District 7 April Newsletter

NEWS AND UPDATES

SOUNDWAVES Applications Due April 2
The Union Project, in partnership with the Kelly Strayhorn Theatre, is now accepting applications for SOUNDWAVES, a new steelband ensemble for teens. Participation is free, but registration and an audition are required. Students who are 13-18 that have a passion for playing music are encouraged to apply. A small instrumental rental fee will be charged. The six-week program will culminate in a public performance at the theater, while rehearsals will be held at Union Project in Highland Park. Applications are due on Monday, April 2. View the application here or learn more about SOUNDWAVES here.

Clean Up Scheduled on Earth Day in Stanton Heights
The proposed Stanton Heights parklet will be one of the sites of a Comcast Cares Day on Saturday, April 21, 2012. Allegheny Cleanways and Comcast Cares are partnering to clean up the site at the corner of Stanton Avenue and Woodbine Street in preparation for consideration of developing a passive park on this property in Stanton Heights. The proposed park will incorporate a short walking trail, native plantings, local art and historic interpretation. For more information on the park or Comcast Cares Day please contact jennifer.thoma@pittsburghpa.gov.

Polish Hill Loves its Blocks
The Polish Hill Civic Association is the recipient of one of Mayor Luke Ravenstahl’s Love Your Block grant awards. Love Your Block is an innovative partnership between the City of Pittsburgh, The Home Depot Foundation and local residents that works to revitalize Pittsburgh neighborhoods – block by block.  Polish Hill will use their $500 award to purchase supplies and equipment to beautify two vacant lots by planting gardens and improving the surrounding area.

February Proclamations
During the month of March, Councilman Dowd presented the following proclamations to City Council for approval:

Forbes Hospice and all of their social workers for their compassionate and dedicated service; in recognition of National Social Work Month.

Pat Bigley, Thomas Donnelly, Dennis Gillenberger, Mitchell Hovanec and Chuck Zezza for preventing a potential tragedy stemming from a significant gasleak near Peabody High School through their leadership, resourcefulness and initiative.

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.

Lawrenceville — Friday, April 20, 7:30am-9am — Perk Me Up, 4407 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201.

Morningside — Thursday, April 26, 7pm-8pm — St. Raphael’s Multi-purpose Room, 1118 Chilett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206.

Community Events

Saturday April 7, 9:30am-8pm — The Union Project will be hosting a Monster Open House; a full day of family freindly, monster-themed activities featuring artmaking, collaboration,learning opportunities and an evening dance aprty.Visit unionproject.org for more information.

Friday, April 20, 10am-1pm — Job Fair – Ross Community Center, 1000 Ross Municipal Drive, Pittsburgh, 15237. Come meet with local, state, and federal employers who are currently hiring. Applications will be accepted on site. Those attending are encouraged to bring several copies of their resume. Free and open to the public. Organized by Representative Dom Costa. 412-361-2040 for more information.

Saturday, April 28, 9am-12noon — Representative Dom Costa will be holding a Shredding and eWaste Recycling event at St. Raphael’s parking Lot at 1154 Chislett Street. Bring All documents you no longer need that contain personal information, including Social Security numbers, credit card numbers and bank account numbers, etc.. Accepted eWaste includes desktop and laptop computers, computer accessories, TV’s, VCR’s, Cell Phones, etc. Free and open to the public. 412-361-2040 for more information.

Saturday, April 28 & 29 – 15th Annual Art All Night at Willow Development, 4001 Willow Street in Lawrenceville. Art All Night is a grassroots event staged by an all-volunteer crew. A celebration of the arts and community, the show grows in popularity each year, bringing thousands of people from all over the region into Lawrenceville. In 2011 Art All Night Lawrenceville featured work by 1280 artists and was attended by over 12,000 guests. Free and open to the public. For more info, please contact info@artallnight.org.

If you know of any community-oriented events in your District 7 neighborhood that we should publicize through our monthly newsletter and District 7 website, please email Jennifer Thoma by the 1st of each month.

DID YOU KNOW?

As Sping has sprung, we thought we’d remind you that no matter what direction you drive from Pittsburgh, you can get away to any of these state parks in close proximity to the City. They offer visitors swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, nature programs, and hiking and biking trails. Take some short trips this year to renew, refresh and re-engage your spirit. A few ideas:

Prince Gallitzin State Park

Prince Gallitzin State Park, located in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, east of Pittsburgh, features 1600-acre Glendale Lake, a large campground, and plenty of trails, scenic vistas and other recreational opportunities.

McConnells Mill State Park

McConnells Mill State Park, located in Butler County, Pennsylvania, north of Pittsburgh, features the 3225-acre Lake Arthur for fishing, sailing, swimming and boating, plus hiking and bicycling trails, picnic areas and hunting.

Moraine State Park & Lake Arthur

Moraine State Park, located in Butler County, Pennsylvania, north of Pittsburgh, features the 3225-acre Lake Arthur for fishing, sailing, swimming and boating, plus hiking and bicycling trails, picnic areas and hunting.

Ohiopyle State Park

Ohiopyle State Park is arguably one of the most scenic state parks in the state of Pennsylvania. Learn about its many attractions, including whitewater rafting, hiking, biking, camping and waterfalls, and get the information you need to plan your Ohiopyle visit.

Point State Park

Point State Park, located at the point where three rivers meet in downtown Pittsburgh, provides a nice oasis for downtown workers and visitors. Learn about the interesting attractions of this tiny city park.

Raccoon Creek State Park

Raccoon Creek State Park is one of the largest and most beautiful state parks in Pennsylvania, and features the 101-acre Raccoon Lake. Learn about its many attractions, including boating, fishing, hiking, biking and camping, and get the information you need to plan your visit to Raccoon Creek State Park.

Hillman State Park

Hillman State Park, located in Washington County, is primarily maintained for hunting, and also offers hiking trails.

Jennings Environmental Education Center

This wonderful education center in Butler County covers approximately 300 acres and offers hiking and other nature related programs, including a relict prarie.

Ryerson Station State Park

Located in Greene County, southwest of Pittsburgh, Ryerson Station encompasses over 1,000 acres near the West Virginia border. The park offers camping, picnicking, hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, sledding, ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross country skiing.

Resource: About Pittsburgh