May 2003 - test-neighbhorhood@test.highlandparkpa.com

[Highland Park] Yard Sale Suggestion and Tennis Club information
by Rudolph T Maceyko 31 May '03

31 May '03

The weather forecast for tomorrow is partly sunny with highs in the mid 60s--good enough to enjoy the yard sale or even the tennis tournament on Stanton Avenue... YARD SALE SUGGESTION (From Judy Wolfe, chair of the HPCC Yard Sale committee:) It has been suggested that Yard Sale participants donate 10% of the proceeds from their sales to the Union Project, both to support their ongoing efforts to establish a community art center at the former Baptist Church at the corner of Negley and Stanton, and to help replace the windows and other items which were destroyed by vandals and the fires which they set. This would be a truly wonderful gesture on the part of our neighbors. HIGHLAND PARK TENNIS CLUB (From Hanna Spearman, president of the HPTC:) The Highland Park Tennis Club (HPTC) organized in April 2002, with seven people who loved the game. The club has grown to thirty members. Meetings are held the second Saturday of each month. We are a multi racial, non-profit social tennis club and our mission is to promote the growth of tennis in the Pittsburgh area for players of all ages and abilities, for the love of the game. Also our activities include sponsoring an annual indoor tennis party during the winter months, hosting tennis tournaments, coordinating traveling team matches, and other special events. Most importantly, we provide a free tennis clinic every Saturday from 9:00 am to 11:00 am for any one who wants to learn the game. [The HPTC is having its second annual "Survivor" doubles tournament Sunday at the tennis courts on Stanton Avenue from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm. Everyone is welcome, and there is a fee for participating.]

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[Highland Park] Union Project update
by Jessica King 29 May '03

29 May '03

Dear friends, By now you may have heard the most recent Union Project news - starting with stolen plants, and quickly escalating to a vandalized building and culminating with the intervention of the Pittsburgh Police Bomb Squad! For a bit of background - sometime over the Memorial Day weekend, vandals broke through a dead-bolted door of the Union Project. They were most likely youth, as far as we can tell from working with Police. Almost all of the interior windows have been broken, the sanctuary floor and stage have been damaged, many of the items for this weekend's yard sale have been destroyed, and one of the stair banisters was ripped off, the spindles snapped. There was no evident exterior damage; all stained glass windows are still intact. It is also nothing short of a miracle that the building did not burn to the ground. There were at least ten different fires started or attempted--everything from newspaper to t-shirts to a couch--and yet none of the carpet or wood caught. The Bomb Squad was called in regard to several small incendiary devices that looked like crude attempts to make bombs - giving evidence to the dangerousness and severity of this attack. Despite the shock, loneliness, disappointment, confusion, anger, etc., there are reasons to be positive even now. Our fundraising and strategic planning efforts are at truly wonderful points and have provided some much needed forward momentum. Indeed, the vandalism actually strengthens our case and our resolve to succeed. Already, we've gotten an outpouring of support from neighbors and friends and have no doubt that this will be turned into something positive for the organization. Local news carried stories about this last evening and today, there was a photo in the Post-Gazette today and will be a longer feature article telling about the project in Sunday's paper. So we're working to turn this to the project's advantage in every way possible. As well, several grant proposals that have already been submitted address this exact public safety issue. We have asked for funds for additional exterior lighting and signage, and through follow-up calls we will be able to make those needs abundantly clear in a very real way. We are also planning to install a security system at the earliest possible opportunity. Ironically, the vandals found some tubes of colored paint, and in the midst of all their negative energy and destruction took the time to finger paint their 'tag' on one of our pews. This shows a dire need for the exact community resource we are trying to create. This experience strengthens our resolve to provide the necessary positive outlets for a healthy community. If the Police can find who committed these crimes, we sincerely hope to connect with them and help channel their energies into something positive - starting with cleaning up the building! How you can help... Thank you for your support and interest in the Union Project already. We need your involvement even more right now. * Tell your neighbors about what we're doing and spread the word about this effort as we work together to make sure things like this never happen again in our neighborhoods. * Check out our website - <http://www.unionproject.org/> - for updates and opportunities to be involved. * Consider a tax-deductible financial contribution to the project, which will go directly to the renovation efforts. * And please come out on June 13 and 14 to join a team of neighbors as we clean up the damage. Thanks again for your support and encouragement - we couldn't do this without you! Jessica King Executive Director Union Project 801 N. Negley Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15206 412.363.4550 www.unionproject.org Restoring neighborhood space to connect, create and celebrate.

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[Highland Park] plants stolen from the Union Project
by Shelly Danko+Day 28 May '03

28 May '03

Last week, the Beechwood Garden Center on Ellsworth Avenue donated around $300 worth of roses and other assorted perennials to the Union Project. They were stored on the back porch, not in immediate view from the street, until we could plant them this weekend. However, sometime between Monday evening and Friday morning, someone stole all but 2 of the plants, including all the roses! If anyone saw anything suspicious, please let us know so we can inform the police. Union Project info(a)unionproject.org 412-363-4550

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[Highland Park] Education Innovations June 3rd Fundraiser at Tazza d'Oro
by Salvador Wilcox 28 May '03

28 May '03

Highland Park residents Marie Jackson and Salvador Wilcox invite you to: Enjoy Jazz, Food, and Wine while supporting Education Innovations, Inc. What: Fundraising Event for Education Innovations, Inc. and The Learning Club in Highland Park When: Tuesday June 3rd, 2003 6:30PM until 9:30PM Where: Enrico's Tazza d'Oro 1125 N. Highland Avenue in Highland Park What: Food, drinks, jazz, raffle to support Education Innovations, Inc. and The Learning Club in Highland Park. Why: Come see how we are helping local students reach new heights through learning support and fun clubs. Fundraising will benefit educational programming for local students. Education Innovations, Inc. is a community of seekers, learners, and teachers sharing the world as a classroom. Education Innovations Inc. works to support local public schools through instructional support, programming, and leveraging community resources to help improve student academic and personal achievement. The Learning Club in Highland Park is a learning and resource center that provides educational services to children kindergarten through twelfth grade. The service options include a comprehensive tutoring service and learning clubs that provide educational enrichment for students of all levels. For more information on Education Innovations, Inc. and The Learning Club in Highland Park send e-mail to info(a)educationinnovations.org.

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[Highland Park] Western Tree Climbing Championships this Saturday
by Jennifer Arkett 27 May '03

27 May '03

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Penn-Del Chapter will hold its Western Tree Climbing Championships (WTCC) this Saturday, May 31, 2003 in Pittsburgh's Highland Park. Due to the weather of 2002, the event was cancelled for the most part, though several competitors did compete in a climb-off. This year's event will begin at 8:30am and will last throughout the day, with plenty of good food, good weather and sunshine! Up to 25 professional arborists are expected to participate in the championship. Among the six events they will compete in are the work climb, designed to judge the contestant's ability to safely advance through various workstations in the tree while using a rope and saddle, and the belayed speed climb, in which competitors climb a predetermined route from the ground to a height of approximately 60 feet, where they must ring a bell. The primary purpose of this annual championship and field day is education. The climbing championship brings together the area's most experienced climbers for the benefit of friendly competition and the exchange of ideas and techniques. The ISA and the Penn-Del Chapter have selected the City of Pittsburgh as the host site for the ISA Annual Conference in 2004. We are extremely enthused to have the opportunity to showcase Pittsburgh in preparation for the 2004 ISA Conference. This competition will help to grow tree awareness and the value that trees add to our daily lives and neighborhoods. In conjunction with Saturday's climbing competition, Highland Park will host a variety of related activities, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Arboricultural vendors will be on hand, along with informational booths for the ISA and the Utility Arborist Association (UAA), and the Pittsburgh Shade Tree Commission. There will be food and refreshment concessions and a Kid's Climb for youngsters. The Tree Climbing Competition will be held just inside the North Highland Avenue entrance of Highland Park. Go through the two large pillars at the entrance and turn RIGHT onto Reservoir Drive. The WTCC site is on both sides of Reservoir Drive. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 8:30am Tree Climbing Championship - All Competitors Round 1:30 - 2pm Lunch Break for Judges and Officials 2pm - 4pm Tree Climbing Championship - Master's Challenge Round 4pm - 5pm Awards Ceremony Hope to see you there! Regards...Jenny Arkett Duquesne Light Company Vegetation Management Department (PA-VM) 412-393-8576 International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Penn-Del Chapter: <http://www.penndelisa.org/>

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[Highland Park] COMMUNITY YARD SALE: Sunday, June 1, 9:00 AM-?
by Judy Wolfe 27 May '03

27 May '03

On this coming Sunday, June 1, the Highland Park community will once again host its annual Yard Sale. We anticipate that upwards of 75 families will participate. Free maps and lists of item for sale will be available at the corners of Highland and Stanton, and Hampton and Negley. Maps will also be available at Walnut Market, Enrico's and Stanton-Negley Drug Store. For those families that have already sent in their name, address, phone number, list of items for sale, and check for $12 (to HPCC) to Judy Wolfe (412-441-7830) at 5910 Wellesley Ave - PLEASE REMEMBER TO PICK UP YOUR PACKET OF SIGNS AND BALLOONS ON MY PORCH ANY TIME ON SATURDAY (May 31) or SUNDAY if you are really laid back about the whole thing. Call me if you have any questions or want to volunteer to hand out maps on Sunday morning. See you at the sale!!!

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[Highland Park] This week in Highland Park
by Rudolph T Maceyko 26 May '03

26 May '03

TUESDAY Housing, Neighborhood Maintenance and Infrastructure Focus Group at the Farmhouse 7:00 pm Neighborhood walk starting at Enrico's Tazza d'Oro at 7:30 pm (every Tuesday) WEDNESDAY Deadline for letting Judy Wolfe know that you're participating in the Yard Sale THURSDAY Arts, Recreation, & Youth Development Focus Group at the Farmhouse 7:00 pm SATURDAY Household hazardous waste collection at Heinz Field from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm SUNDAY Yard Sale starting at 9:00 am Visit the Community Calendar on the Highland Park web site for details: <http://www.highlandparkpa.com/calendar/> Please try to make it to at least one of the Community Plan focus group meetings (there's one last meeting on education scheduled for next week). The Community Plan is starting to wrap up--the final town meeting is scheduled for June 23. For more information about the hazardous waste collection (it's not on the Community calendar), visit: <http://www.cmu.edu/greenpractices/hhw.htm> Also, there is a tennis tournament of some kind scheduled for the tennis courts along Stanton Avenue on Sunday. I'll send details when I have them. If anyone has information about the "Highland Park Tennis Club" please send me email about it! Thanks! Rudy

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[Highland Park] Unofficial Election Results
by Rudolph T Maceyko 21 May '03

21 May '03

The unofficial results of the City Council and School Board races affecting Highland Park are in, with all districts reporting. Congratulations to all of the candidates! Highland Park's Patrick Dowd has won the race for School Board, and according to the Post-Gazette this "David vs. Goliath" victory ensures that there will be change on the School Board: <http://www.post-gazette.com/election/20030521cityschool406elect2p2.asp> In the City Council race, Highland Park's Mitch Kates put up a good fight, but ultimately incumbent Len Bodack had the numbers on his side. We will vote for a third time to fill this office in the November general election, where Len will be the Democratic candidate on the ballot. We'll have to wait to see whether Mitch and/or Nancy decide to try one more time to face him in that election. More election coverage from the Post-Gazette: <http://www.post-gazette.com/election/20030521ledeallaelect1p1.asp> And here are the unofficial numbers from the Allegheny County web site: City Council (District 7) From <http://www.county.allegheny.pa.us/elect/PDistrict07.asp>: Len Bodack 2,324 38.3% Mitch Kates 2,171 35.8% Nancy Noszka 1,567 25.8% ----------------- ----- ----- Totals 6,062 School Board (District 2) From <http://www.county.allegheny.pa.us/elect/KDistrict56.asp>: Patrick Dowd 3,405 53.6% Darlene M Harris 2,945 46.3% ----------------- ----- ----- Totals 6,350 Get all of the unofficial results from the Allegheny County web site: <http://www.county.allegheny.pa.us/elect/results.asp> Rudy

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[Highland Park] Mitch's Response: Keep it Positive, we're Winning!
by mitch kates 19 May '03

19 May '03

Dear Friends and Supporters: Some of you have received an unattributed and slanderous example of dirty politics in today's mail. I consider it a compliment to my campaign that my opponent is so scared that he resorts to childish tactics, but we are going to keep it positive, turn the other cheek and win tomorrow. Almost all of you -- especially those who own a home and have a mortgage -- understand that this attack was cowardly, manipulative and false. Let's be clear: my mortgage company pays my taxes, like most homeowners. I want to thank the folks at the treasurer's office who worked late today to get information to the media concerning the timely payment of my taxes. I believe that campaigns are won with ideas, not insults, and I want to thank those who called and emailed me in support. This false attack has galvanized our support and I'm actually glad that it was sent. It has illustrated how strong this campaign is. Tomorrow we're going to change the city and make sure that dirty, backward tactics like these will have no place in Pittsburgh politics. This attack illustrates how important it is to vote to change the city tomorrow. I'll see you at the polls tomorrow, Mitch

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[Highland Park] This week in Highland Park
by Rudolph T Maceyko 18 May '03

18 May '03

TUESDAY Pennsylvania Primary Election Neighborhood walk starting at Enrico's Tazza d'Oro at 7:30 pm (every Tuesday) WEDNESDAY Community Plan Community Health & Safety Focus Group at the Farmhouse 7:00 pm THURSDAY Weekly Walk in the Woods in Highland Park at 6:30 pm (fourth Thursday of each Month) (volunteers needed!) Visit the Community Calendar on the Highland Park web site for details: <http://www.highlandparkpa.com/calendar/> Additional notes about some of this week's calendar items: The Highland Park web site has candidate information for the City Council and School Board races, along with links to the League of Women's Voters voting guide and a new link to additional statements by the School Board candidates: <http://www.highlandparkpa.com/20030520-election.htm> All are welcome to attend the Community Plan focus group this week and the others happening soon. Western Pennsylvania Field Institute is looking for docents to lead the hikes in Highland Park. It would be great if anyone interested could contact them and be there for the hike on Thursday. Contact information for WPFI can be found on the Community Calendar. Rudy

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