November 29 Run: Meet at 61C Cafe for a Neighborhood Run; Thanksgiving Morning Run: meet at Starbucks SqHill

On Thanksgiving morning, sleep in a little to meet at 7:30 at the Squirrel Hill Starbucks on Forbes.  Virginia will lead a run through Schenley Park, possibly extending to Oakland and Shadyside for those looking for a longer run.

Next Sunday 11/29, meet at 61C Cafe at the regular time for a regular neighborhood run.  After traveling to other neighborhoods lately, let's stay close to home base this time.

Last Sunday, Pam toured us through Homestead, starting in the Waterfront, crossing the train tracks, and up into Homestead, up the hills into Munhall.  We got off to a slow start, waiting at the railway crossing, where we counted 114 cars (excluding the double stacked ones), all covered in snow, coming from the west.  Perhaps a harbinger of weather to come, but glad not yet!  It was hard to run very far without passing a church.  At the pinnacle of Munhall, we found the historic Munhall Fire Hall, established in 1894.  We also wandered around the gorgeous Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall, and pondered a bite at gastropub Dorothy 6.

Coffee was at Panera at the Waterfront, where Roye sparked a lively discussion on the origins of the bidet, which quite seriously lasted most of the coffee time!  Things that make you go hmmmm.....

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 22 Run: Meet at Waterfront Smokestacks for a Homestead Run

Next Sunday, let's meet at the Waterfront smokestacks (between Costco and Movie Theater) so we can have a Homestead run.

Last Sunday, we took one of the usual Highland Park runs in reverse.  It's funny how different things can look when in reverse.  At coffee, various topics were discussed, including a "single serving friendship" made at Target, and my favorite quote: "I needed 3 potatoes and 2 green peppers, and I spent $197."

Across the street from Target, Eastside, is coming along, and the conversation veered toward the concept of microunits in apartments.  This is actually one of the trends I'm following at work for my coverage of the multifamily market, so I was quite happy to share my nerdiness with the group.  Basically, in Pittsburgh, a "microunit" is around 500 square feet, but in New York and Seattle, it's around 350 square feet, about the size of a hotel room.  There are some great concepts out there, bringing back Murphy beds, built in furniture, etc.  These compact units are embraced by Millennials, but quite frankly, tend toward male Millennials.  But they only work in dynamic mixed use neighborhoods in apartment communities with lots of common areas/amenities.

Endorsements:
The ultralight down vests and coats from Costco
Marshall's in Greentree-- best selection
Weighted vest from Dick's-- helps with preventing osteoporosis

November 15 Run: Meet at Tazzo d'Oro in Highland Park

This Sunday, let's meet at Tazzo d'Oro (Highland and Bryant) so we can catch the tail end of the fall foliage in beautiful Highland Park.

This past Sunday, Michele led us through the high and low points of Braddock, with no worries about missing out on hills.  We started out with the Edgar Thomson Works  and wound our way up to a bridge connecting to North Braddock.  We saw the Free Store and the community garden, but a couple of new things were going on.  For example, the Brew Gentlemen Beer Company, which has been flourishing along with its accompanying food trucks that appear on Friday and Saturday nights.  Then, Mayor John and his wife Gisele hosted coffee for us in their home.  Again, what an amazing experience to be able to ask questions of a PA candidate for US Senate!

November 8 Run: Braddock Run and Coffee at the Fettermans'

This past Sunday, Sharon led the group through Squirrel Hill in search of festive and scary Halloween decorations. Coffee was a bit abbreviated (got to be productive with that extra hour), so I didn't catch any endorsements.

This Sunday, Michele offered to lead a very special run in Braddock.  Park on Braddock Avenue near the intersection with 11th Street.  Braddock Mayor John Fetterman and his wife Gisele will host coffee at their home afterward.  This is a great opportunity to learn about this evolving borough and ask questions of a 2016 Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate.  Below is a note from Michele. She added that we can donate anything to the Free Store in addition to the specific items listed:

"Since Gisele and John have so graciously offered to host coffee, I am hoping that our running group can again help support the FreeStore.  While shopping over the next two weeks, and remember the upcoming run, can you please make a feminine hygiene product, diaper of any size or formula purchase to donate.  Gisele will be so happy and grateful.

"Furthermore!  please know that when Gisele offered to host coffee, she made NO MENTION of asking for a FreeStore contribution!  This is my idea completely and no one should in any way feel obligated to donate.  We are a fortunate group of means.  A this is a small donation to us but can be a "lifesaver" to someone in need.

"Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we will have a lovely morning.  For those who do not remember, it is necessary to drive all of the way through Braddock and park around Edgar Thompson."

November 1 Run: 61C Cafe for a Neighborhood Halloween Run- REMEMBER TO CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS!

This Sunday, let's meet at 61C Cafe so that we can run around our 'hood to check out the various Halloween decorations.  And remember to change your clocks to fall back to reflect the end (or is it the beginning?) of Daylight Savings.

This past Sunday, Roye led us on a jaunt through Allegheny Cemetery. While we didn't find the Halloween decorated tombstones, we thought the whole place, being a cemetery, was quite "Halloweeny."  The colors of the trees seemed to be at peak-- so beautiful.  And the crows flying overhead signaled the change of seasons.  I didn't catch any endorsements at coffee because there were just so many conversations happening simultaneously.  Always a delight.

Nov. 8 (the following Sunday), we will be in Braddock for a run led by Michele. Roye already sent the "save the date."  I'll send the details next week.

October 25 Run: Commonplace at Voluto (5467 Penn Ave) for an Allegheny Cemetery Run

Sunday we decided to enjoy some more of the beautiful fall foliage, but this time from Allegheny Cemetery.  We will start and end at Commonplace at Voluto, a few blocks away on Penn Ave.

Last week, Karen led the group through Point Breeze, Homewood Cemetery and Frick Park.  Until Daylight Savings happens next weekend (Nov. 1), it's still quite dark until about 7:30, so the neighborhood streets and community gardens were welcoming until it was light enough to enter the park.

At coffee, numerous conversations were overheard, so I will try to summarize what I caught:

First, the serious stuff:

Chris wants to announce a gun violence forum taking place on Thursday, 10/29, at 6:30pm at 2200 Beechwood Blvd.  Please spread the word.  Any questions or to RSVP, email him at elgrip@gmail.com.

On that same topic, Audrey has crafted a beautifully and succinctly written letter that you can use to write your politicians.  For the letter, contact her at: aekane@gmail.com.  Or, write your own and send along to the following:

Websites for politicians:
http://doyle.house.gov/
http://murphy.house.gov/
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm?State=PA

Under "Contact Me" you can fill out an email and write a letter or copy and paste what Audrey has written.

Other info:
http://billmoyers.com/2014/06/13/say-no-to-the-new-normal-five-things-you-can-do-about-gun-violence/

Now, the fun stuff:

Endorsements for food:
Convenient and tasty BBQ beef brisket at Costco snack bar
Almond croissants from Five Points Bakery
Peace Love Donuts (but only the Oakland location)

Endorsements for movies:
Robin Williams tribute
Me and Earl now on demand- HBO and Showtime.

 

October 18 Run: entrance to Frick Park at Reynolds and S. Homewood

The woods are turning ever more beautiful so we are taking advantage with a Frick Park Run, and will meet at the stone gatehouse in Point Breeze, at Reynolds and S. Homewood.  Karen will make sure we don't get lost.  Coffee most likely to follow at 61C Cafe.

Our autumn excursion through Schenley Park last Sunday was a little early in the month to be radiant, but it was still lovely as always.  Actually as a native New Englander, I think its leafy pride is a bit much - the colors there are almost day-glo - it's kind of a juvenile taste.  Here fall is more subtle, like a nice burgundy compared to Kool-Aid.  And, speaking of subtle, it's Stillers season!  

Multiple endorsements of all kinds bubbled up:

• Off the Record - like the Capitol Steps but all about Pittsburgh, courtesy of our amazingly talented news/film/radio/TV workers and supporting the Food Bank - go see it next year!
• adorable town of Cambria, CA - where Judy is headed temporarily - she says come visit!
• the fact that Wendy knit sweaters for her bridesmaids
• Five Points Bakery - can't say it too many times - have you tried the Tahini Cookies?  
• our resident judicial expert says: David Wecht and Hugh McGough.  Also Eat That Read This (also endorsed) additionally supports Christine Donahue and Kevin Dougherty.  And apparently if you select individual names instead of a straight party vote it carries more weight and is known as a "power vote" but maybe I should make sure I have that straight...
• not exactly an endorsement but it's got to be said:  Trader Joe's has gone bonkers over pumpkin.  I think there's pumpkin pizza dough - maybe pumpkin brie - it's nuts.
• the Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante, starting with My Brilliant Friend - PLEASE read them so we can discuss!  1500 pages goes by in a flash!
• And here we got totally psyched about TV series:
• Frankie and Grace
• Orange is the New Black
• The Good Wife
• The Affair
• Veep
• House of Cards
• The Newsroom

Now we're all set for winter.

October 11 Run: Meet at 61C Cafe for a Schenley Park Trail Run

This coming Sunday, let's meet at 61C Cafe for a Schenley Park trail run to see any first signs of leaves changing colors.  (Normally we meet at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead, but we decided to start and end at 61C for coffee drinking purposes:-).

This past Sunday, we enjoyed seeking out and finding as many Sukkahs (er, Sukkot, which is the plural, I believe) as possible on the last day of the holiday.  I believe PtB has the official count.  We even saw a Sukkah created by two of our own East End Runners, and a friendly neighbor of an EE Runner's Sukkah, complete with lights.  One thing I really enjoy about Running Group is that we learn so much from each others' faith traditions.  Keep it coming!

Endorsements from coffee include:

Duo Lingo free app for learning languages (but interactive, so using on the bus might not be recommended).

Sabbatical ideas for places, activities, etc.

Cities, cars that are conducive for short people!  (oh, the strange directions that conversations can take!).

That's all I got.  See you the following week, as I'm headed to West Virginia this weekend for the Apple Butter Festival.

October 4 Run: Meet at 61C Cafe for a neighborhood Sukkot run

This coming Sunday, we will meet at the 61C Cafe, then tour Squirrel Hill for any and every sukkah we can find.

Last Sunday, a smaller group due to the Great Race met up at Bakery Square for an East Liberty restaurant and real estate development tour.  The massive Eastside development (apartments, retail) dominates the area, but we looked beyond, for great new restaurants like Pizza Taglio, and ones that started a while back when East Liberty was first being branded as Eastside, like Paris 66.  We saw large scale housing development and a dilapidated church on the back side of Target, along with small scale redevelopment on the Highland Park side of East Liberty Boulevard.

Coffee endorsements:

Lux Artisan Chocolates, which can be found locally at Mon Aimee in the Strip District, Biddle's Escape, the Chocolate Moose, etc.

September 27 Run: Bakery Square Coffee Tree for an East Liberty Restaurant Tour

For those of us not running the Great Race on Sunday, meet at Bakery Square Coffee Tree Roasters so that we can avoid any road blockages.  We will tour the new construction and newly opened/promised restaurants in this area, although we'll have to save the feasting for later when the establishments are open.

For those participating in the Great Race, Pam has again offered runners to use her house as a starting line pit stop/place to drop sweatshirts, etc.  Pam, typing with her non-injured hand, writes:

"I will take it easy, but am still planning on hospitality before and running the Great Race. 2200 Beechwood Blvd, just before the start. 412-425-1118 if you have questions. No need to RSVP. "

Heal up quickly, Pam!  And have a great race, Great Racers.

Last Sunday, we started at Nancy's East End Diner in Wilkinsburg in hopes that we could feast on brunch items post-run, but sadly, it doesn't open until 9am, and the old grill takes 40 minutes to heat up!  Galit and her husband, pushing in the stroller their 10-month old--youngest runner!-- showcased the various points of interest in Wilkinsburg.  We saw the Singer Mansion, the high school, an old post office, etc.  Several parts of the neighborhood were even cuter than the last time we ran through.  And houses are not on the market for long, if they even hit the market.  Google effect?  Or is this just Pittsburgh's Renaissance?

September 20 Run: 616 South Ave. in Wilkinsburg

From: Mormer, Elaine A <emormer@pitt.edu>

Meet at Nancy's east end diner,  616 South Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15221.

September 13 Run: Market Square Starbucks for a Downtown and North Side Run

Next week, meet at our Downtown spot in Market Square at the Starbucks for what sounds like a fun run around Allegheny Center on the North Side.

Good thing Roye's run around Shadyside and East Liberty last Sunday was flat because it was huMID (!) and we were all feeling it!  We enjoyed our coffee outside at Bakery Square and the endorsements again returned to the best places to shop thrifty around town (South Side Goodwill, Red White Blue on 51) as well as out of town (Boston South End Goodwill described as "astounding"!).  I'm sure there were plenty of other endorsements/discussions after I left coffee...

The next morning for the special Labor Day holiday run, we had a large group start and end at 61C Cafe for a regular jaunt around Schenley Park, just the regular weekday running route because so many of us miss it.  I had to peel off early, so I missed out on coffee.  I will be out of town this Sunday so until next week, signing off, Aimee

September 6 Run: meet at Commonplace Coffee at Bakery Square

At least not late again, but another busy week, so just the announcement:
Start at Bakery Square parking lot in front of Commonplace Coffee (you have to actually put your car into the parking garage in back because I think they won't let people park in the lot - weird, I know.  But at least it's free.)
We could actually go in any direction from there - we'll see!

August 30 Run: meet in Regent Square at 61B Cafe on Braddock

Sorry it's late!  A busy week - so just the location this time:
We're meeting in Regent Square at the 61B Cafe on Braddock Ave.
See you there!

August 23 Run: Start at Costco parking lot in the Waterfront

Next week we thought it would be fun to return to the Waterfront and run on the path along the Mon - stop at the labyrinth, ponder the Carrie Blast Furnaces, and reach the rear end of Kennywood - maybe head back through Homestead.  Not sure about coffee - possibly at the Starbucks right in the Waterfront - or is there someplace in Homestead?  We'll see.

Last week, a summery experience of Frick Park while it was still cool, taking us from the depths to the heights and then a lovely downhill back to the start, at the Five Points Bakery, which as a bakery is simply awesome, but for our largish group on Sunday, a little slow on the coffee and short on the chairs.  Not being good at writing while standing up, this is all I've got:

• We are just as good as The Ethicist when determining the rights and wrongs of baseball ticket distribution.
• Everything inside 5 Points Bakery is marvelous - particularly recommend the Tahini Cookies.
• Vermont Bike Tours are great, even outside of Vermont.
• So is Costco - stay tuned.

August 16 Run: Five Points Bakery at 6520 Wilkins Avenue

This Sunday, let's start and end at the yummy Five Points Bakery at 6520 Wilkins Avenue (near Wilkins and Beechwood intersection).  There was some talk about running to Frick Park-- we'll see!

Last Sunday, I brought the group around to a less traversed section of Garfield near the water tower that  boasted some new housing, several community gardens, an old closed school with lots of potential, and tons of city steps.  Despite my reputation for taking the group on hilly runs, there was only one steep uphill, and it was worth it for the views.  We could see the Downtown and Oakland skylines!  I told people it was only 3.75 miles, but they were "vertical miles" for the elevation.  Let's embrace this beautiful topography!

I didn't stay long at coffee, but there was a coffee cocktail of the day as well as talk of frozen cocktails to make at home.  Both refreshing.

August 9 Run: Start at The Commonplace at Voluto Cafe, 5467 Penn Ave., Garfield

For this coming Sunday, Aimee has a plan, starting and ending at the Commonplace at Voluto Cafe in Garfield, 5467 Penn Ave., sort of across from the Pittsburgh Glass Center.  New sights in store!

Last Sunday the air was cool, the sky was clear, the river was sparkling as we crossed the bridges to and from Washington's Landing, the coffee was strong, the meles were still warm - what more could we ask for?  Am including 3 photos so everyone is accounted for, including Sid and Cutch, vividly executed but never seen when the store is open.  Another reason to be up and about at 7.

Delightful coffee at La Prima, naturally, with various endorsements:

• Traveling without the family - what conferences were invented for -
• The Fort Pitt Museum
• Birdman the movie, and also the documentary about casting by the famous Marion Dougherty 
• a run in Troy Hill with a visit to the famous church with relics
• Lake Arthur and its 14-mile bike route as well as pontoon boats

And best of luck to Gretchen's daughter who made it to the WYEP Singer/Songwriter Competition finals on August 24!

August 2 Run: 21st and Liberty Ave. parking lot for a Strip District run

August already?? ! Might as well make that a bit sweeter with some almond meles, so we'll start at the parking lot overlooking the 21st and Liberty intersection, as we usually do, make our way over a few bridges, and return to La Prima in time for warm pastries (fingers crossed) and strong coffee.  No hills! (Almost.)

Last Sunday we ended up doing the Wendy Bennett Trailhead run backwards, which I sort of hoped would make time go in reverse, but no luck.  However, the park was lovely!

Coffee was chock full of endorsements:
(Does anyone remember Chock Full o'Nuts, the Heavenly Coffee?  What did that even mean?)

• Push mowers - hurray for no lawn machine noise! - 2 are available from David Coulson (412-421-1230)
• Support the urban forest and learn tree identification from Tree Pittsburgh
• A true Shabbat without all those impossible rules - like many Israelis do it
• Picklesburgh - I guess we missed it, but there's always next summer
• Upscale exotic popsicles, aka Mexican paletas, available from Popstop around town but if you want to make them, a Vitamix is recommended, and Wendy knows how to get one half-price.
• Moscow Mule cocktails
• Food for Thought caterer on South Craig
• The Independent bar in Squirrel Hill, Whiskey Wednesday and amazing brussels sprouts.
• Superfunk!  H.B. Bennett's hit song, Shoot the Pump, and the upcoming Bootsie Collins concert at Hartwood Acres on Sunday

July 26 Run: 61C Cafe for a Runners' Choice Run

Whoops!  Saturday morning and I realized I haven't sent out the email yet.  Apologies for my delinquency.

Tomorrow, meet at 61C Cafe for a Runners' Choice run-- "someone will think of something."  I'm out of town, so I'll miss out on the adventures.

Speaking of adventures, we had lots of them last Sunday for our Vintage Grand Prix run in Schenley Park.  I shall call the run "In Search of Janis Joplin's Psychedelic Porsche."  Wendy's friend, Harvey, was visiting from Berlin, he an actor and his wife the Martha Stewart of Germany who just published a new book!  Harvey was focused on finding Janis Joplin's Psychedelic Porsche, so to find the porsche, we had to get to the golf course.  There were a lot of police officers guarding barricades all throughout the park, presumably to keep people safe and off the race track.  That didn't stop us from taking a little shortcut to the golf course (where we thought the porsche would be)-- doing what we do best, trespassing, with our Blatant Disregard for Authority:

If it's not blocked off, it must not be worth visiting

 Caution tape?  What caution tape?

We made it safely to the other side, checking Flagstaff Hill, then venturing up to the golf course to ask in vain for where the porsche would be.  Every car aficionado had different answers, and we were getting tired, so many of us split off from there, deciding water/coffee would be good to seek out instead of a porsche.  Wendy stuck by her friend Harvey, but later returned to the cafe without having found the porsche.

Discussions at coffee were cut short because it people had places to be, people to see, life to live!  See you next Sunday!

July 19 Run: Hobart and Guarino Streets at the entrance to Schenley Park (Fruit Loop side) for a Vintage Grand Prix Run

Next up, meet at the Schenley Park entrance on Hobart Street and Guarino near the Fruit Loop for a Vintage Grand Prix run to look at the cars.

Last Sunday, we ran an old favorite, a loop of Schenley Park on the trails, and the weather cooperated for a beautiful experience.

Topics of conversation at the coffee:

The need for more secure bike panniers
The kindness of strangers
Potential bike ride or long run: "Bike heaven" on the north side river trail downstream from science center.  
The Moth- upcoming Adam Gropnik and a moth evening Wednesday 9/30 - tickets go on sale 7/31 - maybe we have enough for a 'group' rate.

A cool photo from coffee and one from last week's South Side run: