Free FAFSA Workshop with PHEAA

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and the Peters Township Public Library will host a free FAFSA Completion Session on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at the library. PHEAA will present this free session to help families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The program will begin at 10:00 a.m. with an overview of the online FAFSA form and will include time for questions. All participants MUST register online or at the library circulation desk. Families can also register for an optional session following the program to complete the FAFSA form online at the library with assistance from Jayeann Harr of the PHEAA Pittsburgh Regional Office. The four 30-minute sessions will begin at noon and end at 2 p.m. Register at the library circulation desk or email the library and indicate your preferred time slot: noon, 12:30p.m., 1:00 p.m. or 1:30 p.m.

If your child is a high school senior planning to go onto higher education, your family must complete the FAFSA to qualify for federal and most state grants, scholarships, low-cost student loans, work-study programs, Pennsylvania state grant programs, and many school-based student aid programs.

To complete the FAFSA online, please bring federal income tax returns, W-2 forms, and business and investment information for both student and parent(s) to the help session. For more information about Federal Student Aid and completing the FAFSA, visit the FAFSA web site.

Win the clutter battle once and for all!

The Peters Township Public Library will present “…But I Might Need It Someday!” featuring guest speaker Patty Kreamer on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Register for this free program online or at the library's circulation desk.

Imagine being able to find things when you need them…not three weeks later. If you’ve been miserable because clutter and chaos are ruling your life, ” …But I Might Need It Someday” is for you! Based on her first book by the same title, this program will help you understand the habits that keep you from organizing your work and lives. Patty will show you how to overcome your natural tendencies and conquer clutter in all its forms once and for all.

Patty Kreamer is a Certified Professional Organizer®, author, national speaker, organizer Coach, and president of Kreamer Connect. Patty is the author of two books, “…But I Might Need It Someday!” and “The Power of Simplicity” as well as The Clutter Rescue Course. Most recently, Patty became the owner of the online store www.OrganizedAtoZ.com that carries over 1500 organizing products worldwide. Patty was named Women's Business Network's 2007 Woman of the Year. For more information, visit her web site.

Alternative Energy Options: Solar, Wind and Geothermal

Interested in learning more about alternative energy opportunities for your home? Tim Quigley, Director of Solar Tec, and Eric Casteel, Special Projects Manager for WR Casteel will discuss some of the different technologies currently available at the Peters Township Public Library on Wednesday, January 5 at 7:00 p.m.

The program will include an overview of wind and geothermal technologies, with information on feasibility and cost and benefits for residential, commercial, community and utility scale applications. Solar energy will be discussed, including a demonstration of the process used to create solar panels, how solar panels work and how the home or commercial business owner can save on their electric bill and earn from selling their alternative energy credits.

Register for this free program online or call 724.941.9430.

Tree-Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Party

Join us Sunday, December 5 at 6 p.m. at the library for the annual Tree-Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Party, held in partnership with the Peters Township Parks and Recreation Department. Festivities will include lighting and decorating the outdoors township tree at 6:00, followed by holiday caroling. Refreshments, visits with Santa, and holiday crafts for children will also be offered in the library.

We'll also be welcoming John Steigerwald, a former KDKA-TV sports reporter and currently a sports columnist for the Observer-Reporter, who will be offering a preview of his newly published book, Just Watch the Game, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.. It's a terrific way to get in the holiday spirit and spend time with family and friends!

Library marks Veterans Day with opening of World Affairs International Program Series

The library will welcome Steven E. Sokol, new President and Chief Executive Officer, Pittsburgh World Affairs Council as he opens this year’s International Program Series on Thursday, November 11 at 7:00 p.m. at the library.

As is fitting for this date, Mr. Sokol will be recognizing the McMurray Veterans of Foreign Wars POST 764 for generously providing support for this program series in the community over the past four years. Sokol will also discuss key global trends and how they relate to World Affair Council programs and new initiatives. The presentation will address the important issues facing the international community and the options available for dealing with the rapidly changing political and economic forces impacting United States interests around the world.

Before joining Pittsburgh World Affairs Council in June 2010, Mr. Sokol served as Vice President and Director of Programs at the American Council on Germany in New York. Sokol is a frequent commentator on transatlantic relations and European and American political affairs in the U.S. and European media. He holds an M.A. in International Relations and International Economics from the Johns Hopkins University’s Paul Nitze School of Advanced International Studies and is currently working on a Doctorate in Law and Policy at Northwestern University. He has also studied at the Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat in Heidelberg and as a Fulbright Scholar at the Freie Universitat in Berlin.

Register online for this free program, at the library circulation desk, or call 724.941.9430. The McMurray Veterans of Foreign Wars POST 764 is providing support for the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh 2010-2011 program series.

This Week @ the Library Oct. 18 -23

From the Children's Department

MOVIE NIGHTS
Ages: For kids and parents of all ages
When: Monday, October 18
Time: 6:00 - 7:45 p.m.
How to Train Your Dragon (rated PG for sequences of intense action and some scary images, and brief mild language)
It's movie night at the library! Bring your whole family as we watch terrific new release movies. We'll provide the popcorn and candy -- you don't even have to buy tickets! What could be better? Just bring a sleeping bag and/or a stuffed animal friend. See you at the movies! Register in the Children's Department.

STAR WARS CELEBRATION
Ages: For kids and parents of all ages
When: Tuesday, October 19
Time: 6:00 - 6:45 p.m.
Long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away ... comes to a library near you! Wear your Star Wars costume or outfit! Make your very own light saber! Share stories from the Star Wars universe and watch R2-D2's favorite video! Use the force and come to the good side at our Star Wars Celebration. Register in the Children's Department.

SPOOKY OOKY HALLOWEEN PARTY
Ages: Grades 4 - 8
When: Thursday, October 21
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Come to our very own Halloween Party for grades 4 - 8 ... if you dare! Wear your creepy or cute costume, play gruesome games, win petrifying prizes, and of course enjoy lots of sweet and spooky snacks! A special extra-fun, super-sweet edition of Camp Creepy. Register in the Children's Department.


From the Young Adult Department

TEEN READ WEEK BOOK BASH
When: Monday, October 18
Time: 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Join us to celebrate 2010's Teen Read Week, "Read Beyond Reality." During this book-themed afternoon we will make a craft, have snacks and discuss our favorite books!

METROID PRIME TRILOGY TOURNAMENT
Ages: Grades 6 - 12
When: Saturday, October 23
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
Take a journey into the future with our first ever Metroid Prime Trilogy Tournament! Battle your friends for championship status. First and second place winners will earn awesome prizes!

CREATIVE CRAFTERS
When: Thursday, October 21
Time: 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Drop by the Teen Room for an afternoon of crafty fun. Using materials found around the house, we will make unique covers for your laptops, iPods and books!

Programs for Adults

PETERS TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY GO GREEN CLUB
Meeting dates: 3rd Monday of the month (October 18)
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Are you interested in learning to live lightly on the planet? If so, please join us for our next GO Green Club meeting. The mission of the PTPL GO Green Club is to provide the community with educational resources through programs, library materials, and volunteer activities to help create a more environmentally- friendly and responsible lifestyle. Please email the library if you plan on attending. If you do not have email, you may register at the library's circulation desk.

COVER LETTERS AND RESUMES
When: Tuesday, October 19
Time: 7:00 - 8:45 p.m.
Instructor: Peter Stamoolis
This hands-on course will teach students how to use Microsoft Word on a PC to prepare professional looking cover letters and resumes. The purposes and various formats of each will be covered. Register at the library's circulation desk. Please note: there is no charge for this class.

PETERS TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY COUPONING CLUB
When: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month (October 19)
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Are you interested in learning how to save money in your monthly budget? Then the Peters Township Public Library Couponing Club is for you! Join is as we meet to swap coupons, exchange ideas and strategies for using coupons, and maintain the Coupon Swap Box in the library. Bring a pair of scissors to clip coupons during our lively and informative discussions! Register for this program online, at the library's circulation desk, or call 724-941-9430.

BREAST HEALTH AWARENESS
When:Tuesday, October 19, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. OR
Saturday, October 23, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Presented by: Margie Webb, RN, NCTMB Join Registered Nurse and Certified Massage Therapist Margie Webb as she guides you through this interactive workshop. Participants will learn about breast anatomy, the changes in breast tissue throughout a woman's lifetime, changing negative thinking about self breast exams, the lastest guidelines from the American Cancer Society, boosting the immune system, and relaxation, laughter and movement for healthy breasts. Register for this program online here for the October 19 session, online here for the October 23 session, or at the library's circulation desk.

AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB FOR ADULTS
When: 3rd Wednesday of every month
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
October 20: Planning meeting
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.

PETERS TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY BEADING CLUB
When: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, beginning Wednesday, October 20
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Ages: 12 and up
Facilitator: Karen Krohner of Beads 2 Wear
Join us for an evening of beading, work on an existing project, or begin a new one in the company of fellow beaders. Beginners and experienced beaders welcome. Bring your supplies and a small task light, if you have one. Additional supplies and tools will be available for purchase. A monthly project will be planned. Participation in project optional. Monthly project for October: Earring Workshop -- beginners welcome. Design at least two pairs of earrings. Learn to make wrapped and plain loops. Tools needed: chain nose and round nose pliers, wire cutter. Materials kit and tools will be available for purchase. Register at the library's circulation desk .

PETERS TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY "LETS COOK TOGETHER!" COOKING CLUB
When: Thursday, October 21
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Are you tired of using the same recipes every month? Interested in trying a new cuisine or healthier recipe options? The Peters Township Public Library is looking for patrons interested in these topics to start a cooking club to meet monthly for cooking demonstrations and discussions, followed by food samples. Join us for our first meeting (planning session) on October 21. Tentative plans for the club include a demonstration on cooking with healthy grains in November, followed by a discussion and sampling of Jewish home cooking in December. Register for this program online, at the library's circulation desk, or call 724-941-9430.

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.