Stay up-to-date on what’s coming, going, and changing in the Northside business community with The Northside Chronicle’s monthly Northside Business Briefs. This month’s briefs feature Northside Common Ministries, Mattress Factory, Reformed Presbyterian Home, and Teutonia Männerchor.

By Ashlee Green

Photo: Solstice Garden Party 2019. Courtesy of Mattress Factory Facebook.

Northside Common Ministries reopens following major 18-month remodel

Northside Common Ministries headquarters has been under construction for the past 18 months, but on June 3, the program revealed its completed facility improvements at a rededication ceremony and open house at the Brighton Road location. 

Photo: Northside Common Ministries
Northside Common Ministries revealed its completed facility improvements at a rededication ceremony and open house on June 3.

Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Paul D’Alesandro from the Office of Congressman Mike Doyle, and both Northside Common Ministries Advisory Board Chairperson Mark Bibro and Director Michael Moore spoke at the event. The reception included a light lunch by Fabled Table and tours of the renovated space were provided. This year also marks Northside Common Ministries’ 40-year anniversary.

Northside Common Ministries operates the Northside Food Pantry along with a men’s and male-identifying homeless shelter, a medical clinic, a utility assistance program, and a permanent housing program for people with disabilities. The organization is committed to “building those bridges that connect our neighbors in need to an improved quality of life, while tearing down the walls that keep the hungry and homeless from success.” It is a program of Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. 

Mattress Factory gearing up for Garden Party return

Northside’s Mattress Factory is bringing back its Garden Party this year after a two-year hiatus.

The art museum’s signature fundraising event, entitled this year as “ZODIAC: Garden Party,” will take place on Friday, Aug. 12 and explore esoteric activities such as crystal bathing, Tarot cards, and, of course, zodiac signs. There will be food, beverages, and entertainment; art, too.

The Mattress Factory is currently holding an open call for Garden Party volunteers. Volunteer shifts will last about three hours and interested people  must be at least 21 years old. Volunteer assignments include decorating and setting up the event, checking in vendors, and acting as an assistant to food vendors. 

If you’re interested, email info@mattress.org with your name; phone number; and availability on Friday, Aug. 12, Sunday, Aug. 14 for the museum’s free community day; and Aug. 10-11. You should also include your general availability for July 25 through Aug. 3: There will be a separate volunteer orientation held during this time period for people who are confirmed to help.

Questions can be directed to info@mattress.org or via phone: 412-313-5416.   

Community celebrates 125 years of Reformed Presbyterian Home 

An Open House held on June 18 celebrated the 125th anniversary of the Reformed Presbyterian Woman’s Association, doing business as Reformed Presbyterian Home. The open house included entertainment, refreshments, and activities for children. 

Photos courtesy of Reformed Presbyterian Home
An open house at Reformed Presbyterian Home on June 18 celebrated the 125th anniversary of the organization. Reformed Presbyterian Home offers ‘mixed-income senior housing, personal care, and short- term and long-term rehabilitation and nursing services.’

June 18, according to a press release, was also declared as “Reformed Presbyterian Woman’s Association 125th Anniversary Day” via an official City of Pittsburgh proclamation.

The Reformed Presbyterian Home “provides quality care and a supportive living environment to older adults.” A variety of services are offered there, including “mixed-income senior housing, personal care, and short-term and long-term rehabilitation and nursing services.”

Teutonia Männerchor names new ‘Radish King’

There’s a new Radish King in town. His name is Joe Flock.

After three years as the reigning champion, Phil Mueller has passed the baton—or, in this case, the customary radish-shaped beer stein—to Flock. Mueller’s 2019 radish was reportedly “nearly the size of an NFL-regulation football.”

Photo: Teutonia Männerchor Facebook Page
Joe Flock, left, took the place of reigning champion Phil Mueller as Teutonia Männerchor’s new ‘Radish King.’ Radish Night at the Northside German club celebrates ‘the Bavarian tradition of munching on salted, spiral-cut Munchener Bier radishes with rye bread and butter’ and beer.

Radish Night at Teutonia Männerchor celebrates “the Bavarian tradition of munching on salted, spiral-cut Munchener Bier radishes with rye bread and butter (and beer, obviously),” as previously reported by The Northside Chronicle. And, of course, it’s when a new Radish King or Queen is named. 

The tradition has been going on at the German club for about 20 years.