June 2020 Est. 1985
The Northside Chronicle
Volume 36 Issue 6 - FREE -
The Community Newspaper of Pittsburgh’s Historic Northside
Device created by Northside doctor shows promise in treating COVID-19 patients By Emery Malachowski Eighty-eight percent of COVID-19 patients in the New York City area who were placed on mechanical ventilators died, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The Hemolung may have the potential to help. Created by Northside resident Dr. William Federspiel at the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, the Hemolung is a device that can work either as an alternative to or in conjunction with mechanical ventilators. Patients with “stiff lungs,” said Federspiel in an interview with The Northside Chronicle, such as many COVID-19 patients, may be at a higher risk for inflammation and injury from mechanical ventilators, which push air into and out of the lungs with fairly high “driving pressure.”
Photos by Phelan Newman
Ganon Jones Jr., left, and Duke Davis, right, make up the wrestling tag team The Mane Event (TME). Northside resident and costume designer Suz Pisano designed and altered their first custom, ring-ready gear as a duo. Read the full story below.
Suz Pisano takes the wheel How the award-winning Northside designer went from making hair accessories in a spare bedroom of her home to hand picking her clientele
By Hallie Lauer
Photo courtesy of ALung Technologies Inc.
Eighty-eight percent of COVID-19 patients in the New York City area who were placed on mechanical ventilators died, according to a recent study. The Hemolung could help. See Hemolung, Page 6
INSIDE
Nearly 30 years ago, Suz Pisano began making barrettes and scrunchies in a spare bedroom in her home. Despite earning a master’s degree in education and working in the field of criminal justice, she knew that fashion design was what she was meant to do, even if it took a bit of hard work to get there. “I knew that I didn’t want to be a dentist,” Pisano said. “Not that I couldn’t
- Northside Small Business Updates, Page 8
STORIES, COLUMNS, - Mindfulness Meditation, Page 11 FEATURES & MORE - The Outside Guide, Page 13
have done it, but I didn’t want to do it.” When she was growing up, it was her father who desperately wanted her to go into dentistry, and her family who stressed how important it was for her to go to college. Pisano knew it wasn’t the path for her, though, and in time, developed her artistic talents and products enough to start selling at craft shows, and eventually, at what she referred to as “more high end” arts festivals. “My mom always said to me, ‘There’s
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a big difference between can and want: If you want to do it, you’ll do anything,’” Pisano said. “That’s pretty much the story of any artist: If you wanna do it bad enough, you’re gonna do it.” Her first arts festival was the Shadyside Arts Festival, and it was her now-husband who paid her entrance fee, despite the fact that they had only recently begun to date. “My mom always told me that people
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See Suz, Page 9
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District 19 News: Rep. Wheatley Earlier this year, I introduced legislation that would legalize adult-use cannabis. As we move closer to June, which is typically known
Photo courtesy of the office of Rep. Wheatley
State Rep. Jake Wheatley represents Pittsburgh's 19th District. In this month's column, he outlines information about his bill, House Bill 2050, which would legalize adult-use cannabis. as “budget season,” it’s critical that we take action.
House Bill 2050 would allow for the legal sale of adult-use cannabis through a permitting structure for growers, processors, and dispensaries. A portion of the funds from the sale would be used to create grant programs to help minority and women-owned businesses, support student loan forgiveness, and affordable housing. In addition, it would also provide for the expungement of cannabis-related offenses for non-violent offenders. I’ve talked with many across Pennsylvania about the legalization of adult-use cannabis, and so have Governor Wolf and Lieutenant Governor Fetterman. They’re hearing what I am hearing: consistent support for legalization. With one bill, we can accomplish so much. We can undo the damage that’s been caused for over four decades by an overzealous criminal justice system intent on criminalizing people for minor drug offenses, as well as create a comprehensive marketplace to legally sell cannabis to adults. We can invest in programs to revitalize and strengthen our neighborhoods. This move could also provide significant tax revenues to our state – significant funds that could be beneficial as we head into budget season and continue to deal with the financial impacts and effects of the current COVID-19 pandemic. I encourage you to read my report on adult-use cannabis, including detailed information on my bill. We have the opportunity to make adult-use cannabis legal here in Pennsylvania and to get it right the first time around. I’d like to hear from you about my plan. Please reach out to me via email at repwheatley@pahouse.net or call The People’s Office at 412-471-7760. n
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June 2020
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
Manchester Citizens Corporation Quarterly meetings, call for times MCC Center, 1319 Allegheny Ave. 412.323.1743
Allegheny West Civic Council 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 7:30 p.m. Calvary United Methodist Church 412.323.8884
Manchester Public Safety Meeting Quarterly meetings, call for times Northside Leadership Conference 412.323.1743
Brighton Heights Citizens Federation 2nd Thursday, bi-monthly, 7 p.m. Morrow Elementary School 412.734.0233
Northside Rotary Club Every Friday, noon Cardello Building, 2nd Floor
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
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
Central Northside Neighborhood Council 2nd Monday, monthly, 7 p.m. Allegheny Traditional Academy 412.231.7742
North Side Public Safety Council 1st Thursday, monthly, 5:30 p.m. 1319 Allegheny Ave. 1st floor meeting room 412.231.4714 ext. 201
Charles Street Area Council 1st Monday, monthly, call for times Pittsburgh Project, 2801 N. Charles St. 412.321.5567
Northside Toastmasters 2nd & 4th Thursdays, monthly, 6:30 p.m. Carnegie Library, 1230 Federal St. 412-204-6018
Community Alliance of Spring Garden/ East Deutschtown 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. Fuhrer Building of St. Michael’s Church 412.228.0376
Observatory Hill, Inc. 3rd Wednesday, monthly, 7 p.m. Byzantine Seminary, 3605 Perrysville Ave. 412.231.2887
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 & Perry Hilltop Citizens Councils 4th Tuesday, monthly, 6 p.m. Contact for location info@ourfuturehilltop.org 412-238-7528 Mexican War Streets Society 3rd Monday, bi-monthly, 6:30-7 p.m. 1400 Buena Vista St. 412.323.9030
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 2, May 4, Sept. 14, Oct. 5, Nov. 2 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
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 2019
The Northside Chronicle
June 2020
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Northside Public Safety Bulletin: June 2020 The Allegheny County District Attorney’s office issued a “Fraud Squad Alert” for the types of scams that are expected to increase during the time of COVID-19: namely, robocalls, stimulus check scams, and Medicare fraud. Robocalls According to the D.A.’s alert, robocallers have offered “... air duct sanitation services, work-from- home opportunities, cut-rate health insurance, … immune-system boosting nutritional supplements, … free insulin kits to diabetics, [and] free coronavirus testing kits.” Be advised that if you get a call from a number you don’t know, ignore it. If you answer the call and think it could be a robocall, just hang up. Do not press any numbers that the message prompts you to. Never give out your personal information in a response to unsolicited calls or text messages. Do not click on links in text messages sent to you from an unknown number. Finally, if you’re receiving a lot of robocalls, call your cellular provider and ask about services available to block the calls. Stimulus check scams Reported stimulus check scams include “... crooks promising to expedite payment in exchange for a fee, impersonating a government official, and requesting sensitive personal information in order to process a check,” according to the D.A.’s alert. Protect yourself by spotting “red flags” such as
anyone who claims that they can expedite your stimulus check, anyone who requests your sensitive financial information, and anyone who claims that your completion of the 2020 Census impacts whether or not
only share your Medicare number with your doctors and trusted healthcare providers. Also, read over your Medicare claims summary forms to check for errors. You can report Medicare fraud by call-
• •
8.3% decrease in Zone One calls for service from March 2019 to March 2020 6% decrease in Zone One calls for service from February 2020 to March 2020
• The Northside Public Safety Council (NSPSC) meeting previously scheduled for June 4 is canceled due to COVID-19 and the CDC’s requirement on public meetings, but we hope to resume in July unless notified otherwise. We cannot stress enough to look after one another and please check on your neighbors as well as the elderly, disabled, less fortunate, and homeless populations, within the safe guidelines we all are getting used to at this time. A phone call goes Photo courtesy of Atlantic Training via Wikimedia Commons a long way, especially for those who are Residents should watch out for robocalls, stimulus check scams, and Medicare fraud. alone in this time of self-isolation. Violent crimes are down, but domestic violence and you receive a stimulus check. ing 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). burglaries are up, so again, look after your If you think you’ve been a victim of Crime statistics neighbors and neighborhood and report to one of these scams, the D.A.’s office enZone One crime statistics for March 911 or 311 if you have concerns. courages you to file a complaint at fraud.org 2020 are now available. Highlights include: Please feel free to contact the NSPor to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) • 111 total reported crimes in Zone SC if you have any concerns or needs via by phone at 1-877-382-4357. One email: zone1psc@gmail.com, or by phone: Medicare fraud • 39 reports of shots fired 412-321-0295. Scammers “... might lie about sending • 18 reports of crimes in East AlStay safe, you Coronavirus vaccines, tests, masks, or legheny David Stacy other items in exchange for your Medicare • 12.2% decrease in Zone One calls David Stacy is the president of NSPSC. number or personal information,” accordfor service from March 2018 to Reach him by email at zone1psc@gmail. ing to the D.A.’s alert. To protect yourself, March 2020 com or by phone at 412-321-0295. n
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District 1 News: Councilman Wilson Hello everyone, We recently observed an unusual Memorial Day in the Northside. This year, though a few of us came together on this national holiday to remember the brave men and women
Photo courtesy of the Councilman
Councilman Bobby Wilson represents the City of Pittsburgh's District 1. who gave their all for our country, we had to stay apart to keep each other safe. The rest of us marked this solemn national holiday in our homes, where we shared private reminiscences and paid our respects to all the members of the military we have lost. None of us takes lightly the ultimate sacrifice made by these brave men and women, and Memorial Day gives us the essential time to remember them and honor them. As a first-year City Councilman, I was especially honored to plant flags at the graves of Northside veterans and fallen soldiers in Highwood Cemetery over the long weekend and remember them alongside the Northside Memorial Day Committee at Legion Park in Brighton Heights on Memorial Day. The monuments in Legion Park are dedicated to Northside residents who served in World War I, World War II, and the Korean, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf Wars. The most imposing of these monuments is the tower-
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ing 25-foot sculpture known as “Sacrifice.” Allen George Newman, who also created the iconic “doughboy” sculpture in Lawrenceville, installed this piece in 1922 to honor World War I veterans from the area. I am happy to announce here that all of the monuments at Legion Park were cleaned this May by a professional conservator thanks to the diligence of the Northside Memorial Day Committee, the City Planning Public Art and Civic Design Division’s restoration program, and funding from my office. The stonework on these monuments was scrubbed with masonry cleaner and biological growth remover. Bases and platforms were gently washed to remove years of dirt and grime. Lettering on plaques was polished, waxed, and sealed to create a sharp contrast against their dark background. All the stone walkway pavers were power-washed and weeded. I invite you to visit Legion Park this summer to take in the restoration of these monuments and remember the veterans who fought to keep us all safe and free today. While I am grateful that so many of you observed social distancing guidelines over Memorial Day Weekend, I am confident that by next Memorial Day, we shall be able to come together at Legion Park to properly remember and honor the many Northside veterans who gave their all PERSONAL INJURY | AUTO ACCIDENTS | MEDICAL MALPRACTICE in defense of our country. If you’re looking for more monuments SLIP, TRIP & FALLS | CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS | EMPLOYER VIOLATIONS to explore, you can see a complete list of City memorials and works of art on the Public Art and Civic Design Division’s Inventory Map: Top 50 Attorneys in Pittsburgh by Pittsburgh Magazine pittsburghpa.gov/pa-cd/art-collection.html. Top Attorneys in Pennsylvania | Best Lawyers in America by In the meantime, please feel free to contact my office if you have any questions, conPittsburgh Magazine | Pittsburgh Best Lawyers | Best Lawyers in cerns, or stories. You can call my office at America | National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys (NAOPIA) | (412) 255-2135, email us at district1@pittsburghpa.gov, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, The American Society of Legal Advocates | Pennsylvania Rising Stars and Instagram. We look forward to hearing by Philadelphia Super Lawyers | Pennsylvania Super Lawyers from all of you. Stay home, stop the spread, and save lives! Bobby Wilson Councilman, District 1 n
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June 2020
District 20 News: Rep. Ravenstahl Hello, As you read this, we will be more than two months into the coronavirus crisis in our state. I hope this column finds you and
Photo courtesy of the office of Rep. Ravenstahl
State Rep. Adam Ravenstahl represents the 20th Legislative District in Allegheny County. your family healthy and well. None of us in February could have predicted how this pandemic has unfolded in our community and
across our state. It has upended our lives as we have taken drastic measures to slow its spread and to save the lives of those around us. The good news is that our efforts have not been in vain. We have flattened the curve. We have saved – according to some estimates – tens of thousands of lives. And in Harrisburg, we are continuing to work to move resources, streamline processes, and prepare for what may lay ahead. That includes voting to allocate $500 million in emergency funding to address COVID-19 outbreaks in senior centers, passing legislation to get Property Tax/ Rent Rebate Program checks out quicker, and fighting for protections for our essential workers. More remains to be done. I am pushing legislation to help our volunteer fire companies, fund zero-interest loans to locally owned businesses, and expand COVID-19 testing and contact tracing across the state so we can safely get back to work. We have made great progress, but we cannot be complacent. As our community emerges from under the cloud of this virus, we must remain vigilant, and we must continue to work together. So please, continue your social distancing as much as you are able. Wear a mask when around people and avoid crowds. Your actions save lives. Be well, Adam n
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District 6 News: Councilman Lavelle In December of 2019, Councilman Burgess and I successfully introduced a resolution in Council declaring racism to be a public health crisis in the City of Pittsburgh. This action was in part motivated by the release of the Gender Equity Commission study that revealed glaring racial disparities in the city’s African American population. Now faced with new challenges posed by COVID-19, which have been shown to disproportionately affect the city’s African American population, we have taken an additional step and introduced legislation creating a Greater Pittsburgh COVID-19 Racial Equity Task Force. The Task Force would be a subcommittee of the Commission on Racial Equity. Legislation was introduced this year to create the Commission. With the pending adoption of the Commission on Racial Equity, Pittsburgh will have committed itself to eliminate racial inequities and barriers, and to invest in people of color as the only just course of action for all of the city’s residents. It will serve as a body that advises the mayor and City Council in the implementation of all programs and activities designed to reduce institutional racism and increase racial equity and social justice in the City of Pittsburgh. This will be accomplished via review on the progress and impact of programs and
activities designed to increase racial equity in the City, and through recommendations made to the Mayor and Council on pro-
Photo courtesy of the Councilman
Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle represents the City of Pittsburgh's District 6.
grams, practices and policies that will lead Pittsburgh towards the goal of a more equitable city. The COVID-19 Task Force will be composed by members from the Pittsburgh Black Elected Officials, the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Public Health Officials, university representatives, the Covid-19 Equity Working Group, and community representatives, all with specific exContinued on Page 6
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June 2020
Dist. 6, Cont'd Hemolung authorized for COVID-19 emergency use Continued from Page 5
From Hemolung, Page 1
pertise on African Americans and/or African American communities. They will be charged with drafting strategies and practices to limit the exposure of COVID-19 in African American communities and assist them in their economic recovery. We are only as strong as our most vulnerable populations, and the pandemic has served to further highlight the vulnerabilities these communities face as a result of institutional shortcomings in access to quality care and social services. The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted and exasperated institutional disparities faced by our minority populations. In the state of Pennsylvania, African Americans comprise 11% of the population yet account for 21% of all COVID-19 related deaths. Therefore, equity must be at the center of any response to the COVID-19 health crisis. We must work to assure that solutions and service delivery during the pandemic are able to reach those most in need. In order for the city and the county to thrive, it cannot be at the expense of the African American population, which has reported disproportionate rates of coronavirus mortality. I am confident that the COVID-19 Task Force will help the City meet these challenges at hand. Together with the greater Pittsburgh Commission on Racial Equity, the result will be a fairer, more just City of Pittsburgh that is inclusive of all of our diverse communities. n
Federspiel explains that the mortality rate with mechanical ventilators was already high before COVID-19, but has jumped to 80% or 90% for COVID-19 patients. Federspiel, who lives in Historic Deutschtown, explains that aggressive mechanical ventilation is not just to provide oxygen, but to remove carbon dioxide from the body. The Hemolung works by actually removing the carbon dioxide from the bloodstream while remaining largely uninvasive. This “ultra-protective lung ventilation,” as he described it, does not require a medically induced coma, whereas mechanical ventilators usually do, and is less harsh to the lungs. It can be used alongside less invasive or noninvasive forms of oxygen ventilation, or can be used with a mechanical ventilator to remove some of the stress of the more aggressive device. However, while the Hemolung has its Conformité Européenne, or CE Mark, which is a conformity marking of the European Union, and is authorized for use in hospitals in Europe and some other countries, it is not currently mass-produced or even approved by the FDA. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the company that produces Hemolungs, called ALung Technologies Inc., was focused on administering clinical trials in both the U.S. and Europe and was “approximately 50%”
of the way towards its FDA approval, according to Alung’s CEO, Peter DeComo, who lives in Cranberry Township. These clinical trials were designed to test both how the Hemolung functioned on its own and in conjunction with a mechanical ventilator. Now, DeComo told The Northside Chronicle, those clinical trials are either paused or moving very slowly.
Photo courtesy of ALung Technologies Inc.
Many COVID-19 patients may be at a higher risk for inflammation and injury from mechanical ventilators, but the Hemolung could offer a gentler alternative. While the Hemolung is not FDA approved, it has been authorized by the FDA for emergency use, specifically for COVID-19 patients. This does not mean, though, that the Hemolung will immediately become widespread. The authorization does not come with state or federal
funding for ALung’s production, and the small company has struggled to deal with the pandemic itself. According to DeComo, they only have the capacity to make approximately 15 of the devices per month. There have been five U.S. hospitals, he said, that have requested the device for COVID-19 patients, and so far, ALung has been able to accommodate these requests. While both DeComo and Federspiel acknowledge that ALung’s capacity to mass-produce Hemolungs for hospitals across the U.S. is limited, DeComo believes the hospitals that already have Hemolungs will benefit from the devices the most. Before COVID-19, ALung distributed almost 80 Hemolung devices to the 34 hospitals and clinics that were participating in their clinical trials. Now that the FDA has authorized their devices for emergency use on COVID-19 patients, these hospitals can now use the Hemolung on COVID-19 patients whom they believe would benefit from the device. Federspiel says that approximately 15 COVID-19 patients have been treated so far with the Hemolung device in the U.S., and five in the U.K. Both Federspiel and DeComo point to the use of the Hemolung at the Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center in Florida, where the device was used to save the life of a doctor infected with COVID-19, as an example of its potential. n
Can you lend a hand? Allegheny Elks Lodge #339’s
YELLOW GLOVE PROJECT
Allegheny Elks Lodge would like YOUR help keeping our Yellow Glove Project going strong and assisting our neighbors via the Northside Community Food Pantry. The Yellow Glove Project is funded by grants from the Elks National Foundation and is supplemented by community donations. Please help support this valuable program by visiting http://ygp.alleghenyelks.org. Overview: SNAP/Food Stamps do not cover personal and household cleaning/hygeine products. Allegheny Elks Lodge provides these types of products to clients of the Community Food Pantry, and the volunteer labor to procure and pack them for distribution. More information, and a way to donate online via PayPal or major credit/debit card, is available at http://ygp.alleghenyelks.org. 100% of every dollar donated is used solely for the purchase of the items distributed. Help us help the hundreds of Northside families who are in need of these supplies. Allegheny Elks is a 501(c)8 nonprofit corporation operating under the Lodge system. All charitable donations are tax deductible per Internal Revenue Code 170(c)(4).
Lodge #339 400 Cedar Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 321-1834
The Northside Chronicle
June 2020
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Monthly Message of Inspiration This month, Rev. Dr. Brenda J. Gregg, Senior Pastor of Destiny of Faith Church in Brighton Heights, kicks off our brand new column, "Monthly Message of Inspiration," from faith leaders throughout the Northside. These are complicated and traumatic times not only for our own families, but also for our neighbors and friends. These are challenging times for the entire world, and things seem to be changing so fast, yet slower than we desire. We ask ourselves, when will this all be over? When will we be able to trust that it is safe for us to return to our usual responsibilities? There is so much that still needs to be done. And yet, when we think about it, there have always been enormous needs all over our world. Many of us have hardly noticed them before now, nor have we felt the least bit moved toward getting involved because these needs were someone else’s problem to take care of. The COVID-19 problem has created one of the most challenging times most of us can remember. This challenge has brought us together across economic, racial, and religious divides; we are more alike than different. We have stepped up to help and to care for each other in such remarkable ways. We are resilient, and we are seeing just how strong we really are. The love of God is being seen and shared. We are answering the call to help, we are aiding, we are serving others rather than panicking or hiding in fear. We are sharing our time, our resources, and are serving those who are most vulnerable. We are making sure that people have food to eat and a warm bed to sleep in. We are taking care of our sick and seeing after those who are shut in and alone. No matter how frustrating, confusing, or scary this time may be, we are determined not to let fear have the final say. 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” Our hope is built on the perfect love of Jesus Christ and we have been called to share that love with the world. It is wonderful to be a part of a neighborhood that cares. We do not have all the answers to this pandemic, but we are striving together to leave no person behind. Our scientists search for cures and we pray for wisdom that only comes from the Lord. We have never been so connected to one another. Please, do not get weary in doing good deeds. Whatever you do and whatever help you give, it is all good! I thank God for being able to witness this unique season when men and women of all races, colors, nationalities, and creeds work to strengthen each other and who open doors to share God’s love. Lastly, I want to share with you
that there are hundreds of pastors of all faiths along with their church congregations and lay and clergy persons who are praying 24 hours a day over our city. Together we are “Saturating the City of Pittsburgh with Prayer.” Be encouraged and know that pastors, ministers, and faith caring individuals are lifting the concerns and needs of us all. Our prayers are not
Photo courtesy of Rev. Dr. Brenda J. Gregg
This month, Rev. Dr. Brenda J. Gregg, Senior Pastor of Destiny of Faith Church in Brighton Heights, kicks off our brand new column, "Monthly Message of Inspiration," from faith leaders throughout the Northside. loud and boisterous, and we are not on display on our city steps. Our church doors have been physically shut for months. However, we are not ceasing to boldly raise our voices unto the Lord, from whence cometh our help, our help comes from the Lord. I cannot tell you how long this will last, but there is one thing that I do know and that is: This season shall pass! Troubles don’t last always! “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NIV) God, give us a hope that is unshakable! Please continue to follow the CDC Guidelines to keep you and your family and neighbors safe. Rev. Dr. Brenda J. Gregg Senior Pastor Destiny of Faith n
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The Northside Chronicle
June 2020
Northside business models adapt in the face of COVID-19 By Mario Cosentino and Jazmine Ramsey
Despite the challenges Northside businesses have undertaken since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, owners remain positive and resilient. Here are some innovative ways owners are adapting their business models to meet the needs of their staff, customers, and community. Badamo’s Pizza COVID-19 did not cause a large negative impact to the business end of Pittsburgh pizza shop Badamo’s. However, the pandemic did have an effect on the shop’s employees. “It obviously was a huge hit,” owner Anthony Badamo said. “We lost probably half of our employees, just people who were questioning coming out of the house and working during the pandemic.” Both the Northside and Mt. Lebanon locations are now operating with a “smaller crew,” and they’ve changed their business hours by closing on Mondays, closing the shop earlier (they are now open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and offering takeout and delivery options through DoorDash and other delivery services. To help with social distancing protocols, take-out windows were installed in front of each location, allowing workers to serve their customers directly. Custom-
ers can play it extra safe by ordering their meals online. - J. R. Scratch Food and Beverage No longer functioning as a tradition-
Photo courtesy of Anthony Badamo
Badamo's Pizza installed take-out windows at both of their locations to help with social distancing protocols. al restaurant, Scratch Food and Beverage (F&B) in Troy Hill has instead become a marketplace. The goal: to better provide for the needs of their customers and surround-
ing community. Online ordering is available for delivery and takeout food, including crockpot meal kits similar to HelloFresh, and basic grocery items. They’re also providing for non-food needs through the sale of personal care and general cleaning products. Scratch’s outreach even extends beyond its customer base through partnerships with local nonprofits such as the Allegheny YMCA on West North Avenue. Scratch F&B has helped provide meals every week for the 90 men in the YMCA’s residential program. Owner Don Mahaney says that he plans to retain relationships with nonprofits and will continue to provide for the Northside as long as his and his restaurant’s services are needed. “We need to be ready to meet the community’s needs where they are,” says Mahaney. “I think that having that litany of menu items available is one of the ways we can do so.” - M.C.
Despite having a grand opening during a pandemic, business is going well for the shop. According to owner Galen Moorer Jr., Happy Day hasn’t seen a slow period since it first opened. - J.R.
Happy Day Dessert Factory Opening a new business is hard enough, but doing it during a pandemic is a whole different story. Happy Day Dessert Factory was originally scheduled to open in March of this year, but due to Gov. Tom Wolf’s shelter-in-place orders, the store began operating as takeout only, with delivery services available through DoorDash.
Beer Bar on the North Shore was the site and sponsor of a weekly video series called “Sports on Tap.” It was a segment where two representatives from DK Sports, a sports news site started by journalist Dejan Kovacevic, drank a flight of beer and talked about Pitts-
Mike’s Beer Bar In the months before restaurants were closed and sheltering in place began, Mike’s
Photo courtesy of Mike's Beer Bar
Mike's Beer Bar, known for its impressive variety of beer on tap, is now hosting its weekly "Sports on Tap" sports talk series online.
See Adapt, Page 18
The Northside Chronicle
June 2020
Page 9
Pisano defines success by her range of clientele
From Suz, Page 1 who are successful will always help you,” Pisano said. “Through the arts festivals, I got a lot of education.” Hand-picked clientele Now, tucked away in her own studio above Gasoline Street Coffee Company in downtown Pittsburgh, Pisano transforms simple fabric into wearable art for a living. Inside Sparkle Studio, she’s created everything from dresses and pageant gowns to wrestling gear. She’s won multiple “Best Costume” awards from both regional and national dance competitions and is an alumna of Pittsburgh Fashion Week. Her range of design can’t be nailed down to one specific style: There’s variety in her work because she hand picks each of her clients. “We have to click,” she said. “If someone comes to me with a very specific drawing, nine times out of 10 I’ll say no. If the person is not a designer, they don’t understand how clothing works. I see where the seams have to go, how the zipper has to work. If it feels right, or I feel like someone is going to trust me, then I say ‘yes.’” Pisano once had a client approach her to make him a onesie—complete with a butt flap—made up entirely of Crown Royal bags he had collected at the bar he owned. “It was so fun. I was like, ‘Please don’t tell me what you want,’” Pisano said. The bar owner agreed and let Pisano take the wheel. “Those are the best jobs: when people say, ‘Make it whatever, add what you think it needs,’” she said. Most of her referrals come via text message, because other than a personal Facebook account and one for her studio, Pisano doesn’t use social media. “To me, a lot of that is made up. People spend so much time on their social media that they’re not really doing any work,” she said. During the spring, which is typically Pisano’s busy season, Sparkle Studio consists of a team of five people, but for the most part, Pisano does all the work herself. “I’ve never had aspirations to be a big giant brand,” she said. “I want to design; I want to be on my sewing machine. I don’t
want to manage people.” POSE PGH One of the more memorable projects Pisano worked on was a collection titled “Our Legendary Children” for POSE PGH. Run by owner and photographer Lexi Shapiro, POSE PGH has the tagline: “Children’s portraiture with a fashionable twist.” All of the children featured in the project were modeled based on personalities from
According to Shapiro, Pisano even created the look for a miniature Alaska Thunder---- on the spot. Thunder---- was the runner-up from the fifth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Thunder---- studied theater at the University of Pittsburgh before moving to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. Pisano built the Alaska costume “... on top of our little model's body to be sure that
Photos by POSE PGH/Lexi Shapiro
In a collection titled "Our Legendary Children" for POSE PGH, run by owner and photographer Lexi Shapiro, Pisano designed children's outfits modeled on personalities from "RuPaul's Drag Race." Left: The Alaska Thunder---- look; Right: A young model sports the Bob the Drag Queen outfit as Pisano makes adjustments. “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Pisano, who was recommended to Shapiro for the job by a mutual friend, designed the outfits while Shapiro captured the photos. “From the moment I met Suz, I knew that we'd get along swimmingly.” Shapiro said. “She is the designer in Pittsburgh [who,] if you're in need of clothing or costumes for kids, [is] excellent at both working with them and creating garments that look great on them.” Shapiro continued: “Each day, Suz would show up at the studio and pull the completed looks out of the garment bags, and my jaw would hit the floor.”
the volume and fit was perfect,” Shapiro said. “Suz is so insanely talented, and I feel very lucky to have met her,” she continued. “Since working together, she has become a friend and mentor and someone very special to me.” Pisano’s work isn’t always red-carpet material, though. She was once commissioned to make a 10-foot-tall pretzel suit in the style of Elvis Presley for a fitness game for children: The goal was to animate healthy snacks. Pisano’s creation was dubbed “Elvis Pretzeley.” “My clientele is very vast,” Pisano
said. “I have clients that are from the LGBT community; I have trans clients. I have Black, Chinese, Indian clients. That, to me, is the definition of success: when I can look around and say, ‘I am here for everybody.’” Functionality of design While many of Pisano’s clients dance on a stage, some of them perform in a ring. Ganon Jones Jr. and Duke Davis make up the wrestling duo The Mane Event. They first wrestled against each other as individuals, then came together in 2016. A year later, they were wrestling in the International Wrestling Cartel (IWC) Cage Fury Event. Pisano helped them design and alter their gear, including their logos, for the event—it was the first custom gear they had as a duo. “We need it to be very functional and easy to move around in,” The Mane Event said in an email. “Suz is very detailed and worked very hard making sure our gear was exactly what we wanted.” Wrestling, both the performance art kind and the sport, requires gear that can fit very specific criteria. In an article written for Team USA Wrestling, who governs the sport of wrestling nationwide, it’s noted that proper wrestling gear is for looks just as much as it is for physical protection. The clothing a wrestler wears has to fit properly on their body so that it can’t be grabbed by an opponent during the match. Plus, the fabric has to be tough. “‘Know your fabrics’ is what I tell everyone,” said Pisano. “Wrestling is a hard sport: that ring floor is very hard on certain fabrics. I’m really proud of my knowledge of fabrics and how durable or fragile they are.” Costume design, according to Pisano, has to “cover all the bases.” “How… a skirt flow[s] in a ballet affects what you’re seeing about the movement,” she said. “I never knew that as a professional dancer, sometimes 20 minutes before a show, someone hands you a costume—no consideration in how it fits or even if it works. Imagine dancing in a dress that’s too short or tights that are too tight. See Suz, Page 17
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Page 10
The Northside Chronicle
Pennsylvania Senate Democrats propose $550 million 'lifeline' for small businesses statewide By Ashlee Green Senate Democrats came together on May 22 to announce their call for a portion of the federal CARES Act COVID-19 Relief Package funding to be allocated to
June 2020
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Funding for the Main Street Business Revitalization Initiative, proposed on May 22, would be distributed in the form of grants, not loans, and on a sliding scale based on need. small businesses. Senators Jay Costa, Vince Hughes, John Blake, Jim Brewster, and Pam Iovino joined Dan Betancourt of Community First Fund and Jim Burnett of West Philadelphia Financial Services Institution (WPFSI), two Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in Pennsylvania, as well as close to 40 participants, in a Zoom conference call to propose a program called the Main Street Business Revitalization Initiative. “We are here to talk about healing the damage that’s already been done,” said Senator Blake. This initiative would allocate $425 million of the $4 billion in federal CARES Act funding received by Pennsylvania to go toward “traditional main street businesses,” and $125 million to go separately toward ”historically disadvantaged businesses”
waiting? The answer is: We can wait no longer,” said Senator Hughes. “Small mom-and-pop, main street, and neighborhood businesses — especially those businesses in historically disadvantaged communities who have born the financial brunt of this pandemic — need this help.” CDFIs would be responsible for running the initiative. In a joint statement, the CDFI Network commented: “Our CDFIs are on the frontlines of this economic crisis and are actively assisting small businesses such as barbershops, hair and nail salons, general stores, family restaurants, child care centers, bodegas, home health care services, bed and breakfasts and many others. With decades of experience, CDFIs have the knowledge, and trust of our small business communities. We are equipped to deliver See Main Street, Page 19
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June 2020
The Northside Chronicle
Page 11
Right now is the perfect time to start a meditation practice By Mario Cosentino Setting aside 10 minutes of your day could improve your mental health and better prepare you for crisis-like situations. This is according to Dr. Richard King, founder of Mindful Pittsburgh. “Mindfulness,” as he calls it, has no set definition, but in simple terms it can be described as putting your attention in the
in crisis situations. This kind of relaxation response is like a muscle: it gets stronger the more you practice mindfulness. In order to achieve this relaxation response, King explains that there are two ingredients needed. “You need a mental device and you need a passive attitude. Mindfulness gives you the mental device; the attention on sensation, a passive attitude, and if you just
Photo courtesy of Dr. Richard King
The Unitarian House, located on Resaca Place in the Northside, is where Dr. Richard King held mindfulness sessions before the pandemic struck. Now, they're held online. present moment. “What it does is really trains you to be aware of your thoughts, your body sensations, your emotions. It really reveals what's going on with you in the present moment,” King said. King, who studied psychology and psychophysiology at the University of Pittsburgh became interested in mindfulness after reading a book titled “Anger” by his favorite poet, Thich Nhat Hanh. At the time, he had made a habit of “barking” at his kids and he was looking for a way to control this anger. The solution he found was mindfulness. King has since found many practical uses for mindfulness and has even used it to teach crisis intervention for the Pittsburgh Police. He is currently working on a project with UPMC to teach physicians about mindfulness. “Everybody is familiar with fight or flight. Mindfulness meditation is the exact opposite of the fight or flight response,” King said. “When I teach first responders, my primary interest is in teaching them to turn off their stress response.” King explains that the more you practice bringing your attention to your breathing, the more you strengthen your parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for increasing digestive juices and slowing the heart rate. This is what allows mindfulness to be effective
sit and pay attention to your breath, then it activates this relaxation response.” Through Mindful Pittsburgh, King teaches eight-week workshops on mindfulness periodically throughout the year. To supplement these workshops, King offers mindfulness meditation sessions every Tuesday. These sessions were held in person at the Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church on the Northside, but when the COVID-19 crisis began, they were moved to the online video conferencing platform Zoom. King says that there are many differences between the online and in-person programs, but the overall structure is the same. Each meeting starts with introductions and a gratitude practice where every participant is encouraged to journal and share three things they are thankful for. This is followed by a “weather report.” Just as someone may look out the window to see what the weather is, King wants people to gauge their internal climate. This can often be summed up in one word, such as: peaceful, excited, or anxious. The meeting then closes with a blessing for the upcoming week. Participants are encouraged but not required to share a blessing with the group. “Those blessings are usually informed by the 50 minutes we just spent togethSee Mindfulness, Page 26
The Northside Chronicle
Page 12
Census 2020
June 2020
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Northside’s Outside Guide
The Northside Chronicle - Outside Guide
Page 14
June 2020
City Announces Changes to Summer Activities During COVID-19 Pandemic On May 15, 2020 the City of Pittsburgh announced how summertime activities will be impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While many activities will be allowed, others will be canceled or postponed. All decisions follow federal and state guidelines. “Pittsburgh residents have done a great job during these trying times staying safe and looking out for each other. The data shows the battle against this pandemic is far from over, however, and we must keep social distancing and other measures in place to win this fight, even when we’re enjoying the outdoors,” Mayor William Peduto said. The following is a list of permitted and non-permitted activities, with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines attached when relevant. Activities that can comply safely with social distancing guidelines will be allowed.
mends singles matches. Northside tennis courts are located in:Allegheny Commons Park West has five courts next to Gus & Yia Yias Icee Ball Stand. Riverview Park has courts accessible from the Observatory parking lot, down past the dog park areas. Washington's Landing has five courts located on Herr's Island off Waterfront Drive. Manchester Park has two courts located on Colmbus & Fulton Streets. Fineview Park has one tennis court located on Edinvale & Lanark Streets. •
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These activities include: •
•
•
Drive-in movies by the Special Events office, continue below for more information. Farmers Market in Allegheny Commons Park East will begin Friday, June 12th from 3PM-7PM. Tennis courts where the CDC recom-
•
•
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Bocce Courts - Northside does not currently have bocce courts, the nearest courts are in Frick Park, Heth's Park (Morningside), Bloomfield Park, Magee Park (Greenfield), and Lodge Ptenza in Mt. Washington.
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Skate parks - Northside does not currently have a skate park, the nearest skate parks are in West Penn Park (Polish Hill), McKinley Park (Beltzhoover), and Tuxedo Street (Sheradon).
Pickle ball courts - where the CDC recommends singles matches. Northside pickle ball courts are located in Allegheny Commons Park near Allegheny Traditional Elementary Academy.
Large group events that cannot comply safely with social distancing will not be allowed. These events include:
Fields - where the CDC does not recommend organized group sports. Northside has 24 fields according to data sets from the City of Pittsburgh.
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Frisbee Golf - Northside does not currently have a Frisbee Golf (also known as disc golf ) field. The one and only course is located in Schenely Park in the neighborhood of Squirrel Hill. Lawn Bowling - the only lawn bowling lawn is located at Frick Park in the neighborhood of Squirrel Hill.
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• • • • • • •
July 4 fireworks City-sponsored concerts like Stars in Riverview Park Jazz Series 5Ks, the Great Race and other races (though they can be held virtually, continue below for more details) Summer Camps Citiparks summer youth baseball Summer Line Dancing Heritage Day at Riverview Park Pistons in the Park held in Allegheny Commons Park West Playgrounds, park shelters and spray parks remain closed until further notice as recommended by the CDC. Swimming pools (including the Oliver Bath House) will be closed. While the
CDC says that swimming itself is safe, it says 6 feet of distance between users is required and no more than 10 people should be allowed at any time. City pool waiting areas, locker rooms and lounging areas are too cramped to allow for appropriate distancing under the guidelines. Final decisions on other activities and facilities have not yet been made. These include: • • • • • • • •
Decisions on closures and allowed activities may be revisited as pandemic circumstances and federal and state guidelines change. More information for ongoing updates of re-openings are available at the City of Pittsburgh website: https://pittsburghpa. gov/
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The Northside Chronicle - Outside Guide
June 2020
Iconic Northside Locations To Visit
Health & Wellness Guide 2020
For Exploring and Sightseeing at a Safe Distance
Allegheny Commons West Park
FREE
Located at the corners of North Avenue and Brighton Rd. Visit Gus & Yia Yia’s stand for an icee ball or fresh popcorn, stroll over Lake Elizabeth on the foot bridge, and enjoy the many historical monuments, public art sculptures, and National Aviary. Free yoga classes on Saturdays throughout the summer, hosted by Counseling & Wellness Center of Pittsburgh located on Western Avenue. Visit facebook.com/counselingwellnessPGH for more information and registration. After a stretch, visit the many small businesses who are open for take-out on Western Avenue for brunch; from modern, to pub, to Thai, classic subs and pizza, craft beer and a new ice cream shop- there are many tastes and offerings to explore. Bottom photo by Anthony Amato and top photo from NSC Archive.
Allegheny Commons East Park
Located at the corners of North Avenue and Cedar Avenue. Pittsburgh’s oldest park, with mature tree growth and recently rebuilt Historical Northeast Fountain. Stop down on Fridays from 3-7PM for the Farmer's Market for fresh produce, flowers, food trucks, and more local offerings. Historical monuments and markers throughout the walking paths. A quick skip towards Federal Street to pick up a Healthy Ride Bike Share from one of the seven stations located on the Northside. Walk the other way to explore the Historic Deutschtown neighborhood and East Ohio main street stores and delis. Photo by Ashlee Green.
Fineview Overlook
The neighborhood's name speaks for itself at the public outpost on Catoma St. overlooking Allegheny General Hospital with views of Downtown, Mt. Washington, and lower Northside. It's also the hub for the annual Fineview Step Challenge where runners climb and descend twelve city stairsets throughout the hilltop neighborhood. Not far from the Overlook are historically registered Gothic Revival style homes, like Heathside Cottage and the Henderson-Metz House, for more enjoyable views of different times. Photo by Lauren Stauffer.
Riverview Park
Bordered by the four neighborhoods of Observatory Hill, Perry Hilltop, Marshall-Shadeland, and Brighton Heights, the ninth largest city park is also home to the Nationally Registered Historical Landmark, the Allegheny Observatory, which can still be used to see stars. Throughout the park are hiking, biking, and equestrian trails woven through the woods to enjoy the calm of nature. The two-mile paved loop for walkers, bikers, and one-way car lanes is also the course for the annual Riverview 5K which will be run through a new virtual program by the Special Events Office this summer. Photo by Neil Strebig.
Page 15
Professional tips for cleaning, mental health, and pet enrichment ideas
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The Northside Chronicle's Health & Wellness Guide is also online!
A Place to Start starts late, June 12th For Emily Oswilany, Allegheny Health Partnership Coordinator
For over ten weeks, Pittsburgh residents were asked to stay inside their homes and leave when only necessary due to the spread of COVID-19. These unprecedented times have caused a great deal of anxiety, which affects mental and physical wellbeing. Events all over the city were cancelled/delayed including the health and wellness program, A Place to Start, at the Northside Farmers Market. However, we are committed to giving the Northside community “A Place to Start”. The Northside Farmers Market and A Place to Start will now begin on Friday, June 12th at Allegheny Commons Park. Northside residents will be able to maintain and even improve their health right here in the Northside. There are many parks in our neighborhoods with hiking and biking trails such as Riverview Park Allegheny Commons, and the Fineview Step trail. If you do not have a bike, you can rent them from one of the seven Northside | Shore locations from Healthy RideShare Stations. Locations include Allegheny Commons off Federal and North Street, Randyland at Arch and Jacksonia Streets, CCAC at Rdige and Brighton Roads, Chateau at W General Robinson Street and Chuck Noll Way, Northsore at the trail and Fort Duquesne Bridge, Federal and Isabella Streets, and Microsoft office at the 16th Street Bridge. Make sure to bring sanitizer and wipes if you are renting a bike. This is
an easy way to stay active while also spending time with family or roommates. Pittsburgh does not always have the best weather, so for those rainy days, go onto Instagram and follow a local Northside fitness studio like Urban Elements, California Cycle Path, Inhale Yoga or Union Fitness to find alternative group fitness online. Many groups are posting workouts on their Instagram livestreams or Youtube. This is a great way to start a fitness class from the comfort of your own home. Another easy workout to stay active in the Northside is to climb the city steps, including the annual Fineview Step Challenge route. It is a great workout, and there are amazing views of the city from the top at the Overlook. If you decide to enjoy these great parks and trails, please maintain proper social distancing. Stay 6 feet apart from others. Bring hand sanitizer/ wipes and masks to stay as healthy as you can! To ensure the safety of yourself and others, please read the City’s Covid-19 Updates: https://pittsburghpa. gov/mayor/covid-updates. “A Place to Start” program is now being modified in order to follow the City’s guidelines. For more updates on A Place to Start, visit our website: www. pittsburghnorthside.com and follow our social media. Find “A Place to Start” at the Northside Farmers Market this summer starting Friday, Jue 12th.
Page 16
The Northside Chronicle - Outside Guide
Images courtesy of and created by Northside Leadership Conference, updated 5/27/2020
June 2020
The Northside Chronicle
June 2020
Page 17
Pisano 'lives in love' From Suz, Page 9
Northside Partnership Project Community Resource Mall
How well something fits determines performance.” Though Jones Jr. and Davis have only been wrestling together for a few years, according to their website, they’ve already won four titles from various wrestling matches in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Living in love Despite designing a wide range of art, Pisano said that her favorite event to style is weddings. “It’s a really important day in somebody’s life,” she said. “I always say maybe if I wasn’t happily married for almost 22 years, I wouldn’t feel the same, but [my husband and I] live in love, and I just get so excited about somebody starting their life in that way.” Pisano’s excitement for and inclination toward working with brides didn’t come out
These investments have allowed her to expand her business—and keep dreaming. Pittsburgh pride A Pittsburgh girl through and through, Pisano’s dream job is to redesign the costumes for the Pirates Pierogies, the baseball team’s mascots known for their “Great Pittsburgh Pierogi Race” during the fifth inning of every game. “I think they’re terrible. They’re the wrong color, and I just think I could animate them so much better,” Pisano said with a laugh. “You don’t even know how many times I’ve been like, ‘Should I just call Mrs. T’s and be like, ‘Where’s the marketing department? Who made those?'” Due to the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, Pisano’s business is currently closed, though she is making face masks for her friends. “[It’s] just something to do: A little fun, but nothing earth shattering” she said.
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Open Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30AM - 7:00PM Saturday - Sunday 6:30AM - 7:00PM Snacks & beverages also available!
Photos courtesy of the Pittsburgh MasQUe ProjecT
Pisano's business is currently closed due to COVID-19, but she's making masks for the Pittsburgh MasQUe ProjecT, a Northside joint initiative of Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents and TransPride Pittsburgh. The project connects Pittsburgh's trans and queer community with face mask resources. of nowhere. Growing up, Pisano’s mother and aunt ran a bridal shop together. Pisano learned to sew from her mother, who had learned from Pisano’s grandmother: Theirs is a family full of seamstresses. “My mom says she remembers going shopping as a little kid, and they never bought anything, but the next day she would have the dress she saw or the coat they saw, because my grandmother could make it,” Pisano said. During the first two years of her family’s bridal shop business, every dime they made went back into the venture—a lesson Pisano carries with her into her own work. “Every year I try and invest in something,” she said. “Invest in your process and you just get better and better and can do more and more.”
“They’ll be more fashion-centric, with trims or embellishments. If my studio was in my house, it would be different.” She is also sewing masks for the Pittsburgh MasQUe ProjecT. The project, a Northside joint initiative of Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents and TransPride Pittsburgh, is connecting Pittsburgh’s trans and queer community with face mask resources. Pisano grew up in Beaver Falls, about 45 minutes outside of the city, though she currently resides in Brighton Heights and plans to keep it that way. “Pittsburgh affords us the opportunity to do what we want to do,” she said. “There’s a lot of opportunity here for artists. I see myself, in the future, in the exact same place. I work with who I want, and I don’t work with who I don’t.” n
The Northside Chronicle
Page 18
June 2020
Small business owners use creativity to stay afloat From Adapt, Page 8 burgh sports. DK Sports and Mike’s Beer Bar, businesses that both rely heavily on sports for
didn’t realize she’d be opening the shop’s Northside location in the middle of a pandemic. Luckily, the new spot, located on Federal Street, was always intended to be a strictly takeout-only location.
Here’s how it works: A customer or friend of the restaurant donates $100. That money covers the price of 10 menu items. The next day, the first 10 callers that phone in and place an order get one menu item
Photo by Ashlee Green
Max's Allegheny Tavern in Historic Deutschtown is putting a pay-it-forward policy in place for customers in need.
Photo courtesy of Carleen King
Carleen King and her husband Mike own Carmi Express on Federal Street. The Northside location is new, and luckily, was always intended to be takeout-only. their customer base, wanted to continue entertaining and engaging their audience, even with bars closed and sports on pause. That’s when they came up with the “Virtual Happy Hour.” Virtual Happy Hour is a sports talk show hosted by DK Sports and Mike’s Beer Bar. It’s streamed live on Facebook every Friday evening around 5:30 p.m. Pretty soon, they hope to stream on Twitter. So far, the response has been pretty positive. “You don't have to go anywhere, you still get to crack open a cold beer on a Friday, and the numbers have proven that people are watching and participating,” said Hunter Homistek of DK Sports. - M.C. Carmi Express Carmi Express owner Carleen King
According to King, the main location, which started in the Northside and then relocated to the Southside in February of 2018, is down 75% in sales volume. Due to the low volume of customers in the morning and afternoon, brunch has been temporarily removed from the menu. Still, King remains grateful. “It’s been a blessing trying to get these things to work out.” - J.R. Max’s Allegheny Tavern Max’s Allegheny Tavern is helping out some of its customers by putting a pay-itforward policy in place. The idea was suggested by a regular customer who saw a similar system in action at a bowling alley in Youngstown, Ohio.
free. “And if someone needs more than that, they’re having trouble, they can ask us and we’ll give them more of that,” said owner Doug Deigelman. - M.C. The Government Center With recent Pittsburgh record store closures such as Juke Records in Bloomfield and Dave’s Music Mine in the Southside, vinyl lovers have been rallying for The Government Center on East Ohio Street, even before the pandemic hit. Opened by owner Josh Cozby in January of 2019, the record store was making a name for itself with its regular live, in-store shows. It’s recently turned to Instagram Live to allow local musicians to perform their sets virtually, and has added online sales, shipping and delivering store merchandise to their local customers. - J.R. Mayfly Market Mayfly Market partnered with fellow
Northside business Refucilo Winery to make specialty Mother’s Day gift baskets. Each basket featured a meal, a bottle of wine, and a bouquet of flowers. The Roots Cellar in Shadyside contributed flowers and muffins for the baskets. According to Owner Ann Gilligan, the concept was put into place to make things easier for her customers. “... We were assuming that people are not able to run out to every different store [that] maybe they would have [been able to] before,” said Gilligan. Wine isn't something Mayfly usually offers at the store, so naturally, Gilligan knew it was a perfect addition for the baskets. The basket concept was such a success that for Memorial Day, Mayfly offered customers a “picnic in a basket” option, and Gilligan is entertaining the idea of working with other Northside businesses again in the future. - M.C.
Photo courtesy of The Government Center
The Government Center on East Ohio Street has turned to Instagram Live to host virtual sets by local musicians. See Adapt, Page 24
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YINZBURGH! COMICS By Nils Hanczar
Visit our website: www.thenorthsidechronicle.com for news about Northside real estate, events, & more.
Funding allocation aimed at 'healing the damage that's already been done' From Main Street, Page 10 critically needed capital, business guidance and mentoring to these small businesses who are the lifeblood of our communities.” Senator Blake explained that grants would likely be provided to individual businesses on a sliding scale based on factors such as the business’ percentage revenue loss, length of time they have been closed, and how much funding they have received from other programs. “Some of us were governing in 2008,” Senator Brewster added, recalling the period known as the Great Recession. While the COVID-19 pandemic is different from the 2008 economic depression in that it’s a public health-related emergency, the fiscal fallout, he said, is similar. Some small businesses have such a low profit margin, Brewster said, that a week or two out of business is catastrophic for them: “The longer we wait, the bigger the problem.” Senator Iovino agreed: “Small
businesses represent nearly half of the private sector workforce in Pennsylvania – 2.5 million jobs. They are the job creators in our communities, yet they were glaringly overlooked by federal business relief programs,” she said. “What we want to make possible for them is to survive these times… and the $550 million Main Street Business Revitalization Initiative is exactly the kind of lifeline that these economic drivers need.” In response to a question by The Northside Chronicle on what is stopping Gov. Tom Wolf from supporting this initiative, Senator Jay Costa said “nothing,” and emphasized that the governor has been focused on dealing with the pandemic. But as more counties enter the yellow and green phases of reopening in the coming weeks, Costa pushes citizens to encourage the governor to prioritize this small business initiative, and reminds them that it is part of the greater Pennsylvania CARES Plan. n
The Northside Chronicle
Page 20
June 2020
2020 Vibrancy Awards to honor Northside ‘Brown Mamas’ By Alyse Horn Pyatt With many previously scheduled in-person events going virtual, the upcoming New Sun Rising (NSR) Vibrancy Awards on June 20 is taking a different approach to make the gathering more communal. The event will be live streamed from 5-8 p.m. from the Millvale Food + Energy Hub to different watch parties to create a virtual real life variety show fundraiser. Ticket packages range from Pay What You Can to a Vibe Party Pack, and ticket holders will have a dine-at-home option so attendees can break bread together. On the summer solstice, NSR will honor Northside resident Muffy Mendoza, founder of Brown Mamas, with the Vibrancy Award for Culture; Triboro Ecodistrict (Millvale, Etna, and Sharpsburg) with the Vibrancy Award for Sustainability; and South Hilltop Men’s Group/Hilltop Rising LLC with the Vibrancy Award for Opportunity. “When I learned that Brown Mamas was selected for the Vibrancy Award for Culture it really solidified the community that we've built,” Mendoza said. “Culture has actually been one of the keywords I've used consistently over the last seven years when describing what I believe Black mothers bring to their homes and communities. We, Black mothers, and all mothers, are culture creators. This award lets me know the work is doing what it is supposed to do.” Each Vibrancy Awardee received $5,000 in unrestricted funds to be used to support their continual work and create sta-
Photo courtesy of Muffy Mendoza
The Brown Mamas started as a safe space for moms-of-color in Pittsburgh. Now, the groups online presence is growing, with hundreds of new members per month. bility within their communities as they cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Honorees were selected from a list of nominees by a committee of NSR staff and board. Having begun in 2019, the awards
support the exceptional work of organizations evaluated by the criteria of NSR’s Vibrant Communities strategies. This year’s awardees were also chosen based upon their history of meeting critical needs of vulnerable populations.
Ask An Attorney
By Matthew D. Gailey, Gailey Law Group
Photo courtesy of Muffy Mendoza
Muffy Mendoza is the founder of Brown Mamas, one of three community organizations that will be honored at this year's New Sun Rising Vibrancy Awards on June 20. “The three awardees are nothing short of community heroes. They fearlessly take on risk and put in the work, time and ingenuity to inspire lives and places that have faced marginalization. By relating their own lived experience and talents to their respective causes, they are champions and leaders of their communities that will have a lasting impact,” said Katie Grimm, Board of Directors Vice Chair of NSR. Each year, over 170 innovative leaders benefit through the capacity-building support of NSR’s ignite workshops, launch incubators, and grow residency programs. NSR also makes critical, early-stage funding more accessible through our fiscal sponsorship, grant, loan, and award programs. Contributions through the Vibrancy Awards will allow us to provide these training and funding programs at low or no cost. Event sponsors are BNY Mellon Foundation, Jack Buncher Foundation, and UPMC Center for Engagement & Inclusion. If you would like to sponsor this event or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, email sponsors@newsunrising.org. n
Last month's submission focused on ways businesses could protect themselves from cornoavirus lawsuits. This month's article will focus on the true nature of damages, which is essential for the evaluation of any lawsuit. As Pennsylvania slowly moves out of government-induced shutdowns, the Courts in Pennsylvania will begin to open. As the Courts open, many folks will be filing lawsuits about cases alleging all forms of damages concerning negligent handling of patients during the coronavirus, damages due to coronavirus exposure and the like. Typically, damages for personal injury cases, like those related to coronavirus, are as follows: pain and suffering, future pain and discomfort, past and future medical expenses, loss of past and future wages, wrongful death claims, and etc. One of these types of damages must be present in a legitimate lawsuit. Damages drive lawsuits. As such, a party can do something wrong and not be liable if no damages are caused to you.
For instance, a person who is speeding recklessly down East Ohio Street may be negligent, but if there is no accident causing damages, then a lawsuit in that situation would not be successful. Similarly, if a nursing home negligently allowed you to interact with patients who had coronavirus, but you did not acquire coronavirus, then you would not have any damages to speak of. In these heightened times of sensitivity to all dangers, those perceived and real, it is important to remember that before litigating a claim, one must have damages to collect. Frivolous lawsuits that are filed without an analysis of damages that can be causally related to negligent conduct should be avoided. In addition to being a waste of time and money, frivolous lawsuits prevent the Courts from dealing with legitimate claims of wrongdoing that cause actual damage to Plaintiffs. If you have any questions about damages, please feel free to give my office a call.
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June 2020
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The Northside Chronicle
Page 22
June 2020
Northside talent Willy James joins tri-state firm Em-Media By NSC Staff Em-Media, a marketing agency located in Historic Deutschtown, announced the addition of Willy James to its talent pool
Photo by Ashlee Green
Do you enjoy your monthly community newspaper? Consider supporting hyper-local Northside news with a yearly mailed subscription. For $45, you will receive your Northside Chronicle in the mail, right to your door, for 12 months. The Northside Chronicle is a free newspaper, so why subscribe? It helps to keep Northside news accessible for everyone. Call 412-321-3919 or visit www.nschronicle.com to subscribe today.
James at the 2018 Greater Pittsburgh Community Media Awards.
on May 19. Willy is no stranger to the Pittsburgh social media scene. James has made a local impact through his storytelling, including his social media blitz for Gus and Yia Yia's in the summer of 2018, after the West Ohio Street bridge closed. “I’m excited to be a part of Em-Media,” says James in a press release. “Me and Jim [Emmerling] are in cahoots and we're going to make cool videos.” As Em-Media's newest Content Partner
and part of the duo behind Neighburgh, a podcast all about creating dialogue for Pittsburgh and its surrounding region, James is expanding his abilities to help others during the COVID-19 orders, which have greatly impacted businesses that had long planned to stay open to the public. Together, Emmerling and James have asked questions about the state of local businesses directly from business owners as they experience the effects of the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. One interview featured Northside-based Goodrich and Geist, a law firm in Brighton Heights. “Willy was one of the first people I met when we opened our office at 706 James St., and since that time we have collaborated on a multiple of projects,” commented Jim Emmerling, owner of Em-Media, and the other half of Neighburgh. “I’m very proud to call Willy a great friend and now an integral team member of Em-Media. His talents speak for themselves!" Neighburgh is one of the many online projects coming out of Northside businesses that help business owners and residents both look forward to, and discuss how to navigate, the days of post-pandemic life that they're anticipating. n
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June 2020
The Northside Chronicle
Page 23
Northside Real Estate Transfers Allegheny City Central
Manchester
Estate of Martin Davis to IHHWT LLC at 1714 Buena Vista St. for $110,000 by sheriff's deed.
Cml. Storage Leasing Co. to Allegheny City Warehouse LLC, 923-1019 Bidwell St., $5,070,000.
Jason Mihalick to Rebecca Theodorou at 526 Armandale St. for $366,500.
Grady Thomas to Lunchbox Capital LLC at 1124 Sheffield St. for $90,000.
Ervin Dyer to GT Property Holdings LLC at 110 Hemlock St. for $126,100.
Marshall-Shadeland
Thomas Olson to William Duff, Sara Gopal at E Jefferson St. (VACANT LAND) for $60,000.
Sarah Mendak to Paul Laure and Mark Webb at 2915 Cake Way for $54,900.
Estate of Margaret Ethel Bolen to Stayton St. Properties LLC, 112 McNary Way for $45,000.
Estate of John Holesh to JLA Properties L.P. at 2343 McCook St. for $37,400.
Allegheny West
Estate of Wayne Golebiewski to David White at 3178 McClure Ave. for $72,000.
Dustin Taylor to Derwin and Darlene Rushing at 834 Beech Ave. Unit 2 for $210,300.
Landry Jr. & Assoc. LLC to Golden Bridge Properties LLC at 2667 Brighton Road for $48,720.
Brighton Heights
Ryan Christoff to Lucas Gates at 2335 Atmore St. for $40,000.
John Naples to Patrick Dempsey and Nicole Marks at 1410 Davis Ave. for $220,000.
Amir Harris to Palais Real Estate LLC at 2700-2702 California Ave., $55,000.
Michelle Silva to Ricardo Williams and Michelle Comport at 1159 Flora St. for $130,000.
North Shore
Cory Rectenwald to Wilfred Gallart III and Sara Cannon at 1725 Kleber St. for $194,000.
Morgan N. Shore Apts. LLC to Pit N. Shore Acquisitions LLC at 100 Anderson St., $25,521,972.
Mojo Properties LLC to SWPA Property Management Group at 3319 McClure Ave. for $87,500.
Observatory Hill
Michael Artman to Michael Kuzin at 4026 Brandon Road for $177,500.
Eric Zechender to Segavepo LLC at 106 Watson Blvd. for $103,000.
Michael McNerney to JW Korn Properties LLC at 4041 Brandon Road for $53,000.
Perry Hilltop
Pamela Drazinski Zagar to Dominic Broglia at 3625 Harbison Ave. for $192,500.
William Brogan III to David Brooks at 1845 Clayton Ave. Apt 302 for $171,169.
A & J Holdings LLC to McChow Holdings LLC at 3925 Kleber St. for $130,000. Sarah Mendak to Adam Schweigert at 3514 Massachusetts Ave. for $142,500. Deuce Homes LLC to Kristin Synan at 3539 Simen Ave. for $216,000. Stefan Stasak to Stephen Long at 3446 Sipe St. for $23,000. Joseph Merlina to John McCurry at 223 Bascom Ave. for $145,000. First National Bank PA to Prashan Heran Thiagarajah at 3442 Fleming Ave. for $26,000. Tracey A Neibauer Reilly to Peter Daniel Schwab at 1312 Malden St. for $27,760. Anna Marie Elker Dillon to Elite Property Rentals LLC at 1812 Marmaduke St. for $40,000.
California-Kirkbride Pgh Urban Redevelopment Auth. to Northside Properties R&S LLC, 1016 Morrison St., $5,000.
East Deutschtown 1301 Grandview 1 LLC to Bloomfield Enterprises LLC at 849 Suismon St. for $39,000. Juan Herrera to Mohammed Ettadouni at 842 Lovitt Way for $33,500. Donald Mueller to Andrew Moore at 922 Phineas St. for $67,500.
Fineview Pamela Shaler to Alexander Guy at 2023 Osgood St. for $110,000.
Historic Deutschtown Jeffrey Evanson to Nathan Andrew Parente at 514 Suismon St. for $74,000. PinRe Holdings L.P. to Vaibhav Khatri at 518 Pressley St. for $450,000. Melanie Batts to Barbara Walker at 414 Tripoli St. for $300,000.
Perry Hilltop Farm LLC to Pridewell LLC at 2211 Perrysville Ave. for $10,000.
Spring Garden Warren Broz to Luckey Capital LLC at 1116 High St. for $15,000.
Spring Hill Dara Stern to Jonathan Kowalski and Bridget Meacham at 1109 Haslage Ave. for $225,056. Sydney Michael Solomon to George Reffert Jr. at 2109 Harbor St. for $25,000. Christopher Janssen to Martin Long, Kendall Brooke Hoffman, 2102 Rockledge St. for $120,000. Michael Zagger to Art Basmajian trustee at 1120 Shirls St. for $42,000. Estate of Stephen Brady to LeeAnn Sherman at 1151 S Side Ave. for $105,000. James Tew to Shawn Lemon at 2100 Rockledge St. for $176,000.
Summer Hill Estate of Stanley Rutkowski Jr. to Tristan Tortella at 145 Ivory Ave. for $67,500. Andrew DiCarlo to Donovan and Wyatt Schueler at 114 Montville St. for $100,000. John Sibbet to Robert Wasileski IV at 4263 Evergreen Road for $110,000. Kathleen Bove to Evan Sheeley and Jaime Nicole Grimm at 311 Ivory Ave. for $121,000.
Troy Hill Charles Boone to Arron Groomes at 1809 Lowrie St. for $65,000. Bryan Werner to DavKel Properties LLC at 1920 Lowrie St. for $50,000. Kyle Hackmeister to Daniel Bracken Jr. and Erin Anderson at 1356 Lowrie St. for $310,000.
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The Northside Chronicle
Board game rental now available at Mana
From Adapt, Page 18 City Books Owner of the Northside independent bookstore City Books, Arlan Hess, knows that there’s creativity in collaboration.
June 2020
go back to their roots. Bistro To Go is best known for their catering services, but as the name suggests they actually started as a take-out restaurant. Chef Kate Kobylinski of Bistro To Go explained that because of this, the transition to a takeout-only business model was fairly easy.
Photo by Jason Phox
A neighborhood sign in Troy Hill cheers up Northside residents, amidst ongoing social distancing.
Photo courtesy of Mana Boardgame Tavern
Mana Boardgame Tavern, which opened last fall in Allegheny West, has started renting out their more than 250 board games as well as serving beer to go. Each board game is disinfected and "quarantined" for a week after it's returned. That’s why she teamed up with North Ave Candles (“Clever Candles for Literature Lovers”), Leaf & Twig teas and tisanes, and theBird+theBeard custom invitations and stationary to create care packages for this past Mother’s Day. The packages included two candles, two artisanal tea blend samples, a “Blind Date with a Book,” or mystery “grab bag” book, and a library-themed checkout bookmark. Hess also teamed up with Daniel Parente, owner of the Lawrenceville-based Revival Print Co., to create limited-edition quarantine-themed t-shirts for City Books. The shirts can be ordered on pghtees.com. “The community’s been great. People have been getting gift certificates from us, they have been buying our customer loyalty plan, but the most success that City Books has had through all of this is when we have coordinated and partnered with other local businesses. Those relationships are sustainable,” Hess said. “I think it’s great to have the public working together but it’s also really good to have local businesses working together because we’re safer together.” - J.R. Bistro To Go The transition to a solely take-out model is difficult for some restaurants, but for Bistro To Go, it was an opportunity to
“The biggest complication we had was some of our packaging... [There were] very little differences to bring us over to a completely takeout concept.” She also stressed the importance of the need for cleanliness and said it’s “an overriding factor in how people view takeout now.” - M.C. Mana Boardgame Tavern The owners of Mana Boardgame Tavern, Shannon and Vince Ebbitt, take fun—and cleanliness—seriously. They opened their doors last fall, but since the pandemic first struck Pittsburgh, have begun renting out their more than 250 board games. They’re now open one day a week for rentals and take-out beer, and have also adopted a disinfection process for each board game that is returned. “...When they’re returned, we put them into steel containers and we just leave them quarantined separate from everything else for a week, because the coronavirus lives for three days on any of the surfaces: 23 hours on cardboard and three days on plastics,” Shannon Ebbitt said. This sanitization process may allow the virus to die out before the games could be rented out again. - J.R. n
June 2020
The Northside Chronicle
Page 25
Owner of Flavors Famous Street Food aspires to make the place a household name By Katia Faroun A mentor once told a young Curtis Drane that if he ever wants to change his life, he has to change his environment. When he was 19 years old and hungry for success, he did just that.
mecca like Chicago, Drane wanted to bring a piece of the city’s street food culture to Pittsburgh by creating a menu that offers the same items found in his hometown. Drane’s diverse experience in the food industry led him from the bowling alley to chain restaurants, country clubs, and casinos, where he held the positions of cook,
tions at different companies taught him the ins and outs of starting a restaurant, from construction and design to administration and management. While planning the opening of Flavors, Drane used his years of experience to pull all the parts together. With the help of his wife, Melissa Coleman, in administration, Drane acts as the CEO, ex-
very important piece overall—making them feel like that’s the place to be.” Like most small businesses in the Pittsburgh area, Flavors has experienced its own challenges due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Because Flavors only offers takeout and delivery, the restaurant’s main operations have remained the same, but the staff has
Photo courtesy of Curtis Drane
Drane, a Chicago, Ill. native, wanted to bring a piece of his city's street food culture to Pittsburgh.
Photo courtesy of Curtis Drane
Curtis Drane is the executive chef, owner, and general manager of Flavors Famous Street Food on Brighton Road in the Northside. His experience in the food industry and passion for restaurants gives him the optimism to turn his business into a franchise. Drane left his home of Chicago, Ill. to join a culinary school in Fort Myers, Fla., where he started his career as a short-order cook at a bowling alley. Today, after 30 years in the industry, Drane is the executive chef, owner, and general manager of Flavors Famous Street Food in the Northside, the sixth restaurant he’s opened and the first one on his own. Flavors opened in January 2019 and is a takeout restaurant with a Chicago-style, street food-themed menu, offering authentic Chicago classics such as the Maxwell Street polish sausage, Italian beef sandwich and Jim Shoe—also known as a Gym Shoe—hoagie. Born and raised in a food
assistant and executive chef and front house manager. His passion for restaurants grew while working at a country club in Florida. Aside from frequently seeing celebrities like Deion Sanders and MC Hammer, Drane learned from the gourmet atmosphere and the mentors that helped him develop his skills. “When I walked up in there, I barely knew how to do anything in a gourmet setting, and when I left there, I knew how to make more soups than Campbell’s and I knew how to organize restaurants very well,” Drane said. His time working in a range of posi-
ecutive chef, and general manager of the restaurant, while also taking charge of marketing and design. “I wear a lot of different hats,” Drane said. Flavors offers authentic, street foodstyle cuisine, and Drane says his staff is dedicated to providing their customers with an overall experience. The bright colors of the restaurant’s exterior give off “happy vibes” and reviews frequently applaud the restaurant’s customer service and friendly staff, which Drane attributes to how he was trained in the corporate restaurant industry. “I am very customer service oriented,” Drane said. “Customer engagement is a
seen an overall decline in the number of customers. They have adopted more safety precautions, namely through the installation of a plastic window at the order counter, but Drane explained that his staff had already been trained in proper sanitation procedures and protocol. “We’re very careful back here. We go through a lot of precautions and protocols that I’ve learned over the years,” Drane said. “Fortunately, corporate restauranting has taught me a level of cleanliness where I didn’t have to do anything extra than I was already doing.” Despite the setbacks the economy has experienced due to the outbreak, Drane is optimistic about Flavors’ future and plans on transforming the Northside restaurant into a franchise. He aspires to open seven more sites across the country to make Flavors “a household name in street food.” “With the support of the people here in Pittsburgh,” Drane said, “I think we should be able to make it.” Flavors Famous Street Food is located on 3231 Brighton Rd. and is open Tuesdays through Sundays for takeout and delivery.n
The Northside Chronicle
Page 26
Mindfulness helps with 'on-edge emotion' From Mindfulness, Page 11 er. [It's] sort of sharing what our worries might be,” King said. Social distancing is a great chance for people to start practicing mindfulness. People who were too busy or not able to
Photo courtesy of Pexels
According to King, it only takes 10 minutes a day to remove stress chemicals from your bloodstream.
make the in-person sessions can now join them from the comfort of their own homes. “Everyone right now, I think everyone has raw and on-edge emotion and mindfulness really helps soften and gentle and warm our emotions up,” King said. King went on to say that it only takes 10 minutes a day to remove stress chemicals from your bloodstream and to see the benefits of mindfulness. He believes that it's a basic life skill that everyone should learn. “I honestly think it's more important than reading, writing, and arithmetic: this ability to bring yourself into calm and to have a good relationship within yourself, healing when you’re upset, but also with other people.” King just launched a new workshop series on May 30 and also pointed out that the meditation meetings will continue to take place on Zoom at noon on Tuesdays. Information on both the workshop and the meditation meetings can be found at mindfulpgh.org. This article is the first in a series on mindfulness meditation. n
June 2020
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June 2020
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Page 27
Spring in the Northside
Springtime activities may look different this year due to COVID-19, but with proper social distancing, visits to local parks and green spaces can still be an enjoyable way to spend your time. n Photos by Jason Phox
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The Northside Chronicle
June 2020