From District 7 Councilman Patrick Dowd:
If you are interested in adding value to your home or storefront, but don’t know where to start, then read on.
The District 7 office will be hosting its second Home Improvement Workshop, where residents can learn about property design, property renovation, City of Pittsburgh services, local neighborhood groups, and other resources for making lasting improvements to their home or storefront.
The workshop, which will be held on Saturday, February 23rd from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the West Penn Hospital Winter Garden Room, will feature presentations and information tables on a wide range of topics. Volunteer architects, landscape architects, and interior design consultants will be available for brief one-on-one renovation consultations facilitated through the Design Center.
If you are interested in the one-on-one consultation, you will need to register at Councilman Dowd’s District 7 office by February 19th by callling 412/255-2140 or via e-mail at district7@pittsburghpa.gov.
About the Ateleta Women's Society
It is an Italian Heritage Organization that connects individuals to their roots in Ateleta, Abruzzo, Italy. The organization also promotes Italian Culture in America. It links the Ateleta Women with other Italian cultural groups, individuals, and experiences as well as promoting Italian/American governmental interactions. Anyone interested in joining or learning more about the organization, please call Dr. Karen Cercone at 412/882-1343.
The Ateleta Women's Society Board Meeting
The Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 20th, 2012 at 6:30 PM at the Panera Bread and Bakery Cafe located on Centre Avenue in Shadyside.
There will be NO BLOCKWATCH MEETING for the month of June, 2012. The Bloomfield Citizens Council will resume their monthly Community/Blockwatch meeting on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the Immaculate Conception Social Hall.
Zone 5 Police Commander Timothy O'Connor and Officer Michael Gay will be on hand to present the latest Crime Statistics and hear about any issues in the Bloomfield Community. Mark your calendars and come to hear all the News About Town!
On Tuesday, May 7 PA Museums will join forces with Citizens for the Arts in Pennsylvania and other advocacy groups in Harrisburg to encourage Pennsylvania's lawmakers to support museums and other educational and cultural assets in the Commonwealth.
PA Museums has been working in partnership with this Arts and Culture Coalition for over a year, and it's time for our members and friends in the museum and heritage communities to join us in the real work of advocating for museum funding in the state budget. The Coalition will be advocating that the Pennsylvania General Assembly:
* Pass a budget that includes $8.179 million for grants to the arts and $913,000 for the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.
* Pass a budget that includes $18.474 million for general government operations for the Pennsylvania Historical and Museums Commission (PHMC) and restore funding to the level of $9.6 million for general operations support grants through PHMC for organizations that do not receive general operating support grants from other state agencies (i.e. PCA, DCED, DCNR, etc.).
* Reinstate the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Arts, a summer pre-professional training program for high school students entering their junior or senior year.
* Restore funding to the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for Tourism Marketing for Accredited Zoos.
* Maintain an revisit Tax Credit Programs:
o The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) continues to include arts and culture as part of the Educational Improvement Organizations and continues to be funded at $100 million.
o Uncap the Film Production Tax Credit Program (FPTC).
* Continue to provide funding for the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) and continue to include assistance to arts and cultural organizations for "shovel ready" projects.
* Review the Pennsylvania Arts Education Network's Policy Agenda (see attached) and give consideration to the items with a statewide focus.
Please contact us if you can join us on May 7 to visit legislators' offices in the Capitol. All are welcome!
Future PA Museums Conference Locations
PA Museums Annual Statewide Museum Conference, 2015, 2016
Would you like to be a host museum for a statewide museum conference? Please let us know if your organization would like to be considered for 2015 or 2016.
As a statewide organization, PA Museums holds its annual conference in a different place almost every year. While we know this makes travel difficult for some of our members, we have always tried to distribute the burdens and benefits of our conference.
Planning is already underway for our 2014 conference in Pittsburgh, and we hope you plan to join us.
Just in time for the first dandelions and second mowing, we discovered a new museum in Pennsylvania this week, the Mascaro-Steiniger Turfgrass Museum!
The National Canal Museum and the Delaware and Lehigh Heritage Corridor are merging.
The AP reported that the PA Railroad Museum in Lancaster County was about to embark on an ambitious project. Here's the story as it appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle.
The Pittsburgh Tribune published this about upcoming tapestry preservation at The Frick Art and Historical Center.
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Race week is finally here! You've trained for months and are now only days away from the largest Cinco de Mayo party this side of the Rio Grande.
To help hold you over until race weekend kicks off, we are pleased to offer the 2013 virtual goody bag. In the bag, you will find an array of valuable information including exclusive offers, coupons, giveaways and messages from our partners.
Ferlo Lauds Approval of Highmark, West Penn Allegheny Affiliation
Harrisburg, April 29, 2013 –Senator Jim Ferlo (D-Pittsburgh) applauded the formal approval by Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Consedine of the affiliation between Highmark and West Penn Allegheny Health System today.
“After a deliberate and thorough review, I am pleased to hear the news of the approval of the transactional filing between Highmark and West Penn Allegheny Health System. I congratulate Commissioner Consedine and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department for their due diligence in this process. This long-awaited affiliation creates a stable integrated delivery network (IDN) which will better serve the community we live in,” Ferlo remarked.
A significant benefit to the transaction includes the preservation of the West Penn Hospital in Bloomfield. Workers and patients concerned over the fate of the hospital should now rest assured of its continued service. The outcome of the hospital was called into question last year when the Highmark and West Penn Allegheny merger effort ended. The affiliation agreement protects and preserves 12,000 jobs and will expand vital services. Senator Ferlo represents the area where West Penn, Allegheny Valley, and Allegheny General Hospitals serve.
“The affiliation agreement is a victory for the Western Pennsylvania health care market place,” Senator Ferlo said. “Patients, WPAHS employees, and the area’s residents will benefit from the improvements in the health care industry which will stem from this agreement. Furthermore, I encourage the local communities to stay active in providing ongoing input into the health care needs of the region,” added Ferlo.
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department also outlined key conditions which they will monitor into the future in order to protect consumers, the public, and community hospitals. Some of those concerns include: promoting continued competition in the region, monitoring the impact of the affiliation on the community, limiting adverse competitive effects on insurers and providers, requiring Highmark’s continued commitment to community and charitable endeavors, and providing transparency. The Insurance Department reiterated their commitment to the affiliation and pledged their continued involvement in overseeing the integrated delivery network.
“I am grateful, in particular, to the Insurance Department for outlining positive conditions for the affiliation agreement. Identifying and delineating these concerns will help keep the organizations accountable and safeguard the health care marketplace,” Ferlo detailed.
Senator Ferlo has been a leader in convening individuals who have taken a critical role in advocating for the affiliation. An ad hoc group known as the Community Collaborative Stakeholders, of which Senator Ferlo is a founding member, is a citizen-based organization which has effectively engaged elected officials, and taken numerous actions to advance the affiliation; from attending hearings and writing letters, to participating in pickets and organizing marches.
“I am proud that the Stakeholders have been steadfast in their efforts to make sure that the decision-makers in this process receive essential feedback into the needs of local communities. I encourage all those who have gotten involved in this development to continue their work into the future,” Ferlo remarked.
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State Senator Jim Ferlo is a Democrat representing the 38th Senatorial District comprised of parts of the City of Pittsburgh, Armstrong, and Westmoreland Counties. Senator Ferlo serves constituents in two district offices; one in Lawrenceville and one in Natrona Heights. For more information, visit www.senatorferlo.com
Offices to Serve You
PITTSBURGH OFFICE
3519 Butler Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Phone: (412) 621-3006
Fax: (412) 621-0373
NATRONA HEIGHTS OFFICE
1633 Pacific Avenue
Natrona Heights, PA 15065
Phone: (724) 230-2000
Fax: (724) 230-2003
In the wake of the Boston Marathon tragedy that occurred last week, we know that participants, volunteers and spectators have many questions about safety measures for the DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon events next weekend.
First and foremost, safety is and always has been a top priority for the DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. We work year-round with city safety officials to plan a safe and fun experience for everyone involved.
We have added a few safety measures and continue to revisit our security plans. Most of all, we want everyone to be able to focus on running a great race, cheering on family, friends and loved ones, and experiencing our great city.
To help ensure a safe race experience:
All runners will receive a clear, plastic gear check bag at packet pickup. Any gear checked for the race must be placed in the clear plastic bag. As always, all gear must be checked prior to the start of the race.
All participant start line corrals will be runner-only areas, and participants must have their official race numbers to enter. Spectators are not permitted in the start line corrals, but may view the start of the race beginning at Liberty Avenue and Seventh Street, one block from the start line.
No large bags will be permitted inside the start line corrals or finish line perimeter. Fuel belts or camelbacks will be allowed for participants, but may be subject to inspection.
To help law enforcement monitor the area, we ask that spectators and volunteers avoid bringing large bags or backpacks with them on race day, and they may be subject to inspection. If you do bring smaller personal belongings with you, please keep an eye on them and don't leave them unattended.
Participants should arrive early to allow ample time for gear check and entering the start line corrals before the race begins.
Please review the complete listing of our Race Weekend Guidelines. We look forward to seeing you on race weekend.
Learn the research techniques and resources to trace your family's roots as part of a special workshop series presented by the History Center.
Finding Your Family's Story: Genealogy & The Rauh Jewish Archives Sunday, February 17, 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Click here for more information
African Americans: From Slavery to Freedom
Saturday, February 23, 1 - 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Click here for more information
Storia della Famiglia: An Italian Genealogy Workshop
Sunday, February 24, noon - 4 p.m. Cost: Free with museum admission Click here for more information
History of Bloomfield Dedication Ceremony
Raymond Fern, Loved by Family and Friends, Respected by Peers
Raymond Fern was a veteran’s veteran. He served in the United States Air Force, doing a tour of duty in Korea through 1953. After his service in Korea, Ray received an honorable discharge from the Air Force as a Sergeant. He always would tell anyone who would listen that Korea was the “coldest place he had ever been to”. For fifty-nine years his loyalty and dedication to his fellow comrades continued. A great portion of his time was spent at the local Veteran’s Administration Hospitals, where he amassed over 15,000 volunteer hours. In a relentless manner, he served those who had lost their health – the hospitalized veteran – with the motto “Keep ‘em smiling in beds of white”.
In 2006, Ray Fern became the International Supreme Commander of the United States Military Order of the Cootie (MOC), which is the Honor Degree of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and was honored at a banquet in a room packed full of dignitaries and colleagues from twenty-two states across America as well as having speakers such as Past Commander-in-Chief Jim Goldsmith, Major Ronald Dickens, USAF (RET), and Jim Dykes representing Senator Jane Orie. He was the only Pittsburgher ever to achieve this status in the then Cootie 87-year history.
Ray became a member of the Jene-Mager VFW Post 278 in Bloomfield in 1984. He amassed exceptional achievements attained by hard work and personal sacrifice that resulted in Fern’s prestigious rise through the ranks, including being named as Outstanding Commander and All American Commander for each of the offices he held. He was also awarded the distinction of being 100% as Post Commander, County Commander, and District Commander.
Ray was invited to join the MOC in 1989 and became a Life Member in 1993. Again, his support of all fellow veterans became the most important factor while he rose through the ranks culminating in being elected as International Supreme Commander, MOC in 2006. He was named as the All*Star Grand Commander of Pennsylvania in 2000 and was awarded the coveted Pennsylvania Cootie of the Year Award in 2002. From 2000 to 2012 Fern was the Editor of the MOC newspaper, Cootie Courier.
Ray held membership as Chairman/Commissioner of the Keystone Kops Program, Commissioner in the National Home Fire Department, Life Member in the Texas Horny Toads, Life Member in the Department of Europe Bier Busters, Life Member in the Pacific Areas Paddy Daddy Program, and was a very proud recipient of the 2004 Legion of Honor Award received from The Chapel of Four Chaplains. He was also a member of the Korean War Veterans (Life Member), American Legion, Merchant Marines, Knights of Equity, Loyal Order of the Eagles, Catholic War Veterans, and a 32nd Degree Mason.
Ray served on the Board of Directors of the Bloomfield Preservation & Heritage Society, served on several committees of the Bloomfield Citizens Council, and has received Distinguished Service Awards from them for his patriotism. From 1997 to 2006, he also served on the Board of Directors for Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall. He previously served as Hospital Chairman for Sharing and Caring, Pittsburgh.
Ray was also honored by his home town by having City Council Member Bill Peduto and Mayor Luke Ravenstahl declare October 31, 2006 as “Ray Fern Day in Pittsburgh”. Ray served the City of Pittsburgh as a Constable from 1995-1998. He belonged to St. Maria Goretti Roman Catholic Church Parish (formerly Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Parish), where he served as an usher.
In all of America, Fern’s brightest light shines in the eyes of the Veterans he served and the family he loved so very dearly, his wife Patti Donatelli Fern, his daughter Ilona Fern Grenzig, and son-in-law Bill Grenzig, and grandson Matthew. Ray was the son of the late Winifred Fern and was preceded in death by four brothers and three sisters. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Wednesday and Thursday, November 14-15, 2012 at Zalewski’s Funeral Home, 216 Forty-fourth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201. Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated by Fr. Doug Boyd, will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, November 16, 2012 at St. Maria Goretti Parish, Friendship Campus (formerly Immaculate Conception Church).
