The ribbon cutting for the Westmoreland Heritage Trail was held on Saturday, June 21. The beginning of the trail is located off of the parking lot of the Slickville Fire Company, and on Saturday, that lot was full of people who came to be part of the kick off. The trail is a project of the Westmoreland County Bureau of Parks and Recreation and will eventually span 19 miles, but this first segment extends from Slickville to Saltsburg. Once again, the folks helping with the Westmoreland County parks projects proved that their work makes a positive impact on the quality of life in our county.

There were over 100 people in attendance who hit the trail immediately after the ribbon cutting with their bikes or walking shoes. It was a beautiful day!

On Friday, June 19, I was invited to to attend the Smoke Free day at Idlewild. There were approximately 200 volunteers manning tables and spreading the word about the dangers of tobacco use.  Of all of the numerous community service activities the 4H takes part in, trying to stop young people from smoking is probably the one with the longest ranging effect.

There were smoke free posters and t-shirts everywhere! What a great time and I still think the Scrambler is the best part of Idlewild!

Last evening, June 20, I was invited to participate in the ribbon cutting for the baseball field at Cool Valley Playground in Hempfield Township. Rick Repasky contacted me last year about what they were trying to do, and Hempfield Township officials and the Community Foundation immediately “went to bat” on their behalf.  It’s our job as officials to help where we are able, but the leadership of the community, parents and folks like Rick to complete this type of endeavor is an even more important factor. 

It was great seeing the excitement of the kids and parents alike. Upon arrival there were volunteer firefighters directing cars into the lot, and then we were treated to a major league program by Joe Lutz in which he obviously spent a lot of time putting together. There was the national anthem, the audio clips from old baseball games, everyone sang “Take me out to the Ballgame”, the ribbon cutting, the first pitch and an invocation by Pastor Bob Ross.

Having a baseball field right in the middle of a community where kids can go and play pick up games, as well as league games, means a lot. When we moved into our home 20 years ago my husband put a baseball field on our property. We didn’t have furniture, but we had a baseball field! Our sons and the kids from all over the neighborhood spent hours and hours on that field. Seeing the excitement of the kids at Cool Valley last evening sends a tinge of guilt through me for complaining about picking up all of the empty cups at the end of those long hot summer days when our now empty baseball field was full of boys.

On Saturday I attended the “Duck Races” and picnic sponsored by the Manor Lions Club. It rained and rained and rained, but it was still a very enjoyable way to spend the afternoon.  The club supports the local food banks and other community causes through their numerous projects and fundraisers every year.

The Manor Lion’s Club fills an important mission of providing necessary help and funding for so many people. And, they do it with such great spirit.

Congressman Tim Murphy is taking a lead role in fixing the energy emergency. Click the link below and sign his petition to stop the energy madness by forcing House Leadership to lower gas prices and expand America’s oil supply.

Click here.

After much planning and work the ribbon cutting for Westmoreland County’s Peach Plaza Skate Park was held on Saturday, June 7. It was a beautiful day and the event was well attended by skate enthusiasts, committee members, park employees, scouts and the Peach family. What a wonderful gift Mr. Peach gave in memory of his beloved wife. Skaters and their families will thank him for years to come, and everyone who visits the park will see a beautiful rememberence of Joyce Peach.

This has nothing to do with anything political or official, but I can’t help myself. I spent the afternoon at my mom and dad’s house, the house I grew up in. And as the hot afternoon continued it reminded me that some things never change, and home in the real sense, is one of them. The heat, the continued stream of more family showing up, the grilled spare ribs and the care free atmosphere took me back in time. All that was missing was a bathing suit and baby oil. And then my mother took out the old wash tub…

It was great to read in the Trib that Representative Tangretti has pointed out the obvious. We need better access to mass transit. We have a rail system that runs from Westmoreland County to Pittsburgh but very little service, and the time has come to change that. In the past when I’ve spoken with elected officials about increasing the frequency of routes I was told that it costs too much and the ridership is low. That may have been the case but now is the perfect time to give it another shot.  Chances are that many folks would rather spend their time commuting doing work, making phone calls, or even dare I say putting on their make up rather than stuck in bumper to bumper traffic idleing away expensive gasoline.

Today I filled up the tank of my PT Cruiser, not SUV but PT Cruiser, and the cost was $56! How in the world are families supposed to buy gas and buy food with gasoline so expensive? Since not everybody works close to home and not everybody makes a salary that affords them sufficient disposable income, the cost of gas could affect whether or not a person is able to keep their job. Bottom line, more debt and less money for basic needs.

It’s irresponsible policy that the greatest country in the world isn’t self sufficient for it’s energy needs. Can you imagine what would happen to our economy and our national defense if those countries on which we depend cut our supply? 

We all have to do more than complain to each other about the high cost of gas, we have to voice our concern to the decision makers. Call your Senator, your Congressman, your state legislators. Let’s get this train rolling.

Johnny Cash wanting to get on that train!  http://www.youtube.com/v/N5Ts4M3irWM&hl=en

Our military and the might it brings to our nation is the bottom line for America. If we don’t have people, patriots, who sacrifice and work to keep us safe like those before them, then we have nothing because we will surely be a target of those who hate freedom.

Growing up we celebrated Memorial Day by going to parades, having picnics and visiting the cemetery, but it wasn’t until just a short seven years ago that many of us fully appreciated the sacrifice of soldiers past.  Witnessing first hand what war looks like on our own soil changed that.

It’s our duty to take proper care of those returning from the fight. There is nothing that shocks the senses quite like hearing that someone who sacrificed for all of us isn’t getting adequate medical care or can’t find a job.  We owe a debt of thanks to these loyal Americans by ensuring they have a place to live, adequate health care, and a job that puts food on the table. It’s the least we can do.

Yesterday our Westmoreland County employees delivered, in addition to $200, an almost full half ton van of food to the food bank. The food bank sent a pick up truck but it wasn’t nearly big enough! I couldn’t believe the generosity of everyone.

While it’s painful to put gas in our tanks and we are hearing everyday about the downturn in the economy, many folks from all walks of life and income, still find it in their hearts to share with those who need help.

Westmoreland Employees are the best!