March 2020 - test-neighbhorhood@test.highlandparkpa.com

Looking for a treadmill, exercise bike, or elliptical
by Karin Manovich 20 Mar '20

20 Mar '20

Hello Neighbors, Is anyone looking to sell any home cardio exercise equipment like a bike, treadmill, or elliptical? Thanks, Karin Manovich karin.manovich(a)gmail.com

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What to do if you think you're sick - new self-checker website by CDC
by Highland Park Pittsburgh, PA 20 Mar '20

20 Mar '20

The CDC has launched a new “self-checker” on its website that allows individuals to answer a few questions and then offers advice. Most importantly, the tool also provides information on how to care for yourself at home. Visit http://j.mp/2QsphUr and click on the orange self-checker box in the lower right hand corner of the page. -- *Highland Park Community Council* Visit our website by clicking here. <https://hpccpgh.org/>

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Non-essential businesses will be closed as of tomorrow in PA
by Highland Park Pittsburgh, PA 20 Mar '20

20 Mar '20

Essential government and medical services will continue, that pharmacies, grocery stores, health care facilities, and gas stations should stay open. Governor Wolf clarified his definition of which commercial services and sectors fall into the essential category: food processing, agriculture, industrial manufacturing, feed mills, construction, trash collection, auto and home repair, post office and shipping outlets, insurance, banks, laundromats, veterinary clinics and pet stores, and hotels and commercial lodging. Other emergency moves announced Monday: - The state Gaming Control Board instructed any casinos still open to begin shutting down <https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2020/03/16/Ri…> . - The Department of Transportation closed all driver’s license and driver’s license photo centers <https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/16/Pennsylvania-Tu…>, and extended the validity of expiring driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, and inspections until the end of April. - State-run liquor stores will shut down indefinitely at 9 p.m. Tuesday <https://www.post-gazette.com/life/drinks/2020/03/16/State-closing-Allegheny…>, (3/17) although consumers can still purchase wine and beer at grocery stores that carry them, according to officials at the state’s Liquor Control Board. - The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will close all facilities at state parks and forests for 14 days starting Tuesday (3/17). Trails, lakes, forests, roads, and parking areas will still be open to the public. - Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court declared a statewide judicial emergency until April 14, 2020, during which county president judges can, among other changes, restrict or temporarily close court facilities and authorize using technology to conduct court proceedings. *https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/03/16/pa-coronavirus-shutdown-pennsylvania-covid-19-gov-tom-wolf/stories/202003160109 <https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/03/16/pa-coronavirus-shutdown-…>* *-- * *Highland Park Community Council* *Visit our website by clicking here. <https://hpccpgh.org/>*

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Mask Sewing Video
by s.laura＠verizon.net 20 Mar '20

20 Mar '20

Deaconess Health has online videos for how to sew masks: https://www.courierpress.com/story/news/2020/03/18/coronavirus-deaconess-as… From: Neighborhood <neighborhood-bounces+s.laura=verizon.net(a)highlandparkpa.com> On Behalf Of Elisabeth Larman Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2020 8:43 PM To: Highland park neighborhood <neighborhood(a)highlandparkpa.com> Subject: helping hands Hello Highland Park neighbors, Since I hear so much of masks shortage in the hospitals, etc...I would like to ask the doctors and nurses in our community if my idea has any value. I was thinking that making masks is such an easy thing to sew and I was wondering if it would be of any help if the quilters, seamstresses and sewers of HP would help out cranking them out. I have half a bolt of very good solid strong tightly woven fabric that would make lots of masks and could be laundered thus reusable. I think that would be better than bandanas or scarves I hear are worn... until the government or the powers to be get the regular disposable ones. Please let me know and I will be happy to organize making them and have it delivered to where the needs are. Thank you. Elisabeth Larman

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helping hands
by Elisabeth Larman 19 Mar '20

19 Mar '20

Hello Highland Park neighbors, Since I hear so much of masks shortage in the hospitals, etc...I would like to ask the doctors and nurses in our community if my idea has any value. I was thinking that making masks is such an easy thing to sew and I was wondering if it would be of any help if the quilters, seamstresses and sewers of HP would help out cranking them out. I have half a bolt of very good solid strong tightly woven fabric that would make lots of masks and could be laundered thus reusable. I think that would be better than bandanas or scarves I hear are worn... until the government or the powers to be get the regular disposable ones. Please let me know and I will be happy to organize making them and have it delivered to where the needs are. Thank you. Elisabeth Larman

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Philips Respironics looking for employees right now
by Ursula Egenhofer 19 Mar '20

19 Mar '20

Hi, I saw the following Post-Gazette article about Philips Respironics in Murrysville urgently looking for employees to ramp up ventilator production. I thought I would share, if there is someone looking for employment right now: https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/03/19/Philip… Ursula

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City provides assistance at this time of need
by Joanne 19 Mar '20

19 Mar '20

The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh’s (URA) Board of Directors this afternoon approved a new program for households at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) who have been affected by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Fund is designed to provide short-term assistance to workers who have experienced a reduction in hours and are facing a financial hardship to pay rent and utilities. Beginning Monday, March 23, households in need of rental, mortgage payment, and/or utility assistance, specifically because their work hours were cut due to COVID-19, may call the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh at 412.227.4163 to be screened for assistance. "This is obviously a really critical action today and sorely needed at this moment in time and I commend Jessica Smith Perry and the rest of the URA staff for acting quickly and coming up with this program on such short notice," URA Board Chair Sam Williamson said. To qualify for the COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Fund, households must: Be employed, recently employed, or self-employed and experiencing a reduction in hours or a layoff due to the employer reducing/eliminating work hours or the loss of contract work as a public health precaution related to the COVID-19 virus; Documentation from the employer is required Experience a financial hardship and inability to pay rent, mortgage payment(s) or utilities Be located in the City of Pittsburgh Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle expressed a desire to ensure that the program could help both tenants and homeowners and suggested that the URA reach out to banks and foundations for support. The program will help tenants at or below 50% AMI to pay rent and utilities and homeowners at or below 80% to stay current on their mortgage payments. In addition, for mortgage assistance, the homeowner must be living in the house and have his/her name on the deed. The household’s lenders must still be accepting payments and have not yet issued an Act 91 Notice. Final approval for support will include verification that all property taxes are current, and that the homes meet the URA home inspection standard. Eligible expenses include: Rental and utility assistance, not to exceed $3,000 Mortgage payment assistance, including late fees, not to exceed $3,000 "We’re hoping that this helps to unlock some other funding, as right now it's just seed money. We’ve been working the phones to see if we can somehow maximize this and leverage a bigger pool of capital," said URA Executive Director Greg Flisram. For additional eligible activities and requirements, please visit the URA’s Housing Stabilization Program guidelines on the Housing Opportunity Fund programs page. Please visit the URA's COVID-19 resource page for updates. About the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) The URA is the City of Pittsburgh's economic development agency, supporting the City’s economic development goals, which are designed to create a city of inclusive opportunity for residents, stakeholders, and communities. The URA is committed to creating more housing that is affordable to the average Pittsburgher; encouraging more entrepreneurship and small business development; promoting inclusive growth and quality job creation; expanding neighborhood and main streets revitalization efforts; and developing a talented workforce that is equipped with the skills of the future.

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abandoned kitty update
by C. A. Peters 19 Mar '20

19 Mar '20

Since many of you reached out to me with your concerns, I wanted to provide an update on the cat my housemates and I found in the park the other day. We were able to take her to a vet for a check-up and dewormer, and from there to a friend who has lots of experience with stray cats. She's found a good home! Just wanted to pass along this one piece of good news in an otherwise bleak time. - Carrie, on Stanton by the park

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Bakery on Bryant street
by Rosario Lentini 19 Mar '20

19 Mar '20

Hello neighbors, As we all know, the current circumstances are difficult at best. We want you to know that we at Food Glorious Food, are taking FULL precautions to protect our customers and our staff! That being said, We hope we can offer some comfort in this time of need by opening on Friday and Saturday from 10am-2pm the 20th and 21st to offer pre-packaged meals and desserts TO GO... Among other items, we will be offering soups, pastas, vegetarian items, fried rice, trays of mac & cheese, whole quiches, cookies, kolackies, pies and some cakes... Hopefully we can support each other in this time of need !!! P.S A few good words go a long way Most sincerely, ~ Rosario Lentini And the staff at FGF

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Chickens on the loose!
by Evan Mosier 19 Mar '20

19 Mar '20

Two brown chickens spotted in the back of a yard along Mellon and Janero St in case you’re missing some. 2:20 pm on 3/19

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