the inside Bulletin Board 2

Borough 3 WCDC 4

School District 5

Chamber of Commerce 7

VOL. 14 NO. 3 November 2020 A Free Community Newsletter Bringing You Good News About Wilkinsburg Wilkinsburg Welcomes New Borough Manager

John Antinori joined landscape of the Borough: our community as the new “The hills, the narrow borough manager this past lanes, the leaves changing month. color. It’s a unique place, He said he was drawn and I hope to contribute to his new job because of to the community.” the optimism surrounding When asked what our community. “What he might like us to know immediately attracted about him, he said, “I me to Wilkinsburg was love to cook, read about the optimism about the history, and used to community’s future that Wilkinsburgperform improv comedy in I heard from everyone I New York.” (Who knows, spoke to in government, maybe he’ll share some of the business community, that comedy during an Art and the people who live in the Park next summer.)

here.” New Borough Manager John Antinori stands in front of his new office building. A Western TH Pennsylvania native and graduate of St. and meet people in the community. 56 ANNUAL WILKINSBURG Vincent College, Antinori spent most of “The focus will be on prudent GIVES THANKS his last 25 years in New York City where financial management through the (& GIVES BACK) his work in digital communications had Although we cannot gather together, we can still pandemic, while also focusing on larger continue the tradition of counting our blessings and him servicing Fortune 500 clients such as projects concerning economic development give back to the community. Verizon, IBM, Nike and Samsung. and telling the Wilkinsburg story to a The Chamber of Commerce invites you “As part of the executive team, I larger audience.” to support our community through the helped grow [the] agency from a boutique His past experience in operations, purchase of vouchers for a takeout Holiday agency into a global enterprise with offices project management, and communication Breakfast Sandwich from Nancy’s Revival. in thirteen countries. strategy may help him meet the challenges Vouchers can be “gifted” to employees, Recently, he moved back to the area, that a small, underresourced community family members or someone in need of closer to a lot of his friends and family, faces. a warm meal. You can also sponsor the with an interest in applying his “private- Antori said he is impressed with event and provide a donation for those sector management experience in the Wilkinsburg residents’ shared sense of pride in need while raising awareness of your public sector.” and their desire to see their town thrive. He business through the Chamber’s website Antinori has planned his agenda sees potential in the Borough’s adjacency to and social media. for this last quarter of the year. “The Pittsburgh, status as a transportation hub, Proceeds will be donated to immediate goals,” he said, “through the and its unique urban feel. Wilkinsburg Community Ministry. end of the year are to finalize the 2020 Driving through the borough this fall, Contact [email protected] for budget, ramp up on in-progress projects, he said he enjoyed getting to know the more information.

TRAIN STATION UPDATE, PAGE 4 Bulletin Board www.wilkinsburgsun.com www.facebook.com/wilkinsburgsun

Holiday Food Distribution of the business district as a social and Does your idea of a Thanksgiving environmental asset that also builds (or Christmas) dinner involve turkey, community pride. The parklet includes cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sweet multiple storm management strategies, potatoes, lots of gravy and a pie? such as a bioswale, permeable pavers, and For a family on SNAP benefits plantings for water retention. Seating is [email protected] important to encourage social interaction (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance P.O. Box 86064 Program), this meal is unaffordable. SNAP in this new outdoor space. Wilkinsburg, PA 15221 benefits provide approximately $3.90 a Wilkinsburg artist, James Shipman, Lynne Gordon, Editor day per family and this meal costs $5-7 per designed three original benches from person.According to the American Farm repurposed materials that are beautiful THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jason Cohn, President Bureau Federation, the basic components and durable for that purpose. Sadly, James Minister Linda Kirkland-Law, Vice President of a full Thanksgiving meal for a small passed away in October. (See page 8.) John Irwin, Treasurer family (2-3 people) is around $50, and at Please consider making a donation Vanessa McCarthy-Johnson, Secretary Moses Workman least half of that is the cost of a turkey. to Center for Civic Arts in support of the Holiday Food Distribution: Every year James Shipman Memorial Bench Fund. The Wilkinsburg Sun is a free WCM shares at least 100 turkeys plus Proceeds will go monthly community newsletter published by the volunteer Wilkinsburg Community Newsletter the trimmings to our neighbors at to the Shipman Board, with the support of the Wilkinsburg Thanksgiving and again at Christmas. family and, at Borough, the Wilkinsburg School District, Trimmings include either fresh or frozen the same time, the Wilkinsburg Chamber of Commerce, and the Wilkinsburg Community Development green beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, impact the Corporation. The Sun is printed by Knepper Press. redevelopment onions, peas, beans, corn bread mix, Please submit all articles and calendar and a dessert mix. The volume of of the historic events to: [email protected], trimmings is commensurate with the business or by mail, P.O. Box 86064, Wilkinsburg, district. PA 15221. Please submit articles 5 weeks size of the family. Families sign up before publication and in advance for either Thanksgiving or Contributions at any level will calendar events 3 weeks before Christmas. receive public recognition on site signage. publication. To advertise, Contributions of $2,000 or more will be e-mail [email protected], The Food Bank and KDKA Turkey or call 412.680.1381. The Sun accepts Fund usually provide enough Giant Eagle acknowledged by an engraved metal plaque submitted articles provided they are related gift cards for turkeys, but big families (5-8 at the base of a bench. The fundraising to Wilkinsburg and are civic-minded. The goal is $7,500, but the Shipman family Sun reserves the right to withhold articles people) can usually use a second gift card from print. Please note that The Sun does (because they need a larger turkey). could use your generous support. not publish political or opinion pieces. Food will be distributed at 704 Wood Make your secure donation by visiting Street Monday–Wednesday, November civicarts211.wixsite.com/website-1. Contact 23–25 and will end promptly at 11:30 p.m. Jody Guy at [email protected] for on the 25th so WCM staff can leave at more information. Sign up to receive The Sun noon to prep for their own holidays. by email at eepurl.com/v0iBP If you wish to donate, send either Drive-Up Food Distribution and friend us on Facebook. gift cards (Giant Eagle) or a check. If your Drive up food distribution are congregation or organization would like to happening Saturdays collect, please let WCM know in advance! Nov. 7 and Dec. 5 These are the items they usually distribute: from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at 250 boxes of stuffing mix, 300 cans of East End Behavioral WE’RE HIRING! green beans, 300 cans of corn, 200 cans of Health Hospital cranberry sauce, 130 cans of yams or sweet (formally LifeCare We are looking for energetic, cooperative, potatoes, 300 boxes of corn bread mix, and Hospital). assorted dessert mixes (a variety). Any neighbor in and committed employees who share a love of need of food assistance good, healthful food and enjoy helping others Sponsor Benches in Wood Street Park can register at www. through exceptional customer service. The Center for Civic Arts, in pittsburghfoodbank. partnership with the Borough, is org/.../driv.../ APPLY ONLINE! redeveloping the Wood Street and reservations or call www.eastendfoodcoop.hiringthing.com South Avenue vacant lot in the heart 412.460.3663 ext. 655. 2 Wilkinsburg Sun I November 2020 Wilkinsburg Borough www.wilkinsburgpa.gov

Over 200 Borough Kids Enjoy Halloween Fest

Halloween Festival on Saturday, October 31, distributed over 200 bags of candy. All enjoyed music from WAMO. The borough thanks Vicki Cherney with the Wilkinsburg Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Marita Garrett, Officer Coffee, borough council, and organizer Children’s Library Manager Rachel Moore.

Borough Calendar Fall Is Here…

NOVEMBER And So Are The Leaves! Mon., 2 Infrastructure and Blight, 6 p.m. Tues., 3 Music, Art & Seniors, 6:30 p.m. Tues., 3 Planning Commission, 6:30 p.m. Wed., 4 Council Work Session, 7 p.m. LEAF COLLECTION Mon., 9 Finance, Budget and Capital Planning, 5:30 p.m. now until December 18 Mon., 9 Library Advisory Board, 6 p.m.

Mon., 9 Shade Tree Commission, 6:30 p.m. Leaves—in paper bags only—will be Thurs., 12 Public Safety Committee 9 a.m. picked up at the curb on your regular Thurs., 12 Personnel, Policies, and Procedures, 10 a.m. street sweeper day. If your street is not Wed., 18 Council Legislative Session, 7 p.m. marked for street sweeping, pile bags at Thurs., 19 Recreation Advisory Committee, 5:30 p.m. the curb and call the Department of Public Mon., 23 Joint Tax Committee, 5:30 p.m. Works at 412.244.2959 (Piled-up loose leaves will NOT be picked up – DECEMBER Tues., 1 Planning Commission, 6:30 p.m. Bagged leaves ONLY!) Tues., 1 Music, Art & Seniors, 6:30 p.m. Leaf bags are available at both libraries Wed., 2 Council Work Session, 7 p.m. —5 for $1. Mon., 7 Infrastructure and Blight, 6 p.m YARD WASTE DAY 8 a.m.-1 p.m. for leaves in brown bags/sticks/branches Meetings are scheduled for the Borough Building, but are subject to change. Call the borough office for updates. NOVEMBER 14

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

Inside the Wilkinsburg Train Station

through of the station that many of the building’s original fixtures and other items remaining in the station prior to restoration were collected and are being stored. Documentation in the form of photographs and the surviving artifacts

Photos by Jason Cohn by Photos were used to construct an accurate framework for authentic restoration. Extensive research was done to match original colors and finishes as closely as possible. In the interior of the central waiting room, once graced with rows of robust wooden passenger benches, a single piece of plaster cornice fortunately remained intact. Despite significant water damage, the piece was able to serve as a template for the recreation of the rest of the cornicework. Roughly half of the station’s interior marble facing is original, having been restored and reattached; the rest is new, seamlessly integrated with the older pieces. Requiring special expertise, repair of the iconic station clock above the main entrance is slated for the near future as well. Planners astutely approached the restoration and layout with flexibility in mind, designing a space that preserves the integrity of the building’s architectural style and material character while creating highly adaptable interior spaces. For example, to the left of the central Above: John M. Evans, architect, MacLachlan, Cornelius & Filoni. Bottom left: Interior light fixture. Bottom right: waiting room, where the ladies’ lounge Interior plaster cornice. and ticket counter once existed, a large This year, Wilkinsburg residents, community. It is a project that Wilkinsburg open-concept space has been built to and the Pittsburgh region at large, will can be proud of—and, by many accounts, accommodate general kitchen functions. finally reclaim a unique and irreplaceable a taste of economic growth and immense continued on page 6 landmark—an architectural treasure opportunity to come. serving as a link between the community’s John M. Evans, a Principal at past and future. Though decades of MacLachlan, Cornelius, & Filoni neglect, changes in ownership, and shifting (MCF) Architects, noted during a walk- vision have steered an uncertain narrative for the Wilkinsburg train station’s fate, its ® permanence in the physical and cultural fabric of our borough has now been solidly cast. The carefully researched and masterfully executed restoration of this handsome Beaux Arts–style structure, completed in 1916 and designed by architect Walter H. Cookson, serves as a beacon of hope and possibility for our 4 Wilkinsburg Sun I November 2020 School District www.wilkinsburgschools.org

By Kelly Hanna—Public Relations Officer for Wilkinsburg School District Evolution of the Parent-Teacher Relationship: It’s All About the Kids

There’s no doubt that remote learning that she did not realize how hard teaching ‘Son, do it this way,’ but quickly noticed has been different for most families, really was, and that she now has a deeper the efficiency of his teacher...I saw that his to say the least. Most parents in our and more thoughtful regard for the efforts transition with online learning was going district have had to teachers make so well, and he was completely grasping be highly creative to continually lessons on his own. It has been fun to on how to both keep the watch his academic growth. It is a part of parent and work; children my son’s life that I normally would not add to that having engaged and have been able to witness so intensely.” to monitor their learning. Inoka Pathiraja, a mother of twin child’s attendance, Getting to three-year-old boys, has done her best class engagement, this point in the to keep the boys on track with their and learning, and school year has continued on page 6 it certainly has not not been easy, been an easy task. according to And let’s not forget district parent about mastering Rosa Nelson. the technology Her son, that the students Domani, who need to support is a first-grade their learning. It student at Kelly has indeed been Primary, is an a juggling act. only child and Fortunately, each thrives with parent has been socialization. equipped with a Samiya Freeman opens box of school supplies. “Domani is a superhero: their very gregarious child’s teacher. and inquisitive child and craves interaction “Our parents have been delightfully with others,” said Nelson. helpful in partnering with our teachers to Rosa has had to be creative to secure help support the educational efforts put safe peer interaction for her son during forth by the school district,” stated school the pandemic. In fact, she was able to superintendent, Dr. Linda Iverson. “It enroll her son at Hosanna House, a school has been inspiring to see the partnership district community partner, two days a between parents, students, and teachers week. Hosanna House is a safe place for evolve into an even richer rapport.” Iverson students as it abides by the Health and also noted that parents are intrigued with Safety plan designed by the Wilkinsburg the academic lessons. One parent confided School District administration and the school board. Rosa also mentioned School Calendar that she has to keep NOVEMBER herself in check. Tues.–Wed., 3-4 No School, All day. “I often listen to Wed., 11 No School, All day. Domani’s lessons with his teacher, Tues., 17 Board Planning Session, 7 p.m. Mrs. Sciullo. I’ve had Wed., 18 Early Dismissal, 1 p.m. to hold myself back Tues., 24 Board Legislative Session, 7 p.m. from interrupting Wed., 25 Early Dismissal, 2:20 p.m. (Kelly Primary) his learning. I’ve Thurs.–Mon., 26-30 Thanksgiving Break, No School wanted to tell him, www.wilkinsburgsun.com 5 Wilkinsburg Library Still Serving PARENT-TEACHER RELATIONSHIP from page 5 The library is still offering many services during the Borough assignments. “When you have two kids the same age, you can building closure: imagine the length of their attention spans. The boys enjoy • grab-and-go materials and print pickup, visiting with their friends online but are noticeably more • mail order books, attentive when they see their teacher, Ms. Korenoski. • e-materials, and “She has a captivating way of instructing the kids, and I am • remote tech assistance, and more. really impressed with what they have learned. Additionally, I Visit their website at wilkinsburglibrary.org for more love that the classes are recorded, because it allows me to work information on these and other library services. with my sons together and also individually once class is over to The library thanks all who donated during Love Your Library review the lessons.” month! Through your generosity, the Wilkinsburg Library received Parents are also impressed with the supplies that each child more donations than any other year. Donations will go towards received at the beginning of the school year. They did not have the continued renovation of the Children’s Library. Stay tuned to purchase additional items, thanks to the donations from the to their social media for updates. You can always find the most up-to-date information about library services and programs at the school district partners. It took quite a bit of organization from Wilkinsburg Library by visiting wilkinsburglibrary.org/program. the teachers to be able to predict what items would be needed for future lessons. TRAIN STATION, from page 4 “Our teachers have worked diligently to create lessons that New restroom facilities have been consolidated on the right-hand engage while keeping the learning rigorous. They indeed deserve side of the waiting room where the original men’s restroom and a round of applause—or two or three—for stepping up to the taxi hub were once located. The reconstructed central skylight, plate and truly hitting a homerun,” said board President, Edward now protected by a solid roof above, emits controllable recessed Donovan. “Our goal is to continue to educate well, make sure lighting designed to replicate the warmth of natural daytime the students are learning, and see that they are having fun doing sun while providing adjustability to create varying moods or it,” noted Donovan. accommodate different event settings. Other notable features of the restored train station are an ADA-compliant exterior ramp connecting to both the main and lower levels surrounded by beautiful landscaping; fully WHOLE People. ALL People. reconstructed exterior parapets (the section of wall running along the roofline); fixtures and hardware; and a spacious, largely unpartitioned lower-level space that could host a range of events metrofamilypratice.org 1789 S. Braddock Ave. or leaseholder functions. 412.247.2310 Suite 410 No doubt the Wilkinsburg train station will awe visitors with Pittsburgh 15218 its meticulous craftsmanship and keen attention to detail. While COVID has and continues to present many unknowns, the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation is looking forward to welcoming community guests and visitors to showcase a treasure, and redevelopment success story, that residents may collectively—proudly—call their own.

THANKSGIVING—NOVEMBER 26 James Flower Shoppe

712 Wood St. 15221 412-731-3794 www.jamesfloralshoppe.com

“Serving Pittsburgh for Over 100 years”

6 Wilkinsburg Sun I November 2020 Chamber of Commerce www.wilkinsburgchamber.com

The 2020 Season of The Wilkinsburg Thursday Market Comes to a Close Thanks to the support of our vendors, shoppers and sponsors more than $35,000 worth of fresh fruits and vegetables were made available to residents on a no-charge or donation basis. See you next year, stay safe!

Working to Keep Our Streets Beautiful On Friday, October 9, Nine Mile Run Watershed Association (NMRWA), the Wilkinsburg Community Advancement Association and the Chamber of Commerce partnered to beautify the 700 block of Penn Avenue. The group cleaned up litter and large debris The Wilkinsburg Thursday Market is and freshened up the street-side tree pits. This included weeding, mulching, and planting new ornamental grasses. The tree pits were MOVING… originallyUPCOMING planted by EVENTSNMRWA as part of the Wilkinsburg TreeVitalize Project in 2011. Thanks to UPMC for funding this project. We are excited to announce the partnership between the Saturday, April 11 • 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Wilkinsburg Thursday Market and the Borough’s Art in the Nine Mile Run Spring Stream Sweep Park for the 2020 season. SmallSaturday, Business April 11 Saturday— • 11:00 am - 2:00 p.m. Beginning June 4th through August 27th, the Market will be NovemberShred-It Event 28 & Facility Tours Guardian Storage open every Thursday at the “Parklet on Penn Avenue” from LocalBrinton business Rd. is the backbone of our community 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with music and activities with Art in the and yourThursday, support April is always 16 •needed, 8:00 - however,9:00 a.m. the Park scheduled from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. The Market’s focus will impactChamber of COVID Board 19 restrictionsof Directors on Meeting, small businesses 900 Wood St. be on fresh food and healthy habits. makesSaturday, shopping Aprillocal especially18 • Noon important - 3:00 p.m. this year. More information on our vendors and activities to come. Garden Dreams Community Open House Interested in being involved in the Market? When planning your holiday spending remember:806 Holland Shop Small. Ave. Shop Local. Email [email protected] Tuesday, April 28 • 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. MakeWilkinsburg Wilkinsburg After Hours Shine for the WILKINSBURG PROUD Wilkinsburg Borough Building There are many ways to demonstrate pride in our community Holidays! – buy from local business, volunteer to help at community Enter the Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Window Competition! events, support community organizations and keep our Decorating your storefront is a great way to highlight your business during the holidays and create a holiday atmosphere for our streets clean and litter free. JOIN THE CHAMBER. BE INVOLVED. residents and guests. There are no specific rules for the contest except that decorations are family friendly and lights must be included The Wilkinsburg Chamber of Commerce believes that if in theMAKE display. A DIFFERENCE. it is good for the community it is good for business. The Chamber will launch a new initiative, Wilkinsburg Proud, with Grand Prize Winners will be chosen based on holiday spirit and support from UPMC, Nine Mile Run Watershed Association creativity. The winner of the 2019 contest was Salvatore’s Pizza House and Pennwood Paint & Supply Company, to show our & Bar. community pride by keeping our business district clean. Displays must be completed by Wednesday, November 18. The first phase will begin with a clean-up of the 700 block of Winners will be announced at the Holiday Kick-off Party in the Penn Avenue in May and, with additional support, continue through the summer of 2020. Harold Young Parklet on Saturday, December 5. 900 Wood Street, 2nd Floor • Wilkinsburg, PA 15221 Email [email protected] or call 412.999.2688 to enter Volunteer for Wilkinsburg Proud! 412.242.0234 • [email protected] or for more information. Contact [email protected] wilkinsburgchamber.com

Make Wilkinsburg Shine for the Holidays!

www.wilkinsburgsun.com 7 James Shipman Remembered: “A Builder from the Ground Up”

sculpture garden. “Art was never so homey, so Pittsburghy,” wrote Pittsburgh Post-Gazette critic Jane Vranish. Held on a Saturday afternoon and evening in Park Place and Wilkinsburg, the East End Event displayed art in people’s hallways,

Photo by Jason Cohn by Photo living rooms, backyards and even bathrooms. Afterward, people often gathered for a bonfire in Mr. Shipman’s backyard. East End Event alumni include the artists Biko, Carin Mincemoyer, David Stanger, Blaine Siegal and Anne Wolf; pianist and composer Doug Levine, composer and guitarist Eric Suesoff and actress Adrienne Wehr; and Michele de la Reza and Peter Kope, co-artistic directors of Attack Theatre. Alison Zapata, a painter and teaching artist who lives in Aspinwall, met Mr. Shipman in 1996 when she was waitressing after earning a degree in arts education from Carlow University. At his studio, she learned to mix clay, load kilns, James Shipman, a versatile potter, sculptor, teacher and do her own painting and set up studio shows and community welder, enjoyed collaborating with colleagues and creating art events. from clay, steel and wood. His signature works were large, round “It was life-changing. It was real world experience. He ceramic pieces called earth discs. definitely changed the direction of my life for the positive,” Ms. For 25 years, at a cavernous studio in Millvale Industrial Park, Zapata said. “He was a builder from the ground up. He worked he made ceramic art in three large, walk-in kilns that he built with hard to try to develop a sense of community.” Ed Eberle, his teacher and colleague. In that space, the duo also In the fall of 2009, the Pittsburgh Society of Sculptors, organized popular exhibitions that drew painter Robert Qualters, Pittsburgh Poets and Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators collaborated sculptor James Simon, potter Gary Pletsch and other local artists. on the exhibition “Fission of Form” at Panza Gallery in Millvale. An artist for 45 years, Mr. Shipman, 67, of the Park Place “James never sat still,” said gallery owner Mark Panza, a close section of Point Breeze, died by suicide Oct. 23 in his Wilkinsburg friend. “If he wasn’t doing his own art, he was networking and studio. Recently, he crafted a bench out of reclaimed wood and bringing artists together. steel for the Wilkinsburg business district, said Jody Guy, founder “We could work together because we understood how to and director of the Center for Civic Arts. Ms. Guy said she is handle art. We had a mutual sensitivity...a spiritual calling to work raising money for a memorial bench in his honor. in the art world.” Mr. Eberle said his former Carnegie Mellon University Mr. Shipman grew up in Pittsburgh and graduated in 1978 student was contemplative, gentle, hard-working and humble. The from Marietta College in Ohio with a degree in art education. He two men had to close their Millvale studio in 2010 to make way taught art and coached wrestling at a high school in southern New for the widening of State Rt. 28. Jersey, where he was named coach of the year. Mr. Shipman moved to Wilkinsburg and spent two years “I got all the art supplies I needed,” he recalled in a 2015 transforming a junk-strewn lot next to his studio into a sculpture Pittsburgh Post-Gazette interview. garden. He taught an after-school program for children at the He completed fine arts courses at Carnegie Mellon University Center for Civic Arts in Wilkinsburg. He repointed rusted in 1984. To supplement his income, he started a fine art service ornaments rescued from the demolished Manchester Bridge that company called ShipArt Pgh in 1991. The business provided decorate the exterior of the Landmarks Preservation Resource consultation, display units, framing, installation, packaging, Center in the same building where he worked. transportation, restoration and project management. Between 1995 and 2000, Mr. Shipman joined other artists Mr. Shipman is survived by his wife, Jennifer Bell, and a in organizing the East End Event. At the annual gathering, local daughter, Elizabeth, of Park Place. A GoFundMe page has been artists turned their private homes into galleries and performance established to defray the cost of funeral expenses. spaces to show visual art, films, play music and dance. People saw a life-sized fiber art tree by Sue O’Neill, a miniature cornfield Written by Marylynne Pitz: [email protected]. Copyright ©, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, planted by Mr. Pletsch and heard Celtic music in Mr. Shipman’s 2020, all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission. 8 Wilkinsburg Sun I November 2020