News Around the Neighborhood
PHLF: Citizen Jane Film Screening
Location: Landmarks Preservation Resource Center, 744 Rebecca Avenue
Date: Tuesday, November 21st
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Contact: marylu@phlf.org or (412) 471-5808 ext. 527
In 1960 Jane Jacobs’s book The Death and Life of Great American Cities sent shockwaves through the architecture and planning worlds, with its exploration of the consequences of modern planners’ and architects’ reconfiguration of cities. Jacobs was also an activist, who was involved in many fights in mid-century New York, to stop “master builder” Robert Moses from running roughshod over the city.
This film retraces the battles for the city as personified by Jacobs and Moses, as urbanization moves to the very front of the global agenda. Many of the clues for formulating solutions to the dizzying array of urban issues can be found in Jacobs’s prescient text, and a close second look at her thinking and writing about cities is very much in order. This film sets out to examine the city of today through the lens of one of its greatest champions.
This screening is FREE to the public.
RSVPs are appreciated: marylu@phlf.org or (412) 471-5808 ext. 527
Check out http://phlf.org/events/ for more PHLF tours and events.Discounted Tickets for Northsiders: Holmes and Watson
Presented by Kinetic Theatre Company
February 16th – March 4th
Sherlock Holmes has not been seen for more than three years and is presumed dead following his confrontation with Moriarty at Reichenbach Falls. Dr. Watson is called upon to disprove the many frauds, fakes and charlatans who have popped up claiming to be Holmes. Suddenly…a newspaper clipping arrives. A remote mental institution on an island off the coast of Scotland reports that three patients have been recently admitted, each claiming to be the late detective.
Jeffrey Hatcher wrote the screenplay for the 2015 film, Mr. Holmes, starring Ian McKellen. His ingenious new thriller receives its Pittsburgh premiere in a boldly atmospheric production by Kinetic Theatre, starring David Whalen.
Get $4 off the price of general admission and family packs with the discount code:
NORTHSIDE
[ebor_button style=”pumpkin” url=”https://www.showclix.com/event/holmes-and-watson895″] Reserve Your Seats [/ebor_button]
Letter from the President – February 2018
So what are you doing on Tuesday evening?
Join your neighbors on Tuesday, February 13th at 7:30 pm at Calvary Church for the February meeting of the Allegheny West Civic Council. Each month this is where we make decisions about our neighborhood — decisions that in ways both small and large will affect you. And we always have a good time socializing and enjoying refreshments.
Everyone is welcome — second Tuesday of each month, 7:30 pm, in the Calvary Church social hall, corner of Beech and Allegheny Avenues (use the Beech Avenue entrance). The meeting is usually over by 9:00 pm. It’s also a great way for newer folks to meet your neighbors and get involved!
We hope to see you on Tuesday evening!
AWCC Membership Meeting Agenda – February 13, 2018
Calvary United Methodist Church, 971 Beech Ave
Tuesday, February 13th at 7:30 pm
- Visitors
- Councilwoman Harris’s Office
- Mayor Peduto’s Office
- Zone One Police
- Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
- New Neighbors & Guests
- Minutes
- Membership
- Bowling at the Elks
- Volunteers for the Memorial Day Picnic
- Ways and Means
- Update on Five Year Plan with Calvary
- 2018 Upcoming Tour Dates
- 2018 Wine & Garden Tour (June 22 and 23)
- Friends of Allegheny West
- Green Space
- Property
- Housing and Planning
- Parking and Traffic
- North Avenue Lighting
- Western Avenue Revitalization
- Light of Life: Ridge Avenue Project
- Revised AW Film Guidelines
- Allegheny Commons Update of 2002 Master Plan
- Expansion of Historic District (LRC Report)
- Historic District Enforcement Issues (old cases)
- Medical Marijuana Dispensary
- Comprehensive Guidelines for New Construction on Vacant Sites
- Airbnb Issues/Impacts on AW
- Revised AW Film Guidelines
- Railroad Bridge Replacements
- Allegheny Center Master Plan
- North Shore Impacts
- Nominating Committee
- 2018 Membership Chairperson
- Northside Leadership Conference
- Allegheny General Hospital Master Plan
- Other Business (Old & New)
Allegheny Commons Initiative Presentation Save the Date!
The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is excited to work alongside our partners at the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny Commons Initiative, Northside Leadership Conference and the greater community to restore Allegheny Commons Park.
Please join your fellow park users on March 8th from 6:00–7:30 pm for our final presentation of the action plan we need for implementing the master plan.
The professional team is led by LaQuatra Bonci Associates, and includes eDesign Dynamics, Cleo Consulting and Fourth Economy.
Please remember to register for the free event: showclix.com/event/allegheny-commons-map-final-presentation. Looking forward to seeing you there!
CoLab18 Open House
CoLab18 is a 4,600 square foot space that will serve as the epicenter for creativity, collaboration and technology. This space was created for Northside residents, businesses and community partners, and it includes conference rooms, a classroom space and state-of-the art technology.
February 14th, 2018
Open house at 8:30 am
Ribbon cutting at 9:30 am
Please RSVP at colab18opening.com.
Please note: There’s on-street parking around Nova Place (formerly Allegheny Center Mall). If you choose to park in the garage, enter through Gate #4. Once you enter Gate #4, you will take the CENTRAL elevator bank to the PLAZA and make a left upon exiting. We will not reimburse for parking.
2018 Wine Tour and Tasting : A Toast to the Central Coast
You may be thinking, “Wait, didn’t I just finish an article about the Christmas tour?” Well, as hard as it is to believe, now is the time to start preparing again for our annual tour and tasting event. This year, we’ll feature California wines, specifically from the Central Coast of California. I lived in San Luis Obispo and is in ‘SLO’ where I was first introduced to these amazing wines and this beautiful region.
Paso Robles, north of San Luis Obispo, is an incredible wine region. The award-winning wines and my fond memories are minor reasons why I’m focusing on this region. The primary reason is the pioneer (Godfather) of Paso wines — Gary Eberle — is a Penn State graduate and Pittsburgh native. Gary co-founded the appellation in Paso and introduced Syrah grape vines into the US, using cuttings he brought over from France. At one point, his vineyard was the only source of US Syrah. His amazing story doesn’t stop there. I’ve included addresses to some articles below. (Or, get the electronic version of the Gazette at our website — alleghenywest.org — and click on the links.) I just had to share his story, and the indelible connection of Pittsburgh to CA wines.
I’ve been to the Eberle Winery many times, but never met Gary until I went to one of his events in Pittsburgh. He is incredibly personable, and is fascinating to talk with, as he imparts his vast knowledge about what it takes to get the grape to the glass. Listening to Gary talk through the science behind wine-making inspired me to put a twist on the wine tour this year. I’m introducing showcase event that I’m calling “Ground to Glass.” This will be an exclusive event at Holmes Hall, pouring only higher-end Eberle wines. The ticket will also include a lovely food pairing and a host talking with the guests on how the particular wines they’re drinking got from the ground to their glass. Eberle is also providing wine to be served at one of the homes on the tour. Gary will not be able to come to the event, but I’m working with him to ensure guests have a memorable evening.
Details About this Year’s Tour
- Price and dates: $75 pp, Friday 6/22 5:00–9:00 pm and Saturday 6/23 1:00–5:00 pm and 5:00–9:00 pm.
- Showcase Event at Holmes Hall: $150 (max 50 tickets available), Saturday 6/23 7:00–9:00 pm.
- Note that the dates are later in the month than normal due to competing events in Pittsburgh and other calendar conflicts, but good for the gardens to thrive!
How can you help? Please email me directly (carolgomrick@gmail.com) if you are interested in any of the following.
- Homes: If you would like your home on the tour (focus on the garden). A total of 6 properties needed. The home must have a garden space.
- Advertising and Social Media: Work with local media outlets, promote through social media and help secure program advertisers.
- Food Committee: Work with friends to confirm the pairing menu and prep food for the event.
- Tour Guide Lead: Make sure the docents know the route, their shifts and neighborhood history to lead the guests.
- Volunteers Lead: Oversight of tour volunteers (help for the homeowners). We will need additional volunteers for the Showcase event.
- After Party Planners: Always one of the most fun volunteer opportunities!
So many of you made last year exceptional, I hope you’ll consider pitching in again this year. If you haven’t volunteered for a tour before, this is a really great opportunity to join the fun. Looking forward to getting this going and working with you!
Don’t forget to read more about the ‘Godfather of Paso’, Gary Eberle.
Wrap Up of the 36th Annual Christmas Tour
Submitted by Carol Gomrick
Was it smell of fresh pine from the recently hung swags in the neighborhood? Was it the bright blue skies contrasting with the chill in the air? Was it the sound of Dr. Dan’s leaf blower wiping out every trace of fall on Beech Ave? It was that and so much more which marked the coming of the 36th Annual Christmas Tour. This year, almost 1,600 people ushered in their Christmas season by walking through the lovingly decorated homes of Allegheny West. The weather was perfect, the glitches were few, and—if I dare say—by all accounts, the tour was a great success. As my first time managing the Christmas tour, I cannot thank everyone who stepped in and stepped up to make daunting tasks seem easy and the unintentionally overlooked details, a non-issue. It is truly because of you that the tour was such a success.
A very special thank you goes to the homeowners. I received a lot of feedback a how impressed the guests were with the homes this year. One guest, who has taken the tour over 15 times, actually took the time to email me directly to share that she thought 2017 was the best selection of homes she has visited to date. No doubt this guest and others came to this conclusion in no small way by the decorations at the Flashlight Factory. The re-purposing of flashlight pieces and parts was beyond ingenious, and such a tremendous addition to the tour. Congratulations to John Engle and Tom Cihil on tackling the after party. A lot of people needed some extra sleep on Sunday, so it was a great success! I would be completely remiss if I didn’t thank Tony and Diane Caruso. You both seem to always be there to jump in whenever needed and for whatever needs done. The list of how you both helped on this tour is too long to write, but beyond appreciated. Thank you.
I have to share that this tour was not without its challenges. It was the first time a service dog was on the tour. The homeowners were made aware in advance and all agreed they would accommodate. However, none of us expected a Great Dane! I should have taken pictures.
There are so many stories from the tour. Two are from the “Great Beech Ave Clean Up of 2017”. I’ll never forget Dr. Dan leaping through Beech Ave (with the greatest of ease), wielding his leaf blower like a warrior’s sword going into battle. Those leaves didn’t have a chance! OK, I’m using some dramatic license, but I’ll never be able to convince my mind’s eye from seeing a cape flowing behind him as he valiantly traveled up and down Beech Ave! My fondest memory is also from that day (not just because of Dr. Dan). Many saw Gloria Raymond and myself chipping away and cursing at the leaves stuck to the street. Trying to remove them was a formidable task. One by one, people stopped their cars, opened their front doors and came out with shovels, spades and whatever was needed to get the street cleaned and we did. The spirit of Christmas and the spirit of this neighborhood shined brightly that day. It will be forever etched in my memory as to what made this tour and what makes this neighborhood so special.
I hope you all enjoyed the holidays and I wish the blessings of the season to carry through for you in 2018.
Please contact me (carolgomrick@gmail.com) with any feedback for how to improve the tour for 2018.
Alleys, Axles & Ales 2018
This year’s Alleys, Axles & Ales tour will be held on September 29th. Tom Barbush and Cecile Canales will be leading this year’s tour. They’re looking for garages and cars to feature, as well as volunteers to help with the tour. Please contact Cecile (ccanales13@icloud.com) if you’re willing to help with the tour!
Neighbor-to-Neighbor
Submitted by Ritsu Shimizu
All of our AW residents are cognizant of observing the Design Guidelines for the Allegheny West Historic District, enforced by the City’s Historic Review Commission. Perhaps what I am going to share with you might not be anything new, but it still strikes me how closely some people adhere to these guidelines. Here are the examples:
- My new neighbor, Mr. Greg Kobulnicky, used the very old historically authentic mortars, a special order, of course, in restoration of his apartment building in the back of his residence. In fact, his mason even conferred with me (behind Greg’s back), saying, ”This old stuff wasn’t as strong as new one.”
- Our AWCC Housing and Planning Committee Chair, Mr. Timothy Zinn, brought new life into my half-moon shaped, 147 year-old, third-floor attic window by using the Abatron products and also old glazing for window glass. Probably no one would notice if replaced by a window company’s product because of the location. Tim said pointing the restored window, “Here this window will live for another 100 years.”
Both of them carry out their work with scrupulous attention.