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

Volume 35, No. 1 Serving Bloomfield, Friendship, Garfield, East Liberty and Lawrenceville since 1975 January 2010 Who Benefits from the Census? You Do!

By Paula Martinac child participates in the school lunch this region deserves,” Mayor Luke The Bulletin program, or if you or a loved one has Ravenstahl said in establishing the taken advantage of programs for sen- committee with County Executive What do the national school break- iors, census figures help to determine Dan Onorato. fast and lunch programs, the Low what the level of need is in your com- Income Home Energy Assistance munity. Who Should Be Counted? Program (LIHEAP), the unemploy- Census data also help local govern- Mandated by the U.S. Constitution, ment insurance program, Medicaid, ments and agencies decide where to the census provides a snapshot of the and new home construction all have in locate new roads, public transit routes, country’s population. All residents, common? They are among the many schools, and hospitals. The informa- citizens and non-citizens, must be programs that benefit local residents tion also guides corporations in decid- counted. Households will receive a available and staff who can help any- every day, and that require U.S. ing where to set up new businesses, questionnaire in the mail in February, one needing assistance to fill out the Census data in order to determine based on population density. consisting of 10 simple questions that form. where billions of federal dollars are That’s why, said Aggie Brose, take about 10 minutes to answer. In distributed. Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation’s the spring and summer, those house- Can the Information Be Used deputy director, “it’s so important that holds that did not respond will receive Against People? Is It Any of Their Business? residents in our neighborhoods fill out a visit from a census worker, who will Questions on the census form If you think the U.S. Census is just the census form.” Brose was recently ask the same questions as appear on include whether a unit is rented or about the government poking its nose appointed to the Complete Count the form. owned, and the names, genders, and into people’s private business, think Committee, a local working group For those who do not get a form by races of those living in the house- again. The census, which takes place convened to make sure that Pittsburgh mail, the questionnaires will also be hold. Answers to the census ques- every 10 years and will be conducted neighborhoods are thoroughly includ- available at selected public sites. In tions are confidential. By law, the again this year, provides information ed in the census. “A complete count of the East End, for example, the Census Bureau is not permitted to used to fund many of the programs all our residents is the only way to Eastside Neighborhood Employment share people’s responses with any- that community members rely on and ensure we receive the congressional Center (ENEC), located at 5321 Penn take for granted. For example, if your representation and federal funding Avenue, will have questionnaires See Census, page 12

Conversion of Penn Circle Designed to Improve Circulation in East Liberty

At a public meet- By Tiffany Clark al" efforts of the ing on November East Liberty Development Inc. 1960s, has caused 16, Ernie Hogan, confusion for driv- the deputy director of development of ers and constricted major investment East Liberty Development Inc., and in the neighborhood’s commercial Pat Hassett, assistant director of the core ever since it was built. In 2002, City of Pittsburgh's Bureau of part of Penn Circle South was recon- Transportation and Engineering, pre- figured during the construction of the sented plans for the conversion of Eastside development. The City of Penn Circle into a two-way street to Pittsburgh is now working with ELDI more than 40 East Liberty community to convert the next major section of members. The reconstruction of Penn the road into two-way traffic from Circle South and Penn Circle East into South Highland Avenue to Penn a bidirectional roadway will begin in Circle North. Parts of Penn Avenue the spring of 2010, and is expected to and Broad Street near Penn Circle will be completed by the summer of 2011. also be reconstructed. Courtesy ELDI Penn Circle, a major one-way ring ARTIST’S RENDERING OF PENN CIRCLE CONVERSION (HIGHLIGHT- ED IN GRAY). road created during the "urban renew- See Penn Circle, page 12

The deadline for all articles, ads, and Bulletin Board items for the February 2010 issue is FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2010. For more information, call 412-441-6915. Page 2 • The Bulletin • January 2010

PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE REPORT OUR COMMUNITY IS NOT A DUMPING GROUND!

Recently, PA By Kathryn Vargas BGC office at 412- Cleanways re- Bloomfield-Garfield Corp. 441-6950 x 15. We leased a 2009 will make sure that dumping survey identifying 14 ille- the incident is reported. And, if you gal dumping sites in Garfield and an hire a contractor to perform some estimated 17 tons of waste. Of the renovations, ask him where he’ll be 14 sites identified, eight are fully hauling the debris generated by the visible from surrounding roadways, work. and the remaining six are partially Together, we can start to crack visible. There were also three sites down on illegal dumping, and send identified in Bloomfield at an esti- the message that we will do what it mated three tons of waste. takes to keep our community clean. Paula Martinac/The Bulletin When the BGC went out to survey Here are some of the streets with the sites, we noticed a mixture of identified dump sites: landscape debris, personal trash, and large item waste. On Shamrock Garfield: Way, we found mattresses; on Corner of Alhambra Way and N. Jordan Way, a futon; on the corner of Evaline Alhambra and Evaline, a bunch of Broad Street garbage bags and two sinks left in a Brown Way vacant lot; and on Brown Way, a Corner of Shamrock Way and much larger mixture of landscaping Elora Way waste, personal trash, household fix- Jordan Way, between N. Evaline tures, and furniture. and Winebiddle We cannot tolerate this activity in Mora Way our neighborhoods. Any form of lit- Cornwall Street tering or dumping is illegal and sub- Kincaid Street ILLEGAL DUMP SITES ON ject to fines. It has the potential to N. Negley Avenue BROWN WAY (TOP); SHAMROCK destroy the environment in our WAY AND ELORA WAY (MID- DLE); AND ALHAMBRA WAY neighborhood and bring down prop- Bloomfield: (LEFT). erty values. We are asking neighbors Juniper to keep their eyes and ears out for Juniper at Edmond this activity. If you see something Aloe at South Matilda suspicious, or are able to get the license number of someone dump- ing, please report the activity to the Participate in the Pittsburgh Citizen’s Police Academy Twice a year, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police sponsors an opportuni- ty for members of the community to become closely acquainted with the roles and responsibilities of the Police Bureau. The Pittsburgh Citizen’s Community Groups Gain Tools for Police Academy (CPA) brings the police and the community close together in a setting that offers a sample of police training to each par- Neighborhood Stabilization ticipant.* The next session of the Citizen’s Police Academy will begin Tuesday, Bob Gradeck and other staff from the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for February 2, 2010, at the Allegheny County Adult Probation Day Social and Urban Research offered a workshop to East End community organi- Reporting Center, located at 2320 Arlington Avenue. The program will zations about how to use the Pittsburgh Neighborhood and Community be held each Tuesday evening, from 6 to 9 p.m. for 15 weeks. Information System. PNCIS is an online database that collects information on Class size is limited to 30 participants. All interested persons must community conditions and makes it available to local stakeholders and groups. complete a written application, available online, and give permission for The information helps community leaders, Gradeck said, because “they don’t the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police to conduct a background check to deter- have to chase down data” on such topics as foreclosures, tax delinquency, crime, mine if they have a criminal record. All applications must be received by property ownership, the housing market, and land use in a particular neighbor- January 15, 2010. hood. Gradeck’s team worked with East Liberty Development Inc., for example, For more information on the City of Pittsburgh Citizen’s Police to identify real estate for acquisition “before it fell into the hands of absentee Academy and/or an application, please go to http://www.city.pitts- property owners.” PNCIS also enabled Lawrenceville Corporation to identify burgh.pa.us/police/html/citizens_police.html, or contact Lieutenant “the worst of the worst” absentee property owners and “put together a strategy Jennifer Beidle at: Pittsburgh Police Headquarters, 1203 Western to get them to adopt better practices,” Gradeck reported. Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233; phone: 412-323-7844; email: “There are a lot of speculators scooping up property in low-market areas,” [email protected]. Gradeck said, “and it’s not always the best thing for residents.” The information available through PNCIS can make the job of community groups working for *Please note: this program is not an accredited certification course to become a sworn neighborhood stabilization a lot easier. police officer. January 2010 • The Bulletin • Page 3 Mobile Council Office Continues Service to District 7

In 2008, my office By Patrick Dowd Park, we found that launched a unique City Council - District 7 we can service 20 program called percent more Council to Go – a mobile district office requests than we could by phone or – to better serve you in the neighbor- email from our downtown office. In hoods where you live, and to better 2009, we talked to constituents about represent you downtown. During issues like nuisance properties, the G- Council to Go, my staff and I go to 20 and its effect on our neighborhoods, prominent places in your community residential permit parking, street to meet with you; we can help you paving, and dozens of other topics of learn to use 311, discuss legislation interest to you and your neighbors. before City Council, answer your “Where is your district office?” is a questions about city services, or check question I used to hear pretty often. on any previous requests you have Council to Go is my district office and already made through our office. keeps me active in the communities I Since we started this program, represent, allowing me to get out and we’ve met and answered questions for talk to folks where they live and work, over 300 constituents. We’ve accom- not just downtown. We’ve been very plished this without spending a single pleased with the success of this pro- penny of your tax dollars. Space for gram, and in 2010 might try Council Council to Go is generously donated on the Go – a chance for me to take a by our hosts. walk around your community with you We have tried to schedule our and your neighbors. COUNCILMAN PATRICK DOWD TALKS TO A CONSTITUENT AT THE DECEMBER Council to Go sessions in places you Please join me and my staff in 2010 COUNCIL TO GO AT PERK ME UP IN LAWRENCEVILLE. already like to visit, like neighborhood at a Council to Go in your neighbor- coffee shops or farmer’s markets. With hood. We look forward to meeting you sites across the district, from Polish there! Hill to Lawrenceville to Highland

Council To Go 2010 Schedule Polish Hill Morningside Polish Hill Civic Association, Morning Glory Coffeehouse 3060 Brereton St. 1806 Chislett St. January 20, 6:30 – 8 p.m. February 24, 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Lawrenceville Bloomfield Perk Me Up Farmers' Market 4407 Butler St. Friendship Ave. & Edmond St. February 19, 7:30 – 9 a.m. May – November only

Highland Park Enrico’s Tazza D’Oro 1125 N. Highland Ave. January 27, 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Tour the East End on Two Wheels

As part of the City of Pittsburgh’s new “Small Business Bicycle Rack Program,” 200 bike racks were added this fall to neighborhoods around town. New racks cropped up in Bloomfield, Lawrenceville, Friend- ship, and Garfield, including one in front of the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation’s community develop- ment office at 5149 Penn Avenue (see photo). The design follows the origi- nal Bike Pittsburgh model, created by Wall-to-Wall Studios, and represents the convergence of Pittsburgh’s three rivers at The Point. Each sleek rack can accommodate two bikes, one on either side. The program falls under the City’s “Taking Care of Business” initiative, which aims to revitalize business districts. Paula Martinac/The Bulletin Page 4 • The Bulletin • January 2010

The Bulletin EYESORE OF THE MONTH serving Bloomfield, Garfield, East Liberty, Friendship, and Lawrenceville since 1975 Home Improvement: 18 Years and Counting?

The property at 5010 Penn ing after it had been abandoned. He Avenue, City of Pittsburgh, 8th said it was once a drug house and Ward, was nominated as January’s had been accidentally set on fire Eyesore Property of the Month. The about 25 years ago. To the best of The Bulletin is published by the recorded owner, according to the the BGC’s knowledge, the house Bloomfield-Garfield Corp. to: Allegheny County Real Estate web- has remained unoccupied since that • serve the incorporated territory of site, is Harold J. Bauer Jr. Mr. Bauer fire. the BGC and surrounding commu- acquired the property in September According to Mr. Bauer, the prop- nities • report on activities and ideas 1992 for $6,000. The mailing erty is under repair, but he could not affecting those communities address for the tax bill is 4623 give the BGC a time frame for when • offer an opportunity to express Friendship Avenue, 8th Ward. The the repairs would be completed. He opinions and exchange ideas taxes are current. The property was stressed that he has finished a lot of condemned on May 11, 1992. work, citing these improvements: Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation repointing of the entire building; January 2010 • Vol. 35, No. 1 (BGC) staff called the Record Room rebuilding of the front box gutters; of the Bureau of Building Inspection installation of new windows; com- Total circulation: (BBI) and found that Mr. Bauer pletion of electrical work; abate- 20,000 copies 16,700 mailed acquired an electrical permit in ment of termite damage; and addi- 3,300 dropped 1996. He then acquired a building tion of a new driveway and doors. permit on January 28, 2009, for inte- He also reported to the BGC that he Editorial and Advertising Offices: rior and exterior renovations to is working on the shed roof, and has Paula Martinac/The Bulletin 5149 Penn Ave. abate the condemnation notice. The plans for a metal roof on the front 5010 PENN AVENUE IS IN ITS SECOND DECADE OF BEING “UNDER REPAIR.” Pittsburgh, PA 15224 building permit, however, expired porch to keep the architectural Phone: 412-441-6915 on July 27, 2009. integrity of the building. Fax: 412-441-6956 The BGC contacted Mr. Bauer to Mr. Bauer told the BGC that he ily dwelling. We look forward to Email: [email protected] inquire what his plans were for the is a life-long resident of the area. He seeing the completion of the property, since the property has had said he has used sweat equity to decades-long project very soon. scaffolding and an 8-foot chain link repair the property when he has had Editor: Paula Martinac fence in front for quite a number of time away from his regular job. He To nominate a property for either Advertising: Martin Pochapin years, and there is no visible sign of said he is dedicated to finishing the Eyesore or Showcase of the Month, repairs to the property. Mr. Bauer repairs, moving in with his family, call 412-441-6950 x 15 or email Proofreading: Rick Swartz explained that he acquired the build- and calling it home as a single-fam- [email protected].

Bookkeeper: Mary Anne Stevanus

Distribution: Garfield CISP

The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. © 2010 by Bloomfield-Garfield Corp. www.bloomfield-garfield.org

We Would Like to Acknowledge the BGC’s NPP partner, PNC Bank.

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

Don’t forget to visit The Bulletin’s blog at www.bgcbulletin.blogspot. com for the latest events and happenings! January 2010 • The Bulletin • Page 5 Lawrenceville United Welcomes New Leader

By Paula Martinac stituent relations; after graduating, she lic trash cans placed along Penn The Bulletin went to work in Mayor Bob Avenue in 2009 to help keep litter off O’Connor’s office, as assistant to streets and sidewalks. Handsome new Lauren Byrne, the brand-new exec- then-Policy Manager Yarone Zober. bike racks throughout the East End utive director of Lawrenceville When Luke Ravenstahl became are also part of the program. (See United (LU), says she wanted to be mayor and Zober rose to Chief of photo, page 3.) involved in community organizing Staff, Byrne continued working as his Although Byrne says she “really since age 4. “I didn’t actually know assistant for a while, then eventually enjoyed” her job in the mayor’s what it was,” she laughs, “but I assumed the job of Neighborhood office, she jumped at the chance to thought my grandmother’s job was Initiatives Coordinator. In that capaci- apply for the position at really cool. I was always with her and ty, she says she “hit the ground run- Lawrenceville United that had been shadowing her.” Her grandmother is ning,” traveling to each of held by Tony Ceoffe, who was elected Aggie Brose, longtime deputy direc- Pittsburgh’s 90 neighborhoods, a district judge. “I was always work- tor of the Bloomfield-Garfield attending community meetings as the ing on the government side” of com- Corporation. In fact, Byrne says, she mayor’s liaison, and bringing back munity development, she notes. Adam Flanagan/BGC comes from “a long line of people people’s concerns to Grant Street. “Now I can take everything I’ve TWO GENERATIONS OF COMMUNITY who think it’s important to give back Two city initiatives that started on learned and apply it to one neighbor- LEADERS: AGGIE BROSE AND GRANDAUGHTER LAUREN BYRNE. to the community.” her watch were Green Out Pittsburgh hood. I’m excited that I’ll become an A lifelong resident of Pittsburgh’s and Taking Care of Business. Green expert on Lawrenceville.” East End, Byrne started training for Out Pittsburgh seeks, among other Byrne exudes enthusiasm and pas- would like to see transpire in the her future career early on. For a spe- things, “to stabilize publicly owned sion when she talks about her new neighborhood. cial project at Ellis School, she wrote vacant lots,” says Byrne, and to trans- job; she says that “every time I meet Lawrenceville, according to Byrne, a history of Garfield, the neighbor- form them into green spaces. “We someone I get a new idea” about what is an exciting place because it “has a hood where she was born, which made happen what community mem- can be done. While she credits LU rich history and tradition, but young entailed talking to residents and com- bers envisioned for the lots,” she under Ceoffe with implementing very people are moving in, too,” helping to munity leaders. “That was the first explains. Since 2007, when the pro- successful public safety initiatives, shape the future of the community. At time I threw myself into studying a gram began, 120 parcels have been she says she thinks there is even more just 25, Byrne can count herself in the neighborhood,” she explains. greened. work to be accomplished. She hopes new generation of change-makers. At Allegheny College, Byrne dou- Under the Taking Care of Business to “explore new ways to tackle Luckily for Pittsburgh, she intends to ble-majored in political science and initiative, which began in 2008, Byrne crime…and [deal with] slum land- stay. “I love everything about English. A freshman seminar called worked with community leaders to lords” and “to help create community Pittsburgh,” she says. “I don’t see “How Communities Work” got her figure out what features make busi- plans” based on what stakeholders myself leaving.” hooked for good on community nesses want to locate to a neighbor- organizing. During the summers, she hood and to try to make them a reali- interned in State Sen. Jim Ferlo’s ty. “Those are my expensive garbage Lawrenceville office, doing con- cans,” she smiles, referring to the pub- Music to Their Ears The Children’s Home & Lemieux Family Center The Children’s Lee Robinson, a musician with the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, educated the children at Child's Way® - a day care for medically fragile children at The Children's Home & Lemieux Family Center on Penn Avenue - about instru- ments from around the world. An accomplsihed musician for 25 years, Robinson played saxophones and percussion as well as selected musical record- ings. After his performance, Robinson helped the children make their own musical instruments using recycled materials. In the photo above, Aleyna Ucargonul and Cody Clegg, both 3 years old, make their own musical instru- ments with a nursing student during Robinson's visit. Page 6 • The Bulletin • January 2010 Viewpoint: When Should I Get My First Mammogram?

By Sangeeta Komerally, MD gram before age 40 and how often to for more than 5 years increases the risk concerned and do more studies, such as Bloomfield Medical Associates have them. of developing breast cancer. a biopsy or MRI. • Overweight or obesity increases risk. The very few patients who are diag- In November 2009, recommenda- Risk Factors for Breast Cancer • Low physical activity level through- nosed with cancer by mammograms at tions for when to get mammograms to If you have any of these risk factors, out life also increases risk of breast can- an early age make the news – but what detect breast cancer changed. What talk to your doctor about when to have cer. Being active helps decrease breast about the many younger women who does this mean for you? mammograms: cancer risk itself, and also because went through extensive work-ups and • Personal history of breast cancer – activity helps decrease or prevent obesi- the anxiety of these tests? Although the What is a mammogram? Women who have had breast cancer are ty. work-ups may have shown there was no A mammogram is an X-ray of the more likely to have a second breast can- • Alcohol – Studies indicate that the cancer, these patients continue to worry breast. It is used to check for breast can- cer. more alcohol a woman drinks, the that something was missed. Such anxi- cer in women (and also in men) who • Family history – The risk increases greater her risk of breast cancer. ety may lead the person to stop getting have no signs or symptoms of the dis- for women whose mother, sister, and/or mammograms altogether – and not hav- ease. A mammogram usually involves daughter had the disease, especially if Controversy about Mammograms ing mammograms at all is a real health two X-rays of each breast. From the X- they were diagnosed before age 50, or As per the U.S. Preventive Task risk! rays, a doctor can detect lumps too whose close male blood relative had Force, the new recommendations have So, I believe that the U.S. Preventive small to be felt or tiny dots of calcium breast cancer. changed from 40 years to 50 years for Task Force and National Cancer that may indicate cancer. • Menstrual and childbirth history – initial screening. Women between the Institute recommendations are helpful – The National Cancer Institute recom- Women who started to menstruate ages of 40 to 49 need to talk to their because they recommend talking to mends: before age 12 or who started physicians about their risk factors and your doctor "to make an informed deci- 1. Women ages 40 and older should menopause after age 55 are at higher the need for a mammogram. sion about whether mammography is have mammograms every 1 or 2 years. risk. Having the first child after age 30 The change from age 40 to 50 for the right for you, based on your family his- 2. Women who are at higher risk of or never having a child also increases first screening mammogram is because tory, general health, and personal val- breast cancer should talk to their doc- risk. the risk for cancer increases with age, ues"(http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/USpstf tors about having their first mammo- • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the risk in women ages 40 to 49 is /uspsbrca.htm). small. Also, mammograms in women 40 to 49 years old often have findings Dr. Komerally can be reached at 412- MEMBERSHIP IS NOW ONLINE! that lead the doctor and patient to be 622-6409.

Did you know that the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation is a Forums on Possible Changes membership organization, composed of people like you who to East End Public Schools want change and improvement in their neighborhoods? Now A Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) advisory committee has begun the work of you can become a member of the BGC or renew your mem- developing recommendations for serving the educational needs of students and bership online! Just visit www.bloomfield-garfield.org, click families in the East Region, which includes Bloomfield, Friendship, Garfield, East on “Donate / Become a Member” on the front page, and fol- Liberty, and Lawrenceville. The East Region Advisory Committee is comprised of low the easy process. If you prefer to donate by check, there parents, community leaders, and District staff. is also a membership form to print out and mail in. Two The committee is working on a plan that advances student academic achieve- ment while considering how to make the most efficient and effective use of facili- options - two easy ways to support your community! We ties and financial resources. As part of the process for gathering public input, three hope you will join us and your neighbors in our commitment community forums for public comment will be held: to the revitalization of Garfield, Friendship, and Bloomfield. • Tuesday, January 19, 2010, 7 p.m., Reizenstein facility, 129 Denniston Ave. • Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 7 p.m., Pittsburgh Peabody High School, 515 N. Highland Ave. • Thursday, February 25, 2010, 7 p.m., Pittsburgh Westinghouse High School, 1101 N. Murtland Ave. Each forum will begin with a short overview of the East Region Advisory Committee’s work, followed by an opportunity for public remarks. Interested citi- zens may speak for three minutes, and speakers are asked to provide 15 copies of their remarks. Call the PPS Superintendent’s Office at 412-622-3600 beginning one week before the date of each forum, until noon on the day of the forum, to be placed on the agenda. Paula Martinac/The Bulletin

Tiffany Clark (above), Community Outreach Coordinator for East Liberty Development Inc. (ELDI), organized a December bowling party at Arsenal Lanes for staff of various community groups. The purpose, she said, was “to increase the unity among [the groups] as well as strengthen our rela- tions.” In attendance were staff from ELDI, Bloomfield-Garfield Corp., Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, Lawrenceville Corp., and Lawrenceville United. January 2010 • The Bulletin • Page 7 Get Your Feet Wet in Local Politics This Year

2010 - a new year with new oppor- male committee mem- By Gloria Forouzan Forbes Avenue, your district, such as block watches tunities to become involved in better- ber per district. Bulletin Contributor Room 604; and clean-ups. ing local government. These small elec- phone: 412-350- 3. Knock on every voter’s door in All of Pennsylvania’s state repre- tion districts are very 4500. Pick up your district; this is a reasonable and sentatives face re-election this year. important on more than just a local petitions to get on the ballot. Note: do-able goal. There are only several In our area, that includes state level. They are combined with others, You need a minimum of 10 signatures hundred voters per district, and you Representatives Dom Costa and forming voting districts for mayor, from registered Democratic voters liv- have 10 weeks in which to reach Joseph Preston. Don Walko is not state representatives, U.S. Senate, and ing in your election district. Be smart them. seeking re-election to the state House, so forth. - aim for at least twice that many sig- 4. Send a letter/postcard to voters in as he has been elected as a judge in A Democratic Committee member natures. Pick up a list of your election your district the week before the pri- the Court of Common Pleas. State is an elected representative and, as district’s registered Democratic vot- mary. Senator Jim Ferlo is also up for re- such, has duties to fulfill. Their best ers. 5. Collect voters’ email addresses. election. known duty is to vote for candidates Next, take every opportunity to Send them regular updates (every two For those wishing to try their hand during the endorsement process. How meet voters in your district, before the weeks) on your campaign. at local political life, running for com- does a committee member decide primary election, Tuesday, May 18. mittee member is a good way to start. which candidate to endorse? By ask- Here are some tips for doing that: Good luck! In 2010, all Democratic Committee ing their constituents for their opin- 1. Let friends and acquaintances in This is the last in my series on vot- members are up for election. ions and representing their con- your district know you’re running. ing and politics. Thanks to The Registered Democratic voters can stituents’ wishes at the endorsement Ask them to help you by introducing Bulletin for giving me this opportuni- vote for their committee members meeting. It’s no secret that it doesn’t you to their neighbors, door-knocking ty to share my insights with you. once every four years. I say “can” always happen this way. on their street with you, or calling vot- Please contact me if you have ques- because many voters do not bother to Think you’d be good for the job? ers they know in the district. tions: [email protected]. take the “trip” down the ballot to seek Want to try? 2. Attend community functions in out candidates running for committee Here are the basics: A Democratic seats. For example, in the 9th Ward, Committee candidate must be regis- which is central Lawrenceville, fewer tered as a Democratic voter and a res- Spreading Holiday Cheer than 150 people voted in any individ- ident of the election district. ual Democratic Committee race. Committee members serve for four (Note: Republican Committee mem- years. In addition to the endorse- bers are up for election in 2012.) ments, they attend periodic meetings, Here’s why committee members perform get-out-the-vote activities, are important. Politically, Pittsburgh and volunteer at the polls on Election is made up of wards, which are further Day. broken down into election districts, If you would like to run for called “precincts” in other parts of the Democratic Committee this spring, United States. For example, the first day to circulate and file nom- Pittsburgh’s 9th ward, which is central ination petitions is February 16, and Lawrenceville, consists of nine elec- the filing deadline is March 9, giving tion districts. Each election district in you three weeks to collect signatures. Paula Martinac/The Bulletin turn holds several hundred voters. First, visit Allegheny County’s Democrats elect both a female and a Election Division, downtown at 542 Santa Claus’s sleigh touched down in Garfield on Friday, December 4, for the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation’s annual holiday party. Volunteers helped Santa by serving cookies and hot cocoa to the children, parents, and other community members who filled the BGC’s Community TAXTAX MANMAN Activity Center on N. Pacific Avenue. Cookies were generously provided by UPMC St. by Patrick N. Price Margaret, the Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Tax Consultant and Whole Foods Market. Internal Revenue Service Adam Flanagan/BGC

UPCOMING COMPUTER CLASSES AT For tax years 2009 and 2010, the American Opportunity Credit makes EASTSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD EMPLOYMENT CENTER many temporary changes to the Hope Education Credit. Textbooks, computers, software, and required course materials are now consid- Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center (ENEC) is conducting free computer classes at ered qualifying educational expenses, in addition to tuition and fees. its offices at 5321 Penn Avenue in Garfield. Computer equipment used in these classes has Qualifying expenses must be reduced by any grants or free scholar- been supplied by the City of Pittsburgh’s Operation Weed and Seed. The class schedule in ships. The maximum amount of the Hope Credit has been increased January includes: to $2,500. Taxpayers can now claim the Hope Credit for the first four years of post-secondary education. Taxpayers with little or no income Tuesdays: Wednesdays: Thursdays: tax may be able to claim part of the Hope Credit now as a refundable Intro to Computers Intro to Windows Working with E-Applications credit. For more information, visit www.irs.gov. Intro to Windows Intro to Word Intro to PowerPoint Intermediate Word Intermediate Word Intro to Access Intro to Computers Visit The Bulletin’s blog at Intro to Excel www.bgcbulletin.blogspot.com For class times, descriptions, and pre-requisites, or to register for a class, call ENEC at 412- for all the latest news and events! 362-8580 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Maximum class size is 10, so register early! No admit- tance to class if more than 10 minutes late. Classes are FREE to Allegheny County residents. Page 8 • The Bulletin • January 2010 Youths Learn Gardening and Environmental Practices from Local Experts

By Paula Martinac youth project. This fall, volunteers The Bulletin from BNY Mellon and the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie If you passed the intersection of Mellon University helped clear out Baum Boulevard and Penn Circle the overgrown weeds and build a West in East Liberty this fall and were raised flower bed. in awe of the beautiful field of sun- Reed explained that there are three flowers there, you have the Parental distinct parts of the project. One sec- Stress Center’s Green Space Project tion with a picnic bench, flower bed, to thank. and winding walk is a parklette, or The brainchild of PSC’s program miniature park. In this area, the stu- director, Bob Feikema, the Green dents are working with Pittsburgh Space Project provides young people Park Conservancy experts to learn the aged 13 to 18 with an opportunity to basics of landscaping and design. learn environmental concepts and gar- Second is a vegetable garden, in dening from local experts, and to which students get hands-on experi- exercise leadership skills in determin- ence in the basics of organic garden- ing the future use and layout of the ing. In addition to deciding what to space. plant, students will also get to practice Dominique Reed, a Pittsburgh entrepreneurship skills, determining Center Stress Courtesy Parental whether the vegetables grown will be STUDENTS IN THE PENN CIRCLE WEST GREEN SPACE PROJECT WORK OUT native and Americorps VISTA worker THE DESIGN OF THE GARDEN AT PENN CIRCLE AND BAUM BOULEVARD. assigned to PSC through August given away or sold at a farmer’s mar- 2010, is at the helm of the greening ket. honey for sale and wax for candles gram. No special skills or knowledge project. “This is an amazing opportu- Third is the sunflower field, an and lip balm. are required. nity for me,” said Reed, a recent Penn environmental-learning exercise to “The hardest part is recruitment,” “We’re just looking for kids who State University graduate in teach how sunflower oil can be con- noted Reed, who has been actively want to learn and can commit for a International and African-American verted into biodiesel fuel. GTECH, a trying to entice high school students year,” said Reed. “And who aren’t Studies. “It’s a way to empower the local company that works to empower from around the area to join the after- afraid to get their hands dirty.” community to transform this lot into the community through innovative school program, which takes place Interested students and volunteers can something positive.” green strategies, led the harvest of every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. reach her at [email protected] or The one-half-acre space adjacent to sunflower seeds at the end of October Four students are currently enrolled; 412-361-4800 x227. PSC’s offices formerly held a loft and demonstrated how to turn the oil the goal is to have 12 to 14 in the pro- building; after that structure was into alternative energy. demolished, it was an unsightly lot Future plans include a possible api- filled with weeds. Envisioning an ary to house honey bees, under the opportunity to teach greening con- direction of Burgh Bees. The apiary cepts, Feikema convinced the owner would further the entrepreneurship of the lot to lend it to PSC for the new segment of the project, by providing Nadia Diboun/Lawrenceville Corp. During the 10th annual “Joy of Cookies” Cookie Tour in Lawrence- ville in December, gingerbread men were hung throughout the shopping district designating which shops had samples of home-baked cookies and free recipes for visitors. “This year, some businesses reported sales increases by over 40 percent from last year’s tour,” said cookie tour organiz- er Mary Coleman of Gallery on 43rd Street. Cookies were baked by Bernadette Ogurchak of Heaven’s Scent Pastries. January 2010 • The Bulletin • Page 9 Laurentian Hall Boasts Twenty Years of Serving Seniors Mary Ann By Paula Martinac those 62 or older, or A SPACIOUS, McGill can make an The Bulletin those under 62 who NEWLY RENOVATED unusual claim: She are mobility ONE-BEDROOM AVAILABLE FOR now lives in the impaired. Some RENT. same room where she attended second income restrictions apply, and rents are grade back in the 1950s. McGill is the established according to income. resident manager of Laurentian Hall Utilities are included in the rent, and Apartments for seniors at 5321 Penn each unit can regulate its own temper- Avenue, a building that originally ature. A free, brightly lit laundry room housed the St. Lawrence O’Toole on each floor is another perk. grade school and high school. The hallways are wide and spa- “Talk about coming full circle!” cious, harking back to the building’s said McGill, noting that a number of days as a school. “We kept the integri- the current residents also attended ty of the hallways,” McGill said. school in that building. The all-girls’ “People actually do their circuits up

high school closed in 1968, and the and down them,” getting in a daily Paula Martinac/The Bulletin grade school in the early 1980s. When walk without having to leave the build- the building was vacant, the parish- ing. There is ingoing and outgoing mail ances and modern cabinets. “He takes directory of residents in the main ioners “took a look at the neighbor- service for residents five days a week. pride in his work,” McGill noted. “He’s entrance to attract pranksters or intrud- hood,” McGill explained, “and said we Although residents can prepare meticulous about it.” ers. “Visitors have to know the room don’t have so many young people any- their own meals, a dinner plan is avail- The facility is classified as inde- number of the person they’re visiting, more, but we have a lot of older peo- able for an additional $180 a month; pendent living, which means that there in order to get in,” she explained. ple.” The early 20th-century structure Nova Café caters the evening meal in are no medical staff on site, and resi- “If you want a room where you can was reconfigured into 35 apartments, the common dining room. There are dents who need assistance must feel secure, this is it,” said resident and Laurentian Hall opened its doors to occasionally group activities in the arrange for it on their own or through Joyce Miller, who used to have a home its first tenants in December 1989. community room, including movies on the Area Agency on Aging. They also in Bloomfield but found as she got The three-story, elevator building a large-screen TV. do their own grocery shopping and older that she needed to live on one houses efficiencies, one-bedrooms, and Laurentian Hall’s maintenance housekeeping, just as they did in their level. “They really watch out for us two-bedrooms; some have been adapt- supervisor, Chuck Mahan, keeps the former homes. here.” ed to accommodate wheelchairs and building in shape. He has been slowly McGill said she is proud of the walkers. Each apartment has emer- renovating each apartment as vacan- facility’s excellent safety record. For more information about living at gency cords that residents can pull in cies occur, painting, installing new Windows only open to a certain height, Laurentian Hall, call 412-361-4462. case of falls or other crisis situations. tile, and replacing old built-in galley and the main door is equipped with an The apartments are open to rent for kitchens with new, freestanding appli- alarm system. In addition, there is no Page 10 • The Bulletin • January 2010 THE BULLETIN BOARD

designed to help self-manage ongoing The Bulletin Board publishes health conditions such as arthritis, listings of volunteer opportu- diabetes, chronic pain, high blood nities, free or low-cost events FREE TO and classes, announcements, pressure, stroke, heart disease, asth- fundraising events, and serv- ma, cancer, or any other condition THE PEOPLE ices that are of particular that affects your daily life. New class- www.carnegielibrary.org interest to our neighbor- es start in January 2010. Space is lim- hoods. Send announcements ited. Preregistration required. Please to Bulletin@bloomfield- call 412-361-5003 x106. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - January 26, 10:30 -11:30 a.m. garfield.org or mail to The Lawrenceville Branch Bulletin, 5149 Penn Avenue, East Liberty Branch Events @ Pittsburgh, PA 15224, by the DANCE CLASSES FOR 279 Fisk St. 412-682-3668 15th of each month. We do KIDS AND ADULTS Borders EastSide not accept listings on the Preschool Storytime Storytime phone. Information is pub- New classes and auditions at Ages 3 to 5; Thursdays, January 7, Ages 3 to 5. Wednesdays, January lished on a space-available Pittsburgh Dance & Theatre Arts! The 14, 21, 28, 10:30 a.m. 6, 20, 10:30 a.m. basis. winter session begins January 4 at Adult Book Discussion Family Fun Storytime: A Winter Pittsburgh's most diverse dance under Monday, January 11, 5 p.m. Wonderland of Reading one roof. Please join us for dance, OLUNTEERS TO ORK The Humbling, by Philip Roth For all ages. Saturday, January 16, V W theatre, voice, and fitness classes for Baby/Toddler Storytime 2 p.m. WITH SENIORS kids and adults of all levels. New Ages birth to 3; Tuesdays, January Do you have a few extra hours a classes include: Tumbling for kids, 5, 12, 19 , at 11 a.m. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - month to help a neighbor in need? African Dance for kids and adults, Family Fun Storytime Main PC Center Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers (IVC) and Samba. Please call or visit our For all ages. Saturdays, January 9, 4400 Forbes Avenue needs your help to serve seniors in website for days and times: 412-681- 23, 30 at 11 a.m. http://www.carnegielibrary.org/loc your community. Through IVC, vol- 7523 or http://www.pgh-dance.com. Family Fun Artful Stories: ations/pccenter/main/ unteers like you provide non-medical Also, auditions will be held for Georgia O’Keeffe For more information about all our services such as rides to appoint- Pittsburgh Jr. Theatre's production of For all ages. Saturday, January 16, free computer classes, call the PC ments, assistance with grocery shop- "Beauty and the Beast" on January 18 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Center-Main Library at 412-578- ping, friendly visiting, help sorting and January 25, or by appointment. The Family Playshop 2561. mail, and home safety checks to older Students should prepare a one-minute For 6 months to 3 years. Tuesday, adults free of charge. In many cases monologue and song; be prepared to this simple assistance makes it possi- sing! ble for the elder to remain living in their own home when they might not HAKE OUR OOTIES IN otherwise be able. To learn more S Y B about how you can help, visit our 2010! website at www.ivcswpa.org or call Mark your calendar now for the ninth IVC at 412-345-7420. annual Shake Your Booties! Join The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & ART ALL NIGHT 2010 Lemieux Family Center for our signa- PLANNING SESSION ture special event on Saturday, March 20, 2010 in the beautiful Hyde Park Now in its 13th year, Art All Night, Prime Steakhouse, located on Pittsburgh's most unique and populist Pittsburgh's North Shore. Shake Your art event, will take place on April 24 Booties will be an exciting evening and 25, 2010. Anyone interested in filled with 1940's Hollywood glam- taking on a leadership role for Art All our, great music, sumptuous tasting Night 2010 is invited to attend the stations and live and silent auctions. first planning meeting, to be held on For more information or sponsorship January 20 at 7 p.m. at the Stephen info, please contact Audrey Tierney at Foster Center, 289 Main Street in 412-441-4884, ext. 2046 or atieney@ Lawrenceville. For more information chomepgh.org. about Art All Night, or to sign up to volunteer for the event, please visit our website at www.artallnight.org. FLEA MARKET IN LAWRENCEVILLE FREE “HEALTHY VIEW” On Saturday, January 9, 2010, Our CLASS FOR SENIORS Lady of the Angels will hold a com- Vintage Senior Community Center, muity flea market at the St. Augustine 401 North Highland Avenue, East Social Hall, 204, 37th Street in Liberty (across from Home Depot), Lawrenceville. The flea market will will offer a FREE 6-week "Healthy run from 8 a.m to 2 p.m., and then View" Chronic Disease Self- reopen after the 4 p.m Mass (from 5 Management Course designed by to 7 p.m.). There will be both new and Stanford University. The course is used items for sale. January 2010 • The Bulletin • Page 11 THE BULLETIN BOARD

GET INVOLVED WITH THE To get involved, visit our website, www.friendship-pgh.org, and join our FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITY email lists for information about Do you have an itch to volunteer for neighborhood events and happenings. the neighborhood? Friendship Development Associates (FDA) is THE UTURE OF ESLIE looking for new committee members, F L volunteers, and board members. PARK POOL There are several ways to get Leslie Park Pool in Lawrenceville involved and support the revitaliza- was decommissioned by the City of tion efforts in Friendship: Pittsburgh in 2003. Now is the time to • Join a committee: FDA commit- begin planning for the future of the tees include: Executive, Real Estate, site. Be a part of the process! Bring Marketing Communications and your memories, ideas, energy, and Fundraising, Design and Planning, enthusiasm to four community and Finance, as well as several sub- forums. Everyone is welcome! Forum committees. dates: Wednesday, Jan. 20, 6:30-8:30 • Volunteer: Whether you’d like to p.m., CYA Stephen Foster Center, help out at our annual events or organ- 286 Main Street; Saturday, Jan. 23, 10 ize a community clean-up, every little a.m.-noon, St. Matthew Parish, St. bit helps make Friendship a better Kieran Church Hall on 53rd and place to live and work. Carnegie Streets; Wednesday, Feb. • Support our local businesses and 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m., St. Matthew artists: Come to Unblurred: First Parish, St. Kieran Church Hall; Fridays on Penn, where galleries and Sunday, Feb. 21, noon-2 p.m., CYA studios open up their doors and show- Stephen Foster Center. Sessions will case a variety of artwork and perform- be facilitated by community residents ances. Visit Penn Avenue for a cup of and planners as well as those invested coffee and some international cuisine, in Lawrenceville. For more informa- or take a class at Dance Alloy Theater tion contact Jennifer Kiley at 412- or the Pittsburgh Glass Center. 327-7848 or [email protected] Page 12 • The Bulletin • January 2010 CLASSI FIEDS

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SERVICES A Hauling Job? We clear basements, yards, garages, attics, estates Fast, Reliable, Reasonable Your ad would Also demolition work, minor repairs, grass cutting, salvage credit. look great here! 412-687-6928 Call Walt 412-773-0599 Call 412-441-6915!

Census, from page 1

one, including local law enforcement, test to determine their eligibility and the FBI, the IRS, or the Immigration pass certain security checks. For more and Naturalization Service. In fact, information, go to http://2010.cen- census workers can be heavily fined sus.gov/2010censusjobs, or call the or imprisoned for five years for dis- local census office at 412-770-3380. closing people’s private information. The ENEC can also provide assis- tance with census employment appli- How Else Does the Census Help cations; the phone number is 412- People? 362-8580. Another advantage of the census, “The census is a big undertaking,” according to Bill Woodward, program said Brose, “but we can get a com- manager of the ENEC, is that “it cre- plete count if we all understand the ates thousands of temporary jobs for value of it. The questionnaire isn’t a census takers, and they pay well.” useless form to throw away. If you Census takers receive an hourly don’t fill it out, you shortchange your- salary (in this area, the jobs start at self and the whole neighborhood. The $15.75/hour) and are also paid for census helps all of us.” training. Applicants must take a brief

Penn Circle, from page 1

As a part of the project, Port department store at the corner of Penn Authority’s bus loop at the intersec- Avenue and Penn Circle East. "When tion of Penn Avenue and Penn Circle Target opens, we want everyone to be will be replaced with new develop- able to come and go and see a revital- ment, which will include a combined ized Penn Circle," said Hassett. retail and transit center as an expan- As community members asked sion of the Eastside development. Bus questions to learn more about the stops will be created on Penn Avenue project, Hogan confirmed the to replace the bus loop, and the City of inevitable. "It's going to be a year of Pittsburgh is exploring innovative bus frustration," between the Penn Circle shelters that will incorporate roofs work and the construction of the that capture rainwater runoff. Target, but "It's really all towards the The restructuring of Penn Circle is future progress of East Liberty," he expected to be complete in time for said. the grand opening of a new Target

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 18, 2010!