Calling All Duffers

There are very few things in this world, that cause us to stop acting 

like jagoffs, and get serious for a minute. 

That very thing happened when we got a phone call from one of our 

dearest friends. 

He told us the tragic story of a young man and woman that just had their 

first son, Luca. 

Not long after childbirth, Jennifer was diagnosed with cancer. 

They put together a benefit golf outing, and are having a tough time filling 

in some spots. 

It is coming soon, and looks to be one of the best outings of the season. 

We ask you to give your golf buddies a call, and tell them about this event. 

Here are the deets: 

 

 click for bigger image 

 If any of our local business friends would like to sponsor a team, or if 

anyone else has any questions, please email us at thenewkblog@gmail.com.

Thank you.

 

Not This Time

Yesterday, we asked our facebook readers if anyone
witnessed a hit and run on the 9th st. bridge at around
5:45 pm.

We didn't get any information as of yet, but we are
are from done.

A person dear to us here at theNewk was coming home from
work (side note for the driver of the hit and run car: that means
they have a job... what a novel idea).

She got onto the bridge, and noticed a car behind her trying
to get into line.

They persuaded a white truck to let them in.

As traffic made it's way inbound, the female passenger (blond hair/
red t-shirt) of the red car (with a nascar license plate on the front of it)
decided she would repay the kind act of the line jump, by standing
up in the sunroof, and flashing her likely saggy cans.

The male driver of the red car was too busy watching his passenger
whip out her floppies, to notice he was about to plow into the rear of
our friend's nearly paid off car.

Our friend surely noticed, as she braced for impact.

Blam!

With her bumper hanging off the car, she was flustered and tried
to get off the bridge and see the damage.

As she moved forward for a safe and reasonable place to assess the
damage and exchange information, the red car fled the scene towards
the Parnassus freeway.

She was unable to follow the a-holes, so she called the police.

Which seemingly turned out to be a huge mistake.

As we arrived to the scene before they even did.
(And we were in the shower when we got the call.)

And instead of acting like anything wrong had even taken place, he
proceed to act annoyed and inconvenienced by this, and offered
his advice as to what "he would have done" in this situation.

As if he, and the 150 pound lighter/14 inches shorter female were
to have the same vigilante-justice style instincts to conduct a
self-initiated man hunt on the titty-flasher and her getaway driver.

So it's safe to say, we lost a little respect/trust in our local law
enforcement, which saddens us greatly.

Will will not mention him by name, because maybe he was just
having a rough day.

We have a few close friends that are officers of the law, and we know
it's not an easy gig.

We tried to justify his attitude, saying he must deal with a
ton of stuff around here, and it's hard to care about every single
call you have to respond to.

But you can at least step out of your SUV and talk to us, no?


So anyways, now that we got that out.

We want the fine folks in the red (possible late 90's Pontiac Grand Am,
or another American made POS with a pointy front) car to keep
a look out for us.

Cause when we find you, and we will find you, you will be hearing
from an annoyed police officer.

And I doubt you'll be in much of an exhibitionist mood that day.

(The only skin you might be showing, is when we stick that nascar
plate up your b-hole.)




Please, if anyone has any information at all...

White truck guy.
Random traffic driver.
Bridge walker.
Neighbor of a newly damaged red car owner.

Hell, maybe the PWT grew a conscience over night, and plan
to actually do the right thing for once in their lives?

Please email us here at thenewkblog@gmail.com, and we
promise to keep any tips confidential.

"Your" Killing Us

If you're on facebook, and you're friends with people
from New Kensington, it's likely that some of them have
been posting fond memories of theirs on a group wall.

Many of the memories are funny, witty, and downright awesome.

If you're a member, you already know this.

It's too bad that the grammar in the title of the group is what is
preventing us from joining in on the fun.

The name of the facebook group is :

"You know your from New Ken when..."

And we can't find it in our hearts to join a group like that.

We understand it's a common mistake to get your your/you're usage
a little mixed up.

But when you start a group about a city that is already looked
at with judging eyes, at least take the time to use spell check.

Are we right, people?


So we shall stand here, stubborn and bull-headed
until the name of the group gets changed.



Maybe we will just share our stories of the New Ken
days of yore, right here?

Oh snap! We straight up went Middle English all up in yo face!

We've Had It

We don't bitch about much around here, but we
need to get something off our chest.

And this site is our outlet.

So bear with us.
(Or bare with us... hubba hubba.)

Almost daily, members of this very Newk Team, drive through
the downtown section of our fair city.

We are either heading to work (yes, some of us have jobs), or
shopping, or to play disc golf at Deer Lakes Park.

And each time, we are annoyed by the traffic light at the
intersection of Fifth Ave and Ninth St.


In our opinion, there is no current need for this light.

The other light along 8th was removed, and it's going
swimmingly down there.

Now don't get us wrong.

We still have hope, that this great town will once again be a
booming metropolis of industry and capitalism, and the need
for traffic lights at every intersection will be required.

But every time we sit at the red light, and not one car goes
past us along 5th, we curse.

And not just little curses.

It's as if we're possessed by the ghost Lenny Bruce.

And for you youngsters that have no idea who Lenny Bruce is,
go buy a copy of "How To Talk Dirty And Influence People."

Or download it off of one of your fancy internet piracy site things.

Or stop being stupid.


Here is a picture we took yesterday as we filled our Chevy with
an array of 4-letter filth.

(Look familiar?)

Notice no cars going through, and traffic on each side of the
light on 9th.


How about this...

We compromise.

Maybe we can shorten the amount of time 5th gets the green light?

Obviously, Ninth gets much more traffic these days, so the
50/50 green light split is unnecessary.

We also know that it's not so easy, that you can go turn a
dial and poof... it's fixed.

Studies will likely have to be done, and all kinds of other red
tape, but we don't care.

We can't stands no mo'.



What are your thoughts?

Good Time, For A Great Cause

Years ago, some
fine folks from the Newk area started hosting an event
that is not only a great time, it honors the memory
of a great man, and also helps a student pay for college.

We are going to get right to the point here, and post
all the info, as well as a link for you to participate.

10th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade & Party - J.B. Mason Memorial Benefit

Hosted by Matthew and Lauren Nee



Saturday March 12, 2011 - Doors Open at 8am - Parade Starts at 10am - Party Ends 4pm

Damon's Grill & Sports Bar - 600 Grant St. Pittsburgh, PA - U. S. Steel Tower - Directly on Parade Route



$30 advance ticket purchase includes:

- Draft Beer until 1pm - Continential Breakfast - Lunch Buffet - Reserved Table Seating (Limited)



Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event at the door for $40



The Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel has offered a special rate of $129/nt for a limited number of rooms booked by February 23rd under The J. B. Mason Memorial.

The Renaissance Pittsburgh - 107 Sixth St. Pittsburgh, PA 15222 - (412) 562-1200



100% of Proceeds Go Directly to the J.B. Mason Memorial Fund

The J.B. Mason Memorial Scholarship is offered in memory of the late John "J.B." Mason, June 22, 1977 - July 12, 2004. J.B. was a 1995 Graduate of Valley High School in the New Kensington-Arnold School District. He went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh, graduating with a degree in Accounting.



J.B. Mason Memorial Fund Scholarship recipients

Endia Vereen 2005 University of Pittsburgh

Ellyse Williams 2005 University of Pittsburgh

Christie Bonk 2006 University of Pittsburgh

Jeremy Lookabaugh 2007 Mount Union College

Galen Bakos 2008 Penn State University

Jacob Mangone 2009 University of Pittsburgh

Casey Bonk 2010 University of Pittsburgh


For additional information call 412-225-4814 or e-mail mattnee_56@yahoo.com

Go here to get your tickets...

http://pittsburghstpattyparty.eventbrite.com/

and here's the
Facebook Event Link

This really is a great event.

And sounds like a total blast.

It honors the memory of J.B. Mason, who tragically lost
his life.

Those of us that had the pleasure to know him, feel lucky
about the opportunity to be around him.

For those of you that didn't know him, trust us when we
tell you, he was an outstanding young man.

Any help for this event will be much appreciated by all
involved, and especially by us.

Kettle Up

It's that time of year people.

The time of year when we all smile a little easier.
The time of year we are a little quicker to lend a helping hand.
The time of year to take care of one another.

Here is your chance.

The New Kensington Salvation Army is looking for groups to
man our Red Kettles.

The groups can be from churches, clubs, boys or girls scouts
or even just a group of friends and families.

People who have stood kettles for us in the past
have always commented on how fun and meaningful it
was to ring the bells at one of our kettles.

The money raised at the kettles not only helps up help
those in need at Christmas time but year round.

If interested please give us a call at 724-335-7221.

We here at theNewk are going to try and help as much
as we can this holiday season.

And we'd like to think that some of you may also partake
in this annual tradition.

When we figure out where and when we will be, we'll be sure
to tell you all, so you can come make our kettle filled with ching.


Don't hesitate to call that number.

People need our help.

The Girlscouts Want Your Blood

That's right.

Troop 20134 is holding a blood drive.

Those gals never cease to amaze us.

So anyways, here are the particulars...

Girl Scout Blood Drive
October 30, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
East Kensington Community Circle (E.K.C.C.)
Corner of 7th Street and Powers Drive, New Kensington

And the best part is everyone that donates, gets 2 free
movie passes to Southpike Cinemas!

Did you hear that?

Not only will you be helping possibly save a life, you will
get to go to the movies for free.

Pretty awesome, we know.

So please, stop by this Saturday if you can.

Please contact Sarah Yurga at 724-339-0135 or
sarahyurga@yahoo.com
to schedule an appointment, or register at
centralbloodbank.org

We Came, We Walked, We Took J-Dub Along

We got to the American Heart Association Walk just before
9:30am this past Sunday, and a good crowd had
already started to gather.

And right off the bat, we knew it was gonna be a great day.

How couldn't it be, when there is a minivan with Jonas Brother
graphics all over it?

Anyways.

The event started at beautiful Heinz Field.

J-Dub, being a huge Steelers fan, was in his glory.

This next picture, aside from being a work of art/Art, is
one of our favorites for a couple reasons.

Seriously.

How awesome is Mr. Rooney & J-Dub?

Do we even need to list our reasons?

No.

And you know how much we love our lists.


Now, we told J-Dub, that you fine folks didn't want to look
at a bunch of pictures of him in front of Steeler stuff.

But he insisted.

And when J-Dub insists, you do as you're told.

(He is totally in Franco's Italian Army)

Another thing he is a fan of, is free schwag.

Especially free frisbees.

(And camel toe.)


He decided not to climb the rock wall, but rarely passes up
a chance to pose next to phallic objects.


He grabbed a front row spot for a performance by the youth
rock group "Intermission."


J-Dub is a huge fan of balloon boy.

(His escort is not, and had a mini panic-attack when setting
up this shot.)

This St. Bernard puppy was part of our walking team.

(J-Dub is afraid of dogs.)

But he is not afraid of free cookies.

Thanks again to Chelsea Bakes! for the awesome basket.

It was filled with:
Oatkin Raisin Cookies (Oatmeal/Pumpkin/Raisin)
Yeah, they are amazing.
Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes
and
Nut Rolls

Everything was a hit.

Thanks again to Chelsea for donating these great snacks.

Check out her website HERE.
(It's PUMPKIN ROLL SEASON, PEOPLE!!!)

Now, after a nice 5k walk to support the American Heart
Association, is there any better way to celebrate than to
have a delicious, yet healthy lunch?

We think not.

So we let J-Dub decide where to eat.

And he said...

"A good 5k deserves some good 5 Guys."

Who are we to argue with that kind of logic?

So from all of us here at theNewk.com

We say thank you for your support!

And no, there were no leftovers...

Wine Country - Newk Style

The events have been rolling in.

But before we get to the particulars, we'd like to tell you
why we support this event.

This wine tasting we are going to tell you about, benefits the
People's Library.

Ah, the People's Library.

Many hours of our childhood were spent in this building.

We entered a chess tournament when we were 7ish.
(Don't call us nerds... chess is badass.)

We sat on the steps in the kids section, reading
Where The Wild Things Are.
(So what if we were 25 when we did it. That book was good.)

We did hours of research for our senior paper on sharks.
(Okay, maybe it was more 'hour' than 'hours.')

We remember signing in for the bathroom key, and being
handed a 2x4 with a key attached to it.
(We attempted, and completed a 2-point conversion.)

We have many other memories of the library.

Sadly, we ran out of jokes.

Moving on.

We were informed of a wine tasting taking place at the
People's Library on Barnes St.

Here is the info...


Peoples Library
Adventure with Wine

Tuesday, October 19th
7-9pm
Peoples Library ~ 880 Barnes Street ~ New Kensington

Tickets are $30 each with all proceeds benefiting Peoples Library.
Visit us at www.peopleslibrary.org to register.
Or stop by our New Kensington or Lower Burrell locations.
Deadline to register is Monday, October 11th.

Come try 5 different wines!

Accompanied by delicious appetizers provided by Hofstott's.

~

Word up!

Hurry up and register.

Time stands still for no man.

And you might not get any wine, if we get there first.
So be on time.

It's Our Lucky Tuesday

Whenever we get a great email, we always get
happy and tell you all about it.

Whenever we get a great email that includes a picture...

We get down right ecstatic.


Ya'll ready for this?

Hello guys and/or girls whatever you may be. I just wanted to take a moment and let you know that I love theNEWK. I read it almost every day, and it's pretty damn hilarious. I just become a "NEWKER" earlier this year, and I appreciate that a site like this is out there. So thanks and Keep it up!!!

The main reason I wanted to contact you was to let you know my favorite part about new ken growing up, and even today. I uploaded a picture for you. Please take a look.

What I like about New Ken the most is, trying to guess from year to year what color this house will be next. You know, the house on Carl. Every time I cross the bridge into our territory I glance over at this house, WHO LIVES HERE? When I decide to stop at both auto parts stores, i make sure I sneak a peak. HOW MANY COLORS CAN YOU REMEMBER IT BEING? Everytime I take a short cut to get to burrell (why do I even go there, I should have boycotted when Hills hit the bricks.) I rubber neck it up. PLEASE TELL ME YOU KNOW THIS HOUSE!

Anyways, I thought you folks would appreciate this! Thanks again for everything

Ana K.

Thank you, Ana.

You made our day.


Truth be told, this house wasn't familiar to us.

And we have no idea what their inspiration is to change the color
of it so often.

So we ask you, the reader of this fine site, to drop a little
local knowledge on us.

Do it here, or on facebook.

Whatev.

Just do it.



~

And we posted last Friday about a great cause that we are
participating in this Sunday.

We could really use a couple donations.

It's for the American Heart Association, and it's totally legit.

Here is a link to our post on Friday.
FRIDAY'S POST

Here is a direct link to the donation page for our
team leader Mandy.
DONATE HERE

Just so you are aware, there is a $25 minimum donation.

We know, it's a lot of cabbage.

But this is a great cause, and we need your help.

Thank you very much!

Post #400 Is An Important One

It seems like yesterday that we made our first post
on this little site.

Thousands of page views, and nearly 1200 facebook
fans later, our mothers couldn't be any more proud.

It's been quite the ride.

But enough patting ourselves on the back.

(We rather have you pat us on our back-side.)

You know what we're saying?
Hubba hubba.

Anyways, we need some help.

Every now and again, a friend of ours does something
so righteous, noble, giving, selfless, and awesome...
that we feel the need to support them in any
way we possibly can.

This is one of those times.

Our friend Mandy has put together a team of walkers
(us included), that will be doing a 5k walk around Heinz
Field on Sunday Oct. 10th.

It benefits the American Heart Association.
Maybe you've heard of them?

We need as many donations as we can get.

Now, we have a goal, but we'd love to blow that thing
out of the friggin' water.

So please take a minute to click the following link and
check out the secure donation page.

You would make us oh so happy if you did.

HERE IS THE LINK!

You can make a donation right there!

It's really easy.

We promise to thank everyone that lets us know they donated.

And if we exceed our goal, we promise to take a bunch of rockin'
pictures at the walk, and post em' for your enjoyment.

Any questions, or to make a donation by check or cash,
just email us at thenewkblog@gmail.com.



Well, we're waiting.



-

Have a great weekend, people.

Who Wants A Bigger Family?

Here is one of the emails we asked for last week.

It really sounds like another great cause.

(We have been in quite the helpful mood around
here lately, eh?)

Anyways, here goes...

Hey there! I just found your blog via Facebook and looked it over. Great job from what I read through, I enjoy your humor.

I really doubt I could write something myself that would fit your format but maybe you might be able to use this?

If you would please take a moment to head to www.yfu-usa.org
to get a heads up about what I am proposing. My wife and I hosted a foreign exchange student last school year who went to Valley, and we are doing so again for this school year. I know for a fact that there are 16 kids still waiting for a family in Western PA. Four of them fly the week of Aug. 8th, 4 the week of Aug. 16th, and the rest the week of Aug. 22nd. I feel bad for them, especially the ones that fly early because they still have no idea where they are going and haven’t gotten any time to get to know their family. Unfortunately we can’t host more than one. Our first student from last school year said she was starting to feel like no one wanted her since lots of the other kids she had met already had families. We didn’t choose her until close to her arrival time because we hadn’t even considered hosting until early August. I told her people were just saving her for us. Perhaps you could put the word out that there is a need? A reference to the website, or (866) 4YFU USA would be great.

I understand completely if this doesn’t fit your blog and there are no hard feelings – just an idea and I’m trying to get the word out for these kids.

Thanks for your consideration,


Chris

We responded to Chris, and let him know we'd be happy
to spread the word.

He then sent us another email, with more info...

HOST FAMILIES NEEDED

Youth for Understanding, one of the nation's oldest, largest and most respected international exchange programs is looking for host families for the 2010-2011 school year. Create incredible memories for your family while giving a young person from another country (Brazil, Japan, Germany, or more than 50 countries) the opportunity to learn about America. Through this exchange, everyday experiences take a new and exciting twist - American traditions gain deeper meaning as your family introduces them to your new son or daughter; a casual family chat about world events reveals new perspectives you may never have considered; the dinner table includes exotic new dishes as your exchange students cooks up a taste of home for all to sample. It's a great education and it is lots of fun too! YFU host families represent diverse nationalities, occupations and religious backgrounds and live in cities, towns and rural areas. Our families embody the rich diversity of American culture and include: Empty Nesters, Couples with and without Children, Single People, Single Parents, Working Parents, Younger and Older Parents. As a host you will: Welcome your new son or daughter as a member of your family; Help your student adapt to your family and to US life and culture; and provide a safe and loving home environment including a bed, a place to study and three meals a day. Students have their own personal spending money. To learn more about this opportunity visit www.yfu-usa.org - or call Kaiti at 412-200-5669 or Alka at (866) 493-8872, x1107.

Would you like to help one of these children?

It would surely be a life memory.

Not just for you.



~

Guess who is back!

That's right kiddos, it's your Newk weatherman, Nic!


"I'm back, and I brought some 'cool' with me."

Cause Why?

Every now and again, we hear about a cause so
great, we feel the need to take action.

This is one of those times, and one of those emails...

Livestrong Challenge - Philly

Dear NewK. Thank you for taking interest in my fund-raising effort for the 2010 Livestrong Challenge in Philadelphia, PA on August 22, 2010. I will be riding a 100 mile course through the greater-Philly area in support of this GREAT cause! Any help advertising, donations, or simple "good lucks" are GREATLY APPRECIATED! I have included a form letter and link to my personal donation page below (I am trying to raise $250, however there is no cut off in the amount I can raise). Thank you all for the help and support, I'll be sure to send you some pictures of the event after I'm all wrapped up with everything (maybe I can rock a I <3 Biff shirt after I'm all finished as well...wink wink hint hint...or throw a NewK decal on my bike or helmet for the ride).

Thank you again!!!


--

Join me for the LIVESTRONG Challenge Philly on August 22, 2010 and pick a fight with cancer.

The LIVESTRONG Challenge is LIVESTRONG's signature fund-raising event inspired by the hope, courage and determination that exist in all of us. We take to the streets on bikes and on our feet, uniting individuals to stand together to fight cancer.

For the 2010 LIVESTRONG Challenge, Zack Harris will be riding 100 miles through the greater Philly area and is hoping to raise at least $250 to support cancer prevention, provide access to screening and care, fund research, and enhance the quality of life for cancer survivors everywhere. Your donation of any amount is one more powerful weapon in the crucial fight against cancer.

Through the dollars and awareness that we raise, we will inspire and empower individuals, and we will make life better for the more than 28 million people worldwide who are living with cancer. We look forward to having you unite with us as a partner in our fight.

Please follow the link below to access Zack's personal donation page:
http://philly2010.livestrong.org/zharris



Join the Fight. Take the Challenge.

Thank you, and LIVESTRONG,

- Zack -

All of us here have known and loved someone that
has lost a battle with cancer.

To know the lives of loved ones will be enriched by an
organization such as this, well, it brings a smile to our
collective faces.

We will be so proud of you, if you would make even a small
donation for this amazing event.

We don't make money doing this site.

And to know what we did here, made even the smallest
difference in the world, would make it all worthwhile.

We would like any of you that donate, to let us know, so
we can thank you properly.



Zack is a solid human.

Click that link, and give what you can.

Oh, and Zack...

Be on the lookout for that I <3 Biff shirt.
(Being a man that can ride a bike for 100 miles, we
figure you wear a size schmedium?)

We can't wait for the pictures!

Ride safe. Livestrong.