Date: Wed, 29 Sep 2010 21:52:11 -0400
From: Lora Witcher
Subject: Thanks to Angelina’s Kitchen and Our Neighborhood School

Moncure School had the pleasure of hosting the annual PTA Thrift Store meeting on Sept. 28.  This meeting is very significant to our schools as this is when the Thrift Store checks are announced among other items of business.

As part of the hosting duties, we provided food for the attendees.  Some of the food was provided by Angelina’s Kitchen and also by Donna at Our Neighborhood School (Bella Donna’s).  Both of these businesses were gracious and generous in providing their very delicious products, making my job (and my budget) much easier than I expected.

Angelina and Donna — we received many compliments, and we cannot thank you enough for your assistance.  We received many, many compliments on your food and the teachers enjoyed the few leftovers today.

thank you,
Lora Witcher and the Moncure PTA

Date: Fri, 6 Aug 2010 10:42:44 -0400
From: Charlotte Adams
Subject: Chatham Dance Connection – Come Dance with us!!

Come take classes from a highly accredited teacher! Enjoy the freedom of movement!

Chatham Dance Connection is beginning its fall enrollment and will be holding classes at Our Neighborhood School, in the Orange Room on Monday, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Classes offered:Acrobatics I, II, & III; Jass II & III; Jazz/Tap and
Ballet/Tap Combos; Ballet I, II, & III; Tap II & III; Dance Movement; Hip Hop.

From ages 2 and up

Classes begin on August 23rd

Contact Ebony Delgado 910-540-8678 or
e-mail chathamdanceconnection@embarqmail.com
Class Fee:
30 min. class – $35/month
45 min. class – $42/month
1 hour class – $50/month

Date: Sat, 16 Jan 2010 11:49:03 -0700
From: donna
Subject: Our Neighborhood School Update

Happy New Year Everyone!
 
As many of you know, my dad passed away three days after Christmas.
Fortunately we were up in NY for my niece’s wedding and I was able to be with him during his last moments.  It really is a relief to know that he has shed his heavy, cumbersome, earthly body and his soul is now free to roam the heavens and watch over us all. Many of you had an opportunity  to dance with him while he was staying with me last summer for about 5 weeks and I thank you all for making his stay here fun.  He did win a jitterbug contest when he was in his early 20′s and he was singing and trying to dance right up to the end. 
 
CHRISTMAS EVE 2009

Christmas Eve’s free take-out dinner was a huge success!!!  We served 270 meals!!!! We had a lot of food donated; 40# of Chicken breasts, four turkeys, three hams, 40# potatoes, desserts, meatloaf, side dishes and much more.  It was so much fun and am already looking forward to next year. 
 
I would like to thank David Richter, Chad and Tina Virgel, Townsends Chicken, Linda Harris, Angelina’s Kitchen, Winnie Fowler, John and Janice Bierling, Ness and Joan Bennett, Anne and Ernest Alston,  Frank Taylor, Ladies Bible Study Group, Paul Fowler, Efrain Ramirez, Bonnie Barrow, David Thornton, Isaac, Kim, Eli and Sam Sparrow, Suz Robinson, Jeff Howell, Monica Eisenman, Olivia Harrington, Susan Darby, Larry and Karen Webster, Michelle, Keith, Maria, Mia and Roy Stawsky, Sharon Wellman, Nancy Jenkins, Amelia Wellman, Darien Wellman, Palmer Richardson, Keith Graham, Bobbi Longo and many, many more who volunteered and helped out in all kinds of ways. 
 
MENU

We are adding a new item, which I have been making for a select group of people over the last couple of months and they are begging me to put it on the menu.  So, I’m taking the plunge.  It is a Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Pizza.  Yup, fresh pasta, simmered in our special Alfredo sauce, poured onto a pizza crust, topped with grilled chicken and then mozzarella cheese!  Yikes!  Everyone who has had this piece of art has loved it.  It’s a little pricey at $20 for a large (only size we will make), but it’s basically two meals in one and will serve more people.  It also takes more time to make, because each Alfredo order has to be made before we even start the pizza.  If you feel adventurous, give us about an hour lead time and you will have a very yummy treat. 
 
We have also been experimenting with Buffalo Chicken Wings.  I went to college in Buffalo and actually have eaten chicken wings at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo where the recipe originated.  So I know what they are REALLY supposed to taste like, and I will stick to the original recipe  when I finally get a fryer.  My mother’s homemade blue cheese dressing is fantastic and with a few sticks of celery we are on our way.  It may take a few more weeks, but keep an ear out for these lovely yummies to show up on the menu. 
 
SCHOOL

School is in full swing.  We have Channah Silver on board volunteering and helping out in many ways.  We love and appreciate all of her knowledge and skills she brings to our students. 
 
Science Fair – We will be attending a Science Fair in High Point on January 30.  The kids have been working hard to complete their projects.  How do Bees Make Honey?,  Why Can’t Humans Fly?, What is the Newest Land Mass on Earth?  These are a few of the research projects our students have been working on.
 
VIC CARD

If you register your Harris Teeter VIC card to Our Neighborhood School, 2% of your Harris Teeter brand purchases as well as you prescription purchases will go to our school. When you get to the register just ask them to link your card to 7752.  Thank you.
 
Thank you to all my loyal customers and parents who continue to enjoy our food, supporting the school in the process.  It is a great cause and many children benefit from your continued support. 
 
Donna Bianco
Our Neighborhood School, Inc.
87 Thompson Street
Pittsboro, NC 27312

919-545-0900 Pizzeria/School

Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:48:33 -0700
From: Donna Bianco
Subject: Accepting the PLENTY

I was on the cusp of filling out an application, (it’s actually still on my desktop with every line filled except the Payment Option) but now I’m putting that on hold.  I want everyone to know that I also don’t take Discover or American Express because of the extra fees to use those particular cards (which may even be less than the 10% that the PLENTY charges), but I have never had a customer not pay or walk away because I don’t accept those cards, which has happened with customers who come and want to pay with the PLENTY./div

I may, in the future, take Amex and Discover as well as the PLENTY, but for now the possibility of registering for the PLENTY has dropped from the top of my list of things to do.

I’m glad the majority of opinions voiced over the last few days are “Buy Local” not “Buy Local and use the Plenty”.

I also feel that Matt really is not the majority voice here based on the chatlist entries and really should be reconsidering his values and thought processes on this one.

Anyone associated with the development and distribution of the PLENTY, in my view, should be putting a bit of pressure on Matt to apologize to Antonella.

Have a wonderful week and come eat some fabulous pasta!!!!!

Donna Bianco
Our Neighborhood School, Inc.
87 Thompson Street
Pittsboro, NC 27312

919-545-0900 Pizzeria/School
919-545-0920 Fax

Date: Fri, 8 May 2009 07:55:34 -0400
From: “dbonin” i
Subject: Chatham County Business  Leads Group – A way to to help others know about your business.

We invite all who are opening a business, have a business or want to get more business. If you are a retailer or work out of your home, you are welcome. We are also a member of the Chatham County Chamber of Commerce. It is a weekly meeting held at Out Neighborhood School Pizza with about 25 regular attendees from Pittsboro, Siler City and more. We also provide business seminars on how to grow your business.

We meet every Tuesday at 8:00am to 9:30am and a breakfast is included thanks to Our Neighborhood School. First time is FREE and we encourage you to bring a friend. Our speaker for next Tuesday will be Tommy Sikes–an independent Financial Advisor.

Where: 87 Thompson St. Pittsboro NC 27312 – 545-0900 or go for more info at WWW.CHATHAMCOUNTYLEADSGROUP.COM

Date: Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:31:32 +0000
From: Donna Bianco
Subject: Business Introduction Chatham County Leads Group

In reading about all the wonderful small businesses here in Chatham County I really want you all to consider coming to our Chatham County Leads Group meeting which is held EVERY Tuesday morning from 8 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

People who own their own businesses come together, have breakfast provided by Our Neighborhood School (Best eggs in the world, they say) and we all meet and introduce ourselves, give a 30 second infomercial and get to hear a 10 minute presentation from one of our members. You only have to attend 3 meetings in order to be able to give a presentation. The first meeting is free and the weekly fee is $4 which includes breakfast and you can enter our business card drawing for $1. Bring business cards (at least 11 of them) 10 to put in our business card book and 1 for the drawing. Also bring a door prize from your business if you would like. We have great prizes every week ranging from ads in the Town and Country Trader to free food at Our Neighborhood School, to samples from all kinds of businesses in town.

There is a lot of laughter, great food, and we are a dedicated group who supports each other. If someone asks me about insurance, a florist, Mary Kay Cosmetics, health/dietary products, chiropractors, bookkeepers, spa services, workout places, eating establishments, I recommend a Leads Group member.

So, come join us at:
Our Neighborhood School, In the Blue Room
87 Thompson Street (Near Clapps Laundry and behind Elizabeth’s Pizzeria) Just look for the Big Pencil

From 8 – 9:15
Donna Bianco
Our Neighborhood School
87 Thompson Street
Pittsboro, NC 27312
919-545-0900 Pizza
919-545-0920 School
919-601-6718 Cell
donna@ourneighborhoodschool.com
http://www.ourneighborhoodschool.com/

Date: Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:53:06 +0000
From: Donna Bianco
Subject: Business Update

What is Our Neighborhood School?

IT’S A SCHOOL!
The private school is dedicated to individualized attention as well as a creative curriculum. Students are involved in the running of the restaurant and catering, maintenace of the school grounds, they are stewards of the Rain Garden which is located behind the Pittsboro Community House, they participate in the Jr. Solar Sprint Program where they are building a solar model car and will compete in a race at NC State in the spring. Right now my 7th and 8th graders are hard at work with Geometry and each are taking a different foreign language via the computer. We also work on our keyboarding skills. We are participating in the Journey North Tulip Project which is an experiment involving students across the Northern Hemisphere tracking the growth of tulips as the season changes from winter to spring.

IT’S A PIZZERIA!
Our Neighborhood School is a private school with an added bonus of having wonderful food in their cafeteria that is available to the public every day. Come join us for lunch or dinner. All of the food is in carry out containers so you can give us a call before leaving work, stop at our take-out window, pick up your dinner, go home and open your favorite beverage, slide the dinner onto a nice plate (or just eat out of the foil container) and enjoy. Fast and easy. We make our own fresh rolls every day and all of our pasta is made from semolina flour and local eggs. When you order your food, the pasta is still in dough form and we put it through the rollers of our pasta machine and make your individual pasta WHEN you order it. It doesn’t get much fresher than that. All of our sauces are made to order as well, except my grandmother’s long cooking spaghetti sauce with her wonderful meatballs.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT OUR NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL?

COMPLIMENTARY CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER
If you joined us last year, I’m sure you remember what a great time that was had by all. We had almost 100 people come and partake in our complimentary, “Thank You and Merry Christmas Dinner” last Christmas Eve. My husband Robert gives me a donation and I spend it all on making a fabulous feast. If your pantry is a bit bare, or you just don’t feel like cooking Christmas Eve before the big bash on Christmas Day, then come on down, load up a take-home container, go home, grab your favorite beverage, prop your feet up and enjoy! The food will be ready at 5:00 and end at 7:00 or when the food is gone. A donation jar will be available if you feel the need to pay a little, but absolutely not necessary. Afterwards we are going to go home, and wait for Santa to arrive. Merry Christmas from Our Neighborhood School.

CATERING
Don’t forget to give us a call for any of your Christmas or New Year party needs. Stuffed mushrooms (sausage or vegetarian), pans of lasagna, Chicken Bianco, Tortellini Kabobs, tiramisu, cannolis and many other items. Some items you can bake at home or we can have them hot and ready to eat when you pick them up. We will be open for catering for you, no matter how small the group, even though the restaurant will be closed over the holiday from December 24-January 4. Give us at least one day notice and all phone numbers are listed below.

COOKING CLASSES
Our cooking classes are great fun but I am not going to schedule a cooking class this month because I think everyone life might be a bit too hectic during this holiday season, but you might want to pick up a Gift Certificate for a Cooking Class for a friend or a loved one. They are $50 and we make at least 3 courses with some hands on experience, items to take home. You will get to eat some great food and meet some new friends. A great time is always had by all.

COUPON AND MENU UPDATE
If you want to be on my e-mail list just let me know. Every month I will send you our new menu along with a coupon and our newsletter keeping you informed of what is happening here at Our Neighborhood School. This month our coupon for the month is Buy One, Get One Half Price, value up to $4.50. You can use this for anything…pasta dishes, pizza, calzones, desserts,..whatever you choose. E-mail me and ask to receive my monthly update.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Best Wishes and May God Bless You and Yours,

Donna Bianco
Our Neighborhood School
87 Thompson Street
Pittsboro, NC 27312
919-545-0900 Pizza
919-545-0920 School
919-601-6718 Cell
donna@ourneighborhoodschool.com
http://www.ourneighborhoodschool.com/

Date: Mon, 03 Nov 2008 23:08:22 +0000
From: Donna Bianco
Subject: November Menu

Hi Everyone,

This month I am adding Pumpkin and Sage Ravioli with Sage Butter to my menu. I roasted the pumpkins this morning and the raviolis look beautiful. I also started making my two soups: Red Soup (or chicken soup if you didn’t grow up in my family) and Pasta Fasule – panchetta, beans, carrots, celery, tomatoes, pasta…very hearty.

Because the Pork Involtini are so expensive to make and in order to reduce waste, I am making a few dozen of them on Wednesdays and when they are gone, well, they are gone until the following Wednesday. So many people love them, but I can never predict when they will order, so I am trying this procedure in order to keep them on the menu.

Mamma Dolci is making my tiramisu now, so I will have it all the time…except when I don’t…;-)

My next cooking class is Saturday, November 15th at 8 p.m. We will be making Limoncello, an Italian lemon liquor. Each person will also be making their own fresh pasta,…yes I am giving away my secrets…and we will make a cherry tomato sauce (scuie, scuie) when we boil up some of it. We will also be using the limoncello to make a fabulous flourless torte made with almonds. One of my favorites. Cost for the class is $50.

If you are having a holiday party, consider letting me help you with your preparations. Check out our website for a larger list of items and I’m even willing to brainstorm for other ideas, but here are just a few: stuffed mushrooms, tortellini kabobs, mini-meatballs, lasagna, chicken bianco.

If you would like to receive my monthly menu and newsletter along with a very special coupon send me an e-mail requesting to be on the list at donna@ourneighborhoodschool.com

We will be closed Wednesday, November 26 – Sunday, November 30 for Thanksgiving.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Donna

Donna Bianco
Our Neighborhood School
87 Thompson Street
Pittsboro, NC 27312
919-545-0900 Pizza
919-545-0920 School
919-601-6718 Cell
http://www.ourneighborhoodschool.com/

Date: Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:48:23 +0000
From: Donna Bianco
Subject: Pittsboro Business Expo and Street Fair

Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to update you on the happenings this week at Our Neighborhood School

Tomorrow, Thursday, October 23 we are going to be at Pittsboro Ford with a booth at the Business Expo. The Pizzeria won’t be open during the afternoon, but we should be open by 4 or 5 p.m. for the dinner hour. Shawna, my new best girl, does a good job without me there but go easy on her. I will be at the Expo for the Business After Hours until about 7 p.m.

Tell your friends and come to the Expo and give the Pizza Wheel of Fortune a spin. You could win a variety of wonderful prizes including gift certificates valued at $1, $5, $20, and $25 as well as cookies from Mamma Dolcis.

The Pittsboro Street Fair on Saturday is going to be a blast. We have 2 spots at the Fair, one for cooking and one for sitting, relaxing and enjoying our delicious food. We are going to be making fried dough with a variety of toppings including some Greek toppings from Angelina’s Kitchen. Angelina is also going to have spinach pies and baklava available for you too. Then of course we will be making our World Famous grilled pizza, either plain cheese or with pepperoni.

Hope to see you there.

Donna
Donna Bianco
Our Neighborhood School
87 Thompson Street
Pittsboro, NC 27312
919-545-0900 Pizza
919-545-0920 School
http://www.ourneighborhoodschool.com/

Date: Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:15:46 -0400
From: Dan Cahoon
Subject: Chatham County cool places

I would like to echo the recent post about PC’s Cool Place. It is a great place for a meal or just ice cream. A good friend took me there recently and we had a great time. My son’s were treated like royalty. Any place that calls me darlin and takes care of my kids is on my list. Next time you are in Siler City, go check out this little gem. It is not that far off the path, just blocks from downtown.  Tell them Darlin’ sent you.

Another fabulous cool place is the new City Tap in Downtown PBO. I have had great relaxing fun enjoying a beverage and chatting with friends old and new. The atmosphere is terrific, both inside and out. They are growing and learning how to serve their new “regulars” and new faces. The food is great and just what a place like should have.  I think the staff there has an investment in community and an awareness of customer service. Thanks to everyone there (seems like everyone is working there). I think City Tap will be a super spot for all. This has been a long awaited oasis. Drop by for a pint and a snack. Think of it as an investment in community. Plus, you might see me there (what an honor, I know).

Our Neighborhood School is happily providing a cool spot for thinking children and parents alike. Donna serves up a fabulous menu and has created a space where like minded people can meet to help make our garden grow. I heard that there will new areas of scientific discovery developed in conjunction with other organizations and that these areas will no doubt lend new venues both public and private to our curious youth. There are all kinds of child centered activities happening there and I believe there will be even more in the future. I am considering sending at least one of my children there for the best possible education he can get in Chatham County, one centered around life skills, imagination, developmental, and unbound by
the worst parts of EOG test prep and the strictures of No Child Left Behind (destroying our schools, have I mentioned that lately?). Our Neighborhood School is shaping up to be a centerpiece for alternative learning and dining in our community.

Thank you Donna for your bravery and investment and dedication. The rest of you, go check out the school on August 16th (or before). I know you will have a great time. If you have your own child that is dissatisfied with the public school system, then you will definitely be interested in this creative alternative. I know I am.

Finally, the heat has abated somewhat and a modicum of moisture is falling from the skies. Unfortunately,  the rain has not been substantial enough to make the Haw run the way my kayak likes it (fast and rough) but the trails along the river are calling. The Haw River Assembly will be promoting the care and feeding of the river and surrounding wildness in it’s terrific annual event soon and I know many of you will attend. I hope many others will take some time to walk the trails along the river, just to enjoy the beauty of the area. It is good for you and for the river.

What is not good for you or the river is the trash you will no doubt see as you walk along. No big rains mean no big wash out to push the human debris so heartlessly discarded out to sea (eventually ending up in the gullets of birds, turtles, sea otters etc. what doesn’t may even make it to the island in Hawaii that “collects” tons of plastic debris every year or the raft of bottles and plastic floating in the central pacific) so there should be plenty of bottles, cans, fishing debris, plastic bags etc.

What is good for you is the feeling you get (not the chiggers or possible infection, use gloves) when you take some bags with you and fill them up. You will feel even better when you even take those full, full bags out of
the park and recycle them at the county facility. (then wash your hands) You may feel a bit frustrated when you return to find as much if not more discarded plastic trash just days later, but don’t despair. Every bit you take away keeps it out of the debris stream. What is good for the river is good for you.

So here is the plan for you to experience ultimate coolness in Chatham County

1. Go to Chatham Market Place and purchase a decadent meal or selected super nutritional snacks (see, you feel superior already). Remember, coffee first.

2. Take the remainder of your fabulous, virtuous food down to Bynum and walk the trail next to the river. Pick up trash, take back to car (put down a plastic sheet or other more virtuous, yet non porous material). Recycle and give a superior smile of gratitude to the attendant on duty. Wash your hands.

3. Head back to town for lunch at Our Neighborhood School. Watch play about frogs or something. Talk to Donna. Learn things. Wander through the future nature attractions next door and then head off towards…..

4. The City Tap. Have some liquid refreshment or maybe a snack (but let’s face it you are stuffed at this point). Sit in the cool interior or brave the sun outside if you are so inclined. Make sure you drink water as well. Talk to people (especially those who seem to be alone). Gesticulate wildly while you tell people about your river walk and the amazing things happening at Our Neighborhood School.

5. Drift down Hillsborough st., visiting The Unity Bookstore, Fusions. Second Bloom,  New Horizons, and of course Beggars and Choosers. Contemplate the Soda Shoppe (maybe next time, before the virtuous snacks, the calzone, the awesome pretzel and various beverages). Make sure you peer into the future Woodwrights Shop in front of the city tap. Try not breathe on the glass as you think of the cool (yet terribly difficult) things that will be done in the new exciting place.

6. Now get wild and run up to Siler City to check out the Arts Incubator. Talk to interesting and talented people. Try not to be envious. Art is hard work too. Have some coffee at the new place and gaze longingly at the beautiful pottery on display.

7. Cruise by the book store, Paperbacks Plus to see if they are open. If they are then go check out their large collection of terrific titles (they have the best science fiction collection in the state). Buy as many books as you can afford.

8. Head down to PC’s Cool Place for a cool drink (ice cream?) and read one of your new (to you) books. Or try to. The waitress will probably check on you often and you will read the same paragraph 5 times. Give up and talk to the family near you (especially the cute kid with ice cream all over his face) about what a great place PC’s is and what they like to get there.

9. Head home for a nap in a hammock, chair, bed or sofa. Awaken groggy yet refreshed. Cleanse for the nightly revels.

10. end it all up with a great show at The General Store (no doubt having a great meal served impeccably by attractive and charming wait staff). Those with great stamina will make one more pass at the City Tap for an after party kind of thing.

Now doesn’t that sound fun? It would probably cost a few hundred dollars and may put on a few pounds to do all of this in a day, especially with anyone else in tow. Better maybe to spread it out over the next few weeks and savor the coolness over time. Visit these places often and enjoy them. They need our money to make their businesses sustainable and we need them to keep things cool. There are many more great places and activities out there as well.

Sing their praises and fill their cash registers.

Remember to wash your hands
Be Safe
Be Kind
Be Prepared

Dan Cahoon
Moncure, NC 27559