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Volume 27 No. 4 April 2011

2011 Homebuyer and Home Improvement Guide

Photo By Kelly Thomas

This Fineview home was one of 479 homes bought on the Northside in 2010. Read the buyers’ story and see more home sale data in our Special Section.

More people seem to be calling the Northside home these days, and with good reason. With plentiful parks, a rich history and easy access to other parts of the city, developers and community groups are putting their money into improving and enriching our communities. Our 2010 Homebuyer and Home Improvement Guide features stories, tips and statistics for those considering a move to the Northside, or for readers who already live in and enjoy one of our many great neighborhoods. Inside our Homebuyer Guide you can find: -Homebuyer profile: Finding Fineview -Urban gardening: More than aesthetics -RealStats: Local real estate transactions -Ask the Realtor: What to know and do -Handyman and contractor listings Northside real estate market The Northside’s real estate market is

unique in that it contains many different neighborhoods and demographics. In the following months, The Northside Chronicle will feature articles on the local real estate climate, examining trends and comparing sales prices, and looking at quarterly trends from 2010 and 2011. We’ll also examine: -New construction and resale values: Where the new construction is and how much those homes resell for -Buyers: Who is buying, where they are from and who occupies a home - Commercial real estate transactions: Where the most properties are being sold and what kind of redevelopment follows In this month’s Homebuyer’s Guide, The Chronicle looks at 2010 home sales in the various Northside neighborhoods, including median sales price and number of homes sold in each neighborhood. Flip to our Special Section in the middle of The Chronicle to find all of these stories.

Services plentiful for older adults on Northside By Isaac Saul In the 2000 Census, nearly 418,000 people over age 65 were counted in Allegheny and the five surrounding counties. And each and every day, volunteers step up to make the lives of senior citizens more pleasant and easier to manage. Three of the major senior services that can be found in the Northside are the Meals on Wheels program offered by Lutheran Service society, the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging, and the Northside

INSIDE

Citiparks Senior Community Centers. Lutheran Service Society Some of those volunteers who improv seniors’ lives work for the Lutheran Service Society, a nonprofit, faith-based human services provider. Leslie Montgomery, the director of volunteer services for the society, helps run the Meals on Wheels program that delivers pre-cooked meals to seniors in the area. “Almost all of our programs are driven by volunteers,” Montgomery

-District 1 contenders, incumbent 6 STORIES, COLUMNS, -Perry High sees heart surgery 11 FEATURES & MORE -Budget cuts for local services 7

said. “The Meals on Wheels program has volunteers that come in five days a week to help prepare meals, and then deliver them to people who are home bound.” To qualify for the program, seniors must be unable to plan, shop or prepare meals for themselves, or have a temporary or permanent disability. The services offered are primarily for senior residents above the age of 60, but Montgomery said that they serve some younger residents as well. According to Montgomery, the program’s meals offer nearly

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two thirds the daily recommended nutritional value for seniors. But the meal isn’t the only priority. “We always say the visit is just as important as the meal being delivered,” Montgomery said. “Volunteers are trained to observe the situation in the home they are delivering to and to make sure the person is alright. Usually they are the only person to see the client each day so they can be their only connection to the outside world.” The program doesn’t want to

See Senior Services, page 19

-Weekly reports of meetings, housing court schedules & more WWW.THENORTHSIDE CHRONICLE.COM -Casino/NSLC photo gallery

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THE NORTHSIDE CHRONICLE 922 Middle St. • Pittsburgh, PA 15212

April 2011

Community Meetings To have your community meeting included, email editor@thenorthsidechronicle.com Allegheny West Civic Council 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 7:30 p.m. Calvary United Methodist Church 412.323.8884

Manchester Citizens Corporation Quarterly meetings, call for times MCC Center, 1319 Allegheny Ave. 412.323.1743

Brighton Heights Citizens Federation 2nd Thursday, bi-monthly, 7 p.m. Morrow Elementary School 412.734.0233

Manchester Public Safety Meeting Quarterly meetings, call for times Northside Leadership Conference 412.323.1743

Managing Editor Emily Leone E-mail: managinged@thenorthsidechronicle.com

Brightwood Civic Group 3rd Tuesday, bi-monthly, 7 p.m. Pressley Ridge, 2611 Stayton St. 412.732.8152

Northside Rotary Club Every Friday, noon Cardello Building, 2nd Floor

Assistant Editor Kelly Thomas E-mail: assistanted@thenorthsidechronicle.com

Brightwood Community Emergency Response Shelter 3rd Thursday, monthly, 6 p.m. 3219 Central Ave.

www.thenorthsidechronicle.com Phone 412-321-3919 • Fax 412-321-1447 Mail Subscriptions are available at a rate of $30 per year.

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 412.758.3898 Central Northside Neighborhood Council

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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 2011

2nd Monday, monthly, 7 p.m. Allegheny Traditional Academy 412.231.7742

Charles Street Area Council 1st Monday, monthly, call for times Pittsburgh Project, 2801 N. Charles St. 412.321.5567 Community Alliance of Spring Garden/ East Deutschtown 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. Fuhrer Building of St. Michael’s Church 412.977.1979 Deutschtown New Hope Council 3rd Thursday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. Community Center, 623 Suismon St. East Allegheny Community Council 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 7 p.m. Bistro Annex 412.321.1204 Ex-offender Aftercare Support Group Saturdays, 4-5:30 p.m. Allegheny Center Alliance Church 801 Union Place Fineview Citizens Council 3rd Wednesday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. Reformed Presbyterian Home Pennsylvania Ave. 412.231.0330 Mexican War Streets Society 3rd Tuesday, monthly, 7 p.m. AUU Church, Resaca Pl. and North Ave. 412.323.9030

Northside Coalition for Fair Housing Board 2nd Monday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. 1821 Brighton Rd. 412.321.5527 Northside Coalition for Fair Housing Membership Monthly, call for times 1821 Brighton Rd. 412.321.5521 Northside Leadership Conference Call for times 4 Allegheny Center, Suite 601 412.330.2559 North Side Lions Club 2nd and 4th Tuesday, monthly, noon Max’s Allegheny Tavern North Side Public Safety Council 1st Thursday, monthly, 5:30 p.m. Northside Leadership Conference 412.330.2559 Observatory Hill, Inc. 3rd Wednesday, monthly, 7 p.m. Byzantine Seminary, 3605 Perrysville Ave. 412.231.2887 Perry Hilltop Citizens’ Council 4th Monday, monthly, 7:30 p.m. Angel’s Place, 2605 Norwood St. 412.321.4632 The Promise Group Every other Tuesday, 6 p.m. Western Pa. Humane Society 412.321.1019 Troy Hill Citizens Council June 16, Sept. 15, Dec. 15 North Catholic High School 412-321-2852 Spring Hill Civic League Spring Hill Elementary School contact@shcl.org Summer Hill Citizens Committee 3rd Tuesday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. WPXI Television Station community room

April 2011

The Northside Chronicle

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Neighborhood planners stress change in attitude, image over building in Cal-Bride By Kelly Thomas A neighborhood consulting firm at an initial meeting on the future of California-Kirkbride March 23 stressed that in order for neighborhood revitalization, the community needs to focus on image and attitude, not buildings. California-Kirkbride Neighbors, along with the Northside Coalition for Fair Housing, have hired Virginia-based neighborhood planning firm CZB, LLC to come up with a revitalization plan for the troubled area. CZB went through a rigorous process that involved the URA and the City Planning Commission before being hired. CZB Principal Charles Buki and associates David Boehlke and Karen Beck Pooley presented their initial thoughts and findings

on the neighborhood’s strengths and weaknesses to more than 50 Cal-Bride and Central Northside residents. Although Buki and his associates took questions periodically throughout the meeting, most attendees listened intently. Murmurs of “that’s right” ran through the room at frequent intervals, and most seemed to accept the challenging road ahead of them. Because Cal-Bride and the Central Northside have a history of strife and tension, Buki demanded that everyone in the room respect and listen to the opinions of others, and stressed that his firm would not tell the neighborhood what to do, but rather how to do what it wants to do. “We don’t have a 20 year history, we don’t know who hates one another, but we do know the

market,” Buki said. “The planning process is collaborative. Nothing goes in one ear and out the other. Nothing.” Ronell Guy of the NCFH said that while the planning process was open to anyone with an interest in the neighborhood, only Cal-Bride residents will be able to vote on the plan. She also precluded those who own property in the neighborhood but don’t live there. California-Kirkbride Neighbors President Debbie Reed echoed Guy’s sentiments. “We need to get together, and we need to show power, and we need to do what’s best for us,” Reed said to loud cheers. Buki explained that Pittsburgh’s housing market is already fragile, and very little unsubsidized housing is being built. Cal-Bride is an extremely weak market, so rather

than trying to build its way toward a better neighborhood, it needs to clean up what it already has. The ultimate goal is that CalBride will become a neighborhood in which people choose to live, and in which developers and businesses appropriate for the area choose to take risks and establish businesses, Buki said. The key in accomplishing this, Boehlke said, is getting residents — whether renters or home owners — to invest in the neighborhood, and controlling how the neighborhood is perceived. “The first thing every neighborhood needs to decide is what its story is,” Boehlke said. “If you don’t control the identity of your neighborhood, others will.” He stressed that “investment”

See Cal-Bride, page 16

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The Northside Chronicle

April 2011

News Briefs First round of Casino funds given The Northside Leadership Conference March 16 presented about half a million dollars in grant money from Rivers Casino to eight neighborhood development and community groups for 11 projects throughout the Northside. The rest of the $1 million will be distributed through the Northside Community Development Fund in the form of low interest loans. The casino will disburse the next $1 million to the Conference on June 30, 2011. These are the first projects funded by Rivers per an agreement to give NSLC $1 million a year for three years. •Historic Deutschtown Branding Initiative, Deutschtown Merchants Association, $36,400 grant •Western Renewed! Allegheny West Civic Council, $20,000 grant •Fineview Gateway Project, Fineview Citizens Council, $7,500 grant •Preservation of 1108

Federal St., Central Northside Neighborhood Council, $20,000 equity investment •Federal Street Commercial Facade Grants, Central Northside Neighborhood Council, $10,000 grant •Garden Theater Block Public Safety Improvements, Central Northside Neighborhood Council, $2,500 grant •Historic Deutschtown East Gateway Facade Renovation, Historic Deutschtown Development Corp., $80,000 grant •St. John’s Development Site, Brighton Heights Citizens Federation, $75,000 grant •Woodland Ave. Revitalization Project, Brightwood Civic Group, $75,000 grant and $125,000 loan •Lanark Street Predevelopment, Fineview Citizens Council, $20,000 loan •Manchester Renaissance Housing Program, Manchester Citizens Corp., $75,000 grant The Chronicle is a subsidiary of NSCDF but has not and will not receive any Casino funding.

New coffee shop opens on E. Ohio Muddy Cup Coffee opened its doors mid-March on the corner of East Ohio Street and Cedar Avenue. The shop, which occupies the former JR’s bar, was opened by Renee Tokar, who also owns the Bellevue location. It features coffee and tea drinks, smoothies and baked goods, and plans to host poetry readings and open mic nights. Muddy Cup Coffee is open 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday; and 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday. Western Ave. to see new eatery Brix wood-fired wine bar will open at 900 Western Ave. in May. Co-owner Paul Tebbets, the owner of Toast! Kitchen and Wine bar in Shadyside, said Brix will feature rustic French and Italian cuisine and will cater to the lunch and dinner crowds as well as wine fans. The eatery will have a more casual focus with plates ranging from $4-19.

The hours of operation will be 4 - 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 4 - 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday initially. Courtyard seating will be available, weather permitting. BBF raises funds for Japan Brother’s Brother Foundation has collected more than $150,000 for Japan, said Executive Director Luke Hingson. The Central Northside charity has partnered with the JapanAmerica Society of Pennsylvania to identify three areas of focus on which to use the money raised Donna Lee Siple, executive director of JASP, said they had originally hoped to identify three main areas they wanted to help by the end of April or beginning of May. That timeline may be pushed back because the situation in Japan is still unfolding and damage is still being measured. To make a donation to Brother’s Brother Foundation, visit them online at www.brothersbrother.org.

April 2011

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Bottle club may open soon in E. Deutschtown By Emily Leone A bottle club may open on Progress Street on the Northside in the coming months. Juan Lloyd, of Rankin, wants to open Dulgance Night Club at 887 Progress Street in East Deutschtown at the former St. Wenceslaus Church and Pittsburgh Playhouse before summertime, he said. Bottle clubs, which are establishments that are not licensed by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and admit patrons upon payment of a fee, cover charge or membership fee, may give complimentary alcohol to patrons or allow them to bring their own. Lloyd, who formerly owned and operated the Pleasure Ultra Show Lounge in North Braddock, said that the Northside location will not have adult entertainment and that the term “exotic bartenders” on his website just refers to “very attractive women.”

Lloyd plans to charge a monthly membership fee per patron in addition to a cover charge that includes entertainment and security, and likens his business model to that of a gym or entertainment venue. A clean background check and steady employment are two of the requirements for membership, Lloyd said. “This allows this model of a business to pretty much keep out problems that other clubs deal with on a nightly basis,” Lloyd said. “It also allows me to allow people to have a few hours to cool down and sober up. It also allows them to keep socializing but it removes the alcohol.” Lloyd said that although he has not been to a community group meeting, he has met with zoning officials as well as a representative from a Northside community group, although he did not remember who that individual was. The Chronicle could not confirm the identity of that person either.

Zoning Code Administration Officer Brendan Schubert said that Lloyd had met with him to discuss his plans, but that no application has been submitted. The building is approved for use, Lloyd said, but he must resolve parking issues, add bathrooms and make the space handicap accessible. Lloyd said parking is the issue at hand and he does not see any major impact in terms of the community. “There are very few residents on that side of the bridge,” he said. “The building has very thick walls, so the sound will be very well insulated.” Ruth Ann Dailey, president of Community Alliance of Spring Garden / East Deutschtown said that the group is aware of the club has no official position at this time. Barbara Burns, of the East Allegheny Community Council, said she has not been contacted about the club but would be opposed to it. “A problem you run into is that it becomes an enforcement issue,”

Photo by Emily Leone

The former St. Wenceslaus Church and Pittsburgh Playhouse on Progress Street may soon be a bottle club she said. “If you want to have liquor, have a liquor license. Have a process so that the public know what you are going to do.”

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The Northside Chronicle

April 2011

Three candidates vying for District 1 seat Challengers Wilson, Pallus will try to beat incumbent Harris on May 17 By Kelly Thomas Democrats Bobby Wilson of Spring Hill and Vince Pallus of Brighton Heights are challenging incumbent and current City Council President Darlene Harris of Spring Hill. for Pittsburgh City Council’s District 1 seat. Interviews are ordered alphabetically by last name. Darlene Harris Darlene Harris isn’t running for a second term in District 1 because she sees herself as a politician and wants to keep her job, but to make a difference, she said. “I’m proud not to only be a leader in my community, but that my colleagues see me as a leader,” she said of being elected city council president in early 2010. “I’m not a

politician, I’m a public servant, and there’s a big difference.” The biggest problem the Northside faces now, she said, is drugs, followed closely by large numbers of abandoned buildings that need to be torn down or renovated, depending on the level of deterioration. Harris said she has made decisions in City Council based on what the community wanted, not based on what she wanted. The best thing she can do to help her district is advocate for what her constituents want, she said, emphasizing that city council legislates and creates policy, and it is the mayor’s office that acts on those policies. “[City Council] advocates to get houses torn down, but in the end that’s the mayor’s job.” In 2010, Harris set aside $930,000 to have abandoned District 1 houses demolished, although not all

of that money was used, she said. In order to solve the drug problem, Harris said she tries to connect the eyes and ears of the community with law enforcement, since the police cannot be everywhere at once. Harris believes she is the best person for the District 1 council seat because of the work she has already done and her 30-plus years of community service. She cited putting $3 million into District 1 projects over the past two years as evidence of her past work. As of the end of March, Harris has been endorsed by the Young Democrats of Allegheny County, Steel City Stonewall Democrats, Pittsburgh Building and Construction Trades Council and the Allegheny County Labor Council. “The other thing is the experience behind the years. I think I’ve done it all,” Harris said. She added that even when she was sick and required surgery, she worked through the illness and recovery period. “I’m a hard worker. I don’t care how many hours it takes.” Vince Pallus Vince Pallus, a lifelong resident of Brighton Heights, is running for the District 1 council seat because he feels the Northside needs a change in leadership. The Northside lacks many basic services, like having abandoned buildings demolished and having major roads re-paved, said Pallus, who works for a local research and consulting firm. The root of those problems is not spending money in the right places, and a lack of communication throughout city departments, he said. “How can you effectively represent a city without good communication?” he added. “It’s going to take some work, obviously, to make communication better.”

But, he said, if elected he plans to ask city department leaders and District 1 community leaders to sit down with him to establish open lines of communication. Face time and a personal touch are important in keeping communication open, he said. “If I am elected I will have an open door policy.” Pallus, who volunteers at North Catholic High School in Troy Hill, also wants to communicate to the rest of the city how great the Northside really is. “I feel there’s a misconception that it’s not a safe place, and it can be,” Pallus said. “We need to let these business owners know that it is safe bring your business here.” To show his commitment to communication, Pallus plans to knock on every door in District 1. “I plan on meeting every community member in the district. It sounds like a tough feat, but that is my plan,” he said. Another important aspect in reducing crime is ensuring each District 1 neighborhood has a youth center or at least strong youth programs, like the Brighton Heights Athletic Association, in every neighborhood. Earlier this week Pallus received the Allegheny County Democratic Committee nomination. He also has been endorsed by the Pittsburgh Firefighters Union Local No. 1 and the Teamsters Joint Council No. 40 as of the end of March. “I’m very humbled to receive the Democratic Committee nomination, and I know how important it is in the Democratic race. That shows me that I’m not the only one who feels it’s time for a change.” Bobby Wilson Bobby Wilson is running for the District 1 council seat because he’s tired of hearing “I can’t believe you live there” about the Northside.

See District 1 race, page 17

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Service providers face cuts if budget passes By Kelly Thomas Northside institutions and service providers could face deep cuts if the budget proposal by Gov. Tom Corbett passes, although some are more concerned than others. If the budget, which cuts nearly $1 billion from basic education across Pennsylvania, passes as is in June, the Northside will not escape unscathed. Pittsburgh Public Schools alone will lose a total of $34.1 million total, according to a press release. Community colleges statewide could face cuts totaling $23.6 million, and libraries face $1 million more in cuts, after cuts over the past two years. “Improving student achievement is incredibly hard work in urban areas like Pittsburgh,” PPS Superintendent Linda Lane said in a March statement. “The state funding cuts to education, as proposed by the governor, will severely hamper our ability to continue to make progress toward our shared goal of improving the life prospects of our students.”

District spokesperson Ebony Pugh said it’s too early in the process to know exactly how Northside schools will fare under the proposed state budget, if it passes, but that every school in the district will feel some impact. Lane said in her statement that under these reductions, Pittsburgh Public Schools will have to cut all of its after school programs, which serve almost 4,000 students, including many on the Northside. The Community College of Allegheny County, headquartered in Allegheny West, also stands to lose out under the current state budget proposal. CCAC spokesman David Hoovler said community colleges statewide will suffer a $23.6 million reduction in funding. If the state follows the current formula for distributing the money to community colleges across the state, CCAC will lose $3.5 million. Hoovler stressed that he did not know for sure how much CCAC might lose, but that any cut would

affect CCAC’s ability to provide quality, affordable higher education at all its campuses, including Allegheny. Much of the community college cuts come from a loss of federal stimulus funds, Hoovler said. A full 9 percent of the $23.6 million comes from stimulus funds, with an additional $2 million from the basic education fund. “It’s bad but it’s not going to put us out of business,” he said. “We’ve been working to take a proactive approach.” At this point in time, he said the college did not know whether or not it would have to raise tuition, as the state budget has not yet been approved, and won’t be for some months. The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, already struggling to find sustainable sources of cash, could lose funding as well. The budget calls for a $1 million reduction statewide in library funding. According to a press release, CLP has lost $1.3 million in state funding

over the past two years. Spokesperson Suzanne Thinnes said that the library is working to make the government understand the role libraries play in communities before a final budget is passed over the summer. It is not yet clear how further funding cuts might affect either of the two Northside branch libraries, Thinnes said. “[The budget cut] only enhances the need to find long term sustainable funding,” Thinnes said. “We were fortunate that we didn’t receive as large of a cut as some other line items.” Mental health services, another area that has faced significant reductions in funding nationally, so far has escaped Corbett’s axe. Mercy Behavioral Health’s Director of Community and Government Relations Jane Miller said that so far, Mercy has not received any cuts in program funding. Mercy still must be vigilant, Miller said, because the budget is not final and money could be

See Budget Cuts, page 16

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MARCH 2011 Chronicle Blog Highlights For full stories go to www.thenorthsidechronicle.com/blog Student stars Every Monday from January to March The Chronicle posted a profile of one of the area’s best students. March featured Madilyne of Spring Hill Elementary School and Essence of Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School March 24 The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is hosting a series of writing workshops for teens, as well as a contest for teen fiction, nonfiction and poetry writers. March 21 The United Way / Money In Your Pocket Coalition is offering

free tax preparation services on the Northside to families earning up to $40,000 and individuals making up to $20,000 a year. March 17 The Museum of Photo Antiquities on East Ohio Street features a new camera every month. In March it featured the Polaroid Model 95, produced in 1948 and the first instant camera on the market. March 15 Friends of the Riverfront and Google unveiled street view on Google Maps for the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, giving trail users a way to check it out before going for a run or bike ride.

April 2011

John Canning

Preserving the story of our military men and women An errant auto swerving on an ice-covered Lowrie Street in Troy Hill smashed into the neighborhood’s World War I memorial . Fortunately a number of Troy Hill residents collected the pieces of the damaged monument and stored them for safe keeping in the local VFW. Within a few months several community leaders, working with City Council President Darlene Harris, developed a plan for repairing the monument and restoring it to its original site. This one event led to a movement throughout the Northside to identify the location of similar monuments, memorials and plaques honoring the men and women who have served in the country’s armed forces. From that single incident in Troy Hill in the winter of 2009-10 a committee of concerned citizens from almost every Northside neighborhood has joined in this process of recovering and restoring these important records of Northside heroes. Morton Brown, who heads the city’s Art Commission, has been working with Council President Harris’s staff in preparing a survey form that will identify the location of memorials scattered at various sites throughout the Northside. In many ways this process is a template for a similar city-wide survey. Brown’s form will not only enable the city to have an updated record of these community memorials, but citizens will have an opportunity to evaluate their condition. For the past several years, the Allegheny City Society has been committed to establishing a data base of all names located on such monuments and memorial plaques. Council President Harris and Commissioner Brown, however, have taken this up several notches in terms of helping community organizations find some support for repairing and restoring monuments that became victims of neglect and deterioration. Mike Kraus at the Allegheny

County Soldiers and Sailors Memorial is providing considerable help in the processes of locating, identifying and preserving monuments and memorial plaques that might be found in schools, fraternal halls, veteran clubs, churches and community centers. Honor Rolls of veterans who were connected with organizations and congregations were often printed in commemorative and anniversary booklets. The task force assembled by Council President Harris and representatives from member groups of the North Side Leadership Conference are diligently seeking out such records and images of memorials as well as the original monuments or plaques. The call is out for any and all Northside folks to help in preserving the story of our service men and women. If you know of the location of such “Honor Rolls” or community memorials please contact Karen McLellan at the North Side Leadership Conference at 412330-2572 or by e-mail at karen@ pittsburghnorthside.com; or Ruth McCartan of the Allegheny City Society at theruths3@yahoo.com.

Photo by Kelly Thomas

This WWII memorial on Spring Garden Avenue is dedicated to those who served from the 15th district of the 26th ward.

April 2011

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Thoughts mixed on Catholic school merger By Kelly Thomas Some parents were taken by surprise when the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese announced in early March that Cardinal Wright Regional and St. Cyril of Alexandria elementary schools would merge for the 2011-12 school year. Others saw the signs, and weren’t surprised. Secretary for Catholic Education Father Kris Stubna cited declining enrollment as the primary motive behind the merger. Tuition at both schools would have increased dramatically at current enrollment rates without a merger, Stubna said. A Cardinal Wright parent, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said certain teachers at the school knew about the merger in September. “[The teachers] weren’t saying to me this might happen,” the parent said. “They were saying it’s going to happen.”

Coretta Buggs, another Cardinal Wright parent, said that because the deadline to apply for public school magnet programs and charter schools has already passed, she felt “stuck” sending her child to the merged school. “I feel [the merger] was announced too late,” Buggs said. “They really didn’t give you a choice if you wanted to go to another school.” Stubna said the merger was announced the same week the Diocese made the final decision. The decision was made this year as opposed to previous years, he said, because many parishes had been making large financial contributions to keep the schools open, and it was becoming a burden to the parishes. The pattern of declining enrollment and the down economy also led the Diocese to make a decision this year, he said. “If you wait too long you’ve lost a lot of kids [because of tuition],” Stubna said.

A St. Cyril parent who wished to remain anonymous said she was surprised by the announcement. She doesn’t mind the merger itself, she said, as long as the new school has small class sizes and no bullying. Even had the Diocese announced the merger earlier, the St. Cyril parent said she wouldn’t have moved her children. The new school, which does not yet have a name, will be housed in the current St. Cyril Elementary building because the Cardinal Wright building needs several hundred thousand dollars worth of repairs, Stubna said. “We’re hoping to get most of the students to go to the new school,” Stubna said. “We’re trying to be at a location that is as accessible to as many of our families as possible.” According to a press release, a survey of parents of both schools indicated most would send their children to a merged school.

Stubna said he has received positive feedback from parents about the merger despite bittersweet feelings about it. “Every time we close a school, there’s a tremendous amount of sadness,” he said. “Cardinal Wright has been there for a long time.” Enrollment numbers at both K-8 schools tells the same story as many Catholic schools across the country. In 2001-02, St. Cyril had 202 students, compared to 102 this school year. Over the same period, Cardinal Wright dropped from 235 to 154. Yearly tuition for St. Cyril would have risen from $3,400 per child this year to $5,055 next year, and tuition for Cardinal Wright would have gone from $3,500 to $6,280 per child Tuition for the new school is estimated at about $3,500 per year, Stubna said. Stabilizing tuition and keeping a Catholic education affordable are

See Merger, page 17

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Abby the bald eagle on the mend

Photo courtesy the National Aviary

Head Veterinary Technician Jamie Travitz holds Abby, the American bald eagle, who was released earlier this month after being tube- and hand-fed for nine weeks. Abby, who is believed to be at least 18-years-old, suffered multiple infections. Abby is back on exhibit at the National Aviary, officials said.

April April 2011 2011

The The Northside Northside Chronicle Chronicle

Having a heart at AGH Perry students observe heart surgery

Photo by Courtesy Allegheny General Hospital

Perry High Schools students observe as heart surgeon George Magovern replaces a woman’s mitral valve at AGH.

By Kelly Thomas A woman lays on an operating table, draped in blue towels and plastic, her open chest cavity revealing her still-beating heart. Large tubes connected to her legs lead deoxygenated blood out of her body and into a machine that fills it with oxygen and pumps back into her body. For a moment, the heart stops. “They stopped the heart!” a Perry High School student shouts from the observation dome above the operating room in Allegheny General Hospital. The heart, not quite willing to give up yet, flutters again. The students stare down, transfixed. “That’s not unusual,” says a woman with dark, short hair. “It’s trying to figure out what it’s doing.” That woman is Pat Wolf, coordinator of the hospital’s Open Heart Surgery Observation Program that brings in high school and college students from all over Western Pennsylvania. Today’s students are all from a biotechnology class from Perry High.

Wolf explains the steps in the surgery, a mitral valve replacement. Once the heart stops, the machine keeps the woman alive. Heart surgeon and program founder Dr. George Magovern then snips pieces of the valve out of her heart with a long set of scissors. Next he will sew in a new tissue valve, bioengineered from a cow’s heart valve. Junior Ashley Grzegorczyk was nervous about watching the open heart surgery because television shows make surgery look “really gross.” “Watching this I feel more comfortable about a career in the medical field,” Grzegorczyk said, adding that she’d like to study DNA and genetic disorders. Grzegorczyk is far from the only student who’s used the Open Heart Surgery Observation Program as a litmus test for a potential medical career. The program, started in May 2008, has brought in more than 1,000 students to watch open heart surgeries. One of its benefits, Wolf said, is giving students a chance to see medical careers up close and make an informed decision about whether it’s something they want to pursue. “Everything that happens down there, they function as a team,” Wolf tells the students, pointing to the dozen medical personnel in the operating room. “Everyone down there has a vital job.” She points out the circulating nurse, who gets the doctor whatever he needs. Then the surgical tech, who hands the doctor all the instruments. There’s also an anesthesiologist and a perfusionist, who operates the machine that keeps the woman alive while her heart is stopped. Ellen Wright, who teaches the biotech class at Perry High School, started bringing her students in to view open heart surgery last year. To prepare, she taught them about

See Heart Surgery, page 17

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April 2011 Page 12

The Northside Chronicle

Sustainable homes

Energy efficient houses & appliances will pay for themselves over time electricity produces sulfur dioxide that contributes to acid rain, mercury and carbon dioxide that For those of you in the market adds to climate change. for a new house or in the midst of Considering that U.S. households fixing up your current house, state are responsible for almost 40 percent and federal tax credits for improved of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions, energy efficiency are still available equivalent to 8 percent of the for 2011 through new legislation world’s carbon dioxide emissions, any associated with the American reduction contributes to slowly halting Recovery and Reinvestment Act. climate change. These tax This is credits apply to particularly energy efficient important household because while appliances, new U.S. households windows and produce the carbon doors, insulation dioxide, the effects and heating of climate change and cooling are distributed equipment. around the globe. Before One of the global investing in any effects of climate appliance or change is the energy saving modification for A Compact Fluorescent Light bulb rising ocean levels. Therefore a nation your home, do (CFL) can save more than $40 in like Kiribati, a your homework electricity costs over its lifetime. collection of coral and check with atolls in the Pacific Ocean that have a tax advisor to make sure you have an average elevation less than 6.5 purchased the correct appliance and will get the proper tax break. Lastly, feet, is expected to lose most of its land by the end of this century. your local power company may have So, happy home shopping and additional incentives to purchase when looking for the best buy, energy. Using energy efficient appliances environmental choices don’t have to and making your home more energy take a back seat to economic choices. For more information on federal efficient with insulation not only tax credits, visit energytaxincentives. brings you economic savings on org. For information on your taxes; they usually pay for Pennsylvania tax credits, visit www. themselves over time by reducing paheatingrebates.com. For more your energy bills. information on the Allegheny Power In addition to reducing Watt Watchers Program, visit www. your overall energy costs, these alleghenypower.com. measures decrease your impact on Joseph Reznik teaches the environment. According to a sustainability at the Community College 2007 study from the Department of Allegheny County’s main campus. of Energy, over 50 percent of the electricity consumed in Pennsylvania You can reach him at greenmanpgh@ gmail.com. came from coal. Burning coal for

Page 12 April 2011

Greening the Northside Each month, The Chronicle will feature a profiile of a green business. This month: Bill Stalter of Envirobikes

By Joseph Reznik

Photo by Kelly Thomas

With multiple types of Envirobikes to choose from, even the casual bike rider can find a model that will suit them, says owner Bill Stalter.

By Kelly Thomas The bicycle looked almost like any old bike, except for its slightly larger size, front headlights and a thick hub on the back wheel. I started pedaling, but the bike was unexpectedly heavy and it wobbled back and forth a few times before I found my balance. After three turns of the pedals, the electric motor kicked in and the pedaling got easier — much easier. I twisted the handlebar accelerator toward me as I started up a hill and didn’t have to pedal at all. The bike that carried me up the hill is an electric bike from East Deutschtown-based green company Envirobikes. The model I rode is called the City Scout, but Envirobikes offers 10 different models, ranging from simple electric-motor assisted traditional bicycles to full blown EPEDs: electric-powered, pedal assisted mopeds. Business co-owner Bill Stalter opened the Envirobikes store in July 2010 and said that so far people have been receptive to the idea of “e-bikes”.

Heavy lead-acid or lithium ion batteries power the small electric motors on the bicycles’ back wheels. Each battery lasts between 20 and 30 miles, depending on terrain. It costs five cents to charge the battery on a normal 110 volt outlet, Stalter said. The larger EPED models look similar to motorized mopeds or motorcycles. Because these EPEDs are pedal assisted, travel a maximum of 20 mph and have motors under a certain voltage, riders do not need a driver’s license, motorcycle license or license plate to operate one. Electric bikes are a great intermediate form of transportation, he said, because they provide an opportunity to exercise but don’t require their riders to provide all the power. They also allow those who want to save transportation costs or the environment an alternate to driving a car or taking the bus. “We kind of bridge the gap for that transition between a car and a bike,” Stalter said. The electric bikes cost between $700 and $1,300. Normal bicycles can cost anywhere from $100 to

See Envirobikes, page 22

April 2011

The Northside Chronicle

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Special Section Page 2 April 2011

The -Northside Chronicle The Northside Chronicle Homebuyer & Home Improvement Guide

March 2011 Page 14

Home sales, prices show mixed picture By Emily Leone Statistics of 2010 home transactions on the Northside show a mixed real estate picture, with sales and median home prices varying widely from neighborhood to neighborhood. In all of 2010, 479 homes sold on the Northside, based on recorded arm’s length sales of homes, townhomes and duplexes with a price of at least $10,000. Homes sold in Brighton Heights made up 25% of the total homes sold in 2010. Comparatively, in 2010 there were 2,845 homes sold in Pittsburgh. Northside sales made up 16.8% of home sales in Pittsburgh. The median sales price in Pittsburgh was $91,800, according to Zillow.com. Median home prices per Northside neighborhood varied greatly, ranging from a high of $158,000 in Central Northside to a low of $23,250 in CaliforniaKirkbride.

There were 124 foreclosures on the Northside last year. So far, there were 61 home sales from January-February 2011 compared to 54 during the same period last year. “Overall, the market is still strong on the Northside,” said Nancy Noszka, director of real estate for the Northside Leadership Conference. “Yes there are pockets that vary widely between the communities, but that’s a national trend right now.” Other notable data points: -Streets with the highest number of sales include Brighton Road, California Avenue, Federal Street, Perrysville Avenue and Termon Avenue -Nearly 10% of transactions were from buyers outside of Pittsburgh; approximately 4% of home buyers, either individuals or companies, were from out of state - 17% of transactions were listed as purchased by a corporation -The warmer months of May, June and July saw the most buying activity.

April March2011 2011

The -Northside Chronicle The Northside Chronicle Homebuyer & Home Improvement Guide

Special SectionPage Page153

Homebuyer profile: Finding Fineview

By Kelly Thomas Michael and Nicole Flaherty didn’t expect to end up on the Northside, but they’re glad they did. The young couple, who in June 2010 bought an Energy Starcertified house on Meadville Street in Fineview, spent six months looking for the perfect place. Much of that time was spent looking for houses in Friendship, where they rented an apartment. But they didn’t have much luck in the East End. Mike described situations where they would visit a house and someone else would put an offer on the house later that day. “Really what we were finding out was that if you weren’t the first five to see the house…” “…It’s gone,” Nicole finished. They couldn’t seem to find a house that was worth the money they’d have to pay for it, and looked at more than sixty houses.

Sometimes they’d visit eight in one day. After they lost a frustrating bidding war on a house in the East End, they turned their attention to the Northside housing market and finally found the “one.” “We didn’t have to redo anything,” Nicole said. “It was all just a palate for us to work with.” The house features plenty of windows and few walls, giving it an open, airy feel. It includes a garage, a deck with a view of the Downtown skyline and a small backyard, where Nicole has been experimenting with gardening. She’s decorated the walls and stairwells with art and paintings by her artist friends, and they’ve painted a few of the rooms and hope to do more soon. Although the house itself was a major factor in their decision, the neighborhood drew them in as well. They joined the Fineview Citizens Council upon moving in and love the quiet, family-friendly vibe of

the area since they plan on having children sometime in the near future. And unlike so many young families moving outside of the city to avoid Pittsburgh Public Schools, Nicole and Mike see potential there and would happily send their kids to PPS when the time comes. They also enjoy taking walks in nearby Allegheny Commons Park and Riverview Park, and utilize the Fineview city steps on a regular basis. “The Overlook is great. We watched fireworks all summer long,” Nicole said. And, “We have the Fineview bus, which is awesome,” said Mike, who either walks or buses to his job as an accountant downtown. Nicole commutes to Robinson where she works as a graphic designer, and likes that she can either take the highway or back roads easily from Fineview. “I really like the fact that you can be almost anywhere so quickly,” she said. Mike was skeptical that the

Photo By Kelly Thomas

The Flahertys weren’t originally looking on the Northside but found their home on Meadville St. house would live up to the costsaving promises of its Energy Star rating, but to his pleasant surprise, it has. This past winter, their heating

See Finding Fineview, page 6

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The Northside Chronicle The Northside Chronicle - Homebuyer & Home Improvement Guide

April 2011 March 2011

Urban gardening: More than a trend

Study: Accessibility to green space an important factor in overall life happiness Spring has sprung, and for many Northsiders that means heading back outside to tend their gardens. Whether or not you “dig” gardening, it’s apparent that these backyard, side yard and front stoop gardens have become an important part of the Northside’s character over the years. Palo Alto Street resident John Bornyas has lived on the Northside for 10 years and is well known throughout the neighborhood for his unique gardening style. “I’ve always been a plant fanatic,” John said. “Not only is it enjoyable to come home after work and see the flowers, but it also enhances the look of my house and the neighborhood.” For people like John, gardening and planting is a fun and positive way to beautify their property. Every couple weeks or so, passersby can see a new floral decoration

outside of John’s house. Depending on the season, you might find a nutcracker, an Easter bunny or a pumpkin sitting next to the flowers. “Since we live in a city, it is important to pay close attention to the limited property we have,” John said. “A garden is great for any free space you may have.” Colorado State University has researched the benefits of gardening and planting, and pinpointed several different ways that gardening helps individuals and the community. An important finding in the study is that gardening has the ability to develop an individual’s sense of self-worth, as well as develop a sense of community by bringing people together for a common goal. Jim and Colleen Swartz have lived on Cedar Avenue for the past four years, and have continually worked to turn their backyard into

Photo by Kelly Thomas

Even if you don’t have a backyard, planting flowers and herbs in frontporch is a viable option. Above, perennials hyacinth and tulips, and ivy (middle), are easy to grow and don’t require much space. a garden oasis. “We started planting about two years ago,” Colleen said. “Our garden is a work in progress that has been enjoyable for the whole family.” The Colorado State researchers also found that after marriage, accessibility to green spaces is the second most important factor in overall life satisfaction. Colleen said that for people that are visually oriented like her family, a garden affords the opportunity to experiment with creative color coordination. For example, Colleen plants flowers whose colors visually compliment her house. “Having a garden softens the hardness of the city.” Colleen has also used the garden as an educational tool for her children. After planting butterfly bushes, she was able teach her children about the life cycle of the butterflies that nested in the garden. Gardening also has several health benefits, according to the study. One is the exercise that the gardener gets from tending to the plants. Another is people who keep gardens tend to have healthier diets.

The Swartz family is no exception to that. They’ve planted banana peppers, green peppers, tomatoes and lettuce to provide fresh food. Gardening can also be a wonderful way to bring neighbors together. In Deutschtown, Dale and Audrey Craig share a garden with their neighbor Jen Saffron. “It’s a real interest for some people,” Dale said. “Jen has done a lot of make the garden we share a nice addition to the property.” Dale explained that over the years he has been converting the backyard into a comfortable haven for entertainment and relaxation. Along with brickwork and an old cast iron stove that he converted into a grill, the garden that the Craigs and Jen share adds to the overall friendly environment of the backyard. All of the positive benefits of gardening and planting can most easily be seen by walking around the Northside and checking out the gardens and flowers that people are using to decorate their houses. Try walking past John’s house on Palo Alto Street without smiling. Guaranteed you can’t.

April 2011 March 2011

The -Northside Chronicle The Northside Chronicle Homebuyer & Home Improvement Guide

Ask the Realtor: Christa Ross of Re/Max Realty

What to know when buying your home Have questions about the home buying experience? The Chronicle sat down with Realtor Christa Ross to get answers to some common questions. Q: Why is now a good time to buy a house? A: Pittsburgh has been very lucky to have had a relatively stable real estate market, but we still have seen some decline in home prices over the last two years which means that you can probably buy more house for your money now than you could a few years ago. Plus, interest rates are historically low, so if you are comfortable with you personal employment and financial situation it’s a great time to purchase a home. Q: What are some incentives to move into Northside neighborhoods right now? A: With all the new development that is going on in the North Shore and other Northside neighborhoods, plus the Northside connector coming soon, I think it’s a great time for people to look at the Northside. It’s got beautiful older homes, short commutes and great walkable neighborhoods with traditional main streets. Q: Which Northside neighborhoods have the best deals on homes right now? A: There are some great incentives available on some Northside homes. Right now on James Street are several new town homes that have city, school and county tax abatements, and there are other Northside homes that have 0 percent interest, no-payment second mortgages for a portion of the purchase price for qualified buyers. Both let buyers get significantly more home for their money. Q: Do you expect prices on the Northside to go up, down or stay the same over the next year? A: Unless another financial crisis occurs, I believe that the Northside, and Pittsburgh as a whole, will continue to be a stable real estate market. I also believe that whether the market is going up or down is less important than each seller or

buyer’s personal situation in making the decision to buy or sell a home. Q: What mistakes do home buyers make when choosing or purchasing a home? A: The biggest mistakes buyers make is to not have their financial house in order first and having unrealistic expectations. Q: How can I avoid those mistakes? A: Set up a budget, only you can be the judge of how much you can really afford and how much debt you are willing to take on. Get pre-approved by a lender before you start your search, know what a bank will lend you; there is no sense in looking at homes you can’t afford. Make the decision to buy when the right “one” comes along, write the offer and get it under contract. If you wait you just may find that someone else also thought it was the “one.” When you are ready to make an offer ask your agent to find comparable recently sold homes, use that information to develop a fair offer that has a real chance of being accepted. Q: What are the most important questions to ask when considering purchasing a home? A: The most important one, are you ready to take on the responsibility of buying, maintaining and owning a home? Also, how long do you expect to stay in a particular area and will you be able to resale the home if your situation changes? Q: How much time can I realistically expect to spend from the time I begin looking for a home until the time I close? A: The first few weeks of a home search are usually spent online searching various national and local real estate websites. Buyers should look at different home types, prices and neighborhoods in order to develop their wish list. Then it’s time to hire a buyer’s agent. While the seller usually pays a commission to the agents involved in the deal, the

See Ask the Realtor, page 7

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The -Northside Chronicle The Northside Chronicle Homebuyer & Home Improvement Guide

Pittsburgh 21ST WARD 1005 Allegheny Ave. for $57,500. 1209-1211 Colfax St. for $3,824. 1427 Pennsylvania Ave. for $24,900. Pittsburgh 22ND WARD 800 Beech Ave. for $270,000. 913 Beech Ave. for $300,000. 942 Beech Ave. for $260,000. 404 N. Taylor Ave. for $250,000. Pittsburgh 23RD WARD 848 Blossom Way for $10,600. (no #) Chestnut St. for $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $6,380). 835 Tripoli St. for $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $27,840). 513-515 Tripoli St. aka 513 1/2 for $77,500. Pittsburgh 24TH WARD 1948 Gang Ave. for $14,589. 1118 Goettman St. for $12,500. 1345 Lowrie St. for $1,659 by sheriff’s deed. 1932 Lowrie St. for $38,019. 1822 Niggel St. for $18,500. 1800 Sunderman St. for $18,965. 13 Waterfront Drive for $395,000. 81 Waterfront Drive for $1,848 by sheriff’s deed. 81 Waterfront Drive for $335,000. Pittsburgh 25TH WARD 124 E. Jefferson St. for $16,124. 138-140 Henderson St. for $42,000. (no #) Jules Verne St. for $1,500. 17 Lanark St. for $20,000. 240 Langley Ave. for $38,019. 1612 Monterey St. for $59,000. 1744 Perrysville Ave. for $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $6,000). 1426 Sandusky St. for $17,000. Pittsburgh 26TH WARD 228 E. McIntyre Ave. for $15,900. 2342 Maple Ave. for $4,000.

April 2011 March

2344 Maple Ave. for $45,900. 825 Marshall Ave. for $135,700. 5 Milroy St. for $12,000. 2636-2640 Norwood Ave. for $26,750. 2211 Perrysville Ave. for $7,000. 2619 Perrysville Ave. for $2,000. 2627 Perrysville Ave. for $2,000. 3458 Perrysville Ave. for $3,241 by sheriff’s deed. 3915 Portman St. for $13,000. 940 S. Side Ave. for $1,721 by sheriff’s deed. 2635 Shelton Ave. for $1,608 by sheriff’s deed. 2816-2818 Veteran St. for $1,659 by sheriff’s deed. Pittsburgh 27TH WARD 3572 Brighton Road for $110,000. 3210 Central Ave. for $204,000. 2316 Colorado Way for $1,995 by sheriff’s deed. 969 Davis Ave. for $88,621. 3306 Fleming Ave. for $3,000. 3421 Gass Ave. for $16,700. 3421 Gass Ave. for $31,900. 3460 Gass Ave. for $15,500. 1406 Halsey Place for $0 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $6,960). 3633 Massachusetts Ave. for $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $16,704). 3452 McClure Ave. for $17,000. 3517 Mexico St. for $22,000. 1624 Orchlee St. for $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $38,570). 2504 Plough St. for $1,500. 2816 Shadeland Ave. for $10,000. 901 Smithton Ave. for $9,000. 902 Smithton Ave. for $5,500. 3138 Sorento St. for $9,000. 1412 Superior Ave. for $1,797 by sheriff’s deed. 1412 Superior Ave. for $44,200. 3640 Verner Ave. for $4,500. 1208 Woodland Ave. for $1,996 by sheriff’s deed. 1219 Woods Run Ave. for $15,000. 929 Woods Run Ave. for $1,593 by sheriff’s deed. Real Estate Transactions provided by <RealSTATs>. Contact <RealSTATs> at 412-381-3880 or visit www.RealSTATs.net.

Despite difficult search, couples calls Fineview home From Finding Fineview, page 3 bill was consistently half what it was in their apartment, which was smaller than their house. The only downside to the house so far, Nicole said, is that she hasn’t quite figured out how to clean all the windows, especially the ones above the kitchen. The Flahertys are not in a rush to buy another home, of course, but they did learn a few lessons the first

time around. One thing Mike would have changed is using a local real estate agent. They used someone from outside the city, and he suspects those six months spent looking could have been reduced if they had an agent more familiar with the area. Nicole agreed, although she feels they were lucky and never faced any major challenges. But, she said, “I wish someone would have told me to be patient. You almost have to never

give up.” Another thing they weren’t expecting was how expensive it is to close a deal on a house. Mike advised prospective homebuyers to save as much cash as possible. Had he known how expensive the buying process is, he may have chosen to forgo a few vacations. “There’s so many ways money goes out the door before you even put down a payment,” Nicole said. But, she added, buying a house

from the Fineview Citizens Council was easy, and both are excited to see more houses go in on Lanark Street in the next few years, where WPXI has donated the site of its former television studio to FCC. Although they never planned to become Northsiders, Mike and Nicole are happy to call Meadville Street home. They encourage anyone looking for a great place to live to check out their neighborhood. “We want more neighbors!”

The Northside Chronicle The Northside Chronicle - Homebuyer & Home Improvement Guide

April 2011 March 2011

Handyman & Contractor Listings Northsiders have recommended the following businesses for your home repair, improvement, renovation and yardcare needs Nancy Sakino-Spears General contractor and interior architect 412-584-7357 nsakinospears@verizon.net TEAM Laminates Kitchens, bathrooms and entertainment centers 412-323-1911 www.teamlaminates.com Hinkel-Hofman Carpets, hardwoods and ceramic supplier and more 412-231-3131 Wallace Renovations Historical renovations, box gutters, additions and more 412-302-3076 Don Marshall Roofing, rooftop decks and porches 412-805-3984 Windows R Us Windows and sunrooms 412-892-9960 www.windowsruspgh.com Brian Podgorski Construction, contractor for small repairs and renovations 412-916-3627

Donatelli Painting Services Painting and general contractor 412-400-1425 Dale Faust Plasterer 412-606-5050 The Maintenance Men Maintenance, janitorial and weatherization 412-403-2674 Larry Logsdon Certified commercial and residential electrician 412-304-6419 Shane G. Blais Contracting General contractor for residential and light commercial businesses 412-390-4955 blaiscontracting@gmail.com Horhut Tree Experts Tree care and removal 412-855-2703 www.horhuttreeexperts.com Burke & Michael Full-service contract interior design firm 412-321-2301 www.burkeandmichael.com

REACH MORE THAN

10,000 PEOPLE

18 NEiGHBORHOODS PUT THE CHRONiCLE TO WORK FOR YOU! CALL 412-321-3919

Page 15 Special Section Page 7

From the office of State Sen. Wayne Fontana

Transfer fees & knowing your mortgage Potential homebuyers will find that the Northside offers a variety of amenities, including museums, restaurants, coffee shops and friendly neighbors. They will also find many housing options, such as singlefamily homes, multifamily homes, as well as condos and townhomes. It is important that consumers aren’t caught off guard when making such a big decision. That is why I was proud to introduce a consumer protection bill in the Senate that addresses the issue of private transfer fees. I wrote to you about it a few months ago. A private transfer fee is also known as a resale fee or a capital recovery fee and allows the developer or builder of a home to collect one percent (or more) of the sales price from the seller every time the property changes hands for the next 99 years. It is a new tool being used by developers and builders looking to gain access to cash in the depressed housing market. Senate Bill 353 would ban all new private transfer fees, allow for remedies if private transfer fees are imposed, require the full disclosure of existing private transfer fees, establish a process to free the property of an obligation and require persons entitled to such a fee

to register with the county Recorder of Deeds. I introduced this bill with homebuyers in mind, knowing that these fees may act as a deterrent to potential buyers. The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development has already ruled that it will not insure mortgages on properties that include private transfer fees. The bill passed the Senate unanimously in March and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to move the legislation through that chamber. It is important that we get ahead of the issue now before the tactic becomes common practice in Pennsylvania. If you are planning on buying a home sometime soon, make sure you understand the ins and outs of your mortgage. If there is something you don’t understand or are unsure of, don’t be afraid to address those concerns with your realtor and / or mortgage provider. And as always, if you have a question or concern about any state-related issue, please contact me or my staff and we will be happy to assist you. Senator Wayne D. Fontana 42nd Senatorial District www.senatorfontana.com

Know what questions to ask, what to expect, realtor says From Ask the Realtor, page 5 buyer is still entitled to their own representation which is guaranteed through a contractual relationship with their own agent. From here it is off to look at homes. The average home buyer will look at around 10-20 homes in a two- to four-week period. Once they have selected their home it will take a few days to negotiate the deal and have all parties sign the agreement.

any loan involving a mortgage to close, but it can be as long as 60 if things get complicated. From start to finish it usually takes eight to12 weeks to purchase a home. Christa Ross, a realtor and ecosociate with Re/Max Select Realty, offers her clients full-time experience, creative home marketing and outstanding customer service for Pittsburgh’s home buyers and sellers. Visit her online at www. bestpittsburghhomes.com or call her at

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The Northside Northside Chronicle Chronicle The

April 2011 2011 April

Page 13 17 Page

Your taxes

What you can and must do by April 18 You know that April 18, 2011, is the filing deadline for submitting your 2010 personal income tax return. But did you know that this date is also critical for many other tax actions? Obtain a Filing Extension If, for any reason, you cannot file your 2010 return on time, be sure to request a sixmonth filing extension by April 18, 2011. To obtain the extension, estimate the taxes you expect to owe (which may be zero). File Form 4868 by mail or your computer. While you do not have to tell the IRS your reason, you may need extra time to file because: â€˘You haven't received all needed acknowledgments from charitable organizations to which you made donations. â€˘You haven't received Schedule

K-1s from partnerships, S corporations, trusts or estates in which you have an interest. It's advisable to pay as much as you can of the taxes you expect to owe. The filing extension does not give you more time to pay, only more time to file. Paying taxes along with your filing extension will minimize or avoid late payment penalties. Fund an IRA You have until April 18, 2011, to add money to a traditional or Roth IRA for 2010, assuming you are eligible to do so. The contribution limit is $5,000 ($6,000 if you were at least 50 years old by the end of 2010). Obtaining an extension of time to file your return does not give you more time to contribute to an IRA. Contribute to an HSA You have until April 18, 2011,

to fund a health savings account for 2010 if you are eligible to do so. You must have had a high-deductible health plan in 2010. The maximum HSA contribution for 2010 is $3,050 for an individual plan and $6,150 for a family plan. To this amount, you can add $1,000 if you were at least 55 years old by the end of 2010. Thus, a couple with family coverage can contribute up to $8,150 if both spouses are at least 55 years old. Again, obtaining a filing extension does not give you more time to contribute to an HSA. Pay Estimated Taxes If your taxes for 2011 will not be adequately covered by income tax withholding, you may have to make quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid penalties. The first estimated tax payment for 2011 is due on April 18, 2011.

See April 18, page 20

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March 2011 April 2011 April 2011

The Northside Chronicle Homebuyer & Home Improvement Guide The -Northside Chronicle The Northside Chronicle

Despite difficult search, couple calls Fineview home From Finding Fineview, page 3 bill was consistently half what it was in their apartment, which was smaller than their house. The only downside to the house so far, Nicole said, is that she hasn’t quite figured out how to clean all the windows, especially the ones above the kitchen. The Flahertys are not in a rush to buy another home, of course, but they did learn a few lessons the first

April 2011

The Northside Chronicle

19 Page 15

The Healing Space by Ayeshah A. Bulls

Spring cleaning your house and your life It’s spring cleaning time! It’s time to gather the cleaning products, garbage bags, paint, gardening supplies and anything else needed to give our homes the necessary spruce up to welcome the spring season. It’s time to dust off, clean out, bag up, dig into and touch up the areas that we have neglected over the winter season. It’s time to get rid of the things we can no longer fit, no longer need or no longer have use for in order to make room for newer and necessary things. Are there other areas of your life that could use a spring cleaning? As seasons come and go, days and years go by, fads come in and fads go out, we tend to hold onto things that serve absolutely no beneficial purpose in our lives; things that prevent us from giving

attention to or obtaining the things we did or should have done, but that do benefit us. failing to acknowledge all of the Things such as keeping the accomplishments in our lives. relationships that do not What could you add anything positive stand to clean off hat to us, but and give attention to neglecting or let go and discard could you the ones this season? that are •What dream clean off good for us; or goal did you put and give holding onto away because fear emotional and doubt made attention baggage that you feel that it was keep us back to or let go impossible? It’s from pressing time to pull it back forward, but and discard out, dust it off and pushing encouraging put some time and this season thoughts about the attention into it. future out of our •Where is that minds. storage bin in your Constantly reminding ourselves life where you are storing old of all the disappointments of all stuff that is rotting and causing the things that did or didn’t happen discomfort and pain within? Clean in our lives, but forgetting all the it out. times the sun still rose in our lives •What do you have tucked in even after the storms; and beating the back of your mental closet that ourselves up with guilt from what no longer fits with where you are

“W

?”

trying to go? It’s time to remove it, bag it up and get rid of it. •What have you wanted to explore or learn more about that may bring enlightenment to your spirit and mind? Dig into the deep and infinite rich soils of knowledge that life has to offer. •What area of your life has become so tattered, worn and drab but still has a solid foundation, worth saving? Apply some color, light and shine to it. Give it a touch up. Spring is a transition from one season of extreme to another. Use this time of balance and extended days of light to do a fair measure of what it is you need and do not need as you progress into the next phase of your life. Ayeshah Bulls is a freelance writer and the author of Stripped, published in 2008. She is a Northsider, active volunteer and currently attends Carlow University for Psychology. She hopes her column promotes hope and the will to progress on the Northside.

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The The Northside Northside Chronicle Chronicle

April April 2011 2011

Clean, green Budget: Cuts Cal-Bride first could be deep From Cal-Bride, page 3

From Budget Cuts, page 7

A neighborhood consulting firm at an initial meeting on the future of California-Kirkbride March 23 stressed that in order for neighborhood revitalization, the community needs to focus on image and attitude, not buildings. California-Kirkbride Neighbors, along with the Northside Coalition for Fair Housing, have hired Virginia-based neighborhood planning firm CZB, LLC to come up with a revitalization plan for the troubled area. CZB went through a rigorous process that involved the URA and the City Planning Commission before being hired. CZB Principal Charles Buki and associates David Boehlke and Karen Beck Pooley presented their initial thoughts and findings on the neighborhood’s strengths

shifted around before a final budget is approved by congress. For many people, Mercy’s varied mental and behavioral health services is a safety net and their only resource. Miller said she worries that budget cuts in other areas could affect Mercy’s ability to provide services. For example, people who were covered under the state’s Adult Basic health care program may no longer be able to afford a visit their primary care physician, and will not have the opportunity to be referred to Mercy. Or, Miller said, the programs they run through the school district could be cut because of cuts to education funding. “You have to look around and figure out how people get referred to behavioral health services,” Miller said. “We have to be vigilant, and we have to educate folks.”

April April 2011 2011

The The Northside Northside Chronicle Chronicle

Candidates voice similar Pluses arise thoughts on city government from merger From District 1 race, page 6 “All my life I’ve been hearing how great the Northside was. Now I see the decline. It really hurts me to see all the abandoned buildings,” said Wilson, who has done research work for the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC. Wilson cited public safety as the largest issue facing District 1. A large public safety concern is the large numbers of abandoned buildings that attract criminals and pose fire and collapse hazards throughout the area. What the Northside needs, he said, is someone who will work to get structurally unsound buildings torn down, and someone who will bring in developers to build new homes and restore old ones. Wilson, who volunteers at Sarah Heinz House, also said youth and after school programs should be a priority, since so many Northside youths get involved in crime and

violence. Implementing more programs like the ones at Sarah Heinz will go a long way toward solving the Northside’s public safety issue, he said. A background in research has given Wilson excellent communication skills and that’s one of the most important skills a council person can have, he said. Not only do community groups and local businesses like private developers need an advocate on council, he said, but the council person needs to know what’s going on in his communities. Wilson said he’s been to several community meetings where District 1 representatives could not answer questions asked by residents. “They need to know the ins and outs,” Wilson said. “I think we should expect more from city council. “I’m 28 years old and I have a lot of fresh ideas and energy.”

The bicycle looked almost like any old bike, except for its slightly larger size, front headlights and a thick hub on the back wheel. I started pedaling, but the bike was unexpectedly heavy and it wobbled back and forth a few times before I found my balance. After three turns of the pedals, the electric motor kicked in and the pedaling got easier — much easier. I twisted the handlebar accelerator toward me as I started up a hill and didn’t have to pedal at all. The bike that carried me up the hill is an electric bike from East Deutschtown-based green company Envirobikes. The model I rode is called the City Scout, but Envirobikes

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Students see heart surgery

From Merger, page 9

From Heart Surgery, page 11

important to retaining families, another reason cited for the necessity of the merger. Another “bonus” of merging the schools is that programs will not have to be cut. “Parents were very nervous about how long those schools could continue. With 100 kids at St. Cyril it’s hard to run a basketball team,” Stubna said. Stubna expressed hope that the large number of community organizations that support Cardnial Wright will continue to support the new school. Trophies and other things from Cardinal Wright will be moved into the St. Cyril building. The new name will be chosen by a steering committee, and is meant to allow parents and students from both schools to feel included in the new school’s identity, Stubna said.

the different parts and functions of the heart. Wolf said the program has doubled in size each year since Magovern started the program. “Once a school participates, [the teachers] are so excited, they’re telling their colleagues,” Wolf said. “It’s really grown.” Sharese Dunmore, a junior interested in becoming a veterinarian, said she might be nervous performing surgery because of everything that could go wrong. “I don’t know about that. I might have to be an assistant,” she said. Bakir Becirevic, on the other hand, knows he doesn’t want to be a surgeon, but he’s still interested in a pharmacy career. “It takes time to learn [medical careers], but it’s rewarding,” he said. “You save lives. We’re lucky to have people like these.”

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The Northside Northside Chronicle Chronicle The

COA/PGH writer exchange will bring Belgian writer to ‘Burgh By Kelly Thomas Pittsburgh and Brussels are going to be seeing a lot more of each other from now on thanks to a new annual writer exchange program between City of Asylum/ Pittsburgh and Belgium-based literary organization Passa Porta. Similar to COA/PGH, Passa Porta provides residencies to exiled and persecuted writers. It is part of the International Cities of Refuge Network. This particular exchange is not for persecuted writers, but rather just a month-long swap. COA/PGH decided to send poet and Carnegie Mellon University professor Terrance Hayes to Brussels in June, and Passa Porta will send Flemish author Paul Mennes to Pittsburgh in August or September. The goal of the author

exchange is to forge “ongoing, sustainable relationships” between the two cities, said COA/PGH President Henry Reese. “We’re establishing regional identities with other countries,” Reese said. Over time, the two regions will ideally become familiar with each other and the relationships will shift and deepen, Reese said. People in Brussels will become familiar with Pittsburgh and people in Pittsburgh will become familiar with Brussels. The residencies are set up to allow each writer to be maximally productive but also get to know the new city. Each writer will do a reading and have a chance to sightsee and meet other area writers. This year’s writers were chosen by each organization. Reese said he isn’t sure what the process for

choosing future writers will evolve into at this point. Reese said he takes each foreign writer who does a residency with COA/PGH to all the tourist spots like the Mt. Washington overlook. Some writers prefer socialization over sightseeing, though, so there’s no set “orientation” to the city. Mennes is currently working on a book set in the United States, Reese said, so he expects Mennes to be inquisitive. The two literary organizations began talking a few years ago when COA/PGH approached Passa Porta for ideas on how to form its own literary center and book store, since Passa Porta already had one. Passa Porta also holds a literary festival each year. For more information visit www.cityofasylumpittsburgh.org and www.passaporta.be.

April 2011 2011 April

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Seniors can find help with transportation, meals & more

From Senior Services, page 1 make seniors completely reliant on them, but instead make an effort to keep the seniors living as individuals. Even with their success, the Lutheran Service Society always needs volunteers, especially on the Northside. Montgomery and the Lutheran Service Society volunteers aren’t the only people in Allegheny County who are reaching out to help seniors in the Northside. Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging Sara Ward, the family care-giver support program coordinator for Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging, is involved in reaching out to those people who tend to the needs of seniors. Similar to the Lutheran Service Society, the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging is trying to keep people out of the nursing homes and in the comfort of their own homes.

“We have many individuals who could qualify for a nursing home,” Ward said. “But they’re able to reside safely at home because they have so much love and support from their caregivers and programs like mine really support that caregiver by reimbursing them.” The program is geared towards people who are giving care for their loved ones and the services they offer support the caregivers both financially and mentally, depending on what is necessary. “It could be a friend, a relative or a neighbor,” Ward said. “The goal is to help premature institutionalization into a nursing facility.” Funded by the Older Americans Act, along with various federal and state funding programs, the program has managed to stay steady despite recent economic trouble in the country and state-wide. Ward says that it have been fortunate enough not to make any serious budget cuts of any kind.

However, Ward also sees an increase in need for the program as a high probability. Because Allegheny County has such a large senior population, the need for these services is tremendous, Ward said. “I think in time, as our population continues to age, we will have an explosion of care-givers and care receivers who need our support.” Northside Citipark Senior Community Centers Along with both of these, one other major provider for seniors in the Northside is the Citiparks Senior Community Center. There are two centers, one in Allegheny Square and one in Brighton Heights. The Allegheny Square center, whose director is Melinda McCormick, offers various opportunities for seniors in the area to get involved in activities they otherwise may never find out about. Through funding from the Department of Aging, the center

offers everything from property tax help and tai chi classes to line dancing and healthcare talks. All you need to qualify is to be 60 years of age or older and live in Allegheny county. “We use the [Older Person’s Transportation], who sometimes requires a proof of age,” McCormick said. “They pick up seniors to go to doctors appointments, senior centers and so forth. “If there is something we can’t help a senior with, we refer them to Department of Aging and different agencies,” McCormick said. “For instance, we do the property tax and rent rebates but we don’t do the income tax, so we would refer to the volunteer services that do the income tax.” In another parallel between the programs, McCormick wants people to know that the center can always use more help. “We are always looking for volunteers,” McCormick said.

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The Northside Chronicle The Northside Chronicle

Tax deadline is looming From April 18, page 13 Do not include your 2011 estimated taxes with your 2010 tax return. It's a separate payment. File for a Tax Refund If you're owed a tax refund for 2007, don't let April 18, 2011, pass you by. You must file a 2007 return by this date (there is no penalty for late filing if you're owed a refund). Reasons why you may have money owed to you: â€˘You had withholding taken from your pay but your wages and other income were below the level that required you to file a tax return. â€˘You are eligible for the earned income tax credit but never filed for it. The IRS says that about 1.1

million people who failed to file 2007 tax returns may be owed a refund. About half of the refunds are $640 or more. The deadline for filing a 2007 return in order to claim a refund is April 18, 2011. The return must be postmarked by this date (2007 returns can no longer be e-filed). There is no penalty for filing a late return for which a refund is due. Of course, those who also failed to file in 2008 and / or 2009 will not see their 2007 refunds until they file their missing return(s). If any taxes are owed to the government, the refunds will be applied to the outstanding taxes. Jamar White owns and operates UR Tax Solutions at 901 Western Ave. Ste. 112. For tax help, call him at 412-321-1045 or visit him online at www.urtaxsolutions.com

>>News tip? Call 412-321-3919

April 2011 April 2011

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The Northside Chronicle

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The Northside Chronicle The Northside Chronicle

Envirobikes: Save money on gas, & save the environment From Envirobikes, page 12 $3,000, depending on function and model. With gas prices on the rise again and another round of Port Authority transit cuts stirring the ire of commuters and city residents, Stalter expects to see an uptick in sales this year after a successful first year. Stalter, who works as a wholesaler, got the idea for selling electric bicycles while visiting China in 2006. “I could see they’re literally riding [electric bikes] by the thousands,” he said. When gas prices went up to more than $4 per gallon in some places, Stalter saw an opportunity and capitalized on it. Envirobikes only opens during the summer, because people aren’t interested in buying bicycles in the winter, Stalter said. The store

Page 26 April 2011

From the office of State Rep. Chelsa Wagner

Port Authority reform bill introduced

As Port Authority of Allegheny County riders adjust to the latest opened in late March for the 2011 service reductions, I have introduced season, and will be open through the legislation (H.B. 1162) that would fall. reform the process of appointing Though the sales may only be in members to the PAT Board of warmer weather, you can still ride Directors. Multiple independent the bikes in the winter as long as the analyses of the authority have roads aren’t covered in snow and ice. identified a lack of diverse Stalter said the batteries do become a viewpoints on the board as a major little “sluggish” in the cold. deficiency in PAT's governance. You can also ride them in the The PAT Board makes decisions rain, but, “When it’s raining you’re that affect the livelihoods of many going to get wet.” thousands of county residents, The more traditional-looking as well as the future growth and electric bikes will also fit on the viability of our region. It is clear standard Port Authority bus that tough questions need to be bicycle racks, so you can use an asked during these deliberations, e-bike in conjunction with public and this will be more likely to occur transportation, Stalter said. if board appointments come from Because police departments are multiple sources. probably unfamiliar with electric Currently, all nine members mopeds, Stalter said it’s a good idea of the PAT board are appointed by to call your local department and the county executive. Meanwhile, let them know you’ve purchased a large majority of Port Authority an EPED. Otherwise, you could be funding comes from the state. My pulled over. legislation would provide board

appointments to the governor, the House and Senate Democratic and Republican caucuses, and to the City of Pittsburgh. The county executive would retain three appointments. Comparable urban transit authorities around the country have similar numbers of state appointments. This bill is not an indictment of those currently serving on the board or of the county executive. But as we seek a long-term transit funding solution in Harrisburg, state leaders are reluctant to provide more money without having a voice on the governing body. I believe that this reform will assist us in building support for a long-term funding solution that will enable PAT to restore and expand service. The PAT Board will face many more difficult decisions in the months and years ahead, and I believe they will be made more carefully and with greater transparency if my legislation is enacted.

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The Northside Chronicle

The Game Page Last Month’s Puzzle Solutions First published in a U.S. puzzle magazine in 1979, Sudoku caught on in Japan in 1986, and became internationally famous in 2005. The aim of Sudoku is to enter a number from 1 through 9 in each space on a 9×9 grid made up of 3×3 subgrids (called “regions”). Some of the numbers have already been given. You may not use the same number twice in a single row, column, or region of the grid. Completing the puzzle requires patience and logical ability.

Crossword puzzles provided by www. bestcrosswords.com / Used with permission.

Chronicle Crossword Across 1- Gorillas, chimpanzees and orangutans; 5- Be silent, musically; 10Stepped; 14- Baptism, e.g.; 15- Hackneyed; 16- Able was ___...; 17- Make urban; 20- ___ und Drang; 21- Place; 22- Spanish Mister; 23- Hydrocarbon suffix; 25- Birthplace of Muhammad; 27- Fortress in Paris; 31- Add fizz; 35Mature; 36- Fall; 38- Actress Peeples; 39- Compass pt.; 40- Actress Merkel; 41- Coal scuttle; 42- T.G.I.F. part; 43- Competitor of Tide and Cheer; 44- Apathy; 46- Boot bottom; 47- Circuitous way; 49- Artillery fragments; 51- Former French currency; 53- From ___ Z; 54- Designer Simpson; 57- Eureka!; 59- Kitchen gadget; 63- Divide up; 66- Came down to earth; 67- Oscar de la ___; 68- French 101 verb; 69- Receiver Jerry; 70- Fall bloomer; 71- Interpret; Down 1- Upper limbs, weapons; 2- Artist Mondrian; 3- Famous last words; 4Notched; 5- Sugar amt.; 6- On; 7- Ornamented tobacco pipe; 8- Best of a group; 9- Hanoi holiday; 10- Musical ineptitude; 11- Bridle strap; 12- Riceshaped pasta; 13- Antlered animal; 18- Old Dodge model; 19- Rise; 24Hyundai model; 26- Secret society of Naples; 27- Baked dough; 28- Bridal path; 29- European wheat; 30- Hawaiian outdoor feast; 32- Negatively charged particle; 33- Name; 34- Art supporter; 37- Oops!; 40- Unfair lender; 45- Crown of ancient Egypt; 46- Upsetting team; 48- Recently; 50- Gillette brand; 52- Titles; 54- Purim month; 55- Sandwich shop; 56- Heroic; 58- Chip in; 60- Make reference to; 61- Poet Pound; 62- Hollow grass; 64- Song syllable; 65- Paving material;

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Sudoku

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The Northside Chronicle

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