September 2004 - test-neighbhorhood@test.highlandparkpa.com

[Highland Park] Shady Painters in the area
by Andrew cheatham 27 Sep '04

27 Sep '04

I would like to prevent other neighborhood residents from any of the difficulties I had with a questionable house painting outfit seeking work in the area. While not criminal, this was not a trustworthy enterprise given the effort to which I had to go so as not to have wasted the time paint and money They will present to you with a credible manner and some print information alleging ten years of experience and a list references. The two you will meet are named Rob and Marty. I know of two different names they are calling their company ("Power" & "KarNap")and more are sure to exist to prevent bad experiences from being recognized when related from a former customer and a potential one. They will present an attractive bid in both time and cost. Their crew will come to do the work and be very pushed to meet the contract. The result for me was that the crew of two young painters, in an effort not to lose money on the job, skipped most prep work (most important aspect of the job) to finish. I was told that "because of how they operate, I would not have to be around while they did the work" but it was actually good that I was around to see their shoddiness. My calls to Marty and Rob were not adequately responded to regarding the lack of "Full Prep" per their contract. I had to argue and confront these two in order to hold the painters to something near the standard for which I contracted. In the end I did all the prep on the back of the house over night to get my money's worth from the paint itself. After agreeing that the work was shoddy and on what needed to be done to bring the job to a compliance they failed to return to verify the completion of those stipulations. They also failed to meet their own contract stipulations regarding clean up and debris removal from the job. I have had perfect experiences with all of the other contractors at my house and would suggest that you avoid this outfit if at all possible. Even if you have entered into agreements with them it may even be advantageous to forfeit the deposit if you have any particular expectations. I do have some good info on exterior house painting estimation if you are interested or concerned. Andy Cheatham

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[Highland Park] robbery
by Jamie Phillips 26 Sep '04

26 Sep '04

Dear Neighbors, Hello.. I've never had to post something like this, but last night, my second floor apartment on North Euclid by Bryant Street (on the corner of Albree and N.Euclid actually) was robbed twice. They came through my second floor bedroom window (I was out of town for the night) after scaling the front porch railing, and took electronic stuff (tv, computer, etc) and my two bikes. According to the tenant on the third floor of our house, they must have come twice because the front door of our house was open when he came home at 10 pm and again in the morning at 7 am when he woke up. When I filed the police report, the policeman said this was the third robbery in the vicinity recently (the vicinity being Morningside, Staton Heights and Highland Park).... guess it's time to take extra precautions and call up those insurance folks you've been meaning to call. Peace. Jamie Phillips 412.628.3908 ps. The TV I can live without, but if you see a green Bianchi road bike or a blue Cannondale mountain bike, please let me know. _________________________________________________________________ [1]On the road to retirement? Check out MSN Life Events for advice on how to get there! References 1. http://g.msn.com/8HMBENUS/2749??PS=47575

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[Highland Park] Campaign Events at Tazza D'Oro
by tazzadoro＠earthlink.net 25 Sep '04

25 Sep '04

MONDAY, SEPT 27th at 7:00 PM: CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEER TRAINING OR WEDNESDAY, SEPT 28th at 7:00 PM: CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEER TRAINING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30th at 9:00 PM PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE PARTY COME TO TAZZA D'ORO TO WATCH THE 1st OF 3 PREIDENTIAL DEBATES We'll have snacks and the coffee/espresso is always fresh. Regards, Amy Amy Enrico Enrico's Tazza D'oro 1125 N Highland Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15206 412.362.3676 mailto://tazzadoro@earthlink.net

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[Highland Park] house cleaning service or independent contractor
by Susanne Gollin 24 Sep '04

24 Sep '04

Can anyone recommend an independent contractor or housecleaning service that is reliable, thorough, and not overpriced? Our experience to date has been less than optimal. thanks, Susanne Gollin gollin(a)earthlink.net

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[Highland Park] Roofer needed
by Brett Day 23 Sep '04

23 Sep '04

Hi, I need a roofer, preferably one I can trust. I know I wrote here about this before, but the returns from that research were abysmal. Out of 5 contacted, one came, sucked his teeth, promised he would be back in a couple of days to work up a price (Jasowitz I am pretty sure), and was never heard from again, another turned up with a troop of guys, and was clearly dissapointed when I was not my wife (who called them - they literally started taking off their ladders thinking they would make a couple of $'s rescuing a damsel) - this guy went out on the roof, hummed and hawed, deliberately put his foot through week spots I asked him to be cautious of, gave a price that was tied to no promise($1500), and left (This,I am fairly sure was Sacco Roofing). The only realistic one I have come across was Walter Butch ritchie, but his price was way too high for me ($3800, and I am sure thats before taxes. Otherwise the rest of the list I recieved and pursued (Welte Roofing, Rosato, and Sciullo, and I am pretty sure there were a couple more), have never even bothered to return our calls. I have found someone independant of this group, but while his price is reasonable, (it was $1000 for the whole flat roof, and included repairing the box gutter, but has now gone up to $1300) and he did seem to know his business better than at least a couple of the other guys I met with - he has turned out to be utterly irresponsible, and I think it might be a fools errand to employ him. I need something now, and I need it to be honest, and realistic to my situation. I cannort afford to put $4000 into this house, and the average otherwise does seem to circle $1000 to $1500. Help, please Brett

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[Highland Park] Music Festival at St. Andrew's
by DAVID CHARONIS 23 Sep '04

23 Sep '04

Hello! I would like to extend an invitation to join our Festival Chorus to sing, whenever your schedule permits, at St. Andrew's Church in Highland Park (near the Zoo at 5801 Hampton Street 15206). Our humble beginnings of presenting major musical efforts has blossomed to the next level. What began as hosting the Hereford Choristers has evolved into the 'All Saints Festival' featuring orchestral and choral music. Again, we are growing by soliciting (and receiving!) grants and donations during this third season as the newly incorporated Pittsburgh Festival Orchestra. Under the Musical Directorship of Melissa McBride, the chamber orchestra will be performing Schuberts Mass in G with choir and soloists on Sunday, November 7, 2004, during the 11:00 o'clock AM service. This will be a liturgical performance as the ordinary of the mass with orchestral and organ accompaniment. Last year's performance was unique with choral risers in the West Transept, instrumentalists at the Crossing, and soloists in the Chancel. A full orchestral concert will be given at 8:00 o'clock PM on Monday, November 8, 2004, featuring Gigouts Grand Choer Dialogue for Brass and Organ, Gabrielis Canzon, Beethovens Choral Fantasy, and Schumanns Symphony #3, the Rhenish. Special soloists include Peter J. Luley, organ, Linda Ellison, piano, and the St. Andrews Festival Chorus, Peter J. Luley, Choirmaster. We are going to have several rehearsals in order to accommodate everyone's schedules and learning requirements. The first get together is going to be this coming Saturday, September 25, 2004, beginning at 2:00 o'clock PM for a "read-through" of the music. There will be evening gatherings scheduled for Thursdays on October 14, 2004, October 21, 2004, and October 28, 2004, beginning at 8:15 o'clock PM. We are going to have a dress rehearsal on Saturday, November 6, 2004, from 10:00 o'clock AM through Noon in order to prepare for both events. I would leave it up to the individual singers as to how many of the rehearsals to attend, depending on schedules and familiarity with the music. We can supply music to any singers. In order to prepare seating and extra music, etc., it would be helpful if we know in advance how many singers are interested. Please leave a message with your name and contact information at 412.901.8048 (cellular) or 412.661.3274 (residence) or by e-mail at peterluley(a)aol.com Thank you in advance for spreading this invitation as, together, we do everything in our power to enjoy music. PLEASE INVITE YOUR FRIENDS, RELATIVES, CO-WORKERS, AND NEIGHBORS! Everyone is welcome! David M. Charonis St. Andrew's Church at Highland Park September 2004 _________________________________________________________________ Check out Election 2004 for up-to-date election news, plus voter tools and more! http://special.msn.com/msn/election2004.armx

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[Highland Park] Used laptop wanted
by Sherry Goldman 23 Sep '04

23 Sep '04

I'm considering buying a used laptop (if I can find one) for my volunteer non-profit musical group. We have most of our repetoire entered into Cakewalk Home Studio 7, and I'd like to be able to use those files for rehearsal in other locations besides my computer room. I already have external speakers. Windows 98 is preferred so I don't have to upgrade my software. Does anyone out there have one for sale preferably for $350 or less? I only intend to use it for this one application. Sherry Goldman

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[Highland Park] Restorative Justice at Peabody - Volunteers Needed
by Dawn Lehman 21 Sep '04

21 Sep '04

The Pittsburgh Mediation Center (PMC) is pleased to be partnering with Peabody High School to develop Restorative Justice programming within the school over the 2004-6 school years. Restorative Justice (RJ) is the practice of responding to harmful behavior by focusing on repairing the damage that resulted, rather than on the rules that were broken. Our hope is that by introducing Restorative Justice to Peabody, we can engage students in addressing difficult situations. When harms are caused, we aim to ensure accountability while also offering support that will change behaviors. Ultimately, this could result in fewer suspensions and lead to a stronger, safer school community. We are looking for people in the Peabody feeder communities to serve as volunteer facilitators of restorative justice meetings with students. Facilitator will be provided a free 24-hour training and ongoing mentorship. Please contact us if this opportunity is of interest to you, or you can recommend others who may want to participate. Minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Also, we welcome opportunities to speak with groups about the program or to share information in local publications. Please contact Dawn at 412-365-0400 x208 or dlehman(a)pittsburgh-mediation.org if you would like more information or can offer any suggestions for further outreach. Sincerely, Dawn Lehman, Restorative Justice in Schools Coordinator Pittsburgh Mediation Center 100 Sheridan Square, Second Fl. Pittsburgh, PA 15206-3019 (412) 365-0400 x208 Resolving conflict. Restoring relationships. Building peaceful communities.

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[Highland Park] Artist Needed
by Sal Wilcox (CEO, EI, Inc.) 20 Sep '04

20 Sep '04

Education Innovations, Inc. is searching for a volunteer artist to draw our vision for our NatureLAB space in uptown. We will show the drawing to perspective sponsors, customers, and partners. The drawing will depict the 26,000 square foot property complete with greenhouse, geodesic dome classroom, performance space, and working mini-farm. If anyone is interested, please e-mail me at s.wilcox(a)educationinnovations.org or call 412.363.7707. Sincerely, Salvador Wilcox CEO Education Innovations, Inc. 914 Heberton Street Pittsburgh, PA 15206 www.educationinnovations.org 412.363.7707

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[Highland Park] Chris Heinz at Tazza D'Oro
by tazzadoro＠earthlink.net 13 Sep '04

13 Sep '04

Hello All, I am really excited to announce that Chris Heinz, son of Teresa Heinz Kerry and step-son of John Kerry will be speaking at Enrico's Tazza D'Oro this Friday at 6:00 pm. Please attend. Your support for the campaign is critical. Chris will be open for questions and will be speaking about the issues important to John Kerry and the Democratic platform. Also, at that time, the Kerry campaign and Tazza D'Oro will have a special announcement. Wine, cheese and other treat will be complimentary! Please call or email us with any questions. See you Friday. Amy Amy Enrico Enrico's Tazza D'oro 1125 N Highland Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15206 412.362.3676 mailto://tazzadoro@earthlink.net

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