The Polish Hill Voice
3060 Brereton Street ☼ Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ☼ (412) 681-1950 ☼ [email protected] ☼ www.phcapgh.org
Winter to Pivotal Streets Residential Façade Spring Renovation Grant Program 2013 By Alexis Miller Clean off your paint brushes and dust off Contents your hard hats. This spring, Polish Hill homeowners are going to get an extra hand with their façade renovation projects. PHCA Updates 2 Thanks to funding from Pittsburgh Partner- ship for Neighborhood Development and PNC Foundation, the Polish Hill Civic Association News and 3 will be assisting homeowners interested in Announcements renovating their street-facing façades. The program, Pivotal Streets Residential Façade Renovation Grant Program, will give a match- Social club application 4 ing grant of up to $5,000 per property. causes concern The grant will match the homeowner's contri- bution dollar for dollar up to $5,000. For Brereton-Dobson Fire 5 example, if the total façade project is Site Development $10,000, the grant would be $5,000 and the homeowner's responsibility would be $5,000. Interested homeowners should con- tact the PHCA for an application and detailed Store Sklep Zapas 6 guidelines for the program, which will be
available in late February 2013. Funding will be available at multiple times throughout the Store, continued 7 year or until the funding runs out. The first application deadline is March 30, 2013. An independent review committee, made up of architecture, design and construction profes- sionals, will review applications and an- Traditional renovation ideas: 8 nounce the winners of this competitive award Wood-frame building Store, continued by April 30, 2013. A traditional façade renovation restores the origi- Pivotal Streets matching nal scale of the façade and includes trim detail. grant, continued The grant is disbursed on a reimbursement Original wood trim and ornamentation can be basis, so all awardees must pay the full cost restored or recreated with modern materials. The of their project up front. Once the project is scale of the original wood siding can be achieved completed, the property owner will be reim- using a variety of currently available materials, Art project inspires 9 bursed for the amount of the grant. All pro- including fiber cement clapboards. The design lasting connection ject sizes are encouraged, and any project guide features five building types, and shows tradi- with a minimum cost of $500 will be eligible tional and contemporary ideas for each.
Holiday events 10 to apply for a grant. (Illustration courtesy of Loysen + Kreuthmeier Architects, from the Pivotal Streets Design Guide) Homeowners may hire a contractor or do the work themselves. If the homeowner is per- Book. Created by Loysen + Kreuthmeier Archi- Membership 11 forming the work, only the material costs are tects, the design guide is specifically for Polish Application and eligible for a matching grant. Hill, highlighting the neighborhood's varied PHCA items for sale architecture and suggesting design concepts for Renovations should follow the guidelines and projects ranging from under $1,000 for micro suggestions in the Pivotal Streets Design Continued on page 8 Page 2 Polish Hill Voice
building that houses Lili Cafe, Mind- From the PHCA cure Records and Copacetic Comics. Mark is also a gradually retiring video President’s Message New website for camera operator. He has worked on the PHCA various television documentaries in- While Pittsburgh made the Forbes cluding several episodes of the PBS Travel Guide's list of 10 Unexpectedly The PHCA has been collaborating science show NOVA and many projects Romantic Cities, I have been pondering with the design firm Imagebox to re- for National Geographic. some of the similarly wonderful and un- fresh our online presence, including a expected things that have happened at new website, blog and logo. The goal of After living in Squirrel Hill for twenty the project is to echo the framework of years, Mark and Catherine moved to the PHCA so far this year. We are start- our recent community planning process, Bethoven Street, across from Al's ing to see some stunning colors and and feature new projects, initiatives Motor Works, in 2002. design (it's still behind the scenes) as we and news items as they unfold. We refresh and rethink our new website. don't have a solid date for unveiling the Mark says, "My work has taken me all entire project, but it will likely be early over the world. The people I have met We are running out of chairs at meetings April. We'd like to thank the Pittsburgh that I felt the best about seem to enjoy we have held about development in Partnership for Neighborhood Develop- being a real part of a strong commu- Polish Hill, from the disappointing plans ment for funding this much-anticipated nity ... whether that community is a update. for a social club (page 4) to the innova- group of mud huts in Ethiopia or a neighborhood coming together within tive approach to mixed-use development a modern European city. What I enjoy planning and design at the Brereton- Meet the New most about Polish Hill, is just walking Dobson Fire Site (page 5). Perhaps the Board Members around, saying hi, and feeling like I most unexpected and exciting thing that belong here." has happened this year, is the tremen- dous support from the Pittsburgh Part- Susan Atkinson Susan Atkinson grew up in the Irwin nership for Neighborhood Development area and has lived in Polish Hill since and PNC Foundation, that will help us 1983. She rented for seven years and launch the Pivotal Streets Residential bought the building she lives in during Façade Renovation Grant Program in the spring of 1990. Polish Hill (see article, front page). This opportunity is a unique one for the Susan is a licensed psychologist with neighborhood, and is even more exciting over 30 years in the human services field and has operated her own busi- because it allows us to unveil the Pivotal ness for the past 20 years. Streets Design Guide at the same time. Created by Loysen + Kreuthmeier Susan served as secretary for the Architects, the design guide is specifi- Two new PHCA board members were executive board of the Pittsburgh cally for Polish Hill, highlighting the sworn in at the January 2013 commu- chapter of the National Association nity meeting. Mark and Susan will neighborhood's varied architecture and of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) hold regular directorships, with a term suggesting design concepts for renova- from 2003 until 2005. In 2005, she of two years. Both have been active as was awarded NAWBO Pittsburgh tion projects ranging from under $1,000 concerned and engaged residents, Woman Business Owner of the Year. up to $35,000 or more. attending meetings, volunteering and She served as secretary to the board providing support to the organization of directors for the Polish Hill Civic With the opportunity to receive up to for years. We look forward to working Association from 2006 through 2008. $5,000 in matching grant funds, what with both of them. better time to plan an anticipated or In addition to her professional life, unexpected façade renovation? Mark Knobil Susan is an avid outdoor enthusiast Mark Knobil is a tireless neighborhood and a lifelong athlete. You can find Alexis Miller advocate. He was on the steering com- her cross-country and telemark skiing mittee for the Polish Hill Community in the winter, planting her garden in Plan and is involved in the stakeholders’ the spring, and hiking and biking Interested in volunteering? effort to save the historic buildings on through the summer and fall. Having the Iron City Brewery site. He and part- trained in Shotokan Karate for 15 Stop by the PHCA office ner Catherine McConnell have pur- years, she holds the rank of Nidan. She or a community meeting and fill out a chased and renovated a number of draws from the philosophy and men- volunteer profile form. Tell us Polish Hill properties, including the row tality she learned in Shotokan and what skills you have to share! houses next to the Rock Room and the views this as a paradigm for her life. Polish Hill Voice Page 3 News and Announcements
Walter Sinicki an old style. It could have been with you. And make sure all doors are posted anytime between the early locked and windows closed tightly -- honored by the 1900s to the 30s or 40s. If anyone advice that holds true for homes as well Diocese of Pittsburgh has any recollections about this busi- as vehicles. These simple actions will ness, we’d love to hear them. After help reduce our already low crime rate. the sign has been cleaned, it will be displayed at the PHCA office.
District 7’s City of Pittsburgh planning Council-to-Go presentation at March 5 community meeting meetings shift to a quarterly schedule Photo by Carole Kunkle-Miller As you may know, the City has been In a ceremony at Saint Paul Cathedral going through a citywide planning District 7 Councilman Patrick Dowd in Oakland on Sunday, January 27, long- process that includes numerous dif- will now bring his time Polish Hill resident Walter Sinicki ferent topics. One of the first plans Council -to-Go to Polish Hill was among the individuals honored with that the City Planning Department on a quarterly basis, on the the Manifesting the Kingdom Award tackled was Open Space, Parks and second Wednesday of the from the Diocese of Pittsburgh. The Recreation (http://planpgh.com/ first month of each quarter. award is given by the Diocesan Bishop to openspacepgh/) and they are now The meetings will continue those who have been nominated by their ready to present their draft findings to to take place at the PHCA office, religious leaders in recognition of their the public for feedback and to discuss 3060 Brereton Street. exceptional service. next steps. Next Council-to-Go meeting: Andrew Dash, senior planner from Mr. Sinicki's commitment to service Wednesday, April 10 extends to his neighborhood as well. In Pittsburgh's Department of City Plan- 7:00 p.m. Polish Hill, he's known as "Red," and he ning, will present preliminary findings has earned the respect of all who know at a special presentation at the March him. We congratulate him on the occa- 5 community meeting. We encourage sion of this award. any resident who has an interest in Event Calendar open space, parks and recreation to Feb/Mar/Apr attend and give feedback. Old store sign is the Feb 5| Monthly Community newest addition to the Meeting Preventing thefts 6:30 p.m. | West Penn Recreation Center PHCA archive (Senior Center, lower level) from vehicles Mar 5 | Monthly Community At each monthly community meet- Meeting with a special ing, Zone 2 supplies us with the crime presentation by PlanPGH An old storefront sign was donated to stats from the previous month. Polish 6:30 p.m. | West Penn Recreation Center the PHCA's Polish Hill archive by Chad Hill has one of the lowest crime rates (Senior Center, lower level) Sipes, who found the sign for the Cut in the city, so typically there are only a Rate Store in the basement of his build- few incidents to report. Probably the Apr 2 | Monthly Community ing at 3037 Brereton Street. most common crime in Polish Hill is Meeting TFA -- theft from auto. According to 6:30 p.m. | West Penn Recreation Center A list of shops and businesses from the details provided by Zone 2, many (Senior Center, lower level) around 1942 doesn’t record a store at of these losses are avoidable. 3037, but it does mention one next door Apr 10| Council-to-Go at 3035 Brereton. According to this list, Officer Marlease Porter, our Zone 2 with Councilman Patrick Dowd the Housewares Merchandise Outlet was community liaison, tells us that most 7:00 p.m. | PHCA office owned by two Polish Jews who "sold thefts from vehicles involve items left 3060 Brereton St. their merchandise from house to house in view and/or unlocked car doors. in satchels.” Perhaps this sign is from She asked us to remind residents not May 7 | Monthly Community the same store, or it could be from a to leave purses, shopping bags, laptop Meeting much older business. The sign is all computers or other items in sight -- 6:30 p.m. | West Penn Recreation Center wood and the lettering is handpainted in put them in the trunk or take them (Senior Center, lower level) Page 4 Polish Hill Voice
Social club application SAPP proposes to open a social club in a 4,000 square foot space on the second causes concern floor of this large warehouse building on the west side of the Herron Avenue for Polish Hill, Bridge, near Liberty Avenue. The build- nearby communities ing, which used to house the office of Carrier Heating and Air Conditioning, is owned by one of the officers on SAPP’s By Leslie Clague and Alexis Miller board of directors.
On Jan. 17, community and board (Photo by Mark Knobil) representatives from the Polish Hill Civic Association, Lawrenceville that would require SAPP to agree to United and District 7 Councilman and traffic concerns, and who would conditions on matters such as the sorts of Patrick Dowd attended a zoning hear- manage and staff the club. There were activities, management, hours of opera- ing to express concerns about the appli- also questions about the parameters of tion, and/or serving alcohol responsi- cation by the Social Association of Pitts- regular and associate memberships. bly. Having conditions upon use would burgh Professionals (SAPP) for a zon- SAPP officers didn't have clear answers give the community some power in the ing variance to open a social club at 0 to many of these questions, and repeat- event that the use of the building and the Sassafras Street, just inside the north- edly stated that they didn't want to hours of operation expanded to a point ern border of Polish Hill. The site is accept any limitations on their activities, where it was causing a negative impact located near the intersection of Herron which seemed to leave the question of on surrounding communities. and Liberty Avenues, where the borders what exactly would be happening at the of Polish Hill, the Strip District, Law- club wide open. This zoning variance will impact the use renceville and Bloomfield meet; com- of the building not only for SAPP, but for munity groups from all four neighbor- The community representatives at the the long term. If SAPP discontinues use hoods have taken an interest in the zoning hearing stated their opposition of the space, the social club zoning will application, particularly because of past to SAPP's application was based on this stay with the building for up to a year problems with violence, drugs and lack of specifics and SAPP's reluctance after being vacated; the next occupants other illegal activity at other social to put any limits on what members might not be as responsible as SAPP clubs or after-hours venues. Neighbors could do at the space. The zoning board claims to be. The Zoning Board will now in the Strip and Bloomfield Develop- chair questioned SAPP officials closely look at all the testimony and evidence ment Corporation were not able to send about their intentions and managed to presented, and come up with a decision representatives to the zoning hearing, draw out a little more detail about the by early March. but empowered PHCA President Alexis organization's plans, but the additional Miller to speak on their behalf. information did little to ease the con- cerns of community leaders. SAPP sup- The zoning variance and the liquor porter Mike Machi of Bloomfield stated Citiparks license -- a separate application -- that among the regular events would be after-parties for boxing events; other West Penn Community would allow SAPP to be open and serve Recreation Center alcohol from 7 a.m. - 3 a.m., seven days SAPP representatives mentioned private parties. When questioned about mem- 450 30th Street a week. In early meetings with neighboring communities, SAPP bership, the SAPP representatives stated that the organization wasn't just Use of West Penn facilities is free claimed that despite applying for a for all Pittsburgh residents. license and zoning that would allow for professionals but was open to white- collar and blue-collar individuals as New users must register them to potentially operate an after- to get a Citiparks card. hours club every day of the week, their well. They stated that SAPP currently has about 200 members, but that they Facilities include workout room intention was to have just a few events with exercise machines, weight room. a month. SAPP representatives gave do not currently pay dues. They plan on growing the organization, but stated no examples such as fundraisers for chari- Weight training and boxing training ties or weddings, but stated that people specific goal or cap on the number of members they might have. available upon request. would be joining SAPP because mem- bership would give them access to a Community representatives stated that Yoga class, Thursdays at 6:30 space where they could host any sort of ($7 donation per class) event they wanted. they did not want to discourage a private business, but the lack of reason- West Penn hours: During a Jan. 10 public meeting held in able limitations left open the possibility that the social club's use of the site 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Monday - Friday Polish Hill with board of members of 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday SAPP and residents and board mem- could go far beyond what the organiza- tion was currently proposing. The Closed on Sundays bers from all four communities, SAPP officers gave vague responses to ques- PHCA, Lawrenceville United and Councilman Dowd hope to negotiate For more information, tions about what types of events they call 412-622-7353 would allow, operating hours, security with SAPP on a Conditions of Licensing Agreement, a legally binding document Polish Hill Voice Page 5
Brereton-Dobson Fire Site Pre-Development Planning Begins
By Alexis Miller and Myra Falisz
In November 2012, the PHCA was one of 12 organizations awarded inaugural grants from the new Pittsburgh Neighborhood Renaissance Fund. The grant program was created to boost urban renewal projects in our region and is funded by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and the Design Center of Pittsburgh.
The PHCA received a grant for pre- development planning for the Brereton- Dobson Fire Site. During the Polish Hill Community Plan’s public meetings, the site came forward as a high priority and a creative opportunity for innovative, sustainable mixed-use development in the center of our most historic and cul- turally significant streets. The goal of the pre-development phase is to produce an inspired, community-based site plan that reflects the neighborhood’s desire for moderate-income housing and commer- Development Corporation (PHDC) are Above: The Brereton Street side of the cial space. The grant will allow us to also on the Steering Committee. Tom site: an empty hillside and a fire- explore design options such as sustain- Hardy of Palo Alto Partners is working damaged building. The houses in the able architecture, co-operative/co- on this project on behalf of the Polish background, which face on Dobson, are also part of the site. housing, green space and innovative Hill Civic Association as the project mixed-use development. Below: There are currently three build- manager and real estate consultant. ings on the Dobson Street side of the site.
At the start of 2013, pre-development The first meeting laid out the process (Photos by Leslie Clague) planning began. The Fire Site Steering and timeline of the grant. First, Committee held its first meeting on Jan. a market analysis of the site, 15 with the Design Center. The role of including the potential for com- the Steering Committee is to represent mercial and residential units, the neighborhood's interests, and guide will be conducted. Next, the the selection and community proc- Steering Committee will create ess. The ultimate goal is to select a pri- a request for proposal to devel- vate developer partner that will work opers that with the PHCA and other stakeholders includes the market analysis, to bring this project to construction and and a description of the site and completion over the next few years. development opportunity. Interested private developers The Fire Site Steering Committee is will choose architects to work made up of PHCA board members and with and submit documents to neighborhood volunteers with back- the Steering Committee to be grounds in art, architecture, real estate, considered for the project. The Steer- home renovations, design and develop- team is chosen, there will be open ing Committee will review these docu- community meetings and Steering ment as well as members from several ments, interview the developer/ key stakeholder groups. Polish Hill resi- Committee meetings to brainstorm architect teams and make recommen- uses and designs for the site. A final dents and property-owners on the Steer- dations on which developer we think ing Committee include Mary Lou Arscott, plan will be created and presented to would be best for this project. the community. The PHDC will then Paul Bowden, John Carson, Myra Falisz, John Lamberson, Catherine McConnell, work on negotiating the sale of the The owners of the property, PHDC, property to the developer, with the Alexis Miller and Valerie Testa. Shelly and its board will have final say in this Majcen of City Planning, Thor Erickson hope that the plans created in this collaborative process of choosing a process would come to fruition. of the Design Center, and Kyle Chintala- developer. Once a developer/architect palli of the URA/Pittsburgh Housing Page 6 Polish Hill Voice Store ~ Sklep ~ Zapas
by Jane Pelczarski Jane Pelczarski was born in 1932 and called Mary. She had several children to lived at 3210 Brereton Avenue in a little raise and this was her means to a liveli- All the stores on Polish Hill were house set back from the street. Jane's hood. Mary lived with her children in a located in the basements of the build- family moved to Lawrenceville when pleasant two-story building which has ings. As already mentioned in earlier she was older, but she never forgot her since been torn down. She had her store stories there was every type imaginable childhood in Polish Hill. across the street next door to Pampuch's on our streets. We had everything Cleaning Store on Brereton Avenue. from candy stores, to groceries, to Later in life, Jane wrote down stories Mary had a glass counter case that fea- taverns and even beer distributors. about growing up and collected these tured penny candy. (Boys and girls of Life was self-sufficient on our hill. stores into three groups of essays: today would laugh if they were told that Excursions into downtown shops were Childhood Days in Polish Hill, More their grandmothers and grandfathers not frequent. I believe that the arrival Tales of Childhood Days, and Final were able to buy something for one cent.) of the fifties changed this. When peo- Tales of Childhood Days. Jane has When my dad would give me either a ple began to move into the suburbs, kindly granted us permission to reprint penny or a nickel, down to Mary's store malls developed. With the advent of some of her essays. Here, she reminis- my little feet would scurry. (I didn't the malls the little dealers could not cences about the shops in the old know then that the Indian head pennies compete. So little by little the mom neighborhood. To illustrate this story, would be worth something in the future, and pop stores began to disappear. here are some photos of neighborhood so I didn't hang onto them.) Once in the businesses from the PHCA’s Polish Hill shop I would take my time choosing my photo archive. penny selection. I believe that, looking back now, of the many types of goodies We shared this PHCA archive material found in Mary's counter, the chocolate with Post-Gazette writer Diana Nelson- fudge candy was my favorite. Jones for a segment of her Storefront Project, which features the shops of the We had several bakery shops in our main streets of different Pittsburgh neighborhood, but the one that had the neighborhoods. The Brereton Avenue most variety was located on Dobson edition of the Storefront Project will Street. I could cut through the buildings appear in both the print and online edi- near Mary's home. There was a narrow tions of the Post-Gazette sometime in cellar way between the buildings and February or March. Avon’s Fruit Market, at 3045 Brereton everyone used this to get from Brereton Street, in an old photo. The building is still to Dobson Street. The Dobson Bakery there, but the storefront has long since made the best half-rye bread. My dad been covered over. (Photo courtesy of Jan liked to have his work lunch made with Avon) this bread and any cheese or meat that mom had on hand. Boston cream pies These small stores usually featured one made at the bakery were delicious. Their or two items and the owners generally layer cakes and donuts were tasty as well. lived on the floor above the stores. The stores were cozy and the proprietors Before Lent would start I remember were friendly. Everyone knew each everyone wanted to buy their pączki other quite well. There was also the (donuts). Sometimes they had jelly in added advantage of the credit system. them. Later they started to make them We did not have credit cards in those with cream. My aunt Rose loved the days, but if you were short on cash the cakes they made that resembled a owner of the business would put you Hershey's chocolate kiss. It was a type on the books. He would extend you of triangle cake. Sometimes the icing credit until the next payday or when would be chocolate, at other times it you could pay him back. Usually peo- would be vanilla. When I would be going ple would try to be good about paying to the bakery, my aunt would always ask back the merchant for the goods. Of me to pick up a half dozen of these cakes course there were always a few people for her. who were a bad risk. Their reputations would be broadcast in time and then On the corner of Brereton across from they would receive no credit thereafter. the John Paul Plaza was a grocery store run by a man named Karol. He had a As a child the favorite stores obviously Pampuch’s Dry Cleaners at 3114 Brereton. nice grocery store. Karol did not live in were the candy stores. One in particu- This building looks much the same today. the building but commuted to his busi- lar was run by a very sweet widow ness. He had luncheon meats, canned Polish Hill Voice Page 7
items. When mom would say that she was going to the dry goods store I would usually accompany her.
Across the street from the Lyceum Building that is now a parking lot there was another candy shop. I believe that the store owner was Mr. Zimmer.
There was also a place where you could eat your ice cream. He had some tables and chairs and an ice cream counter. When we had recess or our lunch hour we students would run across the street to buy some type of treat. They also carried magazines. I believe that all of us girls knew all the movie stars of that era. There was no television yet, so we read fan magazines. By this time our dads were working very well at the mills, factories and on the railroads. Walter Pietkiewicz Pharmacy was at 3053 Brereton (left). At 3055 (right) was Frank
Kaminski Pharmacy, later Orie’s Tavern and now Sarney’s. (Photo courtesy of Theresa Wojciak) World War II, when it came, ushered in an era of prosperity. By the time goods, bread goods and a glass case with ago to remember.) Anyway the meat we children were in the 7th and 8th candy. He also sold ice cream. Children selection at this store was excellent. grade our allowances had advanced to learn about the sweet things in life very During the war years when it was tough the lovely tune of a dollar from what quickly. From this store I would buy the to find things, you could count on a vari- before had been only nickels and frozen popsicles when I had two cents in ety here. We had to use coupons to pur- dimes, and before that pennies. my pocket — if I only had a penny the chase items so mom was very careful in long pretzel stick would be my choice. her use of them. I recall that mom would make a list and I would go and get in line Next door to our house was a great for the items on her list. Yes, we had to butcher shop. I believe the proprietor take numbers as we entered the store and was Mr. Delach. Later the owner was when your number was called, you would Okonski. (Possibly I have the names give the clerk your order. Business was reversed but that was such a long time so good that there were three clerks on certain days to help the customers. In time Eddy added other items to his stock. He had cakes, canned goods, breads and things like glass items, pickles, relish, etc. Moms were starting to buy already pre- pared food items in the forties. Life was becoming easier for mothers. In the thir- ties you had to make things from scratch. Our moms were thrifty and still did a lot but when they could save time they In the background of this family snapshot would. is Brereton Avenue and H.J. Cohen, which sold rugs and lamps. (Photo cour- The Nalitz familes were great storekeep- tesy of Eileen Goralski) ers. On Brereton they had a shoe store and a variety dry goods store, and on There were two stores that sold fruits Herron and Bigelow there was a car tire and vegetables only. One was located establishment. I loved the dry goods on Brereton and one was on Dobson store since the items sold there were of Street. I loved the smell of barrels of a type that every lady would appreciate. fresh apples when you came into the Jerry Helwick and Chester Galda at Ches- My mom would buy material to make place. Bananas were not that frequent ter’s Meat Market. When Chester retired, dresses. In addition they had purses, an item until the later years, especially Jerry bought the business, and it became blouses and many feminine clothing Jerry’s Meat Market. Continued on page 8 Page 8 Polish Hill Voice
Stores, continued from page 7 Façade renovation grants, from front page renovations up to $35,000 or more for Don’t forget to extra-large renovations. Façade renova- tions can include a variety of updates, renew from replacing sidewalks and adding new windows and doors, to painting a front porch or repointing brick. What project your PHCA have you been dreaming about as you shovel the snow from your front steps? Membership for 2013!
Memberships are on a calendar year basis.
Ting a Ling’s at 3060 Brereton Street sold Pay at the PHCA office or mail candy and cigars. This is now the office of the PHCA. in the form on page 11. (Photo courtesy of George Waksmunski ) after the war years. In addition, these two businesses would send their truck around the neighborhood selling to individual families. The men would holler out items as they drove by.
There were many other stores not URA home improvement loan mentioned, but here's hoping that this products help homeowners will bring back pleasant thoughts rehabilitate or renovate about our old homestead Polish Hill. their property.
(Borrowers must live in the home and Minimal renovation ideas: meet income specifications to qualify) Wood-frame building Pittsburgh Home Rehabilitation This is the same building type featured on Loan Program (0% interest) the newsletter front, yet focused on a mini- mal renovation. The emphasis is on en- Home Improvement Loan Program trances to the building and the façade por- (5.99% interest) tion closest to the street. Small-scale im-
provements, such as lighting, a new door, breezeway entrance and perennial plants, Keystone Renovation can add freshness and value to the prop- and Repair Program erty. A projecting trellis creates an awning to shade the window and stoop. Below the Check www.ura.org window, a simple planting box softens the for loan programs and income guidelines sidewalk edge. or visit the PHCA office Illustration courtesy of Loysen + Kreuthmeier Archi- tects, from the Pivotal Streets Design Guide
Submissions for the Spring-Summer issue of the Polish Hill Voice Deadline Publication Date Months Covered
April 15 Early May May/June/July Walter (Red) Sinicki and friends in from of his Flower and Gift Shoppe at the Submissions of news items, articles or photos relating to the interests and concerns of corner of Herron and Melwood avenues, Polish Hill residents may be emailed to [email protected], or by mail to the Polish Hill across from the Rock Room. The shop Civic Association, 3060 Brereton Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Images may be JPEGs space is now an apartment. (200 dpi or higher) or camera-ready art. (Photo courtesy of Red Sinicki) Due to space and content constraints, we may not be able to accept every submission. If you have any questions, please call us at 412.681.1950. Polish Hill Voice Page 9 Art project inspires lasting connection
By Leslie Clague During the fall semester, a small Carnegie Mellon University art class met every Friday at Isaac Bower's garage studio on Melwood Street. The class, led by Professor Jon Rubin, was an introduction to community-based art, a newer discipline in which artists go into communities to research and connect with people, then create work inspired by and based in the commu- nity. This artwork can take many forms, and is based on the idea that rather than working alone in a studio, artists should step out and engage with the world around them. Community- based artwork can be complicated. the mix of cultures: the old Polish Hill Above: The IHM choir: Zdzislaw Leszczynski People don't always react well to feeling represented by the church and the Mary Krystopolski, Janet Rattay, Cookie as if someone has come to their many residents of Polish heritage, and Mizgorski, Margie Gowaty, Doris Weir (in neighborhood to study them. It takes the new, which includes many young back, seated at the organ), Lee Parker, Dar- sensitivity and an open mind to seek lene Hennan and Mandy Walter. people, artists and musicians. For her out what makes a place special and to project, Lee decided that she would find the areas of common ground. Below, at practice: Doris Weir, Cookie explore the different cultures in Polish Mizgorski, Lee Parker, Mary Krystopolski and Hill through participation in music. It The class began by meeting with the Mandy Walter. took a while before she found a band (photos by Olivia Parker) PHCA board and staff to learn about that would allow her to join, but even- the neighborhood. Next, they explored tually connected with a group of musi- Polish Hill, walking around and talking cians who had Polish Hill ties. The to anyone who would make time for group practiced through the fall and them. After that, the students branched performed at Mr. Small's in Millvale in out on their own. Some began making December. regular visits to John Paul Plaza, inter- viewing residents and asking about To be a part of a more traditional musi- their life experiences. Others learned cal culture, Lee applied to and was about the history of the neighborhood, accepted as a member of the Immacu- and went on solitary hikes to find the late Heart of Mary Church choir. She more hidden parts of Polish Hill. After so enjoyed the experience that she has a few weeks, the students began to form continued to sing with the choir even ideas for their projects. One student after the class ended in December. Not did portrait drawings of people she only that, but Lee's husband Greg and met; another created a series of urban children Jay, 15, and Olivia, 13, who myths which she printed on signs, and The class projects were presented during moved to Pittsburgh to join her for her posted on vacant lots and in green the Community Potluck on December 4. semester abroad, liked the city so much spaces. Two students worked together It was wonderful to see how -- in just a that the family decided to move here to create a short film on the theme of few months -- a group from outside the permanently. They are now looking for childhood in Polish Hill, featuring four neighborhood came in, got to know a house near the kids' school in Shady- residents of different generations Polish Hill and its people, and responded side. Lee will continue her studies at recounting experiences of their youth. to their experiences with such interesting Carnegie Mellon, and plans to sing with and varied projects. We enjoyed working the choir and be involved in Polish Hill One student went even further. Lee with the class, and hope that these young where she has made many friends. Lee Parker, an exchange student from New artists will have some good lessons and was a big part of our Light Up the Zealand's Auckland University of Tech- great memories from their time in our Street event. She helped us decorate nology, had sung in church choir as a neighborhood. and also brought in talented musicians child. During her initial exploration of to perform. Polish Hill, she became fascinated by Page 10 Polish Hill Voice
Holiday events, lights and decorations brighten dark winter evenings
By Leslie Clague
As I write this, the holidays are a month past, and the cold and snow of January seem to close around us. Around Polish Hill, the last of the holiday lights have been removed as the neighborhood hunkers down for the rest of the winter. While the win- ter is long and cold, the season starts with warmth, lights, and good cheer.
On December 4, the Holiday Potluck followed the monthly community meeting. Attendees enjoyed a variety of great homemade food while they visited and socialized.
That Friday, Light Up the Street Night festivities included the blessing and lighting of the monument tree, carol- ing, refreshments and photos at the Above and right: Decorations in the PHCA office. Later, at Sarney's, a per- Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. formance by guest musician Joel (Photos by Patrick Singleton) Lindsay of the band Boulevard of the Allies turned into an impromptu sin- The next day, former PHCA Vice Presi- galong that had bar regulars and new dent Patrick Singleton stopped in to the arrivals smiling. The mood was en- Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for hanced by Sarney's holiday light dis- a visit and took some very beautiful play, with thousands of lights creating photographs, some of which you see a warm and welcoming glow. Patrons here. At the time of his visit, only some could pay $1 to guess how many lights of the holiday decorations were up, but there were, and the proceeds were the church still looked ready for the donated to Children's Hospital. holidays.
Left: Joel Lindsay performs at Sarney’s during Light Up festivities. Above: Lights, refreshments and visiting with neighbors at the PHCA office. (Photos by Leslie Clague) Polish Hill Voice Page 11
Polish Hill Civic Association Membership Application Benefits of Membership term is by calendar year. membership Just $5 makes you a PHCA member through December 2013!
PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMATION NAME: A free subscription to the Voice (4 issues a year)
(Street Address)
(City) (State) (ZIP) Free courtesy admission to the PHONE: Heinz History Center for yourself and up to EMAIL: three others (Show your PHCA I’m not currently subscribed to the PHCA e-blast which comes out every other week — sign me up! membership card at the front desk) REGULAR MEMBER ~ Or ~ SUBSCRIPTION MEMBER _____(Polish Hill residents) _____(Non-residents)
_____New Member ~ Or ~ _____Renewal
Members who are For office use only: also Polish Hill REC’D BY: ______DATE: ______GOT CARD ______LOGGED ______residents may vote to elect PHCA Make checks payable to the Polish Hill Civic Association and mail with this application to: board members Polish Hill Civic Association, Membership Chair, 3060 Brereton Street, Pittsburgh PA 15219
Polish Hill items benefit the PHCA—order here!
Polish Hill Item Qty Cost Total t-shirt The crowned eagle on Red t-shirt Circle size(s) desired Short sleeve15.00 a red or black shirt, Youth S M in adult or youth sizes. Adults S M L XL XXL Long sleeve 20.00
Short sleeve $15.00 Long sleeve $20.00 Black t-shirt Circle size(s) desired Short sleeve15.00 Youth S M Adults S M L XL XXL Long sleeve 20.00
Polish Hill button .50 ea.
Pierogi pins and Pierogi pin 5.00 ea. ornaments $5 Handmade from felt Pierogi ornament 5.00 ea.
Button .50 ea. Postcard .50 ea. Crowned eagle on a red background, Postage 5.00 1½” diameter TOTAL Make your check out to the Polish Hill Civic Association . Ship to: Postcard Name .50 ea. Address A colorful sunset view of Brereton Street by Mark Knobil Phone, email POLISH HILL VOICE
3060 Brereton Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: 412-681-1950 [email protected] www.phcapgh.org blogski.phcapgh.org
Contributors: Susan Atkinson Leslie Clague Myra Falisz Mark Knobil Alexis Miller Jane Pelczarski
Photos contributed by: Jan Avon Leslie Clague Eileen Goralski Mark Knobil Carole Kunkle-Miller Olivia Parker Jane Pelczarski Walter Sinicki George Waksmunski Theresa Wojciak and the PHCA Archive
Copy Editing Josiah Parkinson
Editorial Advisor Myra Falisz
The PHCA’s mission is to respect and preserve the sense of community in Polish Hill while promoting economic and housing development opportunities, and improving the quality of life for our community.
Upcoming Community Meetings: March 5 April 2 May 7
Community meetings are open to all residents of Polish Hill — you do not have to be a PHCA member to attend!
Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Senior Center on the lower level of the West Penn Recreation Center, 450 30th Street at Paulowna Street.
The United Way of Allegheny County has a payroll deduction campaign for donations to your favorite local organizations. Please consider supporting the Polish Hill Civic Association — our organization number is 258.