Filed Under: Another Viewpoint || By
Category: Another Viewpoint || By
(The following is a submitted commentary. It does not necessarily reflect the views of the board of directors of Tube City Community Media Inc. To respond, write to tubecitytiger@gmail.com, visit our Facebook page, or send a letter to Tube City Online, P.O. Box 94, McKeesport 15134.)
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McKeesport, Pa. --- glorified in old for untold miles of pipe, resented in more recent times for becoming an embarrassment of bad management!
A rather interesting (and yet none-too-unique in gist) quality of this previously fine city is that it arose from a ferry port on insect-infested river banks --- if early adventurers' travelogues are to be trusted --- to a sterling example of a thriving, bustling metropolis peopled with the hardest-working, upstanding-ist folks this side of popes and politicians.
Barges brought materials, mills milled, and those hard-workers worked. My very own paternal grandfather (or Pap Pap as we McKeesporters like to say) was a pipe inspector for National Tube Works for his entire working life, I believe --- notice how "work" and its variations are noticeably present in this paragraph? Industry boomed like it had no bounds, commerce and high-times were plentiful!
Then came the bust, which almost invariably follows any boom worth its weight in iron.
Now I am surely no expert on local history, industry or human nature. But I am, beyond a reasonable doubt, an expert on my own recollections and the memories I've retained or concocted since my initial first-hand experiences. I am a literal child of the '70s --- born in McKeesport, in 1970 precisely.
My parents were both born in McKeesport, in 1940 and 1943 respectively. With the exception of my maternal Grandma who moved to McKeesport with her family in 1916, from way out (that's how she saw it, anyway) in the Sheraden neighborhood of Pittsburgh, (and who also proudly worked the mimeograph machine in the original G.C. Murphy's in McKeesport), I am a third-generation McKeesporter.
And as such, I do consider myself able to comment free of the restraints of being thought of as an outsider.
With my credibility accounted for, I now have to admit that I removed myself from McKeesport as soon as possible. "Well, why would you do that?" you might ask.
And I would simply answer: "Because there was no reason to stay. It was feeling unsafe and sad when it could muster the energy, and comatosely stagnant when it couldn't."
Category: Announcements || By
The Tube City Almanac is taking a few days off. Whatever passes for regular service around here will resume next week.
If you'd like to submit something to be published here, write to tubecitytiger at gmail dot com, and I'll try to get it posted.
And a reminder: We still desperately need donations for our upcoming broadcast from International Village. Our first underwriter for the broadcast is Westmoreland Pools & Spas, which will be donating gift cards to be raffled off during the village.
Category: News || By Submitted Report
A new ice cream shop on Fifth Avenue, Downtown, is among 21 food establishments licensed by the Allegheny County Health Department last month.
5th Avenue Ice Cream is located at 324 Fifth Ave., in the Executive Building.
Other Mon-Yough area establishments licensed in May include The Farmer's Table, 245 E. Eighth Ave., Homestead; Wintzell's Oyster House, 530 East Bruceton Road (Kmart Plaza), Pleasant Hills; and Asian House, 1300 Hoffman Blvd. (Kennywood Shops), Duquesne.
In all, there were eleven restaurants, two confectionaries, a coffee house, a tea house, two convenience stores, two grocery stores, a delicatessen and a caterer opened countywide, said Dr. Ron Voorhees, acting county health director.
"The Health Department's monthly report highlights the new restaurants that use trans-fat free cooking oils," he said. "Ten out of the eleven eateries that opened in May cook with these healthier oils."
Category: News || By Submitted Report
The state Department of Environmental Protection has issued a "code orange" air quality alert for Liberty, Clairton, Glassport and surrounding areas through Friday, June 21.
A spokesman said the "code orange" alert means that air pollution concentrations --- particularly of ozone and small particles of pollution --- may be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, people with asthma and heart and lung diseases, and the elderly. Those groups should avoid strenuous activities or exercising outdoors.
For more information on air pollution, visit the federal AirNow website or the state's Air Quality Partners website.
Category: News || By Submitted Report
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
The Allegheny County Parks Department has released the "2013 Fun Guide," which lists many of the events, activities and programs taking place this year in its nine regional parks, including White Oak and Round Hill.
The guide includes concerts, nature programs, movies, sports clinics, plays, athletic events, classes, historical tours, fundraisers and other special events, a county spokeswoman said.
Most activities are free of charge. Allegheny County is "well on our way" to having a different event every day in each of its nine parks, Parks Director Andy Baechle said.
"The Allegheny County Parks are unique assets that provide a wide variety of sporting, leisure, cultural and entertainment opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and interests," he said. "I encourage everyone to take a look at the guide and take advantage of the fun."
The 2013 Fun Guide is available in PDF format at www.alleghenycounty.us/parks/FunGuide.pdf. Printed guides will be available soon in all nine county parks, as well as many Allegheny County offices.
Category: News || By Submitted Report
A North Braddock man faces 10 years in jail after being convicted of participating in a heroin ring.
U.S. District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence this week on 26-year-old Russell Franklin of Bell Avenue, who also will face three years' supervised release after completing his sentence.
U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton said Franklin's conviction stemmed from his role in a conspiracy to distribute heroin between February and April 2011.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Conway prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Monroeville police, Hickton said.
Category: Shameless Horn-Tooting || By
Category: Commentary/Editorial || By
I interviewed someone yesterday who was on a very bad cell phone connection. Every few words and syllables would either be dropped entirely, or garbled.
I would ask a question, and the person on the other end would respond, "So I --- ----ed --- middle --- -- th---- --en s---t the --- took --- like --- year." It was as if Richard Nixon's secretary, Rose Mary Woods, was editing the call.
From time to time, the person I was interviewing would simply disappear. And I'd say, "Hello? Hello?" And he'd swim back up through what sounded like gargling noises.
. . .
After about 20 minutes of this aggravation, I finally said, "Look, can I call you back on a different number? Maybe a landline?"
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
Due to expected severe weather, McKeesport's annual Good Neighbor Day has been rescheduled, a spokeswoman said.
The event will now be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, June 20, along Fifth Avenue, Downtown, between Market and Locust streets.
More than 40 community organizations, government agencies and local businesses are planning to provide information booths, games and refreshments, including Angora Gardens, Calvary United Methodist Church, Carnegie Library of McKeesport, the city Human Relations Commission, Community College of Allegheny County, McKeesport Area School District, McKeesport Lions Club, McKeesport Little Tigers, McKeesport Past and Present Committee, McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center, McKeesport Trail Commission, Mon Yough Community Services, Noah's Ark Community Center, the Salvation Army of McKeesport and state Sen. Jim Brewster.
The event had been scheduled for tomorrow, June 13. The National Weather Service in Moon Twp. has predicted a chance of severe weather for Thursday, including heavy rain and damaging winds.
The Mon-Yough region is under a flash flood watch through Thursday evening.
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
Animal Friends will hold a low-cost rabies vaccination clinic for cats and dogs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Sunday (June 16) at Fire Station No. 2 on Eden Park Boulevard in Renziehausen Park.
A spokeswoman said that cats should be brought in carriers and dogs should be on leashes. Owners should bring their pets' previous vaccination certificates, if available. Tags are not acceptable.
The cost of a vaccination is $10, payable in cash only. For more information, visit ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
McKeesport Area Ministerium will hold its annual "Blessing of the Boats" at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 22, at McKee's Point Marina, Fifth Avenue at Water Street, a spokeswoman said. The public is invited.
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
Crews will be patching and sealing cracks on Dravosburg Hill and Mifflin Road, beginning Wednesday, June 12, weather permitting.
A district spokesman for the state Department of Transportation said the work will include portions of Pittsburgh-McKeesport Boulevard (Richland Avenue) and Mifflin Road in Dravosburg, West Mifflin and the city of Pittsburgh, between the Mansfield Bridge and Route 885.
Short-term lane closures will occur in both directions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Friday.
Crack and joint sealing is a preservation activity that prolongs the life of road surfaces by preventing moisture from entering cracks and joints, spokesman Jim Struzzi said. Moisture can cause potholes and premature deterioration requiring more costly repairs.
Matcon Diamond, Inc. of Pittsburgh will perform the work.
Category: Local Businesses || By
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
The McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center hosts its second Summer Speaker program at 2 p.m. June 15.
Joshua Scully will present a lecture on the history of the D.L. Clark Company. Amidst Pittsburgh's coal barons, railroad tycoons, and industrialists existed one of our nation's most successive chocolatiers and confectioners --- David L. Clark.
Clark, an Irish-born immigrant, established the D.L. Clark Company and helped pioneer various types of candy throughout the early 20th century. Headquartered briefly in McKeesport in the early 20th century, D.L. Clark Company products have brought smiles to the faces of Pittsburghers for more than 126 years.
This program is held at the Heritage Center at 1832 Arboretum Drive in Renziehausen Park. It is free and open to the public. Call (412) 678-1832 for more information.
Category: News || By Linda Curinga
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
Work resumes Thursday night (June 6) to repave Walnut Street in the city and Versaiiles, a PennDOT spokesman said.
Jim Struzzi, district spokesman for the state Department of Transportation, said work will include milling and resurfacing, drainage improvements and pavement markings.
Walnut Street, which carries Route 48, is a state-maintained road.
To allow the work to occur, single lane alternating traffic will occur daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Wednesday, July 3. Work will occur from the Boston Bridge to Route 148, Struzzi said.
Flag crews will assist traffic moving through the work areas, but delays should be expected.
The project is included in a $1.6 million contract for improvements on several roadways in Allegheny County. Tresco Paving of Plum Borough is the main contractor, Struzzi said.
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
Single-lane restrictions will be in place on the Clairton-Glassport Bridge this Thursday, Friday and Sunday, as bridge inspectors conduct routine checks.
A district spokesman for the state Department of Transportation said the work will occur between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., weather permitting, with a single lane of traffic being temporarily restricted from time to time.
Mackin Engineering and the Sofis Rigging Company will perform the inspection, the spokesman said.
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
The Allegheny County Department of Public Works today announced that traffic will be switched to the newly reconstructed lanes and ramps on the Mansfield Bridge next week.
Between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., there will be 15-minute intermittent stoppages while traffic is rerouted. Motorists should slow down, use caution and watch for changing traffic patterns, a spokesman said.
The bridge, which spans the Monongahela River between Dravosburg and the city, is in the middle of a three-year, $31 million reconstruction project that is scheduled for completion in December 2014.
Traffic will continue to be restricted to two lanes while the other half of the bridge is reconstructed.
Category: History || By
© 2013 Tube City Community Media Inc., except where noted. Please do not reprint without permission. To comment on this story, or any other story, email tubecitytiger at gmail dot com, or write to Tube City Online, P.O. Box 94, McKeesport, PA 15134.
When Liberace came to the Mon-Yough area to play at Monroeville's Holiday House, he knocked out the standing-room-only crowd.
On opening night, Nov. 23, 1963, the flamboyant pianist led a sing-a-long of old-time tunes and played variations on "Mack the Knife" ... after first making a costume change, saying "excuse me for a moment while I slip into something more spectacular."
He joked about the rumors surrounding his personal life: "Someone told me I wouldn't smile so much if I could hear some of the stories going around about me. So you know what I told him? I heard 'em."
Rave reviews followed the show. "A magnificent case of showmanship," The Pittsburgh Press reported. The Post-Gazette was equally lavish in its praise: "To leave an audience smiling, wanting more, is all that a performer could want."
The Press reported that Liberace's final number received "an ovation the likes of which is seldom heard in supper clubs."
It was damned near the last ovation Liberace would ever hear, because he nearly died there, just a few miles up the road from McKeesport. His recovery took three agonizing weeks at Pittsburgh's St. Francis General Hospital --- and helped popularize dialysis as a treatment for kidney disease.
Category: Pointless Digressions || By
A brief announcement: We have struggled for a long time with problems with our commenting system. We had problems a few years ago with people using other people's names to comment.
We asked people to use their real names, and we started tracking IP addresses of commenters. Well, we got complaints.
And we had problems with a lot of "spam" comments showing up. We turned our spam filters up to their maximum settings; that caused more complaints.
Two weeks ago, Tom Schroll from Skymagik Internet Services, which hosts Tube City Online (as well as the International Village website) called to report that we were suddenly getting more than 4,000 comments every hour.
Obviously, those weren't real comments. They were junk. About 20 percent of them were coming from a server in Russia, but others were coming from a network of zombie computers around the world.
The increased load was starting to affect the reliability of our server, so Tom and I decided to turn off all comments for good, pending a complete redesign and new software on the server.
(We will probably add comments through a third-party provider such as Disqus in the near future. Let their server worry about the hackers in Russia and elsewhere.)
Until then, you can always post comments on our Facebook wall, email me at tubecitytiger at gmail dot com, or --- if you really need complete anonymity --- send "snail mail" to Tube City Online, P.O. Box 94, McKeesport 15134.
Category: Another Viewpoint || By
A video about McKeesport by Duquesne University grad student Alyssa Kramer went viral last month among former area residents. As of this writing, "A Faint Sound of Metal Beating on Metal" has been shared on Facebook more than 100 times and viewed nearly 1,900 via Vimeo.
Kramer created the 25-minute short film as part of the McKeesport2013 project. Tube City Almanac had a few questions, which she graciously answered.
. . .
What class is working on the McKeesport 2013 project, and who is the professor?
The class was a team-taught course taught by two great instructors, Maggie Patterson and Douglas Harper, and was aimed at advanced undergraduates and graduate students enrolled in journalism/multimedia arts and sociology.
What familiarity, if any, with the Mon Valley did you have before the project?
Despite being from the Pittsburgh area, it's slightly embarrassing to admit that I knew next to nothing going into this project. I mean I knew the steel industry left, and I knew Pittsburgh suffered because of it, but I had no idea of the rich history of the valley and what a vibrant, flourishing town McKeesport was for so many years.
What were your initial impressions of McKeesport?
Truthfully? I thought it was depressing. And sad. Just from a visual perspective though, and before I spoke to any community members.
It actually reminded me quite a bit of where I'm from, which is Beaver County. I mean Aliquippa went through basically the same thing so seeing the abandonment in McKeesport and other areas of the Mon Valley was not a new sight to me. Just sad.
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