Issue 9 December-January 2013

mount
on the
NEWS, PARKS, PEOPLE, DEVELOPMENT, AND BUSINESS
The MWCDC staff wishes you health and happiness in the new year!

This issue of On the Mount was made possible in part by:

Photo by John Colombo

Tackling Litter on Our Turf

By Melanie Pfeiffenberger

Shop N Save Plans for Updates

by Jessica Downs

Over the past century Pittsburgh has gone through a number of renaissances, transforming itself time and time again. It is the Rust Belt City-that-could, maturing from the smoky city of steel to Americas Most Livable City. Pittsburgh has been praised for noteworthy innovation and astounding technological advances and yet is still experiencing an overwhelming litter epidemic. As Pittsburghers are all too aware, litter plagues our streets and neighborhoods. An unsightly and unsafe hazard, litter destroys our neighborhoods, poses environmental, health and safety hazards, decreases property values and costs valuable taxpayer

dollars. Litter is a nuisance which needs to be eliminated. Luckily the solution is simple: lead by example and Dont Trash My Turf. The Dont Trash My Turf! (DTMT) campaign is a partnership between the City of Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania Resources Council, the Commonwealths oldest grassroots environmental nonprofit and creator of the Litterbug icon. The DTMT project, made
PLEASE DONT LITTER!
Weve made a pledge to keep this storefront LITTER-FREE
Join the fight against litter, visit Dont Trash My Turf.org

The Mount Washington Shop N Save was honored as the MWCDC Business of the Year at the recent 5th Annual Dinner, thanks in part to updates by owner and operator Jim Kaczorowski. A graduate of Penn State University, Jim worked in banking before becoming a manager of the former Foodland. Foodlands owners, his sister and brother-in-law, brought Jim on board to help and he clearly took to his new position, taking over as coowner with a partner in subsequent years and changing the store to Shop N Save. Two years ago Jim bought out the partner and became the sole owner of Shop N Save. Since then, Jim has focused on making Shop N
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Duquesne University Department of Psychology Honored for Outstanding Service

Since 2007, Duquesne Universitys Psychology Department has enlisted Senior Psychology Seminar students, most often led by Dr. Eva Simms, in service learning with the MWCDC. Over the years, these students have contributed significantly to the success of Emerald View Park, and their research and engaged learning has resulted in tangible benefits and changes for the Park and the surrounding communities. The first service learning class in Mount Washington designed and carried out household surveys around one of Emerald View Parks anchor parks in our most challenged neighborhood, and discovered that parents wouldnt let children play in the Park because of fears about their safety. The data the students collected led directly to the conversion of an unused City building in the Park to a neighborhood boxing club, as Dr. Simms says, Bringing eyes on the Park. The Park is now a place of frequent activity where children of all ages gather and play safely, and where a national junior level boxing champion trains. All of the students projects, whether dealing with aging, recreational trails, the homeless, or park planning have provided vital information about community issues that have enabled MWCDC to tackle problems in more comprehensive, accurate and equitable ways. All of their projects, whether dealing with aging, recreational trails, the homeless, or park planning, have provided vital information about community issues that have enabled the MWCDC to tackle problems in more comprehensive, accurate and equitable ways. In honor of their commitment to the Park and to the community, the Park Development Committee voted to award the Duquesne University Department of Psychology with the Park Advocate of the Year Award during the MWCDC 5th Annual Dinner.

2013 Emerald View Park Accomplishments

We met big goals this year! Thanks to the hard work of our Emerald Trail Corps Crew and hundreds of volunteers for their hard work. 2 new miles of trails constructed 6 miles of trails maintainIned 13 full-time park-related jobs created 800 trees planted 10 informational signs designed 2 park entrances designed 600 volunteers engaged 25,000 pounds garbage removed from the Park Initial playground assessment completed

Shop N Save

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Save the go-to grocery store for all Mount Washington residents. In the last year, it began offering a hot bar with ready-made lunch options for customers in a hurry, and has enjoyed a brisk lunchtime business. Another recent change is that the store has begun carrying new merchandise to appeal to healthconscious customers as well as those who deal with dietary restrictions. Some products, including a few new gluten free and organic items, were suggestions from customers that have become best sellers in the store. I want customers to feel like they have a say in what we offer, stated Jim, adding, If one person is asking for a product, often other people will want it, too.

Jim and his wife, Michelle, plan to continue significant changes to the facade of the store within the next year in order to create a more inviting and modern space. Jim also hopes to update the flooring,

paint, produce cases and freezer equipment, and to continue to update the products offered. The Kaczorowskis truly care about their customers and the Mount Washington area. Shop N Save is the largest employer in Mount Washington, employing over 75 people, most of which have roots in our community. And their commitment to giving back to the community is well known, supporting many special events and fundraisers every year. The entire staff from the owners to the cashiers are friendly and helpful and truly make you feel warm and welcome when you are doing your shopping.

NORTHWOOD
Meet Gregory Panza. Gregory, a long-time resident and community activist of Mt. Washington, understands the importance of quality, trust and community. He lives, works and plays in the very same neighborhood that he serves, and has a passion to help his neighbors. Say hello to the New Face of Northwood.

Say hello to the new face of

- Gregory Panza
Upper St. Clair Office
1797 N. Highland Rd. Office 412.831.0100 Cell 412.657.3375 [email protected]

www.northwood.com

Upcoming Events
Christmas Caroling Friday, December 13, 6pm The Friends of Grandview Park will hold their annual Christmas caroling at the bandstand in Grandview Park, part of Emerald View Park. Refreshments will be served. 499 Bailey Avenue [email protected] 412.589.9586 Sunday with Santa Sunday, December 15, 10:30am-2pm Bring your family to Grandview Montessori to celebrate the season! Cookie decorating, childrens craft center, bake sale/coffee bar, local artisan vendors, basket raffle & tuition awards. $5 in advance for children under 12, $6 at the door Free admission for adults - all children must be accompanied. Sullivan Hall, 131 Bigham Street Reserve your ticket at [email protected] 412.904.3066 Saint Mary of the Mount Christmas Dinner Dance December 21 Advance sales only, no tickets will be available at the door. Call 412.381.0212 for more information. Calling All Birders: Christmas Bird Outing in Emerald View Park Saturday, December 28 7:30am-Noon Contact [email protected] or 412.481.3220 x201 to participate.

Upcoming Events, cont.

Family Fun: Storytime! Thursdays, 12/12, 12/19 11-11:45am Sing songs, listen to stories and make a craft. For toddlers and preschoolers and their caregivers. School-Age Fun: Fun Fridays Fridays, 12/13, 12/27, 3:30-4:45pm Join us Fridays for fun after-school. Each week we will have a new fun activity. Kids Create: Gingerbread Houses Friday, December 20, 3:30-5pm Join us as we build and decorate gingerbread houses. Imagination Builders: Lego Day Saturday, December 28, Noon-3pm Children and their caregivers are invited to use their imagination by building structures using a variety of building toys. If you would like to submit your event for a future newsletter or to our online event calendar, please send a detailed description to [email protected]. For a complete list of events and meetings, visit mwcdc.org/calendar.

Upcoming Meetings
MWCDC Board Meeting Thursday, January 3, 6:30pm Mount Washington Senior Center 122 Virginia Ave, 15211 412.481.3220 Mount Washington Community Forum Thursday, January 17, 7pm Mount Washington Senior Center 122 Virginia Avenue, 15211 412.481.3220 MWCDC Park and Conservation Committee Meeting Second Wednesday of January, 5:30pm MWCDC Office 301 Shiloh Street, 15211 412.481.3220 x204 MWCDC Economic Development Committee Meeting Fourth Wednesday of January, 6pm MWCDC Office 301 Shiloh Street, 15211 412.481.3220 x205

On the Mount is going electronic! The February/March newsletter will be our last paper issue of On the Mount. If you dont currently receive emailed communication from the MWCDC, please send an email to [email protected] in order to continue to receive our newsletters. No access to email? Please let us know by mailing a quick note to MWCDC Newsletter, 301 Shiloh Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15211.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh-Mount Washington Events

Please call 412.381.3380 for more information.

Baby and Me Tuesdays,12/10, 12/17, 11-11:45am For a fun and playful experience, babies and caregivers will participate in fingerplays, rhymes and songs. Recommended for babies up to 18 months.

Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

Thank you to the following individuals, organizations, and businesses for their valuable time and services!
Adam Germeyer Carnegie Mellon Engineers without Borders Carter Fort Christopher Keiper--MWCDC Restoration Intern City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works Civil and Environmental Consultants, Inc. Eric Gettemy--Redd Up Zone Captain Explorers Club of Pittsburgh Jessica Downs, MWCDC Intern Neighbors of the Haberman Ave. & Laclede St. Median Pitt Make a Difference Day Pitt Outdoors Club TreeVitalize Pittsburgh Urban EcoSteward Volunteers

MWCDC 5th Annual Dinner: An Amazing Night!

members. Additionally, a special award was given to MWCDC staff member Alphonso Randolph for his 10 years of passionate service to the Mount Washington community. Almost 200 community leaders, business owners, and engaged residents enjoyed the beautiful night and entertaining speakers. Were already looking forward to next year!

On November 17, 2013, the MWCDC hosted our most successful Annual Dinner yet. Attendees met and chatted with hosts former Pittsburgh Penguin, Phil Bourque and ROOT Sports announcer Rob King. Everyone enjoyed the best Pittsburgh has to offer--from the award-winning cuisine to the iconic Pittsburgh skyline. Guests

had personal, commemorative photos taken by a professional photographer and bid on fabulous items ranging from original works of art to the Cheers! package that included everything needed for a fully stocked home bar. Once the Silent Auction closed, the group sat down to dinner and helped the MWCDC celebrate and award outstanding community

Thank you to the Annual Dinner Committee: Marilyn Caye (Dinner Chair) Phil Bourque (Honorary Chair) Rob King (Honorary Co-Chair) Gloria Ostermeyer (Auction Chair), And special thanks to our volunteers: Angela Longo (Auction Basket Design), Jessica Downs, Adam Germeyer and Yvonne Tolomeo.

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Thank you to our 5th Annual Dinner Sponsors!

Congregate Management Services Inc.

www.cmshousing.com Developing housing thats More Than Just A Place To Live

a.m. Rodriguez Associates inc.

Update from Representative Erin Molchaney

My first twelve months in this office have been incredibly busy. I have held events and activities all across the district, and have met with hundreds of residents of this district. Beginning with our first public policy hearing in February that attracted over 100 Pittsburghers to talk about the importance of finding a sustainable funding source for mass transit, and extending to our recent activities surrounding the Affordable Care Act, my office and I have spent the last year trying to get to know you and the issues that matter to you. Hundreds of you have visited my office on Brookline Boulevard or come to our open houses, and Ive met many more at community meetings across the district. Im proud of the work that weve been able to accomplish together, and Im looking forward to the next year and beyond. I have been hosting events in local libraries to help people enroll in the new health insurance Marketplace. Unfortunately, there have been technical issues affecting the new website, www.healthcare.gov. These are expected to be resolved very soon, and consumers have until March 31 to enroll for this year. If you have been having difficulty using the site or would like to know more about your health insurance options under the new law, please call my office to receive assistance. This is the last call for 2013 Senior Property Tax and Rental Rebates. Depending on your income, you may be eligible for up to $650 in the form of a rebate, funded through the Pennsylvania Lottery. My office can help you with the form, which must be submitted by December 31st. We are also available to assist you with the

application for the LIHEAP program for low income households who are looking for assistance with their heating bills.

The Five Star Diamond Award

Fine Dinings Assurance of Excellence
LeMont has once again been awarded The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences FIVE STAR DIAMOND AWARD. LeMont is the only restaurant in Pennsylvania, and one of only 44 in the entire nation to receive this prestigious dining award. Treat yourself to an evening of ne dining at LeMont, or experience one of our fabulous banquets and you will understand why.

1114 Grandview Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15211

412-431-3100
www.lemontpittsburgh.com

Duquesne Light Voted Partner of the Year

Since 1880 Duquesne Light has been supplying energy to our region. Duquesne Light has not only been a devoted partner for the MWCDC, but for organizations throughout Western Pennsylvania through their Power of Light corporate giving program. In 2013, Duquesne Light signed a 6-year Neighborhood Partnership Program agreement with the MWCDC. This agreement brings significant operation support to the organization, helping us achieve our goals. The main goal of the Power of Light program is to illuminate regional and neighborhood landmarks, recreational lighting, as well as lighting initiatives promoting economic vitality, safety and security in the various communities and neighborhoods Duquesne Light serves. Power of Light also supports initiatives and organizations like the MWCDC that help enhance the quality of life and contribute to economic growth, with the goal of building strong and vibrant communities where we all can be successful. Duquesne Lights commitment to the MWCDC helps continue our long-term vision for creating an equitable and sustainable community. In Emerald View Park, Duquesne Light has helped staff our Emerald Trail Crew, creating the City of Pittsburghs fifth regional park. In our neighborhoods, Duquesne Light helps sustain real estate development, ensuring success and investment in community development. Because of this, we honor Duquesne Light as our 2013 MWCDC Partner of the Year. We are honored to have such a great partner in Duquesne Light and are excited for their continued commitment to the organization and the community.

> Community Outreach Program

Dont Trash Our Turf (continued from page 1)

possible by generous support from the Colcom Foundation, is working to spread the litter prevention message and promote clean, litterfree streets and neighborhoods. This City-wide initiative is working to raise public awareness about the consequences of littering and encourage individuals to take action to prevent and clean up litter. DTMT empowers individuals to take a stand against litter every day. Residents can show their support and commitment by posting home front and storefront signs, reporting vehicular littering, and participating in local cleanup efforts. DTMT storefront and home front signs are available for all individuals to show their commitment to a litterfree environment. Residents and store owners alike have begun taking advantage of the DTMT signs, making a commitment to keep their turf clean. Signs cans be downloaded at donttrashmyturf.org. Additionally, the DTMT campaign empowers residents to take action against littering in our City. Residents can report vehicle littering to the new DTMT Litter Hotline, a partnership with the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Residents are encouraged to report vehicle littering sightings to the DTMT Hotline and in return the Bureau of Police will issue a friendly notification to the vehicles registered owner. The notification will outline the consequences of littering and offer the recipient information about how they can join the fight against litter. You can report vehicle littering by visiting the Dont Trash My Turf website at donttrashmyturf.org or call the DTMT Hotline, at 412.431.4534, to speak to a representative. The DTMT campaign needs you to help spread the litter prevention message: Dont Litter & Dont Trash My Turf! It is everyones job to help keep our streets, neighborhoods, and communities litter-free. Join the fight against litter today and visit donttrashmyturf.org to learn how you can get involved.

Spot Someone Littering from Their Car?

Call the Dont Trash My Turf hotline at 412.431.4534 or complete an online form at www. DontTrashMyTurf.org. You will need to provide the time, date and location where they spotted someone littering as well as the license plate number of the car.

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Mt. Washington Businesses Play Key Role in Pittsburgh Sports

field hosts games each Thursday at 6:30, 7:45 and 9:00. The age of participants ranges from early 20s to mid 50s and has come to exemplify good sportsmanship. Teams are comprised of groups of friends, co-workers and even assembled from relationships built on years of competition among players. Bigham Tavern sponsored a team that finished the Spring-Fall seasons with a combined record of 20-1, winning Summer and Fall championships and enjoying a healthy dose of post-game chicken wing consumption. Red Beards on Shiloh Street is a key sponsor of PSL and offers food and drink specials to PSL competitors. These establishments taking the time to recognize the importance of organized activity among postcollege residents highlights both their commitment to a vibrant city for active residents, as well as acting as ambassadors to our amazing neighborhood. The Mount welcomes the Pittsburgh Sport League and all their participants and invites them to swing by one of the local establishments after a game for some food and drink!

By Adam Causgrove

With the myriad of sport leagues in the greater Pittsburgh area, it can be difficult to know which operate where and how to go about joining. Among the many choices, the Pittsburgh Sports League, a division of Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project (www.pump.org), stands out as offering the most diverse options for city-wide intramural participation. With activities being offered for each season, participants can find fun ways to stay active year round. On the Mount, Olympia Field is a popular home field for Thursday Night softball. Offered in the Spring and Summer seasons, the

Old Pittsburgh
This photo from October 25, 1909, was taken at the intersection of Edith Street at Greenleaf Street, looking toward Rutledge Street in the Duquesne Heights neighborhood on Mount Washington. Many photos in the public record from this time period were taken to document public works projects. The photo is credited to the Pittsburgh City Photographer and is used with permission from Historic Pittsburgh. To see more old photos of Mount Washington and Duquesne Heights, visit http://images.library.pitt.edu/ pittsburgh. 11

on 10 years spent serving the Mount Washington Community as the MWCDCs Dollar Energy Program Administrator and Administrative Assistant for the MWCDC. Thank you for 10 years of compassion and kindness!

Alphonso Randolph

Congratulations to MWCDC employee

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

301 Shiloh Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15211 Serving the Mount Washington and Duquesne Heights neighborhoods with a mission to cultivate growth, development and community investment. Total circulation: 7,000 copies 6,000 mailed 1,000 dropped. To advertise, contact Christina Howell at 412.481.3220 x206 or [email protected]. Deadline for the February-March On the Mount is Friday, January 10. MWCDC Staff Jason Kambitsis, Executive Director Ilyssa Manspeizer, Director, Park Development and Conservation James Eash, Director, Economic Development Kathryn Hunninen, Manager, Park and Community Sustainability Christina Howell, Coordinator, Marketing and Outreach Alphonso Randolph, Administrative Assistant Thomas Guentner, Emerald Trail Corps Leader Jessica Downs, Marketing and Outreach Intern 2013 MWCDC Board of Directors Jon Lusin, President Ed Preston, Vice President Breen Masciotra, Treasurer Terry Moss, Secretary Marilyn Caye Peter Karlovich Victor Cianca Vickie Pisowicz Justin Cipriani Amanda Rubio Darla DAnna Kacey Wherley Paul Gitnik Robert Zilch Eric Horwith

PAID
PITTSBURGH, PA PERMIT NO. 77

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