News Around the Neighborhood
Art + Waffles on February 8
Submitted by Susan Lee Meadowcroft
Come join us on Thursday, February 8 for an exclusive showing of the private art collection of Paul Johnson. Included in the collection are 400+ works including NYC artist Eliot Green and local artists Nick Bubash and Karl Huber. While you are here exploring the art, enjoy a waffle and some wassail on the deck and tour the home at 603 West Jefferson, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 in the Mexican War Streets. Doors open 3:30 to 7:00 pm! Yes, bring a friend.
Light of Life Gifts
Submitted by Penny Martin
Many thanks for our neighbors and friends who contributed so generously to our efforts to provide Target gift cards to the women in the Light of Life development program. We achieved our goal of $1,400 and were able to give a $100 gift card to each woman, for her to buy food, clothes or toys, as needed. Your kindness gave each one the chance for a brighter Christmas. Thank you all!
Free COVID Tests Available at USPS
Residential households in the US are once again eligible to receive four (4) free at-home tests. See special.usps.com for information and an online order form, or call 1-800-232-0233. Note that some households will be eligible to place a second order after the first has been approved.
galleryH Announcement
Submitted by Karl Huber
Seasons Greetings to one and all. galleryh thanks you for a wonderful year and we are looking forward to 2024 with more shows, new artworks, and social opening at the ol’ brick and mortar store at 909 Western Avenue. We are taking a brief hiatus over JanuaRY to paint and patch and add some much needed details to the shop to make it more accessible and easy to reach. Have no fear, we will return in February just in time for Valentine’s Day 2024. Hope to see you there. Thank you, everyone, and have a safe and happy New Year! Cheers!
City Christmas Tree Recycling Locations
If Goatscape isn’t convenient, residents can also drop off your tree until January 26th at one of three Northside locations that are provided by the City, where the trees are turned into mulch that neighbors can then use for their own gardens:
. Allegheny Center – Sue Murray Pool parking lot, 301 Cedar Avenue
. Brighton Heights – Jack Stack Pool, 600 Brighton Woods Road
. Perry North – 300 Kilbuck Road, 412-323-7209
Allegheny Goatscape wants your Christmas Tree!
Allegheny Goatscape, a nonprofit that uses goats to clear public spaces of unwanted and invasive vegetation, is accepting Christmas trees next Saturday, January 13, 2024, between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm at its farm at 447 Marshall Avenue. The company now has about 50 goats and four donkeys (who act as goat herders to the five herds). The greenery provides Vitamin C and acts as dewormers for the goats, who apparently like it “as a snack.” The trunks of the trees are then used for mulch for the farms.
Even if you don’t have a tree to recycle, meet and greet the goats at the Northside location, or at the Healcrest Urban Farm on Shamrock Way in Garfield, from 11:00am to 2:00pm.
A small donation to the farms is requested to support Goatscape’s work during the winter months. For more information, see allegehnygoatscape.org.
Parking Updates & Street Closures for Residents (Christmas Tour)
The Christmas tour is almost here! Please see below for important information affecting residents and street closures for the tour.
Questions?
- Please contact Carol Gomrick at tours@alleghenywest.org if you have any questions.
- During the tour you can text Cathy Serventi at (412) 418-2027 at Calvary before 8:00 pm if you have any concerns.
Street Closures During the Tour
- All of Beech Ave and the 800 block of N. Lincoln will be barricaded to vehicular traffic during the tour. Please do not expect to be able to drive on these streets during the tour.
- Friday: starting at 3:30 pm ending at 10:00 pm
- Saturday: starting at 9:30 am ending at 10:00 pm
- Landlords – please make sure your tenants are aware of the street closures
- Western Ave will be fully open to traffic
- Galveston will be blocked at the intersection of Beech Ave. Thru traffic on Dounton and Buttercup Way
Parking
- Residents on Beech and 800 Block of N. Lincoln are asked to move their cars from the street during the tour. The parking lot at Babb Insurance, corner of Galveston @ Chapel Way is available to residents for their vehicles.
- Lot opens Friday, 3:00 pm thru Saturday, 10:00 pm
- Tour Attendees and volunteers will have free parking in the CCAC Lot on Ridge Ave. but if you are a resident please use the Babb Lot, since we’ve run out of parking for attendees, especially Saturday afternoon and evening.
Times (Tours leave every 12 minutes) – We have been sold out since November 2, and we can’t take any walkins at the door.
- Friday, December 8 – 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm (doors open 4:00 pm, last tour at Holmes hall 11:30 pm)
- Saturday, December 9 – 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (doors open 9:00 am – last tour at Holmes Hall 11:30 pm)
Model Train Museum
If you would like to visit the model train museum at Holmes Hall on 719 Brighton Rd, tickets are $20 at the door. Hours are:
- Friday 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm
- Saturday 12:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Antique Shoppe
- The Antique Shoppe is open to the public while tours are leaving from Calvary. The Shoppe will be in the basement of Calvary. Many of the vendors from prior tours are back and some new ones too. Please visit during the tour.
Small Favor
- Please take some time to clear leaves and debris on your walkway and assist in making the sidewalks safe. Many of the tours happen in the evening and it is important that the sidewalks are kept clear.
We expect over 1700 people to walk through our streets during the tour! It’s a testament to everyone over the 40-year history who have built this tour into one of the most sought-after Christmas events. Thank you to all for your efforts in making wonderful Christmas memories for so many!
Thank you for your assistance with this.
Tour Committee
In Memoriam: Dan Pultz
DANIEL MURPHY PULTZ, 80, of Pittsburgh, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at his home. Born on April 5, 1943, Dan is survived by his wife of 57 years, Holly Wilbert Pultz; daughters, Shannon and Allison; and grandchildren Lilian, Niall, Julian and Milo. Having fought in Getlin’s Corner, one of the Vietnam War’s most decorated battles, Dan was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal with the V device for Valor in recognition of his leadership and courage. After his military service, Dan founded and led several companies, including Nettec Services (later Advanticom).
In retirement, he dedicated himself to extensive volunteerism in the veterans’ community, leaving a lasting impact on the Veterans Leadership Program, Friends of Danang, and Semper Fi Outdoor Odyssey, among others. Beyond his military and entrepreneurial pursuits, Dan was an adventurer, earning a pilot’s license and cycling and playing golf around the world. Devoted to family, he cherished their Ligonier cottage and engaged in lengthy discussions with friends and neighbors on his Northside porch. His quest for truth led him to explore various faiths, evolving from his Irish Catholic upbringing into a spiritual seeker. Following a life-altering bicycle accident, Dan formulated the acronym VAULT with his friend Harvey Young, reflecting the universal human desire to be Valued, Accepted, Understood, Loved, and Trusted. This philosophy reflects his lifelong pursuit of connection and a legacy that transcends color and creed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made in Dan’s memory to the Semper Fi Outdoor Odyssey program at Outdoor Odyssey, 450 Boy Scout Road, Boswell, PA. 15531. A celebration of life and memorial service will be held in the spring. Arrangements made by Thomas P. Kunsak Funeral Home, Inc.
In Memoriam: Mary Callison
It is with heavy heart that we announce the death of our dear friend and neighbor, Mary Callison. Mary has been a vital part of Allegheny West for decades, working tirelessly on neighborhood projects, and delighting us all with her wonderful cooking, baking and gardening. She was elegant, insightful and intellectually curious, so always an interesting and commanding companion and participant in book clubs, coffees, bridge and brunch groups. Mary served on the board of Allegheny West Civic Council and was a leader in green spaces, property management and historic preservation…and when she wasn’t leading, she was doing: planting flowers, clearing litter, acting as a docent for house tours, managing AWCC’s tenants, attending City and Historic Review meetings on behalf of the neighborhood and so much more.
Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband, Harper and her brother Ralph; and is survived by her sisters, Louisa and Alice, and her brother, John; her daughters Melissa, Amy, Jane and Rachel and their spouses, along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, of whom she was so proud.
Mary will be greatly missed and mourned by all who knew her.
Per Mary’s preference, there will be no viewing. There will be a service at Calvary United Methodist Church at a time in the future to be announced. Her ashes will then be buried alongside her husband, Harper, in Marlington, West Virginia.
Rest in peace, Mary.
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.