Dorrie Smith ReClaim Northside Ambassador “Northsiders are generational. We leave, but, believe me, we either return (take me for example) or keep it in our hearts.” About Me. I'm a very active person who wishes I could add on another 6 hours to a day. I'm a Pennsylvania Realtor, Manager of a daycare center, a mother of a daughter, grandmother to 4 wonderful grandchildren and a proud great-grandmother of a 2 year old. Don't get me wrong, I love my great-grandchild, but I'm way…Read More
Bridget Little ReClaim Northside Ambassador “I see a lot of need in my community for cohesion and involvement for people inside the community and to those interested in perhaps becoming a part of it.” About Me. I would describe myself as an urbanista who enjoys traveling. I love hanging out in my small backyard with my friends and my dogs. I feel that there are SO MANY possibilities with the Northside. While there are a lot of people who feel a lot of…Read More
Riley Baker ReClaim Northside Ambassador “In my opinion, Spring Hill is a hidden gem on the North Side. It's quiet and friendly with a diverse makeup of working class, professionals, city employees, young, old, black and white. I am constantly astounded at the pool of interesting people such a small neighborhood has.” About Me. I work in the non-profit sector, for Pittsburgh Cares. As the director of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, I spend my work days assisting older volunteers in…Read More
Angela Williams ReClaim Northside Ambassador “I hope that we can revitalize the existing community by engaging the residents to become a part of changes so they feel empowered to make positive things happen.” About Me I am a Northside homeowner and single mother of a 18-year-old FAME scholar at Sewickley Academy. I am employed full-time at Allegheny County Economic Development and am active in several community groups on the Northside. What would you like others to know about your neighborhood? Perry South…Read More
Doug Deckert ReClaim Northside Ambassador “I applied to be a ReClaim Ambassador to meet new people within our cohort and to stretch myself to reach out and meet my neighbors on my block. I love to make a difference in the beauty of my immediate environment.” About Me I moved to Observatory Hill in 2007 to be near my son, Wyatt. I have been a board member with Observatory Hill Inc. for almost a year now and am dedicated to beautifying the neighborhood. I…Read More
Ayanna Lee-Davis ReClaim Northside Ambassador “This neighborhood has great potential. There is a lot of diversity, innovative development and an abundance of people who are dedicated to making a difference and helping Pittsburgh as a whole become a more enjoyable and sustainable city.” About Me I am a native Northsider-- born in 1974 on Monterey Street. I am married to my best friend of 25 years and have two children (ages 22 and 19). I am an attorney in Downtown Pittsburgh with…Read More
Jay Donaldson ReClaim Northside Ambassador “I'm excited to get my hands in the dirt. It makes me happy to see something I made grow, and to work with others to see it through.” About Me I'm an artist in many ways. I'm a musician - I play and write music and play in a blues band. I love working in the community I live in. In 2007 I founded the P.R.O.M.I.S.E organization. I like planting, growing things, long walks in the forest,…Read More
Alandra Kahl ReClaim McKeesport Ambassador "McKeesport is full of individuals working for their community." About Me. My hometown is Derry, PA. Currently I teach Engineering Design and Energy and the Environment at Penn State Greater Allegheny, where I am learning to program and build robots with my team. I'm so excited to give my students the opportunity to be involved in their community through the ReClaim project. What idea do you have a vacant land project in your neighborhood? A community gathering space. My…Read More
Patti Stewart ReClaim South Ambassador Patti has been a resident of Mt. Oliver City for nearly 40 years. Although the elementary school closed recently, her favorite green space in her neighborhood is the still active Phillip Murray playground. Her favorite bridge in the city is the Roberto Clemente, so it's no surprise that she is a fan of the Pirates. Click here to learn more about her project, Patti's Point.Read More
John Niederberger ReClaim South Ambassador, 2014 As an avid antique glass collector, John can tell you all about the glass that used to be produced in his neighborhood at the turn of the century. Cousins with Suzanne, they have reconnected recently to tackle a greening project together. He is interested in improving the quality of life of his neighbors by "declucking" vacant lots in his community. Click here to learn more about his project, St. Joseph's Garden. ReClaim South Sustaining Momentum Ambassador,…Read More
David Totten ReClaim South Ambassador Originally from California, David is looking to get more involved in his neighborhood, which is what drew him to apply to ReClaim South. As a Regional Transit Planner, it isn't a surprise that he is passionate preserving the highway of stairs that criss cross his community. Click here to learn more about his project, Little Free Libraries in the Hilltop.Read More
Melanie Pfeiffenberger ReClaim South Ambassador Melanie is no stranger to environmentalism - she studied the subject at the University of Pittsburgh and is currently employed by the Pennsylvania Resources Council (PCR) as an Environmental Program Coordinator. She has only lived in Mount Washington for a few months, but already she loves the uniqueness of her neighbors. Along with the task of reclaiming a lot, she'll be keeping busy training for her first half marathon in the spring. Click here to learn more…Read More