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Pittsburgh Courier NEW
AWC celebrates new board management VOL. 106, NO. 47
Published Weekly
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NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 1, 2015
by Michael B. Rose
For New Pittsburgh Courier
The August Wilson Center for African American Culture is celebrating the beginning of its Renewal Inc. board, which is a culmination of the work done by the AWC Recovery Committee to ascertain community needs and input during the center’s foreclosure proceedings. Now the board will assume leadership for the future artistic, cultural, and community engagement. Judge Joseph K. Williams III, a judge in the Allegheny County Court of Common
JASIRI X
ARDEN PHILLIPS
Pleas and AWC Renewal Inc. board chair, believes the boat shape of the building is symbolic that the August Wilson Center can indeed be the center for Black
CLARENCE DOZIER
unity in Pittsburgh. “The first day the first slave ship left Luanda Angola with Africans as its cargo was in 1619,” Williams said. “When Afri-
JAMES ABRAHAM
REX RIDEOUT
can American architect Allison Williams created the August Wilson center design, she decided that the slave ship would be the backdrop for any story or its
National Adoption Day Allegheny County celebrates new families
expression of the experience of its cargo or decedents. If we as a community would ever fracture over differences, the common experience of our ancestors
including mug shots and fingerprinting—can result in loss of a job or even housing. And according to Pittsburgh crime statistics, such devastating result occur five times more often to Black youths than their White counterparts. That disparity
Courier Staff Writer
Even though most people charged at all for possessing small amounts of marijuana—if criminally charged at all—have the charges reduced to a summary offense and pay a fine, the initial criminal charge—
Courier Staff Writer
OFFICIALLY A FAMILY—The Boxleys celebrating after the adoption hearing that made their new family official. From left, back row: Judge Kim Berkeley Clark, Tramainne Boxley holding Branden Boxley, 2, and Kim Dixon. Front row: Cix Boxley, 8. (Photos by David Joseph Etzi, courtesy of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services) make him her son and her children’s little brother. On Nov. 21, during the Allegheny County’s recognition of National Adoption Day, at the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Family Division's Family Law Center, the Boxleys, along with 39 other families, finalized their adoption, making MOM AND SON—Tramainne Boxley holding Branden a perma- Branden Boxley during their adoption hearing.
nent member of their family. “I’m just excited,” Tramainne said in regards to her feelings about the adoption. “It’s a relief for me because it’s finally happening; I’ve been waiting for this so long. Branden is in a loving family and he’s being well taken care of.” According to the Allegheny County Children’s Court and the Department of Human Services, on National AdopSEE ALLEGHENY A4
SEE AWC A4
Lavelle’s marijuana bill gets broad positive response by Christian Morrow
by Ashley Johnson Two years ago, Tramainne Boxley found herself in an extraordinary position. In an emergency situation, her nephew, Branden, then two months old, was removed from his mother’s care and needed a place to stay. With two children of her own––her daughter, Tamara, now 13, and son, Cix, now 8––Tramainne, being the only relative capable, stepped up to the plate and took her nephew in, making her a foster parent. While there were some initial adjustments, such as everyone getting use to a baby being in the house, Tramainne, 32, said the transition from being Branden’s extended family to his “new” immediate family was fairly easy because her children knew him and it wasn’t as if he was a stranger coming into their home. Now, after getting over the initial adjustments and two years of caring for Branden, Tramainne decided to take “the next logical step” and
JOSEPH WILLIAMS
being brought here across the middle passage chained in the belly of a slave ship would reunite us.” Other board members include James E. Abraham, a local business and nonprofit attorney; Clarence Dozier, director of Litigation & Risk Management Federal Express; Rex Rideout, vice president of AR Records, and Jasiri X, activist & hip hop artist. Additional nominees will expand the composition of the board later this fall. It may be the August Wilson Centers last chance, but
LAVELLE
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Pittsburgh Dilworth holds food drive to feed families in East End by Merecedes J. Howze For New Pittsburgh Courier
As the holiday season is vastly approaching, a Highland Park school is ensuring that local families are equipped with a Thanksgiving meal. Pittsburgh Dilworth PreK-5, led by the Student Ambassadors, held a food drive Nov. 16-20.
“It is very important to our school and family community, that we help one another. The Thanksgiving food drive is meant to extend the love we have in our school to others. The leadership of students to make a difference is very powerful,” said PrinSEE DILWORTH A4
Salvatore’s gets first Wilkinsburg liquor license by Michael B. Rose
ordinances, since until a few years ago it was dry as well. When Forest Hills successfully implemented their transition, the WCDC (Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation) knew it had to keep up. Marlee Gallagher, Communications and Outreach Coordinator at the WCDC described the process that led them to the conclusion that libations were the liquid to quench Wilkinsburg’s economic thirst. “Urban Partners firm did a market analysis and
For New Pittsburgh Courier
Salvatore’s recently had a ribbon cutting to officially celebrate receiving Wilkinsburg’s first liquor license. Free pizza and beer was served in the dining section and with a flat screen TV showing college football in the background, the place resembled Buffalo Wild Wings more than the classic pizzeria it began as when it first opened its doors in 1984. Wilkinsburg used Forest Hills as an example on how to base their liquor
A TOAST—Everyone sharing a toast after the ribbon cutting. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
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Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick says
Is the deplorable status of Blacks happening naitonwide? Forum A7
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This Week In Black History
NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 1, 2015
INTERNATIONAL
Zimbabwe’s first lady plans wheelchair for aging president
AGING PRESIDENT—Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe delivers a speech in Harare. (Photo: AP/File)
HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP)—Zimbabwe’s first lady says she plans to get a “special” wheelchair for her 91-year-old husband so that he can continue to rule. Speaking at a political rally on Saturday, Grace Mugabe told supporters that she would get a wheelchair for her husband, President Robert Mugabe, to use. In the televised speech, Mugabe, 50, vowed to push the wheelchair herself, taking a swipe at critics who say her husband
is too old to govern. Mugabe told supporters she would ensure her husband remains in power as long as he can still speak. The Zimbabwean president’s critics have questioned his ability to rule after he read the wrong speech in parliament. Several stumbles at public events have made headlines. Robert Mugabe has led Zimbabwe since independence in 1980.
American killed in Mali worked to improve global health
WASHINGTON (AP)—As a Peace Corps volunteer, expert in global health and the mother of a 7-year-old boy, Anita Ashok Datar devoted her life to caring for and helping others, her family said. Datar, of Takoma Park, Md., was one of at least 19 people killed in the Nov. 20 terror attack on a hotel in Mali, the State Department confirmed in a statement. No other U.S. citizens were believed to have died in the attack, carried out by heavily armed Islamic extremists at a Radisson hotel in the Malian capital of Bamako. “We are devastated that Anita is gone,” her family said in a statement issued through the State Department. “It’s unbelievable to us that she has been killed in this senseless act of violence and terrorism.”
Datar, 41, was a senior manager at Palladium Group, an international development organization with offices in Washington, her family said. As a public health expert, she focused on family planning and HIV issues, work that took her to Africa often in the past 15 years. She also worked in Asia and South America, according to her LinkedIn profile. Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was among those mourning her death. “Anita Datar was a bright light who gave help and hope to people in need around the world,” Clinton said in a statement on Saturday. “Anita represented the best of America’s generous spirit.” Datar was the former partner of David Garten, an attorney who worked as a
A new study offers practical steps...
toward ensuring African American men are included in Pittsburghs economic growth. Listen to Pittsburgh Profiles this week with KQV News Reporter Elaine Effort when CarElaine Effort men Anderson of the Heinz Endowments discusses “Barriers and Bridges: An Action Plan for Overcoming Obstacles for Unlocking Opportunities for African American Men.”
Pittsburgh Profiles Heard on
KQV 1410 AM and at WWW.KQV.COM Friday, November 27 at 7:30 P.M. Saturday, November 28 at 9:30 A.M.
senior policy adviser to Clinton in the Senate. “Everything she did in her life she did to help others _ as a mother, public health expert, daughter, sister and friend,” the family statement said. “And while we are angry and saddened that she has been killed, we know that she would want to promote education and healthcare to prevent violence and poverty at home and abroad, not intolerance.” The family said that of all her accomplishments, Datar was “most proud of her son.” Her Facebook page is filled with pictures of the boy. Born in Massachusetts, Datar grew up in New Jersey and graduated from Rutgers, her family said. She worked in Senegal with the Peace Corps for more than two years and earned master’s degrees in public health and public administration from Columbia. In addition to her son, parents and a brother, she is survived by “many, many friends around the world,” the statement said. Clinton said Datar’s death should strengthen Americans’ will to fight terrorism and radical jihadism. “We face a choice between fear and resolve,” she said. “Anita’s murder should deepen our resolve. America must lead the world to meet this threat.”
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For the week of Nov. 25-Dec. 1 November 25 1841—The 35 survivors of the Amistad Mutiny return to Africa. On July 2, 1839, slaves, led by Joseph Cinque, killed the captain of the Cuban slave ship Amistad, took control and ordered the crew to sail back to Africa. The ship, however, was seized by a U.S. ship. The government wanted to try the slaves for murder. None other than former President John Quincy Adams decided to represent the rebel Blacks. In a surprise decision for its time, a judge ruled that the slaves had been kidnapped and had a right to use violence to free themselves. On this day in 1841, the survivors were allowed to return to Africa. 1949—Luther “Bill” (Bojangles) Robinson dies in New York City. The famed dancer was JOSEPH CINQUE born on May 25, 1878 in Richmond, Va. Initially, he gained fame on the nightclub circuit performing in musical comedies. Later, he became the toast of Broadway and then Hollywood appearing in 14 motion pictures. He is credited with taking an early style of Black dance called “buck dancing” and turning it into what we know today as tap dancing. Amazingly, the energetic Robinson died of a chronic heart condition. 1955—The Interstate Commerce Commission bans segregation on buses and in waiting rooms involved in interstate travel. November 26 1873—Macon B. Allen is elected a judge in Charleston, S.C. Allen holds the distinction of being America’s first Black lawyer having been admitted to the bar in Massachusetts on March 5, 1845. During Reconstruction he decided to aid the former slaves in the South by moving to South Carolina LUTHER ‘BILL’ (BOJANGLES) and running for judge. ROBINSON 1883—Sojourner Truth dies at her home in Battle Creek, Mich. Truth was a major figure in the abolition movement fighting long and hard to bring an end to the dreaded institution. After slavery, she became a major voice for Black rights and women’s right to vote. 1895—The National Negro Medical Association is founded. It is now called the National Medical Association and has a membership including 25,000 doctors and health care providers. 1938—Grammy Award-winning singer Tina Turner is born Annie Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tenn. She (along with her husband, Ike) reaches stardom among R&B music lovers. But after a divorce, she restyles herself and captures an even broader audience. 1970—Benjamin O. Davis Sr., the nation’s first Black general, dies at his home in Chicago. 1970—Charles Gordone receives the Pulitzer Prize for his play “No Place To Be Somebody.” November 27 1895—Novelist and playwright Alexandre Dumas [Jr. or fils] dies in France. He was the son of the much more famous Alexandre Dumas [Sr.] who authored such works as “The Three Musketeers” and “The Count De Monte Cristo.” However, “junior” was also an accomplished novelist with his most famous work being “La Dame Aux Camelias.” When confronted with French racism, Dumas is frequently quoted as telling his deTINA TURNER tractors, “My father was a Creole, his father a Negro, and his father a monkey. My family, it seems, begins where yours left off.” 1942—Rock musician Jimi Hendrix is born in Seattle, Wash. Hendrix is considered one of the greatest guitarists to have ever played. Unfortunately, he died of a drug overdose while on tour in Europe. November 28 1753—Revolutionary War soldier James Robinson is born in Maryland. Historically, like “40 acres and a mule,” Robinson epitomizes the White man’s false promises to the Black man. Robinson, a slave, was promised his freedom for fighting in America’s War of Independence from Britain. He fought so well that he won a medal for bravery at the Battle of Yorktown. However, after the war he was sold back into slavery. But he did live to see the end of slavery. He died in Detroit, Mich., in 1868. 1929—Barry Gordy is born in Detroit, Mich. He founded Motown Records in 1957 and built it into the greatest Black-owned record company in U.S. history. It was later sold to a major White-owned corporation and is now based in Los Angeles, Calif. 1960—Richard Wright, perhaps Black America’s greatest novelist, dies in Paris, France. He was only 52. BARRY GORDY Wright’s best known works included “Native Son,” “Black Power” and “Black Boy.” Wright’s opposition to American racism led him to join the communist party. He later quit. But he refused to return to America in 1952 as the country was going through an anti-communist witch hunt. 1961—Ernie Davis becomes the first Black man to win college football’s prestigious Heisman Trophy. 1997—Coleman Young, Detroit’s first Black mayor, dies at 79. He presided over his adopted city for an unprecedented five terms. November 29 1780—After initial racist opposition, especially in the South, Blacks are welcomed into the Continental Army to help fight for American independence from Britain. The move was also prompted by British actions. The Americans were losing to the British, the British had launched their Southern campaign and were promising Blacks freedom if they joined the British side. Overall, an estimated 5,000 Blacks fought in America’s war for independence. However, some Blacks did fight for the British. 1908—Adam Clayton Powell Jr. is born in New Haven, Conn. He would follow his father as head of Harlem, New York’s, powerful Abyssinian Baptist Church. He was also elected to Congress in 1945 and was a major force in the Civil Rights Movement. Powell died on April 4, 1972. 1919—Legendary dancer Pearl Primus is born in Trinidad, but she is raised in New York City. She blended African and Caribbean dance and music with Black American traditions of Blues, Jazz and the jitterbug to form a new vibrant dance form. She formed a dance troupe and she personally appeared in such early Broadway hits as “Showboat” and “Emperor Jones.” In 1991, the first President Bush awarded her the NaPEARL PRIMUS tional Medal of Arts. She died Oct. 29, 1994. 1961—Freedom Riders are attacked by a White mob in McComb, Miss. This was just one of numerous such attacks throughout the South. The Freedom Rides were part of a campaign against segregation in interstate travel following a 1960 Supreme Court decision declaring all such segregation on buses and in waiting rooms illegal. November 30 1912—Legendary filmmaker and photographer Gordon Parks is born in Fort Scott, Kan. In addition to his pioneering work in film and photography, Parks wrote 12 books and authored a ballet entitled “Martin” in honor of civil rights legend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 1924—Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm is born in Brooklyn, N.Y. Chisholm became the leading Black female politician in America. She served in the New York State Assembly, the United States Congress and ran for the Democratic Party nomination for president in 1972. Chisholm died on Jan. 1, 2005. December 1 1641—U.S. (then British) colonies began legalizing slavery. On this day, Massachusetts became the first colony to do so. Other colonies followed suit. Ironically, Massachusetts was also the first state to outlaw slavery as a result of a 1783 State Supreme Court ruling. 1774—In another compromise measure that characterized the legal struggle against slavery in America, the Continental Congress approves a measure banning the further importation of slaves into the country. However, slavery itself remained legal. Plus, it was common for slave ships to violate the ban. 1877—Judge Jonathan Jasper Wright resigns. Wright had been the first Black state Supreme Court judge. However, he resigned on this day (out of possible fear for his life) as the Reconstruction era ended White racists were reasserting control over Southern politics and law. While on the South Carolina Supreme Court, Wright wrote 87 opinions which were noted for “clear thinking and a solid basis in common law.”
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 1, 2015
NATIONAL
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Homicides of transgender women in U.S. reach alarming high KANSAS CITY, MO (AP)—For a few transgender Americans, this has been a year of glamour and fame. For many others, 2015 has been fraught with danger and mourning. While Caitlyn Jenner made the cover of Vanity Fair and Laverne Cox prospered as a popular actress, other transgender women have become homicide victims at an alarming rate. By the count of the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, there have been 22 killings so far this year of transgender or gender-nonconforming people—including 19 Black or Latina transgender women. The toll compares with 12 last year and 13 in 2013, and is the highest since advocacy groups began such tallies a decade ago. “Most Americans think it’s been an amazing year for transgender rights,” said Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equal-
HOMICIDE VICTIM—This Aug. 17 photo shows Tamara Dominguez. Dominguez was run over multiple times and left to die on a Kansas City street. (Randall Jenson/Kansas City Anti-Violence Project via AP) Louis Graham, a University of Massachusetts professor who has studied the
gender violence. •Two national advocacy groups—the Human Rights
against transgender people. It calls for passage of a federal nondiscrimination act that covers transgender people. According to the report, 15 percent of transgender homicide victims in the past three years were killed by intimate partners, and 34 percent may have been engaged in “survival sex work” at the time of their deaths. Activists say there are no easy solutions to the violence. Many Americans are uncomfortable with transgender people, Jindasurat said. In Detroit, Yvonne Siferd has worked with many transgender women as director of victim services for Equality Michigan, an LGBT-rights group. She’s impressed by their resilience, yet dismayed by the challenges they face. “We all grow up with this myth that you can be whatever you want when you grow up,” Siferd said. “When you do grow up and
“Most Americans think it’s been an amazing year for transgender rights, but for the transgender community, it’s been one of the most traumatic years on record.” MARA KEISLING, Executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality ity. “But for the transgender community, it’s been one of the most traumatic years on record.” Kiesha Jenkins was beaten and shot dead by a cluster of assailants in Philadelphia. Tamara Dominguez was run over multiple times and left to die on a Kansas City street. Police said the most recent victim, Zella Ziona, was shot dead in Maryland last month by a boyfriend embarrassed that Ziona showed up in the presence of some of his other friends. There’s no question that anti-transgender hatred fueled many of the killings, yet activists and social-ser-
experiences of Black transgender women. Some ending up in coercive and violent relationships, Graham said. Chase Strangio, an American Civil Liberties Union attorney, said that for many perpetrators of the violence, “there’s a sense of transgender people being less than human.” The high death toll this year may stem in part from greater awareness of antitransgender violence, and more vigorous efforts to identify homicide cases in which it was a factor. “The violence has been going on for a long time,” said Chai Jindasurat of the
BODY FOUND IN FIELD—In this photo taken on Nov. 11, Rebecca O’Hara holds a phone showing a photo of her 25-year-old transgender son, Ashton O’Hara, in Detroit. Ashton, whose body was found in a field with stab wounds, was killed in July 2015. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) vice professionals say there are multiple factors that make transgender women of color vulnerable. They have documented that numerous victims were killed by intimate partners and many while engaging in prostitution. “For many of these women, it’s chronic unemployment or participation in survival sex work,” said
New York City Anti-Violence Project. “We’re now able to identify and document and report on it better.” Examples of heightened attention to the issue: •On Tuesday, amid a week of nationwide events remembering transgender victims, the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus held the first-ever hearing in Congress on anti-trans-
SHOT DEAD—This undated photo provided by the Ruth Ellis Center, courtesy of Calvin Williams, shows Williams’ former girlfriend Amber Monroe. Monroe was one of two transgender people killed in Detroit this year. She was shot dead in an area frequented by transgender prostitutes. (Ruth Ellis Center/Courtesy of Calvin Williams via AP)
Campaign and the Trans People of Color Coalition— recently issued a report on “the epidemic of violence”
become your authentic self, the fact that you could be targeted for just being you is terrifying.”
CANDIDATE SPEAKS—Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson speaks during the Presidential Family Forum, Nov. 20, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Carson questions claims of racial bias against police by Bill Barrow Associated Press Writer
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson says he is still waiting to see evidence of racial bias by police forces in the U.S. Carson is the only major White House hopeful who is Black. He made the comments on Nov. 21 at a justice forum in Columbia, S.C. Carson was asked about high-profile cases of alleged police misconduct, includ-
ing several in which African-Americans were killed by police or died in custody. The retired neurosurgeon says he is not aware of a lot of cases where police officers treat black citizens unfairly because of their skin color. He says any “rogue policeman” should be punished but that society shouldn’t set rules “based on bad apples.” He adds that he has never had problems with police because his mother raised him to “respect authority.”
AWC celebrates new board management
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 1, 2015
METRO
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Williams said it is one that will not be taken lightly. “It is a focal point of expression of the experience of the African diaspora appreciating we will have another opportunity,” he said. Sula Udin, co-founder of the August Wilson Center said the primary advantage this board will have over the board that was forced to file for bankruptcy in 2013 is that it will be free to operate without the overwhelming burden of a mortgage over their head; insisting that this time around advice will be heeded more readily, and it will do more to remember August Wilson, the man. “The center did not do as much as they could have done to reflect the presence of August Wilson in the center. That will improve. The center didn’t do as much to involve students and Pittsburgh public schools as a partner. I think that will improve. There are a number of improvements that people have suggested that will be taken seriously this time. A new marketing staff will be hired by the new board.”Udin said. He added, that although he will have no input on if any of this happens or not. “The founders should not be trying to shape the direction of the center. That is up to the board,” he said. Williams said the main hindrance for the
last board was a confluence of extenuating circumstances. “This parcel was built on contaminated soil. It cost significantly more than what we anticipated it costing just to get it excavated. The other thing we didn’t anticipate was the price of steel would triple. Last we went into a recession. That’s not a good dynamic for an arts facility. So we were $12 million in debt by the time we opened and there was no management that could undo that kind of debt,” said Williams, who came on in July as the chairman. Lessons learned were a theme from board members at the celebration, but lessons learned have not altogether come without a price. “The sad part is that we don’t own it anymore, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust in large part is responsible for events and the movement and facility,” Williams said. “The ownership dynamic is different but there is still a commitment from the foundations that this mission will remain consistent and it will be designed for expressions of Afrocentric programming.” Committeeman Arden Phillips stresses his challenge will be “to make this a sustainable organization, make people aware of our mission to bring people to this facility to see what it has to offer and once they see the mission they will support it.”
Whether or not the August Wilson Center will indeed be supported is for the future to decide. Udin believes the main strength of the
new board is their newness. “The fact that they are new that they are young and energetic that they want to serve,” he said. “They are not being
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drafted, they stepped forth voluntarily with fresh ideas energy and all of that will be put at the disposal of the new August Wilson Center.”
HAPPY CUSTOMERS—Wilkinsburg residents Beverly Garrett, mother, and City Councilwoman Marita Garrett, daughter, share a laugh and a drink. (Photo by J.L. Maertello)
Dilworth holds East End food drive Salvatore’s gets first liquor license CONTINUED FROM A1
CANNED AND BOXED FOODS FOR THE HOLIDAYS (Photo by Merecedes Howsie) CONTINUED FROM A1
cipal Monica Lamar, PhD. Pittsburgh Dilworth served as the drop off center for non-perishable food items such as canned corn, string beans, instant potatoes, pasta, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, cake mix, and frosting. Each bag included a healthy cooking booklet, side dishes, and a turkey that feeds a family of four. “The holidays are times that we, as a community, should help and support others in need. Thanksgiving is a time that can challenge families because of the increasing cost of food and limited or no monthly income,” said Lamar. Local organizations accepted the challenge to make the hol-
idays better for families in communities like LincolnLemington, Larimer, East Liberty, Homewood, East Hills, and Highland Park. Pittsburgh Dilworth, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter members and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.-Iota Phi chapter members partnered together to support feeding those in need for the holidays. Pittsburgh Dilworth Student Ambassadors organized the items for packing, while the women of the Alpha Alpha Omega chapter provided a healthy cook booklet, finalized the shopping needs and packed food into green bags. Omega Psi Phi donated the turkeys to complete the dinner.
Additionally, Alpha Alpha Omega partnered with Walmart in Fox Chapel as the grocer supported the food drive with a $500 donation of food. One recipient who received a food bag said had it not been for the donation their family would not have had a Thanksgiving meal. On Nov. 21, brothers of Omega Psi Phi delivered the meals to families. This community service project fed more than 250 families in the East End communities and Pittsburgh. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Omega Psi Phi are service organizations who historically provide assistance to the community when needed and model for the Pittsburgh Dilworth the meaning of service to the community.
Allegheny County celebrates new families CONTINUED FROM A1
tion Day, after a stay in foster care through DHS’ Office of Children, Youth and Families (CYF), the adoptions of 52 youths ranging in ages seven months to 12 years old, were finalized; 40 families participated in adoptions, some adopting more than one child; and 154 adoptions in Allegheny County were finalized prior to Nov. 21. The mission of CYF, which is mandated by law, is to protect children from abuse and provide permanent, safe homes for children, either by providing supportive services to assure safety within the child’s own birth family or by finding an adoptive home or another permanent setting for those children who cannot safely be reunified with their birth family. Walter Smith Jr., PhD, DHS deputy director of CYF, said, “It’s really (important to) us that all children grow up in families and that they have a sense of permanency, so the families they’re apart of are families they’ll have forever. And adoption means that the child now has a family that they can rely on through their childhood, through their teenage years, and into adulthood. We just believe that that’s the best way for children to become mature, responsible adults who do well.” He went on to say, “Being a child well administrator is sometimes a painful job; however, this is one day that I celebrate for sure each year. The happiness of kids and families coming together, creating permanency—it warms my heart.” But while Branden was lucky to have a relative who was able to take him in, some children don’t have that support and are still waiting for a family to call their own. According to Children’s Court and DHS, there are 43 youths still in need of adoptive homes. Of those 43, 36 of them are African American, six are Caucasian and one is Biracial. With regards to why it’s important for the community to get involved with adoption, Smith said, “The children who are in our community, who are looking for a family to become apart of, are all of our children. They’re children that all of us should take responsibility to care for.
“Adoption, for people who decide to adopt, is something that shows a great sense of love, not just for a particular child, but also the responsibility of being a good community member, a good citizen and helps all of our society have children that grow up to be healthy, responsible adults.” Tramainne, who echoed Smith’s thought, said it’s especially important for relatives to get involved. Noting that she has no problem with youths being adopted by nonrelatives and even knows couples that would love to adopt a child if the opportunity presented itself, she just believes that when family can step up, they should. “I think it’s the best decision because it keeps family with family. You have to protect your family and keep your family together, “ she said. Judge Kim Berkeley Clark, administrative judge for Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Family Division, said in a release, “Today, I reflect on how far the law has come in the 16 years that I have been on the bench. We are much better at finding forever families for children without delay, and making sure that children can maintain ties with their biological families when appropriate.” And Branden is an example of just that. Tramainne said he stills sees his brother through his father and is still very connected to the family. As for her hopes for her new family’s future, Tramainne said it’s for them to continue to be a family, to love each other and for her children to become good citizens. Families who participated in National Adoption Day, along with their guests, enjoyed balloon artists and caricaturists, as well as a light breakfast provided by MixStirs and Smiley Cookies donated by Eatn’ Park. (Individuals interested in becoming a foster parent or adoptive parent to a child in Allegheny County may contact the DHS Director’s Action Line at 1-800-862-6783 or the Statewide Adoption Network (SWAN) at 1-800-585-SWAN (7926). For more information, visit: http://alleghenycounty.us/Human-Services/News-Events/Engagement/Become-a-Caregiver.aspx)
that was one of their recommendations to grow the business district, the nightlife needed to improve,” Gallagher said. “You don’t just want a business district that shuts down at night. You want a business district that is vibrant and alive that gives people a place to go to, but also maintain safety in the business district so that you don’t have a period of the night where no one is walking around and it’s kind of shady and sketchy and no one wants to go there. Its important to have a mixture of places that are open for breakfast lunch dinner and then after hours.” Gallagher said when she took on the initiative in 2013 people overwhelming skepticism that wine could work meant they couldn’t even get enough signatures to get it on the ballot. They needed 1100 signatures and fell well short. In 2015 the CDC launched an educational campaign that included two public meetings that involved the Pennsylvania liquor control board representatives speaking to and answering directly to the people who had any concerns. “Any cons I could think of they helped to address,” said Councilwoman and alcohol advocate Marita Garrett. “Council has taken measures to avoid a nuisance bar.” The campaign was successful this year and the initiative got 1301 signatures and was voted up in May with more than 70 percent of the vote. In June, Salvatore’s applied for their license and got approved in September. However, not everyone is encouraged by this decision. Peter Smith, pastor at Covenant Fellowship Reformed Presbyterian Church in Wilkinsburg and Wilkinsburg resident said, “As a pastor of a church that was historically a temperance supporting church, our stance is that it is fitting and proper for Christians to abstain from the manufacture, sale and use of alcohol.” While admitting even his church has softened a bit on alcohol. “We are no
longer a temperance church but that’s our position to simply say there are more dangers with it than benefits, so I did not sign the petition nor did I vote for it. I’m neutral on the ban. I don’t think it will make a big difference. It might bring a restaurant or economic benefit but will come with some cost as well.” He said, acknowledging Wilkinsburg already has a beer distributor across the street from Salvatore’s. Gallagher said she hasn’t seen any other license applications come through but that everyone who wants to apply for a liquor license has to have a public meeting. Wilkinsburg being only 16,000 residents will only be eligible for five liquor licenses and the cost of each can be prohibitive—approximately $80,000. Councilwoman Garrett points to this as a reason why people shouldn’t be worried about things getting out of control. “For anyone who is serious about getting that has to be a legit serious business to even put that [money] up so I think having that type of revenue can show the type of investment they have in Wilkinsburg,” she said. Salvatore DiPasquall, owner of Salvatore’s said it’s another component to offer existing customers. “Pizza and wings go with beer,” he said, even though he admits he still will not be opening up on Sundays for football. “We don’t have a lot of free time so that’s why we decided to close on Sundays because that’s our day together and with our families and do housework and such.” Gallagher said they are doing a new market analysis that will be finished in December. In the mean time most people believe that there will be good and bad that comes with it, with an overall hope that it will be a net benefit. Wilkinsburg Chief of Police Ophelia Coleman said that so far there has not been any criminal activity related to patrons involving spirits from the restaurant. (J.L. Martello contributed to this article.)
Lavalle’s marijuana bill gets response CONTINUED FROM A1
led Pittsburgh Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle to introduce legislation, Nov. 17, decriminalizing possession of less than 30 grams of marijuana or 8 grams of hashish, making it a summary offense carrying a $25 fine. Brandi Fisher, executive director of Citizens for Police Accountability, who along with the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws and the American Civil Liberties Union, helped craft the legislation, said this is not, as some think, about legalizing drugs. “This is about lessening unnecessary interactions between police and residents that can escalate to confrontations,” she said. “It’s about the disparity in enforcement between Black and White.” Not only would it protect residents from unnecessarily harsh criminal charges, she added, it would help with the ongoing efforts to rebuild trust between the police and the Black community. “America’s four decade long war on drugs has left behind many casualties. In particular the criminalization of marijuana has been an especially destructive part of that war, with Blacks among its biggest
casualties,” Lavelle said in a press release prior to the bill’s introduction. “This bill will help break the damning life-long consequences of unemployment, lack of education and being caught in a revolving door criminal justice system, all due to a minor marijuana offense.” Four of Lavelle’s fellow councilmembers, Rev. Ricky Burgess, Bruce Kraus, Dan Gillman, and Corey O’Connor, said they support the measure, as has Mayor Bill Peduto. “He agrees in principle that these small crimes should not have an outsized impact on the future lives and careers of our residents but still needs to work with police officials to review the details of the legislation,” said Peduto spokesman Tim McNulty.” In a Nov. 13 letter to Pittsburgh police Chief Cameron McLay, Allegheny County District Attorney Steve A Zappala noted, that while legally “questionable,” Philadelphia had passed similar legislation and lowered its arrests for small amounts by 73 percent. Because freeing up resources would assist McLay in his efforts against violent crime, Zappala indicated he would assist the effort, though he is required to “enforce the laws of this
commonwealth as written, or as interpreted by our courts.” “With all due respect to our State legislature, I recognize that the Mayor and Council were elected to represent the specific interests of the people of Pittsburgh, but I ask that you keep in mind the most fundamental responsibilities I have,” he said. “In this regard, if the mayor and council, after discussion with the residents of our city and through public hearings would adopt the type of legislation used in Philadelphia, my office would stand with you to try to accomplish what the mayor and city council would like to see done.” Public Safety Information Officer Sonya Toler said the Bureau of Police has made no comment on the legislation. Lavelle, who is still recovering from hip surgery, has put in a request for a public hearing on the bill, which was referred to the public safety committee last week. His spokesman Dan Wood said they hope to get it scheduled soon so the bill can go through committee and be presented to council for a vote before the end of the year. (Send comments to cmorrow@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
METRO
NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 1, 2015
A5
OBB releases complete Homewood land use plan
JEROME JACKSON, executive director of Operation Better Block. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
After spending nearly two years knocking on 2,227 doors, holding 31 meetings and ultimately engaging more than 80 percent of Homewood’s residents, Operation Better Block (OBB) has released its Cluster Plan for land use and development within the neighborhood. Jerome Jackson, OBB executive director, thanked the residents, funders and partners and his staff as he presented the finished plan to the community Nov. 19 at the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum. “This is a very exciting time for Homewood. Having a land use plan that is resident-driven creates endless possibilities for the community,” he said. “But the real
RAY GASTIL Director, Department of City Planning
work hasn’t started. Now we have to use the plan.” Thanks to cooperation with the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh and the City Planning Office’s current projects, including new for-sale housing being built by Rev. Samuel Ware’s Building United of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and the renovating of a 150,000square-foot former U.S. Steel warehouse into custom spaces for small firms by Ma’at Construction, already conform to the plan. Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto told the crowd the city is committed to Homewood and to the plan. “I don’t think any neighborhood is engaged in this way, where every household has been touched,” he said. “Everyone here stuck through the hard times in Homewood, and our commitment is that you will get to enjoy the good times as well. This is your plan and we’ll back it and we’ll follow it.” City Councilman Rev. Ricky Burgess praised the work done by the OBB team and the community. “This is Homewood’s land use plan, and it will be the basis for a comprehensive community plan that addresses jobs, schools, training,” he said. “This Cluster Plan is the first step. Homewood’s time is now.” As the Courier reported in 2014 when OBB was about halfway through the process, the Cluster Planning approach broke the community into nine clusters, plus the business district, and then surveyed everyone in each one, building up a pic-
Community Calendar Pop Up Retail
Peace Vigil
NOV. 27—The Hill Community Development Corporation will host “Holiday on the Ave,” a pop up retail event at Hill CDC Building Center, 2015 Centre Ave., Hill District. There will be centrally located storefront space that has been turned in retail shops where local entrepreneurs can conduct business during the busiest shopping cycle of the year. There will be everything from cobblers, urban attire to Swarovski crystal jewelry. The shops will be open through Dec. 23. For more information, visit www.hilldistrict.org/holidayo ntheave.
DEC. 4—East End Cooperative Ministry will host the “Let Peace Shine” Candlelight Peace Vigil Against Violence at 7 p.m. at the EECM Community House, 6140 Station St., East Liberty. Participants will line up and weave through the neighborhood to be peacefully united to build and sustain peace. This is a call for world peace, national peace, state peace, city peace, neighborhood peace and household peace. Participants are asked to arrive at 6 p.m. For more information, call Shannon Anglero at 412-345-7139 or email shannona@eecm.org.
13th Amendment Symposium
Promotion Ceremony
DEC. 3—The Senator John Heinz History Center, the Center for Africanamerican Urban Studies and the Economy of Carnegie Mellon University and the University School of Law will host the 13th Amendment Symposium from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Heinz History Center, 1212 Smallman St., Strip District. This event will discuss and deliberate the importance of the 13th Amendment. It will not only recognize and commemorate one of the most important facts in America. For more information, call 412-454-6391 or visit www.heinzhistorycenter.org.
Candlelight
DEC. 12—The Gateway Medical Society will host its Journey to Medicine Promotion Ceremony from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at UPMC Shadyside Hospital, Herberman Conference Center, 5150 Centre Ave., Shadyside. Students will be recognized for their participation in this medical program. Reservations are required by Dec. 7. For more information, call Tamara Reese at 412-2814086 or email administration@gatewaymedicalsociety. org. (To have items listed on Community Calendar, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412-481-1360 or email: newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
ture of what the community is and where residents wanted it to go. The collected data was given to design partners the Studio For Spatial Practice, which created detailed, color-coded maps for each cluster detailing
REV. RICKY BURGESS
MAYOR BILL PEDUTO
elements like: how much housing, where, what kind, green space, manufacturing and light industrial. It then synthesized the results from all 10 clusters into the Final Consensus Vision Plan presented at the meeting. One of the design architects, Jonathan Kline, gave the audience an overview of some of the results that came out of the plan with respect to managing vacant lots. He noted residents saw the large swaths of vacant land near Westinghouse
High School an opportunity for lower density housing. Conversely, Race Street in Homewood, which still has a lot of housing, would likely remain higher density, adding new infill homes on the lots in between. The plan also recommends reforestation and preservation on the steep slops above Brushton and Frankstown Avenues because of undermining and hillside instability. In closing, Jackson again thanked sponsors including the Richard K Mellon Foun-
DEMI KOLKE Community Development Manager dation, The Heinz Endowments, PNC, Dollar Bank and the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. But the community, he said, deserved the biggest thanks. “The most import people here are, you, the residents. Thank you for trusting us to do this,” he said. “This is about you. This cluster plan is yours, and we want to continue to make sure it stays yours.” (J.L. Martello contributed to this story.)
A6
NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 1, 2015
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
OPINION
A+, PPS working together to improve education
Editorial
Justice Eakin should resign How can the public trust a judge to be fair and impartial toward African Americans, Latinos, women and gays if that judge is engaged in disseminating messages that are demeaning toward those groups? Democratic state Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams and a coalition of clergy, civil rights and civic leaders are right to call for the immediate resignation of Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Michael Eakin over his connection to an offensive email scandal. Eakin needs to resign, along with three other officials who received the emails. A diverse coalition of leaders including Rodney Muhammad, president of the Philadelphia NAACP; Rochelle Bilal, of the Guardian Civic League; Terrence Griffith, president of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity; Malcolm Lazin, a LGBT leader; and Nina Ahmad, president of the NOW Philadelphia chapter, joined Williams at a press conference Monday calling for the resignations. In addition to the resignations, there should be a special prosecutor, assigned by the state attorney general, to investigate an alleged cover-up. Eakin’s emails went to district attorneys, public defenders, assistant U.S. attorneys and a significant number of private attorneys in the Harrisburg area. The emails included offensive content that targeted African Americans, Latino Americans, LGBT Americans and Muslims. Last week several women on City Council were right to lead an effort that called for the dismissal of three prosecutors at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. Frank Fina, Mark Costanzo and Pat Blessington allegedly were among the recipients of the emails. District Attorney R. Seth Williams said he had reviewed the matter and the individuals involved were disciplined. Williams is wrong on this one. Fina, Costanzo and Blessington should be fired. As the Tribune reports, “The issue of the pornographic and otherwise offensive emails started coming to light during the increasing legal and political pressure being levied against state Attorney General Kathleen Kane. “Kane recently had her legal license suspended and has been charged with perjury, obstructing administration of the law and related offenses. She has publicly argued that the reason for the grand jury investigation against her was directly connected to the thousands of pornographic and allegedly racist emails that were sent and received by state employees at the Attorney General’s offices.” As a justice on the state Supreme Court, Eakin’s behavior should be beyond reproach. The Pennsylvania Code of Judicial Conduct denotes standards for the ethical behavior of judges that says: “Judges should uphold the dignity of judicial office at all times, avoiding both impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in their professional and personal lives. They should at all times conduct themselves in a manner that garners the highest level of public confidence in their independence, fairness, impartiality, integrity and competence.” Justice Eakin has failed the Code of Judicial Conduct that he is supposed to uphold. (Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune.)
Pittsburgh Courier NEW
Founded 1910
Rod Doss
Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher
Allison Palm
Eric Gaines
Office Manager
Advertising Manager
Ulish Carter
Ashley Johnson Associate Editor
Managing Editor
Jeff Marion Circulation Consultant
John H. Sengstacke Editor & Publisher Emeritus (1912-1997)
Education is the most important challenge facing Black America, which makes the A+ Schools annual PPS Progress Report so important to Pittsburgh. And I was very glad to see that 6 Charter Schools were included in the report. I wish there was some way that all Charter Schools in Pittsburgh as well as Private Schools could be a part of the overall evaluation of Pittsburgh Schools. This way a real comparison could be made between Public Schools, Charter Schools, and Private Schools. Some of the good from this year’s report are: Graduation Rates Improved from 68 percent to 70 percent for Blacks and 74 percent overall, with 56 percent qualifying for Pittsburgh Promise. PPS Black students also out performed Blacks state wide in the Keystone literature and Algebra exams, which is saying a lot because they are going up against the well funded WPIAL schools as well as even better funded rural and eastern schools. I would like to see how well Philadelphia rated. In comparison to Whites however, it wasn’t close. In Literature it was Blacks at 53 percent, Whites 80 percent. In Algebra it was 37 percent Blacks to 70 percent for Whites. However, Westinghouse showed a 20 percent increase in Literature and a 15 point improvement in Algebra. Superintendent Linda Lane made two major points. First saying the good schools and departments should be identified and reinforced across the district by giving credit to those who made it possible, while continuing to work on improving the bad. Second she pointed out that the district is solvent, despite an 1100 drop in students from four years ago. “We’re not broke, and we were supposed to be,” she said in a Courier article. “We have to keep an eye on the funding formula that
Ulish Carter
Just Sayin’ comes out of this year’s state budget. We need to be held harmless for our lower population. If not we are looking at a possible $68 million per year loss.” She said she didn’t know what caused the loss but only knew that they must serve the existing students to the best of their abilities. If they do, she said, then they along with their parents will promote the school district. It’s great to see the Pittsburgh School District working so closely with A+Schools to improve the schools, instead of fighting each other to the determent of the students. Closing the literature and math gaps between Blacks and Whites is a national problem and needs to become the priority of every school system across the nation as well as every Black parent and concerned citizen. *** Congratulation to the Thomas Merton Center for honoring a woman who deserves all the honors she receives. Congresswoman Barbara Lee was recently honored for her many stands, with the most noted being her vote not to give the president complete power of war after the 9/11 attack. She was the only one to vote against it and received a lot of grief for that vote but in the long run, especially after President Bush got us into the Iraq war, she was proven to be right, with a lot of other people, including presidential candidate Hillary Clinton stating that their voting for the bill was a mistake. “It was really a blank check, not
only for President Bush but for any president to use force against any organization, individual, or nation. To me that was too broad and that set the stage for action in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and all around the world,” Lee said. Lee says that war or violence is never the answer. All it does is make matters worse. I agree with her 100 percent. Well almost. We should be helping the refugees from Syria with medical care, and other humanitarian help but I still say that if every adult in the towns and villages were armed with a gun and ammunition to protect their homes there would be fewer innocent people killed and if Isis knew that they were going to have a fight on their hands in every town and more of them was going to die, they would be less apt to attack certain towns. Now if these people are not willing to defend their homes, their families, their way of life, then why are we over there? Didn’t we fight for ours? Freedom is not FREE. Another problem I have is accepting all these people into this country. Who’s jobs are they going to take? We are already saying we don’t have enough tax dollars for Medicare, Social Security, the Veterans, Welfare, and many other social programs for Americans who have been here all their lives. So where do we get the money to completely support and establish the 10,000 to 60,000 or more refugees from the Middle East, while complaining about refugees from Mexico. I have yet to hear of a Mexican blowing himself up with hundreds of others for a religion. The vast majority come here to improve conditions for themselves and their family just like the Middle East refugees. They want to become a part of America, not blow it up. Maybe the Mexicans should call themselves refugees. Too bad Congresswoman Barbara Lee isn’t Senator Barbara Lee. (Ulish Carter is the managing editor of the New Pittsburgh Courier.)
Paris, terror and the forgotten (NNPA)—I received a call a few days after the Paris terrorist attack from a relative. She was, quite understandably, deeply unsettled by the attack. She asked me why it was that the Muslim community was so silent about jihadist attacks. I told her that they were—and are—not silent at all. In fact, there were—immediately—statements of condemnation of these attacks from a wide range of organizations and religious leaders in the Arab and Muslim Worlds, ranging from the Free Syrian Army to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation denounced the heinous attacks. My relative then asked me, why had she and so many other people not heard word-one about this? This is a core question and it has nothing to do with the actions of the Muslim community. The mainstream U.S. media, by and large, has done little to make it known that there has been outrage across the Arab and Muslim Worlds in the face of these horrors. The Muslim reaction has not been limited to the Paris massacre, by the way, but also the bombing in Turkey (at the peace rally held by the Kurds and
The mainstream media must be tasked with two very important actions. The first is the full accounting for the scope of the outrage in the face of these terrorist attacks. We cannot have a situation where the people of the U.S.A. are led to believe that the Muslim World is silent in the face of these jihadist/fascist actions. When the response from the Muslim World has been so overtheir allies), the bombings in Baghwhelming it is simply inexcusable dad and Beirut. What these bombthat there is any ambiguity on this ings all appear to have in common is matter. that they are the actions of Daesh, The second action is to broaden the a.k.a. “the so-called Islamic State.” scope of our understanding of the Even when the Muslim outrage is terrorist actions themselves. While I reported, it does not get the same share a very deep sorrow with the attention as the xenophobic and IsFrench people and an absolute halamophobic rants that are coming tred of Daesh for their barbaric acfrom right-wing pundits in the tions in Paris, I also cry for those U.S.A. and elsewhere. In the afterkilled in Turkey, Baghdad and math of the Paris attacks governors Beirut who have received far less atin the U.S.A. are announcing that tention, and even less sympathy. It they do not want Syrian refugees in is time for us in the U.S.A. and their states, as if to say that the other parts of the global North to refugee population is the source of appreciate that terror does not beterrorist attacks. Are these govercome terror only when it strikes us. (Bill Fletcher,Jr. is the host of The Global nors for real? Do they not realize that Daesh is quite capable of carry- African on Telesur-English. Follow him on Facebook and at ing out terrorist attacks without in- Twitter, www.billfletcherjr.com.) filtrating the refugee population?
Julianne Malveaux
Commentary
Giving thanks for Generation NEXT by Sister Patricia McCann,RSM and Michele Rone Cooper Six months ago, McAuley Ministries established a partnership with New Pittsburgh Courier to tell the stories of Generation NEXT—African-American youth who are achieving in the classroom, volunteering in their community, up-and-coming entrepreneurs starting businesses, creating art, or advocating for social justice. We were motivated by the tragedies in Ferguson, New York City, Cleveland, Baltimore, and yes, Pittsburgh, and images of AfricanAmerican youth that are often associated with violence, crime, and poverty. But we know better! We’ve met some amazing young people who have inspired us and given us the confidence that our future is in good hands. Meet Carter Redwood who graduated cum laude from Carnegie Mellon University in 2014, won the John Arthur Kennedy Senior Acting Award, was the speaker at the drama school commencement, and recognized in a leadership ceremony for seniors who have shown outstanding presence in the broader community. Leah Baker Fowler, an 11 year old, is owner and operator of a cupcake company—“Cupcake’s Most Wanted—it would be a crime not to eat ’em.” Then there is Keimon Alexander Dupree, a ninth-grade honor student at Urban Pathways Charter School in Downtown Pittsburgh, who aspires to achieve a degree in mechanical engi-
neering and is on track with a 4.0 GPA for the majority of his school years. Apart from his scholarly abilities, Keimon plays soccer and football, and is an accomplished musician on the steel pan drums, trumpet, and guitar. Ionie Virginia Banner, a wise 16year-old athlete and scholar, told us, “Whenever I’m faced with the temptation to be ‘normal’ instead of a straight-A student and an athlete who must stay on track for college and more, I remind myself that movies, parties, and hanging with friends will be here—but the sacrifices I make now will make all the difference later.” Tiger Weaver, an advocate for families and children with an incarcerated parent, is a member of the Amachi Teen Leadership Program, a youth presenter at the 2015 Association of Black Foundation Executives Conference in Napa, Calif., and recently listed in the “Future Leader Spotlight” in the inaugural edition of Who’s Who in Black Pittsburgh. Quincy Stanley is a 4.0 student, basketball player, and a recipient of the national Presidential Scholars Award who helps elementary students with reading and robotics through his job with Neighborhood Learning Alliance. These young people, and many others like them, are soaring above social and political inequities. When we see young African-Americans, we see a future business owner; the physician or nurse who will care for our families; the architect, engineer, or contractor
who will build our homes, roads, and bridges; the artist who will inspire us with their talent; the farmer who will grow our food. In this season of Thanksgiving, we give thanks for Carter, Leah, Keimon, Ionie, Tiger, and Quincy, and countless young people like them, who have the intellect, confidence, and persistence to lead our communities. Each month in New Pittsburgh Courier, McAuley Ministries, Pittsburgh Mercy’s grant-making foundation, sponsors an article highlighting the positive contributions of an African-American youth—male or female. We welcome community members to suggest a young person to feature in this monthly column. Criteria include: Youth and young adults, ages 12-23 Documented evidence of leadership or achievement in community service/volunteerism; leadership or achievement in their classroom/school; creativity as an artist, musician, dancer or filmmaker; success as an entrepreneur; leadership in advocating for social justice and equity; and/or achievement in corporate or nonprofit arenas A resident of Allegheny County. Readers who would like to suggest a youth for this feature should email GENNEXT@pmhs.org. (Sr. Patricia McCann, RSM, is chairperson, McAuley Ministries Foundation and Michele Rone Cooper, is executive director, McAuley Ministries Foundation)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
FORUM
Terrorism is a Black issue
Is the deplorable status of Blacks happening nationwide?
(GEORGE CURRY MEDIA)—It was disturbing to listen to some people calling in Friday during my weekly radio segment on Keeping it Real with Rev. Al Sharpton who displayed only a passing interest in the issue of world terrorism or failed to realize how international violence should be a major concern to people of color, especially African Americans. Of course, there were callers who were on top of the issue and I commend them. But I want to address the narrow-minded, knee-jerk reaction that somehow violence committed on foreign soil is not a “Black issue” or shouldn’t be a priority. Even if one subscribed to such nonsense in the past, that should have been eradicated last Friday with the attack on guests at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bamako, the capital city of the West African country of Mali. An al Qaeda-affiliated group took credit for the attack that left at least 27 people dead, including five gunmen. At least 170 were taken as hostages in the dramatic early morning assault. Mali was once one of three African empires that controlled the trans-Saharan trade of salt, slaves, gold, and other precious commodities. I don’t know how you get any “blacker” than that. Although we seem to have conveniently forgotten about them, it wasn’t that long ago that a social media campaign was organized around the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls. Several hundred school-age girls were kidnapped in April 2014 near the town of Chibok that garnered international attention. Some escaped after being abducted, but 219 are still believed to be missing. In August, nearly 300 girls not part of the original schoolgirl kidnappings by Boko Haram were rescued by Nigerian troops in the northeastern Sambis Forest. It is not known how many others are being held by Boko Haram.
One night state of being, last week I Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick because famwent to a ily, friends, meeting with health, happitwo Black ness can’t be businessmen acquired with and one has money. You traveled exand I must tensively begin to quesacross Amertion ourselves, ica and interif you are a nationally. I asked the question, are churchgoer, member of civil rights Blacks in Allegheny County the most organization, fraternity sorority, sodocile and physiologically depressed cial club, have you ever questioned in the nation? I then contended that your leadership or yourself about the until a year ago it had been my belief lack of concrete effort to make posithat Blacks across America had an tive changes in Allegheny County? identical sickness called I got mine Or do you continue to put your heads you get yours. However I have in the sand and pat each other on the changed my mind and now have back and lie to each other that you started to believe that those in Al- have and are making a contribution. legheny County are the sickest. The Foundations and government ever brother, who is the international since former President Lyndon Johntraveler stated, “Hop you were on son signed the Great society legislatarget when you believed that tion have provided organizations in Blacks across this nation have an our communities with untold sums identical problem.” He then began to of money, but our problems still exist elaborate by stating in major cities and in some situations have worswhere there are huge Black popula- ened. Why? A major problem is those tions such as Atlanta, Los Angeles, who provide the money also call the Detroit, New York, Chicago there is a tune. In a local daily newspaper last percentage of Blacks doing well, the week a major foundation made mensame percentage doing well in Al- tion of the deplorable condition of legheny County, but the majority of Black men in the city of Pittsburgh Blacks are fighting for their lives. and how they are denied access to Yes, the problems are identical the employment. The foundation has the overwhelming majority across Amer- ears of the Mayor of Pittsburgh and ica are still denied access to the all they have to do is say to the American Dream. We are still con- mayor “correct this problem”. fronted with unemployment and The holiday season is upon us under employment, drug problems, Thanksgiving, Christmas, but as we robberies, killings, burglaries, and give thanks and pile up debt let us inability to get mortgages, inade- make a commitment that in 2016 we quate school systems and let us not will make a commitment to ourforget a massive lack of Black lead- selves that you and I will do everyership. thing possible to make Allegheny It is my fervent conviction that pos- County truly someplace special for itive change will not occur by itself, our children and our entire families. even if you believe in the power of I look at the Christmas decorations prayer you still must put forward an in every store I go in, and in 2015 all effort. An example is when you get of the Santa Clauses and his helpers your utility bill pray and you find out are still Snow White. Yes much has you still have to locate the money changed, but much remains the somehow or get a termination notice. same. We lay Christmas gifts away, A limited number of local Blacks spend money we really can’t afford, have done well and we should not be- but fail to give persons of color credit grudge them. However we were for- for coming down the chimney. Can tunate enough to instill in our family you imagine a White Santa Claus in what my parents instilled in us— the hood? (Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a weekly contribmaterialism does not make you rich. Richness is a state of mind not a utor to the Forum Page.)
George E. Curry
Commentary Although Nigeria is the largest staging ground, terrorism is no stranger elsewhere on the continent. On Aug. 7, 1998, in what is commonly referred to as the East African Embassy bombings, U.S. embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania were struck. According to the State Department, 224 persons—including 12 Americans, 32 Kenyans and eight Tanzanians—were killed and more than 4,000 others were injured in the truck bomb attacks. One of my friends, Edith Bartley, an African American, lost her father, U.S. Consul General Julian Bartley Sr., and Julian Jr., her younger brother and only sibling, who was working a summer job, in the Nairobi bombing. My Black Parisian friends, who confront some of the same discrimination challenges African Americans face in the U.S., aren’t exempt from terrorist attacks in France or anywhere else they travel. Although Paris has captured international headlines and sympathy following the Nov. 13 terrorist attacks on four different locations there, including the Bataclan Theater, that resulted in the deaths of 130 people and injuries to 368 others, terrorism in Africa isn’t receiving anywhere near the attention it deserves. According to a report issued last Wednesday by the Institute of Economics & Peace, “Also notable over the past year is the major intensification of the terrorist threat in Nigeria. The country witnessed the largest increase in terrorist deaths ever recorded by any country, increasing by over 300 per cent to 7,512 fatalities. Boko Haram, which operates mainly in Nigeria, has become the most deadly terrorist group in the world. Boko Haram pledged its allegiance to ISIL (also known as the Islamic State) as the Islamic State’s West Africa Province in March 2015.” For the first time, Boko Haram has overtaken ISIL as the group that caused the most terrorism deaths. “Deaths attributed to Boko Haram increased by 317 per cent in 2014 to 6,644. ISIL was responsible for 6,073 terrorist deaths,” the report stated. It explained, “Terrorism remains highly concentrated with most of the activity occurring in just five countries—Iraq, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Syria. These countries accounted for 78 percent of the lives lost in 2014.” But terrorism is spreading, with the number of countries experiencing at least 500 terrorismrelated deaths increasing from five to 11, a 120 percent increase over the previous year. Of the six new countries with 500 or more terrorism deaths each year, four of them are in Africa— Somalia, Central African Republic, South Sudan and Cameroon, according to the report titled, “Global Terrorism Index: 2015.” And some say terrorism isn’t a Black issue? In terms of loss of life, the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S. were by far the largest, claiming 2,296 lives, including the19 terrorists, and property and infrastructure damage exceeding $10 billion. Many Blacks, including 12 African American firefighters, lost their lives that day. However, many have been ignored in the numerous services commemorating 9/11. Media columnist Richard Prince pointed out that Time magazine, for example, published 64 pages of photos of 9/11 victims, none of whom were identifiable as Black. Whether the media identifies them are not, Blacks, like Whites, are frequent victims of terrorist attacks. (George E. Curry is President and CEO of George Curry Media, LLC. He is the former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine and the NNPA. He can be reached through his Web site, georgecurry.com.)
To Tell The Truth
The missing gang photo At the end of upper-body, in2015 the Bal- J. Pharoah Doss cluding in the timore riot head and will be feaback. tured in every A local priest p e r i o d i c a l ’s and advocate “year in reagainst gun view”. Each violent depublication scribed the will repromurder as a duce a popu“new low”. He lar gang photo that circulated dur- also said, “This wasn’t a drive-by. ing the unrest. This wasn’t a spray of bullets. A The photograph captured rival baby was assassinated.” gang members posing with members The father of the victim “made it of the Nation of Islam, some head- emphatically clear” that he will not lines promoted it as a “gang truce” cooperate with the police. (I wonothers indicated it was “gang unity dered how the mother’s side of the to provide safety and prevent loot- family felt about that.) He stated, ing”. “My dealings and what I do has Ignore the oxymoronic imagery of a nothing to do with my son.” But the separatist group and street gangs father made it emphatically clear combined with the concepts of unity that he wanted to see justice. and safety. Never mind the fact that But what did this Chicago neigha truce is temporary. Forget the in- borhood want to see? terview with the gang member who There’s an old movie when one said, “We didn’t have a truce or a gang, who wore red, attempted to treaty; we just had men respecting murder the wives of their rivals. But men as men.” (Whatever that for certain members of the red gang means.) Forget the fact that The the act displayed a depth of depravNew York Times reported, a few ity they couldn’t muster within months after the riot, that murders themselves and they ended their afin Baltimore have “risen to a level filiation and denounced the gang. not seen in decades”, and ignore the That was the gang photograph the fact that the photo was an example neighborhood wanted to see, not one of positive meaninglessness. (This is like in Baltimore promoting a meanwhen intentions are praised for ingless truce for its positivity, but being positive but there is no imple- one depicting young men disassocimentation of anything meaningful. ating from gang culture to reaffirm And the promotion of positivity by their affiliation with humanity. gang apologist is meaningless.) That photograph would have made The point is the photograph exists, the history books not just some periand it will be displayed as a peaceful odical’s “year in review” list. But balance to the violent images associ- that photograph doesn’t exist it’s ated with the riot. missing from history. But there is one gang photograph Now when this murder is menthat will be missing from 2015’s year tioned at the end of the year, instead in review. of a historic gang photo, there is Recently Chicago’s police superin- going to be a photograph of the tendent detailed a murder to the Mayor of Chicago stating: Whoever press. He said it was “probably the killed this boy is not a human being. most abhorrent, cowardly, unfath- I hope they never see freedom. I omable crime” that he has witnessed hope they never see daylight… in 35 years of policing.” (2014 there When you do what you’ve done to a were 425 murders and that figure is 9-year old, there’s a place for you, low. In 2003 the count was 601 and and there’s no humanity in that each year going back to 1991 the place. (J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the count remained over 600.) A 9-year-old boy was lured into an New Pittsburgh Courier. He blogs at alley and shot several times in the jpharoahdoss@blogspot.com)
Commentary
Letters to the editor for publication The New Pittsburgh Courier welcomes all responsible viewpoints for publication. All letters should be typewritten and contain writer’s address and phone number for verification. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Address all letters to: Letters to the Editor New Pittsburgh Courier, 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 You may fax your letter to 412-481-1360, or via e-mail to letters@newpittsburghcourier.com.
NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 1, 2015
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Marian Wright Edelman
Child Watch
The ugly truths America must face (NNPA)—On Nov. 14, Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia announced the university will rename two buildings on campus named for two 19th century Georgetown University presidents: Thomas F. Mulledy, who in 1838 arranged the sale of 272 slaves from Jesuit-owned Maryland plantations and used the profit to pay Georgetown’s construction debts, and William McSherry, who also sold other Jesuit-owned slaves and was Mulledy’s adviser. The sale ignored the objections of some Jesuit leaders who believed using the money to pay off debt was immoral and their demands that families be kept together. Georgetown’s action followed a student sit-in outside President DeGioia’s office but it was part of a longer ongoing process examining the university’s historical connections to slavery. The renaming was one step recommended by the Working Group on Slavery, Memory and Reconciliation established by the President this school year. Recently student protesters at Yale University repeated calls to rename its Calhoun College honoring slave owning Vice President and South Carolina Senator John C. Calhoun, already a subject of campus wide discussion. For years the college featured a stained glass window depicting Calhoun with a chained Black slave kneeling in front of him. After complaints, the slave’s image was removed, but Calhoun’s remains, as does his shameful legacy that haunts our nation still. Georgetown and Yale are among the growing number of colleges and universities struggling to come to terms with their historical connections to slave owners, slave labor, and slave profits and the scars they leave on campuses and our nation today. What values do we want to hold up for our young as worthy of honor and emulation? Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island was the first Ivy League university to move forward with a large-scale investigation of its history under the leadership of former president Ruth Simmons. In 2003 she appointed a Committee on Slavery and Justice to learn more about Brown’s past ties to slavery and wealthy benefactors involved in the transAtlantic slave trade. The Brown family included slave owners and slave traders as well as at least two members who became active abolitionists. The committee learned 30 members of Brown’s governing board owned or captained slave ships and slave labor was used for some of the school’s construction. Brown is far from alone. In his groundbreaking 2013 book Ebony & Ivy: Race, Slavery, and the Troubled History of America’s Universities, Massachusetts Institute of Technology scholar Craig Steven Wilder documented many of these connections. In the book’s prologue he says: “In short, American colleges were not innocent or passive beneficiaries of conquest and colonial slavery…The academy never stood apart from American slavery—in fact, it stood beside church and state as the third pillar of a civilization built on bondage.” The nation’s oldest colleges depended on direct and indirect wealth from slavery and the slave trade. Slaves helped build many university buildings including some at Thomas Jefferson’s University of Virginia. Students sometimes brought slaves to college to serve them, as George Washington’s stepson did when he attended King’s College in New York City, now Columbia University. Many university founders and early presidents owned personal slaves including Dartmouth, Harvard, the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) and more, and some colleges owned slaves. William and Mary, one of the slave owning colleges, produced one of the most awful stories Wilder shares—that of founding trustee Reverend Samuel Gray, who “murdered an enslaved child for running away”: “Rev. Gray struck the boy on the head, drawing blood, and then put a hot iron to the child’s flesh. The minister had the boy tied to a tree, and then ordered another slave to whip him. The boy later died. Gray argued that ‘such accidents’ were inevitable, a position that seems to have succeeded, as a court declined to convict him.” Slave corpses were used in a number of the colleges’ medical and scientific experiments. In one of Wilder’s examples, Dartmouth College founder Eleazar Wheelock’s personal doctor arranged for a slave’s skeleton to be wired up for study and his skin tanned at the college shop and made into a cover for his instrument case. Ongoing university “research” throughout the nineteenth century bolstered many of the race-based claims used to support slavery. Across our country this ugly and profoundly morally defective past is finally being brought into the light. Brown University’s Committee on Slavery and Justice said: “We cannot change the past. But an institution can hold itself accountable for the past, accepting its burdens and responsibilities along with its benefits and privileges.” More universities and institutions must follow Brown’s example and engage in a thoughtful process of truth telling of their own and America’s history in order to lift the indefensible blot of slavery on America’s dream which plagues us still. College students, faculty, and administrators seeking an honest historical accounting on their campuses are to be applauded. Only the truth will make us free and move us forward together. (Marian Wright Edelman is president of the Children’s Defense Fund.)
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NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 1, 2015
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
New Pittsburgh Courier
make performance in ʻThe Piano Lessonʼ B3
Nuances
LIFESTYLES NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 1, 2015
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
celebrates 100th church anniversary B2
New Zion Baptist
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Debbie Norrell
Lifestyles Report
Why cook? By the time you read this your Thanksgiving meal might be history, so put this idea in your mental freezer for next year. Last week, I was driving home and listing to the “Karen Hunter Show.” She was interviewing the owner of a company called Jive Turkey. This company fries turkeys and they mail them to your home. No joke. I went to their website as soon as I got out of the car. There are 15 flavors and they range from about $80 to $90. Hunter has been ordering the turkeys for years and she is partial to the Honey Pecan. This Black owned business started in the owner’s back yard and now has grown to a very significant business. There are locations where you can pick up the turkeys in New York and Chicago. There are side dishes available as well. They have Cajun Turkey, BBQ Turkey, Peach Bourbon, Fresh Herb, Lemon Pepper and more. All I can say is I’m impressed and I plan to order one for Christmas. I will test it and get back to you on what I think. I might invite some others over for a taste test and while we are at it we will taste a few Patti LaBelle Sweet Potato Pies; if I can find one. Thanks to Facebook, I found out that her pies are for sale in Walmart and as of this writing the pies are sold out. Maybe I can go and get the Patti LaBelle cookbook and make my own pie or just find my mother’s recipe and make one. Thanks to social media, Patti’s pies are a big hit. There is a very large man on YouTube eating the pie and signing Patti’s songs, they showed this on Inside Edition. What a good endorsement. I’ve heard mixed reviews and I’m anxious to weigh in. Knowing how to cook is not as important as it used to be, most grocery stores will sell you a complete Thanksgiving meal and all you have to do is set the table. In most cases, nothing beats a home cooked meal unless you run into that person who just can’t cook. You know what’s sad? A person who thinks they can cook, but really can’t. The food looks real good, but tastes awful. I always thought if you could read you should be able to cook. That is how I learned, by reading cookbooks, watching my mother and father, and trial and error. And let me not forget Home Economics class. I wish I had the recipes from that class. I learned to make a dessert in that class that my dad just loved. He complimented me on the flakiness of the crust and the flavor. As they say, those were the good old days. Now all you need is a website and a credit card and you can put together a good meal. No worries about burning the house down with the turkey fryer, just open the box put the turkey in the oven and you’re golden. (Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)
HAIL TO THE QUEEN
A LIVING DOLL
BIG STEELER FAN
Fierce and Fabulous
by Debbie Norrell Courier Staff Writer
When you tie the words fierce and fabulous to the world of fashion you nor-
mally think about someone over 5 feet tall in beautiful fashions, sweeping down the catwalk. On Oct. 10, at the Rodi Road Comfort Inn, A Woman’s
Touch presented their fall fashion show “Fierce & Fabulous” where the models who were way under 5 feet tall stole the show. Not only were the young models fiercely cute, their fashions were designed by Starr Thomas, daughter of Leah Thomas, the owner, and they were fun and exciting. There were queens and starlets, and a fashionable Steeler fan. The young boys wore stylish vests and hoodies all made and designed by Starr. The second part of the show featured fashions for the grownups in the crowd and showcased the unique hats and ensembles that A Woman’s Touch, in Swissvale, is well known for.
CUTIE PIE
HANDSOME DUO (Photos by Debbie Norrell)
CUSTOM MADE
ONLY AT A WOMAN’S TOUCH
IN STYLE
FIERCE
FABULOUS
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RELIGION
NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 1, 2015
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Praise & Worship HILLCREST SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 2340 Wylie Ave., Pgh., PA 15219 412-391-4334 412-566-8787
“Be Encouraged”
Elder Christopher C. Thompson Power Hour Sabbath...............8:15 A.M. Sabbath School........................9:00 A.M. Divine Worship......................11:00 A.M. AYS One Hour Before Sunset Prayer Meeting Wednesday......7:30 P.M.
ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141
MIN. DELPHINE ADAMS Words of welcome
Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & Noon Sunday (Gospel Choir Mass) Noon www.stbtmchurch.org
METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH 22 Sampsonia Street, Northside Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-2554 FAX 412-231-6395 Rev. Lacy F. Richardson, Ph.D., Pastor
REV. BRENDA GREGG, pastor of Destiny of Faith Church, giving a mighty Word.
REV. DR. SAMUEL WILLIAMS JR. Senior pastor of New Zion Baptist Church
New Zion Baptist celebrates 100th church anniversary
Church School.................................9:30 A.M. Worship Service.................8:00 & 10:45 A.M. Bible Study/ Prayer Wednesday...................6:30/7:30 P.M. www.metropolitanbaptistchurch.com metropolitanbaptist2224@gmail.com
SIXTH MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH 6556 Shetland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 441-7839 Church School Worship Service Wednesday Night Bible Study
9:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800
NEW ZION BAPTIST CHURCH, located at 1434 Juniata St., in Manchester, hosted its 100th Church Anniversary on Nov. 15. The theme LaSHAWN KEMP reading off the was “Don’t let the rain put out the fire.” The church, under the direction of Rev. Dr. Samuel Williams Jr., celebrated a century of service to names for the memorial candles. the community. The above photo shows a deacon and the praise ministry praising God in song. (Photos by J. L. Martello)
116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
www.cathedralofhope.com
Journey Worship........8:45 a.m. Sanctuary Worship.......11 a.m.
Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community
MIME MINISTRIES—New Zion Baptist Church’s Expressions of Glory mime ministry performing.
DOWN THE AISLES—The choir marching down the aisle and waving their flags.
For rate information, call 412-481-
DEACONESS SANDRA SPELLS Worship Leader
MINISTERING THROUGH SONG—Inspirational music A&B selections given by the Destiny of Faith Choir.
Church Circuit Pre-Thanksgiving Celebration
8302, ext. 128. New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Fax: 412-481-1360 email: egaines@newpittsburghcourier.com
NOV. 25—Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 90 Port Perry Rd., North Versailles, will host a Pre-Thanksgiving Celebration Worship Service at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature a special guest preacher, Pastor Johnathan Wilson of New Bethel Baptist Church, along with his choir and congregation. This is an opportunity to give thanks. For more information, call 412-823-2841 or visit
www.mtcarmelbaptistnv.org.
Thanksgiving Dinner
NOV. 26—Uncommon Grounds Café, 380 Franklin Ave., Aliquippa, will host
a free Thanksgiving Dinner from 2-4 p.m. This event is open to anyone in need of a warm, loving place to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. For more information, call 724-375-6141.
Friendship Luncheon
NOV. 28—New Birth Baptist Church, 406 W. Grant St., Duquesne, will host its Friendship Luncheon from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The last Saturday of the month, members of New Birth invite the community from the tri-state area to a delicious lunch, a clothing giveaway for the needy and an enlightening discussion. For more information, call 412-466-2229.
Choir Reunion
NOV. 29—Lincoln Avenue Church of God, 404 Lincoln Ave., Lincoln/Larimer, will host an Inspirational Choir Reunion Project at 5 p.m. After 15 years, the Lincoln Avenue Inspirational Choir will reunite for a powerful evening of worship in celebration of the church’s 106 in ministry. For more information, call 412-361-7748.
Sounds of the Season
DEC. 4—The Pittsburgh Concert Chorale will host “Sounds of the Season” at 7:30 p.m. at Ingomar United Methodist Church, 11501 W. Ingomar Rd., Pittsburgh. This annual yuletide concert will include a vast array of holiday music, ranging from classical
sounds to pop delights. There will also be a show on Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church and on Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. at Ingomar United Methodist Church. For more information, call 412635-7654 or visit www. pccsing.org.
Christmas Gala
DEC. 6—Zion Apostolic Assembly of McKeesport, 2117 Jenny Lind St., McKeesport, will host its 9th Annual Christmas Gala at 5 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel, 101 Mall Plaza Blvd., Monroeville. The theme is “Jesus the True Gift of Christmas.” There will be worship, music and more. Reservations are requested by Nov. 29. For more information, call 412-678-
7248.
Holiday Concert
DEC. 12—The Pittsburgh Concert Chorale will host the “Singin’ With Santa” Children’s Holiday Concert at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1965 Ferguson Rd., Allison Park. There will be sing-alongs, a visit/photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, goody bags and more. Reservations are required. For more information, call 412-635-7654 or visit www. pccsing.org. (To have items listed on the Church Circuit, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412-481-1360 or e-mail: newsroom@newpittsburghcourier. com.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
CUISINE
NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 1, 2015
(Family Features) Busy weeknights can make for hectic meals, but these simple recipes prove you don’t have to trim out flavor or precious moments spent with family when you’re cutting minutes off your dinner prep time. The secret to making quick meals your family will love is quality ingredients. Tasty meals are easy when you incorporate the wholesome flavor of all-natural ingredients you feel good about serving your family, such as Hunt’s tomatoes. Hunt’s peels its diced, whole and stewed tomatoes using steam from simple hot water, so no chemical byproducts get put back into the earth.
Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Tomatoes Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Servings: 6 1 pound small fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half lengthwise 1 can (14.5 ounces) Hunt’s Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes, drained 2 tablespoons pure canola oil 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper Heat oven to 425 F. In large bowl, toss together Brussels sprouts, drained tomatoes, oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Spread mixture in single layer on large shallow baking pan. Bake 20 minutes or until Brussels sprouts are tender and browned, stirring once halfway through.
Quick Mini Meatloaves
Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 40 minutes Servings: 6 Pam Original No-Stick Cooking Spray 1 can (8 ounces) Hunt’s Tomato Sauce 3 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard 1 pound ground chuck beef (80 percent lean) 1 can (14.5 ounces) Hunt’s Petite Diced Tomatoes, drained 1/3 cup finely chopped yellow onion 3/4 cup Italian-style bread crumbs 1 egg, beaten 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper Heat oven to 400 F. Lightly spray 6 medium muffin cups with cooking spray; set aside. In small bowl, combine tomato sauce, brown sugar and mustard; set aside. In large bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Add 1/4 cup reserved sauce mixture to meat mixture and incorporate. Divide meat mixture evenly and place into prepared muffin cups. Place muffin pan on baking sheet. Bake 25 minutes or until no longer pink in centers (165 F). Top each mini loaf with 2 tablespoons sauce; bake 5 minutes more or until sauce is set. Serve with remaining sauce.
Easy Chicken Parmesan
Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 45 minutes Servings: 6 1 can (15 ounces) Hunt’s Tomato Sauce 1 can (14.5 ounces) Hunt’s Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic and Oregano, undrained 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided 6 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (1-1/2 pounds total) 3/4 pound spaghetti, uncooked 1-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Heat oven to 375 F. Pour tomato sauce and undrained tomatoes into 13-by9-inch baking dish. Stir in 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) Parmesan. Add chicken; turn to evenly coat both sides of each breast with sauce. Cover. Bake 30 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center (165 F). Meanwhile, cook spaghetti as directed on package, omitting salt. Top chicken with remaining cheeses; bake, uncovered, 5 minutes or until mozzarella is melted. Drain spaghetti. Serve topped with chicken and sauce.
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ENTERTAINER New Pittsburgh Courier
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NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 1, 2015
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
Cover To Cover
‘Jemima Code’
by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier
You woke up this morning with a craving. So is breakfast time too early to think about dinner? Is it bad to want to sneak home for lunch, just to make your favorite comfort food? No, because nothing else tastes good when you’re hankering for something specific. Your stomach won’t give up until you’ve satisfied that craving, so you might as well give in a little and read “The Jemima Code: Two Centuries of African American Cookbooks” by Toni Tipton-Martin. Though her upbringing in California was sprinkled with foods reminiscent of her family’s origins in the South, Toni Tipton-Martin says that “precious few” of her favorite foods “qualified as southern.” That made her, she says, “a casualty of the Jemima code,” which
she defines as something that classifies the “character and life’s work of our nation’s Black cooks as insignificant.” She set out to change that. In many libraries, cookbooks by African American authors are lacking. “Even,” says Tipton-Martin, “the southern cookbooks were silent on the subject” so she began to specifically collect cookbooks written by Black authors, containing the knowledge and recipes of Black cooks. As her collection grew, so did her understanding and she began seeing how “cooking changed, and cooks changed with it.” From an obscure 1827 cookbook—the first one published by an African American author (and a man!) Tipton-Martin realized that many Black cooks “existed in the culinary shadows as far as cookbook writers were concerned.” Much of their work was probably credited to White owners or employers. Technological advances in the early twentieth century altered how meals were made; science entered the picture, too, as did household worker’s unions—the latter, to the frustration of White employers, which is something African American cookbooks quietly reflected. By mid-century, the early Civil Rights Movement could be spotted in Black cookbooks of the day. Soul Food enjoyed new appreciation in the 1960s from hippies, flower children, “feisty Black cooks,” and people of all races. By the 1980s, African American cookbooks were penned by football stars, gardeners, and experts alike. Says Tipton-Martin, “it was the cooks’ time to shine” although, even in today’s kitchen, “the times are not yet postracial.” There are, as I see it, three main reasons why you’d want “The Jemima Code” on your kitchen bookshelf. There’s a treasure-trove of pictures inside making this large-sized book one that readers will want to carry with them from kitchen to living room, countertop to easy chair. (“The Jemima Code: Two Centuries of African American Cookbooks” by Toni Tipton-Martin, c.2015, University of Texas Press, $45 /higher in Canada, 246 pages.)
Carole King: Major influence on Black music by Genea Webb
For New Pittsburgh Courier
Josh Dawson grew up listening to Carole King songs. “I grew up in the church and didn’t listen to a lot of secular music, but I did listen to Carole King and Phoebe Snow,” said Dawson who has been acting his entire life. So when he landed the part as one of the Drifters in the touring company of “Beautiful,” he was ecstatic. The message of finding something beautiful in darkness really hit home for Dawson. “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” tells the true-life story of Carole King’s rise to musical stardom from being a member of the hit songwriting team, to her friendship with fellow lyricists Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann to becoming one of the most successful songwriters in history. King wrote her first No. 1 hit, along with her husband, Gerry Goffin, “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” for the Shirelles, at the age of 17. The pair wrote countless numbers of hits during the 1950s. After the couple’s fairytale romance and collaboration began to crumble, King left New York for California to record 1971’s “Tapestry” which begin her great solo musical success. More than 400 of her compositions have been recorded by more than 1,000 artists resulting in 100 hit singles and six Grammy Awards. King and Goffin met at Queens College in 1939 and began their romance and songwriting magic almost immediately. The couple married in 1959 and penned more than 50 top-10 hits including, “The Locomotion.” Both King and Goffin were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” which premiered in 2013, won two 2014 Tony Awards and the
JOSH DAWSON
REBECCA COVINGTON cast recording snagged the King had a large influence 2015 Grammy Award for on African American music Best Musical Theater Al- she penned songs for such bum. groups as The Drifters, the
Shirelle’s, Janelle Woods and others. “She wrote songs that Donnie Hathaway and Roberta Flack sang,” explained Dawson who cut his performance teeth in church but learned about other forms of music from his maternal grandmother, aunts and uncles who traveled around the country performing. King’s tremendous song catalogue includes “You’ve Got a Friend,” “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman,” “On Broadway,” “Up On the Roof,” “One Fine Day” and “Some Kind of Wonderful.” “This was one of the first times that you saw a predominately White group writing and being able to influence Black culture. They had an understanding and a love for Black culture that allowed them to write such melodies,” Dawson said. “One of the things that I respect so much about Carole King and her writing is that it is heavily influenced by Gospel and Blues. It is so influenced with that and I love that.” “Beautiful: The Carole King Muscial” stopped at the Benedum Center, Oct. 27– Nov. 1, as part of the PNC Broadway Across America Pittsburgh series. The series presents award-winning productions direct from the Broadway stage. The show featured Abby Mueller as Carole King, Suzannw Grooner as Genie Klein, Liam Tobin as Gerry Goffin, Becky Gulsvig as Cynthia Weil and Ben Fankhauser as Barry Mann. During the show’s intermission on the opening night of its Pittsburgh run, audience members were humming the songs as they traveled to and from their seats. After the show ended, people were saying they didn’t know King had written many of the songs in the musical—songs that undoubtedly shaped some of the most important moments of their lives. “I’m so honored to deliver
these songs the way people remember them. To be able to do this and perform in these major markets is amazing,” said Rebecca Covington who portrays Janelle Woods and a member of the Shirelles in “Beautiful.” “We collectively get goose bumps every single time. We don’t take this for granted. A lot of these groups played at gymnasiums in the 1950s and in
CAROLE KING back woods clubs and now we’re able to perform in places like the Kennedy Center and the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh. We hope we can be the doorway for some young girl who wants to sing to see us and say ‘I can do that.’ That’s what it’s all about.” Covington, who hails from Lexington, Ky., and graduated from Belmont University, started her performing career in high school as part of the youth orchestra’s violin section. After seeing “Miss Saigon” and “West Side Story, her heart was set on making a career in musical theater. “Our audiences was tremendously blessed by the messages in this show,” Dawson said. “Carole King was a pioneer. She took on the mantle when it wasn’t popular. She’s an early Sara Barelles or Alicia Keys.” “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” will tour North America until the summer of 2016.
‘Love the Coopers’
Captures essence of Pittsburgh’s Winter Wonderland by Merecedes J. Howze For New Pittsburgh Courier
Any real Pittsburgher can attest to the beauty and the beast of winters in Pittsburgh. One film captures the things we love the most about the wintery warmth of the Steel City. “Love the Coopers,” which was filmed in Pittsburgh last year, is about a family’s chaotic journey to enjoy Christmas Eve together. It wasn’t the typical Pittsburgh elements like icy bridges, construction, and unnecessary traffic approaching the Squirrel Hill Tunnels that kept this family divided during the holidays. It was pain, hurt, jealousy, pride, and loneliness that made Christmas Eve dinner intolerable. I sat down with director Jessie Nelson. She’s most notably known for the creations of “Corrina, Corrina” (1994)—one of my favorite childhood movies—and “I Am Sam” (2001). Nelson said that when she first got to Pittsburgh for filming she “fell in love with it.” “Pittsburgh embraces the holidays.” From Light Up Night to Pamela’s Diner, even to the dense, despair of Century III Mall, “Love the Coopers” has all the things you notice and love about Pittsburgh. This film is intimately familiar to a native like myself. While some might contest, the winter season is Pittsburgh’s most attrac-
tive feature. Not to mention, there’s a special homage to the frustrations of the Pittsburgh International Airport. This star-studded cast includes Diane Keaton, John Goodman, Amanda Seyfried, Olivia Wilde, Alan Arkin, Ed Helms, Marisa Tomei and Anthony Mackie. Keaton stars as Charlotte, an unbearable housewife facing divorce after 40 years of marriage. The Coopers are primarily made up of Sam the lonely husband (Goodman), Emma the catty baby sister, (Tomei), Bucky the grumpy yet rational elder (Arkin), Hank the employed (Helms), and his sister, Eleanor the single one (Wilde). Nelson called the cast “an enormously talented group,” who were “incredibly collaborative.” She was glad that she was able to get Keaton and Goodman on the big screen together for the first time. “Diane always wanted to work with John.” Even through the most serious scenes, “Love the Coopers” is super witty. “The Hangover” star, Helms, and Tomei cause an expected amount of laughter. But, it is Arkin, the 89-year-old vet, who has the sharpest sarcasm of them all. He’s so serious yet so funny. If there’s one thing you take away from “Love the Coopers,” Nelson hopes it’s joy. 2.5 Stars
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 1, 2015
ARTS & CULTURE
B5
November Thursday 26 HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Friday 27 Black Voices in the Arts The University of Pittsburgh Art Gallery presents “Exposure: Black Voices in the Arts” from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Frick Fine Arts Building, 650 Schenley Dr., Oakland. This student curated exhibition shines light on the issue of Black artists being underrepresented in national museums while celebrating the artwork of local Black artists. In this exhibit, the artists use a broad range of media and evoke diverse experiences and unique creative perspectives. Some of the artists included are James Edward White, Frank Floyd Hightower, Tina Williams Brewer, Thaddeus Mosley, Jo-Ann Bates, and others. The exhibition will run through Dec. 11. For more information, call 412-648-2400.
Jazz at Andys Andys Wine Bar at the Fairmont Pittsburgh Hotel presents Jazz at Andys from 5-7:30 p.m. at 510 Market St., Downtown. Special guest DJ Malls will be spinning the vinyl as part of the VINYL Happy Hour. Following the happy hour, there will be a musical performance by Anqwenique Wingfield. It is open to the public. For more information, visit www.andyswinebar.com.
Saturday 28 Lush Life Masquerade/ Suite Life The Kelly Strayhorn Theater presents the Lush Life Masquerade and 8th Annual Suite Life: Billy Strayhorn Birthday Bash. Lush Life, a festive tribute to celebrate the 100th birthday of Billy Strayhorn, will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Hotel Indigo, 123 N. Highland Ave., East Liberty. Prior to the tribute concert, guests will turn back the clock to the golden era of jazz and raise a glass to the legendary pianist and composer. Following Lush Life, the Suite Life concert will take place at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater at 8 p.m. There will be a special performance featuring Grammy Awardwinning trumpeter Sean Jones with the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra. Proceeds will benefit the Strayhorn Legacy Fund. For more information, call 412-363-3000 or visit www.kelly-strayhorn.org.
Sunday 29 Arnez J The Pittsburgh Improv presents Arnez J at 7 p.m. at the Improv, 166 E. Bridge St., Waterfront. With his raw energy, Arnez J is one of the hottest comedians around. He has been the host of the BET television show, “Comic View,” for two seasons and has a comedy special called, “Racially Motivated,” on Netflix. This is a 21 and over event. He will perform Nov. 2729. For more information, visit www.pittsburgh.improv.com.
CAST—From left: Monteze Freeland and Wali Jamal. (Photos by Chris Chapman)
Nuances make performance in ‘The Piano Lesson’ by C. Denise Johnson For New Pittsburgh Courier
Family—can’t live with them, can’t live without them; it’s the gray area between to the two is where conflict resides. The convergence of past, present and future is at the center of “The Piano Lesson,” playing at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture. Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre is working its way through The Pittsburgh Century Cycle a second time, after becoming the first company to produce all ten in the order of each’s Broadway debut in 2013. With that under its belt, Playwrights is presenting the cycle again with an opportunity to glean more drama and magic from the scripts. This co-production with The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust more than lives up to expectations. What’s new is the expanse of the stage in AWC’s Franco Harris Theatre. Moving from the tight confines of Playwright’s black box space affords an opportunity to soak in more of the ambiance of the 1930s Hill District residence where
CAST—From left: Monteze Freeland, standing, Wali Jamal, seated, and Karla C. Payne. the play is set (kudos to set designer Tony Ferrieri). Intimate familiarity with Wilson’s work offers a chance to see “The Piano Lesson” through a new set of ears and eyes. Working with a cast of “Wilsonian soldiers” provides revelations between the layers of the script.
An heirloom piano is the eye of a sibling storm of discontent, prominent in the home and the play. When Boy Willie shows up on the doorstep of his uncle’s home in the Hill, he brings with him much turmoil and lofty dreams as he stirs up a painful past. His sister Bernice,
Monday 30 Savoy Jazz Savoy Restaurant presents Savoy Jazz Mondays from 5-9 p.m. at 2623 Penn Ave., Strip District. Every Monday guests can enjoy live jazz in a sophisticated atmosphere by some of the city’s most talented jazz performers. The featured entertainer will be Etta Cox and the Roger Humphries Trio. The attire is business casual. For more information, call 412-281-0660 or visit www.savoypgh.com.
December Tuesday 1 JazzLive The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents JazzLive at 5 p.m. at the Backstage Bar at Theater Square, 655 Penn Ave., Cultural District. Every Tuesday, guests can enjoy a free live jazz series that showcases some of the region’s finest jazz musicians. Claude Flowers will be the featured artist. For more information, call 412-4566666 or visit www.trustarts.org.
CAST—From left: Monteze Freeland, Wali Jamal, seated, and Garbie Dukes.
Wednesday 2 Humanae/I AM AUGUST The August Wilson Center presents “Humanae/I AM AUGUST” at the August Wilson Center, 980 Liberty Ave., Cultural District. The exhibition is a local adaptation of Brazilian photographer Angélica Dass’ “Humanae” project, which features more than 2,500 photos in public spaces around the world. The local project, “I AM AUGUST,” includes a collection of community stories, performances and events, and takes a first step toward a vision for an August Wilson Center that boldly celebrates community in the spirit of the center’s namesake, August Wilson. For more information, call 412-338-8742 or visit www.trustarts.org.
CAST—From left: Garbie Dukes and Edwin Lee Gibson.
who arrived in Pittsburgh with the piano, will not part with it and becomes the obstacle Boy Willie must overcome. Swept in the undertow are others who arrived with the Great Migration: Doaker (the uncle); Lymon who arrived with Boy Willie and is weighing his options in the North, Wining Boy (Doaker’s brother), an itinerate musician and Bernice’s suitor, and Avery, also from down home and a newly minted preacher. They all share the roots of strife, pain, indignities and a lack of self-determination; all up north to create redemption, except Boy Willie want to establish stability and value in the family by purchasing the land they used to work. This core group embodies the best of ensemble acting. Wali Jamal practically morphs and oozes Boy Willie out of his pores with his best work to date.
Kevin Brown is Doaker, the rock in this tale, as he is in almost every role he touches, the voice of reason and wisdom in his steadying presence. Karla C. Payne is a revelation on the no-nonsense yet obsessively sentimental Berneice who claims a bond with the piano and an unfortunate familiarity of loss. It would be a disservice to refer to Edwin Lee Gibson, Monteze Freeland, Garbie Dukes and Brenda Marks as supporting players because all of their performances add the luster and shine of Wilson’s words and the performance. On the night of this review, Trysta Miri Lei Fields was on the money as Bernice’s young daughter (she share with role with Nia Woodson). Weaving these elements together is director Mark Clayton Southers (whose last directing job was “Fences”), drawing on his extensive connection with Wilson and his work through script and life as a fellow Hill District native. Southers is uniquely able pull and illuminate subtle nuances in the play. Kudos to the attention to detail in directing and setting light design by Bob Steineck; sound by Mark Whitehead, wardrobe and make-up by the incomparable Cheryl El Walker, who will work two shows simultaneously and not miss a beat. The universality of the theme of reconciliation and the need for it certainly helped to deliver the Pulitzer Prize and Drama Desk Critics Award. “The Piano Lesson” ran through Nov. 21 at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture, located at 980 Liberty Ave., in the Cultural District.
New Pittsburgh Courier
B6
GIFT GUIDE
Heat up the holidays by making batches of hot sauce as gifts NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 1, 2015
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
by Elizabeth Karmel Associated Press Writer
The weekend before Thanksgiving usually is my holiday gift-making weekend. Most years, my mother and I make wild persimmon fruitcakes, which we wrap in bourbonsoaked cheesecloth. They are so delicious. But this year, I’ve decided to start a spicy new tradition. I am going to make bottles of my favorite boozy hot sauce. Everyone loves hot sauce and this one is simple, beautiful and intensely delicious. It relies on alcohol, whole chilies and spices, and that’s it. The alcohol is what carries the heat. You could use vinegar, but I prefer the hard stuff. The alcohol lends a softer flavor to the finished sauce and becomes more balanced as it ages. Most any distilled spirit will work so long as it isn’t fortified with a lot of sugar (don’t use any liqueurs). I like to use clear liquors (such as vodka, gin, white rum, tequila or even moonshine) because it lets you see the chilies and spices in the bottle. The basic recipe is incredibly versatile and it’s easy to put your own spin on it. The recipe I make most often calls for silver tequila, whole peppercorns and whole dried chilies. One of my favorite holiday variations offers a Caribbean touch by using rum, allspice, cinnamon and chilies. I also like to make a more neutral version with vodka, dried habaneros, orange peel and whole star anise. Or make a smoky barbecue hot sauce with dried chipotles, a pinch of dark brown sugar and red pepper flakes. The sky and your spice cabinet are your only limits. Which dried chilies to use? A mix is nice, but you need to decide for yourself what sort of heat you (or the recipients of your gifts) can handle. Scotch bonnets are a great choice. Ditto for Thai bird. Want to really crank up the heat? Look for dried ghost chilies, supposedly the hottest around. As for bottles to pack the hot sauce in, consider buying the booze you use in the recipe in half-pint sizes. Those bottles are perfect for packaging the finished hot sauce.
HOT SAUCE—Homemade boozy hot sauce is a breeze to make is a great holiday gift. (Photo courtesy Associated Press) There is something both rustic and chic (and green!) about reusing the bottles you bought the booze in. Just be sure to soak off the old labels before you fill the bottles. Alternatively, numerous shapes and sizes of bottles can be found online and at craft stores.
Just note: The sauce gets hotter the longer it sits, so you want to make the sauce at least three weeks before you give it to people. Also, shake the bottles every few days. HOMEMADE BOOZY HOT SAUCE This homemade hot sauce is great as a condiment, mixed into recipes and even can be used to give kick to cocktails (best bloody mary, ever!). Half-pint bottles are great for packaging the finished sauce, but any size small bottle with tightly fitting caps will work. Just divide the ingredients evenly between the bottles, seal tightly, then heat as directed. This recipe calls for rum, which gives the finished hot sauce a decidedly Caribbean taste. Want a more neutral flavor? Go with vodka. Start to finish: 1 hour, plus aging Makes 3 cups 16 dried chilies (a mix or variety depending on desired heat) 20 whole cloves 4 whole allspice berries 10 whole black peppercorns 750-milliliter bottle white rum or vodka In a 4-cup heat-safe glass measuring cup, combine all ingredients. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then set into a large saucepan. Pour enough water into the saucepan so that it reaches the same level as the ingredients inside the measuring cup. Turn on the heat to medium-low. Heat the water to 180 F (use a candy or instant thermometer to monitor), then heat at that temperature for 10 minutes. Remove the measuring cup from the water and uncover. Use a slotted spoon to remove the solids, then divide them between 4 small bottles (each large enough to hold 1 cup). Divide the rum or vodka among the bottles, then seal them tightly. Age for 3 weeks, gently shaking every day or so. (EDITOR’S NOTE: Elizabeth Karmel is a barbecue and Southern foods expert. She is the chef and pitmaster at online retailer CarolinaCueToGo.com and author of three books, including ``Taming the Flame.’’)
Out of gift ideas? Surprise loved ones with meaningful gifts they’ll adore
(BPT) — Exchanging gifts is a cherished part of the holiday season, but after celebrating for so many years with your loved ones, it’s easy to get in a gift-giving rut. Resist defaulting to the same old robe, coffee mug or tie. This year, make their holiday extra merry with thoughtful gift ideas they’ll truly love. Great gift idea #1: A beloved book In the age of emails and ebooks, flipping through the paper pages of a book can quickly evoke memories of the past. The gift of a book can have great meaning when thoughtfully selected. For example, find an early edition or signed copy of your loved one’s favorite literary work. Another great idea is to gift a favorite picture book from childhood, or one she often read to her children before bed. Great gift idea #2: Framed photography A picture is worth a thousand words, but having that picture professionally framed means you’ll leave your loved one speechless. It may seem like a lot of work to find just the right frame, but companies like Livestock Framing offer an all-inclusive service that makes the process simple. Visit www.LivestockFraming.com, upload your photo and choose from four frame colors and six different sizes. They’ll ship a museum-quality print, carefully matted and framed by artisans in Portland, Ore., directly to you or the recipient. They’ll even touch-up the photo and ship it for free. In just a couple steps you’ll create a gift that will be loved today and for many years to come.
Great gift idea #3: An experience Time together is one of the most valuable things you can give someone, so consider gifting an experience for you and your loved one to do together. This could be a cooking class, tickets to a sporting event, a hot air balloon ride or a luxury spa weekend. Another fun experiential present would be to recreate something meaningful you did in the past. Perhaps plan a day to revisit where you got engaged or organize a trip to a favorite childhood vacation spot. Think about any special activity or place of
meaning and surprise your loved one with a day to go have fun. Great gift idea #4: Much-appreciated services Finding a gift for a person who seems to have it all can feel daunting. In these cases it’s time to think outside the gift box and consider unique services that would make their life a little easier or more luxurious. For example, how about a topto-bottom house cleaning from a local maid service? Meal delivery is fantastic for busy parents and career go-getters. From hiring a personal shopper to getting a nanny for a much-needed evening out, a gifted service is sure to make a big impression this holiday season and beyond. Great gift idea #5: Modern “of the month” clubs It’s fun to gift something the recipient can enjoy throughout the year, and monthly membership clubs can be a fantastic gift. Skip the jam and jelly club in lieu of sophisticated modern alternatives. Memberships exist for virtually anything you can imagine, from weekly wine and flower deliveries to exotic desserts and upscale makeup supplies. Think about what your loved one enjoys and search online for the perfect club membership. Every delivery throughout the year they’ll be reminded of your thoughtful gesture.
Embrace the holiday spirit and fight hunger in your hometown (BPT)—Imagine helping feed 500 people in order to fight hunger in your hometown. Jill Chandler of Fayette, Mo., does this twice every month. Her efforts through the Fayette Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry help feed approximately one-sixth of the city’s 3,000 population. In this rural town where cattle outnumber residents, most people would be surprised to learn about the widespread need for food. This holiday season, more than three million households in rural communities will face hunger. The counties with the highest rates of food insecurity are more likely to be found in rural areas, according to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap 2015 study. Chandler is making a real difference through her volunteer work managing the food pantry. Recently the organiza“When you’re of a certain age and on choose to be in the position they’re in. tion was able to enhance their menu of options thanks to Invest An Acre, a pro- a fixed income, sometimes you have to And I cannot go to sleep at night knowgram of Feeding America that provides make a choice,” Chandler explains. ing that we’ve got hungry kids, because resources for hunger-relief organiza- “Whether it’s your medical bills or there’s somebody else who has food who tions that serve small towns and rural other payments, at the end of the day can share.” With Chandler’s help, more commucommunities across the United States. it’s often your grocery bill that doesn’t nity members in Fayette Over the years, Fayette will have one less County has grown older, “When you’re of a certain age and on a fixed County thing to worry about when with many of its younger income, sometimes you have to make a winter arrives. Invest An residents moving away, leavis an easy way to join ing mostly retired citizens choice. Whether it’s your medical bills or other Acre her example and help peoon fixed incomes. Part of the payments, at the end of the day it’s often your ple struggling with hunger food pantry’s mission is to your own community. deliver food to a senior housgrocery bill that doesn’t make the cut, which in The good news is that anying complex. Thanks to their can be especially felt around the holidays.” one can donate to Invest An involvement in Invest An Acre and be sure they are Acre, the food pantry was JILL CHANDLER helping their neighbors in able to add meat to their need because every dollar regular grocery deliveries. “One gentleman said ‘this is the only make the cut, which can be especially donated goes back to your local food bank. Plus, every donation is matched meat I get in a month’s time’,” says felt around the holidays.” The need for food never goes away, dollar for dollar, so contributions douChandler. “He is a retired veteran who plays guitar and travels around enter- notes Chandler, who strives to make a ble the support provided to local famitaining nursing home residents, volun- positive impact for community mem- lies facing hunger. Hopefully this year, because of people like Chandler, more teering his musical abilities. Several bers both young and old. “I think about the children more than Americans facing hunger can have a others receiving donations voiced the anything else,” she says. “Children don’t brighter holiday season. same struggle to make ends meet.”
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
GIFT GUIDE
NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 1, 2015
B7
Feel festive, stay frugal with these vine values under $15 by Michelle Locke Associated Press Writer
All we really want for Christmas? Help mastering the sweet spot of gifting wine during the holidays. We don’t want to spend too much. We don’t want to spend too little. We don’t want something so obscure that we leave our recipients befuddled. We don’t want something so common it is sold on grocery store endcaps. We want bottles with character and terroir. We want bottles that please the palate as much as the wallet. And that is the gifted wine sweet spot. And this is your answer: Our team of experts has come up with 15 knockout bottles that sell for around $15 to help you create a wine shopping list that’s easy to buy, easy to drink. Suggested picks span the world of winemaking regions, from New Mexico to the Old World. And if there is one theme to the recommendations it’s this: Drink global. “Look for wines from lesser-known wine regions such as those in Bulgaria, Turkey or Croatia,” says Mike DeSimone, who with Jeff Jenssen is author of the recently released book, “Wines of California.” “They’ve been making wines for centuries, and besides using European grape varieties they also make single varietals and blends from indigenous varieties. It’s a great way to learn about new grapes.” Alder Yarrow, founder and editor of the popular wine site Vinography.com also recommends looking afar. “Once upon a time, California abounded with sub-$15 wines, but these days it more resembles a desert populated by sparse and prickly wines that I don’t really feel like drinking. Contrast that with the incredible number of reasonably priced imports coming from Greece, France, Chile, Argentina and more, and you have to feel sorry for most American winemakers,” he says. One domestic wine did make it on to Yarrow’s list — the 2014 Charles Smith “Kung Fu Girl” Columbia Valley riesling from Washington state, an emerging wine region that offers quite a few undiscovered values. He also recommends the 2014 Skouras “Zoe” Red Peloponnese, from Greece and the 2014 Bodegas Colome Torrontes Valle Calchaqui Salta from Argentina. Two French wines made the list, with one being the 2014 Chateau de Fontenille Bordeaux Blanc recommended by Ray Isle, executive wine editor of Food & Wine magazine. His other two suggestions, both from Italy, were the 2014 Capezzana Barco Reale and one sparkler, the NV
PRICE IS RIGHT—Four wines for under $15, from left to right, “Kungfu Girl,” a Columbia Valley riesling from Washington state; “Zoe,” red peloponnese from Greece; Colome, from Argentina; and Colonia, also from Argentina. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
(non vintage) Rotari Brut. One tip for finding reds that won’t land you in the red is to experiment with new grape varieties, advises Jonathan Alsop, founder and executive director of the Boston Wine School. “Sometimes you find great values in wine grapes no one has ever heard of before, like gaglioppo.” He recommends the 2013 Enotria “Ciro” Gaglioppo from Campania in southern
Italy. Light red in color, it’s “very juicy and easy to drink.” Rounding out his picks were the 2013 Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda from Argentina. Bonarda, a red grape, is “the next red wine from Argentina you’re going to be drinking after you grow weary of malbec,” Alsop predicts. And from the United States he recommends NV Gruet Blanc de Noirs Brut
BOSTON (AP)—A consumer watchdog group says dinosaur claws inspired by the movie “Jurassic World,’’ and a mushy substance that looks like poop are among the worst toys for Christmas this year. The Massachusetts-based World Against Toys Causing Harm released its annual list of hazardous toys Nov. 18. The group says the velociraptor claws can cause eye and facial injuries, and the Play-
Doh-like fake poop contains wheat that could cause allergies. The list also includes a quick-folding trampoline, which the group says can lead to injuries. WATCH says the items singled out represent common problems in toys. The group also urges parents to be cautious when buying toys online, where nearly half of purchases are expected to be made this year.
Consumer group releases annual list of most dangerous toys
from New Mexico. “Gruet is the best value sparkling wine in the USA from the unlikely hills above Albuquerque.” If you can’t find the Blanc de Noirs at the $15 price point, the lower-priced Gruet Brut also is a good choice. One more U.S. wine made the cut, the Owen Roe “Lenore” syrah from Columbia Valley, Washington, recommended by David Kravitz, beverage manager of The Smith restaurants in New York City. Loaded with “wild blackberries, pepper, African violets and a hint of bacon,” the syrah is a perfect burger wine, he says. His other choices are the 2013 Pala “I Fiori” Vermentino from Sardinia, Italy, and the 2012 Domaine Deupre Morgon Vignes de 1935, a French red from the Beaujolais region. For the intrepid, Jenssen and DeSimone have some picks that may take a little hunting down. Chateau Burgozone viognier from Bulgaria…“aromas of orange zest and pineapple, with flavors of citrus and stone fruits. It’s great as an aperitif before dinner or at a stand up cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres,” says Jenssen. The two like Enjingi Grasevina from Kutjevo in Croatia’s north. A white wine made from 100 percent grasevina grapes, it’s light and fruity and pairs perfectly with lighter holiday recipes, says DeSimone. Another option, he says, is Vinkara Doruk Narince, a “crisp clean white wine from Turkey made from 100 percent narince grapes.” So make that wine list, check it twice…and don’t forget to slip a bottle or two in your own Christmas stocking. After all, notes Kravitz, “there is no greater joy, when it comes to wine, than finding a bottle that has depth, shows a sense of place and that you can afford on any given night.” *** Here’s a complete list of the wines: Charles Smith “Kung Fu Girl” Columbia Valley riesling 2014 Skouras “Zoe” Red Peloponnese, Greece 2014 Bodegas Colome Torrontes Valle Calchaquí Salta, Argentina 2014 Chateau de Fontenille Bordeaux Blanc 2014 Capezzana Barco Reale 2014 NV Rotari Brut Enotria “Ciro” Gaglioppo 2013 Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda 2013 NV Gruet Blanc de Noirs Brut Owen Roe “Lenore” syrah, Washington Pala “I Fiori” Vermentino, Italy, 2013 Domaine Deupre Morgon Vignes de 1935, France, 2012 Chateau Burgozone Viognier, Bulgaria Enjingi Grasevina, Croatia Vinkara Doruk Narince, Turkey
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Budget friendly travel tips About 99 million Americans traveled at least 50 miles from home during the last holiday season, according to the American Automobile Association. Whether you’re visiting relatives during the holidays, taking a trip to a warm weather location, or planning next year’s vacation, you can find many opportunities to lower your costs and get the most from your travel dollar, says the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Plan Ahead (But keep an open mind) No matter where you’re headed, you’re more likely to find affordable travel costs and hotel rates if you don’t wait until the last minute. If you start scheduling next year’s trips now, you should also be able to find discounted prices, even for holiday or peak periods. At the same time, if you’re willing to be flexible, you can find surprisingly inexpensive travel or lodging costs. If possible, pick your dream location and check to see when flights or hotels are cheapest, then plan your trip around those times. If the timing works you could save a lot if you can don’t need to plan your travel around a specific day of the week. Flexibility can also work in your favor for peak-period travel. Travel off-season Going skiing in early December can be much less expensive than at the very end of the year or around Presidents’ Day, when many families are traveling. For national parks like Yellowstone, lodging is less expensive virtually any time of year other than summer. You’ll also find that traveling in Europe tends to be cheaper in the fall. If a peak period is the only time you can travel, don’t despair. Look into packages that include airfare, lodging, and car rental. You could find significant savings. Don’t miss out on discounts Can you get a travel discount based simply on the company you work for? You’ll never know if you don’t investigate. In fact, many people are not aware of travel discounts for which they’re eligible. Large employers, for example, often have employee clubs that offer reductions on travel or other goods and services. Similarly, large national service organizations such as AAA and AARP often provide members with discounts on travel fares or hotels. Check the websites for clubs or organizations to which you belong to see if they can help you cut costs. Take smart precautions In addition to lowering costs, you also want to protect your money while you’re on the road and ensure you have access to it. Particularly if you’re traveling out of the country, be sure to contact your bank and credit card company to let them know your plans so they don’t block your transactions because they’re seeing unusual activity. Take no more than a couple of credit or debit cards—just what you need—and don’t leave your Social Security card in your wallet in case it’s lost or stolen. Bring bank and credit card contact information so you have them if needed, as well as copies of key documents such as a passport— but don’t keep them in your wallet. While it’s fun to tell friends about your travel ideas on social media, it does alert crooks to the fact that your home will be empty. It’s better to share your photos later than broadcast your plans in advance. Your CPA can help Have questions about making the most of your travel dollars or saving for next year’s expenditures? Be sure to consult your local CPA. She or he can offer the advice you need to make smart financial decisions. For help creating a budget, setting financial goals, or to find a local CPA with PICPA’s CPA locator tool visit www.picpa.org/moneyandlife.
CREATIVITY THROUGH WORDS—Performer, Hotep the Artist plans to entertain in her unique style.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS—Rev. Dr. Judith Moore of Seeds of Unity the sponsoring organization of the Small Business Harvest Expo and Author’s Pavilion and Michelle Jones, publisher of the Greater Pittsburgh Black Business Directory share ideas about the Nov. 28 event. (Photos byDiane I. Daniels)
Expo set to highlight Small Business Saturday by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier
This week, Nov. 22 continues the saturation of advertisements pushing Black Friday sales. In fact commercials have been running most of the month. In addition to large box businesses and car dealerships preparing for the buying rush small businesses also are preparing for their big day, Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28. Businesses like Dorsey’s Records in Homewood, Me’chele’s Wellness Spa in the Strip District and Arnolds Tea House on the North Side are hopeful that the fifth annual SBS established by American Express will bring more business and notoriety to their establishments. “Everyday should be small business day within the Black community,” said Neil Dorsey of Dorsey’s Records on Frankstown Avenue. “Throughout the years we’ve gained a steady and loyal customer base. Days like SBS we use as an incentive to draw new customers and to introduce our services.” Dorsey’s has been in operation since 1946. “Sixty nine years,” said Dorsey with a prideful smile. On Saturday businesses and organizations are hosting events and having special sales throughout the region. One of the larg-
est activities of the day is the Small Business Harvest Expo and Author’s Pavilion sponsored by Seeds of Unity, a subsidiary of Sisters Saving Ourselves Now. The Nov. 28 expo being held at Greater Allen AME Church, 3600 California Ave. in the Brighton Heights neighborhood of the North Side is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Pittsburgh has so much to offer when it comes to products, services and talents,” said Rev. Dr. Judith C. Moore founder and executive director of SSON.“The goal of the expo is to provide an outlet and exposure for entrepreneurs operating homebased businesses and authors to strut their stuff and for the participants to receive a myriad of useful information.” She mentioned that sessions will be presented on social media outlets by L. Denise Edwards of SistaraSocial Marketing, energy saving tips by Violet Scott of Jade Earth Events, elevator pitch tips by Vernard Alexander of the Minority Network Exchange and financial management tips by Fred Pitts of 505 Financial Solutions. Ve n dors
will include but are not limited to Mary Kay, Traci Lynn Jewelry, LegalShield, hand crafted jewelry by Jordan Consults and Creations’, clothing and chair massages by Mission Possible therapies. Excited about the Author’s Pavilion, Moore said, “I am amazed at the amount of people that have written books in this region.” She mentioned that Renee Galloway PhD and Sharice Hemby-Nance are two of the authors that will be sharing information about their books. Galloway, the author of DONE! A Guide to Prioritize, Plan and Perform to Accomplish Your Goals and the proprietor of Sweet Inspirations, LLC plans to empower the audience to pursue their goals and dreams while embracing tools and principles to make positive change a way of life during her session. Hemby-Nance, co-owner and therapist of Hand in Hand Counseling Services wrote Vitamin C Healing for the Mind, Body and Soul and have penned a Vitamin C - The Healing Workbook to accompany it. Both she and Galloway are professional coaches and speakers. Entertainment for the event is being proSEE EXPO C2
EVERYONE NEEDS A LITTLE VITAMIN C—Therapist and counselor Sharice Hemby-Nance is excited to provide encouragement to expo participants.
Cassiotis makes three-point landing at PowerBreakfast by Christian Morrow Courier Staff writer
When Christina Cassotis came here in January as the new CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority, one of the first people she met with was African American Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Doris Carson Williams—and it was a productive meeting. “She set up a workshop with our members right away about doing business at the airport, and walked us through the process,” said Williams. “ She hit the ground running with the chamber.” Cassotis said her focus is threefold—to increase regional traffic and west coast traffic, reestablish lost routes, like those to Memphis, Tenn, Hartford, CT and Cincinnati and establish new international service. She also wants more local business at the airport, like the restaurant opened by Randal Industries owner Greg Spenser, particularly at the airside terminal. “We have a lot of opportunities at the International and the County airport for minority and small businesses,” she said. “There is nothing that says ‘Pittsburgh’ at the airside terminal, no shops or restaurants. But this city punches way above its weight with art—and we celebrated two installations on the airside by local artists last week.” The airport also celebrated the announcement of Allegiant Air’s new nonstop flights to New Orleans, La. and Palm Beach, Fl.
is not coming back. The industry has changed.” Cassotis said at the height of the hub era, Pittsburgh International moved 21 million passengers a year. Now, it moves eight million. On the bright side it means lower costs and fares, but it also means they have to figure out what to do with a facility that’s built for 35 million passengers that only serves eight. It also means getting a nonstop flight to Europe is that much harder. “The range of a Boeing 787 is 9,500 nautical miles. So, stick a pin in a map at London, and draw a 9,500-mile circle,” she said. “We’re not competing with Cleveland and Latrobe, we’re competing with every airport in that circle. The big airlines want at least 50 percent final destination traffic, not connecting. We’re doing around 20. Right now, there are 6 international carriers we’re talking to—that means there are 45 we’re not talking to. I’d say that’s pretty focused. When asked, Cassotis agreed that Pittsburgh International’s unused gates could be a draw for big cargo carriers. “We are talking to them. Cargo is the redheaded stepchild in the industry. They come PARTNERS—African American Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Doris Carson Williams second to passengers so they lose money on and Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis at the November PowerBreakfast. delays and ‘shrinkage,”’ she said. “But the (Photo by J.L. Martello) trick is you need the multi-modal capabiliAnd expanded service to Myrtle Beach, SC. “The airport hasn’t kept pace with the re- ties—roads, trucks, trains—and the cargo to Nov. 19, one day after announcing Star- gion’s renaissance, but it is growing,” Cas- fill the planes. I think we have it, if compabucks would open two locations at the air- sotis said. “In 2013, we served 37 locations, nies here would quit trucking to New York.” (Send comments to cmorrow@newpittsburghcourier.com.) port, one landside and one airside. now it’s 52. But, before you ask, no, the ‘hub’
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vided by Hotep the Artist. Concerned about the circulation of Black dollars being spent in the community as it pertains to Black buying power, community organizer Nazura Asaseyeduru will also take part in the array of expo activities. She will be on hand to explain the Black Dollars Matter Initiative. She says its purpose is to inform and educate members of the community of the benefits of patronizing and supporting Black businesses in order to give back. In a document circulating to Black DONE—Dr. Renee Galloway plans to shares goal setting techbusiness owners her organi- niques from her book for the New Year. zation describes that in an effort to help the African American commu- spend the stamped dollars they receive with nity unify and to help understand the power other Black businesses, distributers and of the Black dollar, the use of bills stamped suppliers, and Black businesses they partwith “B$M” are being used by Black people ner with as well as change for Black cusat Black owned establishments. “Customers tomers. The letter states that it is underusing these stamped bills have made a con- stood that it might not be possible to keep scious decision to devote a certain amount track of all the Black dollars received but reof money to Black businesses so they may quests that reciprocation of efforts of the do their part in economically strengthening people who have devoted their dollars to our communities,” it says. businesses takes place. The business owner is requested in turn to The Black Dollars Matter Initiative, a
project of Sankofa United has identified a list of businesses to support that will be distributed at the expo. In agreeance that events like the Small Business Expo is necessary as well as the Black Dollars Matter Initiative, Michelle Jones the owner of the Greater Pittsburgh Black Business Directory encourages consumers to participate in SBS activities throughout the region. As the new owner of the Directory she says it has been encouraging and exciting to patronize Black businesses and to meet so many entrepreneurs. “Businesses like Carmi’s Family Restaurant on the North Side, the Giant Eagle in Penn Hills, and Smash Burger in Monroeville and Dream Cream Ice Cream downtown each play a significant role in our communities, supporting them during SBS is good, but we have to support them all year round.” SBS, celebrated the Satur-
Small Business Harvest Expo NOV. 28—Seeds of Unity, of Sisters Saving Ourselves Now, will host a Small Business Day Harvest Expo from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 3600 California Ave., North Side. Held in conjunction with American Express’ Small Business Saturday, the event will include vendors, an authors pavilion, inspirational speakers, workshops and networking opportunities. For more information, call 412-241-4436.
ENERGY TIPS FOR HOME AND BUSINESS—Violet Scott of Jade Earth Events prepares to educate the audience. day after Thanksgiving is designed to encourage people across the country to patronize small, local businesses. Since its inception it has gained support from Washington D.C. to Washington State, from governors, mayors, senators, and President Obama.
Don’t let your Avoid overdraft and bounced-check fees limitations limit you Have you ever been hit by a charge for accidentally withdrawing more money than is in your checking account? If so, you know these fees can be quite high. With holiday shopping at its start, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants offers the following advice so you understand how these fees work and how to avoid them. The holiday season is expensive enough without adding fees and penalties. The nuts and bolts When you try to withdraw more money than you have in your account, some banks will refuse the withdrawal (which they do when they return a “bounced” check for insufficient funds) and charge you a bounced check fee. Others may allow the transaction and charge you a fee for the overdraft. This can happen if you write a check for more money than is in your account or if you make a withdrawal using an ATM or debit card for an amount in excess of your account balance. You might also be charged a fee if an automatic or electronic payment puts your account into overdraft status. When you open your account, find out about the bank’s policy so you are not surprised later. This is important to know because a large overdraft fee can turn any purchase into an extremely expensive proposition. Let’s say you use your debit card to buy a holiday card for $5. If your funds are very low and there’s not enough in the account to cover the purchase, your bank could charge a $20 overdraft fee. In the end, you will pay $25 for that $5 card. Keep records up to date To avoid these fees, be sure to record all your checks, debit card purchases, and
ATM withdrawals accurately and quickly. That way you will have a clear record of how much money is in your account. If you get information from the bank about your current balance, remember that some checks or automatic payments may not have cleared yet. If you withdraw most of your current balance before outstanding checks or payments are cleared, you may be hit with an overdraft fee. Also, check your account statement each month when you receive it from the bank to see where your account stands and to ensure no errors have been made. Look for links Find out if you have options for protecting yourself against overdraft charges. For example, the bank may allow you to link your checking account with your savings account or a credit card. If you withdraw more than you have, the bank takes the money from savings or charges it to your credit card instead of slapping you with a large overdraft fee. Some banks offer a line of credit that covers overdrafts. The bank may charge you a transfer or other fee for these transactions, but they are usually much lower than overdraft or bounced check charges. Avoid the bounce Even if you have overdraft protection, your bank may not always honor a check or transaction for an amount that is higher than your current balance. It may depend on the size or circumstance of the withdrawal. If the bank does refuse a check or transaction for insufficient funds, not only will your bank hit you with a high charge, but in many cases you also will have to pay a bounced check fee to the intended check recipient.
by Willie Jolley George Curry Media Columnist
(GEORGE CURRY MEDIA)—As a young college football star and Olympic weightlifting champion, Jim Stovall was focused on athletics and not his education. But all of that changed after a routine medical examination revealed that Jim was losing his sight and would be blind in a short time. He had no marketable skills and was flat broke. The shock of this forced Jim to change his mindset. He began to search out coaches and mentors who could direct him towards his goal of becoming wealthy. He sought out people who helped him work on his mindset. And he took courses and studied material that helped him grow himself. This is how Jim Stovall began his personal journey of self-development and growth that would lead him to become a multi-millionaire businessman. Jim Stovall is now the founder and president of the Emmy Award-winning Narrative Television Network that caters to blind viewers. He was selected as the International Humanitarian of the Year, joining former President Jimmy Carter and Mother Teresa. He’s the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce National Blue Chip Enterprise Award, a world-renowned speaker and the author of the best-selling book, The Ultimate Gift, now a 20th Century Fox major motion picture. In the book, Forbes Great Success Stories: Twelve Tales of Victory Wrested from Defeat by Alan Farnham, Steve Forbes, Jr. the president and CEO of Forbes magazine said, “Jim Stovall is one of the most extraordinary men of our era.” His accomplishments are remarkable, in and of themselves, yet he found time to go back to college. He is a graduate of Oral Roberts University. On May 3, 2008, he received an honorary doctorate of aw from ORU for his work with the disabled. During my SuriusXM interview, Jim shared these powerful principles: Life is really not about what happens to you, but what you do about it.
Ohioans lose over $500 million to payday and car title loan fees (NNPA)—Despite a landslide voter decision in 2008 to cap payday lending rates at 28 percent, the state’s small-dollar, highcost lending has continued to grow and now doubles the amount of fees charged a decade ago. Each year Ohio consumers who only needed a small dollar loan wind up with more than $502 million in fees drained from their pockets. Although state regulators as well as the legislature have the authority to enforce the voter-approved 28 percent rate cap, neither has exercised that power for seven years. These and other key findings and others appear in a new report, Buckeye Burden: An Analysis of Payday and Car Title Lending in Ohio, from the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL). “Our findings in this report, show that the majority of payday lenders now offer both payday and car title loans in Ohio. Predatory lenders are doubling down on their efforts to offer harmful products,” said Delvin Davis, a CRL senior researcher and report co-author. “Rather than operating under the intended regulatory structures, payday and car title lenders exploit Ohio’s Second Mortgage Loan Act and Ohio’s Credit Services Organization (CSO) Act to continue
their debt trap lending,” states the report. “The CSO Act is a well-documented form of subterfuge in other states as a means for evading consumer protections.” In 2014, Ohio’s Supreme Court ruled the use of the Second Mortgage Loan Act by car title lenders was within the law; but did not address the CSO usage. In the meantime, high-cost lending in Ohio has grown to 836 storefront locations statewide that offer payday, car title loans—or both. More than half of these stores—59 percent—offer both types of loans. Only five payday lenders control 77.5 percent of the state’s market, operating 735 stores: Advance America, Cash America, Community Choice Financial, Check Into Cash and Ace Cash Express. For an average $300 payday loan, these lenders charge triple-digit storefront loans ranging from 228 to 718 annual percentage rates (APRs). That same size loan purchased online with these companies has an even higher APR, ranging from 683 to 763 percent. Car title loans, typically due in 30 days, tend to be larger than payday loans, vary in amounts ranging from $1,000 to as much as $5,000, and terms up to seven months. The only borrowers eligible for this more costly loan are those who own
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Money must be seen as a tool to allow you to do what you love to do. Money magnifies everything. “If you love doing good, then money allows you to do more good. But if you love doing stupid stuff, it will allow you to do more of that as well.” Money gives you options and allows you to live on your own terms. Never buy a map from someone who has
Members’ Seasonal Celebration NOV. 30—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania will host its Members’ Seasonal Celebration Reception from 5-7 p.m. at the Savoy Restaurant, 2623 Penn Ave., Strip District. Chamber members are asked to wear their logo pins and bring a guest. Reservations are requested by Nov. 27. For more information, call 412-392-0610.
Doing Business with Pitt DEC. 2—The University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, Small Business Development Center, and the Purchasing and Facilities Management departments will host Doing Business with Pitt from 7:30-10:30 a.m. at the University of Pittsburgh, William Pitt Union Assembly Room, 3959 Fifth Ave., Oakland. This is an opportunity to learn the process and requirements of doing business with the university. Attendees will better understand the overall purchasing process; learn how to qualify to be a potential supplier; and create awareness and market& sell within the University. Registration is required. For more information, call 412648-1542 or email iee@innovation.pitt.edu.
The First Step
WILLIE JOLLEY never been where you want to go. Be willing to ask for help from those who have been where you want to go. The quickest way to get to wealthy is to make up your mind to do whatever it takes (that is moral and legal) to achieve it. Then go to work on that goal. Starting is half the battle of success. And a good plan poorly executed is better than a perfect plan that is never executed. Change your mind and you can change your life. You have the right to choose your path. You are one quality decision away from anything you want. Don’t let small challenges become big obstacles. To have no sight is not a big deal, but to have no vision is tragic. Sight is to only see where you are; but vision is to see where you want to go and what you want to be. Make the decision to invest in yourself by reading great books. Poor people have big TVs and small libraries. Millionaires have big TVs as well, but bigger libraries. You cannot expand your bank account until you expand your mind. (Willie Jolley is America’s #1 Inspirational/Motivational Speaker/Singer/Author! He is the author of several best-selling books and can be reached through his website, www.williejolley.com.
Charlene Crowell
DEC. 4—The University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence will host “The First Step: The Mechanics of Starting a Small Business” from 7:30-10 a.m. at the University of Pittsburgh, Mervis Hall, Roberto Clemente Drive, Oakland. This session is designed for new business startups and entrepreneurs. Attendees will learn about business structure and formation, insurance, government, procurement, financing options, major components of the business plan, taxation, requirements and more. Registration is required. For more information, call 412648-1542.
Forecasting Growth and Revenue DEC. 10—The University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, Community Bank and Wilke & Associates LLP will host “Forecasting Growth and Revenue for 2016” from 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at Range Resources, 3000 Town Center Blvd., Canonsburg. This is a lunch and learn seminar that will cover the mustknows of forecasting one’s business growth and revenue. Topics include, identifying the difference between budgets and finance; best practices for budgeting and forecasting; and key metrics for establishing the business health and potential for growth. Registration is required. For more information, call 412-648-1542 or email iee@innovation.pitt.edu.
Women Business Breakfast Series
Commentary
clear title to an automobile. Even then, the loan amount is a fraction of the vehicle’s value. Depending upon terms offered, a $2,000 loan could wind up costing $4,407 to totally repay or $1,959 for a sixmonth loan of $1,000. CRL’s report notes how neither car title nor payday loans take into account a borrower’s ability to repay. Loan fees, however, will be swiftly accessed via checking accounts for payday borrowers and car repossessions for title loans. If payday borrowers fail to keep an adequate checking account balance, loan fees can lead to additional overdraft charges or involuntary account closures. Similarly, if a title loan becomes delinquent, the lender can choose to take the car. Recently more than 100
Ohio groups wrote the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau CFPB) about the state’s disturbing growth of predatory lenders. In its recommendations, CRL also urges CFPB to enact strong rules to end the debt traps generated by payday and car title loans. Requiring a borrower’s ability to repay a loan, limiting the amount of time lenders can keep borrowers in debt, and curbs on re-borrowing or refinanced loans were all among the specific initiatives CRL advocates. “The flourishing payday lending practices in Ohio are the ultimate case-inpoint for why rules governing predatory practices might be airtight,” said Diane Standaert, CRL’s director of state policy and report co-author.
DEC. 11—Chatham University’s Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship will host its Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series from 8-9:30 a.m. at Chatham University, James Laughlin Music Hall, Woodland Road, Shadyside. Rania Harris, owner of Rania’s Catering, will speak on the topic, “I’m Here to Serve: the Business Case for Customer Service.” She will discuss the ins and outs of her experience starting a catering business, her unique way of doing business that has led to her long-time establishment in the Pittsburgh community, and how she developed and maintains her all-encompassing focus on serving her clients. Breakfast will be served starting at 7:30 a.m. Reservations are required. For more information, visit www.chatham.edu/cwe/events/ wblbseries. (To have information on Business Calendar, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412-481-1360 or e-mail: newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
SPORTS New Pittsburgh Courier
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WPYAA All Stars highlight day of fun and games
LET THE GAMES BEGIN—The Western Pennsylvania Youth Athletic Association held its All Star game TEACHING RESPECT—Everyone shakes hands after the game. Nov. 8 at Kinard Field, in the Hill District. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
JARREL BOSTIC (5) running with the ball for plus yards. He also MARIO WATKINS (4) picking up yards. He also scored a touchMOE WILLIAMS (9) runs for a big gain. scored a touchdown. down.
QUADIR STRIBBLING (3) escapes from the pocket.
GABRIELA JENKINS (1) runs for a touchdown.
QUARDIR FIELDER (2) picks off a pass and runs 60 yards for the touchdown.
TAYSHAUN McMIRRAN runs for the touchdown.
RAINBOW—Players from many teams in the city and the Mon Valley participated in the games.
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Overtime
by Bill Neal For New Pittsburgh Courier
:10—I’ve had the great pleasure and privilege of attending a great number of banquets, awards ceremonies and special events of the sort and I am proud to say more than a few of them in recognition of my achievements. Clearly the pinnacle of my career was achieved Saturday night at the very prestigious Annual Omega Psi Phi Alumni “Exemplary Service Awards,” held at the magnificent Shriners Syria Temple in Cheswick, Pa. A superb dinner dance gala showcasing some of the areas top high school academic achievers and some of our community’s most outstanding achievers and community servants. D.J. Mac-Daddy got the party started following the mem-
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bers famous “Gathering of Men” at center stage, and then the legendary AtomicDog was played and the late night was off and running. Great friends, great food and great fun had by all…A tip of the gentlemen’s hat to Brother Fred Crawford, the Alumni Chapter, Chapter wives and members. A wonderful and prideful event and I truly appreciate being honored with such legends! (Special thanks to my close friends for coming out to support!) :09—Let me get it out right now before the wrath comes down from the high heavens. It’s “Braddock Roy”…vice president of “The Know it All” Club. Assistant to the President Eddie Jefferies. Not “Brad-
BILL NEAL dock Boy,” a type-o to be sure. All hail the Kings!). (P.S. - Knoll, Noll, Knowles, Noel…who cares?!?!) :08—Careful before you bury Peyton Manning. He
didn’t get to the top by accident. In spite of Denver beating the Bears 17-15 and the impressive showing of Brock Osweiler stepping in for Manning, you may need the old man down the stretch. Be careful what you wish for! :07—Tom Brady can celebrate in the end zone, point his fingers and slam the ball after a touchdown, but when Cam Newton…aka “The Black Quarterback” does it, he’s the bad guy. Yeah, I said it! Let’s spend more time talking about Cam being undefeated and the NFL - MVP! :06—Adrian Peterson became only the second man in NFL history with O.J. to run for 200 yards in six games.
:05—Speaking of which…what about O.J.? You people are cold, just cold. :04—Listen to the great Ray Charles lately? Do yourself a favor, run down to “Dorsey’s and get his greatest hits and remember and enjoy the genius. :03—Some needed time off for your Pittsburgh Steelers in this late, but timely bi-week. They’ll need it. Next up…the former world champion Seattle Seahawks in Seattle. Sunday, Nov. 29, 4:25 p.m. Late game and important as the Hawks are starting to regroup. :02—Booker, Fred, “Big D,” Kevin…DO - NOT WORRY, my Lakers are only two and 11 and moving up with a bullet! Keep hope
alive…kill management, but keep hope alive! :01—Someone help me understand this. You elected Obama because he said he would end the war and bring our men and women home. Now you want him out because he won’t go to war and send them back. I’m just sayin’! 00:00—DOUBLE OVERTIME Make sure you catch the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar HBO special. EX - CEL - LENT!!! 00:00:00—TRIPLE O.T. Be reminded of the Christmas Par-Tay of the year. “Kickin it After Christmas” at “The Spot” Saturday, Dec. 26, 7 p.m.-12 midnight. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. For information Ralph Watson 412-7232414, Roland Ford 412-2259190, Popa Banks 412-2921753, AGI 412-628-4856. ~ GAME OVER ~
GREAT SEASON FELLOWS—All the coaches with both Twerp All Star teams telling them they all did a great job. (Photo by J. L. Martello)
Steelers, Seahawks in must win game by Ulish Carter Courier Staff Writer
The Steelers come off their bye week facing one of their toughest opponents of the season in a must win for each team. The Seattle Seahawks, 55, just have to win out if they are going to make the playoffs after winning two straight NFC titles. And even though the Cincinnati Bengals appear to be faltering again losing the last two games to drop to 8-2, the Steelers are still two games behind them. The Steelers final 6 games are against: The Seattle Seahawks, 5-5, in Seattle Nov. 29. The Indianapolis Colts, 5-5, at Heinz Field, Dec. 6. The Cincinnati Bengals, 8-2, in Cincinnati, Dec. 13. The Denver Broncos, 82, at Heinz Field, Dec. 20. The Baltimore Ravens, 3-7, in Baltimore, Dec. 27 and
by Aubrey Bruce For New Pittsburgh Courier
I recently had a conversation with my favorite sports prognosticator, Monsieur “Foghorn Leghorn.” The reason why I called him was because I was trying to get his favorite recipe for hot wings, (he is a bit cannibalistic) but he would have none of it. After he gave me his great, great, great grandfather’s recipe, (I suspect he got the recipe from the Internet) he insisted upon talking about his and Snoop Dog’s favorite NFL squad the Pittsburgh Steelers. Foghorn was as usual a “legend in his own mind.” “I say, the black and gold are seeking their seventh, I say, I say their seventh Vincent Lombardi trophy this year and it might not be as farfetched as all of the fantasy
they close out the season against the Cleveland Browns, 2-8, in Cleveland, Jan. 3. The Seahawks are coming off a 29-13 victory over the San Francisco 49ers last week. Marshawn Lynch did not play and will not play against the Steelers. But that’s not necessarily good new. Rookie Thomas Rawls had 209 yards on 30 carries, plus an additional 46 yards through the air. This was no fluke. He picked up 169 yards in his last start. . Thomas actually leads Lynch in total yardage, 604 yards to Lynch 417 on 10 less carries. But Seattle is not a one dimensional team. Quarterback Russell Wilson has picked up his game as well. For the season he has a 97 quarterback rating, the same as Ben Roethlisberger, compiling 2378 yards on 199 of 295 passes.
Seattle still has one of the best defenses in the NFL which should be a challenge for one of the best offenses in the NFL in the Steelers. There’s no reason the Steelers can’t win out the rest of the season as long as Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, and DeAngelo Williams stays healthy. Brown is second in the league in receptions with 80, and is first in yardage with 1141. Even though Denver, and Cincinnati have better records, they are not as good as the Steelers with everyone healthy. If they do win out they will finish 12-4 finishing behine the New England Patriots and maybe the Bengals, which would give them only one home game in the playoffs. A healthy Steelers team is one of the best teams in the league on paper. “We’re all just fired up about what Thomas Rawls did,” Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said following his team’s 29-13 win over the Niners. “To see a young guy come through and be so physical and so tough and to make the most of an
NOT JUST ANOTHER ROOKIE—Seattle Seahawks Thomas Rawls (34) picked up 209 yards rushing subbing for Tayshaun Lynch. (AP Photo) opportunity, it shouldn’t be a surprise to us because he’s really played well when he’s had his chance to start. I was thrilled with the way the guys rallied to help him. He’d be the
first to tell you that the guys up front did a really good job today, run-blocking and making space for him and protecting in general, so a really fun day.”
Inside Conditions - Ghostbusters football owners and general managers were saying just a few weeks ago. “See, after Benjamin, I say Steelers quarterback Big Ben Roethlisberger was hurting and was almost in street clothes for the rest of the season. But something strange and unusual happened the “haterade brigade” had pronounced the season of the Steelers as dead and transported the remains of the season to the funeral home to be prepared for burial. “The corpse otherwise known as the Pittsburgh Steelers jumped up and began to dance with a very startled mortician at the Cincy Bungles funeral parlor just as the chief undertaker “Scarvin Tewlis” was prepar-
AUBREY BRUCE ing to embalm the body.” At that point because of the morbid details, I was forced to interrupt Mr. Leghorn. I said, “Well sir, I can empathize with your emotional attachment with the Black
and Gold but I really have to go, I thank you for calling, God bless and have a happy Thanksgiving.” Okay yinz, even though ole Foghorn has a lil bit of furniture missing from the attic, he still has a very unique southern gentlemanly way to express his opinion (he also makes one helluva mint julep), but there was a bit of truth to his observations. When the Steelers starting running back, Le’Veon Bell was suspended by the NFL for the first two games of the 2015 season after being arrested, charged, with DUI, tried and sentenced for allegedly smoking “medical marijuana” for a rare medical condition called “gethighitis.” This rare medical condi-
tion is more commonly known as the “LeGarrette Blount” syndrome. And on top of that after Mr. Bell is cured of “gethighitis” the Cincinnati Bungles came swaggering into Heinz Field and during a play where Mr. Bell appeared to be possibly heading out of bounds, tackled Bell using a “questionable,” I say, I mean a “suspect” takedown method, seriously injuring Bell’s knee and ending his 2015 season.” This 2015 season for the Pittsburgh Steelers sort, kind reminds me of the classic TV show “The Outer Limits,” where everything is never as it appears. Just when you count the Steelers out, you better put on
your dancing shoes and check the corpse for signs of life because with the Steelers you just never know. They were a 5th seed wildcard team in 2005 and they went on to win Super Bowl XL. This is the 10th anniversary of that “one for the thumb” victory. The Pittsburgh Steelers are not yet ghosts’ and judging from their past experiences they have no fear of the living or the dead. Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, its show time. “If something’s going on in the NFL, who you gonna call? Pittsburgh Steelers. They ain’t fraid of no Bengals.” (Thanks to Ray Parker Jr.) (Aubrey Bruce can be reached at: abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com or 412-583-6741. He is also a contributing columnist urbanmediatoday.com. Follow him on Twitter@ultrascribe.)
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LABORER - AUTO MECHANIC —AIRLINE SERVICES TECHNICIAN (Mechanic)
The Allegheny County Airport Authority has position openings for Laborer, Auto Mechanic and Airline Services Technician (Mechanic) in the Maintenance Department at Pittsburgh International Airport. Complete information about these positions are available at http://www.flypittsburgh.com/AC AA_employment The advertisement period ends on December 4, 2015. EOE / M / F / D / V
DUQUESNE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Duquesne City School District is seeking the following: Long term K – 6 Substitute Teachers Requirements include a valid PA teaching certificate. Substitute School Nurse Requirements include Bachelor Degree in Nursing; R.N. License; and valid PA School Nurse certificate. Substitute Paraprofessionals Requirements include High School Diploma or GED. Associateʼs degree or minimum 60 credit hours from accredited college/university required; Bachelorʼs preferred. Substitute Personal Care Assistants Requirements include High School Diploma or GED; Standards as required by Federal and State regulations. Full-time Secretary Requirements include High School Diploma or Equivalent; Practical secretarial experience preferred. Substitute Secretaries Requirements include High School Diploma or Equivalent; Practical secretarial experience preferred. Substitute Custodians Requirements include High School Diploma or Equivalent; Practical custodial experience in the physical operation and maintenance of buildings, grounds and equipment preferred. ALL candidates must have current Act 151/34/114 clearances. Additional information can be found on the Districtʼs website www.dukecitysd.org. Please send resume and cover letter to Duquesne City School District, 300 Kennedy Avenue, Duquesne, Pa 15110, ATTN: Human Resources/PR. EOE Deadline to apply is November 20, 2015.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT SPECIALIST – ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION
Port Authority is seeking a Professional Services Contract Specialist – Engineering & Construction to lead, monitor and participate in the administration of all construction contracts, engineering related professional service agreements and franchise utility relocation agreements as they relate to Engineering and Technical Support. Implement the acquisition process to secure construction agreements and provide support to professional service solicitations; develop procurement policies and procedures for construction and professional service contracts; administer assigned utility agreements and other assigned agreements; and to provide support to the Manager of Contract Administration–Construction and Professional Services. Job requirements include: •Bachelorʼs degree in Engineering, Business Administration or related field from an accredited school. Contract Administration experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis. •Minimum of five (5) years contract administration experience procuring capital and non-capital contracts including preparing bid documents, administering awards, monitoring contracts and preparing requisitions concurrent with two (2) years experience in Public or Private Sector Contracting with an emphasis in the areas of engineering and construction contracts. 8Experience utilizing a Purchasing/Inventory software system with regard to purchase orders and bid processes •Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows, Microsoft Excel and Word. •Professional and effective communication skills. •Strong organizational and people skills, multi-tasking capabilities, detail oriented with good math skills, and the ability to work with minimum supervision. Preferred attributes: •Electronic procurement experience in PeopleSoft / Oracle. •Contract management or related certification. •Valid PA driverʼs license. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to: Inez Colon Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 IColon@portauthority.org EOE
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, FACILITIES MAINTENANCE and ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, AIRLINE SERVICES
The Allegheny County Airport Authority has position openings for Assistant Superintendent, Facilities Maintenance and Assistant Superintendent, Airline Services in the Maintenance Department at Pittsburgh International Airport. Complete information about these positions are available at http://www.flypitts burgh.com/ACAA_employment The advertisement period ends on December 4, 2015. EOE / M / F / D / V LEGAL ADVERTISING
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Legal Notices
Estate Notices
Letters have been granted on the estate of each of the following decedents to the personal representative named who request all persons having claims against the estate of the decedent to make known the same in writing to him or his attorney, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment to him without delay:
Estate of SODINI, ZELINDA, deceased of Pittsburgh, PA, No. 02-15-06346. Charles G. Sodini, Executor, c/o Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, P.C., One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or to Nancy L. Rackoff, Esquire, Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, P.C., One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Estate of DONLEY, RUTH E., deceased of Pittsburgh, PA, No. 02-15-06354, Debra A. Donley, Executrix, 366 Rockfield Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15243 or to Rosemary L. Corsetti, Esquire, Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney, P.C., One Oxford Centre, 20th Floor, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
Estate of LESKOVEC, DOROTHY P., deceased of McCandless Township, No. 06632 of 2015, Bonita Louise Leskovec, Exec., 1918 Sample Rd., Allison Park, PA 15101 or to Michael J. Saldamarco, Esq., 908 Perry Hwy, Ste 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15229.
LEGAL NOTICE ALLEGHENY COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY OPENING and CLOSING OF WAITING LISTS
The Allegheny County Housing Authority will open and/or close LIPH Waiting Lists for the following developments: Opening start of business day Tuesday, December 15, 2015: •Caldwell Station (2 BR) •Negley Gardens ( 3BR & 4 BR) •Sheldon Park Apts. (1BR) •Sharps Terrace (3BR) Closing end of business day Tuesday, December 15, 2015: •General Braddock Tower (1BR) •Ohioview Tower (1BR) •Carnegie Apts. (1BR) •Homestead Apts. Phase I – A Bldg. (1 BR) •Homestead Apts. Phase III - C Bldg. (1BR) • Homestead Apts. Phase IV-D Bldg. (1BR) No applications for waiting lists will be accepted after the closing date. Notice will be given in this publication when the Authority determines to reopen Waiting Lists for these sites. Frank Aggazio, Executive Director Allegheny County Housing Authority 625 Stanwix St., 12th Fl., Pittsburgh., PA 15222
COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY PITTSBURGH, PA November 13, 2015
The Office of the Director of the Department of Public works for Allegheny County in Conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, is soliciting Statements of Interest through PennDOTs ECMS system for the following: ALLEGHENY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Construction Management and Construction Inspection For Various Federally Funded Roadway Projects County Project No. CMIT-FDRD Local Agreement Number: L00118 This is a federal-aid project with PennDOT oversight. Statements of Interest are due no later than November 30, 2015 and are to be submitted through PennDOTs ECMS System, http://www.dot14.state.pa.us/ECMS The advertisement can be found under agreement number L00118. A copy of the published advertisement can also be found on the County Website: http://www.county. allegheny.pa.us/bids Any inquiries into this Advertisement are to be directed to Mr. Michael Dillon, P.E., Deputy Director of Engineering, at 412-350-5469 or mdillon@alleghenycounty.us The County will use the normal selection process and preselect or short-list at least three firms for consideration for this Project assignment on the following evaluation criteria: Past Performance, Quality Control and Quality Assurance, Inspection staff qualifications and capabilities, Use and Experience of Subconsultants and Assurance of Project Milestones. The Countyʼs Minority and Women disadvantaged goals for these Projects will be 13% of the total price for MBE participation and 2% of the total price for WBE participation. Stephen G. Shanley, PE, Director Department of Public Works of Allegheny County
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NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
November 23, 2015 City of Pittsburgh-Dept. of City Planning 200 Ross Street 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 412-255-2211 This notice shall satisfy procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Pittsburgh. REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS On or about December 9, 2015 the City of Pittsburgh will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to release federal funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 as amended for a real estate project. The development, Dinwiddie Street Phase IV will create 22 new construction units and the rehabilitation of one unit. The units will be located on Kearney Way, Dinwiddie and Reed Streets. It will consist of 14 one-bedroom units of which 3 are handicap accessible and nine (9) two-bedroom units of which one will be handicap accessible. The developer of the project is Dinwiddie Housing Limited Partnership IV which received a commitment of Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA). The projected development cost is 8.2M. The Federal funding sources included a combination of CDBG and HOME funds. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The City of Pittsburgh has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at 200 Ross Street, 2ND Floor Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 and may be examined or copied weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to: Mike Petrucci City of Pittsburgh, 200 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 255-2211 All comments received by December 9, 2015, will be considered by the City of Pittsburgh prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing. ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION The City of Pittsburgh certifies to HUD that William Peduto in his capacity as Mayor, City of Pittsburgh, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUDʼs approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the Urban Redevelopment Authority to use development funds. OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Pittsburgh certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Pittsburgh; (b) the City of Pittsburgh has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Planning and Development Division The Moorhead Federal Building 1000 Liberty Ave.-10th floor Pittsburgh, Pa. 15222 Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period. William Peduto Mayor City of Pittsburgh
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Sealed bid proposals are hereby solicited for the Community College of Allegheny County, 800 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15233 (412.237.3020) on the following items: RFP 3073 – Sign Language Interpreting Services Proposals will be received at the Purchasing Department until Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Any proposals received after this deadline will be considered as “late” and will be returned unopened to the offerer. The CCAC Purchasing Department is now publishing all bids via the CCAC website at h t t p s : / / w w w. c c a c . e d u / B i d RFP_Opportunities.aspx. It will be each vendorʼs responsibility to monitor the bid activity within the given website (“Bid and RFP Opportunities”) and ensure compliance with all applicable bid documents inclusive of any issued addenda. Failure to incorporate any applicable addenda in the final submittal may result in the rejection of your bid. Proposals may require Bid Bonds, Performance Bonds, Payment Bonds, and Surety as dictated by the specifications. No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of ninety (90) days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids. The Community College of Allegheny County is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and encourages bids from Minority/Disadvantaged owned businesses.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) recently issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Language Assistance Services to Support Individuals with Limited English Proficiency. Proposals are due by January 15, 2016. For more details and submission information, visit: www.alleghenycounty.us/HumanServices/Resources/DoingBusiness/Solicitations(RFP/RFQ/RFI).aspx. Marc Cherna, Director Allegheny County Department of Human Services
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) recently issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Family Foster Care Programs for Young People. Proposals are due by January 19, 2016. For more details and submission information, visit: www.alleghenycounty.us/HumanServices/Resources/DoingBusiness/Solicitations(RFP/RFQ/RFI).aspx. Marc Cherna, Director Allegheny County Department of Human Services
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PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Electronic Proposals will be received online at the Port Authority of Allegheny Countyʼs Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org). The submission date for all proposals is 11:00 AM on December 15, 2015 and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, in Port Authorityʼs Public Meeting Room, 345 Sixth Avenue, Fifth Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527, for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org) B150105R Street Sweeper B150105R Cummins Engines B150105R Dellner Coupler Overhaul B150105R Section Insulators and Installation Kits B150105R High Speed Gearbox Couplers and Assemblies B150105R Permanent Type AntiFreeze B151072 Cisco 10GB Additions Paper Proposal – Documents are available for the following item at Port Authorityʼs Main Offices 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15222-2527 B151063A Vehicle & Floor Scrubber Cleaner No bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on each of the above items at December 2, 2015 in the Port Authorityʼs Public Meeting Room, 345 Sixth Avenue, Fifth Floor at 345 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the Port Authority within 48 hours of the scheduled bid opening. These contracts may be subject to a financial assistance contract between Port Authority of Allegheny County and the United States Department of Transportation. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations. Contractor is responsible for expenses related to acquiring a performance bond and insurance where applicable. All items are to be FOB delivered unless otherwise specified. Costs for delivery, bond, and insurance shall be included in bidderʼs proposal pricing. Port Authority of Allegheny County hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in regard to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprise will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. The Board of Port Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids. NEW
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PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT
Separate sealed Bids for the Work as listed hereinafter will be received at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department of Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority) Heinz 57 Center, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527 until 1:30 p.m. on January 7, 2016 and will be publicly opened and read immediately thereafter at the same address. BROADWAY AVENUE TRACK RENEWAL AND PAVING CONTRACT NO. SYS-15-08 REBID The Work of this Project includes, but is not limited to, the furnishing of all labor, materials (except for rail and strap guard), tools, equipment and incidental items necessary for the replacement of track and pavement for the center two lanes of Broadway Avenue from Neeld to Fallowfield Avenues in the Beechview neighborhood of the City of Pittsburgh. Additionally, the Contract includes track replacement at the north end of the Mt. Washington Transit Tunnel near the Station Square Station. Work items generally consist of, but not limited to, rail and pavement removal, rail and strap guard installation, reinforced concrete pavement, maintenance and protection of traffic, impact attenuators, pavement markings, rehabilitation of light rail vehicle islands and other miscellaneous Work items. Bid Documents will be available for public inspection and may be obtained on or after November 23, 2015 at Authorityʼs offices at the following address: Port Authority of Allegheny County Purchasing and Materials Management Department Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527 Bid Documents are available for purchase as follows: Bid Documents are available in an electronic form on compact disk upon payment of ($15.00) per set. Payment shall be by check or money order (NO CASH), payable to “Port Authority of Allegheny County.” No refunds of payment will be made. Upon request, Bid Documents can be mailed upon receipt of payment in full. Should the purchaser wish to have the Bid Documents delivered via special delivery, such as UPS or Federal Express, the purchaser shall provide its appropriate account numbers for such special delivery methods. This Project is subject to financial assistance contracts between Authority and County of Allegheny, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) of the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Authority, in compliance with 49 C.F.R., Part 26, as amended, 74 Pa. C.S. § 303, as may be amended, implements positive affirmative action procedures to ensure that all Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (“DBEs”) and certified Diverse Businesses (“DBs”) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts financed, in whole or in part, with federal and state funds provided for this Project. In this regard, all Bidders shall take all necessary and reasonable steps, and make good faith efforts, in accordance with 49 C.F.R., Part 26, to ensure that DBEʼs, and in accordance with 74 Pa. C.S. § 300, to insure that DBs, have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform contracts. Bidders shall also not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, sexual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of DOT-assisted contracts. It is a condition of this Contract that all Bidders shall follow the DBE and DB required procedures as set forth in the Bid Documents. If aid is required to involve DBEs and DBs in the Work, Bidders are to contact Authorityʼs DBE Representative, Cameil Williams at (412) 566-5257. The Bidderʼs attention is directed to the following contacts for Bidderʼs questions: Procedural Questions Regarding Bidding: James Happ - Authority (412) 566-5131 All other questions relating to the Bid Documents must be submitted by mail or facsimile to: Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 Attn: James Happ Fax: (412) 566-5131 In addition, the Bidderʼs attention is directed to the following schedule of activities for preparation of its Bid: 9:00 a.m. December 8, 2015
Pre-Bid Conference Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 5th Floor Board Room 345 Sixth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 (Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended)
No site tour scheduled: Broadway Avenue location is a public street. Station Square location can be viewed from sidewalk on Carson Street. 1:30 p.m. January 7, 2016
Bids Due Purchasing and Materials Management Department
Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Bids
ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
November 6, 2015 The Office of the County Controller of Allegheny County, Room 104, Court House, Pittsburgh, PA, will receive separate and sealed Bids until 11:00 A.M. prevailing local time, WEDNESDAY, December 9, 2015, and a representative of the Department of Public Works will open and read the Bids in the Gold Room, Room 410, Court House, Pittsburgh, PA, onehalf hour later, 11:30 oʼclock A.M., for the following: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Greensburg Pike No. 2 at Warren Drive Slope Stabilization Project, North Versailles Township COUNTY PROJECT NO. 4139-0203 PREBID INFORMATION: Purchase and/or view the Proposal, Specifications and Drawings at the Office of the Contract Manager, Room 504, County Office Building, Pittsburgh, PA. The nonrefundable charge for the Proposal and disc containing the Specifications and Drawings is $ 107.00 including sales tax. Bid documents may be mailed for an additional fee of $16.05 including sales tax. The Contract Manager will accept only check or money order to the “COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY.” The Department of Public Works will hold a PreBid Meeting on November 23, 2015 at 1:30 P.M. in Room 505 County Office Building, 542 Forbes Ave., Pgh., Pa. 15219.. Details of this project, Bidding Requirements and Contract Conditions are available on the Allegheny County internet website (www.alleghenycounty.us; click on “Departments,” click on “Public Works” then click on “Bids & Proposals)” and are also available on the Pennsylvania Purchasing Group/PAPG website (www.PAbidsystem.com; click on “bid opportunities;” then click on “Allegheny County-Dept. of Public Works-open documents” – then register if necessary). Chelsa Wagner Controller County of Allegheny
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On Sale Wednesdays WESTERN AREA: CRAFTON BEVERAGE CRAFTON/INGRAM SHOPPING CENTER GIANT EAGLE CRAFTON/INGRAM SHOPPING CENTER SHEETZ #353 5400 CAMPBELL’S RUN RD SHOP N’ SAVE #1686 2103 NOBLESTOWN RD SAFRANS SUPER MKT 429 WALNUT ST GIANT EAGLE #74 PARKWAY CENTER MALL SOUTHERN AREA: KEN’S 216 BELTZHOOVER AVE NELSON’S 92 SYLVANIA AVE GIANT EAGLE #61 2021 WHARTON AVE COGO’S 2400 EAST CARSON ST COGO’S 925 EAST CARSON ST DAILY MART 1125 ARLINGTON AVE SHOP N SAVE CARRICK SOUTH EASTERN AREA: SUPER STOP 403 KENMAWR AVE CARL’S CAFE 337 FIFTH AVE COMET NEWS 540 BRADDOCK AVE PUFFS DISCOUNT TOBACCO 1722 GREENSBUR AVE A-PLUS SUNOCO 7403 WASHINGTON ST COGO’S 1050 BRINTON RD COGO’S 2003 S BRADDOCK AVE EDGEWOOD EXPRESS 253 EDGEWOOD AVE BRAD EXPRESS 1101 S BRADDOCK AVE GIANT EAGLE #619 1705 S. BRADDOCK AVE CVS 7406 CHURCH ST HANINI MARKET 1105 SWISSVALE AVE DUKE’S SUNOCO 825 DUQUESNE BLVD 7-11 818 N. DUQUESNE BLVD GIANT EAGLE #6379 420 EAST WATERFRONT DR GIANT EAGLE—MCKEESPORT 3812 O’NEILL BLVD J & S FOOD MART 625 W GRANT AVE RITE AID PHARMACY 100 WILLIAM MARKS DR GIANT EAGLE 1356 HOFFMAN BLVD BP GAS STATION LYSLE & WALNUT DS FOODMART 929 UNION ST RITE AID PHARMACY 725 LYSLE BLVD CHARLIE’S CORNER STORE 500 LOCUST ST NEIGHBORHOOD DOLLAR 333 5TH AVE GIANT EAGLE #38 1901 MURRAY AVE JACK’S E 8TH AVE EASTERN AREA: WATERWORKS GIANT EAGLE #72 1005 FREEPORT RD— DIVINE HAIR STUDIO 10 DUFF RD GIANT EAGLE 9001 FRANKSTOWN RD GIANT EAGLE #78 230 RODI RD BP GAS STATION 11835 FRANKSTOWN RD THE SPOT 11675 FRANKSTOWN RD MASH MINI MART 4341 OLD WM. PENN HWY
GIANT EAGLE #60 4004 MONROEVILLE BLVD GIANT EAGLE #76 AMES PLAZA, ROUTE 22 GET IT QUICK 500 GARDEN CITY JT RIB SHACK 1 RAQUET LANE DESTINY’S HAIR SALON 408 RODI RD PUFF’S DISCOUNT TOBACCO 10991 FRANKSTOWN RD MIKE’S SPOT 815 UNIVERSAL RD CREAMY CREATIONS 144B JEFFERSON RD SHOP N SAVE 3335 WILLIAM PENN HWY SHEETZ 3457 WILLIAM PENN HWY GETGO 10525 FRANKSTOWN RD CVS PHARMACY 10600 FRANKSTOWN RD SHELL OIL 7619 BAUM BLVD KIWI SUNOCO FRANKSTOWN AVE WILLIAM PENN SMOKE SHOP II 132 NORTH HIGHLAND AVE MARATHON GAS 6680 FRANKSTOWN AVE PENN AIKEN DAIRY 5401 PENN AVE GIANT EAGLE #17 6320 SHAKESPEARE ST HOMEWOOD MARKET 7201 FRANKSTOWN AVE SALIK HARDWARE 607 NORTH HOMEWOOD AVE NEGLEY A PLUS 123 NORTH NEGLEY AVE BAKER’S 7203 HAMILTON & STERRETT AVES DORSEY’S RECORDS 7614 FRANKSTOWN AVE HOSPITAL CORNER 4201 PENN AVE PEOPLES GROCERY 5136 PENN AVE A&M MARKET 5224 PENN AVE A-PLUS MINI MART 7701 PENN AVE WOOD & PENN 902 WOOD ST AL’S FISH & CHICKEN 1000 PENN AVE SAVE A LOT 725 ROSS AVE CVS PHARMACY 520 PENN AVE GETGO 408 PENN AVE QUICK STOP LIBERTY 3349 LIBERTY AVE K-2 CONVENIENT STORE 4900 PENN AVE SHUR SAVE 4120 MAIN ST SHELL GAS 6701 FRANKSTOWN RD UNIMART 5724 ELLSWORTH AVE GIANT EAGLE #77 254 YOST BLVD PUFF’S DISCOUNT TOBACCO 234 YOST BLVD SPEEDY MART 2131 ARDMORE BLVD SQUIRREL HILL NEWS 5804 FORBES AVE MURRAY AVE. NEWS 2024 MURRAY AVE GIANT EAGLE MURRAY AVE & LORETTA ST DISCOUNT TOBACCO & NEWS 1929 MURRAY AVE UNIVERSITY OF PGH BOOKSTORE 4000 5TH AVE DANA’S BAKERY 720 N. HOMEWOOD AVE DA STORE 606 & 1/2 N. HOMEWOOD AVE FLOSSYS HAIR DESIGNS 5927 PENN AVE BONUS TIRE SERVICE 4349 VERONA RD KANDY CAFE 4291 VERONA RD GIANT EAGLE SHADYSIDE 550 CENTRE AVE MARATHON GAS 4010 PENN AVE
CENTRAL AREA: GET GO #64 4924 BAUM BLVD SCHWARTZ MARKET 1901 5TH AVE SMOKER FRIENDLY 906 5TH AVE HILL DISTRICT: WONG’S MARKET 2170 CENTRE AVE ANN’S MARKET 2316 WEBSTER AVE A-PLUS MINI MART 2350 CENTRE AVE UJAMMA BOUTIQUE 1901 CENTRE AVE K LEROY IRVIS TOWERS 715 MERCER ST SHOP & SAVE SUPERMARKET 1850 CENTRE AVE ABE’S MARKET 1860 CENTRE AVE WYLIE TOBACCO 2152 WYLIE AVE DOWNTOWN: KWIK-E-MART 212-10TH ST 7-11 #167 643 LIBERTY AVE 7-11 #165 SIXTH & PENN AVE 7-11 #170 429 WOOD ST ESTER’S SNAX FEDERAL BUILDING, 2ND FL SMITHFIELD NEWS 115 SMITHFIELD ST CITY NEWS & ARCADE 422 WOOD ST FABER COE & GREGG 500 GRANT ST FABER COE & GREGG FIFTH AVE. PLACE FABER COE & GREGG 600 GRANT ST NIELSEN’S STORES #09 301 GRANT ST— ONE OXFORD CENTER NIELSEN’S STORES #13 437 SEVENTH AVE— KOPPERS BUILDING 9TH & PENN NEWS-NUMBERS 136 PENN AVE EXTRA EXTRA NEWS 413 SEVENTH AVE NEAL NEWS 400 CHERRY WAY CVS PHARMACY #4120 610-612 WOOD ST C&C NEWS 2 PPG PLACE NEWSTAND SIXTH & WOOD ONE STOP 300 SIXTH & WOOD EDDIE’S SNACKS 262 5TH AVE BIG DADDY 465 FORBES AVE 711 SMITHFIELD 420 SMITHFIELD ST NORTHERN AREA: W. N. GROCERY 1018 NORTH AVE. NORTH SIDE BEER & BEVERAGE 1304 FEDERAL ST ALLEGHENY GIFT SHOP—AGH HOSPITAL 320 EAST NORTH AVE GIANT EAGLE #652 318 CEDAR AVE 7-11 #158 1001 WESTERN AVE RICHEY’S BARBER SHOP 1207 N. FRANKLIN ST QUIK-IT 820 PENNSYLVANIA AVE RITE AID #3459 802 PENNSYLVANIA AVE MARSHALL SHELL 1500 SPRING GARDEN AVE SWINKO’S MARKET 2535 PERYSVILLE AVE MERCY STREET EXPRESS 6 MERCY ST HARV’S EXXON 2501 BRIGHTON RD QUICK SCHWARTZ 3235 BRIGHTON RD HANINI MARKET 3245 BRIGHTON RD