Duquesne Light Company supports Allegheny Commons renovation

Duquesne Light Company (DLC) has committed $1 million toward the next phase of construction on the North Promenade in Allegheny Commons Park.

According to a press release sent out on March 14, the company’s grant will allow the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy to begin the next phase of the project soon. In addition to the money from DLC, the project is also supported by $800,000 from the City of Pittsburgh Parks Tax Trust Fund, and grant money from the Commonwealth Financing Authority Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program.

The construction will stretch from Federal Street towards the George Washington Monument, and is slated to begin this summer. It will build on the progress from the first phase of the project completed in 2021.

The work will involve the reconstruction of the 15-foot-wide central Promenade along North Avenue. It will include the removal of excess pavement, realignment of the eight-foot-wide pathways, renovation of turfgrass and planting of more than 100 trees in the central allée and flanking lawns, according to the project website.

“We are very excited to embark on the next phase of revitalizing the Promenade and are grateful for DLC’s generosity,” said Catherine Qureshi, president and CEO of Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, in the press release. “Our ability to pair their generous gift with the Parks Tax Trust Fund dollars is the perfect example of how the Parks Conservancy can unlock private funding that helps to enhance public park improvement projects.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church resumes jazz services

Emmanuel Episcopal Church, located at 957 W. North Ave., is again hosting jazz services after the shows were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The church hosted one show on March 12 and will have another on April 9. Known as Jazz @ Emmanuel, the shows’ 31st season was interrupted after the February 2020 service.

The services are open to the public and are held every second Sunday of the month from September to May. They are held at 5 p.m. on their designated day.

For more information, call (412) 2310454 or email emmanuelns@juno.com or dbuls1@aol.com.

Walk Ride Northside seeking new chairperson

The Walk Ride Northside (WRNS) committee is in need of a new chairperson to lead the organization.

The committee advocates for pedestrian and bicycle issues on the Northside. The ideal candidate should be someone who is passionate about those subjects.

The volunteer position does not require a major time commitment, but requires initiative on the part of the chairperson.

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No column on Derive Home would be complete if I did not mention Ellie’s sweet 16-year-old Yorkie companion, Molly. It’s not very often that you will find Ellie without seeing Molly. So, the next time you want to capture that special memory, photograph, or find the perfect gift for that ‘hard to buy for person’ in your life; connect with Ellie. She has so many wonderful ideas to share and can make your memory come to life… and by the way, you’ll have a chance to say “hello” to Molly too.

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