February 2018 Est. 1985 Your Community Newspapper
The Northside Chronicle
Volume 34 Issue 2 - FREE -
Allegheny Observatory in Riverview Park
Contributor Nick Eustis shares the history of the Pittsburgh landmark, page 16
Photo by Neil Strebig
Bradberry Garden set to open in March INSIDE THIS ISSUE By Jeff Geissler Sixteen newly renovated apartments are coming to the Garden Theater block at the corner of Reddour and Eloise streets next to the former Masonic Hall, now City of Asylum Bookstore at Alphabet City. The historic Bradberry Building will become the 16-unit Bradberry Garden under the direction and partnership of Trek Development Group and Q Development. Demolition, construction and upgrades on the building began in May of 2017. They plan to open the four-story building in March, according to Rachel DeVemey,
assistant property manager at Trek Development. The apartments will range in price from $993 to $2183 monthly. “We have four two-bedroom units, and the rest are one-bedroom. And we do have four units that will be affordable housing,” DeVemey said. In 1904, Allegheny City resident William Bradberry, president of the Anshutz-Bradberry Stove Co., hired prominent architect and fellow Allegheny City resident Frederick Osterling to design the residential building. Osterling was inspired by the Renaissance Revival style, a popular
form at the time inspired by Italian classical details such as rounded arches, columns and decorative supports carved out of stone. The noticeable decorative brick along with wide square and semi-arched window openings adorning the facade of the building is a testament to Osterling’s creativity. In addition to the Bradberry Building, Osterling also designed a number of buildings throughout Pittsburgh, including the Senator John Heinz History Center, the Union Trust Building and The Cork Cont. Bradberry, Page 5
Newsletters – Page 3 Mo Willems Exhibit– Page 4 Free Tax Prep Program – Page 6 Traffic Report – Page 7 Celebration Guide – Page 12 YINZBURGH! Comic – Page 14 MLK Jr. Day Photo Gallery – Pg. 15 Allegheny Obs. History – Page 16 New Hazlett Theater News – Pg. 17 Property Transfers – Page 18 Marketplace Feature – Page 20 Education – Page 22
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THE NORTHSIDE CHRONICLE
922 Middle St. • Pittsburgh, PA 15212
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Support Northside’s one and only free, local newspaper by becoming an advertiser or sponsor of a monthly guide. Specialty Editions January Year In Review February Celebration Guide March Summer Youth Guide April Homebuyers Guide May Health + Wellness Guide June Outside Guide July Culture Guide August Back-to-School Guide September Fall Map + Guide October Harvest Guide November Shop Small Guide December Holiday Guide 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 2017
February 2018
Community Meetings
After Jail & Prison Ministry Support Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Allegheny Center Alliance Church 412.321.4333 ext. 127 801 Union Place, first floor Allegheny West Civic Council 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 7:30 p.m. Calvary United Methodist Church 412.323.8884 Brighton Heights Citizens Federation 2nd Thursday, bi-monthly, 7 p.m. Morrow Elementary School 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 412.758.3898 Central Northside Neighborhood Council 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 412.228.0376 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. Arnold’s Tea 412.321.1204 Fineview Citizens Council 4th Wednesday, monthly, 6 p.m. 1629 Sandusky Ct. 412.231.0330 Mexican War Streets Society 3rd Monday, bi-monthly, 6:30-7 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, 6:30 p.m. 1821 Brighton Rd. 412.321.5527 NS Coalition for Fair Housing Members Monthly, call for times 1821 Brighton Rd. 412.321.5521 Northside Leadership Conference Call to confirm 1st Wednesday, monthly, 6 p.m. MCC Center, 1319 Allegheny Ave. 412.231.4714 North Side Lions Club 2nd and 4th Tuesday, monthly, noon Max’s Allegheny Tavern North Side Public Safety Council 1st Thursday, monthly, 5:30 p.m. 1319 Allegheny Ave. 1st floor meeting room 412.231.4714 ext. 201 Northside Toastmasters 2nd & 4th Thursdays, monthly, 6:30pm Carnegie Library, 1230 Federal St. 412-204-6018 Observatory Hill, Inc. 3rd Wednesday, monthly, 7 p.m. Byzantine Seminary, 3605 Perrysville Ave. 412.231.2887 Perry Hilltop Citizens’ Council 2nd Tuesday, bi-monthly, 6 p.m. The Pittsburgh Project perryhilltop@gmail.com 412.223.7144 The Promise Group Every other Tuesday, 6 p.m. Western Pa. Humane Society 412.321.1019 Troy Hill Citizens Council March 8th, June 7th, Sept 13th, Dec 13th. 1515 Tinsbury St. 412.321.2852 Spring Hill Civic League March 6, May 8, Sept. 11, Oct. 2, Nov. 6. 6 p.m, Spring Hill Elementary School auditorium, contact@shcl.org Summer Hill Citizens Committee 3rd Tuesday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. WPXI Television Station community room
Free weekly e-newsletters available by email, visit online to subscribe. Mobile friendly for on the-go reading and discovering. Find classifieds, calendars, and more. http://nschronicle.com/
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February newsletter from Councilwoman Darlene Harris February is finally here! To all of my fellow Pittsburghers who have faced the cold weather of this past January, I commend you, and I hope that the first month of the New Year treated you well. February marks a change in weather patterns, whereby we will finally have some sunny, snow-free days. However, please be aware that black ice on freezing days is still on the roads. Drive carefully, observe the speed
limits, and be especially mindful around schools, parks, and playgrounds. There are plenty of events coming up in the Northside that will be fun for families from all over the City. The third annual Mardi Gras celebration begins on February 1 and goes for two weeks. This year, more than thirty restaurants, pubs, and businesses will offer live entertainment and New Orleans
style and other Pre-Lenten inspired food and drink specials! In addition, every Wednesday at Artists Image Resource is Free Youth Open Studio. During Youth Open Studio, teens learn the silkscreen printing process, experiment with new tools and techniques, and work on independent projects. For anyone looking for an excellent after-school activity, be sure to check out Artists Image Resource on Foreland Street!
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at darlene.harris@pittsburghpa.gov or 412-255-2135. Have a happy Valentine’s Day! Darlene M. Harris, Councilwoman District 1
NSPSC February Newsletter With the recent uptick in reported influenza cases, the Northside Public Safety Council (NSPSC) would like to remind residents that with the often unpredictable weather changes and forecasts to safeguard themselves against any threatening illnesses. It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine; even if it doesn’t completely prevent you
from potentially getting the virus it can still significantly minimize flu symptoms. It goes without saying, it’s wise to remain home from school or work if one suspects themselves to have the flu or is experiencing flu-like symptoms. The best way to stop the virus is to help stop the spread of it; keep in mind this recent strand of influenza is an
airborne virus. With tax season underway, the NSPSC would like to remind residents to be wary of potential scams via phone calls, e-mail or even door-to-door. If someone asks for your personal information, do not provide them with any data unless you are 100 percent certain it is a safe and legitimate request.
The NSPSC meets the first Thursday of every month, all are welcomed and encouraged to attend. David Stacy, President of NSPSC Contact at 412-321-0295 or email at zone1psc@gmail.com.
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Mo Willems exhibit to debut at Children’s Museum By Nick Eustis The pigeon can’t drive the bus, but the kids certainly can. Come February, the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, in association with the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, will debut a special exhibit — “The Pigeon Comes to Pittsburgh: A Mo Willems Exhibit,” based on the work of children’s author and illustrator Mo Willems. “We launched down a road that we always wanted to do, and that is to work with award-winning children’s authors and artists to make the twodimensional, three-dimensional,” said marketing director Bill Schlageter. The Children’s Museum previously worked with the Massachusettsbased Eric Carle Museum on the successful 2015 exhibit “Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit.” The collaboration was something the museum has wanted to do for some time, according to Schlageter. The interactive exhibition is based on five of Willem’s acclaimed children’s books, including “Knuffle Bunny,” “Elephant and Piggie,” “Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed” and “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!,” which inspired the exhibit’s title. Mo Willems started his career in 1993, writing and animating for nine years on the classic PBS show, “Sesame Street.” He would receive 6 Emmy Awards for writing during his tenure. After leaving “Sesame Street” in 2002, Willems went on to write and illustrate several children’s book series. The “Pigeon” and “Knuffle Bunny” series would go on to win three Caldecott Medals, one of the highest honors in children’s literature. Director of exhibit design Anne Fullenkamp and her team began working with Willems and Eric Carle staff in July 2016. The design process began that fall. Fullenkamp said she worked with
Willems to determine which of his books were best to reference. Her design team would then begin to brainstorm experiences for visitors. “It’s very much an iterative process where we try something, see what happens, and go from there,” Fullenkamp said. Experiences in “Pigeon Comes to Pittsburgh” will include a wearable bus allowing kids to “drive” around the exhibit, a Naked Mole Rat fashion show, a phone booth that alters voices to sound like Elephant and Piggie, as well as a piece of 19th century animation technology to bring pictures of Elephant and Piggie to life. Pictures also feature prominently in the exhibit, because Mo Willems is an illustrator as well as an author. The exhibit will teach children about Willem’s drawing process, and include video segments featuring Willems. “We always want to share with our visitors that Mo is a real person and that he draws all these characters,” Fullenkamp said. Just as Willems creates these characters, this exhibit will bring those characters to life. For kids, that’s what is most important. “Our mission is to create experiences that inspire joy, creativity and curiosity,” Schlageter said. “I want [children] to walk away with the delight of an experience around Mo Willems’ characters.” “The Pigeon Comes to Pittsburgh” will open Feb. 17 and will be on display until Sept. 2. The exhibit will then begin a nationwide tour. For more information on the exhibit visit Children’s Museum website, pittsburghkids.org.
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February 2018
From Bradberry, Page 1 Factory Lofts. Renovations include a shared courtyard where the back section of the Garden Theater was located. This will create an open, airy space in the dense urban area. Twelve of the 16 units have a view of the courtyard, and four units only have views of Reddour Street. New apartment layouts, wall replacements and an elevator will modernize the aging building. This is a step forward for the Garden Theater Block, where developers and their proposals have come and gone for almost 30 years. Q Development and Trek Development Group first partnered in 2014 when the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh requested proposals to develop the block. The developers submitted plans to renovate the area, but zoning disputes in the area blocked their project ideas. “When the full development
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New apartment complex coming to Garden Theater block
proposal was overturned in the zoning court case, the development team agreed to pursue just the Bradberry,” said Rick Belloli, principal with Q Development. “We have a particular affinity for Frederick Osterling’s work.” Both firms hope to continue working with the city to renovate and develop that block.
“Currently, the URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) still owns and controls the other five vacant buildings on the block as well as vacant lots, and we continue to work with them on the future of that portion of the block,” Belloli said.
Photo courtesy of Bradberry Garden’s website
For more information or construction updates, visit the Bradberry Garden’s website, bradberrygarden.tumblr.com. For vacancy inquiries call 412-688-7200 Ext. 1013.
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February 2018
NSCM & United Way offer Free Tax Prep Program
By Neil Strebig
The Northside Common Ministries (NSCM) in conjunction with the United Way of Southwestern PA, will be offering free in-person tax preparation services for low-income households throughout the Northside. This marks the fifth year the NSCM has partnered with United Way and their Free Tax Prep Program. According to NSCM executive director Jay Poliziani, last year the NSCM site was able to refund nearly $55,000 to families. “It relieves a huge burden for them,” said Poliziani. The program is offered at 27 sites, in five counties throughout Southwestern PA including 19 in Allegheny County. Households making up to $66,000 annually may qualify for the free services. “It’s great. We get a lot of stories from families thanking us that this program exists. A lot of families’ use the savings refund for rent and or [their] utilities,” said United for Families program manager, Kian-
dra Foster. In 2017, the program had 457 IRS-certified and trained volunteers throughout Southwestern PA prepare over 10,000 tax returns contributing to over $1.7 million in refunds. According to Foster the services helped provide significant returns for over 200 families in Allegheny County last year, yielding approximately $200,000 in refunds. Caitlin Skaff, who has been volunteering at the NSCM since 2015, believes the program is a vital resource for families in need. “Taxes are something that everyone has to do, regardless of income or whether or not you know how to do taxes. For lower-income families who can’t afford to pay someone to do their taxes … having access to this free service is critical,” said Skaff. “If you only make $10,000 a year having to pay someone $300 to do your taxes is huge. That savings alone can help put groceries on the table or keep the lights on.” Skaff who works full-time as a grant and resource specialist for United Way of Southwestern PA,
described the volunteer training sessions as accessible and informative. Volunteers will help prepare taxes via TaxSlayer software. The program also provides assistance for families who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC is an antipoverty program that, according to Foster, many low-income households qualify for but are unaware of and often do not receive the monetary reimbursement that should be accredited towards their annual refund. The program is designed to ensure qualified households receive their ETIC and a fair return, which can be upwards of $6,000. “Helping families who may not know about the EITC credits – and other credits – could mean thousands of dollars back in their pockets. Which means they can now afford to pay their rent, fix a broken vehicle, [or] pay for childcare,” said Skaff. Both Skaff and Poliziani admitted that while the Free Tax Prep Program is an important asset for
low-income families ultimately, seeing fewer families in-need would be a positive sign. However, both acknowledged that isn’t necessarily the case at this moment in time. Until then both are committed and eager to continue helping in any capacity they can within the Free Tax Prep Program. “As a volunteer, I didn’t go into this thinking that by doing taxes for a family this year, that it would help them not need or qualify for EITC in the future, and I hope to not see them next year,” said Skaff. “But if it sets them on a path to improve their life circumstances because they receive the tax credit and have the opportunity to learn about services in the community – either through 211 or the tax site – then that is important.” This year tax preparation services at NSCM will be held Wed. and Thurs. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Interested parties can schedule an appointment by dialing 2-1-1 or online at pa211sw.org. .
February 2018
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Traffic Report
I-279 HOV lanes closed High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on I-279 will be closed overnight throughout the Pittsburgh city lines and Ross Township. Lanes will be closed from 8 p.m. till 4 a.m. starting January 29. However, during Pittsburgh Penguins home games the lanes remain
open until two hours after the game. There are three home games during the closure window: January 30, February 2 and 6. Construction will be completed by Trumbull Corporation. The project is part of the $87.94 million I-279 Parkway North Improvement
Project, which aims to repair and preserve 30 bridges and overhead sign structures across the parkway in addition to anti-icing installation on bridges at the McKnight Road interchange.
West Ohio Street Bridge closed till 2020 According to a press release from Mayor Bill Peduto’s office, the West Ohio Street Bridge will be officially closed to vehicular traffic as of January 5, 2018. After repeated deterioration, the bridge’s 3-ton weight limit is a concern for vehicular safety. The closure is
expected to last two years until repairs are finished. However, bicycle and pedestrian traffic will be still allowed to cross the bridge. The bridge extends over the Norfolk Southern Railroad near West Allegheny Commons Park. Drivers should look at alternative driving
routes via Brighton Road, North Avenue and Federal Street; detours will be monitored by Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure.
Traffic report information courtesy of PennDOT and news briefs from the office of Mayor Bill Peduto
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YINZBURGH Comics By: Nils Hanczar
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MLK Jr. Day Celebrations on the Northside
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Luca Keeper, 5, of Greenfield, builds a home during Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Children’s Museum with his mother, Cara Keeper. Gabrielle Gerssem, 6, of Monroeville, recites the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech at the Children’s Museum on January 15, 2018.
All Photos by Neil Strebig
Teagan Elsworth, 5, of Bloomfield, gets her face painted via Face Painting by Rikki at the Mattress Factory’s “MLK Jr. Day Birthday Bash.”
Tatum and Evan Miller of Brighton Heights, work on MLK Jr. cards during the Mattress Factory’s “Martin Luther King Jr. Day Birthday Bash”celebration.
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February 2018
From social club to research lab, the history of Allegheny Observatory
By Nick Eustis Walking down the flat Riverview Avenue – a road rarity for Pittsburgh – solitary rows of houses decorate the roadway. The homes and their taciturn stares quietly build anticipation as one comes faceto-face with the rest of an idyllic hill, where a landmark rests. A trio of domes sits atop Greek columns overseeing the wildlife below and the questions above. The rich chestnut brown anterior door hides generations of history in plain sight. This marble marvel is home to the Allegheny Observatory, which has sat at the summit of Observatory Hill in Riverview Park for over 100 years. Dedicated to the University of Pittsburgh in 1912, the Observatory today functions as a ground
for Pitt’s undergraduate astronomy researchers. In addition, the Observatory holds regular attractions for the public, including tours, lecture series, and open house events. However, public outreach has not always been the main focus of the Observatory. According to current director David Turnshek, the Observatory once functioned primarily as a research laboratory, public events were secondary. “The Observatory in 2018 is a lot different than it was in the early 1900s. I would say circa the mid-2000s, that’s when the research being done at Allegheny Observatory declined,” said Turnshek. While scientific research would drive the Observatory through much of its 100plus years, it was not why
the Observatory came to be. In 1858, the notable “Donati’s Comet” was visible across the world, sparking a renaissance of excitement surrounding space and celestial bodies. This wave of interest in astronomy would inspire five of Pittsburgh’s wealthiest patriarchs to create the Allegheny Telescope Association (ATA) in 1859. This began the first phase in the Allegheny Observatory’s history; one decidedly not rooted in science according to Observatory historian and tour guide, Arthur Glaser. “That phase of the Observatory’s history is one of a gentleman’s club, not a research institution,” Glaser said. After acquiring a 13-inch telescope from Henry Fitz, the ATA needed to build a suitable space to house it.
This would result in the construction of the first Allegheny Observatory on Perrysville Avenue in 1860, much closer to downtown Pittsburgh than the current observatory in Riverview Park. Just seven years later, however, the ATA would find itself in an unsustainable situation. “The interest in the club began to wane. Members were dropping off, dues weren’t being paid. So Mr. William Thaw, who was the chairman of the board of trustees, suggested that [they] liquidate the Allegheny Telescope Association,” Glaser said. Unable to sell their assets, the decision was made to donate the observatory to the Western University of Pennsylvania, known now as the University of Pittsburgh, in 1867.
That same year, the University recruited mathematics professor and astronomer Samuel Pierpont Langley from the US Naval Academy in Maryland. Langley’s tenure as director marks the start of the second phase in the Observatory’s history. It was under Langley’s tenure that research would become the primary mission of the Observatory. He would use the Observatory to study the sun, particularly the sun’s temperature, and sunspots according to Observatory manager of operations Louis Coban. Read the whole story online at www.nschronicle.com.
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February 2018
Artists explore human connection at the New Hazlett Theater By Tyler Dague From beneath large sheets of flexible fabric emerge the forms of three performers, each trying to communicate with the other. The music matches their movements as sensors relay data about their positions on the stage. Through touch and separation, the interplay of the performers creates a series of scenes that play with connection and withdrawal – social sensations many of us grapple with throughout our lives. Such an otherworldly synthesis of sculpture, sound, movement and storytelling comes to the New Hazlett Theater in Allegheny Center on February 8 at
8 p.m., kicking off the first Community Supported Artist (CSA) Performance of 2018. Entitled “Apart From Me,” the mixed media event features sculptor H. Gene Thompson, multimedia musician Arvid Tomayko and dancers Anna Azizzy and Ru Emmons as they explore themes of bonding and the barriers that lead to disconnect. The work takes place largely beneath fabric as Thompson, Azizzy and Emmons create a series of real-time sculptures that each contribute to the larger story. As they move,
sensors feed information to Tomayko, also on stage, who controls the sounds and music for the performance. Taken together, the mix of artistry tells a story about modern interactions and what gets lost in translation when the human element is unclear. Since the performers are covered, it forces them to communicate in other ways, especially when they can’t see each other. A tug on the fabric, a hand suddenly raised telegraphs where they are in the void. “Even if we touch, we can’t find a way to each other,” Thompson
Continued CSA , Page 20
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Allegheny City Central Beverly L Pettus McGhee to Ellyn Inc. at 424 N. Taylor Ave. for $44,001. Steel City Group LLC to Christian Oscar Perez at 1217 Reddour St. for $365,000. Amy Schultz to Natalie Leland at 516 N. Taylor Ave. for $342,000. Larry Hall to Gillian McTiernan at 1202 Resaca Place for $262,900. Property Trio LLC to Rachel O’Brien and John Lawrence Lindberg at 1309 Sherman Ave. for $120,000. Sharon Joseph to Fiona Kelman at 216 Jacksonia St. for $275,000. John Engle Jr. to Kevin Kuntz and Julien Eckstrom at 1526 Monterey St. for $289,000. Marcella Fowlkes to Elizabeth Pearson at 528 W. Jefferson St. for $14,912. Erika Andino to Pamela Fernando at 1210 Lorraine St. for $75,000. Gabton LLC to Daniel Meyer and Christopher Fisher at 101 Jacksonia St. for $294,000. Brighton Heights MTGLQ Investors L.P. to Mark Moraca at 1471 Benton Ave. for $75,500. Robert Bennett to William Blansett at 1511 Cooper Ave. for $215,000. Bank America NA to Steven White Jr. at 1909 Marmaduke St. for $85,000. Victor Mullen to Brittnea Turner at 1439 Davis Ave. for $95,000. Harriet Jane Brickell to Bank America NA at 1909 Marmaduke St. for $60,000 by sheriff’s deed. Karl Limmer to Dequan Jiao at 1901 Termon Ave. for $32,500. Nathan Brown to Eugene Holden at 3605 Laird St. for $170,000. Glow Properties LLC to Enzo Ventures LLC at 3406 California Ave. for $108,000. Albert Dutzik Jr. to Alex Carson at 109 Cobbler Circle for $184,000. Gregory Boyd et al. to David Kreimer and Robin Kent at 1818 Kleber St. for $270,138. Jeffrey Worsinger to 642 Carothers L.P. at 1906 Morrell St. for $75,000. Vecellio Properties LLC to NCRC Housing Rehab Fund LLC at 4017 Oswald St. for $62,000. US Bank NA trustee to AT ST 2 LLC Series 1 at 106 Richbarn Road for $43,500. Gary Stutz to Patrick Rakszawski and Andrew Paul Weier Jr. at 1855 Wittmer St. for $140,800. Kathleen Favorite to Alyssa Drobka at 3946 Kleber St. for $267,448. Ohio River Ventures LLC to Christopher Rudolph at
1257 San Pedro St. for $145,500. Brightwood James Duchak to Rosemary DeBar at 2706 Holbrook St. for $15,000. Richard Riggs to Albert Hall and Devon Dill at 2710 Stayton St. for $100,000. Bank New York Mellon trustee to Neil Okeefe at 3227 Central Ave. for $13,000. Cope IV to George Reffert Jr. at 14 Courtright St. for $20,000. Howard Gramby to Eric Young at 3113 Shadeland Ave. for $20,000. Joseph aka Jozef Czajka estate et al. to Marquest Page at 1436 Woods Run Ave. for $30,000. Marquest Page to Todd Lind at 1436 Woods Run Ave. for $65,000. Califorinia-Kirkbride North Side Assoc. to Northside Properties Residences 1 LLC at 1010 Morrison St. for $3,240,000. Mistick PBT to North Side Assoc. at 1617 Brighton Road for $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $78,204). Bradlin Spencer to Karalyn Smith and Olisaemeka Okonkwo at 1532 Brighton Place for $180,000. Charles St. Valley Pittsburgh City to Patrick Lewis at 1815 N. Charles St. for $8,500. Karen Boyd to North Side Assoc. at 2533 N. Charles St. for $24,400. Corinne Wilson to KJN Grant LLC at 2535 N. Charles St. for $22,000. East Deutschtown Ronald Bittner to PNC Bank NA at 868 Vista St. for $2,990 by sheriff’s deed. October Real Estate Holdings LLC to Arrakis LLC at Phineas St. for $314,710. Christophas Walker to Ellie Harward at 1017 Vinial St. for $195,000. John McGrath et al. to Chera Pupi and Quiana Brown at 827 Concord St. for $298,000. Emerencia Torma to Salvatore Richetti at 833 Tripoli St. for $50,000. Kelly A Elsesser Kennedy to ARBL’N LLC at 1014 Chestnut St. for $15,000. Fineview Aice Davis to Edgar Jackson Jr. at 304 Lafayette Ave. for $30,000. Estate of Mark Schneider to ARBL’N LLC at 1732 Warren St. for $30,000. Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority to Pittsburgh City Housing Authority at 1627-1645 Federal Street for $80,288.
Historic Deutschtown Guy Schutzeus et al. to 501 Properties LLC at 435 E. Ohio St. for $150,000. East Allegheny Community Council Inc. to October Real Estate Holdings LLC at Foreland St. for $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $5,130). Heather Sprague to Joshua and Christy Cozby at 907 James St. for $279,540. Ian Short to Riverstone Property Solutions LLC at 520 Pressley St. for $72,000. Manchester Significance 3251 Inc. to Dean Walters and Stephanie Lewis at 1437 Sheffield St. for $412,500. Federal National Mortgage Assn. to Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group at 1309 Columbus Ave. for $20,000. Typ 2 LLC to Nicholas and Jean Steele at 1119 Fulton St. for $299,000. Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal to Manchester Citizens Corp. at 1810 Fulton St. for $75,000. Pittsburgh City to Manchester Youth Development Center at 1525 Sedgwick St. for $6,900. Observatory Hill Christiana Trust trustee to New Lockhart LLC at 3322 Delaware St. for $29,900 New Lockhart LLC to Ryan Kegges and Kiersten Erlanson at 3001 Oak Park Road for $180,000. John Richardson Jr. to Tyler Rathvon at 4040 Oakdale St. for $137,000. Stephen Kalla to Ken Clark at 208 Venture St. for $64,500. James Wally to Semper REI LLC at 4004 Vinceton St. for $64,000. Sara Forkosh to Richard and Ronald Werner at 404 Wabana St. for $24,000. Shelly Evans to Kevin Scott at 3815 Perrysville Ave. for $195,000. New Lockhart LLC to Rose Property Holdings PA LLC at 3322 Delaware St. for $35,000. E* Trade Bank to Mustafa Kizilkaya at 3860 East St. for $25,000. Debora Wells to Dustin Evan Haynes at 202 Bascom Ave. for $112,500. Gill Drilevich to Emmanuel Niyibizi and Jonas Sibomana at 3631 Baytree St. for $44,000. Donna Jarmulowski to JPMorgan Chase Bank NA at 3816 Baytree St. for $2,321 by sheriff’s deed. Antonio Gatto to Morning Rain Holdings LLC at 11 Perryview Ave. for $15,000. Enterprise Bank to Sharon Milstein at 14 Radium St. for $42,000.
February 2018
Perry Hilltop HSBC Bank USA NA trustee to Douglas Costa at 2623 Perrysville Ave. for $2,000. CN 110 Enterprises LLC to Sequoia Residential LLC at 2624 Norwood Ave. for $20,000. Spring Garden Peter Johnson to H & M Assoc. LLC at 1246 Spring Garden Ave. for $20,000. Bradley Capital Investments LLC to Vito Santorsola at 920 Mina St. for $13,200. Carl Hoffield to Mid West Pre Sort Mailing Services Inc. at Welser Way for $20,000. Rebecca Gee to Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency at 1700 High St. for $1,845 by sheriff’s deed. Estate of Fran Zalec to Equity Trust Co. Cust FBO #200251015 IRA at 1430 High St. for $50,000. Spring Hill Estate of Ronald Fosbaught to Brannigan Sherise McClinton at 5 Nettie St. for $38,000. Deborah A Silleck Warren to Stephanie Wallace and Christopher Cassady at 905 Haslage Ave. for $80,000. Jack Weber to Heather McDonald at Hunnell St. for $9,500. Anthony Beatty to Maria Michelle Sriprasert and Stephen Edward Listak at 2114 Harbor St. for $146,900. Brianna Moskal et al. to Steven and Janet Hebbe at 2147 Harbor St. for $100,537. George Seskey to Nicklaus Schubert and Kenneth Tester Jr. at 94 Overbeck St. for $8,000. Summer Hill Matthew Gauntner to Jason and Molly O’Malley Argueta at 328 Ivory Ave. for $211,150. James Pasquine to John Sibbet at 4263 Evergreen Road for $115,500. Troy Hill Daniel Albanese to Jefferson and Debra Porter at 2107 Straubs Lane for $15,000. Estate of Wayne F aka Hegerty to Troy Hill Homes LLC at 2005 Veronica St. for
$56,000 by sheriff’s deed. Joshua Snyder trustee to Thomas and Cynthia Hart at 52 Waterfront Drive for $425,000.
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February 2018
Ask An Attorney
by Matthew D. Gailey It’s February and that means we have to deal with the harsh Northside winters. In addition to worrying about driving in difficult conditions, people and businesses should also be aware to shovel and salt their sidewalks. The failure to do so can lead to litigation that can cause monetary losses and untold grief. This month’s submission will focus on this specific area of negligence law. All property owners, both businesses and private homeowners should take steps to keep their sidewalks clear from ice and snow. If somebody falls on your property due to your negligence or a failure to clear the sidewalks, then you can be liable to that person. Like other negligence cases, for a property owner to be liable for harm to individuals who fall on the snow or ice at their property, the owner must have acted in an unreasonable manner.
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Broadly speaking, it will be difficult for a slip and fall plaintiff to win a lawsuit if they fall due to generally slippery conditions caused by inclement weather. If a plaintiff was injured by falling on hills and ridges in the snow or ice that had been allowed to form due to the property owner’s failure to clear the slipping hazard, then the property owner will be held liable for the plaintiff’s injuries. This allows property owners a reasonable amount of time to clear their sidewalks of snow and ice. Essentially, Pennsylvania Courts will impose liability if the property owner unreasonably fails to clear the ice and/or snow. There are numerous other factual issues in these cases, such as could the plaintiff have avoided the ice, did a condition with the property such as a leaky gutter in the winter cause an icy condition, or was the snow removal adequate and etc. It is important to avoid these situations and to prevent lawsuits by taking care of your sidewalks by keeping them safe. If you have any questions about this area of law, please feel free to give me a call.
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From CSA, Page 17 said. “Are we separated? Are we connected? There’s this confusion. That’s when I translate things about systems of oppression.” That dancing and movement is essential to the sounds of the production as the small sensors have a wifi connection that allows real-time data and orientation and motion and tilt and rotation to generate music. Yet, Tomayko still has everything within his control. “There’s also a video element to the sensors,” Tomayko explained. “So I’ll be saying, ‘OK, computer. Focus on this side of the stage and capture this movement to make a sound.’ Or I’ll be conducting and using Gene’s specific motion data to perform with this instrument.” In dealing with such heavy subject matter, Thompson and Tomayko acknowledged a level of unease in the tableaux created in “Apart From Me.” However, several surprising
By Neil Strebig
February 2018
A quartet of artists explore modern interactions moments also add bits of comedy. “There’s underlying darkness that’s evident,” Thompson said. “However, I’d say that we’re putting this light humor on top of it. It is a layered piece.” After meeting in 2014 in Providence, Tomayko and Thompson became frequent collaborators in addition to touring separately around the country. “Apart From Me” is the culmination a year’s planning and rehearsal process after being chosen by the New Hazlett last March. Tomayko revealed it was the largest format piece they’ve ever done together. “I do believe that we’re going for a direction with this series of work,” Thompson said. “It’s not a random multimedia piece that we’re pulling out of thin air. We’ve been building to this point.” However, Thompson admitted theater was a new medium to her, but
she was excited to utilize the array of possibilities presented by the New Hazlett such as lighting direction and feedback from the staff. “With all of these new opportunities and tools, we’re exploring more than just an abstract concept,” Thompson said. “What are the motives of these characters? Throughout the piece, there are two people who are connecting and one person who is like the monkey in the middle.” Tomayko explained that the sculptural elements stand in for technology and how it can be an advantage or a hindrance. How well the characters seem to navigate the fabric takes on elements of communication, with one trying to break through to the others. While “Apart From Me” is an abstract work that involves performers, both artists were adamant that their work was not performance art.
“When [people] ask me if my work is performance art – I shut it down. It’s sculpture that I’m performing,” Thompson said. “Oftentimes, performance artists are not creating an image. It becomes highly conceptual in a dry way. Combining sophisticated technology, musicianship, sculpture, dance and a few unexpected twists, Thompson and Tomayko are hopeful their themes of connection shine through the serious (and occasionally silly) nature of “Apart From Me.” “We see the fabric as sort of these membranes,” Tomayko said. “You could be in there with someone, in which case it’s keeping you together. Or you could be on the other side, and you know someone else is there. You can feel them, but you just aren’t quite there [with them].”
Café on the Corner, looks to rebuild community through food and family
Doug Phillips sits at the middle high top table, smiling as he dives in for another bite of his grilled turkey Rueben. In between bites he talks about his family with Michael Blackwell, who informs “Brother Doug” that the vegetable lasagna he asked for is finished. For Phillips, Café on the Corner is a one-stop destination for lunch, dinner and a side of wholesome conversation with a neighbor. “It’s really nice having a restaurant in the community,” said Phillips, a Brightwood native since 2001. He’s been enjoying Café on the Corner since their opening in August of 2014. The Café, which is owned and operated by Michael and Lateresa Blackwell, originally started as an answer to a problem. 2700 Shadeland Avenue was first home to the nuisance bar, Home Plate Bar. The establishment was shut down and purchased by the nearby, New Hope Church, which the Blackwells are members of. Home Plate Bar was replaced by the ambitious business venture, Café
‘n’ Creamery. However, selling gelato and espresso, “wasn’t [for] this type of community,” according to Lateresa. Shortly after Café ‘n’ Creamery closed the Blackwells – equipped with an understanding of what they believed the Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood needed – began to help clean up the building and eventually as Lateresa puts it “jumped in.” “We felt this space was so vital to the continued growth of our community,” said Lateresa. The couple submitted their business proposal to The Michael and Lateresa Blackwell of Café,on the Corner New Hope for Neighborhood and Kitchen of Grace. Hill, South Hills or North Hills to Renewal and within months they were officially open. However, enjoy a beautiful place to dine when they can just walk out their back the Café on the Corner of 2014 has door and enjoy a very good meal?” evolved slightly since that grand The restaurant has continued that opening. collective approach, but within “It’s all to do with community,” said Michael. “The concept my wife the last year, the Blackwells have also begun working on a nonprofit and I came up with is why do they extension of the restaurant, Kitchen [residents] have to go to Squirrel
Photo by Neil Strebig
of Grace. “We’re empowering the young people to have a voice and bring forth their ideas,” said Lateresa. Read more about Kitchen of Grace online at www.nschronicle.com. The Local Marketplace Section is supported by PNC Community Development Banking with funding from the PNC Foundation.
February 2018
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February 2018
National Aviary welcomes two new exhibits Baby Two-toed Linneau’s Sloth, Vivien
The 20-week-old Linnaeus’s Two-toed Sloth is the newest member of the National Aviary’s growing sloth population. Vivien joins two other sloths, Valentino and Wookie who currently reside at the National Aviary. We are delighted to welcome another sloth,” said executive director Cheryl Tracy in a statement. “Public response to the arrival of Valentino in 2016 was and has continued to be overwhelmingly positive, and with so much interest in seeing and learning about this remarkable species, we felt that the time was right to introduce another.” Vivien currently measures at 14.5 inches long and weighs approximately 2.5 pounds. Beginning January 9, guests will be able to see her during daily ‘sloth talks’ at 12:30 p.m. Starting this month guests will be able to interact with Vivien during sloth encounters and have the opportunity to take selfies with the sloth or “slothies” as National Aviary handler, Christa
Gaus calls them. “We want to keep it a fairly intimate experience,” Gaus said in regards to the sloth encounters which will help promote sloth and rainforest education. The sloth encounters are 30-minute sessions that cost an additional $150 to the price of admission. For more information visit the National Aviary’s website, www.aviary. org or call at 412-3237235.
Vivien, is a Linneau’s Two-toed Sloth born on August 21, 2017.
Photo by Neil Strebig
Two baby African Penguin Chicks Two baby African Penguin chicks hatched Dec. 16 and 20, respectively, are now on public view at the National Aviary. The two chicks were nested by Sidney and Bette, and their incubating process was displayed live via the National Aviary’s Penguin Nest Cam. The two chicks have moved out of their nest and into the Avian Care Center window across from Penguin Point. During a media preview Jan. 12, both chicks were given a medical exam by Dr. Pilar Fish, director of veterinary medicine. The older chick weighed in at 274 grams and the younger chick weighed in at 624 grams (approximately 22 ounces each). The gender of both chicks is unknown at this point. According to National Aviary staff member Teri Grendzinski, the sex is determined via a feather DNA test. It will take several weeks before the results are confirmed. The climate-controlled Avian Care Center will allow staff members to carefully watch over the chicks. Once they reach maturity, they will
rejoin their parents in Penguin Point, which currently holds 20 adult African Penguins. In addition to viewing the growth of the baby penguins, guests will have the opportunity to listen to a daily Penguin Chick Talk at 2 p.m. in front of the Aviary Care Center window. The discussion will educate guests on the importance of Penguin Point and why the survival of African The younger African Penguin chick looks towards Penguins is so important. camera. Both chicks are currently on display at the The species is listed on Aviarn Care Center window the IUCN Red of List of Threatened Species due to a population below 25,000 worldwide.
the
Photo by Neil Strebig
February 2018
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