April 2022 Est. 1985
The Northside Chronicle
Volume 38 Issue 4 - FREE -
The Community Newspaper of Pittsburgh’s Historic Northside
THERE’S A NEW MARDI GRAS KING IN TOWN
Larry Berger, founder of the ‘Saturday Light Brigade’ radio program based in Pittsburgh’s Northside, took this year’s title.
Special elections on April 5 to be held under old legislative district maps By Ashlee Green Approximately 93,000 registered voters can determine who will fill the now-vacant state House seats of Jake Wheatley and Ed Gainey in the April 5 special elections. Wheatley left his former position as state Representative for Pa.’s 19th District, which includes parts of Pittsburgh’s Northside, to take on the role of Chief of Staff for now-Mayor Ed Gainey. Gainey left his former position as state Representative for Pa.’s 24th District to assume the office of Pittsburgh mayor on Jan. 3. Democrat Aerion Abney will be on the ballot vying for Wheatley’s former position, while Democrat Rev. Glenn Grayson is reportedly “mounting a write-in campaign” for the same spot, according to The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Democrat Martell Covington and Republican Todd Koger will be on the ballot, battling over Gainey’s former position. Only voters who live in the 19th and 24th districts of Pa. are eligible to vote in these special elections. Typically, special elections are held the same day as a primary or general election, The Trib reported. Since Pennsylvania has been in the process of legislative redistricting, though, House Speaker Bryan Cutler made the call for the special elections to be held on “their own unique date,” according to a press release, in order to “[eliminate] potential See Maps, Page 10
Photo: Ashlee Green
The 2022 Northside Mardi Gras King Larry Berger, right, pays homage to his predecessors Roger Humphries, left, and Brian O’Neill, center, at the Allegheny Elks Lodge #339 Fat Tuesday party on March 1. See Page 26 for more photos.
Troy Hill Firehouse may become neighborhood’s latest historic landmark By Atiya Irvin-Mitchell
Troy Hill Firehouse #39 came one step closer to becoming a historic landmark on March 2, after the City’s Historic Review Commission (HRC) voted in favor of approving the building’s nomination. The century-old firehouse was built in 1901, and as the name suggests, has been a staple in the center of the Troy Hill neighborhood for decades. The firehouse shut down officially in 2005; these days, it’s used mostly as a
INSIDE
By Ashlee Green
garage. Preservation Pittsburgh, a local advocacy organization, however, would like the building to be a landmark that goes beyond ceremonial purposes. The firehouse has had a plaque honoring its significance since 2001, but according to Melissa McSwigan, a Preservation Pittsburgh board member, the City designating the firehouse as a landmark would afford the property protection. “If the City of Pittsburgh Planning Commission and
Shipments of relief supplies are steadily leaving the Brother’s Brother Foundation (BBF) warehouse in Pittsburgh’s Northside for delivery to areas in and around Ukraine. At the time of printing, BBF has now secured over $1 million for its Ukraine Relief Fund—quadruple the $250,000 starting goal the organization set with the Pittsburgh Technology Council. According to a BBF press release, 100% of the funds the organization receives will go toward “emergency relief and logistics” for the Ukrainian Ministry of Health (MOH) as well as to reception centers in Poland and Romania. So
See Firehouse, Page 19
See Ukraine, Page 10
- Redistricting in Pennsylvania, Page 6 - Northside Business Briefs, Page 12 STORIES, COLUMNS, - Northside Homebuyer Guide, Page 13
FEATURES & MORE
BBF Ukraine Relief Fund reaches $1 mil. mark
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Managing Editor: Ashlee Green, editor@thenorthsidechronicle.com Business Manager: Lauren Stauffer, advertising@thenorthsidechronicle.com Distribution: 4,000 copies monthly in 15212, 15214, 15233 zip code areas. FREE weekly e-newsletter delivered to your inbox, subscribe online. Order monthly newspaper delivery to your door by using the form below to begin your regular 12 month mail subscription for only $45/year. Use the form below to subscribe or online at thenorthsidechronicle.com/subscriptions Become a Townhall Subscriber for $60/year. What does it mean to be a Townhall Subscriber?
April 2022
Community Meetings
After Care/Prison Ministry Support Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Allegheny Center Alliance Church 801 Union Place, first floor 412.321.4333 ext. 397 Allegheny City Central Association 2nd Monday, monthly Call for more details - 412.465.0192 Allegheny West Civic Council 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 7:30 p.m. Calvary United Methodist Church Now via Zoom | 412.323.8884
Brighton Heights Citizens Federation 2nd Thursday, bi-monthly, 7 p.m. John Morrow Elementary School 412.690.0918
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Brightwood Civic Group 1st Tuesday, monthly, 6 p.m. Pressley Ridge, 2611 Stayton St. 412.732.8152
We reserve the right to refrain from printing any wording that incites political, profane, or perverse commentary. Example of an approved personal message: "Georgia P., Atlanta, GA: I grew up in Spring Garden on Farby Way. I still love reading about what happens in the Northside today. Congratulations to my grandson Jerry P. and wife Cherry on welcoming their first child, Garcia!"
Brightwood Community Emergency Response Shelter 3rd Thursday, monthly, 6 p.m. 3219 Central Ave.
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Order mail subscriptions available online using a credit card will includes online fees* DISCLAIMER: The viewpoints and opinions of the writers and contributors that appear in the Northside Chronicle do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints, opinions, beliefs or positions of the Northside Chronicle’s publishers, editors, staff and/or affiliates. The Northside Chronicle is not affiliated with any formal political, social, religious, educational or philosophical organization or party of any kind. The materials comprising the Northside Chronicle are provided by various organizations, community groups, advertisers, entities, writers and contributors and are provided as a service to the readers of the Northside Chronicle on an “as-is” basis for informational purposes only. The Northside Chronicle assumes no responsibility for any copyright infringement, errors or omissions in these materials and expressly disclaims any representations or warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose regarding the correctness, accuracy, completeness, timeliness and reliability of the information provided. The Northside Chronicle is not responsible for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance upon such information. Reference herein to any commercial product, process or service does not constitute or imply endorsement or favoring by the Northside Chronicle. © The Northside Chronicle 2021
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California-Kirkbride Blockwatch 3rd Thursday, monthly, 7 p.m. 1601 Brighton Rd., 3rd floor California-Kirkbride Neighbors 2nd Thursday, monthly, 7 p.m. 1601 Brighton Rd., 3rd floor Now via Zoom 412.758.3898
Quarterly meetings, call for times MCC Center, 1319 Allegheny Ave. 412.323.1743 Manchester Public Safety Meeting Quarterly meetings, call for times Northside Leadership Conference 412.323.1743 Northside Rotary Club Every Friday, noon Cardello Building, 2nd Floor NS Coalition for Fair Housing Board 2nd Monday, monthly, 6 p.m. 1821 Brighton Rd. 412.321.5527 NS Coalition for Fair Housing Members Monthly, call for times 1821 Brighton Rd. 412.321.5521 Northside Leadership Conference 1st Wednesday, monthly, 6 p.m. MCC Center, 1319 Allegheny Ave. Now via Zoom Call to confirm - 412.231.4714 North Side Lions Club 2nd and 4th Tuesday, monthly, noon Max’s Allegheny Tavern 412-366-8512 North Side Public Safety Council 1st Thursday, monthly, 5:30 p.m. 1319 Allegheny Ave. 1st floor meeting room 412.231.4714 ext. 201, Now via Zoom
Charles Street Area Council 1st Monday, monthly, call for times Pittsburgh Project, 2801 N. Charles St. Now via Zoom 412.886.6786
Northside Toastmasters 2nd & 4th Tuesday, monthly, 5:30 p.m. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Allegheny 1230 Federal St. northsidetoast@gmail.com 412.204.6018
Community Alliance of Spring Garden/ East Deutschtown 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. Fuhrer Building of St. Michael’s Church 412.228.0376
Observatory Hill, Inc. 3rd Wednesday, monthly, 7 p.m. Byzantine Seminary, 3605 Perrysville Ave. 412.736.2489 http://www.observatoryhill.net
Deutschtown New Hope Council 3rd Thursday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. Community Center, 623 Suismon St.
The Promise Group Every other Tuesday, 6 p.m. Western Pa. Humane Society 412.321.1019
East Allegheny Community Council 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 7 p.m. Call for more details 412.321.1204 Fineview & Perry Hilltop Citizens Councils 4th Tuesday, monthly, 6-8 p.m. Contact for location info@ourfuturehilltop.org 412-238-7528 Mexican War Streets Society 3rd Monday, bi-monthly, 6:30 p.m. 1400 Buena Vista St. 412.323.9030 Manchester Citizens Corporation
Troy Hill Citizens June 10, Aug. 12, Oct. 14, Dec. 9., 6 p.m. Most Holy Name School Hall 1515 Tinsbury St. 412.321.2852 Spring Hill Civic League March 7, May 2, Sept. 12, Oct. 3, & Nov. 7 7 p.m, Location TBD (either Spring Hill Elementary School or via Zoom) contact@shcl.org Summer Hill Citizens Committee 3rd Tuesday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. WPXI Television Station Community Room
The Northside Chronicle
April 2022
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Allegheny Commons Park News: April 2022
Hello, friends. Ranger Stevie here! Are you getting excited for trees to be green and warm nights under the stars? I know I sure am! Each season has so much to share with us. Seasons are one of my favorite things about living in Pittsburgh! Snow storms one day and the next day, it’s 60 degrees and sunny. But for now, we are officially into Spring and Mother Nature isn’t holding back. I’ve spotted two honey bee hives in tree cavities; momma squirrels looking full and ready to give life to their little kits; and crocuses, snowdrops, and Eastern skunk cabbage popping up from the ground, allowing us to know without a calendar that Spring is here! We have two awesome things to chat about this month, so let’s get to it. First is Allegheny Commons. With April comes the colors of Spring and there is no better place to witness Spring than in Allegheny Commons. If you’d like to capture the Spring of Allegheny Commons, please join me on April 6 at 10 a.m. for a Spring Photography Walk. We will meet at the tennis courts where Gus of Gus and Yia Yia’s parks and begin our walk there. I was also thinking of meeting at the Allegheny Sandwich Shoppe at 9 a.m. to have a coffee and chat with my fellow park lovers. If you are interested in either option, please send me an email at lauren.smith@pittsburghpa. gov introducing yourself. Second is Riverview Park. Riverview is truly a gem and every time I hike in this
park, I wish I would have explored it more as a kid, especially since I went to Perry High School. Being a ranger makes me appreciate every single hike and every single
an array of wildlife and Spring is their time to shine. There’s the Eastern bluebird: Did you know there are about 10 bluebird boxes in Riverview? There are does too, which
Photos: Jasmine Krayer
A pair of great horned owls — the same species as the ones photographed here in Florida — is living in the Northside’s Riverview Park. According to Ranger Stevie, owls typically mate in December and January; once the female lays her eggs, it takes about 30 days for them to hatch. park because each park is so unique in its own way. Talking about uniqueness, let’s get into the wildlife. Riverview Park has
are currently pregnant carrying their fawns. Some animals are still in their mating seasons, while others are beginning to get their
dens ready for their litters to arrive. There is one animal here in our parks, though, that is ahead of the game. Does anyone know “whooooo” I am talking about? There is a pair of great horned owls in Riverview Park. This pair nested and raised their young here a few years ago, and this year, they decided to come back! Owls typically mate in December and January; once the female lays her eggs, it takes about 30 days for the eggs to hatch. If there are owlets this year, they are definitely getting big by now. Since I do not have the best camera lens for wildlife photos, I thought it would be an awesome opportunity to feature guest wildlife photographer Jasmine Krayer. Jasmine and I connected because of our love for wildlife and outdoor photography. Her work is absolutely stunning, and although this photo wasn’t taken in Riverview, I thought it would be neat to share with you the same species, but in a completely different state and ecosystem. The individual photo of the adult owl was taken at Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, Fl. The owlets were taken at Philippe Park in Safety Harbor, Fl. I hope you enjoyed this column and I look forward to seeing you on April 6. You can always follow the Pittsburgh Park Rangers on Instagram at @pghparkrangers. Sincerely, Ranger Stevie Stevie Smith is a City of Pittsburgh Park Ranger in the Northside’s Allegheny Commons Park. n
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The Northside Chronicle
April 2022
Dists. 1 & 6 News: Councilmen Wilson & Lavelle
Hello everyone, This month, we would like to update our constituents and neighborhoods on the Northside on the status of the settlement from the mediation between Norfolk Southern Rail Company and Northside community groups. We want to start by thanking the Northside Leadership Conference (NSLC), Rail Pollution Protection Pittsburgh (RP3), and the Manchester Citizens Corporation (MCC) for coming together and fighting to ensure that our communities’ concerns were heard in Norfolk Southern’s plan to replace the West North Avenue and PennsylvaniaAvenue bridges to accommodate double-stacked trains. Across the United States, it is rare for local community groups to successfully negotiate with a powerful railroad company in order to deliver real wins for neighborhoods and residents. As a result of their united and staunch negotiation, in return for being able to replace these two bridges to accommodate double-stacked trains, Norfolk Southern committed to restoring the pedestrian bridge that once connected the North and West Commons over the railroad tracks, from Lake Elizabeth to the playground and tennis courts. The railroad also agreed to establish and seed the Northside Community Enhancement Fund as part of the settlement. Norfolk Southern’s push to raise the West North Avenue Bridge to accommodate double-stacked trains dates all the way back to 2006. Per state law, bridges above railroad tracks used by freight train cars must provide a minimum clearance of 22 feet. That year, the City of Pittsburgh was ordered by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to raise the West North Avenue Bridge to a height of 22 feet within three years. The City refused to do so. Then, in 2017, Norfolk Southern was awarded a $20 million state grant to replace fourteen railway bridges across the state. A year later, Norfolk Southern forced the issue by requesting permission from the PUC to rehabilitate and raise the West North Avenue Bridge so that it could run double-stacked trains on this line. In response, the City and the three community groups mentioned above challenged this request at the PUC because of our concerns about the safety, air pollution, and noise pollution impacts of allowing double-stacked trains to run through the Northside. In late 2019, all four parties agreed to negotiate and resolve this dispute through mediation. After two years of negotiations, the mediator recently announced a settlement. This settlement will permit Norfolk Southern to replace and raise the West North Avenue Bridge by 2 feet, 6 inches and the Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge by 2 feet, 9 inches.
Raising these bridges by these heights will allow a clearance of at least 22 feet for Norfolk Southern’s double-stacked train cars to pass through. The Pennsylvania Depart-
Photo: Lauren Stauffer
A public meeting this month is in the works to discuss the settlement between Norfolk Southern and Northside community groups. ment of Transportation (PennDOT) has rated the West North Avenue Bridge as being in “poor” condition and the Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge as being in “fair” condition. Norfolk Southern’s replacement of both these bridges on the Northside will be funded by the $20 million state grant it received in 2017. As a result of the mediation, Norfolk Southern will also lower the track bed under the Columbus Avenue Bridge by 18 inches and replace the Merchant Street Bridge at the same level. All of this bridge work will go through a series of public meetings on the Northside in the next few years so that residents can share their input on the designs of the new replacement bridges and the impacts of raising them. At present, the settlement from the mediation is pending before Pittsburgh City Council and must be approved by Mayor Ed Gainey. In partnership with the Office of the Mayor, we are planning a public meeting on the Northside this month prior to voting on the pending Council resolution so that residents can come together to discuss this settlement between Norfolk Southern and Northside community groups. Please follow us on social media to learn the date and time of this public meeting. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact our offices via phone or email or find us on Facebook or Twitter to share your thoughts. BOBBY WILSON COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT 1 412-255-2135 District1@pittsburghpa.gov R. DANIEL LAVELLE COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT 6 412-255-2134 District6@pittsburghpa.gov n
The Northside Chronicle
April 2022
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District 20 News: State Rep. Kinkead “First, may I say I am so sorry for your loss. I don’t know if my thanks can help your healing, but I want you to know my life was made better because of your compassion. . . . [W]ith the help of . . . your loved one’s gift of donated bone, I am able to walk again. When your life changes due to someone else’s precious gift, there are no words to express your gratitude. Please know I will always cherish and remember
Photo: Office of Rep. Kinkead
In this month’s column, state Rep. Kinkead discusses how organ donation can have a lifesaving impact.
your loved one with gratitude.” This is an excerpt of a letter that a constituent received because when she suddenly and tragically lost her husband, his status as a registered organ donor meant that his organs and tissue went on to help improve and save the lives of others. She said that her husband “would have been over the moon with happiness” to know he had helped so many in need. Nationally, more than 100,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant, including—according to the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE)— nearly 2,000 people right here in Pittsburgh. Someone is added to the transplant waiting list every 9 minutes. Each day, 17 people in the United States die while waiting for a transplant. One organ donor has the potential to save up to 8 lives, and with tissue and cornea donations, has the potential to improve the quality of life for more than 50 others. April is National Donate Life Month (NDLM), a month where, for more than 20 years, hospitals across western Pennsylvania join CORE, the nonprofit organization that facilitates organ, tissue, and cornea donation in western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Chemung County, N.Y., to raise awareness about organ, tissue, and cornea donation, and to inspire everyone to register to be an organ donor. As the daughter of a doctor (who used to be a Pittsburgh paramedic) and the sister of a nurse, being registered as an organ donor has been an obvious choice for every person in my family, but I realize that there are some myths about organ donation that I want to dispel. Donors do not have to be young and in perfect health to donate. Despite the
common misconception that you have to be young and healthy to donate, donors can be any age or health status. Very few medical conditions disqualify you from donating. While certain organs may not be viable for transplantation, other tissues or organs may be fine. Because of the incredible shortage of both vital organs to transplant, as well as tissue and cornea donations, there is very likely something that you can donate to help someone else. Living donors are critical to saving lives. A living donor can donate a kidney or a portion of their liver directly to a friend or family member, or even a complete stranger, and continue to live a completely normal life with very few restrictions. People waiting for a kidney transplant make up more than 80% of people on the organ waiting list and people waiting for a liver make up about 11%. You could save one of their lives and still live yours to the fullest. Most religions support organ donation. This includes Catholicism, Protestant Christianity, Islam, and most branches of Judaism. These religions typically view organ donation as a final act of love and generosity toward your fellow human. You can learn more about the many religions that support organ donation at OrganDonor.gov. Organ donation can be rewarding and healing. As with my constituent and her husband, organ donation can help a family work through the grieving process and cope with their loss by knowing that their loved one is helping save and improve the lives of others. Organ donation is free to the donor’s family. The organ donor’s family is never charged for donation, only for the cost of any care that was provided in an effort to save the donor’s life. Doctors will do everything they can to save your life—organ donor or not. Perhaps the most insidious of rumors about organ donation, this rumor is just blatantly false. Doctors and hospitals have an ethical obligation, backed by the force of law, to do everything in their power to save your life. They do not even look at your organ donor status until there is nothing more that can be done to save you. Only at a point where you are declared dead (and myriad tests have been run to confirm that) would the conversation turn to organ donation. CORE broke some records this year, with 700 recorded lifesaving organ transplants last year and 325 organ donors. Ten of those donors were over the age of 75, including Cecil F. Lockhart of Welch, W.Va., who in May 2021, at the age of 95, became the oldest organ donor in the nation. His liver recipient, a woman in her 60s, continues to thrive. To register your decision to save and heal lives through organ, tissue, and cornea donation, please visit www.core.org/register. And, as always, if you have any questions or need help with any state-related matter, my staff and I are here to help. Just call 412-321-5523 or email RepKinkead@ pahouse.net. n
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April 2022
Pa. Supreme Court picks national Dems’ map as part of state’s redistricting
By Stephen Caruso, Pennsylvania Capital-Star This article was lightly edited and republished under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. February 23, 2022 - 11:41 a.m. (*This breaking story was updated at 12 p.m. with additional information on the plaintiffs, federal legal challenge, and the justices, at 12:25 p.m. with additional information on the map, and 1:12 p.m. with comment from House Republicans and attorney Adam Bonin and 1:25 p.m. with Gov. Tom Wolf.) Pennsylvania’s highest court has picked a map submitted by voters backed by a national group aligned with Democrats to be the commonwealth’s next congressional map. In a five-page order, the state Supreme Court ordered 4-3 that the map, known as the Carter plan, be adopted as soon as possible. An opinion was not immediately available. Four of the court’s five liberal justices signed onto the order, while the other, Justice Debra Todd, joined two justices elected as Republicans in dissent. The map was filed with the court by plaintiffs linked to the National Redistricting Action Fund (NRAF), a dark money affiliate of National Democratic Redistricting Committee, while the case was argued by Democratic attorney Marc Elias. The NRAF asked judges to pick the map when it appeared Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, and the Republican-controlled General Assembly would not agree on a proposal. The fund originally filed a case in spring 2021, but it was rebuffed. A second NRAF suit in December was accepted. Then, all eyes shifted to the courts after Wolf vetoed the Legislature’s map in January. Another dozen plaintiffs along with the Carter group submitted maps to the court. A lower court judge had advised the
Supreme Court to pick the Legislative GOP’s map, arguing the vetoed proposal was closest to “will of the people.” In oral arguments Friday, the justices did not appear convinced by that argument. Instead, the four liberal justices picked a map that, Elias’s firm argued, built on the court’s 2018 plan. The current map was enacted after the high court struck down a GOP-drawn map as a partisan gerrymander that unnecessarily split municipalities to Republicans’ advantage. The Carter plan, Elias’ firm argued, preserves “the cores and lines of current districts to the greatest extent possible, while accounting for changes in the Commonwealth’s population over the past decade.” Pennsylvania is losing one congressional seat this year due to lagging population growth. The map fixes this by drawing GOP incumbent U.S. Reps. Fred Keller, R-12th, and G.T. Thompson, R-15th, into one district. Meanwhile, northeastern Pennsylvania U.S. Reps. Matt Cartwright, D-8th, and Dan Meuser, R-9th, stay in separate districts. In a statement, Wolf, who submitted his own map to the court, called the Carter plan “a fair map that will result in a congressional delegation mirroring the citizenry of Pennsylvania.” Political analysts have broadly agreed. Kyle Kondik, of the University of Virginia, observed on Twitter that the seats of Cartwright and fellow Democratic U.S. Reps. Chrissy Houlahan, 6th District, and Conor Lamb, 17th District, would remain a toss-up under the lines. The decision also allows congressional and statewide candidates to start collecting signatures to get on the primary ballot starting Friday, Feb. 25 and running through March 15. The primary election will still be held on May 17. Legislative candidates’ petitioning is still suspended, pending legal arguments over the yet-to-be-finalized state House and Senate maps.
The order partially eases some of the uncertainty over Pennsylvania’s 2022 elections, but at least one legal challenge remains. A group of five Republican voters, including two GOP congressional candidates, filed a lawsuit in federal district court earlier this month asking for a federal judge to block the state court from implementing a map. The case, which is ongoing, argues that the state Supreme Court must defer on election matters to the state Legislature under the U.S. Constitution. Until Wolf and the Legislature agree, candidates can instead run in at-large, statewide elections, under an obscure federal law dictating how to run congressional races when a state loses a seat. Wednesday’s order marks the second time in the past five years the court has drawn the district lines. In a statement, House Speaker Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster, and House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff, R-Centre, said the court’s decision “confirmed once and for all they do not abide by the state and federal Constitutions.” “The process for creating district lines is clearly defined, and even if the governor refused to follow the process, it does not allow the courts to just pick and choose when or when not to follow the law,” they added. House Republicans congressional redistricting guru, state Rep. Seth Grove, R-York, has even advocated for the at-large elections as the best legal option. Attorney Adam Bonin, who frequently represents Democratic clients, disagreed. He argued that the courts frequently have a role in backstopping redistricting debates. A set of 17 at-large elections would likely conflict with federal voting rights legislation, Bonin added, “which is why you have never seen” the at-large elections option invoked: “Everyone understands that this shouldn’t happen.” Pennsylvania Capital-Star is part of States Newsroom, a network of news
bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Pennsylvania Capital-Star maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor John Micek for questions: info@ penncapital-star.com. Follow Pennsylvania Capital-Star on Facebook and Twitter. n
Northside gains another state Rep. By Ashlee Green Pennsylvania’s recent redistricting process has moved some of Pittsburgh’s Northside neighborhoods into House of Representatives District 21. Represented by Sara Innamaroto (D), District 21 now includes the neighborhoods of East Deutschtown, Troy Hill, Spring Hill, Spring Garden, and parts of Historic Deutschtown and the North Shore. The Northside’s other districts are District 19, previously represented by Jake Wheatley (D), who has since been named Mayor Gainey’s new chief of staff; and District 20, represented by Emily Kinkead (D). These districts have also undergone changes. You can visit Dave’s Redistricting, a free, open-source web app of redistricting maps throughout the country, at davesredistricting.org to see how the state’s redistricting has affected your particular neighborhood. Every 10 years, the political divisions, or districts, of each state are redrawn following the completion of the decennial census. Districts, according to federal law, must be made up of close to equal populations and must not put voters at a disadvantage based on their race or ethnicity. A special election is planned for April 5 to fill Wheatley’s seat. Both Innamaroto and Kinkead are up for re-election this year.n
Are you a Northside resident looking for a great job? Are you a Northside employer looking for a great employee? WE CAN HELP YOU! An abundance of resources available and continuously updated, from job listings to training options to recruitment resources and more. Follow us on social media to get regular updates! For more information, visit the website or reach out to the program coordinator: Ellie Wentz, ellie@northsidechamberofcommerce.com, 412-231-6500
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NorthSideWorks! is an initiative of the Northside North Shore Chamber of Commerce, connecting employers, residents, training providers and service organizations to relevant resources.
April 2022
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CLP - IT’S OFFICIAL
WE ARE NOW FINE FREE! If you have... err, um “had” any fines on your account, you may want to look again. It may have taken 125 years (better late than never), but Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is officially FINE FREE and we could not be more excited about it! If fines have been keeping you away we want to see you back in our Libraries. We miss you and we know you miss us. We promise, it is as easy as it sounds. Judgment free, guilt free and hassle free. Oh yeah... and, of course, FINE FREE.
Fine Free Details
carnegielibrary.org
The first adjustment for First Class Mail will happen on July 10, 2022. As of January 9, 2022, the rates for Priority Mail increased as much as 12.1%, according to Stamps.com. Beginning in April 2022, a new fee will be placed on ‘non-standard’ packages that exceed requirements of manual sortation by the USPS. Surcharges will vary between $4.00 - $15.00, based on inch length or cubic feet for all Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and Parcel Select Ground.
(FINE) FREE TO THE PEOPLE
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April 2022
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The Northside Chronicle
April 2022
Chamber Update: April 2022 From Gina Grone - Executive Director, Northside Noth Shore Chamber of Commerce The Northside North Shore Chamber serves the business community in and around the Northside and has been doing so since 1897. We currently have 240 member businesses, and we serve them by promoting, connecting, and supporting. Here are some of our recent activities and updates. Members: The following 39 companies or organizations have joined or renewed so far this year: ALCO Parking, Allegheny Center Alliance Church, Allegheny County Executive’s Office, Angels’ Place, Armory Printworks, Binko’s Pymatuning Lake Chili Co., Bistro to Go, Bounce Marketing & Events, Buhl Foundation (One Northside), Carnegie Science Center, Comcast Business, Daniel J. Strinkoski DDS, Gaber & Company, George
found on our website. Recent Events: • “In Your Business” Happy Hour in January at Teutonia Männerchor • “Coffee and Contacts” Morning Networking in February at Smart Solution Technologies • “Food for Thought” virtual session with • Neighborhood Community Development Fund in February • “Coffee and Contacts” Morning Networking in March at Allegheny Center Alliance Church • “In Your Business” Happy Hour in March at Shorty’s Pins x Pints
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Get The Good Guys
NorthSideWorks! The chamber has been involved in workforce development activities for years, but our efforts were focused and funded last year with the formation of the NorthSideWorks! program. Through the support of the Buhl Foundation (One Northside), NorthSideWorks! is a workforce development program that connects employers, residents, training providers, and service organizations to relevant resources. These are some of the things that we’re focusing on right now: 1. Creating an employer resource guide to help connect employers to recruitment and retention resources PERSONAL INJURY | AUTO ACCIDENTS | MEDICAL MALPRACTICE 2. Sharing information for residents about SLIP, TRIP & FALLS | CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS | EMPLOYER VIOLATIONS jobs, training, and more through social media (Facebook: @northsideworks, Instagram: @northsideworks) Top 50 Attorneys in Pittsburgh by Pittsburgh Magazine 3. Partnering with community organizations to get resources in front of more Top Attorneys in Pennsylvania | Best Lawyers in America by Northside residents Pittsburgh Magazine | Pittsburgh Best Lawyers | Best Lawyers in 4. Working with companies in the manufacturing, skilled trades, and healthcare America | National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys (NAOPIA) | industries to promote opportunities for The American Society of Legal Advocates | Pennsylvania Rising Stars Northside residents by Philadelphia Super Lawyers | Pennsylvania Super Lawyers 5. Deepening relationships with key partners such as CCAC, Partner4Work, PA CareerLink, and One Northside As part of our partnership with CCAC, we have a series of information sessions for employers scheduled to start in April. Check At Goodrich & Geist, we believe there are 3 basic our website to learn more about the April 28 virtual session on recruitment, the May qualifications individuals seeking an attorney 5 virtual session on retention, and the May 12 tour of some of their innovative campus should always look for: spaces. If you are a resident in need of any kind of workforce resources, reach out to the NorthSideWorks! program manager Ellie Wentz at ellie@northsidechamberofcommerce.com or 412-231-6500. The Northside North Shore Chamber prides itself on being approachable and genuine. Learn more today at our website (www.northsidechamberofcommerce.com) or by contacting us (412-231-6500, info@ northsidechamberofcommerce.com) or stopping into our office on Middle Street in Historic Deutschtown. n
Top Rated Injury Lawyers in Pittsburgh
Photo: Gina Grone
Chamber members connect at a networking event at Shorty’s Pins x Pints on the North Shore.
L Wilson & Co, Healthcare Council of Western PA, New Hazlett Theater, Northside Common Ministries, Office of Mayor Ed Gainey, Office of PA State Representative for District 20, PCTV, PA State Representative Emily Kinkead, Pipitone Group Pittsburgh Business Exchange, Pittsburgh City Councilman Bobby Wilson, Pittsburgh City Councilman Dan Lavelle, Pittsburgh Furniture Rental, Pittsburgh Metro Postal Workers Union, Pittsburgh Police Department - Zone 1, Pittsburgh Technology Council, Pittsburgh’s Northside Rotary, Prantl’s Bakery, Reformed Presbyterian Home, Rekindled Spirits, Rivers Casino, S + S Trophy, SMC Business Councils, The Blessing Board, Thermo-Calc Software, and Xycom Technology Group. Events: We have regular networking events about twice per month. The events are held at interesting locations throughout the Northside and a wide variety of businesses are represented. A complete calendar can be
8 Read more "Chamber Updates" at www.nschronicle.com
When You Need Help, We’re There
3634 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412.766.1455 | goodrichandgeist.com
The Northside Chronicle
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BBF money also goes toward mental health support
New district maps in effect for primary on May 17 From Maps, Page 1
April 2022
From Ukraine, Page 1
confusion for voters.” far, this includes mobile medical units and “These special elections are to complete the airlifting of medical supplies, pharthe terms under the current, or old, map,” maceuticals, blankets, hygiene kits, and Cutler said. Updated legislative district maps, however, which are based on data from the 2020 census, will be in effect starting on the upcoming primary election date of May 17. Links to the special elections polling places in each district are listed on the Allegheny County Elections Division website at this link: https://alleghenycounty.us/ elections/special-election-information.aspx. Polls for the special elections will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Once polls close for the day, residents can check the Pa. Department of State website to view the special elections results at https://www.electionreturns.pa.gov/. n
baby food, granola, grain bars, soap, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, and toothpaste are also being sent. Money raised will also support “providing mental health-psychosocial support
girls (GBV)—both of which are critical for conflict-affected communities experiencing emotional distress or mental health conditions.” Stay up-to-date on BBF’s ef-
Photos: Brother’s Brother Foundation
8 More election info. is available at nschronicle.com
Screenshots are provided, in order to avoid geotracking, that show a recent shipment of supplies from Northside-based Brother’s Brother Foundation to a warehouse in Ukraine. wound care supplies. Baby care items such as wipes, diapers, and formula as well as
(MHPS) along with protection from gender-based violence towards women and
forts and find out how to contribute at https://brothersbrother.org/. n
1022 Chestnut Street
Please consider a donation to our Community Fridge project! Visit gardencafepgh.com for details
Lenten Fish Fry @ Allegheny Elks Lodge Sponsored by Randza Enterprises
Every Friday during Lent, including Good Friday 6:00PM - 8:00 PM
Easter Bread Specials
Sweet Egg Bread, Buccelatto, and new this year - Paska!
Pittsburgh Born & Bread 2110 Brighton Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (412) 231-7555 Monday - Friday 7am-4pm Saturday 7am-2pm Sunday closed for now.
Paska is a roud egg dough, egg washed, and ready for dinner.
Available on Saturday, April 16th. Now Taking Pre-Orders, Call Today!
Curbside pick-up available. Order online: www.BreadWorksPGH.com
MENU:
Large (1lb) Fish $16 Grilled (1lb) Fish $16 Small (1/2lb) Fish $12 Toasted Cheese Sandwich $7 All come with choice of two sides: Homemade Slaw, Homemade Mac & Cheese, Homemade Stewed Tomatoes or French Fries
Call ahead for takeout! 412-321-1834 400 Cedar Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 | tel: 412-321-1834
The Northside Chronicle
April 2022
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Join us at Brighton Heights Lutheran Church Tom Friday’s Market since 1955
3639 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 | tel: 412-766-4500
Monday - Saturday 8:00AM - 5:00PM | Closed Sunday Last butcher shoppe in Pittsburgh city limits to carry fresh hanging sides of beef. Call us with your order Wholesale, Retail, & Restaurants Welcome! Daily home delivery $2.50 for $25 Min Purchase • Delivery Areas Vary • Includes Freezer Meat Specials Lenten Fish Specials Norwegian Salmon Fillets $10.99 lb. Tuna Steaks $4.49 each Tilapia Fillets $4.99 lb. Perch Fillets $6.99 lb. Cod Fillets $9.99 lb. Breaded Cod $8.99 lb. Beer Battered Cod $8.99 lb. Breaded Haddock Fillets $6.99 lb. Whiting Fillets $2.99 lb. Catfish $6.99 lb. Seafood Crab Legs Crab Cakes @ market price Cleaned Raw Shrimp Cooked Shrimp Breaded Shrimp
Easter Orders Locally Sourced & All Sizes Amish Hams Bone-in SilverStar Hams Semi-boneless Albert’s Hams Semi-boneless Winter Spiral Cut Hams
Homemade Easter
Smoked Kielbasa $5.99 lb. Croatian Kielbasa $5.99 lb. Fresh Kielbasa $5.49 lb. Boneless Amish, SilverStar, SilverStar Tavern, and Albert’s Tavern Hams. Plus Homemade Pierogies & Easter Bread!
Great Prices, Quality Cuts, and Friendly Service Every Time Weekly Specials Every Thursday www.tomfridaysmarket.com
Holy Week Service Schedule Sunday, April 10 - Palm Sunday Service at 10:00 am Thursday, April 14 - Maundy Thursday Service at 7:00 pm Friday, April 15 - Good Friday Service A service of the 7 last words. We will begin at 12:00 pm (noon) in front of the church and then walk among our community for the first of the 6 words/phrases. Then at 2:00 pm, we will finish with the 7th last phrase in the church. Feel free to join us for the whole service or simply join us at 2:00 pm at the church. Sunday, April 17 - Easter Sunday Join us at 10:00 am for service. Brighton Heights Lutheran Church More than a church, a Community. Located at 3830 California Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
www.brightonheightslutheranchurch.org
The Northside Chronicle
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April 2022
Northside Business Briefs: April 2022 By Ashlee Green
New Tom Hanks flick films at Max’s Allegheny Tavern Tom Hanks is galavanting all around Pittsburgh as he films his new movie, “A Man Called Otto.” Hanks has been spotted, over the course of the last few weeks, filming at home improvement store Busy Beaver in Lawrenceville and surprising unsuspecting bridal parties at the Fairmont Pittsburgh Downtown. He’s been in the Northside too, at Max’s Allegheny Tavern in Historic Deutschtown: The establishment was closed March 23-26 for the filming of his new flick. “A Man Called Otto” is an American-
ized version of the 2012 Swedish novel by Fredrik Backman entitled “A Man Called Ove.” According to a neighborhood filming
Photo: Randy Strothman
Film crews shoot just outside of Max’s Allegheny Tavern in Historic Deutschtown. See Business, Page 21
Updates & resources for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic By Maggie Yenchick Allegheny County’s COVID-19 community level is low, according to the CDC. As a result, anyone can choose to wear a mask at any time. Masks should be worn if
Scan QR code to purchase tickets or visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kentucky-derby-fundraiser-party-tickets-268242008067
You are God’s beloved, and you are welcome here.
Photo: coyot via Pexels
Masks should still be worn if you have symptoms, a positive COVID-19 test result, or know you’ve been exposed.
you have symptoms, a positive test result, or know you’ve been exposed. Vaccinations should be kept up to date and you should be fully immunized. A person who is fully vaccinated has received all doses in the primary series as well as a booster shot if they are eligible. There are currently three vaccines approved under the Biologics License Application (BLA), meaning they’re authorized under an emergency use authorization by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Find what you’re searching for this Easter. Palm Sunday — April 10 at 11am Maundy Thursday Service — April 14 at 7:30pm Easter Sunday — April 17 at 11am Rev. Larry Homitsky & Rev. Kelly Smith 971 Beech Ave, Pgh, PA 15233 CalvaryPgh.com 412.231.2007
Vaccine Details: The CDC recommends a COVID-19 vaccine for children and adults aged 5 and older. Vaccines help prevent contracting and spreading the virus. None of the vaccines are live virus vaccines. The dosage for children aged 5 to 11 is 1/3 of that for older adolescents and adults. People aged 12 and up should have a booster shot five months following their second primary shot. Pfizer-BioNTech is offered in two 10-µg (µg = microgram) doses for children aged 5 to 11. For ages 12 and up, Pfizer-BioNTech offers
two 30-µg primary doses as well as booster shots. For those aged 18 and over, Moderna delivers two primary 100-µg doses and a 50µg dosage for a booster. Also, for those aged 18 and older Janssen gives a dose of 5x1010 virus particles, with a booster recommended two months later. The vaccine is not presently available for children under the age of 5, but Pfizer is undertaking ongoing clinical trials. The two lesser doses given to the younger population have not generated the same immune response as the higher doses provided to the older population. The effectiveness of a third dose is being evaluated. Current Quarantine and Isolation Protocols per the CDC: When you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, you should go into isolation. Isolation should last at least five days. You should avoid any other residents of your house during this period. If you haven’t had a fever in at least 24 hours or have no symptoms, you can come out of isolation after five days. After five days of isolation, continue to take measures for up to 10 days. If you’ve been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, quarantine yourself. If you were in close or constant contact with someone who has symptoms or has tested positive, stay at home for five days and be tested. Isolate if your test is positive or you start to experience symptoms. After quarantine, continue to take precautions for another five days. However, if you’ve had all your vaccines and aren’t showing symptoms, quarantine isn’t required. But it is still a good idea to get tested. If symptoms do develop or you get a positive test result, isolate. To find a testing location or vaccination site you can visit www.alleghenycounty.us/ health or www.pa.gov/covid/. Maggie Yenchick is the AGH Partnership Coordinator for the Northside Leadership Conference. n
Northside
Homebuyer
Guide
Presented by:
2022
East Northside House Tour guests, 2019. Photo by Ashlee Green.
The Northside Chronicle
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Mortgage Lenders SSB Bank
Home mortgage for purchase, refinance, construction or rehab. We also offer Home Equity loans and lines of credit. Visit us online at www.ssbpgh.com or one of our two locations: • 2470 California Ave., Pittsburgh PA 15212 | (412) 482-9010 M-F 8:30AM - 4:30PM • 8700 Perry Hwy, Pittsburgh PA 15237 (412) 4837-6955 | M-F 8:30AM 4:30PM | Sat 9:00AM - 12:00PM
First National Bank
We are a full-service bank specializing in Mortgage Lending with three Northside locations to serve you. www.fnb-online.com • 100 Federal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 | (412) 359-2627 • 490 E. North Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15212. | (412) 231-3500 • 3908 Perrysville Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15212. | (412) 231-3144
Homeowner Insurance T Rankin Insurance - State Farm
868 Western Ave. Suite 1, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 | (412) 322-1064
The Alling Agency
www.AllingAgencyllc.com | (412) 398-2222 Call or click for your free quote today!
Homebuying Assistance URA-Housing Opportunity Fund’s Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program (DPCCAP)
DPCCAP provides financial assistance to first-time homebuyers in the City of Pittsburgh looking to purchase an existing house or newly constructed residential unit. Types of loans and repayment options are available through DPCCAP: • First-time homeowners under 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) can receive up to $7,500 for down payment and closing cost assistance in the form of a 0% interest, 5-year deferred loan.* • First-time homeowners between 80% AMI and 115% AMI can receive up to $5,000 for down payment and closing cost assistance in the form of a 0% interest, 10-year deferred loan.* No payments are made during the term of the loan if residency requirements are met. For more information on borrow eligibility and property eligibility visit: https://www. ura.org/pages/down-payment-and-closingcost-assistance-program/
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)
PHFA offers home purchase assistance loans with lower fees and interest rates through first mortage programs, including: HFA Prefered ™(Lo MI), Keystone Government Loan, or Keystone Home Loan. PHFA also offers funding for Home Improve-
April 2022
ments/Repairs, Refinancing, and other Home Purchase Assistance products. For housing related questions, call 855-U-AreHome (827-3466) or visit www.phfa.org/
Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLB) - First Front Door (FFD)
FFD provides funds to help with down payment or closing costs for first time homebuyers. For every $1, FFD will provide $3, up to $5,000 maximum. Homebuyers must finance their first mortgage through a participating FFD provider in order to access FFD funds. Eligible Incomes: up to 80% Area Median Income. Visit www.firstfrontdoor.com for information.
Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) - Homeownership Program
The HACP Ownership 2022 relaunch with the URA’s OwnPGH partnership presented the following assistance for HACP/HCV recipients, or those families eligible to receive rental assistance: • Borrowers are eligible for up to $50,000 in deferred mortgage financing from the URA and an additional $40,000 in deferred mortgage financing from the HACP. • The URA and the HACP contributions shall be “matching” for total deferred financing less than or equal to $80,000 on behalf of the Borrower (ex., $70,000 in deferred mortgage financing shall be sourced: $35,000 from URA and $35,000 from the HACP).
•
If total deferred financing needed to achieve affordability is above $80,000, the URA will solely fund additional financing, up to $10,000 (for a total URA contribution of not more than $50,000 for each. Borrower). Those interested in HACP Homeownership can call 412-456-5062.
Homeowner Assistance Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency Homeowners’ Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP)
HEMAP is designed for those who, through no fault of their own, are unable to make their mortgage payments and are in danger of foreclosure. Depending on income and financial situation, homeowners may be eligible for: continuing mortgage assistance loans or non–continuing mortgage assistance loans. Contact ACTION-Housing, Garfield Jubilee Associates, Urban League Of Pittsburgh, or other PHFA approved agencies within 33 days of receiving an Act 91 Notice.
URA-Housing Opportunity Fund’s Home Accessibility Program for Independence (HAPI) HAPI is a grant program intended to assist eligible homeowners to construct accessibility modifications to their homes. Accessible modifications include, but are not limited to: Exterior Ramps, Chair Gliders or Lifts, Door Widening,
Thinking of buying your first home? Need help with a down payment and closing costs?
Contact us! (412) 281-9775 lending@neighborworkswpa.org Learn more: www.neighborworkswpa.org/homebuyerhelp NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania is proud to sponsor The Northside Chronicle’s 2022 Homebuyer’s Guide. Founded in the Northside as Neighborhood Housing Services, we’re a non-profit that’s been preparing homebuyers and supporting homeowners for more than 50 years.
The Northside Chronicle
April 2022 Bathroom Modifications, Lowering Kitchen Counters, Sliding Shelves, Visual Door Bells, Visual Phone Signalers. Eligible homeowners may receive a grant from $1,000 up to $10,000 for a single unit home. More information and eligibility requirements at: https://www.ura.org/pages/ home-accessibility-program-for-independence-hapi
ACTION Housing -Allegheny Lead-Safe Homes Program
Eligible Allegheny County homeowners may qualify for a free lead-paint testing oand any lead hazard repairs made up to $12,0000. Eligible incomes: up to 80% Area h Median Income Contact ACTION-Housing at 412-227-5700.
Housing Legal Assistance
Live, Work, & Play
Venture Outdoors
Director of Development & Communication Love the outdoors and have a talent for raising money? Join the team at Venture Outdoors as our new Director of Development & Communications! Duties include: management of fundraising activities including sponsorship, individual giving, membership, fee for service and external marketing/communications. Check out the full job description at https://www.ventureoutdoors.org/about/employment-opportunities/
Neighborhood Legal Services
Housing Legal help with homebuying situations like: Tangled titles (the owner of record is not the occupant of the home) or Rent-to-Own sales contracts vs. a lease. For more information, visit httpsL//www. nlsa.us/
URA-Housing Opportunity Fund’s Legal Assistance Program (LAP)
LAP offers a variety of free housing legal services for eligible homeowners who live in the City of Pittsburgh, including Tangled Title and Foreclosure Prevention services. For more info:https://www.ura.org/pages/ housing-legal-assistance
5 Points Merchants Group (5PM)
Embracing all Neighborhoods North info@5pmgroupobh.org https://www.5pmgroupobh.org Keep watching for more information on: Our Community Garden at Riverview Park Valley Refuge, Summer Flea Markets and Heritage Day. Anyone can rent a space to grow their own vegetables! Contact us to volunteer, donate, rent a garden spot, or participate in our events.
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The Northside Chronicle
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Becoming a Prepared Homebuyer is a Wise Investment By Colin Kelley This past year has many people thinking differently about home and what it means to them. Some renters see low interest rates and rising home prices, and feel anxious to jump into the market so they can enjoy the benefits of homeownership. For most people, buying a home is the biggest financial decision of one’s life. It is a purchase process like no other. Becoming a prepared homebuyer takes some work, but is worthwhile. First, you need to ask yourself some questions about whether homeownership is right for you at this time: • Do I have a reliable, steady source of income? • Do I have good credit? • Have I saved enough for a down payment? • Will I have enough savings for home repairs and emergencies? • Do I plan to stay in a home for more than 5 years? Next, you need to find an unbiased, trusted source to help guide you through the homebuying process. Housing counseling agencies approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can help. A qualified
homeownership counselor is a professional who focuses on what is best for you and your goals as a homebuyer. Whether you are unsure if you are ready, or you feel certain it is time to become a homeowner, a counselor can help guide you. Non-profit homeownership counselors are not trying to sell you something; they put your interests first. When you work with a counselor, they will coach you through every step. Together, you will review your budget and what can you afford. Additionally, you will discuss: • How much money you will need for a down payment and closing costs. • Understanding your credit score and mortgage rates. • Shopping for a home. • What to expect throughout the purchase process. • The types of insurance homeowners need. • Your responsibilities as a homeowner. • Preserving homeownership. A counselor may recommend taking a homebuyer education course. In fact, some down-payment assistance programs and mortgage products for first-time homebuyers may require it. Be sure to verify that the course you take meets a program’s requirements and will provide you with a certificate of completion. Also, check to see when your homebuyer education certificate expires. If saving for a down payment is an obstacle between you and homeownership, a counselor can help you find and navigate assistance programs, which may take the form of a grant or a loan, which
April 2022
must be repaid. They can help you determine whether different assistance can be combined. After you become a homeowner, a counselor can offer guidance when you face life’s changes, whether it is good, such as financially planning for a home improvement project, or challenging, such as losing income and needing emergency budget advice. Wherever you are on your homeownership journey, a homeownership counselor will be there every step of the way. Colin Kelley is CEO of NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania, a HUD-approved non-profit preparing homebuyers and supporting homeowners through down-payment assistance, counseling, and education.
Neighborhood house tours slowly reopening their doors in 2022 By Lauren Stauffer What was more fun than house hunting prior to the pandemic? House tours. For obvious reasons, neighbors and the community group volunteers have post-poned these annual events that bring hundreds of visitors, and prospective homebuyers, into private homes. Neighborhood house tours provide those on the hunt for a home the unique experience of viewing the area’s architectural history while meeting current neighbors. In addition, house tours are
often the main source of fundraising for the community group’s volunteer efforts organized throughout the year. Depending on the neighborhood’s needs, these efforts can look like spring cleaning, garden planting, family-centric events like holiday parades, block parties, public decorations, and gift-giving that enhance the sense of belonging and a communal quality of life. Northside neighborhood house tours include the following and (*) denotes planned/preplanning public announcements from the organizing groups communication materials as of 3/29/2022: • Allegheny West Home & Garden Tour by the Allegheny West Citizens Council * • Brighton Heights Chocolate House Tour by the Brighton Heights Citizens Federation * • Deutschtown Historic District Walking Tour by East Allegheny Citizens Council • East Northside House Tours: featuring Troy Hill, Spring Garden, East Deutschtown, and Spring Hill neighborhoods by the Troy Hill Citizens Inc, Sping Hill Citizens League, and the Community Association of Spring Garden & East Deutschtown (CASGED). • Manchester House & Garden Tour by the Manchester Historic Society • Mexican War Streets House & Garden Tour by the Mexican War Street Society • Observatory Hill Tour of Homes and Outdoor Spaces by the Observatory Hill, Inc.
Pay your mortgage. Not your landlord’s. If you’re renting, you’re already paying a mortgage — just not your own. At FNB, we can help you on the path to homeownership, with a convenient online mortgage application, great rates, flexible terms and local mortgage experts who can guide you every step of the way home. Scan the code to apply online or schedule an appointment today. fnb-online.com | (844) 880-2244
Equal Housing Lender | NMLS# 766529
The Northside Chronicle
April 2022
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First Quarter Report
2022 Northside Real Estate Transfers Real Estate Totals and Median Price Report
Charles Street Valley
Northside neighborhoods saw a decrease in properties* sold this first quarter (Q1) of 2022, with a total of 212 by 98 properties compared to 2021 Q1. Total sales increased for 2022 Q1 at $52,862,517 by $38,225,059 compared to 2021 Q1.
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The following summaries are organized by neighborhood and / indicates the comparison to last year's Q1 real estate transfers.
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Allegheny City Central
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14 properties sold 5 properties with $4,360,607 total property sales by $1,980,516. The median price in this neighborhood for 2022 Q1 was $243,000 by $92,250.
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Allegheny West
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5 properties sold 5 with $1,988,900 total property sales by $1,988,900. The median price in this neighborhood for 2022 Q1 was $299,900 by $299,900.
Brighton Heights
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42 properties sold 19 properties with $7,191,275 total property sales by $3,608,426. The median price in this neighborhood for 2022 Q1 was $175,000 by $20,000.
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California-Kirkbride
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3 properties sold 1 properties with $551,300 total property sales by $496,800. The median price in this neighborhood for 2022 Q1 was $110,000 by $90,000.
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Chateau
↔ same as 2021 ⬆
2 properties sold 2 with $16,491,000 total property sales by $6,491,000. The median price in this neighborhood for 2022 Q1 was $3,270,600 by $3,270,600.
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East Deutschtown
↔
4 properties sold same as 2021 Q1 with $582,500 total property sales by $290,500. The median price in this neighborhood for 2022 Q1 was $117,5000 by $67,500.
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Fineview
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5 properties sold 2 with $1,267,000 total property sales by $934,000. The median price in this neighborhood for 2022 Q1 was $162,000 by $62,000.
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0 properties sold Q1.
Historic Deutschtown
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10 properties sold 6 properties with $3,116,000 total property sales by $1,869,500. The median price in this neighborhood for 2022 Q1 was $325,500 by $329,887.
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Manchester
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8 properties sold 2 properties with $2,307,946 total property sales by $2,013,718. The median price in this neighborhood for 2022 Q1 was $262,500 by $239,887.
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Marshall-Shadeland
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30 properties sold 14 properties with $2,768,550 total property sales by $1,606,810. The median price in this neighborhood for 2022 Q1 was $73,100 by $10,600.
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North Shore
⬆
1 properties sold 1 with $2,432,300 total property sales by $2,432,300. The median price in this neighborhood for 2022 Q1 was $2,432,300 by $2,432,300.
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Northview Heights
↔
1 property sold same as 2021 Q1 with $50,000 total property sales by $15,000. The median price in this neighborhood for 2022 Q1 was $50,000 by $15,000
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Observatory Hill
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Perry Hilltop
Summer Hill
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5 properties sold 3 properties with $740,927 total property sales by $597,927. The median price in this neighborhood for 2022 Q1 was $ 150,000 by $78,500.
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Troy Hill
⬆
24 properties sold 12 properties with $7,200,100 total property sales by $5,513,800. The median price in this neighborhood for 2022 Q1 was $192,500 by $36,500.
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with apartments, other classes or vacant land. Industrial class commercial properties were omitted. Transfer total lists compiled by Business Manager, Lauren Stauffer, with data provided by RealSTATs.
borhood compiled by Managing Editor, Ashlee
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Spring Garden
⬆
5 properties sold 2 properties with $588,200 total property sales by $524,200. The median price in this neighborhood for 2022 Q1 was $25,000 by $4,000.
⬆
⬆
Weekly publishing of Property Transfers by Neigh-
21 properties sold 9 properties with $1,728,889 total property sales by $561,139. The median price in this neighborhood for 2022 Q1 was $35,000 by $6,500.
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13 properties sold 11 properties with $6,753,973 total property sales by $6,522,973. The median price in this neighborhood for 2022 Q1 was $42,000 by $73,000.
*Properties are defined as residential, commercial
19 properties sold 3 properties with $2,793,050 total property sales by $792,550. The median price in this neighborhood for 2022 Q1 was $159,500 by $10,750.
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Spring Hill
⬇
Green, at www.nschronicle.com Does your company value local real estate information and reports? Consider becoming a content sponsor. Call 412-321-3919 or email advertising@ thenorthsidechronicle.com
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The Northside Chronicle
April 2022
The Northside Chronicle
April 2022
Page 19
Descendant of firehouse architect supports building’s historic designation
From Firehouse, Page 1 City Council feel the same way [as we do,] then that sort of helps to ensure its future,”
Photo courtesy of Inga Gudmundsson
Joseph Stillburg, the architect in charge of building what is now known as the Troy Hill Firehouse #39. McSwigan said of the firehouse. “It’s about the past, but it also kind of helps keep it somewhat stable and rooted as part of Troy Hill going forward in that whoever buys it down the road—whether it stays with the City or whether it’s sold off to some other private person or entity—then that helps to ensure some continuity and stability for the neighborhood while still allowing for changes.” McSwigan added that giving the firehouse historic landmark designation would honor the modest neighborhood’s history. “I guess it sort of provides [a] foundational kind of a building block, first by saying this place has some significance, both to the local, immediate neighborhood—to the Northside in general, for Allegheny County, and to Pittsburgh at large—that we value the building,” McSwigan explained. “We value its history; its contributions to… the neighborhood.” If the historic landmark designation process is successful, the firehouse will be the seventh historic landmark in the area and will join the ranks of the Troy Hill Incline, the 31st Street Bridge, the Thomas Carlin’s Sons Foundry property, Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, and St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Croatian Church. Throughout the process, McSwigan reported that so far, there’s been only positive feedback from the community. She also pointed out that due to the long road to designation, this won’t be a decision that’s made lightly and the public will have ample opportunity to weigh in. When the HRC discussed the matter, the nomination was positively received with
members holding the belief that due to the building’s history and its unique architecture, it was an acceptable candidate for nomination. “I think it’s a great candidate and I do hope that somewhere along the line, somebody can bring it back to how it used to look,” Commission member Karen Loysen said. “That would be fabulous.” While there was no public comment submitted on behalf of the firehouse’s nomination, Lucia Aguirre, chairperson of the HRC, read a paragraph from a letter that was submitted by Inga Gudmundsson, a descendent of the building’s architect Joseph Stillburg. Within the letter, Gudmundsson urged the commission to approve the nomination. Aguirre read from the letter that Troy Hill Firehouse #39 is “a building that has lasting influence not only on the men and women who worked in it but also the residents who’ve shared a lasting connection to the building over the past century. “As not only a proponent of historic preservation, but also [of] the importance of community in my own community, I believe that Troy Hill Firehouse is an important building to be preserved.” Next, the City’s Planning Commission will weigh in on the firehouse’s historic landmark designation. If they approve, the nomination will head to the Pittsburgh City Council. n
In memoriam: Matthew Onyshko
Photo courtesy of O’Brien’s Funeral Home Matthew Onyshko, a City of Pittsburgh firefighter and resident of Brighton Heights, died on Sunday, March 6, 2022. He was 41 years old. Onyshko worked at the Historic Deutschtown Firehouse for about 16 years. He was a linebacker for the California University of Pennsylvania football team from 2000 to 2003. In 2013, he made waves for a lawsuit he filed against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which alleged that the concussions he experienced during his football career led to him developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known as ALS. Onyshko appeared twice on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” In his first appearance, in October of 2014, he and his wife, Jessica, talked about his experience with ALS and how following his diagnosis, his colleagues at the Historic Deutschtown Firehouse began covering his work shifts to make sure that his immediate family still received paychecks and benefits. “Our condolences and sincere sympathies to the Onyshko family,” wrote John Cooley, a veteran firefighter, on Onyshko’s online Tribute Wall. “We are always saddened when we lose one of our own.” n
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April 2022
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April 2022
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Page 21
Brighton Heights’ paramedic shares firsthand account of Fern Hollow Bridge collapse By Joseph Glassbrenner This article was originally published in the Brighton Heights Citizens Report, a publication of the Brighton Heights Citizens Federation. It has been lightly edited for style and clarity. When people ask, ‘What are some of the greatest things about Brighton Heights?,’ how might you answer? You could say our homes, because of the craftsman-style architecture and character they harness. Some might say the convenience and accessibility to City parks, grocery stores, and Downtown. Others may believe our churches, because of the beauty and diversity of each of them. I want to share with you what I believe is the greatest thing: our people. On the morning of January 28, 2022, Jon Atkinson was enjoying a day off from his usual 6 a.m. start time as a City of Pittsburgh paramedic, although his alarm was still set for 7:30 a.m. for a meeting. Atkinson serves as the president of the Fraternal Association of Professional Paramedics Local 1 Union and had a scheduled meeting to discuss a number of items with the deputy chief. Before Atkinson even became fully awake, he was sifting through “a bunch of texts about the [Fern Hollow] Bridge.” It soon became clear that something big had happened, but he was unsure how serious the matter was until he made the call to his deputy chief. The deputy chief answered the phone and began to brief Atkinson about the bridge that had just collapsed. Atkinson asked, “Did it actually completely collapse?”
and “Is this going to affect our meeting?” Her answer was direct: “This is something major,” she said. Atkinson hopped in his truck and left
Affordable, Comfortable Retirement Living • Spacious one-bedroom floor plans • Rent is based on income • Controlled access building • On-site Laundry • Service Coordinator Photo courtesy of Jon Atkinson
Jon Atkinson stands in the living room of his Kleber Street residence with his American Akita, Kodi. his quiet street for the Fern Hollow Bridge. While on the 15-minute drive from his Kleber Street residence to the site, Atkinson used this time to follow the communications over his dispatch radio to get up to speed on the crisis at hand. See Bridge, Page 24
BJ’s hosting weekly open stage From Business, Page 12 notice, it’s a “thoughtful exploration of how ‘the grumpy old man next door’ develops an unlikely friendship with his boisterous new neighbors.” The last time Hanks was in town with Hollywood was 2019, when pre-pandemic, he was filming “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” the Fred Rogers biopic.
BJ’s Event Center hosts weekly ‘open stage’ for all ages Northsiders can now showcase their talents at the weekly, all-ages open stage at BJ’s Event Center in Marshall-Shadeland. The Woods Run Artists’ Open Stage event takes place every Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. at BJ’s, located at 1439 Woods Run Ave. Hosted by Bill Henry of The Bill Henry Band, all ages and styles are welcome to participate and doors open at 6 p.m. Just show up to get on the list: Sign up starts at
6:30 p.m. For more information, see the BJ’s Event Center Facebook Page at https:// www.facebook.com/BJseventcenter/.
Shorty’s Pins x Pints now open on the North Shore Smartphones are optional at the new Shorty’s Pins x Pints on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. It’s, as they say on their website, “retro-tainment at its finest.” In the interactive game room and bar, guests can take a step back in time, pre-internet, to the days of board games and real-life conversation. In addition to board games, there’s corn hole, bocce ball, pinball, video games, duckpin bowling, shuffleboard, and outdoor fire pits; not to mention a variety of taco delicacies, cocktails, wine, craft beer, and nonalcoholic beverages. Shorty’s is located at 353 North Shore Dr. n
Affordable living for seniors age 62 and older or mobility impaired.
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Page 22
Where Senior
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April 2022
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Interdisciplinary care could make pregnancy and birth safer for Black parents By Juliet Martinez This story is published in partnership with the Pittsburgh Community Newspaper Network (PCNN). It was originally printed in The Homepage, the hyperlocal community newspaper serving Greater Hazelwood, Greenfield, Glen Hazel, New Homewood, the 31st Ward and The Run. It has been lightly edited for style and clarity. Black Maternal Health week is April 11-17, and as it approaches, advocates for the health of Black parents and babies are raising an alarm. Data released by the CDC earlier this year showed Black birthing people died within six weeks of giving birth at three times the rate of white people who had recently been pregnant. Before the pandemic, a gender equity report showed that Black infants and birthing parents in Pittsburgh were already at higher risk of death than their white counterparts. The organization Black Mamas Matter Alliance said in a statement that this comes from unequal access to care, conflicting policies, and outright negligence. The Atlanta-based nonprofit promotes policy changes, research and reframing of the conversation around Black maternal health, as well as holistic care for Black birthing people. The statement calls for policymakers to commit to equitable health policies at all levels, guided by input from those most invested in the health of Black parents and babies. “As always, we must look and listen to the many Black women doctors, nurses, midwives, doulas, scholars, researchers, and organizers who are working to rebuild trust and provide quality care for Black Mamas within their communities,” the statement said. Brandy Gentry works on this every day. Gentry is a doula, which means she is a trained support person during pregnancy, childbirth, and the first months with a new baby. Gentry became a doula to give others the support she needed and lacked during pregnancy and after her son was stillborn in 2010. She became a certified birth and bereavement doula and founded Oli’s Angels, a nonprofit offering free wraparound services to low-income and at-risk families before, during, and after birth. She also runs
the doula program at the Allegheny County Jail. She says interdisciplinary care for all pregnant people would help address the disparities between Black and white maternal health. In this model, community support
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Brandy Gentry became a certified birth and bereavement doula and founded Oli’s Angels to give others the support she needed and lacked after her son was stillborn in 2010. like doulas, social workers, dietician,s and therapists would be bundled with medical care. Gentry said during a phone call in March that doctors simply can’t do it all: Pregnant people need community support to stay healthy. And they need to communicate well with doctors, who sometimes have implicit biases. Gentry said she teaches her clients to ask questions and take their time to think things over in prenatal appointments in order to interact, she says, in a way that keeps patients safe. “[Patients] should never leave an appointment without asking at least one question,” she said. “It creates a more informed experience, which keeps them so much safer.” n
Read all of our Pitsburgh Community Newspaper Network (PCNN) stories at nschronicle.com
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April 2022
YINZBURGH! COMICS Atkinson ‘let his training By Nils Hanczar and instincts lead the way’ From Bridge, Page 21
Visit our website: www.thenorthsidechronicle.com for news about Northside real estate, events, & more.
“There was a ton of radio traffic, but what caught my ear was the assistant chief was in the ravine with a group of patients that needed brought out of the ravine,” Atkinson said. I asked him, “What did you see upon pulling up?” Atkinson told me: “The entire bridge was collapsed; there was a huge gas leak spewing gas so loud you could barely hear.” After making radio contact with his assistant chief, Atkinson called out over the radio, “I’m here at the scene. I have a fourwheel drive truck. Do you want me to come down there?” The answer was short: “Yeah, come down.” The following events consisted of combined efforts by the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS), Pittsburgh Park Rangers, and Pittsburgh Emergency Medical Services. Alan Hausman with OEMHS showed Atkinson an access gate located in the back of Homewood Cemetery while park rangers led the safest route by way of 4x4 Gator utility vehicles. When they arrived at the bottom of the ravine, “rescue truck medics had already done the hard work” to get
down there and stabilize those injured. The next step was loading one female patient into the bed of the truck and securing her by way of a rescue basket. Another male who was on the bridge when it collapsed was told to “ride up front with me.” The male stated, “I feel fine. I just need to get to work.” They slowly made their way to the top of the hill to safety, where ambulances were ready to transport the injured people to local hospitals. Atkinson let his training and instincts lead the way to a heroic and unorthodox rescue this day, like he has done repeatedly in his 21 years of service to the people of Pittsburgh. He has accepted all opportunities to further his training and skills. This has led to positions as a SWAT medic with the City of Pittsburgh Police SWAT Team, a diver for the River Rescue Unit, and as stated previously, the Union President. When Atkinson is not working, he volunteers as the Chief of the Seville Volunteer Fire Company. In the spare time he has, he enjoys walking his dog Kodi, spending time with his girlfriend, and playing ice hockey. I want to thank Atkinson for taking the time to share his story with me. If you see him in the neighborhood, feel free to introduce yourself and thank him for representing Brighton Heights so well. n
April 2022
The Northside Chronicle
Page 25
Northside Real Estate Transfers
Allegheny City Central
Marshall-Shadeland
Westwind Construction Inc. to Joseph Anthony Oliveri, Lauren Marie Gardonis, 1326 Sherman Ave., $489,900.
Susan Rogers Ulrich to Dale Hallam at 835 Grand Ave. for $50,000.
Andrew Behnke to Phumelele Trasada at 1531 Monterey St. for $410,000.
Ronald Greno to Ronald Greno and June Ley at 930 Smithton Ave. for $24,054.
Philip Snow to Wise Options LLC at 1218 Boyle St. for $30,000.
Kimberly Fornauf to Donald Schrecengost Jr. at 1324 Superior Ave. for $54,000.
Northside Properties R & S LLC to North Side Assoc. at 532 Armandale St. for $7,872.
Rose Miale to Ex Properties Inc. at 3204 Mcclure Ave. for $90,000.
Estate of Keith Valentine to Monterey Street Project LLC at 1230 Monterey St. for $250,000.
Allegheny West EJohn Yates trustee to Matthew Lynn and Jacqueline Kay Holder at 929 Beech Ave. for $700,000. Ritsu Shimizu to Betty Jo Ann Lagunday at 1001 Galveston Ave. for $320,000.
Brighton Heights Willis Berkshire to James Farinacci and Christy Constable at 3938 California Ave. for $310,000.
North Shore Allegheny Shores LLC to Heinz Apartments LLC at 1075 Progress St. for $5,375,000.
Observatory Hill Timothy Andrews to DDEG Holding Co1 LLC at 3006 Marshall Road for $87,750. David Myers to Modernly Classic Homes LLC at 4012 Perrysville Ave. for $130,000.
Kenneth Shackelford to Jaroen Suksawatnamchok and Sunanthaya Yaibua at 1026 Davis Ave. for $260,000.
Perry Hilltop
David Catterall to Andrew Kirtland and Danielle Pastin at 3619 Purdue St. for $243,000.
Aaron Magill to Allison Jones at 1845 Clayton Ave. Apt 308 for $189,900.
McChow Holdings LLC to William Davis at 3925 Kleber St. for $360,000.
Stan Sobol to Lukas Bagshaw and Tricia Patsilevas at 412 Ridgewood St. for $175,000.
Intellectual Properties Pittsburgh LLC to Crystal Crivelli at 1627 Antrim St. for $375,000.
Joshua Thompson to Pops & Boss LLC at 2419 Hazelton St. for $28,500.
Charles Street Valley
Spring Hill
Joshua Barker to Sean Sassaman at 614 Chester Ave. for $197,500.
Jordan Vescio to LSRB LLC at 1311 Diana Pl for $50,000.
Freda Graczyk to Andrew James Shields at 810 Maginn St. for $45,000.
Mary Lynn Miller to Nathan and Linda Campisi at 1630 Rhine St. for $110,000.
East Deutschtown Bloomfield Enterprises LLC to Eric Friedl at 841 Peralta St. for $10,000.
Fineview
Regina Tester to Overbeck Properties LLC at 120 Overbeck St. for $34,071.
Summer Hill Estate of Timothy Knoebel to Ann Elizabeth Jakubek at 4486 Morefield St. for $205,000. Lois Schenkel to AG PITT 2 LLC at 139 Ivory Ave. for $135,000.
Duncan Henricks to Christine Grenci at 166 Henderson St. for $110,000.
Ralph Papania to Greg McCaraney at 108 Montville St. for $60,000.
Historic Deutschtown
Troy Hill
Lance Chimka to Anneliese Martinez at 514 Foreland St. for $399,000.
Rodger Neurohr to Hollis Homes LLC at 1132 Goettman St. for $60,000.
Danielle Scott to Christian Petticord at 1336 James St. for $404,000.
Delores Rouda to Andrew Brugnone and Gretchen Bateman at 2119 Straubs Ln for $249,900.
Manchester
A & B Renovation LLC to Donna and Nicole Moga at 1826 Ley St. for $71,000. Thomas Joseph III to Mosa One LLC at 24 Overlook Ct for $726,000.
Creative Solutions Investments LLC to Bava Property Group LLC at 1431 Adams St. for $67,000.
Jeff Anesin to Joseph Kennedy and Dawn Hartman at 1503 Gardner St. for $275,000.
Marlene Washington to Greater Allen Contracting LLC at 1507 Allegheny Ave. for $27,500.
William Russell to Jeffrey and Fairlight Lower at 1109 Goettman St. for $286,620.
Estate of Carl Mark Brentley to David and Lauren Abt at 1112 Liverpool St. for $183,000.
Darrin Reynolds to Brad Leyenaar and Ross Cunningham at 2146 Lautner St. for $40,000.
October Real Estate Holdings LLC to Carissa Just at 1325 Sheffield St. for $399,000.
Derek Green to 1313 Lowrie Penn LLC at 1313 Lowrie St. for $182,500.
Estate of Darryl Cook to Fifth Ave Property Group LLC at 1411 W North Ave. for $125,000.
Richard Rectenwald to QGE Holdings LLC at 1622 Lowrie St. for $465,000.
Michael Olzak to Michael Mihalsky at 1239 Columbus Ave. for $405,000.
Real estate transfers also listed at www.nschronicle.com
The Northside Chronicle
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April 2022
‘Fat Tuesday’ party at Elks Lodge #339 marks the end of Mardi Gras
Ask An Attorney By Matthew D. Gailey, Gailey Law Group A trial attorney’s main task at trial is to communicate effectively with a jury. In order to communicate the nature of your case witnesses will need to present evidence. One of the witnesses that will invariably testify in a personal injury matter is an expert witness, usually a doctor. This month’s article will focus on the difference between expert witnesses and normal witnesses. An expert witness has specialized knowledge that will assist a jury to understand the evidence or determining a fact at issue. For instance, an orthopedic surgeon can testify about the nature of a broken hip or leg that someone has suffered in a fall. A normal witness can not do the same thing. An expert witness also can be qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education. An example of an expert witness who can offer opinions based on experience would be a mechanic testifying in a case about inadequate automobile repairs. One of the main differences between expert witnesses and a normal witness is that an expert can offer opinion testimony. An expert’s opinion also has to be sufficient to prove the issue in question. For example, if a plaintiff is complaining
of back pain from an automobile accident, the physician must be able to testify that the automobile accident was the cause of the plaintiff’s pain. Furthermore, the expert’s opinion must rely on evidence that is reasonably relied upon in the expert’s field. One final aspect of working with expert witnesses is speaking with the expert prior to trial. It is important that a jury be able to understand the technical testimony of an expert in a relatable way. It is also vital for a trial attorney to be as concise as possible with an expert as juries, like most folks, can bore easily. Frankly, I hope this brief article on experts was not too boring for the Chronicle readers either.
“West Courtroom” by afagen is marked with CC BY-NCSA 2.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons. org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/?ref=openverse
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The Allegheny Elks Lodge #339 held its popular ‘Fat Tuesday’ party on March 1. Guests came out for food, drinks, dancing, and fun. n
The Northside Chronicle
April 2022
You can still choose a better Medicare plan. UPMC for Life received 5 out of 5 stars from Medicare for 2022.
Great news! If you’re looking for better Medicare coverage, it’s not too late to switch to a 5-star rated Medicare Advantage plan from UPMC Health Plan. Choose from plans that include $0 monthly premiums, $0 copays for primary care visits, allowances for dental, vision, and everyday health care products, free gym memberships, and award-winning* customer service from a Health Care Concierge team. Don’t wait. Make the switch. More people choose UPMC Health Plan for their Medicare Advantage coverage than any other Medicare plan in Western PA. Choose UPMC Health Plan today. Call us toll-free at 1-844-836-2751 seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. TTY: 711. Visit upmchealthplan.com/medicare.
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Page 27
We are STILL helping Northside Kids who help their neighborhoods! Apply now for our annual Scholarship Program
Application Form Name: _________________________________________________________
NORTHSIDE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2022 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Address : ______________________________________________________ (with Zip-Code)
Purpose of Scholarship: To recognize and award high school seniors who volunteer their time to improve the Northside community.
Phone Number: _________________________________________________
Eligibility for Scholarship: ANY Northside resident in the 12th grade, who performs volunteer service in their community and who is attending a college or training program after high school.
Email: _________________________________________________________ High School:____________________________________________________ Neighborhood in, which you reside (please circle one): Allegheny West Brightwood Central Northside East Allegheny Manchester Observatory Hill Spring Garden Summer Hill
Brighton Heights Calbride Charles Street Fineview Northview Heights Perry Hilltop Spring Hill Troy Hill
Applications must be submitted by Friday, April 15, 2022 **PLEASE NOTE! Please submit an electronic version of your essay. Email to: kelly@pittsburghnorthside.com Questions regarding the scholarship program should be directed to Kelly at the Conference office (412) 231-4714 ext 201
Award: $1,000 scholarships will be awarded. Candidates will be recruited through neighborhood groups and high schools, both private and public. The individuals must reside on the Northside, but they need not attend a Northside high school. Awardees: Will be selected by the NSLC Dinner Committee, which is made up of representatives of the neighborhoods and participating sponsors. The number of scholarships will be determined by sponsor commitments. Criteria for Selection: The student should prepare an essay of 500 words or less, which describe his or her volunteer activities and future educational plans. In reviewing the student essays, the Committee will consider spelling and grammar and their overall volunteerism. Consequently, students applying for a scholarship should check their spelling and grammar. Students are encouraged to use the spell check on their computer, and/or to have a teacher, parent or friend review their essay. On the application form, the applicant should include their name, address, phone number, school, and neighborhood in which they reside. Your name, gender or reference to race should not appear on your essay. Also, include a copy of your high school academic records. Letters of Reference: Two letters of reference are required. Your school principal, guidance counselor, or teacher should submit one letter. The second should be a letter from someone who is familiar with your volunteer activities (not a family member). Applications: All applications must be submitted by Friday, April 15, 2022 Additional Requirements: Upon selection of an award, you must provide proof of enrollment with a college or technical/vocational school. You or a parent must also attend the Annual Dinner event and receive your scholarship in person.
Applications also available at www.pittsburghnorthside.com
Mail to: Northside Leadership Conference Scholarship Committee Attn: Kelly MacKay 1319 Allegheny Avenue – 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15233
