National Women’s History Month

March is National Women’s History month. This month, we celebrate the tremendous progress that American women have made over the years, from the suffrage movement in the early 20th century to the battle for equal rights in the late 20th century. Women now make up the majority of college students and almost half of the total workforce; and while the third-highest ranking official in the United States is a woman, now is the perfect time to think about the inequalities that remain and what we can do to help end them. I am proud to celebrate this history with my community and to be a co-sponsor of an upcoming Resolution that will officially proclaim March as “Women’s History Month” in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
 

Autism Mini-Grants

Children and adults living with autism spectrum disorders can now apply for state mini-grants that may be used for respite or child care, summer camp programs and special events at educational venues, autism or advocacy related conferences, workshops or training opportunities, community programs or safety modifications or adaptations for home or community. Eligible individuals are Pennsylvania residents who have an autism spectrum disorder or have a family member with ASD and are not currently receiving family support services. Applications must be postmarked by April 16. For more information and an application, visit www.autisminpa.org and click on “2010 Mini Grant Information” or call the Department of Public Welfare Bureau of Autism Services at 1-888-359-7689.
 

Changes at Port Authority of Allegheny County

Port Authority of Allegheny County has completed its 18-month Transportation Development Plan (TDP), which includes a total redesign of its current system with the intention of making it more cost-effective and efficient. Even though it is a redesign, 89% of Port Authority’s riders will continue to see the same level of service. Though many service changes will take place over the next two years, the Port Authority will begin to make some changes beginning on Sunday, April 4, 2010. Make sure to visit http://tdp.portauthority.org for a complete list of routing and service changes that will become effective on April 4.
 

Allegheny Riverfront Vision’s Community Meeting

Today’s riverfronts are our most treasured assets that have tremendous potential to improve our quality of life. They give us the opportunity to reconnect our neighborhoods, reclaim the waterways as amenities, and provide new venues for recreation. The Allegheny Riverfront Vision Plan seeks to achieve this by creating a comprehensive and unified vision for the redevelopment of 6.5 miles of the Allegheny’s south shore stretching from 11th Street in the Strip District to Highland Park and a small area on the north shore at the 16th Street bridge. The third public meeting for the Allegheny Riverfront Vision planning process has been scheduled for Thursday, March 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. in room 330 of the David Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown. At this meeting, progress from the past few months will be reviewed, and suggestions for infrastructure and design scenarios will be taken and reviewed. This will be the last community meeting before the final plan is presented in April. RSVPs are not required for this event. Visit www.alleghenyriverfrontvision.com for pictures of the project and more information.

 + ENLARGE
 

Fontana Fact!

Did you know that one of the most important developments in medical history occurred right here in Pittsburgh 55 years ago this spring? In 1955, 38 year old Dr. Jonas E. Salk reported his success in developing a vaccination for the polio virus in human beings. His vaccine has saved millions of lives around the world, and because of this historic discovery, polio is very close to becoming only the second disease (after smallpox) to be completely eradicated from earth!