North Boros Beat

Send us a textContinuation from the previous episode about Avonworth Sports in the 20th Century.  This part covers Winter and Spring sports.  Enjoy!Link to presentation slides:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x9rmGU7XmH-DT5HFE_FQuvWdQZ4C7nvY/view?usp=sharing

Send us a textThis is a reprise of the recent Avonworth Historical Society presentation of the same name - Judy Pastor and Bruce Haughin put together some history of sports at Avonworth last century.  This is part one of a two episode series.  Part one looks at a history of the Avonworth School District and concentrates on Fall Sports.  Part two recounts the history of Winter and Spring sports.  Link to presentation slides:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x9rmGU7XmH-DT5HFE_FQuvWdQZ4C7nvY/view?usp=sharing

Send us a textWe are back with new events in the North Boros!  The Community Theatre Players will present the Noel Coward play, Hay Fever, March 28-29 and April 4-5 at 7:30 pm and a special Sunday matinee on March 30 at 3:30.  All performances will be at the Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon, 7501 Church Avenue, Ben Avon, 15202.In this episode, Judy talks with Hannah Dearborn, director of this production about  Hay Fever and the Community Theatre Players (CTP).Ticket information:Website - www.bactp.comFacebook - Community Theatre PlayersEnjoy the show!

Scott Wilwohl of Ben Avon talks about his Christmas pop-up at the former Elste's Market.  Proceeds from this market will help to support the location's renovation to become the new Avonworth Historical Society office.

Cassie Semler, Director of Faith Formation, outlines the many activities planned in December to celebrate Christmas.Church Websitehttp://cpcba.squarespace.com/Phone: 412-761-1233Advent/Christmas Event Calendarhttp://cpcba.squarespace.com/blog/2024/11/21/christmas-calendar

This episode is a cross post from Hill By The River podcast of the Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon.In this episode, Judy and Don Smith talk with the new pastor of Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon.  Pastor Heather Schoenewolf has an interesting background and brings a wealth of experience to our church.  We are so happy that she has answered the call to our congregation.Church Website:http://cpcba.squarespace.com/Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/benavonpres?

This short episode features an article from the Avonworth Historical Society's newsletter, The Chronicle.  Its author, Paul Templeton, recalls working at the Ben Avon Market in the 1970s.  We also recall the grocery store landscape of the North Boros in the mid 20th century.Avonworth Historical Society Websitehttps://www.avonworth-history.org/

This episode features an article about Eugene Morris, written by Peter Hercenroether for the Avonworth Historical Society newsletter.Eugene passed away over the week-end at the age of 77.Link to article:https://drive.google.com/file/d/16Cn3T7lYc2Svg9I8KFWjhDHjZAUzvLk8/view?usp=drivesdk

Cross post from Judy's other podcast of the Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon, Hill By The River.  Rev. Susan Rothenberg has been the church's temporary Pastor since Rev. Donna Giver-Johnston left at the end of 2022.  CPCBA thanks Rev. Susan for her excellent leadership and friendship.  The church looks forward to new Pastor, Rev. Heather Schoenewolf, who arrives from East Liberty Presbyterian on October 1.

In this episode, Judy talks with Theresa Gallick about this year's Bellevue House Tour.  It will be a celebration of all things Bellevue, so don't miss it!Details:Saturday, October 19, 202411 am to 4 pm9 houses and more!Tickets -https://www.bonafidebellevue.org/house-tour/Or Bellevue UP Church, Lincoln Avenue on day of event

Summer is almost over.  A lot of North Boros kids attended the area's Vacation Bible Schools.  This episodes is a cross post from Judy's other podcast, Hill By The River, the podcast of the Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon (CPCBA).  Learn about this very active week for over 40 North Boros kids.

Judy talks with Tracy Ferguson, Dan Simkins, and Lynn Evans of the Avonworth Historical Society about future plans.  Long-time President Tracy will hand over the reigns to Dan.  As plans for the new headquarters at 7119 Church Avenue move forward, we share memories of the former Elste's Market, a centerpiece of Ben Avon life for many years.Avonworth Historical Society7119 Church AvenuePittsburgh, PA 15202Email - director@avonworth-history.orgWebsitewww.Avonworth-history.org

Hear about all the happenings this Summer in Bellevue, including the Big Bellevue Yard Sale, which will be held Saturday, June 22,  from 9-3.  Over 50 yard sales in the Borough of Bellevue and other activities, too.  https://facebook.com/events/s/the-big-bellevue-yard-sale/1810256849469992/Avonworth Historical Society Lecture, June 11, 7 pm, Anchor and Anvil Coffee Bar, Ben AvonTV and Movies in the Pittsburgh area

Hannah Dearborn, Director of the CTP Spring Play, talks to us about this unique performance.  Hear about this free event at Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon.Thursday, April 18, 7:30 pmFriday, April 19, 7:30 pmSaturday, April 20, 2:00 pmCommunity Theatre Players website:https://bactp.com/

Avonworth Alumni - ever wonder what is going on with the old shop building on Church Avenue?  It is now home to Christopher's Kitchen, an organization that provides meals to family and caretakers of children in the hospital.  Learn more about this hard working group and it's founder, Joni D'Alessandro.https://christopherskitchen.org/

Susann Schneider talks with Mark Lee of LAMP about the services they provide to help people (including many in the North Boros) access books and other reading materials when it is difficult for them to do so.  A lot is going on with this project - Mark and Susann spell it all out.https://mylamp.org/1-800-242-0586This project is made possible in part by Library Services for the Visually Impaired and Disabled funds administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Commonwealth Libraries.

Guest host, Susann Schneider, talks with Chris Skerlong about the many services provided by the Salvation Army right here in the Boros.  Learn more about the organization behind the bell ringers and what happens to the coins in the kettle.  Salvation Army - North Boroughs Worship and Service Centerhttps://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/western-pennsylvania/north-boroughs/Prior podcast episode with Tylar Melfihttps://www.buzzsprout.com/341180/9009044

This episode  gives an informal list of holiday events coming up in the next couple of weeks.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you.Some event links:Avon Club Ben Avon Holiday House Tourhttps://theavonclub.org/house-tour/CPCBA Craft Show and Cookie Walkhttp://cpcba.squarespace.com/Savoyardshttps://www.pittsburghsavoyards.org/wordpress/Avonworth Band Craft Showhttps://allevents.in/sewickley/34th-annual-avonworth-band-craft-show/200025168727223The Music Note of Ben Avonhttps://m.facebook.com/TheMusicNoteBenAvon/?locale=pt_BRAvalon Light Uphttps://www.facebook.com/TheAvalonBorough/Bellevue Light Uphttps://www.bonafidebellevue.org/event/light-up-bellevue/Breakfast with Santa - Mayernik Centerhttps://www.avonworthcommunitypark.org/santa

Today we talk with Frances Halley from Community Theatre Players about their latest production, “That's The Spirit”.  In addition to Community Theatre, Fran is an instructor at LaRoche's “Adventure in Lifelong Learning Program” and she gives us a preview of her upcoming class.Community Theatre Players Website:www.bactp.comThat's The Spirit - Friday and Saturday, October 13 and 14 and Thursday through Saturday, October 19-21, all shows start at 7:30 PM Where?  Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon, 7501 Church Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202Tickets $10 - can be purchased online - Cash only at the door.

Today we talk with Alisa Mehlo and Ken Azzarello, both of Bellevue, about the Bayne Library and its interesting history.“Spooky” Tours of Bayne Library - Friday, September 22, 7, 8, and 9 pm.Tickets:https://friendsofbaynelibrary.org/

Today we talk with Michele Carville about this year's Fall Festival, presented by the Avon Club, in Ben Avon.  The festival will be held on Saturday, September 30, from 10 am to 4 pm.  Food, vendors, music, games for kids - fun for all ages.Website:www.theavonclub.orgAvonworth Historical Societywww.Avonworth-history.org

In honor of Betty Haughin's 100th birthday, we reprise the episode where she tells us what it was like to chronicle life in the North Boros for 43 years.  Betty is still writing emails to many folks of the Boros to this day.  If you would like to send a greeting, her address is700 S. Green Lane #305Zelienople, PA. 16063Special Thanks to Mark Sciaruto for his music about Pennsylvania!

Peyton interviews Coach Lucas about the upcoming Northgate Flames Football season.  Learn more about this steadily improving team.If someone from Avonworth would like to do a similar review on the podcast, please contact Judy Pastor at northborosbeat@gmail.com.

Today we talk with Peyton Celesti who was on the very first North Boros Beat episode in 2019.  Peyton catches us up on his high school activities and paints a picture of life at Northgate.  He also shares his future plans.  Join us for a lively discussion.Pirates vs CubsAugust 25, 2023, 7:05 pmPNC Park

Lynn Tennant Heffley, second grade teacher at Bellevue Elementary, discusses the Photo Mural project.  This gigantic array of photos features student life in the building throughout its history as a high school and as an elementary school.  We also talk about the transition from the Bellevue School District to the merger of Avalon and Bellevue to form the current Northgate District.  Enjoy the memories these photos bring!

Today we talk with Faon Conley of Avalon about her cat rescue, Save Our Strays.  Many lucky cats and kitties have found their forever homes through Faon's work.  Learn more about this non profit cat rescue on this episode.Website:https://saveourstrays.info/Contact Faon:faonconley@gmail.comMerlin Bird Identification App:https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Today, we talk with Jennifer Bett of the Community Theatre Players (CTP) about their latest production, “One Stoplight Town”.   This unique play portrays a small close knit town, similar to our own North Boroughs.  Find out more about this FREE production (donations accepted), held at Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon, 7501 Church Avenue (please use side entrance).  Dates are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 27-29.  Doors open at 7: the play begins at 7:30.  Come early, enjoy a dessert and visit with North Boroughs neighbors.  No reservations a needed or accepted - just come on down.Community Theatre Players website:https://bactp.com/

Today we talk with AHS's Foreign Exchange Student, Lucy Ha, and Andy Theobald from her host family.  Lucy is from South Korea and has quickly jumped into life here in Pittsburgh.

Hear all about Light Up Night in Bellevue and Avalon on Saturday, December 3, 2022, from 5-9 pm.  We talk with Becky Smolens Startzenbach and Paul Morack, planners for the event.  More information:https://www.bonafidebellevue.org/lightup/https://growavalon.org/FB Pageshttps://m.facebook.com/BonaFideBellevue/https://www.facebook.com/GrowAvalon/

Today we talk with Kim McMillan, owner of Cats N'At, a cat boutique, cafe, petting room, and rescue in Wexford.  Similar in concept to Mayim Bialak's cat cafe on Fox's “Call Me Cat”, Cats N'At provides cat lovers and cat curious folks alike a chance to enjoy some adorable kitties.  Kim tells us how it started and the success they have had placing cats in their forever homes.  www.catspgh.comFacebookCats N'AtInstagram@catspgh

This episode has “crowdsourced” from Facebook and NextDoor posts.  Judy compiles the collective memories of the Bellevue 5 and 10, especially in the 1960s and 70s.  And she reviews what has happened to the building in the years since 5e store's 1982 closing.Facebook Page - North Boros Beat PodcastPost-Gazette Articleshttps://www.post-gazette.com/local/north/2005/08/25/Bringing-buzz-to-Bellevue/stories/200508250398https://www.post-gazette.com/local/north/2007/05/24/TreeHouse-becomes-a-haven-for-artists/stories/200705240251Email:  northborosbeat@gmail.com

Tracy Ferguson, President of the Avonworth Historical Society tells us about the organization's creation, its extensive resources and how it serves the community.  She also discusses a couple of historical figures from Ben Avon.  Also, learn the story of the Log Cabin, located down by the Emsworth Locks.Website:www.Avonworth-history.orgFacebook:Avonworth Historical Society

Today we talk with Hannah Eyler Dearborn of Community Theatre Players about their new comedy production, Southern Fried Funeral.  The play will be performed at the Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon on October 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15 at 7:30 pm.Website:https://bactp.com/Tickets:https://search.seatyourself.biz/webstore/accounts/bactp/buy-tixFacebook:Community Theatre Players

Today we talk to Leslie (Thomas) Russell and Max Pastor about First Tee Golf, a program that introduces kids to golf and helps them to develop skills with the sport and life in general.  We also talk about the First Tee headquarters at the Bob O'Connor Golf Course in Schenley Park and it's new facilities.And for past Avonworth grads, a remembrance of long time golf coach, Peg Markel.  Website for First Tee:https://firstteepittsburgh.org/Tee It Forward Event - September 17https://firstteepittsburgh.org/events/tee-it-forward/

Today we talk with Michael Amick who is starting his second year as Principal of Bellevue Elementary.  He tells us about the joys and challenges of leading a school, after the pandemic.

We talk with Tylar Melfi of the North Boros Salvation Army Worship and Service Center about about the event, A Dance With The World II, which will be held September 10.  This event, which focuses on the.music and food of Native American people, was  held last year at Avalon Park and was a success with young and old alike.  Tylar discusses his Native American background, the history of the area and how events like this help to bring us all together.  Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/The-Salvation-Army-North-Boroughs-Worship-and-Service-Center-632100047412847/

Today is the last of our series of North Boros churches.  We talk with Chris Skerlong of Community Presbyterian .church of Ben Avon and Mark Shannon of Emsworth UP Church about their congregations throughout the ages.  

Today we cover two churches of Emsworth - Sacred Heart Roman Catholic and St. James Lutheran.  

We continue our history of North Boros' churches by featuring the current use of the former Ben Avon United Methodist Church.  We talk with the current owner.  Email:  northborosbeat@gmail.comFacebook:  North Boros Beat Podcast

Today we dive into the history of Avalon Churches, both past and present.FB page - North Boros Beat PodcastEmail - northborosbeat@gmail.comWebsite - https://northborosbeat.buzzsprout.com/

Today we take a look at the history of Bellevue's churches, past and present.    Other Boros will be covered in the next episode.  Questions?Email northborosbeat@gmail.comFB:  North Boros Beat PodcastBellevue Centennial Historical Booklet:http://www.bonafidebellevue.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Bellevue-Centennial-Book-1967.pdf

In this episode, we talk about a favorite spot between Ben Avon and Emsworth (actually in Kilbuck) called Vinegar Hollow.Avonworth Historical Societyhttps://www.avonworth-history.org/Hollow Oak Land Trust Brewhahahttps://hollowoak.org/

Today we travel across the Ohio River to talk with Tim Killmeyer of Robinson Township.  Tim is the creator of his own YouTube channel called “Time Travel with Tim” where he combines historical photos with current pictures and videos of the McKees Rocks area.  We also talk about the building of the McKees Rocks Bridge and Ohio River Boulevard.  You could see Bellevue from McKees Rocks but it was hard to get there!YouTube - search for Time Travel with TimNorth Boros Beat websitehttps://northborosbeat.buzzsprout.com/Facebook - North Boros Beat PodcastEmail  - northborosbeat@gmail.com

Today we learn about the history of the Community Theatre Players (CTP), based in Ben Avon, and their upcoming performance of a murder mystery party, The Great British Bump Off.  Mace Porac, Vice President of CTP, “spills the tea” on this and past shows.  Join us for a lively conversation.  CTP website - link for performance registration in descriptionhttps://bactp.com/Facebook - Community Theatre PlayersNorth Boros Beat websitehttps://northborosbeat.buzzsprout.com/Facebook - North Boros Beat Podcast

Today, we review some of our favorite moments from the last two and a half years of the North Boros Beat.  If you would like to listen to any of our past episodes, find them on Apple Podcasts or on our websitehttps://northborosbeat.buzzsprout.com/If you have an idea for the podcast, please contact us atNorthborosbeat@gmail.comThanks and look forward to new episodes soon.

Today we talk with Christopher Brewer and several of his students from the Music Note of Ben Avon..  The Music Note opened in April of this year and has quickly growth to encompass 300 students.  Christopher gives us an update on the music studios offerings and activities.https://themusicnotebenavon.wixsite.com/themusicnoteFacebook page - The Music Note

In this episode, we talk with Erin Nordmann about the Avon Club Holiday House Tour.  The tour will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2021, and will feature seven Ben Avon homes and more festivities.  For more informations and tickets:https://theavonclub.org/house-tour/Questions?  Email tickets@theavonclub.orgMany thanks to House Tour sponsors, Goodrich and Geist.

Camp Horne Road is a well known traffic artery for North Boros people. This episode discusses the history of Camp Horne, now known as Avonworth Community Park.

Today we learn about the Saltworks Theatre Company that recently relocated to Avalon from Oakland.  Saltworks addresses the needs of children and youth through innovative dramatic works.https://www.saltworks.org/Facebook - Saltworks Theatre Company

In this episode, Judy talks with Brian Haughin about their memories of the Bellevue Theatre and its role in North Boros life in the 1960s through 1990s.  

Today we talk with Ben Avon resident, Gene Henderson, about birdwatching in the local area.  Some links for resources mentioned in the episode:https://www.birdsoutsidemywindow.org/https://ebird.org/home Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab iPhone App