(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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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For Advertising
Opportunities
Call 412-517-8921
Or email:
[email protected]
www.veronaborough.com
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