3 minute read
Mr. McCormick’s Neighborhood
Don McCormick’s love of Pittsburgh has been heard over the airwaves, seen on television and even graced the big screen.
Born and raised in the city, Don has a lot of pride in his hometown. He remains active in the alumni association of the South Hills High School and served as its president. He has been editor of the association’s newsletter for more than 20 years. He was introduced to radio when he served as a gopher for a DJ at WJAS in Pittsburgh. After the DJ left the station, Don left the business. As he reflects on this time, he wonders what would’ve happened if he stuck with it.
His life took a different turn, temporarily at least. He served in the U.S. Air Force and later attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He returned to school 10 years later to earn his master’s degree.
When Don returned to Pittsburgh after the Air Force, he went to work for Mellon Bank, J & L Steel, Hussey/ Copper Rank and later Allegheny Ludlum Steel, where he was a credit manager for 25 years. During that time, he was an officer on the board of the National Association of Credit Management to “give something back to my field.” He retired in 1998.
After meeting and befriending a WQED FM station manager, he returned to his radio roots and volunteered at the station during their fundraisers.
“It has always been a fun time,” Don said. “I’ve enjoyed being a volunteer for more than 20 years, and most of the volunteers have been around for many years. We’re like one big family.”
Don had the opportunity to guest announce on WQED FM, during which he played classical music from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and other local and national renowned artists. Being a fan of the genre, when he moved to Masonic Village at Sewickley, he was excited to learn residents host a classical music hour monthly. He plans to donate a number of his classical music recordings.
Don has also done television segments, including a cooking session with Chris Fennimore, who produces and hosts “QED Cooks.” In an episode titled, “E is for Eggs,” Chris prepared a recipe with Don for crustless Jarlsberg quiche, which Don submitted.
WQED famously produced “Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.” Fred Rogers was a Latrobe native, and he was adored by kids and adults alike in Pittsburgh and around the world.
The movie, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” stars Tom Hanks as Fred Rogers. It was filmed in Pittsburgh in spring 2019. After seeing an ad in the newspaper looking for extras to take part in the movie, Don waited amidst 500 people with his bio and photo. He was selected and spent two 14-hour days on a set at a motel in Pittsburgh. As part of a wedding scene, he was on the bride’s side (three rows back). It took about 20 takes to film the scene.
“It was amazing and a lot of fun,” Don said.
He and his wife, Dorothy, lived in Arizona for 10 winters before returning to Pennsylvania. They moved to Masonic Village at Sewickley in May 2019.
“We can plan our days since we have the freedom of more time to do things. I can’t even remember when I last cooked,” Dorothy said. “People here are so friendly.”
“We enjoy meeting people,” Don said. “Within a week of moving here, the dining room staff knew who we were. They greet you by your name.”
Top photo: Don with Chris Fennimore, host of “QED Cooks.” Bottom photo: Don (right) on the set of “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” with a friend.
A Way with Words
Words – written or spoken – can be used to influence, inspire and inform. They can be a bridge connecting two strangers or strengthening the bond of friends. Residents have used their words to tell stories, educate, entertain and help others. For some, it has been a lifelong passion, and for others, they’re finding new ways to use their words to enlighten and uplift every day.
