7.24.24 NPC

‘Lady J’ Jou-AL Burwell fights on while looking for donor

See Page A8

KAMALA’S

VP Harris this close

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

Count the names—Ed Gainey, Summer Lee, La’Tasha Mayes, Austin Davis, Josh Shapiro, Bob Casey, Joe Biden, 44,000 Black women on a Zoom call in one night, 20,000 Black men on an online call the next night, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Jim Clyburn, the United Steelworkers Association, those who were part of the $81 million in donations that came in 24 hours time, and many more. The list of people and organizations that, in such a short time, have endorsed, rallied around and thrown their full support behind Vice President

Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee has been gigantic and symbolic.

With the Democratic National Convention scheduled for Aug. 1922, in Chicago, there’s almost no way you won’t see Harris on that United Center stage come Thursday night, Aug. 22, in prime time, taking the stage, accepting the Democratic nomination for president. Seemingly, as soon as President Joe Biden on Sunday, July 21, announced he wouldn’t run for re-election and endorsed Harris, it put to rest the thought of the

Will Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro be chosen as Harris’ running mate?

And if that happens, could

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

The hypothetical game is in full swing.

What if this happens... what if that happens...

It's understandable that Pa. Governor Josh Shapiro and his Lieutenant Governor, McKeesport's own Austin Davis, don't want to play the hypothetical game, but everyone else does.

It's conceivable that Vice President Kamala Harris, who's now the

presumptive Democratic nominee for President in the November election, could choose—any day now—Gov. Shapiro as her running mate. Assuming he accepts the invitation if asked, and if the possible Harris/Shapiro ticket claims The White House come 2025, that could propel Lt. Gov. Davis into the top spot in the state, as governor.

Austin Davis already made history by becoming Pennsylvania's first Black Lt. Governor in January

2023. He could make more history...if...if...if all of the aforementioned plays out. And remember, all of this could play out in a matter of four to five months.

"I'm not gonna really engage in hypotheticals and what ifs," remarked Lt. Gov. Davis during a news conference at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, July 23. "I know I'm the Lieutenant Governor of the Common-

BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH CHAMPIONS

LT. GOV. AUSTIN DAVIS (PHOTO BY ROB TAYLOR JR.)

SHAPIRO

GOV. JOSH SHAPIRO

IN MEMORIAM: Democratic Congresswoman

by Stacy M. Brown

Newswire

Democratic Congress-

woman Sheila Jack-

son Lee, one of the longest-serving members of the Texas delegation, has died at the age of 74. In June, Jackson Lee announced her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, yet she showed little indication of letting it interfere with her plans to run for a 16th term this November. The fiery congresswoman disclosed her diagnosis in a written statement shortly after winning renomination in a fiercely contested Democratic primary. Known for her unwavering commitment to social justice, she was a fervent advocate for reparations for African Americans and a vocal critic of the twice impeached and 34 times convicted felon and former President Donald Trump. Unlike some of her colleagues, she did not join the calls for President Joe Biden to step aside from the 2024 race. As recently as Wednesday, July 19, Jackson Lee continued to champion President Biden’s re-election campaign. “Something that does not get talked about enough: we were able to bring down homicides in Houston with federal investment,” she wrote on X. “After President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan, we brought $50 million to the city to take on crime—and it worked! Local/federal partnership saved lives.”

She added, “This House Democrat believes Joe Biden has served us well and has the best plans for the future. I am laser-fo-

cused on beating Donald Trump and delivering for America because that’s what matters.” Jackson Lee also reminded her followers that America saw one of the most significant homicide spikes ever in Trump’s last year in office. “He threw his hands in the air and did not know what to do,” she asserted. “Since he left, I am proud that our American Rescue Plan has done the very important work to bring these numbers down! Federal/local partnerships worked.”

Jackson Lee’s legislative achievements are significant and wide-ranging. She played a crucial role in the passage of the Violence Against Women Act. She was a senior House Committee member on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget Committees. She was the first female ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee for Crime and Federal Government Surveillance, serving as Chair during the 117th Congress.

“The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) extends to the family of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee our profound condolences.  May the legacy and memory of Sheila Jackson Lee be enshrined in the pantheon of global freedom fighters,” said Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Jackson Lee was a powerful advocate for a free and energetic press— and for the Black Press of America in particular.

Among her notable legislative efforts were the Sentencing Reform Act, the George Floyd Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act, the RAISE Act, the Fair Chance for Youth Act, the Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act, Kalief’s Law, and the American

RISING Act. She also introduced the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Reauthorization and Bullying Prevention and Intervention Act and the Federal Prison Bureau Nonviolent Offender Relief Act.

A staunch supporter of women and children, Jackson Lee championed the Paycheck Fairness Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. She authored the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Education Act.

Jackson Lee was widely recognized for her effectiveness and influence. Congressional Quarterly named her one of the 50 most effective Members of Congress, and U.S. News and World Report listed her among the ten most influential legislators in the U.S. House of Representatives. She was a founder, member, and chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus and the Congressional Children’s Caucus. She was chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Energy Braintrust and the Justice Reform Task Force co-chair.

A Yale University alumna, Jackson Lee earned her B.A. in Political Science with honors and later received a J.D. from the University of Virginia Law School. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Elwyn Lee, an administrator at the University of Houston; her two children, Jason Lee, a Harvard University graduate, and Erica Lee, a Duke University graduate and member of the Harris County School Board; and her two grandchildren, twins Ellison Bennett Carter and Roy Lee Carter III.

This Week In Black History A Courier Staple

• JULY 24

1651—Anthony (or Antonio) Johnson a free Black man who had purchased freedom for himself and his wife, is awarded 250 acres of land in North Hampton, Va. Johnson was among the first group of 20 Black indentured servants brought to America in 1619. Indentured servitude was a form of slavery which allowed the person to either work for or purchase his freedom. After becoming free, Johnson became the first wealthy Black person in America. He even purchased five indentured servants of his own. He probably picked up the name “Johnson” from his original owner but in official records from the period he is simply referred to as “Antonio the Negro.”

1802—Famed French writer Alexander Dumas is born. He was the product of a French general and a light-complexioned Black Haitian woman. Dumas would go on to become one of the world’s greatest and most prolific writers. He is best known for his classics such as “The Three Musketeers” and “The Count of Monte Cristo.” His Blackness caused him some problems in French society, but by and large his fame and the money from his books enabled him to live an extravagant lifestyle.

1904—This is the day it is believed that actor Ira Aldridge was born in Africa. He would come to America, learn English and German, and develop into one of the world’s most accomplished Shakespearean actors. He played the role of the Moor Othello on many occasions.

• JULY 25

1916—The Black inventor of America’s first gas mask, Garrett T. Morgan, made national headlines on this day when he and a team of volunteers used his invention to rescue 32 workers trapped in a gas-filled tunnel 250 feet under Lake Erie. Morgan called his device “the Morgan safety hood and smoke protector.” But it has become known simply as the gas mask. Morgan also invented America’s first traffic light. He was born in 1877, did most of his inventing in Cleveland, Ohio, and died in 1963.

1972—Faced with possible exposure by the media, the federal government (specifically the U.S. Public Health Service) finally acknowledges its involvement in the horrific and immoral Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment. During the experiment, 399 Black men (mostly poor sharecroppers from Alabama) were led to believe they were being treated for syphilis while the doctors and nurses involved (some of them African-American) were actually fooling the men with fake medicines in order to discover the long-term effects of syphilis on the human body. The “experiment” lasted from 1932 to the time it was exposed in 1972. Finally, on May 16, 1997, President Clinton issued an official apology to the eight surviving members of the experiment saying, “The United States government did something that was wrong—deeply, profoundly, morally wrong…and clearly racist.”

• JULY 26

1847—President Joseph J. Roberts declares the West African nation of Liberia an independent republic. The nation was primarily founded by former U.S. slaves returning to Africa. Roberts, himself, was born in Virginia. Three factors were behind the founding of Liberia beginning around 1821. Free Blacks were coming under increasing discrimination in America; pro-slavery forces felt the presence of free Blacks would encourage rebellion within the slave population; and friendly Whites (like those in the American Colonization Society— ACS) felt Blacks would never be treated fairly in America and should return to Africa. The ACS helped more than 13,000 Blacks return to Africa with most going to Liberia.

1926—The NAACP awards its prestigious Spingarn Medal to Carter G. Woodson for his work in Black History. Indeed, Woodson became known as the “Father of Black History.” The historian, author and journalist founded Negro History Week—the precursor to today’s Black History Month. Woodson felt knowing true Black history would be an inspiration to people of African ancestry. He once wrote: “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.”

•JULY 27

1919—The infamous Chicago Race Riot of 1919 begins. It would last for several days and require 6,000 National Guardsmen to put it down. The Chicago disturbance was the bloodiest of 25 race riots which took place in cities throughout the country. In fact, the summer of 1919 became known as the “Red Summer” because of the wide spread number of racial conflicts. In Chicago, the rioting was started by White gangs harassing the large number of Blacks who had moved to the city for wartime jobs created by World War I. In addition to harassing and beating Blacks, the White gangs invented “drive-by shoot-

ing” as they drove through Black neighborhoods firing rifles and pistols. Young Blacks formed mobs of their own and began retaliating. When it was all over 15 Whites and 23 Blacks were dead; more than 500 people had been injured and another 1,000 left homeless.

•JULY 28

1868—The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is ratified formally making former Black slaves citizens of the United States. Many scholars consider this the most important amendment to the Constitution. In addition to making Blacks citizens, it contains both the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause. These clauses have been used to guarantee a wide range of rights for all U.S. citizens. The 14th Amendment was passed, in part, to overturn the “Black Codes” being adopted in many Southern states after the Civil War. The Black Codes were an attempt to give Blacks official second class status in America by, among other things, limiting their rights to vote, sue a White person or testify in court. 1915—United States Marines begin the first American occupation of Haiti. The official justification was that disturbances on the predominantly Black island might allow Germany’s Adolph Hitler to infiltrate troops into the Americas. But the U.S. invasion was driven in large measure by a desire to put down a popular rebellion which threatened the rule of Haiti’s dictator and American business interests. More than 2,000 Haitians were killed in the early weeks of the occupation which did not end until August of 1934. 1917—The NAACP organizes an 8,000-person strong “silent march” down New York’s Fifth Avenue to protest lynching and other brutalities against African Americans. The marchers were particularly outraged by the July 2, 1917 massacre of Blacks in East St. Louis, Ill. President Woodrow Wilson (considered by many Blacks to be a racist) had just taken America into World War I under the theme of “Making the World Safe for Democracy.” Many of the marchers carried signs reading “Mr. President, why not make America safe for democracy?” 2009—Death of the flamboyant Rev. Ike is announced. At his height in the mid-1970s, Rev. Frederick J. Eikerenkoetter reached an estimated 2.5 million African Americans with his New York-based spiritual and financial betterment radio program. However, critics often described him as a “hustler” and a “scoundrel” who exploited poor Blacks by selling “healings” and “prayer clothes.” He died in California but was born in Ridgeland, S.C.

•JULY

29

1870—Pioneering boxer George Dixon is born in Nova Scotia, Canada. Little is known today but Dixon had an absolutely amazing boxing career. He pioneered much of modern boxing including training techniques such as the suspended punching bag and shadow boxing. He was the first Black person to win a world boxing title. Dixon was known as “Little Chocolate” because he stood only 5’3” tall and weighed around 90 pounds. Despite his diminutive size he won 78 fights—30 by knock out. He was known for his lightning fast speed. Dixon died in New York in 1909. He is buried in Boston, Mass.

•JULY

30

1863—President Abraham Lincoln issues his famous “eye-for-an-eye” order. The order was basically a threat aimed at stopping the Confederate practice of killing captured Black soldiers instead of imprisoning them. Lincoln threatened to kill one captured rebel soldier for every Black soldier killed by the Confederates. In addition, he pledged to condemn one captured rebel soldier to life in prison at hard labor for every captured Black soldier sold into slavery by the rebelling Southerners. The order did not stop the Confederate practice of killing captured Black soldiers, but it did have a restraining effect.

1945—Activist minister Adam Clayton Powell Jr. is elected to Congress from Harlem, N.Y., becoming one of only two Blacks in Congress. The other was William Dawson of Chicago. Powell, however, would become the first truly powerful Black political figure on Capitol Hill. By 1961, he headed the influential Education and Labor Committee in the House of Representatives. Powell would steer more than 50 pieces of legislation through Congress. He also passed legislation making lynching a federal crime and bills to desegregate public schools and the military. In addition, he almost single handedly stopped Southern Congressmen from using the word “Nigger” during sessions of Congress. Despite his political influence, Powell constantly maintained that “Mass action is the most powerful force on earth.” He died on April 4, 1972.

Class of 2O24 Honorees

LEGACY HONOREE

Robert Hill

Retired, Vice Chancellor of Public Affairs University of Pittsburgh

James Willie Anderson Jr.

Elder, King of Kings Baptist Church CEO, Jiggity Marketing LLC

Demario Andrews

Site Director, Family Support Center Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh

Rev. William A. Baker IV

Discipleship Pastor

Macedonia Church of Pittsburgh

James M. Carter

Life Coach

Achieva

Kiel Chapman

Production Manager

PPG

Robert Cherry

Chief Executive Officer

Partner4Work

Bernard Clark Jr.

Head Football Coach

Robert Morris University

Micheal “Mike” Dean

Community School Site Manager

Pittsburgh Public Schools

Radio Personality, WAMO

J.E. Clark Delanois

Managing Director and Credit Division

Head of Private Banking

BNY Mellon

Chuck Durham

Business Diversity Manager City of Pittsburgh

Dr. Shawn Keith Ellies, Cmdr., CPP, CPTED, CPD, PSA

Protective Security Advisor and Adjunct Professor University of Pittsburgh

Rev. Brian Carswell Flannagan Sr. Field Service Provider Solutions Specialist FedEx Corporation

Michael Lee Gay Sr.

Detective Pittsburgh Bureau of Police-Intelligence Unit

Sam W. Gibson

Executive Director

We The People 412

Rev. Jerrel T. Gilliam

Executive Director Light of Life Rescue Mission

Nathaniel K. Goodson

CEO, The Promise Center of Homewood

Owner, Nate’s Landscaping & Hauling

Ricky Hardy

Program Manager, Family Foundation Through Community Human Services

Owner, RH3 Commercial Cleaning LLC

Lance J. Harrell

Director, Workforce Development and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Master Builders’ Association of Western Pa., Inc.

Saint “Larry” Harris

Supervisor, South Pittsburgh Peacemakers South Pittsburgh Coalition for Peace

Mark D. Henderson

Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Chuck Herring

Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

South Fayette Township School District

Edgar G. Jackson Jr.

Owner

Hysyde Lounge and Excellent Care Professionals

Emmanuel D. Key

Owner ZoliCare Enterprise LLC

Terence King

Teacher Wilkinsburg School District

Michael A. Knight

Fiscal & Contracting Supervisor City of Pittsburgh

Sebastian Lacy

Vice President of Equity & Culture YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh

Majestic Lane

Chief Equity Officer

Allegheny Conference on Community Development

Mike Logan

Founder Logans Heroes

Clyde D. Manns Jr.

Owner, EIT Basketball Training Site Supervisor, Greater Valley ACTES

Marshall Franklin Medrano

Licensed Pennsylvania Funeral Director

White Memorial Chapel School Counselor, Pittsburgh Public Schools

Kevin J. Miller

Chaplain and Dean Imani Christian Academy

Pastor E. Keith Moncrief

Senior Pastor Kingdom Light Ministries International

Bishop Marvin C. Moreland

Jurisdictional Bishop Pennsylvania Western First Ecclesiastical

Jurisdiction Church of God In Christ

James Myers Jr.

Senior Director, Business Investment Allegheny Conference on Community Development

Michael C. Nelson

Senior Manager of Security Operations Duquesne Light Co.

Michael J. Nichols

Retired, Public Works Laborer, City of Pittsburgh

Volunteer Reader, Pittsburgh Public Schools

Robert Poston

Youthbuild Supervisor and City Parks Manager City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation

Timothy Powell Clinical Director UPMC

Johnathan D. Rideau

BU Mission Assurance Manager Northrop Grumman

Shawn A. Shannon

Central Access Supervisor Wesley Family Services

Alphonso Sloan

Retired, Police Detective

Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Artist, Method Lab Studios LLC

Morton D. Stanfield Jr.

Senior Vice President of Community Development Dollar Bank, Federal Savings Bank

Brian Vincent Starks

Marketing and Community Outreach Liaison Pittsburgh Public Theater

Alfred B. Valentine

President

100 Black Men of Western Pennsylvania

Wendell E. Wade Jr.

Vice President, Branch and Business Center Manager PNC Bank

Dr. Evon Walters

Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement

Community College of Allegheny County

Terrel R. Williams

Teen Outreach Program Manager

Homeless Children’s Education Fund

W.Eugene Wilson

Owner, Cloud 33 Premium Cigar Lounge

Basketball Coach

James D. Wimberly III

General Manager Block by Block

Michael Young

Assistant Professor

Mellon College of Science and Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Carnegie Mellon University

by David S. Rotenstein PublicSource

Penn Hills, once a suburban landing pad for Black households, now risks disinvestment and erasure of history

Willie Stargell joined the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1962, 15 years after Jackie Robinson broke major league baseball’s color barrier. Six years later, Stargell bought a modest ranch house on Doak Street in Penn Hills. His choice was no accident. Since the 1920s, the western part of Penn Hills has been a preferred destination for Pittsburgh’s Black middle class.

In the last century, Black Pittsburghers beat a path eastward, from the Hill District, through Homewood and into Penn Hills.

“It was a pretty decent community with, you know, Black affluent people,” said Aaron Tipton, a Black man in his late 50s who grew up (and still lives) in Lincoln Park, a Penn Hills subdivision that abuts the Pittsburgh city line. Black business owners, doctors, tradespeople and athletes settled there. Attracted by single-family homes with yards, clean air and less crowding, these new suburbanites transformed a mostly White, rural township. Their stories are indelibly etched into the municipality’s history.

Black people comprised 9 percent of the population in Penn Hills in 1930; in 2020, they accounted for 41 percent.

The municipality offered middle-class Black homebuyers an opportunity to live the suburban dream: a home with a yard, lots of fresh air and a pathway to building intergenerational wealth. Penn Hills is Pittsburgh’s counterpart to well-known Black suburbs outside of Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Dallas and Cleveland.

Greenlee bought his way out of the Hill District and into the suburbs in a period marked by severe discrimination in housing. In an investigation into racially restrictive deed covenants and their role in creating segregated communities, PublicSource documented 18 neighborhoods where Black people could not buy or rent homes.

Housing discrimination

helped to create urban ghettos like the Hill District and contributed to decades of harm endured by generations of Black Pittsburghers. Penn Hills’ rise as a Black suburb reflects the other side of the story: how a growing Black middle class resisted segregation through suburbanization.

Now Tipton and other descendants of those pioneers—plus newcomers pushed toward the suburbs by city gentrification —look out on a changing landscape and ask: Can Penn Hills’ Black residents protect their community and its history?

Blocked elsewhere, accepted in Penn Hills

Black Pittsburgh residents who wanted to buy homes in Penn Hills faced steep, but not insurmountable, barriers. Jim Crow practices had a firm grip on the region’s housing, employment and recreational facilities during the period when Penn Hills matured as a Pittsburgh suburb, between 1920 and 1970.

San Diego State Univer-

sity history professor Andrew Wiese wrote a book on Black suburbanization, “Places of Their Own: African American Suburbanization in the Twentieth Century.” He told PublicSource that Black homebuyers moved to the suburbs for the same reasons their White counterparts did after World War II. “Opportunities to have a home and a place of their own,” Wiese said. “There’s more money all around. And, you know, many people are looking for opportunities to use that money to improve their quality of housing, quality of schools for their kids, the quality of services that they may be able to purchase.”

The western part of Penn Hills had a small, but important, Black population as early as the first decades of the 20th century. It’s where Black institutions like the First Baptist Church of Penn Hills were founded in 1920. The Pittsburgh Courier in 1927 boasted that the municipality, then known as Penn Township, had no “color line in politics.” The paper described an area (presumably Lincoln Park) in the township as one “with a large Negro population [that was] blazing the trail insofar as political positions are concerned.”

The Lincoln Park vicinity, which abuts Pittsburgh, contrasted with the more rural (and Whiter) eastern portion of the municipality. As recently as the 1950s, some Pitts-

burgh civil rights activists considered postwar Penn Hills subdivisions inaccessible to Black homeownership, alongside Mt. Lebanon and Fox Chapel. At least one 64-lot subdivision there, Sampson Acres, had racially restrictive deed covenants prohibiting Black people from buying or renting property.

Stroll down Lincoln Park’s Travella Boulevard with a woman named Antoinette and she’ll proudly tell you about all of the homes once owned by doctors, tradespeople and small business owners.

Antoinette—she asked that we only use her first name for privacy reasons —has lived there her entire life, 60-plus years. Her mother bought their home in 1953. “I believe when my mother … first moved up here, she said there wasn’t very many Blacks up here,” she said. “My mother was up here, the Greenlees was up here, and there was one other Black family up here, and that was it.”

“We had an electrician, two doctors, auto mechanic,” said Tipton, who is her cousin. “Antoinette, her father, he owned a gas station actually.”

Antoinette’s mother is a Georgia native who lived in Homewood before moving to Lincoln Park. The suburb fulfilled two of her criteria: “She had kids, so education was one of the things and then she said she still wanted to be somewhere where she

could hear trains.”

In 1950, all of the homes on Travella Boulevard were owned and occupied by White people, except for one. Gus Greenlee’s physician brother, Charles, appears to have become the second Black homeowner there when he bought 7219 Travella Blvd. in 1951. Charles Greenlee was an accomplished obstetrician and civil rights activist. To pay for the home, he got two private mortgages totaling $11,000.

Four years later, another physician, James Stewart, bought the house next door at 7215 Travella Blvd. Stewart practiced medicine in Homewood, where in the 1970s he directed the Homewood-Brushton Neighborhood Health Center (renamed in 1977 for prominent civil rights leader Dr. Alma Illery).

Stewart paid $16,300 in cash for the home. Stewart also treated some of his neighbors, like Antoinette’s family, in his home office. “He diagnosed me with my heart murmur,” she said. “He diagnosed my mother. She had shingles in her eye. She said she went because one of us was sick, and she took us up to see him, and he said, ‘You’re in worse shape than they are.’”

Nanette Tipton, Aaron Tipton’s mother, moved to Lincoln Park in 1953, two years before Stewart, when her sister bought a home on Travella. “When we moved up here, I had

just went into the seventh grade in East Liberty,” she said. “A lot of people didn’t even know Black people lived up here.” Parcel by parcel, these early homebuyers contributed to the growth of a vibrant Black community in Lincoln Park.

A big challenge: buying land

A Black Army veteran laid the foundation for creating subdivisions marketed to Pittsburgh’s Black middle class.

Charles Davis was a bricklayer who worked for White developers after World War II. From the Penn Hills home he constructed in 1947, Davis built a successful contracting business. Two of his first solo suburban projects: Blackadore Estates in the late 1950s and Academy Heights in 1961. His son, Charles W. Davis, remembers his father’s stories about the early days in Penn Hills.

“At that time, we had White neighbors out here, they didn’t want him to build here,” he recalls.

“But the way he did that was you have a front man and so you get a White guy to make the deal. Everybody thinks they’re dealing with a White guy.” Davis’ story fit a pattern.

“I found a lot of Black building tradesmen in the Cleveland neighborhoods I studied building

AARON TIPTON, A LONGTIME RESIDENT OF PENN HILLS’

Penn Hills...

their own houses,” said Georgia Tech historian Todd Michney, a redlining expert who co-wrote a book about Black builders in Cleveland. “I think that was very much a way to acquire somewhere to live that was outside of the segregated so-called ghetto areas [that were then] developing.”

Pittsburgh’s rural fringes attracted homebuilders like Davis as well as homebuyers.

“The biggest challenge was to be able to purchase land at all,” said Wiese. “To do that in a climate where often land simply wasn’t available to African American buyers, you know, where realtors wouldn’t show, institutions wouldn’t lend, and local municipalities, if they were already incorporated, would put up barriers and obstacles.”

Davis found an effective route around those barriers. Straw buyers, like developers Orin, Glenn, Howard and Stanley Sampson, bought properties from white owners unwilling to sell to Black buyers. They, in turn, then sold them to Black buyers like Davis.

Unlike Lincoln Park’s pioneer Black homeowners who changed Penn Hills in a piecemeal manner, Davis transformed large chunks for Black homeownership.

Willie Stargell’s road home

Willie Stargell didn’t need a straw buyer in 1968 when he bought his Lincoln Park home. The blocks around his new home had been solidly Black for about a decade. The famous left-fielder bought the house from Lenwood Morgan, a Black truck driver and Hill District business owner.

Celebrities like Stargell and Christian rubbed shoulders with doctors, business owners and the other middle-class homebuyers who flocked to the suburb in the 1950s. Their presence has become woven into the community’s oral history.

There are lots of stories circulating in Pittsburgh about how Stargell ended up living in Penn Hills. Many of them turn on a common theme: White property owners refused to sell to Stargell. The Pirate wouldn’t have been the first athlete to hit a racial wall when looking for housing. Jackie Robinson had trouble finding a home in New York in 1952. In 1957, a San Francisco developer refused to sell a home to Willie Mays.

Locally, Muhammad Ali’s prolonged effort to buy a home in Mt. Lebanon is well known. The prizefighter bought a home there in 1974.

Though his autobiography and other books written about him are silent on Stargell’s path to Penn Hills, stories about it are part of local lore. “I just heard they wouldn’t sell it. He couldn’t get it,” said Lincoln Park’s Antoinette. “They were like, we don’t care who you are.” Lee Carol Cook, a Black attorney who grew up in O’Hara Township and whose father and grandfather were elder statesmen of Pittsburgh’s Black legal community, also heard that Stargell had trouble buying a suburban home.

In her version, Stargell couldn’t buy a North Hills house “because there were restrictive covenants in the deeds.”

Tipton and his friends knew that Stargell lived one street over. One day, on a dare from his friends, Tipton went up to Stargell’s home and knocked on the door. “He opened it up and he

told me to come on in,” Tipton said. “And when I went inside there [was] Willie Stargell, Manny Sanguillén, Roberto Clemente and Dock [Ellis].”

By the time that Tipton left the home loaded with baseball swag, his friends had all run away. He didn’t share any of it with them. “I had walked in with all this stuff and I didn’t want to give them nothing,” he recalls. Later on, Tipton dated one of Stargell’s daughters.

Damon Young told his story in a 2019 memoir, “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker.” By the time his family moved to the suburb in the 1990s, things had begun to change. The homes and infrastructure had begun to fray. Benjamin Herold documented the changes in his 2024 book, “Disillusioned: Five Families and the Unraveling of America’s Suburbs.”

An unobstructed view of disintegration

Penn Hills in the 1950s pulled Black Pittsburghers into the municipality because of the opportunities it offered for building wealth and a better life. According to Herold, since the 1990s, Penn Hills has become a place where Black Pittsburghers are pushed because the properties are less expensive than in the city where gentrification is changing longtime Black neighborhoods like East Liberty.

Drew Allen owns a popular Homewood barbecue restaurant. He grew up on the North Side and in the Hill District. In 2020, he bought a house across the street from Stargell’s former home.

“I decided I’d just take some money and start investing, buying a little property. And then I ended up moving in,” he said.

“The whole front was down when I came out and got it. I gutted it from the inside out,” Allen said. He was clearing a debris-strewn vacant lot next to his home as he spoke.

“I just started just taking care of it,” he said. “This place was shambles.”

Stargell’s former home across the street had uncut grass, weeds and debris in the yard.

The properties on Allen’s street speak to larger issues in Penn Hills, many of which relate to the malaise chronicled in Herold’s book. As disinvestment and crime spilled across the city line in the 1980s and 1990s, Penn Hills residents—many of them Black transplants from the city themselves—resorted to a familiar tactic of White segregationists by setting up barriers at the municipality’s limits. In 1996, Penn Hills installed a permanent barrier closing the street.

“You used to be able to go from Wheeler Drive to Wheeler Street, which is the city, and people would commit crimes in the city, come through Wheeler Street, onto Wheeler Drive, which is Penn Hills,” said Marcia Cereza, who serves on the municipality’s Zoning Board and lives in Blackadore Estates.

Cereza is Puerto Rican and she moved to Penn Hills from Wilkinsburg. She is the second owner of her home and her neighbor is Lois Christian, Sir Walter’s widow.

“Blackadore down there was beautiful,” Cereza said.

“You had to have a piece of change to move out there.” Now, she said, Blackadore “has a bad rap because half is the city and half is Penn Hills and it’s split. And you can see where the sign said, ‘Welcome to Penn Hills.’ You can see the physical difference in the neighborhood, believe it or not.”

In Lincoln Park, Pittsburgh ends where the city’s brick pavers meet Penn Hills asphalt. Just across the line inside Penn Hills, there is a row of older buildings on one side of the road and vacant lots on the other side.

The Boulevard, as Tipton describes Verona Boulevard before it turns into Mt. Carmel Road, was the community’s business district. “There was pretty much everything down there,” Tipton said. “There was a grocery store, there was a dry cleaners, there was a bar.”

Antoinette and Tipton have been watching their neighborhood disintegrate as older residents move away or die. Disinvest ment and the municipal ity’s aggressive approach to demolishing abandoned and deteriorated homes are erasing their neighbor hood’s history.

“We all stayed here,” said Tipton.

Earlier this year, Penn Hills consulted with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commis sion’s [PHMC] State His toric Preservation Office on the proposed demolition of 16 homes, including one on Travella Boulevard two doors down from Charles Greenlee’s former home. Because Penn Hills is us ing federal funds, it had to determine whether the proposed demolition would impact historic buildings. The agency informed Penn Hills that none of the 16 buildings was historically significant.

extracted by sociologists, journalists and historians writing on suburban poverty.

Antoinette is passionate about not letting her community and its rich Black history disappear. “We want to see something,” she said. “After a while, it’s just going to be a few houses and a bunch of weeds everywhere. … A few people just in the houses, that’ll be all that’s standing.”

Penn Hills in the 1950s pulled Black Pittsburghers into the municipality because of the opportunities it offered for building wealth and a better life.

Antoinette narrated her neighborhood’s history while standing in front of Greenlee’s former home, which isn’t slated for demolition. Yet. It’s a substantial two-story brick house with a clay tile roof. The front entry is covered by a plywood sheet. Runaway vegetation obscures its façade.

“There’s a lot of rich history in there,” Antoinette said. “And you just let the house like this just with a rich history, just go to waste.”

She wonders why the house isn’t a historic landmark, honored in some way, and not just with a plaque. There’s not even an entry for it in the PHMC’s inventory of historic buildings and archaeological sites.

Antoinette thinks that it needs to be fixed up in a way that benefits a wide swath of her community, not just people interested in the building’s history. Young people could get experience in construction and people who need housing could live there. “Everybody’s hand is getting washed,” Antoinette said. Instead, longtime residents like Antoinette and Tipton have an unobstructed view of their neighborhood’s disintegration. Their homes, their community and their stories have become raw materials

KNOCKS

We’re open as the “front door” for businesses and individuals to learn about the new UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC:

• Vendor diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives

• Subcontractor carve-out packages

• Employment, apprenticeship, and training opportunities

• Community partnerships For more information, visit UPMC.com/CCRC. UPMC Construction and Community Resource Center 107 Atwood Street Pittsburgh, PA, 15213

AT LEFT, A SEAT IS MARKED “RESERVED” AT THE FRONT OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PENN HILLS. AT RIGHT, DR. SHEILA

JOHNSON-HUNT, OF MONROEVILLE, THE EXECUTIVE PASTOR OF THE CHURCH, PHOTOGRAPHED ON JUNE 12, AT THE PULPIT. JOHNSON-HUNT HAS BEEN WITH THE LINCOLN PARK CHURCH FOR 34 YEARS. (PHOTO BY STEPHANIE STRASBURG/PUBLICSOURCE)

IT’S KAMALA’S TIME

VP Harris this close to securing Democratic nomination for President

Democrats trying to put someone over Harris for the presidential nomination.

Allegheny County, and more specifically, Pittsburgh, has a chance to help make history with their votes. Pennsylvania is at the center of this November’s presidential election, just as it was four years ago when the Keystone State went blue for Biden. African American adults all over Pittsburgh, the county, and the surrounding counties of Beaver, Westmoreland, Butler, Lawrence and Fayette should understand that their vote is needed and will matter, if they want to see Kamala Harris become the first woman, and the first Black woman, to hold the U.S. Presidency.

Sure, there’s zero chance that the surrounding counties not named Allegheny County will go for Harris, but all that matters in Pennsylvania is that the individual number of votes for Harris outnumber those for her opponent, Donald Trump, no matter where they come from in the state, including in “Who Shot John,” Pa.

In 2020, Biden won Pennsylvania by just 81,660 votes over Trump, or by 1.2 percentage points. In Allegheny County, where the Black population is about 14 percent and the love for labor unions is intense, Biden beat Trump by 20 percentage points, or nearly 148,000 votes. This means that the margin of victory for Harris in Allegheny County must be as high as possible to help offset the votes that Trump will assuredly get in the rural areas and the middle of the state.

“We have no time to waste—what’s at stake for communities like mine isn’t abstract. We need to unify and move forward to

defeat Trump and fascism in November. That’s why I endorse and encourage unity behind Vice President Kamala Harris,” said Congresswoman Lee, in a statement to the New Pittsburgh Courier.

“With women’s rights, workers’ rights, and voting rights on the line, the stakes of this election for Pennsylvania and the Nation couldn’t be higher,” said Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, in a statement. “Vice President Harris has been leading on those fights and as a former prosecutor, she will draw a clear contrast between herself and former President Trump. She is prepared to be Commander-in-Chief and is the best person to meet this moment. I’m proud to endorse her candidacy for President.”

Harris has been in Pittsburgh a few times since becoming Vice President, and during a visit to the Kingsley Association in East Liberty in February 2024, she held a 10-minute interview with just one media outlet — the Courier.

Although the Courier is part of the “Black Press,” Harris was dealt no softballs in the interview. Courier Editor and Publisher Rod Doss pressed Harris on if there was a sense of apathy within the Democratic Party or the presidential election as a whole.

Harris’ response: “People said deal with Black unemployment; we now have the lowest Black unemployment in the history because of the work that we have done. That’s about building jobs and creating opportunities for not only employment, but for wealth-building. People said deal with the fact that Black businesses don’t get federal contracts in the same way that other businesses do. We have made a pledge which

we are on track now to

achieving, increasing federal contracts by 50 percent to minority-owned businesses. So this is some of the work that we have done and it is incumbent on us in an election season to let people know that we heard them, we have delivered and therefore believe that we have earned a re-election.”

Obviously, Harris didn’t know at the time that her time would be now, this 2024 presidential election, that she would be the one to not only lead the charge to a re-election, but that she would be the top dog, not Biden.

Expect Harris to be in Pennsylvania often between now and Election Day, which is Tuesday, Nov. 5. And she most likely will return to Pittsburgh, too. As she said during her remarks on Monday, July 22, in Wilmington, Delaware: “In the

next 106 days, we have work to do, we have doors to knock on, people to talk to, phone calls to make, and an election to win.”

Winning the election is doable for Harris, but it’s nowhere near a guarantee. The Associated Press spoke with a number of young African American adults in Atlanta, Ga., in the past few days, and some were concerned that the country wouldn’t be able to accept a Black woman as president. Rewind back to 2008, and there was all kinds of happiness about Barack Obama running for president, but African Americans, in general, were skeptical that America would be ready for a Black president.

The country obviously was ready, for two terms no less, but then told the White woman, Hillary Clinton, who had spent decades in public office

and was the First Lady when Bill Clinton was the president, to “skedaddle,” and put Trump in the president’s seat in the November 2016 election.

Harris’ detractors say that she’s “even worse” than Biden when it comes to progressive ideals. They say that she’s going to just advance the agendas that Biden initiated, and that voting for Harris is just like voting for Biden. The Trump campaign has already started the attacks, also saying that Harris helped Biden “screw up the border,” thus allowing countless “illegal aliens” into the country.

Trump and his new running mate, J.D. Vance, a senator from Ohio, also like to poke fun at Harris’ laugh, calling her, “Laughin’ Kamala,” to play off the “Crooked Joe” Biden moniker.

Harris, who turns 60 years old two weeks be-

fore Election Day, doesn’t seem fazed by the attacks. She felt right at home in Delaware on July 22, right at home in Milwaukee the following day, as she now goes from playing second-fiddle to Biden, to being possibly the next elected President of the United States.

“I was the elected attorney general of California, and before that, I was a courtroom prosecutor,” Harris said on July 22, in Wilmington, Delaware. “In those role, I took on perpetrators of all kinds... predators who abused women...fraudsters who ripped off consumers... cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain... so hear me when I say, I know Donald Trump’s type. And in this campaign, I will proudly put my record against his.”

Will Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro be chosen

wealth of Pennsylvania, I have a job to do, and you don't take this job without recognizing that maybe one day, you might be called upon to serve as Governor, and so if that day comes, we're ready to serve and continue to do the good work to move the Commonwealth forward."

Governor Shapiro happened to be in Pittsburgh on Monday, July 22, as part of an announcement

that the Biden-Harris administration had awarded Pennsylvania with nearly $400 million to combat climate change pollution. But the media bombarded him with the question everyone wanted to know... would he become Harris' running mate if asked?

"I'm not gonna engage in hypotheticals, this is a deeply personal decision that the vice president will make," Gov. Shapiro said on July 22. "She will make it on her timetable

and her own timeline. She needs to choose someone that she's prepared to govern with, campaign with and someone she feels most comfortable with, and that decision should be made free of any sort of political pressure."

In the jaded history of the United States of America, there have only been five Black governors. Right now, there is just one Black governor, Wes Moore, of Maryland, who's also rumored to be on the short list as a running mate candidate for Harris. What hurts Moore, though, is that Maryland is going blue for the Democrats no matter what come November. Harris probably will pick a running mate in a swing state, like Pennsylvania, Michigan, or Arizona. In Arizona, Senator Mark Kelly is a hot name, and in Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is a candidate. What's known by everyone is this: If the Democrats lose Pennsylvania in the November election, they'll most likely lose the election to Donald Trump.

In an exclusive interview with the Courier on July 23, Lt. Gov. Davis said that he's "extremely blessed every day to have had this opportunity to serve my community as a state rep and now Pennsylvania as Lieutenant Governor, and I'm mindful of the fact that I didn't get here alone; I stand on the shoulders of giants. There are a ton of

unsung heroes that poured into me and supported me along my way to get here, and I think that's what we need to be creating here for every young person in Pennsylvania, to make sure we're creating ladders of opportunity for everyone to succeed."

Does "Governor Davis" have a good ring to it? Lieutenant Governor Davis isn't counting any chickens before they hatch. But in the world of

hypotheticals, it....could... happen. And soon. But for now, the "Lieutenant" Governor, Austin Davis, continues to traverse the state and its 67 counties, from pillar to post, from Amish Country to the city life in North Philly, from the Poconos to the Mon Valley that he knows so well. He told the Courier he's learned over the past year and a half as Lt. Gov., "how big and diverse our state is. We have

so many issues regardless of where you're at, but really, a lot of the issues are the same. People care about making sure they have a family-sustaining job, they care about their children's future, and so I've had the opportunity to really see places that I never would have seen otherwise, and to really get to know Pennsylvanians up close and personal."

HARRIS FROM A1

VP KAMALA HARRIS SPEAKS WITH COURIER EDITOR AND PUBLISHER ROD DOSS IN FEBRUARY 2024.

The Furries Are Back!

More African Americans get in on the Anthrocon fun every year

MAESTRO JIDE AND “MELDON” FROM THE WASHINGTON, D.C. AREA, IN PITTSBURGH OVER THE 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND FOR ANTHROCON. (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)

“MELDON” SHOWIN’ OFF THE MUSCLES...

CARRIE LESTER FROM RANKIN, WITH “CHEESE BEAGLE” FROM VIRGINIA

FRITZ DRACHEN, FROM TEXAS, CENTER, WITH SOME FELLOW FURRIES...

THE PARADE, JULY 6, DOWNTOWN...

‘Lady J,’ Jou-AL Burwell, looking for a live kidney donor

'I plan on living long and living strong,' Lady J says

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

our growing Praise and Worship Church Community!

For rate information, call 412-4818302, ext. 128. We want to feature positive youth from our Pittsburgh church community. Please mail their bio and photo to:

Pittsburgh Courier

E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or email us: religion@newpittsburghcourier.com

As you’re reading this, Jou-AL Burwell, also known as “Lady J,” is probably at home or outside playing with her precious daughter, Gabri-Elle, who is 6. Or maybe “Lady J” is attending a council meeting in Homestead. After all, she’s a borough council member. Or maybe she’s at Clark Memorial Baptist Church, in Homestead, on Glenn Street. Her husband is the longtime pastor, Rev. James D. Burwell. They’ve been married for 15 years.

In May 2025, she’ll turn 50, and she’s excited for it and what comes thereafter.

“It will be my golden year,” Jou-AL Burwell told the New Pittsburgh Courier, July 18. “I plan on living long and living strong.”

On Friday, July 26, she’ll definitely be at Clark Memorial Baptist Church for a 7:30 p.m. evening concert, where vocalists like the Grammy-nominated Travis Malloy, Deborah Moncrief, Kim Lankford and Zanetta Butler will perform. Sydni Goldman of Cornerstone Television Network will host. Tickets are $35. And it’s all for “Lady J.”

Doctors told Jou-AL Burwell in November 2022 that she had stage four kidney failure (disease). Three times per week, every week, for almost the past two years, Burwell has undergone kidney dialysis. Each time, it’s three and a half hours.

In March 2024, she went public with the diagnosis. Since then,

there’s been an outpouring of support for Burwell, and plenty of people have tried to be a live kidney donor, but that’s when some of the roadblocks form. For some people, they’re the wrong blood type. For most, though, they couldn’t pass the strict criteria to be a donor, such as one’s Body Mass Index being too high, or suffering from high blood pressure. On UPMC’s website, it lists that a living kidney donor should have normal blood pressure, normal results of tests such as chest x-ray, EKG, and routine age appropriate testing, a normal cardiac stress test if over age 50, normal lab values and a normal kidney anatomy.

Oftentimes, those under age 18 and over 65

count as disqualifiers, in addition to a history of an autoimmune disorder such as lupus, or infectious diseases such as hepatitis, etc.

Jou-AL Burwell’s blood type is A Positive. She’s looking for a living kidney donor of that blood type, or the universal blood type, which is O. So far, no luck. Which is why she’s hoping that someone in the region might step up and be a match, and be “just what the doctor ordered.”

“Be open-minded to it,” Jou-AL Burwell told the Courier. “You could be my second chance at life. I would love to spend more time with my daughter, with my husband. Be open-minded and think about if it was your mother or your child, what would you want done.”

Jou-AL Burwell could get a kidney from someone who is deceased. But

doctors have told her it would be a much better situation if the kidney came from a living person. If it comes from a living person, the surgery could be scheduled within weeks, and onward we go. But when it comes to a kidney from someone deceased, the call from doctors could come in weeks, months, or tomorrow at 3 in the morning.

“If there was one available for me and they call me at 3 o’clock in the morning with a kidney from a deceased person, I would take it,” Jou-AL Burwell told the Courier, her spirits high.

“And then if there was a match that came along (living), I would put that as my ace in the hole for another time if the deceased kidney didn’t last.”

Those who are interested in being a living donor must call UPMC’s

Living Donor Kidney Line at 412-647-4438. Then give the recipient’s name, Jou-AL Robinson Burwell.

Jou-AL Burwell told the Courier that God has been with her the whole way. Even before the kidney failure, she called her daughter Gabri-Elle her “miracle baby,” born at just 1 pound. Six years later, Gabri-Elle is healthy and thriving.

“Spiritually, my hopes have been very high,” Jou-AL Burwell told the Courier. “We just believe in God for a miracle at this point. I have a strong faith in the word of God, and His word says that by His stripes, I am already healed. So that’s what I’m standing on and that’s what I’m believing.”

“I called upon the Lord in DISTRESS: the Lord answered me and set me in a large place. The Lord is ON MY SIDE; I will not FEAR: what can man do unto me.”

REV. WALKER SAYS: PRAYER is our conversation with the Lord; Good morning, Lord, thank You for everything. We need Your direction, please guide us in the way You want us to go. Use us to be a light and a blessing to someone.

REV. JAMES D. BURWELL, JOU-AL BURWELL, GABRI-ELLE BURWELL

JOU-AL BURWELL

REV. JAMES D. BURWELL, JOU-AL BURWELL, GABRI-ELLE BURWELL

Your Steelers are back! Training camp is open!

:10—I am starting this week with “C’mon man”... “Are you kidding me”...and the classic, “You’re killing me Petey!!!” Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitching sensation is singlehandedly putting the Bucs on his back! And I’m sure you saw Skenes start the All-Star Game on July 16 for the National League. Faced four batters, including Aaron Judge, who grounded out. No hits, no runs.

:09—Don’t look now boys and girls, but you can go ahead and dust off your Terrible Towels. YOUR PITTSBURGH STEELERS ARE HEADED TO TRAINING CAMP! TRAINING CAMP STARTED ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 24! HOORAH!

:08—For the record, I’ll tell ya right now, your Pittsburgh Steelers will win 11 games this year and make the playoffs going through the front door...not the back door.

:07—Speaking of schedules...and I kinda was...How bout this for the Steelers’ final four games....Eagles, Ravens, Chiefs, Bengals! I am just sayin’!

:06—Mannnnn...this is gonna kill my main cat, Zik. Ya’ll know Zik, the Connie Hawkins League Hall of Fame player and coach, who on occasion thinks he knows more about basketball than me. (I know, I know...but what can I do?) I told him a month ago all the powers that be made a huge

mistake not putting Caitlin Clark on the Olympic team for all the obvious reasons. Ticket sales, T-shirts, ads, etc, etc., etc. Well guess what, boys and girls. It’s about to happen cause someone on the team who is already set to play is going to come down with an injury (I’m not naming names just yet)... and that you can take to the bank! Get ready to buy that hoagie, Zik.

:05—I don’t know about you folks, but I’ll tell ya

about me. When Simone Biles takes off, it just makes me feel good all over.

:04—Speaking of “stuck on stupid,” you actually want me to believe that Boston Celtic Mr. Everything Jaylen Brown should not be on the USA Olympic team...man, please!!!

:03— DO-NOT-GET-MEWRONG-ON-THIS, but the spectacular player of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Anthony “Ant Man” Edwards, is said to be the second-coming of Michael Jordan...and not by his choosing, I might add. But he has a bunch of second-comings to have before he gets there.

C’mon man, or maybe you need to revisit the documentary, “The Last Dance”?

:02—BTW, Achieving Greatness Inc., Safe Summer Programs are in full gear. Going on fun trips to the zoo, Kennywood Park, Pirates games and horseback riding. Anyone between ages 10-15 are welcome to go for free. Just call the AGI office, Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to register. First call, first go!

:01—In the famous words of the late, great Brother Malcolm X...“The chickens have come home to roost!”...you figure it out!!

:00—GAME OVER!

THE UNKIND LEADING THE BLIND

Big Ben was better than Russell Wilson? I don't think so

When I was a young man growing up in Lawrenceville, I witnessed an incident I will never forget as long as I live. There was a corner store named Klotz’s. The husband-andwife team of Al and Bernie Klotz owned the deli and butcher shop.

One afternoon, I was standing outside the store with a bunch of my neighborhood cronies, when two gentlemen entered the store. They came out of the store with one of the gentlemen carrying two sandwiches wrapped in the traditional white butcher's paper in one hand, and two frosty Pepsi Colas in the other. They entered an alley nearby; we assumed to eat their sandwiches and drink the sodas in the shade and peace. A few minutes later, the first gentleman exited the alley yelling and cursing. Shortly after, the second man came out, blood streaming down his face and with a noticeable limp. Oh, I forgot to mention the most important thing about this story; the second man had a white

cane, with a red tip. He was blind. The visually handicapped person depended on his associate to lead him in the right direction and feed him. The trust that he had in his friend was violated on all counts.

As I read some of the Steelers coverage provided to the fans by the measly-a, oops I meant media, it reminds me of that day hanging out by Klotz’s store. For over a century, the press has taken a blind and unassuming public by the hand into a dark and unforgiving alley way and has taken away their food for thought, browbeating them with misinformation and propaganda. The public exits the alley with a bruised and bloodied psyche. The public is not left for dead, they are simply left for stupid. Take this recent article posted by Curt Popejoy: "CBS Sports unimpressed by Steelers Trio of Skilled Players." Popejoy ranked the Steelers’ offensive trio No. 26 under the tier of “too many question marks.” Here’s what CBS

Sports had to say about the Steelers ranking: “Our panel is, once again, not inspired by Russell Wilson — or by the Steelers’ triplets. Harris is likely to remain the lead back due to inertia and financial in-

vestment, but he has been outplayed by Jaylen Warren in each of Warren’s two seasons. Pickens has a ton of talent, but we also haven’t seen him totally tap into it just yet, so it’s hard to say he should carry this ranking.”

Popejoy concluded this lunacy by writing, “If the Steelers can all get on the same page with the Steelers’ new offensive scheme under Arthur Smith, this offense will be much better. Russell Wilson is far and away the best quarterback the Steelers have

had since Ben Roethlisberger.”

Now folks, this is where it gets, cray, cray. “Russell Wilson is far and away the best quarterback the Steelers have had since Ben Roethlisberger.”

Russell Wilson has always been a better QB than Ben Roethlisberger. This is why one should never venture into dark alleys with strangers disguised as writers who love the Steelers superficially and artificially but despise certain players, because more than likely you will come out battered and bruised and hungry for real and honest information.

In the two Super Bowls that Russell Wilson was the starting QB for the Seattle Seahawks, he had a passer rating of 117.4 with 453 yards, 4 touchdowns and 1 interception in 2 games. Wilson's wonloss record was 1-1.

Ben Roethlisberger played in 3 Super Bowls with a record of 2-1. He had a passer rating of 69.9 with 642 yards, 3 touchdowns and 5 interceptions

in three games. Wilson's passer rating was 117.4, Roethlisberger’s passer rating was 69.9.

In 2012, the rookie year of Russell Wilson, Wilson had a passer rating of 100.0 with 3,118 yards, 26 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 16 games in his rookie season in 2012. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl. In 2004 as a rookie, Ben Roethlisberger's passer rating was 98.1 with 2,621 yards. He threw for 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 14 games. Roethlisberger was chosen as the 2004 NFL Offensive Rookie of The Year.

In 2012, Russell Wilson’s rookie year, he was chosen to play in the Pro Bowl. Who would you want as your starting quarterback? A rookie going to the Pro Bowl or the Offensive Rookie of The Year? Russell Wilson has always been and remains a better NFL quarterback than Ben Roethlisberger. Folks are always chirping, “Just look at the numbers.” Well, if I were them, I would repair my calculator, or buy

a new one, because the bean counter they’re using ain’t working. If I were you, I would steer clear of the alley-filled rats because rats have nocturnal vision. Remember the iconic James Cagney, the late actor who popularized the saying, “You dirty rat.” He didn’t choose the rat as a symbol without reason. Don’t blindly walk over the abyss of ignorance. You had better be and remain vigilant because if you don’t you become an obtuse Pied Piper, a grisly griot, unknowingly creating generations of ignorance, spreading lies, misinformation, and falsehoods that can never be erased. The Pied Piper also proved that rats can be controlled and if people don’t make the right decisions, they may meet a similar fate as our furry and pesty friends.

J. Pharoah Doss

When working full-time is not enough: Growing numbers of side hustle jobs

by Charlene Crowell

For many people of modest means, taking a second job has been a go-to option for seasonal and/or shortterm additional earnings. Whether planning for special holidays, noteworthy family events, or a one-time purchase, a “side hustle” has enabled many families to have a few extra comforts to make life more enjoyable.

But a new consumer survey finds that in recent years, an increasing number of workers are taking on second jobs for household needs, instead of wants. As the costs of living continue to creep upward, many working Americans are finding that one full-time job is simply not enough.

More than half of workers—52 percent—have taken on second jobs in the past three years, and nearly one in three survey respondents believe they

or savings.

These findings follow a  Bankrate pay raise survey released this spring that showed household budgets remained strained, despite the nation’s slowing inflation, particularly in the areas of housing and insurance.

“Although the muchfeared recession hasn’t quite yet reared its head, three in five U.S. adults (59 percent) reported feeling like the economy is in a recession toward the end of 2023,” according to the survey. Many of these workers are concerned about their ability to purchase a home.

Almost two in five (37 percent) surveyed said they would move out of state to find a home they could afford, according to Bankrate’s home affordability survey But move where? Housing is often the most-costly monthly household expense—whether renting

52 PERCENT OF WORKERS TOOK ON SECOND JOBS IN THE PAST THREE YEARS.

will always need a second income just to make ends meet, according to  Bankrate.com

“While it’s admirable that so many Americans are putting in extra time and effort on their side hustles, it’s unfortunate that most are doing so simply to fund their expenses,” noted  Ted Rossman, Bankrate senior credit card analyst.

The workers who most frequently turned to side hustles were: Generation Z ages 18 to 27 (48 percent); parents with children younger than 18 (45 percent); and Millennials, ages 28-43 (44 percent). For their extra work, average monthly earnings rose from $810 in 2023, to $891 this year. The extra income typically is used to help pay for housing and groceries, paying down debt,

or purchasing a home.

Consumers considering purchasing a home should be aware that nationwide the median price of a new single-family home is $495,750. The median price means that half of all new homes sold in the U.S. cost more than this figure and half cost less, according to the  National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB).

Moreover, 134.9 million U.S. households — roughly 77 percent — cannot afford this median-priced new home based on a mortgage rate of 6.5 percent.

For families considering purchasing an existing home, NAHB has more sobering information: 66.6 million households cannot afford a $250,000 home.

SEE FULL-TIME B2

by Finances FYI

Presented by JP Morgan Chase

Anyone can be a victim of scams. They happen when scammers go after individuals of all ages, using tactics like phone calls, emails and messages to reel in unsuspecting victims to get their money and personal information.

Older adults are often key targets, so it is important to stay alert to common scams and financial abuse signs that can help protect older loved ones from becoming a victim.

Know the signs of a scam Scammers have grown very convincing.  They often can impersonate companies or organizations and make you believe the urgency or need behind their attempts. If you encounter the following signs, you’re likely dealing with a scammer.

1. Urgent demands to take action, send money and personal information requests. An imposter may demand quick action, claim that you will lose money, and push for access to your personal account information, passwords or confirmation codes. Remember: neither banks nor the gov-

ernment will threaten you or demand money to protect your accounts. If you receive a call from your bank that you are unsure about, hang up and call the number on the back of your credit or debit card.

use artificial intelligence (AI) to replicate familiar voices, posing as friends or family. They’ll call you on the phone sounding like a loved one in danger and demanding that you

Remember that financial scams can happen to anyone. If you feel you’ve been scammed, contact your bank to verify recent transactions to ensure there is no unusual activity on your account. Don’t feel embarrassed if you become a victim; share your experience with friends and family and ask for help.

2. New relationships that take an interest in their money. Financial abuse often happens from persons known to the victim, like a caretaker or a new acquaintance. Be wary of any new friends approaching you with investment “opportunities” or who take an interest in your financial information.

3. Unexpected contact from “loved ones.” Scammers can

send money. Hang up and contact your loved one directly to confirm it’s really them.

4. Unusual financial activity. Scammers could be accessing your account if you see withdrawals or changes to your accounts, such as new authorized users or missed bill payments. Also, be sure to keep your checkbook safe and keep an eye on check activity. Automate all the payments you can and discuss who are trusted

contacts to support money decisions if you ever need help.

5. Changes in ownership and responsibility. If you notice changes to wills, power of attorneys or any other financial plans, it could be a sign of financial abuse.   Take action to avoid scams

You and your loved ones don’t have to be victims. These steps can help reduce the chance of falling for a scam:

• Ignore and block calls and messages from numbers you don’t recognize and don’t trust caller ID alone. When in doubt, hang up and contact the company, bank or loved one directly to ask if there is a problem.

• Throw away unsolicited mail and be careful with suspicious emails or messages on social media. Don’t answer questions about personal finances.

• Keep your personal information, account details and passwords safe so you don’t give scammers access to your money and identity.

• Be cautious when using checks. Digital payment methods or your bank’s online bill payment

Solutions to the racial wealth gap

I recently read two articles in the New Pittsburgh Courier...”Nine facts about the racial wealth gap” and “The urgency of ending the racial wealth gap.”

One of the articles started out with this statement: “Five hundred years. That’s how long experts say it would take for Black people to reach economic parity with White people and close the racial wealth gap, given current trajectories...” This prompted me to think of possible solutions to bridge the racial wealth gap in real-time. This article identified a series of disparities that keep Black people from gaining financial ground with Whites—including higher rates of unemployment, lower rates of homeownership and wages, regardless of education.

The experts point to a total of nine factors directly affecting the racial wealth gap. Below, I’ll summarize their findings. I’ll also offer solution-based opinions on what the government can do to help bridge the tax wealth gap. More importantly, I’ll offer solution-based opinions on what we can do individually to help bridge the racial wealth gap.

Minorities have more wealth than ever, but not enough to shrink the racial wealth gap: While the multiplier for the Black-White wealth gap decreased from 9.9 in 2016 to 7.8 in 2019 to 6.3 in 2022, the gap in dollar terms increased from $153,800 to $165,000 to a staggering $240,000—showing that the disparity is getting worse.

Wealth Disparity Solutions Government: Implement targeted wealth-building programs, such as baby bonds, which provide children from low-income families with government-backed savings accounts that grow over time. Also, increase access to financial education and planning services for minority communities.

Individuals:

Live below your means, save and invest. Working is how you earn a living. Investing is how you build wealth. Living below your means creates the surplus between your income and expenses. Save and invest the surplus.

and ethnic groups. Encourage companies to adopt inclusive hiring practices and promote diversity in leadership roles.

Individuals: Seek ways to increase earning potential and income security by developing marketable skills and creating multiple streams of income.

Black Americans earned 34 percent less than all racial and ethnic groups combined: As of 2022, the median U.S. household income across racial and ethnic groups was $74,580. Black households earned around $52,860, but White households earned $81,060, and Asian households brought in $108,700. Half of Black households’ total income was between $15,000 and $75,000.

Income Disparity Solutions Government: Enforce equal pay laws and enhance wage transparency to ensure fair compensation across all racial

Higher education is important, but it does not guarantee better economic mobility for Black graduates. Black people with a bachelor’s or master’s degree had, on average, the most student debt and borrowed more than other groups yet had the lowest income. Black students borrowed around $58,400, and after four years, they still owed 105 percent of it, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics

The combination of low-income and high debt makes repayment more challenging, leaving many Black people in a financial hole that is hard to climb out of.

Higher Education and Economic Mobility Solutions Government: Reduce student loan debt by expanding grant and scholarship programs for Black students. Provide income-based repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs for graduates

entering public service or lower-paying fields.

Individuals: Choose a college based on affordability, not popularity. Commuting to and from school will cut costs in half.

Total of all student loans not to exceed projected first-year salary. Unemployment is still higher for Black workers; During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Black and Latino workers had the highest unemployment rates. Four years later, as the national rate moved closer to pre-pandemic levels, Black workers were left behind Unemployment Solutions Government: Invest in job training and apprenticeship programs tailored to high-demand industries. Create economic zones in underserved areas to attract businesses and create jobs.

Individuals: Create multiple streams of income. The average millionaire, celebrity, and entertainer has seven streams of income. Everyday people should heed that if millionaires have multiple streams of income to create income security, so should we. Black households are less likely to own a home and more likely to be undervalued. While homeownership is another driver and indicator of wealth, the Black homeownership rate has never reached 50 percent. It came close in recent years, peaking at 46.4 percent in 2020, but dipped during the post-pandemic

And rising apartment rents make it even harder for some workers to save for a home. The national median rent for an apartment in March 2024 was $1,987, $373 higher than four years ago, according to  Rent.com. On a regional basis, median monthly rents trended cheaper in the Midwest ($1,456) and South ($1,656), but were higher in the Northeast ($2,504) and West ($2,365).

As this column recently reported on  The State of the Nation’s Housing 2024, the annual report published by Harvard’s Joint Center on Housing Studies (JCHS), 22.4 million renters nationwide  pay more than 30 percent of household income for housing, and 12.1 million  pay more than half of their income on housing and utilities. And nationwide, renters with the lowest incomes have just $310 left over each month to cover all their non-housing needs.

In short, household cash crunches are in large part being driven by the cost of housing. But housing is not the only factor that has consumers turning to second jobs. Other costs

include:  Groceries—the average household spends $475.25 per month for food, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as reported by USA Today Student loan debt—the average monthly student loan payment for a new college graduate is $500 with an APR of 5.5 percent. For those who pursued graduate degrees, the monthly payment is even higher and the debt deeper, according to the  Education Data Initiative. Nationwide, 43 million student loan borrowers collectively owe $1.7 trillion.  These costs do not consider additional household expenses like transportation, health care, childcare, or insurance.    Lawmakers and other government officials must craft effective responses to these severe financial strains impacting their local communities and the nation, so that working people earn incomes that reward their toil and talents with a decent living.

(Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at  Charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org.)  FULL-TIME FROM B1

Help protect older adults from scams

SCAMS FROM B1

feature can help you get money to your intended recipient while eliminating paper checks that can be stolen and altered.

• Enable online alerts to be aware of large purchases. You can act quickly if you see fraudulent charges.

• Shred bank statements, receipts, unused checks and credit cards before throwing them away. If you’re an older adult, have conversations with trusted family members about how they can support your money needs as you age, which can help protect you from being exposed to fraud and financial exploita-

tion. For those with older loved ones, start the conversation now and use digital tools to help alert you to possible scams.  Remember that financial scams can happen to anyone. If you feel you’ve been scammed, contact your bank to verify recent transactions to ensure there is no unusual activity on your account. Don’t feel embarrassed if you become a victim, share your experience with friends and family and ask for help. You can learn more about ways to detect financial abuse and to protect loved ones at chase.com/financialabuse.

What you should know about credit monitoring

Sponsored by JPMorgan Chase

So much of our lives take place online, including things like paying bills, shopping, getting paid, and even sending a friend money for your half of the lunch bill. With so much transfer of sensitive financial information online, it makes sense to be a little wary of what’s happening to your data and what it could mean for your finances. Your credit score is the most common aspect of your financial life that can be hurt by malicious activity online. This critical number is calculated based on several factors, including how much of your total credit limit you’ve used, your payment history, and the age of your credit accounts. The score helps lenders determine whether or not to lend to you and influences the interest rate you pay on a loan. The higher your score, the better off you’ll be, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your credit. The last thing you want is to

find out that your credit has taken a hit because of stolen financial information when you’re applying for something like a home loan.

That’s where credit monitoring comes in.

What Is Credit Monitoring?

Several well-known, trusted companies offer credit monitoring as a service that keeps tabs on your credit reports and alerts you to significant changes to suspicious activity. Then, you can take action to prevent further damage or try to reverse what’s been done. You can use one of these services to stay on top of changes to your credit score without manually checking it yourself all the time.

How Can Credit Monitoring Help Me?

Credit monitoring essentially works as an alarm system for your credit. When it detects something is wrong, it alerts you so that you can take action. The sooner you’re able to address fraudulent activity by freezing your accounts or other preven-

tative action, the more you can minimize harm to your credit and overall financial health. It’s important to note that credit monitoring does not fix the problems caused by stolen financial information, like recovering your identity or reporting fraudulent activity to financial institutions. Instead, it alerts you so that you can take the necessary steps.

Do I Need Credit Monitoring?

Because everyone is vulnerable to having sensitive information stolen and used for fraudulent purposes, generally speaking, everyone can benefit from credit monitoring. A 2020 study showed that identity fraud reached $16.9 billion in 2019, and criminals are growing more sophisticated, making their efforts harder to spot and fix.

How Much Does It

Cost?

Credit monitoring services typically charge a fee, and that fee varies by the company you choose and the level of protection you get. There are basic

services that are free to use but don’t offer the same protection as a premium service. Additionally, if your information was involved in a data breach, you may qualify for free credit monitoring service. Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine how much it’s worth to protect your information and financial health online. If you choose to pay for a service, make sure you’re doing business with a reputable company. Every year, it seems like we spend more of our lives online in one form or another. With so much transfer of information and increasingly sophisticated criminals out there who are constantly creating new ways to steal your information and misuse it, it’s savvy to keep a close eye on your accounts, watching for signs of potential misuse. Your future self will thank you for your diligence, and credit monitoring is one way to ease a bit of the worry.

Solutions to the racial wealth gap

economic recovery period. Homeownership Solutions Government: Expand access to down payment assistance programs and affordable mortgage products for Black families. Enforce fair housing laws to combat discrimination and address the undervaluation of homes in Black neighborhoods.

Individuals: Get your financial house in order first, then seek homeownership. Once you develop income stability, and a healthy habit of living below your means, saving and investing, then homeownership is a natural progression.

Thinking About Their Financial Futures Differently: There are several ways to build a nest egg for retirement: employer-sponsored retirement savings plans, Roth IRAs, and pensions, to name a few. Yet as of 2022, just 35 percent of Black workers had some type of retirement account, and those that did had saved only around $117,530, according to the Survey of Consumer Finances Retirement Savings Solutions

Government: Encourage employers to offer retirement plans and provide matching contributions. Promote financial literacy programs that focus on the importance of retirement savings and investment strategies.

Individuals: Your retirement savings is your future paycheck. Start saving now even if you start with saving $25 per pay or $50 per pay, start now. Saving and investing is how you build your money muscles. Take advantage of employer-sponsored retirement plans. Many of them offer a matching contribution. Increase your contributions over time. Lower Access and Higher Distrust in Traditional Banking Systems: The term “unbanked” refers to those who do not have an account with or use a bank,

credit union, or other financial institution. The use of check cashing companies, payday loans, and money orders is higher for the unbanked and underbanked. But high transaction fees and interest rates lead experts to warn against using predatory banking companies, which are disproportionately located in Black neighborhoods.

Banking Access Solutions Government: Increase the presence of traditional banking institutions in underserved communities. Offer incentives for banks to provide low-cost checking and savings accounts. Promote financial literacy to build trust and understanding of traditional banking services.

Individuals: Go to a local bank or credit union and open up a checking account and savings account TODAY! In today’s day and age, there’s no excuse not to have a basic savings and checking account. Most jobs and fixed income sources do direct deposit, giving you access to your

money sooner. The issue I’ve observed particularly in lower income communities is people write checks or make withdrawals from banks when they know they don’t have the available funds in the bank. The bank recoups their funds plus fees when a deposit is made. The individual becomes mad at the bank.

Black Households Rely on Credit

Cards: Undermining this is a common myth that carrying a balance on credit cards helps boost credit scores. It’s the opposite, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says. But, in 2022, 78 percent of Black households had a balance they were carrying monthly.

Credit Card Reliance Solutions Government: Provide education on the impacts of carrying credit card debt and strategies for managing and reducing debt. Expand access to low-interest credit products and financial counseling services.

Individuals: People who complain

about high interest rates but use credit cards befuddle me. Credit cards carry the highest interest rate of all loan products. People use credit cards for 3 reasons: 1. Convenience. Use a debit card instead. 2. Emergencies. Create an emergency fund instead. 3. Supplement their income. How’s that working for you? If you need extra income, get an extra job.

The Black-Owned Business Boom

May Fade: While Black entrepreneurs may start businesses in an effort to increase wealth and income, without proper support and tools, their efforts may prove inadequate to increase wealth and may even become detrimental. Black-Owned Businesses Solutions

Government: Provide grants, low-interest

restaurants thrive. Why? Because chinese people can bank on their community supporting their businesses. In fact, most communities support their own except for Black people. The fix is twofold. 1. Black business owners have to create quality products and services to offer. Black consumers have to do a better job buying quality products and services from Black businesses owners. Government-proposed solutions are wishful thinking at best. We’re in charge of our own destiny. If you desire to create financial stability, financial security, and financial independence for you and your family, you have to do things that

Guest Commentary

Kamala Harris for President

by Keith Boykin

“Black Vote, Black Power,” a collaboration between Keith Boykin and Word In Black, examines the issues, the candidates, and what’s at stake for Black America in the 2024 presidential election.

“There are decades when nothing happens, and there are weeks when decades happen.”

That’s what it felt like this week when President Joe Biden dropped out of the race for re-election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Party’s new nominee.

Now the party must unite behind Kamala Harris, allow her to pick a new running mate, and move on to defeat Donald Trump.

After weeks of Democratic in-fighting, Biden’s historic withdrawal shifts the momentum away from the Republican Party and back toward the Democrats heading into their convention in Chicago next month.

The great stunt queen, Donald Trump, thought he won the publicity wars last week when he dramat-

Commentary

ically announced his new running mate, the inexperienced freshman Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, and told the world the story of surviving an assassination attempt in his rambling 90-minute convention speech.

Now that’s old news, and we have a fundamentally different race. Instead of a contest between two unpopular, old White guys, the new race pits a 59-year-old Black woman against a 78-year-old convicted felon.

It’s the past versus the future. An all-White-male Republican ticket or a Democratic ticket led by an accomplished Black woman. A party that carries the heavy baggage of scandals, impeachments, indictments, and 34 felony convictions from Donald Trump or a party that has an opportunity to reinvent itself with Kamala Harris.

I’ve said all along that I will support the Democratic nominee for president, but I’ve publicly worried about the donor class and wondered if they would accept Harris as the new nominee.

Some floated ideas of an open primary or a “blitz primary” with candidate forums moderated by Republicans like Condoleezza Rice. And TV producer Aaron Sorkin even suggested the ridiculous idea that Democrats should nominate Republican Mitt Romney for president.

No, no, and no.

Now is the time for the Democratic Party to step up.

All those Democratic donors and party insiders who spent the past few weeks pushing Biden out of the race better pony up their money, time, and energy and start contributing to Kamala Harris’s campaign and the Democratic Party. This is the new Plan B.

We’ve heard a lot of Democratic names floated for president in the past few weeks: Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer, Josh Shapiro, Pete Buttigieg, Wes Moore, Andy Beshear, and Mark Kelly. But now that President Biden has endorsed Vice President Harris, I hope and expect those leaders will stand down and support her, if for no other reason than loyalty to President Biden.

Now is the time for the Democratic Party to step up. You say you are an inclusive party of women and people of color. It’s time to prove it and get behind Kamala Harris. The Congressional Black Caucus quickly announced its support for Harris. Donald Trump is a threat to democracy. He must be defeated. We have the power to stop Project 2025 and Agenda 47. The wind is finally at our backs. Let’s get to work.

(Keith Boykin is a New York Times–bestselling author, TV and film producer, and former CNN political commentator.)

(The post Kamala Harris for President appeared first on Word In Black.)

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—There has been a lot of listening we have had to do this past week about the choice we have to make about who will be our next President when 2025 rolls around. There are a lot of people who believe the orange man was really injured enough to wear that big pad on his ear that could have been covered by a band aide. He wears it for sympathy.  It’s hard enough to believe his ear was pierced by a young man who couldn’t shoot straight enough to even get into a gun training session in school!  I wasn’t there at the Republican convention, but I’m having a hard time believing the same man who was such a bad shooter that he killed one man and injured two others near the orange man was the same person who hit his ear.

I’ll move to the performance of the Secret Service as they tried to protect the orange man while he continued to pop his head up and down so we could see his fist pump into the air (which by the way is the symbol we, Black people are known to use to express our determination to fight against racism.) I may be wrong, but I find it hard to believe that anyone who was just shot would not want to be protected by holding his head up to make it easy for the shooter!

Let’s move to the Secret Service at the time of the reported shot of the orange man.  I was impressed by the

quick response of the men and women as they risked their lives to save the orange man. I was grateful for the female Secret Service woman who rushed up the steps to the stage to make the orange man keep his fist pumping to stop and figure out how to quickly get him down the stairway to safety in the limo waiting to take him out of danger.

Now let’s go to those complaining about the makeup of the Secret Service that had several women taking measures to protect the orange man. After the first female agent succeeded in getting him to stop showboating with his fist, he had at least three female agents at the limo who again took over and rushed him into the limo out of danger by pushing him inside, closing the door as he resisted. The women moved their bodies against the door to keep him safe while the male agents walked away.  I resent any criticism of agents just because they are women, but when you consider how orange man and his VP candidate teach people how to dis-

respect women, they should consider it lucky the women agents were there.

As Mark Pocan, Progressive for Congress, says in essence:  Selection of J.D. Vance as his running mate is the latest glaring sign that if Trump retakes the White House and has a Republican Congress, he’ll pursue an extreme agenda that leaves Americans with fewer rights, worse healthcare access and a higher cost of living—not to mention a loss of democracy.

Before you go to the polls, you already know all of the orange man’s positions, but also take a look at what JD Vance, Trump’s selection for VP believes in: 1. national abortion ban with no exceptions, 2. stay in abusive marriages for the sake of children, 3. called universal child care “war against normal people”! Don’t forget his voting record where he failed to stand with striking autoworkers last year and advocated for cuts to Social Security.

Isn’t it interesting how these men are so against immigration, but choose wives who are immigrants or the product of immigrants?  I’m just asking!

Consider working for and voting for those who’ve shown they will work for your best interests. The next Presidential voting day is November 5, 2024. You know how to vote—so VOTE!

When silence is cowardice

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—When the stakes are high … when there is a real threat … should staying silent even be an option?

Martin Luther King Jr. had a lot to say on the subject of silence. He said, “There comes a time when silence is betrayal.” And, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

He spoke of how, in the struggles for freedom and justice, what we will ultimately remember is “the silence of our friends.”

So are we to be friends to the vast numbers of Americans whose fundamental rights and livelihoods are on the line at a pivotal time for our nation? Are we to be friends to the communities that we know will be targeted, marginalized, and denied America’s promise of opportunity? Are we to be friends to the planet itself, and the life it supports from the bounty of nature to the entire human race?

Many people would say that when faced with the choice to speak up—to sound the alarm—or to remain silent, that choosing silence is not simply cowardly, it is immoral. I am one of them.

The greatest movements for freedom and justice of the last century were defined by peaceful methods. Passive resistance in the civil rights movement. Civil disobedience in anti-war efforts. Divesting financial support from unjust systems and institutions like South African apartheid. From rallies and marches to sit-ins and the tactics mentioned above, in no way was speaking out ever seen as a call to violence. Shining a light on injustice is necessary. And in a democracy, the most powerful remedy

must always—always—be ballots, not bullets. That is why we organize.

There is a difference between truthfully explaining to people what is at stake for them in an election and targeting one’s political opposition with dehumanizing slurs. The same goes for using dehumanizing rhetoric against groups of people based on their race, religion, gender identity, sexuality, or national origin.

The difference between truth-telling and violent or inciting rhetoric is not simply in the eye of the beholder. We should be expected to be able to draw the line between the two. Political actors need to respect that line. And the media does too. For the news media, that means not being cowed into treating important and necessary truth-telling as something dangerous or unsavory.

It is not rocket science.

It is unacceptable to suggest we are in the middle of a second civil war and that it could tip to violence if one side does not get their way. It is unacceptable to suggest that certain election results could trigger a “bloodbath” or warrant armed insurrection or violence between various groups or factions of Americans.

What else is and should be out of bounds: calling opponents “vermin,” describing them as a disease, referring to certain groups of people as “rats” or less than human, or saying

the primary goal of tens of millions of people who might disagree with your politics is the actual destruction of our country. What is certainly fair game and must remain fair game: vocally sharing the truth, in a matter-of-fact way, about your opposition’s stated agenda and policies, and what is at stake with the choices in any given election. Right now, in the wake of the most recent act of political violence—itself a direct attack on our democracy, to be sure—many far-right media figures and activist leaders are trying to equate fair criticism and discussion of the stakes of this election with violence-inciting rhetoric. It is a scam. And it is yet another attack on our democracy. That is because democracy depends on a certain amount of transparency, the civil free exchange of ideas and information, and a free press that is not too intimidated to report the facts or shy away from those sounding legitimate alarms. Calls to suspend valid criticism of any party or candidate are no different than calls to quash dissent or eliminate critical thinking among the members of a society. The mainstream media, from newspapers to networks to online platforms, must fulfill their obligation to the truth and live up to their important role in our democracy. They must not give into cowardice. They must continue to provide a platform for those who tell the truth and continue to report, loudly and clearly, on facts, evidence, and what is at stake for our country.

(Ben Jealous is the Executive Director of the Sierra Club and a Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania. This article was paid for by the Sierra Club Voter Education Fund.)

(Trice Edney News Wire)—Since I don’t tell Republicans how to handle their business, I was somewhat indifferent to the Veepstakes that surrounded candidate Trump.  Though South Carolina Senator Tim Scott did a good imitation of Mr. Bojangles, I was sure that Trump would not pick Scott, no matter how obsequious he was.  A group of women and I thought if he dared choose former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, Dems might have something to worry about.  But his ego was too big to consider Haley, who might have tipped some suburban women his way.  Marco Rubio might have expanded Trump’s base and offered a nod to Latino voters, but instead of expansion, the former president’s vice-presidential pick signaled that he is drilling down on extreme conservatism, and he is suggesting that the Republican Party will embrace extreme conservatism for many years.  JD Vance is the 39-yearold MAGA conservative who began his career calling Trump “unfit” for the presidency.  Fast forward to 2022 when JD Vance fawningly ingratiated himself to the 45th President, earning an endorsement, but also the ridicule of the former President who roaringly announced at one of his rallies that “JD Vance is really kissing my ---”. The Trump-Vance combination is bad news.  It is a double dose of rabid conservatism, a double dose of an anti-woman, anti-Black, anti-diversity agenda.  Lots of people say that vice-presidents don’t matter, but JD Vance’s extreme conservatism ought to give us all pause.  He has said that feminism has gone too far, and thinks women should stay with their hus-

Julianne Malveaux

bands, even if they are abusive.  He is staunchly anti-abortion.  In his scant two years in the Senate (he would be less than any major party candidate), much of the legislation he has introduced would “turn the clock back”.  For example, he would eliminate any tax breaks for those who purchase electronic vehicles (EVs).  Those breaks move us away from fossil fuel and are important given our climate crisis.  But Trump and Vance don’t believe there is a climate crisis, so there’s that. From my perspective, one of the most disturbing things about Vance is his anti-affirmative action, anti-DEI stance.  He says he opposes “racism in federal government hiring”.  In other words, no focus on diversity, no focus on the historical exclusion of Black people from federal employment and contracting.  Vance’s College Admissions Accountability Act would enforce the Equal Protection Clause and Title VI prohibitions on racial discrimination or racial preferences.  Though Republicans swear they hate bureaucracy, this College Admissions Accountability Act would create a Special Inspector General Unlawful Discrimination in Higher Education, a burdensome initiative for higher education. Similar legislation is being drafted on the House side.  A Trump-Vance administration would restrict access to higher education.  That

administration would also likely restrict access to public assistance, health care, and more.

When former president Trump gets on angry rant, it sometimes feels as if his anger is manufacture.  Trump, after all, is not a working-class White man whose job disappeared because his manufacturing plant closed, or because some foreign entity bought it and cut wages.  Trump is an upper-class billionaire who didn’t want for a thing a day in his life, but he has cannily given voice to the White working class who feels lost and left out.

Vance’s anger is real, and it became even more authentic when the elite treatment he both chased and craved didn’t come to him.  He earned “hillbilly” spokesman status with his book, Hillbilly Elegy, that gave plaintive voice to the abandoned White working class.  But the so-called elites didn’t embrace the movie, and that angered him.

After trash talking Trump, he ingratiatingly embraced him and lobbied for the second seat on the ticket.

Vance lobbied, but so did many others, including Junior Trump and members of the donor class, like Elon Musk.  These billionaires want Vance on the ticket to serve their economic interests.  By choosing the young Vance as his VP, Trump has transformed the Republican Party into the MAGA Party.  It’s likely to be that way for decades.  That’s dangerous for most Americans, especially Black Americans.  That, if nothing else, ought to be an incentive to vote.

(Dr. Julianne Malveaux is a DC based economist and author.)

Keith Boykin

‘President Harris’ would represent a new era of leadership

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Fearmongering, when used as a political tool, has always been an effective means of swaying voters and winning elections.

Deliberately arousing public fear by way of racial and political overtures was effective when Barry Goldwater and Richard Nixon decided to target White conservative voters in implementing the Southern strategy.

Former President Richard Nixon once said, “People react to fear, not love. They don’t teach that in Sunday school, but it’s true.” Nixon’s statement shows his true heart. It also exposes how the specific people he is referring to are driven not by love, but by their hate. In turn, their hate perpetuates the fear of having any form of progressive change. It is the fear of progressive change in our nation which is the fundamental reason behind the rise of the current MAGA movement. It is also the motive behind the conservative promise called “Project 2025”. Fear is a powerful emotion. There is not a person on the face of the earth who has not, at some point in their lifetime, experienced some type of fear. Whether we are young or old, fear can have a demoralizing grip on a person’s life. A tightening grip where a person loses confidence and hope, thereby leaving them lost and empty.

This occurs when fear is used as a means to intimidate an individual or group. Fear can make one paralyzed. It can make a person powerless to the point where they withdraw into a depressed state of ineffectiveness and frightful silence while losing all desire to move or act.

We see this when countless members of the Republican establishment lost all political courage and

David W. Marshall

backbone to publicly speak the truth about Donald Trump. Rather than challenge what they know to be wrong, they became enablers. Sen. Mitch McConnell is one who comes to mind. Sen. Lindsey Graham is another.

A person can exhibit strength in one area of their life, while being totally powerless in another, all due to the spirit of fear. The fear of rejection, the fear of abandonment, the fear of change, the fear of the unknown, the fear of failure, the fear of success, the fear of losing control or power, the fear of old age, and the fear of death. They all represent some form of personal internal struggles with serious consequences to themselves and to others when mishandled. The country pays a heavy price when those with influence and power are unwilling to put their selfish motives, pride, ego and their fears aside for the best interest of the nation.

We should be very afraid that too many people are not paying attention and will regret not doing their part in stopping a second Trump administration.

But there is another side of fear we must consider, and even embrace. This is the type of fear that will cause independent and progressive voters to fight and win at any costs. It is the type of fear that presents a heighten sense of urgency knowing that the consequences we face cannot be allowed to occur. This type of fear makes us afraid where it drives us as individuals and communities to do what is right and necessary because of the enormous existential threat to democracy and the threats posed to people of color, veterans, young people, the elderly, the poor, immigrants and to the climate.

We should be very afraid of having someone like J.D. Vance as vice president and in line to carry the mantle of the MAGA movement beyond the Donald Trump era. We should be very afraid of the conservative mandate that calls for the elimination of public protection agencies such as the FDA and EPA. We should be very afraid of plans to defund the FBI and Homeland Security.

We should be very afraid of plans to cut Social Security, Medicare and end the Affordable Care Act. We should be very afraid at the prospect of eliminating unions and worker protections. We should be very afraid of the continued end of civil rights and DEI protections in government. We should be very afraid of the threat of the Supreme Court and lower courts being packed with right-wing judges who ignore the rule of law.

We should be very afraid that too many people are not paying attention and will regret not doing their part in stopping a second Trump administration. John Lewis taught us about getting into good trouble, necessary trouble. In the 2024 election and beyond, we must now be driven by a positive fear which beats back the darkness and preserves the positive gains from the past.

In a selfless and patriotic move, President Biden abruptly ended his reelection campaign while endorsing his vice president, Kamala Harris, to replace him as the Democratic Party’s standard-bearer. On a post shared on X, Biden stated, “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year,—it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”

Kamala Harris, along with her running mate, will offer the nation a new generation of leadership while at the same time give continuity to the successes of the Biden / Harris administration. Most importantly, a Harris victory would be a severe blow to Trumpism and all it stands for.

As Democrats are starting to rally behind Harris at the top of the ticket, we should be very afraid if she loses. It would not be the fear of the unknown. It would be fear knowing Project 2025 is now a realty and eventually it’s going to happen and it can’t be stopped.

(David W. Marshall is the founder of the faith-based organization, TRB: The Reconciled Body, and author of the book God Bless Our Divided America.)

Swearing to tell the ‘post-truth’

In 2016, the Oxford Dictionary’s international word of the year was “post-truth.” The term prioritizes what psychologists refer to as “emotional truths”—what one “feels” is true or “wishes” to be true—over reality as it is. The term is usually associated with the phrase “posttruth politics,” which lacks a clear definition but is constantly demonstrated nonetheless.

In 2018, a shooting spree occurred in Chicago over Memorial Day weekend, killing seven people and injuring 32 more. For years, Memorial Day weekend was frequently the most violent weekend of the year in Chicago, garnering national attention. This time, the national media coverage of Chicago’s Memorial weekend bloodbath focused on the fact that there were fewer victims than in prior years, rather than the annual pattern of violence itself.

Pundits who twisted this story into “post-truth politics” associated fewer victims with nationwide patterns of declining violent crime rates, predicting that Chicago’s downward trend would continue for the rest of the year.

However, the truth is that violence is unpredictable.

A few months later, in August, 63 separate shootings occurred over the course of a weekend, killing 12 people and injuring 70 others. According to a Chicago Police spokesperson, some of the shootings were targeted attacks resulting from gang violence in the area, and it was one of the most violent weekends on record. Chicago’s Police Superintendent blamed the majority of the bloodshed on repeat gun offenders who receive a “slap on the wrist” after arrest and urged the state legislature to strengthen penalties for those linked to multiple gun crimes.

The unprecedented amount of violence prompted Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a shrewd politician, to hold a press conference and issue a challenge to the residents of the communities where the shootings occurred.

J. Pharoah

Doss Check It Out

Mayor Emanuel stated, “You may talk about jobs, and they count, but in parts of the city where there are no jobs, people did not pull the trigger. There are too many guns on the street, too many people with criminal records, and there is a shortage of values about what is right, wrong, acceptable, approved, and condemned.” He also stated that anyone who knows the identities of the shooters has a “moral responsibility” to speak up.

During his tenure as mayor of Chicago, Emanuel concluded that the root cause of the city’s widespread violence was a shortage of values.

The mayor’s practical assessment was not “the truth,” but it was one of many things to consider given the wide range of circumstances that influence violence. However, Black activists rejected the mayor’s conclusion and responded with “post-truth politics.”

Shari Runner, the former president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League, stated that scolding the African American community for the ills of what’s happening in these communities is not only not helpful, it’s not correct. There is no community more religious, conservative, and amazing than the African American community. The African American community deserves a lot more than victim shaming. This is the result of racist policies and bigoted practices for decades.

The complex circumstances that breed gang violence, according to mayoral candidate Lori Lightfoot, call for a thoughtful response rather than placing the blame on the same communities that are resource-starved and have few oppor-

tunities for people to connect to the legitimate economy.

During Mayor Emanuel’s press conference, he also said, “I know the power of what faith and family can do. Our kids need that structure. I’m asking that we don’t shy away from a full discussion about the importance of family and faith in helping to develop and nurture character, self-respect, a value system, and a moral compass. If we’re going to solve this, we have to have real discussions. Parts of the conversation cannot be off-limits because they’re not politically comfortable.”

Runner and Lightfoot convinced the public that Mayor Emanuel was insensitive and that the real solution to violence was a “massive reconstruction program for long-neglected inner-city communities.” After that, “post-truth politics” became the norm when addressing violence in the city.

Over the July 4th weekend, there were 72 separate shootings, resulting in over 100 injuries and 21 deaths. Mayor Brandon Johnson told reporters, “What we’ve experienced over the weekend is unacceptable, and we didn’t get here overnight. And everyone knows that. Let’s tell the full story of what happened.”

When Mayor Emanuel told the complete story, it was rejected.

Mayor Johnson, on the other hand, told the “post-truth.” He said, “This country has unfortunately accepted Black death for a very long time. We had an opportunity 60 years ago to get to the root causes. And they mocked President Johnson, and we ended up with Richard Nixon.” In other words, if LBJ’s “war on poverty” had been successful in the last decades of the twentieth century, Chicago would not be dealing with gang violence in 2024.

Mayor Johnson also warned, “There will be consequences for the violence. We will not let criminal activity ruin and harm our city.”

But that’s not a “post-truth” political statement, so the mayor doesn’t mean it.

Trump chooses running mate who once called him ‘America’s Hitler’

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Former President Trump and his vice presidential running mate Sen. JD Vance are all smiles sitting together at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this week.

But some may call them the odd couple as Vance has not been his friend in his short political career. In a 2016 interview with Charlie Rose Vance identified himself as a “Never Trump Guy,” while promoting his book “Hillbilly Elegy.” He also said of the then future President, “I never liked him.”

Vance, is former Marine who speaks his mind. He not only once said “I can’t stomach Trump;” but he wrote an oped column in the New York Times titled: “Mr. Trump Is Unfit For Our Nation’s Highest Office.”

Vance not only said he didn’t vote for Trump in 2016, but his former roommate shared images of a text message in which Vance called Trump “cynical” who could be “America’s Hitler.”

Yet, in Trump’s selection of the 39-year-old former Marine, the mood among Republicans and Trump supporters quickly shifted from concern about the assassination attempt to a spirit of joyful defiance.

Vance has said after getting to know Trump and observing his presidency, he simply changed his mind about him. He now praises the former President although he is more conservative on some issues than Trump himself.

“After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

Trump met with Vance at his Florida home before he flew to Butler, Pa. for a campaign rally Saturday where he was shot by a 20-year-old man who was killed by law enforcement but not before the bullet that pierced Trump killed another man in the audience and injured a third person.

The FBI is investigating how Thomas Matthew Crooks, a dietary aide, known as a loner, could lie on a roof and graze Trump’s ear with a bullet that killed the firefighter, husband and father of two.

“There is no place in America for this type of violence in America, it’s sick, it’s sick,” said President Biden during a Sunday afternoon address from the White House. “This is one of the reasons why we have to unite this country. We cannot be like this.”

Biden called and spoke to Trump after the incident. Trump said he has changed his convention speech, apparently based on their agreement to lower the vitriol and promote unity and more civil political discussion.

Before Trump traveled to Milwaukee on Sunday, he posted a message

on social media where he said, “Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening.”

Trump said that he wanted to be in Milwaukee on the first day of the Republican National Convention because, “We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness.”

The FBI and members of Congress are investigating circumstances around the assassination attempt while President Biden has kept in touch with Trump less than two weeks after their debate.

According to a statement released on Sunday, “The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13, in Butler, Pennsylvania.”

As Trump spoke at the Pennsylvania rally he had no idea that Crooks had climbed to the roof of a nearby building and waited to take a shot. After he fired Crooks was taken down by a sniper team.

“This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is encouraged to submit photos or videos online atfbi.gov/butler or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.”

While both campaigns were relative-

ly quiet on Sunday, Trump arrived in Wisconsin with delegations from across the country for a four-day convention that is turning into a festive occasion.

According to a Brittanica.com citation, James Donald Bowman Vance was born in Middleton, Ohio. After his parents divorced he took his mother’s middle name, Vance.  He wrote a best-selling memoir called “Hillbilly Elegy” where he wrote about growing up poor as the son of a drug addicted mother who was partially raised by his gun toting grandmother.

The citation continues, “After graduating from Middletown High School in 2003, Vance enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his service in the Marines, he was deployed to Iraq serve in the Iraq War. He later attended the Ohio State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy in 2009. He then studied at Yale Law School, earning a law degree in 2013. He worked for the multinational law firm Sidley Austin LLP and for investment firms in California and elsewhere.”

In an initial reaction to his contender’s choice as vice president, President Biden posted on X Monday, “Here’s the deal about J.D. Vance...He talks a big game about working people. But now, he and Trump want to raise taxes on middle-class families while pushing more tax cuts for the rich.”

“I’m a Never Trump guy,” Vance said in an interview with Charlie Rose in 2016, a clip used in both the new ads. “I never liked him.”

Both ads also feature a screenshot of a Vance tweet from October 2016. “My god what an idiot,” he wrote, referring to Trump.

Commentary

Hamil Harris

Commentary

CONDITIONS OF SALE

Effective with the August 3, 2020, Sheriff Sale of real estate and all such monthly public sales thereafter shall be conducted virtually through video conferencing technology or live streaming. ALL PARTICIPANTS OR BIDDERS MUST BE REGISTERED AT LEAST 7 DAYS BEFORE THE DATE OF THE SALE IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE (VIRTUALLY OR IN PERSON) AT THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE SALES OF REAL ESTATE. REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY SHERIFF’S WEBSITE: SHERIFFALLEGHENYCOUNTY.COM. The Successful bidder will pay full amount of bid in CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK OR CASHIERS CHECK at time of sale, otherwise the property will be resold at the next regular Sheriffs Sale; provided, that if the sale is made on MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2024 the bidder may pay ten percent of purchasing price but not less than 75.00 in CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK, OR CASHIERS CHECK THE DAY IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE SALE, e.g. TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2024, BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8:30AM AND 2:30PM IN THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE. Failure to pay the 10% deposit will have you banned from future Sheriff Sales. And the balance in CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK, OR CASHIERS CHECK, on or before MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2024, at 10:00 O’CLOCK A.M. The property will be resold at the next regular Sheriff’s Sale if the balance is not paid, and in such case all money’s paid in at the original sale shall be applied to any deficiency in the price of which property is resold, and provided further that if the successful bidder is the plaintiff in the execution the bidder shall pay full amount of bid ON OR BEFORE THE FIRST MONDAY OF THE FOLLOWING MONTH, OTHERWISE WRIT WILL BE RETURNED AND MARKED “REAL ESTATE UNSOLD” and all monies advanced by plaintiff will be applied as required by COMMON PLEAS COURT RULE 3129.2 (1) (a).

FORFEITED SALES WILL BE POSTED IN THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND LISTED ON THE SHERIFF OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY WEB SITE.

AMENDMENT OF THE CODE SECOND CLASS COUNTY NEW CHAPTER 475 THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 475, ENTITLED TAXATION IS HEREBY AMENDED THROUGH THE CREATION ARTICLE XII, ENTITLED, “SHERIFF SALES”, AND COMPRISED AS FOLLOWS: SUBSECTION 475-60: RECORDING OF DEEDS AND NOTIFICATION OF SHERIFFS SALES TO TAXING BODIES.

A. FOR ANY REAL PROPERTY OFFERED AT SHERIFFS SALE DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF REAL ESTATE TAXES AND PURCHASED BY A THIRD PARTY THROUGH SUCH SALE, THE SHERIFF SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FILING THE DEED AND, WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF FILING OF THE SHERIFFS DEED, PROVIDE WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE CONVEYANCE TO THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY OFFICE OF PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS. THE WRITTEN NOTICE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO THIS SUBSECTION SHALL INCLUDE THE DATE OF THE SALE, IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROPERTY SOLD BY BOTH ADDRESS AND LOT AND BLOCK NUMBER, AND THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE INDIVIDUALS OR OTHER ENTITY THAT PURCHASED THE PROPERTY.

B. AT THE TIME OF THE SALE THE SHERIFF SHALL COLLECT ALL REQUISITE FILING COSTS, REALTY TRANSFER TAXES AND FEES, NECESSARY TO PROPERLY RECORD THE DEED. C. WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF RECEIPT OF WRITTEN NOTICE FROM THE SHERIFF, THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY OFFICE OF PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS SHALL FORWARD COPIES OF SUCH NOTICE TO ALL TAXING BODIES LEVYING REAL ESTATE TAXES ON THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE MUNICIPALITY AND SCHOOL DISTRICT WHERE THE PROPERTY IS LOCATED.

AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 14 OF ACT NO. 77 OF 1986, THE COST OF ALL DOCUMENTARY STAMPS FOR REAL ESTATE TRANSFER TAXES (STATE, LOCAL, AND SCHOOL) WILL BE DEDUCTED BY THE SHERIFF FROM THE PROCEEDS OF THE SALE. Purchasers must pay the necessary recording fees. Pursuant to Rule 3136 P.R.C.P. NOTICE is hereby given that a schedule of distribution will be filed by the Sheriff not later than 30 days from date of sale and that distribution will be made in accordance with the schedule unless exceptions are filed thereto within 10 days thereafter. No further notice of the filing of the schedule of distribution will be given.

A Land Bank formed under 68 Pa. C.S.A. 2101 et seq. may exercise its right to bid pursuant to 68 Pa. C.S.A. 2117(d) (2) through Pa. C.S.A. 2117(d) (4) on certain properties listed for sale under the municipal claims and Tax Lien Law, 53 P.S. 7101 et seq. The Sheriff of Allegheny County will honor the terms of payment which the Land Bank has entered with any municipalities having a claim against the property. If the Land Bank tenders a bid under Pa. C.S.A. 2117(d)(3) or 2117(d)(4) the property will not be offered for sale to others and the Property will be considered sold to the Land Bank for the Upset Price as defined in P.S.7279 and no other bids will be accepted.

NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT ALL SHERIFFS DEEDS TENDERED TO PURCHASERS WILL CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING:

NOTICE: The undersigned, as evidenced by the signature(s) to this notice and the acceptance and recording of this deed, (is/are) fully cognizant of the fact that the undersigned may not be obtaining the right of protection against subsidence, as to the property herein conveyed, resulting from coal mining operations and that the purchased property, herein conveyed, may be protected from damage due to mine subsidence by a private contract with the owners of the economic interest in the coal. This notice is inserted herein to comply with the Bituminous Mine Subsidence and Land Conservation Act of 1966. as amended 1980. Oct. 10, P.L 874, No. 156 §1. “This document may not sell, convey, transfer, include, or insure the title to the coal and right of support underneath the surface land described or referred to herein and the owner or owners of such coal may have the complete legal right to remove all of such coal, and in that connection damage may result to the surface of the land, any house, building or other structure on or in such land.”

14JULY24

DEFENDANT(S): UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, AND/OR PERSONALREPRESENTATIVES OF AGNES E. JONES, DECEASED; MARCIA J.

OF AGNES E.

*************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 13th Ward of the City of Pittsburgh: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 1222 Pineridge St Pittsburgh, PA 15208. Deed Book Volume 19221, Page 466. Block and Lot 0174-G-00277-0000-00.

1AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): ERICA GRIFFIN SOLELY IN HER CAPACITY AS HEIR OF NANCY L. GRIFFIN AKA NANCY GRIFFIN AKA NANCY GRIFFIN SMITH, DECEASED, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF NANCY L. GRIFFIN AKA NANCY GRIFFIN AKA NANCY GRIFFINSMITH, DECEASED *************** CASE NO.: MG-23-000975 DEBT: $41,225.79 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): KML LAW GROUP, P.C. ***********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 627-1322 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION:

IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, 7TH WARD CITY OF MCKEESPORT: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 1301 EVANS AVENUE, MCKEESPORT,PA 15132. DEED BOOK 9609, PAGE238. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 381-A-l.

2AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): TRIPLE DS ESTATE LLC, DARRELL

JOHNSON *************** CASE NO.: MG-24-000018

DEBT: $142,815.13 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): KML LAW GROUP, P.C. ***********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET

PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 627-1322 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION:

IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, BOROUGH OF MT. OLIVER: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 215 ANTHONY STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15210. DEED BOOK 18830, PAGE 8. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 33-D-281.

3AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): JOSHUA R. WOOD AKA JOSHUA RYAN

WOOD AKA JOSHUA WOOD

*************** CASE NO.: MG-24-000114

DEBT: $83,807.43

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): KML LAW GROUP, P.C.

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106

************************

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 627-1322

*************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: ********************* IN THE COMMONWEAL TH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, TOWNSHIP OF HARRISON:

PARCEL ONE: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS I 017 OLIVE AVENUE, NATRONA HEIGHTS, PA 15065. DEED BOOK VOLUME 18360, PAGE 587, BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 1846-N-198.

PARCEL TWO: HAVING THEREON A VACANT LAND BEING KNOWN AS OLIVE AVENUE, NATRONA HEIGHTS, PA 15065. DEED BOOK VOLUME 18360, PAGE 587, BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 1846-N-194.

4AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): NATHANIEL BLANK, REMY HARRIS

***************

CASE NO.: MG-22-000287

DEBT: $283,396.51 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): KML LAW GROUP, P.C.

***********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET

PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 627-1322

***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, BOROUGH OF FOREST HILLS: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 228 WOODSIDE ROAD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15221. DEED BOOK 16269, PAGE 40. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 298-P-84. 5AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): BIANCA GERVASONI, KANE R.T. GERVA-

SONI AKA KANE GERVASONI *************** CASE NO.: MG-24-000005

DEBT: $100,684.40 ***** NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): KML LAW GROUP, P.C.

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET

PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106

************************ ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 627-1322 ***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION: IN THE COJMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, BOROUGH OF PLUM: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 4130 NEW TEXAS ROAD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15239. DEED BOOK 17354, PAGE 106. BLOCK AND LOT: NUMBER 850-M-80. 6AUG24

PLAINTIFF: SHALER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT, VS. DEFENDANT(S): JEANNE T. SIX *************** CASE NO.: GD 23-008203 ********** DEBT: $20,940.59

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): JOHN T. VOGEL, TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C. ***********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C. 1500 ONE PPG PLACE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15222

************************

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 412.594.3902 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: ********************* IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, BOROUGH OF MILLVALE: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 116 BECKERT STREET, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 152092510, DEED BOOK VOLUME 19273, PAGE 101, BLOCK AND LOT79-B-184.

7AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): Ross King, Jr *************** CASE NO.: GD-24-001122 ********** DEBT: 53,992.75

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Kristine M. Anthou, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Grenen & Birsic, P.C. One Gateway Center, 9th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-7650

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Homestead:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING KNOWN AS 227 E. 15TH AVENUE, HOMESTEAD, PA 15120. DBV 16419 PG 53, BLOCK & LOT NO. 131-C-183.

8AUG24

PLAINTIFF: EAST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT AND TOWNSHIP OF NORTH VERSAILLES

VS.

DEFENDANT(S): WILLIAM LOVELL

*************** CASE NO.: GD-23-012388

**********

DEBT: $ 25,942.97

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): CHRISTOPHER E. VINCENT

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 546 WENDEL ROAD, IRWIN, PA 15642

************************ ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 724-978-0333 ***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, TOWNSHIP OF NORTH VERSAILLES:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 111 UNION AVENUE, NORTH VERSAILLES, PA 15137. DEED BOOK 16471, PAGE 371. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 458-M-235.

9AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): JACK SHRUM; MARY ANN SHRUM

*************** CASE NO.: GD-22-010162

DEBT: $28,733.69

*****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 133 GAITHER DRIVE, SUITE F MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 08054

************************ ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 855-225-6906

***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, South Fayette Township: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 205 Marshall Road Oakdale, PA 15071. Deed Book Volume 11242, Page 590. Block and Lot 0491-J-00003-0000-00. Alternate ID: 9946-X-00663-0000-00.

10AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): SARVER REALTY ANDRE PLAZA, LLC, SARVER REALTY MCKNIGHT PLAZA, LLC, SARVER REALTY REGENT SQUARE, LLC

*************** CASE NO.: GD 22-015529

DEBT: $3,108,509.57 ***** NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): JOSEPH A. FIDLER, ESQUIRE ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 4091 MT. ROYAL BOULEVARD, ALLISON PARK, PA 15101

************************ ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 412-487-8173 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: ALL THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED REAL ESTATE SITUATED IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, TOWNSHIP OF ROSS HAVING ERECTED THEREON A COMMERCIAL BUILDING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 4818 MCKNIGHT ROAD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15237, DEED BOOK VOLUME 17413, PAGE 111, BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER

PHONE NUMBER: (412) 465-9718 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: ********************* ALL OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED REAL ESTATE SITUATED IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, AND THE MUNICIPALITY OF BETHEL PARK: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 934 DELFIELD DRIVE, BETHEL PARK, PA 15102. DEED DATED

17AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): James Long; Judi Long *************** CASE NO.: MG-23-001151 DEBT: $263,408.44

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Manley Deas Kochalski LLC ADDRESS

Page 457. Block and Lot Number 0538-G-00241-0000-00.

20AUG24

$21,368.79

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S):

of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, City of Pittsburgh, Ward 4:

Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 3219 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Document Number 099967, Deed Book Volume 09737, Page 554. Block and Lot Number 0028-A-00163-0000-00.

23AUG24

Esquire ***********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Brock & Scott, PLLC 2011 RENAISSANCE BOULEVARD, SUITE 100 KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406 ************************ ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (844) 856-6646 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF WHITEHALL Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 502 WEYMAN RD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15236. Deed Book Volume 18084, Page 387. Block and Lot Number 0249-H-001500000-00

24AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): ANTHONY D. FORD; DEVONE M. FORD *************** CASE NO.: MG-22-000208 ********** DEBT: $ 82,232.53

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jeff Calcagno, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Brock & Scott, PLLC 2011 RENAISSANCE BOULEVARD, SUITE 100 KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (844) 856-6646

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 3RD WARD OF THE BOROUGH OF HOMESTEAD Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 1218 SYLVAN AVENUE, HOMESTEAD, PA 15120. Deed Book Volume 14797, Page 182. Block and Lot Number 0131-E-002930000-00

25AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): SHARON RUSNAK GAITENS AKA SHARON R. GAITENS *************** CASE NO.: MG-24-000003 **********

DEBT: $12,287.06 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jeff Calcagno, Esquire ***********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Brock & Scott, PLLC 2011 RENAISSANCE BOULEVARD, SUITE 100 KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406 ************************

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (844) 856-6646 ***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 3RD WARD OF THE BOROUGH OF CRAFTON

Having erected.thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 89 SOUTH LINWOOD AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15205 A/K/A 89 SOUTH LINWOOD AVENUE #A, PITTSBURGH, PA 15205. Deed Book Volume 10879, Page 571. Block and Lot Number 0068-G00236-0000-00

26AUG24

PLAINTIFF(S) PLUM BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT VS DEFENDANT(S): BLAIR M. CESSNA, III & DANIELLE M. CESSNA *************** CASE NO.: GD-22-012781

DEBT: $13,920.44 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Elizabeth P. Sattler, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 445 Fort Pitt Boulevard, Suite 503, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ************************

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 412-391-0160 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF PLUM:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING, KNOWN AS 134 COXCOMB HILL ROAD, NEW KENSINGTON, PA 15068. DEED BOOK 17473, PAGE 294. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 845-P-379.

27AUG24

PLAINTIFF(S) PLUM BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT VS DEFENDANT(S): BLAIR M. CESSNA, III *************** CASE NO.: GD-22-012779

DEBT: $10,793.62

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Elizabeth P. Sattler, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 445 Fort Pitt Boulevard, Suite 503, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ************************ ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 412-391-0160 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: *********************

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF PLUM:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A COM-

MERCIAL BUILDING, KNOWN AS 132

COXCOMB HILL ROAD, NEW KENSINGTON, PA 15068. DEED BOOK 12999, PAGE 454. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 845-P-346.

28AUG24

PLAINTIFF(S) PLUM BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT VS DEFENDANT(S): BLAIR M. CESSNA, III

***************

CASE NO.: GD-22-012778

DEBT: $28,623.78 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Elizabeth P. Sattler, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 445 Fort Pitt Boulevard, Suite 503, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ************************

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 412-391-0160 ***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF PLUM:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A COM-

MERCIAL BUILDING, KNOWN AS 138

COXCOMB HILL ROAD, NEW KENSINGTON, PA 15068. DEED BOOK 12999, PAGE 449. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 845-N-48.

29AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): Richard A. Goldman and Kimberly A. Goldman *************** CASE NO.: GD-22-003596

**********

DEBT: $177,423.43

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): PATRICK J WESNER, ESQUIRE

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 9000 MIDLANTIC DRIVE, STE 300, PO BOX 5054, MT LAUREL, NJ 08054

************************

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (856) 810-5815

*************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION:

********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Wilkinsburg, having currently erected thereon a Three-family dwelling being known as 439 Franklin Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15221 Deed Book 11583 Page 130, Block and Lot 0176-C-000700000-00.

30AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): John H. Ordean, Sr. a/k/a John Ordean and Nicole F. Ordean

***************

CASE NO.: MG-23-000760

DEBT: $181,348.05

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Roger Fay, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 14000 Commerce Parkway, Suite H, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054

************************

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (856) 724-1888

***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, West Deer Township:

Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 4216 Havencrest Drive, Gibsonia, PA 15044. Deed Book Volume 13080, Page 240, Instrument Number 2006-40786. Block and Lot Number 1507-M-00371-0000-00.

31AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): CHARLES J. ULRICH AND BRIANNE D.

BOLLINGER

***************

CASE NO.: MG-23-000705

**********

DEBT: $151,553.60

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): CHRISTINE L. GRAHAM, ESQUIRE ***********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: McCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC 216 HADDON AVENUE, SUITE 201 WESTMONT, NJ 08108

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (856) 858-7080

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Shaler Township: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 160 Seavey Road, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15223. Deed Book Volume 16839, Page 498, Block & Lot No. 0166-H-00128- 0000-00.

32AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): Jason W. Weathers aka Jason Weathers ***************

CASE NO.: MG-23-000970

DEBT: $46,415.69

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Stern & Eisenberg, PC

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: The Shops at Valley Square, 1581 Main Street, Suite 200 Warrington, PA 18976

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 572-8111

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

*********************

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny and the 13th Ward of The City of Pittsburgh: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 1959 Robinson Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15221. Deed Book Volume 12758, PAGE 93. Block and Lot Number 232-D-112. 33AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): Peachy Pelican Properties LLC; Gianina Ainsley Romito

*************** CASE NO.: GD-23-011581

DEBT: $476,130.13

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Nelson Diaz

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 475 County Road 520, Ste. 200, Marlboro, NJ 07746 ************************

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 212-536-3529 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, City of Pittsburgh, 11th Ward HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 6513 STANTON AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15206 DEED BOOK VOLUME 18742, PAGE 535, BLOCKAND LOT NUMBER 124-B-16

34AUG24

PLAINTIFF(S) Keystone Oaks School District vs DEFENDANT(S): Pittsburgh South Hills Realty LLC *************** CASE NO.: GD 23-007829

DEBT: $13,952.34 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jennifer L. Cerce, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 424 S. 27th Street, Ste. 210 Pittsburgh, PA 15203 ************************

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 242-4400 ***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Dormont:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 2722 DWIGHT AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15216. DEED BOOK 18113, PAGE 37. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 63-0-298.

35AUG24

PLAINTIFF(S) Penn Hills School District and Municipality of Penn Hills vs DEFENDANT(S): Constance B.J. Parker, with Notice to Heirs and Assigns *************** CASE NO.: GD 22-000739 ********** DEBT: $9,479.29 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jennifer L. Cerce, Esquire

***********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 424 S. 27th Street, Ste. 210 Pittsburgh, PA 15203

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 242-4400

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Municipality of Penn Hills:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 2185 SAMPSON STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15235. DEED BOOK 7326, PAGE 396. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 296-8-212.

36AUG24

PLAINTIFF(S) South Allegheny School District vs DEFENDANT(S): ANDREW MICHAEL MILLER *************** CASE NO.: GD 23-013162

DEBT: $8,453.02

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jennifer L. Cerce, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 424 S. 27th Street, Ste. 210 Pittsburgh, PA 15203

************************ ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 242-4400

***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Glassport:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON AN OF-

FICE/APARTMENTS OVER BUILDING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 433 MONONGAHELA AVE., GLASSPORT, PA 15045. DEED BOOK 11977, PAGE 352. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 467-P-76.

37AUG24

PLAINTIFF(S) Wilkinsburg School District and Wilkinsburg Borough vs DEFENDANT(S): The Unknown Heirs of Marion L. Young, Deceased *************** CASE NO.: GD 23-012881

DEBT: $16,427.98

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jennifer L. Cerce, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 424 S. 27th Street, Ste. 210 Pittsburgh, PA 15203

************************

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 242-4400

***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Wilkinsburg: (PARCEL 1) HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 1320 MILL STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15221. DEED BOOK4116, PAGE 555. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 232-N-255; AND (PARCEL 2) BEING ALL THAT VACANT

PLAINTIFF(S)

38AUG24

47AUG24 PLAINTIFF(S):

Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire ***********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 525 William Penn Place, Ste. 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ************************

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587

SHORT DESCRIPTION: *********************

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Municipality of Bethel Park:

Having erected thereon a one story frame house being known as 2925 Idaho Avenue, Bethel Park, PA 15102. Deed Book Volume 13362, Page 492. Block & Lot No. 476-L-82.

48AUG24

PLAINTIFF(S): Borough of Avalon VS. DEFENDANT(S): Pereida Ivette Boyles *************** CASE NO.: GD 22-012337 DEBT: $4,552.69 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire ***********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY:

525 William Penn Place, Ste. 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Avalon:

Having erected thereon a two story frame house being known as 308 Fisk Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202. Deed Book Volume 13791, Page 384. Block & Lot No. 214-R178.

49AUG24

PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny VS.

DEFENDANT(S): Cheryl A. Beagle *************** CASE NO.: GD 23-008764 ********** DEBT: $5,992.06

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire ***********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 525 William Penn Place, Ste. 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587

SHORT DESCRIPTION: *********************

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, City of McKeesportWard 5:

Being thereon vacant residential land known as Union Avenue, McKeesport, PA 15132. Deed Book Volume 12137, Page 88. Block & Lot No. 307-L-112.

50AUG24

PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny VS. DEFENDANT(S): Holly McIntosh a/k/a Holly Moore ******************** CASE NO.: GD 23-007453 ********** DEBT: $7,135.03

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY:

525 William Penn Place, Ste. 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ************************ ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: ********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Municipality of Monroeville:

Being thereon vacant residential land known as Willow Drive, Monroeville, PA 15146. Deed Book Volume 12084, Page 434. Block & Lot No. 640-K-l 18.

51AUG24

PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny VS.

DEFENDANT(S): Joan Raszewski a/k/a Joan Alice Raszewski, With Notice to Heirs and Assigns

CASE NO.: GD 23-003736 ********** DEBT: $3,698.81 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire ***********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 525 William Penn Place, Ste. 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Glassport:

Having erected thereon a one story frame house being known as 311 Euclid Avenue, Glassport PA 15045. Deed Book Volume 7646, Page 372. Block & Lot No. 467-L-176.

52AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): Jacqueline DeMartin ******************** CASE NO.: MG-23-000984

DEBT: $115,496.56

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Perry Russell, Esq.

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160, Garden City, NY 11530 ************************ ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (212) 471-5100 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: ********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, and Borough of Greentree:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 1118 GREENTREE ROAD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15220. DEED BOOK VOLUME 12194, PAGE 487. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 0036-E-00154-0000-00.

53AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): JOANNE D. RUSH

********************

CASE NO.: GD-23-013736

********** DEBT: $41,494.64

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jeff Calcagno, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Brock & Scott, PLLC 2011 RENAISSANCE BOULEVARD, SUITE 100 KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (844) 856-6646

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF PLEASANT HILLS Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 28 W BRUCETON RD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15236. Deed Book Volume 4701, Page 677. Block and Lot Number 0471-A-002720000-00

54AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): JAMES D. WYLIE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA C/O WESTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA

CASE NO.: MG-23-000723

**********

DEBT: $116,525.64 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jeff Calcagno, Esquire

***********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Brock & Scott, PLLC 2011 RENAISSANCE BOULEVARD, SUITE 100 KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (844) 856-6646

***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF ELIZABETH Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 922 3RD AVE, ELIZABETH, PA 15037. Deed Book Volume 10950, Page 589. Block and Lot Number 1133-P-000840000-00

55AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): DESIREE LEWANEWSKY, KNOWN HEIR OF DAVID CHARLES LEWANEWSKY, DECEASED; UNKNOWN HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, AND ALL PERSONS, FIRMS, OR ASSOCIATIONS CLAIMING RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST FROM OR UNDER DAVID CHARLES LEWANEWSKY

********************

CASE NO.: MG-23-000924

DEBT: 263,453.20

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jeff Calcagno, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Brock & Scott, PLLC 2011 RENAISSANCE BOULEVARD, SUITE

100 KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (844) 856-6646

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF BELLEVUE Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 124 N BALPH AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15202. Deed Book Volume 17635, Page 362. Block and Lot Number 0160-H-000570000-00

57AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): Robert E. Myers, Jr., Administrator of the Estate of Virginia B. Myers a/k/a Virginia Myers, Deceased

CASE NO.: MG-23-001036

DEBT: $167,981.40 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Stephen M. Hladik, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Hladik, Onorato and Federman, LLP 298 Wissahickon Avenue, North Wales, PA 19454

************************

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 855-9521

*************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION:

********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, TOWNSHIP OF NORTH FAYETTE: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE

FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING BEING

KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 1081 MCKEE ROAD, OAKDALE, PA 15071. DEED BOOK VOLUME 4440, PAGE 701. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 495-H-1.

58AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): Unknown Surviving Heirs of Vernell Taliaferro a/k/a Vernell B. Taliaferro, Deceased

CASE NO.: MG-23-001132

**********

DEBT: $37,141.11 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Stephen M. Hladik, Esquire

***********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Hladik, Onorato and Federman, LLP 298 Wissahickon Avenue, North Wales, PA 19454

************************

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 855-9521

***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 18TH WARD OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 432 CHALFONT STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15210. DEED BOOK VOLUME 4551, PAGE 169. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 14-J-265.

59AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): Mark E. Salac and The United States of America

CASE NO.: MG-23-000129 **********

DEBT: $204,600.05 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Stephen M. Hladik, Esquire ***********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Hladik, Onorato and Federman, LLP 298 Wissahickon Avenue, North Wales, PA 19454 ************************ ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 855-9521 ***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 17TH WARD OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 2030 SOUTH 18TH STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15203. DEED BOOK VOLUME 12909, PAGE 121. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 13-A-82.

60AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): George H. Carson, Jr. ******************** CASE NO.: MG-24-000076

**********

DEBT: $102,082.30

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Stephen M. Hladik, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Hladik, Onorato and Federman, LLP 298 Wissahickon Avenue, North Wales, PA 19454

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 855-9521

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF SPRINGDALE: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 204 CENTER STREET, SPRINGDALE, PA 15144. DEED BOOK VOLUME 11818, PAGE 273. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 733-8-48.

61AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): ANNAMARIA LORIS AKA ANNAMARIA JOHNSON ********************

CASE NO.: MG-18-000561

DEBT: $45,432.03

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): KML LAW GROUP, P.C.

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 ************************

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 627-1322 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: ********************* IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, BOROUGH OF CARNEGIE: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 512 CHURCH STREET, CARNEGIE, PA 15106. DEED BOOK 14085, PAGE 229. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 103-P-164.

62AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): ARG MEDIA LLC ******************** CASE NO.: GD-21-004314 **********

DEBT: $105,431.99

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC *********************** ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 133 GAITHER DRIVE, SUITE F MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 08054

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 855-225-6906 ***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Municipality of Penn Hills: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 127 Greenview Dr., Verona, PA 15147. Deed Book Volume 17722, Page 467. Block and Lot 0446-H00371-0000-00.

63AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): ETHEL M. ELLIS aka ETHEL M. ADAMS ******************** CASE NO.: MG-23-000956

**********

DEBT: $102,768.43

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC ***********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 133 GAITHER DRIVE, SUITE F MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 08054

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 855-225-6906

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 12th Ward of the City of Pittsburgh: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 7061 Campania Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Deed Book Volume 11142, Page 468. Block and Lot 0172P-00099-0000-00.

65AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): Rebecca A. Scalzo a/k/a Rebecca Ann Scalzo a/k/a Rebecca Scalzo and Jaclyn Napoletano ******************** CASE NO.: MG-20-000239

DEBT: $128,414.58

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Stern & Eisenberg, PC

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: The Shops at Valley Square, 1581 Main Street, Suite 200 Warrington, PA 18976 ************************

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 572-8111 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: ********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny and the Municipality of Monroeville: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 622 Brightberry Road, Monroeville, PA 15146. Deed Book Volume 17123, Page 23. Block and Lot Number 637-H-274.

66AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): Odell

Suite H, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054

************************ ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (856) 724-1888

*************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: ********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 13th Ward of the City of Pittsburgh: Being vacant land (formerly having erected thereon a residential dwelling) being known as Idlewild Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 f/k/a 7332 Idlewild Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208. Deed Book Volume 18358, Page 533. Block and Lot Number 0174-K-00041-0000-00.

67AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): Bryan G. Dees ******************** CASE NO.: MG-23-000615 DEBT: $276,200.42

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Stern & Eisenberg, PC

DEFENDANT(S): FREIGHT EXPEDITERS INC., RAJKUMARIE SINGH and ANAND SINGH CASE NO.: GD-24-005465

DEBT: $119,423.07 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Nicholas R. DiNardo,

76AUG24

PLAINTIFF(S) Penn Hills School District and Municipality of Penn Hills

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jennifer L. Cerce, Esquire ***********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 424 S. 27th Street, Ste. 210 Pittsburgh, PA 15203

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 242-4400

SHORT DESCRIPTION: ********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Municipality of Penn Hills:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE

FAMILY DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 1086 INDIANA ROAD, VERONA, PA 15147. DEED BOOK 14913, PAGE 157. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 534-L-31.

77AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): Anthony H. Griffith CASE NO.: GD-17-008168

DEBT: $180,503.01 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jeffrey A. Golvash, Esquire ***********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: GOLVASH & EPSTEIN, LLC 9 Dewalt Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15227

************************

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 412.882.4717 ***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION: ********************* IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, MUNICIPALITY OF MT. LEBANON:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 557 AUDUBON AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15228. DEED BOOK VOLUME 14266, PAGE 148. BLOCK AND LOT NO.: 140-K44.

78AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): Raymond E. Newhouse, Jr. and Carolyn S. Newhouse, Known Heirs of the Estate of Joshua Newhouse and the Unknown Heirs, Executors and/or Administrators of the Estate of Joshua Newhouse ******************** CASE NO.: MG-24-000103 ********** DEBT: $147,546.62

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Kristine M. Anthou, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Grenen & Birsic, P.C. One Gateway Center, 9th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-7650

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Monroeville:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 608 BLUEBERRY ROAD, MONROEVILLE, PA 15146. DBV 13653, PG 395, B/L #742-K395.

79AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): Donna Adamski

CASE NO.: MG-22-000065 ********** DEBT: $126,227.58 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Shnayder Law Firm, LLC

***********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 148 East Street Road, 352, Feasterville, PA 19053

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 215-834-3103

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Baldwin:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 504 NORTH STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15227. DEED BOOK VOLUME 9103, PAGE 279. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 59-F-18.

80AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): David Johnson, aka David W. Johnson, Administrator of the Estate of Oliver P. Johnson, Jr., Deceased Mortgagor and Real Owner, and David Johnson, aka David W. Johnson, Real Owner

********************

CASE NO.: MG-11-000410

DEBT: $147,863.09 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): PADGETT LAW GROUP

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 700 Darby Road, Suite 100 Havertown, PA 19083 ************************

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 850-422-2520 ***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PIECE OF GROUND SITUATE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF PENN HILLS, FORMERLY TOWNSHIP OF PENN HILLS, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, AND COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA.

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE-STORY BRICK DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 537 GUYLYN DRIVE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15235. DEED BOOK VOLUME 15273, PAGE 581, BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 538-H-246.

81AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): MARY L. COOKE

CASE NO.:MG-22-000177

********** DEBT: $69,732.42 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): CHRISTINE L. GRAHAM, ESQUIRE

***********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: McCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC

216 HADDON AVENUE, SUITE 201 WESTMONT, NJ 08108

************************

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (856) 858-7080

***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Braddock Hills Borough:

Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 1219 Circle Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15221. Deed Book Volume 15742, Page 241. Block and Lot Number 0234-R- 000340000-00.

82AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): David Suchevich and Rosalinda Suchevich

********************

CASE NO.:MG-23-000424

**********

DEBT: $176,802.86

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Stephen M. Hladik, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Hladik, Onorato and Federman, LLP 298 Wissahickon Avenue, North Wales, PA 19454

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 855-9521

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, MUNICIPALITY OF PENN HILLS: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 1406 ELLIOTT STREET, VERONA, PA 15147. DEED BOOK VOLUME 947, PAGE 113. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 365-G156.

83AUG24

DEFENDANT(S): Jennifer L. Hummel and Shawn D. Hummel CASE NO.:MG-14-001273 **********

DEBT: $189,844.36 *****

NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Stephen M. Hladik, Esquire ***********************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Hladik, Onorato and Federman, LLP 298 Wissahickon Avenue, North Wales, PA 19454

ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 855-9521

***************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, TOWNSHIP OF RESERVE: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 2361 EAST BECKERT AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15212. DEED BOOK VOLUME 12344, PAGE 498. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 79-N-172.

TAKE NOTICE that the Wilkins Board of Commissioners authorized the sale of a 2015 Ford Taurus with 96,817 miles at their regular meeting of July 15, 2024. The vehicle will be placed for sale on Municibid from July 29, 2024 through August 12, 2024. A minimum bid of $1,500.00 is required. For additional information, access Municibid at https://www.municibid.com/.

Sincerely, TOWNSHIP OF WILKINS

BOROUGH OF EMSWORTH, ALLEGHENY COUNTYCONCISE FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The concise financial information is derived from the audited financial statements of the Borough of Emsworth as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023. For governmental activities, total assets of $1,906,003; total liabilities of $2,240; and total net position of $1,903,763. Total revenues were $1,426,064; total expenditures were $2,094,379 and the change in the total net position for the year ended December 31, 2023, was $(668,315). For business-type activities, total assets of $419,086; total liabilities of $-0- and total net position of $419,086. Total revenues were $960,141; total expenditures were $765,836 and the change in total net position for the year ended December 31, 2023, was $194,305. Full copies of the annual financial reporting information may be examined at the Borough’s office.

TOWNSHIP OF WILKINS PUBLIC NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT PROPOSED ORDINANCE NUMBERS 1127 AND 1128

The Wilkins Township Board of Commissioners will consider adoption of the following ordinances at a public meeting to be held on the 12th day of August 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 110 Peffer Road, Wilkins Township, Pennsylvania. The complete text of the Ordinances is on file and may be inspected in the Office of the Township Secretary at the aforesaid Municipal Building during normal business hours.

The title and a summary of the ordinances is as follows.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE #1127 TITLE

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WILKINS, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE WILKINS TOWNSHIP BOOK OF CODIFIED ORDINANCES, ARTICLE II, SECTION 450-7 TO DEFINE SHORT-TERM RENTALS, ARTICLE III, SECTION 450-10 TO PERMIT SHORT TERM RENTALS IN ALL RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS, AND ARTICLE IV, SECTION 450-23 TO ADD OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR SHORT TERM RENTALS.

SUMMARY

The Ordinance amends the Zoning ordinance to provide specific zoning regulations for short term rentals.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE #1128

TITLE

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WILKINS, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE WILKINS TOWNSHIP BOOK OF CODIFIED ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 310 TO ADD ARTICLE IV, REGULATING SHORT-TERM RENTAL UNITS WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP AND ESTABLISHING PENALITES FOR VIOLATIONS.

SUMMARY

The Ordinance provides regulations governing the use of residentially zoned dwelling units as short-term rental units.

AVALON BOROUGH ADVERTISEMENT 2016 FORD EXPLORER POLICE INTERCEPTOR

The Council of the Borough of Avalon, at its July 16, 2024 Council Meeting, authorized the sale of a 2016 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor. The vehicle is in fair condition, with 95,836.5 miles of use. Inspection is current through October 2024. The Borough will accept sealed bids of not less than $3,000.00 until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024. All bids should be mailed or submitted in person, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., to the Avalon Borough Administration Office, 640 California Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15202. The municipality reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. The vehicle is being sold as is, where is, with no warranties, express or implied. For questions or to schedule a time to inspect the vehicle, please contact Avalon Borough Department of Public Works Superintendent Dale Regrut II at (412) 761-5959 or dregrut@boroughofavalon.org.

Concerning the Following Property: 454 Norton Street. Block & Lot 4-P-45. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Alpha-2

GD-24-007791 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs John Jumba, Mary Louise Jumba, William E. Conroy, Katherine D. Conroy, John R. Alston, Marion M. Alston, Sandra Adams, Chris Adams, and the Unknown heirs of John Jumba and the Unknown heirs of Mary Louise Jumba and the Unknown heirs of William E. Conroy and the Unknown heirs of Katherine D. Conroy and the Unknown heirs of John R. Alston and Unknown heirs of Marion M. Alston and the Unknown heirs of Sandra Adams and the Unknown heirs of Chris Adams; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 20thth Ward, Pittsburgh.

Concerning the Following Property: 2921 Merwyn Avenue. Block & Lot 42-M-178. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, EN-

CROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Alpha-3

GD-24-007790 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Ernest E. Smith, Helen M. Smith, Theodore L. Hoover, Helen J. Hoover, Truth C. Jones and George William Jones III, Malika Goodnight and the Unknown Heirs of Ernest E. Smith and the Unknown Heirs of Helen M. Smith and the Unknown Heirs of Theodore L. Hoover and the Unknown Heirs of Helen J. Hooverand the Unknown Heirs of Truth C. Jones and the Unknown Heirs of George William Jones III and the Unknown Heirs of Malika Goodnight; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 20thth Ward, Pittsburgh. Concerning the Following Property: 1310 Pritchard Street. Block & Lot 42-N-266. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Alpha-4

GD-24-007792 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Joseph W. Karl, Cynthia Karl, Adelaide K. Gordon, Frank Olander, Clara V. Olander, Frank Karl, Sophie M. Karl, Isabelle Hampe and the Unknown Heirs of Joseph W. Karl and the Unknown Heirs of Cynthia Karl and the Unknown Heirs of Adelaide K. Gordon and the Unknown Heirs of Frank Olander and the Unknown Heirs of Clara V. Olander and the Unknown Heirs of Frank Karl and the Unknown Heirs of Sophie M. Karl and the Unknown Heirs of Isabelle Hampe; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 20thth Ward, Pittsburgh. Concerning the Following Property: 195 Steuben Street. Block & Lot 19-D-202. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Alpha-5

GD-24-007709 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Roy L. Marks, Sr. ; Commonwealth of PA Department of Labor & Industry; Allegheny County Court Records- Criminal Division; LVNV Funding, LLC.; and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Roy L. Marks, Sr.; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 15thth Ward, Pittsburgh. Concerning the Following Property: 4561 Gladstone Street. Block & Lot 55-P-344. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Orange 11

GD-24-007714 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Odis Bostic and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Odis Bostic; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 21stth Ward, Pittsburgh.

Concerning the Following Property: 1312 Warner Street. Block & Lot 22-F-146. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Orange 13 GD-24-006988 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Estate of Penny M. Massey, PWSA, Pennsylvania Department of Revenue: Inheritance Tax Division, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of the Estate of Penny M. Massey; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 14thth Ward, Pittsburgh.

Concerning the Following Property: 7716 Tuscarora Street. Block & Lot 175-P-26. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: White 8

GD-24-007741 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs TMS Mortgage Inc. DBA The Money Store, its successors and assigns, US Bank National Association FKA First Bank, its successors and assigns, Department of Housing and Urban Development; Lois Irene Egli, and the Unknown Heirs of Lois Irene Egli; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 18thth Ward, Pittsburgh. Concerning the Following Property: 305 Walter Street. Block & Lot 14-F-67. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Orange 14

GD-24-007735 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs ; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 26thth Ward, Pittsburgh.

Concerning the Following Property: 4022 Vinceton Street. Block & Lot 115-C-179. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS,

ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Orange 15

GD-24-007735 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs ; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 26thth Ward, Pittsburgh. Concerning the Following Property: 4020 Vincenton Street. Block & Lot 115-C-178. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Purple 9

GD-24-006990 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Robert L. Young; Rosa M. Young; Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Revenue; Allegheny County Court Records - Criminal Division; Midland Funding; and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Robert L. Young and Rosa Young; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 12thth Ward, Pittsburgh. Concerning the Following Property: 219 Mayflower Street. Block & Lot 125-A-183. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: White 12

GD-24-007703 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Estate of Bernard Baskins, Maris D. Baskins, Conchitta Baskins aka Conchitta Noel, National Tax Funding, LP, PWSA, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors and Assigns of Maris D. Baskins and of the Estate of Bernard Baskins; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 25thth Ward, Pittsburgh. Concerning the Following Property: 1417 Boyle Street. Block & Lot 23-G-58. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Brown 11

GD-24-007689 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Mattie McCoy, PWSA, National Tax Funding, LP., and the unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Mattie McCoy; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 12thth Ward, Pittsburgh. Concerning the Following Property: 172 Meadow Street. Block & Lot 124-N-255. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Red 9

GD-24-007737 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Anthony H. Pannell; Paul Pelmon, Jr.; GLS Capital Inc.; Commonwealth to Pennsylvania - Inheritance Tax Division; Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Services; PNC Bank National Association; PWSA, ALCOSAN, Sterling Jewelers Inc., its successors and assigns; and the Unknown Heirs of Anthony H. Pannell and of Paul Pelmon, Jr.; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 10thth Ward, Pittsburgh. Concerning the Following Property: 5301 Broad Street. Block & Lot 50-L-147. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: White 14

GD-24-007556 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, and Joseph Santarcangelo and Jennie Santarcangelo and the Unknown Heirs, Successors and Assigns of the Estate; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 12thth Ward, Pittsburgh. Concerning the Following Property: Meadow Street. Block & Lot 124-N-247. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Red 10

GD-24-007564 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Vincenzo Yacopino, Theodora Yacopino, PWSA, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors and Assigns of the Estate; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 12thth Ward, Pittsburgh. Concerning the Following Property: 0 Meadow Street. Block & Lot 24-N-253. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Red 11

GD-24-007571 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Walter Howard, Ressie Howard, PWSA, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors and Assigns of the Estate; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 12thth Ward, Pittsburgh.

Concerning the Following Property: 168 Meadow Street. Block & Lot 124-N-254. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Red 12

GD-24-007704 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Ronald Hanner, PWSA, and the unknown heirs, successors and assigns of Ronald Hanner; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 5thth Ward, Pittsburgh.

Concerning the Following Property: 3367 Milwaukee Street. Block & Lot 26-N-30. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: Sky 6

GD-24-006989 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Estelle Kapp Lawley; Russell H. Lawley, Jr.; Linda J. Galusha; Diane L. Graham; PWSA, ALCOSAN, National Tax Funding L.P.; and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Estelle Kapp Lawley; Russell H. Lawley, Jr.; Linda J. Galusha; Diane L. Graham; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 23rdth Ward, Pittsburgh. Concerning the Following Property: 836 Lovitt Way. Block & Lot 24-J-341. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: White 10 GD-24-006991 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs William H. Ellis; Mary Ellis; and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of William H. Ellis and Mary Ellis; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 8thth Ward, Pittsburgh. Concerning the Following Property: 4806 Yew Street. Block & Lot 51-E-163. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD. City File: White 11 WHEREUPON the Court granted a rule on the aforesaid persons, and all persons, whatsoever, to appear and show cause within thirty days from this notice why the title of the CITY OF PITTSBURGH to the aforesaid real estate should not be adjudicated and decreed valid and indefeasible as against all mortgages, ground-rents, rights, title, interest in or claims against the aforesaid real estate, and to further show cause why the sale of the said real estate should not be made free and clear of all the

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE CONDUCTED AT THE AVALON BOROUGH ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, 640 CALIFORNIA AVE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15202: NOTICE OF ZONING HEARING BOARD The Zoning Hearing Board of Avalon Borough, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania will hold a Hearing on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 6:00 pm at the Avalon Borough Administration Building to consider the following applications:

• An application from Frederick H. Bentzel III for property located at 616 Semple Ave., Lot and Block Number 214-M-168, in the R-M: Moderate Density Residential Zoning District. Applicant is seeking a special exception to operate a short-term rental pursuant to the Avalon-Bellevue-Ben Avon Joint Zoning Ordinance and Avalon Borough Ordinance 1387.

• An application from Alex Sortino for property located at 712 Ridge Ave, Lot and Block Number 215-E-68, in the R-M: Moderate Density Residential District. Applicant is seeking a special exception to operate a short-term rental pursuant to the Avalon-Bellevue-Ben Avon Joint Zoning Ordinance and Avalon Borough Ordinance 1387.

• An application from Story of PA CR, LLC and Avalon Commercial Properties, LLC for property located at 851 Ohio River Boulevard, Lot and Block Numbers 159-M-37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43 and 46, in the C-HC: Highway Commercial District. Applicant is pursuing (1) an appeal of the June 26, 2024, Zoning Determination that the Pennsylvania Gunsmith School (“Trade School”) is a school within the meaning of Section 2000-423 of the Avalon-BellevueBen Avon Joint Zoning Ordinance (“Zoning Ordinance”); (2) an alternative request for a dimensional variance from Section 2000-423 of the Zoning Ordinance to locate a Medical Marijuana Dispensary use within 1,000 feet of the Trade School; and (3) a Validity Challenge to Section 2000423 of the Zoning Ordinance pursuant to Sections 909.1(a)(1), 53 P.S. §10909.1(a)(1), 53 P.S. §10916.1(a)(1), of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, and Section 2000-1062(E)(1)(a) of the Zoning Ordinance. Copies of the applications are on file at the Avalon Borough Administration Office. Please call (412) 761-5820 or visit the Administration Office, 640 California Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15202 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm) if you wish to review these materials. Leanne McLaughlin Assistant Borough Manager

LEGAL AD

NOTICE IS HEREBY given the Emsworth Zoning Hearing Board has scheduled a public hearing on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 7 p.m., prevailing time, at the Emsworth Borough Building, 171 Center Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15202, regarding the application from Tammy Biswick for property at 151 Walliston Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202, seeking a Variance from Emsworth Borough Ord. Zoning Section 245.38C, setback relief for a proposed addition. All those interested in the above hearing should be present at the above time and place and you will have an opportunity to be heard.

CATHY JONES Borough Secretary

The Wilkins Township Board of Commissioners shall hold a public meeting on Monday, August 12, 2024 at the Municipal Building, 110 Peffer Road, Turtle Creek, PA 15145 beginning at 6:45 PM. The purpose of the meeting is to receive public comments on Proposed Ordinance Number 1127, which amends the Zoning Ordinance to provide regulations for Short Term Rental Units in all residentially zoned neighborhoods. All interested persons are welcome to attend and speak publicly. Virtual access to the public meeting is available through Zoom at the following link: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/88697848289

Sincerely, TOWNSHIP OF WILKINS

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Fictitous Name

FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION

Notice is hereby given pursuant to the provisions of the Fictitious Names Act of Pennsylvania that an application for Registration of a fictitious name (was/will be) filed with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for the conduct of a business under the fictitious name of LIPSTICK, LASHES & GLASSES with its principal office or place of business At 2630 Glenny Lane West Mifflin PA 15122.

The names and addresses, including street and number, if any, of all persons who are parties to the registration are: Tiffany Strothers 4123143907 2630 Glenny Lane West Mifflin PA 15122

LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices

Estate of MR. CHARLES F. COX, Deceased of 124 Broadway Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108, Estate No. 02-24-04216, Ms. Elizabeth Westerman, Executrix, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108

Petition to Determine Title to 402 Mifflin

Street, West Mifflin, PA 15122, formerly owned by PATRICIA ANN MCLINDON POSIPANKA, deceased, filed June 27, 2024 by Robert J. Posipanka, No. 4228 of 2024. Peter B. Lewis, Counsel, Neighborhood Legal Services, 928 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Estate of MARIE RUA RUGGIERO, Deceased of Bethel Park, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, No. 02-24-04109, Christina Rua, Executor, 113 Viareggio Way, Finleyville, PA 15332 or to AUBREY H. GLOVER, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC., 491 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017

Estate of MS. MARY PAULETTE NEAL, Deceased of 66 Sampson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, Estate No. 02-24-03798, Ms. Mandy Neal, Executrix, c/o Max C. Feldman, Esquire and the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

PUBLIC NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ELECTRONIC REGISTERING FAREBOX & MOBILE TICKETING SYSTEMS

The Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority (MMVTA), jointly with Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation (FACT,) will receive sealed proposals for the acquisition of a farebox system and mobile ticketing options at the MMVTA, 1300 McKean Avenue, Charleroi, PA 15022-2135, until 3:00 PM on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 At this time, proposals received will be publicly opened and recorded by name and number of copies. Proposal information is available to be picked up, mailed, faxed or e-mailed during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM) by contacting Stephanie Lee, MMVTA Operations Coordinator, slee@mmvta.com, 724-489-0880. Both Agencies implement positive affirmative action procedures to ensure that all Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), Small Businesses (SBE), and other Diverse Businesses (DB), including Veterans, have maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts financed in whole or in part, with Federal and State funds provided for in this Project. The MMVTA and FACT do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin or sex in the award and performance of FTA-assisted contracts. A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held at MMVTA’s offices on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 11:00 AM.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Traffic/Parking Analysis - Community economic development organization requests Qualifications relative to the following: 1) completing traffic and parking studies in an urban mixed-use neighborhood, 2) designing transportation improvements, 3) professionals available for this assignment, 4) working with multiple stakeholders and the public, 5) minority and women-owned businesses participation. Within 30 days of publication, firms/ individuals should send Qualifications along with methods of compensation to: DJS Ventures, Inc., 312 Chestnut Rd., Edgeworth, PA. 15143.

THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH

Sealed bids will be received in the Bellefield Avenue Lobby, Administration Building, 341 South Bellefield Avenue until 11:00 A.M. prevailing time July 31, 2024 and will be opened at the same hour in the administration building cafeteria: TRANSLATION DEVICE WITH ENTERPRISE LEVEL SECURITY

General Information regarding bids may be obtained at the Purchasing Office, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, RM 349 Pittsburgh, PA 15213. The bid documents are available on the School District’s Purchasing web site at: www.pghschools.org Click on Our Community; Bid Opportunities; Purchasing - under Quick Links. The Board of Public Education reserves the right to reject any and all bids, or select a single item from any bid. We are an equal rights and opportunity school district

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT

Separate sealed Bids for the Work as listed hereinafter will be received at the Procurement Department of Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority), 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527 until 1:30 p.m. on Monday, August 26, 2024 and will be opened and read immediately thereafter at the same address. Each Bidder shall be solely responsible for assuring that its Bid is both received and time stamped by a representative of the Procurement Department at or before the advertised time for submission of Bids. Bidders submitting bids via FedEx, UPS, USPS, or other carrier must immediately provide tracking information to the assigned contract specialist via e-mail. Upon delivery, bidder will notify the assigned contract specialist with an e-mailed receipt. Bids received or time stamped in the Procurement Department after the advertised time for the submission of Bids shall be non-responsive and therefore ineligible for Award.

BUS RAPID TRANSIT (BRT) UPTOWN TO OAKLAND CONTRACT NO. BRT-001

The Work of this Project includes, but is not limited to, the furnishing of all labor, materials, tools, equipment, and incidentals necessary for the construction of the Uptown to Oakland (BRT-001) portions of the Downtown -Uptown-Oakland Bus Rapid Transit project. The Work includes, but is not limited to, demolition; reconstruction/resurfacing of roadways and sidewalks; traffic signals; utility coordination, drainage removal, relocations, support, and replacement; maintenance and protection of traffic and pedestrians; BRT station construction, BRT systems installation, testing and commissioning; roadway lighting; bikeways and pedestrian facilities; pavement markings; noise and vibration controls sidewalk vault demolition and reconstruction; and Authority control center upgrades.

A copy of the bid documents will be available on July 14, 2024 and can be obtained by accessing or creating your eBusiness account at PRT’s eBusiness website: http://ebusiness.ridePRT.org. Guides are provided for accessing, updating, or creating an eBusiness account. Please be sure to register for any/all construction categories relevant to your firm. Link to the bidding documents is pasted below: BRT-001

This Project is subject to financial assistance contracts between Authority and County of Allegheny, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) of the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Authority, in compliance with 49 C.F.R., Part 26, as amended, 74 Pa. C.S. § 303, as may be amended, implements positive affirmative action procedures to ensure that all Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (“DBEs”) and certified Diverse Businesses (“DBs”) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts financed, in whole or in part, with federal and state funds provided for this Project. In this regard, all Bidders shall take all necessary and reasonable steps, and make good faith efforts, in accordance with 49 C.F.R., Part 26, to ensure that DBE’s, and in accordance with 74 Pa. C.S. § 300, to insure that DBs, have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform contracts. Bidders shall also not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, sexual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of DOT-assisted contracts. It is a condition of this Contract that all Bidders shall follow the DBE and DB required procedures as set forth in the Bid Documents. If aid is required to involve DBEs and DBs in the Work, Bidders are to contact Authority’s DBE Representative, Susanna Broadus at (412) 566-5257.

The Bidder’s attention is directed to the following contacts for Bidder’s questions:

Procedural Questions Regarding Bidding: David Hart - Authority (412) 566-5415 dhart@rideprt.org

All other questions relating to the Bid Documents must be submitted by mail or email to:

Port Authority of Allegheny County Procurement Office – Construction Division 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527

Attn: David Hart (412) 566-5415 dhart@rideprt.org

In addition, the Bidder’s attention is directed to the following schedule of activities for preparation of its Bid:

9:00 AM Pre-Bid Conference

Monday, July 29, 2024 will be conducted in person or via Teams at: Port Authority of Allegheny County Procurement Office 345 Sixth Avenue – Third FloorPittsburgh, PA 15222-2527

Teams Meeting ID Number: 232 633 400 763 Passcode: 3doxNc Call in (audio only): 412-927-0245 Conference ID: 568 580 030 # Attendance is not mandatory but strongly recommended

1:30 PM Bids Due

Monday, August 26, 2024 Port Authority of Allegheny County Procurement Office 345 Sixth Avenue – 3rd Fl –Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Please print, fill out, place in envelope with identifying label, seal and deliver by the time and date indicated. Bids submitted via Fed Ex, UPS, USPS or other carrier are subject to the notification requirements indicated above.

Please call Contract Specialist at (412) 566-5415 prior to arriving.

2:00 PM Bid Opening will be conducted @

Monday, August 26, 2024

2:00 pm via Teams or in person at the location indicated above

Teams Meeting ID: 271 720 152 412

Passcode: qGyfDu Call in (audio only): 412-927-0245

Conference ID: 534 792 255 #

ARTICLE 2 – PRE-BID CONFERENCE

A Pre-Bid Conference may be held with prospective Bidders to review the Bid Documents and generally discuss the Project. The time and place will be specified in the Advertisement. All Bidders are encouraged to submit their questions in writing to the respective individuals listed in the Advertisement prior to the time specified in the Advertisement for the Pre-Bid Conference. A response may be provided during the Pre-Bid Conference or by Addendum thereafter.

ARTICLE 3 – PRE-BID TOUR

If a site tour is to be conducted covering the area(s) of the Work, it will be held at the date and time indicated in the Advertisement.

ARTICLE 4 – PUBLIC OPENING OF BIDS

Bids will be publicly opened and announced at the advertised time and place set for such Bid opening

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS PITTSBURGH, PA JULY 17, 2024

The Office of the Director of the DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY will receive Letters of Interest with current SF 330 for professional services until 2:00 p.m. on August 23, 2024 for the following assignment:

COUNTY PROJECT NO. ZEMS-GT10

OPEN END GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING AND RIGHT-OF-WAY SERVICES

The work and services which may be required under this Agreement encompass a wide range of environmental studies and engineering efforts with the possibility of several different types of projects with short completion schedules being assigned concurrently. The anticipated types of projects include but are not limited to: design of lateral support projects, roadway design related to lateral support, surveying, drilling, field and laboratory testing for geotechnical investigations, design of maintenance plans for flood control and pollution control projects, dam inspections, and construction consultation. The design of lateral support projects may include required design from other disciplines including traffic engineering, highway engineering, land and soil survey, right-of-way, utility design and drainage design.

The engineering work and services that may be required under this contract include, but are not limited to: perform field surveys, plot topography and cross sections, laying out and obtaining core borings, perform laboratory soil testing and evaluation, prepare soil reports, develop erosion control details and narrative, develop hydraulic reports, prepare right of way drawings per DM-3 standards, investigate and determine utility involvement on the projects, provide value engineering reviews, develop traffic control plans with narratives and prepare documents ready to bid, including construction plans, specifications, estimates and all pertinent submissions and materials necessary for bid. Prepare applications and obtain approval for any required permits, which include but are not limited to: soil erosion and sediment control, storm water management, hazardous waste, surface water and ground water quality, surface water and ground water hydrology, wetlands, cultural resources, environmental (typically Categorical Exclusion) documents and General Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources permits. Prompt response for emergency design services may be required, as needed.

The engineering services and environmental studies identified above are the general work activities that can be expected under this Open-End Contract. The primary goal of this contract is the design of lateral support projects. All PennDOT and FHWA publications, specifications and standard design practices are to be used in the development of designs. A more specific and project-related Scope of Work will be outlined for each individual Work Order developed under this Open-end Contract. Each individual Work Order will be a maximum of $800,000.00. The Agreement will be for a period of 5 years, with projects assigned on an as-needed basis. The maximum amount of the Open-end Agreement will be $2,000,000.00. The agreement will be paid utilizing Cost Plus Fixed Fee, Lump Sum, Cost per Unit of Work or Specific Rate methods of payment.

Submit five (5) hard copies and one (1) electronic file in .pdf format of your Letter of Interest, current Standard Form 330 (SF 330) and Sustainability Profile to:

Stephen G. Shanley, P.E., Director Allegheny County Department of Public Works County Office Building, Room 501 542 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ATTENTION: Meghan Sexton, P.E.

Place five (5) copies of your Letter of Interest with required SF 330 and sustainability forms in a sealed opaque envelope with firm’s name, the title, the number of the Project, and the words “Letters of Interest” written on the front. If you mail the Letter of Interest, insert the sealed opaque envelope containing the Letter of Interest and SF 330 form inside a separate mailing envelope.

The Director will receive Letters of Interest with a maximum page limit of five pages along with accompanying SF 330 forms and sustainability profile until the day and hour stated in this Public Advertisement. The Director will not consider any Letter of Interest received after the set day and hour and will return it to the addressee unopened. The firm is responsible for ensuring that the Director receives the Letter of Interest by the set day and hour.

The County will use only SF 330 of firms responding with Letters of Interest to prequalify firms for consideration for these services. The County encourages responses from small firms, minority and women owned firms and firms that have not previously worked for the County. The County will only accept the Sustainability Profile Standard Form. This form can be found at: http://alleghenycounty.us/DPWsolicitations

The County will preselect or short-list three firms for consideration for this Project assignment on the following evaluation criteria: Experience, Record, Size, Workload, Related Work and Sustainability Profile. By a Request for Proposal the Department of Public Works will notify the short-listed firms to submit proposals. The County will invite each of these firms to attend a Preproposal Scoping and Presentation Meeting. The County will base final selection of a firm for this assignment on the following evaluation criteria: Oral Presentation/Project Proposal, Organization, Design Ability, Experience, Special Criteria such as community involvement and other sensitive areas of Project development and Sustainability Profile. Up to three shortlisted firms may be selected to enter into contract.

The County’s minority business enterprise and women’s business enterprise goals for this Project will be 13% of the total price for MBE participation and 2% of the total price for WBE participation.

Certification of MBEs and WBEs by the County is mandatory on or before proposal due date. Firms submitting a Letter of Interest must have their MBE/WBE participants in place and noted in their letter and/or SF 330 form information in order to be considered for this project. The Director may reject any Letters of Interest/Proposals and may waive any irregularity in the Submission of Letters of Interest/Proposals. For further information contact Ms. Meghan Sexton, P.E., Project Manager, at 412350-1284.

Stephen G. Shanley, P.E., Director Allegheny County Department of Public Works

INVITATION FOR BIDS

Sealed bids for the Slippery Rock Township McCandless Road Reconstruction Project located in Slippery Rock Township will be received electronically via PennBid in the office of Benjamin Holland, BUTLER COUNTY CONTROLLER, on or before 5:00 p.m. August 9, 2024 Bids will be opened in the office of Ben Holland, Controller, on Monday, August 12, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. located on the 5th floor in the Butler County Government Center, 124 West Diamond Street, Butler, PA, with results displayed on PennBid shortly thereafter. Plans, specifications and bid documents are available at no cost on PennBid (https://pennbid.bonfirehub.com) Any questions regarding the project must be submitted via the “Ask A Question” feature in PennBid no later than August 6, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. The project scope includes installation of storm sewers, inlets, road widening, asphalt curbing and restoration per the bid package. A Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid meeting will be held at the Slippery Rock Township Municipal Building at 155 Branchton Rd, Slippery Rock, PA 16057 at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2024. Each proposal shall be accompanied by a bidder’s bond, or certified check or cashier’s check, in favor of the County of Butler, in the amount of not less than ten percent. The County of Butler reserves the right to waive any informality in and to accept or reject any and all bids or any part of any bid. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days. Prevailing wages established under the Davis-Bacon Act will apply to this contract. The contract documents contain requirements addressing prevailing labor wage rates, labor standards, nondiscrimination in hiring practices, goal for minority and female participation, MBE and WBE participation, participation by Section 3 residents and businesses and related matters.

BOARD OF BUTLER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Leslie Osche, Chairman Kim Geyer Kevin Boozel

Attest: Lori Altman Director of Human Resources/Chief Clerk

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

LEGAL ADVERTISING

Bids/Proposals

LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY

D/B/A PITTSBURGH REGIONAL TRANSIT

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO. 24-05

Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) is requesting proposals for the performance of the following service (“Contract Services”):

PHONE SYSTEM UPDATE SERVICES

The work under the proposed Agreement will consist of the design, installation, and deployment of a new, single vendor IP-PBX phone system to replace PRT’s currently installed Avaya Aura systems, along with additional services to replace PRT’s current services, including but not limited to: Unified Communications (UC), Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and emergency dispatcher services.

The Agreement will be for a 3-year period with the option to extend the term of the Agreement up to 2 additional years at the sole discretion of PRT.

A copy of the Request for Proposal (RFP) will be available on or after July 19, 2024 and can be obtained by registering at the PRT’s ebusiness website: http://ebusiness.ridePRT.org and following the directions listed on the website. Please note that Proposers must register under the ebusiness categories of PSITS – Pro Information Technology and PSSC – Pro Software Consulting for this RFP. Proposers may also register in other categories for any future RFPs issued by PRT. If you have specific questions regarding this RFP, please contact Fred Buckner at (412) 566-5467 or via email Fbuckner@ridePRT.org.

A Pre-Proposal Conference for interested parties will be held at 9:30 a.m., prevailing time, August 8, 2024 via Microsoft Teams video conference and/or conference call to answer any questions regarding this RFP.

To join by Microsoft Team video conference: https://bit.ly/4fbVjOk

To join by Microsoft Teams call-in number: 412-927-0245 United States, Pittsburgh (Toll) Conference ID: 748 735 324#

The PRT call-in number has been set up and is as follows: Toll Free Number (Canada/US): 1-800-974-5902 Local Dial-In Number: (416) 874-8100 Conference ID #: 4051776

Electronic proposals must be both received, and time stamped by a representative of the Procurement Department through PRT’s Ebusiness website at or before 2:00 p.m., prevailing time, August 20, 2024, at http://ebusiness.ridePRT.org. Proposals received or time stamped by a Procurement Department representative through PRT’s Ebusiness website after the advertised time for the submission of proposals shall be non-responsive and therefore ineligible for award. Each Proposer shall be solely responsible for assuring that its proposal is timely received and time stamped in accordance with the requirements herein. This Contract Services may be funded, in part, by, and subject to certain requirements of, the County of Allegheny and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The proposal process and the performance of the requested services will be in accordance with guidelines and regulations of the FTA “Third Party Contracting Guidelines”, FTA Circular 4220.1F, as amended, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit, in compliance with 49 C.F.R., Part 26, as amended, implements positive affirmative action procedures to ensure that all Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (“DBEs”) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts financed, in whole or in part, with federal funds, if any, provided under or for the proposed Agreement. In this regard, all recipients or contractors shall take all necessary and reasonable steps in accordance with 49 C.F.R., Part 26, to ensure that DBEs have the maximum opportunity to compete for, and perform contracts and subcontracts for, the Contract Services.

Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit, in compliance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, as may be amended, also requires that certified Diverse Businesses, (“DBs”) have the maximum opportunity to compete for, and perform contracts and subcontract for, the Contract Services. In this regard, all Proposers, and the Contractor, shall make good faith efforts, in accordance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, to ensure that DBs have the maximum opportunity to compete for, and perform contracts and subcontracts for, the Contract Services. Further, proposers and the Contractor shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, sex, sexual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of contracts or subcontracts for these Contract Services

Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY LEGAL NOTICE

CONTRACT NO. 1799, G, E, H, P SOLIDS THICKENING AND DEWATERING IMPROVEMENTS

Sealed Bids for CONTRACT NO. 1799, G, E, H, P –Solids Thickening and Dewatering Improvements shall be received at the Engineering Department office of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15233, until 11:00 A.M., Prevailing Time, Friday, September 6, 2024 and then shall be publicly opened and read. A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held in-person, in the O&M Building Auditorium on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 9:00 A.M., Prevailing Time. Preregistration will be required. If interested in attending the Pre-Bid Meeting, contact Kathleen P. Uniatowski via email at kathleen.uniatowski@alcosan.org . ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities and women to submit bids on Authority Contracts or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to successful Bidders. Successful Bidders are to use minority and women’s businesses to the fullest extent possible. Contract Documents may be examined and obtained at the Engineering office of the Authority. A non-refundable fee of One hundred dollars ($100) (no cash or credit cards will be accepted) will be charged for each set of Contract Documents received. Bid Security shall be furnished by providing with the Bid a Certified Check or Bid Bond in the amount of 10% of the Bid Price. Contract documents must be purchased directly from ALCOSAN to qualify as an eligible bidder.

Any questions regarding the Technical Specifications within the Contract Bidding Documents should be directed to Bradley Zook, Michael Baker International, via email at Bradley.Zook@mbakerintl.com . Any questions regarding the Purchase of Contract Bidding Documents should be directed to Kathleen P. Uniatowski, ALCOSAN, via email at contract.clerks@alcosan.org.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality in any bid and to accept any bid should it be deemed in the interest of the Authority to do so.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY

Kimberly Kennedy, P.E. Director of Engineering and Construction

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY D.B.A. PRT

Electronic Bids will be received online at PRT’s Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org).

Bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on August 6, 2024, and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conferencing, for the following: Electronic Bid - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org) BID

No bidder may withdraw a submitted Bid for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held for each of the above solicitations on July 23, 2024 , through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conferencing. Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged. Teams meeting information is available within the Bid Documents for each solicitation on rideprt.org and eBusiness.rideprt.org. Potential bidders may also email the contract specialist assigned to the solicitation. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the PRT within five (5) business days of the scheduled bid opening.

These contracts may be subject to a financial assistance contract between Port Authority of Allegheny County d.b.a. PRT and the United States Department of Transportation. The Supplier will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations. The Supplier is responsible for expenses related to acquiring a performance bond and insurance where applicable. All items are to be FOB delivered unless otherwise specified. Costs for delivery, bond, and insurance shall be included in bidder’s pricing.

Port Authority of Allegheny County d.b.a. PRT hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in regard to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprise will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

The Board of PRT reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES Help Wanted

NOTICE:

On September 10, 2024, at 9 a.m., at Allegheny County Police Academy, Baldwin Twp.’s Civil Service Commission shall administer eligibility tests for Full-Time Patrolman. (Physical Agility test at 9 a.m.; written exam immediately thereafter only to those who pass physical agility test.) Must be eligible for Act 120 Cert., U.S. Citizen; age 21+; 60+ credits from accredited college/ university or 2+ yrs. experience as civ./mil. police officer; physically/ mentally fit to perform all duties, valid driver’s license. Application Deadline: Twp. must receive completed Application by August 29, 2024, at 4 p.m. To obtain Application, complete Job Description & Requirements, contact Charla Pfeil, Twp. Mgr., 10 Community Park Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15234. 412-341-9597 or charla.pfeil@baldwintownship.com.

EOE

PRINCIPAL RESEARCH

ANALYST

Carnegie Mellon University, The Robotics Institute seeks Principal Research Analyst in Pittsburgh, PA to conduct research into fundamental computer and information science and develop solutions to major scientific computational problems requiring the analysis and development of logical or mathematical descriptions of functions to be programmed. Duties include: apply expertise in computer program and system specification, design, planning, implementation and validation for complex research projects; apply application domain knowledge to the assessment of performance requirements and alternative approaches; investigate and analyze feasibility and project resource requirements and make recommendations for staffing and scheduling; supervise and mentor junior research staff; in consult with project manager, specify, design and implement complex software systems and applications and database specifications (often as a group or team leader) or modify existing software to meet research needs and integrate into design; document designs and prepare operating instructions; contribute to proposals and reports; and related duties as assigned. Travel required within U.S. for conferences and sponsor on-site visits, approximately 1-2 times per year, 2-3 days per trip. Local telecommuting permitted up to 2 days per week. Requirements: Master’s degree or foreign equivalent in information systems management, computer science, or related field. Must have knowledge of management of information systems, database analysis and design, data mining, business intelligence, applied statistics, data analytics computing and data analytics computing systems. Must be able to travel within U.S. for conferences and sponsor on-site visits, approximately 1-2 times per year, 2-3 days per trip. Apply online to CMU Staff Position 2021943 at cmu.edu/jobs

MANAGER OF CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking a Manager of Customer Experience to organize, manage, and monitor the daily functions of the Customer Experience Department including oversight of employees. Assists the Director of Customer Experience with the reporting, collaboration and implementation of customer-focused agency initiatives to enhance the quality of customer experience. Ensures alignment of initiatives with Strategic Plan Customer Experience focused goals to improve satisfaction, and drive brand loyalty to retain and attract riders.

Essential Functions:

· Assists the Director of Customer Experience with the development and implementation of customer-centric strategies that enhance both internal and external customer satisfaction.

· Manages and reports customer satisfaction data throughout the agency to drive awareness of customer perception, need and satisfaction to drive customer-focused decision making.

· Supervises non-managerial employees within the Customer Experience Department.

· Manages employee workflows, delegating tasks and monitoring performance.

· Conducts regular meetings and collaborates with cross-functional teams to assist in coordination of customer experience initiatives, projects, and efforts.

Job requirements include: · High School Diploma or GED.

· BA/BS degree in Business Administration, Communications, Transportation, or directly related field from an accredited school. Directly related experience may substitute for the education on a year-for-year basis.

· Minimum five (5) years of customer service or relations experience, with three (3) years in a transit or customer service-related field.

· Minimum three (3) years of experience in management role.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES Help Wanted

SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA CORPORATION DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF TRANSPORTATION PLANNING

General Purpose: Responsible for advising, assisting and acting on behalf of the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer in planning, development, implementation and administration of commission transportation related programs and projects as assigned in support of the agency’s role as the region’s designated transportation metropolitan planning organization and development district. Directs the preparation of required program documents that include: the region’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the region’s Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) in addition to other financial projections, project budgets, RFP’s, and project scope descriptions.

Essential Functions: Applies federal and state transportation planning guidelines in the development and management of all related programs. Create and facilitate collaborative networks of federal, state, and local concerns to promote effective regional transportation planning. Ensure that the agency meets all requirements necessary to maintain its MPO designation. Education / Experience Requirements: Master’s degree in Planning, Engineering or other closely related field preferred. Ten (10) years of related experience with a minimum of two years program management experience. Two (2) years’ experience of working with public officials at all levels and the media. For full job description, please visit our site. https://www.spcregion.org/

· Professional and effective communication skills. Must be able to prepare status reports, create communications content, present in front of both internal and external customers, read, and write routine reports and correspondence.

· Problem solving. Ability to lead, manage, and motivate teams in challenging and ever- changing environments.

· Ability to translate data and insight into business improvement, delivering tangible and measurable benefits.

· Excellent time management skills. Must be able to prioritize and delegate tasks as needed to meet deadlines.

· Customer Oriented.

· Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

· Valid PA driver’s license.

Preferred attributes:

· Strong understanding of Port Authority operations procedures, regulations, and policies.

· Prior experience in public speaking.

· Prior experience in project management.

· Prior experience in analyzing data.

· Knowledge of transportation sector

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to:

Joe Sekely Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 JSekley@RidePRT.org