Morningside News A publication of MACC Morningside Area Community Council Spring/Summer 2011 Morningside gets a greenway

Dear Neighbors, When you fly over Pittsburgh, one of the things that you notice first are the large pockets of green that weave between our collections of neighborhoods. Last month, City Council assigned the greenway designation to the wooded hillside that stretches from Morningside through Stanton Heights, effectively preserving nearly forty acres of land along the Allegheny River. Council’s designation of the Allegheny River Greenway defines and protects one of Pittsburgh’s — and our neighborhood’s — most significant assets, our lush green hillsides.

Through the designation process, a few questions often came up. “Will the hillside change?” Not necessarily. The greenway is a passive open space. The city will not actively manage the greenway like a park, but rather it will continue in its natural condition. As part of the designation, however, the Morningside and Stanton Heights communities have agreed to work to clean and remove litter from the greenway. In addition, the greenway also provides future opportunities for environmental education and recreational activities. “What’s the benefit of having a greenway?” Publicly preserved open spaces like greenways provide numerous benefits. Specifically, they help preserve residential property values, they can provide recreation opportunities and health benefits, and they serve as environmental assets. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of of greenways, please take a look at this study conducted by the Philadelphia based research firm Econsult, which details these benefits. http://www.econsult.com/projectreports/111710_openspace_press_release.pdf Finally, achieving the greenway designation has truly been a team effort and demonstrates a couple of key lessons. First, working with neighbors to achieve a common goal can generate results. The greenway designation was made possible thanks to collaboration between members of MACC and the Stanton Heights Neighborhood Association. Second, having leadership and expertise are essential to carrying out a vision. The greenway idea was generated through the Morningside community planning process in 2008. But, the assistance of Councilman Dowd, his staff and the Department of City Planning helped community members bring the community vision to fruition. Thanks to all the many hands involved. So what’s next? Working with Stanton Heights, we will be forming a permanent Allegheny River Greenway Committee that will be charged with helping to organize clean ups and educational opportunities. If you are interested in serving on the committee, please contact me at [email protected]. Grant Ervin MACC President

PO Box 40313 Pittsburgh, PA 15201 www.macconline.org Page 1 KEEPING MORNINGSIDE GREEN... FROM THE OFFICE OF COUNCILMAN PATRICK DOWD Warmer months bring concerns that affect our whole community. The District 7 team is in the office and in Morningside to help with issues that affect your quality of life. We work with all levels of local government to ensure that our neighborhoods are strong and well taken care of. Please feel free to phone us at 412.255.2140 or email [email protected] with your questions and concerns. As you can see from the chart below, most of the issues reported by constituents in Morningside so far this year include cases related to public infrastructure. We work diligently to connect you with the appropriate city services to ensure that ensure that garbage collection, snowplowing and dangerous trees are addressed.. We have recently also answered concerns about vacant and blighted properties, requests for permits and street signs, and questions regarding neighborhood development. L-R: Councilman Patrick Dowd, Yasmeen Ariff-Sayed, Brenda And in particular, the District 7 team and I proudly worked with Werber, Christine Cato, Devlin Cato, Barry Werber, Ben Kelley the Greenway committee made up of residents of Morningside and Stanton Heights to coordinate the designation of the Allegheny River Greenway. We are pleased to have helped ensure the preservation of the wooded and green hillsides that are so valuable to the District 7 neighborhoods. So please remember, we’re here to help you with your concerns and community projects however large or small. We’re just a call or email away.

The following graph indicates the various types of issues District 7 has addressed in Morningside since the beginning of 2011.

Allegheny River Greenway Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony On May 1st, an enthusiastic group of area residents and public servants refused to let the gray, drizzly weather dampen their spirits as they cut the ribbon to officially open the Allegheny River Greenway. In attendance were Councilman Patrick Dowd, Emily Keebler and Jen Thoma from Councilman Dowd’s office, Jen Boehm from State Representative Dom Costa’s office, MACC President Grant Ervin, Barry & Brenda Werber, Ben Kelley, Christine, Mark & Devlin Cato, Nan Pischke, Amy Shulman, Matt & Kate Diersen, Laura Ristau, Garrett Cooper, Dara Ware Allen, Jessica Friedrichs, John Stephen and his daughter Emelyn.

PO Box 40313 Pittsburgh, PA 15201 www.macconline.org Page 2 ...KEEPING MORNINGSIDE CLEAN!

On April 16th the MACC celebrated its 7th annual Earth Day Clean Up! Over 15 volunteers dedicated their time to sprucing up the ball fields, the business district and one side of Baker Street. Though the weather was cold and VERY rainy, these kind and generous volunteers picked up over 62 bags of debris! Thank you, friends, for your dedication to the community! A wonderful group named DumpBusters de-cluttered the hillside behind Chislett street (near Vetter towards the back end of the zoo). A volunteer named Joe removed 38 tires, 300 lbs. of loose debris, 500 lbs of bagged debris and 250 lbs. of metal. THANK YOU DUMPBUSTERS! We will host a clean up in the fall to continue to remove debris from the site. Though we try very hard to keep our neighborhood clean, many other sites are litter-strewn. It takes more than a handful of people to take on a community with over 1,750 homes and over 3,000 residents. The MACC hosts four or more clean-ups a year and we would love to have more volunteers! You don’t have to wait for a clean-up - simply grab a bag, gloves and take an hour to spruce up your block, an alley way, a ball field or a site that needs attention. If we all help just a little, then we can keep our gem of a neighborhood clean of litter. Next clean up – May 21st at 9:00am. Meet at the Baker Street Community Garden (Baker and Morningside Avenue).

Amy Ervin MACC Beautification Chair

NO DUMPING ALLOWED! Help keep Morningside clean! Drop large trash items at one of the following locations: East End Center (412-665-3609) Hazelwood Center (412-422-6524) West End Center (412-937-3054) http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/pw/html/drop-off_information.html

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PO Box 40313 Pittsburgh, PA 15201 www.macconline.org Page 3 FROM THE OFFICE OF SENIOR CENTER NEWS rePRESENTATIVE DOM COSTA 6944 President Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Dear Friends & Neighbors, OPEN 8am-4pm Monday through Friday Spring Clean-Up, Earth Day, Easter Egg Hunt, and seeing the kids back at the fields to being their sports seasons are sure signs that WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! Here are a few ways to help: spring has finally sprung in Morningside! • Can you spend 2 hours to help serve lunches? Just once a week (or once a month!) - whatever you can do. No cooking required: Now that the weather has finally broken, my staff and I will be holding the meals are delivered to the center each day. several events in the district during the upcoming months. • Help out with Bingo on Fridays from 1-3pm! Our 2nd Annual Veterans Fair will be held on Friday. May 20, 2011, • Teachers: spend a few hours this summer teaching our seniors. from 10am to 1pm at the Fugh Memorial Social Hall, 27 Crescent You design the course and we’ll find the students! Ave. in Etna. Representatives from several Veterans agencies will be Call Sarah Johnston for more information. 412-665-4342 available to answer questions about various Veteran issues, including how to get Veterans’ benefits and to assist in filling out forms. If Join us for our once-a-month casino trip, or our regular trips to you are a Veteran, or the family member, friend or a caretaker of a the Pittsburgh Public Theatre, Pittsburgh Symphony or to shop. If Veteran, please plan to attend to receive some valuable information. you’re 60+, call to register for lunch - 412-665-4342 On Friday, May 27, 2011, at 6:30pm, I will be holding a Town TRIPS FOR SENIORS: Hall Meeting at the Immaculate Conception School Cafeteria in Bloomfield. Some of the topics to be discussed will include the state Fun and relaxation at the beach: Virginia Beach, Norfolk and budget, school vouchers, liquor store privatization, and any state- Williamsburg Sept. 18-22. government-related questions you might have. Hit the High Notes - Presque Isle Casino, Erie. Dinner and Show - Back by popular demand, we have our Senior Bus Tour of the Capitol Lend Me a Tenor, Sunday, Aug. 14 and more. & Hollywood Casino scheduled for Wednesday, July 6, 2011. Please Christmas Trees and Musical Day Trip with Dinner Gallery, call the office for more information or to reserve a seat. Saturday, Nov. 12th Also, my office is in the process of planning our annual Ice Cream Call Venie 412-361-0285 or Vivian 412-486-7107 Social at the Morningside Senior Center and, in June, a Shredding Event where you can learn how to avoid identity theft. Bring all of your old, unwanted documents and important papers to be shredded to avoid them getting into the wrong hands. news from St. Raphael If you have any questions about the above events, need any information Kennywood Ticket Sale – Thursday, May 26, 2011 - 8:00-8:20am about state-related issues, or need free notary service, please do not Last day of school – Wednesday, June 8, 2011 hesitate to stop by or call the office at412-361-2040. School Picnic at Kennywood – Monday, June 27, 2011 Have a great Spring and stay safe. Annual Bazaar - Thursday, August 4-7, 2011 Sincerely, State Representative Dom Costa Grand Parade - Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 6:30pm St. Raphael Church celebrates its 100th Anniversary Email [email protected]

St. Raphael School is currently taking registrations for the 2011-12 school year. We offer preschool through Grade 8, in an academically grocery delivery service challenging and supportive environment. Please call (412) 661- 0288 or email [email protected] for For those of you who have been stranded by the bus route changes or more information. otherwise need help with grocery shopping, some of your Morningside neighbors have recommended www.bestgrocerydelivery.net. Owner Lisa Hildreth says, “Visit the website and click on the ‘Signup’ button at the top of the screen. Enter your zip code, and complete a membership form (no cost to become a member.) Use the website to shop as you normally would, pick a delivery time and date, and pay Want to put something in the next newsletter? with any major credit card.” NEXT NEWSLETTER CONTENT DEADLINE: To read more about this business: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/ JULY 17, 2011 regional/s_733164.html http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11112/1141037-28-0.stm Contact [email protected]

PO Box 40313 Pittsburgh, PA 15201 www.macconline.org Page 4 morningside sports 1st annual morningside mile Honoring those who serve Softball: There are plenty of games left in the season - come cheer on the girls and get some refreshments from the concession stand! The Morningside Mile is a one mile run/walk to promote fitness All home games are played at Heth’s Field. Questions? Call George and build community through physical activity. The event will be held in honor of those who courageously serve our country and or Nicole Mazza 412-251-2155 or [email protected]. communities. 8 and Under Home Game Schedule May 10th – Tues. 6:30p.m. DeHaven-2 When will it take place? May 17th – Tues. 6:30p.m. DeHaven-4 Saturday, September 10, 2011. May 24th – Wed. 6:30p.m. DeHaven-3 Where will the race be held? May 26th – Fri. 6:30p.m. Bauerstown-2 June 2nd – Thur. 6:30p.m. DeHaven-1 The streets of Morningside. The awards ceremony will take place at the end of the race in Heth’s Field and will be followed by the 10 and Under Home Game Schedule Morningside Community Day. May 10th – Tues. 6:15p.m. Sharpsburg May 28th – Sat. 11:30a.m. Sharpsburg Who is organizing? June 4th – Sat. 12p.m. Reserve The Morningside Area Community Council with support from June 7th – Tues. 6:15p.m. Reserve the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3945, Morningside. June 11th – Sat. 11:30a.m. Aspinwall – 1 June 14th – Tues. 6:15p.m. Aspinwall – 2 Who does the race benefit? June 16th – Thurs. 6:15p.m. 9th Ward Primary: Wounded Warrior Project Secondary: Morningside Area Community Council 12 and Under Home Game Schedule May 9th – Mon. 6:30p.m. Reserve How can I learn more? May 16th – Mon. 6:30p.m. Aspinwall • Visit the race webpage www.morningside-pa.org/run. May 18th – Wed. 6:30p.m. Hampton – 2 • Email [email protected]. May 20th – Fri. 6:30p.m. 9th Ward • Attend the next monthly MACC meeting. Additional information will be included in the next issue of the May 25th – Wed. 6:30p.m. Hampton – 1 Morningside News in August. June 1st – Wed. 6:30p.m. Bauerstown [Exhibition Game] Calling All Runners! Baseball: Join Morningside Baseball and march in the Veterans Morningside Mile Pasta Dinner Fundraiser Parade on Memorial Day, May 30th. Meet at 9:30am at the Rite Aid Learn more about the Morningside Mile and support our in Lawrenceville (40th and Butler St). The parade starts at 10:15am charities at the Pasta Dinner Fundraiser! and ends at the cemetery. This year, the parade has a Civil War theme. On Saturday, May 14th, the Morningside Mile Committee Questions? Call Jay Elwood 412-915-5964 or jayelwood@hotmail. will serve a full pasta dinner in the St. Raphael’s Multi- com. purpose Room. Adults: $10 STREET TREE PROGRAM Children: $5 The MACC & TreeVitalize Pittsburgh (a partnership to restore tree Seatings will be at 4:30 and 6:00pm and payment must be cover in the Pittsburgh region) invite you to join in the effort by made in advance. REQUESTING a planting of a FREE street tree on your sidewalk. Reserve your spot by paying with cash at the VFW or via Street trees are trees planted between a street curb & sidewalk. PayPal at www.morningside-pa.org/run. If you would like to be considered for a FREE tree & planting, Please make your reservation by Thursday, May 12th. contact Amy at 412-330-7667.

HELP US MAKE THE NEWSLETTER BETTER! MACC publishes this newsletter four times a year to serve the needs of the community. This issue was expanded to offer additional information. We’d like to hear from you - what do you think? Was this expanded newsletter more informative? What would you like to see in the next newsletter? Would you like to help write stories for the newsletter? Contact Michelle Belan at [email protected] or 412-606-3600. To continue producing an 8-page newsletter, we are seeking sponsors to help defray the costs of printing and mailing. Contact Michelle Belan at [email protected] to learn more about sponsoring the newsletter. Thanks to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium for sponsoring this Spring/Summer edition!

PO Box 40313 Pittsburgh, PA 15201 www.macconline.org Page 5 CALENDAR OF EVENTS COMMUNITY YARD SALE MACC Meetings The Annual Morningside Community Yard Sale MACC meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month at Saturday June 4, 2011 9:00am – 3:00pm 7:00pm at the Morningside VFW Hall at 1820 Morningside Avenue. Your $10.00 donation helps defray costs and benefits the Morningside All members and non-members are encouraged and welcomed to Area Community Council activities in our neighborhood. $10 attend. Share your voice. covers costs for advertising in PennySaver, Post-Gazette, Tribune Review, Green Sheet and Craig’s List; neighborhood posters for Next meetings: June 1, July 6, August 3 event; yard sale signs for participants; and neighborhood maps of Morningside Plant Swap - Every MACC Meeting participating homes (if registration is received by the deadline of May 20th.) Do your flowers get too big, but you don’t want to throw them away? Bring them to the monthly MACC meeting at 7:00pm (May For more information, call Mike @ 412-760-0560 or email - September) and swap with other gardeners or leave them for [email protected] someone to replant. Questions? Call Amy at 412-330-7667. Morningside Garden Club - May 21 Drop off completed form and $10 by May 20th Have a green thumb or just want to help keep Morningside beautiful? YARD SALE / OPEN HOUSE FORM Join the MACC Garden Club! We will plant flowers at 9:00am on May 21, 2011. We care for the flowers through the summer, and with @ 1604 Jancey St. #1 enough volunteers, it won’t take much time. What a great way to Please include $10 cash or check payable to MACC teach our children about our environment! Call Amy at 412-330- 7667 to join! Name: ______Morningside Litter Clean-Up - May 21 Meet at 9:00am at the Baker Street Community Garden (Baker St. and Morningside Avenue). Address: ______Community Porch & Block Parties Dates to be determined - visit our website for more details. Open House Address______Morningside Mile Honoring Those Serve Saturday, September 10 – 8:30am to 12 noon Phone: ______Fun Run + Community Day Fall Litter Clean-Up e-mail: ______Saturday, October 15 – 10:00am to 1:00pm 3rd Annual Falloween Festival

Saturday, October 15 – 2:00 to 5:00pm MACC OFFICERS Fun Run + Community Day Grant Ervin, President Caroling, Tree Lighting & Christmas Lights 412-445-1564 Competition [email protected] December 2011 John Santore, Vice President All events are sponsored by MACC 412-292-5356 Dates and times of events are subject to change. [email protected] Corinne Antoszewski, Secretary COMMITTEE CHAIRS 412-441-8475 Amy Ervin, Beautification & Greening [email protected] 412-414-7407 Nan Pischke, Treasurer [email protected] 412-661-2692 (evenings) Matt Diersen, Housing [email protected] [email protected] Dom Costa, Ex Officio President Yasmin Ariff-Sayed, MACC Membership 412-441-0215 In order to continue to keep Morningside a thriving community, we [email protected] are always looking for volunteers. Members & non-members are Stacey DeRenzo, Public Safety encouraged to provide their specialties. From website development 412-377-5448 to litter clean up, block captains to gardeners, your time and [email protected] knowledge is needed. Contact the MACC if you would like to learn Jenny McCarthy, MACC Events about volunteer opportunities. All ages welcomed. Community [email protected] service hours available.

PO Box 40313 Pittsburgh, PA 15201 www.macconline.org Page 6 2011

JUNE JULY SEPTEMBER Thursday, 2 Saturday-Sunday, 2-10 Sunday, 11 Facebook Fan Appreciation Night *MAY Eat’n Park Family Week: National Grandparent’s Day Sponsored by UPMC Health Plan Sunday, 15 July 2 – Kids Kingdom Day Saturday - Sunday, 4-5 PPG Green Marketplace July 3 – Shark Day Cubs & Pups: Now Playing Friday, 16 July 4 – Bear Day Sponsored by PetCo ZooBrew * Wednesday, 25 July 5 – Monkey Around Day July 6 - Gorilla Day Tuesday, 14 Sunday, 18 UPMC Health Plan National Sponsored Senior by Yellowbook 2011 Members Only Night Macy’s Elephant Day Health and Fitness July Day 7-8 – Meet Your New Best Friend Sponsored by Pedigree, Whiskas, and Events Schedule 2011 Saturday-Sunday, 18-19 Consolidated Communications Dragon Renaissance Festival July 9 – PPG Aquarium Day OCTOBER July 10 – Polar Bear Day Sunday, 19 Sunday, 2 JUNE Father’sJULY Day Celebration SEPTEMBERWednesday, 13 ZooZilla 5K Gorilla Run/Walk * Sponsored by First Commonwealth Bank Thursday, 2 Saturday-Sunday, 2-10 MembersSunday, Only 11 Night Sunday, 9 Facebook Fan Appreciation Night * Eat’n ParkSaturday, Family 25 Week: National Grandparent’s Day SponsoredSaturday, by UPMC 16 Health Plan RADical Day (free admission) July 2 – KidsPrincess Kingdom Party* Day Saturday - Sunday, 4-5 Baby Day Sponsored by PPG Get in the Zoo July 3 – Shark Day Cubs & Pups: Now Playing Sponsored byFriday, Children’s 16 Hospital July 4 – Bear Day of Pittsburgh of UPMC Saturday-Sunday, 22-23 & 29-30 for SponsoredFree by PetCo ZooBrew * July 5 – Monkey Around Day KDKA Zoo Boo For Kids’ Sake Become a Member! July 6 - Gorilla Day Tuesday, 14 Friday-Sunday,Sunday, 1822-24 Sponsored by Yellowbook Members Only Night PPGMacy’s Festival Elephant of Water Day July 7-8 – Meet Your New Best Friend Sponsored by Pedigree, Whiskas, and Friday, 29 (evening) NOVEMBER Events Schedule 2011 Saturday-Sunday, 18-19 For moreConsolidated information Communications MAY Summer Safari * Saturday, 12 Dragon Renaissance Festival July 9 – PPG Aquarium Day visit our website at OCTOBER Polar Bear Birthday Party Saturday, 7 July 10 – Polar Bear Day Saturday-Sunday, 30-31 Sunday, 19 www.pittsburghzoo.org Sunday, 2 Sponsored by Yellowbook Mother’s Day Brunch * Bruster’s Big Chill Father’s Day Celebration orWednesday, call our 13 ZooZilla 5K Gorilla Run/Walk * Sponsored by First Commonwealth Bank Saturday, 19 Sunday, 8 specialMembers events Only hotline Night Animal Thanksgiving Mother’s Day Celebration at 412-665-3640 ext: 4. Sunday, 9 Saturday, 25 Sponsored by Yellowbook Sponsored by West Penn Hospital Saturday, 16 RADical Day (free admission) Princess Party* AUGUST and Town Planner Get in the Zoo Baby Day Sponsored by PPG Sunday, 15 Sponsored by Children’s Hospital Thursday, 11 for Free PPG Green Marketplace of Pittsburgh of UPMC Saturday-Sunday,Members Only 22-23 Night & 29-30 Become a Member! KDKA Zoo Boo For Kids’ Sake DECEMBER Wednesday, 25 Friday-Sunday, 22-24 Saturday-Sunday, 13-28 Saturday-Sunday, 10-11 & 17-18 UPMC Health Plan National Senior PPG Festival of Water Kids’ Zoofari Breakfast or Lunch with Santa * Health and Fitness Day NOVEMBERSponsored by CHIP, brought Friday, 29 (evening) to you by UPMC for Kids For more information Saturday, 31 MAY Summer Safari * Saturday, 12 Noon Year’s Eve Celebration visit our website at Polar Bear Birthday Party * This event requires an additional fee, and Saturday, 7 Saturday-Sunday, 30-31 With Radio Disney www.pittsburghzoo.org tickets must be purchased in advance. Sponsored by Yellowbook Mother’s Day Brunch * or call our Bruster’s Big Chill Saturday, 19 Sunday, 8 special events hotline Animal Thanksgiving Mother’s Day Celebration at 412-665-3640 ext: 4. Sponsored by Yellowbook Sponsored by West Penn Hospital AUGUST and Town Planner Sunday, 15 Thursday, 11 PPG Green Marketplace Members Only Night DECEMBER Wednesday, 25 Saturday-Sunday, 13-28 Saturday-Sunday, 10-11 & 17-18 UPMC Health Plan National Senior Kids’ Zoofari Breakfast or Lunch with Santa * Health and Fitness Day Sponsored by CHIP, brought to you by UPMC for Kids Saturday, 31 Noon Year’s Eve Celebration * This event requires an additional fee, and With Radio Disney tickets must be purchased in advance.

PO Box 40313 Pittsburgh, PA 15201 www.macconline.org Page 7 Morningside Area Community Council PO Box 40313 NON PROFIT ORG Pittsburgh, PA 15201 US POSTAGE PAID PITTSBURGH, PA PERMIT NO 889

Become a Member of the MACC

Become a member of the MACC by contacting Yasmeen Ariff-Sayed at 412-441-0215. Membership includes quarterly newsletter, membership card, and the right to vote on issues regarding the community and much more! $5.00 per member (over 18 years old) for annual membership. Your support is greatly appreciated. Membership fees help support local events, clean-up costs, and the needs of the community.

MACC MEMBERSHIP FORM Special THANKs to $5 Per Person ______(Total) OUR SPonSORS Name: ______☼ Address: ______GOLD SPONSOR City, State, Zip: ______State Rep. Dom Costa - 6808 Morningside Ave. Dr. Wayne Decroo - 1809 Jancey St. Phone: ______Hairstyles by Lisa - 1741 Chislett St. Morningside VFW - 1820 Morningside Ave. Email: ______Avolio & Brandstetter Law Firm -6808 Greenwood St. SILVER SPONSOR Please make checks payable to MACC First Commonwealth Bank - 1801 Jancey St. Tim’s Barber Shop - 1802 Chislett St. Mail check and application to Membership Chair: Yasmeen Ariff-Sayed BRONZE SPONSOR 1424 Morningside Ave. Shear Sensations - 1801 Chislett St. Pittsbugh, PA 15206 NEWSLETTER SPONSOR Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Thank you for your support of the MACC