Heritage Community Initiatives is pleased to announce that United States Steel Corporation (U. S. Steel) will be bringing guest readers and donating books to the Heritage 4 Kids Early Learning Center to celebrate Read Across America Day.

At 9:00 am on Friday, March 1, 2013, guest readers from U .S. Steel and the local community will be coming to Heritage 4 Kids Early Learning Center, located at 404 Braddock Avenue in Braddock, to read to 70 preschool children. Guest readers from U.S. Steel and the community will read books about safety, including themes of stranger danger, bullying, and how to call 911.

Guest readers from U. S. Steel include Staff Sergeant Nick Davis, U.S. Army Recruiter. Sergeant Davis was deployed twice to Iraq (2004 and 2008) as an Army Calvary Scout responsible for reconnaissance missions.

Readers from the community will include State Representative Paul Costa, a long-time advocate of education for District 34 which includes Braddock; Braddock Mayor John Fetterman; Braddock Police Chief Fred Debartolo and Edgewood Fire Chief Dave Andrews. Also reading is Patricia Waldinger, CEO, American Red Cross Western Pennsylvania Region, an organization whose mission is to help keep our families and communities safe.

Gregg Baker to Perform and Share Inspiring Life Story

Heritage Community Initiatives and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra have collaborated to bring world-renowned singer, Gregg Baker, to Braddock for a special presentation on Tuesday, February 26, 2013.

Mr. Baker will speak and perform at the Good Shepherd School Gymnasium, at 1025 Braddock Avenue in Braddock. The event begins at 6 p.m. The event is free of charge and open to the public, although space is limited to the first 225 people. Complimentary light refreshments will be provided by the Braddock Community Cafe.

Gregg Baker began life on the West side of Chicago, and once dreamed of playing pro football. He joined his high school choir, where his singing talent was discovered. He graduated from high school and went on to play football for Northwestern University. He began to sing professionally when he was sidelined by an injury. Mr. Baker has performed at the White House for President Reagan and sings today on stages all over the world, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, the Opera Company of Philadelphia, the London Philharmonic and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

“Gregg Baker’s powerful story provides an important opportunity to see the critically important role that music plays in our community experience.  Mr. Baker’s gift is not only that of fine musicianship, but a deep dedication to mentoring the next generation of children who are exploring their futures,” says James A. Wilkinson, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

“It is important for all children to learn that there are many pathways out of poverty,” says Michele R. Atkins, President and CEO of Heritage Community Initiatives, “We are so grateful to the Symphony for sponsoring Mr. Baker in this wonderful event. We are confident that his story will touch many lives here in the Mon Valley.”

About Heritage Community Initiatives:  Heritage Community Initiatives is a community based nonprofit providing support for families that live in Braddock and the Mon Valley through services in education, transportation and community outreach.  We seek to strengthen individuals and families in order to build healthier communities and provide resources for sustainability.

About the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra:  The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) provides musical experiences at the highest level of expression to enrich the community and to satisfy the needs and preferences of its audiences: www.pittsburghsymphony.org

Click here to view the event flyer (PDF)