Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network, PIIN, first public event and demands

Script of PIIN's Presentation

Youth & Recreation Task Force

Joint presentation by Kellie Ware, Mark Rautekus and David Dunn to a full church and the first public action ever hosted by the Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network. 

I am Kellie Ware of New Life A.M.E. Church in Homewood and co-chair of PIIN's Youth and Recreation task force.

I graduated from Peabody, and am a freshman at Pitt.

I'm 18, and I vote.

Problems loom for our city's youth.

Undirected energy and too much idle time allows kids to
get hooked on drugs,
become gang members and
end up on the coroner's table.

Our youth do NOT have sufficient access to web-connected computers.

The growing digital divide is deep and wide. The lacking technology and literacy in the neighborhoods threatens to bury our youth!

Kids without computers are headed toward the junk heap of life.

For our youth to be competitive for decent jobs, we need access to technology?

PIIN do you hear me? (repeat)

"PIIN, DO YOU HEAR ME?"

Frisbee Rant (Spoken by Mark Rauterkus)

(Left hand prop.)
This is a Frisbee, a flying disk.

(Right hand prop.)
This, my friends of faith, is a CD-ROM. Insert this disk into a computer with a CD BURNER and store digital information.

(Left hand)
A Frisbee is a low-tech toy.

(Right hand)
Burning a CD represents technology and a key to the future. Entire libraries, such as with Project Gutenburg e-text, can be stored here. Tens-of-thousands of volumes can fit ranging from the classics with Plato -- or the Bible.

Spreadsheets, databases, image manipulation tools, animations, and email are represented with technology. Open source software, programming, languages, text-to-voice, music and editors SWIRL here -- power-ing creativity.

Being digital, it can snap to you. Or to Shenango Valley, or California. And, all at the same time.

My name is Mark Rauterkus. I’m the volunteer webmaster for my family’s place of worship. Our UU Church has an online home at Sunnyhill.Org.

When I was a college freshman, like Kellie is today, only the computer science majors touched computers. They used PUNCH Cards, not CDs. Our kids today can't use the same excuse.

The Mayor wants to spend $100-thousand-dollars on the building of three ULTIMATE Frisbee fields.

The money is for bulldozing and landscaping in Highland Park.

To the Mayor, Ultimate Frisbee is hip and cool. Professional young people enjoy it.

Say with me, "We want technology."
Let's take less than half of that amount and INSIST that the next generation of high-tech citizens are grown in literate ways within our neighborhoods.

We want technology.
The Mayor should NOT spend precious resources on Ultimate Frisbee FIELDS.

We want technology.
Our most valued resource is our children. And they are hanging out right now at Citipark Rec Centers all around this town. They need this investment so they can be competitive and successful for the rest of their lives.

We want technology.

If our youth get computers now, the Pittsburgh Police may not need their computers in the future.

We want technology.

Sadly, the Administration has a Youth Policy that amounts to Truancy Abatement rather than Technology Empowerment.

We want technology.

The focus of the Mayor's Office is on "sweeping kids off the streets" rather than "keeping them online and building excellence and scholarship."

The Solution (Spoken by David Dunn.)
We, as faith-based communities, need to take action for the youth like Kellie and the younger people she represents.

A few years ago, the city's leadership had a vision for establishing fully functional computer rooms for public use in many of the city's Recreation Centers.

A great idea! We love this idea!

Some of the Rec Centers have been remodeled with NICE computer rooms, with good lighting, new carpeting and quality furniture and swivel chairs.

Yet today, the computers are missing and the few that were installed are broken. Plus, connections to the internet never occured.

For two years these beautiful rooms have been missing the computer hardware and net connections to be of any value.

We have pictures on our web site!

Her future should not be as empty as these rooms.

Will Mayor Tom Murphy please come to the microphone?

---

Swing Section (optional -- spoken by David Dunn)

Pittsburgh Public Schools is installing on-line access for parents. Parents will be able to use an internet-connected computer to see their student's schedules, homework assignments, attendance, quiz-and-test scores and announcements.

Many parents do not have computers in the home. Many parents have work schedules that prevents regular access to their child's teachers.

Rec center computers will serve the youth by giving parents access to their child's schoolwork and attendance on a day-to-day basis.

This quote comes from the Mayor's Youth Policy (1999, Errika Fearby Jones):

"... those who have studied the root causes of juvenile crime report unanimously that poor school attendance is the first step into the spiral that leads many young people into the criminal justice system." We agree with that!

The mission of PIIN's Youth Rec Task Force goes beyond giving youth "something to do." Let's empower parents to better keep the kids out of trouble, out of the criminal justice system, out of the truancy offices.

Installing computers can give parents tools to hold their children
accountable.

Mr. Elbert Yaworsky, Chief Technology Officer of Pittsburgh Public Schools is in the house tonight.

Earlier today Mr. Yaworsky informed us that:

Pittsburgh Public Schools would be happy to supply all the necessary equipment for this demand. The issues of 32 computers, the networking, and the installation are solved.

High School students from Peabody’s I.T. Essensials Course will do the installs. This course is offered at four schools.

Getting computers into Rec Centers is an effort matches the Digital Divide efforts of the Pgh Public Schools.

As of today, all the technology required -- except the physical wires from the telephone pole, is going to be covered -- at no charge to the city.
Let’s have a great PIIN Welcome and to Mr. Yaworsky.

Is all of this accurate Mr. Yaworsky?

---

In prior positions, Mr.Yaworsky worked at Quaker Valley School District. There, all the students have laptop computers.

Prior, he was responsible for wiring all the libraries throughout the Carnegie System.

He knows just what we hope to accomplish. And, he knows just how to do it. His consulting is going to be very valuable to all the kids as well as citizens thourghout Pittsburgh -- and the region.

The PIIN (spoken by Kellie Ware)

Deputy mayor Tom Cox, do you speak for the mayor?

Deputy Mayor Cox, please answer "Yes" or "No" to this reasonable, anticipated question.

By September 1, 2003, will you fulfill the city's vision of establishing fully functional computer rooms with each to have at least 4 web-connected computers for $40,000 in the following Recreation Centers:
Warrington,
West Penn,
Ormsby,
Bloomfield,
Brookline, AND
THREE other sites to be determined in dialogue with PIIN's Youth and Recreation Task Force?

That is EIGHT Locations (and Citiparks has 17 Rec Centers) with four or more computers in each location. We are asking for at least 32 computers.

YES or NO please.

---

If YES:

Thank you Mr. Cox (or Mayor Murphy),

you now have 30 seconds to speak about how you will address this issue.

(wait)

Shake hands and photo opportunity.

On behalf of this city's youth, we thank you for this investment in our future.

If NO: (spoken by Kellie)

The Hill House computer center is private and going "wireless." Meanwhile, the City Rec Centers can NOT even get a wire.

PLEASE sit down.

If NO AUTHORITY: (Spoken by Dave Dunn)

Deputy Mayor Tom Cox: Are you saying that you do not speak for the Mayor?

Are you saying that you have no authority in this matter? Why are you here?

Are you in a position to agree to any of our demands?

+ + + + +

If NO SHOW:

(Spoken by Dave Dunn)

Mayor Murphy promised us that either he or his spokesperson, Deputy Mayor Tom Cox, would be present this evening. We're very disappointed that he is NOT here tonight.

We are NOT disappointed for ourselves, we are disappointed for him.

We're giving him the opportunity to step up to the plate and make a commitment to our youth. If he were to do so, he would be hearing cheers instead of jeers! Most of all we are disappointed for her and our youth.

If we get a REFUSAL: (Spoken by Dave Dunn.)

Can we count on you for a few dozen computers for our youth?

Close (Spoken by Kellie.)

Please, take your CD and scribble on it. Write a statement to the Mayor -- right now. We're passing pens around. We'll collect the disks in an offering basket. Thank you.

(Optional -- housekeeping spoken by Mark.)

If you don’t have a CD and want to express your message to the Mayor, grab any disk and write on the flip side or just add to it.

Chair and Reverend Monroe, the next task force can come to the microphone.

Mayor Murphy's (via Cox) Letter to PIIN

This letter was sent by Mayor Tom Murphy, in advance of the PIIN public meeting. It is retyped for the record.

Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network
2905 Centre Ave. 2nd floor
Pgh, PA 15219

Dear PIIN Members:

This letter comes as an interim report on the three items you asked us to review.

1) Computer in our recreation centers would cost us in the range of $600,000 to $700,000 over five years. This would cover capital costs, maintenance, and support. We would be happy to consider this item in our budget deliberations with City Council for 2004 budget.

2) With respect to the request for information on police performance we do not keep the kind of records that would enable us to have the information necessary to respond to your request. Perhaps if you could elucidate what it is you are looking to accomplish we could work out hot to be helpful.

3) I am still working with OMI on the citizens complaints request and should have something by the end of this week.

Sincerely,
Thomas E. Cox
Executive Secretary

Exercise

"Too many people confine their exercise to jumping to conclusions, running up bills, stretching the truth, bending over backward, lying down on the job, sidestepping responsibility and pushing their luck." Author Unknown

Grant's hand prints on a card to me. This hung on my office wall, above my desk, for a couple of years. 

Hi Lovers of Community,

Hope your V.D. weekend finds you with love in all the right measures.

A snow storm predicted for Pittsburgh arrived a day late. The heat is going to rise this week as a public action slated for Thursday night is going to turn up the heat on public officials.

Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network's first 'Public Action' is 7 pm on Thursday, Feb 20, 2003 at Wesley Center A.M.E.-Zion Church at 2701 Centre Ave. Please lend your power to this less-than-perfect organization and its Youth & Recreation Task Force.

We're striving for modest computer labs and internet connections within some Citiparks Recreation Centers. The rooms, security, carpets, plugs, lights, desks and chairs have been there for a couple years. Splendid spaces are sitting empty and idle -- used as oversized coat rooms.

The Mayor of Pittsburgh wants $100,000 for three "Ultimate Frisbee" fields in Highland Park. Let's establish better priorities. Help show the world that Pittsburgh has its heart in the right place. We care about our youth and not just fleeing CMU Grads and attracting young professionals from elsewhere.

Access to technology and existing facilities be extended in Rec Centers. Computer placements would provide a purpose in the mingling of youth, the business community and even seniors.

Pittsburgh can install computer labs so as to inspire and grow our own high-tech workers. Computers at Rec Centers is a worthy investment as opposed to job training at prisons and computers in police patrol cars.

I hope to see you Thursday night. Help raise the volume in a chant, "We want technology!"

PS #1: No admission charge. No need to RSVP. A V.I.P. table for check-in is going to be at the door.

PS #2: "Those who succeed in public life are those who take the risk of standing by their convictions."

Market House Childrens' Athletic Assn. Council meets again at 7 pm on Feb. 21.

A community meeting is being called for all interested in youth recreation and opportunities for engagement in various spaces and programs at 7:30 pm on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2003 at the South Side Market House.

Kids' BINGO

South Side Market House Children's Athletic Association is hosting a Family Bingo startng at 6:30 pm on February 28, 2003. Bingo begins at 7 pm. Cost is $5 for 20 cards for 10 regular games. Bring your own bing dabbers, markers or crayons -- as no chips are allowed. Paid reservations for the first 200 people will be accepted, and this event is expected to sell out. Make checks to MHCAA.

Closed ice rink

Let's work to reopen the now closed, city owned ice rink on the South Side. If interested, send me an email: Mark@Rauterkus.com.

Background article ran in the Sunday's Tribune Review, http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/pittsburgh/s_118767.html

Mark Rauterkus has various sites such as http://Rauterkus.com and http://CLOH.Org.

"The flowering of human society depends on two factors: the intellectual power of outstanding men to conceive sound social and economic theories, and the ability of these or other men to make these ideologies palatable to the majority." Ludwig von Mises

PIIN

Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network is to hold its first ever public action at 7 pm on Thursday, February 20, 2003 at Wesley Center A.M.E.-Zion Church at 2701 Centre Ave.Please lend your power to this less-than-perfect organization and its Youth & Recrea tion Task Force.

Four issues are expected: I've devoted most of my attention to the Youth & Recreation. Others are Education, Economic Development and Social Justice.

We want technology planning notes, Feb 3, 2003

Planning for the event to happen with PIIN on Feb 20, 2003. 

Can a city grow without addressing the needs of its youth?

Recreation is a powerful way to nourish the heart of our communities.

Communicating, connecting, caring about our future.

Come to the Youth Recreation Task Force Youth Summit from 1-3 pm on Saturday, Feb 1, 2003 at Allegheny UU Church, 1110 Reseca Place, (at North Ave. Northside).

Sponsored by Pgh Interfaith Impact Network, PIIN.

This was a nice meeting. Mark Rauterkus helped to organize it.

Resignation letter and documentation for full year of pay

Taxes paid

Paid City Treasurer for School and Pittsburgh taxes, $2,891.99.

First Annual: City League All Stars vs. Northern Area All Stars (WPIAL) Football Classic

The first football game was held on Saturday, November 23, 2002 at 1 pm at Cupples Stadium, $5. per head. Sponsored by the Pittsburgh Area Dodge Motor Company.

Community Summit on Fatherhood -- Bridging Fathers, Schools and Communities

Planning Committee:

Erik Vecere, Director, National Fatherhood Initiative of Greater Pittsburgh
Paul Lyons - Counselor, Pittsburgh Public Schools
Melvin El - Project Coordinator, Healthy Start Male Initiative Program
Mark Rauterkus - Activist, Coach (Parent Education Resource Center Board Member)
Steve Johnson - Youth Specialist, Mothers to Sons Program
Linda Cuttler - Juvenile Court Project, County Bar Association

Review of Forum Summary
Discuss Backup Location Possibilities
Establish List of Speakers and Breakout Sessions Leaders
Targe Audience
Timeline / Logistics

Event Overview

Theme - Bridging Fathers, Schools and Communties

Purpose - Create a comprehensive action plan to involve and engage fathers socially and educationally in their child's school in order to enrich families, schools and communities.

Structure -

Open with two prominent keynote speakers representing the education sector (Dr. Thompson and K Leroy Irvis were suggested). Topics would focus on the importance of father and family involvement for schools and communities.

Following the opening presentations, participants will move into break out work sessions. Suggested breakout sessions may include: 1) the PERC program; 2) Mechanisms for Father Involvement in Schools; 3) Fathers and the Educational Milestones of their Children; 4) Communities Coming into the Schools / schoolsGoing Out to the Communities; 5) utilizing Fathers Inside and Outside of Schools.

Each breakout session will develop action points that will get plugged into an overall action plan.

At the conclusion of the breakout sessions, all participants will reconvene for an open forum and to discuss the next step.

Resource tables will be available for the community to foster collaboration among various organizations.

Date - Targeted for December 5, 2002 from 11 am to 5 pm.

Slogans for the effort!

I know the price of success: dedication, hard work and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen.
Frank Lloyd Wright

---

Learn how to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want.
Jim Rohn

Notes of Thanks

This thank you note was delivered at the end of the day on Tuesday to the four people with the DU Athletic Department who had been part of the interview process on Monday. I rushed a bit and it slid to fit on three pages plus an attachement of additional swim references.

Traditional letterhead details snipped.

---

Thanks to those at Duquesne University on the swim coach interview team!
Dear _____,

Thanks for the interview and insights concerning your mens swim coaching position. It was splendid to meet with you given your busy schedules. I'm excited about the possibilities and opportunities. With every conversation, it was clear that a drastic change in directions is desired. I was happy to learn of your serious concerns and assessment of the situation. Hiring me is a certain pivotal step to making a serious difference with the team.

The flurry of interviews in a brief period uncovered just a few of the challenges ahead as well as our past approaches in similar situations. Please allow me a moment to reflect on the different conversations.

Key expectations from the Duquesne officials seemed to be:


1. Performances worthy of a competitive Division I team.


2. Ongoing supervision and coaching of the team.


3. Recruiting and outreach to insure talent enters the teams.

All of the above, in the hands of an aggressive coach, should not be a problem. My ambitions exceed that of most in swimming, sports and education. Providing a master plan with a vision and details in a sensible style can be delivered. As an engaged, driven, creative, organized and effective coach, I'll want the Athletic Department and my swim coaching peers to, in turn, offer insights, feedback and support of these presented ideas.

As well, the athletes I coach have always been and are expected to be highly successful because they internalize a trust with me (their coach) and seek to perform for intrinsic reasons.

The "mind - body - spirit advertising campaign" of Duquesne University is clever and fits to a small degree in the Pharmacy classrooms. However, in the natatorium, we get to live the lifestyle and associated challenges in moment-to-moment pursuits. The refreshing part of swimming -- personal, group and team engagements -- gives student-athletes their top rewards.

Travis said he still wants to be on a swim team. His drive to be with the sport comes from deep within. I want to coach him for all the right reasons. I won't need to toss existing swimmers off the team. I'm not the type of coach that needs to worry about such matters. Squad size can stay at or near present levels, as desired. Travis swim faster this season than he even expected.

For those associated with the team, now and in the future, I'll help to make those reasons for participation clear. Many young men will enroll in D.U.'s program after Travis graduates. Those who take his place will enter with measures of A10 standards. They will choose to be a part of this styled program.

Before yesterdays interviews, worries concerning D.U.'s accommodation of my personal insistence upon excellence within the sport of swimming were unresolved. Today, that outlook has changed. I had been sure that I'd be able to do a fabulous job for Duquesne. What's more, now, I'm sure that your setting can be home to fabulous swim programs.

Consider prior turnabouts as selecting the next coach. My background has been filled with rapidly progressing teams brimming with improvements. I bring new excitements to these programs and leapfrog most of the competitors.

Duquesne presents risks to coaches resumes. David C. Salo, USA Swimming's Coach of the Year, asked me, "Do you want THAT job?" I'm creative enough to see a way out of these situations and confident enough to trust in my abilities. The biggest risk rests with you as a department in its decision on hiring. An individual with a world-view, rich experiences in fast swimming, as well as a command of excellence and philosophy is called for now.

In Peoria in August 1983, PAWW had 25 swimmers and was in last place in the Lincolnland Conference. By October the team swelled to 200. I hired and trained seven assistants. The reputation changed and word-of-mouth buzz shifted from splashing on inter tubes to practices with teaching, training, and real swimming.

In 1984 at the Illinois State Senior Championships the PAWW girls 400-Free Relay clocked a 3:40.12. That performance, a Junior National Cut, happened with Erica, Beth, Katie and Jennifer, grades 7, 8, 8 and 9. The five of us flew on Peoples Express from Peoria to Syracuse, NY for a first Jr. National experience for that team. Rapid improvements to blistering speeds make a recurring theme in my past.

Both "A" and "B" relays from Peoria and men and women were soon headed to Juniors. We broke a number of state records and were sending kids with scholarships to Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin, Bakersfield and beyond. The excellence snowballed. We were not just getting a few kids to states, we were dominating races at elite venues. And, we grew from scratch.

The 02-03 DU women's team may clobber its 3:40 team record in its first dual meet. Performance facts were raised to a former Athletic Director on the bluff at an interview some years ago. Before Wayne Becker was the coach, I came to understand that no swim coach had much hope of thriving. Gladly, times and circumstances have changed today. I hope we all choose to work together and capitalize on these changed outlooks.

The quick build to excellence happened in more recent times and locally at Plum High School. Plum hovered at tenth place in the WPIAL Championship meet the year before my arrival. I coached the squad from November 15 to March and Plum's 400-free relay clocked 3:35.66, dropping more than 10 seconds from the prior year. Those kids (Karen, Erica, Karin, Katie) shattered their own expectations.

Moving an unranked team to second in Western PA and sticking there the second year speaks to the nature of the results I'll expect to attain.

This year's women's team at DU may beat the 3:35.66 in the 400-free relay the A10 Championships. I'll hope to be there to cheer them on to do so.

Deliberate, organized, structured programs of excellence yield fast times. My team will become masters of our space, time and relationships and seek groove performances in our athletic pursuits. Furthermore, we learn skills and make efforts to transfer these quests of mastery into lifelong activities.

Recent academic advancement of the DU women swimmers is terrific. As a team internalizes concepts of excellence, limits to potential vanish. A natural outgrowth is academic performance. To soar, we'll need to strive in holistic ways. Of course the classroom perfection sharpens as well. I'd like to learn more of the academic standings of the DU men, and help them advance too.

The Ohio University ascent from 8th to 3rd from 1978 to 1982 in the ten team MAC highlights the same trend, but in the NCAA Division I setting.

My habit of crafting clear instructions necessitates extra steps. I take those steps and deliver those messages. To explain why things need to be done in certain styles makes the burden of teaching five times greater, but outcomes are pushed so perfection come near.

In my interview with Dave and Rick, questions of drugs and alcohol among the team's members surfaced. I said that the members on the team that I've coached have never had a problem in those areas. Within the season, the OU swimmers made a promise and didn't drink. Athletes I'm engaged with won't want to drink. We'll be quite busy with other, more important activities. Those striving to treat ourselves with great care won't drink. Some of the greatest programs with great individuals don't drink. For DU, squad members won't drink because other championship programs do the same and because we'll behave in the right manners for all the right reasons.

Thanks again for the time and for everyone's full consideration about the job.

Sincerely yours, Mark Rauterkus

Additional swim references:
These folks could help ease specific worries you might encounter with your decisions in the days to come.

- Bill Wadley, Head Coach of the Mens Swimming Team at Ohio State University

- Tim Welsh, Head Coach of the Mens Swimming Team at the University of Notre Dame

- Paul Blair, Head Coach of the Arkansas Dolphins

- David Salo, Irvine NOVA, USA Swimming's Coach of the Year, 2002

- Al Ledgin, former Lincolnland Conference coaching peer, Y coach north of Chicago

From a former boss, Retired AD at Bradley University

Ronald H. Ferguson was the Athletic Director at Bradley University when I was hired as the interim swim coach.

dear mark, i have sent a hand written letter to Crian Colleary who I met many years ago. It was a very positive letter and I hope it helps. Let me know how it turns out and if there is anything else that I can do. We had a great time in Prague, Salzberg and Munich where we took in the last night of the Octoberfest. Got home wed night pretty worn out. Thanks again for your help at Bradley and the best of luck. sincerely,

Applied for the swim coaching post at West Mifflin

October 9, 2002

Athletic Director 

High School

West Mifflin School District 

Pittsburgh, PA

 

Dear Mr. Relich,

Please consider this letter, resume and associated information as an application for the open position of Varsity Swim Coach for the Swimming and Diving Teams.

I am excited about the possibilities of becoming a member of the Titans Athletic Department. I believe my qualifications and goals match the position.

A few weeks ago I met Steve at the pool in an informal setting and passed him my resume. I was impressed with the activities at the pool and the number of assistants he has engaged with the overall programs. Plus, of course, the new facility is wonderful.

Steve wants to do some special things with the overall programs and I believe that I can bring such excitement and pursuits to the studentathletes. I look forward to talking with you about such plans and the overall vision.

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely Yours,

Letter to Editor, published in the P.G., about Ellen Goodman's article & parenting

My letter was published in the PG, date unsure. This is the day I sent it in. The letter said:

Re: Ellen Goodman's article, "Recognizing that motherhood is a job, too," on Oct 2, 2002.

How silly to fabricate such a thing as the "mommy wars." Please call it a "parental war." I've been a stay-at-home dad for eight years. The article misses the mark in that dads were ignored. Many dads are doing much more in giving care to their young children.

When the media wakes up to the dad's side of parenting, the life of our children is sure to improve by factors far more dramatic than the results from any At-home Infant Care governmental program.

Mark Rauterkus, Pittsburgh's South Side.
As a stay-at-home dad, Rauterkus ran for Mayor, City of Pittsburgh, 2001 GOP primary.

See the comments for a retyped copy of the original article.

Duquesne Univ Swim Coach Interview

This sage, in 2002, was the second time I sat for an interview at Duquesne University. The first was interesting, but our Peoria relay with a 7th grader, two eighth graders and one ninth grader was about 5 seconds faster than the DU women's school record at the time. 

The 2002 sage would end with the head women's coach taking the men's duties too. Soon after, the men's team would be cut.

Notes and bits of my resume.

My cover letter for the DU swim coaching job

Brian Colleary
Director of Athletics
Duquesne University
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282

Dear Mr. Colleary,

Please consider this letter, resume and associated information as an application for the open position of Head Coach for the Men's Swimming and Diving Team and Aquatics Director.

I am excited about the possibilities of becoming a member of the Duquesne Athletic Department. I think my qualifications and goals match the position.

I've coached NCAA Division I Men's Teams for six seasons. Additionally, the aquatic management position matches my desires and experiences. I have the necessary CPO (Certified Pool Operator) as well as CAM (Certified Aquatic Manager) credentials.

The combination of positions with coaching and aquatics is exactly what I am looking for at this time. As you will see from my resume, I have a strong background in coaching and pool management.

When I met my wife and moved back to Pittsburgh I was combining my love and knowledge of coaching and swimming with my degree in journalism into a book publishing business. When we decided to start a family, I decided to take the lead role in our children's care while my wife pursued tenure at the University of Pittsburgh. In the past year my wife has received tenure and our boys are school age. I had decided to go back into coaching full time and as you can see, I have re-certified in all necessary areas.

The posting of his job comes at an ideal time -- a time when I want to coach at the college level, run a pool in a manner that includes service to the community, and stay in the Pittsburgh area where we are surrounded by a large, wonderful family.

This is an ideal opportunity. I know many of the elements of the community and live less than one mile from the campus. I think my background and awareness of local matters will be a great asset.

The Rauterkus family has a strong history at Duquesne University. My grandfather, Joseph A. Rauterkus, Ph.D., was asked by the President of the University to found the School of Music. He did so and continued to teach and develop programs for DU and the larger community for many years. His son, my father, graduated with a teaching degree from DU and spent his career teaching in the Pittsburgh Public Schools.

My participation at DU has included assistance to the Head Volleyball Coach in the development, publishing and duplication of his team's playbook for a number of seasons. I worked at volleyball events and was the announcer for some matches.

I'd love to join your team in the Athletic Department, I think the match is going to be warmly welcomed as my talents and approach blend well with the mission of DU. I have applied myself in efforts to prepare others by stressing broad, well-balanced, integrated education and perspective of themselves and the world. These messages are woven into my being and the DU mission. The mission to disseminate knowledge within a moral and spiritual framework in order to prepare leaders has always been central in my life.

I'll be a dependable and effective recruiter, promoter and outreach advocate for Duquesne University on many fronts. I hope to make a lasting impact with the institution that extends well beyond the successes for the Men's Swim Team.

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely Yours,

Mark Rauterkus

Notice of the open swim coaching position at D.U. was seen

A friend from Illinois, and then from Michgan, sent me this email.

Subject: Check out Duquesne University Men's Swimming - Official Athletic Site
Hey Mark,

It lterally showed up this morning. I check most swim sites daily. I hope that it pans out for you. I checked out the Duquesne Mens web site and it appears the coach had been there for 16 years with moderate success. They split the mens/womens coaching duties 3 years ago and have about 15 male swimmers including 3 freshmen on scholarship. The team includes swimmers from around the USA as well as Canada.

I truly hope that this works out for you as it appears to be the kind of team that would benefit from your experience and passion.

Keep me informed.

peace

Al Ledgin

Erik won an essay contest about the Underground Railroad and Morning Glory Inn

Award for an essay contest, with a $500 check too.

Letter about education efforts

Fired: Letter of honor from Carnegie Library of Homestead

Job Posting for DU swimming

From: http://ncaa.thetask.com/market/ads/swimming/

DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY, located in Pittsburgh, PA and a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference, has an immediate vacancy for the position of Head Men's Swim Coach/Aquatic Director. This is a full-time, 12 month position, salary commensurate. Responsibilities include total operation of a Division I men's swimming program, including training program, strength training, recruiting, team travel, scheduling, meet management and other duties relevant to the position of Head Men's Swim Coach. Additional responsibilities include operation of the University's pool, including maintaining, hiring staff, and scheduling. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required, as well as all licenses and certifications required to operate a pool in the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Three years of successful college/club coaching experience preferred. Effective communication, organization and administrative skills required. Knowledge of NCAA, Duquesne University and Atlantic 10 rules and regulations required. Interested candidates should submit letter of interest, resume, and names and phone numbers of three references to Brian Colleary, Director of Athletics, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282. Screening will begin immediately and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Duquesne University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

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Off the table
The Auqatic Director role was taken by the existing womens coach and news of this came to me on Sunday morning before the Monday interview.

Efforts for the CLOH - Carnegie Library of Homestead

There is a bigger back story to this saga.

American Swim Coaches Association - payed $745

The ASCA World Clinic, Las Vegas, in September 2002, cost $745.00. 

Also attended the Certified Pool Operator's Course and the Certified Aquatic Managers Course. 

Audio tape for sale:

Single, $10

Set of 12 for $96

Set of 24 for $168

Set of 36 for $216

All 45 tapes, $225

Swim lesson cheer at Homestead

Everywhere we go,
People want to know,

Who we are,
So we tell them.

We are from Homestead,
Mighty, history Homestead.

We're no stinkers,
We all are thinkers.

We will lead,
We love to read.

Sound off,

1, 2, 3, 4 ... 3, 4.

The day they tried to take our school board away from the citizens' votes by appointment.

I was dead set against this measure suggested by Tom Murphy, a poor mayor if there ever was one.

County Taxes

The 2002 Tax Levy for our property was 4.690 mills or .4690 per $100 valuation.

The Assessed valuation at full market value was $106,100.

The net Tax was $487.66 and the Gross tax was $497.61.

Read & Swim, Carnegie Library of Homestead, 510 Tenth Ave, Munhall, 15120

Level 1:
Monday & Thursday, 8:30 am, or

Tuesday & Friday, 8:30 am.

Level 2:

Monday & Thursday, 9:30 am, or

Tuesday & Friday, 9:30 am.

Level 3:

Monday & Thursday, 10:30 am, or

Tuesday & Friday, 10:30 am.

Pay $50 at first class. 

Lots of waiting lists as the classes filled at 12 slots.

Level 5 & 6 had 23 kids.

I think it went for 6 weeks or so (June 14 to August 9) in the summer of 2002. Budget income = $50 x 12 x 3 x 2 = $3,600. I think it was a single coach and one lifeguard. 

Crazy thing is, when the fall came, we were going to do it again but better with a home-school swim team and the success blew them away and they choked. Ended the program because there were kids anxious to come who were from outside the service area of the library. The library is a REGIONAL ASSET, and got RAD money even. Remember the Regional Asset District. Ugh. Go figure. 

Public Statement by Mark Rauterkus - No Toll Road to Pittsburgh

Against the Mon Valley Toll Road

My name is Mark Rauterkus. My family and I reside at 108 South 12th Street on the South Side. I have a home on the internet, Rauterkus.Com.

My internet site has a copy of this statement and additional information about my stands on this and other transportation projects. This statement makes mention of only a few points -- other observations are on-line.

The Mon Valley Toll Road has a few different parts. Each part has its own merits and strengths. And, as a organic web of life -- the sum of the parts needs to be considered as well.

What has already been built is fine. The thrust of what I hate is what has NOT been built and what has been shown about in some of the Turnpike Plans. What is already there now is much different situation to what is present among the plans.

The treatment of the city's fabric, the brownfields, the river, and the tax burden are matters of a different color. What is NOT yet built in the plans for the Mon Valley Toll Road is a bad idea.

The Toll Road is NOT prudent and far too costly.

The thinking from the Turnpike folks needs to be extended. They need to be told, "Think Again." They need to be pulled out of their narrow focus.

West End

Recently in the West End, Pittsburghers were passing around the hat to collect money to purchase a traffic signal at a dangerous intersection. We have kids getting run over. The city is in such a way that it can't afford to buy a stop light. This toll road is going to run us over too. The steam-rolling agenda has been set in place. The disparity is wide.

The costs for the Toll Road are too great. The pricetag per mile is wreckless with our tax money and bonds. This solution is too expensive.

This solution is full of corporate welfare. I understand that there are 17 engineering companies needed to finish this project -- as there are 17 sections to be built. This is amounting to HIGHWAY Robbery.

The taxes and debt to pay for this road is going to be a burden for my kids's kids. The costs are going to prohibit us from doing other things -- as we are blowing our wads on this.

I call myself a Free Market Republican. That is much unlike the overspending Democrats and much unlike the corporate welfare Republicans. The toll road is a big subsidy. And, the subsidy is NEVER going to pay off for the region.

There are many other more prudent options. The Mon Valley Toll is NOT prudent in the slightest.

Alternatives:

Buy out the railroads.

At a public hearing in these chambers it was mentioned that there are 65 miles of rail road track and right of way that could be obtained for a price. None of the leaders are exploring that option in meaningful ways.

Rail service goes to all of the Brownfields. Meanwhile, the Toll Road misses them all.

We can run trains from Century Three Mall --- up and down the Mon Valley and into Town.

In today's landscape, the trains are NOT going to be for bringing workers into town for day jobs. Rather, what is needed is rail service so city-residents can be workers in new jobs created in the brownfield locations. This is an inverse to the trian of thought (pun intended) for existing leaders.

Case in point: Eco Star in McKeesport

At a recent job fair at Goodwill, EcoStar recruiters were present. They had hoped to hire 1,000 employees as soon as possible. The office space is in McKeesport. A friend I know who has been out of work for the past year wouldn't consider that as a viable option because of the commute to McKeesport. We need to put him, in the city, onto a train, and taken to work in McKeesport. Then he can come back again, live car-free, enjoy the city life and thrive.

The rail road rights of way can be converted (if we must) to light rail. This can connect with the right of way on the East Busway. This can be connected to the Overbrook Line in the South Hills.

Another alternative

Fix and maintain what we have.

The intersection at Bates and the Parkway East is a complete mess. The frontage road in the Second Ave area was done poorly. Fix it. Don't make it more of a mess by terminating a four-lane superhighway there.

The intersection at Streets Run has to be the worst in the world. This is getting repaired now -- on your watch. It is a massive nightmare.

The Glennwood Bridge went out for repairs -- and now the on-ramps. Perhaps they could have been better coordinated.

The McArdle Roadway bridge has been out for years. That leads to the Liberty Bridge, Liberty Tunnel -- and helps the South Side and Mt. Washington. There is no excuse for this outage.

We should not be building any new roads until these are fixed.

Fix the Birmingham Bridge. It was built with two other exit ramps at the South Side. we can't even fix the bike bath sidewalk to drop into the park behind the Libary and swim pool.

We should be building pedestrian bridges, roundabouts, and better managed elements to ease the bottle-neck trouble points.

Think Again.

News from Saturday, May 25, 2002: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/regional/s_73139.htm

Jim Ritchie of the TRIBUNE-REVIEW wrote in part:

The cost of building the state-endorsed Mon-Fayette Expressway route through Allegheny County is $788 million cheaper than the only other alternative, according to a long-awaited government document released Friday.

There are plenty of other alternatives that cost much, much less. The article is accurate when there is a total lack of imagination. Of the two alternatives, one is $1.xB. The other is $2.xB. To write as if one is a $788 M cheaper is cheap journalism.

• Statements from other citizens


• Biz Times: Report favors river's north shore for Mon/Fayette Expressway

Informational meetings hosted by PA Turnpike:

June 13, 1-8 p.m., Monroeville Expo Mart

June 18, 1-8 p.m., Braddock Volunteer Fire Department No. 2 Social Hall

June 25, 1-8 p.m., Burgwin Elementary School in Hazelwood

July 9, 1-8 p.m., West Mifflin High School Public hearings

July 16, 1-9 p.m., West Mifflin High School

July 23, 1-9 p.m., Burgwin Elementary School

July 25, 1-9 p.m., Monroeville Expo

Game vs. the Rec Center Staff

This is the end of a fast-break... Dan K took the photo. We used to have a couple events at the Market House each year with a parents and volunteers play against the Market House staff.

A softball game was played each summer as well.

Now, you can't have such games games as the staff had all be fired.

It always took a village -- staffers and volunteers to make the programs work as they did. Those were the days.

Notes for addressing PPS School Board

Speaking about CLOH.org too. 

South Side Market House -- Orange Team and trophy night

Orange team's trophy time. We had some good players on this squad. Some have moved to Castle Shannon.