Thursday, December 19, 2013

Finding Healh Care through the Health Insurance Marketplace

Hear key facts about the new health insurance options at Finding Health Care through the Health Insurance Marketplace on Tuesday, January 21 from 7-8:00 p.m. or Thursday, February 20 from 7-8:00 p.m. at the Peters Township Public Library. Register online to attend either the January 21 session or the February 20 session. You may also register at the circulation desk or call 724.941.9430.

Christina Livingston, Outreach & Enrollment Specialist, Cornerstone Care, Washington, PA, will present information to better enable you to find a quality health insurance plan that meets your needs and budget. A variety of topics to help you navigate the Health Exchange will be discussed including: “What Determines Health Insurance Premiums”, “What Qualifies Individuals and Families for Advanced Premium Tax Cuts, and Cost Sharing Reductions”. Ms. Livingston will also explain the differences between the 5 plan categories available – Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Catastrophic – and how a geographic area impacts the plans. Information about penalties for non-compliance will also be explained. Following the program, Livingston will remain to answer questions and arrange for individual appointments at Cornerstone Care for those who request a private consult.

Cornerstone Care is a non- profit Community Health Center and one of the Certified Appointment Counselors ready to help Pennsylvania Libraries reach out to their patrons and their communities to apply for health insurance on the www.healthcare.gov website.

Peters Township Public Library, along with other libraries statewide, is powering Pennsylvania’s future by helping persons improve their health literacy and manage their own and their family’s well-being, empowered to be effective partners with their healthcare providers, and live longer, more productive lives.

Free FAFSA Completion Workshop offered

In partnership with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), the Peters Township Public library will offer a free FAFSA Completion Session on Saturday, January 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon at the library. This workshop, for college-bound seniors and their parents, offers help in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by providing an overview of each step of the form.

Preregistration is required for this program. Register online, visit the library's circulation desk, or call 724-941-9430.

The deadline for submitting the FAFSA to determine eligibility for a need-based Pennsylvania State Grant is May 1 for renewal applicants or first-time applicants entering a degree program or a college transferable program. The deadline for first-time students entering programs of study at community colleges, business, trade or technical schools, and hospital schools of nursing is August 1. Families should be aware of FAFSA filing deadlines for all schools being considered and meet the earliest one. The FAFSA is used to determine if students qualify for almost all forms of need-based financial assistance, including the Pennsylvania State Grant, Federal Pell Grant, many scholarships, work-study programs, many school-based awards, and low-cost federal student loans.

Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Test at the library

Results of the 2010 census shows an increase in immigrants residing in the Washington County area. Many may wish to become U.S. citizens and need help preparing to take the U.S. Citizenship Test. Part of becoming a U.S. citizen is passing the naturalization test, in which up to 10 questions from a list of 100 will be asked – at least 6 must be answered correctly to pass the test.

The Peters Township Public Library will offer a session on Saturday, January 11, 2014 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. to help prepare for the test and increase confidence when entering the naturalization interview. Register to attend online or call 724.941.9430.

Advantages to becoming a U.S. citizen include the right to vote, the chance to reunite families, and the ability to protect children’s rights to remain in the United States.

Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea kicks off "Fun for Foodies" series

The Peters Township Public Library Cooking Club will kick-off a new “Fun for Foodies” series for 2014 with a Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea on Sunday, January 5 at 2:00 p.m. The program is aimed for fans of the series and will coincide with the Season 4 premiere in the United States that same evening on PBS.

This program is full. Registration has closed.

Bring your own tea cup and enjoy samples of scones, finger sandwiches, and other traditional English favorites. There will be Downton Abbey trivia quiz and discussion with other fans about the series. You are encouraged to dress as your favorite character or wear a hat and gloves.

Bella Howard from Bella’s House of Fine Teas and Gift Shop in Bethel Park will discuss how to serve a proper cup of tea and explain the health benefits of this beverage. Quilter’s Corner in Finleyville will be displaying items created with a new line of Downton Abbey fabrics by Andover Fabrics. Each person attending will receive a fabric tea bag holder, compliments of Quilter’s Corner.

For more information about upcoming “Fun for Foodies” programs, sign up to receive Cooking Club emails through the library’s e-newsletter subscription at www.ptlibrary.org.