The Northside Chronicle, Pittsburgh - February 2021

Feb. 2021 Est. 1985

The Northside Chronicle

Volume 37 Issue 2 - FREE -

The Community Newspaper of Pittsburgh’s Historic Northside

Even COVID-19 can't slow down 'proposal season'

By Ashlee Green Americans have made it through an unprecedented holiday season fueled by the hope of access to the COVID-19 vaccine. However, with vaccine rollout happening at such a slow pace, another season still remains that people must adapt to: proposal season.

Reportedly lasting from November through February, proposal season is the most popular time for couples to get engaged. According to the 2020 Jewelry & Engagement Study conducted by The Knot, the nation’s leading wedding

Photo courtesy of Jon Tai

Troy Hill resident and magician Jon Tai performs live at Liberty Magic in downtown Pittsburgh before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S. Tai says it took a few months before he could embrace the idea of sharing magic virtually, but now that he has, he's been building relationships with theaters around the country behind his computer screen. Read the full story below.

Magic Theory 101 This Northside magician has his own philosophy of magic: "It's not real — it's illusionary — and that’s what makes it interesting.”

By Ashlee Green Photo courtesy of Brooke Rockwell

Brooke Rockwell, owner of Brooke Rockwell Hair Design located at Nova Place in Allegheny Commons, says her three-person staff styled just 27 weddings in 2020, but predicts that 2021 and 2022 will be "super busy."

See Weddings, Page 10

INSIDE

Magician and Troy Hill resident Jon Tai jokes that he was “actively hostile” toward the idea of sharing magic virtually last summer. After all, he’d just quit his job of over eight years at a medical software company to pursue doing live performance full-time right as the COVID-19 pandemic struck the U.S. “I was just like, 'Why even bother?

I'll just work on my own thing and wait it

- Northside Business Briefs, Page 7 STORIES, COLUMNS, - Wedding Guide, Page 13 FEATURES & MORE - The Queens Gambit Chess Inst., Page 21

out,’” he says.

By his “own thing,” he means his full live performance show, “Zen & the Art of Mystery,” which he had on the 2020 books to run a five-week series of at Liberty Magic in downtown Pittsburgh, reportedly one of only five venues dedicated specifically to magic in the country, until organizations started to shut down due to safety restrictions.

“There was a pretty long period where I just didn't do much magic at all,” he says.

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Fall was a turning point for him.

“I sat down and I thought, 'OK, clearly this is the reality we're in and it's not going to change for some time now, so if I were to do magic virtually, what would I do?’” he says. At that, he got to work on his latest show: an, ahem, virtual one called “Missed Connections.” It’s a blend of “Craigslist nostalgia,” and an exploration of current times, when friends and family are feeling See Magic, Page 8

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

Page 2

The Northside Chronicle

District 1 News: Councilman Wilson Hello everyone, This month, I would like to share the major investments that the City will be making across the Northside. I am very proud to have secured $7.8 million in the 2021 Capital Budget for critical infrastructure – parks, bridges, and neighborhood resources – across Council

the Deer Pit playground after it was removed last year due to safety concerns. We will spend $200,000 to design and construct this playground, just down the road from Gus and Yia Yia’s ice ball stand, for a whole new generation of Northside families. DPW has already started working with surrounding neighborhoods on the design of this playground, and we’re hopeful construction will take place this summer. If you are interested in the future of this playground, please provide your thoughts at https://engage.pittsburghpa.gov/deer.

Bridges are another major focus of investment in the Northside this year. The Swindell Bridge (also known as the East Street Bridge), which connects Northview Heights to Perry Hilltop, will be renovated at a cost of $2.9 million over the next four years, thanks to a 95% matching grant from the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) at PennDOT. The City is just beginning the planning process, so residents should look out for community engagement meetings over the next two years.

I am also proud to announce that the City allocated $1.5 million for the restoration of the 30th Street River Avenue Bridge, which connects Waterfront Drive on Washington’s Landing (Herr’s Island) to River Avenue. The replacement of the Lowrie Street Bridge in Troy Hill is also nearing completion. Thanks to the advocacy efforts of Troy Hill residents, we were able to allocate $150,000 to repair the elevated sidewalk on Troy Hill Road. The sidewalk is considered a bridge and requires more Photo: Office of Councilman Wilson substantial structural repairs. Finally, the $4.9 This month, Councilman Wilson shares million construction of the West Ohio Street the major investments that the City of Bridge is underway and should be completed Pittsburgh will make throughout the this year, reconnecting the West Commons with Allegheny Circle.

Northside.

Much more funding is allocated to District 1.

Northside projects than we have space to talk During my first year in office, many res- about in this month’s article,* but I hope this idents expressed concern about the landslide list inspires you to think about projects for eating away at Riverview Avenue by the the 2022 Capital Budget and participate in Chapel Shelter in Riverview Park. My first this year’s community input process. A cappriority during budget season was to allocate ital project stands the best chance of being funds to fix the landslides in Riverview Park. funded when there is broad and demonstrated I’m pleased we were able to earmark $1 mil- community support. Explore the 2021 Capital lion to stabilize the hillside and restore Riv- Budget here: https://pittsburghpa.gov/council/ erview Avenue and another $900,000 to begin capital-budgets. design work to remediate other landslides in The Office of Management and Budget the park. On the other side of Riverview, the holds two Capital Budget Deliberative Forums City will also spend $237,500 to beautify the in the summer and also shares a survey and park’s Mairdale Avenue entrance with better a budget simulation tool to collect additional signage, new sidewalks that connect the park- community feedback. Sign up for the Office ing lot to the trails across the bridge, and ro- of Community Affairs newsletter for updates bust stormwater management. The Pittsburgh at https://pittsburghpa.gov/oca/oca-newsletWater & Sewer Authority (PWSA) will invest ter. Council members typically submit Capital an additional $1.23 million in stormwater in- Budget requests in July. Please also contact my frastructure to better manage wet weather flow office to share your neighborhood’s Capital from PWSA’s combined sewer system in the Budget priorities via phone at (412) 255-2135, park and the Woods Run corridor. Lastly, the email us at district1@pittsburghpa.gov, or find Department of Public Works (DPW) is in the us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We beginning stages of designing the new DPW look forward to hearing from you.

Streets Division, to be relocated elsewhere in the district. This is the beginning of a multiBOBBY WILSON year plan to reclaim Kilbuck Road for park COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT 1 n users.

In Allegheny Commons, another grand *This article has been abbreviated for Northside park, I made a promise to neigh- print. To read the full article, visit our website boring families that the City would replace at www.thenorthsidechronicle.com.

Feb. 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

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 Call to confirm 1st Wednesday, monthly, 6 p.m.

MCC Center, 1319 Allegheny Ave. Now via Zoom 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 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 1, May 3, 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.

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DISCLAIMER: The viewpoints and opinions of the writers and contributors that appear in the Northside Chronicle do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints, opinions, beliefs or positions of the Northside Chronicle’s publishers, editors, staff and/or affiliates. The Northside Chronicle is not affiliated with any formal political, social, religious, educational or philosophical organization or party of any kind.

The materials comprising the Northside Chronicle are provided by various organizations, community groups, advertisers, entities, writers and contributors and are provided as a service to the readers of the Northside Chronicle on an “as-is” basis for informational purposes only. The Northside Chronicle assumes no responsibility for any copyright infringement, errors or omissions in these materials and expressly disclaims any representations or warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose regarding the correctness, accuracy, completeness, timeliness and reliability of the information provided. The Northside Chronicle is not responsible for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance upon such information. Reference herein to any commercial product, process or service does not constitute or imply endorsement or favoring by the Northside Chronicle. © The Northside Chronicle 2020

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Feb. 2021

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District 20 News: Rep. Kinkead Wow, what a busy start to the new year it has been! Last month, I was sworn in for my first term in office at the state Capitol in Harrisburg and since then, I’ve been selected to serve on the House Agriculture, Appropriations, Human Services, and Judiciary Committees.

So what does that mean for District 20? Well, the Agriculture Committee handles all things food-related and, as we have seen record numbers of our neighbors become food insecure in this pandemic, it matters now more than ever. Agriculture encompasses not just large-acre farms in rural areas, but also urban farming initiatives, farmers’ markets, self-stabilization for produce, and introducing future generations to where our food comes from.

As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I will have a seat at the table to review bills that directly affect one of the state’s top industries. The committee has legislative oversight of the State Department of Agriculture, the Farm Show Bureau, the Milk Marketing Board, the State Conservation Committee, and the Agricultural Land Preservation Board.

This industry, like many across the state, has faced numerous challenges during the pandemic, and I will do all I can to ensure it has a strong, vibrant future.

I anticipate being rather busy with the House Appropriations Committee as budget season kicks into high gear.

This committee governs our spending priorities, reviews all legislation to evaluate the cost of enactment, and plays a pivotal role in the annual state budget process. It

Photo courtesy of the Office of Rep. Kinkead

In this month's column, State Rep. Emily Kinkead discusses the state committees she’s been selected to serve on, and what these selections mean for District 20.

Community TV on the Northside

conducts hearings to review and evaluate the governor’s executive budget proposal. The budget proposal itself is usually unveiled in early February of each year, and budget hearings are held in the weeks following the governor’s budget address.

In addition to holding jurisdiction over the state budget process, this committee also oversees the offices of State Treasurer, Auditor General, and the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority.

The House Human Services Committee governs the social safety net programs on which many of our friends and neighbors have come to rely to make it through these tough times: food and nutritional support, welfare, medical assistance, cash assistance, housing and utility assistance, mental health and substance abuse treatment programs, and many others. Human Services also governs the programs we provide to support people with disabilities. On this committee, I will ensure these programs are provided the support they need and deserve to help every Pennsylvanian.

Finally, as a member of the House Judiciary Committee, I am tasked with reviewing measures related to the oversight of our law enforcement agencies and our corrections system, as well as evaluating prison staffing and inmate populations and housing conditions. Additionally, the committee reviews all matters that relate to the

operation of our judicial system. I have already been working hard to defend our judiciary against a proposed constitutional measure, H.B. 38, which seeks to gerrymander our state appellate courts and allow voters to select only three of the state’s 31 appellate judges in the name of so-called “geographic diversity.” This, however, fails to acknowledge how lawyers and future judges develop – notably where they come from and the experience they’ve gained.

Judicial philosophy develops holistically, not just by where a judge lives when they run for office. This amendment would, in effect, limit our ability to have the most qualified candidates in every position, strip the judicial branch of its independence and make it beholden to the whims of the legislative branch. As a result, it would deprive you of your rights as a voter.

I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on these committees because we certainly have a great deal of work ahead of us. I am committed to making real, meaningful differences in the lives of our residents here in District 20 and statewide.

I will continue to keep you posted on my work and be your voice in Harrisburg. As always, if you have a concern or question, please reach out to me by email at RepKinkead@pahouse.net or call me at 412-321-5523. My team and I are here to help you! n

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Monthly message of inspiration In about A.D. 250, a great plague smashed the Roman Empire and did what no army could have done—it nearly brought the Roman Empire to its knees. It was the Plague of Cyprian named after the Bishop of Carthage, who is now known as St. Cyprian. It was named after him be-

Photo courtesy of Rev. Glenn Hanna

Rev. Glenn Hanna, missions pastor at Allegheny Center Alliance Church, discusses the power of love in a pandemic. cause he was the most prolific writer of the details and story of the plague, which lasted around 20 years. At its peak, 5,000 people were claimed to have died every day due to

it.

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While some people reasonably ran in fear of those infected, others ran towards their neighbors and friends, caring for the sick and dying at great personal risk. They loved the commandment of God to “love your neighbor as yourself” more than they feared death.

Jesus said in John 12:25, "Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life." The beautiful promise of salvation is that this life is only a prelude to the next and greater life. Christians believe that there is no fear in death because Christ has conquered death. Just as Christ was willing to give His life on behalf of others, He also calls us to be willing to give our lives on behalf of those whom He loves.

We can look to people like Mother Theresa, who lived her life among the impoverished, most rejected, and poorly cared for people imaginable, and rightly consider her a saint, a hero, a giant. Yet she was simply doing what God calls all of us to do: “love your neighbor as yourself.” She was giving up her life, her preferences, her comfort, and her safety to express the love of Christ to the hopeless.

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Rev. Glenn Hanna is the missions pastor America | National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys (NAOPIA) | at Allegheny Center Alliance Church. n

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Public Safety Bulletin This month’s public safety bulletin is excerpted from a Crime Analysis Memo from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Crime Analysis Unit. The data was pulled on Jan. 4, 2021. The following statistics are based on data from calls for service and reported crimes and are not Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR)-vetted.

“Analysis Highlights: In December 2020, there were a total of 174 reported crimes in Zone One. Shots fired accounted for the most reported crime type with 64 reported. Brighton Heights and East Allegheny accounted for the most reported crimes with 21 each. Zone One calls for service in December decreased every year since 2017.

Zone One calls for service in December decreased 6.4% from the previous year and decreased 15% from 2017. In 2020, calls for service were the highest in August then decreased every month following (December was the second lowest month for calls for service in 2020). Citizens initiated 58.3% of calls for service while officers

Feb. 2021

initiated (on-view incidents) the remaining 41.7% of calls for service.” You can view

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This month's public safety bulletin is excerpted from a Crime Analysis Memo from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Crime Analysis Unit. the full memo on our website at: www.thenorthsidechronicle.com. n

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Feb. 2021

Page 5

District 19 News: Rep. Wheatley 2021 has certainly ushered in quite a few changes, among them a new president and vice president. Last month, I was honored and humbled to be sworn in for a new term to represent the 19th Legislative District.

This new term in office also gave me a new committee – I am now the Democratic chairman of the House Professional Licensure Committee. This is a committee that reviews bills pertaining to businesses that require state licensing, including beauticians, pharmacists, auctioneers, and many more.

I see this committee being among the most vital in directly impacting our state’s workforce, especially now as we try to find our collective financial footing during the ongoing pandemic. This pandemic has led to extreme stress and anxiety for so many, including people who want to work and have struggled, due to no fault of their own, to get or renew the proper licensing they need for their jobs. A strong, robust workforce will truly be the foundation toward our state’s recovery, and I will do all I can to make the licensing process for employees and businesses as smooth and efficient as possible in order to get – and keep – more Pennsylvanians working.

I will continue to work with my colleagues to secure needed relief for residents and minority-owned businesses in our communities – and honestly, that relief can’t

come soon enough. According to a recent national study from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, 41% of Black-owned businesses, 32% of Latino-owned busi-

clearly shows that we – as a state and as a nation – must do more to secure vital help for residents and minority-owned businesses who continue to be adversely impacted.

Photo: Office of Rep. Wheatley

In this month’s column, Rep. Wheatley, who was recently sworn in for a new term to represent the 19th Legislative District, discusses his new role as the Democratic chairman of the House Professional Licensure Committee. nesses, and 26% of Asian-owned businesses shut down between February and April 2020, compared to 17% of white-owned businesses during that same time period. It

Recently, a second round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) launched.

It includes specific changes designed to avoid issues that affected the first round,

where many women and minority-owned businesses struggled to secure the loans last year. You can visit the following link to get more information, including how to apply: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/ paycheck-protection-program Please know that I will continue to push and advocate in Harrisburg for the help and support you need and deserve during these challenging and stressful times. Please reach out to The People’s Office if you need assistance or have questions about any state-related program or service at 412471-7760 or by emailing me at jwheatley@ pahouse.net. n

Find more columns by your local representatives on our website: www.nschronicle. com

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Feb. 2021

District 6 News: Councilman Lavelle 2020 found America and our city affected by duel crises: the COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying economic crisis, as well as a racial and social equity crisis sparked by the documented deaths of Black people at the hands of police. Both crises have affected this year’s budget and will have long lasting impacts.

Due to the national pandemic, the City of Pittsburgh has $52 million less in revenue than what was anticipated last year.

While vacant positions are eliminated in the 2021 budget, there are no layoffs of employees contemplated until July 1, 2021.

Despite the loss of revenue due to the pandemic, City Council, along with the support of the Mayor, has attempted to address the racial and social equity crisis that faces our city.

To start, $5.3 Million has been transferred from the police budget to fund the newly created Office of Community Health and Safety, and to similarly fund the Office of Equity, which was established in 2019.

This will begin to change how we look at public safety with a focus on prevention by addressing mental health, homelessness, and other circumstances that should lie outside of policing in the City of Pittsburgh.

We look forward to working with the administration and the community in developing these vital efforts.

City Council passed a $564 million dollar operating budget and a $125 million dollar capital budget. To be clear, the budget passed is a stop gap measure to assure we can pay our bills beginning in 2021, and continue a minimal level of services to the citizens of Pittsburgh. Having a balanced budget in place is our legal requirement.

The budget is currently balanced by the elimination of hundreds of employees Citywide beginning July 1, 2021. If there is no federal or other revenue assistance by June of this year, those reductions will have to be

implemented. This would include a reduction of $8.8 million in police salaries and

City of Pittsburgh. However, regardless of the level of assistance, or if assistance does

Photo: Office of Councilman Lavelle

Pittsburgh’s District 6 Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle discusses the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on the City of Pittsburgh’s 2021 Operating and Capital Budgets. other vital public safety services. We find that cuts of this magnitude will be untenable for Pittsburgh city government and its citizens.

If not for the fiscal responsibility of this and previous councils and administrations, the potential July 1 layoffs would have begun Jan. 1, 2021. The strong fiscal policies and best practices City Council put in place has allowed Pittsburgh to accumulate a healthy fund balance. This fund balance enabled the City to continue to pay our bills and provide services even with a large negative impact on our revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We remain hopeful that the federal government and President Joe Biden will help to provide some level of assistance to state and local government including the

not arrive at all, we will have to work with the Mayor again by re-opening this budget and substantially changing and adjusting line items prior to July 1, 2021.

During this year’s budget process, residents rightfully demanded action to address the many issues we face. However, there are limitations to what can be done within our system. For example, residents have repeatedly requested that we tax our large nonprofits. Unfortunately, state law prohibits us from doing so. Moreover, although the City did ask the state to include nonprofits in the Payroll Preparation Tax in 2004, this request was denied.

Many residents also asked us to eliminate police positions. While there is merit to the ask, the City’s ability to cut positions is limited not only by state statutes like

Section 239 and Act 111 , but also by court precedent, arbitration decisions, and collective bargaining agreements. Among the restrictions imposed by the state statutes is a prohibition on municipalities to fire police officers unless for budgetary reasons. Given that the final budget is legally considered to be a balanced budget, the state statue effectively prohibits Pittsburgh from eliminating Police Bureau positions.

To be clear, this Council is supportive of the many demands placed upon us by residents to reduce the size of the Police Bureau. However, in order to make the necessary changes to allow for such reductions, we need your active support. We encourage those passionate residents to assist us in lobbying for the needed statutory changes in Pennsylvania state law. We have been and will continue to lobby Harrisburg for these necessary changes. We ask you to work with us in doing so.

Residents also requested the City to do the job of other agencies, such as providing affordable housing, adequately funding public education, and other social services.

This Council has and continues to allocate what we can to these important functions and will continue to work with entities such as the County, School Board, Housing Authority, Urban Redevelopment Authority, and others to enhance services and meet our municipal obligations as well.

As an example, Council moved more than $2 million dollars to supplement the $10 million Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF) created by Council that has been essential to sustain many residents, small businesses, and homeowners during the pandemic. To date, the HOF has kept close to 200 homeowners in their home and/or assisted individuals in acquiring an affordable home.

R. Daniel Lavelle Councilman, District 6 n

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Feb. 2021

Northside Business Briefs: Feb. 2021

By Ashlee Green Allen Place - Allen Place Community Services, Inc. has sold the former Chatham Elementary School building on Bonvue Street in Observatory Hill to Pride Project, Inc. The sale was official in December 2020. The mission of Pride Project, Inc., according to their website, is to “”provide programming and resources that educates and prepares underserved youth and adults to overcome barriers to success and engage in life in a more meaningful way.”

Photo: Father & Son Family Bakery

Father & Son Family Bakery is now open in the former Schorr Bakery location in Observatory Hill.

Father & Son Family Bakery “Continuing the Schorr family baking traditions,” according to their Facebook page, Father & Son Family Bakery is now open

in the former Schorr Bakery location at 3912 Perrysville Ave. in Observatory Hill.

In addition to donuts, bagels, pies, cookies, and cupcakes, the bakery makes one-layer table cakes, which are available to walk-in customers, and double-layer “special occasion” cakes with their “homemade buttercream icing.” Special occasion cakes must be ordered two days in advance. Business hours are Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 412-321-4900 or email info@fatherandsonfamilybakery.com.

Fish on Bait and Tackle - Owners Michael Payne of Observatory Hill Deli, and his wife Antoinette Payne, who runs M&A Tax Accounting and Notary, plan to open their new bait and tackle shop, called Fish on Bait and Tackle this March in Observatory Hill at 3868 Baytree St. The store will sell fishing equipment such as fishing rods, bait, and lures, as well as boating and camping equipment and rentals.

Four Points Brewing - Four Points Brewing announced that they plan to open a new taproom in Allegheny West in the Spring or Summer of 2021. “Though our roots are in the Mon Valley, the Northside has been home for the past seven years,” they published on Facebook. The taproom, which is an extension of their main brewery in Charleroi, PA, will open in the former Mana Boardgame Tavern space on Western

Avenue.

The Government Center - The Government Center celebrated their twoyear anniversary in January 2021. "Two years ago today, we opened our doors for the first time. I remember saying if we can just make it one year, we’ll be fine,” wrote owner Josh Cozby on the shop’s Facebook

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Art will reopen their doors on Wednesday, Feb. 10. Hours will be extended on Thursday through Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Wednesdays, they will remain open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Boxspring Café, located inside the museum, is currently closed due to COVID-19. Visit mattress.org for information on purchasing timed-entry tickets.

Photos: Minuteman Press and Perry Hilltop Citizens Council

Minuteman Press Pittsburgh made reusable tote bags for the Fineview Citizens Council. The community group uses them for "Welcome Kits" for new neighbors. page. “It’s very unlikely that our second year will be disrupted by a novel coronavirus that causes a global pandemic. But seriously, it feels great to celebrate two years, and we are deeply appreciative of all the support, especially given the events of this past year. Thank you!” Shop hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Mattress Factory Museum - Mattress Factory Museum of Contemporary

Minuteman Press Pittsburgh Minuteman Press Pittsburgh, a design, printing, and marketing company located at 521 E. Ohio Street in Historic Deutschtown, recently made reusable tote bags for the Fineview Citizens Council, the community group of the Northside’s Fineview neighborhood. Joanna Deming, executive See Business, Page 12

Tom Friday’s Market since 1955

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

With 24 full-time RNs on staff, Pennsylvania Elks Home Service Program supports and promotes the independence of individuals with developmental disabilities by providing advocacy services in their home environment.

Despite the pandemic, our nurses continued to serve 3,500 Pennsylvania households across every county by making 14,458 visits, both in-person (pre-pandemic) and virtual, throughout 2020.

Of those, 377 were in support of families right here in Allegheny County.

The program’s annual operating expenses total $1.4m, half of which is provided entirely by fundraising efforts and donations from local Elks Lodges, with the remainder covered by grants secured by program staff.

Donations to help support this valuable service may be made via https://paelkshomeservice.org/give/ or through Allegheny Elks Lodge.

Please join us in keeping this wonderful program thriving for another 50+ years.

tel: 412-321-1834 P.O. Box 6904, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Updated Hours: Monday - Saturday 8:00AM - 5:00PM | Closed Sunday Last butcher shoppe in Pittsburgh city limits to carry fresh hanging sides of beef.

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Page 8

The Northside Chronicle

Feb. 2021

Tai's heady magic inspired by writer Haruki Murakami From Magic, Page 1 the tolls of isolation.

According to Tai’s website, the show is inspired by the works of writer Haruki Murakami, philosopher Marshall McLuhan, and English mentalist and illusionist Derren Brown, and “… takes 25 audience members on a roundtrip voyage to the stars in search of the invisible thread that connects them.” “[It] has basically become my all-consuming project now, which has been great,” he says.

The “Origin Story” Around 17 years ago, Tai started, as many amateur magicians do, as a self-described shy, awkward kid. He learned a few card tricks from an instructional DVD that his dad bought him from Ellusionist, an e-commerce website for magic, and used them as an “avenue to interact with other people.” He remembers reading the book “Absolute Magic” by Brown—he still has a copy on his bookshelf—early on in his “magic life” and being floored by its content.

“It's almost a cliche at this point, but magic has the potential at certain moments to be, at its most extreme, a life altering experience,” he says. “At the lower end of the extreme end, it can be something that someone remembers for the next decade or for the rest of their lives.”

After reading Brown’s book, Tai says the bar was raised with what he believed was possible with magic. “... Suddenly, everything I did was s--,” he says with a laugh. “I did genuinely love magic, but I also didn't want to use it as necessarily a social crutch.”

Magic Theory Tai’s philosophy on magic is this: It’s not real—it's illusionary—and that’s what

makes it interesting.

“If magic was real, it wouldn't be astonishing, it would just be an exhibition of something that is real,” he says with a

versed in. A Cornell graduate with a degree in psychology and a minor in philosophy, he knows the role he wants to play as a magician.

empathetic. There is kind of a power thing.”

Instead, he aims to be a co-conspirator.

It’s the difference between “Hey, I know something that you don’t,” and “Let’s experience this thing together and see where it takes us,” he explains.

It’s human nature for audience members to try to understand how magic works, Tai says, but his goal is to have “their heart and spirit … engaged in the narrative and in the moment.”

Virtual magic is still magic With a few previews of his virtual show now under his belt, Tai practically considers himself a full-on convert.

“It's a different sandbox,” Tai says about performing magic online. “You can't just take what you were doing live and pour it over and think it will work, because it's just a different experience and different interaction.” The fun comes, he says, from strategizing and experimenting with what works and what doesn’t work in terms of engaging, communicating, and connecting with his audience behind a screen. Really, he explains, it’s an altogether different philosophy of magic. “... Even if the ceiling for how impactful an experience can be is higher in-person than virtually—and I'm not sure if it is anymore—I know that the ceiling is high enough for virtual [performances] that it's worthwhile to spend the time to create it and to share in it.”

For now, he’s refining “Missed Connections” and working with his friend Alex Gruhin, who is also his co-writer and Photo courtesy of Jon Tai co-producer, to develop partnerships with Magician Jon Tai read English mentalist and illusionist Derren Brown's book theaters around the country to grow his au"Absolute Magic" early on in his career and says it raised the bar with what he dience reach. Starting Feb. 2, a month-long believed was possible in his performance art. run of his show will be presented in partnership with Chicago’s A Red Orchid Theatre. laugh. “I think it's astonishing because we “Number one, I try not to be a dick,” You can find more informaknow it's not real and yet it feels real.” he says with a laugh. “I think a lot of ma- tion out about Tai and his magic at Philosophy is something Tai is well gicians out there are not necessarily very www.taimagic.com. n

The Northside Chronicle

Feb. 2021

Page 9

Become a Townhall Subscriber

While Northside Mardi Gras won’t look quite like it usually does, we will be celebrating throughout February!

Support The Northside Chronicle by becoming a Townhall Subscriber for $60 and receive 12 monthly newspapers delivered to your mailbox + 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, celebrations, and the like 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

Join us in supporting our businesses offering unique Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Valentine’s Day, and Lenten delicacies with ongoing specials, COVID-friendly events and more to be announced!

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Page 10

The Northside Chronicle

MuseumLab adapts by offering Valentine's Day pop-up weddings

From Weddings, Page 1 planning website and app, COVID-19 isn’t slowing down proposals. In fact, it’s speeding them up: 66% of newly engaged couples started planning their wedding one month or less after getting engaged. Eight in 10 of these couples have a wedding date set already, with seven out of 10 of them set for 2021 and one in five of them set for 2022.

“People are getting pretty creative with what they can do because [COVID-19 precautions] are changing every week,” says Brooke Rockwell, owner of Brooke Rockwell Hair Design, located at Nova Place in Allegheny Commons. Rockwell says her three-person staff styled just 27 weddings in 2020—a major drop from their normal average of 70—and since many churches and larger locales have been closed, she’s seen many of her clients instead get married via a Justice of the Peace or in a small backyard ceremony.

Community venues are used to pivoting their normal operating procedures at this point, and two popular ones in Pittsburgh’s Northside, MuseumLab and the National Aviary, are ready.

Located in the former Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny, MuseumLab, a creation of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, is offering pop-up weddings

for couples and up to 30 of their guests on Sunday, Feb. 14. Dubbed “Perfectly Paired,” the weddings are two-hour rentals of the MuseumLab’s Assembly Hall and Gathering Space and a one-stop-shop package deal.

A wedding planner, wedding officiant, photographer, and florist are included, plus there are livestreaming services, a small bar, and a cake, with to-go desserts for guests.

Increased COVID-19 safety protocols are also in place for weddings at The National Aviary. The Garden Room, the Aviary’s newest event space, can accommodate socially distant events of up to 200 guests, depending on the most recent federal and local regulations. Dates are available through 2023.

While working around her clients’ face masks has been “interesting,” Rockwell says that her salon has “never been cleaner” and with shorter wedding ceremonies taking place, her staff is able to spend more time with each customer. Hairstyles can be fancier, too, she says, because they don’t have to last 10 hours.

“I feel like everyone's just waiting for it to go back to the way it was and to do what they wanted to do,” says Rockwell. “We have all of the brides from last year and all of the brides from this year, so I think it’s going to be super busy 2021 and 2022.” n

Feb. 2021

Bernie meme gets a Northside spin

Image courtesy of Wagsburgh

Wagsburgh displayed its own viral Bernie Sanders inauguration mitten meme to showcase the store's Fourth Annual Kissing Booth, which took place on Sunday, Jan. 24 and Sunday, Jan. 31. The event is a Valentine's Day-themed photo shoot for customers and their pets. Proceeds from this year's events went to Senior Pet and Animal Rescue (SPAAR). n

TAKEOUT WINDOW NOW OPEN!

coffee & espresso drinks ~ small bites & pastries 1022 Chestnut Street Looking for an opportunity to serve your community?

The Northside Chronicle is now taking internship applications for college students interested in journalism and photojournalism.

High school seniors are also encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should email editor@thenorthsidechronicle.com or mail a resume and cover letter with three writing or photo samples to: The Northside Chronicle 922 Middle St. Pittsburgh, PA 15212

The Northside Chronicle

Feb. 2021

Page 11

Netflix films new supernatural horror series in Historic Deutschtown

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COVID-19 safety protocols were in effect as film crews came together in Historic Deutschtown on the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021 to begin filming the first season of a new supernatural horror series airing on Netflix. The series, called "Archive 81," is reportedly produced by James Wan of "Saw" fame. n

The Northside Chronicle

Page 12

Feb. 2021

Northside Business Briefs: Feb. 2021, cont'd

From Business, Page 7 director of Perry Hilltop Citizens Council explained that the bags are for “Welcome Kits” for new neighbors that include items such as mugs and calendars. The items were bought with a One Northside grant. Minuteman Press is also providing free COVID-19 awareness and prevention posters to businesses through an initiative called “Bounce

Back Pittsburgh.” One-size-fits-most, nosew “Pittsburgh Strong” face masks and bandanas are still available and can be ordered on their website. Proceeds from the sale of these items goes to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. The shop is currently open, but customers are encouraged to call 412-456-8222 or email pgh@ minutemanpress.com ahead of time to discuss the safest options for ordering, pickup, and delivery.

Office of Rep. Emily Kinkead State Rep. Emily Kinkead, who was sworn into office for her first term as representa-

tive for the state’s 20th Legislative District on Jan. 5, 2021 in Harrisburg, has set up her office headquarters at 433 E. Ohio St. “I was proud and honored to take the oath

Photos: Tucker and Lola Pet Grooming Salon

Tucker and Lola Pet Grooming Studio opened on Jan. 20, 2021 at 431 E. Ohio St. in Historic Deutschtown. This is the shop's second location: The original one is located in Coraopolis, Pa.

Are you depressed?

Are you 30-50 years old?

If so, you may be eligible for a research study involving: • A screening interview • 2 MRI brain scans • 2 week phone diary You will be compensated up to $640 and receive a picture of your brain upon completion of the study.

Other qualifications: • Work at least 20 hours per week • Not have a history of head trauma, seizures, or ECT • If female, not be pregnant or planning to be pregnant in the near future Call 412-383-7805, email nstem@pitt.edu, or follow this QR Code to send us an email using your smartphone camera.

of office today and I am committed to being your voice in Harrisburg,” Kinkead said.

“I promise to work together with my colleagues to bring needed relief and changes to benefit all residents of our great state.”

Tucker and Lola Pet Grooming Studio - Tucker and Lola Pet Grooming Studio opened on Jan. 20, 2021 at 431 E. Ohio St. in Historic Deutschtown. This is the shop’s second location: The original one is located in Coraopolis, Pa. You can book an appointment on their website at www. tuckerandlola.com.

North Side/Shore Chamber of Commerce - Join the Northside business community every second Tuesday of the month for "Coffee and Contacts,” a virtual networking event from 9 to 10 a.m. Save the upcoming 2021 dates: Feb. 9, March 9, April 12, May 11, and June 8. This event is free, but registration is required. Register online at http://northsidechamberofcommerce.com/events/event-calendar-2021.

Northside Community Development Fund - Northside businesses who have, or are interested in applying for the second round of the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) under the CARES Act have until March 31, 2021 to file. For more information on how the Northside Community Development Fund can assist Northside businesses applying for PPP, visit nscdfund. org. n

Feb. 2021

The Northside Chronicle

Northside Wedding Guide 2021

Say "I do!" to the Northside Small Business Challenge This Northside small business directory was compiled in collaboration with the Northside Leadership Conference.

The Northside Chronicle is once again asking our readers to take the pledge of support for the Northside's Small Business Community:

Food / Beverage Take-out & Delivery 412 Brewery- (412) 498-3836 Adda Coffee & Tea House - (412) 404-8403 Allegheny City Brewing - (412) 904-3732 Allegheny Sandwich Shoppe (412) 322-4797

"I , [your name], do solemnly pledge to patron

Badamo's Pizza - (412) 231-1001

my neighborhood's small businesses, and the

Bier's Pub - (412) 224-2163

small businesses throughout the Northside,

Bistro To Go - (412) 231-0218

whenever possible. I further pledge to encourage

Boxspring Cafe - (4l2) 231-3169

my family, my friends, and coworkers to shop

Breadworks Bakery - (4l2) 231-7555

locally on the Northside to help preserve the

Brighton Cafe - (412) 761-1050

quality of life we enjoy."

Cafe at the Lofts - (412) 322-0570

Are you committed to the challenge? There are 107 individual small businesses in the below directory list that are crucial to the community, and also widely facing hardship, due to the continued effect of Covid-19 restrictions.

February is the shortest month of the year with 28 days on non-leap years yet has quite a few permanent, and roving, holiday dates. This year, February 12-16 could be considered a weekend-long celebration. Friday, 2/12 is the Chinese New Year of the Metal Ox. Saturday, 2/13 is National Radio Day, Galentine's Day, Cheddar Day, and Global Movie Day. Sunday, 2/14 is Valentine's Day, Monday 2/15 is President's Day, and Northside Mardi Gras is Tuesday 2/16 .

Readers are challenged to patron 28 or more Northside small businesses by February 28, 2021 for a chance to win $60 gift card to a Northside business of your choice.

To officially enter the challenge, save each receipt for proof of purchase. The challenger with the most receipts will win a $60 worth of gift cards to Northside small business(es) of their choice. Receipts of each purchase and the challenger's Name, Address, and Phone number are to be submitted by post mail to the address below or emailed to: advertising@thenorthsidechronicle.com Postmark entrees to: The Northside Chronicle c/o Business Manager, 922 Middle St. Pittsburgh, Pa 15212 Photo courtesy of CottonBro, Pexels

Page 13

Cafe on the Corner - (412) 415-3672 California Coffee Bar - (412) 766-0444 Carmi Express - (412) 307-9700 China Taste - (412) 231-2401 City Fresh Pasta Cafe - (412) 447-1517 Commonplace Coffee - (412) 932-2433 Coop Chicken and Waffles - (412) 204-7378 Crazy Mocha - (412) 321-2569 Darbea's Tavern - (412) 231-9915 Deli on North - (412) 322-3354 El Burro - (412) 904-3451 Father's Diner - (412) 321-5500 Father & Son Family Bakery - (412) 321-4900 Federal Galley - (412) 517-6400 Fig & Ash - (412) 321-2222 Flavors Street Foods - (412) 761-3663 Foundry Tap & Table - ( 4l2) 930-0744 Frank's Pizza & Chicken - (412) 323-2600 Garden Cafe - (412) 586-5979 Giorgio's Place - (412) 322-0404 Happy Day Dessert Factory (412) 872-0117 Hook Fish & Chicken - (412) 697-2285 Istanbul Corner - (412) 708-1953 Krista's Cantina - (412) 766-1676 Legends Eatery - (412) 321-8000 leo. a public house - (206) 351-8537 Lindo's Restaurant - (412) 231-0110 Lola Bistro - (412) 322-1106 Lunch Box - (412) 378-7427 Max's Allegheny Tavern - (412) 231-1899 Mayfly Market - (412) 322-1300 Mezza Luna Cafe - (724) 508-0922 Mike's Beer Bar - (412) 322-2337 Modern Cafe - (412) 321-4550 Nana's North Side Dogs - (412) 904-2785 Nicky's Thai Kitchen - (412) 321-8424

The Northside Chronicle

Page 14

Photo courtesy of Johanna's Garden

Johanna's Garden 3001 Shadeland Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-761-6770 Wedding Specialist with over 30 years of experience. Custom made designs for all occasions. Now booking weddings in 2021! Call to schedule your free consultation.

Main Loan Office 503 E Ohio St Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (412) 231-1155 Hours 9AM-4:30PM Saturday 9AM-1PM Closed Sunday & Wednesday Valentine's Day Special: 10% off all Jewelry with this ad! Mens and Ladies Diamond Rings & Tennis Bracelets, Gold Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings plus more! 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.

Photo courtesy of The Farmer's Daughter Flowers Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Acupuncture & Massageworks

Pittsburgh Acupuncture & Massageworks 3901 Western Ave. 2nd Floor, Suite 209, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 412.626.2648 www.pghacuandmassage.com Weddings are a joy, but can be stressful, too!

Massage Gift Certificates are a great way to pamper the special couple or wedding party.

Our unique, cozy spa-clinic has something for everyone! Featuring Customized Massage, Couples Massage, Full-body Mud Wraps, Ashiatsu, CBD Products & Services, Reiki, Reflexology, and Cupping Therapy.

Valentine's Day Subscription Specials

The Farmer's Daughter Flowers 502 E Ohio St. Pittsburgh PA 15212 412-231-1238 www.thefarmersdaughterflowers.com We are a full service flower shop creating custom wedding floral designs for events of any size! Visit our website to inquire about our availability for your wedding date, wedding shower, and any celebratory events!

Photo courtesy of The Priory

Details about the Townhall Subscription online at nschronicle.com

Photo courtesy of The Priory

Grand Hall at the Priory 614 Pressley St. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-3338 www.pittsburghsgrandhall.com Make your dream wedding come true with the Elegant & Simple Wedding™ package.

Designed to be beautiful and safe within state regulations. Call for details and availability.

C w

R

I B

Valentine's Day Dinner Specials Tom Friday's Market Surf & Turf Combo for only $24.99 Includes on Large Lobster & 8 oz. Boneless New York Strip Steak D Call for reserve your order today!

S b (412) 766-4500

412-761-6770

Sure, there are digital singing telegrams now, and you can still hire planes to write it in the sky, but when's the last time you read about engagements in print?

You will also receive 12 months of your favorite Northside newspaper right to your postal mail box.

Photo courtesy of Mattress Factory

Mattress Factory 500 Sampsonia Way (parking and main entrance at 505 Jacksonia Street), Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-3169 mattress.org/private-events Industrial space turned celebrated art museum, the Mattress Factory is ideal for modern couples who want their wedding to stand out.

Located in the heart of the city, this one-ofa-kind property provides chic and intimate indoor and outdoor spaces; can accommodate up to 200 guests.

Valentine's Day Flower Specials Pick up a special bouquet for your loved one at Johanna's Garden.

3001 Shadeland Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Delivery available.

Call for special orders.

Become a Townhall Subscriber at The Northside Chronicle and pop the question in print the new ol' fashion way!

If they say 'yes', we'll publish a follow up of the happy couple to be! Let us help you share and keep the beautiful moments.

(Scrapbooks not included)

Feb. 2021

Priory Fine Pastries 528 E Ohio St. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-321-7270 www.prioryfinepastries.com Our creative and artistic cake experts will create the wedding cake of your dreams.

We also offer wedding cupcakes, groom's cakes, dessert buffets and classic Pittsburgh cookie tables.

Valentine's Day Hotel Special The Priory's Romance Package offers a one or two night stay, a bottle of chilled champagne, a snack plate with chocolates, fresh fruit and treats from The Priory Fine Pastries, a dozen roses, and breakfast brought to your room.

Book online thepriory.com

The Northside Chronicle

Feb. 2021

Page 15

Valentine’s Day Special Chocolate Babka

Pittsburgh Born & Bread 2110 Brighton Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (412) 231-7555 Monday-Friday 8am - 4pm Available every Saturday in February!

Saturday 8am - 2pm Now Taking Pre-Orders, Call or Order Online Today!

Sunday closed for now.

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

Chocolage Raspberry French Toast with Homemade Whip Cream Recipe courtesy of BreadWorks

Ingredients: -1 cup of raspberries (fresh or frozen) -3 tsp sugar -1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream -4 eggs -a dash of salt -butter for griddle/skillet -1 inch slices of Breadworks' Chocolate Babka Bread Directions: Sprinkle 2 tsp sugar over raspberries in a bowl, let stand until juices are released,

about 30 minutes. Mash raspberries gently with a fork until saucy and chucky. Set aside. In a separate bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form. Fold raspberry mixture into whipped cream, leaving it slightly swirled.

Break eggs into a wide, shallow bowl.

Beat lightly with a fork. Stir in 1 tsp sugar, salt and milk over medium-low heat, heat girddle or skillet coated with a thin layer of butter.

Cut Choclate Babka in 1 inch slices. Place the bread slices one at a time into the egg mixture bowl, letting slices soak for a few seconds, then carefully turn to coat the other side. Transfer bread slices to griddle or skillet, heating slowly until bottom is golden brown, turn and brown the other side. Serve with raspberry whip cream on top.

North Shore Cafe - (412) 323-2484 North Shore Deli - (412) 231-2812 North Shore Tavern - (412) 465-9865 Observatory Hill Deli - (412) 251-0416 Park House - (412) 224-2273 Pauline's Caribbean Cuisine (412) 231-2000 Pear and the Pickle - (412) 322-0333 Penn Brewery - (412) 237-9400 Peppi's - (412) 231-9009 Pittsburgh Fish & Chicken – (412) 761-0776 Priory Fine Pastries - (412) 321-7270 Quik-it Chicken - (412) 321-1535 Refucilo Winery - (412) 251-0231 Riviera Pizza and Pasta - (412) 322-1100 Rumerz Bar & Grill - (412) 766-9255

Divine Pleasures, Heavenly Treats

Scratch Food & Beverage - (412) 2510822 Siempre Algo - (412) 652-9968 Southern Tier Brewery - (412) 301-2337 Spring Hill Brewing - (412) Subba Asian Restaurant - (412) 586-5764 Tammy's Place Threadbare Cider House - (412) 322-5100 Tom Friday's Market - (412) 766-4500 Verdetto's Bar & Restaurant (412) 231-3004 Wiseguys Pizza - (412) 766-4774 Young Brothers Bar - (412) 728-5905

Virtual & Socially Distant Gym Classes California Cycle Path - (412) 761-1671 Cellis Fitness Center - (412) 894-8234 Crossfit War Streets - (412) 515-0059 Industrial Athletics - (412) 465-0060 Physique Rx'd - (724) 467-0524 Union Fitness - (412) 224-5220 Urban Elements - (412) 904-1003 PrioryFinePastries.com | 412-321-7270 | 528 East Ohio St., North Side

YMCA - (412) 321-8594

Retail Shops Online & Curbside Pick-up 412 Apothecary - (412) 418-0707 African Family Shop - (412) 586-4068 Andy Warhol Museum Gift Shop (412) 353-4790 Annex - (412) 526-7638 Armory Printworks Bear Dog Bicycles - (412) 231-1790 Bernie's Photo Center - (412) 231-1717 Bicycle Heaven - (412) 716-4956 or (412) 734-4034 BreadWorks Bakery - (412) 231-7555 Brooke Rockwell Hair Design (412) 471-9122 Children's Museum Gift Shop 412.322.5058 City Books - (412) 321-7323 City of Asylum Bookstore (412) 435-1112 The Farmer's daughter - (412) 231-1238 Gallery H - (412) 231-0938 Get Hip Record Store - (412) 231-4766 The Government Center - 412) 208-3262 Johnny Angel's Ginchy Stuff (412) 322-1830 Laverty's Jewelry and Gifts (412) 322-5225 Main Loan Office - (412) 231-1155 Mattress Factory Gift Shop (412) 313-5415 Minuteman Press - (412) 456-8222 Mueller's Hardware - (412) 321-6329 Mustard & Relics - (412) 545-3386 North Shore Teez - (412) 742-4913 Pittsburgh Acupuncture & Massageworks (412) 626.2648 Randyland Museum Gift Shop (412) 342-8152 Wagsburgh - (412) 904-3459

Page 16

The Northside Chronicle

Iconic Northside Location Ideas For Engagement Announcement and Bridal Party Photoshoots

Allegheny Commons East Park

Located at the corners of North Avenue and Cedar Avenue. Pittsburgh’s oldest park, with mature tree growth and a newly rebuilt water founatin's summer foliage make an impressive background. Photo by Ashlee Green

Randyland

Located in the Mexican War Streets neighborhood of Central Northside. Known to neighbors and tourists alike, this colorful and varied background will make for an exciting session for the couple or bridal group. Photo by Clifton Loosier

Allegheny Commons West Park

Located at the corners of North Avenue and Brighton Rd. Special sites to consider include Lake Elizabeth, the National Aviary, Gus & Yia Yia’s stand, plus several historical monuments and public art spaces for consideration.

Johnny Angel Ginchy Stuff & Museum Located right next door to Bicy-

cle Heaven in Chateau. Music lovers will adore the mural, collectibles, and cases of history for a rockin’ backdrop. Pick up songs for your playlist here and Get Hip Records above on the 2nd floor.

Allegheny Observatory

Located in Riverview Park in the Observatory Hill neighborhood this piece of history is on the National Register of Historical Landmarks and can still be used to see stars today. The park also has a chapel. Photo by Neil Strebig

Bicycle Heaven

Located in the RJ Casey Industrical Complex in the Chateau neighborhood where the nearby Three Rivers Heritage spans the Ohio River, bicyclist enthusiasts are sure to love the multi-level museum of all things bikes.

Fineview Overlook

Located in Riverview Park in the Observatory Hill neighborhood this piece of history is on the National Register of Historical Landmarks and can still be used to see stars today. Photo

by Lauren Stauffer

Neighborhood Murals & Stairs

They’re hidden around corners throughout neighborhoods, whether historical or quirky, local artist murals make wonderful backgrounds. Add in city steps for a change of perspective. Photo by Bridget Fertal.

Buhl Community Park

Located in Allegheny Square right next to the Children’s Museum (once the Buhl Planeterium) and a variety of public art spaces that include the Cloud Arbor seen to the right.

Photo of by Anthony Amato.

Feb. 2021

Steps to support your favorite neighborhood small businesses Here are a few ideas worth sharing with your friends and family: Pre-order in advance for pick-up when possible. If you are able to tip in advance online, consider tipping as if you were being served onsite. If you're able to tip in cash at the time of receiving the order, consider tipping as if you were being served onsite.

Schedule one or more meals for take out, or delivery, each week to learn which menu items will become your favorite go-to's. Try a new spot each week.

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 father than your Northside neighborhood!

Visit your nearby Northside neighborhoods to discover what small business offerings you've been missing.

Northside is home to classic retailers for clothing, books, jewelry, cameras, home decor, hardware, records, art, bicycles, beauty and personal care products. Plus, unique groceries, specialty food and drink makers, it's easy to shop, eat, and be Northside every day with this many options.

Grab gifts, or gift cards, for upcoming birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations.

Consider planning family meals with Northside small businesses that cater this year.

Shopping exclusively at small businesses on the Northside brings value to our neighborhoods & ensures our main streets will remain vibrant for the future.

#northsideshopsmall Do you have a Northside shopping tip to share?

Text 412-339-0712 or email northsideshopsmall@gmail.com

Feb. 2021

The Northside Chronicle

Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh offers new hands-on workshops to fight ‘screen fatigue’

By Ashlee Green If your child has “screen fatigue” from ongoing distance learning, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh has a remedy.

The museum is offering more than 25 remote workshops this February—over 100 total by the end of May—with a focus on hands-on activities. Museum teaching artists will facilitate the workshops and each workshop is geared toward a specific age range: three to six-year-olds, seven to 10-year-olds, or 11 to 14-year-olds.

“We’ve found a great way to extend the impact of our teaching artists to reach children, youth, and families during quarantine,” said Chip Lindsey, senior director of education at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and MuseumLab, in a press release. "The chance to work with a teaching artist on a project that taps the creativity and imagination of the learner is a hallmark of our workshops.”

The workshops for three to six-yearolds will focus on family bonding and socialization through art; the ones for seven-to-10-year olds will explore how common household items can be used to make books and mail art; and the ones for 11 to 14-year-olds will teach weaving, metal embossing, and rocketry.

Workshops are available on a sliding scale price model.

You can find more information, including how to sign up for workshops and deadlines for registration, on the

museum’s website, which can be found at: https://pittsburghkids.org/education/workshops. n

Page 17

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Photo: Children's Museum of Pittsburgh

Children's Museum of Pittsburgh is offering over 100 total remote workshops this spring. The workshops, which are each geared toward a specific age range, will focus on family bonding and socialization and how to use common household materials to make art.

Thank you, readers, for supporting all of us.

The Northside Chronicle

Page 18

Feb. 2021

Geraldine ‘Ms. Bert’ Muyango remembered for her ‘servant’s heart’

By Jason Phox Geraldine R. Muyango, known as “Ms. Bert” to the Northside community, died on Dec. 29, 2020 at 53 due to complications from COVID-19.

According to her obituary, Muyango attended New Hope United Methodist Church on the Northside and helped with

Ask An Attorney

holidays.’"

Ivy explained that last Christmas, Muyango could not do the meal program because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but continued with gift giving, and handing out gifts to families outside of her house.

When Ivy asked Muyango why she helped people, Muyango explained that she loved it; that it brought her joy to see

By Matthew D. Gailey, Gailey Law Group

When I was a younger lad in the Northside growing up, I would get rides from Uncle Pat, namely the Port Authority Transit (PAT) buses. I didn't know it at the time, but when I was riding the 11D Perrysville bus, under the law I was riding in a common carrier. Under Pennsylvania law, a common carrier is subject to many duties and obligations.

A common carrier of passengers, like a PAT bus, is not an insurer of the passenger's safety, but liability may be imposed for injuries resulting from negligent conduct on the part of a carrier.

Along these lines, a PAT bus has a duty to warn passengers of dangers that they would not likely observe and apprehend. Additionally, a carrier is held to the highest degree of care in carrying its passengers to their destination and enabling them to a light safely. It is for these reasons that on buses you see various admonitions about standing behind yellow

lines, warnings about opening windows, and the like.

A carrier's duties extend beyond just safe operation of the conveyance. For instance, a carrier has a duty to protect passengers when they are on board and also to make sure they are safe when they are getting off the carrier. A carrier can also not allow known dangerous individuals with a propensity for violence onto the carrier. A carrier must also take care to protect disabled individuals or infants. For instance, a carrier could be liable for negligently setting its vehicle in motion while a passenger walking with the aid of crutches is still proceeding through the aisle.

Finally, a passenger must still act as a reasonably prudent person and reject any unnecessary risks.

If you have any other questions about accidents involving a common carrier, please feel free to give my office a call.

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

Photo: Stephen M. Brady Funeral Home

Geraldine R. Muyango, known affectionately as "Ms. Bert," died on Dec. 29, 2020.

Muyango lived her life by the words of "The Dash," a poem by Linda Ellis. their outreach programs until it closed in 2016. She later became a member of New Destiny Church where she continued to serve the Northside community.

Muyango lived in the Northside for over 25 years, according to Diane Ivy, a friend of hers. Ivy knew Muyango as someone who truly loved to support people and her community. Muyango and her sister, Mary Smith, ran a 24/7 daycare called the Mary E. Smith Family Child Care Home.

According to Ivy, Muyango always had a large group of children around her and took care of people because she loved it. She tried to keep her life private, but the Northside community knew how much she helped people and thus, her life was open to others.

Muyango, for years, would set up on the Boulevard of the Allies in downtown Pittsburgh once a week and give food to those who needed it, while doctors provided medical needs to the homeless.

During the holidays, Muyango ran a fund which gave gifts and supplies to underserved families. People would help by donating gifts for Muyango to hand out to them.

“She [Muyango] said her and six siblings would get abused when she was younger, and never truly had a Christmas as a child,” Ivy recalled. “She said, So now I make it joyful for everybody around the

help people. Muyango volunteered at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to help provide food to families in the Northside.

“Every year for the last five years, people donated toys to her [Muyango] and got them together for families,” Ivy said. “She would ‘adopt’ 100 families a year and have a big dinner. All these officials would come and help, and she would have them wearing aprons serving dinner to the community.”

Muyango was also affiliated with The Pittsburgh Project. Once a week, she would watch over peoples’ children while they would have a meeting there. Every summer for two weeks, Muyango ran a Bible study for children.

Ivy started a GoFundMe page for Muyango’s sister, Mary. In it, Muyango is described as having a “servant’s heart.”

“When you asked her, ‘What do you need for yourself?,’she smiled and said, "Just prayers."

Muyango was also known to live by the words of “The Dash,” a poem by Linda Ellis, which refers to the “dash” between a person’s date of birth and date of death, or “all the time they spent alive on earth.”

It reads: “For it matters not, how much we own, the cars… the house… the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.” n

Feb. 2021

The Northside Chronicle

Page 19

Northside Real Estate Transfers Allegheny City Central

Marshall-Shadeland

Rogo Properties LLC to Todd Lee and Jennifer Kilgore, 103 Jacksonia St. for $85,000.

Keith Orth to Jamaica Lee at 1016 Rothpletz St. for $9,000.

Terry Tokarczyk to Ryan Christopher Meyer, Christina Maria Morales Meyer, 1410 Sherman Ave., $333,000.

Christiana Howell to Vincent Joseph McMullen, Sophia Estelle Pierre, 1320 Woodland Ave., $165,000.

Jefferson Town Homes War Sts to April Lutheran, Stephanie Olsen, 521 W Jefferson St., $600,000.

Browne Properties LLC to Luffhaus Properties LTD at 2900 Shadeland Ave. for $70,000.

Michael Thomas to Kristopher Graham at 1116 Sherman Ave., $238,500.

Brighton Heights

Northview Heights Urban League Of Pittsburgh Inc. to 1 Appling 16 LLC at 101 Hazlett St. for $35,000.

Stephen Williams to John Warner and Nakita Pasek at 3652 Harbison Ave. for $230,000.

Socorro Holding 2 LLC to Amy and Alexa Loveridge at 3722 Parviss St. for $184,000.

Seth Daniel Reichart to Urban Impact Foundation at 3507 Fleming Ave. for $60,000.

AT ST 2 LLC Series 1 to George and Marisha Wadsworth at 106 Richbarn Road for $243,000.

Terrance Hoff Jr. to Sarah McCabe at 3779 Wapello St. for $175,000.

Observatory Hill Jonathan Levy to Nathaniel Smallwood at 3755 Baytree St. for $185,000.

Victor Trinkala to Raunaq Parikh at 3919 Portman St. for $21,000.

2019 Castle LLC to JV Kids LLC at 58 Watson Blvd. for $12,500.

Historic Deutschtown Gregory Allison to Steel Leaf Holdings LLC at 608 Avery St. for $206,000.

Perry Hilltop

Donald Hoss to Hungry Heart Investments LLC at 403 E. Ohio St. for $325,000.

Bruce Walker to JT Global Ventures LLC at 2815 Veteran St. for $40,000.

Myron Little to Hercules Holdings LLC at 2649 Veteran St. for $43,000.

Manchester Pittsburgh URA to Manchester Row House Renaissance LLC at 1420-1430 Rush St. for $2,501.

NCRC Housing Rehab Fund LLC to Kevyn McPhail at 1304 Decatur St. for $69,000.

Pittsburgh City to SS Allegheny LLC at Liverpool St. (VACANT LAND) for $10,226.

Manchester Citizens Corp. to Benjamin Sekinger at 1708 Fulton St. for $35,000.

Sih Projects LLC to Robin Lynn Young at 50 E Marshall Ave. for $203,000.

Spring Hill Samuel Dickerson to Clive Bowen at 60 Rostock St. for $16,000.

W & J Home Services LLC to Zachary and Karen Braden at 2213 Rockledge St. for $215,000.

James Hoy to Angela Biondi at 1517 Manhattan St. for $175,000.

Looking for an opportunity to serve your community?

The Northside Chronicle is now taking summer 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

Troy Hill Shane Recker to Mike Lawson at 1743 Cowley St. for $260,000.

Patricia Darin to Nathaniel and Kiri Harper at 1813 Eberhardt St. for $101,000.

Gerald Mann to 4th Quarter Realty Group Inc. at 2144 Lautner St. for $30,000.

Latest Northside real estate transfers at www.nschronicle.com

The Northside Chronicle

Page 20

Feb. 2021

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

Feb. 2021

The Northside Chronicle

Page 21

Pittsburgh chess champ to open a learning center for youth in the Northside their programs online. Priore said they hope to go back to in-person soon. TQG follows Ashley Lynn Priore is the real-life Pittsburgh Public School (PPS) rules to enBeth Harmon of the city of Pittsburgh. sure the safety of their students and staff, Founder and president of the nonprofit and until PPS mandates in-person activi organization The Queens Gambit Chess ties, TQG will offer their programs online.

Institute (TQG), Priore talked with The Priore hopes to open the chess center in the Northside Chronicle to discuss the new same building with The Pittsburgh Project youth chess center she plans to open in the in Northside once COVID-19 subsides.

Northside.

However, online chess attracted more “We wanted to become part of the students than Priore anticipated. She said Northside. We're all about bringing chess that students felt more confident playing to the community and want to be an orgachess online because they were able to connization that goes into the community and trol the online board. is grounded in the community,” said Priore.

Priore grew up playing in chess tourna“We want to create a space where youth ments with her sister. Out of the 300-some can be themselves while playing, learning, people competing, Priore said that she and and teaching chess, [and] also connecting her sister were typically the only women with the community,” she continued. “We playing. She created TQG to counter the want students in the Northside to come to us fact that chess is a male-dominated sport. and make it their space to learn and grow.”

“What worries me is that in the World TQG’s new chess center will start by Chess Hall of Fame, there are tons of males offering basic and beginner chess classes in there and not a lot of women,” Priore notand build off of what students like. Accorded. “However, women who are not in there ing to Priore, they hope that over time, they have accomplished way more than the men can either add advanced classes or start a that are in the Hall of Fame.” chess team.

Priore and TQG recently created an “We're trying to follow a model like advisory board to help discover new ways St. Louis has,” Priore explained. “The St. to both improve their methods of teaching Photo courtesy of Ashley Lynn Priore chess to students and identify the educaLouis Chess Club has a great model: They have a Scholastic chess center and it’s all Priore chats with a class at The Ellis School about all-girls education and how chess tional benefits the sport provides. The adabout young empowerment through chess, remains a male-dominated sport. visory board consists of Northside residents who work with nonprofit organizations.

TQG is staffed by youth who learn how TQG was founded by Priore in 2014. to play and teach chess. TQG believes that Since then, it has worked in nine districts in students teaching each other helps to build Pittsburgh as well as some outside counties. youth empowerment.

In their 2020 Annual Report, TQG states Due to COVID-19, TQG has moved that they offer over 100 programs, reaching over a thousand students in Allegheny County, and 75 partnerships in seven counties.

“We want to show [people] that chess can be used in their day-to-day lives,” Priore said. “We want people to know that if you have a student struggling with an academic subject or self-confidence, or who wants to learn more skills, we are here to support them.”

Students and youth who are interested in joining TQG should visit its website at https://www.tqgchess.institute/. They can also call 412-354-0996 or email info@ Photos courtesy of Ashley Lynn Priore tqgchess.institute. Openings are also still Children coached by Priore play at annual chess competitions held at various locations including the main branch of the Carnegie available for Northsiders interested in joining the advisory board. n Library of Pittsburgh.

By Jason Phox

so that is what we're trying to implement in Pittsburgh.”

The St. Louis Chess Club is a widely recognized premier chess facility in the

United States, and considered one of the best in the world. Their goal is to spread the educational benefits of chess to students through afterschool programs.

Page 22

The Northside Chronicle

Feb. 2021

New Little Free Library debuts in Brighton Heights

Photos: Jeff Bertrand

There's a new Little Free Library up and running on Gerber Avenue in Brighton Heights. Northside artist Jeff Bertrand, whose normal work revolves around painting on "untraditional surfaces" such as Ouija boards and meat cleavers, built the little library out of an upcycled kitchen cabinet from Construction Junction. He also installed an official plaque and motion sensor lights on it. Bertrand says his wife Myka was the inspiration for the library and that he and she plan to "steward" it together. n

Feb. 2021

The Northside Chronicle

Page 23

Cityscape photographer captures Randyland on a wet winter day

Photo: Carla Cardello

Photographer Carla Cardello of City Life Adventures captured this photo of the Northside's famous Randyland on Jan. 17, 2021. According to her website, people often call Cardello the "Puddle Queen," because she is drawn to take photos of reflections. "If there is even a tiny bit of water, I will see if there is a photo opportunity. It often results in weird looks and awkward crouching positions, but it’s totally worth it," she writes.

You can find more of her work on Instagram @citylifeadventures or on her website: www.citylifeadventures.com. n

Find more Northside photography on our website: www.nschronicle.com

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