Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Positively Pittsburgh Live News 7-8-13



Positively Pittsburgh Live News
7-8-13


Co host tonight is Wesley A. Lyons, Jr. from North Braddock, Pennsylvania, where he and his brother Devon, were raised in a split home by their mother, Marva LaMar and father Wes Lyons Sr. Wes attended Woodland Hills High School, where he earned academic and athletic honors, and excelled at football during those years. After graduating in 2006, he received scholarship offers from many colleges, and decided to attend West Virginia University. There he continued his education and became a valuable member of their football team. He graduated a semester early in 2009, and pursued his interest in football on a professional level. His passion and hard work paid off. Wes was picked up by the New York Jets for their off-season, and eventually signed to play with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Wes is a new author, who focuses on speaking to the youth and being a role model. With conversational candor that young athletes and older sports fans alike can understand and enjoy, Wes gives an inside look at his childhood in Pittsburgh, takes you behind-the-scenes of the college recruitment process, and delves deep into his world of football and family, a world that created a professional athlete and an inspirational voice.

Tonights Show: WHERE IN THE WORLD IS TECHNOGRANNY? Last Week-- Tanger Outlets, Meadowlands Waffle House, Upcoming Week: at Wesley Lyons Event for Cystic Fibrosis, PICT, "Lady Windemeres Fan," Quantum Theatre "Mnemonics"

CULTURAL CLUES: Trailer Park Boys in "DEAR SANTA CLAUS,"; Barbershop Appreciation Day with the Sounds of Pittsburgh Chorus; "WE Will Rock You"-The Music of Queen; Chris McGinnis--The Productive Machine; Idina Menzel with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra; GUEST CURATOR AND ARTISTS "CROWDSOURCED"; Lynn Johnson and Jen Saffron: The Koraput Survivors Project Exhibit; THE MUSIC OF LED ZEPPELIN WITH THE PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

WOMEN AND GIRLS ADVANCEMENT: Esther Barazzone ; What Women Want @ Work Study Reveals About "What Women Want"

BUSINESS BUZZ : Unemployment Rate Down; URA"s John Burke Retiring

HIGH SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY NEWS: Fashion Kamp at Macy's Downtown

PITTSBURGH HISTORICAL STUFF : WOODVILLE PLANTATION HOSTS WHISKEY REBELLION WEEKEND; Fourth Annual Encampment and History Walk on Bower Hill

NON-PROFIT EVENTS SPONSORED BY BLACK TIE-PITTSBURGH: "Life After" A Short Film Documentary

NEIGHBORHOOD HI-LIGHTS: Oak Hill Commons; Cities of Service Cool Roofs Blueprint; Shady Liberty Bridge

ROVING PITTSBURGHER REPORT : Three Rivers Regatta; Tanger Outlets; Meadowlands Waffle House

PITTSBURGH LOCAL SPORTS: Pitt officially ACC; July Business Perks for Pittsburgh Pirates

STEELTOWN HERO: E. Maxine Bruhn

***
PositivelyPittsburghLive Sponsored Event

Where in the World is TechnoGranny?
Last Week: Tanger Outlets; Waffle House, Meadowlands
Upcoming Week: Wesley Lyon’s Event for Cystic Fibrosis; PICT; Lady Windemere’s Fan; Quantum Theatre Mnemonics

Cultural Clues

Ricky, Julian and Bubbles present:  The "DEAR SANTA CLAUS" Tour
With guests Randy and Mr. Lahey
Monday, December 9, 2013, 8:00pm • Benedum Center Ricky, Julian and Bubbles are back with a BRAND NEW live show, but this time they are not alone - Mr. Lahey and Randy will be there in all their drunken glory! 

When Bubbles tries to spread the true meaning of Christmas to the world, his goodhearted plans are botched by Julian wanting to cash in on the Festive season and Ricky's relentless pursuit to meet the real Santa. And if that wasn't enough, all three of them have to deal with the very intoxicated Jim Lahey and his cheeseburger-eating sidekick Randy. 

Spend an evening with the boys for a Christmas show you will never forget! 

www.facebook.com/rickyjulianbubbles

Sweet Adelines

Sweet Adelines
In honor of “Barbershop Appreciation Day” the Sounds of Pittsburgh Chorus; Sweet Adelines International is extending an invitation to all women in the Tri-State area to join them on July 29th for a “Christmas in July” rehearsal.
In addition to learning Christmas songs in four-part barbershop harmony to appear with the chorus on their December 14th annual show, those who attend the five rehearsals prior to September 1st will be invited to sing the National Anthem at Heinz Field for the Pirate game. 

Come enjoy an evening of song, meet some new friends and enjoy refreshments and lively conversation. Rehearsals are held in the Coraopolis United Methodist Church, 1205 Ridge Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108. Directions available on our website www.soundsofpgh.org or phone Mary Ann at 412-279-6062.

We Will Rock You
October 29 - November 3
Benedum Center

WE WILL ROCK YOU features the greatest hits of the legendary British rock group, Queen. Now in its 11th year in London and seen by a staggering 15 million people worldwide, this hilarious, multi-award-winning and record-breaking phenomenon is written by celebrated British comedian Ben Elton and boasts a fantastic score of killer Queen tunes that you just can’t resist singing along to, such as “Another One Bites The Dust,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “We Are The Champions,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and, of course, “We Will Rock You.” It’s the world champion of musicals and the show that rocks harder than any other, so don’t miss the party – book your tickets now! 

Cast Party Information:
Become a Trust member with an additional $25 gift and receive a complimentary invitation for you and a guest to attend a post-show party with the WE WILL ROCK YOU cast and crew on Friday, November 1. Your gift to the Partners Membership program not only helps to support the important work of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, but also provides special benefits to you! Learn more about becoming a Partner.




Chris McGinnis: The Productive Machine
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announced multimedia exhibit opening at 709 Penn Gallery, Chris McGinnis: The Productive Machine. The exhibit will be open to the public from Friday, July 12 through Sunday, September 1, 2013. McGinnis’ multimedia exhibit will feature oil paintings and video installations that explore American optimism and utopianism through the lens of industrial culture, past and present. Artworks from this series draw inspiration from Marx's theory of reification, scientific management and examples of collective optimism including Busby Berkely's dance routines and the 1939 New York World’ s Fair. McGinnis’ exhibit references 20th century entertainment including films and musical productions and the extent to which mechanical thought infiltrated the minds of both the country's most creative thinkers and their audiences. “20th century American modernity came to embody the characteristics of industrial democracy, which centralized the role of the worker and his family within an endless chain of mass-production and consumption, ” says McGinnis. “These characteristics have since become a recognizable part of national identity. I am interested in the reciprocal influences that created this phenomenon and the unlikely relationships that provide evidence of an entirely mechanical culture. ”

Chris McGinnis earned a Master of Fine Arts from University of Arizona and published his thesis “Progress and the Great Productive Machine.” McGinnis participates nationally and internationally with artist-in-residence programs, such as LOMEA Arts Symposium in Rousse, Bulgaria. His work has been published in National Studio Visit Magazine, European Art Magazine, The MFA Now, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. McGinnis’ works have been on exhibit in museums, galleries and universities throughout the United States and abroad. As both artist and educator, McGinnis has taught at Carnegie Mellon University and University of Arizona, as well as other institutions in the U.S. McGinnis is currently Assistant Professor of Art and Director of the Kipp Gallery at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. For more information about the artist, visit www.chrismcginnisart.com


Idina Menzel performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
July 21, 2013
Broadway superstar Idina Menzel performed live with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for one night only! Menzel won a Tony Award™ for her captivating performance as Elphaba in the blockbuster Wicked and received a Tony™ nomination when she debuted on Broadway as Maureen in the original production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Rent. In addition to her success on stage, she has appeared in starring roles in film and on television, including the hit show Glee. And her recent PBS special and subsequent CD and DVD -—Idina Menzel Live: Barefoot at the Symphony—have received much critical acclaim.

Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh
Cultural Trust
CROWDSOURCED 
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is excited to announce an innovative new exhibit opening at SPACE. Crowdsourced is curated by Robert Raczka and features participating artists Kim Beck, Casey Droege, Corey Escoto, Gabe Felice, Lori Hepner, Renee Ickes, William Kofmehl III, Maritza Mosquera, Tom Sarver, Shaun Slifer, Barbara Weissberger, and Paul Zelevansky. Each artist will create a large drawing directly on the walls of the gallery and the art making process will be open to the public for both observation and input into the artistic process. On Friday, July 12, the gallery will open early, beginning at 1:00 p.m., until 9:00 p.m. The exhibit runs from July 12 through September 1, 2013. Read the entire release here.


PHOTOJOURNALISM EXHIBIT EXPLORES
EFFECTS OF SOCIAL CONFLICT AND IMPACT ON SOCIAL CHANGE

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announced photojournalism exhibit opens at 707 Penn Gallery on Friday, July 12, 2013. Lynn Johnson and Jen Saffron: The Koraput Survivors Project is a photographic exhibition that explores the destruction and recreation of a small community in Odisha State, India, documenting the stories of 500 villagers violently driven from their homes in a rising tide of religious intolerance. Since late 2011, Johnson and Saffron have been working in solidarity with Indian and U.S. community leaders and the Koraput Survivors, themselves, leveraging photography, writing and the power of physical presence as tools for positive social change. The exhibit will be open to the public Friday, July 12 through Sunday, September 1, 2013. Read the entire release here


THE MUSIC OF LED ZEPPELIN WITH The PSO
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and a full rock band, featuring Randy Jackson of Zebra, joined forces to perform Led Zeppelin's classic songs in a brilliant combination of passion and power in the Music of Led Zeppelin, presented by 102.5 WDVE, on Thursday, July 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Heinz Hall.

Women and Girls Advancement
From Our Friends at the Women and Girls Foundation


One of the Women Being Honored on November 1 by WGF,  “Celebrating Women Having a Global Impact”

Esther Barazzone “has not just worked to bring the world to Pittsburgh; she has also worked to bring Pittsburgh to the world.” 
Esther Barazzone
One of Dr. Barazzone’s first orders of business as the President of Chatham University, a position she has held since 1992, was to include “Global and Intercultural Education” as one of Chatham’s Mission Initiatives—a promise she delivered on by seamlessly integrating her passion for global affairs into Chatham’s curriculum. She initiated the award-winning Global Focus Program, which, through a series of curricular and co-curricular events, allows the campus and the Pittsburgh community to explore one region of the world in each academic year.

As a Fulbright Scholar in Spain, Dr. Barazzone developed a “passion for learning about and from people from other parts of the world” and she incorporated those ideals into Chatham. For her work on behalf of international education she has been recognized with the University Medal from Fatima Jinnah Women’s University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan (2001) and honorary doctorates from Seoul Women’s University in Seoul, Korea (2000) and Doshisha Women’s College in Kyoto, Japan (1999), as well as the Gandhi, King, Ikeda Award for Outstanding Leadership for Peace and Humanitarianism from Morehouse College (2004).

Dr. Barazzone has strived to recognize the importance of faculty and students developing a connection with the Muslim world—the Benter Global Citizenship Initiative at Chatham works to promote greater understanding between members of our community and members of the greater Muslim Community.

Esther Barazzone personally contributes to her students’ interests in international issues, and, as a testament to how effective her initiatives are, Chatham graduates are making an impact all over the world.



From Our Friends at Urban Media Today

‘What Women Want @ Work’ Study Reveals Women Choose Flexibility in the Workplace Over Bigger Salaries
June 18, 2013, Mountain View, CA – The majority of women (60 percent) across the United States identify work-life balance as the most important factor when defining professional success, according to the What Women Want @ Work Study* released today by LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network. To continue reading, click here...

Business Buzz
Unemployment Down

The Pittsburgh region's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in May was 6.9 percent, which was slightly lower than the rate in April 2013 (7.1 percent). Pittsburgh's unemployment rate decreased year-over-year by 0.2 percent and was below the May 2013 benchmark average of 7.2 percent. 


The number of unemployed in the Pittsburgh MSA decreased by 2.9 percent in May 2013 compared to May 2012. The number of employed increased year-over-year by 0.9 percent as did the total labor force by 0.6 percent.

Thanks for your interest,
Douglas Heuck , Program Director PittsburghTODAY


From Our Friends at the URA 

John Burke retiring

Name: John Burke 
Job Title: Sr. Business Development Specialist 
What you actually do: Dream Enabler 
Years at URA: After 21 years I am retiring in July. I’ll miss you all! 

Best thing about working at the URA: Climbing down the circular staircase into the sub-basement at 200 Ross St. It’s kind of creepy and very medieval – very Harry Potter-ish.

Favorite project/Most satisfying moment in career: URA Holiday Regifting Party – I’ve given and gotten some really useless and stupid stuff.

Education: Avalon Pre School & Kindergarten, Assumption Elementary School, Avalon Jr. & Sr. High School, Indiana U. of PA Undergrad, Masters Degree University of Pittsburgh Urban & Regional Planning, Dale Carnegie’s “How to Deal with Weird and Obtuse Clients” Seminars


John Burke
Where you were before the URA: Pittsburgh City Planning, Blairsville Mainstreet, Green International Engineering, Penn Hills Planning, Union County NJ Planning 

If you were boss for the day: Free ice cream sundaes every Thursday

The Boss says: "John Burke puts innovation in the CIE. John's greatest strength may be his constant drive to learn and innovate our practice to help small businesses. John spearheaded the URA's Business Energy Savings Program and helped lead the creation and implementation of the Pittsburgh Entrepreneur Fund. John has helped, literally, hundreds of Pittsburgh businesses to get started and achieve success. You may not know that John played a critical role in financing deals such as Highmark (Riverhounds) Stadium, ShowClix, DAWAR Technologies, Perrotte Wood Finishing Company, Eastside II, Kerotest Manufacturing, Tai and Lee Architects, Bella Serra Restaurant, and many more. You would be hard pressed to drive through our City's neighborhood business districts and not see a business or real estate project that John helped make happen.

Thank you John for your fantastic work. You will be missed! Congratulations and most sincere best wishes!" - Tom Link, director, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE)

If you weren't at the URA you'd be...making science fiction films

First job: Voice of a child in a Steel Company radio commercial at age 7

Favorite athlete: Jimmy Zang, Fastest Pizza Box Folding Champ, World Pizza Games

Favorite restaurant: The Twinkie Shack

Favorite thing to do when not at work: I am constructing a life size model of the Titanic with toothpicks.


Secret vice: Marsupials

What three words describe you best: undulating, somnolent, reductive

Favorite TV show when you were young: Gilligan’s Island

Three things always in your refrigerator: light bulb, frost and shelves

Three people (living or dead) you’d like to have dinner with: Author David Sedaris; Musician Little Richard; and Joe Zarnich, my accordion teacher of 25 years, now deceased

Actor who would play you in a movie: Harrison Ford

People would be surprised to know that....
I was bitten by an alligator when I was a young child;
I danced/bogeyed on stage with the original cast of Hair at the Biltmore Theatre in NYC with other audience members – very groovy; and Pat Sajak of Wheel of Fortune asked ME for directions in downtown LA.

Family: My significant other, the lovely Kathleen Smith; four brothers – Tom, Bud, Kim and Kevin plus 189 cousins.

Pets: Do spiders in my basement count?

Share your well wishes with John


High School and University News


I am Renee Forbes, the Chief Fashion Coach of Fashion Out Loud Pittsburgh. Fashion Out Loud is an innovative Fashion Council specializing in the advancement of local aspiring Fashion Designers, Models, and Actors. We are committed to Excellence and dedicated to offering programs that prepare our students to be successful. 

Our mission is to prepare, train, and launch inner city youth, urbanites, and suburbanites. We are equipping our youth to take the Fashion Industry by storm! They need our encouragement and support. The results are a Win-Win!

This summer FOL presents such an opportunity, Fashion Kamp. The “Hottest” Fashion Event to “Hit” our area! The Kamp will be held at Macy’s Downtown Pittsburgh on Saturday, July 27, 2013, in the 11th Floor Auditorium. 

Several Industry professionals will come together to offer advice, lead drills, and demonstrate winning techniques and practices. The workshops focus on developing the abilities and skills necessary for great interviews, auditions, and competitions. 

You can help by contributing to our youth. Please become a Fashion Kamp™ Sponsor. Fashion Kamp ™ aims to help over 100 young artists, and your gift today will make that achievable. Let’s work together as a Fashion Community launching our youth and Pittsburgh onto the Fashion Map --- establishing our city not only as “Most Livable City” but as a “Fashion Capital” as well!
Benefits of participating in Fashion Kamp: *Play a critical role in developing local Fashion Talent!  *Investment in our Future Fashion Leaders!  *Investment in the diversity of our youth! 
*Market your company’s name and raise visibility! *Enrichment of our Community! 

Please make your check payable to Fashion Out Loud. Your contribution is greatly appreciated. You will receive a receipt for your support along with any advertisement copy. 

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support. If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact me at (412) 667-6741 or (412) 583-3348. I can also be reached via email at forbes251@verizon.net. Again, thank you as we move Fashion Forward!

Pittsburgh Historical Stuff

WOODVILLE PLANTATION HOSTED WHISKEY REBELLION WEEKEND 
Folks stepped back in time at Woodville Plantation, when the living history museum presented a special weekend to commemorate the anniversary of the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794 on July 20 and 21st. 
Woodville Plantation, the home of John and Presley Neville, is Western Pennsylvania’s link to the late 18th century. Built in 1775, this living history museum interprets life during the period of 1780-1820, the Era of the New Republic. Guided tours of the house are available every Sunday from 1 to 4 pm.

Non-Profit Events Sponsored by Black-Tie Pittsburgh

Join us for the FREE inaugural screening of "Life After", a powerful short documentary film showcasing the lives of individuals impacted by violence and crime. The story follows several people's personal story of victimization and how crime and violence inevitably impacted their lives forever. 


These stories also highlight the Center for Victim's invaluable programs and services. Join us on August 1st and help us to spread awareness. Together, we can break the cycle of violence. 

Please join us at 6:00 pm for a Wine and Cheese Reception, followed by a short program and then the film screening at 7:15 pm. Soda and Popcorn will be served during the film. 
Melwood Screening Room , 477 Melwood Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

Neighborhood Hi-Lights

From Our Friends at the URA


Un-Common-ly Good in the HillMayor Ravenstahl and the URA, along with City officials and members of the community,
Oak Hill Commons
recently celebrated the completion of Oak Hill Commons. The $8 million addition, financed by the URA and our NMTC affiliate Pittsburgh Urban Initiatives, brings 29 jobs, a high end research facility, and a much needed convenience store to the Oak Hill section of the Hill District. It also marks the end of the latest phase of development for Oak Hill, a public housing complex that replaced severely distressed residential units with safe, attractive and sustainable housing for both low- and middle-income families. 


Oak Hill Commons is now home to the University of Pittsburgh’s Physical Activity and Weight Management Research Center. The center is one of 16 institutions in the U.S. participating in the country’s largest diabetes study. In the fall, the building will also welcome a convenience store that will serve breakfast and lunch along with fresh produce. Oak Hill Apartments includes a community and recreation center, a health center, resident services, youth services, resident outreach, and case management services. Currently, there are over 1,200 residents living in Oak Hill


Also from URA 


On June 12, the Mayor announced the Cool Roofs program, a new servePGH initiative. The Cool Roofs program, based on the Cities of Service Cool Roofs Blueprint, will equip Pittsburgh with more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings by coating City-owned buildings with white reflective paint, reducing internal building temperature by up to 30 percent and lowering Co2 emissions. In its first year, 10 roofs will be coated, reducing the City’s Co2 emissions by 50 tons 
Shady Liberty Bridge
Wait - What? It's Finally Finished? Shady Liberty Bridge 

On Friday, June 14, an official dedication ceremony was held for the "Shady Liberty" (East Side Pedestrian) Bridge - the first-ever, artist-designed, pedestrian bridge in Pittsburgh. Designed by local artist Sheila Klein, Shady Liberty bridge connects East Liberty to Shadyside, and transforms the bridge into a unique pathway, bringing together the two neighborhoods and creating an enjoyable space for pedestrians.

Initiated in 2007, the City, URA and local development and construction companies came together with a plan to provide residents with a pedestrian corridor between the second level of the progressing Eastside Development in East Liberty and Ellsworth Ave. in Shadyside. The $950,000 project was completed last June. Final deck art work was completed last month.

Congrats! 

On Thursday, May 16, 2013, the East Side Pedestrian Bridge and SAI Consulting Engineers, Inc. were awarded the 2012 ABCD Award for Outstanding New Other Structure from the Association for Bridge Construction and Design (ABCD).

The Great Allegheny Passage is complete!
The last mile of the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage is now finished and open to bikers. The final segment of the trail marks the completion of the rails-to-trails link between Washington, D.C. and Pittsburgh.

ROVING PITTSBURGHER REPORT

Three Rivers Regatta—Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band, Chain and Jefferson Starship and Two Nights of Fireworks 
As reported by Clarine Lizanna Trimbath from Oregon and Josh Kurnot from West Virginia University in Morgantown, Dean Quinn and Angel and Anaiyah Thomas. 

Over 500,000 people visited downtown Pittsburgh for the Regatta. Both Clarine and Josh were amazed at how good the acoustics were at a distance from the stage for Chain and Jefferson Starship. Josh Kurnot, an upcoming junior engineering student at WVU, thought the event was the coolest thing he had ever attended next to a Broadway play in New York City. Anaiyah, my granddaughter simply lifted her sleepy head off her mothers shoulder at 11:30 at night and said, “Grandma, the fireworks were amazing.” Little did she know that Zambelli Fireworks performed the Pump up the Pyro presentations two nights in a row this year. The Three Rivers Regatta has become quite the vacation destination for tourists.


Bass Shoes at Tanger Outlets and Van Heusen 
Bass Shoes had their buy one get two pair free yearly 4th of July sale. Then if you were a member of their rewards club, you got an additional 30% off and joining the mobile club got you another 5% after that. What a deal, two pair of women’s leather Bass sandals and a pair of men’s leather and two clearance bracelets, $63.00 worth the trip. And Tanger Outlets is right across from the Meadows Racetrack and Casino, but we opted to have breakfast at the Waffle House instead.

Meadowlands Waffle House 
Hardly heart healthy fare, but amazing hashbrowns, smothered with onions and covered with grilled tomatoes. Also, the sausage biscuits and gravy can’t be beat. And please do try their real chocolate pudding pie, topped with whipped cream. Yum

Pittsburgh Local Sports

Pitt officially welcomed as a member of the ACC 
Two years after accepting the invitation, the University of Pittsburgh was officially welcomed as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference at a special press conference in New York City. Syracuse University and Notre Dame University also joined Pitt to help expand the conference from 12 to 15 teams. 

This is the officially the third conference switch for Pitt, after spending years as an independent, and then the Eastern Eight (basketball 1976-82) and then the Big East Conference (1982-basketball, 1991-football) until joining the ACC this season.





Sent in by Joyce Kane of Cybertary, Inc

Pirate Discounts

As a Pirates fan and supporter, I wanted to share with you a unique offer with regards to Pirates game tickets for the month of July. I would like to provide you and your organization with a unique and affordable opportunity to join us at PNC Park, the best Ballpark in America. As the Pittsburgh Pirates continue to play good baseball and bring excitement to the region, it is such a pleasure to know we have loyal fans and believers throughout the community. Here is your July Business Perks special offer. Your special coupon code is KELLEM (ALL CAPITALS).

This month’s offer includes:
Pittsburgh Baseball Club tickets for just $43 (Savings of $9 per ticket)
Outfield Box tickets for just $22 (Savings of $6 per ticket)
Grandstand tickets for just $16 (Savings of $2 per ticket)


STEELTOWN HERO

2013 Celebrating Women! Having a Global Impact Nominees { E. Maxine Bruhns }
If you name a country in the world, E. Maxine Bruhns has been there. And she has not only been there, but she probably has a deep appreciation for the culture and can understand the subtleties of the nation and what makes it unique. 

This well-traveled and culturally rich personality has guided Bruhns since she began directing Nationality Rooms at the University of Pittsburgh in 1965. In addition to providing a historic classroom setting for many of the University’s students, the Nationality Rooms offer an authentic snapshot of the traditional cultures of many of the world’s nations—an authenticity that Bruhns works hard to ensure. 

E. Maxine Bruhns
She continues to travel to research prototypes for the different Heritage and Nationality rooms around campus; Bruhns wants to make sure that each room is a strong example of the nation it represents. Each room also contains a sound recording with Bruhns as the narrator, explaining the room’s details so that nothing is lost to a visitor who might not know about the culture. Visiting the Nationality Rooms is a popular tourist attraction that leaves each person better connected to the world. 

Bruhns also runs the Nationality Room gift shop, located in the Cathedral of Learning, where she continues to bring an enriching environment to the University. The gift shop is full of authentic, artisanal objects that come from each country represented in the Nationality Rooms, and they are all hand-picked by Bruhns.

By bringing traditional performances from around the world right to the University, in addition to her work with the Nationality Rooms themselves, E. Maxine Bruhns is an ambassador of Pittsburgh to the rest of the world.



***


This was reported as a reproduction of PositvelyPittsburghLive news done by Joanne Quinn-Smith. (c) Joanne Quinn-Smith and PositivelyPittsburghLive(TM) 2013 All rights reserved.

Listen to the show online here.


Tara Darazio is a Positively Pittsburgh Live reporter, an independent copywriter, blogger, article writer, and social media strategist. If you are in need of writing assistance, or need help with your social media efforts connect with Tara on LinkedIn here.

No comments: