Elliott / West End Neighborhood Blog

Article About Old Stone Tavern

2010-03-20T09:02:00.003-04:00

This is from POP CITY Media.....

West End's Old Stone Tavern was granted historic status last week in a unanimous vote by Pittsburgh City Council, supported by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation.
The building, at 434 Greentree Rd., was nominated in February and may be the oldest commercial structure in the city. Old Stone Tavern's cornerstone is etched with the date 1756; however, the building's age has not been authenticated, and some historians believe it to be built in the 1780s. The Fort Pitt Block House in Point State Park, which was built in 1764, has long been regarded as Pittsburgh's oldest building.

"Old Stone Tavern has been standing during every single American presidency," says Michael Shealey, an architect with the Pittsburgh Housing Authority--and avid amateur historian--who drafted the historic designation nomination. Shealey says Pittsburgh has so few buildings this old due to the "Great Fire" of 1845, which wiped out much of Downtown.

Old Stone Tavern was built shortly after the American Revolution by Daniel Elliott, who served in the war. It was continuously operated as a restaurant or bar until a few years ago, when it was purchased by Lee Harris, the owner of Harris Masonry, which is adjacent to the property. Harris intended to demolish the tavern and replace it with a parking lot, but has been "so understanding and supportive and civic-minded" in the preservation efforts, says Shealey.

This historic designation means Harris is not permitted to demolish the structure or make changes to the exterior, but it does not dictate how the building should be used. However, it definitely will play a central role, Shealey insists, in the West End's current master plan process, which issued a request-for-proposal last spring. Shealey says the possibility of getting the Old Stone Tavern on the National Register of Historic Places is being investigated.

Well, Well, Well........

2010-03-19T09:19:00.002-04:00

I've been posting a few things here and there, but somehow they ended up on http://westendelliott.blogspot.com instead of http://elliottwestend.blogspot.com..........I have no idea what I did or how I did it. I'll make sure it is correct from now on.

Mayor To Hold Meeting on Libraries

2009-10-19T20:52:00.003-04:00

Below is an article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. There will be a meeting in Lawrenceville discussing the closing of the West End Library and 4 others. If you find this cause close to your heart, then please show up.

You can also read Brian O'neill's opinion on this matter HERE.

Mayor to hold community meeting on library closings
Monday, October 19, 2009
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl announced today that he will be holding a community meeting at 11 a.m. Saturday in Lawrenceville to hear residents concerns about Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's board's decision to close five libraries.

The meeting will be at St. Mary's Lower Lyceum, 321 45th St.

The Mayor has invited the library board and Director Barbara Mistick to the meeting.

"I have spoken with residents from all impacted communities and have answered as many questions as I can in regard to the board's decisions," Mr. Ravenstahl said in a statement issued today. "Residents deserve to have all of their questions answered concerning these very unfortunate circumstances."

The board has approved closing the Lawrenceville, Beechview, West End and Hazelwood branches and merging Knoxville and Carrick branches.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09292/1006721-100.stm#ixzz0UQurxCP4

Thank You Pittsburgh Hoagie

2009-07-06T10:00:00.003-04:00

If you're a resident of Elliott, please read the most recent blog post from the pittsburgh Hoagie. This is something that really bothers me about the neighborhood. I hope the city does something about these properties. The worst part about this is, it's only a fraction of the run down, abandoned properties in the neighborhood.

PITTSBURGH HOAGIE

EWEAA SCHOLARSHIPS

2009-06-24T10:44:00.004-04:00

Two $500 College Scholarships to be awarded

The Elliott West End Athletic Association is now accepting applications for our College Scholarships. This year, due to generous donations, we are able to award two $500 scholarships for the fiscal year.

Applicants may complete the application process listed below and mail the complete application packet to the Scholarship Committee Chairperson, Courtney Glass, at:

EWEAA College Scholarship

1745 Barr Ave

Pittsburgh, PA 15205

A. Purpose: To provide financial aid to students attending technical, undergraduate or graduate programs at colleges, universities, or technical schools in the United States of America.

B. Eligibility requirements:

1. The applicant must have played at least four years of sports in the EWEAA in one or more of the following: baseball, softball, and/or soccer.

2. The applicant must be accepted to, or already attending the institution to which this scholarship money will be sent.

C. Application Procedure:

1. No formal application form is used.

2. The application letter and documentation shall be submitted no earlier than January 1 and no later than April 15. Scholarships will be awarded in May and applied to the fall school year.

3. The application shall consist of a typed letter in which the applicant will discuss the following subjects:

a. The sport and year the applicant participated in EWEAA and elaborate how the participation affected the applicant

b. Community service/personal achievements

c. Intended career field the applicant will pursue

d. Any subject the applicant considers relevant pertaining to scho

ol or the scholarship

D. Required Documentation:

1. A high school transcript if the applicant has not completed one year of college, university, or technical school. If the applicant has completed one year of college, university or technical school then a transcript from this institution is required in lieu of a high school transcript

2. An acceptance letter or other documentation showing the applicant is attending or planning to attend an accredited school

3. A reference letter from an accredited teacher or professor

4. One or more of the following: a photo copy of the applicants Student Aid Report (SAR) containing the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) number, a photocopy of the Financial Aid Package letter from the institution the applicant will be attending, or a statement detailing how family income or circumstances has kept the applicant from receiving other scholarships, grants, or loan funds

E. Criteria used for awarding the EWEAA Scholarship:

1. Overall academics of the applicant

2. Reference

3. Essay

4. Community involvement, personal achievements, awards, leadership, in addition to school related involvement and extra-curricular activities

5. Financial need

6. Participation within EWEAA

Dog Fighting in Elliott????

2009-06-11T11:42:00.003-04:00

Scarred pit bulls seized in Elliott; dog fights suspected
Thursday, June 11, 2009
By Jerome L. Sherman, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Animal control officers removed two pit bulls from a home in Elliot last night after receiving reports of dog fighting.
The owner of the dogs likely will face criminal charges, said Gerald Akrie, a supervisor with Pittsburgh's animal control department.
The dogs both had scars "all over" their bodies from fighting, Mr. Akrie said. They were taken from a home on Navajo Way around 5 p.m. yesterday.
Police are investigating, Mr. Akrie said.

Here is a VIDEO from WPXI.

Trying to Get Back

2009-06-09T12:55:00.000-04:00

Well it’s been about 2 months since my last post. I’ve been so busy with work, trying to coordinate and raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis great strides walk that took place in May, and then there are these damn Penguin games taking up all my time.

I would love it if more people would like to contribute to this Blog. My vision for this is to be a TRUE neighborhood website, not just one person’s ideas and opinions. Kinda of a “by the people for the people” kind of thing. Please let me know what ideas you might have. I am going to try and keep this blog updated the best I can.

In the mean time, let’s see what’s been going on the last few months in our community.

From May 7th, a nice little video discussing the research of the history surrounding the Old Stone Tavern

http://www.post-gazette.com/multimedia/?videoid=101790

Also from May 7th, an Elliott man gets sentenced 15-30 years in a stabbing death.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09127/968477-100.stm

Here’s is a link to the story of the garbage truck accident that happened directly in front of the above mentioned Old Stone Tavern
http://kdka.com/local/fatal.garbage.truck.2.1005530.html

Here is a great blog excerpt about Townsend Park in Elliott from the Pittsburgh Hoagie. I couldn’t agree with him more. I would actually like to walk around the neighborhood with my digital camera and find similar stories. Great Job Matt.

http://matth614.blogspot.com/2009/06/townsend-park.html

Create Your Own Religion......

2009-04-03T14:05:00.003-04:00

Well it looks like there is a church for sale in our neighborhood. If you’ve ever though about creating your own church, this may be the right time to go through with it.

The church on the corner of Chartiers and Bucyrus is for sale for the low price of $175,000. This is a really good price for such a big building. The basement and kitchen alone may be worth that much. The local Meals on Wheels actually works out of the basement.

There have been many different types of churches and religions that have operated in the past. Catholicism, Scientology, Hindu temples, Hare Krishna, The Peoples Temple, The Church of Latter Day Saints, and maybe the most important of all, The Church of Fonzi.

Well here’s my idea if I had $175,000 to start a church.

THE YINZER CHURCH OF SAINT COPE

This church will be the place to pray and worship for all fans of local sports teams. Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, Pitt Panthers, Pittsburgh Passion, and very reluctantly, Penn State. West Virginia fans will not be welcome at this church. Regardless of what the local media tries to tell us, WVU is not a local team. It’s about an hour and a half to two hours away in a different state. It’s also the Pittsburgh team’s #1 rival. If you follow this logic, the Cleveland Browns would be considered a “local” team. Just ridiculous. Something's telling me that the Morgantown Newspaper does not consider the Pitt Panthers a "local" team.

Every week, just before mass starts, there will be a moment of silence for all of the fallen Pittsburgh Sports teams. Pittsburgh Maulers, Pittsburgh Gladiators, Pittsburgh Bulls, Pittsburgh Crossefire, Pittsburgh Spirit, Pittsburgh Hornets, Pittsburgh Condors, Pittsburgh Pipers, Pittsburgh Xplosion, Pittsburgh Piranhas just to name a few. Which brings me to…

MASS

Mass will be held every Sunday from 11:00 to 12:00 (tailgating permitted)

Instead of the Holy Bible, the minister will be reading excerpts from Double Yoi, The Chief, and anything else by Jim O’brien.

Holy Water will be placed in a replica Stanley Cup at the back of the church.

Traditional pews will be replaced by old Three Rivers Stadium seats.

Everyone will be welcome to participate in communion. It will consist of a shot of Iron City Beer and a nacho.

We will not have an organist. We will play recordings of the late great Vince Lascheid. Hey it works for the Pirates.

Until we get a full time Ordained Minister, we will be going with guest celebrity ministers. Bob Pompeani, Mike Lange, Mark Madden, Gene Collier, Bill Hillgrove, and Sam Nover are just a few that have been rumored to be interested.

CONFESSION

Instead of the traditional confession booth, there will be a replica Penalty Box, where you can confess your sins to a wax likeness of Dan Marouelli. You may not receive a response, but you’ll feel a whole lot better by getting things like how you once rooted for WVU in a BCS game because you thought it would be “good for the Big East” if they won. That’s a true sin.

HOLY GAME ROOM

During Football season mass will be immediately followed by lunch in the Holy Game Room, where we will prepare to watch the 1:00 Football games. (This will be regardless of if the Steelers play at 1:00 or not).

The Holy game room will have the NFL Ticket on multiple big screens. (What do you think we do with the offerings you give us every week.)

The Holy Game Room will be open for all Pittsburgh Sports games being shown on television.

There is a stage in the game room that will be used for plays and re-creations. We are trying to get an annual running of “The Chief”. Every December 23rd, local actors will recreate the Immaculate Reception. Every October 13th, they will recreate Maz’s Game Winning Home Run from the 1960 World Series. (I’m currently writing a play specifically for our stage called “Cobra: The Dave Parker Stories”, from his MVP year, to the Drug Trials, to the “battery” throwing incident.)

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

We will still operate the Meals on Wheels program out of the church. We will have volunteers deliver items to those in need with a better menu that ever. What senior citizen wouldn’t love some Buffalo Wings(11 flavors), homemade pierogies, grilled kielbasa, Bucco Tacos, Uncle Charley’s Hot Sausage, and much more.

We will have a monthly Monte Carlo/Night at the Races to raise money for the church, Meals on Wheels and other Local Charities.

There will be a monthly sports memorabilia auction. If you’ve been looking for a place to get rid of that autographed Billy Tibbetts Jersey or the Mike Diaz autographed baseball you’ve had since 1987 then this is for you.

Well this is my church. If you’ve got a $175,000, I’d like to hear your ideas.

Another Tavern Article

2009-04-03T09:13:00.003-04:00

Thanks to my friend Matt H over at the Pittsburgh Hoagie. He brought my attention to an article from the Trib yesterday that I completely missed..........

West End tavern Old Stone Inn might have played role in Whiskey Rebellion
By Tony LaRussaTRIBUNE-REVIEWThursday, April 2, 2009

An accounts ledger from the late 1790s indicates that some of the legends associated with a West End tavern that preservationists are trying to protect might be true.
The city's Historic Review Commission on Wednesday took public comment on whether the former Old Stone Inn — believed to be the second-oldest building in Pittsburgh — should be designated as a historic landmark. Doing so would require the building's owner to get the commission's permission before tearing it down or altering its exterior.
Katherine Molnar, the city's historic preservation planner, told the commission the ledger, which covers the years 1793-96, contains possible evidence that the Greentree Road tavern played a role in the Whiskey Rebellion, a late 18th-century uprising by people across Western Pennsylvania who opposed a federal excise tax on liquor.

Read the rest of the article here....

Tavern Update.....

2009-04-02T10:36:00.000-04:00

West End tavern may have been built in the 1750s
Thursday, April 02, 2009
By Diana Nelson Jones, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Historic Review Commission heard testimony yesterday that the West End's Old Stone Tavern, 434 Greentree Rd., may predate a 1793-1796 ledger book that's confirmed to be authentic.
Katherine Molnar, the city's historic planner, said the historic book indicates 13 account ledgers came before it, which could date the building back another 40 years. Until about two years ago when it closed, it had operated continuously as a bar and/or restaurant.
John DeSantis, a preservationist who lives in Allegheny West, nominated the old tavern, which has also been called the Old Stone Inn, for historic status earlier this year when it was awaiting a demolition permit.
A vote on that nomination, which would preclude demolition, is expected at the May 6 meeting of the commission. The owner of the building, Lee Harris, could not be reached yesterday. He also owns Harris Masonry, which is beside the tavern.

West End Revitalization

2009-03-19T10:30:00.002-04:00

A few days ago, the Tribune Review had a really promising article on the plan to revitalize the West End Valley. Much of the article talks about local real estate mogul Rick Hvizdak. Mr. Hvizdak has done some wonderful things for the West End area, but I'm just wondering if this is all just dreams and hope that we have seen before, but without any real substance.

Here is another article from 2006, detailing some of Mr. Hvizdak's ideas. He really does provide a lot of promise to the residents of the area.

Just about a year ago, an article came out explaining that West End was picked for "Mainstreets Funding" by the Urban Redevelopment Authority. Did anything actually get completed with this money?

We've heard all of this many times before. Remember when the Chapel of Blues opened, and around the same time, another bar/restaurant was supposed to open across from the West End ParkHouse/Grill 424/Temperanceville Tavern. I believe that building is torn down now.

Here's an article from about 3 years ago getting everyone pumped up for a new revitalization plan. How many of the businesses featured here are still in business? I remember being down in the West End a few years ago, eating lunch at an outside table at the ParkHouse. Mainstreet was closed, and there was a big party launching the plan to develop the entire building across the street. There were huge posters featuring artists renderings of what it would look like. I wonder what happened to those plans? Believe me, I was excited for while, but not anymore.

Here's another article from about 3 years ago.

Read this article from the City Paper, about how and why some of the plans may have failed. Granted, it's 4 years old, but has some pretty good stuff in it.

Being a life long West End resident, I am really hoping all these ideas come to fruition. There are already some really good business that I wish more residents utilized. I try to do my part. I order from Nikki's Pizza(I think they have the best Gyros's around), I get my taxes done at the Black Agency, I do Happy Hour at Tramp's every once in a while, I take my daughter to the Carnegie library. Carol's Restaurant is very good, I highly recommend it.

Mudslide

2009-03-11T14:30:00.003-04:00

The West End enjoyed a big day in the local news yesterday due to a Mudslide that came down onto Steuben Street, from Elliott Street. Here is a video from the Post-Gazette. Here is the corresponding article.

The Pittsburghchannel.com has a good story on the mud slide, with a nice helicopter video. And another from WPXI.

Obituary

2009-02-19T08:48:00.001-05:00

Just in case any of you remember Mr. Sites from Langley.

Obituary: Harry J. Sites / Carpentry teacher at Pittsburgh high schools

July 2, 1932 - Feb. 15, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
By Gary Rotstein, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Harry J. Sites, who taught carpentry for two decades in Pittsburgh high schools and tackled tough jobs for customers for longer than that, died of a heart attack Sunday in his Baldwin Township home. He was 76.
Mr. Sites was a self-taught craftsman and a keen thinker with an intuitive sense of how to get a job done without relying on detailed plans on paper. A Carrick native who lived most of his life there, he took on home addition and remodeling jobs for many years throughout the South Hills and occasionally beyond. In his own garage, he made fine furniture for his family.
From 1972 to 1993, Mr. Sites taught carpentry at Langley, Allegheny and South high schools in the city and at the Ridge Avenue vocational-technical center. He was a graduate of the city school district's Connelley vo-tech center who obtained bachelor's and master's degrees in vocational education in the 1970s from the University of Pittsburgh.
He was a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who served on ships in the Pacific during the Korean War.
Mr. Sites is survived by his wife, Mildred M. Sites; a son, Joseph H., of Canonsburg; a brother, James, of New Kensington; and a sister, Anna Schuler, of Overbrook.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at John F. Slater Funeral Home, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood. A prayer service will be held at 9:15 a.m. tomorrow at the funeral home, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass in St. Bernard Church, 311 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon.
Memorial donations may be made to the Animal Rescue League, 6620 Hamilton Ave., Pittsburgh 15206.
Gary Rotstein can be reached at grotstein@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1255.

Old Stone Inn UPDATE

2009-02-10T14:08:00.001-05:00

Old Stone Inn nominated for historic status

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

By Diana Nelson Jones, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Old Stone Inn in the West End has been nominated for city historic status, which stalls the progress of demolition plans and calls for hearings of the city's Historic Review Commission.

The prospective owner, Harris Masonry Inc., had applied for a permit to demolish the building and was due one within days of John DeSantis' nomination of the property last week. The property is at least 209 years old.

The first hearing on the matter could be at the commission's March meeting.

The owner of Harris Masonry did not return a call for comment, but Mr. DeSantis said he talked to a representative of the masonry company and the current owner, Mario Peticca, about his motive. "And they both get it," said Mr. DeSantis. "They understand the historic importance of the building."

He said he heard last week that the building might be demolished and "was shocked, stunned that this could be happening. I called the historic review staff for an application because I thought this [demolition] just can't happen."

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

First published on February 10, 2009 at 12:29 pm

Langley Wrestling Benefit

2009-02-07T11:22:00.002-05:00

The Langley Wrestling Team benefit dance is just one week away!

Tickets will be available at the door for 12.50 per person!

Pizza and Beer is included, but you are welcome to bring your own dishes and drinks as well to enjoy with your group!

Any questions, please feel free to call me 412.583.7109

SAVE THE OLD STONE TAVERN

2009-02-06T11:38:00.003-05:00

A local man by the name of Art Merrell is running a campaign to have the Old Stone Inn saved from demolition by petitioning the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation. Let's hope the foundation delays the demolition long enough to review the historical importance of this structure. It is reported that the tavern once served Charles Dickens and George Washington. The research hopefully will show if that's true or not.

The building has historical importance for me. My Jeep once had electric problems and it stalled coming down Greentree Rd. I was stuck in the intersection in friont of the tavern during rush hour. 2 very good samaritans came out the tavern during Happy Hour and helped me push the vehicle to the side of the road. (Thank you Jimbo Evans). For this reason alone the building should be saved.

Please check out the following articles about this. Post Gazette and Tribune Review

Baseball / Softball Signups

2009-02-05T19:05:00.002-05:00

The Elliott West End Athletic association will be Holding signups for TeeBall, Baseball, and Softball on February 7th, 11th, and 21st. If your kids want to play, make sure get up there on one of the above dates. I can't say enough good things about this program.

March 17th

2009-02-05T10:48:00.003-05:00

Aldi's will be opening in the McKees Rocks plaza on March 17th. I know it's not opening in West End or Elliott, but it's still going to be great addition that that residents of our neighborhoods can utilize.

Here is a nice article from the PG West.

It's Been a While!

2009-02-04T15:34:00.002-05:00

Well it's been a while since I was able to post anything on here, but I really don't think I missed too much. Let's see what's been going on:

*Theresa Smith won the Special Election to replace Dan Deasy on Pittsburgh City Council. Please read this ARTICLE in the Post-Gazette about her.

*Here in another ARTICLE for the PPG, she says that the West End Neighborhoods need to help themselves.

* There was nice little Police Chase through the West End after shots were fired near Sanctus Street, near the West End Police Station. Here are the DETAILS.

* Please log onto the West End Elliott Citizen Council website weec.org and read the article from the 1904 Pittsburgh Leader. It's located in the box on the right hand side of the page. Really Good Stuff.

BENEFIT CONCERT

2008-11-25T15:10:00.002-05:00

Please check out the WEECC home page for more information, including information on each band.

WEST END CIRCLE TRAFFIC PATTERNS TO CHANGE ON FRIDAY 11/7/2008

2008-11-04T14:26:00.004-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Engineering District 1145 Thoms Run Road Bridgeville PA 15017

CONTACT: Jim Struzzi, Press Officer (412) 429-5010 (Office)(412) 292-9357 (Cell Phone)

Traffic Advisory:
WEST END TRAFFIC PATTERNS CHANGE SIGNIFICANTLY FRIDAY (PDF map attached)
Pittsburgh, PA (11/04/2008)

PennDOT District 11 is advising motorists traffic patterns through the West End Circle area of the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, will change significantly on Friday evening, Nov. 7, 2008. A map is attached showing the new traffic pattern changes.The following changes will occur beginning at approximately 6 p.m. on Friday:

• The new bridge (South Main Street Connector) between Route 60 (South Main Street) and Steuben Street will open.

• Dumas Street will permanently close. Dumas Street is the short connection between Steuben Street and Route 19 (Saw Mill Run Boulevard). o To access northbound Route 60, stay in far right lane.o To access downtown/South Side, remain on Steuben Street, stay in second right lane using new South Main Street Connector Bridgeo To access Route 19 to Fort Pitt Tunnel and I-279 (Parkway West), use two left lanes.

• Traffic signals on Route 19 and Steuben Street at Dumas Street intersections will be removed improving traffic flow through the West End.

• Route 60 (South Main Street) will remain closed through early 2009 to allow crews to replace the bridge over Saw Mill Run.

• Northbound (inbound) Route 19 from the Fort Pitt Tunnel to the West End will be reduced to a single lane daily through March 2009

• Access maintained to Artifacts using the new South Main Street Connector Bridge. Area residents are also reminded access is being provided to and from all businesses in the West End.

The changes are necessary as construction on the $52.6 million West End Improvement Project progresses. The change represents significant improvements through the West End and should allow traffic to flow better during construction and after by permanently removing traffic signals at the Dumas Street intersections. PennDOT advises motorists to slow down, be prepared for traffic stoppages, and use caution when traveling through the area.

The West End Improvement Project is located at the south end of the West End Bridge, known locally as the West End Circle. The West End Circle is comprised of four main roadways: Saw Mill Run Boulevard (State Route 19 and State Route 51), West Carson Street (State Route 837), South Main Street (State Route 60) and Steuben Street. The project includes the re-alignment and reconstruction of the West End Circle, replacement of two bridges, widening of Route 19, lengthening acceleration and deceleration lanes, construction of three retaining walls and new drainage, guide rail, landscaping, highway lighting, traffic signals, signing, pavement markings, ITS components, and other improvements. Route 19 (Saw Mill Run Boulevard) will be realigned with the West End Bridge using the existing Norfolk Southern Railroad overpass, which was advanced as a separate project so the bridge could be used as an alternative route during the rehabilitation of the Fort Pitt Bridge and Tunnel several years ago. Construction will conclude in summer 2010.

The prime contractor for the project is the Trumbull Corporation, of West Mifflin, PA. Details, history, and renderings of the project are available on the District 11 website, www.dot.state.pa.us, by clicking “PennDOT Near You,” then the “11” on the map, “Roadwork” and then “Featured Construction Projects

Vote Today!

2008-11-04T08:14:00.004-05:00

* Please get out and vote today. I don't care if you vote for Obama, McCain, Nader, or if you write in a vote. Just get out to the polls and get it done.

*According to THIS ARTICLE, since the Steelers won last night against the Washington Redskins, our next President should be Barack Obama.

*The hearing for the Strip Club that has been proposed for West Carson St., has been delayed until November 18th. Here is an article from the POST GAZETTE.

* Below is a letter to the editor about the proposed strip club appearing in the POST GAZETTE

Strip club blemish
As a resident of Pittsburgh Council District Two, I am writing in opposition to the proposed strip club in the 1600 block of West Carson Street ("Residents Worried About Strip Club Plans Near Station Square," Oct. 28). Pittsburgh's neighborhoods are what make us truly someplace special. The proposed strip club would negatively impact the neighborhoods of West End, Mount Washington, Duquesne Heights and Esplen. This property could be better used for housing, bike trails, commercial development or other uses Pittsburghers can be proud of.
When I envision spinoff West End development from the casino, I picture community-driven development that recognizes and respects our neighborhoods. For years, the city of Pittsburgh has worked to beautify our riverfronts; the fact that the strip club would be located just a stone's throw from the river and directly across the Ohio from the casino and the Carnegie Science Center undermines efforts to make our riverfronts and neighborhoods safe and clean places for people to work, visit and call home.
I urge City Council and city planning to vote against this strip club proposal.
ROBERT FRANK

Duquesne Heights

* Elliott Boy wins Post Gazette COSTUME CONTEST.

10 year old David Luxbacher dressed as a GumBall machine.

* Bruce Patterson of Brashear, rallied the Bulldogs past Langley in the City League Semifinals, 16-8. Patterson is the son of former Langley Basketball star Bruce Patterson.

Making the playoffs for the first time in 20 years was quite an accomplishment for the Mustangs. They held their own agaisnt the top ranked city team. Let's see what next year brings.

* Make your way down to Carol's on Main Street for Wednesday Night "Family Night". $6.00 dinners from 4-8 every Wednesday.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T09:31:00.004-04:00

Halloween Trick or Treat times for our area has been set to be 5:30 -7:30. If your not sure of the times in any surrounding neighborhoods, please click on THIS LINK.

Personally, I think 5:30 is entirely too early to begin Trick or Treating. Let's face it, most parents work until 5:00. There is no way to get home, get your kids dressed into costume and out the door by 5:30, especially if you want to feed your kid dinner first, which for some reason parents like to do. Even if the people that have kids, take 1/2 day vacations, or leave work early like I am doing, there still may not be any people home to hand out candy at 5:30. Why did it change from 6:00? This 1/2 hour makes a big difference for people getting home. I hope the reason isn't that it is safer for the kids at this hour, becasue it is completely opposite. People are in such a rush to get home, there is more speeding on streets such as Steuben and Chartiers. If I was in charge, Trick or Treat would be 6:30-8:30. that would give everyone a chance to get home safe and get ready for the evening. I don't think 8:30 is too late although some people might. I also agree with this girl from Oil City and I think it should be dark out when kids are trick or treating. I sure many people will disagree with me on this issue, but the decorations just don't work in the daytime.

Also tonight is the first Langley Football playoff game in 20 years. I would be attending if it weren't for the Trick or Treat festivities. Langley will take on 1st place Brashear who beat Langley 48-14 in their regular season meeting. The winner of this game will take on Perry in the City league title game. Here is a nice article talking about Langley reaching the playoffs.
CLICK HERE

Soccer is over for the 6 and under teams.

2008-10-29T08:31:00.002-04:00

Last night we had the final soccer games of the season for the young group, and what a time it was. Each team played their own parents in 15 minute mini games and everyone seemed to have a blast. There was quite a large crowd on hand even though the weather was miserable. The fact that these little kids braved the freezing cold, high winds, and even a little hail, shows me how much they really love their sports.

I played goalie for the kids team and just looking out seeing the smiles on their faces as they were running around made me feel great.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Bessie Miller and everyone else involved with E.W.E.A.A. They did an outstanding job running the league using a small amount of volunteers. I know it was a lot of hard work, and everyone from the parents, coaches, to the kids are very appreciative.

I'm hoping we have even more kids play next year.

Back in the Saddle

2008-10-28T15:31:00.002-04:00

I just returned from a long business trip in Denver, Colorado. My PDA refused to work with blogger, so I wasn't able to make any updates, and I didn't really have the time anyways. Let's see if I can recap what I missed the past week and a half.

1. West End school bus stop may be moved over concerns about sex offender.

According to this Post-Gazette Article, a local parent found out through the Megan's Law Website, that a convicted sex offender was living a few feet away from a school bus stop. Kudos to that parent for being proactive in this case.

2. Residents worried about strip club plans near Station Square

According to these articles on KDKA and the Post-Gazette, local residents are opposing a strip club that will be on West Carson street. Look, I understand the arguments of these residents, but this location is in a non-residential area. There aren't going to be any children just walking by. As far as I'm concerned, this area is starting to look blighted, and anything going in there will be better than it is now.

I do find it interesting that they are placing the club next to a center for recovering alcoholics. I'm sure that is the type of temptation these people are looking to avoid.

3. Local spots serve as setting for Kevin Smith film

As long as we are on the subject of strip clubs, we may as well mention that Zack and Miri Make a Porno is opening up this weekend. Yinz guys probably remember Main Street closing down for a while when the film was shooting. Part of it was shot on Main Street and inside the West End Cafe. I think I will be going to check it out. Here is the Post Gazette Article.

JOE THE PLUMBER and Other Tidbits

2008-10-17T15:23:00.002-04:00

Joe Bruni from JJ Bruni Plumbing in West End

* Well now that "Joe the Plumber" is the the new name dujour, everyone who's name is Joe and is a plumber will be playing off of that. Check out this Post Gazette article.

* Actually my plumber's name is Joe and I'll take this space to recommend him to all of you.

Joe Hoffman

258 Danley St
Pittsburgh, PA 15220-4819

(412) 921-8662

* Langley will be playing Carrick with a City League football playoff berth on the line. That's right, I said Playoffs. It's been a long time. Check out this Post gazette Article. Really good Information.

What: Carrick vs. Langley.
• When: 7:30 p.m. tomorrow.
• Where: Cupples Stadium, South Side.
• The skinny: Langley is 3-4 overall, 3-3 in the City League and in fifth place, while Carrick (4-3, 4-2) is tied with Schenley for third place, a spot above Langley. The top four teams advance to the City League playoffs.

Bits and Pieces

2008-10-07T10:57:00.003-04:00

* Check the WEECC September Newsletter. There's some good information on it. Here's the PDF Version.

* Such a SAD STORY. My heart really goes out to the family of the 2 little boys who died in the fire on Litchfield. Let's hope the community helps out with whatever they can.

*Langley 14, Westinghouse 6
Shawn Smith's 1-yard touchdown run with four second left gave Langley (2-4, 2-3) a win against Westinghouse (1-4, 1-4). Go Mustang's. Next up is Allderdice. Friday 10/10 at 7:30.

*I completely missed this article when it first came out. I am really slacking. Apparently mosquitoes in the area tested positive for West Nile virus.

* Here's a good article in the Pittsburgh Courier regarding the West Pittsburgh Weed & Seed program.

* Did you ever hear of the Pittsburgh Sign Project? Here's a few West End Signs.

* Do you know what REIKI is? Well we have our very own Reiki workshop right here in the West End. It is called "The Place for Reiki" It is located at 139 Steuben St. Suite 100.

* Does anyone know how many people crowded the West End Overlook to view the Pittsburgh 250 Fireworks Show? I heard anywhere from 1000 to 5000 people depending who you ask. Here are a few pictures from the Overlook.

Please Fix Up Your Houses!

2008-10-03T12:30:00.003-04:00

I haven't been able to post, as I just haven't had the time. I am in the financial industry and this past week of stock market crashes, bailouts, mismanaged funds, collapsing instituions, etc, has had me a little busy as you could imagine.

I was driving through Elliott the other day and it really struck how many people just let their house become rundown. It is really frustrating for us homeowners that are constantly putting money back into our house to raise the property value. On any given street, you'll see 2 houses that are nice and kept up, then a house with boarded up windows. The only reason anyone at all stays in the neighborhood is because they can't sell their house. Of course they'd be able to sell if the houses around it were nice. Then again if the houses around it were nice, you may not want to leave. I remember when the We-Hav program came out, I thought it was the best thing to happen to our neighborhoods in many years. We all know what happened to that. To this day, everyone I've talked to that opposed it has not given a valid reason other than they thought it was some type of tax. These are probably the same people that wouldn't put money back into their houses anyways. I still thank Alan Hertzberg for a good idea.

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl has a good plan going with his "Housing Blight Crackdown", but as you can see in THIS ARTICLE it's not working right now. It's also geared towards Landlords. What about homeowners who just don't care?

Sorry for the rant, just wanted to get that off my chest.

EWEAA Halloween Party

2008-09-24T16:03:00.003-04:00

I received that following from Bessie Miller that she wanted me to share with you.

Starting September 18th Elliott soccer will begin playing games on Herschel bottom field. come and watch the kids play and enjoy some homemade chili, along with drinks and snacks.

The games will be played Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday nights starting at 6PM until 9:30.

Any questions please call Bessy Miller at 412-889-4509

Halloween Parade and Family Fun Night

RAIN OR SHINE
October 25 will be the annual Halloween Parade at the Herschel Little Field starting at 6pm. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes in each age group and for best carved pumpkins
newborn -4
5-6-7
8-9-10
11-12-13

Free Hayrides will be on lower field, weather permitting

all children in costumes will receive a treat bag and the candy stand will be open for food and drinks

any questions please call Susie Kiesel at 412-922-6203 or Bessy Miller at412-921-2548.

Public Schools

2008-09-23T09:58:00.003-04:00

Here's another reason I am glad my child goes to Propel-Montour. Here's an excellent letter by Elliott resident Beth Caldwell.

Letters to the editor
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

With cutbacks, Roosevelt's raise is out of line
I am shocked at city school board members supporting a raise of $15,000 for school district Superintendant Mark Roosevelt ("City Superintendent Receives $15,000," Aug. 28).
What other organizations in the region offer this generous of a raise to their executives on an annual basis?
Wouldn't we all enjoy such rewards from our employers?
I am the proud mom of two Pittsburgh Public School students and an advocate of Mr. Roosevelt and the district; however, this year both of my sons' schools have suffered from "budget cutbacks."
My youngest son now travels 1 hour and 40 minutes each way to school due to combined bus routes, meant to "save money."
My high school student has a library available to him just two days a week to "save money."
How can the board justify such a significant raise while our students, teachers and principals continue to struggle with cutbacks?

BETH CALDWELL
Elliott

POWER BACK ON!

2008-09-22T09:54:00.002-04:00

After being without power for a whole week, I'm finally able to get on line, watch TV, do laundry, run the vacuum, etc. I didn't think I would miss it as much as I did. Here's a couple of things I want to get caught up on.

* Langley lost against non-conference opponent Phillip Barbour High School in West Virginia. The bright side about this is the fact they lost 29-26. This means they are at least scoring points finally, and they are throwing the ball too. I hope they continue to improve.

* I am convinced that 9 out 10 people that are involved in either city or county politics don't even know the West End neighborhoods exist. We are last to get fixed for everything it seems. This might not be the case, but from my point of view, it really seems that way.

* I came aross this article in the Post -Gazette. It shows you how to pull up articles from 1929 to present on Google that you would have had to get from the Carnegie Library on microfiche in the past. You can find a lot of historical articles about the West End area. Be careful though, it can be addicting once you start using it. Click here to take you the advanced archive search page.

* I took my daughter to the West End Overlook friday evening to watch the fireworks from the Pirate Game. It was 9:00 P.M. and all the lights went out. It was pitch dark and you could barely see where you were walking. It was a little scary for a 6 year old. There were a few other people there with kids that were complaining too. There were 4 people that didn't seem to mind. They were a couple that was making out pretty heavily and 2 guys sitting on the wall sharing a joint. I don't think I'm taking my kids up there after dark anymore. I am going to write a letter to the city. I let you know if I hear a response.

* I am so glad I send my daughter to Propel-Montour instead of Thaddeus Stevens. Take a look at this article and you'll see why. Instead of getting these kids to rise above their expectations, they dumb down everything else to make the appearance of decent grades. At first I was nervous to send my child to a charter school, but it was probably the best decision of our lives. It's an excellent school and it's free.

* My Elliott Soccer team is officially 0-1 after losing our first game by the score of 2-0. The kids had fun though. The 4 and 5 year olds really don't even understand the difference between winning and losing. The 6 year olds are pretty competitive. It's amazing the difference a year makes.

POWER STILL OUT

2008-09-16T13:11:00.004-04:00

Like many other people around Allegheny County, some of us in the Elliott/West End area are still without power from the Sunday night wind storm brought on by Ike.

I'll share with you my timeline of events on how we are dealing with this so far.

Sunday 8:15 P.M. ~ The family, dressed in Steeler gear sit down to watch the much anticipated match up of the Steelers Vs Browns on NBC Sunday Night Football.

Sunday 8:20 P.M. ~ After the opening kickoff, the Browns trot out onto the field for the first possesion and we hear a large crash and the power goes out. Unbelievable.

Sunday 8:21 P.M. ~ My wife gathers the kids and I set out to find some light sources. I feel my way to the laundry room where I know we have a few flashlights sitting on a shelf. The first one I grab is dead. I set that aside and find another...........yeah, it's dead too. I find a 3rd flashlight, cross my fingers and press the button. It comes on...barely. It shines a nice dull yellow light. It at least gives me enough light to find the long grill lighter we had stuffed in a junk drawer. I go around the house lighting every candle I could find.

Sunday 8:30 P.M. ~ On to priority # 2, THE GAME! The only radio we have in the house is my daughters Strawberry Shortcake radio. We've put batteries in it as it's plugged in next to her bed all the time. I open up the back, and it takes "C" batteries. I head down to the junk drawer again. I see "D" batteries, Triple A's, Double A's, of course no C's. There's even a pack of 9 volts in there. I remember that my MP3 player has an FM radio tuner. I take the speakers off of my PC and plug them into the player and waalaa, we have sound! We set this up on the coffee table, and "watch" the radio.

Sunday 9:30 P.M. ~ My wife and both kids are sound asleep on the recliner. She looked uncomfortable so I woke her up to go up to bed. We let the kids sleep in our bed since the power was out and they were scared. I went back downstairs and continued to "watch" the radio. I heard a very loud "BOOM" then saw an explosion out of our window. Huge green, red, and blue sparks, it looked like Zambelli fireworks. It was so loud it literally shook the house. This proceeded to happen about 5 more times in a row. I heard crying from upstairs so I flew up the steps. My daughter was in our bed crying and shaking like I've never seen before. Just before I arrived in the bedroom my wife explained to our daughter that "everything was OK, it was just a Transformer". My daughter wasn't thinking of a transformer at the top of a utility pole, but a Transformer as in Autobots vs Decepticons. She saw the movie recently and was remembering the scene where the Transformers were outside the house looking in the windows. She thought this was happening to us. After a better explanation, she calmed down and soon fell back asleep.

Sunday 11:45 P.M. ~ I slept on the couch, since we didn't have any air or fans going and it was about 150 degrees out. My wife wouldn't open the bedroom windows because the 60 mph gusts of wind scared the kids. The transformer blew again. No one else woke up but me. This proceeded to happen at least 20 times throughout the night. I got very little sleep.

Monday 5:30 P.M. ~ I wake to the sounds of trucks working on the transformers on Corliss Street. I walk out on my deck and see, 3 Duquesne light trucks, 2 Comcast trucks, 2 Verizon trucks, and a few tree service trucks all lined up in front of each other.

Monday 6:45 P.M. ~ I notice cars coming down the street, then turning around and going back. I walk down and see why. A tree fell across the street bringing down the power, cable, and phone lines with it. That explains the bang and power going out last night.

Monday 10:00 P.M. ~ My wife takes all of our frozen meat and other products out of our freezer and takes them to her mother's house for temporary storage. She fills coolers with the perishable refrigerated products.

Monday 12:00 P.M. ~ I decide to call Duquesne light on my lunchbreak to see if they had a scheduled time of restoration. They had no idea that we were out of service or that there were live wires down. The gentleman said he would mark us down.

Monday 5:30 P.M. ~ Knowing that I was still out of power, I decide to stop and get a pizza on the way home. Bad move. It normally takes 15 minutes from the time I walk in and place the order to the time I leave. Since there were so many people without power, they were very busy. It took 45 minutes to get my pizza. By this time I was tired, hungry, and frustrated. Needless to say, I had a beer with my Pizza when I got home. It was warm.

Monday 7:30 P.M. ~ I'm informed we have no Hot water left. I thought since we had a gas water heater, it wouldn't be affected. Apparently I was wrong. We heated water on the stove to give the kids sponge baths.

Monday 9:30 P.M. ~ Since we had no power and I couldn't watch Prison Break or Monday Night Football, I decide to *gasp* read a book. I read 2 chapters and fell asleep.

Tuesday 3:00 A.M. ~ I wake to the sounds of trucks and workers removing the tree that fell across the street. I'm not upset. I figure this is a step towards getting service restored. I never fall back asleep.

Tuesday 6:30 A.M. ~ I realize that the Pittsburgh Public Works deptartment removed the tree, not Duquesne Light. I called Duquesne Light to use the automated system to get a service update. When I entered my phone number, the lovely computer voice informed me that there was no records for a service outage at my address. Great. She says she recorded the information. Thanks, sweet sweet computer voice.

Tuesday 7:30 A.M. ~ I get an ICE COLD shower before I drive my daughter to school on my way to work. That sucks.

Tuesday 1:00 P.M. ~ I decide to call Duquesne Light again to see if there is an update. I get a real person this time. She names 10 places that are due to be restored by Thursday and 10 places that are due to be restored by Friday. I asked her, "What about West End or Elliott?" She didn't mention that at all. She says..."Uhhhh, probably between Thursday or Friday". Gee thanks for that highly educational guess there. What a genius.

Tuesday 3:00 P.M. ~ I decide to blog about the experience. I have nothing better to do. I will update this when I have access.

Ever Wonder What This Is?

2008-09-15T10:59:00.003-04:00

I have asked myself many times what this blocked up tunnel could be on West Carson in between the circle and the Corliss Tunnel. Please click this LINK that will take you to a story on pghbridges.com. It raises a few good theories on what it could have been. It also has a really good history of Elliott and West End within the article.

LANGLEY WINS !!!!!

2008-09-12T10:46:00.003-04:00

After I mentioned earlier this week that it looked like Langley was heading in the right direction, they went out and proved it by beating Oliver 34-32. You can see by this Post-Gazette Article, that is was a pretty exciting game.

Langley ends 22-game skid in OT
Friday, September 12, 2008
From local dispatches

As far as long losing streaks go, they don't end with much more drama than this.
The Langley football team snapped a 22-game losing streak with a 34-32 overtime City League victory against Peabody last night at Cupples Stadium.

Jesse Bell threw touchdown passes with no time left in regulation (21 yards to Stephon Faye) and on the first play of overtime (10 yards to Tyrone Smith) in addition to rushing for 118 yards on 12 carries and scoring the tying 2-point conversion at the end of regulation.
Bell's brother Joey had 114 yards on 29 carries for the Mustangs (1-2, 1-2), whose previous victory came Oct. 14, 2005, against Brashear.
"I want to keep this [new] streak going," Langley coach Ken Wright said. "Everyone remembers the bad one, but we want to start a good one so everyone can remember this streak instead."

Pierre Carr had four touchdowns for the Highlanders (0-2, 0-2).

First published on September 12, 2008 at 12:49 am

I'm Back

2008-09-10T08:25:00.003-04:00

OK, everyone, I had to take a few days off after a short bout with a nasty stomach virus, be careful, it's going around. So what did we learn in the last few days, BESIDES Langley losing 48-14? Although both touchdowns were passes, so I can say that may be a step in the right direction.

According to THIS article from the Post-Gazette, council is trying their best to get some of our roads paved.

Legislation would put $2 million toward city paving
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh Councilman Jim Motznik introduced legislation yesterday to plow $2 million more into street paving so an ambitious 50-mile resurfacing schedule can be completed in spite of high asphalt prices.
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl announced in May that the city would aim to lay fresh asphalt on 50 miles of city streets -- up from 39 miles last year -- at a cost of $9.5 million.
"The South Hills neighborhoods and the West End neighborhoods have been neglected," Mr. Motznik said. "We want to just complete what we had scheduled."

Football Weekend

2008-09-05T15:54:00.002-04:00

The Langley Mustangs will play Brashear tomorrow in city league action. Let's hope they make up for their opening 40-2 loss to Oliver. At least make it a little closer. I haven't been to a game the last couple of years. Are they at least passing the ball? The last game I went to, Langley had 0 pass attempts. The ran the ball EVERY play. Wow. Exciting. That's even more conservative than the Wannstedt/Cavanaugh Pitt Panthers.

Let's hope those Pitt Panthers redeem themselves and come out swinging against Buffalo.

Good luck to the Stillers n'at on their Home Opener.

Have fun this weekend everyone.

Old Photos

2008-09-03T14:13:00.004-04:00

Check out this picture I came across from the "Moods Image" website. I'd like to order this someday and put it in a nice frame. Anyone out there have any guesses as to what year this is from?

If you have any old pictures of the Elliott West End area, I'd love to put together an online photo album of the area. Check your old family albums, ask your parents and grandparents. Scan them and email to elliottwestend@gmail.com If you don't have a scanner, please email me and we can get together and I'll scan them for you. They don't have to be really old, even street scenes from the 1980's will be nice to see.

Neighborhoods in the News Media

2008-09-02T10:04:00.002-04:00

I'd like to share one of my Pet Peeves with you. It really goes right through me when I'm watching the news or reading the paper and they have the wrong neighborhood in the story. An example of this, is the previous story posted on this blog. I hate to use something as devastating as a shooting story, but it's the most recent example so I'll use it.

The Post-Gazette reported that the shooting was in Elliott. Now crucible street does flow through Elliott, but this was the section in Greenway that is actually Crafton Heights.

KDKA reported the same story, and they say it was Elliot. So not only did they get the neighborhood wrong, they spelled it incorrectly. As you'll find in future postings this makes me really upset. When I see reputable news services use the spelling of Elliot or Sheriden it's just non excusable. I'm not a grammar expert, and I'm sure you'll find a few mistakes in most of my blogs, but the neighborhoods have been here quite a long time, and the spellings have never changed.

WTAE also claims the incident took place in Elliott when it didn't.

If the media simply reported that it was the West End, this is something I could live with, as Elliott, Sheraden, Crafton heights, Windgap, Chartiers, West End etc are all considered the West End of Pittsburgh. It is acceptable, yet it is the safe way out.

The Tribune Review was the only news source I could find that listed it correctly as Crafton Heights.

The thing that is troubling to me is that these media outlets can find the correct location in under 2 minutes by using Google Maps in conjunction with these City Neighborhood maps provided to us on the City of Pittsburgh Website.

Sorry for the rant, I know it sounds petty and meaningless, but it's just something that bugs me. I also didn't like to use the story of a shooting as the example, and our thoughts go out to the victim and his family.

Another Shooting

2008-08-29T10:12:00.003-04:00

There have been too many of these in our neighborhood recently. I will post more details as they become available.

Elliott Man Shot Twice
Friday, August 29, 2008
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

An 18-year-old man was shot in the head and face after a man approached him on a back patio of a house in Elliott early today.
Pittsburgh police said the victim is in critical but stable condition. He was able to run from the gunman and get help from a neighbor.
The shooting was at 1:30 a.m. in the 1500 block of Crucible Street. Police did not release the victim's name or information about the shooter's identity or motive. No arrests have been made.
First published on August 29, 2008 at 10:01 am

Pitt Stops Blog

2008-08-27T10:02:00.006-04:00

Take a look at the Pitt Stops blog. They are conducting what they are calling a city wide bar crawl. They made a few stops in our area.

Lorenz Cafe

Obey House

West End Cafe

West End Overlook

EWEAA Youth Soccer

2008-08-26T08:00:00.006-04:00

The Elliott West End Athletic Association held their soccer camp/clinic from August 18th to August 22nd. There were quite a few kids in attendance, and in addition to learning basic skills and rules, a good time was had by everyone.

As far as I know, the teams should be picked this week as there is another general practice on Wednesday evening at 6:30. So if you want to get someone signed up, you better hurry. In the 8 and under group, teams will be co-ed and broken down into age groups. 7&8 year olds will have their own set of teams and play each other, while the 6 & under crowd will broken down into teams as well. I haven't heard how the 9 & up age bracket will be dispersed, but when I do, it will be posted here. Below are just a few pictures from the camp.

Summer Days Are Over ~ Part 3

2008-08-25T14:38:00.002-04:00

Well here is the final installment of my Summer Days series. If you haven't read Part's 1 & 2 you can do so by clicking the links below.

Summer Days Are Over ~ Part 1

Summer Days Are Over ~ Part 2

August 19th, 1983 (cont.)

………After playing ball for a few hours it was time to head home for dinner. My Mom would have gotten home from work around 5 or so. I always knew to be home for dinner by 6. Back then, I guess it was OK to leave your kids home alone as long as they were able to fend for themselves. From 10 years old on, I was in this situation, as were most of the kids I knew. I have to give my mom all the credit in the world, raising me on her own. She worked at Sam’s Pharmacy downtown which I’m assuming didn’t pay all that much. We didn’t have a car. We didn’t have a lot, but being a kid, I didn’t know any better. Every once in a while, we saved up and went out to dinner which was almost always Eat-N-Park down in McKees Rocks.

I walked in the door, threw my baseball stuff in the hallway, and headed straight for the kitchen for a drink. My mom would yell from the upstairs, “Ron is that you?” I always said some smart comeback like, “No, it’s a robber and I’m stealing all your Kool Aid.” I poured my drink and plopped onto the recliner in front of the TV. Ray Tannehill was doing the news. My mom came down and we started getting dinner together. Hamburger Helper was always my choice when asked. There were only a few flavors back then, but my favorite was Cheeseburger Macaroni. We ate in the living room on TV trays and continued watching the news.

Right around 7:00, I headed outside on the street and met up with a few of the neighborhood kids. We started coordinating a game of “release.” There ended up being about 16 of us so we split into 2 teams of 8. The two fastest kids were always picked as the captains, and then they picked everyone else based on their known release abilities. The “base” or “jail” was always in front of this one kid’s house on Wymore Street. It was the perfect place, because it was in the middle of the boundaries and everyone could sit on the wall next to each other when caught. Our boundaries were Harker, Wymore, and Herschel in between Steuben and Lorenz. We were pretty much allowed in and out of any yards within those streets, but not inside any houses. Most people didn’t care about us running through their property. Everyone knew us, and knew that we respected their private property. Some residents even sat on their porches and watched us play like they were watching a sporting event, even cheering us on sometimes. There was always that ONE lady who didn’t want anyone in her yard. The same cranky old lady that would keep your balls or Frisbees if they landed any where near her house. I wasn’t that fast, so I had to make up for it by hiding in great places. I may have had the best place of all. On the corner of Lorenz and Herschel was a house with a small yard in the back. I was able to climb their green chain link fence, stand on it and then climb into the tree adjacent to the fence. Granted, if anyone found me here, I wouldn’t be able to run away from them, but no one EVER found me there. I would laugh as people would walk by underneath listening to their conversations about how frustrated they were, and they were certain that I was either in someone’s house or outside the boundary lines. I would only come in when I heard the call of “Ollie Ollie in Come Free.”

We usually played this until 9 or 9:30. We would play games like this almost every single night in the summer. If we didn’t have enough people for a full game of release, we would play smaller games in front of the house. We played games like Three Little Pigs, Mother May I, It Tag, Freeze Tag, TV Tag, and a few other we made up as went along. We would always figure out who was “IT” by putting our feet in a circle and by taking turns, we would utter the popular sayings like “Occa Bocca Soda Crocca Occa Bocca Boo, In comes Uncle Sam out goes Y.O.U.” or my favorite “My mother and your mother were hanging up clothes, my mother punched your mother right in the nose, what color was the blood……” We must of have 50 of these sayings.

This was one of the typical days growing up in Elliott in the late 70’s and early 80’s. There were many other things we did. Wiffle Ball games, tag football in the street, etc. I wouldn’t have traded those games and the fun we had outside for the all video games in the world.

Langley Football

2008-08-21T12:00:00.002-04:00

Another season of Langley Mustangs football is about to begin. There hasn’t been anything to be proud about recently regarding the football team, but with 2nd year coach Ken Wright at the helm, let’s hope things are about to change.

I can’t remember the last time Langley made the playoffs. I know back in the late 80’s there were a few good years, but after that what happened to the program? I have a few opinions, that are by no means accurate facts, but just guesses on my part.

1. There seems to be no sense of community support, therefore, no interest in playing for the team by students. There are some very good athletes in the district that just don’t really care whether they play or not. I think if the community supported the team a little, the kids might WANT to play football. When was the last time you walked or drove through Elliott and seen “Go Mustangs” banners or signs hanging in businesses? This lack of support could be the fact that all games are played at “Cupples Stadium” on the Southside as opposed to having Home games at Langley field where people leave their houses and walk to the games. Or it could be that most of the athletes in the Elliott, Sheraden, and Crafton Heights area are going to other schools. How can we have community support if you live on a street with 5 kids that play football and they play for 5 different schools? This brings me to my 2nd point.

2. Perry Traditional Academy. Ever since students were able to choose their magnet programs and which city schools they wanted to attend, it seems that Perry has been close to the top if not the champions ever since. I won’t say that Perry is recruiting athletes to play for them, but it seems like many decent student athletes end up there while they live in other districts. If I were making the rules, you would go there for academic reasons, but still play sports for your “neighborhood” school. I may be completely wrong. Maybe Perry just has the best coaches and they prepare better which is very possible.

3. Lack of Feeder Programs. I don’t remember Elliott ever having a youth football program, but there was always the Sheraden Bulldogs that kids can play for. I’m not even sure if that’s still around and I don’t know why there weren’t more. There is a youth football program that I know nothing about that plays on Windgap field. This could be an option, but it seems like it is geared toward the younger players, not the pre-high school or middle school students. If anyone knows more about that program, please emial me or leave a comment and I will get the word out. I know Crafton has a program that the city youth can be a part of, but how many city residents know that. On top of that, according to this article, The Crafton “Little Cougars” are having problems of their own. Why can’t we have the “West End Little Mustangs”. Kids from Elliott, Sheraden, Westwood, Crafton Heights, etc could all be part of the league.

These are just a few of my ideas of why Langley Football is as bad as it is. It may not be any of these reasons, it may be a combination of all three. Either way you look at it, I hope their fortunes turn around soon and win back some of the high school football fans that reside on this side of the city.

According to this article in Today’s Post-Gazette, the future may be looking a little bit brighter.

PG West: Langley out to end losing ways in City League
Thursday, August 21, 2008

By Brad Everett, Tri-State Sports & News Service

Entering his second season at the helm of a program which has long been considered the City League's doormat, Langley coach Ken Wright believes that honesty is the first step in getting his players to buy into the fact their fortunes can indeed reverse their course.

Read the rest of this article HERE.

Summer Days Are Over ~ Part 2

2008-08-20T11:44:00.003-04:00

Well continuing the saga from yesterday, here is the 2nd part of my day........

August 19th, 1983(cont.)

Since it was lunchtime we headed to West End Park for the “Free Lunch.” We arrived at the pavilion and parked our bikes amongst the 20 or so others. We hoped it was fried chicken day. It was the only thing that was truly edible. We filled our bellies then took off up the street for Herschel Field again.

This time we decided to look for balls. Softballs, baseballs, tennis balls, anything at all. We started behind left field of the Big Field near the Tamilia residence. This is where we found most of the baseballs we collected. Back then there were a few high schools that called the place home as well as the 20th and 28th Ward Federation League teams. Elliott did not have Pony, Colt, or Legion teams. These were added much later. In addition to Home Runs, these woods contained balls that rolled under the fence just about anywhere. We navigated these woods as if we were expert hikers on some type of expedition for National Geographic. We knew every nook and cranny from there to Ducky Pond and to the the Dumps. We also knew where to look for the balls. We knew exactly where they hid from the players who nonchalantly looked for them when the first entered this domain. In about 15 minutes, we found about 15 baseballs between left and center. Some of them were brand new, others were scuffed and dirty, but good balls nonetheless. There were also a plethora of waterlogged and mud covered baseballs with the covers half off that my dog wouldn’t play with. We left them to rot. My friend rode his bike over to the bleachers and found an empty beer box that was perfect for carrying the balls. We filled it up and rode our bikes over to the right field hillside below the tennis courts saying hi to Jules who was lining the field for the days games. We always found a few baseballs here, but this was the most likely place for softballs and tennis balls. We loved finding tennis balls (especially orange ones), since we used these for our many games of “Off the Step” or “Curb Ball.” We would play this on the Big Field cement bleachers in the morning when no one was around. Some people used a racquet ball, but we preferred the good old tennis ball. Different sections of the tall fence behind us represented singles, doubles, and triples. Of course over the fence was a Home Run. Sometimes we would even set up beer and pop cans that were laying around from the night before on the top step, give each one a point total and try to knock them over with the tennis balls while standing at the bottom.

After we loaded the box with our treasure trove of balls, we headed home. By now it was about 2:00 and about 90 degrees. In the basement I had plastic milk cartons full of balls that were organized by ball type. We filled them up accordingly to what we found.

After a short break sitting inside and watching TV, we made a few phone calls to get a pick up game of ball going. We met the gang at 3:00 up at the little field. Friends told friends, and we ended up having a good pick up baseball game of 5 on 5. We had a pitcher, 3rd baseman, Short stop, Left Fielder and Center Fielder. If you hit the ball to right field, you were out. We played Pitchers Mound Poison, meaning the pitcher was essentially the First Baseman. We made bases out of anything we could find. 1st base was half a pizza box, 2nd base was an old chewed up Newport frisbee that somebody’s dog left out in the field, 3rd base was a smashed up beer box. We always had that one left hander, that would make everyone switch sides of the field, therefore if he hit to left field he was out. We would play this for hours almost everyday in the summer. If we didn’t have enough players, we would play some other baseball related game, home run derby, 500, Indian Ball, or just make something up as we went.

………………..To Be Continued.

Summer Days Are Over~Part 1

2008-08-19T15:38:00.003-04:00

Well it’s back to school this week for a few local schools. Propel-Montour and the Pittsburgh Accelerated academies started back Monday the 18th. Most schools start back next Monday the 25th. It wasn’t that long ago, that all schools didn’t start back until after the labor day holiday. I really feel bad for kids today, getting jipped out of and extra week or two of summer break. I will use this opportunity to try and paint a picture of my typical day of summer growing up in Elliott.

AUGUST 19, 1983

I woke up around 8:00 am from the sun and heat coming through my bedroom window. We didn’t have air conditioners back then. We had one neighbor on the street that had a window unit, but we all assumed they were rich. Us regular folk just used the old window fan complemented by an oscillating fan. It worked fine for us. I walked downstairs and grabbed the box of Fruity Pebbles off the top of the fridge and poured my bowl of pure tastiness. Sitting at the dining room table, I flipped on the radio and changed the station to B94 and the Quinn and Banana morning show, which was playing “Down Under” from Men at Work. My mom always listened to Jimmy and Steve on DVE, but since I was only 11, Quinn and Banana were more my style of humor.

Once I was finished with breakfast, I walked next door to my best friend’s house. I didn’t have to knock. The door was always open and I was always seen as part of family. We grabbed our bikes and off we went having absolutely no plans for the day. We decided we wanted to go get some candy down at Fingers, but didn’t have any money. We did what any kid did back then that needed money, we grabbed a few bags and took off on our search to find returnable pop bottles. Hey, they were 10 cents a piece, so getting a few of those meant we had some serious cash to spend. We decided to head to Herschel first as that was usually the place we always hit the jackpot. As we were pedaling our way there, we were always on the lookout for that lone bottle glistening in the sun, laying on the side of the road that some older kid threw out the window of his Trans Am. We stopped up at the Little Field first and checked all around Dot’s Candy Stand. Nothing. We rode our bikes down the path that connected the parking lot to the basketball courts and raced over to the yellow and orange wooden benches. There they were, sitting in the cement drain/gutter, 3 bottles. In the bags they went. We cruised the length of the gutter along side the Tennis Courts all the way to the back corner. There was nothing there but a few cases worth of beer cans. I couldn’t understand why people would go back there to dump their cans. When I got older, I found out where the cans came from, and left a few there myself.

We rode back the way we came, through the basketball courts and down the ramp to the playground, out the park and down the street to the parking lot of the Big Field. We checked the 2 green garbage cans behind the backstop. THERE THEY WERE! We hit the big one. We fought off the bees and pulled 11 bottles out of those cans. In the bags they went. We pulled a few iced tea cartons out just so we could pop them and then we threw them away again. We found two more bottles on the cement bleachers. There must have been a softball game the previous night. Possibly between the Ubets and the Trio Bar.

We decided that 16 bottles were enough to carry and we didn’t even hit West End Park yet. We each tied 2 bags with 4 bottles each to our handlebars and cruised down Herschel to Walbridge. We had to ride on the sidewalks because back then, Herschel was still red brick and Walbridge was cobblestone. We couldn’t have the bottles clinging together and break. Losing a bottle is the same as losing a box of Lemonheads or Boston Baked Beans. We made a left onto Harker traveled up to Neidel made a right to get to Steuben, left on Amherst, cut through the Thaddeus Stevens parking lot and playground, through the alley and right to Fingers. We turned our bottles in and got a cool $1.60. We decided to get 30 cents each worth of penny candy. We stood there picking it out through the glass window. “I’ll have 5 sour patch kids, 5 fish, 5 licorice nickels, 5 flying saucer wafers, 5 pixie stix, and five sixlets.” My friend picked his out then we headed across the street to Murray’s Pizza where we decided to spend the dollar that’s left on the 8 Ball Deluxe pinball machine. We could get 5 balls for a quarter so that’s 2 games a piece. All this and it’s only 11:30. Now we are starting to get hungry for lunch.

........to be continued.

Arthur M Fording

2008-08-13T09:24:00.003-04:00

I'm on a small vacation this week, so I don't really have computer access. I had a short window of opportunity here, so I figured that I would share something that I always found fascinating.

There are many recollections of historical facts out there about the West End and Elliott, but this excerpt from Arthur M. Fording's - Recollections and Reminiscencesof West End -- Pittsburgh, PA

Apparently this reference book is catologued at the Carnegie Library-West End Branch. Here is a small piece of this story.

"Little settlements known by distinctive names comprised the West End Section, although never having a corporate existence.Thus we had Crotsburg, up near the Point Bridge. The territorial limits of Temperanceville commenced about where the West Side Belt Railroad crosses Steuben and South Main Streets up the Saw Mill Run Valley to the Old Stone Tavern On the Run, and about to Schmelz' Brewery on Steuben street and comprising part of the hillside on the westerly side of Steuben Street and also that part of the hill adjoining the old Noblestown Road and South Main Street.Reesville was on the easterly side of Saw Mill Run between old Bridge Street (later Park Way and now Plank Street) up the Run to where it is crossed by Independence Street on old Washington Pike.Tinkersville lay between the Old Stone Tavern and the site of the present brick works of James T. Fox.Shalerville lay beyond that to the foot of Mt. Washington."

Please read the entire article that you can find HERE. There are alot of interesting facts that you might find that you never knew about.

I will be without access again until Monday the 25th. See you Then.

Something For the Whole Family

2008-08-08T07:10:00.002-04:00

If you are looking for something to do but don't want to spend any money, here's the perfect thing for you. The CLO is playing at the West End Overlook They are going to be performing from your kids favorite movies, High School Musical, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella and more. This looks it will be a great time for the whole family. Below is the article from the Post-Gazette

In the Wings: PMT at the Overlook

Thursday, August 07, 2008

By Christopher Rawson, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

• Pittsburgh Musical Theater is ready for its annual show at the West End Overlook. Called "Disney on Broadway (live) at the Overlook!" and co-sponsored by the West Pittsburgh Partnership and City Parks, it presents six pros and 10 young members of the PMT Stars youth troupe, Aug. 7, 8, 9, 15 and 16, 7:30 p.m. at the West End Overlook Amphitheater (directions at www.pittsburghmusicals.com; more info there or at 412-539-0900, Ext. 232). The park will be reserved from 6 p.m., so bring a picnic.

Their pitch: "The stunning Pittsburgh skyline (as spectacular as that from Victoria Peak in Hong Kong) is the backdrop for selections from 'High School Musical' and 'Beauty and the Beast,' plus 'The Wedding Singer' and 'Cinderella.' Watching the sun set as the city lights up is unforgettable. Designed to delight the entire family and the price is right -- free."

Cast: (pros) Larissa Petrucci, Jason Swauger, Vinny Tresco, Katie Mae Maloney, Leah Zahner and Katie Kerr; (students) Beth Anderson, Nicki Uram, Anne Ciarlone, Brittany Dorazio, Zuri Hodge, Shannon Daily, Maria Fazio, Zeke Stewart, Krysta Bartman and Adrianne Knapp.

ELLIOTT FEDERATION TEAM MAKES CHAMPIONSHIP

2008-08-07T08:16:00.003-04:00

Here is the beginning of a story from today's Post-Gazette regarding the Elliott Federation League baseball team.

PG West: Upstart Elliott battles, loses in championship series in Greater Federation Baseball League
Thursday, August 07, 2008
By Nicholas Tolomeo, Tri-State Sports & News Service

In just its second year in the Greater Pittsburgh Federation League, Elliott has made a quick ascension to the top of the standings.
Elliott reached the league championship series where it was defeated by perennial league powerhouse St. Johns-Lefty's, three games to one.

Please read the rest of the article HERE.

Because this blog is so new, we haven't had the resources to spend more time on the Federation team. Hopefully, by next year we will be able to carry all game results, schedules, photos and stats.

Fashion Show in West End

2008-08-06T13:53:00.004-04:00

ALL ABOUT YOUTH & CITY PAPER PRESENTLOCAL MOTION 2008
September 18, 2008

Local Motion is an annual Fashion Show featuring local designers, models and stylists. This year marks the 4th annual show and will be held at James Centre in the West End. Doors open at 7 p.m., show will start at 9 p.m. There will be a food and drink reception from 7-9 p.m. featuring some of the best Pittsburgh’s restaurants.

Walking Tour

2008-08-05T14:40:00.002-04:00

Check out this Photo log of a Walking tour through Elliott and West End.

I remember walking many of these steps as a kid. It brings back a lot of good memories.

West End Bypass

2008-08-04T10:19:00.002-04:00

Someone made a great point about opening the Wabash Tunnel in a letter to the editor.

Let's go, Wabash
With the construction project at the West End Circle, doesn't it seem like a good idea to lift the restrictions on the HOV lanes in the Wabash Tunnel?
Let more people use the tunnel. It would give a lot of people the chance to see the benefits and hopefully continue to use when the West End project is completed.

STAN KENDRA
Green Tree

Here's a small update from the Gazette.

West End Bypass -- The new South Main Street bridge between Steuben and South Main streets is to be done in October. That will reopen the "back door" route to the city, end the short but congested detour through the West End and ease pressure on the Parkway West, especially inbound in the morning.

ELLIOTT BREWERS WIN MAYORS CUP

2008-08-01T09:16:00.003-04:00

After winning against Beechview, Banksville, and Sheraden, the 11-12 year old Elliott Brewers got the chance to play Squirrel Hill at PNC park for the championship.

Elliott defeated Squirrel Hill 3-0 to win the Mayor's Cup.

There is a small write up in today's Post-Gazette, though it mainly discusses the feelings of the kids regarding the Jason Bay trade to Boston.

WEST END BRIDGE PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY

2008-07-31T13:49:00.005-04:00

Almost Three years ago, the Riverlife Taskforce announced a competition to design a pedestrian walkway for the West End Bridge. A little over 2 years ago, the winner was announced. Endres Ware, an architecture and engineering firm based in Berkeley, California won first prize with the design pictured below.

Since the winner was announced, there hasn’t been any progress made into actually building the structure. A few of us were recently talking about this and were speculating on what was going on. Maybe they are waiting to have the West End Circle project finished. Maybe they are waiting for the casino to be finished. Maybe the funding was pulled due to the economic status of the city and county. Maybe it was held up in City or County council waiting for approval. They all sounded like good explanations to me, but I decided to ask the Riverlife Task Force directly.

After asking if this project was still in the works, I received the Following response via email from Chuck Alcorn at Riverlife. “We are currently raising money for the project and it certainly continues to be part of our overall plan.”

This response was certainly short and to the point, but it tells us all we need to know. It’s a simple funding issue. Let’s hope they get the funding needed for this project because it would be very beneficial to the West End region. According to a 2006 Post-Gazette Article, Lisa Schroeder, executive director of the Riverlife Taskforce said this about funding:

"All of the teams who submitted [designs] gave cost estimates," Ms. Schroeder said. "We have some work to do to finalize those estimates and make them public. We will be working diligently and immediately to put together a strategy for advancing design and engineering and also fund-raising."

It would be nice if included in this project will be a bike lane or access lane to safely cross from Main Street to this walkway on either a bike or shoe leather express.

Someday this will be a nice way to bicycle to a ballgame or play slots or for students to get to class at CCAC. It'll be the best view for fireworks. If we know anything, a good view for fireworks in Pittsburgh is a must have.

ARTY PARTY

2008-07-30T12:10:00.003-04:00

Pittsburgh garden artist Gary Pletsch is going to be hosting his annual "Garden Art Party" on Saturday August 2nd from Noon 'til Dusk at 210 Marlow Ave in Elliott.

This is a small excerpt from 7/29/2008 issue of the Post-Gazette:

'arty party'
Potter and garden artist Gary Pletsch, one of the original participants in the much missed East End Events, is hosting a public "arty party" at 210 Marlow St., West End (Pittsburgh 15220 for you mapquesters), from noon to dusk Saturday. Matthias Bodnar, David Edwards, Will Giannotti, Evan Schmidt, James Shipman and Alison Zapata will also be showing artwork. A $5 donation and a "potent grape or grain" are requested; or purchase a Pletsch tumbler with beverage for $10. Information: 412-920-6578.

You can find more information here on David Edward's (one of the artists listed above) MySpace Blog.

SOCCER SIGNUPS

2008-07-30T08:32:00.003-04:00

This coming Saturday, August 2nd, The Elliott West End Athletic Association will be holding youth soccer signups from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Herschel Park little league candy stand. You will also be able to signup the following Wendesday, August 6th, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the candy stand.

Additional signups will be held from August 18th thru August 22nd at the soccer camp which will be held at the Herschel "bottom" field, aka The Big Field, from 6:30 pm to 8:30pm.

The E.W.E.A.A. will be holding their annual year end picnic on Saturday September 13th from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Herschel little league field.

Any questions please contact Bessy Miller 412-889-4509 or Bob Salinetro 412-398-1353.

Local Shop Appears in Post-Gazette Article

2008-07-29T09:09:00.006-04:00

In the 07/29/2008 issue of the Post-Gazette, there is a good story on second hand stores. With the economy the way it is today, it's not a bad idea to start taking a look at these places. There is a very nice little store located right in our own backyard on Wabash Street caddy-corner to the Carnegie Library. The store is called the Animal Advocates Thrift Shoppe. Here is what the Gazette had to say about it:

Animal Advocates Thrift Shop
35 Wabash St.West End
412-928-9837

Although not as quaint as Family Heirlooms, the Animal Advocates Thrift Shop is also a two-story house. The space is small, and maneuvering through the piles of toys and clothes is difficult. There are some recognizable brands such as Old Navy and Gap, but they are scarce.
Selection is small but the prices are low. The thrift store offers shoppers a brown bag bargain: They can purchase a bag for $3 and take home what fits in the bag.

You can read the entire article by clicking here.

According to the telephone voice mail , the store hours are listed below.

Tuesday 12:00-3:00
Thursday 1:00-3:30
Friday 12:30-3:30
Saturday 11:00-3:00
(website shows slightly different hours)

Please take a look at this site, http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/PA294.html, to learn more about Animal Advocates and how your purchases from the Thrift Shoppe go towards helping animals. you can also view the organization site HERE.

Cinema in the Park

2008-07-28T09:34:00.003-04:00

This is just a reminder that there are only 4 showing left this year at the West End Overlook.

Jul 29
The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A Veggie Tales Movie
rated PG

Aug 05
Surf's Up
rated PG

Aug 12*
August Rush
rated PG

Aug 19
Pride
rated PG

Please check out this LINK, for official showtimes and other venues.

Ice Skating in the West End?

2008-07-25T15:38:00.005-04:00

Check out this picture of Wabash park that I came across on the Pitt "Historic Pittsburgh Images" site. This picture was taken in 1917 and most of the area looks the same. At least that area was getting put to good use compared to the vast wasteland that it is now. When was the last time you saw anyone actually using that field?

First Post

2008-07-25T09:04:00.005-04:00

I'd like to use this first post a means to tell you what we are going to be writing about and why we are doing it.

We are starting off with about 4 different authors to the site and more will be added as we go. Each of us will have a different expertise, whether it's neighborhood sports, politics, history, etc. We'd like to have authors of all age ranges eventually to give different perspective on neighborhood issues.

We are hoping to reach out to all West End / Elliott residents, former residents, and business owners and bring everyone together to one place for information on events, news, issues, etc.
We are going to try to keep this site about West End / Elliott only, but we'll occasionally scamper into the neighborhoods of Sheraden and Crafton Heights as sometimes the lines blur and issues are to hard to ignore as they usually affect all of us.

You will see links to news stories from the Post-Gazette, Tribune Review, KDKA, WTAE, WPXI, and many others. You will also read about road projects (West End Circle work anyone), street paving, local sports from the Elliott West Athletic Association, road closings, and many many other items. We are hoping to hear from you and tell us how to make the site better. What do the residents want to read about? Someday we'd like to have a weekly Q&A posting and possibly a police blotter.

Please make all of your friends and family aware of this new site and make it a favorite. We'd like this to be one of the sites you visit everyday!