Union Finley Messenger March 2009

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MARCH 2009

SPECIAL SECTION:

LOCAL NEWS: Teaming Up To Help Homeless Vets

Vol. 5, Issue 9

Wedding Guide Page 40

Page 13

INDEX: Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Local News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Home & Garden . . . . . . . . . 34 Kids & Family . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Seniors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Food & Dining . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

“ 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

STEELER FEVER TAKES OVER THE SOUTH HILLS!

South Park Lions Club To Host 4000-Point Bingo The annual Chuck Peternel Memorial South Park Lions Club 4000-Point Bingo will be held on Saturday, March 28, at 7:15 p.m at Library Fire Hall located at 6581 Library Road. In addition to Bingo, multiple door prizes will add to the excitement of the evening. The Library Fire Hall doors will open at 5:00 p.m. Lightning Bingo for the Early Birds starts at 7:15 p.m. The $20 dollar ticket fee includes eligibility for many door prizes and Bingo materials including 12 faces for each regular Bingo Game, six faces for each Special and the Jackpot Round. Extra regular Bingo packages, special Bingo packages, and Jackpot packages will be available for purchase. Refreshments will be sold, and there is a roomy non-smoking section. For tickets and information, call 412-835-7114 or 412-655-3971. All proceeds of the Bingo are donated by the South Park Lions Club to Lions International Charities, as well as National and Local organizations and families in need.

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Steeler legend and Super Bowl champion John Banaszak, #76 made a visit to Gastonville Elementary Center for a Pep Rally as the Steelers prepared to take on the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. Pictured above, Banaszak takes a breather with GEC students Karen Barner and Loran Musser.

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(FOR COMPLETE STORY AND ADDITIONAL PHOTOS, SEE PAGE 69.)


Page 2 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 LOCAL NEWS


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 3 LOCAL NEWS

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UNION-FINLEY MESSENGER

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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, Karen Barnum, J.R. Brower, Jim Caldwell, Paul Chasko, Andrea Earnest, William Frankfort, Emily Grazulis, Alice Harris, Charlotte Hopkins, Mandy Withers-Kozlowski, Heather Latorre, Samantha Milton, Lisa Tomosky, Christen Stroh, Beth Stroud

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Page 4 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 LOCAL NEWS

PLACES TO GO . . .THINGS TO SEE. . . STUFF TO DO . . . EVERY MONDAY IN MARCH COPING WITH GRIEF - Hospice Care of The Washington Hospital is offering a sixweek program on coping with the loss, grief and adjustments in your life following the death of a loved one. All sessions will be held Mondays, March 9 – April 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Donnell House, 10 Leet Street in Washington. To register, call 724-250-4500 or 724-627-8118. MARCH 1-2 PLAY AUDITIONS - Bethel Park Heritage Players will hold auditions for “110 in the Shade” based on the play “The Rainmaker” on March 1 & 2 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Bethel Park Community Center. For more information, visit www.heritageplayers.org or call 412-831-6800 ext. 745 MARCH 2 GARDEN CLUB - The Mon Valley Garden Club will hold it’s kick off meeting on Monday, March 2 at 6 pm at the Eat N Park in Belle Vernon. For information phone 724466-0979 or 724-415-6356. MonValley Garden Club is part of District X, Garden Club of PA and the Garden Club Federation of America. MARCH 4 BLOOD DRIVE - A blood drive will be held at the Saint Francis Church General Purpose Building in Finleyville on Wednesday March 4 between 1:00 and 6:30 pm. Area hospitals need your very precious gift of blood. Call Mary Morrow at (724) 348-5664 for an appointment. MARCH 7 BASIC FIRST AID - Canonsburg General Hospital will offer a Basic First Aid Course from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 7. The course instructor will teach proper first aid procedures for breathing emergencies and the care and treatment of bleeding, heart

attacks, shock, bleeding and wounds, poisoning, burns, bone fractures, frostbite and other medical emergencies. $25 and includes a first aid manual. To register, call 1-877284-2000. MONTE CARLO NIGHT - Pleasant Hills Rotary Club will hold a “Monte Carlo Night” on Saturday, March 7 from 6 to 11 pm at Salvatore’s, 5001 Curry Road in Baldwin. The event will benefit Operation Troop Operation, which serves the needs of troops overseas. Tickets are $25, which includes a dinner buffet. There will be a cash bar. Guests purchase “funny” money to use to play games. The event also will include a Chinese auction, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle. For more information or tickets, call Joe Weiss at 412-655-1084 or Paul Eiben at 412-653-5525. GOLDEN GLOVES AMATEUR BOXINGWestern PA Athletic League (W.P.A.L.) Golden Gloves Amateur Boxing Tournament. Holiday Inn North Hills, Pittsburgh. 7:00PM MARCH 7 – 8 WINTER FLEA MARKET - Trax Farms indoor Winter Flea Market will be held on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8. Flea market opens at 10:00am. You will find vendors selling antiques, gifts, collectibles, clothing, apparel, hobbies, food and much more. MARCH 8 MONTHLY BRUNCH - Stephen Bayard Masonic Lodge #526 in Elizabeth will host it’s monthly open to the public Brunch on March 8 from 10 am-2 pm. All you can eat buffet is $6 for adults, $3 for children, free for tots age 3 and under, and half price with ID for current military. Take the elevator at the Plum Street entrance to the 3rd floor dining area.

FAMILY DINNER AT ST. JOAN OF ARC St. Joan of Arc Church is sponsoring a homestyle roast beef dinner on Sunday, March 8 from 1 – 5 PM. A delicious roast beef dinner will be served including mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, roll and butter, dessert, soft drinks, coffee and tea. Chicken tenders will be available for kids. Tickets will also be sold at the door for $8. For advance tickets and further information, call 412-854-3173. MARCH 9 OLDIES DANCE – Parents Without Partners is sponsoring a St. Patrick’s Day Oldies Dance on March 9 from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Royal Place Restaurant, 2660 Library Rd. Music from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s by D.J. Steve. Admission is $5 for PWP members and $7 for non-members. Cash bar, menu items available. For more information, call Barb at 412-835-2688. CPR with AED - Canonsburg General Hospital will offer a HeartSaver CPR with AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Training class from 6 - 9 p.m., Monday, March 9, in the McNary Conference Center. Participants will receive a two year certification. Registration fee is $25.00. To register, call toll free at 1-877284-2000. MARCH 10 SPAGHETTI DINNER - Bentleyville Lions Club will be having a Spaghetti Dinner on Tuesday, March 10 at Hugo’s Restaurant (Route 40) in Centerville. Adults- $6.00; children under 10- $3.00. For tickets, contact Lion Shelly Carney at 724-258-4699. MARCH 11 JOINT REPLACEMENT SEMINAR - The Washington Hospital Community Room, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Are you considering knee or hip replacement surgery? The Washington Hospital Joint Center is holding a 30-minute informational presentation followed by Q&A

and tours of the hospital’s Ortho/Neuro Unit, inpatient therapy gyms and Main Street rehabilitation area. To register, call 724-250-2824. MARCH 14 DINNER FUNDRAISER FOR AMANDA WYANDT – The Heritage Room at Tonidale, 7001 Steubenville Pike, Oakland from 4-10 p.m. Buffet dinner, DJ, dancing, Chinese auction and special guest. Ticket cost $20. For more information, call (412) 279-2535. 4TH ANNUAL FINLEYVILLE PUB CRAWL – The 4th Annual Finleyville Pub Crawl will be held on Saturday, March 14th. This year, there are two additional local pubs participating. T-shirts for the event are being sold for $10 each and can be purchased at any of the participating bars: Finleyville American Legion; Angelo’s Pizza and Gyro Express (bar now open!); Badlands Bar & Grill; Hackett Club; Hunting Lodge; Moose; Peter’s Creek Pub; Roy’s by the Tracks. Payment is due at time of order and proceeds benefit the Finleyville Volunteer Fire Department. There will be a bus running between the “downtown Finleyville” participating bars, the Hackett Club, and Peter’s Creek Pub. The pickup location for “downtown Finleyville” has changed - this year it will stop in front of Angelo’s Pizza and Gyro Express. GOLDEN GLOVES AMATEUR BOXING Western PA Athletic League (W.P.A.L.) Golden Gloves Amateur Boxing Tournament. Holiday Inn -Meadowlands, Washington PA. 7:00PM LEWIS AND CLARK TRAIL HERITAGE FOUNDATION - The Monongahela River Chapter of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation will hold it’s monthly meeting on Saturday March 14, 2009 at 9:00 am at Rockwell’s Red Lion Restaurant in Elizabeth. The Chapter meets every 2nd Saturday of the month. For information, contact Lynn Rockwell at 412-384-3909.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 5 LOCAL NEWS UNION-FINLEY MESSENGER MARCH 15 MODEL, TOY & DIE-CAST EXPO - The South Hills Model, Toy & Die-Cast Expo will be held on Sunday March 15, 2009 from 9:00am - 3:00pm. Castle Shannon Volunteer Fire Hall on Route 88, Library Road. Admission $1.00 - under 12 free w/ adult NEW MEMBER SCREENING - The Pittsburgh Watercolor Society is having their new member screening to be held at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, 6300 Fifth Avenue, on March 15 at 1:00 p.m. in Simmons Hall. For more information, send SASE to Darla Duffy, 120 Markham Drive Pittsburgh PA 15228 or e-mail darla.duffy@comcast.net. MARCH 17 BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS Nurses from Canonsburg General Hospital will provide free blood pressure screenings from 8 to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17. The screenings will take place in the food court at Washington Crown Center. No appointment is necessary. For more information call 724-873-5835. MARCH 20 FREE Italian Ice – Celebrate the first day of Spring with Rita’s 17th Annual First day of Spring Italian Ice Giveaway! Friday, March 20 from 12 noon until 10:00 PM. Each guest will receive a complimentary 10oz. cup of Rita’s Italian Ice at no charge. This giveaway will take plave at all Rita’s locations. MARCH 21 GOLDEN GLOVES AMATEUR BOXINGWestern PA Athletic League (W.P.A.L.) Golden Gloves Amateur Boxing Tournament. Buffalo Lodge, Punxsutawney PA. 7:00 PM MARCH 22 GOLDEN GLOVES AMATEUR BOXING Western PA Athletic League (W.P.A.L.) Golden Gloves Amateur Boxing Tournament. Avalon Hotel, Erie PA. 2:00 PM MARCH 27 GRIEF AND LOSS DINNER - Canonsburg General Hospital Chaplain Rev. Cathy Peternel will host a dinner for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one, 6 p.m., March 27, McNary Conference Center. The dinner is open to the public and the cost of the meal is $5.50. Reservations must be made by March 23 by calling 724-745-6100, ext. 4118. MARCH 28 FLEA MARKET – The Finleyville Area Food Pantry and the Mon Valley Food Bank are sponsoring their annual spring flea market, bake sale, food and Chinese auction at the Finleyville Community Center, Marion Ave., on March 28 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendor tables available. Donations will be received March 27 at the Community Center. For more information, call Rose at 724-348-7821.

SPRING FLING OLDIES DANCE - sponsored by Three Rivers Corvette Club at South Fayette Fire Hall, Cuddy PA, 7:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. $20.00 per person includes all night buffet, beer, set-ups, snacks, 50/50 drawing, lottery tree, Chinese auction and door prizes. For tickets call Sally at 724-745-0955, 412-9734523 or Charlie at 412-655-1255. Tickets are non-refundable. You must be 21 years old to attend. BINGO - The annual Chuck Peternel Memorial South Park Lions Club 4000-Point Bingo is coming on Saturday, March 28, at 7:15 p.m. Again, besides Bingo, multiple door prizes will add to the excitement of the evening. The Library Fire Hall doors, 6581 Library Road, will open at 5:00 p.m. Lightning Bingo for the Early Birds starts at 7:15 p.m. For tickets, call 412-835-7114. BIG BAND DINNER DANCE – The Steel Valley Rotary Club is hosting the Ninth Annual Big Band Dinner Dance, Saturday, March 28 at the Elks Lodge #11 in Lincoln Place. Tickets are $37.50 per person. Doors open at 5 p.m. for cocktails (cash bar), dinner at 6:00 and dancing from 7 till 10 p.m. For tickets, contact Jack Seckel at 412-655-7500. GOLDEN GLOVES AMATEUR BOXING Western PA Athletic League (W.P.A.L.) Golden Gloves Amateur Boxing Tournament. Crown Plaza,South Hills PA. 7:00PM ELIZABETH HISTORICAL WORKSHOP Elizabeth Historical Workshop will be held on Saturday March 28 beginning at 9:00 am at Rockwell’s Red Lion Restaurant in Elizabeth. History, plans, and event ideas will be discussed. For additional information please phone 724-466-0979. CROP ‘TIL YOU DROP – Preserve your memories at our First Annual ‘Cropfest’ on Saturday, March 28 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Monongahela. $25 per person includes table for scrapping, breakfast, lunch, dinner, door prizes, scrap market, flea market, craft vendors, make ‘n takes, 50/50 and more. Call Susan Bowers to reserve a spot at 724-258-2377. MARCH 29 CASH BINGO AND CHINESE AUCTIONA cash bingo and Chinese auction will be held in the Saint Francis of Assisi Church, General Purpose Room just off Route 88 in Finleyville on Sunday, March 29. Games begin at 2:00 pm. Proceeds benefit the good works of the Saint Francis Ladies of Charity. GUN BASH - Valley Inn Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a Gun Bash on Sunday, March 29, 2009 at the Valley Inn VFD Social Hall, located on Snyder Ave. in Monongahela. Tickets are $20.00. Doors open at 12:00 pm. Food and drink is provided. Call 724-2585062 for tickets.


Page 6 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 LOCAL NEWS

Monongahela Woman's Club Enjoys a Night of Entertainment A wonderful evening of music was performed at the February meeting of the Monongahela Woman's Club by "The Down in the Valley Dulcimer" players from the YMCA. The group is led by Linda Eifrancisco, who taught these five women to play their instruments during 6-8 week classes at the Y. Linda's husband, Art, accompanied the group on base. The dulcimer players are: Lois Phillips, Susanna Gardikes, Karen Zueger, Ruth Walter, and Bea Buchta. They meet to practice about once a month. Members enjoyed the unique sound of the Appalachian Mountain Dulcimers. Songs played included: "Boil Them Cabbage Down," "You Are My Sunshine," "Down in the Valley," "Oh Susannah," and "Amazing Grace." Everyone was invited to sing along with these American folk instruments. Linda also spoke about the history of the instrument. It was a pleasure to listen to such a talented group.

With Return of Easements, Nottingham Board Chairman Says Towers Project Plans are Essentially Over for the Township By J.R. Brower Union-Finley Messenger writer news@unionfinley.com

Nottingham Board of Supervisors Chairman Ray Barley isn’t worried about the possibility of Allegheny Power building any high-voltage power lines through Nottingham Township in the immediate future. The power company had planned to build the controversial 500-kilovolt line directly through Nottingham, but in November, the state Public Utility Commission (PUC) decided by a 4-1 vote to allow Allegheny Power to build its substation in Dunkard, Greene County, rather than in North Strabane, here in Washington County. The shorter 500-kilovolt line would then be constructed to the West Virginia border and continue over 200 miles through that state to Virginia. The states of West Virginia and Virginia have already signed off on the pact. Allegheny Power has begun returning easements to residents of Nottingham Township, through whose properties the company planned to build the controversial high-voltage power line known as The Towers. The return of the easements was the result of Allegheny Power rethinking its strategy for TrAILCo (Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line) due to an agreement spearheaded by the commissioners of Greene County by which the company abandoned its plans for about 36 miles of power lines through Washington and Greene and agreed to return property easements along the entire proposed route. Barley, whose property is directly beneath one of the proposed sub-lines, has received his easement back from Allegheny Power. So has Nottingham Township, whose land would have touched the power-line path. “They would have to secure new easements ensuring that any future routes would be acceptable to all parties, mainly the effected landowners and TrAILCo. So they’d have to go to all new landowners with new easement requests,” said Barley. He emphasized that Allegheny Power would essentially have to start from scratch as far as resurrecting a Towers-type project through northern Greene and Washington County.

Recycle Your Electronic Devices to Raise Funds for Humane Society The Washington Area Humane Society (WAHS) will be collecting electronics (but no TVs) on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, March 19 thru March 22nd from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Washington Crowne Center will be one collection site (most likely in the rear near the theaters). Other locations are still to be determined. For 4 days, WAHS will have three containers in different locales. Please contact businesses, schools, colleagues and friends to tell them about this important recycling event. Anyone needing to dispose of an electronic device should bring the units to these containers for us to log for recycling. The collected units are shipped to a warehouse in Pittsburgh, where they recycle the goods. Nothing ends up in a landfill, or in another country. For every 100,000 pounds (minimum) that is received in the containers, WAHS receive $10,000. This is the time of year when electronic devices are purchased, given, replaced and disposed of. Please call on businesses, friends and colleagues to collect and save their items for WAHS. We will let you know as soon as the other collection locations are confirmed. And please ... if you can volunteer some time on those collection days, contact Alice at wahsoffsites@gmail.com. For additional information, visit www.washingtonpashelter.org/events.htm.

Washington County Farm Bureau Hosts March Food Drive The Washington County Farm Bureau is holding it’s annual Food Drive in conjunction with National Agricultural Month. The Food Drive will begin on March 1 and continue through March 31. All food collected will benefit The Greater Washington County Food Bank (www.gwcfb.org) located in Eighty Four, PA which distributes food to those in need all over Washington County. Food donation boxes well be set up at the following area locations: • Monongahela - Cox’s IGA Market • California - Sheehan’s Market • Eighty Four - 84 Agway, Guyton Foods, The Springhouse • Charleroi - Bill’s Feeds; Charleroi Chamber of Commerce • Elrama - Jenkin’s Sunoco (Elrama Deli) • Finleyville - Bull International; Trax Farms Other locations throughout Washington County will also be available. Patrons are encouraged to shop these businesses and to purchase an extra item for the Food Bank while there, or to bring in a donation on their way in to shop. Items donated should be non-perishable and canned foods that can store long term until ready for distribution. Cash donations are also accepted and can be sent to: Greater Washington County Food Bank, 1020 Route 519, Eighty Four, PA 15330-2812. For additional information or to participate as a collection site, phone Don Carter, Washington County Farm Bureau, in evenings at 725-350-2654. Or contact the Greater Washington County Food Bank at 724-229-8175.

Monongahela River Chapter Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation to Meet The Monongahela River Chapter of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation will hold it’s monthly meeting on Saturday March 14, 2009 at 9:00 am at Rockwell’s Red Lion Restaurant. The Chapter meets every 2nd Saturday of the month. For information or to join the Chapter, please contact Lynn Rockwell at 412-384-3909.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 7 LOCAL NEWS Look for this symbol in our store for monthly specials! Or see monthly specials on our website, www.traxfarms.com Benefit of becoming a Loyalty Club Member:

Embrace Change and Progress – It’s The American Way Dear Editor: The great Indian chief Joseph said “We will fight no more forever.” Whether Chief Joseph knew it or not, and he probably did, he was saying goodbye to his Indian culture. He knew he could not win. His way of life was ending. His bow and arrow could not compete with the rifle and the bullet. His wigwam could not compete with the frontier cabin. His forest could not compete with the white man’s farm. His deer could not provide like the cows. His people would have to move on; they would have to adapt to the changing world. It was a sad day for Chief Joseph and his people and it was a sad day for mankind. But the past would have to be forgotten. It would not be allowed to cripple the future. The culture of America is change. Progress is more important than history. In fact, we have to beg the Congress of the United States to designate historical sites. These historical sites are important but they cannot impede the economic progress of our country. By getting rid of the old, we make room for the new. Progress must prevail. Today, we see gasoline prices fluctuate between one and four dollars a gallon. Why? Because no one knows what the real value should be. The changing technology is changing the need for many products, including gasoline. Even Chief Joseph’s expert bow and arrow makers saw their value to the Indian culture diminished by the white man’s rifle. When the president of the miner’s union, John L. Lewis, said that he “Had the nation by the …” because he could control the price of coal, our nation made a major switch to the use of natural gas. The coal miner’s union became unimportant. Today, the Hybrid car is becoming more than a “theory”, it is fast becoming a “reality”. Soon the “creative – self destruction” of the gasoline engine will lead to the “electronic age” of transportation. Think of how convenient it will be when you can recharge your car batteries at any home with an outdoor electrical outlet. The household “filling station” is already here. With some adaptation, the infra-structure for the Hybrid or totally electric car already exists. These cars will be cheaper and less polluting than the gasoline powered cars of today. The greed of the petroleum industry will lead to its suicidal self destruction. Your gas-guzzler of today will become an antique and its value to our culture will follow the same road to “creative destruction” as Chief Joseph’s bow and arrow .. and our culture will move on. Gene Kuban – Eighty Four, PA

Thank Your For Your Generosity Dear Editor: We would like to thank everyone for their generous and thoughtful toy and monetary donations to our service center. Christmas was made possible for needy families because of your help and compassion. Over 400 children in our area woke Christmas morning with presents under the tree. That is over 400 smiles. That is over 400 parents that slept a little easier. It is people like you that have made it all possible. In a time where an economic crisis forces more people to our doors, we were still able to open them, thanks to you. May you and yours have a blessed 2009. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Rosemary Monich - Finleyville Salvation Army and Service Center

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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Page 8 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 LOCAL NEWS

Costly Oversight! Research Finds That Union Highlands Property is Already Zoned C2-Commercial By Paul Chasko Union-Finley Messenger writer pchasko@unionfinley.com

Unless you’ve already heard, you’d never guess why the property on which the proposed Union Highlands Mall would be built will not be rezoned. It’s because it doesn’t have to be! The current zoning map that is hanging on the wall of the UT (Union Township) Supervisors meeting room indicates that the property to have been used is zoned “R3Residential”. Adventure Development and the property owners have been litigating with the Union Township Board for about five years to have the property rezoned to “C2-commercial” in order that they might proceed with their development plans. The Union First group has been litigating to stop or slow the process. There’s little doubt that tens of thousands of dollars have been spent on litigation fees, a good part of which has come out of UT taxpayers pockets. Well guess what folks? Someone finally researched the ordinance records and found the following: 1) The property in 1997 was properly and legally zoned C2 – Commercial 2) A few years later the UT Board directed their Solicitor to rezone the property to “Residential” 3) The zoning map was then changed to read “R3-Residential” but the ordinance preparation and other steps necessary for the rezoning were evidently never carried out by the Solicitor. The result is that the C2 zoning done in 1997 remains on the property – exactly what the property owners and AdVenture Development have been trying to achieve. It also means that all the legal posturing and litigation costs expended over the past five years have been for no reason. The bottom line is that the properties in question are and have been zoned “C2-Commercial” since 1997 and AdVenture is free to pursue development of the property. The current UT Solicitor was directed to inform AdVenture Development of the C2 zoning at the February 9 Board meeting. The findings strongly suggest that inattention to procedures by a past Board has resulted in unnecessary litigation costs for UT. It’s unfortunate this wasn’t researched several years ago. The ordinance collation work contracted by the current UT Board and being done by “General Code, LLC” may uncover any other ordinance irregularities that can be corrected before other problems crop up. The first phase of the collation work was completed by General Code last year. A report of initial findings and needed clarifications has been in the hands of the UT board for some months. They need to take action on this report before the work can be completed. The General Code work, when completed, will permit computerized record storage which should enhance ordinance record retrieval for the township.

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

Monongahela Area Chamber of Commerce

Monongahela Bar Crawl Needs Help Raising Money For Local High School Seniors By Samantha Milton Union-Finley Messenger writer news@unionfinley.com

On April 4, 2009 from 2:00 PM to 10:00PM, Monongahela will be “crawling” with teams participating in the 1st Annual Monongahela Bar Crawl. Each team, which will of course contain a designated driver, will be “crawling” through Monongahela making stops at participating bars including: The Bar, The Eldorado, Eck’s, Hilltop, Ponce’s, Hey Andy’s, Angelo’s, Blaine Hill and Jim’s. While the concept may be all fun and games, the real motivation behind it is a lot more meaningful. The main reason for the “crawl” is to collect donations for the Owen Burns/Horace Garvin Scholarship Fund, which will award a scholarship at the end of the 2009 school year to a graduating Ringgold High School Senior. The Monongahela Rotary, which is sponsoring the scholarship fund, has awarded numerous scholarships to Ringgold graduates throughout the years. However this year, The Bar owners Wes and Sharon Rippel, have teamed up to help the scholarship fund grow. “We’re excited, it should be a lot of fun, but the main thing to think about is the kids, the kids, the kids. This is really all about the kids,” said Rippel. Rippel is hoping to get as many donations as possible to add to the scholarship to help make the expensive college experience a little easier for one deserving high school graduate. Donations can be mailed to: Owen Burns/Horace Garvin Scholarship Fund - 131 West Main St, Monongahela, PA 15063. The deadline for donations is March 18, 2009. If you have any questions please contact Sharon Rippel @ (724) 258-3211 anytime after 6PM.

Pampering For a Great Cause By Andrea Earnest Union-Finley Messenger writer news@unionfinley.com

The Fifth Annual Think P.I.N.K. event was held at the Crowne Plaza–Pittsburgh South on Saturday, February 28, from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. Think P.I.N.K. raises money for the UPMC Hillman Cancer Patient Assistance Fund. One hundred percent of the money raised goes to families with cancer who are suffering financially. Dee Dee Sacco, who died of cancer at the age of 33, inspired Think P.I.N.K. to raise money for this worthy charity. It was her dream to help patients financially, and over $100,000 has been raised. Throughout the day students from South Hills Beauty Academy did facials, manicures, and other pampering services. There were also personal growth seminars, teeth whitening, make-up consultations, auctions, intuitive readers, and a scavenger hunt. Among other activities were a Tea for Two and a dinner. Each person who purchased the $10 entrance fee was entered in a raffle for a ring donated by South Hills Jewelers. The event, celebrating its fifth year, has grown each year and has attracted sponsors who contribute financially and make the day a memorable event. Pittsburgh’s Largest Pajama party was held the evening before (February 27). The Crowne Plaza offered a special room rate for the event. Sharon Oliver, Think P.I.N.K. Founder and Director, is “really excited about our fifth year.” Mrs. Oliver says that many families in the area have benefited. Anyone who comes to Hillman Center is eligible to receive help from the fund. For more information please visit www.thinkpinkevents.org.

Spring Flea Market in Finleyville Set For March 28 The Finleyville Area Food Pantry and the Mon Valley Food Bank are sponsoring their annual Spring flea market, bake sale, food and Chinese auction at the Finleyville Community Center on March 28 from 8 am to 3 pm. Vendor tables are available but limited. Any donations will be received March 27 at the Community Center. For more information, call Rose at 724-348-7821.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 9 LOCAL NEWS

LESS

Road Traveled The

By Wild Willy Frankfort

My Yearly Indian Article I was going to write a nice little article on beer, the Irish, and… well beer, but I was asked by a few zealous readers to write an article on Indians. More especially local Indians, the “Eastern Woodland Indians.” I guess what makes me write this article is the fact that I was drinking beer at the time I was cornered, and as I told my tale I received a few free beers in the way of bribery to make me stay and answer questions. In truth, if there is good beer and food available you really don’t have to twist my arm too much. William “Wild Wily” Frankfurt I’m calling this article, “My yearly Indian article” because I usually do write at least one Indian related column each year. I hope that this one is cut out and tacked up for reference or may be used to help answer a question on a game show. The first question asked of me was, “Who were the Indians that lived here?” My answer, “There were no Indians who lived in this area.” It’s true, if you take a map and highlight the Monongahela River around to the Ohio and get a corresponding Indian village’s map you will find that all those villages are on the opposite side of where we live. Many of those villages are directly on the other side of those rivers. This was the Indian hunting grounds and they knew that the closer you lived to the game, the farther away their prey would move. When we, whites, started our migration west, we were moving into their hunting grounds and the local Indians protested. This explanation sparked my next question. “So when the white man, stole the land from the Indians did it start a war?” My reply was, “We never stole land from the Indian in this area.” That through a series of treaties and councils with the indians, we purchased the land.” This is entirely true; however nobody marked a boundary with red paint or put up signs or explained to the local Indians the concept of a land purchase. As the evening progressed my examination of Woodland Indian culture was met with less, “Listen to him, he’s an expert!” And more exclamations like, “I think you’re full of crap!” I explained that with trade the Indians at first became prosperous. They traded for more, “civilized goods” and became dependant on those goods. When the price of trade goods became too high, they went looking for a cheaper source of those goods. That was a good part of what lead to war and it was the loss of that trade all together that marked the unrest between Indians and whites. After a couple of hours my merry band had grown and we were forced to move to a less traveled area, which we did, and I answered a few more questions about a good deal of subjects which finally came around to the Indian wars of the late 18th century. This subject sort of stunned the crowed. Mainly because nobody knew what I was talking about. I spoke of great warriors such as Tecumseh, Blue Jacket, and Little Turtle. Of the battle of Point Pleasant and the attack on Frye’s fort on the Ohio River. The truth is almost nobody knew of any of this. Now I’m sure some of you there that night went home and Googled some of those names, but as I said that evening, “Indian history in this area didn’t end before the Whiskey Rebellion.” The Indians moved west into Ohio and Kentucky became the new hunting ground and again we white folks moved there and the story starts all over again. I have been called an expert on Indians and the frontier but what is an expert anyway? Is it a person who has read more books than other people? Or is an expert the guy who had the Daniel Boone flintlock that actually sparked when you pulled the trigger? Is he the guy who wore the coonskin cap and who’s back porch was a block house where he fought shirtless warriors who wore mud for war paint? It has to be the former. Because if it’s the latter there are few experts left. They have suffered the fate of political correctness. Our kids don’t play those games anymore and they’ll never make that sparkin’ gun again. Grandpa’s play with those grandchildren, we need more experts.

NEED

MONEY


Page 10 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 LOCAL NEWS

Levdansky To Introduce Bill That Would Freeze School Property Tax Rates Citing a proposed increase in state funding for education and additional revenues for local school districts from the federal economic stimulus proposal, House Finance Committee Chairman David Levdansky said he will introduce legislation that would freeze school property taxes in Pennsylvania for the next two fiscal years. Levdansky, D-Allegheny/Washington, said his bill would freeze millage rates at the levels in effect for the 2008-09 fiscal year through the 2010-11 fiscal year, in an attempt to prevent excessive increases in school district spending once federal funds return to normal levels. "It's always nice to be the beneficiary of new sources of revenue to fund school district programs and projects, but unless the funding is permanent, it sets the stage for a new higher level of school district expenditures in the future," Levdansky said. "My proposal is intended to prevent local school districts from establishing that higher plateau during a period when the federal government is only helping them to maintain current levels of expenditures. "I believe the anticipated federal aid is an attempt to avoid the need for local school districts to take additional tax revenue from the taxpayers during a time of fiscal stress." Levdansky added that the significant increase in state aid to school districts contained in the 2008-09 budget and proposed in the 2009-10 budget should also remove the need for school districts to raise school taxes. The 2008-09 state budget increased funding for basic education to more than $5.22 billion, an increase of $274 million or 5.5 percent. The governor’s proposed 2009-10 budget would increase basic education funding to nearly $5.5 billion, an additional increase of 5.7 percent or $300 million. Levdansky also noted that a two-year moratorium on school district property taxes would serve as the next step in the legislature's continued efforts to implement meaningful and substantial reduction in school property taxes. In the previous legislative session, Levdansky introduced legislation that would have frozen millage rates set by school districts in 2009, as well as another proposal that would have amended the constitution to eliminate school property taxes for homeowners.

Historical Workshop to be Held in Elizabeth An Elizabeth Historical Workshop will be held on Saturday March 28 beginning at 9:00 am at Rockwell’s Red Lion Restaurant in Elizabeth. History, plans, and event ideas will be discussed. All interested to participate and input are invited to attend. RSVP is welcome, but not required. For additional information please phone 724-466-0979.

South Park Library Friends Spring Book Sale 2009 It's not too soon to think and remember about the Friends Spring Book Sale, which will be held on Friday, April 17th and Saturday, April 18 2009 at the South Park Township Building. The Friends are asking everyone to hold their donations for sale until March 23 2009. If you are moving, please keep us in mind and call the library to make arrangements at 412-833-5585. Items the Friends will need for sale are: all types of books, (childrens and adults), video and audio tapes, games, puzzles, DVDs, CDs, electronic games, etc. The Friends will not be excepting any type of magazines, small Readers Digest, Nat. Geographics, no jewelry, or flea market/garage sale items. Encyclopedias should not be more than 8 years old.

Blood Drive at St. Francis in Finleyville A blood drive will be held at the Saint Francis Church General Purpose Building just off route 88 in Finleyville on Wednesday March 4 between 1:00 and 6:30 pm. Area hospitals need your very precious gift of blood. Call Mary Morrow at (724) 348-5664 for an appointment or just stop by unannounced – you’ll be welcomed.

Neighbor-ToNeighbor Meeting Provides Tax Tips By Paul Chasko Union-Finley Messenger writer pchasko@unionfinley.com

Even with wintry road conditions there Anna Louise Lilley (Master Tax Advisor) was a good turnout at the February 4, Union answered tax-related questions at the February Township NNCW (Neighbor to Neighbor NNCW meeting in Union Township. Community Watch) 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 means she is certified by the 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 will pay interest and penalties resulting from an error they missed. Mrs. Lilley also went over some tax law changes that took effect in 2008 including the “first home credit”, “the refundable child tax credit”, “2008 stimulus payment adjustments” and “taking the real estate tax credit without itemizing”. She also mentioned that taking the RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) from IRA and 401k accounts was dropped for 2009 and possibly for 2010. She spent the better part of the evening answering 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 annalouise.lilley@tax.hrblock.com. The speaker at the next NNCW meeting will be Mr. Mark Pudalowski. He’s the Chief Operations Officer for the Allegheny County Domestic Abuse Counseling Center. He also teaches at the University of Pittsburgh and teaches special classes on “anger management” at the Allegheny County Jail. The meeting will be on Thursday, March 5, at 7:00 pm (note that this will replace the normal NNCW meeting night). The meeting will be held in the Saint Francis of Assisi General Purpose Building just off route 88 in Finleyville – all are welcome to attend.

Local Bingo Players Win LCD Televisions in Raffle Beth El Bingo recently gave away four(4) LCD televisions in a grand finale raffle drawing to the players. The winners, Lorraine Maselko, Judye Suhy, Joyce Friedrich, and Lewis Fields, are pictured above along with Dr. Jay Feuer and Fern Schwartz who chair the bingo. Every player fills out a free raffle drawing ticket each time they play. Don’t miss our next prize drawings on March 17th and March 31st. The more times a person attends the bingo the greater their chances are of winning. Beth El Bingo, a friendly bingo, happens every Tuesday. Doors open at 6 and games start at 7. Beth El Bingo is located at 1900 Cochran Road in Scott Township. Please call 412-561-1168 for information.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 11 LOCAL NEWS

Sisters of Delta Zeta Sorority and Brothers of Acacia Fraternity during Acacia Clause

Acacia Fraternity Brothers Ryan Terrell, John Tarnik, Robert Crall, Aaron Ross, and Rich Bollinger distributing toys for Cannon-Macmillan school district toy drive.

The New Frat House Rules Cal U Fraternity Making a Positive Impact on Community At Acacia Fraternity at California University of Pennsylvania, picking up a shovel, a hammer, or passing out toys to needy children has become more commonplace than picking up a can of beer. “We try to rid ourselves of that ‘Animal House’ stigma that all fraternities do is party and have a good time,� said Robert Crall, Second Vice-President of the fraternity. “Many of the brothers in our fraternity are from the area, so we pride ourselves on how much we do for not only California, but the surrounding communities as well,� he added. The Acacia Fraternity was founded originally by Masons in 1904. The Califorina University chapter was chartered in 1990, and currently has 28 brothers. Some of the positive things that the fraternity has done for the community include ‘canning’ (fundraising) for breast cancer, muscular dystrophy, and veterans. Every spring they host a charity golf outing which last year raised $2,000 for the California Volunteer Fire Dept. The fraternity recently held a fundraiser for the Finleyville Salvation Army food bank which raised $250. During the holidays, the brothers hold a “Acacia Claus Toy Drive� where they collected approximately $4,000 in toys for tots. Many of the fraternity brothers also participated in distributing toys to needy families in the CannonMacmillan school district who may not have been able to have a Christmas without their help. Aside from the fundraising efforts, the Acacia fraternity brothers are always available to roll up their sleeves and help out where needed. “We have a community service proposal set up with some of the businesses in town and also in the borough building for anyone who needs something

Acacia Fraternity Brothers Robert Crall, Matt Nebel, and Justin Grabowski

Acacia Fraternity Brother Matt Nebel during “Acacia Claus Toy Drive�

done to write it down and contact us that so we can help,â€? said Crall. “Last year a man asked us to clean out his basement that was ruined by a flood. Then he called us for our assistance again to help him move from California to Frederickstown. We were happy to help out.â€? A few of the Acacia brothers even had the chance recently to help with the “Extreme Makeover - Home Editionâ€? that took place in Penn Hills. Crall wanted to point out one of their ongoing efforts to raise money for a Uniontown woman who needs a liver transplant. “She is unable to afford all of her meds and other necessary things,â€? he said. “If anyone is able to help with our efforts please send me an e-mail at cra2932@cup.edu. Male bonding, fun times and lifelong friendships are still a foundation for the brothers at Acacia University. They just choose to achieve these goals in a more positive and constructive manner than how a traditional Frat House is often viewed. Crall summed it up best when he said “The friendships that we have all made with one another‌. only the word brotherhood could describe.â€?

Acacia Fraternity Brothers Nick Parrish and Jake Reese ‘Canning’ for Salvation Army

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Page 12 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 LOCAL NEWS

“Project Prom” Expands Eligibility Criteria To Help More Teens With Prom Wear

Pictured above are: (1st row l-r) Jessica Zuklich and Kathleen Lemesh, Washington City Mission staff, (2nd row) John Swallow and Barbara Murphy of United Way, Maureen Rhoades, Anne Hladek, Sarah Williams, Teresa Stupi, (3rd row) Kevin Martin, Chris Sakoian, John Hillenbrand, Dave Boff, Maggie Balistreri.

Playroom Renovated at Washington City Mission Employees of Modis Solutions in Southpointe, under the leadership of John Hillenbrand and with the support of United Way of Washington County, recently headed up the project of renovating a playroom for the children living at Washington City Mission's Avis Arbor. Bill and Maria Molyneux of Molyneux in the South Hills donated the carpeting, and Frank Silvagni donated the carpet padding and installation labor.

Comfort Keepers® Partners with Community to Thank Social Workers “The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty” (Source: National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics 2008) According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, the number of Americans age 65 and above will increase from 34 million to over 70 million in the next 30 years. The challenge of locating dependable care for seniors can be daunting, but it’s a task that social workers in the aging industry are trusted with on a daily basis. Social workers play a pivotal role in ‘marrying up’ seniors with the appropriate care solution. Social workers are special people who advocate for a patient at a time when they may be unable to advocate for themselves. March is National Social Workers Month and Comfort Keepers, providers of in-home care for seniors, is honoring local social workers with its second annual “Nurturing the Nurturers” contest. Comfort Keepers is inviting the community to partner with them in this endeavor by nominating a social worker for their drawing. Perhaps it is someone who has provided comfort and resources during a hospitalization. Perhaps it is a community neighbor or friend who gives of their energies in this profession. However you may be know of this exceptional social worker, Comfort Keepers is eager to join with you in recognizing him or her. Prizes for multiple winners include gift certificates to local restaurants, spa packages, Giant Eagle gift cards, and more! It’s Comfort Keepers’ way of bringing the community together to show recognition and support for those who graciously serve us daily, oftentimes silently. If you know someone you would like to nominate, contact Comfort Keepers, In-home Care at 412-653-6100. Nominations are due by March 20th.

For the past seven years, Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) has provided, at no cost, more than 900 students with prom attire through Project Prom. This year, the eligibility criteria will be expanded to include even more students. Project Prom will now include high school students participating in the free school lunch program and/or have parent(s) receiving unemployment compensation. It will continue to benefit high school students served by DHS. Examples of DHS services include: food banks, energy assistance, child welfare, mental retardation, mental health or substance abuse. “Given the economic downturn, we decided to expand the criteria so that eligible high school students, who otherwise would not be able to attend their prom, have an opportunity to participate,” says project manager Samantha Baer McVicker. This year, the Project Prom giveaway will take place on March 24, 25, and 26 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the SOURCE shop on the third floor of Century III Mall. Students can select from new and gently worn donated formal wear that has been carefully screened to ensure it is clean, undamaged and stylish. Everything from formal wear to shoes, purses and accessories will be available. Each girl will be paired with a volunteer to help them find the right dress. There are a limited number of tuxedo rental gift certificates available for boys. Upon completion of the giveaway event, a public sale will be held on Wednesday, April 1, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The community can support this worthwhile project by purchasing dresses starting at $5 with all proceeds benefiting youth through Project Prom. In order to make this program possible, Project Prom relies on donations of new or gently worn formal attire. Donations are accepted at the SOURCE, year-round, on the first Wednesday of the month between 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or by appointment. Through March 13, donations will also be accepted at the Human Services Building, One Smithfield Street. Monetary donations can be made year-round and will go toward the purchase of tuxedo rentals and hard to find dress sizes. For more information about Project Prom, including the eligibility criteria and application process to receive prom attire or how to make a donation, please visit www.county.allegheny.pa.us/dhs/projectprom or call 412.350.3428 and leave a message.

Seneca Niagra Casino Trip Planned St. Sylvester School is sponsoring a trip to Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls NY on Saturday, April 4, 2009. We will depart St. Sylvester church parking lot at 6:30 A.M. via deluxe motorcoach. Try your luck on one of the 2,494 slot machines and 91 gaming tables. Seneca is on the American side in Niagara Falls. We will enjoy gaming time from approx. 12:00 noon - 6:00 P.M. Cost is $45.00 per person. When you arrive at the casino you will be given a $20.00 ‘Seneca slot dollars bonus’ and $5.00 towards the delectable meal at the bountiful buffet or one of the many restaurant in the casino. We will depart for home 6:30 P.M. Make checks payable to: St. Sylvester School. Reservations due by March 16, 2009. For reservation form or more information call Kathy Ruggiero at 412-885-1342 or email katenpaul@aol.com.

Family Dinner at St. Joan of Arc St. Joan of Arc Church is sponsoring a homestyle roast beef dinner on Sunday, March 8 from 1 – 5 PM. A delicious roast beef dinner will be served including mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, roll and butter, dessert, soft drinks, coffee and tea. Chicken tenders will be available for kids. Pre-sale will be held on Sunday, March 1 after all masses, and March 6 during the fish fry. Pre-sale tickets are $7 adults and $4 for children under 12. Tickets will also be sold at the door for $8. Please join us for the delicious dinner which will benefit the Appalachian Workcamp 2009. This group of 100 will be traveling to Kentucky to build homes for the poor. For tickets and further information, call 412-854-3173.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 13 LOCAL NEWS

Local Women’s Group and VFW Team Up To Help Homeless Vets The VFW Post 1940 and the Curry Women's Group had a successful December and January. There was a children's Christmas party that all enjoyed. Each child decorated a cookie, made a holiday craft, enjoyed lunch, a picture, a stocking full of goodies and a visit with Santa. But the big fund raiser was for the Mechling-Shakley Veterans Center in Cowansville, PA. This is a place were homeless and disabled veterans can stay offering a glimpse of hope in the midst of despair. The VFW post 1940 raised enough funds to get every veteran at the facility a Christmas present. The VFW was also taking donation of slightly worn items like coats, shoes, sweatshirts and other clothing. The items were delivered by Beverly Slogan, Gena Bradburn, Nancy Costa, Joyce Wilson, Beverly Will, Cynthia and Kevin Windisch. Many homelsss veterans have, for whatever reason, lost faith in their fellow man. By reaching out, the VFW Post 1940 has made a difference to these veterans. Our plan is to continue to fund raise for this group. If you would like to know more about our efforts please feel free to contact the VFW at 412-655-9922.

Reason to Celebrate: New Christian-based Recovery Program Comes to Monongahela By Christen M. Stroh Union-Finley Messenger writer strohc@gmail.com

Many people view churches as a place to worship, but few may view them as a place to recover. For the past three months, the Church of the Nazarene, located in Monongahela, has been a place to do both, as it has become the meeting location of a newly established recovery program called Celebrate Recovery. Founded in California in 1991, the program has been launched nationally, promoting the concept of discussing life's hurts, hang-ups and habits on a weekly basis. “It’s a place of support where people can come and share their problems,” says Monongahela group founder Ryan Phillips, who started the program locally around Thanksgiving of 2008. Like other recovery programs, Celebrate Recovery is based on twelve-step program. Unlike other recovery programs, however, which mention the broader concept of a higher power, Celebrate Recovery specifically references God and the Bible. Their twelve steps are based on biblical principles and the teachings of Christ. Celebrate Recovery is also not limited to discussing just one type of problem. The program welcomes all people who are dealing with tough times, from those battling drug, alcohol, or gambling addictions to those experiencing divorce, overcoming eating disorders, or handling depression. Importantly, the program is also designed to offer support to friends and family members of those seeking recovery. “Celebrate Recovery is a program that allows people to discuss a wide variety of issues,” says Phillips, “and to change their lives.” The open atmosphere encourages all participants share their experiences, strengths, and hopes with one another while engaging in lessons rooted in biblical passages. Celebrate Recovery has an open-door policy and meets every Friday at 6:30 PM at the Church of the Nazarene in Monongahela, located on the corner of 10th Street and Chess Street. Refreshments are provided free of charge to those in attendance, and there is no obligation to attend regularly. For more information, contact Ryan Phillips at 724-469-2102.

Trax Farms Gears Up For Spring With Fun, Informative Events “GET GROWING” AT TRAX FARMS Join us every Saturday in March for FREE Gardening Presentations: • March 7 – House Plant Care • March 14 - New and Interesting Plants for 2009 • March 21 – Creating Your Own Fresh Herb Garden • March 28 –A Whole Day of Presentations: “GET THE DIRT ON GARDEN PREP” Four FREE talks to help you get your garden, pond and yard ready for spring! The experts will be here with information, product demonstrations, tools and tips to make gearing up easy and fun. ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION Arrowhead Wine Tasting with Irish Flavor When St. Patrick's Day rolls around, it seems there's a wee bit o' the Irish in most of us and family dinners wouldn't be complete without traditional Irish and Irish-American dishes. We will be pairing off Arrowhead Wines with Irish sensations for you to taste and enjoy. Included in this celebration will be Irish Sangria, Irish Cheddar Fondue, Irish Soup, Shepard Pie, Wine-Braised Red Cabbage and a Delicious Irish Dessert. Age Limit: 21+ When: Sunday, March 15, 2009, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Trax Farms Events Room Cost: $ 35.00 per person (Deadline for reservation is March 7, 2009. no refunds) Winter Flea Markets Wrapping Up Our last Indoor Winter Flea Market will be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 7 & 8 from 10:00am-? Browse for special treasures in our expanded vendor booth area. Come in out of the cold and enjoy a day at the farm browsing antiques, gifts, collectibles and so much more! Call for information 412-835-3246. Easter is Right Around The Corner! Stop by to Trax Farms and get in the mood for spring. Pick up all of your Easter decorations and supplies. Lenten foods offered from our deli - salads, soups and baked and battered fish sandwiches and dinners offered until 5:00 pm every Friday during lent. Delicious treats from our Bakery, fresh baked breads, rolls cookies and more. Order your Easter Ham early! Get you Easter Lilies and beautiful spring flowers. Don’t forget to purchase your Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Tickets at our Customer Service Desk - Breakfast will be Saturday and Sunday, April 4 & 5 and Friday and Saturday, April 10 & 11 at 9:00 am. Have breakfast and visit the Bunny then try our Outdoor Egg Hunts! 3 age appropriate patches, egg hunts offered on the half hour from 10:30 - 2:00. Tickets available at Customer Service buy early if you need a special time. Many other activities are offered inside and outside…Fishing for Eggs, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Rainbow Express Train, Trike Track and more. (All outside activities weather permitting.) Other outside vendor will be here cooking for you; Kettle Korn , The Grange and … and don’t forget the delicious sandwiches and homemade soups from our Deli. Book Your Event or Function at Trax Farms! Trax Farms NEW Events Room can be used for all of your functions, small, large or somewhere in between. A reasonably priced space for corporate meetings, banquets, birthdays, showers, private teas, wine tastings, exercise classes and so much more. Let us help you plan an event. 412-835-3246 ext. 113


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CASH BASH at the Library V.F.C The Library VFW Post 6664 and the Library Volunteer Fire Company held their “CASH BASH” fundraising event on Saturday, February 7 at the Library V.F.C. Fire Hall. Attendees were able to enjoy PA legal slot machines, strip tickets, horse racing, Texas Hold’em, a Big 6 Wheel and more. Plenty of food and refreshments was enjoyed by all. (PHOTOS BY SCOTT MCCURDY)

Randy Brownlee called the horse races Kris Ashliman and Bethany Maloy work at one of the tables.

This table of volunteers was selling horses for the races.

The Library VFC Fire hall was packed with guests for the annual Cash Bash on February 7th. Cousins Teddy Raimondi from Jefferson and Nina Caputo from South Park had a great time.

Friends Bob Gallagher and Alan Fleckenstein took in the festivities

Bob Love working the lottery balls

Niki Happel (center) gives the thumbs up sign as her mother Beverly Fleming (at left) from Finleyville tests her skills at “Beat the dealer.”

Community Action Southwest Expands Programs for its Four Community Learning Centers Community Action Southwest (CAS) is pleased to announce they received a $5,000 grant from Verizon for its four Community Learning Centers (CLC's). Each center provides computer and internet access and training designed to enhance school, work and personal capacity for members of the community seeking to gain self-sufficiency. Pennsylvania certified teachers offer group and individual instruction based on individualized learning plans including basic computer skill development, GED preparation, obtaining employment, retaining employment or entry into post-secondary school. The CLC's are located in low income neighborhoods, two in Greene and two in Washington counties. Location of the CLC's is based on community demographics and needs which are identified through comprehensive community assessments and client profiles, including the assessment of existing community resources. CAS will utilize the Verizon funding to achieve the following objectives: (1) increase the basic academic and computer skills of adults (particularly disadvantaged young adults and seniors); (2) increase skills for jobs requiring computing technology for workers and jobseekers; and (3) increase the skills necessary for academic success in post secondary education. For more information on Community Action Southwest's Computer Learning Centers, call toll-free 877-814-0788 or visit the website at www.caswg.org.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 15 LOCAL NEWS

Valentines Day Dinner Show in New Eagle The New Eagle Volunteer Fire Department hosted a “Valentine’s Day Dinner Show” on Valentines day, Saturday, February 14th. Entertainment and live music was provided by The Marcels and The Vogues. Attendees enjoyed a night of dinner and dancing. (PHOTOS BY SCOTT MCCURDY)

The New Eagle VFD Fire Hall was a full house on Valentines Day to enjoy a night of dining and dancing.

The Ladies Auxiliary, pictured at the Chinese Auction table are back row (L-R) Paula Pro, Lori Sergi, Irma Hillier, Shelly Miller, Dorthea Pemberton (President), Krissy Greer, Diane Anders. Pictured in the front are Cathy Pro, Cathy Smith, Tina Pennell.

Bill Tatar from the New Eagle VFD says a few words to the audience.

Couples danced the evening away to tunes from The Marcels and The Vogues.

Upgrading and Adapting Monongahela Fire and Police Departments Invest in Current Equipment and Resources By Ken Askew Union-Finley Messenger writer, news@unionfinley.com

The arrival of a new fire truck in the City of Monongahela only happens once a decade, so the occasion is celebrated with a lot of pride. The City has historically replaced one of their four trucks every 10 years. The new Smeal pumper, delivered in December 2008, is now in the process of being fitted with necessary accessories such as new hose, 2-way radios, fire plug adaptors, and nozzles. Don DeVore, of the Monongahela Fire By happenstance, the fire department was Department, shows off their new pumper truck. able to negotiate an incredible price for their state-of-the-art truck. The fire truck manufacturer in Snyder, Nebraska was supposed to make a truck with a 2-door enclosed cab for a fire department in West Virginia, but by mistake produced one with a 4-door enclosed cab. The Monongahela Fire Department jumped on the opportunity to purchase that $300K pumper for only $235K, including a trade-in value for their 40-year-old pumper, which will likely end up being scrapped. The last truck purchased, in 1998, was paid off the same month the new truck was delivered. Officers Larry Maraldo and ‘Benny’ The Fire Department has also procured of the Monongahela Police Department, five new self-contained breathing apparatus. pose by their police cruiser. A representative of the Department, Don DeVore, stated that the City has been good to the Department in providing modern equipment for the volunteers’ safety; in turn, the 38-member Department has faithfully provided an excellent service to the residents of Monongahela by responding to about 130 fire calls in 2008. Generous private donations have allowed the Monongahela Police Department to employ a modern technique in the fight against drugs. Every day, the streets of Monongahela are now safer because of Benny, the drug-sniffing German Shepherd dog, and his handler, Officer Larry Maraldo. Weather permitting, they will patrol on foot, but to transport this duo to the scene of a crime, Art Smith of Elizabeth Equipment Services, Inc. donated a bright-red 2006 Ford Crown Victoria sedan. The car has since been outfitted for Benny’s safety--a system has been installed that, if the interior temperature rises above 90 degrees, the windows roll down, a fan kicks on, a horn sounds, and the vehicle’s lights flash. When they are off duty, Benny stays at Officer Maraldo’s house, where a 10’ X 10’ shelter has been built where Benny can relax after a hard day’s work. Office Maraldo says Benny is generally quiet but very alert, and watches people carefully. When Larry lets him know it is time to go into action, Benny starts barking and genuinely likes the excitement. Including Cecil and Charleroi, there are now three drug-sniffing dogs in Washington County. Dogs are also used in Uniontown, Monessen, and North Huntingdon. Occasionally, the dogs and their handlers train together.

Cash Bingo And Chinese Auction in Finleyville Nicoletta Giacchino (singer) from Murraysville.

The Marcels put on an enjoyable performace.

A cash bingo and Chinese auction will be held in the Saint Francis of Assisi General Purpose Room in Finleyville on Sunday, March 29. Games begin at 2:00 pm. Proceeds benefit the good works of the Saint Francis Ladies of Charity. All are welcome.


Page 16 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 LOCAL NEWS

Trax Farms Winter Flea Markets Stop by to the Trax Farms indoor Winter Flea Market on Saturday March 7 and Sunday, March 8. Flea market opens 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!! MAKE TRAX! If you are interested in being a vendor please call 412835-3246 ext. 113 for information and to reserve a space. Trax Farms Winter Store hours: Everyday 10A – 6P

Curves Food Drive Will Help Local Food banks During the month of March, Curves of South Park will participate in the 11th Annual Curves Food Drive to benefit local food banks. Collectively, over the past five years, nearly 50 million pounds of food were distributed to local communities all over the world through the Curves Food Drive. Curves of South Park is also giving back to the community by waiving its normal service fee for any new member who brings in a bag of non-perishable groceries and joins between March 9th and March 28th. This promotion will help women manage their weight and their wallets by joining Curves for free, while also helping feed hungry people in the community. "The Curves Food Drive is always exciting," said Paulette Priselac, the owner of the South Park club, located at 2550 Brownsville Road, South Park, PA. "We have a chance to help so many people at a time when the food banks are lowest. Especially during these uncertain times, this food is needed more than ever." Others wishing to donate may drop off non-perishable food items at Curves Monday through Friday during business hours through the month of March. For more information, call Lori Donahue at 412-831-1900.

4th Annual Finleyville Pub Crawl – March 14 Event Raises Funds For Finleyville Volunteer Fire Department The 4th Annual Finleyville Pub Crawl will be held on Saturday, March 14th. This year, there are two additional local pubs participating! It gets bigger and better every year!! As with the past several years, t-shirts for the event are being sold for $10 each and can be purchased at any of the participating bars: • Finleyville American Legion • Angelo's Pizza and Gyro Express (bar now open!) • Badlands Bar & Grill • Hackett Club • Hunting Lodge • Moose • Peter's Creek Pub • Roy's by the Tracks Payment is due at time of order and proceeds benefit the Finleyville Volunteer Fire Department. Once again, there will be a bus running between the "downtown Finleyville" participating bars, the Hackett Club, and Peter's Creek Pub. The pickup location for "downtown Finleyville" has changed from last year - this year it will stop in front of Angelo's Pizza and Gyro Express. Making an appearance again this year is Radio Personality, Chachi, and Marketing Director, Tim Miller, from Froggy 98. They will be recording sound bites to play on the air during Chachi's show the following Monday evening. Chachi told us last year that he had more fun in Finleyville than he did at the downtown parade! He asked for a special invitation to return this year! I hope that everyone can make it!! This is certainly an event that you just don't want to miss and it's for a good cause!


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 17 LOCAL NEWS

Off To The Races! Finleyville Scouts Hold Annual Pine Wood Derby Finleyville Cub Scouts Troop 1542 held their annual Pine Wood Derby car races on Saturday, January 17. The event was held at Mingo Creek Church, on Rt. 88. The scouts start off with nothing more than a block of pine wood and a Boy Scout approved pine wood derby kit which includes wheels. Each boy cuts, carves, shaves, sands and builds their very own car. One of the most enjoyable parts is the painting and decorating of the car! Family members can help. The races are double elimination. For fairness, each car takes turns racing on the right and left side of the track. Fastest car of both rounds advances to next round. Each group races within their division - divisions are: Tiger Cubs, Wolfs, Bears, 1st year Weblos and 2nd year Weblos. 1st and 2nd place winners from each division went on to the Mon Valley District Race in February. (PHOTOS BY MARIANNE KLEPPNER)

Cars are stored on the table during the match.

TIGERS DEN 3 - Pack 1542 (pictured l-r) Gunner Holsopple (1st place winner), Brian Long (2nd place winner), Vincent Butterbaugh (3rd place winner), Vincent Lombardi (Best in Show), Matthew Simmons, Zack Powell, Stephan Glaneman, Colton Boring, Kyle Beckinger, Mark Boring (Den Leader)

THE WINNING CARS Gunner Holsopple (1st), Brian Long (2nd) and Vincent Butterbaugh (3rd)

Racers Gunner Holsopple and Brian Long shake hands before the race

WINNERS - Gunner Holsopple (1st), Brian Long (2nd), Vincent Butterbaugh (3rd), and Vincent Lombardi (Best in Show).

A PHOTO FINISH! – The car on the left wins! Car on left belongs to Brian Long. Car on right belongs to Vincent Butterbaugh.

Health for Her Sponsors Eight-Week Healthy Lifestyle Program The Health for Her initiative at Jefferson Regional Medical Center will sponsor an eight-week healthy lifestyle program, Women Out Walking (WOW), which is designed to encourage participants to engage in a walking program and strive for a healthy lifestyle. Women Out Walking will begin with a “Put Your Best Foot Forward” program on Wednesday, March 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Jefferson Room, Bibro Pavilion, on the Jefferson Regional campus. Weekly sessions from 5 to 6 p.m. from March 25 to May 13 will focus on topics related to healthy living. The schedule of topics is as follows: • March 25, "Why is it so Hard to Change Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits?" • April 1, "It's Not Just What You Eat, It's How Much" • April 15, "Moving Toward a Mediterranean-type Diet" • April 22, "Do you Live to Eat, or Eat to Live?" • April 29, "Restaurant Savvy: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" • May 6, "Making Healthy, Easy Home-Cooked Meals" • May 13, "Maintaining Healthy Lifestyle Changes" There is a $20 non-refundable registration fee. Comfortable clothes and walking shoes are recommended. For more information and to register, call Community Programs at 412-469-7100.

Zach Powell and Brian Long get ready to race their cars. Mike Buechel (Den 6 Assistant Leader) supervises.


Page 18 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 UNION-FINLEY MUNICIPALMESSENGER NEWS

LEFT IN THE DARK Nottingham Township Denied Gaming Revenues to Help Ball Field Improvements By J.R. Brower Union-Finley Messenger writer news@unionfinley.com

A recent recommendation by a county committee on who gets gaming revenue did not include Nottingham Township. On February 4, the Washington County Local Share Account Review Committee released a list of 42 projects submitted by county municipalities for consideration to receive slots money from taxes paid by the Meadows Casino. Nottingham had requested $120,000 of gaming money to help toward the total cost of $177,400 for the ball field lights at Sherwood Park. This decision was revealed on February 16 at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Supervisors. The Board did not indicate what alternatives they would pursue on funding the proposed ball field improvement project. The main focus of the meeting was a Public Hearing on conditional use and land development for the Carrier

Management Corporation, which does business on Venetia Road as the Matthews Bus Company. The Planning Commission had met on February 9 to consider the application and had made certain conditions for the Board of Supervisors to consider. Matthew Bus Company owner John Lubimir spoke at the meeting and indicated that he wants to do additional paving on the property to add parking spaces as well as expand his maintenance building. Lubimir said that he has owned the company since 1995. Board Chairman Raymond Barley was concerned about the one fire hydrant located at the business and said that he wanted to show the plans to both the North Strabane and Finleyville Fire Departments, who service Nottingham, in order to get their feedback. Francis Cavalier of the Planning Commission stated the importance of site distance and visibility of the business’ driveway. It was the consensus that underbrush needs to be

removed to make the entrance more visible as well as the replacement of signs to warn motorists of the school bus entrance. Lubimir agreed to both of these concerns, and Supervisor Douglas King said that he would assist Lubimir in erecting breakaway bus entrance warning signs. Chairman Barley said that the supervisors would put together reasonable conditions to consider for Matthews Bus Company’s zoning application, and that they would try to finalize the approval process at their March 2 meeting. In other business, the Board: • Revealed that the plaintiff in the Mansmann v Nottingham Township zoning case will appeal the decision of Judge Paul Pozonsky, which ruled in favor of the township. • Approved the recommendation of the Zoning Hearing Board to appoint Thomas Lonich as solicitor of that board. His services would be used on an as needed basis with a pay rate of $100 per hour. • Agreed to purchase a 2008 model pave-

ment roller at the price of $30,500. The roller is heavier than the present roller the township uses and works well with the new Superpave material, according to Douglas King, speaking in his role as Public Works Director. The present pavement roller will be sold to Canton Township, who has already offered to pay $16,000 for the machine. King noted that $8,500 in grant money would also be used in purchasing the new roller. • Approved, adopted and put into effect the Nottingham Township Emergency Operations Plan for 2009, which was recently updated by the Washington County Department of Public Safety. • Asked Solicitor James Liekar to help come up with a policy for third party billing by the various fire departments that serve Nottingham in order for them to seek reimbursement for reasonable costs for responding to incidents in the township. John Curcio, Chief of the Valley Inn Volunteer Fire Department, recently brought up this concern.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 19 MUNICIPAL NEWS

Jefferson Hills Council Says No To Snow Plowing Of Woodwind Drive In Jefferson Estates By Jim Caldwell Union-Finley Messenger writer, news@unionfinley.com

All Members and staff were present for the general meeting of the Jefferson Hills Borough Council on Monday, February 9th. The Chamber had a larger audience than usual, due mostly to two motions of particular interest on the evening’s agenda. The first attention grabber was a motion to authorize the Borough to assume responsibility for snow removal on Woodwind Drive in the Jefferson Estates Plan. With the vast amount of snow having fallen in January, several residents came forth to express the need to clear this access. Rob Bliss spoke first, exhorting the Council to vote yes. He stated that Woodwind, although still a private road was up to the code required by the Borough. Three other citizens from the area echoed the theme of safety. Dana Turk, a mother of four, said it was difficult to get up to Gill Hall and retrieve her children from the school bus stop; Marge Meehan spoke for everyone in the Jefferson Estates Association and

Patrick Aul made a passionate plea for the safety issue, declaring that the response time for fire equipment or an ambulance was most likely hindered by the nonplowed road. He opined that the first rule of government was to ensure the safety of all its citizens and therefore it was the duty of the Jefferson Borough Council to accept this. The topic between Council and the citizens exhibited the conflict between two valid philosophies. Several members, including Councilmen Jeff Weir, Dominic Serapiglia and Jim Weber expressed that if the Borough agreed to this, then, by rights, they should plow all 16 private roads in the district. This, however, as President Chris King interjected, would put a strain on the work force in the Public Works department, which was presently in no position to assume everything. Councilman Tracey Khalil followed by saying that the Borough should not legally take responsibility until such roads are deemed to be in accordance with code, and recommended by the Borough Engineer for public acceptance and dedication. King remarked that many

of the old roads of early days may not be up to today’s code, yet conceded that there should be some order in accepting responsibility. The two women on Council, Janice Cmar and Kathleen Reynolds sided with the residents, saying that the safety of the people was paramount. Countering the objection that if one neighborhood asks, then all should automatically be considered, Cmar remarked that each Housing Plan should be considered if and when they request such assistance. The vote reflected the division: the five gentlemen on Council voted no; the two women voted yes. The motion failed. The second provocative motion was to consider the application for rezoning, submitted by Arthur R. Smith, for approximated 36 acres of property adjacent to Coal Valley Road from Low-Density Residential area to Office Park. It failed outright. Several motions involved appointments to the various Boards and Commissions such as the Planning Commission, the Board of Library Directors, Zoning Hearing Board, Recreation Board and others. In a previous motion, all the members

voted unanimously to terminate the Recreation Authority and create a Recreation Board, without any elected official permitted to participate. In separate issues of great interest to the community: the Council voted in favor of recognizing the Thomas Jefferson High School Football Team and Coach Bill Cherpak for earning the title of 2008 PIAA Class AAA State Football Championship, and they authorized Ruthann Omer, the Borough Engineer to prepare bid documents for the 2009 Road Paving Program, originally tabled in January due to lack of time. In general remarks, Mayor Green mentioned the memo received from the Governor’s office concerning the proposal to consolidate the numerous schools districts in Pennsylvania to a lower, more efficient number. Mayor Green expressed his opinion in favor of such a suggestion and asked all citizens to contact their State representatives with their own thoughts on the idea. After adjournment, an executive session followed with legal and labor matters.


Page 20 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 LOCAL NEWS Recent Local Death Notices

OBITUARY James S. Stewartson On Monday, February 9, 2009, James S. Stewartson of Finleyville, beloved husband of Sheryl A. (Wisniski) Stewartson; Father of Jaime Ann and Sara Angela Stewartson; son of the late Karl Stewartson and Esther A. Stewartson-Philips. Jim was a wonderful husband, father and friend to all and devoted to his many loving pets. He was also a lifetime member of the Curry VFW Post #1940. Funeral services were held at the Griffith Mortuary, Inc., 5636 Brownsville Road, Broughton-Curry-South Park Twp. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Washington Co. Humane Society.

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Andrick – Anthony, 79., of Monongahela died Wednesday January 14. Arrangements under direction of Frye Funeral Home, Inc in Monongahela.

Kerns – Roy David, 58., of Fallowfield Twp died Friday January 30. Arrangements under direction of Frye Funeral Home, Inc in Monongahela.

Atkins – Ida Mae, 79., of Monongahela died Sunday January 11. Arrangements under direction of Frye Funeral Home, Inc in Monongahela.

Kirtpatrick – Blair W, 85., Formerly of Finleyville died Monday January 26. Arrangements under direction of Kegel Funeral Home in Finleyville.

Beck – Genevieve J, 87., of Nottingham Twp died Saturday February 7. Arrangements under direction of Kegel Funeral Home in Finleyville.

Magaruh – Rosemary, 64., of Fallowfield Twp died Thursday January 8. Arrangements under direction of Frye Funeral Home, Inc in Monongahela.

Bizzle – Grace Louise, 90., of Marienville, Formerly of Finleyville died Sunday January 18. Arrangements under direction of Frye Funeral Home, Inc in Monongahela.

Nagy – Elizabeth “Betty”, 93., Formerly of Wilson in Clairton died Saturday January 24. Arrangements under direction of Slater Funeral Home in Jefferson Hills.

Boyd – Bertha Louise, 75., of Bentleyville died Saturday January 10. Arrangements under direction of Frye Funeral Home, Inc in Monongahela.

Paver – Michael J, 48., of Finleyville died Wednesday February 4. Arrangements under direction of Kegel Funeral Home in Finleyville.

Brady – Richard Patrick, 83., of Monongahela died Wednesday January 7. Arrangements under direction of Frye Funeral Home, Inc in Monongahela.

Robertson – Irene E, 94., of Graysville, Formerly of Monongahela died Monday January 12. Arrangements under direction of Frye Funeral Home, Inc in Monongahela.

Cain – David C, 84., of Clairton died Sunday January 18. Arrangements under direction of Slater Funeral Home in Jefferson Hills.

Sanders – Daniel, 91., of Carroll Twp died Wednesday January 28. Arrangements under direction of Frye Funeral Home, Inc in Monongahela.

Chiz – Randal M, 45., of Finleyville died Saturday January 31. Arrangements under direction of Kegel Funeral Home in Finleyville.

Spalla – Gary S, 59., of Finleyville died Sunday January 25. Arrangements under direction of Kegel Funeral Home in Finleyville.

Cushey - James A., 76, formally of Venetia, passed to life eternal in Ocala, FL on December 26, 2008

Stewartson – James S, of Finleyville died Monday February 9. Arrangements under directions of Griffith Mortuary, Inc in Bethel Park.

Dobrich – Lois H, 85., of Finleyville died Saturday January 24. Arrangements under direction of Kegel Funeral Home in Finleyville. Emerick – Betty Jane, 72., of Bethel Park, Formerly of Finleyville died Sunday January 25. Arrangements under direction of Kegel Funeral Home in Finleyville. Fine – Donald E. SR, 63., of Finleyville died Monday February 9. Arrangements under direction of Kegel Funeral Home in Finleyville. Graffam – David A, 80., of Jefferson Hills died Friday January 16. Arrangements under direction of Slater Funeral Home in Jefferson Hills. Hull - Jerry, 66., of West Elizabeth died Friday January 16. Arrangements under direction of Slater Funeral Home in Jefferson Hills.

Tomlinson – Virginia, 78., of Carroll Twp died Friday January 16. Arrangements under direction of Frye Funeral Home, Inc in Monongahela. Uremovich – Carolyn, 67., of Union Twp died Wednesday January 28. Arrangements under direction of Frye Funeral Home, Inc in Monongahela. Walters – Patrick Keith, 57., of Carroll Twp died Thursday January 8. Arrangements under direction of Frye Funeral Home, Inc in Monongahela. Warren – Gladys Genevieve, 95., of Canonsburg, Formerly of Finleyville died Sunday February 8. Arrangements under direction of Kegel Funeral Home in Finleyville. Yanik – Joan, 76., of Large in Jefferson Hills died Sunday February 1. Arrangements under direction of Slater Funeral Home in Jefferson Hills.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 21 UNION-FINLEY––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– MESSENGER

That Old House By William “Wild Willy” Frankfort

The Old Stone Tavern Owner: For Sale Location: West End of Pittsburgh This months old house might seem a little out of our area but it’s a landmark worth remembering. The Old Stone House sits on the road that in the 1790’s lead from the city of Washington in Washington County to Mt. Washington in Allegheny County. It is in the town of Temperanceville which was founded in 1837 and is commonly referred to as the West End. This tavern is noteworthy because it was a well known watering hole and stopping place during the Whiskey Rebellion. During the uprising of 1791-1794 meetings were held in different locations to discuss what measures were being taken to repeal the whiskey tax and any current news could be shared with the people, “in mass.”

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

Most folks, who could not read, gathered to hear from respected and trusted individuals regarding the current news of the day and protest by any means unfair taxes and legislation that impacted them directly. At one of these meetings held at Braddock’s Field around the end of July, 1794, hundreds of people showed up. After hearing the news from back east, the crowed became angered. Many wanted to storm Pittsburgh and burn it to the ground which looked like it was a very good possibility. It is said that the townsfolk of Pittsburgh fled carrying their valuables and burying what could not be carried. The militia was contained at Fort Fayette on the Allegheny River and could not leave to get food or water. There were hundreds of “Whiskey Boys” located at Braddock’s field to the east and hundreds on Coal Hill,

(Mt. Washington) to the south guarding the ferries and waiting for Pittsburgh to be set ablaze. At which time they would descend and sack the town. If it hadn’t been for some fast talking officials and well placed libation, Pittsburgh would have been burned to a cinder. As the beer and liquor took effect the aggressors became more mellow and instead of burning down the town they decided to burn the hey mounds and barn of a “sympathizer” located not to far from that Old Stone Tavern. It is said that if not for the liberal distribution of alcohol that day, the Whiskey Insurrection may have taken a more deadly turn and as the day ended, The Old Stone Tavern located on the back side of Coal Hill and on the road to Pittsburgh became a footnote in our history. Today they would like to tear down the tavern; it sits at a busy intersection empty and wanting of patrons. It’s just a small place in the midst of small town and other small businesses, an antique among the modern. I have never visited the place while open. I would surely like to have the chance.

** If you live an old house, or know of an old, unique or historic house in your town and would like to have it profiled as part of the “That Old House” feature in the Union-Finley Messenger, please contact us at 412-249-8177, or e-mail us at news@unionfinley.com.


Page 22 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 MUNICIPAL NEWS

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Elrama Sewage Project On Schedule And Under Budget By Paul Chasko Union-Finley Messenger writer pchasko@unionfinley.com

Opportunity Of 2009

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Union Township February Board Meeting

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All Supervisors were present at the February 9 board meeting as was the Solicitor, Secretary/Treasurer, Engineer, Road Crew Foreman and Zoning Officer. Reports were accepted from the Zoning Officer, Engineer and Road Crew Foreman. The road Crew Foreman reported that about 800 Tons of salt were used to keep roads clear during January. A resident at the meeting commended the road crew on the job they did keeping the Twp. roads passable. As of January 31 Guyer Bros. has installed 4,947 linear feet of 8 and 12 inch sewer line and 28 man-holes in the south end of the village of Elrama in the vicinity of the proposed pumping station and along Howe, Ramage and Fairview streets and along Popps Run. Two crews are continuing to work the project. At the current rate of construction Guyer Bros. should complete the project by early to mid-summer. Partial payment #2 for this project was approved by the Union Township Board (Guyer Bros. - $338,496, KAG Engineering $35,885.50). A few Elrama residents who refuse to respond to the survey supplying information on occupancy and income may be jeopardizing the acquisition of grant funds that would be used for repaving Elrama streets after the sewage project is completed. The Board is urging all Elrama residents to provide this survey data – time for grant application is growing short. Payrolls #2 and #3 for $11,789.06 and $10,688.71 were approved for payment as were general fund bills in the amount of $33,047.43. In other business: • The engineer was asked to update the zoning map. • A draft of an informational letter to Elrama residents on the sewer project is

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• • •

• •

•

• • • • •

• • • •

to be reviewed by the solicitor before mailing. Jefferson Ambulance Service reported 561 calls to UT in 2008 Motion: Approval of a resolution accepting a right-of-way agreement with Norfolk/Southern RR (Elrama Sewage Project) Approval for solicitor to review an informational letter for Elrama residents on the sewer project. Motion: Resolution appointing Judith Taylor as Twp. Right-to Know Officer. Motion: Authorized the solicitor to notify AdVenture Development of the C2 zoning on the Union Highlands property. The UT/Carroll Twp. MMCP will be reviewed at the Feb. 23 meeting. Motion: Authorize solicitor to send a second letter to the Washington Co. Commissioners requesting the UT Tipping fee. Motion: Authorize solicitor to send a letter to the NHS Atty. To determine status of the Marflak conditional use application. Elrama VFD presentation on their services and capabilities for UT. Absence of turn-around on Hobbit Lane/Aragon Place being investigated. Motion: Adopted the On-Line Sewage Ordinance suggested by PCSA. Motion: Use Jefferson Hills Realty for appraisal work. Atty. for Finleyville Airport questioned whether a storage tank within the airport zone conforms to the Airport Hazards Zoning Ordinance. Motion: Use of the UT recreation Park for Spring Soccer approved. Motion: Approval To file an application to purchase 1500 tons of salt from PennDOT for next winter. Motion: Apvl. For S/T and all supervisors to attend an EIT collection seminar Motion: Authorize Solicitor, Engineer, Zoning Officer and 2 supervisors to attend a Tuscany informational meeting.

REMINDER: Editorial Deadline for the April issue is

MARCH 10


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 23 UNION-FINLEY MESSENGER

Grab Your Own FREE Copy! Before they’re gone! Can’t find your very own copy of the Union-Finley Messenger? Just stop by to one of our convenient Newspaper Boxes located throughout the South Hills and Mon Valley! Finleyville U.S. Post Office - Finleyville Peters Township U.S. Post Office - Venetia Jersey Mike’s Subs (Waterdam) BP/Cogo’s Express (East McMurray Rd.) Monongahela West Main Street (in front of PNC Bank) West Main Street (in front of Senior High rise) New Eagle U.S. Post Office – New Eagle Elizabeth U.S. Post Office - Elizabeth

South Park Library – PAT Transit Park & Ride Station (Rt. 88 and Pleasant Street) U.S. Post Office – Bavarian Village Bethel Park Lytle Station – PAT Transit Park & Ride (Brightwood Road and Lytle Road) Jefferson Hills / Large Large – PAT Transit Park & Ride Lot (Rt. 51 and Peters Creek Road) Pleasant Hills Southland Four Seasons Shopping Center (by Panera Bread) Southland Four Seasons Shopping Center (by Old Town Buffet)

Look for more box locations coming soon! Visit www.unionfinley.com for a complete list of area stores, businesses, newsstands and other locations where you can pick up a FREE copy of the Union-Finley Messenger every month.

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Page 24 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 MUNICIPAL NEWS

Elizabeth Borough Council Renews Police Contract For West Elizabeth By Alice Harris Union-Finley Messenger writer aharris@unionfinley.com

The approval of the 2009 Police Contract for West Elizabeth, a request for a kayak launch, an Elizabeth Forward School District newsletter, and a proactive approach to control underage drinking highlighted the January 24 Elizabeth Borough Council Meeting. Guest Floyd Sorg once again inquired about the status of the dilapidated buildings adjoining his property on 2nd Street, stating he is worried about the situation of accumulated water in their basements that is leaching into his (Sorg Building) and the Masonic Building basements. Solicitor Pat McGrail will contact the property owners and pursue sheriff’s sale for these properties.

The Friends of Riverfronts organization has requested signage, a craft storage rack, and a community kayak launch at the Elizabeth barge area. The exact site needs to be decided and a five year agreement with a 30 day termination clause by either party will have to be approved. An updated policy for access to the barge area will be decided for 2009. A high security padlock with a re-keyable cylinder was suggested, also. In other business: • Payment of bills total for the month of December is $53,853. • Approximately 40-45 parking meters have been repaired and calibrated in accordance to their third year inspection schedule. There were 1,228 police calls for the year 2008.

• The payment of $130/hr. for legal representation on behalf of the Borough’s former Building inspector was approved. • Council Finance Chairman Larry Duvall stated he would like to trim the budget, collect delinquent monies, and pursue grants that might be doubled to up 10 times their initial value. • Sidewalks are not being clear of accumulated snow. A change to the sidewalk ordinance will require residents and businesses to make walks passable within 48 hours or face a fine of $25 per snow event their sidewalks remain hazardous. • Magistrate Beth Mills has adopted a proactive approach and is going after grant funding to address underage drinking and drugs and alcohol abuse in

her juristiction. • West Elizabeth’s 2009 police coverage contract is the same as 2008 with the exception of a 4% administrative addition. The cost to West Elizabeth is $12,636 per quarter. • The first Borough Clean Up Day for 2009 is scheduled for April 25 with details to follow. • Elizabeth Forward School District has secured a $15,000 grant through Senator Logan’s office for a newsletter to be mailed to 8,000 households. Elizabeth receives 4 pages for Borough information use. The first issue will be out in April. • Nickolich Sanitation will be placed on file to bid on the garbage contract for 2010.

New Eagle Borough Accepts Financial Windfall By Ken Askew Union-Finley Messenger writer, news@unionfinley.com

All members of New Eagle Borough’s Council were in attendance at the February 3, 2009 meeting to hear about a financial windfall for the Borough. Robin Langan, a local notary and representative of Chesapeake Energy, was there to present information and ask for Council’s approval of leases for natural gas drilling on 17 properties owned by the Borough itself. Chesapeake intends to utilize horizontal deep well drilling techniques to recover gas from the Marcellus shale resource. This approach involves situating a drilling rig on

a plot of ground that is a minimum of five acres in size. Chesapeake drills 9,000 to 12,000 feet straight down, then about 3,500 feet across. Water under extreme high pressure is injected into the rock, causing fissures in the rock to release gas for recovery. Properties above this area are eligible for a 5-year lease which pays $300 initially, and an 18% royalty thereafter. Langan claimed that these leases have typically been paying from $25 to $75 per month per property. Using these numbers, a quick calculation shows that New Eagle Borough might realize a revenue stream of anywhere from $30,600 ($25 x 60 months x 17 properties) to $76,500 ($75 x 60 months x 17 properties) over the 5-year

lease period. Council voted unanimously to approve the leases. Langan stayed after the meeting to also sign up New Eagle private property owners, who seemed eager to cash in on this opportunity. In his usual progressive thinking style, resident Bill Tatar reported (1) on the positive effects that the new Zoning Commission is delivering, (2) that negotiations are continuing on locating a new Ringgold middle school in New Eagle, (3) about his vision of sprucing up the Borough’s appearance through volunteers such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and school-sponsored groups, (4) that perhaps Council members should be paid for their service, and (5) that the Monongahela

police should be Department of Transportation certified to cite the many overweight trucks crossing through the Borough (currently only the Pennsylvania State Police can do this, and they seldom dispatch troopers for this purpose; however, if done by local police, the resultant fines could raise additional revenue for the Borough). Council commended the Monongahela Police for making an arrest in less than a week following two armed robberies of a local 7-Eleven convenience store. The man arrested was a convicted felon from Maryland. Council then convened to a closed-door session to discuss personnel issues.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 25 MUNICIPAL NEWS

Peters Township Council Rezones Property To Make Way For New Intersection By J.R. Brower Union-Finley Messenger writer news@unionfinley.com

At the request of Stephen and Mary Szabo, owners of Stephen’s Hair Graphics, 3101 Washington Road, Peters Township Council took action at the February 9 meeting on the rezoning of the rear section of their property. After lengthy discussion, Council approved the rezoning of the 2.5 acre tract that borders Old Washington Road from R-1 Residential to C-2 Commercial by a vote of 4 to 2. The rezoning request originated as a result of PennDot’s plans to reconstruct the intersection of Valley Brook Road and Route 19 in 2010, with the planning phase scheduled to begin in September of this year. The plan would move the road connecting Valley Brook to Route 19 northward, creating a new road that will cut across the end of Szabo’s parking lot, eliminating 20 parking spots. The new road will intersect Valley Brook at the end of Old Washington Road. Although the township denied rezoning requests in 2002 on the parcel of land in question based on neighboring residents’ objections, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the rezoning change in November. Since the township requires at least 63 parking spaces for the business based on square footage, Szabo had said he requested a commercial designation for the rear tract so that he can extend his present parking lot by 20 spaces to make up for those that will be lost by the PennDot project. Present at the meeting were residents of Old Washington Road, who object to the zoning change. Some expressed their disapproval at the December 8 hearing, citing concern over loss of privacy and increased traffic. An attorney representing the Szabos offered as a covenant a 25-foot buffer zone

as a means of protection to appease the homeowners that would extend past the wetland area that borders Old Washington Road. It was noted that most of the land on the 2.5 acre tract is a hillside that slopes down to a small creek and is unsuitable for either commerial or residential building. Councilman Robert Atkison called the self-imposed buffer zone “woefully inadequate”. “If you can’t develop it, why not have a 100-foot buffer?” he asked. Homeowner Jeff Kaier, 924 Old Washington Road, asked why Council could not just allow the proposed parking area to go commercial by means of a variance and just leaving the rest of property residential. “Giving the Szabos complete commercial zoning on this tract would set a precedent for neighboring Route19 businesses whose properties border Old Washington Road,” he said. An attorney speaking for the homeowners questioned the legality of the rezoning designation, and several of the disappointed residents were heard to say they would fight Council’s rezoning designation after the vote was taken. Council members voting for the rezoning proposal were Michael McCaig, David Ball, Frank Arcuri and Monica Merrell. Voting against the measure were Robert Atkison and Robert Lewis. Council Chairman James Berquist. In other business, Council heard a quarterly update report from Park and Recreation Board Director Michele Harmel. Addressed was the scheduling of sporting activities on Sunday morning. The township has had an unwritten policy that sports associations not schedule games until after 12 Noon on Sundays. Harmel said that the rec board had voted on instituting a formal policy on Sunday morning game field use, but the vote resulted in a 3-3 tie. A representative of the Youth Lacrosse Association asked

council for permission to apply to the school district to allow them to schedule eight tournament games at the high school stadium this spring on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am. Council voted to deny permission by a vote of 4 to 2 and directed Harmel to have the rec board prepare a formal policy for use of township athletic fields on Sunday morning. Next, Council listened to Harmel’s proposal by the Park and Recreation Board to allow advertising at athletic fields, which would permit sports coordinators to sell sign space to area businesses and collect income for their associations. After discussing the proposal, Council directed Township Manager Michael Silvestri to allow his staff to prepare an ordinance concerning the undertaking. In other matters, Council: • Acknowledged correspondence from the Environmental Quality Board stating that the Deer Management Program went well. Archers harvested 72 deer in the township of which 28 provided venison to area food banks. • Heard the details of a recent township workshop with the school board. The topic of school bus access between

• •

McMurray Elementary School and the Orchard Highlands plan to relieve traffic congestion was deferred to the Zoning Hearing Board. Also discussed at the workshop were new sidewalks for the Middle School. Learned that the Washington County Commissioners have recommended that Peters Township be awarded $385,000 of the Local Share Grant program fund from gaming revenues. Final approval will have to come from the state, said Silvestri. The money will be used to help pay for the new trail bridge over Bebout Road. Agreed to help the fire department with a delayed $22,000 payment on their new fire truck, which is to be repaid to the township with interest. Was informed that the township purchased three used police vehicles through the SHACOG program. Was updated on the quantity of road salt that is on hand. Manager Silvestri said that the stockpile has been used heavily and is getting low, but should be OK unless there is a lot more snow. “We use about 100 tons every time we go around the township,” he said.

PACKING COMPANY


Page 26 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 MUNICIPAL NEWS

Few Issues to Address at February Finleyville Borough Council Meeting Brownsville-Broughton Road Intersection Demolition Questioned By Andrea Earnest Union-Finley Messenger writer news@unionfinley.com

At the February 9 meeting of South Park Township Council, Mrs. Nancy Janson inquired about the demolition work being done at the Brownsville-Broughton Road intersection. Several buildings have already been torn down. Chairman George Smith informed her that the demolition work is in preparation for widening and remodeling the busy intersection. Not all the plans are complete, but new turning lanes will be added. Mrs. Janson also wanted to know if anything can be done about the deer problem in South Park. Chairman Smith says he has attended seminars on the problem, but no one has really found a good answer. She was concerned that some people are feeding them, but Chairman Smith stated that there is an ordinance against this. Mr. Bill Parker, and his wife, Lori, are concerned about “No Parking” signs that are being put up on Brownsville Road. While they have parking spaces behind their Blue Moon Salon and Day Spa, they have also depended on street parking for their employees and clients. Chairman Smith said that there have been complaints about parked cars blocking site views out of private driveways on the street. Until now parking has always been allowed on Brownsville Road. The Board went on to approve the minutes and invoices for January. Action then

was taken on a number of issues, including: • No parking at all times on the south side of Wilhelm Avenue. • Rezoning the bingo lots from R-3 to R-1, and scheduling a public hearing for Monday, April 13, 2009. • Approval for Chief of Police Joseph Ferrelli to attend a conference in Lancaster, PA, at a cost of $910. • Approval for Supervisor David J. Buchewicz to attend the PSATS Conference in Hershey, PA, at a cost of $279. • Approval for a training request on Defensive Tactics for Sgt. Shannon Henrich at a cost of $268. Supervisor Buchewicz stated that they are taking a look at surrounding communities to see what is being done in code reinforcement for properties that are in disrepair. He is also trying to put together a group of young people who can help with home repair for elderly residents who are unable to keep up their homes. Supervisor Walter Sackinsky applauded the Public Works Department for maintaining the roads with the snow and ice over the winter so far. The Police Chief’s Report lists for the month of September 608 service calls, 17 arrests, 61 traffic citations, 17 parking citations, 129 warnings, two reportable accidents, nine non-reportable accidents, 65 medical calls, nine fire calls, and five deer calls. The full minutes of the meeting are available at the township office.

By Paul Chasko Union-Finley Messenger writer pchasko@unionfinley.com

All council members were present at the February 4, Finleyville Borough council meeting as was the Mayor, Solicitor and Secretary/Treasurer. Minutes of the January monthly meeting, the treasurer’s report and the police report were accepted and approved without correction or comment. The police report mentioned a fighting incident at Badlands Bar and Grill on Washington Avenue that occurred after the Super Bowl. The fracas was reported to have involved 20 to 30 individuals that spilled out into the street. Police from Monongahela, Carroll Twp., Charleroi, and Peters Twp. were reported to have been called in to quell the disturbance. One individual was reported to have needed medical attention and was taken to a hospital. The attending police officer also mentioned that a citation issued to a resident on School Place

may be followed up by a warrant for arrest. Mayor Kutsek reported that seals on some of the paving along Cliff street have opened and freezing water has lifted the pavement two to three inches in some places. Victor Paving will be contacted and warranty repairs will be requested as soon as weather and temperatures permit. The Solicitor reported that suggested changes to the Finleyville/Nottingham Multi Municipality Comprehensive plan have been incorporated and the new draft will be circulated for review. The final version of the Junked or abandoned Vehicle Ordinance was distributed for review and is scheduled to be adopted at the March 4 meeting. A motion carried to reinvest a $50,000 certificate which matures shortly at the best interest rate available. Council had no objections to placement of 2 or 3 Union-Finley Messenger outdoor distribution boxes at locations throughout the borough as long as they do not impede pedestrians.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 27 MUNICIPAL NEWS

Monongahela Awarded Grant to Revitalize Aquatorium Website Lawsuit Remains a Thorny Issue By Ken Askew Union-Finley Messenger writer, news@unionfinley.com

All members of Monongahela City Council were in attendance at the February 11, 2009 meeting. A closed-door executive session preceded the 7:00 PM meeting, in which Attorney Stone counseled Council regarding the federal lawsuit about the domain name and website content of the former official Monongahela website. To open the public meeting, Attorney Stone reinforced his previous and continuing direction to Council that they are not to discuss the pending litigation in public. During the Public Forum, Chris Cole (wife of Ken Cole II, who is operating the aforementioned website) read a lengthy prepared statement to reiterate some of the points she made at the January 14, 2009 meeting regarding the above lawsuit. In addition, she described a few more factors relative to the lawsuit; however, her emphasis was that since many of the residents of this small city are friends, relatives, or neighbors, she cannot understand why the members of Council (who fall into the

friends or neighbors categories) have continued what she feels is a personal attack on her and her husband. As other members of the audience joined the discussion, it became clouded by off-topic arguments as to whether or not Mrs. Cole’s tea room business was permissible in a residential zone. Robin Langan, a local notary and representative of Chesapeake Energy, was on hand to present information and ask for Council’s approval of leases for natural gas drilling on properties owned by the City of Monongahela. Chesapeake intends to utilize horizontal deep well drilling techniques to recover gas from the Marcellus shale resource. This approach involves situating a drilling rig on a plot of ground that is a minimum of four acres in size. Chesapeake drills 9,000 to 12,000 feet straight down, then about 3,500 feet across. Water under extreme high pressure is injected into the rock, causing fissures in the rock to release gas for recovery. Properties above this area are eligible for a 5-year lease which pays $300 initially, and an 18% royalty thereafter. Langan claimed that these leases have typically been paying from $25 to $100 per month per property.

Using these numbers, a quick calculation shows that the City (which owns up to 70 eligible properties) might realize a revenue stream of anywhere from $105,000 ($25 x 60 months x 70 properties) to $420,000 ($100 x 60 months x 70 properties) over the 5-year lease period. Langan stated that gas wells sometimes are active for 20 to 50 years, and that royalties continue until the well runs dry. Council voted unanimously to approve the leases. Langan offered to stay after the meeting to also sign up Monongahela private property owners; 600 leases have been signed to date in this region. Solicitor Bassi reported that he has been involved in hundreds of leases, and some larger properties have been paid up to $4,000 per acre plus a 20% royalty. The minimum royalty—by state law—is 12.5%. It is sometimes difficult to compare leases, since some apply wellhead prices, while others are based on market prices. Chesapeake is currently the only company offering gas well leases in this area. The Solicitor had recommended that Council sign the leases at the offered price. In other business:

• In response to a solicitation to sell property on Bridge Street at a minimum price of $12,500, only one bid was received-for $12,600 from Paul Spesak, who owns two adjoining properties. • Council was very pleased to announce that it had received a grant from the Meadows casino gaming revenues annual distribution in the amount of $407,000 for revitalization of the Aquatorium. They have applied for matching funds from the state’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Council lauded Ken Kulak for leading the team effort to formulate the proposal. • The Monongahela police department was recognized for solving two armed robberies at the local 7-Eleven convenience store. Officers volunteered extra time to arrest the robber within five days; he is from Hagerstown, MD, and has an extensive criminal record. • A meeting with COMCAST is forthcoming to renegotiate its’ contract. • This month’s property beautification award went to 523 Park Avenue.


Page 28 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 LOCAL PEOPLE NEWS

Jerika Lopez & William Moehring Town: Eighty Four Jerika Lopez Age: 17 years Education: Western Heights High School Occupation: Sandwich Artist, Subway in Eighty Four Hobbies & Interests: Softball, Music, and Clothes

Resident Spotlight

William Moehring, Jr. Age: 17 years Education: Bentworth High School Occupation: Sandwich Artist, Subway in Eighty Four Hobbies & Interests: Skateboarding, Friends, and Music

By Alice Harris

Pleasant Hills Resident Receives Homeland Security Award

Birth Announcements Mr. and Mrs. John Schoedel of Union Township and Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Witteman of Washington wish to announce the birth of their granddaughter, Cadia Grace Chadwick. Cadia Grace blessed our world on September 17, 2008 at 2:13 pm. Great Grandparents are Charlotte Hooton of Union Township, Madeline Choff of Coraopolis and John Casella of Washington. The proud parents are Christopher and Charlotte Chadwick of Union Township. Chris is serving our country in Iraq.

Birthdays! Christopher and Charlotte Chadwick with new daughter, Cadia Grace Chadwick

By Ken Askew Union-Finley Messenger writer, news@unionfinley.com

Craig Hustwit, an employee at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory located in South Park, has received a Department of Homeland Security award for his contributions to a project in Baltimore, MD. Specifically, the project was located at the U.S. Coast Craig Hustwit is pictured second from left, receiving his Guard’s Baltimore Shipyard, award; other gentlemen in the photo are US D which is located less than a epartment of Energy officials. mile from a City of Baltimore landfill. Previously, methane gas produced naturally by the landfill was flared into the atmosphere, thereby releasing harmful combustion by-products. Under the new scenario, the landfill gas is piped to the Shipyard, where a gas-to-electric generator plant has been installed by Ameresco Federal Solutions. The electricity thus produced will (1) provide the necessary electricity to operate the Shipyard, and (2) provide steam needed to heat the buildings. Thus, the Shipyard will be able to discontinue purchasing more expensive electricity and natural gas from the local utilities. Total energy cost savings are projected to be $47M. This project benefits Homeland Security by ensuring that this essential military base will have a secure secondary renewable power source to continue critical operations without interruption. The Shipyard will not be subject to electricity outages due to a terrorist group attacking the public electricity grid, or because of some other national emergency.

Happy 1st Birthday Connor Patrick Kelley! - From Your Family

Bennett Joins Communications Team at MVH Longtime journalist Samantha Bennett has joined the Communications Team at Monongahela Valley Hospital. In this capacity as writer-editor in the Community Relations Department she will be responsible for producing the health system’s monthly newsletter, Monitor, and also its Annual Report. Samantha Bennett Bennett has 20 years of experience in the newspaper profession. Prior to coming to MVH, she worked for 14 years as a lifestyle and humor columnist, online editor and copy editor for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. She also has worked for newspapers and an advertising agency in Connecticut. In addition to continuing to write writing a weekly column for the PostGazette, she also serves as president of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 29 UNION-FINLEY MESSENGER


Page 30 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 LOCAL NEWS


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 31 LOCAL NEWS


Page 32 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 BUSINESS & MERCHANT NEWS

7jh^cZhh BZgX]Vci CZlh Jim’s Guitar Works Town: West Elizabeth, PA Address: Rt. 837 & Lincoln Square West Elizabeth, PA 15088 Owners: Brothers Jim & John Relja Years in Business: 14 years Phone: 412-384-2518 John Rejla pictured with just a few of their exquisite guitars.

Email: jimguitarworks@mac.com Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 am-8 pm and Saturday 11 am- 4 pm Closed Friday and Sunday

Business Spotlight By Alice Harris

Products and Services: Retail store specializing in guitars. Handmade guitars, lessons, parts, and repairs.

Sunshine Kids Opens New Location in Finleyville By J.R. Brower Union-Finley Messenger writer news@unionfinley.com Sunshine Kids new location in Finleyville

Sunshine Kids, Inc. has a new location in is on Marion Avenue next to the Finleyville. The learning and childcare cenCommunity Center. ter recently opened a new facility at the former site of Children’s Paradise, 3549 Marion Avenue, next to the Finleyville Community Center. The location has been completely renovated with all new, updated equipment. With twelve employees on staff, owner Kim Peroni says she is looking forward to providing quality childcare for the residents of Finleyville and Union Township. Sunshine Kids prides itself in providing a nurturing and loving environment from its educated and professional staff of pre-school teachers. Infants through schoolage children are benefited by the center’s commitment to low staffto-child ratios. The Center now Pre-school Teachers Mary Hunter and Rebecca Szolek participates in the Keystone Stars stand before the Valentine’s Day bulletin board. Quality Improvement program and they also provide breakfast and hot nutritious lunches to all children in attendance at no additional cost to the parents. They also can provide transportation to and from local schools. Sunshine Kids has two other locations. One is in Eighty Four at 1059 Linden Road. Their phone number is 724-942-0163. The other location is in McMurray at 1244 Washington Road. The phone number at the McMurray center is 724-942-1009. For information on Sunshine Kids at their newest location in Finleyville, please call 724-348-6565.

Pleasant Hills Rotary “Monte Carlo Night� Pleasant Hills Rotary Club will hold a “Monte Carlo Night� on Saturday, March 7 from 6 to 11 pm at Salvatore’s, 5001 Curry Road in Baldwin. The event will benefit Operation Troop Operation, which serves the needs of troops overseas. Tickets are $25, which includes a dinner buffet. There will be a cash bar. Guests purchase “funny� money to use to play games. The event also will include a Chinese auction, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle. For more information or tickets, call Joe Weiss at 412-655-1084 or Paul Eiben at 412-6535525.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 33 BUSINESS & ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– MERCHANT NEWS

Grand Openings! Look what’s new in Town

“Just 4 You” Gift Shop Opens in Monongahela” By: Emily Grazulis Union-Finley Messenger writer news@unionfinley.com

A new gift shop has opened in Monongahela and its name says it all… “Just 4 You.” Shop owners Tony and Tara Bottino cater to their customers’ needs. The store selection ranges from Yankee Candles to Sarris Candy and Hallmark cards to a large religious section that includes, but is not limited to, crucifixes and Baptism and First Holy Communion items. Party supplies include helium balloons that can be filled in the store, a sports section, including Steelers paraphernalia merchandise such as lamps, garbage cans, and a Troy Poalamalu hat with hair. Willow Tree and Thomas Kinkaid are other featured brands, along with a kids’ favorite — Webkinz!. The Bottino’s stock not the ordinary Webkinz, but whales, skunks, and raccoons! Of course, on the off chance the item you want is not in the shop, the Bottinos will try to find it for you. Tara Bottino says, “my favorite part is meeting new people and making new friends.” Stop by the Just 4 You Gift Shop at 238 W. Main St. in Monongahela. Business Hours are 9:30-5:00 ‘Just 4 You’ gift shop is located at 238 W. Main St. in Monday to Friday and 9Monongahela. Owner, Tara Bottino changes the storefront 5 Saturday. windows with the seasons. Stop in to see the wide selection of seasonal merchandise.

Heart Institute at Jefferson Regional Medical Center Earns National Patient Care Award The Heart Institute at Jefferson Regional Medical Center has received the American College of Cardiology Foundation’s Get with the Guidelines Silver Performance Achievement Award for 2008. Jefferson Regional is among a select group of 93 hospitals nationwide to receive this award. The award recognizes Jefferson Regional’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients. It signifies that Jefferson Regional has reached an aggressive goal of treating coronary artery disease patients and exceeds the high standards of care as outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations. Steve Dentel, regional quality improvement director with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA), presented the award to Jefferson Regional administrators and clinical staff members. Dentel told the group that the Silver Performance Achievement Award represents “every single one of you giving your time, dedication and passion to building healthier lives that are free from cardiovascular diseases and stroke. That is our mission statement at the AHA/ASA. You know you have found a true partner, friend and advocate when they can take your mission statement and easily make it part of theirs. This is what you have done as a hospital, as an organization, as individuals.”


Page 34 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 HOME & GARDEN

Home & Garden Don’t Be Left Out of Our Union-Finley Messenger Home & Garden Section. For Editorial or Advertising Opportunities, call (412) 249-8177

Prevent Mold in Your Home (NewsUSA) - The air naturally contains mold spores, which are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds help break down decaying organic matter. But when molds grow indoors, it can cause serious health problems. How does mold move indoors? When circulating mold spores land in damp, moist environments, like insulation around a leaking pipe, they start to reproduce. Once indoors, mold can cause or expedite heath problems, especially in people Americans should open their windows already prone to asthma or allergies. or run exhaust fans whenever they do Ailments associated with poor indoor air an activity that creates steam. health include respiratory problems, fatigue, headaches, pneumonia, greater susceptibility to other infections, sinus congestion, skin problems, and ear, nose and throat irritation. Once mold begins to grow, it can never be fully removed. Certified professionals can discover whether or not you have mold and identify the type of mold growing in your home. Still, the best way to stop mold is to prevent it in the first place. Environmental Service Professionals, a company that provides certified environmental home inspections, offers these tips to homeowners looking to keep their homes healthy and mold-free: • Vacuum and mop frequently. Frequent cleaning can help remove mold spores before they have a chance to find moisture and grow. Pay special attention in kitchens, bathrooms, basements and laundry rooms. • Look for leaks. Make sure that your home plumbing system is in tip-top shape -; leaking pipes create the moist environments that facilitate mold growth. • Use your exhaust fans. Steam from hot showers or cooking can allow mold spores to grow, so open windows or use exhaust fans whenever you create steam. Make sure that exhaust fans carry moisture outside and not into an attic or crawlspace. • Watch your humidity. In most areas, keep indoor humidity at 60 percent in the summer and at 40 percent in the winter. Consider putting a dehumidifier in the basement; basements often become cooler and wetter than other parts of the house. For more information or to find a service professional near you, visit the Environmental Service Professionals Web site at www.espusa.net.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 35 HOME &––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– GARDEN

Recent Local Real Estate Transactions Seller

Buyer

UNION TOWNSHIP Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Marianne Dale Washington County Tax Claim Bureau

Matthew Groff Rodger and Mariann Miche WRH Realty LLC

Philip Boscia Maronda Homes Inc. Estate of Ann Morgan Maronda Homes Inc. Maronda Homes Inc. William Mawrocki

Eric Snow Ryan Brouzakis and Hannah Morris Jerry Newland John Kocak Nancy McAlister and Christina Rua Patrick Revetta

MONONGAHELA Washington County Tax Claim Bureau

Douglas Stants

Alfred Kerfonta Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Gorsic Plumbing Inc. Deborah Leach Patricia Radic Jeanne Fusco James Jericho III

US Bank NA David and Julianne Eisel Adam Wallace David and Deena Snyder Holly Winters Juraj and Martina Stasko Jeffrey Klinger and Rebecca Lutes

Address

Price

6322 Jack St. $103,500 6504 Keystone Ave. $155000 Lobes Run Road Legislative Route 62068 $6,274 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $151,486) by sheriff's deed Mingo Church Road $63,000 127 Cinque Terra Place $137,900 5 Morgan Lane $30,000 113 Tuscany Estates Drive $204,900 113 Viareggio Way $158,900 6930 Spruce St. $140,000

1238 Country Club Road $1,056 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $4,503) by sheriff's deed 560 E. Main St. $1,280 by sheriff's deed 447 Fourth St. $9,000 519 E. Main St. $125,000 615 Fair St. $72,500 109 Third Ave. $43,900 1040 Fourth St. $19,500 804 Maple Drive $102,000

NEW EAGLE Deborah Graham Jack Beattie Joan Russo et al.

Indymac Bank Gillian Young Mary Lou Michel

804 Sycamore St. 806 Wood St. 124 First Ave.

CARROLL TOWNSHIP Washington County Tax Claim Bureau

WRH Realty LLC

Clifford Carlson Rachel Hyslip Michael Pistelli Robert Rodgers

Donald and Patricia Forlai Wells Fargo Financial Pennsylvania Donald and Margaret Wargo Joel Schwab

282 Black Diamond Hollow Road $2,694 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $6,845) by sheriff's deed 112 Crestview Manor $5,000 17 Dearborn Ave. $5,697 by sheriff's deed 29 Surrey Drive $190,000 162 Van Voorhis Lane $103,000

WEST ELIZABETH Mitchell Dobrich Randy Hughes Wells Fargo Bank NA trustee

Daryl Dobrich and Stephanie Hollis Wells Fargo Bank NA trustee Yan and Lilia Dolgosheev

Fourth St. 1033 Sixth St. 1033 Sixth St.

ELIZABETH BOROUGH Patricia Reisch Warren Adam Clarke

Elizabeth Township Self Storage LLC Capital Equity Partn. LLC

815-817 Seventh Ave. 145 Cemetery St.

Margaret Virginia Bowman Srnik

Josephine Conte

310 Center Ave.

ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP Mark Zachary Pavlack John Fuga George Horensky Jr. Robert Mihal Elizabeth Klebak et al. John Dansak

James and Christina Crovak First Commonwealth Bank Kevin Machesky Joshua Indof Richard Kennedy Jr. and Michelle Kennedy Lisa Snyder

946 Pineview Drive 1227 Schweitzer Road Cherry St. 205 Dennis St. Smithfield St. 1812 Turkeyfoot Road

$1,169 by sheriff's deed $85,000 $34,000

$6,000 $1,644 by sheriff's deed $25,000

$45,000 $4,000 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $66,584) $70,000

$30,000 $1,619 by sheriff's deed $20,000 $163,500 $90,000 $45,200

Mon Valley Garden Club Announces 2009 Kick-off Meeting The Mon Valley Garden Club will hold it’s kick off meeting on Monday, March 2 at 6 pm at the Eat N Park in Belle Vernon. All wishing to join for 2009 are invited to attend. For information phone 724-4660979 or 724-415-6356. Mon Valley Garden Club is part of District X, Garden Club of Pennsylvania and the Garden Club Federation of America.

GEORGES Supply Center, Inc. 3101 Brownsville Rd, South Park

412-835-6123

• Topsoil (shredded and screened) • Various Mulches • Dyed/Rubber Mulch • Decoratives Stones • Natural Wall Stone

• Keystone Wall System • Limestone Chips • Mushroom Manure • Sand, Gravel, Slag

PICK-UP OR DELIVERED


HOME & GARDEN Page 36 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009

Recent Local Real Estate Transactions Seller

Call for information on Home Buyer Tax Credit 3523 Washington Avenue Finleyville, PA 15332

Office 724.348.7470

Fax 724.348.8707 • Cell 724.348.8028 Email: marianne@century21.com www.c21frontier.com

MITCHELL Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE Elizabeth .............. 412-384-4539 Peters Twp. ........... 724-941-7360 Pl. Hills/Bthl Prk ... 412-653-1855 USC/McMurray ..... 724-258-9411

COMMERCIAL and RESIDENTIAL • SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATION

Buyer

Address

Price

Josephine Conte Jamie Wright Christine Mercurio Estate of Helen Bankey

Kelly Kelley HSBC Mortgage Services Inc. Carl Hancock and Corrine Azzari Mark Smrdel

303 Long St. 6017 Meade St. 976 Peairs Road Duncan Station Road

$72,000 $1,888 by sheriff's deed $127,500 $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $2,961)

FORWARD TOWNSHIP Clement Gigliotti James Feick

Thomas and Tina Boby Tricia Beckinger

Center Ave. 5126 Dorris Drive

CLAIRTON Michael Muglia Thomas Berich Estate of Walter Bratton Estate of Jacob Taylor Jr. Jason Mavilla Bank New York trustee Lawrence Lattanzi US Bank NA trustee Carl Keck Wells Fargo Bank NA trustee Blue Spruce Entities LLC Janet Toye

Willy Brun Elaine Stoneback Charles and Laura Barry Brandon Kurta GOS Properties LLC Duke Construction & Contracting Inc. Richard Lattanzi Murphy Holdings LLC Beluschak Properties LLC Blue Spruce Entities LLC Go Invest Wisely LLC Sandra Holland

403 Elbow Way 901 Madison Ave. 4006 Soltis Drive 231 Connecticut Ave. 520 Farnsworth Ave. 926 Miller Ave. 152 Pennsylvania Ave. 1141 Toman Ave. N Fourth St. 889 Vankirk St. 889 Vankirk St. 901 Vankirk St.

SOUTH PARK William Lunger Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.

Bank New York trustee Taylor Bean & Whitaker Mortgage Corp.

1936 Strawbridge Drive 921 Lindfield Drive

Edwin Jay Dotter III Bank New York trustee Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. trustee Bonnie Jean Williams Heath Michael Close Marianne Owen

US Bank NA trustee Frederick Schaffer and Paul Miller Novelli Properties LLC Frank Wiliams Jr. and Carol Williams Deutsche Bank Trust Co. Americas trustee Daniel and Alivia Owen

2810 Sebolt Road 6478 Second Ave. 6000 Broad St. 6368 Crestview Drive 2816 Sebolt Road 1347 Snee Drive

PLEASANT HILLS Estate of William Jacky John Thatcher Estate of John Leech AUR Land Development Co. LLC trustee Estate of William Jacky Atlantic Refining & Marketing Corp. Gary Rohm David McIntyre

William and Julie Schneider Michael and Heather Lutz Melissa and Christopher Huber Precision Rentals LLC William and Julie Schneider Vini Corp. Blair and Jolene Bogdan HSBC Mortgage Corp. (USA)

481 Nantucket Drive Steiner Drive 371 Grace St. Route 51 481 Nantucket Drive 104 Route 51 Inglefield Drive 123 Picture Bluff Drive

$155,000 $16,900 $122,500 $50,000 $155,000 $540,000 $29,000 $5,262 by sheriff's deed

JEFFERSON HILLS Joseph Skrinjorich Southersby Development Corp. Anthony Thomas Yogan Federal National Mortgage Assn. Worthington Plan L.P. NVR Inc.

Edward and Dorothy Lestitian NVR Inc. Terry and Marlene Ackman Edward and Elizabeth Guballa Allan and Sandy Kennedy James Long Jr. and Rhonda Long

1233 Second St. S. Randolph Drive 438 Old Clairton Road 116 Frontier Drive 3024 Phillip Drive 1323 S. Randolph Drive

$90,000 $40,000 $358,000 $75,000 $235,000 $263,625

NOTTINGHAM TOWNSHIP Leo Beck Heartland Homes Inc.

William and Phyllis Porter Kimberly and Jason Guthrie

204 Buckeye Court 113 Butternut Court

$339,000 $322,672

$170,250 $109,900

$7,000 $20,000 $18,000 $20,000 $6,500 $6,500 $62,000 $12,000 $20,000 $4,500 $5,500 $30,000

$1,455 by sheriff's deed $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $139,316) $2,042 by sheriff's deed $20,200 $47,000 $89,000 $2,734 by sheriff's deed $137,500


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 37 HOME &––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– GARDEN

Recent Local Real Estate Transactions Seller PETERS TOWNSHIP LE. Lewis Marjorie Werner Joseph Graff Nicholas Mazzella Howard Robertson Estate of Dorothy Jean Brown Equicredit Corp. America , Joanne Lee Watson Heartland Homes Inc. Heartland Homes Inc. Heartland Homes Inc. Linda Taylor Homesales Inc. Hidden Brook L.P. Benjamin Marcus Homes LLC Brian Essary Elizabeth Severa David Warfel Daniel Myers Kerry Burgan Geraldine Funk trustee Heartland Homes Inc. Heartland Homes Inc. Norman Holcombe Benjamin Marcus Homes LLC Benjamin Marcus Homes LLC 84 Lumber Acquisition & Development Co. Mary Ann Sobieralski trustee Kimberly Coons Teresina Ruberto

Buyer Andrew Krugh Jr. and Tamitha Krugh Anchor Corporate Developments LLC et al. Kristopher and Kathryn Johnson Allen and Dana Berliner James and Cindy Manyak Ian Bryant , Timothy and Melissa Sobieralski 112 McDowell Lane LLC Heidi and William Bowlin Elizabeth Wolverton Christine and Timothy Bowers Scott and Lynn Sambuco Donald and Estelle Uhme Heartland Homes Inc. Thomas and Melissa Pirosko William and Sharon Fertall Justin and Joanna Bular Daniel Myers , Gerard Myers , Jeffrey and Melissa Thompson John and Joyce Beachler Herbert Cable Jr. and Barbara Cable Donald and Beverley Lamb Moises and Marian Morales John and Dona McMahon Gregory and Madeline Sheldon Benjamin Marcus Homes LLC Christopher and Linda Doleno Timothy Freyder and Mindy Godish Thomas and Fay Krapp

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

Address 306 Buffalo Ridge Road 100 E. McMurray Road 121 Evans Drive 239 Fox Run Drive 91 Lintel Drive 121 Maple Lane 356 McCombs Road 112 McDowell Lane 205 Molly Drive 207 Molly Drive 202 Rock Run Road Turkeyfoot Road 822 Venetia Road Unknown Address 314 Buckingham Drive 116 Candlelite Drive 343 E. McMurray Road 122 Evans Drive 122 Evans Drive 202 Fox Creek Road 136 Maple Lane 170 Shoreline Drive 174 Shoreline Drive 276 Thompsonville Road 100 Windsor Court 104 Windsor Court 322 Buckingham Drive 1044 Elizabeth Drive 118 Jones Drive 208 Victoria Lane

Price $39,5000 $2,300,000 $278,000 $395,000 $324,000 $122,680 $165,500 $300,000 $383,202 $458,025 $373,961 $50,000 $170,000 $70,000 $750,121 $315,000 $135,000 $225,000 $226,309 $335,000 $410,000 $485,000 $491,000 $154,760 $602,263 $1,119,981 $130,000 $180,000 $110,000 $340,000

Publish your news for FREE! PRESS RELEASES, EVENTS, HAPPENINGS, ORGANIZATION NEWS OR BUSINESS NEWS. Mail: Union-Finley Messenger, P.O. Box 103, Finleyville, PA 15332 Phone or Fax: • 412.249.8177 Email: news@unionfinley.com


Page 38 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 HOME & GARDEN

ASK the

EXPERTS

THESE AREA SERVICE PROVIDERS ARE HERE TO ANSWER ALL YOUR QUESTIONS...

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

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES Q: Over the years I have acquired many old quilts from relatives, estate sales and antique shops. I stack them for display and they look lovely but I would like to use some of them on my bedding in the spare rooms. Is it OK to use old quilts and how do I wash and care for them?

Ladonna Galis The Antique Loft at Trax Farms

A:

Many old quilts are actual works of art. These beautiful textiles were made from scrapes of fabric and hand stitched together by the women and young ladies of the house. While we use them for display they were a necessity back in the day. You can display them on a guest room bed but remove it when company comes. The less you handle your treasure the better. Make sure that the fabrics are not exposed to strong light or sunshine as this will fade the fabric and do damage that cannot be repaired. Quilt racks are a great way to display and you can find antique racks at you favorite shop. Many collectors prefer hanging quilts but this is best done by a professional as hanging can alter the shape of the fabric. As far as washing your quilt, there are so many variables that you should check with a professional before doing anything. Some collectors simply vacuum with a small dust buster type vacuum. Good luck and Happy Collecting! The Antique Loft at Trax Farms (Located inside of Trax Farms above the Produce dept.) Rt. 88 Between Library and Finleyville 412-835-3246 x135

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING Q: What is a NATE certified technician? A: It stands for North American Technician Excellence.

In the heating and air conditioning business technicians study, test and get certified in different aspects of his or her field. The sad thing about Pennsylvania is that there are no requirements for skills in this field. I know a lot of contractors in different states that can not believe that Pennsylvania requires little if any education. By being NATE certified shows a company's commitment to training. Tim Bartman Owner Because technicians are working with electric, natural gas, Bartman’s One Hour propane gas and fuel oil , there is the danger of physical and property damage if proper procedures are not followed. When servicing equiptment a trained tec will diagnose the problem and make necessary repairs in a more efficient manor, saving you time and money. I am not saying that a technician that is not NATE certified is not an great problem solver, they may be excellent at there job. How are you to know, take their word for it, get recommendations or use a company that has NATE certified employees. We are a NATE certified company and we are training all of our technicians to be able to get their certification. Check out www.natex.org and find out if your service company has NATE certified technicians. ’s n a Bartm Bartman Inc. 257 W. Main Street, Monongahela, PA 15063 724-348-7880 bartmaninc@verizon.net


HOME––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– & GARDEN March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 39

3DYLQJ $VSKDOW 6HDOLQJ &RQFUHWH ([FDYDWLRQ 6HZHU &RQQHFWLRQV +DXOLQJ

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NOT READY TO BUILD?

We Specialize in additions and finished basements

Call Today: 412-384-8170 600 Hayden Blvd., Elizabeth PA 15037 costaindustries@mac.com • www.costahomebuilders.com Showroom by Appointment Only


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WEDDING GUIDE –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

March 2009

Wedding Guide Weddings Tailored To Friends And Family for the rehearsal dinner, reception or Food For Thought (NAPSI)-Tradition has it that What's the formula for a terrific wed- just a comfortable and affordable the "big day" belongs to the ding? How about friends and family, a big place to host friends and family, careful attention to bride and groom. Yet from the meal and plenty of celebratory drinks? Doubletree's One in three (33 percent) Americans detail and variety of amenities help bachelor party to catching the most look forward to the food at wed- ensure the wedding party and guests dings they've attended while nearly one enjoy a relaxed stay. bouquet, the "Hokey Pokey" to in eight (13 percent) look forward to the Grab The Popcorn the "Electric Slide," it's the open bar. And how do the bride and groom's happy couple's friends and fami- Party People guests get themselves in the mood to When invited to an out-of-town wed- celebrate? With their favorite wedly who help make the occasion ding, nearly half (45 percent) of Americans ding flicks, natch. With all the food, memorable. most look forward to the opportunity to revelry and libations going around,

You Look Marvelous! The bride isn't the only person at a wedding who feels the need to look her absolute best. Friends and family feel the same way. According to a survey conducted by Kelton Research for Doubletree Hotels, more than three in five (63 percent) put extra effort into looking their very best, including buying new clothes (53 percent), changing their hair (23 percent) and losing weight (17 percent).

celebrate with friends or family. Meanwhile, getting away from home and work is enticing for one in five (20 percent) parents, compared to 13 percent of those without kids. Another aspect of the wedding that guests often look forward to is the location of the reception--and that's one thing that the happy couple has a little more control over. For example, Doubletree Hotels and Resorts are an excellent choice for planning a wedding that is luxurious, simple or intimately detailed. Whether planning

it's no surprise that America's favorite wedding movie is "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" (25 percent). The R-rated, edgier comedy "Wedding Crashers" comes in second at 16 percent. For help planning your next wedding or event, visit Web sites such as www.doubletree.com/weddings. The site offers useful tips that include location information, a wedding planning checklist and help creating a personalized Web page.

For many brides and grooms, it's important that the "big day" also provide an enjoyable experience for friends and family.


March 2009 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

WEDDING GUIDE

Honeymoon Tips for Lasting Memories and Relaxation (NewsUSA) The headache you've had for the past year planning your wedding, inviting all the guests and meticulously checking to ensure your big day runs smoothly is finally over. And, just around the corner, you can see your honeymoon in sight. The last things on your mind are planning, thinking and otherwise doing anything but relaxing, right? To ease your mind after the chaos, the ultimate With much of the stress that comes before a wedding, wouldn't Mexican getaways are you like to know you can relax afterward? offered by The Villa Group Resorts, complete with Hacienda-style villas, exotic spa treatments and palm tree-framed views of the Pacific Ocean. You'll finally be able to unwind, comfortable knowing everything you could need or want is at your fingertips. With seven different locations in four unique destinations including Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta and the Sierra Madre Mountains, The Villa Group caters to a variety of interests. Each location offers unique scenery, activities and accommodations that can make your honeymoon exactly the way you've envisioned it. The myriad vacation options available to newlyweds are overwhelming, but noting a few key things will keep that headache at bay and your relaxation level high: • Pick a location that appeals to both of you. Where do you see you two having the most fun? Secluded beaches, tranquil mountains or cobblestone streets lined with shopping? • Decide how you want to spend your days. Will you lounge poolside, taking in lagoons and waterfalls, or do you want to explore the surrounding area by horseback, canoe or bike? • Scope out the options in his-and-her spa treatments, such as hydrotherapy sessions, mud baths and massages. Some resorts offer ultra-relaxing themes, while others focus more on invigorating treatments. • How will you spend your evenings? Resorts often provide nighttime festivities, complete with themed dining events mere feet from your room. Or, would you rather be near a town where you can explore both the area's attractions and what the resort provides? Whatever type of honeymoon you and your new spouse want, The Villa Group Resorts offers honeymoon packages prepared to make your matrimony celebration a once-in-alifetime experience. And, with packages geared toward wedding anniversaries, you can go back and have that once-in-life-time vacation all over again. For more information, visit www.villagroupresorts.com.

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Before Your 'I Do's,' Do Financial Review First

Create a Personalized Bridal Shower (NewsUSA) - Hosting a bridal shower? Make it special for the bride and add personal touches for an affordable, yet spectacular soiree. Here are a few tips. • It's all about the bride. Take into consideration the bride's personality and style. Is she a romantic? Use floral accents, lace and ribbon for a vintage-style shower. Is she a modern fashionista? Create your own feminine and flirty heart-shaped place cards or invitations. • Save money by requesting that fellow bridesmaids pitch in for food, floral arrangements and parting gifts. • Use materials you have around the house to create one-of-a-kind decorations. For instance, a glass cylinder can be transformed into a colorful and unique centerpiece with just a little fabric and ribbon adhered with Perfect Glue 1, which works on a variety of surfaces. For tips and project instructions, visit www.perfectglue.com. Perfect Glue, which can be found at craft and home improvement stores, can be used for a variety of projects and home repairs.

(ARA) - One thing you can definitely say about the current credit crunch - it sure isn't romantic. But for couples about to exchange "I do's," a clear understanding of each other's credit history as singles, and how they will use credit as a couple, is vital to ensure their future wedded bliss. All signs point to the reality that credit is likely to be difficult to get for a while, even for those with good credit scores. Getting married is a life-changing event that will impact your credit rating. It's important for couples to be open and honest with each other about their credit histories, credit-use habits and plans for using future credit. Credit has become an integral part of the American institution of marriage. If you are newlyweds, you'll likely require credit to fund some of your basic needs and dreams - from buying your first house to financing the minivan you'll need to transport the big family you plan to have. Your blended credit rating will decide how easy or difficult it is to secure those loans at favorable rates. So how can you prevent the credit crunch from putting the squeeze on your plans for building a life together? Here are some basic tips: First, exchange credit reports. As a single person, your credit score was a private matter between you and the people you borrowed money from. When you're married, your credit history becomes linked to your spouse's and he or she deserves to know ahead of time how you rate with lenders. Knowing what's on your credit report is the first vital step toward reaching your personal financial goals as a couple. Get a copy of your credit report at www.FreeCreditReport.com and present it to your intended. Next, set mutual priorities and goals. If you both have significant debt, perhaps your goal will be to pay that off before incurring any new debt. Pool your earnings to pay off the highest interest debts first - his $9,000 credit card debt may actually cost you more in interest each month than her $14,000 auto loan. If you both are relatively debt-free, good for you. You can turn your attention to setting savings and spending priorities, including saving for a down payment on a house (the low-rate, zero-down loan is virtually extinct), putting money aside for your retirement or building up your cushion of savings in case the economy gets worse and one of you loses a job. Decide which priority is highest on your list, agree on a time frame for reaching that goal and organize a game plan for getting there. It's important to have these discussions before the wedding. You'll both enjoy your big day more knowing you're on the same page regarding your financial future. It is easy to check your credit reports. Web sites like www.FreeCreditReport.com allow you to get your credit report and credit score which gives you more control over your personal finances. (Courtesy of ARAcontent)


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Dream Weddings are Possible, Even on a Budget (ARA) - Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, one you have probably spent years dreaming about. When color-coordinated linens, a beautiful outdoor tent and elaborate candelabras are your vision, don't let your budget confine your imagination. Your dream wedding can be possible, no matter how much you have to spend, when you rent from an American Rental Association (ARA) member rental store. Planning your wedding should be fun, not frustrating, but the number of decisions can be overwhelming, especially when trying to find the most cost-effective solutions. Use the expert guidance of a rental store professional to help you find your way through the details. Once you have determined the location of your event, search for a local ARA member rental store. The rental experts often know exactly what the venue will provide and what you will need to rent. They can point out the unique items available for rent, things that you may not have considered, and the little things you may forget about, like salt and pepper shakers. Your ARA member rental store is a great place to discover the latest in wedding trends. Leave it to them to learn what is new in chair and table settings and designs, barware, cake stands, tents, food stations and more. They can tell you about the newest items available to make your special day stand out from the rest.

SOME UNIQUE ITEMS THAT ARE AVAILABLE FOR RENT AND THAT CAN HELP MAKE YOUR DAY EXCEPTIONAL INCLUDE: • • • • • • •

Slush machines used to create delicious fruit smoothies and frozen specialty drinks. Outdoor heaters to keep your guests perfectly comfortable. Chiller tables to serve drinks or specialty food items. Popcorn machines to give your guests a fun carnival treat. Chair covers and table linens in an array of colors to help make your place settings unforgettable. Dance floors that will transform any space into a party. Stanchions (posts and fencings) to direct your guests where to go.

Many ARA member rental stores provide even more custom service through their Certified Event Rental Professionals (CERPs) who are trained to help you choose the right rentals to make your dream wedding a reality. Most offer on-site support the day of your wedding, and that's the day you'll be looking for all the support you can get! The wonderful experience and memories of your wedding day will be yours to own forever. For most everything else? Well, that you can rent. To find your local ARA member rental store, visit www.RentalHQ.com, the world's largest rental store locator. You can search by geographic location and by the specific type of equipment you are looking to rent. (Courtesy of ARAcontent)

Wagner’s

CHOCOLATES Home of Pure Chocolate

$2.00 off any order over $15.00

Don’t forget to pick up your Offer expires 4/10/09. One coupon per person. chocolate Coupon must be present. bunnies! 3760 1st Ave. • Finleyville • 724-348-2238 Coming soon www.wagnerschocolate.com


Page 44 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

WEDDING GUIDE –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Pre-Wedding Beauty Tips for the Bride (NewsUSA) - You want everything to be picture perfect for your wedding, including your smile. But like everything else about your big day, that perfect smile could require some work ahead of time. In fact, experts suggest starting your entire beauty regimen six months before the wedding. HERE'S A COMPLETE PRE-WEDDING BEAUTY CHECKLIST. • LIPS: Get soft, kissable lips by brushing away flakes of dry skin with an infant toothbrush soaked in baking soda and water. Apply healing ointment, and in no time, your lips will be ready for that "kiss the bride" kiss. • TEETH: A cosmetic dentist can often correct an imperfect smile with veneers. But if spending painful hours in the dentist's chair getting your teeth ground down sounds like it would put a damper on all the joyful planning, here's good news: Lumineers (www.lumineers.com) are now used by thousands of dentists nationwide and can be applied in two short, pain-free appointments. Unlike other veneer procedures, Lumineers are so strong and thin that they don't require removal of sensitive tooth structure. The procedure is quick, painless and even reversible. • MAKEUP: Women with warm skin tones look best in makeup with pink, coral, peach, amber, brown and red with yellow undertones. If you have a cool skin tone, choose pink, berry, lilac, mauve or red with blue undertones. • SKIN: Make your face glow with a good cleansing program. Use a cleanser that's appropriate for your skin type in the morning, makeup remover and cleanser at night and a daily moisturizer. Use a gentle facial scrub once a week. • HAIR: If you're planning to change your hairstyle or color, experiment several months before the wedding so you have time to correct any mistakes. • NAILS: If you're a nail-biter, get weekly manicures to keep your nails healthy. Plan your last manicure a couple of days before the big day. Choose a pretty pale pink or splurge on a French manicure, not just because it looks great, but because the chips won't show as much and are easy to fix. You'll have beautiful hands for the rehearsal dinner and any other festivities. Don't forget, practice makes perfect. Schedule a trial run with your hair and makeup artists several days before your wedding, so there are no surprises the day of the ceremony.

March 2009

Couples Get Creative In Celebrating Marriage (NAPSI)-Renting a costly messageplastered blimp to fly over a sports stadium is out and creativity is definitely in when it comes to marriage proposals--and not just because some couples aren't sports fans. Let's face it, everyone is thinking about the economy. With the average wedding in 2007 costing more than $28,000--up nearly 20 percent from 1990--many couples are getting back to what's truly important in the wedding process and focusing on more meaningful ways to celebrate their love. There are ways to propose without Take the case of one groom-to-be-blowing the wedding budget. let's call him "Brian"--who recently posted a query on Yahoo! Answers for a novel way to propose to his fiancée of two years. The "best answer," as chosen by Brian: replacing the normal background on his girlfriend's work computer with his own "will you marry me?" question. "A proposal isn't about the money you spend," Brian was advised, "it's about how it makes her feel. Be creative. Spontaneity is good." Yet spontaneity is only one technique for popping the question. At askmen.com, videotaping a proposal and then leaving it in a DVD player is advised. But for the men truly looking to be unique, substitute the traditional four-star restaurant and the engagement ring floating in her Champagne flute with a romantic picnic in the park. Forgoing the lavish proposal and ceremony, of course, leaves plenty of cash to spend on what no wedding couple would do without: the three rings. As in, her engagement ring (signifying your promise) and his-and-her wedding bands (symbolizing your commitment). If you're worried about value, it's a good idea to invest in the long-term satisfaction you'll receive by choosing Platinum (which starts as low as $1,000). It's the strongest, most durable metal, so engravings and patterns are permanent, and its natural white luster maximizes a diamond's brilliance and holds it securely in place for eternity. You can also be confident that your fiancée will love your choice, given that Condé Nast Bridal Group found that about 81 percent of brides prefer Platinum. "For a more unique style choice, look for Platinum rings with sapphires, rubies or emeralds for her," says jewelry and style expert Michael O'Connor, "and carvings and masculine finishes on bands for him." O'Connor--who's seen Platinum's popularity grow among both traditional and same-sex couples--recommends designers including Kirk Kara, Simon G and Bergio. But he says when choosing a ring, the best advice is to follow your heart and sense of style. For more information on the latest engagement and wedding ring styles, visit the Web site www.preciousplatinum.com or www.engagementguide.com.


March 2009 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

WEDDING GUIDE

Look What's New in Wedding Registries

)BJS 'PSDF 4BMPO Call for Wedding, Prom & Nail packages!

(NewsUSA) - If you haven't gotten married yet or recently been to a wedding, you may be surprised by new trends in wedding gift-giving. Though brides and grooms are still attracted to bone china and cut crystal goblets, many are now more likely to opt for nontraditional, sometimes more luxurious, gifts. Unlike the engaged couples of 20 to 30 years ago, today's 21st century pair may not be furnishing their first home. They might not be so Today, wedding registries go beyond towels interested in a crystal candy dish or monoand china. For instance, couples can now grammed silverware, either. register for a new mattress. Today's brides- and grooms-to-be, who already have fully stocked kitchens and bathrooms, are using their imaginations. In fact, some couples aren't shy about asking guests to pitch in for a boat, Jacuzzi, plasma television, or even a new mattress. HERE ARE A FEW CREATIVE GIFT IDEAS (AND SOME UNIQUE WEDDING WISH LIST IDEAS FOR COUPLES). • REST AND RELAXATION: Every newlywed couple deserves some pampering after the big day. Why not give a spa package for two or a Swedish massage? To keep the romance alive, spring for a sunset dinner cruise or a romantic catered picnic on the beach. • HONEYMOON HELP: Whether it's an exotic European getaway or a cozy stay at a bed and breakfast, the honeymoon is a big expense for couples. Consider chipping in to help pay for their airfare, hotel stay, excursion or a fun activity, like wind surfing. • OUTDOOR FUN: For the outdoor enthusiasts, how about a pair of mountain bikes, patio furniture, a grill, a hammock or garden accessories? • A LIFETIME OF RESTFUL SLEEP: Some say a new mattress is one of the biggest purchases a newly married couple will make together. After all, we spend one-third of our lives sleeping. To that end, Tempur-Pedic Swedish Mattresses and Pillows has created a sleep industry first - an online wedding registry where friends and family can contribute money to a couple's "wedding account" to help them purchase a new mattress or any of Tempur-Pedic's comfort products. For more information, visit www.tempurpedic.com/wedding or call 1-800-371-9476.

Unlike the engaged couples of 20 to 30 years ago, today's 21st century pair may not be furnishing their first home.

Call today to learn more.

412.249.8177

Ponce’s PLACE Restaurant Lounge & Catering

We Cater to All Your Individual Needs Delivery to local businesses for lunch & dinner "WE ARE NOW A NON-SMOKING ESTABLISHMENT"

Hours: Mon. - Fri. 11am- 10pm Sat.- Noon - 10pm

715 Route 481 Monongahela, PA 15063

724-258-6654

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Tap into the power of the Messenger.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 45

MONONGAHELA'S BEST KEPT SECRET

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216 North 3rd Street

412.384.9046


Page 46 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 KIDS & FAMILY

Kids & Family Sonshine Tree Preschool to Host Open House According to the U.S. Department of Education, preschool plays a large role in later academic success. "Children in high quality preschools display better language, cognitive, and social skills than children who attended low quality programs." They have longer attention spans, stronger social abilities, and better language and math skills well into their elementary school careers. In fact, 20 or 30 years later, they're more likely to "We were attracted to the Sonshine graduate from high school, more likely to Tree Preschool’s vision of a caring and hold high paying jobs, even more likely to own their own house. nurturing environment which proSo how do you find a "high quality premotes academic and social readiness school?" Professionals advise to observe the through Christian instruction. My husactual classes in action. This is exactly what band and I are so pleased with the Sonshine Tree Preschool is planning for their progress ours boys have made this Open House to be held Thursday, March 12, year, and would recommend Sonshine 2009 from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Sonshine Tree Tree to anyone who is considering a Preschool and Learning Center is now preschool for their child." enrolling for the 2009-2010 school year and -Michele Wagner with sons invite you to come see with your own eyes Matthew and Michael how we can give your child the loving head start they need in school. Classes are for 3, 4, and 5 year olds and provide Christian instruction in a fun, loving and caring environment. The focus is on Kindergarten readiness through hands-on, interactive learning. Students work with dedicated teachers in small class sizes to develop these skills: practical, listening, fine motor, speaking, gross motor, computer, social and emotional. Curriculum includes development of reading readiness, creative and musical arts, work habits, math readiness and physical health. Classes also enjoy educational field trips. Sonshine Tree Preschool is located at Crossroads Ministries located on Route 88, Finleyville, which is mile south of Trax Farm overlooking Mineral Beach. Call Rhonda Barner at 724-348-1620 with questions and visit our website at www.sonshinetreepreschool.com.

Creating Kites Pre-School Program at Mingo Creek Park The Washington County Department of Parks and Recreation is offering a Pre-School Program for 3-5 year olds at the Mingo Creek Park Office. The event will be held on Tuesday, March 3 and Wednesday, March 4. Two sessions will be available each day: Session I – 10 a.m.; Session II – 1 p.m. Each participant and their parent will assemble and decorate their own kite. Weather permitting, the children will attempt to get their creations air born at Mingo Creek Park. Supplies are included. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Washington County Department of Parks and Recreation office at 724-228-6867. Adults should plan to attend. Cost is $3 per child.

Applications Now Being Accepted for St. Valentine School and Preschool St. Valentine School has been educating students in Bethel Park and surrounding communities since 1953 and is now accepting registrations for kindergarten through eighth grade, as well as 2-, 3-, and 4-year-old preschool classes for the 2009-2010 academic year. St. Valentine School is accepting registration for new full or half-day kindergarten and all new students in first through eighth grade. For school information, please call (412) 835-3780. A flexible extended-day program is available. Preschool classes are open to 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds. In addition to traditional part-day opportunities, St. Valentine Preschool offers various full-day enrichment opportunities. For more information, please call 412-835-5539.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 47 KIDS––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– & FAMILY

A new survey suggests that teens prefer family dinners to eating alone.

Bringing Family to the Dinner Table (NewsUSA) - Think that teens don't like family meals? Think again. A recent survey of 1,063 teens, conducted by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, found that 84 percent of teens prefer dinner with their families, while 13 percent prefer to eat dinner alone. Nearly half of the teens who responded said that the dinner table is the best time to talk to their parents. Additionally, more than half of the teens who enjoy frequent family dinners say they receive anti-drug messages from their parents. "We know from decades of research that parental involvement at home is critical to children's school and life success," explains Dr. Holly Kreider, a senior research associate with Sociometrics Corporation. "The dinner table can provide an ideal opportunity for parents to inquire about their children's school day and create a positive, warm connection with them." But taking the time to prepare and eat a meal - among jobs, school, clubs and sports - can seem daunting. So, how can families increase their time at the dinner table? Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) has cooked up a solution with "Just Add Family: Delicious Recipes for the Entire Family." This cookbook is a compilation

of club member family recipes and includes the following tips to help families spend quality time at the dinner table: • Ask your teens about their classes, homework, teachers and upcoming assignments. Find out if they would like your help or want to brainstorm on an assignment. • Ask everyone to contribute stories and share their favorite part or biggest challenge of the day. • Plan and allow all family members to contribute to the next day's menu, preparation and cleanup. • Discuss an activity the family can do together, and set a date for it. • Talk with your children about a book they read or a movie they have seen. It might turn into a family book club or a movie night. Dr. Kreider emphasizes that the way dinnertime is spent may be as important as how often family dinners occur. To learn more about BGCA's Family PLUS initiative and download Just Add Family, visit familyplus.bgca.org.

84 percent of teens prefer dinner with their families, while 13 percent prefer to eat dinner alone.


Page 48 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 KIDS & FAMILY

MONTHLY

Kid’s Coloring Contest!

Win Four (4) FREE tickets to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium!

DOUBLE YOUR CHANCES!!

(Kids ages 10 and under are eligible to win every month.)

Visit www.unionfinley.com and click on the “Contest & Promotions” tab. Printout coloring sheet #2 Follow the same entry instructions, and mail BOTH coloring sheets (the

HOW TO ENTER: 1.) 2.) 3.) 4.) 5.)

Cut out the coloring sheet in the paper. Color it! (use crayons, markers or colored pencils) Fill in your name, phone number, age and mailing address Mail it in by the 15th of the month! LIMIT: One (1) newspaper coloring sheet and one (1) website coloring sheet entry per month per child.

* Winners will be selected by random drawing of all coloring sheets entered each month.

CONGRATULATIONS

Finleyville Community Center

one from the newspaper, and the one from the website) to double your chances for the drawing!

March 2009

to Mariah Kacey of South Park (age 10) for being the lucky winner of our December Kids Coloring Contest random drawing, and receiving four(4) FREE tickets to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium!

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

Visit our website at www.unionfinley.com. ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES, SPONSORSHIPS AND WEB BANNERS AVAILABLE. For more information, call 412-249-8177

Coloring Sheet provided courtesy, and with permission from www.free-coloring-pages.com

KID’S COLORING CONTEST Name:_________________________________________Age: _______ Phone #: __________________ Mailing Address:_______________________________________________________________________ * MAIL COMPLETED COLORING SHEETS TO: UNION-FINLEY MESSENGER, P.O. BOX 103, FINLEYVILLE, PA 15332


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 49 KIDS &––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FAMILY

Selecting Age-Appropriate Video Games

Parents are increasingly able to find video games suitable for children of all ages.

(NAPSI)-With the advent of the video game rating system in 1994, parents were given a heads-up about what titles were appropriate for their children. But as the next generation of kids starts to play, and with gaming technology making the action even more realistic, it's even more essential that parents look closely at the packages to ensure that the game fits the child. The Entertainment Software Rating Board was created to empower consumers, especially parents, with the ability to make informed decisions about the computer and video games they choose for their families through the assignment of age and content ratings, and to hold the computer and video game industry accountable for responsible marketing practices. But just as motion picture ratings now feature descriptions that list the potentially offensive content, video game ratings also feature descriptors that indicate elements in a game that may have triggered a particular rating and/or may be of interest or concern. This sort of verbiage can help parents decide when their young gamer is ready to transition, for example, from EC (early childhood) titles to E (everyone), which may contain minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild violence and/or infrequent use of mild language. This decision can be a little tricky, especially with young boys. That's why Ubisoft created Jake Power, a line of games for the Nintendo DS, which let boys ages 5 to 8 play as a Policeman, Fireman or Handyman. In "Jake Power Policeman," players use their own customized police vehicle to rescue innocent people and chase down criminals throughout the city. In "Jake Power Fireman," players must save residents by putting out raging fires while navigating rapidly and safely throughout the city in their own customized fire truck. And in "Jake Power Handyman," players are challenged to become the country's most famous handyman. Players must help make citizens' lives easier by repairing their buildings and making the city more livable and beautiful. All three games are rated E for Everyone. To learn more, visit www.ubi.com

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 50 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 PETS

Pets Prevent Pets from Bringing Fleas and Ticks Home (NewsUSA) - Spring is a time of rebirth and rejuvenation. Invigorated by warmer weather many of us make our way outdoors to soak up the new found sun. But despite the cheerfulness outside, spring can often bring unwanted critters indoors -; by hitching a ride on our pets. Before people take their pets for hikes or nature walks this spring, they should consider precautions to protect their pets - and themselves - from fleas and ticks. A flea or tick infestation is no fun for the whole family. Flea saliva can cause anemia, dermatitis and transfer tapeworms - a dangerous internal parasite. Worse, fleas reproduce quickly and can infest whole homes, requiring professional extermination. Perhaps more harmful than fleas, brown dog ticks and Lyme-disease-carrying deer ticks typically enter homes through pets as well. Once in the home, they can begin laying up to 5,000 eggs at a time. There is no need for pet owners to lock their dogs and cats inside all spring and summer. In fact, the National Pest Management Association, a 75-year-old non-profit organization committed to the protection of public health, food and property through proper pest management and homeowner education, offers these tips to Americans hoping to

protect their pets and their homes from fleas and ticks: • Avoid tick habitats such as low-growing, brushy vegetation along the edge of the woods or a trail. • Check your pet thoroughly after you have been in potentially tick-infested areas. Finding and removing all ticks helps prevent disease. • Check pets frequently for fleas and flea dirt, especially after being outside. Look for excessive scratching and licking. • Bathe pets after walks or playtime with other animals, as fleas can jump from host to host. • Talk with a veterinarian about prevention and treatment options available to kill fleas and flea eggs. • Wash pet bedding, collars and plush toys. • Wash bed linens and vacuum carpets, floors and furniture frequently. Empty vacuum bags and throw the contents away in an outside receptacle. • If you suspect a flea or tick infestation, contact a licensed pest professional immediately to treat the pest problem. For more information and tips, visit www.pestworld.org.

Voted Valley Favorite

DD DD DDD DD DD DDD

Avoid walking pets in tall grass - it can hide ticks.


March 2009 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––SENIORS ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 51

Seniors The top of the cake from Dave's Terrace Bakery was raffled off and won by Wilbert and Ceil Shuback.

••••

••• • • • ••

John and Rita Homer, who later shared her poem, walk down the aisle during the ceremony.

•••••••••

Rev. Robert Walkup renewed the vows with each couple individually.

A Very S p e c i a l Valentine’s Day Celebration By Andrea Earnest Union-Finley Messenger writer news@unionfinley.com

Fourteen couples, nine of them residents at Paramount Senior Living at South Hills in Baldwin, were offered the opportunity to renew their wedding vows at a special ceremony on Saturday, February 7. Rev. Robert E. Walkup, Ph.D., of the Baldwin United Presbyterian Church, officiated at the service held in the Community Room of Paramount. Members of the families and employees of Paramount were also invited to renew their vows. The longest-married couple was Elmer and Elizabeth Gramm, who were married on July 4, 1941, but several other couples were married in the early 1940s and later in that decade. Several of the residents’ family members also renewed their vows. John and Rita Homer’s two sons and daughters-in-law renewed their vows, as did the daughter and

son-in-law of John and Sally Renne. Rita Homer shared a poem she had written for the event. The residents and relatives renewing their vows were: • Dale and Irene Brown August 10, 1946 • Edwin and Elizabeth Brennan August 14, 1948 • Elmer and Elizabeth Gramm July 4, 1941 • John and Rita Homer November 29, 1945 • Clifford and Gretchen Homer (Family) June 6, 1963 • John Russell, Jr., and Barbara Homer (Family)November 9, 1968 • John and Marie Kovalcin January 19, 1949 • Richard and Vivian Pensak (Family) May 9, 2002 • John and Sally Renne June 27, 1942

The bridesmaids are Lexi, Sadie, Brittany and Courtney.

• Regis and Antoinette Shalley February 1, 1949 • Wilbert and Ceil Shuback January 24, 1942 • George and Jane Washington April 4, 1958 Two staff members and their spouses also renewed their vows: • Alan and Monalisa Freund January 11, 1994 • Chester and Kathleen E. Maciejewski November 2, 1985 Ms. Valerie A. Laboon, Activities Director, organized the event. Many other people

worked to make the day special. The bridal party was provided by Barbara Pohodich and her dogs, Sadie and Lexi, and Janet Malinsky and her dogs, Courtney and Brittany. Dave’s Terrace Bakery provided a lovely wedding cake, and Dupree’s Floral Shop donated the bouquets and boutonnières for the couples. Pat Catan’s Craft Center provided the decorations. Rev. Walkup provided the bulletins and his services for the event. The 110 people attending celebrated with champagne and wedding cake after the service.

Upcoming Events for Seniors at 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. • March 12th our regular lunch will be as usual with Blood Pressure Screening from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon so come early and have your screening done. Lunch will be served

at 12:00 Noon, prepared by the kitchen at the Canonsburg Senior Center and delivered to our center by a very helpful volunteer. Entertainment will be Girls Barber Shop Quartet under the direction of Mr. Priotti from the Peters Township School District. Followed by Bingo. • Our next luncheon will be on March 26th. Our meeting will start as usual with Blood Pressure Screening followed at 12:00 for lunch. After lunch

we will have our 50/50 drawing. Then our entertainment will be speaker from Unison Health Community Programs, Suzanne M. Woodstuff. She will have some interesting topics for us. As usual followed by Bingo. • Coming up in the near future will be the ‘55 Alive’ Drivers Course sponsored by AARP. More information coming up so keep this in mind. Call Erma Grego at 724-941-6956 for more information.

• Also we will be starting our second Brick Fund Raiser (how to become a part of Venetia Elementary Grade School History). For information call Esther Meissonier at 724-348-6504. This would be a great way to support your community. • February Birthdays: Carolyn Dagg, Ron Dagg, Kathy Fink, Erma Grego, Marion Martik, Mayme Skerl, Happy and Healthy Birthday. Anniversaries for February Russ and Irene Aldridge.


Page 52 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 SENIORS

Crisis Communication with Elderly Family Members mother-in-law recently fell at home. She has broken her Q. hipMyandelderly needs surgery as well as extensive rehabilitation therapy. My family is in crisis in finding the time to support my mother-in-law as well as maintain our hectic work and family schedules. My husband and I feel both guilty and frustrated as to how to help my mother-in -law recover from her injury, retain her independence that she cherishes, as well as manage our own busy lives. I can offer some suggestions for family members to consider when A. thinking about how to manage caring for a sick family member. If at all possible, involve your loved one in developing and carrying out any care plans. Mental as well as physical problems may make it difficult for older persons to participate in planning their care. If possible, their participation in their care decisions is essential to success. If your family member participates in the planning, they feel respected and will more likely feel committed to the plan and cooperate in carrying it out. The communication and plan need to take place in a slow and non-judgmental manner. Do not try to focus on all the problems at once, but prioritize problems and avoid looking too far into the future. Be realistic and flexible on what you communicate. Your elderly loved one also is feeling overwhelmed at the changes in their life. Prioritize problems one at a time and simplify your explanations as much as possible. After a plan is devised, if your loved one disagrees or won’t cooperate, suggest a “trial run” or a time limit. This puts off the final decision until he/she has had a chance to try the plan. You also can solicit the help of their physician or other healthcare provider to offer validity and clarity to difficult problem situations. Explain openly to your family member your own work and family needs. Sometimes our family member is not aware of our own personal problems or limitations. It is OK to say, “Mom, you will make my life so much easier if you …” Expect compromise in difficult situations, by both parties involved. It is important to ask yourself, “What is the most important thing here?” Be willing to compromise on less important issues and stand firm on the most important solutions. As an example, maybe it’s OK not to sell the family car yet, as long as dad agrees not to drive. If your loved one understands the consequences of their decision and they are not at risk of hurting someone else, you should accept their right to make that decision. Their decision could very well be contrary to what you think is best for them. Senior Services at Jefferson Regional Medical Center can provide assistance in guiding you through the communication process as well as provide important and varied community support services to assist in caring for your family members as unexpected needs arise. Jefferson Regional Senior Services is a free telephone referral service of Jefferson Regional Medical Center that assists area seniors, their families and caregivers with locating available services and programs to meet their needs. Senior Services also offers educational and wellness programs for the community for a nominal fee. Questions? E-mail to seniorservices@jeffersonregional.com call 412-469-7099, or write to Jefferson Regional Senior Services, PO Box 18119, Pittsburgh, PA 15236.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 53 YOUR––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– HEALTH

Corner CURVES of South Park Member of the Month Our February member of the month is Theresa Pfab. Theresa and her husband reside in Bethel Park with their young children Lindsay and Ryan. A busy mom, working part-time at Brentwood Bank and juggling family commitments leaves little time for me. "I love playing with my kids, reading and working out at Curves. My 30 minute workout is what really gives me the energy to get through the day. It just makes me feel good."

Theresa Pfab

Congratulations Theresa!

CURVES Machine of the Month Recovery Stepper This machine is used as a recovery station in the circuit.

JRMC Offers Free Ornish Open House Cardiovascular disease, including stroke, is the number one cause of death in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association. To help area residents join the battle against cardiovascular disease, Jefferson Regional Medical Center will offer a “Taste of Ornish” open house on Thursday, April 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Medical Center’s new Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease location at 2033 Lebanon Church Road, West Mifflin (next to FedEx Office). Valuable information will be provided about heart disease from a cardiologist, stress management specialist, registered dietitian, exercise physiologist and registered nurse. The Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease is a comprehensive lifestyle modification program designed to assist participants in the management of heart disease and how to address key risk factors associated with its onset and progression. Through healthy lifestyle modification, the Ornish program teaches participants how to improve their health and well-being to live longer and healthier lives. Those attending the open house will learn about the four components of the Ornish Program – nutrition, stress management, exercise and group support. The program’s professional team of health specialists and dietitians will be available to answer questions. The event is free, but space is limited so early registration is advised. Call Community Programs at 412-469-7100 to register.


Page 54 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 YOUR HEALTH

Howard Hanna Simon Donations Boost MVH Pediatric Services Monongahela Valley Hospital's commitment to providing all children with healthy lives has received another boost from Howard Hanna Simon Real Estate Services. Howard Hanna Simon recently contributed $10,000 to the hospital's efforts to provide care for children without health insurance from its annual fund-raising efforts. One of those events was the eleventh annual holiday fund-raisThomas J. Cullen, Senior Vice President of Monongahela ing luncheon at the Main Course Valley Hospital receives a $10,000 donation from Tom Restaurant in Cedarbrook Golf Simon, Broker/Owner, and John Bartolotta, Realtor, of Club. Howard Hanna Simon Real Estate Services. "We are deeply grateful to Tom Simon and Howard Hanna Simon Real Estate Services for their generosity," Thomas J. Cullen, senior vice president at Monongahela Valley Hospital, said. "There are many children in our community who will benefit from this benevolence; children whose families do not have health care insurance but who come to our hospital for treatment and care." Tom Simon, broker/owner of Howard Hanna Simon Real Estate Services, based at 1751 Rostraver Road in Belle Vernon, said his firm is "very happy" to make the contribution to Monongahela Valley Hospital for the eleventh successive year. This year's contribution brings to more than $ 61,000 the total contributed by Howard Hanna Simon to MVH over those years. "The hospital has been a major resource to the community for so many years, in so many ways," Simon said. "Their commitment to caring for and about children in the community is exemplified by their provision of free care to uninsured children. Howard Hanna Simon Real Estate Services is proud to support the hospital's efforts this way. It's always gratifying to work with an organization whose goals of giving back to the community are the same as ours." Cullen said the contribution from Howard Hanna Simon will "go a long way" to helping many children receive the medical care they need. "Monongahela Valley Hospital has always felt that every child deserves a healthy life," Cullen said. "One in ten children in Pennsylvania is without any health care coverage and many of those whose parents do not have health insurance live in the mid-Monongahela Valley. We see them on a daily basis, either in our Emergency Department or as inpatients. They are here for a variety of reasons and they must be cared for. Our funding for uninsured and underinsured children provides that care, and the generosity of Howard Hanna Simon will help us do that.

MONONGAHELA VALLEY HOSPITAL EVENTS F.A.C.P. and a team of health care profession-

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

MANAGING YOUR DIABETES - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, March 3, 4, 5 at 8:30 a.m., Mon-Vale HealthPLEX, Rostraver. 3day, 2-hour per day education series that focuses on diabetes self-management and care. To register, call 724-258-1483. BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Wednesday, March 4 at 6 p.m., ECC. For more information, call 724-258-1455. CHILDBIRTH PREPARATION CLASSES Wednesday, March 4, 11, 18, 25 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. Topics include: signs of labor, vaginal and c-section deliveries, role of the labor coach, comfort measures including breathing and relaxation skills and pain medication options. Couples will rehearse what they learn in class to help relieve anxiety surrounding the birthing experience. For more information, call 724-258-BABY (2229). RSDS SUPPORT GROUP - Tuesday, March 10 at 11 a.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 724929-9492. DIABETES EDUCATION DAY - Saturday, March 14 at 9 a.m., ECC. Monongahela Valley Hospital’s The day’s events are free and open to the public and topics include “Defining Diabetes – There Is No Such Thing as Borderline”, “Understanding Your Lab Work” and “Diabetes Standards of Care: A Guide for Your Doctor Visits”. Registration is requested Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. at 724-2581148. CANCER SUPPORT GROUP - Monday, March 16 at 7 p.m., ECC. For additional information, call 724-258-1704. MANAGING YOUR DIABETES - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, March 17, 18, 19 at 6 p.m., ECC. 3-day, 2-hour per day education series that focuses on diabetes self-management and care. To register, call 724-2581483.

Hours: Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 11 a.m.

724-348-6699

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

INNOVATIONS IN ARTHRITIC DISEASES - Wednesday, March 18 at 6 p.m., ECC. Rheumatologist Ajay K. Mathur, M.D.,

als will present a free program to discuss the newest methods for treating arthritis and related diseases at MVH. Call 724-258-1234 for registration. SOUP AND SALAD LUNCHEON - Thursday, March 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., ECC. The Auxiliary of Mon-Vale Health Resources have tickets on sale in the Monongahela Valley Hospital’s Gift Shop for the Auxiliary Soup and Salad Luncheon. For only $6, the auxilians will provide soup, salad, sandwich, dessert and beverage. Call 724-258-1234. OSTOMY SUPPORT GROUP - Thursday, March 19 at 6 p.m., ECC. This support group is free and open to all persons with ostomies and their families and friends. For more information, call 724-258-1773. LIVING WITH HEART DISEASE - Tuesday, March 24 at 1 p.m., Healthy Directions, Monongahela Valley 6116 Brownsville Road Extension, Suite 107, Finleyville. Donna Hatalowich, RN, Health Educator will present information on living with heart disease – our nation’s number one killer. To register, call724-348-6699. ADVANCED CARBOHYDRATE COUNTING - Wednesday, March 25 at 9 a.m., ECC. Diabetes self-management class that focuses on carb counting with everything you need to know. To register, call 724-258-1148. PUBLIC FIRST AID INSTRUCTION Thursday, March 26 at 6 p.m., ECC. The $25 fee is payable to VHSTC and advance registration is required at 724-684-9536. MULTIPHASIC BLOOD ANALYSIS Saturday, March 28 from 7 to 10 a.m., ECC. 40-panel blood screening for only $20. Community Room on the lower level of the hospital’s Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center. Testing is by appointment only and registrations are being accepted at 724-258-1282, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. BREAST-FEEDING CLASS - Monday, March 30 at 6:30 p.m., Mon-Vale HealthPLEX. For more information, call 724-258-BABY (2229). PUBLIC CPR INSTRUCTION - Tuesday, March 31 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 724684-9536.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 55 YOUR––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– HEALTH

Monongahela Valley Hospital Ranks in the Top 200 Coding Hospitals Monongahela Valley Hospital was recognized as one of the Top 200 Coding Hospitals in the United States for its documentation coding excellence and accuracy. The top 200 list is divided into four hospital categories: major teaching; minor teaching; urban, non-teaching; and rural, non-teaching. MVH was one of only 50 hospitals recognized in the urban, non-teaching category and only one of four in PA in its category. Donna Ramusivich, MVH Senior Vice President said, “Winning this award was truly a team effort. The Utilization Department works closely with all hospital personnel verifying and clarifying patient service information for proper coding. The physicians, nurses, clinicians and coders all work diligently ensuring accuracy of our patients’ medical records and that we appropriately charge and bill for services rendered. It is reassuring that an independent, outside entity, such as Ingenix, reviews our coding practices and awards us for our high quality medical coding practice and accurate and compliant billing services.” Ingenix, a leading health information, technology and consulting company conducted its fifth annual national study of inpatient coding performance and identified the top 200 hospitals that have the most complete and compliant coding practices. The top coding hospitals in its report have a clear understanding of how coding fits into the revenue stream. These hospitals are considered role models for the health care industry. “Commitment to patients is MVH’s top priority and we strive to provide high quality performance not only in patient care but also in documentation, billing and other administrative services,” said Ramusivich.

Healthy Directions Announces Programs and Events For March 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 event in March: COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH The goal of the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is to increase awareness that colorectal cancer is largely preventable, treatable and beatable. For more information please call us at 724-348-6699 or just stop in for information. HEMOPHILIA AWARENESS MONTH Hemophilia is genetic bleeding disorder that prevents the blood from clotting normally. We offer information about bleeding and clotting disorders and encourage testing treatment for those who think they may be affected. For more information please call us at 724-348-6699, or just stop in for information. 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.


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JEFFERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER EVENTS FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS IN THE COMMUNITY Jefferson Regional Medical Center Health Pavilion, 1000 Higbee Road, Bethel Park Free blood pressure monitoring and medication checks on March 17, April 7 and 28 from 9 a.m. to noon. Free balance screening, April 15, noon to 2 p.m. Main Lobby. Wal-Mart Pharmacy, West Mifflin Free medication/blood pressure checks on April 15 and 29 from 9 a.m. to noon. Clairton Municipal Building 551 Ravensburg Blvd., Clairton Free Community Stroke Risk Screening, April 4, 10 a.m. 1:30 p.m., 412-469-7100. FREE EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY Jefferson Regional Health Professionals at Wal-Mart Pharmacy, West Mifflin Pulmonary Rehab Week, March 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. National Sleep Awareness Week, March 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Colon Health, March 24, 1 to 3 p.m. Ask the Dietitian, April 7, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cardiac Surgery Overview, April 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Counseling Center Caste Village Mall, Suite M123, Whitehall Free seminars from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 412-4697100. Weight Management: Psychological Approaches to Eating, March 9; Understanding and Alleviating Depression & Anxiety, March 23; Enhancing Life with Meditation, April 6 Jefferson Regional Medical Center Health Pavilion, 1000 Higbee Road, Bethel Park “Could It be an Allergy? Tests That Will Inform You,” March 10, 9 a.m. to noon. Free

Nutrition Demonstrations: “Get to Know Some Good Grains,” March 23, 6 to 7:30 p.m., first floor. The Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease 2033 Lebanon Church Road, West Mifflin A Taste of Ornish, April 2, 6 to 8 p.m., 412-469-7100 LOW-COST SERVICES AND CLASSES AT JEFFERSON REGIONAL Health for Her: Women Out Walking, Begins March 18, 5 to 7 p.m., Weekly sessions follow from 5 to 6 p.m. March 25, Why is it so Hard to Change Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits; April 1, It’s not Just What You Eat, It’s How Much; April 15, Moving Toward a Mediterranean-type Diet; $20 non-refundable registration fee. To register, call 412-469-7100. Diabetes Education: Take Control of Your Diabetes: Fourpart series: March 10 & 17 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. and March 12 and 19 from 1 to 3 p.m.; also offered April 7 and 14, 6 to 8:30 p.m. and April 9 and 16, 6 to 8 p.m. Call 412-469-5234 to register. Senior Services Computer Classes: $45 for two, two-hour sessions. Basic Microsoft Word 2007 3 & 4, March 17 and 24, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (Vista), and April 16 and 23, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., (Windows 2000 and XP) Basic Digital Cameras 1 & 2, March 19 & 26, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., also offered April 1 & 8, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Basic Microsoft Word 2007 1 & 2, April 2 & 9, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., for Windows 2000 and XP AARP Driver Safety: April 7 and 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jefferson Room. Fee: $12 for AARP members, $14 for non-AARP members, payable to AARP. Call 412469-7099 to register.

LOW COST SERVICES AND CLASSES* IN THE COMMUNITY *May require a physician order; most insurance plans pay the fee. Co-pays vary. Jefferson Regional Wellness Center 712 Clairton Blvd., Pleasant Hills Call 412-469-7100 Personal Nutrition Coaching Discover Relaxation II - March 16, 23, 30 and April 6, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Eat Well For Life II: March 17, 24 and 31 and April 7, 6:30 to 8p.m. Ornish Advantage: March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. FREE EVENTS AT JEFFERSON REGIONAL Hip and Knee Pain Seminar March 10 or April 14, 10 to 11 a.m.; Call 412-469-7100. Sleep/CPAP/BIPAP Open House: Wednesdays, 7 a.m. to noon,or by appointment. Call 412-469-5981 for details. Health for Her: A Woman’s Guide to Personal Health and Safety, a two-part program from 5 to 7 p.m. On March 23, Del Olson, EMS manager, will discuss basic first aid, CPR and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs); on April 7, Bill Hindman, manager, Security, will talk about protecting oneself and self-defense. Call 412469-7100 to register. Look Good, Feel Better: For women undergoing cancer treatment on March 9 at 1 p.m., or April 1 at 11 a.m. Call 1-800227-2345 to register. Senior Services: Your Guide to Veterans’ Healthcare Benefits, March 31, 5 to 7 p.m. Call 412469-7099 to register. Senior Services: Free Income Tax Counseling for the Elderly, now through April 12, Senior Services offices at JRMC. Call 412-469-7099 for details.

Portions and Servings By Karen Barnum RN EP, MS

We know what to eat and we know what not to eat. We’ve made changes in our eating patterns, yet we still don’t notice any weight loss. Weight loss is achieved by lowering our calories. Healthy foods, especially healthy fats, can still have an abundance of calories. Our grocery store shelves are full of 100calorie snack bags. Notice how small these bags are. Portion control is very important in controlling total number of calories per day. Who knows or necessarily wants to count calories per day? Counting servings of food choices per day is a lot easier. So what is the difference between servings and portions? A portion can be thought of as the amount of a specific food you choose to eat for dinner, snack or other eating occasion. Portions, of course, can be bigger or smaller than the recommended food servings. A serving is a unit of measure used to describe the amount of food recommended from each food group. It is the amount of food listed on the Nutrition label or the amount of food recommended in the Food Guide Pyramid and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Servings can be measured or visually estimated by associating with frequently used objects of well known specific sizes: • A baseball is a serving of vegetables or fruit. • A rounded handful or about one half cup is a serving of cooked rice or pasta. • A rounded handful is also a serving of chips or pretzels. • A deck of cards or a bar of soap is a 3-ounce serving of meat. • A golf ball or large egg is a serving of dried fruit or nuts. • A tennis ball is about one half cup and a serving of ice cream. • A computer mouse is a serving of a baked potato. • A computer disc is the serving of a pancake or waffle. • A ping pong ball is a 2 tablespoon serving of peanut butter. • A stack of six dice is a serving of a piece of cheese. • A check book is a 3-ounce serving of fish. • A hockey puck is the serving of a average bagel. The number of servings estimated per day is established by a recommended calorie intake per day. Not all of us are the same, so our number of recommended servings will not be the same. Individualized nutrition plans can be made by an appointment with a registered dietitian who will review your health history, evaluate your current eating plan, and make recommendations. One of the better Internet sites for nutrition recommendations is mypyramid.org. At the site you will enter height, weight and average activity levels and an individualized program will be created. At this site, there is not any number of servings listed. The food allowances are listed in total cups or total ounces recommended per day. This type of information does not take into consideration any health history. The amount of food intake per day has a direct correlation to our health. We all have a tendency to over-estimate our serving sizes leading to portion distortion. Estimating your servings by visualization of known objects or by direct measurement will enable you to better regulate your calorie intake.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 57 YOUR––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– HEALTH


Page 58 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 YOUR HEALTH

Former Steelers’ Linebacker Robin Cole to Speak at JRMC Men’s Health Seminar Jefferson Regional Medical Center will kick off its first Men’s Health Seminar with guest speaker Robin Cole, former linebacker with the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers. The free health seminar, scheduled Thursday, April 23, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Jefferson Room, Bibro Pavilion on the Jefferson Regional campus, 565 Coal Valley Road, Jefferson Hills, will focus on the theme, “A Winning Defense for Prostate Health.� Robin Cole is the founder of the Obediah Cole Foundation, an organization started in honor of his father, who died at age 50 of prostate cancer, a disease that affects 230,000 men annually. With headquarters in McMurray, PA, the foundation is aimed at spreading awareness of and raising funds to fight prostate cancer. Its mission is to promote prostate cancer education, awareness and early detection. Additional speakers are planned, including Jefferson Regional medical staff urologist Carl O. Bruning, III, MD. Dr. Bruning will address several important topics, including impotence, erectile dysfunction, enlarged prostate, PSA testing and diagnosing and treating prostate cancer. The emcee is Brian Deyarmin, MD, director of Men’s Health at Jefferson Regional and a family practice physician. “Each year we have a Women’s Health Symposium that draws nearly 200 women and is a huge success,� said Patricia Luptak, RN, BSEd, MS, OCN, director of Oncology/Infusion Services at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. “This is our first men’s event and we are looking forward to experiencing the same excellent response from the communities we serve.� Luptak said that Robin Cole’s personal experience – and those of four of his seven brothers who also had the disease – which he will discuss at the Men’s Health Seminar underscores the importance of early detection and screening for prostate cancer. Reservations are required for this free event. Light snacks and free parking will be provided. Call Community Programs at 412-469-7100 to register.

If you’re experiencing neck pain, find relief at the Centers for Rehab Services. Our knowledgeable therapists are experts at helping you recover from injuries, increase strength, and build the endurance you need to pick up right where you left off. As part of UPMC, we offer the leading treatments in physical and occupational therapy. Best of all, with over 40 locations, our clinical excellence — and your relief — are closer than you think. To schedule an appointment at any of our convenient locations, visit upmc.com /CRS or call 1-888-723-4CRS.

Jefferson Regional Quick Care Backed by the Full Resources of the Hospital Patients who come to the Emergency department with illnesses and injuries that are urgent, but not life-threatening, are now being directed to a designated treatment area in the Emergency department known as Jefferson Regional Quick Care . This new area is designed to provide quick and easy care – especially during exceptionally busy periods of the day – for medical conditions such as sprains and strains, broken bones, lacerations, viruses, sore throats and coughs. Because Quick Care is located within Jefferson Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Department, patients who are seen there will have access to full emergency services, including state-of-the-art equipment and medical professionals who specialize in emergency care if they require additional medical attention. Quick Care is available on a walk-in basis 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Patients entering the Emergency Department entrance will be met at the triage desk by emergency personnel who will assess their condition and direct them to Quick Care or the main Emergency Department.

COMING IN APRIL

Home & Garden GUIDE CALL 412-249-8177 TODAY FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 59 YOUR––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– HEALTH

THESE AREA SERVICE PROVIDERS ARE HERE TO ANSWER ALL YOUR QUESTIONS...

ASK the

EXPERTS

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

PHYSICAL REHABILITATION Q: I have pain in my heel and have trouble walking when I first get up. What is this from and what should I do about it? A: This pain is most likely due to a condition called plantar fasciitis. It is an inflammation of the connective tissue on the bottom Elizabeth Stinelli, of your foot. Plantar Fasciitis is characterized by heel pain and stiffPT, MS, OCS ness that is worst first thing in the morning and/or after prolonged Physical Therapist walking or standing. Populations prone to plantar fasciitis are run- Centers for Rehab Services ners and middle-aged, overweight, sedentary people who tend to stand on hard surfaces often. To minimize the pain you may: use ice or a cold water bottle on your heel for about 10 minutes a few times a day, stretch your heel cord a few times a day, try to limit the amount of time spent on your feet, and always wear proper, supportive footwear and never go barefoot. If the condition doesn’t improve make an appointment with your physician and ask for a referral to see a physical therapist for formal treatment. You may contact Elizabeth Stinelli at Centers for Rehab Services – Jefferson at 412-469-2508. Centers for Rehab Services Jefferson Medical Arts Building 1200 Brooks Lane, Suite 230 Jefferson Hills, PA 15025 Centers for Rehab Services offers physical therapy at more than 40 locations. For a location near you call 1-888-723-4CRS (4277).

MEDICAL CARE Q: What do you do when you have been exposed to someone who is sick with a cold? A: The average incubation period for a virus is 24-72 hours after exposure. Given the widespread misery that colds inflict, it is not surprising that considerable research dollars have been spent on Mary Parks Lamb, MD Medical Director ways to prevent and alleviate the symptoms of the common cold. Urgent Care Center Most studies have not found consistent evidence to support that taking megadoses of vitamin C, getting extra sleep or exercise, or ingesting large amounts of zinc makes any difference in your likelihood of getting a cold. The only way to prevent a cold is with common sense and good hand washing technique. Try to limit exposure to those who are sick and frequently sanitize common surfaces in the household or workplace with disinfecting spray or wipes. Wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently, and try to avoid putting your hands to your face, nose or mouth.

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Urgent Care Center affiliated with The Washington Hospital 3515 Washington Road, Krebs Center, McMurray 724.969.4321 www.theurgentcarecenter.org


Page 60 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 FOOD & DINING

Food & Dining Grand Openings! Now Open! The South Park Club House By Andrea Earnest Union-Finley Messenger writer news@unionfinley.com

Looking for a new place in the South Hills for some good food and fun? Try the South Park Club House which recently opened its doors to the public. Newly remodeled and refurbished from the old South Park Inn next to the South Park Fairgrounds, the space is open and inviting. The bar has seven large-screen televisions for customers’ viewing pleasure and offers 20 beers on draft. The game room has about 20 different games for

anyone of any age to enjoy. It is set back from the main dining room so that it is non-intrusive to diners. The game room is also connected to the banquet room, which holds up to 65 people. Scott Morosetti and his wife Mary planned the banquet facilities for smaller gatherings, such as wakes, birthday parties, baptisms, or showers. With the game room attached to the banquet room, children and adults can easily move between the two rooms. The menu is all American, with a wide selection of appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, and sandwiches, as well as an entrée menu of seafood, chicken, and

The game room offers a variety of fun and entertainment that will delight all ages.

The new South Park Club House on Brownsville Road offers food and fun all in one stop.

steak. There is also a selection of pasta entrees and pizza. There will be a larger selection of fish during Lent. Mr. Morosetti grew up in Baldwin, and his family’s favorite places to eat were Dorido’s for fish and the South Park Inn for special occasions. He has worked hard to maintain the quality and reputation of both of his boyhood favorites.

The South Park Club House, 2200 Brownsville Road, is open Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 11 PM; Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to midnight; and Sunday from 10 AM to 10 PM. The bar is open until 2 AM. Takeout is available. For more information, you can reach them at 412-833-5599.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 61 FOOD &––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– DINING

Grand Openings! Look what’s new in Town

Kendra’s Café Opens its Doors in Finleyville By Christen M. Stroh Union-Finley Messenger writer strohc@gmail.com

The family business – The Kendra family invites you to stop into their new diner for a good home-cooked meal. Pictured are husband and wife Debbie and Mark Kendra flanked by their daughter Amber Kendra at left and son Mark Kendra.

Debbie Kendra knows food. As cafeteria district manager for the Ringgold School District, she has been working in the culinary industry for as long as she can remember. The Monongahela resident can now share that knowledge more extensively with restaurant-goers, as she is the new owner and operator of Kendra’s Café, located in Finleyville. Previously the site of El J’s Diner, located off of Route 88 near the Lorraine McFarren from Monongahela, a Mingo Creek Park entrance, friend of owner Debbie Kendra and Dolores Kendra’s Café has been open since George, Debbie's mom, who the first week in December. The lives in Bentleyville. restaurant specializes in breakfast and lunch specials, offering a wide range of sandwich items, including a specialty hotdog. Although in business for just a few months, Kendra already has big aspirations for the restaurant. She is putting together a dinner menu and is anticipating being open longer starting in the spring to accommodate dinner crowds. “Shortly,” she says, “we’ll also be offering catering services.” Kendra’s culinary talents also Kendra’s Café located on Route 88 between extend into the baking industry. As Finleyville and New Eagle offers seating at the a cake decorator, she has been able counter, tables and booths. to sell specialty cakes, including wedding cakes, at the café. Despite being so busy, Kendra doesn’t mind putting in the effort to make her restaurant a success. “I’ve wanted to have my own restaurant since I was a teenager,” she laughs, admitting that having four employees and family helps her out. Kendra’s Café is open seven days a week from 7 am – 6 pm currently and will be open until 8 pm starting in the spring. Be sure to stop in and say hello and enjoy a terrific dining experience.


Page 62 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 FOOD & DINING

It’s A

Fish Fry!

(information compiled by Heather Kelley-Latorre)

Stop by Any of these area locations to enjoy a local Fish Fry on Fridays During Lent. BETHEL PARK St. Valentine School and Parish 2710 Ohio Street, Frawley Hall 412-835-2780 • www.stvals.org St. Valentine School is hosting a Lenten Fish Fry every Friday, from 4-7:30 pm. The menu includes hand-dipped, beer-battered fried cod, baked cod, and butterfly shrimp dinners, which include roll, coffee, tea, a choice of vegetable or homemade coleslaw, and either baked potato, French fries, pierogies, homemade macaroni and cheese, or haluski. All of these items, as well as clam chowder and pizza by the slice, are also available a la carte. Drinks and desserts will also be available. For the younger crowd, mini mates meals are back and include a choice of pizza, mac-n-cheese or fish sandwich. Senior citizens 60 years or older receive a $1 discount on full eat-in dinners. Take-out service is available. CANONSBURG St. Patrick Parish 317 W. Pike Street • 724-745-6560 Fridays in Lent through March 3 from 11 am – 1 pm and 4-7 pm. Baked or fried fish sandwiches and dinners. Dessert included with dinner. Sides include haluski, coleslaw, mac-ncheese, or baked potato. Call ahead for takeout. CHARLEROI Mary Mother of the Church 624 Washington Avenue, Marion Hall 724-483-2455 Ash Wednesday only. 11 am – 6:30 pm. Baked or fried dinner for $7 includes French fries, green beans, coleslaw, and dessert. Call for takeout. CALFORNIA California Volunteer Fire Company 1000 Wood Street • 724-938-9283 Every Friday 11AM - 7PM throughout Lent

ELIZABETH Elizabeth Fire Department 1799 Blythedale Road 724-872-7114 • www.etfd1.com Fridays in Lent, 11:30 am – 6:30 pm. Handbreaded fish, shrimp, and chicken with macaroni-n-cheese, haluski, and hamburgers. Elizabeth United Methodist Church 317 South 2nd Avenue 412-384-7050 Fridays in Lent, Feb 27 through April 10. Lunch is 11 am – 1 pm; dinner, 4-7 pm. Dinners or sandwiches. Take-out available by calling 412-384-7050. St. Michael’s Church 101 McClay Drive, Social Hall 412-751-0663 Ash Wednesday and Fridays of Lent (excluding Good Friday), 4-7 pm. Fish (fried or baked), haluski, pierogies, macaroni and cheese, soup, cheese pizza, meatless pasta, French fries, shrimp, apple sauce, coleslaw, desserts, and beverages. ELRAMA Elrama Tavern 1520 Route 837 • 412-384-3630 Available during Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent: breaded cod fish (baked or fried) sandwich, fish platter, fried shrimp platter, homemade haluski, pierogies, and Lenten soups. FINLEYVILLE St. Francis of Assisi 3609 Washington Avenue, Finley Hall 724-348-7145 Ash Wednesday only. 12-6:30 pm, fried or baked sandwiches and dinners with mac-ncheese and french fries.

JEFFERSON St. Thomas a’ Becket 139 Gill Hall Road, School Building 412-655-9966 Fridays during Lent from 3:30 pm until 7:00 pm, including Good Friday. The menu includes: fried fish dinner, baked fish dinner, fried shrimp dinner, French fries, haluski, homemade soup, various specials each week and homade desserts. Take-out orders can be made beginning at 3 pm and can be picked up in the rear of the school. Fish is fried in a blended shortening that contains no trans-fatty acids and has no cholestrerol. LIBRARY and SOUTH PARK St. Joan of Arc 6470 Library Road 412-854-3173 • www.mystjoan.org Ash Wednesday, all Fridays of Lent, first Friday of every month, 11 am – 7 pm. Fish (baked or fried), shrimp, crab cakes, clam chowder, cabbage and noodles,pierogies, macaroni and cheese, pizza, french fries, coleslaw, and homemade desserts. Calling ahead for take-out is highly recommended! Stations of the Cross, 7:30 pm on Fridays. Broughton Fire Department 1030 Cochrans Mill Road 412-655-4844 • www.broughtonvfd.org Annual Fish Fry is Good Friday, April 10. Fish sandwiches and dinners available. McMURRAY St . Benedict the Abbot 120 Abington Drive, O’Brien Hall 724-941-9406 www.stbenedictthe abbot.org Ben’s Men Annual Friday Fish Fry - Ben’s Men of St. Benedict the Abbot Church invites you to our annual Friday Fish Frys. The dates for the Fish Frys are Fridays, March 6, 13, 20, 27, and April 3 from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM in O’Brien

Hall. We will be serving our delicious fish dinners* (Adult $7.50 / Child $5.00), fish sandwiches ($5.50) and Fr. Sam’s Italian pizza ($6.00/pie or $1.00/slice), and Benny’s Clam Chowder soup ($2.50). For dinner, eat in or take out! Also available is a Friday Fish Fry Lunch, which includes a fried fish sandwich, coleslaw, and french fries for $6.50, Benny’s Clam Chowder soup for $2.50, and Fr. Sam’s Italian pizza for $6.00/pie or $1.00/slice. (two new items at lunchtime). Our lunch will be eat-in or takeout and will be served from 11:00am to 1:00pm. *Dinners are either fried or baked fish mac&cheese or french fries, coleslaw, and beverage. MONONGAHELA St. Paul’s Church 130 W. Main Street 724-258-7792 Ash Wednesday and all Friday’s in Lent. Fish dinners and fish sandwiches plus a variety of soups, sides, beverages, and homemade desserts. Eat-in or take-out. Begins Friday Feb 20 2009, Ash Wednesday and all Fridays in Lent 11-6:30 pm Fish Dinners fish sandwiches, shrimp dinners, soups, colesow ff, homemade desserte and beverages. Transfiguration Catholic Church 722 W. Main Street, School Hall 724-258-7742 Ash Wednesday only, 3-7 pm. Fish sandwiches and dinners available. VENETIA Hackett Slovenian Club 1118 Brawdy Street 724-348-5503 Starting February 27 and continuing every Friday through Lent from 5-8 pm. Fish sandwich or dinner. Side dishes will vary.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 63 YOUR––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– MONEY

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Page 64 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 SPORTS

PJC on

Sports

PA School District Consolidation Say Goodbye to Athletic History, Tradition, School Records, Local Pride By Paul Chasko Union-Finley Messenger writer, pchasko@unionfinley.com

With the economic crisis hitting Pennsylvania Governmental Operations as hard as many other states, Governor Rendell has again voiced his opinion that one of the methods for streamlining state operations and making the state budget more manageable would be to restructure the school districts. The theory is that there are duplications in administrations, operations and other activities that could be eliminated resulting in cost savings. He has recently mentioned that he would like to see 100 school districts across the state rather than the 500 we presently have. Since the education budget is the largest single item in the PA state budget it stands to reason that cost savings there would be effective. But how do you cut education budget costs without affecting quality of education? Consolidation by redistricting is thought by some to be the only option. There’s obviously a lot of detailed study that would be needed to determine if redistricting would be possible and what cost savings could be gained by doing so. But just suppose this were to happen. Think about what the future might be like for high school sports. There are 67 counties in Pennsylvania. Some are larger and some smaller than Washington County. But for example, just

suppose that all of Washington County were to become the “Washington School District”. Would the Ringgold Rams, the Washington Little Prexies, the Waynesburg Raiders, Charleroi Cougars, Peters Township Indians, California Trojans and numerous others be melded into one team for each sport? Would there be multiple high schools within one school district? How would that work? How would the student athletes from multiple school locations attend practices, and what fields or gymnasiums would they use for home games? Would only 50 teams be in sports contention in the WPIAL? Would only 100 teams compete in the PIAA? Would the “A Levels” be eliminated? Would there be only 100 high school bands in PA? It makes you wonder. Perhaps there would there be sport schedules between schools representing each large school district from which a champion would emerge to represent the district in the state playoffs? Or will budget restrictions in the future be the death knell of high school sports as we know them – perhaps relegating sports at the high school level to something like Club Sports supported solely by parents who can afford the added costs. The answer remains to be seen. Let’s just hope that somehow, the individual schools can still keep a sense of community pride, and stay true to their heritage that has been built up over so many years.

Registration for Peters Youth Cheerleading Registration for the 2009 youth football season Cheerleaders will be held on Wednesday, March 4 and Thursday, March 5, 2009. Any girl who will be in grades 1-6 in 2009-2010 school year is eligible to participate. Registration will be held at the PT Community Center (located behind PT Library connected to Police Station) from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. There will be a registration fee of $50 cash/check to PTYCA. (There will be a $75 registration fee after March 5. Last day to register March 28). There will be a uniform swap during registration to purchase used uniforms. Uniform Fitting will take place on Saturday March 28, 2009 from 10:00am – 2:00pm at the PT Recreation Center Multipurpose room. For additional information, please call Lisa Pollack at (724) 942-3110.

Annual SnoBall Classic at South Park By Paul Chasko Union-Finley Messenger writer pchasko@unionfinley.com

The Super Bowl is over. The Pens are struggling. What can I do in the middle of winter? Hey! Pull your bat and glove out of the closet and get involved in the SnoBall Classic – if you’re brave enough. This was the eleventh year for the midwinter softball classic held at parks in the Pittsburgh area this year on February 7 and 8. It’s a benefit with part of the proceeds going to charities selected by the organizers. It provides a mid-winter outlet for players and teams who love playing the game and others who like to express their love of the sport in - well - odd ways. There are divisions for guys, gals, and co-ed teams. I stopped by and watched several games in South Park. The warm temperatures had the various fields in South Park just the way these die-hard players like them – a mixture of slush and ice interspersed with puddles of freezing water – what a mess. With this being a round-robin tournament most teams could figure to be around for several games on Saturday, so most players were dressed warm. Even so it didn’t take long for players who weren’t shy about sliding through four inches of frozen slush to be soaked to the skin.


March 2009 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––SPORTS ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 65 gave out the medals to the winners and then took time to shake hands with the fighters and coaches.

Local Boxing Update By Steve “Skeets” Levandosky U.S.A.-A.B.F. TOURNAMENT, James 5:16, January 24, 2009. Tarentum PA. Brookline's Sam Suska of South Park Boxing Club wanted to fight one more amateur tournament before he turns pro. He draws Jonail Farley his old foe in the first round fight. The fifth time is the charm for Suska, as first round action starts with both boys clubbing each other right away! Action from the Dodds-White fight as the leather was flying in W.V. Suska looked to have a little more snap in his punches and his movement, countering Farley's same. Barca takes control and out hustles punches while landing his own. In the third Parish for the win. round Suska switched his stance from NEW CASTLE, PA, February 6 orthodox to southpaw and scored huge. 122lbs. Sam Suska wins the crowd pleasing deciRob Colasante of SPBC vs.Antonio Nevans sion. (Cleveland Boxing) These two have fought several times WEST VIRGINIA NORTHERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Wheeling, WV, before. All the fights are about the same. Both boys move well and land fast combos January 24 on each other. I thought Colasante moved 198lbs. Samuel Dodds (SPBC) from Brookline via better and landed more, but the judges didBelfast, Ireland vs. Brian White W.V.U. n’t agree as they award Antonio Nevans with a win. Boxing. 165lbs. In the first round, Dodds gets nailed with Andreas Kamouyerou, of Peters Twp. And a hard straight left to the nose and returns the favor, plus two rights to the head as the (SPBC) vs. Wilkins Santiago (Cleveland first round ends. In the second round Boxing) These two both trade bombs right away Dodds was the aggressor, attacking White till Santiago explodes a left hook that sent with hammering right hands that dazed the W.V.U. boy to an 8-count. When the judges Kamouterou to the seat of his trunks. In score cards are in "Lucky" Samuel Dodds the second round they continue to bomb each other, I thought Kamouyerou picked wins his first fight!! up the pace and threw more and landed KITTANNING SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Kittanning, PA, January 31 The Barca Boys: Dom 165lbs. and brother Nick 105lbs. Both from Baldwin via Bronx N.Y. and (SPBCA) fight on the same card. Dominic is first up versus Kittanning hometown boy Loagan Atwood (Wick City “For All Your Boxing) In the first round, Atwood jumps Supplemental Needs” on Barca and lands a big right hand to his Vitamins left eye that had the crowd on its feet. In the Children’s Products second round, Barca comes out slugging Single & Bulk Herbs Minerals against Atwood. Both boys refused to yield Mens & Women’s Products ground as they battle to the last frame. Homeopathic Medicine Logan Atwood wins a tough decision!! Weight Loss Products Brother Nick is next and matches up 100% Pure Essential Oils against Caleb Parish (WAFA). These two 412-403-8233 fought previously, and the results are the www.mynsp.com/jrobbins

The Thrill of Victory for "Lucky" Samuel Dodds (SPBC) as he gets his hand raised in the 200lbs. weight class.

more. Again, the judges disagree, as the decision goes to Cleveland's Wilkins Santiago ALLEGHENY MOUNTAIN, USA Championship, Pittsburgh Hilton Hotel, February 7 On this night the U.S.A. Finals were held, as well as the 2nd Annual “You Gotta Have Heart, Guns & Hoses” Fundraiser for U.P.M.C. Cardiovascular Institute. This event pits the City Police vs. City Firemen. In attendance was Steelers head coach MikeTomlin, who is a fight fan too. Tomlin

165lbs. Sam Suska, (SPBC) vs. Zack Kamnikar, (Wolfpack M.A.S.C. of Bridgeville) In the first round, Kamnikar starts tagging Suska's with left and right hands. Suska answers back with a vicious left hook to the gut that sent Kamnikar to the canvas. In the second round, it was much like the first, with Suska taking hits to the head but answering back with a vengeance. The refs give Kamnikar a standing 8count. The third round is all Sam Suska. Suska wins the 165lbs.Championship GOLDEN GLOVES AT SADDLERIDGE, Station Square, Pittsburgh, PA, February 14 75lbs. Shawn Cusick of Baldwin and (SPBC) vs. Terrell Farley- (Boyce W.P.A.L.) This is the third time these two boys squared off against each other since 12-2008. Each has a win. This fight starts like the other two with fast action. Cusick did most of the scoring as he scored with big over hand rights to the jaw. In the second round Cusick scored with straight rights to the gut followed with left hooks to the head. Farley put up a good fight but Shawn Cusick takes home the win

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Page 66 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 SPORTS

Ringgold And Canon-McMillan Step Up For Cancer Research

Mon Valley Matsharks

Coaches vs. Cancer Game Nets Big Bucks

New Wrestling Club Launches In West Elizabeth

By Paul Chasko Union-Finley Messenger writer pchasko@unionfinley.com

The Coaches vs. Cancer program unites the American Cancer Society and local high schools in the fight against cancer. The high school hoops match-up between Ringgold and Canon-McMillan on Friday, January 30 was the “Coaches vs. Cancer” game. One dollar of every admission went to the Executives of Amcom present Ringgold and Canon-McMillan American Cancer Society. Schools with $1,500 to match funds raised in the Coaches vs. Throughout the game donations Cancer game to be given to the American Cancer Society. were also solicited from the Pictured (L to R) are: Ms. Marella Kazos (Vice Principal, crowd and donations were Canon McMillan), Rich Schneider (Amcom Sr. Account accepted in the Ringgold Athletic Executive), Mr. Lloyd Price (Ringgold Athletic Director) and Office throughout the prior Mr. Anthony Massari (Amcom President). week. Monies from the half-time activities were also donated to the cause. Amcom Office Systems partnered with Ringgold as a sponsor for the event. Amcom Office Systems has been servicing the Mon Valley area for over 25 years. They offered to match the funds raised up to $1,500. At halftime, Mr. Anthony Massari, President of Amcom and Rich Schneider, Senior Account Executive, presented Mr. Lloyd Price (Ringgold Athletic Director) and Ms. Marella Kazos (Cannon McMillan Assistant Principal) with a check for $1,500. The result was that the two schools were able to raise $3,070.82 for the American Cancer Society to help promote lifesaving research and programs that improve the quality of life for thousands of people suffering from cancer. Since 1993 the “Coaches vs. Cancer” program has generated nearly $40 million in revenue for the society’s fight against cancer. Although Ringgold lost the game 52 – 45, The American Cancer Society came out to be the big winner. Congratulations to the coaches, Amcom and all who participated in this worthy endeavor. [BACKGROUND AND PHOTO COURTESY OF RINGGOLD ATHLETIC DEPT.]

ATTENTION ALL ROLLER BLADERS South Park Roller Hockey League is under new management and ready to roll for 2009! The league is open to boys and girls, ages 18 and under, all skill levels. The season begins in April and ends in early August. All communities welcome! Games are played on weeknights at the South Park roller rink on Corrigan Drive in South Park. Age groups are 18 & under, 16 & under, 14 & under, 12 & under, 10 & under, and a ‘Learn to Play Group’. The age group is determined by the player’s age as of January 1, 2009. A copy of player’s birth certificate required for registration. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: All players must have their own equipment: Inline skates, shin guards, cup/pelvic protector, elbow pads, gloves, mouth guard, helmet with cage (HEC), stick with butt end. Goalie equipment is provided by SPRHL. Cost: $135 for all age groups; $85 for Learn to Play Registration Date: When: Wednesday, March 18th - 6:00pm to 8:30pm Where: South Park Community Center Coaches and Assistant Coaches needed! For more information or a registration form, please contact Darren Marynchak dmarynchak@comcast.net / (724)-348-4911. Brian Campolong bjcampolong@comcast.net / (412) 854-2067.

By Paul Chasko Union-Finley Messenger writer pchasko@unionfinley.com

Two young wrestlers practice a breakaway move.

A few weeks ago I checked out a new wrestling club that opened late last year. The Mon Valley Matsharks wrestling club is in operation in the old Lincoln Square School at 800 Fifth Street in West Elizabeth. Owner and Coach Temple Haynes has converted a large room in the building to a wrestling training center. The room is now a well-equipped training gym. The entire floor area is matted with enough space to have six pairs of young wrestlers working out at the same time. It looks to be an adequate training facility but what impressed These two Matsharks grapple one me most was the type of program ongoing at another for superiority the center. Coach Haynes is an accomplished wrestler himself. He has three assistant coaches working with him – Ken Korwowski and Don German have extensive wrestling experience and Brian Newman specializes in conditioning. This coaching staff is totally dedicated to promoting youth wrestling. The coaches work consciously to establish a bond of trust between themselves and their students and use individual and challenging training goals that build self-confidence in all their students. From what I’ve seen, each student Class ended with paired wrestling as the gets plenty of individual attention from the coaches observe and critique. coaches. The Mon Valley Matsharks compete in the Keystone Wresting League and already have one team trophy on the shelf. This is a serious and intense program. The staff teaches an aggressive style of wrestling focused on dominating opponents both physically and mentally. The stated goals of the Matshark’s program are to have the students attain strength, quickness, stamina, self confidence and the technique necessary to become successful and even champion-level wrestlers. The club accepts students at any level of experience. Coach Haynes can be reached at (412) 527-1755 or by email at ttmvmatsharks@verizon.net

Coaches Brian and Don demonstrate a breakaway move to the class.


March 2009 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––SPORTS ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 67

Union Finley Midget Football Association 2009 Registration

Local Speed Skaters Bring Home Medals The Valley Inline Speed Skating Team of Donora recently competed in a multi-state league meet in Vandalia, Ohio. The team members got to skate against competitors from Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania in individual races and relay team races. For more information about the team or to join the team please contact Adorée DeLuca-Johnson at addie3489@hotmail.com

Come and join the Bear Nation!! The Union Finley Midget Football Association is holding registration for new football players and cheerleaders for the 2009 Season on Sunday, March 15th at the Finley Middle School Cafeteria. Your age on the date of July 31st determines the age group you will be in. Sign up times per team are as follows:

2009 Football Coaches: Tiny Mites –Mike Bundy Termites – Tim Laughlin Mighty Mites – Bill Stewart Midgets – Greg Garry

2009 Cheerleading Coaches: Tiny Mites – Jody Stewart Termites – Karen Fareri Mighty Mites – (TBD) Midgets – Cindy Durkacz

We look forward to having you join our organization. Should you have any questions, please contact, Jody Stewart, President U.F.M.F.A at (724) 348-4935. We apologize for mentioning in our previous article that Monongahela children could join our program, which is not permitted. Thank you and see you on March 15th. LET’S GO BEARS!!

MEDAL WINNERS! Front Row (L to R) - Angelina Maman age 5 of Belle Vernon, Josiah Sloan age 8 of Donora and Paige Dallas age 5 of Monongahela. Middle Row (L to R) - Chrysta Rands age 12 of Donora, David Maman age 10 of Belle Vernon, Desirae Dallas age 9 of Monongahela, and Starr Melton age 10 of Belle Vernon. Back row (L to R) - Lee Betham of Belle Vernon, Andrew Johnson of Donora, Cole Keffel age 14 of Belle Vernon. (missing from the photo: Connor Robertson age 8 from Charleroi, Franklin Hewitt age 14 from Belle Vernon, Miranda McLaughlin age 14 of Belle Vernon, Amy Legeza of Donora and Tom Craig of Belle Vernon.)

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Page 68 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 SCHOOL NEWS

School News Peters Township School District News Peters Township Dance Team Finishes Third in the Nation The Peters Township High School varsity dance team finished third in the nation in the Universal Dance Association's National Dance Championship held at Walt Disney World in Orlando on January 31 and February 1, 2009. Out of 61 teams in the Small Varsity Hip Hop Division, the Peters Team earned a top three finish and will be featured on ESPN in March. Coaches for the team are Barb and Dominique Deliere and team members are: Camille Barnes, Alexa Connors, Danielle DeBonis, Liz Egan, Haley Gerritsen, Sarah Koch, Katarina Maggs, Meghan Manning, Jaimie McGinnis, Jade Murman, Leah Nobers, Alina Pappas, Gina Settimio, Laney Smith (Captain), and Jalyn Williams.

Peters Township Thespians Recognized at State Conference In December 2008, juniors and seniors from Peters Township High School’s Thespian Troupe #185 attended the annual Pennsylvania State Thespian Conference. During the conference, students viewed performances by other students from around the state, performed on stage, participated in various theater-related workshops, and met with colleges to learn more about their theater programs. A Peters Township cast performed the one act play ‘13 Reasons Why Not to be in a Play’ and a ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ medley, and several students walked away with awards from the event. Junior Ben West was chosen from several applicants after a rigorous interviewing process to serve as a State Board member for 2009-2010. (Senior Drew Caliguiri served as a board member in 2007-2008). Caliguiri also received the Thespian Hall of Fame award for his performances on stage and his dedication to the thespian troupe. Senior J.C. Barzil received the Tech Hall of Fame award for his participation in the technical crews and his dedication to the troupe. Finally, Dan DeLuca received the All-Star Cast Award for his performance in ‘13 Reasons Why Not to be in a Play’.

St. Valentine School Students Successfully Compete at PJAS Competition Sarah Wray of Mingo Church Road Receives Perfect Score Seven students from St. Valentine School recently competed in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Seventy-Fifth Annual Region 7 Meeting on February 7 at Keystone Oaks High School. The event involved almost 400 students from 50 elementary and middle schools in the Pittsburgh area. Four St. Valentine students earned first place awards – Brennan Adams, Tom Ernst, Andrew Sigg, and Sarah Wray – with Sarah of Mingo Church Road in Union Township also earning a perfect score. Sarah is the daughter of Johnny and Kathy Wray. Three others – Emily Nedzesky, Natalie Piaggesi, and Julia Rodaitis – won second place awards. The four first place students now advance to the state competition which takes place at Penn State University in May.

RINGGOLD SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS Monongahela Elementary Celebrates 100th Day of School To celebrate the 100th day of school. The Third Grade at Monongahela Elementary Center sponsored a "Souper Bowl". The original goal was to collect 100 cans of soup for our local food bank, but the students really got in to it, and by the 100th day of school, with the help of the whole student body, and staff, we were able to collect almost 200 cans of soup. Thanks to everyone for their help and donations!!

Pictured above are Teachers (standing l-r) Mrs. Custer, Mrs. Anselmino, Mrs. White, Ms. Rebar, and Mrs. Boyer. Students (sitting l-r) Brandon Eisel, Alicia Jeffries, Shalea Smith, Roger Rhoderick, and Andrew Martis

Ringgold Sophomore Sings at WPIAL Championship Danielle Velicky, a sophomore at Ringgold High School, sang the National Anthem prior to the 2009 WPIAL AAA Wrestling Championship matches on Saturday, January 31st. The championships featured Canon-McMillian, Hempfield, Connellsville and eventual champion Bethel Park. Ringgold hosted the semi-finals at 1:00pm and the championship match between Bethel Park and Connellsville at 3:30pm. Velicky joins fellow Ringgold students, Brianna Pry, Stephanie Wohar, and Ashley McMahon as the fourth student from RHS to sing the national anthem at a WPIAL Championship during Athletic Director Lloyd Price’s tenure. Pry and McMahon have sung at the WPIAL Soccer Championships at Elizabeth Forward High School while Wohar sang at the WPIAL basketball championships in February 2008. Velicky also carried a 4.0 GPA through her first year at Ringgold. Danielle is active in school has a member of Interact and SADD. "I am extremely proud of Danielle," said Athletic Director Lloyd Price. "She is a member of our cheerleading and track squads and is an excellent role model for other students in the district.” Danielle is the daughter of Phil and Sharlene Velicky of Donora.

Local Students Earn Dean’s List Honors Shawn Recker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Recker of Finleyville, PA, made the Grove City College’s Dean’s List for the Fall 2008 semester. Shawn is a 2007 graduate of Ringgold High School. William G. Wilson, of Finleyville, PA, has been named to the Dean’s List at Waynesburg University for the Fall Term 2008. Wilson is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice Administration. He is a graduate of Ringgold High School.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 69

SCHOOL NEWS

Steeler Legend Banaszak Energizes The Students

MCRS Announces Honor Roll THE FOLLOWING AREA STUDENTS HAVE MADE THE HONOR ROLL FOR MADONNA CATHOLIC REGIONAL SCHOOL FOR THE SECOND QUARTER. Grade 8 Highest Honors - Nick Hudak, Jeremy Smida, Lauren Stroh, Jillian Sukel High Honors - Cameron Bartkus, Emily Costantino, Ross DeLattre, Jacob Foglia, Hunter Homa, Erin McDonald, Christine Slavick, Corey Stefan, Stephen Weinstein Honors - Aaron Agostoni, Domenic Ferrari Grade 7 Highest Honors - Alyssa Smydo

Matt Metrovich looks impressed as John Banaszak autographs Matt’s sign.

Former Steeler John Banaszak helps with a cheer.

High Honors - Victoria Albert, Julia Alvarez, Ryan Konek, Anna Quattrone Honors - Shayn Dooley, Rachel Ritzer, Maggie Sukel Grade 6 Highest Honors - Emily Grandinette, Weston Homa, Anthony Koval High Honors - Kassy Behanna, Caitlin Caldwell, Christina Greaves, Alaina Nickolls, Alexandra Massari, Bethany Pina, Zachary Quattrone, Delaynie Stevenson

By Paul Chasko Union-Finley Messenger writer pchasko@unionfinley.com

After a two day delay because of bad weather the Steeler Super Bowl pep rally at GEC (Gastonville Elementary Center) had to happen because the kids just couldn’t hold in their enthusiasm any longer! The Thursday before the Super Bowl, anyone within a hundred yards of the school John Chiodo and Coach Ravasio show could hear the kids screaming! The halls off some of John’s Steeler memorabilia. were decorated in black and gold. All the kids and teachers were in black and gold. Coach Ravasio had the kids whipped up into a Steeler frenzy that was deafening. Coach had several members of the Ringgold Rams Varsity Squad on hand as well to help out. There wasn’t a doubt about the outcome of the game anywhere in that gym. Local Steeler fanatic, John Chiodo brought in some of his Steeler memorabilia to set the mood. To top it off, as if Coach Ravasio wasn’t These kids are ready to cheer. enough of a cheerleader, he brought in former Steeler legend John Banaszak to help stir up the kids. Banaszak played defensive end and defensive tackle for the Steelers from 1975 to 1981 and played in Super Bowls X, XII and XIV. His entire NFL career was with the Steelers. Banaszak is now an Assistant Coach at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh. Since he is also a former Marine he was ushered into the gym by the local U.S. Marine Color Guard. The afternoon was filled with cheering and stories of past Steeler glories and players that John Banaszak shared with the crowd. There were some prizes for some lucky kids and an opportunity to have John Banaszak sign some autographs. It was a great Pep Rally thanks to Coach Ravasio and the other teachers and staff at GEC.

Honors - Chris Bostich, Nick Fowkes, Michelle Harris, Rose Hawk, Taylor Koziel, Nick Lentz, Hannah Macko, Anne Perunko, Kayle Profrock

The

Union-Finley Messenger!

Your source for hometown, community news.


Page 70 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 LIBRARY NEWS

Monongahela Area Library 813 W. Main Street Monongahela, PA 15063 (412) 833-5585 www.monarealibrary.org Children and Family Programs Preschool Storytime Ages 30 months through 5 years. Friday mornings at 10:30 a.m. through March 20. The program features singing, stories, open playtime and a craft. “Won’t You Be My Neighbor Day” Mark Mister Rogers birthday on Saturday, March 21 when we make sock puppets. The program is for children 3-10 and their parent or caregiver. Registration is requested in advance by calling the library before March 19. Family Fun Hour Children ages 3 -8 and their parent or grandparent are invited on Tuesday, March 31 at 6:30. We’ll make an eggshell mosaic, read stories and play word games.

South Park Township Public Library 2575 Brownsville Road South Park, PA 15129 (412) 833-5585 Adult Programs Feng Shui Saturday, March 7 at 1:00 p.m. Enrich your home, garden, business and life through the Art of Feng Shui. Please call 412-833-5585 to register. The Complete Works of Shakespeare, Abridged Saturday, March 28 at 1:00 p.m. South Park Theatre presents an all female version of the complete works of Shakespeare. Please call 412-833-5585 to register. Afternoons at South Park Township Library Wednesday, March 25 at 2:00 p.m. “Art Chat” Teenie Harris brought to you by the Carnegie Museum of Art and the

Allegheny County Library Association. Please call 412-833-5585 to register. Vampire: Blood and Empire Thursday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m. Professor Helena Goscilo from the University of Pittsburgh will be here to talk about the phenomenon of vampires in literature and movies. Please call 412-833-5585 to register. Book “Lust” Club Thursday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m. New members are welcome. Please call 412-8335585 to register if you are new to the club. Knitting Group Saturday, March 14 & 21 at 11:00 a.m. Knitting guru Janie Ruperto is here to help you with all projects. Tea and light refreshments will be served. Beading Class March 18 at 6:30 p.m. The beading group meets monthly to make new and original projects. Space is limited so please call 412-833-5585 to register. Children’s Programs Family Storytime Tuesdays through March 3 at 7:00 p.m. Kids ages 2-6 and their tucker-iners are welcome at these fun storytimes! Kids –wear your PJ’s! Preschool and Kindergarten Storytime Tuesdays through April 28 at 1:00 p.m. Children ages 3 through 5 are welcome to join the fun with stories, songs, and crafts. Toddler Time! Tuesdays through April 28 at 11:00 a.m. Children ages 18 months to 3 years are invited to attend this action-packed storytime just for them! Baby Lapsits Wednesdays through April 29 at 10:30 a.m. Join us for fun baby lapsits for infants through 18 months. Webkinz Club Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. All school-aged kids are invited to bring their favorite WEBKINZ stuffed animal to the library for some fun games and crafts. March 18: Bunches of Bunnies April 22: Makings for Mom Magic Tree House Book Club Students in grades 2-4 are invited to join

this special book club based on the very popular series by Mary Pope Osborne. Pirates Past Noon: March 12 at 7:00 p.m. American Girl Book Club Girls in grades 2-4 are wanted to join this special book club! Each month we will focus on a different American Girl and learn about the time period in which she lived! Meet Kirsten: March 26 at 7:00 p.m. Special Events Backyard Bird Buddies Thursday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m. Wild Birds Unlimited will visit and talk about all the birds in our own backyards. Then, we will make pinecone feeders to take home!

Jefferson Hills Library 925 Old Clairton Road Pittsburgh, PA 15025 (412) 655-7741 Chess Tournament Pleasant Hills and Jefferson Hills Libraries will hold their Annual Chess Tournament on Saturday, February 28th, at 10 am in the Jefferson Hills Municipal Building Community Room. All boys and girls through grade 8 are eligible to play. Junior Division includes all ages through grade 4. Senior Division includes students in grades 5 through 8. Children’s Programs Story Time The Library will hold Story Time for 3 year olds at 2 pm on Wednesdays, March 11th, 18th , and 25th. Preschool children ages 4, 5 and 6 can enjoy stories, songs, movement and finger plays at Jefferson Hills Library at 10:30 am or 1:30 pm on Thursdays, March 12th, 19th , and 26th.

is $175/student, payable upon registration, and includes 12 hours of class instruction and The Official SAT Study Guide plus handouts. Contact Jean Wavle at 412-6557741 with any questions. Adult programs Psanky Egg Art Class On Sunday, March 1st, the Library will hold a Psanky Egg Art Class from 1 – 4 pm. Registration is required (minimum of 5 for class to take place). $20/person fee includes supplies. EAT – “Foodie Book Club” On Wednesday, March 11th, at 7 pm, join us for EAT: A Foodie Book Club. We plan to continue to meet on the second Wednesday of each month.

Peters Township Public Library 616 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 724-941-9430 www.ptlibrary.org Children’s Programs SPECIAL EVENTS BOLT MOVIE NIGHT! Ages: For the whole family When: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 Time: 6:00 - 7:45 p.m. SPRING PROGRAMS FOR BABIES THROUGH KINDERGARTEN BOOK BABIES Ages: Birth - 12 months with an adult When: Tuesdays, 10:00 - 10:20 a.m. In this 20-minute program, babies will gain contact with language through stories, songs, rhymes, and finger plays, helping them take their first steps toward a lifetime love of books and reading.

Book Buddies (first, second and third graders) will meet Thursday, March 19th, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Join us to enjoy stories, discussion, a craft and snack during this evening.

MOTHER GOOSE TIME Ages: 12 - 24 months with an adult 8 weeks, March 24 - May 12, 2009 Tuesdays, 11:00 - 11:20 a.m.

SAT Test Preparation Classes SAT Test Preparation Classes will be held at the Library on Sundays, March 22 and 29, and April 5 and 19 from 1 – 4 pm. The cost

TODDLER TALES Ages: 2 - 3 1/2 years with an adult 8 weeks, March 25 - May 13, 2009 Wednesdays, 11:15 - 11:45 a.m. or 1:00 1:30 p.m.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 71 LIBRARY NEWS PRESCHOOL STORYTIME Ages: 3 1/2 - 5 8 weeks, March 23 - May 13, 2009 Mondays, 1:00 - 1:45 p.m. OR Tuesdays, 1:00 - 1:45 p.m. OR Wednesdays, 10:00 - 10:45 p.m. KINDERGARTEN STORYTIME — “TALE OF A TAIL” Ages: Kindergartners and 5-year-olds March 27 - May 15, 2009 Fridays, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. or 1:15 - 2:15 p.m. BODIES IN MOTION Ages: 2-5 with an adult 8 weeks, March 26 - May 14, 2009 (spring) Thursdays, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. OR 1:00 1:30 p.m.

ARTS ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS (DRAMA, MUSIC, DRAWING/PAINTING) TISSUE / WOOD ART COLLAGE Ages: 4 - 6 Duration: 4 weeks, March 10 - 31, 2009 Tuesdays, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Ages: 7 - 13 Duration: 4 weeks, March 10 - 31, 2009 Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. KID SURVEY For students in grades 4-8. Please click on the following link if you would like to participate in the survey: Kid Survey Young Adult Programs SPECIAL EVENTS

TINY TUNES TODDLER Ages: 2-3 1/2 with an adult January 12 - March 5, 2009 or March 23 May 14, 2009 Mondays, 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. OR Thursdays, 9:30 - 10:00 a.m.

TWILIGHT MOVIE SCREENING All ages welcome Saturday, March 21, 2009 Time: 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

TINY TUNES PRESCHOOL Ages: 3 1/2 - 5 with an adult March 25 - May 13, 2009 Wednesdays, 2:00 - 2:30 p.m.

MARIO KART WII TOURNAMENT SEASON Saturdays, March 7, April 4, May 2, 2009 11:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Ages: Grades 6 - 12

PAWS FOR READING Saturdays, 10 - 11:40 a.m. March 14, April 18, 2009 GIRL’S NIGHT OUT Ages: Girls in grades 4th - 8th and their moms / caregivers March 2, April 6, May 4, June 1, 2009 Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. FANS OF FANTASY BOOK CLUB Ages: Grades 4 and up March 26, April 30, May 28, June 25, 2009 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. BLAST FROM THE PAST Ages: Grades 2 and up Thursdays, 6:30 - 7:15 p.m. March 5, April 16, 2009 BOOK COOKS Ages: Grades 2-6 with an adult Monday, March 16, 2009 Time: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES FAMILY PAJAMA STORYTIME Ages: For kids and parents of all ages 3rd Tuesday of the month, March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16, 2009 Time: 7:00 - 7:45 p.m.

GUITAR HERO WII TOURNAMENT SEASON Saturdays, March 28, April 25, May 30 Time: 12:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Ages: Grades 6 - 12 PROGRAMS CHARACTER COLLAGE ART Ages: Grades 6 - 12 Thursday, March 5, 2009 Time: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. In honor of Youth Art Month, create a collage about your favorite book characters MARIO DAY PARTY Ages: Grades 6 - 12 Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Time: 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. FEELING LUCKY?? Ages: Grades 6 - 12 Tuesday, March 17, 2009 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Think you know about Ireland? Come to the library to learn about the real country customs.

WII FIT & WELLNESS Ages: Grades 6 - 12 3rd Saturday of the month, March 21, April 18, May 16, 2009 Time: 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m. FANS OF FANTASY BOOK CLUB Ages: Grades 4 and up Last Thursday of the month, March 26, April 30, May 28, June 25, 2009 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. WORLD OF WARCRAFT Ages: Grades 6 - 12 Last Sunday of the month, March 29, April 26, May 31, 2009 Time: 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. World of Warcraft is one of the most popular role-playing games. Adult Programs READING ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS LIBRARY BOOK CLUBS For those interested in joining - contact a member of the Library reference staff at (724) 941-9430. AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB FOR ADULTS When: 3rd Wednesday of every month Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. EVENING BOOK CLUB FOR ADULTS When: 2nd Wednesday of every month Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. GENERAL PROGRAMS Wii SPORTS FOR SENIORS Mondays, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon, January 4 - April 5, 2009 or Sundays, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., January 5 - April 6, 2009 GAMING WORKSHOP FOR ADULTS Monday, March 16 Time: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

ONGOING PROGRAMS GAME ON! OPEN GAMING SESSIONS Wednesdays, 4:00 - 8:30 p.m. Fridays, 3:00 - 4:45 p.m. TEEN WRITERS’ STUDIO Ages: Grades 6 - 12 March 31, April 28, 2009 Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL PROGRAM: RISING POWERS: THE NEW GLOBAL REALITY Thursday, March 19, 2009 Time: 7:-00 - 8:30 p.m. ARTS PROGRAMS

TEEN TOPICS MONTHLY BOOK AND MOVIE CLUB Ages: Grades 6 - 12 1st Tuesday of the month, March 3, April 7, 2009 Time: 6:30 - 8:45 p.m.

GAMING TOURNAMENTS

PROGRAMS FOR GRADES ONE AND UP BECOME A SEARCH SLEUTH! Half hour session — you name the date and time! Become an expert in the library catalog and find what you need at the library!

GIRL’S NIGHT OUT Ages: Girls in grades 4th - 8th and their moms / caregivers 1st Monday of the month, March 2, April 6, May 4, June 1, 2009 Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

CLASSIC FILM NIGHT March 25, April 22, 2009 Time: 6:30 - 8:45 p.m. THE SECRETS OF LANDSCAPE DESIGN Tuesday, March 3, 2009 Time: 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

INTRODUCTION TO CROCHET March 2 – 23, 2009 Mondays, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. CROCHET CLUB Every Thursday • Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. CROCHET FOR SENIORS March 3 – 24, 2009 Tuesdays, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. LEARN TO PAINT THE ONE-STROKE DONNA DEWBERRY WAY Mondays, March 23 – 30, 2009 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. COMPUTER PROGRAMS THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES ON COMPUTER CLASSES HELD AT THE LIBRARY. FRIDAYS ONLINE Fridays • Time: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. or 2:00 3:00 p.m. Patrons may come to the second floor computer for extra help using the Internet, the library online databases, or Microsoft Word and Publisher. PROTECTING YOUR COMPUTER Wednesday, March 4, 2009 Time: 7:00 - 8:45 p.m. This presentation covers viruses, Trojan horses, worms, spam, pop-ups, and spyware. BURNING CDs Wednesday, March 11, 2009 Time: 7 - 8:45 p.m. Learn how to create, "burn" CDs containing data, photos, and music in various formats. GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH Wednesday, March 18, 2009 Time: 7:00 - 8:45 p.m. The lesson covers how to use the Heritage Quest and Ancestry Library Edition databases. INTERNET ASSISTED JOB SEARCH Wednesday, March 25, 2009 Time: 1:00 - 2:45 p.m. Students will learn about Internet job sites, Internet e-mail, how to research jobs and employers in business databases and in newspaper help wanted ads. BASIC EXCEL SPREADSHEETS Wednesday, April 1, 2009 Time: 7:00 - 8:45 p.m. This class covers creating an excel spreadsheet, printing a range as well as using formulas, functions and more.


Page 72 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 LOCAL WORSHIP UNION-FINLEY MESSENGER

First Baptist Church of Monongahela Announces March Events The First Baptist Church, Monongahela, PA will be hosting the following events and activities during the month of March. For additional information or questions, please call the church at 724-258-7750. • Wednesday, March 4, 6:00 P.M. - Table Talk (Dinner followed by a devotional and prayer) • Sunday, March 8, 3:00 P.M. - Family Bowling at Brunswick Lanes (sign up by March 1) • Saturday, March 14, 1:00 P.M. - Women’s Fellowship Luncheon • Sunday, March 15, 6:30 P.M. - Men’s Ministry • Sunday, March 22, 2:00 P.M. Children’s Springing Up Party and Easter Egg Hunt • Saturday, March 28, 8:30 A.M. - Shopping Trip to the Tanger Outlets • Sunday, March 29, 7:00 P.M. - Old Fashioned Hymn Sing UPCOMING EVENT • Sunday, April 5, 11:00 A.M. - Annual Service to Honor the Community Rescue Workers. Youth will serve a spaghetti dinner after the service.

3-Day Lenten Retreat at St. Anthony’s Fr. Michael Semana, worldwide speaker, author and vocalist will hold a three day Lenten Retreat at St. Anthony’s Parish in Monongahela. On Saturday March 7th, Sunday March 8th Visitors during the 3-day Lenten retreat and Monday March 9th, Fr. Semana will at St. Anthony’s can view the 7-ft St. Michael the Archangel statue in the teach on the topics: ‘Our Lady of the Resurrection Prayer Garden • Why Do We Need Healing of for the Unborn and Unwanted’. Past Hurts in Our Families? • What Are You Looking For When You Pray For Healing? • Praying for Healing of Families and Past Hurts. The retreat will include Mass, Adoration, Talks, Reconciliation, Benediction, Mass with prayers for healing, social gatherings and much more. The retreat will be held in St. Anthony’s Church, Chapel and Fr. Abbate Hall where The Vatican International Exhibition of the Eucharistic Miracles of the World will be on display during this time. During your visit to St. Anthony’s all are welcome to visit the outdoor prayer garden; This beautiful stained glass art is located ‘The Rotundini of St. Padre Pio’, and the in the outdoor prayer garden; recent additions of Our Lady of Guadalupe ‘The Rotundini of St. Padre Pio’ and St. Anthony and the Child Jesus. You will feel free to pray and meditate in ‘Gethsemane Garden’, pray the Stations of the Cross as you climb the 350-foot ‘Calvary Way of the Cross’ that leads to the ‘Resurrection Tomb for the Unborn’. Gaze upon the 7-ft St. Michael the Archangel statue atop the tomb in the upper pro-life ‘Our Lady of the Resurrection Prayer Garden for the Unborn and Unwanted’. You may also want to take prayerful time at the foot of the ‘Resurrection Cross’ and rest and pray in the open air gazebo overlooking the Church property and the Monongahela River. For those who cannot climb the mountain there is also vehicle access to the upper prayer garden. Plan to visit St. Anthony’s during this Lenten season and experience anew the healing touch of God. St. Anthony’s is located at 225 Park Avenue in Monongahela. For details phone: 724-258-9710


March 2009 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 73 UNION-FINLEY MESSENGER LOCAL––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WORSHIP

The Vatican International Exhibition of the Eucharistic Miracles of the World will be on display at St. Anthony Parish in Monongahela March 2 – 10.

St. Anthony Parish in Monongahela to host “Exhibition of the Eucharistic Miracles” The Vatican International Exhibition of the Eucharistic Miracles of the World will be on display in Fr. Abbate Hall at St. Anthony Parish in Monongahela beginning on Monday March 2nd and running through Tuesday March 10th. The Mon-Valley parishes and surrounding parishes from the area are privileged to have this exhibition at this time and it is hoped that many will be spiritually enriched by this display. Through the kind willingness of Antonia Salzano Acutis of the Pontifical Academy Cultorum Martyrum, this photographic Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition is presented to the people of the United States of America by the Real Presence Eucharistic Education and Adoration Association. A great promoter of the exhibition is Monsignor Raffaello Martinelli, an official of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and member of the editorial commission of the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and they have entrusted this exhibition to Archbishop Raymond L. Burke. With an extensive assortment of photographs and historical descriptions, the exhibition presents some of the principal Eucharistic Miracles that took place throughout the ages in some 19 countries of the world and have been recognized by the Church. Some of the countries are: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, and Spain. The most recent miracle in this century occurred in India. The collection consists of 120 miracles and will be on display throughout the nine days. For details and schedule phone: 724-258-9710.

Over 600 area businesses and organizations have advertised in this newspaper. Isn’t it about time that yours did too?

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 March 10)

Find the answers to these three (3) questions somewhere within this edition of the Union-Finley Messenger. Which Pittsburgh Steeler recently visited Gastonville Elementary Center ? Which local Fire and Police Department recently invested in new equipment and resources?

Tap into the power of the Messenger.

Call today to learn more.

412.249.8177

What new restaurant recently opened in South Park? 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 February Pizza Puzzler winners! LEEANN CERAR- South Park • JOAN MARSHALL - Bethel Park


Page 74 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 ENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment Live Music & Entertainment at Your Neighborhood Hot Spot! MARCH

Badlands Bar & Grille 724-348-8030 • 3540 Washington Ave, Finleyville 7 - Shovelhead 13 - Skillet Hill 14 - Pub Crawl w/ Overdrive 21 - Todd Jones 28 - Steeltown Thursdays - Karaoke Fridays - DJ Baltimore House 412-653-9332 • Pleasant Hills 6 - Fast Back 7 - Todd Jones 14 - St. Patty’s Party w/ Mean Street 20 - Bon Journey 21 - Mid Life Crisis 27 - The Stickers Bootsie’s Bar 412-672-1120 • 699 O’Neil Blvd, McKeesport 14 - Todd Jones 21 - Weathered Soul 28 - Dallas Marks Wednesdays - Free Texas Hold’em Thursdays - Ladies Night w/ DJ Chris Fridays - DJ Chris Club Octane 724-317-8326• 227 McKean Ave, Charleroi 8 - Attila(Statik Factory Records), In Alcatraz 9 - Motionless in White, My Hero is Me 17 - Dance Club Massacre, Through the Fire Denny’s Roadhouse 724-258-6232 • 3431 Rt. 136, Finleyville Entertainment 9:30 PM - 1:30 AM 13 - DJ 27 - Hermie Granati & Denny Leech Elrama Tavern 412-384-3630 • 1520 Rt 837, Elrama 6 - The Regular Joes 14 - St. Patty’s Party w/ Matt Tichon 20 - Todd Jones 28 - Scott Spahr

Freddie’s II 412-833-1830 • 2789 South Park Rd, Bethel Park 17th - St Patty’s Party - DJ Wednesdays - Texas Hold’em Tournament 7:30-9:30PM- Cash prize Thursdays - Magician Jason Christopher 6:30-8:30PM Hey Andy Sportsbar and Lounge 724-258-4755 • 1221 W Main St, Monongahela 6 - Taboo 7 - Southern Spirits 13 - Old Shoes 14 - The Klick 20 - Fastback 21 - Steeltown 27 - Fungus 28 - White Rose Karaoke Wednesdays - Jam night Thursdays - White Rose Karaoke Hot House Tap and Grille 724-258-4212 • 807 Dry Run Rd, Monongahela Entertainment 9:00PM - 1:30AM 7 - Lois Scott and Plum Loco 14 - St. Patty’s Grand Party w/ Irish music & Two Thumbs Up 17 - Another St. Patty’s Party w/ Irish music & Karaoke 21 - Tirade 27 - Rhyme and Reason 28 - Overdrive Tuesdays - Karaoke/DJ provided by Total Entertainment Wednesdays - Ladies Night with DJ Thursdays - Open Mic w/ Ashcraft Fridays - Karaoke/DJ provided by Total Entertainment Martini’s Restaurant and Lounge 412-384-5910 • 1215 Rt 885 South, Jefferson Hills Wednesdays -7:30PM - John Mulkerin Thursdays - 8:00PM - John Mulkerin Fridays - 8:30 - Spider Rondinelli and the Pittsburgh Jazz Giants

PUMP UP the

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 Saturdays - 3:00 - 6:00 - Spider Rondinelli and the Pittsburgh Jazz Giants Olde Large Hotel 412-384-9950 • 510 Oak Rd, Jefferson Hills 6 - Marty 13 - The Fennels 20 - Andrew Biscey 27 - Ruff House

Roy’s By The Tracks 724-348-7118 • 3710 Rt. 88, Finleyville 6 - Ruff House 13 - Bill Ali 20 - Boone/Gamble 27 - Bill Couch Wednesdays - Karaoke w/ Brett Saturdays - Karaoke w/ Ricki Sundays - Karaoke w/ Ricki

Pit Stop Bar and Grille 412 -384 -7487 • 1473 Rt. 837, Elrama 7 - The Klick 14 - St. Patty’s Party w/ DJ

Sweeney’s Cafe & Pub 724-929-8383 • 1713 Rostraver Rd, Belle Vernon 20 - Southbound

River House Cafe 724-565-5700 • 506 McKean Ave., Charleroi Entertainment - 9:30PM -1:30AM 7 - Back Burner 13 - Dancing Queen 17 - St Patrick’s Day Celebration w/ Irish Music & Bagpiper 21 - Broken Spoke 28 - TBA

Terrace Gardens 412-233-2626 • 1180 Woodland Ave, Clairton 6 - Chuck Corby 21 - EZ Action 27 - Todd Jones

Rockin’ Willies Roadhouse 724-745-8844 • 2476 Washington Rd, Canonsburg Entertainment Nightly Monday - Sunday Tuesdays - Jam Night w/ The Jam Band and Don Cappa The Guitarman All musicians welcome Royal Place 412-882-8000 • 2660 Library Rd (Rt. 88), Pittsburgh 14 - Whiskey Outlaws 27 - Broken Bone

The Trolley Stop Inn 412-835-9600 • 6247 Library Rd, Bethel Park Sundays - Karaoke 9PM Fridays - Magician Jason Christopher 7-9PM Valley Hotel 412-233-9800 1004 New England Hollow Rd 7 - Brian Loosz Wednesdays - Karaoke w/ Frogster Every Friday - Open Stage Night - all musicians welcome.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 75 AUTOMOTIVE

Automotive Don’t Be Left Out of Our Automotive Section. For Advertising Opportunities, call (412) 249-8177

Potholes Can Be Costly By Arlene M. Elosh State Farm agent

Winter brings a number of driving hazards, but one of the most hated is the pothole. An encounter with one can leave damaged tires, wheels and suspension components in its wake. Potholes can occur in any region or climate, but at this time of year, they’re especially prominent in areas known for ice, snow and below-freezing temperatures. The freezing and thawing cycles allow moisture to seep into the road surface, which causes the road to crumble. There’s not much that can be done to prevent the deterioration of the driving surface, but there are some things you can do to protect yourself: •Try to limit your travel to roads you know very well. That knowledge could

keep you from hitting a pothole and seriously damaging your car. • When driving at night, try to drive on well-lit roads so you can see the road surface. • Slow down and give yourself a chance to see the pothole and avoid it. • If you hit a pothole, carefully inspect your tires and wheels for possible damage. Note how your car handles in the aftermath. If it pulls to one side or if you feel a wobble in the steering, you may need to have your car checked by a mechanic. • If you must hit a pothole, do your braking before impact. There’s less damage when a tire is rolling than when it is skidding over a hole during braking. While damage caused to a car by a pothole may be covered under the collision portion of the State Farm auto policy, there are some things to remember. If the dam-

age to the vehicle is to the tire only, it is not covered. Damage to the vehicle is subject to the collision deductible. For more safe driving tips, visit statefarm.com. As your good neighbor agent, I can help you meet your insurance needs. Call me today at 412-831-2135 or via email at Arlene.m.elosh.bxx5@statefarm.com. My office is located at 6480 Library Road in South Park.

Shafron Auto Wrecking 412-384-6616 HOURS

RT. 837 • ELRAMA, PA

MON.- FRI.: 8 AM - 4:30 PM SATURDAY: 8 AM - 1 PM

Celebrating

27

years in business!


Page 76 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 CLASSIFIEDS

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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 – $7.00 (minimum) for up to 15 words, plus .35 cents for each additional word. Bold Type - .25 cents per word. Box - $1.50

-------- ADOPTION ---------

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

PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Talk with caring agency specializing in matching birthmothers with families nationwide. LIVING EXPENSES PAID. Call 24/7. Abby's One True Gi________________________________________________________________ ft Adoptions. 866-910-5610. LOVING COUPLE Wil Provide Your Baby Love, Laughter, Education, stability, Security. Large Home Valerie 888-902-4453. ________________________________________________________________

BUSINESS OWNER ...Market Your Business ONLINE & in PRINT to over 5.3 mil ion households all at one time throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, New York, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware & Washington, D.C. Call 1-800-450-7227 or visit www.macnetonl ine.com ________________________________________________________________ Reach over 30 million homes with one buy. Advertise in NANI for only $2,795 per week! For information, visit www.naninetwork.com. ________________________________________________________________

------- AUTOMOTIVE ------2003 Ford Crown Victoria LX. 55,400 orig. miles. 4.6 liter engine, power everything. Great shape, clean, runs great. $10,500. 724-323-6607 ________________________________________________________________ 2000 BLACK LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, excellent condition, 93,000 highway miles, inspected________________________________________________________________ 4/08, must see, $12,000 (412) 896-9342 JUNK CARS WANTED! FREE Tow! C.T. Auto Recyclers. 724-348-7467. ________________________________________________________________ Original 302 DZ Engine, long block, numbers visible. Best offer: 724-348-5230. ________________________________________________________________ Wanted - Junk cars, trucks, etc., with or without title, all worth money. Also, local and long di________________________________________________________________ stance 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. 1310-721-0726. ________________________________________________________________ $500! POLICE IMPOUNDS! Hondas/Chevys/Jeeps & More! Cars from $500! For Listings 800-719-5578 ext. A499. ________________________________________________________________

-------- AUTO DONATIONS --------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 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 ...To The Cancer Fund of America. Help Those Suffering With Cancer Today. Free Towing and Tax Deductible. 1-800-835-9372. www.cfoa.org ________________________________________________________________

------- BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES ---100% Recession Proof! Do you earn $800/day? Local Vending route. 25 machines + candy. $9,995. 1-800-807-6485. (Void/SD,CT,MD) ________________________________________________________________ WEEKLY PAYCHECK Possible From Home Processing Our Mortgage Assistance Postcards. References Available. No Advertising. All Materials Provided. No Gimmicks. 877-7749295. ________________________________________________________________ 100% RECESSION PROOF! Do you earn $800 in a day? Includes 25 Local Machines and Candy for $9,995. Multi Vend, Inc. 1-800-807-6486. ________________________________________________________________ ASSEMBLE MAGNETS & CRAFTS FROM HOME! Year-round Work! Excellent Pay! No Experi ence! New England Crafters. TOLL-FREE 1-866-844-5091, Code 9. ________________________________________________________________ ALL CASH BUSINESS! Explosive, new gourmet energy product! Super Energy! Great Taste! 15________________________________________________________________ machines, only $4995. 1-800-536-4514 ext. 1003

------- 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. 724-348-6837. A NEW COMPUTER NOW! Brand name. Bad or NO credit - No problem. Smallest weekly payments avail. Call NOW 1-800-624-1557 ________________________________________________________________ GET A NEW COMPUTER - Brand Name laptops & Desktops. BAD or No Credit – No Probl em. Smallest weekly payments avail. It’s Yours NOW 1-800-640-0656 ________________________________________________________________ A NEW COMPUTER NOW! Brand name. Bad or NO credit - No problem. Smallest weekly payments avail. Call NOW 1-800-838-7127 ________________________________________________________________

Counselors/Night Monitors Helping children and families heal themselves

Auberle a non-profit agency serving at-risk children and families is seeking experienced Counselors & Night Monitors for its Washington County Shelter.

Counselors – Provide a positive role model to the residents. Supervise residents in routines to ensure safety. Participate in assessment of the resident and family. H.S. Diploma/GED and/or Bachelor’s degree. Night Monitor – Provide supervision and security to residents during day and night hrs. Provide a secure and healthy environment for all residents. *Experience working with youth and families preferred. Must be 21 yrs. of age, have a valid PA driver’s license and proof of insurance.

email your resume to: hresources@auberle.org mail your resume to: Auberle HR Dept. EOE

1101 Hartman St. McKeesport, PA 15132

3 H[W s ) www auberle org

GET A NEW COMPUTER - Brand Name laptops & Desktops. BAD or NO Credit – No Probl em. Smallest weekly payments avail. It’s Yours NOW 1-800-932-3721 ________________________________________________________________

------- EDUCATION -----HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FROM HOME, 6-8 Weeks. ACCREDITED. Low payments. FREE Brochure. 1-800-264-8330 or www.diplomafromhome.com ________________________________________________________________ AIRLINES ARE HIRING: Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified - Housing available. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance. 888-349-5387. ________________________________________________________________ HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! Fast Affordable & Accredited. FREE Brochure. Call NOW! 1800-532-6546 x 412. www.continentalacademy.com ________________________________________________________________

------- EMPLOYMENT -------

Seeking energetic self-motivated individuals to manage day and evening shifts. Ability to multi-task. Strong leadership qualities and people skil s. Duties include; phone order taking, operation of POS system, inventory and labor control, oversee cooks and drivers. Fast food management experience preferred. Wil train. Call 724-348-8844. Notary - Part-time. Must be detail oriented and outgoing. Have current commission - Wil Trai n. Fax resume to: 724-348-6870. ________________________________________________________________ ROOFING & SIDING SUBCONTRACTORS NEEDED! 724-941-7833 ________________________________________________________________ Part Time Experienced Cook Wanted - 412-233-2626 ________________________________________________________________ Experienced Barmaid. Evening Shifts - 412-233-2626 ________________________________________________________________ Cooks & Bartenders Needed - Stop by in person, Monday nights after 7:00pm. Denny's Roadhouse – Ginger Hil . 724-258-6232 ________________________________________________________________ Child Care - Sunshine Kids is now hiring loving, energetic people who enjoy working with chi________________________________________________________________ ldren. Part time or full time positions available. Please call Tammy at 724-348-6565. MYSTERY SHOPPERS! Earn up to $150 daily. Get paid to shop pt/ft. Call now 800-6901272. ________________________________________________________________

EARN $1000's WEEKLY! Mailing Brochures! Weekly pay + Bonus. Guaranteed opportunity.________________________________________________________________ Start today. 1-877-801-8172, Code 701 WORK AT HOME: Government Jobs. Data entry, clerical benefits. $12 - $48 hour FT/PT. Cal l 1-888-293-7370. ________________________________________________________________ EARN UP TO $500 weekly assembling angel pins at home. No experience required. 817230-4879, www.angelpin.net ________________________________________________________________ $8,000 GUARANTEED! Receive $8 for every envelope stuffed with our sales materials. 24hr information. 1-877-220-4470. ________________________________________________________________ ASSEMBLE MAGNETS & CRAFTS FROM HOME! Year-round Work! Excellent Pay! No Experi ence! TOLL FREE 1-866-844-5091, en espanol. No-MD ________________________________________________________________ $$$ $997.00 PAYMENTS! Over & Over By Showing People AMAZING Movie! NO Selling! NO Phone Calls! Fully Automated! (800) 584-2490 (24 Hours) Register Online! www.Ri chAverageJoe.com ________________________________________________________________ DATA ENTRY PROCESSORS NEEDED! Earn $3,500 - $5,000 Weekly from Home! Guaranteed Paychecks! No Experience Necessary! Start Today! Register Now! www.DataCashNow.net ________________________________________________________________ $$$ HELP WANTED $$$ Earn Extra Income assembling CD cases from home. No Experience Necessary. Call our Live Operators NOW! 1-800-405-7619 ext 104. www.easywork-greatpay.com ________________________________________________________________ $$$WORK FROM HOME$$$ Earn Up To $3,800 Weekly Working from Home assembling Information packets. No Experience Necessary! Start Immediately! FREE Information. CALL 24hrs. 1-888-202-1012 ________________________________________________________________ ASSEMBLE MAGNETS & CRAFTS FROM HOME! Year-round Work! Excellent Pay! No Experience! Top US Company! Glue Gun, Painting, Jewelry & More! TOLL FREE 1-866-8445091, CODE 5 **Not available in MD** ________________________________________________________________ DATA ENTRY PROCESSORS NEEDED! Earn $3,500 - $5,000 Weekly Working from Home! Guaranteed Paychecks! No Experience Necessary! Positions Available Today! Regi ster Online Now! www.DataPositions.com ________________________________________________________________ Bodyguards needed. FREE Training. No Experience OK. Excellent Pay. Stateside and overseas assignments. Temporary or long term. 1-615-228-1701. www.psubodyguards.com ________________________________________________________________


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 77 CLASSIFIEDS BODYGUARDS-COUNTER-ASSAULT TEAMS! Needed USA & OVERSEAS $119$220K/year. Bodyguards $250-750/day; 18 or older. 615-885-8960 or 615-942-6978 ext. 600 www.InternationalExecutives.NET ________________________________________________________________ Movie Extras/Models Needed! Earn $100 - $300 per day. No Experience Required. PT/FT. All Looks and Ages Needed. Call Now! 1-800-605-6851 ________________________________________________________________ BECOME A SURROGATE MOTHER: Generous Compensation. Established program seeking women 21-43 to carry couples biological babies. Prior birth experience required. Nonsmokers 1-888-363-9457 M.Brisman, Esq. www.reproductivelawyer.com ________________________________________________________________ Mystery shoppers earn summer gas money. Up to 150$/day. Undercover shoppers needed to judge retail and dining establishments. Exp not req. 800-742-6941 ________________________________________________________________ Nannies and Sitters Needed. View Jobs at www.GoNannies.com. Housekeepers and El________________________________________________________________ der Caregivers also needed. HEALTHCARE JOBS.NEEDED ASAP! For OT's,COTA's,PT's,PTA's,SLP's,DOR's.Positions available in DC, Maryland, and PA. Some with sign-on bonuses!!! Submit cover letter and resume to jburke@wilsonstaffingnetwork.com. ________________________________________________________________ POST OFFICE HIRING NATIONALLY! Avg. pay $20/hr, $57K/yr, incl Fed ben, OT optional fee-based test prep materials, not affiliated with the US Postal Service. 1-866-835-0769 ________________________________________________________________

------- FINANCIAL / INSURANCE ------$$$ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!! Injury Lawsuit dragging? Need $500 - $500,000++ wi________________________________________________________________ thin 48 hours? Call 1-877-386-3692, www.casepay.com $$$ GET LAWSUIT CASH NOW - Oasis Legal Finance #1. See us on TV Fastest Cash Advances on injury cases-within 24/hrs. Owe nothing if you lose your case APPLY FREE CALL NOW 1-866-353-9959 ________________________________________________________________ AFFORDABLE HEALTH Coverage Doctors Hospitalization, $10 generic, $20 vision, Critical Il ness, Surgical Accidental Medical, Guaranteed Issue. Individuals & Businesses 1(800)971-7075. Affordable Health Benefits ________________________________________________________________ IRS Tax Problems? FREE Consultation if you owe 10k+ Settle for Less – Eliminate Penal ties, Interest Charges & Tax Liens. 1-800-383-5270 ________________________________________________________________ BANKRUPTCY LET US HANDLE YOUR ENTIRE BANKRUPTCY $299 Plus $399 FOR COURT COSTS GUARANTEED NO ADDITIONAL FEES CALL NOW (800) 878-2215. WWW.SIGNHERE.ORG Better Business Bureau Member ________________________________________________________________ LAWSUIT LOANS? Cash before your case settles. Auto, workers comp. All cases accepted.________________________________________________________________ Fast approval. $500 to $50,000. 866-709-1100 www.glofin.com $$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!As seen on TV. Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need $500 - $500,000++ within 24/hrs after approval? Compare our low rates. APPLY NOW 1-888888-5152 ________________________________________________________________ NEED A LOAN? Bad Credit? Bankruptcy? Repo? Personal Consolidation or Business Loans available. "Helping People with Credit Problems since 1991" Financial Specialty Services (800) 654-1816 ________________________________________________________________

------- HEALTH/MEDICAL/FITNESS ------QUICK WEIGHTLOSS!! Phenterminie, Phendimetrazine, Adipex Anxiety? Pain? Xanax, Soma, Tramadol, Fioricet. Discounted Prices. 866-788-4530, www.lowerrx.com ________________________________________________________________ ONLINE PHARMACY - Buy Soma, Ultram, Fioricet. $71.99/90Qty., $107/180Qty. INCLUDES PRESCRIPTION! $25/coupon. Mention Offer#01A31. 1-888-620-7679. tri-pharmacy.org ________________________________________________________________ ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION can be treated safely and effectively without drugs or surgery. Covered by Medicare/Ins. 1-800-815-1577 Ext.364 www.lifecarediabeticsupplies.com ________________________________________________________________ NEW FEATHER-WEIGHT Motorized Wheelchairs AT NO COST TO YOU IF ELIGIBLE! WE COME TO YOU! ENK MOBILE MEDICAL 1-800-693-8896. ________________________________________________________________

AFFORDABLE HEALTH Coverage Doctors Hospitalization, $10 generic, $20 vision, Critical Il ness, Surgical Accidental Medical, Guaranteed Issue. Individuals & Businesses 1(800)971-7075 Affordable Health Benefits ________________________________________________________________ ONLINE PHARMACY Buy Soma, Ultram, Fioricet, $71.99/90Qty $107/180Qty. PRICE INCLUDES PRESCRIPTION! $25 Coupon Mention: #01B31 1-888-530-4612. Tri-drugstore.net ________________________________________________________________

------- ITEMS FOR SALE -----SNOW THROWER – (used just 2-times!) – Yard Machines by MTD with Snow King 5 HP Tecumseh Engine. 22” clearing width. Works fantastic. Almost Brand new! I never use the darn thing and it takes up too much space in garage. Cost $575 new. Wil sacrifice for $400 firm. Call 412-279-1117. ________________________________________________________________ Ben Roethlisberger Graded Rookie Card! Graded 10 Mint, Highest grade you can get. This is a Score Rookie,and comes encapsulated in holder! $30.00. Call or text me at 412780-5998 ________________________________________________________________ 58” flat screen JVC television. Brand new! Won as a prize. Never been used. Must sel________________________________________________________________ l. Includes stand. Retails for over $3,500. Wil sacrifice for $2,000. 724-483-5373. New ladies Tour Edge Power Gold Club Set. Right hand, light flex, bag and covers in________________________________________________________________ cluded. $299 cash OBO. Call 412-997-3869. Bike helmet and tire pump. Both new. $50 for both. Call 412-997-3869. ________________________________________________________________ For Sale - C.B. Radios, different brands. Call 724-258-4815 ________________________________________________________________ Electric Wheelchair. – Brand new. Used only 10-minutes! Cost $5,000. Wil sacrifice for $1,800 or best offer. Call 724-258-6896 ________________________________________________________________ Frigidaire gas range, self clean crown model, white, great condition. $275.00 American Standard 9" double bowl white sink with white Delta pullout faucet great cond. $100.00 (724) 348-0515. ________________________________________________________________ Super Steelers Super Bowl games. 1970’s VHS tapes or DVD of the actual Super Bowl games including the classic commercials and pre-postgame footage. These are not the highlight films.Actual recorded games! Super Bowls IX, X, XII , and XIV. $100 for the compl________________________________________________________________ ete set of four.A MUST HAVE for any true Steeler fan. Great as a gift. Call 412-279-1117. 1956 upright Piano with matching bench. Like new! Make offer. 724-747-0866 ________________________________________________________________ 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: mi________________________________________________________________ mi_1919@yahoo.com - Please put “Horse Items” in the subject field of your e-mail. Cargo Carrier, aluminum, for 1 1/4 inch receiver. First $50.00.Text or call me at 412-7805998 ________________________________________________________________ Nikon 35MM N-70 body with Nikon 35-80(1.4-5.6) zoom lens also Nikon 80-200(4.5-5.6) zoom lens, neck strap, carry bag, filters, new batteries and the manual. Like new condition. Over $800 new, first $150.Charleroi. (724) 483-5467 or e-mail: blackhawkxx@yahoo.com ________________________________________________________________ Nordic gold weight machine $100. Excellent condition. 724-938-3558 ________________________________________________________________ Chair Lift by Acorn. Nearly new, barely used. Indoor/outdoor chair lift. Chair is weatheriz________________________________________________________________ ed. Best offer. Call 724-258-7028. Impex Powerhouse Home Gym. Model WM 1403. Used Once. $30. Call 724-348-4859. ________________________________________________________________ BRASS BED VERY ORNATE, SIZE-DOUBLE $100. COUCH – FREE. EXCELLENT SHAPE. 724-348-4859 ________________________________________________________________ Cello 1/2 size. Excellent condition. Soft case included. Good for elementary student. $200. Cal l 724-942-3929 ________________________________________________________________ Utility trailer, 5 x 10 with sides. In good condition. Have title and license. All steel constructi on. Asking $600. Call 724-348-8943. ________________________________________________________________

Antique Oak Bed and matching 2-drawer washstand with drying rack and 3-drawer dresser and framed beveled mirror. All refinished. In good condition. Asking $525 for all pieces. Cal l 412-384-6704. ________________________________________________________________ Adjustable Bed, electric double by Craftmatic with vibrator. Bought March 2007. Paid $4,268 – slept in one night. Includes Omalan mattress, slightly softer but dense. Asking $1500 or best offer. Call 412-384-6704. ________________________________________________________________ Hammond Elegante Organ with Leslie Speakers - Top of the line organ - like new condi________________________________________________________________ tion - $2500 (724)348-8028 Pit________________________________________________________________ Bull Puppies. Male $220, female $250, flexible. Call Tom at 724-314-3177. Fireplace tool set by Adams. Antique brass $175.00. Brass log holder $25.00. 724872-2029 leave clear message. ________________________________________________________________ Cemetery Plots. Jefferson Memorial Park - 4 adjacent lots in "The Garden of the Well" Lot 112A. $2500/all. Can divide. 724-348-5072 ________________________________________________________________ Portable hospital bed - $75. Call 724-328-1766. ________________________________________________________________ Disk (farm), 5 ft. – 3 pt. hitch. $400. Call 724-348-5992. ________________________________________________________________ Trailer (farm), dual wheels, titled. $500. Call 724-348-5992. ________________________________________________________________ Cast iron claw foot bath tub (1912) – good condition. $75. 724-258-4240 ________________________________________________________________ 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. ________________________________________________________________ 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. ________________________________________________________________ BEDROOM 8-PIECE $975 NEW BOXED. ALL WOOD SLEIGH/MISSION WITH 10-YEAR WARRANTY. MATTRESS SET. HANDCRAFTED, DOVETAILED FURNITURE. 412-494-7351. Wi________________________________________________________________ l Deliver. BEDROOM 8-PIECE $975 NEW BOXED. ALL WOOD SLEIGH/MISSION WITH 10-YEAR WARRANTY. MATTRESS SET. HANDCRAFTED, DOVETAILED FURNITURE. 412-494-7351. Wi________________________________________________________________ l Deliver. BEDS - "PLUSH/PILLOWTOPS, ORTHOPEDIC AND MEMORY FOAM" FULL... $169. QUEEN...$189. KING SIZE. MATTRESS, ALL NEW. SEALED IN PLASTIC W/10 YR. WARRANTY________________________________________________________________ DELIVERY AVAIL. IMMEDIATELY. PLEASE CALL 412-787-9128 BEDS - "PLUSH/PILLOWTOPS, ORTHOPEDIC AND MEMORY FOAM" FULL... $169. QUEEN...$189. KING SIZE. MATTRESS, ALL NEW. SEALED IN PLASTIC W/10 YR. WARRANTY________________________________________________________________ DELIVERY AVAIL. IMMEDIATELY. PLEASE CALL 412-787-9128 DIRECTV FREE 4 Room System! 265+ Channels! Starts $29.99! FREE HBO,Showtime, Starz! 130 HD Channels! FREE DVR/HD! No Start Up Costs! Local Installers! 1800-973-9044. ________________________________________________________________ MEMORY FOAM THERAPEUTIC NASA VISCO MATTRESSES. WHOLESALE! T-$299 F$349 Q-$399 K-$499 ADJUSTABLES - $799 FREE DELIVERY 25 YEAR WARRANTY 90 NI________________________________________________________________ GHT TRIAL 1-800-ATSLEEP. 1-800-287-5337. WWW.MATTRESSDR.COM HAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTED? Contact Woodford Bros., Inc. for traightening, leveling, foundation, and wood frame repairs at -800-OLD-BARN/www.woodfordbros.com MDHIC #05-121-861 ________________________________________________________________ GET THE BEST TV entertainment with DIRECTV. No equipment to buy. No start-up costs. Cal l 1-800-406-8162 today! ________________________________________________________________

NEW FEATHER-WEIGHT Motorized Wheelchairs AT NO COST TO YOU IF ELIGIBLE! WE COME TO YOU! ENK MOBILE MEDICAL 1-800-693-8896. ________________________________________________________________

------- ITEMS WANTED ------BUYING OLD FURNITURE AND VARIOUS HOUSE CONTENTS. ONE ITEM OR ENTIRE ESTATE. CALL 724-255-2000 OR 724-941-1827 Wanted Antiques – Oriental Rugs, Paintings, Quilts, Crocks with Blue, Furniture, Lamps or anything OLD! Please call me. Jim Gil espie at 412-979-7050 or home 724348-6203. CLEAN FILL NEEDED IN THE FINLEYVILLE AREA 724-941-7833. ________________________________________________________________ Wanted - Junk cars, trucks, etc., with or without title, all worth money. Also, local and long di________________________________________________________________ stance towing. Call 412-498-1622. WANTED: PINBALL MACHINE, ARCADE VIDEO GAME & coin operated items, ANY CONDITI________________________________________________________________ ON, cash paid, semi-quick removal. 412-559-8477. E-mail: 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 til er, Rear tire til ers, Lawn Boy mowers, Honda mowers. Need not be running. Pay cash! 724-745-6489. ________________________________________________________________ OLD GUITARS WANTED! Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch. 1930 - 1980. TOP DOLLAR PAI D. Call toll free 1-866-433-8277. ________________________________________________________________ **OLD GUITARS WANTED!** Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, Martin, D'Angelico, Stromberg, Rickenbacker, and Mosrite. 1930's thru 1960's. TOP CASH PAID! The Guitar Collector. 1800-401-0440. ________________________________________________________________

------- MISCELLANEOUS ------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 ________________________________________________________________ Bobcat with 2 Buckets FOR RENT! $200/day + delivery & pick-up. Call: 724-825-7233 ________________________________________________________________ * REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL! * - Get a 4-room, all-digital satellite system installed for FREE and programming starting under $20. Free Digital Video Recorders to new clients. So cal________________________________________________________________ l now, 1-800-795-3579. POST OFFICE HIRING Nationally!. Avg. pay $20/hr., $57K/yr. incl Fed. Benefits, OT. Optional fee-based test prep materials. Not affiliated w/ US Postal Service. 1-866-4831057. ________________________________________________________________ A NEW COMPUTER NOW! Brand name. Bad or NO credit - No problem. Smallest weekly payments avail. Call NOW 1-800-804-5010 ________________________________________________________________ ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from home. Medical, Business, Paralegal, Computers, Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial aid if qualified. Call 800494-3586 www.CenturaOnline.com ________________________________________________________________ OLD GUITARS WANTED! Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch. 1930 - 1980. TOP DOLLAR PAI D. Call toll free 1-866-433-8277. ________________________________________________________________ A NEW COMPUTER NOW! Brand name. Bad or NO credit - No problem. Smallest weekly payments avail. Call NOW 1-800-932-4501 ________________________________________________________________ AIRLINES ARE HIRING: Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified - Housing available. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance. 888-349-5387. ________________________________________________________________


Page 78 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 CLASSIFIEDS **ALL Satellite Systems are not the same. Programming starting under $20 per month, HDTV programming under $10 per month and FREE HD and DVR systems for new callers. CALL NOW 1-800-799-4935 ________________________________________________________________ $$$ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! As seen on TV. Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need $500-$500,000++ within 24/hrs after approval? Compare our lower rates. APPLY NOW 1-866-386-3692 ________________________________________________________________ A NEW COMPUTER NOW!!! Brand Name Laptops & Desktops. Bad or NO Credit – No Problem. Smallest Weekly Payments avail. It’s yours NOW – Call 1-800-804-5010 ________________________________________________________________ A NEW COMPUTER NOW!!!! Brand Name Laptops & Desktops. Bad or NO Credit – No Probl em. Smallest weekly payments avail. It’s Yours NOW 1-800-804-7475 ________________________________________________________________ AIRLINES ARE HIRING – Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified – Housing Available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance. (888) 349-5387 ________________________________________________________________ ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Computers, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 800-510-0784 www.CenturaOnline.com ________________________________________________________________ Don’t Forget Valentine’s Day! Save $20 on 12 Long Stemmed Red Roses & Free Ruby Vase. Only $39.99. Order Now, Supply is Limited. Only at www.proflowers.com/credit or 866-312-7735. ________________________________________________________________ FREE DIRECTV 4 Room System! 265+ Channels! Starts $29.99! FREE HBO,Showtime, Starz! 130 HD Channels! FREE DVR/HD! No Start Up Costs! Local Installers! 1800-620-0058. ________________________________________________________________

STEEL BUILDINGS All sizes welcome. Steel prices are down! Wil help with design. Addi tional discounts available. www.greylensteel.com 1-866-802-8573 ________________________________________________________________ ACR METAL Roofing and Siding. Low Cost, Fast Delivery, Agricultural, Commercial, Residential, Pole Barn Packages, Trims, Fasteners, Reflective Insulation, Door Track. Free Li________________________________________________________________ terature, 1-800-325-1247 **OLD GUITARS WANTED!** Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, Martin, D'Angelico, Stromberg, Rickenbacker, and Mosrite. 1930's thru 1960's. TOP CASH PAID! The Guitar Collector. 1800-401-0440. ________________________________________________________________ STEEL BUILDINGS: 5 Only, 25x36, 30x48, 40x42, 45x92, 80x150. Must Move Now! Sel________________________________________________________________ ling For Balance Owed/Free Delivery! 1-800-211-9594 x66

------- NOTICES ------LOST – Wedding Ring. Men’s. White Gold. Lost while driving along Rt. 88 near Mingo Church Road, Finleyvil e. Very sentimental and important. Reward offered. If found, please cal________________________________________________________________ l 412-760-2291.

------- PETS ------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 mi________________________________________________________________ mi_1919@yahoo.com - Please put “Horse Items” in the subject field of your e-mail. Pit________________________________________________________________ Bull Puppies. Male $220, female $250, flexible. Call Tom at 724-314-3177. 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. ________________________________________________________________

LOCAL BUSINESSES, MERCHANTS AND SERVICES BAKERY New Eagle Bakery & Pizzeria - New Eagle Bakery & Pizzeria - 161 Main Street - New Eagle. 724-258-8110. Daily Specials; LOVE AT FIRST BITE!! ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BANQUET FACILITY/SOCIAL HALL

Finleyville American Legion – Morrison-Ritchie Post 613. 3537 Washington Avenue, Finleyvil e. “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. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

CLEANING SERVICES

Chernicky Cleaning – Wall washing. Floor care. Janitor Service. FREE ESTIMATES. Providing Quality Cleaning in the South Hil s for over 30 years! 724-348-5910. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Will Clean Your House Or Office! Speciality Cleaning and Speciality Jobs.Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly, or One Time Only Job. Dependable, Reliable, and Reasonable Rates. Call your Cleaning Services. 412-589-3589 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WILL CLEAN YOUR HOUSE OR OFFICE - SPECIALITY CLEANING AND SPECIALITY JOBS. WEEKLY, BI-WEEKLY. MONTHLY, OR ONE TIME JOB ONLY. DEPENDABLE, AND REASONABLE RATES. (WRONG PHONE NUMBER PUT IN LAST ISSUE.) CALL 412-589-3584 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

COMPUTERS

Computer Tune-Up - 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. $40.00 per machine. 724-348-6837. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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. 724-258-5336. http://web.mac.com/dcheplic/ ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

EXCAVATION

Excavation Services - Bobcat, backhoe, dump truck, french drains, utility lines, gravel, grating, hauling, foundations and sewer line work. Call Ernie at: 412-384-7337 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

FLORAL/GIFTS

Finleyville Flower Shoppe – Your Hometown Florist! Flowers, plants, gift baskets and more. 3510 Washington Avenue, Finleyvil e. 724-348-5808. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

GARAGE DOORS

Wuenstel Brothers Garage Door Company – Second Generation family owned. Since 1977. Residential Replacement Specialists. 3526D Cliff Street, Finleyvil e. 724-348-7550. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

GUTTERS ZUBASIC BROS. HOME IMPROVEMENTS – New Seamless Gutters & Repairs 724-9417833 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

HAIR AND BEAUTY/TANNING

My Sisters Shop –We’re now located behind Finleyvil e Hardware. Hair,Nails,Tanning,Waxing. Convenient parking. 3526B Cliff Street, Finleyvil e. 724-348-2244. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– All About Hair – 724-292-0122. Main Street, New Eagle. Wolff Tanning System, “The deepest, darkest tan for a 20 minute bed.” Open Tuesday through Saturday. Call for an appointment please. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

PIZZERIA

New Eagle Bakery & Pizzeria - New Eagle Bakery & Pizzeria - 161 Main Street - New Eagle. 724-258-8110. Daily Specials; LOVE AT FIRST BITE! ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

PLUMBING

Frye Brothers Plumbing - Registered Master Plumbers.Residential and Commercial. Locally Owned and Operated. Fully Insured and Certified. Ed Frye – (412) 841-6008,or Bob Frye – (412) 600-7905. www.fryebrosplumbing.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

RESTAURANT

The Kickstand Bar & Restaurant - Open Daily 3 pm-2 am; Daily Specials; Homemade Soups. 1100 Hayden Blvd. 51 South. 412-384-30807 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

SIDING / WINDOWS / ROOFING

Meredith Home Improvements – We also build Porch roofs and small decks. 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. Call us today at 412-831-9991. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

Tranquil Elements -Tranquil Elements offers therapeutic and relaxation massages in my home or yours. New clients welcomed. Call Amanda Chase 412-217-6822 or email at tranquilelements@comcast.net Visit my website at www.tranquilelements.net ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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. ________________________________________________________________

COOPERSTOWN/CHERRY VALLEY LAND SALE!! 15 acres - $44,900! Former x-mas tree farm, views, hidden field! Just off Thruway, under 1 hr. Albany! Wil sell absolute 2/21! No cl________________________________________________________________ osing costs! EZ owner terms! For priority appointment call 866-705-0827.

------- REAL ESTATE -------

----- SERVICES -----

MOBILE HOME - Mingo Park Estates,Finleyvil e: Must sell 1992 Commodore 14 X 80,spacious 3 BR, 2 full baths with skylights, 1 with Jacuzzi, beautiful kitchen, A/C, shed, newer hot water tank & dishwasher. Well-maintained home with lots of storage. A steal at $22,000. Call for appt. evenings only 724-348-7620. ________________________________________________________________

"JUST HEMS!" - Specializing in shortening slacks,pants and jeans.Call Diane Lucci at 724348-6752. ________________________________________________________________ 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.mac.com/dcheplic ________________________________________________________________ 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. WILL CLEAN YOUR HOUSE OR OFFICE - SPECIALITY CLEANING AND SPECIALITY JOBS. WEEKLY, BI-WEEKLY. MONTHLY, OR ONE TIME JOB ONLY. DEPENDABLE,AND REASONABLE RATES. (WRONG PHONE NUMBER PUT IN LAST ISSUE.) CALL 412-589-3584 ________________________________________________________________ HAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTED? Contact Woodford Bros., Inc. for traightening, leveling, foundation, and wood frame repairs at -800-OLD-BARN/www.woodfordbros.com MDHIC #05-121-861 ________________________________________________________________ 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 ________________________________________________________________

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. FOR RENT -- 2 BR Apt.--Bethel Park. Best unit in the complex! Quiet! Short walk to the Library T line. Equipped kitchen. Good closets. W/W carpet. New furnace & A/C. Next to la________________________________________________________________ undry room. $650+G&E. Some furniture for sale. Call 412-889-1241 Mobile Home '83, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, wood burner, covered porch. Mingo Park Est. $8,000.00. Call 724-348-4472. ________________________________________________________________ APARTMENTS FOR RENT Library, PA - 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments. Near Library VFD. Starting at $425-$725 + Utilities & Security Deposit * No Pets • Near to Public Transportation. Call for more info.: 724-225-6814 APARTMENTS FOR RENT - Library, PA - 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments. Near Library VFD. Starting at $425-$725 + Utilities & Security Deposit * No Pets • Near to Public Transportati on. Call for more info.: 724-225-6814 ________________________________________________________________ House for sale by owner, Jefferson Hil s. 3 bdrm Ranch, 3.6 acres affords privacy. $220,000 or best offer. Call 412-655-1483 or 412-384-4753. ________________________________________________________________ 4 Acre Horse Pasture for Lease w/Sheds and Arena. $750/mo or 2 Acres $400/mo. Call 412-835-2560. ________________________________________________________________ Office Space For Rent – Finleyvil e. 1,300 square feet. Former site of Healthy Directions. $800 + Electric. 412-999-7163. ________________________________________________________________ FOR RENT - Myrtle Beach – Oceanfront Condo Available! Spacious and beautifully furnished, this 2 bedroom condo (unit #1507) at the new "Paradise Resort" in Myrtle Beach wil 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.oceanfront condorentals.com/ Paradise Resort.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 ________________________________________________________________ Cemetery Plots. Jefferson Memorial Park - 4 adjacent lots in "The Garden of the Well" Lot 112A. $2500/all. Can divide. 724-348-5072. ________________________________________________________________ Office/Retail Available! New Construction located in Finleyvil e (Brownsvil e Rd. Ext.) 1,000-3,000 sq. ft. available. $10-$12/sq. ft. Call: 724-348-7545. ________________________________________________________________ WAREHOUSE/STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT - Finleyvil e. Different sizes available. Call 724-348-6688 for details. ________________________________________________________________ ***FREE Foreclosure Listings*** OVER 400,000 properties nationwide. Low down payment. Call now 800-250-2043. ________________________________________________________________ Arizona Land, BIG LOTS - $0 down $0 interest. Best Land, Best Terms Nationwide GUARANTEED or Your Money Back. Starting at $129/mth. www.sunsiteslandrush.com. Call PreRecorded Message 1-800-631-8164 ________________________________________________________________ TEXAS LAND SALE!! 20 Acres, $0 Down. Only $15,900, $159 / mo. Near Booming El Paso. Beautiful Mountain Views. No Credit Checks. Money Back Guarantee. Roads/Surveyed. 1-800-843-7537 www.sunsetranches.com ________________________________________________________________ AAAH! AFFORDABLE HOMES, CABINS, LAND FREE BROCHURE 877-837-2288. EXIT REALTY MVP MURPHY, NC www.exitmurphy.com ________________________________________________________________ NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS WARM WINTERS/COOL SUMMERS E-Z Financing Available. NEW! E-Z Finish Log Cabin Shell 1344 sq. foot/1.7 acres. $89,900. 828-2479966 code 02 ________________________________________________________________ Homes for Sale - 4 Bedroom 3 Bath only $29,150! Buy Foreclosure! Call For Listings & Detai ls 800-796-6049 ext. 1264 ________________________________________________________________ Apartments for Rent - 5BD 3BA only $237/mo! (5%dn, 20yrs @8.5%apr) 1-5 Bedrooms Avai l. Foreclosures! For Listings 800-796-6049 ex. 1221. ________________________________________________________________ FORECLOSED HOME AUCTION Pittsburgh, Harrisburg & More 500+ Homes Must Be Sold! REDC. Free Brochure 800-756-2144. USHomeAuction.com ________________________________________________________________

------- 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 ________________________________________________________________ BUY TIMESHARE RESALES - SAVE 60-80% OFF RETAIL!! BEST RESORTS & SEASONS. Call for FREE TIMESHARE 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.sella________________________________________________________________ timeshare.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.sella________________________________________________________________ timeshare.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 wil 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 843236-6623 and ask about Paradise Resort unit #1507 ________________________________________________________________

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.


March 2009 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 79 UNION-FINLEY MESSENGER

WORK CLOTHING WORK BOOTS GLOVES

ROUTE 51 ELIZABETH, PA 15037 412-384-7260

HARDWARE ELECTRICAL PLUMBING PAINT

MON - FRI: 8 AM - 8 PM SAT: 8 AM - 6 PM SUN: 8:30 AM - 5 PM

FULL SERVICE HARDWARE STORE • • • • • • • •

Key Cutting Pipe Cutting & Threading Rug Doctor Rental Propane Tank Exchange Paint Tinting (Benjamin Moore) Special Orders Chain Cutting Maintenance Repair & Operating Supplies • Delivery Available • Copy Machine 10c each • Best selection of Carhartt & Dickies Workwear in the Area!

$2 off $10 purchase

Not valid on water heater purchases. No cash value. Can not be combined with any other offer. One coupon per customer. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Expires 3/31/09

$5 off $25 purchase $10 off $50 purchase

Not valid on water heater purchases. No cash value. Can not be combined with any other offer. One coupon per customer. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Expires 3/31/09

Not valid on water heater purchases. No cash value. Can not be combined with any other offer. One coupon per customer. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Expires 3/31/09

www.kubota.com

©Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2008


Page 80 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 2009 UNION-FINLEY MESSENGER


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