- test-neighbhorhood@test.highlandparkpa.com

[Highland Park] Security Systems recommended
by janet jai 17 Jan '10

17 Jan '10

Wonderful HPers, thanks again for all this useful info! I've summarized the info & included some of the quotes below. jai Guardian recommended by 6. --We have used Guardian Protection Services for over 13 years and have been extremely happy with their service! Never a problem and never an increase in ouir rates. The Home Show usually offers a multitude of companys as well as free systems. (Great tip about the Home Show.) --We have Guardian and have been very happy with them. Their customer service has been very good. We shopped around before we had the system installed and Guardian had the best installation and monthly contract deal. That was almost five years ago now so things may have changed. Most of the system was installed when we bought our house but we did install smoke detectors and a heat detector and added window alarms. I think it ended up being around $300.00 to get all the extras installed and monitoring started. --we are satisfied with guardian protection; have been with them awhile so don't know what to tell you re costs. pay $25 / mo for monitoring. --I had a Guardian system put in last fall. The monthly charge is $39.95. The installation/equipment charge was about $500, which included a remote key fob, three door alarms, two glass-break alarms, the power unit (which has a battery back-up), control panel, and communications device. (If the alarm goes off, the Guardian monitoring people can speak to you directly over the device, which is tied directly into your telephone line.) The installation took the better part of a day. I was quite satisfied with the sales person, who answered all my questions, and with the installation itself. I've accidentally set the alarm off a couple of times and got a quick response from the monitoring people. So far, I'm happy with the system - thank goodness I haven't had a real alarm yet! Probably the yard sign and the window stickers they provide are a good deterrent. Vector recommended by 2. --I went through this kind of search about 5 yrs ago. Ended up with Vector Security and have been happy with them. I pay 24.95/month. Everybody tells you the installation is free, and it is to some extent, but that doesn't usually include very many sensors. I don't remember what I spent on the installation, but it's a one- time cost and was worth it for my peace of mind -- I'd had a break in right before I got the system. I chose Vector mostly because of the salesman, Walt (I don't remember his last name). He was informative, low key, dedicated, knowledgeable, attentive, and did not dismiss the anxiety I was feeling because of the break in. I think all of these companies probably work about the same and cost about the same, so, in the end, it was Walt who won me over. The other salespeople were fairly pushy and seemed interested only in selling me something. I didn't feel that way with Walt. All of my dealing with Vector have been positive. ARM recommended by 1. We have had ATM and SSA in the past. We now have ARM and really like them. They are a small local company. The contact is Michael Houlis at ARM Security Systems. Phone is 412 531 1314 or 724 222 3761. Deitz recommended by 1. Deitz security system. They are in Allison park as I recall but very professional and nice. ADT recommended by 1. When we bought our house, it had an ADT system. That was 8 years ago and we have been very happy with it. Additional suggestion, make sure you buy the maintenance package on it. Brinks (now Broadview) - they said their experience has been good, but a small upgrade that was desired seems to have been expensive.

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[Highland Park] Pitt vs Seton Hall Basketball Tickets Available
by Lydia Blank 17 Jan '10

17 Jan '10

Hi everyone. We have two Pitt vs Seton Hall basketball game tickets available for sale. Game is Saturday, Feb 6 at 6pm. Tickets include a parking pass and access to the club. Seats are in section 108, Row T, center court. They are fantastic seats... the only reason we're selling is because we have other plans that night! Please call Craig at 412-897-9243 to discuss pricing. Thanks! Lydia PS...Please don't call about any other games. These are the only tickets available.

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[Highland Park] Baby items for sale
by flamingoblue 17 Jan '10

17 Jan '10

Hi Neighbors, My granddaughter is growing so fast and has grown out of a few items I had here for her. A lovely sturdy wooden crib on casters with beautiful turned legs with mattress. All in excellent condition $65 Jenny Lind Cradle with white eyelet accessories including bumper pads, comforter, head rest, and diaper caddie - too cute! $45 Graco baby swing with 6 different speed settings and 3 different sounds. Folds in half for easy storage $40 If interested, please call 412-661-2410 or 412-606-7974 Marty Harkins

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[Highland Park] credit card donations
by JonSarah Nelson 17 Jan '10

17 Jan '10

Subject: Another thing you can do to help in Haiti Hi, Haiti has been devastated by a massive earthquake. Americans are opening their hearts and their wallets to help. But credit card companies see this as an opportunity to turn a profit. They take a cut every time Americans use their credit card to make a charitable contribution. Isn't that outrageous? I just signed a petition to the CEOs of all the big credit card companies telling them they need to refund this fee for all the donations to aid organizations working in Haiti and get rid of the fee for all charitable contributions going forward. Will you join me? http://pol.moveon.org/nofees/?r_by=-3028415-fn0rKpx&rc=paste Thanks!Jon Nelson

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[Highland Park] Couch for Sale and Free TV
by Laura Myers 17 Jan '10

17 Jan '10

Hi Neighbors, We've got a 27" TV that's free for anyone who wants to come pick it up. It's an old-style TV (not flat-screen, not digital), and the screen is a little dark. Drop an email if you're interested. We've also got a couch for sale. The couch is full-size with a chaise on the left side (picture attached). It comes apart into two sections for easy transport. It has been around a cat and a dog, so it's probably not good for people with allergies. It's got some stains, but a professional cleaning might clear that up. We're asking $120 (but we're open to negotiations). Send email if you're interested. Best, Laura and Eben Myers Winterton St.

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[Highland Park] Looking for Physician Referrals
by Rob N 16 Jan '10

16 Jan '10

Hi Neighbors, I'm relatively new to Pittsburgh and need to find a good general practitioner physician. I've been very healthy for the last 18 months since moving here for grad school and have not had any need to see a doctor. However, I now have a few medical issues and need to start by seeing a good physician. I live in the neighborhood obviously and attend CMU, so I'd like to stay in the East End if possible. Any referrals would be appreciated. Thanks, Rob Nichols N. St. Clair Street

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[Highland Park] Drums
by Brian W 15 Jan '10

15 Jan '10

I'm looking for a small space to setup a drum kit because I would really like to practice, but don't want to create a noise disturbance. Does anyone have any ideas or options for a cheap space (like a garage or shed?) that I could rent/share and not bother anyone? Thanks! Brian

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[Highland Park] Spots left in Beginning Wheel Throwing class at Union Project
by Union Project Studio 15 Jan '10

15 Jan '10

Hello Neighbors, Have you ever wanted to try your hand at the potter's wheel? This is your chance! *Beginning Wheel Throwing* is for students with no or little ceramic experience, and all are welcome. The class begins *this Tuesday*, Jan 19 (6-9pm) and runs through March 23 (10 weeks). The class fee is $195 and all materials are included. Registration and payment is quick and easy online at www.unionproject.org *As part of our mission, Union Project strives to provide access to all. Financial accommodations may be made based on need. Please feel free to call or email with any questions. -- Arts Liaison Union Project 801 N. Negley Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15206 412.363.4550 ext 22

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[Highland Park] what security system/company would you recommend
by janet jai 15 Jan '10

15 Jan '10

We are looking at security systems for our house and wanted to profit from the experiences of other HP residents. What security system did you choose and why? Are you happy with the company and system? What costs were/are involved? Thanks very much for any help you can give. jai

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[Highland Park] Donations for Haiti
by Amy P. Kennedy 15 Jan '10

15 Jan '10

Just wanted to share a story from KDKA news last night.....If you are looking to make an effective donation to the disaster in Haiti, a good route seems to be through the Hospital Albert Schweitzer www.hashaiti.org It was founded by a descendant of the Mellons, has various Pittsburghers on its board and staff, and even has a "Friends of" office here in Point Breeze. The hospital is located 40 miles from Port-Au-Prince, is itself undamaged, and, according to the news story, appears to be handling a large burden of the sick and injured. It's an easy Pay Pal donation. Thanks. Amy

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