Volume 38, Number 2 FEB 2013 -...

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A Publication of The Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation

Serving Bloomfield, Friendship, Garfield, East Liberty,Lawrenceville and Stanton Heights Since 1975

Volume 38, Number 2

FEB 2013

See Grocery | page 7

Testing Generic Drugsin East LibertyBy Paula Martinac The Bulletin

East Liberty – The building at the intersection of Penn Avenueand S. Beatty Street in East Liberty stands out for its brightlycolored mural, “Lend Me Your Ears,” painted in 2004 by artist 7

See page 7

Mt. Ararat Moving Services and ProgramsBy Rick Swartz Bloomfield-Garfield Corp.

Highland Park – Long a bastion of stability in the city’s Larimerneighborhood, the congregation of Mt. Ararat Baptist Churchwants to buy the former Craig House Academy building at 4

See page 4

Rather Ripped RecordsRe-EmergesBy Wesley Davis The Bulletin

Lawrenceville – In 1969, a long-haired Pittsburgher from theSouth Side, Russ Ketter, moved to Berkeley to write music. Even-tually, he opened a record store, Rather Ripped, which lasted 11

See page 11

Grocery Chain Remains Committed

to Penn Ave. LocationBy Paula Martinac

The Bulletin

ABOVE: Russ Ketter, owner of Rather Ripped Records in Lawrenceville, relocated his iconic storyfrom Berkeley, Ca. Read the full story, starting above. Photo by John Colombo Photography

Penn Avenue – Although an appeal hasdelayed the construction of a BottomDollar store at 5200 Penn Avenue, resi-dents looking forward to the constructionof a grocery store in the immediate neigh-borhood can take heart. The grocerychain still plans to bring a supermarket tothat location, according to one of its exec-utives. As reported in the January issue of TheBulletin, on Dec. 3, 2012, four SouthPacific Avenue neighbors and the Friend-ship Preservation Group filed an appealwith the Court of Common Pleas,opposing the decision by the city’s ZoningBoard of Adjustment to green-light thestore. However, Steve Wilson, real estaterepresentative for the North-Carolina-based Bottom Dollar, a subsidiary of FoodLion, confirmed recently by phone, “Ourintention is to move forward and to buildthe store on that property.” Wilson reiterated that the delay causedby the appeal will be about six months, if,as he hopes, the city and Bottom Dollarsuccessfully defend the appeal. That delaywill take the opening of the store well into2014. Wilson told The Bulletin that Bottom

ABOVE: Temujin the Storyteller was featured at the first annual Kwanzaa on Penn. Read the full story on page 16. Photo by John Colombo Photography

2 | The Bulletin | FEB 2013

Penn Avenue to Get Custom Tree GratesBy Paula Martinac

The Bulletin

Bloomfield/Garfield – The trees liningPenn Avenue from Evaline to MathildaStreets will be sporting custom-designedgrates, thanks to a $5,000 grant from thePittsburgh Partnership for NeighborhoodDevelopment (PPND).

Phase 1 of the Penn Avenue Recon-struction Project, set to beginconstruction in late summer 2013,includes new sidewalks, lighting, signal-ization and paving in those four blocks.The reconstruction will also incorporatenew streetscaping elements, such asbenches and tree grates. The gratessurround the base of street trees,suppressing weeds and trash and accom-modating pedestrian traffic. They can beplain, functional cast iron or more deco-rative.

While funding from PennDOT and theCity of Pittsburgh is earmarked for themanufacture and installation of thesegrates, it does not include money for theirdesign. “We wanted something orna-mental, to distinguish Penn Avenue as anarts district,” explained Aggie Brose,deputy director of the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation, which applied toPPND for the grant.

The funds from PPND will pay for thedesign of the grates by artist NatalieSettles, who was chosen from three localartists; she will also approve their fabrica-tion. According to Karen Loysen of

Loysen + Kreuthmeier, the architecturefirm in charge of overseeing thestreetscaping part of the reconstructionproject, Settles distinguished herselfduring the interview process because she“is very engaged with botany. She evenwanted to know about the bark on thetrees.”

Settles lives in Lawrenceville and iscurrently artist in residence with theTonsor Laboratory for Plant EvolutionaryGenetics at the University of Pittsburgh.According to her website, “her work hasled to collaborative projects withresearchers in biochemistry, botany, phys-iology, and developmental andevolutionary biologies.” She will developthree different tree grate designs topresent to the reconstruction projectcommittee, which will select the finalproduct. The tree grates will be installedin the final stage of reconstruction, prob-ably in spring 2014.

The short-term goal of using decorativetree grates is to integrate art into thecommunity. But in the long term, Loysensaid she hopes the project will encouragethe City to use artist-designed streetscapeelements in other local projects. With thatin mind, Loysen + Kreuthmeier, inconjunction with the City’s Office ofPublic Art, will host an informationsession in the future for other communitydevelopment groups and designers. t

Opening of Neighborhood Café DelayedBloomfield – Friendship Perk, the casual, family-oriented café being planned for 300 S.Pacific Avenue, has experienced a setback that will delay opening of the venue for “atleast six months,” owner Nick Redondo told The Bulletin.

Redondo said his plans for the property, which used to house the Brian & CooperFood Mart, are for “a nice neighborhood gathering place” that will serve gourmet coffee,unique sandwiches and soups and craft beers. He reiterated his intention to have a patioin front of the shop where customers can enjoy their beverages and food al fresco inwarm months. He noted that he had wanted to open the café in October 2012; indeed,when The Bulletin visited the property last June, Redondo and his son were heavilyengaged in interior renovation (see photo at left).

However, Redondo said he discovered when Brian & Cooper vacated the propertythat Nasir Raess, owner of the convenience store, had retained possession of the store’sliquor license. Redondo contends the license was only temporarily transferred into thetenant’s name in conjunction with the lease Redondo executed with him. Redondofurther stated that his family never intended to relinquish ownership rights to thelicense. However, Raess, Redondo said, maintains he bought the license outright froma former tenant, which is the source of their dispute.

Redondo said he has discussed the situation with Raess, both through their lawyersand in person, and the Brian & Cooper owner “is willing to negotiate” in order to bringthe matter to a close. The liquor license, Redondo noted, “has to be sewn up” before hecan secure the financing for Friendship Perk.

“Hopefully, we can get the license back,” said Redondo. “I just want to do things rightso everybody’s happy” – even if it means buying back a license he said his family stilltechnically owns. t

. NEWSBRIEFS.

Bloomfield – The future of West Penn Hospital – and of health-care choice in Pittsburghoverall – seemed much brighter on Jan. 16, when Highmark Inc., West Penn AlleghenyHealth System (WPAHS) and several bondholders announced that they had struck adeal to ensure the financial future of the health system.

A proposed affiliation between Highmark and WPAHS has been in limbo since lateNovember, when WPAHS broke off its relationship with Highmark, stating that High-mark had breached their contract by trying to force the health system to file forbankruptcy. Such proceedings would have jeopardized the pensions of the 12,000WPAHS employees, according to WPAHS executives.

The deal announced on Jan. 16 does not require a bankruptcy filing, thus preservingthe employees’ pensions and jobs. Instead, Highmark and several bondholders willassume WPAHS’s outstanding debt, allowing the affiliation between the two to moveforward for approval by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department.

State Sen. Jim Ferlo, who has headed a group of local leaders and community stake-holders involved in getting the insurance giant and the health system back to thenegotiating table, wrote in an email that “I believe this to be extremely positive newsbased on our enumerated concerns and principles.”

Ferlo further stated that the deal entails no closings of services at West Penn Hospitalor the system’s other facilities, according to a source high up at Highmark.

SEIU Healthcare PA, the union that represents more than 2,000 nurses, nursing assis-tants and other employees at three WPAHS campuses, released a statement in supportof the deal. “My co-workers and I look forward to working closely with both WPAHSand Highmark to build a strong, high-quality, cost-effective health system for the peopleof Western Pennsylvania,” said Cathy Stoddart, RN, president of the union at AlleghenyGeneral Hospital.

Highmark and WPAHS will now await a final ruling from Michael Consedine, Penn-sylvania Insurance Commissioner, regarding their proposed affiliation. Consedine heldhearings in April 2012 about the merger, and at press time it was unknown when hewould release his decision. t

Highmark and WPAHS Strike Deal

BELOW: The interior of 300 S. Pacific as it appeared last summer, when owner Nick Redondo firstbegan working on the renovation. See story at right. Photo by Paula Martinac

By Paula MartinacThe Bulletin

Thank you! The Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation would like to acknowl-edge its NPP partners, PNC Bank and Allegheny Valley Bank. Thanksalso to BNY Mellon, Pittsburgh Partnership for Neighborhood Develop-ment, The United Way, Dollar Bank, Citizens Bank, and all of The Bul-letin’s advertisers.

3FEB 2013 | The Bulletin |

The deadline for the March issue is Thursday, February 14.

Editorial and Advertising Offices • 5149 Penn Avenue • Pittsburgh, PA 15224412.441.6915 • (Fax) 412.441.6956 • [email protected] Circulation • 21,000 Copies • 18,000 Mailed • 3,000 DroppedStaff • Paula Martinac, Editor • Wesley Davis, Intern • Martin Pochapin, Advertising• Wesley Davis and Rick Swartz, Proofreading • Mary Anne Stevanus, Bookkeeper •Typecraft Press, Printing • CISP, Distribution Board Meetings are held by the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at 5321 Penn Ave. These meetings are open to the public.The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher.The Bulletin is made possible in part by funding from PNC Bank and the Pittsburgh Partnership for Neighborhood Development.www.bloomfield-garfield.org © 2013 by Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation

Volume 38, Number 2

Serving Bloomfield, Friendship, Garfield, East Liberty, Lawrenceville and StantonHeights Since 1975 with the mission of reporting on activities affecting those communitiesand offering an opportunity for residents to express opinions and exchange ideas.

A Publication of Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation

If your employer is part of the annual United Way cam-paign, you can support the work of the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation, including publication of TheBulletin, through each paycheck you get. The United Way allows youto target your payroll deduction to the agency of your choice. TheBGC’s contributor choice number is 260. And the nice thing is, yourcontribution can be a deduction on your federal tax return if youitemize. The United Way's website (www.uwac.org) will take you stepby step through the contributor choice process. To find out moreabout the BGC, visit us at www.bloomfield-garfield.org.

Discussion on Legalizing Marijuana Moves Forward

By Carolyn Ristau Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation

Bloomfield/Garfield – On Jan. 3, StateRep. Dom Costa and representativesfrom State Rep. Dan Frankel’s office,Lawrenceville United, Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation, PittsburghNORML and Pittsburgh CommunityRedevelopment Group (PCRG) cametogether to discuss legalizing marijuanain Pennsylvania. Patrick Nightingale of PittsburghNORML – the local chapter of theNational Organization for the Reform ofMarijuana Laws – presented the historyof the criminalization of marijuana in theUnited States, the current laws regardingmarijuana in Pennsylvania and thelegislative options for changing theselaws. During and after the presentation,audience members asked questions andshared their experiences related to theeffects of the criminalization of posses-sion or sale of the drug. Nightingale explained that in 1972, theNixon administration set up the bipar-tisan Shafer Commission – chaired byformer Pennsylvania Governor RaymondP. Shafer – to investigate the effects ofmarijuana usage. The commission,Nightingale said, “found that ‘neither themarijuana user nor the drug itself can besaid to constitute a danger to publicsafety’" and “recommended ‘decriminal-ization of possession of marijuana forpersonal use on both the state and federallevels.’” The Shafer Commission concludedthat marijuana possession should not becriminal “and should be taxed likealcohol,” Nightingale said. PresidentNixon, however, shelved the report. Tothis day in Pennsylvania, “any possessionis criminal. Even possession of a seedlingplant is a felony and treated the same as aheroine dealer,” said Nightingale. The arguments Nightingale presentedfor the legalization of marijuana includehis beliefs that it “protects children farbetter than prohibition” and that people“can’t die from marijuana consumption.”In addition, he said, since other vices such

as gambling have been legalized togenerate revenue for the state, the samecan be done with marijuana. According to Nightingale, there arethree legislative options in Pennsylvaniato change the current laws. First is insti-tuting a medicinal marijuana law, whichpermits doctors to prescribe marijuana topatients. Nightingale noted that mari-juana has fewer side effects than otherprescription medications. Second is thedecriminalization of marijuana. Thischanges the possession of marijuana froma misdemeanor to a summary offensewith a fine and the confiscation of thedrug as punishment. In this scenario,possession is not a felony and there aresavings in enforcement costs as there isno incarceration. Third is full legaliza-tion. In this case, the development andsale of marijuana are taxed and regulated,with the potential to bring in significantrevenue. Rep. Costa engaged in the subsequentdiscussion, asking questions and sharinghis encounters with marijuana possessorswhen he was a police chief. Toward theend of the discussion, he said, “I will co-sponsor the medical marijuana bill whenit comes up again” and continue partici-pating in the discussion around otheroptions. After the meeting, Rep. Costafollowed through with his statement andco-sponsored HB 1663, the Compas-sionate Use Medical Marijuana Act,reintroduced by State Rep. Mark Cohen. Separately, State Rep. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery, introduced a bill for the fulllegalization of marijuana on Jan. 4. The discussion about changing themarijuana laws will likely continue. KatieHale from PCRG invited Nightingale topresent at the Safe NeighborhoodsNetwork meeting on January 12, and Rep.Costa and Erika Frike from Rep. Frankel’soffice also talked about bringing togetherthe state representatives from AlleghenyCounty to listen to Nightingale’s presen-tation and expand the discussion aboutchanging the marijuana laws. t


Stanton and N. Negley Avenues andconvert it into a program and outreachcenter. At a hearing in front of the City’sZoning Board of Adjustment on Jan. 10th,Rev. William Curtis and his staff outlinedtheir intentions for the property at 753 N.Negley Ave. if the City approves thechange in use from what had been, mostrecently, a school for children with specialneeds. Rev. Curtis told the board that thechurch’s programming has outgrown itsspace on Paulson Avenue in Larimer, andthat the new site would better enable themto serve their various constituencies in theEast End. “We would move our day-care andafter-school programs to the new facility,along with recreation activities for chil-dren and adults in the community,” Rev.Curtis told the board. “We have grownfrom a congregation of 450 memberswhen I started at Mt. Ararat to one of over9,000 today.” In addition to these services, Rev.Curtis said the new site would also housea food and clothing bank, a computertechnology center, a mentoring projectand a summer day camp. The hours ofoperation would typically be 6:30 a.m. to6 p.m. on most days. However, Curtis didstate that the church will continue to“assess the needs in the community, sothere is the possibility we could be addingsome evening programming if we findthat there’s a demand for it.” The appearance at the zoning boardhearing comes on the heels of severalmeetings with residents of Highland Parkand representatives from three commu-nity organizations. Officials from theHighland Park Community DevelopmentCorporation and the Highland ParkCommunity Club attended the zoning

hearing and spoke in favor of the church’sapplication. David Hance, a Highland Park CDCboard member, said, “We feel the trackrecord of Mt. Ararat is a good one fromwhat we’ve learned in those meetings, andappreciate the fact that church officialswere willing to sit down with communityinterests and share their plans for the site.”He did acknowledge that his group wouldprefer that the change in use, if approvedby the board, be allowed to expire if andwhen Mt. Ararat were to discontinue itsprograms at the facility and place theproperty up for sale or lease. “The site is zoned for residential use,and there is a plan for Negley Avenue thatwas developed 15 years ago that advocatesfor it to remain as such,” Hance informedthe board. “While we’re confident that Mt.Ararat will be a good neighbor, we thinkthe best use of the property, long-term, isresidential.” Monica Watt, president of thecommunity club, echoed Hance’scomments. However, Kirk Burkley, a zoning boardmember, advised the neighborhood repre-sentatives that there is no provision withinthe zoning code for a change in use toexpire if Mt. Ararat were to sell the prop-erty to an entity that intended to continuewith the same use. Craig House Academy moved its schoolfrom Highland Park in 2010 to a newfacility at S. Negley and FriendshipAvenues less than a mile away, renamingit Friendship Academy in the process. Thebuilding was eventually sold by theWatson Institute, the parent arm of CraigHouse, at auction in 2011 to a privateinvestor. However, a recent search ofAllegheny County’s assessment registryfailed to locate any record of the building.t

Mt. Ararat from page 1Public Safety Task Force Reviews 2012

By Carolyn RistauBloomfield-Garfield Corporation

Garfield – The Public Safety Task Force(PSTF) has convened monthly in Garfieldsince 2000. At the table are representativesfrom the Bloomfield-Garfield Corpora-tion (BGC), the Bureau of Police, otherneighborhood organizations, the offices ofthe Mayor and City Council members,various city and county departments andthe state.

The PSTF works to maintain the safetyof residents of Garfield and neighboringareas and to address blight and abandon-ment in the community. At the meetingon Jan. 9, members shared several positivedevelopments.

• Brandon Sewell was arrested inOctober a week after the shooting ofNe’Ondre Harbour at 408 N. Aiken Ave.;Sewell is the suspected perpetrator in thisincident. George Johnson was arrested inDecember in connection with the retalia-tion shooting of Thomas Bey.

• Investigations are on-going into the2012 shootings on N. Fairmont Street andthe 5400 block of Broad Street and atGarfield Commons.

• While there were three murders inGarfield in fall 2012, they were the first inthe neighborhood in two years. Thepolice department at Zone 5 stepped upits enforcement efforts in the neighbor-hood, engaging with federal lawenforcement as well. As a result of theseefforts, criminal activity calmed down forthe remainder of 2012.

• 730 Edmond Street has been boardedup and the owner has moved out of thecity. In the past, this property was amagnet for disruptive activity.

• The BGC, in conjunction with theMayor’s Office, is exploring the option ofholding a gun buy-back this year, similarto ones held in the North Side communityin previous years.

• The Bureau of Building Inspection(BBI) reported that demolition contractsare being put out for bid on the followingabandoned houses: 5436 Hillcrest St.,5304 Hillcrest St., 5324 Hillcrest St., 5334Hillcrest St. and 5408 Black St.

• BBI also reported that in 2012, 26buildings in Garfield were demolished,most to make way for new housing.There are currently 26 condemned prop-erties in Garfield.

• The BGC announced it will be doinga “windshield” survey of Garfield this yearto determine which buildings should becondemned and demolished, whichshould be renovated and which are ingood condition as is.

• A liquor license has been approved forSaiman, a new restaurant featuringHawaiian cuisine coming soon to 4923Penn Ave. (See photo.) The father and twosons who are partners in the new restau-rant engaged with BGC and the nearbyneighbors throughout the process ofapplying for the license.

• Finally, mark your calendars for thefollowing Public Safety dates: June isNational Public Safety Month; Aug. 6 isNational Night Out; and Oct. 6-12 isNational Fire Prevention Week.

Community members are invited tobring specific concerns to PSTF’s monthlymeeting during the first 15 minutes. Thenext meeting will be held Wednesday,Feb. 13 at 4 p.m., in the BGC’s Commu-nity Activity Center, 113 N. Pacific Ave. t

ABOVE: An upscale, Hawaiian-themed restau-rant called Saiman will be located at the PennAvenue address once occupied by the nightclubEnvy. Photo by Paula Martinac

ABOVE: Mt. Ararat Baptist Church hopes to move some of its programs and services to the vacantCraig House Academy building on North Negley Avenue. Photo by Rick Swartz


Staff Turns Over at BGCBy Wesley Davis

The Bulletin

Garfield – Kathryn Vargas, outgoingAssistant to the Deputy Director at theBloomfield-Garfield Corporation, saidshe feels comfortable with her movebecause she is “leaving Aggie (Brose) ingreat hands.” Those hands belong toCarolyn Ristau, a former intern with TheBulletin.

Vargas also started as an intern with theBGC, working first with Rick Flanagan onthe BGC’s health partnership withUPMC/St. Margaret and then withDeputy Director Brose, helping to mobi-lize volunteers and resources for the ElmStreet program.

The Elm Street program is a residentialrevitalization effort to create sustainablereuses of land and improve public imageand property values. After funding fromthe state ended, it morphed into theGarfield Community Action Team.Vargas beamed about how GCAT hastaken on a life of its own, building gardensand beautifying public spaces. Formerly acatalyst for the group’s projects, she is nowmerely a facilitator. On the recent GCATrenovations to Kite Hill Park in the 5400block of Hillcrest Street, Vargas directedpraise to local volunteers who “are makingthose things happen.” She said she plansto continue volunteering with GCAT.

One of Vargas’s fondest memories ofworking at the BGC was her effort tomotivate and organize communitymembers to attend the zoning hearing onthe Bottom Dollar grocery store proposedfor Penn Avenue. She said she enjoyed her“engagement with the neighbors” and

admired the fortitude of the mostly femalegroup.

Vargas left the BGC in early January tobecome the Manager of Programs forChildren and Youth at the United Way.She said she will work with many of thesame organizations she was involved withwhile at the BGC, including the Neighbor-hood Learning Alliance. Money donatedto the United Way “is going to the areas ofhighest need,” she noted.

Prior to interning at The Bulletin, Ristau managed elementary after-schoolprograms at the Centre Avenue YMCA, incooperation with the NeighborhoodLearning Alliance and AmeriCorps. Shesaid community issues in the Arlingtonneighborhood, like the lack of a grocerystore and reliable bus service, surprisedher. She also rehabbed houses as a volun-teer with Open Hand Ministries, whichoperates out of Garfield and East Liberty.

Given her interest in education andhousing in the East End, Ristau said she“loved the stories” she read in The Bulletinwhen she went to the doctor’s office. Shesaid they “made going to the doctorworthwhile” and influenced her decisionto pursue an internship. Transitioning towriting her own articles for The Bulletinwas natural. She said she enjoyed theresearch and detective work, especiallyprobing into the struggling energy andenvironmental center built last year inLarimer “that didn’t seem to be doingwhat it was supposed to be doing.” (See“New EECO Center Off to Slow Start,”The Bulletin, Aug. 2012.)

Ristau said she bounced around whilegrowing up, spending time in Cleveland,rural Connecticut and Stroudsburg, Pa.She said Pittsburgh always felt like homebecause of the frequent visits she made tovisit her grandparents here. Given herpassion for housing and redevelopment,she said she is “really thrilled to be backhere at the BGC. I can’t imagine a betterspot for me to be right now.” Whileworking part-time at the BGC, she willalso spend her mornings working in CityCouncilman Bruce Kraus’s office.

Ristau’s interests and passions arediverse. She said she likes “solving puzzlesand seeing something happen, a physicalchange.” The BGC’s comprehensiveinvolvement in community issues excites

her: “It’s not just housing, it’s not justemployment, it’s not just environmentalissues.”

Ristau said she was able to spend a fewdays training with Vargas. Being Brose’sassistant can be hectic. “It definitely is stilla learning process,” she noted.

On Ristau’s ability to meet the chal-lenges of the position, Vargas said, “She’sgoing to be great,” and advised her to“learn as much as possible because Aggiehas a wealth of knowledge and experi-ence.” Ristau and Vargas shared praise forBrose’s strong will. Ristau said, “I don’tthink there’s anything that intimidates her.She’s very fierce.” t

ABOVE: Kathryn Vargas (left) has departed and Carolyn Ristau has joined the BGC staff as assistantto Aggie Brose. Photos by Paula Martinac

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National Arts Conference to Tour Penn AvenueBy Paula Martinac

The Bulletin

Penn Avenue – A national arts conferenceis coming to Pittsburgh this June, andparticipants will get the chance to visit thePenn Avenue Arts District and rub elbowswith local artists and gallery owners.

According to Ashley Paulisick of theGreater Pittsburgh Arts Council, theAmericans for the Arts (AFTA) confer-ence will take place Downtown at theDavid L. Lawrence Convention Centerfrom June 14 to 16. There will also be apre-conference on the 13th. The openingreception on the evening of the 14th willfill the Andy Warhol Museum on theNorth Shore to capacity, she said, andcoincide with many other events in Pitts-burgh that weekend, including the annualThree River Arts Festival and the LGBTPride Festival.

“Pittsburgh will be literally busting atthe seams,” Paulisick said.

The conference, she explained, has beenrunning for more than 10 years, annuallyattracting 1,000 to 1,500 participants.Each year, the event takes place in adifferent city. In 2013, Pittsburgh’s bidwon out over those of Chicago and otherlarger cities “because we’re way cooler,”Paulisick told Penn Avenue gallery

owners at a meeting on Jan. 17 at MostWanted Fine Art. “Accolades to Pittsburghfor being as awesome as we are.”

Paulisick compared the format of thearts conference to the One Young WorldSummit, a gathering of young people thattook place in Pittsburgh last fall. Like thatearlier event, AFTA participants comefrom all over the country and even fromacross the globe. Artists, arts agency andcouncil staffers, arts educators and otherleaders and professionals make up theranks of attendees. California, New Yorkand Pennsylvania, she said, tend to havethe most representatives.

Conference-goers who want to get outand about and meet local artists – “to seewhat people are doing on the ground,” asPaulisick put it – will be able to pick oneof nine tours of different neighborhoodarts districts on the afternoon of Saturday,June 15. Participants will be allotted twohours to get to know Penn Avenue and allit has to offer. “There’s more to see here,”she said. “Other neighborhood stopswon’t be that extensive.”

Although she praised the DowntownCultural District for its many amenities,Paulisick noted that “Pittsburgh has so

much more to offer … in neighborhoodswhere arts have revitalized a region.”

Samantha McDonough, MainstreetsManager for the Bloomfield-GarfieldCorporation who oversees the PennAvenue Arts District, noted that PennAvenue could put together a map orbrochure for the visitors, to orient them to

the corridor. “Maybe we could even havea special Saturday afternoon Unblurred,”she suggested.

Registration for the conference openson Jan. 31 for everyone. For more infor-mation, visit www.convention.artsusa.org.t

ABOVE: Americans for the Arts brings its national conference to Pittsburgh in June.


Jordan Monahan with a commission fromthe Sprout Fund. But some people maynot realize that inside the block-longbuilding is Novum PharmaceuticalResearch Service, which conducts tests onnew drugs for pharmaceutical companies. One of the leading pharmaceuticaltesting companies, Novum got started in1975 in Pittsburgh and now also hasoffices in Houston and Las Vegas. Thecompany has been at its East Liberty loca-tion since the early 1990s. CEO ChrisChamberlain told The Bulletin that thebuilding, which encompasses roughly20,000 square feet, houses five clinics inwhich separate tests take place. Much of Novum’s work involves testinggeneric drugs for “bioequivalence” – theFDA requires proof generics are equiva-lent to name-brand “reference” drugs inorder to approve them. That means theymust be absorbed, metabolized andexcreted in the same way as the brandnames. Generics, Chamberlain points out,constitute about 80 percent of the drugmarket and have made prescriptionmedications affordable for many people.Although for confidentiality reasonsChamberlain could not divulge whichdrugs they have tested or which pharma-ceutical companies they represent, he saidthe drugs tested run the gamut from painmedication to smoking cessation totopical dermatologic treatments. Novum conducts both outpatient andovernight testing, and is always activelyrecruiting healthy volunteers to be part ofits trials. Depending on the drug beingtested, the length of the trial and thenumber of times volunteers have to returnto the clinic, payment can vary from $150to as much as $2,000. “We try to be as warm and welcomingas we can,” Chamberlain said. Volunteersin overnight trials stay in dormitory-likeaccommodations on-site, and have alltheir meals provided. They can bringlaptops and smartphones with them, andthey have access to pool tables and otherrecreational amenities that can make their

stay seem like a mini-vacation, saidNovum’s Marketing Manager, GabrielleProffitt. “There’s no responsibility. Theyjust eat, sleep and play.” Much of thetesting in Pittsburgh does not involveblood draws, she noted, but is related todermatologic treatments, such as oint-ments and patches. Chamberlain stressed that safety for testparticipants is Novum’s primary concern.“We have a well-trained medical staff,” heexplained. “The process is very regi-mented. The staff makes sure people havea smooth experience.” The fact thatNovum has a lot of repeat customers, hesaid, speaks to the care the company takeswith them. What this boils down to, Proffitt added,is, “You’re not a lab rat.” When volunteers apply to Novum, theyfirst have to undergo a thorough medicalscreening to determine if they are gener-ally healthy – much like a regular physical.Participants are warned about potentialside effects upfront. Novum screensvolunteers for illegal drug use, and mosttests have alcohol restrictions, said Cham-berlain. In general, the company is notable to accommodate individuals withchronic medical conditions, or anyoneunder age 18 or over 65. Proffitt noted that Novum is trying tobecome more involved in the surroundingcommunity. During the holiday season,for example, the company put tables outon the street and served cookies and hotchocolate to shoppers and passersby. “Wethink it’s important to support thecommunity and give something back,” shesaid, stating that Novum plans to be moreinvolved in neighborhood festivals andevents in the future. Chamberlain politely declined TheBulletin’s request to take a tour of the facil-ities. “We take confidentiality veryseriously,” he stated. “Just as seriously assafety.” tFor more information about being a volun-teer in a Novum trial, call 1-800-586-0365.

Generic Drugs from page 1

ABOVE: The building housing Novum Pharmaceutical Research Service is immediately recognizablefor its colorful mural, “Lend Me Your Ears.” Photo by Paula Martinac

Dollar has gotten an extension on itsoption to buy the Penn Avenue property,which was due to expire on Jan. 14.Wilson said he did not wish to divulge thespecific time frame of the extension, dueto the pending appeal. The Bulletin haslearned that the owner, 1017 Fifth AvenuePartnership, did not increase the salesprice of the property in granting theextension. The building on the property has stoodvacant since last August, when SchaedlerYesco Distribution, its occupant for the

last five years, relocated to RIDC Park inO’Hara Township. At press time, the two sides had not yetmet with the judge in the case – likely tobe the Honorable Joseph M. James – forwhat is called a “status conference.” Thatmeeting will be an attempt to settle thedifferences between Bottom Dollar andthe appellants and come to a resolutionout of court. If the two sides cannot cometo an agreement at that time, a hearingbefore the judge will be scheduled. t

Grocery from page 1

The Board and Staff of the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation extend their sin-cere condolences to the family of Patricia Sweeney Maloney, 76, who passedaway peacefully at her home on Jan. 17. The matriarch of a large Irish-Catholic family, she was a founding member of the BGC in 1976, and her sonJames Maloney of Bloomfield has been an active BGC board member for sev-eral decades. Donations in her memory can be made to Autism Speaks, 8035McKnight Rd., Suite 301, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.


Blending Teaat the Top of Garfield Healcrest Creates Specialty Teas and Other Treats in Its Evolving Business Plan

NeighborhoodFOCUS

ABOVE: Healcrest Urban Farm offered custom-blended teas at last year’sholiday markets. Photo courtesy Maria Graziani/Dana Launius

By Paula Martinac The Bulletin

“We’ve come a long way in terms of

this farm.”

See page 9

Garfield – Tea lovers, take note: Healcrest Urban Farm, located in Garfield onapproximately 2 acres bounded by Hillcrest Street and North Atlantic and PacificAvenues, recently switched its focus to producing blended teas using herbs andfruits grown primarily on the land. It’s hard to get more local than that. Business partners Maria Graziani, whofounded the farm in 2004, and Dana Launius, who joined with her in forming anLLC entity last year, made the shift in focus when they discovered that “herbal teaswere the biggest sellers on the farm’s Etsy site,” according to Launius. A $5,000interest-free loan from Kiva Zip, a site that allows people to make direct loans toentrepreneurs, has helped them to expand this new focus. The last time The Bulletin reported on Healcrest back in November 2011,Graziani was still on her own, making the transition from vegetable farming tomainly medicinal and culinary herbs. At that time, she was focusing on creatingherb-based salves and lip balms under a label called “Mother Moon,” which prima-rily offered prenatal products. “There was too much overhead,” Graziani explains of the shift away fromcosmetics. “People want beautiful labels and packaging,” and her own packagingwas barebones. Graziani admits that she spent time feeling her way over the years, trying to finda sustainable business model that would support the farm. Although Healcrest willcontinue to produce a limited number of skin-care products, tea is the wave of itsfuture. Graziani is a certified herbalist trained in blending teas for medicinalpurposes, so she knows her stuff. Her mentor was Rosemary Gladstar, one of theco-founders of the Traditional Medicinals line of teas currently for sale at storeslike Whole Foods and the East End Food Co-op. Launius, who studied Sustainable Community Development in college, overseesthe marketing end of the business. She says that she and Graziani have been friendsfor years, and that her personal interests in healthy living and wellness made thema perfect fit as business partners. The farm had a successful holiday season at various local venues, such as I MadeIt Market. “We went to market with samples of the teas, and we always sold out ofthe ones we let people sample,” points out Launius. They also took orders forcustom-blended teas based on customers’ favorites herbs and fruits; the buyers gotto name their blends, and the farm will keep the recipes on file for re-orders. Although most of their teas are herbal blends, the bestsellers, says Graziani,include a black tea made with chocolate mint and raspberry leaf, and a coconutchai made with a green tea blend that is low in caffeine. Other ingredients from thefarm that they use in their teas include perennial herbs such as nettle leaf, red clover,calendula, several mints, sage and rosemary, plus fruits such as raspberries, black-

berries, grapes and apples. They also raise their own bees and have startedproducing local honey. “We’ve taste-tested a lot on people,” Graziani explains of how they derive theirtea blends. “We tend to focus on what’s in season, what we have a lot of.” All the teas are packaged loose in small boxes, and come with 10 natural tea sacs,for convenience in brewing. The boxes sport an attractive new logo designed byMichael Balzer, a former co-worker of Launius’. Debuting this summer will be another product that the two women are stillkeeping under wraps – they will only divulge that it will be a “sweet, cold treat”manufactured commercially with herbs and fruits from the farm. The business wasrecently awarded an Awesome Pittsburgh grant that will go toward the purchase ofa food cart for selling the treat at festivals and other outdoor events. They will alsobe serving iced tea blends on the cart by the cup. Other plans for the business include looking into a possible regular venue at thePittsburgh Public Market. Even while immersed in this new venture, which they are both visibly excited by,Graziani and Launius say they are deeply committed to the upkeep of the farm’sacreage, some of which Healcrest still does not own. Their goal in 2013 is to raisefunds to purchase three remaining lots connected to the current farm area, tocollaborate with the city’s Department of Public Works to clean and trim trees onthe lots that are city property and to manicure and maintain the borders of the farm.


Blending Tea in Garfield continued

Graziani says they are also applying for a two-year fellowship from EchoingGreen, a national nonprofit that provides seed money for social entrepreneurs,which would afford them the capital and time to manage the land better. “When the land is managed well, people will be able to take tours,” she says. Otherplans down the line include having the complete farm acreage in production, withmore employees and interns. “We’ve come a long way in terms of this farm,” says Graziani. tTo order Healcrest Urban Farm teas, visit www.etsy.com/shop/TheHealingMoon.

BELOW: Healcrest Urban Farm uses fruit grown on the land in its specially blended teas. Photo cour-tesy Maria Graziani/Dana Launius

East End on Display

Guglielmo Botter is an architect and artist from Treviso, Italy, who has been drawingsince he was 6 years old. His mother was an American artist who lived and worked inPittsburgh from the late 1950s to the early '60s. Botter is now in the process of movingto Pittsburgh with his wife and daughters. He is showing his work, including drawingsof the East End made during a summer sojourn in the city, at GalleriE CHIZ, 5831Ellsworth Ave., in Shadyside through Feb. 23. “Because I am Italian-American, I loveto walk on the sidewalks in Bloomfield and enter the smart Italian shops,” Botter saysof his favorite spots in the East End. Gallery-goers can view his work 11 a.m. to 5:30p.m., Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. For more informationabout Botter, visit www.guglielmobotter.com.


Garfield – Are you interested in joining nearly 1,200 fellow Pittsburghers to plant andcare for the City’s trees? Take a course offered by Tree Pittsburgh, whose offices arelocated at 5427 Penn Ave., and become a Tree Tender this year.

All courses are taught by Tree Pittsburgh staff and ISA Certified Arborists. The TreeTender training is an eight-hour course to learn about urban forestry practices, treebiology and health and proper planning, pruning and maintenance of trees. Participantsalso learn how to lead and organize their neighborhoods through tree plantings andtree care.

This year’s Tree Tender course in the East End will be held Saturday, March 2, from9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Homewood Library Lecture Hall, 7101 Hamilton Ave., Home-wood. Can’t attend that day? Don’t worry – there are three other opportunities to takethe course in other areas of the city throughout the year.

The course costs $40, which includes registration, materials, lunch and instruction.There are also scholarships available – call 412-362-6360 for more information. Toregister or see other courses offered by Tree Pittsburgh (including tree identificationwalks and nursery talks), visit www.treepittsburgh.org/2013classes. t

The Bulletin Gets Seconds of Fame Tending Trees in the East Endby Margaret Graham

Tree Pittsburgh

BELOW: Learn the proper care of urban trees at a training session with Tree Pittsburgh. PhotoJanelle Bendycki

Movie-goers who didn’t blink while viewing the Pittsburgh-shot film Jack Reacher, starringTom Cruise and Rosamund Pike (above), got to see a cameo appearance by The Bulletin. Inthe second half of the movie, when Pike’s character, attorney Helen Rodin, reaches to answera call from Jack Reacher, the camera briefly focuses on a copy of The Bulletin sitting rightnext to her phone. Rodin clearly likes to stay informed about East End news and events!

In other “fleeting fame” news, Jason, Nina and Rowdy Sauer of Most Wanted Fine Art onPenn Avenue were all featured in a new music video, “Everything,” by hip hop royalty PublicEnemy. Also appearing in the video were Justin Strong of Shadow Lounge in East Libertyand Davon Magwood, who runs First Friday Stand-Up Comedy Nights at Toro’s on PennAvenue. You can view the video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cok88P0AUlc.


until 1980. Ketter recently opened asmaller version of Rather Ripped inLawrenceville. In between opening arecord store on both sides of country, heexperienced worlds of music and lost ahair or two. Ketter first worked in Berkeley as a vandriver for a non-chain record store,Leopold’s. His independent spirit shonethrough when he talked about his refusalto “play the record company game” andchronicled disputes between Leopold’semployees and UC-Berkeley studentsattempting “a coup” to take control ofLeopold’s. “You don’t come and tell acollective what to do,” he said. The California incarnation of Ketter’sstore hosted shows and autograph partieswith legends such as Patti Smith, thePolice and Japanese pop star Osamu Kita-jima. Rather Ripped often held “birthdayparties” for its customers at local clubs,inviting artists like Eddie Money toperform. While Ketter never found success as amusician, he influenced the Berkeleymusic scene, as his store became a locallandmark. According to Ketter, esteemedrock historian Greil Marcus told one of hisUC-Berkeley classes, “If you don’t startshopping at Rather Ripped, you’ll fail thiscourse.” Ketter said he keeps an open mind inhis approach to music from differentgenres and time periods. He pointed to aCab Calloway album, explaining that ifyou haven’t heard that record before, it’snew: “Every record is a new release.” Themagic of music trumps the collectiblevalue of records, in his view. Ketter notedthat he often removes the plastic wrappingfrom new records and CDs if seriouscustomers wish to sample them. Recordsstart at $1, and CDs at $2. Ketter moved back to Pittsburgh to carefor his mother about six years ago. He soldrecords and CDs at Trader Jack’s FleaMarket, but couldn’t resist the urge to getback into a storefront business. Rather

Ripped opened in December, and so far,he said business is good. Coverage in thePittsburgh Post-Gazette and PittsburghCity Paper raised awareness about thestore with customers around the city.Locals in Lawrenceville have steadilytrickled in. A psychedelic-rock band fromPittsburgh, The Cynics, is a top-seller inthe store, along with classic acts. Ketter expressed affection for Pitts-burgh and California, saying that drivingthrough the Fort Pitt Tunnel into the city“is magic. It looks like San Francisco.” Thevibrant community atmosphere andscarcity of large chains attracted Ketter toLawrenceville, who said it reminds him ofhow the South Side was in his childhood.While Ketter said he misses California’ssunshine, the affordability of living andopening a business in Pittsburgh enticedhim, along with the down-to-earth friend-liness of his new neighbors. Pittsburgh’senvironmental progress and the way“people are starting to stay here aftercollege” impressed him, too, he said. The Lawrenceville location doesn’t havea loft for shows the way the Berkeley storedid. Ketter said he still hopes to hostperformances and other events, using thestorefront’s display ledge as a makeshiftstage. The name Rather Ripped originatedfrom a friend’s comment on his mind statewhile smoking pot. Music fans will alsorecognize it as the title of a 2004 SonicYouth album. Ketter’s former employee,Ray Farrell, worked for Geffen Recordswhen Sonic Youth released their album.Ketter said Farrell was inspired by thestore, but the name of the album mainlyreferences the rise of illegal music down-loading.The store is floored with colorful woodentiles. Gesturing to the Hawaiian shirts,leather jackets and vintage music postersthat decorate the walls (and are for sale),Ketter said, “Everything here is part of mypersonality.” Ketter said he aims tocontribute to the growing community of

record stores dotting the city, rather thancompeting with it. Rather Ripped is located at 4314 Butler

St. and is open from Thursday to Monday,

11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Contact the store at 412-353-3445, Ratherripped.com [email protected]. t

Records from page 1

ABOVE: The view into the store from Butler Street. Photo by John Columbo Photography


Senior AdvantAGE Program Gets UnderwayBy Patrick Gibson

Lawrenceville United

Lawrenceville – Lawrenceville United(LU), in conjunction with Lawrenceville’sHealthy Active Living Center and withsupport from the McCune Foundation,is launching the Lawrenceville SeniorAdvantAGE program.

This program focuses on the needs ofour residents aged 60 and older, andconcentrates on bridging gaps betweenthe older and younger populations, aswell as the long-time and newer resi-dents.

Seniors are the fastest growing popu-lation segment both in the United Statesand Allegheny County. As the number ofseniors increases, it is more importantthan ever to connect them to availableresources and identify service andresource gaps and ways in which toaddress them. At block watch meetingsand community events in Lawrenceville,older residents have stated they want tostay engaged and remain involved in thecommunity as it evolves and grows. “Anactive and involved senior populationwill benefit our entire community,” saidLauren Byrne, LU’s executive director.

Senior AdvantAGE will present oppor-tunities for seniors to connect with each

other, as well as with new residents andnew businesses throughout the neigh-borhood. As part of the program, a“Senior AdvantAGE Living Guide,”containing information about educa-tional opportunities, aging within thecommunity and contacts for resourcesand agencies will be available for all whoregister for the program. AdvantAGEgroups, clubs and events will be heldmonthly, and an AdvantAGE discountcard, providing discounts and incentivesat local Lawrenceville businesses, will beavailable.

This month, LU will be distributingthe AdvantAGE cards and will be hostinga series of “Speed Neighboring” eventsfor participants. Residents enrolled in theprogram will be invited to get to knowtheir neighbors – those who may havemoved into the house a few doors away,or around the corner. There will also be“matchmaking” between residents inneed and volunteers who can help withdaily chores or errands.

This program is free to allLawrenceville residents born in or before1953. For enrollment information,contact Lawrenceville United at 412-802-7220. t

Landlord Assistance Program LaunchesBy Lauren Byrne

Lawrenceville United

ABOVE: Community leaders answered questions from participants during the Landlord AssistanceProgram. Photo by Lauren Byrne

Lawrenceville – Lawrenceville United hasbeen working since early 2010 with theLawrenceville Public Safety Action Teamto confront blight and crime in theLawrenceville community and toencourage community revitalization.Most recently, this team put together aLandlord Assistance Program to helpfoster responsible property managementin the neighborhood, where 56 percent ofhousing consists of rental properties. The Team was formed to sustain theprogress made in the Lawrencevillecommunity through the federally fundedand locally administered Weed and SeedProgram, from which Lawrenceville grad-uated in 2009 with evidence of significantachievement. Lawrenceville’s crime rate,for example, decreased by nearly 56percent between the years 2005 and 2010. Meeting monthly in 2010, and then bi-monthly in 2011 and 2012, the Teamhelped continue the positive momentumbuilt through the Weed and Seed programby addressing the quality of life issues thatcan sometimes hinder growth and revital-ization. Members of the Team includerepresentatives from Mayor Luke Raven-stahl’s Office, Councilman Patrick Dowd’sOffice, the Department of Public Works,the Bureau of Building Inspection, Zone 2Police, the Lawrenceville Corporation, theHousing Authority, Juvenile Probation,and other public safety agencies whopartner on issues specific to their area ofinterest. Through its discussions, the Teamconcluded it would be beneficial to coor-dinate a program in which landlords couldreview their responsibilities, the resourcesavailable to them, and the local laws,codes, and ordinances in place toencourage responsible property manage-ment. The goal of the program would beto connect landlords with local resourcesand help preserve affordability in rentalproperties by educating investment prop-erty owners on available and local housingprograms.

And so the Landlord AssistanceProgram was born; it launched onDecember 8, 2012, with a half-day educa-tional event hosted by Goodwill ofSouthwestern Pa. in its offices at 118 52ndStreet. Twenty landlords representingmore than 200 Lawrenceville propertieswere in attendance. The curriculum forthe program included informationsessions prepared by many partner agen-cies. For example, Jay Dworin of the FairHousing Partnership discussed applicantscreening. First Commonwealth Bank, thesponsor of the event, talked about specificproducts and affordable programs forinvestment property owners. There wasalso an educational report about thespecifics of the City of Pittsburgh’s Disrup-tive Property Ordinance and apresentation by Narcotics and Vice Detec-tive John McBurney. At the close of the program, landlordshad the opportunity to discuss currenttrends and neighborhood issues withleaders, as well as make recommendationsfor local policy and identify challengesthey face as investment property owners.District Justice Anthony Ceoffe, Coun-cilman Patrick Dowd, LawrencevilleCorporation Executive Director MatthewGalluzzo and Mayor Ravenstahl’s commu-nity liaison, Liz Style, participated in thedialogue. In 2013, Lawrenceville United and theLawrenceville Public Safety Action Teamplan to coordinate more sessions similarto the introductory one, as well as specificprograms dedicated to the topics land-lords seemed interested in learning moreabout. The Team will also explore holdingsimilar sessions for renters. If you are interested in attending afuture program, or would like a copy ofthe Landlord Assistance Guide that wasproduced for the event, please contactLawrenceville United at 412-802-7220 oremail [email protected]. t


Bringing Ibsen to East LibertyBy Margaret Graham

East Liberty Development Inc.

East Liberty – A man, two sisters and aPonzi scheme: This is the story of “JohnGabriel Borkman,” the latest productionfrom Quantum Theatre coming to EastLiberty February 1 to 24. The productionwill take place in the beautifully renovatedHart Building, located at 6022 BroadStreet.

Written by Norwegian playwrightHenrik Ibsen (of “Hedda Gabler” fame),“John Gabriel Borkman” is story of theshow’s title character and the love trianglehe creates with his wife and his formermistress – who happens to be his wife’ssister. The play takes place over the courseof one night, following Borkman’s releasefrom prison for involvement in a Ponzischeme. The tensions carried by his wifeand her sister for some 25 to30 years cometo a head, and the couple’s son getsdragged in as well. Despite the play’s darkpremise – and its setting on a dark, coldnight in Norway – director Martin Gilessays the show is humorous.

“It’s funny and horrible,” said Giles. “It’sa good drama.”

Bringing the play to life are actorsMalcolm Tulip, Robin Walsh and Bridget

Connors in the three main roles.

Quantum Theatre is in East Libertyagain as part of their NeighborhoodInitiative, a program bringing thecompany’s productions to neighborhoodsalong the Penn Avenue corridor. Previ-ously, productions of “Maria de BuenosAires” and “Ainadamar” were staged inEast Liberty during the NeighborhoodInitiative.

“We’re psyched to be a part of EastLiberty,” said Karla Boos, QuantumTheatre’s artistic director.

Quantum provides ways for play-goersto interact with each other in addition toseeing the show. Wednesday, February 6,is Ladies Night, featuring a pre-showwomen’s social and professionalnetworking reception at Harvard & High-land (220 N. Highland Ave.), followed bya ladies-only viewing of the show.

For those Quantum patrons with aninterest in wine, attend Grapenuts Nighton Friday, February 15. Grapenuts Nightis a pre-show (6:30 p.m.) wine tasting andreception held at the performance loca-tion and hosted by Quantum Theatre

Board Member Jack Brice.Keeping with the lovetriangle theme, the recep-tion will feature a tasting ofwines made from a trio ofgrapes.

“John Gabriel Borkman”will be performed Wednes-days to Saturdays at 8 p.m.or Sundays at 7 p.m.through February 24. TheHart Building is located oneblock off North HighlandAvenue. For tickets, visitwww.quantumtheatre.comor call 1-888-71-TICKETS.Tickets are $35 to $45, or$48 for opening night.Students with valid ID canpurchase $18 tickets forselect performances. t

Lawrenceville – Intramural basketball started in January at Pittsburgh Arsenal PreK-5 under the di-rection of Trevor Weller, physical education teacher. The 4th- and 5th-grade girls and boys are onseparate teams and play a total of eight games on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Teams play fourgames at Arsenal and four away. The playoffs, championship and all-star games will be held thismonth. Before the actual season started, the students practiced learning the fundamentals of bas-ketball and team building. Students not only learn basketball moves and positions but how to treateach other with respect. They are also coached in how to show good sportsmanship when they winand lose. Pictured above are Cynsair Ford, Traynell Paxton, Kayvon Howie, Tyree Searcy, IzahakiNesphoro, Abdi Haji, Hamadi Mganga, Naron Weaver, Jaylen Campbell, and Jaquawndai Montelbefore their first practice in their Arsenal All-Star T-shirts. Photo by Judith Flaherty

Hoop Dreams at Arsenal PreK-5

ABOVE: Malcolm Tulip plays the title role in the Quantum The-atre production of Ibsen’s “John Gabriel Borkman.” Photo courtesyQuantum Theatre

The Bulletin Board publishes listings of volunteer opportunities, free or low-cost eventsand classes, fundraising events and services that are of particular interest to our neighbor-hoods. Listings published on a space-available basis; we cannot guarantee placement. Announcements for the MARCH issue are due Thursday, February 14, via email to [email protected].

Sorry, we do not accept listings by phone.

ClassesLocalEventsFundraisersAnnouncements BOARD


February 1PENN AVENUE

UnblurredThe first Friday of each month, from 6 to 11 p.m.,various venues in the Penn Avenue Arts District,4800-5500 Penn Ave., open their doors and show-case the work of a variety of artists and performers.For more information, visit www.facebook.com/pennavenuearts.

EAST LIBERTY

Spaz and SpazionCome see "Spaz" & "Spazimon," a collaborationbetween Spaz and Melissa Ciccocioppo, and a retro-spective of past and present work by Spaz at theIrma Freeman Center for Imagination. Eventfeatures special guest North Star (holy folk), whowill sing and play her ukulele, folk songs withStewart James, and thrash violin by Joey Molinaro.Food and drinks will be available. 5006 Penn Ave.7 to 10 p.m.

February 2LAWRENCEVILLE

Night at the RacesThis year, Lawrenceville United’s Night at the Raceshas moved to a bigger venue, the Teamsters Temple,4701 Butler St. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20at the door, which includes food and complimen-tary beer. Raffles, instant bingo, Super Bowl squares,and more. Proceeds benefit the 69th annual Inde-pendence Day celebration. Event takes place from7 to 10:30 p.m. Potential event sponsors shouldcontact LU at 412-802-7220.

GARFIELD

DIY Lava LampsJoin the Saturday Crafternoon team from 1 to 4p.m. to travel back to the 1960s for some fun withscience and art. Make wave bottles and kid-safe"lava lamps" using household items. Put all of theingredients together, and watch as the colors dancearound in your bottle or jar. Learn about the sciencebehind it, plus take home your creation. All mate-rials provided. Assemble, 5125 Penn Ave.assemblepgh.org.


Pajama Party Story TimeWear your PJs and bring your favorite stuffedanimal for bedtime stories at Carnegie Library-Lawrenceville, 279 Fisk Street, at 7 p.m. For moreinformation: 412-682-3668.

February 6GARFIELD

Hiring EventHome Instead Senior Care has been devoted toproviding the highest-quality senior home care.Compassionate Home Instead CAREGivers are aninvaluable resource in helping families eliminateworry, reduce stress, and re-establish personalfreedom. Come find out about joining the team at10 a.m. at the Eastside Neighborhood EmploymentCenter, 5321 Penn Avenue. To register for the event,please call 412-465-0425 and leave a message.

Music Learning Party Are you a mash-up noisemaker? Want to makeSOUND waves? Can you feel the music? Rock outat this free Music and Sound Learning Party. Meetmusicians, sound engineers, otolaryngologists, andmathematicians. See sound move particles withCymatics. Participate in fun, hands-on activities ledby local makers, scientists, artists, and technologists.All materials provided. Assemble, 5125 Penn Ave,4:30 p.m., assemblepgh.org.

February 7GARFIELD

Diabetes AdviceUsama Al-Teraifi will share his expertise andprovide you with information that will help youbattle diabetes. Come learn about prevention,screening, treatment, management, testing, diet,and exercise at the Eastside Neighborhood Employ-ment Center, 5321 Penn Avenue, at 2 p.m. Toregister for this event, please call 412-465-0425 andleave a message.

LAWRENCEVILLE

Snugglebugs StorytimeA program of books, rhymes, songs, finger-playsand fun for babies and toddlers, and their caregiversat Carnegie Library-Lawrenceville, 279 Fisk Street,at 10:30 a.m. Also on Feb. 14 and 21. For moreinformation: 412-682-3668.


Pancake BreakfastThe Lawrenceville Rotary is holding its 10th annualPancake Breakfast at St. Mary's Lower Lyceum, 32945th St. Tickets, available at the door or the Slaugh-terhouse Gallery, are $7 for adults and $3 for kids10 and under. Pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs andreal maple syrup will be served from 9 a.m. to noon.Proceeds fund local nonprofit organizations andRotary International projects.

EAST LIBERTY

Youth RevivalPastor Thomas Spencer presents “It’s Your Time” atthe Lincoln Ave. Church of God, 404 Lincoln Ave.,from 4 to 7 p.m. There will be dancing, singing anda mime. Speakers include Minister Mark Dotsonand Sister Regina Robinson. Bring your friends tobe blessed. For more information, call 412-361-7748.


Celebration of LoveThe Women’s Ministry at New Bethel BaptistChurch, 221 43rd St., will present its Annual Cele-bration of Love Service at 3 p.m. The theme is “NoGreater Love”: Galatians 2:20. Hors d’oeuvres willbe served.

February 11EAST LIBERTY

Clementine HunterLearn about African American folk artist Clemen-tine Hunter and make an art project in her style.Takes place at Carnegie Library-East Liberty at 6p.m. For children ages 6 to 10. 130 S Whitfield St.Call 412-363-8232 for more information.

GARFIELD

Hands-On HangoutJoin LAB and Mad Science Supply volunteers at5125 Penn Ave. from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for Hands-OnHangout – a time to meet, socialize, and snack whilelearning about games, projects, and tools that wouldbe fun for LAB youths. Felice Cleveland, Directorof Education at the Mattress Factory, will show avariety of DIY books. Materials on hand so you cangive them a try. Discussion will focus on how to usethese book-making activities with youths duringworkshops and Homework Help at The LAB. RSVPto [email protected] or 773-425-1531.Join the event on facebook: http://bit.ly/Hands-OnHangout. Got ideas for future volunteerdevelopment sessions? Let us know.

February 12 LAWRENCEVILLE

Lunchtime ComputerClassesFor three consecutive days, this basic computerinstruction class will focus on getting an emailaccount, basic word processing, and basic Internetsearching. Registration is required, and pleaseregister for all three days if possible. 12 p.m. throughFeb. 14. Register online or call 412-682-3668.

February 13

Social Security WorkshopWill Social Security be there for me? How can Imaximize my benefits? Will Social Security beenough to live on in retirement? Learn what babyboomers need to know to maximize their retire-

ment income. Hosted by retirement specialist andregistered representative Chris Gonzalez, fromWestern and Southern Financial Group. To RSVP,call 412-376-9262, or email [email protected] Penn Ave. 5:30 to 7 p.m.


Celebrate Heart HealthCome to the Carnegie Library-East Liberty at 3:30p.m. to learn about the heart and heart shapes inmath, science, and more. For adults and childrenages 2 to 5 years. 130 S Whitfield St. Call 412-363-8232 for more information.


Wreckless Arcade TournamentPLAY Parlour is hosting a free arcade-game tour-nament. Now is your chance to prove once and forall that you are the king or queen of dueling darts,skeeball, mini-golf, and wackamole. This eventtakes place at 5258 Butler St. from 3 to 10 p.m.Doors open at 2 p.m. Anyone 18+ is welcome toenter. DJ Zombo of WRCT fame will be the emceeand DJ. Refreshments will be provided. For moredetails and to register, visit the tournament page onour website: http://www.PLAYparlour.com/tourna-ment. Early registration gives you advantages in thetournament; just be sure to respond to our confir-mation email one week before the event to holdonto them.

EAST LIBERTY

The Hallelujah FlightFamilies with children ages 5-10 are invited to theCarnegie Library-East Liberty branch to learn aboutthe famous flight of James Banning and ThomasAllen, the first African Americans to make a coast-to- coast flight. Make foam gliders and experimentwith paper airplanes. 130 S Whitfield St. 11 a.m.Call 412-363-8232 for more information.

GARFIELD

Mini Art InstallationsWonder what it's like to be an artist or work in amuseum? Join artists and educators from theMattress Factory Museum at Saturday Crafternoon.Create your own installation box and imagine whatit might be like to be an artist at the MattressFactory. All materials provided. Assemble, 5125Penn Ave., 1 to 4 p.m. assemblepgh.org.

BLOOMFIELD

Poe’s Valentine’s Day“Edgar Allan Poe: Love and Death” will be the leasttraditional way to spend Valentine’s Day. EdgarAllan Poe is portrayed in this one-man perform-ance by literary historian and playwright RobVelella, who has been performing in-character asPoe for several years, notably on a three-state ceme-tery tour. Irma Freeman Center, 5006 Penn Ave., 5p.m. Admission for the performance is $6 perperson, or $10 for couples. Recommended for ages13 and up. For more information, visitwww.irmafreeman.org.

& ServicesVolunteer

Opportunities


Classifieds

A Hauling Job?We clear basements, yards, garages, attics,

estates

Fast, Reliable, Reasonable

Also demolition work, minor repairs, grass

cutting, salvage credit.

412-687-6928 Call Walt 412-773-0599

Christian Cleaning Services

House Cleaning, Wall Washing Venetian Blind Cleaning,

Furniture Cleaning & Polishing, Floor Maintenance

412-781-5989

For information on classified ad rates, please email [email protected] or call412-441-6915.

ServicesSchools


Elephant & Piggie PartyCelebrate author and illustrator Mo Willems andhis wonderful books. Make crafts, play games andeat snacks that Elephant & Piggie would enjoy.Carnegie Library-Lawrenceville, 279 Fisk Street, at7 p.m. For more information: 412-682-3668.


Be a MentorBy volunteering just a few hours a month as a BigBrother or Big Sister, you can make a difference inthe life of a child. BBBS of Greater Pittsburgh is theregion's leading donor and volunteer supportedone-to-one youth mentoring program. We arelooking for adults who can spend consistent timewith children in need of positive role models. Learnmore about becoming a mentor at this informationsession. BBBS Office, 5989 Penn Circle South; startsat 6 p.m. and lasts approximately one hour. Pizzawill be provided. To register, contact Tom Baker [email protected] or 412-204-1217.

Healthy for YouBruce A. Macleod, MD, will give a presentation on“Exercise & Your Heart” as part of the West PennHealthy for You program at the LA Fitness inBakery Square, 19 Bakery Square Way, from 6 to7:30 p.m. He will share strategies you can use toimprove your health immediately, at any age. Spaceis limited, so call to register: 412-330-4469.

BLOOMFIELD

Healthy for YouBruce A. Macleod, MD, will give a presentation on“Keeping Your Heart Young” as part of the WestPenn Healthy for You program at West PennHospital, 4900 Friendship Avenue, 1 to 2:30 p.m.He will share strategies you can use to improve yourhealth immediately, at any age. A healthy recipedemonstration presented by Mark Staley, HealthyEating Specialist at Whole Foods Market, will beoffered. Space is limited, so call to register: 412-330-4469.

GARFIELD

Job FairLGC Associates, a temp agency, needs workers inhotels and banquet halls as room attendants, in foodservice, and more. At this free recruitment session,you will listen to a presentation by LGC recruiter,fill out an employment application, and be inter-viewed by recruiters. Presentation from 11 a.m. to2 p.m. today and again on Feb. 20 at the EastsideNeighborhood Employment Center, 5321 PennAve. Call 412-362-8580 to register today.


Gallery OpeningGallery on 43rd Street introduces a new painter,Jonelle Summerfield of Indiana, Pa., in an exhibittitled INTERIORS. Cats and interiors have been

recurrent subjects in her work. Exhibit runsthrough March 20. The opening reception tonightfrom 7 to 10 PM. For more information,www.galleryon43rdstreet.com. or 412-683-6488.


Super ScienceElementary school-aged children are invited to theCarnegie Library-East Liberty branch to learn aboutthe inventions of African-American scientists ElijahMcCoy and Gregor Crum. Fun activities included.130 S Whitfield St., 11 a.m. Call 412-363-8232 formore information.

LAWRENCEVILLE

Celebrate Black HistoryMonthCelebrate Black History Month at Carnegie Library-Lawrenceville, 279 Fisk Street, by making your ownart in the style of famous African-American artists.2 p.m. For more information: 412-682-3668.

On-GoingMORNINGSIDE

Senior Tax ServicesRepresentative Dom Costa’s office will be doingIncome Tax Returns for seniors at his district officelocated at 6808 Greenwood St. every Tuesday andThursday afternoon. To qualify you must be 65 orolder with an income under $35,000. At this timewe can also file your LIHEAP and Property Tax/Rent Rebate if you have not already done so. Youmust schedule an appointment. Space is limited.Call 412-361-2040.

LAWRENCEVILLE

Art All NightThe planning committee for Art All Night 2013,which will occur on April 27-28, meets nearly everyother Wednesday at the Stephen Foster CommunityCenter, 286 Main St. The organizers are presentlyseeking new team members to help organize thisyear’s event. If you love Art All Night and want toensure that this shindig tops last year’s, come jointhe team that makes it happen. Find out the meetingschedule at our website at www.artallnight.org, byliking us on Facebook: Art All Night: Lawrenceville,or following us on twitter: @artallnight.

BLOOMFIELD

Stand-Up ComedyEvery Friday night, Toro’s hosts Stand-Up ComedyNight featuring local comedians and great food.Comedians perform from 9 to 11 p.m. Admissionis free. Must be 21 to enter. 5128 Penn Ave.

GARFIELD

Free Homework Help1st-graders through 12th-graders are invited todrop in at The LAB, 5125 Penn Ave., for homeworkhelp and writing practice from 3:30 to 6 p.m. everyTuesday. Volunteer mentors assist students withtheir schoolwork and also lead writing activities thatrange from creative to expository. Student writingwill be published in small chapbooks to share with

families and friends. Snacks provided. Parents mustcomplete a student application:http://bit.ly/LABStudentApp. If you’re unable toprint it out in advance, we will have copies on handat The LAB. Visit www.literaryartsboom.org/calendar for other upcoming events and activities.

AnnouncementsGARFIELD

LAB Seeking InternsLiterary Arts Boom (The LAB) relies upon volun-teers and interns to add expertise and energy to itseducational youth programming, communityengagement efforts, and mad science machinations.For details about internships, visit literaryarts-boom.org/interns. For more information aboutvolunteer opportunities, visit literaryartsboom.org/get-involved/volunteers. Contact The LAB at [email protected] or 773-425-1531.

Life Is a LabStorytellers: Literary Arts Boom [The LAB] seeksstories from folks in Bloomfield, Garfield, andFriendship about a time you tried something new.Share a snippet and we may get in touch regardingan oral history & comic book project. If you knowsomebody we should reach out to, do tell! Class-rooms: Are you a teacher or parent of 3rd – 8thgrade students in Bloomfield, Garfield, or Friend-ship? We’re looking for classrooms to partner withon a storytelling and comics project in March orApril. Contact [email protected] or 773-425-1531. Visit www.literaryartsboom.org for moreinformation.

GED PrepPittsburgh CONNECTS, in collaboration with theGreater Pittsburgh Literacy Council (GPLC), isoffering free help for people interested in taking theGeneral Equivalency Diploma exam (GED). Begin-ning in 2014, all GED tests will be computer-based.Individuals who never completed high school canstudy at the Pittsburgh CONNECTS computercenter, 5321 Penn Ave., using both human tutors

and computer technology to prepare. Under thisspecial arrangement, GPLC provides assessment,training materials and sample tests to individualsenrolled in the GED study program. GPLC is alsoan approved testing provider and will arrange forstudents to take the GED exam. For more informa-tion, call 412-465-0858.

School Credit RecoveryIs your child behind in school and at risk of notgraduating? NovaNET is an online program thatallows your child to recover failed credits. It can beaccessed at Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation’s Pitts-burgh CONNECTS computer lab at 5321 PennAve., Monday through Friday from 5:30 to 8 p.m.and weekends from 12 to 6 p.m. For more informa-tion, call 412-204-6182 or [email protected].

OAKLAND

Sleep Study EnrollmentThe University of Pittsburgh is seeking healthy indi-viduals to participate in study on short-term sleeploss and its effect on brain functioning. Must be 18to 30 years old, right handed, in good physical andpsychological health, and have good sleep history.To learn more, please contact 412-246-6862, or visitveteranssleep.pitt.edu. Parking and compensationare provided.

EAST LIBERTY

Historical ExhibitionThe East Liberty Valley Historical Society will holdan exhibition in May featuring paintings, decorativearts, and historic artifacts celebrating the impressivehistory and works of individuals and institutions inthe East Liberty/East End area from the 18thcentury to the “Glory Days.” The Historical Societyis asking residents to share documents and artifactsfor the exhibition. To discuss any possibilities,contact Alfred Mann, President, East Liberty ValleyHistorical Society, at [email protected] or412-661-5947.


The Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation, in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service, will once again be assisting individual taxpayers with filingtheir federal and state returns online. There is no charge for thisservice, which will be offered every Saturday, beginning February 9thand ending Saturday, April 13th. Taxpayers will need to make appointments in advance, and then come to:

BGC COMMUNITY ACTIVITY CENTER113 NORTH PACIFIC AVENUE, GARFIELD

between the hours of noon and 5 p.m. We are not able to assistbusiness filers or individuals who have rental income or capital gainsto report. City residents will also be able to receive help in filing theircity tax returns if needed.

Call Rick Swartz at the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation, 412-441-6950 x 11, to schedule an appointment.

IT’S TAXIT’S TAXTIME!TIME!

FREE HELP WITH FREE HELP WITH

PREPARING & FILING PREPARING & FILING

2012 TAX RETURNS2012 TAX RETURNS

Kwanzaa Comes to Penn By John Colombo

Bulletin Contributor

Friendship – The Penn Avenue Arts Initia-tive hosted the first-ever Kwanzaa onPenn in The Dance Alloy Theater Spaceon Dec. 28. The idea to hold the event onPenn came from Michele Morris, boardpresident of the Friendship DevelopmentAssociates, back in 2011, and wasexecuted this year by Bloomfield-GarfieldCorporation's Mainstreets Manager,Samantha McDonough.

The festivities were hosted by KimberlyC. Ellis, Ph.D, artistically known as Dr.Goddess, and Temujin, a storyteller. Dr.Goddess began the celebration with aquestion-and-answer session, explainingwhat Kwanzaa is and why it was created.She asserted that Kwanzaa is just as valida celebration as other traditionallyhonored holidays, and explained each ofthe seven principles of Kwanzaa to boththe youths and adults in attendance.

Kwanzaa, she said, is an often-misun-derstood holiday, even within theAfrican-American community, and hasdeveloped a reputation as “BlackChristmas.” In fact, it's not a substitute forChristmas at all, but a time to honorAfrican culture.

Kwanzaa, which means “first fruits ofthe harvest,” was created by MaulanaKarenga in 1966 as the first specificallyAfrican-American holiday. The celebra-tion lasts for seven days, and each day adifferent principle is celebrated. The prin-

ciples are Umoja (Unity),Kujichagulia (Self-Determi-nation), Ujima (CollectiveWork and Responsibility),Ujamaa (CooperativeEconomics), Nia Kuumba(Creativity (Purpose),Kuumba (Creativity) andImani (Faith). Teenagers inthe audience were asked tolight the seven candles(mishumaa saba), each ofwhich represents one of theprinciples of Kwanzza.

After the candle-lightingceremony, everyone cametogether to enjoy a sump-tuous meal prepared byRoxanne’s Take-Out &Catering in Bloomfield,which included fresh fruits,cheeses, meatballs, lasagna,chicken fingers, beef and green beans.Additionally, some members of thecommunity brought a dish with them toshare with everyone.

After the meal, everyone reconvened inthe theater to enjoy some beautifullyperformed and highly charged Africandance, presented by Balafon West AfricanDance Ensemble of Pittsburgh. Thecostumes the dancers wore were designedand made by Balafon’s artistic director,Kadiatou Conte-Forte, who also dances

with the company. Immediately after,Temujin engaged and intrigued thelisteners by telling a traditional Africanstory about collective work for the good ofall.

Finally, Kwanzaa on Penn screened“The Black Candle,” a landmark film thatfocuses on Kwanzaa as a celebration of theAfrican-American experience. The filmwas narrated by world-renowned poet

Maya Angelou and directed by award-winning author and filmmaker M.K.Asante, Jr.

A second day of family-friendly eventshad been planned for Dec. 29 at variousart galleries on Penn Avenue, but wascanceled due to bad weather. Look forKwanzaa on Penn to return next year witheven more entertainment. t

ABOVE: Chrisala M. Brownone and the Balafon West African dancers performed at Kwanzaa onPenn. Photography by John Colombo Photography

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Volume 38, Number 2 FEB 2013 -...

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