Volunteer Training for Adult Literacy Tutors
West Vue Hub (435 Perry Hwy, West View, PA 15229), Saturday, December 3, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Want to make a difference in your community? Consider volunteering as a literacy tutor with Literacy Pittsburgh and attend their next introductory tutor training session on December 3rd at the West View Hub. Literacy Pittsburgh tutors help adults learn English, brush up on math and reading skills, and prepare for the GED test. Tutors receive free training, ongoing support, and no teaching experience is necessary. You will meet inspiring people with diverse experiences and see the impact of your actions firsthand! 

Registration is required. Call 412-393-7645 or email [email protected]. For more information visit https://www.literacypittsburgh.org/volunteer-work/. 

Become a Black Equity Coalition Community Ambassador!

The Black Equity Coalition (BEC) is seeking Pennsylvania “Community Ambassadors” state-wide to join them in the effort to decrease inequity, COVID-19, and the flu in the Black community. Individuals or organizations that apply will be eligible for up to $10,000 in funding. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

To apply, scan the QR Code above or go to Black Equity Coalition (BEC) Community Ambassador Application (google.com). Questions? Call BEC’s Community Engagement Manager, Cleveland Way at (272)-209-7749 or send an email to [email protected].

PennDOT is Hiring Winter Maintenance Workers!

PennDOT, including District 11 (Allegheny, Beaver, and Lawrence Counties), is actively seeking nearly 700 temporary equipment operators statewide for the winter season to supplement the department’s full-time staff. Details on minimum requirements, such as possession of a CDL, as well as application information, are available at www.employment.pa.gov. Through the same website, job seekers can apply for over 100 other non-operator winter positions such as diesel and construction equipment mechanics, welders, clerks and more!

Discounted Fares Pilot Program

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients ages 18 through 64 to participate in a 12-month pilot program to understand the impact of transportation affordability on low-income residents. The cost of transportation can be a barrier for many in the community. The goal of this pilot is to test new policies to help people connect with services and opportunities that will benefit themselves, their families, and their communities.

Participants in the program will be randomly assigned into one of three groups: unlimited free trips on Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) - formerly Port Authority; 50% reduced fare on all PRT trips; and no discount but will receive a Connect Card preloaded with $10 on it. 

Eligibility:

• Allegheny County Resident;
• Between the ages of 18 and 64;
  • Exception: households in which children under 18 who are recipients of SNAP, but whose parents are undocumented (& not eligible to receive SNAP themselves), are eligible for this pilot program.
• Households that received SNAP on September 30, 2022;
• Households with dependents (kids under 18) will be assigned as a unit to one of the groups listed above. This means that children would receive the same benefit as their parent/guardian who enrolled in the program. 
• Households in which children under 18 are recipients of SNAP, but whose parents are undocumented (& not eligible to receive SNAP themselves), are eligible for this pilot program.
• Adults with half fare disability cards are also eligible. 

To participate in the 1-year pilot program, go to: https://discountedfares.alleghenycounty.us/

For questions on the program go to https://discountedfares.alleghenycounty.us/ or email: [email protected]

DHS is also looking for organizations interested in becoming a "Pilot Application Support Site."

To become a support site, register here. 

Snow Squall Quick Facts

What is a Snow Squall?

A snow squall is a brief, but intense period of heavy snow accompanied by strong winds and whiteout conditions. Similar to a thunderstorm during the summer, snow squalls often form on days when it is otherwise sunny and dry, so conditions change very rapidly when a squall occurs, just as they do during a thunderstorm.

Why are Snow Squalls Dangerous?

Snow squalls are really only hazardous for drivers, leading to multi-vehicle accidents. Why? The following two factors from snow squalls often combine, resulting in impossible driving conditions:

• A reduction in visibility. Visibility is often reduced below a quarter mile thanks to heavy snowfall and gusty winds. These factors make it difficult for drivers to see what lies ahead, especially when traveling at high speeds on roadways. Remember, during a snow squall, you can go from clear and perfect conditions to a whiteout in seconds.
• Icy roadways. Initially, the road is dry and often above freezing. As the burst of snow falls, it lands on the road and melts, dropping the temperature. The water freezes on the roadway, making for slick conditions.

What to do if a Snow Squall Warning is Issued?

The National Weather Service now issues Snow Squall Warnings to alert the motoring public of these potential dangers. However, if you don’t have a way to receive these alerts, you may be unaware of the dangerous conditions ahead. Here’s what you can do.

• Be sure to pay attention to weather forecasts in advance of any days when snow squalls are forecast.
• If you can delay travel or choose an alternate, low speed route, consider these options first.
• Make sure your phone is set to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and download weather apps to have additional options to receive warnings. If you have a portable weather radio, bring it with you too.
• If a warning is issued for your travel path, the best option is to take the nearest exit immediately to wait it out. Squalls typically last 20-30 minutes.
• If you cannot exit, slow down to a much lower driving speed as you approach any snow. Turn on your four-way flashers and be vigilant as you navigate the squall.
• In the event you encounter the squall, avoid slamming on your brakes. Remain alert for other motorists and accidents
• If you are involved in an accident, act quickly and decisively! Do what you can to get to safety based on your situation. Do not stand by your vehicle if you decide to get out of it. If on foot, get as far away from the accident in a direction away from any moving vehicles to avoid being struck. Remember, if you couldn’t see and couldn’t stop, it’s likely oncoming drivers will not be able to do either as well. There’s no perfect solution here, but getting away from potential impact zones is critical.

To learn more about staying safe in a snow squall click here. 

Sign Up for Alerts!

Pennsylvanians can sign up for the two emergency alert systems below which are great tools to have whether you are commuting to work, driving across the state, or worried about weather safety  close to your address.

AlertPA

The AlertPA notification system by CodeRED gives you emergency and weather related alerts, health notifications, building alerts and other updates from the commonwealth and federal agencies.

A CodeRED Weather Warning will automatically alert you through the AlertPA notification system if your address falls in the path of severe weather, as determined by the National Weather Service.

511PA

511PA allows you to receive your own Personal Travel Alerts. It's easy to sign up and customize your alerts for where or when you want them and for what roadways you want! 511PA provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 860 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices by calling 5-1-1 or following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website

Sign up for both AlertPA and 511PA today!