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View from the HillGiving Voice to Common GoalsVOLUME ONE N .o FOUR—HILL DISTRICT CONSENSUS GROUP NEWS

to our 4th issue of View from the Hill. This newslet-ter is printed quarterly with the generous support of The Heinz Endowments.

If you have a favorite view from the Hill photograph—email it to our designer at: dm@sohoandcompany.com

Place: A. Leo Weil School, 2250 Centre Ave.

Time: 8:30AM–1:30PM

Session 1 Educators and Principals is from 8:30AM to 10:30PM

Session 2 Parents, Children and Community Members is from10:30AM-1:30PM

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Hill District Education Conference-November 20th ill District Education Council will host a confer-

ence exploring the current state of Hill District

schools. Attendees will hear success stories from princi-

pals whose schools have successfully advanced academic

achievement for Black students (these principals are

called Dame Dame principals). The conference will also

provide an opportunity for community members to help

map out a plan for the implementation of solutions de-

signed to advance educational outcomes for our children.

Two sessions will be held: a morning session (8:30-10:30AM)

for school personnel and an afternoon session (10:30AM-

1:30PM) for parents, community members and children.

Each session will begin with a review of current outcomes

for Hill District Schools and involve the Dame Dame

principal in an engaging discussion around reversing the

achievement gap. Lunch will be provided and will overlap

both sessions to provide opportunities for interaction.

Thriving students and their network of adults will be

recognized by “Caught Being Good” during lunch.

The conference is tentatively scheduled for 8:30AM-1:30

PM at A. Leo Weil School. For information please con-

tact Nikki Monroe-

Hines at 621-3341. ❖

WeLComeH

3rd Annual Woman to Woman Empowerment Symposium“Streaming Self Esteem from One to the Other”Sponsored by Softer Side Seminars, the Hill Collaborative and the Ujamaa Collaborative on Saturday, November 6, 2010 • 9:00AM–2:30PM, Blakey Program Center, 1908 Wylie Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 • Be Pampered • Have Lunch • Cost $20

Workshops Include:

• Motivation—Have you found your wings?—Getting over the Past— Avoiding the Brain-Draining Drama—Using Time to Be More Productive

• Debunking the Myths of Natural Hair—discussion: Enhancing Your Beauty Naturally

• Featuring award-winning Natural Hair Care Specialist and Inter- national Workshop Presenter, Marci Walker, Owner and Operator of Madam Walker’s Braidery and School in Temple Hills, MD

• Poetry—Vanessa German

• Music—Artistic Expression—All in the Interest of Enhancing Our Self Esteem

For info and Registration contact Renee Aldrich at reneea@softersideseminars.com or call 412.414.6611.

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Celebrating a Hill Legend: The Biography of Thaw “Coach Tee” Washington l earning to live to love life: Through Tee’s Eyes is a biog-

raphy that describes the life of Coach Thaw Washing-

ton, a community elder who has been a significant influence

in the lives of Hill District athletes for more than 30 years.

The book features the testimonials of over 55 athletes who

have been coached by Mr. Washington.

Coach Tee has been a veritable “one man show,” coaching

three sports—basketball, girls and boys track, and football.

His mentees include Sam Clancy, Pitt Panther Varsity Let-

ter Coordinator, and Roger Kingdom, two-time Olympic

Men’s Hurdles Champion and World Record holder.

“I’m thrilled to know I’ve touched lives and helped make a difference,”says Mr. Washington.

Other athletes featured include: Schenley High graduate

Amber Plowden, an IUP NCAA Champion 200 meter dash

runner; Cambrya Jones, Pitt Panther Track and Big East

women’s 200 meter medalist; Eddie Drummond, Detroit

Lions All-Pro kick returner, Jakim Donaldson, Ciudad de

la Laguna-Eurobasket; and Chaz Carter, Penn Hills Eagles

Track Club Head Coach. All grew up as members of Coach

Tee’s teams.

Mr. Washington hopes to use the proceeds of book sales

toward building a youth center in the community.

“I hope by this book, we can build a sports center that will cut down crime that has destroyed the lives of many youth; for life is a gift to be used every day.” ❖

The book is available from Xlibris at https://www2.xli-

bris.com/bookstore/bookdisplay.aspx?bookid=740002

Financial Literacy Assistance Offered by NeighborWorks n eighborWorks Western Pennsylvania is offering

free financial counseling and literacy services.

The services are designed to help individuals and families

take the first step toward managing, spending and saving

money. Hill District residents can receive one-on-one

assistance to establish a budget, repair credit and increase

credit scores.

NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania counselors also

provide credit restoration services for free to all who are in

need of assistance.

To make an appointment for a budgeting or credit

restoration session, please call Tammy Thompson at

412.697.4676 ❖

HDCG Board 2010

terri Baltimore, vice chair

lois M. Cain

Janette Campbell

Dwayne Cooper*

edna Council, treasurer

elbert Hatley

Carolyn Howard

Daniel lavelle

George Moses, secretary

leeretta Payne

Carl redwood, chairperson

Steve Schillo

Marcia Scott

thomas Smith

lee walls

*deceased

Mr. WasHIngton hopes to use the proceeds of book sales toward building a youth center in the community.

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Ms. Howze-Mendoza will be responsible for out-

reach/mobilizing with our member organiza-

tions. She served in similar position from 1996-2000.

We are happy to have her back on staff and look forward

having her share her wealth of knowledge about Hill

District issues and groups, as we continue to

work to advance the interests of the neighborhood. ❖

She’s Back! The Hill District Consensus Group Re-Welcomes Angela Howze-Mendoza

Zone 2 Safety Council’s purpose is to establish

positive community relations between citizens

and the Police, Fire, Paramedics and all other divisions

of Public Safety. The Public Safety Council is staffed by

citizens and exists to help citizens, but remains a separate

entity from the police department and Zone 2. The Coun-

cil meets every 4th Thursday at 6:00PM. Meetings are

typically held at 1835 Centre Ave., Hill House. Officers

include President Sharon Wolkiewicz, Vice President

Walter Smith, and Treasurer Melanie Brown.

UPCoMIng MeetIng Dates:DATe LoCATIoN

october 27 Legacy Apartments 2121 Centre Avenue

November 20 Hill House 1835 Centre Avenue

December No Meeting

January 27 Hill House 1835 Centre Avenue

Zone 2 Safety Council Meets Monthly

Upcoming Hill District Library Events

CraftyBags!

Tuesday, November 2 & 9, 2010 11:00AM–2:00PM Bring your crocheting, knit-ting, beading, quilting or other crafts to the library! Enjoy the company of other crafters.

espresso Libre Book Club

Saturday, November 20, 2010 1:00PM–3:00PM Book Selection— Perfect Peace by Daniel Black.

Makin’ Butter

Monday, November 22, 2010 6:00PM–6:30PM It’s as simple as heavy cream, a heavy jar and a good shake. And it’s delicious!

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The Hill District Consensus Group meets on the second Friday of each month at 10:00am in Hill House, Conference Room A. The mission of the Hill District Consensus Group is “to work together through the differ-ences and with the commonalities, to establish and enforce standards and processes in all aspects of community life: economic, political, spiritual, and social, for the ongoing health and prosperity of the community.” All community residents and stakehold-ers are invited to attend. For more information, please call 412.392.4427 or e-mail us at laing@hdcg.org.

View from the HillHill District Consensus Group, at the Hill House, Suite 220

1835 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa, 15219

HILL DISTRICT CONSENSUS GROUP

QuArterly newSlettereditor: Bonnie young laing

design/production: Soho and Company Inc.

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First Source Center Seeks Candidates for Hotel JobsResidents who are looking to work in the hotel industry should register with the First Source Center located at the

Hope Center-1901 Centre Avenue.

Job seekers needing to develop resumes should contact the Center at 412.281.8484.

Representative Wheatley Asks the Community to Comment on Fare-Hike PlanAs your representative, I sent the Port Authority a letter urging changes to the authority’s proposal for fare increases, a plan which would put a lopsided burden on residents of the City of Pittsburgh, and particularly on lower-income residents, while leaving many suburban riders unaffected. I reminded the authority that I am a member of both the House Transportation and Appropriations committees, and I said I cannot in good conscience advocate for more funding for PAT if the current fare proposal stands.

I know how many people in the 19th Legislative District rely on mass transit to get to school, to work, to medical ap-pointments and to religious services. I also know that many people in our neighborhoods have been hit especially hard by the difficult national economy. Our communities have already endured drastic service cuts.

Join me in telling PAT to change its fare-hike plan. Give the Port Authority your comments on its proposal before the Nov.12 deadline via website www.portauthority.org or by calling 412.422.2000. Comments can also to mailed to: Port Authority Fare Proposals, Heinz 57 Center, 345 Sixth Avenue, Floor 3, Pittsburgh PA 15222. ❖