May 16, 2011 E News
May Events
Mental Health Awareness Month
The Clearfield-Jefferson Suicide Prevention Team, Inc. in collaboration with Clearfield/Jefferson Consumer Support Program are celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month with speakers at Penn State Dubois Campus Hiller Auditorium on Thursday, May 19 and Thursday, May 26, 2011. The mission of The Suicide Prevention Team is to reduce the occurrence of suicide in these two county areas. Light refreshments will be available.
Aging Services, Inc. Events
AfternoonBingo–IndianaSocialCenter (May 18th )
The IndianaSocialCenter, located at 1001 Oak Street, Indiana, will be having Afternoon Bingo on Wednesday, May 18th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Bingo will be conducted by Beacon Ridge with Free Bingo & Prizes and refreshments will be available for sale. Plan to attend for an afternoon of fun and prizes! For more information, call the IndianaSocialCenter at 724-465-2697.
Afternoon Domino’s Club – IndianaSocialCenter
The IndianaSocialCenter, located at 1001 Oak Street, Indiana, announces a new activity. An afternoon domino’s club will meet on the 2nd and 4th Mondays from 1 – 3 p.m. each month. Calling all domino players to join in on the fun on and 23rd! For more information, call the IndianaSocialCenter at 724- 465-2697.
AfternoonBingo–TwoLickValleySocialCenter (May 25th)
The TwoLickValleySocialCenter, located at 450 Franklin Street, Clymer, will be having Afternoon Bingo on Wednesday, May 25th from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm. Bingo will be conducted by Beacon Ridge with Free Bingo and Prizes. Plan to attend for an afternoon of fun and prizes! For more information, call the TwoLickValleySocialCenter at 724-254-9820.
AfternoonBingo–TwoLickValleySocialCenter (May 31st)
The TwoLickValleySocialCenter, located at 450 Franklin Street, Clymer, will be having Afternoon Bingo on Tuesday, May 31st from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm. Bingo will be conducted by Hillsdale Nursing and Rehabilitation with Free Bingo and Prizes. Plan to attend for an afternoon of fun and prizes! For more information, call the TwoLickValleySocialCenter at 724-254-9820.
Rocky Top Band
The MahoningHillsSocialCenter, located at 19298 Route 119 Highway North near Punxsutawney, will be entertained by another jam session by the “Rocky Top” band on Friday, May 27th from 10:30 a.m. until Noon. There is no admission charge, but if you’d like to stay and have lunch, please call24 hours in advance 724-286-3099 to make lunch reservations.
Indoor-Outdoor Flea Market & Bake Sale – May 31st to June 3rd
The MahoningHillsSocialCenter, located at 19298 Route 119 Highway North near Punxsutawney, will be having an Indoor/Outdoor Flea Market and Bake Sale for May 31st to June 3rd. The sale will be from 10 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Tables will be available for usage at a cost of $10 for a 6 foot table space and eachadditional table is $5.00. A great time to clean your closet and get rid of unwanted item, while making money at the same time! Donations cheerfully accepted! Refreshments will be available for sale. For more information or to reserve your space, call the MahoningHillsCenter at 724 286-3099.
The Pennsylvania Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, a state wide program, through the PA Department of Agriculture is designed to put money for the purchase of nutritious produce into the hands of the commonwealth’s population. These checks are for eligible persons 60 and over that meet the 2010 Household Income Eligibility Guidelines. Each person that qualifies will receive a total of $20 in vouchers to be used at state approved farmers markets. Household Income Eligibility Guidelines are asingle, $20,036 and household (group of related or unrelated individuals and coupleswho are living together as one economic unit regardless of age), $26,955 for two and $33,874 for three). If your household contains more than three individuals, call (724) 349-4509 for income guidelines.
To receive this year’s checks you MUST provide Proof of Age and PA Residency. If you are picking up someone else’s checks for them, you MUST have a PROXY FORM, completed and signed IN ADVANCE by the person for whom you are picking up for, in addition to showing their Proof of Age, Residency and Income.
Proxies are limited to four. A person may pick up checks for four individuals only.You may obtain Proxy Forms at your local Aging Services, Inc. Social Center.
Distribution dates for IndianaCounty Residents are as follows:
June 6th ChestnutHillsCenter, Saltsburg Center, Indiana Center,
Two LickValleyCenter and Mahoning Hills Center 10 am – 12 Noon
June 7th Armagh Social Center 10 a.m. - Noon
June 8th Aultman Social Center 10 a.m. – Noon
June 9th Homer-CenterSocialCenter10 a.m. - Noon
June 10th ChestnutHillsCenter, Saltsburg Center, Indiana Center, and Two Lick
ValleyCenter, and MahoningHillsCenter Noon – 2 p.m.
American Red Cross Blood Drives
Day / Date / April Sites / TimeTues / May 17 / MarionCenter HS / 8-2pm
Fri / May 20 / Penns Manor HS / 8-2pm
Mon / May 23 / Chapter House, 610 Kolter Dr. / 1-7pm
Tues / May 24 / HomerCityChurch of the Nazarene / N-6pm
Tues / May 24 / Saltsburg American legion / 1-7pm
Wed / May 25 / Indiana Area Senior HS / 8-2pm
Fri / May 27 / Chestnut Ridge IRMC, Blairsville / N-6pm
Mon / May 30 / Dingbats at Indiana Mall / 9-2pm
Tues / May 31 / Brush Valley Fire Hall / N-6pm
Pennsylvania CareerLink – Free Workshops
Pennsylvania CareerLink is offering FREE workshops, but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. For more information or to register, please call 724-471-7220.
-Microsoft PowerPoint, Thursday, May 19, 2011 – 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
-A Guide to Building a Better Resume, Thursday, May 26, 2011 – 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
IndianaRegionalMedicalCenter Classes
The IndianaRegionalMedicalCenter and Family Programs will be sponsoring the following classes. Register by calling the SchedulingCenter at 724-357-7075.
*May 18, 2011–New Mom Moments “The Frugal Mom”Make a Happy Home and spend less money! Learn about cloth diapering, making your won baby food and other natural and low cost choices. 6:30PM-8:00PM at the IRMC PDR#2 (1st floor near cafeteria).
*May 19, 2011 – Infant & Child CPRA 2.5 hour workshop from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM concentrating on learning what to do for an infant or child who is choking or has a respiratory orcardiac arrest. This class will take place at IRMC Outpatient building Classroom A&B. The cost is $25 per person.
Community Yard Sale
The first annual Burrell Township Library Community Yard Sale will be held Saturday, May 21, 2011 from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM in the park beside the Library in Black Lick. The rain date is scheduled for Saturday May 28, 2011). To register as a vendor or advertise your own sale, please contact Burrell Township Library by May 11, 2011 at 724-248-7122.
Volunteering Workshop
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - FoundationCenter is collaborating with the Volunteer Administrators of Southwestern Pennsylvania (VASP) to provide a great program on the topic of volunteerism.It will beMonday, May 23rd, from 9:30 AM until 3:30 PM, at the Mt. Lebanon Public Library.It is a full-day of training, and the speakers, Sylvia Lynn and Randy Detweiler, have divided the program into two parts: Volunteer Management from Start to Success and Handbook Creation. The fee will be $30 per person and you can register by calling the FoundationCenter at 412-622-6277.
The Arc of IndianaCounty Garage Sale
The Arc of Indiana County’s annual Garage Sale will be held June 17, 18, 24, 25 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Indiana County Fairgrounds/Mack Park. Donations will be accepted beginning May 23, 2011, Monday thru Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For more information, please call 724-349-8230.
CSI Session – “Intro To Drugs: What Kids DON’T Want You To Know”
The next Indiana County CSI (Cross System Initiatives) titled “Intro to Drugs: What Kids Don’t Want You To Know!” will take place on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at Blue Spruce Park Lodge. The morning session is full, but there are spaces at the evening session. Call 724-463-8200, ext 10 to register.
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June Events
Human Services Council Meeting
The next meeting of the Human Services Council of Indiana County will be hosted by Community Connections. The meeting will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 8:30 AM at Beacon Ridge. All health and human service organizations are invited to attend. Plan to attend and get involved with the working committees. Active members are needed! Reservations are not necessary. For more information, contact Sandy Harber, President of the Council, at 724-465-2657.
The Open Door Announcements
Reality Tour
The Indiana County Reality Tour is held the 2nd Wednesday of EVERY month starting at 6:00 PM at the newIndiana County Jail. The next tour will be held Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Register by visiting our website: stop by The Open Door (walk-in hours daily from 8AM to 9PM) or call the Reality Tour Registrar at: 724-465-2605 ext. 18.
The Open Door Family Education Support Group
The Open Door Family Education Support Groupis a FREE on-going support group scheduled EVERY THURSDAY FROM 6PM TO 7:30 PM at The Open Door(334 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA). Participants should be 18 or older. Pre-registration is suggested by calling 724-465-2605.
Breathe Easy
Quit Tobacco for Love. Quit for you, your friends and your loved ones. Picture yourself spending more years with your family and friends. If you do, tobacco doesn’t belong in any of these pictures. “Breathe Easy” is a series of six tobacco counseling sessions designed to help those who want to quit any tobacco (smoke or chew). Quitting tobacco is part of the class; no need to quit beforehand. Our coaches provide counseling, education, support and personal plans to help you quit and stay quit. Must be 18 or older. Pregnant women welcome!**FREE NRT’s available for a limited time OR $50 voucher to receive others (*limited time, quantities, restrictions apply). Enroll TODAY, classes fill quickly! Call The Open Door, 724-465-2605, press 7.
Jimmy Stewart Airport/Museum Festival 2011
The JimmyStewartMuseum invites you to participate in the Airport/Museum Festival 2011 scheduled for Saturday, June 11, 2011 and Sunday, June 12, 2011 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. A day of fun activities is planned for both the Airport and the Museum. The Museum is seeking appropriate vendors, presenters, artisans, musicians and civic organizations to participate in the event. Events will take place at both sites and FREE shuttle service will be available between the Airport and the Museum. For more information, please contact the Museum at 724-349-6112 or email to .
New Story Summer Program 2011
The New Story Summer Therapeutic Activities Programs are run and supervised by staff who have additional training and / or certification in Applied Behavioral Analysis. New Story provides a highly intensive and therapeutic socialization program with consistency and structure throughout the day and camps are for children, ages 5 to 18, with a diagnosis of autism, PDD, Asperger’s, or other developmental disability. The session is from June 13th to August 19th, 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Contact Stephanie at 724-463-5390, extension 221, for more information.
Father’s Day Breakfast
Take your favorite guy out for breakfast! Aging Services, Inc. will be hosting a Father’s Day Breakfast on Thursday, June 16, 2011 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at the SaltsburgSocialCenter, located at 212 Point Street, Saltsburg. Breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, bacon and toast for only $2.50! This event is open to the public and reservations are not necessary.
CommunityGuidanceCenter’s Summer Treatment Program (STP) 2011
The Summer Treatment Program provides a highly structured setting in which children develop problem-solving skills, develop the ability to follow through with instructions and improve social skills and self-esteem. The Summer Treatment Program is being held at 3 area locations for children ages 5 to 15, with a diagnosis of ADHD or another behavioral disorder. The program runs from June 20th to August 12th, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Indiana and Dubois site and 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM at the Dayton Elementary site. Contact Shelley at 724-465-5576, extension 293 for more information.
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Other News and Announcements
The Community Engagement for Early Childhood Education Grant Update
The Indiana County Department of Human Services has recently applied for the 2011-2012 Early Care and Education Grant from the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). Previously known as Community Engagement for Early Care and Education. In the new fiscal year, will be known as the LEARN (Local Education and Resource Network) Team. OCDEL has outlined 3 purposes of the LEARN Teams:
- Effectively communicate with and engage families (assist families to act as their child’s first educator, provide information on child development, etc.)
- Provide Support to families with a child transitioning into an early learning setting or those with children entering kindergarten.
- Act as a resource for early childhood education, to promote OCDEL programs, such as Keystone STARS, through activities such as early learning events, early learning activities and/or other programs within a community which focus on quality early education programs and access to early learning opportunities.
If received, the grant will again be under the umbrella of the Children’s Advisory Commission of Indiana County. Comments or questions may be directed to or to , or to 724-463-8200, ext. 18 or 17. Check out the Children’s Advisory Commission’s website at for valuable information.
Temporary Address
Due to significant facility issues (leaking roof, damaged walls, ceilings and carpets, etc.), the Office of Planning & Development will be temporarily relocating to Townplace Victoria, 699 Philadelphia Street, Suite 200-A, Indiana. The best way to access the temporary offices is to enter the building through the Atrium, either use the steps or elevator to the second floor, proceed up the ramp (technically above the Finery), first door on the left. If you find anyone looking for us, please send them our way! We will have the same phone and fax numbers, although we will have access to less than half of the actual phones that we have now, so when calling, it may go to voice mail more often.
Air Mattress Donation
This air mattress, described as a deep cell air mattress, is ideal for someone with limited mobility and is made to help prevent pressure ulcers. It was purchased for $1500.00. A gentleman, by the name of Robert Hlusko would like to donate it to an agency who knows of someone that could benefit from it. If there is an agency out there who is interested, please call Bob Hlusko at 724-459-9278.
You Don’t Have to Deal with a Layoff or Closing Alone
Having to close a location or let employees go is among the most challenging situations that employers or families can ever face. To make employers more aware of the benefits, the Indiana County Department of Human Services has partnered with the Department of Labor & Industry’s Rapid Response Coordination Services (RRCS) to share information available to employers, labor organizations and the workforce which can help your business and help workers find new jobs or receive training for new careers. There is no fee for these services. Contact a Regional RRCS Field Representative with the PA Department of Labor & Industry’s Bureau of Workforce Development Partnership. Contact Carol Hull at 724-434-5627 ext. 148 or email at
Welfare to Work Transportation Program
ICCAP has funds available to help individuals obtain reliable transportation in order to get back and forth to employment. The Welfare to Work Transportation Program can help individuals who are employed, have a child under age 18 and income qualify (for example, a family of four may have an income no greater than $4,377 a month). It can help financially with vehicle repairs or auto insurance payments. Please contact Mary Ann Buterbaugh at ICCAP at 724-465-2657. Program hours are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Housing Authority ofIndianaCounty
SPREAD THE WORD!! Apartments are currently available at Schoolhouse Square in Saltsburg for anyone 55 & over!! Rents are $390 & $435. Income limits apply. We also have family communities in Blairsville, Robinson, Saltsburg, Indiana, Clymer and Commodore.
With locations throughout IndianaCounty we are sure to have an apartment that’s right for you! Apply now even if you’re not quite ready to move -be assured that quality housing will be there when you need it!! For more information, please call724-463-4730 x120.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Do you have some free time throughout the month to help IndianaCounty residents who are new to Medicare make the best healthcare choices?
If you do, then the APPRISEProgram needs you! The APPRISE Program provides assistance with Medicare benefits, PACE/PACENET Applications, Property Tax/Rent Rebate forms as well as program that are available to people with limited incomes. Join us at Aging Services APPRISE Program by contacting Lisa Gazda at 724-349-4500 or 1-800-442-8016.
IndianaCounty Career T.R.A.C.K.
The IndianaCountyCareerT.R.A.C.K.Center has funding available for Indiana county residents who are receiving unemployment compensation benefits, and are interested in attending classroom-training. Applicants must meet eligibility guidelines. Funding is limited. The IndianaCountyCareerT.R.A.C.K.Center is located at the Indiana County CareerLink, 300 Indian Springs Road, Indiana, PA. For more information, please call 724-471-7220.
VNA Grief Support Group
The VNA Family Hospice and Palliative Care Grief Support Group meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:00 PM at the Robinson Lytle’s Funeral Home. For more information, please contact Rev. Horace Derr at
Indiana County Department of Human Services
& Volunteer Center
Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
Main office numbers: 724-463-8200 or 724-463-8207
Information & Referral (I&R): 724-349-0500
Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP):
724-463-3235 or toll-free at 888-526-6060
INDIVIDUAL EXTENSIONS AND VOICE MAIL
10—Laurie Bowser, Secretary16— Pat Bonarrigo, MATP
11—Bonni Dunlap, Director17— Maureen Pounds, I&R
12—Denise Remy, Asst. Director18— Kathy Abbey-Baker, CAC
13—Health & Human Services19— Linda Myers, MATP
15—Attire to Aspire, 20— Marlo Carney, MATP
Jennifer Lentz
SHORTCUT EXTENSIONS
0 — Secretary6 — Attire to Aspire PA WORKWEAR
3 — Human Services Info7 — Health & Human Services Disaster
4 — Volunteer Opportunities Preparedness & Emergency Planning
5 — MATP8 — Children’s Advisory Commission
Note: You may choose the extension wanted as soon as your call is answered
Lost your e-mail with the E News and want to refer to a date
or the information in it? Go to and click on Human Services Information. You'll see a folder titled "E News" and all the past copies are archived there!
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For more Events and Announcements, visit our website at
* If your agency would like to place an announcement, event, or information,
you may send it to the Indiana County Department of HumanServices & VolunteerCenter
by fax (724) 465-3159 or e-mail to .
Laurie Bowser is the staff member at ICDHS & VolunteerCenter who compiles the news.
The E-Newsletter will be sent out on Mondays and the deadline for articles will be due the Thursday the week prior. Human Services reserves the right to accept, reject, and/or edit all material submitted for publication.