IN Millcreek Winter 2019 | Page 34

WHAT’S NEWS IN MILLCREEK & SURROUNDING AREA $9,000 GRANT AWARDED TO FUND SAFETY-RELATED PROGRAMS FOR MILLCREEK SCHOOLS Millcreek Township School District will receive a grant of $9,000 to fund safety-related programs, announced state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie. “No parent should ever have to worry about sending their child off to school, and no student should feel at risk walking in school halls or sitting in class,” Bizzarro said. “Unfortunately, the realities of the modern world demand that we be proactive and take steps to ensure students and the staff who work with them stay safe. The grant will fund programs that allow Millcreek students to continue learning in a secure, nurturing environment free of fear.” The grant is part of a package of $7.2 million in competitive 2019-20 Safe Schools Targeted Grants from the state department of education. The funding, awarded to both public and non-public schools throughout the commonwealth, is designed to help schools prevent or curb violence, purchase safety and security-related equipment, and provide for the training and compensation of school resource and police officers. BIZZARRO ANNOUNCES NEARLY $170,000 TO FUND NEW EQUIPMENT AT ERIE INTERNATIONAL A state grant of $168,750 will ensure that Erie International Airport/Tom Ridge Field continues to operate 32 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ smoothly and safely, announced state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie). The grant will help purchase equipment needed to maintain the airport’s facilities, including the turfed and paved areas, and additional vehicles to support airport operations. “I’m so glad we were successful in our efforts to secure this funding,” Bizzarro said. “Erie International Airport is more than a convenient transportation hub. It sustains thousands of jobs, supports tourism, helps bolster commerce and serves as a connection point to worldwide destinations. Funding to keep it functioning safely and efficiently is one of the most important investments the state can make.” He also noted that the funding provides an excellent opportunity to build on the progress enabled by a $1.7 million grant the airport received last year for a major renovation of the terminal building. The funding is part of a package of grants to 29 airports statewide totaling $13.7 million and funded through the state transportation department’s Aviation Transportation Assistance Program, Aviation Development Program and the Multimodal Fund. In April 2019, Pennsylvania was ranked 13th in the country for number of public- use aviation facilities, with 127 airports, heliports and seaplane bases. YAHN PLANETARIUM SHOWS Public shows are offered year-round at the Yahn Planetarium of Erie at Penn State Behrend. More than 20 shows are available for private groups to choose from, and programs for the general public change seasonally. Public shows are offered Thursdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 1 and 2:30 p.m. icmags.com throughout the year except holidays, special event closings, etc. The Yahn Planetarium also encourages you to schedule a show for your next school or group outing. For additional information, contact planetarium director Jim Gavio at 814.898.7268, or [email protected]. Thursdays 1 p.m. — “Phantom of the Universe,” recommended for ages 8 to adult. Show Description: From the journey of protons racing through the world’s largest particle collider to the nearly mile-deep descent to an underground experiment, you’ll be immersed in the manifold search for dark matter. Saturdays 1 p.m. — “Phantom of the Universe,” recommended for ages 8 to adult. Show Description: From the journey of protons racing through the world’s largest particle collider to the nearly mile-deep descent to an underground experiment, you’ll be immersed in the manifold search for dark matter. 2:30 p.m. — “Larry Cat in Space,” recommended for ages 4 to adult. Show Description: Take off on a lunar adventure with a curious stowaway cat! All shows are followed by a look at the current night sky in the planetarium dome. Admission is $5 for adults; $3 for children 12 and under. All Penn State students, faculty and staff get free admission with Penn State ID+ card. The Yahn Planetarium at Penn State Behrend is part of the School of Science. STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION SCHEDULES VOTE ON NEW ERIE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE The Pennsylvania State Board of Education will consider the application to establish a new community college in Erie County at its Nov. 13-14 meetings. The vote will follow the board’s related subcommittee meeting in late October