(News)

One of the liveliest new discussion pages on Facebook is devoted to memories of Our Fair City.

Launched just three weeks ago by Andi Cartwright (nee Luketic) of White Oak, "McKeesport Memories" already boasts more than 3,300 members and a vibrant group of discussion boards.

"I thought I'd probably need to go out and find content to post, never anticipating the response I received," she says. "It's pretty much taken on a life of it's own. The subscribers have been adding so much with very little prompting."

What are current and past Mon-Yough residents talking about? According to Cartwright, one hot topic is Balsamo's, the produce market and grocery store that was a landmark at the corner of Fifth and Sinclair streets from the 1920s through 1974.

"I'm finding that, truthfully, I could have called the page 'Balsamo's' and I think they'd have a collective aneurysm," she jokes.

But there are plenty of other topics to talk about, including favorite restaurants of days gone by, fondly (and not-so-fondly) remembered teachers, and carnivals and parades of the past.

Membership in "McKeesport Memories" is open to any registered Facebook member.

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And a Shameless Plug: If you aren't following the Tube City Online Twitter feed, you're missing stories and links that don't make the Almanac.

You don't need a Twitter account to read the posts --- they also appear on the Tube City Online homepage. But you do need a free Twitter account to subscribe.

Other Mon-Yough area Twitter feeds of interest are maintained by organizations such as the Steel Valley Enterprise Zone; the Munhall News Watch blog; Mon Valley Initiative; and Woodland Hills School District.

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Food Bank Has Sweet Treat: It won't be delivered until after Sunday, but last-minute Valentine's Day gift-givers could do worse than the chocolate heart plates being sold as a fundraiser by Duquesne-based Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

For a $50 donation, recipients receive a 5-by-10-inch glass plate from Riverside Design Group, with four ounces of chocolate hearts made by Sarris Candies of Canonsburg and a card acknowledging the gift.

A food bank spokeswoman says the plates are valued at $30, so $20 of each gift is tax-deductible.

Other last-minute gift ideas include eCards with donations in the name of a loved one. Visit the food bank's website for more information.

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