December 2010 - Allegheny West Magazine

NEW IN TOWNThe Cornerstone at TonidaleKeeping it in the family, North Fayette Township residents ToniVosseler and Kris and Erica Kruze have transformed the formerTonidale banquet hall in North Fayette into a brand new, state-of-the-art,multi-use banquet facility called the Cornerstone at Tonidale. Theupscale, elegantly understated decor includes a new entryway with agreeting hall, a private, separate preparation room for bridal parties, anda banquet facility that can be converted from one smaller room forsmall group venues to a larger room for events and weddings of up to300. The Cornerstone has engaged three independent cateringcompanies that will provide services, depending on each client’sneeds and budgets.Erica Kruze, who worked with her husband, Kris, and his mother,Toni, to design the new facility, said that keeping it in the family wasthe right thing to do. Originally, the restaurant and bar that was thebuilding’s daily fare closed due to the competition of 60+ restaurantsthat had emerged in the airport area over the past 20 years. Toni’sbrother, Richard Saveikis, had operated the establishment for manyyears before retiring and selling it to another owner. Richard’s parents,Anthony and Lurline Saveikis, originally opened the Tonidale back in1952.With a third generation of the family resurrecting the building into abeautiful banquet hall on one side and a separate pub on the other,residents, businesses, and guests will continue to enjoy the tradition ofthe Tonidale at the new Cornerstone facility.Erica explained that the new facility was named the Cornerstonebecause “Anthony, Sr. was the cornerstone of the Saveikis family, aswas this building which is situated on the corner of North Fayette andRobinson Township.”An added plus is that the Comfort Inn-Pittsburgh Airport is on thesame property, directly adjacent to the Cornerstone. Toni and her son,JTM Tax and AccountingJames T. Martin, Jr. of North Fayette announces the opening of hisbusiness, JTM TAX and ACCOUNTING SERVICES. He startedthe business in September and offers individual and business taxpreparation, individual and business tax planning and consulting,general accounting and bookkeeping, financial statement preparation,and QuickBooks consulting.Jim’s offices are currently located at 1525 Park Manor Boulevard,Suite 284, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, although he said he is currentlysearching for office space in North Fayette.Prior to starting the business, Jim worked for Alpern Rosenthal, alarge regional public accounting firm in Pittsburgh, for 20 plus years,in the tax department, dealing with all areas of tax for small andmedium businesses and individuals.As an incentive for new customers, he is offering a current specialof a no obligation, no cost tax and accounting consultation. He is alsooffering free E-filing of tax returns.Said Jim, “I have over 20 years of experience working withindividuals and business owners. I work to build quality relationshipswith my clients to understand their business, to learn about theircurrent accounting and tax functions. I will work directly with myclients to analyze their business and/or tax situation and discuss taxstrategies to minimize their tax liabilities.”Jim is married to Susan and they have lived in Walden Woods inNorth Fayette for the past 31 years. Their children are Dustin andBrendan, both graduates of West Allegheny High School and PennState University.For more information, call (412) 480-2446 or e-mailjtmtaxacctg@gmail.com. Visit the Web site at www.martintax.com.JIM ZACCONE PHOTOGRAPHYKris, with his wife, Erica, also own and operate the Comfort Inn.Said Erica, “We’re excited to be able to offer this space for meetings, weddings, events,showers, parties, funerals, and other celebrations.”The family even tested the waters with the new banquet space when they hosted Toni’sgrand-nephew, Nic Mink, and his new bride, Natalie, for the first wedding.“I was a nervous wreck the whole time, but it went beautifully,” Erica added.Barb Emma, who worked at the Tonidale for many years in the banquet area, hasstayed on board as the Cornerstone’s banquet manager. She will work with customers tohelp them coordinate the details to make sure their event is a success.The Cornerstone offers everything from a corporate breakfast package and companymeeting breaks to breakfast/brunch menu selections, buffet packages, and hors d’oerves.For more information, contact The Cornerstone at Tonidale, located at 7001 SteubenvillePike, Oakdale, PA 15071, at (412) 787-1125 or e-mail Barb atbarb@cornerstonettonidale.com. For more details, visit the Web site atwww.cornerstoneattonidale.com.Premiere, the Avon StoreTo shop from a catalog is one thing. To actually see the items in a catalog is a plus. That’sthe reason that Robinson Township resident Joyce Shaffer is proud to announce the opening ofPremiere, the Avon Store, at 1144 Silver Lane in Robinson, on the corner of Silver Lane andClever Road. This is a unique concept that Joyce has taken advantage of within the Avonindustry that showcases and sells award-winning Avon products in the store, as well as skincare, newly released items and current sale items in the store. The store carries toiletries andfragrances for men and women, makeup, women’s clothing, footwear, and jewelry, at pricesthat are 30 to 60 percent lower than department store items, Joyce explains.Joyce became an Independent Avon Representative last January. The store opened inOctober. She is a member of Avon’s President Club and serves as unit leader for 15 Avonrepresentatives.Prior to becoming involved in Avon, Joyce had 30 years of experience in sales. Shepreviously owned a telecommunications company and a computer consulting company.In addition to the items on display at the store, customers can select items on-site for customgift baskets, which Joyce assembles right at the store.“This makes for a great, stress-free gift for customers, friends, and family,” she said.Joyce also offers the Military “Comforts of Home” packages. Starting at just $10, they canbe shipped directly to a soldier serving in the military.Gifts can also be shipped to anywhere in the United States from the store. Customers canalso pick up their products at the store, or even have them personally delivered.Additionally, Premiere, the Avon Store offers a fun, boutique-style environment with afriendly atmosphere. It is available to rent for showers, small parties, “Girls Night Out”events, and small get-togethers. The facility holds 25-30 people and can be used Mondaythrough Friday, 6:30 to 9 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays. Call (412) 489-6440 or e-mailjoyce.a.shaffer@verizon.net.The store is located at 1144 Silver Lane, Robinson Township. Joyce accepts major creditcards, debit cards,and cash. All products have a 100% money back guarantee.32 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010