the inside Borough 3 WCDC 4

School District 5

Chamber of Commerce 7

VOL. 9 NO. 6 March 2016 A Free Community Newsletter Bringing You Good News About Wilkinsburg The Ardmore Corridor Is Marked for Big Changes

Officers Yuhouse and Jarko K-9 Officer Passes Away “It is with great sadness that we Wilkinsburg announce the passing of our beloved K-9 Officer, Jarko. Jarko died unexpectedly yesterday as a result of complications following surgery,” the Wilkinsburg Police Department posted online on January 27. Jarko served with the department and his handler, Office Doug Yuhouse for eight years and was responsible for countless photo by Drew Gordon drug arrests and criminal apprehensions. He did many public presentations for As spring rapidly approaches and we later in 2016. In all, the Borough will Youth and Citizens Police Academies. anxiously await the rebirth that comes spend up to $750,000 on demolition— Jarko served the Wilkinsburg Police with the melting snow and warmer made up of a $250,000 grant of CITF Department and the community with temperatures, Wilkinsburg too moves (Community Infrastructure and Tourism courage and distinction, and he will be toward a rebirth or renaissance of one of Funds) received from the Redevelopment greatly missed. our major gateway corridors. Authority of Allegheny County (with the In the upcoming months, Ardmore strong support of Senator Costa) and WCDC Receives Initial Funding Boulevard, from Franklin Avenue to $500,000 from a recent municipal bond. for Train Station, See story on Swissvale Avenue (this includes the 1200 This project stems from the creation of page 4. block of ) will undergo a an Official Municipal Map, recommended huge transformation as 29 houses are by the Planning Commission and passed demolished and replaced with native by Council in September 2013. wildflowers and grass in the first phase of This map designated areas for a larger initiative to create an attractive redevelopment by the Borough over an gateway to our Borough. extended period of time, in this case 15-20 An additional 37 houses in the same years. The Ardmore corridor was identified general area will also be bid for a second due to the concentration of blight, its phase of demolition which would come continued on page 8 Bulletin Board www.wilkinsburgsun.com www.facebook.com/wilkinsburgsun

New Art Show at Percolate Wilkinsburg House & Garden Tour next celebrate the highlight of the Christian Percolate year, the WCDC is currently seeking calendar. Part 1 is Good Friday, March Art Space, at 317 committee members to help plan the tour, 25, at 6 p.m. and Part 2 is Easter Trenton Avenue homeowners who are willing to show their Sunday, March 27, 11 a.m. at St. Mark in Wilkinsburg, on the tour, event sponsors, day-of A.M.E. Churc, 1409 Montier Street in ushers in spring volunteers, and vendors. This year’s tour Wilkinsburg. with Regener- will take place on Saturday, September 24 There is no charge, but free-will ation: New in and around the historic Hamnett Place offerings will be accepted. Artworks by neighborhood. Those interested in helping Samir Elsabee, out should email marlee@wilkinsburgcdc. Mifflin Madness Jake McCauley, org or call 412.727.7855. On Saturday, March 19 at 12 noon, Envy by Jenn Wertz. Jenn Wertz and there will be a Hoop Shoot Contest and Bob Ziller Help Plan the Vacant Home Tour 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament for Mifflin These four accomplished artists, Building on the success of last year’s Continued on page 8 spanning six decades, present a showcase first-ever Vacant Home Tour, which of impressive paintings covering a brought over 600 people to Wilkinsburg wide variety of styles: figurative works, to discuss the issue and opportunity of landscapes, mythological studies, blight, the WCDC will bring the tour portraiture, small studies of musicians and back on May 7. Residents, local historians, performers. and sponsors are needed to ensure a The opening reception is on Saturday, successful event, so please consider helping March 12, from 6–9 pm. and is free and out. The next event planning meeting [email protected] open to the public. The show runs until will be Thursday, March 3, 6 p.m. at the April 16. Percolate is open on Saturdays P.O. Box 86064 from 12–4 p.m., and by appointment Wilkinsburg, PA 15221 412.606.1220 Lynne Gordon, Editor THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Wilkinsburg Historical Society Jason Cohn, President The Wilkinsburg Historical Society Minister Linda Kirkland-Law, Vice President John Irwin, Treasurer offers a new year of historical programs Vanessa McCarthy-Johnson, Secretary beginning on Monday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m. 2016 is a special centennial year for The Wilkinsburg Sun is a free Wilkinsburg. It has been 100 years since monthly community newsletter published by the the train station was opened, the railroad volunteer Wilkinsburg Community Newsletter tracks were raised, and the Lincoln statue Board, with the support of the Wilkinsburg Borough, the Wilkinsburg School District, dedicated. the Wilkinsburg Chamber of Commerce and The WCDC (Wilkinsburg the Wilkinsburg Community Development Community Development Corporation) Corporation. The Sun is printed by Knepper Press. has made Wilkinsburg’s train station Landmarks Preservation Resource Center Please submit all articles and calendar the focus of a capital campaign to raise (744 Rebecca Ave.). If you cannot make events to: [email protected], funds to stabilize and begin restoration or by mail, P.O. Box 86064, Wilkinsburg, the meeting but would like to get involved, PA 15221. Please submit articles 5 weeks of the structure. The Historical Society email [email protected] or call before publication and will discuss and plan for this restoration 412.727.7855. calendar events 3 weeks before effort. Additional topics are the centennial publication. To advertise, e-mail [email protected], celebration and programs for the Free Play for Good Friday and Easter or call 412.680.1381. The Sun accepts upcoming months. What Manner of Man is This? is submitted articles provided they are related The meeting is at South Avenue to Wilkinsburg and are civic-minded. The an original drama based on Gospel Sun reserves the right to withhold articles United Methodist Church. Attendees events surrounding the life, death and from print. Please note that The Sun does should use the left Ross Avenue entrance. triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ. not publish political or opinion pieces. All are invited to attend. Refreshments are Told in two parts, the story provides a served afterwards. moving examination of the lives of several people who Jesus encountered, touched Wilkinsburg House & Garden Tour 2016 and healed. Sign up to receive The Sun Planning Underway This costumed drama is accompanied by email at eepurl.com/v0iBP If you want to get involved with the by sacred music and provides a way to and friend us on Facebook. 2 Wilkinsburg Sun I March 2016 Wilkinsburg Borough www.wilkinsburgpa.gov

Borough Council Responds to Negative Post-Gazette Article

On the same day as the Post-Gazette Wilkinsburg has investigated methods to police services was quickly dismissed article “No Money, No Police Force” was provide the highest quality service to our by Council, this article misrepresented published, there was a meet-andgreet residents while seeking simultaneously Council and undermined our police event to welcome six new officers to the to save costs and protect our dedicated officers and police department. Wilkinsburg Police Department and employees. This includes contracting both Crime in Wilkinsburg is decreasing introduce them to the community. our fire and refuse collection with the City every year. Our community policing and As they interacted with an of . department, 24 strong, is our biggest asset overflowing group of leaders, residents These agreements were made over time for a growing diverse community. Our and youth, you couldn’t help but notice and ensured the best service and resulted fine officers are backed up by surrounding the professionalism, enthusiasm and in significant savings for the Borough. communities’ police and Allegheny County dedication with which this diverse group In the case of our Fire Department, for major crime investigations. We can’t of youthful officers presented themselves. Wilkinsburg firefighters joined the afford not to have our police force—they do Joining our new officers, were our Pittsburgh force. Recently, we witnessed an excellent job. seasoned veterans of the force and our firsthand the quality of our public safety Most importantly, our police officers Chief, Ophelia Coleman. as the Pittsburgh Fire Department— need to know how much we appreciate This event, and the reality of the partially housed in the Wilkinsburg them. You can see them at Community Borough present a striking contrast to the Borough Building—responded to a fire on Day, our rapidly expanding Block Watch dismal, hopeless and inaccurately negative Ross Avenue, saving an elderly resident, meetings, Biddle’s Escape coffee shop, or depiction presented in just the opening preventing the spread of the fire and Save-A-Lot, always greeting residents with lines of the Post-Gazette article. As the injuring seven firefighters in the process. a smile. Simply put, they are constant Council of Wilkinsburg, we must respond Members of our Fire Department—whether fixtures—watching and protecting all of us. and share the thoughtful consideration in the name of Pittsburgh or Wilkinsburg— Likewise, Wilkinsburg has made other which guides our efforts to lead our were heroes. changes to ensure the best service for our community and the successes that we, and Let us set the record straight regarding residents and to increase revenue. In late our strong allies and partners—Allegheny Wilkinsburg’s 2016 budget. The budget 2014, Wilkinsburg Borough, working County, Wilkinsburg Community adopted for 2016 includes full funding of in partnership with the Wilkinsburg Development Corporation, Pittsburgh our police force with no reductions or School District, hired a new delinquent History and Landmarks Foundation, contracting out of services. tax collector. Working collectively, the Wilkinsburg Chamber of Commerce and While the article briefly mentioned collection of back taxes has increased Hosanna House, to name just a few—have that the suggestion of subcontracting dramatically. In addition, the Council and experienced and continue to strive for in School District are seeing an increasing Wilkinsburg. Wilkinsburg Spring Clean Up number of properties return to the tax Like all municipalities, Wilkinsburg’s April 23, 8–1 rolls through a variety of programs, operating expenses have increased, and our including Tax Abatement, Enhanced Tax constituents look to us to keep the millage Abatement for Commercial Uses, Tax rates in check. As a responsible Council, Compromise, and the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County’s Vacant UPCOMING MEETINGS Property Recovery Program. Too, Wilkinsburg has realized that 3/1 (Tues.) 6 p.m. Planning Commission continued on page 6 3/2 (Wed.) 7 p.m. Council Work Session, 2nd floor 3/9 (Wed.) 7 p.m. Council Legislative Session, 2nd floor Municipal Service 3/10 (Thurs.) 10 a.m. Civic Sector & Constituent/ Business Outreach Comm., 2nd floor Council Chambers Fee Increase At its Feburary 10 meeting, 3/17 (Thurs.) 5:30 p.m. Parks & Recreation Advisory Bd., 1st floor Wilkinsburg Borough Council voted 8-1 3/21 (Mon.) 4 p.m. Public Safety Committee, 1st floor to increase the Municipal Service Fee by $10 to $190. This increase will bring the 3/23 (Wed.) 6 p.m. Shade Tree Advisory Committee, 2nd floor fee more in line with the actual cost to the All meetings will take place in Wilkinsburg Borough Building, 605 Ross Ave. Borough for trash and recycling collection.

www.wilkinsburgsun.com 3 WCDC www.wilkinsburgcdc.org

WCDC’s Free Business Planning WCDC Receives Initial Funding for Train Station Workshop Returns this Month The WCDC recently received a $1 million grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation in support of the Wilkinsburg Train Station Restoration Project. The grant is conditioned upon the WCDC raising the remaining $750,000 required to cover project costs. To meet this goal, the WCDC has initiated a capital campaign to engage more foundations, corporate partners, and individuals in this important community project. This year represents the 100th anniversary of the Train Station building, and the WCDC is excited to have the initial restoration funding committed at this photo by Jason Cohn The WCDC will host another free eight-week business planning workshop this spring, critical time. The Wilkinsburg Train Station beginning March 23. The workshop will be led by Gordon Manker, WCDC Business Restoration Project has become a top Development Specialist, and will follow the Core Four Business Planning Course®. priority for the community. The WCDC This course teaches aspiring or existing business owners the information and skills and partners envision that the building needed in four fundamental or “core” elements of business planning, including: will come to represent the intersection of • planning for business success, commerce and community as the borough • planning to meet the needs of the marketplace, continues to grow and thrive. Through its • planning business cash flow needs, and strategic location adjacent to Penn Avenue • planning how the business will operate. and along the East Busway, the Wilkinsburg Starting with a business idea, this course is used to plan a business in real time. As Train Station building is poised to become students and entrepreneurs learn by doing, they will see the business idea evolve as they a transit-focused civic space that benefits build the details. Experience demonstrates that a strong, well-researched business plan residents, visitors, and commuters. increases the likelihood of success. Entrepreneurs will save time and money later on by To learn more, email marlee@ making mistakes up front and on paper. The skills they learn in business planning will pay wilkinsburgcdc.org or call 412.727.7855. off in other areas of their life as well. To support the WCDC, send a tax- The WCDC’s first Core Four Business Planning Course® took place last fall. In deductible contribution to 1001 Wood total, 14 entrepreneurs, some just starting out and others with over 20 years of experience, St., Wilkinsburg, PA 15221 OR donate online at graduated. From contractors to restaurateurs to childcare providers, the graduates all shared wilkinsburgcdc.org their desire to grow their businesses in the Wilkinsburg community. The WCDC looks Thank you! forward to helping a new class of entrepreneurs this spring. 412.727.7855 • 412.871.3149 (fax) To take advantage of this free opportunity to grow and enhance your business, call the [email protected] WCDC at 412.727.7855 or email [email protected]. WCDC CALENDAR

3/3 (Thurs.) 6 p.m. Vacant Home Tour Planning Meeting, Landmarks Pres. Resource Center, 744 Rebecca Ave., [email protected] ®

3/9 (Wed.) 8 a.m. Community Power to Prosper Program begins 807 Wallace Ave., [email protected]

3/19 (Sat.) 9-11 a.m. WCDC Board Meeting, 1001 Wood St.

3/23 (Wed.) 7-9 a.m. WCDC Business Planning Workshop begins, 807 Wallace Ave., [email protected] Saturday, May 7: Vacant Home Tour Saturday, May 21: LDI’s Pop Up Pittsburgh! Event in Wilkinsburg Thursday, June 16: Wilkinsburg Train Station 100th Anniversary Event Saturday, September 24: 4th Annual Wilkinsburg House & Garden Tour Save the Dates! 4 Wilkinsburg Sun I March 2016 School District www.wilkinsburgschools.org

Wilkinsburg and Westinghouse Students Prepare for New Partnership

On Wednesday, February the transition activity planning 17 student leaders from process. With their guidance, Wilkinsburg MS/HS and the students completed a series Pittsburgh Westinghouse of activities designed to help Academy came together, to talk them think about how to make about the new partnership. the partnership successful. Conversations flowed between From working together to draw the students, who as members a “Coat of Arms” for the new of Westinghouse Student student body to answering tough Council, Wilkinsburg Student questions about how they can Council and the Wilkinsburg lead next year. The students Key Club will serve as leaders participated wholeheartedly and next year. Students took part were excited to be there. in team building exercises and The meeting was a resounding success. The students said they had a great participated in focus groups. Through the time together. As they left, they conversations, new and old friendships were already asking when they will get to grew. The students all reported to be attend more events for students from both thrilled with the outcome of the event. communities. This convening will be the The day’s activities were facilitated by first of many such activities to come. Up Brigette Bethea Patterson, a Pittsburgh until the opening of the 2016-17 school Public Schools Project Manger and Nic year, students from both schools will have Marlton, a Wilkinsburg School District lots of opportunities to come together and Project Manager. They are the leaders of get to know each other.

Notice Of Public Hearing DEEPER INTO FORGIVENESS: The Board of School Directors of the Wilkinsburg School District will hold a public The Journey of Forgiving hearing on Monday, March 7, at 7 p.m. in the Wilkinsburg High School Auditorium Others and Self 70 X 7 located at 747 Wallace Avenue, Wilkinsburg, 15221 for the purpose of Saturday, March 12, 9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. consideration of the closing of the Wilkinsburg Middle School/Wilkinsburg High School Pittsburgh Theological Seminary following completion of the 2015-16 school year. Sponsored by the Pneuma Institute & Ephesus Project Westinghouse Parent-Teacher Organization Meetings Parents of Wilkinsburg junior and senior high students are encouraged to attend This retreat is for all who desire to go PTO meetings at the Westinghouse School to help prepare for upcoming transition. The deeper into the process of forgiveness, as well scheduled PTO meetings are March 12, April 9, and May 14. as for those who lead others in the healing All the meetings take place at Westinghouse School from 10 -11:30 am in room 121. of bitterness and shame as pastors, spiritual All parents are welcome to attend. Childcare and refreshments are provided. directors and counselors. Janet Hellner-Burris is the senior minister SCHOOL DISTRICT CALENDAR of The Christian Church of Wilkinsburg (Disciples of Christ) and a partner with the 3/15 (Tues.) 7 p.m. Board Planning Session Pnuema Institute. As a survivor of abuse and 3/22 (Tues.) 7 p.m. Board Legislative Session the murder of a family member, she has been led retreats as well as weekly studies at the 3/23 End of Grading Period county jail on forgiveness for many years, and No school for students. is working on a revision of her book The 70 x 7 3/24 (Thurs.) Forgiveness Challenge. Half Inservice/half Clerical Day. Register online at theephesusproject. 3/25 (Fri.) No School. Local Holiday. org ($50 including lunch) or contact [email protected]/ 412. 867.8590. 3/28 (Mon.) No School. Spring Recess. (Potential snow make-up day.) www.wilkinsburgsun.com 5 COUNCIL RESPONSE, from page 3 Wilkinsburg Public Library March 2016 Calendar of Events we must proactively address blight and These library programs and events are free and open to everyone. Reservations can be deterioration that is beyond rehabilitation made in advance at the circulation desk or by calling 412.244.2940. if we are going to attract others to invest in our neighborhoods. With a $250,000 grant Adult Programs of CITF funds from the Redevelopment Pittsburgh Memoir Project, Tuesdays through March 22, 10 a.m.—Write your life stories. Authority of Allegheny County, combined Continue the community dialogue. Six-week workshop. Registration preferred. with up to a half million dollars from the Computer Basics, Wednesdays, 10 and 11:30 a.m.—Introduction to computers class. Borough, Wilkinsburg will, beginning Registration required. as soon as March, demolish up to 66 Resume & Applications Assistance, Fridays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.—Get help writing resumés properties primarily along the Ardmore and filling out applications especially online. Registration required. Boulevard Corridor leading into our General Book Discussion Group, Wednesday, Mar 30, 1 p.m.—Title to be selected. Everyone downtown and make infrastructure invited. improvements to the area. Crochet with Frankie, Mondays, 2 p.m.—Beginners and experienced crocheters welcomed. In spite of the morbid description, the Bring your materials. Post-Gazette’s article manage to highlight Eastridge Knitting, Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m.—Bring your current work and your questions. that Wilkinsburg’s commercial district still Eastridge Crochet, Saturdays, 11 a.m.—Join Frankie to get tips and help with your hosts a successful family jeweler. Kenyon projects. Jeweler’s does not inhabit an otherwise vacant district; our downtown hosts dozens Children’s Programs of successful and growing businesses STEM Playground—Tuesday, Mar 1 p.m. - Play with different STEM toys like including grocery, specialty grocery, Roominate, GoldieBlox, Squishy Circuits and more. For ages 5 and up (under 8 with a clothing, shoes, hair salons and supply, parent). banks, eyeglasses, restaurants, florist, After School Art, Thursday, Mar 10, 4 p.m.—Make your own buttons and badges. All ages. paint, hardware and automotive services Yu-Gi-Oh Duelist League, Thursday, Mar 17, 3-5 p.m.—Geared for younger and less among other uses. Recent workshops about experienced players to learn the game. Demo decks available. Ages 7 and up. growing and strengthening your business, Robotics Club, Thursday, Mar 24, 4-5 p.m.—Learn the basics this month when we try to sponsored by the WCDC and Wilkinsburg defeat an obstacle course with our VEX robot. For ages 8 and up. Chamber were beyond capacity as Family Movie Night, Mar 31, 4 p.m.—Family Movie Night: Bring your blankets and entrepreneurs realize the possibility and pillows and cozy up for a fun family film potential in locating in Wilkinsburg. Video Games, Tuesdays, 3-5:30 p.m.—Open Xbox One and Wii play. Ages 8 and up. You are invited to attend Council Eastridge Family Story Time, Thursdays, 11 a.m.—For all ages. meetings, which take place on the first and Eastridge Screen Printing, Mar 22, 3-5 p.m.—Learn how to create images using a screen second Wednesdays of the month at 7 p.m. printer on paper and fabric. If you like, bring a t-shirt to print on. For ages 6 and up (6- in the 2nd floor Council Chambers at 605 and 7-year-olds must be with an adult). Ross Avenue. Council members are also happy to meet with anyone interested to Art and Improv Acting Classes discuss the many good things happening Percolate Art Space offers Figure Drawing sessions on Tuesday evenings from 7–9 here and the revitalization that is occurring. p.m. for $10. No registration required. Collectively, The gallery also offers Improvisational Acting classes by Bobbi Williams, she can be Wilkinsburg Borough Council reached at 412.607.4297.

1789 S. Braddock Avenue

Suite 410

Pittsburgh, PA 15218

www.metrofamilypractice.org 412-247-2310

Health care to all people, at every stage in life, without regard to their ability to pay…

6 Wilkinsburg Sun I March 2016 Chamber of Commerce www.wilkinsburgchamber.com

Nine Mile Run: 15 Networking Opportunities March 16, 5-7 p.m. Years of Watershed Stanton Industrial Electric Supply Inc. Stewardship 521 Penn Avenue, Wilkinsburg, The Nine Mile Run Watershed Association (NMRWA), established in 2001, Upcoming Business After Hours: will be in April 19 at Steel City Movers and in May is celebrating its 15th anniversary. 2016 also with Admintrinsic.Host your event in June! marks 10 years since the completion of the Nine Mile Run stream restoration, which Next Monthly Meeting dramatically improved the long-term health The next meeting of the Chamber is March 17, 8 a.m., 605 Ross Ave, Wilkinsburg of the stream. Borough Building, second floor. You’ve probably seen NMRWA staff Positive change is taking place in the East End and making its way to Wilkinsburg. I urge all business owners, non-profit organizations, residents, and stakeholders to please become a member of the Wilkinsburg Chamber of Commerce. Have a voice in the revitalization of the business district! —Yvonne James, president, and owner, James Flower Shoppe planting and tending to street trees in Membership Wilkinsburg and removing trash from Nine Go to www.wilkinsburgchamber.com under the membership tab for more Mile Run, as well as installing rain barrels information. 2016 memberships now being accepted. and rain gardens in the neighborhood through the StormWorks program. Call for Artists, Vendors and Food Purveyors NMRWA has also continually Be a part of the 2016 Wilkinsburg Thursday Open Market (WTOM)! Reserve your advocated on behalf of the watershed spot at this year’s farmer’s market by emailing [email protected]. and its residents for improved stormwater WTOM is held from June 16 through November 17 on Thursdays from 3-6:30 p.m. management and environmental quality. in the Ross Avenue Parking Lots, Wilkinsburg Operating primarily in Regent Square, Wilkinsburg, Edgewood, Swissvale, Squirrel Thank You to 2016 Chamber Members Hill, Point Breeze and Swisshelm Park, Pamela Macklin, Pete & Vicki Smith, Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, the organization has also partnered with Abator Information Services, NBT Holdings LLC, Jody Guy, Fulton Building and the communities of Homewood and East Remodeling, Dennis Bossick, Bridges to the Future, Davis-Fetch Corp. of Pennsylvania, Hills to embark on the Rosedale Runoff WTAE, BPI Inc., James Floral, Giant Eagle Frankstown Rd., Mansmann Foundation, Reduction Project, reducing the amount Trash2Treasure, Abracadabra Cleaning Services LLC, CP Development, IMPACT of sewage pollution and excess stormwater Redevelopment, John Irwin, James B. Richard Services, Kenyon Jewelers, Ralph Yearick, runoff entering the Nine Mile Run stream Pittsburgh Urban Christian School, Eastern Area Prehospital Service, The Real McKoy while greening the target neighborhoods. Creative, MD Autoworks, Enrich Products Inc., St. James Roman Catholic Church, Through the Clean Rivers Campaign, Thomas Home Child Care, Rocky Enterprises, Admintrinsic, Pennwood Paints & NMRWA has worked to direct regional Supply, Western & Southern Life Insurance Co. - Kyle Ross, Compass Self Storage, sewer authority’s investment in new South Avenue United Methodist Church, ACHIEVA, Vision Towards Peace Counseling infrastructure toward greener solutions. Services, Wilkinsburg Christian Housing, Community Hearing, Stanton Industrial Join NMRWA in celebrating their Electric Supply, Western PA School for the Deaf, Pittsburgh Dry Cleaners & Furrier, anniversary by attending upcoming charity Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation, Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance– benefit nights. A portion of all proceeds Chris Ashley. from food and drink will go directly to NMRWA. No RSVP required! Butterjoint: 214 N Craig St., Greater Wilkinsburg Chamber of Commerce Pittsburgh. March 8, 4:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. 1001 Wood St., Wilkinsburg 15221 • 412.242.0234 • [email protected] Franktuary: 3810 Butler St., Pittsburgh. April 6, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Watch for more NMRWA benefit and volunteer events at: ninemilerun.org/events. www.wilkinsburgsun.com 7 BULLETIN BOARD from page 2

Madness. Register your 3-5 person team at [email protected]. The registration fee is $30 per team. There will be a snack bar. All proceeds from this event go to the Sanctuary Project, an organization that works with the police and mayor’s offices in Wilkinsburg to end youth violence.

Wilkinsburg Registration Wilkinsburg baseball registration is at the Wilkinsburg Borough Building every Saturday in March from 10 a.m–2 p.m. The program includes girls (ages 12 and up) and baby minor. Registration is $30. photo by Drew Gordon ARDMORE, from page 1 demolish five additional houses there. East End Coop Classes geographic location as an important Wilkinsburg is committed to these The East End Coop offers a variety gateway to Wilkinsburg from the Parkway areas and has identified the “Ardmore of free classes. You can call 412.242.3598 and for the opportunities that exist to calm Wall” and its integral sidewalk as another to reserve a spot. On Thursday, March traffic, improve green infrastructure, create important component to the renaissance 31 at 7 p.m., a class on “Three Season better pedestrian and bicycle access and of this gateway. The Borough has applied Gardening in Western PA” will be offered create better links between Wilkinsburg’s for grant funds for this project as well and by Wilkinsburg’s Garden Dreams Hannah neighborhoods. hopes to see this project completed in the Reiff and Danielle Marvit, Garden A second target area runs from Hunter next 18 months. Dreams WCDC.VPRP.Fairy,SHADYAVE_Layout 1 1/15/14 11:51 ParkAM Page to Hill 1 Avenue and the Borough will —Patrick Shattuck, borough council president

The Allegheny County Vacant Property Recovery Program is working in Wilkinsburg.

Where wishes become affordable homes. For more information visit www.wilkinsburgcdc.org/vprp Fill out an application today—you could be living happily ever after—tomorrow

FAIR TRADE BANANAS ARE ALWAYS IN SEASON AT THE CO-OP

7516 Meade Street Pittsburgh, PA 15208 (412) 242-3598 www.eastendfood.coop

8 Wilkinsburg Sun I March 2016