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Upcoming Events

Clean Slate and Expungement Clinic

Tuesday, March 14 2023, from 6:00-7:45pm

Get a fresh start by learning about how to clear your record! Join Senator Lindsey Williams and Barbara Griffin, Director of the Allegheny County Bar Foundation Pro Bono Center, for a Clean Slate and Expungement Clinic at the Kingsley Association in Larimer. The clinic begins with a brief presentation on options for clearing criminal records including Clean Slate, expungements, and pardons. Afterward, participants have the option of meeting one-on-one with professionals to see what help is available to them. Advance registration is strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.

My Office is Still Scheduling Ross and Shaler AARP Tax-Aide Appointments!

The AARP Tax-Aide Program is up and running at the Shaler Undercliff Fire Company and the Ross Township Municipal Building. This program provides free tax assistance and tax preparation services to low- and moderate-income taxpayers, with an emphasis on those 50 or older. To schedule your free appointment, please call the office at 412-364-0469. For more information, visit www.taxaide-pittsburgh.com.

Good News

I had the pleasure of visiting a digital skills class with students in the Builders Guild of Western PA’s Introduction to the Construction Trades Pre-apprenticeship Program this week. This, and other adult education classroom work in the Program, is the result of a collaboration between Literacy Pittsburgh and the Builder’s Guild to ensure students have the math, reading, and technical skills they need to succeed in the apprenticeship program they eventually choose. Thank you to Literacy Pittsburgh and the Builders Guild of Western PA for building the careers that build our region!

I had the best time celebrating the brand-new addition to Hampton High School last night. The Library Media Center and its new innovative, collaborative spaces along with the cafe are great places for students to learn and grow. Congratulations to the educators, the school board members, administrators, contractors, and students who made this addition possible.

Congratulations to Jackie, Vicki, Glenn, and Bradley, this month’s North Hills Community Outreach Community Champions Honorees! These four hard-working individuals were recognized for their amazing contributions to our neighborhoods through community service, volunteer work, and organizing. We are so grateful for all of your work and for all you give to the community!

Black History Month

This week for Black History Month we are featuring two figures connected with the famous Pittsburgh Crawfords baseball team!

Gus Greenlee

Did you know that one of the only Black-built and Black-owned Major League Baseball fields in the United States was here in Pittsburgh? Greenlee Field, home of the Pittsburgh Crawfords, was built in 1931 and opened in 1932. It was financed by team owner, and Negro National League founder, Gus Greenlee. Greenlee owned the Crawford Grill and was a known numbers runner, racketeer, and neighborhood philanthropist.

The first game at Greenlee Field featured future Hall of Famers Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson. The stadium was razed following the 1938 season after Greenlee sold the team and left baseball.

Teenie Harris

Many Pittsburghers know and love the works of Teenie "One Shot" Harris, but did you know that he played shortstop for the Pittsburgh Crawfords in 1926 and 1927, before he became a noted photographer of Negro League Baseball?

The Teenie Harris archive of over 70,000 negatives has been cataloged and digitized, so you can see his prolific work detailing Black life in Pittsburgh and America on permanent display at the Teenie Harris Archive – Carnegie Museum of Art (cmoa.org)

Black-Owned Businesses in Pittsburgh

Gus Greenlee and Teenie Harris were inspiring entrepreneurs. If you want to support today’s Black-owned Pittsburgh businesses take a look at the directory at Cocoapreneur. Cocoapreneur also provides support to businesses through advertising, marketing, and consulting. You can also follow BlackOwnedPGH on Instagram for business spotlights and recommendations.

Things to Know

Update Your Contact Information with Medical Assistance and CHIP!

If you are a Medical Assistance or Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) recipient, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is reminding you to update your contact information! The benefit renewal process is beginning again after being on hold for the last several years because of the pandemic. Renewal information is going out and you must complete this process to remain in these health insurance programs.

Confirm your contact information at COMPASS HHS Home (state.pa.us).

PA Department of Banking Hosting “Avoiding Scams for Small Business Owners” Event

Webinar, Tuesday, February 21, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS) will present a webinar on scams targeting small business owners and entrepreneurs next Tuesday. Tune in to get an overview of these scams and the steps business owners can take to protect themselves. Webinar is presented in conjunction with SCORE Bucks County.

For more information about the webinar or to register, please visit www.score.org/buckscounty.

Brackenridge Spaghetti Dinner in Honor of Chief McIntire

On Saturday, March 11th, the Pioneer Hose Fire Department in Brackenridge is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner in Honor of Police Chief Justin McIntire from 12 - 6pm. All proceeds benefit the family of Chief McIntire. Lots of businesses in the area are selling tickets. Pick up yours today!

Hampton HS Student Survey on Health, Finances, and Access to Medication

I recently met Josue from Hampton High School who is conducting a research study of the socioeconomic status of patients suffering from either Multiple Sclerosis or mild dementia. His research is looking at how these diseases affect access to medication. Those related to a person suffering from these diseases are also eligible to participate in the research study.

Find more information here: Mild Dementia/MS and Payment Survey (google.com)

2023 Trout Stocking is Around the Corner!

Head to Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to buy your fishing license, get your gear ready, and start planning your opening day adventure and fishing trips throughout the season. PA Trout stocking schedules are available at Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission - Homepage (fishandboat.com).

As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have by phone at 412-364-0469 (Ross Office), 724-224-2131 (Harrison Office) or by email at [email protected]. My staff will return your call/email within 24 hours (Monday-Friday).

Senator Lindsey Williams