April 17, 2024 - Pittsburgh City Paper

The Cannabis Issue

FTIME FOR A T-BREAK

Has your cannabis use become “too much of a good thing”? Users and researchers say taking a tolerance break could help.

BY AMANDA WALTZ // AWALTZ@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

or every cannabis user, there, perhaps, comes a breaking point, a moment where euphoria, relaxation, or other intended positive effects turn to nausea, anxiety, or feelings of being strung out. For Christi, a regular cannabis user who resides in Bloomfield, that breaking point came 10 years ago when he and some friends bought “a lot of weed” and decided to smoke it all at once.

“I was high for three days straight,” he tells Pittsburgh City Paper with a laugh. “I remember my friend put me in her bed, brought me some frozen pizza, and turned on the movie Rent, the musical, on Netflix, which is the only time I’ve ever seen Rent , and I don’t remember any of it.”

Since then, Christi, a medical cannabis patient who considers himself a “lightweight,” has been careful to avoid a similar experience. “I just felt really out of it,” he says and compares it to being in a “really, really detailed dream” that he couldn’t wake up from. “After 12 hours I was like, I’m kind of done with this now; can I just be normal? It was awful.”

While cannabis provides many reported benefits from stress reduction to pain management, overdoing it can result in something the community has dubbed “greening out,” a sort of THC hangover that dampens what, for many, is an otherwise helpful treatment. The unfortunate side effect may lead some to pursue “T-breaks,” or tolerance breaks — time

away from cannabis that can range anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the person.

It’s believed that a T-break gives the body time to reset to a level where smaller amounts of cannabis are necessary to achieve intended results, saving the patient potential headaches and, from a financial standpoint, money spent at the dispensary.

The concept of greening out contributes to the continued discourse surrounding cannabis as it undergoes a major expansion in the United States. This includes Pennsylvania, where a medical marijuana program went into effect in 2016. Legislators are now pushing for recreational cannabis to — as Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro recently characterized it — compete with neighboring states like Ohio, New Jersey, and New York, where cannabis restrictions have become more relaxed.

But even as a majority of Americans across party lines have accepted cannabis, serious research around it is still new. And unlike medications prescribed by doctors, which come with exact dosages and a list of potential side effects, cannabis users are left searching for the perfect strains and amounts that work for them, which could lead to greening out as patients test their limits and sample various products.

Even then, there are justifiable fears that discussing any negative side effects of cannabis could cause a backslide into stigmatization and criminalization. And while studies show that cannabis carries far fewer risks than other drugs — as overdoses can happen with both prescription and illegal substances like heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine — Christi believes cannabis can become “too much of a good thing.”

How to avoid a green out and recover from it depends on the person, says Christi. “I know myself better both as a person and as somebody who uses cannabis,” he says, adding that he mostly uses it now as a way to treat his insomnia. Even so, he does take occasional T-breaks.

“Usually one or two hits off my pen will knock me out, but it was taking me five or six,” he says, adding that he scaled back for about three weeks. Taking a T-break of about two weeks was also helpful, he says, before he had his top surgery, explaining that cannabis can interfere with anesthesia.

Bill has been a Pa. medical cannabis patient since 2016, mostly to treat chronic back pain. During that time, he says he has greened out. “There’s definitely some paranoia that happens,” he tells City Paper . “I also notice the quantity of what I’m smoking increasing as well.”

T-breaks and greening out. The Center even published “T-Break: Take a Cannabis Tolerance Break,” a stepby-step resource guide that takes readers through the process.

Fontana tells CP that the subject of cannabis use often comes up in discussions with students.

“We look at this idea of balance — how much are you using, how is that going for you?” he explains. “More often, when you look at the use curve of people who use cannabis, they tend to use it infrequently, or very frequently.”

Fontana has found that subjects hit a point where tolerance turns into what he and other researchers call “drug sensitization,” the point at which the negative side effects of cannabis like anxiety and nausea kick in. He agrees that, when it comes to choosing the length of a T-break, certain periods, such as the widely

“IF IT HELPS, HOW DO WE KEEP IT HELPING YOU BECAUSE WE KNOW TOLERANCE IS SUCH A REAL THING WITH CANNABIS.”

For him, overdoing it on cannabis means doing “all the grimy stoner things of digging through my pipes for resin and all that sort of stuff.”

He says his most recent T-break lasted for nine months. “I think I’ve done couple-week breaks or a month every once in a while, but I don’t find them rewarding,” he adds.

While cannabis users are left experimenting with T-break durations, some researchers are making strides in figuring out the green-out phenomenon. CP spoke with Tom Fontana, a licensed mental health counselor and drug and alcohol educator at the University of Vermont’s Center for Health and Wellbeing. Fontana positions the school’s work on cannabis use as being some of the earliest, including when it comes to

held belief that it takes two weeks for the body to eliminate THC, are arbitrary.

“Within the first week to 10 days, you’re going to get the chemical tolerance reduced,” he says, adding that even three to five days can make a difference. For those looking to wipe the slate completely clean, however, Fontana recommends 21 days “if possible.”

Fontana believes that taking T-breaks, regardless of length, can help people take a step back and explore their relationship with cannabis, especially as the industry changes and produces more potent strains. “And I think it’s up to the individual, and there’s still no gold standard on that. Realistically, with the potency of weed going up, for people who want to use it more

regularly into the future, we’ll probably have to think about some level of moderation.”

Rather than advocate for abstinence, Fontana wants people to develop healthy relationships with cannabis, whether they’re using it for medical reasons or fun. Once the benefits of cannabis become clear to a person, he believes the focus should be on the long term.

“If it helps, how do we keep it helping you because we know tolerance is such a real thing with cannabis,” he says. “But then it stops working, and we’re left feeling truly more isolated, sometimes both socially and emotionally. And so just thinking about that would be helpful in conversations with people, but we don’t always have that sophisticated conversation.”

As for recognizing when greening out happens, Christi recommends you “trust your body.”

“If your body is telling you to stop, listen to it,” he adds.

Once the decision is made, Bill believes approaches to T-breaks should be up to the individual. Embarking on one can be rewarding without resorting to extreme measures, like throwing out their glass pieces or vape pens.

“I think it would just save people a lot of literal and figurative headaches if they just disengaged or practiced [T-breaks] more often,” he says, stressing that it also doesn’t have to be a solitary experience. “Talk to your friends; see if they feel the same way. Get a little support. Support always helps.” •

CP ILLUSTRATION: JEFF SCHRECKENGOST

THE PERFECT J

Rolling a perfect joint is easy — all you need is the right size of paper, the right amount of weed, and some help from your friends.

TPAPERS

Obviously, a good rolling paper is the foundation of any joint. A variety of brands, among them EZ Wider, JOB, OCB, and Zig-Zag, sell standard papers, but many are rolling out unbleached or hemp-fiber papers to compete with the brand RAW.

While the brand itself isn’t that important, size can matter. Papers that are standard length (around 77mm) run from single-wide (34mm or wider) to double-wide (70+ mm), while some favor a king-size paper, especially for sharing.

More length equals more smokeables and could be seen as a good thing. More width, though, can mean more “canoeing” (that annoying thing when your joint only burns along one side). For that reason, we recommend sticking to narrower papers or folding and tearing away a small strip along the side of the paper without adhesive. Wider papers may be better for beginners, but they tend to canoe, burn more harshly, and taste more like burning cellulose than your favorite strain of kush if you roll a thinner joint with them.

GRIND

The easiest way to fill up your doob is to pre-grind your weed. It’s important to avoid pesky stems that can puncture a hole in your paper. If you use a grinder, separate your bud from the stems by hand and pick out any stiff or sharp pieces. If you separate by hand, make sure to do the same while crumbling your bud into pieces small enough to burn as you smoke (rather than falling smoldering to the ground).

An even grind or even crumbling will help your joint burn more smoothly and is also an important “hedge” (see what we did there) against canoeing. Yet perhaps even more important than grind is…

DENSITY

cartridges, plastic-packed “troches,” and dab rigs are the Teslas of weed, the joint is the bicycle, a perfect technology with little room for improvement.

There are a few different kinds of joints, all of which have their pros. “Pinners” are short and thin, able to hide in your pocket. Spliffs are augmented with tobacco for more kick and greater frugality. L's use two papers to hold more greens. Some also favor terms such as “doobie” or “bone.”

However, most cannabis users are likely to share a mental picture of the ideal joint: a tapered baseball bat with a little cardboard filter (or “crutch”) at the smoking end and a fun twist at the lighting end. Most pre-rolls at head shops and dispensaries stick to this format, and many who roll their own aim for this Platonic ideal.

So what goes into the perfect J? Different people may have their own tricks, but a decent joint comes down to a couple of relatively simple factors.

“WIDER PAPERS MAY BE BETTER FOR BEGINNERS, BUT THEY TEND TO CANOE, BURN MORE HARSHLY, AND TASTE MORE LIKE BURNING CELLULOSE THAN YOUR FAVORITE STRAIN OF KUSH.”

Too much density = too hard to smoke. In other words, don’t roll your joint too tightly! Some grinders can reduce weed, especially if it’s dry, into powder. If your weed is finely ground, you want to make sure not to roll it up so tightly that it sticks together.

Once you’ve chosen your paper and broken up your bud, you’ll want to sprinkle it in so the small pile is about twice as wide as it’ll be post-rolling. A good rule is to use about a pinky finger’s worth. Spread it evenly — the baseballbat shape is less about density than how you align the rolling-paper glue and twist up your finished product. You also want to avoid using too much weed — remember, you can add some into the top after you finish twisting up.

( Pro tip: if you’re new to rolling or tend to make a mess, fold a Post-It or other small paper in half. Break your weed up into this so you can “pour” it into your paper all in one go.)

TO CRUTCH OR NOT TO CRUTCH?

While some people like rolling Js with weed all the way down — that way, you have a roach you can save for later — others prefer the crutch method. This creates a more stable bone and also ensures you can smoke everything rolled up in one session without getting tar on your fingers.

Many rolling papers now come pre-packaged with “tips” or “filters” (though it’s unlikely they filter much). However, if you don’t have any, you can always use a small piece of your rolling-paper packaging or tear off a small piece of cardboard. It’s probably better to avoid glossily printed cardboard so there’s less likelihood of inhaling plastic or wax residue.

Crutches work best when the strip you make them from is at least as wide as your paper laid flat. That way, when you roll it up tight, there’s no opening big enough to let you suck down stray weed crumbles while you take a hit.

ROLLIN’ ROLLIN’ ROLLIN’

The actual rolling part is the most challenging. We recommend a simple five-step process:

1. Poke your crutch into the end where you want it, likely the side closest to the palm of your rolling hand

2. Gently twist the filled paper between your fingers so the weed is lightly compressed into a cylinder

3. Twist the joint a little more tightly so the paper’s end tucks itself in around the crutch

4. Lick across the paper’s adhesive — be careful not to get it too soggy or your joint may not smoke evenly

5. Roll at a slight angle so that, as the glue sticks, it forms the roughly baseball-bat shape of your finished product

If you’re done but still have some ground herb left over, you can use a thin, blunt object (e.g., the cartridge of a ballpoint pen) to poke the weed in your J down and sprinkle any leftovers on top. You can also pinch together the open ends of your paper and gently shake toward the crutch end to help the cannabis settle.

Lastly, finish off your joint with a little festive twist. This is actually a functional part of the process — creating a dense twist of paper helps ensure a centered “cherry” or ember as you smoke, mitigating the dreaded canoe and helping ensure a consistent burn. It’s also marginally easier to light.

ETIQUETTE

Lastly, it’s time to enjoy your J! Smoking is the simplest part of this. Just remember, in the U.S., the rule is typically puff-puff-pass, i.e. take two hits and send the joint to the next smoker, often the person to your left if sitting in a circle. Some people also give the roller “greens” (or first toke), while others prefer to give first dibs to the person who provided the weed.

A good joint should burn evenly, taste smooth, and get you nice and high without too much coughing. If at first you don’t succeed, roll another one! Once you get your personal technique down, you’re likely to be the belle of the ball where bud is burning — just make sure you don’t bogart the bone this 4/20 Saturday! .

CP ILLUSTRATION: SAM SCHAFFER

What Happens When a Marijuana Company Commits to Being Green

FIRST IN THE INDUSTRY CARBON NEUTRAL CERTIFICATION

We’ve all heard the saying “The grass is greener on the other side.” This is probably quite true for many of us; however, when you are a medical marijuana company with the name Organic Remedies, being green is imperative.

Organic Remedies, a medical marijuana cultivation and research organization based in Carlisle, PA, along with six dispensaries in Pennsylvania, was recently officially certified carbon neutral by Carbonfund’s Carbonfree Certification Program.

Organic Remedies CEO Mark Toigo says, “Our name tells our story. We are Organic Remedies, and we strive to maintain organic farming practices during every phase of the cultivation and manufacturing of our products. Protecting our planet Earth is important to our patients, to our employees, and for the benefit of future generations.”

ORGANIC PRACTICES EARN PRAISE FROM EMPLOYEES AND CONSUMERS

“As a young man, at the age of 16, I participated in our nation’s first Earth Day. Now, at 70, the choices I make regarding their impact on our environment are even MORE critical,” shared Organic Remedies’ patient Andrew. “As a patient at Organic Remedies since its opening, I’ve seen the company’s efforts, over the years, to impact the environment as little as possible. Now that they have achieved carbon neutral status, it shows the company’s commitment to the communities they serve, as well as our planet.”

Organic Remedies have employed organic farming practices since the facility opened in 2020. They use recycled rainwater, collected off their greenhouse roof through piping and captured in an aquafer for reuse when watering the plants. This leads to a facility with no runoff. Addition-

By Leigh Frank

ally, greenhouses are naturally low-energy users because natural light is used yearround. Lighting is used at certain times of the year and nighttime.

Zero pesticides are used to cultivate their plants, and they only utilize bio-controls to manage unwanted pests through an integrated pest management system. The company captures CO2 from the boiler to enhance plant health; when the boiler heats during the day, CO2 is captured and pumped into the greenhouse.

They have also planted thousands of trees on their surrounding property.

In addition to farming practices, Organic Remedies is also working to reduce waste by offering its products in biodegradable bags and recyclable packaging.

“Organic Remedies’ commitment to environmental sustainability is important to me and the cannabis community itself,” expressed Matthew, an employee at the Bethel Park Organic Remedies Dispensary.

“It preserves longevity for the environment and the company. We do better by spending less and wasting less.”

Organic Remedies’ Carbonfund carbon neutral certification is Pennsylvania’s first in the industry. Carbonfund is leading the fight against climate change by helping

individuals, businesses, and organizations to reduce and offset their climate impact. Through its rigorous assessment, Carbonfund determined Organic Remedies generates 1626.5 tons of CO2 which will be offset through global forestry projects.

A RESPONSIBILITY TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND PATIENTS

At the end of March 2024, the Pennsylvania Department of Health revealed that there are 440,949 active cardholders, and 9,203 active caregivers with medical marijuana licenses. Additionally, there are 180 operational dispensaries, while Organic Remedies account for six of those; their products are sold at many other dispensaries.

Toigo added, “As one of the leading medical marijuana organizations in PA, we understand our responsibility is to not only produce quality products but also to do so in a way that does not harm the environment. We have always cultivated our plants through natural, organic farming practices.”

Logan, an employee from the Chambersburg Organic Remedies, is proud to work for a company that delivers on prior-

itizing the environment, “It’s important to me that Organic Remedies not only delivers top-notch products but also prioritizes educating others about sustainability. Our efforts to become carbon neutral and to raise awareness about environmental issues show a genuine dedication to making a positive difference, which I deeply appreciate and support.”

AWARENESS AND EDUCATION ARE KEYS TO A GREENER FUTURE

Organic Remedies is also passionate about raising awareness and educating clients and employees on the benefits of environmental sustainability.

To celebrate Earth Day, on April 20, the company plans to raise awareness and green the planet by offering a free wildflower seed giveaway at all dispensary popups. Starting as just a small seed, wildflowers pack a significant environmental wallop, including significant factors of soil health and pollination!

Additionally, the company works to educate others through its website and social media platforms. Darius, employed at the Paoli Dispensary, enthusiastically appreciates this outreach, “educating ourselves to be sustainable is a no-brainer! Our actions have an impact, and understanding how they impact others and our environment is extremely important to me, as I want a planet where future children can see green trees and blue skies.”

Matthew, from Bethel Park, is happy to have the knowledge to help educate consumers, sharing, “I have the resources to educate myself and others about the positive environmental direction that the company is heading towards.” •

To learn more about Organic Remedies Carbon Neutral Certification and their other environmentally sustainable educational resources, please visit www.OrganicRemediesPA.com.

420 EVENTS IN PITTSBURGH

Local happenings to make your 4/20 weekend a 10.

BY CP STAFF // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

MUSIC • STRIP DISTRICT

It’s all wake and bake(d eggs) when City Winery presents The Bob Marley 420 Brunch. The dining experience includes a buffet and a live performance by the Pittsburgh reggae band Truth and Rites. 12 p.m. Sat., April 20. Doors at 11 a.m. 1627 Smallman St., Strip District. $20-25. citywinery.com

DRAG • STRIP DISTRICT

Bring your sense of humor, appetite, and tip money to the Tokers and Jokers Drag Brunch at Kingfly Spirits. Presented by S&S Productions, the event includes appearances by Luna Skye, Indi Skies, Catty Wampus, Pariah Sinclair, and Leia Way LeStat. 12:30-3 p.m. Sat., April 20. 2613 Smallman St., Strip District. Tickets start at $20. kingflyspirits.com

PARTY • ALLENTOWN

Mama, don’t let your babies grow up to miss the Willie Jamboree: A 4/20 Tribute to Willie Nelson at Bottlerocket Social Hall. The event pays tribute to one of country music’s cannabis-friendly forefathers with a set by DJ Sister Sludge. 8 p.m. Doors at 5 p.m. Sat., April 20. 1226 Arlington Ave., Allentown. $15. bottlerocketpgh.com

DRAG • MILLVALE

Some of Pittsburgh’s hottest drag acts will gather for a special 420 Holiday Special at Harold’s Haunt. Join Jenny Sais Quoi, Snoozy Q, Bettie Wylde, and Brooklyn Barbie for a night of risque fun. 8-11 p.m. Sat., April 20. 142 Grant Ave., Millvale. $10. glittersty.com

COMEDY • DOWNTOWN

Arcade Comedy Theater promises a night of “lit laughs and uproarious fun” during the Doomscroll Comedy Show. The interactive 420-themed event turns mindlessly scrolling on Reels and TikTok into some great material. 8 p.m. Sat., April 20. 943 Liberty Ave., Downtown. $15. arcadecomedytheater.com

PARTY • LAWRENCEVILLE

Spirit presents Neon Jungle Dreams, a 420 party with treats for the ears and eyes. The event features music by Lemz, Formosa, and Mr. Owl, and a special video art installation. 8 p.m. Sat., April 20. 242 51st St., Lawrenceville. $5 before 10 p.m., $10 after 10 p.m. 21 and over. spiritpgh.com

CP ILLUSTRATION: JEFF SCHRECKENGOST

SMOKE SCREEN

How Reefer Madness’ success in Pittsburgh and beyond laid the foundation for moral panic films

BY RACHEL WILKINSON // RWILKINSON@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

Watching Reefer Madness , the antidrug film turned camp classic, I was unsure, beyond comedy, what it held for a modern audience. But the nearly 90-year-old film has some of the same culture war absurdities that exist today, and it begins at the most contemporary of political sites — a PTA meeting. A high school principal addresses a group of concerned parents about the “souldestroying … menace of marijuana,” referred to as a narcotic throughout the 1936 film.

of Reefer Madness will screen on Sat., April 20 at 7:30 p.m. and will be preceded by shorts from the 1930s and ‘40s, including Betty Boop cartoons and Boogie-Woogie Dream

Beyond appreciation for the film’s weed-driven crime melodrama (aided by the ‘30s-style acting), Pittsburgh Sound + Image also discovered that Reefer Madness has deep local ties.

The “educational” film — its format emblematic of Hollywood’s Hays Code era of censorship — made a splash in its time. Only two years after it was shot, it was purchased and quickly recut as

"ALTHOUGH MORAL PANIC ABOUT MARIJUANA HAS QUIETED, FILMS CAPITALIZING ON MORAL PANIC HAVE NOT."

Naturally, a group of teenagers including our protagonist, Bill — described as a “fine, upstanding American boy” — are lured into a potfueled den of sin by a swing-dancing, drug-dealing unmarried couple (who I noticed used the same foot-in-thedoor tactics employed by church groups like the one that originally funded the film). Addicted after only a few puffs, the innocent youth find themselves on a doomed path leading to manslaughter, attempted rape, suicide, murder, a grand trial, and “hopeless insanity,” all within a 68-minute runtime.

In honor of 420, Pittsburgh Sound + Image will present a screening of the film at the Harris Theater. A 16mm print

an exploitation film, shown through the 1950s, then revived as a midnight movie in the ‘70s. That revival begat stage adaptations and a 2005 television movie musical starring Alan Cumming, and, though we may be approaching a camp saturation point, it remains beloved by stoners and cult movie fans, even as critics have panned it as the worst movie ever made.

The film screened under different names across film territories in the 1930s and ‘40s — in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, it was called The Burning Question. It appears in dozens of film listings in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, showing at the “air-conditioned” Harris Theater in Downtown Pittsburgh, then

called the Art Cinema. An illustrated P-G ad from June 1940 hypes The Burning Question — showing for 25 cents — as “Daring! Frank!” and promises “Youth Inhaling Destiny … Exhaling Lust!” Another Art Cinema ad shows Reefer Madness’ fallen heroes, lit joints hanging from their mouths, hovering over a woman lying supine. “Innocent Youth / Victims of the New Social Menace / Public Enemy No. 1” the copy read. “You Must See This Sensational Expose!”

According to Pittsburgh Sound + Image, Reefer Madness played a key role in keeping the Art Cinema afloat in its earliest days. Opened in 1931 by theater owner Gabe Rubin (who also owned the Pittsburgh Condors basketball team ), Art Cinema lived up to its name, showing foreign films now considered modern classics, like Akira Kurosawa’s Rashomon. Profit margins were thin, and obtaining and distributing foreign films was challenging during World War II.

Enter The Burning Question. In June 1940, as the movie hit Pa. theaters, recut and with more salacious scenes added, Rubin acquired distribution rights, and the Art Cinema showed it eight times a day. A P-G article details the film’s 17-week, record-breaking run that extended into October of that year, with showings listed throughout the 1940s. PSI also points out that, ironically, the

profits driven by the morality crusade movie of The Burning Question allowed the Harris Theater to stay open into the 1960s, for a time becoming a porn theater as part of Pittsburgh’s red-light district.

The movie could’ve disappeared after that, if not for a “nostalgia” push 30 years after its record-breaking run. In Nov. 1972, P-G entertainment editor George Anderson spotlighted the revival of “one of the most obscure movies ever made.” Before camp was so ubiquitous that it merited its own Met Gala theme, Anderson identified Reefer Madness as “a rare example of camp, that is unintentional humor.” The movie’s re-emergence persisted into the 2000s, even earning its own RiffTrax commentary on a colorized DVD released in 2010.

Although moral panic about marijuana has quieted, films capitalizing on moral panic have not. Christian films such as the recent child-trafficking saga Sound of Freedom spring to mind as a direct Reefer Madness descendent (released on Independence Day last year to critical scorn, it went on to make $250 million at the box office). Time will tell if that film’s earnestness and moralizing will eventually confer it the same status as a laughable cult classic — a joint smoked beforehand would certainly help. .

PHOTO: COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA COMMONS Actress Dorothy Short as character Mary Lane

APR.,WED.,24

THU., APRIL 18

THEATER • BLOOMFIELD/ GARFIELD

Pittsburgh Fringe Performing and Visual Arts Festival. Continues through Sat., April 27. Showtimes vary. Multiple locations. Penn Ave., Garfield and Bloomfield. $12-15. pittsburghfringe.org

PODCAST • STRIP DISTRICT

Nothing Personal Live With David Samson 7:30 p.m. Doors at 6 p.m. City Winery. 1627 Smallman St., Strip District. $35-100. citywinery.com

TALK • MUNHALL

Paranormal enthusiasts can get their fix when Dustin Pari of the SyFy channel series Ghost Hunters appears at Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall. Pari presents Ghosts: Do You Believe?, a live touring show described as “a spine-tingling, interactive journey through haunted encounters and mind-boggling phenomena.” Attendees can expect photographic evidence from Pari’s travels, personal stories, and other supernatural delights. 8 p.m. Doors at 7 p.m. 510 E. 10th Ave., Munhall. $29.75-49.75. librarymusichall.com

FRI., APRIL 19

MUSIC • MILLVALE

Chariot Fade and The Garment District

Double Release Party with Jackson Scott and Buscrates. 9 p.m. Doors at 8 p.m.

The Funhouse at Mr. Smalls. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. mrsmalls.com

ART • BLOOMFIELD

Today Opening Reception 5:30-8 p.m. Continues through May 31. Tomayko Foundation. 5173 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield. Free tomayko.foundation

MUSIC • BLOOMFIELD

Bindley Hardware Co. Honky-Tonk Jukebox and Bloomfield Sound Album Release Party. 7 p.m. Bloomfield Liedertafel. 410 S. Mathilda St., Bloomfield. $20. wyep.org

SAT., APRIL 20

MARKET • POINT BREEZE

Shake off the winter blahs and prepare for spring during the latest market at Construction Junction. Presented by

ThriftBurgh, the Vintage Mart Spring Break Edition features vendors selling clothing and accessories, decor, pop culture collectibles, vinyl records, books, and other items to add spark to your wardrobe, home, or media library. Hungry shoppers can also enjoy food from Lucia’s All American Hot Dogs & Catering and Mami’s Bakes. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 214 North Lexington St., Point Breeze. Free. facebook.com/thriftburgh

FESTIVAL • SHADYSIDE

Shadyside Art Festival on Walnut Street with Craft Marketplace. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 739 Bellefonte St., Shadyside. Free. artfestival.com

ART • POINT BREEZE

Plein Air Paint Out. 12-3 p.m. Continues on Sun., April 21. Mellon Park. 1047 Shady Ave., Shadyside. Free. pghartsmedia.org

ART • WILKINSBURG

ORIGINS Exhibition Opening Reception

and Artisan Market 12-4 p.m. Continues through June 15. Hay Street Gallery-Wilkinsburg Train Station. 901 Hay St., Wilkinsburg. Free. originspgh.org/exhibition2024

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE SYN Bodega at Club Cafe

THURS,

MUSIC • OAKLAND

Help a local organization find a permanent home during the Oakland Indie Festival. Organized by Post Genre and 8TRAK Entertainment, the day-long concert on Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park features live performances by 14 local acts, including Sunny Daze and the Weathermen, Poster Child, and Wild Blue Yonder. Proceeds from the event will benefit Post Genre’s mission of setting up a music venue in Oakland. 12-11 p.m. Frew St., Oakland. Free. instagram.com/livefromoakland

SUN., APRIL 21

MUSIC • BLOOMFIELD

Wolf Eyes with Ben Opie, Slacking, and Crystalboys Supergroup. 7 p.m. Brillobox. 4104 Penn Ave., Bloomfield. $15. 21 and over. brilloboxpgh.com

MUSIC • LAWRENCEVILLE

Vision Video with Then Comes Silence and Dichro 8 p.m. Cattivo. 146 44th St., Lawrenceville. $17 in advance, $20 at the door. 21 and over. facebook.com/cattivopgh

MON., APRIL 22

COMEDY • GARFIELD

Malc and Friends with Chuck Lewis, Amir Megheri, and Cass Goodworth 7 p.m. The Mr. Roboto Project. 5106 Penn Ave., Garfield. $20. therobotoproject.com

TUE., APRIL 23

KARAOKE • STATION SQUARE

NonStop Broadway’s The Greatest Show Broadway Karaoke & Sing-Along. 7 p.m. Doors at 6 p.m. Hard Rock Cafe. 230 West Station Square Dr., Station Square. $10. facebook.com/NonStopBroadway

WED., APRIL 24

OUTDOORS • REGENT SQUARE

Women & Genderqueer Beginner Mountain Bike Clinic. 6-8:30 p.m. Frick Park. Hutchinson St., Regent Square. Free, $20 for bike rental. ventureoutdoors.org

MUSIC • DORMONT

Steel City Cabaret presents A Jazz Night 7 p.m. Doors at 6:30 p.m. Back Alley Brewing Company. 2975 West Liberty Ave., Dormont. $10. steelcitycabaret.com

MUSIC • SOUTH SIDE

Bodega with Sunny Daze & The Weathermen and Big Bliss. 8 p.m. Doors at 7 p.m. Club Cafe. 56-58 South 12th St., South Side. $15. ticketweb.com

APR.,SAT.,20

PHOTO: COURTESY OF MARK DUNN Dustin Pari of Ghosts: Do You Believe? at Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall

PHOTO: COURTESY OF HOWARD ALAN EVENTS, INC. Shadyside Art Festival on Walnut Street with Craft Marketplace

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TO PLACE A CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISEMENT, CONTACT SIERRA CLARY AT SIERRA@PGHCITYPAPER.COM OR 412-685-9009 EXT. 113

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 1005 E Entry Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15216 on 05/1/2024 at 11:30 AM. Aretha Irwin 2208. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated:

700 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. May 1, 2024 at 12:15 PM. Josue Luna 1073. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 6400 Hamilton Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 on May 1, 2024 at 1:45 PM. 2042 Benjamin McKinney. The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 902 Brinton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 on May 1st, 2024 at 11:30 AM. 1101 Christopher Palino 1194

Daiva Monroe. The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property

ESTATE NOTICE ESTATE OF DEVERSE, ROBERT L. DECEASED OF GLASSPORT, PA

Robert L. DeVerse, deceased, of Glassport, PA. No. 2282465 of 2024.

Shawn DeVerse, Adm. 410 N. Monongahela Ave., Glassport, PA 15045. Or to D. Scott Lautner, Attorney. 68 Old Clairton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236.

ESTATE NOTICE ESTATE OF SMUTNY, BEVERLY J. DECEASED OF PITTSBURGH, PA

Beverly Joan Smutny, deceased, of Pittsburgh, PA. No. 022402189 of 2024.

Marcia L. Schweitzer, Ext. 5575 Beverly Court, Bethel Park, PA 15102.

A

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF HESS, JANET L.

DECEASED OF BRIDGEVILLE, PA

Janet Lynn Hess, deceased, of Bridgeville, PA. No. 022401201 of 2024. Harold E. Hess, Ext. 235 Linda Vista Rd. Sewickley, PA 15143.

Ownership

has been filed by Wagner, Steven, Case No. GD-24-00086 for a 12/2002 Production Ford-Lincoln Aviator, Vin# 5LMEU78H837J13927. A hearing is scheduled on the 16th day of May, 2024, at 11:15 a.m. before the Civil Division Motions Judge of Allegheny County.

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF MANSO, BEATRICE

C. DECEASED OF WEST MIFFLIN, PA

Beatrice C. Manso a/k/a Beatrice DeBoth a/k/a

Beatrice DeBoth Manso a/k/a Beatrice Manso, deceased, of West Mifflin, PA. No. 022401239 of 2024. Joseph M. DeBoth, Ext. 16501 Lucky Bell Lane, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023. Or to John A. Coming, Esq.,

NAME CHANGE

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-24-001617,

In re petition of Danielle Wiley, parent and legal guardian of Nikolas K.A. Pollek, for change of name to Nikolas K.A. Wiley. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 24th day of April 2024, at 9:30 a.m., as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, PA, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for.

NAME CHANGE

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-24-2087

In re petition of Alyssa Nicole Gasparro for change of name to Alyssa Nicole Hempfield-Best.

To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 24th day of April, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, PA, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for.

ESTATE NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters of Administration in the Estate of Thomas J. McGarvey, late of the Township of Upper St. Clair, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, who died on November 13, 2017, have been granted to Jean McGarvey, Administratrix. All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims or demands are requested to present the same without delay to: David E. Schwager, Esquire 183 Market Street Suite 100 Kingston, PA 187045444

ACROSS

1.  Facebook action

5.  ___ shower

11.  “How could this be happening?”

15.  God’s representation

16.  Like reasonably high-quality bonds

17.  Jobs successor

18.  Decoration on a necklace

19. Cheers alternative

20.  Sings along without knowing the words, say

21.  Civet’s cousin in the North Carolina statehouse?

24.  Modern phone feature

25.  “___ So Bad” (single from Tom Petty’s Full Moon Fever)

26.  Have a heart, say?

28.  Place to get shellacked

30.  President from Illinois (well before Barry)

32.  Spots you can’t reach?

34.  Frequent dot follower

37.  Crests

40.  Outcome of every Vikings, Bills, Bengals, and Panthers Super Bowl appearance

41.  Fifty-foot person who does one thing, and does it well?

44.  “Darkest” country from which Paddington Bear comes

45.  Satiric Roman poet

46.  Holiday wish

47.  Perdita’s owner in 101 Dalmatians

49.  Blind swamp ___

50.  Keystone Film Company law enforcement officer

52.  NASCAR driver Jarrett

53.  Financial advisor’s suggestion: Abbr.

55.  Hairstyles

59.  Long journey to the East Coast, say, for an Arizona baseball player?

65.  Excited audience’s noise

66.  Lizard with a dewlap

67.  UK museum name

68.  Hit that doesn’t go far

69.  Allows entry, as to the club

8.  Ohio new wave band

9.  Red Sea port

10.  Coffee size, when the day ahead is long

11.  Number of tentáculos on a pulpo

12.  Bathrobe alternative

13.  “Never, and that’s final!”

14.  Approves

22.  Louvre pyramid architect

23.  Bauble shaped like the moon

27.  Irritable

29.  Key of 30-Down: Abbr.

30.  Pearl Jam song that begins “’Son,’ she said, ‘Have I got a little story for you’”

31.  Rim that holds a watch crystal

33. Moonlight actor Mahershala

34.  Channel that provides gavel-tolist thing

70.  Modified, as the bass and treble, briefly

71.  Very tiny

72.  Hardest to catch

73.  ___ track (gauntlet-laying song)

DOWN

1.  Zodiac scales

2.  Like the perfect mate

3.  Marsupial with a pouch

4.  Ordained churchgoers

5.  Make oneself look big

6.  You might get one from nickel or sunscreen

7.  One may be bulleted

gavel coverage

35.  Unfolded

36.  Qi’s pathways in Chinese medicine

38.  Plane in the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron

39.  St. where the Black Hills are found

42.  No longer on the team

43.  Handgun maker

48.  Number one asset?

51.  Like indoor plants

54.  Muddies, as the waters

56.  Mosul resident

57.  Parties that honor someone

58.  Short calendars?

60.  Like movies for select audiences

61.  Tax

62.  Military headquarters

63.  Blackbirds

64.  Lean

65.  Nat stat