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WHEREAS, on December 1, 2011, after a long struggle with cancer, the passing of Moses Carper has left us deeply saddened, he will be missed but not forgotten; and
WHEREAS, for more than 30 years, Moses Carper provided learning opportunities throughout the Northside, as a small part of the country right here in Pittsburgh, from his stables along the north-eastern edge of Riverview Park, his organization brought city kids to the park for a program that provided a sense of confidence through horseback riding, teaching stewardship and caring for our environmental treasures; and
WHEREAS, born on November 10, 1931, Moses Carper was raised by his mother in the Northside's Observatory Hill neighborhood "Hollows" where as a kid, he earned $1 a day feeding horses on a farm located off of Perrysville Avenue; and
WHEREAS, Moses Carper was a graduate of Perry High School, an Army <http://www.legacy.com/memorial-sites/army/?personid=151656973&affiliateID=717> Veteran, attended the University of Pittsburgh and Waynesburg College, earning a Masters Degree in Social Work, he went about quietly working on behalf of others, an active community member within Observatory Hill's neighborhood leadership and served as President of the OHI Board of Directors; and
WHEREAS, in 1967, Moses started the ChiYou Corral, a private stable near Mairdale Avenue on the perimeter of Riverview Park, "ChiYou" stands for children and youth, a program to share his knowledge and love of animals and nature, that uses horses to help Pittsburgh Public School students who have learning, discipline and behavioral problems; and
WHEREAS, since 2001, Moses Carper volunteered in Riverview Park, originally as a docent and then as an Urban EcoSteward, he worked in the park year-round educating groups and maintaining the many beautiful garden beds; and
WHEREAS, Moses often said, "Young kids often think of the park as a playground, so we move them out to the trails so that they can see that the park is all around. It can be difficult to get them to understand stewardship, but it is all of our responsibility"; and
WHEREAS, the world has been changed by his work, a claim that not many can make, the great leadership Moses Carper exemplified by his dedication and calm demeanor will continue and the contributions he made to the Northside will live on; and
WHEREAS, a person's heritage and neighborhood can become a very important part of who they are, on Saturday, December 29, 2012, at the Chapel Shelter in Riverview Park, Moses Carper will be memorialized for his work, his life and his heart;
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize and honor the important work and dedicated contributions of Moses Carper, and does hereby declare December 29, 2012, to be "Moses Carper Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.