2011 Honorary StepTrek Chair Bev Boggio
As the Pittsburgh StepTrek celebrates its 11th annual tour of the South Side Slopes, we are pleased to honor a friend and advocate of the neighborhood, Bev Boggio. Involved with StepTrek since its launch in 2000, Bev had led the event for the past several years and served as the second president (2001-2005) of the South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association (SSSNA).
But what was it about Bev that made us all nod in awe and willingly step forward when she called on us to assist the community? For many it was the way she led by taking action. From advocating for the city’s first small fire truck built to specs to negotiate our narrow streets and tight corners, to the numerous clean ups, tire pulls and tending of community gardens, Bev’s commitment has been rock steady. While Bev most certainly would be found working by herself for neighborhood betterment, she was a pro at bringing others to come join her in service to the community.
Many people have an anecdote to share about Bev’s uncompromising love for the neighborhood. One centers around the time someone dug up perennial tall grasses in the community Triangle Garden at the intersection of S. 18th Street and Josephine. The neighbors who witnessed the larceny did not call 911, but instead alerted Bev. She rushed to the scene, confronted the woman and stood by until the police came to make the arrest. Later, as some folks encouraged Bev to drop the charges, she stood firm and testified against the individual. Her sense of justice was unflappable – especially when it involved our community assets.
Bev has served the Slopes well, dedicating herself to the cleanliness and safety of the neighborhood. StepTrek is the primary fundraiser for SSSNA, an organization committed to the same values. Her work in chairing the StepTrek and guiding the neighborhood association were built on her love to preserve and strengthen the Slopes. Every neighborhood depends upon the commitment of its residents to the community. The Slopes is fortunate for having Bev.
