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.

2nd Annual Local Foods Potluck Dinner

A celebration of locally grown foods will take place at the library on Friday, August 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the 2nd Annual Local Foods Potluck Dinner. The event is being hosted by the library’s GO Green Club and Cooking Club.

Attendees are asked to bring a potluck dish to share made with locally grown or produced foods or some samples of the bounty from their home gardens. During the dinner, Liz Kanche from American HealthCare Group will discuss “Eating Locally in Western Pennsylvania.” American HealthCare Group has sponsored the Farm to Table Conference in Pittsburgh for the past 5 years.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has identified a 16% increase in the number of operating farmers markets from 2009 to 2010. "Seeing such continued strong growth in the number of U.S. farmers markets indicates that regional food systems can provide great economic, social and health benefits to communities across the country," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Farmers markets provide fresh, local products to communities across the country while offering economic opportunities for many producers of all sizes." Pennsylvania ranks in the top ten states with the most farmers markets.

Register online to attend the potluck dinner or at the library’s circulation desk by Monday, August 1, 2011.

AARP Driver Safety Program at the library

Senior citizens can brush up on their driving skills this summer and possibly qualify for a discount on their insurance rates by completing the AARP Driver Safety Program to be offered in two Saturday sessions at the Peters Township Public Library. The eight-hour course will be taught in two four-hour sessions on Saturday, August 13 and Saturday, August 20 from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The programs are being offered on Saturdays for the convenience of individuals who work during the week or have other scheduling conflicts.

AARP Driver safety courses help drivers stay current on latest driving information and safe driving strategies. This course is designed to educate participants about how best to reduce traffic violations, crashes, and chances for injuries; update drivers’ knowledge about relevant laws; and provide safe driving strategies to compensate for age-related changes that affect one’s driving ability. Some of the topics to be covered include overall fitness and driving, challenges of city vs. rural driving, tips for highway driving, understanding a vehicle’s safety features and new vehicle technology, handling aggressive drivers, changing lanes, driving at intersections, and maintaining proper distances.

You may register for this course online through the AARP website or in person at the Peters Township Public Library circulation desk. Cost for the course is $14.00, check made payable to AARP. You may pay by credit card when registering through the AARP web site. AARP members receive a $2.00 discount and pay $12.00.

Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania offer discounts for insured clients 55 or older that have completed the AARP Driver Safety Program. It is recommended you consult your insurance company for their discount policy. Although the AARP driving course is geared toward drivers 50 and older, it can be taken by licensed drivers of all ages, and there are no tests.

Summer Pollinator Gardening Programs

Dr. Candy DeBerry, Associate Professor of Biology at Washington and Jefferson College, returns to the Peters Township Public Library to present two free programs focusing on pollination in gardening.

Programs to be offered by Dr. DeBerry include:

“Plant Sex: How The Birds and the Bees Are Responsible for One-Third of the Food You Eat (and What You Can Do to Help Them)” on Thursday, July 28 at 7 p.m. will explain what pollination is, why it is important, which animals pollinate plants, and how your garden can support pollinators. Register online or at the library circulation desk.

“Plants for the Pollinator Garden” will be offered on Thursday, August 25 at 7 p.m. What brings joy to your garden? Hummingbirds darting among the blossoms? Butterflies flittering above the flowers? The deep drone of busy bumblebees? Bumper crops of tomatoes, squash, raspberries and watermelon? The secret to obtaining all of these will be revealed in this workshop - the very best plants to grow to attract pollinators. Register online or at the library circulation desk.

These programs are being sponsored by the library's GO Green Club.

"Pennsylvania's leading industry – agriculture – is dependent on the work of insects that pollinate 80 percent of the world's crops," explains Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture George Greig. "One-third of the food we eat is a direct result of pollination, so it is critical to remind all citizens they can and should play a role in protecting declining pollinator populations that set fruit and produce seeds for the future."

Candy DeBerry is an associate professor in the Department of Biology at Washington and Jefferson College and faculty advisor to Phi Sigma Biological Sciences Honor Society. Dr. DeBerry is passionate about ecological gardening, and her property is certified as Backyard Wildlife Habitat #48,3330 by the National Wildlife Federation and listed as a Bird Habitat by the Audubon Society of Pennsylvania.

Library welcomes Commissioner Burns for Story-time

Washington County Commissioner Bracken Burns will visit the Peters Township Public Library on Saturday, July 9 from 1 to 2 p.m. for a special story-time. Burns will share his favorite children’s stories, followed by a craft for all ages. Register to attend in the children’s department or call 724.941.9430.

Burns has served as Washington County Commissioner since 1996. This will be his final year in office as he is not seeking a fifth term. After 40 years of service, including his time spent as the county's director of emergency medical services and the director of the emergency management agency, he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Kate, his two children and five grandchildren. Join us for a "great day in Washington County" as we welcome Commissioner Burns to our library!

Library Cooking Club hosts free cooking demonstration

The Peters Township Public Library Cooking Club will host a free cooking demonstration and discussion by Gina Snyder and Chef Maggie Hatten of Sunny Bridge Natural Foods at their next monthly meeting on Thursday, July 7 at 7 p.m. at the library. All are welcome to attend but advance registration is required. To register email programs@ptlibrary.com or call 724.941.9430 by Friday, July 1st.