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90.5 WESA Celebrates People Making A Difference

Western Pennsylvania has a strong tradition of neighborhood, personal and community commitment. Our pride in pulling together goes far beyond supporting our deep-rooted sports teams. 90.5 WESA Celebrates People Making a Difference honors the individuals that are making a difference in people's lives on the ground level and reminding us we are all truly a part of each other's lives.This special series, supported by UPMC, will highlight, honor and celebrate Western Pennsylvanians who are unsung heroes daring to make a difference to others in our community.00000176-e6f7-dce8-adff-f6f770c8000000000176-e6f7-dce8-adff-f6f770ca000000000176-e6f7-dce8-adff-f6f770cc000090.5 WESA PA listening area counties:Allegheny, Beaver, Washington, Westmoreland, Butler, Armstrong, Cambria, Somerset, Bedford, Fayette, Indiana00000176-e6f7-dce8-adff-f6f770cd0000This project is made possible by a generous contribution from UPMC.

Howard Aikens, Beautifying a Neighborhood Garden

90.5 WESA | By 90.5 WESA

Published August 1, 2014 at 3:30 AM EDT

Read and listen to a story about Howard Aikens as part of a series honoring the individuals who make a difference in people’s lives: 90.5 WESA Celebrates People Making a Difference.

A few years ago, Howard Aikens decided he had to do something about the huge, dilapidated garden surrounding Sterret School that was such an eyesore in his Point Breeze neighborhood.

Every day after work for an hour or two, he began pulling the weeds and grass, planting flowers and then herbs, slowly turning the monstrosity into vision of beauty.

“This garden was here, but it was abandoned and I just started pulling weeds,” Howard said. “I didn’t ask anyone in the beginning, and I just established a relationship with the school, and they trusted me over time because they saw that I was consistent and hardworking and responsible.”