Office of Councilman Patrick Dowd - May 2011 News and Updates DEAR FRIENDS The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is an anchor of our community. If we hope to have a community filled with children who are literate and engaged, we need a strong library system. If we want a community in which folks can find jobs and have access to important information, we need a strong library system. More... <http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/district7/files/monthly_newsletters/May_201 1_Newsletter.pdf> DUMPBUSTERS TO THE RESCUE! Dumping is an unfortunate and serious issue in Pittsburgh and DumpBusters is out on patrol. A program of Allegheny Cleanways, DumpBusters is a group of dedicated individuals tired of seeing illegal dumps all around the City. These volunteers spend their days removing trash dumped over our area hillsides and in secluded spots. Recently, they tackled a small dump site, removing 16 tires, 400 lbs of metal and 700 lbs of loose debris! More... <http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/district7/files/monthly_newsletters/May_201 1_Newsletter.pdf> Upcoming Events and Meetings COUNCIL TO GO Join Councilman Patrick Dowd at Council to Go, his mobile district office, to voice your concerns, ideas, and questions about local government and services. Polish Hill - Wednesday, May 11, 7-8pm - Lili Coffee Shop, 3138 Dobson Street Bloomfield - Tuesday, May 24, 6-7pm - Crazy Mocha, 4525 Liberty Avenue Highland Park - Thursday, May 26, 7-8pm - Enrico's Tazza D'Oro, 1125 N. Highland Avenue COMMUNITY EVENTS Saturday, May 7, 2011, 8am-4pm - ISA Penn-Del Chapter Tree Climbing Competition <http://www.treepittsburgh.org/climbingcompetition> , Allegheny Cemetery, Butler Street Entrance Watch as International Society of Arboriculture Certified Professionals take to the treetops to prune high up branches and keep mature trees healthy in this exciting family-friendly competition. Saturday, May 7 & 8, 2011 - Lawrenceville Blossom Tour <http://www.lvpgh.com/events> Travel down Butler Street on May 7 & 8 to see all that Lawrenceville has to offer. Collect seed packets for your own garden at each participating stop along the way. Sunday, May 15 -- Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon <http://www.pittsburghmarathon.com/> - Bloomfield & Highland Park Council District 7 is the place to be on Race Weekend. Activities in Bloomfield will include a weekend long sidewalk sale; Bloomfield's Best Meatball competition at Groceria Italiana; and a marathon pasta eating contest at Del's Bar and Ristorante. On Marathon Sunday cheer on the runners through Pittsburgh's Little Italy along the route lined with spectators and bands. For more information on these Bloomfield contests, visit www.bloomfieldnow.com And in Highland Park, they will have refreshments for spectators and Hill Jordan and his band will be playing on Bryant Street to inspire runners and crowds alike. Monday, May 16, 6:30-8:30pm -- First pubic meeting for the Polish Hill Community Plan <http://blogski.phcapgh.org/> - West Penn Community Recreation Center Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - ELECTION DAY! Saturday, May 21 - Special City of Pittsburgh Yard Debris Collection <http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/publicworks/files/Yard_Debris_Special_Colle ction_Resident_May_2011.pdf> 2011 The City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works, Bureau of Environmental Services will be collecting leaf and yard debris from all residents in a special collection. Saturday, May 21, 8:30am-3pm -- S.A.F.E. Pittsburgh: Building Community Block Watches <http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/publicsafety/safe/> - West Penn Hospital Friendship Dining Room This community safety training and resource fair is sponsored by the Office of Mayor Luke Ravenstahl <http://mayor.pittsburghpa.gov> and the Office of Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith <http://district2.pittsburghpa.gov> (District 2 and Public Safety Committee Chair) and hosted by the Pittsburgh <http://www.pcrg.org/programs/safe-neighborhoods> Community Reinvestment Group (PCRG) and the Community <http://www.ctaconline.org> Technical Assistance Center (CTAC). Space is limited; registration required. Saturday, May 21, 9am-12pm - Lawrenceville Community Clean-up <http://www.lunited.org/calendar_of_events.php> Lawrenceville United conducts community clean-ups on the third Saturday of each month from April through October. Breakfast and lunch are provided. If you are interested in volunteering to clean-up your community, you can contact Becky Thatcher at becky@lunited.org Saturday, May 21, 9am-12pm - Morningside Community Clean-up The Morningside Area Community Council hosts four or more clean-ups per year with the next one happening this month. Meet at the Baker Street Community Garden (Baker and Morningside Avenue). If you know of any free community-oriented events in your District 7 neighborhood that we should publicize through our monthly newsletter and District 7 website <mailto:District%207%20website> , please email Jennifer.thoma@city.pittsburgh.pa.us by the 1st of each month. Did You Know? According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, an average home can easily accumulate 100 pounds of common chemicals referred to as "household hazardous waste." These household chemicals include cleaners, paints, stains and varnishes, car batteries, automotive fluids, pesticides, pool chemicals and other products containing potentially hazardous ingredients. More... <http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/district7/files/monthly_newsletters/May_201 1_Newsletter.pdf> To unsubscribe from Council District 7 updates, please notify Jennifer Thoma at jennifer.thoma@city.pittsburgh.pa.us and you or your organization will be removed from our contact list. --- JENNIFER THOMA | Administrative and Communications Director 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 jennifer.thoma@city.pittsburgh.pa.us District 7 Schedule of Events Google Calendar <http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/district7/> | <http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/district7/assets/2008-Newsletter.pdf> 2010 Annual Report <http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/district7/assets/2010-Newsletter.pdf> [pdf]