News Around the Neighborhood
MakerDate fundraiser auctions “dates” with local makers for a cause in September
Assemble is excited to announce its upcoming event, MakerDate, with the theme “Future” for 2024. The event will be held on September 7, 2024, from 6-9pm, with a VIP opening reception from 4:30-5:30 pm, at the Maverick Hotel (120 S Whitfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206). MakerDate is Assemble’s largest fundraising event of the year, providing an opportunity to make a significant impact on the community by fostering creativity and collaboration. The Presenting Sponsor of MakerDate 2024 is Duolingo.
MakerDate offers attendees the unique chance to bid on “dates” (learning experiences) with artists, makers, technologists, innovators, and creatives. These experiences present a fun and engaging way to learn new skills and connect with creative minds. Examples of Makers to participate in MakerDate 2024 include: Leo Tsu, Executive Director of Silver Eye Photography, whose date will be focused on photography, Sharon Massey and Sean Derry from Local X, who will teach their date to make a light using CAD software and laser cutters, Benjamin Bishop, renowned pastry chef, who will provide a private pastry class for up to 4 people to make classic French crepes and dessert flambe, and Zena Ruiz, who will work with up to 8 people to make and decorate sugar skulls.
MakerDate will have both a live and silent auction, with a total of 20+ Makers. Additionally, there will be food from Sprezzatura, drinks by M Bar, music from Kha’DJ, and an array of raffle prizes and hands-on activities. Guests are strongly encouraged to come in a future-themed attire!
Event tickets include complimentary drinks and delicious hors d’oeuvres. MakerDate is a 21+ event. If you’re passionate about accessible STEAM education for all, help Assemble raise funds at MakerDate on September 7. To learn more or book your tickets, visit assemblepgh.org/makerdate-2024/.
Fundraising and Impact: The funds raised from MakerDate will directly support Assemble’s free STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) educational programs, such as Summer Camps and Afterschool Programs, as well as other initiatives aimed at creating a better future. The goal for this event is to raise $60,000, with $22,250 already secured through the generous support of sponsors, including Duolingo (Presenting Sponsor), Trellis Legal, Deeplocal, Burns White, Pittsburgh Regional Transit, Duquesne Light Company, Tristate Bank, Fivestar, Bally Design, Trulieve, the James & Stephanie Dewar Charitable Fund, and the UPMC Center for Engagement and Inclusion. Assemble is still seeking additional sponsors to join this cause and expand its network with the expected 175+ event attendees. To sponsor the event, please reach out to Dale Gaddes at dale@assemblepgh.org.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of a transformative evening of creativity and learning. You can make a difference with us as we bring together artists, technologists & creatives from the region for one night of creativity, change-making, and fun.
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About Assemble
Located at 4824 Penn Avenue in the Garfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh’s east end, Assemble is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization with the mission to unite artists, technologists, and makers with our neighbors of all demographics and provide a platform for experiential learning, opening creative processes, and building confidence through making.
Founded in 2011, Assemble envisions a diverse community that creates, connects, and learns through the experience of art and technology. Learn more about Assemble at assemblepgh.org.
In 2023, Assemble had a significant impact by reaching a total of 1,800 youth and 3,697 individuals overall through 11 diverse programs. These efforts have continued to promote creativity, learning, and community engagement in the Pittsburgh region.
PHLF: A Tour of Historic Schenley Farms: A “Residential Utopia” in Oakland
Thursday, July 25
5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
$20.00 per person
This tour is limited to 20 participants.
Tickets will not be available after 11:30 pm on July 24.
Click here to purchase a ticket.
In 1903, Cleveland-born businessman Franklin Felix Nicola, who had moved to Pittsburgh in the mid-1890s, bought the last parcels of Oakland land left by heiress Mary Schenley on her death that year. Part of what he planned for this land was an enclave of high-quality residences. By 1906, Nicola had hired several well-regarded local architects to design model houses in various architectural styles.
Over the following 15 years, Nicola constructed 96 houses on the flat portion of the site, subject to design guidelines and incorporating innovative features like underground electrical and telephone lines. (Another 39 houses were built on the terrace of land rising from the flat section.)
This tour will visit the lower, gridded part of Schenley Farms, which, to this day, rewards pedestrians with multiple charms.
Refreshments will follow at the home of a Schenley Farms resident.
PHLF: Evolution of the Skyscraper in Downtown
Friday, July 19
10:00 am to 11:15 am
$20.00 per person
This tour is limited to 20 participants.
Tickets will not be available after 11:30 pm on July 18.
Click here to purchase a ticket.
The tall commercial building is one of the great achievements of American culture, manifesting in physical structures the confluence of aesthetic taste, business objectives, and innovation in engineering and architectural design.
In Pittsburgh—a quintessential skyscraper city—the evolution of tall commercial buildings in the United States can be observed simply by walking through Downtown.
Our tour will take us to numerous landmarks or groups of structures that illustrate key concepts in the development of the skyscraper.
PPS Summer Town Hall Meetings on Facilities Utilization
One Northside needs your help spreading the word to your neighbors about Pittsburgh Public School District’s Facilities Utilization Plan. We encourage residents to come out to share thoughts and concerns about the quality of education for the children in our community.
Please promote the attached flyer of opportunities for residents to speak with PPS Board members with your contacts at all 14 Northside citizen groups. There is a meeting with Dwayne Barker this Friday (6/28) at 5:30 pm.
We will be promoting through our social media channels and networks but would love your support. There is also a good bit of information available on the District’s website.
https://www.pghschools.org/facilitiesuplan
It is essential that we have resident voice around this issue as the final plan will most likely include school closures and changes to feeder patterns.
PHLF: Join Us for a Walking Tour of Carnegie, PA
Saturday, June 29
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
$20.00 per person
This tour is limited to 20 participants.
Tickets will not be available after 11:30 pm on June 28.
Click here to purchase a ticket.
Located about seven miles west of Pittsburgh, Carnegie was once a commercial center for surrounding farming villages and coal-mining camp towns. It is now considered a suburb of Pittsburgh, but Main Street remains a vibrant urban corridor of small businesses, many in revitalized historic buildings.
Complementing the business district are a number of churches, including a Russian Orthodox church and a Ukrainian Orthodox church that stand side by side and work in harmony, even as their home countries are at war. You will learn about the role of PHLF’s Historic Religious Properties program in safeguarding these churches for future generations and tour the splendid interior of St. Peter and St. Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
In addition to this classic mix of neighborhood architectural types, the tour includes the elegant Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall and Library Park, which connects the Library to Main Street. Join our docents as they lead you through this surprising and delightful community.
PHLF: Walking Tour of Oakland
Saturday, June 1, 2024
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
$20.00 per person
This tour is limited to 20 participants.
Tickets will not be available after 11:30 p.m. on May 31, 2024.
Click here to purchase a ticket.
Although the Oakland neighborhood extends from Bloomfield in the north and Shadyside in the east to the Monongahela River in the South, its heart is the area dominated by universities, medical institutions, and cultural amenities. This section, centered around Fifth and Forbes Avenues and Bigelow Boulevard, took its basic form between the 1880s and the 1930s, thanks to a number of big dreamers, persuasive philanthropists, gifted architects, and inspiring ideas about improving industrial cities.
On this tour, names like Carnegie, Schenley, Nicola, and Hornbostel will come to have deep meaning as participants learn how their respective visions brought into being the buildings and other sites that define Oakland to this day.
Forest Bathing in Allegheny Commons
Join a certified guide for a forest bathing walk in Allegheny Commons. Connect with the natural world that exists in the urban environment.
You’ll be guided through a series of invitations that will allow you to slow down and explore nature through your senses.This practice supports health and well-being, and can help build a positive connection to nature, yourself, and others. Geared toward adults and youth 14 and up with an adult.
May 25 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm
George Washington Monument
Arch Street and W North Avenue
Length: Less Than 1 Mile
Surface Type: Pavement, natural path
Slope: Gentle, mostly flat
These programs are popular and fill quickly. There are many people that would like to attend but cannot when the program fills. If you register we strongly hope you will either attend or cancel your registration at least two days in advance.
Learn and Earn Summer Youth Program
ASL & Visual Vernacular Performances
Poetry in Motion
with d/Deaf poets Jeremy Lee Stone & Justin Perez
This Jazz Poetry Month, we’re thrilled to welcome d/Deaf poets Jeremy Lee Stoneand Justin Perez. Jeremy is the founder of ASL NYC, a groundbreaking ASL class. Justin was the winner of the ASL Elements National ASL Competition. Both poets are excited to bring their ASL and Visual Vernacular performances to Pittsburgh for Jazz Poetry. Jeremy and Justin will be reading alongside fellow poets Rania Mamoun, Andrés Neuman, Fatimah Asghar, Noah Arhm Choi, Jonathan Moody, and Monica Sok and musicians Leslie DeShazor and Andy Milne.
Tickets are going fast, so register today to secure your spot at Jeremy and Justin’s programs. ASL interpretation will be provided.
Monday, May 13 @ 7:00 pm EST
Leslie DeShazor Quintet, Fatimah Asghar, Rania Mamoun, Andrés Neuman, & Jeremy Lee Stone
Sunday, May 19 @ 6:00 pm EST
Andy Milne Trio, Noah Arhm Choi, Jonathan Moody, Justin Perez, & Monica Sok
Allegheny Commons Lights Up for Public Celebration
Last week, we celebrated the official re-opening of the North Promenade in Allegheny Commons Park with a community celebration! Along with partners at the City of Pittsburgh and Mayor Ed Gainey, Duquesne Light Company, the Buhl Foundation, and many of our Northside neighbors, we relit the Commons, marking a significant milestone in the restoration of this historic park. The recently completed work includes pathway resurfacing, new benches, and historically accurate lighting that will make the park safer and more accessible for all to enjoy.