Week of Feb. 11
Common Core program set for Feb. 19
As a result of new PA Common Core State Standards being implemented in Peters Township, a group of local parents have organized a non-partisan program, which will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 in the sanctuary of St. David’s Episcopal Church, Venetia.
Guest speaker Peg Luksik, PhD, will discuss the PA Common Core Standards, as well as resulting data tracking and changes to standardized tests. A question and answer session will follow.
Dr. Luksik, a national expert on issues surrounding Common Core, has taught in various settings, written and evaluated curriculum and authored several books on educational issues. She is a former consultant to the U.S. Department of Education on education reform initiatives, as well as founder and chairperson of Founded on Truth (foundedontruth.com).
Admission is free and seating is limited. Contact peterscommoncore@verizon.net to be placed on an email list to receive updates or with questions. In case of inclement weather, information will be posted on the three major TV networks under “Peters Township Common Core Meeting.”
School of Rock opens in Castle Shannon
Genuine rock n’ roll players, like Nick Catanese, the former rhythm guitarist from American metal group Black Label Society, were on hand Feb. 7 for the grand opening of School of Rock located at 4100 Library Road. Potential students came out to jam on the equipment, play on a fully-functional stage and even smash some acoustic guitars. Visit www.thealmanac.net for photos of the event.
Volunteers needed for Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels of Peters Township is in urgent need of volunteers. Volunteers can work once a week, every other week or as occasional substitutes on year-around or seasonal schedules.
Those interested in volunteering should call 724-969-1000, email mowpt1@verizon.net or stop by the kitchen located at 243 E. McMurray Road (on the second floor of the Peters Township Fire Department) any weekday morning.
Farm Bureau holds food drive
The Washington County Farm Bureau is holding a food drive, through March 31, to benefit the Greater Washington County Food Bank.
A contest centered on the local libraries will coincide with the drive. Monetary prizes will be awarded to the libraries that collect the most pounds of canned goods and cleaning supplies. Local collection sites include:
• Canonsburg – Canon-McMillan School District, Frank Sarris Library (North Jefferson Avenue), Bahr Hardware (North Central Avenue
• Cecil – Cecil Outpatient Center (Millers Run Road)
• Finleyville – Finleyville Presbyterian Church (8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday and Thursday)
• McMurray – Peters Township High School, Goodwill (Route 19)
In addition, the food bank has seed that has been donated for use in community gardens that would produce fresh vegetables for needy people in the local communities. To get more information on organizing a community garden in your school district, contact Cristi Parks at cristiparks@yahoo.com.
Volunteer income tax preparers needed
The IRS has a mission for preparing income tax returns free for people of all ages with modest incomes. The IRS provides training, certification and continuing support. For more information, contact Bernie Grimes at 412-841-1151 or berniegrimes8143@gmail.com.
SHIM launches Campaign
South Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM) has launched its second annual Sack Hunger campaign, which runs through March 15, to help South Hills families who are struggling financially and don’t have enough food to eat. The Casey Family Foundation and Neishloss & Fleming, Inc. will be matching contributions to the campaign up to $30,000.
Over 200 South Hills families received more than 350,000 pounds of food from SHIM’s food pantries in 2014.
Upper St. Clair residents Sean and Mandi Casey are lending their support for the campaign, which has set an ambitious goal of $100,000. Funds from contributions can be used to purchase six times the amount of food from the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank than can be purchased individually. To learn more, visit www.shim-center.org/sack-hunger.