Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

Posted on June 9, 2011 by David Wilson

At the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC), all of our work enhances the quality of life in our region. Founded in 1932, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is the state’s first conservancy, and we have protected more than 228,000 acres. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy helped to establish ten state parks, including Ohiopyle, Laurel Ridge, McConnells Mill, Moraine, Oil Creek and Erie Bluffs, and we continue to conserve exceptional places to provide our region with clean waters and healthy forests, wildlife and natural areas. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy owns and operates Fallingwater, the famous Frank Lloyd Wright house in Fayette County. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is a member-supported nonprofit organization with many volunteer opportunities.

The program I coordinate, the School Grounds Greening (SGG) Project, operates within the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Community Gardens and Greenspace department. My department leads several highly visible projects throughout the region that connect people with nature. The Community Gardens program plants and maintains 140 gardens with over 200,000 flowers in cities and towns throughout Western Pennsylvania. Through TreeVitalize Pittsburgh, we are planting 20,000 trees throughout the city by 2012. Plus, we’re making downtown Pittsburgh beautiful through hundreds of planters and hanging baskets. In all, our work is maintained with help of over 12,000 volunteers each year.

The School Grounds Greening Project has brought children closer to nature by enhancing school grounds through low-maintenance, sustainable greenery. By the end of 2011, each school in the Pittsburgh Public School district will have received landscape enhancements as well as flexible “green spaces” used for outdoor learning, play, and reflection. From the outset, the program involves students, teachers, parents, and community members in the planning, implementation and care-taking of each project.

The School Grounds Greening Project was initially inspired by Richard Louv’s book Last Child in the Woods, which demonstrates that children need nature as much as nature needs children. The program aims to enrich our children’s educational experiences and learning environment by creating opportunities to play, learn, and socialize in outdoor settings. Through this process, we hope to bring the ecological, aesthetic, and financial benefits to the school and its surrounding community. The School Grounds Greening Project also connects Pittsburgh to a growing international movement highlighting the nutritional, intellectual, and psychological benefits of nature on childhood development.

Interested in career opportunities at the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy? They have a great internship program. Learn more about it on the next post of this series.

“Speaking of…” a Literary Series in Pittsburgh

Posted on May 16, 2011 by The RIC Team

The RIC Team would like to introduce you to ‘Speaking of…’ an arts series that seeks to promote the spoken word in Pittsburgh.

Next Saturday, May 21st, ‘Speaking of’ will feature three different writers from three different states and genres. Jim Coppoc, poet, will read alongside local spoken word artist Stacey Waite and Baltimore resident Joseph Young (Fiction). The event is at 8 PM at Amani- and is BYOB.

"Speaking of..." a Literary Series in Pittsburgh

In June, they present ’Speaking of…Noir’”, Saturday, June 18th at 8:00 PM. The event showcases ‘Pittsburgh Noir’, the latest edition of Akashic’s legendary ‘Noir’ Series, featuring stories by such writers as Stewart O’Nan and National Book Award Winner Terrance Hayes. Speaking of is partnering with Akashic Books, Kathleen George, and the New Hazlett Theater to present this Iconic Evening of Entertainment.

This evening will exhibit the same focus on spoken word and literature and community that has been present at past ‘Speaking of…’ events. Rumors have been heard of dance troops and gigantic canvases, and as anyone can attest who lives on the Northside, helicopters have been seen frequently flying over the Allegheny Commons. If you stand quite still outside the New Hazlett and listen carefully, you may be able to hear the sound of martinis being shaken.

In each summer of our lives there is a definitive night: this summer, it will be June 18th. More information can be found at speakingofpittsburgh.com, at the ‘Speaking of…May’ event and in the imaginative chambers of your heart (cool breezes, wide theater steps, jazz drifting out the flung doors).

Yoga in Pittsburgh – A Conversation with Kimberly Musial

Posted on May 13, 2011 by Regina Anderson

I’ve lived in Pittsburgh for about seven years now and during that time I’ve seen an increase in the number of people engaged in physical activities such as yoga, biking, and running. The number of yoga studies that have opened in the past couple of years is just incredible! The return of the Pittsburgh marathon has had such a wonderful influence on the city. I know there are a bunch of us at Coro Pittsburgh participating in the marathon.

The RIC has also blogged a lot about biking in Pittsburgh: how to be safe, why it’s fun, and how you can be involved. I thought I’d combine a few of these ideas: yoga, biking and one other thing Pittsburgh has a lot of: entrepreneurs. I had the opportunity to speak with Kimberly Musial, former Coro Pittsburgh Fellow in Public Affairs, and owner of the Yoga Hive in the Glass Lofts on Penn Avenue.

Yoga in Pittsburgh

RA: What is the Yoga Hive?

KM: The yoga hive is a community-minded studio located in the neighborhood of Garfield. We offer a variety of yoga styles that include vinyasa and kundalini. Our teachers have all studied with different teachers and have their own unique style. We also offer meditation, which is a really important supplement to the yoga poses.

RA: Why is yoga important?

KM: Everyone has their own reasons for this. I think it’s important to check-in with your body and mind on a regular basis. When I don’t practice regularly, my muscles can feel it, my mind is more scattered and agitated and I feel less grounded. Yoga has been the most transformational part of my life and many other practitioners will tell you the same. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything negative attributed to the practice of yoga. It’s good for your mind, body and soul.

Kimberly Musial owner of Yoga Hive in Pittsburgh

RA: What do you tell people that might be skeptical about trying yoga?

KM: It’s good to be skeptical of all things. Blind faith is never good, but, I also believe in having an open mind and giving everything a try. Most people who are skeptical or nervous feel that way because they have never done yoga before and are embarrassed that they will look out of place or will be too inflexible. I am reading a book called Poser: my life in twenty-three yoga poses. There is an excellent quote I’d like to share on this point: “Like everyone else, I was terrified of a roomful of people who were good at it. Little did I know then that only very occasionally in yoga do you stumble into an entire roomful of people who are good at it. And when you do, they often turn out to be assholes.”

Yoga for Bikers

RA: Very apt point, and a very good reason for us to try some yoga! I heard you have a new yoga class for people that bicycle, can you tell us more?

KM: Yes! We started this class in March since we had a lot of folks bicycling to the studio and students were saying that they were prepping to run the Pittsburgh marathon or other races. I think yoga is a really important supplement to both activities. I myself am a runner and cyclist and feel the tension that sits in my hips and legs after just one ride or short run. The class itself is 60 minutes, 730-830 PM every Tuesday. We hold poses for awhile to get deep into the muscles and allow the body time to adjust.

Biking in Pittsburgh

RA: What advice do you have for people who are biking in Pittsburgh?

KM: Be safe! Check in with Bike Pittsburgh‘s efforts frequently. Wear your helmet, put your lights on, and use your hand signals. Take care of your body – you give your bicycle a tuneup on a regular basis, yoga is a tune-up for your body. It keeps your joints, muscles and mind healthy and strong.

RA: What other classes do you have that we should keep an eye out for?

KM: We’ve got some amazing workshops coming up. This weekend we’ve got Hula Hoop Yoga in collaboration with Steel City Hoop Union and Stefanie Moser!

Thanks, Kimberly! Remember, if you are new to Yoga Hive, you can receive unlimited yoga for two weeks for just $10! see our banner ads on the blog and website for more info. Also, check out this great video that highlights great things happening in Pittsburgh featuring Stefanie Moser! (If you’re having trouble viewing the video, click here.)

FNTV Belong from Brad Knull on Vimeo.

BikePGH has what you need for biking in Pittsburgh!

Posted on May 5, 2011 by Eric “Erok” Boerer

BikePGH fights for better biking conditions so you can enjoy the ride.

Pittsburgh charm, biker-style:

Pittsburgh’s charm is due in part to our three rivers, countless bridges, and hills. However, they also make it difficult to find your way around. Knowing how to avoid the busy arterial roads is key to enjoying your exploration of our 90 neighborhoods by bike. While having three rivers converge at a point means that there is no traditional street grid to speak of, it does mean that there is more room for riverfront trails, which line both sides of the Ohio, Monongahela, and Allegheny Rivers. Who knows, maybe getting lost in our spaghetti-like street pattern will lead to a plate of actual spaghetti in Pittsburgh’s Little Italy, or to a sandwich and a local beer at our bicycle-themed cafe in the South Side, or to the freshest cheeses in our bustling Strip District.

Following are some things to familiarize yourself with to help you explore the nooks, trails, unique neighborhood business districts, or simply get from points A to B in the safest possible way. Guaranteed you’ll meet fellow cyclists along the way, so we included some resources to help you get plugged in to Pittsburgh’s great cycling scene.

What BikePGH Can Offer to Pittsburgh’s Biking Community:

Pittsburgh Bike Map – First things first, get yourself a copy of our award-winning Pittsburgh Bike Map. BikePGH produced the first on-street, city-wide bike map since Sophie Masloff was mayor (which was a long time ago). Find out about safe cycling techniques, the best on-street bike routes between neighborhoods, as well as the how to access the trails, bridges, world-class parks, and business districts. Stop into any local bike shop for a free copy. You can also explore the online version of the map on our website, or purchase a waterproof version.

Bike Commuting 101 Guide – The complete “How to” guide for riding around the city and commuting. It is chock full of of tips to help you prepare for both your ride to work and what to do once you get there. The guide is presented as a fun, readable comic book. Find a copy at a local bike shop, the BikePGH office or visit our website and we’ll send you one.

Bikes on Transit – The Port Authority of Allegheny County is continually improving bicycle access on our buses, light rail, and incline. Just about every bus has a bike rack on the front, and you can bring your bike on the T (peak restrictions apply) to avoid a dreaded hill, or simply because you don’t feel like riding home. For fun, you can also take your bike up the two inclines to see one of the best skyline views on earth in Mt Washington, then bomb down the streets that made Lance Armstrong famous.

BikePGH Messageboard – This is a great resource on our website to meet local cyclists, find events, get plugged in, or troubleshoot that strange noise in your pedal. These folks have the most knowledge on where and when to ride.

BikePGH Events Calendar – Finally, get plugged into Pittsburgh’s bike community and attend some events! This is the most comprehensive listing of bicycle related events in the city. Find out about organized rides and events to help you explore our streets and find our plethora of mountain bike trails and single track.

Become a Member of BikePGH – We are a grassroots advocacy organization that can only work toward a bike-friendly city if we have the support of cyclists like yourself. Join the over 1,400 other Pittsburghers that are making a difference in their city and become a member today!

Check us out at: http://bike-pgh.org!

Paying it Forward with Nominations

Posted on April 29, 2011 by Regina Anderson

Image extracted from: The Wild Bore Blog

Lately, I feel there has been a lot of coverage about “paying it forward” and the pluses of doing things for the benefit of others. I know on Twitter, the RIC follows a woman named Secret Agent L who uses her account to promote great events hosted by other people. She has a large following for this very reason, and therefore, if your event is promoted, you’re in front of a large, diverse audience.

So many of us are always looking for ways to “show the love” to people or organizations that mean a lot to us, and sometimes, we just can’t volunteer more, or write another check, but there are other ways to show your support through nominations.

There are requests for nominations floating around all the time. Have you heard of Pittsburgh 40 Under 40? This is a way to recognize 40 individuals that are making a positive impact in the Pittsburgh community and the people selected were all nominated by their friends and peers. Coro Pittsburgh is proud to know that every year there are alum, program graduates and staff selected for this honor. Actually, our annual fundraiser, the Martin Luther King Leadership and Diversity Awards also depends on nominations from our community.

Just recently, I was among a large group of people that nominated Tom Baker, Vice President of Programs for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh for the Jefferson Award hosted by the Pittsburgh Post Gazette to recognize individuals that effect positive change in their communities.

The impact of nominations has many effects:

1) You feel great talking about someone or an organization you admire, respect and care about.

2) Even if that person isn’t chosen for the award for which you nominated, that person is so appreciative that you made the effort.

3) It’s important to sing from the rooftops the positive things people are doing every day–the inspiration that causes cannot be measured. Someone might learn about a new organization or a new effort and might be inspired to volunteer–you never know.

Nominations are quick and painless!

Image extracted from: PRWeb.com

Nominating someone really doesn’t take a long time. I think the most I have ever spent on an application is 30 minutes. Typically nominations take literally 5-15 minutes because you are asked questions like “why do you think this person deserves this award?” You have the opportunity to speak from the heard.

Get your nominations done today! There are plenty of opportunities including:

Pittsburgh 40 Under 40

Baker Leadership has multiple awards

Pittsburgh Courier Women of Excellence Award

Cystic Fibrosis Pittsburgh’s 50 Finest

Gilda’s Club Faces

Mr. Roboto Project Relocates to Penn Avenue

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Michael Baltzer

DIY Community Space relocates to Penn Ave. Arts Corridor.

Before I was engaged in learning about nonprofit leadership through my Public Allies placement at The RIC, even before I was a graphic designer for Pittsburgh City Paper, I was playing in various bands around Pittsburgh. One of the first venues at which I performed and booked my own shows was the Mr. Roboto Project in Wilkinsburg. Occupying a formerly empty storefront on Wood Street, Roboto was a membership-driven, cooperatively run, do-it-yourself community space that made it possible for anyone to plan and execute the events that they wanted to see happen – rock shows, poetry readings, craft fairs, etc. Thousands of local and touring bands passed through its door between 1999-2010. Last year, Roboto closed its doors with the intention of eventually reopening in a new space.

A large portion of the training that I have received through Public Allies has focused on working in groups to achieve what would be impossible to accomplish alone. When I found out that Mr. Roboto needed a transition team to help guide it through the process of relocating, I decided that it was time for me to reconnect with the local art and music community by using the leadership skills that I have developed to help get Roboto out of moth balls and back in action.

Since February of this year, I have been meeting weekly with a team of 6 talented individuals that are also dedicated to seeing the continuation of Mr. Roboto. When a space located at 5106 Penn Avenue became available, what seemed like a jumble of random legal and technical items needed to put into a list of actionable steps in order to sign a lease and begin making arrangements with contractors. While the physical space is being developed, we are also reaching out to all former members to renew interest, as well as looking to engage new members. Our message is pretty simple: become a member, book events, vote for the board of directors, run for a position on the board of directors. Do what you want, and do it yourself.

If you would like to find out more about getting involved with the Mr. Roboto Project, in any capacity, go to http://robotoproject.info/ and http://www.facebook.com/robotoproject to see what progress is being made. To get a few different perspectives, read this great article in City Paper, written by Aaron Jentzen. Whether you want to plan your own events, offer your time and talents, or just stop by and experience the various cultural phenomena, Mr. Roboto has room for everyone.

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