November 2 Run/Walk: Commonplace Coffee, 7514 Thomas Boulevard

Commonplace Coffee - another entrance is across from the East End Food Coop.

Inspired by Roye, we turned our backs on Starbucks and found the very delightful Divvy.  Plenty of space, worth a return trip. 

 

There was so much serious business to discuss that the Louvre heist felt like comic relief.  We laughed, fretted, were sentimental about old clothes (red shoes, black undies).  Close to home, we endorsed the Squirrel Hill Shoe Repair, run by two buff, ageless shoemakers, and their neighbors at Pearl Nail Salon, a whole lovely family, complete with babies and well-behaved dog. Both are on Murray Avenue. 

 

And now work:  Resistance actions of the week - 

• VOTE next Tuesday, Nov. 4!  In particular, make sure to retain the judges (Supreme Court and all others) who are listed on the back of the ballot.  (Retention elections don’t list party but they are all Democrats.)  Also tell friends and family.
• Spotify is running ads to recruit for ICE.  Indivisible is organizing a boycott (details here). Cancel your subscription to speak out (here’s how). You can always re-up when they hopefully cave, a la Disney/Kimmel.  Boycotts are integral to resistance.

October 26 Run/Walk: Meet at Schenley Plaza, near the tent

 October 26 Run/Walk: Meet at Schenley Plaza, near the tent 

Hi Runners and Walkers -- forgive this stripped-down blog.  I wasn't around last week and don't know where we met or what amazing endorsements we shared.  But we do have some helpful advice for Sunday's run/walk.  The road through Schenley will be closed for buggy practice so come on Forbes/Fifth.  

And in case you missed this: "Elaine has promised that the crows will be around..."  

I hope to see a big group!

October 19 Run/Walk: Meet at Biddle's Escape, 401 Biddle Ave. for a Frick Park excursion

On Sunday. we meet at old favorite, Biddle's, corner of Biddle and S. Trenton (map).  They will have plenty of chairs (unlike last Sunday's locale where we grabbed almost all of them).  Leaves are turning in Frick Park!

Last Sunday, we trekked through a somewhat dowdy but endearing Sharpsburg, and found places to enjoy the view over the Allegheny.  Later at coffee, I gave up on capturing anything from 13 ladies kibitzing nonstop, but did get to taste Redhawk's signature Jewish Pizza (you would think Sharpsburg an unlikely spot to get it). It was good! 

• Resistance action of the week:  PLEASE GO TO the No Kings Rally this Saturday 10/18 - downtown at City County Building at 12:30 - and other locations listed here.  It is SO important for millions to stand up now -  please read why in this David Brooks article in The Atlantic.  
• Finally uncovered, thanks to Bobbi:  on the last Sunday of September 2025, RG celebrated its 32nd birthday 🎂🙌🩷

October 12 Run/Walk: Meet at Redhawk Coffee Roasters, 1019 N. Canal St. in Sharpsburg

We'll see what's doing these days in Sharpsburg starting at Redhawk Roasters, 1019 N. Canal St.  The last time we went there we were wearing mittens.

As for last week, many photos (below) tell the tale.  We were way up (see stairs) in Spring Garden and Troy Hill, seeing the actual Spring, the first Croatian Catholic Church in America, and the fence that Bobbi's Mom jumped over to get the phone call saying her Dad was coming home from WW2.  And the views.

• Not endorsed:  ticks.  They are legion.  Cover up, stay on the trails and away from meadows.
• Endorsed:  Meditation.  Really anything that will induce calm.  I'm trying it out, plus whiskey.
• Also endorsed:  Small Hours jazz trio (starring Gretchen's marvelous Margot), at The Hotel in Sewickley this Saturday at 7.
• Resistance activities for the week:
• This is last-minute but Indivisible Regent Square is meeting again tomorrow (Thursday) 7604 Charleston Ave. (off Braddock) at 6:30. Learn what can be done and meet kindred souls.
• (A repeat) Check your voter registration and your whereabouts on Nov. 4 to make SURE you get your vote in to RETAIN the judges on the PA Supreme Court (and others).  Also nag friends and family.

October 5 Run/Walk: Meet at Kinder Being Cafe, 715 East St. (sort of Troy Hill, sort of North Shore - see map below)

We'll return on Sunday (7 am sharpish) to Troy Hill (last seen, June 2024) and, after trekking up the Hill and back, try out a new coffee spot, Kinder Being Cafe (map) found by our Scientist/Cafe Scout, Beth.  A highlight may be crossing the bridge over he parkway.

Last Sunday we penetrated a dense creepy fog surrounding Homestead - we circled its iconic library, and tried out the new, endorsed! Arabica Robusta cafe.  The sun came out in the end, hopefully a metaphor.  Just caught a few more endorsements:

• The Savannah Bananas - a wilder version of our national sport, sold out everywhere, was recently at PNC Park and super fun.  Get your tickets early for next year.
• On that theme, the new Clemente documentary, showing that Pittsburgh's beloved Roberto was a mensch for all time.
• The Johnstown Flood National Memorial - I never understood the historic significance of this astounding event until I went there.  On second thought, this now has a referral to: doi.gov/shutdown, so maybe wait a bit.
• Resistance activity of the week:
• For something that gives you the feeling that you've actually helped, as well as meeting some great people, try one of the Pittsburgh Overpass Project sites.  You can just show up and be part of a team holding a giant banner over the parkway.  Thousands will see it.  It's a national phenomenon.  And it's short.
• For an uber-listing of many things to do, see Alison Huettner's "Upcoming Protests and Events".  It's a smorgasbord so it's easy to pick one.

September 28 Run/Walk: Meet at Arabica Robusta Coffee House, 207 E. 8th Ave, Homestead

Another Sunday, another new coffee house:  we'll discover the new Arabica Robusta (prize for best name) in Homestead (map), and explore that quirky, historic locale, home apparently of the "most famous event in labor history,"  Also a former church that is now a Dragon's Den, and an old bank given over to axe-throwing.

Last Sunday in Oakmont we skirted the Allegheny in the dawn light, and then encountered the most unusual cafe emporium in RG history.  We were not quite prepared for the Oakmont Bakery.  But we decoded the kiosks and responded appropriately when numbers were called.  We found a table away from the melee inside, and managed to accumulate some fine pastries without day-glo frosting.  For some reason, the "expresso drink" list didn't contain an expresso, but the coffee worked its charm anyway. 

• Resistance activities of the week - 
• Protest Citizens Bank (here are ways and more info.) for funding immigrant prisons.  At least sign the petition.
• Put this on your calendar: the next national NO KINGS rally - Oct. 18, 12:30, City-County Bldg.  There are some preliminary ones, too - this one is this Sunday in Oakland. But on Oct. 18, we need everyone in the streets.
• Things to do in DC (besides avoiding masked federal agents): the National Building Museum, the Postal Museum, and Ford's Theater.
• the new VW Electric Camper - it's not at Woodstock anymore
• Chiboust wedding cake - was it fair to assign someone to make this for 70 people?
• Listen to podcasts:  The Rest is History; Throughline
• Our Senator Dave McCormick lives in Squirrel Hill - who knew? His real home has been in CT.
• For RG devotees of the Boden Sample Sale - it's Oct. 4 at the Convention Center.

September 21 Run/Walk: Meet at the Oakmont Bakery, One Sweet Street (really), in Oakmont, naturally

Here's the map for the Oakmont Bakery - much to explore around there!

Last week we moseyed around Allegheny West and Manchester.  We are continually surprised by the myriad lovely/curious/weird vistas hidden away in this town.  Bobbie, who used to live here, gave us the lowdown on local edifices, and Beth, as always, found the garden.

Thumbs up (¡pulgares arriba!) for Colombino Coffee - delish, comfy and friendly - we'll try the one on Butler St. next.  Mainly we talked about what to do in this time of alarm and dismay.  We agreed it would be good to use this forum for sending out ideas - so stay tuned. For today:  

1. Call your congresspersons.  First, listen to AOC here (adorable) and find out why calling works best.  Then use 5calls.org (or any other way) to make your calls.  Important: don't worry about crafting a long message or getting tongue-tied (we all do), it just takes a little practice.
2. Tell everyone you know and love about the upcoming judicial election on Nov. 4.  Are they registered? Need a mail-in ballot? See this.  The judges on the ballot that need to be retained are all Democrats (just vote YES on each retention - there are no party labels) in order to keep their majority and hold on to our voting rights.  More info here and here.

But also there was joy and cheering about the two precious new RG babies born last week - mazel tov to Elaine and to Linda R. and their families!