May / June 2021
Swissvalian THE
Your Community Newsletter
Clean-Up Day The annual Swissvale Clean-Up day is back! Residents will have a chance to help clean up the community and an e-Waste and Household Hazardous Waste collection will also be held on the same day. Swissvale is asking for volunteers to come out and help clean-up Swissvale. Residents and groups of residents can choose an area where they would like to pick up litter and the Borough will also point volunteers to targeted areas if they do not have a preference. Garbage bags, gloves, grabbers and High Visibility T-Shirts will be provided to all volunteers. Volunteers will also be provided lunch at the end of the event and given the chance to win prizes for participating in keeping Swissvale clean. We hope to have a large number of volunteers turn out for this event. Please meet at the Swissvale Public Works Building located at 1927 McCague Street at 9:00 a.m. Please note the change of location for this year’s clean-up. The e-Waste and Household Hazardous Waste collection event will be held at Memorial Park from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This event is for Swissvale residents only. No pre-registration is required but you must present a valid current ID showing that you live in Swissvale. Items that will be collected at this event include televisions, computers, monitors and other computer peripherals, VCR’s, DVD players, printers, stereos, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, household hazardous waste including paints, paint thinners, oils, stains, sealers, antifreeze, motor oils, pesticides, fluorescent lights, mercury containing devices, batteries and other similar items. If you have any questions concerning what can be recycled at this event, please contact the Department of Public Works at 412-271-0350 during normal business hours or go to www.ecsr.net for more information. There will also be a separate collection of tires, bulk items, construction materials and other trash taking place at Memorial Park at the same time. There is no cost to participate in this event. Please be advised that we will be taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including wearing face masks and social distancing to the extent possible for an event of this type. Please try to place all items to be dropped off in the cargo area of your vehicle and stay in the vehicle at all times.
7560 Roslyn Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15218 www.SwissvaleBorough.com 412.271.7101
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Borough Administration/Council
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Fire Department
12 Survey
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Senior Center
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Public Works
Community Happenings
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The Swissvalian
May / June 2021
Borough Administration
Dear Swissvale Residents and Community Members, Happy Spring! We survived another Pittsburgh winter with unpredictable weather and unseasonable conditions popping up. I would like to thank our Public Works Department for the hard work and many hours they dedicated to snow/ice removal and consistently maintaining our roadways here in the Borough. Your commitment and effort do not go unnoticed. Our Fire and Police Departments have continued to provide our community with topnotch emergency services despite the ongoing pandemic. Our entire Borough staff has also continued to provide the same high-level of services to residents and taxpayers despite the collapse of a portion of our Borough building and its simultaneous closing because of the COVID-19 outbreak. With the change in season, Swissvale Borough will also see many new changes. Communication is one of the highest priorities for the Borough Administration, and we are constantly looking for new and better ways to improve what and how we are communicating with the community. We can look forward to the creation and implementation of a new Borough website that will bolster resident interaction and expedite the availability of new information. Lastly, we are thrilled to announce the hiring of our new Finance Director, Cameron Caputi. Cameron will be responsible for overseeing all fiscal reporting, accounts payable and receivable, execution and preparation of the annual Borough budget, long term capital improvement planning, financial reporting and projecting, and bank reconciliations. In planning for the future and investing in our current staff, we have also created the position of Assistant Finance Director to aid in executing the responsibilities of the Finance Department and to ensure proper oversite of all financial transactions. A current member of our Administrative staff, Dione Hood, was promoted to the role of Assistant Finance Director. We are excited to have an experienced Borough employee move into this new role. In the spirit of change, the Borough of Swissvale is ready to move into the future with high expectations and a desire to provide its residents with the best community possible to work, play, and live. Katherine Malsch Borough Manager
Elected Officials
Borough Officers
Abigail Salisbury, Council President
Greg Bachy, Assistant Borough Manager
Weldianne Scales, Council Vice President
Cameron Caputi, Finance Director
Christopher Ansell
C. Ellis Watson, Police Chief
Shawn Alfonso Wells
Clyde Wilhelm, Fire Chief
Deneen Swartzwelder, Mayor
Katherine Malsch, Borough Manager
Advertising and Publishing Requests All submissions must be received by the first of the month prior to the issue in which it will appear. Please submit all questions/materials to news@swissvaleborough.com or 412.271.7101.
David Petrarca William C. Price, Jr. Michele Stanton
Borough Contacts Administrative Services 7560 Roslyn Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15218 phone: 412.271.7101 fax: 412.271.5441 Monday - Friday 8:30a - 4:30p Public Works, Trash, Recycling 412.271.0350
Fire, Police, Medical Emergency 911 Fire Department (Non-Emergency) Building, Zoning, and Code Enforcement 7400 Irvine Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15218 412.271.0448
Police Department (Non-Emergency) 7560 Roslyn Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15218 412.271.6666 Culgan Towing, Impounding 412.271.7160 Tax Office, Thomas Barr 412.351.3342
www.SwissvaleBorough.com
The Swissvalian
Fire Department
Annual Commercial Property Inspections With the warmer weather approaching, the fire department will begin to start conducting the annual fire safety inspections on commercial properties and multi- family structures. These annual inspections allow the fire department to check for safety violations and to update our pre-plans of the building. Findings of the safety inspection are given to the property and business owner so that the issues can be corrected.
Spring Reminders from Code Enforcement The code enforcement department wants to remind all residents and business owners of the following: • Keep property free and clean of garbage and debris. • Make sure all grass and weeds are trimmed and not exceeding 6 inches. • Do not place televisions and vehicle tires in the garbage as they will not be collected. • Remember to place all trash and garbage in approved containers with lids.
For anyone 18 and under
Summer Food Program June 7 – July 30 Eat-In or Grab n’ Go
FREE meals this summer for anyone 18 and under. No paperwork required! Breakfast: 8:30 – 9:30 A.M. Lunch: 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Union Baptist Church of Swissvale 2117 Collingwood Avenue Swissvale, PA 15218-2525 412.271.3900 Our staff is REQUIRED to wear face coverings and gloves. Face covering for youth is recommended. Temperature and wellness checks will be requested upon entry. Social distancing will be observed.
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The Swissvalian
May / June 2021
Swissvale Senior Center
Valentine Treats for Seniors Many of our seniors received Valentines and Giant Eagle Gift Cards as a special treat from Seniors Always Matter. Director, Carol Palangio, would like to thank all of the sponsors who support “Seniors Always Matter”. Many of the seniors wrote back with thank you notes or phone calls. The seniors very much appreciated the Valentines and the Giant Eagle Gift Cards. Again, a BIG THANK YOU to our sponsors.
Interested in Donating? Checks payable to: Seniors Always Matter Mail to: Seniors Always Matter c/o Carol Palangio
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Mr. Jordan Marckisotto -Edgewood Town Center Giant Eagle
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Ms. Aisha Mariner - Edgewood Town Center Giant Eagle
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Swissvale Presbyterian Church
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Mr. Charlie Nied
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Mr. Thomas Barr, Tax Collector
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Mr. Clyde Wilhelm
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Mr. David Mann
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Swissvale Rotary
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Ms. Ann Haines
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Ms. Marilyn Rita Koontz
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Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Keteles
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Mr. David Petrarca
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Ladies of Charity : Madonna & Word of God Parish
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Mr. John Bonacci
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Mr. Alvin G. Rutter
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Mr. and Mrs. Ron Suvak
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Clougherty Family & Friends
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Sam and Theresa Maksimchuk
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Anthony and Mary Palangio
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Bill and Janet Rudge
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St. Joseph the Worker Parish
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Ms. Lauren E. Newhouse
2023 Noble Street Swissvale, PA 15218
Thank you for supporting Seniors Always Matter! Seniors Always Matter (also known as S.A.M.) is a 5013C non-profit organization that supports our local seniors and our Swissvale Senior Center. The non-profit is run by volunteers from our community and all donations support our local seniors. We are grateful for all donations and appreciate your future donation considerations.
Our Mission is to enhance our senior citizens’ lives by providing opportunities for fellowship, fun, and food in a friendly and safe environment that also provids community celebration for special days and holidays.
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412-271-4234
www.SwissvaleBorough.com
The Swissvalian
Public Works
Recycling The Borough of Swissvale has been experiencing issues with the collection of recycling over the past year which causes our employees to leave recycling behind or have to pull non-recyclable items out of the truck before dumping at the recycling plant in order to avoid our load of recycling being rejected and the Borough charged for dropping off a contaminated load. The use of plastic bags to contain recycling is not acceptable as the plastic bags cause an issue when processing recycling at the recycling plant. All recycling must be placed loose in your recycling bin. This is not a new mandate as it was reported in The Swissvalian over a year ago. If you do not have a recycling bin you can contact the Department of Public Works and one will be delivered to your home. You can also use a trash can or other bin for your recycling disposal. Please clearly mark the bin “Recycling” so that our crew knows that is what is in the can. Unacceptable Items for Recycling
Recyclable Items
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Aluminum Cans
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Steel and Bi-Metallic Cans
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Glass – Clear and Colored
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Newspapers
Plastic bags of any kind. Plastic bags cannot be used to contain recycling and cannot be collected as a recyclable item
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Scrap Metals including all types of steel and aluminum
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Styrofoam
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Office paper
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Automotive parts
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Magazines
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Wheels and tires
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Junk-Mail
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Face masks
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Cardboard
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Rubber gloves
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#1 - #5 Plastic and #7 Plastic
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Prepared food containers
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Pizza boxes and pizza box lids
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Construction materials
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Bed frames
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Sharps containers for needles
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Clothing
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Wood, mulch, and similar products
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Yard Waste
Plastic bags full of recycling will not be collected. Recycling bins containing improper items will not be collected until the improper items are removed from the container. All cans and bottles must be clean and free of food waste when placed in your recycling bin. If you are not willing to clean the container please place the container in your trash.
SUNDAY 10:30 A.M.
2037 Noble St. Swissvale, PA
rivercitypgh.com
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The Swissvalian
Community Happenings
Swissvale Dari Delite In the past couple of months Swissvalians may have noticed increased activity at the former Dari Delite on Monongahela Avenue. If you haven’t already heard the news, it is under new ownership! Recently purchased by Chelsea Burket of Swisshelm Park, the Swissvale Dari Delite is back in business! Originally from Altoona, PA, Ms. Burket is a longtime fan of Swissvale’s historic business district and says that the area reminds her of her own hometown. For the last ten years, Ms. Burket worked as an economic development consultant. While she loved her work, she was also ready to take on a new challenge. This drive, coupled with the long-held desire to own and operate a neighborhood food-based business, gave her the courage to quit her job and purchase the ice cream stand. As a member of the community, Ms. Burket would frequently walk past the boarded-up Dari Delite and long for it to be open. Her first step was to send a letter to the former owner asking if she would be willing to sell. Ms. Burket has always been passionate about the built environment and historic preservation and loved the look of the Dari Delite (especially the sign). Once Ms. Burket gained ownership of the Dari Delite, the work began in earnest. So far, she has repaired the concrete, the roof, and the soffit and fascia. There has also been a lot of cleaning and painting. There are some other repairs to be done and then Ms. Burket will apply for her local, county, and state approvals. She will also be looking for employees in the near future (check out the Facebook page for applications once they become available). As of now, the goal is to open for Memorial Day Weekend! Ms. Burket was happy to find that the soft-serve machine was still working when she first bought the ice cream stand. The plan for now is to focus mostly on soft-serve, dairy-free sorbet, and a small selection of hard ice creams. Ms. Burket is going to keep the food simple for now and offer hot dogs. She is eager to get suggestions from the community and adapt/expand things after the first year. Future plans include remaining open from midMarch (this year obviously excluded) through mid-October. Hours are still flexible but are tentatively set from noon – 10 pm. Ms. Burket would like to thank everyone for all of the encouragement, support, and wellwishes she has received from the community. Anyone with any memories or old photos have been encouraged to share them on the Dari Delite Facebook page. Ms. Burket is grateful and honored to be able to bring back this neighborhood institution and looks forward to a long and bright future in Swissvale! Facebook.com/yoursweetoasis
May / June 2021
www.SwissvaleBorough.com
The Swissvalian
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Community Happenings
Wilkins School Community Center WSCC Artists Choice IV Virtual Exhibit Let the art show come to you. Local artists submitted works in varied mediums. Not to be missed! Visit wsccpgh.com to see this show and several others hosted by the Art Gallery at the WSCC since March of 2020. Want to host our own show, then contact us.
The front lot of the WSCC will transform into a flower, herb and vegetable plant market beginning at 8am and until the plants are gone. Visit the booths of three local farmers while listen to live music by Ronni Weiss. RAIN OR SHINE!
Rivers of Steel - Alloy Pittsburgh
Footprint Farms at WSCC Pick up/drop off by Footprints Farm on selected Thursdays at the WSCC. Footprints Farm is raising Pastured, Non-GMO, Sustainable Eggs, Meats and Vegetables. Visit footprintsfarm.com to learn more details.
COVID 19 Memorial Quilt Project Join us in creating a quilt to memorialize those we have lost, those who have helped us, or those we wish to thank by submitting a quilt square to be exhibited at the WSCC. If you need assistance you can submit ideas or materials you wish to have in a square to be made by volunteers. After exhibiting the squares at the WSCC, they will be sent to be a part of the national COVID Memorial Quilt project as a Pittsburgh contribution. Check our website, wsccpgh.com, for details.
Call us at 412.244.8458, visit our website at wsccpgh.com, or email us at wilkinsschoolcommunitycenter@gmail.com
Madonna del Castello & Word of God Churches First Annual St. Joseph the Worker Parish Feast Day: Saturday, May 1st, noon Mass at Word of God Church. Bishop David Zubik, Bishop of Pittsburgh, Main Celebrant. Contact the parish for seating, 412.271.0809.
Weekend Masses Saturdays at 4 PM Madonna del Castello 2021 So. Braddock Avenue
Open Air Plant Market in May
Weekend Masses Sundays at 9 AM Word of God 7446 McClure Avenue
Rivers of Steel has received an Art Works grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support the expansion of Alloy Pittsburgh. Alloy Pittsburgh has placed resident artists in five neighboring communities of Braddock, Hazelwood, Homestead, Rankin, and Swissvale, Pennsylvania. Five visual and/or performing artists are paired with partner organizations in each municipality for a three-month residency period during which time artists can communicate, collaborate, and connect with local residents to develop their final projects at the Carrie Blast Furnaces. The Wilkins School Community Center will be the Swissvale host and we are so excited! Learn more soon at wsccpgh.com.
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The Swissvalian
May / June 2021
Community Happenings
CityReach Church Swissvale New Sermon Series: “We Believe...” The Apostles’ Creed Join us as we investigate the first creed developed by the early church. This statement combines elements of the faith which have bound Christians across denominational and geographic lines for centuries.
Regular Worship Schedule 10:30 a.m. on Sundays at 7327 McClure Ave, 15218
You can participate in-person, as well as streaming on our Facebook page. www. facebook.com/cityreachswissvale/live. If you attend our in-person gatherings, please wear a mask for the entirety of service
Diaper Drive Saturday, May 8, 2021 12 pm – 3 pm CityReach Church Swissvale is hosting a Diaper Drive on Saturday, May 8th from 12:003:00pm. We will be providing free diapers for infants, toddlers, and adults/senior citizens; all sizes will be included. There is no need to pre-register. This event will be at the church building (7327 McClure Ave, 15218), please enter on the Monroe St. side of the church. If you have questions, please contact us at cityreachswissvale@gmail.com.
Service Schedule Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship & Word 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study 7:30 p.m. 2664 Woodstock Avenue Swissvale, PA 15218
Calvary Apostolic Church The New Me Outreach Ministry We provide clothing and small household items. Everything is free! Open Saturday from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Follow us on Facebook for upcoming events such as block BBQ, free clothes drives, back to school drive and youth ministry at https://www.facebook.com/Calvary-Apostolic-Church-132644663466827/ https://www.facebook.com/BrandNewMe2015/ https://www.facebook.com/RevoltYouthGroup/
Nied
Funeral Home
Family Owned for 99 Years
7441 Washington Avenue 412-271-0345 Charlie Nied, Supervisor
www.SwissvaleBorough.com
The Swissvalian
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Community Happenings
Borough Calendar* 5/05
Council Meeting
6/1
Rotary Club Meeting
5/05
Cinco de Mayo
6/2
Council Meeting
5/08
Flower Planting with the Mayor
6/9
Shade Tree Advisory Committee Meeting
5/08
SEDCO Monthly Clean-up
6/12
SEDCO Monthly Clean-up
5/09
Mother’s Day
6/14
Flag Day
5/12
Shade Tree Advisory Committee Meeting
6/15
Rotary Club Meeting
5/15
Swissvale Clean-up Day
6/18-19 Swissvale Community Days
5/15
RSCA Community Yard Sale
6/19 Juneteenth
5/18
Primary Elections
6/20
Father’s Day
5/18
Rotary Club Meeting
6/21
First Day of Summer
5/24
SEDCO Monthly Meeting
6/28
SEDCO Monthly Meeting
5/26
Agenda Meeting
6/29
Rotary Club Meeting
5/31
Memorial Day – Administrative Office Closed
6/30
Agenda Meeting
*All events listed in this calendar are subject to cancellation or postponement as the COVID-19 Pandemic continues to evolve.
All Borough Council and Agenda meetings have moved to a virtual format for the time being. Residents who would like to watch a live stream of the council meetings can visit Facebook.com/Swissvale on the scheduled meeting night.
SWISSVALE .......................
Farmers RK MAR
ET
Swissvale Farmers Market
RSCA Yard Sale
Before we know it, it will be June and the market will be in full swing. We are still taking applications for vendors, so if you make crafts or grow food, consider applying to vend at our market. New this year we will also have a community group table, if you are part of an advocacy group that works in and around Swissvale, please reach out to get involved to swissvalemarket@gmail.com
Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 8:00 AM Join us for the annual Regent Square Civic Association Yard Sale on Saturday, May 15th! Check rsca.online/regentsquareyardsale for details, including a virtual map and list of big-ticket items. Maps will also be available at local businesses throughout the neighborhood.
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The Swissvalian
May / June 2021
Community Happenings
Juneteenth 2021 Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States and is observed annually on June 19th. On June 29, 2019 Governor Tom Wolf signed legislation designating June 19 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day. In the year of 2020, the Borough of Swissvale approved Resolution 20-10 recognizing June 19th of each year, also known as Juneteenth, as an annual day of celebration in the Borough of Swissvale. This year in celebration of Juneteenth, we invite our community, local artists, young writers, and small businesses to recognize this holiday as an annual day of celebration. Recognizing Juneteenth as a Borough Holiday is just one step in the struggle for racial equality and is one way we can demonstrate our dedication to addressing structural racism and racial disparities. We are working on implementing policies that make Swissvale a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive community. Swissvale Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee • Weldianne Scales, Chairperson • William Price, Vice-Chair • Shawn Alfonso Wells, Member
Local Youth Essay Contest
Local Artist Contest
The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee will host a local essay competition for our youth. The essay topic is “What Does Juneteenth Mean to Me”. This is an essay competition for children ages 11-18 currently residing in the Borough of Swissvale. The essay must be a minimum of 250 words. The winning essay will be recognized and celebrated by the Borough of Swissvale at the Juneteenth celebration held at Swissvale Community Days. Submissions are due no later than 4 pm on Friday, May 21st.
In recognition of Juneteenth 2021, the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee will host a local artist contest. Participants should submit a high-resolution artistry design encompassing the spirit of Juneteenth. The selected design will be recognized and celebrated by the Borough of Swissvale during the Juneteenth celebration held at Swissvale Community Days. If you are a local artist and interested in participating, please submit your artistry design, individual photo, and address to the Borough of Swissvale no later than 4 pm on Friday, May 21st.
Essays can be sent electronically to wscales@swissvaleborough. com. They can also be mailed to or dropped off at 7560 Roslyn Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15218. If you have any questions, please call the Borough Office at 412-271-7101 or email the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee chair at wscales@swissvaleborough.com.
Submissions can be sent electronically to wscales@swissvaleborough. com. They can also be mailed to or dropped off at 7560 Roslyn Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15218. If you have any questions, please call the Borough Office at 412-271-7101 or email the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee chair at wscales@swissvaleborough.com.
www.SwissvaleBorough.com
The Swissvalian
Community Happenings
Black History Month Celebration This Black History Month, Swissvale Council’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee joined all Americans to lift up the contributions and legacy of the African American Community. In recognition of Black History Month, the Borough of Swissvale Council approved a resolution to acknowledge the annual celebration and recognition of African American History in the month of February. In celebration of Black History Month, the Borough of Swissvale celebrated and honored our very own residents and institutions. On the behalf of the Swissvale Borough Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee thank you for your years of service and dedication to the Swissvale Community! Each of the following honorees were presented with a plaque. The honorees are:
Union Baptist Church of Swissvale
Nelson Kirksey
State Representative Summer Lee
In celebration of Black History Month, the Borough of Swissvale honors Union Baptist Church of Swissvale for their 100 years of existence and longstanding service to the Swissvale Community.
In recognition of Black History Month, the Borough of Swissvale recognized Nelson Kirksey, a Swissvale resident, for his years of service with the Swissvale Community Food Pantry for the benefit of the community.
In celebration of Black History Month, the Borough of Swissvale honors Summer Lee, a Swissvale resident and trailblazer, as the first Black Woman elected to serve Southwestern Pennsylvania in the State House of Representatives.
John “Scrap” Wilson
New Covenant Christian Fellowship
In celebration of Black History Month, the Borough of Swissvale honors John “Scrap” Wilson, a Swissvale resident, for his years of service with the Swissvale Baseball and Softball Association for the benefit of the Swissvale Community.
In recognition of Black History Month, the Borough of Swissvale recognized New Covenant Christian Fellowship for 20+ years of existence in the Swissvale Community.
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7560 Roslyn Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15218 www.SwissvaleBorough.com 412.271.7101
ECRWSS Postal Customer Pittsburgh, PA 15218
The Borough of Swissvale is trying to determine the most effective way to communicate with its residents and community members. We are asking that you fill out this brief form, detach it from the newsletter, and return your responses by mail to the Borough office located at 7560 Roslyn St. Pittsburgh, PA 15218, to our drop box located outside of the Borough Building, or via email at administrative@swissvaleborough.com. Please provide your responses by June 1, 2021 no later than 4pm.
Please choose one of the following: I would prefer to continue to receive a printed copy of the Swissvalian Newsletter in the mail. If yes, please provide us with your name and current address.
I would prefer to receive the Newsletter digitally. If yes, please provide us with a name and valid email address.
If you would prefer not to receive a Community Newsletter from the Borough of Swissvale, your response is not required.