News Around the Neighborhood

In Memoriam: Dennis Bergevin

DENNIS JOSEPH BERGEVIN, age 72, and longtime resident of Allegheny West, passed away in the early morning of Friday, November 24, 2023.
 
 
 
Dennis was born on April 5, 1951 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Gerald Bergevin and Rita Caruso Bergevin.  As a child, his family moved to San Diego, CA, where Dennis was raised.
 
 
At the age of 18, Dennis’ lifelong career as an artist took off when he was awarded a grant to study markup and wig-making at the National Opera Institute in New York City (now OPERA America).  He was owner of Elsen Associates, a Pittsburgh-based company that provided wig and makeup design to theater companies throughout the country and abroad.
 
 
With his ever-present, captivating smile, his outstanding talent and true enjoyment of the trade, Dennis’ profession took him around the world, allowing him to establish many lasting friendships.
 
 
Dennis was a natural artist, having talent in different media including sculpting and painting.  His work was featured in many art galleries in various states, including Watergate Gallery in Washington, DC, Gallery Chiz and The Mattress Factory in Pittsburgh.  Dennis also began and led the annual art exhibition in Allegheny West, featuring neighborhood and other local artists.
 
 
Dennis was a brilliant light in his community.  He loved people and was a magnet for many in all spectrums of life.  He was a true romantic, lover of all things beautiful, and a discerning collector (of at least one of everything!). Dennis had a sharp wit, a compassionate heart and an ever-inquiring mind.  He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
 
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Jeanne Schreck.
 
 
Dennis is survived by his beloved husband, Doug Schreck; three siblings, Gerald Bergevin (Bonnie TuSmith) of Boston, MA; Paul Bergevin of Goleta, CA; and Catena Bergevin (Anthony Tedesco) of Greensboro, NC; and niece and nephew, Analise Munday (Brandon) of Winston-Salem, NC and Ludy Bahneman (Bella) of Norfolk, VA.  Also surviving are Dennis’ sister-in-law, Katie Strickland (Tom); brother-in-law, John Schreck; niece, Sarah Strickland; nephews Kevin Strickland and Douglas Schreck (Laura), all of Pittsburgh, and nephew Daniel Schreck of Phoenix, AZ; dear friend, Jeffrey Frank, of Sarasota, FL; and many extended family and friends.
 
 
Dennis’ family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the many dear friends and family who have shown their support and love.
 
 
A private Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Dennis’ name to Persad Center, persadcenter.networkforgood.com.
 
 
McDonald-Linn Funeral Home is assisting Dennis’ family.  Online condolences can be made at www.mcdonald-linn.com.

Andy Warhol (Seventh Street) and David McCullough (16th Street) Bridges Closing

Public Works has granted permits to P3R to close the Andy Warhol (Seventh Street) Bridge and the David McCullough (16th Street) Bridge in the City of Pittsburgh for the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler. The closures will occur from 6:30 am to 11:30 am on Sunday, November 5. Public Works is not involved with this event and is providing this information as a public service announcement only. Read more: https://bit.ly/46WGDy0

Yard Waste Pick Up this Saturday

Contributed by Chris Siewers

This Saturday, 11/4 is yard debris pick-up in Allegheny West. Paper bags with leaves, twigs, weeds, plants, etc have to be out by 6:00 am on Saturday.

Opening Announcement for GalleryH

karlhuberillustration and galleryh are proud to showcase the illustrated fantasy work of Karl Huber. Karl’s Kreature Feature! The show will run from October 7-31, 2023. Opening reception on Thursday October 26, from 5:00-7:00 pm at 909 Western Ave, Pittsburgh. Everyone dressed entirely all in black will be eligible to enter a drawing to win…a drawing. There is a $1 dollar fee to participate. Hope to see you there! 

City Books OcTBRfest 2023

Mark your calendars to spend some time every Saturday in October at City Books on Galveston Avenue for author readings, refreshments and giveaways.  
 
October 7th activities from noon – 4:30 pm include “comically correct portraits” by Almost Polite Caricatures; Virginia Montanez, author of Everywhere, Nowhere; Joyce Tremel, author of the Brewing Trouble Mysteries and the Homefront News Mysteries; and Bonita Lee Penn, author of Every Day a Foot is Looking for My Neck.  
 
More details to follow in October, but see Arlan’s website at citybookspgh.com in the meantime.  

Peace Rally Planned

An Interdenominational Prayer Rally for Peace will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 11:00 am – noon in West Park across from St. Peter Church (if inclement weather, rally will move to inside St. Peter’s).
 
The stated goal of the rally is to “unite local churches and our community together in solidarity and prayer for restored peace with the increasing senseless violence in our city.”
 
Speakers include the pastors of St. Peter’s, Destiny of Faith Church and AME Church.  
 
All are welcome. Bring a chair and a friend!

Bridge Closure Follow Up

Zachary Workman, PE, the Project Manager from the City’s DOMI Department who spoke at the Membership Meeting last Tuesday, provided some information pursuant to members’ questions about the detours.  
 
Additional signage is slated to be installed next week as follows:
 
.  Allegheny/North – Additional, more visible signs that the road ahead is closed.
.  Western/Galveston – Additional signs to direct detoured traffic to continue on Western.
.  North/Galveston – Signs prohibiting trucks on Galveston.
.  Brighton/North – “Do Not Enter” signs installed at the end of the slip lane by the Triangle garden.
 
He encouraged residents to continue to call/email 311 with any issues and problems so that the City can address those.

Volunteers Needed!

Hi again! We are still in need of volunteers for this weekend! We could use help on Friday AND Saturday to support our efforts around Riverview Park Day. For more information see below and to sign up to help for a shift please sign up here.
 
Thank you!
 
Erin Tobin (she, her, hers)
Assistant Director Community Engagement 
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

You’re Invited

karlhuberillustration and galleryh are very pleased to present the artwork of local Allegheny West resident Holly Pultz, Landscapes of Western Pennsylvania and More!  The show runs from September 8 and continues the entire month.  Please join us for the artist reception on Saturday, September 9 at 909 Western Avenue,  5:00-7:00 pm.  See you there!

Downtown Walking Tour: Market Square Area

PHLF 2020 Banner

Friday, August 11
10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

$20.00 per person

This tour is limited to 20 participants.
Tickets will not be available after 11:30 pm on August 10.

Click here to purchase a ticket.

Ever since George Woods and Thomas Vickroy laid out the plan for the streets of Pittsburgh in 1784, Market Square has occupied an important place Downtown—geographically, economically, and culturally. In this area where the historic architecture meets recent construction, we will see how PHLF’s work has helped to revive a Downtown core that was once threatened by extensive demolition.

Market Square (2023)

The tour includes residential, commercial, corporate, and hotel buildings, several of which the U.S. Green Building Council has awarded its highest certifications for environmental sustainability. Together, the sites on the tour demonstrate how the combination of historic preservation and thoughtful new development can create a livable urban environment.