Monthly Newsletter

May 2023 Edition

AUGUST WILSON BLOCK PARTY

Macedonia FACE participated in the August Wilson Block Party on April 29^th in the Hill District where hundreds gathered to celebrate his birthday and legacy. Live music, food trucks and vendors kept the community in celebration. FACE had an activity for children and gave away books and other prizes as part of our continuing commitment to literacy. This was a great day of community connections – like a huge family reunion!

TREE PLANTING

EVENT

On May 5, 2023, in partnership with the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation and the Thelma Lovette YMCA, volunteers planted a mini-orchard on the rooftop terrace outside of our Active for Life Senior Center. A total of 3 apple trees, 3 nectarine trees and blackberry and blueberry bushes were planted. They should produce fruit within 18 months. Thirteen (13) students from Miller Elementary joined with our seniors and staff from FACE and the YMCA to dig, plant, mulch, weed and prune! Tree Pittsburgh brought shovels, rakes and gloves and later did a presentation about their One Tree Per Child initiative. UPMC Mathilda Theiss did a nutrition demo and made yogurt parfaits for all. A small veggie garden was also planted which was donated by a local nursery. FACE is proud to bring generations together for a healthy outdoor event that will have a positive impact for years to come.

THANK YOU TO THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE

HIGHMARK WALK FOR

A HEALTHY COMMUNITY

A rainy May 13^th Saturday couldn’t keep FACE supporters from participating in the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community! Thank you to the folks who walked and who donated!

 Shout out to Ms. Lonita Ross (pictured above) who brought a friend this year and who is an annual participant. See you again next year!

MEMORIAL DAY – MAY 29, 2023

In 1865, newly freed African Americans who were fighting in the Civil War decorated soldiers' graves in the first recorded Memorial Day celebration, according to Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, David W. Blight. At that point, it was called "Decoration Day." In 1889, Memorial Day became a national holiday which is now observed on the last Monday in the month of May.

Click on this link to hear an interview with historical scholar David Blight from the New York Historical Society:

https://www.nyhistory.org/video/the-first-memorial-day-with-david-blight

This Memorial Day, we pay tribute to the courageous men and women who served our nation, including the often-overlooked contributions of African American soldiers who played an integral role in shaping its history. We honor their sacrifices and recognize their significant impact on our shared legacy of freedom and equality.

PARTNERSHIP WITH GREATER PITTSBURGH FOOD BANK WILL PROVIDE FRESH FOOD TO SENIORS

Macedonia FACE was pleased to receive a grant from the Greater Pittsburgh Area Food Bank to provide “food bucks” and shuttle transportation for seniors to access area farm markets this summer. FACE will be transporting seniors to farm markets where they can use their “food bucks” to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables. Access to fresh fruits and vegetables is a challenge where a grocery store is lacking in the Hill District. Good nutrition keeps our elders healthy and independent. 



June 22, 2023 is Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program Distribution Day at our Active for Life Senior Center. If you are or know a senior that could benefit from this support, please contact us at 412-281-2573. 

DO YOU WANT TO BE OF SERVICE TO YOUR NEIGHBORS? GREAT JOBS AVAILABLE AT FACE. Check out the opportunities at www.macedoniaface/jobopportunities

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