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WHEREAS, the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition is celebrating its 40th year as a non-profit community group dedicated to preserving and improving the quality of life in the 14th Ward of the City of Pittsburgh; and,
WHEREAS, in it's 40th year, members of the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition continue to provide leadership to the community by studying, debating and advocating positions on issues affecting the neighborhood's vitality reflected through a long range planning process which fosters community-based-initiatives in housing, education, transportation, commercial, residential and institutional development and parks and open spaces; and,
WHEREAS, the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition is hosting its second annual Squirrel Hill Treasures Dinner & Celebration on Thursday, October 18, 2012, to honor three outstanding citizens who contribute to the vitality of the neighborhood and who best represent the goals of the organization, and to honor one location that embodies Squirrel Hill's vibrancy and diversity; and,
WHEREAS, Treasure Deborah Fidel, Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Area Jewish Community, is known for her dedication to advancing intergroup relations through dialogue, adult and youth education, joint programs, and community outreach efforts. With a commitment to dispelling prejudice and giving light to truth, under Deborah Fidel's leadership, the Pittsburgh Area Jewish Community increasingly serves as a progressive voice in the community and promote increased understanding and knowledge among diverse groups; and,
WHEREAS, Treasure Holly McCullogh and the staff of the Squirrel Hill Branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh have enriched the lives of residents of all ages, incomes and ethnic backgrounds by providing books, various classes, writer studios, film screenings, business and job information, internet access and much more. In its 40th year of service to the community, this thriving and dynamic library continues to contribute to the prosperity of the neighborhood; and,
WHEREAS, Treasure Robert Qualters is a renowned artist whose paintings, prints, photos, posters, lithographs and public murals tell a story about Pittsburgh, its rich heritage, diverse people, and local landmarks. A Squirrel Hill resident, his creative works inspire people to remember the past and envision the future; and,
WHEREAS, in a neighborhood that prides itself on owner operated businesses and the support of its merchants, the Manor Theater on Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill is the oldest operating movie house in Pittsburgh and one of the longest continuously running businesses in the area. Under Rick Stern's stewardship, the Manor Theater remains one of the three last independent theaters in the area and, on the occasion of its 90th anniversary, Rick and his daughter, Alexa, have embarked on a renovation that will convert the screens to digital cinema which represents the biggest technological change in the theater industry since the advent of sound.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend and congratulate Deborah Fidel, Holly McCullogh, and the staff of the Squirrel Hill Branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Robert Qualters and the Manor Theater for their outstanding dedication and many contributions to their community and, for their well deserved recognition as a Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition Treasure. We, too, offer our most sincere thanks for your service and conduct most becoming of a citizen of this great city; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Thursday, October 18, 2012, to be "SQUIRREL HILL URBAN COALITION TREASURES DAY" in the City of Pittsburgh.