Day: 04/05 2013

04/05 2013

WEST OAKLAND Newsletter April 2013


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TheCornerLogo

Friday, April 5, 2013

AROUND THE CORNER

An event newsletter sponsored by The Corner community center at 200 Robinson Street in Pittsburgh’s West Oakland neighborhood.

‐SATURDAY, April 6, 6:00‐9:00pm: CELEBRATION NIGHT at The Corner. LIVE JAZZ starts at 7pm. Neighborhood Bake‐Off with prizes. Art workshop, desserts, and other fun. Door prizes. $2/person, $5/family (no charge for people entering the Bake‐Off). Contact The Corner to sign up for the Bake‐Off.

‐FRIDAY, April 12, Oakland Forever! 4pm‐9pm, Oakland Business District & Schenley Plaza. Get your tickets in advance at the University of Pittsburgh Student Union or Carnegie Mellon Information Desk. Or, purchase admission the day of the event at the Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh University Place or Schenley Plaza. Tickets are only $10 for Adults, $8 for Students, and $5 for Children Ages 12 & Under. Admission gets you an event T‐Shirt, Wristband, Walking Map, Access to A Taste of Oakland, Live Entertainment, and Carnival Rides! Presented by UPMC. http://oaklandforever.org. Featuring, Hurley Associates, Hurley Insurance Brokers Presents: A TASTE OF OAKLAND! 4pm‐6pm in the Oakland Business District.

‐MONDAY, April 22: Corner COFFEE SHOP Grand Opening: The Corner – Pittsburgh’s next “third place” – will launch its 6‐month pilot COFFEE SHOP on Monday, April 22! Menu includes a variety of coffees, teas, juices, and baked goods. Free wi‐fi. Visit with a friend, read a good book. Weekdays 7:30am‐1:00pm, 200 Robinson Street.

‐THURSDAY, May 2: RESUME WRITING WORKSHOP, 3pm. Never written a resume and want to learn how? Applying for a job and need to revise an old resume? Come learn how a quality resume can help you put your best foot forward with employers. Refreshments provided. Please register if you plan to attend: 412.683.1400 or info@CornerPgh.org. If you currently have a resume, please bring it. Sponsored by Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

‐Beginning Sewing Classes @ The Corner, starting in late April and continuing into the summer. From “I’ve never touched a sewing machine” to “I want to learn more…” Affordable rates and variety of hours. Contact Cynthia Kramer at brightbluemorning ARTS, 412‐721‐2937.

‐THURSDAY May 2: Monthly West Oakland/Oak Hill NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL meeting from 6:30‐8:00 @ The Corner.

‐Summer Kids Camp at the University of Pittsburgh for kids ages 3‐13! Swimming and other fun. Scholarships/discounts available. A great opportunity for residents of Oakland in particular. See www.cll.pitt.edu/pittsSummerKids.php.

*** AROUND THE CORNER is sponsored by The Corner, 200 Robinson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, a program of Friendship Community Church. Please forward this email to neighbors, friends, and family who’d be interested in these events. If you prefer to no longer remain on this email list, please contact info@CornerPgh.org.

To learn more about The Corner, visit www.CornerPgh.org or https://www.facebook.com/TheCorner200 or call 412‐683‐1400 to speak to Mark Kramer (director) or Britteny Johnson (program staff)

04/05 2013

APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING OPPORTUNITY- PITTSBURGH SPRINKLER FITTERS


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CityCouncilDistrict6Sent 04/05/2013 @ 2:17 pm
The Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee of Pittsburgh Sprinkler Fitters, Local Union 542 will be accepting applications for the Apprenticeship Training Program.Applications must be picked up in person at the Pittsburgh Sprinkler Fitters office at 227 Stanton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15209. Applications will be available for pick up at the following dates and times:
  • Monday, May 6th to Friday, May 10th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
  • Saturday, May 11th from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
  • Monday, May 13th to Thursday, May 16th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Requirements:
  • Applicant must be at least 18 years of age
  • Applicant must have a dependable form of transportation
  • Applicant must be a high school graduate of possess a G.E.D. diploma
  • Applicant must be physically able to perform the work of the trade
  • Accept the terms of apprenticeship: 5 years on-the-job training plus related classroom instruction several nights a week
  • Applicant must be a United States Citizen and reside in Western Pennsylvania
  • If selected for the Apprenticeship Program, applicants will be required to submit to both a pre-employment drug test and a physical exam
  • Applicant will be required to take a written qualification examination
  • Applicants who qualify based on the written examination will be granted a personal interview.
  • Applicant must have a valid Pennsylvania photo driver’s license
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of $25.00 is required upon receiving the application. Payments must be made by cash or money order.Completed applications must be returned to the union office no later than Tuesday, May 21, 2013. All applications must be hand written. No typed applications will be accepted.
For more information, please contact the Sprinkler Fitters Union at 412-821-1561.
04/05 2013

Oakwatch meeting on April 17th


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OPDClogoOakwatch friends:

 

At the last Oakwatch meeting, we heard an update from Barbie Arroyo of Councilman Kraus’s staff on the Responsible Hospitality project. Many of you had great questions that required a more in-depth discussion.

We’re excited to announce that Councilman Kraus has arranged for Jim Peters, the Executive Director of the Responsible Hospitality Institute, to join us at the next Oakwatch meeting on April 17th to discuss how RHI will affect Oakland directly. This meeting will be at 6pm at the Oakland Career Center, located at 294 Semple Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Please enter the building through the Louisa Street side door.

Councilman Kraus recently did an update on this project in OPDC’s e-newsletter, which just came out today. There’s also some exciting news in this newsletter about work being done to transform the Bates Street gateway into Oakland and many exciting events that are taking place around the neighborhood this spring. Check out the newsletter by clicking here.

We will soon post the minutes from the March meeting on our website.

 

As always, don’t hesitate to contact OPDC staff with questions or concerns.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Rebekkah Ranallo

Communications Manager

Oakland Planning and Development Corporation (OPDC)

235 Atwood Street

Pittsburgh, PA  15213

www.opdc.org

412.621.7863 x23 office

412.760.5604 mobile

04/05 2013

OAKLAND GREEN TEAM Volunteer Opportunities


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OPDClogo

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are two exciting volunteering opportunities coming up that will help green Oakland. If possible please let us know ahead of time about your interest in either of these events by emailing kico@opdc.org

  • ·         Oakland Tree Care Day: we’re partnering with Tree Pittsburgh to carry out some much needed care on recently planted Oakland trees. Join us Tuesday, April 9, 5:00 – 6:00 pm.
  • ·         Bates St Hillside Restoration: come help landscape and restore a section of the Bates St hillside, we will be removing invasive species and planting trees, feel free to stop in as you are able.OakLeaf

 

Make sure to bring a friend to the next Green Team meeting. It will be Thursday, April 18 from 6:00 – 7:15 pm at OPDC’s new Career Center on 294 Semple St. See you then.

 

Do you have a way that you’d like to green Oakland? Email dzwier@opdc.org or call 412-621-7863 x14 with your ideas.

04/05 2013

Oakland Forever & A Taste of Oakland – Friday April 12 4pm-9pm


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Oakland Forever includes A Taste of Oakland, presented by Hurley Associates, Hurley Insurance Brokers!

TasteOfOakland

 

 

 

A Taste of Oakland is the same great food tour that you know and love, just this year when you finish snacking your way through Oakland you can join the festivities in Schenley Plaza!  A Taste of Oakland is from 4–6p.m. on Friday, April 12th.  Admission is included with your purchase of an Oakland Forever Wristband!

A Taste of Oakland Restaurants:

  • Dave & Andy’s Homemade Ice Cream
  • Peter’s Pub
  • Milano’s Pizza
  • Sorrento’s Pizza Roma
  • Garden Grill & Bar at the Hilton Garden Inn University Place
  • Rita’s Italian Ice
  • Red Oak Cafe
  • Hello Bistro
  • Pittsburgh Pretzel Sandwich Shop

A Taste of Oakland Sample Stops:

  • New Balance Pittsburgh
  • A Touch of Gold & Silver Jewelry Store
  • Maggie & Stella’s Cards & Gifts
  • Dollar Bank
  • T-Mobile
  • Hilton Garden Inn University Place

Oakland Forever 2013

04/05 2013

APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY WITH THE HEAT AND FROST INSULATORS AND ASBESTOS WORKERS


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CityCouncilDistrict6Applications Due on May 17, 2013

Sent 04/03/2013 @ 12:58 pm

Greetings,

The Joint Apprenticeship Committee of the Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers Local #2 are announcing their apprenticeship program for 2013. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
  • Applicant must pick up the application in person and have photo identification. A non-refundable $25.00 fee is due upon the receipt of the application. Payment must be by money order or certified check, made payable to the: “Joint Apprenticeship Program, AWL #2”.
  • Applicant must send the completed application to the office of the committee, post marked on or before May 17, 2013.
  • Applicant must be a minimum of 18 years of age, as of the date of application.
  • Applicant must be physically able to perform the work of trade.
  • Applicant must be a high school graduate by June, 30, 2013, or have a G.E.D.
  • Applicant must have a dependable form of transportation.
  • Applicant must be a Western Pennsylvania resident for a minimum of one year immediately prior to the application date.
  • Applicant will be required to take a written examination.
  • Applicant must submit to a certified drug test, at the program’s expense, before final acceptance into the program.
If interested in this apprenticeship program, applications are available at the AWL#2 Apprentice Training Center, 1057 Clinton Road, Clinton PA 15026.Applications can be picked up from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm from Monday, April 29th to Saturday, May 4th and again from Monday, May 6th to Thursday, May 9th. 
For more information, please contact the Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers Local #2 at 724-695-0415.
04/05 2013

PennDOT Invites Volunteers to Join in Statewide Spring Cleaning


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PennDOT is seeking volunteers for this year’s Great American Cleanup of Pennsylvania effort that runs through May 31.
The cleanup event is an annual effort sponsored by PennDOT, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, state Department of Environmental Protection and other partners. Groups involved in PennDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway (AAH) program, which involves volunteers cleaning roadsides year round, are also encouraged to participate in the cleanup.
“These cleanup programs play a huge role in keeping Pennsylvania beautiful through cleaner roadsides and communities,” said PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch. “It’s my hope that more individuals get involved and join the thousands of dedicated volunteers that participate in these efforts year after year.”
Interested individuals can find a listing of cleanup events, resources for organizing a cleanup, and other information about the effort online atwww.gacofpa.org.
Groups interested in adopting a section of highway are encouraged to contact their local PennDOT County Maintenance office and ask for the AAH coordinator, or visit www.dot.state.pa.us.
During last year’s Great American Cleanup, 6.7 million pounds of litter was collected from Pennsylvania’s roads, trails and shorelines by more than 141,000 volunteers. PennDOT’s AAH program contributed nearly 78,000 volunteers who cleaned up nearly 53 percent of the collected litter on 10,960 miles of cleaned up roadway.
This year, cleanup partner Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is hosting its first-ever Great American Cleanup Video Contest. Interested individuals can send a three-to-five-minute video of their cleanup event to Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful by May 24, with eventual voting on the group’s Facebook page. For contest rules and information visitwww.gacofpa.org.
Through the AAH program, volunteers collect litter on a two-mile section of state highway four times a year. The program currently has nearly 7,000 participating groups, more than 125,000 volunteers and 15,834 miles of adopted state-maintained roadways.
In addition to the event, during the “Pick it Up PA Days” from April 20 to May 6 registered events have access to free disposal at participating landfills. PennDOT provides gloves, trash bags and safety vests to AAH and Great American Cleanup of PA groups.
04/05 2013

Outbound Squirrel Hill Tunnel Closed April 5-8


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PennDOT is announcing the outbound (eastbound) Squirrel Hill Tunnel on the Parkway East (I-376) in the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, will be closed this weekend, April 5-8
The closure will occur from 11 p.m. on Friday, April 5, through 6 a.m. on Monday, April 8. Crews will begin work postponed from this past weekend to remove the outbound tunnel ceiling and continue rehabilitation and preservation work on the outbound bridge over Commercial Street.
When overall work is completed, vertical clearance in the eastbound tunnel will increase from 13 feet, 6 inches to 14 feet, 9 inches. Additional, multiple improvement activities will occur in the tunnel as well to maximize productivity during the closure.
Signs will be posted to guide motorists. The posted detour will require eastbound traffic to form a single lane exiting at the Squirrel Hill/Homestead interchange (Exit 74). Significant delays should be expected and alternate routes considered. The inbound (westbound) tunnel will remain open while the outbound tunnel is closed, although short-term inbound traffic stoppages may occur for equipment access and material removal.
To minimize impacts on businesses in Squirrel Hill, which will remain open and accessible, different detours are being used during day and night hours (see attached maps). PennDOT has made improvements at key intersections and police will be posted to keep traffic moving on the posted detour.
Daylight detour (6 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

  • Exit at Squirrel Hill (Exit 74)
  • Make left onto Forward Avenue
  • Continue taking slight right and stay on Forward Avenue
  • Left onto Beechwood Boulevard
  • Right onto Forbes Avenue
  • Right onto South Braddock Avenue
  • End detour at outbound Parkway East on-ramp
Night detour (8 p.m. to 6 a.m.)
  • Exit at Squirrel Hill (Exit 74)
  • Make left onto Forward Avenue
  • Continue slight left/straight onto Murray Avenue
  • Right onto Forbes Avenue
  • Right onto South Braddock Avenue
  • End detour at outbound Parkway East on-ramp
 Motorists are reminded to use all open lanes to the single lane merge point on the Parkway East. Please be courteous to other motorists and allow them to merge. The effectiveness of traffic flow entering the detour route is highly dependent on driver behavior. Zipper! Using all lanes and allowing a consistent, courteous merge will reduce congestion and delay and help traffic move off the Parkway East through the detour.
If significant congestion and delay are occurring during the outbound closures, PennDOT suggests the following alternative:
  • From eastbound I-376, take the Forbes Avenue (Exit 72A) to Oakland
  • Continue on Forbes Avenue through Oakland
  • Make left onto South Bellafield Avenue
  • Make right onto Fifth Avenue
  • Continue east on Fifth AvenueMake right onto Penn Avenue (Route 380/8)Continue through Wilkinsburg
  • Access Parkway East in Forest Hills
The following additional closures are planned through the month of April; however it is important to note this schedule is tentative and subject to change based on work progress and other variables:
  • April 19-22, outbound closure
  • April 26-29, outbound closure
Additional closures will be announced in the future as progress is evaluated.
PennDOT reminds motorists the tunnels remain open weekdays with only single lane closures occurring weeknights.
For general information, detour route travel times and traffic cameras, go to www.dot.state.pa.us/district11 and click the Squirrel Hill Tunnel Rehabilitation Project link on the right. The travel time and camera links are in the lower right hand corner along with other detour information. Motorists are advised to visit the website before traveling and plan trips accordingly. (Note: You may need to wait for the screen to refresh to view cameras. Cameras will only be active when detour is in use.)
The $49.5 million project to rehabilitate the Squirrel Hill Tunnel includes updating electrical, lighting, air control and ventilation systems, structural repairs to the walls and arched ceiling, tile repairs, installation of a water line and other improvements. To minimize impacts on the traveling public, rehabilitation work on the bridge that carries the Parkway East over Commercial Street will be performed as part of the tunnel project. Expansion dam on ramps at the Edgewood Swissvale interchange (Exit 77) will also be replaced. Overall work will conclude in early summer 2014.
Visit 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major roadways before traveling.
04/05 2013

OAKLAND PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT E-Newsletter Issue 16


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In This Issue
Bates Street gateway transformation begins
Community celebrates new Oakland Career Center and JoAnn Fountain
School 2 Career provides training to increase number of Pittsburgh Promise ready students
North Oakland to receive new trees this spring
Conflict Kitchen opens new Oakland location
OPDC Board spotlight: Meet Laura Swiss!
Oakland Council Corner
Pitt Kids Summer Camp accepting applications from community members
Upcoming Events
Monthly Community Meetings
Program Links
Join Our Mailing List
Donate
   
Acknowledgments

OPDC is supported by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit Program with investments from Dollar Bank, PNC Bank, and UPMC Health Plan.
Bates Street Future

Bates Street gateway transformation begins

Did you know that 90,000 cars pass the Bates Street/ Blvd. of the Allies intersection every day? Soon, this highly traveled corridor will become a welcoming, green point of entry for all of Oakland’s residents and visitors. OPDC and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy are seeking volunteers to help kick off this initiative.

Learn more about this catalytic project… 

Community fills Oakland Career Center for Open House and JoAnn Fountain dedication

On March 13th, OPDC welcomed over 80 people to the new Oakland Career Center for a celebratory open house.

Community residents joined OPDC partners and funders to tour the newly renovated space and join in honoring JoAnn Fountain, one of Oakland’s most dedicated community advocates.

 

School 2 Career provides training to increase number of Pittsburgh Promise ready students
ODPC’s School 2 Career (S2C) program is offering free workshops for adults interested in learning more about The Pittsburgh Promise.S2C is providing these workshops to ensure your children or students receive the maximum award possible.

 

Read more… 

North Oakland to receive new trees this spring

This spring, North Oakland will receive 15 new trees, thanks to the efforts of Sterling Land Company and TreeVitalize.

 

 

Read more… 

Conflict Kitchen opens new Oakland location

Conflict Kitchen has relocated to Oakland! Located inside a Schenley Plaza kiosk, Conflict Kitchen is a take-out restaurant that only serves cuisine from countries with which the United States government is in conflict.

 

 Learn more… 

Spotlight on the board: Meet Laura Swiss!

She loves Oakland, has her dream job,
and you’ll never guess where she got engaged…

Oakland Council Corner: An update from District 3
Kraus

OPDC features an update from one of Oakland’s three City Council representatives in each e-newsletter. This edition includes an update from the District 3 office of Councilman Bruce Kraus.

Read the update…

Pitt Kids Summer Camp accepting applications from community members

The University of Pittsburgh will again be offering a campus-based summer camp program year, but in a new format.  This new camp is called Pitt’s Summer Kids Camp and its mission is to offer progressive instruction in both aquatics and physical activities to children ages 3 through 13. Great discounted rates for income-limited families are also available.

Learn more and apply…
04/05 2013

DISTRICT 6 ONLINE TOWN HALL


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CityCouncilDistrict6Join Councilman Lavelle on Tuesday, April 9th
Sent 04/05/2013 @ 12:19 pm

Greetings-

This is a reminder for the third online town hall that will take place on Tuesday, April 9th at 7pm. It is an opportunity for all of the constituents of District 6 to ask questions and interact with me online, whether through webcam, phone or via instant messaging. To log on, just follow these instructions:

  1. Go to www.concert-oh.com and select the meeting
  2. Join by clicking the red JOIN button
  3. Select the START A CALL (for PC) option. A passcode/PIN will be provided on the screen when this option is clicked. For those using the DIAL IN (phone) option, a passcode/PIN will also be provided on-screen.
  4. Click on the “Raise Hand” icon to participate in the meeting. The Councilman will place you in “talk mode” when he is ready to take your question.
  5. Scroll over the Councilman’s image and select the Floating option to increase video size.

To view the flyer for this event, please click here. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office at 412-255-2134.