Our mission is to inspire people throughout the city and region to collect litter and connect neighborhoods.

We have a litter problem

Mr. Litterman asks, "If there are 20 pieces of litter in a two-block area and 9 of them are from one source would you say we have a litter problem with that source? The source is not a bar. The source is not a fast food restaurant or coffeehouse. The source is the Post-Gazette and the litter is in the form of yellow plastic bags of the Sunday Extra feature sections and advertising inserts tossed on porches, sidewalks, lawns and into bushes. This was the situation on Copeland Street in Shadyside Monday morning after the Steelers were Tebowed and Mr. Litterman found himself sort of Tebowing to pick up the litter. By the way, in addition to the 9 Sunday Extras there were three cigarette boxes, one plastic bottle, one crushed beer can, three facial tissues, a couple supermarket receipts and assorted scraps of paper.

The message inside the Sunday Extra plastic sleeve reads: "If you do not wish to receive future editions (it will be delivered each weekend for one year) please visit post-gazette.com/pgsundayextra or call 1-800-815-3726."

Shadyside is not the only neighborhood being dumped on.

Redd Up goal 250 communities/groups

The challenging triple goal for the Spring Earth Day Redd Up (April 20-22) is 250 communities/groups, 250 tons of collected litter and 20,000 volunteers. "We're only halfway there," says Mr. Litterman. "Response from city neighborhoods is strong. We're hoping for more response from communities in Allegheny, Beaver and Washington counties. Instead of picking up, response has slowed." Contact boris.weinstein@verizon.net or call 412-688-9120.

Pittsburgh: Allegheny CleanWays, Allegheny West, Allentown, Banksville, Banksville Road, Bedford Dwellings, Beechview, Beltzhoover, Bloomfield, Brookline, Brighton Heights, Brightwood, California-Kirkbride, Carrick, Central Northside, Chartiers, Clean Green Hill, Crafton Heights, Crawford-Roberts, Downtown Partnership, Duquesne Heights, East Allegheny, East Carnegie, East Hills, East Liberty, Elliott, Fairywood, Fineview, Friendship, Frick Environmental Center, Friends of the Riverfront, Garfield, Glen Hazel, Greenfield, Hays, Hazelwood, Highland Park, Homewood, Knoxville, Larimer, Lawrenceville, Lincoln Place, Lincoln-Lemington, Lower Hill, Manchester, Mexican War Streets, Morningside, Mount Oliver, Mount Washington, Middle Hill, New Homestead, Paddling Without Pollution, PA Resources Council, Oakland, Observatory Hill, Overbrook, Perry Hilltop, Pittsburgh Cares, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Post Office, Pittsburgh Public Schools, Pittsburgh Job Corps, Polish Hill, Redd Up Zone groups: Allegheny County Adult Probation, Heinz History Center, PA Resources Council, Spring Hill Civic League, West End Children's Center, Regent Square, Ridgemont, Schenley Heights, Shadyside, Sheraden, South Oakland, South Point Breeze, South Side, South Side Graffiti Watch, South Side Slopes, Spring Garden-Deutchtown, Spring Hill, Stanton Heights, Strip District, Squirrel Hill, Summer Hill, Swisshelm Park, The Academy School, Totally Against Graffiti, Uptown,Windgap, West End and Westwood.

Allegheny County: Brentwood, Cranberry, Crafton, Dormont, Etna, Findley, Glassport, Heidelberg, Leetsdale, McKees Rocks, Moon, Monroeville, Mount Lebanon, Mount Oliver, Natrona, North Fayette, North Strabane, North Versailles, Oakdale, Penn Hills, Pine, Robinson, Ross, Rosslyn Farms, Shaler, Sharpsburg, South Park, Stowe, West View, Whitehall, White Oak, Wilkins, Wilkinsburg and Wilmerding.

Beaver County: Ambridge, Beaver, Harmony; Washington County-Coal Center.

Adopt a Redd Up zone

Don't sit on the sidelines. Businesses, corporations and groups are invited to adopt their own Pittsburgh street or zone and agree to pick up litter at least four times a year for two years. Visit http://www.servepgh.com for information and application form.

Homewood's Race Street acts

Read Diana Jones' blog (Jan. 24) about how the Race Street Committee meets challenges against blight and crime. A classic case of "one street-at-a-time":

http://bit.ly/zwWxfB

Meet n' Greet Mixer March 22

Pittsburgh finest and cleanest -- those would be Clean Pittsburgh Stewards -- will be honored Thursday, March 22 at the fifth annual Meet n' Greet Mixer (6 to 8 p.m.) at the Schenley Park Ice Skating Rink Lodge. The event highlight is the presentation of "Bob Awards" to individuals, groups and neighborhoods. "Bobbies" honor the Redd Up creator, the late Mayor Bob O'Connor. His widow, Judy, and son, new Councilman Corey O'Connor, will present awards as they have done since 2009.

Pittsburgh Parks volunteer days

Volunteers can sign up to help with various projects this spring in Pittsburgh parks. Dates are March 11 (Highland Park), March 25 (Riverview Park), April 14 (Highland Park), April 21 (Frick Environmental Center) and April 29 (Schenley Park) Contact Angela at amasters@pittsburghparks.org or 412-682-7275, Ext. 231.

Q &A's about recycling

Question: "I recently visited Philadelphia, and saw that everyone is given designated containers for their trash... one for recyclables and one for non-recyclables. It seems to me that's a lot better system than the hit or miss arrangement that we have in Pittsburgh. Designated containers are easier to enforce, and they would encourage more recycling.

"Also in a recent issue of the City Paper, they talked about recycling organic materials (basically food wastes). They're doing it in both San Francisco and Seattle, quite successfully. The goal is zero trash for the landfill. I think that gives folks a feeling of empowerment and being in sync with the environment around them."

• Ed Brandt, Brightwood

Answer: "The biggest barrier to both issues would be cost. To purchase 1 or 2 containers for each residence would (cost) over $4 million. One size containers will not work everywhere in the (our) City. The large roll-out carts they have in other locations will only work in a limited portion of the City. The smaller bins that could work with our on street parking would most likely not be big enough. It is something that we keep looking at, but still need to resolve these issues before we move forward.

"Cost is also an issue with the organics. We only have one vendor that is permitted in Western PA to take food waste. As you would expect, this increases the cost of the service. As more compost processors get into the food waste business the price will start to come down and it will be something we can consider."

• Shawn Wigle, Public Works Recycling Supervisor

Stamp out mailbox graffiti

Pittsburgh Postmaster Joseph Meimann urges citizens to be proactive and call the Postal Service directly at 412-359-7845 to report mailbox tagging or boxes in need of repair. Help the postal service by giving them specific information of locations and crossing streets.

A real "How to" challenge

A frustrated neighbor writes:

Any thoughts or suggestions to get the following three properties (in Shadyside) to clean up their front yards cluttered with trash cans?

• 5525 Howe St.
• 5527 Howe St.
• 5529 Howe St.

The above three properties keep their trash cans (without any covers) in the front yard by their steps to either the porch or front door. As the tenants leave the property, they toss their trash in or around the cans. By the time trash day comes along, the yards are full of trash. The cans have fallen over. Lots of loose trash scattered about. The result is a haven for rats and trash blowing along the street.

I have contacted 311 over ten times in the last two years. I am guessing that the complaint is being ignored. We have asked the tenants to clean up the trash, but they say it is not theirs (around 3 to 4 apartments per property)."

Mr. Litterman forwarded the complaint to Environmental Services, Bureau of Building Inspection, 311 and our councilman. Within days the complaint received plenty of attention this time. There were visits, warnings, pending citations and promises of scrutiny by city officials. Environmental Services has resolved the problem. Garbage cans have been removed from the front of the three houses.

Ditto: 5525 Ellsworth Ave.

Environmental Services also resolved a six-month problem at 5525 Ellsworth Ave. The unsightly garbage can at the front door of the apartment building has been removed. Pedestrians and motorists alike no longer have to look at the mess. Citizens can get things resolved when they document problems and bring them to the attention of city departments.

"I Litter" awards

Advertising and promotional materials turn into litter in Shadyside and elsewhere. Businesses and sometimes non-profits are often responsible when they put their business on Shadyside streets. There has been less of this kind of littering recently. January's "I Litter" awardee: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Sunday Extra.

Garbagevilles

Garbagevilles are houses, buildings, streets and places that are a mess. Some because of litter; some because of unswept leaves; some because of trash and junk on their property. Some because garbage cans sit in the front of their houses. Many because of the absence of lids on garbage cans and open waste containers. Some of these Shadyside Garbagevilles are always a mess. This is an incomplete list of course.

• 6111 Fifth Ave. (rear)
• 5523 Ellsworth Ave. (back)
• 5525 Ellsworth Ave. (front & rear)
• 5527 Ellsworth Ave. (rear)
• 10 S. Graham St. (side & back)
• 621 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 624 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 626 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 702 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 710 Bellefonte St. (back)
• Earle Apts., Elmer & Bellefonte (rear)
• 5500-08 Elmer St. (side)
• 5505 Elmer St. (side)
• 631 Ivy St. (rear)
• 703 Ivy St. (rear)
• 705 Ivy St. (rear)
• 727 Ivy St. (front, side)
• 816 Ivy St. (rear)
• 918 Ivy St. (front, side)
• 922 Ivy St. (side)
• 5528 Alder St (rear)
• 5505-07 Howe St. (front)
• 730 Summerlea St. (front)
• Dumpster Alley (behind Walnut St. stores)
• Victoria's Secret, Walnut St. (rear)
• Convenience Store/Center (Ellsworth & Summerlea)
• S. Graham (between Center & Baum)

Tips from Keep Chicago Beautiful

Keep sewers free of debris. A man left his car parked on the street over a sewer grate clogged with leaves and wrappers from a local fast food place. During a torrential storm, the water could not drain for hours. Water was still puddled inside the man's car when he came out the next morning to go to work. He let his community group know of his mishap at the next meeting, and the citizen crime patrol group decided to check and clear sewer grates as the teams made their rounds.

Educate to prevent clogs. Chicago cleans sewer catch basins and gutter boxes on a regular basis. If you are doing a neighborhood clean up, clear these sewer grates of obstructions yourself. Educate your neighbors so that no one dumps leaves, grass clippings, motor oil, or anything else poisonous or bulky down the sewer.

Important phone numbers

Need to contact the city about something that's been bothering you, like potholes and graffiti? Call the 311 Response Line (alternate number is 412-255-2621). Your request will be logged and sent to the proper department. Want to contact someone directly? The following list may help.

• Mayor's Office (412-255-2626)
• Littering (412-255-2621)
• State Littering Hotline (1-888-548-8372)
• Abandoned Houses (412-255-2175)
• Abandoned Cars (412-255-4776)
• Weeds/Litter/Bad Sidewalks (412-255-4155)
• Building Inspection (412-255-2176)
• Public Works Main # (412-255-2790)
• Refuse/Recycling (412-255-2773)
• Potholes (412-255-2720)
• Graffiti Watch (412-496-2272)
• Graffiti Busters ((412-255-2872))
• Report Graffiti Happening to You (9-1-1)
• Report Graffiti in Neighborhood (3-1-1)
• Report Mail Box Graffiti (412-359-7845)
• City Planning (412-255-2200)
• Parking Authority (412-560-7275)
• City Council (412-255-2142)
• Environmental Services (412-255-2780)
• Allegheny County Health Dept. (412-578-8390)
• Police, Zone 2 (412-255-2827
• Police, Zone 4 (412-422-6520)
• Police, Zone 5 (412-665-3605)

Active and passive litterers

Councilwoman Natalie Rudiak on Facebook:

I will never forget what Boris Weinstein said: "There are two kinds of litterers: active litterers leave their trash on the ground, and passive litterers don't pick it up when they see it." I pick up trash around my house and block every single day because I don't want my house and neighborhood to look like crap! And honestly, I do see less litter in front of my house than other properties because people are less likely to litter on a place that looks clean and more likely to drop their trash in a place that already looks like a garbage dump.

2012 Caring Awards

The Caring Institute is now accepting nominations for its annual Caring Awards. Nominees should exemplify caring and serve as worthy role models for others. Award criteria include length of service, scope and impact of work, challenges overcome, and imagination and innovation.

Maximum award: All winners are honored at a special ceremony, and young adult winners receive funds for college.

Eligibility: individuals from nine to 99 years old. Deadline: March 1, 2012.

See http://www.caring-institute.org/caringawards.html for more information.

Gloria Baron Award for Young Heroes

The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes honors outstanding young leaders who have focused on helping their communities and fellow beings and/or on protecting the health and sustainability of the environment.

Maximum award: $2,500.

Eligibility: youth 8-18. Deadline: Apr. 30, 2012.

See http://www.barronprize.org/ for more information.

The last word

Remember. Rome wasn't redd up in a day either.

Our mission is to inspire people throughout the city and region to collect litter and connect neighborhoods.

Post-Gazette is back to littering

By design, the Post-Gazette Sunday Extra is back on the streets of Shadyside. It started on December 11. Other neighborhoods are targeted as well. Remember last winter when the Sunday Extra -- a free sample of one or two news/feature sections -- began surfacing on city streets? The free Extra turned into a ton of litter because many homeowners ignored the news sections in plastic sleeves and let them sit where they landed or because distributors missed tossing them on porches and they ended up on sidewalks, lawns, bushes and streets. Sunday Extras are back this time with advertising inserts. A message on the sleeve reads: "If you do not wish to receive future editions [get ready for a possible long haul - ed.] please visit http://post-gazette.com/pgsundayextra/ or call 1-800-815-3726." Do what you have to to cut done on more litter in our neighborhoods.

Squirrel Hill hit too

Squirrel Hill resident and subscriber writes:

What can be done to stop the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from tossing the Sunday Extra yellow bags on driveways, bushes, lawns, etc.? When the Trib Review did this a few years ago, the Mayor's Complaint Center got them to stop. Calling 311 has not helped this time, nor has calling the Post-Gazette or e-mailing Chris Chamberlain (P-G President). Why don't our litter laws protect us against such nuisances?

5525 Ellsworth Ave. illegal dumping

Illegal dumping can happen right in front of your eyes. On beautiful tree lined, well-cared for streets. This is what is meant by the expression: "There goes the neighborhood." When it happens in Shadyside, Mr. Litterman gets upset because he spends a lot of time picking up other people's messes. When it happens in your neighborhood you should be upset too.

5525 Ellsworth is an apartment building at the intersection of Ellsworth and South Graham. The garbage area in the rear of this building has always been a mess with overflowing open waste dumpsters and garbage scattered on the building's property and city alley. Mr. Litterman knows because he cleans up the mess often. That's bad enough. But about six months ago, the building super placed a waste container at the front door. (I have no idea why.) As expected, building residents began dropping their trash in the container as they entered the building. ("What did you expect me to do, litter the street?") This practice doesn't stop when the container is full. The result, of course, is that litter is piled sky-high and spills onto the front lawn, walkway and sidewalk. It's a sight for sore eyes. You would think the super would wise up, remove the container and eliminate the residential dumping.

The illegal dumping was reported months ago to Environmental Services and the Bureau of Building Inspection. It has now been reported again. Stay tuned.

Spring Redd Up around the corner

Only 110 days till Earth Day and the Spring Redd Up on April 20, 21, 22. Communities and groups in Pittsburgh and surrounding communities are signing on for the big weekend. Word is getting out and Citizens Against Litter has an aggressive challenge: Reach and exceed 250 Redd Ups; collect 250 tons of litter; engage 20,000 volunteers. Stepping up so far are these 100 plus communities and groups:

Pittsburgh: Allegheny CleanWays, Allegheny West, Allentown, Banksville, Banksville Road, Bedford Dwellings, Beechview, Beltzhoover, Bloomfield, Brookline, Brighton Heights, Brightwood, California-Kirkbride, Carrick, Central Northside, Chartiers, Clean Green Hill, Crafton Heights, Downtown Partnership, Duquesne Heights, East Allegheny, East Carnegie, East Liberty, Elliott, Fairywood, Fineview, Friendship, Friends of the Riverfront, Garfield, Glen Hazel, Greenfield, Hazelwood, Highland Park, Homewood, Larimer, Lawrenceville, Lincoln-Lemington, Lower Hill, Manchester, Mexican War Streets, Mount Oliver, Mount Washington, Middle Hill, Paddling Without Pollution, PA Resources Council, Oakland, Observatory Hill, Overbrook, Perry Hilltop, Pittsburgh Cares, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Post Office, Pittsburgh Public Schools, Pittsburgh Job Corps, Polish Hill, Redd Up Zone groups: Allegheny County Adult Probation, Heinz History Center, PA Resources Council, Spring Hill Civic League, West End Children's Center, Regent Square, Ridgemont, Schenley Heights, Shadyside, Sheraden, South Oakland, South Side, South Side Slopes, Spring Garden-Deutchtown, Spring Hill, Stanton Heights, Strip District, Squirrel Hill, Summer Hill, Swisshelm Park, The Academy School, Totally Against Graffiti, Uptown,Windgap, West End and Westwood.

Allegheny County: Brentwood, Crafton, Cranberry, Dormont, Etna, Findley, Heidelberg, McKees Rocks, Moon, Monroeville, Mount Lebanon, Mount Oliver, Natrona, North Versailles, Penn Hills, Robinson, Sharpsburg, South Park, Stowe, West View, Wilkins, Wilkinsburg and Wilmerding.

Beaver County: Beaver

Washington County: Coal Center

Adopt a Redd Up zone

Don't sit on the sidelines. Businesses, corporations and groups are invited to adopt their own Pittsburgh street or zone and agree to pick up litter at least four times a year for two years. Visit http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/servepgh/reddupzone/ for information and an application form.

Stamp out mailbox graffiti

In 2010, the U.S. Postal System began an aggressive campaign to remove graffiti, paint and repair mailboxes in these city neighborhoods: Mt. Oliver, Carrick, Oakland, South Side, Bloomfield, Friendship, the Strip and Cultural District. Hundreds of mailboxes got attention. Pittsburgh Postmaster Joseph Meimann met with the Clean Pittsburgh Commission in December and told members that the Postal Service will identify more neighborhoods to target early in the new year.

The Postmaster urged citizens to be proactive and to call the Postal Service directly at 412-359-7845 to report any mailbox tagging or boxes in need of repair. Help the postal service by giving them specific information of the locations and crossing streets.

City seeks exceptional volunteers

Mayor Ravenstahl wants names of exceptional volunteers. He wants to recognize them and their organizations with Citizen Service Awards. The program was started last year.

Awardees do not need to be residents of Pittsburgh, but their service should have a positive impact on the City. You can nominate yourself or another community member who has gone above and beyond to give back to our neighborhoods. Recipients will be honored with a City of Pittsburgh Proclamation and a personal letter of thanks from Mayor Ravenstahl. Recognition will be awarded on a rolling basis.

If you would like to share your volunteer accomplishments, or know of someone who is making an impact in your community, fill out a nomination form. More information may be found at http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/servepgh/ or 412-255-2280.

300 tons of leaves, yard debris collected

November's curbside leaf and yard debris collection by Public Works totaled over 300 tons of compostable material. Leaves and yard debris will be turned into compost by the City's contractor, Diamond Mulch. Much of the material will be returned to the City this year to be used in community parks.

Changing faces

Councilman Doug Shields moves on. Councilman Corey O'Connor moves up. Mr. Litterman has worked with both of them and wishes them the best in their new challenges. District #5 neighborhoods Glen Hazel, Greenfield, Hays, Hazelwood, Lincoln Place, Regent Square, Squirrel Hill and Swisshelm Park will continue to be in good hands with Corey. Both men aren't timid about bending over backwards to help citizens against litter all over the city keep litter off the streets.

"I Litter" awards

Advertising and promotional materials turn into litter in Shadyside and elsewhere. Businesses and sometimes non-profits are often responsible when they put their business on Shadyside streets. There has been less of this kind of littering recently. Here is December's one and only "I litter" awardee:

• Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Sunday Extra

Garbagevilles

Garbagevilles are houses, buildings, streets and places that are a mess. Some because of litter; some because of unswept leaves; some because of trash and junk on their property. Some because garbage cans sit in the front of their houses. Many because of the absence of lids on garbage cans and open waste containers. Some of these Shadyside Garbagevilles are always a mess. This is an incomplete list of course.

• 6111 Fifth Ave. (rear)
• 5523 Ellsworth Ave. (back)
• 5525 Ellsworth Ave. (front & rear)
• 5527 Ellsworth Ave. (rear)
• 10 S. Graham St. (side & back)
• 621 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 624 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 626 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 702 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 710 Bellefonte St. (back)
• Earle Apts., Elmer & Bellefonte (rear)
• 5500-08 Elmer St. (side)
• 5505 Elmer St. (side)
• 631 Ivy St. (rear)
• 703 Ivy St. (rear)
• 705 Ivy St. (rear)
• 727 Ivy St. (front, side)
• 816 Ivy St. (rear)
• 918 Ivy St. (front, side)
• 922 Ivy St. (side)
• 5528 Alder St (rear)
• 5505-07 Howe St. (front)
• 730 Summerlea St. (front)
• Dumpster Alley (behind Walnut St. stores)
• Victoria's Secret, Walnut St. (rear)
• Convenience Store/Center (Ellsworth & Summerlea)
• Wendy's, Center Ave. & Baum Blvd.
• S. Graham (between Center & Baum)

Important phone numbers

Need to contact the city about something that's been bothering you, like potholes and graffiti? Call the 311 Response line (alternate number is 412-255-2621). Your request will be logged and sent to the proper department. Want to contact someone directly? The following list may help.

• Mayor's Office (412-255-2626)
• Littering (412-255-2621)
• State Littering Hotline (1-888-548-8372)
• Abandoned Houses (412-255-2175)
• Abandoned Cars (412-255-4776)
• Weeds/Litter/Bad Sidewalks (412-255-4155)
• Building Inspection (412-255-2176)
• Public Works Main # (412-255-2790)
• Refuse/Recycling (412-255-2773)
• Potholes (412-255-2720)
• Graffiti Watch (412-496-2272)
• Graffiti Busters ((412-255-2872))
• Report Graffiti Happening to You (9-1-1)
• Report Graffiti in Neighborhood (3-1-1)
• Report Mail Box Graffiti (412-359-7845)
• City Planning (412-255-2200)
• Parking Authority (412-560-7275)
• City Council (412-255-2142)
• Environmental Services (412-255-2780)
• Allegheny County Health Dept. (412-578-8390)
• Police, Zone 4 (412-422-6520)
• Police, Zone 5 (412-665-3605)

Keeping Greenfield litter-free

They keep tabs monthly in Greenfield. Last month volunteers of the Greenfield Organization nabbed 64 bags of litter and recyclables. Credit Laura -- with an assist from her dog -- with a record haul of 41 bags from Beechwood Blvd., Murray Ave., Windsor, Welfer, Mirror and Lilac streets. Thanks to Laura and all the volunteers and the information from Pat Hassett.

The litter bag lady from Stanton Heights

Monique Dietz writes in:

I keep collecting a bag a day. Reporting four tires dumped at corner of Duncan St. and Christopher. Happy Holidays and Happy Cleaning! And as always, thanks.

The last word

Remember. Rome wasn't redd up in a day either.

Keep up the good work, Lynn.

Our mission is to inspire people throughout the city and region to collect litter and connect neighborhoods.

If it's not broken...

Citizens Against Litter's Mr. Litterman (AKA Boris Weinstein) will continue as chairman of the Mayor's Clean Pittsburgh Commission. Other members elected for the next two years are: Sarah Alessio Shea (PA Resources Council) and Joe Divack (DumpBusters) as vice chairs; Patty Chavez (Public Works) continues as secretary; and Shawn Wigle (Public Works) as treasurer.

Acklin and Stefanov to CPC

Kevin Acklin, who founded Renew Pittsburgh and has been its executive director all along, has been recommended to fill one of the vacancies on the Clean Pittsburgh Commission. Renew Pittsburgh works with many neighborhoods on more than litter and illegal dumping. Projects include renovation of August Wilson's home on the Hill and the old opera house in Homewood. Nicholas Stefanov, a director with Renewable Manufacturing Gateway, fills the other vacancy.

Redd Up Zone cleanups underway

It didn't take long for the first adopters of Redd Up Zones to go to work. John Heinz History Center volunteers picked up litter on Saturday, November 5 on Penn Ave and Smallman St. from 11th to 14th and Mulberry Way in the Strip. On Tuesday, November 8, about 20 Boy Scout Troop #73 volunteers picked up litter in their zone along Butler St from 34th to 38th and on Mulberry Way in Lawrenceville. Other groups have applied for Redd Zone adoptions in West End, South Side and Arlington.

Don't stay on the sidelines. Businesses, corporations and groups of all sorts are invited to adopt their own city zone and agree to pick up litter at least four times a year for two years. Visit http://www.servepgh.com for information and an application form.

Hearing from Vermont

"Congratulations on your ongoing actions to eliminate littered trash. Bravo for Citizens Against Litter's persistence and longevity! Impressive are your continued refining and creative techniques to involve many instead of just a few. Citizens, those many concerned people who influence others towards an attitude of intolerance for littered trash, not only influence others but take physical action -- one piece at a time -- are inspiring. In their community, they have found metier. They bolster the meaning of community."

Bernie Paquette, Vermont
Author of http://litterwithastorytotell.blogspot.com/

Cleanup in Polish Hill

Allegheny CleanWays will be doing a cleanup on a recently discovered illegal dumpsite on lower Melwood, just outside the eastern border of Polish Hill. It's scheduled for Saturday, December 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you'd like to help, meet on Melwood Ave. just past Pittsburgh Filmmakers. To get there from Gold Way, turn down Denver St. and go left on Melwood, towards the woods at the end of the street. Wear heavy boots and work clothes. Gloves and bags will be supplied.

Two weeks after October's citywide Redd Up, volunteers in Polish Hill teamed up with Allegheny CleanWays on November 5 to remove trash and debris from the Gold Way-Melwood Ave. entrance to this great neighborhood.

Sign of being civilized

"The 'Don't be a litterbug' discipline once upon a time seemed to be gaining traction, but oddly seems to have slipped away in some quarters. Fighting litter is not a matter of being fussy; rather, it's a sign of being civilized. It's important to us all. Keep up the good fight!"

Fred Sargeant, Sargeant Electric

Trash walking in Brookline

Here's a great plan for all neighborhoods from Brookline:

"Want to take a walk with us? We will meet every Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Cannon Coffee. Everyone should bring work gloves. If you have a grabber, bring that too. Depending on the number of participants, we will walk the Boulevard or venture onto the side streets. For an hour or so we will walk, talk and pick up trash. After our trash walk, we will return to Cannon Coffee for a bit of socializing. There are benefits galore in this weekly event. First, we will be removing litter from our community. Then there's the walking, bending and stretching exercise. You can meet new people, and just getting out of the house can improve your mood. Bundle up. Come on out. Walk with us. Then, join us for hot coffee, hot tea, hot cocoa, or have you tried Cannon Coffee's S'more Mocha?"

Spring Redd Up dates April 20, 21, 22

Earth Day 2012 is Sunday, April 22. Keep PA Beautiful has designated Saturday, April 21 as the focus day for the Great American Cleanup in PA. The Pittsburgh area Spring Redd Up weekend will be Friday, April 20 for Stash the Trash Day for public, private and parochial schools. Most neighborhoods and communities will gather volunteers on Saturday, April 21 and other neighborhoods will pick up litter on Sunday, April 22.

South Park (Dave Buchewicz), Squirrel Hill (Barbara Grover), and Brookline (Keith Knecht) are the first communities to sign up. Our goal is participation of 200-250 city neighborhoods, communities and groups in Allegheny, Beaver, Washington, Butler and Westmoreland counties.

"I Litter" awards

Advertising materials turn into litter in Shadyside and elsewhere. Businesses and sometimes non-profits are often responsible when they put their business on Shadyside streets. There has been less of this kind of littering recently. Here are November litterers:

• Quaker Steak and Lube
• Pizzutti's
• Yen's Chinese restaurant

Garbagevilles

Garbagevilles are houses, buildings, streets and places that are a mess. Some because of litter; some because of unswept leaves; some because of trash and junk on their property. Some because garbage cans sit in the front of their houses. Many because of the absence of lids on garbage cans and open waste containers. Some of these Shadyside Garbagevilles are always a mess. This is an incomplete list of course.

• 6111 Fifth Ave. (rear)
• 5523 Ellsworth Ave. (back)
• 5525 Ellsworth Ave. (front & rear)
• 5527 Ellsworth Ave. (rear)
• 10 S. Graham St. (side & back)
• 621 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 624 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 626 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 702 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 710 Bellefonte St. (back)
• Earle Apts., Elmer & Bellefonte (rear)
• 5500-08 Elmer St. (side)
• 5505 Elmer St. (side)
• 631 Ivy St. (rear)
• 703 Ivy St. (rear)
• 705 Ivy St. (rear)
• 727 Ivy St. (front, side)
• 816 Ivy St. (rear)
• 918 Ivy St. (front, side)
• 922 Ivy St. (side)
• 5528 Alder St (rear)
• 5505-07 Howe St. (front)
• 730 Summerlea St. (front)
• Dumpster Alley (behind Walnut St. stores)
• Victoria's Secret, Walnut St. (rear)
• Convenience Store/Center (Ellsworth & Summerlea)
• Wendy's, Center Ave. & Baum Blvd.
• S. Graham (between Center & Baum Blvd.)

Important phone numbers

Need to contact the city about something that's been bothering you, like potholes and graffiti? Call the 311 Response line (alternate number is 412-255-2621). Your request will be logged and sent to the proper department. Want to contact someone directly? The following list may help.

• Mayor's Office (412-255-2626)
• Littering (412-255-2621)
• State Littering Hotline (1-888-548-8372)
• Abandoned Houses (412-255-2175)
• Abandoned Cars (412-255-4776)
• Weeds/Litter/Bad Sidewalks (412-255-4155)
• Building Inspection (412-255-2176)
• Public Works Main # (412-255-2790)
• Refuse/Recycling (412-255-2773)
• Potholes (412-255-2720)
• Graffiti Watch (412-496-2272)
• Graffiti Busters ((412-255-2872))
• Report Graffiti Happening to You (9-1-1)
• Report Graffiti in Neighborhood (3-1-1)
• Report Mail Box Graffiti (412-359-7845)
• City Planning (412-255-2200)
• Parking Authority (412-560-7275)
• City Council (412-255-2142)
• Environmental Services (412-255-2780)
• Allegheny County Health Dept. (412-578-8390)
• Police, Zone 4 (412-422-6520)
• Police, Zone 5 (412-665-3605)

Andy Rooney on litter

Commenting on Rooney's death in Time Magazine (November 21), Morley Safer of CBS' 60 Minutes, recalled Rooney always telling him, "When are you going to clean this dump up (office)?" And he should talk, said Safer, he had a pretty messy office too.

Tired of the mess

Roughly 250,000 tires are estimated to be in an illegal dump in Calhoun County, South Carolina. The tire graveyard is visible from outer space. A Florida firm says it will take many months to re-tire the site and haul them away. When tire dumpers are identified, the worst penalty that could be imposed locally is $475.

The last word

Remember. Rome wasn't redd up in a day either.

Boris Weinstein of Citizens Against Litter, coordinator of the event, said goals are ambitious: 250 communities, 250 tons of litter removed from streets, roads, lots and illegal dumps and 15,000 to 20,000 volunteers. "The contact phase has already started", said Weinstein. "We're looking for participation from most of the city's 90 neighborhoods and more than 150 communities in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Washington and Westmoreland counties.

Pittsburgh public, private and parochial schools kick off the weekend on Friday, April 20 with the Stash the Trash event. To register your school, contact Sarah Alessio Shea at PA Resources Council, the coordinating organization, at saraha@ccicenter.org or call 412-488-7490. Saturday, April 21 will be the day most communities hit the streets, cleaning up litter, sprucing up and planting community gardens.

Communities outside Pittsburgh are encouraged to have their fall cleanups on this same weekend. Register your participation through boris.weinstein@verizon.net. "The area makes a larger statement about the scope and importance of removing litter and trash and documenting the good works of many concerned citizens when we schedule our cleanups on the same day and report these activities," said Weinstein.

Allegheny CleanWays, the organization that assists neighborhoods with eliminating illegal dumpsites, will also be a participating in the Redd Up. Contact Myrna Newman for information at myrnan@alleghenycleanways.org or 412-381-1301. Allegheny CleanWays welcomes volunteers.

Citizens Against Litter. PA Resources Council, Allegheny CleanWys and Renew Pittsburgh are members of the Clean Pittsburgh Commission. Groups and communities lean heavily on Pittsburgh Public Works and other public works departments to haul away collected litter. Pittsburgh Public Works, PennDOT and Allegheny Cleanways provide bags and gloves and in some cases safety vests for volunteers.

Others elected at the Nov. 17 commission meeting were: Sarah Alessio Shea (PA Resources Council) and Joe Divack (DumpBusters) as vice chairs, Patricia Chavez (Public Works) as secretary and Shawn Wigle (Public Works) as treasurer.

The Commission also acted to recommend Kevin Acklin, Executive Director of Renew Pittsburgh, and Nicholas Stefanov, a director of Renewable Manufacturing Gateway, to fill two commission vacancies.

CPC works to improve the environmental quality of life here through litter and illegal dumping prevention, cleanups and enforcement.

Our mission is to inspire people throughout the city and region to collect litter and connect neighborhoods.

Original 12 mad men and women

Recently Mr. Letterman tooted his car horn at two special women: Ann Young and Mary Connolly, and it got him reminiscing. They were among the l2 angry people -- the original ones -- who added the "s" to Citizens Against Litter in Shadyside in April 2005. That's how long we've been around. Obviously, we had one thing in common: We didn't like litter and did something about it. Citizens Against Litter originals are certainly not the only ones or the first ones to pick up litter in our city. But we did our part advancing Redd Ups that now happen in most of the city's 90 neighborhoods and many communities in Allegheny, Beaver and other counties.

Starting the initiative with Mr. Litterman, in addition to Ann and Mary, were: Jake and Arielle Krohn, Leona Paradise, Phil Powell, Kathryn Roeder, Eleanor Slater, Rochelle Solomon and Matt and Marcie Weinstein. Add Gregg Caliguiri (Walnut Grill) and Richard Ratner (William Penn Tavern) of the Shadyside Chamber of Commerce to the list for their encouragement and endorsement and before them City Councilman Bill Peduto.

We can't forget Post-Gazette Editor David Shribman either who wrote us our first letter of support. He was responding to our op ed piece in the PG about removing litter in our city.

Mayor launches Redd Up Zones

The newest weapon to reduce and eliminate litter in our city is the Redd Up Zone initiative. Mayor Ravenstahl announced it October 21. In this program, corporations, businesses, groups of all sorts will be invited to adopt an area, like a 1/2 mile stretch of street, and commit to keeping it clean at least four times a year for two years. The program should be welcomed with open arms by Clean Pittsburgh stewards in all of the 90 neighborhoods. Imagine, when 100 groups of 10 volunteers each adopt a zone this would add 1,000 volunteers to the 10,000 that turned out for last month's Redd Up. There are more than 900 miles of streets in Pittsburgh so when 100 groups adopt 1/2 mile stretches they are committing to clean about 5% of city streets. That's impressive!

Two neighborhoods benefitting immediately are the Strip and Lawrenceville. The Mayor announced that Boy Scout Troop #73 has committed to cleaning four blocks of Butler St. and Mulberry Way in Lawrenceville. The Heinz Historical Center has adopted both Penn Ave. and Smallman St. between 11th and 14th in the Strip District.

Clean Green Hill

Congratulations to neighborhood Clean Pittsburgh Stewards in the Hill District and Uptown. They're connected literally into a collaborative effort under the banner Clean Green Hill. Among their projects are the creation of a multi-area volunteer cleanup coalition, a focused trash survey, identification of problem dumping areas, and 5-10 community memorial gardens/rock gardens. For more information, contact cleangreenhilpgh@yahoo.com. It's original, positive thinking like this that earned the Hill District and Uptown communities a "Bob Award" in 2010 as a "Most Connected Neighborhood."

This takes the cake and litter too

Mr. Litterman sees a lot in his travels around the neighborhood. Most of it goes unreported. But the apartment building at 5525 Ellsworth Ave. in Shadyside has been a fixture on the Garbageville list, both front and rear. Mr. Litterman cleans up the mess often. The super or building manager fails to get the message. Several months ago the super or building manager placed a garbage can at the front entrance. The can fills up. The can overflows. Litter is scattered on the lawn, under bushes, and on the walkway. The can is emptied once in a great while but the damage has already been done. Big league litter on a big league street in full view of hundreds of cars that use Ellsworth Avenue daily. Pretty awful. This situation has been reported to Public Works Environmental Services and the Bureau of Building Inspectors.

October Redd Up a success

Summing up his thoughts, Mr. Letterman wrote: "Sunday morning -- the day after the Redd Up -- I walked clean streets in Shadyside. I'm betting this positive experience was repeated in most neighborhoods by many. Some city residents were volunteers. Most were not. It makes little difference. The bottom line is we got rid of old litter and are in better shape to deal with the fresh litter that will surely drop. My thanks and appreciation to the 10,000 volunteers for a job well done. Among them were 2,525 students participating in 'Pitt Make a Difference Day' -- a turnout that had to be one of the largest by a single group on the National event that attracts three million."

Based on reports from 30% of the participating neighborhoods in and outside the city, volunteers collected about 70 tons of litter and trash.

20 schools stashed the trash

There may have been more, but we have the names of 20 Pittsburgh schools that registered and participated in last month's Stash the Trash event. More than 2,000 kids picked up litter from their campuses. They were: Urban Pathways Charter School, Saint Rosalia Academy, Sunnyside K-8, Carmalt, Liberty K-5, Roosevelt, Fort Pitt ALA, Banksville K-5, Mifflin, Arsenal preK-5, Colfax, Dilworth, Arsenal 6-8, University Prep at Milliones, Grandview, Spring Hill, Immaculate Conception, Faison K-5, Student Achievement Center and Linden.

Think Spring. Think Redd Up

Earth Day in 2012 is Sunday, April 22. Start thinking about our next citywide Redd Up that will probably be that weekend. We're waiting for Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful to set the official date for the Great PA Cleanup.

"I Litter" awards

Advertising materials turn into litter in Shadyside and elsewhere. Businesses and sometimes non-profits are often responsible when they put their business on Shadyside streets. There has been less of this kind of littering recently. Here are October's litterers:

• Kaplan Career Institute
• Nameless nutrition & weight loss company
• Vybz Machine Reggae

Garbagevilles

Garbagevilles are houses, buildings, streets and places that are a mess. Some because of litter; some because of unswept leaves; some because of trash and junk on their property. Some because garbage cans sit in the front of their houses. Many because of the absence of lids on garbage cans and open waste containers. Some of these Shadyside Garbagevilles are always a mess. This is an incomplete list of course.

• 6111 Fifth Ave. (rear)
• 5523 Ellsworth Ave. (back)
• 5525 Ellsworth Ave. (front & rear)
• 5527 Ellsworth Ave. (rear)
• 10 S. Graham St. (side & back)
• 621 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 624 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 626 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 702 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 710 Bellefonte St. (back)
• Earle Apts., Elmer & Bellefonte (rear)
• 5500-08 Elmer St. (side)
• 5505 Elmer St. (side)
• 631 Ivy St. (rear)
• 703 Ivy St. (rear)
• 705 Ivy St. (rear)
• 727 Ivy St. (front, side)
• 816 Ivy St. (rear)
• 918 Ivy St. (front, side)
• 922 Ivy St. (side)
• 5528 Alder St (rear)
• 5505-07 Howe St. (front)
• 730 Summerlea St. (front)
• Dumpster Alley (behind Walnut St. stores)
• Victoria's Secret, Walnut St. (rear)
• Convenience Store/Center (Ellsworth & Summerlea)
• Wendy's, Center Ave. & Baum Blvd.
• S. Graham (between Center & Baum Blvd.)

Important phone numbers

Need to contact the city about something that's been bothering you, like potholes and graffiti? Call the 311 Response line (alternate number is 412-255-2621). Your request will be logged and sent to the proper department. Want to contact someone directly? The following list may help.

• Mayor's Office (412-255-2626)
• Littering (412-255-2621)
• State Littering Hotline (1-888-548-8372)
• Abandoned Houses (412-255-2175)
• Abandoned Cars (412-255-4776)
• Weeds/Litter/Bad Sidewalks (412-255-4155)
• Building Inspection (412-255-2176)
• Public Works Main # (412-255-2790)
• Refuse/Recycling (412-255-2773)
• Potholes (412-255-2720)
• Graffiti Watch (412-496-2272)
• Graffiti Busters ((412-255-2872))
• Report Graffiti Happening to You (9-1-1)
• Report Graffiti in Neighborhood (3-1-1)
• Report Mail Box Graffiti (412-359-7845)
• City Planning (412-255-2200)
• Parking Authority (412-560-7275)
• City Council (412-255-2142)
• Environmental Services (412-255-2780)
• Allegheny County Health Dept. (412-578-8390)
• Police, Zone 4 (412-422-6520)
• Police, Zone 5 (412-665-3605)

Visit Clean Pittsburgh Commission website

Visit the new CPC website. It will keep expanding with information about what CPC does, how to get involved, resources and news:

Next to last word

Mr. Litterman and Steelers fans have come to expect the Steelers to pick up yards in the Red Zone. Now, though, Pittsburghers can look forward to all kinds of groups picking up yards of litter in the newly-announced Redd Up Zones program.

The last word

Remember. Rome wasn't redd up in a day either.

More information and an application to adopt a Redd Up Zone are available on the Redd Up Zone program website.

View the press release or visit Allegheny Cleanways for more information.

Stash the Trash, a Pittsburgh tradition, will kick off the weekend when several thousand kids in 19 city public and parochial schools pick up litter on and around their campuses on Friday. Most of the city's 90 neighborhoods answer the call on Saturday, Oct. 22. Most Clean Pittsburgh stewards say their clean ups start at 9 a.m. and continue into the afternoon.

Supporting neighborhoods for the fourth year will be "Pitt Make a Difference Day" student volunteers. Pitt's outreach staff has assigned 3,000 students on 69 busses (and walking destinations) going to 55 neighborhoods. Pitt volunteers will arrive at 10.a.m. and work until 2:30 p.m.

Removing litter and trash, planting and working on community gardens are among the Redd Up projects on tap, stewards tell Citizens Against Litter.

PA. Resources Council, Allegheny CleanWays, Citizens Against Litter and Pittsburgh Public Works -- all represented on the Clean Pittsburgh Commission -- combine resources to support neighborhood Redd Ups.

Groups and individuals interested in participating as volunteers can still contact Citizens Against Litter who will put them in touch with neighborhood Clean Pittsburgh stewards. Contact boris.weinstein@verizon.net or call 412-688-9120.

Allegheny CleanWays, the organization that assists neighborhoods with eliminating illegal dumpsites, will also participate in the Redd Up. Contact Myrna Newman for information at myrnan@alleghenycleanways.org or 412-381-1301. Allegheny CleanWays welcomes volunteers.

Participating in the Redd Up are:

Pittsburgh: Allegheny West, Allentown, Banksville, Bedford Dwellings, Beechview, Beltzhoover, Bloomfield, Bluff, Brighton Heights, Brightwood, Brookline, California-Kirkbride, Carrick, Central Northside, Crafton Heights, Downtown, Duquesne Heights, East Allegheny, East Carnegie, East Hills, Elliott, Esplen, Fineview, Friendship, Garfield, Glen Hazel, Greenfield, Hays, Hazelwood, Highland Park, Homewood, Eliza Furnace Trail, Larimer, Lawrenceville, Lincoln-Lemington, Lincoln Place, Lower Hill, Manchester, Mexican War Streets, Middle Hill, Morningside, Mount Oliver, Mount Washington, New Homestead, Oak Hill, Oakland, Oakwood, Observatory Hill, Overbrook, Perry Hilltop, Polish Hill, Regent Square, Ridgemont, Schenley Heights, Sheraden, South Oakland, South Side Flats, South Point Breeze, South Side Slopes, Spring Garden-East Deutschtown, Spring Hill, Stanton Heights, Strip District, Squirrel Hill, Summer Hill, Swisshelm Park, Troy Hill, Uptown, Westwood, West End Village and Windgap.

Allegheny County: Aspinwall, Brentwood, Dormont, McKees Rocks, Mount Oliver, Penn Hills, Sharpsburg, South Park Township, Friends of South Park, Stowe, White Oak and Wilmerding.

Pitt students will work alongside neighborhood volunteers in Allentown, Banksville Road, Beechview, Brighton Heights, Brightwood, Bloomfield, Brookline, California-Kirkbride, Crafton Heights, Elliott, Esplen, Fineview, Eliza Furnace Trail (Friends of the Riverfront), Friendship, Garfield, Hays, Lincoln Place, New Homestead, Hazelwood, Homewood, Larimer, Lawrenceville, Manchester, Mexican War Streets, Central Northside, Middle Hill District, Morningside, Mount Oliver (city and county), Mount Washington, Oakland, Perry Hilltop, Polish Hill, Ridgemont, Schenley Heights, Shadyside, Sheraden, South Oakland, South Side Flats, South Side Slopes, Spring Garden-East Deutschtown, Stanton Heights, Strip District, Summer Hill, Troy Hill, West End, Westwood, Windgap, Aspinwall, Brentwood, Dormont, McKees Rocks, Sharpsburg, Penn Hills, Stowe and Wilkinsburg.

• Zone 1 - 1501 Brighton Road
• Zone 2 - 2000 Centre Avenue
• Zone 3 - 830 E. Warrington Avenue
• Zone 4 - 5858 Northumberland Street
• Zone 5 - 1401 Washington Boulevard
• Zone 6 - 312 South Main Street

Outside of the city, drop-off locations are as follows:

• Green Tree Borough Building - 10 Manilla Avenue
• Mall at Robinson - Parking lot near Sears and Golden Corral
• Mt. Lebanon Municipal Building - 710 Washington Road
• Borough of Munhall - 1900 West Street.

Visit Zero Waste Pittsburgh for more information.

Our mission is to inspire people throughout the city and region to collect litter and connect neighborhoods.

Unclogging clogged storm sewers

In September, we had an item in the Newslitter about a public forum that Councilman Bill Peduto organized about clogged storm sewers. The tragedy on Washington Blvd. prompted Peduto's action. Mr. Litterman, for one, had no idea of the horror stories all over the East End that came to the surface. More than 300 people attended. Dozens of them came to the microphone, reporting flooding problems and thousands upon thousands of dollars of damage to their homes. Some as much as $30,000 to $100,000. The cause of the flooding is all over the map. No one disputed either that hundreds of other homeowners are in the same boat. Damage to homeowners is in the millions of dollars.

Several years ago as Mr. Litterman walked around Shadyside picking up litter, he noted clogged storm sewers and reported many to Councilman Peduto who contacted PWSA and coordinated correction at the reported sewers. Mr. Litterman is resuming his storm sewer watch. He has reported four clogged street catch basins along Ellsworth Ave. at Colonial Place, St. James, Aiken and Amberson. Also reported were clogged catch basins in front of 4922 Centre Ave., the intersection of Centre and Morewood, the intersection of S. Aiken and Centre (3 or 4 there) and the intersection of S. Aiken and Baum Blvd.

We are pleased to report that within two weeks, Mr. Litterman witnessed workers cleaning sewers and stenciling dates of the service on sewer covers.

Fall Redd Up October 21, 22, 23

Most Pittsburgh neighborhoods will be participating in the Fall Redd Up, October 21, 22, 23. It's not too late to volunteer. Contact boris.weinstein@verizon.net or call 412-688-9120 to be connected to a "go-to person" in your neighborhood. Participating neighborhoods include:

Pittsburgh - Allegheny West, Allentown, Banksville, Bedford Dwellings, Beechview, Beltzhoover, Bloomfield, Bluff, Bon Air, Brighton Heights, Brightwood, Brookline, California-Kirkbride, Carrick, Central Northside, Crafton Heights, Downtown, Duquesne Heights, East Allegheny, East Carnegie, East Hills, East Liberty, Elliott, Esplen, Fineview, Friendship, Garfield, Glen Hazel, Greenfield, Hays, Hazelwood, Highland Park, Homewood, Eliza Furnace Trail, Larimer, Lawrenceville, Lincoln-Lemington, Lincoln Place, Lower Hill, Manchester, Mexican War Streets, Middle Hill, Morningside, Mount Oliver, Mount Washington, North Oakland, New Homestead, Oak Hill, Oakland, Oakwood, Observatory Hill, Overbrook, Perry Hilltop, Polish Hill, Regent Square, Ridgemont, Schenley Heights, Sheraden, South Oakland, South Side Flats, South Point Breeze, South Side Slopes, Spring Garden-East Deutschtown, Spring Hill, Stanton Heights, Strip District, Squirrel Hill, Summer Hill, Swisshelm Park, Troy Hill, Uptown, Westwood and West End Village.

Allegheny County - Aspinwall, Brentwood, Dormont, Homestead, McKees Rocks, Mount Oliver, Penn Hills, Sharpsburg, South Park (Friends of the County Park), Stowe, White Oak and Wilmerding.

Pitt Make a Difference Day October 22

For the fourth year, Pitt student volunteers will work alongside neighborhood volunteers in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County this fall. This year's goal for Saturday, October 22 is placement of 2,800 Pitt students. Partnering with Pitt and Citizens Against Litter will be more than 55 neighborhoods/communities: Allentown, Beechview, Brighton Heights, Brightwood, Beltzhoover, Bloomfield, Bon Air, Brookline, California-Kirkbride, Carrick, Crafton Heights, Ridgemont, Westwood, East Liberty, Elliott, Esplen, Fineview, Eliza Furnace Trail (Friends of the Riverfront), Friendship, Garfield, Hays, Lincoln Place, New Homestead, Hazelwood, Homewood, Larimer, Lawrenceville, Knoxville, Manchester, Mexican War Streets, Central Northside, Middle Hill District, Morningside, Mount Oliver (city and county), Mount Washington, Oakland, Perry Hilltop, Polish Hill, Schenley Heights, Shadyside, Sheraden, South Oakland, South Side Flats, South Side Slopes, Spring Garden-East Deutschtown, Stanton Heights, Strip District, Summer Hill, Troy Hill, West End, Aspinwall, Brentwood, Dormont, Homestead, McKees Rocks, Sharpsburg, Penn Hills, Stowe, West Homestead and Wilkinsburg.

October 21 Stash the Trash sign up

Thousands of Pittsburgh students -- thanks to school administrators and teachers -- redd up around their campuses twice a year in the Stash the Trash event, a tradition for many years. This fall's event is Friday, October 21. Schools are asked to visit either the Clean Pittsburgh Commission or the PA Resources Council for enrollment forms. Deadline for signup is approaching.

Next Community Conversation October 12

Twice a year the Clean Pittsburgh Commission has open meetings that bring together Clean Pittsburgh Stewards to discuss neighborhood concerns. The Community Conversation will be held Wednesday, October 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Greenfield Rec Center adjacent to Magee Field. Councilman Doug Shields will speak and representatives of the Mayor's Redd Up Zone imitative will be on hand to answer questions about how neighborhoods can participate.

Reaching out to Carlow

Carlow University's sixth annual Community Service Day was held last month with more than 20 social service agencies benefitting from the efforts of students. Citizens Against Litter is reaching out to Carlow to become involved with city neighborhoods and their efforts to lift litter from streets and assist in community garden and tree planting projects.

Paddling for litter

There's a new group pulling litter from city rivers and shorelines. Paddle Without Pollution volunteers -- about 35 kayakers and canoeists -- were busy, busy last month. They collected 73 bags of trash. Great work, but hardly putting a dent in what's out there. Visit the group's website to learn how you can help.

Wanted: Redd Up and Alive spark plug

Mr. Litterman and Citizens Against Litter need help contacting 200 plus community leaders on an on-going basis for twice a year Redd Ups and other anti-litter initiatives. This is a wonderful opportunity for a volunteer-type or student who wants to learn about litter from the ground up. Guaranteed to give the lucky person an education in neighborhood geography and to interact with the people who make our city work. Contact boris.weinstein@verizon.net or call 412-688-9120.

"I Litter" awards

Advertising materials turn into litter in Shadyside and elsewhere. Businesses and sometimes non-profits are often responsible when they put their business on Shadyside streets. There has been less of this kind of littering in recent months. Here's September's litterers: Larry & Carol's Pizza, Mia's Pizza and Yen's Chinese.

Garbagevilles

Garbagevilles are houses, buildings, streets and places that are a mess. Some because of litter; some because of unswept leaves; some because of trash and junk on their property. Some because garbage cans sit in the front of their houses. Many because of the absence of lids on garbage cans and open waste containers. Some of these Shadyside Garbagevilles are always a mess. This is an incomplete list of course.

• 6111 Fifth Ave. (rear)
• 5523 Ellsworth Ave. (back)
• 5525 Ellsworth Ave. (front & rear)
• 5527 Ellsworth Ave. (rear)
• 10 S. Graham St. (side & back)
• 621 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 624 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 626 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 702 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 710 Bellefonte St. (back)
• Earle Apts., Elmer & Bellefonte (rear)
• 5500-08 Elmer St. (side)
• 5505 Elmer St. (side)
• 631 Ivy St. (rear)
• 703 Ivy St. (rear)
• 705 Ivy St. (rear)
• 727 Ivy St. (front, side)
• 816 Ivy St. (rear)
• 918 Ivy St. (front, side)
• 922 Ivy St. (side)
• 5528 Alder St (rear)
• 5505-07 Howe St. (front)
• 730 Summerlea St. (front)
• Dumpster Alley (behind Walnut St. stores)
• Victoria's Secret, Walnut St. (rear)
• Convenience Store/Center (Ellsworth & Summerlea)
• Wendy's, Center Ave. & Baum Blvd.
• S. Graham (between Center & Baum Blvd.)

Important phone numbers

Need to contact the city about something that's been bothering you, like potholes and graffiti? Call the 311 Response line (alternate number is 412-255-2621). Your request will be logged and sent to the proper department. Want to contact someone directly? The following list may help.

• Mayor's Office (412-255-2626)
• Littering (412-255-2621)
• State Littering Hotline (1-888-548-8372)
• Abandoned Houses (412-255-2175)
• Abandoned Cars (412-255-4776)
• Weeds/Litter/Bad Sidewalks (412-255-4155)
• Building Inspection (412-255-2176)
• Public Works Main # (412-255-2790)
• Refuse/Recycling (412-255-2773)
• Potholes (412-255-2720)
• Graffiti Watch (412-496-2272)
• Graffiti Busters ((412-255-2872))
• Report Graffiti Happening to You (9-1-1)
• Report Graffiti in Neighborhood (3-1-1)
• Report Mail Box Graffiti (412-359-7845)
• City Planning (412-255-2200)
• Parking Authority (412-560-7275)
• City Council (412-255-2142)
• Environmental Services (412-255-2780)
• Allegheny County Health Dept. (412-578-8390)
• Police, Zone 4 (412-422-6520)
• Police, Zone 5 (412-665-3605)

New Clean Pittsburgh Commission website

Visit the new CPC website that went up recently. It will keep expanding with information about What CPC Does, How to Get Involved, Resources and News.

The last word

Remember. Rome wasn't redd up in a day either.

Visit the Paddle Without Pollution website for more information or to register for the clean-up.

Our mission is to inspire people throughout the city and region to collect litter and connect neighborhoods.

Stop junk mail

Steve Root, 2010 "Bob Award" Volunteer of the Year:

I encourage you to promote the Catalog Choice Program for Communities in Pittsburgh. I advertised the program at South Side Lofts on the South Side. We are a small community of 100+ people and many signed up. We have noticed a marked decrease in unwanted mail (estimated to be 100 billion pieces a year) being delivered by the Postal Service. The best news about the program is that communities working in collaboration with Catalog Choice stop junk mail at a rate of three times the national average. Community outreach engages citizens and gets real results, reducing disposal costs and helping cities and counties reach zero waste goals.

Check out the link at https://www.catalogchoice.org/communities/details

Unclogging clogged storm sewers

Last month's East End flooding is the reason Councilman Bill Peduto has scheduled a community meeting for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 6 at Winchester Thurston in Shadyside to discuss chronic flooding. PWSA officials will be at this meeting. It presents an opportunity for concerned residents to inquire about PWSA's on-going program to unclog clogged storm (street) sewers in Shadyside and elsewhere.

What street cleaning?

A North Oakland resident writes:

I assume your department has to do more with litter, but the juggling of cars to accommodate the street cleaning ordinance signs has become ridiculous. There has not been street cleaning in North Oakland the entire summer. It's a hardship to neighbors, students, hospital workers to have parking restricted for a large portion of the day and then have nothing happen in the way of street cleaning. If we have abandoned this service, let's admit it and take down the signs.

Brookline Breeze

Eileen Papale and Keith Knecht act alike. Company's coming and they wanted to get rid of the litter along Brookline Boulevard. Eileen and Keith organized volunteers last month a few days before Brookline's showcase event, the Brookline Breeze on Saturday, August 13. Their efforts are appreciated year 'round by the neighborhood.

Plugging away

A note from Rich Engle of the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation: "Still plugging away, running monthly antilitter/weeding events on Penn Ave." Rich has the right idea. Once a year cleanups don't cut it. Twice a year cleanups are better. Once a month cleanups are the ticket. Many anti-litter volunteers all over the city hit their streets weekly.

Fall Redd Up October 21, 22, 23

Most Pittsburgh neighborhoods will be participating in the Fall Redd Up, October 21, 22, 23. Volunteers are needed and welcome. Contact boris.weinstein@verizon.net or call 412-688-9120 to be connected to a contact in your neighborhood.

Participants include:

Pittsburgh - Allegheny West, Allentown, Arlington, Banksville, Bedford Dwellings, Beechview, Beltzhoover, Bloomfield, Bluff, Bon Air, Brighton Heights, Brightwood, Brookline, California-Kirkbride, Carrick, Central Northside, Crafton Heights, Downtown, Duquesne Heights, East Allegheny, East Carnegie, East Hills, East Liberty, Elliott, Esplen, Fineview, Friendship, Garfield, Glen Hazel, Greenfield, Hays, Hazelwood, Highland Park, Homewood, Jail Trail, Larimer, Lawrenceville, Lincoln-Lemington, Lincoln Place, Lower Hill, Manchester, Mexican War Streets, Middle Hill, Morningside, Mount Oliver, Mount Washington, North Oakland, New Homestead, Oak Hill, Oakland, Oakwood, Observatory Hill, Overbrook (Fairhaven), Perry Hilltop, Polish Hill, Regent Square, Ridgemont, Schenley Heights, Sheraden, South Oakland, South Side Flats, South Point Breeze, South Side Slopes, Spring Garden-East Deutschtown, Spring Hill, Stanton Heights, Strip District, Squirrel Hill, Summer Hill, Swisshelm Park, Troy Hill, Uptown, Westwood and West End Village.

Allegheny County - Aspinwall, Brentwood, Dormont, Homestead, McKees Rocks, Mount Oliver, Penn Hills, Sharpsburg, South Park, Stowe, West Homestead, White Oak and Wilmerding.

Pitt Make a Difference Day

For the fourth year, Pitt student volunteers will work alongside neighborhood volunteers in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County this fall. This year's goal for Saturday, October 22 is placement of 2,800 Pitt students. Partnering with Pitt and Citizens Against Litter will be more than 55 neighborhoods/communities: Allentown, Arlington, Beechview, Brighton Heights, Brightwood, Beltzhoover, Bloomfield, Bon Air, Brookline, California-Kirkbride, Carrick, Crafton Heights, Ridgemont, Westwood, East Liberty, Elliott, Esplen, Fineview, Eliza Furnace Trail (Friends of the Riverfront), Friendship, Garfield, Hays, Lincoln Place, New Homestead, Hazelwood, Homewood, Larimer, Lawrenceville, Knoxville, Manchester, Mexican War Streets, Central Northside, Middle Hill District, Morningside, Mount Oliver (city and county), Mount Washington, Oakland, Perry Hilltop, Polish Hill, Schenley Heights, Shadyside, Sheraden, South Oakland, South Side Flats, South Side Slopes, Spring Garden-East Deutschtown, Stanton Heights, Strip District, Summer Hill, Troy Hill, West End, Aspinwall, Brentwood, Dormont, Homestead, McKees Rocks, Sharpsburg, Penn Hills, Stowe, West Homestead and Wilkinsburg.

Stash the Trash sign up

Thousands of Pittsburgh students -- thanks to school administrators and teachers -- redd up around their campuses twice a year in the Stash the Trash event, a tradition for many years. This fall's event is Friday, October 21. Schools are asked to visit either the Clean Pittsburgh Commission or the PA Resources Council websites for enrollment forms.

"A little litter is OK"

Fortunately the "little litter is OK" attitude is not popular with most of us. Neighborhoods have less litter because residents remove it from streets and sidewalks every chance they can. Question is "Are you with the "little litter" crowd and prepared to live with it? Mr. Litterman hopes not.

Next Community Conversation

Twice a year the Clean Pittsburgh Commission has open meetings that bring together Clean Pittsburgh Stewards to discuss neighborhood concerns. The Community Conversation next month is scheduled for Wednesday, October 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Greenfield Rec Center adjacent to Magee Field. Mark your calendar.

Wanted: Redd Up and Alive spark plug

Mr. Litterman and Citizens Against Litter need help contacting 200 plus community leaders on an on-going basis for twice a year Redd Ups and other anti-litter initiatives. This is a wonderful opportunity for a volunteer-type or student who wants to learn about litter from the ground up. Guaranteed to give the lucky person an education in neighborhood geography and to interact with the people who make our city work. Contact boris.weinstein@verizon.net or call 412-688-9120.

"Jefferson" Joe Divack

The Post-Gazette, along with presenters Highmark, Pittsburgh Foundation and Heinz Endowment, recognizes volunteers for their community service with Jefferson Awards. Joe Divack started DumpBusters at Allegheny CleanWays a few years ago and is one of the 2011 award recipients. Specifically under Joe's leadership and participation, DumpBusters has eliminated 34 illegal dumpsites in the city, totaling almost 250 tons of trash. Joe is also a member of the Clean Pittsburgh Commission.

Homewood heroes

Elaine Lee expressed her appreciation in a recent Post-Gazette letter to the editor for a job well done by Jose Diaz of Operation Better Block. Her letter in part said: "Under the leadership of Jose Diaz, who has made a commitment to revitalize this community and one way chosen has been to clean up empty lots being used as dumping sites. Recently, McCombs Street, where I live, was chosen as a project. Early one Saturday, Mr. Diaz and the good Samaritans descended and spent hours lifting, dragging and bagging rubbish, some that had obviously been there for years, from a deep ravine that runs parallel to the street. As if that effort was not enough, they returned on a later date, descended further down the hillside to continue their cleaning. It was unbelievable what these wonderful people dragged up to the surface for pickup."

"I Litter" awards

Advertising materials turn into litter in Shadyside and elsewhere. Businesses and sometimes non-profits are often responsible when they put their business on Shadyside streets. August litterers include the Kelly-Strahorne Theatre, Pizzutti's, Skullcandy (concert), and Sunset 'Til Sunrise (concert).

Garbagevilles

Garbagevilles are houses, buildings, streets and places that are a mess. Some because of litter; some because of unswept leaves; some because of trash and junk on their property. Some because garbage cans sit in the front of their houses. Many because of the absence of lids on garbage cans and open waste containers. Some of these Shadyside Garbagevilles are always a mess. This is an incomplete list of course.

• 6111 Fifth Ave. (rear)
• 5523 Ellsworth Ave. (back)
• 5525 Ellsworth Ave. (front & rear)
• 5527 Ellsworth Ave. (rear)
• 10 S. Graham St. (side & back)
• 621 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 624 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 626 Bellefonte St. (front) *702 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 710 Bellefonte St. (back)
• Earle Apts., Elmer & Bellefonte (rear)
• 5500-08 Elmer St. (side)
• 5505 Elmer St. (side)
• 703 Ivy St. (rear)
• 705 Ivy St. (rear)
• 727 Ivy St. (front, side)
• 816 Ivy St. (rear)
• 918 Ivy St. (front, side)
• 922 Ivy St. (side)
• 5528 Alder St (rear)
• 5505-07 Howe St. (front)
• 730 Summerlea St. (front)
• Dumpster Alley (behind Walnut St. stores)
• Victoria's Secret, Walnut St. (rear)
• Convenience Store/Center (Ellsworth & Summerlea)
• Liberty School (playgrounds)
• Wendy's, Center Ave. & Baum Blvd.
• S. Graham (between Center & Baum Blvd.)

Important phone numbers

Need to contact the city about something that's been bothering you, like potholes and graffiti? Call the 311 Response line (alternate number is 412-255-2621). Your request will be logged and sent to the proper department. Want to contact someone directly? The following list may help.

• Mayor's Office (412-255-2626)
• Littering (412-255-2621)
• State Littering Hotline (1-888-548-8372)
• Abandoned Houses (412-255-2175)
• Abandoned Cars (412-255-4776)
• Weeds/Litter/Bad Sidewalks (412-255-4155)
• Building Inspection (412-255-2176)
• Public Works Main # (412-255-2790)
• Refuse/Recycling (412-255-2773)
• Potholes (412-255-2720)
• Graffiti Watch (412-496-2272)
• Graffiti Busters ((412-255-2872))
• Report Graffiti Happening to You (9-1-1)
• Report Graffiti in Neighborhood (3-1-1)
• Report Mail Box Graffiti (412-359-7845)
• City Planning (412-255-2200)
• Parking Authority (412-560-7275)
• City Council (412-255-2142)
• Environmental Services (412-255-2780)
• Allegheny County Health Dept. (412-578-8390)
• Police, Zone 4 (412-422-6520)
• Police, Zone 5 (412-665-3605)

New Clean Pittsburgh Commission website

Visit the new CPC website that went up recently. It will keep expanding with information about What CPC Does, How to Get Involved, Resources and News.

http://www.cleanpittsburgh.org

The last word

Remember. Rome wasn't redd up in a day either.

View Larger Map

Groups and individuals interested in participating as volunteers are asked to contact Citizens Against Litter who will put them in touch with neighborhood Clean Pittsburgh Stewards. Email boris.weinstein@verizon.net or call 412-688-9120.

Volunteers will be furnished with gloves and trash bags.

The Redd Up event attracts approximately 10,000 volunteers. Most neighborhood cleanups are held on Saturday morning.

An estimated 2,800 Pitt student volunteers will work along with residents on this same Saturday as part of its annual Pitt Make a Difference Day of community service.

Communities outside Pittsburgh are encouraged to hold their fall cleanups on this same weekend. Register your participation through boris.weinstein@verizon.net.

Allegheny CleanWays, the organization that assists neighborhoods with eliminating illegal dumpsites, will also be a participating in the Redd Up. Contact Myrna Newman for information at myrnan@alleghenycleanways.org or 412-381-1301. Allegheny CleanWays welcomes volunteers.

Our mission is to inspire people throughout the city and region to collect litter and connect neighborhoods.

Clean Pittsburgh Commission website

Check it out. Visit http://www.cleanpittsburgh.org. It opened for business, so to speak, a couple weeks ago. The Clean Pittsburgh Commission has some information on it now. It will be an on-going project to add a lot more information that will be helpful to citizens of the city, Allegheny County and beyond, regarding such things as dates of our fall and spring Redd Ups, twice a year open CPC meetings, the annual Meet & Greet event, "Bob" awards, etc. Contact person for the site is boris.weinstein@cleanpittsburgh.org.

Go fight city hall

Pittsburgh City Council is taking action to remove its own recently enacted ordinance restricting leafleting (to curb littering). Apparently what seems like littering to one person is an attack on free speech (first amendment) to another.

Forget the superhero; summon the grannies

(The following Letter to the Editor appeared in the Post-Gazette July 13. The writer is 100% correct.)

Regarding "Downtown Cleanup Calls for a Superhero, With Your Assistance" (July 5 Walkabout column by Diana Nelson Jones): Are they kidding? Steroid-puffed Redd Uppington? To keep Pittsburghers in line?

Enough with super men heroes. What Pittsburgh needs to keep us slobs and miscreants on the straight and narrow are a couple of grandmas who don't take guff from anybody. Grandma No. 1 is African-American. Grandma No. 2 is of Irish or Polish or Italian descent. They are Nonna or Babcia or YaYa or Meemaw or Granny, and the two of them together are a force of nature.

You know them. Four-foot-nothing, sinewy arms, hands stronger than Billy Conn's, unlimited energy, possessors of the look that can puncture a balloon or an ego. These are not helpless old ladies. These are strong Pittsburgh women with grandkids who keep them up to date on the latest electronics and who cook enough food for their families and their neighbors and anyone else who happens to walk through the door. These are our superhero dirt busters.

They are not cartoon characters. We will see them but in shadow or from the back or side and only in motion, always in motion. We don't see their faces because theirs are the faces of all our grandmothers. If they can't make us feel guilty about defacing or dirtifying our city, nobody can.

So, litterers and taggers, you get on back to that building you tagged or that pile of trash you left behind and don't you come home until it's all redd up, or these grandmas will find you and they will kick your behind!

Leah Pileggi
Oakland

Fall Redd Up October 21-23

A reminder. Please block out these dates for the Redd Up this fall: October 21, 22 and 23. Friday will be for school kids and the Stash the Trash cleanup program around their schools. Saturday, October 22 will be the big Redd Up day and coincides with "Pitt Make a Difference Day". Leaders: it's not too early to begin lining up your volunteers. Contact boris.weinstein@verizon.net or call 412-688-9120.

Pitt Make a Difference Day

For the fourth year Pitt student volunteers will work alongside neighborhood volunteers in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County this fall. This year's goal on Saturday, October 22 is placement of 2,800 Pitt students. Partnering with Pitt and Citizens Against Litter will be 65 neighborhoods/communities: Allentown, Arlington, Beechview, Brighton Heights, Brightwood, Beltzhoover, Bloomfield, Bon Air, Brookline, California-Kirkbride, Carrick, Crafton Heights, Ridgemont, Westwood, East Liberty, Elliott, Esplen, Fineview, Eliza Furnace Trail (Friends of the Riverfront), Friendship, Garfield, Hays, Lincoln Place, New Homestead, Hazelwood, Homewood, Larimer, Lawrenceville, Knoxville, Manchester, Mexican War Streets, Central Northside, Middle Hill District, Morningside, Mount Oliver (city and county), Mount Washington, Oakland, South Oakland, Perry Hilltop, Polish Hill, Schenley Heights, Shadyside, Sheraden, South Oakland, South Side Flats, South Side Slopes, Spring Garden-East Deutschtown, Stanton Heights, Strip District, Summer Hill, Troy Hill, West End, Aspinwall, Brentwood, Dormont, Homestead, McKees Rocks, Sharpsburg, Penn Hills, Stowe, West Homestead and Wilkinsburg.

"The worst"

It's been an absolute mess for as long as Mr. Litterman's been picking up litter in Shadyside. We're talking about S. Graham St. between Center Ave. and Baum Blvd. Wendy's customers contribute to the mess. The Blockbuster store property was a mess even before it was closed. It's even worse now. Mr. Litterman calls it the biggest dump (outside a real dump) in Shadyside. Wendy's store management couldn't care less. A second restaurant, auto repair station, residents and church on that small stretch aren't doing anything about the trash either. Mr. Litterman "got mad" and did something about it a couple weeks ago. Can some of these other guys get mad too?

White Oak adopt-a-block

Don Kudas reports that the White Oak Council endorsed an "Adopt a Block" clean up program for the borough in May. The program can be viewed on the White Oak website. Citizens of White Oak are asked to adopt a block to keep streets clean by signing an agreement and release form. Volunteers would be expected to clean their areas at least quarterly. More response is needed. Notices have appeared in the local newspaper. Contact djkudas@comcast.net.

Greenfield glitter

Pat Hassett:

With everyone reporting, we had a bumper crop of collected litter in June -- 49 bags (34.5 white and 15.5 blue). Highest number since our program started several years ago. Top pickers were Mimi (12 bags), Kate (11 bags) and Adam and Jarred (5 bags each).

Banksville Blitz group disbands

An article in the Pittsburgh Trib on July 21 reads, "Discouraged by a lack of support, interest and funds the Blitz on Banksville group, which initiated garden projects, litter clean-ups and sculpture installations to improve the look of Banksville Rd., is disbanding." It's sad to see them go. These volunteers made a difference for ten years.

Helping neighborhoods

Four groups (among others that were out there) took on important cleanup projects in June and July. There were the 350 volunteers from Deloitte on its annual Impact Day tackling about a dozen different projects in Sheraden and Esplen with partner Renew Pittsburgh; employees of Rivers Casino cleaned up the North Shore Trail prior to the Three Rivers Regatta; and volunteers of Shalom Pittsburgh with partner Renew Pittsburgh focused their attention on Lewis Playground in Homewood. Hundreds of attendees of the national Mennonite conference in Pittsburgh July 4-8 participated in community projects in many places including Larimer, Morningside and Wilkinsburg.

No "I Litter" awards

Advertising materials turn into litter in Shadyside and elsewhere. Businesses and sometimes non-profits are often responsible when they put their business on Shadyside streets. Good news. There are no awards for July.

Garbagevilles

Garbagevilles are houses, buildings, streets and places that are a mess. Some because of litter; some because of unswept leaves; some because of trash and junk on their property. Some because garbage cans sit in the front of their houses. Many because of the absence of lids on garbage cans and open waste containers. Some of these Shadyside Garbagevilles are always a mess. This is an incomplete list of course.

• 6111 Fifth Ave. (rear)
• 5523 Ellsworth Ave. (back)
• 5525 Ellsworth Ave. (front & rear)
• 5527 Ellsworth Ave. (rear)
• 10 S. Graham St. (side & back)
• 621 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 624 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 626 Bellefonte St. (front)
• 710 Bellefonte St. (back)
• Earle Apts., Elmer & Bellefonte (rear)
• 5500-08 Elmer St. (side)
• 5505 Elmer St. (side)
• 703 Ivy St. (rear)
• 705 Ivy St. (rear)
• 727 Ivy St. (front, side)
• 816 Ivy St. (rear)
• 918 Ivy St. (front, side)
• 922 Ivy St. (side)
• 5528 Alder St (rear)
• 5505-07 Howe St. (front)
• 730 Summerlea St. (front)
• Dumpster Alley (behind Walnut St. stores)
• Victoria's Secret, Walnut St. (rear)
• Convenience Store/Center (Ellsworth & Summerlea)
• Liberty School (playgrounds)
• Wendy's, Center Ave. & Baum Blvd.
• S. Graham (between Center & Baum Blvd.)

Important phone numbers

Need to contact the city about something that's been bothering you, like potholes and graffiti? Call the 311 Response line (alternate number is 412-255-2621). Your request will be logged and sent to the proper department. Want to contact someone directly? The following list may help.

• Mayor's Office (412-255-2626)
• Littering (412-255-2621)
• State Littering Hotline (1-888-548-8372)
• Abandoned Houses (412-255-2175)
• Abandoned Cars (412-255-4776)
• Weeds/Litter/Bad Sidewalks (412-255-4155)
• Building Inspection (412-255-2176)
• Public Works Main # (412-255-2790)
• Refuse/Recycling (412-255-2773)
• Potholes (412-255-2720)
• Graffiti Watch (412-496-2272)
• Graffiti Busters ((412-255-2872))
• Report Graffiti Happening to You (9-1-1)
• Report Graffiti in Neighborhood (3-1-1)
• Report Mail Box Graffiti (412-359-7845)
• City Planning (412-255-2200)
• Parking Authority (412-560-7275)
• City Council (412-255-2142)
• Environmental Services (412-255-2780)
• Allegheny County Health Dept. (412-578-8390)
• Police, Zone 4 (412-422-6520)
• Police, Zone 5 (412-665-3605)

Next to last word

"Tell me and I'll forget. Show me and I may not remember. Involve me and I'll understand."

Native American proverb

The last word

Remember. Rome wasn't redd up in a day either.

We're sad to see them go. The Tribune-Review has the full story.