Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania Board Member, Margaree Pertle, Chair of the 2008 Awards of Distinction Dinner will lead committee members in a kick off luncheon on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 11:30a.m. at the Greensburg Country Club.

Committee Members are:

Margaree Pertle, Chair; Rosine Dull; Lisa Balenciaga; Angela Rose O'Brien; Mary Catherine Motchar; Tereasa Cockram; Linda Thomas; Becky Thorne; Susan Isola; Karen Gavin; Jean Sitar; Theresa Rerko.

The Westmoreland Awards of Distinction Dinner will take place on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at the Greensburg Country Club. There will be a wine auction with Steeler prizes, cost is $50 per person and sponsorship packages are available. All proceeds benefit Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania. Please contact Tina Pelesky for more information tpelesky@gswpa.org.  Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania is the catalyst where girls invent, explore, create, have fun, and inspire others by discovering more about themselves and their community, connecting to new ideas and people, and taking action to make the world a better place.  In this fast-paced, changing world, Girl Scouting moves at the speed of girl. So should you! Call 800-248-3355 or visit www.gswpa.org.
 

Westmoreland County Collaboration on Child Sexual Abuse Prevention

Child sexual abuse is a pervasive problem in Westmoreland County, and across the state and the nation. To end this devastating abuse, community members must work together to develop the resources needed to achieve that goal.  In Westmoreland County, the HERO Project has been working to do just that. Formed in 1997 with a mission to reduce the incidence of child sexual abuse, the group has recently launched a Community Action Council. Members of the Council have dedicated their time, expertise and resources to support the activities of the HERO Project, whose goals are to increase awareness of child sexual abuse and encourage reporting of suspected child sexual abuse – especially by persons who are in the position to protect a child, such as parents, teachers, friends, neighbors and child care workers. In April 2008, representatives from the HERO Project Community Action Council distributed literature on child sexual abuse to businesses, schools, health care facilities and other human service agencies. In addition, they created displays on the topic at libraries across the County; presented vital information during speaking engagements at schools, civic organizations and service clubs; and submitted newsletter articles and bulletin inserts for churches and area businesses. The Council also distributed public service announcements and press releases for newspapers and magazines.  As a result of these efforts, a total of eighty-two businesses, libraries, churches and human service agencies received literature and information on how to report suspected cases of child sexual abuse. More than 240 individuals attended speaking events, and the Community Action Council distributed over 1, 195 HERO Project items were distributed. Ninety-three professionals who work closely with children and their families received HERO Project information and 8,400 individual and household members received written material with educational information about child sexual abuse.  The 2007-2008 HERO Project Community Action Council includes: Blackburn Center Against Domestic & Sexual Violence; Boys Scouts of Westmoreland County; Child Care Information Services; Laurel Youth Services; ParentWISE Program of Family Services of Western Pennsylvania; St. Vincent College Prevention Projects; Westmoreland County Children’s Bureau; and Westmoreland County Juvenile Probation. For information about how you can become involved in this important work, please contact Blackburn Center at 724-837-9540 ext. 114 or DottieC@blackburncenter.org.
 

The economy may be slow in some sectors but Irwin continues to see new businesses locate in downtown. The latest is Amelia’s Boutique & Gift Shoppe, which opened on Monday. Amelia’s was previously located in West Hempfield Plaza but decided the 419 Main Street location was better suited for her business. According to Amelia Gail, the owner, she is relocating to be a part of the revitalization of downtown and to take advantage of the “quaint small town” charm. Gail says she has always loved visiting and shopping in small historic towns. While used to living and working near large southern cities she has always been attracted to small towns like Irwin. “Irwin is such a wonderful “walking” town; I love strolling with my son down Main Street and seeing the same friendly faces every day”, says Gail.   According to Gail, her shop has something for everyone—from thoughtful gifts to give to fashionable handbags and necklaces when you want a “from me, to me” gift for yourself. As in her previous location, Gail still handpicks the unique gift items, home décor, jewelry, children’s toys & games and the many other items in her store.  The new location is at the former home of the Curious Cat Shop which recently expanded to a larger location in the same block.  The new location for the store will also be able to take advantage of the Design Challenge Grants offered by the Irwin Main Street Program. For more information about Amelia's Boutique and Gift Shoppe - 419 Main Street, Irwin, PA 15642, or call 724-864-4864, or you can visit www.ameliasboutique.com.
 

This event will take place from Thursday, July 3rd thru Saturday, July 5th, from 11:00a.m - 8:00p.m. each day.  The festival is held at Twin Lakes Park - 252 Twin Lakes Road Latrobe PA.  The acclaimed Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival offers the best in visual and live performing arts, traditional and fine crafts, cultural heritage activities, humanities, and exciting ethnic foods, providing something for everyone’s tastes and keeping people coming back year after year.  For More Information Contact:  Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival at 724-834-7474, or Visit:  www.artsandheritage.com.
 

This event will take place from Saturday, July 19th thru Sunday, July 20th, from Noon to Noon.  The relay for life of Norwin will be held at Norwin Senior High School Stadium.  It’s not just an opportunity to celebrate, remember, and fight back your involvement will help the American Cancer Society work toward a mission of eliminating cancer as major health issue and will support much-needed services in your community. Thanks in part to the donations from Relay For Life and other events, the Society is saving lives, helping those touched by cancer, and empowering people to fight this disease all over the world.  For More Information & Register Contact:  Denise Martin via email at andiamo471@aol.com, or Click Here to visit official website.
 

Historic downtown Irwin is bringing Art and Jazz nights to the community every third Thursday of the month through August. The first of the series is this upcoming Thursday featuring a shop crawl, Jazz music from several performers, Jazz dinner specials at five restaurants, Jazz happy hour from 8:00p.m. thru 11:00p.m. and sidewalk art displays and sales. The new event has been billed as “A casual evening for dinner, shopping, dessert, art and music in our Historical Downtown” by Don Henderson, the Irwin Main Street Manager.  Local artists will be displaying, and selling their work from 4:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. Paintings, glass etching, pictures, sketches, jewelry art, caricatures and much more will all be on display for patrons to admire, and purchase as they enjoy the Jazz music floating throughout Downtown Irwin. Three Jazz bands will play from 5:00p.m. - 8:00p.m., in various locations throughout downtown Irwin, featuring Dave Cremonese at the Cheesecake Caffe, The Seton Hill Trio on Main Street, and Rick Sruzzi at the Colonial Grill. 
The J Trio, featuring vocalist Jim Young, will also be playing at the Café Supreme from 8:00p.m. - 11:00p.m. The Shoppe Crawl from 4:00p.m. - 7:00p.m. will include specials, samples and refreshments at 17 different shops throughout Historic Downtown. Participating shops include the Curious Cat, Saige Jen Taylor, Killybegs Irish Gifts, The Green Bough, Victorian Treasures, Your Beading Heart, Spark of Light, Amelia’s Boutique, Michelle’s Bella Boutique and many more.
 

Ligonier Valley Writers has announced a scholarship for high school students for its prestigious summer writing conference. The Tina Thoburn Memorial Scholarship will honor Tina Thoburn, without whom there would be no Ligonier Valley Writers. After a long and productive career as a writer, educator, and mentor, Tina died in 2007. She was one of the founders of the LVW Conference in 1986, and she hosted the conference picnic in her gardens every summer for many years. This will be an opportunity for young writers to hone their craft with the help of published experts in a supportive atmosphere. They can focus on one genre or mix and match to explore several interests.  The 21st LVW Conference will take place July 26 at the Ligonier Valley Library. Faculty members this year include Damian Dressick, a Pushcart nominee and winner of the 2007 Harriette Arnow Award for short fiction; Lori Jakiela, whose memoir Miss New York Has Everything was a bestseller in 2006; Nancy Krygowski, whose first book of poems, Velocity, won the 2006 Agnes Lynch Starrett Prize; and Casey Daniels, author of a mystery series and 35 other novels.  The scholarship is open to all accredited students in Pennsylvania who are entering Grade 11 or 12 or have just graduated from high school. Application forms are posted on the LVW website, www.ligoniervalleywriters.org. Applications must be postmarked by July 10. The scholarship is valued at $110. It includes the seminars and workshops all day Saturday, as well as lunch, Damian Dressick’s talk on what writers need to know about rejection, and Saturday dinner at the Ligonier Country Inn (where faculty members will read from their work).  For more information about any LVW events, workshops, publications, writing contests, and submission guidelines, please visit the website at www.ligoniervalleywriters.org.
 

The Loyalhanna Review, a literary journal focused on bringing innovative, high-quality prose, poetry and essays to southwestern Pennsylvania readers, today announced a Call For Submissions for both its annual issue and the annual Halloween Flash Fiction Contest. “We know some really outstanding writing is being done in southwestern Pennsylvania and we’re on a mission to get it into print,” said Ruth McDonald, editor ofThe Loyalhanna Review. “From Pittsburgh and its environs through the Mon Valley to the Laurel Highlands, we are blessed with a diverse and gifted group of writers working in close proximity.” Annual Loyalhanna Review Submission Guidelines. Please send two letter-quality copies of unpublished prose, poetry or creative nonfiction to Editor, The Loyalhanna Review, 409 Sheffield Dr., Greensburg, PA 15601. Writers may submit three poems and/or one prose piece no longer than 1,500 words. Submissions will not be returned and must be postmarked by June 30, 2008. Submissions should be accompanied by a cover letter that includes an email address, physical address, phone number and a brief bio. They should also be accompanied by a release stating, “I grant The Loyalhanna Review permission to publish [name of work] in the 2008 print and 2008 online editions.” Before submitting, check the website (www.ligoniervalleywriters.org) for more detailed guidelines.
 

Free movies at The Robertshaw Amphitheater located in Saint Clair Park, Greensburg. Enjoy family-friendly, blockbuster hits on the 3rd and 4th Saturdays of the June, July, and August. June 21, 28. July 19, 26. August 16, 23. Movies begin at dusk. Visit www.GreensburgFilmSeries.com for movie listings.
 

08 Youngtimers presents in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts - Hänsel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck.  The performances will be held at Covenant Hall for the Performing Arts (316 Maple Street Irwin PA) starting at 8:00p.m. The performances will take place on; Thursday, June 26; Friday, June 27; Saturday, June 28; Wednesday, July 2; Thursday, July 3; Saturday, July 5.  Ticket Prices:  $10.00 At the Door; $8.00 In Advance; $6.00 Seniors 65 and up; $3.00 Children 12 and under.  You can purchase tickets at the following outlets: Mail Priority - Norwin Hills Shopping Ctr.,
724 864-6245; Interiors by Woleslagle - 205 4th St., Irwin, 724-864-0560; Your Blessed Events - 415 Main Street, Irwin; 724-382-4640 and Java Trails - Norwin Town Square, 724-861-0611.
 

Respite Funding Available for Families with Children with Behavioral Needs. Of the $500,000 allocated to the County Mental Health Offices across the state, only $62,000 was spent as of December 31, 2007. Even though additional funds have likely been used since January, it is also likely that every county still has respite funds remaining that must be spent by June 30, 2008. If you or a family you know can benefit from respite care for their children with behavioral health issues, please contact the County Mental Health Office immediately to inquire how to access these services.  If you need assistance in getting this information from your county, please contact the PHLP Helpline at 1-800-274-3258.
 

Dr. John Boylan, Norwin School District superintendent, was recently named Outstanding Superintendent of the State of Pennsylvania for 2008 by the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association.  This award honors a superintendent who has demonstrated active and continuing support for an outstanding, well balanced music program. Dr. Boylan received his award at the Music Educators Association State Convention in Hershey, Pa. April 18th. The faculty of the Norwin School District music department will honor Dr. Boylan at a district-wide concert Sunday, June 1st at 6:00p.m. at the Norwin High School stadium. The "Celebration of Music" will include approximately 1500 students from the elementary chorus, orchestra and band, the middle school chorus, orchestra and band, and the high school chorus, show choir, select choir, orchestra, jazz band, percussion line and concert band. The grand finale of the evening will feature all of the groups.  The public is invited to attend. Admission is $1.00. Rain date for the event is Monday, June 2nd. Tickets may be purchased in advance by contacting Kimberly Glover at 724-861-3005 x 3309, via E-mail:  kglover@norwinsd.org.
 

The City of Greensburg proudly presents our ninth season of exciting and interesting music under the stars in St. Clair Park. Emphasizing the highest standards of musicianship in a family atmosphere, this series has been called "the best outdoor music series in Western PA."   This year's set of 13 concerts will delight music lovers of all ages with music ranging from traditional jazz to new age, folk, bluegrass and rock. The bands will please the most sophisticated ear and soon have you dancing on the lawn. Dine at one of our fine restaurants or pack a dinner if you wish - then stretch out on your blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the tunes. Best of all the price is right: FREE! And so is our parking! We want you to have a great evening in our emerging downtown cultural district!  All Shows are 7:00p.m. to about 9:30p.m. every Friday in June, July and August. We hope to see you at the park! For more information and schedule visit:  www.summersounds.com.
 

The Richard King Mellon Foundation has awarded a $7 million grant to Saint Vincent College toward construction costs of the Sis and Herman Dupré Science Complex that will house the Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Computing.   Saint Vincent announced May 1 a major expansion of its science buildings -- the largest building project in its history. This $40 million fundraising project will finance the expansion of the Science Complex as well as provide endowment for science faculty professorships, student scholarships and research and ongoing facility operation and maintenance. Groundbreaking is expected in 2009 with completion in 2011. The Richard King Mellon Foundation was created in 1947 by Richard King Mellon (1899-1970), chairman of Mellon Bank, conservationist, and dominant figure in the financial, industrial, and civic life of Pittsburgh for many years. For 60 years, the Foundation has maintained a commitment to southwestern Pennsylvania.
 

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