Wintertime grays have you extra blue?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is real! Many people suffer from depression linked to dark days and cloudy weather. Symptoms include listlessness, weight gain, oversleeping, and having difficulty concentrating or feeling joy. Social connections and sinlight are often helpful – but if you are struggling, reach out to your doctor to discuss treatment strategies.

Things to do:

• Do you knit? Crochet? Sew? Want to learn? The Carnegie Library holds crafternoons every third Wednesday from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Visit Library Lounge: Crafternoons - Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for more information.

• The Carnegie Library Lecture Hall is holding a special event featuring a Q&A with poet Terrance Hayes February 10 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Visit An Afternoon with Terrance Hayes - Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to learn more.

• The Miniature Railroad & Village is on display at the Science Center, with new additions for 2024! Visit Miniature Railroad & Village® - Carnegie Science Center for more information.

Community Access to Trees Hall

The Community Leisure Learn Program at the University of Pittsburgh offers free guest passes for the Trees Hall fitness center to residents from Oakland and the Hill District. Registration is open January 8 through January 15 at the main entrance security desk in Trees Hall. Email CLLPRG@pitt.edu or call 412-648-8278 with any questions.

Recycling Changes

The Department of Public Works has changed the way it handles Pittsburgh’s curbside trash and recycling collection. As of January 1:

• The city will no longer accept recycling left out in plastic bags. Leave your recyclables loose in the blue city bin, and place the bin at the curb on recycling weeks.

• The city will also no longer collect cardboard boxes left out on non-recycling weeks. Flatten and bundle cardboard boxes for collection only during the recycling weeks.

OPDC maintains a guide for trash and recycling collection rules, including a recycling calendar, at Waste & Recycling Resources. We want to hear from you if you notice routine refuse violations in the neighborhood. Email Liz Gray at lgray@opdc.org with questions.

All in Allegheny Community Survey

On January 2nd, 2024, Sara Innamorato was sworn in as the new Executive of Allegheny County government. She needs to hear from Oakland residents and partners about ways the County government can support residents, businesses, and visitors. The survey asks about nine issue areas the Innamorato Administration believes are important to Allegheny County, including community development, accessibility, youth investments and more. The survey takes less than 25 minutes to complete. Follow the link and make your voice heard!

Civic Action Week success!

On Friday, October 20, OPDC staff and a group of Pitt student volunteers worked together to prepare a vacant house on Frazier Street for renovation. Once work is complete, this house will join the Oakland Community Land Trust, expanding opportunities for affordable homeownership in South Oakland.

The University of Pittsburgh’s Civic Action Week is a campus-wide event for students, faculty, and staff to join with the broader community to educate, engage, and encourage constructive action. Thanks to these student volunteers, this house is one step closer to becoming a home again!