Education

06/02 2015

CitiPark Pools Open Tue 6/9; Expanded Swimming Opportunites For Youth

The City of Pittsburgh will open its 18 outdoor swimming pools on Tuesday, June 9, and launch an initiative to encourage children 15 years and younger to learn to swim and enjoy Citiparks aquatic facilities throughout the summer thanks to an innovative approach by Citiparks in response to Council's efforts to promote free swimming for low and moderate income families with children.
City residents 15 and younger who register at Citiparks Recreation Centers can swim for free all summer.

Only children presenting valid Recreation Center membership cards will receive free entry to the Citiparks pools; all others will need to pay daily admission or purchase a yearly pool tag.  To receive the free admission, a parent must register each child – who must be 15 years or younger and a resident of the City of Pittsburgh – at any of the Citiparks’ 10 Recreation Centers and then bring the membership card to the pool each day for entry. 

In addition, in 2015 the City will expand the opportunity for children ages 6 to 15 years old to receive free swimming instruction at all pools.

This summer Citiparks will offer free learn-to-swim classes at every pool location during a two-week period from June 22 – July 3 from 11 to 11:45 a.m. each weekday.  Spots are limited, so advance registration for this popular program is necessary.

Registration for free learn-to-swim classes will take place at each pool location.  Advance sale of pool tags and registration for classes will take place on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, from 1 – 6 p.m. and on Monday, June 8, from 4 – 8 p.m.

  • Hours of operation for the outdoor pools are weekdays 1 – 7:45 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 1 – 5:45 p.m.
  • Individuals can purchase pool tags for year-round admission to Citiparks outdoor pools and the Oliver Bath House, which operates in the off season.  Cost of pool tags for City residents:  $60 for family of four; $10 for each additional family member; $30 for adult (16 years and older); $20 for seniors (60 years and older); $15 for youth (3 – 15 years old); free for child (2 years and younger). Family passes for active duty military and disabled veteran residents are at no cost.  For non-City residents the cost is $45 for adult or youth.  Those interested in purchasing daily admission can do so at any pool beginning on June 9.  Cost is $3 for children ages 3 – 15 and $5 for individuals 16 and older.

Click here to read the original press release and more info

05/10 2015

Shakespeare Camp For Kids At Falk School – 6/22-26 or 6/29-7/3

Inline image 1Shakespeare Camp June 22 – 26
Falk Laboratory School and PICT Classic Theatre are excited to announce the second annual Shakespeare Camp. This year’s production is A Midsummer Nights Dream, one of Shakespeare’s much loved comedies.
The camp is being offered in two1-week sessions:
  • June 22nd – June 26th
  • June 29th – July 3rd
Each week-long session of the camp includes a wide range of activities, such as a “behind the scenes” field trip to The Charity Randall Theatre ensemble building, reading of the Bruce Coville storybook version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, “direct the actor” sessions, writing activities, kinesthetic activities including a Midsummer-themed tag game to be played in the gym, art activities, block play (including the creation of Midsummer “action figures”), and of course performance-based acting activities, including scenework and tableaux vivant.    PICT teaching artists will participate during activities over the course of each session of camp. The camp culminates in a performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream scheduled
for 1:00 PM on Friday June 26th, and Friday July 3rd.
If you would like to register your child for Shakespeare Camp, please visit the Family Access Portal and submit the Shakespeare Camp Registration Form by April 24th. The camp registration forms are located in the Camp Section of School Forms Online. Full payment is due by May 4th and should be sent in with your child or mailed to Falk, attention Tina Mattis. In the “memo” section of the check, please write “Shakespeare Camp” and your child’s name.
We will accept the first 20 campers who have submitted a completed registration form and made full payment.
Also, please submit the attached photo image permission form.
Detailed Information…
04/27 2015

2015 Pgh Penguins Foundation Scholarship Extended To Fri 5/15

The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation has extended the dealine for their 2015 scholarship application to Friday, May 15, 2015.  The scholarship program is for students who attend all Pittsburgh Public Schools and districts in outlying areas, including Allegheny County. The Foundation awards a maximum of 20 scholarships to students for the upcoming academic year.  A minimum of three scholarships are awarded to students from Pittsburgh Public Schools. High school seniors are chosen based on their academic achievement, community service, and participation in school activities.

Each Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation Scholarship is valued at $1,500 for the first year of a student’s college career. An additional $1,000 may be awarded for the student’s second year of college if a 3.0 GPA is maintained and a minimum of 24 credit hours are earned.

To view the application for the 2015 Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation Scholarship, please click here. 

Hard copies of scholarship applications are also available at, but not limited to, Jeron X. Grayson Community Center, Hill District Library, Hill House Association, Consensus Group, Thelma Lovette YMCA.

For information about the Foundation and other scholarships, please click here.

04/04 2015

CANCELLED – Community Orchard Maintenance Workshop – Sat 5/16 10am 3213 Parkview Ave

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED​​

Tree Pittsburgh is helping the Oakland Green Team educate and prepare residents about fruit tree maintenance to ensure this community orchard in South Oakland is sustainable and successful. Saturday, May 16 at 10:00 am Tree Pittsburgh will lead a pruning and maintenance workshop at the orchard; 3213 Parkview Avenue, all are welcome.
​Click to view original post about this event​
03/30 2015

2015 Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation actively assists western Pennsylvania high school seniors in their pursuit of academic achievement by offering scholarships, which includes one Bob Johnson Memorial Scholarship and a maximum of 20 Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation Scholarships annually. In addition, the Penguins Alumni Association sponsors a scholarship for local students who play hockey. All three scholarships for the 2014-15 academic year will be available in February 2015.
Click here for more info and applications

03/20 2015

Mayor Peduto Makes Nominations to City Boards, Commissions and Authorities

Mayor William Peduto sent 36 nominations for seats on City boards, commissions and authorities to Pittsburgh City Council today.
The nominations will be officially introduced at the regular meeting of council Tuesday. Some, but not all, will be subject to council interviews and votes.
Click here to read the full press release and the full list of nominations.
03/19 2015

East End Food Coop Events

East End Food Co-op
For more Coop info goto:
http://www.eastendfood.coop/co-op
Winter-Gardening
Wednesday, March 25th, 6:30 PM
Cold Weather Vegetables and Herbs
Bob Madden, Garden Dreams Urban Farm and Nursery
Carnegie Library of Homewood
Spring is officially here! It’s time to get out and garden. Bob Madden of Garden Dreams will arm you with all of the information you’ll need to start your garden with confidence—no prior experience required! It may be chilly out, but these colder spring months are a great time to grow hardy vegetable and herb varieties. This workshop will introduce methods of season extension to help you time your planting efforts to yield the largest and healthiest possible yield.
This event is FREE; just call 412-242-3598
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Wednesday, April 8th, 6:30 PM
Getting to Know Garden Herbs
Bob Madden, Garden Dreams Urban Farm & Nursery
Carnegie Library of Homewood
Add some excitement to your gardening—and cooking—repertoire this season with fresh herbs! Join Bob Madden of Garden Dreams Urban Farm & Nursery for the second installment of his three-part springtime gardening workshop and get to know garden herbs. We will learn how to plant, maintain, and harvest several popular herb varieties and will discuss some basic troubleshooting techniques. Most herbs grow happily in pots and window boxes, so don’t let the lack of a garden bed keep you from joining in the fun!
This event is FREE; just call 412-242-3598 to reserve your spot!
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Saturday, April 11th, 2 PM
Hunger & Poverty Simulation
Katy Millins and Julie Rusin, Pitt FeelGood
Carnegie Library of Homewood
What does hunger look like? How do global poverty and food insecurity perpetuate one another? What can we do to end hunger and poverty in our lifetime? The University of Pittsburgh’s chapter of the national FeelGood organization is committed to finding answers to these questions and wants you to join in the conversation. Julie Rusin and Katy Millins will facilitate an interactive simulation to help illuminate the systemic causes of global hunger and poverty and start a dialogue about the need for sustainable development.
This event is FREE; just call 412-242-3598 to reserve your spot!
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Wednesday, April 15th, 6:30 PM
Illegal Dumping: Pittsburgh’s Dirty Little Secret
Myrna Newman, Allegheny CleanWays
Carnegie Library of Homewood
Pittsburgh has been named the Most Livable City six times since 2000. We also pride ourselves on being one of the greenest cities. There is another side of Pittsburgh that we don’t talk much about—the pockets of blight scattered throughout the hillsides and along our lovely rivers. Myrna Newman will discuss a particular type of blight: illegal dumping. Join us to learn about the environmental, social, economic, and health costs associated with illegal dumping and how you can help Allegheny CleanWays reverse the damage.
This event is FREE; just call 412-242-3598 to reserve your spot!
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Wednesday, April 22nd 6:30 PM
Intro to Organic Gardening
Bob Madden, Garden Dreams Urban Farm & Nursery
Carnegie Library of Homewood
Calling all beginner and budding gardeners: would you like to have a bounty of fresh and healthy produce at your doorstep this summer? This workshop will cover all the basic skills and methods you need to know to start digging in. Experienced urban farmer and garden educator Bob Madden will discuss layout, soil management, planting, watering, weeding, and of course, growing and harvesting some of your favorite veggies. Bob will answer your questions about gardening, and help you prepare to get growing.
This event is FREE; just call 412-242-3598 to reserve your spot!
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Wednesday, April 29th, 7:00 PM
Cookbook Club
East End Food Co-op
Café Seating Area
Do you spend hours perusing the cookbook section of your library, scrolling endlessly through food-centric Pinterest boards, and collecting recipes from friends and family? You are not alone! Connect with other local food lovers as we dive into some of our favorite cookbooks. Our Co-op welcomes gourmands and novice cooks alike to join us for the inaugural meeting of our Cookbook Club. We will brainstorm how the club should work and share homemade snacks, potluck style. Bring your ideas and a dish (along with a list of its ingredients) to share!
This event is FREE, but reservations are required. Call 412-242-3598 to reserve your spot!
03/13 2015

Community Mtg On Central Catholic STEM Bldg Construction – THIS Wed 3/18 6:30p

pdf icon 150312-STEM-Flyer.pdf

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Notice Of Community Meeting
Wednesday March 18, 6:30pm at Central Catholic Library
Central Catholic High School is planning on constructing a new S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Building expansion to its 4720 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA campus.
You are cordially invited to attend this community meeting.
Community groups, school representatives, City of Pittsburgh District 8 representatives and planners will be present to answer your questions.
03/11 2015

Phipps Conseratory Receives Global Award For Center For Sustainable Landscapes

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Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens announced that it has received the 2014 Global Best Project Award in the Green Project category from Engineering News Record (ENR) for the Center for Sustainable Landscapes (CSL). This competition was established to honor and identify project teams behind outstanding design and construction efforts across the globe, and the CSL is one of only 20 such projects worldwide, and one of only two in the U.S., to win an award.

Click here to read the full press release
Click here to see the webpage for CSL
02/18 2015

Research Survey On Why People Do And Don’t Garden In South Oakland

​In order to better understand the food gardening habits and barriers to gardening in South Oakland, research is being conducted as part of a community-based project through the University of Pittsburgh Honors College to understand gardening habits in South Oakland to determine why people do, and don’t garden. If barriers are identified, this project aims to connect residents to gardening resources. We are asking residents to fill out a 5 minute anonymous survey (link below and available on SouthOaklandPgh.org). Thank you for your time and consideration!

In the very near future, in-person surveys (approx 15 min) will be taken of both avid gardeners, at Frazier Farms, home gardens or otherwise, and those who don’t, and why for more in depth analysis.  The surveys should be done by March 10th, but may extend a few weeks if not enough surveys are completed.  The data analysis and report will be done by the end of April. If the results clearly identify a problem that could be addressed, the student will try to coordinate an event or program sometime in May to try and help people in the community who need help to start gardening!

If you know anyone that is interested in participating please use the link below, or have them contact SONG,​either call or text  or print out the attached flyers to hand out.

Thanks!
Click here to take the survey​

Central Page with Research Project Links

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pdf icon GardenFlyer2015.pdf

02/13 2015

Arborist/Tree Care Course – 2/20

4-Day Arborist Course

February 20, 2015

Sat., Feb. 20 – The Penn State Extension is hosting a 4-Day Arborist Short Course in the basics of arboriculture (tree care), including tree biology, tree risk assessment, tree planting, and other topics.  This course is designed to increase working tree knowledge, professional arborist skills, and prepare you for the ISA Certified Arborist Exam, which should improve your marketability. Info and registration: Click here

02/13 2015

Update on Hydroponics Project

Central Page with Research Project Links

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UPDATE 2/18/15

The hydroponics workshop will be 3-4pm Sunday 2/22 at Frazier Fieldhouse.

pdf icon Workshop Flyer
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Update:  With some work on actual installations now done, and since there probably aren’t many “ideal” windows in South Oakland, the specs and guidelines have changed a bit for site installations.  There will be fluorescent lights on all installations, and the size has been significantly reduced.

For anyone that was interested in hosting a hydroponics installation, but didn’t contact us yet, here’s a few pictures of the 2.5’x6′ system and a CAD sketch of the 22″x32″ system that’s going into two locations so far:

The first two are the same system in progress, planned to have three channels, each with 5 plants in it. The PVC pipes above are for holding lights not shown in pic.

​Click here to read original post​

 

 
The third picture is a much smaller installation with four U-shaped tiers and a vertical post that will hold two fluorescent tube lights. 
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02/04 2015

Civic Leadership Academy Applications – Due Feb 20

pdf icon CLA-Spring-2015-Application.pdf

Inline image 2Applications for the Spring 2015 Civic Leadership Academy are now available!  The Civic Leadership Academy is a free 10 week course in local government that gives residents an opportunity to connect with and learn from Department Directors and their staff.  All Pittsburgh residents over the age of 18 are eligible to apply.  Just like the Fall class, we will be reserving up to 15 seats for New Americans as part of the Mayor's Welcoming Pittsburgh Initiative.    

For more information and apply online: