Category Archives: Intl PGH

Learn more about Pittsburgh’s connections to Cuba at the CubaOne Fundraiser

Apologies for the last minute posting on this event for CubaOne, which is tonight, Monday, December 12, 2016. Even if you can’t make it to this event, I wanted to share some information with Pittsburgh readers about the CubaOne Foundation.

One of the founders of the CubaOne Foundation is Daniel Jimenez. I met Daniel through PUMP many years ago, I think we were both board members at the same time. Daniel and I have stayed in touch via Facebook. I struggle, like many others, with how much is too much Facebook, but it is following things like the launch of the CubaOne Foundation that make checking Facebook worth it.

CubaOne Foundation Vision

Through direct engagement and open dialogue, we can build bridges of cooperation, understanding, and unity among all people of Cuban heritage, regardless of where they may live. Our trips are designed to facilitate interactions among a new generation of Cubans—both on the island and in the United States—where people can naturally pursue their passions, dreams, and work together toward a brighter tomorrow. We want Cuban Americans to visit Cuba, experience it, talk about it, and think about what an emerging Cuba means for them and their communities in the U.S.

It has been a delight to follow the birth of the CubaOne Foundation through Daniel’s Facebook posts. Thanks to Facebook, I’ve been able to see this project go from idea, to name, to trips to Cuba, to coverage of CubaOne in the New York Times. While Daniel is not currently a resident of Pittsburgh, I think it is a testament to his connections to Pittsburgh that he has organized an event for the CubaOne Foundation here.

I am excited about the work that the CubaOne Foundation is doing to create a dialogue about the Cuban American experience and cultural heritage through trips and conversations. I know first hand how important it is to go and see other communities. In 2013, thanks to the generous support of the readers of IheartPGH, I had the opportunity to participate in the Millennial Trains Project. This cross-country train trip provided me with the opportunity to visit community spaces and connect with other young leaders from around the country and the globe. Daniel was one of the supporters of my trip and it is an honor to share his project with the IheartPGH community. (You can read a recap of the trip here: Five Things I Brought Back to Pittsburgh From My Cross Country Train Trip.) You can read articles and watch documentaries. But to go and experience a place and bring those stories back to share with others is a key part of creating a shared cultural understand.

Article from Tu Cuba participant in USA Today

The event tonight will feature speakers from Pittsburgh who have had the chance to visit Cuba – including Island Jim, owner of Leaf & Bean in the Strip District and Joanna Huss of Huss Group.

Details for tonight’s event are below. If you can’t make the event, be sure to follow CubaOne on Facebook, Twitter @CubaOneTweets & Instagram for updates and beautiful photography from their trips.

A Free Trip to Cuba?

Know of a young Cuban Americans (ages 22-35)? Encourage them to apply for Tu Cuba, a free trip to Cuba with the CubaOne Foundation. The application is pretty simple and there are several trips each year.

EVENT // Monday, December 12, 2016: CubaOne: Bridges to Pittsburgh

Please join CubaOne Foundation, for a timely discussion on the new Cuba and an evening celebrating Cuban heritage and culture in support of the organization.

Speakers:

Daniel Jimenez, Founder + CEO CubaOne Foundation, Pitt + CMU alum
Island Jim, Owner Leaf and Bean, recently returned from a trip to Cuba’s tobacco fields
Joanna Huss, Huss Group, Cuban American, recently visited Cuba for the first time

Host Committee:

Congressman Mike Doyle
Saleem Ghubril, Pittsburgh Promise Executive Director
Becca Burns
Nila Devanath
Kylie LaSota
Jordan Pallitto
Kris Rust

Wigle Whiskey, 2401 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

5.30-6.30pm Cocktail Hour
6.30-7.30pm Panel Discussion
7.30-8.30pm Mixer

For tickets: https://bridgestopittsburgh.eventbrite.com/

Cuban-American millennials anticipate role in evolving Cuba (bostonherald.com)
Cuban-American millennials want a role in shaping the new Cuba now that Fidel Castro has died (businessinsider.com)

Accordion Pool Party in Lawrenceville

: Image by gadgetgirl via Flickr

On Saturday, September 12 from 3-7PM, Leslie Park swimming pool at 4700 Butler St. in Lawrenceville will thrum with activity-and not a drop of water. The site will host Accordion Pool Party, an ethnic music and dance festival and quirky spectacle of culture and community pride. The one-day event is a also a catalyst for a more lasting civic endeavor, Pool Planning Workshops to involve residents in shaping the future of the Leslie Park Pool site.

Accordion Pool Party involves about 20 seasoned Pittsburgh accordionists and 30 costumed folk dancers performing in the empty pool a mix of genres including Cajun, tango, polka, French, Israeli and Balkan music. Special guest Guinea West African Drum and Dance Ensemble will open the program. The event will be emceed by Michael “Zombo” Devine.

The event will also feature refreshments courtesy of the Estelle S. Campbell Boys and Girls Club (neighbors to Leslie Park Pool), and light fare by Lawrenceville’s eclectic cafés and restaurants. Several eateries will also host busking accordionists on the day of the event. There is a $5 suggested donation for the event. Visit http://www.accordionpoolparty.org/ for more information.

Random Acts of Pittsburgh Kindness

Here are a few links and websites I wanted to share because Pittsburghers are nice people and a few clicks or dollars can go along way.

First, I want to start by linking to this post on BikePGH – R.I.P. William Thomas, kid’s bike mechanic extraordinaire – this is a really nice post about a really nice Pittsburgher who donated his time to fixing bikes for kids.

Just Vote to Help a Greenburg Family win a $10,000 Family Room Makeover

I have posted about this on twitter but I wanted to give one last link for this one. Today, July 31 is the last day to vote for Megan B. at the Nestle Family Dream Room Makeover Contest. One great family from Greensburg has made it to the final round!! So take a moment to visit and vote for Megan B. Greensburg PA.

Kiva Fellowship: From Pittsburgh to the Phillipines (with a few stops in between)

One of the blogs that I have recently stumbled across from an email exchange about the upcoming Netroot Nation is The Causemopolitain – which is a great blog about Sloane’s Kiva fellowship in the Phillipines. Yes, that Kiva, the micro lending site that Oprah has talked about where you can support small businesses from around the globe. Sloane is originally from Pittsburgh – and we actually went to grade school together way back when. If you have any interest in social entrepreneurship and the Kiva process – you should definitely check out The Causemopolitain.

You can help with Sloane’s Kiva Fellowship by making a contribution

Mexico Mission Trip

I have been following the blog With love from Pittsburgh for awhile now – with a name like that how could I not follow along. Laura wrote a nice post last week about her boyfriends mission trip to Mexico – I was about to head back and make a donation but it looks like he has successfully completed his fundraising for the trip. Laura – please leave a comment if there are other things people can do to help!

The World Pinball Championships are in Pittsburgh

Actually, I believe that the last 7 Pinball Championships have been held in Pittsburgh. PAPA stands for the Professional & Amateur Pinball Association. One of the reasons the PAPA tournament is here in Pittsburgh is because there is a dedicated Pinaball hall in Carnegie. The pinball facility suffered extensive damage after the flooding in 2004. But they were able to rebuild in time for the 2005 competition. The facility has over 400 pinball machines.

The Pinball facility is only open to the public for tournaments and is located at 501 Keystone Dr., Carnegie, PA 15106. The Tournament runs all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday – August 15-17,2008. Click here for a detailed schedule.

According to the PAPA website there will be food vendors and there is wifi – perfect for bloggers wishing to cover the event. The tournament is free for spectators.

Click here to watch the WQED OnQ segment about the tournament and facility.
Check out Coinball.com for a website dedicated to pinball machines in the Pittsburgh area.

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Immaculate Reception in the Final Four – Your Vote is Needed Now

Even if you only know a little bit about Pittsburgh sports history,
you know that the Immaculate Reception is an important
moment in Pittsburgh and American sports history.

Well sports fans, the Immaculate Reception is in the final 4 for ESPN’s Greatest Sports Highlight. Currently, The Immaculate Reception is up against Miracle on Ice. The winner will be announced on Tue 2/26 – so click here to vote today! Your vote can send this important Pittsburgh Sports Highlight to the final round.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZi2ryWsShY[/youtube]

I have provided a link to the wikipedia page about the Immaculate Reception if you are not familiar with the term. Click the link or just ask the nearest Pittsburgher – chance are they can explain it to you. Even if you are familiar with the play, I recommend looking at the Wikipedia article – it provides some fascinating information about the entire play, complete with scientific research.