As Social Investment Team Lead for Chevron, Pittsburgh native Mary Murrin manages the company’s Appalachia Partnership Initiative, which is helping to grow a skilled energy and advanced manufacturing workforce in the region. President of the board of Quantum Theatre and very active throughout the community, Mary graduated from Brown University, raised three sons in Point Breeze, and is known for her positive nature and sharp sense of humor, among other great traits. “Everyone who knows her loves her,” as one friend said. Get a sense of why here.
Monday, September 28
At 7:30 a.m., I am at Coffee Tree Roasters in Squirrel Hill supercharging for my daily commute to Moon Township with a “16-ounce two-cinnamon teabag + a shot of espresso” thingy. We don’t have a name for this but the stellar staff knows where I’m headed when I get to cin . . .
I’m double-booked this evening but the good news is there are way too many good places to be.
Before 6 p.m. I’m at the offices of 4moms downtown for the Ellevate Network’s Pittsburgh 2015 Mentorship Program Kickoff. This New York-based global women’s network attracts an impressive group of young emerging leaders and I suspect I learn as much from my mentees as they do from me.
Next up, the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty for Pittsburgh Action Against Rape’s screening and discussion of the film, The Hunting Ground, an expose of sexual assault on U.S. college campuses.
Tuesday, September 29
For my listening pleasure on my morning commute, I flip between WESA and WYEP—or finish up a Radiolab broadcast.
This evening, I attend a reception at the Senator John Heinz History Center in the Strip. This is my favorite venue for events with out-of-town guests. It’s an authentic visual representation of our cultural and economic history starting with the trolley car on the first floor and exhibits on Heinz Ketchup, Mister Rogers, our sports teams and Gulf Oil. I am always proud to share with those not familiar, that Chevron evolved from the merger of Standard Oil and Gulf Oil, one of the chief instruments of Pittsburgh’s Mellon family fortune.
Wednesday, September 30
I begin my day at the Grable Foundation downtown for a final planning meeting for the Magic of Mentoring party at Heinz Field on October 14th benefitting The Mentoring Partnership of Southwest Pennsylvania—thank you Chip Burke for introducing me to this unique organization that trains mentors to serve a variety of nonprofit organizations.
Next, I will accompany colleagues from California to visit two of Pittsburgh’s Maker Spaces starting with MAKESHOP teacher training at the Children’s Museum and to the new Fab Lab space at the Carnegie Science Center. Then we’re on to imagine and design our very own burgers at the new Burgatory on the North Shore.
I have been waiting months for the Moth Pittsburgh performance at the Byham Theater with my friend Elvira. Tonight’s Moth is hosted by New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik. I’m a big fan. Then E and I will head to my favorite restaurant in town, Casbah, for a Boyd and Basil cocktail, great service, and their orecchiette dish which is a lot like Thanksgiving Dinner over pasta.
Thursday, October 1
“Rabbit.” (a family tradition we say for luck—out loud, even if you are alone—when you awake on the first morning of the month).
Steelers game with my friend Harry (1-888-MEDMAL1—ha!)—8:25 p.m. kickoff against the Ravens. What else is there to say? Except that we go down on his boat then dock and walk across the Fort Duquesne Bridge, which is a great way to feel the pre-game energy. And the best way to get back to your car at Washington’s Landing faster than you could have exited a parking garage at the stadium.
Friday, October 2
I have a day off, which means I am doing exactly what I want to, beginning with a class at Amazing Yoga on Copeland Street in Shadyside. Namaste, I’m new here—my sisters introduced me to yoga this summer, and Amazing Yoga is a sweaty, tough love workout.
Then I tick off errands: quick, cheap, high-tech carwash at Clean Car Express on Washington Boulevard and Giant Eagle Market District on Center.
I will mow the lawn and play in the dirt with my perennials which I collect at Brenckle’s Farms north of Millvale, topped off with a walk from Point Breeze to the river at Duck Hollow through Frick Park with either Karen, Eve or Cari.
Tonight I will be at the Pirates game joining a great group of education and economic development leaders with whom I have the pleasure of working—Linda Topoleski from the Allegheny Conference; Christina French from the board of YouthPlaces and Cathy Lewis Long from Pittsburgh City of Learning. I am cheering on the playoff bound Bucs, all-beef hotdogs and beer.
I’ll be texting, but not because I’m bored. I’m checking the WPIAL Quad A football scores because my son coaches defensive backs at Central Catholic.
Saturday, October 3
This evening, I am at the Pirates game. Again. Making up for the lost decades.
Sunday, October 4
I start the day with an early morning ride on the Great Allegheny Passage trail from lower Greenfield, across the Hot Metal Bridge, and up the Mon and the Yough to Boston. This is my favorite leg—a varied manufacturing, pastoral and post-industrial landscape with a glide under the shadow of the roller coasters at Kennywood.
Tonight I’ll make my as-weekly-as-possible Sunday dinner with my mom and whichever of my sons are in town at the moment. I’ll be in bed early because, clearly, I packed my week with all my favorite local doings in honor of the fabulous Tracy Certo’s Nextpittsburgh.