April 4 will mark the two year anniversary of the tragic and untimely death of three of Pittsburgh’s finest. Last year on April 4, the community came together to announce the plans for a permanent memorial to be built at St. Joseph church on Liberty Avenue. This April 4, on the two year anniversary, plans are in place to unveil this important tribute.

In order to complete the last of the fundraising, Councilman William Peduto and the Fallen Heroes Memorial Committee announced yesterday the launch of a new memorial patron campaign. In the next two weeks, 200 people will have the opportunity to become patrons of the memorial by donating $100. Patrons will receive a commemorative certificate and window decal to represent their important role in finishing this memorial.

Learn more about becoming a patron here.

A group of concerned residents have organized a clean up for tomorrow, Sunday, March 20 (sorry for the short notice).  They are meeting in front of Humble Beginnings Art Gallery, 4121 Main Street at 11 a.m.

Gloves and trash bags will be provided, as well as homemade baked goods. They are planning on going to brunch at the Brillobox afterward, for those who would like to join.

Sunday, March 20, 2011
11:00 AM

Humble Beginnings Art Gallery
4121 Main Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15224

Bloomfield Events Calendar

On Tuesday, director of development for LA Fitness, Gary Collins presented plans on the new facility at the Baum/Centre Initiative Meeting. Residents, businesses and community leaders were given the opportunity to see the plans, ask questions, and voice any concerns.

The new fitness center, their first in an urban location, will be located on the site of the former Don Allen Mazda Dealership on Liberty Avenue, across the street from the post office. Over 300 surface and underground parking spaces are being planned for members of the gym.

Click the rendering or site plan to download printable PDF files.

The Allegheny County Health Department is warning restaurants to beware of a possible scam involving bogus inspectors falsely claiming to represent the World Health Organization and having the authority to inspect a restaurant without its permission.

A restaurant chain recently notified the Health Department that more than a dozen of its restaurants were contacted by someone who said the World Health Organization would be coming to conduct an inspection.

The World Health Organization does not inspect restaurants and anyone who claims to be from the WHO should not be allowed inside to perform an “inspection.”

Such incidents involving someone posing as a health inspector should be immediately reported to the police and the Health Department at 412-687-ACHD.

These people are impostors because routine inspections by the Health Department are always unannounced and calls are never made in advance to let restaurants know when an inspector is coming.

Health Department inspectors carry official photo ID which is presented at the time of inspection. When there is any doubt about an inspector’s credentials, restaurants should call the Health Department to verify their identity and notify the police if the “inspector” turns out to be an impostor.

Approximately 150 people showed up and shared their thoughts on Bloomfield and what it takes to maintain a healthy, viable community. We will continue with our focus group meetings to develop strategies around the discussion at the meeting.

If you didn’t get a chance to attend the meeting on Monday, we asked our participants to fill out a survey. If you would like to express your thoughts, download the survey as a PDF, and drop it off by the end of the week to Ben Foreman at Joan’s Hallmark in Bloomfield.

WPXI has sent us their photos of Tessaro’s, which recently took second place in the 2011 Pittsburgh’s Best Burger contest:

The Bloomfield Development Corporation is facilitating a completion of a five-year vision and community plan for Bloomfield. The plan will be a community supported, strategic plan that will include the business and residential area of Bloomfield. The community, businesses, stakeholders, elected officials and community groups are all invited to participate in the process that will articulate a vision for the future. The process will be based on community input garnered through public meetings, focus groups, and other outreach strategies that will engage people around the questions:

• How do you see Bloomfield emerging over the next five years?
• What do you like most about Bloomfield?
• What do we need to do in the next five years to ensure that the community remains healthy and vital?

Sign Up for Two-Minute Presentations

We are looking for individuals to sign up for a two-minute presentation on what Bloomfield means to them at our kick-off meeting on March 7. Please provide your name and contact information. Space is limited to 10.

Monday, March 7, 2011
6:00 PM–7:30 PM

Bloomfield Liedertafel
410 South Mathilda Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15224

Bloomfield Events Calendar

Owner Dana Acton says that “Sugar Cane Café” better identifies the specialty products of the coffee shop, such as the homemade gelato, ices, unique desserts and a new menu.

On March 1, Dana announced that the former Grasso Roberto Café in Bloomfield will now operate as Sugar Cane Café. The café will provide the same high-quality homemade gelato, Italian ices, spaghetti ice cream, and other desserts. In addition, a new menu is being introduced that includes breakfast and deli-style sandwiches such as Reubens, piled-high roast beef sandwiches, beef on weck, and daily specials.

“Sugar Cane Café is committed in using quality products from local producers for our menu items. Because our gelato and ices are made in house, you will taste the freshness of products made without preservatives. We are proud to offer soy and sugar-free alternatives for our frozen treats. Sugar Cane Café also continues to showcase it’s ‘nearly famous’ Spaghetti Ice Cream,” states Dana.

Sugar Cane Café changes it’s specials during each season. Grandmas’ soups are featured during the winter. Spring brings homemade pierogies ($9.50 per dozen) and Baltimore-style crab cakes. Summer bursts with frozen favorites such as lemon-ginger, spicy-chocolate, fresh blackberry, and creamy peach gelatos ($3.25). Fall showcases warm apple pie accompanied by pumpkin ice cream.

For additional information, contact Dana Acton at 412-818-2584, or visit their website at www.sugarcanecafe.com.

The BDC is looking for an idea for a Bloomfield t-shirt!

Here are the Guidelines:

• 2 colors
• Include the word “Bloomfield”
• Limit the design to an 8″ x 8″ area
• Submit ideas by March 31 to Beth