[UC-Announce] tonight's Crossroads concert is cancelled
Due to even heavier snowfall than the original forecast, Crossroads has decided to cancel tonight's performance by Kyo Daiko and Unidos da Filadelfia after all. We will be rescheduling the concert in January and will let you know the new date soon. If you have advance tickets, we will be in touch later this weekend. Stay warm! You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity-Announce. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. You may post announcements to this list, but this list attempts to prevent discussion. Please use univcity to discuss messages on this list. Subscribers of univcity receive all mail to this list.
[UC] homemade winter shelter for stray cats
Winter Greetings to all ! Why not take some time out from your holiday chores and give a local stray cat (or two) a warm place to retreat during the winter months. Whether you feed a stray or not, they are out there and are vulnerable to the cold and wet. Also nice for your indoor-outdoor kitty. This would be the perfect weekend to do this project ! :-) The following basic shelter is easy and cheap to assemble. What you need: - large capacity plastic storage tub, with lid (at least 18 gal. size - adequate for one average size cat; the larger the better) - box cutter for carving entrance hole - straw (not hay!) or shredded newspaper to fill the box (straw is the best insulator and can be purchased at some home centers You'd probably have to get a bale - less than $10, and enough for about 8+ shelters) - optional (for extra insulation) - flat pieces of styrofoam to line the sides and bottom of container (before filling with straw) - note: use a larger container if using styrofoam lining; - large piece of cardboard, plywood, or lattice, wrapped in sturdy plastic, to provide an overhang to extend several inches beyond edges of the container (Carefully) use the box cutter to carve an entrance hole (about 7x7) at one end of either side of the container, about mid height (several inches from the bottom). If you have styrofoam to use, cut five pieces to fit the the inner sides and bottom of container. Glue or duct tape the pieces in place. Fill the inside with straw, padding it thickly up the side walls and bottom, but keep entranceway clear enough. Cats will compact the straw as they make their 'nest' in the shelter, so use plenty of filling. Snap on the lid and place the box in an area protected from the elements, preferable on your front or back porch, or under your porch if there is space enough. If the shelter is exposed to the elements, elevate the container with bricks or pieces of wood and place it as close to the house as possible. Make sure access is easy and the entranceway is protected from the wind, draining rain water, and snow buildup. Note: Do NOT use blankets or towels inside a winter shelter as they don't absorb and dry sufficiently. A wet cat who enters the shelter will have their core body temperature lowered by resting in damp bedding. Straw absorbs and dries quickly, and is the best insulator. In spring dispose of the straw and thoroughly clean the box. This would be a great project to do with kids. Just don't let them do the cutting! If you need help obtaining straw, please get in touch with me. Here are some great websites with photos and instructions for creating different winter shelters: http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=631 http://www.pacthumanesociety.org/core/WinterShelter.htm http://www.urbancatleague.org/Shelters.html http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/HOW_TO_FERAL_CAT_WINTER_SHELTER http://www.all-creatures.org/ak/feral-shelter.html http://www.indyferal.org/index.php?page=shelters# LEARN MORE ABOUT STRAY AND FERAL KITTIES AND HOW YOU CAN HELP THEM: http://www.phillycats.org/ http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=434 http://www.flatironwildcats.com/resources.htm All the best, Linda
[UC] Video contest sponsored by the EPA -- your kids, youth group, etc?
The following might be a worthwhile project for your environmentally-conscious kids, youth group, etc. (from Al Krigman) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is sponsoring a video contest that challenges filmmakers to produce short, creative videos that highlight the “Three Rs” of individual consumption: reduce, reuse, and recycle. The agency is accepting submissions for the contest, called “Our Planet, Our Stuff, Our Choice,” through Feb. 16. Entries should be either 30 or 60 seconds in length. The video should creatively promote steps individuals and organizations can take to minimize negative environmental impacts within their communities on the following topics: * Reducing and reusing * Recycling * Composting * Consumption and its effect on environmental footprint The winning submissions will be announced in April 2010 in time for the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Awards will be given to the top three videos in the following amounts, as well as a special “Student Winner” category exclusively for submissions by persons 13 to 18 years old at the time of entry. 1st Place - $2,500 2nd Place - $1,500 3rd Place - $1,000 2 Student Winners (13 to 18 years old) - $500 each More information on the contest: _http://www.epa.gov/waste/wycd/video_ (http://usepa.pr-optout.com/Url.aspx?518041x1542443x1414031)
[UC] Dog Sitter?
We're looking for someone to look after our dog while we're away for a week during the holidays. We'd love recommendations. Thanks for your help! Best, R. Mimi Iijima _ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/
[UC] Snow Emergency (Forwarded from mayor Nigel Mutter's Office)
Snow Emergency starting @ 9am Sat. Move vehicles from snow emergency routes. Travel only if necessary. On Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. Managing Director Camille C. Barnett will declare a snow emergency. All vehicles parked on Snow Emergency Routes must be moved to an alternate parking location by 9:00 a.m. Any vehicle remaining on a Snow Emergency Route during the declared Snow Emergency will be ticketed and towed. If your car is towed, call 215-686-SNOW for its location. Do NOT call 911. A list of snow emergency routes can be found at http://www.phila.gov/streets/Snow_Emergency.html If you must travel, please be careful and patient, said Director Barnett. Streets Department Commissioner Clarena I. W. Tolson advises residents of the Streets Department s plans in anticipation of snowfall this weekend. Current forecasts predict 7 to 14 inches of snow accumulation on Saturday. In preparation for the snow, Streets Department crews have spent Friday applying a brine solution to city Streets. Salt crews and equipment will be deployed throughout the City to respond as the precipitation arrives. Primary and secondary streets will be cleared first, followed by hilly residential streets and other residential streets. Crews will remain on duty through the weekend to monitor roadways and to respond to problem locations and emergencies. Streets Commissioner Tolson said, We are urging residents to travel only when necessary. The less traffic on city streets, the more effective our plow efforts will be. SEPTA will be operating and we encourage citizens to use public transportation. We expect heavier than normal traffic this weekend for holiday shopping and the Flyers, Sixers and Eagles games. Everyone is reminded to be careful and patient as they navigate snowy streets and sidewalks, said Streets Commissioner Tolson. Streets Commissioner Tolson urges residents to follow these tips: - Make sure you park your car as far away from the corner as possible. Cars parked too close to the corner limit the turning radius of salting vehicles. - Apply any commercial de-icer on steps and sidewalks early to prevent residual moisture from freezing over and creating icy conditions. - Clear a sidewalk path at least 30 wide within 6 hours of the end of the storm as listed in the Philadelphia Code (10-720). - Clear snow from neighborhood sewer drains to allow melting snow to drain. - Be conscious of the environment use de-icing salts only as much as needed. One pound of de-icer can cover 100 to 200 square feet. - De-icer should be applied as soon as a light accumulation has developed on the surface. This will break the bond between additional accumulations and the pavement surface, and will make it easier to shovel. - A final light application of a de-icer may be required after removal is completed to melt the residual snow. - Check in on elderly and disabled neighbors In addition, the City has a declared a Code Blue to provide additional support to the homeless. If you see a homeless person in need of assistance, please call the Homeless Outreach Coordination Center at 215-232-1984. To report a street in need of salting or plowing or for more information on any Streets Department program or service, call 3-1-1. You may also find more information at www.phila.gov/streets/SNOW
