Be Local means being a good neighbor
The late Fred Rogers, who is being remembered nationwide with the 50th anniversary of the debut of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” television series, advocated for people to be a good neighbor.
In that spirit, the fifth annual Be My Neighbor Day is being held April 21, hosted by WQED public television station in Pittsburgh in collaboration with the Fred Rogers Company and community partners in six counties, including Fayette, Greene and the Mon Valley.
Be Local means being a good neighbor.
Organizers noted in a press release, “Be My Neighbor Day” is a chance for families to not only give back to the community, but to instill in their children the value of volunteering. Projects will include the revitalization of public parks, landscaping at area schools, the washing of fire trucks and police vehicles, and many more family-friendly activities.”
Anyone who wants to participate can visit http://bemyneighborday.org/ to select a volunteer activity. The deadline to sign-up is April 16.
Local activities as announced by organizers include:
Brownsville Fire Company No. 1, 520 Market St.: Brownsville Firehouse Friends will work from 1 to 3 p.m. alongside the fire company to help wash their fire-fighting fleet. There’s also an opportunity to meet firefighters over an afternoon snack.
California Area Fire Company, California Municipal Building, 225 Third St.: Police Station Friends and Helpers will participate in a meet and greet with the police and K-9 officer, wash cars and clean up around the station from 10 a.m. to noon.
Off the Wall Arts/Perked Up Café in conjunction with Mon Valley Hospital, 530 McKean Ave., Charleroi: Volunteers will create greeting cards for patients of Mon Valley Hospital from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Office of State Rep. Bud Cook, R-Coal Center, 55 Gosai Drive, Suite 112, Bentleyville: Volunteers will create greeting cards for patients in local hospitals from 2 to 4 p.m.
State Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Jefferson, and the Jefferson Fire Hall, 1483 Jefferson Road: Jefferson Fire Dept. Friends will enjoy tours of the firetrucks and a meet and greet with firefighters, along with cleaning up around the station, coloring activities for youths and a meet and greet with Snyder from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Uniontown City Police: 45 E. Penn St.: Police Station Sprucing will include washing police cars and cleaning up around the station as well as meeting the police chief from noon to 2 p.m.
Check the website for any updates and the latest listings.
“Those volunteering during the “Be My Neighbor Day” are invited to a thank you party from 1 to 4 p.m. April 22 at Highmark Stadium, home of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. The family-oriented event will feature a visit by Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kittycat, as well as story-telling and crafts. The Riverhounds are sure to engage the kids in some soccer practice,” organizers said.
Being involved in your community helps everyone, leaves your with good feelings and spreads the message.
As the Be A Neighbor website notes, “Do something nice for your neighbor. Do something nice for your friend.”
Those interested in joining the Be Local Network can contact Ted Flowers at 724-425-7231 or by email at tflowers@heraldstandard.com. Discount cards are available at the Herald-Standard, 8 E. Church St., Uniontown, and at the Greene County Messenger, 82 W. High St., Waynesburg.