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www.brightonheights.org | 3629 California Avenue
C I T I Z E N S R E P O R Tttttttttttttttttttttt
MARCH 2015
VOLUME 44ISSUE 2
In This IssuePresident’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
From Darlene Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
New Neighbor Info Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
From Donna Kramer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Events and Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
The Gardens of Brighton Heights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Adam Ravenstahl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
January General Member Meeting Minutes . . . . . . . . . 6-7
The 11th annual Brighton Heights Chocolate House Tour is in the planning stage, and the committee is working on holding a great event . The tour is scheduled for Sunday, June 14th from approximately 1:00-5:00 p .m . This year we are featuring the part of the neighborhood bordered by California, Winhurst, Cambronne, and Perrot streets . If you are in this area and would like to participate, please let us know . We are also adding several gardens to the tour . Please contact the House Tour Committee Chair, Kristen Priestley, at [email protected] if you or anyone you know in this area would like their house on the tour .
Chocolate House Tour Information
NextGeneral
Membership Meeting
Thursday, Mar. 12th
7:00 PMMorrow
Auditorium
[email protected] | 412.734.0233 2
Springtime is just around the corner, even though sometimes it doesn’t feel like it . Spring is an exciting time for Brighton Heights . A few of the events we have are the neighborhood cleanup day, the flower planting, and Memorial Day Ceremony . Check out our website for dates and details of all of our events .
I would like to take a moment and thank Lauren Stauffer . The past few years she has been a board member and the Corresponding Secretary of the Brighton Heights Citizens Federation. She had to resign due to conflicting schedules. She stepped up and did a great job for BHCF . She created our Facebook page, Twitter, Nextdoor, updated our website and sent our e-blasts . She will be missed and we want to wish her the best of luck .
We have a new board member as of January 2015 . Jack Hunt aka Johnny Angel is now officially a board member of Brighton Heights Citizens Federation . We are excited to have him and the experience that he brings . He is dedicated to making Brighton Heights a better place . He is a homeowner, business owner and a musician with Johnny Angel and the Halos . When he decided to open a business, he chose Brighton Heights: Johnny Angel’s Ginchy Stuff
located in the California Avenue Business District . Stop by and check out his merchandise .
You may have noticed that the lights on the tree at Legion were lit a little longer than usual this year . The weather decided to not cooperate on the days that we scheduled to take them down . From negative wind chill temperatures to snow and freezing rain, we had to re-schedule numerous times. We finally got them down (even though it was still cold) with the help of Allegheny City Electric . They volunteered their bucket trucks and crews to help us take down the lights . I want to thank Tom Kaylor, Judy Bendtsen, Joan Bellisario and Pete Bellisario for braving the cold weather and getting the job done . When the lights were put up someone named them the “Chosen Frozen” due to the temperatures . Once again these individuals stepped up and got the job done . Thank you for your dedication .
We are planning a large fundraiser/event for Brighton Heights Citizens Federation . It is in the planning process and we do not have all the details yet, but it will be a great event for our residents to have a night out . Keep a look out for more details about the event to be released soon .
Hope to see you all at our next General Membership Meeting on Thursday, March 12, 2015 at 7:00 PM at the Pittsburgh Morrow Auditorium .
President’s Report by Vince Pallus
2014 was a busy and exciting year for Council District 1 . This fall I sponsored legislation that sets new humane care standards for pets, requiring owners to provide adequate shelter outdoors, and to bring their pets indoors during extreme weather conditions . Working with my colleagues on Council in the Women’s Caucus, I co-sponsored legislation that provides funding for much-needed improvements to childcare facilities in the City of Pittsburgh . For 65% of the children living in Pittsburgh, all available parents are working, and for many of these families, access to safe, quality childcare facilities is extremely important .
Be sure to shovel and salt your sidewalks during winter weather events, to ensure that you and your neighbors are safe . If you have neighbors that are elderly or have disabilities, be sure to lend them a helping hand . If you
have trouble with your own driveway or sidewalk, you can contact Snow Angles at 412.863.5939 who will match you with a volunteer who can assist you .
The City recently launched its Snow Plow Tracker program (http://pittsburghpa.gov/snow/snow-plow-tracker) where you can watch as the trucks move throughout the City . This can be used as you prepare for travel in winter weather, and can help you plan safe driving routes . Please don’t hesitate to contact my office if your street needs to be treated after snowfall, or if you have any other questions or concerns .
PHONE: 412-255-2135 VIA DISTRICT 1 FEEDBACK: http://pittsburghpa .gov/district1/feedback
From Darlene Harris
BHCF Information List
BHCF Answer Line: 412-734-0233
BHCF FAX: 412-734-0234
E-Mail: bhcf@brightonheights .org
Web Site: www .brightonheights .org
ALCOSAN (odor control) 412-766-9445
Allegheny Co Health Dept 412-578-8390
Animal Control 412-255-2036 (before 3 p.m.)
412-255-2935 (after 3 p.m.)
Building Inspection 412-255-2176
Building Permits: 412-255-2175
Burned Out Street Light 412-255-5483
City Council Office 412-255-2142
City Council Rep for BH 412-255-2135
City Planning 412-255-2200
Emergency 911
Environmental Services 412-255-2780
Graffiti in the neighborhood 311You are a direct victim 911Graffiti Busters (will remove it) 412-255-2872Graffiti Watch 412-255-2272
Litter Hot Line (PA State) 888-548-8372
Mayor’s Office 412-255-2626
Mayor’s Response Line 311
Organized Crime, Narcotics, and Intelligence Division (ONI) 412-665-4300
Parking Authority 412-560-7275
Pittsburgh School Police 412-622-3520Police – Zone 1 412-323-7201
Public Works 412-255-2790
Refuse/Recycling 412-255-2773
Do You Have a New Neighbor?If so, let us know, BHCF will give them a one year free membership and send them a newsletter for a year . And if you would like to write something about Brighton Heights, please feel free to send your article to:
BHCF Newsletter3629 California Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Or E-Mail it to Editor, Dave Lebecsubmissions@brightonheights .org
This newsletter is printed for us by Allegheny General Hospital and we
appreciate their generosity.
Newsletter Committee:Dave Lebec: EditorErin Marie Yourd: Copy EditorJoan Bellisario: ReporterIrene Jakubowski, Gert Long and Tom Kaylor: Distribution
The opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the membership of the board .
BHCF Board of Directors:Officers
President: Vince Pallus Vice President: Kelly Day Treasurer: Suzanne Smolin Recording Secretary: John Belch
DirectorsJanice Johns Engelman, Bill Goodrich, Jack Hunt,
Tom Kaylor, M . Kate Kelly, Donna Kramer, Dave Lebec, Gert Long, Tim Maloney, Megan Miller, John Norman,
Brendan Schubert, Helen Wehner, Jeff Worsinger
The United Way #188Brighton Heights Citizens Federation is a United Way agency . You can make a donation to the Federation by choosing #188 on your donation form . All United Way donations are used exclusively for children’s activities such as the Halloween Parade .
Any member making a United Way donation receives free membership in the Federation . Usually paperwork does not catch up to us until the year after the donation .
Membership RenewalCheck the date after your name on your mailing label and make sure your membership is up to date . If it is not, please renew your membership now, either by sending in a renewal with the form on the back of the newsletter, or by going to our website online and renewing it by PayPal .
[email protected] | 412.734.0233 4
Earth Day Trash PickupCome join us on Saturday April 25, 2015 to clean up the neighborhood!
Every Spring around the time of Earth Day, the Brighton Heights Citizens Federation sponsors an annual “spring cleaning” of the neighborhood . We will meet at the Brighton Heights office starting at 9 am. We provide gloves, trash bags and picker uppers, so just bring yourself! There will also be coffee, fruit and donuts for those who volunteer .
Please mark your calendar and join your fellow neighbors for this major spring clean up of our neighborhood . Besides picking up trash and debris along streets and parks, we will also be painting railings along city steps . If you can spare a couple of hours on a Saturday morning, join us in keeping our neighborhood looking beautiful!
If you have any questions contact the coordinator, Tim Maloney, at 412-726-0800 or [email protected].
Nextdoor Pittsburgh
Have you joined our online neighborhood? Nextdoor is a private community network that let’s you meet and coordinate with neighbors, the Mayor of Pittsburgh, and other community resources . Check out how Brighton
Heights and its members are using Nextdoor to create volunteer engagement and change in the neighborhood on our website at brightonheights.org
Congratulations!Congratulations are in order for Liam Donahue who won “Olaf” from the Santa Drawing held during our Brighton Heights Christmas Festival back in December .
Interested in sharing a story with your community?
Submit your story in less than 250 words using the submission link on the brightonheights .org homepage .
Newsletter Submissions DeadlineThis is a reminder that the deadline for your entry to the Brighton Heights Newsletter is approaching . Please submit your article to me as an attachment no later than the April 1st . Thank you for your cooperation .
Dave Lebec | Editor | submissions@brightonheights .org
Go Green by getting your newsletter by email Email newsletters contain links to related stories, additional stories not included in the printed copy and helps the federation put more of our funding to local initiatives .
Crime Report Donna Kramer
An arrest was made in the robbery of Chubby’s Pizza Shop . Remember to keep your eyes and ears open and be alert to any suspicious activity. Call 911immediately. Crime Watch meetings will resume in the spring .
Our new Community Relations Officer is Kim Stanley. She rode with me through our neighborhood to the problem areas you pointed out in the community . I also introduced her to the businesses on California Avenue . She was welcomed by the business owners. She is assisting Officer Larry Crawford . We look forward to working with her in our community. Welcome Officer Stanley.
I have known Deputy Chief Paul Donaldson since the1990’s. He always greeted you with dignity and respect and took his job very seriously . We worked very well together . He
is the longest serving police officer in the City of Pittsburgh with 39 years. We wish him good luck and good health and may God Bless you and your wife Cindy and family as you enjoy your retirement . Keep in touch . We shall miss you .
Welcome Commander Bickerstaff
Lavonnie Bickerstaff has been a police Officer for 25 years. I first met her in 1976 when she was a sergeant. She was in charge of Community relations for the entire city . She worked very closely with Zone One and with retired Officer Robin Brandt. She is a hard working individual who listens to the concerns of the communities . We look forward to working with her in our neighborhood . Welcome commander Bickerstaff and congratulations in your new position .
5
Make Our Schools Safer with Carbon Monoxide
DetectorsState Rep. Adam Ravenstahl (D) Allegheny
www .pahouse .com/Ravenstahl
Every year, accidental exposure to carbon monoxide sends thousands of people to emergency rooms across the country, and hundreds die from it . These accidents happen in homes, businesses and even schools .
Recently, hundreds of students and faculty were inside a Colorado school when this odorless and tasteless gas seeped into the building because of a malfunctioning furnace . Fortunately, everyone safely escaped .
This incident underscores the need for CO detectors, particularly in our schools . Unfortunately, only a handful of states, such as Connecticut and Maryland, require CO detectors in their schools .
I firmly believe all schools should have these detectors. That’s why I am reintroducing legislation that would require all Pennsylvania schools – public and private -- that have heating systems or appliances powered by fossil fuels to install CO detectors .
We have a number of older schools with aging heating systems, and leaks in school heating systems that lead to a buildup of CO aren’t uncommon .
Consider these examples:
• A carbon monoxide leak led to the evacuation of an elementary school in St . Paul, Minn ., in 2010 .
• A potentially deadly buildup of CO inside an Atlanta elementary school in 2012 sickened more than 50 people, including 42 students .
• Also in 2012, higher-than-normal levels of carbon monoxide at an elementary school in Glen Rock, York County, sickened dozens of people .
We should install CO detectors in all Pennsylvania schools as soon as possible to prevent another incident, one that could have a tragic outcome .
CONTACT: Bob LayloHouse Democratic Communications OfficePHONE: 717-787-7895FAX: 717-783-6839 EMAIL: rlaylo@pahouse .net
The Gardens of Brighton HeightsBy Susan Benn & Joan Bellisario
The Garden and Greenspace Committee oversees from twelve to fifteen gardens a year in
the neighborhood . The Committee consists of about five core members and ten floating members who
volunteer with their particular specialties as needed . Throughout the growing season, we count on additional small groups to volunteer one to two hours at a time to help water and weed the gardens . We have at least one committee member at each volunteer event who identify the weeds and how to best remove the offending plants . Some of these weeds make great salads! We show volunteers where the water sources are and how to access them . We show how soaking rather than sprinkling the gardens keeps the plants thriving with the best time for watering not in the heat of the day .
Last year we worked successfully with large groups from corporations and from community associations . We are recruiting additional crew leaders to help execute the four to six hour volunteer days . Most are on weekdays – some are on the weekends . If you know a group who would like to help, please help us reach out to them . Call the office phone at 412-734-0233 and leave a message for the Garden Committee . Someone will get back to you .
We are happy that our annual House Tour this year, on Sunday, June 14, 2015, will include not only the houses, but an additional four garden tours . Susan Banks, the home and garden editor for the Post- Gazette, is selecting the gardens . Her own award-winning garden will be included .
Next Planting Prep DaySaturday, May 16, 2015
Next Planting DayFriday, May 22 from 2 p .m . to 4 p .m .
Saturday, May 23, 2016
[email protected] | 412.734.0233 6
January 15, 2014The meeting was brought to order at 7:05 p .m .
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited .
The Minutes from the November 13, 2014 General Membership meeting were approved without corrections .
Special Guests:Church Union project –
Beth Nelson and Larry Ehrlich
Larry Ehrlich, our NSLC Education committee member, spoke of a pilot project supported by the Buhl Foundation to give 2nd graders a merged curriculum program with the Pittsburgh Aviary . He also said a STEM club is being formed at Perry High School .
Beth Nelson, of the United Methodist Union, spoke of an expansion of their Church Union mentoring project to Pittsburgh Morrow . She said it will start as a reading program for 2nd graders in February . A room is being provided at the school and money is being raised for needed materials . Members of the community are encouraged to volunteer as tutors .
California Cycle Path – Margie Eliou
Margie, a fitness instructor for 25 years, introduced members to her rehabilitation and fitness classes held at California Cycle Path . Several members spoke highly of her efforts and classes as well other sessions held at this neighborhood business . Pittsburgh Zone 1 Police – Lavonnie Bickerstaff, Larry Crawford, Kim Stanley
Donna Kramer introduced new Zone 1 Commander Lavonnie Bickerstaff and Community Resource Officers Larry Crawford and Kim Stanley .
Commander Bickerstaff gave her background and encouraged members to contact her at 412-323-7201 . She also took questions from residents across a range of crime and safety issues and facilitated follow up with those residents and the CRO officers.
Report of Officers and Others:
President’s Report Vince Pallus
Vince stated that Corresponding Secretary Lauren Stauffer has resigned her office and from the Board for personal reasons . Vince thanked her for all her efforts on behalf of the Federation . He welcomed new Board members Dave Lebec, Kate Kelly, Megan Miller and Brendan Schubert . He announced that at last week’s Board meeting Jack Hunt ( aka Johnny Angel) was appointed to the Board . He reported that the Holiday Light The Night event was a success and that next year’s should be even better . A Public Works Department “pothole blitz” will be held this weekend . He attended the Buhl Foundation’s One North Side thank you event in December . Each neighborhood will receive a $10,000 grant . Mini-grants up to $1,000 are available as well . An informational meeting for these grants will be held tomorrow . Board support has been given to resident Matt Yurkovich’s project in the GTECH program . He will be working on the vacant lot at 3811 California Avenue .
Vice President Kelly Day
Kelly stated that her focus is still on the Education Committee and that Kate Kelly has been instrumental in achieving the progress we have seen this year at Morrow . Anyone interested in joining these efforts is welcome .
Corresponding SecretaryVince stated that this office will be filled at the next Board meeting and reminded everyone that the deadline for the next newsletter in February 1 .
Treasurer’s ReportSuzanne Smolin
Net Worth Report – As of 1/15/2015
Assets - Cash and Bank Accounts
Bank CD 0 .00
Monument 1,637 .63
Operating Account 1,074 .81
SSB OP Account 20,581 .31
State Grant Account 910.69
United Way 4,110 .37
TOTAL $ 28,314 .81
The Treasurer’s report was approved .
Council Person Darlene Harris
Darlene was introduced and reported on the newly passed City budget, transfer of BBI out of Public Safety and the availability of Allegheny Cleanways for assistance in hillside cleanups . She had a meeting with Guy Costa on Wayfarer signs for Brighton Heights . She has earmarked funds for a second set of security cameras for the neighborhood . She has passed legislation improving the welfare of animals as well as increased reimbursements for sidewalk concrete repairs for residents . Questions about the Wilkesboro and Davis Avenue bridges were discussed .
State Representative Adam Ravenstahl
Adam reported on his swearing in for a new term last week and that he will keep his office in Brighton Heights for this term .
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MINUTESReview of Previous General Membership Meeting
www.brightonheights.org | 3629 California Avenue 7
NSLC Lauren Stauffer
Vince and or John Belch have attended the last two meetings and reported to the Board . A new representative will be named .
Neighborhood Safety Committee
Donna Kramer
Donna answered questions during the Zone 1 Special Guests .
Gardens and Greenspaces
Susan Benn
Susan reported on the successes of the past year including a new garden at McClure and Woods Run Avenues and the rehabilitation of the rain garden on Antrim Street . A focus for this year will be Legion Park . A water fountain and source is being planned for that park . Trail grooming by the Student Conservation Association is also on tap . Planting days for this year are scheduled for May 16 and May 23 .
Housing CommitteeJessica Mooney
Jessica was absent but Vince reported that the Committee will meet next week .
Communications Committee Vince reported that we will need a new head for the Communications Committee and any members who are tech-savvy are encouraged to volunteer . The next newsletter deadline will be February 1 and articles can be sent to submissions@brightonheights .org .
Education CommitteeKelly Day
Kate Kelly, who has been working on the committee as well, reported that the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts mosaic tile project involving the 3rd grade at Morrow Elementary is progressing well . The students are excited and a
public event for the unveiling should happen in February . An edible garden on school property is planned .
Finance CommitteeBrendan Schubert
Brendan introduced himself and stated that fundraising will be his focus and that specific purposes are easier to raise money for . He and the committee will be refining their goals and volunteers are welcome .
Cleanup Committee Tim Maloney
No report .
House Tour Kristen Priestly
Kristen announced that planning is starting for the 2015 house tour anyone interested in helping should contact her .
Welcome Committee Janice Johns-Engelman
Anyone with knowledge of new neighbors are encouraged to call Janice at 412-732-0167 for an official welcome and free one year membership to the organization .
Old Business None .
New BusinessNone .
Anything for the Good of the Federation
Vince reported that State representative Adam Ravenstahl and his wife Alisha are expecting their first child.
The next General Membership meeting will be March 12, 2015 .
The 50/50 Raffle prize was $31.00 and won by Darlene Harris who donated it to the Federation .
Approximately 43 persons attended .
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8 .55 p .m .
Respectfully submitted John Belch
The next General Membership meeting will be March 12, 2015.
Last Page Laugh
By Tom Kaylor
While his nurse was getting Mr . Jones ready for his colonoscopy, his
doctor asked him how his preparation procedure went . “Fine”, Mr . Jones related, except for every time I had to hurry to the bathroom I heard that same Willie Nelson song over and over . “Really”! said the doctor . And what song was that? Sang Mr . Jones, “On the Commode Again” .
[email protected] | 412.734.0233 8
Brighton Heights Citizens Federation3629 California Ave.Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212
The next Membership Meeting will be held at 7:00 January 10th, 2013 at the John Morrow auditorium on the corner of Davis and Fleming Avenues.
This newsletter is printed for us by Allegheny General Hospital and we appreciate their generosity!
Nonprofit Organization US Postage
PAID Pittsburgh, PaPermit #2804
Address Service Requested
Membership is also available on-line at www.brightonheights.org
BHCF Treasurer3629 California Ave.Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212
The next Membership Meeting will be held at 7:00 Thursday, September 12, 2013 at the John Morrow auditorium on the corner of Davis and Fleming Avenues.
The next Membership Meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 12th, 2015 at John Morrow Auditorium on the corner of Davis and Fleming Avenues.
