Are You A Rotten Neighbor?

I'm an avid listener of WDVE's morning show and they mentioned the web site RottenNeighbor.com today. The site places little Monopoly hotel icons on top of a Google Map for homes that have been commented on.

Comments come from the general public or from the Megan's Law list of registered sexual offenders. There are only a few places commented on in Mt. Lebanon and of course, the users of the site don't use their real names to make disparaging comments about their neighbors. How surprising!

High School Renovation Community Forum

From a posting on the School District's web site:

A Community Forum is scheduled for July 22, 2008 at 7:00 PM in the High School Auditorium. Architects from Architects from Celli-Flynn Brennan and OWP/P will present conceptual designs developed for the high school renovation project. Residents are encouraged to attend and share their feedback with the School Board and Superintendent, John Allison.

Link: www.mtlsd.org/highschoolrenovation

KO Seeks Police Assistance From Mt. Lebanon

Commissioners in Mt. Lebanon are weighing a request by Keystone Oaks School District for a Mt. Lebanon police officer to serve in a resource officer capacity at Keystone Oaks High School.

Keystone Oaks High School, which is made up of public school students from Castle Shannon, Dormont and Green Tree, is actually within Mt. Lebanon. Seton-LaSalle High School is also located in Mt. Lebanon.

Mt. Lebanon had an officer in Keystone Oaks for nearly 10 years, which was funded mostly by a grant. Since January 2007 the school has been patrolled by a security guard. Keystone Oaks' offered to pay $60,000 a year toward hiring the additional Mt. Lebanon officer, which would still leave Mt. Lebanon holding the bill for benefits and three month's salary for the additional officer.

Link: www.thealmanac.net/ALM/Story/06-25-ML-commission-B

Howe Elementary Dedicates Playground

The Howe Elementary School community recently dedicated a new playground as a result of the fund-raising efforts of the Howe Playground Friends Committee. The committee raised a total of $31,894 as a result of numerous donations and fund-raisers by the Mt. Lebanon school since the project began in 2006.

Students were asked what they would like to see in a new playground and based on their feedback, the committee selected play sets that included monkey bars, rings and other components that would increase upper body use. The new playground replaces one that was installed in 1993.

Link: www.thealmanac.net/ALM/Story/06-25-ML-new-playground-pix

New Toy Store May Fill Void For Shoppers

Willem Gokemeijer, of Mt. Lebanon, celebrated turning 8 last month by inviting friends for a birthday party, which, like most kids' parties, included cake and games. But his parents, Pamela and Nils, noticed something unusual: Willem had no wrapped gifts to tear open; all of his presents were gift cards.

One of the reasons Willem received so many gift cards may be the dearth of toy stores in the South Hills. Recent years have seen the closing of a Toys R Us in Bethel Park, which is now Babies R Us, and, more recently, the closing of a specialty toy store, Gram and Gramps, in Upper St. Clair.

Amy and David Bahm, of Mt. Lebanon, are banking on the demand for a retail toy store here with the opening of Learning Express in the Galleria in Mt. Lebanon. The store is one of 130 independently owned Learning Express stores across the country. Learning Express also has a franchise in Cranberry.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08178/892571-55.stm

Developer Expected To Get OK For Townhouses Next To LRT

A dozen townhouses are to be built on one of the few parcels of unused land remaining in Mt. Lebanon, an example of the type of transit-oriented residential development long sought by the Port Authority.

The one-acre hillside site assembled by Chatham Development Corp. of Pittsburgh is situated along the light-rail line near the Poplar station.

A sidewalk on the housing side of the new street that will end in a cul de sac will make it a short trek for residents to access the transit line. A landscaped "green" buffer zone on the other side of the street will separate the development from the trolley tracks.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08178/892578-55.stm

Full-Day Kindergarten?

In the not-so-distant past, the Mt. Lebanon School Board appointed a Kindergarten Task Force to evaluate whether Mt. Lebanon schools should shift from a half-day kindergarten model to a full-day kindergarten model. Residents were surveyed, and other districts were scrutinized. I don't recall whether there was a Board vote. But the bottom line was this: Whatever the possible benefits of full-day kindergarten, they were outweighed by the substantial costs associated with that shift. A half-day district we remain.

The topic has surfaced again in email to me. I don't feel strongly about this issue one way or another, and I'm acutely sensitive to anything relating to added costs in a district that is already looking ahead to what I predict will be a nine-figure-new-high-school project. Is there any new information or argument to consider regarding kindergarten structure?

Seton-La Salle Getting New Athletic Field

It's the start of a new era for Seton-La Salle Catholic High School. Groundbreaking for the first phase of its athletic field renovation was held on Monday.

When completed, the estimated $1 million project will include a new synthetic turf field, new utilities and a new access road. Construction is expected to last until Aug. 15.

(Just in case you're wondering why this is posted here -- Seton-La Salle High School is located in Mt. Lebanon.)

Link: www.thepittsburghchannel.com/education/16688111/detail.html

Fear, Loathing, and Anonymity: A Rant

I posted recently here about anonymity and comments. I posted recently here about shenanigans on the School Board. I posted recently here about anonymity and bias and retribution.

In all cases, I went out of my way to be restrained and polite, hoping against hope that readers would write in and explain away my confusion about School Board politics and assure me that my perceptions of Mt. Lebanon culture are mistaken. Alas, no; today's crop of comments brought this, which I reproduce in full:

Franci Eberz says to SUPPORT YOUR CAUSES OPENLY. Um, yeah. Ok Franci. Weren't YOU part of Sue Rose's campaign? And that ridiculous lawsuit that was dropped against Save Mt Lebanon Schools PAC? The irony here is thick!

Here you have the perfect example of why people want to post about these things anonymously. I'd put my name, but Franci, Cohen, and Rose might sue me like they did Lynch and Smeltzer. Yet you still contend that there is no chance at repercussions of using your name?

If I know of what you speak, then the republican coercion probably has to do with Blescak (sp?) running against Matt Smith. He was at best their third choice. You have to wonder what happened to the two people before him. I do know. According to your post, you think what I know to be true is impossible. Its a tough subject. You bring it up in a public forum and name names, people will really start to get upset.

Instead of just wiping it away as a curiosity, you might want to give it some thought.

*CitizenA*

I'm not posting this because I agree with it; I'm posting it because it makes me mad.

[Rant mode on.]

We get comments at Blog-Lebo that are anonymous and pseudonymous, and we delete them. But we read them first, and guess what? People in Mt. Lebanon use them to rant at us and at all kinds of things, knowing full well that their comments won't get on the blog. There is lots and lots of anger here. Is Mt. Lebanon really a seething cauldron of hate and fear?

The anonymous and pseudonymous ranting know-it-alls should get a life and stop bothering us. Rant by name or don't rant at all. When I rant, I put my name on the post.

The biggest problem in Mt. Lebanon today may not be a declining tax base and the prospect of necessary but enormous capital expenditures by the town and the school district -- although these are huge problems. The biggest problem in Mt. Lebanon today may be gutless citizenry that gets intimidated by a tiny, unnamed, so-called power structure and refuses to stand up publicly for what they think is right and true. The few words that characterize Mt. Lebanon today are not "upscale" or "neighborly" or "involved" but "afraid" and "fearful."

The real estate community and the town's public information office may not like that description. Want it to change? Do they? Do you? Read on.

Is anyone afraid to comment on school board issue because Franci, Cohen, and Rose (or anyone else) might sue you? That's an absolutely tragic thing, and it's a scathing indictment of dysfunctionality in this "community with character." Getting sued for anything is no fun at all. It's stressful, anxiety-producing, expensive, and time-consuming -- even if you win. I know, and not just because I'm a lawyer. But is this the United States of America or is this the Soviet Union? Don't be a wimp. Stand up for your rights to speak freely about public affairs. Don't whine about your neighbors and cower gutlessly in the corner. Do that, and nothing ever changes. Work on fixing the problem -- and talking publicly is one way to do that -- or shut up about it. Don't like this blog? Fine: start your own. They're free.

I've been watching the European Championship soccer tournament, and like every soccer fan outside of Italy, I'm disgusted by the Italians who fake injuries in order to stop the game and stop the attacks by their opponents. You know what disgusts me even more? The referees who let them get away with it. If I can identify the fakers thousands of miles away, on ESPN, the referees can identify them less than 100 yards away. The referees can eject a player or two for that. What would happen? Eventually the players would get the message. And they'd stop.

Mt. Lebanon doesn't belong to any party committee, and it doesn't belong to any imaginary coterie of social disciplinarians who punish people who get out of line. It belongs to me, and to you, and to all of our neighbors. I think that those social disciplinarians don't exist, and/or their power is all in *your* minds. If you think that they really exist and if they really seem to have the power you claim, then I call b***s*** or, in polite company, I call shenanigans. In other words, they're bullies, and they deserve to be called out and thrashed like any and all bullies. We wouldn't tolerate this behavior if it happened to our kids on the playgrounds at any of Lebo's elementary schools. Why tolerate it among adults?

[/rant mode off]

Comprehensive Plan Survey Results

5th Ward Commissioner Dan Miller has posted a partial summary of the Mt. Lebanon Municipality Comprehensive Plan survey results on his web site. The survey asked questions regarding quality of life, safety, communications by municipal officials and a number of other issues. Take a look at some of the items posted on Commissioner Miller's site. Hopefully the municipality will be posting the entire results soon.

Link: www.danmillerward5.com/strategic-survey-results

Mt. Lebanon OKs Naming Rights Policy

School board members in Mt. Lebanon approved changes to two policies, one pertaining to naming rights and the other advertising.

Both policies, approved June 16, offer guidelines on acceptance of alternative funding which can be used to support educational programs. Naming rights are encouraged by the school board, through the suggested changes in the policies are not related to a specific request or donation. The renaming of any district facilities must be approved by the school board.

Link: www.thealmanac.net/ALM/Story/06-18-ML-changes-policies-B

Mt. Lebanon Forms Memorial Committee

Mt. Lebanon Commissioners decided to proceed in forming an special committee to evaluate creation of a veteran's memorial in the municipality.

Commissioner Dan Miller spearheaded the work after he was contacted by Jack Haller, a World War II veteran, who said there was no memorial in Mt. Lebanon for WWII vets. Miller asked that an ad hoc committee be formed to evaluate the proposal, and report back to the commission with recommendations.

On June 9 fellow commissioners Dale Colby, a Vietnam veteran, and John Daley joined Miller and agreed to create the committee.

Link: www.thealmanac.net/ALM/Story/06-18-ML-vet-mem-ad-hoc-B

Lebo Officials Mixed On Playground Gate

As school officials in Mt. Lebanon continue to weigh costs and plans for the upgrade of the playground at Washington Elementary School, parents were divided whether all of the security measures discussed June 9 were necessary.

Drawing fire was a security gate at the playground, which could be opened and closed at pre-set times. Some parents said a gate went too far, and would discourage parents from taking their kids on weekends or after hours.

Link: www.thealmanac.net/ALM/Story/06-18-ML-playground-security-B

Police Academy Is Source Of Pride

The following letter to the editor was written about the Mt. Lebanon Citizens Police Academy in the June 18, 2008 The Almanac:

To the editor:

My wife and I recently completed the Mt. Lebanon Citizen's Police Academy, a nine week, one night a week community awareness seminar conducted by the police officers on the Mt. Lebanon police force.

Each Thursday evening, the officers and detectives in their specialties covered a pre-determined syllabus of topics related to various aspects of police work.

The classes were mentored by two officers in charge of community affairs: Officers Mike Reimer and Mike Welsh. These men introduced a detective or presenter at the beginning of each session and outlined the topic to be discussed. Each presentation was skillfully done using power point pictures and using real police equipment in and outside the classroom to illustrate points taught.

The K-9 class featured a police dog in the classroom and demonstrated the animal's abilities for locating drug packets hidden in various locations. Students were taken to the police department's firing range and were allowed to actually shoot several types of weapons under the watchful eye of instructors.

For the class on traffic stops, students went to a remote location and participated in simulations using police cruisers to "pull over" traffic violators. On another night, a narcotics detective described the effects of various drugs and showed how drug enforcement is handled in the area. The head of the burglary division discussed how to conduct a crime scene investigation and what precautions to take to protect your property. Fingerprinting techniques were taught. In still another class, high tech equipment for hostage negotiations was demonstrated and students were allowed to use the equipment in a simulated domestic hostage situation.

The classes were stimulating and conducted in a professional manner. The officers who conducted each class were very proud of their abilities, their training and the community they protect. Students left each class with a much greater understanding of police work on a daily basis.

The Mt. Lebanon Citizen's Police Academy accomplishes its primary goal; to communicate with the community and promote an understanding of why Mt. Lebanon is one of the safest communities in the region. The residents of Mt. Lebanon can take great pride in their law enforcement officers. They are dedicated to keeping this area safe using the most up-to-date equipment and technologically advanced resources available.

Anyone interested in participating in this program for its next session can contact Officer Mike Welsh at the Mt. Lebanon Public Safety Building for information.

Alan and Marcia Cohen
Mt. Lebanon

Link: www.thealmanac.net/ALM/Story/06-18-LET-ML-Cohen---citizen-s-police-academy-A

More on Anonymity, Threats, and Bias!

That's an unusually blood and guts post title, prompted by an (unfortunately) anonymous comment that was submitted very shortly after I posted earlier today about the Lebo School Board.

The comment was filled with righteous indignation that (i) I am biased against Mark Hart, because I don't criticize or analyze the Post-Gazette's (or even the Devil's Advocate's) coverage of the School Board and (ii) I fail to recognize the obvious coercion of Republicans (yes, that was the suggestion!) by unnamed powers that be in Mt. Lebanon. (There was also a gratuitous slam at the student journalists and their teacher at The Devil's Advocate.)

Given our comments policy, I won't post the comment, but you get the gist. Why do I respond? Because in its utter failure of comprehension, it made me smile.

Here's the thing: Bias? Of course! As Captain Renault famously announced, there's gambling going on in this establishment. "Bias" isn't really the right word, but I do have opinions. I share them on this blog. You can agree; you can disagree. (Truth be known, even Joe Polk doesn't always agree with me, nor I with him.) Comment here or, in the words of the inimitable Linda Richman, talk amongst yourselves. Free speech and the First Amendment are great things. Recognize that America is a special place in part because of them. And use them or lose them, metaphorically speaking!

(Regarding Mark Hart: I don't know the man or follow the School Board closely enough to have an opinion pro or con. He and I have occasionally exchanged email. It was civil to the point of friendliness.)

On coercion of Republicans. Frankly, I find that amazing. Some of my best friends in town are Republicans, and they don't strike me as the shy and retiring types. But if local Republicans are cowed by social and/or Democratic pressure, then the rest of Pittsburgh will be enormously relieved, because it generally thinks of Lebo as the most dull, conformist, and Republican suburb this side of Pleasantville. And if local Republicans want a lift, think: This is Sparta.

If you don't know what that means, ask a local correspondent for The Devil's Advocate.

Lebo Grad Fueled By Passion For Dance

While those with two left feet imagine themselves on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" making those smooth moves and wearing sexy costumes, those with a real chance of appearing on the show use it as a learning tool.

"I critique the dances, steps -- everything," said ballroom dancer Ashley Hlebinsky, 19, of Mt. Lebanon, of the phenomenally popular live show in which celebrities team with professional dancers.

Besides knowing most of the pros as dance teachers in studios where she trains, Ms. Hlebinsky shares their passion for ballroom dance.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08171/890897-55.stm

Amon Manekul Receives MLFE Award

Amon Manekul is the 2008 recipient of Mt. Lebanon Foundation for Education's Expanding the Boundaries School Service Award.

The $500 award is given annually to a Mt. Lebanon High School senior who has made a significant contribution to the school community, outside of traditional educational boundaries, to enrich student learning experiences.

Foundation executive director Jackie Foor presented Amon with the award May 28.

Amon also received an engraved school building replica. The 2008 graduate's name has been engraved on a permanent plaque displayed in the auditorium lobby.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08171/890748-55.stm

What's Up with the Lebo School Board?

It doesn't take much imagination to read between the lines of today's Post-Gazette story about fractures and factions on the Mt. Lebanon School Board. Behind-the-scenes infighting among school board members is breaking into public view:

Three Mt. Lebanon school directors urged the board Monday to stick to its policy of allowing only residents and taxpayers to speak at public meetings.

The school directors, Sue Rose, Josephine Posti and Elaine Cappucci, said it was inappropriate for the board to permit former Upper St. Clair School Director Mark Trombetta to address the Mt. Lebanon board during the public comment section of its June 9 discussion meeting.

Dr. Trombetta addressed the board about "factions beyond our control that don't allow us to accomplish what we want."

and

Mrs. Cappucci also said she didn't "appreciate [Dr. Trombetta's] advice" that the board shouldn't listen to factions within the community and that residents shouldn't use the legal system.

She said as a school director she wants to hear from all residents on all issues facing the board. Mrs. Rose said the board needed to remember "to do the right thing for the right reason" and said she wanted to remind the board that it's mission is "to do right by the children."

She said that allowing people to come to the podium to make comments simply to be heard on television creates a circus atmosphere.

Mrs. Posti also asked that the board "cooperate and enforce the policy" that allows only residents and taxpayers to speak at board meetings. She also suggested that a subcommittee of the board be recreated to develop "process recommendations" on how to run board meetings.

No action was taken on that suggestion.

I just love how the story ends on that note!

And from today's Letters page:

Support your causes openly

History was made at the June 9 meeting of the Mt. Lebanon School Board. Dr. Mark Trombetta, a former Upper St. Clair school board member, made a statement at the meeting. Mt. Lebanon School Board President Mark Hart allowed him to speak after he identified himself as neither a taxpayer nor a resident.

The message was as curious as the visitor. He talked about a small faction ruining the community, just as it had done in USC. I didn't know USC was ruined! He talked about using the legislative system to overturn elections. He talked about factions beyond the control of the school board in USC and paralleled events in Mt. Lebanon with those of USC.

His facts are wrong. The facts are this: It's all about transparency in the election process. The facts are that five voters requested an audit of the Save the Mount Lebanon Schools Committee due to irregularities in their election reports. This mysterious Save MTL Schools committee sent out two mass mailings on the eve the election urging voters to vote out three incumbents. A review of their election reports revealed that the committee consisted of just two men -- Cal Lynch and Bill Schmeltzer -- and was funded in the majority from the coffers of the election fund of Mark Patrick Flaherty, the currently elected Allegheny County controller.

Instead of an audit, the judge set aside a date to question witnesses under oath. As a result, it was discovered, under oath, that Faith Stipanovich, a current MTL school board member, helped Terry Matusak, an employee of the county, edit the content of the mailers before they were mailed.

In addition, the initial form was notarized by a front office employee of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the same organization that employs Mr. Hart.

Those are the facts, Dr. Trombetta. There is nothing despicable about transparency in the election process. People can support whatever cause they wish, but they should stand up and be willing to do it openly.

FRANCI EBERZ
Mt. Lebanon

Why the Devil's Advocate Isn't Online

Do you wonder why The Devil's Advocate, the award-winning student newspaper at Mt. Lebanon High School, isn't available online? The question came up briefly in connection with this earlier Blog-Lebo post.

From today's thorough and flattering P-G feature about local high school journalism:

As for administrative oversight, at Upper St. Clair, Principal Michael Ghilani reviews the paper's contents before it goes to print. But at Mt. Lebanon High School, Principal Ron Davis gives Mrs. Henry editorial control over the newspaper.

That wasn't always the case in Mt. Lebanon. Two years ago, then principal Zeb Jansante pulled an editorial from The Devil's Advocate that criticized the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's coverage of the vulgar "Top 25 of 2006."

The list included the names and photos of 25 girls who were students at Mt. Lebanon High School and ranked them based on scores given for their breasts, buttocks and faces.

In place of the original editorial, The Devil's Advocate ran an editorial complaining that it had been censored by the principal.

Mrs. [Casey] Henry, a former reporter for the Associated Press who was off on maternity leave from the district at the time the editorial was pulled, said she believes it is important for student newspapers to have complete autonomy from the administration.

She believes so strongly that The Devil's Advocate should have autonomy that she turned down the administration's offer to have an online edition of the student newspaper because it would have required administrative review of the content posted to the Web site. The district provides about one quarter of the paper's $8,000 annual budget.

Lack of a web presence is a loss to the community -- but good for Casey Henry. Her students clearly have a fine teacher.

Avalon Exchange Coming to Mt. Lebanon

After 20 successful years in city neighborhoods, Avalon Exchange is entering a new market. In August, the independent boutique—which specializes in gently worn clothing and contemporary fashions—will expand its Pittsburgh presence with a new store at 680 Washington Rd., along Mt. Lebanon’s commercial district.

Owner Stewart McLean hopes the 3,000-square-foot shop—Avalon’s largest digs to date—will draw patrons from throughout the South Hills. “It’s the only other place in Pittsburgh that makes sense for us,” says McLean, who would love to see a record store and ice cream shop open along Washington Rd., where approximately 20,000 cars pass daily “It’s a main business corridor.”

Link: www.popcitymedia.com/developmentnews/avaln0618.aspx

Link 2: www.avalonexchange.com

Herding (Bernardo) Katz

From the Trib:

Pittsburgh Controller Michael Lamb on Monday said he will scrutinize loans the Urban Redevelopment Authority made to a would-be Beechview developer -- for years the bane of community activists.

Lamb said he will begin an investigation into nearly $700,000 in mortgages and loans the URA made to Bernardo Katz to redevelop four city-owned properties along Broadway Avenue in Beechview.

Katz defaulted on those and other loans, and lawyers involved in his divorce proceedings say he returned to his native Brazil late last year.

Link: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_573085.html

For more on Katz and his Mt. Lebanon connections, see posts here and here.

3 Lebo Restaurants Are Tops!

Kudos are in order for Bistro 19, Il Pizzaiolo, and Iovino's Cafe. All 3 Mt. Lebanon-based restaurants have been named to Pittsburgh Magazine's Top 25 Restaurants in Pittsburgh list. Way to go!

(Thanks to Casey at Pittsburgh Rare for the heads up on this news!)

A Commenting Policy Reminder

A gentle reminder to long-time Blog-Lebo readers and newcomers alike:

We welcome comments!

All comments *must* be accompanied by the commenter's full name (first *and* last) or some equivalent identification which is comprehensible both to us and to other readers of the blog. No matter how thoughtful or innocuous your comment may be, if you only sign your first name, or your first name and last initial, or post anonymously or pseudonymously, then we will delete your words.

If you posted a comment recently but didn't see it on the blog, then it's likely that it was deleted because you didn't include your name. If you'd like to resubmit a signed comment, please do. In some recent cases, deleted comments are spending time in my "deleted mail" box and can be recovered -- so that you can resubmit without re-typing the whole comment. Just send me an email and ask me to send your comment back to you.

How should you identify yourself? You may create a Blogger profile and use that to post comments -- but you have to make your Blogger profile visible to others (and, of course, you have to include your name). Or, you can check the "anonymous" box when you comment, then include your name in the text of the comment. A few commenters identify themselves as proprietors of well-known Mt. Lebanon businesses. Some link to their own blogs, where their identities are clear.

Joe and I appreciate the fact that some people feel silenced by the policy. They are afraid of retribution (against them, or against their children) by powerful interests in Mt. Lebanon if they speak out. In earlier conversations on the blog, and in private email, people have cited risks of retribution from teachers, assessors, and coaches. Mt. Lebanon is often a fearful place! As veterans of the Internet, and fear aside, we also know that anonymity is an important part of the Net's culture.

The cost of losing anonymous voices is outweighed, in our view, by the cost of permitting them. There is a history to this issue, and you can read more by searching the blog's archives using the term "anonymous."

That's all for today. Now back to cheering for Holland. Hup, Holland, hup!

Co-Working Proposal for Lebo

The following email has been bouncing around my inbox for a few days, while I was out of town. From Jordan Halter (jordan.halter@gmail.com), a very interesting request for help.

I wanted to drop you a note and ask a quick favor.I am helping out Raja (one of the Mt. Lebanon Commissioners and Head of our Economic Development Committee Task Force) with a new business idea for Washington Road. Raja has an exciting vision and method for transforming the business district up on Washington Road. One of the ideas that we are looking at is a shared office space also called a Co Working space on Washington Road.

This is a concept that has really taken off in the past 2 years in other parts of the country like Seattle and San Francisco. The idea would be to have a membership based business where telecommuters and home based business people could work from on Washington Road instead of their home.

Mt. Lebanon has a lot of people who work from home part time or full time (like I have for the past 11 years) Once you get past romancing the idea of doing email in your pajamas the reality sets in:

• Constant distractions from home life
• "Camping out" in Panera or Coffee Shops
• Lack of human interaction
• Blurred lines between home and work life

I have attached a PDF that gives some brain storming ideas and includes lots of background information on Co Working Spaces including other existing Co Working Spaces in Pittsburgh. [Nb. that PDF isn't in this post, but I -- MJM -- can send it to anyone who asks, or you can get it from Jordan]

The Economic Development Committee has a meeting on June 27th and I would love to get several hundred survey completed from people who might be interested in using a space like this. This will help dictate the type and size of space we should be considering. The survey is anonymous and no one is going to contact you about it or SPAM you. I would simply ask that you take 2 minutes and click the link below and fill out the survey in the next week or so and also pass this email onto friends, neighbors and family who might be interested in a Co Working Space.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=em_2bOnzAjnxvG9r4ygYk9jA_3d_3d

Thanks so much for your help, input and consideration.

Mt. Lebanon Community In Market For Gourmet Grocer

Mt. Lebanon residents might not have to go very far much longer to buy their crimini mushrooms, Soba noodles or apricot mango cheesecake.

A task force created in January by the Economic Development Council of Mt. Lebanon is exploring the feasibility of luring a gourmet grocer to the business district along Washington Road.

Link: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/southwest/s_572198.html

Curriculum 'Coaches' Help Schools Keep Up With Changes

Cal Lynch's anger over school spending in Mt. Lebanon turned to bewilderment when he noticed the district had added a position to the proposed budget after phasing out others to cut costs.

"Elementary math facilitator," he said, speaking to the school board during a spring meeting. "Do we really need that?"

The answer from some local schools is that they need to change as the demands of their programs change. Modern curriculum decisions go well beyond picking books.

Link: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/southwest/s_572179.html

Board Mulls Vet Honor

Jack Haller, a Mt. Lebanon resident and World War II veteran, remembers seeing two cork "pushboards" in the lobby of Mt. Lebanon's municipal building in 1946.

One board contained the names of all the Mt. Lebanon residents who served in World War II. The other was a "Gold Star" board, listing the names of Mt. Lebanon residents who served, but didn't come home.

This was a close as Mt. Lebanon ever got to a public memorial honoring World War II veterans. Both boards have long since disappeared from public view and memory.

Haller, now 84, said he's been asking municipal officials for years if some type of permanent memorial to those who lost their lives might be constructed somewhere in Mt. Lebanon.

Link: www.thealmanac.net/ALM/Story/06-11-ML-veterans-memorial-B

The Pittsburgh Rare

Just found this blog via my "Mt. Lebanon" Google Alert. According to their "About" page, the purpose of the blog is "...to be the best portal for real estate information and musings about anything affecting home buying and selling in Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities." They have a Mt. Lebanon category and recent postings have dealt with economic development and real estate sales per month (with comparisons of list price and actual selling price). If you're into real estate, take a look at the site!

Link: www.thepittsburghrare.com

Mt. Lebanon Neighbors Bond In The Joy Of An Immigrant

Five years ago, Otto Limongi moved his family from Venezuela to America in search of a better life.

On Saturday, in the Mt. Lebanon neighborhood where they settled, strangers picked through the remnants of the Limongis' life here during an estate sale.

Otto Limongi died two weeks ago of cancer. His death spread sadness through a now-tight neighborhood that credited the Limongis with bringing them together; and because Limongi, a general contractor, was the family's only breadwinner, it left the family with no way to support themselves.

Link: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_571649.html

Another MTLSD Board Director Goes Online

Welcome to the blogosphere to Mt. Lebanon School Board member Josephine Posti, whose new blog is aptly titled, "Center Court." Like her colleague James Fraasch, Jo is using the blog to speak on her own behalf and not on behalf of the Board or the District. But the improvement in transparency is great. So far, she has posted about important but not always salient issues -- parking, playgrounds, and hot lunches among them.

Police Promote Truver To Deputy Chief

The Police Department has promoted Lt. Kenneth M. Truver to deputy chief, Police/Support Services Division. The town commission formally recognized Truver at a meeting last month.

"Ken has been a bright, hard-working officer throughout his career,'' Chief Thomas A. Ogden Jr. said. "His promotion is earned and deserved. His expertise in technology, communications, negotiations and budgeting provide the [department] with leadership."

Mr. Truver's duties will include serving as the department's public information officer, a position he has held for several years, building security, budgeting and payroll, vehicle maintenance, equipment acquisition and maintenance, information technology, records and alarms, animal control and department accreditation.

Deputy Police Chief Gene Roach will continue in his position, which involves overseeing patrol, traffic, investigations and tactical teams units.

Mr. Truver, 43, joined the department in 1987. He and his wife, Joy, have two children: Sean, 16, and Chad, 14.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08157/887379-55.stm

Festivals, Market Kick Off Summer Of Mt. Lebanon Festivities

Live music, outdoor eateries, street performers and fresh produce will line Washington Road in Mt. Lebanon this weekend -- and on Friday nights and Saturday mornings through fall.

All of this and much more kick off the municipality's summer-long activities with First Fridays and the Uptown Farmers' Market.

First Fridays, a series of street festivals held on the first Friday of every month, lasts until Oct. 3. It runs from 6-9 p.m. The Uptown Farmers' Market opens from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday until Sept. 27. Both events are free, said Laura Pace Lilley, municipal spokeswoman.

Link: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_570988.html

Remembering Mt. Lebanon's Veterans

Commissioner Dan Miller has posted the following on his blog:

I, along with the rest of the Commission, was contacted by a World War II veteran before Memorial Day. In his email he asked us why Mt. Lebanon had no war memorial for those who fought and died in World War II. I thought he was surely mistaken. A Municipality with our gifts and blessings must have a suitable memorial to our heroes. However, when I looked into this sure enough this gentleman was correct. Not only was there no memorial for World War II, but no memorial for Korea, no memorial for Vietnam (absent the Bird Park marker), and no one had any idea whether a Mt. Lebanon resident had fallen in either of the Gulf Wars, Afghanistan, or anywhere else.

At the last Commission meeting I brought this issue up during citizen comments. I wanted to share with the other Commissioners what I considered to be a great injustice. To me, this situation cannot stand.

As a volunteer firefighter I march with the rest of the department in the Memorial Day Parade. All day long I asked people if they knew where the WWII memorial was. Like me, most people assumed there was one. This served as entry into other related questions. The Memorial Day Parade barely touches Mt. Lebanon. While some guessed this is because of the ceremonies in the cemetery, most participants believe it is because of a lack of interest. The parade was not even promoted on our Municipal website until after I received the veterans email. As much as I enjoy our Halloween Parade, is the sharp difference in support between the two really the legacy we want to be known for? Mt. Lebanon puts on a great Halloween Parade- but just don’t bring up veterans?

In the cemetery there is a small memorial to World War I soldiers as well as a veteran’s grave that is not dedicated. I asked the cemetery to look into this to find out where these came from. The Mt. Lebanon Police and Fire Departments have a memorial in the cemetery. Each year the Fire Department does a sparsely attended service to remember those who have fallen. Yet the veteran who contacted me has no place to honor his friends and, as he reminded me, each day that passes means there is fewer and fewer of them around.

I have asked the Commission to add this important item to our agenda. I believe we need to address this wrong quickly and suitably so that Memorial Day 2009 will be different. I have asked the Commission to consider forming a taskforce to develop ideas. Perhaps we can reach out to the volunteer group that works hard to organize the Memorial Day Parade to consider whether the route should be redesigned to go through more of Mt. Lebanon. What can we do to increase Municipal and citizen participation in Memorial Day? Can we brainstorm together with the School District to design appropriate activities and support them? What kind of war memorial would be appropriate? Where would it be located? Should we consider dedicating a park- like Main Park- to be Mt. Lebanon’s Memorial or Veterans Park?

I have reached out to several groups who I believe would be of assistance. A taskforce can pull together representatives from the Historical Society, the Historical Preservation Board, the Parks Advisory Board, the local American Legion/VFW, the Public Information Office, and the School District just to name a few. We can hold public meetings inviting Mt. Lebanon veterans from all conflicts to help us understand what would be appropriate. We can talk to towns like Bethel Park who have memorials and parks already in place to understand what worked for them. I am sure that we can talk to Senator Pippy or State Representative Matt Smith for help with funding. There are a lot of options and a gaping hole to fill, but time is short.

We need to get support from the public who agree that this is a priority. I would love to be able to contact that veteran and let him know that help is on the way and that there are many people who want to fight for him on this issue. I don’t have all the answers on this so I am looking for help. Please feel free to contact me directly with your thoughts and ideas and be sure to contact your individual Commissioner to let him know this is a priority to you too!

A Taste of Pennsylvania -- Today!

Eagle Scouts Coming Out of Our Ears

Because our family has been involved with Boy Scout Troop 284 for many years, I get early notice of announcements like this one: another Eagle to be honored! But there are additional Scout troops in Mt. Lebanon. I would be happy to post announcements about Eagles in those troops; just send me information that I can cut and paste.

Boy Scout Troop 284 will conduct an Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Sunday, June 8, 2008 at 2:00 PM at Beverly Heights Presbyterian Church in Mt. Lebanon for
Blake A. Bonnewell.

Blake completed his Eagle Scout Board of Review last August before heading to Penn State University to begin his studies in mechanical engineering and mathematics. He has been active in Scouting since grade school. He served Troop 284 as Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and Patrol Leader. Blake’s Eagle Scout Project consisted of the construction of a rain garden, patio, and outdoor checkerboard at Markham Elementary School in Mt. Lebanon. The purpose of the project was to stop erosion on the hillside overlooking the playground, and to provide a place for teachers, parents, and community members to relax and watch over their
children. Blake led a team of volunteers who spent over 150 hours on this project. The Project was funded by the Markham Elementary School Playground Fund. Blake is a 2007 graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School and while there was a member of the wrestling team, Marching Band, and Orchestra. Blake’s parents, Andrew and Jean, are Mt. Lebanon residents.

The Eagle rank, Scouting’s highest achievement, is awarded to approximately 4% of all Scouts nationwide. Troop 284 has been in existence for more than 77 years and has assisted more than 106 boys achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

Questions can be directed to: James E. Scheuermann, Troop Committee Chair, James.Scheuermann@klgates.com

Another Pool Plan Proposed

5th Ward Commissioner Dan Miller added a new blog posting to his web site this morning regarding a new "hybrid" plan being proposed by Dave Donnellan, the director of recreation for Mt. Lebanon. This new plan is significantly less expensive than the first two plans originally proposed for the new pool.

Link: www.danmillerward5.com/another-pool-plan-proposed

Lebo Lacrosse Wins Championship

A familiar thing happened at the Western Pennsylvania Scholastic Lacrosse Association championships: Mt. Lebanon won.

Mt. Lebanon used a strong fourth quarter to defeat Seneca Valley, 9-8, in the Division I championship last night at Bethel Park. It was the third year in a row Mt. Lebanon won the championship and sixth time since 2000.

"A lot of people didn't give this team a chance to be in this game at the beginning of the year," said Mt. Lebanon coach Kee Joe Song. "These kids worked their rear ends off. It was pure senior leadership that did it. That's what it came down to."

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08153/886576-364.stm