Northside Outside Guide

from The Northside Chronicle, Pittsburgh - June 2022

Northside Outside Guide 2022

#pghreads

Dive into a good book to prevent the summer slide! This summer, we’re asking the community to band together to ensure that all Pittsburgh youth read five.

Summer Reading runs through August, 2022!

Scan or Sign up today at

carnegielibrary.org/summer

Photo by Noah Manalo

The Brighton Heights Citizens Federation is pleased to announce the Sixteenth Annual House and Garden Tour on Saturday, July 30. This is an opportunity to celebrate the history and architecture of our unique neighborhood of Brighton Heights. This year’s tour will include gardens, an artist market, and food trucks. The tour will begin at 11:00 a.m. at Legion Memorial Park, 3601 Shadeland Avenue, the corner of Brighton Road and Davis Avenue. Tickets are $20. Two tickets can be purchased before July 22 for $35. Tickets are available at EventbriteTickets (eventbrite.com) Questions or comments can be directed to BH.22housetour@gmail.com Phone contact: 412.301.3381

5 Points Merchants Group (5PM)

Embracing all Neighborhoods North 412-628-2424 | info@5pmgroupobh.org https://www.5pmgroupobh.org Hosting multiple Flea Markets this summer, first two: July 9 & 23, Parking lot at Perrysville & Mairdale Aves. Come sell or buy and mingle with neighbors. Join us at Riverview Park Valley Refuge Community Garden to grow your own vegetables. Visit our website for details or call for a Flea Market or Garden space, volunteer, donate, or participate in our events. Photo by Ashlee Green Allegheny Commons Park, East Ohio St. & Cedar Ave. on Fridays from 3-7PM Farmers’ Markets opened May 20, 2022 and run through November 18, 2022. All markets sell farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese and baked goods, plus flowers, small gifts and gardening items. For more information, call 412-255-2493

Photo by Lauren Stauffer

CitiParks Outdoor Pools

Pools listed to open for the 2022 season include the Sue Murray Pool, 301 Cedar Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15212. 412323-7914. According to their website, due to low staffing levels, CitiParks will be unable to provide normal Aquatic Programs and have also indicated an ongoing effort to recruit, train, and certify lifeguards to work towards opening additional pools. The opening date will be announced on their website at: pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks/swimming-outdoor

Photo by Lauren Stauffer

CitiParks Spray Parks & Playgrounds With Spray Features - Now Open!

Spray park hours (weather permitting) 10 AM to 8 PM Daily • Troy Hill Spray Park 1200 Goettman Street (15212)— Spray Park is located next to the ballfield. • Marmaduke Playground - Spray Feature 3915 Oswald St. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 • Spring Hill Playground - Spray Feature 1308 S Side Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Tennis & Pickleball Courts

Outdoor courts are open to the public for use at any time-free of charge provided no permitted group has a reservation. Private groups wishing to utilize the courts for season use, tournaments, clinics, etc. must apply for a permit. • Allegheny Commons (West Commons) Park - on West Ohio St., next to Gus & Yiayia’s Ice Ball Stand. 3 tennis courts are available. • Manchester Park - at Columbus Ave. and Fulton St. with 2 tennis courts are available. • Riverview Park - behind the Observatory, with 2 tennis courts available. • Allegheny Commons (East Commons) Park - on N

Commons Ave at the lower end of Richie McCabe Field. 2 pickleball courts available. • Fineview Park - at Lanark St. and Fineview Ave. 2 pickleball courts are available.

The Roving Art Cart

Activities are best suited for children ages 5 to 12. Though all children should be supervised, children younger than 5 MUST have a caregiver present while they participate in activities. Tuesdays & Fridays 10 AM to 1 PM at the following Northside locations: June 28 - Allegheny Commons Park (WEst Commons) Near National Aviary July 5 - Troy Hill Spray Park July 8 - Riverview Park at the Observatory Entrance August 2 - Riverview Park at the Observatory Entrance

Cinema in the Park

Free movie seasons kicks off with a new pop up schedule throughout June. Visit www.pittsburghpa.gov/events for the pop up schedule Riverview Park - Observatory Hill schedule starting Saturdays, July 2 – August 27. Movies begin at dusk: July 2 - Space Jam: A New Legacy (PG); July 9 - Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (PG-13) July 16 - Spider-Man: No Way Home (PG-13) July 23 - A Quiet Place Part II (PG-13) July 30 - Cyrano (PG-13) August 6 - Snake Eyes (PG-13) August 13 - No Time to Die (PG-13) August 20 - Stand and Deliver (PG) August 27 - Belfast (PG-13)

Photo courteousy of City of Pittsburgh

Stars at Riverview Jazz Series

SATURDAYS: June 11 - August 27, 2022 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Riverview Park June 11 - Roger Barbour Music June 18 - Das/Lorence/Karsh Trio June 25 - Kea Michaels July 2 - Clare Ascani July 9 - Lee Robinson & ISKA July 16 - Reggie Watkins Quartet July 23 - Ronni Weiss and Friends July 30 - Rick Finkelstein Artistry August 6 - Swingtet 8 August 13 - Bobby Short Band and Show August 20 - R.E.D. Experience August 27 - Steel City Calypso

Citiparks’ Summer Food Service Program

Available to children up to 18 years old, and those with intellectual disabilities up to 21 years old.For additional information please contact Citiparks Food Programs Office at 412.571.3291. Begins on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at Jefferson Rec Center: 605 Rednap St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Hot Lunch is available Monday through Friday at our Healthy Active Living Senior Centers. Please be sure to register with our staff by Noon the day before. Additional schedule of activities, celebrations, excursions, plus more. • Brighton Heights HAL Senior Center - 3515 McClure Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (412) 766-4656 • Northview Heights HAL Senior Center - currently closed, re-opening information coming soon.

Photo by Akil Mazumder

Summer Reading Kick-Off with Tree Pittsburgh

June 18 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CLP – Allegheny 1230 Federal St. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 www.carnegielibrary.org Have you ever grown a flower or vegetable from seed? How about a tree? Discover the fascinating shapes, textures, and diversity of tree seeds. Learn how to identify a tree simply by its seed, fruit, or nut. Receive a seed from a native Pennsylvania Kentucky coffee tree, and prepare it to plant and take

Photo by Pixabay

Storytime: Family Fun

July 12 @ 10:30 am - 11:00 am CLP – Allegheny 1230 Federal St. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 www.carnegielibrary.org Join us for stories, songs and action rhymes. Designed to engage children ages birth to 5 years, Family Fun storytimes provide an opportunity for a shared library experience for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their grownups. During this 30 minute program, families will meet new friends and develop early literacy skills. For children ages birth to five years and their caregivers.

Summer Reading Kick-Off Party

June 18 @ 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm CLP – Woods Run 1201 Woods Run Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 www.carnegielibrary.org Kick off the summer with CLP-Woods Run Library’s family friendly event celebrating the start of Summer Reading. Sign-up for

Upcoming Events at Brighton Heights Lutheran Church

Strawberry Festival Sunday, June 26th from 12:00-3:00 PM

Ticket prices: $8.00 per person and $4.00 per child 6 years and under. Includes cake, strawberries, whipped cream, and a beverage. Come enjoy a sweet afternoon to benefit local charities and our 50/50 raffle. All are welcome!

V.B.S.

Vacation Bible School

July 11-15 from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM Arts & Crafts, Games, Music, Bible Stories, and More! For information or a registration form please call 412-761-8545 or email church@brightonheightslutheranchurch.org

Page 16 Summer Reading, pick up a book bag and enjoy fun activities on the Woods Run lawn. Children and teens can choose a free book, explore an art or craft activity while enjoying a sweet treat. Recommended for children and families of all ages.

Storytime: Family Fun

June 4 @ 11:00 am - 11:30 am CLP – Woods Run 1201 Woods Run Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 www.carnegielibrary.org Join us for stories, songs and action rhymes. Designed to engage children ages birth to 5 years, Family Fun storytimes provide an opportunity for a shared library experience for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their grownups. During this 30 minute program, families will meet new friends and develop early literacy skills. For children ages birth to five years and their caregivers.

June 24 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am July 5 @ 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm CLP – Woods Run 1201 Woods Run Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 www.carnegielibrary.org Join us for a lively book discussion of The Horsewoman by James Patterson (6/24) and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (7/5).

Northside ‘Outside in Nature’ Reading Lists

Books on the great outdoors are available at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh branches of Allegheny and Woods Run. View the full library catalog online to request materials from other branches to be picked up at either Northside branch. carnegieli-Photos courtesy of CLP library catalog brary.org/

Children books:

Nature’s Day: discover the world of wonder on your doorstep, Kay Maguire, 2016

Trees by Hickman, Pamela, 2019

A new green day by Antoinette Portis, 2020

Nature lover by Kelly Starling Lyons, 2022

Adult books:

Last child in the woods : saving our children from nature-deficit disorder by Richard Louv, 2008

Vitamin N : the essential guide to a nature-rich life by Richard Louv, 2016

Rewild yourself : making nature more visible in our lives by Simon Barnes, 2019

Finding ecohappiness : fun nature activities to help your kids feel happier and calmer by Sandi Schwartz, 2022 Return to nature : the new science of how natural landscapes restore us by Emma Loewe, 2022

Photo by (c) lzf / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Outdoor Living

Tips for Enjoying the Sunny Season Safely

(StatePoint) As the days grow long and the weather warms, you’re likely spending more time outdoors. Whether you’re taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood or competing in a triathlon, keep these five sunny season tips in mind: 1. Replenish fluids: It’s easy to become dehydrated when you’re active. Replenish your fluids by drinking plenty of water and healthy beverages and by consuming water-rich foods like fresh fruits and vegetables. Because sweat contains electrolytes, you’ll also want to add foods that contain sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium to your diet. 2. Protect skin: Sun exposure can contribute to the production of free radicals. More free radicals in the body means more damage can accumulate over time, and this DNA damage can cause gene mutations that can lead to skin cancer. This is why a multi-layered approach to skin protection is vital. In addition to recommending daily use of topical broad-spectrum SPF, a 2020 survey found that 87% of U.S. dermatologists recommend that their patients take a daily dose of Heliocare Daily Use Antioxidant Formula as a simple way to help protect the skin. This natural, dietary supplement contains 240 milligrams of a powerful antioxidant formula derived from the extract of Polypodium leucotomos (PLE). Polypodium leucotomos is a tropical fern native to Central and South America that has been used for centuries as a remedy for skin-related conditions. “Adding a daily supplement like Heliocare to your routine is a simple precaution you can take to help your body protect itself from the damaging effects of free radicals,” says New York-based dermatologist, Rachel Nazarian, MD. For more information, visit heliocare.com. 3. Protect your feet: Wearing properly-fitting, sports-specific footwear can help you avoid overuse injuries such as plantar fasciitis and tendonitis. Over time and mileage, athletic shoes lose their ability to absorb shock and will need to be replaced to help keep the muscles and joints in your feet and ankles protected. Headed for a swim? Always wear pool shoes or flip flops in the locker room to prevent athlete’s foot and skin infections. 4. Protect your vision: UV light is harmful to eye health and can put you at greater risk for a number of conditions that impact vision. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection is a good idea. A hat with a brim or cap with a visor can offer eyes additional shade with the bonus of protecting your scalp and face too. At the pool, keep chlorine and other disinfecting chemicals out of your eyes by always using goggles. Some pairs even offer UV protection. 5. Ward off bugs: There’s nothing more calming than connecting with nature, that is until biting and stinging bugs find their way to you. When going for walks in the woods, wear long sleeves and use an EPA-approved insect repellent. When you get home, do a quick inspection for ticks. You can also make your yard a safer, more comfortable place to spend time by using a citronella candle or tiki torch to ward off mosquitoes. Warm sunny weather is ideal for fun, active days spent outdoors. Just be sure to take precautions to stay healthy and safe.

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The buildout of Gecko’s Nova Place space included a raised ceiling and the installation of new, special HVAC venting.

“Our vision for Nova Place is to build a world-class R&D environment that inspires innovation and customer service to the world’s most critical industries,” Gecko Co-Founder and CEO Jake Loosararian said in an article for the Pittsburgh Business Times.

Gus and Yia Yia’s ice ball stand open for the season

Photo: Michelle Moore Parr

Gus and Yia Yia’s ice ball stand in Allegheny Commons Park West is now open daily.

Spring is in the air, and Gus and Yia Yia’s ice ball stand is open for business.

Run by Gus Kalaris, who turned 90 years old in January, this Northside staple on wheels sets up shop next to the West Ohio Street tennis courts and serves flavored ice balls, popcorn, and peanuts. Kalaris inherited the stand from his father back in 1951.

Photo: The Garden Café Facebook Page

Back in April, The Garden Café shared a progress picture of its community fridge, currently under construction at the corner of Spring Garden Avenue and Chestnut Street. See Briefs, Page 23

Find more information about Gus and Yia Yia’s and post pictures of your visits to the stand on its Facebook page.

The Garden Café constructing a ‘community fridge’

You’ve seen mutual aid “community fridges” in cities like Philadelphia, but now, Pittsburgh is catching on.

The Garden Café in East Deutschtown premiered the bones of an outdoor shelter for their community fridge on Facebook back in April. The structure includes storage shelves for dry goods.

Community fridges—also termed “freedges”—are refrigerators housed in a public place for neighbors to give and take food for free. They aim to reduce food insecurity and food waste. According to a Feb. 2021 article by Vox, back in March 2020, there were just 12 community fridges across the U.S.; now, there are at least 160.

“We called our shop The Garden in part because of its location, but mostly because we wanted it to be a place where good things grow,” the Facebook post reads.

“It makes us so happy to look at this [freedge] structure and know that it will be the home of something important, just like