June 2018 Est. 1985
Your Community Newspaper
The Northside Chronicle
Volume 34 Issue 6 - FREE -
Social media blitz helps keep gus & yia yia’s open, page 20
Photo by Neil Strebig
summer restaurant openings, page 4
Photos by Nick Eustis
By Nick Eustis Every year, hundreds of thousands partake in the annual Pittsburgh Pride celebration. Flags are waved, protest signs are raised, stripes of all colors are seen parading amidst festive supporters. Couples are spotted walking hand-in-hand celebrating their love, marching alongside
is Delta Foundation doing enough outside of PGH Pride? their fellow Pittsburghers – everyone, being themselves. According to the City of Pittsburgh an estimated 175,000 people packed into downtown last year for Pride in the Streets, a multi-day event celebrating National LGBT Pride Month in June. It’s an event that has increased in popu-
larity every year since its inception in the 1970s. The driving force organizing these huge street festivals is the Delta Foundation, one of the largest LGBT advocacy groups in Western Pennsylvania. From their home base in Allegheny West, they coordinate Pride in the Streets,
the largest Pride celebrating the event in the region. progress the comWhile mostly conmunity has made, sisting of public fes- while also rememtivals and concerts, bering the work the event culminates still to be done. in the Pittsburgh Last year, howEquality March. On ever, the Equality the last day of Pride, March caused a the LGBT commufirestorm among nity and its allies the LGBT commumarch through the nity. The ambers streets of downtown are still simmering. Pittsburgh, Continued Delta, Page 6
INSIDE ISSUE Newsletters – Page 3 Leo./Siempre Algo – Pg 4 Sports/Boxing – Pg 5 YINZburgh Comics – Pg 7
PWSA “Lead Map” – Page 8 Propel NS – Page 9 RL Garden Column – Pg 10 Outside Guide – Page 14 Gus & Yia Yia’s – Pg. 20 Real Estate – Pg 22 Education/YMCA – Pg 26 Community News – Pg 27
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THE NORTHSIDE CHRONICLE
922 Middle St. • Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Managing Editor, Neil Strebig editor@thenorthsidechronicle.com Advertising Manager, Lauren Stauffer advertising@thenorthsidechronicle.com www.thenorthsidechronicle.com Phone 412-321-3919 • Fax 412-321-1447 Mail Subscriptions are available at a rate of $45.00 per year. Distribution: 8,000 copies
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Support Northside’s one and only free, local newspaper by becoming an advertiser or sponsor of a monthly guide. Specialty Editions January Year In Review February Celebration Guide March Summer Youth Guide April Homebuyers Guide May Health + Wellness Guide June Outside Guide July Culture Guide August Back-to-School Guide September Fall Map + Guide October Harvest Guide November Shop Small Guide December Holiday Guide DISCLAIMER:
The viewpoints and opinions of the writers and contributors that appear in the Northside Chronicle do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints, opinions, beliefs or positions of the Northside Chronicle’s publishers, editors, staff and/ or affiliates. The Northside Chronicle is not affiliated with any formal political, social, religious, educational or philosophical organization or party of any kind. The materials comprising the Northside Chronicle are provided by various organizations, community groups, advertisers, entities, writers and contributors and are provided as a service to the readers of the Northside Chronicle on an “as-is” basis for informational purposes only. The Northside Chronicle assumes no responsibility for any copyright infringement, errors or omissions in these materials and expressly disclaims any representations or warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose regarding the correctness, accuracy, completeness, timeliness and reliability of the information provided. The Northside Chronicle is not responsible for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance upon such information. Reference herein to any commercial product, process or service does not constitute or imply endorsement or favoring by the Northside Chronicle. © The Northside Chronicle 2018
Community Meetings
After Jail & Prison Ministry Support Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Allegheny Center Alliance Church 412.321.4333 ext. 127 801 Union Place, first floor Allegheny West Civic Council 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 7:30 p.m. Calvary United Methodist Church 412.323.8884 Brighton Heights Citizens Federation 2nd Thursday, bi-monthly, 7 p.m. Morrow Elementary School 412.734.0233 Brightwood Civic Group 1st Tuesday, monthly,6 p.m. Pressley Ridge, 2611 Stayton St. 412.732.8152 Brightwood Community Emergency Response Shelter 3rd Thursday, monthly, 6 p.m. 3219 Central Ave. California-Kirkbride Blockwatch 3rd Thursday, monthly, 7 p.m. 1601 Brighton Rd., 3rd floor California-Kirkbride Neighbors 2nd Thursday, monthly, 7 p.m. 1601 Brighton Rd., 3rd floor 412.758.3898
June 2018
Manchester Citizens Corporation Quarterly meetings, call for times MCC Center, 1319 Allegheny Ave. 412.323.1743 Manchester Public Safety Meeting Quarterly meetings, call for times Northside Leadership Conference 412.323.1743 Northside Rotary Club Every Friday, noon Cardello Building, 2nd Floor NS Coalition for Fair Housing Board 2nd Monday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. 1821 Brighton Rd. 412.321.5527 NS Coalition for Fair Housing Members Monthly, call for times 1821 Brighton Rd. 412.321.5521 Northside Leadership Conference Call to confirm 1st Wednesday, monthly, 6 p.m. MCC Center, 1319 Allegheny Ave. 412.231.4714 North Side Lions Club 2nd and 4th Tuesday, monthly, noon Max’s Allegheny Tavern
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, 6:30pm 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.
The Promise Group Every other Tuesday, 6 p.m. Western Pa. Humane Society 412.321.1019
East Allegheny Community Council 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 7 p.m. Arnold’s Tea 412.321.1204
Troy Hill Citizens Council March 8, June 6th, Sept. 12, Dec. 12. 1515 Tinsbury St. 412.321.2852
Fineview & Perry Hilltop Citizens Councils 4th Tuesday, monthly, 6 p.m. Contact for location info@ourfuturehilltop.org 412-238-7528
Spring Hill Civic League March 5, May 7, Sept. 10, Oct. 1, Nov. 5 6 p.m, Spring Hill Elementary School auditorium, contact@shcl.org
Mexican War Streets Society 3rd Monday, bi-monthly, 6:30-7 p.m. 1400 Buena Vista St. 412.323.9030
Summer Hill Citizens Committee 3rd Tuesday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. WPXI Television Station community room
Free weekly e-newsletters available by email, visit online to subscribe.
Mobile friendly for on-the-go reading and discovering. Find classifieds, calendars, and more. http://nschronicle.com/
June 2018
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June Newsletter from Councilwoman Darlene Harris This summer is highly anticipated by all of us in the Northside. As the weather gets nicer, there are going to be plenty of outdoor events for everyone to enjoy. I’d like to mention, as well, that baseball season is underway! Though we all love the Pirates, we do not all love the traffic that comes from their games. Please keep in mind that people from out of town will be visiting
our city more frequently as the season moves on. It is important for everyone to follow the rules of the road. In other news, this summer we hope to have Department of Public Works (DPW) pave a few streets in the Northside. As it happens, my office will try to send out notices of street closures and detours. The summer weather brings out the
animals again, so please be careful driving. Watch out for deer during the evening as they start to make their way near major roadways again, and enjoy the beautiful weather! Also, if you’re looking for some daytime activities on the Northside now that school is on break, I encourage you to check out the Andy Warhol Museum on the North Shore and Artists Image
Resource in Historic Deutschtown for exciting and creative weekly activities! Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at darlene.harris@pittsburghpa.gov or call at 412-255-2135. Darlene M. Harris Councilwoman, District 1
Northside Public Safety Newsletter
Photo by Nick Eustis
On Friday, May 11 during a ceremony at the Carnegie Science Center, the City of Pittsburgh declared May 11 “Caroll Spinney Day” in honor of the award-winning puppeteer. Spinney has been the voice of Sesame Street’s Oscar the Grouch and Big bird since 1969.
The Northside Public Safety Council (NSPSC) will be hosting a discussion on the current opioid epidemic on Thursday, June 7. Detectives from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Narcotics Squad will be on site, leading a Q&A session with attendees. The discussion will be held at the MCC Building at 1319 Allegheny
Avenue. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the panel will begin at 6 p.m. The NSPSC would also like to remind residents that Zone 1 will be installing “Shotspotter” technology throughout 4 miles of Northside later this year. Approved for use by City Council in 2014, “Shotspotter” is automated response systems that
identifies gunshot noise and helps authorities pinpoint the location of potential gunfire. According to the NSPSC, Zone 1 will also be receiving 65 new high-definition security cameras. The additions are part of a $3.4 million surveillance and public safety expansion throughout the City of Pittsburgh.
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Siempre Algo, Leo. to open this summer
By Nick Eustis
Restaurants are often synonymous with relaxation and reconnecting. Whether that’s a big dinner with family or just a nightcap with friends, great restaurants have become pillars in neighborhoods for such moments. This is good news for Northsiders, as two new eateries will open to the public this summer. The first will be Siempre Algo, a contemporary American bar and restaurant opening in Deutschtown. Spanish for “always something,” Siempre Algo was inspired by chef and owner Brian Hammond’s early career experiences working in restaurants in San Diego. “I was out in Southern California, working with a lot of Latin American guys. When things were getting tough and something crazy was happening, [they’d say] ‘siempre algo,’” Hammond said. “There is always something hard in our business, but there’s always something exciting and new too. It was all about tying the tough with the sublime, which is really what our business is all about.” Hammond is moving Siempre Algo into a historic, late 19th century building on East Ohio Street. Hammond bought the space from Frank Schrim, who had owned Schrim’s Garden Cafe for decades prior. Hammond was
sold by the building’s “good bones”, as well as its historical quirks, including a pressed tin ceiling in the main room. “I had lived [in the Northside] about four or five months, and I knew this was where I wanted to be, so I talked to Cody Walters from the Northside Leadership Conference, and he took me on a walking tour,” Hammond said. “He had heard a rumor that Frank Schrim... might be looking to sell, so we came in and had a conversation. I fell in love with it pretty quickly.” Hammond is planning a rotating, seasonal menu for Siempre Algo. The menu will feature light, refreshing fare for the summer with an emphasis on comfort foods in the fall. “I don’t come from a specific cultural heritage when it comes to cuisine, so I’m going to use all the ingredients and techniques in my arsenal, and come out with something fresh and delicious,” Hammond said. “In the beginning you’ll see a lot of bright, herbaceous flavors, both for cocktails and for food.” Ceviches and gazpacho will feature prominently in the spring and summer months. Siempre Algo is far from Hammond’s first foray in the Pittsburgh food scene. He opened his first restaurant with his father, a farm-totable establishment
called Restaurant Echo in Cranberry Township. “Restaurant Echo was giant. We had three acres that we farmed. We had beehives, baked our own bread, butchered our own meats, made everything from scratch,” Hammond said. “It was fun, it was really challenging. But we were... near a bunch of other chains, we weren’t in the right market for farm-to-table. It wasn’t really in demand.” After Echo’s closure, Hammond worked for a number of restaurants around Pittsburgh in the front-of-house, including bartending and serving at Acacia and Stagioni in the South Side. But Hammond knew that he would be opening his second restaurant before long. “The main thing for me is I enjoy the business so much, that there was no question for me … that I was gonna be back in it before long,” Hammond said. “For me, it’s a passion project, something I love to do.” Also opening a second restaurant this summer is chef Michael Barnhouse, whose contemporary bistro Lola is already an established presence in Allegheny West. Read more about Leo. in Allegheny West online at www.nschronicle.com.
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Family first: former Northsiders bring boxing & family values to North Hills gym By Tyler Polk Jack Mook, 48, a boxing coach, military veteran and former police officer in the City of Pittsburgh for 25 years believes, “a child should be a child, not a survivor.” After years of training and sparring around Pittsburgh, Jack was asked by George “Geo” Heinlein and Doug Seskey, two coaches at the Steel City Boxing Gym in Spring Hill to teach underprivileged youth how to box. “They believed I knew how to communicate with kids,” said Mook. “They saw me as an asset to the gym”. In 2008, Mook met two young Northsiders, Josh and Jessee. The two brothers had been moving in and out of homes throughout Northview Heights and Spring Hill, living with different family members and legal guardians every month. They discovered a sanctuary at Steel City Boxing.
“Those two hours a day kept [us] out of a lot of trouble,” said Josh. “I knew I could go there and forget about everything else.” Mook took the boys under his wing, began honing Josh’s natural potential for boxing and a bond was forged between the trio. “He had a natural talent and he had a movement that would work in the ring,” said Jack. “He’s a technician in the ring, intelligent in the ring and sets up Photo by Tyler Polk Brody White, 16, (left) spars with Josh Mook, 18) (left) his counter punches well.” at Jack’s Boxing Gym in the North Hills. One day, the two stopped showing deal. His belief that a “child should boys’ biological parents suffered up at Steel City Boxing. “One week from drug addictions, the two were be a child, not a survivor,” was turned into two and then three, I in and out of foster homes and after a strong contributor towards his got worried,” said Jack. “Josh was one of their guardians was arrested, adoption of Josh and Jessee. “I was dedicated. It was concerning.” trying to get Jack’s involvement all Mook decided to intervene. Mook used his connections from along,” said Josh. “I’m glad to be In 2013, Mook became the brotharound the city to find out what part of a regular family, a regular ers’ foster parent. In 2014, he ofhappened to the two brothers. ficially adopted the pair, a story that life.” According to a September 2014 gathered national attention and is story by the Tribune-Review, the reportedly in the works for a movie Continued Boxing , Pg 26
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From Delta, Page 1 The controversy began when the Delta Foundation announced that the naming rights to the Equality March would be sold to EQT, a downtown Pittsburgh-based oil and gas corporation. This decision angered many in the LGBT community as EQT had previously donated to anti-LGBT politicians like Tim Murphy and Bill Shuster. Environmental concerns about EQT’s involvement in hydraulic fracking fanned the flames further. Aly Shaw, a writer for online publication QueerPGH, said Delta was used by EQT to improve their public image. Shaw also said that
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June 2018
LGBT advocates question Delta’s use of funds this sponsorship undermines the original goals of Pride. “Pride is supposed to be, and started out as, a political march where queer and trans people demanded our human rights,” Shaw said. “I don’t know if Delta’s leadership thinks that that’s unnecessary now, but when trans women of color are being murdered on a regular basis in this country, maybe they should be the focus of our Pride march, not a natural gas company.” Delta has defended their partnership with EQT, saying that corporate support is important in
funding security costs for major events, and that donations to antiLGBT politicians are not unique to EQT. According to Delta’s board president Gary Van Horn, Delta is “using the leverage of the dollar” to create a “conversation about inclusion.” “We could have said no, but instead we felt that, after having a conversation with them, they were very genuine in wanting to help the LGBT community,” said Chris Bryan director of marketing and development for Delta. “Unfortunately, you’re going to find that there’s a lot of corporations that
make donations to politicians that don’t align 100 percent with their views.” “EQT values the importance of celebrating all members of the community, and helping to increase dignity and respect in corporate America,” said EQT public relations manager Linda Robertson in an email. Read the full story online at www.nschronicle.com.
June 2018
The Northside Chronicle
YINGZBURGH! COMICS By Nils Hanczar
Read the Northside Chronicle Online
Visit new web address www.nschronicle.com for more news about Northside real estate, events & more.
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PWSA releases “lead map” for Pittsburgh and Millvale
On Wednesday, May 2 the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) released an interactive map highlighting the locations of potential lead lines feeding into 20,000 Pittsburgh homes and buildings. The “lead map” was comprised of thousands of historical records – some dating back a hundred years – and inspections of “curb boxes,” which are water shutoff areas usu-
ally located between the water main and the building. Portions of Observatory Hill and Allegheny City Central have a high number of “unknown” tags following curb box inspections, according to the map. However, the identified areas will be subjects for planned lead line replacement later this year. Considering some of the data used to compile the map may be outdated, the PWSA
has acknowledged that some of this information may be inaccurate. According to an article with the TribuneReview, the PWSA is working with Michael Baker International to conduct a $2.8 million curb box inspection. The PWSA will be updating the map as more information becomes available. To view the lead map visit www.pgh2o.com/ leadmap.
June 2018
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Propel NS opens new Community Wellness Center
Photos by Neil Strebig
On Tuesday, May 22 Propel Northside held an open house for the facility’s new Community Wellness Center. The new center features a computer lab, food pantry, culinary workshops, communal
area, and two exam rooms where Northside residents will be able to receive medical care courtesy of UMPC personnel. “We want to ensure all families have access to amenable resources,”
said Propel superintendent Dr. Tina Chekan. The center will hold a grand opening in August and will be student-accessible for the upcoming 20182019 school year.
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RL: Crafting garden architecture in the landscape
By Rich Liberto The elements of garden architecture such as paths, walls, gates, fences, terraces, lighting, pottery, water features and sculpture all work together to form the bones of a landscape or garden. The bones of the garden are in reference to the prominent, permanent elements that give form and structure to landscapes. These bones may already exist organically on trees, rocks or perhaps a body of water — within the landscape or they may also be man-made. The garden architecture is what bounds and focuses the space. It gives your garden or landscape purpose, character, and expression. Before you begin your landscape project, it’s a good idea to identify all the uses the landscape will and can
potentially accommodate. How do you intend to use the space? Is it for outdoor entertaining or dining? Do you collect sculptures and intend to showcase these pieces? Or perhaps, the garden is meant as a refuge, a sacred place in which to escape the demands of everyday living. Refuge landscapes are a great location for elements with running water such as a fountain, waterfall or man-made pond. The sound of running water is an ideal source for rejuvenation and relaxation. Writing out your wish list, is a way to focus your thinking. If one tries to design or revise a garden without an action plan, it will be too difficult to coordinate all the parts that contribute to a successful project. Secondly, if a garden or landscape
Photo by Rich Liberto
has been installed without a clear plan, then further changes or modifications can be difficult and expensive. It’s wiser to design or plan the garden on paper, not on the ground. So where to begin? The five points listed below are
essential to the success of crafting garden architecture. Listen to the House Whenever possible, rely on the architecture of the house to inspire a new design. This helps to establish the synergy
between house and garden, turning the two parts into a unified whole. A Tudorstyle house should have a cottage-style garden with natural flagstone walks, walls or patios and likewise
Continued Liberto, Page 11
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From Liberto, Page 10
5 ways to modify your garden for a Cape Cod-style home. For a contemporary house, select plants that have a strong branching structure and use materials such as brick or exposed aggregate to distinguish the sidewalks, driveways or patio surfaces. Decide Architectural Elements First Typically, one should decide on the garden’s architectural elements first before selecting the plants that surround them. The garden architecture and plantings must work together to unify the landscape, thus eliminating, a hodge-podge effect, so often seen. Think Proportionally Having the correct proportions for the garden spaces and the architectural elements within them is a crucial component towards the final result and attractiveness of the overall landscape. The size of the outdoor spaces needs to be sufficient to accommodate the intended uses or activities. For example, a patio intended for entertaining should be large enough to allow for a table surrounded by 4 to 6 chairs, a few small tables and an additional couple of chairs with some room left for those guests who wish to remain standing. Choose Materials Wisely To a large extent, the
materials used help pull a landscape together. Choose materials that are indigenous to the region as much as possible. In Southwestern Pennsylvania, native bluestone or sandstone looks very much at home while limestone reflects a warmer, coastal climate. This practice helps to identify a sense of place or belonging and is reflective of the natural ecosystem. Exercise Restraint Resist the urge to fill every available space with plantings or furnishings. Remember that empty space is sometimes essential. Before installing any new elements within the garden, ask yourself whether it is essential and how it will contribute to the design’s overall effect. As a final note, don’t hold back when selecting landscape enhancements such as gates, arbors, fountains,
Photo by Rich Liberto
pottery or decorative furniture. And feel free to experiment using a variety of colors and sculptural forms. Lighting can also help make your landscape unique, especially in the winter when backlighting can help create a powerful sense of illumination for trees with outstanding branching structure such as a Japanese Maple at night. Designing a garden should be fun, but most of all, rewarding. By following these principles, your landscape will have good bone structure. It will embody all the necessary materials and textures required to create the foundation for successful year-round beauty. Rich Liberto is a horticulturist, landscape designer, and owner of Liberto Landscape Design. He can be reached at radesign11@gmail.com.
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JUNE EVENTS California Cycle Path 3635 California Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15212 412-761-1671 | www.californiacyclepath.com First week is free, introductory offers available for first purchase! Visit our website for full schedule of weekly classes. Join us for Open Streets this summer and experience outdoor full body rowing! Follow us on Facebook for details and more upcoming special events: www.facebook.com/CaliforniaCyclePath/ Friday, June 1st: Northside Farmer’s Market from 3-7PM in Allegheny Commons Park East. Featuring A Place to Start health + wellness activities, demos, giveaways, and more. Saturday, June 2nd: Annual Mexican War Street Neighborhood Yard Sale from 9AM-2PM and Annual Brighton Heights Neighborhood Yard Sale from 8AM-2PM Friday, June 8th: Riverview Park 5K Run/Fitness Walk at 7pm -End the week with a Friday evening run through forested Riverview Park. Register online at www.riverview5k. com or meet at Riverview Park Activities Building. Northside Farmer’s Market from 3-7PM in Allegheny Commons Park East. Featuring A Place to Start health + wellness activities, demos, giveaways, and more. Saturday, June 9th: Riverview Park Heritage Day from Noon to 4PMFree family entertainment during the Heritage Day celebration includes National Aviary rare birds, children’s activities, mascot appearances, refreshments and much more.
OUTSIDE Guide 2018 Stars at Riverview Jazz Series & Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park: Ronni Weiss & the Slow Cookers from 7-8:30PM then The Mummy (1999) (PG-13) at Dusk Sunday, June 17th: Father’s Day is all day but Breadworks favorite Chocolate Baka available from 8am - 1:30pm.
June 2018
JULY EVENTS Sunday, July 1st: Observatory Hill Flea Market from 9AM-4PM in the Perry High School Lot; 3875 Perrysville Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15214. Sell or buy! Purchase a space $25, set up will be 7:30-8:30AM. Contact us for more info at 412-509-8408 or info@fivepointsbdohill.com. visit us at: www.fivepointsbdohill.com
Thursday, June 21st: Priory June Al Fresco Wine Party -Wines of the Summer Solstice 6:30-8:30PM- Wine Parties are in the Priory Hotel’s garden courtyard weather permitting.
Tuesday, July 3rd: Live on the River at the Rivers Casino Amphitheater: Free Summer Concert Series- Beatlemania Magic at 7PM
Friday, June 22nd: Allegheny West Walking Tour and Tasting: A Taste of Paso Robles in Historic Allegheny West. Tour times vary.
Wednesday, July 4th: Live on the River at the Rivers Casino Amphitheater: Free Summer Concert Series- No Bad JuJu at 7PM
Live on the River at the Rivers Casino Amphitheater: Free Summer Concert Series -Velveeta at 7PM
Friday, July 8th: Northside Farmer’s Market from 3-7PM in Allegheny Commons Park East.
Northside Farmer’s Market from 3-7PM in Allegheny Commons Park East. Saturday, June 23rd: 1st Annual Deutschtown Pet Walk: Kick off the Summer with the Deutschtown Pet Walk featuring Wagsburgh’s mascot Wiggle Butt and celebrating the one year anniversary of the Kaffeehaus. Allegheny West Walking Tour and Tasting: A Taste of Paso Robles in Historic Allegheny West. Tour times vary. Live at Get Hip Recordings: Descartes A Kant, Felipe Pupo, Sikes and The New Violence, Cody Cody Jones. 7-11PM. Free Parking!
Saturday, July 7th: Stars at Riverview Jazz Series & Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park: RED from 7-8:30PM then Jumanji (2017) (PG-13) at Dusk Wednesday, July 11th: Solar Concert Series 2018 in Buhl Community Park at Allegheny Square from 12:15PM - 1PM - 1Hood Media - Pittsburgh based collective of socially conscious artists and activists who utilize art as a means of raising awareness about social justice matters affecting people around the world. The 11th Annual Solar Concert Series is a project of The Saturday Light Brigade and Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.
Saturday, June 24th: Kick off to Summer Free Day from 10AM-5PM Children’s Museum offers free admission to the museum and free Allegheny SolarFest Concert in Buhl Community Park until 3PM.
Friday, July 13th: Deutschtown Music Festival: 6th annual FREE two-day indoor/outdoor music festival. Voted “Best music Festival and “Best Street Festival”, enjoy 300+ bands, 11 outdoor stages, and 26 indoor venues with family-friendly programming, food trucks, arts market, and beer garden for 21+ guests. Free school bus shuttle with multiple stops will be available. www.deutschtownmusicfestival.com
Bicycle Heaven Annual Bicycle Show & Swap Meet! 9AM - ?? Rain or Shine! Food, Drinks, & Music! FREE. Bike groups welcome!
The Ins & Outs of Observatory Hill from 12-5PM Observatory Hill tour of homes & outdoors spaces.
Northside Farmer’s Market from 3-7PM in Allegheny Commons Park East.
Live at Get Hip Recordings: Archie & The Bunkers, Nox Boys at 7-11PM. Free Parking!
Tuesday, June 26th: Coffee, Contacts, and Connections at 7AM Arnold’s Tea will host the North Side|Shore Chamber of Commerce monthly morning network event.
Saturday, July 14th: Deutschtown Music Festival: 6th annual FREE two-day indoor/outdoor music festival. Voted “Best music Festival and “Best Street Festival”, enjoy 300+ bands, 11 outdoor stages, and 26 indoor venues with family-friendly programming, food trucks, arts market, and beer garden for 21+ guests. Free school bus shuttle with multiple stops will be available. www.deutschtownmusicfestival.com
Stars at Riverview Jazz Series & Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park: Lee Robinson from 7-8:30PM then Dirty Dancing (1987) (PG-13) at Dusk Little Sisters of the Poor Rock-a-Thon from 1-4PMLive entertainment, bake sale, cake auction, pet adoption groups, mystery balloons, and more!
Sunday, June 10th: Annual Flag Day Celebrationat 2PM at Allegheny Elks Lodge #339 Bicycle Heaven Annual Bicycle Show & Swap Meet! 9AM - ?? Rain or Shine! Food, Drinks, & Music! FREE. Bike groups welcome! Friday, June 15th: Northside Farmer’s Market from 3-7PM in Allegheny Commons Park East. Saturday, June 16th: 1st Annual East Northside House Tour from 11AM3PM Tours of Troy Hill, Spring Garden, and East Deutschtown homes.
Stars at Riverview Jazz Series & Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park: Funky Fly Project then The Adventures of Tintin (2011) (PG) at Dusk
Friday, June 29th: Live on the River at the Rivers Casino Amphitheater: Free Summer Concert Series - STYX Tribute at 7PM Northside Farmer’s Market from 3-7PM in Allegheny Commons Park East. Featuring A Place to Start health + wellness activities, demos, giveaways, and more. Saturday, June 30th: Stars at Riverview Jazz Series & Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park: Olga Watkins from 7-8:30PM then Thor: Ragnarok (PG-13) at Dusk
Stars at Riverview Jazz Series & Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park: Roger Humphries from 7-8:30PM then Miles (PG-13) at Dusk Wednesday, July 18th: College Kickstart Day Open House Events at CCAC from 3PM-6PM Free open house event provides the perfect opportunity to learn about educational options, career and transfer programs, financial aid and scholarships, campus facilities, and more.
June 2018 Solar Concert Series 2018 in Buhl Community Park at Allegheny Square from 12:15PM - 1PM - Avi Diamond - Avi is inspired by a wide variety of genres and draws inspiration from artists ranging from Ella Fitzgerald to Radiohead and more recently Brandi Carlile and Lianne la Havas. Thursday, July 19th: Live on the River at the Rivers Casino Amphitheater: Free Summer Concert Series. - Badfish A Tribute to Sublime at 7PM Priory July Wine Party from 6:30-8:30PM. Join wine host Cory Hart of Winebow for an evening of great wine and food. Our Wine Parties are in the Priory Hotel’s garden courtyard weather permitting. Friday, July 20th: Live on the River at the Rivers Casino Amphitheater: Free Summer Concert Series- The Bill Henry Band at 7PM Northside Farmer’s Market from 3-7PM in Allegheny Commons Park East. Sommerfest & Wild Boar Roast at Teutonia Mannerchor from 5-11PM. Featuring pit roasted wild boar, authentic German food, bands, dancing and bier! Saturday, July 21st: Live on the River at the Rivers Casino Amphitheater: Free Summer Concert Series- Totally 80’s & Old Skool at 7PM Sommerfest & Wild Boar Roast at Teutonia Mannerchor from 11AM-11PM. Featuring pit roasted wild boar, authentic German food, bands, dancing and bier! Wednesday, July 25th: Solar Concert Series 2018 in Buhl Community Park at Allegheny Square from 12:15PM - 1PM - Scott and Rosanna - Acoustic duo, Scott and Rosanna, stamp their signature folk / jazzy style on their wide repertoire of tunes elevated through the use of guitar looping. Friday, July 27th: Live on the River at the Rivers Casino Amphitheater: Free Summer Concert Series- Chris Higbee & The Hobbs Sisters at 7PM Northside Farmer’s Market from 3-7PM in Allegheny Commons Park East. Saturday, July 28th: Stars at Riverview Jazz Series & Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park: Jay Vonada Quartet from 7-8:30PM then Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (PG-13) at Dusk
OUTSIDE Guide 2018
AUGUST EVENTS Wednesday, August 1st: Solar Concert Series 2018 in Buhl Community Park at Allegheny Square from 12:15PM - 1PM - Afro Yaqui Collective - The Afro Yaqui Music Collective is a multicultural big band that explores the intersection of Indigenous musics within the language of jazz. The 11th Annual Solar Concert Series is a project of The Saturday Light Brigade and Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Friday, August 3rd: Live on the River at the Rivers Casino Amphitheater: Free Summer Concert Series- Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers with Billy Price at 7PM. Northside Farmer’s Market from 3-7PM in Allegheny Commons Park East. Featuring A Place to Start health + wellness activities, demos, giveaways, and more. Saturday, August 4th: Pittsburgh VegFest 11AM-5PM in Allegheny Commons East Park. Voted “Best Food Festival”, Pittsburgh VegFest is an outdoor ‘go-to’ summer festival bringing together the best veg food in Pittsburgh, music, shopping, cooking demos, animal welfare orgs, & kids activities in the Steel City. www.pittsburghvegfest.org/ Stars at Riverview Jazz Series & Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park: Bobby Short from 7-8:30PM then Wonder Woman (PG-13) at Dusk. Wednesday, August 8th: Solar Concert Series 2018 in Buhl Community Park at Allegheny Square from 12:15PM - 1PM - Sierra Sellers - Seirra Sellers grew up on a steady stream of R&B, rock, country and gospel thanks to her family’s eclectic taste. Friday, August 10th: Live on the River at the Rivers Casino Amphitheater: Free Summer Concert Series- Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute and Temptations Tribute at 7PM Northside Farmer’s Market from 3-7PM in Allegheny Commons Park East. Saturday, August 11th: Stars at Riverview Jazz Series & Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park: Boilermaker Jazz Band from 7-8:30PM then Ping Pong Playa (PG-13) at Dusk. Wednesday, August 15th: Solar Concert Series 2018 in Buhl Community Park at Allegheny Square from 12:15PM - 1PM - Dan Getkin & the Twelve Six - Dan Getkin and
Page 15 the Twelve Six are a rocking alt-country band from Pittsburgh drawing inspiration from Ryan Adams, Jackson Browne, and Wilco. Thursday, August 16th: Priory August Party - South Africa from 6:308:30PM Join wine host Deb Mortillaro of Dreadnought Wines & Spirits for a an evening of great wine and food featuring wines from South Africa. Our Wine Parties are in the Priory Hotel’s garden courtyard weather permitting. Friday, August 17th: Northside Farmer’s Market from 3-7PM in Allegheny Commons Park East. Saturday, August 18th: Stars at Riverview Jazz Series & Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park: Rick Finkelstein from 7-8:30PM then Black Panther (PG-13) at Dusk. Wednesday, August 22nd: Solar Concert Series 2018 in Buhl Community Park at Allegheny Square from 12:15PM - 1PM - Chet Vincent - Chet Vincent is a singer-songwriter with folk, country, and rock influences. Friday, August 24th: Northside Farmer’s Market from 3-7PM in Allegheny Commons Park East. Saturday, August 25th: Bicycle Heaven Annual Bicycle Show & Swap Meet! 9AM - ?? Rain or Shine! Food, Drinks, & Music! FREE. Bike groups welcome! Stars at Riverview Jazz Series & Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park: Clare Ascani from 7-8:30PM then Spider-Man: Homecoming (PG-13) at Dusk. Sunday, August 26th: Bicycle Heaven Annual Bicycle Show & Swap Meet! 9AM - ?? Rain or Shine! Food, Drinks, & Music! FREE. Bike groups welcome! Wednesday, August 29th: Solar Concert Series 2018 in Buhl Community Park at Allegheny Square from 12:15PM - 1PM - Tim Vitullo Band - Tim Vitullo is a bit different. One of Pittsburgh’s most promising young talents exudes Americana blues and roots rock peppered with jazz and a dash of folk Friday, August 30th: Northside Farmer’s Market from 3-7PM in Allegheny Commons Park East.
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By Neil Strebig
The Northside Chronicle
June 2018
Residents help support NS landmark via social media
After a morning workout at the Allegheny YMCA, Northsider Willy James happened to stroll through Allegheny Commons Park and notice an “empty” Gus and Yia Yia’s stand. “I remember the bridge construction was affecting business,” recalled James. “It still seemed pretty empty.” According to Gus Kalaris, who owns the ice ball stand and Northside landmark, since the City of Pittsburgh closed West Ohio Street Bridge to vehicular traffic, business has been down 50 percent. Kalaris relies solely on foot traffic for sales. “First it was scary, people weren’t coming,” said Kalaris. “We’ve made a landmark out of it [the stand] we’re going to stay with what we do, people know us.” Fortunately for Kalaris, James had his camera with him that day. The local videographer began interviewing Kalaris about the decline in traffic. On Monday, May 21 James published the 3-minute long video on his Facebook page. 29,000 views and 780 Facebook shares
later, the Northside took notice. “I was surprised to see how many people actually know about it and enjoy it,” said Bill Harold, who helps Kalaris with the stand a few times a week. Harold, a Bellevue native mentioned that since residents began taking to social media there’s been a significant uptick in customers. A simple Facebook search of “Gus and Yia Yia’s” will clear way to dozens of Northside and Pittsburgh residents who have taken to social media to notify fellow friends and family that the ice ball stand is in need of their patronage. Similar, to James’ video a number of these posts have hundreds of likes and thousands of shares. Even more alarming, the majority of these posts have happened within the last week. “I liken it to a snowball,” said James in regards to the bombardment of posts and notifications. “Lot of Pittsburghers grew up with him [Gus]. I love the fact everyone came out to support him.”
Walking up from the Rivers Casino, Charles Smith, a former Mexican War Streets resident who now lives in the Mon Valley, mentioned he makes it a point to stop at Gus and Yia Yia’s every time he’s on the Northside. He can’t say no to a scoop of banana cherry. “When you come to the Northside you make a point to come here,” said Smith. Kalaris inherited the stand after his father George, passed away in 1951. According to Kalaris, his father bought the stand for $175 from a church friend named Tatso. In 1934, his George Kalaris set up shop near the Lake Elizabeth Pool, which at the time could accommodate close to 5,000 people. In addition to the recent social media surge, Kalaris was quick to credit Mark Fatla, executive director of the Northside Leadership Conference with helping attract continuous foot traffic to the stand. After the bridge was closed for construction, so was the entrance to W. Ohio Street for vehicular traffic
near the Western Ave. intersection. The intersection between Ridge Avenue and W. Ohio Street also remained barricaded. According, to Kalaris, Fatla helped re-open the street for vehicles. It helped bring additional attention and let customers know the stand was still open, said Kalaris. “When the bridge closed last year, I was swamped with calls and emails from Northsiders concerned about Gus,” said Fatla in an email. “Several folks had the idea to create a loop using Ridge Avenue so that Gus was not on a dead-end street. I suggested that to the City [of Pittsburgh] and they responded quickly. All I did was pass on information.” Since, Kalaris has noticed a number of customers – new and old – visiting the stand. “People know we’re here and where to find us,” said Kalaris. If they didn’t, they certainly do now. Gus and Yia Yia’s is located near the tennis courts on W. Ohio St. The stand is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Allegheny City Central The Property Trio LLC to Ce La Management & Investments LLC at 1236 Wolfrum St. for $210,000. Estate of Earl Williams to Blest Investment Group LLC at 1437 Sandusky St. for $19,000. Dorothy M Gibson Humphries to Craig Chu and Charles Mills at Jefferson St. for $135,000. Rebecca Lee to Austin and Kelsey Eckenroth at 1350 Federal St. for $410,000. Pinnacle Redevelopment Group LLC to Michael Vizzini and Casey Feeney at 1403 Monterey St. for $395,000. Jonathan Michael Weber to James Wick at 517 Jacksonia St. for $225,000. Debra Smallwood to Jefferson Town Homes at 517 W. Jefferson St. for $115,000. Robert Sechler to Michael Bellini and Peggy Wang at 1226 Palo Alto St. for $365,000. Barbara Alexander to Henry Burke and Daniel Cody Burke Sweet at 1366 Federal St. for $337,500. Allegheny West Pittsburgh City to Coralie Kartesz at 1012 Abdell St. for $51,480. Brighton Heights Lisa Cannon to Katherine Marcille Gibson at 118 Bookbinder Circle for $157,500. William Onyshko Jr. to Northstar Realty Investment LLC at 3853 Brighton Road for $170,900. Kui Cheng to TD Visions LLC at 3422 Fleming Ave. for $30,500. James Williams Jr. to TD Visions LLC at 3424 Fleming Ave. for $37,500. Kyle Webster et al. to Charles Edward Vrana at 3128 Mt. Hope Road for $2,000. Cynthia Wieseckel to Patrick Murphy at 1475 Benton Ave. for $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $76,722). Housing & Urban Development to Homes4Comfort LLC at 115 Harbison Place for $79,500. Robert Dunlap II to Amelia and Nathan Glover at 3617 Mexico St. for $92,000. Corey Pistininzi to Eric Yarnell at 3904 Brighton Road for $149,900. TJG Holdings LLC to 3532 California Avenue LLC at California Ave. for $408,000. Glow Properties LLC to 360 Ridge-
The Northside Chronicle
wood LLC at 3400 California Ave. for $115,000. Debra Novak to TAF Capital LLC at 3806 Wealth St. for $83,040. Brylee Taylor Kopel to John Vera at 3716 Atkins St. for $215,000. Steven Higgins to Melissa Bizub at 1557 Cooper Ave. for $100,000. Albert Sieffert estate et al. to TB Property Investment LLC at 1816 Perrott St. for $120,000. Stephen Chesney to Steven Miller at 188 Richbarn Road for $148,000. Brightwood Jared Wilson to Gary Jackson at 1412 Dickson St. for $104,000. Arthur Connelly to UCG Forty Four LLC at 3232 McClure Ave. for $30,000. Frank Helwich to Ryan Hizer at 1400 Woodland Ave. for $119,000. Ronald Laffey to Alexandria Romantic at 2607 Brighton Road for $53,000. Timothy Grant to Gethsemane Place LLC at 3041 Shadeland Ave. for $10,000. Debra Green to 1110 Speck Street Trust at 1110 Speck St. for $16,000 Califorinia-Kirkbride North Side Church God Independent Pittsburgh In to Northside Properties R&S LLC at 1908 Sedgwick St. for $115,000. Landry Jr. & Assoc. LLC to Northside Properties R&S LLC at 1941 Sedgwick St. for $3,500. East Deutschtown Dorian Kenleigh to Kevin Welty and Elizabeth Beresford at 841 Tripoli St. for $199,000. Fineview Jeremy Tischuk to Vista Casa LLC at 1619 Myler St. for $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $26,334). Michael David Tischuk et al. to Vista Casa LLC at 1621 Myler St. for $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $27,930). Wells Fargo Bank NA trustee to Longshore Places LLC at 1710 Meadville St. for $17,001. Michael Flaherty to Brent Loverti at 1911 Meadville St. for $205,000. Estate of Margaret Towns to Craig Chu and Charles Allen Mills at 216 Cemetery Ave. for $104,000. Historic Deutschtown Ronald Schultheis to REC Allegheny Properties LLC at 612 Emlin Street for $10,000.
Kristi Lynn Senko to Jermaine Cuyler at 613 Suismon St. for $530,000. Kristi Lynn Senko to Jermaine Cuyler at Suismon St. for $45,000. Manchester Estate of Elnathan Pearsall to Walnut Holdings at 1005 Sheffield St. for $83,000 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $178,524) by sheriff’s deed. Estate of Theresa Lee to Joel and Amy Lindsey at 1324 Adams St. for $35,000. Walz Street Venture LLC to Shaun William Carlson and Valerie Lynn Reeves at 1214 Pennsylvania Ave. for $199,900. Typ 2 LLC to Michael Kroeker and Samuel Moore at 1117 Fulton St. for $310,000. E Properties & Development LLC to Able Development 601 LLC at 1016 Liverpool St. for $30,000. Observatory Hill JPMorgan Chase Bank NA to Castlerock 2017 LLC at 3816 Baytree St. for $10,700. Estate of Tom aka Tomas Gray to Quyla and Derrick Olszewski at 4122 Perrysville Ave. for $40,000. Kent Diasabeygunawardena to Reed Dunkle and Rebecca Vogan at 100 Waldorf St. for $219,000. Brandon Cahall to John Arlet at 4030 Franklin Road for $100,000. Annette McGaha to Avid Holdings 1801 LLC at 3215 Orleans St. for $50,000. Krista Cogan to Robert Beerman at 3815 Baytree St. for $70,000. United Methodist Church Union to Robert Marshall Jr. and Quinn Marshall at 3727 Perrysville Ave. for $158,000. William Russell to Conland Services LLC at 212 Watson Blvd. for $79,000. Perry Hilltop Estate of Alphonza Brown to Federal National Mortgage Assn. at 227 E. McIntyre Ave. for $5,754 by sheriff’s deed. EXR LLC to Li Zhang at 2648 Veteran St. for $3,000. Estate of Thomas Kane to Derrick Olszewski at 421 Marshall Ave. for $42,000. Patrick Rooney to Jacqueline Givens at 2707 Sherlock St. for $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $11,400). Global Premier Asset Management LLC to Ontario 1501341 Inc. at 3017 Viola St. for $8,900. Michael Thompson to Dennis Patrick and Julia Dawson Allan at 2212 Osgood
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St. for $241,000. CPA Homes LLC to Marcello Castano Garcia at 12 W. McIntyre Ave. for $14,000 Spring Garden Andrew Masciantonio to A&T Property Management LLC at 919 Spring Garden Ave. for $100,000. Spring Hill William Kablach to New Direction IRA FBO Carolyn Metcalf IR at 181 Zang Way for $7,000. PNC Bank NA to Kalman Szabo at 868 Vista St. for $27,226 Summer Hill John Arkus Jr. trustee to Chad Fischer at 4455 Morefield St. for $95,000. Henrietta Roethlein to Brian James Karcher and Samantha Joan Bertolino at 174 Van Buren St. for $82,500. Shawn Luff to Nicholas Diulus and Kenzie Pape at 4461 Cerise St. for $193,000. Joshua Edmiston to Ian and Christina Smith at 4448 Cerise St. for $199,000. Troy Hill Daniel Essig to Cindy McCauley at 847 Peralta St. for $260,000. Derek Soose to Colleen McCary Reyburn and Raymond Edward Hall at 1845 Ley St. for $52,000.
Signup for our weekly Thursday e-newsletter to stay up-to-date on real estate transactions on the Nortshide, visit our website: www.nschronicle.com
June 2018
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Ask An Attorney By Matthew D. Gailey Gailey Law Group Summer driving season is about to begin! Many Northsiders are about to get into their cars and drive to far off locales for fun and relaxation. Some of the more adventurous Northsiders may actually cross a river or two to get to their destination. If you fall into these categories, you may want to revisit your automobile insurance. Most folks are aware of the full-tort election, which allows PA drivers to sue other individuals for pain and suffering, even if they don’t suffer a serious injury. However, not a lot of people pay attention to the UM/UIM coverage options which must be offered by automobile insurers. It is important to not fall into a trap of complacency and limit your recovery by refusing to pay for UM/UIM coverage. UM/UIM coverage is an acronym that stands for Uninsured Motorist and Under Insured
The Northside Chronicle
Motorist coverage. This coverage allows for a driver’s own car insurance to pay them additional sums if the driver that hit them does not have insurance (UM coverage) or doesn’t have sufficient insurance (UIM coverage) to compensate the injured driver’s injuries. By choosing to obtain this additional coverage, a prudent Northsider can take steps to insure that they will be adequately compensated for the injuries that they have suffered in the event they are hit by an irresponsible driver. If you have any more questions regarding UM/UIM coverage, please feel free to give my office a call.
June 2018
June 2018
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CCAC receives 2018 Innovation of the Year award
Pictured, from the left, are CCAC Allegheny Campus President Dr. Evon
Photo courtesy of CCAC
Walters; PTK chapter advisor Joy LeViere; PTK officers Surbhi Sharma, Krista Kohr, Dylan Yee, Shailja Patel, Sahara Muhina and George Sotiriou (far right); and CCAC President Dr. Quintin Bullock.
The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) received a 2018 Innovation of the Year from the League for Innovation in the Community College. The accolade was awarded to CCAC for the Milton Hall Rotunda Project, an 8-month long project facilitated by Phi Thea Kappa student leaders. Originally students designed the outline for the project as part of a capstone, however, after receiving $25,000 of funding from the community college’s Student Government Organization the Milton Hall Project began to take on a more collaborative and innovative approach. The goal was to modify the original, From Boxing, Page 5 With a stable home life, the Mook brothers were finally able to live as children, not just survivors. Jessee, now 15, began focusing on school more, he’s routinely receiving As and Bs on report cards. He even won the Golden Gloves tournament in his first chance.
outdated rotunda space and redesign it as a more approachable, communal space for students. Since the completion of the project, the Milton Hall Rotunda has been outfitted with HD video walls, informative signage, digital way finders, fresh paint, new carpet and interactive kiosks students may use to access registration and career support services. “Phi Theta Kappa’s work has provided new beginnings to support student learning and advancement,” CCAC president Dr. Quinton Bullock said in a press release. “They’ve done an exceptional job in planning the work.”
Josh, now 18, has won four consecutive Golden Gloves tournaments, proving Jack’s theories of good home life, nutrition, and a feeling of security can do wonders for a child. Formerly of Brighton Heights, the Mook family now resides in Ross Township where the nowretired Jack Mook, opened
June 2018
Despite downtown closure, Allegheny Y still open
Last month, the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh filed for bankruptcy following the closure of its downtown location at 236 Fifth Avenue. In an interview with WESA last month, president and CEO Kevin Bolding explained the downtown location was too large to maintain and was putting a financial strain on the Y’s other regional locations. The Allegheny Y, along with the other 11 YMCA locations in the region, is expected to absorb some of
Jack’s Boxing Gym. The North Hills gym may boast the most wins of any Western Pennsylvania boxing gym, but it is the family component that makes the gym special. Jack, Josh and Jack’s wife, Mary all work as trainers at the facility. “Some of these kids getting their first wins gave me the
the staff and membership overflows after the downtown location closes on June 8. However, the closure will not affect services for members at the Allegheny YMCA, according to Pamela Haley, communications director for the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh. “[We] want to make sure our physical footprint is sustainable,” said Haley in regards to the Y’s commitment to community service and towards its members. The downtown location was on a 25-year lease, a contributing
same feeling when I got mine,” said Josh. “I brought myself back to the basics and now I see everything he taught me.” His sparring partner, Brody White, 16, enjoys training and learning from them. “I became best friends with him through boxing,” said White. “It’s awesome com-
factor as to why it was viewed as expendable. “The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh owns the Allegheny YMCA building and throughout this reorganization process, the Y will be evaluating all current operations to better align resources to meet the needs of our communities in a more sustainable manner,” said Haley in an email. “As of right now, there is no plan for any future projects or investments and expansions at the Allegheny Y.”
ing to work out with him every day and learn from him and Jack.” These words make Jack proud. For him finally seeing Josh understand and sharing the science of boxing is priceless. Read the entire story online at nschronicle.com.
The Northside Chronicle
June 2018
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Manchester Youth Development Center Celebrates 50 Years By Lauren Stauffer Manchester Youth Development Center (MYDC) was founded in 1968 by Reverend Jimmy Joe Robinson and Doctor Betty Robinson, also affectionately known as “Gram.” The couple, who moved to Manchester in 1962 to parish the Bidwell Church, went door-todoor asking parents what they wanted most for their children. MYDC has been providing local youth a constructive place to grow ever since. Every year 170-plus students partake in after-school programs, visual arts and musical education workshops, summer camps, and a variety of community
Community leaders and alumni honored at 6th MYDC Gala service programs at Manchester Youth Development Center. MYDC works alongside the Training Wheels Childcare Center and Manchester Academic School, also founded by the Robinsons. On Saturday, May 19 the group held their 50th anniversary and dedication ceremony for alumni and leaders within the community who’ve helped students reach their highest potential. Guests were hosted at the Manchester Craftsman Guild with Master of Ceremonies, Chris Moore of Chris Moore Communications, and Mistress of Ceremones,
Diana Bucco, President of The Buhl Foundation. In honor of MYDC’s founders’ mission and vision, the Robinson Awards are given to individuals making a difference in childrens’ lives. This year awards were given to Armetta Swan, William Strickland Jr., Steven Singleton, Alan Perry, Lionel HongLong, Dr. Michael Lamb, Nena Hisle, Eugene Harris, Richard Garland, Audrey Diggs and Ross Bianco. When asked what one ingredient led to the decades of success for the Manchester organization, honorary chairperson and MYDC alumni Derrick
Photos by Lauren Stauffer
Wilson said ,“The sense of community and family that Revered and Dr. Robinson have instilled in all that have interacted with them.”
Northside Communities Memorial Day Celebrations
Photos by Lauren Stauffer
At Brighton Heights with Color Guard Perry Traditional Academy JROTC
with
Volunteers placed flags on Veteran’s final resting place in Highwood Cemetary.
Spring Hill Civic League’s service with The Color Guard and Firing Squad of the American Legion Post 565 and VFW Post 7090.