CYNTHIA BATTLE (Photos by Gail Manker)

When Jolanda Carr’s two sons entered elementary school, they were already regularly misbehaving in class and difficult to discipline. However, with the help of OnTRACK, a program designed to help troubled youth, Carr’s sons’ behavior changed.
“Their behavior in kindergarten was just off the chart. That’s where the OnTRACK youth development specialist came in,” Carr said. “I was constantly getting calls—‘your son has been suspended; you have to come get him.’ So without OnTRACK, I might not have a job right now.”
OnTRACK was one of several programs highlighted as part of the Graduate Pittsburgh Summit at Hosanna House on April 22. The initiative works to increase the high school graduation rate in Alle­gheny County.
In line with this year’s focus on early indicators, OnTrack works with students at an early age in grades K-8 to reduce behaviors that lead to suspension before they lead to students dropping out high school. The organization’s youth development specialists, who work in the Woodland Hills and McKeesport school districts, focus on the philosophy of positive discipline to get to the root causes of bad behavior.
“The first few years when my sons came into my life were hard for them and that’s where the negative behavior was coming from,” Carr said.
The mission of the Graduate Pittsburgh Summit was to increase awareness of best practices and indicators of drop out risk factors. The event highlighted collaborations between schools, youth, parents, youth-serving organization, the community, government, and business.
Student behavior, such as that addressed by OnTRACK, kindergarten readiness, and attendance were the three early indicators discussed by a group of panelists. Communities in Schools of Pittsburgh-Allegheny County, a non-profit dropout prevention program that offers in-school programs, after-school programs, and alternative learning academies organized the event.
“I wanted it to be something that was practical and hands on so participants would have something tangible to take back to their school district or organization,” said CIS Executive Director Cindy Shafer.
Another program highlighted at the event was the Homewood Early Learning Experience Network, an early childhood education program connected to the Homewood Children’s Village, a community initiative aimed at transforming educational, health, social service, and physical conditions in the neighborhood.
“In the low income community, children don’t hear a lot of language. It’s usually, ‘no’, ‘stop’, ‘don’t do that’. These children don’t go to museums,” said Cynthia Battle, who leads the organization’s community outreach. “It’s not that these parents don’t love their children but they’re busy worrying about paying their bills.”
Battle, who worked for 17 years with the literacy organization Beginning with Books, said the early stages of a child’s development is crucial to their education later in life. She works going door-to-door and visiting home daycare centers to increase awareness of this connection.
“When you see a parent years later and they say you were right, you know these programs can work,” Battle said. “It’s good to see some of the children who are in high school and college now.”
The event was sponsored by EDMC-The Art Institute of Pittsburgh in partnership with a committee of organizations, school, and government offices.

WELCOME—Ellen Estomin, Reggie Roberts and Lois Cain

Easter Monday has become Jazz Monday. On April 1, at the Oakland Wyndham, the Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP) in association with the Pittsburgh Jazz Society and support from BNY Mellon Jazz, Tim Stevens, Tony Mowod and a host of guest celebrity emcees hosted a six hour marathon of music featuring many of Pittsburgh’s best jazz musicians and vocalists. This year’s fundraiser was in memory of trumpeter Chuck Austin, drummer Mary Turner and vocalist Leroy K. Woffard.

ICE BREAKER—Kevin Bolding, Kim Maddox and Dorothy Bradshaw take part in a ice breaking exercise. (Photo by J. L. Martello)

Forget “50 is the new 40” or even “the new 30,” age 50 is about moving forward. That’s why the YMCA and Pfizer Inc. launched 50 MOVING FORWARD, a healthy living plan designed to motivate adults 50 years and older with fresh ideas around behaviors that experts say are crucial to healthy aging: physical activity; preventive measures like screenings and vaccinations; healthy eating; and social interaction.
Those who want practical information, tips and activities that will help them build a healthier future can enroll for free now through May 24 at the locations delivering the program, the Allegheny Y, Penn Hills Y, PNC Y, Thelma Lovette Y and all other YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh wellness locations or online at YMCA.net/50Mov­ingForward.
“Adults 50 years and older are the fastest growing age group at the Y, so it’s important that we offer resources geared toward this population. The 50 MOVING FORWARD program does exactly that in an environment that allows adults to focus on health, fitness, preventive measures and fun,” said Gary Nowading, YMCA district vice president.  
“50 MOVING FORWARD offers interesting and motivating activities that enhance the physical, mental and social well-being of adults 50 and older.”
The 50 MOVING FORWARD hosts weekly wellness events, classes and workshops. Both YMCA members and nonmembers are invited to join for free. It includes Walking Clubs, Cycling classes and bike rides, Cultural Trips, Healthy Cooking and Grilling Seminars. A full calendar of events is available at www.ymcapgh.org.
Adults 50 years and older currently make up more than 30 percent of the US population, and by 2015, they are expected to represent 45 percent of Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that adults 50 and older have a 70 percent chance of developing at least one chronic disease. That’s why the Y, one of the nation’s leading nonprofits dedicated to improving the nation’s health, teamed up with Pfizer, with its health care expertise, to develop the program.

Twelve years ago I wrote a column that was a thank you letter to my mother. My mom is 90 years old now and not doing so well. I know she will not be able to read this column, but I wanted to publicly say how much I appreciate her. A lot has changed since that first letter.
“Dear Mom, thank you for taking care of me when I was sick, I can’t believe that now I’m taking care of you. I remember when I was sick you gave me that castor oil and orange juice cocktail. I disliked orange juice for so long after that, but that concoction did make me feel better. You taught me how to fry fish outside so the house would not smell like fish all week long.