---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: The Education Policy and Leadership Center
The Education Policy and Leadership Center is pleased to invite you to attend the
PENNSYLVANIA EDUCATION POLICY FORUM
"Western Pennsylvania Breakfast Series"
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Continental Breakfast - 8:00 a.m.
Program - 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Holiday Inn Pittsburgh University Center
(100 Lytton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213)
SUBJECT:
College Completion Agenda
SPEAKERS:
Gregg Fleisher
National AP Training and Incentives Program Director,
National Math+Science Initiative
Marcus S. Lingenfelter
Director, State Government Relations, The College Board
Dr. James Moran
Vice Chancellor for Academic & Student Affairs,
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and
Acting President, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
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The Lumina Foundation, The College Board, and Complete College America are among just a few of the nation's leading organizations calling for a dramatic increase in the percentage of young adults with a 2-year college degree or more to at least 55%. In the recently released College Completion Agenda 2011 Progress Report, Pennsylvania (43.4%) ranks just above the national average of 41.3%, while it trails far behind neighboring states New York (49.2%), New Jersey (46.2%), and Maryland (46.1%). With educated citizens as the basis for innovative, productive, and healthy economies, Pennsylvania currently stands at a disadvantage.
This session will discuss the degree attainment/completion agenda landscape nationally and locally. It will include discussion of best practice policies and programs being utilized around the country seeking to "fix the leaky P-16 pipeline." Also included are a host of resources, data, and policy initiatives from the College Board's Advocacy and Policy Center (http://advocacy.collegeboard.org/).
The College Board's College Completion Agenda Report is available at http://completionagenda.collegeboard.org/sites/default/files/reports_pdf/Progress_Report_2011.pdf
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Please RSVP Today!
Registration is free, but everyone must RSVP at http://www.eplc.org/events-calendar/western-pennsylvania-breakfast-series/. Please share this invitation with your friends and colleagues.
Thanks to our Sponsors:
AFT Pennsylvania
Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties
College of Education - The Pennsylvania State University
Center for Educational Leadership - University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education
Educational Testing Service (ETS)
OnHand Schools
Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principals
Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units
Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools
Pennsylvania Association of Pupil Services Administrators
Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators
Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials
Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
Pennsylvania Council on the Arts
Pennsylvania School Boards Association
Pennsylvania State Education Association
The College Board
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Fw: Olympic Football tickets on sale 30 April
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Fw: Pass the word
From: "Ed McManus" ed.mcmanus@pghtfc.org
Date: Sun, 29 Apr 2012 15:22:19 -0400
Subject: Pass the word
TLC Supporters,
In my 33 years teaching in the Pittsburgh School District I recall funding problems and anti-public school governors. Before Governor Corbett we had Tom Ridge before Ridge we had Dick Thornburgh. I’ve learned to accept criticism from some in the public as part of the job. What I don’t recall is a time when the Pittsburgh School Board and its administrators have been so emboldened to publicly criticize teachers and openly attacking negotiated rights.
In the last seven years many hard won contractual rights have eroded. We now have an eleven step salary schedule, merit pay, and a different pay scale for new teachers. This year an unprecedented number of teachers were rated unsatisfactory and over one hundred teachers were “exited” from the district.
The district is now projecting over 300 furloughs and is mounting a very public assault on our seniority rights. The district is advocating the RISE evaluation system, the collaborative program developed by the district and current union leadership and funded with Gates money, to determine teacher furloughs.
A colleague was commenting the other day on whether the district would have had the nerve to even jokingly broach the seniority subject with Al Fondy. Not a chance.
We need a strong voice representing a strong united union. I think Mark will be that voice.
Thanks,
Ed McManus
Secretary Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers
Get the word out
I have again attached a link to an interview Nina gave on KDAK radio and Mark’s e-mail to Mangino after the interview.
Robert,
I just finished listening to the last 30 min of your show tonight and was disappointed that I was unable to call in (Although you did give the number while Nina Esposito-Visgitis was on I did not make note of it).
I am a teacher in the Pittsburgh public School where I have taught math for the past 22 years. I wanted to suggest to the inherent flaw in your reasoning about which teachers should be furloughed is the thought that all teachers are equal. You supported that notion by pointing out that since it is difficult to fairly evaluate teachers then we can conclude that all teachers are doing the same job hence we should get rid of the “expensive” ones i.e. the older more experienced teachers. I would grant you that if all teachers were equal that there would be some financial sense to your logic. However all teachers are not equally effective. Evaluating teachers presents a similar challenge as evaluating police officers, doctors, dentists, and others who work with the public. We cannot evaluate the effectiveness of our police officers based upon their crime rate. We cannot evaluate doctors based upon their patient’s survival rate. If a doctor tells a patient to take their meds, exercise, eat right, quit smoking, etc… and the patient does not do these things and dies is it fair to blame the doctor?
Even with the difficulties of evaluating teachers, there is an undeniable connection between experience and effectiveness in all professions. Particularly in education where approximately 50% of all new teachers leave the profession with in the first 5 years. This simple fact underscores the value of experience. It means that teachers with more experience have adapted to the infinite challenges that students and society present, challenges that a college cannot sufficiently prepare you for. The more experienced teachers have a wealth of actual interactions with students from which to draw upon when interacting with their current students. They have had the time to explore various education techniques and determine, from experience, which were best suited to meet the needs of their students. To down play the value of experience is simply shortsighted.
Returning to your point of getting rid of teachers based solely upon their pay, it is exactly those types of arbitrary actions by management that gave birth to the union movement in this country. Employees should have rights and be protected from decision by management that are based solely upon the almighty dollar.
As we look at the financial struggles the Pittsburgh Public Schools are experiencing there are many factors that have conspired to create the situation we are currently in. One is the Governor’s budget and disproportional cuts to the education budgets of all PA schools districts but there are also other factors involved. The Pittsburgh Public School has had a long history of employing more administrators, proportionally speaking, than the majority of other school districts.
We spend approximately $21,000 per student. Compare that to the vast majority of other local school districts who are spending between
$12,000 and $14,000 per student, it makes one wonder where the money is going. The Pittsburgh teachers do not make as high salaries as many of our suburban counterparts. I honestly do not know where the money is going but it is something I would like to look into.
All of these challenges combined with a general public who seems to have declared open season on educators have left my profession in a terrible place. What incentive do college students have for pursuing a career in the education field?
My colleagues and I have dedicated our lives to the betterment of our students. The fact that about 50% of us quit in the first 5 years proves that those of us who last are committed to our profession and our students in spite of the general backlash we endure from the public. We all need to be careful of judging someone until we have walked a mile in his or her shoes.
Sincerely,
Mark Sammartino
PFT Presidential Candidate Spring 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
RIP, former UCLA swim coach, Ron "Sticks" Ballatore
My modest tribute is on my blog. I only knew of coach from across the nation.
http://rauterkus.blogspot.com/2012/04/rip-former-ucla-swim-coach-ron-sticks.html
Coach once told a story at the podium at a swim coaches clinic (ASCA). Since then, I've embraced that message throughout my life. Coach said that he always planned, even planning with the assistant coaches, to give the team the one thing that the guys would bitch, moan and complain about. It was by design. He'd pull something out of the blue and zing the team with this odd-ball task of little importance to him. But, it kept all the other things sacred and done without complaints, because there was that one focal point.
Ron "Sticks" Ballatore, UCLA Swimming Tribute Video from Dan on Vimeo.
I even use that method on my mother-in-law. We were going to name our first child "Dirt." That kept her off our backs for months.
He started coaching in Toledo.
Sadly, UCLA cut its men's swim team. UCLA still has crap for karma if you ask me. John Wooden is in a special place, but since then and with the cutting of the men's swim program -- ugh. UCLA broke our hearts and was the start of a long line of heartbreak for men's swimming that includes, for me, Ohio University, Bradley Unviersity, Baylor University -- and locally, Duquesne University. There is a place in hell for sports administrators and college big shots that think that you can win by subtraction.
He then went to coach at Brown and then to Gainsville, Florida.
I had a grand time watching UCLA's squad swim in 1982 as a journalist. Later I covered Tom Jager too as he swam at NCAAs at Cleveland. Tom was from St. Louis and such a superstar. In the morning he swam the fly leg in the medley relay. Then at night in finals, he'd swim the backstroke leg. He'd go where Coach told him to go, where needed. Meanwhile, Tom was a freestyler, but his stroke splits were as fast as any others. He was in the zone for every race. I think that was the deal with the medley that year, but it was a long time ago. Jager and those Bruin swimmers knew how to race and be mentally tough like few others.
Let me think again about some of my past Stix inspired twists I pulled as a coach: Once, I insisted that the Plum High School Team go to the library when we went to the PIAA Meet at Penn State. Yep, I held a mandatory study hall at states. Another time, I picked the movie, Amadeus. No other options were available. The kids were pissed. But, they were angry at the one thing I really wanted them to fume about. Those Plum years are on my mind now as Katie is swimming in Masters Nationals this weekend and she got first in the women's 100 fly today!
Other news: http://www.collegeswimming.com/news/2012/apr/28/stix-ballatore-passes-away/
http://rauterkus.blogspot.com/2012/04/rip-former-ucla-swim-coach-ron-sticks.html
Coach once told a story at the podium at a swim coaches clinic (ASCA). Since then, I've embraced that message throughout my life. Coach said that he always planned, even planning with the assistant coaches, to give the team the one thing that the guys would bitch, moan and complain about. It was by design. He'd pull something out of the blue and zing the team with this odd-ball task of little importance to him. But, it kept all the other things sacred and done without complaints, because there was that one focal point.
Ron "Sticks" Ballatore, UCLA Swimming Tribute Video from Dan on Vimeo.
I even use that method on my mother-in-law. We were going to name our first child "Dirt." That kept her off our backs for months.
He started coaching in Toledo.
Sadly, UCLA cut its men's swim team. UCLA still has crap for karma if you ask me. John Wooden is in a special place, but since then and with the cutting of the men's swim program -- ugh. UCLA broke our hearts and was the start of a long line of heartbreak for men's swimming that includes, for me, Ohio University, Bradley Unviersity, Baylor University -- and locally, Duquesne University. There is a place in hell for sports administrators and college big shots that think that you can win by subtraction.
He then went to coach at Brown and then to Gainsville, Florida.
I had a grand time watching UCLA's squad swim in 1982 as a journalist. Later I covered Tom Jager too as he swam at NCAAs at Cleveland. Tom was from St. Louis and such a superstar. In the morning he swam the fly leg in the medley relay. Then at night in finals, he'd swim the backstroke leg. He'd go where Coach told him to go, where needed. Meanwhile, Tom was a freestyler, but his stroke splits were as fast as any others. He was in the zone for every race. I think that was the deal with the medley that year, but it was a long time ago. Jager and those Bruin swimmers knew how to race and be mentally tough like few others.
Let me think again about some of my past Stix inspired twists I pulled as a coach: Once, I insisted that the Plum High School Team go to the library when we went to the PIAA Meet at Penn State. Yep, I held a mandatory study hall at states. Another time, I picked the movie, Amadeus. No other options were available. The kids were pissed. But, they were angry at the one thing I really wanted them to fume about. Those Plum years are on my mind now as Katie is swimming in Masters Nationals this weekend and she got first in the women's 100 fly today!
Other news: http://www.collegeswimming.com/news/2012/apr/28/stix-ballatore-passes-away/
Blast from the past: Neat idea wrote the P-G
Once upon a time, the Post-Gazette reported:
Idea is still valid.
Consider the saga that comes with John Edwards and his political mess with a lover and donations. If he had an OPEN PAC that everyone could witness as money flowed into and out of it, then he would not be in trouble today.
I don't know all the details of the case, but it seems to me there are two points in time when money can be diverted: Income to the candidate and expenses from the candidate. The money is either coming or going and one or two of those actions can lead to serious trouble.
Edwards must have taken money that wasn't document and reported. Did he get money as a personal loan? Then that money would be hidden from the PAC. But, those who give the money would know it wasn't posted in his OPEN PAC. They'd see it was cashed and posted to some other account, not his OPEN PAC, where all can see the deposits and payments. The other time when sins can occur with the money is when it is spent. As he spent money on expenses that were not ethical, in an OPEN PAC, all could see it and then raise red flags.
"Candidate Edwards, what about yesterdays payment to your mistress? Was she really worth that amount?"
City campaign finance reform
Speaking of meetings and speeches, council's public hearing on member William Peduto's campaign finance reform legislation is set for 2 p.m. next Tuesday.
For those of you who can't wait for an earnest discussion of campaign donation caps and pre-campaign contribution limits, here's a neat idea former council candidate Mark Rauterkus dropped on Early Returns today:
Why not convince a bank to set up special political campaign accounts that anyone with an Internet browser can check in on whenever they want? The city could then compel all candidates for its offices to use such accounts for all of their campaign activity, making all contributions and expenses public instantly, rather than disclosing them only a few times a year in paper records filed on the sixth floor of the County Office Building.
Mr. Rauterkus said he presented the idea to a citizens committee on campaign finance that Mr. Peduto convened, and you can bet he'll be back at the public hearing.
This blog was written by Post-Gazette Staff Writers Rich Lord and Ed Blazina.
Idea is still valid.
Consider the saga that comes with John Edwards and his political mess with a lover and donations. If he had an OPEN PAC that everyone could witness as money flowed into and out of it, then he would not be in trouble today.
I don't know all the details of the case, but it seems to me there are two points in time when money can be diverted: Income to the candidate and expenses from the candidate. The money is either coming or going and one or two of those actions can lead to serious trouble.
Edwards must have taken money that wasn't document and reported. Did he get money as a personal loan? Then that money would be hidden from the PAC. But, those who give the money would know it wasn't posted in his OPEN PAC. They'd see it was cashed and posted to some other account, not his OPEN PAC, where all can see the deposits and payments. The other time when sins can occur with the money is when it is spent. As he spent money on expenses that were not ethical, in an OPEN PAC, all could see it and then raise red flags.
"Candidate Edwards, what about yesterdays payment to your mistress? Was she really worth that amount?"
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Wow, another park opens. Some interaction expected.
Parks are great, of course. But, I'm longing for parks where coaches can interact with kids so we can learn to better play with others. The music is great. The trails are great. Hope to see you there.
Perhaps we can do some open water swimming there?
Perhaps we can do some open water swimming there?
Thursday, May 3, 2012 * 6-8 PM *
27th & Water Streets in the SouthSide Works
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), WYEP, the City of Pittsburgh and Riverlife have teamed up to bring you "Rhythm 'n' Flow" - a special event to celebrate the Grand Opening of South Shore Riverfront Park and Amphitheater.
Join us for an exciting evening on the riverfront in this spectacular park. Hosted by Cindy Howes, WYEP Morning Mix host and producer, this family-friendly, FREE event will feature the fun indie pop sounds of Delicious Pastries and the high-gain electric/punk/indie rock of White Wives . Kids can enjoy arts and crafts courtesy of the Citiparks Roving Art Cart. Light snacks and beverages provided by Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh. Bike Valet provided by BikePGH.
Walk there, bike there, drive there - just get there!
This world class urban park project has transformed the industrial riverscape at the Monongahela River shoreline into a key link within Pittsburgh’s beautiful trail system. The new park will eventually provide access to the river for recreation, entertainment, a private marina, water taxi service and public docking for recreational boating.
Fwd: Swim Coach Terry Laughlin comes to Pittsburgh, and Other Spring Events
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Monday, April 23, 2012
The envelope please. Governor Foxx announces her succussor
First 1:44 has poor audio. Sorry.
Around 4 minutes the suspense builds!
Bethany Foxx, YAG Governor, said, "... It is both my honor and pleasure to announce the 66th Youth Governor for the Pennsylvania YMCA Youth and Government program. Your new Governor, congratulations to Erik Rauterkus. (Timeline 4:40)
Around 4 minutes the suspense builds!
Bethany Foxx, YAG Governor, said, "... It is both my honor and pleasure to announce the 66th Youth Governor for the Pennsylvania YMCA Youth and Government program. Your new Governor, congratulations to Erik Rauterkus. (Timeline 4:40)
Mark Rauterkus, Bethany Foxx, Erik Rauterkus
Photo of Mark Rauterkus, PA YMCA and PPS Obama Academy volunteer, Bethany Foxx, former PA Youth Governor from Hershey, and Erik Rauterkus, South Side resident and PA's Youth Governor as of April 2012.
Harrisburg & Pittsburgh Crashes with Youth Elections in Pennsylvania
by Angela Perfetti, senior at Pittsburgh's Obama Academy
(Sunday, April 22, 2012)
Twenty five high school students from Obama Academy of International Studies, an I.B. school within Pittsburgh Public Schools, were in a charter bus that was hit on the PA Turnpike while on travels home from Harrisburg after the conclusion of the YMCA Youth and Government model convention in the state capital today. None of the students nor the teacher nor two other adult volunteers were injured in the Sunday evening accident, westbound around Murrysville, mile marker 65. The bus driver as well as the driver of the semi-truck were both unhurt.
The bus and the semi truck carrying new Mercedes sedans bumped sides and scraped together while heading in the same direction. All of the exterior windows along the right side of the bus were broken and shattered, but the glass never reached the interior by the passengers.
“Wind seemed to push the truck into the bus through a turn and the driver did a great job to avert a more catastrophic accident,” said Tobias Rather, a junior within the school club. “State police were called and no arrest nor citations were made to our knowledge.”
Traveling on the bus were the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and the Editor in Chief of Pennsylvania's Youth Government. All had been just been voted upon and sworn into office just hours prior in the PA State House Chambers. The student delegation had been to a four-day, model-government convention directed by the Pennsylvania YMCA (YAG). YAG brought together more than 400 students from across the state to participate in government events.
Students at YAG run their own government, electing a student Governor, presently Erik Rauterkus (junior from Pittsburgh's South Side); Lieutenant Governor, Ben Junker (junior from Bloomfield); and Editor in Chief, Anna Vitti (junior from Highland Park). Two other elected officials come from elsewhere in the state: The Speaker of the House is from Hershey and the Chief Justice is from East Shore Y in Harrisburg.
These leaders facilitate YAG members in a year-long quest to write, debate, amend and vote for bills with committee and floor sessions. Bills are signed or vetoed by the Governor. Others win or lose court cases, report on top stories, and lobby for new PA laws. Some YAG legislation has been introduced and passed into real law within Pennsylvania.
“YAG has been a well-respected state program for many decades,” said Erik Rauterkus, now the 66th Youth Governor in PA.
“The YAG program clearly demonstrated various perceptions among citizens from suburban and rural delegations who have notoriously dominated the events in Harrisburg,” said Matt Lampl, Obama junior, Squirrel Hill.
“Only two out of 24 delegations come from within Philadelphia or Pittsburgh city limits. Naturally, the leadership tended to sway toward delegates from rural, rather than urban, areas, as they represented the majority. But the Obama delegation of 2012 made unprecedented impact this year.”
“Ours was an amazing feat, sweeping three out of the five main leadership positions,” said Annie Widom, junor, Squirrel Hill. Widom held a lobby position this week at YAG.
Rauterkus claimed the top spot in the election for Governor by besting a veteran YAG member, Erin Agnew, from Springfield, which is also the largest delegation.
The bus crash was the second major crash for Rauterkus this week. Just two days prior to the trip to Harrisburg, Rauterkus, one of the areas top junior competitive cyclists and captain of the school's swim team, was rushed to Presbyterian Hospital after experiencing a major tumble within a sprint in a race at the Bud Harris Cycling Oval. Suffering from plenty of road rash and soreness, he persevered and still attended the youth leadership event.
Ben Junker, a swimming and waterpolo teammate of Rauterkus, pulled off a similar victory, narrowly beating five other peer members for the role of Lieutenant Governor. One of his duties is to preside over the Senate. Junker also was awarded the Outstanding Senate Committee Chair in the final joint session.
The new Editor-in-chief for YAG, Anna Vitti, was elected to that position by her peers and moved from her role as reporter.
Obama freshman, Rohun Joseph, was the fourth member of the squad who got put onto the YMCA invite list to attend CONA, the USA version for Youth Government. Adult advisers evaluate the students throughout the year and select an all-star cadre of youth leaders to meet for a week in North Carolina in July. Only 26 students in Pennsylvania get that opportunity.
This was the first year of the Obama delegation, as it replaced the recently closed Schenley High School. “The students made a great impression with their skills and leadership abilities, said YMCA Program Director, Adoree DeLuca-Johnson. “They brought the Obama Academy and Pittsburgh names to the state.”
The YAG members were reminded in an opening speech by Governor Tom Corbett, “Youth are the future of this world.” In the closing session, the Lieutenant Governor, Jim Cawley spoke about voting and duties as citizens.
“The key role we play in the YAG program may indicate the beginning of better relationship among the urban, suburban and rural areas of our Commonwealth in both policy and politics” said Demetri Lardas, Obama junior, from the Oakland area of Pittsburgh.
James Hill, 2011 Schenley graduate, from Stanton Heights and a former YAG participant said, “I'm thankful that no one was hurt in the bus crash. It must have been in exciting end to an exciting weekend. I'm immensely proud of Erik, Ben, and Anna for making a smash this year. Working with them in the past, I know that they are great kids and that they are going to work hard to make YAG even better next year. I'm very proud that they're making there own legacy and proving inner city schools have what it takes."
###
Angela Perfetti, Senior, Pgh Obama, Reporter at YAG
Mark Rauterkus, PA YAG volunteer, Mark@Rauterkus.com, 412-298-3432
Photos available.
Also see:
The PA YMCA site: http://www.ymcapa.org/index.html
PA YAG blog: http://payagpress.tumblr.com/
PA YAG YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/PaYouthandGov
(Sunday, April 22, 2012)
Twenty five high school students from Obama Academy of International Studies, an I.B. school within Pittsburgh Public Schools, were in a charter bus that was hit on the PA Turnpike while on travels home from Harrisburg after the conclusion of the YMCA Youth and Government model convention in the state capital today. None of the students nor the teacher nor two other adult volunteers were injured in the Sunday evening accident, westbound around Murrysville, mile marker 65. The bus driver as well as the driver of the semi-truck were both unhurt.
The bus and the semi truck carrying new Mercedes sedans bumped sides and scraped together while heading in the same direction. All of the exterior windows along the right side of the bus were broken and shattered, but the glass never reached the interior by the passengers.
“Wind seemed to push the truck into the bus through a turn and the driver did a great job to avert a more catastrophic accident,” said Tobias Rather, a junior within the school club. “State police were called and no arrest nor citations were made to our knowledge.”
Traveling on the bus were the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and the Editor in Chief of Pennsylvania's Youth Government. All had been just been voted upon and sworn into office just hours prior in the PA State House Chambers. The student delegation had been to a four-day, model-government convention directed by the Pennsylvania YMCA (YAG). YAG brought together more than 400 students from across the state to participate in government events.
Students at YAG run their own government, electing a student Governor, presently Erik Rauterkus (junior from Pittsburgh's South Side); Lieutenant Governor, Ben Junker (junior from Bloomfield); and Editor in Chief, Anna Vitti (junior from Highland Park). Two other elected officials come from elsewhere in the state: The Speaker of the House is from Hershey and the Chief Justice is from East Shore Y in Harrisburg.
These leaders facilitate YAG members in a year-long quest to write, debate, amend and vote for bills with committee and floor sessions. Bills are signed or vetoed by the Governor. Others win or lose court cases, report on top stories, and lobby for new PA laws. Some YAG legislation has been introduced and passed into real law within Pennsylvania.
“YAG has been a well-respected state program for many decades,” said Erik Rauterkus, now the 66th Youth Governor in PA.
“The YAG program clearly demonstrated various perceptions among citizens from suburban and rural delegations who have notoriously dominated the events in Harrisburg,” said Matt Lampl, Obama junior, Squirrel Hill.
“Only two out of 24 delegations come from within Philadelphia or Pittsburgh city limits. Naturally, the leadership tended to sway toward delegates from rural, rather than urban, areas, as they represented the majority. But the Obama delegation of 2012 made unprecedented impact this year.”
“Ours was an amazing feat, sweeping three out of the five main leadership positions,” said Annie Widom, junor, Squirrel Hill. Widom held a lobby position this week at YAG.
Rauterkus claimed the top spot in the election for Governor by besting a veteran YAG member, Erin Agnew, from Springfield, which is also the largest delegation.
The bus crash was the second major crash for Rauterkus this week. Just two days prior to the trip to Harrisburg, Rauterkus, one of the areas top junior competitive cyclists and captain of the school's swim team, was rushed to Presbyterian Hospital after experiencing a major tumble within a sprint in a race at the Bud Harris Cycling Oval. Suffering from plenty of road rash and soreness, he persevered and still attended the youth leadership event.
Ben Junker, a swimming and waterpolo teammate of Rauterkus, pulled off a similar victory, narrowly beating five other peer members for the role of Lieutenant Governor. One of his duties is to preside over the Senate. Junker also was awarded the Outstanding Senate Committee Chair in the final joint session.
The new Editor-in-chief for YAG, Anna Vitti, was elected to that position by her peers and moved from her role as reporter.
Obama freshman, Rohun Joseph, was the fourth member of the squad who got put onto the YMCA invite list to attend CONA, the USA version for Youth Government. Adult advisers evaluate the students throughout the year and select an all-star cadre of youth leaders to meet for a week in North Carolina in July. Only 26 students in Pennsylvania get that opportunity.
This was the first year of the Obama delegation, as it replaced the recently closed Schenley High School. “The students made a great impression with their skills and leadership abilities, said YMCA Program Director, Adoree DeLuca-Johnson. “They brought the Obama Academy and Pittsburgh names to the state.”
The YAG members were reminded in an opening speech by Governor Tom Corbett, “Youth are the future of this world.” In the closing session, the Lieutenant Governor, Jim Cawley spoke about voting and duties as citizens.
“The key role we play in the YAG program may indicate the beginning of better relationship among the urban, suburban and rural areas of our Commonwealth in both policy and politics” said Demetri Lardas, Obama junior, from the Oakland area of Pittsburgh.
James Hill, 2011 Schenley graduate, from Stanton Heights and a former YAG participant said, “I'm thankful that no one was hurt in the bus crash. It must have been in exciting end to an exciting weekend. I'm immensely proud of Erik, Ben, and Anna for making a smash this year. Working with them in the past, I know that they are great kids and that they are going to work hard to make YAG even better next year. I'm very proud that they're making there own legacy and proving inner city schools have what it takes."
###
For more information:
Angela Perfetti, Senior, Pgh Obama, Reporter at YAG
Mark Rauterkus, PA YAG volunteer, Mark@Rauterkus.com, 412-298-3432
Photos available.
Also see:
The PA YMCA site: http://www.ymcapa.org/index.html
PA YAG blog: http://payagpress.tumblr.com/
PA YAG YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/PaYouthandGov
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Obama Academy Award Winners
Anna Vitti, Rohun Joseph, Ben Junker and Erik Rauterkus all got awards in the State Capital in Harrisburg.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Fwd: Heicklen jury tampering case dismissed
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Julian P Heicklen
Date: Thursday, April 19, 2012
Subject: Heicklen jury tampering case dismissed
To: Julian Heicklen <jPH13@psu.edu>
Hi Tyranny Fighters:
Today, I was notified by Sabrina Shroff, my federal defender stand-by counsel and by Ben Weiser, the federal court reporter for the New York Times that the jury tampering case against me in the U. S. District Court in Manhattan, NY Has been dismissed. This means that the jury has the right, actually the duty, to judge the law as well as the facts. I have not yet seen either the dismissal order nor the court opinion.
This is a great victory for the country and will keep me out of federal prison. However all the federal judges in the United States should be removed from office and tried for perjury with the intent to obstruct justice, since they all instruct the jury that it must uphold the law as they give it. This is a double lie. If the jury decides to uphold the law, it must be the law in the written statute. If the judge does not provide the jury with the written statute, the jury MUST find the defendant not guilty, because of reasonable doubt.
On Monday, April 23, 2012, I will be distributing jury nullification literature on the plaza in front of the U. S. Federal Courthouse at 500 Pearl Street, Manhattan, NY 10007, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. You all are invited to join me. At 1:30 pm there will be a victory luncheon for everyone who wishes to attend at their own expense at one of the best Chinese restaurants in near-by China Town. Please send me your suggestion for which restaurant you prefer.
The luncheon will to thank Sabrina Shroff and Steven Statsinger, my federal defender stand-by counsels, for their invaluable work to bring the case to a successful solution. I hope to see as many of you as possible at either the distribution or the luncheon, or both. If you plan to attend the luncheon, let me know, so that I can notify the restaurant of how many of us there will be.
One small step for a shabby old man, but a giant leap for justice and our country. On to Orlando on Tuesday, May 8, 2012.
Yours in freedom and justice—Julian
--
--
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
PPS Summer Dreamers' Swim and Water Polo Camp Head Coach with Neighborhood Learning Alliance
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Fw: Hope to See You on Sunday
Sent from my BlackBerry®
From: "Ron Paul" <ron_paul@ronpaul2012.com>
Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:55:25 -0700
To: Mark Rauterkus<mark@rauterkus.com>
ReplyTo: ron_paul@ronpaul2012.com
Subject: Hope to See You on Sunday
 Dear Mark, Don’t believe the establishment’s lie that this race is over. I can’t tell you how much energy and encouragement I’ve received from our record-breaking crowds at recent meetings. At one event in California alone, over 8,500 people came out to hear the message of liberty! When I talk about restoring America now, you can be sure it’s more than a campaign slogan. It can be a reality if we stay committed to this race and spreading the word about freedom. So I hope you’ll take advantage of a chance this Sunday, April 22, to bring your neighbors, family, and friends out to the Independence Mall in Philadelphia to hear about our ideas of fiscal responsibility and constitutionally limited government. And with the Pennsylvania and Delaware primaries just around the corner on April 24, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. The event will start at 1 pm on the lawn of the Independence Visitor Center. Musicians including supporter Jordan Page will kick things off, and Michael Scheuer, former head of the CIA’s Bin Laden unit, will speak right before me. Click here for more details. If you’re planning to attend, please RSVP to help give us an idea of how many we can expect. I’m excited about this opportunity to speak in the city where our Founders declared their independence from tyranny, and I hope you’ll join me in declaring our own trust in the message of freedom. For Liberty,  Ron Paul P.S. I’m coming to Philadelphia on Sunday, April 22, and I hope you will join me, Michael Scheuer, Jordan Page, and more for what is sure to be an exciting time. The event starts at 1 pm on the lawn of the Independence Visitor Center. Click here for all the details and please RSVP right away if you plan to attend. And, for those who can make a special contribution to my campaign, I am hosting a dinner reception at 6 pm Sunday night at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. Click here for more information on this opportunity. |
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Fw: AMAZING TRAINING OPPORTUNITY FOR ANYONE WORKING WITH AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS
Sent from my BlackBerry®
From: Stephen MacIsaac <macisaac2@wireless-neighborhoods.org>
Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:53:53 -0400
To: Training RSVPs<trainings@neighborhoodlearning.org>
Subject: AMAZING TRAINING OPPORTUNITY FOR ANYONE WORKING WITH AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS
We need your help getting this distributed!!!!!
Please consider coming to this amazing training opportunity or please pass this along to anyone who serves African American students, particularly males. Neighborhood Learning Alliance, Hill House Association and Bloomfield Garfield Corporation have the great privilege of presenting a 3-part series lead by Malcolm Thomas, Keith Murphy and Tony Mitchell, three of the strongest leaders in the city of Pittsburgh around Rites of Passage, Manhood Development and African-centered programming. The trainings are completely free of charge to anyone who can benefit from insights and strategies for better engaging African American males or for those who just want to deliver more culturally appropriate programming for our African American children. Please see the flyer below and if interested in attending call or email as soon as possible to RSVP. A copy of the flyer is also attached to the email if you want to print a copy out. Thanks. Hope to see you at the training.
--
Stephen MacIsaac
Executive Directors
Neighborhood Learning Alliance
United Way Agency Code: 1528678
Great reasons to avoid any permit parking on the South Side
This comes from a friend on Facebook.
Back in November, I was visiting my parents and had their visitor;s pass on my dash. When I went to my car, I had a ticket for 'expired visitor's permit.' The permit was visible and clearly had valid dates (in fact, that particular pass became effective on Nov 1). I scheduled a hearing at traffic court. Before doing so, though, I called the PPA and complained. I was told that the parking enforcement officer ticketed me for having two expired stickers on my rear drivers side window (from when the permits used to be stickers, not placards). The parking officer even took photos of my window. I forgot they were even still on the window, but that still doesn't change the fact that the placard on my dash was valid and visible. At court, the magistrate produced the photos which were in my file and reduced the fine down to $20, which I paid, even though I thought the whole thing was bullshit. Heck, I've seen cars with a dozen of those old stickers on their windows. Someone recently sent me a picture of such a car -- it had at least six stickers -- that is regularly parked in almost the exact spot, in front of my parent's house, where I was ticketed. The car didn't have a ticket. And there are other cars without valid permits and parked for months without being moved that aren't being ticketed. Those jagoffs will come along and ticket someone visiting their parents, with a valid placard, though. This parking permit program only added another layer of useless bureaucratic shit and enables even more harassment of visitors to our city. My advice would be to do whatever you can to nix this plan because once you have it, it is nearly impossible to get rid of.
Back in November, I was visiting my parents and had their visitor;s pass on my dash. When I went to my car, I had a ticket for 'expired visitor's permit.' The permit was visible and clearly had valid dates (in fact, that particular pass became effective on Nov 1). I scheduled a hearing at traffic court. Before doing so, though, I called the PPA and complained. I was told that the parking enforcement officer ticketed me for having two expired stickers on my rear drivers side window (from when the permits used to be stickers, not placards). The parking officer even took photos of my window. I forgot they were even still on the window, but that still doesn't change the fact that the placard on my dash was valid and visible. At court, the magistrate produced the photos which were in my file and reduced the fine down to $20, which I paid, even though I thought the whole thing was bullshit. Heck, I've seen cars with a dozen of those old stickers on their windows. Someone recently sent me a picture of such a car -- it had at least six stickers -- that is regularly parked in almost the exact spot, in front of my parent's house, where I was ticketed. The car didn't have a ticket. And there are other cars without valid permits and parked for months without being moved that aren't being ticketed. Those jagoffs will come along and ticket someone visiting their parents, with a valid placard, though. This parking permit program only added another layer of useless bureaucratic shit and enables even more harassment of visitors to our city. My advice would be to do whatever you can to nix this plan because once you have it, it is nearly impossible to get rid of.
Monday, April 16, 2012
An update from Mark @ Rauterkus . com - Five points of interest
Hi Friends and Neighbors,
It has been many months since my last email blast, as I'm using Facebook most of the time. Join me there, please: http://www.facebook.com/rauterkus
1)
This week on WEDNESDAY at 10 am, there is a ribbon cutting at the brand new YMCA on Centre Ave in The Hill District. Let's check it out together.
I'm running (with the great help of the nonprofit, Neighborhood Learning Alliance) a five week Swim and Water Polo Camp as part of Pgh Public Schools' Summer Dreamers this summer. We'll swim at that Y and also at a Citiparks pool too. So, I'm looking for some employees, volunteers and equipment donations as well.
2)
If you have some used sports equipment you'd like to donate, such as balls, old trophies, medals, and even banners with one side available -- let me know. I can come over and take them off of your hands and re-leverage them with some of our efforts with the city kids this summer.
3)
This weekend I go to Harrisburg to volunteer with another YMCA program called, YOUTH & Government. About 400 well supervised kids from around the state take over both chambers of the state capital and even some court rooms and hold a MOCK government. It is a fun experience and so educational. I'm helping to lead the PRESS and REPORTERS. With that, some of our interactions could be with citizens and real media opportunities. If you'd like to help me in a virtual way with these tasks, perhaps being interviewed on a topic, ghost editing articles on a wiki, or following along as bills are debated and voted upon, let me know with an email. I'll invite you to our trusted wiki space. Mark@Rauterkus.com.
4)
A living hero of mine comes back to his home town, Pittsburgh, while I'm in Harrisburg on Friday at 7 pm at Soldiers and Sailors Hall in Oakland. Ron Paul, candidate for President, is holding a town hall. If you can attend, do so -- regardless if you want the USA to keep bombing other nations around the world and increasing government debt by TRILLIONS. Understand this: Ron Paul can still win the nomination and be the R on the ballot in November. The mainstream media has been getting it wrong. Recently, insiders are aware that Ron Paul won the most delegates in Colorado.
5)
The Steel City Showdown, a bike race in downtown Pittsburgh across the Clemente & Warhol Bridges and with a start / finish line by PNC Park, is on Sunday, in two weeks. My sons ride and race and we'd love to see you come out to cheer on all the riders. Erik races twice: as a Junior (at 8:30 am) and Cat 4 (at 11:30 am). Volunteers are needed too. *
* Currently, we are seeking individuals to assist with registration, to act as course marshals, to help with early morning set-up, or to stick around for the afternoon clean-up. Each volunteer receives a t-shirt, and food will be provided; coffee and doughnuts in the morning, pizza in the afternoon. If you are interested in volunteering, please e-mail Ben Stephens or Maura Spillane at steelcityshowdownvolunteers@gmail.com.
Plus, from 3 to 4 pm, the Downtown bike course is OPEN for a FREE ride for anyone to enjoy. It is sorta nice to be able to spin around the bridges in a festive setting on a Sunday afternoon without traffic. So, we hope to see you there on Sunday, April 29.
Be safe this spring.
--
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
PPS Summer Dreamers' Swim and Water Polo Camp Head Coach with Neighborhood Learning Alliance
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell
It has been many months since my last email blast, as I'm using Facebook most of the time. Join me there, please: http://www.facebook.com/rauterkus
1)
This week on WEDNESDAY at 10 am, there is a ribbon cutting at the brand new YMCA on Centre Ave in The Hill District. Let's check it out together.
I'm running (with the great help of the nonprofit, Neighborhood Learning Alliance) a five week Swim and Water Polo Camp as part of Pgh Public Schools' Summer Dreamers this summer. We'll swim at that Y and also at a Citiparks pool too. So, I'm looking for some employees, volunteers and equipment donations as well.
2)
If you have some used sports equipment you'd like to donate, such as balls, old trophies, medals, and even banners with one side available -- let me know. I can come over and take them off of your hands and re-leverage them with some of our efforts with the city kids this summer.
3)
This weekend I go to Harrisburg to volunteer with another YMCA program called, YOUTH & Government. About 400 well supervised kids from around the state take over both chambers of the state capital and even some court rooms and hold a MOCK government. It is a fun experience and so educational. I'm helping to lead the PRESS and REPORTERS. With that, some of our interactions could be with citizens and real media opportunities. If you'd like to help me in a virtual way with these tasks, perhaps being interviewed on a topic, ghost editing articles on a wiki, or following along as bills are debated and voted upon, let me know with an email. I'll invite you to our trusted wiki space. Mark@Rauterkus.com.
4)
A living hero of mine comes back to his home town, Pittsburgh, while I'm in Harrisburg on Friday at 7 pm at Soldiers and Sailors Hall in Oakland. Ron Paul, candidate for President, is holding a town hall. If you can attend, do so -- regardless if you want the USA to keep bombing other nations around the world and increasing government debt by TRILLIONS. Understand this: Ron Paul can still win the nomination and be the R on the ballot in November. The mainstream media has been getting it wrong. Recently, insiders are aware that Ron Paul won the most delegates in Colorado.
5)
The Steel City Showdown, a bike race in downtown Pittsburgh across the Clemente & Warhol Bridges and with a start / finish line by PNC Park, is on Sunday, in two weeks. My sons ride and race and we'd love to see you come out to cheer on all the riders. Erik races twice: as a Junior (at 8:30 am) and Cat 4 (at 11:30 am). Volunteers are needed too. *
* Currently, we are seeking individuals to assist with registration, to act as course marshals, to help with early morning set-up, or to stick around for the afternoon clean-up. Each volunteer receives a t-shirt, and food will be provided; coffee and doughnuts in the morning, pizza in the afternoon. If you are interested in volunteering, please e-mail Ben Stephens or Maura Spillane at steelcityshowdownvolunteers@gmail.com.
Plus, from 3 to 4 pm, the Downtown bike course is OPEN for a FREE ride for anyone to enjoy. It is sorta nice to be able to spin around the bridges in a festive setting on a Sunday afternoon without traffic. So, we hope to see you there on Sunday, April 29.
Be safe this spring.
--
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
PPS Summer Dreamers' Swim and Water Polo Camp Head Coach with Neighborhood Learning Alliance
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell
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