(Spring 2014) Vol.1, Issue 4
Transcription
(Spring 2014) Vol.1, Issue 4
Verona Community News Volume 1, Issue 4 Spring 2014 High School Takes the Cake in History and Science Competitions O n January 16-19, 2014 six Riverview students competed the Photography Thirteenth Photo byatMadia Columbia University Model United Nations Conference and Exposition in New York City, hosting 800 students from eight different countries. Casey Smith won a first place Best Delegate Award for her role as Anderson Rosa Mendonca, Coelho in the Taking Back Rio de Janeiro Committee. Sophie Belch won a third place Honorable Delegate Award for her role as George Poindexter (AJ) - Mississippi (Senate) in Andrew Jackson's Congress. Christian Snyder won a first place Best Delegate Award for his role as Felip Aner d'Esteve in the Cortes de Cadiz: Spain, 1812 Committee. Danny Milberger won a fourth place Verbal Commendation Award for his role as Mullah Dadullah Akhund, Minister of Construction in the Taliban Shura, 1996 Committee. In addition to these four individual awards, our team (also including Will Gonsowski and Andrew Zentgraf) was awarded a second place Outstanding Small Delegation Award for their (Continued on page 7) Photo by Ken Kubistek Easter Egg Hunt...Still A Tradition After 25+ Years Pictured left to right: Students in front of Columbia University Library —Casey Smith, Daniel Milberger, Will Gonzowski, Andrew Zentgraf, Sophie Belch and Christian Snyder Spaghetti Dinner was a Huge Success By Donald Worf by Bob Steinhaus Verona’s annual Easter Egg Hunt, hosted by the Verona Chamber of Commerce, will be held Saturday, April 19, 2014 (the day before Easter) at 11 a.m. at the gazebo in Verona’s Railroad Park, located at 736 East Railroad Avenue, Verona. This is a family event and is free to the public. Children are grouped by age into one of three corralled egg-hunting spaces. The age The Verona Newsletter Spaghetti Dinner Fund Raiser, held at the Verona Presbyterian Church, was a wonderful success! Thanks to all of our attendees, committee members, volunteers, Verona Council, Verona Chamber, and corporate/individual donations. Chef Julie’s meatballs put a smile on all of our 150 attendee’s faces. Where can you find a $5 deal like that? Many thanks are also extended to Reverend Diebold for the use of his Church’s kitchen www.veronaborough.com (Continued on page 5) and facility. There was even a stage where Councilman, Leo Bickert, provided music and MC’d our event. Watch your Verona Newsletter and stay tuned for our next event! What’s Inside Contact Information ..................... 2 Letter from the Editor .................. 3 Local Businesses ............................ 3 Community Events ....................... 4 School News ................................... 5 Church Events ............................... 6 1 Verona Newsletter 2013 – 2014 Committee Members Sophie Belch – “News Bites” + “Editorial” + “RHS News and activities” / Editor in Chief Verona Newsletter / RHS Student Leo Bickert – Newsletter IT Consultant / Board Member-Verona Borough Council Member / Web Master-Verona Chamber of Commerce / Community Volunteer Bob Brayer – “Municipal News” / Director-Verona-In-Progress (V.I.P.) / Verona Political Advocate / Community Volunteer / Block Watch Dr. Nancy Carpenter - “Recycling News” / Verona Political Advocate / Community Volunteer Suzie Davis – “Verner Elementary News” Shirley Davis – “Verona Church News” / Community Volunteer Kathi Ferguson – “Verona Events” / Member-V.B.D.A.C. / Writer for: ‘The Patch’ / Community Volunteer Mike Forbeck – Newsletter Consultant / Verona Scout Master / Community Volunteer Rebekah Gabud – “Gardening News” / Newsletter Printing Consultant / Community Volunteer Ken Love – Verona Area Church Activities Consultant / Pastor-Kerr Presbyterian Church / Community Volunteer Obie Morford – Newsletter Consultant / Verona Political Advocate / Community Volunteer Angela Occhipinti – “Verona Real Estate News” / Northwood Realty / Community Volunteer Sylvia Provenza – “Health & Wellness News” / Verona Chamber of Commerce Board Member / Verona Political Advocate / Community Volunteer John & Laurie Rizzo News Letter Consultants Chuck Spring – Verona Newsletter Committee Member Bob Steinhaus – “Business News” / Verona Political Advocate / Community Volunteer / Verona Business Owner Julie Steinhaus – “Cooking-Kitchen News” / Verona Political Advocate / Community Volunteer / Verona Business Owner Donna Walko – “Pet News” / Community Volunteer / Verona Business Owner Donald Worf – Newsletter-Web Master / Web Master - Verona Web Site / Community Volunteer Letter from the Editor I f you are not yet excited about the end of this very long winter, Verona can give you plenty of reasons to get out, get active, and get involved! I cannot be more impressed with the amount of opportunities offered by our churches, Council, Chamber, and our riverside life to participate in the fruits of spring. The season often brings an air of busyness, carrying us right through the lengthening of the days as the school year wraps up towards the end of May. At the Verona Newsletter, we want to take an active role in giving the community a strong voice; if there is news that you wish to see, we want hear from you. We welcome your ideas, comments and suggestions. Sincerely, Your Editor, Sophie Belch (412) 517-8921 [email protected] Verona has a ‘SMOKE-OUT’ coming! O by Bob Steinhaus ne of the most established Downtown Verona businesses is VERONA NEWS, located on the east side of the700 block next to Verona Eye Care. Verona News has been a family owned business as far back as the 60’s, but it’s newest owner, John Henry purchased the business with his Mother in 2006 and in 2010. After his Mother’s passing, John took over full control. John has made many changes to the business that currently offers sundries, snacks, sodas, ‘smokes’, lottery and of course, a variety of periodicals. Last month John found out that his store is the country's #2 retailer of CAO brand cigars. John attributes this achievement to his relationship and support of CAO, CAO’s ‘Master Blender’, Ricky Rodrigiuez, his loyal customer, and the “Smoke-Out’s” that are held 2-3 time per year. John began hosting his “Smoke-Out” event six years ago with a hand full of participants and it has grown tenfold. If it’s not a sandwich buffet offered, John roasts a pig for all to feast on. Local business and vendors attend to support the event. Currently John has 500 ‘Facings’ (cigar box brands) and plans to add 100-200 more. He’s not only made changes to his interior space by adding displays and a cozy lounge area for his regular cigar lovers, but he also plans to upgrade the exterior of his building with new lighting and a fresh look. John’s next “Smoke-Out” is scheduled for Friday, June 20th beginning at 7:00 p.m. John plans to have huge discounts on CAO cigars, “Buy 3 get 1 Free” deals, raffles, prizes, a full roasted pig and refreshments to enjoy. It’s the kind heart of people like John who not only want to see Verona move forward, but who also support our community through his generous giving to the to our churches and organizations who assist those in need. Let’s support those who support you. Take A Break For Free! by Bob Steinhaus This spring and summer, schedule some family or alone time and take full advantage of Verona’s 2nd greatest asset, our riverfront. Our public dock, located at the end of Arch Street, has so much to offer in way of water fun and recreation; kayaking, fishing, boating, canoeing and swimming are just a few of the plethora of activities this beautiful setting permits. Or, to wind down from a busy day, a comfy seat, some shades and a favorite hat may be all you need. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy! Verona’s number one asset is our people. www.veronaborough.com 2 We would like to send a sincere THANK YOU to all our sponsors and supporters. SHOP LOCAL and support YOUR VERONA Businesses! Eiler’s Hardware 318 Center Ave - (412) 828-1051 - www.eilershardware.com Sweet Memories Collectables 742 Allegheny River Blvd - (412) 828-7403 Jack’s Barber Shop 751 Allegheny River Blvd - (412) 826-8380 Trim Lounge www.trimlounge.com Northwood Realty - Angela Occhipinti (412) 780-5021 - [email protected] McDermott Auto 6832 Verona Rd - (412) 828-1333 www.mcdermottautoservice.com NAPA Auto Parts 763 Allegheny River Blvd - (412) 828-3581 Twirly Girl Baking Company www.twirlygirlbakingco.com - (412) 266-4080 IFixNMore 716 Allegheny River Blvd - (412) 304-3748 - ifixnmore.com American Tattoo 757 Allegheny River Blvd - (412) 828-8661 www.americantattoos.com Verona Gun Safe 716 Allegheny River Blvd - (412) 826-8112 www.veronagunsafe.com Rivertowne Inn 500 Jones St - (412) 828-3707 - www.myrivertowne.com Platinum Pooch 819 Allegheny River Blvd - (412) 828-3833 theplatinumpooch.vpweb.com Steel City Rowing 101 Arch St - (412) 828-5565 - www.steelcityrowing.org Freedom Diner 148 Allegheny River Blvd - (412) 828-8400 freedomsquarediner.com Midway Beer 915 Allegheny River Blvd - (412) 794-8564 Arbuckle Coffee 723 E Railroad Ave - (412) 826-0533 www.arbucklesgourmetcoffee.com Woobies Children’s Resale 733 Allegheny River Blvd - (412) 794-8371 www.woobiesresale.com Council Meetings 7:00 p.m.–Second Tuesday of each month, Borough Building Borough Council Workshops 7:00 p.m.-Fourth Tuesday of each month, Borough Building Verona Chamber of Commerce 7:00 p.m.-Third Tuesday of each month, Borough Building Verona In Progress (V.I.P.) 7:00 p.m.-First Tuesday of each month, Borough Building Hula Bar 759 E Railroad Ave - (412) 828-6919 - www.thehulabar.com Bettis Floral Designs (412) 466-5540 - www.bettisfloraleventdesign.com Ewing Insurance 727 Allegheny River Blvd - (412) 828-7600 Lamagna Cheese 1 Lamagna Dr - (412) 828-6112 - lamagnacheese.com Verona Presbyterian Church www.veronapresbyterianchurch.org - (412) 828-4494 Jessico Corp 720 Diamond Way - (412) 828-1415 - www.jessiecoinc.com Pink’s Tiny Paws 745 Allegheny River Blvd - (412) 518-1186 www.pinks-tinypaws.com Verona News 754 Allegheny River Blvd - (412) 828-9119 Gloria’s Fixations 733 E Railroad Ave - (412) 820-2344 Pittsburgh Thai by Boris 321 South Ave - (412) 828-0339 Burket Truby 421 Allegheny Ave, Oakmont - (412) 828-3535 www.burket-truby.com Verona Giant Eagle 800 Allegheny River Blvd - (412) 828-1271 Roth Automotive 747 2nd St - (412) 828-6133 Print & Copy Center 731 Allegheny River Blvd - (412) 826-9450 www.printandcopycenter.com Victor Ravioli 555 Wildwood Ave - (412) 828-0340 - www.victorpasta.com No Limits Sports Performance 719 Allegheny River Blvd - 724-977-8373 - nolimitspower.com Frank & Mollie Santucci/ Rick & Linda Romeck Verona Garden Club/ Larry Seiler (Borough Engineer) Rhoda Worf/ Avon - Hillary Garia Councilman (and DJ) Leo Bickert/ The Steinhaus Family Gabud-Schertz Household/ Verona McDonald’s Daily’s Juice/ Nickle’s Bakery IMPORTANT INFORMATION Verona Historical Society 7:00 p.m.-Third Tuesday of each month, Borough Building School Board Meetings 7:00 p.m.–Third Monday of each month in the JR./SR. High School Library (except in December when it is held the first Monday) Police Department 376 East Railroad Avenue Emergency Dial…..911 Non-Emergency…..412-828-6034 www.veronaborough.com Guardian Angels Ambulance Service Arch Street Emergency.….. 911 Verona Municipal Building 736 East Railroad Street Verona, PA 15147 412-828-8080 FAX-412-828-9083 OPEN - Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. CLOSED ON ALL OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS Borough of Verona Website : www.boroughof verona.com 3 Community Events Verona Tree Planting Recycling on its Way to Verona by Sophie Belch On March 10th, 2014 an Ad-Hoc committee was held to placate and discuss any questions or concerns about a new recycling plan that is anticipated to hit Verona streets this September. Members of the community were in attendance. The single -stream recycling program allows households to recycle plastic cans, glass, paper, phone books and cardboard at no cost. The Verona Council workshop, was held on March 25 th, bids were opened. The council will make a final decision as to which bid to accept at their regular meeting on Tuesday April 8th, 2014 at 7 p.m. at the Borough Building. As always, Council meetings are open and free to the public. Verona Bike Share Program Spring is just about here and summer is not far behind. Get out and enjoy the budding of the flowers and the awakening of the trees by riding a bike. Don’t have a bike? Log on to veronaborough.com and read about the Bike Share program. All you will need is some pictorial identification to borrow a bike from Dirty Harry’s Bike Shop on Allegheny River Boulevard. As always, whether you’re riding up the Hills of Verona or the paths of Schenley, please remember to adhere to all safety precautions and wear a helmet. Verona Bike Derby by Don Worf Bridget Seery will host the Third Verona Tree Planting on Saturday, April 19, 2014 at 9 am. to noon. If you are planning to participate meet at the Verona Borough Building, 736 East Railroad Avenue, Verona. TreeVitalize has approved the planting of 14 trees on Saturday, April 19. The volunteers will be planting in the business district and at Riverbank Park. Wear clothes that you will get dirty and shoes that are sturdy! The event will take place rain or shine. Sign up to help out at http://www.paconserve.org/300. Upcoming Community Events Concerts in the Park You will hear the music waft all over Verona this summer during “Concerts in the Park” summer series. The concerts are held in Railroad Park at the Gazebo. Friends, neighbors, residents, and non-residents are invited to bring their chairs, a blanket, and snacks to lean back, relax, and enjoy the music. Dates, times, and performers are listed below: May 14 (Wed.) 7–9 p.m. Beth Docherty- acoustic rock May 29 (Thursday) 7 p.m. Garret Danhardt – country guitar June 12 (Thursday) 7-9 p.m. Beth Docherty - acoustic rock June 25 (Wed.) 7 p.m. Alexander Band - folk music-more July 10 (Thursday) 7 p.m. Pat Verne (Charlie Hustle and the Grifters) July 26 (Wednesday) 7 p.m. Donna Occhipiniti – guitarist July 24 (Thursday) – 7 p.m. - Delmont Community Band Sgt. Jerry Frankos of the Verona Police Department would like to remind everyone of the 2014 Bike Derby which will be Bocce in Verona held at the Verona Police Department/Verona Borough BuildWe are getting ready for the 2014 Bocce Season opener on ing on Saturday, June 8th at 11 a.m. This program was started Wednesday May 21, 2014 at Cribbs Field, Verona. The initial over ten years ago to promote bike safety to the children of night we will pick the teams and have a little practice. New to Verona. Bocce? We welcome new members of all experience levels. In the past years, we have been very pleased with the successful turnout of this event. Many children and their families (Continued on page 5) attend to learn from bike experts how to properly fit a helmet, maintain their bike, and safe operation of a bike. We have also had the pleasure of introducing the children to Stat Medevac, Police Officers, First Responders, Specialty Vehicles, and Bike Experts. Free helmets are provided to the children of Verona who are in need of a new helmet. Various prizes will also be raffled off for all of the children. There will be free food and drink for the children in attendance. As a reminder, this program is solely funded by donations from various local companies, vendors, individuals, and anyone who is willing to assist. If you interested in donating, please contact Sgt. Frankos at the Verona Police Station by calling 412-828-6034. www.veronaborough.com 4 School News Special Upcoming Historical Society Collaboration Foreign Languages: Elementary Outreach Program by Rhoda Worf The Riverview School District is proud to begin its Foreign Language Elementary Outreach Program. This program is designed to extend the study of French and Spanish to the Tenth Street and Verner Elementary Schools. High School upper level French and Spanish students prepare and deliver beginning level lessons to the sixth grade classes under the supervision of Mr. Lee Hedderman and Mrs. Rachelle Poth. The program has dual benefits; it helps students of all language levels retain information in a more interactive way, and it provides a sense of community and a partnership district-wide. Upper level language students can put their skills to use while building an excitement for foreign language learning; a key component of marketable 21st century skills. High School Administration Changes by Sophie Belch On January 27, 2014 Mr. Jay Moser resigned from Riverview Junior-Senior High School to take a job at Allegheny Intermediate Unit. Ms. Tiffany Nix took over as the principal and Mr. Eric Hewitt as the assistant principal. Ms. Nix had been the assistant principal for two years and Mr. Hewitt had been a social studies teacher in the district for the last five years. We wish them all luck in their new ventures. Scholarships Available by Bob Steinhaus Spring means the school year is soon coming to an end and graduation is near. In addition to community events, Verona Chamber of Commerce (V.C.C.) each year offers a scholarship to Riverview High School graduates planning to continue their education in either college or a trade school. The V.C.C. scholarship will be awarded in May 2014. Interested students are urged to apply by contacting the Riverview High School Guidance Department. February’s program was a WQED documentary about “Underground Pittsburgh” with Rick Seback. In March, following a short business meeting, we had the great fortune to have Jim Wudarczyk as our speaker about “Death at the U.S. Arsenal”. Jim is from the Lawrenceville Historical Society. Jim has written several books which were, (and still are!) be available on different historical topics and events. On June 28th, the Verona and Oakmont Historical Societies will be hosting appraiser Dan Pletcher from Constantine & Pletcher Auction Gallery for an "Antiques Roadshow" auction! It will take place at the Western Pennsylvania Center For the Arts (former Spiral Staircase lounge) located at 300 James Street, Verona from 1-4pm. Light refreshments and music will be provided. Free and open to the public. The Verona Historical Society meets the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Building. Easter Egg Hunt (Continued from page 1) groups are: 2 years and under; 3-7 years; and 8 to 12 years. Last year saw a record attendance with an estimated 200 children plus their families. Everyone had a good time as families snapped photos of their loved ones scrambling through the freshly strewn straw searching for those treasured plastic eggs which contained candy and other surprises. Bring your Easter basket and get ready to have fun! As a rule, NO child leaves with an empty basket. Those lucky enough to find a golden egg receive a special gift from the Easter Bunny. Bocce (Continued from page 4) The team plays every Wednesday starting at 6:30 p.m. The season runs until the middle of August. And the best part is… there are no fees, no dues! Call Frank Santucci at 412-828-9205 for additional information. Not only am I a proud 13 year resident of Verona, I am an experienced professional who is actively involved in promoting the Verona community. www.veronaborough.com 5 Church Events Holy Week Schedule Holy Week has become both an individual church and community time of fellowship and worship and preparation for Easter. The following are community services in which all are welcome to participate. Holy Wednesday, April 16 Apostles Lutheran, 447 Hamil Road, Penn Hills At 6 p.m. gather in Fellowship hall for a covered dish dinner. Meat and beverage will be provided, so bring your special dish of vegetable, salad, or dessert. An inspiring worship focused around the theme of healing will follow the meal, beginning at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. Maundy Thursday, April 18 Gather together in the Fellowship Hall of the Rosedale United Methodist church and All Saints Church for what has become an annual Lenten tradition for the Verona/ Rosedale communities. A celebration in a theatrical worship experience focused around Holy Communion, a symbolic hand washing ceremony and special music. Good Friday, April 18 The Riverview Ministerium invites the community to gather together, in the sanctuary of Oakmont Presbyterian Church at 12 noon, for the traditional afternoon worship commemorating the time when Jesus hung upon the cross in the darkness. The worship will include special music, traditional scripture, and an inspiring message. Tenebrae Celebration, Good Friday, April 18 Trinity Lutheran Church invites the community to worship together at 7 pm. as the lights are extinguished in this traditional Tenebrae worship. Easter Sunrise Worship, April 20 Oakmont Country Club at 7 am is where the Riverview Ministerium will conduct a worship on the back porch as the sun rises over the 18th green. Methodist Church Message Series by Sophie Belch O n Wednesday nights leading up to Holy Week (which commences Wednesday, April 16th), the Verona United Methodist Church will be leading a series of video messages through mini-movies titled “Not a Fan”. The story follows Eric Nelson, a “man leading a compartmentalized triple life as a pleasure-seeking rebel, a cutthroat corporate executive, and a nominal Christian”. Come Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. to follow this story, and you are also welcome to a 6 p.m. soup supper before each message. Church Bingo by Sophie Belch Stay tuned in to your local newsletter for details of an upcoming Verona Church bingo event to be held in late April to early May. Sounds enticing? Call Shirley Davis for more details (412)-828-3412. Annual Spring Bingo Luncheon St. Joseph School PTG will host their 13th Annual Bingo Luncheon on Saturday, April 5th. This great luncheon has a welcoming spring atmosphere and will include raffles, Chinese auction, and bingo until you can’t play anymore! Tickets are $35.00 each and are sold on a first come first serve basis. For more information, call Laura Bowser at 412-443-3398 Community Dinner Community Dinners are held the LAST Wednesday of Every Month between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall of Verona United Methodist Church, located on corner of Herron and Center avenues. All are welcome and encouraged to come and share the fellowship. Upcoming Community dinners are: Wednesday, April 30 and May 28, 2014. www.veronaborough.com 6 Competitions (Continued from page 1) overall performance at the entire conference. Essentially, this award recognizes Riverview as one of the top four schools of the fifty schools competing at the conference. Then on Friday, January 31, 2014, twenty-eight Riverview students participated in the annual Duquesne University Model United Nations. Over 400 students from schools in the Pittsburgh region competed at this competition; and our team has once again been recognized with awards for their outstanding work. Sophie Belch was recognized as Argentina in the United Nations Children's Fund Committee and won a second place Overall Outstanding Delegate Award for the entire conference, as well as a $5000 scholarship to Duquesne. Will Gonsowski won a second place Outstanding Delegate Award as Luxembourg in the United Nations Security Council and Christian Snyder won a first place Best Delegate Award for his role as Argentina in the United Nations Security Council. Finally, the entire Luxembourg team consisting of Will Gonsowski, Victoria Tibbens, Alexa Patsey, Bree Patsey, Danielle Hanlon, Mackenzie Osborn, Katie Stolish, Tyler Aber and Victoria Sebastian won a third place delegation Award for the entire conference. These four awards make the 2013-2014 total an astonishing twenty-three, beating last year’s total by ten. Great job Debating Raiders! The Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science is a program in which students develop and conduct their own research experiments under the guidance of a science teacher and then report their results in a formal presentation to a group of scientists at a regional competition. Their research is then judged to be worthy of either a first, second, or third place depending upon the quality of their project and their presentation. At the regional competition held February 1st at Duquesne University, Louisa Miguez, Ethan Snyder, Sam Connolly, Sophia Miguez, Jocey Ostrowski, and Emily Walker all took first place awards, while Andrew Garda and Tessa Favo won second place awards in topics ranging from acidity of juice, investigating microfinance, and the pH of Ibeuprophen. The six students who earned first awards (Louisa, Ethan, Sam, Sophia, Jocey, and Emily) are now eligible to go on and present their projects at the state PJAS competition in May. Additionally, the following students received special awards with cash prizes for their projects: Emily Walker won James Manor American Chemical Society Award and the Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair Award, and Sam Connolly won the Duquesne University Young Science Star Award. www.veronaborough.com 7 For Advertising Opportunities Call 412-517-8921 Or email: [email protected] www.veronaborough.com 8