Chess Park gazebo, stores moving in, last weekend’s events, World of Chocolate Tour and more!

GYROS

We have gyros! Sam’s Gyros is set up every Friday at the Dierkens Pharmacy parking lot throughout most of the day. Say hello to Oussama and tell him you saw it here! And have a look at that new sign he just made for his menu and prices!

WORLD OF CHOCOLATE

Tomorrow, Saturday, 11 May, join us for the Monongahela Main Street Program’s 4th annual “World of Chocolate” shopping tour. Between noon and 4 PM, if you buy something at one of the 26 participating stores (it can be as small as a candy bar or soft drink), ask for your ticket to enter the drawings. And then bring your ticket to the event headquarters on Third Street, above West Main (next to Sweets by Mrs. C), so you can enter the drawings to win one of the five baskets of chocolate.

This year’s winnings include a “tower of chocolate” (chocolates stacked to make a tower), a basket of chocolate from around the world, a basket of chocolate Girl Scout cookies, a “Mother’s Day” basket – which is a purse filled with chocolate, and a large basket of chocolate from Sarris Candy as arranged by Norm Candelore of Candelore’s Barking Beauties. There will also be balloons (by Levona), fresh fudge, and other items at Third Street’s event headquarters. Come and walk around Downtown, enjoy visiting our shops, and see what you might win. Winning tickets will be drawn after 4 PM, and winners will be contacted by phone – although it’s best to gather around the box from which the tickets will be drawn and see who does win.

SHEETZ AND SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION

Construction is moving forward at both ends of town, with the new Sheetz store under construction at First Street and the restoration of the historic Monongahela High School Building (AKA MEC) underway in the 1200 block of Chess Street by Commonwealth Charter Cyber School Charter Academy.

STORES MOVING IN

Although we have some vacancies toward the center of town, these occurred for many different reasons, from an arson fire to other building conditions issues to an accident suffered by a family member of one business owner. However, there are signs of a few new businesses either moving in or moving to a location in the 100 or 200 blocks of West Main Street Downtown.

MAIN STREET GYPSY

The merchandise and store fixtures at Main Street Gypsy are getting to be excellent deals price-wise. Buy your mom some jewelry for Mother’s Day this weekend. The shop has lots of beautiful jewelry still on display. Say hello to Kim, Rose, and Mark.

CONGRATULATIONS ON LAST WEEKEND’S EVENTS

Big kudos to the people who put on several different events last Saturday. Kudos to Corrina Withrow and her team from MARC for putting on one more successful Mutt March (the event formerly known as the Pooch Parade, renamed because it’s always smaller than what PennDOT Considers a “parade,” and thus requiring less disruption to highway travel through town). Kudos also to Sarah O’Brien and her team from MARC and CFS Bank for putting on one more Bike Safety event at the CFS Bank drive-through. And kudos to Drew Dunlevy and his crew from the Ringgold Athletic Association for successfully holding the first-ever Mon City Open Downtown Miniature Golf event.

All of these happened despite the rain and were successful, if also modest in numbers and a bit damp. It was great to see so many young people, parents, and families milling around Downtown as a result of these three same-day events.

But that’s not all!! The New Eagle Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary also held their annual flower sale the same morning, and there was live music at Little City Coffee that morning, not to mention other live music events at our various music venues in the evening. I remember a time when I visited other communities where live music was a “big thing” and found it exciting but strange in a way because I had never seen much of it here.

FISHING DERBY

The annual Kid’s Fishing Derby at the Aquatorium will be on Saturday, May 18th. For additional details, see the attached Facebook ad for the event.

MILITARY EVENTS

George Eckert announced the schedule of the events our military organizations are planning for Memorial Day at the Monongahela City Council meeting this past Wednesday. (A recording of the Council meeting is on the City of Monongahela Facebook page.) Watch for more details.

FARMERS’ MARKET

As per the Monongahela Farmers’ Market Facebook page, there are only three more Fridays until the market begins. See their page for additional details.

CITY PAINTED CHESS PARK GAZEBO BASE AND WALLS

The City of Monongahela painted the freestanding walls surrounding the Chess Park Gazebo and its base a few days ago. The Monongahela Main Street Program was pleased to contribute $120 toward the purchase of the paint.

NEW SIGN AT CPDC CHIROPRACTIC

Did you see it? It’s lime/avocado green and kind of really gets your attention.

FLEATIQUE

Don’t forget that the Monongahela Area Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Fleatique-on-the-Mon is coming up on Saturday, June 1st, beginning at about 8 AM. It is billed as the longest street fair anywhere in Western Pennsylvania, and it involves just about everyone in town who wants to buy or sell, plus thousands of people who come to town either to sell or to buy.

WET BASEMENTS

Part of the discussion at this past Wednesday’s City Council meeting was that just about everyone in town had a wet basement this past weekend when a massive amount of rain came down in just an hour or so. And this after about the wettest April in memory. Oh, when will it all end?

MMSP ANNUAL MEETING

For those of you who are dues-paying members of the Monongahela Main Street Program, this is a reminder that the organization’s annual meeting is coming up this Tuesday, May 14th. Ballets will be given out to all “Active Members” (defined in our by-laws as those who have paid dues or contributed at least that much in the last twelve months) to elect four new members to the “Elected Board” of MMSP.

PDC CONFERENCE

The Pennsylvania Downtown Center’s annual conference is coming up this June 23rd to 26th at the recently restored Yorktowne Hotel in York, Pa. MMSP has sent someone to this conference every year since joining the organization in 2016. In each of the last two years, it has sent two people. This year, it looks like 4 MMSP members are on their way to the conference.

PONCE’S PLACE

Has today (Friday special): Veal Parmesan w/side of Pasta, Tossed Salad&Garlic Rolls Gnocchi w/Meatball, Tossed Salad &Garlic Rolls French Onion Soup 724-258-6654

RESTAURANT LIST 

Don’t forget to spread your dine-in or takeout business around this weekend. Here’s some contact information for some of the restaurants and other establishments we have where something can be obtained for lunch or dinner:

• Sambol’s Bakery & Candy Shop (daily meal specials available till 5 PM or till sold out), 230 West Main Street (724) 250-0100
• Italian Village Pizza, 169 West Main Street (724) 292-8170
• Angelo’s II, 111 Third Street (724) 292-8375
• Sweets by Mrs. C., Ice Cream and More, 260 West Main Street (724) 292-8392
• Little City Coffee, 418 West Main Street (724) 258-6285
• Two and a Fry, 1115 West Main Street (724) 310-3182
• Hog Fathers Olde-Fashioned Barbecue, 243 East Main Street (Catsburg) (724) 310-3757
• Lenzi’s Italian Restaurant, 228 Gee Street (just off East Main going east from the Pigeon Creek Bridge, before the first light) (724) 258-9885
• Detorre’s Pizza, 915 West Main Street (724) 258-3306
• Eat’N Park, 1250 West Main Street (724) 258-4654
• Great Wall Chinese Restaurant, 201 West Main Street (724) 258-8358
• Hills Restaurant, 107 Main Street, New Eagle (724) 258-5422
• Pizza Station, 187 Chess Street, New Eagle (724) 310-3191
• Cox Market, deli counter for take-out, 711 Rt.481 (724) 258-4900
• Ponce’s Place, 715 Rt.481 (Park Avenue Extension/Pigeon Creek Road) (724) 258-6654
• Pho Valley, Vietnamese cuisine, 1160 Country Club Road (724) 310-3948
• Fox’s Pizza Den, 1235 West Main Street (724) 310-2080

LATEST STORES LIST

Here’s my latest list of stores in Monongahela that have been selling clothing, especially those that have been marketing various kinds of clothing fashions:

• Uncommonly Beautiful
• Sparkles by Shell
• Mon Valley Safety Equipment
• Bella Bug Bootique (an online shop for now, hoping to reopen in a building later)
• Main Street Gypsy
• Mon Valley Cycle (mainly apparel for riding a motorcycle)
• Octane Martial Arts (martial Arts clothing)
• City Mission
• Dollar General
• Family Dollar
• Leighanna’s Closet

40 STORES, 40 MONTHS

Here’s a list of the 40+ STORES that have opened or are in the process of opening in the Monongahela – New Eagle Main Street area in the last 40 months (this list does not include the ones that opened and closed in that period of which there were at least three or four):

1. Uncommonly Beautiful gifts, collectibles, art, and vintage clothing/jewelry, 168 West Main Street, since May 2016, (412) 266-6250.

2. Main Street Barber and Supply – Traditional barbershop and supply dealer for other barbers, since May 2017, recently (summer 2022) switch to by-appointment-only, see: https://moncitybarber.com/ (724)258-4845

3. The Bubblery Pittsburgh – soap shop with handmade soap, hand sanitizer, lip balm, etc., since Sept. 2018, 218 West Main Street (online at this time), (724) 258-2598

4. Honey Bee Bakery – Baked Goods, 3724 Dry Run Road, (724) 809-3401

5. Main Street Gypsy – gifts, jewelry, clothing, and furnishings, since May 2019, 219 West Main, (724) 292-8366

6. Sweets by Mrs. C, Ice Cream and More – also has baked goods and nostalgic candies since Aug 2019, 260 West Main, (724) 292-8392

7. Julie’s Hair Haven – haircare by appointment, since Oct 2019, 202½ Fourth Street, (412) 952-5177

8. Octane Martial Arts – martial arts studio, sports/athletic training, and pro-shop selling related clothing, since Oct 2019, (724) 310-2090

9. Bella Bug Bootique—casual clothing and costume jewelry, has been Located at 416 West Main since November 2019. (The storefront locations have closed, but the business remains very active online.) You can contact Kate Runac, the owner, through the Bella Bug Bootique Facebook page or by email at bellabugbootique@gmail.com, or just drop by during the day next to Little City Coffee.

10. Busta Suds Laundromat – laundromat (behind Two-and-a-Fry Hotdog place), since Dec 2019, c/o Two-and-a-Fry Hotdogs, 1115 West Main, (724) 310-3182

11. Sambol’s Bakery – baked goods, cookies, lunch specials, since May 2020, 230 West Main, (724) 250-0100

12. Candelore’s Barking Beauties – dog grooming salon, since July 2020, 111 West Main, (724) 292-8360

13. CPDC Chiropractic – Dr. Christa Peifer, Chiropractor, since October 2020, 314 West Main, (412) 953-3103

14. Chloe and Me Candles – handcrafted candles and similar items, since November 2020, 205 West Main, (724) 298-8696

15. Rocky Top Photo Op – settings for photography shoots at the Gottselig farm at the top of Ridge Avenue in the First Ward, the only farm located within our City Limits, a family farm where you can come and take your own photos – they have a very wide variety of unique props for all seasons, since December 2020, Contact them (Judy Lovell) through Facebook

16. The Dog Emporium/Sit-Up Doggie Treats – gift shop for dogs, locally baked treats and dog biscuits baked by the shop owner at his other facility (the business has gone online for now), (724) 258-7297

17. Dusty’s Discounts – household items and gadgets, Kitchen-Aid mixers, umbrellas, etc., since March 2021, Yohe Building, Corner of West Main and Fourth Streets, contact Dusty Bradshaw Aldous via Facebook / Messenger, or at (724) 787-1516

18. Red Boot Home – household decorative items, from throw pillows to sine bottle stoppers, since March 2021, located within Red Boot Antiques, Jessica Homa, contact Marcia Homa or Jessica Homa at Red Boot Antiques, 905 West Main Street, (724) 884-7509

19. Noel’s Primitives and Gifts – Antiques, primitives, handcrafted items/art, and décor items, 202 West Main Street, (724) 825-9525

20. Fox’s Pizza Den, since May 2021, 1235 West Main Street. (724) 310-2080

21. City Mission Thrift Store – since July 2021, 211 West Main Street. (724) 292-8377

22. Venom Vapes (formerly Dubtown Vapes) – since July 2021, 1235 West Main Street, (724) 292-8060

23. The Orangery (salon, by Felicity Frace) since September 2020, 105 West Main Street (lower level of Main Street Barber), (724) 255-3180.

24. Mon Valley Alliance offices and Business Resource Center, since November 2021, 235 West Main Street, (Ben Brown, CEO) (724) 565-5636

25. Polished Aesthetics (Jamie Varley, CRNP, aesthetician), since December 2020, 105 West Main Street (lower level of Main Street Barber), (724) 518-4843.

26. Dis-OR-Dat, to be in with Bartman Plumbing next to DeVore Hardware, 443 West Main Street, (724) 350-2092, since January 2022.

27. Dead Head Wine Bar, weekend music venue and winery, 300 Second Street (former Bebout and Yohe Funeral Home building, corner of Second Street and Chess Street), public music venue since May 2022; contact Mike Kisling at (724) 292-8260

28. Leighanna’s Closet, a new “Baby and Children’s Clothing” retail shop, since June 2022, 316 West Main Street (the business is online only for now), online at: https://leighannascloset.com/ and Facebook, 724-292-8945

29. Treasures & Tattoos (Rustic Home Treasures – party goods, rustic household décor, and T. Lewis Tattoos, tattoos, and paintings), 214 West Main Street

30. Mon City Smoke Shop, 212 West Main Street (tobacconist, convenience items, notions) (watch here for more details)

31. Monongahela Mini Mart, 310 West Main Street (watch here for more details)

32. Wool and Wick, knitted goods made by hand by the store owner, scented soy candles made by the store owner, curated “unusual” greeting cards, cork leather purses, costume jewelry, fun stickers, etc., 416 West Main Street, since March 2023, (412) 582-0919 EAST MAIN STREET

33. Hog Fathers Olde Fashioned Barbecue – restaurant and bar, since 20 Jan 2020, 243 East Main Street (Catsburg), (724) 310-3757

34. DW Auto (formerly Sal’s Quality Auto Care) – auto detailing and repairs, since May 2020, 130 East Main Street, (724) 310-2038 – Reopened recently under a new name and with more emphasis on mechanical repairs. MAIN STREET/CHESS STREET, NEW EAGLE

35. Industrial Farmhouse Living – home décor, repurposed found objects, since Jan 2019, 144 Main Street, New Eagle, (724) 565-4447

36. Full Circle Glass & Door Service – glass installer, since Aug 2019, 102 Main Street, New Eagle, (724) 998-7437 CARROLL TOWNSHIP (Fourth Street Extension)

37. Family Tent Rental, since April 2022, 610 Fourth Street (Clearview section of Fourth Street Extension in Carroll Township), (412) 853-5832

38. Mattress by Appointment (as the name suggests), since July 2022, 1610 Fourth Street Extension, online at: http://mattressbyappointment.com/locations/pa/monongahela/ , (724) 518-0905

39. Mi-Grow, urban microgreens farm, 1610 Fourth Street Extension CHESS STREET

40. JMS Photography, in business since 2017, began moving into this location around December 2020, owner Jenna (Quattrone) Sluk, 139 Chess Street, New Eagle, (724) 263-1323 UPCOMING

41. Brewery and Barbecue Restaurant, riverfront location at the foot of Sixth Street behind First Baptist Church, by the owners of the former Fourth Street Barbecue and Four Point Brewery in Charleroi, under construction. 42+, And some other possible surprises still brewing.

 MMSP BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The current Board of Directors of the Monongahela Main Street Program is as follows: Karen Langol, President Walter Seal, Vice President Amy Leavor, Secretary Jared Hazen Sherlock, Treasurer Bonnie Brand Jimmy Braum Ken Kulak Dorothea Pemberton Dan Tregembo Tobias Provan Janet Roslund Tammy Henson Chris Grilli (Advisory Committee) Paula Pro (Advisory Committee) Scott Frederick (Advisory Committee) Non-Voting: Terry Necciai, Exec.Dir.

 WE HAVE A WONDERFUL CITY! 

Terry A. Necciai, RA, Exec.Dir., MMSP