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November 2016VOLUME 45ISSUE 5

Also Featured In This Issue 2 … Vice President Report

2 … From Darlene Harris

3 … BHCF Information List

4 … BHCF Election

5 … Carnegie Library

5 … State Representative Adam Ravenstahl

6 … Meeting Minutes

Next General Membership

MeetingThursday

November 10th, 20167:00 PMMorrow

Auditorium

Join us again for this year’s 3rd annual Bright the Night Festival in the California business district of Brighton Heights on Saturday, December 3rd. This season we are expanding our children’s events area so please bring your kiddos out to have some fun! Various organizations will be set up along with holiday craft vendors and food tables. Purchase tickets for our Chinese auction held in the Brighton Heights Citizens Federation office! There is definitely something for everyone! Santa will arrive at 6:30 p.m.! We will be singing and counting down to our new tree lighting!

If your business or organization would like to participate, please contact me. Please register ASAP.

CONTACT: Jessica Schubert PHONE: 724-462-4548 EMAIL: Jpperformingarts@aol.com

3rd Annual Bright the Night Festival Saturday, December 3 | 6:30 p.m. | California Avenue Business District

bhcf@brightonheights.org | (412) 734-02332

From Darlene Harris October is finally upon us, which means summer is officially over. For those of us in Brighton Heights, October also means that the much anticipated Halloween Parade is back! This year, the Halloween Parade will be held October 29th at 1 p.m. The parade route runs down Davis Avenue to Legion Park and registration is at Kunsak’s parking lot from 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. There will be prizes for the best costumes and every child will receive a goodie bag for attending!

On another note, October is the beginning of the colder months in Pittsburgh. Please keep in mind that although the weather is still fair, winter is around the corner. Now is the perfect time to set aside a supplies kit for any emergencies that may arise in the coming months due to snow storms or power outages.

As we enjoy the autumn weather, I also want to remind everyone to please keep the well-being of your pets in mind. Cooler weather can be refreshing for us, but the harsh cold of sidewalks and streets can damage your pet’s paws. Legion Park is a great place to take your dog for a brisk walk or jog and it also offers a beautiful view of the changing colors of fall.

Never hesitate to contact my office with questions or concerns about the neighborhood. My staff and I can be reached at the contacts below. Enjoy the colors and breezes of autumn!

CONTACT: Darlene Harris, Councilwoman, District 1 PHONE: 412-255-2135 WEBSITE: http://pittsburghpa.gov/district1/feedback

Vice President’s Report It is hard to believe the fall has already hit. It is a great time to reflect upon the summer and some of the great things the Federation has done on behalf of the membership.

This past August we had a neighborhood-wide walk-through with Mayor Bill Peduto. The focus of the walk-through was to see some of the public safety hot spots and take in some field data. The Mayor spent a good part of the evening with several board members and concerned citizens. He listened and asked a lot of questions.

Later in the month of August, the Federation was notified it had been awarded the grant for security cameras through the Buhl Foundation. We have money that Councilwoman Harris has promised the Federation to use as leveraging funds. We are currently in the process of finalizing signing neighbors up to be hosts in the hot spots.

Finally, in September, Zone 1 had a public safety meeting. It was encouraging to hear the progress which Zone 1 has made, specifically in how they analyze data and the lack of shooting on the Northside in the month of August. I was very encouraged by the public participation and there were numerous board members present: myself, President Vince Pallus, John Belch, Tim Maloney, Brendan Delaney, Treasurer Suzie Smolin, Donna Kramer and Megan Miller. We had a very strong representation compared to the other neighborhoods. I think it is a testament to how much your board is invested into public safety.

Until next time…

Everything for the good of the Federation.

Brendan Schubert Vice President

Do You Have a New Neighbor?If so, let us know, BHCF will give them a one year free membership and send them a newsletter for a year. And if you would like to write something about Brighton Heights, please feel free to send your article to:

BHCF Newsletter 3629 California Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Or E-Mail it to Editor, Dave Lebec submissions@brightonheights.org

This newsletter is printed for us by Allegheny General Hospital and we appreciate their generosity.

Newsletter Committee:Editor: Dave Lebec Copy Editor: Erin Marie Yourd Reporter: Joan Bellisario Distribution: Judy Bendtsen and Vince Pallus

The opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the membership of the board.

BHCF Board of Directors:Officers President: Vince Pallus Vice President: Brendan Schubert Treasurer: Suzanne Smolin Corresponding Sec: Brendan Delaney Recording Secretary: John Belch

Directors Janice Johns Engelman, Bill Goodrich, Jack Hunt, M. Kate Kelley, Donna Kramer, Dave Lebec, Tim Maloney, Megan Miller, John Norman, Helen Wehner, Jeff Worsinger

The United Way #188Brighton Heights Citizens Federation is a United Way agency. You can make a donation to the Federation by choosing #188 on your donation form. All United Way donations are used exclusively for children’s activities such as the Halloween Parade.

Any member making a United Way donation receives free membership in the Federation. Usually paperwork does not catch up to us until the year after the donation.

Membership RenewalCheck the date after your name on your mailing label and make sure your membership is up to date. If it is not, please renew your membership now, either by sending in a renewal with the form on the back of the newsletter, or by going to our website online and renewing it by PayPal.

BHCF Information List

BHCF Answer Line: 412-734-0233

BHCF FAX: 412-734-0234

E-Mail: bhcf@brightonheights.org

Web Site: www.brightonheights.org

ALCOSAN (odor control) 412-766-9445

Allegheny Co Health Dept 412-578-8390

Animal Control

412-255-2036 (before 3 p.m.)

412-255-2935 (after 3 p.m.)

Building Inspection 412-255-2176

Building Permits: 412-255-2175

Burned Out Street Light 412-255-5483

City Council Office 412-255-2142

City Council Rep for BH 412-255-2135

City Planning 412-255-2200

Emergency 911

Environmental Services 412-255-2780

Graffiti in the neighborhood You are a direct victim Graffiti Busters (will remove it) Graffiti Watch

311 911 412-255-2872 412-255-2272

Litter Hot Line (PA State) 888-548-8372

Mayor’s Office 412-255-2626

Mayor’s Response Line 311

Organized Crime, Narcotics, and Intelligence Division (ONI)

412-665-4300

Parking Authority 412-560-7275

Pittsburgh School Police Police – Zone 1

412-622-3520 412-323-7201

Public Works 412-255-2790

Refuse/Recycling 412-255-2773

bhcf@brightonheights.org | (412) 734-02334

Nextdoor PittsburghHave you joined our online neighborhood? Nextdoor is a private community network that let’s you meet and coordinate with neighbors, the Mayor of Pittsburgh, and other community resources. Check out how Brighton Heights and its members are using Nextdoor to create volunteer engagement and change in the neighborhood on our website at brightonheights.org

Interested in sharing a story with your community?Submit your story in less than 250 words using the submission link on the brightonheights.org homepage.

Newsletter Submissions DeadlineThis is a reminder that the deadline for your entry to the Brighton Heights Newsletter is approaching. Please submit your article to me as an attachment no later than December 1st. Thank you for your cooperation.

CONTACT: Dave Lebec, EditorEMAIL: submissions@brightonheights.org

Go Green by getting your newsletter by email Email newsletters contain links to related stories, additional stories not included in the printed copy and helps the federation put more of our funding to local initiatives.

Neighborhood Crime InformationIf any member of the Brighton Heights Citizen’s Federation would like specific information regarding the criminal activity in or neighborhood, you have two sources at your disposal:

• You are invited to attend regular meetings at the Northside Public Safety Council held the first Thursday of each month. They are held at the Manchester Citizen’s Corporation Building located 1319 Allegheny Avenue. You may also obtain this information by logging onto the Police website at http://communitysafety.pittsburghpa.gov/. The next meeting will be held in September.

• You are invited to attend the Federation general membership meetings every second Thursday usually located in the auditorium of John Morrow School. Police officers from Zone 1 provide a comprehensive list of every crime that occurs within our neighborhood. The next scheduled meeting will also be held in November.

The best way to prevent crime in our neighborhood is to become involved.

2016 November Elections for Brighton Heights Citizens Federation

At each November general membership meeting, the Brighton Heights Citizens Federation holds elections for the Board of Directors. Last year, we elected the five officers and four board members for a two year term. This year we will elect the rest of the board. If you would be interested in running for a board position, please contact the BHCF office for more details.

Please be prepared to attend 11 board meetings and five general membership meetings each year, and be willing to participate in the functions that the Federation sponsors. It is a commitment to giving your time and energy, but it a most rewarding job. It is amazing how much the board does every year to make the neighborhood a better place for all of us. You can call the office number, 412-734-0233, leave your name and number on the answering machine and someone will get back to you. You may also email us at bhcf@brightonheights.org.

Neighborhood SafetyPlease remember to close and lock all windows and doors when you are away from home. Call 911 to report any suspicious person, activity or vehicle to the police. Do not leave anything of value within eye sight in your car especially money, cell phone, camera, keys, wallet or purse. Always remember to lock your car. Take valuables with you when leaving your car.

www.brightonheights.org | 3629 California Avenue 5

ADULTS

Résumé Assistance 1st and 3rd Tuesdays in November and December, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Qualified Volunteers are available to help you develop a strong résumé and cover letter so you can land that all-important interview. Please call to make an appointment!

KIDS & TEENS

Chess Club Thursdays, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Play a competitive game with your peers or learn the game from the beginning. Chess club is for all ages of children and levels of play.

Homework Club Mondays, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Kids and teens are invited to join our Homework Club, a place for students of all ages to study together and get help with their homework. We’ll provide a quiet study room where you can focus with friends. Snacks and homework supplies will be provided.

SAVE THE DATE!

The Girl Who Swallowed the Sun: A Puppet Play by Felicia Cooper

Tuesday, November 15th, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Handcrafted puppets will tell a tale of an adventurous girl who comes from mysterious origins. The show draws on folklore from Japanese and Native American culture. Perfect for children ages 5 and up but all are welcome.

For a complete schedule of all events, please visit: www.carnegielibrary.org/locations/woodsrun

From The Carnegie LibraryAs we gear up for the busy holiday season, take time out to spend with friends and family at the library! We have something for everyone.

We hope to see you soon!

Best Wishes, Marta Honores, MANAGER, CLP-WOODS RUN

ADDRESS: 1201 Woods Run Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 PHONE: 412-761-3730 WEBSITE: www.carnegielibrary.org

Don’t Be Among the Missing on Election Day

An estimated 2 million eligible Pennsylvanians aren’t registered to vote.

I’ll resist the urge to nag about the importance of exercising our voting rights, even if it is a bulwark of our nation. However, valid excuses for not voting are few and dwindling.

Pennsylvania has offered online voter registration for 13 months now, and over 250,000 Pennsylvanians have used the system to register to vote.

As the insurance commercial says, it’s so easy to do even a caveman could do it. Well, at least a caveman with rudimentary computer skills. Simply type in www.votespa.com in your browser and follow the prompts.

Be quick, though. October 11th is the final day to register to vote in the November 8th general election when candidates for president, U.S. senator and other offices will be decided.

Pennsylvania also has launched a voter registration text messaging service. Eligible citizens can text the word “PA” to “2Vote” – 28683 – on their smartphones. The user will receive a link that provides direct access to the online voter registration application, voter registration status, polling place locator and a link to contacts for county offices and the Department of State.

Other important dates for the upcoming election include: • Nov. 1st: Last day to apply for a civilian absentee ballot; and • Nov. 4th: Last day to return a completed civilian absentee ballot.

Please be aware that Allegheny County is seeking election judges, inspectors and clerks. Election officers earn from $105 to $130, as well as paid training.

All positions serve about 15 hours at the voting location on November 8th, from 6 a.m. until the judge of election releases the election officers team.

More information is available online at www.alleghenycounty.us/elections, click on the “Careers” menu and then the “Interested in becoming an election volunteer” link.

CONTACT: Matthew MaciorkoskiHouse Democratic Communications OfficePHONE: 717-787-7895FAX: 717-783-6839 EMAIL: mmaciork@pahouse.net

State Representative Adam Ravenstahl (D) Allegheny | www.pahouse.com/Ravenstahl

bhcf@brightonheights.org | (412) 734-02336

September 8, 2016

The meeting was brought to order at 7:00 p.m.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

The Minutes from the May 12, 2016 General Membership meeting were approved without corrections.

Special Guests:

Pittsburgh Public Safety Director – Wendell Hissrich Director Hissrich introduced himself and his background, which included a stint as an EMT at the Shadeland Avenue station in the 1980’s. He spoke to police staffing levels, the adjustment in the Telephone Reporting Unit (TRU) policy and the coming addition of EMTs to help lessen the workload of paramedics. He answered member questions.

Pittsburgh Police – Zone 1 Commander Chris Ragland, CRO Larry Crawford The new Zone 1 Commander introduced himself and his background (native to Observatory Hill) to members and outlined his three goals: Reduce violent crime, create partnerships with the community and provide timely information to residents. Crime statistics are to be posted weekly on the Zone 1 Facebook page. He answered member questions on drugs, arrests and crime prevention. He announced the Zone 1 Public Safety Town Hall meeting will be held on 10/6 at the MCC building and a Coffee With a Cop event will be held on 9/14 at the Commonwealth Coffeehouse. CRO Larry Crawford distributed the latest crime statistics for the neighborhood.

Mayor’s Office – Ernest Rajakone Ernest introduced himself and made announcements for a Resiliance Fair on 9/14 in the Southside and that a new LGBTQ advisory panel is being recruited. Interested persons can apply on pghjobs.net. There will be a Blight Boot Camp on 10/7-10/8 and information on that is found at lotstolove.org.

Be A Middle School Mentor – Julianna Sehy Julianna reported on this United Way supported mentoring program for children in the Pittsburgh Public schools. Volunteers are being sought for all schools on the Northside on a weekly basis during lunch periods. The program has shown positive results.

Council Person Darlene Harris Darlene introduced her new assistant Drew Greenwald and provided further reporting on the changes to the new Telephone Reporting Unit policy for the police. She spoke to police staffing issues and to new software in her office for tracking 311 and 911 activity in her district. She then answered member questions on police and public works issues.

Report of Officers and Others:

President’s Report — Vince Pallus Vince reported on Mayor Peduto’s walk-through of some of the neighborhood’s pressing issues and areas that occurred on 8/9. The overall result was seen as positive and Brighton Heights may be involved in a new pilot program to help coordinate all City departments in addressing our needs. He also spoke on the value of our all volunteer organization and how social media has had a distorting effect on what BHCF is and does. He welcomes all in the neighborhood to communicate directly and to attend our open GMM and BOD meetings.

Vice President — Brendan Schubert Brendan reported that BHCF has received the $10K Buhl grant to be used for security cameras in the neighborhood. The process for implementing these and other funds for public safety is ongoing.

Corresponding Secretary — Brendan Delaney Brendan had no report.

Treasurer’s Report — Suzanne Smolin Net Worth Report – As of 8/31/2016

Assets — Cash and Bank AccountsMonument 1,637.63Operating Account 1,074.81SSB OP Acct 11,107.77State Grant Account 915.71United Way 2,222.31TOTAL Cash and Bank Accounts

$16,958.23

The Treasurer’s report was approved. Suzie reported that the City grant for past expenses of $7K has been received and that the BHCF house tour in June made $3,500 in profit.

NSLC — Vince Pallus and John Belch Vince and John reported on the new Carnegie Science Center expansion plans that the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy has formed an advocate committee for Riverview Park and that cleanup days for Riverview are listed on their website.

Neighborhood Safety Committee — Donna Kramer Donna reported on a public traffic safety issue at Morrow school and how she will coordinate the response between the school police and City police. She will set up a block watch meeting for the fall. As a follow up to the Prayer Rally for Peace held in June, another event called

MINUTES Review of Previous General Membership Meeting

www.brightonheights.org | 3629 California Avenue 7

Love Your Neighbors will be held on 10/8 in Legion Park. Art Kreisel detailed the event’s aim to get to know your neighbors with a day of fun activities sponsored by many of our churches in Brighton Heights.

Gardens and Greenspaces — Mark Kirby Ed Gergerich thanked all who have volunteered this year for our gardens and that there will be one more week of work on them before October and will occur on 9/20 and 9/22.

Education Committee — Kate Kelly Larry Ehrlich reported on the community meeting with the new superintendent on 9/15 at the Clayton School and that the ongoing tutoring program for Morrow students is held on Thursdays and is in need of more volunteers.

Housing Committee- Jessica Mooney Vince used this portion of the meeting to gain community input on what members and residents would like to see happen with the St. John’s site. He gave a brief recap of the various plans and problems that have occurred over the last 15 years and what the current situation with the land is. He expressed the need for a long term view and that the Mayor’s walk-through may be helpful in moving some project along as well as the funding now being made available for green infrastructure by PWSA and Alcosan. Resident comments included a call for a mix of housing and green space as well as for a possible new community center to replace the current facility on McClure. Members expressed a general consensus to push forward on getting something done with the site in order to advance the improvement of that part or our neighborhood.

Clean-up — Tim Maloney Vince reported that the fall cleanup day for the community, the gardens and Pitt Make a Difference Day will be held on Saturday 10/22. All are encouraged to volunteer.

Halloween Parade — Stacey Roa Vince thanked Stacey for her work last year on this successful event and that this year’s celebration will be held on 10/29.

Old Business None.

New Business None.

Anything for the Good of the Federation Alcosan will hold their annual open house event on Saturday September 17.

The next General Membership meeting will be November 10, 2016.

The 50/50 Raffle prize of $15 was won by Councilperson Harris and donated to the Federation.

Approximately 40 persons attended.

Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted John Belch

Last Page Laugh By Tom Kaylor

Growing up Eddie was a bit confused with his parent’s advice.

Dad:  “Eddie, don’t pick your nose”.

Mom:  “Eddie, keep your nose clean”.

bhcf@brightonheights.org | (412) 734-02338

Brighton Heights Citizens Federation3629 California Ave.Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212

The next Membership Meeting will be held at 7:00 January 10th, 2013 at the John Morrow auditorium on the corner of Davis and Fleming Avenues.

This newsletter is printed for us by Allegheny General Hospital and we appreciate their generosity!

Nonprofit Organization US Postage

PAID Pittsburgh, PaPermit #2804

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Membership is also available on-line at www.brightonheights.org

BHCF Treasurer3629 California Ave.Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212

The next Membership Meeting will be held at 7:00 Thursday, September 12, 2013 at the John Morrow auditorium on the corner of Davis and Fleming Avenues.

The next Membership Meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 10th, 2016 at John Morrow Auditorium on the corner of Davis and Fleming Avenues.