The Northside Chronicle, Pittsburgh - December 2021 by The Northside Chronicle

Dec. 2021 Est. 1985

The Northside Chronicle

Volume 37 Issue 12 - FREE -

The Community Newspaper of Pittsburgh’s Historic Northside

Home of

STEAK on a STONE Prepared and served on a 850º lava stone and finished at your table

Then and now: Black music in Pittsburgh

1Hood Media’s Paradise Gray on the ‘Golden Era’ of hip-hop and what’s holding the Steel City back from having its own booming entertainment industry.

Filet, Delmonico, Jumbo Shrimp, Jumbo Scallops and more

120 Federal St. Pittsburgh’s North Shore A STONES THROW FROM PNC PARK

ttsburgh’s most memorable meal call: For Pittsburgh’s most memorable meal call: 412-465-9865 412-465-9865 NorthShoreTavern.com

Northside Business Briefs: December 2021

Photo: Emmai Alaquiva

Music industry legend, activist, and Northsider Paradise Gray experienced the 'Golden Era' of hip-hop firsthand as a promoter and emcee at New York City's Latin Quarter club. Now, he's helping to create the Universal Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx. By Destiny Dixon

By Ashlee Green

Pear and the Pickle announces temporary closure Sunday, Nov. 21 was the last official day of service this year for Pear and the Pickle. Troy Hill’s “modern neighborhood cafe,” according to its website, is now “taking some time away” to “catch [their] breath” and “figure out [their] next step.” The announcement came on Nov. 19 via Facebook. See Briefs, Page 8

INSIDE

Every great musician gets their start somewhere. Here in Pittsburgh, classical musicians “fostered the birth of American music,” as local website Pittsburgh Music History put it, and Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller booked small gigs around the city before launching their famous careers. It’s to be expected, then, that many talented and passionate entertainers would emerge from the Iron City and catapult to stardom, going on to become household names known worldwide for their charisma, uniqueness, and nerve. These examples, though, didn’t just come around recently. Pittsburgh has been

- Fineview Bus Stop, Page 7 STORIES, COLUMNS, - Holiday Guide, Page 11 FEATURES & MORE - Northside Election Results, Page 22

known as the hometown of greats since the 1950s, when jazz and doo-wop sounds were becoming popular. Pittsburgh on the map During the early 1960s, a gifted jazz drummer by the name of Roger Humphries helped put Pittsburgh on the map, musically speaking, with his appearance on Horace Silver’s “Song for My Father.” He toured Europe with the band twice and later played with Grant Green, Stanley Turrentine, Shirley Scott, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ray Charles. Humphries eventually went on to lead his own band, RH Factor, during the 1970s and became a teacher at the Pittsburgh Cre-

ONLINE

WWW.THENORTHSIDE CHRONICLE.COM

ative and Performing Arts School (CAPA) and the University of Pittsburgh. Humphries, who was named the Northside’s 2019 Mardi Gras King, left the City of Bridges to pursue his career, and brought a “New York vibe” back with him. He returned home with an increased understanding of music and the industry and wanted to teach his findings to young and passionate students eager to progress in the music world. The New York City connection From a musical standpoint, New York City and Pittsburgh have a connecting chain See Paradise, Page 9

- Latest Northside news - Weekly real estate transfers - Event coverage and photos

The Northside Chronicle

Page 2

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: 4,000 copies monthly in 15212, 15214, 15233 zip code areas. FREE weekly e-newsletter delivered to your inbox, subscribe online. Order monthly newspaper delivery to your door by using the form below to begin your regular 12 month mail subscription for only $45/year. Use the form below to subscribe or online at thenorthsidechronicle.com/subscriptions Become a Townhall Subscriber for $60/year. What does it mean to be a Townhall Subscriber?

In addition to 12 month home delivery Print acknowledgement with your name (first name, last initial), neighborhood/city and print space to publish a personalized message of your own in the next issued newspaper. Acceptable messages include a greeting, wish, dedication to family, friends, or cause/organization. Announcements for births, deaths, marriages, or celebrations are also welcome to publish. We reserve the right to refrain from printing any wording that incites political, profane, or perverse commentary. Example of an approved personal message: "Georgia P., Atlanta, GA: I grew up in Spring Garden on Farby Way. I still love reading about what happens in the Northside today. Congratulations to my grandson Jerry P. and wife Cherry on welcoming their first child, Garcia!" Include your information such as your full name and delivery address plus your 35-word personal message for publication. Please use the Subscription Form below and include your 35-word personalized.

Payable by check or money order to “The Northside Chronicle”.

Order mail subscriptions available online using a credit card will includes online fees* DISCLAIMER: The viewpoints and opinions of the writers and contributors that appear in the Northside Chronicle do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints, opinions, beliefs or positions of the Northside Chronicle’s publishers, editors, staff and/or affiliates. The Northside Chronicle is not affiliated with any formal political, social, religious, educational or philosophical organization or party of any kind. The materials comprising the Northside Chronicle are provided by various organizations, community groups, advertisers, entities, writers and contributors and are provided as a service to the readers of the Northside Chronicle on an “as-is” basis for informational purposes only. The Northside Chronicle assumes no responsibility for any copyright infringement, errors or omissions in these materials and expressly disclaims any representations or warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose regarding the correctness, accuracy, completeness, timeliness and reliability of the information provided. The Northside Chronicle is not responsible for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance upon such information. Reference herein to any commercial product, process or service does not constitute or imply endorsement or favoring by the Northside Chronicle. © The Northside Chronicle 2021

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

NAME: ADDRESS: PHONE: TOWNHALL SUBSCRIBER MESSAGE:

December 2021

Community Meetings

After Care/Prison Ministry Support Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Allegheny Center Alliance Church 801 Union Place, first floor 412.321.4333 ext. 397 Allegheny City Central Association 2nd Monday, monthly Call for more details - 412.465.0192 Allegheny West Civic Council 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 7:30 p.m. Calvary United Methodist Church Now via Zoom | 412.323.8884

Brighton Heights Citizens Federation 2nd Thursday, bi-monthly, 7 p.m. Morrow Elementary School Now via Zoom 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 Now via Zoom 412.758.3898 Charles Street Area Council 1st Monday, monthly, call for times Pittsburgh Project, 2801 N. Charles St. Now via Zoom 412.886.6786 Community Alliance of Spring Garden/ East Deutschtown 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. Fuhrer Building of St. Michael’s Church 412.228.0376 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. Call for more details 412.321.1204 Fineview & Perry Hilltop Citizens Councils 4th Tuesday, monthly, 6-8 p.m. Contact for location info@ourfuturehilltop.org 412-238-7528 Mexican War Streets Society 3rd Monday, bi-monthly, 6:30 p.m. 1400 Buena Vista St. 412.323.9030

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 15212.

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 p.m. 1821 Brighton Rd. 412.321.5527 NS Coalition for Fair Housing Members Monthly, call for times 1821 Brighton Rd. 412.321.5521 Northside Leadership Conference 1st Wednesday, monthly, 6 p.m. MCC Center, 1319 Allegheny Ave. Now via Zoom Call to confirm - 412.231.4714 North Side Lions Club 2nd and 4th Tuesday, monthly, noon Max’s Allegheny Tavern 412-366-8512 North Side Public Safety Council 1st Thursday, monthly, 5:30 p.m. 1319 Allegheny Ave. 1st floor meeting room 412.231.4714 ext. 201, Now via Zoom Northside Toastmasters 2nd & 4th Thursdays, monthly, 6:30 p.m. Carnegie Library, 1230 Federal St. Now via Zoom http://northsidetoastmastersclubs.org Observatory Hill, Inc. 3rd Wednesday, monthly, 7 p.m. Byzantine Seminary, 3605 Perrysville Ave. 412.736.2489 http://www.observatoryhill.net The Promise Group Every other Tuesday, 6 p.m. Western Pa. Humane Society 412.321.1019 Troy Hill Citizens June 10, Aug. 12, Oct. 14, Dec. 9., 6 p.m. Most Holy Name School Hall 1515 Tinsbury St. 412.321.2852 Spring Hill Civic League Sept. 13, Oct. 4, Nov. 1 6 p.m, Spring Hill Elementary School auditorium, Now via Zoom, contact@shcl.org Summer Hill Citizens Committee 3rd Tuesday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. WPXI Television Station community room

The Northside Chronicle

December 2021

Page 3

Chamber Chat: Drew Mathieson Greenhouse

If there can be a silver lining to the pandemic, it is my rediscovery of the Drew Mathieson Greenhouse (DMG) at Bidwell Training Center, Western Pennsylvania’s premier educational greenhouse! As the pandemic drags on, I have been desperately looking for a way to be productive (outside of my four walls) and get more involved in the Northside community. My love of plants quickly steered me to seek a volunteer position at the DMG. I had hoped that being around plants (not people) would be an acceptable approach to social distancing. What was I thinking? It’s a pandemic: Few people worked from their offices and most were not looking to add to their current pool of employees. As it turns out, no new volunteers for the greenhouse were being accepted and my hopes to volunteer and experience DMG were dashed. With the passing of last summer and fall, I had renewed hope that the pandemic would lessen and looked forward to the holiday season. One of my favorite traditions is filling my home with live poinsettias. It was through my search for local poinsettias that I first experienced DMG, yet I was not totally prepared for my surprising discovery. DMG is, according to its website, “a student-focused educational facility that supports Bidwell Training Center’s Horticulture Technology program.” It is also a plant lover's paradise, right here on the

Northside. If you have ever drooled over the fancy poinsettias seen at botanical gardens and conservatories such as the J’Adore Pink (unique pink color) or Alaska (brightest white) poinsettias, or admired

know where to purchase them, your search is finally over! DMG is your source not only for fancy and novelty poinsettias, but also for a wide selection of standard red and white varieties—and beautiful poinsettia to-

Photo: Drew Mathieson Greenhouse

The Drew Mathieson Greenhouse, located inside of Bidwell Training Center, is a 'plant-lover's paradise.' Every holiday season, they offer a wide variety of poinsettias for purchase to the public. the novelty ones such as Ice Crystal (large rosy red bracts with pale pink to apricot centers spotted with red) or Picasso (cream and red-speckled bicolor plant) and did not

piaries too. I was so astonished at the wide selection of poinsettias for sale that my exuberance spilled over into every conversation with friends. I probably wore out my

welcome at DMG by making a weekly trip there to buy more plants. (To my delight, many friends took me up on the tip about the poinsettia sale and were thankful they did.) The poinsettia sale began in mid-November, so don’t wait too long to get your favorites! Depending on the time of year, in addition to poinsettias, you will find a variety of locally grown herbs, DMG’s magnificent signature orchids, a variety of gorgeous hydrangeas, and vegetables. DMG was founded in 2003 by the Manchester Bidwell Corporation and is home to the Bidwell Training Center’s Horticulture Technology program, where students are fully integrated into the operation of the greenhouse. This is a unique applied learning opportunity for the horticultural students who grow the plants that DMG sells. Although I have not yet had the opportunity to volunteer at DMG, I continue to experience all that DMG has to offer the community as a regular patron during their plant sales and now at their newest community endeavor, their “Lunch and Learn” series. The Lunch and Learn series began in October of this year and was developed to further engage the community. It offers an educational session by a gardening professional along with a super tasty lunch prepared by Bidwell Training Center’s See Chamber, Page 7

Thank You Northside!

This community thrives because of our volunteers, small businesses and partners. We wish you a wonderful & peaceful holiday season to all of our neighbors.

Page 4

The Northside Chronicle

December 2021

Dist. 1 News: Councilman Wilson Hello everyone, At the end of this year, I will have served as your Councilman for two years. These have been a tremendously eventful pair of years. During this time, we have nav-

phy of the Northside, our neighborhoods require more investment to maintain the same level of infrastructure as other districts. So, I invited Mayor-elect Gainey on a tour of the district to show him and his team the opportunities and needs on the Northside. First, we drove through Riverview Park and stopped to highlight several of the nine landslides in the park. In other regional parks in Pittsburgh, a million dollars could go a long way toward fixing structures, improving trails, or building water fountains. In Riverview Park, however, we need several million dollars just to keep the park from collapsing, by addressing existing landslides and taking preventative measures to stop more slides from occurring. I made it clear to Mayor-elect Gainey that all Northsiders want well-built and first-rate amenities in Riverview Park, and that we will need his administration to step up to make Riverview Park as wonderful of a regional park as every other major park in the city of Pittsburgh. I also took Mayor-elect Gainey to visit Allen Place and the Pride Project, two amazing community-oriented organizations operating on Bonvue Street in Observatory Hill that offer essential programming to seniors and young people here on the Northside. I’ve been proud to allocate funds for these organizations during both of my years in office and I wanted to show off their great work to the new mayor. The last stop on the hilltop section of our tour Photo: Office of Councilman Wilson was at Scratch & Co in Troy Hill. I wantThis month, Councilman Wilson describes ed Mayor-elect Gainey to visit a thriving the Northside tour he recently gave to neighborhood restaurant and also get a sense of the many challenges small business ownMayor-elect Ed Gainey. ers on the Northside face, such as a proliferigated a deadly global pandemic and a grave ation of vacant storefronts and the challengbudget deficit. The holiday season is now es posed by figuring out how to be a viable upon us, and with it, a measured optimism neighborhood business that both serves its that the worst of both the pandemic and the community and attracts visitors from all over budget deficit is behind us. Adept and steady the city. leadership in City Hall and a robust infuFinally, we visited the largest business sion of federal and state dollars at critical district on the Northside: East Ohio Street. moments kept the worst consequences of Revitalizing East Ohio Street is one of my both these crises at bay. As I am writing to top priorities, and it was fitting to end the you now, Council is meeting twice daily tour at the biergarten next to Fig & Ash. At to finalize the City of Pittsburgh’s alloca- this location, I hosted a joint community tions to essential services, personnel, and gathering with Mayor-elect Gainey and Rep. departments in next year’s Capital and Emily Kinkead to talk with neighbors from Operating Budgets. In the new year, I am all over the Northside about their visions looking forward to announcing several for their communities. I am tremendously projects and facilities on the Northside that grateful to all the residents and community will be funded in next year’s budget. leaders who helped make this tour possible, Also in the new year, Ed Gainey will and to everyone that came out to meet Maytake office as Pittsburgh’s 61st mayor. I am or-elect Gainey and myself. very proud of my relationship with Mayor If you have any questions or concerns, Bill Peduto and his team. In the past two call us, email us, or find us on Facebook, years, we worked together every day to get Twitter, and Instagram. My staff and I wish a great deal done on the Northside. Now, I all of you a joyous holiday season and a am looking forward to building a robust and Happy New Year. We look forward to productive relationship with Mayor-elect Ed hearing from you in 2022! Gainey and his new team. Councilman Bobby Wilson It was important to me to show 412-255-2135 Mayor-elect Gainey the incredible assets we Email: District1@pittsburghpa.gov have here on the Northside. I also wanted to Twitter: @Dist1Pgh show him all the places where the City needs Facebook: @CouncilmanBobbyWilson to keep investing. Because of the topograInstagram: @councilmanbobbywilsonn

December 2021

The Northside Chronicle

District 19 News: State Rep. Wheatley It’s starting to get cold, and winter is just around the corner. The state’s federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available to help folks who are behind on their bills or need a little help, and I am encouraging people to apply for it. The program offers cash grants to help with home heating bills and crisis grants to help with emergency situations, such as a broken furnace or an unexpected fuel shortage. Currently, the maximum income allowed for eligibility, based on household size, ranges from $19,320 for one person to $46,560 for five people in the home. For each additional family member over five, the maximum income limit increases by $6,810. Online applications may be completed by visiting www.compass.state.pa.us. Another well-received program is the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, which offers eligible Pennsylvanians money back on rent or property taxes paid. Anyone who qualifies for the program can stop into my district office and we can help with the applications. I want to make sure my office helps as many eligible residents or their relatives get their applications done. The program is very helpful to many people in my community. People who are filing should bring necessary 2020 income, property tax, or rental information.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 or

Photo: Office of Rep. Wheatley

Rep. Wheatley provides details on Pa.’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which is now open, and the Property Tax Rent/Rebate, which is accepting applications until the end of December.

older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and individuals with disabilities ages 18 or older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 a year for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded. The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. The Department of Revenue does not charge a fee for the application and my staff can provide you with free help filling out your application. After submitting your application, you may check the status of your rebate online at www.revenue.pa.gov, by calling 888-PA-TAXES, or by contacting my office. Please beware of scams and efforts to charge a fee for assistance. Thirdparty agencies claiming to expedite your application for a fee are simply attempting to take advantage of those in need. They may be seeking to use your personal information obtained for the application process in an unauthorized manner. My staff and I are prepared to answer your questions about LIHEAP, the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and other state-related issues. Please call us at (412) 471-7760. n

More from your elected officials at: nschronicle.com

Page 5

Looking for an opportunity to serve your community? The Northside Chronicle is now taking internship applications for students interested in journalism and photojournalism. Mail resume and cover letter with three work samples to: The Northside Chronicle 922 Middle St. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 or email materials to: editor [at] thenorthsidechronicle [dot] com

The Northside Chronicle

Page 6

December 2021

District 20 News: State Rep. Kinkead Happy Holidays! It’s incredible to realize that yet another year is coming to a close. As many of our neighbors and friends still struggle to get back on their feet and the pandemic, which we hoped to see solidly in our rearview mirror, continues, it is easy to feel despair. However, looking back on this year, I continue to be encouraged and heartened by the people of our community, who continue to support one another and work together for the common good. I want to thank all of those who have selflessly served others throughout this time. Our collective actions have saved lives and, thanks to the vaccines that have become available, we are finally starting to return to a sense of normalcy. (And, I’ll take this moment to encourage all of you, five years old and up, to get your vaccines and boosters!) As I look back on my first year in office, I want to thank everyone in District 20 for allowing me the opportunity to be your voice in Harrisburg. It is a responsibility I am honored to have, and one that I take seriously. In Harrisburg, I have backed bipartisan efforts to support our essential workers, assist individuals and businesses struggling as the result of the pandemic, expand access to medical marijuana, and more. I have also stood up against legislation that I felt would adversely impact our community, including that which would destroy our community bail funds; and voted

against bills that would set dangerous precedents, such as abortion bans and permit-

less concealed carry of firearms, or erode the rule of law, like the repeated attacks on our voting rights. I have also joined my colleagues in championing legislation to address the serious problems affecting our commonwealth, including raising our state’s minimum wage, making health care affordable, enacting common sense criminal justice reforms, and even working to establish an insurance program for those impacted by landslide issues across our commonwealth. I continue to fight to ensure that the remaining $7.3 billion in federal American Rescue Plan funds is spent the way it was intended – to help you and every Pennsylvanian get back on track. Partisanship may continue to slow or even stop progress, but I have and will continue to advocate for our state to make the smart investments we need to forge ahead: investments in our schools, communities, workplaces, and most importantly, in the people of our commonwealth. My favorite part of this job has been the ability to connect with constituents and take immediate action to address their needs. The opportunity to travel the district and learn even more intimately about all the things – the people, businesses, and organizations – that make our community such a wonderful place to live is an incredible joy. Photo: Office of Rep. Kinkead Despite the limitations of social disState Rep. Emily Kinkead looks back on tancing, this year, my staff and I respond2021, and ahead to 2022. ed to nearly 2,000 constituent requests and

served more than 800 event attendees. We have worked hard to prepare ourselves to provide the best service to the district through hosting community forums on important issues like gun violence, getting trained in harm-reduction techniques, and meeting with municipal officials across the district. My staff and I dove into the work of serving District 20 by getting our hands dirty planting trees in local parks, working with PennDOT to address issues with local roads, spending rainy days helping to connect our seniors with state agencies and programs, and hosting several ever-popular shredding events. Look for more of these and other events in the new year! It has been my absolute pleasure and honor to serve you this past year, and I am looking forward to 2022 with a renewed sense of purpose, dedication, and hope. I wish you all a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year! As always, please reach out to me if you have questions or need assistance with any state program or service by calling my office at 412-321-5523 or emailing me at RepKinkead@pahouse.net. My team and I are here to help you! n

More from your elected officials at: nschronicle.com

The Northside Chronicle

December 2021

New bus stop platform marks restored service on Fineview loop route

Bidwell offers 'Walk-Up Wednesday' plant sales

From Chamber, Page 3 Culinary Arts Program students. These sessions are just as wonderful as the discovery of their plant sales. If you too want to expe-

St. and is operated by the Bidwell Training Center. For more information or to place an order for poinsettias, call 412-231-7200 or email either dmg@manchesterbidwell.org or CKenney@manchesterbidwell.org.

Photo: koizumi via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

The Drew Mathieson Greenhouse offers a wide variety of poinsettias, including Picasso poinsettias, which have cream and red-colored speckles. rience all that DMG has to offer, consider stopping by each week during their “WalkUp Wednesday” plant sales between 8:30 a.m and 12:30 p.m. or sign up for a class in their Lunch and Learn series. All plant purchases from the DMG support Bidwell Training Center’s unique nonprofit educational operating model. DMG is located at 1600 Metropolitan

Anna Yoder is the Membership Director of the North Side/Shore Chamber of Commerce. Established in 1897, the Chamber’s mission is to “promote, connect and support the growth and success of businesses.” If you have questions about the Chamber or are interested in becoming a member, contact Anna Yoder at anna@ northsidechamberofcommerce.com. n

Page 7

Courtesy of the Fineview & Perry Hilltop Citizens Councils PITTSBURGH, PA 10/20/21 Mayor Peduto, City Councilmen Lavelle and Wilson, County Councilwoman Olivia Bennett, and Port Authority officials were honored at a community meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 26 by Fineview and Perry Hilltop Citizens Councils for their work in restoring the Biggs Avenue at Glenrose Street bus stop along the #11 Fineview loop route. Initially a trolley stop, for decades the stop provided a convenient place for Fineview and Perry Hilltop residents to access the #11 bus for transportation to the Northside Giant Eagle, Downtown, and other Northside amenities. The Port Authority of Allegheny County removed the bus stop due to safety concerns.This created hardship for those in the hilltop communities who depended on public transportation. In response, the City of Pittsburgh supported the residents of the two hilltop neighborhoods by building a substantial bus stop platform near the bottom of the Glenrose city steps. The Port Authority subsequently agreed to restore the stop on the #11 Fineview route. To thank the honorees for their support

and celebrate the success of their efforts, they were recognized by Fineview and Perry Hilltop Citizens Councils at a community

Photo: Fineview & Perry Hilltop Citizens Councils

The bus stop at Biggs Avenue at Glenrose Street along the #11 Fineview loop route is now restored, increasing food security for Northsiders in the hilltop communities. meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021 at The Pittsburgh Project on the Northside. Each was presented with a specially designed memento. Lenny Marino, manager of the Cedar Avenue Giant Eagle, donated a $100 gift card as a door prize at the event, calling to mind the connection between reliable public transportation and fresh food. n

4 0 0 LY D I A S T. / SUI T E 10 2 CA RNEGIE / PA / 1510 6 412 . 937.192 5 / N A IPI T T S B U R G H .C O M

UNDER CONTRACT 1,297 SF

391 7-391 9 P E R RYSV I L L E AV E P I T T S B U R G H , PA 15 2 14

2,888 SF

$16.62/SF + UTILITIES

• NEW HEATING/COOLING • NEW ELECTRIC/LIGHTING • NEW PLUMBING • ADA RESTROOM • UPDATED FACADE • NEW LOADING AREA

• FREE STREET PARKING AND METERED PARKING LOT NEXT DOOR • HIGH TRAFFIC COUNT: 10,000 CARS DAILY • MINUTES FROM 279/NORTHERN SUBURBS • NEXT TO A MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR HOUSING REVITALIZATION PROJECT

The Northside Chronicle

Page 8

Get The Good Guys

December 2021

Northside Business Briefs, cont'd From Briefs, Page 1

Back in June of 2021, the cafe made waves by transitioning from a traditional tipping model for its workers to a service model, where every check included an automatic

11 a.m. to noon. Classes are in the power vinyasa style and according to the studio’s newsletter, are “a way to support and enhance the rock’n’roll lifestyle.” The first one is free. Visit Garcia-Bernardo’s website at https:// gethip.com/yoga/ for more information and to join the mailing list.

AIR reopening exhibition spaces to the public Artists Image Resource (AIR), located in Historic Deutschtown, is reopening its exhibition spaces to the public on Friday, Dec. 10 with “2021 PRINTWORK.” Jurors for the

Photo: Pear and the Pickle

Troy Hill's Pear and the Pickle announced that Sunday, Nov. 21 was their last official day of service this year.

PERSONAL INJURY | AUTO ACCIDENTS | MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

20% service fee. A series of setbacks, though,

Top Rated Injury Lawyers in Pittsburgh

pandemic-related factors have caused the business to reevaluate how—and if—they will move forward. “We’ve been operating under very challenging (and completely abnormal) circumstances for nearly two years,” the social media post reads. “Pivoting our business model again and again, food cost fluctuations, labor strains, rising costs, safety guidelines, and on and on… we’re exhausted. Physically, emotionally, mentally.” The post went on to thank customers for their patience, support, and understanding.

SLIP, TRIP & FALLS | CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS | EMPLOYER VIOLATIONS including a water main break and ongoing

Top 50 Attorneys in Pittsburgh by Pittsburgh Magazine Top Attorneys in Pennsylvania | Best Lawyers in America by Pittsburgh Magazine | Pittsburgh Best Lawyers | Best Lawyers in America | National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys (NAOPIA) | The American Society of Legal Advocates | Pennsylvania Rising Stars by Philadelphia Super Lawyers | Pennsylvania Super Lawyers

When You Need Help, We’re There At Goodrich & Geist, we believe there are 3 basic qualifications individuals seeking an attorney should always look for:

Penn Brewery offering winter tours again Brewers at Penn Brewery are leading in-person tours again this winter. The next tour date is Saturday, Dec. 18. It starts at 1 p.m. and each $25 ticket includes a 16-ounce beer and a growler fill. Masks are required and guests are asked to wear flat, closed-toe shoes. Visit https://www.pennbrew.com/tours for more details.

Yoga with Barbara launches online classes ‘for the rock’n’roll lifestyle’

3634 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412.766.1455 | goodrichandgeist.com

Yoga with Barbara, led by Vice President of Get Hip Records Barbara Garcia-Bernardo, now has a new online class schedule. All classes are held via Zoom and there are two options: beginner and all-levels. Beginner classes are held Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m.; all-levels classes are offered on both Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. and Sundays from

Photo: AIR

"Always one hand on the hilt" by Kyle Nobles is part of AIR's upcoming show, "2021 PRINTWORK," premiering Dec. 10. show were Rachel Rearick and Joseph Lupo. It takes place from 6-9 p.m. and features 38 artists from around the U.S. Food and drinks are provided. It will run through Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. 2021 is AIR’s 25th anniversary of operation in Pittsburgh. Direct your questions to info@artistsimageresource.org or visit http://www.artistsimageresource.org/ for more information.

Moonshot Museum releases design renderings for forthcoming facility Moonshot Museum, set to be “Pennsylvania’s first museum dedicated exclusively to space,” according to a press release, released final design renderings for its facility, set to open in the summer of 2022. The museum, which is currently under construction and according to the Pittsburgh See Briefs, Page 16

The Northside Chronicle

December 2021

Page 9

Gray: 'Star quality' artists put in the work

From Paradise, Page 1 for inspiration, ideas, and growth for many artists trying to make it big. If you fast forward a few decades from Humphries’ heyday, hip-hop and R&B are now all the rage not only in Pittsburgh and the Northside, but also in many major cities across the country. The “Golden Era” of hip-hop is deemed to have taken place between the late 1980s

in Pittsburgh in 1992. He got his start in the industry as a promoter and emcee at New York City’s Latin Quarter club during the “Golden Era,” and met and mentored many upcoming artists who went on to become legends. Gray has produced nine albums on major labels including Sony; he has countless amounts of wisdom and insight to give on the industry as a whole. “Just for Paradise to even know your name was a huge deal,”said MC Lyte in

Photos: Kahmeela Friedson and Dimitri Savitski, CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons

Roger Humphries, left, appeared on "Song for My Father" by Horace Silver, right, which helped to put Pittsburgh on the map, musically speaking. and early 1990s, and industry legend, activist, and Northside resident Paradise Gray experienced all of it firsthand. After spending time in North Carolina, Gray quickly moved around New York from the Bronx to Brooklyn, then finally settled

Netflix’s docuseries, “Hip-Hop Evolution.” Gray explains how it’s different for every person in the industry who possesses a “star quality” that makes them a contender to become one of the greats. He’s seen this a lot in the Pittsburgh music scene.

“It’s different for a DJ, a rapper, a dancer, and graphic artists. There are different paths, but if there’s one thing they all have in common it’s putting the work in, taking it seriously at a young age, making your mind up that this is what you want to do, and you commit to putting the time in to do it the best. You understand the history of what you’re dealing with… Nowadays, you can make something and put it on the internet, have no clue what you’re doing, and pop!” “I would say that the Pittsburgh area has so much of a concentration of incredible, brilliant artists of all ages… it’s amazing. I wish that the artists here could see themselves as I see them,” Gray stated. Mentoring Mac Miller During Gray’s time in Pittsburgh, he has worked immensely with young artists as they came up in the industry, including the late Mac Miller. “I’ve mentored thousands of artists, but Mac… he was a quiet guy. Always intelligent, humble, a real nice guy. I really appreciated him as a person and a human being, as well as admiring him as an artist. He did what I suggested that older-school artists did: He put the work in.” The world didn’t know Mac Miller until he was a VIP, but Gray knew him when he was around 15 years old. Gray called Mac a “student of rappers.” “... He memorized songs dating all the

way back to the Golden Era and beyond, and he took it seriously… he was a very talented and unique individual.” Gray explained his take on how New York City and Pittsburgh compare music-wise: While the Latin Quarter club in New York offered a place for new and upcoming artists to begin shooting their shot at becoming well known among the community, here in Pittsburgh there was the more recent but now defunct Shadow Lounge. “The Shadow Lounge really gave artists like Wiz Khalifa, Mac Miller, Jasiri X, Formula412, and many others that oppor-

Photo: Brook Ward via Flickr CC BY-NC 2

The late Mac Miller, whom Gray mentored, pictured with Ariana Grande at a 2016 Steelers pre-game Terrible Towel Kickoff. tunity to have a safe space [for] fellowship

With the right HR partner, the possibilities are limitless Insperity helps you tackle your HR hurdles so you can spend more time growing your business. With Insperity behind you, nothing seems impossible. FULL-SERVICE HR EMPLOYEE BENEFITS HR TECHNOLOGY Learn more at insperity.com or call 412.394.1419.

See Paradise, Page 17

The Northside Chronicle

Page 10

December 2021

www.AllingAgencyllc.com Serving the Northside, Pittsburgh, Western PA, Licensed in OH, WV, FL

All of your insurance needs:

• • • •

Personal Business Life Medicare

Call or Click for Your FREE Quote: 412-398-2222 4790 William Flinn Hwy, Allison Park, PA 15101 | wayne@allingagencyll.com

McCandless | ssbpgh.com | Northside 412.837.6955

2.25

% APY*

Community TV on the Northside

412.482.9010

*When your Kasasa Cash account qualifications are met during a Monthly Qualification Cycle, daily balances up to and including $25,000 in your Kasasa Cash account earn an APY of 2.25%; and daily balances over $25,000 earn an APY of 0.50% on the portion of the daily balance over $25,000, resulting in a range from 0.85% to 2.25% APY depending on the account's daily balance. Accounts that don’t meet the qualifications earn 0.05% APY on all balances. Account approval, conditions, limits, time-frames, log-ons and other requirements apply. No minimum deposit required to open the account, and there is no minimum balance required to earn the advertised APY. There are no recurring monthly maintenance charges or fees to open or close this account. Advertised information and rewards are based on all account qualifications being met during each cycle period. APY calculations are based on an assumed balance of $25,000 + $100,000 in your Kasasa Cash account and an assumed statement cycle of thirty-one (31) days. Rates, rewards, and bonuses are variable and may change after account is opened without notice to you. Speak to one of our branch representatives for additional information, account details, restrictions, reward calculations, processing limitations, cycle dates and enrollment instructions. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 01/01/2021.

Help support the Northside community newspaper’s mission to provide hyperlocal coverage for our neighborhoods, neighbors and their future.

💟

Discover how to produce your own TV show with us!

Watch on Comcast 21, Verizon 47, pctv21.org & now on Roku! Call 412-322-7570 to learn more or visit www.pctv21.org

Read more about how to give back at: www.thenorthsidechronicle.com/donate

❓ What

do you get if you cross a sports reporter with a vegetable?

🅰 !retat

nommoc A

Looking for an opportunity to serve your community? The Northside Chronicle is now taking summer internship applications for students interested in journalism and photojournalism. As a free community resource, our newspaper bridges the digital divide in accessible information and reliable news that impacts the neighborhoods we serve. Mail a CV and cover letter along with three writing or photo samples to: The Northside Chronicle, 922 Middle St. Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Northside Holiday Guide 2021

From the Archives: The Northside Chronicle Staff, November 5, 2009.

“Onlookers give Robert Berks’s statue of Fred Rogers a round of applause at its unveiling on the North Shore this morning.”

Read the full story on this day as an iconic gift was unwrapped by community members on the North Shore at: https://www.thenorthsidechronicle.com/mr-rogers-monument/

From the Archives: The Northside Chronicle Staff, December 5, 2005. Deutschtown Merchants Association held a neighborhood ‘Light Up Night’ in the ‘Blumengarten’ by the former Wheeler Paint building on E. Ohio St. Neighbors enjoyed a parade with St. Nicholas and carolling with Swiss-German members of Teutonia Männerchor and the Alliance of Germanic Societies of Pittsburgh in the Bavarian tradition.

Page 12

The Northside Holiday Guide 2021 TheChronicle Northside -Chronicle

December 2021

Holiday shopping just got easier with these neighborhood favorites. Deutschtown

Wagsburgh 632 E. Ohio St. | 412-904-3459 Facebook: @wagsburgh Instagram: @wagsburghpgh: Starting November 29th through December 27th, we will be temporarily adding Mondays from 10:00am to 6:00pm to our regular hours. We hope this helps you gather all your pet's needs so you can relax during this busy time of the year. Happy Holidays! Christmas Eve - 10:00am to 2:00pm Christmas Day - CLOSED News Years Eve - 10:00am - 2:00pm News Years Day - CLOSED Bernie's Photo Center 523 E Ohio St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-1717 | www.berniesphoto.com www.facebook.com/BerniesPhotoCenter

Help Wanted: Camera store sales position. Must have knowledge of film and digital cameras, darkroom, 35mm and medium format. Call Bruce at 412-231-1717.

loves the arts, or the kids on your list, explore a mix of sustainable products, handmade goods from local and global artisans, adorable plush toys, nature-themed books, and more! Admission not required to shop.

Bistro To Go 415 East Ohio Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-0218 | bistroandcompany.com Now taking orders! Holidays are about family, friends, and of course delicious food! Let us prepare your Thanksgiving feast while you enjoy your guests. We have all the details covered. Chef-crafted meals and classic traditional cooking. A Northside tradition for over a decade! Main Loan Office 503 E Ohio St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (412) 231-1155 | Hours 9AM-4:30PM Sat 9AM-1PM | Closed Sun & Wed Family owned business for over 60 years on the Northside specializing in gold jewelry, electronics, and musical instruments. Inventory changes daily, stop by or call ahead in your search for the perfect gift. Holiday special 10% off all Jewelry with this ad! Mens and Ladies Diamond Rings & Tennis Bracelets, Gold Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings plus more! The Priory Hotel and Grand Hall 614 Pressley St. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412.904.3459 | www.priory.com Boutique hotel with the smallest bar in Pennsylvania (Monk's Bar) offers special suite packages and an elegant event venue in Historic Deutschtown.

Allegheny Center

Brooke Rockwell Hair Designs 100 S Commons Ste 119 412.471.9122 www.BrookeRockwellHair.com Our salon is in Nova Place, next to Federal Galley! We are a full service hair salon for men, women and children. We also do Eyelash Extensions! We have lots of holiday packages and products specials. Gift certificates are available to purchase online from our website!

Central Northside Brighton Heights

Little Sisters of the Poor 1028 Benton Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412.307.1100 www.littlesistersofthepoorpittsburgh.org The Little Sisters of the Poor are offering Christmas Cards by Sister Martha, lsp. Prices: 7 for $10 ($2 shipping), 12 for $15 ($3 shipping) or 30 for $25 ($8 priority shipping). Cards can be ordered online, over the phone (412) 307-1100, or from the main desk at the Home. MF Shop at the Mattress Factory 500 Sampsonia Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 | 412-231-3169 | mfshop.org At the MF Shop you'll find delightful gifts ranging from art books and local artisan jewelry to handmade greeting cards and funky home décor. The constantly changing inventory mirrors the playful and interactive nature of the artworks on display, often featuring work from exhibiting artists. Admission not required to shop.

Marshall-Shadeland

Johanna's Garden 3001 Shadeland Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15212 412-761-6770

The Farmer's Daughter Flowers 502 E Ohio St. | 412.231.1238 www.thefarmersdaughterflowers.com Full service floral shop and botanically inspired gift shop filled with magical curiosities. Come visit us at our new shop front across the street from our previous location! Pre-order your fall wreath, now shipping! Bernie's Photo Center 523 E Ohio St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-1717 | www.berniesphoto.com www.facebook.com/BerniesPhotoCenter

Help Wanted: Amazon and Ebay sales position. Must have knowledge of camera equipment. Call Bruce at 412-231-1717.

Custom-made holiday designs! Local delivery available.

Charles Street Valley National Aviary 700 Arch Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Seasonal Hours: Monday, Wednesday-Sunday 10 am – 5 pm, closed Tuesday 412-258-9445 | www.aviary.org Make 2021 holiday shopping fun—head to the National Aviary! Whether shopping for the nature lover in your life, someone who

BreadWorkS 2110 Brighton Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 | 412-231-7555 | www.breadworkspgh.com Fresh bread made daily, including specialty focaccias. Try our holiday breads this season, or take us to dinner with one of our many rolls or bread options, including our famous salt sticks!

The Northside Chronicle Team Wishes you and yours a very Happy Holiday & Joyous New Year!

The Northside The NorthsideChronicle Chronicle - Holiday Guide 2021

December 2021

Tom Friday’s Market

Page 13

Brighton Heights Lutheran Church

since 1955

3639 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 | tel: 412-766-4500

Monday - Saturday 8:00AM - 5:00PM | Closed Sunday Last butcher shoppe in Pittsburgh city limits to carry fresh hanging sides of beef. Call us with your order Wholesale, Retail, & Restaurants Welcome! Daily home delivery $2.50 for $25 Min Purchase • Delivery Areas Vary • Includes Freezer Meat 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

Hot Sausage with Peppers & Onions, Kielbassy with Sauerkraut, and BBQ Pulled Pork

Party Trays

Cheese & Pepperoni, Jumbo Shrimp, Meat or Veggie and Custom Trays Available

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 $189.00

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

CALVARY u mc is HAVING A

Come Celebrate the Birth of Our Savior with Us Contemporary Christmas Eve Service 3:30 PM Candlelight Christmas Eve Service 7:00 PM Friday, December 24th

all are welcome

Weekend Service Sunday 10:00 AM

3830 California Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-761-8545

brightonheightslutheranchurch.org

Christmas at Calvary SUNDAYS DURING ADVENT

Saturday, December 18, from 1 - 7 pm Please join us as Calvary presents an Open House featuring tours of the church, live music with choir and organ, a vintage item sale, homemade soups for takeout, cookies and refreshments, a kid’s area with crafts, and a Special Jolly Visitor! Beech Avenue will be open for a self-guided stroll down the historic festively decorated street, featuring carolers. Visit our website for further information! — CalvaryPgh.com

Sc h e d u l e

1:00-7:00pm — Vintage sale, soup takeout, refreshments, kid’s crafts 3:00-3:15pm — Music 3:15-4:00pm — Tour, questions, and fellowship 4:00-4:15pm — Music 4:15-5:00pm — Tour, questions, and fellowship 5:00pm — “Special Jolly Visitor” arrives 5:30-6:00pm — Final tour, questions, and fellowship 6:00-7:00pm — Final purchases, church closes at 7:00pm

CALVARY U NITED METHODIST CHURCH

971 Beech avenu e, northside, Pittsburgh, pa 15233

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28 THRU SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19 Join us each Sunday in Advent at 11AM as we prepare our hearts and our lives for the coming of the Christ child.

LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE MONDAY, DECEMBER 20 AT 7PM This creative worship service is designed to create sacred space for the grief, longing, and heartache that feels close to home — especially during the holiday season.

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24 AT 7PM Special Music Starts at 7:00pm | Service Begins at 7:30pm You are invited to discover a more meaningful holiday season by celebrating Advent and Christmas at Calvary. Let the words of beloved carols and scriptures set the foundation. Stirring choral, organ, and handbell music will set the scene. The peaceful illumination of Advent builds to an unforgettable Christmas Eve Service as both young and old remember the birth of Jesus, our Savior.

The Northside - Holiday Guide 2021 The Chronicle Northside Chronicle

Page 14

December 2021

Meet. Work. Play. Party. Relax. Sleep. Celebr ate!

Happy Holidays! Gift Certificates Now Available Online!

Nova Place 100 S Commons Suite. 119, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (412) 471-9122 | BrookeRockwellHair.com

Christmas Specialty Breads Sweet Egg Bread

Pittsburgh Born & Bread Monday-Friday 8am - 4pm Saturday 8am - 2pm Sunday closed for now. 2110 Brighton Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (412) 231-7555

Our famous Sweet Egg Bread will be available on Thursday, December 23 and Friday, December 24

Chocolate Babka Only available on New Year’s Eve Friday, December 31 Pre-order yours today. Closed for Christmas on Saturday, December 25 and New Year’s Day on Saturday, January 1

Curbside pick-up. Order online today! www.BreadWorksPgh.com

412.231.3338 ThePriory.com MansionsOnFifth.com PittsburghsGrandHall.com

The NorthsideThe Chronicle - Holiday Guide 2021 Northside Chronicle

December 2021

Page 15

Meet Angus, the Big Calm Dog Courtesy of LIFE Pittsburgh Over the past several years, the LIFE Pittsburgh centers have been enjoying visits from an incredibly special visitor, Angus, a seven-and-a-half-year-old Mastiff (English Mastiff). When Angus arrives at the centers, he is greeted with smiles and excitement (as well as treats from some eager Participants)!! Today’s spotlight is on our friend, Angus, and his human, Dana.

Ask An Attorney By Matthew D. Gailey, Gailey Law Group Another year has passed. It has been a tumultuous year with ongoing problems from the Covid virus lingering and shambling the economy’s recovery. Last year when I wrote a Christmas article, the Steelers were currently undefeated, which is most certainly not the case this year. However, all is not lost, as Christmas time is here. The holidays should bring out the best in all of us. There is so much to do again. Cookies need to be baked, stockings need stuffing and mistletoe needs to be hung. We can now go to church on Christmas Eve to celebrate and worship. We can go to sporting events, concerts, and holiday parties safely. I always wanted to go a wassailing in the streets of the Northside before Christmas Day to spread holiday cheer. However, I could never find enough friends that were as festive as I was who were willing to do that. Maybe next year.

As always, I share a picture of my daughter, Gabriella. After all, its now a Northside Chronicle Christmas Tradition. She is three now and looking forward to her fourth Christmas Day. She has always been cuter than me and now I fear that she will soon be smarter than me too. I will certainly be in trouble then. My family and I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Photo courtesy of Matthew Gailey

Angus was certified as a Therapy Dog through Therapy Dog International (TDI) in August of 2016. He had to pass a test through TDI that evaluated several things, including his ability to follow commands, his temperament, and that he was able to remain calm in somewhat chaotic situations. When Dana became aware of TDI’s mission, she knew she wanted to participate and knew that Angus would be a perfect fit for this type of work since he has always been a calm and loving dog. Dana and Angus coincidentally met LIFE Pittsburgh’s Outreach Supervisor, Deanna, at an “Open Streets” event in Market Square in 2017. When Deanna learned that Angus was a therapy dog, she quickly suggested that he would be a perfect fit as a guest at LIFE Pittsburgh! Angus and Dana were introduced to the LIFE Pittsburgh program shortly after that and have been providing Therapeutic visits ever since! He has visited several of LIFE Pittsburgh Adult Day Health Centers – starting with the Greentree center, then Allegheny Centers, and then McKees Rocks.

them. Many of the Participants at LIFE Pittsburgh are animal lovers at heart, but do not have the opportunity to interact with pets any longer, for various reasons. The time that they get to spend with Angus is precious and may be the only pet that they get to spend time with. When asked how Angus feels about his visits to LIFE Pittsburgh, Dana said, “Angus LOVES his people! There is no doubt that he enjoys the interactions, there is a bounce in his step and a smile on his face. Plus, he really loves the belly rubs”! Angus is a laid-back dog, but once he realizes he is at LIFE Pittsburgh, he is excited and ready to go! Dana enjoys talking with the Participants and sharing Angus with others. She has often said that she and Angus gain as much from the visits as the Participants do. Angus is an American Kennel Club (AKC) Grand Champion, now retired. When not at LIFE Pittsburgh, he does freelance therapy at many local Farmer’s Markets and dog friendly business in Pittsburgh. He is the unofficial mascot for Lowe’s in Scott Township.

According to Dana, “Angus has personal relationships with so many of the Participants”. She notices that Participant’s faces light up when he arrives at the center, and it is very apparent that their moods brighten during their visits. Angus makes his rounds while at the center, visiting each of the Participants who express an interest in him (and staff, too!). Dana has seen Participants become more alert and engaged when Angus spends time with Photo courtesy of LIFE Pittsburgh

Happy Holidays from

1022 Chestnut Street

The Northside Chronicle

Page 16

December 2021

Northside Business Briefs, cont'd

From Briefs, Page 8 Business Times, is “halfway through its $2.7 million capital campaign fundraising effort,” will be located inside the headquarters of lunar logistics company Astrobotic in the Northside’s Allegheny West neighborhood. Moonshot’s final design will include a clean room where guests can watch actual spacecraft, such as lunar landers and rovers, being made through a large glass window. You can visit the museum’s website for construction updates at https://moonshotmuseum.org/.

Flavors Famous Street Food now offering e-gift cards

Photo: Flavors Famous Street Food

Affordable, Comfortable Retirement Living • Spacious one-bedroom floor plans • Rent is based on income • Controlled access building • On-site Laundry • Service Coordinator

The market, which is free to attend, features Pittsburgh-area artisans including Cherry Valley Organics, PGH Candle, JP & Son Woodcraft, Olive & Marlowe, Puzz, Siroh & Ivy, and Gluten Free Goat. If you’re interested in vending at the event, email kpascarelli@threadbarecider.com. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; food, drink, and bottle sales will be available in the tasting room and kitchen. RSVP for a free sample of cider: https:// threadbarecider.com/event/threadbare-winter-market/.

Holiday pop-up shop at BJ’s Event Center continues this month A holiday pop-up shop hosted by Young Brothers Bar and located at BJ’s Event Center next door will continue through Dec. 22. The ongoing event, which started on Nov. 8, takes place weekly from Monday through Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. It’s slogan, according to a Facebook post, is “Giving back to the community & supporting small businesses!” BJ’s event Center is located at 1439 Woods Run Ave.

Flavors Famous Street Food Owner and Executive Chef Curtis Drane shows off the establishment's new gift cards.

City Books to host in-person Q&A with creator of Effin’ Birds

E-gift cards are available now, in time for the holidays, at Flavors Famous Street Food. Owned by Executive Chef Curtis Drane, Flavors is known for its “authentic Chicago classics such as the Maxwell Street polish sausage, Italian beef sandwich and Jim Shoe—also known as a Gym Shoe— hoagie,” according to The Northside Chronicle. E-gift cards can be purchased online at flavorsstreetfood.com and can either be sent instantly or delivered on a future date.

Aaron Reynolds, creator of the popular social media account Effin’ Birds, will be at City Books in Allegheny West on Thursday, Dec. 9 to sign copies of his new book. The book, entitled “Greetings from Effin’ Birds,” features 100 tear-out postcards with all-new bird images and jokes. Reynolds will also do a 30-minute Q&A before the book signing. The event starts at 7 p.m. Space reservations for the Q&A are $19 and limited to 20 people. Social distancing and masking will be strictly enforced. Register for the in-person event as well as the livestream of the event on the City Books website at https://citybookspgh.com/ reynolds/.

Winter Market returns to Threadbare Cider House

Affordable living for seniors age 62 and older or mobility impaired.

1500 Letort St. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 | 412-734-0741 www.nationalchurchresidences.org Dave Carlton, Property Manager

Northside Glow kicks off in Allegheny Commons East Park

Photo: Threadbare Cider House

The Threadbare Cider House Winter Market will return to Spring Garden on Saturday, Dec. 11. Threadbare’s annual Winter Market returns on Saturday, Dec. 11 at the Threadbare Cider House in Spring Garden.

Northside Glow, an annual festive lights display coordinated by the North Side/Shore Chamber of Commerce, kicks off on Dec. 4 from 3 to 7 p.m. in Allegheny Commons East Park. Last year’s event was the first of its kind, held in place of the Chamber’s annual holiday gala due to COVID-19. This year’s opening night will include food for purchase from local vendors, a gift market from local artisans and crafters, and photos with Santa. The lights display will last through the end of the month. n

December 2021

The Northside Chronicle

Page 17

Hip-hop stokes discourse on the war on drugs, police brutality

From Paradise, Page 9 and to collaborate,” Gray said. However, Gray points out some important notes that he feels have held Pittsburgh back from being a launching pad for new artists to become one with their career and passions. Gray stressed how unfortunate it is that for an artist to make it in the real world, they would have to leave Pittsburgh because of its lack of essentials to make an entertainment industry thrive. What’s holding Pittsburgh back Gray said he thinks it’s time for a renaissance in Pittsburgh. “If you want to know the difference between Pittsburgh and New York, New York is the hub of media and entertainment for the whole entire world. There’s nothing that can compare to that, you know? Not even Chicago or L.A. It used to be a big deal if you could get your song played on WAMO, but it’s extremely difficult to break into the local market here in Pittsburgh because of the [lack of] entertainment industry here.” Gray commended the Pittsburgh City Paper for their coverage, but said there aren’t enough newspapers that cover hip-hop; radio stations, too, have diminished. “New York City has the whole entire industry: the news channels, big radio stations, powerful media outlets… all the eyes are on New York. Not only does New York have the big fish, but they got the small fish

to feed off of…” Pittsburgh is a different story. “While you will have breakout artists like Wiz, Mac, Mel-Man, and Sam Snead, what you don’t find is a bunch of successful independent record labels, managers, stylists, and all the other side things that make an industry,” Gray said. “Also, in New York, there is a clear understanding that today’s intern is tomorrow’s CEO. There are opportunities that actually exist there. Where in Pittsburgh,

Photo: Andra Mihali via Flickr CC BY-SA 2

Wiz Khalifa is one of many artists, Gray says, that found Pittsburgh's now-defunct Shadow Lounge to be a "safe space" for fellowship and collaboration. nobody respects you unless you’re from out-of-town, you have a whole lot of money, and people know about it, which is stu-

pid in today’s atmosphere…We need to be able to develop, market, promote, and support our artists,” Gray explained. Hip-hop as a safe space There’s more than just a lack of entertainment industry essentials within a city, though, that can have an impact on hip-hop and its legacy. Historical incidents of racial prejudice and discrimination toward African Americans have motivated a wide array of entertainers and artists to instill messages of social justice reform—specifically associated with the Black experience—within their music. Hip-hop offers a way for musicians to come together as a community in a safe space designed to encourage them to freely express themselves and their political opinions. Since its development in the early 1970s, hip-hop has long been tied to stoking civil discourse and speaking out against social injustice in the United States. Topics include the war on drugs, police brutality, mass incarceration, misogyny, and poverty. These messages in lyrics are still present in songs today. Gray is one of the founders of X Clan, a hip-hop group from Brooklyn, New York, known for its Afrocentrism and assertive activism. Part of the Blackwatch Movement, the band aims to promote Black pride and self-awareness. “We used hip-hop to voice an awareness about racism and violence because in

our community we’re faced with a catch-22. We’re, unfortunately, at war with the cops and robbers, and most of the time we can’t tell the difference between who is who.” “Hip-hop developed as a cultural entity from elements that existed for hundreds of years predating hip-hop: DJing, B-Boy and B-Girling [break dancing], graphic art, and rapping… The sociopolitical, and economic pressures of the South Bronx incubated those ingredients into the culture we call hip-hop,” Gray said. “In the beginning, we used hip-hop to escape the unfortunate realities of our community. As time went on, record labels and the music and entertainment industry figured out that they could make the most money when they capitalize on the pain and suffering of the artist. They could market and promote that: the good, the bad, and the ugly…” Gray went on to emphasize how these messages and stories of sex, drugs, and violence sell well in America because, he said, the country knows exactly how to market and promote them: by taking the most negative, raw, and carnal instincts that exist in hip-hop culture. Today, Gray is continuing the work of guiding the youth and liberating communities through art, education, and social justice with Pittsburgh’s 1Hood Media. Gray’s latest project is the creation of the Universal Hip Hop Museum, based in New York City’s the Bronx. n

The Northside Chronicle

Page 18

December 2021

Leadership change coming to Northside Leadership Conference

Elks Lodge Keystone Grant Challenge In 2021, the Allegheny Elks Lodge #339 and our partnering organization, the Allegheny Historic Preservation Society (AHPS), were awarded a Keystone Historic Preservation Grant to prepare a building study to address the structural and mechanical needs of our 95-year-old building. The $25,000 grant requires a dollar-for-dollar match. Please help us reach our goal by making a tax-deductible contribution made payable to: Allegheny Historic Preservation Society 971 Beech Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. Please note on the check or correspondence that your donation is for the Elks Building Fund. Or, to contribute electronically through PayPal, visit https://tinyurl.com/ahps339 or scan the QR code below.

(412) 321-1834 | 400 Cedar Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Where Senior Life is about Valued Living

Join our team!

Apply today to become part of our team of heroes who have served the North Side Community for 124 years! Positions Available Include: Nursing (CNA, RN, LPN)

Courtesy of Markowitz Communications PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA— Sept. 13, 2021: Pittsburgh’s Northside has seen a lot of change over the past 15 years. Now, it’s going in a new direction, under the leadership of interim director Dana Fruzynski. “Dana brings a knowledge of the institution and the players,” says Northside Leadership Conference Board member Walt Nalducci. “She stepped in and provided stability last time there was a transition. The Conference is in a lot stronger position now than it was then. We look forward to Dana helping to usher in the next stage.” Northside Leadership Conference (NSLC) Executive Director Mark Fatla has helped the 14 distinctive neighborhoods that comprise the Northside grow and adapt. On Aug. 4, the NSLC Board of Directors and other key community stakeholders voted to move forward in a new direction. Mr. Fatla’s last day was Sept. 3. Fruzynski is a lawyer and local restaurateur, owner of the Harris Grill and Shiloh Grill. Fruzynski has twice before assisted the Conference as Interim Executive Director back in 2006 and 2001. She has a strong background in real estate project management, business development, human resources, and strategic planning. “The board felt that NSLC needed new direction and leadership to serve our neighborhood partners best,” says Arthur Perkins, an NSLC board member. “A shift in leadership can be hard, but it often brings out new and innovative ideas.” Among the many accomplishments in the last 15 years: • Established the Casino-Community Agreement, which awarded the NSLC $3 million in development funds and hiring preference for low-income

residents. Restarted the Neighborhood Employment Center (NEC). • Helped guide the restoration of Allegheny Commons Park via partnerships with the Allegheny Commons Initiative and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. • Expanded the Real Estate Development model. • Expanded and renewed the Allegheny General Hospital (AGH)- Northside Partnership. • Restarted the Northside Public Safety Council. • Acquired the Brewery buildings and attracted new investors to restart Penn Brewery. • Built and renovated many homes, apartments, and commercial storefronts in strategic locations in Northside neighborhoods. • Created successful events such as Northside Mardi Gras and Northside Sandwich Week. “The Northside is a great place to be and more and more people realize what long term residents already knew,” says Perkins.  “As we collaborate on how to make the Northside a great place for everyone, things can only get better.” About Northside Leadership Conference: The Mission of the NSLC is to address mutual concerns through a united approach in order to promote and enhance the vitality, quality of life, and image of Pittsburgh’s Northside. The NSLC is governed by a Board of 14 neighborhood organizations, two major corporations (Allegheny General Hospital and Huntingdon Bank) and other community stakeholders. It employs a fulltime staff of six. For more details, see pittsburghnorthside.com. n •

Fineview Step Challenge 2021

Apply online at RPHome.org/careers

Environmental Services (Housekeeping and Maintenance) Personal Care (PC Aide, Med Tech)  Dietary Aide (PT))

 Receptionist (PT)

Faith  Hope  Love

Photo: Fineview & Perry Hilltop Citizens Councils

The 26th Annual Fineview Step Challenge took place on Oct. 9. The five-mile course began at the Fineview Overlook and included neighborhood hills and staircases. n

December 2021

The Northside Chronicle

Walk Ride Northside installs new bike racks

Page 19

Photos: Jesse Descutner for the Northside Leadership Conference

New bike racks have been installed at the following Northside businesses: ShadoBeni (coming soon, 1534 Brighton Rd.), Ida's Sandwich Shop (coming soon, 3921 Perrysville Ave.), Scratch Food & Beverage, The Garden Café, Carmi Express, and The Government Center. This completes Phase 2 of Walk Ride Northside's URA Neighborhood Initiatives Fund program. “Between the eight installed in April and the seven installed recently in November, the Walk Ride Northside committee has racked up a total of 15 new bike racks at 12 hyper-local Northside businesses, pun very much intended," said Jesse Descutner, main street and events manager for the Northside Leadership Conference. n

Page 20

The Northside Chronicle, Pittsburgh - December 2021

Articles inside

Fineview Bus Stop