NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID PITTSBURGH, PA Permit No. 2403

Volume 36, No. 9 Covering Bloomfield, Friendship, Garfield, East Liberty and Lawrenceville since 1975 September 2011 Tech Center Brings Training, Workshops to Penn Avenue by Michael LaFleur for teens and adults. Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation “Our objective is to remove the impediments to success for young people and adults,” Rick Flanagan, BGC youth development director, A new face arrives in a familiar told The Bulletin recently. “In the place this month, as the Bloomfield- tough economy we’re in, we need to Garfield Corporation (BGC) launches do everything we can to give people a a community computer center at 5321 leg up on getting their high school Penn Avenue. The center, one of four diploma, moving on to post-second- opening around the city, is using ary education or training, and search- funds from the 2009 federal econom- ing the Internet for information on a ic stimulus program that were award- variety of job opportunities or other

ed in 2010 to the Neighborhood needs.” Paula Martinac/The Bulletin Learning Alliance (NLA), an East As reported in the June edition of SUNFLOWERS ARE IN BLOOM AT WHAT USED TO BE AN UNSIGHTLY LOT AT Liberty-based non-profit formerly The Bulletin, the Neighborhood BROAD AND N. GRAHAM STREETS IN GARFIELD. A VOLUNTEER TEAM known as Wireless Neighborhoods. Learning Alliance won a competitive WORKED WITH THE BLOOMFIELD-GARFIELD CORPORATION AND GTECH TO The street-level, accessible venue grant for its project, Pittsburgh CON- PLANT AND TEND THE FLOWERS, WHICH WILL HELP CLEAN THE SOIL SO THE in Garfield has been a hub of activity NECTS, from the U. S. Department of LOT CAN BE RE-USED. in recent years, serving as home to Education. These funds are allowing both the BGC’s Youth Development the Internet access and computer use Center and the Eastside to be offered free to city residents. NEIGHBORS MEET WITH NEW Neighborhood Employment Center. Each user will have his or her own Now, after some remodeling, all three log-in access code for the laptops or MEXICAN RESTAURANT OWNERS initiatives will be able to work under desktops at each of the four locations. one roof, offering a wide range of by Paula Martinac new establishment applies for a liquor education and employment services See TECH, page 6 The Bulletin license in the neighborhood. “It’s eas- ier to stop a nuisance bar from open- How does an authentic Mexican ing,” explained Aggie Brose, BGC restaurant on Penn Avenue sound? deputy director, about the policy, After a presentation by the restau- “than to try to close one down.” The rant’s principals at an August commu- same policy got nearby neighbors on- nity meeting, nearby neighbors seem board with Salt of the Earth restau- to agree that it sounds pretty good. rant, and helped scuttle the plans for a AS PART OF SUMMER Jeff and Erin Catalina have rented bar/restaurant on the site of the former DREAMERS CAMP, MID- DLE SCHOOL STU- the bottom floor of the Glass Lofts at Horoscope Lounge. (See related story, DENTS LEARNED BOTH 5491 to locate their restaurant, to be page 2.) TO PLAY CHESS AND called Verde Mexican Kitchen & Jeff Catalina is originally from San TO APPLY ITS STRATE- Cantina. Jeff described the new Antonio, Texas, so he says he knows GIES TO THEIR LIVES. Mexican food. He worked for 15 READ THE FULL STORY restaurant as “upscale casual.” ON PAGE 7. The Catalinas met with nearby years in management consulting, but neighbors and staff from the “got tired of flying every week” and Bloomfield Garfield Corporation on had been “dying to do this [Verde] for August 11. The BGC has a standing policy to hold a meeting whenever a See RESTAURANT, page 4 Kathryn Vargas/NLA

The final deadline for all articles, ads, and Bulletin Board items for the October 2011 issue is THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2011. Placement is first-come, first-served. For more information: 412-441-6915. Page 2 • The Bulletin • September 2011

BREAKING NEWS Update on Past Coverage of 5431 Penn Avenue

by Paula Martinac Then, in March 2011, a federal The Bulletin indictment came down against Jimenez and Bennett, among others, on charges of conspiring to “distribute On August 4, a superseding indict- and possess with intent to distribute ment added new counts of violating one kilogram or more of heroin” federal narcotics and money launder- between June 2009 and February ing laws to existing charges against 2011. The new, superseding indict- Michelle Jimenez, 31, and Terald ment adds counts of “conspiring to Bennett, 29. commit money laundering” against As previously reported in The Jimenez and Bennett for allegedly Bulletin, in 2010, Jimenez attempted using drug money to buy properties in to open a bar/restaurant at 5431 Penn Pittsburgh and Wilkinsburg in Avenue, the site of the former Jimenez’s name. The couple also Horoscope Lounge. When suspicions stands accused of using a business arose about her business plan, an account for Jimenez’s defunct down- investigation by the Bloomfield- town clothing store, Exclusive Garfield Corporation staff and Public Fashions, to launder money. Safety Task Force members uncov- Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory J. ered Jimenez’s intimate relationship Nescott will prosecute the case. The with Bennett, a former Garfield resi- Drug Enforcement Agency and the dent with a lengthy arrest record – a Internal Revenue Service carried out connection she had kept under wraps. the investigation. If found guilty, Her falsification of other information Jimenez and Bennett could face 10 soon came to light, and Jimenez years to life in prison, a fine of $10.5 backed away from her plan in May million, or both.w 2010.

Consolidated East Liberty Website Debuts

by Margaret Graham photos of the neighborhood through- East Liberty Development, Inc. out the years. This new site features updates Looking for all of the most up-to- about East Liberty and the East End, date information on East Liberty? just like the old “East Liberty Post.” Look no further than the new eastlib- The new “Post,” however, is authored erty.org. by both ELDI and other partners in the East Liberty’s two websites, neighborhood. All neighborhood www.eastliberty.org and www.eastlib- events can now easily be found by ertypost.com were recently combined checking out the events calendar. into one, easy-to-use site. The site will Detailed descriptions of the events have the “East Liberty Post” as well as can still be found on the Post. information about the neighborhood If you’d rather learn about East and East Liberty Development, Inc. Liberty without leaving your social East Liberty has grown and changed networks, you can “like” East Liberty a lot in the last decade. Want to know on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ what the neighborhood was like 50 EastLibertyPgh. If you’re on Twitter, years ago? How about 100 years ago? tweet us @eastlibertypgh. Check out Or 300 years ago? The new eastliber- our photos at www.flickr.com/ ty.org has an updated, easy-to-navi- EastLibertyPgh. w gate history section, complete with September 2011 • The Bulletin • Page 3

Commentary PENN AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT UPMC/Highmark Showdown Sparks REACHES MILESTONE Concern, Meetings by Paula Martinac Control Plan and Traffic Signal Plan The Bulletin to PennDOT for approval. Signals at by Sen. Jim Ferlo affordable healthcare. Under PA Act Mathilda, Millvale and Evaline, Krul Pa. 38th Senatorial District 55 of 1997, both Highmark and The upcoming reconstruction of explained, will look much like they do UPMC are recognized as Institutions Penn Avenue between Evaline and at the intersection at Penn, Friendship of Purely Public Charity – e.g., non- Mathilda reached another milestone and 45th Street, where Children’s My office has fielded a number of profits. Their behavior is hardly char- on July 25, when project engineers Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC is calls and emails from people with itable towards the needs of our citi- received official approval from located. As for signage, “We’re trying serious concerns and questions zens, and public officials are taking PennDOT of their “Line, Grade and to minimize the clutter of signs on the regarding the current conflict between steps to hold them accountable. Typical Section” submission, which avenue,” according to Ryan Sheran of Highmark, Inc. and University of I will be convening a Town Hall represents about 30 percent of the Kimball. A map of the Penn-Evaline Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Meeting on Thursday, September 8, at design plans. intersection, for example, indicates a Many are worried about where they 7 p.m. at Soldiers and Sailors “This put us ahead of schedule by whopping 32 existing signs. will turn for health coverage and care Memorial Hall Ballroom. This forum a couple of months,” Brian Krul, who The engineers also outlined detour if Highmark and UPMC do not reach is open to community members and heads up the engineering team from plans during construction. The north an agreement. stakeholders who want to express L.R. Kimball Associates, explained at side of Penn Avenue will be tackled Highmark is the dominant health their concerns and take action, please a recent meeting of the Penn Avenue first, with only two lanes open – one insurance provider in Allegheny join us. Reconstruction Project committee. for traffic and one for parking. For the County, and UPMC is the dominant Additionally, the State Senate Actual construction of the four- length of the project, traffic will move health-care provider. So if the two do Banking and Insurance Committee block stretch is slated to begin in early along Penn inbound to downtown not come to an agreement, it could be will convene a public hearing regard- 2013 and last eight to 10 months. Pittsburgh only; outbound, all traffic, disastrous for health-care consumers ing this matter on September 13 at The “Line & Grade” maps have including buses, will be diverted to and employers in our region. Patients’ Penn State McKeesport. To learn been posted to the project website at Friendship Avenue between 45th access to health care should not be the more, please visit my website at www.lrkimball.com/penn- Street and Negley. rope in this tug of war. www.senatorferlo.com or call my avenue.aspx. Business and property Coming up, residents and busi- As a core value, I believe everyone office at 412-621-3006. w owners along the avenue can now nesses will see limited drilling activi- has the right of access to high-quality, check for information on how the ty along the four-block stretch. plans, including curb lines and bump- Drillers will take samples of the pave- outs, specifically impact their proper- ment in five locations, so that engi- ties. neers can begin designing the pave- Also recently completed was a ment. Bids for drilling are out, Krul 250-page report on the vaults along said, with drilling probably starting Penn Avenue, done by subconsultant later this month or early October. Dawood Engineering, Inc. Business For those interested in learning and property owners were contacted more about how the reconstruction so that their vaults – underground will affect the neighborhood, a public spaces for storage, accessed through meeting will take place to unveil the metal doors in the sidewalk – could be preliminary design plans on Thursday, inspected for structural adequacy dur- December 8, at 6 p.m. in the St. ing actual construction. Dawood made Lawrence O’Toole activity center, 140 recommendations for accommodating N. Atlantic Avenue. Community or abandoning these impacted vaults. members will be able to view the “It’s been challenging,” Krul design and detour plans up close, and observed, noting that some vault ask questions of the engineering and doors were welded shut; others had design team. Stay tuned to The been covered over. Next up, the Bulletin for more information.w engineers will submit the Traffic

INSIDE THE VAULT OF 5003 PENN AVENUE – KRAYNICK’S BIKE SHOP. THE VAULT MEASURES 4’3” LONG X 4’1” WIDE AND WAS FOUND TO BE IN FAIR CONDITION.

Courtesy Dawood Engineering Inc. Page 4 • The Bulletin • September 2011 The Bulletin RESTAURANT, from page 1 serving Bloomfield, Garfield, East Liberty, a long time.” Erin is a Pittsburgh “Aztec-like” mural inside. fears. One resident of Fairmont Senior Friendship, and Lawrenceville since 1975 native who has worked in marketing Verde will employ 30 to 35 people, Apartments summed up the concerns at Heinz; chef LBEE (short for with “a preference for Spanish-speak- when she said, “We already have a Lynette Bushey), who spent the last ing employees.” The venue will use problem here with parking. People seven years working in restaurants three security cameras, and there will don’t pay attention to signs. They just throughout Central America, also be no smoking inside or out. In addi- park in our [designated] spaces.” hails from the ‘Burgh. tion, although Verde has applied for The Catalinas have mapped out The Catalinas described their plans an entertainment license as well as a some strategies for parking, by con- for Verde in great detail. They intend tacting both the Pittsburgh Glass The Bulletin is published by the to be open seven days a week for din- Center and the new owner of the for- Bloomfield-Garfield Corp. to: ner, with lunch also on weekdays. The mer KFC site about using their lots in • serve the incorporated territory dining room will seat 62 people, with the evening. There are also six desig- of the BGC and surrounding com- 16 at the bar and 40 on an outdoor nated spaces behind the Glass Lofts munities patio facing Penn. The cantina will for Verde, and about 43 on-street • report on activities and ideas not offer any to-go beer; drinking will spaces. In acknowledging the chal- affecting those communities be on-premises only, with beers going lenge of parking, Jeff offered to tow • offer an opportunity to express for about $5 and margaritas for about cars if necessary, even if it means los- opinions and exchange ideas $7. They will also offer a wide array ing customers; he noted that even the of tequilas, ranging in price from $5 to judge at Verde’s zoning hearing con- September 2011 • Vol. 36, No. 9 $40 a shot. Authentic Mexican fare cluded, “This stretch [of Penn] needs will include chicken with mole sauce, a grand plan for parking.” Total circulation: poblanos, tacos and enchiladas, liquor license, “entertainment – At the end of the evening, residents 20,000 copies tamales and tortilla soup. “There will maybe a guitar player – will be the agreed that they were willing to give 16,700 mailed be a good variety of meat dishes and exception rather than the norm,” Jeff the owners the benefit of the doubt in 3,000 dropped vegetarian,” Jeff noted, with LBEE said, reserved for special occasions order to bring new investment to the making use of local foods whenever like Cinco de Mayo or for the grand corridor; not one attendee wanted to Editorial and Advertising Offices: possible in her dishes. opening, projected in late October. file a complaint with the state liquor 5149 Penn Avenue The owners are doing extensive The big issue at the meeting was board. The BGC and Verde will now Pittsburgh, PA 15224 build-out, as the space right now is parking, which is already tight on the enter into a memo of understanding, Phone: 412-441-6915 raw. In converting to the restaurant, avenue and threatens to become even which, although it does not have legal Fax: 412-441-6956 they are using local artists and suppli- worse with the addition of a 100-plus- powers, will attempt to hold the own- Email: [email protected] ers whenever possible. For example, seat restaurant. The owners came to ers accountable for the plan they pre- through a Sprout Fund grant, local the meeting armed with a parking sented to the neighbors. w Editor: Paula Martinac artist Gabe Felice will create an plan, trying to assuage the neighbors’ Advertising: Martin Pochapin

Intern: Caitlin Cleary

Proofreading: Rick Swartz

Bookkeeper: Mary Anne Stevanus

Distribution: Garfield CISP

The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. © 2011 by Bloomfield-Garfield Corp. www.bloomfield-garfield.org

We would like to acknowledge the BGC’s NPP partner, PNC Bank.

Thanks also to BNY Mellon, Pittsburgh Partnership for Neighborhood Development, The United Way, Allegheny Valley Bank, Dollar Bank, Citizens Bank, and all our advertisers.

The Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation holds its monthly board meeting on the second Monday of each month at 5321 Penn Avenue, starting at 7 p.m. These meetings are open to the public. September 2011 • The Bulletin • Page 5 Community Meeting To Unveil “Toolbox” for the East End

by Sara Blumenstein ture of a city, cityLAB believes that a cityLAB “bottom-up” approach is equally as important. Many small experiments can redefine a community as catalyti- cally as one big one can. This is cityLAB, a nonprofit organization cityLAB’s mission – to systematically that performs experiments with the discover the ways to change city as its “laboratory,” is holding a Pittsburgh’s future for the better by community meeting from 6 to 7:30 creating bottom-up projects en masse. p.m. on Wednesday, September 7 at All are welcome to the community the St. Lawrence O’Toole Activity meeting in order to achieve these Center, 140 N. Atlantic Avenue. At the goals together. meeting, a “toolbox” of fifteen excit- cityLAB has developed the Six ing ideas for Garfield and Friendship Percent Place experiment in the East will be unveiled. These ideas, which End, with Garfield, Friendship, and have been developed through the Penn Avenue Arts Corridor as its cityLAB’s Six Percent Place experi- laboratory, through funding from the ment, include things that everyone can Benedum Foundation, the Benter get involved with. Foundation, and Pittsburgh Also present at the meeting will be Partnership for Neighborhood 90 of Professor John Folan’s students Development. Jim Denova, vice pres- from Carnegie Mellon University’s ident of the Benedum Foundation, has School of Architecture. Professor called the Six Percent Place experi- Folan is the T. David Fitz-Gibbon ment “a great laboratory for testing Professor of Architecture and Director this unique economic development PPS Offers Two-Pronged Plan to of the Urban Design Build Studio at strategy,” which he predicted would CMU. These students will spend the form a blueprint that could be “applic- Address Deficits entire fall semester researching and able to many other rural communities developing detailed implementation and urban neighborhoods.” by Caitlin Cleary summer programs. plans for each of potential neighbor- Anyone curious to learn more about The Bulletin First on the agenda was a video hood projects in the “toolbox.” Both cityLAB and the Six Percent Place presentation by Dr. Linda Lane, Professor Folan and Eve Picker, pres- experiment is encouraged to come to Superintendent of PPS. Lane ident and CEO of cityLAB, will lead the September 7 meeting and to visit explained that the proposed budget the presentation. cityLAB’s website at www.city- On Thursday, July 21, about 35 w concerned parents, students, and cuts come as a result of the recent While a big, “top-down” approach labpgh.org or call 1-866-PGH-CITY. neighbors met at the Bloomfield- reductions in state funding affecting is vital in developing the infrastruc- Garfield Corporation’s Community public schools across the board. By Activity Center to discuss proposed 2015, PPS could face a deficit of budget cuts from Pittsburgh Public about $100 million, according to Schools (PPS). Hosted by A+ Lane. She also presented the prob- Schools, the meeting aimed at provid- lems, potential solutions, and, in some ing information and gathering feed- cases, the difficulties raised by those back. solutions. “We can't raise taxes,” she This meeting preceded the said, “because we are already spend- District’s public announcement on ing about $18,000 per student.” August 4 that it proposes to close Lane said PPS has devised a plan seven schools at the end of the 2011- in two phases to attain sustainability. 12 school year, including Garfield’s The first concentrates on workforce Pittsburgh Fort Pitt ALA, whose stu- reductions that decrease the District's dents would be reassigned to Arsenal funding gap by about $11.5 million Pre-K-5 and Woolslair K-5. annually. The second phase consists Sammie Dow, community youth of school closings, feeder pattern advisor for A+ Schools, kicked off the changes, course reductions, and class July meeting by explaining, “We're size adjustments. All of these could not here to advise for or against the decrease the funding gap an addition- district; we're just here to present the al $30 to 40 million, said Lane. information.” Increasing class size could greatly Rick Flanagan, director of the assist the District because Pittsburgh BGC’s Youth Development Program, has one of the lowest average class stated that “the deficits are real.” He sizes, which is at its largest at the high pointed out that University Prep 6-12 school level. “Operating under- at Milliones, the feeder school for enrolled classes,” Lane asserted, East End families living west of “costs the District over $30 million.” Negley Avenue, has already felt the first wave of cuts, including a loss of See PPS, page 7 Page 6 • The Bulletin • September 2011 A “NIGHT OUT” IN FRIENDSHIP hoods in Pittsburgh participated, the renters, some people aren't around according to the city’s NNO website. for a long time,” she said. “Tonight “There's something that happens to helps us make ties with neighbors we Friendship when it gets warm out,” have never met before.” said resident and porch-party host Ken Stiles' wisteria-framed porch Kim Mangan about the community. lent an element of earthiness to his “In the summer, we have one big party. The sound of bagpipes from a event each month that everyone can CD player added background music join in.” This is her fourth year host- to conversations. Guest and neighbor ing a porch party, and by 7:30 p.m. Paul Singletary said of NNO, “I think her porch was filled with activity. it's terrific. It bolsters the community Some people stopped by to say hello, spirit that's so strong here.” while others made themselves com- Ansley Robin has lived in fortable and stuck around for the Friendship since 1995 and noted, night. One of her guests, Roy “The rising number of children acts as Williams, spoke of his time here since a deep indicator of the neighborhood's moving from San Diego. “Living in growth.” Stiles, the host and a so- Caitlin Cleary/The Bulletin Friendship is one new experience called “founding father” of (SEATED, L TO R) HAZEL BLAIS, MARTHA ANN TERRY, NATALIE after another.” Friendship, praised the area: “I think BLAIS, ZEUS, KET, ELIZABETH MASON; (STANDING) SARA STURDEVANT, JACKSON BOYTIM Meanwhile, a few blocks away on Friendship is amazing in the way it's Coral Street, Martha Terry's porch defined itself. It set a goal and party was just getting started. With six achieved it.” Although he has always by Caitlin Cleary Night Out, people shook up the usual years of involvement in NNO, Terry loved “running around to other peo- The Bulletin weeknight routine with porch-hop- said, “This night is what we do on a ple's porches,” he joked that he was ping, refreshments, and a tangible daily basis, but on a larger scale.” coerced into hosting his own party sense of community. NNO is a nation- Also in attendance was Zone 5 this year. For a humid Tuesday night, al campaign designed to promote pub- Commander, Tim O'Connor. “I'd like Nearly everyone celebrating NNO Friendship residents certainly know lic safety through less criminal activi- to have this every night,” he said. “It in Friendship cited meeting people as how to throw a party. In a neighbor- ty and a strengthened neighborhood shows we have a community looking the greatest achievement of the night. hood-wide recognition of National spirit. This year about 30 neighbor- out for each other.” Others boasted that the area finds suc- On S. Atlantic, Rebecca Mizikar cess in its annual recognition of NNO threw her very first porch party and due to its “porch culture.” The signa- dubbed it “a success.” Her porch bus- ture porches of Friendship do more tled with activity while balloons and than beautify the area – they allow for outdoor lights allowed children to cohesion throughout the community. play on the front lawn. “With all of w

TECH, from page 1

The Garfield site will also have a members of the community to help small coffee bar where users can them overcome what fears they work in a comfortable environ- may have in using technological ment. The centers will operate tools. seven days per week, with a mix of The BGC’s Youth Development staff and volunteers, so that stu- Center and ENEC have long dents with class assignments or shared a mission to give assistance projects will not face the restricted to East End residents in employ- hours or competition for online ment and education. “While that time that often occurs at the local mission will not change, partner- library. ing with NLA’s Pittsburgh CON- Additionally, Pittsburgh CON- NECTS will make these programs NECTS will roll out a full sched- even better suited to meeting the ule of free workshops and educa- community’s needs,” Flanagan tional programs at all four centers asserts. that will focus on topics the com- The center is relying on staffing munity most wants to learn about. from Americorps workers, the These sessions will include basic BGC, and the ENEC, along with computer use, software training, local volunteers ready to assist protection of computer hardware, anyone who walks through the and smart ways to surf the Net. door. Those interested in volun- Other programs will offer informa- teering to help community mem- tion on how to research and com- bers access resources and informa- bat illnesses, personal budget man- tion online, or assist students with agement, and online banking. The schoolwork, can contact Michael center aims to reach out to all LaFleur at 412-441-9833.w September 2011 • The Bulletin • Page 7

SUMMER DREAMERS CAMP PROVIDES FUN AND ACADEMICS

by Dan Derks dents' energy. This summer, Peabody These four programs were some of new sport, Ultimate Frisbee, and Neighborhood Learning Alliance was host to students from Sterrett, Sci the most popular at Camp Peabody. picked the menu for their “fruit of the Tech, Sunnyside, Dilworth, Faison, The Make a Splash and Water Polo day.” Health Smart students also vol- and Fort Pitt, to name a few. Every programs felt like Pittsburgh's hottest unteered at Vintage Senior Center, Neighborhood Learning Alliance day from July 11 through August 10, new clubs, as the students who were where they cooked alongside seniors (NLA) and the Eastside these students took part in a 90- lucky enough to get one of the 150 in the community. Neighborhood Employment Center minute-long morning activity, 90 spots offered were camp VIPs, strut- Both NLA and ENEC are very (ENEC) played roles in the second minutes of academic-readiness class- ting down the halls in their swimsuits pleased with the efforts of their activ- year of Summer Dreamers, a es, and a three-hour afternoon activi- as other students sat and watched, hot ity providers and the PPS staff work- Pittsburgh Public Schools summer ty, with lunch breaking up the day. and dry, on the waiting list. ing to make this year's Summer camp for students in grades K-8. The In partnership, NLA and ENEC Checkmate! was a sweeping suc- Dreamers not only a fun experience, program's goals are simple: to offer provided four exciting activities for cess out of the gate, as students who but one that really impacted the mid- PPS students opportunities to grow more than 150 middle schoolers. might have been the class clowns dur- dle school students of Pittsburgh's and prepare for next school year, These included: Checkmate! (a chess ing the school year learned the disci- most under-served populations to through a slew of engaging activities program that not only taught students pline and focus necessary to play the help keep them in school and per- and academic-readiness classes. the game, but also how to apply its nearly 2,000-year-old game. Maybe forming to the highest of their abili- Summer Dreamers provides needed principles of strategy and preparation their dedication came from the prom- ties. w support for students both socially and in their daily lives); Make a Splash (a ise their teacher Mr. Malcolm made – academically in the summertime - swimming program that helped stu- that by the end of the summer, they'd PPS, from page 5 especially important for middle- dents learn to swim and improve their be able to beat the average adult at the schoolers, for whom these years are swimming skills); Health Smart (a game. huge indicators of high school suc- healthy eating, healthy living, healthy Health Smart was the true under- After the video, attendees used cess. futures class that helped students dog of the summer, turning students' polling remotes to respond to ques- The Summer Dreamers program is meet the challenges ahead of them), attitudes around on the first day about tions regarding potential effects of a district-wide initiative using central- and Swim and Water Polo (an how boring they thought a “healthy” the budget cuts. (See sidebar for ized PPS sites that students from the advanced swim program that taught program would be. In their first week sample questions.) Some of these surrounding middle and elementary students the exciting and physically together, the students made a visit to were vague, yes-no questions. schools can easily get to. Though intense sport of water polo). ONENESS, a brand new Capoeira Several people took issue with a Pittsburgh Peabody's legacy as a pub- Checkmate! and Make a Splash were studio/holistic health center in question that dealt with offering lic school came to an end with this offered in the mornings, while Health Morningside, where they saw a per- fewer high school electives. One year's graduating class, the halls of Smart and Water Polo were in the formance of Brazilian martial arts. woman said, “I think foreign lan- the building were buzzing with stu- afternoons. They also learned about their favorite guage is a core academic course. It shouldn't be lumped in with jewelry- making.” Rick Swartz, executive director of the BGC, wondered, “Why is juggling course offerings the only option being discussed? What about cuts in personnel costs?” The second part of the polling por- tion of the meeting consisted of small group discussion on issues such as the criteria used to determine which classes to cut and which to keep. Groups were then invited to share their ideas. One group suggest- ed combining upper-level language classes or offering more Web-based classes. Attendees agreed the top cri- terion for keeping a course was that it “prepares students for college or a career,” and the second that it “has proven that it supports and acceler- ates student success.” In concluding the meeting, Dow emphasized, “We don't want to cri- tique the proposal. We are still at the information-gathering stage.” PPS will process the feedback from this meeting and then convene another community meeting at a future date. For more information about the PPS budget plan and past communi- ty meetings, or to register feedback, visit www.pps.k12.pa.us/ CitySchoolsFiscalChallenges or email cityschoolsfiscalchallenges@ pghboe.net. w Page 8 • The Bulletin • September 2011 Family Care Connection Plants Urban Garden

by Paula Martinac ing. At an open house on August 3, The Bulletin FCC staff laid out a buffet table of healthful snacks prepared with many of the garden’s fresh ingredi- Good things are growing at ents, such as rosemary, basil and Family Care Connection (FCC) in dill. Lawrenceville – and many of them “We plan to teach families how to are delicious. use herbs and vegetables in their In August, the center – one of cooking,” Rubiano explained. “It several neighborhood family social- doesn’t take a lot of space to grow service programs of Children’s tomatoes. Some of our kids had Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC – never seen things growing on unveiled its new backyard “urban vines.” Rubiano said FCC will spon- tranquility garden.” The outdoor sor cooking classes for families in space, funded by an environmental the fall in addition to its regular grant from the University of services, which include mental Pittsburgh’s Office of Child health services, child development Development, was designed by and school readiness, substance FCC’s Suzanne Rubiano, R.N., and abuse prevention, and parenting built with the labor and sweat of education. staff, parents, and children. The FCC garden boasts a calm- “It’s an example of ‘urban ing fountain at its center, and a Paula Martinac/The Bulletin reuse,’” said Rubiano. “This was wooden fence decorated with just a junky plot full of weeds.” brightly painted sunflowers by Carla of the FCC building. “We’re near a delicious food. “They like the calm- Following almost two months of Ross. There’s a bench for contem- bar, and we used to find beer bottles ing nature of the garden,” Rubiano hard work, it’s now an oasis. plation or rest, and a walkway that tossed on the sidewalk every morn- noted. What’s good for FCC and its But the garden, located behind winds through the herbs and flow- ing,” said Rubiano. After brightly clients provides a boost to the sur- the 5235 Butler Street offices, is ers. Several Phipps Conservatory colored pots for roses and other rounding neighborhood, too. w even more than a quiet place for a and Penn State Extension master plants were installed in front, “the time-out. The plot is full of herbs gardeners offered valuable garden- beer bottles stopped showing up,” For more information about FCC- and fresh vegetables ready for pick- ing advice, while Home Depot of suggesting that bar-goers respect the Lawrenceville, located at 5235 Monroeville provided free delivery work FCC put into its beautification Butler Street, visit http://www.chp. of supplies and gave FCC a discount efforts. edu/CHP/family+care+connec- on many of the needed products. The garden does seem to make tion+centers or call 412-784-8683. The environmental grant also the neighbors happy. Several attend- included funds to spruce up the front ed the open house and sampled the September 2011 • The Bulletin • Page 9 Page 10 • The Bulletin • September 2011 NEW YORKERS RETIRE TO LAWRENCEVILLE “PALACE” by Paula Martinac where when they were planning on couple had long enjoyed the cultural the price was right, they could walk The Bulletin retiring. Recent transplants to scene in New York, regularly attend- everywhere (like many New Yorkers, Pittsburgh, they will be opening their ing the opera, theater performances they didn’t own a car), and they loved home on Sherrod Street to visitors as and the symphony. When they booked the early 20th-century house. They New York City boasts a lot of plus- part of the annual Lawrenceville a trip to Pittsburgh to check out the moved in October 2009. “I retired es, including cultural attractions, Hospitality House Tour on Sunday, city, they also bought tickets to cultur- from my job [with the city] on diverse restaurants and beautiful October 2. al events so they could get a feel for Friday,” Al remembers, “and we parks. But it’s also known for its Al says he did extensive research the city’s offerings. “A city can look moved here on Tuesday.” cramped and overpriced living quar- on the best places to retire and great on paper,” Al remarked, then fall Some of the improvements Al and ters, which is what spurred longtime “Pittsburgh had everything we want- flat of expectations. Gillian made included pulling up dirty residents Gillian Lerner and her hus- ed,” including arts, culture, restau- But Pittsburgh lived up to its hype wall-to-wall carpeting on floors and band Al Kupersmith to look else- rants and good real estate prices. The as one of the best cities in the country staircases and having hardwood floor- to live. After touring the ‘Burgh for ing and laminate laid down over the several days with a Howard Hanna old pine floors. They also did an agent, the couple decided “we could extensive amount of painting and live here.” retiling, and lowered ceilings to make Still, they thought their relocation way for recessed lighting. In the plans were several years in the future. future, they want to paint their stair- They talked to a realtor in New York cases and lay down carpet runners. about selling their Queens co-op Both say they now feel like they’re apartment, and were advised that it living in their dream house. “Neither could take months or even years. So of us had ever had so much space,” they put the apartment on the market, Gillian says. “Al’s family lived over a “and within two weeks we had six bar when he was growing up. I lived potential buyers,” Gillian laughs. over a garage.” She says she remem- “One guy was offering cash.” They bers years ago watching the movie accepted his offer, but then had to find Wonder Boys and thinking, “I would a place to live in Pittsburgh – quick. like to live in a neighborhood like “We had one week to find a house,” that,” without knowing it was filmed Gillian notes. When the realtor in Pittsburgh. She notes how friendly showed them the house on Sherrod their neighbors have been and that she Paula Martinac/The Bulletin Street, “I said, ‘This place is too big. AL’S PIANO OCCUPIES A PLACE OF HONOR ON THE FIRST FLOOR. It’s like a palace,’” Gillian recalls. But See NEW YORKERS, page 11 September 2011 • The Bulletin • Page 11

COMMUNITY FEASTS AT FARM-TO-TABLE DINNER by Christy Valenchek linens and locally grown wildflowers. Bulletin Contributor Fresh mint infused sweet tea. Delicious skewers full of local veg- etables, local organic chicken, green When Michele Morris of asparagus and slabs of marinated Friendship Development Associates grilled eggplant decorated plates. saw the television show The Endless Even the dessert was prepared with Feast for the first time, she says she eggs hatched a few blocks away by a thought, "Well that's something I generous neighbor’s city chickens. would like to do." The Public Children played happily with adults Broadcast Station's reality program they had met for the first time. chronicles, event by event, North Neighbors who had never previously American small farm owners offering met shared stories and jokes. up their produce and land to host a Simple ideas, and people willing to meal for the community. The idea is do what they love, ended up uniting simple: bringing neighbors together neighbors across the Penn Avenue around local food. border over something as basic as a Christy Valenchek It's a timeless thing to do, and it locally produced meal. The next makes sense that, in the wake of the of fresh, organic produce. Grove on Saturday, July 30, when Farm to Table event is scheduled for public awareness about the value of A chef, Roxanne Easley started more than 40 people from Garfield September 28, 2011, at Garfield backyard gardens and pastured meat doing what she loved best – cooking and Friendship gathered – just Community Farm. Contact Michele sources, we should gather around a food for friends and neighbors – because. at 412-623-3336 or [email protected] big table and feast. What could be when one of her friends made a pass- Farm and community volunteers set if you are interested in donating, serv- more basic than that? All Morris ing comment: "Your food is really a long table dressed with modest table ing or attending.w needed was a farm and a chef. good. You should open up your own Garfield Community Farm (gar- business." A simple idea was born. fieldfarm.com) was born of a thought Roxanne started her business from much like Michele's. After witnessing her back porch, true to her soul food a small local farm effort in the style. She later quit her day job in Bahamas (where 99 percent of con- hopes of living her dream. This sumed food is imported), musician month, Roxanne's Soul Food and Open Door pastor John Creasy Expressions Catering and Take Out said, "Now there's something I'd like (www.rsecatering.com) will open for to do." He has spent the past four business at 4124 Main Street in years literally planting the seeds of Bloomfield, near the new Children's this simple thought in the unlikely Hospital. ground of the City-owned, knotweed- With the necessary players in ridden, previously unused acreage place, a volunteer team surprised that sits under the water tower in folks from the two neighborhoods Garfield. If you visit the farm at with smiles and burlap-wrapped invi- Wicklow and Cornwall Streets today, tations as they waited for buses, left nothing speaks to you of the dilapi- worship services, or relaxed at home. dated row houses that once crumbled It's not often that someone knocks on there. Life abounds in the form of your door and asks you to come have fledgling orchard trees, collards, kale, a free meal unburdened by political shallots, eggplants, peppers, toma- campaigns, fundraising efforts, or toes, lettuces and basil. The commu- attached strings. Some were wary, nity reaps the benefits of the urban some curious about why anyone farm through low-cost CSA (commu- would do such a thing; others were nity-supported agriculture) shares, the unquestioningly delighted. Urban Kitchen Project's produce- Under a warm summer sun the preparation demonstrations, and the farmer, the chef and the volunteers' farm's monthly food bank donations simple endeavors connected at Baum

NEW YORKERS, from page 10

feels “much less lonely here.” piano to muffle the sound of his play- One big plus of having doubled ing, which some neighbors still com- their living space is that Gillian can plained about. He muses that he might now display her complete collection even play during the house tour. of signed ballet shoes from a lifetime “New York has turned into a tourist of attending the ballet in New York. town,” Al, who was born in the Bronx And Al, an amateur classical pianist, and lived his entire life in New York, can practice piano to his heart’s con- says. “It’s nice to visit there now, but tent. His baby grand is proudly on dis- it’s good to come home” – to play in the dining room. In Queens, Lawrenceville. w they laid four carpets underneath the Page 12 • The Bulletin • September 2011

COR Is On the Move THIS MONTH AT EASTSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD EMPLOYMENT CENTER

by Ken Nesbit example, COR took a group to the The Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center (ENEC), 5321 Penn Avenue, Coalition of Organized Residents of Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, provides a wide range of employment services free to the community, East LIberty where a good time was had by all. including partnerships with UPMC, Children’s Hospital, and PNC Bank, career COR will sponsor more trips in the counseling, job readiness training, and resume help. With our new expand- After months of transition, the future. ed hours and partnership with Pittsburgh CONNECTS Technology Center, Coalition of Organized Residents of I am working as COR’s new you’ll be able not only to apply for jobs, but learn new skills for your career. East Liberty, Inc. (COR) is on the Section 3 Specialist. Along with our Stop in today to learn more! move again. COR will continue to intern, Ashley Fisher, I will be pursue its mission to improve the working to update our resident data- Upcoming quality of life for low- to moderate- base and to help place people on the On September 15, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. ENEC will be hosting CCAC so you can income residents of the East Liberty Fairfield Phase II construction site. learn about their FREE online training certificate course and how to sign up! community. Alethea Sims, COR’s I am also on hand to assist in such President, is pleased to announce things as creating a resume and con- Job Alert Are you good with computers? Like helping others learn about computers? the addition of two staff members. ducting mock interviews to Pittsburgh CONNECTS has part-time paid and volunteer positions available. Angel Gober, COR’s Tenant improve residents’ chances of locat- Duties include helping people access the Internet, performing general com- Organizer, has been busy assisting ing employment. puter maintenance, and helping with workshops. Must be personable, reli- resident organizations in East COR is looking forward to able, and comfortable using and explaining how to use computers and the Liberty Gardens, Fairfield and East reconnecting with residents and internet. Evening and Weekend hours available. To apply, please visit the Liberty Place North – the apart- partnering agencies to keep moving ENEC and ask for Michael, or email your resume to [email protected]. ments whose residents are repre- to the future. Office hours are sented by COR. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 With Angel’s assistance, COR is p.m. Evenings and Saturday s are now a partner with Tickets for Kids, by appointment. For more informa- which will allow COR to make it tion, call 412-661-2600. Also, you possible for families to attend can follow us on Facebook and events that might have been Twitter.w unavailable to them. In June, for September 2011 • The Bulletin • Page 13 YOUTHS IN BGC PROGRAM ACHIEVE EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT

by Charis Rose Management, Computer Information Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation Systems, Math Education, and Nursing Assistant. The Out-of- Participants in the Bloomfield- School Youth Employ-ment Program Garfield Corporation’s Out-of-School exceeded benchmarks in every area. Youth Employment Program demon- These young people proved that strated an outstanding show of theirs is not a lost generation. They resilience this year in the face of eco- are a driven, determined, and tri- nomic hardship. Achieving certifica- umphant group of young adults. tion in Microsoft Word and Customer Although they faced many challenges Service, employment in various sec- – such as absent parents, broken rela- tors, and enrollment in post-second- tionships, teenage parenthood, crimi- ary institutions, while also enhancing nal backgrounds, learning disabilities, lifelong learning habits, they have domestic violence, and on and on – proven that hard work does pay off. the program’s young adults kept hold On July 26, the BGC celebrated its of hope, because their lives depended shining stars for their successes at the on it. They are our Phoenix genera- “Imagine Me” Recognition tion. Rick Swartz/BGC Luncheon. Youths have gained The BGC is now recruiting strong, employment in education, light indus- determined, and committed young THE BGC’S CHARIS ROSE (RIGHT) WITH 2010-2011 OUT-OF-SCHOOL PRO- GRAM PCARTICIPANT MARK CHARLTON, NOW A SOPHOMORE MAJORING trial and customer service. Others are adults, 17 to 21 years old, for the IN PSYCHOLOGY AT POINT PARK UNIVERSITY. attending Community College of 2011–2012 program. All interested Allegheny County, Penn State parties should contact the BGC imme- University, Point Park University, and diately. Call 412-204-7164 for more Slippery Rock University, with information.w majors in Arts, Business

Student Gets Hands-on Newspaper Experience by Paula Martinac The Bulletin Her byline has been on Bulletin articles since June, as she covered everything from Garfield’s feral cat population to new businesses along Penn Avenue. Now Caitlin Cleary, The Bulletin’s summer intern, has left the paper to begin her senior year at the University of Pittsburgh.

The Bulletin accepts interns from Paula Martinac/The Bulletin local universities in the fall and spring, and from all universities dur- in sports writing,” she notes. ing the summer. Interns are usually She says that what she liked most English, journalism or communica- about her Bulletin internship was “I tions majors, but students in other got to do things on my own. I had a fields are also welcome to apply. They friend who was doing an internship work 10 to 12 hours a week, both in and just got stuck tabling somewhere. and out of the office, conducting inter- This internship was hands-on. I got an views, writing articles, taking photo- idea for what having a real job feels graphs, learning page layout, copy like.” editing and proofreading. The internship also gave her a “I’d never interviewed anyone good sense of the East End. The before,” says Caitlin, whose intern- Philadelphia native says she now likes ship fulfilled credits for Pitt’s to attend “Unblurred: First Fridays on Certificate in Public and Professional Penn”; has favorite eating places Writing. As a Bulletin intern, she hit along the avenue, such as BFG Café the ground running and quickly and Spak Brothers; and enjoys shop- learned her way around a reporter’s ping at Target. Before her internship, notebook. “I felt so professional inter- “I’d heard of the neighborhood, but viewing Kathi Boyle at Pittsburgh couldn’t have told you where it was,” AIDS Task Force my first week.” she admits. “I learned where I am in Caitlin says she had previously relation to other places in the city.”w thought about journalism as a career, “but I didn’t know if I had a flair for To apply for a Bulletin internship, it.” During the internship, she started send a letter and resume to bul- to think she could indeed make a [email protected]. career out of it. “I’m really interested Page 14 • The Bulletin • September 2011 THE BULLETIN BOARD

CALLING THE CREATIVE Hampton Street. Mail or drop off your HOMEOWNERS FACING The Bulletin Board publishes list- registration and payment to The Open ings of volunteer opportunities, Door, 801 N. Negley Avenue, Office FORECLOSURE free or low-cost events and class- Handmade Arcade is seeking crafty #2 (located in the Union Project on Homeowners can still apply for the es, announcements, fundraising demonstrators for Handmade Arcade the corner of Stanton and Negley). federal Emergency Homeowners’ events, and services that are of on November 12, 2011. This event Questions? Contact B.J.Woodworth Loan Program (EHLP) if they are particular interest to our neigh- has had 8,000 attendees and feautres at 412-215-6398 or bj@pghopendoor. unable to make their monthly mort- borhoods. Send announcements demonstrations and activities for ven- org or Lisa Collier at 412-567-2582 gage payments because of job loss or to Bulletin@bloomfield- dors. Applications are now being or [email protected]. income reduction. This program is garfield.org by the 15th of each accepted through September 11. For available through Sept. 30, 2011. month. We do not accept listings more information please contact Homeowners may be eligible for a over the phone. Listings pub- Tricia at 412-654-3884 or e-mail BEASCOUT loan of up to $50,000 or 24 months of lished on a space-available basis. [email protected] Boy scouting is designed for boys in mortgage payments if they meet cer- PLANET PARTY grades 1-5 (Cub) and ages 11-17 tain criteria: having lost at least 15% (Boy), emphasizing leadership, citi- of income; having missed three mort- COUNCIL TO GO Planet Party at Assemble, 5125 Penn zenship and personal fitness while gage payments or received a foreclo- Avenue, on Wednesday, Sept. 14, developing character, family under- sure notice; being likely to start mak- Meet Councilman Patrick Dowd at from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. is a kid-orient- standing and community service. It's ing payments again within two years; Council to Go, his mobile district ed event, fun and free. Snacks will be camping, fun with friends and more. being at or below 120% of area medi- office. Councilman Dowd and his provided. Come work with local A cub scout pack meets on an income; and are applying for help staff will be available to hear your artists and talk about the universe. Wednesdays at St. Raphael School in on their primary residence. For infor- concerns, provide news on issues in How do you see it? What's really out Morningside at 6:30 p.m. A boy mation and assistance, call 1-800- Council, and help you access city there and where do you fit in? Come scout troop meets at the Stephen 342-2397 or visit www.PHFA.org. services. In September, Council to talk, make, and think! Ages 5 to 7 are Foster Community Center on Main Go will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 27, strongly encouraged to join the fun. Street in Lawrenceville on Mondays from 6 to 7 p.m. at Crazy Mocha at at 7 p.m. If interested, call 412-661- UNBLURRED: SEPT. 2 4525 Liberty Avenue in Bloomfield. LITTLE ITALY DAYS 2963 or go to www.BeaScout.org . For details on this and future Council The first Friday of each month, from Celebrate the 10-year anniversary to Go sessions, visit www.pghgov. ORNINGSIDE 6 to 11 p.m., galleries and venues in com/district7 or call 412-255-2140. celebration of Bloomfield’s Little M C.O.G.I.C. the Penn Avenue Arts District (4800- Italy Days on Friday through Sunday, Join the Christian fellowship on Sept. 5500 Penn Avenue) open their doors Sept. 23 to 25. Free admission. For 10 from 9 a.m.-noon at Morningside and showcase a variety of artwork TOWN MEETING ON more information call 412-681-8800 Church of God in Christ at 5173 and performances. Guests will expe- UPMC-HIGHMARK or e-mail [email protected] Dearborn Street. Breakfast will fea- rience new art and meet the most ture a talk by Sunday School teacher eclectic array of art- makers, old and State Senator Jim Ferlo (D- and Booster, Elder Ronald Tann. young, modern and classical, famous Allegheny) will host and moderate a HISTORIC ALLEGHENY Registration for Willa McKay and amateur, emerging and veteran, town hall meeting focusing on con- ARSENAL RECREATED Johnson School of Bible 2nd Ministry all within walking distance of each sumer concerns regarding the dispute ends Sept. 1 and classes begin Sept. other. For a complete listing of par- between UPMC and Highmark. The Tom Powers and Jim Wudarczyk will present a lecture and PowerPoint 7-8. For more information, please call ticipating venues, visit event will take place Thursday, at 412-361-9865. http://is.gd/unblur online. September 8 at 7 p.m. at Soldiers and presentation titled “The Allegheny Arsenal Visualized” for the Sailors Memorial Hall Ballroom in GARFIELD COMMUNITY Oakland. Those who wish to speak at Lawrenceville Historical Society’s A PLACE TO BELONG the town hall are encouraged to regis- public meeting series on Thursday, MEETING ter with Senator Ferlo's office at 412- September 15, at 7 p.m. in the McVey Come visit us at the Door of Hope Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation and 621-3006. Auditorium of Canterbury Place, 310 Community Church, 5225 Holmes Fisk Street. Speakers will discuss the Garfield Jubilee Association, Inc., are Street, Lawrenceville every Sunday at Arsenal’s importance in Civil War hosting a community meeting on 11 a.m. for our church service. We FALL INTERNSHIP @ history. The event is free and open to Tuesday, September 27, at 6:30 p.m. also offer Sunday school for all age ASSEMBLE the public. at BGC Community Activity Center, groups, plus Christians in Recovery, 113 N. Pacific Avenue. The meeting at 10 a.m. For additional information, Do you like making things? Want to will touch on the topics of housing please call 412-781-6440, email us at get involved and get your voice ARE YOU READY FOR development, workforce develop- doorofhopecommunitychurch@veri- heard? Interested in learning about SOME SOCCER? ment, public safety, recreation and zon.net or check out our Facebook how nonprofits work? Then join us other supportive services the organi- page for our calendar and updates . this fall as an intern at Assemble. We Sign up for A.I.S. Pittsburgh zations provide to residents. For more details on the meeting, please call are looking for junior/seniors in high (Ambassadors in Sport) East End “CHARACTERS OF THE school or college students. You will Soccer Club. For kids ages 5 to 11. 412-665-5220 or 412-441-6950. be given responsibility to get ready! If Register before September 18 for the BIBLE” interested, please email us at assem- discounted rate of $15 for 7 weeks of PLAYTIME IN FRIENDSHIP Morningside Church of God in [email protected] and we can keep soccer, shirt and trophy. After that, Christ, 5173 Dearborn Street in the conversation going from there. the cost is $20 until the registration Playtime in the Friendship Playpark is Garfield, presents “The Characters of You can use your internship time to deadline on September 24. Practices geared to Friendship residents with the Bible: Old Testament.” Friday, get credit from school, fulfill commu- and games held on Saturdays from children. We meet Wednesday nights September 16 at 7 p.m.; and “New nity service, and get a great recom- 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Heth's Field through the end of September from 6- Testament on Sunday, September 18, mendation in the end. Assemble is at by St. Raphael’s Church in 8 p.m. at the Montessori School at 5 p.m. For more information, call 5125 Penn Ave in Garfield. Morningside in the 5400 block of Playpark on Friendship Avenue. 412-361-9865. September 2011 • The Bulletin • Page 15 THE BULLETIN BOARD

PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CARNEGIE LIBRARY HAPPENINGS - SEPTEMBER Trinity Gallery, 4747 Hatfield Street HOUSE TOUR Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - in Lawrenceville, will be offering an Volunteers are needed for this year's East Liberty Branch Lawrenceville Branch introductory photography course. Pre- Lawrenceville Hospitality House 130 S. Whitfield St. 412-363-8274 279 Fisk St. 412-682-3668 register by September 8th. Classes Tour on Sunday, October 2, from All programs are free All programs are free will begin September 15th and will noon to 5 p.m. Volunteers will be sta- meet on consecutive Thursdays tioned at each house to verify that Pre-K Bingo Adult Book Discussion through October 13th. Classes will be those entering have a paid ticket. For ages 3-5 with an adult. Monday, Sept. 12 at 5 p.m. Call for held at Trinity Gallery from 6:30 to 8 Shifts are noon-2:30 p.m. and 2:30-5 Thursdays, Sept. 8, 11 a.m. book title. p.m. Cameras must have a manual p.m. Volunteers will receive compli- mode. Cameras can be film or digital. mentary tickets to attend the tour and Imagination Builders: Lego Day Snuggle Bug Story Time Cost for the course is $125. Contact will be invited to the thank you party For ages pre-K and up with family. Thursday, Sept. 15, 10:30 a.m. Dan Gaser at [email protected] or scheduled for Friday, October 7 at Saturday, Sept. 17, 11 a.m Runs for 8 weeks, through Nov. 3. 412-687-2458. Java Studios from 7-9 p.m. Volunteers may sign up at Kids Create: Origami Open House www.lawrencevillehousetour.org. For all ages. Saturday, Sept. 17, Monday, Sept. 19, 6-8 p.m. We PITTSBURGH DANCE & 3:30 p.m. will have refreshments to celebrate THEATER ARTS our new evening hours with a spe- Dance, fitness, and theater classes for MURDER MYSTERY School-Age Fun: Chocolate cial Pajama Party Story Time at 7 kids and adults of all ages and levels Tasting p.m. Children are welcome to wear in a non-competitive, nurturing, and DINNER For grades K-5. Thursday, Sept. their PJs and bring their favorite professional environment at 22, 4 p.m. Limited to 20 children. stuffed animal. Winchester-Thurston School, 555 Welcome to Camel Rock, Arizona, Morewood Avenue. Kids & adult where the outlaw is the law, the cow- Where’s the BIG Idea? Math Film Series of Independent classes include Ballet, Tap, Jazz, boy is king, and a gunfight is bound and Science for Pre-schoolers Productions Musical Theatre, Acting, Zumba, to take place! On Saturday, October 1, For ages 3-6 with an adult. Tuesday, Sept. 20, 6 p.m. Yoga, Mom & Me Yoga, and enjoy a murder mystery dinner at St. Wednesday, Sept. 28, 6:30 p.m. Ballroom/Social Dance (for Adults). Augustine Auditorium, 220 37th Classes begin September 6. Also, Street, Lawrenceville. Sponsored by Pittsburgh Junior Theater Audition Our Lady of the Angels Parish. for “How the Grinch Stole Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner FRIENDSHIP’S ANNUAL HOUSE TOUR CANCELLED Christmas.” Kids ages 7-14 needed served at 6:30 p.m. Don’t forget your for December 17 performance. Western wear! Cost: $25 a person. by Caitlin Cleary word of mouth has been their best Audition dates: September 8 and 13. Tickets available after weekend The Bulletin ally. Please call 412-681-7523 for appont- Masses and at the Parish Office. For The architecture of Friendship ment. For info, www.pgh-dance.com. information, call 42-682-0929. This fall may not feel the same to has lent itself to interesting tours in those looking forward to the 2011 the past. Mangan says that many Friendship House Tour. It was tour-goers have taken note of the recently cancelled due to a lack of contrast between a traditional homes to tour and less sponsorship Victorian exterior and the modern than in previous years. furniture and design inside. In the Kim Mangan, House Tour 100 years of the neighborhood's Committee co-chair, explains, existence, a single house may have “Some withdrawals impacted the had many owners. Houses evolve quality expected.” As Friendship is over the years due to the ever-chang- such a small neighborhood, the tour ing decorating styles of those who requires no fewer than six houses, live there, Mangan points out. although the committee usually The committee is already hard at prefers around eight. work planning next year's event and According to Mangan, a reunion has set the date for Sunday, event in late September will involve September 16, 2012. For more infor- former docents, volunteers and com- mation, or to volunteer for next mittee members generating fresh year’s event, please email ideas. “We want more excitement [email protected]. w and new members to get involved,” she said. Enticing homeowners to feature A Hauling Job? their houses on the tour involves a We clear basements, yards, garages, few different methods used by the attics, estates committee, from calls for volunteers Fast, Reliable, Reasonable to blanketing the neighborhood with Also demolition work, minor repairs, fliers. “Having 400 to 700 people grass cutting, salvage credit. through your home seems intimidat- 412-687-6928 Call Walt 412-773-0599 ing,” she says. Mangan notes that Page 16 • The Bulletin • September 2011 SANDIDGE STUDIOS: Avenue Insider Capturing Moments for Eternity

by Christine Bethea and confessed that he learned more in Bulletin Contributor three months than he would have in three years at school. He soon had a Often using East Liberty, Penn growing client list of his own that Avenue and other East End included IBM, Merck, and Ebony streetscapes as backdrops, Ahmad Magazine. It was then, at the height of Sandidge of Sandidge Studios has his career, that he was forced to make spent three years in his location at “a parental decision.” After 10 years 5515 Penn Avenue being, as he said, of rising success in New York, he “The best photographer I can be.” made a sacrifice many men would Sandidge’s decision to settle on have never considered – he returned “the Avenue,” came after a long histo- to Pittsburgh, to be near his children. ry of making difficult career choices “It wasn’t such a letdown,” that ultimately proved to be satisfying. Sandidge said, with a full smile. “I got Thirty years ago, he made his final to play catch with my kids and watch them ride their bikes in the street.” He determination. He had started out in Christine Bethea the corporate world, then decided he’d also began to rebuild his photography rather be happy than make money. business, starting with a smaller stu- want a picture taken,’ I ask, ‘What is it each woman gets an 11x14 retouched Sandidge recalled: “I’d been to Rio dio in Highland Park before moving for, where will it be shown or who are photo.” and saw the people had barely any- to the pristine square footage with you are giving it to?’ We’ll take time Ahmad Sandidge is proud of his thing, but their lives were full and joy- panoramic windows he currently for a consultation; that way we can journey, his craft and his heritage. ous.” Upon his return, he decided to occupies, renovated by local archi- decide what the best approach for you Looking over his domain, decorated attend classes at FIT in New York tects Doug Cruze and Liza Wellman. will be.” He added, “But I refuse to in modern Afro-centric style, he said, where, as the oldest student in his It was in Sandidge’s words, “Perfect! take any picture I can’t show my “As a black man raised in America, class, he determined to become a pho- I didn’t have to change a thing, just mother.” it’s nice to give my clients great pho- tographer or “starve trying,” he said. move in with my equipment.” To that end, the Sandidge studio tography and a slice of my culture. Before and after leaving FIT, However, Sandidge did add a few has various props, or people can bring But I’m not mad at anybody,” he Sandidge worked for a number of dif- creature comforts like his upscale their own. He makes it his business to added with a sense of humor. And ferent photographers to hone his craft. décor that includes black leather seat- create a fun experience for his clients with a wave of his hand, he indicated He learned from some of the best in ing, a bar and a sound system that while getting stellar results. “Most walls showcasing the bountiful diver- the business, but also noted he gave a plays randomized music from all over people say I gave them much more sity of his clientele, all ages and ori- lot of good advice himself. He quick- the world. He also boasts that he fixes that what they requested.” For around gins in beautiful portraiture. “If I can’t ly saw that while school had been a a mean Pina Colada. “And no offense $225 per person, private photo parties make you look good…then why come means to an end, the best way to learn to Starbucks, but that is not how I do can be scheduled. “Our ladies’ to me?” he stated, having proved his photography was to go out and do it. photography. You can’t rush photo- evening has been especially popular. point. For more details, go to During this time, Sandidge had taking; there’s no specific formula. We offer unlimited wine and cheese, www.sandidgephotography.com.w ample opportunity to travel the world When people walk in here and say, ‘I use of our space and props, music and

BLOOMFIELD-GARFIELD CORPORATION United Way Contributor Choice #260

Since 1976, the Bloomfield- Garfield Corporation has been a voice for change and improve- ment in the Bloomfield, Garfield, and Friendship neighborhoods. The BGC’s staff, board, and vol- unteers work to achieve the physi- cal revitalization of the communi- ty, improve its economic assets, and invest in the social well-being of its citizens. Please help the BGC to continue to be strong and responsive to our neighborhoods by directing your United Way gift to Contributor Choice #260.