WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE DEER? Most of us know the local deer population is increasing—some people don’t mind; others do, for reasons ranging from concerns about deer/vehicular collisions to frustration that hungry deer graze in their gardens.

The commission is considering various ways of managing the deer population—but its decision is still a ways down the road. In the interim, the commissioners would like to better educate residents about deer behavior (which we can’t change) and human behavior (which we need to change, if we want to avoid confrontations with deer, both on the road and on our properties).

First step in that effort will be a panel discussion in June featuring representatives from wildlife management specialists White Buffalo, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, PennDOT and the Penn State Cooperative Extension. Moderated by District Judge Blaise Larotonda, the discussion will be taped in June and aired on www.mtlebanon.org, Comcast 17 and Verizon 34. Also in June, a webpage featuring links to anything you’d like to know about deer and integrated deer management will debut at www.mtlebanon.org.

TAX CODE REMINDER Mt. Lebanon’s political subdivision code (PSD) is 731201. Make sure the correct PSD code is on the Residency Certification Form filed with your employer and on your Final Local Earned Income Tax return. If you use the wrong PSD Code, it will take longer for your tax money to get the right place. Get the forms here.

PUBLIC MEETING Mt. Lebanon expects its proposed historic district to be named to the National Register of Historic Places, the summer. In preparation, Mt. Lebanon’s Historic Preservation Board will hold a public information session at 6  p.m., Thursday, April 24, in the commission chamber of the municipal building, 710 Washington Road, to discuss the benefits of National Register status.

Being listed on the National Register  is an honorary designation that places no strictures on properties and, in fact, can help increase property values of single family homes and provide specific benefits to owners of qualifying multi-family and commercial properties.

The April public meeting will be an opportunity for residents and property owners to see the map of the proposed district, review the nomination and ask questions.

CELEBRATE TREES, CELEBRATE EARTH What better way to celebrate the coming of the green than with a weekend of green activities? On Friday, April 25, stop by Markham School at 2:30 p.m. for a tree planting ceremony. The event is part of Mt. Lebanon’s annual Arbor Day Celebration and a requirement for retaining our Tree City USA status. Coordinated by Principal Robert Freil, the day will include student poetry readings and music performances. Look for student-created posters on the theme of “Trees are Treasures” in stores along Washington Road leading up to the event.

The next day, Saturday, April 26, is Mt. Lebanon’s Earth Day celebration in Mt. Lebanon Park. Bring the entire family for this fun event, running 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Girl Scouts will provide children’s activities and local environmental nonprofits, businesses and crafters will be on hand with activities, crafts and green tips. Drop off your gently used clothes and shoes for Planet Aid they will donate a portion of the proceeds to charity. There also will be food and music.

SAFER CROSSWALK Phase one of the safety improvements to the crosswalk in front of Washington School should be completed this month.  A tall aluminum pole with solar panels and a triangular flashing beacon below it has been installed in the sidewalk three feet from the newly lined crosswalk on each side of the street. A push activation device on either pole will start both LED beacons flashing at the same time, alerting drivers. The flashing signals are at a height that is easy for drivers to see, says Public Works Director Tom Kelley. The second phase of the project, which involves embedding lights in the road pavement and is funded by a grant, is expected to take place after school lets out for the summer.

SPECIAL NEEDS REGISTRY Allegheny County 911 centers are compiling an online Special Needs Registry that allows residents with physical, mental health or intellectual disabilities to provide information to the Department of Emergency Services. The registry is on the county’s website.

Information provided through the registry will appear onscreen at the dispatch center following an emergency call, allowing dispatchers to alert emergency responders to a unique situation involving a person with special needs.