Squirrel Hill Magazine Fall 2014

A Publication of the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition

Magazine

Fall 2014

b The Arts Issue

Featuring the 4th Annual Treasure Awards

2014 Place Treasure

Homewood Cemetery

Providing the utmost compassion and professional services to families for over 135 years.

The peaceful and beautifully landscaped lawns of The Homewood Cemetery dedicated for burial to our families of Jewish heritage is the place of choice for their final resting place. The entrance gates located near Frick Park and the exclusive dedicated Jewish sections offer a uniqueness that preserves the customs and practices followed and preferred by Rabbis and members of many Jewish congregations across the city Pittsburgh.

Our compassionate counselors understand your needs and can select a burial location or design a memorial that recognizes the uniqueness of the individual. Our staff is familiar with the traditional customs and after creating your monument can arrange an unveiling for your family that falls within the necessary time frame. Our counselors are also available to meet with you in your home in order to provide the utmost in convenience and privacy for you and your family.

Our counselors are available to prearrange your burial services with you thereby eliminating the added grief to a surviving spouse or child when a death occurs with no plan in place. This unselfish act by you will not only relieve grief to your loved ones at the time of death, but it can also save you hundreds of dollars by purchasing in advance and locking in today’s cost even though it may be years before those necessary burial items are used. To learn more, contact us at 412.421.1822.

1599 S. Dallas Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15217 Email: info@thehomewoodcemetery.com

Inside

Squirrel Hill For more great content visit our website at www.squirrelhillmagazine.net!

Features

In Every Issue

12

The Art of Independent Cinema

By Deborah Monti

14

Treasures of Squirrel Hill A spotlight on the 4th Annual Treasure Awards

16

A Tribute to Hope

By Elizabeth Waickman

18

The Game of Theater: An Interview with Alan Sanford

By Ryan Rydzewski

20

Trash Talk: A Local Litter Icon

By Meghan Poisson-DeWitt

3

SHUC President’s Message “Why the Treasure Awards?”

Guest written by Ceci Sommers

5

What’s New From Our Advertisers

6

This Just In

8 10

Good News from Our Schools

23

Squirrel Hill Historical Society

By Helen Wilson

24

Events Calendar

28

I Can Help With That!

Volunteering Opportunities

Neighborhood Notes

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Cover art: The Forbes Avenue gate of the Homewood Cemetery, the SHUC 2014 Treasure Awards Place Treasure.

Photo by Meghan Poisson-DeWitt.

SHM is proud to celebrate the release of our newest format, our online blog, The Burrow!

Check it out at Squirrelhillmagazine.net

From the Editor In the world of publishing, keeping relevant and expanding your horizons to reach the greatest possible audience is a must. In this age of technology, we’ve acknowledged that the internet is the fastest way to connect to our readers. That’s why I am happy to announce the arrival of our new blog, The Burrow!

Check back every week for Bonus Content from the printed edition, as well as exclusive blog features! One small step for the magazine, one giant leap for the Squirrel Hill Community!

Check it out at www.squirrelhillmagazine.net. If you have comments or suggestions for future issues, please send them to Meghan Poisson-DeWitt at editor@squirrelhillmagazine.net.

If you’re interested in advertising, please email Carolyn Jones, our ad sales coordinator, at marketing@squirrelhillmagazine.net or call her at 412-223-7584.

Advertisers can now pay with Visa, MasterCard or Discover.

Murray the Squirrel

Murray is available free of charge for visits and events to local organizations and schools. Give SHUC a call at 412.422.7666 or email marketing@squirrelhillmagazine.net

The Arts Issue PAGE1

SQUIRREL HILL URBAN COALITION OFFICERS: Raymond N. Baum, President Richard Feder, Vice President Gregg Roman, Vice President Ceci Sommers, Vice President Chris Zurawsky, Secretary Barbara Grover, Assistant Secretary Peter Stumpp, Treasurer James Burnham, Assistant Treasurer Stephen Kijanka, Assistant Treasurer Steven Hawkins, Immediate Past President BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Francine D. Abraham, Raymond N. Baum, James Burnham, Norman Childs, Vivian Didomenico, Andy Dlinn, Richard Feder, Lori Fitzgerald, Ed Goldfarb (Board Member Emeritus), Barbara Grover, Steve Hawkins, Michael D. Henderson, Karen Hochberg, Lois Liberman, Cynthia Morelock, Gregg Roman, Tracy Royston, Ceci Sommers, Sidney Stark (Director Emeritus), Erika S Strassburger, Peter Stumpp, Erik Wagner, Roger Westman, Chris Zurawsky Richard St. John, Executive Director

Our Mission The Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition is a non-profit community organization dedicated to preserving, improving and celebrating the quality of life in the 14th Ward of the City of Pittsburgh. Volunteer-supported standing committees provide leadership to our community by studying, debating, and advocating positions on issues affecting our neighborhood’s vitality.

Our mission is implemented through a long range planning process, which fosters community-based initiatives in the areas of education, public safety, transportation, parks and open spaces, and commercial, institutional and residential development.

MAGAZINE STAFF: Meghan Poisson-DeWitt, Editor Carolyn Jones, Advertising Sales Coordinator Ryan Rydzewski, Intern CONTRIBUTORS: Carolyn Ludwig, Deborah Monti, Meghan Poisson-DeWitt, Barbara Rabner, Scott Roller, Ryan Rydzewski, Ceci Sommers, Richard St. John, Melissa Wagner, Elizabeth Waickman, Helen Wilson DESIGN & PRINT: Patricia Tsagaris, Pinkhaus Design, Creative Director Knepper Press, Printer Printed with soy inks and 100% wind energy!

A Publication of the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition

Magazine

Summer 2014

The n er Fu Summ e Issu

Squirrel Hill Magazine, Vol. 12, Issue 4, is published through the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition, 5604 Solway Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Please direct any questions or comments to SHUC by calling 412.422.7666 or emailing info@shuc.org. To inquire about advertising, please contact marketing@squirrelhillmagazine.net.

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Please support our advertisers—their ads solely finance this magazine!

Reserve your space today for the Winter 2014 issue!

Summer 2014 Correction: The article on Mandy’s Pizza was mis-attributed. The author listed, C.J. Smith, wrote the Mineo’s Pizza and Bar article not Mandy’s. SHM would like to apologize for the mix up!

PAGE2 The Arts Issue

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Why the Treasure Awards?

By Ceci Sommers, Treasure Founder, SHUC Board Vice President and Treasure Award Committee Co-Chair info@shuc.org

It

all began with litter…

Wait, how do we get to the Treasure Awards from trash in the streets? Stay with me, there is a logical connection.

I moved back to Squirrel Hill in the fall of 2001. I had lived here once before in the early 70’s before buying a house in Shadyside. Squirrel Hill, especially the corner of Murray and Forbes where I lived, was a magical mix of shops, restaurants, and people, the amazing people. While waiting for the bus one day, I studied the people moving about their day through the neighborhood. I watched a small Asian ballerina, an elderly Orthodox Jewish man, and a young mother with her baby in a stroller walk past.

Students on their way to class meshed with professional men and women in suits.

I loved the variety and vitality of the neighborhood, but something smeared the pretty image. It was litter. Way too much of it. Wherever I walked, there was the fly in the ointment, up and down Murray to the Parkway and all along the Forbes business corridor. Cups and wrappers, newspapers and flyers, cigarette “I strongly believe it is the duty of every butts and disresident and merchant to support the carded gum.

Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition. There really Ugh! I hated it.

is power in numbers; everyone—at every level—who lends their support will be a valued contributor to the accomplishments of the Coalition in the years to come.”

Then one day I saw an energetic, fit blond lady picking up litter as she Norman Childs, Owner of Eyetique, walked her SHUC board member and dog. I soon Treasure Award Committee Member & Sponsor discovered she was the devoted and selfless, Ann Rose. When I stopped her to offer my thanks, she told me about the Litter Patrol founded by the legendary Bicky Goldszer and her co-chair, Barb Grover. They recruited me shortly after and we began to meet regularly. I learned that they had many volunteers who had specific beats and that most of the streets were covered on a regular basis. Through a grant, we bought convenient receptacles for cigarette butts and arranged a major, yearly clean-up day.

“For the best part of my life, I have had the pleasure to live in Squirrel Hill. When Ceci told me about the Treasure Awards in 2011, I was both This stemmed the interested and pleased. Putting the visible blight but I spotlight on people who contribute wanted to do more. so much to the area and the places I wanted to get to the bottom of why that make Squirrel Hill a vibrant people were littering and enviable place to live was a in the first place. I long overdue idea. I knew from the had watched my beginning I wanted to support it.” elegant neighbors Bernita Buncher, Philanthropist, walk right by piles Community Leader, Treasure Awards of litter and do nothing. I even saw Committee Member and Sponsor some of them littering themselves! What could we do about it? Should we shame them? Institute public floggings or put them in stocks for the afternoon? A part of me liked these solutions, I have to admit.

After more discussion, we decided it was a matter of pride, or the lack there of. Neighborhood pride. Many people have lived here their entire lives. We thought that if we could get them to take a freshlook at our wonderful neighborhood, maybe they would respect it enough to want it to stay beautiful and vibrant. This was the genesis of the first Treasure Awards. Our goal was to put a spotlight on some of the people and places that make Squirrel Hill such an enviable place to live and work.

The first Treasure Awards took place in October 2011.

A small crowd gathered on the steps of the Sixth Presbyterian Church as Elsie Hillman, an original incorporator of the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition 43 years ago, and then City Councilman, Bill Peduto, unveiled a brass plaque declaring the corner of Murray and Forbes to be an official Squirrel Hill Treasure. There are now brass plaques at the Manor Theater and the Historic WPA era mural in the post office. Soon, there will be one at the Homewood Cemetery.

We would like you to join us for the 4th Annual Treasure Awards this year. The award dinner will take place on The Arts Issue PAGE3

president’s message cont.

performique...

M TTM

“The Coalition and PNC Bank share a commitment to make the 14th Ward a better place to live, work and play. This organization has passionate volunteers who represent what makes Pittsburgh a great place to live with their dedication to the community and its residents. Thank you for all the good work you do.”

Thursday, October 23 at the Pittsburgh Golf Club.

Once again, we promise NO SPEECHES at the dinner. A short film honoring this year’s Treasures will be shown instead.

Past winners have included: James T. Balouris, Executive Vice President - Retail Banking the late Sophie Masloff, SWPA Market Manager Deb Acklin, Robert Levin, Holly McCullough, Deborah Fidel Esq, Robert Qualters, the late Wendell G. Freeland, Karla Boos, and Senior Rabbi James A. Gibson.

childs communications / designer jennifer habetler photographer michael sahaida

Come get a big dose of neighborhood pride guaranteed to inoculate you from even a hint of litter bug fever!

For further information on how you can attend or support the 4th annual Treasure Awards to go to our website SHUC.org or call 412- 422-7666. b

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Going the Extra Mile

By Barbara Rabner

I asked myself, why do I enjoy being a Realtor?

Could it be because I share my client’s happiness when they move into a home they adore? It is the satisfaction felt at each closing? Maybe it’s simply because I have met so many incredible people I would not have met otherwise.

Ever since I started with Coldwell Banker 14 years ago as a full time agent, learning has been a constant. Taking appraisal courses, along with working as a Hearing Officer for the 2012-13 Property Assessment Appeals, has allowed me to better serve my clients. Counseling buyers and sellers is an important part of the real estate process.

I have been described in a Business Times article as an agent who is always “going the extra mile”. The praise pushes me to work harder but my clients are worth it.

I’m in love with Pittsburgh and enjoy working with buyers who are relocating here, as well as those who are moving on. Because Coldwell Banker has a presence nationally and internationally, I have successfully connected buyers and sellers with agents outside of our area. I stay connected with the agent and client until the happy closing.

Not only is Coldwell Banker a full service company, it is a world leader in marketing exceptional properties.

From condos to luxury homes, whatever your real estate needs, I invite you to contact me at barbara.rabner@pittsburghmoves.com or call (412) 512-0414.

American Middle East Institute The American Middle East Institute is proud to present their 7th Annual Conference on Tuesday, October 28th, 2014. AMEI’s business conference, OASIS, at the Fairmont Hotel, will feature growing business between the U.S. & the Middle East with themes on Energy, Smart Infrastructure and Health.

OASIS will welcome His Excellency Al Ruhmy, Minister of Oil & Gas from Oman. The evening will culminate at the Carnegie Music Hall with a lecture by General David H. Petraeus. For more information, sponsorships and tickets for the events, please visit www.

AmericanMEI.org or call 1-888-71-TICKETS. The American Middle East Institute (AMEI) is an independent, non-profit organization, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. AMEI is focused on building business, educational and cultural ties between the United States and the countries of the Middle East. We believe these kinds of connections represent a powerful form of diplomacy.

Squirrel Hill Magazine and the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition would like to take a moment to recognize our neighbors and friends who have sponsored the 4th Annual Treasure Awards.

Without them, we would have no hope for success. We hope to see you there too!

Platinum Level Sponsors

Levin Furniture and Levin Mattress Gold Level Sponsors

Sally Levin , Rockwel Realty, and Pepper Hamilton,LLP Silver Level Sponsors

The Jack Buncher Foundation, Eyetique, Susan and Dick Nernberg, PNC Bank, and S&T Bank

The Arts Issue PAGE5

fresh off the street

This Just In Affordable Care Act Enrollment Begins in November Together with the rest of the nation last fall, Pittsburgh took part in the historic first open enrollment period of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. You may know it as the “ACA” or “Obamacare”. Tt has been the biggest reform to the US healthcare system since Medicare* was established in 1965.

The ACA created virtual marketplaces or exchanges where people can shop for private insurance and, based on their household size and income, may be eligible to receive premium tax credits that lower their monthly payments to insurance companies. Some individuals and families are also eligible to receive cost-sharing reductions that discount their out-of-pocket costs like their deductible, copayments and co-insurance. The health insurance companies participating and the plans sold vary by county.

The next open enrollment period begins November 15, 2014 and closes on February 15, 2015. If you want your new health coverage to start on January 1, 2015, you must apply and enroll in the plan of your choice by December 15, 2014.

You can apply and enroll in the public insurance programs Medicaid** or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) year-round.

You probably have questions about your health insurance options and where to turn for advice in your neighborhood. There is a friendly and extensive coalition of Western Pennsylvania enrollment assisters here to help!

PAGE6 The Arts Issue

To get connected with help near you, call 2-1-1, a service of the United Way. For more information and help applying and enrolling for coverage, contact: Squirrel Hill Health Center, (412) 904-5285 Consumer Health Coalition, (412) 456-1877 Allegheny Intermediate Unit, (412) 576-3297 Go to www.healthcare.gov to access the Health Insurance Marketplace online or by phone, call 1-800-318-2596. For in-person assistance, contact one of the certified organizations listed above or visit https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/ *Medicare is a national health insurance program for Americans 65 and older that have worked and paid into the system. Some younger people with disabilities are also covered under Medicare. **Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income individuals and families. Each state runs their own Medicaid program and has different eligibility criteria. Low income alone does not always qualify someone for Medicaid; in Pennsylvania, for example, you must also have a disability or serious health condition to qualify.

Other eligible groups include pregnant women or women with young children and caregivers.

Pink Box Bakery Café The facade is an attention grabbing pink and brown. In the morning sunlight, plastic wrapped pastries gleam and cute pink packages wink as passersby. Tucked between Crazy Mocha and The Cake and Cookie spot on Murray Avenue, Pink Box Bakery Cafe is a food destination not to be missed.

They specialize in Taiwanese Style baked goods including cakes, cookies, and a wide variety of sweet and savory buns.“Our savory buns are really popular, like the Barbecue Pork Bun,” explains Jennifer Lerdsuwanrut, a Pink Box employee. “But my favorite is the Chocolate Chip bun.”

The pastries are freshly made every morning at 7am and packaged by hand.

Keeping daily hours of 10am-10pm makes it easy to pick up a collection of artisan buns and slices of decadent cake. They also offer vegetarian bun options like Curry Vegetable and Green Onion. Working towards the addition of more gluten-free and whole wheat products to fill local demand, business at Pink Box is booming...and delicious. Stop in today!

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There’s something about this place

good news from our schools

Want to share good news from your school?

Email editor@squirrelhillmagazine.net

Pittsburgh Colfax Welcomes a New Principal

By Carolyn Ludwig

Pittsburgh Colfax is embarking on a new school year with a new Principal.

Please welcome Ms. Jamie Kinzel-Nath!

Principal Kinzel-Nath is not new to Colfax. In 2008, Ms. Kinzel-Nath supported our transition to ALA status and in 2011, she joined our staff as Acting Assistant Principal for the remainder of that school year. “Colfax is an internationally diverse school with remarkable community involvement in a rich and bustling environment. This is one of our school’s biggest strengths,” states Ms. Kinzel-Nath. “I’m committed to continuing the growth we’ve initiated as a diverse and thriving school.”

This new school year brings the arts back to Colfax! Our music department is looking forward to another great year. Once again, students in grades 4-8 will have the opportunity to pursue instrumental music instruction with Mr. Lee. Participating students receive small group instruction once or twice per 6-day cycle on a rotating pull-out basis.

The Colfax Chorus is comprised of 4th and 5th grade students and also rehearse during the school day on a rotating schedule. This past spring, Mrs. Moule and the 4th grade chorus brought home another music trophy and rating of SUPERIOR. That is five years in a row that the grade 4 chorus has received the top rating at the High Note Music Festival held at CMU! b

Taylor Allderdice High School 6th Annual Hall of Fame Inductees For the past five years, Taylor Allderdice High School has recognized alumni who have left their distinguished mark on the world. Previous inductees include Myron Cope, Iris Rainer Dart, Sharon Epperson, Rob Marshall, Curtis Martin and many others.

This year, we are proud to welcome the following inductees: Pamela Cohen, Class of ’68, is the co-founder of Pamela’s Restaurants.

I Michael Coslov, Class of ’59, served as the Chairman and CEO of Tube City IMS Corporation.

Henry DiPasquale is a beloved and longtime band teacher (retired).

Stephen J. Lippard, Class of ’58, is an MIT Professor who is widely acknowledged as one of the founders of bioinorganic chemistry.

Billy Porter, Class of ’87, is a Broadway performer, pop singer, film/television actor, and vocal coach.

Tom Reich, Class of ’56, is known as one of the top agents in baseball and hockey.

The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is open to the public and is free of charge. Immediately after the induction ceremony will be an unveiling of permanent wall plaques representing each of the inductees, followed by a reception with dessert and refreshments. No reservations are required.

Congratulations to our winners! b PAGE8 The Arts Issue

Minadeo: Teaching Champions

By Melissa Wagner, Principal Pittsburgh Minadeo PreK-5

Pittsburgh Minadeo staff and students are happy to be back in school for the 2014-2015 school year!

Minadeo continues to be a wonderful school in which students learn and grow. We remain committed to the communities, families and children we serve.

The devoted staff and parents are the heart and strength behind our school.

The city of Pittsburgh is known for its champion sports teams, just as Pittsburgh Minadeo is known for its Champion Students! Our theme this year is ‘Be a Champion Student’. Champion students have good attendance, work hard to earn good grades, display positive behavior and hold on to big dreams and aspirations for their future. Like all Champions, our students will set high goals, develop action plans to reach those goals, monitor progress towards their goals, and work hard each and every day to achieve them. Goals, attitude, desire and people who deeply care for children is the culture of Minadeo.

The First Day of Kindergarten at Minadeo was a huge success! We celebrated the arrival of our youngest scholars with the help of the United Way, our beloved Ready Freddy Frog, and many school and community volunteers. Our students arrived to their first day of school and were welcomed with balloons, signs, smiles, and hugs from Ready Freddy. Volunteers from other community partnerships such as Reading Is Fundamental and Center of Life were also there to welcome them. This kick-off event energized the school community as a celebration of this first step onto the Pathway to the Promise. We were honored to have Councilman Cory O’Connor and our School Board Member Terry Kennedy join us to celebrate and welcome our families. They are committed partners and sincerely care about our school and its families. At Pittsburgh Minadeo, we are working for the gold, striving to be Champions! b

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neighborhood notes Frick Environmental Center Update

By Scott Roller

A Fresh Vision for Forward/ Murray – Your Ideas Welcome!

By Richard St. John

You’re invited to help envision a new future for the Forward/ Murray area!

Building on $400,000 in design work and streetscape improvements already generated through its Gateway Committee, the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition (SHUC) is working with two Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) classes that are focusing on Forward/Murray during the current Fall semester. The idea is to generate alternative visions that might encourage future, positive investment along Forward Avenue and nearby sections of Murray, running from Shady Avenue to the Parkway ramp overpass. The CMU courses involved are a Masters of Urban Design graduate design studio and a Real Estate Design and Development class.

On the evening of October 13th, students will share their analysis of the area, the possible scale of future development, and some ideas for near-term improvement. In early December, they’ll present ideas for more transformative change. “Students will sketch out a range of possibilities for the community to consider,” explains Richard Feder, a SHUC Vice President helping to coordinate this initiative, “not fixed plans. That’s why resident and stakeholder input is so important.”

Here’s how you can get involved: • Participate in the student presentations Monday, October 13 and Wednesday, December 3 both tentatively scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Shaare Torah Congregation, 2319 Murray Avenue. Please contact the Coalition office at (412) 422-7666 or via info@shuc.org to confirm that the details of time and location have not changed.

• Fill out an on-line questionnaire at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/forward-murray to share your hopes for the area.

• If you don’t have computer access, please call the Coalition office.

We’ll be glad to send you a questionnaire in the mail.

Your input will help shape student work – and will inform any implementation efforts that follow. “We’ve made a lot of progress over the past five years,” says Mardi Isler, chair of the Coalition’s Gateway Committee. “Now it’s time to further improve the Forward/Murray corridor by building on our successes!” b PAGE10 The Arts Issue

The fall season in our area parks is an amazing time for many reasons – the bright flowers of summer give way to intricate seed pods, the leaves morph into brilliant shades of gold, red, and orange, and the crisp weather is perfect for an early morning run or dusk bike ride. Despite the shedding leaves, activity in Squirrel Hill’s neighborhood parks is vibrant and lively this fall. The new Frick Environmental Center is under way!

If your fall excursions take you to Frick Park, you may notice some trail detours as the new Frick Environmental Center construction site is now in place. Check www.pittsburghparks.org/projectdate for trail information, and while you’re there peruse the architect renderings of the new Environmental Center. Designed to be platinum LEED certified building that will also meet the Living Building Challenge, the new center will sit on the same footprint as the old building, and will support its own needs for water and energy. The new Frick Environmental Center will provide hands-on, experiential learning to our city’s children, and be an invaluable resource for our communities – now matter what the season. Frick Environmental Center’s fall programming will continue to operate out of the center’s temporary location near the blue slide playground.

Whether you’re watching the new Frick Environmental Center come to life, enjoying the nighttime nature fun of Bump in the Night, or taking a stroll to soak in the season’s brilliant colors, our city’s parks have the fall fun and beauty your spirit is craving.b

In Memoriam: Sophie Masloff As the 4th Annual Treasure Awards draw near, Squirrel Hill mourns the loss of one of its first Treasure Award recipients, former mayor Sophie Masloff. The 56th mayor of Pittsburgh passed away of natural causes in August. As both the first female and first Jewish mayor of the city of Pittsburgh, Masloff was a barrier breaker. She played a large role in Pittsburgh politics, beginning with her place on the City Council and continuing well beyond her Mayorship. She fought for what was right regardless of how unpopular her words might be. The daughter of impoverished Romanian immigrants, she grew up in the Hill District, making her own way against a tide of overwhelming odds. Well known for her wit, sarcasm, and humor, Masloff was the embodiment of Pittsburgh; full of life, personality, and a strong work ethic. She was famous as Mrs. Malaprop, but she was 100% in on the joke. She passed away at the impressive age of 96, a testament to her tenacity and the rejuvenating powers of good humor. b photo: Goldstein Photography

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The Art of Independent Cinema

By Deborah Monti

“I wish Wes Anderson made a movie every three months” Andrew Myers jokes, sitting back in the empty lounge of The Manor Theater, “Woody Allen, too.” He adds, “The Squirrel Hill crowd loves Woody Allen.”

Myers began his job as assistant manager two years after the space was renovated, restoring the original classic feel of the theater’s heyday. The lounge is a mix of old and new, classic and contemporary. A multicolored glass lamp hangs from the center of the ceiling and the walls feature framed newspaper clippings, photos of the original theater, and movie posters from the past. A 92-year-old Squirrel Hill staple, and one of the few surviving theaters in an area once rife with them, The Manor still lives up to its tagline: “Where the Good Movies Play”.

Home to sometimes obscure but extraordinary independent movies, The Manor Theater keeps with their theme by showing movies that bigger theaters, such as Loews in the Waterfront, aren’t interested in releasing. These include hard to find films such as Only God Forgives and The Skeleton Twins, but also features more wide-release movies such as The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and The Giver.

“The owner and the booker will sometimes choose films that they know won’t be that big, but which have impeccable attention to detail and unique cinematography” Myers explains.

Good thing you have choices.

Tyler Novak, Manager 5835 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill • (412) 521-2868 Northwest Direct: 1-877-672-5678 • www.northwestsavingsbank.com Member FDIC

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2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014

The Manor also supports the Squirrel Hill art scene in another way. They are the main home of the Jewish Film Festival, a tenday long event in April which shows Jewish films and invites their filmmakers and actors to speak afterwards. J-Film works with movie theaters and synagogues to show Jewish cinema in an effort to increase discussion. Working with The Manor, they’ve been able to show iconic movies such as Brave Miss World and Farewell, Herr Schwartz for 21 years now.

Being conveniently located in the heart of the business district on Murray Avenue gives The Manor a ton of foot traffic. Passersby can spot posters ranging from highly anticipated blockbusters to Sundance Film Festival favorites, and on afternoons the lounge and bar are buzzing with a large elderly crowd.

“A lot of older people like to spend their afternoons at the theater, and depending on the movies playing, the theater’s aura changes” Myers said. “Whenever a movie by, like, Wes Anderson comes out, the bar is filled in the evening with Pittsburgh’s college students.

That’s what we try to cultivate: a place that can be classy, but also possess an artsy, young vibe.” b PAGE12 The Arts Issue

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squirrel hill spotlight

2014 Squirrel Hill Treasures The 4th Annual SHUC Treasure Awards Pamela’s Diner Pam Cohen grew up in Squirrel Hill, on the corner of Forbes and Wightman, attended Allderdice High School and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. Gail grew up in Jeannette, Pennsylvania and attended Edinboro University. The two met in an amateur golf league circuit in 1978 and became fast friends. In 1980, they purchased Papa Joe's in Squirrel Hill, turning it from a hamburger joint into a breakfast restaurant. Their specials included a pancake recipe of Pam’s invention and the home fries she perfected.

They slowly built up their business...and their dishware! For three years, Pam was the cook and Gail the waitress.

In 1984, they began expanding their business, purchasing the Papa Joe’s in Shadyside. Then in 1986, they purchased the Lincoln Pancake Kitchen in Oakland. In 1989, they took over and renovated the lunch counter in Millvale Lincoln Pharmacy and created Lincoln's P&G Diner. It was their first diner concept. In May 2004, they continued to build on this concept by opening the P&G Diner in the Strip District on 21st street, replacing Kool Kitchens.

In September of 2004, the P&G franchise experienced a serious set back: they lost the Millvale restaurant to flooding caused by Hurricane Ivan. Refusing to be defeated, they began rebuilding immediately and reopened right before Christmas. Their most recent location opened in Mount Lebanon on Memorial Day 2008, to cater to their South Hills clientele.

It was on Primary Day 2008 that the ladies of P&G got the surprise of their lives: then Senator Barack Obama and his wife Michelle stopped into their Strip District location. Gail dined with the Obamas, while Pam cooked...under the supervision of the Secret Service, of course. This breakfast led to what would become perhaps the most exciting, and stressful, day of their careers.

In 2009, Pam and Gail were offered the chance of a lifetime: to cook in the White House! President Obama was hosting a pancake breakfast on Memorial Day for American Veterans and wanted Pam’s special pancakes as the main feature. Arrangements were PAGE14 The Arts Issue

made, including their hotel stay and getting their secret ingredients shipped overnight to a screening facility in Riverdale, MD. Pam even managed to get two of her special ultra-thin pancake flippers on the invite list.

The ladies arrived at the White House on Memorial day at 6am.

After a bit of prep time, they were thrown into a cooking frenzy, serving up plate after plate of their famous pancakes. After an extreme morning of cooking, Pam and Gail were able to meet the President himself once more. He told them Michelle was going to be mad for missing the pancakes. She was vacationing at Camp David with the girls. After warm greetings and a bit of conversation, they were hustled off to the State Dining Room to finally enjoy the spoils of their efforts with the White House Staff. It was an experience never to be forgotten, making Gail and Pam staunch Obama supporters, as well as spreading P&G Pancake fame across the nation! b

The Hebrew Free Loan Association The Hebrew Free Loan Association of Pittsburgh has been offering interest-free loans on a nonsectarian basis to residents of Allegheny County for nearly 130 years. HFLA offers loans for tuition, home repairs, medical or dental expenses, life-cycle events, debt consolidation, fertility or adoption expenses, vehicle purchase, and small businesses, among others. One of the loan initiatives, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, is aimed at the continued vitality of Squirrel Hill.

HFLA's Revitalization Fund is for homeowners in the 15217 zip code who need to make home improvements or repairs.

The Hebrew Free Loan Association is a unique organization for borrowers and donors alike. Borrowers are comfortable approaching Hebrew Free Loan because they are not asking for charity.

Both its mission and its everyday practices aim to empower people to achieve their goals while they retain financial stability and independence. Donations to Hebrew Free Loan, in essence, exist in perpetuity, as HFLA funds are recycled from loan to loan. As one borrower repays a loan, that money is then put toward another loan to assist a new individual or family.

HFLA was a pioneer of the concept of microlending in the United States. Founded in 1887, it is the oldest among more than 40 Hebrew Free Loans in the country and it has responded to every major crisis in the area, from flooding in 1936 and 2004 to the waves of immigration in the 1920s and 1980s. HFLA is proud of helping thousands of borrowers in the Pittsburgh area. b

The Honorable Bill Peduto, Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh William Peduto was elected to the office of Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh in the General Election on November 5, 2013, and took office in January of 2014. Prior to taking office, he worked for 19 years on the Pittsburgh City Council - seven years as a staffer followed by twelve years as a Member of Council. As a “Reform Democrat,” Bill Peduto wrote the most comprehensive package of government reform legislation in Pittsburgh’s history. He strengthened the Ethics Code, created the city’s first Campaign Finance Limits, established Lobbyist Disclosure and Lobbyist Registration and ended No-Bid Contracts. Now as Mayor, Bill continues to champion the protection and enhancement of the next Pittsburgh -- one that maintains fiscal responsibility, establishes community based development plans, embraces innovative solutions, and becomes a leader in green initiatives.b

The Homewood Cemetery — The 2014 Place Treasure The Homewood Cemetery was founded in 1878 on 175 acres of land carved from the nearly 700 acre estate of the Honorable William Wilkins (1779-1865). A prominent Pittsburgh jurist, United States senator, Ambassador to Russia and Secretary of War under President Tyler, Judge Wilkins designed a stately Greek Revival mansion which he built in 1835 in the midst of virgin forest. The Homewood Cemetery takes its name from his well-appointed estate, which was known simply as Homewood.

The mission with which The Homewood Cemetery was founded was to provide proper burial of the citizens of Pittsburgh regardless of race, religion, or economic status. As Pittsburgh has evolved, this policy of inclusion has allowed Homewood to come and serve the city’s Christian, Jewish, Greek, Chinese, Hindu, and Muslim communities by honoring them with funerary practices or customs familiar to their religion. The nondenominational, non-discriminatory nature of the cemetery’s mission was echoed in its founding as a non-profit institution and governed by a non-compensated Board of Directors, a status that remains intact today. All revenue received by the cemetery is placed back into the administration, maintenance and perpetual care of the grounds. This has allowed the nearly 200 acres of historic landscape to be carefully maintained and beautified for the sacred purpose of burial.

The significance of the cemetery as a community resource has accrued value with the passage of time. The initial mission of proper burial for all has made The Homewood Cemetery a steward to the stories of both rich and poor, a keeper of records, sculpture, architecture, and as yet untapped demographic information. The Homewood Cemetery Historical Fund, a 501c3 charitable trust, was formed to protect and to provide support for the care of the architecturally significant buildings and historic landscapes while also providing educational programing about the cemetery as an institution and as a resource for study.

Most recently, The Homewood Cemetery has been designated a Nationally Recognized Arboretum— a designation that extends the cemetery’s commitment to community outreach and education. In identifying and caring for the thousands of trees that inhabit the cemetery landscape, the cemetery hopes to reanimate its importance as an urban green space. Student groups, photographers, and environmentalists as well as joggers, bikers and other casual visitors can interact with over 40 species of significant trees in a setting also rich in history.

While best known as the final resting place for many of Pittsburgh’s notables—Heinz, Mellon, McCune, Posner, Benedum, Mesta and Clark—the true significance of The Homewood Cemetery is that it was designed to embrace everyone, giving everyone access to a stately, respectful resting place.

This is a mission the cemetery has fulfilled for over 135 years and will continue for generations to come. b

The Arts Issue PAGE15

squirrel hill feature

A Tribute to Hope

By Elizabeth Waickman

The Squirrel Hill Community Food Pantry (SHCFP) is working hard to dispel the stereotypical, and sometimes negative, associations that can often accompany ideas of food assistance and food-providing organizations like food banks and pantries.

In an effort to do just that, SHCFP, a division of Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JF&CS), revealed a dazzling Tribute Wall this summer—an artistic mural creation of internationally-known local artist James Simon. The “Moon Musicians” mosaic is full of character and displays a vibrant array of glass and ceramic tiles which come together to create a Squirrel Hill-inspired array of neighborhood homes resting on colorful hills, dancing musicians, baskets of fruits and vegetables and more. It encompasses the lobby of the Pantry’s Hazelwood Avenue location in Greenfield. A myriad of additional mosaic pieces include a “poetry cow,” with excerpts from a food-themed poem by Philip Terman individually letter-pressed into the cow’s ceramic spots.

“Bringing beauty to unexpected places is core to the underlying themes of my work,” said artist James Simon, whose artistic creations can be found throughout Pittsburgh and the world. “It’s an honor to showcase my work at the Food Pantry, an organization that exists to help folks in need. My goal is for you to walk in the door, and be immediately hit with bright, vibrant color, and relatable compositions. My hope is that the ‘Moon Musicians’ mosaic creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere, helping to lift the hearts of those who need the Pantry's assistance.”

Commissioned by JF&CS and members of the SHCFP Endowment Committee, a generous family covered the costs of Simon’s creation. In addition to bringing dazzling color to the Pantry, the mural recognizes the financial supporters who help SHCFP serve families and individuals throughout the community, and aims to inspire others to support SHCFP. “Our Pantry depends entirely on Artist James Simon at the SHCFP Tribute Wall.

PAGE16 The Arts Issue

grants, the generous contributions of donors and the time and talents of volunteers to fulfill our mission of ensuring food security for everyone in our community,” said Matthew Bolton, director of SHCFP. “This is our way of honoring our supporters, while lifting the hearts and spirits of those who need our assistance when times are tough and making ends meet is impossible.”

Inspiring hope and ensuring client dignity is core to SHCFP’s operations. Designed to resemble a small grocery store, SHCFP operates a “client-choice model,” which features grocery carts, shopping lists and aisles filled with food items such as meats, grains, freshly-baked breads, fresh produce including lettuce, potatoes, carrots and apples and more. In addition to meeting the nutritional needs of food-insecure individuals and families the 15217 zip code, SHCFP

Artist Philip Terman at the SHCFP Tribute Wall.

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Alan Sanford, Waiting For Godot

The Game of Theater: An Interview with Alan Stanford

By Ryan Rydzewski

Alan Stanford, PICT Classic Theatre’s artistic and executive director, grew up in the UK and began his career in Ireland. A man of many talents—he’s an acclaimed writer, producer, director, and actor—Stanford is the kind of person who tells his phone, out loud, to stop its ringing; who quotes his favorite writers on a whim; and who asks his interviewers with utmost generosity, “What else can I tell you?” He sat down with Squirrel Hill Magazine to talk about PICT, Pittsburgh, and what the theatre can do for our city.

SHM: How did you get involved with theatre?

AS: I grew up thinking I was peculiar because I was an only child and my mom and dad were very simple. They had no interest in or knowledge of the theatre or the arts, yet all through school I had this fascination with plays. I didn’t know where it came from. When I was five, I came into the kitchen and said, “Come outside. I’m doing a play.” Then I went to theatre school in my teens. The rest is the catastrophe of my life.

But here’s the peculiar thing: three years ago, I applied for my green card and needed my birth certificate. I sent off to the UK for it, and they came back saying, “We’re delighted to attach your certificate of adoption.”

I was 62 years of age and discovered that not only was I an adoptee, but I that was the oldest of seven. I found them all and learned that my mother was highly artistic, highly intelligent, and incredibly well-read. Her favorite novel was Pride and Prejudice—the first novel I ever adapted for the stage.

SHM: What brought you to Pittsburgh?

AS: My company in Ireland did a version of Waiting for Godot that just exploded—it was like a disease that everybody wanted to catch. We toured America three times, and it so happened that one wet, rainy week in 2007, we played the Byham Theater. It was there that I met PICT. They’d seen something I’d done in Dublin—a production of Oscar Wilde’s Salome—and said, “Would you come back next year and direct it?”

I just love Pittsburgh. I feel so at home here—as at home here as I do in Dublin. It’s small enough to be comfortable, yet it’s got a big heart and a big imagination, and it’s the friendliest place you’d ever wish to be. I decided to move here. And then, through complex circumstances, I was offered the job of running PICT. So I said yes, and here I am.

PAGE18 The Arts Issue

Pittsburgh is riddled with talent. I believe Pittsburgh should be a center of theatre in this country—I think it’s got the capacity. We’re an astounding city. Theatre can become a tourist objective in Pittsburgh—all the arts can. We have one of the best symphony orchestras in the world. We have opera, we have ballet, we have modern dance, we have craft skills that are absolutely stunning, and we have wonderful actors. We should be making that a reason to visit Pittsburgh. People will go to other places, like Broadway and certain festivals in Canada, to spend large sums of money seeing plays that we do every bit as well here. And our seating price is $48.

I’ve lived in Squirrel Hill for two years. I’m in Greenfield temporarily, but shall return next year. There’s something about that little strip of shops up on Forbes that just makes you think, this is a neighborhood. A real neighborhood. It’s a great community. It’s old, and has some beautiful houses. One day I’ll write smash hit and buy one.

SHM: What’s your vision for the future of PICT? AS: I’d like it to grow. Not rapidly, because that’s always a mistake, but to grow comfortably and conscientiously so that we’re producing all year round. I would like PICT to be a place that mentors young talent—one that takes young actors and directors and designers and gives them opportunities to learn and grow.

But they’ve got to be the absolute top, because that’s what the audience deserves. Oscar Wilde once said, “I am a man of simple tastes. I am easily satisfied with the best.” And that’s true. I want the best. I give the best. And I demand the best.

Theatre, at its best, is a dialogue. Think about it: what is a play?

First you buy a script, but that’s not a play—that’s just words.

Then you sit in a room with a couple of actors. That’s still not a play—that’s a rehearsal. Then you add costumes and light and scenery, and it’s still not a play—it’s a dress rehearsal. Only when an audience joins with the actors in that magic, magic moment— the willing suspension of disbelief—do we start to play together.

Actors and audience. The game of theatre. That’s why I’m here.

And the day that stops happening for me, I’ll quit. It’s like the writer who suddenly says, “I’ve got nothing else to say.” At that moment, he stops being a writer. We try to express ideas and thoughts, try to move people and change hearts and minds and lives. When we have nothing left with which to do that, it’s time to stop. I’ve still got tons. b

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squirrel hill spotlight

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Trash Talk: Local Litter Icon Speaks Out

By Meghan Poisson-DeWittt

15,000 bags of trash. That’s a rough estimate of how much litter volunteer Ann Rose removed from the streets during her years of outstanding, dedicated service. She and her dog Murray walked the streets of Squirrel Hill almost everyday, in all seasons, to pick up after less considerate individuals. Perhaps you’re wondering how someone becomes interested in other people’s garbage? She was more than happy to explain.

“I just got mad,” Ann told us. “There are things in the world you can do something about and there are things you can’t do anything about. Considering all the things I got mad about that I couldn’t do anything about, I thought, litter is so easy to deal with. You pick it up and it’s gone.”

When asked why she thought litter was such a problem, Ann replied candidly. “I don’t know. I think it’s a complex situation.

I don’t think [Pittsburgh is] any messier than anyone else. I don’t think the littering laws are enforced. I don’t think the powers that be have the time or the opportunity.”

A key member of the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition’s Litter Patrol, which coordinates a major clean-up each spring, Ann has been a beloved local fixture for nearly ten years. Now retired from her role as a Squirrel Hill’s ‘trash fairy’, she still has a lot of say about litter and volunteering. “You get more out of it than you put in,” she said. “You pick up trash long enough, you develop a sense of ownership. I felt like this was my community and I really love it.”

So what can you do to help? Ann suggests: “Take care of your own area. Clean up in front of your house, your store. Not just the sidewalk; collect from the curb, whatever’s on the street nearby. Just clean it up. It takes three minutes.”

For more on our interview with Ann Rose, or to offer your comments, visit our blog www.squirrelhillmagazine.net To learn more about working with the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition’s Litter Patrol, email info@shuc.org or call (412) 422-7666. b photo: John C. Caldwell PAGE20 The Arts Issue

͘​͘​͘ŝƐ Ă ǁĂƌŵ͕ ǁĞůĐŽŵŝŶŐ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ ǁŚĞƌĞ ĂĚƵůƚƐ ǁŚŽƐĞ ůŝǀĞƐ ŚĂǀĞ ďĞĞŶ ĚŝƐƌƵƉƚĞĚ ďLJ ŵĞŶƚĂů ŝůůŶĞƐƐ ĐŽŵĞ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ ƚŽ ĚŝƐĐŽǀĞƌ ĂŶĚ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚƐ ĂŶĚ ĂďŝůŝƟĞƐ͕ ďƵŝůĚ ƐĞůĨ-ĐŽŶĮĚĞŶĐĞ͕ ĂŶĚ ŐĂŝŶ ǀĂůƵĂďůĞ ƐŽĐŝĂů ĂŶĚ ǀŽĐĂƟŽŶĂů ƐŬŝůůƐ ƚŚĂƚ ƉƌĞƉĂƌĞ ƚŚĞŵ ĨŽƌ ŵŽƌĞ ƉƌŽĚƵĐƟǀĞ͕ ƌĞǁĂƌĚŝŶŐ͕ ŵĞĂŶŝŶŐĨƵů ůŝǀĞƐ͘ &Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ Žƌ ƚŽ ŝŶƋƵŝƌĞ ĂďŽƵƚ Ă ƌĞĨĞƌƌĂů͕ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ ƵƐ Ăƚ ;ϰϭϮͿ ϰϮϮ-ϭϴϱϬ͘ WZK'Z D K& : t/^, Z ^/ Ed/ > ^ Zs/ ^ ;:Z^Ϳ ttt͘:Z^W',͘KZ' Ͷ ,Kt Z > s/E >h ,Kh^ ͘KZ' ϮϲϮϭ DƵƌƌĂLJ ǀĞŶƵĞ͕ WŝƩƐďƵƌŐŚ W ϭϱϮϭϳ ; ŽƌŶĞƌ ŽĨ DƵƌƌĂLJ ĂŶĚ &ŽƌǁĂƌĚ ǀĞŶƵĞƐ ŝŶ ^ƋƵŝƌƌĞů ,ŝůůͿ

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Squirrel Hill’s Illustrated History

By Helen Wilson Vice-President, Squirrel Hill Historical Society

“Picturesque”isn’t a word

paintings of Squirrel Hill by noted artist Henry Koerner hang in PNC often used to describe Squirrel Hill.

Bank. Customers are bemused by the The neighborhood’s matter-of-fact scene of the entwined flagpole dancers streets aren’t quaint and very few offer on a platform high in the air, with the scenic vistas. Yet Squirrel Hill has been prow of Carnegie Mellon’s the subject of important works of art Hamerschlag Hall in the background. that illuminate its history.

The other two paintings show scenes from Murray Hill Avenue in the The quintessential piece of art about 1950s—the first a lush summer view Squirrel Hill is, of course, the New Detail from the military plaque in Mary S. Brown from Koerner’s front porch, the second Deal mural in the post office. History Memorial-Ames United Methodist Church a colorful street scene of pedestrians on of Squirrel Hill was painted in 1942 by that same Belgium block road.

Pittsburgh artist and illustrator Alan Thompson, who received a commission to portray the essence of what made Squirrel Hill Perhaps the most jaw dropping of the art portraying Squirrel Hill Squirrel Hill and, in the process, kept himself solvent as the Great adorns the second floor walls of the atrium in the University Depression was ending. Thompson carefully planned the two Commons building at Carnegie Mellon University. The immense scenes in the mural to make every element represent the neighborcharcoal and pencil mural created by Andrew Mellon Professor of hood. On the left, he centered an Orthodox Jew amid vignettes of Architecture Douglas Cooper is an exhilarating and gravity-defyeveryday life in Squirrel Hill in the 1940s. On the right, he feaing journey through time and geography. The east wall of tured settlers clearing land for farming in the late 1700s, with Cooper’s mural shows Oakland and Squirrel Hill from 1965 to Native Americans attacking in a futile effort to drive the foreigners 1970 and the west wall, 1996. The north wall illustrates the history from their ancestral hunting grounds. of the Monongahela River, proceeding back in time. It begins in 1996, moves back to 1945 when the steel industry was at its Thompson painted a river in the background of that scene to show height, then to the 1930s represented by a view of the Carnegie that Squirrel Hill’s settlement began at the river’s southern end, Tech campus and finally to around 1900 when the idea for where there is a sweeping vista of the Monongahela River valley.

Carnegie Tech was first discussed. The wealth of details in the He wasn’t the only artist to paint a picture from that location. mural makes for a visual feast, almost like an immense scroll that Around 1928, Pittsburgh folk artist John Kane walked up the hill unfolds its story as the viewer moves along its length. to Calvary Cemetery and painted a picture called Nine Mile Run Seen from Calvary, showing the forested valley below just beginning One of the newest additions to the pantheon of Squirrel Hill art to sprout houses before the Duquesne Slag Company put a stop to is located on the grounds of Community Day School at 6424 further development. The painting is now at the Carnegie Forward Avenue. Named for the leading donors of the project, Museum of Art. the Gary and Nancy Tuckfelt Keeping Tabs Holocaust Sculpture is a memorial to victims of Nazi death camps, conceived by social Near where Thompson and Kane painted their views of southern studies teacher Bill Walter to help his students understand the full Squirrel Hill is a work of art memorializing Squirrel Hill’s military horror of the Holocaust. He spearheaded a drive to collect 6 milhistory. In the foyer of Mary S. Brown Memorial-Ames United lion pop can tabs as a way to visualize the number of people murMethodist Church (3424 Beechwood Boulevard) is a 1908 plaque dered by the Nazis. The tabs were placed in glass blocks, which by noted military sculptor George T. Brewster. In the center of the were assembled into walls springing up from a flat Star of David plaque, is a finely carved bas-relief of soldiers marching into battle. base. It is a deeply moving memorial to a horrific experience that The plaque lists the names of 59 soldiers from Squirrel Hill, mostly affected the lives of a number of Squirrel Hill residents. b from the Civil War. Some of the soldiers’ surnames might be familiar to Squirrel Hill residents—Forward, Fleming, Brown, Shaw, This article mentions only a few of the remarkable works of art Ebdy and Murdoch. Also named is Colonel James M. within Squirrel Hill’s boundaries but there are many more. For Schoonmaker, who received the Congressional Medal of Honor more Squirrel Hill art history, visit our blog, The Burrow, at and is buried in Homewood Cemetery.

Squirrelhillmagazine.net.

Up the street, in the business district of Forbes and Murray, three The Arts Issue PAGE23

events & happenings

Calendar “

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Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Squirrel Hill Branch 5801 Forbes Avenue, Squirrel Hill (412) 422-9650 or www.carnegielibrary.org Genre Book Club Meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm October 15: The Johnstown Girls by Kathleen George November 19: American Rust by Philip Meyer December 17: Love, Dishonor, Marry, Die, Cherish, Perish by David Rakoff

All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner Mary S. Brown-Ames Memorial United Methodist Church, 3424 Beechwood Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15217 Saturday, October 11, 2014 — 4 pm - 7 pm All are welcome! Choose from several kinds of homemade sauces, plus salad, bread, beverage, and lots of wonderful desserts. For more information, go to www.brightredfence.org.

4th Annual Squirrel Hill Treasure Awards Pittsburgh Golf Club Thursday, October 23, 6pm The 4th Annual Treasure Awards will honor Mayor Bill Peduto, Pamela’s Restaurant, Hebrew Free Loan Association, and this year’s Place Treasure, The Homewood Cemetery. In lieu of speeches, a short film produced by the Pittsburgh Filmmakers will celebrate the contributions of the Treasures. For ticket information, call (412) 422-7666 or email info@shuc.org

Squirrel Hill Historical Society The Church of the Redeemer, 5700 Forbes Avenue Events are held on the second Tuesday of each month FREE at 7:30 p.m.

October 14: “August Wilson, A Pittsburgh Life” Speaker: Chris Rawson, Theater Critic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette November 11: “Squirrel Hill’s Mansions” Speaker: Melanie Linn Gutowski, Writer/Researcher/Historian December 9: “Early Gas Exploration in the East End” Speaker: Joel Tarr, Richard S. Caliguiri University Professor of History

Squirrel Hill Active Senior Network Squirrel Hill Library, Meeting Room C Connecting Seniors to Great Social/Civic Destinations Fridays from 3 - 4 pm Social/civic destinations will be generated from the calendars of sharing active seniors. That’s what makes them so great! Come to give or get information. It’s that easy to make plans to get out more and build your friendship network. The program/events are neither sponsored nor endorsed by Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. No charge. For more information, contact Jean at (412) 242-8603 or Linda at (412) 521-3494

Taylor Allderdice High School 6th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Taylor Allderdice auditorium Monday, October 20th, 7 pm The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is open to the public and is free of charge. Immediately after the induction ceremony will be an unveiling of permanent wall plaques representing each of the inductees, followed by a reception with dessert and refreshments. No reservations are required.

The 6th Annual Turner Cemetery History Walk Saturday, October 25, 2014 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Sponsored by the Mary S. Brown Memorial-Ames United Methodist Church. The church and cemetery are located at 3424 Beechwood Boulevard in the Squirrel Hill/Greenfield area of Pittsburgh. Turner Cemetery is a historic half-acre graveyard dating to 1785 that contains the remains of early settlers of Squirrel Hill. At 11:30, Squirrel Hill Historical Society Vice President Helen Wilson will give a presentation, “The Early History of Squirrel Hill,” in the church’s Fellowship Hall. The event includes self-guided tours of the graveyard, and hot soups and cool desserts will be available for sale after the presentation.

During the event, researchers and re-enactors will be on hand in the graveyard. For more info, go to www.turnercemetery.org.

Drew Heinz Lecture Series Carnegie Music Hall, 4400 Forbes Avenue Box office: 412-622-8866 Monday evenings at 7:30 pm October 6: Simon Winchester, The Men Who United The States October 20: Jodi Picoult, Leaving Time November 3: Elizabeth Gilbert, The Signature of All Things November 17: Andrew Roberts, Napoleon December 8: Richard Ford, Let Me Be Frank With You

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Continued on page 26

events & happenings cont.

schoolhouseyoga.com squirrel hill

strip district

north hills

Swing City Wightman School Community Building, 5604 Solway St. 412-759-1569 Saturdays 8 pm – Midnight The dance lesson and practice are held every Saturday night, and beginner dance lessons are from 8 to 9 PM. The dance practice goes ‘til midnight, and cover charge is $11.00 for this air-conditioned, all ages and nonsmoking event.

Tea Class and Tasting Margaret’s Fine Imports, 5872 Forbes Avenue 412-422-1606 First Wednesday of the month, 7 pm Learn the history of tea, steeping and storage techniques, health benefits, and more. Tea samples & European cookies will be served.

Live Jazz and R&B Christine Fréchard Gallery, 5871 Forbes Avenue Saturdays 8:30 pm – 12:30 am $10 cover (includes one free drink) $3 corking fee to bring your own wine

Pittsburgh Public Theatre 621 Penn Avenue Box office: 412-316-1600 Fall/Winter Season: The Glass Menagerie (October 2 to November 2) L’Hotel (November 13 to December 14)

PICT Classic Theatre Charity Randall Theatre, 4301 Forbes Avenue Box office: 412-561-6000 Fall/Winter Season: Macbeth (October 8 to October 25) Great Expectations (December 4 to December 20)

classes range from beginner to advanced, gentle to challenging

SENIOR WEALTH MANAGEMENT Andy “Hirsh” Dlinn, CSA ® President Senior Portfolio Manager 555 Grant Street, Suite 317 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 adlinn@capitalguardianllc.com www.myseniorwealth.com

Office 412-562-2220 Toll free 877-562-0770 Cell 412-979-5770 Fax 412-562-9995

BARBARA RABNER REALTORÂŽ Million Dollar Producer SELLING & LEASING AGENT

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Wayne D. Gerhold

(412) 363-4000 x503 BUSINESS (412) 512-0414 CELL (412) 363-7551 FAX

A practice with emphasis REAL ESTATE SERVICES 5996 Penn Circle South, Suite 301 Pittsburgh, PA 15206

on municipal, education and healthcare capital ďŹ nance.

Owned and operated by NRT, LLC.

barbara.rabner@pittsburghmoves.com

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Melvin G. Brandon

Project Manager & Development

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wayne.gerhold@gerholdlaw.com

PITTSBURGH, PA CELL: 724-553-2480

Keystone By Design, Inc. Your Marketng Solution k Web Design high quality, creative sites; e-commerce, WordPress

i Internet Marketing pay-per-click promotion/ search optimization

j Graphic Design brochures, advertisements, newsletters

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MONTH OF OCTOBER Stephen Cohen 6355 Waldron Street Pittsburgh, PA 15217 Phone: 412.421.3999 *minimum 250 pens.

Fax: 412.421.9259 www.keystonebydesign.com stevec@keystonebydesign.com

squirrel hill volunteering

This feature is made possible by a generous grant from the

Thomases Family Endowment

I Can Help With That!

of the

Youngstown Area Jewish Federation When you contact one of these organizations, please remember to tell them that you heard about the opportunity in Squirrel Hill Magazine!

Feed Your Neighbor The Squirrel Hill Community Food Pantry is a division of Jewish Family & Children's Services, which provides assistance for all food-insecure individuals and families in the 15217 zip code. SHCFP is the only food pantry in Southwestern Pennsylvania providing kosher and gluten-free sections. It also serves those outside the 15217 zip code qualifying for assistance with kosher or gluten-free needs.

SHCFP volunteers work with more than 1,200 clients, assisting those who are shopping, aiding in bag packing/check-out and helping clients with applications for various government benefit programs. Volunteers also help weigh and sort donations, stock shelves and package items for client selection, unload delivery trucks, deliver groceries to homebound clients and much more.To become a SHCFP volunteer, contact Kathy Poth, SHCFP Coordinator at shcfpinfo@sqfoodpantry.org or (412) 421-2708. For more information about SHCPF, visit sqfoodpantry.org.

Women Helping Women The Center for Women helps women in transition who are experiencing life events such as divorce, separation, death of a spouse or returning to work, to reach and maintain financial independence. The Center provides financial fitness and workforce re-entry workshops, an Internship program, Mentor program and legal consultations.

PAGE28 The Arts Issue

The Center for Women seeks mentors to support women in transition. Mentors meet with their partners once a month for 6-12 months. They act as coach, advisor, and trusted confidant to help a mentee navigate her life transition. Share the knowledge you’ve learned along the way and enrich your own life in the process! To become a mentor, contact Lindsey Miller at (412) 421-4400 or by email at lmiller@cfwpgh.org.

For more information on the programs offered by the Center for Women , visit them online at centerforwomenpgh.org.

From Disabilities to Possibilities!

JRS supports individuals with psychiatric or intellectual disabilities, helping them live, learn, work and socialize as valued members of the community. JRS provides residential support services, psychiatric rehabilitation and many opportunities for individuals living with disabilities to fully participate in the vitality of the Squirrel Hill neighborhood and beyond.

JRS is looking for volunteers to work alongside those they serve to garden, cook Friday night dinners and to participate in other special projects at the Howard Levin Clubhouse and our residential programs. They also accept gently used adult clothing and small household items for their thrift shop at the Howard Levin Clubhouse. If you would like to get involved with JRS, please visit jrspgh.org or (412) 325-0039.

Your Squirrel Hill

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Shop our expanded Gluten Free, Organic, and Specialty selections!

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Store: 412-421-8161 Fax: 412-422-3128 1901 Murray Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15217

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