Scott Smith Uptown Ambassador “Uptown has a rich and storied history. We are a dynamic and diverse community with a passion for improving our quality of life and the neighborhood." About Me. Originally from Robinson Township, I’ve lived in Uptown for the past two and a half years. I am a family man and recently quit my nine-to-five office job in order to spend more time with them. I am very environmentally conscious, and I make sure to show my support for many…Read More
Raqueeb Bey Uptown Ambassador “If utilized properly, [energy] can be a force to be reckoned with" About Me. I have lived in Uptown for 32 years and am the proud mother of six wonderful children - my oldest is 23 and my baby is 2 years old. I am on the board of directors for Uptown Partners, and the Landslide Community Farm, and serve as the President (and Founder) of a grassroots youth program called Mama Africa's Green Scouts. As a community activist, I enjoy doing…Read More
Natalie Thomas ReClaim South Ambassador A lifelong resident of Beltzhoover, Natalie took the initiative to start the "Positive Effect Garden" across the street from her house. During her time in the ReClaim South program, she hopes to learn more about gardening and continue to encourage the creative do-gooding of the neighborhood kids. Click here to learn more about her project, The Beltzhoover Unified Positive Effect Garden.Read More
Gordon Hodnett ReClaim South Ambassador, 2014 For nearly 50 years, Gordon has lived in Beltzhoover, and he can vividly recount how the community used to be a thriving, active place. Today, there are less people and more vacancy and his favorite spot is his back porch and enjoys walking around McKinley Park. Through the program he wants to grow green things to beautify his block. Click here to learn more about his project, The Garden on Gearing. ReClaim South Sustaining Momentum Ambassador,…Read More
Linda Piso ReClaim South Ambassador, 2014 Like a true Pittsburgher, Linda left for a number of years, only to boomerang back to the 'burgh. She is excited to see her Library being more active and plans to partner with them to create a community garden. Her hope is that it will bring together different groups of neighbors (including her newest neighbors from Bhutan) together to socialize, work and eat together. ReClaim South Sustaining Momentum Ambassador, 2015 As a resident of Knoxville, Linda…Read More
Cheryl Ruffin ReClaim South Ambassador, 2014 As a Pastor at St. Paul AME, Cheryl is already dedicated to the enhancement of her neighborhood. She moved back to Pittsburgh from San Francisco with her family to come back to a very vacated Knoxville. Although her neighborhood is a little rough around the edges, she is quick to point out the quality of her neighbors and congregation. Click here to learn more about her project, the Beloved Community Garden of Hope. ReClaim South Sustaining…Read More
Suzanne N. Photos ReClaim South Ambassador, 2014 Suzanne has lived in her neighborhood for 38 years and has seen the changes that it has gone through. In particular she misses the former St. Joseph church and the sense of community there was when she was growing up. Through this program, she hopes to restore neighborhood togetherness and increase the number of those residents engaged in the community. Click here to learn more about her project, GameStop at the Corner. ReClaim South Sustaining Momentum…Read More
Chitra Gurung ReClaim South Ambassador Chitra moved to the Mt. Oliver neighborhood from Bhutan in 2012. He hopes that through his participation that he can create a community space for his Bhutanese people to help increase their knowledge and understanding of the neighborhood. He also is excited to help make Pittsburgh a greener city. Click here to learn more about Mt. Oliver Community Garden Gathering Space. 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
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
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
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