WHAT ’ S NEWS IN PENN HILLS
HOPE HOSPICE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
Hope Hospice is looking for volunteers to visit hospice patients , either in patient homes or in a facility . To simply listen or reminisce with someone who is dealing with a lifethreatening illness can make a big difference ! A one-hour training program is provided , with an emphasis on compassionate care toward patients and their families , and the time commitment is flexible . If you are interested in joining Hope Hospice ’ s volunteer program , please call 412.367.3685 for more details .
BE A PART OF THE 2017 GREAT AMERICAN CLEANUP OF PA
The 2017 Great American Cleanup of PA began on March 1 and ends on May 31 . During this period , registered events can get free trash bags , gloves and safety vests from PennDOT district offices , as supplies last . Events can be litter cleanups , illegal dump cleanups , beautification projects , special collections and educational events . To receive free cleanup supplies , you must register your event through the Great American Cleanup of PA website at gacofpa . org .
As part of this event , the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association are sponsoring Let ’ s Pick It Up PA — every day from April 18 through May 8 . During this time , trash collected at registered events can be taken to participating landfills free or have reduced-cost disposal with prior approval .
Help make your community clean and beautiful and register an event at gacofpa . org . For questions , call Michelle Dunn , Great American Cleanup of PA Program Coordinator , at 1.877.772.3673 ext . 113 or email mdunn @ keeppabeautiful . org .
BEVERLY ’ S BIRTHDAYS CHAMPIONS OF CHEER
On Saturday , Jan . 7 , at Gateway Hall in Monroeville , eight kids from four different school districts gathered to present their projects for Beverly ’ s Birthdays Champions of Cheer program . Over the past three months this group of kids , ranging in age from six to 12 , have been working on projects to benefit
the local nonprofit by raising awareness , gift donations and funds . Beverly ’ s Birthdays ’ mission is to spread birthday cheer and create positive memories for local children experiencing homelessness and for families in need . These Champions of Cheer presented their projects and received a special trophy and recognition for their dedicated work and compassion for fellow Pittsburgh kids . For more information , visit beverlysbirthdays . org .
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR THE CLEAN WATER ACADEMY : ALCOSAN ’ S SUMMER STEM PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS BEGINS JULY 17
Ignore the winter weather and start thinking about summer . Registration is now open for the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority ’ s Clean Water Academy .
The week-long day camp is designed for students in grades 9 and 10 . This enrichment program exposes students to science , technology , engineering and math content relating to wastewater treatment . Topics include engineering , chemistry , microbiology and technology . The camp will be held from 9 a . m . to 3 p . m ., Monday through Friday , July 17 through July 21 . The program is free and most of the activities will be held at ALCOSAN ’ s North Side plant . Staff from ALCOSAN ’ s Scholastic Outreach and Education
Department will lead the camp along with faculty members from Carlow University .
Students must bring their own lunches , except on Friday , when pizza will be provided . Morning and afternoon snacks are included , and bus tickets will be provided as needed . Information and registration forms are available at alcosan . org . Applications for the Clean Water Academy will be accepted until May 15 . For questions , email cwa @ alcosan . org .
SECOND ANNUAL SOUTHWESTERN PA SPECIAL NEEDS FAIR & EXPO ANNOUNCED
The 2nd Annual Southwestern Pennsylvania Special Needs Fair & Expo will take place on Saturday , April 29 , from 11 a . m . to 3 p . m ., at 50 Donati Road in Bethel Park . The event , which is free and open to the public , is geared toward children and young adults with special needs and their family members , caregivers and guardians . It features both indoor and outdoor activities and will take place rain or shine .
“ We were blown away by the success of last year ’ s event ,” said Tom Kelton , event chair and certified special education teacher . “ We had over 80 vendors and 300 visitors last year and we expect even more this year .”
Some of the fair activities already planned for this year include performances by Angels of the Heart , opportunities to climb aboard various emergency vehicles , playtime with therapy dogs , face painting and more .
In addition to enjoying the activities presented by the Expo Committee , attendees are able to speak with professionals representing a wide range of services and obtain informational materials . Many of the vendors also have giveaways and activities planned .
“ I ’ d been looking for several service providers and couldn ’ t locate anything on my own ,” said one of last year ’ s attendees . “ All the providers I was looking for were all there , in one place , at one time ! Not only did I find what I was looking for , but we also had a good time . Lots for the kids to do and lots of nice people to meet .”
For more information , or to inquire about becoming a vendor , go to “ Special Needs Fair & Expo ” on Facebook , email specialneedsfairpa @ gmail . com , or call 412.394.5514 . n
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