Pittsburgh Courier Pittsburgh
TALI’s Executive Leadership Academy making big impact
by Rob Taylor Jr.
Courier Staff Writer
by Rob Taylor Jr.
Courier Staff Writer
Finding "affordable housing" in Pittsburgh is like looking for a World Series run from the Pittsburgh Pirates. It’s hard to find.
From Mayor Ed Gainey's administration, to the Urban Redevelopment Authority of the City of Pittsburgh, to the department of Housing and Urban Development, these entities are trying to come up with solutions to the affordable housing crisis—a crisis where Pittsburgh City
Controller Rachel Heisler said recently that the city needs 11,000 new affordable housing units. An "affordable housing crisis" affects African Americans primarily. If many African Americans in the city can't pay the seemingly $350,000 for a home in East Liberty, Highland Park, Point Breeze and Lawrenceville, and if they can't pay the seemingly $1,500 for a one-bedroom market-rate apartment in Shadyside
Wallace Amos: A literary advocate Black kids should know
by Quintessa Williams Word In Black
When you hear “Famous Amos,” you might immediately think of the delicious, bite-sized chocolate chip cookies on the shelves of grocery stores and pantries across America. However, behind the brand lies an even more remarkable story of a man who has made a significant impact beyond the baked goods aisle.
Wallace “Wally” Amos, the founder of Famous Amos cookies, was a successful entrepreneur who spent much of his life promoting literacy among children. He died August 13 at age 88, leaving a rich legacy far beyond the cookie industry. Although his passing marked the end of an era, his influence as a literacy advocate continues to resonate. His journey from high school dropout to cookie magnate and literacy champion is one that all Black children should know.
Who Was Wallace Amos?
Born on July 1, 1936, Wallace Amos grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, until he was 12. After his parents divorced, he was sent to live with his Aunt Della in New York City, who played a pivotal role in his life. Her homemade chocolate chip cookies, an indelible part of his childhood, became the foundation of his cookie empire. Amos struggled academically in high school, ultimately dropping out at 17. After completing his high school education during a brief stint in the U.S. Air Force, Amos found work at the William Morris Agency in New York, where he rose from mailroom clerk to become the firm’s first Black talent
agent. He represented major stars like Simon & Garfunkel, Marvin Gaye, and Diana Ross. But he never forgot his aunt’s cookies. In 1975, with a loan from friends and his own savings, he opened the first Famous Amos cookie store on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. The store was an instant success, and the brand quickly became a national phenomenon.
Amos As A Literary Advocate
“Really what we are doing is just building self-esteem. If you feel good about who you are, you have values, you’re going to excel, you’re going to go out and do the things that need to be done! If you constantly live in an environment where, “You can’t do this!”, or “Don’t do that!”, or “You’re not worth anything!”, then you’re going to live down to those expectations, and that is what you’re going to be.”—Wallace Amos, 1994
Despite his business success, Amos’s struggles in school deeply affected him, and later in life, he developed a passion for reading and education.
In 1987, Amos founded the Read It Loud! Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting reading aloud to children. The foundation’s mission was simple: encourage parents to read aloud to their children for at least 10 minutes a day.
Amos believed early exposure to books and the joy of reading could change the trajectory of a child’s life. He also actively worked to ensure that books were accessible to children in underserved communities.
In addition to his work with Read It Loud!, Amos was a spokesper-
son for Literacy Volunteers of America for over 20 years and wrote eight books. His notable works include: The Power in You: Ten Secret Ingredients to Inner Strength: In his 1998 debut, Amos shared his personal philosophy on life, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, resilience, and self-belief.
Man With No Name:
Turn Lemons into Lemonade: In this 1994 book, Amos recounts his journey from a high school dropout to a successful entrepreneur.
Watermelon Magic: Seeds of Wisdom, Slices of Life:) This 1996 book is a collection of motivational essays where Amos draws upon his life experiences to impart wisdom on love, work, and community.
Fans and supporters could often catch Amos spending Saturdays reading to children in the reading room of his LA cookie shop. His efforts earned him numerous accolades, including the Literacy Award from President George H.W. Bush in 1991. Through his work, writing, and public speaking, Amos emphasized the role of literacy in achieving personal and professional success.
Amos’s advocacy for literacy is particularly relevant for Black students, who are more likely than their White peers to face systemic barriers and inequities in their educational environments. He understood that literacy is not just about reading and writing; it’s about empowerment.
His life story shows how literacy is a tool for liberation and success— an example that could motivate Black students to see literacy as a pathway to greater autonomy and success.
This Week In Black History A Courier Staple
• AUGUST 28
1955—The body of Emmett Till is recovered from the Tallahatchie River near Money, Miss. The 14-year-old Chicago native had been kidnapped, tortured and murdered the previous day for allegedly whistling at a White woman. Till’s savage death became a rallying cry for the early Civil Rights Movement. Justice was never done in the case, however. The two White men responsible for his death were found not guilty by an all-White Mississippi jury. But both men—Ron Bryant and J.W. Milam—a few months later would brag in an interview with Look magazine that they indeed had killed Till.
1963—The historic March on Washington for Black rights takes place. It was the largest civil rights demonstration in American history, drawing people from throughout the nation to Washington, D.C. It was at this march that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
• AUGUST 29
1920—Jazz legend Charlie “Yardbird” Parker was born on this day in Kansas City, Mo. The saxophonist and composer was one of the leading and most influential figures of the Jazz Age.
1924—Dinah Washington is born in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Her powerful voice would enable her to become one of the most influential singers of the 20th Century. Sadly, she died of a drug overdose in 1963.
1958—Michael Jackson is born on this day in Gary, Ind. The “King of Pop” was the seventh of nine children. He died June 25, 2009, apparently after being given a powerful drug to enable him to sleep.
1962—Mal Goode becomes America’s first Black network news commentator when he begins broadcasting for ABC Television on this day in 1962.
• AUGUST 30
1800—The Gabriel Prosser-led slave rebellion is stopped before it can start because of bad weather and betrayal by two slaves who told their White masters of the impending revolt. Gabriel had meticulously planned the rebellion and organized an estimated 1,000 slaves to participate in an attack on Richmond, Va. One historian described the 24-year-old, 6’3” rebel as “a fellow of courage and intellect above his rank in life.” After the betrayal, Gabriel and 15 of his co-conspirators were hanged on Oct. 10, 1800. (Note: Most history texts refer to him as Gabriel Prosser, but, although he was a slave of Tomas Prosser, there is no indication that he ever used “Prosser” as his last name.)
1838—The first African American owned magazine, Mirror of Freedom, begins publication on this day in New York City.
1966—Prominent civil rights attorney Constance Baker Motley is confirmed to the U.S. District Court in New York. She thus became the first African American female to hold a seat on the federal bench. Motley had participated in the historic Brown v. Board of Education case which led to the desegregation of the nation’s schools. She was also an advisor to civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Motley died in September 2005.
• AUGUST 31
1935—Frank Robinson, the first African American to manage a major league baseball team, was born on this day in Beaumont, Texas. Robinson became player-manager of the Cleveland Indians in 1975. He kept the job for about a year. He became manager of the San Francisco Giants in 1980.
2002—Jazz great Lionel Hampton died on this day at the age of 94. Hampton gained international fame as a “big band” leader and for his amazing abilities playing the vibraphone.
• SEPTEMBER 1
1975—General Daniel “Chappie” James becomes the nation’s first Black four-star general and takes command of the North American Air Defense Command. The position made him a key player in the nation’s nuclear defense system. James was born in Pensacola, Fla., and died at the relatively young age of 57 in 1978.
1977—Legendary actress and Blues and Gospel singer Ethel Waters dies at the age of 80 in Chatsworth, Calif. Born in Chester, Pa., Waters became the second African American in history to be nominated for an Academy Award. For many Blacks, however, she was best known for her singing. The song which gained her the greatest popularity was the spiritual “His Eye is on the Sparrow…So I know He Watches Me.”
• SEPTEMBER 2
1766—Post-colonial era Black leader James Forten is born on this day in 1766. Little is known today, but during that period he was one of the most prominent Black men in America. Born free in Philadelphia, Pa., he became a fierce anti-slavery activist, an inventor and successful businessman. In fact, the sail-making company he founded made him one of the wealthiest Black men in the nation. Forten and AME Church founder Richard Allen organized the First Convention of Color in 1817. He went back and forth on the issue of “re-Africanization,” which called for the return of Blacks to Africa. He financially supported Paul Cuffee’s venture in the West African nation of Sierra Leone, but he later turned against the American Colonization Society and its efforts to return free American Blacks to the West African nation of Liberia. 1945—As World War II comes to an end, official records show 1,154,720 Blacks were inducted into the military services including 3,902 women. The highest ranking African American women during WWII were Majors Harriet M. West and Charity E. Adams.
• SEPTEMBER 3
1838—Frederick Douglass escapes from slavery on Maryland’s Eastern Shore using so-called “free papers” and disguising himself as a sailor. He would go on to become the most prominent anti-slavery activist and Black leader of his day. He is perhaps best remembered for his now famous 1857 quote: “If there is no struggle there is no progress…Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” Free papers were documents normally required to be in the possession of all free Blacks. But one freedom tactic employed during slavery was for a slave to somehow borrow the papers of a free Black who fit his or her general description and use the papers to escape from slavery.
1868—In an example of how briefly true freedom for Blacks lasted after slavery ended in 1865, the lower house of the Georgia legislature on this day in 1868 expelled 28 African Americans, employing a twisted argument that because they were Black they were not eligible to serve in the legislature even if they had been duly elected. Ten days later, the Georgia Senate followed suit and expelled three elected Blacks. But the U.S. Congress stepped in by refusing to seat the Georgia delegation if the Black representatives were not allowed to return to their seats.
1919—One of the nation’s first Black-owned movie companies— Lincoln Motion Pictures—releases its first full length feature film, “A Man’s Duty.” The company was owned by Noble Johnson and Clarence Brooks.
What's Stephen A. Smith thinking, questioning Kamala Harris?
Courier's Aubrey Bruce, others take issue with the ESPN TV personality
I am disturbed, no...I mean borderline cray, cray with no therapist on speed dial. I need to vent to yinz about sports journalist Stephen A Smith. Mr. Smith is now wearing another hat.
The new fedora adorning his big inner-city, hogshead cheese noggin, now qualifies him as a political pundit, or so he believes.
Smith recently asked the open question, “Kamala, why are you hiding?"
Smith, the big shot ESPN TV personality and now podcast host, said in mid-August on his podcast that he thought Kamala Harris was dodging oneon-one press interviews since she announced her candidacy for U.S. President. He said: “I’m talking to my sister here. Come on now. You’re running for the presidency of the United States of America—you got my vote—you running for the presidency of the United States of America. What you hiding for? And I mean hiding in plain sight.”
Has Stephen A. become the son that the United States Supreme Court "In-Justice" Clarence Thomas wishes he had? How soon we forget. When Donald Trump was roaming the hall of the White House
at 2 a.m., he went on a rabid tirade about Colin Kaepernick (former San Francisco 49ers QB) taking a knee to protest injustices suffered by people of color, Donald "Chump" said that anyone choosing to follow Colin Kaepernick's lead and kneel during the singing or playing of the national anthem should be fired! It has always been difficult for Trump to distinguish reality from fantasy.
By late February 2020, Donald Trump’s White House had gone more than 300 days without holding a press conference. Stephen A. did not question where Trump was hanging out. My advice to Stephen A. is to continue using his loudmouth to chase and launder jockstraps and leave the politics to the politicians. When "ultra-cheater" Bill Belichick hid under "Plymouth Rock" after being exposed for cheating during "Watergate" (I’m sorry again for my slip-ups, I meant to say "Spygate"), Stephen A. Smith didn’t ask Belichick, “Bill, why are you hiding?”
At least when former United States President, the late Richard Nixon, was exposed as being aware of a conspiracy to manipulate an election, he was forced to pay
the ultimate price of being forced to resign the presidency. On the other hand, for his violations, the evidence and tapes to confirm Spygate disappeared and Bill Belichick was "awarded" a minuscule penalty, slapped on the rear end, given some smelling salts, and instructed to “git back in there.” Oh by the way, it was the tapes that were a major piece of evidence that helped to provide
Richard Milhouse Nixon with a one-way ticket back to San Clemente, Calif., to retire and maybe to sharpen his golf game. Instead of Stephen A. questioning the whereabouts of Kamala Harris, "Stevee Boy" should be asking Bill Belichick the question, “Oh where, oh where have the Spygate tapes gone? Oh where, oh where could they be?"
Does Steevee Boy realize that by antagonizing Kamala Harris, he may be providing a subtle or not-so-subtle
endorsement of Donald J. Trump? Stephen A. makes an estimated salary of 12 million buckaroos annually, so Trump's tax cuts would truly benefit him because Smith is truly one of the wealthy. So there may be a back alley reason that Smith has released his pitbulls on VP Harris. “Nobody, the trouble I’ve seen, ha." I suggest that Stevee Boy, me and the rest of the sports scribes stick to first downs, balls and strikes, along with three-pointers, and leave the political analysis to those that do it for a living. Well, maybe except for this one time. Speaking of confidence or a lack of it, are the Atlanta Falcons and the Falcons faithful possibly experiencing buyer's remorse when it comes to the signing of QB Kirk Cousins? Recently, USA TODAY Sportswriter Jarrett Bell posted a piece titled: "For Falcons QB Kirk Cousins, the key to a crucial comeback might be confidence."
Mr. Bell writes: “Kirk Cousins sounded like a man taking nothing for granted as he navigates the path to what he believes will be a successful comeback from a torn Achilles tendon. Cousins, 35, knows that regaining confi -
dence in his right foot is a huge part of this process. 'I actually did a top 10 power ranking of people who have torn their Achilles,' Cousins shared after the first camp on Thursday. 'I took a lot of hope,' Cousins said of his research. 'A lot of people came back and led really successful lives off torn Achilles (injuries). Al Gore became vice president. So …there’s hope for me.'"
That may be true Kirk, Al Gore may have occasionally been forced to deal with a disgruntled constituent or "hanging chads." However, Mr. Gore never had to worry or fret about linebackers with names like T.J. Watt, Patrick Queen, or Alex Highsmith bearing down on him every week with a one-way ticket to take up residence at the "bone orchard." Bell goes on to point out that Cousins signed a contract with Atlanta in March 2024 worth $180 million, $100 million of that guaranteed. Bell continues by writing, “Here’s to modern medicine—and the desperation of a franchise, backed by team owner Arthur Blank’s deep pockets, that has never won a Super Bowl and hasn’t made the playoffs since 2017. For all that he’s achieved in his
career, Cousins is looking for another layer of confidence to fuel his rebound.”
I would think that Kirk Cousins would have $180 million good reasons that would boost his confidence. Now, in contrast with the Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson, Wilson is not attempting to bounce back from a physical injury. Russell Wilson is attempting to convalesce from a former head coach and possibly a team who despised him so much that they were willing to absorb millions of dollars of his guaranteed salary to get rid of him. Wilson was publicly humiliated on national TV in front of millions of fans by a coach, whose prime intent and purpose was to discombobulate, devalue, and violate him emotionally and economically. The primary goal of Denver Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton was not only to injure the confidence of Russell Wilson, but to completely obliterate Russell Wilson's positive sense of self. Now it seems like many of the Pittsburgh “Yinzers” are on a mission to finish the job.
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 Eastern Region 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
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
Dr. Michael Young
Mellon College of Science Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Associate Professor of Mathematical Sciences
Carnegie Mellon University
TALI’s Executive Leadership Academy making big impact
Godfrey Bethea, Vice President of Equity, People, and Culture, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank; Lyasha Bishop-Gaines, Executive Director, The Early Excellence Project; Donminika Brown, Chief Financial Officer, Pittsburgh Regional Transit; Brandon Grinage, SVP Regional Manager, PNC; Donny Hamilton, Gateway Project Manager, Federal Railroad Administration; Alyssa Ford Heywood, Director, Performance Management, Pittsburgh Public Schools; Joyce Howard, Business Development Manager, Innovation Works; Jason Jones, Vice President of Community Development, Dollar Bank; Rick Mason, Executive Director, The Pittsburgh Project; Danielle Mundekis, Director of Inclusion, Eck -
Tammy Sadler, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program Manager, Highmark Health/AHN; Tiffinnie Severin, Director, Enterprise Strategy, Highmark; LaShana Stokes, Chief of Staff, UPMC; Rachel Williams, Director, Content Program Management, Duolingo; Shani Yeldell, Community Relations Manager—Mentorship Academy, CNX; and Michael Young, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Associate Professor of Mathematical Science, Carnegie Mellon University.
This brings the number of Black professionals who have graduated from the Executive Leadership Academy to more than 130, since the first cohort graduated in 2019. And this doesn't count a National Executive Leadership Academy that had its
amazed by the exceptional leaders who have come through the Executive Leadership Academy, and this year is no exception," Frazier said in a TALI news release. "I am extremely impressed by this year’s graduates, and I look forward to watching them continue doing great things to enhance Pittsburgh’s corporate and civic communities."
ert Seamans; Michael Nelson, Senior Manager of Corporate Security, Duquesne Light Company; Onome Oghifobibi, Assistant Professor and Director of Community Engagement, Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; J. Nicole Rhodes, Associate Legal Counsel, University of Pittsburgh; Kelly Russell, Assistant Director/ Labor Compliance Officer, City of Pittsburgh;
RACHEL WILLIAMS CALVIN STOVALL, DR. MARGARET
own set of graduates in 2023. And it doesn't count the dozens of people who have graduated from TALI's new Emerging Leaders Program, which focuses on Black professionals who are at earlier stages in their careers. Evan Frazier, the founder of TALI and its current president and CEO, said the ELA graduates almost always receive promotions or significant additional responsibilities, making the ELA program well worth it.
“I continue to be
Individuals who want to become part of an ELA cohort are usually mid-to-senior level executives at a local company, who are then "sponsored" by that company to participate in the sixto-seven-month training/mentorship program. The cohort meets for two days each month. Among those who spoke at the July 19 graduation was 2024 cohort member Rachel Williams, who learned about the program through a co-worker, Kendra Ross, Duolingo's Head of Social Impact. Williams, Duolingo's Director, Content Program Management, went for it. But then again, why wouldn't Williams go for it? The California native starred on Stanford University's women's volleyball team, then played volleyball professionally before getting into the tech world professionally. She came to Pittsburgh from New York. She was up for the Executive Leadership Academy challenge, with a group of people she had never met before. "None. I didn't know
anyone. I didn't even know this thing existed," Williams told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview, Aug. 23. She called the experience "incredible." Williams said it felt like the cohort had become "teammates" over the course of the program. In her speech at the graduation, she was brought to tears as she discussed her experience. One day, she would be leading her team at Duolingo; the next morning, she
would be at Carnegie Mellon University, surrounded by people like her executive coach, Robert Powell, and other professionals and cohort members. "Seeing everybody in that room, bringing their experience and ambition and hope and optimism... was just incredible," Williams told the Courier. She added: "It was so wonderful and fulfilling for me to know that I've got this group of people that I didn't know at
all before, and now I'm pretty close with." Williams called the overall bonding of the group, with the speakers, professors and the executive coaches, together in concert, "really powerful and something I'm going to treasure for a very long time."
DONMINIKA BROWN
LASHANA STOKES
SHOWIN’ LOVE TO BELTZHOOVER
THE TIMELESS BAND
BEVERLY CHEATOM, LEADER OF SAVE
YOUTH, WITH ORLANDO JAMES, LEFT.
BEVERLY
AMIERAVEY BLANKENSHIP WITH NEPHEW, MI’SEIR GRACE, FROM KNOXVILLE
RANDALL ROLFSMEYER, ANTHONY LEACH AND MIKE ORME. THEIR BAND IS CALLED, “IN THE MOMENT.”
STRONGER TOGETHER
Hearn's 'Sip N' Style' event brings women across all professions together, with a splash of fashion, too
by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
One woman was a business owner. One woman was a stylist. Another woman was in tech. And another was in the corporate world.
New Pittsburgh Courier “Fab 40” honoree of the Class of 2022, Ieshia Nicole Hearn, set out to bring together women of all different adult ages, backgrounds and professions, and network with each other. In Pittsburgh, sometimes one feels like they know everybody, but in reality,
that’s not the case.
“I hand-selected the people that were there,” Hearn told the
Courier of her July 11 event, “Sip N’ Style,” at Dreamz Hair Salon in Homestead. “I was intentional. I knew that Sondra D. Hunter owned a tech company; she was able to meet some other women she didn’t know in Pittsburgh.”
Hunter owns Tech Savvy Consultants, LLC, and is the founder and CEO of the non-profit BGC (Breaking Generational Curses). Then there was Toni Nixon, not even 30 years old, at the event letting people know about her trucking dispatch company, Toni’s Dispatching, LLC. Adele Morelli made an appearance, too. She’s the owner of the longstanding Boutique La Passerelle, on Wood Street, Downtown. Hearn said she wants to dispel any myths about women not being able to work with each other, or uplift each other. The “Sip N’ Style” events are a place where “fashion and networking collide,” she said. The evening event even provided each woman with a bouquet of flowers courtesy of Serenity Bloom Floral Couture, owned by a Black woman, Brandi Taylor. It was a way of saying, “each of you women deserve your flowers,” Hearn said. About 40 women, most of whom were Black, came to the first “Sip N’ Style” event. Hearn expects more women to attend the next “Sip N’ Style”
in late October, at a location and exact date that’s yet to be determined.
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey’s office gave Hearn a proclamation making July 11, 2024, “Ieshia Inspires Day” in the City of Pittsburgh. Turns out, “7-11” isn’t just a convenience store, it’s more importantly, Hearn’s birthdate. Hearn, now 39, graduated from Oliver High School in 2003 and the HBCU Lincoln University in 2008.
Catapult Greater Pittsburgh was the lead sponsor of Hearn’s July 11 event. Other sponsors included Dreamz, The Noir Co., Boutique La Passerelle, Tay’s Creations, La Creative Eye, PAIR Charcuterie, and Dazhia Vu.
“For my next event, it will have a short fashion segment,” Hearn told the Courier, “show women how to dress to their body shapes, and how to use different items in their closet and style them differently.”
As for the first event, Hearn called it a success. “I really wanted this event to be about dispelling the narrative,” she said, “and also connect women with resources that they may not necessarily know are out there.”
TONYA HEARN, LATONYA FOSTER, KENNEDY FITZGERALD, DESIRRE HARRISON, AT THE FIRST “SIP N’ STYLE” EVENT, JULY 11, AT DREAMZ HAIR SALON IN HOMESTEAD.
MONIQUE SMITH, WITH THE NOIR COMPANY
SELENA RICHARDSON AND IESHIA NICOLE HEARN CHECK OUT THEIR PHOTO FROM PHOTOGRAPHER JASMINE LEFTWICH (JVISIONARY VISUALS)...
SHARDAY HARRIS, LATAVIA CHAPMAN AND TANEISHA ELVERHEART GETTING THEIR FLOWERS...
IESHIA NICOLE HEARN (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)
Join 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
Cedarwood Homes in West End latest
or Bakery Square, then the result is they go elsewhere—like McKees Rocks, Wilkinsburg, Wilmerding, Turtle Creek, and other places outside city limits that keep shrinking Pittsburgh's Black population.
Over the past few months, however, there have been some victories in the affordable housing crisis fight.
In April, the URA announced that it would convert two buildings in Downtown Pittsburgh to affordable housing. The two buildings are the Triangle Building (926 Liberty Avenue), and the First and Market Building (100 First Avenue). The URA said the two projects would create 108 new residential "affordable" units Downtown, 93 of which would come from the First and Market Building, which would be designated as senior housing. Fifteen units would be “affordable” in the Triangle Building.
“Downtown is the heart and soul of the entire region, and these conversion projects are a critical piece of making sure that Downtown remains that way for generations to come,” said Mayor Gainey, in a statement provided to the New Pittsburgh Courier. “Everyone who works Downtown, should have an opportunity to live Down -
town, and as we move to transform historic office space into housing, we must have affordability in mind in order to build a Downtown for all.”
In July, officials celebrated the grand opening of Cedarwood Homes, a 46-unit senior housing community in Fairywood (West End). It's on the site of the former Fairywood School. All but seven of the units are classified as "affordable," meaning the cost for each unit is based off a person's an -
nual income (80, 60 or 50 percent of the Area Median Income). There will be an onsite community building, serving as the site for financial literacy, nutrition and exercise programs, health screenings, and other support services designed specifically for seniors. There will also be walkable, park-like green spaces and ample parking. A PRT bus stop is also located in front of the property at 1862 Broadhead Fording Road.
The Cedarwood Homes property is a result of public-private partnership, meaning the URA teamed with private developer Tryko Partners to make it all happen. A nine percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credit was awarded by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and secured by Merchants Capital. Approximately $2.1 million in gap financing funding, along with 24 project-based Section 8 vouchers, were provided by the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh.
"Thanks to funding through HACP's Project-Based Voucher/Gap Financing program, the HACP is able to support these innovative affordable housing developments like Cedarwood Homes in communities across the city," HACP Executive Director Caster Binion said in a statement provided to the Courier. "With this model, we are using every tool at our discretion in order to meet the growing demand for affordable housing."
“Cedarwood Homes is a benchmark example of how we can support Pittsburgh’s most vul -
nerable seniors,” said Isaac Sassoon, Esq., senior vice president at Tryko Partners, in a statement provided to the Courier. “The response to this project is clear justification for providing quality, well-located affordable housing options as well as essential services for the city’s older lower-income residents.”
Elected officials like Mayor Gainey, City Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith, state Sen. Wayne Fontana and state Rep. Dan Deasy were also on hand to celebrate the occasion. Officials at Tryko said currently, more than 85 percent of the units are occupied.
In the affordable housing crisis fight, the aforementioned developments could be considered "wins." But Heisler, the Pittsburgh City Controller, said in early August that she felt the city should do more with the money it allots in its Housing Opportunity Fund. Heisler, in an 2022 audit released on Aug. 1, 2024, said most of the $10 million a year in the city's HOF goes to rental and first-time homebuyer assistance, but not to developing new affordable housing.
“Specifically, the URA does not appear to be using HOF money to build new housing in the most effective way possible, which should be one of our highest priorities," Heisler said on Aug. 1 following the audit release. "There’s no doubt that HOF programs are helping people in meaningful ways. But the bottom line is that we have a significant shortage of affordable housing units in the City of Pitts -
burgh. That’s been true for some time – it’s one of the biggest reasons the HOF was created in the first place – but our report suggests that this funding is not solving that problem and expanding our affordable housing supply at the scale we need.”
The URA has said to expect more announcements in the coming months about new affordable housing developments within Pittsburgh. Mayor Gainey, for one, made affordable housing a main sticking point in his campaign to become the city's leader. He celebrated in late July four three-bedroom apartments that were deemed as affordable on Bennett Street in Homewood. It's dubbed, "Benedict Dwellings," led by Tina Daniels, owner of WNT Daniels Development Group and Concrete Rose Construction. The families in the apartments come from the hookup with the non-profit Pittsburgh Scholar House, which is led by Courier "Fab 40" and "Woman of Excellence" recipient Dr. Diamonte Walker.
“Projects like this are the lifeblood of Pittsburgh’s community revitalization," Dr. Walker said. Having affordable housing "for families that are working towards a more prosperous future is something that has to be a top priority for the city and the region."
James Robert Morris, of Homewood, passed away unexpectedly at Squirrel Hill Rehab on Wightman Street, on August 19, 2023. Mr. Morris was born in Headland, Alabama, and was the son to the late Aurthur Lee Jones and Bonnie Hollis. He attended Peabody High School in East Liberty. His uncle George Hollis taught him how to box and he became a golden gloves champion, he was also a singer in an R&B band with his uncle Aurbrey Kirkland. After he met the love of his life a Librarian at Carnegie Mellon Irene Claytor- Morris (pictured far right), he became an independent contractor and gave back to the community by employing the youths from Homewood, East Liberty and Garfield to work for him so they could save money for college or live a good life by learning a trade. Mr. Morris was preceded in death by his wife Irene, son James “Jame Boy” Morris, his sisters Betty Morris and Louise Morris. He is survived by his children Lavel Claytor, Stormie Morris, Irene Marbury, Pastor John Morris, Elijah Morris, Jerome Morris and Joshua Morris, thirty grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. His uncle Aubrey Kirkland, brother’s and sister’s Sergeant Donald Morris, Kenny Morris, Melvin Morris , Bernice Alfoxe, Barbara Pendleton. James and Irene taught their children how to read from the Bible and that is a good start.
“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that EVERY IMAGINATION of the thoughts of his heart was only EVIL continually.”
- Genesis 6:5
REV. WALKER SAYS: Compare it to today, 2Timothy 3:1-4: This know also, that in the LAST DAYS perilous times shall COME. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. Without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures MORE THAN LOVERS OF GOD.
YAAKOV GOLDMAN AND ISAAC SASSOON OF TRYKO PARTNERS SPEAK WITH SISTER MARY BARBOUR ABOUT THE NEW CEDARWOOD HOMES IN THE WEST END. (PHOTO BY J.L. MARTELLO)
MOM WOULD BE PROUD!
As I said to the 150plus people in attendance at the 50th consecutive Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Celebrating Women Awards...but the first newly named “Delores J. Neal Celebrating Women Awards”..."You all may think that you had the greatest mother in the world, and understandably. But I did in fact have the greatest mother in the world!”
I echoed those feelings on Saturday, July 27, at the fabulous Riverside Landings Event Center. I was blessed to pay recognition to my mom, affectionately known by family and friends as
“Neda”...short for her middle name, Juanita. As would be the case with you and your mother, I could go on for days about the tremendous love I had for my mother and all she meant to me and countless others. But neither time nor space will allow for it. Just know that you would never meet a better God-loving Baptist woman, and if you needed anything at any time, “Neda” was your girl. AND YOU ONLY NEEDED TO HAVE SAT IN ONE SUNDAY DINNER OF CORNBREAD GREENS, YAMS, MAC & CHEESE, POTATO SALAD, FRIED CHICKEN AND EGG CUSTARD PIE TO KNOW YOU WERE IN THE FAMILY FOR “LIFE”!!!!
This year’s honorees were some of the finest women the world has known. They are... Rev. Lisa R. Richbourg, Dr. Christina A. Clark, Shelly Lavelle, Cassan -
dra L. Seth, Daina Hunter, Reneé Giles, Deanna Dias, Jeannie Hall-Har-
ris, Cheryl Jackson Giles, Camille Edmonds, Sharon Briggs, Mer-
cedes Wilson (national entrepreneur, Buffalo, New York), Jane Marra, Angela McCallister, Michele Molete, Tricia Mayo, Carmella Dearmon, Peggy Rivers and the Pittsburgh Black Nurses Association.
Our thanks go out to this year’s special guest awards presenter, Baron “BB” Flenory, Duquesne University basketball superstar, Boston Celtics draftee, and European professional player; along with special guest speakers Coach Dr. Karen Hall and political guru Jerry Chiappinelli.
Needless to say, a special thanks to our sponsors Senator Jay Costa, UPMC, Attorney Alexis Cobb, Goodrich and Geist, PC, Briggs Transportation Co., Super Bakery (in memory of the late, great Franco Harris), Councilman Khari Mosley, Mayor Pauline Calabrese, Attorney Jack Goodrich
and Associates, Frank Fuhrer Wholesale Co., Diversified Municipal Services, Judge Dwayne Woodruff, AND OF COURSE THE NEWSPAPER THAT ALWAYS SHOWS UP FOR YOU... THE NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER. And of course, we couldn’t get it done without the AGI Advisory Board and Executive Staff: Daina Hunter, Mike Booker, Warren Wilson, Ivy Tucker, Jeannie Harris, Jamie Locicero, and “Smokin' Jim” Frazier.
“BB” FLENORY, AWARDEE ANGELA MCCALLISTER AND EUROPEAN BASKETBALL STAR AND AGI VICE-PRESIDENT, WARREN WILSON.
LADIES RULE...2024 CELEBRATING WOMEN AWARDEES
SPECIAL GUEST PRESENTER, BASKETBALL LEGEND, BARON “BB” FLENORY, EDUCATOR TRICIA MAYO, AND COACH DR. KAREN HALL, GUEST SPEAKER DELORES J. NEAL AND HER BABY BOY...BILLY!
JEANNIE HALL-HARRIS IS AWARDED BY BARON FLENORY.
10 compelling benefits of digital banking
Digital banking platforms are revolutionizing the financial services industry. As technology advances, more consumers turn to online banks for their financial needs. This shift from traditional brick-and-mortar banking to digital platforms brings numerous advantages, including lower fees, better interest rates, and enhanced convenience. Find out why digital banking is becoming the preferred choice for many consumers.
• No Monthly Maintenance Fees. Digital banks typically offer accounts with no maintenance fees due to their lower operational costs, allowing you to save more.
• No ATM Fees. Many digital banks provide free access to a vast network of ATMs, eliminating traditional banks’ standard ATM fees when you use an out-of-network machine.
• Reduced Overdraft Fees. Digital banks often have more lenient overdraft protection programs, waiving or reducing fees associated with overdrawing your account.
Better Interest Rates
• Higher Savings Account Rates. Digital banks generally offer higher interest rates on savings accounts than traditional banks, helping your savings grow faster.
• Lower Loan Rates. Digital banks often provide lower interest rates on personal loans, mortgages, and other credit products, making borrowing more affordable.
Enhanced Convenience
• 24/7 Account Access. With digital
banking, you can access your accounts and perform transactions anytime, anywhere, without waiting for the bank to open.
• Online Bill Payments. You can easily manage all your bills from a single platform, setting up automatic payments and scheduling future payments to ensure you never miss a due date.
• Mobile Check Deposits. Deposit checks directly through your smartphone by taking a photo, saving you a trip to the bank. Advanced Financial Tools
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fer built-in budgeting tools to help you track spending, categorize expenses, and set savings goals, providing valuable insights into your financial habits.
• Financial Planning Resources. From retirement calculators to investment advice, digital banking platforms include resources to help you plan for the future and make informed financial decisions.
• Personalized Alerts. Stay on top of your finances with notifications for low balances, large transactions, and upcoming bill payments. These help you avoid fees and stay in control.
Enhanced Security
• Advanced Security Measures. Digital banks prioritize security with features like two-factor authentication, biometric verification, and real-time fraud monitoring to protect against unauthorized access and fraud.
• Instant Fraud Alerts. If suspicious activity is detected, digital banks provide instant alerts, allowing you to secure your account immediately. Innovation and Technology
• Seamless Integration with Financial Apps. Digital banking platforms integrate with various financial apps, offering a comprehensive view of your financial health.
• Peer-to-Peer Payments. With peer-to-peer payment services, you can easily send money to friends and family, making transactions quick and convenient.
• Cryptocurrency Trading. Some digital banks offer cryptocurrency trading services, allowing customers to buy, sell, and hold digital currencies within their banking app. Accessibility and Inclusion
• Serving Underserved Communities. Digital banks reach underserved communities, providing essential financial services to those who may lack access to traditional banking.
• No Minimum Balance Requirements. Many digital banks eliminate the need to maintain a minimum balance, making banking more accessible to individuals with lower funds. Customer Support
• 24/7 Customer Service. Digital banks offer round-the-clock customer
Breaking down the NAR Settlement: What buyers and sellers need to know
Trending in the financial press is the fact that effective August 17, 2024, there are new rules revolving around Realtors Commission. These new rules are the result of a class action lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors (NAR). These suits were filed on behalf of home sellers and buyers, claiming that the NAR and several major brokerages conspired to maintain high commissions through anti-competitive practices.
The lawsuit and subsequent changes involving the NAR stemmed from concerns over the transparency and fairness of real estate commission practices. The core of the legal action focused on allegations that the existing system for broker commissions was anti-competitive and artificially inflated costs for consumers. Specifically, the lawsuits argued that the traditional practice of sellers offering a commission to buyer agents, which is then baked into the home price, created a lack of clarity and competition regarding who pays for those services and how much they cost.
Key Issues Leading to the Lawsuit: Commission Structure: Traditionally, home sellers set aside a portion of the home sale price as commission for both the seller’s and buyer’s agents. Critics argued that this practice led to inflated costs because buyers were often unaware of the exact compensation being paid to
their agent, resulting in less competitive pricing
Antitrust Concerns: Several class-action lawsuits claimed that NAR and major real estate brokerages conspired to keep buyer agent commissions high by enforcing rules that made it difficult for consumers to negotiate or understand these fees. This was seen as a violation of antitrust laws, which are designed to prevent collusion and promote fair competition. Lack of Transparency: The lawsuits emphasized that the traditional system hid the true cost of buyer representation, with commissions often being set without the buyer’s full knowledge or consent. Settlement Outcomes and Rule Changes: In response to these legal pressures, NAR agreed to a settlement that included the following major changes: Key Changes for Home Sellers: Compensation Choices: Sellers can still choose to offer compensation to buyer brokers.
Disclosure Requirements: Agents must disclose compensation agreements in writing and obtain seller approval. Changes to MLS Listings: Compensation offers can no longer be shared via MLS; but can be shared on alternative platforms like social media.
Buyer Concessions: Sellers can still offer concessions for closing costs on the MLS.
Implementation Date: Changes take effect on August 17.
What Remains Unchanged:
Realtors are still ethically obligated to act in the best interest of sellers. Compensation remains fully negotiable.
Sellers have a range of choices when working with their agents.
Key Changes for Homebuyers: Requirement for a written agreement before home tours.
Key Components of the Agreement
Regarding Compensation: Specific disclosure of compensation amount. Objective, non-open-ended compensation.
Agent’s compensation capped at the agreed amount. Clear statement that commissions are negotiable.
Other Key Changes:
Applicability to both in-person and virtual tours. No agreement needed for casual inquiries or open house discussions. Sellers may still offer compensation, but it won’t be shared on MLS.
What Remains Unchanged: Realtors are ethically obligated to prioritize clients’ interests. Compensation is fully negotiable, with clear communication encouraged. Buyers retain the freedom to explore various options with their agents.
Implementation Date: The changes go into effect on August 17. These updates aim to empower homebuyers with clearer choices and ensure transparency in compensation practices. An article appearing in “USA Today” titled, “Residential real estate was confronting a racist past. Then came the commission lawsuits” stated the following: “By decoupling the commission paid to buyer brokers from seller proceeds, the landmark class-action lawsuits brought against NAR and other large national
(CREDIT: PHOTO: FIZKES VIA 12RF)
(CREDIT: PHOTO: INSJOY VIA 123RF)
Sponsored by JPMorganChase
Black small business owners more optimistic
by JPMorgan Chase
Despite continuing concerns about inflation and economic uncertainty, Black small business owners are more optimistic about 2024 compared to small business owners overall, according to JPMorgan Chase’s 2024 Business Leaders Outlook survey.
Optimism this year starts at home, with Black (77 percent) small business owners more positive about the outlook for their own businesses, compared to all small business owners surveyed (69 percent). Those high hopes are figuring into their 2024 projections—80 percent of Black small business owners expect substantial increases in revenue and sales compared to 69 percent of small business owners overall.
“We’re seeing that diverse small business owners are ready to hit the accelerator on growth in 2024 in order to reach their goals,” said Mikal Quarles, Head of Community Business Strategies for Chase Business Banking. “It’s all about access, whether that’s access to capital or opportunity. Through programs like our complimentary one-on-one coaching or Special Purpose Credit Program, diverse entrepreneurs gain access to resources that help get their small businesses to the next level.”
Here are the survey’s top 5 takeaways:
1. It’s going to be a good year
In addition to expressing confidence in their
own businesses, more than half (51 percent) of Black small business owners expressed optimism about the state of the national economy, compared to 43 percent total small business owners, and 68 percent are more optimistic about their industry’s performance compared to 63 percent total small business owners surveyed.
2. Increasing credit needs
More than half of Black small business owners (52 percent) believe their credit needs will increase this year, com -
pared to 45 percent of small business owners overall. Additionally 57 percent Black small business owners surveyed expect capital expenditures to increase this year, compared to 48 percent total small business owners surveyed.
3. Inflation is top concern, but not a roadblock
Business owners are still cautious about the state of the economy, with Black small business owners citing inflation (44 percent), growing sales/revenues (23 percent) and rising
taxes (22 percent) as the biggest challenges they expect in 2024. They are also more confident and most likely to hit the accelerator in the face of inflation this year.
4. Customers are the top priority Among the priorities for Black small business owners this year, adding new customers (53 percent) topped the list, followed by retaining current customers (44 percent). Additional priorities include starting to use artificial intelligence/AI (37 percent), reducing debt (30 percent) and increasing/im -
proving employee benefits (30 percent).
5. Focusing on health and wellness 2024 is all about getting your health and wellness in check. Black small businesses are most likely to implement mental health days (42 percent), also citing increased awareness and education (39 percent) and added stress relieving activities in the workplace (38 percent) as mental health strategies for the year. Things are looking up this year. While all small business owners
surveyed were more upbeat about the economy and less worried about a recession compared to this time last year, Black, Hispanic and Latino small business owners expressed the most confidence about the national economy, the performance of their respective industries and their companies’ strength. For more information on JPMorgan Chase’s Business Leaders Outlook survey, visit jpmorgan.com/insights/ outlook/business-leaders-outlook.
service via chat, email, or phone, ensuring you can get help whenever needed.
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• Reduced Carbon
Footprint. With fewer physical branches and less reliance on paper, digital banks help reduce the overall carbon footprint associated with traditional banking. User-Friendly Experience
• Intuitive Interfaces. Digital banking apps are designed with user experience in mind, offering easy-to-navigate interfaces for straightforward financial management.
• Customizable Dashboard. Personalize your banking experience by customizing your dashboard to show the information and features
that are most important to you.
Digital banking platforms are reshaping how we manage our finances, offering numerous benefits that make them an attractive alternative to traditional banks.
As technology continues to evolve, the advantages of digital banking are likely to expand, further solidifying its place as the future of banking. By embracing digital banking, consumers can enjoy a more cost-effective, efficient, and convenient way to manage their financial affairs.
brokerages on behalf of consumers have unintended consequences.”
The concern: Black buyers, who often come to the house hunt with the deck stacked against them, will be further disadvantaged by having to pay more money out of pocket for an agent to represent them—or will choose to go without representation in a transaction that’s expensive, confusing and laden with unfamiliar pain points.
The “USA Today” article argues that legal challenges to current commission structures, while aiming to reduce costs for buyers, could inadvertently exacerbate existing racial inequities by making it harder for Black homebuyers to compete in the market.
Key Topics Discussed: Historical context of racism in real estate: Redlining, discriminatory lending practices, and housing segregation have contributed to the wealth gap and limited access to homeownership for Black Americans.
Barriers for Black homebuyers: Limited access to credit, higher
mortgage rates, and affordability issues disproportionately impact Black buyers.
Impact of commission lawsuits: Potential for higher costs for buyers, which could disproportionately affect marginalized communities, and a potential reduction in incentives for agents to represent buyers with lower budgets, further disadvantage Black homebuyers. Expert analysis and
concerns: Potential for systemic racism to worsen if the market shifts in favor of wealthier, predominantly White buyers. Efforts to address inequity: Initiatives aimed at addressing racial inequities in homeownership, including policy proposals and community-driven efforts.
Future outlook and reforms: Importance of balancing market changes with the need for racial
justice, and the need for legal and market changes to promote equity and inclusivity in homeownership. Call to action: Stakeholders must prioritize equitable access to homeownership, especially for communities historically marginalized by the real estate industry.
I spoke to Janeen Shackelford, a high school friend and a veteran realtor with Brokers Realty Group, based in Youngstown. I
asked Janeen the follow-
ing:
“From a practical standpoint, other than more paperwork, how has this impacted your business?
Are sellers still paying the whole fee? Has the fee being charged been reduced?
Are buyers now paying a fee? If so, how much?”
Here’s her response:
“It’s too early to tell, but the new rules are designed to weed out the tire kickers and attract serious
buyers. Now, you can’t see a property without a signed Buyer Agency Agreement, unless it’s at an open house.
“I’m seeing more wholesalers trying to get away with not paying buyer’s agents. That’s just not going to work—who works for free?
“If a seller doesn’t offer compensation, it’ll take longer to sell. And buyers will have to make up the difference between what the seller offers and their agent’s commission. People just don’t understand how real estate agents are compensated. We’re not salaried, we’re self-employed and we set our own rates. The average commission is 7 percent, split between the buyer and seller agents. We pay for everything ourselves: gas, car maintenance, insurance, marketing, everything. We only get paid when a property closes. So, if we’re not getting paid, we’re not working.”
(Damon Carr, Money
or
Guest Editorial
Trump’s disrespect of intelligent, strong Black women
Former President Donald J. Trump does not respect intelligent, strong Black women. Such distaste for strong Black women was evident during a recent appearance at the annual meeting of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) in Chicago, Illinois.
As soon as he walked on stage, Trump was condescending and insulting. When ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott posed the first question, asking why Black people should support his second candidacy for the White House based on past comments of Black leaders, support of January 6, 2021, questioning of former President Barack Obama’s birthplace, rioters, and diversity hiring, he immediately went on the attack.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been asked a question in such a horrible manner,” Trump said. “You don’t even say, ‘Hello, how are you?’ Are you with ABC? Because I think they are a fake news network.”
Never mind that Scott, an intelligent, strong Black Woman, greeted him with a handshake, and said, “President Trump, so happy to see you,” and followed up with, “Mr. President, we so appreciate you giving us an hour of your time,” before posing her first question.
At a 2018 press conference, Trump did not like a question from reporter April Ryan, an intelligent, strong, Black woman, in the White House Briefing Room, resulting in him telling her to “sit down,” later calling her “nasty” and a “loser.” What was Ryan’s alleged crime? Questioning Trump about voter suppression.
During his appearance at NABJ and subsequently, particularly since she became the presumptive and now official Democratic nominee for President, Trump has lobbed offensive insults at Vice President Kamala Harris. At NABJ, he opined Harris “happened to turn Black” a few years ago, continuing “all of a sudden, she made a turn” in her identity.
Since his appearance in Chicago, he has publicly called Vice President Harris an expletive on a golf course, as well as “stupid” and a “loser.” In addition, close aides have reported that he often privately refers to Harris as a “bi**h.” Harris, the first female and the first Black and South Asian vice president of the United States, is an intelligent, strong, Black woman. What Trump is incapable of comprehending is that he is not the first White man to question the value and intelligence of Black women. Before he did so with Harris, Scott, and Ryan, there were White men challenging strong Black women such as Sojourner Truth, Dorothy Height, Fannie Lou Hammer, Shirley Chisholm, Betty Shabazz, Coretta Scott King, and countless others.
Harris, Scott, and Ryan stand on the shoulders of Truth, Height, Hammer, Chisholm, King, and other intelligent, strong Black women. Intelligent, strong Black women will always be a threat to Donald J. Trump. And much to the former president’s chagrin, the intelligent, strong Black woman that is Vice President Harris will certainly not ease any of those insecurities.
(Reprinted from the Washington Informer)
(TriceEdneyWire.com)—During the past week, many of us were glued to our televisions. The National Democratic Convention was going on in Chicago. There was a lot of laughter. There were a lot of tears—but they weren’t sad tears. They were happy tears coming from men and from women. Some were from Blacks, Whites, Asians, Indians, Hispanics, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents.
Everything there was about KAMALA HARRIS and TIM WALZ!
I could end this article with those two names, but there is a lot more to tell. Like many, I think I heard lots of speeches telling us who these two people really are and why they should become our President and next Vice-President.
I just couldn’t get enough of the joy I was witnessing. Speaker after speaker were showing their love, pride, respect, happiness and their anticipation about what would happen next. Yes we cried a lot. We laughed a lot.
We Black women thought such a day would never come but there it was! We cried as we remembered what our ancestors went through to get us to this day—and we remembered what our dads went through, too, but as Malcolm said, Black women still are the most disrespected women in the world—and one of us is about to become President of the United States of Ameri-
ca! It’s been a long time coming but it’s so close now we can feel it!
Each speaker told us a bit more than we already knew about Kamala and why she is destined to become our next President. Speaker after speaker told us about how she has always fought for others who could not speak for themselves. We were even told about the scar she still carries from protecting a little girl when she was a child.
We laughed and we cried because we were happy about being so near to having a twofer. Barack Obama was our first Black brother, but we are about to have our first Black sister and the first woman period! Michelle Obama had already reminded Trump that he should remember that the job he is seeking just might be one of those Black jobs he’s been talking about!
President Joe Biden, Democrats, Independents and even a good number of Republicans gave us a respectful number of reasons why we should vote to make Kamala our next President.
Night after night we saw tru-
ly happy people. Stevie Wonder performed his magic. John Legend, Sheila E and others made us want to dance whether we in the convention center or sitting at home just watching everything. Rev. Al Sharpton came on and made us feel good come rain or shine. He told us about Trump—a man he has known for a long time who just wanted to get ahead for himself but not for others, and how Kamala consistently works to help those in need. He said we are gonna do a job on those who’ve done a job on us! He talked about the things for which we have worked so hard and we won’t go back! At that point, the crowd was cheering with “We won’t go back!”
Those were not just Black people. White women were just as loud— especially when the words freedom and choice for women to be able to decide what to do with their own bodies! Others were cheering for reasons we may never know.
More than once we heard “If we stay together and vote together, joy will come in the morning.” I was pleased that he referred to Rev. Jesse Jackson as his mentor, for it was Rev. Jackson who taught so many the importance of getting registered and voting in every election.
A group of Black men said, “We are going to usher Kamala Harris into the White House on November 5th, and what a joy that will be!
CHICAGO, Illinois—(TriceEdneyWire.com)—The big news of this year’s Democratic Convention is, of course, the nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris and the drama surrounding her nomination. The kinetic energy of the nomination and the convention are part of the story. From the convention floor on August 19, I can testify to the energy, the happiness, the joy from those assembled. After the last words were spoken, people hung out for more than an hour, full of praise for President Biden and the other speakers.
The surprise visit by Vice President Harris (it wasn’t on the official agenda) wowed the crowd, but there were lots of wow moments on the exuberant first night of this historic convention. Rousing words from Congressional representatives including James Clyburn (NC), Jamie Raskin (MD), Jasmine Crockett (TX), and Senators Raphael Warnock (GA) and Chris Coons (DE) heaped praised on both President Biden and Vice President Harris. But even before Convention Chair Minyon opened the convention, some on-the-floor pre-convention activities were meaningful and historic.
Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson was lifted and celebrated on the convention floor. The wheelchair bound civil rights leader and former Presidential candidate whose once-rousing rhetoric energized the Democratic in 1984, was present to receive his flowers from his many friends and admires in the Democratic Party. The Monday celebration came on the heels of a Sunday evening celebration at the Rainbow PUSH headquarters in Chicago’s South Side where Rev. Jackson’s storied history was
reviewed and revered by friends and colleagues like Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA), Senator Bernie Sanders (VT), Rev. Al Sharpton and others. Hosted by the Nation Magazine’s John Nicols, the two-hour celebration was a reminder of Rev. Jackson’s political history.
Rev. Jackson’s impact on the Democratic Party is undeniable. First, he challenged the status quo by running for President without having been elected to political office. People, including establishment Black elected public officials actively discouraged him and even ridiculed his attempt. He ran anyway and based on the number of electoral votes he amassed, became a powerful influence in the Democratic Party. From that perch, he was entitled to representation on party committees including Rules, Platform, and Credentials. The Rules committee changed the way Electoral votes are divides, shifting from a winner-take-all system to a proportional distribution of votes.
Given that altered formula, Democratic party candidates were able to amass delegates to the convention more fairly. This rules change has helped every candidate, winner or loser, in their race and made the party both more diverse and more competitive.
Jackson’s legacy is his Rainbow Coalition, his method of bringing people together whose similarities dwarf their differences. The Rain-
bow principles are those of social, political and economic justice, and justice includes voting justice.
His voter registration efforts were game-changing, and his line “the same hands that picked peaches can pick Presidents”, continues to inspire, spawning organizations like The National Coalition for Black Civic Participation, Black Votes Matter, and others.
The voter registration and participation may be more important now than ever, with Republican nation-wide aggressive efforts for suppress the vote. According to Barbara Arnwine, founder and President of the Transformative Justice Coalition, there have been 291 voter suppression laws in 40 states passed in the past four years, with 6 states passing 7 additional restrictive laws just this year. On the positive side, eleven states have passed fourteen laws that protect the right to vote. Arnwine, who is part of the Rainbow Coalition’s leadership, is passionate about election protection and is among the many who has benefitted from Rev. Jackson’s mentorship.
The Chicago convention is focused on the future, and it was delightful to see the future showcased highlighted with speeches from under-40 Congressional stars like AOC (NY) and Jasmine Crockett (TX). The Sankofa symbol means “go back and get it”. In giving Rev. Jackson his flowers, we’ve gone back to get elements of his leadership, fire, and focus. Democrats will move forward with Kamala Harris, but we’ve also got to go back to our basics. (Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist and author based in Washington, D.C.)
CHICAGO—A few weeks ago, Democrats were a divided party headed toward a potentially explosive convention in Chicago. Today, those fears are gone, as Kamala Harris has united the party and concluded one of the most successful conventions in American political history.
Democrats came into Chicago haunted by three ghosts: 1968, 2000, and 2016, and Kamala Harris banished all of them.
When we fight, we win.
The ghost of 1968 was the haunting reminder of Chicago, where antiwar demonstrators took over the streets to protest the war in Vietnam.
The ghost of 2000 was when the last incumbent Democratic vice president, Al Gore, tried and failed to follow a president into the White House.
And the ghost of 2016 was when the last woman, Hillary Clinton, tried to break the glass ceiling to the presidency.
Kamala Harris looked all three of those ghosts in the face and busted them.
This was not 1968. Harris addressed the war in Gaza head on in her convention speech, refusing
to run away from the most divisive internal issue in the party today. This was not 2000. Harris acknowledged and thanked President Biden but laid out her own hopeful, optimistic vision for America based on freedom. And this was not 2016. Harris did not dwell on her history-making campaign as a woman. She introduced herself to America in a relatable convention speech, but then told the country how she plans to focus on us and not on her.
It was not only a contrast to the self-centered Trump campaign but a refreshing reminder that Democrats can win if they stay on offense instead of defense. Harris refused to be defensive on Gaza or the border, as she laid out a strong vision of American power as a force for good in the world that can positively reflect our values.
The former district attorney pros-
ecuted the case against convicted felon Donald Trump and forced Americans to use their common sense. As she shared the story of how she had to introduce herself in the courtroom, “Kamala Harris, for the people,” she told America that she had spent her career with only one client: the people. While Trump, on the other hand, had spent his life focused only on himself.
In a night that also featured the Exonerated Central Park Five, no serious African American could watch Harris compared to Trump’s long-winded, rambling Milwaukee speech and conclude that he was the better candidate. She even brought out her adorable grand nieces to teach Americans how to say her name. Comma —LA. By nominating Kamala Harris, Democrats have busted the ghosts of the past and embraced a new future that recognizes their strength. Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come, and this week Kamala Harris proved that her time had come. As she always says, when we fight, we win. (Keith Boykin is a New York Times–bestselling author, TV and film producer, and former CNN political commentator.)
E. Faye Williams, Esq.
Julianne Malveaux Commentary
Keith Boykin
Breaking the glass ceiling in November
(TriceEdneyWire.com)—People can be pleasantly unpredictable at times, so our politics is equally unpredictable. As a U.S. Senator, Kamala Harris was seen as a rising star and viewed as the possible future of the Democratic Party. In January 2019, Harris launched her first presidential bid before a crowd of 20,000 supporters in Oakland, California. After 310 days of campaigning, she dropped out of the race while polling at 4 percent. Compare that to 2024, where President Biden makes an unpredictable move by dropping out of the race for reelection. He then endorses his vice president to be the party’s presidential nominee. Just 32 days after Biden stepped aside, Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepted the Democratic nomination in Chicago. Once again, she is seen as the future of the Democratic Party. Donald Trump and the Republicans definitely did not expect a re-energized Democratic Party after the struggling performance by Joe Biden in the presidential debate. Neither did most Democrats. History was made with Harris becoming the first woman of Black and South Asian heritage to accept the party’s nomination. On the night of Harris’ acceptance speech, many women delegates wore white to honor the suffrage movement, the movement that culminated with American women securing the right to vote in 1920.
David W. Marshall Commentary
It’s time for America to prepare for a female president and Commander-in-Chief. We are not voting for Kamala Harris just because she is Black or a woman. We are voting for her because, unlike her 2019 campaign, she is now electable. We are voting for her because she is the best candidate to bring optimism, inclusion, bipartisanship, enthusiasm, hope, joy, inspiration, unity, patriotism, and energy to a nation that has grown weary of the dark MAGA movement. We are voting for Harris because she represents a fresh generational shift for a nation looking for “new blood” and fresh ideas. The fact that Harris is Black and a woman is a bonus because her victory in November will also represent a resounding victory in the nation’s culture wars. “From the courthouse to the White House,” Harris said, fighting for the people “has been my life’s work.” We are voting for her because she is a conscience-driven public servant who fought hard for people in many ways. For those who may struggle with Harris being a trailblazing woman, I suggest they consider Francis Perkins.
There are many individuals throughout history who were considered great Americans. Some of these patriots and their legacies will never be forgotten. There are those, such as Harry Truman, who were not fully appreciated during their era, but over time, they were given due credit for their dedicated service.
Francis Perkins is unique. Her name will never be well-known, but every American today lives her legacy. Perkins was a great American, not because she simply pushed through a political agenda. She is great due to the lives saved through regulations she developed regarding worker safety.
She allowed the elderly to live with some degree of dignity. She gave children their childhoods back by helping to abolish child exploitation and child labor. Not only was she a great American, but she was also a great woman. She was a voice for the working class. She became a quiet legend in history who overcame gender bias in a male-dominated society. By doing so, she broke the glass ceiling, making it easier for future women to have opportunities in the federal government.
The United States Department of Labor headquarters building in Washington D.C. rightfully bears her name—the Francis Perkins Building. While the average person may not know her by name, they definitely know her policies. Francis Perkins became the first woman to hold a cabinet position when she was appointed Secretary of Labor in the Franklin Roosevelt administration, a position she held for 12 years. She was the driving force behind the Social Security Act of 1935 and was responsible for drafting the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. Through her efforts, the U.S. established the minimum wage, overtime, pensions for the elderly, unemployment insurance, eliminating child labor, and regulating worker safety. She defined the 40-hour work week, which remains a part of today’s work standards. In other words, if you are a man or woman who at any time received workman’s compensation insurance or have weekends off from work, you should thank the woman trailblazer who devoted her career to improving working conditions for Americans.
In her words, she believed, “Poverty was preventable, destructive, wasteful and demoralizing. In the midst of potential plenty, it is morally unacceptable in a Christian and democratic society. Because the poor are people with hopes, fears, virtues and fellow citizens…” Francis Perkins and Kamala Harris are conscience-driven public servants with the future always in mind. Perkins and future Americans benefitted by having the White House, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives controlled by the Democratic Party. In November, give the Democrats the federal government trifecta, and let’s see what our future holds.
(David W. Marshall
The difference between achievement tests and aptitude tests is that achievement tests measure what students have learned, whereas aptitude tests evaluate their potential to learn.
It’s self-explanatory, right?
According to Livia Gershon’s essay A Short History of Standardized Tests (2015), the earliest widely adopted standardized school tests were aimed at measuring aptitude rather than achievement. Testing aimed to discover talented students and avoid wasting resources on ‘slow children.’ This coincided with the rise of academic tracking to set students on a career path that was appropriate for them. In the 1960s, the federal government began promoting new achievement tests to evaluate educational methods and schools. The importance of those assessments rose over the decades as the globalizing economy focused attention on schools’ ability to produce qualified workers.
Gershon suggested another reason for achievement tests that wasn’t self-explanatory: to evaluate teaching techniques and school effectiveness.
Chalkbeat Chicago reported two months ago that Chicago public schools’ performance on state tests had returned to pre-pandemic levels. The only problem is that the pre-pandemic level was not particularly impressive. This year, 31 percent of Chicago’s public elementary school students were proficient in reading, up from 26 percent in 2023 and 28 percent in 2019 before the COVID pandemic. Clearly, those who criticize Chicago’s public schools point to the 31 percent reading proficiency on standardized tests as evidence of the school system’s general failure. Recently, the President of the Chicago Teachers Union, a Black woman, was asked to reply to this criticism. The real problem, she said, was measuring student achievement through testing. She claimed that the eugenics movement, which held that Black people were inferior to non-Black people, gave rise to standardized testing, which she characterized as
Achievement test and junk excuses for failure Chicago convention
(TriceEdneyWire.com)—The modern civil rights movement hit a new peak last week in Illinois. It marked the movement coming full circle, in a way, back to the state of its birth more than a century ago. Illinois is the unsung “alpha and omega” of the movement. It was the 1908 Springfield, IL Race Riot that sparked the creation of the NAACP. That marked the beginning of what would become the modern civil rights movement that evolved through the 1950s and 60s and is still evolving today.
And last week, Illinois hosted the nomination by one of America’s major parties of a candidate for president who has broken barriers her entire career … who comes from a family of bold civil rights activists … who could be our first woman president, our first president of Asian descent, and only our second Black president.
If Springfield was the civil rights movement’s “alpha,” then this year’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago and Kamala Harris’s campaign are, to date, its “omega.” Barely more than a month ago nobody knew this was going to be Harris’s convention. Yet the history of the civil rights movement makes poetry of the fact she accepted her party’s nomination in Illinois.
The city of Chicago itself has played a crucial role in this history. In the wake of the Springfield Riot, the anti-lynching crusader and Chicagoan Ida B. Wells-Barnett was a leading national voice against that racial violence and one of the original cofounders, six months later, of the NAACP. And Chicago played host to a key civil rights moment featuring another NAACP cofounder, W.E.B. Du Bois.
In 1929, it was where Du Bois dispatched White supremacist Lothrop Stoddard’s toxic eugenics claptrap, arguing for racial equality in what was billed at the time as “one of the greatest debates ever held.”
The last two months have been filled with trauma, continued police violence against Black women and a history-making event. Specifically, Vice President Kamala Harris became the first Black and Asian American woman to accept a major party’s nomination for president. In my previous column in July 2024, I mentioned how, as a Black woman, this was a circus of emotions for me. I was sad, angry, disappointed and hopeful. In the beginning it can seem exciting. However, it’s crucial that we transition away from the pep rally phase. Avoid romanticizing representation in politics and be mindful of the potential pitfalls that may arise from internalizing White supremacy. This is especially true for Black people in the present moment. A time filled with continued examples of injustice, racism, promises of representation and ongoing genocides. The trauma from this can cause some Black people to quickly align with the oppressors, practice hyper-individualism and internalize White supremacy. Similar behavior has been happening for centuries and has led to common sayings such as, “don’t argue with people ancestor Harriett would of shot” or “all skin folk ain’t kinfolk.” I see this happening now with the loyalty to a two-party system that has continuously failed us, with comprising ourselves out of liberation and the lack of compassion for ongoing genocides.
J. Pharoah Doss Check It Out
junk science rooted in White supremacy. She went on to say that Black students shouldn’t be tested with an instrument created to prove their inferiority. She emphasized the significance of liberating Black students from a failing standard. Let’s disprove these statements one by one. Tests are rooted in White supremacy
The earliest record of standardized tests is from China. These examinations were used in China to select employees for bureaucratic positions. Standardized tests were not always a feature of European education. Western education drew its foundation from the classical Greek open-ended debate, eventually evaluating students through written essays. In the nineteenth century, British company managers used the Chinese standardized test approach to hire and promote employees. They implemented a uniform model to prevent favoritism, nepotism, and corruption. The industrial revolution, compulsory education laws, and increased school enrollment made subjective, open-ended assessments, like essays, ineffective. Standardized testing was a more effective method of assessing large groups of students. As a result, standardized testing expanded from Britain to the rest of Europe and eventually to the United States.
Testing is junk science
To be fair, the president of Chicago’s Teacher’s Union called standardized tests “junk science” and highlighted White supremacy because she believed these tests started with the eugenics movement. Eugenics was a progressive movement in the late nineteenth and early twenti-
eth centuries that proposed selectively breeding people with desirable hereditary features to improve the genetic quality of the human race. Because intelligence is a desirable quality, eugenicists employed IQ testing to reveal the difference between races. Because Blacks scored lower than Whites on these aptitude tests, eugenicists promoted the notion that Blacks were genetically inferior to Whites. Today, we rightly refer to eugenics as scientific racism, and many people consider testing that determines intellectual differences between races to be junk science. The President of Chicago’s Teacher Union may have had a point if the elementary school students performed poorly on aptitude tests, but the students took achievement tests, which have never been dismissed as junk science.
Released from standards
The president of Chicago’s Teacher Union asserted the need to release Black students from a standard that is designed for them to fail. However, Chalkbeat Chicago reported, “A recent study from Standford and Harvard Universities found that Chicago students have outpaced most other districts in reading growth since the pandemic. District officials have pointed to this study in recent months to bolster their argument for more state funding …Black students saw the highest increase in reading proficiency rates, with a 6-point increase compared to the previous school year—a jump from 17 percent in 2023 to 23 percent this year.” The district officials understand that these low test scores reflect more on the school’s quality than on the test itself. The district officials attribute their failure to a lack of funding for their schools. Praise for these tiny advances in reading proficiency for Chicago’s Black elementary school students exemplifies the bigotry of low expectations; nonetheless, a low expectation is still an expectation. The head of the Chicago Teachers Union has no expectations for Black students, only junk excuses for failure.
It is the home of Mayor Harold Washington and Jesse Jackson. Reverend Jackson’s presidential campaigns offered me one of my own first experiences in political organizing. I was captivated by his campaigns and led my county’s arm of Youth for Jackson when I was 14. Those Black leaders’ groundbreaking campaigns helped create a tailwind for Black candidates across the country to make history in the 1980s. Doug Wilder became the first African American elected statewide in Virginia as Lieutenant Governor in 1985. 1989 then saw Wilder become the first ever elected Black governor in the United States and David Dinkins elected the first Black mayor of New York City. I had this epiphany about Illinois’ special place in the civil rights movement right before traveling to Chicago to take part in various events held during this year’s Democratic convention. It was at the White House, of all places. I had the privilege of being in the Oval Office for President Biden’s dedication of the site of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot as our country’s newest national monument. Among the crowd were some of Illinois’ top political leaders. And one of them mentioned that Illinois currently does not have a Civil Rights Trail. I thought about that as I was walking out and a photograph on display in the Oval Office caught my eye. It was President Biden with his mother and then President-Elect Barack Obama on election night in 2008 in Chicago’s Grant Park. I remembered that night and
was immediately awash in more memories close to my heart and my sense of patriotism. I was in Springfield, IL when President Obama launched his campaign for president there in 2007. I have always remembered that campaign kickoff vividly because of its historical significance and because of how cold it was. It will be forever even more deeply ingrained in my memory because one of my crew that day who I stood with during the rally was my friend Kamala Harris, then the district attorney of San Francisco. Springfield was the home of Abraham Lincoln. When the NAACP was formed in 1909, six months after the Springfield Race Riot, it was on what would have been the Great Emancipator’s 100th birthday. Then in 2007, nearly 100 years after that, Springfield was where Illinois Senator President Obama chose to begin his presidential journey. Once again, it was that pattern of things continuing coming full circle back to Illinois in our nation’s long march towards freedom and justice. Clearly, Illinois deserves to have several Civil Rights Trail-recognized sites. Last week’s convention was one for the ages. The speeches, the optimism, the energy, and yes, the joy. It was also just the latest of Chicago’s and the state of Illinois’ immense contributions to America’s progress toward the day when the rights and dignity of all people are fully realized.
This week we celebrate Women’s Equality Day. It is the anniversary of women gaining the right to vote with the adoption of the 19th Amendment in 1920. As our country sits poised to elect its first woman as president, it is also fitting to remember that Illinois was part of the very first group of states (along with Wisconsin and Michigan on the same day) to ratify that amendment.
(Ben Jealous is the Executive Director of the Sierra Club and a Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania.)
No, I’m not just referring to the genocides in Congo and Palestine, etc. We have genocides occurring here in our communities, with environmental justice, and the institutional racism within the criminal justice system. Managing this can have a negative impact on the growth of collective consciousness, a concept developed by French sociologist Emile Durkheim. Continued exposure to racial trauma can lead to a cycle of collective unconscious regression. In this process societal norms grow worse, and this leads to mass misinformation. Next, a critical crisis occurs such as a Black person being killed by police on video, and mass activism increases. As a result, slow, superficial change and systematic pivots begin to develop. At times this can look like appointing or electing Black people to political positions and reform policies that only serve as bandits to an already broken system. This cycle repeats itself until our conscious level
starts to regress. We then become desensitized to trauma and prioritize “Whiteness” out of fear.
Other tendencies include Black people adopting group thinking and struggling with utilizing the approaches of ancestors like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Recently, I have watched the movement accuse more Black revolutionary activists of creating rifts by not aligning with the majority and disagreeing in public. I challenge this thinking and urge people to resist falling into this narrative. We can openly express disagreement based on principles. Moreover, conflict is a natural and necessary aspect of group evolution. It leads to a principled struggle and development of our collective consciousness. And no, I’m not suggesting that Black people vote for 45. However, I do acknowledge the influence of racial trauma on Black individuals who may do so. To unlearn these tendencies, we must be in collective study and community with one another. I started this column to bring issues like these to the forefront so we can acknowledge these patterns and avoid repeating the mistakes of our ancestors. And furthermore, to foster a deeper understating of our collective consciousness and make space for more revolutionary forms of organizing within the Black community.
Ben Jealous Commentary
Fawn Walker Montgomery 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 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 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. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 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, SEPTEMBER 9, 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.”
1SEPT24
OF
ATTORNEY(S) KML LAW GROUP, P.C.
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106
ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING
KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 1139 CALIFORNIA AVENUE, MCKEESPORT, PA 15131. DEED BOOK 6823, PAGE 58. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 461-D-78.
CASE NO. MG-22-000532 DEBT $92,174.60 NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) KML LAW GROUP, P.C. ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 ************************************ ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 627-1322 ******************************************* SHORT DESCRIPTION: ***************************** IN THE COMMONWEAL TH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, 18TH WARD CITY OF PITTSBURGH: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 455 DRYCOVE STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15210. DEED BOOK 17023, PAGE 232. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 33-N-154.
3SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) JADE R. JONES AKA JADE ROCHELLE JONES CASE NO. MG-24-000195
DEBT $69,612.65 *********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) KML LAW GROUP, P.C.
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 ************************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 627-1322 *******************************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, TOWNSHIP OF STOWE: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 78 HARLEM AVENUE, MCKEES ROCKS, PA 15136. DEED BOOK 17880, PAGE 265. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 73-S-2.
4SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) JOHN A. WATSON AKA JOHN ANDREW
WATSON, TRACY JO WATSON AKA TRACY 0. WATSON ******************** CASE NO. MG-23-000918
DEBT $137,849.15 ********* NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) KML LAW GROUP, P.C.
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 ************************************ ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 627-1322 ******************************************* SHORT DESCRIPTION: IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, TOWNSHIP OF WEST DEER: PARCEL ONE: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 1363-1367 LOGAN ROAD, TARENTUM, PA 15044. DEED BOOK VOLUME 12672, PAGE 269, BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 2011-G-94. PARCEL TWO: HAVING THEREON A VACANT LAND BEING KNOWN AS LOGAN ROAD, GIBSONIA, PA 15044. DEED BOOK VOLUME l 2672, PAGE 269, BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 2011-G-92.
5SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) KATHLEEN A. POWELL, CHRISTY I. POWELL, ERIC J. POWELL, WILLIAM J. POWELL ********************
CASE NO. MG-15-000481
DEBT $62,090.67
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) KML LAW GROUP, P.C.
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 ************************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 627-1322 *******************************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION: *****************************
IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, 17TH WARD CITY OF PITTSBURGH: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 138 SOUTH 19TH STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15203. DEED BOOK 13854, PAGE 575. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 12-J-289.
6SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) LINDSAY ANN KNEPSHIELD AKA LINDSAY KNEPSHIELD ********************
CASE NO. MG-24-000224
DEBT $126,331.27
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) KML LAW GROUP, P.C.
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 ************************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 627-1322 *******************************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, TOWNSHIP OF HAMPTON: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 3133 CAMBERLY DRIVE, GIBSONIA, PA 15044. DEED BOOK 17566, PAGE 424. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 1355-M-37. 7SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) JAMMIE BARNES ********************
CASE NO. MG-24-000212 *************
DEBT $151,337.07
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) KML LAW GROUP, P.C.
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 ************************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 627-1322
SHORT DESCRIPTION: ***************************** IN THE COMMONWEAL TH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, BOROUGH OF CARNEGIE: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 602 HULTON STREET, CARNEGIE, PA 15106. DEED BOOK 17766, PAGE 367. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 102-A-277.
8SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) MARK D. HUTCHIN, SHANTEL M. HUTCHIN CASE NO. MG-20-000401 ************* DEBT $86,212.03 *********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) KML LAW GROUP, P.C. *******************************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 627-1322
SHORT DESCRIPTION: IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, BOROUGH OF CASTLE SHANNON:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 3158 MAY STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15234. DEED BOOK 13217, PAGE 31. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 190-G-208.
9SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S) PLUM BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT vs DEFENDANT(S) KAREN A. TOTH ******************** CASE NO. GD-22-008010 ************* DEBT $38,340.12
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Elizabeth P. Sattler, Esquire ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 445 Fort Pitt Boulevard, Suite 503, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ************************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 412-391-0160
SHORT DESCRIPTION: *****************************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF PLUM: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING, KNOWN AS 620 TAMPICO COURT, PITTSBURGH, PA 15239. DEED BOOK 13755, PAGE 320. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 1239-K-339.
10SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S) BOROUGH OF AVALON vs DEFENDANT(S) JOSEPH MICHAEL SENOSKI ANO CAROLYN KRACHKOWSKI, KNOWN HEIRS OF, MARYANN SENOSKI, DECEASED, AND ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, EXECUTORS, ASSIGNS, AN ALL PERSONS, FIRMS, OR ASSOCIATIONS CLAIMING RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST, FROM OR UNDER MARYANN SENOSKI, DECEASED CASE NO. GD 23-013132 ************* DEBT $17,856.75 ********* NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) JOHN E. HOSA, TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C. ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C. 1500 ONE PPG PLACE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15222 ************************************ ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 412.594.3902 ******************************************* SHORT DESCRIPTION: ***************************** IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, BOROUGH OF AVALON: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 104 HARRISON AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15202, DEED BOOK VOLUME 9863, PAGE 516, BLOCK AND LOT 159-C-198
11SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S) EAST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT AND TOWNSHIP OF NORTH VERSAILLES vs DEFENDANT(S) BEN R. STUENZI, MARY LOU STUENZI AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CASE NO. GD-19-011338
DEBT $140,250.99 ********* NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) CHRISTOPHER E. VINCENT *******************************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 546 WENDEL ROAD, IRWIN, PA 15642
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 724-978-0333
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
*****************************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, TOWNSHIP OF NORTH VERSAILLES:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A COMMERCIAL BUILDING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 249 LINCOLN HIGHWAY, NORTH VERSAILLES, PA 15137. DEED BOOK 14720, PAGE 569. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 457-K-170.
12SEPT24 DEFENDANT(S)
PAGE 523. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER. 258-D-10, ALTERNATE 9946-X- 83458. 14SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) Benito Rojas, Angelica Maria Rojas ******************** CASE NO. MG-22-000256 *************
BOOK VOLUME 18949, PAGE 100. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 0305-P-00246-0000-00. 17SEPT24 DEFENDANT(S) ELIZABETH J. WISSNER CASE NO. MG-22-000889
$102,470.80
DAVIS, IN HER CAPACITY AS HEIR OF LOTTIE YATES; ELAYNE ALLEN KENNEY, IN HER CAPACITY AS HEIR OF LOTTIE YATES; UNKNOWN HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS AND ALL PERSONS, FIRMS OR ASSOCIATIONS CLAIMING RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST FROM OR UNDER LOTTIE YATES ******************** CASE NO. GD-23-010091
DEBT $48,639.22
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC *******************************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 133 GAITHER DRIVE, SUITE F MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 08054
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 855-225-6906
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 5th Ward of the City of Pittsburgh: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 751 Bryn Mawr Road Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Deed Book Volume 6151, Page 297. Block and Lot 0026-P-00020-0000-00.
23SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) GABRIELLA LAMANTIA, IN HIS CAPACITY AS HEIR OF ROY VACHINO; ANTHONY VACHINO, IN HIS CAPACITY AS HEIR OF ROY VACHINO; UNKNOWN HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, AND ALL PERSONS, FIRMS, OR ASSOCIATIONS CLAIMING RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST FROM OR UNDER ROY VACHINO ******************** CASE NO. GD-23-012301 ************* DEBT $54,702.44
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC ******************************* ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 133 GAITHER DRIVE, SUITE F MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 08054
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 855-225-6906
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Municipality of Bethel Park:
Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 3586 South Park Road Bethel Park, PA 15102. Deed Book Volume 13130, Page 12. Block and Lot 0667-A-00040-0000-00.
24SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) CLAIRE V. BORLAK, IN HER CAPACITY AS HEIR OF WILLIAM BORLAK aka WILLIAM J. BORLAK, SR.; WILLIAM J. SANGAILA-BORLAK, IN HIS CAPACITY AS HEIR OF WILLIAM BORLAK aka WILLIAM J. BORLAK, SR.; LAUREN RODRIGUES, IN HER CAPACITY AS HEIR OF WILLIAM BORLAK aka WILLIAM J. BORLAK, SR.; ALEXANDER BORLAK, IN HIS CAPACITY AS HEIR OF WILLIAM BORLAK aka WILLIAM J. BORLAK, SR.; ERIN BORLAK aka ERIN UHIG, IN HER CAPACITY AS HEIR OF WILLIAM BORLAK aka WILLIAM J. BORLAK, SR.; UNKNOWN HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS AND ALL PERSONS, FIRMS, OR ASSOCIATIONS
CLAIMING RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST FROM OR UNDER WILLIAM BORLAK aka WILLIAM J. BORLAK, SR.
CASE NO. MG-23-000573
DEBT $80,673.08
*********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S)
133 GAITHER DRIVE, SUITE F MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 08054 ************************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER:
855-225-6906 *******************************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION: *****************************
27SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) Elliot R. Goodman f/k/a Lisa Nicole McDonald and Kristina Gunnaway ******************** CASE NO. MG-24-000034 ************* DEBT $106,493.39
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Stephen M. Hladik, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) Hladik, Onorato and Federman, LLP 298 Wissahickon Avenue, North Wales, PA 19454
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 855-9521
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN:
PARCEL 1: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 3116 GARFIELD AVENUE, WEST MIFFLIN, PA 15122. DEED BOOK VOLUME 18253, PAGE 123. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 181-B-241. PARCEL 2: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A RESIDENTIAL AUXILIARY BUILDING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 3116 GARFIELD AVENUE, WEST MIFFLIN, PA 15122. DEED BOOK VOLUME 18253, PAGE 123. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 181-8-243.
28SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) Ricco Bronaugh, Alyssa Blose, David Blose, Jr., Known Heirs of the Estate of David Blose and The Unknown Heirs, Executors and/or Administrators of the Estate of David Blose, ******************** CASE NO. MG-24-000169
DEBT $20,107.54
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Kristine M. Anthou, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) Grenen & Birsic, P.C. One Gateway Center, 9th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-7650
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
*****************************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of Moon:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AS 393 CEDAR DRIVE, CORAOPOLIS, PA 15108. DEED BOOK VOLUME 13741, PAGE 370, BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 505-S-373.
29SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) Kerry D. Nieser and Patricia L. Nieser
******************** CASE NO. GD-24-004778
*************
31SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S) Elizabeth Forward School District vs DEFENDANT(S) THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF MARY JANE LORBER, DECEASED CASE NO. GD 23-011123
DEBT $13,663.31
*********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Jennifer L. Cerce, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 424 S. 27th Street, Ste. 210 Pittsburgh, PA 15203
************************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 242-4400 *******************************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of Forward:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 88 RIDGE RD., MONONGAHELA, PA 15063. DEED BOOK 5417, PAGE 545. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 2088-N-275.
32SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S) Penn Hills School District and Municipality of Penn Hills vs DEFENDANT(S) Life Mender LLC CASE NO. GD 21-010984
DEBT $17,904.24
*********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Jennifer L. Cerce, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 424 S. 27th Street, Ste. 210 Pittsburgh, PA 15203
************************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE 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 17 FRANKWOOD ROAD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15235. DEED BOOK19043, PAGE 228. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 230-R-327.
33SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S) Penn Hills School District and Municipality of Penn Hills vs DEFENDANT(S) NTUMBA L. MUTOMBO AND VICTOR JOHNATHAN AYODELE CASE NO. GD 23-006356
35SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) Eric Lege and Casey D. Lege ******************** CASE NO. MG-23-000146
DEBT $562,412.94
********* NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Gary W. Darr, Esquire McGrath McCall, P.C.
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) Four Gateway Center, Suite 1340, 444 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 ************************************ ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 412-281-4333
SHORT DESCRIPTION: ***************************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of Pine: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SIN-
PA 15236. Deed Book Volume 13276, Page 176. Block and Lot Number 389-A-110-345.
37SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) JEN LEVITZKI, KNOWN SURVIVING HEIR OF ANTONIO C. PANTELIS, JAMES PANTELIS, KNOWN SURVIVING HEIR OF ANTONIO C. PANTELIS, CHRIS PANTELIS, KNOWN SURVIVING HEIR OF ANTONIO C. PANTELIS, AND UNKNOWN SURVIVING HEIRS OF ANTONIO C. PANTELIS CASE NO. GD-22-015224 ************* DEBT $108,080.09 ********* NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) CHRISTINE L. GRAHAM, ESQUIRE *******************************
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
of
25th
a
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Coraopolis:
of
being known and numbered as 521 Jacksonia Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Deed Book Volume 13277, Page 243. Block and Lot 0023-J-00079-0000-00.
20SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) PATRICIA E. KOVACH CASE NO. MG-22-000297
$85,249.02 ********* NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) KML LAW GROUP, P.C. ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 ************************************ ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 627-1322 ******************************************* SHORT DESCRIPTION:
IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, TOWNSHIP OF NORTH VERSAILLES:
ONE: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 119 BROADWAY EXT, NORTH VERSAILLES, PA 15137. DEED BOOK VOLUME 16800, PAGE
Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 1356 4th Ave Coraopolis, PA 15108. Deed Book Volume 11855, Page 24. Block and Lot 0342-L00189-0000-00.
25SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) CHRISTOPHER MARZE ********************
CASE NO. MG-23-000699
DEBT $100,794.27 *********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 133 GAITHER DRIVE, SUITE F MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 08054 ************************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE 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 32 Julian Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15235. Deed Book Volume 9087, Page 9. Block and Lot 0368-F00217-0000-00.
26SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S) DEER LAKES SCHOOL DISTRICT vs DEFENDANT(S) MICHAEL B. FLORENTINE AND JOSEPH J. FLORENTINE, AS KNOWN HEIRS OF ALBERT M. FLORENTINE AND CHARLENE D. FLORENTINE, DECEASED AND ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ALBERT M. FLORENTINE AND CHARLENE D. FLORENTINE, DECEASED ******************** CASE NO. GD-22-012839 ************* DEBT $22,151.69
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S)
CHRISTOPHER E. VINCENT
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 546 WENDEL ROAD, IRWIN, PA 15642 ************************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 724-978-0333 *******************************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, TOWNSHIP OF WEST DEER:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 18-20 OAK
1361-M-257.
DEBT $12,850.32
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Kristine M. Anthou, Esquire
*******************************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) Grenen & Birsic, P.C. One Gateway Center, 9th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-7650 *******************************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Municipality of Penn Hills:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 419 PARKRIDGE DRIVE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15235. DBV 7207, PG 635, B/L #449-H354.
30SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) Richard E. Schofield, Jr.,
******************** CASE NO. GD-24-004774
*************
DEBT $191,247.98
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Kristine M. Anthou, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) Grenen & Birsic, P.C. One Gateway Center, 9th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-7650
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Municipality of Mt. Lebanon:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 709 PINOAK ROAD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15243. DBV 9848, PG 146, B/L #99-N-320.
DEBT $10,061.98
********* NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Jennifer L. Cerce, Esquire
*******************************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 424 S. 27th Street, Ste. 210 Pittsburgh, PA 15203
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE 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 227 JANICE DR, PITTSBURGH, PA 15235. DEED BOOK 16195, PAGE 304. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 368-S-167.
34SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S) Keystone Oaks School District vs DEFENDANT(S) The Unknown Heirs of Marie H. Schwartz, Deceased CASE NO. GD 24-000524
DEBT $21,962.35
********* NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Jennifer L. Cerce, Esquire
*******************************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 424 S. 27th Street, Ste. 210 Pittsburgh, PA 15203
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 242-4400 *******************************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Greentree: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A COMMERCIAL RESTAURANT, CAFE AND/OR BAR BUILDING, BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 2331 NOBLESTOWN ROAD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15205. DEED BOOK 5638, PAGE 363. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 39-L-356.
OF MCKEES ROCKS: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING
SONNY BOY
46SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S): Borough of Crafton Vs. DEFENDANT(S) Edward J. Rodgers, Jr. ******************** CASE NO. GD 22-015402 ************* DEBT: $2,828.64
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ************************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587 *******************************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION: *****************************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Crafton:
Having erected thereon a one story brick house known as 15 Lyons Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15205. Deed Book Volume 7824, Page 95. Block & Lot No. 69-M-32.
47SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S): Borough of Crafton Vs. DEFENDANT(S) Yalla LLC
CASE NO. GD 23-011087 ************* DEBT: $2,778.73 *********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire *******************************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Crafton:
Having erected thereon a three family, two story frame house known as 8 Harrison Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15205. Deed Book Volume 18071, Page 585. Block & Lot No. 68-D-132.
48SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny Vs. DEFENDANT(S) Equity Trust Company Custodian FBO 200344505 IRA ******************** CASE NO. GD 19-003367
DEBT: $13,214.72
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S)
525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ************************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587 *******************************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION: *****************************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Munhall:
Having erected thereon a two story industrial warehouse being known as 2007 Whitaker Way, Homestead, PA 15120. Deed Book Volume 17607, Page 578. Block & Lot No. 180-C-169.
49SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S): Woodland Hills School District Vs. DEFENDANT(S) Jacqualynn Myers ******************** CASE NO. GD 23-001636
DEBT: $9,245.75 *********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ************************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587 *******************************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of Wilkins:
Having erected thereon a two story brick house being known as 125 Lucinda Drive, Turtle Creek, PA 15145. Deed Book Volume 4292, Page 221. Block & Lot No. 373H-48.
50SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S): Borough of Ingram Vs. DEFENDANT(S) Greicon Properties Company, LLC ******************** CASE NO. GD 23-010987 ************* DEBT: $2,460.53
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire
*******************************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587
SHORT DESCRIPTION: ***************************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Ingram:
Having erected thereon a two story, two family frame house known as 7 East Prospect Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15205. Deed Book Volume 18685, Page 246. Block & Lot No. 41-N-206.
51SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S): Woodland Hills School District Vs. DEFENDANT(S) The Unknown Successor Trustee(s) of the Anna M. Reabe Revocable Trust
CASE NO. GD 23-004332 ************* DEBT: $4,538.22 ********* NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire ******************************* ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587 SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Chalfant: Having erected thereon a one story brick house being known as 125 Wilkins Avenue, East Pittsburgh, PA 15112. Deed Book Volume 11266, Page 568. Block & Lot No. 374-H-14.
52SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny Vs. DEFENDANT(S) Jay Steinitz & Shauna Tallentire
******************** CASE NO. GD 23-008530
************* DEBT: $7,047.10
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire
*******************************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
*****************************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Edgewood:
Parcel #1: Having erected thereon a two and a half story masonry frame house being known as 147 Oakview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15218. Deed Book Volume 11793, Page 185. Block & Lot No. 234E-263. Parcel #2: Being thereon vacant residential land known as 147 Oakview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15218. Deed Book Volume 11793, Page 185. Block & Lot No. 234-E262.
53SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny Vs. DEFENDANT(S) Connie S. Moreno & Victor Adolfo Moreno
******************** CASE NO. GD 22-003450
DEBT: $3,051.31
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S)
525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
************************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587
*******************************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION: *****************************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of Marshall:
Having erected thereon a two story frame house being known as 135 Short Line Lane, Wexford, PA 15090. Deed Book Volume 11542, Page 190, Block & Lot 1657M-5.
54SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny Vs.
DEFENDANT(S)
Jesus G. Velasquez & Melissa A. Velasquez
CASE NO. GD 23-013850
*************
DEBT: $5,954.80
*********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire *******************************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S)
525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of Stowe: Having erected thereon a two story brick house being known as 521 MacArthur Street, McKees Rocks, PA 15136. Deed Book Volume 13524, Page 388. Block& Lot No. 73-E-66.
56SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny, City of Pittsburgh, and School District of Pittsburgh Vs. DEFENDANT(S) Thomas P. Lonero and the United States of America ********************
CASE NO. GD 16-007455
*************
DEBT: $11,825.05
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S)
525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
************************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587 *******************************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
*****************************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, City of PittsburghWard 17.
Having erected thereon a one story frame house being known as 2601 Quarry Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15210. Deed Book Volume 13384, Page 62. Block & Lot No. 14-H-165.
57SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny Vs. DEFENDANT(S) Ashley Nemeth & Mark G. Nemeth and the United States of America
CASE NO. GD 23-005897
DEBT: $2,604.18
*********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
************************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587 *******************************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Port Vue:
Having erected thereon a two story commercial building being known as 314 Port Vue Avenue, McKeesport, PA 15133. Deed Book Volume 17800, Page 414. Block & Lot No. 465-B-112.
58SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S): Borough of Pitcairn Vs. DEFENDANT(S) Debra L. Hyatt a/k/a Debra L. Abram, with Notice to Heirs and Assigns ********************
CASE NO. GD 14-000279
DEBT: $8,966.31
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ************************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587 *******************************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION: *****************************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Pitcairn: Having erected thereon a two story brick house being known as 419 Robinson Street, Pitcairn, PA 15140. Deed Book Volume Deed Book Volume 9995, Page 365, Block & Lot 746-N-75.
59SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny Vs.
DEFENDANT(S) Darryl L. Mays, Administrator of the Estate of Clarence F. Mays, Deceased CASE NO. GD 23-005791
************* DEBT: $5,932.57
*********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire
*******************************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587
SHORT DESCRIPTION: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Municipality of Monroeville: Having erected thereon a one and one half story masonry frame house being known as 736 Patton Street Extension, Monroeville, PA 15146. Deed Book Volume 17305, Page 350. Block & Lot No. 544-R-18.
60SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) Paul J. Byzek, Executor of the Estate of Laverne M. Byzek ******************** CASE NO. GD-24-003482
DEBT: $59,044.04
*********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Kristine M. Anthou, Esquire,
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) Grenen & Birsic, P.C. One Gateway Center, 9th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
************************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-7650
SHORT DESCRIPTION: ***************************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Braddock Hills: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A MOBILE HOME DWELLING KNOWN AS 1000 GARFIELD AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15221. DEED BOOK VOLUME 11584, PAGE 093, BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 300-E-245.
61SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny VS. DEFENDANT(S) Robert C. McMunn, Jr., Known Heir or Assign of Alma M. McMunn, Deceased & The Unknown Heirs and Assigns of Alma M. McMunn, Deceased
********************
CASE NO. G.D. 21-011966
DEBT: $4,724.67
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
************************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587
*******************************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
*****************************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of Indi-
ana:
HAVING erected thereon a one story frame house being known as 391 Rich Hill Road, Cheswick, PA 15024. Deed Book Volume 6194, Page 145. Block & Lot No. 837-K-153.
62SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny VS. DEFENDANT(S) Robert Jacobs & Geraldine Jacobs
CASE NO. GD 05-020328
*************
DEBT: $5,687.12
*********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire
*******************************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587
SHORT DESCRIPTION: *****************************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Homestead:
Having erected thereon a two story brick house being known as 354 West 12th Avenue, Homestead, PA 15120. Deed Book Volume Deed Book Volume 6217, Page 557, Block & Lot 131-E-317.
63SEPT24
PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny VS. DEFENDANT(S) Joanne Ruffing
******************** CASE NO. GD 16-007378 *************
DEBT: $4,209.30
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire *******************************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ************************************ ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587
SHORT DESCRIPTION: ***************************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Glassport: Having erected thereon a two story frame house being known as 401 Euclid Avenue, Glassport PA 15045. Deed Book Volume 5384, Page 39. Block & Lot No. 467-L-155.
64SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) THERESA SEKELY INDIVIDUALLY AND AS ADMINISTRATRIX OF THE ESTATE OF MARY SEKELY, DECEASED ******************** CASE NO. MG-15-000099
DEBT: $91,555.31
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) LEON P. HALLER, ESQUIRE ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) PURCELL, KRUG
Mifflin: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 110 MAIN ENTRANCE DRIVE, WEST MIFFLIN, PA 15122. DEED BOOK VOLUME 17100, PAGE 46. BLOCK
PA 15102. Deed Book Volume 3826, Page 554. Block and Lot Number 665-N-200.
66SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) McClendon Management, LLC c/o Cortez McClendon ******************** CASE NO. GD-23-000736 ************* DEBT: $44,934.58
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Stephen M. Hladik, Esquire ******************************* ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) Hladik, Onorato and Federman, LLP 298 Wissahickon Avenue, North Wales, PA 19454
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 855-9521 *******************************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, TOWNSHIP OF NORTH VERSAILLES: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 3704 CROOKED RUN ROAD, NORTH VERSAILLES, PA 15137. DEED BOOK VOLUME 18373, PAGE 564. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 548-J-178. 67SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) NEUMAN INVESTING LLC
******************** CASE NO. GD-24-001870
************* DEBT: $380,282.30
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S)
69SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) DARNELL K. KRAMER; THE KRAMER FAMILY REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST, DATED 11-20-07; ANTHONY J. KRAMER JR. IN HIS CAPACITY AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF ANTHONY J. KRAMER, DECEASED; UNKNOWN HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, AND ALL PERSONS, FIRMS, OR ASSOCIATIONS CLAIMING RIGHT TITLE OR INTEREST FROM OR UNDER ANTHONY J. KRAMER, DECEASED CASE NO. MG-23-000998
OF ATTORNEY(S) Carolyn Treglia, Esquire
BEASLEY
CASE NO. GD 23-014333
DEBT: $13,256.89
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Jennifer L. Cerce, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 424 S. 27th Street, Ste. 210 Pittsburgh, PA 15203
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE 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 52 EVERETT ROAD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15235 A/KIA 53 TORRANCE ROAD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15235. DEED BOOK 15565, PAGE 37. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 173-S-47.
74SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) Mogul Mo Estates LLC
CASE NO. GD-24-001909
************* DEBT: $116,046.74 *********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Manley Deas Kochalski LLC
*******************************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) P. 0. Box 165028 Columbus, OH 43216-5028
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 614-220-5611
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, City of Pittsburgh, Ward 16:
Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 427 Ormsby Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15210. Document Number 2021-36737, Deed Book Volume 18659, Page 147. Block and Lot Number 0032-A-00147-0000-00.
76SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) Joyce Bozeman, as Believed Heir to the Estate of Chris A. Bozeman; Unknown Heirs of the Estate of Chris A. Bozeman; Unknown Administrators of the Estate of Chris A. Bozeman ******************** CASE NO. MG-18-000027 DEBT: $143,150.60
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Manley Deas Kochalski LLC
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) P. 0. Box 165028 Columbus, OH 43216-5028 ************************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 614-220-5611 *******************************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION: *****************************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Municipality of Penn Hills:
Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 505 Veronica Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15235. Document Number 2007-701, Deed Book Volume 13111, Page 422. Block and Lot Number 0369-L-00292-0000-00.
77SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) THERESA L. HAYS ********************
CASE NO. MG-24-000088 ************* DEBT: $12,525.85
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC *******************************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 133 GAITHER DRIVE, SUITE F MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 08054
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 855-225-6906
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 29th Ward of the City of Pittsburgh:
Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 238 Meredith St Pittsburgh, PA 15210. Deed Book Volume 11772, Page 345. Block and Lot 0060-M00298-0000-00.
78SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) Peter R. Lehrman ******************** CASE NO. MG-23-000024 ************* DEBT: $94,791.67 *********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) The Law Office of Gregory Javardian, LLC *******************************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 1310 Industrial Boulevard, 1st Floor, Suite 101, Southampton, PA 18966
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 215-942-9690
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
*****************************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Scott Township:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A ONE-STORY BRICK DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 444 ORCHARD SPRING ROAD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15220. DEED BOOK VOLUME 7158, PAGE 577. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER. 65-R-4.
COURIER CLASSIFIEDS
79SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) LYNN SCHUGAR, IN HER CAPACITY AS HEIR OF KAREN J. MURPHY-HANASIK; UNKNOWN HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, AND ALL PERSONS, FIRMS, OR ASSOCIATIONS CLAIMING RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST FROM OR UNDER KAREN J. MURPHY-HANASIK
CASE NO. GD-23-011939
*************
DEBT: $88,916.76
*********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S)
Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S)
133 GAITHER DRIVE, SUITE F MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 08054
************************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER:
855-225-6906
*******************************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of Reserve:
Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 835 Geyer Road Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Deed Book Volume 15481, Page 526. Block and Lot 0164-K00079-0000-00.
80SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) CANDACE VICARIO
CASE NO. MG-24-000078
DEBT: $34,605.00
*********
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S)
133 GAITHER DRIVE, SUITE F MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 08054
************************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER:
855-225-6906 *******************************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION: *****************************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of McKees Rocks: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 406 Grove Street McKees Rocks, PA 15136. Deed Book Volume 12608, Page 23. Block and Lot 0072-G-00195-0000-00.
81SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) Caitlin McNamee ********************
CASE NO. MG-16--000207
DEBT: $270,536.44
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) PATRICK J WESNER, ESQUIRE
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 9000 MIDLANTIC DRIVE, STE 300, PO BOX 5054, MT LAUREL, NJ 08054 ************************************
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (856) 810-5815 *******************************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION: *****************************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, and the 14th Ward of the City of Pittsburgh: HAVING currently erected thereon a single family thereon a dwelling being known as 7232 Thomas Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15208. Deed Book 13896 Page 95. Block and Lot 0175-E-00010-0000-00.
82SEPT24
DEFENDANT(S) SHAWN HOLFELDER ********************
CASE NO. MG-23-000283
DEBT: $54,744.00
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S) Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC *******************************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY(S) 133 GAITHER DRIVE, SUITE F MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 08054
ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 855-225-6906
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
*****************************
Parcel One: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of Harrison: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 6220 Freeport Road Freeport, PA 16229. Deed Book Volume 13138, Page 56. Block and Lot 2204D-00037-0000-00. Parcel Two: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of Harrison: Vacant land being known as Freeport Road Freeport, PA 16229 Deed Book Volume 13138, Page 56. Block and Lot 2395-S-00147-0000-00.
LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices
Estate of THOMAS E. WALSH, Deceased of the Township of Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, No.: 02-24-05138, John W. Henry, Executor or to Robert S. Bootay, Atty, 6 Clairton Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15236
Petition to Determine Title to 2126 Duquesne Avenue, McKeesport, PA 15132, formerly owned by Brett Fort, deceased, filed August 16, 2024 by Phoenix Nicole Moore, No. 5286 of 2024. Peter B. Lewis, Counsel, Neighborhood Legal Services, 928 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
Petition for Determination of Title to 1605 Bedford Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219. (0009-R-00142-0000-00)
Estate of CLIFTON MOSELEY SR deceased, filed by Allegra Flournoy and Clifton Moseley Jr. at No. 4373 of 2024, Orphans Court. Quinntarra Morant, Esq. Morant Law Offices, PO Box 10946, Pittsburgh, PA 15236.
Estate of ELIZABETH R. REED, deceased of 2160 Greentree Road, Apt. 104W, Pittsburgh, PA 15220, Estate No. 02-24-05110, Executrix, Mary R. Price, 2005 Noble Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15218, William C. Price, Jr. Price & Associates, P.C., 2005 Noble Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15218
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Legal Notices
Petition to Determine Title to 912 Loyal Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15210, formerly owned by Linda Marie Riley, f/k/a Linda M. Moore, deceased, filed August 16, 2024 by David Riley, No. 5285 of 2024. Peter B. Lewis, Counsel, Neighborhood Legal Services, 928 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
Petition to Determine Title to 1427 Hass Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15204, formerly owned by Alma J. Ward, deceased, filed August 16, 2024 by Carol Ward, No. 5284 of 2024. Peter B. Lewis, Counsel, Neighborhood Legal Services, 928 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
Petition to Determine Title to 302 Sherman Avenue, Homestead, PA 15120, formerly owned by Carla Wilcox, deceased, filed August 16, 2024 by Wayne G. Wilcox No. 5283 of 2024. Peter B. Lewis, Counsel, Neighborhood Legal Services, 928 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Meetings
PUBLIC NOTICE
This notice will serve as an official announcement of the SPECIAL MEETING of the Board of Trustees of the OTHER POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS TRUST FUND BOARD to be held at 200 City-County Building, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219 on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 2 p.m.
This meeting is open to the public to attend. City of Pittsburgh Department of Finance 412-255-8988
LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals
ACHA-1718, BANKING SERVICES
Allegheny County Housing Authority (ACHA) is seeking Proposals from qualified vendors to provide Banking Services, per specifications in the RFP. ACHA is now conducting all competitive solicitation on an internet -based eProcurement Housing Marketplace. ACHA is paying for all costs for the use of the Marketplace so, there will be no additional charges for your company to use the Marketplace to download documents or submit responses to ACHA.
AGENCY CONTACT PERSON: Guy Phillips, Purchasing Manager Telephone: (412)402-2435, E-mail: gphillips@achsng.com.
HOW TO OBTAIN THE RFP DOCUMENTS ON THE EPROCUREMENT MARKETPLACE:
1. Access ha.internationaleprocurement.com (no “www”) 2. Click on the “Login” button in the upper left side.
3. Follow the listed directions.
4. If you have any problems in accessing or registering on the eProcurement Marketplace, please call customer support at (866)526-9266.
PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE:
Pre-Proposal Conference: Wednesday, September 11, 2024 @ 1:00 PM ET, in the Board Room at 301 Chartiers Ave, McKees Rocks, PA 15136.
QUESTION SUBMITTAL DEADLINE Friday, September 27, 2024, 12:00 PM ET. Please use the “Question and Answer area in the eProcurement Housing Marketplace Website for all questions.
HOW TO FULLY RESPOND TO THIS RFP BY SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL:
1. As instructed within Section 3.5 of the RFP document, submit One (1) Original and Three (3) copies of your “hard copy” proposal to the Agency Administrative Office.
PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL RETURN & DEADLINE
* Monday, October 7, 2024, 2:00 PM ET 301 Chartiers Ave, McKees Rocks, PA 15136, the “hard copy” documentation must be received in-hand and time-stamped by the Agency by no later than 12:00 PM ET on this date).
The Authority encourages responses from §3 business concerns, small firms, minority firms and firms that have not previously performed work for the ACHA. The Allegheny County Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any and all submissions.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY
Frank Aggazio, Executive Director
LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals
INVITATION TO BID
The HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF BEAVER will receive sealed bids, in duplicate, until 9:00 AM (local time) on September 26, 2024 at the office of the Housing Authority of the County of Beaver, 1215 7th Avenue, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. All bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 9:30 A.M for the Fire Alarm Replacement at Morado Dwellings at Francis Farmer Apartments, Community Room, 274 Friendship Circle, Beaver, PA 15009. A fifteen percent (15 %) bid bond is required for this project. Proposed forms of contract documents, including Plans and Specifications may be obtained from the Housing Authority of the County of Beaver by first mailing $100.00 in the form of a check made payable to the HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF BEAVER, 300 State Ave, Beaver, PA 15009 for each set of documents so obtained. An additional $10.00 is required if you want it mailed. DEPOSITS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE. Plans and specifications will be available on Thursday August 29, 2024. Please call to arrange for pick-up. (724) 775-1220 ext 2022. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY and Section 3 Compliance are required. A MANDATORY Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Morado Dwellings Community Room, 4th Ave & 43rd Street, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR PROJECT-BASED VOUCHER & GAP FINANCING PROGRAM 2024 RFP #600-22-24
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Project-Based Voucher & Gap Financing Program 2024 RFP documents will be available on or about August 26, 2024 Copies of RFP documents are not available for in-person pickup. Firms interested in responding may obtain a copy of the RFP documents from the Business Opportunities Section of the HACP Website, www.hacp.org. Prospective Offerors may register as a vendor on the website and download the documents free of charge. A pre-submission meeting via audio conference will be held via Zoom on September 5, 2024 at 9:00 A.M.: https://hacp-org.zoom.us/ j/88168982868?pwd=2Cmkf Wli9owqmOHWDVZAbeb R18LOcQ.1
Meeting ID: 881 6898 2868 Passcode: 728946 Call-In: +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
The deadline for final submission of written questions is September 12, 2024 at 9:00 A.M. The deadline for submission of proposals is September 26, 2024 at 9:00 A.M. Proposals must be sent to:
Mr. Brandon Havranek –Associate Director of Procurement Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor, Procurement Department Pittsburgh, PA 15219
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing of 9:00 AM on September 26, 2024. Proposals may still be submitted electronically at the following link: https://www.dropbox.com/ request/9KCBYxuOx49n7etkW9xB and can still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE
AND
Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the
of Pittsburgh HACP
ADVERTISEMENT
Sealed proposals will be received by the Borough of Avalon of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania through the Quest Construction Data Network (QuestCDN) at www.questcdn.com until 11:00 AM prevailing time on October 4, 2024 for:
CONTRACT NO. 24-S2
2023 SANITARY SEWER OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE REPAIRS
The scope of work includes the in-trench spot repair of approximately 25 LF of 8” diameter sanitary sewer, complete manhole to manhole lining of approximately 700 LF of 8” diameter sanitary sewer, full liner repair of approximately 240 LF of 18” diameter storm sewer, reinstatement of sanitary sewer laterals, light cleaning and pre-CCTV of approximately 2,300 LF of sanitary sewer, heavy cleaning and pre-CCTV of approximately 1,100 LF of sanitary sewers, cutting and removing intruding sanitary sewer laterals, brick and bituminous roadway restoration, and all necessary appurtenances and restoration for said construction.
All bidders are required to buy the Bid Documents in PDF format for a non-refundable deposit of $125.00 from QuestCDN at www.questcdn.com using project number 9277542. Contact their Customer Support regarding membership registration, downloading and working with digital project information at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com. Any technical questions regarding the bid documents are to be directed to LSSE. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud via video conference. Interested parties may contact the Borough for access information prior to the date and time identified herein. Pennsylvania prevailing wage rates apply. Proposals must be upon the forms furnished by the Borough. The bid must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the bid, made payable to Borough of Avalon.
This project is being funded in part by a COVID-19 ARPA PA Small Water and Sewer Grant from the Department of Treasury under the administration of the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The Borough reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any informalities in the bidding. No bid may be withdrawn for ninety (90) calendar days after the scheduled time for receipt of bids. Attention is directed to the fact that procurement is subject to all requirements of the Pennsylvania “Steel Products Procurement Act, Act No. 1978-3”; and for Contract value exceeding $25,000, the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act (Act of 1961 P.L. 987), and The Public Works Employment Verification Act (July 2012) apply.
Borough of Avalon
Lorraine
Makatura, Manager
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
The Sports & Exhibition Authority will receive proposals for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems as identified below for the Authority.
The contract for this work will be with the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Request for proposals may be obtained after the date identified below from Alicia Matos; Email: procurement@pgh-sea.com; Phone number: 412-393-7106
This Advertisement applies to the following Request for Proposal:
Project: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System
RFP Available: Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Non-Mandatory
Pre-Proposal Meeting: Friday, September 6, 2024, via Teams at 10:00 AM EST Contact for meeting details
Time/Date/Location for
Submitting Proposal: Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 2:00 PM EST via email procurement@pgh-sea.com
Sports & Exhibition Authority Offices 171 10th Street 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222
PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY D.B.A. PRT
Electronic Proposals will be received online at PRT’s Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org).
Bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on September 9, 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 Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org)
1 B24-08-72A Uniforms
2 B24-08-73A Brake Drums - Coach
3 B24-08-74A Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Waste Removal
4 B24-08-75A Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
5 B24-08-76A LRV Magnetic Track Brake Suspension Parts
withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids.
A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on each of the above solicitations on August 27, 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 Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations. Contractor 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 proposal 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
The University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Data Center seeks a Senior Data Manager. This is a hybrid office-based/work-from-home position within the United States. The employee can work remotely from within the United States but must be able to work in the Pittsburgh office two (2) days per week. Responsible for designing, building and testing of complex data collection systems for clinical and/or research studies. Apply at https://www.join.pitt.edu, #24006501. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action /Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Help Wanted
DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION TRAINING
Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking a Director of Transportation Training to develop, coordinate and implement employee training, curriculum, and qualification programs for the employees that operate the bus fleet and light rail vehicles of the Port Authority of Allegheny d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT). Develop and implement applicable supervisory training and identify and coordinate skill proficiency and leadership development opportunities. Ensure activities are consistent with PRT’s short term and long-term objectives in support of bus and rail service functions
Essential Functions:
• Plans and supervises the daily activities Bus & Rail Instruction department. Oversees the Transportation department training ensuring the development and implementation of new and current employee training programs. Develops measurable performance goals and objectives, conducts performance appraisals, and monitors achievement of goals against adopted plans.
• Develops course content and method of presentation. Develops and maintains training manuals and materials. Oversees the coordination of the scheduling of classroom and on-the-job training components. Evaluates the effectiveness of training programs. Facilitate trainings and presentations on occasion.
• Manages, analyzes, interprets, and keeps abreast of applicable federal requirements (Americans with Disabilities Act) and Federal Transportation Administration (FTA), communicating changes to all staff as required.
Job requirements include:
• High school diploma or GED.
• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Learning and Development, Organizational Psychology or relevant field from an accredited college or university. Directly related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Minimum of six (6) years’ experience in training and development in transportation or technical fields.
• Minimum of four (4) years’ supervisory/ management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement employee training programs.
• Ability to obtain a valid Commercial Driver’s License, Class B with air brake restriction removed and P endorsement within 90 working days.
• Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows, Microsoft Word, and Excel.
• Effective and professional communication skills.
Preferred attributes:
• Project management experience.
• Knowledge of learning strategies, and the ability to coordinate with others.
• Proficiency in Learning Management Systems (LMS).
• Experience administrating coaching sessions and mentorship programs to establish a continuous learning culture.
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to:
Missy Ramsey Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 MRamsey@RidePRT.org EOE
ENTRY LEVEL FIREFIGHTER
The City of Altoona is now accepting applications for Entry Level Firefighters. Information and applications are available online at www.altoonapa.gov and in the Human Resources Department of City Hall at 1301 12th Street, Suite 400, Altoona, PA. Applications and applicable supporting documentation must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by Noon on Friday, September 20, 2024.
The City of Altoona is an Equal Opportunity Employer
AVALON BOROUGH POLICE CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION NOTICE
The Avalon Police Department is currently seeking candidates for Civil Service Testing. The starting salary for a full-time police officer is $75,285.60
Applications are available at the Avalon Borough Police Department, located in the rear of the Avalon Borough Building 640 California Avenue, Avalon, PA, 15202-2499
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Call 412-761-0353 with further questions.
COMPLETED APPLICATIONS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE AVALON BOROUGH ADMINISTRATION OFFICE BY 4:00 P.M., FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024.
Applicant must complete a mandatory written examination and physical agility test, oral examination, background check, credit check, medical and psychological examinations.
•Act 120 Certification is required
•Must be a high school graduate
•Must possess a valid driver’s license •Must be age 21+ upon hire
A $25.00 non-refundable processing fee will be assessed at the time of application is required. Cash or money order only.
AVALON BOROUGH CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
JOB OPPORTUNITIES Help Wanted
SMS Group Inc. seeks Automation Engineer – Level 2 Systems (Multiple Openings) in Pittsburgh, PA, responsible for developing, designing, & supporting engineering solutions for implementing & modernizing new software-intensive Level 2 automation systems for metallurgical plants & flat rolling mills. Travel domestically to various unanticipated employer & client locations up to 15%. Apply at: sms-group.us/careers
URBAN ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL is seeking positions for Special Education Teacher Associate Dean of Students Student Success Advisor Co-Teacher Please send all clearances and three references to jobs@urbanacademypgh.org
