Monday, March 30, 2015

Police and Barbara not resetting the dialogue

According to the PG's Commissioners lament 'divisiveness' of Mt. Lebanon deer culling debate,
The most disappointing part of Mt. Lebanon’s deer management program that ended abruptly last week was “the divisiveness and mean-spirited rhetoric” that split the community, commissioners said at their meeting Monday night.
“For the good of the community, we must try to reset the dialogue,” President John Bendel read from a letter at the meeting.

It doesn't appear that some in Mt. Lebanon are ready to reset the dialogue, Mr. Bendel.

The Mt Lebanon Police Weekly Press Report dated Thursday, March 19, 2015 through Wednesday, March 25, 2015 is predicting more vandalism coming to deer killing traps in April.

Bird Park – Entry gate & receiver of deer corral damage, no trespassing sign taken. 04/15/15 1432

Power broker Barbara Logan has already made her feelings known to Democratic hopeful Andy Reinhart, running for Commissioner of Ward 3. On his website, andyreinhart.com, Andy talks about Mt. Lebanon Deer Management Issues.

Mrs. Logan writes:
Lebodeer conducted a survey in the Fall of 2014 which indicated that about 95% of residents support a lethal cull.
Where the heck did you get that statistic, Mrs. Logan? She continues with:
The anti culling crowd lies, obfuscates, and intimidates, but these tactics should not influence legislation.
Barbara, there were rumors that you contacted John Bendel and Kelly Fraasch with the same message. This time, you put it in writing. Not too smart.

Sunday, March 29, 2015

For all high school students with caffeine addictions

Students can now buy Caribou Coffee all day long in the high school cafeteria.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

A Walk in the Park

I don't know why I bothered, but I picked up my latest copy of mtl Magazine. Starting with Susan Morgans' story on her former neighbor's garden, her home & garden guide, and then coming to Steve Silverman's commissioner's report, I had to stop reading.

Theoretically, the deer killing would have still been in progress, had J. Merlin Benner not ended his contract with Mt. Lebanon. What did Steve Silverman write about? How about we take a walk in one of Mt. Lebanon's passive parks? According to Steve, we have three passive parks: Bird Park, Robb Hollow, and Twin Hills. What about McNeilly Park? The Conservation District? I questioned the designation of those two areas during the deer killing. Was anyone harassed by Benner's boys or the corn patrol for being in either of those locations after 9:00 PM? Parks close at 9:00 PM, we were told. According to Commissioner Silverman and the Public Information Office which put together the magazine, we are now being told that there are only three passive parks in Mt. Lebanon. I'm so confused!

Does Mr. Silverman realize that residents were stopped by police for walking on the outskirts of Bird Park? During daylight hours! Yet, in his commissioner's report, Steve is encouraging us to visit one of our passive parks. Really, Steve? Are you in denial? How about you, PIO? Weren't you making residents out to be vandals, while they were being questioned by police and then asked for photo ID just for walking on sidewalks or in parking lots?

Is this part of the cooling off period? Is pretending nothing horrible happened in the parks part of your plan? Do you think we are stupid and will forget? Enough with the brainwashing! Thought reform in the People's Republic of China was a campaign by the Communists in the early 50's. In present day, thought reform can be found right here in Mt. Lebanon. Seriously, Susan, retire. Steve, very poor timing.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Come again?

I got my copy of The Almanac today. Love the headlines. Turning to page 3, Linfante resigns from Lebo board, the statement from John Bendel has me confused. (I can't provide the link, but it is from the March 25-31, 2015 issue, The Almanac, page 3)

"Bendel said the township will begin looking for an interim replacement for Linfante, who is in favor of deer culling."
Am I to take it that only those in favor of deer culling should apply? Those opposed to deer culling need not apply?

I had received this comment on March 17, 2015 through the blog.

Dear E Gillan, 
Why have you not posted my wife's email in regards to the deercull? She even signed it. Was it because she is for the culling? 
Regards, 
Chuck Vietmeier | vietmeierchuck@gmail.com

I wrote back to say that I had not received anything from her. After all this time, she finally figured out how to submit a comment. She writes:

concerned citizen has left a new comment on your post " Consider the following":  
Dear Ms. Gillen: 
Is there anything about Mt. Lebanon that you do like? Your neighbors, your library, the school system, the public services, the volunteer efforts? This community has so many wonderful attributes and I am grateful that I grew up here and continue to reside here. I have not seen a pleasant comment anywhere on your blog about our community. Why do you stay here if you hate it so much? Moreover, your personal attacks on the commissioners are unprofessional and hateful. We have a democratic system and our volunteer officials were elected by the community to serve. If you disagree with their decisions, please run for office instead of resorting to personal attacks (e.g., "murderers", "liars", etc.) That type of conduct does no one any good. Best, Kirsten Rydstrom  
ps. why are there so many "anonymous"comments instead of people standing behind their comments. 

Posted by concerned citizen to Lebo Citizens at March 25, 2015 at 8:16 PM

Sorry, Kirsten, but I would never be selected to replace Kristen Linfante, since I am opposed to deer culling.  I'm also opposed to artificial turf. I need not apply.

So residents of Ward 3: If you are for: 

deer culling
artificial turf
reckless spending 
keeping the Manager and PIO

Send your letters of interest and resumes to:

Mt. Lebanon Manager Stephen Feller
710 Washington Road
Pittsburgh,  PA  15228

Mark your sealed envelope with  “Commissioner Application.”

The deadline to apply is April 13, 2015 at 10 AM. Interviews begin on April 14, 2015, which is the next Commission meeting.
Mt. Lebanon commissioner steps down, citing health

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

County wide petition that both hunters and PETA would sign

A petition to be sent to County Executive Rich Fitzgerald's office seeking a ban on trap-and-kill culling in Allegheny County was presented to the Commission last night. The resident asked if the Commission would like to sign it. Vice President Kelly Fraasch did, and some in the crowd loudly clapped. She was the only one who would sign it. Silverman and Bendel aren't feeling very sorry about their horrific plan.

The petition shared with the commission and those in attendance at the meeting last night is available here. It is available to download and distribute among Allegheny County residents.  Supporters must be at least 18 years old and reside in Allegheny County. 

Wildcat project drained us dry

During yesterday's Commission Discussion Session, Andrew McCreery, Director of Finance, reviewed 2014 Preliminary Year-end Financials.

Andrew explained that the Unassigned Funds are to be used for emergencies. Typically, the reserves should equal two months of our budget. Our unassigned fund balance is only at 11%. Remember how "Anyone But Bendel" went to the October 3, 2013 Sports Advisory Board meeting and asked how the SAB would like to spend the pot of gold? The October 3, 2013 SAB meeting minutes indicate:
The board recommended that the Commission designate the maximum amount of undesignated funds, plus any available funds that were previously allocated to Brafferton, to a turf project at Middle and Wildcat, with the balance of the project costs coming from other sources.
Isn't "Anyone But Bendel" in the banking business?

I bet Vasco Sports can't be too happy with the snow on the ground. Benner hoped for snow, while Vasco hopes for warmer weather. I just love Mother Nature.

Monday, March 23, 2015

Kristen Linfante resigned

It is true. Effective immediately, Kristen Linfante has resigned as commissioner of Ward 3. The commission has 45 days to fill the position. Any Ward 3 resident interested in serving may submit a résumé and letter of interest to Manager Feller.

March 24, 2015 11:00 AM Pro-deer culling Mt. Lebanon commissioner steps down from post

March 24, 11:58 AM This is an important notice from LeboALERT.
Applications & resumes accepted for Ward 3 Commission seat thru April 13. Must be US Citizen, 25+ years old and a Lebo voter for 2 years. Instrux online.

Mellon Middle School Incident

From: Mellon Middle School [mailto:noreply@mtlsd.net]
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2015 12:00 PM
To: Mellon Middle School Parent
Subject: Mellon Middle School Incident

Mellon Families:
On March 23, 2015, a student reported to Mellon Middle School staff / administration that a note was found in the 3rd floor girls’ bathroom that read, “There is a bomb here.”  The incident was immediately referred to the Mt. Lebanon Police Department.  After the initial investigation, the MLPD and school administration deemed the incident not to be a credible threat.
I informed school staff, asked them to be aware of the situation and to immediately report any information they may receive in regard to the incident.  Staff members have been asked to be extra visible and vigilant in the hallways.  We continue to investigate the incident in an effort to identify the responsible individual(s).  Should you hear any information that you feel may be relevant to our investigation, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Christopher Wolfson
Principal
412-344-2122

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Consider the following

Tomorrow's protest will start at 5:30 in front of the municipal building, across from Sesame Inn. The Commission Discussion Session begins at 6:30. According to the Commission Discussion Session Agenda, Commission President Bendel has allotted himself another thirty minutes to discuss goals. At the previous discussion session, John scheduled forty five minutes to discuss goals and allocated a whole FIVE minutes for Commissioner Fraasch's presentation on non-lethal methods of deer management. He then cut her off because they were running short on time. Tomorrow's agenda is void of any deer discussions. In light of recent events concerning deer, John's lack of transparency has left many residents feeling outraged and unrepresented.

Those from both in and outside Mt. Lebanon who opposed the deer kill have lived a tough lesson in Constitutional Law. Threats of arrests and fines by the Mt Lebanon Police Department persisted throughout the culling period, for the sole purpose of suppressing activists’ civil liberties. John Bendel has denied non-residents the ability to speak during Citizen Comments, pulling the non-resident sign up sheet minutes before the last meeting. To Mt. Lebanon business owners, not living in Mt. Lebanon: You're out of luck. Mr. Bendel permitted non-residents to speak in two consecutive meetings prior to March 10, 2015. Non-residents have been permitted to speak on several occasions in the past. Cutting off Kelly during her presentation during the March 10 Discussion Session is unconscionable. Mr. Bendel, by pissing off residents over sidewalks, turf, reassessments, and now permitting a firm to inhumanely fire eleven shots to kill three deer, I predict that your chances of being reelected as a Ward 1 commissioner are bleak.

For the Public Information Office to decide what residents need to know is appalling. “We see no value to Mt. Lebanon residents of releasing daily reports,” said municipal spokeswoman [Public Misinformation Officer] Susan Morgans. She said officials worry about inflaming those opposed to the culling and don't want them to “put themselves in harm's way” to protest or disrupt the program. She continues to spew out unsubstantiated claims as to how many deer are in Mt. Lebanon, when Feller himself admitted he had no idea. The PIO perpetuates Benner's stories of vandalism to the media, yet quickly crushed Benner's accusation of Mt. Lebanon Police scaring off four deer. We are tired of your continual misinformation. Where is the LeboALERT announcing the end of the deer cull? Perhaps you should consider following Tom Kelley and Coleman McDonough's lead, Mrs. Stroyd Morgans.

Steve Feller, you've got to go. Lying to a commissioner by telling her that the corrals were being relocated, instead of reporting the end of killing, is grounds for a pink slip. You have been deceitful to residents and frankly, we've had enough of it. Surely, you can see the handwriting on the wall.

Kristen Linfante, please resign. You have done considerable damage to Mt. Lebanon. If you are too ill to serve, then resign. Flight attendants warn passengers, “In case there is a loss in cabin pressure, yellow oxygen masks will deploy from the ceiling compartment located above your head…” We are to take care of ourselves before trying to help others. Learn from that, Kristen. And no, I'm not into you. In fact, I have more than enough evidence to personally sue your sorry ass.

Dave Brumfield, you are a disgrace. You told us that you would never permit guns to be used on deer. Thanks to you, six deer died horrific deaths. For some strange reason, you permit Feller and Linfante to manipulate you. What do they have on you, Dave?

Steve Silverman, while we have you to thank for limiting Benner's fee to $500 per deer, it did cost taxpayers $15,000 for this yayhoo's "expertise." You claim that this was the number one issue when you were campaigning. I don't think what you approved was what your constituents had in mind. Do you think hearing reports of keeping deer trapped in corrals for an average of ninety minutes and then being tortured with multiple gunshots (eleven bullets to kill three deer) will make our Junior Commissioner proud? How about getting those twenty or so Deer Crossing signs sitting at Public Works installed? Open your mind to non-lethal methods for a change. At tomorrow's meeting, how about sitting up and looking at the public for a change. Directly answer a question when asked, for once.

Coleman McDonough, thank you for your years of service in Mt. Lebanon. I don't think guarding corn, allowing Benner to blame your police force for chasing away four deer, falsely accuse residents, who you are paid to protect, of vandalism, being manipulated by Kristen Linfante, and encouraging residents to have private hunts were the best decisions you ever made. You have turned Mt. Lebanon into a war zone. Unfortunately, this will be your legacy.

This cull has left our community deeply divided and will taint its reputation for years to come.

Deer memorial at 10 AM this morning

Sorry for the late notice, but I just found out that there will a memorial held this morning at 10:00 AM at the Bird Park corral site. People are gathering in the Beadling parking lot at 9:45 AM.

Feel free to attend at any time.

Friday, March 20, 2015

Protest announcement

There will be another protest before Monday's Commission meeting. The protest starts at 5:30 PM in front of the Municipal Building.

Also, I wanted to share my favorite commercial.




Breaking News Deer Cull Has Ended UPDATED




In a conversation with Merlin Benner earlier this morning, executive director of the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep (FNAWS), Dennis Campbell, DDS of Birmingham, AL, said that Benner said that they're done. A call to Susan Morgans, resulted in the caller (a local hunter who is friends with Campbell) hearing Susan talk about the deer population problem. There is no problem here, Susan.


Update March 20, 2015 1:45 PM

Join me today…3:30pm Bird Park

Join me today at 3:30pm at Bird Park to begin cleaning up the mess left behind by Wildlife Specialists, LLC where the deer corals were removed.
The deer cull was ended earlier today and we need to restore the parks back to their original state.
Bring a couple of trash bags to help pick up garbage, corn feed, etc. that was left behind.  Bring your own gloves.
Tweet from The Almanac
The Almanac (@SHillsAlmanac)
@41Suzanne is at #MtLebanon municipal building now, trying to get comment. No one will answer their phones.



Merlin Benner letter to Steve Feller, March 19, 2015























Fake Lebo















Thursday, March 19, 2015

Report from Wildlife Specialists 3/10/2015 - 3/15/2015

Attached you will find a copy of the report prepared by Wildlife Specialists that lists those nights that the cull activity has taken place in Mt. Lebanon. The trapping and culling activity has occurred on four nights in Mt. Lebanon. Prior to conducting culling activities, the contractor has notified the Police Department of the plans and location. The following morning I am notified of the results of the cull.

 
Stephen Feller
Municipal Manager



My observations:

Four deer were killed before 9:00 PM. Shooting isn't supposed to start until 9:00 PM.






Deer were trapped for at least 90 minutes from the time the gates closed and the shots fired.
Our Mt. Lebanon Public Misinformation Officer lists on the website that the team of trained professionals will be dispatched immediately to "euthanize" the deer. NINETY MINUTES?





Eleven bullets to kill three deer. That just sickens my stomach.


Remains of corral #2 at Golf Course






















Corn, straw, and in some corrals, tufts of fur are what were left behind.

All CORRALS ARE NOW GONE!!!! Nothing at Bird, McNeilly, Robb Hollow, Golf Course, or Conservation District.

Update will be tomorrow. I'm wondering if Mt. Lebanon gave Benner some time to remove his shit before tomorrow's update. Why do I think Benner has left the building?

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

OK, we know the drill

McNeilly Park corral is gone.
Connor Road corral is gone.
Robb Hollow corral is gone.
Golf course corral near Shop 'N Save is gone.

Golf course corral near Sleepy Hollow is still there.
Bird Park corral is still there.

I hear that the white No Trespassing signs have been removed, but the yellow warning signs are still posted in all five "parks."

OK, so we know the drill, right? Since the municipality refuses to tell us where the new locations are, we know what to do.

  • Scour the parks, looking for new locations. 
  • Look for utility flags. Remember, Merlin has to call PA One Call again. He has been reminded.
  • Get GPS coordinates of new sites.
  • Plot the coordinates.
  • Look for clover traps.
Benner has to wait for PA One Call. That can take up to five business days. Also, it takes time for deer to become comfortable with new bait feeders.

Kelly Fraasch was told that Benner is moving corrals to areas where there are more deer.

I updated the deer kill count. Zero kills the last two nights.

Update March 19, 2015 11:37 AM More signs from high school student, Claire Pullen. Claire said to consider it public domain and don't worry about copyrights.  Distribute them far and wide! Thank you, Claire!


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Click to print:






Businesses for Humane Alternatives

This was designed by Claire Pullen, a Mt. Lebanon high school student. Please encourage any Mt. Lebo businesses you know to support this and display the sign.


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Lebanon Shops landlord forced Club Cycle to remove sign

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Dale & Vicki Collision Center
McNeilly Road, Baldwin Twp.

Dogs against the deer cull



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This page is to spotlight the deer friendly businesses in Mt. Lebanon. Please support these establishments. Thank you for supporting the deer in Mt. Lebanon.


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To print signs, click on links here: 


Tuesday, March 17, 2015

“We see no value to Mt. Lebanon residents of releasing daily reports,”

said municipal spokeswoman [Public Misinformation Officer] Susan Morgans. She said officials worry about inflaming those opposed to the culling and don't want them to “put themselves in harm's way” to protest or disrupt the program.
In Matt Santoni's Mt. Lebanon to avoid daily reports on deer culling because of contention, is Susan denying us of our First Amendment Right? Now Benner is blaming protestors. Please explain, Mr. Benner and Mrs. Stroyd Morgans, how is protesting in front of the Municipal Building or along Connor Road interfering with or disrupting the program?
Cori Vipperman, who supports a deer management program, said she understood why municipal staff are cautious about releasing information.
“If they came out with too much information, there are some — I'm not saying all in the opposition, but some — who might use that information to sabotage the program,” Vipperman said.
Seriously, Ms. Vipperman? The three police officers who approached residents on Sunday walking by Bird Park were told there was $1500 of damage to the deer corral in Bird Park.
"Lauth said police logged no incidents or accidents, although a contractor suspected people of trying to disrupt or damage corrals. Police found no suspicious or illegal activity, Lauth said." 
Who is lying? ACLU, are you getting all this?

Update March 17, 2015 2:23 PM 
160' from corral to Connor Road

Photo hint as to location of accident



KDKA-TV on Facebook Could turkeys be the next animal to be rounded up in the Mt. Lebanon area? Love this comment: Run Turkey run! You will be the next victim of the Mt. Lebo Kill Force!
Boy, is Mt. Lebanon getting a bad reputation! Thanks, John Bendel, Dave Brumfield, Kristen Linfante, and Steve Silverman.

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To order, click here http://www.zazzle.com/respect_mt_lebanon_fawn_stickers_square_sticker-217441227608281773

                                                                      *********

Any ambitious Lebo Citizens reader want to print these out on card stock and distribute to Mt. Lebanon businesses who are willing to display it? Don't be pushy and please be respectful.




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Sunday, March 15, 2015

Second location at golf course identified UPDATED

If you are on Sleepy Hollow standing in the old Giant Eagle, the corral is across Sleepy Hollow and up on the hill. The access road is on Arch, which is Castle Shannon. GPS coordinates are coming soon below. It is an active killing site. There is a corral/trap with straw inside, netting over the top and bullet holes through the plastic. Hard to tell the trajectory, but they may be shooting uphill.

Also, the No Trespassing Zones have been expanded at the Connor Road site. I was told that this was also done at Robb Hollow.

The small white dots are bullet holes

Golf Course

Golf Course

Warning sign in front of trap, taken from golf course


This pdf of coordinates show exactly where the second corral is at the golf course. They were adjusted after locating the approximate coordinates, so there was no trespassing involved.
  
40.3718056,-80.0201944


Mr. Benner, there are 8 deer in Mt. Lebanon's Galleria for an upcoming movie.
Ch-ching!
Update March 16, 2015 3:30 PM Commissioner Kelly Fraasch has posted the week's kill on her blog. Deer Program from Monday, March 9 - Monday March 16. Kelly has also included: 
From March 9th-March 13th Animal Control has picked up 4 dead deer, on Locust, Scott, Moreland and Birch.
Moreland is just above the corral/killing trap at Robb Hollow. I have no details as to how the deer had died.

Update March 16, 2015 9:29 PM The mapmaker was being conservative in relation to the location of the accident involving the motorcycle accident on Connor Road. The turkeys may have been closer to the corral.

Legal tours of killing sites

I was just on a legal tour of Robb Hollow.
Netting across the top to prevent deer from jumping out

That is me in the yellow slicker standing outside of the no trespassing zone


Glove pointing to killing trap in the distance


All photos were taken outside of the No Trespassing Zones. Legal tours of killing sites are available. Send me an email (EGillen476@aol.com) with the name of the killing site in the Subject line, and I will be in touch with you.

Some changes in the amended Game Commission permit include using clover traps*, which the commission DID NOT want to use, the use of semi-automatic rifles in .223 calliber to be used in these corrals/death traps (See page 2, condition 6), and the increase from two men to five men.

*Search "clover traps"and there are many videos available of these horrible traps. I have posted them on the blog in the past.

View of inside of Robb Hollow deer trap

View of inside of Robb Hollow deer trap

A lonely apple inside the Robb Hollow trap

Friday, March 13, 2015

Where are the deer-killing sites, Steve?

From: Nita M. Fandray
Sent: Friday, March 13, 2015 9:18 PM
To: 'ssilverman@mtlebanon.org'
Cc: 'Edward Modaro'
Subject: FW: Location of Each Deer-Killing Site

Hello Steve---

I am writing to confirm that you did not respond to my emails of earlier today, both of which are incorporated by reference into this email and set forth below.

Eight corrals and the public does not know their exact locations. This project of yours is a disaster.

Nita
From: Nita M. Fandray
Sent: Friday, March 13, 2015 1:34 PM
To: 'ssilverman@mtlebanon.org'
Cc: 'Edward Modaro'
Subject: FW: Location of Each Deer-Killing Site

Steve,

It’s Nita, again. Ed and I will appreciate your supplying us with the below requested information before the end of this business day.

Steve, everyone knows that the municipality wants the public to know as few details as possible about Benner’s operations in Mt. Lebo. I have actually heard that Benner and the municipality (including the police) have suggested keeping the details quiet in the interest of SAFETY.  Whose safety?

It is absurd and illegal (for the commission, the MLPD, and the PA Game Commission) to only supply the important, relevant information to the Benner boys and other choice municipal employees. THEY HAVE THE GUNS. They can protect themselves (from what, I don’t know).

The children of Mt. Lebanon have been placed and are at high risk of harm by the very people whose jobs require them to act as the “ultimate guardian” of our children. (Phil Weis can tell you about Parens Patriae and its very strong public policy implications in PA.) 

Please comply with the below request so that the general public may have at least some information on which to base safety decisions this weekend and in the future, especially for the children. Stop keeping secrets. It only perpetuates the continual decline of Mt. Lebanon.

I look forward to hearing from you today.

Thank you.

Nita Fandray


From: Nita M. Fandray
Sent: Friday, March 13, 2015 10:43 AM
To: 'ssilverman@mtlebanon.org'
Subject: Location of Each Deer-Killing Site

Hi Steve----
My interest in the ongoing Mt. Lebanon deer-kill operation is primarily public safety. At the commission meeting this past Tuesday night, the municipal manager was less than forthcoming about the locations of the corrals that are being used to lure deer, trap them and kill them with some very powerful weaponry.

Spring has sprung. Like you, Steve, I am an on-hands parent. With the ever increasing amount of daylight in mid to late March, kids of all ages will be out in droves, visiting the public parks that were once viewed as safe havens in Mt. Lebanon. They are contaminated now and may be for years to come.

For the sake of our children, please let me know today the exact location of each of Merlin Benner’s corrals.

Update March 14, 2015 7:49 AM Mackenzie Carpenter with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette interviewed me before writing "The DeerFather," a parody based on Mt. Lebanon deer-cull, will not be in theaters soon — if ever. Her intent was to write a lighthearted article based on how social media is reacting to the deer killing. In a phone conversation, she asked me to watch Fake Lebo's video and email my thoughts about the video. Here is what I wrote to her: 
Hi Mackenzie,

I watched Fake Lebo's video. I love Fake Lebo. "Many a true word hath been spoken in jest."
- William Shakespeare, King Lear

Definitely their best work. Did I laugh? No, I have lost my sense of humor over the commission's horrific plan. It is very sad. I can't even drive by the traps without crying.
Elaine Gillen
In a prior phone conversation, I did complain to Mackenzie about the PG's John Hayes, who wrote that we have THOUSANDS of deer in Mt. Lebanon. Instead, she wanted to focus on Fake Lebo's video. I tend to think that I have a good sense of humor, but I am not one of the ones laughing at the moment. No reflection on Fake Lebo. I love what they do.

March 15, 2015 6:08 AM PG's John Hayes is at it again. Mt. Lebanon deer cull begins, four killed 
According to Hayes, we have THOUSANDS of deer in Mt. Lebanon. Our commissioners have hired Wildlife Specialists to kill up to 150 deer. Mr. Hayes indicates that zero deer were killed on Night 5, with a total of four deer killed by five men, authorized by the PA Game Commission, in five nights. Hayes writes:
Now that pro-cull residents know that during deer hunting seasons they can legally waive safety zone protections and invite archers to hang tree stands on private property, some may take Mt. Lebanon deer management into their own hands.
Mt. Lebanon commissioners have hired an expert to kill 150 deer, Mr. Hayes. You have obviously been talking with Kristen Linfante, encouraging residents to take matters into their own hands.


MTL's Deer Management Update

Finally, an update on the Mt. Lebanon.org website.

Deer Management Update* 

Wildlife Specialists will continue to cull deer in five public park areas through March 31. The parks are: Bird, Robb Hollow, McNeilly, the Mt. Lebanon Golf Course and the Connor Road Conservation Area. Activity begins at 9 p.m. when the parks close and ends by sunrise. Signs are posted at parks where activities are taking place and at the actual corral sites. As of March 13, 2015 four deer were euthanized*. We will issue another report on deer management next week.
*Mt. Lebanon Public Misinformation Office: 

This is not deer management. Stop using words that sugar coat what is actually being done. 

They were not euthanized. They were killed/murdered/slaughtered. We tried to make that clear, meeting after meeting.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Dears for Deer

Many kids are upset by this plan to kill deer in Mt. Lebanon. I believe they should be heard as well. I am willing to post their artwork or letters, with parents' permission, of course. I would rather not have their names associated with their artwork.

I received the following from a very upset parent.

I saw a post earlier this evening pertaining to Lebo kids who are not involved....well here is my response....


This is a picture of my nine year old who wore her sticker from the protest when she went to school the day following the commissioner's meeting a few weeks ago. She told me that when she went into school wearing that sticker on her hat that a group of kids gathered around her and they started chanting "NO TO DEER KILLING!"...Yes, A group of fourth-graders! Both she and my 11-year-old ask me every morning when they wake up if I know if any more deer have been murdered. We were all thrilled this morning as we saw deer prints in the mud in our backyard and I saw one of our neighborhood deer running across the street as I walked out dog! 
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Favorite poem:
Four Deer by Eamon Grennan 

Four deer lift up their lovely heads to me 
In the dusk of the golf course I plod across 
Toward home. They're browsing the wet grass 
The snow has left and, statued, stare at me 
In deep silence and I see whatever light there is 
Gather to glossy pools in their eight mild, 
Barely curious but wary eyes. When one at a time 
They bend again to feed, I can hear the crisp 
Moist crunch of the surviving grass between 
Their teeth, imagine the slow lick of a tongue 
Over whickering lips. They've come from the unlit 
Winter corners of their fright to find 
A fresh season, this early gift, and stand 
Almost easy at the edge of white snow islands 
And lap the gray-green sweet depleted grass. About them 
Hangs an air of such domestic sense, the comfortable 
Hush of folk at home with one another, a familiar 
Something I sense in spit of the great gulf of strangeness 
We must look over at each other. Tails flicker 
White in thickening dusk and I feel their relief 
At the touch of cold snow underfoot while their faces 
Nuzzle grass, as if, like birds, they had crossed 
Unspeakable vacant wastes with nothing but hunger 
Shaping their brains and driving them from leaf to 
Dry leaf, sour strips of bark- under a thunder of guns 
And into the cold comfort of early dark. I've seen 
Their straight despairing lines cloven in snowfields 
After storm, an Indian file of famished natives, poor 
Unprayed-for wanderers through blinding chill, seasoned 
Castaways in search of home ports, which they've found 
At last here on the winter's edge between our houses and 
Their trees. All of a sudden, I've come too close. Like 
Birds they move as one mind, springing in silent waves 
Over the grass, then cracking snow with sharp hard 
Snaps, lightfooting it into the sanctuary of a pine grove 
Where they stand looking back at me, a deer-shaped family 
Of shadows against the darker arch of trees and this 
Rusting dusk. When silence settles over us again and 
They bow down to browse, the sound of grass being lipped, 
Bitten, meets me across the space between us. Close 
Enough for comfort, they see we keep, instinctively, our 
Distance, sharing this air where a few last shards of day- 
Light glitter in little meltpools or spread a skin of 
Brightness on the ice, the ice stiffening towards midnight 
under the clean magnesium burn of a first star.


Painted by 8 year old girl



A high school senior, doing what she considers her civic duty, sent this in to the PG. The Mt. Lebanon deer culling/killing is shameful The letter published was an edited version of what Lily read to the commission. Lily received a standing ovation at the meeting.

Madelyn, Age 9



8 year old girl, now 9 years old



London, Age 6

Please Don't Shoot