News Around the Neighborhood

President’s Message

May 6, 2026 |

Happy May, Neighbors!

The long awaited NFL draft is over, the roads are all open again, and spring is in full bloom.

This month we get to celebrate with our first block party of the year: The Allegheny West Memorial Day Block Party! If you’re new to the neighborhood, this is a perfect opportunity to come out, meet your fellow Allegheny West neighbors, and enjoy some time together. Details for the block party can be found on page three of this Gazette. We hope to see you there! I’d also like to wish all the moms in our community a very Happy Mother’s Day. I hope you enjoy a wonderful relaxing day surrounded by family and friends!

As a follow-up to last month’s Gazette, I want to share an update provided by the owner of Lefty’s regarding changes that have been implemented over the past 30 days. He reports that the following operational changes are now in effect:

  • Closing time is now 11:00 pm, with last call at 10:40 pm
  • All entertainment events have been canceled, including Saturday afternoon acoustic music, Wednesday comedy shows, and most private parties.
  • The back patio area has been reduced by half, with seating closest to Galveston eliminated.
  • Additional security has been added at the back bar and outdoor patio on weekends.
  • Front windows will no longer be opened during operating hours.
  • Staff now patrol the sidewalk area after last call to encourage patrons to leave safely and quietly.
  • Security policies are being updated, including a more stringent banning policy.
  • Jukebox volume has been significantly reduced, with new lower volume limits set by the vendor.
  • Music is being censored to eliminate controversial lyrics.
  • Large bags are no longer permitted, aligning with policies used at local sporting events and concerts.
  • A revised happy hour menu is planned in the coming weeks — stay tuned for details.
  • Lefty’s will now close on selected holidays, which were previously among their busiest days.

We will plan to discuss these changes at our upcoming general membership meeting.

Thank you to everyone in the neighborhood who continues to stay engaged, share feedback, and help make Allegheny West a safe, welcoming and enjoyable place to live.

Regards,

Elizabeth Barbush President, AWCC

2026 Tour and Tasting in Old Allegheny

May 6, 2026 | ,

Submitted by Jo Beatty, Chair, Ways & Means Committee

We are full steam ahead for the sold out Allegheny West 2026 wine and garden tour which will be held Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27. Over the next month we will be organizing volunteers, finalizing food and wine, supporting home owners and working through the final details. We are always looking for volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Carol or me via tours@alleghenywest.org. Thank you to those who have already reached out. Once again a reminder that Dan will again be leading the docents – thank you Dan!

Also a reminder that we are also seeking donations to include in the very popular raffle baskets which we do every year. Thank you to those of you who have confirmed donations already. As a reminder we are grateful for bottles of wine, gift cards, gift certificates on tour themed and locally sourced items. Please let us know if you would like to donate via tours@alleghenywest.org.

Many thanks in advance.

AWCC Membership Meeting Agenda – May 12, 2026

May 6, 2026 | ,

The next Allegheny West Civic Council General Membership Meeting will be held Tuesday, May 12 at 7:30 pm at Calvary United Methodist Church, 971 Beech Avenue – also accessible on Zoom.

7:30

Call to Order

7:35

Greetings and Introductions of New Neighbors

7:40

Reports of Elected Officials, City Departments, Organizations

  • City of Pittsburgh Zone 1 Police (Officer Defeo)

  • City of Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor’s Office (CJ Thorpe)

  • State Representative Aerion Abney’s Office (Tom Harnett)

  • Department of City Planning (Nazia Tarannum and Melissa Hill)

  • Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (Erin Tobin)

  • Councilman Bobby Wilson’s Office (Bobby Wilson/Jordyn Gilliard/Julianne Hluska)

  • City Controller’s Office (Rachael Heisler)

8:15

Guests and Presentations: Rick Krist, owner of Lefty’s

8:25

Officer and Committee Reports

  • Minutes of Last Meeting (Tim Zinn, Secretary)

  • Treasurer’s Report (Chris Sweeney, Treasurer)

  • Communications Committee (Sarah Cook)

  • Friends of Allegheny West (Trish Burton)

  • Housing and Planning Committee (Tom Cihil)

  • Membership Committee (Yulia Bhonsle)

  • Property Committee (Aaron Bryan)

  • Ways and Means Committee (Jo Beatty)

  • Executive Committee Actions (Elizabeth Barbush)

8:50

Unfinished Business

8:55

New Business

9:05 

Adjourn

Additions to the agenda can be made by emailing president@allegheywest.org.

PGH2050 Preferred Land and Comprehensive Plan Meeting

Apr 30, 2026 |

Your Neighborhood, Your Voice Flyer

Friendly reminder, this is the final week of engagement for Land Use Direction in the PGH2050 Comprehensive Plan. There are two ways to participate in this round of engagement: attend a meeting or fill out the online survey.

In-person Meetings

There are five community meetings this week where you can provide your input on how Pittsburgh should grow.

  • 4/27: Lawrenceville
  • 4/28: Perry South
  • 4/28: Downtown
  • 4/29: West End
  • 4/30: Allegheny Center

Register Online

Online Survey

If you can’t attend one of the community meetings, there is an online version of the mapping activity. Survey closes on Friday, 5/1.

Preferred Land Use Mapping Activity

After this week, be on the lookout for details on a few city-wide workshops the first week of June. 

Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra playing Pines of Rome

Apr 27, 2026 |

Pines of Rome Banner

Join the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra for a FREE CONCERT on Sunday, May 17th at 7:30 pm at Heinz Hall and enjoy a night of monumental works!

The program includes Respighi’s magnificent Pines of Rome,  the Overture to Beethoven’s ballet The Creatures of Prometheus, Leonard Bernstein’s high-energy Three Dance Episodes from “On the Town”, and Rachmaninoff’s brooding Isle of the Dead. 

Reserve your free tickets.

Help Us to Begin to Spring Clean AW After a Long Winter

Apr 17, 2026 |

.   Tomorrow (Saturday, April 18), please join a group of neighbors to attack weeds and leaves in the Parklet at Brighton & Western.  Meet at the Parklet at 9am for coffee and to pick up supplies (and a clean-up partner!)  Please bring gloves and garden tools if you have them.  Also on the list are the tree wells around the neighborhood and the alleyways.  Even 30 minutes of your time will help tremendously.
  
If tomorrow morning doesn’t work for you, please contact us and we’ll provide bags for your use in a clean-up project at your convenience.
 
.   Continue to use the yard debris bags that we’ve dropped off to each residence in AW to sweep and bag leaves, trash and weeds in the areas around your property.  No need to wait until Earth Day on April 22d to make a difference!
 
“Many hands make light work,” so please help to lighten the load.
 
Thanks in advance for helping to beautify Allegheny West!  Any questions or comments, please email Trish Burton at Friends@alleghenywest.org.

Can we DRAG you to church?

Apr 16, 2026 |

Can we DRAG you to church? event flyer

Get ready for a night of fun, flair and fabulousness! Calvary is excited to host “Can We DRAG You to Church?” — a fundraiser featuring dinner, a silent auction and drag performances by Pittsburgh’s Dixie Surewood and Leia Way LeStat (so far!) along with a few special performances by Calvary members!

This all-ages, professional show is Calvary-approved and celebrates, supports and uplifts the Trans and Drag Queen communities. Guests will enjoy lively performances, a panel of judges and the crowning of Miss Calvary 2026! Details on the location and ticket prices are coming soon — stay tuned for an evening of community, joy and generosity you won’t want to miss!

NFL Draft Week – Calvary UMC Activities

Apr 15, 2026 |

Northside Block Party Flyer

NFL Draft Pittsburgh Open House

Wednesday, April 22-Saturday, April 25
from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm daily

Volunteers Needed

Pass out water and popcorn, provide general hospitality as people look around the church, guided tours if you know some of the history.
 

North Side Neighborhood Block Party

Saturday, April 25 (9:00 am–12:00 pm)

Presented by the GBU Life North Side Neighborhood and Calvary United Methodist Church
For the children and families who live on the North Side as well as NFL Draft visitors.
  • This is a small “block party” with all activities on the church’s property, inside and outside, rain or shine.
  • We have a face painter, balloon twister, Marvel super hero, and a Duck. MADD’s joining us with an educational activity.
  • We are planning a limited amount of small games, quick crafts, and a visual scavenger hunt.
  • GBU Life employees, members and volunteers will be leading a mini-service project to pack 200 shelf-stable birthday cake kits to donate to local food banks and shelters.

Hey Neighbors! Community Breakfast

Sunday, April 26 (9:00 am-10:30 am)

Building off our Hey Neighbors! Wednesday Dinners, we are inviting our neighbors and visitors to a free, friendly Sunday breakfast—no agenda, just good food and good company.

Sunday Celebration Worship

Sunday, April 26 (11:00 AM–12:00 PM)

Please visit this link from GBU Life (our North Side Neighborhood Block Party Party partner) to sign up to volunteer for the North Side Neighborhood Block Party on Saturday, 4/25, from 9-12 and the Calvary Open House 4/22-4/25: North Side Block Party & Calvary Open House Sign Up.

Calvary Plant Sale

Apr 10, 2026 |

UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH ANNUAL PLANT SALE

Our Annual Plant Sale is in full bloom now through April 21st! Order forms can be found at the Ministry Board in the chapel or online at calvarypgh.com/united-women-in-faith. All proceeds benefit various charities supported by the Calvary United Women in Faith. Think Spring — place your order today!

ORDER PICKUP

Thursday, May 21 & Friday, May 22
1:00 – 6:00 pm

QUESTIONS

Linda Ehrlich
412-512-7246
laehrlich927@aol.com

AWCC Membership Meeting Agenda – April 14, 2026

Apr 8, 2026 | ,

The next Allegheny West Civic Council General Membership Meeting will be held Tuesday, April 14th at 7:30 pm at Calvary United Methodist Church, 971 Beech Avenue – also accessible on Zoom.

7:30

Call to Order

7:35

Greetings and Introductions of New Neighbors

7:40

Reports of Elected Officials, City Departments, Organizations

  • City of Pittsburgh Zone 1 Police (Officer Defeo)

  • City of Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor’s Office (CJ Thorpe)

  • State Representative Aerion Abney’s Office (Tom Harnett)

  • Department of City Planning (Nazia Tarannum)

  • Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (Erin Tobin)

  • Councilman Bobby Wilson’s Office (Bobby Wilson/Jordyn Gilliard/Julianne Hluska)

8:15

Guests and Presentations

8:25

Officer and Committee Reports

  • Minutes of Last Meeting (Tim Zinn, Secretary)

  • Treasurer’s Report (Chris Sweeney, Treasurer)

  • Communications Committee (Sarah Cook)

  • Friends of Allegheny West (Trish Burton)

  • Housing and Planning Committee (Tom Cihil)

  • Membership Committee (Yulia Bhonsle)

  • Property Committee (Aaron Bryan)

  • Ways and Means Committee (Jo Beatty)

  • Executive Committee Actions (Elizabeth Barbush)

8:50

Unfinished Business

8:55

New Business

9:05 

Adjourn

Additions to the agenda can be made by emailing president@allegheywest.org.

Our Community