May 2007 - test-neighbhorhood@test.highlandparkpa.com

Re: [Highland Park] Primary Election: Ballot Question: A new tax
by C. Paul Svoboda 07 May '07

07 May '07

Fellow HPers: Please click on the following and scroll the the bottom: http://www.senatorferlo.com/ Click on "Are you eligible for Property Tax Relief in 2007". There is some background on this issue available through the links in the left-hand column. Roberta's understanding is correct. Pittsburgh is not affected by the referendum question during the primary election. Senator Ferlo fought hard on this measure over the course of several months. Firstly, he was a proponent of "STOP," the coalition to end the taxation of homesteads. Secondly, during negotiations on compromise legislation, Senator Ferlo wanted to ensure that City of Pittsburgh residents, who have been paying the freight in the form of their income taxes for years, would not be at risk of having the 3% City income tax increased. He advocated for and won an exclusion for Pittsburgh. Similar exclusions were eventually passed for Philadelphia and Scranton. Neighboring municipalities will have a question on their ballots that may or may not result in a net tax increase for the individual residents. The question will ask not simply if they want to increase taxes, but if they would like to increase the personal income tax rate for their municipality in exchange for a corresponding decrease in the property tax rate. Without going into too great detail, this "tax swap" will disproportionately help Seniors who are often in the twilight of their income earning years and pay property taxes at a far higher rate than income taxes. In the future, as the gaming tax revenue threshold is reached (it is currently running above Gaming Board income projections), property tax reductions will be available to all property owners. Currently, additional relief has been made available only through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, administered by the Department of Revenue and available to Seniors (65+), widow(er)s over 50, and disabled persons over 18. If you meet the income guidelines and the demographic description (see the chart at the bottom of the page on the http://www.senatorferlo.com/ website) or if you know someone who is eligible please visit or contact our office for an application. Any of the staff here will be happy to help you with it. Thanks neighbors, Paul C. Paul Svoboda Legislative Assistant to State Senator Jim Ferlo 412.621.3006 717.787.6123 On 5/7/07, Roberta Shope <RobertaShope(a)howardhanna.com> wrote: In reply to the e-mail about the state imposing income taxes on us: This is my understanding of the ballot question - that it applies to school districts that need to decide whether to offset some of their property taxes with an income tax. It does not apply to Pittsburgh or other large districts that already have a school district income tax. I looked it up on www.post-gazette.com (under primary ’07) - I’m sure there are other sources about this, as well. So… I could be wrong, but I don’t think this applies to us as Pittsburghers at all. Here in Pittsburgh, we already pay income tax to the city & school district (both covered by the city of Pgh income tax return). Roberta Shope From: neighborhood-bounces(a)highlandpark.pgh.pa.us [mailto:neighborhood-bounces@highlandpark.pgh.pa.us] On Behalf Of Steve Karl Sent: Monday, May 07, 2007 12:47 PM To: neighborhood(a)highlandpark.pgh.pa.us Subject: [Highland Park] Primary Election: Ballot Question: A new tax Rumor has it: The Pennsylvania Primary Election is May 15, 2007 In the upcoming Primary Election, a BINDING BALLOT QUESTION will attempt to trick the Voters of Pennsylvania to impose a Local Income Tax on themselves! The Ballot Question will ask if the Voters want a Personal Income Tax or an Earned Income Tax? Our elected Politicians forgot the other option. Across Pennsylvania, please spread the word to WRITE IN:"NO TAX" The voter turnout will be small, and elected Politicians are banking on the fact that Voters will not be prepared, and will feel forced to either vote for another odious tax, or - at best - abstain. Either way, that new tax would pass. If you spread the word, and tell your fellow citizens to write in "NO TAX", then possibly enough Voters will do so, and the Politicians will be forced to live within their means, and perhaps eliminate the wasteful spending that is rampant. The Reform movement that started with the Pay Jacking '05, is still fresh in their minds. It is up to us, the VOTERS to keep sending them that message. The information contained in this transmission including any attached documentation is privileged and confidential. It is intended only for use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copy of the communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify Howard Hanna by replying to this email. Please delete all copies of this message and all attachments. All properties herein are subject to change in sales terms, prior sale, or withdrawal without prior notice; Howard Hanna is not responsible for changes in sale, availability or for any errors in information presented. (412) 967-9000 www.howardhanna.com -- <http://www.highlandpark.pgh.pa.us/mailman/listinfo/neighborhood>

1 0

Re: [Highland Park] Possible Scam
by LORIFRED9＠aol.com 07 May '07

07 May '07

Hi there Neighbors, While our house was not solicited by the group mentioned in the previous e-mail, we were solicited by a gentleman ( first name Bernard is all I remember) who stated he had started up his own business to help teenagers. He was selling magazine subscriptions. He had on a suit and he was wearing an ID badge - it all looked official. I bought a subscription, wrote him a check and off he went. After he left, I had a nagging suspicion that maybe this was a scam. I am still waiting for my magazines - although he did say it took 6 weeks or so and it hasn't been quite 6 weeks...so maybe it was legit. Has anyone had the same sollictor? Lori Farragut St ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

1 0

Re: [Highland Park] Staples
by William Ghrist 07 May '07

07 May '07

I checked out the new Staples today (Monday). It is about twice the size of the Waterworks store. Looks like a nice place. I was told that the "Grand Opening" will be May 19 (a Saturday). The mayor will be there (I don't know what time) and probably a sports celebrity or two. The store will be giving out "grab bag" gifts with purchases that day. Bill Ghrist

1 0

[Highland Park] Possible Scam
by Marcie McGuire 07 May '07

07 May '07

Neighbors: Judging from the email responses I've received, we weren't the only people taken in by this scam. Jan Stayianos (HPCC Crime Watch Chair) and a representative of the E. Liberty Police Station are asking everyone affected by this scam or any other scams that are currently going on in the neighborhood (such as help with spring cleaning, contributions to the Autism Society, etc.) to call 911 and report your incident. This way, the police have a record and can be on the lookout for people/groups working our neighborhood. So please, take a few minutes and call 911. Thanks, Marcie McGuire

1 0

[Highland Park] Primary Election: Ballot Question: A new tax
by Steve Karl 07 May '07

07 May '07

Rumor has it: The Pennsylvania Primary Election is May 15, 2007 In the upcoming Primary Election, a BINDING BALLOT QUESTION will attempt to trick the Voters of Pennsylvania to impose a Local Income Tax on themselves! The Ballot Question will ask if the Voters want a Personal Income Tax or an Earned Income Tax? Our elected Politicians forgot the other option. Across Pennsylvania, please spread the word to WRITE IN:"NO TAX" The voter turnout will be small, and elected Politicians are banking on the fact that Voters will not be prepared, and will feel forced to either vote for another odious tax, or - at best - abstain. Either way, that new tax would pass. If you spread the word, and tell your fellow citizens to write in "NO TAX", then possibly enough Voters will do so, and the Politicians will be forced to live within their means, and perhaps eliminate the wasteful spending that is rampant. The Reform movement that started with the Pay Jacking '05, is still fresh in their minds. It is up to us, the VOTERS to keep sending them that message.

2 1

[Highland Park] FW: East End Community-Building Event - Peabody H.S. Sat May 12th - Register Today!
by Edith Bell 07 May '07

07 May '07

Subject: East End Community-Building Event - Peabody H.S. Sat May 12th - Register Today! You are Invited to a Unique and Valuable Event An East End Community Building Event Dear Community Member, I am writing to invite you to an exciting, one-of-a-kind event to be held Saturday, May 12th at Peabody High School in the East Liberty neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Excellence for All: An East End Community-Building Event is an impressive collaboration between over 70 community groups, focused on improving academic performance for all East End Students. Under the dynamic leadership of Peabody High School Principle John Vater, the event will also showcase ways to build a stronger East End, focusing on personal equity development and community capacity building. Students, concerned parents, community members, organizations, and service providers are invited to attend and learn about the resources of the community, and identify meaningful opportunities for community involvement. This event will feature many unique elements, including: * Keynote Speaker Cle ³Bone² Sloan, a non-active member of the L.A. ³Bloods² gang * Author and star of the award-winning HBO documentary ³Bastards of the Party² * Mayor Luke Ravenstahl * Envisioning a 21st Century Pittsburgh with a World Class Education system * Mark Roosevelt, Superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools * Promoting relationships in our community for the advancement of all students * Over 50 workshop presentations by experts in their field * Over 70 agencies sharing information at a day long provider fair In addition, all attendees will receive breakfast, lunch, a free gift, and are invited to attend a free afternoon concert with the S.U.N. (Stand UP NOW!) Hip-Hop Tour 2007. We would truly appreciate your help in promoting and/or attending this important event. Please register today at www.aplusschools.org/wn.html <http://www.aplusschools.org/wn.html> <http://www.aplusschools.org/wn.html> or by phone: 412-450-5280. We look forward to seeing you at this unique event! Feel free to call with any questions you may have - Peabody High School (412) 665-2050 or Bloomfield Garfield Corporation, Youth Development Center (412) 441-9833. Sincerely, Craig Stevens Coordinator - Economic Independence Initiative Parental Stress Center 5877 Commerce Street Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Ph: 412-361-4800 x 215 Fax: 412-361-4801 cstevens(a)pscfamily.net www.pscfamily.net <http://www.pscfamily.net/> ------ End of Forwarded Message

1 0

[Highland Park] Volunteers Needed for Research re Environmental Education for Elementary Students
by Alexandra West 07 May '07

07 May '07

SEEE study web site: http://www2.sis.pitt.edu/~mariah/phd/seee.html <http://www2.sis.pitt.edu/%7Emariah/phd/seee.html> Educational Technology Research Study Using Virtual Reality! CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS Group Three August and September, 2007 Does your child enjoy learning about nature, using computers and making art? Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are putting together a series of real and virtual reality field trips for elementary aged children to engage and inspire independent exploration, inquiry, scientific learning, and artistic experiences. All volunteers will participate in a research study of the usability of the computer simulation software of Trillium Trail. The purpose of this study is to: 1. Describe the difference between real and virtual situational learning, and 2. Evaluate HCI performance in the simulation in terms of high to low navigation and visual fidelity. The software is like a computer game, but designed for learning. All children will have a chance to design and build their very own virtual world ecologies. In addition to exploring and learning about our local ecology, all children will be helping us to design new fun, child-driven, knowledge-based technologies. Who? Any elementary age child in the third, fourth and fifth grades are being asked to participate in this study. We will give priority to fourth grade and fill openings on an as needed-basis. We have 16 - 20 openings for the smaller studies of Group One and Group Two, and 64 openings for Group Three, a larger study on the software. Parents are invited to be present at all times. What? All groups will meet in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh for a pretest, a virtual field trip, posttest, and a follow-up session as an opportunity to create a virtual world. Groups One and Two will require an additional real field trip to Trillium Trail, located on Squaw Run Road in Fox Chapel, guided by the Audubon Society of Western PA Educator - Gabi Hughes! When? Field trips and research studies will be conducted between May and December, 2007. Group assignment will occur after you volunteer. Who are we? This project is a PhD dissertation study "Simulated Ecological Environments for Education" of Maria C.R. Harrington, a PhD Candidate in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. Disclaimer: This is not an O'Hara school project or a FCASD project. To sign up or ask questions: please contact Maria C.R. Harrington, at (412) 606-2170 or send an email mharring@pitt.edu.http://www2.sis.pitt.edu/~mariah/phd/seee.html Maria C.R. Harrington School of Information Sciences University of Pittsburgh 135 North Bellefield Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15260 USA Email: Cell 412 606-2170 Office Tel: 412.624.5230 Office Fax: 412.624.5231 Office: SIS 708

1 0

[Highland Park] Possible Scam
by Marcie McGuire 07 May '07

07 May '07

Hi Neighbors: About three weeks ago, an older man (late 30's/ early 40's) and two younger boys (possible middle school age) knocked on our door. When my husband answered, they said they were raising funds to buy soccer uniforms for their school by selling hoagies, pizza, etc. We purchased a couple of hoagies for a total of $16. My husband started to write a check for our order, but was told by the older man that, because they were close to the deadline for turning in orders, they could only accept cash. My husband asked the kids a few questions about their team and the answers were mumbled and vague. That and the cash thing should have been a warning. But, always willing to help kids raise funds for something worthwhile, he gave them $16 in cash. He was told the hoagies would be delivered the following Friday. Good thing we weren't planning a meal around these things, because we're still waiting for them! We're just wondering if anyone else in HP was solicited by this group? Did you receive your order and maybe ours was just lost to poor record keeping? Or are we, as I suspect, victims of a scam? Marcie McGuire

1 0

[Highland Park] summary of recommendations for exterior house painters
by double.rainbow＠yahoo.com 07 May '07

07 May '07

below is a list of painters that were recommended to me. thank you for you recommendations nadine We used Jerry Ondo 2 years ago - and were satisfied. He is at 901-3121 (412) - he is in Shadyside. Tim Stavenger, 412-661-4925. A Highland Pk resident, Tim painted the exterior of our house a few years ago and did an excellent job at a reasonable price. Al Mann 412-661-5947 Paul & Kelly Dougherty are excellent. Their address is 6119 Jackson St. Phone number: 412-362-9517. (two recommendations) Couldn't recommend eric and erin more... 1412 687 7987 Marty Gayda has painted the exterior of one of our rental properties and is very meticulous and reasonable. His number is 412-537-2700. Jonathan Scruby, East End Painting. 412-362-1124. He lives in the neighborhood, too. Renaissance MS Painting 503 Guys Run Road S-8 Cheswick, PA 15024 412.967.9687 Eric Mason at 412.687.7987. He does a great deal of work in Highland Park and has many references. Gene Beyer did a nice job for us a couple years ago. His number is 412-344-7567 ____________________________________________________________________________________ Don't get soaked. Take a quick peak at the forecast with the Yahoo! Search weather shortcut. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/shortcuts/#loc_weather

1 0

[Highland Park] Local movers?
by Marshall, Krista 07 May '07

07 May '07

Does anyone know of a local moving company they would recommend for in-town moving? Please send any names/info to klm46(a)pitt.edu. Thanks for your help. Krista

1 0