When Alex Riddle addressed his fellow seniors as class valedictorian at Avonworth High School's graduation ceremonies in June, nobody doubted his claim to being at the top of the Class of 2010, his grade point average being 4.28.

While the thermometer nudged its way toward the 90 degree mark on a recent Sunday, a gathering of friends and residents of Metowers in Avalon sang along to the strains of "Winter Wonderland" and "White Christmas" while dining on a sumptuous buffet luncheon, playing games and enjoying a nip or two, all as a way of celebrating Christmas in July, an indoor picnic held in Avalon.

Sally Adams, a Metowers resident, explained how this early version of the "season to be jolly" came about.

Arthur was absolutely shocked when Avalon swimming pool manager Catie Makatura told him that dogs are not allowed in the pool. Who made up that silly rule? Fortunately Arthur has his own pool at home, so he & Catie are still friends.

The Avonworth football team took home its first hotdog eating trophy in the third annual event last Friday. Pictured above with head coach Jason Kekseo, the Antelopes slipped past their Northgate opponents in a tie-breaking round. A number of people commented on how spiffy the ‘Lopes looked with their names on the back of their jerseys.

Isabella Berie helped Arthur lead the Pampered Pooch Promenade sponsored by Enjoy Bellevue last Sunday. The event benefitted the PA Great Dane Rescue.

Arthur finally meets a dog his own size! Pictured from left are Jeannie, Moose, Arthur and Debbie from the PA Great Dane Rescue.

A hand-crocheted flag originally donated to VFW Post 2454 is now in the safe-keeping of the Borough of Bellevue.

The flag was made by Loretta Hey, wife of VFW member Robert Hey. She is now deceased, and the VFW post is disbanding. Pictured at right, Hey and his daughters passed on the framed flag to Bellevue Mayor George Doscher, council president Kathy Coder and member Mark Panichella at the June 22 council meeting.

Arthur enjoyed visiting with the Ohio Township road crew recently. He thinks they have a neat job when the weather's not too hot...or too cold...or too wet...actually, they have a pretty tough job, and he's glad they didn't put him to work!

Avonworth High School’s valedictorian, Alex Riddle, and salutatorian, Leah Pappas, are pictured at left with high school principal Ken Lockette. The son of Maxine and Bob Riddle of Ohio Township, Alex will head for the University of Rochester next fall to study math and physics. Leah, the daughter of Claire and Jim Pappas of Ohio Township, will major in foreign languages at Penn State University.

Arthur knows he is smart, but maybe not as smart as these top Northgate graduates. He stopped by Northgate High School to congratulate Dylan Winters, Megan Coleman and Jimmy Silay on their outstanding academic achievements.

Named for the legendary Pittsburgh performer, Gene Kelly, the Kelly Awards brings a taste of Broadway’s Tony Awards to the city as they celebrate the best performances and achievements in high school musical productions for the current school year.

Last Saturday’s 20th annual ceremony highlighted the talents of hundreds of actors, actresses and production workers as “the best of the best” gathered at the Benedum Theater to offer samples of individual and full-cast production numbers.