A Publication of the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition
Squirrel Hill Magazine
Vol 17 | Issue 4
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Winter 2019
CELEBRATIONS! THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY GIFTS & EVENT GUIDES THE MANY WAYS WE CELEBRATE RESOLUTIONS 2020 AND BEYOND
A lot of expertise goes into our therapies. A lot of laughter, too. It isn’t just world-class medical treatment that makes the difference. It’s our approach to caring. It’s finding joy in the journey. It’s combining elements of play with innovative physician and therapy services, including behavioral health, in an outpatient setting. At The Children’s Institute, every child’s care is family-centered and individualized to be as enjoyable as possible. The results we see are truly amazing. To learn more, call 412.420.2362 or visit amazingkids.org.
BRIDGEVILLE IRWIN PLEASANT HILLS SQUIRREL HILL WEXFORD
WINTER 2019
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in every issue HOLIDAY GREETINGS FROM SHUC PRESIDENT
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STATE AND CITY COUNCIL CORNER
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by Mardi Isler
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features 12
SQUIRREL HILL HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE by Gina Mercuri and Natalie Kovacic
COMMUNITY CHAMPION Zac Block of Repair the World
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SHUC SNAPSHOTS
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THE MANY WAYS WE CELEBRATE
GOOD NEWS FROM OUR SCHOOLS
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RESOLUTIONS: BE A BETTER NEIGHBOR IN 2020
NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES
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SQUIRREL HILL HISTORY
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15 THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY EVENTS GUIDE
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by Helen Wilson
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Squirrel Hill Magazine
Our Mission The Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition gives voice to the hopes and concerns of our residents, institutions, businesses and visitors and works to preserve, improve, and celebrate the quality of life in our vibrant urban Squirrel Hill neighborhood.
ON THE COVER: Holiday houses are a fun family tradition you can start with your own family. Learn how to make your own holiday house on page 18 or visit shuc.org/ holidayhouse.
Celebrations are a big part of this time of year, which is why we focused our Winter 2019 issue around them. Decorating, cooking, and gift-giving - all fun things we highlight in this issue - are part of many of our neighbors’ holiday celebrations in
INQUIRIES
Contact marketing@shuc.org. All other communications can be directed to editor@shuc.org or (412) 422-7666.
Winter 2019
SQUIRREL HILL URBAN COALITION OFFICERS PRESIDENT Mardi Isler VICE PRESIDENT Marshall Hershberg VICE PRESIDENT Lisa Murphy VICE PRESIDENT Joshua Sayles SECRETARY Raymond Baum ASST. SECRETARY Dalia Belinkoff TREASURER Paul Katz ASST. TREASURER Lisa Steindel IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Richard Feder BOARD OF DIRECTORS Anna Batista, Jill Beck, Vivian Didomenico, Lori Fitzgerald, Heather Graham, Barbara Grover, Michael Henderson, Paul Katz, Lois Liberman, Cynthia Morelock, Joseph Ott, Mary Shaw, Erik Wagner, Eveline Young, Ceci Sommers (Emeritus)
Squirrel Hill. But celebrations are much more than just shopping and sweets. Celebrations are how we teach our children our beliefs. They are the reason we gather with family and friends. They
FOR ADVERTISING
Vol 17 | Issue 4
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MAGAZINE COMMITTEE Raymond Baum, Harriet Baum, Dalia Belinkoff, Michael D. Henderson, Eleanor Hershberg, Mardi Isler (Ex officio), Barbara Rabner, Kimberly Saunders, Helen Wilson, and Genevieve Cook
are what we do to affirm our relationships with one another. This is my favorite issue to date because I learned so much in editing it: I discovered new recipes, heard heartwarming stories, and learned
CONTRIBUTORS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Arora Anju, Maria Cohen, Laura Coyt-Zavala, Sarika Goulatia, Mardi Isler, Natalie Kovacic, Marian Lien, Gina Mercuri, Barbara Rabner, Megan Rooney, Shaina Schachter, Stefanie Small.
about traditions, much different than mine, that I can add to my own family’s celebrations this year. That is my wish for you, too. Nataliie Kovacic
EDITOR Natalie Kovacic DESIGNER Lynn Kawaratani EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Maria H. Cohen OFFICE ASSISTANT Ruby Chang
Editor, Squirrel Hill Magazine
Squirrel Hill Magazine, Vol. 17, Issue 4, is provided by the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition as a free service to the residents and businesses in the 15217 zip code. Subscriptions are available for $25/year. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without permission. Printed by Knepper Press.
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SHUC PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Holiday Greetings from the President By Mardi Isler, SHUC Board President
CELEBRATIONS ALLOW US TO PAUSE and remember what and who is important in our lives. We observe holidays based on our religion or culture, days honoring significant historical figures, or those who served. We celebrate birthdays of friends and loved ones, life’s milestones, promotions and personal and collective successes, all good reasons to get together for companionship and merriment! For the upcoming holidays, many celebrations will be taking place throughout Squirrel Hill. In this issue, we hope that you enjoy a sampling of how our families are marking their days, making them special with food and traditions. For the Woodward-Isler family, beginning with Thanksgiving, Texas cousins join us for a week, catching up, cooking and eating in our favorite Forbes and Murray restaurants. On Thanksgiving Day, we love having good friends join our extended family to appreciate the fare from recipes that have been on
the table for as long as I can remember—Gawkey’s corn pudding, Aunt Emma’s cinnamon buns, Aunt Mil’s Peach Marmalade—and, to try new items from a food magazine or an interesting new cookbook. For the last 38 years, our Christmas has included mini-celebrations, making “Holiday Houses” using graham crackers to build the basic gingerbread structure on a piece of cardboard covered in aluminum foil, then decorating them with icing “glue” and adding as much candy as the building will hold. You can find the recipe to make your own holiday house on page 18. We have friends whose children began making houses as preschoolers and are still coming every year—even in their 20s and 30s. Most adults happily participate as well. For a couple of weeks preceding Christmas, the dining room table is covered with a washable vinyl cloth. In the center is a large sectioned lazy Susan with every kind of small colorful candy we can find including chocolate foil-wrapped snowman and cars,
My granddaughter Lily, proud of her holiday house.
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M&Ms, marshmallow trees, blue and white candy Legos, and licorice Scotty dogs. The construction process is fun to watch and you can see each person’s determination to implement a vision of what their creation will be. We’ve seen space stations, three-story houses, haciendas, gardens and garages. We have photos of each structure with its creator in front of our Christmas tree. How fun it is to look back and see everyone proudly holding their building, smiling at the accomplishment and the memories.
Diane and John Katz visit our home to make holiday houses with their children, Stanley, Arthur, Henry, and Frank.
Holiday houses are truly a fun activity for every age. I wish for our readers joy and happiness at this special time of the year as you celebrate your milestones, holidays, and family traditions.
Friends Brij and Aradhna are regulars at my house for the holiday.
Over the years I’ve built replicas (using the term loosely) of the Forbes and Murray establishments that I support, and have enjoyed seeing my version of “Littles” in their window, or Coffee Tree, or at 61C Cafe on a shelf. For our family, we look forward to these make-a-house sessions—they remind us that we are truly grateful for all the pleasure that our friends and celebrations bring.
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George, Amy, Sam and Griffin display their creations. Holiday houses are truly a fun activity for every age!
State and City Council Corner
UPDATED HATE CRIME LEGISLATION INTRODUCED
Clockwise, from top left: City Councilperson Erika Strassburger; State Senator Jay Costa; City Councilperson Corey O’Connor; State Representative Dan Frankel.
STATE & CITY COUNCIL CORNER IS OUR QUARTERLY UPDATE of news and press releases from the offices of Squirrel Hill’s city and state representatives to keep you informed. This is not an exhaustive list; find additional updates at the websites below the article. Have new initiatives to share? Email editor@shuc.org. SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM FOR NONPROFITS SIGNED INTO LAW In June, Senator Jay Costa introduced legislation called “Tolerance, Respect and Understanding,” which was the impetus for a program the Governor signed into law this month, which created grants for religious and nonprofit entities to improve their security. The $5 million grant program will provide funding for security enhancements, including threat awareness, response training, and equipment, such as metal detectors, lighting, surveillance, communications systems, locksets, deadbolts, and trauma kits.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM LAW INTRODUCED Senator Jay Costa also introduced legislation to address Pennsylvania’s very lax regulations surrounding
Squirrel Hill’s State Representative Dan Frankel, along with Senator Jay Costa and their colleagues, have moved to introduce a comprehensive legislative package to address hate crimes. The legislation aims to bring Pennsylvania’s hate crime laws into the modern era, extend protections to threatened communities, and give law enforcement the tools it needs to prevent and address hate crimes across the Commonwealth.
WIGHTMAN PARK RENOVATIONS CONTINUE Councilperson Strassburger led the way for the renovation of Wightman Park, which recently began construction. The renovations included in this project will help to mitigate neighborhood flooding and citywide storm water overflow issues, beautify the park space, create additional recreational opportunities, and offer families a variety of activities for all ages and abilities. Upon completion, Wightman Park will feature a range of green infrastructure improvements to help manage stormwater runoff, diverse play spaces and equipment to serve the interests of all children, public art installations, green spaces, and recreational facilities.
TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES ON S. DALLAS AVENUE Working with the City’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI), Councilperson Strassburger also led a community-driven process to create a safer S. Dallas Avenue for all stakeholders. Previously, the median speed on the City-owned portion of S. Dallas Avenue (from Forbes Avenue to Wilkins Avenue) was 37.5 MPH, causing unsafe conditions for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. DOMI installed new lane CONTINUED on page 8
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STATE AND CIT Y COUNCIL CORNER
campaign finance. The legislation will be similar to bills he has introduced in every session since 2010, but with several additions, which include a requirement for full disclosure of itemized credit card expenses and mandating that campaign committees provide access to expense receipts, among other things.
DISCOVER CDS Imagining a better world, one child at a time
Schedule a tour at comday.org or call 412-521-1100
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markings in high-visibility, more durable thermoplastic to narrow the roadway, reduce speeding, and create safer crossings for pedestrians. In addition, pedestrian refuge islands with accompanying bollards and curbing enable pedestrians to cross one lane of the busy street at a time. On the PennDOT-owned portion, Councilperson Strassburger worked with St. Bede School to expand the School Speed Zone to S. Dallas Avenue.
CITY OF PITTSBURGH 2020 BUDGET
Now accepting applications for Fall 2020
Inspiring the mind Nurturing the heart Changing the world Visit comday.org or call 412-521-1100 to learn more about Pittsburgh's only co-ed Jewish day school
Locally grown, community owned. Offering a wide range of organic, natural, and local products. 7516 Meade Street Pittsburgh, PA 15208 www.eastendfood.coop 412.242.3598
Wishing my family, friends & community a holiday season that fills your home with delight, your heart with love, and your life with peace & laughter.
Barbara Rabner, Realtor Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 5996 Centre Avenue, Suite 301 Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Barbara.Rabner@pittsburghmoves.com
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Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto proposed a $608 million operating budget for 2020, an increase of $30 million dollars compared to last year’s budget, though he promised no new taxes and no tax increases for Pittsburgh employees and residents. On the top of the list of improvements is an increase in paving our streets, for $17 million. He also wants to increase funding for firefighter and police recruit classes along with three new police substations in Homewood, Southside, and downtown. Mayor Peduto is in the works of getting additional funding outside of the budget from non-profits, foundations and his OnePGH plan.
STAY INFORMED! Here’s where you can find updates on what the Mayor, your state representatives, and City Councilpeople are working on. Councilperson Strassburger (District 8): pittsburghpa.gov/council/d8 Councilperson O’Connor (District 5): pittsburghpa.gov/council/d5 State Representative Dan Frankel (Squirrel Hill): pahouse.com/Frankel State Senator Jay Costa (Squirrel Hill): senatorcosta.com Mayor Bill Peduto (City of Pittsburgh): pittsburghpa.gov/mayor
在线申请 2020CENSUS.GOV/JOBS 全国范围内有数千份职位可供申请。
成为一名人口普查员 ，支持自已的社区吧。
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如需了解更多信息 ，或申请方面的帮助 ，请拨打 1-855-562-2020 联邦中继服务: 1-800-877-8339 TTY/ASCII www.gsa.gov/fedrelay
美国人口普查局是一个奉行机会均等原则的用人单位。
COMMUNIT Y CHAMPIONS
Zac Block of Repair the World Pittsburgh THIS ISSUE, WE’RE CELEBRATING THE WORK OF REPAIR THE WORLD PITTSBURGH, headquartered in East Liberty, which works with several partner organizations in Squirrel Hill. Maria Cohen sat down with Executive Director Zac Block to hear more about the work Repair the World is doing in the community. Can you tell us a little about Repair the World and what it does in the community and elsewhere? Repair The World is an organization that recruits people to volunteer, mostly around issues of hunger and education justice. We started in Pittsburgh in the fall of 2013 and launched simultaneously in three other cities at that time: Philadelphia, Detroit, and Baltimore. We’re in nine cities total now. We host a fellowship programs in which post-college grads can do a year of service with us, in both direct service with our partners as well as recruiting additional people to volunteer, to amplify the work of the service organizations we partner with.
How does the fellowship work? Do they stay with you for a year? Is there an opportunity beyond that? Fellows commit to staying with us for one year, and there is an opportunity for a second year. We’ve ended up hiring a lot of former fellows as have our service partners. At least two of our alumni are working at 412 Food Rescue right now and we have alumni who are working at our partners here and in other cities as well.
How did you get to where you are now? What do you do specifically in your role as Executive Director? I’m the founding executive director here and have been for six years. Before that, I was a tax attorney for nearly a decade. As time went on, I became more
aware of a desire to live out my personal values. I started volunteering a lot, in the Jewish community in particular, and as I was meeting with organizations I was volunteering with, I would ask them to connect me to other people. I built a large network in the nonprofit sector of opportunities for volunteers. At the same time, I heard Repair to World was looking to come to Pittsburgh from New York, to see if the community was amenable to programming here in the city. We were put together, connected - in Hebrew we would say we were beshert - it was the perfect match. Now, in addition to being the Executive Director for Pittsburgh, I’m also the Senior Director for Communities for eight cities.
Can you tell us more about Repair The World Pittsburgh’s Family Program? I have three kids, and at the time we started Repair here, I had two that I would bring with me to volunteer. I realized that the way we were serving was not set up for children to volunteer meaningfully, so we utilized a service learning approach as we built our service program, that is age-appropriate for kids. One program we helped build was PJ Library, which CONTINUED on page 11
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sends a free book to children on a monthly basis. (Editor’s Note: you can learn more about the PJ Library program at jccpgh.org/early-childhood/pj-library and opportunities for full-family volunteer with Repair the World Pittsburgh at werepair.org/pittsburgh-families).
What are some of the other initiatives you are working on now? We have an amazing program for teens called PeerCorps, which connects older teens to younger teens to mentor them on how to serve and build relationships within their communities. We engage teens in social change around education and food justice through a peer-to-peer leadership model where teens grades 6-12 commit to ongoing service and learning.
How can people in Squirrel Hill get involved with Repair the World’s programs? In addition to volunteering with us as a family, or the PeerCorps program, we run several programs on a monthly basis. We’re happy to take people out to coffee and tell them what’s going on, and you can find all of our volunteer opportunities at werepair.org/ volunteer. People can also participate in our community conversations. We’re hosting a community conversation on islamophobia and antisemitism on December 7th at Mt Lebanon High School. Given a lot of the studies done in Pittsburgh, we know we are still in the phase of needing to have these conversations, to educate the community more widely about these issues around social justice so we can figure out the path moving towards equity.
You can find out more about Repair the World Pittsburgh’s work, and how you can get involved with a partner organization in Squirrel Hill, by going to: werepair.org/pittsburgh. Winter 2019 | 11
2019 SQUIRREL HILL
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS, we’ve visited the shops and boutiques of Squirrel Hill to find unique items for gift-giving this year. There was no shortage of cool things to find! Whether you need a gift for a child, family member, coworker (even an expat!), we’ve compiled a list of our favorites here, for every budget.
CHOCOLATE MOOSE (5830 Forbes Avenue) You can never go wrong with sweets for those you love! The Chocolate Moose offers a wide variety of candies and novelties, as well as sugar-free options, including customized holiday truffles made by local company Moonstruck. You can customize your own box of chocolates and have it decoratively wrapped for a beautiful presentation. Custom chocolates box,
$65-75. TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES
LITTLES SHOES (5850 Forbes Avenue) You can find a lot more than shoes at Littles Shoes this holiday! These Bluetooth Earmuffs from Ugg were a favorite during our visit. Both stylish and practical, these soft earmuffs keep your ears warm and you can still listen to your favorite podcasts and music on your phone while you walk. A wired option is also available.
$80-$100.
(5820 Forbes Avenue) Ten Thousand Villages has over 130 handcrafted ornaments from 18 countries in stock this year (see store manager Jen Legler posing with some of them!). You can feel good about gifting with Conscious Step socks, the proceeds of which are donated to charities working on causes that mean the most to you. Ten Thousand Villages is also hosting a “Children’s Shop” event December 6th through 7th this year, from 12-5 pm. Parents select the recipients, and volunteers will be on hand to guide children through the shop, pick out their gifts and wrap their presents. Everything under $10.
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If shoes are what you’re looking for, animal prints are still very much in, and
Littles has a lot to choose from. These Steve Madden wedges are the hippest, and under $100, they’re a great gift for teens.
Steve Madden Leopard Print Wedges, $90. CONTINUED on page 13
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GAMES UNLIMITED (2115 Murray Avenue) For kids
GABY ET JULES
and teens, Games Unlimited has something new in store this year: the Doodlematic Mobile Game Maker. Draw a picture on a piece of paper with markers, snap a photo of it, and watch the images you draw turn into a real-life game you can play on your iPad. Great for gamers and makers alike! $29.99.
(5837 Forbes Avenue) Speaking of international gifts, Gaby Et Jules has gorgeous gift boxes available filled with its now-infamous French macarons, in addition to delicate pastries and breads. They offer nationwide shipping of their products, so you can share something uniquely Squirrel Hill with family and friends near and far. Macaron gift boxes,
starting at $37. PRO BIKE+RUN CLASSIC LINES (5825 Forbes Avenue) For the bookworms, Dan Iddings (pictured here), owner of Classic Lines bookstore, has a wide range of books in every genre, including the new Man Made Wonders of the World. Classic Lines offers free gift wrapping at the holidays with a variety of other gifts in store, including handmade Christmas cards, jigsaw puzzles, children’s books, and Hanukkah books.
BLUE MONKEY TEA (5872 Forbes Avenue) For the expat in your life, Blue Monkey Tea has gifts from all over the world, including teas, sweets, and foods from dozens of countries. Or stop in with friends who call over the holidays to experience their tastings and events!
Gifts from $5-$99.
(5876 Forbes Avenue) Pro Bike+Run has something new for the tech-lover who also enjoys riding: the Kickr Core and Kickr Snap, which allows you to convert your outdoor bike into an indoor riding experience. Attaching your bike allows you to recreate outdoor hills (you can even buy the optional fan to feel the “wind” blowing in your hair!) to get a real outdoor experience during cold Pittsburgh winters. Store associate Ian tells us that downloading the Zwift app ($15/ month) on a smartphone or tablet enhances the feel: you can connect with other riders, record your heart rate, and watch the screen to zoom through different terrains on your now-indoor bike. From
$1200. If riding your bike more is on your list of 2020 resolutions, you might think about this new commuter bike by Specialized, specially designed to ride smoothly over cracks, bumps, and other urban obstacles. The bike goes up to 28 mph, allowing you or your favorite rider to keep up with city traffic.
From $2800. CONTINUED on page 14
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EHUA FASHION CHEEKS AND GLASSWORKS (5825 Forbes Avenue) Across the street at Cheeks and Glassworks, you can find uncommon gifts to keep your honey warm during the holidays and throughout the winter. These slippers from P.J. Salvage looked good enough to step right into! The store also has robes and socks to complement the set.
From $46. For your Pittsburgh friends who have moved away, Glassworks also offers a beautiful collection from The Dish that includes plates, mugs, and serving trays, each highlighting the many unique neighborhoods we call home. From $25.
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(5865 Forbes Avenue) Everyone needs a good hat for the chilly Squirrel Hill winters, and Ehua Fashion has lots of them, in several styles and colors. We tried them on ourselves and we can tell you: these hats feel luxurious and pricier than the price tag! From $29.
PITTSBURGH HONEY (2327 Murray Ave) Pittsburgh Honey which just celebrated its second anniversary, has some of the sweetest gifts you can find on Murray Avenue, including a 100% homemade line of cosmetics and skin care products, made from local beeswax. We took home this small jar Man:Hands for our dry, winter hands, and we can already feel the difference! Be sure to check out their line of flavored-infused honeys to add to your holiday recipes. Gifts from $10.
ULTIMATE HOLIDAY
EVENTS GUIDE Gingerbread Display and Competition Now through Friday, January 3rd | 10:00 am 8:00 pm | City County Building Grand Lobby The City of Pittsburgh is proud to serve as the new home of the 17th annual Gingerbread House Display & Competition.
IN ADDITION TO THE TRADITIONS WE SHARE with family and friends, there are a wide variety of displays, events, and shows in Squirrel Hill and throughout the city where you can experience the holiday spirit this year. You might even think of starting a new tradition!
ONGOING HOLIDAY EVENTS Cathedral of Learning’s Holiday Nationality Rooms Saturdays, now through January 18, 2020 | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm | University of Pittsburgh | 4200 Fifth Avenue The Nationality Rooms are open during the holiday season, a wonderful tradition for young and old alike. The Rooms will be decorated for the winter holidays through Saturday, January 18, 2020. Tours cost $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for youth (aged 6-18).
Peoples Gas Holiday Market Now through December 23 | Market Square One Market Square
Spirits of Giving From Around The World
The Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ brings a cherished tradition to Downtown Pittsburgh that mixes international flair with local charm. Experience a oneof-a-kind shopping village as you stroll through an illuminated Market Square, weaving through wooden chalets brimming with high-quality gifts.
Now through January 1, 2020 | Various Times | Lobbies of One PPG Place and Two PPG Place
Lumaze Lights: A Fairytale Christmas
Check out this enchanting display of life-size Santas and artwork which captures a whole world of Christmas folklore and fantasy. This free exhibit comes alive with a collection of original paintings, each depicting holiday celebrations from around the world.
Daily, now through January 3rd | 31st Street Studios| 77 31st Street Experience a magical family-friendly indoor wonderland as you wander through your own holiday fairytale and help Santa save Christmas! Enjoy CONTINUED on page 16
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interactive light gardens, illuminated structures, delicious food, festive drinks and daily live entertainment all under the twinkle of a million lights. Along with Seattle, Pittsburgh is one of only two U.S. cities where Lumaze Lights will be hosted this year. Tickets available at lumazelights.com.
Holiday Kids Play Now through December 22nd | 11:00am-6:00pm Heinz Hall Courtyard Heinz Hall is celebrating the holiday season by offering free fun, educational, and hands-on activities in collaboration with Fred Rogers Productions and community partners. Enjoy free fun activities for families and kids all season long!
Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden November 29 -January 12, 2020 | Winter Flower Show 9:30 am - 11:00 pm | Winter Light Garden 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm | Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden One Schenley Park Pittsburgh’s blockbuster holiday experience brings more indoor and outdoor splendor than ever before!
Family Fun Days Thursday, December 26 - Monday, December 30 | 11:00 am - 2:00 pm | Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Holiday Lights and Late Nights November 29 & November 30 | National Aviary 700 Arch Street The National Aviary warms up the cold nights of early winter with extended hours and a holiday light display! Escape the chilly weather and spend a very merry evening exploring our lush, tropical habitats, where you’ll get close to feathered friends in our free-flying rooms. Music, a cash bar with festive cocktails, and seasonal café offerings for purchase from Atria’s make for a cozy evening as you take in the sights and sounds of the National Aviary at night.
Looking for something different to do with the kids during their holiday break from school? Look no further than Family Fun Days! Engage in fun crafts, pot a plant to take home and enjoy fun, educational activities to celebrate the holiday season, all free with admission.
HOLIDAY EVENTS IN AND AROUND SQUIRREL HILL Holiday Maker Fair and Market Thursday, December 5, 2019 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm | CLP East Liberty | 130 S. Whitfield St. Join the East Liberty Library branch for a fun and relaxing evening of gift making, local shopping and seasonal refreshments. Several crafts will be available CONTINUED on page 17
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to make on-site for gift giving with instructions to take home. Local vendors White Whale Bookstore and Ten Thousand Villages will also be featuring a variety of products for sale. While crafting and shopping, enjoy confections from Lorelei Beer Hall & Kitchen. Though there is no need to register, craft supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 412.363.8232 for more information.
Community Day School Winter Band Concert Thursday, December 5 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am | Community Day School | 6424 Forward Ave. Head to CDS for a morning of wintery tunes at the Community Day School as their band performs their most cheerful songs. Free admission.
and Murray Aves in the heart of Squirrel Hill. Enjoy approximately 20 different wines, food samples and exclusive discounts at participating host Merchants. Tickets available online now at www.bit.ly/ uncoverwinewalk.
LIGHT: An Interfaith Celebration Through Song Saturday, December 7 | 7:00 - 8:30 pm | JCC of Greater Pittsburgh Robinson Building • Katz Performing Arts Center 5738 Darlington Road Join the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh’s Center for Loving Kindness to sing and shine light in the darkness as diverse faith traditions are brought together at this event. Free and open to all.
Ring in the Season Friday, December 13, 2019 at 2 PM – 4 PM | The Frick Pittsburgh | 7227 Reynolds Street Ring in the afternoon with handbell soloist, Sue Garton, and her accompanist, Mary Rita Rossetti, performing old favorites along with a few holiday surprises. This FREE drop-in performance takes place in the Grable Visitor Center.
Greenfield Holiday Parade Friday, December 6 | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm | 555 Greenfield Avenue
Lunar New Year Celebration
Join the fun at the Greenfield Annual Holiday Parade and Fireworks! Bring the whole family for an evening of joyous holiday cheer. Be sure to dress warm in your best holiday attire.
More information to be announced on the SHUC website.
Squirrel Hill Holiday Wine Walk Saturday, December 7 | 4:00 - 8:00 pm | Squirrel Hill Business District Join Uncover Squirrel Hill for its annual Holiday Wine Walk: a merry + bright self-paced wine tasting experience. The Wine Walk will take place in the Squirrel Hill Business District located on Forbes
Saturday, January 25 | St. Edmund’s Academy | 5705 Darlington Road | time TBA
Lunar New Year Parade Sunday, February 9 | 12:00 pm | Murray Ave. between Phillips Ave. and Darlington Road Pan-Asian cultural organizations in resplendent costumes and uniforms will showcase their craft as we march up Murray toward Darlington Street. Weaving in and out will be Chinese dragon lines, lion dance teams and Thai Fire-eaters! The Lunar New Year Parade is free and open to the public.
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Coordinated Care Helping Seniors Stay Healthy at Home
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN HOLIDAY HOUSE By Mardi Isler The entire structure is edible – so there is no worry when a young child (or any age artist) wants to eat their project. More than likely, pride will dictate that the house is kept for a long time. Go to shuc.org/holidayhouse for additional tips for this recipe! WHAT YOU’LL NEED: A box or two of store-bought graham crackers 3 egg whites 1 pound of sifted confectioner’s sugar
The UPMC Living-at-Home Program is a geriatric care management program that provides peace of mind for seniors and their loved ones.
Aluminum foil (specialty stores carry it in green color) Pieces of sturdy cardboard
• Comprehensive in-home assessment
A variety of small candies: red hots, jelly beans, chocolate
• Free to eligible seniors 70 or older who live in one of 22 surrounding Pittsburgh neighborhoods
chips, peppermints, gum drops, M&Ms, etc.
For more information, call 412-723-6200 or visit UPMC.com/livingathome.
Beat 3 egg whites in a large bowl.
UPMC LIVING-AT-HOME PROGRAM
Add 1 lb of sifted confectioner’s sugar and beat until smooth. Consistency is important, particularly for young
Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside is ranked among America’s Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
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children! Add a drop or two of vanilla and a dash of salt – just for flavor. Next, fill plastic disposable pastry bags with your icing and make a pencil size cut at the tip after the sleeve is filled. Put a twist-tie on the icing tube after filling and push icing to the front. TO ASSEMBLE THE HOLIDAY HOUSE: •
Cover pieces of cardboard with aluminum foil.
•
Divide your favorite graham crackers in half
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or quarters by perforated dots. Line up the perforations on the sides of your house all going in the same direction. •
To assemble, squirt an icing “L” on the foil wrapped cardboard that is the width and length of two sides of the house.
•
Form an “L” with two graham cracker halves, squirting icing on the seam. Stand the “L” shaped graham crackers on the icing “L” that is on the foil.
•
Repeat for the other sides to form a four-sided building, and let set for a minute or two.
•
Create a sloped roof by putting two triangles (each one cut from a rectangle which is 1/4 of the whole graham cracker) for the roof supports. Put icing on the longest side of each triangle and attach one to one side then one to the opposite side of the house. Let harden. Now begin decorating!
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THE MANY WAYS WE
CELEBRATE
THE END OF THE YEAR is a time for reflection and celebration in many cultures, both secular and religious. From Christmas to Chanukah, and Kwanzaa to Lunar New Year, this is the time of year we gather with friends and family and celebrate the traditions that make us who we are.
On the pages that follow, you’ll find stories, recipes, and photos from your own neighbors about how they celebrate the end of the year and ring in the new one. Perhaps you’ll find one to add to your own holiday traditions.
HOW WE CELEBRATE: DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS Laura Coyt-Zavala My first apartment in Pittsburgh was across the street from the Homewood cemetery. Walking to and from the bus stop every day, I couldn’t help but glance at it, with a strange longing feeling. I was just ten years old when my family left Mexico for California, but I still remember the majority of my early childhood in that tiny Southern Mexican town. One of my fondest memories is Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Starting the night of October 31st, the town came alive with light, color and music. We would build colorful ofrendas (or altars) in our homes decorated with cempasuchil (Mexican marigolds), papel picado (punched or pierced paper), figurines, and the favorite foods and photos our departed loved ones, all to honor and celebrate them. We believe that on November 1, all the souls of the deceased children would come to visit and on November 2, the departed adults would follow. The entire town would proceed to the cemetery after mass on November 2 and have community celebration with food, music, and performances. Everyone was there, including the dead.
Laura Coyt-Zavala’s ofrenda from this year’s Día de los Muertos.
This tradition, which began over 3,000 years ago in the central and southern regions of Mexico, has been kept alive in Mexico and now in the U.S., through story-telling, city-wide parties and parades, and family traditions. It is not a somber or scary occasion, like Halloween. It is a celebration of life! We welcome death, as it is a part of our lives, and laugh with it, sometimes at it. We paint our faces to resemble colorful skulls. We even sweeten death, by making miniature skulls out of sugar and icing. We gather as a familia and share a meal, dance, and tell stories of our passed loved ones. That way, they will never truly leave us. If you’re interested in partaking in this lovely tradition, we recommend gathering your loved ones and sharing stories over a cup of Mexican hot chocolate and pan dulce (sweet bread). CONTINUED on page 20
Winter 2019 | 19
Children in the Schacter family lighting their menorahs during Chanukah.
HOW WE CELEBRATE: CHANUKAH Shaina Schacter To me and my family, Chanukah means the celebration of light. Light is the one physical element that has a spiritual quality of giving of itself and not diminishing its own brilliance. No matter how much love, kindness, and knowledge we give to the world, nothing is taken from its source but just shines brighter with every passing flicker. As Jews, we learn from a young age how our ancestors fought for our survival and this holiday is a small look into the light that forever remains shining in times of triumph and defeat. When my husband and children gather around the menorah, we are physically bringing more light into the world together and that is a beautiful thing. After lighting the candles and reciting the Chanukah blessings, we play a game of dreidel with chocolate gelt, eat dinner together (which has to include potato latkes with applesauce!) and then the kids get to open a small gift. No Chanukah is ever complete without my Aunt Huvvy’s Jewish star, dreidel, and menorah sugar cookies. Every family member waits all year for her to make these!
Stefanie Small
Different menorahs on display at Stefanie Small’s house in Squirrel Hill (Many built by her husband, a seasoned woodworker).
Chanukah is a time of togetherness, family, an opportunity for us to all be together for at least half an hour every night that week. When you light the Chanukah candles, according to Jewish tradition, you’re not supposed to work for the amount of time the light is burning. The candles aren’t for creating CONTINUED on page 21
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light, but rather are there to just enjoy. They are illuminating the mitzvah, or publicizing the miracle. That’s why we light the Chanukah menorah in the windows - we’re publicizing the miracle. When the Jews took back the temple from the Syrian Greeks, they had to purify the entire Temple, but only had enough oil to light the menorah for one night. The oil that should have only lasted one night lasted for eight. So everything we eat to celebrate is cooked in oil. My husband makes latkes for our house. He fries them up and often adds cheese on top or some other spices, and they are delicious. Sour cream or applesauce is always a debate! We also eat Sufganiyot, which is Hebrew for a jelly donut. My favorite tradition is lighting the candles because it’s so peaceful. I remember last year, after October 27th, Chanukah was the first major Jewish holiday that came after that. To be able to light the Chanukah candles and just stand there brought me an immense sense of peace I hadn’t felt yet. The miracle of Chanukah is not just about the oil but about how the small group of Jews were able to take back their temple, despite being a very small army. It’s not really about the gifts or the Chanukah gelt but about the spiritual part of our journey as Jews. It’s about our relationship with God and God’s taking care of us, his people. So Chanukah this year will mean even more to me because I know the power that the lighting of the menorah can have.
Fireworks are a fun part of the Diwali tradition!
To be in India around Diwali, also known as Deepavali (meaning “row of lights”), is magical. Diwali is one of the most significant festivals of India, celebrated by Hindu, Sikh and Jain religions and some Buddhist communities as well. We clean our homes and decorate them with beautiful patterns drawn on floors with flowers or colored rice powder, called Rangoli. People light small earthenware lamps called diyas outside to help the goddess Lakshmi (the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity) find her way into their homes. In the days and weeks leading up to Diwali, homes, shops, public buildings, and temples are brightly illuminated with lights and candles, giving a very festive vibe to cities. People celebrate by exchanging sweets/gifts and getting together with their loved ones, dressed up in their finest traditional attire. Fireworks are a big part of the occasion, making it a huge hit with children!
HOW WE CELEBRATE: DIWALI Sarika Goulatia, with Arora Anju As an immigrant fresh off the boat (actually, it was an airplane), I still remember the year I had just arrived in Pittsburgh. I had to learn how different words and sentences meant different things in India (my home country) and were often misunderstood in the country I had adopted. Many of the festivals that I celebrated in India were mundane days here. Lohri, Besakhi, Holi just passed by.
The following year, I decided that I needed to celebrate Diwali with my friends from different countries here in Pittsburgh and introduce them to our culture. I bought diyas (oil-wick lamps), puja stuff, aarthi (prayer) books, and Indian sweets and snacks from the local Indian stores: Patel Brothers in Monroeville and Bombay Mart on Centre Avenue. I cooked Indian food and invited my friends over to celebrate with us in my small apartment on Forbes Avenue that was owned by Temple Sinai. CONTINUED on page 22
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Since then, I’ve moved to Summerset at Frick Park in Squirrel Hill and the tradition has grown. In the beginning, we were just a few families that did a potluck Diwali get together on a weekend - now, we invite the whole neighborhood! Our neighbors and friends come with their families, dressed in Indian clothes to celebrate Diwali with us. To include everyone means we can invite them to understand who we are as a people, as an ethnic community, and build empathy and camaraderie. We consider ourselves lucky and blessed to live in a culturally rich and diverse community like Squirrel Hill and have been fortunate to be able to celebrate Diwali with our friends and neighbors and spread the joy.
Say Hi to Murray! Murray the Squirrel is available for events and visits to local organizations and schools. Call SHUC at (412) 422-7666 or email info@shuc.org to request a visit.
Artist in Residence Mimie Zlotnik
“There’s always something to do here to keep you occupied. You’ll never be bored.” -Jim Quinn, retired Marine Machinist
For more information or to schedule a tour at any of our campuses, call 1-800-324-5523, or visit UPMCSeniorCommunities.com.
Happy Holidays! Wishing you peace, joy, and love.
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shuc snapshots NOTES FROM YOUR SQUIRREL HILL URBAN COALITION STAFF
Update from SHUC Executive Director, Maria Cohen
Dozens of residents attended the SHUC Annual Meeting on September 17th to ask questions to councilpersons and find out ways to volunteer with SHUC.
THE SQUIRREL HILL URBAN COALITION has been bustling with activity since my start in mid-August. We enjoyed the two final night markets that wrapped up another great summer and fall, and now we look forward to fun holiday events, including the Squirrel Hill Wine Walk on Saturday, December 7th. We’ll cap off this season of celebration with Lunar New Year events on Saturday, January 25th at St. Edmund’s Academy, and the annual Lunar New Year Parade on Murray Avenue on February 9th.
JFCS coordinated volunteers for events all day on October 27, including stuffing backpacks for unaccompanied children spending time in the courthouse.
The JCC hosted several events at Center for Loving Kindness, and the 10.27 Healing Partnership opened its doors there, an important resource for the Jewish community as it moves into this second year. JFCS coordinated dozens of volunteers on October 27th for a wide variety of opportunities to give back to the community throughout the day. We partnered in hosting several important community events such as the Squirrel Hill Garbage Olympics, the fall Tree Care event, the 3-Mile Slow Roll, and the Make a Difference Day event with Squirrel Hill Litter Patrol in partnership with the Campus School at Carlow. I hope that many of you will reach out to share with me what you would like us to continue, feedback about changes that you’d like to see in our community, and your thoughts and ideas to help support us in preserving, improving and celebrating the quality of life in our vibrant Squirrel Hill community. Please connect with me at mcohen@shuc.org.
SHUC hosted its annual membership and neighborhood meeting on September 17th, highlighting the work the organization is doing in the neighborhood, as well as offering residents an opportunity to get updates from and ask questions of City Councilpersons Erika Strassburger and Corey O’Connor. We also came together as a neighborhood to remember our community members who were injured and killed on October 27th of last year, and saw an outpouring of love, support, and caring.
Students from the Campus School of Carlow partnered with SHUC Litter Patrol for our Make a Difference Day Squirrel Hill clean up.
Winter 2019 | 25
Students from the Sunburst School of Music accepting a 2019 Treasure Award.
The Squirrel HIll Treasure Dinner was a success! NEARLY 200 RESIDENTS, business owners, nonprofit leaders, civil servants, and government officials came out to support SHUC’s Annual Treasure Dinner on October 30th. The Treasure Dinner honors the work of individuals and businesses in the Squirrel Hill community who make Squirrel Hill a great place to live, work, and play.
Maggie Feinstein of the 10.27 Healing Partnership with Pittsburgh Police Cmdr. Jason Lando, who accepted the 2019 Treasure Aware on behalf of City of Pittsburgh First Responders.
2019 Treasure Dinner Chair Raymond Baum shares a smile with District 5 City Councilman Corey O’Connor.
This year, we were thrilled to honor the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, City of Pittsburgh First Responders, Michael Ehrmann (past president of Squirrel Hill Historical Society), and Sunburst School of Music.
Michael Ehrmann (center, blue tie) accepting his 2019 Treasure Award with members of the Squirrel Hill Historical Society.
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Thanks to our many sponsors, advertisers, planning committee members, and volunteers who made the 2019 event a success. Save the date for our next Treasure Dinner to be held Thursday, November 5, 2020! More info to come at shuc.org.
HOW WE EQUIP With college-level lab equipment, Senior School students conduct real-world research, such as helping a local museum classify minerals based on their chemical composition – using our scanning electron microscope. How will you equip your child with the skills to thrive in college and career?
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GOOD NEWS FROM OUR SCHOOLS
Community Day School celebrates during Sukkot Fest, commemorates 10/27 attack
Parade-marchers make their way up Forbes Avenue, playing traditional music to accompany Dia de los Muertos.
La Escuelita Arcoiris Celebrates Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Squirrel Hill LA ESCUELITA ARCOIRIS, located on Beacon Street, provides an early childhood learning experience through immersion in the Spanish language. For Dia de los Muertos, they organized a fun-filled day of activities on Sunday, November 3rd at the Squirrel Hill Farmers Market, as well as including a parade and music on Forbes Avenue. Thank you to Brandywine Commercial for use of its storefront space for their beautiful holiday display!
COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL STUDENTS recently enjoyed its annual Sukkot Fest, a joyous two-day celebration of the fall harvest festival through outdoor learning experiences. Children participated in hands-on activities in Jewish holiday-themed teaching gardens, such as harvesting horseradish, tomatillos, and kale; making ink prints using natural materials to create Sukkah decorations; cooking salsa verde on an outdoor stove; winterizing the garden beds, and much more.
Students write postcards to mail to other communities impacted by gun violence in remembrance of the 11 lives that were lost on October 27, 2018
New additions to their outdoor classroom include an Energy Discovery System developed by AYA Instruments with a solar panel and weather station, which measures rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and UV and solar radiation. Residents can access their data through the “Davis WeatherLink� app or at weatherlink.com! This technology, made possible through the Sylvia and Martin Snow Charitable Foundation, will allow CDS science students to investigate their environment, connect to students across the globe, and explore critical 21st-century energy issues. Children color traditional Dia de los Muertos skulls at the Farmers Market on November 3rd.
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Throughout the school year, St. Edmund’s Academy Upper School students visit Panther Hollow Run in Schenley Park to investigate the health of the stream and ecosystem. The students regularly visit the watershed to use water chemistry and collection kits, and compare their findings throughout the year. This project is part of Creek Connections, an effort of Allegheny College, with the mission of bringing regional schools an authentic natural science research experience and an appreciation for local waterways. Young students help with harvesting vegetables at Sukkot Fest at CDS.
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CDS also came together for a special full-school Kabbalat Shabbat service to celebrate their strength as a community and in their shared work in raising educated, proud, and joyful Jews of the next generation. They honored the memories of the 11 people who were killed last year, and students and families wrote messages of love and kindness on postcards that were mailed to other communities impacted by gun violence and acts of hatred across the world.
“The partnership with Creek Connections is a great citizen-science activity for our students,” St. Edmund’s Academy Science Faculty member, Mr. Kevin Hengelbrok, said. “What better way to get students engaged in the content and their role in the community and environment than to get out in it and see what is going on?” The investigations include collecting and examining different items found in the water, along with assessing the water makeup. The data are then submitted to Creek Connections, which works with over 40 schools collecting data from all over the region.
Families with children ages 3-6 are invited to join CDS on Sunday, December 15 for the S.T.E.A.M. Festival of Light, an illuminating afternoon of science, technology, engineering, art, and math as we gear up for Chanukah. RSVP at comday.org/light to ignite your imagination and curiosity about the science and beauty of light! And get ready to party like a rockstar for a great cause at the CDS Rock-n-Roll Annual Party, their biggest fundraiser of the year, on Saturday evening, January 25 at Nova Place in the North Side. Tickets are on sale at comday.org/cdsrocks.
Students examining their samples, which are submitted to Creek Connections to collect data.
Winter 2019 | 29
GOOD NEWS FROM OUR SCHOOLS
St. Edmund’s Partners with Creek Connections To Do Natural Science Research
A E
R
AT
Y
F O R the
2020
LUNAR NEW YEAR IN PITTSBURGH CELBRATION KICK OFF | SATURDAY 1/25/20 | 12-3 PM DISCOVERY SPACE | ST EDMUND’S ACADEMY 5705 DARLINGTON ROAD, SQUIRREL HILL
PARADE | SUNDAY 2/9/20 | 12:30 PM MURRAY AVENUE/COMMERCIAL DISTRICT OF SQUIRREL HILL Come celebrate the biggest holiday on the Asian calendar with live cultural and music performances; family-fun activities; and authentic traditional foods from local restaurants.
Dear Neighbor:
Are you a SHUC member? If you are a member, thank you very much for your support! Your contribution is what makes possible the many projects and programs like the Squirrel Hill Magazine, Lunar New Year in Squirrel Hill, the Squirrel Hill Night Market, SHUC Litter Patrol, O’Connor’s Corner and the Forward-Murray Gateway project just to name a few! If you have never been a member, or your membership has lapsed, please consider going to our
website now at www.shuc.org and join your neighbors and friends. Fewer than 1% of the 16,500
Funders consider the size of our active paid membership when deciding whether we are worthy of support, and elected officials take our advocacy more seriously when they know we are speaking on behalf of a large membership base. Your support is what allows us to continue to preserve, improve, and celebrate the Squirrel Hill community we all love. There’s no other place like it! Give today!
homes and businesses receiving this free community magazine have made a membership contribution in the last 2 years.
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NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES
City of Pittsburgh passes referendum on property tax to fund Pittsburgh parks PITTSBURGHERS NARROWLY VOTED to pass a referendum in favor of additional parks funding in the November 5th election, with 52% in favor. The referendum will result in a 0.5-mill property tax increase next year to generate money for improvements in city parks.
Pittsburghers voted to pass a referendum for additional parks this month, resulting in a 0.5-mill property tax increase.
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy President & CEO Jayne Miller said she “respects the stances and concerns” of those who opposed the referendum, and is “committed to ensuring transparency, accountability and governance of public funds, and citizen input and guidance in parks investments.” The new funding through tax revenue, which the Conservancy is working to match with private investment, will allow the Conservancy to make much-needed repairs
Now that the referendum has passed, she says, the next step is for the Parks Conservancy to work with the Mayor and City Council to negotiate an agreement for what role the Parks Conservancy will have in implementing the Parks Plan. (The City of Pittsburgh owns the parks; the Conservancy maintains them). You can find updates on the plan in the Parks Plan section of the Parks Conservancy website at pittsburghparks.org.
to the 165 parks in Pittsburgh, many of which are underserved with current funding levels.
Speed bumps to be installed on Beechwood Boulevard As part of the new traffic calming project, the city of Pittsburgh will be adding speed bumps to a handful of local neighborhoods, including Squirrel Hill. Beechwood Blvd from South Dallas Avenue to Forest Glen Road is the main focus to slow down the cars, a result of very few drivers respecting the 25 miles-per-hour speed limit on Pittsburgh streets. Work is expected to take no
32 | shuc.org
more than 1 to 2 days and two way traffic will be maintained during construction. Data was collected prior to the project beginning and again will be collected after the project is complete to determine the effect the bumps have on the speed of drivers; project leaders expect a positive result once finalized. Signs will be placed nearby to give drivers a solid heads up of what is to come.
NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES
Squirrel Hill Merchants light up the business district
Volunteers and merchants from Uncover Squirrel Hill, the business distrcit association, added snowflakes to each light pole on Murray and Forbes Avenues.
Squirrel Hill is a lot brighter this holiday season thanks to the member merchats of Uncover Squirrel Hill (uncoversquirrelhill.com). This year, Uncover Squirrel Hill added over 5000 new lights and 30 LED snowflakes to celebrate the holiday season throughout the Squirrel Hill Business District. The merchants of USH helped financially make the new decorations possible and volunteers from Erika Strassburger’s office, Corey O’Connor’s office, the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition, Brandywine Communities and European Wax Center helped with installation. Next time you’re in the area, enjoy the wonder of the lights, and say thanks to the members of our business district association!
Swing City offers a friendly space for all kinds of dancing By Barbara Rabner For years, “Swing City,” created by Bobby Dunlap, has provided a warm and friendly venue for dancers of all ages. Every Saturday, Bobby D. delivers a variety of dancing opportunities to the community, including fun deejays and swing bands that alternate weekly. Swing lessons take place on Saturday nights from 8:00-9:00 pm. You don’t need a partner or a date — because someone will ask you to dance! Lori Levin, a regular attendee and professor at CMU, refers to Swing City as a “treasure,” noting how much she enjoys the variety of bands and the wonderful 3,000 square foot dance floor. Karen, also a Swing City regular, now assists Bobby with private dance lessons. She finds that dancing is a fun way to exercise after sitting all day at work.
Other days of the week offer different types of dancing: Sunday evenings attendees dance to Argentine Tango. On Monday nights, dancers are transported back to the Motown and Disco eras. On Thursday nights ballroom dancing is offered, with lessons from 7:30-8:00 pm. Dunlap has created a safe, alcohol- and tobacco-free setting to experience the joy of dancing. With so many types of dancing offered at Swing City, you can choose to enjoy them all.
For dance lessons or more information, call Bobby Dunlap at 412-759-1569 or visit swingpgh.com. Most dance nights have a $10 cover charge; jukebox and DJ nights have a $12 cover charge. $15 on band nights and disco/motown nights are $7. Wightman School Community Building, 5604 Solway Street. Winter 2019 | 33
What will happen to their urns when I’m no longer here? It is not uncommon to be at a loss as to what to do with cremation ashes once they are in hand. There are plenty of stories about unexpectedly discovering ashes while cleaning out rental properties and the like. The good news is that if you have an urn at home, it’s not too late to give it a permanent home. For information call us at 412-421-1822.
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Learn more and register at www.stedmunds.net. PRESCHOOL THROUGH 8TH GRADE COEDUCATIONAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL
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SQUIRREL HILL HISTORY
December Holidays in Squirrel Hill: 1935
By Helen Wilson, Vice President, Squirrel Hill Historical Society
THE SQUIRREL HILL NEWS BEGAN WEEKLY publication in 1935. The December issues of that year give an idea of how Christmas, Chanukah, and New Year’s Eve were celebrated in Squirrel Hill back then. A major event was the Community Christmas Tree exercises. A “beautiful, large Yule tree” was put up on the Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church lawn at the corner of Forbes and Murray (now Carnegie Library). “Floodlights played on it to bring out its beautiful effects” as the Sixth Presbyterian Church choir sung carols. Taylor Allderdice’s chorus, 75 voices strong, also performed, and Santa Claus himself was in attendance. One of the features of the entertainment was the “appearance of two bus loads of the little inmates of the Home for Crippled Children,” now the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh on Shady Avenue. Churches in Squirrel Hill held special services on Christmas Day. Asbury Church presented a program of Christmas music by the organist and members of the church choir. Third United Presbyterian Church on the corner of Shady Avenue and Northumberland Street (now demolished) had a full schedule of activities, including its annual Candle Light Vesper service. Hanukkah celebrations also took place that December. Congregation Poale Zedeck held an elaborate program arranged by the families of the Hebrew School and the Sunday Religious School, beginning with a “Chanukah play by the children, followed by a Chanukah celebration in the synagogue by the children of the Hebrew school.”
Left: A clip from page 4 of the Squirrel Hill News, November 16, 1939. This is still true as it was 80 years ago! Above: This Youngk’s ad from 1935 lists what children might expect for gifts that year.
At Beth Shalom, the Juniors held their Annual Supper for “paid-up members of the Beth Shalom Junior Sisterhood.” The fashion show that evening featured the “very latest creations in street dresses, sport frocks, bar frocks, and formal gowns by Adrian, 505 Smithfield Street.” Beth Shalom also advertised a “Last Call for Reservations for the New Year Party in the Beth Shalom Sisterhood Ball Room on New Year’s Eve.” The $3.50 price included “supper, free ginger ale and ice, breakfast, souvenirs, and good dance music by Nick Parillo’s N. B. C. orchestra.” The December newspapers advertised holiday events and attire. At Adeles Dress Shop, it was a “big year for FORMAL FASHION from Cocktail hour right on thru to Dawn.” Adeles’ collection included a “grand array of flattering gowns for going places.” The Morrowfield Grill offered a New Year’s Day dinner “in a delightful atmosphere” for 85¢. The Beacon Apartment Hotel Dining Room at 5800 Munhall Road offered a “Special Xmas & New Year TURKEY DINNER (Full Course) for 75¢.” Johnston, The Florist, at 5841 Forbes St., offered ‘large, beautiful Poinsettia plants” for $1.00 and corsages of “Violet, Rose, Lily-o-Valley, Gardenia, Dresdsen, and Orchid.”
Winter 2019 | 35
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UPCOMING PROGRAMS
SQUIRREL HILL HISTORICAL SOCIETY
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10
The Irrepressible Sophie Masloff
DR. BARBARA BURSTIN, SHHS member and University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University faculty member, has been researching the remarkable life of Mayor Sophie Masloff and will discuss the results of her research in this presentation.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14
Homestead and Squirrel Hill
TAMMY HEPPS came to Pittsburgh a few years ago to trace her Jewish roots in Homestead. Her talk will explore the surprisingly symbiotic relationship between the communities of Homestead and Squirrel Hill that began in the 1890s and continues to the present day. Originally linked by longforgotten urban infrastructure, Homestead and Squirrell Hill have since traded community and commerce for generations. Everything you think you understand about Squirrel Hill will look quite different when contextualized within the longer history and strikingly different social fabric of its neighbor to the south.
The Great Depression began in 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s, but little mention of hard times appeared in the newspapers except for the activities of various altruistic social clubs. The Squirrel Hill Community Club, near the corner of Saline Street and Hazelwood Avenue, gave its annual Christmas party at the Tuberculosis Hospital on Bedford Avenue with entertainment and refreshments. The Cornell Women’s Club held a Christmas party at the College Club for the children of members, and each child was asked to bring a discarded toy to be sent to the toy mission for distribution. Though eighty years have passed since then and some of our celebrations have changed, the Squirrel Hill spirit of giving to one’s neighbor has certainly stayed the same.
Delve into the Squirrel Hill News newspapers yourself! Go to the SHHS website, squirrelhillhistory.org, and click on the link to the newspapers Anyone interested in learning more about Squirrel Hill history is invited to attend the programs of the Squirrel Hill Historical Society, held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Church of the Redeemer, 5700 Forbes Ave. Go to squirrelhillhistory.org to view upcoming lectures and events. Events are also listed in the calendar in this magazine. Please consider joining the SHHS. Membership is only $15 per year ($25 for couples). There is no charge for attending the programs.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11
The Art of Collecting of Pittsburgh’s Gilded Age Titans
Dr. Elizabeth Roark, Professor of Art History at Chatham University, will examine the collecting practices of Pittsburgh’s industrial age’s “big three”: Carnegie, Frick, and Mellon, and the impact it had had on the city (and beyond). Focusing primarily on their desire to advance Pittsburgh’s art taste and period art installations.
LET ME HELP YOU MAKE YOUR NEXT MOVE Linda Corcoran, Realtor
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Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services Squirrel Hill Office C. 412.848.6967 O. 412.521.2222 ext. 258 E: linda.corcoran@pittsburghmoves.com W: lindacorcoran.cbintouch.com Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2019 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services. All rights reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 19FMOX_PIT_4/19
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Anyone interested in learning more about Hill history is invited to attend the 36 Squirrel | shuc.org programs of the Squirrel Hill Historical Society,
RESOLUTION BE A BETTER NEIGHBOR IN 2020 THE END OF THE YEAR is the time we make resolutions for how we want to spend the new one. As a resident organization, we’re always resolving to find new ways to improve the neighborhood and lend a hand to help out in the community, so we have some ideas! Whether you want to lose weight, be more productive, or spend more time with your family, we hope you’ll also add these neighborly resolutions to your list for 2020.
EVIDENCE OF A CRIME RIGHT AWAY. Residents sometimes don’t report criminal activity because they don’t want to bother the police or believe there’s nothing an officer can do about a problem. Calling doesn’t guarantee that police can do anything, but not calling guarantees they won’t. Even if you only see evidence of crime (like graffiti), you should report it. Officers can use this evidence when a perpetrator is eventually caught in the act. RESOLUTION: Get to know Officer David Shifren, the Community Relations officer for Zone 4 (Squirrel Hill). Officer Shifren’s email is david.shifren@ pittsburghpa.gov and the Zone 4 phone number is 412-422-6520.
VOTE. Governor Tom Wolf signed voting reforms into Pennsylvania law last month, giving you new voting options for the April 2020 primary election. The biggest reform is the option to vote by mail without providing an excuse, which is currently required for voters using absentee ballots. Mail-in voters may also opt to be added to the “permanent” mail-in list and can receive ballots for all state primary, general and special elections held in a given year. RESOLUTION: Let your family and friends know about the new voting regulations, and help those who wish to be a mail-in voter get signed up. Go to www. votespa.com or call 1-877-VOTESPA.
KNOW THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH’S NEW RECYCLING GUIDELINES. Shredded paper is no longer accepted at the curb and will need to be bagged and taken to a dropoff location. Items like coffee cups, ceramics, plastic bags, bubble wrap, and paper plates are not recyclable. Aluminum and steel cans can be recycled after they are rinsed and lids are removed. Plastic bottles and jugs under three gallons can be recycled as well, as long as the caps are removed. The top half of a pizza box is acceptable, but the greasy, bottom portion is not. Over the next two years, the City plans to distribute about 13,000 recycling containers to phase out blue bag recycling. RESOLUTION: Print the full list of what’s accepted in the new recycling guidelines and what’s not and post it to your fridge, available online at: pittsburghpa.gov/ dpw/residential-recycling.
VOLUNTEER. There are so many opportunities for you to volunteer right here in Squirrel Hill: sorting food at the Squirrel Hill Food Pantry, or calling on or driving seniors via the JCC’s AgeWell program. The Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition (SHUC) also has several committees you can join, based on your interest, to give back to the neighborhood: Bicycle-Pedestrian, Built Environment, Development, Education, Litter Patrol, Squirrel Hill Magazine, Trees & Parks, and Neighborhood Events. CONTINUED on page 38
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RESOLUTION: Reach out to a volunteer coordinator at a local organization and commit to spend some time giving back in the new year. Here’s a start: • • • •
Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition: email Maria Cohen at mcohen@shuc.org or call 412-422-7666. JCC AgeWell Program: reach out to Ellen Leger at 412-422-0400. Squirrel Hill Food Pantry: email foodpantry@ jfcspgh.org or call 412-421-2708. JFCS Immigrant/Refugee Program: email refugee@jfcspgh.org or call 412-422-7200.
PLANT A TREE. Planting trees is a great way to meet people in the neighborhood, add beautiful ambiance, and help provide cleaner air. If you missed the Squirrel Hill tree plantings this year, there will be several tree plantings announced in the new year!
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RESOLUTION: Bring a friend to one tree planting event in the new year. You can sign up for volunteer events with the Western PA Conservancy at www. waterlandlife.org/volunteer or contact Alicia Wehrle at AWehrle@paconserve.org. You can also find opportunities at www.treepittsburgh.org/events.
BE KIND. In the spirit of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, we know there’s really only one rule for being a good neighbor: being kind. Get to know the names of the kids on your block. Introduce yourself to new people moving into the neighborhood. Check on the elderly. Get outside to meet your neighbors. Volunteer to help when you see a need. Knowing we’re all in this together— and acting on it — is how we can resolve be better neighbors in the new year.
See this ad? It can be yours. Squirrel Hill Magazine reaches 13,000 households in the 15217 zip code every quarter and thousands more online. Support the important work of your local neighborhood organization and get noticed! Reach out to marketing@shuc.org for our 2020 Media Kit.