Manchester Jaguars are neighborhood’s first youth football team in 50 years
Fall Guide + Maps Pg. 15-21 Local Marketplace Pg. 24 Real Estate Transactions Pg. 28 Education Pg. 30
August 2017 Est. 1985 Your Community Newspapper
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Volume 33 Issue 9 - FREE -
Photo by Neil Strebig
A boxer at Steel City Boxing gym in Spring Hill works on a heavy bag. Read more about the “Northside vs. Outside III” event on page 8.
Spring Hill mixing past and present for future By Victoria Stevans Eighteen years after its closing, remnants of the Workingman’s Beneficiary Union’s (WBU) history can still be found in its wide, empty rooms. On the building’s main floor, a sign that says “The Millennial Bash 1999” lays flat on the barren, wooden bar while a disco ball still hangs overhead. The room is empty. The partygoers who once counted down into a New Year are gone, replaced by freshly stripped floors, naked walls, and shavings of recently discarded paint curled on the floorboards.
By the time the confetti and plastic champagne glasses leftover from the WBU’s Millennial Bash were drank, swept up and discarded, the building itself closed down. The following years have left a film of dust on the room’s disco ball. The upper floors are muggy. Within them, the air is stagnant from the lack of fans, open windows, and activity. As a result, each room feels like it’s holding its breath. One of the rooms has tall stacks of framed photographs. The thin, antiqued frames have filagree roaming across them, flourishing at the
edges. Each of them hugs an identical picture of men standing in rows on the WBU’s front porch, some smiling and some straightlipped. In each snapshot the faces change, the facial hair changes, the suit fashions change, the years etched below the picture change: 1911-1912, 1920-1921, 1944-1945, but the building never changes. The porch in the picture is still there. Downstairs dayworkers buzz. They move from room to room with power tools and kick up a thin dust with their boots.
Natasha Dean is also working on the main floor. Plaster speckles her hands and clothes, she has just finished texturing a wall. Dean and her boyfriend, Bill Brittan, are co-owners of Rescue Street Farms, one of the two businesses that now exist on the former WBU property. In 2015, Brittan bought the land behind the old building for their farm and by proxy the WBU. “It was pretty much left as it was,” said Dean, gesturing to the building around her. See Spring Hill, Page 7
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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 $35.00 per year. Distribution: 8,000 copies 2017 Advertising Rates & Rewards Available Upon Request DISCLAIMER: t contributors that appear in the Northside The viewpoints and opinions of the writers and Chronicle do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints, opinions, beliefs or positions of the Northside Chronicle’s publishers, editors, staff and/or affiliates. The Northside Chronicle is not affiliated with any formal political, social, religious, educational or philosophical organization or party of any kind. The materials comprising the Northside Chronicle are provided by various organizations, community groups, advertisers, entities, writers and contributors and are provided as a service to the readers of the Northside Chronicle on an “as-is” basis for informational purposes only. The Northside Chronicle assumes no responsibility for any copyright infringement, errors or omissions in these materials and expressly disclaims any representations or warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose regarding the correctness, accuracy, completeness, timeliness and reliability of the information provided. The Northside Chronicle is not responsible for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance upon such information. Reference herein to any commercial product, process or service does not constitute or imply endorsement or favoring by the Northside Chronicle. © The Northside Chronicle 2017
#northsidepgh IG Photo of the Month August 2017 @danehorvath in Mexican War Streets Follow us on Instagram @nschronicle
September 2017
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 3rd Tuesday, bi-month, 7 p.m. Pressley Ridge, 2611 Stayton St. 412.732.8152 Brightwood Community Emergency Response Shelter 3rd Thursday, monthly, 6 p.m. 3219 Central Ave. California-Kirkbride Blockwatch 3rd Thursday, monthly, 7 p.m. 1601 Brighton Rd., 3rd floor California-Kirkbride Neighbors 2nd Thursday, monthly, 7 p.m. 1601 Brighton Rd., 3rd floor 412.758.3898 Central Northside Neighborhood Council 2nd Monday, monthly, 7 p.m. Allegheny Traditional Academy 412.231.7742 Charles Street Area Council 1st Monday, monthly, call for times Pittsburgh Project, 2801 N. Charles St. 412.321.5567 Community Alliance of Spring Garden/ East Deutschtown 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. Fuhrer Building of St. Michael’s Church 412.977.1979 Deutschtown New Hope Council 3rd Thursday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. Community Center, 623 Suismon St. East Allegheny Community Council 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 7 p.m. Arnold’s Tea 412.321.1204 Fineview Citizens Council 4th Wednesday, monthly, 6 p.m. 1629 Sandusky Ct. 412.231.0330 Mexican War Streets Society 3rd Monday, bi-monthly, 6:30-7 p.m. 1400 Buena Vista St. 412.323.9030
Manchester Citizens Corporation Quarterly meetings, call for times MCC Center, 1319 Allegheny Ave. 412.323.1743 Manchester Public Safety Meeting Quarterly meetings, call for times Northside Leadership Conference 412.323.1743 Northside Rotary Club Every Friday, noon Cardello Building, 2nd Floor NS Coalition for Fair Housing Board 2nd Monday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. 1821 Brighton Rd. 412.321.5527 NS Coalition for Fair Housing Members Monthly, call for times 1821 Brighton Rd. 412.321.5521 Northside Leadership Conference Call to confirm 1st Wednesday, monthly, 6 p.m. MCC Center, 1319 Allegheny Ave. 412.231.4714 North Side Lions Club 2nd and 4th Tuesday, monthly, noon Max’s Allegheny Tavern North Side Public Safety Council 1st Thursday, monthly, 5:30 p.m. 1319 Allegheny Ave. 1st floor meeting room 412.231.4714 ext. 201 Northside Toastmasters 2nd & 4th Thursdays, monthly, 6:30pm Carnegie Library, 1230 Federal St. 412-204-6018 Observatory Hill, Inc. 3rd Wednesday, monthly, 7 p.m. Byzantine Seminary, 3605 Perrysville Ave. 412.231.2887 Perry Hilltop Citizens’ Council 2nd Tuesday, bi-monthly, 6 p.m. The Pittsburgh Project perryhilltop@gmail.com 412.223.7144 The Promise Group Every other Tuesday, 6 p.m. Western Pa. Humane Society 412.321.1019 Troy Hill Citizens Council March 8th, June 7th, Sept 13th, Dec 13th. 1515 Tinsbury St. 412.321.2852 Spring Hill Civic League March 6, May 8, Sept. 11, Oct. 2, Nov. 6. 6 p.m, Spring Hill Elementary School auditorium, contact@shcl.org Summer Hill Citizens Committee 3rd Tuesday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. WPXI Television Station community room
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September 2017
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Op-Ed State Rep. Jake Wheatley: Labor Day for the Many, Not the Few
As we move into August, the final month of summer, I wanted to take some time to reflect on our annual end of summer holiday; Labor Day. Even though we all enjoy the parades, celebrations and cookouts that mark our summer sendoff, I want to encourage everyone to also take some time to recognize Labor Day’s true purpose of celebrating the men and women of the labor movement who struggled, and continue to fight for, better working conditions, higher wages and family supporting benefits for everyone who goes to work every day to support our economy and their families. We should all reflect upon the value and support that unions and the labor movement have provided for individuals across our country. It is a history that extends beyond individual workers’ rights. It is a history equally rich in the struggle for human rights and access to resources and opportunity for every day Americans, regardless of race or gender. The labor movement played a critical role in forming the social fabric of 21st century Ameri-
ca and has been instrumental in shaping our cities and communities. As I look back, growing up in Detroit, my life was strongly impacted by the work of labor unions and union organizing. I am the child of a retired United Auto Worker (UAW), while my mother spent 38 years working at Ford Motor Company’s stamping plants. They were direct beneficiaries of the decades long fight by African-Americans in Detroit’s auto industry, a shining example of unionization’s role in combating discrimination and pay inequities. With little formal education, the family sustaining wages, health care benefits, and work protections afforded to my mother were essential to my family and countless others in Detroit. The legacy of the organizing efforts within my mother’s UAW union provided the resources for me to go to college and supported the ability to feed and provide for my three sisters and I. Here in Pittsburgh, we have our own rich history of unionization efforts on behalf of workers, especially African American workers. Recently,
we’ve read reports outlining realities we still face today, such as the fight Nate Smith began years ago, but I applaud our current union leaders in the city who have come to the table ready to address these lingering issues. For decades labor unions have made our city strong, and I will continue to strive to play an invaluable role in moving Pittsburgh towards its full potential. I want to conclude by reminding everyone that history has shown us that the power of unions, and their ability to utilize collective bargaining as an invaluable tool, is a means by which social and economic justice can be achieved. I stand with the leaders of yesteryear and alongside the fast-food, hospital and other underpaid workers of today. It is in this spirit that we should recognize and celebrate the significant achievements of the labor movement, while looking forward to building a greater tomorrow for employees in every job sector. State Rep. Jake Wheathley represents the 19th Legistlative District.
September newsletter from Councilwoman Darlene Harris
I hope everyone has had a wonderful summer thus far! The heat in Pittsburgh has left us eager for fall, but with another year of school starting so soon, I’m not sure I can speak for all of the students in the city. As we start to move in the direction of schoolbooks in place of spray parks,
I urge everyone to be careful driving near public libraries and schools in the city. However, for the remainder of the summer, be sure to spend some time appreciating the many beautiful parks on the Northside. Last minute parties and summer gatherings are common this time of year, and for those of you look-
ing for an outdoor area that can accommodate a larger party, I urge you to look into park pavilions. Riverview park has several rentals available in the summer, and for a different experience altogether, the Allegheny Observatory offers tours of the facility every Thursday night at 8 p.m. I urge anyone who loves stargazing
to reserve a spot at the Observatory on a clear evening; the sights are incredible and it’s a great way to end a summer day. Always feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns at darlene.harris@pittsburghpa.gov or 412255-2135. Enjoy the warm weather!
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September 2017
Radiant Hall at Nova Place is a haven for artists
By Neil Strebig Outside of the former One Allegheny Center a gaggle of businessmen strolls past the revolving doors. Each of them donning a blue button down, their respective shades of blue differ ever so slightly. Just meters away from the businessmen neon green hard hats play peeka-boo behind a chain link fence that is hiding the future home of Federal Galley. Inside the building past those revolving doors is a vacant hallway home only to a staring contest between a security guard and their smart phone. The guard sits in front of a set of metal doors one might not notice at first glance. Behind the heavy metal doors on the first – floor hidden from plain view – is an octuplet of artists. It is somewhat paradoxical that a communal artistic space such as Radiant Hall is concealed in the middle
of Northside; cloaked in the shadow of Nova Place and the changing industrial colors of the former Allegheny Center Mall. “It pays to have a space that is not your house to create,” Nova Place studio director and Allegheny Center resident, Ramon Riley said. “It is a communal space where you walk in and on any given day you may walk in and see something that is inspiring to you.” Riley who has also been teaching art at PineRichland High School for over a decade became involved in Radiant Hall Nova Place after a former student of his Ryan Lammie offered him the position. The irony is, Lammie the founder of Radiant Hall was that former student. “I knew Ryan coming out of eighth grade when he was finding himself,”
Riley said. “I know I definitely contributed to helping his development as an artist and as a person.” Radiant Hall originally started in Lawrenceville after Lammie moved back to his native Pittsburgh. While living in Brooklyn Lammie discovered that finding vacant studio spaces were a rare and expensive commodity for artists. “The ability to find your space in the art scene is very difficult,” Lammie said. Lammie wanted to offer himself and other Pittsburgh artists an alternative. He purchased the 4514 Plummer Street building in 2013, invited a few friends to join him and within six months the space was completely filled. Since that original inception, Radiant Hall has expanded to two more locations: Nova Place and Homewood. At all three
Photo by Neil Strebig
Brianna Martrary fiddles with her “Sun Spore” sculpture
of their locations they offer artists 24/7 access to studio space and the ability to rent month-to-month or a 6-month rental option. According to Lammie the, “only criteria [to join] is that you’re an artist. And we don’t try to define that.” For Fineview resident and current occupant, Brianna Martray Radiant Hall proved to be a perfect match. “Generally a place [where I can say] I am a hundred percent making art is a gift, and definitely worth paying for,” said Martray.
The purple-haired Martary describes her art style as “Dr. Suessical” and speaks with buoyancy in her words. She explains her travels and maturity as an artist and as an individual floating from story to story expanding on the pivotal details as she feels necessary. She is a story-teller. It isn’t surprising considering Martary began her collegiate career originally with the desire to become a novelist. “I thought somewhere in my young brain the only See Radiant Hall, Page 5
September 2017
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From Radiant Hall, Page 4 cally better in the past
way to make money as an artist was as a novelist,” she said. Martray was living in Denver at the time, working as a restaurant manager and painting on the side for fun as a creative release. As she began to learn the hardships of the publishing world she began to realize that maybe developing literature wasn’t the answer, instead a new creative path revealed itself to her. “There was a moment of clarity where I realized I needed to pay attention that people were buying [my] paintings.” Her path towards full-time artist wouldn’t completely take off until she apprenticed under a bronze sculptor during her time in the Sante Fe Art District in Denver. “With painting I always felt I was taking a snapshot of my vision – of my world building – or whatever I was trying to create,” Martray said. “With sculpting I felt like I was taking that world and actually bringing it into this one. It was tangible, it could cast a shadow it was a real object you could walk around. It just felt like I was fulfilling my vision more fully [with sculpting].” The idea of fulfilling visions and pushing a higher creative standard is shared among the resident artists. Finding the right way to showcase your art, your style – yourself – is a common trait for the group. That spirit can become an epidemic in a communal space like Radiant Hall. “Everyone here has gotten dramati-
their worlds work. He is honest towards his belief that artists have to pay their dues a bit and that “capital is a speed bump” for all artists. Yet having a space that allows him the ability to create as well as offering opportunities for him are vital to his survival as an artist. “I really need to have space to continue making work. [I think] for any artist that can’t afford to have a space or doesn’t want to have a working space in their home it is really important to have these kinds of resources in Pittsburgh.” In June, he was featured in SIX x ATE a monthly exhibition by Casey Droege Cultural Production. “Opportunities like that are great. And my chances would’ve been less had I not gone through Radiant Hall to do that kind of thing,” said Szabo on the event. “You are part of a network where different events that people are involved in might lead to the next event you’re involved in,” said Riley. “It is two-fold; to have a space that’s separate, that you know you come here to create [in] and a space you know is also a network of potential opportunities it helps.” That two-fold scenario may be most present in Riley’s experience in the studio thus far. Networking found him at Lawrenceville’s location in 2013 and the current location has allowed him to utilized two spaces, an asset he requires to continue his routine. .Read more about the
six months to a year,” said Riley. “Just seeing their work grow is inspiring and I think that is why so many of us stay for as long as we have. I think if we didn’t find it inspiring we wouldn’t still be here. They’re committed, they see it helping.” Mexican War Streets resident, Zach Szabo admits that seeing other artists prompt him to be there more often. For him the struggle for inspiration is also what keeps him motivated. “To have your own art and vision is so unique. And for me the motivation is to not let that go. Being able to work and turn your own vision into something and once you get to put it out there, that is when it is the most rewarding. The final product is the motivation.” Szabo has a slender build, a confident stature but a slight cynicism in the tone of his voice, one that carries over into his work. His art is inspired by childhood memories that according to him “reignite a memory.” He uses a variety of mixed mediums from photography and video to textures, fabrics and sculptures for his installations; the combinations often have a homely look with a brooding feel behind them. His current work “Rare as a Winter Rainbow” was inspired by his current fascination with anomalies. His natural skepticism is rooted in a good place. The kind that is often associated with self-described realists, who have come to terms with the way Radiant Hall artists online at nschronicle.com.
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50 years later, youth football back in Manchester
By Chris Ward
It’s not all about wins and losses for the Manchester Jaguars – even though winning games are certainly a plus – it’s about instituting discipline and life lessons to kids through the game of football. The football program in Manchester is a valuable commodity for the community offering youth an outlet and an opportunity to be a part of organized sports that has otherwise been absent for some time. “It keeps the kids out of the streets and keeps them busy so that they are not joining into illegal things. It helps the parents out and it helps them out,” team president Crystal Watts said. “We’re looking into getting a tutoring program also once school starts.” The Jaguars were created in 2016 and are participating in their first season this fall. The program was founded by Watts, who is heavily involved in the Northside community and has aspirations of having a building where she can do recreational work with children within the next few years. The Jaguars field three teams – the Termites (ages 9 to 10), Mighty Mites (ages 11 to 12) and Midgets (ages 13 to
15). In total, not counting cheerleaders, the program has 75 kids participating in football, according to Watts. “We are a new program, so we are starting from scratch. Your work from the bottom and you work on up,” Watts said. The slogan for the Jaguars is “Respect all, Fear none.” A motto created by Watts that is echoed throughout the program. “The game of football teaches great life lessons,” said Mike James, who is an assistant coach for the Jaguars’ Might Mites. “All of my sons played and went on to college and got good jobs. Football teaches them about discipline, honor, respect, and teamwork. It builds a sense of unity, being as one. You’re not bigger than everything else. You have to work for everything.” James says that having a youth football program on the Northside creates a safe haven for kids. “They can come every day, they don’t have to deal with what’s going on the streets,” he said. “It creates a sense of pride and bonds, everyone together and gives them something to shoot for.” Read more about the Jaguars online at nschronicle.com
September 2017
Public Safety Tips
School is back in session and members of the Public Safety Council want to remind all drivers and vehicles to be alert for school busses and children commuting back and forth from school, school zones, cross walks and other pedestrian walkways. We also encourage parents and or caregivers to meet the school bus driver that will be commuting your child/children to school and back home safely. For interested parties the Student Police Academy (SPA) will have open registration until Oct. 6. The SPA offers students grades 9 thru 12 a chance to learn proper law enforcement and intermediate cadet-style training. The 20-week
course begins Oct. 12 and is held every Tuesday at the Sarah Heinz House 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For additional information contact John Tokarski at john.tokarski@pittsburghpa.gov The Citizen Police Academy (CPA) will begin their 15-week course Sept. 13 at the Sarah Heinz House. Classes are held every Wednesday 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Both courses are free to the public but class sizes are limited. The Zone 1 Public Safety Council meets the first Thursday of every month. The next meeting will be Sept. 7 at 1501 Brighton Rd. Information courtesy of David Stacy, President of PSA. Contact: zone1psc@gmail.com.
September 2017
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The history of the WBU
From Spring Hill, Page 1
For the last year, Dean and Brittan have been updating the ground floor of the WBU, stripping down the walls and floors minimally in an attempt to keep as much of the original venue as possible. Even with twelve months of work behind them, the pair has not waded through all of the relics left by the previous tenants, however, they have pieced together a narrative of the building’s past. The WBU acted as a social offshoot of The Workingman’s Beneficial Society, an organization that provided benefits to a member’s family after his death. “It is definitely a space of a lot of history for everyone in the neighborhood,” Dean said. “We have had so many people pop in and tell us stories. 70-year-old men [will stop by] and say ‘I remember when I was a kid, you know, this and that.’ It’s cool to see the history and the stories behind it we had no idea we were purchasing anything like that.” As evidenced by the leftover posters and framed photos, the WBU was an integral meeting place, wedding venue, and party scene for the eclectic Spring Hill community throughout the 20th Century. Although, the building was abandoned at the start of the 2000s. When the WBU was founded in the mid-1800s, its membership was not as all-inclusive as it proved to be later in its life. The WBU was comprised solely of Catholic, German-speaking men from Western and Eastern European states like Austria, parts of Bohemia, Switzerland, and Hungary, according to John Canning, president of the historic Allegheny City Society. In fact, the WBU’s initial population reflects the population of Spring Hill at its inception. From around 1850 to 1870, the neighborhood was settled as individuals living at the base of the hill in East Deutschtown moved up to Spring Hill’s peak. “Clearly, Spring Hill was in its early decades – late 1870s through the 1920s – a little Germany,” Canning said.
During these early decades, Pittsburgh, Allegheny City and neighborhoods like Spring Hill grew as schools, churches, and social clubs – like the WBU – were built and heavily attended. At this time, most of Spring Hill’s residents were working or middle-class families, who earned their living in the meatpacking industry, on railroads, in breweries or in factories – like Heinz Co. During the Great Depression and The Second World War, Spring Hill, and its working-middle class residents stayed close-knit and insular as they shopped and socialized within the community. However, the cadence of life in Spring Hill began to change as the next, post-war generation matured, moved to the suburbs, and – in some cases – left their family homes in states of disrepair. Spring Hill, like many of its fellow Northside neighborhoods, sank into a post-war slump. However, social organizations like the WBU allowed Spring Hill residents to maintain the neighborhood’s community-centric sentiment even through its lulls. Today, Dean and Brittan hope that the refreshed WBU will still retain some aspects of the original. “We hope to be able to host some meetings, [or] have some picnics here,” Dean said. “We hope it can be a really positive space for people like it used to be.” Currently, Dean is revamping what used to be an eight-lane bowling alley in the space to make an open, rentable, multi-use space for weddings, parties, and gatherings. Dean and Brittan are also building out a portion of the WBU property for another local company: Spring Hill Brewing. Greg Kamerdze and Mike Seamans, the owners of and forces behind the brewing company will be opening its doors in the upcoming months. Read more about Dean and Brittan’s journey with the WBU, Spring Hill Brewing and the Spring Hill community online at www.thenorthsidechronicle.com.
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September 2017
Steel City Boxing fights for community, for Northside
By Charles Davis A boxing gym is judged by the fighters it trains. Steel City Boxing has produced a number of standouts. Bobby Helms, 23, Danny Bodish, 18, and Brody White, 15, all recently won their respective Western Pennsylvania Golden Gloves championships. Helms, whose blonde man bun may make him look more like a Lawrenceville millennial than a fighter, stalks around the gym with bravado, jesting with fellow fighters as he weaves in and out of heavy bags offering advice to newcomers in the process. Bodish, whose compact frame gives one the impression that he’s perpetually coiled and ready to fight, wears a T-shirt with a Cuban flag pattern on it. He shadowboxes alongside White. The two of them seem synchronized in their patterns feeding off of each other’s energy in between the buzz of the simulated round timer. Their
achievements have required immeasurable sacrifice. Helms works construction during the day. Bodish works for the West View Water Authority. They can train only after putting in a full day of work. But they still show up. They tape their hands, slip on headgear, lace up their gloves, climb into the ring to punish their opponents and to endure punishment from them – a pugnacious game of tag. Hands get bruised, muscles get torn and bones get broken. Yet, they keep coming. In addition to the countless hours that they put in at the gym sparring, shadow boxing, and jumping rope, they have put in even more outside the gym working on conditioning and fitness. The sacrifices are more than physical. They spend time away from families and girlfriends. They don’t hang out with their friends the way most young men like to do. Their commitment to boxing trumps an array of outside interests.
Northside Business, Relocated
“I’d like to be out stuffing my face with pizza and partying with my friends,” Bodish said. “But boxing always comes first.” The gym isn’t open on weekends, but he frequently has one of the trainers unlock the doors for him so he can train by himself. He plans to turn pro soon.Many of these young fighters come from troubled backgrounds and have suffered more than a few bad breaks. They have chips on their shoulders. But, refusing to be beaten down, they strive to overcome their lives’ hardships to prove themselves as boxers - and as men. Helms is coming back from a devastating motorcycle accident from an April 2015 crash which left him with six pins in a reconstructed right shoulder. It’s a grisly injury for anybody to suffer, but for a boxer, it can be career-ending. Instead, Helms has worked tirelessly over the last two years to rehabilitate. “I never once thought of walking away from the
sport. I’ve been at it for eleven years. I work construction, but boxing is my life,” he said. “I am going to turn professional soon, or make a career as a trainer.” White attributes his success to the scrupulous attention he devotes to fundamentals. “I’m a technical fighter, not a brawler. For me to land my punches, I have to have perfect timing and positioning. I have to focus on the small details.” It’s working out so far. He has won his last four fights. On the evening of Friday, September 29, Steel City boxers will have the opportunity to prove how their hard work is paying off. For the fighters, the mood will be ‘us against them.’ These three along with fellow Northsiders will match up against fighters from across the region. The match has been billed: “The Northside vs. The Outside III.” See Boxing Page 28
Brightwood Businesses
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Brighton Heights Businesses
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Chateau Business District in the RJ Casey Industrial Park
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Deutschtown Businesses
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Mexican War Streets House & Garden Tour
We are proud to announce that our 48th Annual House and Garden Tour will take place on Sunday, September 10, 2017 from 11 am – 5 pm, and will present beautifully restored homes, as well as private and community gardens. The Tour will also feature a midway of specialty vendors and food trucks! Tickets on sale now at www.mexicanwarstreets.org.
maker faire pittsburgh
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and Buhl Community Park ww.makerfairepittsburgh.com | T: 412-322-5058 Saturday, October 14, 2017: 10am – 7pm Sunday, October 15, 2017: 10am – 5pm FREE ADMISSION MAKER FAIRE PITTSBURGH – The Greatest Show and Tell On Earth – is an all-ages showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness. It’s a festival of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, engineers, science clubs, artists, startups and students who show their creations and offer hands-on activities. Get a glimpse of the future and find the inspiration to become a Maker yourself! Free Admission.
Central Northside Community Partners: Propel School Northside, Trek Development, Q Development, Children’s Museum, Pittsburgh Housing Authority.
North Shore Community Partners: Pittsburgh Pirates, Peoples Gas, & Rivers Casino.
Infinite Lifestyle Solutions
3600 California Avene, Pittsburgh PA 15212 A nonprofit offering services to youth and families who’ve been victimized and traumatized by violence. Violence Prevention program Saving Our Sons and Daughters. Intervention program Holistic Healing with Care management, post trauma. It takes a village to raise a child! Join the fight against Violence with us on Wednesday, September 6th - 6pm to 9pm at Cafe on the Corner 2700 Shadeland Ave.Pittsburgh, PA 15212. $15 Dinner and Music. Contact: Cecelia T: 412-345-1366. Sponsored by One Northside and the Sprout Fund.
Mullins Street Learning Station
2901 Mullins Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212 T: 412-734-3234 State registered child care facility owned/operated by an experienced certified teacher. All types of funding accepted. Serving the Brighton Heights area for over 15 years. Call today!
Brighton Heights Community Partner: Dirt Doctor Cleaning Services, Python Plumbing,
Brightwood Community Partner: Breadworks
Observatory Hill Community Partner: ReMax Realtor, Christa Ross
Pumpkinfest 2017
Saturday, October 14th Allegheny Commons East Park T: 412-321-1204 | sweettimecafe@verizon.net 1-5PM - Registration begins at Noon $5 donation per child requested, free adult admission. Ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Join us for the 26th Annual Pumpkinfest as we celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Allgeheny Commons Park. Enjoy a fall day by decorating a pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch, visit the animals in the petting zoo, watch a puppet show, and much more. Play games, make a craft, and visit the Annual Allegheny General Hospital Health Fair. Sponsored by East Allegheny Community Council in cooperation with Citiparks. Raindate is Sunday, October 15th. www.deutschtown.org
Consumer Health Coalition
415 E Ohio Street, Suite 300, Pittsburgh PA 15212 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm | T: 412-456-1877 Our Healthcare Navigators give free in-person help to enroll in Medicaid or Affordable Care Act health Insurance, which is still available. We honor your story and experiences as we lead patient-centered advocacy efforts to create an affordable, accessible, quality health care system. Stop in to get help or become involved. consumerhealthcoalition.org
Main Loan Office
503 East Ohio Street, Pittsburgh PA 15212 T: 412-231-1155 | Hours: 9:00am - 4:30pm Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm | Closed Sunday & Wednesday Save an extra 10% on ALL Jewelry with this ad! Mens and Ladies’ Diamond Rings, Diamond Tennis Bracelets, Gold, Necklaces and Bracelets, & More!
Deutschtown Community Partners:
Northside Community Development Fund, Kropf Chiropractic, The Priory Hotel, James Street Gastropub and Speakeasy, Priory Pastries, Pittsburgh Banjo Club.
3rd Old Allegheny Antique Show!
Cavalry United Methodist Church 971 Beech Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Visit us on Facebook at Old Allegheny Antique Show Saturday, September 23rd: 10 am - 5 pm (early buyers 9 am-10 am) Sunday, September 24th: 12 pm - 5 pm Admission: $5 at the door (early buyers $10). Owning an antique is keeping history at your fingertips!
Darlene Shelton-Lamot Insurance 911 Western Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 T: 412-322-1064 | dsl@visitdsl.com Come in for a free quote!
Save The Date! Northside’s 2nd Annual Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 25th in Northside Business Districts Join the #shopsmall movement and discover how to complete your holiday shopping list at local retailers, restaurants, and service businesses. Discover what neighborhood business districts have to offer this season with specials, activities, events and more! Look for #shopsmall details in the October edition of The Northside Chronicle. Small businesses interested in being part of the national #shopsmall campaign can sign-up for early registration and free marketing at: https://sites.google.com/view/northsideshopsmall
Manchester / Chateau Community Partners: Northside Leadership Conference, Johnny Angel’s Ginchy Stuff and Museum, Manchester Youth Development Center.
Fall Guide + Maps
Available Online: nschronicle.com
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YINZ! Comics by Nils Balls
Ask An Attorney
by Matthew D. Gailey
Several different types of lawsuits can be brought in Pennsylvania Courts. The most common lawsuits filed in Pennsylvania are tort related. A tort is a civil wrong other than a breach of contract. This month’s submission will focus on the most common type of tort, namely negligence.
Read the Northside Chronicle Online Visit new web address www.nschronicle.com for more news about Northside real estate, events & more.
Negligence cases can range from automobile accidents, slip and fall accidents, premises liability, professional negligence and/or malpractice and etc. Negligence occurs when an individual fails to exercise the degree of care expected of someone in that situation, and it results in an injury. A person has a duty to exercise reasonable care to prevent harm to others. If an individual fails to exercise reasonable care and causes injury to another, then that individual is responsible for the damages caused by their negligence. A classic example of negligence is the car accident example. For instance, if a driver is not paying
attention to the road while using their phone and runs into a pedestrian, then that negligent driver would be liable for the damages to the pedestrian caused by the distracted driver’s failure to use reasonable care. There are more complicated examples in negligence law, such as comparative negligence, whereby an injured party’s recovery may be reduced or eliminated if the injured party’s own negligence contributed to their injury. An illustration of comparative negligence can be shown by using the example from the previous paragraph. The pedestrian who was hit by the negligent driver may have their recovery diminished if they were not using reasonable care for themselves by jaywalking when they were struck by the negligent driver. For more information about this area of the law, please feel free to give my office a call.
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Bistro To Go spreads communal message through food
By Neil Strebig Bistro To Go manager, Brandon Jackson pauses himself mid-sentence, excuses himself from the interview and casually walks towards a homeless man who just stepped through the doors of his restaurant. He doesn’t question the man nor shoos him away, instead, he politely gestures him towards the soda machine asking if the man would like anything. Jackson offers the man a glass of water and kindly walks with the man towards the exit, shaking his hand before he leaves. Jackson then sits back down and removes the bookmark he had previously placed in the interview session. Jackson talks about his role at Bistro with a heavier sense of purpose than just the typical managerial duties bestowed upon him. He speaks highly of his team, the restaurant, and its customers; he is continually reiterating the idea that Bistro has a “family feel” behind it. An idea that he immediately credits to his boss – Bistro To Go owner, Nikki Heckman. “In between trying to serve great food and running a business – that is hopefully successful – the mission underneath it is, is really about being a community development mission and being a good neighbor,” Heckman said. Bisto To Go opened in 2007 during a tumultuous time on E. Ohio Street. Foot traffic on the street was down despite a number of operating businesses. According to executive director of the Northside Leadership Conference (NSLC) Mark Fatla, a previously conducted survey by the NSLC stated that 65 percent of local residents visited the E. Ohio business district less than once a month or had never been there.* “I think what she did was bring people to the street again. Because she was offering a quality in the product that people wanted,” Fatla said. Falta attested that The Priory and the Sweet Time General Store were present at the time, but Bistro was, “the first thing to kind of break that log jam.” “It wasn’t easy on this street,” owner of Sweet Time General Store, Barbara Burns said. “Practically no
one else was doing it on this street.” Prior to Bistro To Go’s opening, Heckman recalls the cultural and racial divides that plagued a number of businesses on E. Ohio St. “There were businesses but they were black and white there weren’t businesses where there was a mix of people,” Heckman said. “When I opened ten years ago we did not have a place on the Northside where people could gather, where everyone was welcomed. There was a lot of division in our community.” Heckman is quick to denounce herself as a catalyst. Albeit she admits her “mission is this street” her sense of understanding and community is well derived from a multi-cultural upbringing and experiencing a number of different environments and hardships. Heckman originally wanted to be an artist (her work is currently hanging in the restaurant’s dining room) before the craving to cook struck her. She began working in cafés then began managing fast food chains (she helped open 17 Wendy franchises in the Pittsburgh area) before finding herself in the position of manager at a local TGI Fridays. During her time at TGI Fridays, she became aware that if she’d want to evolve in the restaurant industry she was going to have to work with the back-of-house staff. “If you didn’t know how to cook the kitchen people ate you alive,” she said. From there that she moved onto the Culinary Institute of America to finish her training. Eventually traveling overseas working in various locations throughout Europe before finding her way back to Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Center Alliance Church (ACAC). It was at the ACAC that she began realizing her larger goal to help improve the community that raised her Manchester soul. “Her passion has always been mentoring,” Ken Turnbull, pastor at ACAC said. According to Turnbull, Heckman began helping at ACAC through Urban Impact before offering to help with catering programs at the church. It was during her time at ACAC that she be-
gan to groom the young members there, offering them guidance where it was needed regardless of their personal or ethnic backgrounds. “She always sees the hope [in people],” said Turnbull. It was an ideology adopted by Bistro To Go, a place where Turnbull believes she “was able to grow that model.” Both Heckman and Jackson explained that Bistro hires a number of young workers and the company purposely hires potential employees with diverse backgrounds. They believe that it not only helps create a better understanding within the workforce but it also empowers them. For Jackson, a large part of it still is contributed to Heckman’s ability to welcome everyone and allow them to be themselves regardless of their heritage – something that ultimately boils over into Bistro’s cuisine. “Nikki still gives us the freedom to have our own minds with the food,” said Jackson. “She lets us live freely through our food.” It is a two-fold system. That sense of compassion has helped bring Jackson and his co-workers together and that culinary practice has allowed Bistro to expand its outreach past the E. Ohio St. business district. Jackson goes on to note that they now cater to a number of businesses (via Bistro To Go Catering Company) outside of the Northside including the Pittsburgh Cultural Arts Trust, U.S. Steel, Duquesne Light Co., Allegheny General Hospital and even the Pittsburgh Steelers. That success has helped make Bistro into a brand of sorts. To Jackson, Bistro has become a representative for the Northside. Its presence on the E. Ohio St. business district has helped prove to potential new businesses that they too can be profitable despite the negative reputation associated with the district in years past. “[It] shines a light on E. Ohio. It has had its issues and problems before but I think the new businesses will drive a lot of negative out [of the neighborhood].” “You can see the progress that follows,” said Fatla. “If she hadn’t made that start, things like Rita’s Italian Ice wouldn’t be there. The
flower shop wouldn’t be there. Arnold’s Tea wouldn’t be there.” Yet, if you ask Nikki she believes that it is all part of a larger message. She doesn’t shy from discussing the history and the negative perceptions that have plagued the Northside. In fact, she embraces them citing that the Northside is a melting pot with a rich, diverse population, one that can lead to a number of social breakthroughs. But she is also aware of the existing socioeconomic problems the eclectic community has faced for generations. “If everyone can’t play together you’re going to end up with a lot of chaos instead of moving forward. It is going to get stymied. And I think our community has been like that for a long time. I think we haven’t been able to move forward past all these issues because we all stay in our own little silos of thinking,” she said. Her empathy is built around the belief that everyone in the community needs to collaboratively work together as one Northside. “The stumbling block will be if we can’t play together,” Heckman said. “This can be a great party and an amazing destination. I think we can be on the map for a lot of reasons if we can unite all of our ideas.” Bistro will be celebrating its 10-year anniversary in October and Heckman credits it more to her staff and the neighborhood than she does herself. She speaks with conviction when she explains how important all of this is to her. Her purpose was never to be just a restaurant. Instead, she wanted to use food as a means to open up multilateral communication. “When we talk with one another in a comfortable way when we’re eating a meal together, things change,” Heckman said. Bistro To Go is located at 415 E. Ohio St. and is open Mon. thru Fri. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sat. 11 a.m.to 4 p.m. *Study prior to 2007 The Local Marketplace Section is supported by PNC Community Developement Banking with fundig from the PNC Foundation
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Allegheny Center FAROS ACA RE LLC to ACA Tower One Unit 4 LLC at 100 South Commons Unit 4 for $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $2,223,000). FAROS ACA RE LLC to ACA Tower Two Unit 5 LLC at 100 South Commons Unit 5 for $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $3,787,524). FAROS ACA RE LLC to ACA Unit 7 LLC at 100 South Commons Unit 7 for $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $928,986). Allegheny City Central Armandale Properties LLC to Orion Portfolio Management LLC at 712 Armandale St. for $175,000. Stephen Cheek to Orion Portfolio Management LLC at 719 Columbia Place for $5,000. Francisco Selles to Daniel and Laura Dennehy Rodriguez at 1410 Federal St. for $330,000. Ian Staab to Tristen Inagaki and Edward Orehek at 1509 Federal St. for $337,500. Darwin Copeland to Capital Homes LLC at 1610 Brighton Road for $147,000. Bradlin Spencer to Imin Yeh and Paul Mullins at 1608 Buena Vista St. for $303,500. JoAnne Johnston to Roy Smith and Ophelia Claybourne at 102 Carrington St. for $2,500. Darryl Spencer to Stephen Cheek at 719 Columbia Place for $5,000. Paul Georg to Bruce and Patricia Peterson at 1200C Buena Vista St. for $235,000. Paul Georg to Bruce and Patricia Peterson at 1200 Buena Vista St. B for $250,000. Jaclyn Belczyk to Daniel and Lara Croce at 1108 Loraine St. for $70,500. Michael Kuentz to Charles Dagnal and Margaret Barnes at 409 Armandale St. for $315,000. Anthony Harris et al. to PPREF A LLC at 253 E. Jefferson St. for $45,000. Allegheny West Daniel Roberts to Energy & Wellness LLC at 929 Western Ave. for $240,000. Brighton Heights Lia Bemporad to Neil O’Keefe at 1619 Antrim St. for $28,000. Byron Joyce to MTGLQ Investors L.P. at 1471 Benton Ave. for $3,369 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $73,530) by sheriff’s deed. David McCarthy to Katina Lee at 4044 California Ave. for $130,000. Andrew Balint to John and Robert Pillar at 1001 Haller St. for $120,000. John Iatesta to Central Penn Capital Management LLC at 3834 McClure Ave. for $41,041 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $117,300) by sheriff’s deed. Perry D Edwards to River Point Renovations 2 LLC at 3935 N. Kleber St. for $80,000. MTGLQ Investors L.P. to Xiuzhen Zeng at 4015 Oswald St. for $55,500. Erica Stubna to Toni Lynn Spagoli at 3334 Rigel St. for $95,000. Alexander Jameson et al. to Deutsch & Assoc. LLC at 3434 Sipe St. for $15,000. Entrust Cama FBO Joshua T Caldwell IRA to
The Northside Chronicle
Sky Iron Capital LLC at 3819 California Ave. for $30,000. Adam Horning to Benjamin and Allyson Potter at 1821 Chellis St. for $151,500. Louis Tedesco III to Wells Fargo Bank NA trustee at 115 Harbison Place for $1,565 by sheriff’s deed. Ralph Chester to Derek and Sheena Dauphin at 1402 Orchlee St. for $250,000. Cynthia Concannon to Danielle Yeager at 4027 Shoreham St. for $144,500. Shawn Schrag to Orlando Joaquin and Frinee Angelina Warren at 1151 Benton Place for $149,900. Estate of Rose Anne Kulczycki to Blaine Martin at 3829-3831 Brighton Road for $166,400. Estate of Rose Anne Kulczycki to Blaine Martin at 3845-3847 Brighton Road for $173,000. Randy Hartle to Ann Miller at 1856 Wittmer St. for $105,000. Barbara Weiss to David Weems at 3548 Brighton Road for $10,000. Greg Manganas to Monica Dugaro Lezama at 4021 California Ave. for $170,000. Estate of Janet Gralish to Alyssa Landa and Jacob Quast at 3544 Gerber Ave. for $129,900. Joseph Kroll to Michael Dapcevich and Deneane Cruse at 102 Harbison Place for $155,500. Stacy Bridges to Carlin Joy Christy at 1811 Viruth St. for $123,000. Brightwood Keith Koll to Steve Bernardi at 12 Boston St. for $2,000. Numan Bashir to Mohamed Youssef and Karlyn Khalil at 1124 Woodland Ave. for $15,000. Housing & Urban Development to Christina Grayson and Anthony Gittens at 2714 Holbrook St. for $13,001. Levi Miller to Tuff Properties LLC at 1258 Ingham St. for $60,684 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $84,755) by sheriff’s deed. Susan Maffei to Jessie Higgins at 2666 Woodland Ave. for $54,000. Sara Rathburn to David McFadden and Martina DiBattista at 2680 Woodland Ave. for $84,500. Jessica Sadler et al. to Barrett Stephens at 5 Courtright St. for $2,000. Joseph Costantino to Michael Snyder and Holly Thompson at 3038 Frederick St. for $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $37,490). Jessica Sadler et al. to Barrett Stephens at 1129 Palen Way for $2,000. Richard Graf to Joseph Schachner at 3017 Wadlow St. for $10,000. Casey Wagner to Lauren Vitellaro and Robert Frew at 3604 Wealth St. for $245,000.Estate of John Wagner Jr. to Jason Barbour and Dianne Roberts at 1428 Woodland Ave. for $98,000. California-Kirkbride William Bures et al. to Scott Jones at 1206 Success St. for $44,300. PNC Bank NA to Robert and Heather Moser at 1116 Success St. for $33,000. Historic Deutschtown Equity Trust Co. Cust FBO 106986 IRA to Andrew Vagley at 515 Knoll St. for $85,000.
Pittsburgh City to Omid and Erin Gohari at 847 Lovett Way for $1,850. John McGrath et al. to Timothy Zuchowski and Amity Devol at 824 Spring Garden Ave. for $277,000. Edward Kropf Jr. to 820 Cedar Avenue LLC at 820 Cedar Ave. for $515,000. James Sproat to LE Investments LLC at 904 Cedar Ave. for $155,000. Justin Victor to Steinle Properties LLC at 604 Pressley St. for $230,000. Judith Morello Mellott to Andrew Vagley at 513 Knoll St. for $100,000. Tegar Harrington to Michelle Leonette and James Stitt at 600 Lockhart St. Unit 1 for$142,000. Fineview Thomas Tarasovich to Graeme Rock at 1716 Meadville St. for $85,691. Boris Tafkov to Adam Fontana at 1707 Warren St. for $117,000. Nancy Noszka to Rabia Hassan and El Haj Benali at 254 E. Burgess St. for $10,000. Manchester Lee Van Voorhis to Michelle Yanefski and Reid Caervak at 1300 Liverpool St. for $294,000. Lee Van Voorhis to Michelle Yanefski and Christopher Cservak at 1302 Liverpool St. for $294,000. Estate of Claudette Wilson to Alicia Washington at 1426 Nixon St. for $100,000. Pittsburgh City to Manchester Youth Development Center at 1215 N. Franklin St. for $1,500. Elzula Suber to Walz Street Venture LLC at 1214 Pennsylvania Ave. for $53,800. Melvin Blanks to Meggles Development L.P. at 1332 Juniata St. for $235,000. TRW Eagle LLC to Kenia Lewis Johnson at 1228 Rush St. for $145,000 Maureen Neary to Faulsey Flats LLC at 1203 W. North Ave. for $2,000,000. Northview Heights Joseph Ullman to Devon McClelland at 3220 Spring Garden Road for $38,000. Observatory Hill Julie Norris to Sheena Vidt at 3846 Baytree St. for $45,000. Kathleen Oblik to Hannah Nicole Greguric at 235 Watson Blvd. for $57,500. Steven Gresswell to Michael Pellas and Jessica Fink at 3813 East St. for $153,750. John Wilson to Ross and Lisa Owens at 112 Waldorf St. for $340,000. Christiana Trust trustee to James and Celeste Rhodes at 21 Dunlap St. for $71,500 Estate of William Schmidt to Patrick Maniraho at 3949 Perrysville Ave. for $20,000. Larry Kutzer to Penn Pioneer Enterprises LLC at 3942 Vinceton St. for $18,500. Ocwen Loan Servicing LLC to Observatory Hill Development Corp. at 4 Bonvue St. for $33,784. Estate of John Klebanski to Christiana Trust trustee at 3322 Delaware St. for $3,249 by sheriff’s deed. Perry Hilltop Bank New York Mellon Trust Co. NA trustee to NCRC Housing Rehab Fund LLC at 133
September 2017
Hawkins Ave. for $15,900. Richard Panizza to Lay Real Estate LLC at 221 Kennedy Ave. for $2,300. Michael Patrick McQuaid to Rebecca Grabman at 46 W. McIntyre Ave. for $74,500. Spring Hill Gordon Tujague to Christopher Rudzki at 1310 Diana Place for $55,000. Mark Anthony Rodriguez to Nicholas Earnest at 1105 Spring Garden Ave. for $149,900. Dean Dulski to Christiana Trust trustee at 2107 Harbor St. for $2,726 by sheriff’s deed. Irene Oesterle et al. to Keith Oesterle at 2217 Harbor St. for $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $30,153). Amalia Stamoolis to OGR Realty 3 L.P. at 2401 Maple Ave. for $30,000. Thomas Moore to Brandon Ray at 2816 Veteran St. for $16,000. Gabriel Zenarosa to Michael Chmiel Jr. at 1845 Clayton Ave. for $142,000. Ka Pang to OGR Realty 3 L.P. at 2344 Maple Ave. for $83,500. Estate of Devin Gastion to Marlex Properties LLC at 309 Elsdon St. for $5,300 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $60,145) by sheriff’s deed. Thomas Jacoby to OGR Realty 3 L.P. at 2637 Norwood Ave. for $40,000. Spring Garden Daniel Kamin et al. to NSP Assoc. LLC at 1920 1930 Spring Garden Ave. for $360,000.
Spring Hill Bayview Woods Properties LLP to Pabean L.P. at 1406 Firth St. for $53,000. John Stalter to William Morrill at 175 Zang Way for $77,600. Wilma Jean Ptomey to Uri Jacobowitz at 1218 Itin St. for $5,300 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $58,650) by sheriff’s deed. Mary Ann Hanning to Brittne Lawson at 2328 Gershon St. for $7,000. Estate of Dean Osterritter to US Bank NA trustee at 8 Beckfield St. for $3,052 by sheriff’s deed. Summer Hill Billy Brennen to Burlton Griffith II and Tara Gainfort at 142 Montville St. for $102,500. John Pusateri to Wiley Properties LLC at 265 Chapin St. for $30,000. Troy Hill Omar Abuhejleh to Daniel Curtis and Michael Bennett at 1631 Lowrie St. for $300,000. William Brooks to Stormwind Properties LLC at 2040 Lowrie St. for $69,000. Bayview Woods Properties LLP to Pabean L.P. at 1814 Eberhardt Ave. for $81,000. Christine Lynne LLC to RPL Holdings LLC at 1376 Herman St. for $215,000.
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September June 2017
Northside boxers learning more than just how to fight
From Boxing Page 8
The converted Spring Hill fire house – formerly home to Station 53 – now serves as the training facility for Steel City Boxing; a free-to-join, nonprofit organization located at Homer and Damas Streets. The Outside team will draw on boxers from the twenty-three other registered gyms in the city, as well as from the greater tristate area. They will fight in the Grand Hall of the renovated and re-purposed St. Mary’s Catholic Church, located at 614 Pressley Street. Owner John Graf took over the property in 1986 and converted it into The Priory Hotel. The Grand Hall cemented its pedigree as a boxing venue when the movie Southpaw used it as a filming location for its fight scenes. Bob Sobocinski, a construction worker by trade, grew up in Spring Hill and lives around the corner from the gym. He has served as the gym’s president since 2008. In that role, he handles everything from fundraising to promotion to janitorial duties. “We provide a structured, safe environment where kids learn to box and receive mentoring from positive, professional role models from their own community,” he said. Jack Mook, a retired Pittsburgh City detective, and former Army paratrooper, is one of many volunteer trainers at the gym. He has organized the event for the last three years. This year, his son Josh (who is also a golden glove winner) is scheduled to be on the card. Mook believes that the fighting is a secondary aspect of the boxing experience. “We want to get kids off the street and into and through high school. They can stay with boxing if they want, but with a diploma, they’ll have a world of opportunities.” “To improve in the ring boxers need exposure to a variety of competition and a variety of fighting styles,” Sobocinksi said. They get both at Steel City. In addition to fighting regularly
supports the gym, the gym always gives back to the community. After all, it is in their backyard too. Recently, members participated in Spring Hill Gardening Day, a communal event paired with the Spring Hill Civil League, where members of the gym participated in a neighborhood cleanup, planting flowers at various locations across the Spring Hill neighborhood. Photo by Neil Strebig The gym was established as Bodish jumps rope inside of SCB Gym in Spring Hill walk into a burning the result of community effort, throughout the area, their members building, I better be totally prepared but it thrives internally because have participated in the three anbecause people’s lives are at stake.” of the collaboration of its memnual “Donnybrook” matches, first Trainer Giovanni Cavaliere bers. Volunteer trainers work with held in 2014. In alternating years, stresses the ancillary benefits of the young boxers, who in turn teach the Irish boxers travel to Pittsburgh to sport. “You have to adapt, improfundamentals to newcomers. It’s a face local fighters and vice versa. The 2014 match was televised from vise, and overcome during a match. pay-it-forward effect. “It helps me to help the new The Priory and drew more than 700 It’ the same deal in life,” he said. “The lessons the kids learn in the guys,” said Helms. “When I go spectators, many of whom flew gym are easily applied to the real over the basics with them, it’s from Ireland to witness the fights. world.” a refresher course for me. My Several members of the gym, inRon Francis, a former amateur footwork gets better when I have to cluding Bodish, traveled to Cuba to fighter who isn’t affiliated with the teach it. Theirs will get better when fight in 2016. gym but who keeps an eye on the they have to pass it on.” “It was a highlight of my nine local talent likes what he sees at Older boxers take the younger years here at the gym,” he said. Steel City. “The boxers learn from ones through their routines. One Bodish, whose fight against Teddy worked with three girls aged 11 Mrkonja will be the evening’s main the ground up – [the] footwork, [the] defense, the fundamentals,” to 14 on how to move around the event, is one of many Steel City Francis said. “Bad footwork can ring. He walked them – half-step, veterans. Once kids come in, they get you clobbered. In basketball, jab; half-step, jab – half-stepping stick around. The gym inspires if your footwork is bad, you get across the room embracing the loyalty. shook for a layup. In boxing, it can unadorned basics of fighting with “I’ve been here three years,” get your nose broken for you.” them. On the other side of the gym, White said. “I’d come every day But Steel City isn’t just for Bodish ran young fighters through if I could.” The gym also instills competitive fighters. You don’t a conditioning program, alternating discipline. Steel City teaches them have to jeopardize the sanctity of between jumping rope, sit-ups and the discipline to show up on time your nose to train there. All ages push-ups. on a regular basis, the discipline to are welcome, from those who want The gym is animated by the endure grueling workouts and the to learn self-defense to those who spirit of community. And on the discipline to drill painstakingly on night of September 29, even though the less than glamorous fundamen- just want an intense cardio workout. each Northsider will step into the tals--hand placement and footwork. Sobocinski’s vision for the gym ring alone, he will be fighting for The gym’s trainers (all volunextends far beyond the ring. “I his gym, and he will have the whole teers and all North Side residents) want to build a community around community behind him. are as dedicated as the fighters. the sport,” he said. “Kids need supTheir priority is to give kids the Northside Vs. The Outside III chance to succeed in the ring and in port to succeed in life. That’s what life. George Heinlein, a firefighter, we give them. Anybody who walks takes place Friday, September 29 at through our doors gets the focused the Priory Hotel at 6:00 p.m. and former Golden Gloves champion, attributes his life accomplish- attention of the whole organization.” Tickets will be available at the ments to boxing. It is perhaps ironic that the gym door. General admission is $20, “It taught me the value of brings people together in such a ringside seating is $40. preparation. Just as I used to train combative environment. For fundintensely for fights, I now train just ing, it relies on private citizens, as intensely for my job,” he said. Northside businesses, public grants “I always made sure that I was and private contributions. prepared when I entered the ring. And just as the community It’s the same with my job. When I
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“Be A Middle School Mentor” program comes to Propel North Side The United Way has been integrating its “Be A Middle School Mentor” program into city school districts for nearly a decade. Now in its ninth year the program has just been awarded a three-year $375,000 grant from KeyBank and will be expanding its reach in the Northside of Pittsburgh and outwards towards the Mon Valley area. “‘Be a Middle School Mentor’ helps to prepare students for high school and beyond, and encourage
them to dream big by providing a positive role model in their lives,” said Damon Bethea, mentoring projects director, United Way. “We are thrilled to reach even more students through this proven program.” Bethea served as mentor for three years at Manchester Elementary. He believes having even just one additional adult role model in a student’s life outside of their immediate family can have a tremendously positive impact on their approach to education
and maturity. “Be A Middle School Mentor” is the largest mentor program in the region and offers students the chance to make the transition from middle school to high school easier. The aim is to use adult role models that help students understand the importance of education and maturity. Propel North Side becomes the seventh school in the area to implement the program into their curriculum. United Way has been conducting
an annual study of the program and has found that the additional adult mentors provided have improved student attendance, grades and a decline in destructive behavior. “[Teachers] have noticed the kids are now more engaged and come to school with a better understanding of the connection school has with their future success,” said Bethea. For more information on the program visit www.beamiddleschoolmentor.org.
Emily Larsen quietly moves around her kitchen as children hoot and holler in the nearby gymnasium. She silently packs each hand-made lunch into a rolling cooler which she’ll deliver to each classroom. Just as Larsen begins to depart from her work space a young girl walks up, arms outstretched, and embraces Larsen. She asks, “What’s for lunch?” “Cheese quesadillas and tomato soup,” Larsen replies watching the young girl smile in delight before trotting back into the gymnasium. Later Larsen jests, “I get paid in hugs.” Larsen runs the culinary program at Providence Connections in Brightwood. Larsen started with the center in January of last year and despite describing herself as a “selftaught” chef she has been able to effectively change the way both children and their parents look at food. “It’s a change not just in the classroom but how parents are looking at food,” executive director, Samantha Ellwood said. “I think it has made parents’ job at home easier because they now feel confident to introduce new foods they might have be intimidated by, or afraid their kids weren’t going to eat.” A New Hampshire native, Larsen originally started her pro-
fessional career in the marketing field before getting a culinary itch. She began exploring the restaurant industry, learning as she went. She quickly learned that experience is often more valuable than education in the profession, opting to forgo the financial burden of a traditional culinary education. Her decision ultimately led her to Pittsburgh where she fell in love with the opportunity at Providence Connections – a chance to cook and educate. Currently Larsen operates a scratch kitchen and believes that it isn’t helping anyone to rely on processed foods. According to Ellwood, Providence does not allow any food from home on property in order to help maintain their standard of healthy eating. Both Ellwood and Larsen acknowledged they take a number of precautions dealing with food allergens and sensitivity issues at the center. Larsen has completely omitted both peanut and pork products from her kitchen. “You have so much more control and control over what goes in them [dishes],” Larsen said about implementing a scratch kitchen. Larsen’s passion for cooking shines through in her approach not just towards teaching students the basics of healthy eat-
ing and culinary practices, but also encouraging them to be vocal about their likes and dislikes. “Kids are allowed to voice their opinion on food, as long as they do so politely,” she said. Such vocalization has seen the word “nasty” become extinct in a kitchen often filled with children and teenagers. Larsen cooks and teaches for children in both the childcare and the after school programs. She admits it is fun to see how the various ages react to different foods and techniques. But for her, the most important goal is to give the children confidence. Her menu and recipe-developing classes allow kids a chance to grow their literacy and math skills that go beyond the reach of the Providence kitchen. “[It goes] Beyond just how to cook,” said Ellwood. “It is how it has impacted other areas when they go to school.” Larsen has also started her own Instagram account, ‘Providentialchef’ as her main way to communicate with parents. Ellwood jokes she’s seen the comment, “My kids eat better than I do,” at least once a week on the account, but she is quick to cite the positive reaction it has sparked from families. The ac-
count has helped unite the wellness conversation both inside and outside of Providence Connections. Along with the injection of social media, Larsen has teamed up with Pittsburgh’s 412 Food Rescue to help combat food waste within the city. She’ll use rescued items mostly for meals at the center but will also offer them to families for use outside of her own kitchen. With each item, Larsen adds an accompanying recipe card on how to prepare the item in case anyone is unfamiliar with the ingredient. “She is looking at ways not just to give the families the food we get from 412 Food Rescue but ensuring they can use it and know how to cook with it,” Ellwood said. When asked about the impact her methodology has had, Larson excitedly retells a story of a young camper who went home – and with the help of his older brother – made his family chicken fingers with mac and cheese. And while Larsen admits the dinner selection might not have been exciting, “It’s awesome he felt that he could participate with his family like that.” For more information on Providence Connections visit their website at www.providenceconnections.org.
Chef Emily Larsen cooks up new wellness program
September 2017
The Northside Chronicle
The Game Page Last Month’s Puzzle Solutions First published in a U.S. puzzle magazine in 1979, Sudoku caught on in Japan in 1986, and became internationally famous in 2005. The aim of Sudoku is to enter a number from 1 through 9 in each space on a 9×9 grid made up of 3×3 subgrids (called “regions”). Some of the numbers have already been given. You may not use the same number twice in a single row, column, or region of the grid. Completing the puzzle requires patience and logical ability.
Crossword puzzles provided by www. bestcrosswords.com / Used with permission.
Chronicle Crossword Across 1- Seize; 5- Beer buy; 9- Truth ___; 14- Monetary unit of Lesotho; 15Make ___ for it; 16- In ___ (unborn); 17- Energy source; 18- Call for; 19- Boston airport; 20- Place in a bank account; 22- Fill to surfeit; 24Unit of force; 25- Kitchen; 26- Breathe in; 29- Dress style; 31- Skin of the upper part of the head; 32- Planar; 33- Be human; 36- Small batteries; 37- Corridor; 40- Miss Piggy’s query; 41- Mouth, slangily; 42- Courts; 43- Top; 45- Histrionic; 47- Evening; 48- One of the three Magi; 51- Gas burner or Sicilian volcano; 52- Objects; 54- Go back; 58- Muzzle; 59Melt; 61- Legendary story; 62- Curt; 63- Alleviate; 64- Switch ending; 65- Satisfied; 66- Bound; 67- Bought the farm; Down 1- Delighted; 2- Routine; 3- On; 4- Having two methods; 5- Like a dog; 6- Aggregate of qualities that make good character; 7- Bring civil action against; 8- Finishes; 9- Sovereign of an Islamic country; 10- Prima ballerina; 11- Kingly; 12- Component of organic fertilizer; 13- Medium of exchange; 21- Slender graceful woman; 23- Heartburn; 26- Brit’s exclamation; 27- Final Four org.; 28- Clasp for a door; 29- Metallic mixture; 30- Rules; 32- Beat with a whip; 33- CPR experts; 34- Got on; 35- Civil disturbance; 38- Alert; 39- Juvenescent; 44- Without weapons; 45- One’s husband or wife; 46- Sampled; 47- Boiled slowly; 48- Prices paid; 49Sleep disorder; 50- Recreation; 51- Clear the board; 53- Editor’s mark; 55- Bronte heroine; 56- Portico; 57- Not barefoot; 60- Yes, in Yokohama
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Sudoku