Local briefs
Camp program set The state police announced they are preparing for their annual Troop B Camp Cadet program at Linsly Outdoor Center at Raccoon Creek State Park in July.
According to trooper Brian D. Burden, the camp is designed to bring a better understanding of law enforcement activities to youth while living at an actual police training school.
Burden said emphasis at the camp is placed on personal development skills such as self-discipline, the ability to make friends and working as a team.
The camp begins Sunday, July 15, and runs through Saturday, July 21, and is provided free of charge. Children between the ages of 12 and 14 are eligible for the camp.
For more information or to obtain an application for the camp, call Burden at 724-415-1000.
Special month slated
Gov. Ed Rendell has designated this month as Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Month.
The month is designed to introduce non-campers to camping in the great outdoors of Pennsylvania. For the past 15 years, the governor has proclaimed May as Recreation Vehicle and Camping Month.
Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association (PCOA) produces a free printed and online Pennsylvania camping directory. You can request a printed one by calling 888-660-7262 or visit the PCOA online directory at www.pacamping.com
. Many first-time Pennsylvania campers will find discounts at campgrounds during the month. Those who don’t own an RV can still enjoy camping at many PCOA campgrounds that offer camping cabins or rental units, which also are listed in the free directory. Camping cabins can range from primitive cabins with just a bed to full service lodging with kitchens and bathrooms.
Options outlined
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) said it wants all commuters to be aware of the commuting options available in southwestern Pennsylvania by proclaiming this month to be “CommuteInfo Commute Options Awareness Month”.
“Ride-sharing is an excellent alternative to driving alone,” said Jim Hassinger, SPC executive director. “CommuteInfo Commute Options Awareness Month is a great time for commuters to learn more about not only ride-sharing, but also transit, walking and biking – all the options available for today’s commuters.”
As gas prices steadily increase, many people are looking for ways to save some money. Every day, about 78 percent of the region’s commuters drive alone to work. And, about 60 percent of the region’s workers travel outside of their resident municipality to their job. That can add up to a lot of money spent on gas. Alternatives to driving alone, like carpooling, using public transit or biking to work, are just a few ways to lower your bill at the gas pump, the SPC said.
“CommuteInfo” is a program of the SPC, operated in partnership with transportation management associations, transportation providers, businesses and nonprofit service organizations throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. The program is designed to serve commuters and employers as a clearinghouse for information about transit, carpooling, and vanpooling. The program serves employers and commuters in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.
For more information about the program and commuter alternatives, visit online at www.commuteinfo.org
, or call toll-free 1-888-819-6110.
Drill planned
The Fayette County Emergency Management Agency will be conducting an emergency response drill on Saturday.
The drill will begin at 9 a.m. at Duke Energy’s Fayette Energy Facility, located at 100 Energy Drive in German Township. Emergency responders from the Ronco, Masontown and McClellandtown volunteer fire departments, and Fayette EMS, police and the Fayette County Hazardous Materials Response Team will be participating in the drill.
Screening announced
Perryopolis Ambulance plans to hold its annual health awareness screening from 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the ambulance service. The Perryopolis Township Volunteer Fire Department will hold a blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 30, at the fire hall on South Liberty Street.