Community briefs May 3, 2008

May 02, 2008 07:56 pm

— Local teacher gets Carnegie Science Award

HERMITAGE – Hermitage School District Environmental Coordinator Nancy Bires has been named a winner of a 2008 Carnegie Science Award.
Ms. Bires, of New Vernon Township, is honored as middle level educator. The awards will be presented May 9 at the Carnegie Music Hall, Pittsburgh.
The awards program was established in 1997 to recognize and promote outstanding science and technology achievements in western Pennsylvania, according to Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh.
Ms. Bires’ activities with students have included building a nature trail; studying water quality at, and helping with the restoration of, local streams; and working with the Earthkeepers organization to establish a program at a school in China. She has taught at Hermitage for more than 20 years.
“The people and organizations being honored and making enormous – and astounding – contributions to our region,” said Joanna Haas director of the Carnegie Science Center.
County Fallen Heroes Run slated for June at market

MERCER COUNTY – Mercer County Fallen Heroes Run is set for June 7 at Jackson Meadows Country Market.
Registration will be 9 to 11 a.m. with refreshments. Group rides out at noon.
A memorial ceremony will be 4 p.m. at Mercer County Courthouse’s Vietnam Memorial, with the group to ride to the market after the ceremony.
Raffle run and Chinese auction also are planned. Dinner will be 6 to 8 p.m. at the market, which is sponsoring the event honoring fallen heroes of Mercer County.
Riders cost is $15; passengers, $10; non-riders advance food, $10. Registration includes dinner.
Custom bike and car shows and blue grass festival are set for June 6 through 8 with vendors welcome. Dead City Dealers will perform from 6 to 7 p.m. with proceeds to benefit Mercer County Fallen Heroes Run.
Info: Dave Bailey, 724-866-9446; or Jim Olsen, 814-425-2788; online: mcfallen.org
McConnell’s Mill plans community programs

LAWRENCE COUNTY – McConnell’s Mill State Park will host these events:
• “Early Birds” – 9 a.m. May 10 starting at Kildoo Picnic Area. Participants can bring binoculars, snack and drink to carry; wear sturdy shoes.
• Spring wildflower walk – 3 p.m. May 11 starting at Hell’s Hollow parking lot.
• “Ferns and Flowers” – 2 p.m. May 17 at the picnic tables beside the old mill. Participants should bring water and wear sturdy shoes.
• “Owl Prowl” – 8:30 p.m. May 23 on Hell’s Hollow trail. Participants should bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes.
• “Heart Hike” – 4 p.m. May 25 starting at Kildoo Picnic area.
McConnell’s Mill Hours are 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
The grist mill will be open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Interpretative tours of the mill are given at 1 and 2 p.m. Fridays, 1 and 3 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 and 4 p.m. Sundays.
Additional tours for groups, available at 11:30 a.m. Fridays through Sundays, can be scheduled by calling 724-368-9320. Other times are available by appointment.
Womancare Center plans Empty Arms service

HERMITAGE — The annual Empty Arms Memorial Service is set for 7 p.m. May 12 in Womancare Center of UPMC Horizon in Hermitage.
The event is for parents, friends and family members who have experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death.
UPMC Horizon’s May events calendar published April 30 had an incorrect date for the candle-lighting service.
The event will be a time to remember the love and loss of an unborn or newborn child. Participants can share pictures, poems or personal thoughts with others who understand their grief.
Info: Linda Fox, registered nurse, 724-983-8730.