Briefs – July 31
Rehabilitation work on the 2.5-million gallon Green Tree water storage tank is delayed a second time due to the nesting of endangered peregrine falcons. The Pennsylvania Game Commission has asked Pennsylvania American Water to delay work for 30 days after the last nestling takes its first flight, which has not yet occurred.
When the company initially started the project in May, workers observed a pair of nesting peregrine falcons located on the tank’s highest support beams, so Pennsylvania American Water ordered that work cease to avoid disturbing this endangered species’ nesting cycle. In June, the Pennsylvania Game Commission determined that the initial nest failed and gave the company permission to proceed with work inside the tank. When workers mobilized, they heard chicks in the nest, indicating a second set of nestlings.
“The falcons have certainly made the Green Tree tank rehab one of our most unusual projects to date,” said Greg Tokar, operations superintendent for Pennsylvania American Water. “The tank’s repainting is very important to extend the structure’s lifespan, but we also realize what’s at stake and want to help extend the lives of birds that have been endangered in the Commonwealth for many years.”
When construction is able to resume, the tank’s rehab will include sandblasting, steel repairs and improvements and interior painting. The Green Tree tank stores treated water to maintain adequate flow during peak usage times and serves customers living in Green Tree, Bridgeville, Heidelberg, South Fayette, Scott Township and Mt. Lebanon. Customers with questions about the project can contact Pennsylvania American Water’s at 800-565-7292 or through Facebook and Twitter.
The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society is offering a $2,000 scholarship from the Endowment for South Asian Students of Indian Descent. Students must be of South Asian Indian heritage and enrolled full time in their second, third or fourth year at an accredited Pennsylvania medical school.
Dr. Jitendra M. Desai, and Dr. Saryu J. Desai, of Sewickley, Pa., initiated this scholarship within the Foundation in 2002 to provide an opportunity for South Asian Indian students who demonstrate academic excellence. They invite others to contribute to the fund to secure its future.
The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, a nonprofit affiliate of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, provides programs and services for individual physicians and others that improve the well-being of Pennsylvanians and sustain the future of medicine.
For an application, call the Foundation at 717-558-7852, or visit the Student Financial Services page under www.foundationpamedsoc.org. The deadline is Sept. 30.
State Sen. Matt Smith (D-Allegheny/Washington) announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for the Small Business Advantage Grant program.
A for-profit corporation, limited liability corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or other legal entity with 100 or fewer full-time employees may be eligible to receive 50 percent matching funds up to $9,500 to adopt or acquire pollution prevention or energy efficient procedures or equipment.
Qualifying projects like lighting upgrades, heating and cooling systems, or anti-idling technology for trucks must be located in Pennsylvania, owned by the applicant, and save the business at least 25 percent plus $500 in annual energy consumption, pollution handling or prevention related expenses.
The application period runs through Sept. 6. Qualifying projects are approved on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.
Smith encourages interested businesses to contact his office at 412-571-2169.
Businesses interested in applying can receive the application form and additional information from the department’s website, www.dep.state.pa.us by clicking on the “Small Business Advantage Grant” button.
Bethany Hospice, a locally-owned leader in hospice services, will sponsor 81 hospitalized veterans for the 2013 Sharing and Caring Inc. Labor Day riverboat cruise aboard the Gateway Clipper.
Since 2008, Bethany Hospice has raised funds through the generous donations of employees and volunteers to sponsor more than 180 veterans. “It is so rewarding to give back to people who have given so much to our country. While we are involved in many community service projects, Sharing and Caring is near and dear to our hearts,” said Diane Mead, president and CEO of Bethany Hospice.
“Sharing and Caring operates solely on the funds raised by our donors. Veterans gave us the liberty that we are able to enjoy today; and we figure that the least we can do is help them enjoy a little bit of life,” said Robert Abbott, president of Sharing and Caring Inc.
Sharing and Caring Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring hospitalized veterans by providing therapeutic recreation activities. The organization is composed of a volunteer staff that represents 17 veterans service organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and American Legion. Sharing and Caring sponsors events and activities at veterans hospitals around the Greater Pittsburgh region.