August 2018 Est. 1985 Your Community Newspaper
The Northside Chronicle
Volume 34 Issue 8 - FREE -
Photo by Clifton Loosier
Coach James Hoy (third from left) and Assistant Coach Stu Lyon (second from left) train Northside boxers Eric Quarles (left) and Justin Bermudez (right) as part of the Western Pennsylvania Police Athletic League (WPAL), a program that partners youth with local mentors.
Youth find confidence through boxing NS Residents By Ashlee Green It’s 6:30 p.m. on a Monday night and the city is winding down as workers head home for the day. But for Eric Quarles, 20, of Manchester, and Justin Bermudez, 16, of Perry Hilltop, the action is just getting started. “Let’s go, let’s go,” “Giddy up, giddy up,” “You’re a rock star!,” shouts their coach, James Hoy, also a Northside resident and real estate developer well known for his uniquely themed housing properties. Hoy is standing in the center of a boxing ring,
INSIDE
leading Quarles, Bermudez and a few other young men in a warm-up. “Be an athlete, be an athlete,” he cheers, as they drop to the floor for push-ups. The boxers come to Third Avenue Boxing most days of the week to train for the Western Pennsylvania Police Athletic League (WPAL), an organization started as a mentorship program between volunteer trainers and local youth, to give kids an athletic alternative to violence and drugs. WPAL was founded by Jimmy Cvetic, a former Allegheny
- Aviation Photo Exhibit, Page 4 STORIES, COLUMNS, - Tribute to “Mr. Richey,” Page 11 FEATURES & MORE - Back-to-School Guide, Page 15
County police officer and local poet. Cvetic runs ten boxing gyms throughout Western Pennsylvania and views the sport as a stepping stone for kids to become champions of their own lives. “I believe everybody has good in them,” says Cvetic. “Sometimes you just have to hunt harder and look deeper for it.” Hoy, who goes by “Coach,” has been training the team for the last five years. He boxed when he was in college and coached high school basketball for 30 years. He says he was “bored,” and that’s what landed him here. See Boxing, Page 12
ONLINE
demand a say in rail project
By Ashlee Green In April 2017, Norfolk Southern Railway received a $20 million grant from PennDOT to upgrade 14 bridges in Allegheny County. Three of those bridges— at Columbus, Pennsylvania and West North Avenues—are located along the Pittsburgh Line, a rail line running through the Northside. Some Northside residents See Railroad, Page 7
- Latest Northside news - Weekly real estate transfers WWW.THENORTHSIDE CHRONICLE.COM - Event coverage and photos
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THE NORTHSIDE CHRONICLE
922 Middle St. • Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Managing Editor, Ashlee Green editor@thenorthsidechronicle.com Business Manager, Lauren Stauffer advertising@thenorthsidechronicle.com www.thenorthsidechronicle.com Phone 412-321-3919 • Fax 412-321-1447 Mail Subscriptions are available at a rate of $45.00 per year. Distribution: 8,000 copies
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Support Northside’s one and only free, local newspaper by becoming an advertiser or sponsor of a monthly guide. Specialty Editions January Year In Review February Celebration Guide March Summer Youth Guide April Homebuyers Guide May Health + Wellness Guide June Outside Guide July Culture Guide August Back-to-School Guide September Fall Map + Guide October Harvest Guide November Shop Small Guide December Holiday Guide 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 2018
Community Meetings
After Jail & Prison Ministry Support Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Allegheny Center Alliance Church 412.321.4333 ext. 127 801 Union Place, first floor Allegheny West Civic Council 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 7:30 p.m. Calvary United Methodist Church 412.323.8884 Brighton Heights Citizens Federation 2nd Thursday, bi-monthly, 7 p.m. Morrow Elementary School 412.734.0233 Brightwood Civic Group 1st Tuesday, monthly,6 p.m. Pressley Ridge, 2611 Stayton St. 412.732.8152 Brightwood Community Emergency Response Shelter 3rd Thursday, monthly, 6 p.m. 3219 Central Ave. 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
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Manchester Citizens Corporation 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, 6:30 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 Call to confirm 1st Wednesday, monthly, 6 p.m. MCC Center, 1319 Allegheny Ave. 412.231.4714 North Side Lions Club 2nd and 4th Tuesday, monthly, noon Max’s Allegheny Tavern
Central Northside Neighborhood Council 2nd Monday, monthly, 7 p.m. Allegheny Traditional Academy 412.231.7742
North Side Public Safety Council 1st Thursday, monthly, 5:30 p.m. 1319 Allegheny Ave. 1st floor meeting room 412.231.4714 ext. 201
Charles Street Area Council 1st Monday, monthly, call for times Pittsburgh Project, 2801 N. Charles St. 412.321.5567
Northside Toastmasters 2nd & 4th Thursdays, monthly, 6:30pm Carnegie Library, 1230 Federal St. 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. 412.231.2887
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. Arnold’s Tea 412.321.1204
Troy Hill Citizens Council March 8, June 6th, Sept. 12, Dec. 12. 1515 Tinsbury St. 412.321.2852
Fineview & Perry Hilltop Citizens Councils 4th Tuesday, monthly, 6 p.m. Contact for location info@ourfuturehilltop.org 412-238-7528
Spring Hill Civic League March 5, May 7, Sept. 10, Oct. 1, Nov. 5 6 p.m, Spring Hill Elementary School auditorium, contact@shcl.org
Mexican War Streets Society 3rd Monday, bi-monthly, 6:30-7 p.m. 1400 Buena Vista St. 412.323.9030
Summer Hill Citizens Committee 3rd Tuesday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. WPXI Television Station community room
Free weekly e-newsletters available by email, visit online to subscribe.
Mobile friendly for on-the-go reading and discovering. Find classifieds, calendars, and more. http://nschronicle.com/
August 2018
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Photo Antiquities premiers photos of first female pilots
By Nick Eustis The Photo Antiquities Museum in Deutschtown is unveiling a new photography exhibit this August, featuring images of some of Pittsburgh’s first aviators and airfields. “The focus of the exhibit is early aviation, with emphasis on the airfields in Pittsburgh,” said Frank Waters, executive director of the museum. The exhibit focuses primarily on three airfields: Rogers Field in Fox Chapel, founded around 1923, Bettis Field in West Mifflin,
founded in 1924, and Allegheny County Airport also in West Mifflin, founded in 1931. Images show a number of early Pittsburgh aviators taking off from these airstrips and performing death-defying acrobatic stunts. Several female aviators are featured, each of them pioneers in their time. Two of them are Teresa James and Helen Richey. James was born in Pittsburgh in 1914, and first took flying See Photos, Page 8
Allegheny Elks Lodge contests promote drug awareness program By Mark Thomas The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) Allegheny Lodge 339, the only Elks Lodge within the City of Pittsburgh, wants to educate Pittsburgh youth about the dangers of drugs. This year marks the 32nd anniversary of the resolution to create a Drug Awareness Committee for all lodges. The local lodge is holding three contests for youth this year with the theme: “Drugs Take Away…” Contests include: A poster contest for children in grades 3-5. Posters are judged on how well they pertain to the theme. Posters must be submitted on a minimum paper size of 8 ½ x 11, maximum size of 11 x 24. Parents, teachers, and friends can assist with ideas, but all posters must be original work of the student.
An essay contest for children in grades 6-8. Essays should be a maximum of 250 words and can be typed or handwritten. Neatness counts. A video contest for students in three age groups: Pre-High School, High School and Post-Graduate. Videos can be done by one student or a group of students. Must be at least two minutes and no more than five minutes in length. All entries should include the student’s name, address, phone number, grade level and name of affiliated school or organization. Submit entries to: BPOE Drug Awareness Program, Allegheny Elks Lodge 339, P.O. Box 6904, Pittsburgh, PA. 15212. Deadline is December 31, 2018. For contest information, trivia games and more, visit elkskidszone.org or contact the local Drug Awareness Chairperson at dap@alleghenyelks.org.
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August 2018
The Northside Chronicle
August newsletter from Councilwoman Darlene Harris
The sun is out and it seems the heat is here to stay! With the soaring temperatures and children utilizing our Northside parks, please remember to stay hydrated and drive carefully. Days are also getting longer, which means more time spent outside for families and dogs alike, so keep speed limits in mind when you pass through our beautiful Northside parks.
Road paving has also begun in the Northside, and the road paving schedules are up at pittsburghpa.gov. I will be tweeting and posting various road closures as they occur due to repaving, but also make sure to check with your local neighborhood organizations to stay informed. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at darlene.harris@pittsburghpa.gov or call us at 412-255-2135.
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Northside Public Safety Bulletin
First, National Night Out (NNO) was established in 1984 and is now celebrated nationwide every year on the first Tuesday of August. NNO is a time where residents turn on their porch lights and go out into their neighborhood to meet neighbors and have block parties and other community events. It’s an effort to promote neighborhood safety and camaraderie. Check if your neighborhood has an event planned. Visit http://pittsburghpa.gov/
national-night-out for ideas. Second, school will soon be back in session. We remind drivers to be cautious around school zones, crosswalks and school buses and encourage parents and caregivers to meet school bus drivers who will have their child in their care. This will put faces on everyone who can then work together for safe travels and transport of children. David Stacy is President of the Northside Public Safety Council.
“Mayor of Kerryville” remembered for his influence on Northside By Sarah Gross Kerry S. Kennedy, owner of K.S. Kennedy Distinctive Floral, died on Friday, July 20. Kennedy opened his flower shop in May 2006. He covered weddings, funerals and even provided backstage flowers to the Rolling Stones. Sue Kerr, a blogger from Manchester, said Kennedy was the biggest fan of her work, and be-
lieved she could write anything. “It’s so rare to have someone believe in you that much,” she said. When a fire on New Year’s Day of 2009 destroyed his store, he saved his dog Lucy, and still delivered flowers to a wedding reception the next morning. Friends and family replaced his lost inventory and gave him a place to work and a new laptop. According to Kerr, Kennedy was the mayor of
“Kerryville,” an imaginary place he and his friends talked about where anything was possible. Kerr remembers the first time she met him, in his shop in 2007. She watched him help a young man who couldn’t afford an arrangement for his mother. Kerr said Kennedy worked with the customer and let him pay what he could afford. Kennedy often donated flowers to the Persad Cen-
ter, where he covered the “ART FOR CHANGE” event for years, and to his friends, even though he didn’t have health insurance. “It was more than just flowers,” she said. Kennedy would have been 61 on July 29. Check out an archive of Kennedy’s work with the Northside Chronicle on our website: www.thenorthsidechronicle.com.
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Reconstruction of Allegheny Commons fountain unearths history spire that held up the main bowl. on where they put their resources.” As for theories why Pittsburgh This restoration project marks It’s a project that’s been going would bury a fountain, Jennifer a powerful collaboration between on for decades. The complete re- Dailey, an organizer with the Pitts- the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, construction of the northeast foun- burgh Parks Conservancy, said it the Allegheny Commons Initiatain in Allegheny Commons Park was initially proposed in 1966. In 2002, it was brought back to attention, and just earlier this year, the groundbreaking took place. The historic fountain was one of four that marked the corners of Allegheny Commons when the park was originally designed in 1867. According to the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, due to budget issues within the city of Pittsburgh in the mid 1900s, the fountains were removed. Most of the residents, city planners and parks employees assumed that the pieces Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy had either been put into storage or repurposed elsewhere in Pittsburgh. Photo, circa late 1800s, shows the original, intact northeast fountain. In early June of this year, while construction was underway, excava- was likely just budget constraints. tive, and the Northside Leader“At the time, [Pittsburgh] put ship Conference. All three groups, tors were digging to make room for the new fountain and came across a lot of their efforts into the steel working with the city of Pittsburgh, pieces of the original one buried industry. When that started to not made this reconstruction possible. “On behalf of the Pittsunderneath. They found its original be as profitable, it was likely they had to make some tough decisions burgh Parks Conservancy, it’s an coping, foundation, main bowl and
By Sarah Gross
amazing example of how public [and] private partnerships can work successfully and achieve projects like this, said Dailey. The current $2.5 million restoration plan covers installation of a new fountain as well as paths, garden beds, streetlamps and trash receptacles in the northeast corner of Allegheny Commons. The new fountain is modeled after the original one. No blueprints exist, so designers are recreating the appearance from old photographs and postcards. “To me, personally, it’s the kickoff to the Parks Conservancy restoration work in Allegheny Commons,” said Erin Tobin, another organizer with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. “It’s really exciting because we’re finally showing people that we’re here, and that we’re serious about restoring this park to what it used to be.” Dailey and Tobin emphasize the pieces of the original fountain will be kept inside Allegheny Commons and repurposed within the park. The grand opening of the fountain is scheduled for fall of this year.
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“Particulate matter” a concern in railroad plans From Railroad, Page 1 worry the project is moving forward with little transparency and are demanding a say in the process. Norfolk Southern currently operates the Mon Line, a double-stack rail line which runs south of Pittsburgh along the Monongahela River. The company is proposing to turn the Pittsburgh Line into a second double-stack rail line by either increasing the height of the three Northside bridges by three feet or lowering the railroad tracks underneath the bridges, known as “undercutting.” David Pidgeon, a spokesman for Norfolk Southern, called double-stack rail cars an “industry standard” in an April 2017 article in the Post-Gazette. He also said once bridges are raised, train traffic will increase from 20 to 25 trains a day to 40 to 50. Residents are concerned about the impact of increased train traffic in the Northside to their communi-
ty roads, public sidewalks, and personal health. A community meeting presented by Norfolk Southern was held on Tuesday, June 26, at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh to address these concerns, but many residents left it feeling unsatisfied. Following the meeting, Representative Jake Wheatley responded with a written message to his constituents: “The meeting felt like an obligation to meet the bare minimum and your concerns were not answered or addressed,” he wrote. He promised to “vigorously advocate” for the communities affected and keep residents updated on new information. The railway project, he reiterated, is part of a grant from the state of Pennsylvania to improve statewide rail transport. “There are economic benefits, as well as benefits to keeping fewer trucks on the road, both for our roadways and environment,” wrote Representative Wheatley.
But there are problems too. “There are huge numbers of people in the city and county that don’t even know that this is
academics, public health professionals and citizens working to improve air quality in the Pittsburgh region. He’s
Photo courtesy of the Breathe Project
A mock-up poster of a proposed pedestrian bridge renovation in Allegheny Commons Park, one of three bridges in the Northside affected by Norfolk Southern’s rail plans. happening,” said Matthew one Pittsburgher leading the call Mehalik, Executive Director of for more meetings with public The Breathe Project, a coalition of See Railroad, Page 25 environmental advocates,
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Museum exhibit explores early aviation
From Photos, Page 4 lessons on a whim to surprise her brother. By age 19, she flew her first solo flight, and in 1941, be-
Photo courtesy of Photo Antiquities Museum
Pilot Teresa James was a pioneer in early aviation.
came the first female flight instructor to graduate from Buffalo Aeronautical Institute. She went on
to be the first female pilot to fly a military plane across the United States. Richey was born in McKeesport in 1909, and graduated from McKeesport High School. She learned to fly at age 20, and by 35, was hired by United Airlines, becoming the first woman to fly for a commercial airline. Two years later, she broke the record for altitude in a light aircraft, reaching 18,448 feet. From these early moments in aviation, the exhibit moves on to, according to Waters, the “golden age of aviation.” Primary features are images of air races in the mid-1930s, in cities like Philadelphia, Cleveland and Los Angeles. One floor above the aviation exhibit is the museum’s permanent collection with over 500,000 pictures from all over the world. It includes 1840s daguerreotypes, one
of the earliest forms of play in the “Camera Room.” photography, and 19th The Photo Antiquities century mugshots. Museum is located at 531 The museum also East Ohio Street. It’s open
Photo courtesy of Photo Antiquities Museum
Some of the first female aviators: Frances Allen, Louise Thaden, Teresa James, Vee Shakarian and Helen Richey. maintains an extensive camera Wednesday through Saturday, and collection, with over 2,000 on dis- Monday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Manchester loses beloved barber, father figure By Atiya Irvin-Mitchell On the Northside, there is a barbershop that acted as a second home for much of the Manchester community: Richey’s Barbershop. On July 6, James Richey, the man who made the shop a fixture in the neighborhood, died at the age of 77. After Richey’s passing, it became clear that the man behind the haircuts was what made his shop so special. “Mr. Richey was the most caring, loving, compassionate, understanding person I’d ever met,” said Amber Suber, whose father was a lifetime customer at Richey’s barbershop. Richey was a part of her childhood and a source of encouragement to her as an adult. Richey’s haircuts were passed down from parents to their children like heirlooms. It was commonplace for many men to get their first haircuts from Mr. Richey,
as he was affectionately called, and then bring their sons to him for a lifetime of patronage. For the Northside, Suber said, Richey wasn’t just a barber, but a father figure. Frequent customers describe the barbershop as a warm, home-like place where they could find solace as well as a haircut. As news of Richey’s passing spread, friends and customers took to social media, ready with anecdotes of the man that spanned around 50 years of business. “Mr. Rich was a LEGEND in our community, he was well-respected, well-loved, and of course, he’ll be well-missed.... Rest Easy Mr. Rich!!” Nickye Valentine posted in the “Manchester Pittsburgh” Facebook group. Other commenters shared their experiences with Richey as a barber, teacher, and mentor. “The first look at black entrepreneurship of a lot of us in the community! You could always
get a laugh from Mr. Richey,” Dwight Sturvantis wrote. Richey earned a reputation for his generosity. Long-time customers recalled the ways he
Photo courtesy of Alicia Martin
Alicia Martin, sister of Amber Suber, smiles for a picture with Mr. Richey, Manchester’s own “Dr. Phil.”
gave back to the community. For some people this meant dispensing his wisdom, while for others it was donating his money to neighborhood causes. According to Suber, Richey also gave his time. “He’d give free haircuts to kids he knew didn’t have any money,” said Suber. “He was like Dr. Phil. His felt like his job wasn’t just cutting people’s’ hair. He made it a point to be there for people and help them solve their problems.” Suber recalled the times Richey offered words of encouragement when she was raising two children. Following Richey’s death, his funeral was held at Victory Baptist Church. He was buried on the Northside. His barbershop will be taken over by an apprentice. “He was a real gentleman and that’s what’s going to be missed the most about him,” said Suber. “Just knowing him was enough to make you love him.”
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Boxing helps youth cope with stress, bullying From Boxing, Page 1 “I’m from Manchester. [This league] keeps me who I am,” says Hoy. “I’m never going to be the retired guy yelling at the T.V. because these guys won’t let me.” He’s trying to find a new space for the boxers to train on the Northside, but for now, he regularly drives some of the guys back and forth to the downtown gym. Quarles is one of them. He lives next to Hoy and often has dinner at his house before Friday night matches. “I’m the only fighter he can’t leave,” Quarles says with a laugh. Known as the “Black Panther,” a nickname Hoy gave him because he “moves like a cat,” Quarles says his father first pushed him and his four siblings to try boxing when he was 12 years old. He was being bullied and needed an outlet to cope. Within one year of training, he noticed the positive changes it was making in his life. “It taught me confidence,” he
says. “It taught me leadership.” “It’s a lonely sport. You can play tennis, you can play basketball, but you can’t play boxing.” According to Hoy, Quarles is the team’s captain and role model. He’s also a former Western Pennsylvania Golden Glove Champion. Bermudez also comes over from the Northside to train. He’s been with WPAL for seven months. “Even on holidays, we’re down here doing our work,” he says. Bermudez, known as “June Bug,” heard about the program through a mentor at The Pittsburgh Project. He likes boxing because it’s stress relieving. “It distracts you from everything else,” he says. “It keeps your mind occupied.” Hoy starts new boxers out on what he calls the “skateboard,” a two-by-four positioned on the floor of the gym. The guys balance and shuffle back and forth on it while
practicing a series of punches. city come out here,” says Hoy. “If On conditioning days, Hoy splits we’re not fighting, we’re here.” his boxers in half, training one group On August 4, Quarles will at 6:30 p.m. and the other at 7:30 p.m. face off against Sage Hicks from
Photo by Clifton Loosier
Bermudez and Quarles spar at a Monday night training session. His dedication to coaching is a testament to the WPAL credo: “Always For the Kids.” “Some of the best fighters in the
the Boyce Gym at The Meadows Casino in Washington, PA. For more information about WPAL, visit the website at www.wpal.org.
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CULTURE Guide 2018
July 2018
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back-to-school Guide 2018
August 2018
August 2018
back-to-school Guide 2018
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20+ Family Friendly Events & Activities Buhl Community Park in Allegheny Square & Nearby
Temptations Tribute on 8/10 at 7PM
Solar Concert Series 2018 from 12:15PM - 1PM every Wednesday in August. 8/1 Afro Yaqui Collective, 8/8 Sierra Sellers, 8/15 Dan Getkin & the Twelve Six, 8/22 Chet Vincent, 8/29 Tim Vitullo Band.
TriAnglers Lunchtime Fishing on Wednesdays in August & September at 11:30AM. FREE Fishing - equipment and bait are provided. Pennsylvania Fishing License required for anyone 16 and older. Venture Outdoors Trip Leaders will be on hand to help.
14th Annual Kindergarten Here I Come! Free for children entering Kindergarten +1 adult at Children Museum on Saturday 8/11 from 9A-1p. The Sixth Annual Health + Wellness Weekend, Presented by “The People’s Office” Friday, August 17th - Sunday August 19th. Opening Reception “Havana Nights” on the Northside at Alloy 26 featuring DJ 007 and performance by Dennis Garner & Groove, UpHill 5k Run/ 1Mile Family Walk & Community Appreciation Day in Historic Hill District, and Health Expo for African American Living (H.E.A.L.) in Allentown. Join us as we explore concepts that focus on the enhancement of our mental, physical, spiritual, financial and environmental health. Participate in fun, informative activities that will teach creative ways to live healthier lifestyles and help build healthier communities. Visit www. hww19th.com for full schedule. Call 412.471.7760 for more information, to volunteer, or become a vendor. Brighton Heights Marmaduke Park & Legion Park Roving Art Cart on Thursday, 8/2 at 10AM - 1PM; Children paint, sculpt, and create a summer of magical fun in Marmaduke. Check out Dek Hockey Summer Championship games from 6:1510PM on 7/31, 8/1, 8/2, 8/7, 8/8, 8/9, and 8/15 in Marmaduke. B. Cherry’s 1st Annual Book Bag Giveaway with DJ Coles, local braiders, barbers, nail techs, food, and drinks in Legion Park on Saturday 8/11 from 3-9PM. On the River / Off the Three Rivers Heritage Trail Live on the River at the Rivers Casino Amphitheater: Free Summer Concert Series- Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers with Billy Price on 8/3 at 7PM and Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute and
Bicycle Heaven Annual Bicycle Show & Swap Meet! Saturday 8/25 and Sunday 8/26 from 9AM - ?? Rain or Shine! Food, Drinks, & Music! FREE. Bike groups welcome! Always Free! Walk or ride on the trail for a beautiful view of the city. Allegheny Commons East Park & Nearby Pittsburgh VegFest Saturday, 8/4, 2018 from 11AM-5PM is free! Enjoy the best veg food in Pittsburgh, music, shopping, cooking demos, animal welfare orgs, & kids activities in the Steel City. Northside Farmer’s Market every Friday through November from 3-7PM. Featuring A Place to Start health + wellness activities, demos, giveaways, and more. Free Open House at Sarah Heinz House on Friday 9/7 from 6-8PM. Swimming, games, and refreshments for all ages! Save the Date! Deutschtown’s 27th Annual Pumpkinfest is Saturday 10/13 (rain date 10/14) Riverview Park Stars at Riverview Jazz Series at 7PM & Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park at Dusk on Saturdays: 8/4 Bobby Short then Wonder Woman (PG-13), 8/11 Boilermaker Jazz then Ping Pong Playa (PG-13),8/18 Rick Finkelstein then Black Panther, 8/25 Clare Ascani then Spider-Man: Homecoming (PG-13)
details and upcoming rides. Allegheny Commons West Park Tuesdays in the Grove with Gus- 20 minute history talks with Allegheny City Society at 7PM. 8/7 The Pen in the Commons The story of the location, construction and then removal of the Western Penitentiary in the heart of the Allegheny Commons. 8/14 Remembering Ethel Hagler- Legendary North Side community activist who took the lead to improve the quality of life in the neighborhoods close by the Commons.8/21- Who Owns the Commons? Presbyterians, the Western University of Pennsylvania (before it was the University of Pittsburgh) and the School District of Pittsburgh all wanted a piece of Allegheny Commons Park. Playful Tuesdays – every Tuesday in August from 4-6:30PM Come to Gus & Yia Yia’s every Tuesday this summer for a gathering of playful activities such as music, dancing, games, and history talks! With something different every week, you’ll never know what to expect! Well, you can always expect delicious ice balls and popcorn! Northside Old Timers Annual Northside Reunion at West Park on Saturday 8/4 from Noon-9pm. Saturday Live music (Tubby Daniels Trio, Bill Henry Band, and House of Soul) and Sunday 8/5 from 9am-5:30pm. Sunday Praise in the Park. Both days vendors, giveaways, contests and more! Come out, pack a basket, and enjoy seeing and reconnecting with other original NorthSiders. Manchester Field African-American Heritage Day Parade at 11AM on Pennsylvania Ave. and Unity Day all day on Saturday 8/25 with live music, vendors, and backpack giveaway.
1st Annual RP Day on Saturday, 9/8- Celebrate Riverview Park with free activities including adventure hikes, bike races and tours, kids’ activities, live music, free food and MORE!
Oliver High School Field
NEW North Side Youth Mountain Bike Club for middle and high school students. No bike necessary. Email northsideyouthmountainbike@gmail.com for more
Make your own Historical Landmark walking tour all around the Northside by using the CULTURE GUIDE’s map. Online only and mobile friendly!
Cheer on the Northside’s own Steelers youth footbal homegames on Saturday 8/11, 8/18, 9/8, 9/22, 9/29.
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back-to-school Guide 2018
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back-to-school Guide 2018
From the Archive: Aerial Images from Photo Antiquities Museum of Photographic History
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YINGZBURGH! COMICS By Nils Hanczar
Read the Northside Chronicle Online
Visit new web address www.nschronicle.com for more news about Northside real estate, events & more.
Did you know? Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta roots in paddle wheeler races By Lauren Stauffer Photos on the left: Aerial images from the Gerlach & Kashak Collection at Photo Antiquities circa 1940-50s.
The 41st annual celebration of the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta returns to the North Shore this month. An estimated 500,000 visitors attend the three day event that spans from the North Shore to Point Park downtown. Off-shore entertainment includes powerboat races, ALCOSAN 3 Rivers Proud Anything that Floats Race, USA Freestyle Championships, Pittsburgh Paddlesports Championships, and the Air Force Skydive. Prior to the 1977 inaguration of the regatta most folks are familiar with, there was “Pittsburgh Welcome Week Regatta” which began in May of 1949 and ended in 1952. The notable features of the post-war event included steamboat and paddle wheeler races (think Kennywood paddle boats). Photos on the left are from this era. Though unverified to be the actual “Welcome Week,” they still provide a glimpse of Pittsburgh’s transformation, legacy of bridges and the public’s interest in riverlife. The Sixth Street Bridge (now known as The Roberto Clemente Bridge), shows a crowd gathered over the spanse of the historical Sister Bridge. On August 3 of this year, the bridge will look similar, if not more crowded, with local vendors and spectators enjoying the water festivities from above. Northsiders have the advantage of watching lawn side by walking down to the Three Rivers Heritage Trail where the Beer Garden is stationed off Rooney Avenue and North Shore Drive. Want to see more “From the Archives?” Sign up for The Northside Chronicle’s weekly e-newsletter and receive the “Where is that? AnArchival Game” straight in your inbox every Thursday. Visit www.thenorthsidechroniclecom/subscriptions
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Ask An Attorney By Matthew D. Gailey Gailey Law Group As the summer continues to slip away, many Northsiders will try and get that last bit of fun in before school starts. Many of us take the time to swim and if we are fortunate enough, we may choose to take a dip in our own backyard pool. Pool owners must always take caution to protect not only themselves, but also other individuals, from the dangers associated with pools. In Pennsylvania, there has long existed something known as the “attractive nuisance doctrine.� In short, if a property owner has reason to believe children are likely to trespass and an artificial condition (such as a swimming pool) has the potential to cause death
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or serious bodily injury, then an attractive nuisance exists. Property owners can be liable for damages suffered by children if the property owner could have eliminated the danger without significant burden and he or she did not exercise reasonable care to eliminate the danger. An example where a property owner could be liable is if a small child who could not appreciate the risks of a swimming pool drowned in a pool that had no fence around it to prevent the child from entering. Property owners who own pools, construction sites, work equipment, ditches, and buildings all have to take steps to secure their property to stop children who are attracted to these areas from injuring themselves. If you have any questions about this doctrine of premises liability law, please feel free to give me a call.
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Transparency needed with rail company
From Railroad, Page 7 officials, more analysis of the proposed railroad changes, more accountability for Norfolk Southern and more communication on all fronts. Another one is Erica Jackson, Predoctoral Fellow at the Center for Healthy Environments and Communities (CHEC) at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. At the request of Glenn Olcerst, a concerned Northside resident whose been spearheading efforts to educate the public about railroad updates, the CHEC recently completed an analysis of how air quality in Pittsburgh could change if Norfolk Southern plans arecarriedout. Jackson said air quality is a major concern because it affects people every day. The study, available to the
public on the Breathe Project website, estimated that 112,189 people are living in close proximity to the Pittsburgh Line. It measured “particulate matter,” which is one pollutant associated with increased train traffic, and estimated if 20 additional 70-car freight trains were added and ran through the Northside, it would produce the same effect as 1,360 urban diesel buses per day. Double-stacked trains are taller and heavier than average freight trains, Jackson said, and depending on details specific to each train size, could potentially cause an effect closer to 6,800 buses per day. Admittedly, Mehalik said, the CHEC study is a “first pass analysis” of how the Norfolk Southern proposals could affect surrounding communities. Nevertheless, Jackson said many questions still remain about the rail proposals, like which kind of engines the double-stacked trains
will have, whether or not there will be limits to train idling times and which other pollutants they will produce. Once these details are known, she said, a more accurate analysis of emissions can be made. Rudy Husband, Norfolk Southern Resident Vice President, said Norfolk Southern is currently conducting an environmental assessment that will address issues like noise, vibration and emissions. He estimates it to be completed and available to the public this September. According to him, it’s only a matter of time before bridges in the Northside fall into disrepair and become unsafe. He sees the proposals as a benefit to the City and a way for it to get two new bridges essentially for free. He said the rail route through the Northside has always been a primary route for moving hazardous materials like crude oil, ethanol and chlorine and
claims this project will not result in an increase in those materials. “Unfortunately, bridges don’t last forever,” he said. “We are trying to design bridges that are acceptable to the public, but there are just some engineering realities that cannot be avoided,” he continued. “It’s going to take some time to proceed on a plan that everyone can live with. We realize it’s a challenge.” At least all sides can agree on one factor: communication needs improvement. “There’s a lot of misinformation being spread about this project in the Northside, which has caused a lot of unnecessary aggravation,” said Husband. “The issue is making sure these communities understand what’s being proposed, said Mehalik. “That’s the first step.” “Once there’s greater delineation of what the risks are, then we can talk about solutions.”
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Allegheny City Central Capital Homes LLC to TWJS & JYC LLC at 1610 Brighton Road for $112,000. Allegheny City Central Assn. to Frank Quinn Construction Corp. at 108 Carrington St. for $2,000. John Lamb to Branton Properties LLC at 614 Jacksonia St. for $225,000. Anthony Foster to Dana Kemmerle Gunn at 610 Sampsonia Way for $270,000. Blest Investment Group LLC to Pittsburgh Property Guy H2 L.P. at 1437 Sandusky St. for $50,000. Allegheny City Central Assn. to Robert Beckham at 227 Alpine Ave. for $3,500. Barbara Berry to Abigail and Thomas Jolley at 1403 Arch St. for $170,000. Estate of Oma Lois Walton to Leonard Walton at 1436 Loraine St. for $95,000. Sandra Gough to Richard Pipak III and Tori Fondrk at 1223 Reddour St. for $319,900. Anna Ahronheim to Joseph Kalinoski and Linda Hagen at 1501 Federal St. for $512,500 Matthew Dennis Carter to Stephen Bowen and Maria Chavara at 1409 Monterey St. for $265,000. Allegheny West Bernard Latterman to Pittsburgh Presbytery at 948 Western Ave. for $175,000. Brighton Heights BLN Properties LLC to Chinh and Thy Tran at 3541 California Ave. for $265,000. Christ Hope Ecumenical Catholic Church to New Life Family Worship Center Pittsburg at 1301 Davis Ave. for $168,118. Paul Morack Jr. to Todd Wermager and Melissa Ford at 1132 Pemberton St. for $215,000. Jason Beggarly to Shouf Holdings LLC at 1446 Reuben St. for $20,000. Brandi Rosselli to Mitchell and Leigh Young at 184 Richbarn Road for $210,000. S2C LLC to Cory Ballard and Kelly Doerr at 3239 Bainton St. for $115,900. Estate of Mary Jane Ehrler to John and Carrielee Hemington at 3535 Fleming Ave. for $125,000. Steven White Jr. to Michelle Grover at 1909 Marmaduke St. for $184,000. Robert Lersch to Ricardo and Robin Williams at 121 San Pedro Place for $222,500 Edwin Gumban to Cathleen Komorowski and Frank Taylor at 1801 Marmaduke St. for $59,000. James Founds to Michael and Jocelyn Hartnett at 1625 Orchlee St. for $290,900.
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Sherri Searight to Justin Salinetro at 3846 Wilksboro St. for $100,000. Divakaruni Bellevue LLC to FOF Properties LLC at 3596 Brighton Road for $205,000. Anthony Laush Jr. to Timothy and Stephanie Murphy at 4055 Brighton Road for $135,000. Marlex Properties LLC to Aung Thang at 3226 California Ave. for $127,900. Jamie Beechey to Kellie Cominsky at 1845 Chellis St. for $150,000. Shoniece Hall to JLA Properties L.P. at 3443 Fleming Ave. for $30,401 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $72,732) by sheriff’s deed. Thomas Clarke to US Bank NA trustee at 3459 McClure Ave. for $8,959 by sheriff’s deed. Joseph Grimes to Timothy Meckey at 201 Peddler Place for $157,500. Lois Marak to Donald and Jacqueline Ralutz at 420 Chandler Place for $157,500. WR Properties LLC to City Living Properties LLC at 3458 Fleming Ave. for $225,000. Gian Contractor Corp. to Avid Holdings 1802 LLC at 3620 Grenada St. for $32,897. Pittsburgh City to Christian Fellowship Center Church God C at 1326 McClure Ave. for $1,200. UCG Forty Four LLC to Reasonably Priced Homes LLC at 3232 McClure Ave. for $46,000. James Notaro Jr. to Michael John and John Flickinger at 3553 GerberAve. for $280,000. Estate of Wilma Rohaly to Edward and Roxanne Bannias at 1140 Goe Ave. for $68,000. Keith Benevent to Alex Benevent and Stephanie Jell at 3421 Harbison St. for $120,000. Pittsburgh City to Thomas and Maureen Uhler at 3413 Reuben St. for $200 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $1,140). Sandra Lee Marciniak to Devin Lee Carroll at 1810 Winhurst St. for $133,900. Amanda Shumaker to Wade and Susan Ewing at 1826 Wittmer St. for $200,000. Charles Beck to Raymond Yourd at 1412 Davis Ave. for $255,000. Peter Allen to Annemarie Schaefer and Cooper Pierce at 1836 Kleber St. for $230,900. Elizabeth C Kurz Kernan to Allison Emert at 3446 Rigel St. for $170,000. California-Kirkbride Dennis Campbell et al. to Emilia Wiles at 1109 Island Ave. for $239,900.
Paul Remsen Henry to Corey Rook at 2420 Ridgeland Place for $126,000. Estate of Natalie Buchanan to Bank New York Mellon trustee at 1703 Brighton Place for $2,644 by sheriff’s deed. Emmanuel Taylor to Northside Properties R&S LLC at 842 Kirkbride St. for $17,500 Central Northside Drozd Development & Construction Corp. to Shahrzad Bozorg at 1689 Perrysville Ave. for $23,000. John Kocur III to Charles Johnson and Laura Morgan at 1110 Sherman Ave. for $287,000. Anthony Foster to Dana L Kemmerle Gunn at 610 Sampsonia Way for $282,000. Carol Brenneisen to Mark Roark and Matthew Lecornu at 1403 Sherman Ave. for $205,000. Charles St. Valley KJN Grant LLC to Yalanda Ferguson at 2535 N. Charles St. for $110,000. Deutsch & Assoc. LLC to Kevin Brewer and Jose Antonio Licon at 73 Strauss St. for $185,000. East Deutschtown Mark Fassy to Pittsburgh Property Guy H3 L.P. at 849 Concord St. for $36,000. Wholesale Properties LLC to Frank and Jessica Lipchak at 876 Vista St. for $40,100. Historic Deutschtown Northside Worldwide Inc. to Daniel Bobovnyik and Cheryl Kakurai at 1202 James St. for $295,000. October Real Estate Holdings LLC to Aniket Hirebet and Sarah Andrews at 742 Middle St. for $50,000. October Real Estate Holdings LLC to John McNamara and Adele Armann at 808 Middle St. for $100,000. Amy T Jones Norton to Rachel and Matthew Ahn at 520 Avery St. for $320,000. Isaiah Sawhney et al. to Euan and Ann Morgan at 1002 Middle St. for $330,000. Luka Pocivavsek to Charles and Caitlyn Turowski at 1322 James St. for $364,900. Jared Pascoe to Philip Palmer at 600 Lockhart St. for $110,000. Donna Ambrogi to KMGA Development LLC at 514 Knoll St. for $63,000. Fineview Pittsburgh City to Elaina Chisom at 2018 Letsche St. for $400 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $2,280). Louis Sanders to Avid Holdings 1802 LLC at 4 Carrie St. for $4,500. Charles Beck to McMyGraf LLC at 7 Carrie St. for $46,350.
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Manchester TYP 2 LLC to Jonathan Jordan at 1115 Fulton St. for $320,000. Lee Van Voorhis to Irfan Khan and Wioleta Lisowska at 1010 Liverpool St. for $250,429. Coralie Kartesz to Kenia Lewis Johnson at 1014 Abdell St. for $25,740. MCC MCS LLC to Paul Bowman Root at 1215 Columbus Ave. for $313,000. Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group to Manchester Citizens Corp. at 1309 Columbus Ave. for $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $38,874). 1336 Pennsylvania Avenue LLC to Alderman Holdings 1336 Pennsylvania LLC at 1336 Pennsylvania Ave. for $215,000. Life’s Work Western PA to Sine Trading International LLC at 1439 N. Franklin St. for $415,000. Domenic Betters to MartaAnyse Napoleone Mazzoni and Philip Alan Mazzoni at 1019 Allegheny Ave. for $230,000. Dennis Allan to Tyler Porco at 1021 Allegheny Ave. for $255,000. MCC MCS LLC to Maggie Hudak at 1223 Columbus Ave. for $300,000. Ashley MacDonald to Benjamin Sgroi at 1015 Manhattan St. for $313,000. Marshall-Shadeland Diane Annis Dixon to Tazia Dixon at 1044 Grand Ave. for $95,000. Nancy Ann Welsh to Seth and Anne Newcomer at 3709 Hiawatha St. for $58,000. Nancy Ann Welsh to Seth and Anne Newcomer at 3711 Hiawatha St. for $63,000. Edna Bruce to Ivy Ferrell at 3111 Shadeland Ave. for $87,500. Marvin Nelson to Urban Impact Foundation at 1360 Oakhill St. for $75,000. Christina Patrono Smith to Jeffrey Mihelcic and Jason Watkins at 935 Smithton Ave. for $92,500. Allegheny Columbian Assn. to Thomas Conroy at 3219 Central Ave. for $62,000. Robert Lersch to True Vine LLC at 1232 Dickson St. for $45,000. Sherry Cochenour Goodman to Douglas Kiefer at 1015 Smithton Ave. for $40,000. High Return Pittsburgh MultiFamily Fund to Big Babec 33 L.P. at 3152 Sorrento St. for $10,000. George Petro to A Tot’s Spot Inc. at 2715 Stayton St. for $7,000 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $36,366) by
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sheriff’s deed. Thomas Toner Jr. to Barrett Stephens and Abigail Moller at 7 Courtright St. for $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $20,520). Louis Essey Jr. to Urban Impact Foundation at 1362 Oakhill St. for $50,000. Jason Durler to Gethsemane Place LLC at 1043 Woods Run Ave. for $8,000. Observatory Hill Steven Negri et al. to Babcock Commons LLC at 3906 Perrysville Ave. for $100,000. Russell Laubach trustee to Bernadette Hairston Rosser at 261 Watson Blvd. for $9,600. Observatory Hill Development Corp. to Philip and Melissa Hnatkovich at 29 Bonvue St. for $185,000. Sareeta Sims et al. to William Manley at 27 Montana St. for $180,620. Castlerock 2017 LLC to Emmanuel Niyibizi at 3816 Baytree St. for $26,099. Bank America NA to Mica Lee Williams at 36 Watson Blvd. for $56,000. Michael Lanick III to Christopher Mrozowski at 251 Bascom Ave. for $125,000. DSV SPV3 LLC to Jose Bravo at 4036 Vinceton St. for $19,000. Salvatore Cervone to Barbara Demar at 143 Roosevelt Ave. for $60,000. Matthew Bartock to Eboni Le’Sesne at 3719 Baytree St. for $155,000. Perry Hilltop Jane Clark to Charlyn Horton at 16 Ellzey St. for $75,000. Ross Paullet to Victoria Jordan at 2714 Perrysville Ave. for $132,500. Mary Jane Spooner et al. to Bank New York Mellon trustee at 2652 Norwood Ave. for $16,554 by sheriff’s deed. Federal National Mortgage Assn. to Antionette Jones at 227 E. McIntyre Ave. for $39,900. Triple Helix LLC to Cayce Woodson at 423 Marshall Ave. for $189,900. Marlene Penny to Perry Hilltop Farm LLC at 2226 Wilson Ave. for $6,307. Estate of George Mechem to Todd Meyer at 1 Overlook St. for $30,000. Spring Garden Jeffrey Bailey to Youba Ait Hamoudi at 1420 Firth St. for $41,000. Lutheran Service Society Western PA to Spring Garden Storage LLC at 1270 High St. for $900,000. Jacqueline Johnson to New Direction IRA FBO Carolyn Metcalf IR at 2 Mauch St. for $12,000. Martin Marinack to Jennifer McDonald at 1277 Voskamp St. for $10,000. Spring Hill Christina Scott to Dan Essig at 916 Vista St. for $15,000.
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Michael Cersosimo to Jonathan DaSilva at 1208 Itin St. for $119,500. Kathryn Waldschmidt estate et al to US Bank NA trustee at 1035 Shreve St. for $3,597 by sheriff’s deed. Melinda Gawlas to Ellen Gaus at 1415 Hetzel St. for $124,500. Bernadette Hairston trustee to Brightwood Holdings LLC at 914 Mina St. for $20,000. Kenneth Hairston to Brightwood Holdings LLC at 915 Mina St. for $20,000. Lee Etta Hairston to Tammy Birchfield at 402 Lamar St. for $69,072. Balm Investments LLC to Casa de Kaha LLC at 1234 Itin St. for $122,000. Robert Lersch to Robert Lersch at 1924 Rockledge St. for $17,500. Summer Hill David Lee Stevens to Andrew Dice at 110 Montville St. for $84,000. Bonita Maier to Bonita Maier and William Karner at 3443 Sirius St. for $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $42,237). Anita Thomas Brown to Federal National Mortgage Assn. at 3529 Sirius St. for $12,573 by sheriff’s deed. Alice Schultz estate et al. to Olivia Horning at 4469 Scherling St. for $142,900. Erin Feith Aland to Aaron Byrne at 4477 Cerise St. for $175,000. Troy Hill William Novak to Emily Brown at 2060 Straubs Lane for $54,900. Estate of Margaret Christopher to No Good Deed LLC at 1909 Tours St. for $33,000. James Pele to Cameron Stauffer at 2144 Straubs Lane for $10,000. Susan Barnes to Robert Davis and Charles Leskowak at 1537 Hatteras St. for $49,500. Michael Filkosky to Robert Brandl III at 1418 Lowrie St. for $120,000. John Citrone to Pabean Property L.P. at 1821 Rialto St. for $58,128. Daliborka Kovacevic to Craig Vandergrift and Irene Setcavage at 70 Waterfront Drive for $600,000. Sams Uddin to Nicholas DeLia at 2146 Lowrie St. for $17,950. Woodbrook Builders Inc. & Starting Fresh to Amir and Tamar Belson trustee at 2129 Straubs Lane for $28,000. Andrea Wisenauer to Mark and Denise R Lull Oggero at 69 Waterfront Drive for $500,000. Kateri Hubert to Stephen Chechak Jr. at 1948 Ley St. for $22,500. Sungkyu Jung to Meagan Bucciarelli at 18 Waterfront Drive for $530,000. Sign up for our weekly Thursday e-newsletter to stay up-to-date on real estate transactions on the Northside. Visit our website: www.nschronicle.com
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“Dandy Andy” tour gives glimpse into Warhol’s romantic life By Ashlee Green When the Andy Warhol museum opened in 1994, it was designed to display Warhol’s life story and artwork in chronological order. But over the next 20 years, as the collection grew, the order became altered. In 2014, the entire museum was rehung to return to the original vision. That’s when staff realized how much of Warhol’s tale was not being told. “Dandy Andy: Warhol’s Queer History” fills the gap. This hourlong tour examines the role of Warhol’s sexuality in his personal life and career. Tour guides provide historical context for Warhol’s art and discuss how it played out alongside the Stonewall riots, the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the “Lavender Scare.” The Lavender Scare sparked mass interrogations, firings and forced resignations of LGBT government employees who were accused of being communist sympathizers. Warhol generally did not make political statements as an artist, but he was active with others who
did like Keith Herring and JeanMichel Basquiat. With help from these influencers, Warhol grew his artistic range and shock value. “Warhol has this way of entangling attraction and art making,” said Shannon Thompson, Artist Educator at the Warhol. Often conflicted in his relationship to his sexuality, Warhol sketched men as a way of flirting with them and regularly muddied his business and love affairs. His critics called him too feminine and made fun of his working class background, but Warhol learned to emphasize these factors in his art and persona, turning them into strengths. “At turns he fostered the unpolished ‘Raggedy Andy’ image of his advertising days, played up his ‘swish’ mannerisms, and agreed with interviewers that his art was vacuous,” Thompson wrote in an email. “Dandy Andy” is a glimpse into a thread of Warhol’s life the media tends to neglect. Guests learn about his boyfriends, including photographer Ed Wallowitch, poet John Gior-
no, and film executive Jon Gould, language of queerness has evolved. and Warhol film “superstars” like To celebrate Pride Month, Candy Darling and Mario Montez. the Warhol offered the tour every Tour guides also discuss how War- weekend in June. Now guests can
Photo courtesy of The Andy Warhol Museum
Andy Warhol, Small Acetate (Self-Portrait in Drag), 1980, The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh; © The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. hol’s New York studio, the Factory, functioned as an informal LGBTfriendly social hub and the ways the
catch it the last Saturday of each month at 3 p.m. Tours are free with the price of museum admission.
Science Center partners with Girl Up to reduce gender gap in STEM fields By Chloe Burkart The Carnegie Science Center, in collaboration with Girl Up, a global leadership development initiative of the United Nations Foundation, is aiming to reduce the gender disparity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) career fields nationwide. The organizations have developed a STEM curriculum designed to encourage young girls to break barriers and pursue an interest in these fields for social good. Women hold less than 25 percent of STEM jobs in the U.S. Developing this curriculum aligns
with the Science Center’s working goal to reduce gender inequality in STEM. It includes 10 activities Girl Up clubs worldwide can par-
ticipate in either online or in print. given by local female STEM leaders. Additionally, STEM boot camps will Girl Up has provided girls with be held in Pittsburgh and other major leadership training and tools to cities where girls can listen to talks become advocates for gender equality since 2010. It encourages participants to apply STEM concepts to solve real-world problems in their communities and introduces them to other successful women in STEM. Girls learn about human-centered design thinking, the scientific method and problem-solving skills. The organization is committed to supporting girls all over the world through five critical Photo courtesy of Girl Up areas: education, health, safety, leadership and documentation. Girl Up’s 2018 Leadership Summit in D.C.
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Brother’s Brother Foundation welcomes Puerto Rican partner to Pittsburgh By Sarah Gross On July 6, 2018, the Brother’s Brother Foundation (BBF) welcomed one of their most influential partners to Pittsburgh from Puerto Rico. Since Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in September of last year, BBF has been working tirelessly to do what it can to help. Raul Rodriguez, the president of Luis Garraton LLC (LGI), is a BBF partner in efforts to help Puerto Rico. According to statistics provided by BBF, LGI managed the storing and distributing process of 88 container-loads of food, water, medicine and other supplies BBF sent to Puerto Rico. Rodriguez spoke at the BBF headquarters in Manchester about the state of Puerto Rico following the hurricane. He mentioned the fragile electric grid, the island-wide blackouts, the tarps people used to replace broken ceilings and the destroyed roads and highways. He was especially worried about those living in
the mountains in Puerto Rico, since it was hard for them to receive aid. “Every single Puerto Rican wanted to help,” Rodriguez said. “Even though it was tough, we learned about who we really are, and what we can do together.” Ron Alvarado, a member of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, spoke from a more personal angle. His mother was living in Puerto Rico at the time of the hurricane. She had stage four cancer and was losing resources for water and oxygen when the supplies arrived. “My mother would have been another statistic,” he said. The day the aid came to Puerto Rico, it was predicted to arrive by 8:30 a.m., but due to the state of the roads, no one expected it for another hour. According to Alvarado, it came by 8:25 a.m. Rodriguez and LGI distributed the vital supplies five minutes early, even though moving through the island was a feat in itself. LGI also distributed over 400,000 pounds of supplies donated through the Pittsburgh
Pirates. A small group of Pirates BBF has been operating for 60 themselves even flew to Puerto years. According to the organizaRico to assist in the distribution. tion’s website, they’ve helped people Frank Coonelly, the president in need in over 149 countries and proof the Pirates, worked with both vided over 105,000 tons of supplies.
Photo courtesy of Brother’s Brother Foundation
Raul Rodriguez (second from right) pauses for a photo with Fred Ramos, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, of Highmark Health, Luke Hingson, President of BBF and Ron Alvarado. BBF and LGI in order to provide as much help as possible, raising over $200,000 and distributing supplies to over 7,000 families.
At the Pirates game on July 7, 2018, Rodriguez was honored for his efforts with his own team jersey, and by throwing the first pitch of the game.
City Books helps fill bookshelves in Sierra Leone By Chloe Burkart City Books is teaming up with Pittsburgh African Library Project to create and stock a children’s library in Sierra Leone. The African Library Project is comprised of American and Canadian volunteers who partner with organizations in Africa to create and fill libraries in some of the world’s poorest countries.
From the time it was founded in 2005, they have completed 2,293 libraries in 12 African countries and donated over 2.2 million books. In America, books often sit unread, collecting dust on bookshelves. City Books and the Pittsburgh African Library Project have collaborated to put gently used books to good use. As of June 5, they have accepted over 2,000 book donations—and that number continues to rise. Donations
include baby board books, paperback easy readers, children’s picture books, juvenile chapter books and dictionaries, K-8 textbooks and encyclopedias and atlases published after 1990. Book donations will be accepted at City Books, located on Galveston Avenue, until August 15. Sierra Leone ranks 179 out of 188 on the Human Development Index, which rates the quality of life of countries based on
factors like health, education and employment. The country’s 11-year civil war left its education system in shambles and the Ebola epidemic worsened people’s health. Only about 43 percent of adults there are literate. In addition to collecting books, the Pittsburgh Library Project is accepting monetary donations to cover costs of shipping books overseas. So far, they have raised more than half of their $1,200 goal.