MASSAGE ENVY TO OPEN  It’s a Sunday afternoon and you spent all weekend weeding your garden. What you’d really like is a massage but spas are not open on Sunday. Or you’d love to get a facial but your work schedule is crazy. There’s no way you could find some place open before or after work to help you.

Expanded hours, including early and late weekdays and both weekend days, are just one of the perks of Massage Envy, a national chain of more than 800 wellness clinics that provide massage and facials. Now the owners of the clinic in Peters are opening one here, 680 Washington Road.

Owners Nicole Gelzheiser and Dawn Albert selected Mt. Lebanon because they spend time here. They, in addition to operations manager Meredith Wertman and manager Chelsey Bower, all live in the South Hills and are in Mt. Lebanon all the time. “It’s an excellent community,” Gelzheiser says, noting that Mt. Lebanon is already a health-conscious town, with residents who understand the value of massage for wellness.

Slated for a November opening, the clinic is membership based. While clients can purchase massages and facials a la carte at reasonable prices, the real savings is in buying a membership for $59 a month, for a year. In return, the client gets one massage a month and discounts on upgraded services. (Murad signature facials are available for $10 more). That concept takes a massage from a luxury to a habit that becomes part of the routine. It becomes something clients regularly make time for, leading to increased relaxation and better health.

“We’re not really selling a spa treatment,” says Gelzheiser. “We’re selling wellness.”

But make no mistake—these are not cheap massages, Wertman says. They are expert, full-service massages, given at a great value, which is why the Peters clinic has had members for years.

“The quality of the therapists, the customer service, the flexibility of the hours are why people stay,” Gelzheiser says.
Memberships belong only to one person but there are family options available. Massage upgrades include deep muscle therapy and hot stone massages, as well as sugar foot scrubs and aromatherapy.

The 3,000-square-foot space, the former location of Avalon, is being completely renovated to add 10 treatment rooms, a lobby and bathroom. Wertman says they expect to hire 25-30 full- and part-time employees. Products, such as items from the Murad line, will be available for purchase.

“Once the word gets out, people will love us,” Gelzheiser says. “That relationship with your therapist, that’s the draw that keeps you coming back.”

At press time, hours were yet to be finalized but the clinic will be open seven days a week. For appointments or details contact www.massageenvy.com or 412-531-1100.

GIVING AWAY THE BRIDAL GOWN On Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, Koda Bridal, 246 Washington Road, will throw a “Salute to Service Bridal Giveaway.” The store will donate more than 40 bridal gowns, sizes 16 to 30, to women (or those engaged to men) who are linked with the military in several ways:
•    One of them must have been deployed within the past five years or have an upcoming deployment (papers required).
•    One of them must be engaged or had a civil ceremony and are planning a formal wedding within the next 24 months.
•    Military ID is required.

The giveaway, which is first-come, first-served, is thanks to owner Mary Beth Ryfun’s fond memories of her father’s Navy service. Lt. Commander Charles Bruder served for more than 20 years. Brands include: Mary’s PC, Forever Yours and Aalia Couture. Ladies who wish to participate must pre-register online at www.kodabridal.com. The shop is online on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram.