FUTURE TALK For nearly a year, hundreds of residents of all ages have helped shape a new Comprehensive Plan for Mt. Lebanon—a vision for our community’s future that will serve as a guideline for the next decade and beyond. Thanks to everyone who has voiced concerns, contributed creative ideas or asked questions, leading to a plan that will Elevate Mt. Lebanon, or, put differently, “Take it to the Next Level!”

Building on public input, the municipal planning team has drafted a plan that will help ensure our outstanding community becomes an even better place for residents, businesses and visitors. The plan’s five main themes focus on cooperation, connectivity, vitality, systems and resources.

Now we need you to let us know if we’re on the right track—to review the plan and suggest how the various action items should be prioritized.

Please join the planning team at a public meeting—we’re calling it the Spring Planning Open House—between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., Thursday, March 28, at the municipal building, 710 Washington Road. Come when you can; stay as long as you want; say what you think.

As the event approaches, check the Elevate: Mt. Lebanon’s Comprehensive Plan 2012  Facebook page and www.mtlebanon.org for updates and watch for LeboALERTS.

TAKE IT BACK You can bring expired prescription and over-the-counter drugs to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Drug Take-Back Day, Saturday, April 27 at the Medical Rescue Team South headquarters, 315 Cypress Way. Police and the DEA will collect the drugs and dispose of them in an environmentally friendly, safe manner. Last fall’s event brought in 315 pounds of drugs. Call 412-343-4068 for times, or check the April issue of mtl.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? The Mt. Lebanon Fire Department is updating its five-year strategic plan and wants to know what citizens expect of the MLFD and how citizens rate the department’s emergency and non-emergency services. Focus groups, open to the public, are scheduled for 7 p.m., Thursday, April 4, and Tuesday, April 30,  on the second floor of the Public Safety Building, 555 Washington Road.

SENIOR MOVIE MATINEE Mt. Lebanon Village is partnering with the Hollywood Theater on Potomac Avenue in Dormont for a monthly senior movie matinee. The day includes light refreshments and conversation at 1:30 p.m. and a classic movie at 2 p.m. The movies are open to everyone and tickets are $5 for those 65 and over and $7 regular admission.

Upcoming movies are:

Thursday, March 21, The African Queen

Thursday, April 18, Gigi

Thursday, May 16, Auntie Mame

Thursday, June 20, High Noon

Mt. Lebanon Village is dedicated to giving Mt. Lebanon residents the practical means, confidence and peace of mind to enjoy life while residing in their own homes in the environment they value as they grow older. Memberships are available to residents 50 and older. If you would like more information about the Village and its services, call 412-343-4054 or visit www.mtlebanonvillage.org.

LEND A THUMB If you have a green thumb, please consider helping to plant and maintain one of Mt. Lebanon’s neighborhood flower beds. Mt. Lebanon Public Works Department oversees the community’s largest and most visible beds, but there are 40 neighborhood beds that need TLC. Twenty are already adopted, but 20 more are available. The Commission has allocated some money to provide plants to volunteers, many of whom supplement the basic plants with their own choices. If you are interested, join master gardeners Nancy Smith and Janice Siegle for a meeting at Mt. Lebanon Public Library at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 13. They’ll offer tips on design, planting and tending of the beds. If you want to volunteer but can’t make the meeting, contact Smith at mistflower@verizon.net. 

IN PRAISE OF TREES  Join Lincoln Elementary School students and their teachers at 2:30, Friday, April 26, for a tree planting behind the school on Ralston Place. The event is part of Mt. Lebanon’s annual Arbor Day Celebration and a requirement for retaining our Tree City USA status. Coordinated by Principal Marybeth Irvin, students will read poetry and perform music; Commissioner John Bendel will read the Arbor Day proclamation. Look for student-created posters on the theme “Trees Where I Live” in businesses along Beverly Road in the weeks leading up to the event.

RECYCLING SPECIAL EVENTS On Saturday, March 16 and April 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., bring your unwanted electronic items to the Mt. Lebanon Public Works Facility at 1250 Lindendale Drive, to be properly recycled and help minimize the amount of toxic heavy metals and recoverable materials currently destined for our landfills and natural areas. Keyboards, printers and any other device that connects to a computer or television will be accepted, along with cell phones. There is no cost and remember, under state law you can no longer leave these items at curbside.

Help prevent identity theft by bringing your confidential papers and documents to the public works yard on Saturday, March 23 and April 27,  from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Your items will be shredded before your eyes by The Paper Exchange.  Cost is $5 per box with the first box free (approx. 18” by 12”  by12”.)  You may pay with cash or checks.  Staples, paper clips and plastic binders do not need to be removed.