Community News and Notes: Ribbon Cuttings Welcome New Businesses

Community News and Notes: Ribbon Cuttings Welcome New Businesses

Create a joyful and pleasant experience in the main business district | Pepsi Refresh Everything

Imagine the possibilities! The Classic Car Cruise is in full swing and the do-wop music is playing in the background, audible all along Lincoln Avenue.

Raffle tickets winners are thrilled to hear their name broadcast over the speaker system. The wandering kids are instantly reunited with their parents.

In case you're wondering, my name is Michele. I'm the one on the right with Jim Viscuisi, at the South gate of the 2010 Classic Car Cruise sponsored by Classic Chevrolet.

I am the administrator for Enjoy Bellevue, the creative community collaborative, founded in 2008, for the purpose of connecting you with your community. We submitted this grant application to Pepsi Refresh to obtain $25K to restore and expand the now defunct speaker system on Lincoln Avenue. The intent is to make it available to community groups and organizations for broadcasting during activites and events in Bellevue. The base equipment is to be located in the Borough Hall.

Think of it! Music and announcements able to be heard throughout the business district during the Classic Car Cruise, the Summer Solstice Spectacular, the 5K Walk/Run Race and the annual Sidewalk Sales and "Here Comes Santa Clause" as the jolly old elf rides in for the Bellevue Holidays Celebration!



The grant depends on you! Voting determines who receives the support from Pepsi. A few minutes of your time is needed to make this dream a reality! Text* 104353 to Pepsi (73774) *Standard text messaging rates apply or sign-up online for this valuable community benefit. Together we can do it!



Nativity Walk-Nationality Trees 2010

Karen Rubolino is a wife, mother, physical therapist assistant, homemaker, Catholic and Bellevue resident who had an idea for a fundraising event for her daughter's school. Planning began in June as she searched for trees, lights, ornaments and recipes to represent various nationalities of our world. Her energy and enthusiasm for the project gained momentum and she enlisted the support of Principal Miller to facilitate student involvement in signage and participation in the event. Assumption teachers, Mrs. Heinle, Mrs. Schmitt, Mrs.Taylor and Mrs. Spindler are deserving of  a very special thanks for their involvement and support.

Volunteers Karen Lawrence, Rose Meacci, Dana Vargo, Ann Restraine, Eileen Quolke, Claudia Babicz, Dee Soost, Michele Smith, Rose Mary Flynn and Brian Lawrence, an 8th grade student, assisted with decorating the halls and providing for the guests in preparing and dishing out the delectable foods of the nations. Long noodles with mandarin oranges, Ravioli in tomato sauce, German potato salad, Oplatek with honey, Taquitos, Corn Dogs, Hoppin' Jack, Herb stuffing, Irish soda bread and scones topped with jam and clotted cream and Bûche de Noël were served. The community responded with donations of hundreds of sweet treats for dessert. An adorned "beany baby" tree was awarded to the winner of the raffle.

The Assumption Angels, Alley, Anna, Claire, Elana, Isabella, Margaret, Olivia S, Olivia V and our Littlest Angel Skylar were ever-present guiding visitors from one floor to the next to enjoy the displays in the halls of Assumption School.

The "West Winds" performed a selection of holiday melodies in the transformed gym and Ms Sharon, our former Cultural Director at Bayne Library presented the story time tales in the manner we have all come to know and love.

The Nativity Walk was a splendid display of precious scenes provided by devotees for this one-night event. The trees which are decorated in the country of origin tradition, will remain throughout the holiday season. Visitors are welcome to view the trees during school hours. Access is by way of the main office at the rear of the parking lot on N Jackson Avenue.

We are most grateful to all those who actively participate in promoting the community and in this case, the spotlight is on the Rubolino family for their exemplary effort! Thank-you!

Bellevue Holidays Celebration 2010

Santa arrived by way of the Bellevue aerial truck on this frosty evening warmed by the smiles,hot cocoa, provided by Joe's Rusty Nail, and cookies courtesy of the North Suburban Chamber of Commerce.

Costumed characters welcomed the little ones on the patio while they waited to see Santa. A blue spruce donated by the Bauman family was illuminated just before the jolly old elf appeared. Northgate Brass Ensemble students joined in the revelry delighting the crowd with a selection of holiday favorites.

Businesses on Lincoln Avenue joined in the celebration with story telling at The Muddy Cup, open house events featuring live music at Luigi's Pizzeria and Ristorante, activities at MG's Making Scents, Stew's Hobby Shop and Plank Eye Board Shop, carolers ringing in the season at The Shepherd's Door, wine and cheese at Lincoln Barber, and a photo shoot at Mane Attractions. The new Acoustic Moose Cafe  enjoyed the throngs of visitors in their newly renovated space. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Enjoy Bellevue Members Newsletter

All the good news about Bellevue packed into two pages and distributed monthly throughout the community!  This month features Bellevue Holidays Celebration, "Small Business Saturday" and Pepsi Refresh! Read all about it!

Veterans Day-2010 in Bellevue, PA

On the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour in the year of our Lord 2010, Andrew Bayne Park in the heart of Bellevue, welcomed Veterans and visitors for this annual tribute. The program presented in honor of all military service men and women, living and remembered, was introduced by Bellevue Council president Coder.

Pastor Brown of Northminster Presbyterian Church in the invocation, gave thanks and praise recognizing the enlisted for their service and the sacrifices of our fallen heroes.

In reverence, with hands over hearts, the National Anthem resounded loud and clear for all to hear! Shelby Thomas, a senior at Northgate High School was all that and more in her vocalization of the historic hymn in an extraordinarily moving performance of The Star-Spangled Banner. Tears welled in the eyes of many as the patriotic salute continued.

The highly decorated Veteran Army officer, Hugo Alicandri, who served in Germany during World War II, is a longtime resident of Bellevue renowned for his passionate recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. All joined with him in the salute to the great United States of America.

The traditional Taps, sounded by the U.S. military nightly to signal "lights out" was a live trumpet performance by our own Kassie Lorey, a graduate of Northgate High School and Geneva College.

The second grade classes from Bellevue Elementary, inspired by Ms Tennant-Heffley and her colleagues, Ms Maiette and Ms Scheponik, presented their own written tributes and the rousing choreographed melodies honoring all veterans.

Paul Bingham, representing the 42nd district office of State Senator Wayne Fontana was the keynote speaker. He addressed Bellevue acknowledging the contributions of the service men and women who have served our country.

Shelby Thomas returned to the microphone to lead those present in a soulful rendition of God Bless America!

Reverend Brown returned to the podium and concluded the Veterans' Day memorial tribute in Bayne Park with the Benediction. Refreshments were served as veterans and patriots exchanged pleasantries in the sun-filled park.

The entire student body of Assumption Grade School were assembled at 1pm in McGovern Hall where each of the grades K through 8 presented their special tribute to Veterans, family and friends. Ms Miller, principal of Assumption School, coordinated the enthusiastic efforts of the students, teachers and volunteers in this memorable and educational salute to Veterans.

The program began with an invitation for all Veterans to stand and be recognized. Red and blue ingredients poured into a container were sprinkled with white and stirred gently to bring forth "Old Glory" raised high for all to see!

Students recited poems and participated in song taking their places on the stage in a formation of the red, white and blue. Uncle Sam made a brief appearance. A Color Guard led the parade of flags which were ushered forth as Mr Bell, who teaches the 6-8 grade Social Studies, as well as Spanish and Math courses, provided a brief history of each one of the branches of the US armed forces. Traditional military songs including the Marine's "Halls of Montezuma," the Army's "Caisson Go Rolling Along" and the Air Force "Wild Blue Yonder" were performed with gusto! The American flag was presented and students revealed letters spelling out God Bless America. Students donned special red,white and blue glasses for the gleeful inclusive rendition of "You Are My Sunshine."

US history became clear through an introduction of the 1492 Christopher Columbus crossing of the Nina, Pinta and the Santa Maria. The Pony Express rode in and General George Washington arrived on the scene. The all hands-raised conclusion brought energized applause from all!

Refreshments were served and enjoyed by all. We are all most grateful to all the military men and women who have served this great nation to ensure the freedoms we all cherish. Today and everyday, may you accept our thanks and heart-felt appreciation for your commitment to our country!

Go Skateboarding Day-Free Skate Jam and Cookout

Summer has arrived! In Bellevue, the season kicked off with “Go Skateboarding Day-Free Skate Jam and Cookout” hosted by Plank Eye Board Shop, co-sponsored by Enjoy Bellevue.  Owners Carlo Leo and Brian Buck organized the 1pm-5pm event for skateboarders to demonstrate their skills on the ramps, skate rails, boxes and other obstacles. The $1 entry best trick contest began at 2:30 pm and ultimately the prize money was awarded to Jarred Michalski, a Fox Chapel native and a student at Pitt, now residing in Bloomfield. The title of overall best was also claimed by Jarred for the Go Skate Day.

Plank Eye Board Shop opened in July 2008, in the old Murphy Building, to then relocate to 11 Sheridan Avenue in October 2009. Carlo and Brian are pursuing a Skate Park at Bayne Park Researching other parks, attending Council meetings, exploring funding, the project has a great start, gaining momentum with members of the skateboard community jumping on the board for the sport. Go skate!