Dec. 2020 Est. 1985
The Northside Chronicle
Volume 36 Issue 12 - FREE -
The Community Newspaper of Pittsburgh’s Historic Northside
'Northside Glow' kicks off holiday spirit By Ashlee Green The North Side North Shore Chamber of Commerce annual holiday gala may be out this year, but the new “Northside Glow” is in. Running from Dec. 5, 2020 to Jan. 2, 2021, holiday lights will be set up in Allegheny Commons East Park, highlighting entrances to the park, the fence around the Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School ballfield, and the historic fountain. In conjunction with the holiday light display, the event is a chance to promote the Historic Deutschtown business district, ailing from the economic effects of COVID-19. “It’s an opportunity to bring the Chamber’s work out in front a little bit more,” says Gina Grone, executive director of the Photo: Frederick A. Hasney IV
Ray Ward grew up on Brighton Place in California-Kirkbride, where he says his family and community helped to support him, shape his lifestyle and personality, and keep him safe. Much of the neighborhood revitalization done in this area was started by his aunt, Harriet Henson. Read the full story below.
Photo: North Side North Shore Chamber of Commerce
Holiday lights, including this 'HOPE' sign, will be set up in Allegheny Commons East Park from Dec. 5, 2020 to Jan. 2, 2021 for the North Side North Shore Chamber of Commerce's "Northside Glow." Chamber. “We’re repurposing the holiday gala that we have every year and turning it into something more community facing; bringing cheer in a year when people really need some extra cheer.” A survey conducted by the Chamber last summer showed that residents are committed to supporting their local small business community. Grone plans to work See Glow, Page 10
INSIDE
Lifelong Northsider earns a name for himself in hospitality industry Ray Ward, ancestor of Northside affordable housing trailblazer Harriet Henson and 'Mayor of Northview Heights,' Reginald Ward, on his humble beginnings and how his community helped to shape his leadership and work ethic. By Frederick A. Hasney IV The Northside has been and continues to be a thriving section of the city that is home to many inspiring people across the sectors of art, politics, business, and culture. One of these individuals is Ray
- Horse Riding in Riverview Park, Page 8 STORIES, COLUMNS, - Northside Business Briefs, Page 12 FEATURES & MORE - Shop Small & Give Big Guide, Page 13
Ward, who has been a lifelong resident of the community and a hardworking professional. Born at Allegheny General Hospital (AGH), Ward’s roots in the Northside are firmly planted and have continued to flourish—something he is particularly
ONLINE
WWW.THENORTHSIDE CHRONICLE.COM
proud of. His humble beginnings started on Brighton Place in California-Kirkbride where he was surrounded by influential figures, such as his aunt Harriet Henson, a trailblazer for affordable housing in the See Ward, Page 11
- Latest Northside news - Weekly real estate transfers - Event coverage and photos
The Northside Chronicle
Page 2
District 19 News: Rep. Wheatley There are thousands of families struggling to find their financial footing because of this raging pandemic that has closed or limited their
Photo courtesy of the Office of Rep. Wheatley
In this month's column, Rep. Jake Wheatley shares his point of view on the Pennsylvania state budget. abilities to feed themselves and their families. Thousands of Pennsylvania students don’t have the ability to access school instruction because of limited access to technology and reliable internet service. Hundreds of small businesses and entertainment venues are still waiting for some financial relief. The state does have $1.3 billion in federal dollars available to offer some financial relief. Instead, majority legislators are holding on to that money to use it toward their sham of a budget. It's yet another case of those in the state Capitol who fail to understand or care about
what’s best for our residents and only think of their own self-interest. It’s clear we have extremely difficult challenges before us, and all options should be on the table. What happened to the belief that during times of difficulty, we work together to come up with ideas and solutions and collaborate? Instead, there’s a push toward actions that are short-sighted and short-term. That is what will happen with this short-sighted and irresponsible budget. Some may say, ‘What can we do in this current climate when there is no will to push for new revenue sources to help residents and businesses that are hurting financially?’ I say we start by assessing those who continue to make money even while most others in our state continue to struggle. We don't have to raise taxes on working families, but we should take a serious look at creating a fair tax system and tax the companies and individuals who are making money on money while many have lost money because they couldn't work or earn income. What about closing some of our corporate tax loopholes, or considering revenue from potential new industries like adult-use cannabis to resolve the state’s $3 billion deficit? There have been many ideas, proposals, and solutions shared to help mitigate this budget challenge, but none of these are being considered in any real way. It’s because those in power only want what they want, and far too often, the Democrats are more than willing to accommodate them for fear of lost crumbs from the all-powerful majority’s table. I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired of this merry-go-round process. When will we demand a real budget that resolves, or at least attempts to resolve, our long-term state fiscal challenges? The threat of cuts are and will always be a part of this process. The fear of having to make difficult decisions around revenue generation, changes in spending priorities, or adding taxes to places and industries to create fair sharing of responsibilities are all necessary for us to consider. To ultimately decide to do nothing and take the road of least resistance at times like these is a total failure of leadership and can't be allowed to continue. The people deserve better and we should do better. n
Do you enjoy your monthly community newspaper? Consider supporting hyper-local Northside news with a yearly mailed subscription. For $45, you will receive your Northside Chronicle in the mail, right to your door, for 12 months. More information on Page 9.
December 2020
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
Manchester Citizens Corporation Quarterly meetings, call for times MCC Center, 1319 Allegheny Ave. 412.323.1743
Allegheny West Civic Council 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 7:30 p.m. Calvary United Methodist Church 412.323.8884
Manchester Public Safety Meeting Quarterly meetings, call for times Northside Leadership Conference 412.323.1743
Brighton Heights Citizens Federation 2nd Thursday, bi-monthly, 7 p.m. Morrow Elementary School 412.734.0233
Northside Rotary Club Every Friday, noon Cardello Building, 2nd Floor
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
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, 6:30 p.m. 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. East Allegheny Community Council 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 7 p.m. Arnold’s Tea 412.321.1204 Fineview & Perry Hilltop Citizens Councils 4th Tuesday, monthly, 6 p.m. Contact for location info@ourfuturehilltop.org 412-238-7528 Mexican War Streets Society 3rd Monday, bi-monthly, 6:30-7 p.m. 1400 Buena Vista St. 412.323.9030
The Promise Group Every other Tuesday, 6 p.m. Western Pa. Humane Society 412.321.1019 Troy Hill Citizens Feb. 12, April 8, June 10, Aug. 12, Oct. 14, Dec. 9., 6 p.m. Most Holy Name School Hall 1515 Tinsbury St. 412.321.2852 Spring Hill Civic League March 2, May 4, Sept. 14, Oct. 5, Nov. 2 6 p.m, Spring Hill Elementary School auditorium, contact@shcl.org Summer Hill Citizens Committee 3rd Tuesday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. WPXI Television Station community room
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 2019
The Northside Chronicle
December 2020
District 20 News: Rep. Ravenstahl
Hello. As always, I hope this finds you and yours in good health. I'm writing this during the last few weeks of November. As I write this,
Photo courtesy of the office of Rep. Ravenstahl
In this month's column, State Rep. Adam Ravenstahl explains what living in a community and a democracy means to him.
COVID-19 cases are rapidly increasing in our community and state. The president is refusing to accept the results of the election and the state legislature is debating a stop-gap budget to get us through the next few months. By the time you read it, I will no longer be your state representative. These are trying times, but we must face them with the stoicism and optimism that is the American spirit. Hard times come, but we have always persevered. We have endured, and we have built better. And I have faith that we will do so again. But we cannot do so unless we accept the reality of our situation — no matter how unpleasant — and work together. We may not like something, but our dislike or personal preferences should not cause us — or anyone — to refuse to accept the reality of a situation or provide us with a reason to act in bad faith. It feels like a lifetime ago, but I lost an election once. And while I may not have liked it, there was no question about accepting the results. I have faith in the process, in the people, and in our democracy. It is that shared faith, our collective belief, that allows our system of government to function, and so it pains me to see it called into question. Likewise, since then I have continued to represent the people of our community: my friends, my neighbors, and you, in good faith and to the best of my ability.
And I have faith that my successor — while we may not agree on everything — will do so as well. Because that is what people do. In the same vein, while I may not like the fact that COVID-19 is spreading rapidly though our communities — and indeed, I do not, I accept it as fact and I act in good faith: by wearing a mask, by avoiding gatherings, by eliminating unnecessary trips — to protect those around me. I do not like that this disrupts my life and that of my family, but we do it for the good of community. This is what it means to live in a community, in a democracy. We must have faith. We must act for the collective good and not allow our own self-interests to rule. We may not like something. We may even hate it, but we must recognize it if we are to change it. Thank you for the opportunity to represent you in Harrisburg. Be well. Be smart, be safe. State Rep. Adam Ravenstahl represents the 20th Legislative District in Allegheny County. n
Find more columns from your local representatives at www.nschronicle.com
Page 3
Need to further your business’s marketing reach? In a world where so many businesses are online, how can your business stand out?
Who’s going to hear your message in today's digital chatter? There are so many web pages to consider placing your business. Do you know where your audience is? The Northside Chronicle offers affordable page placement in print, right in front of your neighbors. We are a free community resource. Our readers are interested in local news. They're invested in local businesses.
Thank you, readers, for supporting all of us.
Perry Insurance Group 1429 Juniata St. Pittsburgh PA. 15233
What is….
YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET? Is it Your Home? Is it Your Car? Or is it Your ability to earn an Income? *YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET IS YOUR ABILITY TO EARN AN INCOME!
Are You Prepared… for Disabling Injuries or Sickness and the extra cost associated with Hospitals and Surgical Procedures? Don’t Think it can’t happen to You? Everyday 49,900 people will suffer a disabling injury.
Licensed in PA, Ohio & Arizona
A Wise Man Always Listens Before He Makes A Decision You may mistakenly think you are fully protected by Social Security and possibly your employer’s programs. You may not be.
Don’t wait to find out when it is too late!
We have programs for everyone from Senior Citizens, Truck Drivers, Coal Miner, Police, Fire Dept., Self-employed, and all other professions.
Open Enrollment for Health Insurance is November 1 through January 15! Call 412-583-2784 or 1-800-772-8453 to speak with someone today! For a no-obligation assessment of how we can help, Call Perry Insurance Group at 412-583-2784 or 1-800772-8453 today! or Email: perryinsurance@yahoo.com. For information on dental plans visit: alanperry.caredp.com
Page 4
The Northside Chronicle
District 1 News: Councilman Wilson Hello everyone, I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving! As we head into the holiday season, I’d like to look back on the work we did in my first year as your Councilman. Though COVID-19 tried to slow us down, it’s been a busy year. My staff and I have worked with over 450 residents on all types of concerns in their neighborhoods. I was especially proud to have partnered with Cityview Church and the University of Pittsburgh to distribute essential needs packages to local senior high-rises when these items were difficult
December 2020
Get The Good Guys
first traffic calming project happened on Venture Street in Observatory Hill. There, DOMI installed a series of speed humps to slow cars as they came down the hill through the residential neighborhood to get on I-279. These speed humps cost $47,000 and the process for getting them installed started in October 2019, when we helped a concerned resident apply for traffic calming for Venture Street through DOMI’s Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program. The speed humps were installed in August of this year, and everything we learned about getting such measures to slow down speeding cars has been put to good use launching over a dozen other traffic calming projects across my Council District. When I was campaigning for City Council, I had hundreds of conversations with Northsiders about paving. I know how aggravating it can be to drive a road that has long been neglected, and as soon as paving season began this spring, I got in my car and drove every Northside street on the paving list this year. The City spent $1.9 million on paving in the District this spring and summer. There is plenty of paving left to do, and we still have a long list of paving requests that we will work to fulfill during next PERSONAL INJURY | AUTO ACCIDENTS | MEDICAL MALPRACTICE year’s paving season. Dealing with paving also taught me the SLIP, TRIP & FALLS | CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS | EMPLOYER VIOLATIONS importance of managing stormwater if we want to maintain our roads and hillsides. If we do not control where water flows, then Top 50 Attorneys in Pittsburgh by Pittsburgh Magazine it will cause landslides on our properties and erode our roads. Dealing with stormTop Attorneys in Pennsylvania | Best Lawyers in America by water requires working with DOMI, the Pittsburgh Magazine | Pittsburgh Best Lawyers | Best Lawyers in Department of Public Works (DPW), and the Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority America | National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys (NAOPIA) | (PWSA). Building relationships with the The American Society of Legal Advocates | Pennsylvania Rising Stars directors and staffs of all these agencies by Philadelphia Super Lawyers | Pennsylvania Super Lawyers allowed me to solve multiple stormwater issues for residents on Cherryland Street in Summer Hill, Damas and Zoller Streets in Spring Hill, and Wyona Way in Brighton Heights by adding catch basins, regrading street surfaces, and installing wedge curbs. At Goodrich & Geist, we believe there are 3 basic As many of you know, landslides have qualifications individuals seeking an attorney been a huge problem in the Northside. Thanks to the advocacy of the Friends of Rivshould always look for: erview Park (FORP), Mayor Peduto prioritized $1.8 million for landslide repairs in our great regional park. We will first repair the landslide that caused Riverview Avenue by the Chapel Shelter to crumble. Also, I asked that the Northside’s 34 parks be put on a more regular maintenance schedule, which resulted in the addition of six DPW crew members to the Northern Division. DOMI just spent $1.1 million to remediate a landslide on List Street in Spring Hill and is spending $850,000 to fix the landslide at Cowley-Goettman Park in Troy Hill. The City is also investing $890,000 to build a retaining wall to stabilize the hillside to save Semicir Street in Observatory Hill. I am excited to have completed several infrastructure projects during my
Top Rated Injury Lawyers in Pittsburgh
When You Need Help, We’re There
Photo courtesy of the Office of Councilman Wilson
This month, Councilman Bobby Wilson summarizes the work he and his team have done over his first year in office. to come by. Whether constituents reached out by phone, email, or social media, we’ve done our best to follow up with everyone every time and work to get their questions answered or their issues resolved. It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve you this year, and I’d like to take a moment to share some of the highlights of what we’ve accomplished in the Northside this year. One of the most common asks from my Council District 1 this year was for traffic calming measures: These are steps the City’s Department of Mobility & Infrastructure (DOMI) takes to slow down speeding cars. Many of you will think of speed humps as the most obvious traffic calming measures, but there are many other things, like restriping lanes, painting crosswalks, or adding bump-outs, that the City can do to make a fast street slower. Our
Continued on Page 7
3634 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412.766.1455 | goodrichandgeist.com
The Northside Chronicle
December 2020
Page 5
Monthly message of inspiration We often fantasize about holiday celebrations. We think of gathering our families, seeing loved ones, and expressing love through gifts, good food, and music. Some of us include times of worship, using our faith to become kinder, more generous, and more concerned about those who are less fortunate. We imagine snow-covered roofs, lights throughout the city, and peace and goodwill for all. And yet, the first Christmas was starkly different. The city was filled with strangers: people who traveled from their homes to register for the census, travelers who did not know each other, and a young pregnant couple that could not find a place to stay. The government was oppressive to its citizens and strange men from the East appeared looking for a different king than the one who currently occupied the throne. There was fear, anxiety, frustration, and uncertainty in the land. The threat of a new king caused the current king to issue a decree for all male children under the age of two to be murdered. Parents were in mourning and the hope of freedom from tyranny was buried alongside their precious babies. The first Christmas was much like our world today, signaling that history indeed repeats itself. The true meaning of Christmas, however, is embedded in the truth of the story rather than the idyllic Christmas we keep trying to create. A
breakthrough came in the midst of this tense situation: Hope arrived in the cry of a newborn. Peace came to shepherds in a field working the midnight shift.
Music came to the city through a chorus of angels. Truth came to comfort those who lost much. Love came to show a brighter future. Power came to show the evil king a
Photo courtesy of Rev. B. De Neice Welch, Ph. D.
In this month’s message of inspiration, Rev. B. De Neice Welch, Ph.D., senior pastor of Bidwell Presbyterian Church, explains how the joy of this holiday season will be different from holiday seasons of the past.
new way to rule had arrived. It feels like this season will be difficult to celebrate, but we can learn much from the first holiday. Rather than looking at what we do not have and cannot do, let’s focus on those things that offer us hope, joy, love, peace, and power. Let’s turn our attention to the things that can break through our sadness. Hope assures us that how things are right now is not how they will always be. Love is not only to be received but also given away. There are many who would like to receive a gift of love. Peace can be found as we look forward to vaccines that will arrive soon. The new administration will surely be installed soon. Joy can be found as we let go of 2020 and welcome 2021. Power can be experienced as we excitedly make decisions about our future. The joy of this season will be different. Maybe it’s time for us to work from the truth and appreciate what we have: finding joy that exists in our present and our hope for the future. The gift of this season could be letting our minds see the breakthroughs rather than trying to create a holiday that never measures up to our commercialized creations. Rev. B. De Neice Welch, Ph.D. is the senior pastor of Bidwell Presbyterian Church. n
$975.00 $2995.00
Page 6
The Northside Chronicle
Financing Northside Small Businesses since 2000
Flexible low-interest financing for · Start-up costs
· Working capital · Inventory or supplies · Furniture or fixtures · Equipment or machinery · Real estate acquisitions · Leasehold improvements
Apply Online
www.nscdfund.org Contact Rich Newell, Loan Officer
412-322-0290 ext. 101 | newell@nscdfund.org
Contact Miauna Connor, Loan Officer
412-322-0290 ext. 102 | connor@nscdfund.org
922 middle street, pittsburgh, PA 15212 t: 412-322-0290 | www.nscdfund.org Small Business Administration Micro Enterprise Lender
December 2020
The Northside Chronicle
December 2020
Page 7
District 1 News: Councilman Wilson Public Safety Bulletin: Dec. 2020 Continued from Page 4 first year on Council. In Troy Hill, the City completed major repairs on the Rialto Street steps and invested $600,000 to replace the Lowrie Street Bridge. My office worked with DPW and the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs to present proposed designs for the Cowley-Goettman Recreation Center in Troy Hill to community members. After completing an extensive $430,000 redesign of the Fineview Park, which included a new walking track, a renovated picnic shelter, and a new playground, the City opened this park to the public this summer. I am sure Spring Garden and Spring Hill residents have noticed the brand new $650,000 City steps at Vista Street, which are almost complete. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is working on a nearly $2 million renovation of the North Promenade at Allegheny Commons. So far, the Promenade between Sandusky and Federal Streets has been replaced and furnished with new benches and historically appropriate lighting, diagonal pathways were widened, and 59 trees were planted along the Promenade. Thanks to a new mid-block crossing, a crosswalk, and curb cuts on both sides of Federal Street, park users can now safely continue on the Promenade while crossing this busy street. At another end of the Commons, the West Ohio Street
Bridge is being built right now at a cost of $5.2 million. It should hopefully be open by fall of 2021, in time to make it easier for everyone to catch the last ice balls of the year at Gus & Yia Yia’s. As I help build out the City’s 2021 Capital Budget this month, I look forward to launching quite a few more infrastructure projects across the Northside next year. Finally, I am proud to announce the allocation of $60,000 in Public Service grants to organizations that provide essential services across the Northside. Recipients of these grants included Cityview Church, Northside Common Ministries Food Pantry, Sarah Heinz House, Northside North Shore Chamber of Commerce, and the wonderful newspaper in which you’re reading this column—The Northside Chronicle. I was also pleased to allocate $80,000 in Neighborhood Economic Development grants to Perry Hilltop & Fineview Citizens Councils and the Northside Leadership Conference to fund their staffs’ work on increasing affordable housing and development on the Northside. If you have any other questions or concerns, call us at 412-255-2135, email us at district1@pittsburghpa.gov, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. My staff and I wish all of you a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year, and we look forward to hearing from you in 2021! n
Can you lend a hand? Allegheny Elks Lodge #339’s
YELLOW GLOVE PROJECT
Allegheny Elks Lodge would like YOUR help keeping our Yellow Glove Project going strong and assisting our neighbors via the Northside Community Food Pantry. The Yellow Glove Project is funded by grants from the Elks National Foundation and is supplemented by community donations. Please help support this valuable program by visiting http://ygp.alleghenyelks.org.
The Northside Public Safety Council (NSPSC) members would like to wish our fellow Northsiders happy and safe holidays. Stay aware and vigilant to avoid becoming a victim. “Porch Pirates” If you do not have a safe place for packages to be delivered to your home, here are a few tips for alternative deliveries: 1. Have packages delivered to the home of a neighbor, family member, or friend. 2. Deliver the package to your workplace. 3. Have packages held for you at your post office. 4. Take advantage of “ship to store” options. 5. Require a signature to leave packages. 6. Set up notifications to track your packages. Phone and email scams Do not give any personal information to anyone you don’t know or are unsure of. Do not open your door to anyone you do not know or who arrives unannounced: Folks can pose as utility agents, social service workers, etc. Most are legitimate, but it’s not worth taking a chance that someone will enter your home. When you are out exercising, keep your senses. Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times when out in public. There has not been a better time during these tough and challenging times for us to all look out for one another: neighbors, seniors, people who are homeless, those with disabilities,
Updated Hours: Monday - Saturday 8:00AM - 5:00PM | Closed Sunday Last butcher shoppe in Pittsburgh city limits to carry fresh hanging sides of beef. Call us with your order Wholesale, Retail, & Restaurants Welcome! Daily home delivery • $2.50 for $25 Min Purchase • Delivery Areas Vary • Includes Freezer Meat Special •
PARTY SPECIALS
ORDER EARLY TO ENSURE YOUR PERFECT SIZE!
Call for pricing and details. Please order one day in advance.
Now Taking Your Holiday Orders
Prepared Pan Favorites
More information, and a way to donate online via PayPal or major credit/debit card, is available at http://ygp.alleghenyelks.org.
Party Trays
Sandwich Rings
14" or 18" sizes for your choice of italian, turkey, roast beef, ham or combinations and includes lettuce, onion, and tomato.
#1 FREEZER SPECIAL $169.00
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 321-1834
change daily. NSPSC meets on the first Thursday of every month at 5:30 pm via Zoom. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. You can reach us at zone1psc@gmail.com or 412-321-0295. Warm regards, David Stacy David Stacy is the president of NSPSC. n
since 1955
Cheese & Pepperoni, Jumbo Shrimp, Meat or Veggie and Custom Trays Available
Lodge #339 400 Cedar Ave.
Northside Public Safety Council President David Stacy warns residents about phone and email scams: Do not give personal information to anyone you do not know, he says.
3639 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 | tel: 412-766-4500
Overview: SNAP/Food Stamps do not cover personal and household cleaning/hygeine products. Allegheny Elks Lodge provides these types of products to clients of the Community Food Pantry, and the volunteer labor to procure and pack them for distribution.
Allegheny Elks is a 501(c)8 nonprofit corporation operating under the Lodge system. All charitable donations are tax deductible per Internal Revenue Code 170(c)(4).
Photo: Pexels
Tom Friday’s Market
Hot Sausage with Peppers & Onions, Kielbassy with Sauerkraut, and BBQ Pulled Pork
100% of every dollar donated is used solely for the purchase of the items distributed. Help us help the hundreds of Northside families who are in need of these supplies.
and people who are less fortunate. COVID-19 Please stay informed of the latest COVID-19 recommendations and restrictions as information can and does
Christmas
Amish Hams, Fresh Turkey, Leg of Lamb, Rib Roast, Homemade Kielbassy, Certified Angus Fillets - Better than Prime!
New Year
Pork Tenderloin, Center Cut Pork Loin, Pork Shoulder Boneless or Bone-in, Fresh Barrel Sauerkrat, Homemade Kielbassy, Natural Casing Wieners & More! All of our meat is cut and hand trimmed on site.
10 lb Ground Beef, 3 lb Weiners, 5 lb Chicken Legs, 2 Slices of Ham (center cut), 2 lb Sirloin Steak, 1 Slab Spare Ribs or Meatloaf, 3 lb Center Cut Chuck Roast, 2 lb Round Steak,
3 lb Box of Beef Patties, 1 Whole Cut up Chicken, 1 lb Boiled Ham, 2 lb Center Cut Pork Chops, 3 lb Country Style Spare Ribs, 3 lb Chuck Steaks, 2 lb Box Sliced Bacon. (3 substitutions allowed)
Great Prices, Quality Cuts, and Friendly Service Every Time
Weekly Specials Every Thursday www.tomfridaysmarket.com
Page 8
The Northside Chronicle
December 2020
A history of horse riding in Riverview Park: A guest column by Park Ranger Nancy Schaefer It’s a fascinating feature of Riverview Park that four miles from downtown Pittsburgh, you may encounter people riding horses. It’s an activity that’s occurred here since the park opened in 1894. While that would have been a common sight 60 years ago, they are only found in two places on the Northside now, thanks to two very dedicated families. Riverview Valley Stables is located on Grand Avenue, at the southern end of the park, in the Woods Run neighborhood. It was founded by Joseph Walter Himmelstein and wife Caroline, who immigrated to the U.S. from Germany in 1875 to start a new life as dairy farmers in Allegheny City. Himmelstein Dairy served the community for more than 65 years, delivering milk in horse-drawn wagons and employing neighboring families. Four generations of Himmelsteins continued the dairy, supplying desperate families with milk during the milk strike of the fifties. During the Great Depression, the Himmelsteins worked with the City of Pittsburgh and the Works Progress Administration to map and construct more than 30 miles of bridle trails in Riverview Park. Joseph III created Riverview Valley Stable & Riding Academy, providing opportunities for boarding horses, taking riding lessons or renting a horse to ride in the park. For over 40 years, Pittsburghers enjoyed the sights of Riverview Park from horseback. While that opportunity is no longer available, in 2019, Riverview Valley Stables became home to the Pittsburgh Police Mounted Patrol Unit. Chiyou (Children & Youth) Corral is located northeast of the park in an area
known as the Hollows, a racially diverse neighborhood made of steep ravines. (William) Moses Carper, born in 1931,
grew up in the Hollows, where most families had animals, including horses. Moses reported that “we didn’t have
Photos courtesy of Riverview Park Ranger Nancy Schaefer
Top: A group of horsemen from the "Hollows," located northeast of Riverview Park, where Moses Carper grew up. Bottom: A shot from one of the day camps Carper organized from 1982 to 2000 to teach people the joy of horse riding.
enough to eat ourselves, there was no way we could afford horses,” so he cleaned stalls for $1 per day to earn money to ride. In 1966, Moses created Chiyou Corral, a program dedicated to teaching children responsibility, respect, and love for nature and to believe in themselves through working with horses. Chiyou provided horse programming for 72 day camps across the city. When day camps were eliminated, Moses organized his own camps in Riverview Park, took the horses to city lunch sites and neighborhood festivals and organized a City Round Up program from 1982 to 2000. Moses became well known for his ability to reach children through the joy of riding and the discipline required to care for an animal. Amazingly, most of Moses’ programs were provided without charge to youth or families, as he was determined to provide opportunities he never had. In 2003, Moses received the Senator John Heinz award in recognition of his work to strengthen and preserve families for over 40 years. Moses crossed over in 2012 but several horses remain, cared for by his family, in the same meadow where Moses grew up. Thanks to Saturday Light Brigade, you can learn more about his life, directly from Moses, at https://neighborhoodvoices.org/allegheny-voices-2. Nancy Schaefer is a City of Pittsburgh Park Ranger in the Northside’s Riverview Park. n
Read more Riverview Park news at www.nschronicle.com
McCandless Branch (412)837-6955 *The minimum balance to open up a Christmas Club account is $100. The minimum balance required to earn the disclosed Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is $100. There is no penalty for early withdrawal, but any withdrawal will result in the closing of the account. We can change, limit, or suspend the offer at any time without notice. The APY is accurate as of 11/1/2020.
Northside Branch (412)482-9010
The Northside Chronicle
December 2020
TAKEOUT WINDOW NOW OPEN!
Page 9
Townhall Subscriber
coffee & espresso drinks ~ small bites & pastries 1022 Chestnut Street
Become a Townhall Subscriber
Happy Holidays! Nova Place l100 S Commons Ste 119 Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Divine Pleasures, Heavenly Treats
Example of an approved personal message: "Georgia P., Atlanta, GA: I grew up Support The Northside Chronicle by in Spring Garden on Farby Way. I still love becoming a Townhall Subscriber for $60 and reading about what happens in the Northside receive 12 monthly newspapers delivered to today. Congratulations to my grandson Jerry your mailbox + Print acknowledgement with P. and wife Cherry on welcoming their first your name (first name, last initial), neighchild, Garcia!" borhood/city and the opportunity to submit a Include your information such as your personalized message of your own (35 word full name and delivery address plus your 35maximum) in the next issue. word personal message for publication. Acceptable messages include a greeting, Please use the Subscription Form below wish, dedication to family, friends, or cause/ and include your 35-word personalized organization. Announcements for births, message on a separate piece of paper for deaths, marriages, celebrations, and the like inclusion. are also welcome to publish. We reserve the Questions? Contact us at advertising@ right to refrain from printing any wording thenorthsidechronicle.com or (412) 321that incites political, profane, or perverse 3919 ext. 2. commentary.
Subscription Order Form: THE NORTHSIDE CHRONICLE
w w w. t h e n o r t h s i d e c h r o n i c l e . c o m 922 Middle St. • Phone 412-321-3919
Pittsburgh, PA 15212 • Fax 412-321-1447
Managing Editor: Ashlee Green, editor@thenorthsidechronicle.com Business Manager: Lauren Stauffer, advertising@thenorthsidechronicle.com Distribution: 8,000 copies monthly in 15212, 15214, 15233 zip code areas. FREE weekly e-newsletter delivered to your inbox, subscribe online. Order monthly newspaper delivery to your door by using the form below to begin your 12 month mail subscription for only $45/year. Payable by check or money order to “The Northside Chronicle”. Order mail subscriptions online using a credit card*
NAME: ADDRESS: PHONE:
PrioryFinePastries.com | 412-321-7270 | 528 East Ohio St., North Side
If this is a gift, please write the name of the recipient’s information on the form and include your phone number with your check or money order. Mail the form with payment to The Northside Chronicle at 922 Middle St. Pittsburgh, PA. *Using a credit card will include an online transaction fee for final price of $46.65 per year.
Page 10
The Northside Chronicle
'Glow' event lines up with business district promos From Glow, Page 1 with neighborhood business owners to “optimize what they’re already doing” and to help them be more specific about how to capitalize on residents’ interest in shopping local for the holidays. “People really want to support local more than ever, but they also don’t want to go way out of their way to do so,” she says. Businesses are encouraged to do their own
December 2020
Protesters demand County counts all votes at Northside elections warehouse
using the hashtag #NorthsideGlow. Neighbors can start watching for business district deals and promotion starting on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28, and going through the end of December. Walking history tours of the park in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (PPC) are also in the works for the month of December. The Chamber just finalized permits for the light-up event, Grone says, and is eager to make the spectacle available to
Photo: Lauren Stauffer
A hand-painted sign is displayed outside of the Allegheny County elections warehouse on Pennsylvania Avenue on Thursday, Nov. 5. People gathered here to demonstrate and demand a fair election after a days-long delay in a final vote tally. On Tuesday, Nov. 24, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced that presidential election results were finalized for the state, certifying Joe Biden as the official winner. n
Brighton Heights Lutheran Church Photo: North Side North Shore Chamber of Commerce
This inspiration photo gives a hint at what Allegheny Commons East Park will look like throughout the month of December. “We’re repurposing the holiday gala that we have every year and... bringing cheer in a year when people really need some extra cheer," says Gina Grone, executive director of the Chamber. lighting displays; offer curbside pickup, limited radius delivery, gift certificates, and holiday promotions; and to participate in the Northside Glow social media campaign by
Northside residents as well as the thousands of cars that drive past the park every year. “We’re hoping for something we can build on and grow in years to come.” n
Come Celebrate the Birth of Our Savior with Us
Candlelight Christmas Eve Service Thursday, December 24th 5 PM & 7 PM
all are welcome
To comply with CDC, please RSVP with service time choice of 5:00 PM or 7:00 PM and how many family & friends are joining you. Please leave your name and phone number at the Church office 412-761-8545 Weekend Services Saturday 5 PM Sunday 10:30 AM
3830 California Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-761-8545
The Northside Chronicle
December 2020
Page 11
Ward's spirit helps him focus, face challenges ahead From Ward, Page 1 Northside, and his grandfather Reginald Ward, known as the “Mayor of North-
zation (NTR), sought to revitalize sections of the city, including Brighton Place, as a way to provide decent housing at an affordable rate for low and moderate-in-
come residents. She is memorialized in a mural of influential figures situated at the end of Brighton Place. Ray Ward gets his leadership skills and work ethic from
Photo courtesy of Ray Ward
Ray Ward says he gets his people skills from his grandfather, Reginald "Reggie" Ward, known as the "Mayor of Northview Heights." view Heights.” Henson, former executive director of Northside Tenants Reorgani-
Photo: Frederick A. Hasney IV
Ray stands in front of a mural featuring the likeness of his aunt, Harriet Henson, third from left, known for her efforts to secure more affordable housing in the Northside. He says he gets his leadership skills and work ethic from her.
his aunt, he said, and his people skills from his grandfather. Reginald Ward was a role model and father figure to many people on the Northside. He will be forever remembered for swearing in former Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy in 1994. Ray said that his family and community helped to support him, shaped his lifestyle and personality, and kept him safe. He has achieved many of the successes he always dreamed of, he said, and his spirit and determination have helped him to set his sights on the next challenges ahead. A lifetime of neighborhood change In October, Ray took a drive with The Northside Chronicle through the neighborhood where he grew up. “I had mixed emotions.,” he said of the experience. “It was sad riding through and not seeing my cousin who passed a couple years back, but it also brought joy to see the community thriving.” In his early life, Ray spent much time at Allegheny Center Alliance Church (ACAC) and said it left a significant impact on him. It was here that he learned about the Bible and faith; in addition, he was able to socialize with See Ward, Page 21
Christmas Specialty Breads Sweet Egg Bread
Pittsburgh Born & Bread Monday-Friday 8am - 4pm Saturday 8am - 2pm Sunday closed for now. Curbside pick-up. Order online today!
2110 Brighton Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 231-7555 www.BreadWorksPgh.com
Our famous Sweet Egg Bread will be available on Wednesday, December 23 and Thursday, December 24
Chocolate Babka Only available on New Year’s Eve Thursday, December 31 Preorder yours today! Closed for Christmas on Friday, December 25 and New Year’s Day on Friday, January 1
Follow us on Facebook for ongoing updates: www.facebook.com/BreadWorkS
Start your Christmas Shopping here!
Holiday Special 10% off all purchases
Great Gifts For Your Hard-To-Buy-For Holiday List! Rock & Roll Collectibles, Sports Memorabilia, Vintage Toys, and a whole bunch of Ginchy Stuff! OPEN Wednesday - Sunday 12PM - 5PM
with this ad in December.
1800 Preble Ave. PGH PA 15233 | (412) 322-1830 | www.jaginchystuff.com
Page 12
The Northside Chronicle
Northside Business Briefs
Stay up-to-date on what’s coming, going, and changing in the Northside business community with The Northside Chronicle's monthly Northside Business Briefs. By Ashlee Green The Park House After 17 years in the Northside, The Park House will be closing its doors permanently at the end of
continues to permanently shutter small businesses, it also opens up opportunities for new ones to start up: The Garden Café, located in the former Kaffeehaus Café space, is an example. Owner Gayle Pazerski
tions are available. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. City Fresh Pasta Cafe & Truck Located at 1501 Preble Ave. in
December 2020
FREE TO CONNECT It’s a school year like no other... But the Library is here to help! From remote one-on-one learning support and live homework help, to language learning resources and virtual storytimes, we’ve got learners of all ages and stages covered. CLP – Student eResources Call: 412-622-3114 Text: 412-775-3900 carnegielibrary.org/kids-teens
Photo: Lauren Stauffer
Istanbul Corner, serving buffet-style Turkish food, is now open on the corner of East Ohio and Middle Streets in Historic Deutschtown. the former Chateau Café and Coffee, the City Fresh Pasta (CFP) Cafe began serving breakfast and lunch options in November. Guests can choose from muffin, bagel, and pretzel “sammiches” to buffalo chicken cheddar gnocchi, and meatball hoagies. CFP also Photo: Lauren Stauffer
After 17 years in the Northside, The Park House will be closing its doors permanently at the end of December 2020. December 2020. “It is simply time for me to take my falafels and hummus… and move on to another adventure!,” Owner Zamir Zahavi wrote in a farewell message addressed to “Park House Patrons, Musicians, Bartenders, and Friends” on Facebook. “As local comic Ed Bailey once said, ‘…We made The Park House the only bar on East Ohio Street that didn’t belong on East Ohio Street!” The Park House will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. for dine-in and takeout through the end of December. The Garden Café As the COVID-19 pandemic
focuses on sourcing from local vendors like La Prima for custom roast coffees and 350° Bakery for spinach artichoke and sausage, egg, and cheddar hand pies to add to the Café’s own homemade menu. On the corner of Chestnut Street and East North Avenue in East Deutschtown, it’s now open for walk-up window service. Istanbul Corner Just opened in November, Istanbul Corner on the corner of East Ohio and Middle Streets in Historic Deutschtown, serves buffet-style Turkish food, now available for takeout. Vegetarian and vegan op-
Photo: Lauren Stauffer
The Nest children's boutique, a project of Women's Choice Network (WCN), features nearly new clothing and furnishings made for infants and children up to size 7. has a food truck: Check out the CFP Facebook page each week to find out its location and hours of operation. See Business, Page 26
FREE TO THE PEOPLE
The Northside Chronicle
December 2020
Featured Northside Small Businesses for Your Holiday Shopping
Page 13
Kensington Court Antiques 3464 Babcock Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412-367-1404 www.kensingtoncourtantiques.com Just a few minutes north of Pittsburgh's Northside, the region's premier antique and vintage collective boasts 10,000 square feet of quality collectibles, oddities, and trendy vintage decor, clothing, jewelry and accessories. Curated displays from 28 of the best local sellers under one roof. Open daily 10-5. Holiday sale with up to 50% off!
Photo courtesy of The Farmer’s Daughter Flowers
Northside Holiday Guide 2020
The Farmer's Daughter Flowers 502 E Ohio St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412.231.1238 www.thefarmersdaughterflowers.com Full service floral shop and botanically inspired gift shop filled with curiosities. Come visit us at our new shopfront across the street from our previous location! Pre-order your Christmas Wreath, now shipping!
Photo courtesy of Refucilo Winery
Refucilo Winery 907 Western Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 (412) 251-0231 www.Refucilo.wine Gifts of Time, Love, and Wine are surely the basic ingredients for a Happy Holiday season! Visit us at our North Side location for a wide selection of Argentinian wine and specialty tapas. Our handcrafted wines are also available to order online and can be shipped throughout Pennsylvania. Check out our wine selection for in-store purchase, and online orders, at www.Refucilo.wine
Image courtesy of Wagsburgh
Wagsburgh 632 E. Ohio St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412.904.3459 | wagspgh.com Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for announcements of in-store specials, fundraisers, and raffles. If you have any special requests, let us know and we'll do our best to support your needs. Thank you for supporting local.
Photo courtesy of Northside Leadership Conference
Mustard & Relics 3596 Brighton Road Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Telephone: 412-545-3386 Website: www.mustardandrelics.com Tucked away in the Brighton Heights neighborhood, Northside's favorite vintage shop survived the pandemic! Now re-opened to the public 12pm-5pm, Wednesday through Saturday with full COVID safety measures in place. Or call for an appointment to shop alone or with your pod. Enjoy complimentary facemasks and hand sanitizer as you peruse our ABUNDANCE of vintage jewelry, clothing, barware and home decor--everything you'll need for the next shutdown ;-) Contactless delivery available for Etsy or phone orders.
Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Acupuncture and Massageworks
Pittsburgh Acupuncture & Massageworks 901 Western Ave, Suite 209, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 412-626-2648 www.pghacuandmassage.com By setting the standard for Covid safety and using medical grade air filters in every room, you won't find a safer environment than our cozy Northside spa-clinic. Customized Massage, Acupuncture/ Dry Needling, Ashiatsu, CBD Products/Services, Reiki, and Cupping for pain relief, headaches, anxiety, and general wellness; Austin Purifiers available for purchase
NORTHSIDE HO
DECEM ONLINE UNTIL
VENDOR LISTING BELOW - VI Fruit and Flower Shop wanderBURGHER Paparazzi Jewelry Bainbridge Painting and Art Elsen Associates Inc. Ancient Olive Soap Redfishbowl Big Pink Bananas Finch + Flourish Paper Goods Annie ONeill Photography Little Pittsburgh Flower Shop
OLIDAY MARKET
MBER 2020 FURTHER NOTICE
ISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS From Many Threads Tinned Pineapple Pure Hokum 8th & AMITY CRAFTS & GIFTS Bling & Things Bobbie Bonita Knock About Coffee Maude's Paperwing Gallery Roadkill Gallery PGH Candle Northern Scents Candles Company
Page 16
The Northside Chronicle
December 2020
SUPPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON By Gina Grone, Executive Director, Northside North Shore Chamber of Commerce The Northside community is fiercely supportive of its own and is growing increasingly more so. In a survey conducted by the Northside Chamber this past summer, responses indicated an increased commitment to small businesses. 60% of survey participants anticipated that they would shop more at locally owned businesses than they did before the pandemic.
WHY SHOP LOCAL?
• Financial reasons – Wages and profits stay local and are spent locally. Local taxes support schools and municipal services. Local business owners donate more to local charities than non-local owners. And local businesses use other local companies to serve their businesses (supplies, maintenance, rent, signage, accounting, etc.). • Experiential reasons – Customer service is more personal at locally-owned businesses. Local businesses contribute to the character of the neighborhood, increasing vibrancy and prosperity. • Environmental reasons – Your impact on the environment is less due to less driving and eliminating shipping packaging. Local business’ impact on the environment is less because they require less infrastructure and use public services more efficiently.
Whatever your reason, we want to make shopping local an easy choice for you this holiday season!
HOW TO SUPPORT LOCAL THIS SEASON
Some ideas are below, but visit www. northsidechamberofcommerce.com/shopsmall to see updated information and links. Shop local online – Several Northside businesses have gifts and meals that can be purchased online and then delivered or picked up. Think about a gift certificate to one of the local museums. Browse for books from the City of Asylum Bookstore. Shop the Mattress Factory or Carnegie Museums gift shops online. Purchase drinkware and apparel from Penn Brewery or Allegheny City Brewing to pair with a gift certificate. Shop local in person – Most Northside businesses have been operating in a very safe way since the start of the pandemic. Whether you’re having a meal or browsing gift items, there are many options. Some are listed below: • Local retail – Wagsburgh for pet-friendly items, City of Asylum Bookstore for books, East Street Distributing or Allegheny City Brewing for beer, Refucilo Wine for wine,
National Aviary or The Warhol or Carnegie Science Center for gift items. • Local food – Bistro To Go, Breadworks, Café on the Corner, Happy Day Dessert Factory, Huszar, Max’s Allegheny Tavern, Mayfly Market, Mike’s Beer Bar, Modern Café, North Shore Tavern, Penn Brewery, Siempre Algo, Southern Tier and many more! Spread the word – Local businesses depend on word-of-mouth advertising and online reviews. To share information about local businesses, consider engaging on social media (liking and sharing posts, commenting, tagging), submitting an online review, or telling a friend about a positive experience you had. Donate to local organizations – As a gift or as part of your year-end giving, consider local non-profits for your donations. Some options include Brother’s Brother Foundation, City of Asylum, Gwen’s Girls, Humane Animal Rescue, Light of Life Rescue Mission, Northside Common Ministries and Food Pantry, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Sarah Heinz House, Urban Impact Foundation, YMCA – Allegheny, and Youthplaces. 2020 has been hard on all of us, but especially so for small businesses. When you do support local, make sure that you take the opportunity to let the owner and staff know how much you appreciate them.
Photos courtesy of North Side|Shore Chamber of Commerce
----------------------------------------------About the Northside North Shore Chamber of Commerce: Founded in 1897, the chamber undertakes activities within the framework of PROMOTE-CONNECT-SUPPORT. We promote local events, program and businesses. We connect individuals and companies through networking and referrals. We also have several initiatives to support business operations – information sessions on relevant topics, tracking business legislation, workforce development programs, and more. Some initiatives are specifically for the benefit of the 200 businesses that choose to be chamber members and some initiatives focus on benefitting the entire Northside community. More information is at www. northsidechamberofcommerce.com
The Staff, Writers, and Advertisers of The Northside Chronicle Wish All Our Readers
A Joyous Holiday Season & Happy New Year
The Northside Chronicle
December 2020
Telling the Allegheny story in the time of COVID-19
In the past, the Allegheny City Society has primarily expanded its membership through face-to-face events. Now, in response to the novel coronavirus, they are relying on the sale of their historical books. By The Allegheny City Society Many years ago, a group of friends, all of whom were born in the former Allegheny City, formed the Allegheny City Society (ACS) with a mission to preserve the history of that community, which had become, in their lifetime, the North Side of Pittsburgh. Several decades later, a group of North Side residents chose to revive the Society and embraced that same commitment. Ever since that revitalization, the ACS has held fast to the commitment to tell the story of Allegheny/North Side history. This has been done through the production of books (“Allegheny City 18401907”), pamphlets of neighborhood histories, quarterly newsletters (The Allegheny City Gazette) bus tours, walking tours, lectures, and discussion groups. Over the past few decades, the Society has expanded its membership through these various programs — primarily through face-to-face events. Then along came the present novel coronavirus pandemic. The impact of this has been significantly felt by many individuals and institutions that have relied on a variety of in-person interactions. Businesses, schools, churches, and neighborhood organizations have felt the negative impact of the many restrictions designed to stop the spreading of the virus. The ACS has sought to deal with this by producing digital programs telling the Allegheny/North Side story. As we adapt to the present health and social crises, several new features have been placed on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ AlleghenyCitySociety. In the past, during this time of the year, the ACS has participated in community holiday events where we sold books
Photos courtesy of Allegheny City Society
related to Allegheny City and to the broader Pittsburgh region. This year, the following list of materials can be purchased by calling Amy, the “keeper of the bookstore” at 412-766-5670. All of the books listed below will be sold for $20 each plus $4 for shipping and handling. Here is an opportunity to shop at home and share a bit of local history with your friends and family. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Books available at the Allegheny City Society Bookstore: “The Story of Old Allegheny” (1941 hardbound) “African Americans in Pittsburgh” “Allegheny City 1840-1907” “Around Troy Hill, Spring Hill, and Reserve Township” “Brewing in Greater Pittsburgh” “Day by Day with the 123rd PA Volunteers” “German Pittsburgh” “Gimbel’s” “H.J. Heinz” “Irish Pittsburgh” “Italians of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania” “In Good Company: 125 Years at the Heinz Table” “Jewish Pittsburgh” “Kaufmann’s” “Kennywood” “Pittsburgh’s Inclines” “Pittsburgh Mansions” “Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh” “Slovak Pittsburgh” “Ukrainians of Pittsburgh” “1890 Map of Allegheny City” ($15, includes postage and shipping)
Looking for an opportunity to serve your community?
Page 17
Steps to support your favorite neighborhood small businesses Here are a few ideas worth sharing with friends and family: Call to find out hours or changes in operations of the Northside small business where you'd like to become a new patron. Pre-order in advance for pick-up when possible. Schedule one meal for dine-in or take out each week to start learning menu items. Already a regular at your neighborhood spots? Consider buying in bulk! Many food and drink retailers create fresh and easily frozen meals or drinks to keep on hand for your convenience. Get wild and try a new item! Buy one for a friend! Go farther! Visit your nearby Northside neighborhoods to discover what small business offerings you've been missing. Grab gifts, or gift cards, for upcoming birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations. Consider planning holiday meals with Northside small businesses that cater this year.
The Northside Chronicle is now taking spring internship applications for college students interested in journalism and photojournalism. High school seniors are also encouraged to apply.
Celebrate big this Christmas and New Year by shopping exclusively at small businesses on the Northside.
Interested candidates should email editor@thenorthsidechronicle. com or mail a resume and cover letter with three writing or photo samples to:
#northsideshopsmall
The Northside Chronicle 922 Middle St. Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Do you have a Northside shopping tip to share? Text 412-339-0712 or email northsideshopsmall@gmail.com
The Northside Chronicle
Page 18
December 2020
The Northside Chronicle’s 4th Annual Reader’s Choice Awards for the Best of Northside Small Business Winners 2020 Gift Shop
#1 Wagsburgh #2 The Farmer’s Daughter Flowers #3 Sweet Time General store
Jewelry Store
#1 Laverty Jewelry and Gifts #2 Mustard and Relics #3 Annex
Flower Shop
#1 The Farmer’s Daughter #2 Johanna’s Garden #3 Root Seller at MayFly Market
Vintage Store
#1 Mustard and Relics #2 City Books #3 Red Door Thrift Store at Grace Lutheran Church
Camera Shop
#1 City Books #2 City of Asylum
#1 Physique Rx’d #2 California Cycle Path #3 Allegheny YMCA
Record Store
#1 Get Hip Records #2 Government Center
Bike Shop
#1 Bicycle Heaven #2 Bear Dog Bicycle
Pet Shop/Service
#1 Wagsburgh #2 Humane Animal Rescue #3 Cooper’s Cutz
Cleaning Service
T-shirt Shop
#1 Dirt Doctors Cleaning Services
#1 North Shore Teez #2 Armory Works #3 Annex
Bed & Breakfast Hotel
Nail Salon
#1 Pearl Perfecting Studio #2 Ambiance Nail & Hair Gallery #3 Nails Today
Makeup/Stylist Service
#1 Pearl Perfecting Studio #2 Bellevue Beauty Bar & Spa #3 Royalties Beauty Spa
Hair Salon
Bakery
Real Estate Agent
Bank
Lunch Spot
Printing Service
Insurance Agent #1 Wayne Alling - Alling Agency,
Dinner Spot
#1 Lockhart Tire #2 Northside Auto #3 Mellor Service Station
#1 First National Bank #2 SSB Bank #3 Wesbanco
Nation Wide
#2 T Rankin Agency - State Farm Insurance #3 Jean E Koch-Insurance & Notary
Food Market
#1 Tom Friday’s Market #2 Mayfly Market & Deli #3 Northside's Farmer’s Market
Vegetarian/Vegan Spot #1 Nicky’s Thai #2 Subba’s Asian Restaurant #3 Bistro To Go
#1 Waltmire Pharmacy #2 AGH Apothecary
Chiropractor
#1 Detailed Properties (Josh Nard) #2 MR Renovation (Chris Waraks) #3 Team Properties (Guy Schutzes)
Plumbing/HVAC Service
#1 Eugene Beck Co. #2 Murphy Plumbing & Heating #3 Python Plumbing
#1 Nicky’s Thai Kitchen #2 Max’s Allegheny Tavern #3 Legends Eatery
Pizza Shop
#1 Badamo’s Pizza #2 Franks Pizza and Chicken #3 Giorgio’s Place
Coffee/Tea Shop
#1 Commonplace Coffee #2 California Coffee Bar #3 Crazy Mocha
Breakfast Spot
#1 Allegheny Sandwich Shoppe #2 Lindos Restaurant #3 Pear and the Pickle
Brunch Spot
#1 Federal Galley #2 Bier’s Pub #3 Modern Cafe
#1 Minuteman Press #2 Mr. Sign
Catering Service
#1 Bistro To Go #2 Cafe on the Corner #3 The Modern Cafe
Marketing/ Graphic Design Services
Brewery
Tax Professional
Happy Hour
Assisted Living / Home Care Provider
#1 Allegheny City Brewing #2 Penn Brewery #3 The Modern Cafe
#1 Allegheny City Brewing #2 Penn Brewery #3 Threadbare Ciderhouse
Beer Distributor
Pastry Shop
#1 Jessica Baker, Achieve Realty #2 Dunn Real Estate Services #3 Heather Edmondson, Keller Williams
Craft Drink Spot
Spring Garden
#1 Big Shot Bob’s House of Wings -
#1 Priory Fine Pastries #2 Mezza Luna Cafe #3 Chateau Cafe and Coffee
Pharmacy
#1 Peppis #2 The Modern Cafe #3 Federal Galley
Wing Spot
Hardware Store
#1 Mueller’s Hardware
#1 BreadWorkS #2 Priory Fine Pastries #3 Father & Son Bakery
#1 Federal Galley #2 The Modern Cafe #3 Bier’s Pub
#1 The Priory Hotel #2 The Parador Inn #3 The Inn on the Mexican War Streets
General Contractor
#1 The Humble Barber Co #2 Steel City Cutz #3 Your Brother’s Keeper
Auto Garage
#2 The Coop Chicken and Waffles #3 Quik-It Chicken
#1 Phillips Family Chiropractic #2 Observatory Hill Chiropractor #3 The Rehab Centre
#1 Rockwell Hair Design #2 Motive Salon #3 Razor Hair Studio
#1 Dr. Dan Strinkoski #2 Northside Dental
Gym/Fitness Studio
#1 Brighton Cafe and Laundromat #2 Olde Towne Laundry #3 Troy Hill Coin Laundry
Book Store
Dentist
#1 Pittsburgh Acupuncture & Massageworks
Laundromat
#1 Bernie’s Photo Center
Barber Shop
Massage Studio
#1 Northside Beer - Federal St. #2 Brighton Beer #3 East Street Beer
Venue for Live Music
#1 Armory Print Works #2 Wall-To-Wall Studios #3 Pipitone Group
#1 Steven Obsert - Tax Accountant #2 M&A Tax Accountant and Notary
#1 Reformed Presbyterian Home #2 LIFE Pittsburgh #3 Horton's Personal Care Home
Day Care Provider
#1 Our Little Ones Day Care #2 Providence Center #3 As Wee Care Learning Center
#1 Stage AE #2 Elks Lodge #339 #3 Park House
Ice Cream/Icey Ball Shop
Venue for Performing Arts
Members Lodge/Club
#1 New Hazlett Theater #2 Alphabet City @ City of Asylum #3 Manchester Craftsman's Guild
#1 Happy Day Dessert Factory #2 Gus & Yia Yia’s
#1 Allegheny Elks Lodge #339 #2 Teutonia Mannerchor #3 Northside Rotary Club
Art Studio/Gallery
#1 Little House, Big Art #2 Artist Image Resource #3 Radiant Hall
Museum
#1 The Warhol #2 Randyland #3 Children’s Museum #3Mattress Factory
Thank you to all of our readers who nominated and voted for your favorite small businesses of the Northside. Special thank you to all of our Northside small businesses who invest in our communities each and every day. Please patron the many locally owned businesses this holiday season.
December 2020
The Northside Chronicle
Page 19
ALLEGHENY
COMMONS
PARK PROGRAMMING
COMMITTEE
Join us for a virtual meeting! December 7, 6:30 p.m.
The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is looking for help from Northside neighbors to join a committee to develop diverse programming in Allegheny Commons Park. This committee is open to the public with regularly scheduled meetings. The committee will decide how often they want to meet. Zoom call details will be sent to your email following registration.
Register online at: pittsburghparks.org/acprograms
Thank you to the Buhl Foundation for funding this initiative. Thank you to our partners the Northside Leadership Conference and Allegheny Commons Initiative.
Page 20
The Northside Chronicle
December 2020
Community TV on the Northside 150 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
Discover how to produce your own TV show with us!
Watch on Comcast 21, Verizon 47, pctv21.org & now on Roku!
N W SIG E NOWEER D
SH
ENJOYING A NEW SHOWER IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK
Call 412-322-7570 to learn more or visit www.pctv21.org
FREE IN-HOME DESIGN CONSULTATION CALL TODAY
newshowerdeal.com/northside | 833-586-1030 *Offer valid only while supplies last. Limit one per household. Must be first time purchase. Minimum spend amount applies. Financing subject to third party credit approval. Some financing options cannot be combined with other offers and may require minimum monthly payments. All offers subject to change prior to purchase. See AmericanStandardShowers.com for other restrictions and for licensing, warranty, and company information. CSLB B982796; Suffolk NY: 55431H;NYC:HIC 2022748-DCA. Safety Tubs Co. LLC does not sell in Nassau NY, Westchester NY, Putnam NY, Rockland NY.
December 2020
The Northside Chronicle
Page 21
Ward's latest career venture brings him 'back home' From Ward, Page 11 many children his age during pick-up basketball games and church trips. After graduating from David B. Oliver High School, now Oliver Citywide Academy, he was uncertain about what he wanted to do with his life. Ray was sure that college was not the correct path for him, but he knew that it was vital to get a job and begin his career. Luckily, in 2004, a friend recommended that he apply for a position at The Westin Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh. Before long, he was making a name for himself and looking to expand into higher positions. The hospitality industry Within the hospitality industry, Ray learned how a business functions, and what was expected of him as he climbed the corporate ladder. Much of his success and knowledge, he said, can be attributed to having impactful role models who encouraged him to grow as a professional. He pointed to community leaders including Dave Williams, owner of Dave’s Barber Shop and Jamie Younger, owner of Young Brothers Bar as individuals who pushed him to strive for his greatest potential. Ray has worked at many of the wellknown hotels in both downtown Pittsburgh and the Northside, such as The Westin Pitts-
burgh, the Cambria Hotel near PPG Paints Arena, and the Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel in Station Square, where, as the director of banquets, he said he supervised over 200 events annually—nearly a hundred of them
full-scale weddings. Between 2004 and 2012, Ray said he was promoted five times, with each of his positions carrying more responsibilities than the last. Each one of them, he said, was a challenge to overcome
Photo: Frederick A. Hasney IV
A Pittsburgh cityscape frames Ray Ward on the rooftop of the new Comfort Inn & Suites in the heart of the Northside. He is transitioning into the role of assistant general manager there.
rather than a burden. His most rewarding and engaging job opportunity was when he worked as a catering and premium service manager for Aramark. There, he focused on managing catering services at Heinz Field and was tasked with working closely with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ food and beverage organizations. Ray has been nominated for and received a number of awards and accolades for his work, notably the 2016 Sheraton Manager of the Year Award and the 2017 Connie Parker Community Service Award. In August 2020, Ray began working on the Priory Management Team while transitioning into a new position as assistant general manager at the new Comfort Inn & Suites in the heart of the Northside. This latest venture is important, he said, because it brings him back home to where everything started. In November, Ray launched a rental service called Northside Tables and Chairs Rental Company. He wants to create a service for people looking to host weddings and private events by providing a reliable product at a reasonable cost. “I wanted to harness my career goals and take them to the next level,” he said. “My biggest inspiration to push right now is my family, my fiance, my two sons—somewhere where I can leave my legacy. They are my rock.” n
The Northside Chronicle
Page 22
Ask An Attorney
By Matthew D. Gailey, Gailey Law Group
It has been an up and down year for everyone across the world and the Northside has had it no different. The year started with such promise only to see a worldwide pandemic, economic upheaval, and a hotly contested election that is now in the courts which will have a disputed outcome no matter the final result. On the plus side, as I currently write this month's article, the Steelers remain undefeated. In times of upheaval, it is always beneficial to remain positive. The Christmas season invariably brings us closer together. Like Johnny Mathis used to sing, we need a little Christmas now. So along those lines, I will be baking pies for my family this Christmas season. I will cut down the tree and place it in our home. My wife, daughter and I
will hang the tinsel and put a star on the top of the tree. We will give friends and family gifts that they don't need other than to show them that we care about them. If allowed, we will go to church on Christmas Eve and by candlelight sing the hymns that have brought us all so much joy. While I have moved from the Northside, I will be in Observatory Hill at my mother's home either on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The Northside is a part of me and it will always be my home. I have also attached a cute picture of my daughter, Gabriella, which is becoming my Northside Chronicle Christmas tradition. (FYI, that's not our dog in the picture.) My family and I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
WE GO ABOVE AND BEYOND
Steven P. Oberst Tax Accountant 3823 Brighton Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Entrance off Benton 412-734-1234 | 412-758-6512 soberst1@verizon.net
December 2020
December 2020
The Northside Chronicle
Page 23
Northside Real Estate Transfers Allegheny City Central Michael Cole to Elizabeth Farina at 1203 Filson St. for $240,000. Jonathan Bender to Monica Ko at 13 Alpine Ave. for $425,000. CMDB Holdings LLC to 825 Behan LLC at 825 Behan St. for $730,000. Celestine Wilkerson to CityLife North LLC at 221 Alpine Ave. for $40,000.
Brighton Heights
Marshall-Shadeland Mason Kaufman to Tomlin Canam Holdings LLC at 319 Marshall Ave. for $64,000. Aaron Anderson to Adam Eury at 1247 Dickson St. for $45,000. Estate of Charles Kruly to Anthony Williams, 1410 Forsythe St., $132,000.
Observatory Hill Courtney L Bergman Plaszenski to Mintwood LLC at 67 Semicir St. for $96,000.
Vincent Michelotti Jr. to Ivan and Nicole Blinov at 3891 Brighton Road for $165,000.
Richard Werner to Michael Jalik Hall at 404 Wabana St. for $24,000.
Nehemiah Homes LLC to Ian and Amy Conaway at 1133 Pemberton St. for $160,000.
Francis Lippert to SBS Construction LLC at 710-712 Woods Run Ave. for $42,000.
Lauren Elizabeth Walkowski to Aaron Burger, Hannah Mercer at 1105 Davis Ave. for $300,000.
Emmanuel Niyibizi to Annuarite Asifiwe, JeanBaptisteMalekera Mulumeoderhwa, 3816 Baytree St., $110,000.
Pittsburgh Cash Buyers LLC to Graham Dearien, Meghan Lilly at 1620 Davis Ave. for $179,900. Peter Rooke to Derek Long at 3244 Orleans St. for $300,000. Rosemarie Lang to Ruben McLaughlin and Laniece Oliver at 3322 Harbison St. for $152,900. Estate of Kenneth Niedt to N William Good at 1017 Reiss St. for $140,000.
Kelsey L Morin Werth to Jesus Antonio Pagoaga at 4029 Franklin Road for $154,900.
David Opferman to Colin Flaherty at 4001 Shoreham St. for $200,000.
Perry Hilltop
Federal National Mortgage Assn. to Sean Moyer at 3709 Atkins St. for $235,000.
Federal National Mortgage Assn. to City of Bridges CLT at 240 Kennedy Ave. for $24,900.
Nakisha Davis to Jeff and Alicia Ingram at 3550 Brighton Road for $137,886. Bruno Graziano to Anthem Properties LLC at 1837 Chellis St. for $126,000.
East Deutschtown Rickenbach Brothers LLC to James Moore at 3-4 Rickenbach St. for $289,000. George Cyril Wilson to 1254 Dean Street LLC at 844-846 Tripoli St. for $1,100,000. East Deutschtown Investments LLC to BBC Pittsburgh LLC at 1022 Chestnut St. for $210,000.
Fineview M Sanders Holdings LLC to Steven Walker at 1 Cemetery St. for $257,900. Samuel Hopple to Benjamin Steinhardt Case at 1715 Meadville St. for $165,000.
Historic Deutschtown Stephen Mortimer to Jose Borunda et al. and Patrick Mitchel at 519 Avery St. for $144,000. Stephen Mortimer to Jose Borunda et al. and Patrick Mitchell at 521 Avery St. for $144,000. TTB Realty LLC to Nathan Parente at 604 Emlin St. for $50,000. Foreland Realty LLC to Nathan Parente at 611 Foreland St. for $50,000. Estate of Alice Duffola to Jeffrey Smith at 1207 Linden Pl for $200,000.
Manchester Michael Robb to Mitchell and Allison Ebeck at 1322 Liverpool St. for $400,000. Michael Cole to Eric and Erin Cole at 1200-1202 Sheffield St. for $239,000. Jeffrey Brandau to John Kocka at 1226 Sheffield St. for $392,000.
Spring Garden Citizens Bank Pennsylvania to Donald Kahler, Walter Koziell, 2741 Spring Garden Ave., $15,000. BSR Properties LLC to Maisons Du Papillon LLC at 1410-1412 Firth St. for $134,200. Micah Rosa to Meghan Williams at 1006 Spring Garden Ave. for $130,000.
Spring Hill Andrew Blackwell to Kerastain Jackson at 1618 Homer St. for $3,603. Patricia Ann Barkovich to Jonathan Alan Wrhen, Erica Elizabeth Richardson, 2112 Donora St., $135,000.
Nicholas Hohman to Otitodiliolisa Onyekweli, Gabrielle Rovengo at 2145 Harbor St., $190,126.
Summer Hill Estate of Martha Austin to Dean Edmond George at 172 Van Buren St. for $154,900.
Troy Hill Marissa Gallagher to Lindsey Gallagher at 1420 Lowrie St. for $240,000. Morgan Simon to Matthew Fisher at 1105 Goettman St. for $315,000. Dennis Uhlig to Micah Tozer at 1811 Lowrie St. for $150,000.
Find more Northside real estate transfers at www.nschronicle.com
The Northside Chronicle
Page 24
December 2020
We are STILL helping Northside Kids who help their neighborhoods! Apply now for our annual Scholarship Program
Application Form Name: _________________________________________________________
NORTHSIDE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2021 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Address : ______________________________________________________ (with Zip-Code)
Purpose of Scholarship: To recognize and award high school seniors who volunteer their time to improve the Northside community.
Phone Number: _________________________________________________
Eligibility for Scholarship: ANY Northside resident in the 12th grade, who performs volunteer service in their community and who is attending a college or training program after high school.
Email: _________________________________________________________ High School:____________________________________________________ Neighborhood in, which you reside (please circle one): Allegheny West Brightwood Central Northside East Allegheny Manchester Observatory Hill Spring Garden Summer Hill
Brighton Heights Calbride Charles Street Fineview Northview Heights Perry Hilltop Spring Hill Troy Hill
Applications must be submitted by Friday, April 9, 2021 **PLEASE NOTE! Please submit an electronic version of your essay. Email to: kelly@pittsburghnorthside.com Questions regarding the scholarship program should be directed to Kelly at the Conference office (412) 231-4714 ext 201
Award: $1,000 scholarships will be awarded. Candidates will be recruited through neighborhood groups and high schools, both private and public. The individuals must reside on the Northside, but they need not attend a Northside high school. Awardees: Will be selected by the NSLC Dinner Committee, which is made up of representatives of the neighborhoods and participating sponsors. The number of scholarships will be determined by sponsor commitments. Criteria for Selection: The student should prepare an essay of 500 words or less, which describe his or her volunteer activities and future educational plans. In reviewing the student essays, the Committee will take into account spelling and grammar and their overall volunteerism. Consequently, students applying for a scholarship should check their spelling and grammar. Students are encouraged to use the spell check on their computer, and/or to have a teacher, parent or friend review their essay. On the application form, the applicant should include their name, address, phone number, school, and neighborhood in which they reside. Your name, gender or reference to race should not appear on your essay. Also, include a copy of your high school academic records. Letters of Reference: Two letters of reference are required. Your school principal, guidance counselor, or teacher should submit one letter. The second should be a letter from someone who is familiar with your volunteer activities (not a family member). Applications: All applications must be submitted by Friday, April 9, 2021 Additional Requirements: Upon selection of an award, you must provide proof of enrollment with a college or technical/vocational school. You or a parent must also attend the Annual Dinner event and receive your scholarship in person.
Applications also available at www.pittsburghnorthside.com
Mail to: Northside Leadership Conference Scholarship Committee Attn: Kelly MacKay 1319 Allegheny Avenue – 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15233
December 2020
The Northside Chronicle
Page 25
On comic books, controversy, and collaboration: An interview with artist C.B. Perry Self-described “homegrown artist” C.B. Perry grew up in the Manchester neighborhood of Pittsburgh’s Northside in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. The area was “much tougher” then, he says, but it— along with the many years he spent as a Boy Scout—helped to build his character. In this interview with Perry, Northside Chronicle Managing Editor Ashlee Green discovers what drives the artist creatively, his secret to success (Hint: It’s not a secret), and the advice he has for artists who want to take the next leap in their careers. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Almost 10 years later, I met Baron Batch at a charity event and spoke with him. He encouraged me to leap out and pursue that passion. NSC: Your father, Alan Perry, served as the scoutmaster at Bidwell Street United Presbyterian Church in Manchester for 27 years, and you earned the rank of Eagle Scout with his troup. What did
troversial” artwork: works to express a certain political stance and even performance art with live body painting—basically, pushing the creative boundaries as far as I can. Watching the various interpretations I get from audiences, to me, is the art. NSC: Talk about the artwork you have displayed in the Pittsburgh International Airport.
your secret to international success, and what do you tell other artists who want to achieve the same acclaim? CBP: With the power of social media, the [artist’s] platform is endless. You never know who is watching your work and jour-
The Northside Chronicle: You’re a Northside native, a self-described “homegrown artist” from Manchester. How has growing up in Manchester and seeing it change throughout the years informed your life and work? C.B. Perry: Growing up in Manchester was interesting. It was quite different then than it is nowadays. It was a much tougher area in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, and at times, even dangerous, but I can honestly say I learned a lot and it was a huge character builder. Over the more recent years, tons of changes have been happening all over the Northside. It’s great to see as long as the community is hands-on with the changes and new developments. I feel you can either watch change or be a part of change; Positive progression is always good. NSC: How did you begin to dabble in art and what made you want to pursue it as a career? CBP: I have always been into art since I can remember: cartoons, comic books—I was a huge X-Men fan—video games, and even hip hop. I remember being so fascinated by CD album covers and the wild music videos. The early ‘90s just felt like a giant burst of creativity. I used to always draw at home and in school, and at the age of seven, my mom got me a drafting table for Christmas; I basically lived on that thing. I always loved art, but never quite knew how to pursue it early on. It was not really until I met and spoke with Darrell Kinsel of Boom Concepts randomly at a bus stop when I was 22 that I started to think becoming an artist was a possible path.
Photos courtesy of the artist
C.B. Perry, pictured at right, says thanks to social media, an artist's platform is endless: "You never know who is watching your work and your journey." Above left: Perry's work displayed at the Pittsburgh International Airport. that experience teach you about your own autonomy and creativity? CBP: Yes, I am an Eagle Scout: Class of 2004, Troop 281. I have been in scouting since I was about six years old. Learning life skills mixed with outdoor skills is something I personally feel should be necessary for every young man. It was an introspective way to learn who you are while growing up. Being exposed to a vast base of knowledge by earning merit badges in courses such as art, first aid, emergency preparedness, swimming, aviation, and cooking, you truly find out what your interests are, and also what they aren’t. The skills I learned in scouting even helped me save the lives of two people. NSC: You said that your “unconventional and often unfiltered humor” is translated through your artwork. How has your humor been received by your audiences? CBP: Creative expression should not be inhibited. Early in my career, I used to create what some would describe as “con-
CBP: The painting is a part of my “Spread Love” series. The message I want to convey is that love can be messy, wild, and crazy, but most importantly, it’s a journey. It is on display at Gate A22. NSC: You explored other careers and worked in early education for close to a decade before you became a full-time artist. Does interacting with young children inspire you to see the world in a different light? CBP: I bounced around in the career world trying to find something that worked for me. I have done some nonprofit work, sales jobs, marketing jobs, and even personal training and fitness. In college, I was a maintenance man for an apartment complex, so I was kind of a jack-of-all-trades. I love education on every level: Working with children keeps you young and creative. It's inspiring to see how they view the world. NSC: You said you’ve sold nearly 1300 original paintings worldwide. What’s
ney. I have shipped artwork to London and Italy; I was extremely shocked that people were fans of my work internationally. There is no real secret, just be consistent and be aware of the fact that strangers all over the world are watching and want to support you. You never know who is rooting for you. NSC: What’s next for you and your artwork? CBP: A lot! I’m working to navigate what is hopefully a post-COVID-19 era: Working on art exhibitions for 2021, working on projects with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, and I have a collaboration with Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream in progress. I created my own signature flavor (“Blackout Brownie,” a dairy-free gelato made with dark chocolate and brownies). Fifty percent of the proceeds will go to 1Hood Media to help in their efforts to aid in social justice. I created a signature beer with Burgh’ers Brewing dubbed “Palette” in collaboration with Fresh Fest Digi Fest. Also, more artwork. n
Page 26
The Northside Chronicle
Northside Business Briefs From Business, Page 12 Online ordering and delivery is available. The Cafe is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Nest This children’s boutique opened its doors with a week-long grand opening celebration from Nov. 23 to Dec. 1, 2020. A project of Women’s Choice Network (WCN), an organization for single women facing unexpected pregnancies, The Nest features nearly new clothing and furnishings made with infants and children up to size 7 in mind. All proceeds from sales at The Nest go toward WCN's Life Support program, where single mothers can earn store merchandise by taking part in pre- and post-natal care. Located right next to WCN at 425 East Ohio St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15212. Mana Boardgame Tavern The last day of operation for Mana Boardgame Tavern, which opened just last fall at 919 Western Avenue in Allegheny West, will be Saturday, Dec. 19. Then, the business will close permanently. Owners Shannon and Vince Ebbitt cite the COVID-19 pandemic for the closure. Fig & Ash The grand opening of this dining room,
bar, kitchen, and courtyard finally opened this fall with appetizers including root vegetable gratin, barley risotto, and Berkshire pork belly; and main courses including smoked jackfruit, sea scallops, and braised Jamison Farm lamb shoulder. Beer, wine
December 2020
PPS teacher hosts meet-and-greet to celebrate debut children's book
Photo: Lauren Stauffer
The grand opening of Fig & Ash finally took place this fall. Dinner service is now offered Tuesday through Saturday and reservations can be made on the restaurant’s website: http://figandashpgh.com. and housemade cocktails are also available, and the new winter cocktail menu launched on Nov. 27. Dinner service is now offered Tuesday through Saturday and reservations can be made on the restaurant’s website: https://figandashpgh.com/reservations. n
Photo courtesy of the author
In honor of National Family Literacy Month, held each November, Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) teacher Tracy Johns released her first children's book, "Little Bremar: I am Somebody" with a meet-and-greet on Friday, Nov. 20 at BJ's Event Center in Marshall-Shadeland. For the full story, visit www.nschronicle.com. n
December 2020
The Northside Chronicle
Page 27
NSLC Holiday Market
Photos: Randy Strothman
The Northside Holiday Market, a product of the Northside Leadership Conference (NSLC) was held on Saturday, Nov. 14. Located at 431-433 (indoor) and 504 (outdoor) East Ohio St., the event featured local artist vendors including Finch + Flourish Fine Paper Goods (above) and Tinned Pineapple (below). n
Kitchen of Grace
Photo: Cafe on the Corner
Thanks to a New Sun Rising mini grant, Cafe on the Corner's Kitchen of Grace, located at 2700 Shadeland Ave. in Marshall-Shadeland, continues to give away free, bagged "Grab 'n Go" lunches to community members in need. n
