Our Communities of Elizabeth back in business

By Kaylie Moore
kmoore@yourmvi.com
Our Communities of Elizabeth Pa. returned from its summer break on a high note Wednesday.
Local business owner Norm Candelore said Our Communities was founded for residents and business owners in the Elizabeth Forward School District’s 10 communities who care about where they live and work.
“Hopefully we can build on what we started last year,” Candelore told more than 20 meeting attendees at the Bethesda United Presbyterian Church. “When we first started, we didn’t know what to expect, but we’ve had a lot of help and support and, quite honestly, we deserve it.”
Candelore, who wore a hat that read “I love Elizabeth,” said that support was also reflected in the efforts of many volunteers who helped clean up after this week’s extensive flooding throughout the township.
“Not just the businesses, but the individuals reaching out,” he said. “It’s absolutely amazing.
“It’s what this is all about. …There’s so much negativity all around us, but Elizabeth is not a negative place to be and we have a lot to be proud of.”
The meeting highlighted various positive happenings in the community, including the high school’s ongoing management of the Our Communities website.
The site, www.ourcommunitiesofelizabethpa.com, allows local businesses, organizations and event organizers to showcase everything Elizabeth has to offer.
“It’s a great resource to promote what’s going on in our area,” Candelore said.
To submit information, email ourcommunitiesofelizabethpa@gmail.com or visit the Our Communities page on Facebook.
Candelore also showcased the good deeds of local nonprofit Elizabeth’s Guardian Angels. The organization supports a variety of causes, ranging from monetary assistance with rent and utilities to help purchasing a service dog for a girl with epilepsy.
The angels will host a fundraiser Nov. 10 at Blain Hill Volunteer Fire Company.
Networking efforts were in full swing as groups took their turn promoting upcoming events and other positive news. Area happenings highlighted included:
• Auditions for the Mon River Arts’ Christmas show “Fruitcakes” will take place later this month. The nonprofit organization will also host a Ghouling Pianos and Monster Cash Giveaway fundraiser, sponsored by Candelore’s Barking Beauties and Sing Sing Dueling Pianos, at 6 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Elizabeth Borough Volunteer Fire Company. For more information, visit the Mon River Arts Facebook page.
• WEDO Radio of McKeesport is offering a number of ways for locals to expand upon Our Communities’ efforts of positive area promotion.
• Downtown Elizabeth will host a Denim and Diamonds fundraiser dinner Sept. 23, with proceeds benefiting fall programming. The group will also partner with new community business Teal Lotus to host a Fall Harvest Market event in October, followed by the annual Halloween parade Oct. 29.
Downtown Elizabeth manager William Prince also helped the Our Communities group plan for the next steps toward growth, which include identifying key priorities, setting goals and forming committees to achieve them.
“You all have ideas,” Candelore said. “Share them with us so we can all have the same success.”
Candelore stressed the importance of utilizing local media to highlight the Elizabeth area and the entire Mid-Mon Valley.
“If you don’t use the Mon Valley Independent, the radio or other resources that are out there, you’re really missing out,” he said.
While every place has “a good story and good stuff to share,” Candelore said, they’re “not Elizabeth.”
The 10 communities are Elizabeth Township, Elizabeth Borough, Forward Township, Buena Vista, Bunola, Boston, Greenock, Mt. Vernon, Blaine Hill and Blythedale.
“All our areas need each other,” Candelore said. “Everyone talks so passionately about what they’re doing here and it’s great.
“In order for our communities to survive, we all have to come together and continue to focus on the positives.”