Andrew Lee laughs at the reaction passersby gave as he renovated a former pizza shop at the intersection of East and Suismon streets on Pittsburgh’s North Side, because it’s always the same.

He said they look around the retail space in front, ask about the humidors, cutters or lighters on display, scan the café tables and say, “Cigars, just cigars?” Then walk out.

SMOKING—Executive Cigars LLC owner Andrew Lee shows off the cedar-lined, walk-in humidor containing an array of fine cigars that will be offered to members and guests.

“People assume if you’re young and African-American, you’re opening a chicken place or a bar,” said Lee. “This is a touch of class they can’t quite get their heads around. It’s breaking new ground for Pittsburgh. And when they know a Black guy owns it—that really blows their minds. It’s funny.”

Lee could have become another dismal statistic, growing up in Beltzhoover, running with the wrong crowd, going to reform schools. But, he said, a teacher at George Junior Republic in Grove City got through to him. He went on to Pitt and earned a business degree from Robert Morris University.

Each year, I update this column on year- end tax planning. I actually follow the steps listed below and can testify that the planning works. It will probably take you a couple of hours to complete, but your time can be well worth the effort. Give it a try.

The general rule of deferring income and accelerating deductions at year-end is still good tax planning strategy. If you used a tax adviser in the past, you should meet with your adviser to assess your tax situation and discuss how the following tips may apply to your situation.

The Economic Awareness Day and Community Appreciation Benefit was a big success.

“We exceeded our expectations,” said Dawn Webb-Turner, who’s already planning for the next year

Sponsored by Our House Development, Inc., the event took place at the August Wilson Center and the Economic Awareness Day occurred at the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum, Oct. 30 and 31.

COMMITTED TO THE CAUSE—David Hopkins of PNC, Esther Bush of the Urban League of Pittsburgh and Rick Adams of CCAC, mistress and master of ceremonies, show their support for the Our House Economic Awareness Day.

Focusing on Westinghouse High School and Homewood community notables, Webb-Turner says the event is designed to say thank you to people in the areas of service in education, community and business and to bring awareness to the culture and history of the community. The theme for the appreciation benefit was “A Royal Night of the Legacies.”

Things are not good this way. We’re experiencing several financial problems. Did you ever discuss how to pay off credit cards? If so, I missed it. I’ve been making payments every month. The bills keep rolling in. It appears that the balances are going up instead of going down. I’m being charged over the limit fees almost every other month and I’m not actively using these credit cards. I was considering consolidating my debt. Can you give me some ideas on the best way to attack this debt?

Signed—Female trying to get the “Debt Monkey” off of her back