- test-neighbhorhood@test.highlandparkpa.com

[Highland Park] brake in 5500 block
by J 31 Dec '09

31 Dec '09

robbery in the 5500 block area of Bryant street Christmas day/evening they kicked in the basement door J

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[Highland Park] people casing cars
by Kimberly Latta 31 Dec '09

31 Dec '09

Hello Neighbors: There have been a lot of car break-ins on our street, Wellesley Avenue, between King and Negley, and in our neighborhood, and we have also been victims of theft from our (probably unlocked) car. --so I wanted to alert you all to the following: Yesterday at 4:30pm two people--a black man, approximately 30 years old, 5 feet 8, mustache and thin beard, in a big brown jacket with fake fur on the interior, the hood drawn up; and a black woman, approximately 18 years old, thin, about 5.4, in pinkish pajama-like pants and a thin parka--were casing the cars on Wellesley Avenue. The man walked on the sidewalk, the girl walked in the road, looking into each vehicle as she passed. I was walking my dogs and followed them to be sure that they were really doing this. They stopped at the bus stop and seemed to be waiting for the bus. I don't know if they got on. Please remember to lock your cars--there are people out there waiting for you to forget. Kimberly -- Kimberly Latta Assistant Professor of English University of Pittsburgh Change the world one loan at a time - visit Kiva.org to find out how

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[Highland Park] seeking remodeling guidance
by msranders 30 Dec '09

30 Dec '09

Hello fellow neighbors with old creeky houses, drop ceilings, and faux wood paneling...we need your advice! We are planning for what could be a major renovation/remodel of the first floor of our (we think) American Four-Square home, which at one time was converted into a 1st floor and 2nd/3rd floor duplex. We foresee dumpsters full of drop ceilings and faux paneling. We hope that sound and intact walls, ceilings, and old French or pocket doors lie beneath, but who knows! There are many mysteries, making it challenging to strategize. There is likely to be carpentry work involved, especially if walls and trim are not hiding beneath the faux paneling. This project also is likely to involve replacing hardwood floors, a bathroom remodel, correcting the stairway (which was redirected to accomodate the apartment), and possibly even a kitchen redo. We are having trouble imagining this project in small bites, and think it might be better completed as one big project rather than many smaller projects. We are wondering how you have planned your similar projects, how you have developed a budget, and ultimately...how did you get started? Did you consult with a designer? An architect? Did you go straight to the remodeling contractor? Can you recommend any of the above? Your input is greatly appreciated! We would especially like to hear your "hindsight is 20/20" feedback about what you woulda, coulda, shoulda done if you had it to do over. Looking forward to hearing from you! Happy New Year! Mary

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[Highland Park] Friends looking for a 3 bedroom apt or house
by Susan Robison 30 Dec '09

30 Dec '09

One of my colleagues at work is looking for a 3 bedroom apartment or house to share with 2 of her friends. If you know of one in Highland Park or beyond, please let me know. They are hoping for 1.5 - 2 bathrooms and would love to move by February 1st. Thanks! Happy New Year to all! Susy Robison 412.596.7543

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[Highland Park] St. Andrew's chair needs some reupholstering
by Joan Soulliere 30 Dec '09

30 Dec '09

Hello Neighbors, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church on Hampton St. has a sturdy office chair in need of being reupholstered. Right now it is covered in green vinyl. Is there anyone in the neighborhood who does this sort of work? If so, please contact Joan in the office at either 412-661-1245 or email office(a)standrewspgh.org. Thank you, Joan Soulliere

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[Highland Park] break in on Jackson
by Sherry Goldman 30 Dec '09

30 Dec '09

They got us again on Dec. 23! The thieves came back and got our small downstairs TV. What is this neighborhood coming to? Got a burglar alarm system through Vector. Very helpful and professional!

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[Highland Park] Fwd: ThingsYour Burglar Won't Tell You--This is good info!
by sulliv362＠aol.com 30 Dec '09

30 Dec '09

With the recent posts on break-ins I thought I would pass on this email I recently received. Ed Sullivan In today's world when crime is very high and may houses and apartments are being burglarized, here are some interesting points to ponder. THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU: 1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator. 2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier. 3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste ... And taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have. 4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it. 5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway. 6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.. 7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom-and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too. 8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door-understandable . But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather. 9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. 10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet. 11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms. 12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me. 13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com.) 8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU: 1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook. 2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors. 3. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature. 4. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it? 5. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets. 6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address. 7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation. 8. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in. Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina , Oregon , California , and Kentucky ; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor. com; and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis , who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job. No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.430 / Virus Database: 270.14.121/2589 - Release Date: 12/27/09 09:18:00 Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free. Sign up now.

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[Highland Park] January Newsletter from the Office of Councilman Patrick Dowd
by Zelmanov, Elaine 30 Dec '09

30 Dec '09

Office of Councilman Patrick Dowd, January 2010 Happy New Year! News and Updates . City Council Funds Lawrenceville Library. City Council averted the closing of several Carnegie Library branches with a $600,000 grant <http://legistar.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/detailreport/?key=12321> . Lawrenceville's historic branch will be open for 2010 while the library seeks a sustainable source of long-term funding. Council Votes YES on Prevailing Wage. Councilman Dowd voted to support a prevailing wage ordinance in the City of Pittsburgh. The ordinance requires developments that receive public subsidies to pay prevailing wages to all employees. Bill 2009-1967 <http://legistar.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/detailreport/?key=12361> . Council Recognizes Lawrenceville United Director. Councilman Patrick Dowd and City Council members recognized outgoing Lawrenceville United Executive Director Tony Ceoffe with a proclamation <http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/district7/html/09_tony_ceoffe.html> on December 15, 2009. Mr. Ceoffe begins a term as Magisterial District Judge in 2010. Upcoming Events Council to Go. January 20: From 6:30 to 8:00 pm, Councilman Dowd and staff will be in Polish Hill at the Polish Hill Civic Association <http://www.phcapgh.org/> , 3060 Brereton Street. January 27: From 5:30 to 7:00 pm, Councilman Dowd and staff will be in Highland Park at Tazza D'oro <http://tazzadoro.net/> , 1125 N. Highland Ave. Public Meetings. January 5: The first legislative meeting of 2010. New members are sworn in at 10:00 am in City Council Chambers. January 6: The Historic Review Commission <http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/cp/html/historic_review_commission.htm l> will hold a public hearing on the nomination of Iron City Brewing Company at 2:00 pm in the first floor hearing room at 200 Ross Street. Did You Know? Curbside Holiday Tree Recycling. Trees will be collected on your designated recycling day during the month of January. Place your tree at the curb with your other recyclable materials. Trees must have all ornaments, lights and stands removed. No trees in plastic bags will be accepted. Contact the Recycling Division for more information: (412) 255-2631. To unsubscribe from Council District 7 updates, please notify Elaine Zelmanov at elaine.zelmanov(a)city.pittsburgh.pa.us and you or your organization will be removed from our contact list. --- ELAINE ZELMANOV | Chief of Staff Office of Councilman Patrick Dowd | Pittsburgh City Council District 7 City-County Building, Rm. 510 | 414 Grant Street | Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Tel 412.255.2140 | Fax 412.255.2419 elaine.zelmanov(a)city.pittsburgh.pa.us <mailto:elaine.zelmanov@city.pittsburgh.pa.us> District 7 Schedule of Events Google Calendar <http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/district7/> | 2008 Annual Report <http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/district7/assets/2008-Newsletter.pdf> [pdf]

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[Highland Park] Fantail Goldfish - free to a good home!
by Catherine Gutowski 30 Dec '09

30 Dec '09

(forgot to include email address in my original posting) We purchased this orange fantail goldfish about a year ago for our fish tank, however it's reached the stage where it's just TOO big and boisterous to happily coexist with the other fish in the tank. Size wise, it measures approx. 4 inches (body size, with an additional few inches of tail), and is a lovely, fat, healthy fish. I would love to see it find a new home in another tank, possibly with other fantails to keep it company (it had a companion that died a few months ago). Please send me an email if you are interested! catherineskii(a)gmail.com Thanks Catherine

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[Highland Park] break ins
by Lee Fogarty 29 Dec '09

29 Dec '09

Hi - I live on King Ave across from the estate. Over Thanksgiving my house was broken into, books were strewn around, the china closet was searched, and on the second floor drawers were open and clothes and papers tossed on the floor. They got some money, jewelry and my basic tools. My friend came in to see the cats and we believe scared him/them away out the second floor window. A tire iron was left, that the police now have. The morning of the 26th, around 5 AM, someone again broke into my house and left quickly when the security system went off. Just a heads up for the neighborhood. Police came each time. Lee Fogarty

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