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Get the most interesting and important stories from the 窪蹋勛圖厙 of 窪蹋勛圖厙.The past year and a half has kept many people stuck in their bubbles but if you live in Oakland, Pitt is offering a way to rejoin the community. Tuesday, Sept. 7, marked the first of the summers four Be a Good Neighbor Block Party events, back after a years hiatus.
The block party series, sponsored by Pitts Office of Engagement and Community Affairs, brings together students living in Oakland and the long-term residents of the neighborhoods to give both groups an opportunity to learn more about one another and build a sense of neighborhood community.
Everyone, on and off campus, has a responsibility to be a respectful and mindful member of the community, said 窪蹋勛圖厙 of 窪蹋勛圖厙 Assistant Director of Community Engagement Alex Toner, who helped organize the events. We think that when neighbors meet neighbors, it helps contribute to a positive and healthy community dynamic throughout Oakland.
A taco truck, prizes and smooth beats courtesy of WPTS DJs were on offer at the South Oakland event on Tuesday as locals and students enjoyed a sunny late-summer evening at Dan Marino field.泭
Special education PhD student Sarah DeMaria (A&S 13, EDUC 15G) and secondary math education masters student Caroline Repola (ENGR 15) attended the block party as recent returnees to the neighborhood. Compared to their days as Pitt undergraduates, theyre finding many more opportunities to interact with their neighbors, especially as the pandemic has kept them stuck at home. I couldnt get to know anyone in my program, Repola said. But I could still sit outside and talk to our neighbors to at least see people and not feel isolated.
Over the past year DeMaria and Repola have shared home-grown vegetables and held dinner parties with other South Oakland residents. Weve actually been able to get to know our neighbors, and thats been really nice, DeMaria said.
Pitts Office of Engagement and Community Affairs will hold three more block parties this summer: , and .
South Oakland resident Andrea Lavin Kossis also attended the Tuesday event with her family. I think we have a great community, she said. Were a diverse neighborhood and we welcome new neighbors. This is a great way to come out and be a part of the community and not just a student whos doing their time at Pitt.
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Patrick Monahan