In brief…
Participants sought for parade California University of Pennsylvania is seeking participants in this year’s annual homecoming parade.
Cal U will celebrate homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 16, preceded by a full week of activities beginning Oct. 11.
The university said openings are still available for any pageant winners, marching bands (high school or junior/middle school), performers or organizations that would like to participate in this year’s parade, which will take place at noon Oct. 16.
For more information about participating in the parade, call Melissa Dunn, homecoming coordinator, at 724-938-4269 or e-mail her at dunn@calu.edu. Another person to contact is Nikki Arthur at 724-938-4303 or arthur@calu.edu.
A complete schedule of homecoming activities is available online at http://sai.calu.edu/homecoming/2010/.
Rebates to be included
State Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-South Union Township, would like all senior citizens to know that the 2010 rebate program of $250 for those who have hit the “doughnut hole” with their prescriptions will automatically be sent their rebate check by the Social Security office.
Social Security knows when people have reached the “doughnut hole” and it takes about 75 days after that to receive a check without having to do anything, Mahoney said.
The Medicare Part D coverage gap (also known as the Medicare doughnut hole) is the difference of the initial coverage limit and the catastrophic coverage threshold, as described in the Medicare Part D prescription drug program of the United States.
Mahoney is warning people they should not give out any information to anyone over the phone or to anyone who may come to your door requesting information as it likely.
Questions can be directed to Marsha Morrison-Widmer, Area Agency on Aging APRISE counselor and representative Mahoney’s legislative assistant, at 724-626-1164 or 724-438-6100.
FACT to participate in event
Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation (FACT) will participate in the nationally recognized “Try Transit Week” Sept. 20-24 by encouraging all Fayette County residents and its visitors to ride the bus.
“It’s time to get out of the slump, dump the pump, and just jump on the bus,” said FACT director Lori Groover-Smith.
FACT, the county’s only public transit system, is leading the effort to increase awareness of the benefits of public transportation.
“We want everyone to have an opportunity to breathe a little easier and relax a little more as we encourage drivers to abandon their vehicles for one week and give FACT a try,” Groover-Smith said.
FACT has scheduled various activities and special events each day during “Try Transit Week.”
“It’s not only important to recognize and thank our regular riders, but also exciting to welcome all new riders as well,” Groover-Smith said.
The events will include a grand opening on Sept. 23 for the new transfer center at the Fayette County Business Park in South Union Township.
For more information about the event or activities, call program specialist Jill Streit at 724 628-7433, extension 415.
Fire department to host event
Stockdale Volunteer Fire Department to host a “Public Safety Day” beginning at noon Saturday.
The event will honor those who died in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and also will allow some of the local police, fire, emergency medical services and other emergency response-related agencies to showcase their equipment and/or skills.
The day will start off with Roscoe American Legion Post 801 presenting the colors, followed by a gun salute and the playing of taps. A prayer will be given, followed by a moment of silence.
Each agency will be given time to put on their display. Programs will be available to follow along. Food and refreshments will be available.
A similar event held by the Stockdale fire department had a good turnout, and the department is hoping to surpass that number in terms of those participating and spectators.
People of all ages are invited to attend.
The event will be held at the fire department’s parking lot and ball field off Route 88, and Railroad Street. In case of rain, the event will be held in the fire department social hall.
PennDOT releases schedule
Chris Sleighter, Fayette County manager with the state Department of Transportation, has announced the following tentative work plans for the week beginning Monday.
The schedule is as follows:
n The bridge crew will be doing bridge structure repairs on state Route 4046 (Rehoboth Road).
n Crack sealing is scheduled on state Route 201 from state Route 51 to Fayette City and state Route 40 in the Summit Mountain area.
n Base repair is scheduled on state Route 201 in the Vanderbilt area and state Route 119 in the Connellsville area.
n Mechanized patching is scheduled on state Route 201 in the Virgin Run area and state Route 4030 (Smock Reservoir Road).
n Signs will be updated, downed signs will be replaced and work orders will be addressed on various state routes throughout the county.
All maintenance activities are conducted as the weather permits. PennDOT said motorists should drive with caution throughout all work areas and be alert for signed work zones requiring the use of headlights.
PennDOT has a 24-hour toll-free number for residents to call to report any road maintenance concern. The number also can be used to report locations of dead deer on state highways.
The number is I-800-FIX ROAD (1-800-349-7623). More information is available online at www.penndot12.com.