Steubenville Blanketed in Snow
February 8, 2010 at 11:45 pm | Posted in Places in the Ville | 3 CommentsTags: ohio, Snowstorm, steubenville
If you were like most of us in the Ohio Valley, you spent the weekend snowed in due to a major snowstorm that hit the entire Northeast. I have not seen snow like this since I was a kid when we had snowdrifts so high we couldn’t open our front door.
Since I have four-wheel drive, I decided to venture out to take pictures after the snowflakes settled and the sun came out.
Veterans Memorial Bridge
It’s not often that an entire town comes to a halt and due to the heavy snow even the trains stopped running.
Train bridge and snow covered railroad tracks
Market Street Bridge
There wasn’t much happening on the river either and the Market Street Bridge is still closed for repairs.
Ohio River looking across to West Virginia
Downtown was deserted and St Peter Church had about five cars for 4 o’clock Mass.
Historic North 4th Street and St Peter Church
This 19 room turn of the century house looked like a beautiful old-fashioned post card and houses the Jefferson County Historical Association and Museum.
Jefferson County Historical Assn and Museum
The snow covered city steps by Welsley Avenue lead up to Pleasant Heights.
The setting sun peered through the snow covered trees on Franklin Avenue across from University Boulevard.
I guess we can be thankful we haven’t had a bad winter like this for a long time — and everything looks a lot prettier blanketed in snow.
Faith in the Future Annual Prayer Breakfast
November 21, 2009 at 10:14 pm | Posted in Events in the Ville | 3 CommentsTags: faith in the future, jefferson county, reverand philip makari, starkdale presbyterian church
Over 150 people attended the fifth annual Faith in the Future Prayer Breakfast held Friday morning at The Rose by Clara’s Catering on Lovers Lane to pray for improved economic conditions in Jefferson County.
Rev. Dr. Philip Makari, pastor of the Starkdale Presbyterian Church in Steubenville, spoke on the Biblical call to “thanks-living.” Makari based his message on a verse in First Thessalonians: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances.” He said true thanksgiving is a lifestyle not an attitude.
Rev. Dr. Philip Makari
Fr. Dennis Gang, TOR gives the blessing
The Rev. Dennis Gang of the Franciscan University of Steubenville, prayed for workers in various economic segments of the community. He asked members of each segment to stand while he gave the blessing.
Faith in the Future began five years ago when Bishop R. Daniel Conlon of the Catholic Diocese of Steubenville organized a group of clergy and lay people to pray for the local economy. After the first prayer meeting, Bishop Conlon said they decided the group needed to continue to pray on a regular basis.
Tracy McManamon assumed the position of chairman and organized the first prayer breakfast. He said he never thought it would last five years.
L-R Chairman Tracy McManamon & Bishop R. Daniel Conlon
Faith in the Future is an inter faith community concerned for the spiritual and the temporal needs of Jefferson County. They strive to create a climate of economic development through prayer, leadership, encouragement and teamwork.
They meet once a month alternating between a Mass in a Catholic church and a prayer service in a Protestant church in various locations throughout Jefferson County.
I have attended all but one of the prayer breakfasts and have attended services at numerous churches. It is exciting to see answered prayer and signs of hope even though our local economy is still suffering. There are numerous businesses opening in downtown Steubenville and throughout Jefferson County. I encourage you to shop local and attend a Faith in the Future service.
For more information email prayer@faithinthefuture.net or call 740-282-4275.
Bayberry House Grand Opening
November 16, 2009 at 11:22 pm | Posted in Places in the Ville | 1 CommentTags: bayberry house bed and breakfast, north fourth street historic district, ohio, steubenville
I have often admired the Victorian homes in the North Fourth Street Historic district of Steubenville and this weekend I was able to visit two of them for the grand opening of Bayberry House Bed and Breakfast.
Garrett Guest House
L-R Scott Dressel & Vance Posey
About 75 people toured the homes that were decorated for Christmas, as owners Scott Dressel and Vance Posey were on hand to chat with visitors and answer questions.
Garrett House living & dining rooms
As I entered the Garrett Guest House, its beauty overwhelmed me and it was hard to imagine that the property was once condemned.
kitchen & fireplace
The kitchen of the Garret house has a large and beautiful brick fireplace. They removed a wall during remodeling and discovered the fireplace hidden behind it.
Garrett house master bedroom suite
The master bedroom suite has a king size bed, a marble fireplace, a walk-in closet, and a Jacuzzi bath.
H. G. Garrett originally owned the home in 1871 and he owned the Union Savings Institution building where the first telegraph office was located.
Westfall House
Built Circa 1870, the Westfall house had a number of prominent residents including J.M. Freeman, of the terra cotta works c. 1885; C.A. Freeman, secretary of the Central Sewer Pipe Co. c. 1902; H.D. Westfall, vice-president of LaBelle Iron Works c. 1915; and C.D. Simeral, publisher of the Herald Star c. 1929.
Westfall house living & dining rooms
As I toured the Westfall house, I ran into my friend Gwynne Griesinger, who lives a few doors down from there. She said she remembered playing in the house as a child when Lucy and Jay Fisher, who worked at Weirton Steel, owned the house.
I am glad I was able to attend the Bayberry House grand opening and see these beautifully restored Victorian homes. Dressel said there are ten other homes currently being restored by other individuals in the Historic North Fourth Street district.
Let us be thankful that there are people living in the Ohio Valley who are spending their time and hard earned money to restore these homes to preserve a part of our history. They are also helping our local ecomomy.
Bayberry House Bed and Breakfast offers tours every Sunday afternoon promptly at 2:00 p.m. Call 740-632-2899 to schedule a tour. For more information visit: www.bayberryproperties.com
Unstoppable Stops in the Ohio Valley
November 13, 2009 at 11:44 pm | Posted in Events in the Ville | 2 CommentsTags: Bellaire, Great Stone Viaduct, Martins Ferry, ohio, Unstoppable movie
The filming of the movie “Unstoppable” in the Ohio Valley is causing a lot of excitement and seems to be lifting everyone’s spirits — especially the residents of Bellaire, Ohio.
Earlier today I decided to take a drive down the river to visit the movie set hoping to get close enough to take some pictures.
Great Stone Viaduct & train bridge connect to cross Ohio River
If you’ve ever driven past Bellaire on State Route 7 you have seen the massive Great Stone Viaduct. It was built in 1870 as an Ohio approach to the railroad bridge span that connects Ohio to West Virginia.
Sandstone piers & Ohio Historical Marker
I can see why the movie producers decided to use this location to shoot the train scene. It is quite impressive.
Downtown Bellaire, Ohio
When I arrived I found people watching in front of their stores, others just trying to get around town, and the film crew making sure people didn’t cross the barriers.
blue & red engines - the real trains
I met the mailman who said his family watched the filming from their house and saw Denzel Washington throwing a football around.
I also met a man who showed me the pictures he took of the fake train lookalikes they made to blow up. I later found the real trains across town.
curved section of the rr track
The movie, directed by Tony Scott, stars Denzel Washington as a veteran train engineer, Chris Pine as a young conductor, and Rosario Dawson as the train dispatcher.
It’s a race against time as they chase a runaway freight train filled with toxic chemicals before it derails on a curved track and destroys the town.
It was fun seeing how many people are involved in making a movie. Many of the local residents played extras in the film.
With all the bad news we hear daily and the economic problems we have in the Ohio Valley, the filming of the movie “Unstoppable” seems to have lifted the burden for a little while. It has given the residents of Bellaire some joy and some happy memories too.
tearing down the set
Filming will take place all next week in Martins Ferry, Ohio. Then they are off to film in various locations in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area.
When Hollywood comes to film in our area, it can only help our local economies. Go see “Unstoppable” when it comes out. And who knows — you may see someone you know.
Honoring our Veterans at Historic Fort Steuben
November 12, 2009 at 12:25 am | Posted in Events in the Ville | Leave a commentTags: American Legion Post 33, historic fort steuben, ohio, Ohio Valley veterans, steubenville
It was a beautiful sunny fall day as people from the Ohio Valley honored our veterans at the Historic Fort Steuben Berkman Amphitheater.
Bill Demjan, from American Legion Post 33, was Master of Ceremony and Bob Spear, Chaplain of Post 33, gave the invocation. Tom Graham, Jefferson County Commissioner led the National Anthem and sang “I’m Proud to be an American,” by Lee Greenwood.
L- R Bill Demjan, Master of Ceremony, Post 33 & Matz Malone, 1st Vice Post 275
Bob Spear, Chaplain Post 33
L- R Captain Ed Long, Bob Spear, Mayor Mucci & Tom Graham
Guest speaker Captain Ed Long of the Salvation Army spoke about service to others. A Viet Nam veteran, Long served with Mike Co. 3rd Bat. 1st Marines and was awarded two purple hearts. For nearly 30 years he served on the Wheeling Police Department and was chief of police for five of those years.
L-R Rose Angelica & Linda Lancia
Rose Angelica and Linda Lancia played “Amazing Grace,” and various veteran and civic groups participated in the Placement of the Wreaths.
Honor Guard Members
The Honor Guard Members saluted the veterans while Angelica and Lancia played “Taps.” We were reminded of the sacrifice of all of our veterans as Old Glory flew at half-staff in honor of the fallen at Fort Hood, Texas.
Representing American Legion Post 33, Post 274, Post 275, and AMVETS Post 275 were: Robert Blackwell, Jim Cook, Bill Hill, Joe Holliday, Larry Kenezovich, Tony Miller, Ben Turnbaugh, and Dan Wilson.
Ohio Valley Veterans celebrate Marine Corps Birthday
November 11, 2009 at 8:49 pm | Posted in People in the Ville | Leave a commentTags: 4th Marine Division, Kilo Company 25th Marines, Moundsville, ohio, Ohio Valley veterans, steubenville, West Virginia
The birthday of the United States Marine Corps is celebrated on November 10th, and this year a special band of brothers celebrated together as they ate birthday cake and toasted with Jarhead Red wine.
Seven years ago, what began with four Marine Corps veterans getting together every Wednesday morning for breakfast has turned into quite a large group.
Marine Corps Veterans
I had the honor to meet some of our Ohio Valley Marine Corps Veterans at Lancelot’s Restaurant in Wintersville, Ohio as they celebrated the 234th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
Happy 234th Birthday as Sgt. Martin Cervantes cuts the cake as George Wilson watches
Traditionally, Marines celebrate the birthday of the Corps by attending formal birthday pageants or a simple cake cutting ceremony.
L-R Leonard Ellis, Ray Simmons, Fred Rogers, WWII veterans, Battle of Iwo Jima
L- R Sgt. Martin Cervantes, Jim McClain, & Cpl. Andrew Marrari
The first piece of cake is always served to the oldest Marine present and Leonard Ellis, a decorated Marine veteran of WWII had the honors
The second piece of cake was served to the youngest member present, Cpl. Andrew Marrari, a member of Kilo Company 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division, Moundsville, West Virginia. Jim McClain was the guest of honor at the Marine Corps ball in Moundsville last Saturday where he was presented a plaque by Sgt. Cervantes and Cpl. Marrari who honored him for his service in the Battle of Iwo Jima.
A third piece of cake, though not tradition, was presented to Navy Lt. Commander Ryan Starkey, who accepted it on behalf of his grandfather, WWII Iwo Jima veteran Howard Clutter, who passed away this past June.
Veteran George Wilson, who organized the birthday celebration, proposed a toast with Jarhead Red, a wine made by Marines for Marines.
The owners of Lancelot’s Restaurant graciously covered the cost of the breakfast for all in attendance.
May we always remember the sacrifice of our heroic veterans and thank them for their service to our country. Semper Fi…(Always Faithful) to you civilians.
The Niña and The Pinta Visit Steubenville Marina
October 31, 2009 at 8:09 pm | Posted in Events in the Ville | Leave a commentTags: steubenville marina, the Nina, the Pinta
A historical replica of the Niña and the Pinta are visiting the Steubenville Marina this week as they retrace the first voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1492.
Both The Niña and the Pinta, caravel Portuguese ships, tour together as a sailing museum to educate school children as they travel the world. From the great turnout I saw when I visited the ships there were quite a few interested adults as well.
I happened to be there when a group of students from Franciscan University of Steubenville listened to First Mate Victor explain what life was like on board the Niña and the Pinta. 
He explained to the students that the deck held barrels of water, oats, beans, rice, pickled beets, and salted meat and fish. Cooking was done in a fire box located on decks in the bow of the ship. The crew slept uncomfortably on the crowded deck and rarely went below, as the cargo hold was full of animals. There were two horses, cows, goats, pigs, and chickens. The four-legged animals were suspended in slings, as the rolling motion of the vessel would have easily broken their legs.
Victor also explained how they used pine tar to protect the ship from salt water, a method dating all the way back to Noah’s Ark in biblical times. He explained the sailors were knicknamed “tar heels” received from tar stains on the bottom of their bare feet. 
When Christopher Columbus began his voyage he had 10 anchors and when he returned from discovering the New World he had only two. It took three hours for the sailors to launch a small boat to go back and forth from the mother ship for supplies and most of the sailors couldn’t swim. 
For the captains and crews who sail the replica ships around the world, life on board is not as hard as it was in 1492. They have WWII style pipe berths to sleep on, an icebox which holds 1000 lbs of ice, and a small propane stove for cooking. I had the pleasure of meeting some of the crew who give up the comforts of home and are away from their families for long periods of time.
The Niña Flag
In December of 1991, the Niña left the banks of the Rio Uno in Valenca, Brazil, and has sailed around the world 18 times and has been through the Panama Canal 10 times.
The Pinta, recently built in Brazil, is an authentic reproduction of Christopher Columbus’ ship, launched on February 25th, 2005, in Valenca, Brazil.
The Pinta Flag
For more information on how these incredible ships were built and the schedule of ports they visit, the website is: www.thenina.com
Vatican Exhibit of Eucharistic Miracles
October 30, 2009 at 9:40 pm | Posted in Churches in the Ville | Leave a commentI recently had the opportunity to visit the traveling Vatican International Exhibition of Eucharistic Miracles of the World held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Steubenville, Ohio.
The exhibition is comprised of 142 plasticized panels of photographs and historical descriptions that present the principal Eucharistic Miracles that have occurred throughout the ages in various countries of the world.
The accounts range from well known visions such as Our Lady of Guadalupe to lesser-known ones such as the Eucharistic miracle that occurred in 1412 in Herentals, Belgium.
A variety of miracles, including healings and visions, have been attributed to Eucharistic adoration.
The exhibition has visited more than one thousand parishes in Italy as well as other countries and has been translated into numerous languages.
I would encourage anyone to attend one of these events when they are in your area.
The Real Presence Association, Inc. presents the exhibit and is dedicated to spreading Eucharistic Adoration around the globe. For more information please visit: www.therealpresence.org
The Civil War Canon
September 10, 2009 at 5:50 pm | Posted in People in the Ville | Leave a commentTags: Civil War Canon, Valley Grove, West Virginia
When Chip Railing says he likes to have fun, he really means it and he added a big bang to our Labor Day Picnic at my cousin Judy’s house in Valley Grove, West Virginia.
Rabbit and Chip bringing the canon in his truck
Chip arrived at the barbeque with his good friend, Robert (Rabbit) Lewicki, and a three-quarter replica of a Union Civil War Ordinance Rifle Canon used by the Northern Army during the Civil War.
My cousins, Dennis and Ron Marini, were visiting from out of state and helped Chip unload the canon as the neighbors gathered around to see what all the fuss was about.
L-R Dennis, Ron, and Chip unloading the canon
Chip makes his own ammunition out of gunpowder and he loaded the canon as each of us took turns setting it off. He even loaded the canon with a few corncobs.
Rabbit watches as Chip loads the canon
Soon we had more neighbors and friends arriving to take their turn to set it off.
Dennis setting it off between his legs
The noise was so loud it shook the windows of the surrounding houses, (my ears are still ringing…but it was great fun)!
Everyone had a good time at the Labor Day Picnic and I’m sure it will be one we will never forget.
Pig-A-Palooza 2009
August 4, 2009 at 11:53 pm | Posted in Music in the Ville | 2 CommentsTags: Musician for a Musician, New American Groove, Page One Studios, The Toys
Great food, awesome live music, and over two hundred of their closest friends and neighbors came together this past weekend to celebrate Pig-A-Palooza 2009 in Valley Grove, West Virginia, hosted by Carla and Jeff Hayes and Chuck Rahi.
Jeff & Carla Hayes
For the past five years, I have attended this neighborhood block party and enjoyed music by bands from all over the Ohio Valley.
It all began in 2004 when Jeff, who is a musician, organized a block party to meet his new neighbors. He said he wanted to have fun and listen to live music with some of his musician friends. He never intended it to continue, but neighbor Chuck Rahi offered to help him and the next year Pig-A-Palooza began.
Neighbors Nora and Ron Black also help Jeff and his incredibly organized wife Carla make the large event come off without a hitch. Well, there was one slight hitch Saturday morning when Ron was roasting 30 chickens and a 125-pound pig over an open fire.
Nora & Ron Black
He was basting the pig with a sauce Jeff had made with just a little too much butter. Flames shot up and singed his hair and his arm but Ron just poured a little beer over it and kept on cooking.
Chuck Rahi & Mr. Pig
Everyone has a good time and friends and neighbors bring food to share.
friends having fun
New American Groove - top L-R Justin Rector, & John Whorton, bottom L-R Jonathan Banco, & Mark Gray
Some of the musicians who perform donate their time to give back to their fans.
“New American Groove,” “Mark and Curt,” and “The Jimmy Lay Band,” are returning bands. New to Pig-A-Palooza this year were “Page One Project,” “Mongo and Buck,” and the ever popular and my favorite, “The Toys” who closed the show.
The Toys - top L-R Carlo Vohl, Jeff Hayes, & Dino Giovannone, bottom L-R Johnny DiCarlo, Bruce, Virtue, & Josh Cochran
Jeff was a member of the original “Toys” in 1981 and a former member of “The Jimmy Lay Band.” After “The Toys” reunited in 2005 to raise money for musician Rick Treglia, and again in 2007 for drummer John Peck, they decided to continue playing together.
Page One Project - top L-R Curt Lehman, & Jeff Hayes, bottom L-R Tim Malone, & Danny Page
Jeff is also a member of “Musicians for a Musician,” a group of four musicians who devote their time and energy to raise money for local musician’s medical expenses.
Pig-A-Palooza 2009 was a great success and if people keep asking for it, there just might be a Pig-A-Palooza 2010.
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