, and Bretschneinder were killed in action in WWI, thus giving us the VFW name.

The Post was established in the Bruceton/Broughton area located on Cochran Mill Road. The club moved and then later took over the American Legion property located

at 970 Hough Drive, where it stands today and where the Community Honor Roll lies. After buying the property from the American Legion in 1957, the VFW owned 2.6 acres of land and a house then used for meetings. They later built another building across from the club, which is still used today.

The post has immense respect for Chief Joe Ferrelli, who is a wounded Vietnam veteran, and also his entire South Park Police staff. The Broughton Fire Department, Chief Dennis McDonnough, his officers and firemen, the Library Fire Department, headed by Chief Ted Hale and their staff, are all respected by the members of the post as well. The VFW Post 1940 participates on occasions with the Library VFW Post 6664, Commander Bobby Bastanini, and his members.

South Park Township was originally named Snowden Township up until 1967.

Therefore, the name of the VFW Home Association is called Snowden Ex-Servicemen.

In 1984, Butch Wills and the officers of Post 1940 joined with Broughton Fire Department to raise money for additional wings on the Honor Roll. Butch Wills, the VFW, Broughton Fire Department, Chief Joe Ferrelli, Sr., Barry Ferrelli, Richard Brunetti, and Cal Hurl were instrumental in the fund raising. The late Ray Reis erected the wings, and the plaque was taken care of by the late Billy Griffith, owner of Griffith Mortuary.

On the Honor Roll lie names of veterans from the Spanish-American War, WWI, WWII, Korean War, and the Vietnam War, both living and deceased. Hopefully in the future more wings will be added in order to honor the veterans of current wars.

We are grateful to all those who volunteered their time and money in the winter of 2004 who did immense remodeling to reconstruct Post 1940. Without their help this establishment may not have reopened.

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American Legion Post 613 Gives Toys to Children in Need Once again The American Legion Post 613, Finleyville, collected from its members and also purchased new toys for local children in need. The toys were brought to St. Francis of Assisi Church where the ladies of charity wrapped and distributed them. Pictured above with some of the toys are officers of the American Legion and Father Robert Boyle who accepted the gifts. (l-r) Ruffo Proviano, Father Robert Boyle, and Tom Miller.

Get “Motivated” at South Park Women’s Club Meeting The first South Park Women's Club meeting of the new year will be held on Monday, January 18, at 7:00 p.m. at the South Park Community Center on Brownsville Road.

Justin Hampton, a motivational speaker who says "It's not too late to follow your dreams and fulfill your goals," will be the featured speaker.

All are invited to come to the meeting to meet new friends and enjoy what promises to be an uplifting evening. Refreshments will be served.

Changing Skyline New St. Francis of Assisi Church Taking Shape

By Paul Chasko I’m sure the steel-workers erecting the framework of the new St. Francis Church in Finleyville would rather be doing this work in warmer weather. I can’t imagine anything colder than sitting on steel beams in the wind and snow flurries 40 feet above the ground with the temperature hovering around 20 degrees.

Century Steel Erectors have been contracted by Martik Bros. to assemble the steel framework for the new church. The formed steel for the church framing was delivered a month late from the supplier but the goal is still to get the shell of the building together before the weather gets much worse. A week or so of relatively warm weather will speed up the work.

At any rate, the skyline of Finleyville is changing and Parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi are looking forward to being in their new church sometime in Early Spring. Father Boyle is hopeful about holding Easter Mass in the new church.

Under Construction - The new church as viewed from the rear along route 88.

The church as viewed from the front.

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Spirit of Santa Grows Deep in the Southern Swamplands Cypress Santas Spread Christmastime Joy Due to an unfortunate production error, the first few paragraphs of the article on the front cover of our December issue did not get printed. In fairness to the author, the subject of the article, and our readers, we are reprinting this article in its entirety here for your enjoyment. We apologize for the error and any confusion this may have caused.

By Krista Ramsey Deep, down deep in the swamps and bayous of the south lie the roots of the cypress trees hanging overhead. Called “knees,” these roots grow out of the water or ground and are sometimes described as “nature’s sculptures.” Somewhere along the line, people began harvesting these roots, without causing any damage to the trees themselves.

After a friend sent one to Phyllis Pastore, a lifetime resident of Jefferson Hills, she indulged in her fascination in the oddly shaped formations and began using them to

create various types of Santas—creations she’s named “Santa’s Knees.”

Tucked away in the outskirts of Jefferson Hills, Pastore has a pseudo-studio her husband Anthony created for her by enclosing their back porch. To make her original creations, Pastore orders the roots from Louisiana Cypress Products, which boils them, removes the bark, and dries them in a kiln. Upon receiving a fresh order, Pastore uses acrylic paints, and her imagination, to create patriotic, Victorian, Olde World, traditional, and even Steelers Santas. “The bumps become a bag of toys, his mittens, or trees,” says Pastore. “It just depends on what I see there that day.” She studies each one before beginning to paint, determining exactly how she’d like to bring it to life.

Pastore also spreads the joy of painting among her friends, as she invites them to partake in her craft of decorative painting by offering “classes” every Monday evening.

She says, “this is our therapy!” They have recently taken to painting on slate.

Although a career teacher, Pastore was always interested in art. Even so, she decided to become a teacher, as her immediate and extended family (her maiden name was Miller) has a long history of teaching in the borough. “Back then, families had a lot of influence on your career decision and mine encouraged me to become a teacher,” she said. “Women were mostly teachers, nurses, or secretaries back then, and I do not regret my decision to teach. I found I can still pursue my artwork in my retirement.” Her four children all went through the West Jefferson Hills District, where she spent her teaching career at Jones, Lincoln, and Roosevelt elementary schools, which all closed during her tenure. She retired in 1991. Pastore did pursue her interest in art by doing some decorative painting back in the 80s, and she

The cypress roots come from Louisiana, where they are harvested, boiled, and dried in a kiln.

Phyllis Pastore of Jefferson Hills creates “Santa’s Knees” from cypress roots in her home workshop.

The beautiful handmade creations reflect Phyllis Pastore’s vivid imagination.

She paints Victorian, Olde World, patriotic, and traditional versions of Kris Kringle himself.

was one of the original owners of Country Kreations in Elizabeth. The store still exists in Finleyville today, but she is no longer affiliated.

Pastore’s business spreads by word of mouth, and she sells up to 100 Santas per year, right from her home workshop. They range in price from $25 to $75, depending on the size. As far as she knows, there is no one else in the area that uses cypress roots to create Santas, although she once saw a few at a craft store in Florida. Although the details were not final at the time of publication, she recently sold this year’s remaining lot of about 20 Santas to someone in Slippery Rock who plans to use them as

centerpieces for an upcoming holiday banquet. Pastore does not collect the Santas herself, as she chooses to sell them all. “I live with them all year long, so it’s not hard for me to part with them at Christmastime,” she says. “I take pleasure in knowing they will bring Christmas spirit to someone else’s home.” For more information on these Santas or to order one for next Christmas, call 412-384-6298.

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Nottingham Township Adopts 2010 Budget With No Tax Increase

By J.R. Brower After affirming the soundness of Nottingham Township’s financial condition in November, the Board of Supervisors approved the final budget for 2010 at their December 21 meeting. A resolution to appropriate funds for operational expenses of the municipality for the year 2010 was unanimously approved by the board.

The final budget amount that was adopted was in the amount of $1,136,060, which is actually close to $147,000 less than the amount of last year’s budget. Taxed property will remain at 10.2 mills with no increase in taxes.

In another monetary matter, the township acknowledged receipt of a proposal from the accounting firm of Cypher & Cypher for their annual auditing service of the Earned Income Tax collector, Keystone Municipal Collections.

The board approved the proposal for the 2009 audit, which will cost $825.00, an increase of $50 since the last audit.

In other business, discussion took place concerning a proposed subdivision plan for Robert and Linda Zelch. Robert (Chip) Zelch attended the meeting and told of his plans to subdivide the 82-acre property into two lots. Supervisor Peter Marcoline went over the plot map with Zelch and explained how the map could be improved. Marcoline said that the map should more specifically locate the isolation easement for the sewer system. He also said that it should identify the exact width of the power line easement. He said that the map should show topographical features. He also recommended that the map show source of title and deed reference for the 82 acres. The board approved the plan based upon the conditions, and they also approved the sewage module.

The board also acknowledged receipt of a proposed subdivision plan of lots for Thomas and Beth Lutz, which will be on the agenda for the next meeting.

Concerning reorganization for 2010, a motion was made and passed to authorize the advertisement of the meetings of the following boards: Board of Supervisors, January 4; Board of Auditors, January 5; Zoning Hearing Board, January 6; UCC Board of Appeals, January 7; Planning Commission, January 11 and Recreation Board, January 25.

Concerning personnel, the following

requests were made to the Board of Supervisors: • James Liekar requested to be reappointed as Township Solicitor for 2010.

• Darren Hannum requested not to be reappointed to the Zoning Hearing Board for another 3-year term.

• Sandra Mansmann requested to be appointed to the Zoning Hearing Board for a 3-year term ending January 2013 (to replace Hannum).

• Christi Vamos requested to be reappointed to the Recreation Board for a 5year term ending January 2015.

• Bruce Blednick requested to be reappointed to the Peters Creek Sanitary Authority for a 5-year term ending January 2015.

In another matter, Board Chairman Raymond Barley told of the supervisors meeting on December 17 with county officials to discuss the progress on the regional single stream recycling facility proposed for Nottingham Township. He said the meeting was successful in eliminating redundant things in the planning process.

“The county will have to bid out work, and an agreement has to be signed. I would say that it should be up and running

by June,” said Barley.

On a different subject, Supervisor Marcoline gave an update on the Mon View Mining case. The company sold the property to a firm that went bankrupt.

Now they have resold again to another company for $25,000,000. An attorney representing Nottingham Township is trying to recoup approximately $145,000 in owed back taxes from Mon View, $70,000 from the first sale and $75,000 from the second sale. He said that the property is in both Union and Nottingham Townships, but 80% of substantial coal reserves are in Nottingham.

In two other matters, the board: • Announced that Nottingham has received an Urban Development Program grant of $10,000 with the assistance of Rep. Dave Levdansky’s office. It has not yet been determined how the grant will be used.

• Acknowledged the receipt of a letter from Robert Cherry, Washington County recruiter for the U.S. Census Bureau.

Census workers are needed and are being paid at the rate of $15.25 per hour.

Anyone interested can call the Census Hotline at 866-861-2010 or visit the website www.2010census.gov.

Elizabeth Borough Awarded Grant to Improve Waterfront

By Alice Harris The announcement of the awarding of a CBDG grant to spruce up Elizabeth’s waterfront, a presentation of services offered by Animal Control Officer, Ken Feree, and a discussion of accommodating parking for large events in town highlighted the November 23rd meeting of Elizabeth Borough Council.

The meeting opened with guests signed in to speak. Several residents complained that vehicles parked to attend a funeral service received tickets by Elizabeth Police. Mayor Cline stated these tickets would be waived. If large events that are going to require extra parking are taking place, it would be good to inform the Police ahead of time, if possible, so accommodations can be better made to handle the extra parking needs.

Animal Control Officer Feree, who was invited to this meeting to speak, stated he would like to continue his contact with the Borough at the present fee of $40/month.

He explained that to start dogs should not be running lose, but if lose and picked up, his company does hold them for 48 hours in efforts to reunite them with their owners. As they do not have facilities to hold them longer, following that some dogs are placed at agencies like Pet Finders, Animal Friends, or Washington PA Humane Society if room, but all unclaimed dogs cannot be kept indefinitely.

Guest Wendy Smith issued complaints that Elizabeth Police did not satisfactorily handle follow-up to burglaries on June 24 and July 2 at her business and is filing a formal complaint against the Elizabeth Police. Officer Snelson rebutted they were waiting for incomplete information from the PA Lottery needed to move further.

In other business: • Elizabeth has received a CDBG grant to spruce up its Riverfront in 2010 with grading, repaving, and the installation of a new metal gazebo. Council approved to proceed with the renovations.

• Guest Ann Malady stated she was in attendance to support friends, and that she wants to keep Elizabeth a good place to live.

• Mayor Cline stated that Elizabeth Township Area EMS had 18 calls in October. They also administered 50 flu vaccinations. They also offer a public CPR class the last Tuesday of each month at 5:00 pm at their facility located in Swiss Alpine Village on Rt. 48. Phone Elizabeth Township EMS for additional information.

• Andrew Gresey was publicly thanked

for his $500 donation to the Police Department.

• Mayor Cline was wished a very Happy Birthday.

• The Building Inspector Report started that 3 permits had been applied for this month: occupancy permit for rebuild of a single family dwelling at 932 Third Street; a non occupancy permit for 145 Center Street: and an occupancy permit for 1011 Fourth Street.

• The request for one handicapped parking space on Third St. in front of the Senior Center was approved. Due to the Senior Center sharing an address with the Police Department, the Borough is requesting a meeting with the Seniors to discuss safety concerns.

• The request for one handicapped parking space on Third St. in front of the Senior Center was approved.

• Gratitude is extended to Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Williams for their help in making repairs to get the salt storage site all ready for winter.

• The fancy streetlights need bulbs replaced and some also need repaired.

• David Householder, Chairman of the Zoning & Hearing Board, stated that two variances are up to be heard at their meeting on December 2 nd: Mr. Burke on 7th Street, and Mr. Ferguson for a sign at Hair Force.

• Complaints of having to put 25¢ for 15 minutes of time in the meters in front of the Post Office just to run in for a few minutes will be looked into and prompted a discussion of the Borough’s meters and amounts, locations, and the information that new meters cost $250 per meter.

• Duke Park’s playground shed is up.

Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on things and to report anything seen as suspicious to 911.

• Many sidewalks in the Borough are in need of repairs, especially those at Plum & Second Streets. The Concrete Repair Program through COG can be applied to for sidewalk repairs.

• 10 candidates ran for office in the Elizabeth November election for a full state.

Monica Douglas said she is proud to live in this Community where people are making efforts to be actively involved.

• The US Census Bureau is looking to hire 20 people from Elizabeth and 20 from West Elizabeth for the upcoming Census.

They pay $15/hr. and these jobs should last for about a year. Training was held December 14 from 5-8 pm. Applicants must be a US citizen, 18 years of age, hold a valid driver’s license, have basic skills, and be able to pass a background check.

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Peters Township Council Schedules Public Hearing on Gas Drilling Ordinance for February 15

By J.R. Brower As more and more land leases are being acquired by natural gas drillers throughout the region as part of the Marcellus Shale boom, Peters Township government is proposing an ordinance relating to extraction activities, which are not covered in the township’s current ordinances. Although this zoning ordinance, presented as an amendment, will address primarily natural gas drilling provisions, it will deal with any kind of mineral extraction including coal and oil. The proposed ordinance was announced at the December 14 meeting of Peters Township Council.

Since the state’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has almost exclusive control over natural gas drilling activities, it is expected that the ordinance will be limited in its scope related to proposing regulations as to where drilling activities can take place in the township. “The ordinance will deal with items that we feel we will have the authority to control,” said Township Manager Michael Silvestri.

“There is a lot of interest among those who have leases and those who have concerns.”

Council will make the ordinance available for public comment and decided to schedule a public hearing by itself, rather than part of a regularly scheduled council meeting. The decision was also made to schedule comments in advance. Mention was made that those wishing to speak at the public hearing should be able to sign up on the township website.

Those who do not sign up in advance to speak would still be able to voice their opinions at the public hearing.

The public hearing for the mineral extraction ordinance is scheduled for February 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Peters Township Council Chambers.

No Tax Increase For Jefferson Hills Borough In 2010 New Site for St. Thomas a’Becket Church Approved

By Jim Caldwell Jefferson Hills Borough Council met Monday night, December 14, 2009 for the last general meeting of the year and adopted a balanced budget which has no Tax increase. With all council members present, they unanimously established the Real Estate Tax rate for the new year at 5.63 mills for the general fund, .45 for Fire and, 10 for Ambulance service.

As for fixing salaries, compensation and wages for Borough Employees for 2010, the resolution, as explained by Borough Manager, Douglas Arndt, was that there would be no wage increase for non-union workers and the union contracts which delimitated a raise would be honored. The motion failed on a 3 -4 vote as some members wanted it interpreted to mean that, in this sour economy, they would hold the line on all wages and compensation. If conditions improve, it was determined to be revisited for discussion.

Officer Chris Gawlas, with the full backing of Chief Martin Reagan, Mayor Michael Green and the entire Council completed the third Citizens Police Academy. Before the regular meeting deliberations commenced, the entire class of fifteen filed into the Chamber to receive their diplomas and be

recognized by the community. This year’s class began October 5 and ran for nine weeks. Some of the topics covered were the criminal code, vehicle code, firearms, selfdefense and crime prevention. Council and Staff together affirmed the success of this program. Officer Gawlas remarked that the next class already has people signed up. You must be at least 18 to participate.

Among other resolutions passed were: • Final approval for a new St. Thomas a’Becket Church site.

• Accepted the proposal of Seals & DeMillion, P.C. for a 2009 audit of the Borough and the Library.

• Appointed Mark Pastore to the West Elizabeth Sanitary Authority Board In the report time of the agenda, Road Foreman, Rich Hoffman reminded all residents of the ordinance that there is no parking on Borough streets, especially in the upcoming snow and ice season.

Two members, Councilmen Dominic Serapiglia and Jeffrey Weir did not run for re-election this November. After four years of service, this meeting was their last.

Everyone on the Council and Staff offered their thanks and appreciation for their service and wish them well in the future.

Council adjourned in an executive session for legal and labor matters.

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Two Newly Appointed West Elizabeth Council Members Lose Seats Amidst Voter Confusion

By Charlotte Hopkins The November elections for West Elizabeth Council were confusing to many voters. Residents in support of recently appointed council members Susan BowersPershing and Ray Armstrong Jr. could have voted for them as a write-in vote on the ballot, but didn't because they were under the assumption that their seats on the town council were secured until the next election.

However, they were misinformed so Pershing and Armstrong lost their new appointed seats on the council. They were appointed these seats in August when Shawn Dodds and John Harsmanka resigned. Still, Dodds changed his mind and decided to run for the November election, and regained his seat on council.

As of January 1st, 2010 the new council members include: President, Louise Biddle Vice president, Frank Magill Darryl Celestino Steve Hallam Ray Armstrong Sr Lisa Morris Shawn Dodds In Ongoing Business: • Jefferson Hills submitted a CD of their 2009 Comprehensive Plan. They are required to submit copies of the plan to adjacent communities for their review and comment. If council chooses to submit comments they must be turned in by January 7, 2010. Councilman Darryl Celestino noted that the solicitors and the engineers at the sewage plant are throughly reviewing the CD. • Governor Rendell's office submitted information on their new Emergency Notification System titled, “Alert PA.” With this, council members and community workers will be informed of emergencies via text.

• Kim Dodds, of the street department inquired about who was responsible for the maintenance of the stairs and ramp adjacent to the bridge. A great number of the citizens use these during the winter months and she was concerned of who would be responsible for salting and clearing them. Councilman Darryl Celestino stated, Allegheny County is responsible for the property. They made an arrangement with West Elizabeth that if they maintained the property that the county will reimburse them. This was “years and years ago” and after the first two years the county failed to follow through on their end and ceased paying West Elizabeth. Attorney Matt Racunas agreed to look into the matter and see if the county would be willing to make another agreement. Councilman Ray

Armstrong would like to see some type of guarantee in writing that West Elizabeth will get paid. Council secretary also stated that she would discuss with Elizabeth Borough if they will agree to maintain the up keep on the Elizabeth side of the bridge.

West Elizabeth has already entered into a “Winter Maintenance Agreement” with Elizabeth.

• Jack Miller, questioned council about a letter he received that from the Sewage Authority that requires residents to assure that the water from their rain down spouts is being released into the street and not the sanitary sewer. Miller's concerns is that if the roof water is released into the street during the winter then he is going to have a problem of ice forming in front of his home.

Councilman Celestino confirmed that though the water was once released into the sewer; that is no longer legal. The sanitary code firmly states this. He stated that most people have the water released into their yard.

• Councilwoman, Susan BowersPershing, reported a broken light at the First Street park to Allegheny Power but no one has come out to fix it.

• Pershing also noted that there is a 16 year old who has been skipping school, twothree days a week and spending that time lingering at the Seventh Street park. She contacted the boy's mother, yet nothing has been done about it. The young man lives on the other side of Johny's Drive-in; so he is a Jefferson Hills resident.

• Council President, Louise Biddle, informed council of a letter received by Jim Halt to request that he be re-appointed to the Authority Board of the sanitary department. Confirmation was quickly obtained and Celestino commented that Halt indeed puts in a lot of his time serving on the board.

• Problems retrieving the weed whacker continue for the street department. To recap, four months ago the weed whacker was sent in for repairs. It has broken down in the same spot four previous times. Once it cost the council $67.85 and only lasted a week.

On another occasion, they just picked it up and on the same day had to return it to be fixed again. However, since the last drop-off they have not yet been able to retrieve it.

They have called them several times but were unable to get an answer on whether or not the repairs were made. Now, they are saying they can't find it. Armstrong is concerned that they may not get it back citing the store has a policy that any property not picked up after 30-60 days is deemed property of the store.

• Armstrong asked Biddle if there has

been any progress with the gentleman organizing the War Memorial Updates.

Council awarded him $10,000 for the project yet he hasn't made steps to forming his committee. Pershing assured council that he is in the process of organizing a committee and that he asked her to be a part. Celestino commented that once he has a committee consisting of a secretary, treasurer, president and vice president then they will hand the money over to him. Armstrong stated that it has been four months and he should have had his committee organized by now. Biddle stated that he guaranteed to have one by January.

• Elizabeth Borough police officers responded to 36 calls in the month of November. They handed out 17 traffic citations and 2 nontraffic citations. Mayor Harrington informed Officer-in-Charge, John Snelson, that he received a complaint about a resident on second street being annoyed by a neighbor's continuously barking dogs. The caller did not give the name of the dog's owners so they are unable to investigate it further. Snelson suggested that the mayor have the resident call 911 to make a complaint and they can investigate for there.

• Bill Wolfgang met with Bob Latta and Bob Welty to issue a permit to Latta so that he can build on his property. The sewage treatment department complained about the length of the building so Latta was informed that it will have to be shorter than he originally planned.

• Wolfgang voiced a concern that of the Water Company is going to come in and tear up the streets and move around the fire hydrants then they need to be notified.

The fire hydrant on third street was moved and during the process it was shut down for two days. Wolfgang said he knows that they have a right to fix their lines but this provides a hazard to the fire department especially since they were not even informed about it beforehand.

• Wolfgang stated that this is not the first time they have done this. There was a time when they shut down six fire hydrants on seventh street and never informed anyone beforehand.

• Attorney Matt Racunas stated that he will contact the water department of the dangers and the steps that need to be followed next time.

• Wolfgang informed council that WEBCO did cut the high grass that he issued a concern about previously.

• The dispute continues over whether to tear down the home on second street that has utilities connecting to the occupied home behind it. They are now sug-

gesting that the home be torn down by hand as not to disturb the underlying utilities. However, this will cost an additional $2,000 that is not covered by the grant that is already paying $33,000. This means the $2,000 addition will have to be paid for by the city of West Elizabeth. Wolfgang suggested that they remove the property from the demolition list and apply for a new COG grant and specify the necessity to tear it down by hand. That process will put the demolition off for 2-2 ? years.

Biddle and Celestino both inquired about safety issues and asked Wolfgang if the house can wait that long to be torn down and he said that it can wait. Biddle asked council if they would like to think about it and come to a decision at the January meeting and as they agreed to that Wolfgang said there is no time for them to think about it, they have to decide that night what they want. The man they hired to tear down the house has by February 28th to complete the job so he needed an answer by the end of the Monday meeting.

Hallam informed Biddle that he was going to ask for an executive session so they can discuss it and make a decision at that time.

• Biddle addressed concerns of residents at the Latta trailer court having problems with rats. One of the residents found out about the rats when he pulled his Christmas lights and decorations from his shed and found all of the wires chewed up. They contacted the health department who told them to contact the Borough. Wolfgang said that he is not permitted to bait rats so he ca make a follow-up call to the health department. Biddle said what they want is for Latta to do something about the vacant trailers.

Wolfgang stated that “he's not touching them.” The bank offered to give the trailers to Latta but he has to pay the back taxes and Latta does not want to have to do this because the trailer are not worth the cost of the taxes. Latta has, I fact, been maintaining the property and keeping the grass cut.

Wolfgang informed Biddle that he would contact Latta about the problem.

• Hallam informed council that the siren on third street is broke. This is a public safety issue that they need to have fixed as soon as possible. He is trying to contact Hercules and fire chief, Ray Armstrong Jr, to make plans to do this.

• In the past, Hallam served on the board of Jefferson Hills Ambulance Service as the West Elizabeth Community representative.

He has since become a member of Jefferson Hills department to help fill their membership; so they are seeking someone from West Elizabeth to fill his seat on the board.

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New Eagle Council Passes 2010 Budget

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Union Township Keeping Busy Zoning, Codes, Road Work and Construction Discussed at Final 2009 Council Meeting

New Solicitor Chosen

By Ken Askew New Eagle Council held its’ monthly meeting on December 1, 2009.

At the November meeting, Council announced receipt of two equal low bids ($2,700) for the sale of an excess Ford truck with attached snow plow; therefore, they planned to sell it to the first bid received. However, the plan was later revised to invite just the two low bidders to participate in a second round of bidding. Only one bid was then received (from Jim Majoros) for $3,109, so the equipment was sold to the remaining bidder at the higher price.

The 2010 budget was approved as shown below; millage was unchanged.

CATEGORY General Liquid Fuels Debt Service Street Lighting TOTAL

MILLAGE 30 N/A 2.15 2.69 34.84

AMOUNT $584,280 $ 57,100 $ 18,100 $ 23,234 $682,714

Last month, Council President Jack Fine announced the Borough will receive a $31,900 County Redevelopment grant. This month, Council approved spending those funds for paving parts of 1st Avenue and Birch Street, plus renovation of the roof, ballfield, and basketball court at the Maple Avenue Park.

Four more abandoned vehicles were tagged for removal this month, bringing the year’s total to about 90.

After approximately six years of service to New Eagle Borough, Robert Zunich has been replaced as Solicitor. Tim Berggren, of Berggren & Turturice, LLC was in attendance for his first meeting as the new Solicitor.

Council then adjourned to an Executive Session.

The next New Eagle Council meeting will be held Monday, January 4, 2010 at 7:00 PM; for the remainder of 2010, meetings will revert to being held the first Tuesday of each month, still at 7:00 PM.

West Eizabeth Council, Continued They prefer to choose someone who is not on the town council. They will be required to attend a monthly meeting held on the third Wednesday of each month.

Attorney Matt Racunas asked if the can make time for meeting in the future for him to submit a solicitors report. Council members agreed to do this.

During the council’s review of the monthly bills, council made several notations: A total of $302.61 was collected for past fines.

Tax collector, Bob Welty, turned in a total of $5,488.71.

A bill of $490 was submitted by Skyview Contracting for building repairs.

• Allegheny County is running a “Going Green” campaign and has asked if they can come into the borough building for an evaluation. If the county finds that they have exercised energy saving techniques then they may be awarded cash for their efforts.

• Racunas also gave an update on the 2010 Stream Bank Project. The Army corps of Engineers sent him a set of maps that

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details the project outline. He then noticed that part of the project cuts through property owned by the borough of West Elizabeth.

He gave consent for them to work on the property but they still asked for an authorization of entry form to be written and signed by Biddle. There were fees accumulated for Racunas's time but the Army Corps of Engineers agreed to reimburse council for those costs.

• He also noted that the DEP has advanced their 50% contribution to the Stream bank Project.; officially bringing the cost for West Elizabeth down to $33,000.

Usually, in arrangements like this, the money is reimbursed at the end of the project. In this case, the money was fronted since West Elizabeth is a small community without little resources. The Sanitary Authority has taken a stand in refusing to help defer the $33,000 cost.

• Racunas also reported that the Army Corps of Engineers will also need a copy of the tax maps and Louise suggested that Racunas get those maps from Bob Welty.

By Paul Chasko All board members were present at the December 14 Union Twp. (UT) as was the Solicitor, Secretary/Treasurer, Zoning Officer, Code Enforcement Officer, the UT Engineer and the Engineer for the Elrama Sewage Project.

Zoning and Code Enforcement: Reports were submitted and some issues were discussed briefly by the Officers. Any further work done by UT containing the mud slide on McChain Road will be billed to the property owner.

Elrama Sewage Project: The pumping station is completed and operational and the system has been tested.

Letters will be sent to affected residents that they are required to tap in by April 1, 2010.

The tap-in fee is $1,000 through December 31, 2009. From January 1 and thereafter the tap-in fee will increase to $1,200. The letters will indicate what each affected resident owes on their tap-in fee. The Board has learned that West Elizabeth Sanitary Authority (WESA) will be charging $62.00 per month for households that are not tapped in to the system by the above deadline – even though they are not using the system. The UT solicitor has been asked to obtain a letter of clarification from WESA on their charging policies.

Payments were authorized to David Jones Electrical, KAG Engineering, Guyer Bros., and First Commonwealth in the amounts of $24,977.40, $26,472.84, $94,738.21 and $1,196.87 – all for the Elrama Sewage Project.

Infiltration seals on 140 manhole covers were approved at an added cost of $14,000.

Guard rails in the Elrama area will be installed at a total cost of $8,025.00 (Locust and Maple Streets).

Tap-in costs with Jefferson Hills have not yet been resolved.

Board Chairman Parish and the UT Engineer will review the status of road paving in Elrama.

Road Work: A report on work completed during the past month was submitted and accepted.

Replacement of new street signs as required by the state is underway. Damage was sustained to the plow hoist on one of the UT trucks while salting in icy road conditions.

Repairs authorized not to exceed $800.00

Solicitor’s Report: A meeting was held with Representative Murtha’s staff regarding the proposed storm water management project in Union Valley.

Letters of support were promised from Rep. Murtha, Senator Stout and State Rep. Levdansky. Other items were discussed in an executive session.

Payrolls # 23, 24, and 25 in the amounts of $8,137.14, $8,305.87 and $8,909.09 were approved as was payment of general fund bills in the amount of $53,795.68

In Other Business: • Minutes were approved for the Nov. 9 regular meeting, the Nov. 23 budgeting meeting and the Dec.7 workshop with the WESA. • Higgby was chosen as the provider for liability insurance for UT. • Two companies (Kriebel Minerals and Oak Products Inc) have posted bonds to use Garvin Road – one for gas well drilling and one for logging.

• Due to the unavailability of 2009/2010 trucks, UT withdrew a bid and will submit a new bid for a 2011 truck.

• Repairs done to Airport Rd. by Mountain View are inadequate. The UT Engineer will meet with their representatives.

• The Secretary was asked to advertise a Jan. 4 reorganization meeting for the Board of Supervisors and Jan 11 as the first regular meeting of 2010.

• The Secretary was also asked to set dates and advertise for the UT auditor’s reorganization and the external auditor.

• An oil and gas extraction ordinance will be reviewed by board members.

• A Library Baptist subdivision was approved subject to signatures and a minor addition and to all fees being paid.

• Resident of Linden Street expressed concern that a tree in a small creek was causing flooding above the obstruction.

UT will determine who owns the property as a first step in dealing with the issue.

• A resident asked to have UT petition the state to have lights placed at intersections along Finleyville-Elrama Rd. • Funds were transferred into capital reserve accounts: $300.000 into Equipment, $100,000 into Slide Repair and $25,000 into Salt Shed Accounts • UT will advertise for resumes or expressions of interest for new members on the UT Zoning – Hearing Board.

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www.unionfinley.com Other guests in attendance at the Tri-County Borough Association Meeting included (L to R) two state representatives from the association (names unknown) Member Joe DeBlassio (standing) and Washington Co. Commissioners Larry Maggi, Diana Irey, and J. Bracken Burns. State Representative Dave Levdansky (not shown) was also in attendance.

The panel of experts on creating and operating Regional Police Forces answered questions from the audience at the Tri-County Borough Association Meeting.

Finleyville Hosts Tri-County Borough Association Meeting Regional Police Department Services Discussed

By Paul Chasko On November 19, Finleyville Borough was the host for the monthly Tri-County Borough Association meeting and dinner.

The association is comprised of all boroughs in Washington, Fayette and Greene Counties. Their meetings address governmental concerns and problems that are common to the small municipalities in the region. This meeting took a step beyond just looking at problems and began to look at solutions.

The association assembled a panel to discuss regionalized services and more particularly - regionalized police forces.

The theme of the forum was “Regional Police Forces That Work”.

George Dougherty Jr. of the University of Pittsburgh served as the moderator for discussions between the audience and representatives of: The Southwest Regional Police Department, R.E.S.A. Regional Police Department, Northern Regional Police Department and The Southwest Mercer County Regional Police Force.

Also present to answer questions were State Representative David Levdansky, Washington County Commissioners Larry Maggi, Diana Irey and J. Bracken Burns.

Joseph Kirk, Executive Director of The Mon Valley Progress Council and Bill Gamble, Police Testing/Police Personnel Mgt. Consultant rounded out the panel.

Even though there were only 4 regional departments represented, there are currently 32 regional police forces operating successfully in PA. Types of shared police services were discussed.

Centralized Support Services/ Decentralized Patrol – Provides for consolidation of police records, communications, investigations, recruitment and other personnel functions but leaves the patrol and traffic functions to the individual municipalities.

Contracted Police Services – This is the most common type. One community contracts for police services from an adjoining community who has an existing police force for a agreed to dollar amount. There are over 100 such arrangements in the state.

Police service provided to Finleyville and New Eagle by the Monongahela Police Force is a local example.

Consolidated Police Services – This mode of service requires the abolishment of existing political subdivision boundaries for police services and the unification of all police services into one regional police

department. Control is outside the jurisdiction of any one municipality. The department operations are governed by a policy board or police commission made up of representatives of each of the participating municipalities.

Also discussed were the grant programs that provide state funds to assist in establishing regional police forces having a fulltime Chief and five or more full-time patrol officers. The grants have caps but provide significant assistance in covering start-up costs. Most of the panel members

agreed that shared police services result in lower costs for each individual municipality. Nevertheless, jumping from free PA State Police services to a shared police service is going to bring added costs to the municipality – but that pill may not be so hard to swallow if State Police Service suddenly becomes very costly.

Thanks go out to the Tri-County Boroughs Association and to Finleyville Borough for hosting this forum on an issue of importance to all small municipalities and townships.

Finleyville Borough Closes 2009 With $10K Surplus Grant Funds to be Redirected

By Paul Chasko All members were present at the December 2 meeting of Finleyville Borough Council, as was the Mayor, Solicitor, Secretary/Treasurer and Maintenance Supervisor. The minutes from the November Council meeting were adopted without comment or correction as was the Treasurer’s report. President Tim Kegel reported that the Borough is ending the year with a surplus of just over $10,000.

Approximately $43,000 in grant funds expected to be coming to Finleyville Borough in 2010 were slated for sidewalk improvements. As it turns out, the Borough Council found that to be an unacceptable project for the funds so they will reallocate to a different project. The funds will be used instead to resurface a portion of Lincoln Avenue. A motion carried to reallocate the funds to the new project.

Resurfacing the remainder of Lincoln Avenue was discussed as a project that would be considered at the same time to be financed with Borough funds.

In Other Business:

• The barriers protecting the Railroad gate crossing mechanism will be replaced with standard guard rails.

• Potholes were filled on two streets • One of the Christmas lights that was knocked down will be replaced.

• Work is expected to begin on the Borough Building renovation within the next several weeks.

• An insurance policy was purchased for the new town clock outside the Borough Building.

• Thanks go out from the borough administration to the Van Voorhis Family for the new town clock.

• Two Certificates of deposit were purchased from Charleroi Federal Savings and Loan.

• A motion was passed to have the Secretary advertise the 2010 budget.

• A motion passed to set a date for passage of the 2010 budget for December 30 at 7:00pm at the Borough Building.

• A motion carried to approve a Christmas bonus of $250 each for borough employees.

• A reorganization meeting was scheduled for January 4, 2-10 at 7:30 pm.

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That Old House

“Profiling historic, old or unique homes throughout the area”.

By William “Wild Willy” Frankfort

B Jobe Prickett House Owner: Pricketts Fort Memorial Foundation Location: Pricketts Fort State Park, Fairmont, WV

ecause of my work I travel all around this area. During the Christmas season, I do a show at Pricketts Fort State Park in West Virginia. I work at the fort several times a year and have become a fixture there. I feel a certain kind of calm there because it’s home to several colonial period structures.

One building that sits back on the hill above the bay and hidden behind the museum and visitors center is the Jobe Prickett House. Built before the Civil War, the house is very similar to those I have written about in the past.

You can find several homes of this kind located throughout Penn-

sylvania, more especially around Gettysburg. It’s a great old house that offers its greatest gift. Being on a historic site it is decorated as it should be. This is one old house you can visit and take tours through.

The park is open through the spring and summer during the week and on weekends. If you call the park, tour times and dates are available. You won’t be disappointed if you make the drive and it only takes about a half tank of gas.

Now you have to remember that I am jaded when it comes to visiting old houses, and what thrills and impresses me might not do the same for all of you. I am impressed with

the well situated in the front of the house. In the photograph you might be able to pick out some of the particulars such as the deck and the grate which offers the access for a pump or bucket.

Most old homes cover or cap the well. Here we can see just how it should be. This is the type of thing that Hollywood looks for when they make a film. The more authentic the more likely to make the cut.

When you’re done with the house tour, visit the fort, blacksmith shop, and Indian Wigwam. Believe me its worth the trip. And who knows, you might see your favorite newspaper columnist there.

** If you live in an old house, or know of an old, unique or historic house in your town a n d w o u l d l i k e t o h a v e i t p r o f i l e d a s p a r t o f t h e “ T h a t O l d H o u s e ” f e a t u r e i n t h e U n i o n - F i n l e y M e s s e n g e r, p l e a s e c o n t a c t u s a t 4 1 2 - 2 4 9 - 8 1 7 7 , o r e - m a i l u s a t n e w s @ u n i o n f i n l e y . c o m.

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MUNICIPAL NEWS

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www.unionfinley.com

Developer Wants Peters Township Council to Release Security Funds to Pay Subcontractors

By J.R. Brower A sign of tough economic times was evident at the December 14 Peters Township Council meeting when a residential developer requested that the township release part of the money that was posted for security. Ed Wadell and Woody Welsch of the Wadell Group, developers of the Orchard Hill plan, approached council with their request even though work is still undone on the subdivision.

Developers in the township are required to post financial security to ensure that all of the improvements for the developments will be completed. Normally, as major items are completed, the township releases portions of the security, which are often held through a line of credit.

The amount of security held by the township is $187,440, and the Wadell Group estimated that the amount of work remaining to be $118,184. The amount of money that they requested that the township release to them was $68,999, much more than the township would normally release

based upon the work that is currently completed.

The developers told council that they need the funds to pay their subcontractors for work already done.

“The money is for the guys who did the work, and they are hurting,” said Wadell.

Councilman Robert Atkison said that he did not think exceptions should be granted from established township policy concerning security releases to developers.

Council Chairman James Berquist said, “I believe that we should be consistent, but these economic times are unprecedented.”

“We should consider the difficult situation that exists for developers. It is hard to get loans right now.”

Welsch said that trying to cover their costs through a bond is not possible right now. He said that their lender altered the financing even though their project is still uncompleted.

Councilman Frank Arcuri suggested that the developer meet with the township staff to come to some type of compromise on what would be an acceptable release

amount. Other members of council agreed, and the matter was then tabled.

In other business, council took up discussion of a proposal to pay Trans Associates $4,000 to perform a traffic calming study for two portions of Center Church Road.

Discussion centered around the fact that PennDOT will soon begin to revamp the road’s intersection with McMurray Road by building new turning lanes and installing traffic signals.

The consensus was that it might be better to wait to see how the new intersection affects traffic flow on Center Church Road before spending money on a traffic calming study. The measure failed by vote of 42.

In other matters, council: • Amended the township’s inclement weather policy at the request of the Parks and Recreation Board to include actions to be taken when there is lightning.

• Authorized reducing the assessments of two property owners who have filed appeals in response to the township’s upgrading and acceptance of Mt. Blaine

Drive into the road system. Since the township concurred that the Robinson and Urbanowicz properties will not benefit from the improvements as much as other residents of the street, they will be offered assessments that are reduced by $4,000 from $9,392.

• Advised Township Manager Michael Silvestri to ask State Senator John Pippy to contact PennDOT in order to encourage them to activate the new traffic signals at the corner of McDowell Lane and Route 19. PennDOT told Silvestri that they would not activate the signals until a tenant is open for business at the new Lakeview Plaza business center, which is still under construction. Council members agreed with Silvestri that the signals are needed now to deal with traffic as well as construction on Dam Road, just north of the intersection. The developer of Lakeview Plaza paid for most of the cost of the new traffic signal system, which will synchronize traffic flow on Route 19 between Waterdam Road and Donaldson’s Crossroads.

Monongahela City Council Responds to Firefighters’ Plea

By Ken Askew Monongahela City Council held its’ monthly meeting on December 9, 2009. All members were in attendance.

The December 2009 issue of the UnionFinley Messenger contained an appeal by Monongahela City firefighters for additional funding support from the City. Proceeds from fund-raising activities by the firemen have dwindled, while expenses continue to increase, so it is becoming more difficult to meet the departments’ annual operating budget of $280K. The firemen are volunteers, and are hard-pressed to devote personal time to fire-fighting, raising funds,

and meeting the ever-increasing demand of training required for certification.

Council announced last month the Monongahela City tax millage will likely go down by 2 mills, so the fire department asked for 1 mill (about $33K-$35K) to subsidize their efforts. Council requested Solicitor Bassi to explore the legality of the request. At the November Council meeting, Bassi reported his research found no legal precedent for such a direct transfer linkage.

In the Union-Finley Messenger article, Assistant Fire Chief Joe Muntan implored the public to attend the Council meeting on December 9 and voice their support of the department in an attempt to influence

Council to earmark additional funding.

Additionally, eight firefighters showed up in uniform at the December meeting in a show of unity.

Council acknowledged the firefighters’ presence, expressed sincere appreciation for the firemens’ selfless service, and was sympathetic to the department’s financial plight.

Although the millage idea could not be adopted, Council agreed to additionally shoulder the costs of all utilities at the firehouse, property and liability insurance, and personnel training. These items will boost the City’s annual contribution from about $63K to a range of $70-$100K, depending on the actual costs incurred.

In a related action, Council and the Fire Department concurred to disband the SCUBA team due to high insurance costs.

The team intends to instead join the Mon Valley Divers’ group, which has about 14 members. Discussions will ensue to determine what to do with the diving gear currently used by the firemen/SCUBA divers.

In other Business: • A 2010 Community Development Block Grant has been received in the amount of $487,400, which will be used for housing rehabilitation, street reconstruction, and renovation of the city garage.

• Council sought a $500K Tax Anticipation Loan from local banks, and

received an offer from 1st Niagara Bank at a rate of 2.75%, and 2.99% fixed rate from Charleroi Federal Bank. Since 1st Niagara’s offer did not specify whether or not it is a fixed rate, the Solicitor will seek a clarification.

• Councilman Darryl Miller and the City Code Enforcement Officer have toured Monongahela and compiled a list of seven buildings which must be demolished in 2010.

• Thanks were extended to Lone Oak Farm for donating the Christmas tree placed in the gazebo at Chess Park; they have done this for about the last ten years.

• Residents were reminded that Washington County has Weatherization funds available for owner-occupied residences. The applications are not complicated, and are available at the Monongahela municipal office. Council was perplexed that no applications were received last year.

• The winner of this month’s property beautification award was 700 Mound Street.

• At the November 2009 meeting, Council announced that bids for a parcel of excess City property would be opened at the December 2009 meeting; that bid opening has been postponed until the January 2010 meeting.

• Controller Emilie Gadd tendered her resignation from Council; no successor was named.

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MUNICIPAL NEWS

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South Park Board of Supervisors Honor George Smith For 18 Years of Service to His Community

By Andrea Earnest High on the list of business at the December meeting of the South Park Board of Supervisors for was the presentation of two resolutions lauding Supervisor George Smith for his years of dedicated service to the South Park Community. Chairman Walter Sackinsky presented Supervisor Smith with a resolution thanking him for his 18 years of service, attending 216 consecutive meetings. Chief of Police Joseph Ferrelli also presented him with a plaque thanking him for his service, particularly in helping the many gains that the Police Department has made over the years.

"George led by example to be dedicated, to do the things that are right for the township," said Chairman Sackinsky. Supervisor David Buchewicz added that he will miss Smith and the great service he did for the community, and thanked him for his service. Chief Ferrelli said that Supervisor Smith had appointed him Chief of Police and that everything he has done was for the "betterment of the police department" and the community.

Supervisor Smith said that it had been a privilege to serve the community. He said that South Park Township no longer follows other townships, but that it now leads other townships. He complimented Mr. Joe Betz, a resident who regularly attends meetings, and who has brought up many issues, and for his great service to the community. He also thanked Supervisor Buchewicz for

Chief of Police Joseph Ferrelli also presented Supervisor Smith with a plaque and thanked him for his support to the South Park Police over the years.

being a strong supporter of the Montour Trail. At the end of the meeting, many residents in attendance at the meeting personally thanked Supervisor Smith for his service.

In Regular business: The December 14 meeting opened with a call on the people, and Mary Olesky of Stanley Street spoke as a concerned citizen about a deer with a broken leg in her yard.

An officer has been sent out, and the deer ran away, so the police could not take the chance of hurting someone by shooting at it. She also expressed concern about the parking on her street when the weather is bad, but there is no enforceable ordinance about that for that street.

Among the actions taken at the meeting were: • the Collective Bargaining Agreement with

Chairman Walter Sackinsky presents Supervisor Smith with a proclamation acknowledging his long years of service to the community.

the Teamsters Local 205, South Park Township Public Works Employees.

Township Manager Karen Fosbaugh was particularly noted for her dedication in her work on this.

• the separation of professional service of David Thomas Consulting Service.

• the proposal for Mockenhaupt Benefits Group for Service and Police Pension Plans.

• the proposal for Provident Insurance for the volunteer firefights blanket accident insurance in the amount of $12,398.80.

• the Reorganization Meeting date and time is set for Monday, January 10, at 7 PM. A resolution was approved setting revenues and expenditures for the Year 2010 at $6,383,057. The tax rate for the Year 2010 will remain at 3.6 mills, which it has been

2010 Peters Township Budget Calls for Tax Increase

By J.R. Brower Peters Township residents can expect a two-mill real estate tax increase as a result of council’s implementation of the township’s 2010 budget at their December 21 meeting.

It is the first such tax increase in the township since 1988. The tax bill on a $100,000 home would increase by $50 from $300 to about $350. By increasing the real estate tax from 12 mills to 14 mills, the township hopes to generate about $620,000 as part of a total of $13.9 million in anticipated revenue for 2010.

The adopted budget for 2010 totals $19.8 million, a 36 percent increase from last year’s estimated expenditures. In late November, council approved an $11 million bond issue incurring $6.5 million in new debt while restructuring an existing $4.5 million bond. The bond issue is expected to be used to fund expansion of

Peterswood Park, replacement of the trail bridge over Bebout Road, construction of a new Public Works garage and the intersection improvement project at Valley Brook Road and Route 19.

Besides the expensive projects being pursued by the township, a major factor contributing to the tax increase, according to township officials, include the state of the national economy, which saw considerable drops in revenue from the stagnant real estate market. Still, at least six new residential developments and three new commercial ventures that are underway are positive signs for the local economy in 2010.

The raising of township real estate taxes completes the cycle of taxation increases for Peters residents, as the past year has brought about hikes of both township school taxes and county taxes.

Council members voting against the tax

increase were Monica Merrell and Robert Atkison. Michael McCaig, Robert Lewis, James Berquist, David Ball and Frank Arcuri all voted for the increase.

Merrell said residents were burdened enough with taxes and said an increase was something that her constituents did not want. McCaig and Ball spoke of a “structural deficit” that the township is facing and both felt that a tax increase was a way to address that problem. Lewis said that many past projects in the township were completed using reserve funds including the Recreation Center and the development of Peters Lake Park. He spoke of protecting township reserve funds as a justification for supporting the tax increase. Arcuri said that it was in the best interest of the community.

Council Chairman James Berquist said that the tax increase was necessary from “a business standpoint”.

for the last ten years. Ms. Fosbaugh was singled out for her hard work in this area, also.

Supervisor Smith spoke on the sale of real estate in the amount of $102,000. They bought the Bob Weis house, and subdivided the property, selling off the house. The township complex has been landlocked, but since they also have property on Hout and Brownsville Roads, these properties will allow the township offices to expand when it becomes necessary.

Supervisor Buchewicz also said that $5,000,000 has been allocated to complete the Broughton/Brownsville Roads intersection. This project was first started in 1992.

Chief Ferrelli gave the Monthly Report for November 2009. There were 569 service calls; 20 arrests; 24 traffic citations; no parking citations; 46 warnings, two reportable accidents; 13 non-reportable accidents, 83 emergency medical call; 10 fire calls, and six deer calls.

Full minutes of the meeting will be available at the Township Office on Brownsville Road.

Tap into the power of the Messenger.

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UNION-FINLEY MESSENGER

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www.unionfinley.com

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In this capacity, Young, a Certified Personal Care Administrator and Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, will manage the two-story, 42,000-square-foot complex. The Residence at Hilltop has accommodations for 84 residents.

Most recently, Young served as an Administrator for Cumberland Crossing at UPMC Passavant in the North Hills and at Independence Court of Mt. Lebanon in Pittsburgh. He is an instructor of Nursing Home and Assisted Living Administrator Training at the Community College of Allegheny County and has been active on the state level as an appointed member of the Secretary of Welfare’s Personal Care Advisory Committee which included writing the Personal Care Regulations for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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UNION-FINLEY MESSENGER www.unionfinley.com

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HOME & GARDEN

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Recent Recent Local Local Real Real Estate Estate Transactions Transactions Seller

Buyer

Address

Price

UNION TOWNSHIP Maronda Homes Inc. Denise Haught Estate of Jean Dziamniski Quaker Engineering Co.

William and Sandra Danley Marjorie Williams David and Mary Jean Kroll Maronda Homes Inc.

117 Cinque Terra Place 17 Mingo Circle Drive 4177 Finley Elrama Road Viareggio Way

FINLEYVILLE Gary Gries

Michael Zaken III

3119 School Place

MONONGAHELA David Painter

Bank America

Monongahela City Sunco Property Trust Charles Cummings Albert Matty Estate of Joseph Putnak Stephen Pucel Jr. George Hyslop Mathew Blasick Jr. Monongahela City

Paul Spesak Emerson Co. Eric Tatar et al. and Bonnie Tatar Timothy and Jamie Hodge John and Mary Donovan Briana DeFide Matthew Hyslop Matthew and Lynn Smelser Paul Spesak

1108 Stanton St. $30,295 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $80,156) by sheriff's deed 1001 Young Ave. $12,600 Second St. $9,105 1307 Fourth St. $42,400 1308 Fourth St. $92,500 617 Indiana St. $45,000 1117 Lawton St. $59,900 905 Lincoln St. $105,600 Maple Drive , $15,000 1001 Young Ave. $12,600

NEW EAGLE Christopher O'Brien et al.

Daniel Yevcinez et al.

DDK Real Estate Investors LLC

Nicholas Leoni et al. and Lauren Leoni Craig Barkey Liberty Investment Properties LLC

120 Union St. 807 Maple Ave. 125 Union St.

$114,000 $100,000 $14,000

CARROLL TOWNSHIP Ronald Minnie Jr. Estate of James Warren Mellor Union Realty Partn. L.P. Estate of George Wiles Jr. Estate of Palmer Fragello Nathan Turbyfill Nathan Turbyfill Gilda Wennin Gilda Wennin

Mark and Paula Schollaert Jaimie Moffit and Ronald Joseph Amati Eric Moskal Jeffrey Alverez Jr. and Natalie Alverez Heath Bright Miles Stevens Miles Stevens Casale Inc. Casale Inc.

1315 Country Club Road 108 Laken St. 133 Prosser Drive 1359 Beach Ave. 69 Cracker Jack Road Black Diamond Hollow 286 Black Diamond Hollow Road Cord Road Cord Road

$106,600 $69,000 $178,000 $155,000 $185,000 $1,500 $1,500 $3,500 $3,500

ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP Household Finance Consumer Disc. Co. David Kiester Timothy Durant Brian Calabro Patricia Bejger Dollar Bank FSB Dorothy Sieber trustee Patrick Sarnataro Estate of Irene Kochan Teresa Dwornick Clara DeMaio Mary Blanche Fox trustee Bruce Charles Arnoldt Carl Calabro Adele Popp Maryjane Rost trustee Estate of John Yacura Paul Beck Linda Gribschaw Thomas Chajkowski Douglas Denne et al.

Estate of Dorothy Petro Dana Erfort Russell Verbanec et al.

Lloyd David O'Dell Jr. Nancy Coleman Sandra Kmetko Ellen Caranese

Paul Haber Beneficial Mortgage Co. Pennsylvania William and Victoria Craig US Bank NA trustee Anthony and Candace Gody Julia Cain Michael and Linsey Smith Lorelei Bredl Gregory Lewis Amber Lynn Barr Dominic Monti Roddy Miles Kavic Peter Arnoldt II Robert and Kirby Votodian Joseph and Lauren Wach Jon and Christina Frantish Richard and Janice White Timothy and Donna Durant Brian O'Connell Jr. Patricia Chajkowski Vanderbilt Mortgage & Finance Inc. Jay Roxberry Jr. and Bonnie Roxberry Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. trustee Michelle Gorman Lisa Novacek John Jessup and Rosemary Lisak Shantal Lucks Derrick Kugler

823 Everglade Drive 205 Scenery Drive 2285 Constitution Blvd.

150 Dorman Drive Grouse Drive 515 Maria St. 1215 Sommerset St. 218 Ash Drive 608 Elizabeth Ave. 2743 Fallers Road 1080 Happy Hollow Road 770 Peairs Road Scenery Drive 179 Similo Drive 210 Sunglow Drive 550 Terrace Drive 224 W. Newton Road 31 Colonial Drive 126 Cornwallis Drive 1015 Deerfield Drive 534 Frencik St. 165 Karen Drive 201 McLay Drive 309 Rothey Drive 420 Stoneybrook Drive 125 Toney Drive 521 Underwood Ave. 7250 Rosina St.

ELIZABETH BOROUGH Gilbert Fischer et al.

James Leonard Gladys Ashton Edwards Matthew Morgan

Destiny Olliver and Patrick Patterson Wachovia Bank NA Joseph and Nancy Pavlack Angela Bollenberg

145 Center Ave. 119 Ellsworth Ave. 414 Walker Road 1000 Church St.

John Kosko Ruth Settle et al.

Michael Wesley Niegro

Magnus Properties LLC Stephen and Amanda Chismar Jeffrey Heinichen

100 First St. 1011 Fourth Ave. 156 McKeesport Road

WEST ELIZABETH Jack Matyas Estate of Mary Hebda Bonnie Roxberry

John and Donna Thomas April Lloyd and April Gerard Nicole Neely

720 Sixth St. 1050 Seventh St. 1031 Seventh St.

$74,200 $62,500 $59,900

CLAIRTON Patricia Ann Fitzpatrick

Bernice McIntosh

911 St. Clair Ave.

$37,500

$140,450 $124,900 $75,000 $52,400 $80,000

$52,000 $1,777 by sheriff's deed $196,500 $1,536 by sheriff's deed $14,900 $16,000 $109,000 $300,500 $64,900 $170,000 $61,850 $112,000 $5,000 $90,000 $119,900 $130,000 $30,000 $250,000 $84,000 $58,000 $1,783 by sheriff's deed $130,000 $1,757 by sheriff's deed $47,000 $154,250 $115,000 $89,000 $170,000 $45,000 $1,853 by sheriff's deed $67,000 $21,000 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $29,640) $89,000 $80,000 $22,000

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HOME & GARDEN

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www.unionfinley.com

Recent Recent Local Local Real Real Estate Estate Transactions Transactions Seller

Buyer

Address

Estate of Caroline Rodino Patrick Corinne Zender Vincent Giangarlo Jr. James Seibert Estate of Julia Rudolph Carroll Pontiac Inc. George Gitas Estate of Janice Lee Logo Fenton Estate of Thomas Kobil Veterans Administration Ronald Peterson Maurice Haggerty et al.

Caroline Jackson Kerry Scully and Dale Kramer Jr. Gary Albert Horvath Joshua Braskett Robert Rossi Gary Albert Horvath Jill Rush Thomas Wintermyer Jr. Avanalist Jackson Jr. William Rasbornick Zachary Peterson and Sara Grice Daniel Murphy

542 Third St. 1025 McPherson Ave. 535 St. Clair Ave. 912 Toman Ave. 552 Wylie Ave. 535-537 St. Clair Ave. 604 Thompson Ave. 801 Waddell Ave. 435 Baker Ave. 421 Caldwell St. 812 N. Sixth St. 818 Vankirk St.

SOUTH PARK Wadwell Group Estate of Ronald Schwarzel Stephen Walter et al.

Estate of Marie Engelhardt Yosef Rozenthal Estate of Elizabeth Dennick Matthew Joyce Brad Allenbaugh Jason Allen Edward Farrington Daniel Wolford Daisy Wang Jennifer Enscoe Wicks Joyce Bruni trustee Blair Dalbon Veterans Administration Cory Johnson Bernadette Dailey Francis Greis Pamela Perich Lucretia LaGamba Daisy Wang Daisy Wang Fred Mack II

Heartland Homes Inc. MRM Capital LLC Bank New York Mellon trustee William Polaski Wachovia Mortgage FSB AK Homes & Development Group LLC Beth and Gary Smith Angelo Castellano US Bank NA trustee William and Rebecca Geyer Adrian Hill Christine Rubero and James Carney Zachary Paul McGrath Kristof Eichenlaub and Megan Fox Michael Sweeney Jr. and Erin Sweeney Mark and Kimberly Schultis Shema Krinsky and Kelly St. Thomas Bobbie Lovelace Linda Larner Christine Balukin James and Lynn Regula Andrew Ratti Michael Obringer Keith Winter Jr. and Rebecca Graham

1234 Snee Drive 1249 Armstrong Drive 5631 Broad St. 6406 Helen St. 1753 Kings Court 6490 Library Road 6583 Quaker Drive 1293 Snee Drive 1840 Wallace Road 2837 Dolores Drive 129 Norrington Drive 1837 Patrick Place 6729 Ridgevue Drive 1127 Wilhelm Ave. 2879 Amy Drive , 993 Holly Lynne Drive 910 Hurl Drive 924 Hurl Drive 973 Lindfield Drive 6109 Murray Ave. 1069 Old Post Road 1821 Patrick Place 1829 Patrick Place 3057 Sebolt Road

Price $15,000 $57,500 $20,000 $63,500 $50,000 $70,000 $37,235 $39,900 $17,640 $5,500 $32,400 $16,500 $60,000 $89,000 $1,641 by sheriff's deed $74,072 $4,730 by sheriff's deed $39,000 $165,000 $180,000 $1,638 by sheriff's deed $158,225 $135,000 $40,500 $146,900 $85,000 $134,620 $108,000 $156,000 $127,000 $154,900 $111,000 $149,900 $45,500 $45,700 $139,000

SEND US YOUR NEWS! Mail: Union-Finley Messenger, P.O. Box 103 Finleyville, PA 15332

Phone or Fax: 412.249.8177

Email: news@unionfinley.com

Page 30 ——————————————————————————————————

HOME & GARDEN

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www.unionfinley.com

Recent Local Real Estate Transactions

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Seller

Buyer

Address

Price

Wadwell Group Briar Cliff Financial Services Wayne Stone Deborah DeCarlo David Fulton Scioto Construction Co. Wadwell Group Robert Davis Jr.

Heartland Homes Inc. Elizabeth Stokes Francis Michael and Jeanne O'Connor Amanda Steinberg Patricia Bridge Kathleen Taylor Joseph Janocsko HSBC Mortgage Corp.

1240 Snee Drive 130 Sylvania Drive 1190 Wilson Road 1209 Armstrong Drive 1117 Broughton Library Road 350 Hidden Ridge Court Unit 104 1243 Snee Drive 6509 Springvale Drive

PLEASANT HILLS Patricia Feden et al.

Zachary Wright Douglas Steiner Richard James McNelis Gary Smith Jr. Gary Stadelman trustee Daniel Fauth James Hazi Pleasant Hills Comm. Presbyterian Ch. Nicolette McWilliams Felix Brian Eckenrod Estate of Anna Irvin Thang Viet Vu Houston Land Co. Estate of Paul Kueser Maureen Belajac

William and Alicia Krall Patrick DeGarmo Nancy Karen and Richard Mahathey Stephanie Hunter Charles and Nancy Parkinson Lilian Okelo Williard and Patricia Rockwell Gloria Szulkowski trustee Kristin Holzer and Lindsay Vrancich Jeffrey VanBibber Richard and Lora Yost Jack and Marjorie Reeves Sathya Vagheeswar and Sridevi Lakshminarayanan BPR Empire LLC Brian and Carrie Eckenrod Scott Weihrauch

162 Baker Drive 140 McClellan Drive 306 Saratoga Drive 121 Beedle Circle Drive 220 Lynn Drive 321 Tara Drive 370 Temona Drive 709 Wil Tara Drive 49 Audrey Drive 273 Constitution Drive 248 McClellan Drive 217 Old Clairton Road 507 Torwood Lane 140 Curry Hollow Road 421 Maplevale Drive 358 Yarrow Lane

$134,000 $155,000 $170,304 $122,725 $125,000 $145,500 $86,000 $180,000 $144,000 $104,000 $170,000 $138,000 $195,000 $650,000 $202,000 $143,000

JEFFERSON HILLS Valerie Lazar Darlene Beachley R & Y Development Inc. NVR Inc. John Withers Gill Hall Land Co. Timothy John Yanik et al.

NVR Inc. George Fedela et al.

Kathleen Parish Stephanie Wood NVR Inc. Richard Thomas Gill Hall Land Co. Jack Miller R & Y Development Inc. Katie Donahue Cavlovic NVR Inc. Alexander Claudiu

Michael and Amy Pistelli Dana Mattarock Gowaty Custom Homes Inc. Matthew and Paula Innocenti Sabrina Corradetti Keith and Joni Ricketts Eric and Christina Copeland Feng Gao and Zhongmei Tao Lawrence Colaianni Kelly Paterson John and Debra Zeiler Jerome and Assumpta Nwabuogu Keith and Diane Duell Marty and Cheryl Machi Stephen and Jacelyn Pulleo Rajesh and Kripa Shah Lisa Androski Brett and Laura Yecko Carl and Debbie Hanford

250 Meadowfield Lane Oak Entrance Drive Alta Vista Drive 1307 S Randolph Drive 1421 S. Randolph Drive 3373 Woodwind Drive 2010 Old Clairton Road 1311 S. Randolph Drive Clairton Road 1412 High Road 131 MacArthur Road 1301 S Randolph Drive 309 Stilley Road 3344 Woodwind Drive 122 Wray Drive Alta Vista Drive 321 Joan of Arc Court 1344 S. Randolph Drive 428 Wray Large Road

$218,000 $21,000 $65,000 $218,025 $128,500 $274,900 $67,000 $245,400 $47,000 $66,000 $108,000 $193,350 $169,900 $252,430 $225,000 $65,000 $112,500 $200,525 $96,000

NOTTINGHAM TOWNSHIP Johanna Noordhuizen Frank Horney Estate of Victor Dosse Estate of Wilma Mitchell J. Wilson trustee

Christopher Turner Leonard and Patricia Rovenski Robbin and Connie Lewis William and Marjorie Shape Mark and Arlene Baratz

18 Martin Lane 21 Munntown Road Greenleaf Court 174 Beagle Club Road 174 Beagle Club Road

$149,900 $290,000 $65,000 $153,000 $485,000

PETERS TOWNSHIP Williamson & Jefferson Inc. Adam Brock Carol Mihalek Ronald Littlehale Ronald Gavlick

Heartland Homes Inc. Robert and Dorothy Wells Barbara Dixon Barbara Burke William and Marie Frazier

Long Leaf Drive 101 Meadow St. 111 Old Oak Road 207 Roscommon Place 111 W. Edgewood Drive

$117,500 $142,500 $144,500 $199,000 $285,000

$65,000 $102,000 $50,000 $168,500 $75,000 $117,415 $55,000 $4,683 by sheriff's deed

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Recent Local Real Estate Transactions Seller

Buyer

Charles Davis William Grubor Janet Gates Housing & Urban Development Enoch Hyde Bessie Fincham 84 Lumber Acquisition & Dev. Co. Jeffrey Guthrie Linda Taylor Douglas McLand William Robert Feyche et al.

David Lawrence Capra Michael Mellinger Norman Elliott Jr. Bank America NA Terry Mason Sue Miller M & T Bank Thomas Seamon Adam Brock Erin Osting et al.

Thomas A Robinson Family L.P. Nancy and Joseph Tray Anthony and Bonnie Putaro Robert Bronder Fred and Katherine Urban Adam Tarbert and Rebekah Rauch Benjamin Marcus Homes LLC John Eby III and Sandra Colteryahn Eugene and Debra Daum Steven and Karen Davidock Ryan and Betsy Jo Swink Sue Miller Bruno and Marlene Pepenella John and Miki Grim Daniel Huber Michael Joy Jr. and Brandie Joy Kristal and Matthew Hartman Douglas Luffey and Joann Pirillo Dawn Fuchs Robert and Dorothy Wells Mark Fazio and Colby Renton Fazio

Eileen Mary Grealish McCloskey Land Development Co. Inc. David Gilmer Washington County Historial Society Jeffrey Speicher Ron Lenik et al. , Eugene Daum Estate of Alma Juram Sandra Donas Wayne Brand Judicious Investments Inc. Robert Sepich Edward Dunlap Estate of Jack Morrow

Steven and Karina Heil Eric Dahl and Amy Weimer Dahl Kali Ann Delorie Venetia Hills Development Assoc. L.P. Michael and Anna Marie Locke Alda Littell Matthew and Kelly Hillebrand Steven and Alison D'Addieco Kristie Littlehale Mark Mosier DNK Realty Lisa Sepich Ashley Tanner John and Tamara Suwak

Address

Price

Camp Lane Drive 1114 Mocassin Drive 309 Prestonwood Lane 169 Scott Lane 917 Bebout Road 619 Bower Hill Road 320 Buckingham Drive 195 Gateshead Drive Hedgerow Drive 206 Molly Drive 142 Phillips Drive 430 Scott Lane 436 Scott Lane 107 Brave Run Road 850 E. McMurray Road 116 Eaglebrook Court 1059 Elizabeth Drive 118 Estates Drive 90 Lintel Drive 101 Meadow St. 129 N Heide Lane

$185,000 $540,000 $340,000 $65,500 $185,000 $57,500 $125,000 $311,500 $120,000 $410,000 $159,000 $137,900 $104,850 $420,000 $104,000 $276,000 $252,500 $265,000 $450,000 $142,500 $310,000 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $620,000) 105 Robinhood Lane $320,000 621 Sagewood Drive $489,900 409 Scott Lane $116,500 767 Venetia Road $310,000 574 Bebout Road $329,100 129 Brawdy St. $22,000 331 Hedgerow Drive $572,292 102 Highland Drive $145,000 419 Laurel Drive $211,000 509 McCombs Road $275,500 2894 Old Washington Road $300,000 218 Prestonwood Lane $100,000 113 Scott Lane $136,000 105 Stratford Drive $285,000

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

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HEALTH, NUTRITION & FITNESS When Lacking Zzzs Packs on Pounds (NewsUSA) - Americans dislike what they see when they step on a scale, leading them to try diet pills, fad diets and countless other weight loss "remedies." But many people fail to consider a crucial player in the weight gain game -- a good night's sleep.

Take obstructive sleep apnea. In this common sleep disorder, soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep, blocking the airway. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea stop breathing many times during the night, and every time they stop breathing, their brains pull them out of deep sleep.

Researchers have always seen a clear association between obstructive sleep apnea and obesity. People suffering from obesity are more likely to develop sleep apnea, and people with sleep apnea are more likely to be obese.

But some studies show a clear link between decreased REM sleep, or deep sleep, and weight gain. A study presented at an Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, which used 163 obstructive sleep apnea patients, found that patients with the smallest amount of REM sleep were almost 20 pounds heavier than other patients. Following treatment, patients who experienced the biggest increase in REM sleep also showed the most weight loss.

The relationship between REM sleep and body weight may not be restricted simply to sleep apnea patients -- after all, lifestyles and work hours often shorten the number of hours that Americans sleep.

If diet and exercise aren't helping you shed pounds, you might want to think about getting more sleep.

Too little sleep can cause any number of health problems, including headaches, difficulty concentrating, excessive daytime sleepiness and increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. If you're not sure whether you exhibit signs of sleep deprivation, go to the American Sleep Apnea Association Web site at www.sleepapnea.org, and get your Snore Score.

Setting aside enough hours for sufficient sleep – or, if needed, getting treatment for a sleep disorder – will improve your energy levels and quality of life. Fitting back into your skinny jeans might just be an extra bonus.

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Healthy Directions Announces January Events Monongahela Valley Hospital's Healthy Directions health education and resource center at 6116 Brownsville Road Extension, Suite 107 Finleyville will celebrate the following national health events in January.

Cervical Health Awareness Month This observance urges women to get screened for cervical cancer in order to prevent the disease. It is critical that women take time to educate themselves about cervical cancer and understand that this disease is preventable. For free information please call us at 724-348-6699 Glaucoma Awareness Month More than 2 million Americans age 40 and older have glaucoma; half of them do not know they have a potentially blinding disease because they have no symptoms.

Glaucoma Awareness Month informs the public that, although glaucoma cannot be cured, early detection and treatment can usually preserve the vision. For free information please call us at 724-348-6699.

Anyone interested in these topics are encouraged to stop in for free information or call 724-348-6699.

Healthy Directions offers on-site laboratory services for blood and urine analysis are from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Monday through Friday. A doctor's prescription is required for all laboratory tests conducted at Healthy Directions. Blood drawn and urine specimens collected at the Finleyville station will be tested at the Laboratory at Monongahela Valley Hospital and results of the testing will be sent to the physician designated by the patient.

Healthy Directions/Finleyville is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. In addition to special programs and screenings, Healthy Directions features a health education resource library of books, pamphlets, videos, and other information.

A referral service also is available, as well as private health education counseling.

Additional information is available by calling 724-348-6699.

Free Sports Medicine Injury Clinic The Washington Hospital Sports Medicine Program is offering a free injury clinic for anyone with athletic-related injuries, Mondays (beginning Jan. 11), 4 to 6 p.m. at the office of Washington Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, 95 Leonard Ave., Building One, Suite 202, in Washington.

Evaluation provided by a team of sports medicine-trained physicians, therapists and trainers. For more information, call 724-206-0610.

MVH Offers RN to BSN Nursing Degree from Waynesburg University Waynesburg University’s RN to BSN program began offering its 13-month blended program at Monongahela Valley Hospital in Carroll Township in October. The partnership serves as a way to offer convenience to working adults. Recruiting for the February 2010 class currently is underway.

Designed with the working adult in mind, Waynesburg University’s 13-month RN to BSN program offers convenience and flexibility. Classes are held on Tuesday from 6 to 10 p.m. with classes on the hospital campus for the duration of the 13-month program. The individual classes within the program are approximately five weeks in length and offered back to back as opposed to the concurrent way most colleges offer multiple courses. Structured around the cohort concept, student groups who begin together stay together throughout their curriculum. This concept allows for increased networking and relationship building.

The functionality of the program allows students to balance a personal and professional life while meeting desired educational goals and enhancing individual career options.

The RN to BSN program is also offered at Southpointe Center in Washington County and elsewhere. For more information, call 1-888-481-6029 or visit www.waynesburg.edu.

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The Benefits of Massage

By Tonya Chaney – BA, CMTPT, MT Chaney’s Natural Health & Wellness Evidence is showing that the more massage you can allow yourself, the better you'll feel. Here's why.

Massage as a healing tool has been around for thousands of years in many cultures. Touching is a natural human reaction to pain and stress, and for conveying compassion and support. Think of the last time you bumped your head or had a sore calf. What did you do? Rubbed it, right? The same was true of our earliest ancestors. Healers throughout time and throughout the world have instinctually and independently developed a wide range of therapeutic tech“Experts niques using touch. Many are still in use today, and with good reason. We now have scientific proof of the benefits of estimate that massage - benefits ranging from treating chronic diseases 80 to 90 percent and injuries to alleviating the growing tensions of our modern lifestyles. Having a massage does more than just relax of disease is your body and mind - there are specific physiological and stress-related.” psychological changes which occur, even more so when -Tonya Chaney massage is utilized as a preventative, frequent therapy and not simply mere luxury. Massage not only feels good, but it can cure what ails you.

Experts estimate that 80 to 90 percent of disease is stress-related. Massage is there to combat that frightening number by helping us remember what it means to relax. The physical changes massage brings to your body can have a positive effect in many areas of your life.

Besides increasing relaxation and decreasing anxiety, massage lowers your blood pressure, increases circulation, improves recovery from injury, helps you to sleep better and can increase your concentration. It reduces fatigue and gives you more energy to handle stressful situations.

Massage is a perfect elixir for good health, but it can also provide an integration of body and mind. By producing a meditative state or heightened awareness of living in the present moment, massage can provide emotional and spiritual balance, bringing with it true relaxation and peace.

In an age of technical and, at times, impersonal medicine, massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach based on the body's natural ability to heal itself.

To learn more, please visit Chaney’s Natural Health & Wellness at one of our three area locations: • 91 Fort Couch Road, Bethel Park, PA 15241 (above DeLallo’s Restaurant) • 429 McKean Avenue, Charleroi, PA 15022 • 1130 Perry Highway, Ste 113, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Or, you can contact us at 724-328-2834, www.ChaneysNatural.com, or e-mail us at chaneysnatural@gmail.com.

Personal Live Blood Cell Analysis Clinic in McMurray Sunny Bridge Natural Foods announces their January and February Live Blood Cell Analysis Clinics to be held at their store at 130 Gallery Drive in McMurray, PA at the Peters Town Center. Clinics will be held January 12 and February 9 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Roger Gerth, from Entrenet Nutrionals, will provide Live Blood Cell Analysis at the Sunny Bridge Natural Foods Store in McMurray, PA. Cost is $35 and prepayment is required. Call 724-942-5800 to schedule an appointment.

This personal analysis of your blood cells will offer an assessment of a wide variety of physical conditions. An informative experience for those looking for answers on achieving better health and living better.

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MONONGAHELA VALLEY HOSPITAL JANUARY EVENTS Unless otherwise noted, the following programs will be held in the Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center (ECC) at Monongahela Valley Hospital.

Childbirth Preparation Classes Wednesday, January 6, 13, 20, 27 from 7 to 9 p.m., Mon-Vale HealthPLEX, Rostraver.

A four-week series of prenatal education classes designed to prepare couples for the birthing process. For more information, call 724-258-BABY (2229).

Managing Your Diabetes - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, January 12, 13, 14 at 8:30 a.m., ECC. 3-day, 2-hour per day education series that focuses on diabetes self-management and care. To register, call 724-258-1483.

RSDS Support Group - Tuesday, January 12 at 6 p.m., ECC. The Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Support Group is free and open to all persons with RSDS or related illnesses. For more information, call 724-929-9492.

Auxiliary Purse Sale - Thursday and Friday, January 14 and 15 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., ECC. The Auxiliary of Mon-Vale Health Resources, Inc. will present a purse sale that is open to the public. More information is available by calling the MVH Gift Shop at 724-258-1167.

Diabetes In Motion Begins - Monday, January 18 at 6:30 p.m., Mon-Vale HealthPLEX, Rostraver. MVH offers Diabetes in Motion, Improving Your Diabetes Management with Exercise.

MVH’s Center for Diabetes & Endocrinology and The Center for Fitness and Health have teamed up with a program to introduce patients with diabetes to the benefit that exercise has on managing diabetes. The 12-week program takes place on three days of the week – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays beginning on Monday, January 18 and continues through Friday, April 9. For education and guidance, attendees will have access to both Fitness Trainers and Certified Diabetes Educators during the program.

The program’s education classes will focus on diabetes management, types of exercise and safety. Personal trainers from the Center for Fitness and Health will tailor a specific exercise program for each individual and monitor progress through lab work, fitness improvement, blood glucose control and body composition changes.

Class size is limited and there is a fee. To

register, call 724-258-1148. Registration ends on January 15, 2010.

Arthritis Support Group - Wednesday, January 20 at 1 p.m., ECC. This support group is free and open to all persons with arthritis or related illnesses and their families. Please call. 724-258-1433 to register.

Advanced Carbohydrate Counting Wednesday, January 20 at 6 p.m., ECC. Diabetes self-management class that focuses on carb counting with everything you need to know. It is required that initial three-day Diabetes Self Management Training be completed prior to attending the Carbohydrate Counting class.

Advanced registration required. To register, call 724-258-1148.

Innovations In Alzheimer’s Disease Thursday, January 21 at 6 p.m., ECC. Board certified Psychiatrist Oscar Urrea, M.D. and a team of health care professionals will present a free program designed to recognize the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia and discuss the latest methods of treatment. To register, call 724-258-1433.

Breast-feeding Class - Monday, January 25 at 6:30 p.m., Mon-Vale HealthPLEX, Rostraver. For more information, call 724258-BABY (2229).

Managing Your Diabetes - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, January 26, 27, 28 at 6 p.m., ECC. 3-day, 2-hour per day education series that focuses on diabetes selfmanagement and care. Registration is required at least one-week prior to the start of classes. For more information or to register, call 724-258-1483.

Public CPR Instruction - Tuesday, January 26 at 6 p.m., ECC. Adult CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) classes are offered by the hospital in conjunction with Valley Health and Safety Training Center (VHSTC). The $30 fee is payable to VHSTC and advance registration is required at 724-684-9536.

Public First Aid Instruction - Thursday, January 28 at 6 p.m., ECC. Adult first aid classes are offered by the hospital in conjunction with Valley Health and Safety Training Center. The $25 fee is payable to VHSTC and advance registration is required at 724-684-9536.

MVH Receives Apex Award for Achieving Patient Care Excellence from VHA, Inc. Lynn Vescio (left), Director of Performance

It begins by challenging “the way it’s Improvement for VHA, Inc. presents the Apex always been done”, but the results are in the Award to MVH Nurses Lynda Nester, Nursing Quality Coordinator, Kim Fagioletti, 5-East implementation. An interdisciplinary team Nurse Manager and Mary Lou Murt, Senior at Monongahela Valley Hospital staff Vice President for Nursing. immersed themselves in a process to reduce infections caused by catheter use over a three month period.

The Pittsburgh office of VHA Inc., the national health care alliance, recognized Monongahela Valley Hospital (MVH) for demonstrating excellence in patient care.

The MVH interdisciplinary catheter-associated urinary tract infecMVH is one of a few tion (CA UTI) prevention team proudly display their qualifying VHA member VHA Apex Award hospitals to receive VHA Pennsylvania's Achieving Patient Care Excellence (APEX) award. The award recently was presented to MVH for demonstrating extraordinary levels of clinical performance by eliminating Symptomatic CatheterAssociated Hospital-Acquired Urinary Tract Infections.

"With the prevalence of hospital infection The MVH Urinary Tract Infection Prevention in the nation, this infection control recogniTeam developed a method to use plastic hooks tion is very important to us," said Mary Lou to attach catheter bags at the proper height on Murt, Senior Vice President for Nursing at wheelchairs to prevent infection. The hooks Monongahela Valley Hospital. “It not only used by the team are usually used to hang verifies that we are providing excellent Christmas decorations. patient and infection control care but it also ranks us in the top VHA hospitals in the escorts. The Infection Prevention and state.”

The APEX award is designed to honor Control Nurses and the Quality organizations that have differentiated them- Improvement staff provided guidance and selves by demonstrating extraordinary lev- expertise.

Members of the team reviewed research els of clinical performance. The recognition program is open to all members of the VHA and best practices, revised policies and proPennsylvania region, and hospitals are eval- cedures, educated clinical staff and impleuated in several areas that include infection mented a process to review the each control, critical care, glucose control and patient’s need for daily urinary catheter use.

“A team goal was to reduce catheter-assopatient safety. ciated urinary tract infections (CA UTIs) “We developed an interdisciplinary hospital-wide by 50 percent. Our hospital catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CA UTI) prevention team to ensure there is surpassed that mark by reducing those compliance with best practices,” said Murt. infections by nearly 60 percent. Another The team was lead by Lynda Nester, R.N., team goal was to reduce the number of days Nursing Quality Coordinator and consisted that patients used catheters. Through team of a Nurse Manager, staff nurses from vari- initiatives, the hospital staff reduced those ous departments, nursing assistants and days by 33 percent,” Murt said.

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Free Program Series Focuses on Sleep Jefferson Regional Medical Center Sleep Disorder Center will host a free educational series in 2010, “Better Sleep, Better Living,” that will focus on topics such as insomnia, sleep hygiene, CPAP therapy and the impact of sleep apnea on your heart and blood pressure.

Two sessions currently are open for registration: “Do I Need a Sleep Study? The ABCs of Sleep Apnea” on Jan. 26 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Brentwood Professional Plaza, 2nd floor conference room, 3720 Brownsville Road. Brentwood.

“Sleepless Nights, There is Help” on Feb. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Jefferson Room, James Bibro Pavilion, Jefferson Regional Medical Center, 565 Coal Valley Road, Jefferson Hills. Refreshments will be provided. Space is limited. Call 412-469-7100 to register.

JEFFERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER EVENTS FREE EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY Counseling Center, Caste Village Mall, Suite M123, Whitehall Free seminar, Overcoming Depression and Anxiety, Jan. 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 412-469-7100.

Discover Relaxation Within I: Starts Jan. 11, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Four-week lifestyle improvement program. Free for Highmark insurance members; $65 for nonHighmark members. Free parking. Call 412-469-7100 to register.

Jefferson Regional Sleep Disorder Center Brentwood Professional Plaza 3720 Brownsville Road, Brentwood Better Sleep, Better Living, free educational series begins with “Do I Need a Sleep Study? The ABCs of Sleep Apnea” on Jan. 26, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Call 412-469-7100 to register.

Eat Well for Life I: Starts Jan. 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Four-week lifestyle improvement program. Free for Highmark insurance members; $65 for non-Highmark members.

Call 412-469-7100 to register.

LOW-COST SERVICES AND CLASSES AT JEFFERSON REGIONAL Diabetes Education: Take Control of Your Diabetes: Four-part series with a certified diabetes educator on Jan. 5 and 12, 1 to 3:30 p.m. and Jan 7 and 14, 1 to 3 p.m.; also offered on Feb. 2 and 9, 6 to 8:30 p.m., and Feb. 4 and 11, 6 to 8 p.m. Physician referral and registration required. Call 412469-5234 to register.

Senior Services Computer Classes: $45 for two, two-hour sessions.

Call 412-469-7099 to register.

Buying and Selling on eBay, Jan. 18 and 25, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Basic Digital Cameras, Feb.1 and 8, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Excel, Feb. 4 and 11, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

LOW COST SERVICES AND CLASSES IN THE COMMUNITY Jefferson Regional Wellness Center 712 Clairton Blvd., Pleasant Hills Personal Nutrition Coaching: Free for Highmark insurance members. $60 for non-Highmark members. Free parking.

Call 412-469-7100 to register.

HOPE: Highmark Osteoporosis Prevention and Education Program – Starts Jan. 7, 6 to 8 p.m.; also offered starting Feb. 25, 6 to 8 p.m. Six-week lifestyle improvement program that focuses on healthy choices to prevent or manage osteoporosis. Free for Highmark insurance members; $100 for non-members. Call 412-469-7100 to register.

Ornish Advantage: Starts Jan. 5, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; another session starts Feb. 24, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Six-week Dean Ornish educational program. Free for Highmark members; $260 for non-Highmark members. Call 412-469-7100 to register.

Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease 2033 Lebanon Church Road, West Mifflin Free Open House on Jan 7, 6 to 8 p.m.

Call 412-469-7100 to register.

Dean Ornish Reversal Program, one-year lifestyle modification program, begins Jan. 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Other sessions begin Jan. 26, 5 to 9 p.m., or Feb. 22, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is insurance-based for Highmark and UPMC Health Plan. Call 1888-676-4744.

The Walnut Place at Summerset 4584 Browns Hill Road, Squirrel Hill Dean Ornish Reversal Program, one-year lifestyle modification program, begins Jan. 12, 5 to 9 p.m. Cost is insurance-based for Highmark and UPMC Health Plan. Call 1888-676-4744 to register.

FREE EVENTS AT JEFFERSON REGIONAL Hip and Knee Pain Seminar Jan. 12, or Feb. 9, 10 to 11 a.m.; Call 412-469-7100 Sleep/CPAP/BIPAP Open House: Wednesdays, 7 a.m. to noon, or by appointment. UPMC Home Health and the Sleep Lab staff will co-sponsor CPAP clinics on Jan. 14, 9 to 11 a.m. and Jan. 26, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Sleep Disorder Center, Suite 503, South Hills Medical Building.

Call 412-469-5981 for details.

Health for Her: “New Year – New You,” panel discussion on healthy, successful aging, on Jan. 25, 5 to 7 p.m., Bibro Pavilion, call 412-469-7100 to register.

Free Tax Preparation for Seniors, free tax preparation to eligible individuals based on age and income, with a combined income of $50,000 or less and age 60 years and older. Feb. 1 – April 15. Appointments required. 412-469-7099

Detailed listings are available at jeffersonregional.com

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Family Doctors Offer Tips to Stay Healthy This Flu Season

Pictured (l to r) are: Glenn and Dianne McEvoy, Owners; Nora Ramirez, Sales Associate; Addysen McEvoy, daughter of Glenn and Dianne doing the honors; George A. Smith, Township Supervisor; Barbara Devine, General Manager; Lori Grierson, Co-owner of Champion Plaza; Joseph Ferrelli, Chief of Police and Karen Fosbaugh, South Park Township Manager. (Photo courtesy of Park News)

New 24 Hour Fitness Center Opens in Library Corridor of South Park Snap Fitness 24/7, a new 24-hour fitness center held a “ribbon cutting” ceremony on Monday, December 21 to commemorate their grand opening.

The new facility, located at 4110 Brownsville Road in Champion Plaza is accessible to members twenty-four hours a day. The gym is staffed Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and evenings Monday through Thursday 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Appointment times on Sundays are available by request.

You may stop by the gym for a tour during staffed hours or call for an appointment. The phone number is 412-595-7879.

Lab hours: 7-11 a.m. There are days that we are here until 3 p.m. Please call for information on our hours.

724-348-6699

6116 Brownsville Road Ext. Suite 107 Martik Office Complex Finleyville, PA 15332

(NewsUSA) - Those still and Prevention (CDC) putting off their H1N1 and says that the H1N1 vacseasonal flu shots might want cine is especially importo rethink their ignore-thetant for six-month to 24flu-and-it-won't-happen year-olds, child care strategy. Family physicians providers, pregnant report seeing a 78 percent women, medical personincrease in the number of nel and those with compatients suffering flu symppromised immune systoms. And the flu is easily tems. transferable -- touch the • Stay healthy. Wash wrong door knob or breathe your hands frequently the wrong air, and you might and avoid touching your end up in bed with a fever, eyes, nose and mouth.

Family doctors nausea and chills.

Choose foods rich in are preparing for Family doctors are rising to vitamin C, like citrus, H1N1 by encourag- strawberries, broccoli the occasion. According to a survey of 462 doctors conand cauliflower, and vitaing vaccinations ducted by the American min D, which can be and extending Academy of Family found in fish, fortified Physicians (AAFP), 92 permilk and some cereals. office hours. cent of doctors have educated To keep your immune (Photo courtesy of AAFP their patients about H1N1 flu system functioning at its News Now.) prevention, while another 84 best, exercise and get percent have reviewed their enough sleep. patients' medical records to identify and • Know when to seek medical attention. inform the most at-risk.

Not everyone with flu-like symptoms needs "As community-based physicians caring medical attention -; but some patients may for the entire family, family doctors are on require medical care or anti-viral drugs to the front line in combating the H1N1 pan- beat the infection. demic," said Lori Heim, MD, AAFP presiSeek immediate medical attention if childent. "Physicians are staying up to date on dren display fast or troubled breathing, the current clinical recommendations, bluish skin, an inability to drink fluids, irriworking with their patients to promote tability to the point where they cannot be behaviors that will limit the spread of the held, a fever with a rash, or symptoms that virus and are also adapting how they oper- ease only to become more severe, or if they ate their practices this flu season." do not wake up or interact when prompted.

Adults experiencing difficulty breathing THE AAFP OFFERS THE FOLLOWING or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in TIPS ON PREVENTING AND TREATING the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, H1N1 AND SEASONAL FLU: confusion, or severe or persistent vomiting should see a doctor at once.

• Get your flu shots. Vaccination offers the best protection against H1N1 and seaFor more information, visit sonal flu. The Centers for Disease Control www.FamilyDoctor.org/H1N1.

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ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Laura Kiblin

BARNA - BOWKER Mr. and Mrs. Ken and Marcia Barna of Monongahela are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Lauren Barna to Ryan Bowker, son of Mr. and Mrs. David and Christine Bowker of Monongahela.

Lauren is a 2004 graduate of Ringgold High School, and a 2007 graduate of California University of PA with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. She will finish her Masters of Science in Business Administration in the spring of 2010. Ryan is a 2003 Lauren Barna graduate of Ringgold High School, and a 2007 graduand Ryan Bowker ate of California University of PA with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. He is currently employed with Provident Funding in Carnegie, PA as a Mortgage Underwriter.

Lauren is the granddaughter of Joseph & Jane Barna of Donora and the late William and Florence Brown of Fellsburg. Ryan is the grandson of Leonard & Antoinette Dipaola of Monongahela and James & Angelina Bowker of Donora. The couple is planning a September 5, 2010 wedding at the 1st Presbyterian Church of Monongahela and will be residing in their new home in Carroll Twp.

Town: McMurray Age: 22 years Family: Parents John and JoAnne Kiblin & Sister Kristen Kiblin Education: California University of Pennsylvania with duel Majors in Literature & Wildlife Biology and a Minor in Music

Resident Spotlight

Occupation: Student, California University. Employed at Petsmart in Washington, PA Hobbies & Interests: Piano, drawing, music, family and friends.

California University Choir

By Alice Harris

CRAIG - BREWSTER John and Sandy Craig of Finleyville, PA, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Jennifer Craig, to Michael Brewster, son of Vicki and Doug Brewster of Harrisville, PA. Jenny graduated from Ringgold High School in 2002. She earned a B.S. in Education from Slippery Rock Univ. in 2006 and achieved her Master’s degree in Higher Education Admin. from Kent State Univ. in 2008. Jenny serves as the Director of Gift Planning at a University in Ohio. She devotes time outside of work to volunteering for the local junior chamber of commerce and a hospice program.

Mike graduated from Franklin High School in 2001. He earned his B.S. in Business Admin. from Grove City College in 2005. Mike earned both his Juris Doctor as well as his Master of Business Admin. in 2008 from the University of Akron. He is corporate & securities attorney in Akron, Ohio. Mike devotes time to volunteering for an after-school program which assists at-risk teens in making good choices in order to pursue their dreams. An October 2010 wedding is planned.

Middlemiss Takes Center Stage At Heinz Field Samantha Middlemiss, a freshman at Ringgold High School was given the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at Heinz Field for the WPIAL football championships on November 27, 2009. She sang for the Class A game between Clairton and Rochester.

Samantha has been singing since the age of 6 and has been taking voice lessons for the past 4 years. She is a member of the Ringgold choir and the Lady Rams Basketball team. She does a lot of volunteer work for the American Legion, VFW, Firefighters Association, church and community groups in the valley and in the South hills.

Samantha Middlemiss

COMMUNION TRUNK SHOW 2010 Sat. Jan. 23rd 10-5 pm Sun. Jan. 24th 12-5 pm Sat. Jan. 30th 10-5 pm Sun. Jan. 31st 12-5 pm 3015 Washington Road • McMurrary, PA 15137

www.frognprincess.com

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Kids & Family Brownie and Daisy Troops Help Jefferson Hills Trim Its Tree

Don’t Be Left Out of The Union-Finley Messenger C h i l d r e n & F a m i l y S e c t i o n i n F e b r u a r y . For Advertising Opportunities, call (412) 249-8177

Monthly Pizza Puzzler!

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, address and telephone number on the entry form. Then mail in your entry form to the Union-Finley 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 Union-Finley Messenger; Haniford Enterprises LLC, or Vocelli Pizza are not eligible.)

• Official Entry Form •

(Deadline for entries is January10)

Find the answers to these three (3) questions somewhere within this edition of the Union-Finley Messenger.

The Peters Creek Council distributed how many turkeys to area families?

What local high school football team won the Class A State Championship?

Who was honored by the South Park Board of Supervisors for 18 years of community service?

Name: Address: Phone Number: Entry forms should be submitted to: Union-Finley Messenger, Attention: “Monthly Pizza Puzzler,” P.O. Box 103, Finleyville, PA 15332

Congratulations to our December Pizza Puzzler winners!

ALAN POPEY- McMurray • JUDY ROTONDO - Canonsburg

Brownie Troop 51009 hosted a “Trim-aTree” party for all local Daisy and Brownie troops on Tuesday, December 1 at the Jefferson Hills Borough Building. The girls enjoyed making crafts, which were donated to the borough for its tree.

They also visited Santa, iced cookies, played a bunch of fun games and won prizes, and made magnet frames, bead wreaths, and reindeer foamies. All of the girls had a fantastic time and helped kick off the month of December the right way!

KIDS & FAMILY

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News from the Mon Valley YMCA Saturday Night Live

Spaghetti Dinner

Families, teens and youth of all ages had a wonderful time at “Saturday Night Live” at the Mon Valley YMCA this month. Don't forget Saturday Night Live is held every 2nd Saturday of the month for all ages and members and non-YMCA members alike!

Gym activities, Swim time, Youth and Teen Room games and food are all included every month. Free for Y members and only $4.00 for guests. For more information please call our youth & Teen Director Adorée DeLuca-Johnson at 724-483-8077 ext 206.

The Mon Valley Youth & Government Club will be holding a spaghetti dinner fundraiser at the YMCA on Sunday January 31 from 1:00-4:00pm.

Cost is $6.00 per person and tickets include homemade spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread and butter, drinks and dessert.

Take-outs are available and tickets can be purchased at the door!

Logan Styche of Charleroi, club delegation leader and Taylor Jones of Monessen, club video press reporter.

Diego Fedrick of Charleroi helps collect dodgeballs for a new game

Connor Robertson holds on tight to his blow up shark in the pool.

Midnight Swim There will be a midnight Swim gym held at the Mon Valley YMCA on Friday night January 22 from 8:00 pm - Midnight. Ages 8-17 welcome! Swimming will be held from 8:00 - 10:00pm and the gym will be open from 10:00 - midnight with dodgeball games played every half hour. The Youth & Teen center will be open the whole evening from 8-midnight for everyone! This event is for all youth members and non-YMCA members alike. $4.00 for YMCA members and $7.00 for all non-YMCA members.

MONTHLY

Kid’s Coloring Contest!

Enter Our Coloring Contest On-line!

(Win Four(4) FREE Tickets to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium) Thank you to everyone who has participated in our Monthly Kids Coloring Contest during 2009.

Starting with this January 2010 issue, our Monthly Kids Coloring Contest will now only be available online. To enter the monthly contest, please visit our website at www.unionfinley.com, and click on the “Contests & Promotions” tab to print out a coloring sheet. (Kids ages 10 and under are eligible to win every month.)

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St. Anthony Parish in Monongahela Honors Our Lady of Guadalupe and Promotes ‘New Life’ in the Mon-Valley Is there a ‘somewhat similar’ connection between a Church on an obscure Tepeyac Hill in Guadalupe, Mexico and a Church on an obscure hill in Monongahela, Pennsylvania? Decide for yourself.

On December 12, 1531, Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to a humble peasant named Juan Diego and entrusted him with her maternal desire to have a church built on the obscure hill of Tepeyac in Guadalupe, Mexico. She desired to show God’s mercy to all the people of the land. As a sign of her desire, she provided “roses in winter” and left her miraculous image imprinted upon Juan Diego’s tilma. Within a few years, millions of the Mexican inhabitants had converted to Christianity.

The Blessed Mother under this title is the ‘Patroness of the Americas’ and also of the Pro-Life Movement and Unborn Children.

In Her image, Mary is depicted as pregnant with Jesus. On December 12, 2009, more

than 6.1 million people visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico.

On an obscure hill in Monongahela at St. Anthony’s Church, on Friday November 23, 2007, a blanket of freshly fallen snow appeared on one full blown red rose that was growing on a dormant rose bush outside of the Church. And even more recently, to everyone’s amazement, on Saturday December 5, 2009, amidst freezing temperatures, once again snow covered a red rose at the Church.

On November 2, 2007 the parish began a prayer group; ‘The Servants of the Little Way’ with the Patrons; St. Therese, The Little Flower and the Holy Family. The prayer group meets every Friday at 6:30 pm.

National Day of Prayer For Life This year, led by Fr. Joseph Feltz, pastor of St. Anthony’s and Deacon Candidate Alex Poroda, the parish took part in the “20th Annual National Night of Prayer for Life”

held on December 8 from 8:00pm until December 9 at 1:00 am. In 1531, it was on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception that Our Lady of Guadalupe first appeared to St. Juan Diego. St. Anthony’s Parish joined with others around the country and held Vigil to pray for the sanctity of all human life.

Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe Various activities were held for the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. During the weekend Masses on December 12-13, the Replica Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was venerated. On December 15, a special celebration in honor of this Feast Day, with the Replica Image at Mass and the outdoor ‘Jesus the Light of the World - Light Up Night’ and annual Cantata completed the celebration. Within the parish, the traveling image of Our Lady of Guadalupe makes its way to various homes throughout the year.

Advent Day of Reflection

Finleyville Community Center Hall rental available for up to 100 persons

• Parties • Receptions • Meetings • Shows • Bingo and more!

For rental information call

724-348-9656

3547 Marion Avenue • Finleyville, PA 15332

Amidst freezing temperatures white snow lays on the petals of a red rose at St. Anthony’s Church in Monongahela on Saturday December 5, 2009.

On Saturday December 19, an Advent day of reflection titled; ‘Make Room for Him’ with speaker, Fr. Angelus Shaughnessy, OFM, Cap., was held at the Church.

St. Anthony’s now has Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament every Friday follow Mass at 10:00am until 8:30pm in ‘Our Lady of Fatima Chapel’. St. Anthony Parish welcomes everyone from the surrounding communities to join them. For more information; phone 724-258-9710.

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January Events at Beth Israel Center Synagogue Beth Israel Center Synagogue, located at the border of Pleasant Hills and Jefferson Hills on Gill Hall Road, is looking forward to a busy month. Services will be held every Friday evening, Hebrew School and Sunday School classes with Dr. Perry Haalman will continue several times a week, the Men's Club will have its morning breakfast get- together and our Adult Education Lecture Series will meet.

Services • Friday Sabbath Services - January 1, 7:30 p.m.

• Friday Sabbath Services - January 8, 7:30 p.m.

• Friday Sisterhood Sabbath Services - January 15, 7:30 p.m. with Rabbi Amy Greenbaum • Friday Sabbath Services - January 22, 7:30 p.m.

• Friday Sabbath Services - January 29, 7:30 p.m.

Men’s Club Sunday morning, January 10 at 9:30 a.m.

Adult Education Lecture Series In memory of Dr. Hyman Schultz Sunday evening, January 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Guest Speaker: Rabbi Scott Aaron Topic: The State of Jewish Education in America Social hour to follow the lecture Free to the public at BIC located at 118 Gill Hall Road, Jefferson Hills, PA. For additional information about membership, special events, services or classes at Beth Israel Center Synagogue call 412-655-2144 or refer to our website at bethisraelpgh.org.

Upcoming Events at St Peter's Episcopal Church • Attention Teens - St Peter's Youth Group (SPYG) will hold a Youth Rock Concert on Saturday, January 30. Details will be forthcoming, so check our website.

• Wednesday evenings is Bible Study with a Twist featuring desert and scripture for women at 6:30 p.m., and Cigar & Scripture for the men at 7:00 p.m.

St Peter's Episcopal Church is located at 4048 Brownsville Road, overlooking Brentwood Towne Center. Call 412-884-5225 or visit www.stpetersbrentwood.org.

Elizabeth Wesleyan Church Hosts Turkey Dinner Jan. 23 Elizabeth Wesleyan Church, located on Church Street in Elizabeth is hosting a turkey dinner on January 23, 2009 from 3:00-6:00 pm. The cost for adults is $8, children under 12 years $4, and free for tots. For information please phone Mary at 412-384-4662.

Area Church News • Angel Food Ministries offers low-cost Spaghetti Dinner at Union quality food on a monthly basis. No income Road United Methodist qualifications. Healthy menu and allergen free A Spaghetti Dinner will be held Saturday, January 16 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Union Roads United Methodist Church, Gastonville.

Eat in or take out. Adults are $6.00; children are $3.00. For more information, call 724-3486200.

January Events at South Hills Assembly of God Church South Hills Assembly of God Church in Bethel Park plans the following events for January. For more information call 412-8358900 or visit www.southhillsassembly.org.

• Sunday Services are held at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

• God’s Most Prized Possession adult Bible teaching by Valeria Catalucci meets at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 5. Open to all adults ages 18+, free, no registration required.

• Open House for new adult classes begins at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 6. Try out three small group classes for 15 minutes each.

Actual classes begin January 13 - April 7.

Topics include Financial Management, Divorce Care, Peacemakers, Understanding & Managing Depression, SoulCare Abuse Recovery, Pre-Marriage Class, Weight Loss: Giving Christ 1st Place, Man-Zone, Every Woman's Battle, Fire Proof, The Truth Project, Nutrition & Exercise: God's Way To Health, If God Is Good, Basic Beliefs and Exposition of Amos & Galatians.

• The new session of GriefShare, run by Pastor Pat Sutton, begins at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 7 - April 1.

• Single Adult Bible Study Group meets from 6:30-9:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Fridays, January 8 and January 22, for fellowship, Bible Discipleship and Relevant Topic discussion from the book Holy Ambition by Chip Ingram.

• HonorBound Men's Ministry will hold a free men's fellowship breakfast from 8:0010:30 a.m. Saturday, January 9.

• The Deaf Ministry will hold their own service at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, January 10, in the multi-purpose room followed by a luncheon. Bring a dish to share. RSVP by January 8 to Steve & Mary Lou at 412-851-1692 V/VP or Scott at 724-705-0942 VP. There is also interpretation for the deaf on other Sundays at the 11:00 am service in the sanctuary.

• The Children's Choir, for ages K-5th grade, begin rehearsing for their Spring Musical "GPS – God's Plan of Salvation!" at 6:00 pm Sunday, January 10. Performances will be May 15 & 16.

• Ron Hembree, President of Cornerstone TeleVision, will be the guest speaker at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, January 10. As host of the international TV program Quick Study, this media minister helps people establish the habit of daily Bible reading.

menu options are available! Orders accepted through January 11, and distribution will be from 9:00-11:00 am January 23.

• The Women’s Ministries will meet from 7:00-8:00 pm Monday, January 11 for "Power Hour," an hour of focused, fervent prayer for the needs of each other and others.

• A Couples' Dinner with Pastor Mark and Jana Snavely will be held at 5:00 pm Saturday, January 16. You will be blessed and enjoy a wonderful evening of prayer, singing, dinner and testimony.

• A Pancake Breakfast will be held from 10:00-1:30 pm Sunday, January 17. Advanced tickets are Adults $5 per person ($7 at the door), Children 10 yrs. and under $2 per person ($2.50 at the door) and Family price total (children 10 yrs. & under) $15 ($18 at the door). Tickets available at the church.

• Pastor Robert Owen will be the guest speaker at 6:00 pm Sunday, January 17.

• HOPE Cancer Support Group will meet at 7:00 pm Monday, January 18. Come for teaching, prayer and HOPE! • Jeremiah 29:11 Employment Transition Group is a support group for those who are searching for jobs. Meet for networking, encouragement and prayer from 7-8:30 pm Tuesday, January 19. Sponsored by

Compassion Connection Inc. • The monthly “Lunch Bunch” Bible study and luncheon for ages 65+ meets at noon, Thursday, January 21. The cost is $6. RSVP to 412-835-8900 x 126, by January 19.

• Alpha Course begins at 6:00 pm Friday, January 22 and runs ten weeks. A free dinner, video teaching on Christianity and small group discussion will be provided weekly.

Alpha is for everyone, especially those investigating Christianity, newcomers to the church, new Christians and those who want to learn more.

• Pastor Bill Ellis will be the guest speaker at 6:00 pm Sunday, January 24.

• A free Movie Night will be held from 6:30-9:00 pm Saturday, January 30. Come earlier for free snacks!

• Compassion Connection Inc. offers Celebrate Recovery, Christ-centered addiction recovery meetings to help you find freedom from your hurts, hang-ups, and habits at 7:00 pm Mondays and Thursdays in room C1-A. • Set Free Indeed, an addiction/dysfunction support group is held at 10:30 am on Saturdays.

• AdventureMen organizes activities for guys to enjoy Christian fellowship along with physical challenge. Men are currently invited to sign up for ski trips; call Scott at 412-4176828. Check out the website at www.adventuremen.org.

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Seniors

• •••••••••

•••••••••••

Help Seniors Stay On-Guard Against Germs

By Tom Donohue Comfort Keepers® Franchise Owner in Pittsburgh As people grow older, the body’s natural defenses against disease weaken. To protect seniors’ health and quality of life, caregivers and family members of elderly individuals strengthen their efforts to keep germs at bay.

It starts with simple hand washing. This is a key practice that substantially reduces the risk of illness – something caregivers and the cared for need to do several times a day.

Though we may not always think about it, our hands transfer germs whenever we touch something or someone and then touch our eyes, mouth or nose. To eliminate most of the germs on your hands, wash with soap for at least 15 to 20 seconds. You should be sure to wash your hands before you eat or prepare food, immediately after handling raw foods like poultry, after using the bathroom, after any contact with blood

or bodily fluids, after touching a trash can or cleaning cloth, or before dressing a wound or dispensing medicines.

Another time to be on guard is during cold, flu or allergy season. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer so you do not spread the germs. Be sure to throw your tissues away before washing your hands instead of leaving them around for others to risk infection.

“Since gloves do not provide an absolute barrier to germs, make sure to wash your hands regularly throughout the day…even after wearing gloves,” said Kym Clark, RN, Manager of Client Care Services for the Comfort Keepers® franchisor.

Clark continued, “In addition to providing companionship and bringing dignity to the lives of seniors, as a caregiver you have the responsibility to help safeguard seniors against the spread of germs.”

For the elderly with chronic health condi-

tions, even cold germs can be dangerous.

Have family members or friends in the wings ready to help care for your loved one when you’re sick. And if you are a professional caregiver or work with seniors, always call in sick when you are ill.

Skin infections represent another danger.

Seniors may not need a bath every day but do need to bathe often enough to prevent skin infection. To help seniors keep their skin from getting too dry, make sure they use a moisturizing skin lotion.

As a caregiver, you can also protect seniors’ health by keeping hard surfaces like kitchen countertops, tabletops, desktops, and bathroom surfaces clean and disinfected. Use a combination detergent and disin-

fectant or a cleaner first, followed by a thorough rinsing and disinfectant.

Clean and disinfect other commonlytouched surfaces, such as doorknobs and kitchen appliance handles and controls. Use sanitizing wipes on electronic items.

And when you clean, don’t forget what goes on behind the closed door of a refrigerator. Bacteria may lurk, which can lead to food poisoning when food is left too long, the refrigerator is dirty or the temperature is not cold enough.

“You can’t stop every germ,” says Clark, “but as a caregiver you can help seniors intensify resistance to infection.”

To locate a Comfort Keepers office in your area go to www.comfortkeepers.com.

Peters Township Parks & Recreation “Coffee With …” Series Join us for an educational series (and a cup of coffee) for seniors (age 55 and over) at the Peters Township Recreation Center. This new series will focus on volunteer speakers that will educate, fascinate, enrich and empower our lives. If you would like to be included as a speaker, or have a topic to share, please contact Sheila Coquet at 724-942-5000.

The Sinking of the Titanic - Wednesday, January 27 Have coffee with George Frost and learn facts and stats about the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. With the 100 year anniversary soon approaching, George will provide many fascinating details and human interest stories about the sailing, its people and the historic event. George Frost, a local Peters Township resident, who through his Navy military service traveled a very similar path as the Titanic, grew to have a genuine interest in this historic event.

Senior News from the Venetia Community Center The following information is for the Venetia Community Center located at 800 Venetia Road, Venetia, PA. We are sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging.

• The days for our Thursday luncheons for January are on the 14th and 28th. Our day will start at 11:00 a.m. with blood pressure screening from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A nurse from Concern Care will do the blood pressure, so plan to come early and start the day right.

The program is followed by a delicious lunch, provided by the Canonsburg Senior Center.

Thanks to our volunteers, our faithful and helpful drivers, and all those who help at the center. The price for the lunch is $2.00 per person. Reservations are required. Call Erma Grego at 724-941-6956.

• The program after lunch on the 14th will include a representative from Rowe Chiropractic. Her presentation will be ''National Health Care" and I am sure we can all learn something of interest about this hot topic.

• On January 28th an interesting program is being planned - "Young Older Adults: the Baby Boomers". Our presenter will be Carl H. Stopperich from the Washington Drug & Alcohol Commission.

• Birthdays for the month of January are Betty Chong, Phyllis Fagin, Jean Klaus, Jim Leslie, Barbara Meadows, Shirley Polacek, and Don Roach.

SENIORS

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CrossRoads Community Church Holds Christmas Party for the Community

Four Oaks Personal Care Home Residents Keep The Community Hopping

By Charlotte Hopkins Crossroads Community Church recently hosted their first Christmas Decorating Party for Jefferson Hills and the surrounding communities. Party goers enjoyed a feast of cookies, snacks and punch while they decorated the church and the Christmas Tree. They Alyssa Petry were also able to relax with friends and famand Rachel ily and watch the Christmas classic, “It's a Slonaker play Wonderful Life” on the movie screen. hostess to Downstairs, the older children painted and Jefferson played video games. Megan Lewis, repreHills and senting the Children's ministry hosted a surrounding communities special “kids only” party for the smaller children of the party guests, where they hung decorations on a handmade tree, played games including, “Pin-the-Nose on Frosty”, and enjoyed Christmas songs and the “Chicken Dance.”

Shirley Trimnal sets up poinsettia plants at the church.

Melanie White hides from party goers in a game of Hide-and-Go-Seek

Bonnie White decorates ornaments on the brightly lit tree!

Becky Slonaker and Marty Defranceenjoy watch “It's a Winderful Life” on the movie screen

Over 1,000 area businesses and organizations have advertised in this newspaper.

Isn’t it about time that yours did too?

Tap into the power of the Messenger.

Call today to learn more.

412.249.8177

The residents of Four Oaks took a group trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo.

Some people think of a personal care home as a place where the elderly just sit around and watch television. Not so at Four Oaks Personal Care Home in Monongahela.

The holiday season was very active. Visits from Santa, the Mon Valley Community Band, the Christmas Cantata singers, the singing Law family, and sing-a-long entertainer Joe Diamond kept the residents hopping. But it is not just the holiday season Santa Claus visited Four Oaks, and had a that keeps the residents entertained. A chance to dance with some of the residents. beautiful summer day saw 23 residents visit the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. The zoo provided a tram for the residents to take a scenic tour of the grounds, answer questions about the exhibits and see the animals in their natural habitat.

You know that it’s Fall when Trax Farms puts the pumpkins on display. The adventurers from Four Oaks took a trip to the Christmas Cantata at Four Oaks farm. Each person picked out a pumpkin.

Personal Care Home Also, the residents will long remember their Spring trip to see the musical show at Ringgold High School. Regular on-campus activities include Steeler and Penguin “Tailgate” Parties, bingo games, crafts, wii bowling and summer and fall family picnics. The Activities Coordinator, Amber Slavic, makes sure that all residents are busy and engaged in activities according to their abilities and desires.

Spirituality is also an important part of life at Four Oaks. Reverend Spence from The Independent Mission visits twice each month and leads the residents in spirited hymns and prayers. Perhaps the best part of Four Oaks is the staff. Administrator Jerry Sutyak insists that all residents be treated as family. That philosophy is evident by the way staff talk to and care for residents.

So for those who still think that personal care homes are dull, stop by Four Oaks Personal Care Home on Fourth Street in Monongahela to feel the buzz and see how residents there live life to the fullest. While you’re there, feel free to pet the three very friendly dogs that roam the 13 acre campus. Dolly, Reba and Molly will be glad to show you around.

/&&

FIRST MONTH'S RENT WITH THIS AD

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SENIORS www.unionfinley.com Lawson Nursing Home is located at 540 Coal Valley Road in Jefferson Hills.

Lawson Nursing Home Family Owned Nursing Home Nestled in the South Hills In 1963, the Lawson Family realized that there was a need in our community for a quality personal care facility. Lawson Nursing Home was built to be a warm, comfortable place for individuals seeking a skilled, long term, or rehabilitation facility. Originally they were setup as a personal care home. In 1995, they became Medicare/Medicaid certified. Since then, their family has continued to provide skilled care along with long term care in a home-like atmosphere.

Located at 540 Coal Valley Road in Jefferson Hills, some of the services they offer are: • Skilled nursing care coordinated by experienced physicians • Licensed nurses providing quality care, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with a team of well-trained Certified Nurses Assistants • Social services focusing on the needs of the whole person, psychologically, emotionally, and socially • Recreation programs satisfying a wide variety of interests and functional levels.

• Home cooked meals, planned by a registered dietitian, and served attractively, to stimulate the appetite, and meet anyone’s therapeutic nutritional needs • Rehabilitation services such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy To learn more about how Lawson Nursing Home can help care for your family, please call 412-466-1125.

Arrowood at Southwestern A Carefree, Independent Retirement Lifestyle After fifty years of home ownership, fifteen of which as a retiree, Sheran Burger of Pleasant Hills decided he needed a change – in fact a whole new direction. Tired of forever increasing taxes, higher and higher utility bills, worries over home maintenance and a never ending list of chores, Mr. Burger looked into residence at several retirement communities in West Mifflin and surrounding communities. In the end, Sheran and his wife Patricia, chose Arrowood at Southwestern.

“Arrowood just seemed to stand out”, says Mr. Burger. “It is situated in a country like setting, is close to everything and allows me to remain active in the community I have lived in for so long.” “If you drive, you can come and go as you please, if not, the van is available to take you where you need to go. Our Activity Director is so energetic and always coming up with new ideas for trips, lunches and dinner outings.” “It’s been seven and ? years, and I still believe I made the right decision. The quality of the staff at Arrowood is what sets them apart.”

At Arrowood of Southwestern, residents enjoy a carefree lifestyle. Apartments vary in size from efficiency to a large two-bedroom suite. Every unit is equipped with a kitchenette, individual climate control, and 24-hour security. Incoming residents utilize a month-to-month lease, and entrance fees are not required. Fine dining is available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, housekeeping and linens are provided on a weekly basis. Other amenities include local transportation, paid utilities (including cable), and a full activity schedule.

Arrowood Independent living is located on the campus of the Southwestern Group, Ltd., at 512 Lewis Run Road in the boro of Pleasant Hills. For more information, or to visit us, please call (412) 466-0300 or get directions from our website at www. southwesternhealthcare.com

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Recent Local Death Notices Bartolotta – Bruce A, 55., of Monongahela died Monday November 16. Arrangements under direction of Marra Funeral Home in Monongahela.

Joki – Russell W, 74., of Finleyville died Wednesday December 16. Arrangements under direction of Kegel Funeral Home in Finleyville.

Borsani – Alexander “Rico”, 84., of Monongahela (River Hill) died Sunday November 15. Arrangements under direction of Marra Funeral Home in Monongahela.

Klebanski – Edward A, 51., of Finleyville died Saturday November 28. Arrangements under direction of Kegel Funeral Home in Finleyville.

Bove – Naomi Louise, 85., of Monongahela died Wednesday November 18.

Arrangements under direction of Frye Funeral Home in Monongahela.

Calabria – Donald A, 80., of Eighty Four (Nottingham Township) died Monday December 7. Arrangements under direction of Kegel Funeral Home in Finleyville.

Cardis – Emma, 99., of Monongahela died Monday November 16. Arrangements under direction of Frye Funeral Home in Monongahela.

Cominsky – Frank W, 93., of Carroll Township died Tuesday November 24.

Arrangements under direction of Frye Funeral Home in Monongahela.

Ewing – Charlotte, 94., of Monongahela died Tuesday November 17. Arrangements under direction of Frye Funeral Home in Monongahela.

Fragassi – Chester Lee, 79., of Jefferson Hills died Saturday November 28.

Arrangements under direction of Stephen Slater Funeral Home in Jefferson Hills.

Arrangements under direction of Frye Funeral Home in Monongahela.

Goryl – John Patrick, 57., of Donora died Friday November 27. Arrangements under direction of Frye Funeral Home in Monongahela.

Griest – Harry N. SR, 71., of Belle Vernon died Wednesday November 18.

Arrangements under direction of Frye Funeral Home in Monongahela.

Gulick – V. Joyce, 73., of Monongahela (Victory Hill) died Tuesday November 10.

Arrangements under direction of Marra Funeral Home in Monongahela.

Kristobek – Elizabeth “Libby”, 87., of New Eagle died Wednesday October 21.

Arrangements under direction of Marra Funeral Home in Monongahela.

Matesich – Dorothy L, 81., of New Eagle died Wednesday November 11.

Arrangements under direction of Marra Funeral Home in Monongahela.

Muntan – James A. SR, 67., of Monongahela died Tuesday November 24.

Arrangements under direction of Frye Funeral Home in Monongahela.

Paul – Kathy Jean, 62., of Finleyville died Friday November 13. Arrangements under direction of Frye Funeral Home in Monongahela.

Ralph – Robert W, 80., of Elizabeth died Wednesday December 9. Arrangements under direction of Stephen Slater Funeral Home in Jefferson Hills.

Sampson - Ruthetta, 57., of Fallowfield Township died Saturday November 7.

Arrangements under direction of Frye Funeral Home in Monongahela.

Sothergill – Anna M. (Zelinsky), 39., Formerly of Finleyville died Wednesday October 21. Arrangements under direction of Marra Funeral Home in Monongahela.

Walker – John W. SR, 90., of Finleyville died Friday December 11. Arrangements under direction of Kegel Funeral Home in Finleyville.

Yevcinez – Jayne C, 66., of Monongahela died Sunday November 8. Arrangements under direction of Marra Funeral Home in Monongahela.

Zmigrosky – Amelia, 92., of Monongahela died Tuesday November 17. Arrangements under direction of Frye Funeral Home in Monongahela.

Tap into the power of the Messenger.

Call today to learn more.

412.249.8177

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School News The North Pole Comes to St. Joan of Arc School The St. Joan of Arc Santa’s brunch was a big success! The morning offered crafts, storytelling by none other than Mrs. Claus herself, a photo-op with Santa Claus and a delicious mouth-watering brunch. Santa’s elves also helped to entertain the kids with crafts and games. Proceeds benefited St Joan of Arc School. There’s always something happening at St. Joan of Arc School. Check us out at 412-833-2433 or at mysjaschool.org.

Mrs. Claus reads stories for the kids.

Santa and Mrs. Clause were available for pictures.

Elves Maria Gagetta and Jaqueline Vas help the children with crafts.

Emily Figliolia the elf assists a child with his craft.

Razzmatazz!

High School Choral Group Performs at Ringgold School Board Meeting

By Paul Chasko A Christmas tradition practiced by the Ringgold School Board for several years has been to invite a choral group from the High school to do a Christmas performance at their December meeting. This year the residents in attendance and the School Board became the audience for “Razzmatazz” that performed several seasonal songs. I’d never heard them perform before and this group is remarkable – as entertaining as any professional choral group I’ve heard. There are some talented kids in the halls of Ringgold High School.

Mr. Carl Kelly (long-time volunteer instructor for Ringgold Performing Arts Groups) addressed the Board making a plea for the board to take some action to add instruction in the technical aspects of stage management to the Ringgold curriculum package. He made the point that Ringgold has lighting and sound facilities in the High School auditorium that are under-utilized because none of the students are receiving training in the systems use. The board promised to meet with Mr. Kelly to hear his suggestions on this issue.

The Ringgold auditors (Cypher and Cypher) presented the School Board with the audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009. Mr. Steve Cypher summarized the report for the board members.

The audit is available for public viewing at the Ringgold administration building. The general impression that I got from the brief presentation was that District’s financial situation has been healthy and improving over the past five years. The board voted to accept the audit.

The board approved payment of the following Bills: General fund-$1,160,356.74, Athletic Fund-$10,562.72, Cafeteria Fund$87,677.95, Capital Reserve-$2,652.00, Capital Projects-$3789.00.

In Other Business: • The board voted to accept the Treasurer’s

report without corrections.

• Final payments were made to Martik Bros. for structural repairs to the Ringgold Middle School. $10,859.15 • The board approved a resolution to not raise the rate of any tax for the 20102011 fiscal year by more than the index established by the Dept. of Education for the District of 4.68% • A final payment was made to GeoMechanics Inc. in the amount of $22,618.70 for geotechnical engineering investigation at the Ringgold Elementary School South.

• The board selected a company (Portnoff) for the collection of delinquent real estate taxes.

• A resolution was approved to direct Washington Co. Tax Claim Bureau to not collect delinquent real estate taxes for the District.

• A request for medical leave (custodian) was granted.

• A nurse and teacher were added to the substitute roster.

• The 2010/2011 school calendar was approved.

• A proposal from UPMC was accepted for health and accident coverage.

• Hiring of four coaches was approved: Kara Kubancsek-Head Girl’s Softball Coach, Rick Radic-7th Grade Girl’s Basketball Coach, Thomas Sivek-8th Grade Girl’s Basketball Coach and Lenny Dipaola-Volunteer Assistant Middle School Girl’s Basketball Coach.

• The Indoor Track criteria were accepted.

• Approval was granted for the wrestling team to be bussed to the Annual Wheeling Park Wrestling Tournament (December 29 and 30) accompanied by the coaches.

• The board accepted the A.L.I.C.E. Active Shooter/Violent Intruder Procedure as recommended by Ringgold’s Chief of Security and Safety.

REMINDER: Tommy Muha and Sammy Jess work on making some Christmas ornaments.

Brunch was served by some of St Joan of Arc’s mothers Patty Francis and Beth Stroud.

Editorial Deadline for the February issue is

JANUARY 10

SCHOOL NEWS

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Madonna Catholic Regional School News Breakfast With Santa!

Christmas Caroling

Madonna Catholic Regional School held a Breakfast with Santa where the children enjoyed a great meal, crafts, story, and of course, a visit from Santa Claus!

Morgan Motycki, Elizabeth Quattrone, Nina Alvarez, and Chelsea Sala get ready to sing. Students from MCRS visited area Senior Citizen High Rises spreading Christmas joy with a number of popular carols.

Elaina and Gabriella Serrao are eager to make a craft.

Operation Christmas

Kimberly Siwula and daughters Aleah and Aubrey wait their turn to see Santa.

Students at Madonna Catholic Regional School packed 100 shoe boxes full of toys and goodies that were mailed to needy children all over the world as part of Operation Christmas.

Maria, Anthony and Dominic are dressed in fun Christmas outfits!

Amanda Butler and her son, first grader Demetrius, pause for a picture.

MCRS students Julia Alvarez, Anna Quattrone, Tori Albert, Kaitlyn Caramela, and Katie Sendek dressed as elves to help at the Santa Breakfast.

Sisters Eva and Anna Vogt smile pretty.

Siblings Jacob, Jason, Madison and Morgan Walsh enjoy a delicious breakfast.

Coming in February

CHILDREN Call today for advertising opportunities 412-249-8177

AND FAMILY

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SCHOOL NEWS www.unionfinley.com

A Holiday Extravanagza – Ringgold H.S. Performing Arts

By Heather Kelley-Latorre The Ringgold High School Band and Chorus presented a phenomenal show on December 10, 2009. Gregory Steele (Band Director) and Diane Ader (Chorus Director) chose many renditions of traditional and popular holiday music to highlight their students talents. The program flipped between chorus and band and kept the audience on its toes. Just as ‘Razz Ma Tazz’ finished their dancing and singing, the audience was delighted when the Band came marching down every aisle!

“Razz Ma Tazz” singers danced their way across the stage. Nick Hough and Stephanie Guzik

The Jazz Ensemble opened the show with a little “Funky Ol’ St Nick.”

The Marching Band made a grand entrance with the Band, Color Guard, Dance Team and Majorettes marching down every aisle of the auditorium. Majorettes (from left to right): Sami Burnworth, Mackenzie Janda, and Jannell McAnulty. Band Members (from left to right): Cathy Brooks, Sam Franks, DJ Stinebaugh, and Jessica Bettinelli.

Diane Ader sang along with her Choristers students. Left to right, top row students Samantha Pattillo and Margaret Wehring, Samantha Middlemiss and Jada Castor, Chelsea McCormick Danielle Reid and David Guentner singing and signing "The Prayer"

RHS Band Percussion made Tin Pan Alley seem literal with their drumming on everything from 30 gallon trash cans to chairs and stools.

Tips For Tots

Barber Shoppers performed a quartet “Rudolph.” Jacob Tolliver, Joseph Wohar, Nicholas Hough and Travis Carroll

The Chorale and Ringgold Belles did their rendition of “All I Want for Christmas is You.” Top row Danielle Veliky and Kerrie Dunham, Middle Row Brianna Urick, Tatum Brewer, and Veronica McConville Bottom Row Rachelle Michalowski, Caitlin Crall, Shannon Robison

RHS Students Work For Children’s Hospital

By Paul Chasko “Tips for Tots” has gotten to be a popular fundraising concept around the Holiday Season. Folks who Pictured (Left to Right): - Front Row, Megan Menzler, Morgan Baxter, aren’t normally resRaquel Nickols, Jordan Novak, Drake Spahr. Second Row, Mandy taurant workers work Rimsek, Lauren Jacobs, Haley Durkacz, Leana Taddeo. Third Row, as waiters and/or busStephanie Koontz, Marissa Elliot, Emily Eikey, Katie Thieret, Dave boys at participating Vibostak. Back Row, Taylor Massey, Jon Kite, Derrick Fiore, William restaurants and doBowen, Josh Burninsky, Elijah Vann, Jake Burninsky nate tips received from customers to a designated charity.

A few weeks ago football players and cheerleaders from Ringgold High School teamed up with Eat ‘n Park in Monongahela and donated their time to wait on customers and bus tables. To make it more interesting the boys were pitted against the girls to see which group would get more tips. The competition must have been intense as the kids were able to collect $1,265 in tips in only 4 hours. The cheerleaders beat the football players easily but the kids at Children’s Hospital were the real winners. Participants are shown in the photo.

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Jingle Bell Rock!

Ringgold Middle School Christmas Dance

Peters Township School District News Guess Who Came to Dinner at Pleasant Valley

Members of the Court: (L to R) Eleni Radic, Selina Robertson, Queen-Geralyn Caruso, King-Gary Shultz, Alan Pritchett, Dayshore Majors

By Paul Chasko About 350 students from Ringgold Middle School turned out to celebrate the season at the annual Christmas Dance held December 4 in the middle school gym. It was an especially big night for Geralyn Caruso and Gary Schultz who were named Queen and King for the Winter Season.

They celebrated the evening with the other members of the Court: Elani Radic, Selina Queen Geralyn Caruso and King Gary Shultz Robertson, Alan Pritchett and Dayshore enjoy their first dance together.

Majors.

Principal Jeff Matty, who was in attendance, mentioned that this was the first opportunity of the school year to have the middle school students interacting together in a social situation. They were no longer kids from Carroll and kids from Finley – they were all students of the newly named Ringgold Middle School out together and having a great time. If nothing else it was noisy - 350 teens conversing (loudly) to be heard over the music had the db level up as high as I could handle.

I commented about the noise to one of the chaperones and he laughed as he showed me his ear plugs. The kids had a great time with a good opportunity to dress-up and get out among their friends.

Ringgold Middle School students put on their best moves and danced the night away.

Students in Pleasant Valley Elementary stumped their classmates with a recent assignment “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”. The students selected and researched a public figure and presented their classmates with clues to try and guess their famous dinner guest. Research personalities ranged from Olympian Michael Phelps to singer Miley Cyrus and from President Harry S. Truman to Princess Diana of Whales.

Pleasant Valley second grader Nicole Esselstyn portrayed Penn State head coach Joe Paterno, in complete ‘JoePa’ garb.

PTHS Musicians Earn PMEA Honors Two musicians from Peters Township High School have been selected by audition to take part in PMEA Junior High District Band. Representing the District will be freshmen Hannah Jacobs (clarinet) and Jake Wilhelm (baritone sax). The Junior High District Band will perform in concert on March 6, 2010 at Jefferson-Morgan Middle/Sr. High School.

PT Freshman Honored for SAT Test Score Peters Township freshman Matthew Girouard was honored by the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY) for his first place mathematics score in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Matthew’s performance on the SAT that he took last spring earned him this honor along with only three other students across the state. Matthew was honored at CTY’s 2009 Fall Awards Ceremony for this achievement.

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Local Boxing Update

By Steven “Skeets” T. Levandosky RUMBLE IN THE VALLEY, JAMES 5:16 CENTER, TARENTUM, PA - NOVEMBER 14 - Show to Benefit Toys for Tots 165 lbs.

Monessen’s Sammy Vasquez of SPBC vs. Kenny Brown of Cleveland Boxing Vasquez takes the action right to Brown, landing sharp clean combos to the face, as well as a good body attack. By the third round, when Vasquez landed a solid left hand to the gut, it took the wind out of Brown and the ref then gave Brown an 8count. Sammy Vasquez pitches a near shut out to get the decision win.

WEST ALLEGHENY FIGHT ACADEMY, IMPERIAL FIRE HALL NOVEMBER 21 142 lbs.

Chris Yancey of SPBC vs. Vaughn Bill of Hoghead Boxing, Uniontown Yancey was giving height and reach, but that did not stop him as he worked his way inside and landed right hand bombs to the chin of Bill. Yancey kept moving forward and pounded his foe to the ropes throughout all three rounds. Chris Yancey wins the fight.

Eat Some of This! - Brian Kelly scores with his telephone-pole-like jab.

(PHOTOS BY ANASTASIYA LEVANDOSKY)

The Winner Luke Gloeckl gets his hand raised

by Allegeny Mountain Association (AMA) amateur boxing president Mark Machi at The Elks Club, Buttermilk Hollow Rd.

ELKS CLUB, BUTTERMILK HOLLOW ROAD - NOVEMBER 25 85 lbs.

Shawn Cusick of Baldwin, and SPBC vs. Lim Burns of WAFA Cusick starts the show by tagging Burns continuously with lefts and rights to the head. Cusick’s lateral and head movement was just too much for Burns. When the

New Eagle Youth Soccer Sign-ups New Eagle Youth Soccer will be holding sign-ups for the spring session on January 8 and 9 at the New Eagle borough building on Main Street in New Eagle. Time for the signups are as follows: • January 8 (6:00 – 8:00 pm) • January 9 (10:00 am – 12:00 noon) New players, please bring a copy of your birth certificate for age verification. Fees will be $35 for Washington County In-House (U6 - U10) and $45 for travel players (U12 and up). Sibling discounts will be applied.

For additional info or questions, please e-mail: neweaglesoccer@hotmail.com

Shawn Cusick (at right) shakes Lim Burns with a solid right hand as referee Mike Mckee looks on during Silver Glove action.

judge’s cards were read, Shawn Cusick is Western PA Silver Glove Champion.

Referee Don Scott awards Kenny Brown an 8-count, while Sammy Vasquez awaits action from the neutral corner.

119 lbs.

Luke Gloeckl of Brentwood, and SPBC vs. Ron Price of Homestead Gloeckl landed lead right hands to the chin that got Price’s attention. Gloekl scored the most and kept the pressure on until the last bell. When the verdict was in, Luke Gloeckl is the Western PA Silver Glove Champion.

201+ lbs.

Super Heavyweights - 240 lbs. Brian Kelly of SPBC vs. 265 lbs Akeem Walkins of Canton Boxing, Ohio This one was a rematch. In a previous non tournament bout, their fight was a slug fest from the first bell to the last. This time it was a tentative first round, both boys stuck out their jabs. It was in the second round when Kelly started with a nice triple jab that snapped Walkins’ head each time and sent him to the ropes. In the third round, Kelly landed a right upper cut, left hook, straight right hand followed with a left hook that rocked Walkins’ to the corner.

Kelly kept teeing off until the final bell.

Brian Kelly wins the rematch.

Sammy Vasquez drives a solid left hand to the gut of Kenny Brown

MCMENAMY’S RESTAURANT, NILES, OH, - NOVEMBER 25 117lbs.

Matt Conway,of Brookline and SPBC vs. POPO Salinas of Youngstown, Ohio Boxing The punch count put by both boys was to high to count. Conway tasted the canvas for the first time in his career in the first round.

Then he tasted it again in the second round.

Conway to his credit boxed with a lot of heart and was still punching when the last bell sounded. PO-PO Salinas gets the decision.

January 2010 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 53 SPORTS www.unionfinley.com

Clairton Bears Win Class A State Championship

By Paul Chasko You can’t help but feel good about the Clairton Bears 15–3 victory over undefeated Bishop McCort in the PIAA State Championship game. They came close in 2006 and 2008 but they’ve finally done it – Class A State Champions. What a great season for these young men and their coaching staff. Long-time Clairton Coach Tom Nola can finally add a state championship to his credits – It’s got to feel great. The High School is small with an enrollment of just 233 students. The city of Clairton is a surviving Mon Valley mill town struggling with low employment. No question that Clairton folks rally around their high school sports teams. No question that these young men look at football as a possible road to something better via a sports scholarship. And, no question that they deserved to win.

No one will disagree with Coach Nola that the Bears defense made this win possible.

Bishop McCort scored no less than 28 points per game all season. At Hershey, against Clairton they were held to just 3 points. He gives deserving credit to defensive coach Mike LeDonne who had his defense ready all season and certainly for the WPIAL and PIAA playoffs. Clairton linebackers Eddie Ball and Brandon Small also had a bit to do with stifling the Bishop McCort Offense.

Let’s not forget the Bears offense that amassed 428 points over the regular season – that’s an astounding average of 47 points per game! The defense may have gotten the Bears through the playoffs but their great offense got them there. Both teams played solid defense for three quarters ending the third period tied 3-3 with neither team able to get across the goal line. The Bears were ready in the fourth quarter and capitalized on a McCort fumble recovered by Desimond Green. Green carried the ball in making the score 9-3 but the Bears failed on a two-point try. Late in the last quarter Deontae Howard wrapped it up with an 80 yard TD run. End of story – The Bears are Class A Champions in PA. Since 1999 the Clairton Bears have had 9 winning seasons, won 3 WPIAL Championships, appeared in the WPIAL Playoffs 8 times and have appeared in the PIAA State Playoffs in 2006, 2008, and now in 2009.

SOUTH PARK BASEBALL 2010 REGISTRATION Ballplayers and families, mark your calendars: 2010 registration with South Park Baseball Association is right around the corner.

Players may register on one of two dates: Thursday, January 21 from 6 – 9 p.m., or Saturday, January 23 from 1 – 5 p.m. Registration takes place in the South Park Community Center at 2675 Brownsville Road. You can obtain a registration form from the SPBA website, at spbaseball.org.

All players, T-Ball through American Legion, may sign-up at this time. Please note that there is no on-line registration. Registration fees are payable at the time of sign-up; please make checks payable to SPBA. Again this year, each player has the opportunity to earn back most of their registration fee! Here’s how: At sign-ups, you will be given a book of fundraiser lotto tickets to sell. Sell all 40 tickets in your packet, and you will earn back $115. You will have 2 1/2 months to sell the tickets – and you keep the cash when you sell. There will also be ten free bonus tickets for each player. Prize winning tickets will be drawn during 2010 Opening Day ceremonies. Late registrations subject to $20 late fee. Board members will be available to answer questions during registration.

Also, please note: younger divisions have been realigned in a more player-friendly way.

Instructional now covers 5-6 year old players; and American covers 7-8 year olds. This aligns with the rest of the league, allowing each division to cover two years, or ages.

RYAA Baseball and Softball Signups The RYAA is holding Baseball and Softball Sign-ups for the Spring 2010 season.

Softball registration is for Slow Picth and Fast Pitch for all ages. The sign-ups will take place on the following dates: • Friday, January 22 from 6 PM - 8 PM •Saturday, January 23 from 10 AM - 1PM • Friday, January 29 from 6 PM - 8 PM • Saturday, January 30 from 10 AM - 1 PM For additional information or questions, please e-mail ldowner@ringgoldyaa.com.

KIDS BASKETBALL FREE-THROW CONTEST Nation-Wide Contest Sponsored By The Knights Of Columbus When: Sunday, January 17, 2009 1:30 pm until 5:00pm Where: Mon Valley YMCA, Carroll Twp. Just off Route 88 Ages:

Compete in your own age and gender group Girls: Age groups 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 Boys: Age groups 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

Awards: Brass on Mahogany Winners Plaques for each group Participation Patches and Certificates for all participants Fees:

None – There is no fee for participation

Register:

Registration forms are available at: Ringgold High School - Athletic Office Ringgold Middle School - Main Office Gastonville Elementary Center - Main Office Donora Elementary Center - Main Office Mon Valley YMCA - Main Office St. Joan of Arc - Main Office Madonna Catholic - Main Office

Bring your completed registration form and proof of birthdate to the YMCA between 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm Winners at this event will be eligible to compete at the district shoot-off in Monessen. District winners will compete in the regional contest. Regional scores will be sent on to the state committee for PA competition. Awards will be made at all levels.

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Thomas Youth League 2010 Baseball and Softball Registration Saturday, January 16 and Saturday, February 6 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Thomas Presbyterian Church, 1068 Linden Road

BASEBALL

GIRLS SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL

Age as of January 1, 2010 Age as of April 30, 2010 8 Yrs. and under $50.00 SHETLAND (5-6 yrs old) 10 Yrs. and under $55.00 $45.00 12 Yrs. and under $60.00 PINTO (7-8 yrs old) 14 Yrs. and under $65.00 $60.00 18 Yrs. and under $70.00 MUSTANG (9-10 yrs old) $70.00 • Each player will be assessed a $30.00 fundraisBRONCO (11-12 yrs old) ing fee.

• All fees are due at registration $80.00 • Players must register within their age bracket.

PONY (13-14 yrs old) Decisions on “playing up” will be determined by $90.00 the Thomas Youth League Board and will be based on a need and skill level.

COLT (15-16 yrs old) • You must provide a copy of your child’s birth $100.00 certificate if one is not on file.

Valley Speed Skaters Host Meet The Valley Speed Skating Team recently held a Speed Skating meet in Donora, Pa at the Valley Roller Skating Center. Skaters from West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey were among the competition.

The team is happy to report that every single member on the team placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in at least one or more of their events. "I am just so excited and proud of all of my skaters. I told them that hard work pays off in the end," said coach Adorée DeLuca-Johnson.

The next two competitions will take the team to Reading, PA on January 10 and to Huber Heights, OH on January 17.

For more information e-mail Coach Adorée at addie3489@hotmail.com

Representing the Valley Speed Skating Team from the Sophomore Men Division are Cole Keffel of Belle Vernon in 1st place and Joe Reschenthaler of Elizabeth in 3rd place.

Representing the Valley Speed Skating Team from the Freshman Girls Division are Chrysta Rands of Donora in 1st place and Starr Melton of Rostraver in 2nd place.

• • • • • •

Late registrations will be accepted on a need basis only.

No refunds will be given after March 1without League Board approval.

Limited travel – Playing in the Bethel Church League Full participation – All kids will play.

Play begins in late April Participating communities include: North Strabane, Nottingham, Peters, Finleyville and Canonsburg.

• Registration forms can be found on the website www.eteamz.com/thomasbaseball.

For more Baseball information, call Joe Hrycko at (724) 348-6849.

For more Softball information, call Tom Herman at (724) 941-9820.

It’s never too early to “Think Spring”!

UFAAA Spring Baseball & Softball Sign Ups Spring Registration for the Union Finley Area Athletic Association (UFAAA) Baseball and Softball Leagues will be held at the Finleyville Community Center on Marion Avenue on the following days: • Saturday January 23, 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon.

• Friday January 29, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

• Saturday January 30, 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon.

• Sunday January 31, 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon.

If this is the first time your child is playing with UFAAA, please bring a copy of his or her birth certificate. We will be fielding teams in the following age groups: BASEBALL: Tee Ball 5-6 years old Pinto 7-8 years old Mustang 9-10 years old Bronco 11-12 years old Pony 13-14 years old Colt 15-16 years old SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL: 8 and Under 10 and Under 12 and Under 14 and Under

16 and Under 18 and Under FAST PITCH SOFTBALL: 10 and Under 12 and Under 15 and Under 18 and Under If you are interested in coaching with UFAAA, you must have an updated clearance regarding criminal and child abuse history. We are currently in need of a slow pitch and fast pitch softball commissioner. If you would like to volunteer to help in any way, please contact Michele Gohacki, UFAAA President at 724-348-9168 or mgohacki@msn.com.

January 2010 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 55 UNION-FINLEY MESSENGER www.unionfinley.com

ASK the

EXPERTS

THESE AREA SERVICEPROVIDERS ARE HERE TO ANSWER ALL YOUR QUESTIONS...

HEALTH & WELLNESS Q How do I know my child is as prepared as possible to participate in competitive athletics?

A. Participation in youth athletics has exploded, and ensuring the safe participation of all young athletes is essential. It is important as a parent that you identify the right team of sports medicine proDanielle Violette, MA, fessionals to care for your child along the entire spectrum of athATC letic healthcare. Through the Washington Hospital's Sports Medicine Program, part of the award-winning Center for Orthopedics and Neurosciences, and the Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center, the region's premier medical fitness facility, several programs are offered that will help your athlete prevent injuries while optimizing athletic performance. Our Certified Athletic Trainer and Exercise Physiologists conduct Injury Prevention programs, Personal Training, Aquatics programs and Ultimate Sports Training programs to ensure your child is prepared to meet the demands of their sports. As part of The Washington Hospital, we work closely with sports medicine trained physicians; a state-of-the-art Physical Therapy Clinic and a nutritionist to provide services that promote and treat the overall health and wellness of your child. Beginning Jan. 11, the hospital’s Sports Medicine Program will offer a free injury clinic for anyone with sports-related injures, Mondays, 4 to 6 p.m., at the office of Washington Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, 95 Leonard Ave., Building One, Suite 202,Washington PA. Evaluation will be provided by sports medicine physicians, therapists and athletic trainers.

Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center 240 Wellness Way Washington, PA 15301 724-250-5212 www.wrcameronwellness.org

RADIATION THERAPY Q When is Radiation Therapy used?

A. Radiation Therapy may be used to treat almost every type of solid tumor, including cancers of the brain, breast, cervix, larynx, lung, pancreas, prostate, skin, spine, stomach, uterus, or soft tissue sarcomas. Radiation dose to each site depends on a number of factors, including the type of cancer and whether there are organs or tissues nearby that may be damaged by radiation. Here at Jefferson Radiation Oncology Center, we offer the latest innovative treatment options including: state of the art IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy), standard external beam radiotherapy, High Dose Rate Brachytherapy, prostate seed implantation, and 3-D conformal therapy.

Dr. Roger Tokars, Medical Director Jefferson Radiation Oncology Center

Jefferson Radiation Oncology Center 521 E. Bruceton Road Pleasant Hills, PA 15236 412-653-8944

If you have questions for our expert, send your questions to UNION FINLEY MESSENGER, P.O. Box 103, Finleyville, PA 15332 or e-mail news@unionfinley.com

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

For Editorial or Advertising Opportunities, call (412) 249-8177

412-384-3630

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January 2010 ———————————————————————————————

FOOD & DINING www.unionfinley.com

TABLE FOR ONE! A Monthly Spotlight on Local Dining Establishments

By Rick Lanning

Every now and then, customers.

PAOLO’S a restaurant reviewer After I told him everyfinds a place that fits all PIZZA AND PASTARIA thing was fine, he signaled the criteria for a superito the waitress and said, LOCATION: or eating establishment 411 Fallowfield Avenue, Charleroi “Here is a new dessert I – good food, good concocted. Tell me what 724-489-4444 atmosphere and the you think of it. It's on the kind of service you FARE: house.” dream about but rarely This kind of pleasant surAuthentic Italian and American find. prise is not unusual for Such an eating estabPaolo's. In fact, over the lishment is Paolo's Pizza and past year, Coury has made it a Pastaria, in the downtown regular practice to surprise me area of Charleroi. Paolo's is and his other guests with his owned by Paul Courey, who generosity and his creative culiopened his doors a year ago nary efforts to please diners. after moving from another The restaurant also features location on McKean Ave. a complimentary glass of beer Not to boast, but I am for customers who ask for it.

Owner Paul Courey of somewhat of an expert on Paolo's does not have a liquor Paolo’s Pizza and good Italian cooking, being license, and Coury doesn't Pastaria the son of an Italian who want his customers to be worked in the mines and deprived of an alcoholic beversteel mills of Western Pennsylvania and age should that be their choice – thus the who was married to a woman, my mother, complimentary beer in a pleasant setting. who in my humble opinion could have Paolo's features a full compliment of replaced any of the Great Chefs of Rome, appetizers, including garlic bread, meatNew York or Paris. balls, bruschetta and pepperoni and cheese When I first walked into Paolo's on a sticks; a variety of homemade salads; pasta; snowy day last winter, I was impressed by hoagies; homemade desserts such as its cleanliness and its cozy atmosphere. spumoni ice cream and baklava; and other The restaurant also passed my famous special dishes. 'smell' test for aromas that reflect the dinTwo other things about Paolo's that I ner that will emerge from the kitchen. think you'll like. The continuous running of That evening I ordered what I almost silent Charlie Chaplain movies while you always order when I dine at Paolo's – angel dine, and soft romantic music over the hair pasta with Coury's homemade mari- sound system featuring Sinatra, Dean nara sauce, the tomato, salami and cheese Martin, Tony Bennett and some of the salad with the house dressing and the other Italian legends of song and romance. wonderful garlic bread with cheese.

I suggest that you make a visit out to One thing will happen to you at Paolo's Paolo’s, and enjoy the same experience that normally does not occur at many and wonderful Italian fare that I did. other restaurants nowadays – a visit by Paolo himself.

Rick Lanning is an international journalist Smiling, bespectacled and friendly, Coury and photographer who has worked as a newsapproached my table and said, “How are paper reporter and editor for more than 30 things, my friend? Are you being well taken years. He worked for the Los Angeles Heraldcare of?”

Examiner and People Magazine and has pubNow this sounds like a small thing, does- lished more than 2,500 articles and short ston't it – a restaurant owner checking on a ries in 50 magazines and 125 newspapers diner to make sure the food is perfectly since 1970. prepared and the waitress is doing a good job of serving it. But it does not occur as If you are interested in having a often as it should, especially in some Mon “Table For One” review on your restaurant, email the Union-Finley Valley restaurants where owners seem to Messenger at news@unionfinley.com be more interested in the bottom line than in seeing to the comfort of their

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UNION-FINLEY MESSENGER

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www.unionfinley.com

Entertainment Live Music & Entertainment at Your Neighborhood Hot Spot!

JANUARY Angelo’s Pizza & Gyro 724-348-8800 3547 Washington Ave, Finleyville 7 - Open Mic Night 14 - Open Mic Night 16 - Big Tony and Company 21 - Open Mic Night 28 - Open Mic Night Altman’s Tavern 412-653-6440 611 Old Clairton Rd, Pleasant Hills 2 - Occasional Reign 7 - Ladies Night 6-9 9 - Teaser 16 - Magic Moments 23 - Johnny Van 30 - Elvis Lives Bootsie’s Bar 412-672-1120 699 O’Neil Blvd, McKeesport Thursdays - DJ Chris Fridays - DJ Chris Brass Monkey 412-233-3375 428 State St, Clairton 9 - Soul Pilot Denny’s Roadhouse 724-258-6232 3431 Rt. 136, Finleyville

PUMP UP the

Entertainment 9:30PM - 1:30AM Mondays - Open Stage Blues Jam w/ Hermie Granati and Denny Leech Thursdays - Free Juke Box 9-1 Eck’s Restaurant & Lounge 1-877-EAT-ECKS 1574 Fourth Street, Monongahela 15 - Black Dog Hollow Elrama Tavern 412-384-3630 1520 Rt 837, Elrama 8 - Scott Spahr 16 - JD Taylor Band 23 - Todd Jones

VOLUME!

by Mandy Withers-Kozl owski

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@unionfinley.com or visit www.myspace.com/ufmpuv

Freddie’s II 412-833-1830 2789 South Park Road, Bethel Park 7 - Super Bowl Party Wednesdays - Texas Hold ‘em Tournament Thursdays - Magician Jason Christopher 6:30-8:30PM Hey Andy Sportsbar and Lounge 724-258-4755 1221 W Main St, Monongahela 1 - Closed 2 - DJ 7 - White Rose Karaoke 8 - DJ 9 - The Klick 14 - White Rose Karaoke 15 - DJ 16 - DJ 21 - White Rose Karaoke 22 - DJ 23 - Broken Spoke 28 - White Rose Karaoke 29 - Fungus 30 - DJ Hot House Tap and Grille 724-258-4212 807 Dry Run Road, Monongahela Entertainment 9:00PM - 1:30AM Tuesdays - Karaoke/ DJ Wednesdays - Top 40 DJ Thursdays- Open Mic/ All Musicians

welcome Fridays - Karaoke/ DJ Saturdays - Karaoke/DJ The Kickstand Bar & Restaurant 412-384-3080 1100 Hayden Blvd 9- Skillet Hill Band 16 - Hammerlane Olde Large Hotel 412-384-9950 510 Oak Rd, Jefferson Hills 1 - Closed 8 - Marty from Left on Doris 15 - Backyard Boogie 22 - Elderado Kings 29 - Wizdom Pit Stop Bar and Grille 412 -384 -7487 1473 Rt. 837, Elrama Saturdays - Free Juke box 9-1 River House Cafe 724-565-5700 506 McKean Ave., Charleroi Entertainment - 9:30PM -1:30AM 9 - Branded 16 - Soul Village 23 - Cross Town Rockin’ Willies Roadhouse 724-745-8844 2476 Washington Road, Canonsburg Tuesdays - Jam Night w/ The Jam Band and Don Cappa The Guitarman and other musicians

Roy’s By The Tracks 724-348-7118 3710 Rt. 88, Finleyville 26 - Bill Ali 29 - Bucky Tuesdays - Jam Night w/ Bill Couch Wednesdays- Karaoke w/ Brett Saturdays - Karaoke w/ Ricki Sundays - Karaoke w/ Ricki Steelers Specials Terrace Gardens 412-233-2626 1180 Woodland Ave, Clairton 6 - Karaoke 8 - Chuck Corby 13 - Karaoke 15 - The Regular Joes 20 - Karaoke 22 - Todd Jones 27 - Karaoke The Trolley Stop Inn 412-835-9600 6247 Library Rd, Bethel Park Every Sunday - Karaoke 10PM Every Friday - Magician Jason Christopher 7-9PM Valley Hotel 412-233-9800 1004 New England Hollow Rd Intersection of 837/Coal Valley Rd, Jefferson Boro Every Friday - Open Stage Night - all musicians welcome

January 2010 ———————————————————————————————

UNION-FINLEY MESSENGER

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www.unionfinley.com

Classifieds

ty Par e t a 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 UNION-FINLEY MESSENGER TODAY AT (412) 249-8177.

OR E-MAIL YOUR CLASSIFIED AD TO CLASSIFIEDS@UNIONFINLEY.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

-------- ADOPTION --------Faced with an unplanned pregnancy? Loving couples await. Receive information/pictures; you choose. Open or closed adoption. Assistance available. Call compassionate counselor. 1-866-236-7638; 24/7. ____________________________________________________

-------- AUTOMOTIVE --------Four 15” steel wheels off 1999 S-10 Blazer. Tires on rims, 50%+ tread, mud/snow – Asking $50.00 ____________________________________________________ 1998 Corvette coupe. This magnificent machine is fast, comfortable, reliable, handles well, and looks impressive. The 1998 Corvette was Motor Trend magazine’s “Car of the Year”. 5.7L, 345 HP, automatic, silver interior and exterior, two roofs (tinted or silver), low mileage (35K), just two owners, always garaged, new exhaust for just the right rumble tone, non-smoker,____________________________________________________ many options. A great buy at $18,900. (724) 782-0327.

2000 Honda Civic - 127,000 mi., Very good condition, New battery and Radio, CD player. New front brake pads. $5,200. Call 724-258-4815. ____________________________________________________ 1978 corvette for sale! T-top, automatic, with 63,000 miles. Nice but not perfect. Best offer around $11,000. Please text offers to 412-780-5998. ____________________________________________________ JUNK CARS WANTED! FREE Tow! C.T. Auto Recyclers. 724-348-7467. ____________________________________________________ Original 302 DZ Engine, long block, numbers visible. Best offer: 724348-5230. ____________________________________________________ Wanted - Junk cars, trucks, etc., with or without title, all worth money.

Also, local and long distance towing. Call 412-498-1622. ____________________________________________________ WANTED JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES KAWASAKI,1970-1980, Z1-900, KZ900, KZ1000, H2-750, H1-500, S1-250, S2-250, S2-350, S3-400.

CASH PAID. 1-800-772-1142. 1-310-721-0726. ____________________________________________________

1995 Saturn SL2 - Automatic Transmission. Power Windows, Power Locks, Tilt, Cruise. 116,000 miles. $1,500 or best offer. 724-483-1110 ____________________________________________________ 1996 Mercury Sable - wrecked in the front. 47,000 orig. miles on car.

Many good parts on car. $700. 724-746-1106 ____________________________________________________

———— AUTO DONATIONS ———— DONATE YOUR CAR. FREE TOWING. "Cars for Kids". Any condition. Tax deductible Outreach Center. 1-800-597-9411 ____________________________________________________ AAAA ** DONATION - Donate your Car Boat or Real Estate. IRS Tax Deductible. Free Pick-up/Tow. Any Model/Condition. Help Under Privileged Children.

Outreach Center. 1-800-928-7566 ____________________________________________________ DONATE A CAR – HELP CHILDREN FIGHTING DIABETES. Fast, Free Towing. Call 7 days/week. Non-runners OK. Tax Deductible. Call Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. 1-800-578-0408 ____________________________________________________ Donate A Car Today To Help Children And Their Families Suffering From Cancer. Free Towing. Tax Deductible. Children’s Cancer Fund of America, Inc. www.ccfoa.org 1-800-469-8593 ____________________________________________________ DONATE YOUR CAR – HELP CHILDREN WITH CAMP AND EDUCATION. Quickest Towing. Non-Runners/Title Problems OK. Free Vacation/Cruise Voucher. Special Kids Fund 1-866-448-3865. ____________________________________________________ DONATE YOUR CAR! Breast Cancer Research foundation! Most highly rated breast cancer charity in America! Tax Deductible/Fast Free Pick Up. 800-771-9551. www.cardonationsforbreastcancer.org ____________________________________________________ DONATE YOUR CAR, Truck or Boat to HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation. Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care of. 1888-544-9393. ____________________________________________________ DONATE YOUR CAR…To The Cancer Fund of America. Help Those Suffering With Cancer Today. Free Towing and Tax deductible. 1-800-8359372. www.cfoa.org. ____________________________________________________

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

-------- COMPUTERS ---------

Reach over 30 million homes with one buy. Advertise in NANI for only $2,795 per week! For information, visit www.naninetwork.com ____________________________________________________ Advertise in PRINT & ONLINE to over 8 million readers all at one time throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. Call 1-800-450-7227 or email info@macnetonline.com. ____________________________________________________ Have a Business? Find new customers by advertising in print & online to over 8 million readers all at one time throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Smaller coverage areas available. Call today 1-800-450-7227 or visit www.macnetonline.com. ____________________________________________________

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. ____________________________________________________ Geeks-In-Route & On-site Computer & Computer Networking Services by A+ & Microsoft or CISCO Certified Technicians. If We Can’t Fix It, It’s Free! MC/DIS/AMEX/VISA. 1-866-661-GEEK (4335) ____________________________________________________ DELL LAPTOP computer, super fast, excellent condition. Internal wireless card, DVD/CD+RW. Premium software bundle. Six month warranty. Original cost: $2175. Must sell: $399. 717 653-6314 D.C. ____________________________________________________

-------- BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES --------All Cash Vending! Do you earn $800/day? Local Vending routes. 25 machines + candy. $9,995. 1-800-807-6485. (Void/SD,CT,MD) ____________________________________________________ *BUY FORECLOSURES* Use our Money! Split Bit Profits! You Find, We Fund! Free Kit: 800-854-1952 x 81 ____________________________________________________ MAKE A Mint in Teeth whitening 300% industry growth this year!

Distribute White Science’s patented products & teeth whitening services.

Low start up. Exclusive territories. Marketing plan & training provided. Best kept beauty secret of the stars! www.whiteningonwheels.com. (877) 9091080. ____________________________________________________ $Low Start Up - HUGE Profits$ iHeater Dealers Wanted! #1 Portable Infrared Heater As Seen on TV. Don’t Miss This HOT Opportunity! Call NOW! 1-800-714-8425 ____________________________________________________ ALL CASH VENDING! Do you earn $800 in a day? Includes 25 Local Machines and Candy for $9,995. 1-800-807-6486 ____________________________________________________

-------- EDUCATION --------ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from home. Medical, Business, Paralegal, Accounting, Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial aid if qualified. Call 800-494-3586 www.CenturaOnline.com ____________________________________________________ HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FROM HOME. 6-8 weeks. Accredited.

Payment Plan. FREE Brochure. Call Now 1-800-264-8330. www.diplomafromhome.com. Benjamin Franklin High School. ____________________________________________________ HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! Graduate in 4 Weeks! FREE Brochure. CALL NOW! 1-866-562-3650 Ext. 30. www.southeasternhs.com. ____________________________________________________ HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FROM HOME. 6-8 weeks. Accredited. Payment Plan. FREE Brochure. 1-800-264-8330. www.diplomafromhome.com BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL. ____________________________________________________

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-------- EMPLOYMENT ---------

Hot Box Pizza & Wings NOW HIRING! • Cooks • Drivers 412-831-2000 Personal Care Assistant – Partially disabled veteran in need of personal care. 3 hrs. per day, 3 - 4 days per week. $8 per hour. Forward Township /Elizabeth area. 412-384-3480. ____________________________________________________

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 724348-8844.

WANTED - Auto detailers. Experienced only. 412-831-0581.

ROOFING & SIDING SUBCONTRACTORS NEEDED! 724-941-7833. ____________________________________________________ Part Time Experienced Cook Wanted - 412-233-2626. ____________________________________________________ Disabled Veteran needs cook and housekeeper. 2 days per week. 3 hours per day. 412-384-3480. Ask for Jimmy. ____________________________________________________ Experienced Barmaid. Evening Shifts - 412-233-2626. ____________________________________________________ Cooks & Bartenders Needed - Stop by in person, Monday nights after 7:00 p.m. Denny’s Roadhouse – Ginger Hill. 724-258-6232. ____________________________________________________ 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. ____________________________________________________ Travel, Travel, Travel! $500 sign-on bonus. Seeking sharp guys and gals, Rock-n-Roll Atmosphere, Blue Jean Environment! Call Kevin 888-5105044 today! ____________________________________________________ MYSTERY SHOPPERS! Earn up to $150 daily. Get paid to shop pt/ft. Call now 800-690-1272. ____________________________________________________ BODYGUARDS WANTED: FREE Training & Job Placement Assistance for members. No experience OK. 1-615-228-1701, www.psubodyguards.com. ____________________________________________________ SURROGATE MOTHERS needed from East Coast. Carry couples biological babies, prior birth experience required, non-smoker. Generous compensation. Toll-free 1-888-363-9457 www.reproductivepossibilities.com Melissa B. Brisman. ____________________________________________________

READER ADVISORY: 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.

CLASSIFIEDS

—————————————————————————————— January 2010

www.unionfinley.com $$$ START NOW $$$ Earn Extra Income. Assembling CD Cases from HERNIA REPAIR? DID YOU RECEIVE A COMPOSIX KUGEL MESH PATCH home! No Experience Necessary. Call our Live Operators for more informa- BETWEEN January 2001 AND Present? If the Kugel patch was removed due to complications of bowel perforation, abdominal wall tears, puncture of tion!

1-800-405-7619 Ext 2181. www.easywork-greatpay.com. ____________________________________________________ $$$ HOME WORKERS NEEDED $$$ Earn Up To $3,800 Weekly Working abdominal organs or intestinal fistulae, you may be entitled to compensaAttorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727. ____________________________________________________ from Home assembling Information packets. No Experience Necessary! tion.

Viagra – 40 Pills $89.00 Cialis – 30 Pills $99.00. Limited Time.

Start Immediately!

FREE Information.

CALL 24hrs.

1-877-224-0207. ____________________________________________________ Hablamos Espanol! Newhealthyman.com. 1-888-735-4419. ____________________________________________________ $$$WORK FROM HOME$$$ Earn Up To $3,800 Weekly Working from Home assembling Information packets. No Experience Necessary! Start WANTED DIABETES TEST STRIPS. Any Kind/Any brand Unexpired. Pay up to $16.00 per box. Shipping Paid. Call 1-713-395-1106 or 1-713-343Immediately!

FREE Information. CALL 24hrs. 1-877-224-0207. ____________________________________________________ ext. 1. www.SellDiabeticstrips.com. ____________________________________________________ ASSEMBLE MAGNETS & CRAFTS FROM HOME! Year-round Work! 3050 Excellent Pay! No Experience! Top US Company! Glue Gun, Painting, Viagra – Bailout Prices – Limited Time $2.25 Per Pill? 40 Pills $89.00 Espanol! Newhealthyman.com. 1-888-735-4419.

Jewelry & More! TOLL FREE 1-866-844-5091, code 5. **Not available Hablamos ____________________________________________________ MD** ____________________________________________________ -------- ITEMS FOR SALE --------Earn up to $30 per hour. Experience not Required. Undercover shoppers needed to judge retail and dining establishments. Call 800-742-6941. ____________________________________________________ DISCOUNT $635 WEEKLY Processing Applications from Home, easy! No experience FIREWOOD! needed.

Limited time. 1-877-311-2465 Lending Direct LLC. ____________________________________________________ 724-255-1691 Earn up to $500 weekly assembling our angel pins in the comfort of your Antique twin poster bed.

Headboard, footboard, side boards/wooden home. No experience required. Call 813-699-4038 or 813-425-4361 or slats.

Maple finish.

Asking $150.

412-384-5837. ____________________________________________________ visit www.angelpin.net. ____________________________________________________ Penguin Sidney Crosby rookie Card, by Upper Deck! It is in the colGet Paid To Shop! Mystery Shoppers Needed to Pose as Customers! lectible series. Great card with Rookie Card Holder. $12.00, with free Training Provided. FT/PT Call 800-720-3708. ____________________________________________________ shipping. text or call at 412-780-5998. ____________________________________________________ EARN $1000’s WEEKLY! Receive $12 for every envelope stuffed with our Solid oak dinette set: Table 68” X 35” (with 15” leaf), 4 chairs. Asking sales materials. Free 24-hr. information. 1-800-279-7307 code 15. ____________________________________________________ $200.00. ____________________________________________________ $$$ START TODAY $$$ Earn $1,400 - $4,600 Weekly Working From Four 15” steel wheels off 1999 S-10 Blazer. Tires on rims, 50%+ Home Assembling Information Packets. No Experience Necessary! Start tread, mud/snow – Asking $50.00 Immediately!

FREE Information. Call 24hrs. 1-888-255-2802. ____________________________________________________ SPAS – Hydropool Serenity Spa “NEW” Round, seats 4-5, 30 Jets, Silver Marble w/ Cedar Cabinet, Brown Hardcover with Cover Lift, -------- FINANCIAL/INSURANCE --------and 2 Tier Cedar Step. SALE $4,900 (Regular $6,999) AFFORDABLE HEALTH PLANS. Hosp - Prescription $20 Doctor copay!

Dreammaker Spa “Plug & Play” “NEW” Seats 4 Gray, 1 Piece Roto Surgery, Emergency Room, Medical Plans from $165 month, Optional Molded Spa, portable, lightweight, plugs into 110 volt 15 amp outlet.

Dental, Vision.

1-(800) 971-7017. ____________________________________________________ Cover Included. SALE $1,499 (Retail $1,999) GET FAST CASH! Pre-approval by phone. Bad Credit OK. No Faxing.

DEL SUPPO INC., 26 McKean Avenue, Donora PA 15033.

Cash in 24 hrs. Apply now! 1-800-895-1021. ____________________________________________________ 724-379-5066 • www.delsuppopools.com.

-------- HEALTH/MEDICAL/FITNESS -------Handicap Scooter – Excellent Condition. $450. 412-461-1222. ____________________________________________________ 3-wheel scooter.

New battery. A-1 condition! $400. 724-348-6250. ____________________________________________________ Quickee – P-20 Electric Wheelchair. Very good shape. Brand new batteries.

Like new. Best offer. 724-258-4602. ____________________________________________________ AFFORDABLE HEALTH PLANS. Hosp - Prescription $20 Doctor copay!

Surgery, Emergency Room, Medical Plans from $165 month, Optional Dental, Vision. 1-(800) 971-7017. ____________________________________________________ New Feather-Weight Motorized Wheelchairs. AT NO COST TO YOU IF ELIGIBLE! WE COME TO YOU! ENK MOBILE MEDICAL 1-800-6938896. ____________________________________________________ MALE SIZE ENLARGEMENT FDA Medical Vacuum Pumps Gain 1-3 Inches Permanently. Testosterone, Viagra, Cialis. Free Brochures. 1-619294-7777. www.drjoelkaplan.com. (Discounts Available). ____________________________________________________

3-wheel scooter. New battery. A-1 condition! $400. 724-348-6250. ____________________________________________________ Stamp Album with Stamps. Large Starter Collection. All Countries Pre 1965. $50. 724-684-5531. ____________________________________________________ Church Pew. Solid Oak 6 Ft with Seat Cushion. Nice for Your Entry Way. $125.

724-684-5531. ____________________________________________________ Ladder, 32 ft Aluminum Extension. Heavy Duty with Sid Hand Rails & Flat Steps. $180. 724-684-5531. ____________________________________________________ Quickee – P-20 Electric Wheelchair. Very good shape. Brand new batteries.

Like new. Best offer. 724-258-4602. ____________________________________________________ Maytag Washer, High Efficiency Energy Star Rated, SuperPlus Capacity, excellent condition. $300. Call 412-384-2267. ____________________________________________________ 3 Western Saddles. Call for details. Also accessories. Call 724-3487685. ____________________________________________________ High Chair for Toddler, Restaurant Style, 28” high natural hardwood finish $25.00 Call 724-348-6994. ____________________________________________________

Bunk Beds w/mattresses, never used, heavy duty oak finish $300 724949-0801. ____________________________________________________ FREE! – Upright Piano. Union Township. You haul. For details, call 724348-7557. ____________________________________________________ For Sale: Complete Surround Sound Stereo System and Cabinet: Onkyo Stereo Receiver, Dual Tape Deck and 6 CD Changer, 5 piece surround sound speakers including 3 piece Bose speakers with Subwoofer and 2 KLH speakers. Also included Oak cabinet with glass doors. Great Sound! $600 (724) 348-8028. ____________________________________________________ 19" Crosby Sofride English Saddle. Includes leathers, stirrups and girth.

Excellent condition $1200 (724)348-8028. ____________________________________________________ Running Boards Brand New - still in unopened box, Dee Zee, extruded aluminum, originally for 1988 GMC or Chevy pickup trucks, $200 firm.

Phone: (724) 348-5797. ____________________________________________________ Various Baby Items for sale – Car Seats, stroller, walker, and many other items.

All good condition. Call for information. 724-258-7205. ____________________________________________________ MTD Snowblower, good condition, 26”, 8 h.p. electronic start (needs repaired).

Asking $450 firm. Call 412-831-8998. ____________________________________________________ Utility trailer, 5 x 10 with sides. In good condition. Have title and license.

All____________________________________________________ steel construction. Asking $600. Call 724-348-8943.

Electric Wheelchair. – Brand new. Used only 10-minutes! Cost $5,000.

Will sacrifice for $1,800 or best offer. Call 724-258-6896. ____________________________________________________ For Sale: Many horse related items: saddle pads, show halters, bridles, bits and much more. Too many items to list. For a complete list of items send an email to: mimi_1919@yahoo.com - Please put “Horse Items” in the subject field of your e-mail. ____________________________________________________ Cemetery Plots. Jefferson Memorial Park - 4 adjacent lots in “The Garden of the Well” Lot 112A. $2500/all. Can divide. 724-348-5072. ____________________________________________________ Disk (farm), 5 ft. – 3 pt. hitch. $400. Call 724-348-5992. ____________________________________________________ Trailer (farm), dual wheels, titled. $500. Call 724-348-5992. ____________________________________________________ LAWNMOWERS! - Used Lawn Boys, Honda mowers, Snappers, All different types. 25 Lawn Boys, all 2-cycle. Great for landscaping. Self propelled and push. Taking trade-ins. Call 724-745-6489. ____________________________________________________ Carry all trailer, 4 by 6 foot, can carry 500 pounds, turn signals, fits in two inch hitch, needs no license. $250 firm. Call 412-831-8998. ____________________________________________________ DIRECTV - $26 off/mo! 150+ Channels & Premium Movie Channels ONLY $29.99/mo. FREE SHOWTIME - 3 mos. New customers only. 1-888-4209472. ____________________________________________________ DELL LAPTOP computer, super fast, excellent condition. Internal wireless card, DVD/CD+RW. Premium software bundle. Six month warranty. Original cost: $2175. Must sell: $399. 717 653-6314 D.C. ____________________________________________________ KITCHEN CABINETS Never installed. Absolutely beautiful. Solid wood and dovetailed.

Cost $5,000. Sacrifice $1,650. Call 412-494-3143. ____________________________________________________ BEDROOM 8-PIECE $975 NEW BOXED. ALL WOOD SLEIGH/MISSION WITH 10-YEAR WARRANTY. MATTRESS SET. HANDCRAFTED, DOVETAILED FURNITURE 412-494-7351. Will Deliver. ____________________________________________________ DISH Network. $19.99/mo,Why Pay More For TV? 100+ Channels. FREE 4-Room Install. FREE HD-DVR. Plus $600 Sign-up BONUS. Call Now! 1877-249-4584. ____________________________________________________

January 2010 ——————————————————————————————— MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS - CLARINET, FLUTE, VIOLIN, Trumpet, Trombone, Amplifier, Fender Guitar $70. ea. Cello, Upright Bass, Saxophone, French Horn, Drums $190. ea. Tuba, Baritone, Others. 1-516377-7907. ____________________________________________________ HAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTED? Contact Woodford Bros., Inc. for straightening, leveling, foundation, and wood frame repairs at 1-800-OLDBARN/www.woodfordbros.com MDHIC #05-121-861. ____________________________________________________ Get Dish – FREE Installation - $19.99/mo. HBO & Showtime FREE-Over 50 HD Channels FREE. Lowest Prices – No Equipment to Buy! Call Now for full Details.

877-242-0983 ____________________________________________________ MEMORY FOAM THERAPEUTIC NASA VISCO MATTRESSES WHOLESALE! T-$299; F-$349; Q-$399; K-$499; ADJUSTABLES - $799; FREE DELIVERY 25 YEAR WARRANTY 90 NIGHT TRIAL 1-800-ATSLEEP. 1-800287-5337.

WWW.MATTRESSDR.COM. ____________________________________________________ BEDS - “PLUSH/PILLOWTOPS, ORTHOPEDIC AND MEMORY FOAM” FULL... $169. QUEEN...$189. TWIN & KING MATTRESS, ALL NEW. SEALED IN PLASTIC W/10 YR. WARRANTY DELIVERY AVAIL. IMMEDIATELY. CALL 412-787-9128. ____________________________________________________ PROFLOWERS - Christmas Décor, Flowers & Gifts Starting At $19.99. Go To www.proflowers.com/sparkle To Get EXTRA 15% OFF Or Call 1- 866801-9482. ____________________________________________________ Receive $1000 in Groceries! Real relief program helping people just like you! Pay only $4.90 for your grocery voucher. Use on your favorite brands!

Consumer Advocate Response introductory price. 1-800-430-9507 ____________________________________________________ New Feather-Weight Motorized Wheelchairs. AT NO COST TO YOU IF ELIGIBLE! WE COME TO YOU! ENK MOBILE MEDICAL 1-800-6938896. ____________________________________________________

-------- ITEMS WANTED --------BUYING OLD FURNITURE AND VARIOUS HOUSE CONTENTS. ONE ITEM OR ENTIRE ESTATE. CALL 724-255-2000 OR 724-9411827.

WANTED ANTIQUES – Oriental Rugs, Paintings, Quilts, Crocks with Blue, Furniture, Lamps or anything OLD! Please call me. Jim Gillespie at 412-979-7050 or home 724-348-6203.

Apartment Wanted - WRITER needs furnished bedroom, apartment or small house to work on my books and articles. Reas. rates please.

Personable, sense of humor and good references. 724 610 3580 or email lawrenzi@hotmail.com.

Rick. ____________________________________________________ Wanted - Junk cars, trucks, etc., with or without title, all worth money.

Also, local and long distance towing. Call 412-498-1622. ____________________________________________________ WANTED: PINBALL MACHINE, ARCADE VIDEO GAME & coin operated items,ANY CONDITION, cash paid, semi-quick removal. 412-759-4826. Email: ed@ataboy.com. ____________________________________________________ JUNK CARS WANTED! FREE Tow! C.T. Auto Recyclers. 724-348-7467. ____________________________________________________ WANTED: Used Stihl chain saws, used 2 stage snow blowers, Mantis tiller, Rear tire tillers, Lawn Boy mowers, Honda mowers. Need not be running.

Pay cash! 724-745-6489. ____________________________________________________ OLD GUITARS WANTED! Fender, Gibson, Martin, Gretsch, Prairie State, Euphonon, Larson, D’Angelico, Stromberg, Rickenbacker, and Mosrite.

Gibson Mandolins/Banjos. 1930’s thru 1970’s TOP CASH PAID! 1-800401-0440. ____________________________________________________ WANTED DIABETES TEST STRIPS - Any Kind/Any brand Unexpired. Pay up to $18.00 per box. Shipping Paid. Call 1-800-267-9895 or www.SellDiabeticstrips.com. ____________________________________________________ WANTED DIABETES TEST STRIPS. Any Kind/Any brand Unexpired. Pay up to $18.00 per box. Shipping Paid. Call 1-713-395-1106 or www.SellDiabeticstrips.com. ____________________________________________________ WANTED DIABETES TEST STRIPS. Any Kind/Any brand Unexpired. Pay up to $16.00 per box. Shipping Paid. Call 1-713-395-1106 or 1-713-3433050 ext. 1. www.SellDiabeticstrips.com. ____________________________________________________

CLASSIFIEDS

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www.unionfinley.com DISH NETWORK’S BEST OFFER EVER! Free HD/DVR $19.99/mo. For -------- MISCELLANEOUS --------over 100 All digital Channels. Call Now And Receive $600 Signup Bonus!

1-888-282-2892. ____________________________________________________ SPAS – Hydropool Serenity Spa “NEW” Round, seats 4-5, 30 STEEL BUILDINGS: 4 only 20x24, 25x36, 30x48, 40x52. Must Move Now! Jets, Silver Marble w/ Cedar Cabinet, Brown Hardcover with Cover Lift, Sell For Balance Owed! Free Delivery! 1-800-411-5869 x203. ____________________________________________________ and 2 Tier Cedar Step. SALE $4,900 (Regular $6,999) GET DISH with FREE Installation - $19.99/mo HBO & Showtime FREE Dreammaker Spa “Plug & Play” “NEW” Seats 4 Gray, 1 Piece Roto Over 50 HD Channels FREE Lowest Prices - No Equipment to Buy! Call Now Molded Spa, portable, lightweight, plugs into 110 volt 15 amp outlet. for____________________________________________________ full Details 1-877-287-7754.

Cover Included. SALE $1,499 (Retail $1,999) TIMESHARE OWNERS. Ready to sell? Start with a FREE market analysis DEL SUPPO INC., 26 McKean Avenue, Donora PA 15033. & price report.

Call Toll-Free 1-866-323-5671 or visit 724-379-5066. www.delsuppopools.com. www.FreeResortReport.com Vacation Property Resellers. ____________________________________________________ 1 Horse Stalls available - private facility in Elizabeth, excellent care, daily FREE HD/DVR! + $600 SIGNUP BONUS. $19.99 A MONTH. Call Dish cleaning and turn out, large indoor arena, outdoor and miles of trails.

Network Now 1-888-282-2892. ____________________________________________________ Hurry - only 2 stalls left. $420/month. (724) 348-8028. ____________________________________________________ Bobcat with 2 Buckets FOR RENT! $200/day + delivery & pick-up. MAKE $$$ AS EARLY AS NEXT WEEK!!! WORK FROM HOME – Go to Income40.com. ____________________________________________________ Call: 724-825-7233. ____________________________________________________ Best Program – FREE Video Earn Great $$$ as early as NEXT WEEK Find Apartment Wanted - WRITER needs furnished bedroom, apartment or how at www.Income40.com. ____________________________________________________ small house to work on my books and articles. Reas. rates please. out Personable, sense of humor and good references. 724-610-3580 or email OLD GUITARS WANTED! Fender, Gibson, Martin, Gretsch, Prairie State, Euphonon, Larson, D’Angelico, Stromberg, Rickenbacker, and Mosrite. lawrenzi@hotmail.com.

Rick. ____________________________________________________ * REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL! * - Get a 4-room, all-digital satellite sys- Gibson Mandolins/Banjos. 1930’s thru 1970’s. TOP CASH PAID! 1-800____________________________________________________ tem installed for FREE and programming starting under $20. Free Digital 401-0440.

Receive $1000 in Groceries! Real relief program helping people just like Video Recorders to new callers.

So call now, 1-800-795-3579. ____________________________________________________ ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from home. Medical, Business, Paralegal, you! Pay only $4.90 for your grocery voucher. Use on your favorite brands!

Advocate Response introductory price. 1-800-430-9507. ____________________________________________________ Accounting, Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer avail- Consumer WANTED DIABETES TEST STRIPS - Any Kind/Any brand Unexpired. Pay able. Financial aid if qualified. Call 800-494-3586 up to $18.00 per box. Shipping Paid. Call 1-800-267-9895 or www.CenturaOnline.com. ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ DIRECTV FREE MOVIES 3 MONTHS! Ask How! NO Equipment to Buy www.SellDiabeticstrips.com.

NO Start Costs! Free DVR/HD Upgrade! Other Packages Start $29.99/mo! DIVORCE IN ONE DAY and Marriage by Proxy. Guaranteed from $895.

Fast, reliable service. No Court Appearance. 365 Boston Post Road #241, Details Call DirectStarTV 1-800-620-0058. ____________________________________________________ MA 01776. www.divorcefast.com 978-443-8387. ____________________________________________________ STEEL BUILDINGS: 4 only. 2)25x36, 2)30x48,40x52, 45x82. Selling for Sudbury, DIRECTV SAVE $26/mo FOR A YEAR! NO Equipment to Buy! FREE Balance Free delivery.

1-800-462-7930x271. ____________________________________________________ DVR/HD Upgrade!

Packages Start $29.99! Ask How! DIRECTSTARTV 1PROFLOWERS - Christmas Décor, Flowers & Gifts Starting At $19.99. Go ____________________________________________________ To www.proflowers.com/sparkle To Get EXTRA 15% OFF Or Call 1- 866- 800-216-8036.

801-9482. ____________________________________________________ KITCHEN CABINETS Never installed. Absolutely beautiful. Solid wood and Cost $5,000. Sacrifice $1,650. Call 412-494-3143.

AIRLINE MECHANIC: Train for high paying Aviation Career. FAA approved dovetailed. ____________________________________________________ program. Financial aid if qualified - Job placement assistance. Call Aviation -------- NOTICES --------Institute of Maintenance. 866-453-6204. ____________________________________________________ BHS Class of '60 upcoming 50 year reunion October 16, 2010. Make **ALL Satellite Systems are not the same. Monthly programming aware of it. Contact 724-348-4159 for more information. starts under $20 per month and FREE HD and DVR systems for new callers. friends ____________________________________________________ CALL NOW 1-800-799-4935.

LOST – Wedding Ring. Men’s. White Gold. Lost while driving along Rt. ____________________________________________________ AIRLINE MECHANIC – Train for high paying Aviation Career. FAA 88 near Mingo Church Road, Finleyville. Very sentimental and important. offered. If found, please call 412-760-2291. approved program. Financial aid if qualified – Job placement assistance. Reward ____________________________________________________ CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-854-6156.

Calling all horse people: We are organizing a tack swap in Elizabeth, ____________________________________________________ ADT, FREE Home Security System! ($850 Value) Purchase Monitoring PA. If you are interested in being a vendor or attending the event, please Services & $99 Activation. That’s It! PLUS Remote & Panic Alert FREE. 1- send an email to mimi_1919@yahoo.com with 'tack swap' in the subject We will contact you with details. ____________________________________________________ 866-348-1211. ____________________________________________________ line.

Party Room Facility for Rent in CHARLEROI! * For ALL Occasions * AIRLINES ARE HIRING – Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Book NOW. Call for Details. 724-531-1175. ____________________________________________________ Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified – Housing availReceive $1000 in Groceries! Real relief program helping people just like able.

CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance.

(888) 686-1704. ____________________________________________________ ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, you! Pay only $4.90 for your grocery voucher. Use on your favorite brands!

Advocate Response introductory price. 1-800-430-9507 ____________________________________________________ *Accounting, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer avail- Consumer KITCHEN CABINETS Never installed. Absolutely beautiful. Solid wood able. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 800-510-0784. and dovetailed.

Cost $5,000.

Sacrifice $1,650. Call 412-494-3143. www.CenturaOnline.com ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ DIRECTV SAVE $26/MO FOR A YEAR! Ask How! NO Equipment to Buy -------- PETS --------NO Start Costs! Free DVR/HD Upgrade! Other Packages Start $29.99/mo!

Rescue cat adoption.

Kittens 9 weeks, black, calico. Kittens 5 months, Details Call DirectStarTV 1-800-279-5698. ____________________________________________________ various colors.

Spays/neuters, shots, litter train, $35. Call 724-258-8380. ____________________________________________________ DISH Network. $19.99/mo, Why Pay More For TV? 100+ Channels.

Calling all horse people: We are organizing a tack swap in Elizabeth, FREE 4-Room Install. FREE HD-DVR. Plus $600 Sign-up BONUS. Call PA. If you are interested in being a vendor or attending the event, please Now! 1-888-430-9664. ____________________________________________________ EARN COLLEGE DEGREE ONLINE *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, send an email to mimi_1919@yahoo.com with 'tack swap' in the subject We will contact you with details. ____________________________________________________ *Accounting, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer line.

Kittens need to be adopted from "mama cat". Call 724-348-0256. available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 800-510-0784. ____________________________________________________ www.CenturaOnline.com ____________________________________________________ For Sale: Many horse related items: saddle pads, show halters, bridles, **ADT, FREE Home Security System! ($850 Value) Purchase Monitoring bits and much more. Too many items to list. For a complete list of items Services & $99 Activation. That’s It! PLUS Remote & Panic Alert FREE. 1- send an email to mimi_1919@yahoo.com - Please put “Horse Items” in 866-348-1211. subject field of your e-mail. ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ the

Horse Stalls available - private facility in Elizabeth, excellent care, daily cleaning and turn out, large indoor arena, outdoor and miles of trails. Hurry -____________________________________________________ only 2 stalls left. $420/month. (724) 348-8028.

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 $25.00 each. For pick up of cans or delivery of books, call Jessie @ 724-941-5737. ____________________________________________________

-------- REAL ESTATE --------Charleroi Sale or Lease - Renovated 3-Story Building. Commercial lease income.

Also, turnkey bar/restaurant. Call: 724-531-1175. ____________________________________________________ Party Room Facility for Rent in CHARLEROI! * For ALL Occasions * Book NOW. Call for Details. 724-531-1175. ____________________________________________________ NOTTINGHAM TOWNSHIP – 3-BR townhomes, 2.5 Baths, 2-car gar, quiet cul-de-sac, low taxes, low maint, 8-yrs old, open floor plan, ready to move in.

106 Fox Trot – (reduced $15,000) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$184,900.

112 Fox Trot – (reduced $20,000) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$239,900.

Owner will pay up to $5,000 in closing costs plus Gov't. stimulus for First Time Buyers ($8,000) or Current Owners ($6,500).

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY. (412) 831-3800 x158 or (412) 841- 8871 FOR SALE – Investment Property; price reduced, 6 residential, 4 commercial units. Close to everything. 724-554-6534.

New Eagle Main Street. Office Space. Formerly physicians office.

1200 sq. ft. Rent Negotiable. 724-554-6534 or 724-258-3773 MONONGAHELA - For rent, one, two bedroom apartment, complete with appliances, laundry facility, etc. Secured locked building, quaint and quiet.

Close to bus line. One bedroom partially furnished. Monongahela. Call 724258-3179. ____________________________________________________ Mobile home for sale. 2 bdrm trailer for sale, Route 88 bus line. Inside gentle pet acceptable. Ringgold School District. Will consider a “rent to own” program with first and last months rent down. Monthly trailer rent is $100 to $200 per month, at 0% interest. Mobile home park rent is $200 per month and includes garbage. HUD accepted. Call 724-258-9115. ____________________________________________________ Mobile Home for sale. West Miflin area. Thompson Run Road.

Handyman Special! 2 BR mobile home on rented lot. Next to busline and shopping.

Asking $2,500 or negotiable. 412-600-6368. ____________________________________________________ Clairton: For sale by owner. 2 BD, brick home. Ranch. Nice, cozy, and ready to move in! 550 Third Street. $45,000 or best offer. 724-328-1766 for____________________________________________________ appt. Must sell.

Apartment Wanted - WRITER needs furnished bedroom, apartment or small house to work on my books and articles. Reas. rates please.

Personable, sense of humor and good references. 724-610-3580 or email: lawrenzi@hotmail.com.

Rick. ____________________________________________________ Mobile Home for Sale. 1992 Parkwood 14 X 66, 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, A/C, Appliances, Newer Roof, Pond & Shed. Asking 18K. Call 724-3177224. ____________________________________________________ One, Two Bedroom apartment, complete with appliances, laundry facility, etc. Secured locked building, quant and quite. Close to bus line. One bedroom partial furnished. Monongahela. Call Natalee Amati 724-2448579 or 724-258-3179. ____________________________________________________ Finleyville - 3 bed 2 bath brick w/attached garage. Updated. $159,000.

Call 724-258-6732. ____________________________________________________ FOR RENT - New Eagle – 1 bedroom apt. Appliances, Water, & Sewage included.

724-554-6534 or 724-258-3773. ____________________________________________________ FOR RENT – New Eagle. Mobile Home. Private lot. 3 BR, Central air. Newly remodeled. $475 + utilities and security deposit. Credit check. No Pets.

724-328-1766. ____________________________________________________ Mobile Home for Sale. 3 bedroom, Route 88 bus line. Inside gentle pet acceptable. Ringgold School District.Will consider a “Rent to Own” program with first and last months rent down. Monthly trailer rent is $100 to $200 per month, at 0% interest. Mobile Home Park rent is $200 per month and includes garbage. HUD accepted. Call 724-258-9115. ____________________________________________________

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www.unionfinley.com New Eagle Property $20,900, 1/2 Acre, 30x30 foundation with sewer, gas, water lines, nice quiet neighborhood. 449 3rd. Ave. off Cliffton. Call 814-648-1289. ____________________________________________________ Monongahela – Very clean 2 bedroom, duplex. Nice, large, level yard.Two porches, off street parking. Close to restaurants and shopping. $490 per month + utilities. No pets. For more information: 724-344-4271. ____________________________________________________ Mobile Home for Sale: 2 bedroom, South Park Mobile Estates - $4,000.

GARAGE DOORS Call 412-855-7208. ____________________________________________________ WUENSTEL BROTHERS GARAGE DOOR MONONGAHELA - 2-1 bdr’s, 1st and 2nd Floor – Equipped Kitchen, COMPANY – Second Generation family owned.

Furniture, Laundry facility and Much more! On Bus Line. Call 724-244Since 1977. Residential Replacement 8579. ____________________________________________________ Specialists. 3526D Cliff Street, Finleyville. 724For rent - 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom mobile home in Brownsville. Location of property is 1113B Water Street. Inside gentle pet is acceptable with owners 348-7550. approval. Has large fenced in yard and storage shed. $400 per month plus _________________________________ utilities.

First and last months rent required down. Call 724-258-9115. ____________________________________________________ GUTTERS Mobile Home ‘83, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, wood burner, covered porch. Mingo Park Est. $8,000.00. Call 724-348-4472.

ZUBASIC BROS. HOME IMPROVEMENTS – ____________________________________________________ 4 Acre Horse Pasture for Lease w/Sheds and Arena. $750/mo or 2 Acres New Seamless Gutters & Repairs 724-941$400/mo.

Call 412-835-2560. ____________________________________________________ 7833.

Office Space For Rent – Finleyville. 1,300 square feet. Former site of ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Healthy Directions. $800 + Electric. 412-999-7163. ____________________________________________________ JEWELRY FOR RENT - Myrtle Beach – Oceanfront Condo Available! Spacious and beautifully furnished, this 2 bedroom condo (unit #1507) at the new SOUTHLAND JEWELERS - GOLD = $$$$. Get “Paradise Resort” in Myrtle Beach will provide you with all the comforts of Cash EVERY DAY for all Jewelry & Watches! home. 2 Bedrooms + Sleeper sofa; 2 Bathrooms; Lazy River; Hot Tub; Appraisal & Repairs done on site. Watch Indoor/Outdoor Pools; Exercise Room; Oceanfront Balcony. For complete Batteries, 2/$6.99 Rt. 51, Jefferson Hills (Next weekly and seasonal pricing, visit the website - www.oceanfront condorentals.com/ Paradise Resort.htm. For additional questions or to make a to TC Customized) 412-384-8400. reservation call Oceanfront Condo Rentals Inc. at 843-236-6623 and ask _________________________________ about Paradise Resort unit #1507. ____________________________________________________ ***FREE Foreclosure Listings*** OVER 400,000 properties nationwide.

PIZZERIA Low down payment. Call now 800-250-2043. ____________________________________________________ NEW EAGLE BAKERY & PIZZERIA - Main “ARIZONA LAND” Kingman, 10 acres: Spectacular hilltop views, well & Street - New Eagle. 724-258-8110. Daily power. $5,000 down, $926 monthly. ARMAGEDDON SPECIAL: One acre, Specials; LOVE AT FIRST BITE! $149/MO. Other properties available. www.DoneRightLand.com. 928-718_________________________________ 1364. ____________________________________________________ North Carolina Mountains. Warm Winters -Year round golf. E-Z to finish PLUMBING Log Cabin Shell w/Acreage $99,900. Pre-Approved Bank Financing. Also FRYE BROTHERS PLUMBING - Registered Mountain & Waterfront Land for sale 828-247-9966 Ext. 60. ____________________________________________________ master plumbers. Residential and Commercial.

TENNESSEE LAND 100% FINANCING – NO CLOSING COSTS, NO CREDLocally owned and operated. Fully insured and IT CHECKS on all residential homesites, 1 acre to 5 acres fully developed, close to town. Call 1-888-811-2158. certified. Ed Frye - (412) 841-6008. www.frye____________________________________________________ BIG BEAUTIFUL AZ LOTS! Golf Course, Nat’l Parks. 1 hour from Tucson. brosplumbing.com Guaranteed Financing. $0 Down, $0 Interest. Starting $129/mo.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Foreclosures online@www.sunsiteslandrush.com. Pre-Recorded Message.

(800) 631-8164 mention code 5063. ____________________________________________________ RESTAURANT Homes for Rent - 1-4 BD HOMES from $176/mo! Move in 12/mo’s, OR, THE KICKSTAND BAR & RESTAURANT apply your 12/mo’s of rent as down pymnt! For Listings 800-356-1584. ____________________________________________________ Open Daily 3 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Daily Specials; NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS. Enjoy The Outdoors All Year! E-Z finish Homemade Soups. 1100 Hayden Blvd. 51 Log Cabin Shell with Acreage $99,900. Pre-Approved Bank Financing. Also South. 412-384-3080.

Mountain-Waterfront Land for sale. 828-247-9966 Ext. 02. ____________________________________________________ –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

LOCAL BUSINESSES, MERCHANTS AND SERVICES BAKERY NEW EAGLE BAKERY & PIZZERIA - 161 Main Street - New Eagle. 724-258-8110. Daily Specials; LOVE AT FIRST BITE!!

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

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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. 724348-6837.

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CONCRETE GAETANO CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION Stamp/colored concrete on sidewalks, driveways, patios and retaining walls. 412-4750053.

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DVD TRANSFER/ HOME MOVIES HOME MOVIE TRANSFERS AND DVD MONTAGE CREATIONS BY DEB CHEPLIC. 8mm & Super 8mm projector movies transferred to DVD! Frame by frame digital transfers, with amazing clarity. No hidden costs/set up fees. Add music and chapter menus. 724-2585336. http://web.me.com/dcheplic/.

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EXCAVATION EXCAVATION SERVICES - Bobcat, backhoe, dump truck, french drains, utility lines, gravel, grating, hauling, foundations and sewer Bobcat, backhoe, dump truck, french drains, utility lines, gravel, grating, hauling, foundations and sewer line work. Call Ernie at: 412-384-7337.

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SIDING/WINDOWS ROOFING MEREDITH HOME IMPROVEMENTS – 30 years in business. If you need vinyl siding, roofing, windows or soffit and fascia done professionally, with no problems afterward and done at a reasonable price, we are the company to do it! We are so confident in your satisfaction that we require no money until the job is completed. www.MeredithHomeImprovements.com. Call us today at 412-831-9991.

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-------- SERVICES --------WRITER - VERY LITERATE, will help you get your message across. Books, articles, ghostwriting, editing, publicity for businesses and restaurants, and much more. E-mail lawrenzi@hotmail.com or call 724-872-5837 and leave a____________________________________________________ message. Rick.

Party Room Facility for Rent in CHARLEROI! * For ALL Occasions * Book NOW. Call for Details. 724-531-1175. ____________________________________________________ GAETANO CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION - stamp/colored concrete on sidewalks, driveways, patios and retaining walls. 412-475-0053. ____________________________________________________ “JUST HEMS!” - Specializing in shortening slacks, pants and jeans. Call Diane Lucci at 724-348-7989. ____________________________________________________ DVD Transfer/Home Movies - Home Movie Transfers and DVD Montage Creations by Deb Cheplic. 8mm and Super 8mm projector movies transferred to DVD! Frame by frame digital transfers, with amazing clarity. No hidden costs/set up fees. Add music and chapter menus. 724-258-5336. http://web.me.com/dcheplic/ ____________________________________________________

Social Security Claims. 30+ years experience. No results = no fee. Email claimsadv@juno.com or call 412- 915-8890. ____________________________________________________ Bobcat with 2 Buckets FOR RENT! $200/day + delivery & pick-up. Call: 724-825-7233. ____________________________________________________ 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. ____________________________________________________ HAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTED? Contact Woodford Bros., Inc. for straightening, leveling, foundation, and wood frame repairs at 1-800-OLDBARN/www.woodfordbros.com MDHIC #05-121-861. ____________________________________________________ DIVORCE IN ONE DAY and Marriage by Proxy. Guaranteed from $895.

Fast, reliable service. No Court Appearance. 365 Boston Post Road #241, Sudbury, MA 01776 www.divorcefast.com 978-443-8387. ____________________________________________________ FOUNDATION REPAIR - Large local company specializing in bowed walls, sinking foundations, crawl space excavation, and BASEMENT WATERPROOFING. Lifetime, transferrable warranty. 1-800-343-2357. www.abetterchoiceinc.com (PA0AGHIC:377). ____________________________________________________

-------- TIMESHARES --------SELL/RENT YOUR TIMESHARE NOW!! Maintenance fees too high? Need Cash? Sell your unused timeshare today. No commissions or broker fees.

Free consultation. www.sellatimeshare.com, 1-888-310-0115. ____________________________________________________ DISCOUNT TIMESHARES - SAVE 60%-80% OFF RETAIL!! Worldwide Locations! Call for Free InfoPack. 1-800-639-5319. www.holidaygroup.com/flier. ____________________________________________________ SELL/RENT YOUR TIMESHARE FOR CASH!!! Our Guaranteed Services Will Sell/Rent Your Unused Timeshare for CASH! Over $78 Million Dollars Offered in 2009. www.sellatimeshare.com. 1-877-494-8246 ____________________________________________________ SELL/RENT YOUR TIMESHARE NOW!!! Maintenance fees too high?

Need Cash? Sell your unused timeshare today. No Commissions or Broker Fees.

Free Consultation. www.sellatimeshare.com. 1-877-494-8246. ____________________________________________________ TIMESHARE RESALES - SAVE 60%-80% OFF RETAIL!! Worldwide Locations! Call for Free Magazine! 1-800-639-5319. www.holidaygroup.com/flier. ____________________________________________________ SELL/RENT YOUR TIMESHARE NOW!!!! Maintenance fees too high?

Need Cash? Sell your unused timeshare today. No Commissions or Broker Fees.

Free Consultation. www.sellatimeshare.com 1-877-271-3414. ____________________________________________________

------- VACATIONS --------Myrtle Beach – Oceanfront Condo Available! Spacious and beautifully furnished, this 2 bedroom condo (unit #1507) at the new “Paradise Resort” in Myrtle Beach will provide you with all the comforts of home. 2 Bedrooms + Sleeper sofa; 2 Bathrooms; Lazy River; Hot Tub; Indoor/Outdoor Pools; Exercise Room; Oceanfront Balcony. For complete weekly and seasonal pricing, visit the website - www.oceanfrontcondorentals.com/ ParadiseResort.htm. For additional questions or to make a reservation call Oceanfront Condo Rentals Inc. at 843-236-6623 and ask about Paradise Resort unit #1507. ____________________________________________________ Sunny Fall Specials - At Florida’s Best Beach – New Smyrna Beach Stay a week or longer. Plan a beach wedding or family reunion. www.NSBFLA.com or 1-800-541-9621. ____________________________________________________

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Beer Kegs Taps Ice

GO S PEN

Mon-Thurs: 10 am - 9 pm Friday: 10 am - 10 pm Saturday: 10 am - 10 pm Sunday: noon - 5 pm

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