A Chronicle of Our Times: January 2008 – June 2008

This is a continuation of a study started approximately two years ago by James Wudarczyk. The purpose is to highlight events in the life of the Lawrenceville community and document the source for researchers that desire more detail.

January 5, 2008
A twelve-week indoor walking program began on January 5th at 9 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Church, 5322 Carnegie Street.
Source: “Indoor Walking Program in L’ville,” The Bulletin, January 2008.

January 6, 2008
Sixteen-year-old Adrienne T. Kiel, who was killed after being hit by a drunken driver, received the University of Rochester’s Frederick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Sciences. The driver, a Lawrenceville man, Angelo V. Rodriguez, 42, pleaded guilty to 23 charges and faces more than 50 years in prison when Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey A. Manning sentences him April 1, 2008.
Source: Bobby Kerlik, “Posthumous honor reflects victim’s activism,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, (C3) January 6, 2008.

January 6, 2008
Chef Josephine LaRussa-Impola, owner of the River Moon Café, 108 43rd Street, was featured as she topped a chicken breast with sauce while making Chicken Josephine. The article also included the recipe for LaRussa-Impola’s Chicken Josephine.
Source: Karin Welzel, “Everything under the moon,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, (G1) January 6, 2008.

January 8, 2008
The last claims against the bankrupt Pittsburgh Brewing Company were settled when the brewer’s union agreed to take $30,000 to cover medical claims by workers in 2007 and one week of paid vacation.
Source: “Bankruptcy case ends,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, January 9, 2008.

January 10, 2008
The opening of the new $5 million state of the art bioterror laboratory near 40th and Penn Avenue was delayed when it was discovered that the old water lines were inadequate to support the building’s sprinkler system.
Source: Don Hopey, “Skimpy water line waylays opening of county’s bioterror lab,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, January 10, 2008.

January 11, 2008
Some residents were pushing the city of Pittsburgh to push its permit-parking program to include the entire Lawrenceville community.
Source: Rob Amen, “Hospital’s neighbors seek permit to park,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, January 15, 2008.

January 11, 2008
The anniversary of the death of Stephen Foster was commemorated with a concert by the students from Saint John Neumann Elementary at the Temple of Memories in Allegheny Cemetery and an additional ceremony at the Charity Randall Theatre at the University of Pittsburgh.
Sources: “Beautiful Dreamer,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, January 12, 2008. “Celebrating Stephen Foster,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, January 12, 2008.

January 12, 2008
A photographer captured a very scenic and tranquil view of two deer in Allegheny Cemetery.
Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, January 12, 2008.

January 12, 2008
Five entrances to Lawrenceville were marked with new signs at a cost of $115,000.
Source: Diana Nelson Jones, “Signs need substance to make a difference,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, January 12, 2008.

January 12, 2008
The Trinity Gallery, 4747 Hatfield Street in Lawrenceville, showcased artists Helen Stokan and Anne Clair Goodman, in a show titled “Back to Basics.” The show ran until February 23rd.
Source: “Trinity Gallery’s Winter Exhibition,” The Bulletin, January 2008.

January 16, 2008
A 59-year-old woman escaped with minor injuries following a fire in a house on the 100 block of Locarna Way near the corner of 44th and Plummer Streets. There was an estimated $100,000 in damages.
Sources: “Lawrenceville fire,” Tribpm, January 17, 2008.
“City investigating Lawrenceville house fire,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette,” January 17, 2008.

January 17, 2008
The Lawrenceville Historical Society sponsored Clark Rogers of the National Flag Foundation at its public meeting held at Canterbury Place.
Source: “History of the Flag Lecture at LHS,” The Bulletin, January 2008.

January 18, 2008
Kate Trimble, executive director of the Lawrenceville Corporation was interviewed regarding a $200,000 state economic development grant to allow Pittsburgh to tailor housing and business development efforts to the specific needs of Pittsburgh’s 90 neighborhoods.
Source: Jeremy Boren, “Grant funds to jump-start neighborhood planning,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, January 18, 2008.

January 18, 2008
Approximately $17 million in federal Weed and Seed money was slashed from the federal budget. The mayor of the City of Pittsburgh questioned the impact on neighborhoods, including Lawrenceville.
Source: “City: Weed and Seed cutbacks cause city to re-evaluate,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, January 18, 2008.

January 19, 2008
The 1886 Lawrenceville townhouse, owned by Marcelo Cataldo and his wife, Pei Chi Su, was featured in the “Home and Gardens Section” of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The home, before being sold to Cataldo, was owned by Catherine McConnell and her partner, who spent 2 years refurbishing the house. It was one of the homes featured on the Lawrenceville House Tour.
Source: Gretchen McKay, “A turn for the better,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, January 19, 2008.

January 21, 2008
Aljarreau Harris, 29, of the Hill District, was shot twice in the back, when several people in two black SUVs opened fire while during along 44th Street near Plummer and Willow Streets.
Sources: “Cops search for suspects in car-to-car shooting,” Tribpm, January 22, 2008. “Lawrenceville: 1 wounded as occupants of SUVs exchange fire,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, January 22, 2008.

January 25, 2008
Dozen Bakeshop planned a preview for the opening of their second Pittsburgh location at 3511 Butler Street. The bakery opened for business on January 28th.
Source: Dozen Bakeshop advertisement

January 29, 2008
The front wall of a vacant building in the 5100 block of Butler Street collapsed. No one was hurt. The building was on the city’s list of structures scheduled to be demolished.
Source: “The wall came tumbling down,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, January 30, 2008.

February 8, 2008
Each Friday during Lent, St. Matthew’s Parish scheduled a Tenebrae service and Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. at its Saint Mary Assumption Church, 219 57th Street.
Source: “Parish News: St. Matthew, Lawrenceville,” Pittsburgh Catholic, February 1, 2008.

February 16, 2008
Registration for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette/Dapper Dan Charities sports programs was scheduled at the Estelle S. Campbell Boys and Girls Club, 4600 Butler Street, on February 16th and February 23rd.
Source: “Dapper Dan Sports Programs in L’ville,” The Bulletin, February 2008.

February 16, 2008
The Lawrenceville Rotary sponsored its 5th annual hearty breakfast from 9 a.m. until noon at Holy Family social hall on 44th Street. Adult admission was $10.00; children under ten, $6.00.
Source: “Lville Rotary Pancake Breakfast,” The Bulletin, February 2006.

February 17, 2008
Katy De Lancey, 30, was featured as the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Newsmaker. A graphic for Katy D Design Studio in Lawrenceville, De Lancey was noted for volunteering her services to design a new web site to promote the Lawrenceville community.
Source: Allison Heinrichs, “Newsmaker,” Pittsburgh Tribune Review, February 17, 2008.

February 2008
The Bulletin announced that Fe Gallery in Lawrenceville received a $35,000 grant to feature 250 Southwestern Pennsylvania artists as part of Pittsburgh 250. The opening reception for the exhibit is scheduled for September 12. A full color catalog is also planned. In addition, the Lawrenceville Historical Society/Lawrenceville Stakeholders also were recipients of a $5,000 grant to fun an expansion of the neighborhood’s 2008 house tour, called “The Lawrenceville Historic House Tour: Snapshots in Time.”
Sources: Paula Martinac, “Pittsburgh 250 Makes Grants to East End Projects Highlighting Area’s Diverse History, Culture,” The Bulletin, February 2008.
“L’ville Historic House Tour Volunteers,” The Bulletin, February 2008.

February 2008
Lawrenceville youth group 6 Ward Seminoles midget football was looking for coaches.
Source: “Volunteer Football Coaches,” The Bulletin, February 2008.

February 21, 2008
Iron City Brewing received $937,500 in public funds to help improve production facilities at the Lawrenceville brewery.
Sources: Ron DaParma, “Iron City Brewing gets funds to upgrade facilities,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, February 21, 2008.
“Iron City gets state funds for brewery upgrade,” Tribpm, February 21, 2008.

February 23, 2008
The Urban Redevelopment Authority was searching for a buyer for a 55,230-square-foot site in Lawrenceville. The site had previously been the former headquarters of the Heppenstall Company headquarters.
Source: Ron DaParma, “Lawrenceville site in play,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, February 23, 2008.

February 23, 2008
An 1820’s log house in the 100 block of 38th Street pitted preservationists against a community group over how to handle the dilapidated row house. On one side of the issue were the Lawrenceville Historical Society and its president, Dan Simkins, who favored converting the home into a museum. However, the LHS was without the necessary resources. On the other side was Lawrenceville United’s Tony Ceoffe, who claimed the building should be demolished since it was an eyesore and magnet for drug-users.
Source: Bonnie Pfister, “Log Cabin at New Frontier,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, February 23, 2008.

February 25, 2008
William Bowcock apparently murdered Lori Robinson; then later it was believed he took his own life. The murder-suicide took place at 46th and Butler Streets.
Source: Moriah Balingit, “Lawrenceville couple dead in murder-suicide,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, (B-5), February 26, 2008.

February 28, 2008
The Food Section of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette featured a. J. Schaffer and Andrew Watson’s “Your Inner Vagabound Coffee house and World Lounge. According to the article, the Arabesque coffee shop at 4130 Butler Street featured décor of traditional Moroccan or Turkish homes and offered free movies, as well as offering a menu of Greek pastries, Indian sweets and light Mezze plates.
Source: Bob Batz, Jr., “new coffeehouse takes you on an exotic trip,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, February 28, 2008.

February 29, 2008
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced it would close half of the 62nd Street Bridge for repairs. The project was estimated to cost $6.6 million and was expected to take several months.
Source: Tony La Russa, “Half of 62nd Street Bridge will close for months for repair work,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, February 29, 2008.

March 1, 2008
Fifty new trashcans bearing a new Lawrenceville logo were installed along Butler Street. The logo was based on the historical significance and creative rebirth of the neighborhood.
Source: Jennifer Kent, “Lawrenceville Unveils New Identity, Gateway Signage,” The Bulletin, March 2008.

March 1, 2008
The Lawrenceville House Tour committee was seeking houses for the October 4th and 5th event.
Source: “Nomination for L’ville House Tour,” The Bulletin, March 2008.

March 2, 2008 Saint John Neumann Regional Catholic School, 44th Street, was awarded a $3,000 grant from the Weed and Seed Program for its upcoming program, “A Dream for Peace.”
Source: Our Lady of the Angels Parish Bulletin, March 2, 2008.

March 3, 2008
Allegheny Cemetery maintenance supervisor Dan Olesinski was featured in an article dealing with providing services for the grieving. Also featured in the article was Tom Staresinic, superintendent of the cemetery. In 2007 there were over 400 burials in Allegheny Cemetery.
Source: David M. Brown, “Burial site cares for the living,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, March 3, 2008.

March 5, 2008
Newspapers reported that a public meeting would be held in the activities building of St. Lawrence O’Toole in Garfield to discuss upgrades along Penn Avenue from 34th Street to Negley Avenue.
Source: “Hearing Tuesday to explore Penn Ave. improvements,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, March 5, 2008.

March 12, 2008
UPMC St. Margaret Hospital sponsored a free seminar on arthritis and optional treatments at Canterbury Place, 310 Fisk Street.
Source: “Arthritis Treatment Options,” The Bulletin, March 2008.

March 16, 2008
Saint John Neumann Regional School sponsored a breakfast from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in Holy Family Social Hall. Donation was $5 for adults and $3 for children.
Source: Our Lady of the Angels Parish Bulletin, March 2, 2008.

March 17, 2008
Roman Catholic Bishop David Zubik attended the Tenebrae Service of Darkness at St. Matthew Parish. Under the musical direction of Carol Spehar, the service focused on seven episodes in the passion and death of Christ.
Source: Saint Matthew Parish Bulletin, February 24, 2008.

March 18, 2008
The Lawrenceville-based Seegrid Corp. unveiled its GT3 tugging robot and the GP8 forklift. The forklift was designed to move up to 8,000 pounds of goods on a pallet.
Source: Kim Leonard, “CMU robots lighten loads,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, March 18, 2008.

March 19, 2008
Lawrenceville United and the Door of Hope Church sponsored a reality trip to the Allegheny County jail for youth and their parents as part of an educational drug awareness program.
Source: “Take a Reality Tour,” The Bulletin, March 2008.

March 19, 2008
Iron City Brewing Company unveiled a new marketing campaign with the catchy phrase, “Give Me An A,” to promote its Augustiner Premium Amber Lager brand to young adults. The company hoped to promote sales by targeting the 21 to 29-year-old audience.
Source: Joe Napsha, “Iron City targets younger consumers,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, March 19, 2008.

March 19, 2008
As part of a drug awareness program, Lawrenceville United and the Door of Hope Church sponsored a trip to the Allegheny County jail for students and parents. The program to highlight the dangers of addiction and drug abuse was scheduled to last between 2 ½ to 3 hours. Twenty students – ages 10 to 18 – participated in the program. Sources: “Take a ‘Reality Tour,’” The Bulletin, February 2008.
“Moriah Balingit, “Visit by students to county jail is harsh eye-opener,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, March 24, 2008.

March 20, 2008
The Lawrenceville Historical Society sponsored a free lecture on the “History of the 9th Ward” in the McVey Auditorium of Canterbury Place.
Source: “History of L’ville’s 9th Ward, The Bulletin, March 2008.

March 20, 2008
To commemorate Holy Thursday, the Most Reverend David Zubik, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, visited Our Lady of the Angels’ Saint Augustine Church at 9:45 p.m. with the seminarians from St. Paul’s for silent adoration.
Source: Our Lady of the Angels Parish Bulletin, March 16, 2008.

March 20, 2008
A special reception and exhibit in conjunction with the national clay conference was held at Fe Gallery, 4102 Butler Street.
Source: “From the Ground Up at Fe Gallery,” The Bulletin, March 2008.

March 23, 2008
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review ran a feature story on the Pittsburgh Fire Department. Featured in the article were firefighters John Gombita and John Walsh of No. 6 Engine and Truck Company in Lawrenceville.
Source: Robin Acton, “Called to Duty,” Focus, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Sunday, March 23, 2008.

March 25, 2008
Bill and Michelle Larkin of Lawrenceville were hoping to open a boutique hard cider and wine cellar on the first floor of their three-story Victorian row house near the corner of 39th and Penn Avenue. The opening of the proposed Arsenal Cider House and Wine Cellar was contingent upon approval from the Pittsburgh Zoning Commission. Michelle Larkin described Lawrenceville as “hip and funky.” The Larkins indicated they were targeting the gallery crowd, not a bar crowd.
Source: Allison M. Henrichs, “New city wineries sprout,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, March 25, 2008.

March 25, 2008
The work of Riverside Design Group, a Lawrenceville glassware manufacturer, was featured. The group launched “Plates With A Purpose” in 2004 to help non-profit organizations raise funds. The company has sold 13,000 designer plates and generated $58,000 for the groups.
Source: Jodi Weigand, “What a difference a design makes,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, March 25, 2008.

March 26, 2008
Sandy Simon, owner of Kiln-N-Time, was named one of the best eleven businesses in Pennsylvania by the State Department of Community Development. An article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review also featured a picture of Sandy Simon at work in her 38th and Penn Avenue ceramic shop.
Source: Kim Leonard, “11 among Pa.’s best in business,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, March 26, 2008.

March 27, 2008
The Borelli-Edwards Galleries featured ceramic works by Ohio University and Cleveland Institute of Art faculty and graduate students. The exhibit ran through March 31.
Source: “Exhibits: Borelli-Edwards Galleries,” (Ticket), Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, March 27, 2008.

March 27, 2008
Gallery on 43rd Street featured “Speak Out,” clay pottery by Marlene Boyle. The exhibit at 187 - 43rd Street ran through April 26.
Source: “Exhibits: Gallery on 43rd Street,” (Ticket), Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, March 27, 2008.

March 27, 2008
Geno’s Restaurant and Big Belly Deli, 5147 Butler Street, featured works by David Urbanic. The exhibit ran through April 8.
Source: “Exhibits: Geno’s Restaurant and Big Belly Deli,” (Ticket), Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, March 27, 2008.

March 27, 2008
Zombo Gallery, 4900 Hatfield Street, featured “Wee: Beasties: Miniature Paintings of Nature’s Tiniest Denizens,” by Nathan Mazur. The exhibit ran through April 5.
Source: “Exhibits: Zombo Gallery,” (Ticket), Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, March 27, 2008.

March 28, 2008
Grey Box Theatre, 3595 Butler Street, hosted an opening party with refreshments, tours and live performances to introduce the new 3.000-square-foot event place.
Source: “Theater: Grey Box Theatre,” (Ticket), Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, March 27, 2008.

April 1, 2008
Pittsburgh City Councilman Patrick Dowd, whose district included Lawrenceville, planned to introduce a bill that would raise the Residential Permit Parking Program on visitors’ permits from $1 to $10 a year. He also wanted to increase fines for parking violations from $25 to $35.
Sources: Jeremy Boren, “Residential permit deficit to be targeted,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, April 1, 2008.
Jeremy Boren, “Councilman pushes remedy to cure parking woes,” Tribpm, April 1, 2008.

April 2, 2008
Poogie Bell performed jazz/funk at the Thunderbird Café in Lawrenceville.
Source: “Jazz: Thunderbird Café,” (Ticket), Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, March 27, 2008.

April 2, 2008
The April Fashion Show took place at the Stephen Foster Center, 286 Main Street, with senior citizens modeling a line of clothing provided by Kohl’s Department Store in Cranberry. Cost of the lunch and fashion show was $7.00.
Source: “Bloomfield Senior Center Upcoming Event,” Spirit of Bloomfield, Volume XIX, Spring 2008.

April 2, 2008
Judge Jeffrey Manning sentenced Angelo Rodriguez, 42, of Lawrenceville to 10 to 20 years in the hit-and-run death of 17-year-old Adrienne Keil and the crippling of 23-year-old Sheldon Hawkins on January 27, 2007. Manning counted the 14 months that Rodriguez served in jail toward his sentence. Rodriguez was charged with 23 counts, including driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine, driving without a license, hit-and-run, and parole violation. He could have faced fifty years in prison.
Sources: Bobby Kerlik, “Minivan driver gets 9 to 20 years in death of North Catholic teen,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, April 2, 2008.
Bobby Kerlick, “Drunk driver gets 9 to 20 for killing North Catholic teen,” Tribpm, April 2, 2008.
Dennis B. Roddy, “Man gets 10-year sentence for deadly hit-and-run,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 2, 2008.

April 3, 2008
Between 150 and 200 technological “Geeks” met for “Geek Night” at the Church Brew Works, 3525 Liberty Avenue. The group started in 1998 with 30 or 40 attendees and now fills half the restaurant for their informal gatherings that meet for dinner every other month.
Source: Kenneth Fibbe, “Talking Shop,” Tribpm, April 2, 2008.

April 7, 2008
Roman Catholic Bishop David Zubik administered the sacrament of confirmation to students from Our Lady of the Angels, St. Lawrence O’Toole, Immaculate Heart of Mary, and St. Matthew’s parishes at Saint Augustine Church.
Source: Our Lady of the Angels Parish Bulletin, March 30, 2008.

April 8, 2008
John N. Milne, of Westport, who helped pull Pittsburgh Brewing from bankruptcy, was indicted by a grand jury for allegedly using insider information to reap a $22.3 million windfall on a stock deal. According to Timothy Hickman, president of the newly organized Iron City Brewing Company, Milne’s legal problems, would not have an impact on the Lawrenceville brewery.
Source: Joe Napsha, “Iron City savior charged with fraud,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, April 8, 2008.

April 9, 2008
Patricia Lowry wrote an exceptionally informative piece on two 19th century philanthropists, both named Jane Holmes. Their combined charitable contributions totaled $1.5 million dollars or the equivalent of $43 million in today’s dollars.
Source: Patricia Lowry, “Remembering Jane(s),” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 9, 2008.

April 10, 2008
Senior Friends offered an AARP Safe Driver Class on April 10 and 17 at the Lawrenceville Center, 4600 Butler Street from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Cost was $10 to cover materials.
Source: “Around the Neighborhood—Save on Auto Insurance,” Immaculate Conception/Saint Joseph Parish Bulletin, March 23, 2008.

April 10, 2008
“Fiber Art: Thread from Body to Soul,” an exhibit by the Fiberarts Guild of Pittsburgh, ran through April 26 at the Borelli-Edwards Gallery at 3583 Butler Street.
Source: “Borelli-Edwards Galleries,” (Ticket), Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, April 10, 2008.

April 11, 2008
In its column on events from the past the Pittsburgh Catholic noted, “April 17, 1953: Saint Augustine High School is dedicated in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood.
Source: “Downtown chapel dedicated in 1869,” Pittsburgh Catholic, April 11, 2008.

April 11, 2008
Judge Edward Borkowski refused to dismiss charges against Terrell Childs, 30, of Lawrenceville in the shooting death of Jibreel Scott outside a downtown day care center on April 19, 2007.
Source: “Lawrenceville: Judge declines to dismiss fatal shooting charges,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, April 12, 2008.

April 12, 2008
The MGR Foundation invited families, children, and community members to join Arsenal Middle School students from a free art-making activity at Blackbird Artist Studios, 3583 Butler Street.
Source: “Community Art Day in L’ville,’ The Bulletin, April 2008.

April 13, 2008
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review featured Eugene and Lisa Giguere’s “Geno’s Big Belly Deli” at 5147 Butler Street. The article noted the restaurant offered a deli during the day and fine dining at night. One of the menu items was the Big Belly Bomb Pizza. Cuisine was American with an Italian flair, and dinner entrée prices ranged from $12.95 to $24.95. Chef and co-owner Geno Giguere also shared his recipes for red wine sauce and scallops or shrimp with re or white wine sauce.
Source: Karen Welzel, “Split Personality,” (Food and Travel), Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, April 13, 2008.

April 16, 2008
To celebrate Pittsburgh’s 250th birthday, the city was planting 250 trees. Fifteen of the trees were designated for Fisk Street. Sixty volunteers called the “Lawrenceville Tree Tenders” planned to maintain the trees. A rally to celebrate the tree plantings took place in the 200 block of Fisk Street.
Source: Diana Nelson Jones, “City getting 250 street trees for its anniversary,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 17, 2008.

April 16, 2008
Our Lady of the Angels Parish sponsored the first of a series of bereavement sessions to support persons dealing with grief. The sessions continued through May 21.
Source: “Around the Neighborhood—Bereavement Sessions,” Immaculate Conception/Saint Joseph Parish Bulletin, March 23, 2008.

April 18, 2008
The third annual Lawrenceville Blossom Tour was conducted from Friday, April 18 through Sunday, April 20. Twenty area merchants each offered a different pack of seeds.
Source: Nadia Diboun, “…And So Does the Third Blossom Tour,” The Bulletin, April 2008.

April 21, 2008
The Adult Education Committee and the Monday Night Bible Study of Our Lady of the Angels Parish sponsored “Dinner and a Movie” at Holy Family Social Hall. The donation of $2.00 was to defray the cost of pizza and a beverage. Selected film was Steve Ray’s “Jesus: The Word Became Flesh” from the Footprints of God series.
Source: “Dinner and A Movie,” Our Lady of the Angels Parish Bulletin, April 20, 2008.

April 24, 2008
A collection of silver gelatin photographs by Dan Gaser was on display at Trinity Gallery, 4747 Hatfield Street.”
Source: “Trinity Gallery,” (Ticket), Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, April 24, 2008.

April 26-27, 2008
The 11th Annual “Art All Night” was held at the former Giant Eagles/Roomful Express Warehouse at No. 2 57th Street. The free event ran from Saturday, April 26th, 6 p.m. through Sunday, April 27th, 2 p.m. WYEP-FM 91.3 broadcasted the event.
Source: Lynne Glover, “Art All Night Returns to Lawrenceville,” The Bulletin, April 2008.

April 27, 2008
Nineteen second-graders made their first Holy Communion at Our Lady of the Angels’ Saint Augustine Church.
Source: “From the Pastor’s Desk,” Our Lady of the Angels Parish Bulletin, April 20, 2008.

May 5, 208
A preliminary hearing was set for Tyrone H. Kirk, 33, charged in the hit-and-run death of 79-year-old Lawrenceville resident Harry Rakoczy. Rakoczy, a bookkeeper at Arsenal Bowling Lanes on 44th Street, was on his way to work early the morning of March 1, when a car struck him in the proximity of 4400 Butler Street. Kirk was charged with a variety of traffic offenses, including driving with a suspended license.
Source: “Lawrenceville: Hearing set in death of elderly bookkeeper,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, April 29, 2008.

May 20, 2008
St. John Neumann School staged a performance of “A Dream for Peace” in Our Lady of the Angels’ Holy Family Church from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Source: “From the Pastor’s Desk,” Our Lady of the Angels Parish Bulletin, April 20, 2008.

May 21, 2008
The Church Brew Works at 3525 Liberty Avenue sponsored its 11th Patiofest.
Source: “Brewery kicks off summer with Patiofest,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, May 21, 2008.

May 21, 2008
City Councilman Patrick Dowd met throughout the month at five locations in order to solicit constituent impact. When Dowd sponsored a meeting at the Carnegie Library, 279 Fisk Street, Tom Schofstall of Central Lawrenceville brought papers listing property abuse and drug activities at two separate houses that date back to 2000. The Lawrenceville resident voiced frustration since he has called the matter to council and the police on numerous occasions, but to no avail.
Source: Diana Nelson Jones, “Councilman gets an earful, but he asked for it,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 22, 2008.

May 23, 2008
The pastoral council of Our Lady of the Angels Parish proposed closing Holy Family Church as a worship site.
Source: Our Lady of the Angels Parish Bulletin, June 1, 2008.

May 26, 2008
The annual Memorial Day parade, sponsored by the Allegheny and Saint Mary’s Cemetery Associations, started at 40th Street and Butler at 10:30 a.m. and proceeded to Allegheny Cemetery, where a memorial service was conducted at noon at the 1937 Soldiers Memorial.
Source: “Around Town,” The Valley Green Sheet, May 21, 2008.

May 26, 2008
To honor the memory of veterans, Bill Reynolds, 89, of Avalon was pictured hammering flags in Allegheny Cemetery. Reynolds has been volunteering his time setting up flags since 1953. Since 1994, students of Saint John Neumann in Lawrenceville assisted Reynolds.
Source: Chris Togneri, “Flagging Memories,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, May 26, 2008.

May 27, 2008
Iron City President Tim Hickman hoped his company would produce 250,000 barrels of beer in 2008. He believed that customer loyalty was the key to success. Source: Ron DaParma, “Loyalty key to Iron City success,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, May 2, 2008.

May 30, 2008
The Pittsburgh Historic Review Commission honored seven restoration projects throughout the city. Two of the honorees were architect Jill Joyce and owner Lee Gross for turning two vacant historical properties in the 3500 block of Butler Street into shops with stately storefronts.
Source: Jeremy Boren, “Restored classic firehouse lauded,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, May 30, 2008.

May 31, 2008
Hard to dispose of items were collected at the County Health Department at 39th and Penn Avenue. The Pennsylvania Resources Council and Allegheny County Health Department sponsored the event.
Source: “Saturday: Lawrenceville,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 26, 2008.

June 1, 2008
A brief history of the disastrous Allegheny Arsenal explosion of September 17, 1862 appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Source: Len Barcousky, “Eyewitness 1862 – No exaggeration horror at Arsenal explosion,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 1, 2008.

June 1, 2008
Allegheny Valley Bank and the Federal Home Bank of Pittsburgh were offering qualified persons up to $5,000 in matching funds toward closing costs and down payments associated with home ownership.
Source: “Low Income Home Buyers’ Program,” The Bulletin, June 2008.

June 1, 2008
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette carried a column on local history. The June 1st column highlighted the disastrous explosion at the Allegheny Arsenal that took place on September 17, 1862. The article featured excerpts from the Pittsburgh Gazette from September 18, 1862, as well as a picture of the historical plaque on 40th Street.
Source: Len Barcousky, “Eyewitness: 1862 No Exaggerating Horror At Arsenal Explosion,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 1, 2008.

June 1, 2008
Children’s Hospital outlined plans for traffic patterns at their new Lawrenceville facility.
Source: Brian Connelly, “Children’s Hospital ED Access Designed to Ease Traffic, Frustration,” The Bulletin, June 1, 2008.

June 2, 2008
A U.S District Judge in Connecticut has postponed until next March a jury selection in the trial of John N. Milne on charges of insider trading. Milne, an equity assets manager responsible for saving Pittsburgh Brewing, remained free on $1 million bond.
Source: “Trial for Milne delayed,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, June 3, 2008.

June 6, 2008
A coalition, consisting of the Penn Avenue Arts Initiatives, Lawrenceville Corporation, and East Liberty Development, sponsored “Art Cubed,” a celebration of art, music, and culture in Pittsburgh’s East End on June 6 and 7.
Source: Sarah Collins, “East End Groups Team Up for Weekend of Arts and Culture,” The Bulletin, June 2008.

June 9, 2008
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported that a federal grand jury indicted Dennis Vincent Jiansante, 24, of 36th Street on three counts of violating the federal drug and firearms laws. If convicted, he could face up to life in prison and a $3.25 million fine.
Source: “Lawrenceville: Man faces life, $3M fine for drug, firearm charges,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, June 9, 2008.

June 9, 2008
Police arrested one suspect and were searching for two others in a burglary at 3343 Ligonier Street. According to police sources, three white males armed with pistols and an assault rifle entered the home and stole a small safe and an unspecified amount of cash.
Source: “City: 1 Caught, 2 sought in robbery at Lawrenceville house,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 10, 2008.

June 15, 2008
During the American Civil War, Pittsburgh feared that it would be invaded by the Confederacy. To prepare for its defense, trenches and fortifications were dug. Barcousky’s account makes brief mention of the Allegheny Arsenal and the Borough of Lawrenceville.
Source: Len Barcousky, “Eyewitness: 1863 As Lee Moves North, Pittsburgh Digs In,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 15, 2008.

June 15, 2008
Rich Lord’s article examined both sides of the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Streetface Program. The article included a picture of Catherine Berard at her Prism Stained Glass Company at 5234 Butler Street. Also mentioned in the article was Joe Edelstein, whose efforts in historical preservation have won him awards, but who was in trouble with city inspectors for decks constructed without permits on two of his properties. Edelstein owns Wylie Holdings and 3600 Penn Associates. In 2006 the URA program made $607,854 in taxpayer funds available to 15 individuals.
Source: Rich Lord, “Streetface program in city faces questions, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 15, 2008.

June 15, 2008
In an interview with Christopher Gessner, President of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Gessner discussed the complexity of moving Children’s Hospital from its present home in Oakland to Lawrenceville. The facility is slated to accept patients in April 2009.
Source: Joyce Gannon, “Children’s chief plans for big move,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 15, 2008.

June 18, 2008
Jennifer Kiley of Lawrenceville was named newsmaker of the day. Kiley, a social worker at Children’s Hospital, was noted for her volunteer services with the Lawrenceville Corporation, Lawrenceville United, and Our Lady of the Angels Parish.
Source: Bobby Kerlik, “Newsmaker: Jennifer Kiley,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, June 18, 2008.

June 20, 2008
A giant flea market was scheduled for Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21 in the Holy Family social hall of Our Lady of the Angels Parish.
Source: Our Lady of the Angels Parish Bulletin, May 25, 2008.

June 20, 2008
Amber Ricci, 12, of Shaler and John Leffakis 14, of Lawrenceville, took top honors at the 85th National Marbles tournament in Wildwood, New Jersey. Also mentioned in the article was Leffakis’ coach, Danny LaGamba, 25, of Lawrenceville.
Source: Justin Vellucci, “Allegheny County has all of the marbles,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, June 20, 2008.

June 22, 2008
The historical column featured the life of Lawrenceville-born composer Stephen Foster. Deane L. Root, director of the Center for American Music at the University of Pittsburgh, discussed the impact of Foster’s music on American culture.
Source: Karen Zapf, “Composer’s Life In City Helped Shape Music,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, June 22, 2008.

June 26, 2008
Highway authorities identified the 62nd Street Bridge that spans the Allegheny River between Lawrenceville and Etna as one of a number of bridges suffering from a problem linked to a mechanism called rocker bearing, which allows the bridge deck to shift as temperatures fluctuate. Approximately 23,000 drivers used the bridge daily. Cost estimates for repairs were set at $8 million.
Source: Jim Ritchie, “Flaws found in more bridges,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, June 26, 2008.

June 27, 2008
An article briefly touched on the lives of three Catholic priests: Saint John Neumann, Bishop J. F. Regis Canevin, and Father James Cox. All three of these men had a Lawrenceville connection as noted in the Lawrenceville Historical Society’s books, In Loving Memory . . . And Still More Lawrenceville Stories and A Doughboy’s Tale . . . And More Lawrenceville Stories. The Aquilina account added valuable information to supplement the work undertaken by the Lawrenceville Historical Society.
Source: Mike Aquilina, “Three who changed the face of Catholic Pittsburgh,” Pittsburgh Catholic, June 27, 2008.

June 29, 2008
Our Lady of the Angels Parish sponsored a picnic in Arsenal Park.
Source: Our Lady of the Angels Parish Bulletin, June 28, 2008.