Norwin student leads fundraising efforts to "Kick Parkinson's Disease"
Rayden Galley, 8, a Sheridan Terrance Elementary School student, was the top fundraiser at the recent Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases 5K walk/run/kick, which attracted 600 participants at Boyce Park in Plum Borough.
Galley led the group of 50 kickers by donating nearly $500.
PIND incorporates a “Kick-a-thon” portion where local martial artists literally kick for a mile non-stop alongside the walkers. Organizers believe it is the first of its kind in the region. Each of the participants kicked about 2,000 times.
The “Kick” concept was developed former state senator Sean Logan and Irwin native Bill Viola Jr., owner of Norwin Ninjas and Allegheny Shotokan Karate. Logan was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in his mid-forties and Viola spent years caring for his grandmother, who died from neurodegenerative complications.
“I've been looking for a way to fight this epidemic, and having my school ‘Kick' for a cure was a perfect fit. Building character is an important part of martial arts,” Viola said.
The karate students donated more than $4,500 to the institute, bringing the 2017 efforts to more than $100,000 for the entire project with aid from corporate sponsors and the surrounding communities.
North Huntingdon AARP to meet
The North Huntingdon AARP No. 3221 will meet at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 12 at Mach Hall in St. Elizabeth Seton Church, Leger Road, North Huntingdon.
Social hour will be from noon to 1 p.m.
A spokeswoman from the Senior Resource Center will discuss insurance.
Presbyterian church to bless pets
The New Hope Presbyterian Church, 12727 Lincoln Way, North Huntingdon, will hold a Blessing of the Pets from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 15.
Any animal, and their human friends, are eligible for an individual blessing.
St. Edward church to hold spaghetti dinner
St. Edward Catholic Church at 120 St. Edward Lane, Herminie, will hold a spaghetti dinner from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 15 in the church hall.
The dinner of spaghetti and meatballs includes salad, bread, beverage and dessert.
The cost is $7 for adults and $3 for children under 12.
Tickets will be available at the door or by calling Jeanne at 724-446-9397.
