Seniors invited to Hazelwood activities; fire/paramedic station out for bids | The Homepage

Lincoln Place resident Tom Weber in the Hazelwood Healthy Active Living Center in December 2024. Photo by Ziggy Edwards

By MaryAnn Majcher

On April 9, the 31st Ward Community Action Group monthly meeting was called to order by Ryan Herbinko. These meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Lincoln Place Presbyterian Church on Muldowney Avenue.

Sue Schaming presented the treasurer’s report. The group’s checking account balance was $19,122.86, including proceeds from the sale of the veteran’s banners. The Memorial Day parade permits have been paid for and the 990-EZ tax form prepped.

Gene Boker, a Lincoln Place resident and group member, explained that the organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and must file a tax return with the IRS. The 990-EZ tax form is open for public inspection.

Mr. Boker also stressed the importance of a healthy board of directors in order to receive grants. He encouraged anyone interested in becoming a board member to contact Mr. Herbinko.

Senior Center

Tom Weber, a Lincoln Place resident who volunteers at the Hazelwood Healthy Active Living Center, talked about the activities at the center. The senior center is located in the old Car Barn on Second Avenue in Hazelwood. Its service area includes the 31st Ward. Mr. Weber announced that:

• May is Older Americans Month. The Hazelwood Senior Center is holding an open house on May 23 starting at 10 a.m. and going all day. He urged seniors to attend and see what the center is all about.

• The center is starting a registration program. Registered members who attend the center four times in the month will be entered in a gift card drawing.

• Don’t miss Super Bingo on May 3. Mr. Weber said the payouts are huge!

Mr. Weber urged 31st Ward residents to “cross the bridge” and go to the Hazelwood Senior Center. Lunch is served every day!

If transportation is an issue, Mr. Weber said to contact the center and they will try to work something out. District 5 City Councilor Barb Warwick said they may look at something like ride shares or shuttles. She hopes to start a pilot program to work on any transportation needs for city residents who need a ride to visit the city senior centers.

City council

Ms. Warwick said she met with the Department of Public Works concerning the fire/paramedic station. Representatives from that department will give an update at the May monthly meeting. The project is going to bid. Ms. Warwick hopes the process will be expedited due to the uncertainty of the tariff situation.

Talks are still ongoing with Munhall on the agility agreement for snow removal with Munhall and Lincoln Place. The logistics still need to be worked out.

CitiParks is working on an after-school pilot program with Mifflin School. Schoolchildren from the 31st Ward have no activities like this. Hopefully, an after-school program will be in place next year. Ms. Warwick said this pilot could lead to after-school programs in all the city schools.

The shelter at McBride Park is scheduled to be renovated this year. Ms. Warwick said that the special lumber for the shelter has been purchased. The bathrooms at McBride are locked because they do not work. Hopefully, this will be a high priority due to the many tournaments at the park. Port-o-potties are not the answer!

Pat Stack, a Lincoln Place resident and fire fighter from South Side, said he and a few volunteers try and maintain the parking situation at the park but it is difficult. He spoke with Ms. Warwick at the meeting. They are going to try and set up a meeting with the Department of Public Works to see if anything can be done.

Pennsylvania State Constable Charles Sprouse said he patrols McBride Park every day trying to address the problem of off-leash dogs in the park. Ms. Warwick said if anyone sees a dog unleashed to please call 911. Animal control should be involved, she said.

Resident Chris Sabo asked Ms. Warwick if there was any way to know what streets were slated to be repaved. She said Fredanna Street and McElhinny Avenue both need repair. Ms. Warwick said she did not have the list of streets to be repaved but would look into it and send the information to Mr. Herbinko.

Memorial Day Parade

Mark your calendars for 10 a.m., May 26. The Lincoln Place Memorial Day Parade is on. The parade committee met after the meeting and is working out the second phase of the details. If you are interested in marching in the parade, check out the 31st Ward Facebook page. Hot dogs will be provided after the parade and ceremonies. As an aside, I spoke with the owners of Dos Reyes at 5203 Interboro Ave., who said they will be open and serving food that day as well.

Public Safety

Officer Ross Kennedy from Zone 4 presented the crime report. In the past three months, there were 64 calls and no violent crime reported. Mr. Kennedy said Lincoln Place is one of the quieter neighborhoods. Let’s keep it that way! John Tokarski from Hazelwood is the Senior Safer Together project coordinator. Mr. Tokarski told attendees that National Night Out will be held on Aug. 5 this year and there will be no rain date. Registration will start the day after Memorial Day. He will have flyers at the May meeting and is available to help organize the event.

Mayor’s office

Chastity Bey from the Mayor’s office announced that all rental properties in the City of Pittsburgh must be registered by June 1. All landlords must register their properties, both commercial and residential, no matter the size, and have them inspected to ensure livable conditions.

Get involved, volunteer, join the 31st Ward Community Action Group and attend the monthly meetings. The 31st Ward is a great place to live.

MaryAnn Majcher is a retired business analyst, home horticulturist and six-word story contributor in Lincoln Place.