Award-winning photojournalist offers photography classes

Learn how to take great photographs from award-winning photojournalist Jim McNutt during four sessions to be offered at the Peters Township Public Library.

McNutt has been a photojournalist for the Observer-Reporter newspaper for the past 41years and a former adjunct professor at Washington and Jefferson College for 22 years. His striking photos have captured people, wildlife, nature and everyday life, winning him the 2011 PA Associated Press Award - First Place Feature for “Little Man, Big Shot” and the 2011 Keystone Publishers Award - Honorable Mention for “Sawyer Glacier in Alaska.” Visit www.observer-reporter.com/or/mcnuttgallery/ to view a collection of his photographs.

During the four-part series with McNutt, you will learn how to see photo possibilities, compose better images, and how to use your camera more effectively. The cost is $75 for the classes to be offered on the following dates and times:
• Thursday, September 22 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
• Thursday, September 29 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday, October 1 at 9:00 a.m. to meet at library then travel to a remote location for a photo session.
• Thursday, October 6 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Register at the library’s circulation desk for this 4-part program.

What's in Your Child's Backpack?

“Back to school” means shopping for new clothes, new shoes and, of course, a new backpack – but it’s what’s inside your child’s backpack that parents may need to be concerned about this school year.

On Thursday, September 15 at 7 p.m., the Peters Township Public Library will present “What’s in Your Child’s Backpack?” an interactive presentation by the Washington County Health Partners, Inc., a local non-profit organization in Washington County. The educational toolkit used in the program will demonstrate the similarities between tobacco products that are packaged to look like candy. Participants will get to see these smokeless products first hand. The presentation will explain how new tobacco and nicotine-containing products appeal to youth, why 30% of youth get addicted from their very first use, and how tobacco company marketing fund amounts compare to youth smoking rates.

To register for this free program online, visit the library circulation desk or call 724-941-9430.

New “Listen While You Walk” program

New research indicates that walking is not only good for your health – it’s also good for your brain. A study by the Department of Psychology, Beckman Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, discovered older adults who walk at a comfortable pace for 40 minutes three times a week can enhance the connectivity between brain circuits and improve cognitive tasks like multitasking and using memory.

Beginning Thursday, September 8 at 9:15 a.m., members of the community can join Peters Township Public Library staff and volunteers for a 30-minute walk on the nearby Arrowhead Trail. Called “Listen While You Walk,” this new program offers the opportunity to combine physical exercise while listening to a favorite book or author. The library will offer a selection “Playaways,” all in one audiobooks, for participants to choose from for their walk.

Library Director Pier Lee explained that the library is “offering this fall program as a practical way to help our patrons find time to exercise while listening to a favorite book, whether it’s bestseller or classic title. The Playaway makes a perfect walking companion. At only 2 ounces, it’s light-weight and fits into the palm of your hand.”

Persons of all ages are encouraged to join in this new venture to exercise your mind while getting your body in shape. Participants will meet at the library at 9:15 a.m., select a Playaway, and proceed from the library to the Arrowhead Trail for a thirty minute walk.

Register for this free program online, at the library circulation desk, or call 724-941-9430. For more information about the program, call the Reference Department at 724-941-9430 extension 3.

Author Visit - Award-Winning Author Ceane O’Hanlon-Lincoln

Hear the fascinating stories about the people, places, and events that shaped our “Keystone State” from award-winning author Ceane O’Hanlon- Lincoln at library on Monday, August 29 from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Ms. O’Hanlon-Lincoln, a native of Connellsville, Pennsylvania, reveals her ingenious talent for bringing history alive in each compelling chapter of County Chronicles: A Vivid Collection of Pennsylvania Histories, a five volume set which taps into the vast wealth of history that is embedded in Pennsylvania’s lush, rolling landscape.

Often called a “state-of-the-heart writer," O’Hanlon-Lincoln’s books, both non-fiction and fiction, include A Toast to Destiny, Great Poems of Our Time, Autumn Song, and the County Chronicles series. She has garnered the Editor’s Choice Award for her poem “The Man Who Holds the Reigns;” honors at Robert Redford’s Sundance Institute for two of her screenplays; and two Citation/Special Recognition Awards from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Senate of Pennsylvania for her County Chronicles. In 2004, she was awarded the prestigious Athena Award, which is presented to professional “women of spirit.”

Register for this free program online, at the library circulation desk, or calling 724-941-9430.

First Ever Kids Cake Decorating Contest

Junior bakers and cake decorators can showcase their talents and win a prize at a Kids Cake Decorating Contest to be held at the library and sponsored by The Pie Place, Upper St. Clair on Thursday, August 25 from 6:30-8:00 p.m.

The theme of the contest is “My Summer Vacation” and prizes will be awarded in three age categories: age 8 and under, age 9 to 13, and age 14 to 18. A fan favorite will be selected by those in attendance as well. The official rules and entry form are available in the library’s main lobby. An entry fee of $10 per cake will be collected and donated to the library. A panel of local residents and business owners will select a winner from each division. Prizes will be furnished by Bill Gray Volvo in McMurray.

All cakes submitted for judging must be iced and decorated by the child alone, and entrants will have the option to donate their cake to be part of a silent auction at the conclusion on the event. Entry forms should be dropped off at the Peters Township Public Library or The Pie Place, 1775 N. Highland Road, Upper St. Clair. If you need help planning your design, you can call Kirsten at the Cake Hotline at 412-576-0397 or email cakes@thepieplace.net.