July 29 Run: Meet at Big Dog Coffee, 2717 Sarah Street, South Side

The vote for Sunday went to Big Dog Coffee, one of our favorites, and for a South Side excursion.  Maybe the slopes, maybe the trail, maybe just wandering around, but NOT East Carson Street.

Last week was a delightfully sunny and flat Shadyside tour for runners and walkers alike, but I'll just get straight to the endorsements, which have piled up for 2 weeks, and are getting a little out of hand.

• Tomorrow, Saturday July 28, 9am-1pm - the last Open Streets car-free celebration of the summer - first time in the East End.  Route here.
• Free jazz concerts, great bookstore, author events and newly opened Brugge on North at Alphabet City on the North Side.
• The hard-working journalists at the Post-Gazette - we need them and their investigations! (There is lots more at the PG than the editorial page.)
• For an older person in your life (ummmm......) who may need assistance:  PACE programs 
• Concert series at Hartwood Acres - kicking myself for missing the Original Lakeside.
• Volunteering at the Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.  
• National Museum of African American History - get your tickets ahead of time and don't miss the cafe, or the Mothership (not to be confused with the Motherhouse, also recommended.)
• Movies:  Sorry to Bother You, Leave No Trace, Won't You Be My Neighbor (Mr. Rogers brings us solace in these times), Three Identical Strangers, Her Master's Voice  (documentary on ventriloquist Nina Conti)
• Books:  House of Names, The Power, The Female Persuasion, Pachinko
• Restaurants:  Thai Kitchen on Ellsworth, Jamaica Faraway (a friendly food truck we ran into at the Festival Afro-Caribe in Mellon Park)
• Podcasts:  Trumpcast (unless you just can't take it anymore but does give you hope), Fresh Air program on the importance of sleep ("I wanted to finish listening but I was too tired".)
• Dogs, just dogs (leading to Sunday location) - they love and protect you, but if you don't want the 5 am wakeup, a guardfish is also recommended.

July 22 Run: meet at Mellon Park parking lot at Beechwood and Fifth

Sorry guys, this week got away - so just the facts this time:  on Sunday we meet at Mellon Park parking lot at Beechwood and Fifth.  We'll figure it out from there.  Coffee at Bakery Square Coffee Tree.  

July 15 Run: Hobart Street near entrance to Schenley Park for Vintage Grand Prix

Sunday, July 15, we will take a look at what we can (!) of the Vintage Grand Prix in Schenley Park.  Meet at the entrance to the park on Hobart Street.

Just a quick review of last week's run/walk: Runners (5) were evenly matched with Walkers (5).  Both groups set off from Colfax and took a nice tour of Frick Park, all of us grateful for the cooler temps  and shady shelter from the trees.

July 4 and July 8 Runs: meet at 61c and Colfax School respectively

July 4 Holiday Bonus Run: meet at 61C café on Murray Avenue at 7:30 am

July 8 Run: meet at Colfax School for Frick Park run (7:00 am)

Last week’s Sunday run and walk took us on the well worn Wendy Bennett Trail (the trail is well worn, Wendy Bennett is not!). Our hearty group embraced the lush greenery of Schenley Park. The heat and humidity inspired a new level of awe at the perfectly placed water fountain, next to the visitor center.. And who (besides Gretchen, or was it Janet?) knew that said water fountain had fish on its pedestal and is considered Art http://www.pittsburghartplaces.org/accounts/view/566? Coffee outside at the 61C included many topics…ugh, no napkin.

This week brings us the usual holiday bonus run and walk at 7:30 am , meeting at 61C.

Next Sunday’s run will meet at Colfax School where we’ll head to Frick Park to seek more shady wooded trails.

May we all have Independence to celebrate on July 4^th!