Lebo Grad Earns Highest Score On Law School Admission Test

Paul Wagoner has always been good with numbers. "From an early age, I was kind of pushed at math," he said, laughing. "It's kind of the chicken-or-the-egg thing: I'm adept at math because they pushed me or they pushed me because I'm adept at math."

Mr. Wagoner, 21, a 2005 Mt. Lebanon High graduate, will be a senior at the University of Virginia. In high school, he scored 1560 on the SAT college board test when 1600 was the highest score possible.

But he didn't take for granted a natural aptitude for test-taking, he said. He took a Princeton Review course in preparation for the SAT, and recently, a Kaplan course helped him achieve something even more unusual: a perfect 180 on the LSAT, the Law School Admission Test.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08213/900635-55.stm

Settlement Reached Over Hotel Zoning

A court settlement between a developer and Mt. Lebanon's zoning board paves the way for construction of a hotel in the 600 block of Washington Road.

The resolution gives the developer all the variances he was seeking. The developer wanted exemptions from the maximum building and maximum lot coverages outlined in the municipal zoning code. The zoning hearing board denied those exemptions on April 10. But the zoning board did not contest the subsequent appeal of its ruling to Common Pleas Court.

The municipal zoning code outlines what percentage of a lot a building can occupy, and the maximum size of a building on a given lot.

Link: www.thealmanac.net/ALM/Story/07-30-ML-hotel-appeal-B

Updated links as of August 4, 2008 (documents courtesy of Bill Matthews):

The Consent Order (pdf)

The Zoning Hearing Board Decision (pdf)

Aging Trees Threat In Mt. Lebanon

When a tree fell in Mt. Lebanon last month, Lori Pearce thought it took a while before the right people heard it. The locust tree that toppled June 6 in Bird Park just missed crushing Pearce, 40, a friend and their five children walking along a path near the park entrance, she said.

"It was terrifying as a mother," Pearce said Tuesday as she stood near logs from the trunk, a few feet in diameter. "I heard a huge crack, turned and saw the tree split, and yelled to my daughter, 'Run!' Then, all of us were under the branches and popped up like little groundhogs. I expected to see one of my kids pinned under a limb."

Link: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_580082.html

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08220/902396-55.stm (Updated 8/7/08)

Construction Where?

After recent drives past the Kossman property on Castle Shannon Boulevard as well as the Washington Park property on Washington Road, I've been wondering what's going on with both of these projects since it looks like nothing has been happening for weeks. Anyone care to share what they know about them?

Ultra Party Needs Volunteers

On behalf of the Ultra Party this Saturday evening in Mt. Lebanon, Cindy W. writes:

We are desperately in need of volunteers, so if anyone has the time and can give us a few hours....please email dciletti@hotmail.com.

Ultra Party Returns to Lebo on August 2

The Second Annual Mt. Lebanon "Ultra" Party, a beer bash/street party with the side benefit that it raises money for the Autism Center of Pittsburgh, returns to Washington Road next Saturday, August 2. Last year's event was, by almost all accounts, a smashing success, for the organizers (the LEBO group), for the beneficiaries (the Autism Center), and for the community (everyone who attended).

The organizers have a website up at http://www.leboultraparty.com/ (warning: the "Entrance Fees" link doesn't work, at least not for me).

Last year's party generated some interesting conversation about local businesses that *didn't* co-sponsor the event. See the links here and here.

I missed last year's party (was out of town) and will miss this one too (family commitment with a higher priority). But go if you can, and hope that the weather is nice!

Lebo Child Sends Webkinz To Children's Hospital

Morgan Meer perused her computer screen, following the suggestions of the software program that would keep her Webkinz stuffed animal happy and healthy in its virtual world. The Mt. Lebanon second-grader's expression showed steady concentration and pure enjoyment. And thanks to Morgan, 7, who collected more than $600 to purchase and donate 126 Webkinz to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, many patients wear that same expression.

Morgan recently was recognized for her service project by the Kohl's Kids Who Care Scholarship Program, which rewards children ages 6-18 who make a difference in the lives of others.

Morgan was one of 200 young volunteers nationwide to receive a $50 Kohl's gift card and a $1,000 scholarship. She is in the running for one of 10 $5,000 national scholarships to be announced at the end of July.

Link: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/southwest/s_578829.html

Hats Off

I just returned from three weeks out of the country (Switzerland, Italy, and Germany; some work, some vacation); thanks to Joe for more than capably holding down the Blog-Lebo fort in my absence.

As always when I come back from a trip out of the country, I'm struck by the enormity of the cars that Americans drive (not just the SUVs, but almost all of them), by the utter inadequacy of our public transit, by the recklessness of our auto-centric 20th century real estate development, by the opulence and waste that characterize all but the very most modest food emporia, and by the sheer new-ness of everything, including "old" cities like Pittsburgh and "old" suburbs like Mt. Lebanon. Some Lebo residents wax nostalgic about the 1970s or 1960s. Ha! Last Saturday and Sunday my family joined several hundred thousand citizens of Munich in an outdoor street festival that took over the better part of the Altstadt (Old City) to celebrate the *850th* anniversary of the city's founding. There's history for you.

I'm also grateful for the luxury of the political, cultural, and religious diversity that Americans usually enjoy and for the celebration of individual liberty that defines this country. Compared to the United States, Germany in particular is a magnificently and precisely engineered society, but I never feel as completely free there as I do here. I miss the bier beer already, but I also missed the over-the-topness of the Fourth of July. Aside from the utter disaster that is the Charlotte Airport (what was US Airways thinking? Philadelphia *and* Charlotte as hubs?), I am very, very happy to be home.

School Board Gives Policy Nods

Mt. Lebanon School Directors approved one new and several amendments to existing policies at a July 21 meeting.

The board also agreed to discuss whether to implement rules regarding public comment at meetings. There may or may not be a committee formed to consider such a policy. In August board members will debate whether to form that committee. Board member Jo Posti asked for the measure to be placed on the next board agenda.

A proposed policy regarding facilities development goals and priority objectives was put on hold pending questions from school board members. This policy was intended to set board guidelines regarding the effective use of facilities. Board President Mark Hart said this policy could be revisited in the future.

Link: www.thealmanac.net/ALM/Story/07-23-ML-school-board

$132 Million For New High School

It will cost the Mt. Lebanon School District close to $132 million in construction costs alone to build a high school, project architects said Tuesday night.

A new building is one of four options the district can consider for a high school building project, the architects told about 300 residents who attended a special meeting to hear the possibilities.

The district needs at minimum $79.8 million to pay the cost of renovations to the building, including a new roof, asbestos abatement and facilities improvements, said Kerry Leonard of the OWP/P design firm in Chicago.

Link: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_578927.html

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08206/899055-55.stm

Washington Road Is Fun For Foodies

Suburban dining has a somewhat shaky reputation, not just in Pittsburgh. National chains dominate the market, and independent restaurants tend to fall into one of two categories: destination restaurants far too expensive for most diners to consider going to for anything but a very special occasion; and mediocre restaurants that hang on by picking a location with so little competition.

This general absence of bountiful dining options only makes exceptional areas stand out all the more -- areas such as Washington Road in Mt. Lebanon.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08199/897425-242.stm

School Board To Weigh Plans For High School

School board members in Mt. Lebanon say residents should brace themselves for sticker shock when cost estimates for the high school renovation are revealed July 22.

"Costs for the casino on the North Side have gone from $550 million to $775 million," said board member Dan Remely on July 14. "They are seeing significant (construction cost) increases from even 2007. I think when these final numbers (for the high school) come out, some of us up here are going to get rotten eggs and fruit thrown at us."

Remely is one of two board members on a committee reviewing the high school project. The other is Elaine Capucci. The district plans a public forum with architects at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 22 at the high school auditorium.

Link: www.thealmanac.net/ALM/Story/07-16-ML-HS-planning-B

Mt. Lebanon Names Vets Panel

Mt. Lebanon Commission named members of a citizens committee which will review the possibility of creating a veterans' memorial somewhere in the municipality. In early June, Commissioner Dan Miller spearheaded the project 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 July 14, commissioners named Jack Haller, William Hoon, Steve Lane, Bill Spangenberg, Jim Cannon, Wallace F Workmaster and Ron Block to the committee, pending review of their resumes, for a term ending June 30, 2009.

Link: www.thealmanac.net/ALM/Story/07-16-ML-vets-committee-B

Commission Votes to Reduce Traffic Enforcement

That's the title of 5th Ward Commissioner Dan Miller's latest blog posting which discusses a controversial vote that occurred at Monday evening's commission meeting.

This isn't the first time that KOSD has asked for a Mt. Lebanon police officer to be stationed at this school -- but this time, the commission went against the recommendation of Chief Tom Ogden of the Mt. Lebanon Police Department because the current proposal removes a police officer from traffic duty in Mt. Lebanon in order to be located at KOHS. The commission voted 3-2 (Colby, DeIuliis and Raja for and Miller and Daley against) on this issue.

I highly recommend reading all of Commissioner Miller's posting to learn all of the details of the issue and vote.

Link: www.danmillerward5.com/commission-votes-to-reduce-traffic-enforcement

UPDATE: The Almanac has also published an article regarding this issue.

Mt. Lebanon Teen's Fundraiser for Zambian Children

The cost of a $10 uniform can keep a child in Zambia from attending school. Caylin McKee, a senior at Mt. Lebanon High School, found a way to help. She is partnering with the first brick and mortar eBay store in Pittsburgh and a local consignment store to raise money for her cause. "We are so lucky to live in a country that has so much 'stuff' that we need businesses like eBay. Now we can donate the proceeds from things we want to get rid of to a good cause," Ms. McKee said. Anyone who brings in items to sell from August 1-10 can donate part or all of their profits to Uniforms for Zambia. It is a great way to get organized and help others at the same time.

Caylin partnered with We Sell Now and the Savvy Fox this year to turn those unwanted treasures into cash for a good cause.

Link: www.mckeeos.com/about/UniformsforZambia_Makeadonation.html

Warning Regarding APX Alarm Company

From the Mt. Lebanon Police Department:

A WARNING FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT

If a representative of the APX Alarm Company comes to your door in an attempt to sell you a home security system, please call the Mt. Lebanon Police Department at 412-531-5300. The police department has revoked this company’s permit as the result of 31 complaints from residents. Residents have complained of solicitation where “no soliciting” signs are posted. Residents also have complained that the solicitors refused to show ID and permits upon request, asked inappropriate questions and provided false information as part of their sales pitch.

Camp Healing Hearts

The Mt. Lebanon-based Family Hospice and Palliative Care will host Camp Healing Hearts, a one-day program for children who are grieving the loss of a loved one, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 16 at its Center for Compassionate Care, 50 Moffett St. This free program, open to ages 6 to 12 plus a parent or guardian, offers healing activities and teaches children that they are not alone in their grief. Advance registration is required. For more information, call 412-572-8829.

Telling A World War II Cartoonist's Tale

Just in time for a patriotic July 4th read, Mt. Lebanon's Todd DePastino, an adjunct professor of history at Waynesburg University, has authored a book about the life of two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Bill Mauldin, the World War II cartoonist and creator of "dogface" combat infantry soldiers, Willie and Joe.

For a while, it was touch and go if "Bill Mauldin: A Life Up Front," would even get into print. Dr. DePastino spent a year researching his subject, starting in 2003 with a field trip to the Library of Congress.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08185/894376-55.stm

Lebo Family Still Fights Cancer In Memory Of Young Son

Planting a tree or donating a park bench is a special way to memorialize a loved one, but when Mt. Lebanon's Conover family first began to channel its grief, none of that seemed quite right. "Being a teenage boy, the Matt Conover Garden of Whatever wasn't him," said his mother, Noelle.

In the six years since Matt's death from non-Hodgkins lymphoma, the family has helped raise more than $150,000 for cancer research in honor of their son. It helped build a playground in Mexico. There is a Matt Conover scholarship at Mt. Lebanon High School. A project called Wrapped in Love sold hand-knitted scarves.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08192/895945-55.stm

Fuel Costs Prompt Some 4-Day Work Weeks

The Mt. Lebanon School District switched to four-day weeks in summer 2005 as one of a number of energy-saving measures recommended by a consultant, said Superintendent John Allison. The district closes on Fridays the last two weeks of June and all of July. Employees work 10-hour days the rest of the week.

In 2007, the district spent $40,000 less for utility costs in June and $65,000 less in July compared with 2004, Dr. Allison said. He added that Mt. Lebanon has seen another benefit from the four-day work weeks -- higher morale among those employees who must work in the summer.

"It really seems to be a real positive physically, emotionally. Everybody seems a little more fresh having those few weeks with those three-day weekends." He said he provided information about the savings to other superintendents in the Allegheny Intermediate Unit at their last meeting.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08192/895938-54.stm

Skidgy's Closes After Nearly 20 Years

Anyone who wanted to know the history of Skidgy's Family Restaurant's quirky name could go into the Mt. Lebanon diner and check out the menus.

Now the menus are gone and so is Skidgy's. The Jones family recently sold the Cochran Road property to Northwest Savings Bank and auctioned everything inside. The bank is planning to move its nearby branch office there, add a drive-through window and expand facilities for an April opening, said Robert Ordiway, the executive vice president of marketing and facilities.

Link: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/southwest/s_576748.html

The Denis Theatre Has A Blog

Mt. Lebanon residents Gwyn Cready and Chris Schultz have launched a blog called "The Second Act of Mt. Lebanon's Denis Theatre". According to the blog:

This blog is written by two Mt. Lebanon residents who are committed to help reopen the Denis Theatre.

Link: denisact2.blogspot.com

Obituary: Steve "Froggy" Morris

Mt. Lebanon resident and owner of Froggy's in Market Square and Bimbo's in Mt. Lebanon, Steve "Froggy" Morris passed away on July 2 after suffering from emphysema and other ailments. He was 62.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08185/894567-122.stm

Link 2: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_575963.html

School Construction Projects Dividing Communities

Mt. Lebanon residents have been e-mailing their school board for months about a plan to renovate or build a new high school, though it is still in its earliest stages.

Board member Elaine L. Cappucci had to start a committee report during a meeting in the spring by dispelling rumors of a $100 million price tag. As the district prepares for its first community meeting on the project July 22, residents have said tension is building.

"People in Mt. Lebanon either want to not spend a lot of money on it, or want to spend a lot of money on it," said Monty Kimball, a district parent and 20-year resident. "There's nobody in between."

Link: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/north/s_575663.html

Mt. Lebanon Grad Puts Heart Into Service Project

When Nathan Khosla was 8, he passed out in the water during a Saturday morning swim lesson. He was rushed to the hospital and proclaimed fit to leave that evening. Two weeks later, it happened again.

Nathan, who recently graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School, was eventually diagnosed with Long Q-T Syndrome, a disorder of the heart's electrical system.It's a condition that can kill without warning and is often suspected when seemingly healthy young athletes die suddenly after exertion. But if detected early, Long Q-T Syndrome is treatable through medication.

"And sometimes, you can outgrow it," said Nathan, whose younger sister, Nina Maria, also has been diagnosed with LQTS, which falls into a group known as Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08185/894503-55.stm

Link 2: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/health/s_576754.html

New Local Income Tax Collection System Becomes Law

Gov. Ed Rendell today signed Senate Bill 1063, which will make a major consolidation of earned income tax collection in Pennsylvania. "This fixes what is now, probably, the most complex and confusing local taxing environment in the nation, with more local earned income tax collectors -- 560 -- and more local taxing jurisdictions -- nearly 2,900 -- than all other states combined,'' said Mr. Rendell.

Under the bill, 65 counties will have one earned income tax collector, while Allegheny County will have four. Philadelphia isn't covered by the new bill because it has its own system.

Link: www.postgazette.com/pg/08184/894327-100.stm