help recreate what life was like millions of years ago— right down to snorts, grunts and mammoth-size rumbles.
The 12-foot-tall animatronic mammoth serves as the exhibit’ s showstopper, but visitors of all ages will enjoy exploring how prehistoric animals survived extreme conditions and how their evolution connects to modern wildlife and biodiversity. For more details, visit pittsburghzoo. org.
POINT PARK UNIVERSITY AWARDED $ 450K GRANT
Point Park University’ s School of Education has received a $ 450,000 PAsmart Advancing Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to support career and technical education( CTE) across the state.
The grant— one of fewer than 20 Innovation Grants awarded from nearly 200 applicants— will fund efforts to expand access to high-quality STEM education by strengthening the preparation and certification of CTE educators.
Led by Dr. Linda Hippert, the project focuses on faculty development, outreach, in-practice learning, and collaboration with regional CTE directors. The initiative aims to ensure that Pennsylvania’ s teaching workforce is ready to train students for growing careers in fields like engineering, computer science, AI, and health care.
“ This grant affirms our commitment to building a strong, innovative teaching workforce in Pennsylvania,” said Point
Park University President Dr. Chris W. Brussalis.“ It’ s about giving students the skills they need to succeed in today’ s evolving job market.”
Learn more at pointpark. edu.
MARIO LEMIEUX FOUNDATION MODERNIZES AUSTIN ' S PLAYROOM AT THE CHILDREN ' S HOME & LEMIEUX FAMILY CENTER
The Children ' s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center recently announce that the Mario Lemieux Foundation has placed its final finishing touches on our Austin ' s Playroom, established in 2002. This renovation marks another milestone in the decades-long partnership between the two organizations.
Austin ' s Playroom, an innovative and compassionate initiative created by Nathalie Lemieux, provides a safe, fun, and engaging atmosphere for children and siblings while their families focus on health and healing during challenging medical situations. The Children ' s Home & Lemieux Family Center has been a cornerstone of this enterprise since its inception, offering a welcoming environment for countless families.
“ We are dedicated to keeping every Austin’ s Playroom as welcoming and wellmaintained as the day it first opened,” said Nancy Angus, president of the Mario Lemieux Foundation.“ We are pleased to provide a beautifully renovated, cheerful space that gives families who depend on The Children’ s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center comfort, joy and a much-needed sense of relief during challenging times.”
The revamped playroom features updated amenities and new interactive elements. Bright colors, engaging artwork, and a variety of toys and games create a cheerful and stimulating environment while encouraging creative, independent, hands-on play.
The Mario Lemieux Foundation remains committed to supporting families in challenging medical situations and enhancing the quality of care provided at The Children ' s Home & Lemieux Family Center.
Established in 1893, The Children’ s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center is steadfast in our mission to promote the health and well-being of children and strengthen families through essential services. Our expanded programs include Adoption & Permanency Services, Child’ s Way ®, Pediatric Specialty Hospital, Pediatric VIEW, Family Centered Therapy, and Counseling.
In partnership with organizations like the Mario Lemeiux Foundation, The Children’ s Home provides
$ 4 Million in annual charity care, including free housing for patients and families at our on-site Lemieux Family Center.
BIRD TOWN PENNSYLVANIA
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania is expanding Bird Town into our region. We’ re working with municipalities to promote bird friendly communities, enhance habitat with native plants, reduce threats to birds, and create a positive environmental impact. Bird Town Pennsylvania is a welcoming, engaging, and inclusive program. Learn more: aswp. org.
NATIVE PLANTS NOW AVAILABLE FROM AUDUBON
Why choose native plants? They’ re beautiful, low-maintenance, don’ t need fertilizer, require less water, and come back each year. Plus they provide food and habitat for birds and butterflies. Pick up native plants for your yard at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, any time the nature store is open. Learn more: aswp. org. n
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