June 5, 2023 OCDEL Invites Families to Participate in Free Professional Photo Session The Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems (ECCS) Team at the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) invites pregnant and parenting families of children birth to age six to participate in a free professional photo session. Each participating family will receive a stipend of $150 and associated travel/mileage reimbursement for completing the approximately one-hour photoshoot. Families will also receive copies of their photos. About Photo Sessions Why is OCDEL providing this opportunity? Photos of Pennsylvania children and their families play an instrumental role in conveying the importance of high-quality maternal and early childhood services in Pennsylvania. Additionally, they aid in outreach to families, professionals, legislators, business leaders, and other partners throughout the state. By capturing photos of Pennsylvania families, OCDEL can better serve and advocate for them and the care of their children. How will OCDEL use the photos? OCDEL may use the photos for: advertising (i.e. television, online, billboard, and print) social media printed displays and materials, such as annual reports, PowerPoint presentations, etc. In using the photos, OCDEL will never share the names and locations of the families included in them. Who can participate in the photo sessions? All Pennsylvania families with children age six and younger are invited to participate, including those who reflect the diversity of Pennsylvania’s population. OCDEL would like to represent differences in identity such as: race ethnicity gender gender identity sexual orientation age disability geographic location across the Commonwealth Siblings and grandparents are welcome and highly encouraged to participate, too. Why should families participate? Each participating family will receive electronic access to the professionally produced photos of their family taken during the photo session. They will be able to: download and save the photos print them share them on their social media accounts (i.e. Facebook or Instagram) email them to family and friends Additionally, each participating family will receive a stipend of $150 for completing the approximately 1-hour photoshoot. Also, mileage reimbursement will be provided at a rate of 65.5 cents per mile. ECCS is also able to reimburse other modes of transportation utilized to get to the photo session location, such as public transportation, Uber, or Lyft with receipts. ECCS will also reimburse tolls with receipts. Where will photo sessions be held? The ECCS team will host photo sessions: June 27 in King of Prussia, Montgomery County July 17 in Cranberry Township, Butler County July 19 in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County July 25 in Harrisburg, Dauphin County How can families sign-up to participate? If you would like to participate, please complete the online registration form no later than June 15. There is no cost to participate with the ECCS photo session. However, space is limited and registration is required. Learn More To learn more, visit the Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children website. For questions, please contact Sadia Batool at c-sabatool@pa.gov.
May 30, 2023 LDA of PA Offering Free Reading Tutoring to Children in Hill District The Learning Disabilities Association of Pennsylvania (LDA of PA) is offering free reading tutoring to pre-k and kindergarten students living in the Hill District. Tutoring takes place every Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Hill District Carnegie Library on Centre Avenue. About Free Reading Tutoring Free tutoring will help students with: Print awareness Phonological awareness Phonemic awareness Alphabetic principle Sound mastery Phonics Vocabulary High frequency/trick words Fluency Comprehension strategies Handwriting Spelling Punctuation Learn More Snacks are provided during tutoring sessions. Interested individuals with children who may benefit from free reading tutoring should email tutoring@ldaofpa.org or call 412.212.708 to enroll their child. To learn more, view the flyer or visit the LDA of PA website.
May 22, 2023 CitiParks Announces Summer Activity Schedules for Concerts, Movies, and More The City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks & Recreation (CitiParks) Office of Special Events has announced its 2023 Summer Concert Series, 2023 Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park, and 2023 Farmers Market schedules. 2023 Summer Concert Series Three concert series will feature 22 events free to the public, including a July 9 performance by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. “Stars at Riverview” Series “Stars at Riverview” will once again bring local artists to Riverview Park on Saturday evenings throughout the entire summer. Concert-goers are invited to bring a lawn chair or spread a blanket on Observatory Hill for incredible musical entertainment sponsored by the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD). Each week concerts will be followed by a showing of “Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park”. This series will take place each Saturday between June 10 an August 26, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at Riverview Park on Observatory Hill. Performances are as follows: June 10: Trio Nova June 17: Charelle Unique & Soul Drip June 24: Ken Karsh Trio July 1: Louie Castle & the Rooks July 8: Lee Robinson & ISKA July 15: Roger Humphries & the R.H. Factor Band July 22: R.E.D. Experience July 29: Rick Finkelstein August 5: Ronni Weiss & Friends August 12: Thomas Wendt Quartet August 19: Steel City Calypso August 26: NASH.V.ILL “Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch” Series “Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch” is a fan-favorite that entertains among the gardens of Mellon Park. Presented with support from WQED-FM 89.3, attendees can satisfy their appetite for classical music on Sunday mornings, accompanied by a “Best Brunch” competition during intermission. Join to celebrate 50 years of WQED along with a return of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to the program. This series will take place each Sunday between June 25 and July 30, from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Mellon Park on Fifth and Shady Avenues. Performances are as follows: June 25: Munhall Community Band July 2: KleZlectic July 9: Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra July 16: Allegheny Brass Band July 23: North Pittsburgh Symphonic Band July 30: NEW – Local Artist Showcase “Reservoir of Jazz” Series Jazz enthusiasts can relax on the lawn at Highland Park to the sounds of performances by Pittsburgh’s finest musicians during the ever-popular “Reservoir of Jazz” series. This series is supported by the Highland Park Community Council and the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD). This series will take place each Sunday between August 6 – 27, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Highland Park on Highland Avenue and Reservoir Drive. Performances are as follows: August 6: Roger Humphries & the R.H. Factor Band August 13: Deanna Witkowski Trio August 20: MCG Jazz presents Aurora August 27: Reggie Watkins Quartet Learn More For more information and complete event schedules, visit pittsburghpa.gov/events. In case of inclement weather or event cancellation, follow @PghEventsOffice on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates throughout the summer. 2023 Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park In July and August, return to your favorite weekly movie location for Cinema in the Park. The 2023 schedule includes contemporary box office hits such as “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” and “Lightyear”, while also offering classic titles including “Matilda” and “Jaws”. All movies are presented to the public free of charge and begin at dusk. Schenley Park – Schenley Plaza Movies at this venue are presented in partnership with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy every Sunday between July 2 and August 27. Showings are as follows: July 2: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG) July 9: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13) July 16: Matilda (PG) July 23: DC League of Super-Pets (PG) July 30: Shrek (PG) August 6: Turning Red (PG) August 13: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (PG) August 20: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG) August 27: Sunset Boulevard (1950) (not rated) West End Overlook – Rue Grande Vue Street Movies at this venue will take place Monday, July 3 and Monday, July 31. Showings are as follows: July 3: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG) July 31: Shrek (PG) Banksville Park – Crane Avenue Movies at this venue are presented in partnership with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy on Monday, July 10, and Monday, August 7. Showings are as follows: July 10: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13) August 7: Turning Red (PG) McBride Park – McBride Street Movies at this venue will take place Monday, July 17 and Monday, August 14. Showings are as follows: July 17: Matilda (PG) August 14: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (PG) Highland Park – Reservoir Drive Movies at this venue are presented in partnership with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy on Monday, July 24, and Monday, August 21. Showings are as follows: July 24: DC League of Super-Pets (PG) August 21: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG) Ormsby Park – S. 22nd Street Movies at this venue will take place Tuesdays between July 11 and 25, and August 8 and 22. Showings are as follows: July 11: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13) July 25: DC League of Super-Pets (PG) August 8: Turning Red (PG) August 22: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG) Schenley Park – Flagstaff Hill Movies at this venue will take place each Wednesday between July 12 and August 30. Showings are as follows: July 12: Top Gun (1986) (PG-13) July 19: School of Rock (PG-13) July 26: Batman (1989) (PG-13) August 2: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (PG-13) August 9: The Batman (PG-13) August 16: Back to the Future (PG) August 23: Cave Rescue (PG-13) August 30: Cool Hand Luke (PG) Brookline Memorial Park – Oakridge Street Movies at this venue will take place Thursdays between July 6 and 20, and August 3 and 17. Showings are as follows: July 6: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG) July 20: Matilda (PG) August 3: Shrek (PG) August 17: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (PG) Arsenal Park – 40th St. at Davison St Movies at this venue will take place Fridays between July 14 and 28, and August 11 and 25. Showings are as follows: July 14: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13) July 28: DC League of Super-Pets (PG) August 11: Turning Red (PG) August 25: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG) Grandview Park – Bailey Avenue Movies at this venue will take place each Saturday between July 1 and August 26. Showings are as follows: July 1: The Incredibles (PG) July 8: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG) July 15: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13) July 22: Matilda (PG) July 29: DC League of Super-Pets (PG) August 5: Shrek (PG) August 12: Turning Red (PG) August 19: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (PG) August 26: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG) Riverview Park – Observatory Hill Movies at this venue will take place each Saturday between July 1 and August 26. Showings are as follows: July 1: Jaws (PG) July 8: Fall (PG-13) July 15: Top Gun (1986) (PG-13) July 22: School of Rock (PG-13) July 29: Batman (1989) (PG-13) August 5: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (PG-13) August 12: The Batman (PG-13) August 19: Back to the Future (PG) August 26: Cave Rescue (PG-13) Learn More Cinema in the Park is presented by Dollar Bank with 100.7 Star serving as media partner. 2023 Farmers Market All markets sell farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, and baked goods, while several locations also sell flowers, small gifts, and hot prepared foods to go. The Squirrel Hill Market opens one week early, with a special market on Sunday, May 14 to celebrate Mother’s Day. This special day at our Squirrel Hill Market will include a photo booth and a Mother’s Day Card crafting table for kids. Normal market operations begin Sunday, May 21, and will run through November 20. 2023 Market Locations & Schedule The 2023 market locations and schedule are as follows: Sundays: Squirrel Hill, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Beacon/Bartlett parking lot May 14 – November 19 Mondays: East End, 3 – 7 p.m. Liberty Green Park, Larimer Ave. May 22 – November 20 Wednesdays: Carrick, 3 – 7 p.m. Carrick Dairy District, 1529 Brownsville Rd. May 24 – November 15 Fridays: North Side, 3 – 7 p.m. Allegheny Commons Park, East Ohio St. & Cedar Ave. May 26 – November 17 Learn More All four CitiParks Farmers Markets accept food stamps (SNAP), and credit and debit cards as part of Just Harvest’s Fresh Access program. SNAP shoppers can get fresh, nutritious, and locally-grown food, including produce, meat, dairy, bread and baked goods, produce plants, seeds, and honey. (Hot prepared food items, alcohol, and non-food items are not eligible for SNAP purchases.) Food Bucks give Fresh Access food stamp shoppers extra money to spend on fruits and veggies. For every $5 spent on food stamps, receive an extra $2 to spend on produce. For more information, visit justharvest.org/fresh-access This year, the East End Market will feature a booth operated by Catapult who will rotate through new food entrepreneurs as part of their food business incubator program. 25 Carrick will provide entertainment for the Carrick Market with DJs from their youth apprenticeship program. CitiParks is also excited to help foster the next generation of up-and-coming young farmers and budding Pittsburgh urban growers with a shared communal stand at the Squirrel Hill Market. One additional surprise for this year’s Markets is an original oil painting by local artist Marlon Gist, commissioned by the City. Marlon’s painting captures the colorful spirit of Farmers Markets, and; his artwork will be on display during opening week at all 4 Markets.
April 12, 2023 Allegheny County Conservation District to Offer Free Soil Lead Screenings In partnership with Grow Pittsburgh, the Allegheny County Conservation District (ACCD) will offer free soil lead screenings to interested county residents from April 19 – April 22. About Soil Lead Screening Contaminants are common in urban soil and can be hazardous to health when ingested or inhaled. With increased interest in backyard gardening, revitalization of vacant lot space, community green space, and play yard construction, residents in Allegheny County may come into greater contact with soil. Soil testing can establish risk of exposure to contaminants in soil and lead to risk reduction. Participate in Soil Lead Screening To participate in the free soil lead screening: Register for the free soil lead screening on Eventbrite at ACCDSoilScreenSpring23.eventbrite.com. Registration is required. Confirm your registration when contacted by ACCD and receive detailed instructions on how to collect, label, and drop off your soil samples. Collect and label your soil samples. Drop off your soil samples at any of the following locations: East End: Garden Resource Center, 147 Putnam Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Open: Wednesday and Friday | 3 – 7 p.m.; Saturday | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. South Side: ACCD Office @ The Highline, 317 E Carson Street, Suite 199, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Open: Wednesday – Friday | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Central: Phipps Conservatory, 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Open: Friday | 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. North Side: Food for the Soul Community Urban Farm, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Open: Wednesday – Saturday | 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. West End: Farmer Girl Eb, 1 Noblestown Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220 Wednesday – Friday | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Receive your results. Results will be sent within two weeks along with information to help you understand and act on your results. Learn More To learn more, visit the Soil Lead Screening Eventbrite page, view the event flyer, or contact Hayly Hoch at hhoch@accdpa.org or 412-241-7645 ext. 8009 with questions.
April 11, 2023 PA Department of Health Gauging Interest in Free Cleansing Device The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) is currently evaluating air and surface cleaning devices and asking small businesses, nonprofits, child care providers, and similar organizations to express their interest in receiving such a device free of charge. About DOH Cleansing Devices These cleaning devices can eliminate viruses, bacteria, mold, and other pathogens from air and surfaces simultaneously. Free standing or wall-mounted, they utilize a standard outlet for power. If funding is approved, DOH will purchase and distribute the devices, and two years of operational supplies, to interested Pennsylvania businesses and organizations at no cost to them. Express Interest and Apply for a Device All individuals interested in receiving a device must complete an application. NOTE: Completing an application does not guarantee a device. At the moment, the application will only gauge interest in receiving a device. Should funding get approved, DOH will evaluate completed applications and award devices. DOH will award devices on a first come, first served basis, dependent upon: the amount of available funding, foot traffic at applicant facilities, square footage of applicant facilities, and COVID-19 risk. Additionally, DOH will prioritize applicants with facilities in underserved communities. Learn More To learn more, visit the Pennsylvania Key website.
January 4, 2023 Women’s Rap Are you a single mom or caregiver in need of some self-care? Women’s Rap provides a safe place for communication, encouragement, and reflection. Event Details Second Friday of Every Month 6 – 7:30 p.m. Location The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center 7219 Kelly Street Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Learn More For more information, contact Toni Beasley at 412.540.5732 or toni@tryingtogether.org. Learn more about the Homewood Early Learning Hub and Family Center on the Trying Together website. Please share this flyer with your networks.
Women’s Rap Are you a single mom or caregiver in need of some self-care? Women’s Rap provides a safe place for communication, encouragement, and reflection. Event Details Second Friday of Every Month 6 – 7:30 p.m. Location The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center 7219 Kelly Street Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Learn More For more information, contact Toni Beasley at 412.540.5732 or toni@tryingtogether.org. Learn more about the Homewood Early Learning Hub and Family Center on the Trying Together website. Please share this flyer with your networks.
Women’s Rap Are you a single mom or caregiver in need of some self-care? Women’s Rap provides a safe place for communication, encouragement, and reflection. Event Details Second Friday of Every Month 6 – 7:30 p.m. Location The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center 7219 Kelly Street Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Learn More For more information, contact Toni Beasley at 412.540.5732 or toni@tryingtogether.org. Learn more about the Homewood Early Learning Hub and Family Center on the Trying Together website. Please share this flyer with your networks.
Women’s Rap Are you a single mom or caregiver in need of some self-care? Women’s Rap provides a safe place for communication, encouragement, and reflection. Event Details Second Friday of Every Month 6 – 7:30 p.m. Location The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center 7219 Kelly Street Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Learn More For more information, contact Toni Beasley at 412.540.5732 or toni@tryingtogether.org. Learn more about the Homewood Early Learning Hub and Family Center on the Trying Together website. Please share this flyer with your networks.
Women’s Rap Are you a single mom or caregiver in need of some self-care? Women’s Rap provides a safe place for communication, encouragement, and reflection. Event Details Second Friday of Every Month 6 – 7:30 p.m. Location The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center 7219 Kelly Street Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Learn More For more information, contact Toni Beasley at 412.540.5732 or toni@tryingtogether.org. Learn more about the Homewood Early Learning Hub and Family Center on the Trying Together website. Please share this flyer with your networks.
