CHATEAU — Fans of all things pedal-powered from across the country converged on the Northside on May 3031 for the 16th Bicycle Heaven Annual Bicycle Show & Swap Meet.

Bicycle Heaven — which is the world’s largest bicycle museum — organizes this gathering of cycling enthusiasts to give them a chance to show off, and potentially sell, parts of their collection. Everything from retro easy-riders to sporty BMX bikes to novelty children’s bikes filled the parking lot of the Chateau-based attraction.

“We get people from all over the country,” said Bicycle Heaven owner Craig Morrow, citing visitors from as close as New York to as far as California.

Despite the often long distances attendees have to travel, Morrow said that repeat visitors to the meet are common. In his estimation, about half of the people who take part in the meet come every year.

One of those repeat participants at this year’s meet was Craig Finnerty, who was attending as a vendor. Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, Finnerty characterized himself as a “strictly BMX, early-to-mid-80s” collector, but greatly enjoys the myriad of different bikes he gets to see at the swap.

“It’s a lot of different variety,” he said. He also cited the “camaraderie” between enthusiasts at the meet as a highlight of the event.

Like many people, Finnerty got into cycling at a young age.

“It’s our first chance to work on stuff, so you work on your bike and that turns into bigger projects like working on cars,” he said. “I returned to bikes.”

Another attendee was Curtis Creer, of New York, who specializes in collecting bikes from the 60s and 70s. He has a special fondness for bikes with “banana seats,” as those were the kinds he grew up with.

Creer said while he enjoys visiting Bicycle Heaven, the meet is a chance to see some of the bikes Morrow hasn’t collected.

“He has a lot of bikes, but he doesn’t have everything,” he said.

Indeed, Morrow told The Chronicle that he had an eye on a bicycle brought to the meet, a 1975 bicycle which is the first carob-fibre bicycle ever made, designed by F.H. Appel Company.

As for Creer, he also had a fondness for the people he meets at meets, and said he has even met celebrities at bicycle events, including actor Robin Williams and talk show host Ricki Lake.

“You meet all kinds of people when it comes to bike meets,” he said. Bicycle Heaven will hold an additional Show & Swap Meet later this year, on Aug.

15-16. Attending the event is free, though there is a fee for vendor space if someone wishes to sell at the event.

For more information, contact Bicycle Heaven at (412) 734-4034 or visit bicycleheaven.org. The museum is located at 1800 Preble Ave. and is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In a watershed moment for justice, the court found that Pennsylvania’s mandatory life-without-parole sentence for felony murder violates our state constitution’s prohibition against cruel punishments because it fails to consider a person’s individual culpability. That is a major development, not only legally, but also for the moral integrity of our state government.

For decades, Pennsylvania’s felony murder law has imposed the same mandatory sentence on people participating at vastly different levels in these crimes. Under the law, someone who planned and intentionally carried out a killing could receive the exact same punishment as someone who never intended for anyone to die, never pulled a trigger, or, in some cases, was not even present when the murder occurred. This was never a reflection of a fair or rational approach to justice.

As a lawyer, I understand the importance of accountability under the law but also emphasize that our justice system must recognize the difference between levels of responsibility.

In this historic decision, the court held that automatically sentencing every person convicted of felony murder to life without parole — without considering their intent, conduct or role in the offense — is incompatible with the protections guaranteed by our state constitution. The justices made clear that fairness requires individualized sentencing, not blanket punishment.

Importantly, the court did not eliminate accountability for felony murder. Second-degree murder remains a serious offense. What the court rejected was the idea that Pennsylvania can constitutionally treat every person convicted under that statute exactly the same, regardless of the facts.

The court ruled on March 26 and stayed its ruling for 120 days to allow the General Assembly time to act. In other words, legislators now have both a responsibility and a deadline of July 24 to act. If we fail to address the issue thoughtfully, the courts will inevitably be forced to continue stepping in case by case. As a lawmaker, I recognize that there are many difficult questions ahead and am eager to help craft a solution centered on both justice and accountability.

We must begin from a place of honesty about what the old system did. Mandatory life-without-parole sentences erased distinctions among people whose actions and intent were profoundly different. They removed judicial discretion entirely. And they contributed to a system in which punishment was often disconnected from individual culpability. That is not justice.

As legislators, we have an obligation to build a better system. I am encouraged that there is bipartisan interest in addressing this issue. This conversation is not about excusing harm or diminishing the pain experienced by victims and families. Our legal system should strive to deliver justice that is thoughtful, constitutional and proportional. The Lee decision reminds us that the law is not static. Our understanding of justice evolves. Courts, legislators and communities all have a role to play in ensuring that our systems reflect accountability and humanity.

Over the coming weeks, the General Assembly must rise to that challenge. Pennsylvania now has an opportunity to move away from one-size-fits-all punishment and toward a justice system that recognizes nuance, constitutional rights and the possibility of redemption. That is work worth doing and work we cannot afford to delay.

If you have questions about this issue, or any others, I encourage you to call my office at (412) 321-5523, email RepKinkead@pahouse.net, or visit my office at 658 Lincoln Ave. in Bellevue. 

The city is accepting responses to a survey regarding preferences for a planned renovation of Jack Stack Playground until June 15.

The survey is available at engage.pittsburghpa.gov/ jack-stack. Responders will have the chance to pick one of three options of playground equipment to be installed and make additional comments.

Perry Commencement Ceremony set for June 11

The commencement ceremony for the Perry Traditional

Academy Class of 2026 will be held on June 11, at 2 p.m.

The ceremony will take place at Petersen Events Center, located at 3719 Terrace St. in Oakland. It will take about an hour.

Mayor Corey O’Connor visits Brighton Heights meeting

Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor paid a visit to the Brighton Heights Citizens Federation monthly meeting on May 14, at John Morrow Elementary School.

Mayor O’Connor spoke briefly about some of his priorities in office, and also took questions and comments from those in attendance.

This was the Federation’s last meeting before their summer break. The group will reconvene on Sept. 10.

Earlier this month, I was proud to announce a $1 million grant to support the Horace Mann Village development right here in the Northside — a project that helps answer that need in a very tangible way by bringing new housing, community space and workforce development opportunities to a long-underused site.

The Horace Mann Village project will ultimately include 182 new residential units, a structured parking facility, a public park and a workforce development center. It reflects a simple but important idea: that addressing affordability isn’t just about building more units, but also about building stronger, more connected neighborhoods.

This investment is part of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Pennsylvania Mixed-Use Housing Development Pilot Program, which is helping communities across Pennsylvania convert underutilized properties into housing and community assets. With more than 100 applications competing for limited funding, it’s clear just how urgent the need is to expand housing supply across the Commonwealth.

That broader commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening communities is rooted in a long legacy in Pennsylvania politics — one that includes the work of K. Leroy Irvis, who represented the same Pittsburgh seat I am honored to hold today. Rep. Irvis served in the Pennsylvania House from 1958 to 1988 and made history as the first African American Speaker of the House in any state legislature since Reconstruction. His leadership broke barriers at the highest levels of state government, but just as importantly, he used his platform to expand opportunity, advance fairness, and strengthen public education and economic access across Pennsylvania.

In the state Capitol, I recently had the privilege of welcoming Rep. Irvis’s widow and family to the House chamber, where they were recognized for his extraordinary service and enduring impact on the Commonwealth. Seeing them there was a powerful reminder that his legacy is not only remembered, but actively reflected in the work we continue to do — especially as we think about how to expand opportunity and strengthen communities like ours in Pittsburgh.

I’ve been seeing that urgency reflected throughout our budget hearings for the 2026–27 proposal in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Appropriations Committee. Housing, education, workforce development and long-term economic strength are deeply connected — and the choices we make in this budget will shape how well we respond to challenges like the ongoing teacher shortage.

That conversation about opportunity and access is especially urgent in education. One of the most pressing challenges we face is the teacher shortage across Pennsylvania, particularly the need to recruit and retain more educators of color. With roughly 94% of teachers in the Commonwealth identifying as white, too many students still don’t see themselves reflected in their classrooms — a gap that affects both opportunity and outcomes.

As budget negotiations continue, I’ll stay focused on making sure Pittsburgh’s priorities are reflected in the final agreement: stronger schools, stronger communities and investments that help working families get ahead.

Brighton Heights
Andrew Badger to Patrick Miller and Samuel Peterson at 3727 Brighton Road for $695,000.
Scott Sierzega to Holt Michael Barnitz at 180 Richbarn Road for $260,000.

Historic Deutschtown
Raabih Realty LLC to Lion Roar Development LLC at 1210 Middle St. for $120,000.

Manchester
TLH TD Properties LLC to Burgh Property Group LLC at 1319 Adams St. for $150,000.

Marshall-Shadeland
VB 10 LLC to Stone Astra Properties Group LLC at 1427 Evandale Road for $116,750.
Joan Mialki to Qiuju Wang at 2714 McDowell St. for $30,019.

Observatory Hill
Jonathan Gevas to Andrew Volanski and Gina Marie Ferragonio at 23 Bonvue St. for $333,000.

Spring Hill
LH2 LLC to 1339 Romanhoff LLC at 1339 Romanhoff St. for $61,000.
Joszef Molnar to P 8 Hold Co. 1 LLC at 56 Woessner Ave. for $30,000.

Troy Hill
Amanda Leigh Drenning to Robert Naugle and Alexander Rigby at 2120 Lowrie St. for $415,000.

Real Estate Transactions provided by <RealSTATs>.  Contact <RealSTATs> at 412-381-3880 or visit www.RealSTATs.net.

The internship is made possible through a collaborative partnership between the Chamber, the Local Government Academy (LGA), and the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. LGA, a valued member of the Chamber, has long served communities throughout Western Pennsylvania by providing training, education, and professional development opportunities for municipal officials and emerging civic leaders.

Founded to strengthen local government leadership and civic capacity, the Local Government Academy works with municipalities, nonprofits, and regional partners to support effective governance and community improvement initiatives. Through partnerships like this internship program, LGA helps connect graduate students with hands on experiences that support both professional growth and community impact.

GSPIA, one of the nation’s leading schools for public affairs and policy studies, prepares students for careers in government, nonprofit management, public policy, and international affairs. The school emphasizes applied learning, research, and civic engagement, making internships a key part of the student experience.

The Chamber’s summer intern brings experience in public policy research, fundraising outreach, event planning, and strategic analysis. During the internship, Hadji will assist with research initiatives, strategic planning support, grant and funding research, event coordination, and community engagement efforts that align with the Chamber’s mission of strengthening local businesses and neighborhoods.

Q&A with the Chamber’s Summer Intern

Q: Can you walk us through a time when you conducted research to support a project or program? What methods did you use to gather data, and how did you ensure its accuracy and relevance?

A: “I have done research for numerous policy papers and memos during my master’s studies at Pitt’s SPIA. For instance, I used data from government reports, peer-reviewed publications via Pitt’s library database, Google Scholar, and reliable sources like .gov and .org websites to write a comparative policy study on plastic waste management in North Africa. I cross-referenced several sources to guarantee accuracy, giving government and peer-reviewed publications precedence over content based on opinions.”

Q: What tools or resources would you use to identify potential funding opportunities, such as grants or sponsorships, for a nonprofit organization?

A: “Grants.gov, Foundation Directory Online, and Candid are examples of specialized grant databases that I would begin with. Additionally, I would research corporate sponsorship initiatives, local community foundations, and federal government websites that are pertinent to the organization’s objective. I would also investigate the funding sources for comparable NGOs in the area, as this frequently uncovers untapped potential. As part of my ongoing strategy, I would also continue to subscribe to grant raising initiatives?

A: “First, creating tiered corporate sponsorship packages for hallmark events would provide local companies with an opportunity for visible branding in exchange for financial assistance. These are some suggestions I would make specifically for the Chamber. Second, looking for funding-generating research collaborations or student engagement initiatives with Pitt, Carnegie Mellon, and other colleges. Third, starting a workshop series or small business incubator with a registration fee that would both benefit the community and make money. Lastly, developing a more robust online presence and a narrative approach centered on member success stories may draw individual contributors and charitable foundations that are interested in community development.”

Q: If you were asked to research new fundraising opportunities for our organization, how would you prioritize which ideas or opportunities to pursue?

A: “Alignment with the Chamber’s objective, viability given present capacity, and possible return on time and resource investment are the three criteria I would use to assess each possibility. I would begin by outlining every opportunity that is accessible, then rank them according to those standards. I would also consider the timetable; certain awards must be prioritized in accordance with their stringent deadlines or multi-year cycles. To provide the Chamber with both immediate and long-term finance, the objective would be to pursue a combination of short-term gains and longer-term strategic prospects.”

The Chamber looks forward to working alongside Hadji throughout the summer and continuing its partnership with LGA and Pitt GSPIA to support the next generation of civic and nonprofit leadership.

This partnership reflects the Chamber’s ongoing investment in regional collaboration, workforce development, and community-driven innovation. We are excited to welcome talented students who are passionate about public service and strengthening our communities.

CitiParks Farmers Market kicked off another season in Allegheny Commons Park on May 29 and is scheduled to run every Friday through Nov. 20. The market is open from 3-7 p.m. and will continue to host a beer garden and musical entertainment on the last Friday of every month. All markets accept SNAP benefits, debit and credit cards through the Fresh Access program from Just Harvest, allowing shoppers to exchange funds for tokens that can be used to purchase their fresh produce and other items directly from vendors. For more information on the City’s farmers markets and to see a list of vendors at each location, visit pittsburghpa.gov/farmersmarkets, or email farmersmarkets@pittsburghpa.gov.

I’m happy to share that City Cuts, the City of Pittsburgh’s lawn cutting program, is back for another season. This program is targeted to our older neighbors, our veteran neighbors, and our neighbors with disabilities who do not have the means to cut their own grass. In 2026, this service will be provided twice a month weather permitting from summer through mid-fall.

Applicants must reside in the City of Pittsburgh limits, own the property or be responsible for the grass cutting of the property, lack means to cut their own lawns, and meet one or more of the following qualifications: be 62 years or older, be a veteran, have a disability that prohibits you from cutting grass, and/ or have an income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Service is limited and applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Interested residents can apply by calling 311 or online at pittsburghpa.gov/Resident-Services/Community-Programming/City-Cuts.

Now is the perfect time to think about becoming a lifeguard for the upcoming summer pool season! Lifeguards are hired to work at Citiparks Aquatic Facility locations June through Labor Day and applicants are offered Lifeguard Certification Training courses prior to the season as well as recertification for experienced lifeguards. Candidates must have a Red Cross Lifeguard Certification valid through Sept. 7, and additionally are required to submit criminal background clearances and pass a medical exam. To be eligible for employment, applicants must be City of Pittsburgh residents, must be 15 years old, and be willing to work at any of Citiparks Aquatics Facilities. For additional information, and to fill out an interest form, visit: pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation-Events/Pools/Citiparks-Lifeguard.

If you’re looking for fun, free entertainment this summer, head to Riverview Park on Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. from June 6 through July 25, for the “Stars at Riverview” concert series. Attendees are invited to bring a lawn chair or spread a blanket on Observatory Hill for incredible musical entertainment sponsored by the Allegheny Regional Asset District. Each week concerts will be followed by a showing of “Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park.” The full schedule of concerts can be found here: pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation-Events/Events/Concerts/Stars-at-Riverview.

The full schedule for movies can be found here: pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation- Events/Events/Dollar-Bank-Cinema- In-The-Park/Riverview-Park. There will also be a pop-up screening at Troy Hill Citizens Park on Aug. 3. Thank you to the Citiparks Office of Special Events for continuing to provide these free events for Northside residents.

Finally, I encourage you to take the URA’s Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF) community feedback survey. The HOF is a local funding source of $10 million per year to support affordable housing needs in Pittsburgh. The Annual Allocation Plan outlines how the funds will be used. The goal of the survey is to acquire feedback directly from City of Pittsburgh residents, so that funding can be allocated toward programs that best fit the community’s needs. The survey results will be discussed at upcoming public HOF Advisory Board meetings and is one of the many considerations that go into the planning process. For more information about the Housing Opportunity Fund and to take the survey, please visit ura.org/pages/HOF.

If you have any questions or concerns, call us at (412) 255-2135, email us at district1@pittsburghpa.gov, find us on Facebook and X, and sign up for our newsletter (pittsburghpa.gov/City-Government/City-Council/Districts/Bobby-Wilson-District-1). My staff and I look forward to hearing from you!

Northview Heights
Freddy Saul Lopez Mauricio to Rudolph Molero at 276 Mt. Pleasant Road for $65,000.

Observatory Hill
Raymond Wappes Jr. to 4007 Portman LLC at 4007 Portman St. for $46,500.

Perry Hilltop
Estate of Leroy Miller Jr. to BINA PA LLC at 2449 Hazelton St. for $30,000.

Spring Hill
Pittsburgh City to Daniel and Jenna Leber at 1347 Romanhoff St. for $20,100.

Real Estate Transactions provided by <RealSTATs>.  Contact <RealSTATs> at 412-381-3880 or visit www.RealSTATs.net.

Some have pre-conceived notions about Catholic school education. One popular belief is that the nuns in Catholic schools swat students with rulers. I can tell you I personally never experienced a nun asking me to put my hands out so that she could swat them with a ruler. Maybe I was a well-behaved child?

On the other hand, the belief that a Catholic school delivers unmatched excellence in education, prepares students to succeed in higher education, provides a solid foundation of spirituality, instills an undying love for God, and teaches students to be kind to others among other virtues — that is absolutely true! The lessons I learned early in Catholic school set me on the path for life and have continued to be with me to this day. That’s the power of a Catholic education.

Today, with fewer priests and smaller congregations, many Catholic churches are forced to merge to form new parishes. My cherished Northside parish — Christ Our Savior Parish — is no different and is a result of the merger of St. Peter, St. Boniface, and St Cyril churches. My parish still has rectories with priests but no parish convent or parish school. However, due in part to Pastor Rev. Michael Caridi of Christ Our Savior Parish, there is a new Catholic elementary school — St. Cyril of Alexandria Academy (SCAA) — located in Brighton Heights which will serve the ENTIRE Northside community.

SCAA has been established as a diverse, independent Catholic school (pre-kindergarten through eighth grade) created and funded by the Miraculous Medal Academies Foundation (MMAF) and will be governed by a Board of Directors with Fr. Mike as its Chairman. South Hills Catholic Academy — SCAA’s sister independent Catholic school in Mt. Lebanon — was also created by MMAF and served as the model for SCAA. SCAA has also been endorsed by Bishop Mark Eckman of the Pittsburgh Diocese and although not a parish school per se, Fr. Mike says the role of Christ Our Savior Parish will be to provide “pastoral support.”

The mission of SCAA is to “assist parents in the Christian spiritual, moral and intellectual formation of their children by ensuring the total development of each child – body, mind and soul” (corpus, mens, and anima). This is a tall task for today’s schools yet SCAA and its unique approach to education is up to the challenge.

The pastoral support will be part of the spiritual formation each child receives at SCAA including attending weekly masses, Eucharistic adoration, and of course, praying. As Fr. Mike explains, “all knowledge and truth come from God” and the mass which is the “integrating force” is an opportunity for the children to future, become leaders with purpose. In the end, these students learn how to “use what he or she learned to glorify God.”

SCAA guarantees a scholarship to each student based on need

Fr. Mike also shared that this Catholic School will not be limited just to children who are Catholic. SCAA wholeheartedly and openly welcomes and encourages children of all faiths to enroll. Non-Catholic students will be exposed to the Catholic faith through mass and prayer and participate in the spiritual formation program to the degree allowable. They may serve as lectors, altar servers, choir members, or cantors. Fr. Mike says the “hope is that they will be moved to freely ask to become members of the Catholic faith.” The student altar servers and lectors I witnessed during mass were confident, poised, articulate, and comfortable with public speaking.

To round out the school experience and develop each student’s body, athletics, a full music program, and Christian service opportunities will be offered at SCAA. The plan is for students to participate in Diocesan athletic competitions and to engage in service opportunities such as serving at the Red Door ministry of downtown’s St. Mary of Mercy Church.

And yes, there is a dress code and those school uniforms serve a purpose. Principal Godwin wholeheartedly supports a uniform dress code and explains that uniforms help students “foster a positive attitude about themselves, promote reverence in appearance for God, and unify the student body” by eliminating visible differences in clothing. The uniforms foster a more inclusive environment where students are judged more on their abilities than their appearance.

Principal Godwin also explained another way that makes SCAA stand out as a unique Catholic school is that it is an “income-based scholarship school” and fully intended to “serve the underserved” of the Northside community. As a scholarship school, SCAA guarantees a scholarship to each student based on need. SCAA welcomes all God’s children from every race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background and especially focuses on making this school affordable to our growing immigrant population. Many believe that a quality Catholic education may be unattainable because of price. Due to the scholarships offered, Godwin describes SCAA as “accessible and affordable.”

If you are seeking an accessible, affordable, diverse, and authentic Catholic School that provides a traditional, quality education where your child will be taught to think, reason, engage, and where the spirituality and the love of Jesus is fostered; look no further. SCAA welcomes you all with open arms. P.S. There is year-round enrollment in SCAA.

St. Cyril of Alexandria Academy is located at 3854 Brighton Road. For more information on enrolling in St. Cyril of Alexandria Academy, contact Principal Joshua Godwin at (412) 631-3131 or jgodwin@stcyrilacademy.com n

The event will be taking place at the intersection of 51st Street and Butler Street in Lawrenceville. Families can enjoy a Touch-a-Truck with Undercliff Volunteer Fire Company, touch real fossils with Carnegie Museum of Natural History, or learn ukulele with Millvale’s You Be You Music.

Alongside dozens of state and local resources, there will be a dunk tank, free sweet treats, and special appearances from beloved Pittsburgh mascots throughout the event. We hope to see you there!

If you need any assistance with state-related needs, including Property Tax Rent Rebates, PennDOT issues, or filing for unemployment compensation, please contact my office at (412) 7812750. My team also has office hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second floor of the Shaler Municipal Building every Thursday.

Be well, 

Lindsay Powell

The organization’s therapeutic preschool moved into 1300 Western Ave., formerly occupied by Pittsburgh Community Television, while its administrative offices moved into the Cardello Building, 701 North Point Dr. Previously Family Resources operated out of 1425 Forbes Ave. in Uptown.

Aimee Kolick, Family Resources’ Executive Director, told The Chronicle that the move will significantly expand the size of the preschool and provide greater convenience to both the organization’s staff and clients.

“This room is maybe a little smaller than our entire building in Uptown,” Kolick said, referring to just one of the classrooms at the preschool’s new location.

With the new location, the school will have access to conference rooms for meeting with parents, separate break rooms for staff (who previously would eat their lunches alongside students), more space in the classrooms for students, and access to outdoor areas, including a playground.

The Cardello Building’s many amenities — including cafe, gym, massage services and other factors — were especially enticing to Family Resources as being beneficial to employees.

“Our culture at Family Resources is staff being first,” Kolick said, mentioning that the organization takes an interest in workers practicing self care and feeling appreciated.

There is also an economic benefit to the move. Joshua Cramer, Family Resources’ Director of Development, said the organization will be paying “half the price” compared to the lease at its former spot. Kolick added that staff and clients often struggled to find parking around the Forbes building, something that won’t be a problem with the Western Avenue and Cardello Building’s dedicated parking spaces.

Family Resources plans to hold a reception at its new location at some point in the future. The organization plans to join the Northside | North Shore Chamber of Commerce.

“It seems like it’s the perfect place to engage the community here,” said Cramer.

Family Resources is looking for Northside businesses or groups who may want to partner with the organization for field trips or other student activities. Anyone interested in doing so should contact Cramer, at jcramer@familyresources.org.

History and services

Family Resources got its start in East Liberty in 1986, and moved to the Forbes location 13 years ago. The organization offers prevention, intervention and treatment services in the fields of child abuse and trauma.

The therapeutic preschool caters to children dealing with a variety of mental health diagnoses or are healing from trauma, with many being nonverbal or dealing with other behavioral issues.

“A lot of our kids have been thrown out of other preschools,” Kolick said.

The school can enroll up to 30 children (up from 25 at the previous location), with a teacher-to-student ratio of one to five. The students’ classrooms offer a variety of sensory experiences, a “calm down corner” and the school employs a service dog, named Mac, who assists in a variety of ways, whether that is helping a kid calm down or providing a ready listener for them to practice reading.

The school is working to prepare its current class of students for the move. Kids are being shown pictures of the new location, and a multi-handle leash was acquired to enable Mac to lead multiple students around the building.

For more information about Family Resources, visit familyresources.org, call (412) 363-1702 or email help@familyresources.org.

Historic Deutschtown
Abigail Henderson to Michael Ducey at 602 Middle St. for $235,000.

Manchester
Manchester Citizens Corp. to Chateau Holdings LLC at Chateau St., parcel 0007-B-00208-0000-00, for $325,000.

Marshall-Shadeland
Estate of David Morgan to Praxis Ventures PA LLC at 3234 Bainton St. for $145,000.
Jared William Glatz to CHACHMA LLC at 2705 Pitler St. for $49,200.

Troy Hill
Edward Auer to Brian Standfast at 1146 Brabec St. for $37,000.
Marades Real Estate LLC to Purpleconcepts LLC at 2038 Lowrie St. for $220,000.

Real Estate Transactions provided by <RealSTATs>.  Contact <RealSTATs> at 412-381-3880 or visit www.RealSTATs.net.

Project Manager Ana Bennett told The Chronicle that the stream restoration aspect of the project has been completed, affecting the main stream which runs along Mairdale Avenue and four tributaries.

“All of those have been officially completed and been restored,” she said.

Pittsburgh Water workers are now constructing weir walls — walls used to control the flow of water and manage flooding — and creating pools and stream beds to help mitigate overflow over the streams in case of heavy rainfall.

The project began in October with the goal of reducing the amount of sediment flowing into Pittsburgh’s sewers, as well as reducing sewer overflows. Bennett said that a lack of vegetation in Riverview Park has caused a “significant amount of soil” to flow into the sewer system during rainfall.

Further, she said the sewage system isn’t able to handle much rainfall before it begins to overflow. According to Bennett, it only takes more than 1/10th of an inch of rainfall to cause an overflow.

With the new safeguards put into place, excess water during rain will flow into a stormwater facility via a pipe that runs under Riverview Drive. This facility will hold back the water and release it into the sewer on a slow basis, helping to prevent overflows.

During the project, Riverview Drive has been closed. Bennett said the road will not reopen until the project totally wraps up in November, assuming everything stays on schedule.

Once complete, Bennett said the project should result in reduced maintenance needs to sewer systems affected by the sediment and excess overflows, and help reduce general flooding around the stream. As Pittsburgh Water will be planting around the restored streams, it will help contribute to a healthier ecosystem for the park’s forest.

Pittsburgh Water has been working with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Friends of Riverview Park and the City of Pittsburgh in completing this project. The agency received funding from ALCOSAN and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

Upon completion of the project, maintenance of the stormwater facility will be turned over to the City of Pittsburgh.

For more information about the project, visit pgh2o.com/projects-maintenance/search-all-projects/woods-run-stormwater-project-phase-two.

James Dunn trustee to Justine Cunningham at 418 Armandale St. for $115,000.

CityLife North LLC to Jonathan and Gretchen Bender at 221 Alpine Ave. for $305,000.

Allegheny West

Estate of Ingrid Margarett Berglund to Christopher Baiker at 922 Beech Ave. for $929,000.

Brighton Heights

Kathleen Gibson to Tayler Bolea at 1835 Wittmer St. for $245,000.

Natalie Sippel to Christopher and Kylie Burnikel at 1224 Goe Ave. for $277,500.

Eric Miller to Corey Bisbal and Emma Thomas at 3640 Massachusetts Ave. for $241,525.

East Deutschtown

816 Spring Garden Enterprises LLC to 3 Rivers Investment Group LLC at 816 Spring Garden Ave. for $79,000.

Creative Solutions Investments LLC to Lightwell Properties LLC at 918 Rickenbach St. for $580,000.

Manchester

Faiza Enterprises LLC to Byrd Empire LLC at 1417 Pennsylvania Ave. for $105,000.

Estate of Donald Allen Norrington to Tyrone Mowe Simpson at Page St., parcel 0007-B-00145-0000-00, for $20,000.

Zachary Cole to Charles Daniel Jones at 1316 Sheffield St. for $260,000.

Estate of Donald Allen Norrington to Tyrone Mowe Simpson at 1439 Sheffield St. for $125,000.

Marshall-Shadeland

John Newman to Bellflower Real Estate LLC at 2923 Frederick St. for $24,000.

Shawn Coleman to Soulectve Solutions LLC at 1347 Oakhill St. for $99,735.

Estate of Michelle Brunick to La’Quaye Sloan-McBride at 915 Smithton Ave. for $12,500.

Observatory Hill

Marc Laspada to Alfonso Monoyek Mbomio at 38 Watson Blvd. for $300,000. Kyle Scott Mathias to Cienna Chefren at 211 Bascom Ave. for $165,000.

Perry Hilltop

614 Homes LLC to Latawnya Jones -Smith at 2247 Wilson Ave. for $189,900. Diana Close trustee to Christopher Adams at 2216 Wilson Ave. for $93,000.

Spring Hill

Break Brick LLC to US Bank Trust Co. NA trustee at 1315 Diana St. for $30,000 by sheriff’s deed.

Troy Hill

Rose Marie Trzil to HTown 5 LLC at 1822-1824 Elbow St. for $20,000.

Mark Knaiger to Alessandro James Devito at 2063 Liedertafel Way for $42,000.

While the YMCA reopened its doors to the public back in March, the ceremony marked the completion and resumed availability of most of the Y’s facilities. Only the pool still remains closed, though Allegheny YMCA Executive Director Michele Charmello said that amenity should be available soon.

The renovations touched upon just about every aspect of the more than 100-year-old building, with improvements ranging from accessibility ramps and new HVAC systems to the installation of elevators and construction of childcare facilities.

It was not just the public-facing aspects of the YMCA that saw upgrades. The building’s residential areas are also receiving ongoing improvements, including private bathrooms (replacing group shower rooms) and central air conditioning, among other renovations.

Check out the July 2026 issue of The Northside Chronicle for the full story.

At the event, Lodge in Bloom, attendees dressed in formal wear and enjoyed several rounds of fine wine tasting guided by lodge member and sommelier Cory Hart, while bidding on artwork, donated prizes and experiences.

“They wanted to go high-end,” Allegheny Elks President Shawn Melvin said of the event’s organization committee. “Let’s show people what this place can look like.”

Though the Elks are no strangers to raising money — usually for various good causes such as their Christmas charities campaign or their scholarship program — Lodge in Bloom was a fundraiser for the Elks themselves. The organization is planning a total refurbishing of their lodge building, one that is hoped to not just beautify the structure but also open up numerous opportunities for the group and establish new event spaces on the Northside.

Lodge in Bloom was aimed at fundraising the final $50,000 toward the first phase of this renovation: a restructuring of the building’s front porch. The planned scope of this first phase, which will cost $300,000 in total, includes restoration of the building’s main entry doors, cleaning and repairing of masonry and brick steps on the face, restoration and repair of light fixtures and the addition of a chair lift and new sidewalk entry for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.

However, the Elks have much loftier ambitions. The social group is planning an estimated $16 million total renovation of the lodge, including returning the building’s grand ballroom and rooftop garden venue into operational order.

Elks leadership viewed Lodge in Bloom as a kickoff to this entire effort, and a way to get membership thinking of raising funds for the renovations.

“Once you start down the path, you really want to keep the momentum going,” said Tim Zinn, the Allegheny Elks Lodge Historian.

Zinn said the fundraiser was a way to let people and potential funders know that the lodge is “serious” in its effort, which will help when the social club makes future, larger requests for money.

As a historian, Zinn is keen to see that the renovation retains the historic character of the lodge. The building, designed by renowned local architect Edward B. Lee, was opened on March 5, 1926. Zinn said the refurbishment will “Get back to the bones of the building” and return it to its classical look, while accepting modern conveniences, such as the planned installation of an elevator.

Of particular interest to Zinn is the possibility of reopening the lodge’s rooftop garden venue, which was popular during the “height of the flapper era.” As for why the lodge is launching this effort now, Allegheny Elks Building Revitalization Chair Carly Dobbins-Bucklad told The Chronicle that a certain factor played into the start of the project.

“You need to have leadership who are willing to put the time in, and the lodge has that right now,” she said.

Further, Dobbins-Bucklad said the Allegheny Elks is growing in membership, and has become a “cultural hub” on the Northside. With that kind of prestige, as well as the lodge celebrating the 100th anniversary of its building this year, beginning a renovation effort made sense to undertake.

Overall, Elks leadership was happy with the outcome of Lodge in Bloom. According to Melvin, the event was “close to sellout,” with only a single digit number of tickets left. As for what exactly comes next, Lodge in Bloom Host Committee Member Sally Graubarth said the Elks hope to hold a party just before the work on the porch begins, with a follow up event taking place once it is complete as a kind of “before and after” of the first stage of renovations.

The Allegheny Elks also hope to hold more fundraising events, possibly some in the style of Lodge in Bloom, as the grand renovation project continues. Those wanting more information should keep an eye on the Allegheny Elks’ website, alleghenyelks339.weebly.com.

Brighton Heights
Michael Miller to Ross Mickley at 3718 Millerton Ave. for $175,000.

California-Kirkbride
Taylor Ann Yenick Smith to Lauren Stackhouse at 1537 Brighton Pl for $225,000.

Fineview
Oneroof Real Estate Inc. to Above & Beyond Care Services LLC at 2102 Letsche St. for $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $50,000).

Historic Deutschtown
Ross Greenwood to Cameron Smith at 606 Lockhart St. for $350,000.
RC Congration Mary Immaculate Street Cyp to East Allegheny Associates LLC at 907 Middle St. for $525,500.

Marshall-Shadeland
Darlene Griffin Triplett to M&L Property Group LLC at 2647 Brighton Road for $100,000.
George Reffert Jr. to Schneiders Properties LLC at 1229 Courtright St. for $100,000.
VB Two LLC to Daniel Michael Rhoades at 1430 Dickson St. for $10 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $167,500).

Observatory Hill
Lisa Lin Ni Yu to Arlene Alonso at 3613 Baytree St. for $35,600.

Perry Hilltop
Donna Pierre Grayson to Dady Alvord at 617 Danbury St. for $174,900.
Donna Fordenbacher to John Robinson Jr. at 845 Marshall Ave. for $161,000.
Ru Emmons to John Jeffries at 520 Suffolk St. for $120,000.

Spring Garden
Linhart C&C LLC to Tony Bazemore Jr. and Natia Dais at 1619 Haug St. for $180,000.

Spring Hill
Jeffrey Hawk to Charisse Smith at 924 Haslage Ave. for $175,000.
Harry Bartolowits to Melinda Mae Suttor at 1411 Hetzel St. for $295,000.

Troy Hill
Albert Kachinko to Marshall and Teresa Ninehouser at 1804 Ley St. for $165,000.

Real Estate Transactions provided by <RealSTATs>.  Contact <RealSTATs> at 412-381-3880 or visit www.RealSTATs.net.

“Honestly, we didn’t see much of a crowd at all,” said Lexi Bernotas, manager at The Sandwich Shoppe. “We definitely expected a little more than what we thought.”

Located only a few blocks north of Acrisure Stadium, The Sandwich Shoppe had prepared for extra business the weekend of the draft, April 23-25. The restaurant extended its usual hours until 6 p.m., up from a typical closing time of 2:30 p.m.

However, the demand for sandwiches just wasn’t there, and Bernotas said the latest the Shoppe ended up staying open during the weekend was 3 p.m., as the expected extra customers didn’t show up. She suspects the lack of business was due at least in part by locals and regulars staying out of the area during the draft for fear of huge crowds and traffic congestion.

“I think that people who actually live here got really scared and thought ‘I need to leave,’” she said.

The experience was similar over at Max’s Allegheny Tavern, located less than two miles away from the Steelers’ stadium and center of draft activities. Owner Douglas Diegelman estimated his bar had about a “quarter” of the usual weekly crowd.

“Yeah, the whole week no one was around,” he said.

Diegelman believed the sheer variety of activities and services available down at the main draft event kept crowds centered around the stadium, meaning they did not stray further into the Northside and dine or shop at the local scene.

“I think they did a really good job down there where they were doing everything,” he said. “There was a lot to do down there.”

Newly opened bar The Eastman, which held its soft opening only a week ahead of the start of the draft, had ordered extra cans of beer in preparation for a draft crowd that never manifested. Co-owner Michael Schmidt said the three days of the draft did not end up matching The Eastman’s busiest days, something he was at least partially thankful for.

“It may not have been our best weekend, but for us starting out, overall it turned out good,” he said. Schmidt said The Eastman had “ebbs and flows” in terms of traffic during the draft, which made things easier to handle for the relatively new restaurant.

In a further unexpected benefit, Schmidt said the feared parking issues caused by the draft did not occur. He had been worried staff would have difficulty parking near the East Ohio Street bar, but instead found they had “ample” parking space.

“I think the neighborhood and the city in general heeded the warning not to drive,” he said.

In every market right now, there’s one clear exception: Well-priced, well-presented homes are still selling, and it’s often faster than you’d expect. If you can tap into that, you can still set yourself up to move quickly, too. Here’s how to get it done.

How Long It Takes To Sell Today

According to Realtor.com, homes are selling in about 52 days right now. That’s how long the process takes from the day it hits the market until closing day. And while that may sound slow to you, it’s not slow. It’s normal.

That’s because it’s pretty much right in line with what it was during the last normal years in the market (see 2018-2019 in the graph below): It just feels slow when you’re eager to move – or when you think back a few years to when homes seemed to sell almost instantly.

But here’s what matters most. The market is normalizing. Not at a standstill.

This is the norm for timing from start to finish. You may have an accepted offer in hand even faster than this.

Markets Where Homes Still Sell Quickly, Even Now

Zillow says the typical home will go “pending” or “under contract” in 19 days. Some homes even see it happen in as little as 7 days. It just depends on where you are – and how you prep your house.

So, don’t let the slowing pace of sales stress you out. Homes can still sell fast, if they’re positioned right.

Just to show you, here’s a quick look at some of the markets that are moving faster than the norm, according to Zillow (see map below). This’ll show you how different it can be based on where you live.

The key things you need to remember when looking at this visual: It varies a lot based on where you live. Within the same state, individual neighborhoods or pockets may sell much faster than the norm. Even in slower moving states, you can still sell quickly. As the map shows, in those places there are still homes that go under contract in as little as a week. So don’t worry about if your state made either list. As Orphe Divounguy, Senior Economist at Zillow, says: “The cream of the crop is still selling fast, even in markets that have slowed considerably. . .

The Big Reasons Some Homes Sit, and Some Sell Fast

And here’s the big secret. While location can definitely play a role, it’s not just about location. It’s about strategy. Today’s buyers are paying attention to condition. They’re comparing photos, upgrades, layout, location, and price. And they’re choosing homes that feel move-in ready and well worth the value. The homes that check those boxes?

They’re not sitting for long – no matter where they are.

As the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) explains:

“. . . some homes are still flying off the shelves. These houses are often in the Midwest or Northeast, where the lack of new construction keeps a lid on supply. Certain homes in other markets are selling quickly, too, often when a home is move-in ready.”

Because in any market – hot or not – if a home is overpriced, needs too much work, or just doesn’t meet current buyer expectations, it’s not going to sell. In this market, the sellers who win are the ones who get real about their house. They’re honest about how their home compares to other listings, realistic about price, and they work with an agent who truly understands today’s market and what it takes to sell. When your agent knows how to price strategically, spotlight the strengths of your home, and move quickly when the market gives clear signals, that’s when the results follow.

Bottom Line

Today’s housing market rewards the right strategy. Because even in a slower area, the homes that are priced realistically and positioned well are still selling — sometimes faster than you may expect.

Let’s connect if you’re ready to make yours one of them.

Bicycle Heaven — which is the world’s largest bicycle museum — organizes this gathering of cycling enthusiasts to give them a chance to show off, and potentially sell, parts of their collection. Everything from retro easy-riders to sporty BMX bikes to novelty children’s bikes filled the parking lot of the Chateau-based attraction.

“We get people from all over the country,” said Bicycle Heaven owner Craig Morrow, citing visitors from as close as New York to as far as California.

Despite the often long distances attendees have to travel, Morrow said that repeat visitors to the meet are common. In his estimation, about half of the people who take part in the meet come every year.

Check out the July 2026 edition of The Northside Chronicle for the complete story.

The event, titled Community Gathering, was held at Penn Brewery, and featured both silent and live auctions, raffles and the chance for neighbors to vote on what features they want to see for the planned park, which will be built at the vacant lot located at the corner of Tripoli and Chestnut streets and is owned by CASGED. The park will also incorporate the neighboring Food City, a community garden managed by CASGED.

“It’s an important park for us because we’re a really dense neighborhood with a lot of old houses and not a lot of yards,” said Erik Kath, CASGED’s president.

The community group is planning several amenities for the space — which is going by the name of Tripoli Park — such as a stage, a roof ed pavilion, the planting of additional trees, and the reuse of the old trolley tracks that used to run along Chestnut Street as a sculpture, kiosk or furniture. Attendees at the party were able to vote on some additional features, such as the shape and material for the park’s planned picnic tables. They were also able to vote for one of three additional park amenities, the choices consisting of grills, bike racks or a community bulletin board.

In addition to the money raised by CASGED, the group received support from a PNC Charitable Trust grant for the park, specifically for the construction of picnic tables and planting of new trees. The planning phase for the park was supported by a grant from the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

Kath said CASGED decided to hold the party at Penn Brewery for two reasons. The first was that the group held a similar event at the brewery last year, which worked as a sort of “beta test” for this year’s event. The other reason was the desire of the group to support Penn Brewery in the wake of its bankruptcy proceedings, which was reported on by The Chronicle in the May 2026 issue.

The event featured local celebrity auctioneers, including Councilman Bobby Wilson and state Rep. Lindsey Powell.

Overall, Kath was pleased with the turn out for the event, estimating around 100 people or more attended.

Work on Tripoli Park is planned to start this summer, but will take several years and multiple phases until it is complete, Kath said.

For more information about Tripoli Park, visit casged.org/tripoli-park

East Deutschtown
816 Spring Garden Enterprises LLC to 3 Rivers Investment Group LLC at 816 Spring Garden Ave. for $79,000.

Manchester
Faiza Enterprises LLC to Byrd Empire LLC at 1417 Pennsylvania Ave. for $105,000.

Marshall-Shadeland
John Newman to Bellflower Real Estate LLC at 2923 Frederick St. for $24,000.
Shawn Coleman to Soulectve Solutions LLC at 1347 Oakhill St. for $99,735.
Estate of Michelle Brunick to La'Quaye Sloan-McBride at 915 Smithton Ave. for $12,500.

Troy Hill
Rose Marie Trzil to HTown 5 LLC at 1822-1824 Elbow St. for $20,000.
Mark Knaiger to Alessandro James Devito at 2063 Liedertafel Way for $42,000.

Real Estate Transactions provided by <RealSTATs>.  Contact <RealSTATs> at 412-381-3880 or visit www.RealSTATs.net.

One-year subscriptions (Usually $60) are discounted to $40, or 33% off, for the first year, while two-year subscriptions (Usually $110) are discounted to $70, or 36% off, for the first two years.

Subscriptions are the best way for readers to support The Northside Chronicle, and come with multiple perks. Subscribers receive a printed copy of The Chronicle delivered to their door every month, ensuring they never miss an issue, and access to our archive of past digital issues on our website.

What’s more, subscriptions are a show of support for your community newspaper. The Northside Chronicle prides itself on being able to provide most of its services for free to our neighborhood, ensuring the Northside receives the attention it is due.

We cover everything from new businesses opening up and festivals happening in your community, to bringing the city government decisions that most affect you as a Northside resident.

To take advantage of the sale, we have set up two promo-codes to be used during checkout on our website, thenorthsidechronicle.com. First, select either 1 Year One-Time Sale or 2 Year One-Time Sale option to pick your duration. Then use promo- code NSC20 for the one-year subscription and NSC40 for the two-year subscription during checkout to activate the discount.

The discounts are also available to anyone purchasing a subscription by mail using the form on page 2 of every edition of The Northside Chronicle. Simply mail us a check at the discount- ed amount during the month of June, and we’ll get you signed up for your Chronicle subscription.

The Northside Chronicle wishes to thank all its current and future subscribers for supporting our mission of reporting all the news fit to print on the Northside. We truly cannot exist without the community’s support, and every little bit goes a long way to help us in shining a spotlight on our neighborhood and ensuring the Northside’s story does not go untold.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE ONLINE

Last month, my office hosted a neighborhood walkthrough in Fineview with city departments, including the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI), Environmental Services, and the Mayor’s Office, as well as members of the Fineview Citizens Council and the Fineview Community Organization. Together, we identified nearly 80 action items requiring follow- up, with common concerns including abandoned properties, illegal dumping, and roadway maintenance needs. My staff and I will continue working with the appropriate departments to ensure these issues are addressed.

The City of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police recently completed a citywide abandoned vehicle removal effort, resulting in 151 vehicles being towed. These vehicles had been reported as abandoned for weeks and, in some cases, even years. As Zone 1 continues this effort, I encourage residents to report any vehicles that appear abandoned through 311, as these reports are shared directly with Zone 1 Police.

I’m happy to share that my vape shop ordinance, Bill 2025-2250, recently received a positive recommendation from the Planning Commission and has now returned to City Council for further consideration. Since coming back to Council, the bill has been amended to strengthen and clarify key provisions, including infrastructure improvements and other capital projects that impact our neighborhoods. These updates include a 1,000-foot buffer requirement between vape shops and primary or secondary schools, along with changes to how vape shops are classified in the zoning code. A public hearing will be scheduled, and I will share that date on my Facebook page as soon as possible. You can sign up to speak or provide written testimony here: pittsburghpa.gov/City-Government/The-City-Council/Clerks-Office/Council-Meeting-Schedule.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Learn & Earn Summer Youth Employment Program, which connects young people aged 14 to 23 with paid summer jobs and workforce development opportunities across Allegheny County. This program is a great option for teens and young adults looking for meaningful summer employment opportunities. Applications are being accepted through June 5. To learn more and apply, visit: partner4work.org/learn-earn.

Finally, I encourage District 1 residents to participate in the city’s upcoming budget process by attending a Capital Budget Forum. These forums allow residents to share priorities and feedback on how city resources should be allocated, including infrastructure improvements and capital projects that impact our neighborhoods. A forum will be held in District 1 on May 28 at 6 p.m. at Northside Institutional Church at 302 W North Avenue. Registration is required and can be found here: bit.ly/2027capitalbudgetforum.

If you have any questions or concerns, call us at (412) 255-2135, email us at district1@ pittsburghpa.gov, find us on Facebook and X, and sign up for our newsletter (pittsburghpa.gov/City-Government/City-Council/Districts/Bobby-Wilson-District-1). My staff and I look forward to hearing from you! n

That question has been at the center of the national conversation around abortion and reproductive rights for decades. Here in Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth Court recently gave a resounding answer: that decision belongs to you, regardless of how much money you make.

In a landmark ruling, the court struck down our state’s longstanding ban on Medicaid coverage for abortion care, finding it unconstitutional under Pennsylvania’s Equal Rights Amendment. In doing so, the court affirmed the fundamental truth that reproductive freedom cannot be reserved only for those who can afford it.

For decades, Pennsylvania maintained a two-tiered system of reproductive health care where those with financial means could access the full spectrum of care, and those without were denied that same autonomy. With this ruling, the court has made clear that discrimination of this kind violates our state constitution.

As a woman, I felt a profound sense of relief reading this decision. It recognizes that bodily autonomy is not a privilege reserved for some, but a fundamental right that belongs to all of us. The court’s acknowledgment that reproductive decision- making is protected under our state constitution is a powerful reminder that our laws must respect the dignity and equality of every Pennsylvanian.

While this ruling is a victory, it is nowhere near the end of the fight. This case may still be appealed, and we know that reproductive rights remain under sustained attack across the country. Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, we have seen a wave of extreme restrictions take hold in states nationwide. In some places, abortion is banned outright. In others, access has been so severely limited that it is effectively out of reach for many.

Here in Pennsylvania, the legislature has the opportunity and duty to codify the rights to bodily autonomy into law once and for all. That is why I am proud to be a co-sponsor of H.B. 1957, the Reproductive Freedom Act. This legislation would amend our state constitution to explicitly guarantee the right to reproductive freedom, including the right to choose or refuse an abortion, contraception and fertility care, without discrimination. The state House passed this bill in December and it has sat idle in the Senate since.

The Commonwealth Court’s decision underscores exactly why this legislation is necessary. While the court found that our constitution already protects these rights, leaving them subject to ongoing legal challenges creates uncertainty and instability. Constitutional protections should be clear, explicit and enduring. We cannot allow them to be chipped away through shifting interpretations or political agendas.

By advancing this constitutional amendment through H.B. 1957, we would give Pennsylvanians the opportunity to vote directly on whether these fundamental rights should be permanently protected. Opposing this effort is, quite simply, saying that the people should not have a voice in decisions that affect their own bodies and futures.

When access to reproductive care is restricted, it is low-income individuals, young people and marginalized communities who bear the brunt. We have already seen devastating impacts in other states, including patients traveling hundreds of miles for care, providers leaving communities altogether, and tragic cases where individuals are denied life-saving treatment.

We should be doing everything in our power to ensure that Pennsylvania is a place where people can access the care they need, when they need it, with- out fear, stigma or financial barriers. We cannot rely on courts alone to protect our rights. Legislative action is essential to ensure that these protections are not only recognized, but secured for future generations.

The Commonwealth Court’s ruling is a meaningful step forward. But it is also a call to action. We must build on this momentum by passing the Reproductive Freedom Act and enshrining these rights in our state constitution. We must continue to push back against efforts to undermine bodily autonomy. And we must remain steadfast in our commitment to equality, dignity and freedom for all.

Your rights should never depend on your gender, your ZIP code, your income or who happens to be in power. They should be guaranteed. If you have questions about how I’m working to protect reproductive rights, or any other issues, I encourage you to call my office at (412) 321-5523, email RepKinkead@pahouse.net, or visit us at 658 Lincoln Ave. in Bellevue.

“That’s for everything, the entire park,” Andrea Ketzel, Senior Landscape Architect for the Pittsburgh Department of Public Works, told The Chronicle. “We are really hoping to get some phases of the park open a little earlier, with the possibility of opening up at least the playground before the end of the year.”

The renovation is affecting the entirety of the park, which is currently almost unrecognizable from its former state, being little more than a field of churned up dirt and mud as construction vehicles perform demolition and begin ground excavation.

Planned improvements include a new playground (including a slide running down the length of a hill), a splash pad for warm weather, a full-court basketball court a nd a pickleball court. T he park’s baseball field is also getting rebuilt.

The park is, however, losing its dek hockey arena. Ketzel said feedback by residents showed a preference for the basketball and pickleball courts over keeping the dek hockey arena.

Ketzel expects most renovations for exterior features of the park to finish before the end of the year. She said the spring 2027 date is due to work on interior features, such as the planned concession stand and press box/community event space, which will take longer than the outdoor areas.

She said the baseball field will likely be “offline” for the season due to the renovations, and that the city is working with organizations who utilize the field to gain access to other areas for practice and matches.

The renovations are the result of two different factors. One was a study done by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy that found a need for “equitable investment” in Spring Hill to keep pace with other neighborhoods.

The other, Ketzel explained, was the fact most of the playground equipment was reaching its end of lifespan, and extensive replacement was needed.

“Those were over 20 years old and really needed a renovation,” she said.

Two months into the work, things are going well for the construction.

“So far, so good,” Ketzel said. “No issues have come up yet, but it is a city project on city property, so there’s always some unknowns in terms of what we run into underground.”

For more information on the project, or to contact city employees involved on the work, visit engage.pittsburghpa.gov/spring-hill

In April 2025, Sophia opened Northside Community Pilates where she teaches “classical Pilates,” which not only improves your body and its ability to move pain free; it also promotes a mentally calming influence. Sophia has faithfully used and taught Pilates for the last 28 years and it shows.

First, a little backstory on Pilates which Sophia shared with me: Joseph Hubertus Pilates, a German physical trainer born in 1883, is credited with inventing Pilates. As a child, Joseph was “sickly” and was introduced to physical exercise by his parents to improve his health and strengthen his weak body. Seeing the results of strength training and exercise, Joseph became “passionate about physical fitness.”

While interred in a prison camp during World War I, Joseph helped to rehabilitate injured prisoners through specific exercises focusing on breathing, flexibility, and strengthening muscles. Legend has it that he removed the springs from hospital bed mattresses and secured them to the bed frames which allowed the patients to “exercise against resistance in a recumbent position.” It was this crude apparatus and method of exercise that served as a foundation for Pilates.

After World War I, Joseph opened a studio in New York City where famous dancers flocked to his studio to improve their strength, flexibility, and coordination. To this day, Pilates and its unique apparatuses continue to be popular for creating a “systemically healthy body.”

It is this “fully holistic system” of classical Pilates from the 1930’s that Sophia uses in her studio to help clients create a healthy body that is toned, strong, and balanced. As Sophia explained, Pilates “affects the whole body” by creating healthy muscular and skeletal systems, which in turn creates a healthy respiratory system, affecting a healthier vascular system thus creating an overall stronger body.

Originally from Colorado, Sophia is a graduate of the Advanced Teacher Training Program and Master Program from The Pilates Center in Boulder. While living in California, Sophia studied and trained to become a certified Massage Therapist specializing in orthopedic massage, myofascial release, and manual lymphatic massage at the renowned McKinnon Body Therapy Center in Oakland.

Once their daughters were grown, Sophia and her husband Dan decided to relocate from their Oakland home. As it turns out, our beautiful city of Pittsburgh ended up on their radar. After a couple trips to Pittsburgh, a visit to the Mattress Factory, “seeing the creativity” of the Northside and the “kindness” of the residents simply by walking around the neighbor- hood, Sophia and Dan said it “felt like home.” In November 2024, they moved into a home in the Mexican War Streets near the Mattress Factory.

Having growing limitations with my body movements — I am no longer doing back handsprings as I did as a youth — and always wanting to support our local Northside businesses, I thought I’d try Pilates with Sophia. However, I knew little about Pilates.

Four tenets for beginners that Sophia taught me about Pilates are: 1. Pilates is not to be confused with Yoga (It’s totally different).

2. Pilates is a journey of fitness and not a “one and done” where one class will make you stronger and healthier.

3. Pilates makes you stronger and builds muscle so you will not necessarily lose weight.

4. Pilates is for every BODY type i.e., slim, heavy set, tall, short, young, middle aged and seniors! (Sophia’s youngest client was 13 and her oldest was 88).

As a beginner to Pilates, Sophia recommended that I begin with a private class. Sophia’s private classes are one-on-one, designed to assess your body, its strengths and limitations, and teach the Pilates basics. Sophia’s vast knowledge of human anatomy combined with her patient and encouraging teaching style made an immediate positive impression on me. With her ability to communicate effectively, I realized if I am to do Pilates, she was the instructor for me. After my first private session, I was hooked and purchased a package of different classes.

Following a few private sessions to learn the correct breathing techniques (an important aspect of doing Pilates correctly) and fundamental Pilates exercises on the different apparatuses, I was ready for my first group class. Unlike certain large health club chains, Sophia’s classes are intimate where you get personalized attention.

My first group class was the “mat” class with three other people of my level (beginner). The exercises were performed on the padded mat area of the “reformer” apparatus and relied on your own body weight and gravity for resistance to facilitate the exercises. This class builds core strength, flexibility, and overall body control. Even after the first class, my body felt better and more limber. After a few “mat” classes, my next step was to move to the more challenging “reformer” classes.

It’s okay if you are not familiar with the term “reformer” outside of perhaps prison reform, because neither was I. A Pilates “reformer” is an adjustable spring-loaded carriage that moves back and forth along rails designed to provide resistance and support for your body while exercising. The reformer allows you to perform the exercises while lying, sitting, kneeling, or standing with support from straps and springs. The reformer enhances core strength, flexibility, balance, and posture. I couldn’t believe that my body could bend and stretch the way it did using the reformer — without pain.

And speaking of reformers, it is interesting to note that Sophia has two hand crafted wooden reformers which are patterned after an original reformer designed and used by Joseph Pilates. Talk about authentic!

The most interesting and fun apparatus that I used was the Trapeze table or “Cadillac.” This table is outfitted with a full frame along with a trapeze bar attached to the top and a padded platform below. There are also various springs and straps attached to the frame to allow for a wide range of exercises.

Typically, a private session needs to be scheduled to use this piece of equipment. The table also allows for extended leg and arm movements and supports “hanging” and “pull ups” which “create better muscle tissue and range of motion.”

This was my favorite apparatus because I was able to increase the stretch and strength of my muscles resulting in improved range of motion in a very comfortable, safe, and fun way. Sophia guides your every movement through these more complicated exercises to ensure your success.

After these sessions, I felt looser, lighter on my feet, and stronger. Ready to do a split? Not yet, but I am certain that Sophia will help me reach my goal.

After a very long flight this past summer, my (replaced) hips were out of whack from sitting so long. The tightness in my hips caused my gait to be off, and I was uncomfortable while walking. My thoughts navigated to Sophia to see if she could help me out. In addition to Pilates, Sophia is qualified to perform orthopedic massage. If you have body movements that are challenged due to injury, arthritis, overuse, or even a past surgery, an orthopedic massage may be just what you need.

Although I love a Swedish massage, an orthopedic massage is not that. Rather it is an “active session” intended to evaluate the restrictions of the fascial system (i.e., dense connective tissue that surrounds muscles) causing the difficulty in your movements. The restrictions or areas of tightness are identified primarily through palpations.

Then, a “correction to those imbalances” is achieved through “myofascial manipulation” i.e., sustained and controlled pressure and manipulation. This “correction” releases the tension so that you can regain movement.

Unlike a Swedish massage, you will be up and down from the massage table during this type of massage to pinpoint the area(s) needing “correction” and determine the effectiveness of the massage. This type of massage “reorganizes how the muscles act on the joints” so that better body movements are restored.

After a single one-hour session of the orthopedic massage, my gait and ability to walk was greatly improved. And I felt more balanced in my body. Sophia does it again!

To ensure I fully represent all services Sophia has to offer, I wanted to mention one service that I have not yet experienced. It is a manual lymphatic drainage massage.

After an illness such as Lyme disease or “long” COVID, “viral and bacterial reservoirs” remain in our lymph nodes. Applied pressure on the lymph nodes and interstitial tissue, can “clear out metabolic debris” which can “help relieve pain associated with edema.” Ultimately, this type of massage aids in an improved immune system.

Sophia shared a story of a client who had a drastic improvement resulting from this type of massage. A man in his 80s had a wound from an MRSA infection that would not close. His doctors were not hopeful it would ever close and told the gentleman, “to live with it.” The man’s wife signed him up for lymphatic drainage massages. After several sessions with Sophia over time, this man achieved relief and his wound had closed. That’s how powerful a lymphatic drainage massage can be.

It should be noted that I am at the beginner Pilates stage. Sophia designs the programs for your level, your body strengths, and/or challenges. As you become more confident, stronger, and more flexible, you can advance to the more complicated and advanced exercise techniques with Sophia’s guidance. If you are at the point in your Pilates journey where you know the exercises, are comfortable using the apparatuses, and need minimal or no instruction; Sophia also offers “Open Studio” where you can sign up to use her studio on your own.

Whether you are an athlete wanting to improve performance, a dancer (or just an ordinary individual) looking to gain more flexibility or strength, or a senior who is tired of compensating for challenges with certain movements, look no further than to Sophia and Northside Community Pilates for an extremely competent and knowledgeable instructor and studio to begin your Pilates journey. Just remember, it is not a one and done, yet your body will thank you for the adventure. And remember, all BODIES are welcome!

P.S. Congratulations to Northside Community Pilates which celebrated their one-year anniversary in April!

Northside Community Pilates is located at 900 Middle St. Sophia may also be contacted at sophia@sophiathorsenpilates.com or (510) 301-7899.

The storm was so severe locally that three Western Pennsylvanians were killed, and Pittsburgh’s National Weather Service office sent crews to Wilkinsburg to look for evidence of tornado damage.

In the aftermath, as residents and business owners began cleaning up and fixing their properties, I heard from people who reported unusually high quotes for repairs. They suspect they were being price gouged.

That shouldn’t happen. When prices are artificially inflated to take advantage of a situation, it impacts us all, but the impact is particularly harsh for vulnerable populations — seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families.

To prevent that from happening, I introduced H.B. 1496. It closes a critical loophole in the Pennsylvania Price Gouging Act to extend the law’s provisions to local disaster emergencies — those declared by municipalities, counties, or other local governing bodies.

Provisions of current law apply only to price increases during a state of disaster declared by the governor.

This gap in the law leaves Pennsylvania consumers vulnerable to unfair price hikes during times of local emergencies, such as natural disasters, public health crises, and other community-wide emergencies where local authorities may declare a state of emergency to respond to the situation.

House Bill 1496 seeks a common- sense amendment to existing law.

Last fall, the bill cleared the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee with bipartisan support, and it is now pending before the full House.

Notably, every member of the Allegheny County Democratic House Delegation has signed onto this legislation as a co-sponsor. That says something about how much support this bill has in our region.

My bill would establish price gouging as a price hike of more than 20% above the average price for similar goods or services in the affected area within 30 days of the termination of an emergency declaration.

The legislation also includes a provision to help businesses stay informed about emergency declarations. It allows trade associations and corporations to register an agent to receive notifications of local or state emergency declarations.

On April 30 last year, Allegheny County and the city of Pittsburgh promptly declared disaster emergencies, and either declaration should have been enough to trigger the laws that protect consumers.

There should be no gaps, no loopholes in the law, and no vulnerable residents as a result. Sometimes our laws need a dose of common sense, and that is why I’m working to write some common sense into this one.

State Rep. Aerion A. Abney represents the 19th Legislative District.