Mon Valley Magazine - July/Aug. 2024

8 SUNRISE PERKS INVITES YOU TO ENJOY COFFEE WITH YOUR SUNRISE

16 MON VALLEY ALLIANCE CONSTRUCTS NEW WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT LOCATION

20 LIVE, LAUGH, PLAY AND LEARN MAKES LEARNING FUN

MOVING AND CLEANING TIME

Moves are hard. Of course, I’m not the only person that dislikes moving. My partner and I have been shopping for a house for years, but it just doesn’t seem like the right time for us to buy. We’ve been out of space since COVID forced us to share a cramped spare bedroom as an office, so we decided to upgrade to a larger apartment in our same complex last month. We love the location and the management, so a new unit seemed like a no-brainer. We live just off Route 19, and our new digs are farther away from the busy road, significantly reducing road noise. We’re also closer to wild green space, meaning we get deer, bunnies and a wider variety of bird visitors to our balcony. So even though all we had to do was box up our belongings and shlep them across the parking lot, the pain of packing and unpacking has been worth it.

I’m the sentimental type. As I’ve been going through my belongings, I’ve struggled to decide what to part with. Now that we have more space, I can just stuff it with souvenirs, right? My fiance and I are fundamentally different in that respect. He’s found and embraced minimalism, and I want to keep every jar I’ve ever encountered “just in case.”

My coworkers have been discussing the growing trend of Swedish death cleaning: decluttering to dispose of or donate unnecessary belongings to avoid leaving a mess for loved ones after death. As someone who just recently finished cleaning her late mother’s home, I intimately understand the importance of this practice. But, even though I know it’s worthwhile, I still find it intensely difficult. I keep cards, tees, notes, tickets, plastic containers, documents and never-finished projects. As I hold these things, I’m flooded with both the memories and the thoughts of what could be. Maybe it’s because I’m a storyteller, and I am attached to the stories that objects hold. Or perhaps I’ve just got some slight hoarding tendencies … but I’m sticking with a sentimental storyteller. I would love to hear if you have advice for unpacking, decluttering and the like. Or, if you have a story idea, please reach out. Email me at [email protected], or give me a call at 724-222-2200 ext. 2421. Take care, stay safe and see you in the next edition.

Mon Valley Chamber breathes new life into abandoned bank building with Pop Up Post

By Rick Shrum

Courtesy of Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce

A plan has popped up to resurrect an abandoned bank building that has lain dormant in downtown Charleroi for 35 years, with the hope it will pay dividends in the community.

“It had gotten pretty run down over the years, and we decided it was time to fix the building,” said Leanna Spada, executive director of the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We had money set aside for Charleroi and wanted to make this an asset for businesses and online businesses.”

This small, renovated structure is called Pop Up Post, and the chamber is making it available for members and non-members to “pop up” and rent space for a few hours, a day or several days. “We would work with them on the amount of time,” Spada said.

Clients can conduct business or schedule small-scale events, such as Girl Scout cookie sales. “People going down the street can walk in and browse,” the chamber leader said. “If you are fundraising, you can use the space.” Occupants, however, must depart before darkness descends.

“We feel the possibilities are endless,” Spada said of the location, which she and chamber officials had previously and generically referred to as the ATM Building.” It sits at Fallowfield Avenue and Fifth Street, in the middle of downtown.

The chamber, she said, has owned the building since PNC Bank shuttered it in 1989. The chamber paid the obligatory $1 to purchase the structure. The pop-up space sits on the side where PNC operated its ATM.

Proceeds from pop-up users will go toward the annual scholarships Mon Valley Regional Chamber awards to two high school seniors residing in the Valley.

Spada said the renovation “was pretty quick. It took about two months.” Ray Campbell and Campbell Contracting handled the renovations, including a new roof, the installation of a large wooden door and painting. The Sign Mill of North Charleroi followed with signage.

Spada said there had not been any rentals as of late June and surmised that “I don’t think a lot of people know about this.” Yet, there has been community engagement with this project.

Her chamber organized a renaming of the old PNC Bank contest. “We can’t keep calling it ‘the old PNC Bank,’” she said, chuckling. There also was a Pop Up Post ribbon cutting on May 7, from which the chamber posted photos on its Facebook page.

The chamber serves the entire Mon Valley, spread across four counties — Washington, Fayette, Westmoreland and Allegheny. It has about 350 members and will accommodate clients who pop up to use the Pop Up Post.

• Easily accessible from Toll Hwy 43, I-70 & Route 88

• New MMVTA Bus Service Available

• Experienced physicians, nurses and anesthesiology staff

• State-of-the art equipment and procedures

• Joint Commission Accredited

• FREE and convenient parking

• Comfortable waiting area for families

Pain Management: Anthony Cuneo, MD

Gastroenterology: Nicholas Bellicini, DO

Bridger Clarke MD

Jung-Min Lee, MD

Lisa Oliva, DO

Robert Pagano, MD

Theresa Schuerle, DO

• Ophthalmology (Cataract, Glaucoma,Corneal)

• Pain Management

• Gastroenterology

• Orthopaedics

• General Surgery

• Podiatry

Podiatry: Khoi Vo, DPM

Colon/Rectal: Steven Esser, MD

Orthopaedic Surgery: Vincent Ripepi, DO

Allan Tissenbaum, MD

Justin Zenner, MD

Ophthalmology: Thomas Findlan, DO

Charles Kent MD

Anagha Medsinge, MD

James Mondzelewski, MD

Julia Polat, MD

Aaron Wang, MD

General Surgery:

Hiram Gonzalez-Ortiz, MD

Prakorb Isariyawongse, MD

Sunrise Perks invites you to enjoy coffee with your sunrise

By Michele Gillis

Tammy Hamed and her daughter used to ride past the local coffee shop Camel Coffee each morning. The sunrise behind the building was so captivating that her daughter would always ask her to stop so she could take pictures of it.

When she heard the coffee shop was closing, she realized she wanted to open her coffee shop and help contribute something great to her community.

The name Sunrise Perks was an obvious choice.

Even though it was a turnkey situation, Hamed has made many changes since she opened.

“They left all the furniture there and everything,” said Hamed. “So we just kind of took over, so that was good. We are slowly doing some upgrades on a lot of things. We got a huge grill and an oven. We are also looking to put in a new floor, so we are doing upgrades to the business and the building little by little.”

The business before had coffee, espresso, baked goods and some sandwiches, but Hamed has expanded the menu to include more breakfast and lunch items.

Hamed didn’t set out to own a coffee shop. She had been born and raised in the community but left for 12 years to teach elementary school out of state. When she returned, she

stayed home with her children for a while but recently started subbing full-time as a teacher.

“And when this came up, though, I just kind of decided to step away from it,” said Hamed. “I stopped teaching, thinking, what more can I do here, you know? I just wanted this for my community. I wanted to see what I could do with it because our community has a lot of bars in it. I didn’t want it to become a bar either.”

Sunrise Perks celebrated its first anniversary this past March. Hamed said business is doing very well and they are seeing more new people coming in every day.

“Having a larger breakfast and lunch menu does get more people in,” she said. “For example, we offer a sunrise breakfast that you can have two eggs, sausage or bacon.”

Tonya Joseph and her daughters deem Sunrise Perks as their favorite place.

“My girls and I absolutely adore Sunrise Perks,” said Joseph. “We’ve always felt so comfortable and cared for there. The cafe’s genuine welcoming atmosphere, along with home-town charm, makes for a perfect summer morning or any morning. The staff truly treats you like family. The homemade food, original recipes and variety of drinks are another reminder of this. You can just taste the sincerity and love behind every sip and satisfactory bite. That is why this is our favorite place.”

Learning how to run a business and make coffee was also new to Hamed, but she had friends who owned a coffee shop that took her under their wing to show her the ropes.

“They kind of took me under their wing and helped us a lot,” said Hamed. “So if it wasn’t for them, I don’t know if we’d be this far. Of course, my husband and I work hard. He helped me a ton in the beginning, but since he is a teacher, he has backed off now. He does help when he can.”

One thing that Hamed is very adamant about is friendliness and cleanliness.

“When you walk in, I want you to feel at home,” she said. “I want you to be greeted. I just want it to be such a nice place for you to come and sit and relax and eat and feel welcome and loved.”

Sunrise Perks has seating for 30-plus customers, free Wi-Fi and welcomes groups to meet in the shop.

“Sunrise Perks is such an incredible part of our community,” said Cody Inman. “You’re always greeted with a smile, and you get the freshest coffee and most delicious food and treats. We’ve been through a lot of tragedy this year, and one constant in our lives was the comfort and love we get visiting this little coffee shop. We love Sunrise so much.”

Sunrise Perks customers include business people, students, families, teachers and retirees. Several groups, such as Girl Scout clubs and a card club, also meet there.

“I used to go to chain coffee shops, and they have limited accommodations for sugar-free and dairy-free necessities,” said Katherine Secleter. “Ever since I found out about Sunrise Perks, they have gone above and beyond with their variety of flavors and creative seasonal drinks. They even have a drink named after me in their system, Katherine’s apple crisp. Tammy and her crew have been the kindest people that actually care about their customers. Not just as customers but as friends. I would recommend them to anyone and everyone.”

As a coffee shop, of course, Sunrise Perks makes your typical mocha latte, coffee or tea drinks. But the shop also has several signature drinks, such as Yoda’s mint mocha, sweet sunrise lemonade, strawberry lattes, vanilla maple cold brew and Lotus energy drinks.

The summer menu has a tropical theme, so they added coconut to the mocha and created a coconut mocha latte.

Baked goods in the shop come from Valdiserri’s Bakery.

Hours are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunrise Perks is located at 1309 Fayette Ave. in Belle Vernon. For more information, search on Facebook for Sunrise Perks.

Raitano

MVRCC “LEGENDS OF COMMERCE” GOLF TOURNAMENT

was held June 6, 2024

The Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament was held at Nemacolin Country Club on Thursday, June 6, 2024. The golfers enjoyed a day on Nemacolin’s top-rated course along with lunch and ending with a steak dinner.

The chamber’s “Legends of Commerce” Main Event Sponsor was cfsbank. Beverage Sponsors were Stoney’s Beer and Stablein’s Wholesale.

Solomon Auto Group sponsored the Hole in One contest offering the chance to win a new vehicle. The tote bag sponsor for this year’s event was Highway Appliance. Morning Donuts were donated by Keystone Bakery and SOL Wellness was on sight offering complimentary chair massages as well. The beautiful crystal trophies awarded to the winners were provided by Crystal Concepts and tournament signs were provided by The Sign Mill.

The Graphite Sponsors this year were as follows: Bassi, Vreeland, and Associates, P.C., Instant Brands, Lee Supply Co., and McKnight Medical, Equipment and Supplies, Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Washington County Tourism, My Benefit Advisor and Instant Brands, Inc. Iron Sponsorships were Laurel Highlands Insurance Group, Marsh Tire, and Planet Roof.

The Green and Tee Sponsors for this year were Armando’s Pizza, SPHS, and Larry Rathway Trucking, Fayette Legacy Partners of Janney, Montgomery, Scott, McGinley Maintenance, World-Kinect Energy Services, Mon Valley Community FCU, United Way Mon Valley, EJ Burns, Dee’s Wireless, Howard Hanna, Simon Real Estate, Charleroi Park Trustees, IPSCO, Valley First Community FCU, Penn Highlands Mon Valley, Mon Valley Alliance/Foundation, The Kristin Hopkins Agency, Westmoreland Drug and Alcohol Commission, All Seasons Travel, Fourth Street Foods Dr. Brian Rudolph, DMD, CCA Solutions.

Thank you to the Sponsors and everyone who was involved in making this another successful golf outing this year.

The chamber is grateful for the undying support from its members during this event and all year long.

The 2024 winners of this year’s tournament were First place team, Marsh Tire: Kevin Mollis, Luke Mollis, Brett Young, and John Stech. The winning team was awarded a cash prize along with their crystal trophy.

The tournament offered a very successful silent auction once again, the most significant item up for bid was a $3,800 Value Golf Membership to Nemacolin Country Club donated by the country club. The event raises money every year for local scholarships for students in the Mon Valley Area.

The Chamber was excited to participate in the Marbill Diamond and Jewelry’s ribbon-cutting and open-house event this month. This was to celebrate their new location at 1049 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon, and their 60th year in business. The new showroom is phenomenal. Please stop in to see the hard work that has come to fruition and they are back on Broad Avenue in Belle Vernon where it all started!

Wishing this third-generation family business continued success.

Mon Valley Region Chamber of Commerce

Love Local Mystery Bus Tour

Saturday, November 9, 2024 9am-Appox. 5pm

Board the bus at 9am at the MVRCC 1 Chamber Plaza, Charleroi Cost is $60, Space is limited

Attendees will board 2 buses and travel to several “Bus Stops” in the Mon Valley. Lunch will be provided.

Any questions, call the chamber at 724.483.3507 or stop in during office hours at 1 Chamber Plaza, Charleroi

Mon Valley Alliance constructs new workforce development location

By John Sacco

The PA CareerLink Mon Valley is moving its offices from its long-time site in the Donora industrial park to a more visible building in downtown Charleroi.

According to Ami Gatts, director of the Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board and president of Washington Greene County Job Training Agency, Inc., the new facility will provide 6,300 square feet on McKean Avenue.

PA CareerLink Mon Valley is moving its offices to a new building being built by Mon Valley Alliance in July.

“It’s on the bus line, and customers will be dropped off in front of our new offices,” Gatts said. “We’re going to be highly visible. We’ll have a lot of services available. It will be good for people who need the services and help.”

The Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board was created in 1999 as a result of the Workforce Investment Act,

a major piece of legislation that overhauled the nation’s federally funded employment and training programs.

WIA was replaced by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, which is the current guiding legislation for all workforce programs.

Board members, appointed by the Washington, Greene and Beaver counties commissioners in Southwestern Pennsylvania, represent employers, educational institutions and training providers, community-based organizations, organized labor and government.

“We envision a regional labor pool that possesses the skills and attitudes to attract and retain employers who offer sufficient wages, benefits and opportunities for advancement.” Gatts said being based in Charleroi will help serve the increasing Haitian community in the borough.

“We’re hoping to boost that community with job and human services and the other things we can provide. Being street level is a big advantage.

“We’re just excited to get into the new building and take advantage of the layout we have in helping customers. It will be a welcoming atmosphere.”

The Residence at Hilltop

The staff at The Residence at Hilltop continually strives to provide the best quality lifestyle for each and every resident. Our residents truly become part of the family.

This dedication, teamed with a beautiful and functional environment is why neighbors, family and friends throughout the Mononghela Valley and surrounding communities now call The Residence at Hilltop home.

Live, Laugh, play and learn makes learning fun

By Michele Gillis

When Jessica Mascara, owner of Live, Laugh, Play and Learn, went on maternity leave in 2019, she had every intention of returning to her full-time elementary teaching job with the Canon-McMillan school district.

But, as she was sitting in the nursery with her daughter, Mallory, one evening, she realized she just couldn’t do it.

“I absolutely loved teaching,” said Mascara. “I mean, there was no reason that I ever thought I was going to quit. I loved that school district, so I honestly thought that I would teach there until I retired.”

Mascara couldn’t find a fun educational place to take her daughter to in Belle Vernon, so she was always driving to Pittsburgh or Washington.

“You know, I feel like there’s nothing around here,” said Mascara to her friend at lunch. “So it started as a fun idea. I went home and told my husband, ‘What if I open a place for kids?’ and he was like, ‘Oh, come on, you’re not going to do that.’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, haha.’ And one day, I just called a realtor, and there was a space for rent. I called my boss, and I ended up resigning from teaching. I took a huge leap of faith here.”

But that huge leap of faith turned out better than she imagined.

“I got to spend time with her (Mallory), and it’s funny because she was about 17 months old when we opened the first location, and my youngest daughter was 17 months when we had our grand opening at this place,” said Mascara. “So it’s kind of cool.”

LLPL first opened in 2019. When the landlord sold the building and raised the rent, she found a new space on Broad Avenue.

Mascara’s business partner is her mother, Linda McQueen, who also helps run LLPL.

“It’s perfect because it’s two stories,” said Mascara. “So we have a recreational floor upstairs and educational classes downstairs. So we can offer both services at the same time. So, if kids want to come play while I’m having a summer camp downstairs, they can do that. My old place was a lot smaller, so I couldn’t have multiple things going on at the same time.”

Since the building was older, it took some remodeling. They were closed during the remodeling, but the space and the location were worth it. Mascara said there were some structural issues with the building, so although they purchased it in February 2023, they couldn’t get in and set up until October 2023 and were fully open by December.

Mascara said the new location is wonderful because she still gets to spend time with her children and do some aspects of teaching.

The second floor of the building is recreational.

“We have an open play area, and my stepdad built ten lifesize playhouses, which are miniature versions of Mon Valley businesses,” Mascara said. “So that’s what the kids play in when they come upstairs. It’s like a little town.”

Local businesses like By George, Christian Center Preschool, Falcons Gymnastics, Kristen’s Beauty Salon, TB Designs, His Place Coffee and more sponsor the miniature playhouses.

“We love LLPL,” said Carly Bellora. “My daughter, who is six, is enrolled in summer camp. I love that she’s in a trusted, safe environment and getting a fun educational experience. My daughter loves the crafts, themes and play. Jessica has created the most adorable play area with miniature playhouses that resemble local businesses, providing a space for creative and imaginative play.”

Mascara said she wanted to do the playhouses because they are unique and can help local businesses in the area.

“So, for example, like, His Place Coffee, if you’re not from here, you might not know that it’s there,” said Mascara. “So, a lot of people come into my place, and many have come all the way from New York, so, they’re like, ‘Oh, what’s His Place? That menu looks good.’ So, it’s a nice way for them to advertise to people from different areas.”

Parents need to stay with their children for the recreational area, and they have scheduled open play times on their web-

site. There are certain events where parents may drop children off. Check the website for details. Patrons can also book the recreational area for birthday parties or other events. LLPL often holds events such as parent’s night out.

On the first floor, they offer summer camp and private tutoring for K-12, SAT prep and summer camp for elementary-age children. They also offer classes for homeschooled families, enrichment classes, and hybrid classes for students to complete some of their educational work with them but then complete some with their parents at home.

“So it’s a good resource for those parents who want to homeschool but may not want to do it entirely on their own,” said Mascara.

Mascara said she is always listening to her customers’ suggestions, keeping an eye out for what the community might need, and then providing what she can to help out.

“LLPL has been wonderful for my son,” said Bethany DeLeonibus. “We started him with kindergarten last year and decided to homeschool. Halfway through the year, we were struggling a bit with ‘fun’ learning and learning with others due to the wintertime. The STREAM program at LLPL and Ms. Renee has been amazing for him. He loves the other kids and that they’re mixed with ages. He loves the activities. He loves the themes she does each week.”

DeLeonibus said her younger daughter, who is only three, loves everything LLPL offers upstairs, including the play area and activities.

“She can’t wait until she can also attend the STREAM class,” said DeLeonibus. “We definitely recommend it and will be going back next year. In the fall, LLPL will get its childcare license to provide before and after care for Marion Elementary.

“LLPL is a great place for kids to use their imaginations,” said Renee Hofmeister. “It’s so much fun to watch their creativity come to life as they play in each playhouse.”

LLPL is located at 303 Broad Ave. in Belle Vernon. Visit livelaughplayandlearn.com for information on hours and pricing.

A LIFE OF YOUR OWN

Community LIFE helps keep seniors independent and in their homes with an all-inclusive program and insurance plan. With eight Health and Wellness Centers throughout the region, you can drop by and have a cup of coffee, laugh with friends, and take care of your health all at once. And for your convenience, this program offers transportation to and from the centers and to medical appointments.

This friendly, vibrant community is created

through Community LIFE’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity, as they welcome seniors from all walks of life to join their program. They offer a complete network of medical specialists to cover the full spectrum of medical and health care needs, from diseases like dementia to physical disabilities. Comprehensive health care teams help coordinate care with access to physical and occupational therapists, dietitians, social workers, and more.

“My life just completely turned around.”

-James Y.

Community LIFE services:

• Medical care

• Pharmacy

• In-home care

• Transportation

• Recreation

• Meals

• Rehabilitation

Let Community LIFE handle your everyday care, so you can spend more time with the people you care about.

Visit commlife.org to apply or call 1-866-419-1693 to learn about program eligibility.