Friday, October 31, 2008

Elderly Woman Robbed In Mt. Lebanon

An elderly woman was mugged, and police now have a suspect. Mount Lebanon officials said an 84-year-old woman was walking arm-and-arm with a friend on Washington Road Tuesday, when someone snatched her purse.

Police are close to making an arrest in the case. Mount Lebanon Deputy Police Chief Ken Truver said, "We recovered some evidence at the scene that developed some leads. We believe we'll come up with a suspect and an arrest is imminent."

No one was hurt during the incident.

Link: www.wpxi.com/news/17859725/detail.html

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Thursday, October 30, 2008

Lebo Commission Spends $64,000 To Trim Fat

Mt. Lebanon commissioners hope they can save money by spending money.

With warnings of a $1.3 million increase in expenses looming over the next fiscal year, the commissioners unanimously approved a $64,000 efficiency study by Palo Alto, Calif.-based Matrix Consulting Group. It will examine the city's operations, organization, services and technology. Its recommendations, the commissioners hope, will help them trim fat from the budget and reduce the projected shortfall.

"We have a lot of budget items that have gone up this year: the gas, the salt, the cost of repairing our roads," said commission President Dale Colby.

Link: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/southwest/s_595759.html

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Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Smith, Pippy and O'Donnell Endorsed by Post-Gazette

State Representative Matt Smith, State Senator John Pippy and Steve O'Donnell have been endorsed by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in their races for the Pennsylvania State House, the Pennsylvania State Senate and United States House of Representatives.

Link: Smith In The 42nd: The House Freshman Is Off To A Bright Start

Link: Re-elect Pippy: The GOP Senator Has A Solid Grasp Of The Issues

Link: O'Donnell In The
18th: The Challenger Is A Better Choice For The Big Picture

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Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Lebo Football In WPIAL Playoffs

Although they didn't have the regular season that they hoped to this year, our Mt. Lebanon Blue Devils football team has made the WPIAL playoffs. They will play the Gateway Gators at Gateway High School in Monroeville on Friday, October 31 at 7:30 PM. LET'S GO LEBO!

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Monday, October 27, 2008

Oprah Helps Lebo Mom Get Her 'Sexy Back'

Tania Caminos had fallen into that typical mommy rut. With a husband and two children to care for, the Mt. Lebanon woman, like most mommies, put herself last. "I was turning 35. I was moving from a big city ... and just losing my sense of who I am," Mrs. Caminos said. "I was a model back when I was young."

She wrote the "Oprah" show detailing her trek from model hotness to middle-class mommy-ness. That was five years ago. Last month, Oprah finally came a-calling. Today, Mrs. Caminos, 40, will be one of four women featured on a "Get Your Sexy Back Makeover" edition of "Oprah" at 4 p.m. on WTAE.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08301/923108-51.stm

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Sunday, October 26, 2008

Residency Restrictions For Sex Offenders Popular, But Ineffective

County Councilman Vince Gastgeb and Mt. Lebanon resident Kathy Graziano are mentioned in this article from today's Post-Gazette:
The decision by Mr. Gastgeb to write the local law was influenced by listening to many parents in Mt. Lebanon speak at community meetings. They were outraged last year to learn that a convicted sex offender was living near Howe Elementary School in the Sunset Hills neighborhood.

Last week, parents there continued to support the residency restriction law. "It would be very difficult to have a whole lot of sympathy for sex offenders at all, having three children," said Kathy Graziano, who lives in the community.

One of the reasons she feels so strongly about the restriction is that the Mt. Lebanon School District does not have a busing system. Many students walk to and from school, she said, which makes them more vulnerable. "There were children passing his residence at any time of the day," Ms. Graziano said. "We don't have buses . . . or designated adults that would be one more set of eyes."

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08300/922948-85.stm

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Saturday, October 25, 2008

Pictures from Halloween Parade

I took some pictures today of the Halloween Parade on Washington Road. The rain finished just in time for the parade to start, only to start up again about 15 minutes into it. A big thanks to everyone that marched in the parade as well as the people along the sidelines who also got wet too!

Link: www.flickr.com/photos/bloglebo/sets/72157608357034128/

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Lebo Gardens Featured In Documentary

The Holocaust Memorial Garden at Temple Emanuel of South Hills in Mt. Lebanon will be one of three area sites featured in a broadcast at 8 p.m. Thursday on WQED-TV.

The WQED-produced "Gardens of Pennsylvania" also features Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and the gardens of Kennywood Park in its look at seven gardens across the state.

Link: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/living/homegarden/homework/s_595048.html

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Thursday, October 23, 2008

Boards and Authorities Fair Next Wednesday

The municipality has more boards and authorities than most towns, with more than a dozen committees comprising more than 75 volunteer positions. Boards and authorities advise the Mt. Lebanon Commission on such topics as historic preservation, economic development, planning, traffic, parks and code appeals.

Applications for boards have dropped slightly in recent years, said Susan Morgans, Mt. Lebanon public information officer. And some boards are not representative of Mt. Lebanon's increasingly diverse population.

That's why the Mt. Lebanon Community Relations board is sponsoring the first Mt. Lebanon Boards and Authorities Fair, set for 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 29 at the Mt. Lebanon Public Library, Castle Shannon Boulevard.

Current board and authority members will be there to talk with residents about what service is involved. The fair is free and open to all residents.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08297/922017-55.stm

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Blazeck Challenges Smith For 42nd District Seat

Republican Jim Blazeck is not a career politician, and, he said, that's a good thing.

He is challenging incumbent Democrat Matt Smith for the 42nd District seat in the state House of Representatives next month, somewhat short on experience but long on enthusiasm.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08297/921954-55.stm

Link 2: www.thealmanac.net/ALM/Story/10-22-Smith-Blazek-B-w-2-pics

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Fitness Class With A Twist

This is not your grandma's fitness class. But Stephanie Babines is quick to insist grandma is welcome to try a session of striptease cardio, Hoopnotica or belly dancing.

"I created all the classes myself, and they are designed for a woman's body: working on the butt, the abs, around where your bra strap goes. "They're designed to tone and sculpt a woman's body," said Ms. Babines, who owns "Oh My You're Gorgeous" fitness studios in Mars and Cranberry.

She serves as a consultant and instructor for a new, similar studio set to open on Washington Road in Mt. Lebanon next month. Glow Tanning Retreat and Fitness Studio will feature spa services as well as a lineup of provocatively named classes that promise to burn calories, tighten bodies and encourage women to have fun with it.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08297/921937-55.stm

Link 2: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08300/922361-54.stm

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Theater Buffs Gird For Fundraising Blitz To Restore Denis

A Mt. Lebanon nonprofit is embarking on an ambitious campaign to raise $3 million and restore the old Denis Theatre.

The Denis, named for the brother of the man who opened the country's first movie theater in Pittsburgh, opened its doors in 1938 and showed "art" films such as "The Graduate" and "To Sir with Love" during its heyday in the 1960s, said Anne Kemerer, project manager for the Denis Theatre Foundation.

Link: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/today/s_594583.html

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Pied Piper Leads Kids In Parades With Calliope

Halloween is the time for waiting for shrieks and things that go bump in the night. In the South Hills, this is also the season for trick or treaters and parade-goers to hear the unique bagpipe-like sounds of a calliope.

Longtime Mt. Lebanon resident Ed Meyer will once again delight residents at a number of Halloween parties and parades with his handcrafted calliope, which is mounted in the back of a restored 1913 Model-T Ford truck.

You can hear the ''bagpipe'' sounds of the calliope more than two miles away, said Mr. Meyer, who made the piped instrument from a kit some 20 years ago.

As he has done for many years, he will be the Pied Piper for the annual Halloween parade that will set off at 11 a.m. Saturday in Mt. Lebanon.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08297/922022-55.stm

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Mt. Lebanon Police Arrest 2 Burglary Suspects

Mt. Lebanon police have arrested two men who they say are involved in at least nine burglaries and several other attempts in the city and nearby communities.

Sandhu Harwinder, 18, and a 17-year-old juvenile were arrested after police found evidence in their homes and cars tying them to five burglaries and two attempts in Mt. Lebanon, two in Pittsburgh, two in Dormont and one each in Upper St. Clair and South Fayette, police said.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08297/922127-55.stm

Link 2: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_594743.html

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Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Mt. Lebanon Man Earns Gold In Senior Games

While elite athletes from around the world were gathering medals in Beijing this summer, at least one local athlete garnered gold a little closer to home. At the 2008 Pennsylvania Senior Games, Frank Flanegin picked up three gold medals. The Mt. Lebanon resident, who competed in the 50-54 age bracket, placed first in the shot put (38 feet, 9.25 inches), discus (109 feet, 4 inches), and hammer throw (95 feet, 4 inches) events.

What makes Flanegin's victories unusual is the fact that he only started training in May of this year.

Link: www.thealmanac.net/ALM/Story/10-22-flanegin-feature-w-pix

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Tuesday, October 21, 2008

'ER' TV Stars Go Door To Door In Mt. Lebanon For Obama

TV drama will meet real-life drama as "ER" stars Laura Innes and Gloria Reuben join Pennsylvania health care workers getting out the vote for Sen. Barack Obama on Tuesday. Representatives said that the actors will begin knocking on doors in the Mount Lebanon area at 1:30 p.m.

The actors will spend the day in Pittsburgh alongside hospital and other health care workers knocking on doors, making campaign calls, and talking with voters about the need for a better health care system.

The "ER" stars are among more than a dozen actors who have lent their celebrity to ongoing election efforts by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the nation's fastest-growing union, and are volunteering to help voice to working families' concerns.

Link: www.wpxi.com/news/17771149/detail.html

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Sunday, October 19, 2008

Beyond Mt. Lebanon

Pittsburgh's tiny Latino population is growing slowly. Among many other things, that means that a little searching turns up some additional restaurants worth a try. Last night we visited Cocina Mendoza, a family-run place on Route 88/Library Road in Bethel Park, a few doors down from Bruster's. I have yet to find a Mexican restaurant in the area that can really spice up the flavors of its hot sauces, and Cocina Mendoza is no exception. And the decor is "early strip mall." But service is fun and friendly, the margaritas are tasty, the price is right, it's family-friendly, and the food -- not just burritos, enchiladas, and beans -- is worth a return trip. If there were a Pittsburgh-only ChowHound board, this restaurant would belong there. Be sure to stay for dessert, and get the flan!

While I'm on the subject of Mexican food, do *not* go to "Amigos," the latest dreadful restaurant to occupy the cursed space in the Galleria just below the excellent China Gate. And do go to Azul, in Leetsdale. Leetsdale is not as convenient at Bethel Park, but the food is even better, and the decor is charming.

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Friday, October 17, 2008

Fall Fun In Mt. Lebanon

Mandy from IHeartPgh wrote a really nice blog entry today called "Fall Fun In Mt. Lebanon" about her recent visit to our humble abode. It's a good read, so check it out!

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Lebo Residents Keep Leaving Keys In Cars

Mt. Lebanon police said today they are investigating a series of thefts from parked cars going back to July, as well as at least three incidents in which residents left keys in unlocked cars that were stolen. A release from police today reminded residents to stop doing that.

Police said the thefts began around July 29 with reports from Orchard Drive and Washington Road, although the exact number of illegal vehicle entries is unknown because some residents did not report the incidents if nothing was missing. (Police sometimes learned of the illegal entries only while canvassing neighbors after reported thefts.)

Link: www.postgazette.com/pg/08291/920755-100.stm

Link 2: pd.mtlebanon.org/calerts.html

Link 3: www.thealmanac.net/ALM/Story/10-22-ML-D-CAR-THEFTS-B

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Recession in Lebo?

Is there evidence of recession in the Mt. Lebanon economy? Report, if you can, from the front lines of jobs and job searching, restaurants and other small business, banking, real estate, economic development, not-for-profit fundraising, and so on.

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Thursday, October 16, 2008

One Hour (Or Less) Parking Free In South Parking Garage

The parking authority will be granting patrons in the Uptown Business District free parking for one hour or less in its South Garage, adjacent to the municipal building. The trial program began this week.

"This is a very proactive effort by the parking authority board to attract additional people to Washington Road," said Rich Sahar, executive director.

Those parking less than one hour from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. will not be charged; beyond that, regular rates apply.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08290/920231-55.stm

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Market Crisis May Put School Projects On Hold

Three South Hills school districts are in various stages of planning big projects -- a new or renovated high school in Mt. Lebanon; a new high school in Bethel Park; and renovations to two middle schools in Upper St. Clair.

The national mortgage and credit crisis, however, has each district re-examining the cost of issuing the bonds to finance the projects. And they hope the $700 billion government bailout helps to revive the municipal bond market.

Link: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/search/s_593540.html

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Rebel Athletic Field Blessed

On Monday, Bishop David Zubik blessed and dedicated the new Seton-La Salle Catholic High School's Rebel Athletic Field.

Taking part were the Rev. Kris Stubna, Robert L.Paserba, Donald Teti, state sens. Wayne Fontana and John Pippy, lawmakers Matt Smith, and Chelsa Wagner, Principal Sister Patricia Laffey and school board President Joseph L. Luvara.

Also on hand were the project architect Kevin A. Hayes and project manager Nick Hoban.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08290/920231-55.stm

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Victim Seeks Adult Court In Hammer Beating

Halloween marks the one-year anniversary of the day that police say Mt. Lebanon teen Sarah DeIuliis was brutally attacked with a hammer by a former boyfriend as the two walked along a secluded path near the Port Authority Light Rail Transit lines.

And as that anniversary approaches, Miss DeIuliis' parents are waging a campaign to try to ensure that their daughter's accused attacker, Robertino DeAngelis, is tried in adult court for what they said was a premeditated attack on their daughter.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08290/920215-55.stm

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Candidates In 42nd District Agree On Need For Tax Relief

Democratic state Rep. Matt Smith and Republican challenger Jim Blazeck agree that change is needed in Harrisburg.

"We need to change the way Harrisburg operates," said Smith, 36, of Mt. Lebanon, who pledged to "do what's right," regardless of party affiliation.

Blazeck, 56, also of Mt. Lebanon, said more financial restraint is needed in the state capital. "The greatest challenge facing Pennsylvania today is the lack of economic growth due to high taxes, especially high business taxes," he said.

Link: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/today/s_593428.html

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Lebo Instructor Brings Out Creativity In Inmates

The black ballpoint pen sketch of Moses so impresses Ashley Hodder that she simply shakes her head.

"Danai's the kind of student that has so much natural skill, he doesn't need much instruction," said Hodder, 33, a Mt. Lebanon resident who teaches art three times a week to Allegheny County Jail inmates, including Danai Chetpatananont. "Like a lot of the guys, he just needs to have an outlet and an opportunity. They just need the materials, space and time to cultivate their natural gift."

Link: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/today/s_593225.html

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Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Oh My You're Gorgeous

No, I'm not complimenting our blog readers on their attractiveness. I'm talking about one of the newest businesses that will be coming to Mt. Lebanon. I saw a sign for Oh My You're Gorgeous in the front window of the former Ravita Music on Washington Road and I remember hearing that this business was involved in a lawsuit with Adams Township regarding the "adult" nature of their business.

I contacted the owner, Stephanie Babines, via her web site to ask if the Mt. Lebanon location was going to offer the same services as the Adams Township location. Here's what she had to say:
This location will run slightly different than our Mars location, meaning that at first I will only offer classes on Wednesdays and Saturdays! I will personally be teaching the classes. Right now, I will offer cardio strip tease, Kama Sutra yoga and hoop dancing classes. As we grow, we will offer more classes.

Link: www.ohmyyouregorgeous.com

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Residents Oppose Traffic Plan

Mt. Lebanon Commission heard residents for an hour on Oct. 13 express their concerns about proposed plans for traffic sign changes that they believe would negatively impact their streets. Many drivers use these streets as a short-cut to avoid congestion on Bower Hill and Cochran Roads, they said.

A flyer created and distributed by a resident mistakenly stated that a vote on the plan was scheduled to take place at the meeting. However, a vote is not likely to take place for at least several more meetings said Ward 5 commissioner Dan Miller.

Nonetheless, more than 10 residents - in addition to others who a signed petition and a large group who attended the meeting - asked the commission to reject the current proposal and start from scratch.

Link: www.thealmanac.net/ALM/Story/10-15-ML-Commission

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Monday, October 13, 2008

Traffic Calming Update

NOTE: The following is a guest posting by Dan Miller, 5th Ward Commissioner:

Friends:

There is a controversy brewing in the streets of Mt. Lebanon's 5th Ward. As a resident here for over six years I have learned that such fervor can mean only one thing- a debate over traffic.

This new Commission inherited a partially voted upon traffic calming plan that focuses on the Mapleton cut through corridor. I say partially because one element of this plan is already in implementation. New traffic signals are sprouting up on Cochran Road from Cedar to Bower Hill. If you have ever tried to take a left from Cochran to Bower Hill, you know why there is a problem- the current timing pattern on those lights do little to help speed the flow of traffic on those primary roads. This is a clear contributor as to why people feel compelled to cut through the Mapleton corridor.

But those lights are not the controversy.

Instead, there is a debate about a series of turn restriction signs that would limit access to and from Bower Hill on a number of secondary streets. The Traffic Board has been working on this plan for at least the last couple years. The main focus is on Mapleton. It links Cedar with Bower Hill and is absent any traffic lights, provides steep slopes for cars to fly down, and has stop signs that many consider to be optional. Each resident on Mapleton can tell stories of near-misses or the inability to pull out of their driveway because of traffic. Several will tell you how they have been yelled at for parking in front of their own homes. In recent years these problems have only increased as more traffic comes from USC and Peters to meander through this area in the never-ending search to save a couple of minutes from their commute.

I was formally presented with a traffic calming plan several months ago. I found it to be unacceptable because I believed it would merely shift the traffic from Mapleton to Marlin Drive. I told the traffic engineer that I would not support it and suggested he develop options that would protect Marlin and perhaps Coolidge. A new plan was created.

In accordance with a campaign promise, I have been taking this plan door to door to both alert residents to its possibility and to solicit feedback. As one can imagine, there is a wide variety of responses. Many who hear of the possibility to cut a couple thousand cars from passing their homes each day are excited. There is another large percentage who are adamantly opposed to any such plan because of a fear that Mapleton's problem will become theirs. And there are those in the middle, who are skeptical but willing to try something as long as I keep my word to remove the signs if the problem was merely shifted to them. (The signs are incredibly cheap compared to the $220,000 spent on the traffic signals.)
Although I have received several much appreciated accolades from residents who were surprised to see a Commissioner at their door who is NOT running for office, I have also received some responses where the tone may be a bit harsh. Although I did not create this plan, as a person who has put himself in the public arena I expect and accept a certain degree of that. However, I have also become aware of harsh arguments between neighbors over this issue as well as some disparaging emails and incorrect flyers that have been circulating.

While I am very pleased that residents are looking to mobilize and participate on this issue, I hope that such a discussion can be done in a manner and tone that is appropriate and respectful of differing opinions. There is clear passion on both sides and I have little hope that my vote on this issue will meet with universal acclaim. This is not an enviable position. However, much like those supporters that have waited for years for the Commission to make a decision regarding the athletic fields or the pool, I believe we cannot pass the buck on this and that we owe people a vote.

Let me reassure you that I will not vote for a plan that I sincerely feel will merely shift traffic from one secondary street to another. If I hadn't raised a concern for Marlin a couple of months ago it is quite likely that a vote on this would have already occurred. I am very much aware that any plan would, at best, be a trade off between adding time for local traffic to enter and exit their own neighborhood versus eliminating a couple of thousand cars thought the area daily- and the impact and preference of both can be subjective.

As a volunteer firefighter I am very concerned with public safety. I am just as concerned for the children at the day care at the bottom of Mapleton as I am for the family that crosses the street on Coolidge. During the next couple weeks I will continue to come to your doors to discuss this issue. I urge you to continue to communicate with each other and the Commission. I promise to double my efforts to make sure this debate is conducted in a manner fitting of our community, and I will continue to document any and all feedback that I receive.

Sincerely,

Dan
www.danmillerward5.com

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Sunday, October 12, 2008

Section Of Bower Hill To Close For Repairs

Bower Hill Road between Mapleton Avenue and Cochran Road in Mt. Lebanon will be closed from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday and Tuesday because of street repair work.

The street surface will be removed on Monday and paved on Tuesday, the municipality said. Mt. Lebanon police are advising motorists to avoid that section of Bower Hill Road and find alternate routes, particularly during the morning rush hour.

Link: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_592894.html

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Saturday, October 11, 2008

Lebo Notes

Joe Polk has been posting up a storm here recently; I've been so busy that I've not only been mostly absent but also shut down my longer-standing blog, Pittsblog. Pittsburgh's Cupcake Class will have to find bloggish sustenance elsewhere.

Fall in Mt. Lebanon is usually accompanied by less blogging than usual. Kids are back in school, the days get shorter, national political passions run hotter. Mt. Lebanon seems more ordinary than usual, and that's fine. There's enough going on elsewhere that we don't need much local stress.

What have I not blogged about recently? There was a somewhat soggy First Friday on Washington Road a week ago. I assume that all went well nonetheless. I made it to a couple of First Fridays over the summer and was very impressed. So long as the weather cooperates, this is a great new Mt. Lebanon community tradition. Last weekend I did stroll through Art in the Park at Main Park (dog in tow). Among Lebo merchants, I was delighted to see Planet Art represented, as well as Bado's. Congrats to the organizers for arranging two days' worth of spectacular weather. I hope that all of the vendors sold lots of stuff - right before the markets scared everyone completely silly. I had an early, tasty (but wine-free) dinner at Iovino's on Tuesday evening. I was hosting an out-of-town guest who needed to make an evening plane at PIT, so the cafe was a perfect stop for a relaxed dinner on our way out of town. By the time we left, around 7 pm, the restaurant was mostly full.

People send in things to be posted at the blog. Lots of these are from PR firms looking for some sun. I delete most of them. A few are from local groups. Here's one:

Mt. Lebanon PTAs sponsor Flu Clinic

Mt. Lebanon PTAs are committed to helping our community stay healthy throughout the flu season. This is why PTA is partnering with Flu Busters, a leading provider of on-site vaccinations, and Novartis Vaccines to provide convenient access to flu vaccinations for students, parents, teachers, and other members of our community who choose to vaccinate.

For your convenience, Mt. Lebanon PTAs will be hosting a flu vaccination clinic in the Mt. Lebanon High School Auditorium Lobby (entrance A-3) for community members over six months of age. Thursday, October 30th 4 - 8 p.m. Cost per vaccination: $30 Medicaid and Medicare Part B will be accepted from those eligible. If your health insurance provides coverage for this vaccine, you can submit the cost to your carrier for reimbursement.

Reservations are recommended
There will be a very limited number of extra vaccines for walk-ins. For reservations, questions and the option to pre-pay, visit www.pta.org/FluShotClinics (click “schedule a flu shot appointment” at the bottom of the page) or call 1-866-782-3014.


David Huston got very excited about Braddock's new community oven, and he wonders: why not build a community oven here? Why not indeed? The only way to stay sane these days is to take the long view. Still, in the short run, it may not hurt a bit to know how to bake your own bread.

The leaves are starting to turn. Enjoy another glorious Fall weekend.

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Friday, October 10, 2008

Upcoming Candidate Forums

The Mt. Lebanon PTA Council, The League of Women Voters and Greater Pittsburgh Student Voices will be sponsoring two non-partisan forums this month. The dates/times are as follows:

Wednesday, October 22, 2008, 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Mt. Lebanon High School, Fine Arts Theater

37th State Senatorial District Candidates: John Pippy (R) and Amy Jude Schmotzer(D)

42nd State Legislative District Candidates: Matt Smith (D) James Blazeck (R)



Monday, October 27, 2008, 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Jefferson Elementary School Auditorium

18th U.S. Congressional District Candidates: Tim Murphy (R) and Steve O'Donnell (D)

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Lebo Oficials Bleach Soccer Balls To Fight MRSA

Mt. Lebanon recreation officials this week warned parents and doused equipment with bleach after a young soccer player contracted a drug-resistant staph infection.

One member of the municipality's preschool-to-second grade soccer league was diagnosed with MRSA on Wednesday, and rec officials believed the best response to prevent it from spreading to teammates was to wash all soccer balls in a bleach solution after each game.

Link: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_592701.html

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Thursday, October 09, 2008

Mt. Lebanon Vet Nears End Of Battle On Bonuses

Former Army Pfc. Jordan Fox, 21, of Mt. Lebanon is one signature away from ensuring the Defense Department never tries to get enlistment bonuses or other incentives back from combat-wounded soldiers.

While serving in Iraq, Fox suffered wounds to his back and was partially blinded in his right eye by a roadside bomb. A few weeks after the military gave him a medical discharge a year ago, he received a letter demanding that he repay about $5,000 of his $10,000 enlistment bonus because of his early departure from military service.

Link: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_592388.html

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'Tough Times' Stalls High-End Condo Project

Tough times in the financial market have made an impact on a proposed high-end condominium project in Mt. Lebanon, said developers. Zamagias Properties was granted a 12-month extension on its construction deadline by municipal commissioners last week, citing poor sales prospects.

"Until there is a market that is there for us, we're going to hold off," said Michael Heins, Zamagias chief financial office and Washington Park project manager. "There's not much we can do right now, other than let time take its course and let people get comfortable again [with the real estate market]."

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08283/918472-55.stm

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Lebo Students Named To Westinghouse Science Honors Institute

Thirteen Mt. Lebanon High School students were named to the Westinghouse Science Honors Institute:

Jillian Breit, Samantha Carl, Paige M. Carrigan, Richard Karp, Meera S. Lakhavani, Katherine Mashek, Carolyn Schoen, Monica Shah, Elias Stoever, Steven Turner, James T. Vento, Yuchen Yang, and Annika Zwirn.

WSHI is a program sponsored by Westinghouse Electric Company and Siemens Power Generation for high school juniors from Western Pennsylvania who demonstrate a strong interest in science and who are of high scholastic standing. Approximately 300 juniors are accepted into the program.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08283/918447-55.stm

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Ukrainian Librarians Check Out Lebo Resources

A group of Ukrainian librarians who toured the Mt. Lebanon Public Library recently were impressed with the resources available to library patrons. "I would like to see Ukrainian libraries equipped and financed like this," said Victoria Choch, a member of a Ukrainian library consortium. Choch was one of five librarians from the Ukraine who spent a week in the Pittsburgh area learning how American libraries function.

Link: www.thealmanac.net/ALM/Story/10-08-Ml-Library-visit-pix

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Lebo Teen Passionate About McCain-Palin Ticket

When Michael D'Orazio isn't doing homework or in goal for his Blue Devils JV hockey team, the Mount Lebanon freshman is getting out the vote.

At age 14, Michael cannot vote, and is not even old enough to be a card carrying member of the "Young Republicans," but the current presidential contest has fired up this young man's imagination, and he developing a passion for the process. "We're all Americans," Michael says, "And we should pick a candidate and vote - go out and vote."

Link: www.kdka.com/local/Young.republican.Michael.2.836676.html

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Officials Say 'Big Cuts' Needed To Hold Line

Mt. Lebanon commissioners want to offer employees a big bonus for ideas that would save the municipality money as it heads into a lean budget year.

Manager Stephen Feller recently warned the commissioners that unavoidable increases in costs -- rising utility bills, garbage collection costs and pre-negotiated salary hikes for city employees -- would add at least $1.3 million to next year's expenses. Revenue, on the other hand, likely won't increase.

Link: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/today/s_592042.html

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Saturday, October 04, 2008

3 Rivers Film Fesitval's South Hills Preview Party

The Denis Theatre Foundation and Pittsburgh Filmmakers invite you to attend a special South Hills Preview Party celebrating the 27th Annual 3 Rivers Film Festival.

When: Wednesday, October 29, 7 - 9pm

Where:
Molly Brannigan's
660 Washington Road
Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228

RSVP to www.denistheatre.org/FilmmakersEvent

Free Admission * Cash Bar * Giveaways

Special Thanks to Molly Brannigan's for providing complimentary hors d'oeuvres for all attendees

Three Rivers Film Festival

Clips from the Festival films will be shown to celebrate the renaissance of the Denis, the Pittsburgh Filmmakers organization and independent film in the Pittsburgh area.

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Friday, October 03, 2008

High School Renovation Moves Forward

After two weeks of delay, the Mt. Lebanon school board Thursday night chose P.J. Dick Inc. to manage a planned high school rehabilitation project that could cost as much as $130 million.

The West Mifflin-based construction management company will be responsible for overseeing one of five options for updating or replacing the aging Mt. Lebanon High School, beginning with refining cost estimates and timelines for each option, said Superintendent John Allison.

Link: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_591356.html

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Wednesday, October 01, 2008

My Advice to You is to Start Drinking Heavily

Such is the wisdom of Animal House, when things look absolutely darkest. The following event, therefore, may not have come at a better time. Brews Brothers on Mt. Lebanon Boulevard is celebrating Oktoberfest on October 11:


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