Jan. 2021 Est. 1985
The Northside Chronicle
Volume 37 Issue 1 - FREE -
The Community Newspaper of Pittsburgh’s Historic Northside
WYEPFM's Joey Spehar, Northside born and bred By Matthew Benusa Pay no attention to the man behind the microphone. Rather, it’s OK to pay no attention, the man says. Joey Spehar, 37, is best known around Pittsburgh for his voice—the one you hear every weekday morning from 6 to 10 a.m. on WYEP-FM—but in the Northside, he’s better known for his family. The Spehars own Marshall’s, Ltd., a gas station on Spring Garden Avenue, and they’ve been Northside residents for at least four generations. In the family Marshall’s, which is really more of a general store, has been in the family
Photo: Ashlee Green
Mayor Peduto joined both representatives from Northside community organizations and developers on Dec. 3, 2020 for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the official opening of the new Comfort Inn & Suites on East Ohio Street. The 96-room hotel was originally expected to open in 2019. Read the full story below. More photos available on our website: www.nschronicle.com.
Northside Comfort Inn now officially open Over a decade has passed since the Comfort Inn & Suites project in Pittsburgh’s Northside was first imagined. Now it’s open for business, and developers hope it will be a ‘lynchpin’ for more expansion in the area. Photo courtesy of Joey Spehar
Joey Spehar, host of WYEP-FM's Morning Mix, has lived in Pittsburgh's Northside his entire life. He's seen many changes take place over the years and says he can't help but feel connected to the buildings of yesteryear. since 1993 when Spehar says his father purchased it from the former owners for $32,000. Open 364 days a year—“... Even See Spehar, Page 11
INSIDE
By Ashlee Green The new Comfort Inn & Suites in Pittsburgh’s Northside is now officially open. A ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Thursday, Dec. 3, and John Elash, of hotel developer October Development, along with several other affiliated representatives, spoke to a small crowd about what the day meant to him. Elash said it was also his daughter’s
- Steeler visits Pittsburgh King, Page 6 STORIES, COLUMNS, - 2020: Year in Review, Page 16 FEATURES & MORE - Northside Business Briefs, Page 22
11th birthday, which reminded him that the Comfort Inn & Suites project has been a work-in-progress for about the same length of time. The 96-room hotel was originally expected to open in 2019. Mark Masterson, executive director of the Northside Community Development Fund, which has a $500K loan in the hotel project, thanked everyone who has been involved in the project from the start and praised the hotel ownership for sticking
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with it long-term. Mark Fatla, executive director of the Northside Leadership Conference, likened the people involved in the hotel’s planning and development process to a choir and the completed hotel the final “great performance.” “The community had a plan for this corner,” he said, and the developers’ plan See Comfort Inn, Page 8
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The Northside Chronicle
District 1 News: Councilman Wilson In 2020, as a community, we had some serious conversations about the social inequities the COVID-19 pandemic has cast in stark relief as well as the need for alternatives
Photo courtesy of the Office of Councilman Wilson
In this month's column, Councilman Wilson announces the City's new partnership with Allegheny Health Network, an effort to bring relief to people experiencing homelessness in Pittsburgh's Northside. to policing. I’m looking forward to seeing these conversations turn into action in 2021. Today I’d like to talk about one of the ways the City is turning words into action. The Mayor’s Office and Allegheny Health Network (AHN) received a $1.2 million grant to build three homeless outreach teams in Police Zones 1, 2, and 5. These teams will work to help individuals experiencing homelessness navigate the health care and human services landscape, as well as reduce potentially harmful interactions with law enforcement and the criminal justice system. The main components of the program are: • • • • •
Dedicated street outreach teams Neighborhood-based outreach offices Helping people better connect with health care Helping people navigate the criminal justice system Co-responding with public safety
I know that our Northside neighborhoods, especially around Allegheny Commons, have been frustrated for many years at seeing people who are visibly struggling. Sometimes it feels like there is no end in sight and no services available to solve the complex issues that leave people stranded outside. While
I certainly do not want to promise that this new initiative will totally solve poverty and homelessness, I am optimistic that this AHN partnership will finally bring long-overdue relief to some of our most vulnerable residents here on the Northside. The path to recovery from homelessness can be complex and challenging. This new Northside outreach team seeks to be a consistent presence alongside people experiencing homelessness as they navigate multiple social service systems. This team also intends to become a consistent and reliable resource for neighbors who have concerns about homelessness on the Northside and how it affects them. The new Northside team lead, Heidi Allison, is a Northside resident who has been involved with the Northside Homeless Alliance for several years, where she has worked toward solutions that improve the lives of all of our Northside neighbors. A central feature of the new outreach team’s work is to continue building trusting relationships with public safety to prevent repeated interactions with law enforcement, realize the potential of those interactions to lead to connections with services, and divert individuals experiencing homelessness from jail. This team will partner with police and EMS to provide meaningful linkages to housing and physical and behavioral health providers through a model where both law enforcement and social services respond to calls for help. This year, more than ever, we have come to recognize the complexity of the work of our partners in public safety, and we welcome the creation of the City’s new Office of Community Health and Safety as it pushes to provide much needed support to police, EMS, and fire. This model provides service connections to individuals during or after interactions with responders from all these agencies. It also brings expertise at the moment of contact with public safety services and provides opportunities for faster access to safe housing, benefits, and related social services. Under this program, dedicated staff will work and walk with participants to navigate health systems to ensure access to longterm housing. Wherever someone may be in their recovery from homelessness, helping them maintain their sense of well-being is critical. Homelessness and housing instability are critically important social determinants of health. To prioritize health and well-being for people experiencing homelessness, the new team is continuing to build and strengthen relationships with existing services and supports to rapidly connect people to them. This project is housed within AHN’s Center for Inclusion Health (CIH), whose mission is to provide outstanding health care to all people in the region served by AHN, especially socially marginalized and vulnerable populations. We anticipate that the strengths of this health-focused outreach model will complement the strengths of existing housing-focused outreach models. This new program is especially critical during the pandemic because homeless populaContinued on Page 4
January 2021
Community Meetings After Care/Prison Ministry Support Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Allegheny Center Alliance Church 801 Union Place, first floor 412.321.4333 ext. 397 Allegheny City Central Association 2nd Monday, monthly Call for more details 412.465.0192 Allegheny West Civic Council 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 7:30 p.m. Calvary United Methodist Church Now via Zoom 412.323.8884 Brighton Heights Citizens Federation 2nd Thursday, bi-monthly, 7 p.m. Morrow Elementary School Now via Zoom 412.734.0233 Brightwood Civic Group 1st Tuesday, monthly, 6 p.m. Pressley Ridge, 2611 Stayton St. 412.732.8152 Brightwood Community Emergency Response Shelter 3rd Thursday, monthly, 6 p.m. 3219 Central Ave. California-Kirkbride Blockwatch 3rd Thursday, monthly, 7 p.m. 1601 Brighton Rd., 3rd floor California-Kirkbride Neighbors 2nd Thursday, monthly, 7 p.m. 1601 Brighton Rd., 3rd floor Now via Zoom 412.758.3898 Charles Street Area Council 1st Monday, monthly, call for times Pittsburgh Project, 2801 N. Charles St. Now via Zoom 412.886.6786 Community Alliance of Spring Garden/East Deutschtown 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. Fuhrer Building of St. Michael’s Church 412.228.0376 Deutschtown New Hope Council 3rd Thursday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. Community Center, 623 Suismon St. East Allegheny Community Council 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 7 p.m. Call for more details 412.321.1204 Fineview & Perry Hilltop Citizens Councils 4th Tuesday, monthly, 6-8 p.m. Contact for location info@ourfuturehilltop.org 412-238-7528 Mexican War Streets Society 3rd Monday, bi-monthly, 6:30 p.m. 1400 Buena Vista St. 412.323.9030
Manchester Citizens Corporation Quarterly meetings, call for times MCC Center, 1319 Allegheny Ave. 412.323.1743 Manchester Public Safety Meeting Quarterly meetings, call for times Northside Leadership Conference 412.323.1743 Northside Rotary Club Every Friday, noon Cardello Building, 2nd Floor NS Coalition for Fair Housing Board 2nd Monday, monthly, 6 p.m. 1821 Brighton Rd. 412.321.5527 NS Coalition for Fair Housing Members Monthly, call for times 1821 Brighton Rd. 412.321.5521 Northside Leadership Conference Call to confirm 1st Wednesday, monthly, 6 p.m. MCC Center, 1319 Allegheny Ave. Now via Zoom 412.231.4714 North Side Lions Club 2nd and 4th Tuesday, monthly, noon Max’s Allegheny Tavern 412-366-8512 North Side Public Safety Council 1st Thursday, monthly, 5:30 p.m. 1319 Allegheny Ave. 1st floor meeting room 412.231.4714 ext. 201, Now via Zoom Northside Toastmasters 2nd & 4th Thursdays, monthly, 6:30 p.m. Carnegie Library, 1230 Federal St. Now via Zoom http://northsidetoastmastersclubs.org Observatory Hill, Inc. 3rd Wednesday, monthly, 7 p.m. Byzantine Seminary, 3605 Perrysville Ave. 412.736.2489 http://www.observatoryhill.net The Promise Group Every other Tuesday, 6 p.m. Western Pa. Humane Society 412.321.1019 Troy Hill Citizens Feb. 12, April 8, June 10, Aug. 12, Oct. 14, Dec. 9., 6 p.m. Most Holy Name School Hall 1515 Tinsbury St. 412.321.2852 Spring Hill Civic League March 1, May 3, Sept. 13, Oct. 4, Nov. 1 6 p.m, Spring Hill Elementary School auditorium, Now via Zoom, contact@shcl.org Summer Hill Citizens Committee 3rd Tuesday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. WPXI Television Station community room
DISCLAIMER: The viewpoints and opinions of the writers and contributors that appear in the Northside Chronicle do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints, opinions, beliefs or positions of the Northside Chronicle’s publishers, editors, staff and/or affiliates. The Northside Chronicle is not affiliated with any formal political, social, religious, educational or philosophical organization or party of any kind. The materials comprising the Northside Chronicle are provided by various organizations, community groups, advertisers, entities, writers and contributors and are provided as a service to the readers of the Northside Chronicle on an “as-is” basis for informational purposes only. The Northside Chronicle assumes no responsibility for any copyright infringement, errors or omissions in these materials and expressly disclaims any representations or warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose regarding the correctness, accuracy, completeness, timeliness and reliability of the information provided. The Northside Chronicle is not responsible for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance upon such information. Reference herein to any commercial product, process or service does not constitute or imply endorsement or favoring by the Northside Chronicle. © The Northside Chronicle 2020
The Northside Chronicle
January 2021
District 20 News: Rep. Kinkead Happy New Year, Northsiders! I am incredibly humbled and grateful to be your new state representative for the 20th Legislative District. The new year is a time of change and hope for new beginnings. After 2020, I think we all are looking for both! This year begins with many of the challenges we faced in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic is still raging, and so many have been directly affected. While vaccines are on the horizon, distribution and accessibility remain in question. Our friends, neighbors, relatives, and local businesses are struggling to stay afloat. Federal aid is being stymied by partisanship, while our state and local resources are running low. This pandemic brings into stark contrast the cracks and breaks in our system and clearly demonstrates how imperative it is to increase investments in our social safety net. It has shown how desperately we need accessible, affordable health care that is not tied to employment, paid sick leave, and a living wage that helps all workers save for a rainy day – or year. I write today with the knowledge that we have serious problems to solve in our community and that everyone must be heard to work together to fight for change. I was elected to be your voice in Harrisburg. I will listen to your needs here and take them directly to the state Capitol. I
promise to push for real change on many issues, including criminal justice, economic development, health care, and more. One big issue includes raising our state’s mini-
Photo courtesy of the office of Rep. Kinkead
In this month's column, State Rep. Emily Kinkead lays out her plan to fight for real change in 2021.
mum wage to $15 per hour, which is long overdue. But I won’t end there – I will demand systemic changes to ensure that hard working residents have the money and support they need to take care of themselves and their families. True leadership means rolling up your sleeves and doing the hard work to get us where we need to be, and that takes vision and an unwavering commitment to be the champion for everyone, especially the most vulnerable among us. While many of you are frustrated or disheartened with the performance of government on your behalf, please know that I will do everything in my power to protect and serve working families, strengthen and invest in our communities, and create a working government that is by and for the people – one that we can believe in again. If you have a concern or question, please reach out to me by email at RepKinkead@pahouse.net or call me at 412321-5523. My staff and I are happy to help you. State Rep. Emily Kinkead represents the 20th Legislative District in Allegheny County. n
Find more columns by your local representatives at www.nschronicle.com
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District 1 News, continued Continued from Page 2 tions are uniquely vulnerable to COVID-19. Group living, higher rates of chronic health problems, limited ability to shelter-in-place and isolate, and the disproportionate impact of service spaces closing their doors now all contribute to this elevated risk. Access to neighborhood-based street outreach alongside physical, behavioral, and social health-focused interventions will improve opportunities for effective infection control and for mitigating predictable consequences, including the exacerbation of underlying mental health and substance use disorders, opioid overdose risks, and chronic medical conditions. This group has been driving novel solutions to COVID-19 testing among the homeless population. I am so pleased that they will be a part of ensuring equitable vaccine access for those experiencing homelessness in the coming months.
To maximize access to needed resources, the new AHN outreach team is collaborating and coordinating with partners in this work. When we all come together, we can accomplish so much more than as individual groups. Neighborhood-based service hubs and shared spaces will enable AHN and partner agencies to work side-by-side in integrated delivery models. Outreach relationships can then be effectively translated to strong referrals and team-based care. I look forward to bringing the community together to meet outreach members in the new year. In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact Heidi Allison, the new outreach lead at Heidi.Allison@ahn.org or (412) 396-9447. If you have any other questions or concerns, call us at (412) 255-2135, email us at district1@pittsburghpa.gov, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We look forward to hearing from you. n
January 2021
Get The Good Guys
Monthly message of inspiration About a week before Christmas, I was getting ready to head home from work, and I took a moment to glance out the window. It was snowing and moving toward dusk and I wanted to assess the driving situation. As the heavy snow swirled in the darkening sky, I looked out at Allegheny Commons Park. You couldn’t miss the words “hope” and “peace” illuminated in the darkness. They looked beautiful, a glowing beacon in the storm, a powerful reminder for all to see. In retrospect, I realize that moment at the window, with the words “hope” and “peace” shining in the snowstorm, was a perfect representation for 2020. Nobody was ready for the storm that was the novel coronavirus. As more and more people became ill, and circumstances got worse, we hunkered down and waited for the skies to clear. Unfortunately, COVID-19 lasted much longer than that snowstorm. Ten months later we are still waiting for the skies to clear – for masks to disappear, for businesses to stay open, and for some semblance of normalcy to return to our lives. We are desperately seeking that guiding light in the storm. The Christmas season reminds us of another time when life was harsh, and the world was waiting for a beacon and God sent his own Son. John 1:4-5 states, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Jesus is the light in the darkness, the source of hope and peace, the beacon in every storm. But He did not come just to bless us. He also called us to bless each other: “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34 NIV) Northside friends, each one of us has the responsibility to love our neighbors: the neighbors we like, the neighbors we don’t like, even those we don’t know. But how do
we love our neighbors when we can’t even smile at them without a mask? PERSONAL INJURY | AUTO ACCIDENTS | MEDICAL MALPRACTICE Civil and human rights activist Ella Baker once said, “Give light and people will SLIP, TRIP & FALLS | CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS | EMPLOYER VIOLATIONS
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Jen Lawlor, creative arts director at Allegheny Center Alliance Church, urges Northsiders to share hope and peace with one another in 2021. find the way.” So, as we leave 2020 behind, let’s not forget the beautiful reminder in Allegheny Commons Park. Let us consider the ways in which we can shine the light of love on each other. And ask ourselves, “How can I share “hope” and “peace” in 2021? Jen Lawlor is the creative arts director at Allegheny Center Alliance Church. n
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January 2021
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Riverview Park News: Great horned owl sightings Winter provides surprising opportunities in Riverview Park: There is no better time to explore the park’s landscape, tree shapes, and animal behavior. Although it gets dark early, the park is still open and hiking in the dark is fascinating— even mysterious. A favorite winter activity is looking for great horned owls (GHO). Starting in December, you could listen for GHO as they begin courtship, mating, and nesting. Great horned owls mate for life and the pair resides in the same two to four mile area year round, however they only live together while raising their young. Male owls can be heard hooting: it’s their way of warning other males about their territory and renewing their relationship with their mate. Active courtship doesn’t last long, but then the owls are already acquainted! In mid-December, park visitors witnessed a male and female cozying up in an evergreen, so it appears that the process is already underway. Simultaneous to courting and mating, the owls establish a nest. GHOs do not build their own. They take over another species’ space, a hawk or squirrel’s nest, for example, or they may move into a tree or building cavity. They move into a new nest each year, so it’s a challenge for park users to find the owls’ new digs. Typically there are two eggs and incubation is between 21 and 35 days. The eggs must be kept warm or they may not hatch.
Given the time of year, the female is usually on the nest and the male will bring food. Chicks’ eyes open on about day 10 and soon after, they are avid witnesses to everything happening around them. They will remain in the nest for about six weeks, fledge in April, and within a few weeks, leave to find their own territory. For the last two years, Riverview visitors have been delighted to view GHO nests, with two owlets each, immediately next to the road. The huge amount of attention paid to the nests can be concerning as owls will attack when threatened. This past October, while backpacking in Colorado, a GHO came within five feet of my head as I bedded down for the night in what appeared to be an unoccupied meadow. Because owls’ feathers enable them to fly without making a sound, any encounter will occur without warning. As the grip in their sharp talons is 10 times the grip of a human, contact can be very dangerous. Thankfully, our urban birds seem to be accustomed to, and tolerant of, our interest. In fact, the owlets seem to find humans as interesting as we find them. Other interesting facts about the GHO: • GHO horns are not their ears; those are found on the side of the head and they are asymmetrical, which means their ears are located at different heights on their head. This allows their ears to pinpoint the location of sounds in multiple dimensions.
The eyes of an owl are not true “eyeballs.” Their tube-shaped eyes are immobile, with binocular vision, which focuses on prey and increases depth perception. It’s
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
There are at least two pairs of great horned owls living in Riverview Park, says Park Ranger Nancy Schaefer. Spot them by looking for mobbing crows, which can indicate a nest nearby.
why owls have to turn their heads to see. • Owls can rotate their necks 270 degrees. A blood-pooling system collects blood to power their brains and eyes when neck movement cuts off circulation. • A group of owls is called a parliament. • An owl has three eyelids: one for blinking, one for sleeping, and one for keeping its eyes clean. • Owls consume their entire prey, then their digestive system separates the inedible parts, which the owl will spit back out into what’s called a pellet. There are at least two pairs of GHOs in Riverview Park. They can be spotted in the treetops, now that the leaves are gone. On your next winter hike, make note of mobbing crows; this is one possible sign of a nearby owl nest. Also, watch the ground for bird poop and owl pellets, then look up. You may find an owl looking down. Nancy Schaefer is a City of Pittsburgh Park Ranger in the Northside’s Riverview Park. n
Find more Riverview Park news on our website: www.nschronicle.com
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Steelers' Cameron Heyward pays virtual visit to students at Pittsburgh King By Ashlee Green
Winners of an attendance challenge last month at Martin Luther King PreK-8 earned a meeting with Steelers defensive captain Cameron Heyward on Dec. 22, 2020. Two classrooms won the honor, said Pittsburgh King Principal Nathan Berkowitz, because they both had over 95% attendance. One student, Denise Johnson, who achieved perfect attendance all year, earned a pair of Steelers cleats.
January 2021
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Heyward’s virtual visit took place via Microsoft Teams, a platform similar to Zoom, and lasted for about 45 minutes. He read former NFL wide receiver Matthew A. Cherry’s book “Hair Love”, about a Black father and his daughter who bond over styling the daughter’s hair. After that, he answered questions from students. While Heyward had a live visit with only two classrooms, he filmed a short video for the rest of the school to watch after the fact. His message to students: Work hard
Divine Pleasures, Heavenly Treats Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh King PreK-8
Pittsburgh Steeler Cameron Heyward paid a virtual visit to two classrooms at Pittsburgh King PreK-8 on Dec. 22, 2020. Students should be proud of themselves, he said, for being resilient and adapting to new ways of learning. The privilege of Heyward’s visit, Berkowitz said, was a reflection of both the commitment of the winning fifth and sixth grade students, who Berkowitz described as “dynamic, awesome children,” as well as the dedication of their teachers, Mrs. Rodriguez and Ms. Jennings. Mrs. Rodriguez and Ms. Jennings regularly advocate for their students to ensure that they show up every day, Berkowitz said. The teachers also make a point to engage with students’ families, which has been a challenge during a school year conducted almost exclusively online.
and be respectful of your teachers and classmates. Heyward told the students that while life is unfair and COVID-19 is not their fault, they should be proud of themselves for being resilient and adapting to new ways of learning. Berkowitz was appointed as Pittsburgh King’s principal in July 2020. If you drive by the school, he said, it might not be the most inspiring, but he pledges that he’s “doing a lot of work inside the building.” “I want my students and my staff to feel proud of the school that they attend and work at.” n
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January 2021
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Public Safety Bulletin: January 2021 We would like to wish a Happy New Year to all of our fellow Northsiders. Now that 2020 is in our past and 2021 is here, it seems that hope is drawing near. I will refrain from saying too much on the COVID-19 pandemic that we all are suffering from in one way or many ways because facts and regulations can change on a weekly— sometimes daily—basis. Those of us who are reluctant or resistant to vaccines have several months before the general public will receive a COVID-19 vaccine. I implore everyone to pay attention to science and medicine and to study any and all the facts throughout these next few mo nths. Winter and cold weather is also upon us. Remember that dressing in layers can be more effective than just a coat to keep you warm and protect you from frostbite. Especially if you spend a lot of time in the elements, keeping your feet, hands, and head covered and warm makes a big difference in keeping your body heat intact. Also, know that there are rules and regulations on your pets being in cold or very hot elements. You can call Animal Control at 412-255-2036 for all the details of what’s required for pet safety. Please be good to your pets and if you see a dog or pet in distress, call 311 or go directly to Animal Control to report your concerns. Scams are on the rise. I would like to
warn you to be careful on the internet, social media, and on phone calls. Do not open anything on the internet if you are not sure where it’s coming from. Do not give any information out at all via internet and phone
door as people can pose as utility agents and do-gooders but ultimately have bad intentions. Don’t open or crack your doorway: This can give someone the opportunity to force their way into your home.
Photo: Matej from Pexels
Northside Public Safety Council President David Stacy warns residents to keep their feet, hands, and head covered and warm this winter with layers of clothing, which can help to protect from frostbite. This is especially true for people who spend a lot of time in the elements. scams. Also, be aware of anyone coming to your door unannounced: Do not open your
Happy New Year! Allegheny Elks Lodge 339 wishes you and yours a
Happy 2021
As always, please keep an eye open for your neighbors who are elderly, disabled,
Tom Friday’s Market since 1955
3639 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 | tel: 412-766-4500
Updated Hours: Monday - Saturday 8:00AM - 5:00PM | Closed Sunday Last butcher shoppe in Pittsburgh city limits to carry fresh hanging sides of beef. Call us with your order Wholesale, Retail, & Restaurants Welcome! Daily home delivery • $2.50 for $25 Min Purchase • Delivery Areas Vary • Includes Freezer Meat Special • FREEZER SPECIAL #1
and thanks all of our neighbors for supporting our charitable missions in 2020. You have helped us continue to make significant impacts in the lives of our Northside neighbors and around the city. We are especially grateful for the support we’ve received for our major local effort, the Yellow Glove Project, which benefits clients of the Northside Community Food Pantry.
and less fortunate as well as their pets that may need some sort of assistance or just a voice to talk to or speak up for. Always remember to be COVID-19-safe if or when you interact. Finally, the North Side Public Safety Council (NSPSC) really needs your help in sending a representative from your particular neighborhood within the Northside to our meetings that are now virtual until further notice. You can contact us via email for the link to our monthly meetings at Zone1psc@gmail.com or call 421-321-0295 if you have any concerns or questions. NSPSC meets on the first Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m., but note that we will not be meeting in the month of January. We will resume in February at our regular time. Also note that representatives from the Zone 1 Police Department, Mayor’s Office, City Council, and Housing Authority attend all of our meetings with reports and to take questions or concerns you may ha ve. Be safe, alert, and aware of happenings in your neighborhood whether they be good or bad. Be kind, as Northsiders always have been through the five or so decades I’ve lived here. I call the Northside my home and am proud to be a Northsider. Warm regards, David Stacy David Stacy is the president of NSPSC. n
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More info and ways to support the YGP at: http://ygp.alleghenyelks.org
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The Northside Chronicle
January 2021
Community and developer plans 'dovetailed' at Comfort Inn corner From Comfort Inn, Page 1 “dovetailed” with it. District 1 Councilman Bobby Wilson, who took office back in January, said that it feels great to come into office and have a project completed right away. Mayor Bill Peduto said the stretch of land where the Comfort Inn & Suites now stands, in the Spring Garden and East Deutschtown neighborhoods of the Northside, can be a “critical part” of what happens throughout the rest of the city. It is easy to make things happen, he continued, when the community is called upon and there are “no rocks in the river.” Also in attendance were Allie DePasquale, a partner in October Development, Becky Yago of Dollar Bank, and Isaac Falvey of the Community Alliance of East Deutschtown and Spring Garden.
For more photos of the new Comfort Inn & Suites, visit www.nschronicle.com
Photos: Ashlee Green
Top: A front view of the new hotel from East Ohio Street. Bottom: A look inside a Double Queen room, left, and King Suite room, right. More photos available on our website.
McCandless Branch (412)837-6955 *The minimum balance to open up a Christmas Club account is $100. The minimum balance required to earn the disclosed Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is $100. There is no penalty for early withdrawal, but any withdrawal will result in the closing of the account. We can change, limit, or suspend the offer at any time without notice. The APY is accurate as of 11/1/2020.
Northside Branch (412)482-9010
January 2021
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Photos: Ashlee Green
Top: The Comfort Inn's rooftop lounge offers a skyline view of the city of Pittsburgh. Bottom: A saltwater pool inside the hotel is located directly next to the fitness center. More photos are available on our website: www.nschronicle.com n
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The Northside Chronicle
January 2021
Nonprofit advocates for immigrants, refugees through low-cost legal services By Jason Phox Immigration today can be a challenge for those coming into the U.S. The Trump Administration, which will have cut back legal immigration by 49% by 2021, and the spread of COVID-19 have only increased people’s struggles to afford and handle the immigration process. However, the Christian Immigration Advocacy Center (CIAC), located in Pittsburgh’s Northside, has the goal to help. They provide low-cost and limited pro bono legal services to assist with the immigration process throughout the Pittsburgh region. CIAC works with immigrant and refugee neighbors in Pittsburgh through immigration law. Executive Director of CIAC Ryan Driscoll claims that the organization aids 200 to 250 people a year with its services. “We see a lot of the clients being relieved to work with an organization that will give them high quality service at a low rate,” said Driscoll. “Some of the people that come into our office deal with a lot of different services and we found that they enjoy our customer service and like how we take time with them to figure out their needs.” CIAC offers several programs for clients to help with immigration services and
other immigration law concerns. “We hear quite a bit about how thankful our clients are for taking time to speak and value them. Our goal is to make them
The Sojourner Alliance program is designed for churches that desire to have an impact on their local immigrant communities. It provides resources to churches who
Video screenshot courtesy of CIAC
Samuel and Sarah Smith give video testimony for the Christian Immigration Advocacy Center (CIAC). Samuel met Sarah in Uganda, where he was a former missionary, and says CIAC helped Sarah with her green card process after she married him. feel honored, so we’re thankful for our clients’ feedback,” Driscoll said.
want to build bridges into the immigrant and refugee communities by, according to
CIAC’s website, serving as a client’s “advocate” at appointments and court hearings. Churches in the program work to create an interlaced community with immigrants in local neighborhoods through virtual legal meetings with church volunteers, pro bono immigration legal training for Christian lawyers who represent churches in the program, and speaking engagements on immigration issues. The second CIAC program, the Immigrant Legal Aid Fund, offers legal services such as obtaining and renewing a green card, filing for U.S. citizenship, family reunification, visas, asylum, and removal defense services. The Immigrant Legal Aid Fund keeps the cost of legal representation low for immigrants of limited means. Churches and other donors donate to the program to help offset the expenses of providing low-cost and pro bono immigration legal services. The program seeks to serve 150-200 individuals per year, according to CIAC’s executive summary. CIAC’s Removal Defense Project attempts to fill some of the legal gaps many of Pittsburgh’s immigrants deal with in court. These services, used when immigrants are facing deportation from the U.S., are offered pro bono at CIAC, and help them seek See CIAC, Page 16
Pittsburgh Born & Bread
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Looking for an opportunity to serve your community? The Northside Chronicle is now taking summer internship applications for college students interested in journalism and photojournalism. High school seniors are also encouraged to apply. Interested candidates should email editor@thenorthsidechronicle.com or mail a resume and cover letter with three writing or photo samples to: The Northside Chronicle 922 Middle St. Pittsburgh, PA 15212
The Northside Chronicle
January 2021
Selling cigars at Marshall's, Ltd. a bonding experience for the Spehars
Steps to support your favorite neighborhood small businesses Here are a few ideas worth sharing with friends and family: Call to find out hours or changes in operations of the Northside small business where you'd like to become a new patron. Pre-order in advance for pick-up when possible.
Page 11
From Spehar, Page 1 on Christmas, we’d make a trip down there to check the newspaper,” Spehar says—the gas station has been a constant in Spehar’s
Many of his memories come from Marshall’s. Whether it was traveling with his dad in a dump truck to pick up Christmas trees to sell, the high school years he spent working there, the wacky characters he’s
Schedule one meal for take out or delivery each week to start learning menu items. Already a regular at your neighborhood spots? Consider buying in bulk! Many food and drink retailers create fresh and easily frozen meals or drinks to keep on hand for your convenience. Get wild and try a new item! Buy one for a friend! Go father! Visit your nearby Northside neighborhoods to discover what small business offerings you've been missing. Grab gifts, or gift cards, for upcoming birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations.
Photo courtesy of Joey Spehar
The Spehar family gas station, Marshall's, Ltd. on Spring Garden Avenue, has been a constant in Spehar's life. Spehar, right, says selling cigars with his brother Bob, left, and his father has been a bonding experience.
Consider planning family meals with Northside small businesses that cater this year. Shopping exclusively at small businesses on the Northside brings value to our neighborhoods and ensures our main streets will remain vibrant for the future.
#northsideshopsmall Photo courtesy of Joey Spehar
Do you have a Northside shopping tip to share? Text 412-339-0712 or email northsideshopsmall@gmail.com
Spehar has a tattoo of a mandolin and a rose in tribute to his daughter, Madilyn, and how great, he says, life can be. life.
“The line between work and home has always been a bit blurred,” Spehar says.
met there over the years, or the store’s recent expedition into selling cigars, Spehar’s life is colored by the gas station in every way. “The cigars have been a nice way for the three of us to bond,” Spehar says, referring to his brother, Bob, his father, and himself. He sits next to one of his three cats, Maebe, smoking. His go-to: Natural American Spirit Lights. “I waited until my 20s to get a tattoo. The Debunk Records logo was my first tattoo. My Mr. Peanut Tattoo got me yelled at the least,” Spehar says. Spehar’s dad loves Mr. Peanut, the former Planters snack food mascot. The last tattoo he shares is a mandolin and a rose, a tribute to his daughter. “When I’m down, I find this picture in particular to remind myself how great life could be.” Just like the gas station is there year round, for Spehar, so is family. Changing times In his time in the Northside, Spehar has seen a lot of changes. First, his elementary school, St. Leo’s, closed in See Spehar, Page 17
Page 12
The Northside Chronicle
"The Northside Pole" wins neighborhood decorating contest More than 30 homes participated in the first-ever Holiday Stoop Decorating Contest hosted by the Mexican War Streets Society, but only one could win. The champion was 1510 Federal Street with their display called “The Northside Pole.” 302 Jacksonia Street took second place; third place, 512 Armandale Street; fourth place, 1223 Reddour Street, dubbed “Rudolph the Reddour Reindeer''; and fifth place, 414 West North Avenue. Starting on Dec. 12, 2020, residents were urged to take a COVID-19-safe self-guided walking tour of the decorated homes and conduct their votes online. To see all of the winning homes, visit the Mexican War Streets Society Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ MWSSNeighborhood n
Photo: Mexican War Streets Society
Read more neighborhood news: www.nschronicle.com
Northside Glow 2020
Photos: Annie O'Neill
"Northside Glow," the holiday show of lights in Allegheny Commons East Park, was on display for most of the month of December 2020. Put together by the North Side North Shore Chamber of Commerce, the show served as a stand-in for their annual holiday gala. n
January 2021
January 2021
Photo courtesy of Pexels, Kristina Paukshtite
The Northside Chronicle
Page 13
City Announces Christmas Tree Recycling Program The City of Pittsburgh announced the opening of five drop-off locations for live trees from December 26, 2020 to January 26, 2021 for its Christmas Tree Recycling program this winter. The program empowers residents to drop off their trees to be recycled rather than sent to a landfill, which happens when they are placed at the curb. The trees collected will be chipped into pine mulch and made available to the public for free this spring. Last year, the city hosted twelve drop-off sites and collected more than 109 tons of trees. This year, the Department of Public Works' Forestry Division and Bureau of Environmental Services will again collaborate to offer this service at five locations. The reduction in drop-off locations this year is correlated to the city's ability to staff multiple locations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The tree recycling program dovetails with the city’s Climate Action Plan 3.0, which defines milestones for keeping materials out of landfills to meet zero
waste goals. The City Channel Pittsburgh has created a brief public service announcement to remind residents that all ornaments, netting, tinsel and tree stands must be removed before the tree is dropped off. For more information, residents can call 311 or visit the program’s website, https://pittsburghpa.gov/dpw/ xmas-tree-recycling, which includes a map to help residents locate their nearest drop-off location. 2020-2021 Christmas Tree Recycling Drop-Off Location for the Northside: Perry North/Observatory Hill - 1st Division of Public Works Open Year Round 300 Kilbuck Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. (412) 323-7209
Shop, Eat and Sweat with Northside Small Businesses this New Year This Northside Small Business directory was compiled in collaboration with the Northside Leadership Conference.
Food / Beverage Take-Out & Delivery 412 BREWERY - (412) 498-3836 ADDA COFFEE & TEA HOUSE - (412) 404-8403 ALLEGHENY CITY BREWING - (412) 904-3732 ALLEGHENY SANDWICH SHOPPE - (412) 322-4797 BADAMO'S PIZZA - (412) 231-1001 BIER'S PUB - (412) 224-2163 BISTRO TO GO - (412) 231-0218 BOXSPRING CAFE - (4l2) 231-3169 BREADWORKS BAKERY - (4l2) 231-7555 BRIGHTON CAFE - (412) 761-1050 CAFE AT THE LOFTS - (412) 322-0570 CAFE ON THE CORNER - (412) 415-3672 CALIFORNIA COFFEE BAR - (412) 766-0444 CARMI EXPRESS - (412) 307-9700 CHINA TASTE - (412) 231-2401 CITY FRESH PASTA CAFE - (412) 447-1517 COMMONPLACE COFFEE - (412) 932-2433 COOP CHICKEN AND WAFFLES - (412) 204-7378 CRAZY MOCHA - (412) 321-2569 DARBEA'S TAVERN - (412) 231-9915 DELI ON NORTH - (412) 322-3354 EL BURRO - (412) 904-3451 FATHER'S DINER - (412) 321-5500 FATHER & SON FAMILY BAKERY - (412) 321-4900 FEDERAL GALLEY - (412) 517-6400 FIG & ASH - (412) 321-2222 FLAVORS STREET FOODS - (412) 761-3663 FOUNDRY TAP & TABLE - ( 4l2) 930-0744 FRANK'S PIZZA & CHICKEN - (412) 323-2600 GARDEN CAFE - (412) 586-5979 GIORGIO'S PLACE - (412) 322-0404 HAPPY DAY DESSERT FACTORY - (412) 872-0117 HOOK FISH & CHICKEN - (412) 697-2285 ISTANBUL CORNER - (412) 708-1953 KRISTA'S CANTINA - (412) 766-1676 LEGENDS EATERY - (412) 321-8000 LEO. A PUBLIC HOUSE - (206) 351-8537 LINDO'S RESTAURANT - (412) 231-0110 LOLA BISTRO - (412) 322-1106 LUNCH BOX - (412) 378-7427
MAX'S ALLEGHENY TAVERN - (412) 231-1899 MAYFLY MARKET - (412) 322-1300 MEZZA LUNA CAFE - (724) 508-0922 MIKE'S BEER BAR - (412) 322-2337 MODERN CAFE - (412) 321-4550 NANA'S NORTH SIDE DOGS - (412) 904-2785 NICKY'S THAI KITCHEN - (412) 321-8424 NORTH SHORE CAFE - (412) 323-2484 NORTH SHORE DELI - (412) 231-2812 NORTH SHORE TAVERN - (412) 465-9865 OBSERVATORY HILL DELI - (412) 251-0416 PARK HOUSE - (412) 224-2273 PAULINE'S CARIBBEAN CUISINE - (412) 231-2000 PEAR AND THE PICKLE - (412) 322-0333 PENN BREWERY - (412) 237-9400 PEPPl'S - (412) 231-9009 PRIORY FINE PASTRIES - (412) 321-7270 QUIK-IT CHICKEN - (412) 321-1535 REFUCILO WINERY - (412) 251-0231 RIVIERA PIZZA AND PASTA - (412) 322-1100 RUMERZ BAR & GRILL - (412) 766-9255 SCRATCH FOOD & BEVERAGE - (412) 251-0822 SIEMPRE ALGO - (412) 652-9968 SOUTHERN TIER BREWERY - (412) 301-2337 SPRING HILL BREWING - (412) SUBBA ASIAN RESTAURANT - (412) 586-5764 TAMMY'S PLACE THREADBARE CIDER HOUSE - (412) 322-5100 TOM FRIDAY'S MARKET - (412) 766-4500 VERDETTO'S BAR & RESTAURANT - (412) 231-3004 WISEGUYS PIZZA - (412) 766-4774 YOUNG BROTHERS BAR - (412) 728-5905
Retail Shops Online & Curbside Pick-up AFRICAN FAMILY SHOP - (412) 586-4068
ANDY WARHOL MUSEUM GIFT SHOP - (412) 353-4790
ANNEX - (412) 526-7638 ARMORY PRINTWORKS BEAR DOG BICYCLES - (412) 231-1790 BERNIE'S PHOTO CENTER - (412) 231-1717 BICYCLE HEAVEN - (412) 716-4956 OR (412) 734-4034 BROOKE ROCKWELL HAIR DESIGN - (412) 471-9122 CHILDREN'S MUSEUM GIFT SHOP - 412.322.5058 CITY BOOKS - (412) 321-7323 CITY OF ASYLUM BOOKSTORE - (412) 435-1112 CURL STORE - (412) 418-0707 THE FARMER'S DAUGHTER - (412) 231-1238 GALLERY H - (412) 231-0938 GET HIP RECORD STORE - (412) 231-4766 THE GOVERNMENT CENTER - 412) 208-3262 JOHNNY ANGEL'S GINCHY STUFF - (412) 322-1830 LAVERTY'S JEWELRY AND GIFTS - (412) 322-5225 MAIN LOAN OFFICE - (412) 231-1155 MATTRESS FACTORY GIFT SHOP - (412) 313-5415 MINUTEMAN PRESS - (412) 456-8222 MUSTARD & RELICS - (412) 545-3386 NORTH SHORE TEEZ - (412) 742-4913 PITTSBURGH ACUPUNCTURE & MASSAGE WORKS - (412) 626.2648 RANDYLAND MUSEUM GIFT SHOP - (412) 342-8152 WAGSBURGH - (412) 904-3459
Virtual Gym Classes CALIFORNIA CYCLE PATH - (412) 761-1671 CELLIS FITNESS CENTER - (412) 894-8234 CROSSFIT WAR STREETS - (412) 515-0059 INDUSTRIAL ATHLETICS - (412) 465-0060 PHYSIQUE RX'D - (724) 467-0524 UNION FITNESS - (412) 224-5220 URBAN ELEMENTS - (412) 904-1003 Photo courtesy of Pexels, Pratik Gupta
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The Northside Chronicle
January 2021
www.AllingAgencyllc.com Seniors hand make toys for local shelter kittens Deanna Guarnaccio, LIFE Pittsburgh LIFE Pittsburgh participants have made good use of their time during these last several months of social distancing by focusing on giving back to local nonprofit animal shelters with special donation projects. Participants from the Allegheny Center Green location on the Northside hand made and donated 1,400 cat toys to Animal Friends. Recreational Therapist, Caitlin Bartley, again facilitated an activity that participants were able to complete in the safety of their home, while keeping their minds and hands active. The toys were delivered to Animal Friends and have many benefits for the cats and kittens that received them. These knitted toys are used as enrichment activities for pets, including those in shelters, still waiting for their forever homes. A few of these benefits are reducing stress, reducing boredom, giving pets the opportunity to use their minds, directing a pet’s energy to appropriate activities, and they are fun for people and pets! While the toys are beneficial to the animals, the making of the toys is also very beneficial to the LIFE Pittsburgh participants who are making them. The project has provided mental and physical stimulation for the LIFE Pittsburgh Participants, a benefit of Recreational Therapy during any time, but especially during times of increased social
isolation related to the current pandemic. According to www.actsretirement.org, “Being frequently engaged in social, physical, and mental activities not only helps with mental stimulation for seniors, but also helps them have a more positive outlook.” Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, LIFE Pittsburgh has fully adapted to keep their participants safe, healthy, and feeling cared for in their homes. This has included transitioning their creative Recreational Therapy program from center-based activities to in-home activities. LIFE Pittsburgh is a community-based alternative to nursing home care, for over 20 years, they have been partnering with older adults struggling to manage their help and independence to avoid their risk of nursing home placement. Their goal is to provide the support and services that seniors need, so they can stay where they are most comfortable: in their own homes. If you or a loved one needs extra support to stay safe and health at home, please reach out. For more information, please call (412) 388-8050 TTY: 711 or visit www.lifepittsburgh.org. To keep up with their fun and exciting Recreational Therapy projects, check out their Facebook and Instagram accounts @LIFEPittsburgh.
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The Northside Chronicle
January 2021
Page 15
Northside spa calms clients’ stress, anxiety from COVID-19 isolation By Jason Phox The U.S. Census Bureau recorded a spike in anxiety and depression this June caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic. Many people are now working remotely, and are struggling to find a way to relieve stress in a safe environment. Enter Pittsburgh Acupuncture and Massageworks. Providing a range COVID-19-safe massage therapies, Pittsburgh Acupuncture and Massageworks aims to help people deal with their modern-day stress and anxiety while being careful not to spread COVID-19 to their employees and clients: It’s their top concern at the moment, according to business owner Amy Green. Green said the clinic focuses on air circulation and does this with high quality Austin Air filters that turn the air over 10 times every hour. “I assumed it [COVID-19] was airborne, did research, and found effective air filters that were built in Buffalo, New York and used by the U.S. government,” said Green. “I ended up becoming a distributor for them and sell them to clients and other acupuncture clinics.” Green’s clinic enforces a heavy, 24hour screening of their clients to help ensure that no one at the clinic contracts COVID-19. “We screen out anyone who is going to bars, restaurants, and other places where
masks are not mandatory. Even if the clients wear masks around others who are not [wearing them], it is still not safe,” said Green. Even though the clinic has lost some clients due to their screening, it has not had an incident in six months, according to Green. “We have everyone leave their shoes in the waiting room, so they do not track anything into the clinic. Also, we have the standard things such as temperature checks and hand washing sanitation,” she said. Additionally, employees at Pittsburgh Acupuncture and Massageworks take their breaks in their cars or outside instead of in a traditional breakroom. As for therapies that the spa offers, Green said that for close work, therapists use high-quality surgical masks and face shields. Two popular therapies the spa offers are Ashiatsu and “Ashi-Thai” massages. During an Ashiatsu massage, the therapist uses their bare feet to apply broad, deep pressure. Ashi-Thai uses traditional Thai stretches that have been modified. Clients are fully clothed for these sessions and therapists clean and sanitize their feet and follow strict protocols to keep their sessions clean. “[Ashiatsu massage] is really good for people [who want] a lot of pressure, and the client and therapist are apart physically,”
Community TV on the Northside
said Green. “The Safe & Sound,” a therapy created by Green, uses a weighted blanket and soundproof headphones to relax the body and mind and help relieve anxiety.
“We bombard you with sensory input until it relieves the anxiety.” A new therapy Pittsburgh Acupuncture and Massageworks now offers is a remote breathing class, simply called “The Breathing Class.” It helps clients learn how to breathe with intent. According to the clinic’s website, the class is an “intensive, dynamic process that brings instant relief as well as long-term physical and psychological benefits.” Licensed massage therapist Iva Provias Lesh, who is “BREATHE” certified, teaches the class remotely. Green described the class as a systematic way to help people breathe better. In a time where people are isolated and working remotely, people are becoming increasingly more stressed and anxious. Green’s goal for her clinic is to help people relieve some of these struggles. “We are seeing a lot of new stress and anxiety right now from the isolation,” said Green. “We see a lot of pain from people who are working remotely and sitting all day instead of being in an office. A lot of back and neck pain is being caused by working at home with a laptop, so we help Photo: Pittsburgh Acupuncture and Massageworks guide people through that.” Learn more about how Pittsburgh "Ashi-Thai" massage uses traditional Acupuncture and Massageworks is helpThai stretches that have been modified. ing their clients navigate the stress“The Safe & Sound is great for people es of COVID-19 on their website at who can’t quiet their mind,” said Green. pghacuandmassage.com. n
The Northside
CHRONICLE Discover how to produce your own TV show with us!
Watch on Comcast 21, Verizon 47, pctv21.org & now on Roku! Call 412-322-7570 to learn more or visit www.pctv21.org
Managing Editor, Ashlee Green, interviews Jack Hunt, at Johnny Angel's Ginchy Stuff and Music Experience Museum (December 2019).
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Page 16
The Northside Chronicle
January 2021
2020: Year in Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 15 MOST POPULAR ONLINE STORIES:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
"Artist Jeremy Raymer paints new Mac Miller mural in prep for Northside listening party" "Buhl Planetarium’s pioneering past" "Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh expands curbside services throughout Northside" "The long, hard road to equity" "Red Door Thrift Shop in Troy Hill gives back to Northside community" "Northside Comfort Inn now officially open" "Is it decay, or is it transformation?: An interview with photographer David Grim" "National Aviary now bringing its birds to you" "Better signage, wetlands wanted at Riverview Park’s Grand Ave. entrance" "Northside Christian Health Center amps up behavioral health services" "This nurse’s ‘pie in the sky’ is to revamp homeless women’s health care in Pittsburgh" "YMCA offers free access to new online programs" "Pittsburgh’s Northside celebrates Juneteenth with presentation at Avery College historical marker" "Defund the police: What does it mean and can it work?" "Right now is the perfect time to start a meditation practice"
5 NEW & NOTABLE BUSINESS STORIES: 1. Happy Day Dessert Factory: "Northside ice cream shop opens amidst global pandemic" 2. The Farmer’s Daughter Flowers: "Northside small business flower shop offering no-contact deliveries for Easter" 3. Flavors Famous Street Food: "Owner of Flavors Famous Street Food aspires to make the place a household name" 4. The Coop Chicken and Waffles: "The Coop Chicken and Waffles now has a permanent roost in the Northside" 5. M&A Tax Accounting and Notary: "Tax filing deadline extended, but independent contractors still face unique challenges" - Continued on Page 18 -
CIAC began as way to understand practical needs of Northside refugees From CIAC, Page 10 safety and security in the U.S. While Driscoll said it officially opened in 2017, CIAC’s essence truly began in 2013 when Glenn Hanna, mission pastor from Allegheny Center Alliance Church (ACAC), wanted to better understand the practical needs of the refugee population in Pittsburgh’s Northside. ACAC’s leadership communicated a need for immigration legal services, and Hanna later desired to “share his love of Christianity” with Pittsburgh’s refugees and immigrants. Organizations such as ACAC, the Bhutanese Community Association of Pittsburgh, Covenant Community Church, Christian Counselors Collaborative, Heinz
Endowments, and the Pro Bono Center support CIAC’s work to provide immigration services at a low cost. “We were started with the desire to serve refugees on the Northside, and ...[people] who come to the United States as refugees, they struggle to make enough income to find adequate housing,” said Driscoll. “Often they come to the U.S. with nontransferable skills,” said Driscoll. “So, to enter a nation with a different skill set, it’s hard to find jobs that pay enough money. We feel it is important to us to use the nonprofit business model to work with grants and donations that help to keep our legal services low.” Find more information about CIAC on their website at www.ciacpgh.org. n
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The Northside Chronicle
January 2021
Page 17
Spehar: In it for the community, not the fame
From Spehar, Page 11 second grade. Soon after, the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh started closing a few of its churches. They were “parishes that
church wouldn’t go to the Slavic masses and the Slavic church wouldn’t go to the Irish masses.” “Rightly or wrongly, I feel connected to the buildings,” Spehar says about his
Photo courtesy of Joey Spehar
Spehar has three cats: Maebe, Probably (pictured), and Normally. didn’t make sense on paper,” according to Spehar, such as a Slavic Catholic church a few blocks from an Irish Catholic church. The churches combined, and “... the Irish
family’s church, the former St. Nicholas Croatian Church in Troy Hill, now lost to a mostly empty lot near I-279. “When you’re religious, it’s supposed to be about what’s
in the ether, but sometimes, it’s about the bricks too.” Spehar’s mother, a church organist, remained in her role throughout the changes. At the turn of the millenium, Spehar entered high school at North Catholic, where his brother had recently graduated and his father had graduated years ago. It was 1998, and Spehar’s brother, Bob, folded him into his circle of friends. When Bob graduated, though, Spehar realized, “Ah, s---, I really need to make friends.” WYEP-FM A few years spent at Robert Morris University, some time volunteering nights with WYEP-FM while working days at Marshall’s, and before you know it, Spehar is a paid DJ with a young child begging for another cat—their third, Normally. “I’m too focused on the day to day,” Spehar says. “I don’t have too much time to dream.” Waking up at 4:15 a.m., snoozing his alarm, getting out the door by 5:30 a.m., starting his show at 6 a.m., finishing at 10 a.m., researching and doing paperwork until 2 p.m., and picking up his child from school at 2:30 p.m. in the afternoon means there isn’t much time for, well, anything. Spehar drives a Jeep Cherokee with a vanity license plate that reads “WYEP” for his job. “It just feels so good to make a living this way,” he says. A month or so ago, he came across another license plate that
read “913 YEP.” Getting a vanity plate is very cool, Spehar says, and can lead to serendipitous moments like this, but he sometimes regrets it: “Let’s say a guy cuts me off and I call [him] a jagoff. Next thing you know, he’s calling the station to complain.” Even though WYEP-FM is a local station, Spehar says that he’s heard about people across the world who have listened to it. “My uncle was at a bar in San Diego, and he’s talking to this guy who says that he’s from Pittsburgh and listens to WYEP… There have been member drives at the station where people have called in from all over the world, like, Tahiti.” Spehar says while it’s nice to have some national renown, that’s not really how he sees himself. “People get remembered for being either a really amazing person or a really terrible person, but I don’t think I’ll be either. I just want to be someone who did what they could for their community.” Spehar would like to see people move back to the city because after all, he thinks it’s a great place, especially the Northside. “Sure, I’d like to have better air in Pittsburgh, make sure my pipes aren’t spewing lead,” he adds, a bit sardonically. But there’s one thing he’s holding out hope for; a way he, an amateur gardener, can better his community in a small way: “I’d like to see my flowers grow again.” n
The Northside Chronicle
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January 2021
2020: Year in Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10 MOST POPULAR COVID-19 STORIES: 1. 2. 3.
Ask An Attorney
By Matthew D. Gailey, Gailey Law Group
The new year will bring many changes to the Northside. This month's submission will focus on new Pennsylvania laws that will take effect in the new year of 2021. * Ending Child Marriage - Pennsylvania has set a new minimum age of 18 for individuals to marry. Previously, individuals as young as 16 could enter marriage with the consent of a parent. * Police Reforms - Police training on deadly force and de-escalation tactics has been strengthened along with requiring mental health evaluations for officers. Furthermore, an electronic database for storing records detailing why a police officer leaves a department will be created to aid in hiring decisions. * Traffic Changes - As of May 2, 2021, motorists are required to move to an adjacent lane as they approach an emergency response area, such as a traffic stop by the police or accident scene. If moving over isn't possible, motorists are required to slow to 20 miles per hour. Failure to do
so will result in citation and points on your license. * Tobacco age increased - One must be 21 years of age to purchase tobacco in Pennsylvania. Tobacco was also banned from school grounds but allowed local boards to designate outdoor smoking areas for non-students. * State Amphibian Designated Pennsylvania has named the Eastern Hellbender, an aquatic salamander, a.ka. "snot otter," that can grow to two feet in length as the official state amphibian. There have been other changes to overtime rules (making it more easy to claim overtime), fire prevention in child care settings, and extension of clean slate laws. If you have any questions about the above laws, please feel free to call my office.
"Northside business models adapt in the face of COVID-19" "Hemolung: A gentler alternative to the ventilator?" "North Side Christian Health Center now operating ‘coronavirus response line’" 4. "Pittsburgh doctors on the evolution, myths of coronavirus in the region" 5. "‘Tour de Quarantine’ the brainchild of Pittsburgh cycling commentator" 6. "Owner of Troy Hill salon donates over 500 handmade masks to area hospitals" 7. "Deutschtown Music Festival organizers cancel over coronavirus concerns" 8. "Safety protocols a must, customers say, for Northside business success in ‘new normal’ times" 9. "Northside ballpark and sports bars remain empty amid start of baseball season" 10. "New electrostatic drones could disinfect Heinz Field in three hours"
9 PEOPLE TO KNOW IN THE NORTHSIDE: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Sara McAlee: "Soup fanatics, meet the Northside’s own @brothmonger" Chi Ilochi: "Northside stylist aims to change lives with fearless fashion" Warren Jones: "Century-old sign company has true grit" Suz Pisano: "Suz Pisano takes the wheel" Master Sgt. Sara Keller: "Northsider stationed in Colorado wins Air Force award" George Martin: "Northside Elks Lodge bartender celebrates 92 years by serving 92 drinks" C.B. Perry: "On comic books, controversy, and collaboration: An interview with artist C.B. Perry" John Porter: World War II Veteran now a ‘pillar’ of Northside’s Tabernacle Baptist Church Ray Ward: "Lifelong Northsider earns a name for himself in hospitality industry"
15 NORTHSIDE COMMUNITY STORIES: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
WE GO ABOVE AND BEYOND
Steven P. Oberst Tax Accountant 3823 Brighton Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Entrance off Benton 412-734-1234 | 412-758-6512 soberst1@verizon.net
6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
"Northside German club accepting offers for painter’s historic home" "Northside Bicycle Summit raises key questions about citywide mobility" "‘Compassion Hub’ now open at Allegheny Center Alliance Church" "Northsiders to reenvision Grand Ave. entrance to Riverview Park" "The Magic Yarn Project creates Disney-themed wigs for children with cancer, hair loss" "The Children’s Museum is hosting a virtual neighborhood singalong, and you’re invited" "Little House, Big Art celebrates eight years in Spring Hill" "Iota Phi provides thousands of healthy snacks to children in the Northside" "Mummies ‘bind’ local officers and students together at Carnegie Science Center" "Fans honor Mac Miller in Pittsburgh’s Northside" "Northside Mattress Factory exhibition unites Americans and Iranians through music" "Northside Mardi Gras kicks off small business flavors, sounds of New Orleans" "Northsiders respond to coronavirus crisis with online community support groups" "Community Land Trusts hold promise for the future of affordable housing in Pittsburgh’s Northside" "Tamburitzans folk ensemble make a new home base in the Northside" n
January 2021
The Northside Chronicle
Page 19
Northside Real Estate Transfers Allegheny City Central
Marshall-Shadeland
Estate of Ronald Leonard Garland to CJ Real Estate Management at 1517 Arch St. for $120,000.
Viola Peifer to Benjamin Shopland and Eric Banaszewski at 1414 Dickson St. for $92,000.
Brighton Heights David Myers to Keresty Kelly at 1015 Benton Ave. for $135,900. Robert Pudis to Jeffrey and Myka Bertrand at 3551 Gerber Ave. for $230,000. Constance Holt to George Pavlik at 3705 Hiawatha St. for $115,000. Paul Bucknell to James Vanpoolen et al., Christine Vanpoolen at 3276 Bainton St. for $183,500. Marie Greer to Shavonda Young at 1900 Marmaduke St. for $123,000. Melanie Wood to John Golden and Kaitlyn Marie Taylor at 1163 Pemberton St. for $288,000. Jon Replogle to Peter Shipe and Joseph Heiles at 3730 Atkins St. for $155,000. Ryan Christoff to Chido Vera at 3825 California Ave. for $87,200. Helen Windisch to Lucas Windisch at 307 Squire Cir for $80,000.
California-Kirkbride J. Thomas Seabrooke to SRG Holdings L.P. at 1916 St. Ives St. for $20,000.
East Deutschtown Robert Malkin to Brent Enos and Dennis Eggerton at 923 Constance St. for $50,000.
Louis Ross to Casandra Armour at 1300 Gifford St. for $135,000. Taylor Takacs trustee to VDE Property LLC at 3132 Shadeland Ave. for $55,000. RR Ventures LLC to Emmanuel and Liliane Niyibizi at 1200 Hodgkiss St. for $150,000. Estate of Harry Sovyak to Robert and Sonya Janette Mengel at 1319 Superior Ave. for $36,000. Jennifer Morrow to Allison McLachlan at 2619 Brighton Road for $162,050. Jason Durler to Khari Konstruction Co. at 1351 Woods Run Ave. for $26,790.
Observatory Hill Tara Reiland to Adam Russell Groshek and Dalena Nguyen at 22 Garvin St. for $201,000. Marlee Gallagher to Amanda Burns and Abbey Bryn Farkas at 3843 Perrysville Ave. for $213,000. William Strickland Jr. to Casey Cunniff and Laura Meixell at 3021 Mt. Allister Road for $465,000.
Perry Hilltop Guy Schutzeus to Jason Yablinsky at 546 Mcclintock Ave. for $335,000. Gary Imbrogno to Brenton Atcheson at 1788 Perrysville Ave. for $105,000. Richard Hughes to Robert and Diane Moser trustee at 2630 N Charles St. for $18,000. Equigrowth Properties LLLP to JLI Real Estate Group LLC at 2919 N Charles St. for $27,750.
Fineview Edgar Jackson Jr. to 304 Lafayette LLC at 304 Lafayette Ave. for $100,000.
Spring Garden Estate of Barbara Cox to Charles Beech Properties 100 LLC, 1704 Spring Garden Ave. for $41,000.
Historic Deutschtown Kristina Loutsion to M Jacob Mihalov and Lauren Brock at 523 Lockhart St. for $360,500. Misty Hart to Louis Proto at 617 Tripoli St. for $355,000.
Manchester Pittsburgh URA to Manchester Row House Renaissance LLC at 1420-1430 Rush St. for $2,501.
Summer Hill Joseph O’Malley to Jubal Abram and Erin Kathleen Kelly at 3821 Evergreen Road for $130,000.
Troy Hill David Geisler to Rodger Neurohr at 2126 Lautner St. for $24,500. ​Michael Budzinski to Regina Caeli McGowan at 1824 Lowrie St. for $162,000. James Staup to Thomas Juliano and Jill Pennetti at 2150 Lautner St. for $85,000.
Latest Northside real estate transfers at www.nschronicle.com
The Northside Chronicle
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January 2021
We are STILL helping Northside Kids who help their neighborhoods! Apply now for our annual Scholarship Program
Application Form Name: _________________________________________________________
NORTHSIDE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2021 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Address : ______________________________________________________ (with Zip-Code)
Purpose of Scholarship: To recognize and award high school seniors who volunteer their time to improve the Northside community.
Phone Number: _________________________________________________
Eligibility for Scholarship: ANY Northside resident in the 12th grade, who performs volunteer service in their community and who is attending a college or training program after high school.
Email: _________________________________________________________ High School:____________________________________________________ Neighborhood in, which you reside (please circle one): Allegheny West Brightwood Central Northside East Allegheny Manchester Observatory Hill Spring Garden Summer Hill
Brighton Heights Calbride Charles Street Fineview Northview Heights Perry Hilltop Spring Hill Troy Hill
Applications must be submitted by Friday, April 9, 2021 **PLEASE NOTE! Please submit an electronic version of your essay. Email to: kelly@pittsburghnorthside.com Questions regarding the scholarship program should be directed to Kelly at the Conference office (412) 231-4714 ext 201
Award: $1,000 scholarships will be awarded. Candidates will be recruited through neighborhood groups and high schools, both private and public. The individuals must reside on the Northside, but they need not attend a Northside high school. Awardees: Will be selected by the NSLC Dinner Committee, which is made up of representatives of the neighborhoods and participating sponsors. The number of scholarships will be determined by sponsor commitments. Criteria for Selection: The student should prepare an essay of 500 words or less, which describe his or her volunteer activities and future educational plans. In reviewing the student essays, the Committee will take into account spelling and grammar and their overall volunteerism. Consequently, students applying for a scholarship should check their spelling and grammar. Students are encouraged to use the spell check on their computer, and/or to have a teacher, parent or friend review their essay. On the application form, the applicant should include their name, address, phone number, school, and neighborhood in which they reside. Your name, gender or reference to race should not appear on your essay. Also, include a copy of your high school academic records. Letters of Reference: Two letters of reference are required. Your school principal, guidance counselor, or teacher should submit one letter. The second should be a letter from someone who is familiar with your volunteer activities (not a family member). Applications: All applications must be submitted by Friday, April 9, 2021 Additional Requirements: Upon selection of an award, you must provide proof of enrollment with a college or technical/vocational school. You or a parent must also attend the Annual Dinner event and receive your scholarship in person.
Applications also available at www.pittsburghnorthside.com
Mail to: Northside Leadership Conference Scholarship Committee Attn: Kelly MacKay 1319 Allegheny Avenue – 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15233
January 2021
The Northside Chronicle
Page 21
New railroad model celebrates 19th Amendment By Jason Phox Carnegie Science Center officials have revealed Buhl Planetarium‘s new capabilities. The planetarium reopened Nov. 21, after finishing the first phase of its multimillion-dollar renovation, but due to COVID-19, is temporarily closed through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021. “We’re bringing the country’s fiftholdest planetarium into the future through state-of-the-art technical equipment upgrades,” said Jason Brown, Henry Buhl, Jr., Director of Carnegie Science Center. According to a press release, planetarium upgrades include a switch from 4K to 8K resolution on its projectors and improved accessibility for people with hearing and visual impairments, such as assistive listening devices and closed captioning devices. “Buhl Planetarium has an established legacy of transporting millions of visitors to the far reaches of our galaxy. With the upgrades, the world’s leading digital planetarium system will provide an entirely new experience, solidifying Buhl Planetarium as the region’s leader in informal astronomy education and amateur space exploration,” Brown said in a press release. The planetarium will soon begin a second phase of fundraising for new seats and carpeting. In addition to announcing planetarium updates, Science Center officials have unveiled plans for their latest model in the Miniature Railroad & Village, which Brown described in a press release a “cherished Pittsburgh tradition with a 100-year legacy.” This year’s model celebrates the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. A figure of Daisy Lampkin, a Pittsburgh icon and key player in the civil rights and women’s suffrage movements, plus a model of her Hill District home was added to the railroad model. Lampkin was, according to a press release, “the first woman and second longest tenured NAACP executive.” In 1945, she won the NAACP National Woman of the Year award for her efforts to build the “largest membership enrollment in NAACP history.” Lampkin died in 1965, at the age of 78. The Carnegie Science Center’s exhibit website says the Miniature Railroad & Village started in 1919 as a personal holiday
display of Charles Bowdish, former resident of Brookville, PA. It was transported to the Buhl Planetarium in 1954, then finally to the Science Center in 1992. The Min-
iature Railroad & Village features “realistic animated scenes” that “illustrate how people lived, worked, and played in our region before 1940.”
For more information on the Buhl Planetarium and the miniature railroad, visit the Carnegie Science Center’s website at https://carnegiesciencecenter.org.
Photos: Carnegie Science Center
In addition to announcing the completion of the first phase of Buhl Planetarium's multimillion-dollar renovation, Carnegie Science Center officials have unveiled their latest Miniature Railroad & Village model. This year's model celebrates the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution with a figure of Pittsburgh icon Daisy Lampkin and her Hill District home (top). Lampkin was a key player in the civil rights and women's suffrage movements. In 1945, she won the NAACP National Woman of the Year award. She died in 1965 at the age of 78. n
More Science Center news on our website: www.nschronicle.com
Page 22
The Northside Chronicle
January 2021
Northside Business Briefs: January 2021
By Ashlee Green Johnny Angel’s Ginchy Stuff Due to the current COVID-19 precautions, Johnny Angel’s Ginchy Stuff, located at 1800 Preble Ave. in Chateau, is now open only on select weekends. A one-stop shop for unique, rock ‘n’ roll-themed gifts, it also
Angel” of Johnny Angel and the Halos, says he’s “been collecting since the 1950s and never stopped.” Call to confirm hours or schedule an appointment: 412-766-1846. Get Hip Record Store Get Hip Record Store, located in Chateau at 1800 Columbus Ave. on the second
day, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. COVID-19 precautions are in effect and all customers must wear masks to enter. The Get Hip web store is open 24/7 at https://gethip.com/site/store/ and new vinyls are regularly added. Contact via email or phone to confirm hours and with any additional questions: 412-2314766, mailorder@gethip.com.
Photo: Lauren Stauffer
Recent renovations to Cafe on the Corner include a new sign and picture window for takeout orders.
Photo: Johnny Angel's Ginchy Stuff
Jack Hunt, aka "Johnny Angel," has "been collecting since the 1950s and never stopped." His finds, available at Johnny Angel's Ginchy Stuff in Chateau, are unique gifts for rock 'n' roll fans. features the in-house Johnny Angel Music Museum. Owner Jack Hunt, aka “Johnny
floor, is now open Monday through Satur-
Bicycle Heaven Bicycle Heaven, located next to Johnny Angel’s Ginchy Stuff in the RJ Casey Industrial Park in Chateau, is an allin-one bicycle museum, sales shop, and repair center. The first floor sales shop and repair center remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Call for the latest updates on museum hours: 412-734-4034. Virtual museum tours are available at
www.bicycleheaven.org/. Cafe on the Corner Thanks in part to a grant from the Pennsylvania Conference for Women, Cafe on the Corner, located at 2700 Shadeland Ave. in Marshall-Shadeland, has undergone major renovations. Updates include a new sign, siding, and paint job; new doors; and a picture window for takeout orders. Owner Michael Blackwell said it was time for a change, and attributes his business’ good fortune to scripture: “You can’t pour old wine into new wine skins.” Call 412-4153672 or visit www.cafeonthecornerpgh.org/ to place an order. Max’s Allegheny Tavern At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Max’s Allegheny Tavern Owner Doug Diegelman put a pay-it-forward policy in place at the restaurant. Every $100 donated covered the price of 10 menu items. The next day, the first 10 callers that phoned in and placed an order received one item off of the menu for free. Now, they’re temporarily closed and have set up their own GoFundMe campaign with a goal to “open our doors again as soon as safely possible for our patrons and our loyal and hardworking staff.” You can donate to the campaign or call Max’s at 412-231-1899 to buy a gift card for a future visit. n
January 2021
The Northside Chronicle
Get care quickly, without leaving your house.
Page 23
'Scarf Bombardiers' target Allegheny Commons Park
Skip the trip with a video visit, available 24/7. AHN.org/video-visits *Certain terms and conditions, as well as additional fees, may apply.
Photos: Lauren Stauffer
The 'Scarf Bombardiers' hit the Northside with a scarf 'bomb' on Dec. 11, 2020. Free scarves were tied to fences, trees, and poles all the way from Allegheny Commons Park on Cedar Avenue to North Avenue and Brighton Road in front of Northside Common Ministries. The group, identified by the hang tags on each of its scarves, has a mission to "[make] the world a better place" by acting on the ideas that create happiness, according to their Facebook page. n
Financing Northside Small Businesses since 2000
Flexible low-interest financing for · Start-up costs
· Working capital · Inventory or supplies · Furniture or fixtures · Equipment or machinery · Real estate acquisitions · Leasehold improvements
Apply Online
www.nscdfund.org Contact Rich Newell, Loan Officer
412-322-0290 ext. 101 | newell@nscdfund.org
Contact Miauna Connor, Loan Officer
412-322-0290 ext. 102 | connor@nscdfund.org
922 middle street, pittsburgh, PA 15212 t: 412-322-0290 | www.nscdfund.org Small Business Administration Micro Enterprise Lender