20 minute read
Northside Wedding Guide
The WBU evenT venUe 1958 Varley St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (Spring Hill) thewbu@gmail.com www.pittsburgheventvenue.com We are thrilled to breathe life back into this once abandoned building which was a staple of the Spring Hill community for nearly a century. Tucked away with a city view, we have a beautiful outdoor area, a rustic first floor, a spacious ballroom, and a wedding suite for getting ready.
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Photo courtesy of Elks Lodge #339 elks lodge 400 Cedar Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-321-1834 | ooking@alleghenyelks.org The beautiful Allegheny Room features a dancing floor plus a huge stage for entertainment or a decorative dais. Lodge #339 also boasts an original bowling alley and unique lounge to add to your big day's festivities.
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. Additional inclusive packages are available, call for details and dates. Comfort Inn & Suites Northshore 820 E Ohio St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-325-9210 | cisnorthshore.com Host your bridal shower or wedding reception in our sixth-floor event space and outdoor terrace. Event guests can conveniently stay overnight in our city view rooms while enjoying the many amenities, including a heated indoor pool. Call for details and pricing.
Photo courtesy of Comfort Inn & Suites Northshore
The Cake
Photo courtesy of The Farmer's Daughter Flowers
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!
The Planner
Photo courtesy of Devoted To You
Photo courtesy of Glute Free Goat Bakery
glUTen Free goaT Bakery 4905 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh 15224 412-954-8899 | www.glutenfreegoat.com Completely customizable GLUTEN FREE, SOY FREE, PEANUT FREE wedding cakes of any size to help celebrate your big day, made by experienced Pastry Chef Selina Progar. Contact Hello@glutenfreegoat.com for a quote.
The Cookie (Table)
oPeraTion cookies Operation Cookies offers a wide selection of individually wrapped cookies for your wedding needs while donating back to organizations that enhance the lives of Veterans in need. Visit www.operationcookies. com for details. Contact us at inquiries@ operationcookies.com and we'll help build your custom wedding order.
devoTed To yoU 232 N Balph Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15202 412-758-9720 | devotedtoyouevents.org Color outside the lines. Dare to be different. F*ck tradition. If you are looking for fresh and creative ideas and guidance on how to plan a wedding that is authentic to YOU, Devoted to You has what you are looking for.
The PhoTograPhy
Iconic Northside locations for engagement announcements and bridal party photoshoots
Photo courtesy of Randyland
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 courtesy of Bicycle Heaven Bicycle heaven Located in Chateau's RJ Casey Industrical Complex where the nearby Three Rivers Heritage spans the Ohio River, bicyclist and history enthusiasts alike are sure to love the multi-level museum of all things bikes.
Photo courtesy of Johnny Angel Johnny angel ginchy sTUFF & mUsic exPerience mUseUm Located right next door to Bicycle 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.
Photo courtesy of Allegheny Observatory
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 rentable chapel.
Photo by The Northside Chronicle 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.
By Brooke Rockwell, Owner of Brooke Rockwell Hair Designs
You don’t always need to do an up do for your special event. Some brides feel that if they don't have their hair up it won't be dressy enough, while others prefer a more natural, flowing look. It’s best to choose a style that makes you feel beautiful and happy.
It’s a good idea to try both down and up styles for your bridal trial. It's nice to know how both
will look on you and consider how it will feel throughout your big day. You might find a super fancy up do is too much, so we can style your everyday look to last longer with a more polished touch.
There are lots of other factors when deciding on up or down dos! The weather, the style of your dress, how well your hair holds curl are important things to think about when choosing a wedding day style.
At the time of your bridal trial we will talk about all of these issues and how best to remedy them.
The most important thing is that you choose a style that makes you feel beautiful!
Photos courtesy of Brooke Rockwell Hair Designs
Photos courtesy of Solich Photo & Film Book now for the 2022-2023 wedding season
The WBU Event Venue 1958 Varley St. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (Spring Hill) www.pittsburgheventvenue.com
Pittsburgh Born & Bread 2110 Brighton Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (412)231-7555
Monday-Friday 8am - 4pm Saturday 8am - 2pm Sunday closed for now.
Valentine’s Day Special Chocolate Cherry Babka
Available only on Valentine's Day, Monday the 14th
Call your order in today! Advanced orders must be placed by 2:00PM on Saturday, February 12th for Monday (2/14) pick up. Johanna’s Garden Your Full Service Florist 412-761-6770 | 3001 Shadeland Ave. Pgh, PA 15212
Curbside pick-up. Order online today! www.BreadWorksPGH.com
Chocolate 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 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. Now booking Weddings for 2022-2023 Call to schedule your free consultation
Custom Floral Arrangements for all Ocassions
Individually designed with care for life’s important milestones to bouquets, just because. Each flower is hand selected and every order is custom made to ensure the freshest and highest quality possible. Convey your love and care through the natural beauty of our one-ofa-kind floral arrangements. Please order 24 hours in advance. Delivery available in certain areas.
r Let us design the perfect style for you and your wedding party r
Call our Wedding Day Coordinator at 412-471-9122 to discuss your plans or fill out our contact form online at: brookerockwellhair.com/weddings
Meet. Work. Play. Party. Relax. Sleep. Celebrate!
Photo courtesy of Stevie Wander Photography allegheny commons easT Park Located at the corners of North Avenue and Cedar Avenue. Pittsburgh’s oldest park, with mature tree growth and the newly rebuilt Northeast Fountain dedicated to Patricia Rooney.
Photo by Lauren Stauffer
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 of by Anthony Amato
BUhl commUniTy Park Located in Allegheny Square, features the Children's Museum and a variety of public art spaces that include the Cloud Arbor, a sculpture that creates a magically refreshing mist during warmer months.
Photo by Bridget Fertal
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 courtesy of The Priory
Priory Hotel 614 Pressley St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-3338 | www.thepriory.com Romance, Romance Package. Includes late checkout, fresh roses, champagne, and a tray of fresh fruit with chocolate treats.
valenTine's day deals
Photo courtesy of The Priory
The Priory hoTel 614 Pressley St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (412) 231-3338 | www.thepriory.com Dinner Date Night Package: Plan a surprise evening for your special someone! Enjoy overnight accommodation for two, waiting in your room will be a bottle of wine, a $50 dinner voucher to a local Pittsburgh Restaurant of your choice: Max’s Allegheny Tavern, Legends of the North Shore, Siempre Algo, Fig & Ash. 40 North, Osteria, Cioppino. Not valid on Blackout dates!
Comfort Inn & Suites Northshore 820 E Ohio St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-325-9210 | cisnorthshore.com Valentine's Package for a romantic day includes one night stay in a city view room, roses, chocolate-covered strawberries, and late check-out. Book your stay online today!
Photo courtesy of Comfort Inn & Suites Northshore
You can still switch to a better Medicare plan.
UPMC for Life received 5 out of 5 stars from Medicare for 2022.
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MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PROGRAM
Every year, Medicare evaluates plans on a 5-star rating system. UPMC for Life earned a 5 out of 5 overall star rating for both our HMO and PPO plans from CMS for 2022. UPMC for Life has a contract with Medicare to provide HMO, HMO SNP, and PPO plans. The HMO SNP plans have a contract with the PA State Medical Assistance program. Enrollment in UPMC for Life depends on contract renewal. *For more information go to upmchealthplan.com/best. Y0069_221700_M
From Trees, Page 6
In the late 1800s, timber took the place of gold as a way for people to make a living. This photo, taken in 1937, shows a truckful of logs on an Arizona Lumber & Timber Company sale.
allowing for a cycle of more sustainable harvest. This feature, shared by many other species around the world, is a saving attribute that has prevented many of them
Photo: USDA Forest Service, Coconino National Forest by R. King CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
from extinction by the hands of man.
The forest’s ability to regenerate is its blessing and its curse. Regeneration is the mechanism that allowed forests to become the predominant landscape of the planet. Because of it, they can return after devastating environmental events take place such as floods, wildfires, typhoons, and even volcanic eruptions. During their millions of years of existence, trees have withstood it all and have developed unique ways to survive. But they may have finally met their match.
In 1963 in New York’s Bronx Zoo, visitors were invited to view “The Most Dangerous Animal in the World.” People approached and tentatively peered through the bars of the exhibit only to see an image of themselves reflected back in a mir-
ror. I do not like to think of myself in that fashion and I’m sure you don’t either, but the fact remains that you and I are both taking forests on a daily level that cannot be sustained. We justify taking forests down in favor of what we desire: roads to drive on, theaters to watch movies in, food we eat (one of the largest drivers of deforestation), and the places we live, work, and shop. What began as sustainable endeavors, such as narrow dirt roads through intact forests, have turned into a network of interstate highways spanning 46,876 miles.
Imagine cutting a swath of trees almost 47,000 miles long and paving the surface to prevent them from growing back: It’s an atrocity of an act against nature, but this is what the Interstate System in the U.S. is doing.
This statistic doesn’t include local roads, parking lots, driveways, building sites, and even such places as log cabin homes tucked away in forested settings. The forest has been taken for all of them. Sure, it’s great to travel 80 miles an hour down a smooth highway; to go to the grocery store to buy some food; to stop at the store to get the things you need or want. It’s important to be aware, though, that these things come at a cost. It’s important to take responsibility for our role in taking the natural world of forests away in favor of ice
Photo: Oleg Brovko via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0
The network of interstate highways in the U.S. now spans close to 47,000 miles. Trees were cut down to pave the surface of these roads.
cream shops and record stores.
Man-made development is one of the biggest drivers of deforestation around the world. Being part of mankind puts us all in the same boat: a similar boat to the ones those ancient Phoenicians made; a boat made of marvelous invention and human ingenuity, but one in which the cost to ride in it is to participate in the decimation of another species. You are on that ride whether you like it or not: The logging companies have ensured it; the government and your home builder, too.
Do not despair, though: There is light at the end of the tunnel. In the next article, I’ll discuss finding this light.
Jeff Karwoski is a certified arborist and the Executive Director of Reforest Our Future, a newly founded nonprofit focused on connecting people and trees. He works in the Pittsburgh area designing native plant installations and is a founding partner of the Leyte Reforestation Project on Leyte Is-
Photo courtesy of the author
Certified arborist Jeff Karwoski authors the ongoing series in The Northside Chronicle about deforestation.
land in the Philippines. You can reach him at reforestourfuture@gmail.com. n
Read the whole series online at nschronicle.com.
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Pittsburgh Black Elected Officials Coalition announces year of ‘peace building’ activities in Pittsburgh
By Ashlee Green
Editor's note: This story was originally published on The Northside Chronicle's website at nschronicle.com before the November 2021 General Election. The former State Rep. Ed Gainey has since been elected Pittsburgh's mayor.
Pastor Cornell Jones has a simple request: He wants to go to more graduations lence prevention. She emphasized that the working group is not finalized, and said: “If you’re not a partner here today, you’re not a partner yet.”
State Rep. Ed Gainey, Democratic candidate for mayor, also spoke at the event, and used his time on the podium to remind Pittsburghers of one of the staples of his mayoral platform: a public health plan.
“I’ve always said that public safety is
Photo: Ashlee Green
Rev. Cornell Jones speaks at a Pittsburgh Black Elected Officials Coalition press conference on Oct. 7, 2021. Violence in Pittsburgh, he said, is a 'village-at-large situation.'
than funerals.
Jones spoke as part of a Pittsburgh Black Elected Officials Coalition (PBEOC) press conference at Byers Hall on the campus of CCAC on Oct. 7. The event brought elected officials and community leaders together to announce a year of activities promoting violence prevention led by a Violence Prevention working group.
Gun violence trends are on the rise both nationally and statewide. According to The Washington Post, 2020 was the “deadliest year of gun violence in at least two decades.” The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reported that Pennsylvania saw a 48 percent increase in gun homicides from 2019 to 2020; Black people accounted for over 67 percent of these victims.
This is where PBEOC steps in. The Violence Prevention working group unveiled at the press conference is made up of the following organizations: Partner4Work, Poor Law, Neighborhood Resilience Project, City of Pittsburgh Group Violence Intervention, Operation Better Block, CCAC, Pittsburgh Police, United States Attorney’s Office, Public Safety, and My Brother’s Keeper. County Councilwoman Olivia “Liv” Bennett described it as the “connective tissue” for all siloed work toward viogreat, but it won’t improve public health,” said Gainey. “But public health will always improve public safety.” He continued:
“Our children didn’t create this culture, they inherited it… We look at them and we blame them, but now we have to help them,” he said.
Jones referenced the theme of this year’s nonviolence activities, “Reclaiming the Village,” and likened the City’s Group Violence Intervention program to “Voltron,” saying its members, which include mothers, coaches, and community leaders, are “... going to the places where [they] need to go to to counteract the disease of violence from spreading in our communities.”
“This isn’t just an outreach situation. This isn’t just a law enforcement situation. This is a village-at-large situation,” Jones said. “The challenge is making sure that we find your lane.”
Rev. Ricky Burgess referenced how more affordable housing, improvements to the social services system, and the availability of more jobs with a living wage will help improve the City’s equity as well as lower its violence:
“Every single life lost, every shot kid, every violent act is important and necessary and we must prevent all of it.” n
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Reformed Presbyterian Home 2344 Perrysville Ave. Pgh, PA 15214 412.321.4139
Image courtesy of the artist
Pittsburgh-based artist Arion Grzelka of Ren and Brush captured a scene from the Mexican War Streets. The original painting is 24" by 36," acrylic on stretched canvas. According to the artist's Instagram page, it is their first painting of the new year. You
can follow Grzelka's work at https://www.instagram.com/renandbrush. n
Affordable, Comfortable Retirement Living
• Spacious one-bedroom floor plans • Rent is based on income • Controlled access building • On-site Laundry • Service Coordinator
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
From Trolleys, Page 9
think. They were lost due to the influence of the anti-rail efforts of the oil and auto industry on the political powers, especially after World War II.
While Pittsburgh’s Northside said goodbye to the original trolleys through the mid1960’s, ultra-modern new systems were being reborn all over Europe and Asia.
Bryant Schmude is a descendent of the Schmudes who settled in the Woods Run Valley in the 1890s. He previously worked at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum.
Photo courtesy of Edward Miller
In 1963, this #13-EMSWORTH via California Avenue "T" pauses at the intersection of
Federal Street and East Ohio Street. n
