Rotary Club makes donation
Kittanning Rotary Club, District 728 of Rotary international donated $1,750 to the Rotary foundation as a portion of matching funds for the “Polio Plus” program toward the cause of eradicating polio from the face of the earth. The Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, co-founder, contributed $200 million to the cause along with the challenge that the Rotary Clubs match his gift with another $200 million. This is reportedly one of the largest challenge grants ever given by the Gates Foundation and the largest grant received by Rotary in its 102-year history.
Polio has been reduced to 27 countries in the world but is still prevalent in nine countries.
The Kittanning Rotary Club has been supporting this project through contributions since 1985. The initiative has slashed the number of polio cases by 99 percent over the past two decades. The Kittanning Rotary Club wishes to thank all who have contributed to support this project.
Bloodmobile nets total of 43 pints
American Red Cross Bloodmobile was held June 18 at the new location, the Manor Township Municipal Building, 306 Byron St., McGrann. A total of 48 donors presented themselves and five were deferred, with a total of 43 pints collected.
First time donors were Theresa Cook, Andre Russell, Rebecca Salone, Brandon Valasek.
Sam Cross and Larry Raybuck earned a 13-gallon pin; Richard Harvey, seven gallon; and Robert Myers, one gallon.
Family groups were Jerry and Leann Myers, Larry and Michael Raybuck, and William D. Dunmire Sr. and William D. Dunmire Jr.
Bloodmobile volunteer workers were Louann Nicoda, greeter; Gert Benigni, walker; Betty Pechan and Kate Smerick, records; Josephine Humenik, canteen; and Debra Szymanski, Vi Baculik and Dorothy Gross, kitchen.
The Eljer Union sponsored the event.
The next bloodmobile will be held Aug. 13 with new hours 12:30-6:30 p.m.
Stores join fight against heart disease
Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has rolled-out a nationwide campaign to raise funds for the American Heart Association (AHA) to help fight heart disease and support stroke research and education. Beginning in the spring, Jo-Ann installed acrylic coin boxes at all store registers to collect AHA donations.
At check out, customers can donate any dollar amount to the AHA, an organization dedicated to building healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Lupus support group to meet
The monthly meeting of the Armstrong/Butler County Lupus Support Group will be held at 7 p.m. tomorrow at the Butler Veterans Administration Hospital. The group meets the third Tuesday of every month. Questions may be directed to Jean at 724-548-5932.
Child Check screenings set
Lifesteps' Child Check is a free screening service for all children from birth to five years of age. The Lifesteps' Child Check team will hold screenings:
• July 29: Apollo Presbyterian Church, 401 First St., Apollo, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• July 30: Apollo Presbyterian Church, 401 First St., Apollo,10 a.m.–3 p.m.
A Child Check visit takes approximately 30 minutes to complete with the results discussed immediately with the parents. The screening looks at the child's development in the areas of playing, talking, seeing, hearing, moving and thinking. Parents are urged to have their children screened so that any developmental problems can be caught at the earliest stage.
Appointments are recommended, but are not required. For more information or to schedule an appointment call Lifesteps at 724-283-2154, Ext. 313 or 800-225-2010.
Support groups meet in Kittanning
These groups are sponsored by the Mental Health Association in Armstrong County and meet in Kittanning:
• Depression support group: 6:30-8 p.m. Friday at the MHA office, 150 S. Jefferson St.The next anger group on Wednesdays will resume after registrations are held. To sign up, call 724-548-5054.
Good Samaritan Hospice to host children's camp
In an effort to help western Pennsylvania children who have lost a loved one understand the grieving process, Good Samaritan Hospice, a mission of Concordia Lutheran Ministries, will conduct an overnight summer bereavement camp from Aug. 14–16 at YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee near Zelienople.
Camp Good Sam is designed for children ages 6–18 years old. Interested campers must complete a camp application and participate in a brief interview before attending. Thanks to community support, grants, and organizational sponsorships, the minimal cost for Camp Good Sam is only $15 per family, which last year helped 13 kids better understand the grief process, as well as their own feelings.
The curriculum for the camp includes group sessions, one-on-one interaction, crafts, and activities.
To register or receive additional information, contact Good Samaritan Hospice toll free at 800-720-2557 or visit www.concordialm.org.
Support group now forming
A group is forming in Kittanning for Panic Relief Inc., a nonprofit educational organization, for a panic attack, anxiety, and stress program. Attendees will learn how to understand panic attacks, anxiety, and stress and to stop obsessing over fears. The organization will help coordinate the meeting. Once there are enough members interested in starting a meeting a start date and time will be announced. To register, contact Judy Schiffman, director, at 732-940-9658.
Red Cross sets classes, blood drives
The American Red Cross classes offered for July at 418 Third Ave., Suite 4, Ford City, are:
Adult CPR Recertification: 6-10 p.m. Thursday.
First Aid Recertification:6-10 p.m. July 22.
Adult CPR Training: 6-10 p.m. July 30.
Adult Child Infant CPR AED Training: 6-10 p.m. July 30.
First Aid 6-10 p.m. July 31.
For more information, call 724-763-2272.
Class available on request includes child and infant automated external defibrillation. To make arrangements, call 724-763-2272.
The American Red Cross blood drives for July are: 1-7 p.m. Friday, Cowansville American Legion, 365 Beagle Club Road, Cowansville; noon-6 p.m. July 25; Elderton fire hall, Lytle Street, Elderton; noon-6 p.m. July 25, St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church Hall, Yatesboro.
Support groups offered in area
Weathering Grief, a monthly support group, will meet from 7-8:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Armstrong County Health Center Adult Day Care Center, 265 S. McKean St., Kittanning. This meeting is open to anyone who has lost a loved one. There is no fee. Meetings are the third Tuesday of each month. The event is sponsored by VNA Hospice, Western Pennsylvania. Details: Jolene, 800-245-3042 or 724-431-3520.
Precious Dreams, a pregnancy-loss support group, will meet the second Tuesday of each month at ACMH Hospital in Conference Room 1 on the second floor. The next meeting is 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 11.
