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WHEREAS, the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition is 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, members of the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition work 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 First Annual Squirrel Hill Treasures Dinner & Celebration, on Thursday, October 13, 2010, 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 Sophie Masloff served as Pittsburgh's first female and Jewish Mayor from 1988 to 1994. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Sophie Masloff was a progressive trailblazer - a driving force behind the growth of an inclusive Democratic Party in Western Pennsylvania. In 1988, she took the reins of the Mayor's office upon the untimely death of Mayor Richard Caliguiri and, later elected to a full term in 1989. Known for her leadership ability, humor, and common touch, Sophie set the stage for the construction of the city's new baseball and football stadiums, adoption of the Regional Asset District to provide equitable funding for institutions that serve the region such as the stadiums, Convention Center, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, the National Aviary, Phipps Conservatory and the city's four regional parks. To this day, Mayor Sophie Masloff continues to be engaged in issues that matter in the city she so dearly loves; and,
WHEREAS, Treasure Debra Acklin is President and CEO of the Emmy-Award-winning WQED Multimedia, the nations first public television station. Debra has overseen the production of national documentaries for PBS, created a nightly television magazine program OnQ and co-created a series of nationally recognized concert programs featuring Doo-Wop and other genres of great music. Despite being responsible for the visioning and day-to-day operations of WQED, Debra is active at all levels of the community through volunteer service on a variety of civic boards such as the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, the Three Rivers Arts Festival, Carlow University, The Steeltown Entertainment Project; the Winchester Thurston School and the University of Pittsburgh's Institute of Politics; and,
WHEREAS, Treasure Robert Levin, president of Levin Furniture, entered the Squirrel Hill-based family furniture business in 1993 after having spent several years in Washington, DC in the fields of Health Policy and Aging. Despite a recent fire, Robert reinvested in his Squirrel Hill business. As a merchant, he provides employment, contributions to the tax base and vitality to our business district, as well as great values for the consumer. Robert also knows that there is more to life than business and gives back to the community via his family's main charity - the Howard Levin Clubhouse - a groundbreaking interactive day program for adults with mental illness; and,
WHEREAS, the beloved and historic Intersection of Forbes and Murray Avenues, also known as "Up Street," is the gateway to one of the most unique and lively business districts in the City. This busy intersection is the focal point for hundreds of places of commerce, social services, learning, and religious worship. A model walkable community, Squirrel Hill residents and visitors alike are able access a market place that is noted for the quality of its products and high level of customer service. A dedication ceremony honoring this landmark location was held on October 6, 2011, and a plaque will be placed on the Rite Aid Building at Forbes and Murray Avenues commemorating this very special and unique place in our community.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend and congratulate Sophie Masloff, Debra Acklin, Robert Levin, and the Intersection of Forbes and Murray Avenues for there 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 13, 2011, to be "SQUIRREL HILL URBAN COALITION TREASURES DAY" in the City of Pittsburgh.