Every third through twelfth grade student in the South Park School District will receive a Chromebook for the 2016-2017 school year as part of the district’s one-to-one technology initiative. The program, approved by the South Park School District Board of Directors in June, provides students in grades 3-12 with a laptop to use in the classroom and at home.

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum will host its annual event Trucks, Tractors and Trolleys on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The event runs from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. with the last trolley leaving at 4 p.m. Visitors of this event will have the opportunity to view many different types of trucks from the classic pick-ups to modern construction trucks.

The Montour Trail Council has begun construction of a new 940-foot section of trail in South Park Township to connect the Library Viaduct to Pleasant Street.

By Jill Brown

Founders Day of Living History was held by the Greater Monessen Historical Society at the Monessen City Park on Saturday, August 13, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday, August 14, 12 – 6 p.m. The festival is in celebration of Monessen Founder Colonel James Schoonmaker, who is honored for his services during the Civil War.

The 5th Annual Rocktober Car, Bike, and Truck Cruise will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at Vine Street Park and Gym in West Newton, 501 Vine Street.

The Level 5 Power TeamGym squad from Gymkhana Gymnastics took first place at the Power TeamGym National Championships held in Pigeon Forge, TN on June 25, 2016. This is Gymkhana Gymnastics of Bethel Park’s first national championship.

By Ken Askew

What do you get when you mix together 171 vendor booths, entertainment, a wide selection of food, arts & crafts, children’s activities—and just for good measure—topped off with fireworks? A recipe for another successful Community Day in Peters Township!

The Borough of Jefferson Hills hosted its annual Summer Recreation Program for 185 children ages 5 through 12 at Gill Hall Park and 885 Andrew Reilly Memorial Park weekday mornings in July.

To complete the 2016 school year, the kindergarten classes attended a education field trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, where they toured the zoo and aquarium and learned facts about the zoo and animals.

Central Elizabeth Township Lions Club is proud to present a $500 award to Carly McCall, daughter of Gail McCall, and Zachary Martik, son of Kristie Martik.'

On Saturday, June 18, over 50 relatives and friends of the late Betty Ambler of Pricedale gathered for the dedication of the Betty Ambler Park, a small playground located adjacent to Betty’s home, of which she was the “caretaker” for many years.

The Bentleyville Bicentennial is scheduled to take place June 30 through July 3, 2016, and this celebration of our town will be filled with fun and memorable events.

Organization’s 13 gardens stock food pantry shelves

South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) staff and volunteers are working to build a brand new garden at Whitehall Presbyterian Church, bringing SHIM’s total garden count to 13. With garden builds occurring throughout this month and next, SHIM anticipates planting will begin late May.

Several weeks ago, a small group of women got together to do something absolutely spectacular for their community. Corrina Withrow, Michelle DeHosse, Michelle Parnell, Rachelle Withrow, Sabrina Bowen, Matti Gruzs, and Carol Provan teamed up with many local residents, business owners, and friends of the library to steamroll through traditional methods and crush their fundraising goal of $15,000 to save the Monongahela Area Library in only 6 short weeks.

Pittsburgh’s longest standing and most successful digital marketing firm.

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We specialize in creating better brands that increase revenue across all channels and on all devices. Using the latest technology, we brand, design and market for organizations across the globe. We work with all types of industries. From dentists and online universities to landscapers and plumbers, we work with all clients alike.

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(BPT) - You've probably heard the chatter around how a handful of unusual foods are must-eat nutritional powerhouses - and wondered how you'll ever get your kids to try kale or chia seeds. But you don't have to stress over how to incorporate the latest health food fads into your family's diet in order to get powerful nutrition.

A select group of eighth grade students at Pleasant Hills Middle School created and produced a video depicting what makes manufacturing cool for the Catalyst Connection video competition.

The next two meetings of the South Hills Friends of the Montour Trail will be held on May 10 and June 14, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. at the South Park Township Community Room located at 2675 Brownsville Road, South Park, PA.

The Bradford House Museum, a National Historic Landmark and home of Whiskey Rebellion leader David Bradford, opened for the 2016 season on April 6.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to make an appointment to give blood and help save lives in honor of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day.

A Glimmer of Hope Foundation has been raising funds for breast cancer research since 1994, and the Foundation recently presented Monongahela Valley Hospital (MVH) with a $5,000 gift to continue funding innovations in breast cancer treatment and care.

By Paul Chasko

Last month, Knights of Columbus Council 13832 of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Finleyville donated $500 to the local food bank. Managers Rose and Ron Monich were on hand after the food distribution on March 12 to accept the check from Grand Knight Frank Kovscek and Council Financial Secretary Bob Keeney.

By Paul Chasko

A mix of family-oriented care and a bright educational environment has resulted in a great place for kids to spend the day when parents are occupied elsewhere.

Finleyville Pub Crawl – March 12
Biggest and Best Party in Town 8:00 pm to 2:00 am
All Proceeds benefit the Finleyville Fire Department
2 shuttle buses to drive you from business to business
Participating businesses:
Finleyville Moose
Bob’s Tavern
Debuzi’s Pizza
Hunting Lodge
R & R Concrete
Roy’s by the Tracks
Hackett Club
Girl Friday Cook
Check our Facebook Page for updates and information @ Finleyville Pub Crawl.
Questions: Call Gina at 724-844-3058
We still have a limited supply of T-Shirts but call ASAP

By Christen M. Stroh

This year, the Mon Valley Home Show has something even more important to share with the public – the home show is celebrating 25 years in operation.

The Bentleyville Lioness Club made special snowmen to present to the residents of County Home on Main Street in Bentleyville. On January 30, Lionesses Nancy Carroll, Betty Bular, Mary Lou Podroskey, Georgianna Wytovich, and Nancy Smith helped deliver these "warm-hearted” snowmen along with some toiletries to each resident.

The Fallowfield Twp. Volunteer Fire Company held their annual awards banquet on Saturday evening, February 6, 2016 at the fire company social hall. Four members were presented with fire company awards during the evening:

By J.R. Brower

A community open house was held on February 18 at Canonsburg Hospital to showcase the purchase of a brand new ambulance.

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The Bethel Fife and Drum Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, in conjunction with the US Department of Defense’s Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, is sponsoring a traveling exhibit of memorabilia from the war.

By Michelle Taylor

On December 31st, the Sunset Room in the heart of Elizabeth Township hosted its first New Year’s Eve celebration in honor of Tiffany Fine. The benefit included a live band by House of Soul, an appetizer buffet, a dinner buffet, cake, a champagne toast at midnight, and noisemakers and hats.

4th Street BBQ, located at 308 4th St., Charleroi, recently donated $1,000 to the Charleroi Volunteer Fire Dept.

Artisans, crafters, flea market, antique and food vendors are needed for the 18th annual “Fleatique on the Mon.” This fabulous event will be held in Chess Park and throughout Monongahela and New Eagle on Saturday, June 4th, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

At the World Championship and Grand National Morgan Horse Show in Oklahoma City this October, Finleyville resident Kristin Rozen and her horse, SSLLC Boom Boom Boom, claimed the World Championship.

The 3rd Annual Hoodie Hoo Day, hosted by the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, will take place on Saturday, February 20, 2016 in downtown Charleroi.

By Michael P. Mauer

When World War II veterans Earl Birdy and Andy Yatsko get together on the last Thursday of each month at the Thompson Run Athletic Association on Ball Avenue in West Mifflin for their Veterans of Foreign Wars meetings, they are keeping up a long tradition of being at the same place at the same time.

St. Valentine Church in Bethel Park invites everyone to our ChristLife Series that will begin on Sunday, January 10, 2016 at 5 p.m. and continues every Sunday evening until the last session on February 21. You do not have to be Catholic to attend.

Rostraver Township has received a Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful 25 in 25 grant award for the DiVirgilio Sports Complex Playground Beautification. On October 2, 2015, fifteen volunteers gathered to lend a hand to plant landscaping and spread wood fiber mulch around the newly installed DiVirgilio Sports Complex Playground.

The Peters Township Parks and Recreation Department is looking for individuals ages 14 and up to help assist with activities at these two popular family events.

Through programs and service, Charleroi Rotarians have been engaged in many activities over the past several weeks.

Join the Martha Washington Quilters Guild as they celebrate the past and present with 100 new and old quilts.

The Bethel Park Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce that, beginning November 1, the CBS Corridor (Castle Shannon, Bethel Park and South Park) shopping corridor will once again shimmer for the Holly Days Season from November 1-December 31, 2015.

by Tracy Fedkoe

The New Messenger Bus

If you’ve been to Pittsburgh, you may have noticed the transit busses decorated with Pittsburgh and Penguins signage, but have you seen the most unique and exciting bus in the Mon Valley and South Hills? It’s the new South Hills – Mon Valley Messenger bus. Full color, eye-catching graphics cover every inch of the bus and incorporate the moving wheels right into the design. It’s a one-of-a-kind look that reminds thousands in the Mon Valley and South Hills daily that the Messenger is your hometown community newspaper.

"She Did Life Right"
by Nancy Kennedy

With those four simple words, spoken in a heartfelt eulogy, Amy Herrlich summed up the remarkable life of her grandmother, Esther Meissonier. Throughout her ninety years of living, Esther was a person who was fully alive, making the most of every opportunity and using her wealth of talents and gifts to enrich her own life and the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know her. Esther Meissonier loved life, and she did indeed “do life right.”

By Charlotte Hopkins

Pastor Tim Green and members of Calvary Chapel South Pittsburgh (CCSP) hosted their first Back- to-School event for the children of West Elizabeth. With a motivational speaker and a teen band, the children went back to school with a great send-off. Adam Meshanko won the raffle basket of school supplies!

Rotary clubs are known worldwide for bringing together leaders who step forward to take on some of the toughest challenges in their communities. The members of the Monessen/Rostraver Rotary recently stepped forward to support a community cause that has touched practically every life in the Mon Valley – breast cancer.

Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 914 Intrepid West Mifflin prepare for a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the West Mifflin Area Senior High School football field Sept. 11.

Food Bank Named After Basketball Star’s Father, Pastor James T. Gilliam

By: Colette Dell

On August 15, family and friends dedicated the Miner’s Park basketball court in Bethel Park, to the late NBA player, Armen Gilliam, and on August 16, his mother, Alma Gilliam, dedicated her food bank to her husband and Armen’s father, the late Rev. James T. Gilliam.

Sports and Celebrity Memorabilia, Game Tickets and Much More!

The Pittsburgh Penguins, Highway Appliance and Lee Supply, in association with the YMCA, proudly present the John Barbero Memorial Scholarship Auction on Sunday, October 11, 2015 at the Mon Valley YMCA. There will be many pieces of great sports and celebrity memorabilia, home goods, services, sporting event tickets, plus much more up for auction.

Crossroads Ministries will be launching CLUBHOUSE KIDS on Wednesday, September 16, 2015.

It's time for the 4th of July BMX tradition! On July 3 - 5, the USA BMX National Series will roll in to one of the most legendary tracks in BMX: South Park!

ALLEN, Helen Anna (Leitl), 91, of Bethel Park, died January 12. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills.

ALLEN, William Robert Sr., 92, of Bethel Park, died January 10. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills.

(NAPSI)—While professionally cleaned ductwork can be like a breath of fresh air to many houses, there are a few facts you should know when it's time to have your home's air ducts cleaned.

1. In a typical six-room home, up to 40 pounds of dust are created annually through everyday living. Your heating and cooling system is the lungs of your home. The dander, dust, chemicals and other contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system, where they can build up and possibly contribute to health problems, especially for people with respiratory conditions, autoimmune disorders or allergies.

ANDERSON, Donald R., 76, of Monongahela, died December 7. Arrangements by William Bautz Funeral Home in New Eagle.

APPOLONIA, Bonnie M., 89, of Monongahela, died November 5. Arrangements by Marshall Marra Funeral Home in Monongahela.

Weekly Ad

Opens at 11:00 a.m. at the Historic Schoolhouse in Bethel Park. The Margo Barraclough Gallery of South Arts will display paintings and sculptures by local artists for sale at reasonable prices. In addition, small, framed original paintings will be for sale for $20.00 each. Heritage Box, well-known for beautiful hand-knitted items, carved pieces, hand-crafted jewelry and stained glass, will have items for sale for everyone on your shopping list. From 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. a holiday dinner of lasagna or roast pork with rice, salads and desserts will be served. Tickets ($12.00 in advance or $14.00 at the door) may be purchased in advance by calling Mary Stuart at 724-941-3081 or Sally Cordis at 412-831-8156.

Thanks for Participating!

Each month, the South Hills Mon Valley Messenger posts a new question to our readers.  See below to participate in our survey.  We want your feedback!

By Paul Chasko

A crowd was gathered at Chess Park in Monongahela to honor veterans on November 11th. Men and women from various Mon Valley veterans groups were in attendance to be certain that their comrades-in-arms – active, inactive and fallen – would be honored on this day.

Save the date for Hoodie Hoo Day, to be held Friday, February 20, 2015. This will be the 2nd Hoodie Hoo Day sponsored by the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce.

AMMON, Robert Norman, 66, of New Eagle, died October 15. Arrangements by Frye Funeral Home, Inc. in Monongahela.

ANGEL, Dolores "Dolly", of Baldwin Boro, died November 4. Arrangements by Griffith Funeral Home, Inc. in South Park Township.

Mary Dissen-Amoroso, owner of Horses Unlimited in South Park, was honored in September 2014 as the Riding Instructor of the Month by the American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA).

 Clairton School District announces Schedules and Activities

On October 11, 2012, DJ Belczyk officially took ownership of his two franchises - Tri-County and Allegheny Chem-Dry - from previous owners, Walt and Diane Bianchi.

ALTMAN, Richard, 54, of Jefferson Hills, died June 5. Arrangements under the direction of Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pleasant Hills.

ATKINS, Dale W. "Bush", 58, of Monongahela, died May 26. Arrangements under the direction of Marshall Marra Funeral Home in Monongahela.

AMANN, Neil J., 53, of Finleyville, died June 25. Arrangements under the direction of Kegel Funeral Home in Finleyville.

ANTHONY, Thelma E. Brost, 89, of Largo, FL, formerly of Charleroi, died June 21. Arrangements under the direction of Schrock-Hogan Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Charleroi.

July 8 - 9 – Trip to Lancaster – Includes two shows: Moses at the Millennium Theater and The Music Man at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater. $275 double includes Roots Farmer's Market, home of the oldest family-run country market in Lancaster County, a tour of the Canning Company for samples, Rockville Outlet shopping, two all-you-can-eat dinners and 1 buffet breakfast, lodging, bus, taxes and gratuities; 1 night, 2 days.

The 2014 Senior Games will be held Friday, June 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Peters Township High School. Senior Games are open to all persons 50 years of age and older who reside in Washington, Fayette, and Greene Counties or are members of senior centers in these counties.

The West Newton Senior Center is going on May 7 to Meadows Casino. We will leave West Newton from Youghiogheny Ballroom parking lot at 10 a.m. and leave the casino at 5 p.m. Cost is $22 with $25 free play as rewards. Sign up early by sending a check payable to West Newton Senior Center to 103 E. Main St., West Newton, PA 15089 or by calling 724-872-4976.

(NAPS)—Those who don't believe dog bites pose a serious problem in the U.S. are barking up the wrong tree.

Consider the following:

• An estimated 4.7 million dog bites occur in the U.S. each year.

(NewsUSA) - Adding new carpet is an easy way to rejuvenate the look and feel of any room in your home. But when you own pets, finding a quality carpet that is easy to maintain can be a tiring task.

"If you're a pet owner, it's important to find carpeting that can withstand the toll pets can dish out on flooring," says carpet expert David Duncan of Mohawk Flooring, a carpeting brand that has produced SmartStrand -- a soil- and stain-resistant carpeting that has successfully taken on zoo animals, messy kids and a cross-country tour of squirts and spills.

(NAPS)—Shana will graduate this spring with a business degree and a ton of student loan debt. She's not alone; on average, today's college graduate will carry nearly $30,000 of debt into the "real" world. Total student loan debt in the U.S. is now more than $1.2 trillion and climbing at a time when the economy isn't helping much.

(BPT) - With warm weather in sight, it's time to celebrate the return of sun, travel and outdoor parties. Whether taking a break from the workday to enjoy the park or hosting an event for friends, there are many ways to bask in the warmth.

(NAPS)—Did you know that homes with automatically timed irrigation systems use about 50 percent more water outdoors than those without them? Your system could be wasting as much as 30,000 gallons of water each year if it is programmed incorrectly, a sprinkler head is pointed in the wrong direction, or you have a leak. Regular sprinkler maintenance could save as much as $120 annually on your water bills!

(NAPS)—There's good news for homeowners preparing for their first yard work of the season. Investing a little time and effort in selecting the right tools and techniques when it comes to your spring yard cleanup can make the process quicker, easier and greener.

St. Clair Hospital is sponsoring its annual FREE Skin Cancer Screening from 6 to 7:45 p.m. Thursday, May 29 in Sipe Infusion Center, Third Floor, St. Clair Hospital, 1000 Bower Hill Road, Mt. Lebanon.

Board-certified dermatologist Jason G. Whalen, M.D. and Nicole Funt, MPAS-PA of Mt. Lebanon Dermatology will be performing targeted screenings. These screenings of suspicious areas are by appointment only and space is limited.

Rite Aid Pharmacy, located at 6375 Library Road in South Park, will be holding its monthly Wellness 65+ Event on Wednesday, May 7 from 10 a .m. to 2 p.m.

The focus this month is on Immunization Awareness. As part of the event, the wellness ambassador will be available for free blood pressure checks and will have materials concerning the dangers of pneumonia and whooping cough and types of prevention. Also, free skin care samples, moisturizers and vitamin coupons will be available. Most importantly, all 65+ wellness members will receive 20% off most in store purchases the entire day.

America's first and only vacation house rental featuring nostalgic memorabilia of the 1950s, '60s, and '70s celebrates its 5th year in business this Memorial Day, Monday May 26 with an open house serving birthday cake and ice cream to all who visit from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at its location at 914 Broad Ave., Belle Vernon.

Since its opening in 2009, over 1,000 guests from all over the United States and Canada have enjoyed trips down memory lane inside this unique vacation venue known as "The Good Ol' Days House." The former family home of proprietress Melanie Stringhill Patterson's grandparents for 60 years was purchased and renovated by Patterson herself in 2008. It includes 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a 1950s kitchen, a 1940s dining room, a 1960s living room, a full basement with pinball machines, 8-track tapes, and flat screen TV with DVDs of classic movies and TV shows, drive-in speakers and standing images of Elvis, James Dean and Dean Martin!

Rave reviews from guests at the house enjoy the museum atmosphere - in particular, the rumpus room, the retro bikes, and record players. The small town atmosphere of the Belle Vernon area is a hit and so is how friendly and welcoming the local people are here.

So visit nostalgicguesthouse.com, like us on Facebook and contact us to plan a unique family or friends getaway and create new memories, making deposits into your 'nostalgia bank' that you can draw upon when you need a little warm and fuzzy boost in the future.

What happens today will become the memories you hold onto forever. Let "The Good Ol' Days House" be a part of them.

The GRCC welcomes the following new members:

The Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to introduce their 2014 Board of Directors.

The Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce recently presided over a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Cotromano's Restaurant, located at 411 Fallowfield Ave. in Charleroi.

The following events, hosted by the GRC, will take place during the month of May. For more information, visit www.greaterrostraverchamber.org.

The Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce recognized Uniquely Yours by Janet, a new store at 412 Fallowfield Ave. in Charleroi that features quality used furniture and household goods.

Tregembo Motors is a family-owned and operated used car dealership in Bentleyville, featuring a wide variety of gently used cars, trucks and SUVs for sale. Most of the vehicles are Tregembo-certified, which means they have passed a rigorous 125-point inspection and include a warranty.

The following events, hosted by the GRC, will take place during the month of May. For more information, visit www.greaterrostraverchamber.org.

The Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce recently presided over a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Cotromano's Restaurant, located at 411 Fallowfield Ave. in Charleroi.

The Pennsylvania Tourette Syndrome Alliance (PA-TSA) has scheduled an Information Expo May 15, 2014 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center located on the grounds of Monongahela Valley Hospital. This Awareness Month event is being sponsored by State Representatives Ted Harhai and Deb Kula.

Monongahela Valley Hospital is sponsoring a variety of informative programs during May. Many of the events will be held in the hospital’s Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center (ECC) unless otherwise noted.

The Friends are offering, for the 4th year, their "3 months of fitness classes for $99" for the summer months of June, July and August. The pass can be used only for these three months beginning June 2. On September 2, the regular price will resume. During these months, you'll be able to try each and every class (4 different ones), as often in a week as you'd like in that three-month period. What a deal! This price is not a student price, but one for everyone taking these classes during those months. If you already have a regular price pass, you can still use it or save it until September.

(BPT) - When it comes to diet and health, small changes can lead to big rewards. Replacing less healthy ingredients in your favorite recipes with ingredients that are lower in calories and packed with nutrients (and flavor) make it easy for you to stay on track. The trick is to identify ingredients that make for easy trades, like milk, yogurt and cheese.

(NAPS)—A coffee break used to mean taking a moment to pause and rejuvenate. In today's fast-paced, multitasking society, coffee breaks have become a grab-and-go affair. Many say it's time to bring back the coffee break. Anyone can benefit from a 15-minute time-out to sip slowly, reconnect and reflect on what happiness means.

(NAPS)—The most enduring memory of the winter of 2014 just might be the millions of potholes that continue to dish out punishment to drivers and passengers across the U.S. and Canada. But abominable road conditions can cause more than just a bone-rattling ride; they can also damage important steering and suspension components, including shock absorbers and struts.

(BPT) - You put your vehicle through a lot this winter, but spring is finally here and that means you can enjoy driving once again.

If you're ready to get out on the road, these environmentally friendly tips can make sure your car is ready for that first trip.

(BPT) - As the spring weather approaches and consistent warm temperatures arrive, millions of drivers will take to the highway for spring road trips.

With one of the most unbearable winters now in the rearview mirror, drivers are facing roads that are riddled with potholes and other hazards. The change from winter to spring brings more than just a change of weather, but an enhanced need for proper spring vehicle preparation to help ensure you get the best possible performance out of your vehicle.

by Chuck Maiden

The Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold a luncheon meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at the Lombardi Conference Center at Monongahela Valley Hospital, Carroll Township. Registration begins for the event at 11:45 a.m. and the program will conclude promptly at 1 p.m. The keynote speaker will be Andrew Stroh of CLEAResult, who works with First Energy to help businesses evaluate their energy consumption and assist them in getting rebates.

"We are helping Andrew and First Energy get the word out about the potential for energy savings and rebates for businesses in our area," said Deb Keefer, Director.
More information on the program is available at www.rivertownspa.org and www.pecpa.org.

Reservations are required and the cost is $15/person, non-members, $18/person and may be made by calling the Chamber office at 724-483-3507, e-mail at members@mvrchamber.org. The luncheon price includes a parking token. VISA, Mastercard and Discover are accepted and on-line registration is available at www.mvrchamber.org.

A ribbon cutting was held recently at Biz Wash 2, located at 1640 Broad Ave., Belle Vernon, which offers a touchless, automatic car wash and self-serve bays open 7 days a week.

Heather Thomas

CENTURY 21 Frontier Realty is proud to recognize the 2013 accomplishments of Heather Thomas of Peters Township.

 In less than two years since becoming licensed after moving here from out of state, she has distinguished herself by earning a Gold Level Producer Award and a Quality Service Producer Award. Call Heather today to connect with a true professional!

WOMEN of Southwestern PA, Inc. (Women Organized to Mentor, Empower and Network) is accepting funding requests from local non-profit, 501(c) (3) charitable and community organizations. Submission deadline is May 15, 2014 and decisions will be made in June. See www.womenofswpa.org for details on WOMEN’s philanthropic mission.

To qualify, an organization must provide service in Allegheny, Washington, Fayette or Greene counties, have IRS 501(c) (3) status, receive no federal funds for the specific projects, and benefit women’s, children’s or family interests.

In 2013, WOMEN returned $48,000 to Western Pennsylvania organizations for specific projects. The money was funded by profits from the annual Symphony of Food – A Chef’s Showcase dinner held each year in January.

Applicants are asked to go to the website – www.womenofswpa.org – print and complete the Grant Application Form, attach a copy of non-profit status, specify the amount requested (up to $2,500), and send to WOMEN of Southwestern PA, Inc., c/o Philanthropy Committee, P.O. Box 1112, McMurray, PA 15317.

The Women’s Business Network’s mission is to provide personal and professional resources to advance the presence of aspiring and successful businesswomen. For more information, visit www.wbninc.com. Local area meetings will be held as follows:

• The McMurray Chapter meets at 8:30 a.m. at The Meadows (Mezzanine      Level), 210 Racetrack Road, Washington on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, May 7 and 21. Contact Valerie Bartels at 412-418-3072.
• The Mon Valley Chapter meets at 9:15 a.m. at Sparkles by Shell,      246 W. Main Street in Monongahela on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays, May 1 and 15. Contact Amanda Ciranni Fisher at 724-309-5120.
• The Washington Chapter meets at 8:30 a.m. at Panera Bread –      Trinity Point on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, May 14 and 28. Contact      Jennifer Englert at 724-462-1067.
• The Bethel Park Chapter meets at 6 p.m. at the Bethel Park      Municipal Building, 5100 W. Library Avenue in Bethel Park on the 1st and      3rd Thursdays, May 1 and 15. Contact Tamra McKenna at 412-885-5162.
• The Mount Lebanon Chapter meets at 8:30 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza      Inn, 164 Fort Couch Road, on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, May 13 and 27.      Contact Nancy Geer at 412-343-4361.

The South Hills Chapter meets at 8:00 a.m. at King’s Restaurant, 155 McMurray Road, Upper St Clair, on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays, May 1 and 15. Contact Susan Ceklosky at 412-334-3230

The Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold a luncheon meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at the Lombardi Conference Center at Monongahela Valley Hospital, Carroll Township.  Registration begins for the event at 11:45 a.m. and the program will conclude promptly at 1 p.m.  The keynote speaker will be Andrew Stroh of CLEAResult, who works with First Energy to help businesses evaluate their energy consumption and assist them in getting rebates.

“We are helping Andrew and First Energy get the word out about the potential for energy savings and rebates for businesses in our area,” said Deb Keefer, Director.

More information on the program is available at www.rivertownspa.org and www.pecpa.org.

Reservations are required and the cost is $15/person, non-members, $18/person and may be made by calling the Chamber office at 724-483-3507, e-mail at members@mvrchamber.org. The luncheon price includes a parking token.  VISA, Mastercard and Discover are accepted and on-line registration is available at www.mvrchamber.org.

By J.R. Brower

Everybody loves pizza, especially in Peters Township. It seems that more and more pizza places appear along Route 19 every year. Discussion of the culinary trend began last year at a council meeting during the approval phase of the township's new comprehensive plan, when the subject of discussion was the ever-increasing commercialization of Washington Road. Councilman Jim Berquist remarked off the cuff that he was amazed how many pizza restaurants keep opening in the township. "We're a pizza paradise", he said, adding that he really didn't have a problem with it, since he loves the stuff. At the most recent count, he and fellow pizza lovers will have 16 places to choose from.

The newest pizzeria to arrive on the Peters Township scene is Pizza Al's, located at 3504 Washington Road between Wendy's and Arby's. It is located on the site of the former Ageless Beauty Salon. Opening in November of last year, Pizza Al's is one of three based out of Morgantown, WV. In business for over 40 years, Pizza Al's has two locations in Morgantown, one near the north WVU campus and the other close to the main campus downtown. The small chain is owned by Albino (Al) Roberti of Morgantown. In partnership as co-owner with Roberti at the new Peters location is Paul Findley who is now a new township resident. Findley said that business has been good. "We get busier and busier every week. It just takes people coming in and trying our food one time, and then they'll come back," said Findley.

Pizza Al's menu includes three sizes of traditional pizza, white pizza, calzones, salads and 11 styles of hoagies. Findley said, "We specialize in
making the big 20-inch pizzas at a reasonable price."

Pizza Al's has a nice dining area, and there is, of course, call-in / take-out. Their phone number is 724-942-3434. Their hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

The Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold a luncheon meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at the Lombardi Conference Center at Monongahela Valley Hospital, Carroll Township. Registration begins for the event at 11:45 a.m. and the program will conclude promptly at 1 p.m. The keynote speaker will be Andrew Stroh of CLEAResult, who works with First Energy to help businesses evaluate their energy consumption and assist them in getting rebates.

"We are helping Andrew and First Energy get the word out about the potential for energy savings and rebates for businesses in our area," said Deb Keefer, Director.

More information on the program is available at www.rivertownspa.org and www.pecpa.org.

Reservations are required and the cost is $15/person, non-members, $18/person and may be made by calling the Chamber office at 724-483-3507, e-mail at members@mvrchamber.org. The luncheon price includes a parking token. VISA, Mastercard and Discover are accepted and on-line registration is available at www.mvrchamber.org.

The Monongahela Area Chamber of Commerce honored Carpeting Unlimited as their April 2014 Business of the Month.

Carpeting Unlimited opened August 6, 1975. Karl Amoroso, owner, is thankful for the support of Mon Valley residents over his 39 years of service to the community.

Store hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday - Friday. Home and evening appointments can be made at no charge. Carpeting Unlimited can service both residential and commercial and supplies flooring from companies such as Beaulieu, Mohawk, Armstrong, Shaw Mark and American Olean ceramic tile. Call 724-258-4845 for more information or to set up an appointment.

Congratulations to Carpeting Unlimited and Karl Amoroso for his excellence in service to the Monongahela Area.

Northwest Savings Bank in Elizabeth Twp. recognized
celebrated community involvement during the month of April. 

The Elizabeth Township Office of Northwest Savings Bank celebrated Community Banking Month in April.

Local Northwest offices observed this year's theme, Celebrating Communities, with special events, activities and giveaways for the entire
month of April.

"We're excited that Community Banking Week was extended to take place over an entire month," said Carole Scagline, Office Manager of the bank.
"We used this opportunity to thank our customers and community for their continued support."

Carole Scagline noted below some of the events that took place:

Elizabeth Forward Middle School art classes in 7th and 8th grade painted community banking themes on windows, and art from the students was also displayed in the bank.

Elizabeth Township Area EMS provided free blood pressure screenings.

Coloring contest entries from children ages 3- 5 and 6- 8 were displayed in the bank. Coloring banks were on display from Kiddie College Day
Care.

The bank also hosted a pet contest, where they collected a donation of canned food items for the Central Food Bank, located at Central Volunteer Fire Hall.