North Boros Beat artwork

North Boros Beat

63 episodes - English - Latest episode: 24 days ago - ★★★★ - 9 ratings

This podcast features the people, businesses, and events of the North Boroughs of Pittsburgh, PA (Bellevue, Avalon, Ben Avon, Ben Avon Heights, Emsworth, Kilbuck and Ohio Townships).

Society & Culture Kids & Family pittsburgh bellevue avalon ben avon north boros north boroughs emsworth
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Episodes

Community Theatre Players Spring Play - Will

April 05, 2024 00:00 - 13 minutes - 9.54 MB

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

Learn About Christopher’s Kitchen in Ben Avon

February 14, 2024 15:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MB

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

Library of Accessible Media for PA - LAMP

January 31, 2024 17:00 - 35 minutes - 23.9 MB

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

North Boroughs Salvation Army with Susann Schneider and Chris Skerlong

November 29, 2023 17:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MB

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

Holiday Happenings in the North Boroughs

November 28, 2023 20:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MB

This episode  gives an informal list of holiday events coming up in the next couple of weeks.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you. Some event links: Avon Club Ben Avon Holiday House Tour https://theavonclub.org/house-tour/ CPCBA Craft Show and Cookie Walk http://cpcba.squarespace.com/ Savoyards https://www.pittsburghsavoyards.org/wordpress/ Avonworth Band Craft Show https://allevents.in/sewickley/34th-annual-avonworth-band-craft-show/200025168727223 The Music Note of Ben Avon ht...

Community Theatre Players Present “That’s The Spirit”

October 06, 2023 20:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MB

Today we talk with Frances Halley from Community Theatre Players about their latest production, “That’s The Spirit”.  In addition to Community Theatre, Fran is an instructor at LaRoche’s “Adventure in Lifelong Learning Program” and she gives us a preview of her upcoming class. Community Theatre Players Website: www.bactp.com That’s The Spirit - Friday and Saturday, October 13 and 14 and Thursday through Saturday, October 19-21, all shows start at 7:30 PM  Where?  Community Presbyterian C...

Get Spooky at Bellevue’s Bayne Library

September 11, 2023 00:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MB

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

Avon Club Fall Festival in Ben Avon

September 08, 2023 20:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MB

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

Encore episode for Betty Haughin’s 100th Birthday-Chit Chat about the Boros

August 24, 2023 16:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MB

In honor of Betty Haughin’s 100th birthday, we reprise the episode where she tells us what it was like to chronicle life in the North Boros for 43 years.  Betty is still writing emails to many folks of the Boros to this day.  If you would like to send a greeting, her address is 700 S. Green Lane #305 Zelienople, PA. 16063 Special Thanks to Mark Sciaruto for his music about Pennsylvania!

Northgate Football with Coach Lucas and Peyton Celesti

August 16, 2023 21:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MB

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

Life at Northgate High School with 2023 Graduate Peyton Celesti

July 14, 2023 19:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MB

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

Bellevue School Photos - Past and Present

June 16, 2023 17:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MB

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

Save Our Strays - Cat Rescue in Avalon

May 19, 2023 01:00 - 18 minutes - 12.4 MB

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

Community Theatre Players - Spring Production

April 18, 2023 23:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MB

Today, we talk with Jennifer Bett of the Community Theatre Players (CTP) about their latest production, “One Stoplight Town”.   This unique play portrays a small close knit town, similar to our own North Boroughs.  Find out more about this FREE production (donations accepted), held at Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon, 7501 Church Avenue (please use side entrance).  Dates are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 27-29.  Doors open at 7: the play begins at 7:30.  Come early, enjoy a d...

Avonworth Foreign Exchange Student Lucy Ha

March 03, 2023 18:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MB

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

Bellevue & Avalon Light Up Night

December 01, 2022 00:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MB

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

Cats N’At - A Pittsburgh Cat Cafe and Rescue

November 22, 2022 22:00 - 15 minutes - 10.9 MB

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

Memories of the Bellevue 5 and 10 - G. C. Murphy’s

November 02, 2022 19:00 - 13 minutes - 9.09 MB

This episode has been “crowdsourced” from Facebook and NextDoor posts.  Judy compiles the collective memories of the Bellevue 5 and 10, especially in the 1960s and 70s.  And she reviews what has happened to the building in the years since the store’s 1982 closing. Facebook Page - North Boros Beat Podcast Post-Gazette Articles https://www.post-gazette.com/local/north/2005/08/25/Bringing-buzz-to-Bellevue/stories/200508250398 https://www.post-gazette.com/local/north/2007/05/24/TreeHouse-bec...

Memories of the Bellevue 5 and 10 - G. C. Murphy’s

November 02, 2022 19:00 - 13 minutes - 9.09 MB

This episode has been “crowdsourced” from Facebook and NextDoor posts.  Judy compiles the collective memories of the Bellevue 5 and 10, especially in the 1960s and 70s.  And she reviews what has happened to the building in the years since the store’s 1982 closing. Facebook Page - North Boros Beat Podcast Post-Gazette Articles https://www.post-gazette.com/local/north/2005/08/25/Bringing-buzz-to-Bellevue/stories/200508250398 https://www.post-gazette.com/local/north/2007/05/24/TreeHouse-bec...

Avonworth Historical Society with Tracy Ferguson

October 06, 2022 19:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MB

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

“Southern Fried Funeral” - new play by Community Theatre Players

September 30, 2022 00:00 - 16 minutes - 11 MB

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

First Tee Golf with Leslie Thomas Russell & Max Pastor

August 22, 2022 13:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MB

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

Michael Amick, Principal of Bellevue Elementary

August 13, 2022 22:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MB

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

A Dance For The World II with Tylar Melfi

July 12, 2022 20:00 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MB

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

History of Ben Avon and Emsworth Presbyterian Churches

June 03, 2022 18:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MB

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

Emsworth Churches - Sacred Heart and St. James Lutheran

May 30, 2022 18:00 - 11 minutes - 8.05 MB

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

History of Ben Avon UMC with Jacob Witul

May 11, 2022 17:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MB

We continue our history of North Boros’ churches by featuring the current use of the former Ben Avon United Methodist Church.  We talk with the current owner.   Email:  [email protected] Facebook:  North Boros Beat Podcast

History of Avalon’s Churches

April 16, 2022 15:00 - 13 minutes - 9.54 MB

Today we dive into the history of Avalon Churches, both past and present. FB page - North Boros Beat Podcast Email - [email protected] Website - https://northborosbeat.buzzsprout.com/

History of Bellevue’s Churches

March 26, 2022 19:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MB

Today we take a look at the history of Bellevue’s churches, past and present.    Other Boros will be covered in the next episode.  Questions? Email [email protected] FB:  North Boros Beat Podcast Bellevue Centennial Historical Booklet: http://www.bonafidebellevue.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Bellevue-Centennial-Book-1967.pdf

All About Vinegar Hollow with Joe Angelelli

March 09, 2022 20:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MB

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

Over the River and Back in History-Time Travel with Tim

February 23, 2022 21:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MB

Today we travel across the Ohio River to talk with Tim Killmeyer of Robinson Township.  Tim is the creator of his own YouTube channel called “Time Travel with Tim” where he combines historical photos with current pictures and videos of the McKees Rocks area.  We also talk about the building of the McKees Rocks Bridge and Ohio River Boulevard.  You could see Bellevue from McKees Rocks but it was hard to get there! YouTube - search for Time Travel with Tim North Boros Beat website https://no...

Community Theatre Players - The Great British Bump Off!

February 03, 2022 19:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MB

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

ICYMI - In Case You Missed It - Episode Review

January 04, 2022 20:00 - 8 minutes - 5.57 MB

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

Update on The Music Note of Ben Avon

December 01, 2021 20:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MB

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

Avon Club Holiday House Tour

November 13, 2021 02:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MB

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

History of Camp Horne/Avonworth Community Park

October 28, 2021 19:00 - 7 minutes - 5.1 MB

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

Saltworks Theatre Company in Avalon

September 30, 2021 00:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MB

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

Memories of the Bellevue Theatre

September 18, 2021 02:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MB

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

North Boros Birdwatching with Gene Henderson

August 28, 2021 15:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MB

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

Salvation Army North Boroughs with Tylar Melfi

August 11, 2021 00:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MB

Today we talk with Tylar Melfi of the Salvation Army North Boroughs Worship and Service Center in Avalon.  Tylar tells us the origin story of the Salvation Army itself and what led to the construction of its new building on South Home Avenue in Avalon.  We also talk about two events coming up - a Cook Out and Open House on Friday, August 20th from and a day of arts, food and music on September 11 called “A Dance for the World”.  The  Cook Out will be held at the building on South Home and “A...

North Boroughs 5K Run with NHCO and Northgate Cross Country

July 28, 2021 13:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MB

Today we talk to Tom Baker, Abby Kelly, and Nancy Jones of North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO) about the North Boroughs 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk.  NHCO is the new sponsor of this event after the closure of the Bellevue YMCA.  We also talk with members of the Northgate Cross Country Team.  The race benefits Northgate Cross Country. More information and registration: https://www.nhco.org/north-boroughs-5k To volunteer, emai [email protected]

Special Episode - Goatscaping

July 10, 2021 17:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MB

Today, we talk with Monica Shields of Capricious Goats, LLC, about her goatscaping business.  Her clients include projects in Ben Avon, Bellevue and Ohio Township.  Monica’s crew of goats clear both public and private lands, eating the invasive Japanese Knot Weed and dreaded Poison Ivy.  The goats are adorable and productive.   She tells us about how she and her family got into this business and the advantages of goatscaping.  Pictures at our Facebook page, North Boros Beat Podcast, of the g...

Community Gardens in the North Boros

July 06, 2021 19:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MB

In this episode, we talk about several community gardening projects in the North Boros with Joe Angelelli, Linda Carroll, and Alyssa Crawford. Contact information for the Bellevue Herb Garden:  [email protected].  Info for the NHCO Organic Garden: nhco.org/garden.  Podcast: Get to know NHCO

The John Hermann Museum with Paul Cusick

June 09, 2021 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MB

We talk with Paul Cusick about the John Hermann Museum on Lincoln Avenue in Bellevue.  Learn about the artist, the museum’s history and the special events that are held here.  If you would like more information about the museum, contact Paul at [email protected].  

Bicycle Heaven with Craig Morrow

May 21, 2021 18:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MB

In this episode, we talk with Craig Morrow, owner and operator of Bicycle Heaven.  Bicycle Heaven has been named as the number one tourist attraction in Pittsburgh by TripAdvisor.  Learn all about this eclectic bike shop and museum and its ties to the North Boros. 

Northgate Spring Musical - You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown!

April 30, 2021 19:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MB

We talk with Karen Klicker, Director, and student cast members, Gage Watson, Luke Hilliard, and Annajean Patalano, about presenting this much loved musical at the end of a very challenging school year. Ticket information - Northgate (live and streaming) Ngate.booktix.com (tickets on sale May 1) Ticket information - Avonworth (streaming) Our.show/AHSWarPaint

Avonworth Spring Musical 2021 - “War Paint”

April 13, 2021 00:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MB

In this episode, we talk with Deborah Frauenholz and Avonworth students about how the show must go on, even during this unusual year.  Learn about this ambitious undertaking and how you can view the performance.  Note: the sound quality of the first minute or so is not up to standard due to recording outside, but it does improve.  Thanks and enjoy the episode. Ticketing website (coming soon): Our.show/AHSWarPaint

Small Business in the North Boros

March 13, 2021 14:00 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MB

Today we talk with Erin Williams and Heather Knepper of Ben Avon about their home based businesses, focusing on successes and challenges.   Both Erin and Heather have sold their products at the Bellevue Farmers Market.

Christopher Brewer and “The Music Note” in Ben Avon

February 09, 2021 21:00 - 15 minutes - 10.9 MB

Today, we talk with Christopher Brewer about his music store/learning center, “The Music Note”, which will open in Ben Avon on April 1.

Talking About Trees in the Boros With a Certified Arborist

October 14, 2020 14:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MB

This episode is part of a special Live-Worship-Shop Home and Garden series, presented in conjunction with the Bellevue House Tour.  Theresa Gallick discusses tree maintenance with certified arborist, Ben Hartranft.  They also talk about some notable trees in the Bellevue area.