Current Projects

Pittsburgh's Industrial History: Exploring our Past from the Skies of the Present

Pittsburgh's Industrial History: 2010 First Ray Grant recipient
Volunteer info:
funding support for execution of project, see http://pittsburgh.benpeoples.com/ for details
Contact info:
Ben Peoples - ben@benpeoples.com - http://pittsburgh.benpeoples.com/

A world leader of industry during the 20th century, Pittsburgh's physical evidence of this proud history is now aging; woven into the landscape of new development and industry.  The goal of the Pittsburgh's Industrial History project is to foster a new understanding of our industrial heritage through aerial photography.  

Project leader, Ben Peoples, learned the technique of Kite Aerial Photography in San Francisco while documenting the closed Alameda Naval Air Station and a condemned WW II office building.  He will be adapting this approach using self-built devices including a 'powered parachute' and a 'quadrocopter' to gain the unique perspective needed to capture his photographs.


FarmCorps: Film Project

farmersmarket.jpg
Contact info:
Michelle Herrle - michelle@farmcorps.org

FarmCorps connects people to their local food systems by promoting and developing sustainable local agriculture.  Three separate programs will run concurrently within FarmCorps.  The High School Sustainable Agriculture Training Program will provide short farming experiences for local high school students building toward a Summer internship program.  The Adult Internship Program serves young adults 18 and over who wish to pursue a career in farming and agriculture, through a two year internship.  The Apprenticeship Program will be educated and trained in much greater detail while living on a farm that best matches their interests.


Pitcher Park - Tony Hawk Foundation grant application

PitcherParkimg.jpg
Volunteer info:
Grant writers, financial donations, land acquisition
Contact info:
Mary Pitcher - mpitc2000@aol.com - http://www.pitcherpark.com/

New Sun Rising is the fiscal sponsor for Pitcher Park's application to the Tony Hawk Foundation.  We are hopeful that this grant money will be the cornerstone of our fundraising efforts, and provide some momentum towards the reality of building this skate, BMX, and blade park for the kids in the community.


2009 Horizon Experience

HorExpHeinz09.JPG
Volunteer info:
<p>We&#39;ll be recruiting adult volunteers for day of the events, children to participate, and lunch/snack donations for our 20120 Horizon Experience.  Please get in touch if interested, this is a very rewarding program!! </p>
Contact info:
Scott Wolovich - 412.855.7433 - swolovich@yahoo.com

The 2009 version of The Horizon Experience, presented by New Sun Rising,  built upon the previous years and has succeeded tremendously in it's goal of bringing a diverse group of children and adults together for positive experiences.  There were 42 children participants, with over 430 adult volunteer hours, attending events at the Pittsburgh Zoo, Heinz Field, RiverQuest, and Log House Gardens.  Special thanks to Heinz Field, Tickets for Kids, and Log House Gardens for their support in providing admissions. We look forward to getting things going again in the Spring of 2010.


Millvale Library Project

MillvaleLibrary09.jpg
Volunteer info:
Needed: Large amounts of top soil to convert gravel parking lot to garden. Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers and other skilled or unskilled construction labor to help at the building on any Saturday from 9AM to 1PM. Construction material donations for interior build out. 
Contact info:
Brian Wolovich -- 412.822.7081 -- info@millvalelibrary.org -- www.millvalelibrary.org

Through the building of strategic partnerships, and a groundswell of grassroots support, the New Sun Rising is spearheading an effort to acquire a dilapidated building in Millvale's main business district, and turn it into a hub of educational and community activity. The library and coffee shop will boost your mind, and your energy! Not only that, but we are also working closely with the Borough of Millvale, and the Millvale Business Development Corporation (www.millvalepa.com) to turn a forgotten plot of land on Grant Avenue into a green space where residents and patrons can relax, and mingle. Wanna know more?