Ride with Us: Explore Ridesharing Options with CommuteInfo

Although the price of gas may not be as high as the prices last year, it continues to be a large part of a family’s expenses. Now may be a great time to “go green” and consider some of our region’s more energy-friendly ways of getting from here to there – while saving you some money.

The CommuteInfo program can help, offering free ridematching services to help commuters learn about the options available to them, including transit, vanpool, carpool, biking and walking. Lisa Kay Schweyer, the Program Developer for the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission’s CommuteInfo Program will be presenting an overview of the program’s services at the Peters Township Public Library on Saturday, November 13th at 10:30 a.m. Register for this free program online, at the library circulation desk or call 724.941.9430. This is a PTPL GO Green Club program.

For area residents “…carpools and vanpools are becoming more and more of a viable option,” says Schweyer. She notes that the CommuteInfo program can help match them up with other commuters in the area, or provide helpful links and information. “Think of CommuteInfo as a restaurant menu of commuting choices,” says Schweyer.

Visit CommuteInfo for more detailed information on commuting alternatives. It’s free to register, and benefits include informational updates and for those who join a “pool”, participation in the Emergency Ride Home service. Schweyer reminds commuters to consider their schedules and evaluate what their own personal transport needs are, and to consider sharing their ride, even 2 or 3 days a week.

This Week @ the Library Oct. 11-16

From the Children's Department

GIRL'S NIGHT OUT
Ages: Girls in grades 4 - 8 and their moms / caregivers
When: Monday, October 11
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
It's a girls night out! All mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and daughters are invited to meet once a month -- just us girls! Enjoy reading together, watching chick flicks, and sharing in this special book club! Register in the Children's Department.

FAMILY PAJAMA STORYTIME-JUNGLE JAMBOREE
Ages: For kids and parents of all ages
When: Tuesday, October 12
Time: 6:00 - 6:45 p.m.
Look for the Bear Necessities .. they're at the library! Make awesome jungle animal masks, play games, and enjoy treats fit for a trek through the wildest jungle! Watch and sing along with your favorite Jungle Book songs on the big screen and take your turn at the tiger piñata! It's a jungle in here! Register in the Children's Department.

THE HEROES OF OLYMPUS: THE LOST HERO RELEASE PARTY!
Ages: For all ages
When: Tuesday, October 12
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Come and get first dibs on the first in the new series by Rick Riordan, The Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero! Compete in Camp Half Blood trials, watch the movie featuring our favorite Olympic hero Percy Jackson, wear a toga, enjoy Greek snacks, and win prizes! It's a party of Olympic proportions! Register in the Children's Department.

From the Young Adult Department

INTERNATIONAL AFTERNOONS
When: Wednesday, October 13
Time: 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Join us as we travel the world! Each month, we'll visit another exciting country and experience their cuisine, art, music, and more. Pack your suitcase and get your passports ready! This week: AUSTRIA

AFTERNOON MOVIE & MUNCHIES
When: Thursday, October 14
Time: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Need a break from class and homework? If so, join us for a relaxing afternoon of movies and munchies in the Teen Reading Room.

ANIME CLUB
When: Every Friday, now through December 17
Time: 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Join us in the Teen Reading Room to celebrate your love of all things Anime and Manga. We'll discuss and watch the latest trends in comics, DVD's and magazines. All otaku are welcome!

SUPER SMASH BROS. BRAWL!
Ages: All ages welcome!
When: Saturday, October 16
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Check in is at 11:30 a.m. Game play will begin at 12:00 p.m.
You must check in before 12:00 p.m. in order to play.Cost: $2.00 entrance fee
Registration is required for each tournament session.
Due to popular demand, our brawl tournament series is continuing this fall! Join us in the Teen Room to show off your brawling skills and win some awesome prizes. The top scorers each month will earn the chance to compete and win in our January 8, 2011 Grand Championship. Start practicing and get ready to BRAWL!
Questions? E-mail the Young Adult Librarian .

Programs for Adults

WORD PROCESSING 3
When: Tuesday, October 12
Time: 7:00 - 8:45 p.m.
Cost: $5.00
In this class, students will learn about templates, multiple columns, adding graphics, mail merge, and discuss compatibility issues related to the Microsoft Office 2007 programs at the library. Basic mouse and keyboarding skills are required.
Pre-registration is required. Registration is not complete until payment is received; register at the library's circulation desk.

EVENING BOOK CLUB FOR ADULTS
When: 2nd Wednesday of every month
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
October 13: Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland
The book club meets in the library's 2nd floor Reading Room. Please call the Reference staff at 724-941-9430 ext. 327 for information.

THE MECHANICS OF STARTING A SMALL BUSINESS
When: Thursday, October 14
Time: 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Presented by: Lindsey A. Biddle, Management Consultant, University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center, Ed Nemeth, Washington County Council on Economic Development, and Mary Gibson, Attorney
Thinking of starting a small business? Find out all of the basics at this seminar. This program is geared towards individuals interested in starting their own business. The program will go over different business structures, licensure necessary to start a small business, sources of startup capital, and the steps one should take before opening a small business in the state of Pennsylvania. Register for this program online, at the library's circulation desk, or call 724-941-9430.

Going Local with Faith Starr

September is Local Food Month here in Pennsylvania! Join us we welcome local radio personality Faith Starr on Wednesday, September 29 at 7:00 p.m. at the library. She will discuss the importance of eating local foods and the impact this decision has on us and our communities. Ms. Starr's radio program, "Living Green with Faith," focuses on offering tips for living a healthier, organic lifestyle. The program can be heard on 620AM every Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. Register for this program online, at the library's circulation desk, or call 724.941.9430. This program is being hosted by the Peters Township Public Library GO Green Club.

Social Security and Financial Planning Event

In recognition of Financial Planning Week (October 4 – 10) and the 75th Anniversary of Social Security, a Social Security representative will discuss tools for planning your retirement, retirement benefits, disability benefits survivor benefits, and more at "Social Security and Financial Planning," presented at Peters Township Public Library on Thursday, October 7 at 7:00 p.m. Participants in this workshop will also learn about features of Social Security online at including applying for benefits online and helpful navigation tips for using the features available at this online site. Information packages will be available to all in attendance.

Providing insight for the financial planning portion of the program will be Darla D. Main, Certified Financial Planner and President-Elect, Financial Planning Association of Pittsburgh. Darla Main’s presentation will provide a description of financial planning including retirement planning, estate planning, funding education, facing a financial crisis, handling inheritances and other topics. Participants will learn what life-triggering events may encourage the use of a financial planner and how to locate a financial planner in your area. Discussion will include how to interview a planner to determine whether he/she is a good fit for you.

Register for this free program online, at the library’s circulation desk or call 724.941.9430.

College Financial Aid Night

Help is on the way for parents of high school seniors and juniors getting ready to navigate their way through the college financial aid process.

In conjunction with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), the Peters Township Public Library will host a free “College Financial Aid Night” on Monday, September 27, 2010 from 6:30– 8:00 p.m. at the library. The program will be given by Jim Cardinale, Regional Director of the Pittsburgh Office of PHEAA, who will provide an overview of the financial aid process.

Parents and students are invited to the 60-minute presentation, which will describe all federal and PA-state financial aid programs, scholarships and FAFSA application processes. Other topics will include how colleges award aid to families and how financial aid deadline dates interface with the college admissions process. Loan rates and interest rates for students and parents will also be discussed. A question and answer session will follow the program.

Registration is necessary for this free program via email, at the Library's circulation desk, or call 724-941-9430.

Running for Fun and Fitness: Prevent Pain and Injury

Equally informative for those who are recreational/fitness runners or those who want to start running but have questions about proper technique, this program by Tony Zuloaga, PT, MS, OCS, on Tuesday, August 24 from 7-8:30 p.m. will discuss important running elements, including: proper flexibility, appropriate shoes, better body mechanics, how to increase strength, and helpful exercises. Reasons for pain during or after running will also be covered. Mr. Zuloaga is an orthopedically certified physical therapist and has been in practice for 30 years. Register for this program online, at the library's circulation desk, or call 724-941-9430.

Home Canning Basics at the Library

Learn the art of home canning at the Peters Township Public Library on Saturday, August 14 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. The workshop will teach how to effectively preserve foods to make the most of summer’s bounty.

Even with all the technological advances in the last fifty years, home canning is one of the safest and most reliable methods of preserving food, if done properly. “Home Canning Basics” will be taught by Loretta O’Brien, who has been canning for 33 years, and Angie Phares, Peters Township Public Library GO Green Club President and Master Gardening candidate.

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