Polish Hill Voice We Are the Community … We Are One Voice!

Polish Hill Voice We are the community … we are one voice!

3060 Brereton Street ☼ Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ☼ (412) 681-1950 ☼ [email protected] ☼ www.phcapgh.org

February Hit Hard by Reassessments? 2012 Collecting documentation to file an effective appeal Contents

From Our Readers 2 By Leslie Clague with assistance from Myra Falisz and Catherine McConnell Photo-collages of Brereton Street by Yoko Tai, with images from Google Maps President’s Message At the end of December, reassessment play eventually, so property owners who feel notices went out to Pittsburgh and Mount their reassessment was too high still should News and 3 Oliver property owners. A collective howl of appeal. There are two ways to do this: an Announcements dismay went up around Polish Hill, where informal hearing or a formal appeal. some residents are reporting increases as Community Calendar high as 200 to 400 percent. An informal hearing is a one-on-one meeting with a representative of the Office of Property More News and 4 Now, this isn't reason to panic. We don't Assessments who will review information on Announcements really know what impact these assessments the value of your property. You may bring will have on our tax bills until the millage rate pictures and written documentation support- 5 is established once all the assessments are ing a change in assessment, as well as provide Cleaning illegal done. Because there can't be more than a corrections to your property characteristics dumping sites 5 percent increase in tax-revenue windfall, that may have an effect on your value. the millage rate (the factor used to calculate If you wish to request an informal hearing of Excerpts from 6 the actual tax bill) will likely go down. your property for the 2013 court-ordered The History of My As Chris Potter explained in the January 4 reassessed value, you may do so online at http://apps.alleghenycounty.us/ Neighborhood issue of Pittsburgh City Paper, "When a reassessment takes place, state law requires gov- InformalReviews/ or by calling the office at 7 ernments to offset increases in property 412-350-4600. You will need your parcel ID History, continued number when scheduling. All requests for values with a decrease in tax rates. So as long as your property's value grew by less than the informal hearings must be made by February 15, 2012. city average you'll pay less in taxes once the 8 History, continued rate is recalibrated later this month." The City is recommending that property own- In his article on January 12, Mark Belko of ers apply for both the informal and formal the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote, "Under 9 hearings. If you are satisfied with the results Reassessment appeals, state law, the city and the Pittsburgh school of your informal hearing, simply withdraw continued district must lower their millage rates to your application for the formal hearing by prevent revenue windfalls from the reassess- sending a letter to the assessment office. If Looking forward to ment. Overall, residential and commercial you aren't happy with the judgement from the planting and gardening values in the city have increased about 58 informal hearing, proceed with the formal percent, meaning anyone whose assessment appeal. The deadline to apply for the formal has jumped less than that likely will be in line appeal has been extended to April 2, and it’s Garden projects for 10 for a tax decrease." easy to file. Just fill out a 2012 Assessment the winter months Appeal Form (you can find it online at http:// The judge has since ruled that the new reas- www.alleghenycounty.us/opa/2012Current sessment figures won't be used until 2013. BaseYearValue.pdf , or pick up a copy at the Membership 11 But the reassessment figures will come into Application Continued on page 4

The Voice is a quarterly published in February, May, August and November. Page 2 Polish Hill Voice From Our Readers I'm glad the "Dinky School" I sent you ment. When I reflect on the challenges is a help for the lady that needs it for a and opportunities, being the president The email updates and the Polish Hill reunion. See, how much good your of the PHCA is simultaneously exhaust- work produces. Voice are a treasure. Though it has ing and thrilling. The education this has been close to 70 years since leaving Another tidbit: The picture of “Dinky given me is incredible. I am not sure if there, the "Hill" is still strong in my there is any university experience that thoughts. Really miss those "bygone School” [in the newsletter] you sent to could have offered as much. Polish Hill days" of sled-riding on the slopes and St. Augustines, Florida to my friend in the streets, as with the steel roller Dorothy Kozlowski provoked her as is my volunteer effort. This is perhaps a skating as well. Oh, for the good ole she gets mad when I call it “Dinky bit of a selfish act, because I live here days!!! School.” She says it's Penn School. too and benefit from our works. The reunion lady should get a note to

We wish you much success in the Dorothy as she attended there. I see leaders emerging who will take up redevelopment of the neighborhood the challenges and form the future of and offer our prayers for its success. Flo -- Pinky -- Kaczynski Best wishes for a Blessed and Merry Polish Hill -- volunteers who have the Christmas to all. skills, patience and passion to get the job done. These volunteers will be Thank you, President’s Message called upon in the coming years to help Frank Harnett By Terry Doloughty make the plan a reality. This living, Las Vegas, Nevada breathing community is always in some An unending supply of projects, form of change, and that is the way it On the left, both short-term and long-term, keep should be. Implementing this plan will Florence the PHCA busy. Some projects take ensure that Polish Hill is a great place to Kaczynski (then years to complete. Initiating some- live long into the future. We are looking known as Pinky thing that has not existed before, or at some history ready to unfold. Take Pinkowski) with Gertrude Nagorski, changing a long-term pattern of note, and take part in it. You will be 1940s. thought on a subject, is very time con- able to say you were here and made a This photo was suming. Some projects you think can difference. shared with us by be completed in a month are still in Eileen Goralski, Gertrude’s niece. the works a few years later. Such is Have you renewed? I remembered the life of a creative community

Florence’s name group. This is when stubbornness from previous corre- and an abundance of patience serve us Only current PHCA members spondence, and sent receive the Voice in the mail. her a copy of the well. photo. Below is her If you wish to continue response. (Editor) 2012 starts off as a big year for the receiving this newsletter , PHCA. This little community group renew your membership Dear Leslie, has evolved and grown during the last at the PHCA office or mail in few years. Creating the strategic plan the form on page 11. I can't believe this picture turned up has been one of the largest and most after so many years! I had one like it complex processes we have under- and wanted to send it to Gertrude (in taken. Thanks to all the volunteers nursing home) she's passed on now; but who gave up time and dedicated their I could not find it and now it shows up Are you online? Please check out like a miracle. How thoughtful of you to skills to make our plan a truly send it to me, and the thought that you inspired vision for our community's remembered my “Dinky School” pic is future. Hopefully we can set an exam- BLOGSKI unreal. “See, people do care about ple and inspire other communities to Polish Hill’s online bulletin board people.” try some of our ideas.

With new postings and pictures each Eileen Goralski is Gertrude's niece and week, Blogski is the most up-to-date she's great for sending those pictures for On a personal note, the membership source of news and information for you to publish. The picture she sent of has given me the opportunity to serve residents and friends of Polish Hill. her + her dad, that you published as president for one more three-year brought tears to my eyes as to where term. I am grateful for that opportu- Just type in this address: they are standing was where we kids nity and will do my best to keep Polish http://blogski.phcapgh.org/ hung out in the summer. Hill on a good path of improve- Polish Hill Voice Page 3 News and Announcements

Nominating Committee to the PHCA members at the commu- Community gardens Report on the results nity meeting on November 1, 2011. of the 2011 PHCA Board It was agreed by the members at that Starting on March 15 the PHCA will meeting, since all positions were run- begin accepting applications for plots Election ning unopposed in a field of qualified in the Wiggins Street or Harmar Street By Janice Heagy nominees, we would spare the PHCA the expense of sending out voting community gardens. There are three basic requirements to ballots. Therefore, all positions are Spaces are limited. Applicants must be be eligible for a PHCA board nomination. now filled, with the exception of sec- A nominee must: retary, for which a special election Polish Hill residents. If accepted, there — Be a Polish Hill resident will be held next year, or the board will be a $10 fee to help cover mainte- — Be a current paid member of the may name a qualified member to fill nance and materials. Contact the PHCA for the current year that position for one year until the PHCA by phone (412.681.1950) or — Have attended at least four monthly next official election. email ([email protected]) to apply. community meetings in the last 12 months. New Monument Committee Taking these requirements into consid- Debuts with Winter Decor Community & Event eration, the nomination ballots were pre- Calendar pared by PHCA staff and mailed to our February/March/April current members. After the nomination ballots were re- turned to the PHCA, The Nominating Feb 7 | PHCA Monthly Committee (Janice Heagy, Debra Joz- Community Meeting wiak and Tom Ogden) determined that 6:30 p.m. | West Penn Recreation 15 residents/members, out of 126 paid Center (Senior Center, lower level) members as of October 2011, were eligible for nomination. Feb 22 | Fish Fry Dinner 4:00—7:00 p.m. | Immaculate Heart The Nominating Committee then made a The new monument committee presented its first effort in November. of Mary Church, Rosary Hall list of those eligible nominees according to the positions for which they were The committee, consisting of Janice Heagy, Deb Jozwiak, Rose Hudson, Mar 6 | PHCA Monthly nominated and proceeded to telephone Community Meeting each one to see if they were interested in Valerie Testa and Najeeb Khouri, decided on a winter theme in blue and 6:30 p.m. | West Penn Recreation running for the respective positions of Center (Senior Center, lower level) president, vice president, VP member- silver for the tree, since the decorations would stay up through the winter ship, secretary and two board positions. Mar 11 | Tree pruning workshop Out of four eligible nominees, only one months. More holiday-specific decorations at the monument area included with Tree Pittsburgh was interested in running for president: 10:00 a.m.— 12:00 p.m. | PHCA office Terry Doloughty. lit trees and deer figures donated by Michele Wanek, sister of PHCA board 3060 Brereton St.

Out of nine eligible nominees, only one member Myra Falisz. Terry Doloughty, Tom Ogden, Doug Ramsey and Tom Mar 14 | Council-to-Go was interested in running for vice presi- with Councilman Patrick Dowd dent: Alexis Miller. Hendrickson helped committee members install the decorations, and Jaime 7:00 p.m. | PHCA office 3060 Brereton St. Out of four eligible nominees, only one Tully helped with the electrical supply. was interested in running for vice presi- Apr 3 | PHCA Monthly dent, membership chair: Myra Falisz. The neighborhood's central intersec- Community Meeting

tion of Brereton and Dobson streets 6:30 p.m. | West Penn Recreation Out of three eligible nominees, no one looked very festive this holiday season, Center (Senior Center, lower level) was interested in running for the position with lights at the rectory, the PHCA, of secretary. Sarney's and the monument. The Apr 7 | Easter Egg Hunt

monument committee will take down 11:00 a.m. | West Penn Park Out of five nominees, only two were in- the winter decorations at the end of terested in running for the two board February. They are seeking volunteers Apr 21 | Redd Up Neighborhood positions: Tom Ogden and Josiah Park- to assist -- contact the PHCA if you Clean-up inson. would like to help. 11:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m. | Meet at the PHCA office, 3060 Brereton Street A summary of this report was presented Page 4 Polish Hill Voice

Reassessment appeals, More News and Announcements continued from front page

Two house fires Update on PHCA office), fill it out, and mail it in. in December Roundhouse Park You'll be contacted with a hearing date.

When it comes time to go down to the At a community meeting in the assessment office, property owners will spring of 2010, George Waksmunski have a much better chance of winning brought forth a great idea: a proposal their appeal if they come well prepared. to establish a park to commemorate At the January Polish Hill community the workers and the Great Railroad meeting, guest speaker Wayde Strike of 1877. Our neighborhood is Fargotstein, from the Allegheny County directly above the site of the Pitts- Assessment office, gave residents some burgh strikes, during which the advice on how to on present an effective Pennsylvania Railroad roundhouse, case. The information that follows located at 28th Street, was burned. includes the pointers he provided.

George's suggestion struck a chord Keep in mind that assessments are with many residents, old and new. about current market value. It doesn't Sometimes Polish Hill is a little too The Railroad Strike was a seminal matter what you paid for your house, exciting. Case in point: two fires event in labor history, but the only or what you can afford in taxes. The occurred within the space of one week. marker is a small sign on a tiny traffic assessment is a measurement of what On December 14, a one-hundred-year old island at the base of the 28th Street your house could sell for if it was put on apartment building at the end of Betho- Bridge. the market today. If similar houses ven Street, right next to the Bloomfield nearby, in similar condition, have been Bridge, caught fire. All the tenants Residents loved the idea of a park on selling for, say, $75,000, then your escaped without injury, but most of them the hillside overlooking the strike site. house is likely worth something close to lost everything, and one lost a beloved A perfect location is the narrow strip that. When deciding whether to appeal, pet. Reports indicate that the fire was of land along Brereton Street between consider the market values of similar started by improperly extinguished ciga- 30th Street and the bridge. It was properties, then look at your own home, rettes that were tossed into a bucket of agreed that Roundhouse Park should and see if there are factors that might butts on a porch. The building, which is be established on this site. reduce the value. owned by Wylie Holdings, is now unin- habitable. The only challenges: the property is Land is now valued the same as prop- currently owned by the Port Authority erty, so the assessment on land values Three days later, on December 17, the of Allegheny County and there are jumped a lot. Perhaps you agree with home of Lucille Zolkoski, 3550 Cargill three unsightly billboards on the land. the assessment of your house, but not Street, caught fire and quickly burned to Almost 150 residents signed a petition the land. Don't get distracted by the the ground. Lucille escaped safely, but to support the creation of a park. The increased land values; look at the over- lost everything. According to a neighbor next step is to gain control of the prop- all number. If you agree with the value who assisted Lucille, the fire might have erty. And this is the point at which we assigned to the building, and the total started when sparks from a gas heater have been stalled for more than a year. value is consistent with what compara- landed on an upholstered chair. Both the bles are selling for, you might be better Salvation Army and the Red Cross We are still waiting for the Greenway off accepting the reassessment. quickly arrived on the scene of each fire, to be approved. Once Polish Hill's and are aiding the people who lost their portion of the Greenway is approved, If you choose to appeal, you will need to homes and possessions. the stage is already set for the City to find some comparables, or comps, acquire the property from the Port (properties with characteristics that are These fires are a sobering reminder of Authority. similar to the property whose value is the need to always be vigilant about fire being sought) from your area. Then Residents are still very interested in hazards. A moment's inattention can you, or someone helping you, needs to seeing this park become a reality, and have terrible results. Residents who do a bit of research. One simple way to often ask us what progress has been witnessed these fires were deeply shaken, do this is to walk around your made. Although the reply is, "Not and say they are more aware than ever neighborhood and note some proper- much recently," rest assured, the about the potential for fire. Let's hope ties that are similar to yours. Then go PHCA is very committed to this idea. we don't get any more reminders any on the Allegheny County Assessment It's taken a lot longer than we time soon. website (http:// expected to move forward, but we have www2.county.allegheny.pa.us/ not forgotten. Above: Firemen were unable to save the Cargill RealEstate/Search.aspx) to look at the home, but did manage to prevent the fire from spreading to the house next door. public records on these properties. (Photo by Leslie Clague for the PHCA) Continued on page 9 Polish Hill Voice Page 5

The PHCA and Allegheny Cleanways Partner to Clean Illegal Dumping Sites

By Sarah Koenig contained items that appeared to span many decades. The removed garbage included a ton of scrap metal, 58 tires, full bags of concrete, a car windshield and a conch shell.

Our neighborhood's collaboration with Allegheny CleanWays illustrates Above: Volunteers on the hillside. the success of its mission to "engage Far left: Two volunteers with a truckload and empower people to eliminate of trash destined for the junkyard. illegal dumping and littering in Allegheny County." Our combined Special thanks to all who volunteered efforts resulted in an immediate and Allegheny CleanWays for making improvement to our environment and Volunteers gathered with Allegheny both events a success! Cleanways and the PHCA for two events quality of life, and hopefully will late last year to remove nearly seven discourage people from future litter- tons of trash from neighborhood hill- ing or illegal dumping. Please visit Sarah Koenig is an environmental sides and roadways. More than 180 www.AlleghenyCleanWays.org for scientist and GIS analyst who moved to tires and 2,800 pounds of scrap metal more information on getting involved. Polish Hill in July 2011. Sarah took the were among the removed debris. Vol- Please keep your eye out for more initiative to organize these two cleanups clean-up events in the community. after noticing these illegal dumping sites unteer attendance was exceptional dur- during her daily commute. ing both events. We look forward to holding additional clean-ups this year.

The first event took place on November 5 and focused mainly on the Gold Way stretch to Oakland, beyond the Bloom- field Bridge. The hope of a more attrac- tive gateway to our neighborhood was the inspiration for the event. Effort was split between cleaning the roadside and removing large items from illegal dump-

Near left: Some of the dozens of tires that were collected from the hillside. ing sites along the hillsides. The Above: The removed garbage included 128 tires, 15 December 10 bags of recyclables, fast-food trash and a cleanup was especially chal- ‘No Dumping’ sign. lenging due to the steep hillside site. The second effort took place on December 10 and focused on several Right: Some of illegal dumpsites along lower Melwood. the nearly 30 Despite freezing temperatures and chal- volunteers who lenging work conditions, the volunteer showed up on turnout was even stronger, with nearly December 10 to 30 people in attendance. The dumps help clean up. Photos courtesy of Brian Seklecki and Terry Doloughty Page 6 Polish Hill Voice From 1957, a look back in time

Excerpts from The History of My Neighborhood, a high school theme paper written by Toni Wojciak

known as Dobson Street, named for In 1957, Antoinette Wojciak, then The area in which I live, Herron Hill, General Dobson. Harmar Denny and a senior in high school, wrote a in the section know as "Polish Hill," has Josiah Harmar both claimed that Har- had many significant changes during its mar Street was named for them. Harmar theme paper titled "The History development. Many street names have Denny was a prominent citizen in politi- of My Neighborhood." Her older changed during the development of cal, social and religious affairs. General sister Teresa helped her do the "Polish Hill." Herron Avenue and Herron Harmar led an ill-fated expedition research; Toni even went Down- Hill are named for the prominent political against the Indians. town to City offices to get informa- leader, John Herron. tion. The essay covered the early Bellefield Street on the eastern boundary history of the area and compared At one time this section was called of "Polish Hill" was changed to Blessing Minersville because of the many and good Street. Grant Boulevard was a thin path the neighborhood's streets, build- mines located here. The Excelsior Line along the side of the hill. It is presently ings and population of the mid was the best known mine line. The known as Bigelow Boulevard, named for 1950s to those of previous decades. wagoneers brought down close to two General Bigelow. hundred loads of coal from the mine on In the essay, the neighborhood is the top of the hill and sold it to the house- referred to as "Polish Hill," in holders. Herron Avenue was once known quotations. That is because at as Miners Street because of the coal mines located at the top of the street. this time, the official name of the neighborhood was Herron Hill, A definite nomenclature cannot be found and often referred to by residents for this section of the city, known as simply as "the Hill." Polish Hill "Polish Hill," but after a study of the city didn't become the official name records it seems that the only correct one of the neighborhood until the early is Herron Hill. At some time, however, this section was divided into three 1960s. Many older residents, and sections: Brereton Avenue, the area west those whose families have been of Bigelow Boulevard and Herron Avenue; here for generations, still refer to Melwood or Milwood, the area to the east the neighborhood as "the Hill." of Bigelow Boulevard and Herron Avenue; Ridgeway, the area to the south of Bigelow Here are excerpts from the essay, Boulevard. in which Toni talks about the Of these three areas, Melwood is the most early names of the neighborhood historic. This area, as others in Pennsyl- and its streets, and provides vania, was named by William Penn. glimpses of past residents and their Records show that he named this area daily lives. When granting us per- Milwood, but today it is known as mission to put her words in the Melwood. Many oldsters in this area newsletter, Toni said, "Please make recall the name Fleetwood that has many sure people know, this essay was times been given to Melwood Street. written over fifty years ago!" The Dennys and Dicksons owned a large part of this area. One of the streets was We reordered a few paragraphs to called Dickson Street, but presently it is make it flow better, but have for the most part kept the words as Map of the western section of Polish Hill (then Toni wrote them. We think she called Herron Hill), from 1914. This map was did a great job, and are grateful to produced by the G.M. Hopkins Company for her for sharing this essay with the the City of Pittsburgh. From the Historic PHCA. Pittsburgh Archive, in the collection of the University of Pittsburgh.

Polish Hill Voice Page 7

Finland Street was once known as Jefferson Street and at that time connected Melwood and Brereton Streets. Paulowna Street was known as Preble Street and named for the Preble sisters who once lived there.

Phelan Way is named after the Bishop Phelan who was bishop of the Pittsburgh Diocese when the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church was built. Pulawski Street was named after General Pulawski who fought in the American Revolution. Many people think Bethoven Street was named for the famous composer.

The streets were not as low as they are today. They were about ten feet higher than they are now. Although many of the street names have changed during the development of "Polish Hill," the cobbled Sub Plan detail (from stones on these streets are the same the upper left corner of the map below) original ones. Page 8 Polish Hill Voice

Continued from page 7 30th Street and Phelan Way in Thirtieth Street, the street on which I 1908. live, was called Smith Way. Tracks from the coal mines to the steel mills ran Photo from the along this dirt street. Thirtieth Street Historic Pittsburgh was paved shortly after my family Image Archive. moved on this street about 25 years ago. My neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lewandowski said that before Thirtieth Street was paved in 1931, there was a little hill in the middle of the street. A pair of steps was on this hill and many people would fall down these steps because there were no lights on the street in those days. In the evening around eight-thirty it would be pitch dark. The streets were made of dirt and when than when Mr. Lewandowski moved

it rained it became very muddy. Before here. On Brereton Avenue, there are Behind my home, just below Bigelow Immaculate Heart of Mary Church was many grocery stores, a drug store, a Boulevard, is what was once the shortest opened, the people had to walk down dry goods store, a candy store and street on the hill, Mingo Street. All that the muddy streets to Saint Stanislaus even a furniture store. Today the dirt remains now is just a dirt path and it no Church. The mud would be up to the streets are covered with cobble stones longer is a street. Originally there were top of their high shoes and boots. At and some even paved with asphalt. two homes on the street, now only one the bridge they would take off their home remains. muddy shoes and boots, and clean them The horse and wagons have been

in a stream that came down the hill replaced by Fords and Chevrolets. Mrs. Lewandowski remembers coming from the Tuberculosis Hospital. Only a "Polish Hill" is still the highest point to live on the hill when she was eight few people on "Polish Hill" owned a in Allegheny County, but generally its years old, about sixty-five years ago. horse and wagon. If the horse and overall appearance has changed for She said that there were only a few wagon got stuck in the muddy streets it better living conditions during its houses on the hill and that my home would take several men to pull them development. was one of them. Most of the homes on out. the hill were built by a Polish contrac- tor, Mr. Ratajewski. Many neighbors would get together to build a home of a friend.

There was a large stream that came down from Ridgeway Street to Brereton Avenue and Harmar Street. When people bought homes on Brereton URA home improvement loan Avenue they said this stream kept on products help low and moderate coming into their cellars and was break- income homeowners rehabilitate ing the foundations. A few men got or renovate their property. together and made a crock for the stream to go into. Many people claim (You must live in the home to qualify) this stream is still under the homes. Hancock Street, looking towards Dobson Pittsburgh Home Rehabilitation Street, around 1930. The streets were When Mr. Lewandowski just moved paved the next year. Loan Program (0% interest) here there were no grocery stores on the hill. Mr. Lewandowski remembers he Keystone Renovation A large brick factory was located on had to go down to Twenty-eighth Street and Repair program the hill and some of the bricks made to the grocery store for his family. As (6.375% to 8.875% interest) here were used to build the White the years passed a few grocery stores House. Today "Polish Hill" opened on the hill. One was located on Home Improvement Loan Program has no industries such as the brick Wiggins Street and was owned by Mr. (5.99% interest) factories and the coal mines. Only a Jarzynka. Mr. Lewandowski got up at few of the mansions remain and they five o'clock in the morning to go to the are in a very poor condition. Many of Check the URA website store because by six o'clock there wasn't the mansions and estates are today any food left. One morning Mr. www.ura.org replaced by large three story homes. Jarzynka, who owned the store, was for loan programs and income guidelines found dead. It is believed he was shot in Certainly today there are more stores an attempted robbery. Polish Hill Voice Page 9

Continued from page 4 was assessed much higher than its cur- reluctance is turning into a sort of To look up a specific property, just rent-market value, the potential tax sav- brash "go big or go home" excitement. enter the street name and the house ings might be worth the effort. Our shady little brick backyard won't number. To look through a list of all know what hit it. There is no surer the properties on a street, enter just the Ultimately, this is a decision each prop- sign of warm times ahead than a plant- street name. Your goal is to find three erty owner must make individually. ing of annual favorites or the tunneling properties that have been sold within These issues are changing nearly every of cool vegetable crop seeds into the the last two years and are close to your day; residents might want to call or ground. Spring fever in Polish Hill is a property in size and condition. For check in with the PHCA and/or their beautiful thing. each, print out the information page, councilman's office to find out what the the second page with property condi- latest proposals are. With that being said, there will be quite tion, and the page with the photo. a few opportunities around the bend to That’s three sheets for each comp; help spring clean the neighborhood. make three copies of each. You will The Western PA Conservancy sponsors need to leave the paper documentation Looking Forward a flower garden on the corner of 30th with the officers at your hearing. The to Planting and Brereton every year. The planting county website does provide comps, and Gardening date is yet to be determined, but it'll be but it's much better to choose your sometime in the beginning of May. own; you will do a better job of identi- by Valerie Testa Many hands make light work, and who fying properties that have things in doesn't like flowers? Crazy people, common with yours. It's January. I'm cold and cantanker- that’s, who. Or maybe people with ous. My couch is well occupied and the allergies. Also, there'll be a neighbor- If there are reasons why your property cupboards have been getting their fair hood cleanup in April. If you'd like to is worth less than comparable proper- share of attention too. Although it's help out with these, or any other of the ties, you'll need to prove it and provide been a mild winter, the first sign of snow many spruce up events that will be documentation. Maybe your house and cold temperatures engage my atti- happening, contact the PHCA at hasn't been renovated in 25 years, the tude into a hibernation/comfort mode. 412.681.1950, or [email protected] roof leaks, it needs new windows or a There is a saying that goes along the and ask to added to the contact list. furnace. Take pictures of all conditions lines of "There is no such thing as bad that would reduce the value. Other weather, only inappropriate clothing." I good forms of documentation are keep this in mind when friends want to Citiparks receipts for repairs or estimates from go for a bike ride around the city and my contractors. If your house has been first reaction is not a response so much West Penn Community appraised by a licensed professional in as a whine. And yet, the time goes so Recreation Center the past couple of years, take that quickly! 450 30th Street document. In the next several days I'm expecting Martial Arts for kids District 7 Councilman Patrick Dowd’s seed catalogs and the thoughtfully pur- Instructor: DeWayne Adams office has been keeping track of prop- chased Christmas present of an organic Mondays 5:00 — 6:00 p.m. erties sold recently and is compiling a gardening magazine. Gardening hasn't list of recent sale prices. Seniors and been something I've done for very long. Hatha Yoga others without internet access can call This will be the my fourth year at it, and Instructor: Ilona Auth them at 412.255.2140 for help in find- my second of writing down lessons Thursdays 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. ing comps. The office will then mail learned from years past. (for adults, $7 donation per class) copies of the information gathered. Most of the things I've learned have been Ceramics The PHCA office also can provide based on my own reluctance at over- Instructor: Patti Dobies limited assistance. And as we go to crowding the garden. Every year I eke Tuesdays 5:00 — 8:00 p.m. press, the Mayor's office is in the proc- out a few more plants in a small space ess of asking City Council to approve and learn more about successive garden- Weight training is available help for homeowners by having the ing. You can always pull or transplant upon request, and check out the newly City pay for part of the cost of getting something, but you can't make it grow if renovated workout room. an appraisal. The plan includes coun- you never plant it! Once the ground can seling and legal help. More informa- be worked, chances are, growing things West Penn hours: tion can be obtained online at will be all that I want to talk about. It 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday — Friday www.pittsburghpa.gov/mayor/ seems that everyone has some piece of 10 a.m. — 3 p.m. on Saturday appealassist. knowledge to share, or at the very least, Closed on Sundays an opinion. The work involved in appealing your For more information about property-tax reassessment may sound The slow steadiness of the win- West Penn, call the center at daunting. But if you believe your home ter's rhythm enables me to consider 412-622-7353. where to plant things this spring. My Page 101 Polish Hill Voice

shovels, hoes and mattocks. They will very old tools, but they aren't decora- Garden Projects cut through the soil so much easier, tive. A good solid tool that performs its for the Winter Months saving your back and getting the job function is timeless and priceless. Find done much faster. This makes the hard yourself a huge can of olive oil. You by Terry Doloughty work of gardening seem less like a can use it for more than pan searing chore. Having your tilling gear sharp your kale. Using a laundry tray, or a also cuts the weed roots and other big old bucket, soak the mud and dirt materials in the soil, creating raw off. Use an old scrub brush to get the materials for good compost. And big bits of debris off, and wash the remember to inspect your small hand handle down. Dirt left on the handle tools, which are used just as much as will pull the moisture out of the wood the big soil-moving tools. With some and lessen the lifespan of your tools. care and sharpening, they will last Once the tools are clean, let them air longer, making your work easier. dry for a day. Find two old rags, keep one for the handles and one for the Handles metal parts of the tools. Coat the metal While snow and cold have their time of the tools and wipe in the oil until the in the garden, take advantage of the free I have a pile of broken shovels, rakes, metal is good and saturated. You will time they provide. It may seem strange pitch forks and hoes. You can repair notice that metal will actually absorb to consider that cold weather gives us an these and change them up a little as the oil. This could get a little messy, so opportunity for garden projects. During they wear out. By filing off old rivets keep some newspapers around for a the warm months when every day is and knocking out the rotten bits of place to lay freshly oiled tools. Using a filled to the limit with projects and wood from the sockets, you can really much lighter application of olive oil, chores, there are tasks which get put off make a tool your own. Sometimes wipe down the tool handles. This will till "someday." Well, "someday" is shovel handles are still in good shape -- get into the cracks and the areas where every day in the winter. I am as guilty they just broke off at the joint where the varnish has worn off. The wood as anyone for having a long of list of steel meets ash or oak. I can spend a will be nourished and the useable life- projects that I didn't complete while the little time with a spoke shave, chisel span of the tool will be increased. weather was ever so enjoyable. Now I and knife to make the handle fit the have the time to get ahead of the season tool socket again. The shovel might be Mapping And Planning yet to arrive. An extra light or two in the a little shorter, but it will work just workshop, a good music selection and a fine. Other than me and a cup of tea, Crop rotation is necessary for a good few hours will yield a harvest of garden it was free. Depending on how you use healthy garden. Do you remember projects that will help you all year. Here a tool, perhaps a creating a custom- where all the different plants were are some of the things on my list. length handle or extending the handle located in your garden this past

from another tool, would make your season? Take a scrap of paper and Sharpening tasks in the garden easier. Consider draw up a little map. This is the time

not just fixing your tools to be what of year to do research online or in seed Nothing makes work go easier than a they were before, but making them as catalogs to plan out your next crops. tool in good working order. I just useful as possible. If you're like me, Every plant takes in and needs differ- cleared a spot on my work bench and your tools end up all over the place, a ent trace elements and nutrients, started to clean, oil and sharpen my unique tool stands out, and you can which vary between species. This is the pruners, loppers and garden shears. always find yours. core reason for crop rotation -- to keep Months from now when I pick them up, the soil healthy. Composting over the they are ready to go, which will save a Rustproofing winter has its challenges, but the nutri- lot of time, and I won't have to force the ents provided to the garden offer good tool to do its job. Plus, it's just safer Water and time do more damage to plant nutrition for many seasons as the working with a sharp tool rather than a tools than any gardener. I have some biomass breaks down and changes. dull one. Remember to sharpen your Consider adding a worm compost bin to your kitchen. It is an easy addition, Seeking submissions for the May issue of the Polish Hill Voice! and just becomes part of your routine after a while. Deadline Publication Date Months Covered

April 15 Early May May/Jun/Jul As gardeners we can perform these maintenance tasks during the cold Submissions of news items, articles or photos relating to the interests and concerns of months. Having these projects Polish Hill residents may be emailed to [email protected], or by mail to the Polish Hill Civic Association, 3060 Brereton Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Images may be JPEGs completed will free up more time for us (200 dpi or higher) or camera-ready art. to enjoy actually being in the garden.

Due to space and content constraints, we may not be able to accept every submission. If you have any questions, please call us at 412.681.1950. Polish Hill Voice Page 11

Polish Hill Civic Association Membership Application 2012 Benefits of Dues are $5.00. Membership term is by calendar year and expires each December 31. membership Join now and enjoy the advantages of membership through December 2012!

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Polish Hill Item Qty Cost Total t-shirt Available in Red t-shirt Circle size(s) desired Short sleeve15.00 red or black, adult or Youth S M youth sizes. Adults S M L XL XXL Long sleeve 20.00

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Polish Hill button .50 ea.

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Button .50 ea. Postage 5.00 Falcon on red back- ground, 1½ diameter TOTAL Make your check out to the Polish Hill Civic Association . Ship to: Postcard Name .50 ea Address A colorful sunset view of Brereton Street by Mark Knobil Phone, email POLISH HILL VOICE

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Contributors: Leslie Clague Terry Doloughty Myra Falisz Toni Gizzi Janice Heagy Sarah Koenig Catherine McConnell Valerie Testa

Photos contributed by: Leslie Clague Terry Doloughty Eileen Goralski Brian Seklecki Yoko Tai Historic Pittsburgh Image Archive and the PHCA archive

Copy Editor Myra Falisz

Editor and layout Leslie Clague

The Polish Hill Voice is underwritten by a donation from PNC Bank.

The PHCA’s mission is to respect and preserve the sense of community in Polish Hill while promoting economic and housing development opportunities, and improving the quality of life for our community.

Upcoming Community Meetings: February 7 March 6 April 3

PHCA community meetings are open to all residents of Polish Hill — you do not have to be a PHCA member to attend!

Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Senior Center on the lower level of the West Penn Recreation Center, 450 30th Street at Paulowna Street.