Briefs – May 28
The Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon and Upper St. Clair Police departments will be hosting a bicycle safety rodeo from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 31 at Kohls at Village Square Mall in Bethel Park, rain or shine. The Kohl’s Hard Heads program of Children’s Hospital will also be on hand to talk to children about the importance of wearing a helmet, and coupons will be handed out for free helmets. To participate in the bicycle obstacle course, you must bring a bicycle and helmet, and a liability waver must be signed. Helmets will be available for children who do not have one, so they can participate. Fire Departments and EMS agencies from each community will also be participating and sponsoring the event. A certificate of completion will be given to each participant. Participants can also register to win a bicycle – one boy’s bike and one girl’s bike will be raffled off at 1:45 p.m.
PennDOT, Pennsylvania State and local police are partnering for a nationwide “Click It or Ticket” seat-belt enforcement through June 8. Three hundred and fifty law enforcement agencies across the northeast with increased enforcement at state borders will focus on nighttime operations, using Traffic Enforcement Zones and roving patrols.
Pennsylvania’s primary seat-belt law requires drivers and passengers under the age of 18 to buckle up, and children under the age of four must be properly restrained in an approved child safety seat. Children ages 4-8 must be restrained in an appropriate booster seat. In addition, children ages 8-18 must be must be in a seat belt when riding anywhere in the vehicle.
Also, drivers and front-seat passengers 18 years-old or older are required to buckle up. If motorists are stopped for a traffic violation and are not wearing their seat belt, they can receive a second ticket and second fine.
Visit www.JustDrivePA.com for more information on seat-belt safety and PennDOT’s other traffic-safety initiatives.
The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania is gearing up for its 2014 camping season on the organization’s nearly 100-acre Camp Allegheny and Retreat Center, located along Slippery Rock Creek in Ellwood City. The summer camp program will run June 16-Aug. 6.
Accredited by the American Camping Association, Camp Allegheny and Retreat Center offers a diverse program including recreation, Christian education, nature, swimming, arts and crafts, archery, hiking and more.
A seasonal food service program and full complement of staff provides three healthy meals each day.
All children from households that receive food assistance through the DPA Pennsylvania ACCESS Card Program or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) are eligible.
For information on attending Camp Allegheny and Retreat Center and for family size/income guidelines, or to sponsor a camper, contact your local Salvation Army Worship and Service Center or the organization’s Youth Department at 412-446-1545.
Cherie Katrencik recently opened Massage Nirvana n’ Bodyworks in South Fayette. The studio, located at 1840 Mayview Road, Suite 207, offers Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point/neuromuscular, sports massage and more. Hours are by appointment only. To schedule, call 412-874-7955. Visit www.massagenirvana.net for more information.
State Sen. Matt Smith announced a $250,000 state recycling grant for Peters Township.
“State dollars will help supplement Peters Township’s efforts to strengthen its recycling program,” Smith said. “These improvements will serve both the community and our environment.”
Smith said the state dollars will be used to provide 7,800 automated curbside recycling containers that are both larger and easier for residents to wheel to the curb. Anticipating an increase in the tonnage of recyclables, Smith said the effort will make the recycling program more efficient and accommodating for township residents.
Smith said he will continue to work with local officials to obtain state financial support for their recycling efforts.
Applications for the current round of Recycling Development and Implementation Grants are currently available online at www.dep.state.pa.us (Keyword “Recycling Grants”). Applications are due by Aug. 15.
The Friends of Family Hospice and Palliative Care auxiliary volunteer group is seeking donations for its Family Treasures Sale, Sept. 20 at Family Hospice’s Mt. Lebanon location at 50 Moffett St. Items being sought include gently used, good quality art work, jewelry, furniture, collectibles and more.
Items may be dropped off to Family Hospice weekdays 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. All proceeds from the Treasures Sale will benefit patients and families served by the nonprofit organization. Questions about donations may be directed to info@FamilyHospicePA.org.