Volume 27 No. 2 February 2011
Neighbors calling 311 for accidents, violations By Kelly Thomas
Photo courtesy Joe Renckly
Accidents like this one that occurred in January are prevalent at the intersection of Middle Street and North Avenue. Concerned residents have urged neighbors to call 311 in hopes that eventually, a stop sign or stop light will be placed at the intersection.
Everyone loves to complain. In Pittsburgh, city officials encourage it. When faced with problems in their neighborhoods, Northsiders have several avenues through which to seek redress. One way is to call or email the mayor’s 311 hotline. Established in 2006, the number gives residents a place to report non-emergency violations. Residents can also call their city councilpersons, for District 1, Darlene Harris and for District 6, Daniel Lavelle. Calling 311 Peg Eichner, a Deutschtown resident, e-mails 311 about three times per month, usually for burnt-out lights in Allegheny Commons Park, street cleaning and dangerous icicles on
houses. All her correspondence with 311has been pleasant and every problem she has reported has been addressed, she said. Eichner’s neighbor and East Allegheny Community Council member Lynn Glorieux, agreed. “I think they do a good job,” Glorieux said, although, “Sometimes the responses are amazingly quick and sometimes it seems like nothing happens.” One of Glorieux’s biggest complaints is the sewers, which are never addressed, she said. Public Works Director Rob Kaczorowksi said 311 requests are forwarded on to the appropriate department, and that it’s up to that department to address the issue.
See 311, page 7
City enacts snow emergency plan and rules By Kelly Thomas The Northside seems more or less content with Pittsburgh’s new snow removal plan, if low attendance at a late January meeting about the plan is any indicator. City officials, including Public Works Director Rob Kaczorowski, Community Outreach Coordinator Christie Berger of the Mayor’s Office and Audrey Glickman of Council President Darlene Harris’s office, outnumbered the two Northsiders in attendance. The meeting was originally planned for Jan. 20, but was postponed to Jan. 27 because of snow, making residents wonder why the plan wasn’t rolled out before
INSIDE
winter hit. Kaczorowski said he wanted to hold the meetings in November, even though not all of the snow emergency route signs had been posted, and the city had not finalized a map of the routes. Holding up the map, he said, “This was morphed so many times it was unbelievable.” Berger added city officials thought December would be a bad time to hold community meetings because of holiday parties. The new snow removal plan, developed after 27 inches of snow last February left much of Pittsburgh stuck for days, set up about 220 miles of snow emergency routes and guidelines for how Public
-Chronicle’s Going Green page
STORIES, COLUMNS, -Civil Rights Movement interviews FEATURES & MORE
Works will respond and how long it has to complete snow removal. The plan breaks snowfall down into four phases allows the mayor to declare a snow emergency when 10 or more inches of snow are forecasted. During an emergency Public Works can hire pre-qualified contractors to help with snow removal. Cars also can’t park on snow emergency routes, and may be towed or given a ticket. Kaczorowski said tow trucks will not take cars to the impound, but move them out of the way if they impede snow removal efforts. “If you get back your car might be plowed in,” he said. In determining which roads
18 14
ONLINE
would be emergency snow routes, Kaczorowski said the goal was to make sure people had access in and out of their neighborhoods, and access to public transportation. Residents will need to wait the appropriate amount of time before calling the city to complain that their streets are not plowed, but Public Works will make exception in the case of medical and other emergencies, including pregnancy. Public Works purchased new equipment this year that is better able to cope with Pittsburgh’s 1200 miles of hilly, curved roads and increased the number of snow removal equipment and supplies stockpiles throughout the city to
See Snow plan, page 7
-The Priory expands hotel
WWW.THENORTHSIDE -Feature: Student stars CHRONICLE.COM
The Northside Chronicle
Page 2
THE NORTHSIDE CHRONICLE 922 Middle St. • Pittsburgh, PA 15212
February 2011
Community Meetings To have your community meeting included, email editor@thenorthsidechronicle.com Allegheny West Civic Council 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 7:30 p.m. Calvary United Methodist Church 412.323.8884
Manchester Citizens Corporation Quarterly meetings, call for times MCC Center, 1319 Allegheny Ave. 412.323.1743
Brighton Heights Citizens Federation 2nd Thursday, bi-monthly, 7 p.m. Morrow Elementary School 412.734.0233
Manchester Public Safety Meeting Quarterly meetings, call for times Northside Leadership Conference 412.323.1743
Managing Editor Kelly Thomas E-mail: managinged@thenorthsidechronicle.com
Brightwood Civic Group 3rd Tuesday, bi-monthly, 7 p.m. Pressley Ridge, 2611 Stayton St. 412.732.8152
Northside Rotary Club Every Friday, noon Cardello Building, 2nd Floor
Advertising Manager Kaitlin Balmert E-mail: advertising@thenorthsidechronicle.com
Brightwood Community Emergency Response Shelter 3rd Thursday, monthly, 6 p.m. 3219 Central Ave.
www.thenorthsidechronicle.com Phone 412-321-3919 • Fax 412-321-1447 Mail Subscriptions are available at a rate of $30 per year.
California-Kirkbride Blockwatch 3rd Thursday, monthly, 7 p.m. 1601 Brighton Rd., 3rd floor California-Kirkbride Neighbors 2nd Thursday, monthly, 7 p.m. 1601 Brighton Rd., 3rd floor 412.758.3898 Central Northside Neighborhood Council
2011 Advertising rates: SIZE Black & White Color 1/8 page $56 $68 1/4 page $118 $157 1/2 page $229 $295 Full page $452 $585 Back Page $616 Center Spread $965 Discounts of up to 20% off rate card price for multiple-insertion contracts
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 2011
2nd Monday, monthly, 7 p.m. Allegheny Traditional Academy 412.231.7742
Charles Street Area Council 1st Monday, monthly, call for times Pittsburgh Project, 2801 N. Charles St. 412.321.5567 Community Alliance of Spring Garden/ East Deutschtown 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. Fuhrer Building of St. Michael’s Church 412.977.1979 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. Bistro Annex 412.321.1204 Ex-offender Aftercare Support Group Saturdays, 4-5:30 p.m. Allegheny Center Alliance Church 801 Union Place Fineview Citizens Council 3rd Wednesday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. Reformed Presbyterian Home Pennsylvania Ave. 412.231.0330 Mexican War Streets Society 3rd Tuesday, monthly, 7 p.m. AUU Church, Resaca Pl. and North Ave. 412.323.9030
Northside Coalition for Fair Housing Board 2nd Monday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. 1821 Brighton Rd. 412.321.5527 Northside Coalition for Fair Housing Membership Monthly, call for times 1821 Brighton Rd. 412.321.5521 Northside Leadership Conference Call for times 4 Allegheny Center, Suite 601 412.330.2559 North Side Lions Club 2nd and 4th Tuesday, monthly, noon Max’s Allegheny Tavern North Side Public Safety Council 1st Thursday, monthly, 5:30 p.m. Northside Leadership Conference 412.330.2559 Observatory Hill, Inc. 3rd Wednesday, monthly, 7 p.m. Byzantine Seminary, 3605 Perrysville Ave. 412.231.2887 Perry Hilltop Citizens’ Council 4th Monday, monthly, 7:30 p.m. Angel’s Place, 2605 Norwood St. 412.321.4632 The Promise Group Every other Tuesday, 6 p.m. Western Pa. Humane Society 412.321.1019 Troy Hill Citizens Council Sept. 15, Dec. 15 North Catholic High School 412-321-2852 Spring Hill Civic League Sept. 12, Oct. 3 and Nov. 1 Spring Hill Elementary School contact@shcl.org Summer Hill Citizens Committee 3rd Tuesday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. WPXI Television Station community room
The Northside Chronicle
February 2011
Zukin, CNNC court food co-op at Garden By Kelly Thomas A 90-day contract extension from the Urban Redevelopment Authority has given Garden Theater Block developer Wayne Zukin more time to court financiers and tenants for the project. Developers Zukin Development and Collaborative Ventures hope to secure the East End Food Co-op as the project’s anchor tenant in the former Garden Theater. In late October, the URA, which owns the entire Garden Theater Block, entered into a 90day exclusive negotiation period with Zukin Development and Collaborative Ventures for the development of the North Avenue and Federal Street properties. In late January, the URA agreed to extend the contract for another 90 days, giving Zukin more time to complete a market study that he, and most of the neighborhood,
hopes will win the hand of the organic grocery store. The market study, paid for by Zukin and the food co-op, will show whether or not there is enough of a customer base in the area to support a second grocery store, said co-op General Manager Rob Baran. Baran expects the study to be completed in February. The Central Northside Neighborhood Council is helping the developers out not by enticing the co-op with flowers and chocolates, but with an online petition showing the community’s interest. At the end of January, more than 400 people signed the petition. CNNC President Greg Spicer said the petition gathered more than 300 signatures in the first 24 hours, and the council is hoping for 500 signatures total. Spicer said the neighborhood group made the petition to show
News Briefs Rivers Casino approved to expand table games, add ballroom The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board on Jan. 26 approved Rivers Casino’s request to add 19 tables for gaming and a 15,000 sq. ft. ballroom. The casino currently has 88 tables and the additional 19 will bring the total to 107. New tables include 12 blackjack tables, four poker tables, one rapid roulette and two traditional roulette tables. The multi-purpose banquet space/ballroom will be built on the second floor above the Wheelhouse Bar and Grill. The number of slots machines at the casino will not be affected, and table gaming will continue while the floor is reconfigured. Children’s Museum announces new capital campaign The Children’s Museum on Jan. 20 announced a public capital campaign to raise $2.2 million for
infrastructure improvements to the museum and to help fund a park in Allegheny Center. Much of the $6.3 million raised so far will go toward the $6 million Allegheny Public Square Park. The remainder of the funds will go toward improvements to the museum’s nursery exhibit, construction of a new outdoor climbing structure and renovations to the store and cafe. Printing company wins international awards Northside company Print Management recently won four medals in an international printing competition. Print Management, located in the Penn Brewery building on Vinial Street in East Deutschtown, took three gold medals and one silver medal in the International Association of Printing House Craftsmen’s International Gallery of Excellence competition.
its support for the co-op before the market study was completed. “We’re pretty confident that our neighborhood has a strong interest,” Spicer said. “We’ll see what the market study says. I think we’re cautiously optimistic.” Baran said the co-op is considering a second location and is in “expansion mode,” but ideally would not want to open a second location until the second half of 2012. “The Northside [development] is moving a little faster than we are planning for, but we like the neighborhood,” Baran said. “We’re not sure there’s enough business there for us yet.” But, Baran added, “We’re taking it seriously.” Although the petition won’t be a deciding factor in the co-op choosing its second location, Baran said it will help. The 90-day extension also gives Zukin more time to court other
Page 3
possible tenants, finalize design plans and secure financing as the process has taken longer than expected, Zukin said. “We decided to take a step back and talk to anyone and everyone about what would work,” Zukin said. The developers discarded an initial plan to tear down 2 and 4 W. North Ave. and to build a medical building along Federal Street, and now plan on demolishing only 2 W. North, keeping the façade of 4 W. North and building a smaller retail front that could house a bank. The rest of the buildings, including the historic Garden Theater, Masonic Lodge and Bradbury Building and those on Federal, will be restored. Zukin declined to discuss estimated construction costs or estimated project completion date, but said he hopes to start construction by the end of this year.
Page Page 4 4
The The Northside Northside Chronicle Chronicle
February February 2011 2011
East Deutschtown lot to Green jobs center up and running for Nsiders be community garden by 2012. Neighborhood Employment Center Director Randy Lheureau If searching for a job has made said the new Alcoa Foundationyou blue, try going green. funded program will help Green Jobs — Northside! Northsiders get training in green is a recently launched program industries through through the Northside local organizations like Leadership Conference Check out CCAC and the Bidwell Neighborhood the new Training Center. Employment Center Going Green One of the biggest designed to connect feature advantages of a career Northside job-seekers in the green sector, on page 18 with Northside Lheureau said, is that businesses in the these jobs often provide “green” industries. a living wage and don’t require According to the 2010 excessive amounts of training. Pennsylvania Green Jobs Report, Although Green Jobs — green jobs — which are jobs dealing with energy efficiency, sustainability, Northside! does not provide training or financial assistance for training, renewable resources, pollution the $20,000 grant from Alcoa will prevention and cleanup and clean help Northsiders find affordable transportation — will grow from 35,000 positions in 2009 to 115,800 See Green jobs, page 16
By Kelly Thomas
The asphalt surface will remain and garden beds must be built on top of it. The Children’s Museum of Bracken said Team Laminates Pittsburgh along with Team approached the museum about doing Laminates is accepting proposals something with its empty lot and the until 5 p.m. Feb. 11 to beautify an idea to combine public asphalt lot in East art and environmental Deutschtown. Proposals programs came out The project will are due to The of that. The project is bring public art and Children’s funded by grants from raised garden beds to the Museum by the Alcoa Foundation Team Laminate-owned Feb. 11 at 5 p.m. and the National space at the corner of Endowment for the Vinial Street and Spring Arts, Garden Avenue. In addition to $5,000, the The triangular lot measures winning developer will have access approximately 30 by 40 feet to donated materials and labor from and is partially enclosed by two Team Laminates, Artcraft Wood masonry walls. Kimberly Bracken, Children’s Museum youth programs Products and Cully Glass Corp., all of which are located in East coordinator who will be managing Deutschtown. the project, said they would like to see public art hung on the walls. See Garden proposal, page 16
By Kelly Thomas
February 2011
The Northside Chronicle
Page 5
Former coach Dungy reads to MLK students By Emily Leone Tony Dungy put the sports commentating on the bench Jan. 19 to tell kids that friendship and reading are MVPs in the game of life. The iconic former Indianapolis Colts coach and Steelers defensive back made an appearance with his wife, Lauren, at Pittsburgh King Elementary school to promote education and to read his new book “You Can Be a Friend” to anxious kids. “Are you all ready to read?” Tony said as the kids cheered and roared back in resounding agreement. In “You Can Be a Friend,” the children learn to welcome and accept a new friend, Hannah, who doesn’t look like them because she is in a wheelchair. As one astute little girl in the audience pointed out, the characters in the book are named
after and resemble Tony, Lauren and their four children. Lauren said the plotline was inspired by her son’s struggles with using a wheelchair and wanting to feel accepted by his peers. “We wanted to write this book to encourage children to read ... and to help parents walk kids through difficulties,” said Lauren, who is originally from Pittsburgh. After the reading, the Dungys took questions from the audience and then gave autographed books to a few lucky kids. The Dungys stop at MLK was part of the Dungy Family Foundation’s work to promote reading by bringing books to schools and libraries in four cities. Tony is the best-selling author of “Quiet Strength” as well as another children’s book, “You Can Do It.” Schools can schedule readings and book distributions by visiting the foundation’s website.
Photo by Emily Leone
Former Colts coach and Steeler Tony Dungy and his wife Lauren sign copies of “You Can Be a Friend” January 19 at Pittsburgh MLK Elementary School. After reading to the students, the Dungys talked about the importance of books and being kind to others.
Page Page 66
The The Northside Northside Chronicle Chronicle
February February 2011 2011
T’ai chi reduces stress, teaches patience By Emily Leone The only sounds heard coming from the crypt at Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church in the evening hours of Jan. 27 are steady, syncopated breathing and the ticktock of an old wall clock. Inside, folks of all different ages stretch their arms and hands above their heads and move fluidly and effortlessly together, lettings the worries and troubles of the day sink away. David Clippinger, director and owner of Still Mountain T’ai Chi, leads the group in the ancient art of meditation in motion during the open house that welcomed beginners to learn about the benefits of t’ai chi. Although sometimes confused as a martial art used for fighting, t’ai chi has been used for centuries to combat stress, to ease various maladies and to prevent illness. Still Mountain has been utilizing the church for six years to offer
says, allow stress to drop away. t’ai chi classes twice a week, said “The benefits are immediate. Clippinger, a t’ai chi master who has You feel better after doing it once,” been practicing and perfecting the he said. “It’s not like art for some 24 years. other workouts where “There isn’t you feel the benefit after anything on the he you get in shape.” Northside like [this]. benefiTs are Unlike traditional We’ve really tried to western medicine offer something to immediaTe that sometimes deals the community that with health problems isn’t really there and ou feel something that is a solely with pills and beTTer afTer procedures, t’ai chi is benefit to people,” a natural, preventative Clippinger said. doing iT practice that can be The posture and gentle movements used by all ages and once of t’ai chi requires -david clippinger, conditions. On this particular practitioners to sTill mT. T’ai chi evening, a man well live in the moment. into his seventies Practitioners do sets describes how t’ai chi of slow, graceful was suggested to him after he was movements with their hands, arms and legs, where action flows right into forced to go onto an oxygen tank and how he now relies less and less the next one. The low-impact sets on it. Another woman describes how are paired with gentle breathing and meditation techniques that, Clippinger events that used to trigger stress
“T
.
Y
.”
now simply roll off her back. “It applies in all sorts of different ways because it helps you make decisions,” Clippinger said. “Instead of getting angry, you might say it’s a way of de-escalating or responding more approximately to things.” As Clippinger’s student explained, practicing t’ai chi isn’t like going to the gym everyday to get a workout in. T’ai chi is more about health maintenance and applying what you learn to your everyday life, with the average practitioner setting aside 20 to 30 minutes a day to perfect his or her skills. Better yet, Clippinger says, no equipment is required; just bring yourself and an open mind. Beginner t’ai chi instruction is held every Thursday night and Saturday morning at Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church, 416 W. North Ave. For more information about classes and fees, visit www. stillmountaintaichi.com.
The Northside Chronicle The Northside Chronicle
February 2011 February 2011
When in doubt, call 311 From 311, page 1 Fineview Citizens Council member Erin Gill has also had good experiences with 311, she said. In July, the trees around Fineview’s Overlook were obscuring the view of Downtown. Gill called to report it, fearing people would be unable to watch the fireworks display on the Fourth, and she said Public Works responded immediately. Both Eichner and Gill said they made it a point to thank city workers when a problem is addressed. Taking problems to city council Other Northsiders, like Deutschtown resident Joe Renckly, call city council to report problems. Renckly has called Harris each time he witnesses an accident at the corner of Middle Street, where he lives, and North Avenue. Harris is sympathetic, he said, but the lack of results has driven him to try other avenues, like the 311 hotline, in hopes of bringing the issue to the mayor’s attention.
Harris’s process is similar to the 311 process. Once she receives a complaint, she forwards it on to the appropriate department, and then tries to follow up once a week. Her office receives about 10 complaints per day, and on many of them she will alert 311 when she sends it on to the appropriate department. “You have to let the department work on what the issue is,” Harris said. Lavelle’s office receives fewer complaints than Harris’s—about three to five per day—but he takes them all seriously. His office assigns a tracking number for each complaint that comes through the door, and someone follows up every week or every other week, and more frequently if necessary. No matter the problem, Lavelle encourages residents to call as soon as they spot it. He said not reporting problems puts a burden on the office. “It becomes more troublesome when you wait until the last second,” he said. “As soon as something occurs, immediately let us know.”
Snow plan goes into effect From Snow plan, page 1 make response time faster, Kaczorowksi said. Typically, Public Works sends 71 pieces of equipment, including plows and salt trucks, out for snow removal. “We send everything we can on a shift,” he said. “They’re set up to work 12 hours shifts until they get all the streets clear.” The following Northside routes are snow emergency routes: I-279, Ohio River Boulevard, Beaver Avenue, California Avenue, Brighton Road, Marshall Avenue, N. Charles Avenue, Woods Run Avenue, Mairdale Avenue, Perrysville Avenue, Federal Street, North Avenue, Commons Drive, East Ohio Street, East Street, Madison Avenue, Rhine Street, Itin Street, Chestnut Street, Spring Garden Avenue,
Pittsburgh’s Winter Storm Emergency Plan Phase 1: 1 to 3 in. forecasted snow / ice •Salting / plowing as needed. •Crews have 12 to 24 hours to clear the streets once the storm has ended. Phase 2: 3 to 6 in. forecasted snow / ice •Salting / plowing as needed. •Emphasis on primary routes. •Recommend that resident vehicles be moved from side streets and alleys. •Crews have 16 to 32 hours to clear the streets once the storm has ended. Phase 3: 6 to 10 in. forecasted snow / ice •Salting / plowing as needed. •Heavy emphasis on emergency routes and primary routes; secondary and tertiary routes follow. •Parking restrictions enforced. •Crews have 24 to 48 hours to clear the streets once the storm has ended. Phase 4: Emergency: 10+ in. forecasted snow / ice
•Full deployment of snow removal resources. •Primary focus on emergency routes, with primary, secondary and tertiary following accordingly. •Non-emergency travel prohibited. •Parking restrictions enforced. Citations may be issued to vehicles that pose a danger or impede snow removal efforts. •Use of pre-qualified contractors activated as needed. •There is no deadline for complete snow removal. •Removal timeline is based on storm variables.
Page 7 Page 7
The The Northside Northside Chronicle Chronicle
Page Page 8 8
JANUARY 2011 Chronicle Blog Highlights For full stories go to www.thenorthsidechronicle.com/blog Student stars Every Monday The Chronicle posts a profile of one of the area’s best students. January featured Matt Hoffman of North Catholic High School, Alexis Penn and Ammad Allen of Oliver High School and Yazmin Bennet-Kelly of Schiller Middle School. January 25 The deadline to register for the 2011 baseball, softball and teeball season with Brighton Heights Athletic Association is Feb. 28. Youth ages 3 to 18 can play. Fees range from $70 to $115 per player. January 14, 5 The Northside Chronicle posts
previous and upcoming housing court cases on our blog as we become aware of them. January 11 Those who save a snowball in their freezers will be able to bring it in to the Carnegie Science Center on June 21 and name their own admission price, and then toss the snowball into the Ohio River. January 7 The National Aviary, in conjunction with the Parrot Education and Adoption Center, now offers classes for prospective parrot owners on behavior, basic care and enrichment. Check out the blog for more details.
February February 2011 2011
Jamar White
Your taxes: What’s new in 2010 The 2011 filing season is under direct deposit. way, and there are a number of •Home computer and changes to note. Last-minute tax commercial software or online changes, on top of a number of return preparation: The cost of the other changes throughout the year, return preparation usually includes add many surprises for individuals. the filing of a federal return for If you’re looking to get an early free. Again there will be charges for start on filing your 2010 return, here state filing and bank fees for direct are some key points to know. deposit. Taxpayers who are entitled to a •Paid tax return preparer: Ask refund usually want to file as early as your CPA, EA or other paid preparer possible. This year, that may not be an what the charges will be. option for some filers. If you want to claim any of the tax breaks that were Some taxpayers expecting tax extended by the Tax refunds take out shortRelief, Unemployment term loans, called ome may Insurance refund anticipation Reauthorization, and Job have to wait loans, or RALs. Creation Act, which was Money is advanced until mid signed into law on Dec. to taxpayers to the 17, 2010, you’ll have to extent of the refund ebruary wait until mid- to late they expect to receive, February. The delay to File taxeS and the loan is paid affects returns filed off when the refund is becauSe oF electronically and by actually received. paper. This is because loans often irS updateS are These the IRS needs more time used to pay tax to update its computers preparer fees or other so they can process the returns. Items immediate and pressing expenses. In that are subject to delay: the upcoming filing season for 2010 tax returns, the cost of these loans •Above-the-line deduction for has risen because the IRS will no tuition and fees longer provide “debt indicators” to preparers. •$250 educator deduction for Debt indicators explain out-of-pocket expenses •Itemized deduction for state and whether a refund will be offset by any outstanding tax owed or local sales tax in lieu of state and other liabilities that the IRS is local income taxes allowed to offset with a tax refund, such as student loans. Until now, If you want to file a paper debt indicators appeared on the return, don’t wait for forms to show e-file receipt confirmation sent to up in your mailbox. The IRS did preparers. not send out forms this year. You Starting with the upcoming can download forms from the IRS tax season, this information will website at www.irs.gov. If you want to file electronically, not be included here. This could increase the cost of RALs because you can do so using any of these it will be more difficult for lenders options: to determine the amount that can be advanced. H&R Block, however, does •FreeFile (www.freefile.irs. not rely on debt indicators to make gov): You can use FreeFile, a filing RALs; it has patented a way to make option offered by a number of IRSan assignment of the right to the approved commercial companies, refund. Also, taxpayers can find out if your adjusted gross income is their personal information from the $58,000 or less. There is no cost for IRS through an interactive online the return preparation or federal tool called “Where’s My Refund?” e-filing. FreeFile for 2010 begins January 14, 2011. There are charges for state filing and bank fees for the See White, page 22
S
F
-
The Northside Northside Chronicle Chronicle The
February 2011 2011 February
John Canning
The Big Snow of 1950 A year or so ago we had a fairly decent amount of snow. The kids were off school for a few days. Snow covered trees keeled over and blocked some streets. The power was off for a couple of hours. Photo opportunities were everywhere. Folks kept referring to the big snow of 2010. But for some Northsiders (those who carry Medicare cards) our thoughts went back to The Big Snow, the Thanksgiving Snow of 1950. Snow began falling the day after Thanksgiving. It did not stop until late Saturday when it had reached an accumulation of two and a half feet. That Monday Governor Duff declared a state of emergency as well as a bank holiday for two days. The Pitt vs. Penn State football game was postponed twice. Mayor Lawrence appealed to all “able bodied citizens to volunteer for emergency duties.” Those duties were mostly shoveling snow so that the main streets of the city would be clear for fire trucks and ambulances. Judge McNaughter closed all the
courts of the county. Pittsburgh’s postmaster announced that if folks wanted their mail they should “start shoveling.” The National Guard cordoned off the downtown district to expedite massive snow removal. During the snowy days of this past January I’ve asked folks who were here on the Northside during the The Big Snow to recall their experiences. Peggy Toomey-Uruza still lives in the family home in Brighton Heights. That home was beside Campus Street, a terrific hill for sled riding. During The Big Snow, though, kids and “would-be kids” of all ages could sled from Campus Street and Davis Avenue down Acacia Lane onto a snow closed Brighton Road all the way to Woods Run Avenue. With schools closed for the entire week after Thanksgiving and no vehicular or trolley traffic, every day was a great day for sledding. “Doc” North vividly describes the sled run from the top of Stayton Street down to Marshall
See Canning, page 21
Photo courtesy Photo Antiquities Museum of Photographic History
The Thanksgiving snowfall of 1950 was the biggest one on record. Above, the National Guard helps expedite snow removal. The exhibit SNOW!, a visual comparison of Pittsburgh’s historic snowstorms of 1950 and 2010 runs through the end of March at the Photo Antiquities Museum of Photographic History on East Ohio Street.
Page 99 Page
The Northside Chronicle
Page 10
February 2011
Manchester Academic Charter School - Northside Voices The Northside Chronicle has paired with Manchester Academic Charter School to feature students’ articles. This month, in honor of Black History Month, sixth graders interview Northsiders who experienced the Civil Rights Movement. Tyeric Durah I interviewed my grandmother after watching “Eyes On the Prize.” In class, I was very interested in how people in my family may have been affected by the Civil Rights Movement. It was hard to find someone to interview, but in the end my grandmother was a good place to go. Q: What is your name and how old are you? Where were you born and on what day? A: My name is Ms. Eileen Washington. I am 60 and I was born in Pittsburgh on Oct. 29, 1950. Q: What was your life like during the civil rights movement? A: I was just realizing that my race was not equal to other races. Q: How is the civil rights movement era different from now? A: There is a lot more opportunity, lots more fairness and freedom. Q: How did Martin Luther King, Jr. influence your life? A: He influenced my life with his courage, with his prayers and with non-
violence. He enabled me to see love and peace accomplished. Q: Were you scared during the civil rights movement? A: No Q: Were any of your friends in any of the sit ins? A: No they were a little too young. Q: What school did you go to? Was it integrated? A: I went to Oliver High School and yes it was integrated. Q: If you walked to school were there people of other races saying anything racist to you? A: No Q: Were you scared to walk to school? A: No Q: Did you protest for your rights? A: No, in Pittsburgh there was not much of a need for protests. Q: What was MLK’S greatest achievement to you? A: His greatest achievement was that freedom could be accomplished.
Tayja Williams I did my interview on my greatgrandma, Beatrice Williams. She was born on Feb. 28, 1926. She is now the outstanding age of 84 years old. The reason why I chose my great grandma was because she was alive during the Civil Rights Movement and she is a very nice person. She was born and raised in the city of Pittsburghs on the Northside. My greatgrandma has eight children, but there are only three still alive today. Q: How was the Civil Rights era different from today? A: Well now black people have more jobs, choices and rights. Q: How did Martin Luther King, Jr. influence your life? A: He made me feel better about myself as a black person. He made me feel worthy. Q: What was life like for you? A: Life was good, but I was aware of the limited rights that black people had. Q: Were you harmed in those
times? A: No, I was not part of the crowd so I felt safe. Q: Did you know any Civil Rights leaders? A: No but there were many influential leaders right here in Pittsburgh. They did wonderful work for the rights of black people in our city. Q: Did you ever protest for your rights? A: No but I supported MLK by signing petitions and things like that. Q: How has MLK influenced your life? A: He has helped to create a world where I have not had blatant racism happen to me. Find more interviews, other MACS stories and a radio broadcast with MACS students on our website at www.thenorthsidechronicle.com
February 2011
The Northside Chronicle
Page 11
Page 12 Page 14
The Northside Chronicle The Northside Chronicle
Photo page: January happenings
February 2011 February 2011
Doing the robot at Sarah Heinz House The robotics team at Sarah Heinz House took first place for hardware design at the Dec.4 Lego FIRST Competition at the National Robotics Engineering Center in Lawrenceville. Leo Baumbach, Olivia Scott, Cassandra Aguglia, Elijah Baraff and Julius Romano were 10-12 age group winners.
Photo by Jill McGlothlin
There’s (more) room at the inn
Photo courtesy of Jen Saffron
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Priory Group Vice President of Operations John Graf officially opened the Priory Hotel’s 17-room expansion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 20. The $2.7 million expansion matches the style and décor of the original building, a monastery built in 1888, and includes new art work in each room, a bar, a fitness center and a meeting room.
Page 13 2011 February
The The Northside Northside Chronicle Chronicle
Pirates have a Minute to Win It The Pittsburgh Pirates Winter Caravan stopped by Allegheny Traditional Academy Jan. 27. Center fielder Andrew McCutchen, pictured below, along with Evan Meek and Ross Ohlendorf, competed against four sixth-graders in games inspired by TV game show Minute to Win It. The students received autographed Pirates gear for participating, and every sixth-grader also received a game ticket.
Photo by Kelly Thomas
To see the complete photo gallery of the Pirate’s visit to Allegheny Traditional Academy, as well as other great shots from various events, visit www.thenorthsidechronicle.com/community-voice
February 2011 Page 15
Page Page 14 16
The The Northside Northside Chronicle Chronicle
February February 2011 2011
Jobs program Build a North Side garden launches From Green jobs, page 4
From Garden proposals, page 4
training and put them in touch with green Northside businesses, as well as help them with their resumes, cover letters and interviewing skills. Lheureau said a large part of the program is to spread the word about the availability of green jobs on the Northside. The Employment Center will accomplish that through community outreach, such as presentations in high schools and other community events. “There’s a lot of emphasis right now on clean technology and green jobs,” Lheureau said. “And the Northside reflects that trend.” For more information on Green Jobs — Northside!, visit www. pittsburghnorthside.org, then click on the Work Here tab.
“I think that’s really rare,” Bracken said of the collaboration between businesses. “I don’t hear of a lot of projects like that.” The winning proposal will be innovative and original, create an educational garden space and be realistic, achievable and able to be maintained by community volunteers, according to the request for proposals. The Children’s Museum welcomes student and professional architects, designers, artists, gardeners, builders and landscape architects to submit proposals. For more information or to request an application, email Kimberly Bracken at kbracken@ pittsburghkids.org.
February 2011 February 2011
The Northside Chronicle The Northside Chronicle
Page 17 Page 15
The Northside Chronicle
Page 18 16
Sustainability: Take action now for future because we are surrounded by water and it runs freely from our The word sustainability and taps. Water, however, is one of the its synonym “green” have become earth’s most important resources common household terms. These and because of that it was chosen words are spoken by government as the theme for last year’s World officials to describe community Environment Day, which was hosted plans and used by businesses to in Pittsburgh. demonstrate a commitment to the Economically, access to clean environment. water keeps people healthy, reducing But what does “sustainability” medical costs. Water powers the local mean and why should we be aware economy through dams, coal and of it instead of letting it become just nuclear power plants. Therefore, water another buzzword? is essential for a healthy economy. The idea of Environmentally, ater is sustainability revolves water provides us around the reality with recreational essential that the resources opportunities and needed to maintain to a healthy maintains healthy all living organisms habitats for wildlife. economy on earth are limited. And lastly, Since resources are clean water is fairly ccess to limited, we need to distributed throughout clean Water the city so that every manage the earth’s resources in a way keeps people resident can have access that all organisms can to quality water. live now, plus leave In order to be good healthy enough resources for neighbors, we clean reducing future generations. up our water before A resource like medical costs returning it to the trees is sustainable environment and don’t because we can pass on contaminated use them now for water to downstream our survival needs and within a cities. By the same token we ask generation or two, we can grow cities upstream of Pittsburgh to more trees for the next generation clean their water before discharging to use. Resources like oil and gas are it into the Allegheny River so we not sustainable because while they do not have to drink their pollution. can be renewed over time, it takes This issue is going to be the biggest millennia to create more. challenge in the coming years as When discussing the sustainable Marcellus Shale attracts more gas management of resources, we have drilling industry to Pennsylvania. to consider the “Three Pillars of What sustainability issue is Sustainability” to ensure that the most important to you? What are resource is managed economically, your concerns about sustainability? environmentally, and fairly (or What is your vision of a sustainable equitably). community and how would you As an example, take the implement that vision? sustainability issues relating to Joseph Reznik teaches sustainability water. Water may not seem like a at the Community College of Allegheny problem in the Pittsburgh region County’s main campus.
By Joseph Reznik
February 2011
Greening the Northside Each month, The Chronicle will feature a profiile of a green business. This month: Fred Underood of Underwood Solar Future By Ethan Cohen Northsider Fred Underwood is helping build Pittsburgh’s reputation as a city committed to sustainable energy. As president and CEO of Underwood Solar Future, Underwood believes in solar energy and strives to provide affordable solar panel installation for his customers. With utility companies like
Before 2008 it was extremely difficult to install a solar-panel energy system in businesses or homes. Without the tax rebates many businesses and residents that wanted to convert to solar systems were unable to do so because of the expense. Without government grants and incentives, Underwood said he would have a harder time promoting and installing solar-panel systems. Underwood travels the country
W
a
.
,
.
Photo courtesy Underwood Solar Future
Underwood Solar Future team installs a $1.4 million, 900-panel solar energy system for The Yoder Group in Williamsport, Pa. Duquesne Light raising their monthly rates, the installation of a solar energy system gives the consumer more energy independence and helps lower the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, Underwood said. “Solar energy is the future,” he said. “People are sick of getting taken advantage by traditional energy companies, and solar energy is the solution to the problem. “The government’s 30 percent tax rebate on solar-panel energy systems along with state grants can save the customer up to 65 percent off the cost of installation.”
to stay informed about the changes occurring in the solar energy field. While photovoltaics, the scientific term for a solar charged battery, has been around since 1873, a lot has changed since then. “I go to meetings all over the place to get up to date information. Solar technology is improving daily, and I want my business to be on the forefront of that technology,” Underwood said. After watching a news conference on television about the importance of sustainable energy in Pennsylvania in 2006, led by then-
See Solar, page 21
February 2011
The Northside Chronicle
17 Page 19
The Healing Space by Ayeshah A. Bulls
What’s on your mind? “A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts.” - James Allen, “As a Man Thinketh” There is a new branch of psychology called positive psychology that focuses on finding new ways to develop the mind to support who we want to be, rather than being an effect of the world. The study of positive emotions includes awareness of an individual’s internal state, and how that translates into reactions and behaviors. In December, I dedicated a column to the lesson of cause and effect and how with every action there is a reaction. Through the understanding of the law of cause and effect and the studies of positive psychology, I began to reflect on the true value and importance of not only dealing with our actions, but examining what motivates our actions.
This leads to the question, “What’s on your mind?” Before we actually “do” something there is a thought. Our mind may respond to our body and think, “I sure am hungry,” which in turn makes us find something to eat. Our mind may respond to something we see that is enticing and think, “Wow, I sure would like that for myself,” which would cause us to began to think of ways to satisfy that particular desire. As our thinking motivates our actions, our emotions motivate our thinking. Therefore, we must be very careful of what we put into our beings that may negatively impact our emotions, which will in turn affect our thinking and ultimately inspire our actions. Have you had people in your
life that have nothing but negative things to say every time you speak to them, and it seems that after only a five minute conversation with them your whole mood has changed? Have you ever listened to a song with vivid, questionable lyrics and by the end of the song your whole energy has shifted? Have you watched the news or a graphic movie and the images seem to take root in you and cause you to feel differently than you felt prior to watching? Did someone ever tell you that you couldn’t do something or would never be anything and each time you think of climbing the ladder of life those words haunt you? These examples are where our emotions, thinking, and eventual behaviors are ruled and controlled by people and things other than our own internal gauge of what is good
for us. We must protect our minds as they are fertile ground in which seeds are easily planted. It is not to be said that we will always be able to avoid negative conversations or will never be able to watch the news in order to stay aware of what is happening in the world. Thus we should be sure that we are feeding and nurturing our minds with things that are positive and healthy to our emotions to counteract those negative interactions. Everything that goes into your ears, eyes, mouth or any opening to your internal being will have an impact on your mind. Keeping that “in mind,” before making your next small or big step in life ask yourself what is motivating that step. Is it fear, anger, disappointment or desperation? Love or compassion? What emotion is steering your thinking? Why do you do what you do? What’s on your mind?
Page 20 18
The Northside Chronicle
February 2011
February 2011
The Northside Chronicle
19 Page 21
The first Snowpocalypse Solar energy is the future From Canning, page 9
From Solar, page 18
Avenue and then all the way down to the intersection of Marshall and California avenues. They had to drag their feet as they neared the end of this run to prevent heading across the Island Avenue Bridge toward St. Andrew’s Church. The region’s widely acclaimed “Ice Ball Man,” Gus Kalaris, was a recent graduate of Allegheny High when The Big Snow landed on the region. At the time, the Kalaris family lived on the upper blocks of Sandusky Street ( just above the present footprint of Allegheny General Hospital). Gus recalls a group of twenty or thirty neighbors, mostly men and boys, shoveling Sandusky and Fountain streets to make them passable for emergency vehicles. That “shovel practice” was put to a much more profitable use during the following days as Gus and his buddies were hired to clear off flat roofs as well as many sidewalks and driveways. These young men made more money during the week of the snow than ever before. In the evenings, Gus recalls, they spent some of that hard earned cash at local sandwich shops and theaters. Stella Kalaris, known now to many Northside kids as Yia-Yia (Greek for grandmother), was a school girl at Columbus School, a block or so from her home on McCullough Street. She recalls that her dad trudged through the 30 in. snow drifts to get to work near the Allegheny Market House
Governor Ed Rendell, Underwood was certain that solar-panel technology would be a huge part of Pennsylvania’s energy future. With a background in electronics from his service in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, Underwood saw a bright opportunity in the solar energy business. In 2007 and 2008, The U.S. Department of Energy named Pittsburgh one of the country’s 25 Solar America Cities after the city pledged to lower greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by the year 2023. This inspired Mayor Luke Ravenstahl to make sustainable energy an important part of his plan to make Pittsburgh a more environmentally responsible city. Underwood Solar Future is one business that is helping the city achieve its goal to “green” Pittsburgh. While Pittsburgh may not seem like a great place for solar energy because of its cold, overcast weather during much of the year, Underwood explained that the region’s average 4.5 hours of daily sunshine is more than enough. This summer Underwood and his team installed a 900-panel solar energy system for The Yoder Group in Williamsport. The Yoder Group contracted Underwood Solar Future for a $1.4 million system that produces enough electricity to cover the company’s monthly utility bill. While the installation process for this summer’s project was
Chronicle archive
The record February 2010 snowfall dumped nearly 27 inches of snow in less than 24 hours. and Library. She and her friends stayed warm and dry inside or enjoyed playing in the snow drifts along Brighton Place. The schools were closed until Monday, Dec. 4. That week combined with the Thanksgiving holiday gave all school age kids an 11 day vacation --- one that many snowbound parents happily saw come to an end. And end it did. By the second week of December the snow had turned to dirty soot-covered slush. As in Dan Fogelbird’s ballad, “The Same Auld Lang Syne” the snow had turned to rain. Yet memories of “The Big Snow” remain as vivid as yesterday, perhaps a bit romanticized given the fact that we old timers were just kids 60 years ago.
meant to take a month and a half to complete, Underwood and his team were able to finish the project in three weeks. “I train my employees like the military trained me, through education and repetition. When we started working on the project this summer, it was no surprise how efficiently we worked as a team,” he said. Not only is Underwood helping the environment through his solar energy business, he is helping the residents of the Northside community. In a partnership with Green Jobs — Northside!, an employment service offered by the Northside Leadership Conference, Underwood hires Northsiders who need employment training work for his company. “They learn something, they do something, that they have never done before. I’m proud to be a part of that process,” he said. Underwood is currently in negotiations with Edinboro University, located 30 minutes outside the city, to help convert its campus to a solar energy system. He is also planning a project to convert a home in Mount Lebanon to a solar energy system similar to the one he has on his own Northside home. “I don’t have a monthly utility bill anymore. How can you argue with that?” Underwood said. Ethan G. Cohen is a senior at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in English Literature and Philosophy and currently interns with The Northside Chronicle.
The Northside Chronicle The Northside Chronicle
Page 20 Page 22
From the office of State Rep. Chelsa Wagner
Protecting seniors, disabled renters I will soon be reintroducing legislation to protect some of our most vulnerable citizens, the elderly and disabled, from predatory practices by landlords. In the last legislative session, this bill was approved unanimously by the House Urban Affairs Committee, and I will be working once again in the new session to advance it into law. Currently, landlords are permitted to claim up to 100 percent of a tenant’s state rent rebate if this is part of the lease agreement. Unfortunately, many landlords include and enforce this provision without the full understanding of the tenant or their family. The lease agreement provided to personal care homes by the State Department of Public Welfare actually includes boilerplate language claiming the rebate for landlords. When I learned of this predatory practice, I was outraged to see that
Pennsylvania law actually permitted our low-income seniors and disabled residents to be taken advantage of in this way, despite the purpose of the rent rebate, which is to help Pennsylvanians on fixed incomes. My legislation would protect tenants by preventing landlords from claiming any portion of the rent rebate. As we face difficult economic times, it is imperative that we do all we can to provide security to our residents. The property tax/ rent rebate is available to property owners and renters 65 years of age and older, widows and widowers 50 years of age and older, and permanently disabled people 18 years of age and older. Income limits are $35,000 for homeowners and $15,000 for renters, excluding half of Social Security income. If you believe you or someone you know may qualify, please contact my office at 412-343-2094 for an application and assistance.
February 2011 February 2011
Changes to 2010 tax laws From White, page 8 After more than 30 years, the opportunity for low-income workers to receive the earned income credit on an advanced basis has ended. Effective after 2010, eligible workers will have to wait until they file their returns to claim the earned income credit. It has been estimated that only 1 percent of workers eligible to receive the credit on an advanced
basis took advantage of the opportunity. The elimination of this provision helped to fund the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act of 2010, which was signed into law on August 10, 2010. Make sure to talk with your tax advisor to clarify all of the tax changes that can affect you and your tax bill. Remember to always “Maximize your refund by optimizing your deductions�.
February 2011 2011 February
The Northside Northside Chronicle Chronicle The
The Game Page Last Month’s Puzzle Solutions First published in a U.S. puzzle magazine in 1979, Sudoku caught on in Japan in 1986, and became internationally famous in 2005. The aim of Sudoku is to enter a number from 1 through 9 in each space on a 9×9 grid made up of 3×3 subgrids (called “regions”). Some of the numbers have already been given. You may not use the same number twice in a single row, column, or region of the grid. Completing the puzzle requires patience and logical ability.
Crossword puzzles provided by www. bestcrosswords.com / Used with permission.
Chronicle Crossword Across 1- Swerve sharply; 5- Narc’s org.; 8- Toll rds.; 12- German Mister; 13White-and-black bearlike mammal; 15- Cube creator Rubik; 16- Othello villain; 17- Headband; 18- Digits of the foot; 19- Ancestor; 22- Cry ___ River; 23- Biblical verb ending; 24- Remain; 26- Stanza of six lines; 29- Invalidate; 31- According to; 32- Writer Loos; 34- Pains; 36- Speech issue; 38- Lake in the Sierra Nevada; 40- Architect Saarinen; 41- Bury; 43- Pardon; 45- Afflict; 46- Ethiopian baboon; 48- Demented; 50- Network of nerves; 51- Krazy ___; 52- Coal container; 54- Powerful defoliant; 61- Dry and waterless; 63- Bellowing; 64- Combining form meaning “ dry “; 65- Slothful; 66- Glossy fabric; 67- Victor’s cry; 68- Driving aids; 69- Gal of song; 70- Cairo cobras; Down 1- Vessel; 2- Goneril’s father; 3- Exhort; 4- Wears away; 5- Hamlet, e.g.; 6- Slaughter of baseball; 7- Bustles; 8- Hanoi holiday; 9- Creative; 10- Human leg joint; 11- Slammin’ Sammy; 13- Crown of ancient Egypt; 14- Maker of Photoshop; 20- Bluesy James; 21- Baltic capital; 25- Fresh-water fish; 26- Toss; 27- Orientalize; 28- Jewelled crown worn by women; 29- Model Campbell; 30- Causing goose bumps; 31- Boxer Laila; 33- Common article; 35- Impresario Hurok; 37- Soccer legend; 39- Primitive form of wheat; 42Pro follower; 44- Boris Godunov, for one; 47- Impressionist Edgar; 49- Loss of muscle coordination; 52- Latvian, e.g.; 53- Dies ___; 55- Ages; 56- ___ bene; 57- Follow; 58- Information; 59- Clench; 60- Seemingly forever; 62Bad start?;
Page 21 23 Page
Sudoku
Page 22
The Northside Chronicle
February 2011
Page 24
The Northside Chronicle
February 2011