Wednesday, September 22, 2010

DEP Issues Drought Warning for 24 Counties; Drought Watch for Remainder of State


News for Immediate Release

Sept. 16, 2010

DEP Issues Drought Warning for 24 Counties; Drought Watch for Remainder of State
Below-Normal Rainfall Leads to Water Deficits

Harrisburg – The Department of Environmental Protection today issued a drought warning for 24 Pennsylvania counties and a drought watch for the remaining 43 counties as precipitation deficits continued to worsen statewide, according to Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger.

“The hot, dry summer led to steadily-declining ground and surface water levels, particularly in the southwest and east-central portions of the state,” Hanger said. “Pennsylvania’s Drought Task Force has concurred with DEP’s recommendation that drought watches and warnings be issued for all 67 counties to alert water suppliers, industry and the public of the need to conserve water.”

A drought watch declaration is the first level — and least severe — of the state’s three drought classifications. It calls for a voluntary 5-percent reduction in non-essential water use, and puts large water consumers on notice to begin planning for the possibility of reduced water supplies.

A drought warning asks residents to reduce water use voluntarily by 10-15 percent.

The 24 counties under a drought warning are: Allegheny, Beaver, Bedford, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Fayette, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Lackawanna, Lawrence, Lehigh, Luzerne, Mercer, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Pike, Schuylkill, Somerset and Washington.
 
The 43 counties under a drought watch are: Adams, Armstrong, Blair, Bradford, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Chester, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Crawford, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Elk, Erie, Forest, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lycoming, McKean, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Venango, Warren, Wayne, Westmoreland, Wyoming and York.  

Precipitation deficits over the past 90-day period are currently as great as 5.6 inches below normal in Somerset County and 5.5 inches in Bucks County.

DEP is sending letters to all water suppliers statewide, notifying them of the need to monitor their supplies and update their drought contingency plans as necessary.

DEP monitors a statewide network of groundwater wells and stream gauges that provide comprehensive data to the state drought coordinator. In addition to precipitation, groundwater and streamflow levels, DEP monitors soil moisture and water supply storage, and shares this data with other state and federal agencies.

DEP offers the following tips for conserving water around the home:

In the bathroom:
·         Install low-flow plumbing fixtures and aerators on faucets;
·         Check for household leaks – a leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day;
·         Take short showers instead of baths.

Kitchen/laundry areas:
·         Replace older appliances with high efficiency, front-loading models that use about 30 percent less water and 40-50 percent less energy;
·         Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads;
·         Keep water in the refrigerator to avoid running water from a faucet until it is cold.

The department also offers water conservation recommendations for commercial and industrial users, such as food processors, hotels and motels, schools and colleges, as well as water audit procedures for large water customers.

Water conservation tips and drought information can be found online at www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: drought.

Media contact: Tom Rathbun, 717-787-1323

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Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management (BCNM) at Robert Morris University

Working Across Generations

Friday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m.–noon

Each generation shakes its head in wonder at every other one. But the truth is that our generational diversity can be the source of great creativity and collaborative richness. Bring multiple staff to this session as we “cross the ages” and look at ways to work with and serve our youngers and our elders most effectively. This class is always fun as we explore the cultural and personality quirks that define the times in which we were born.

Instructors: Scott Leff, Bayer Center; Carolyn Kerr, Communications

Fee: $65 ($55 if paid by Nov. 26)

Location: Bayer

From: Robert Morris University Fall 2010 Courses

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Flu Shots for Homebound Seniors & Mammograms for Women in Need

An Update from Ursuline Senior Services:

Free seasonal flu shots for homebound seniors in Allegheny County and surrounding counties 

Flu Shot HOTLINE open 
October 1 through December 1

To qualify for a seasonal flu shot, you must be at least 60 years old, homebound and meet some simple health criteria. Call Flu Hotline at Ursuline Senior Services 412-683-0400 ext. 264 and leave a message. We will return your call to complete your referral and provide additional information. This program is made possible by a grant from Highmark in cooperation with Ursuline Senior Services. 

An update from the Consumer Health Coalition:

Free Mammograms ... Because Your Health is Priceless 
Are you a woman without health insurance?
Does your co-pay make it difficult to access health care?
Are you due for a mammogram?

Allegheny General Hospital Breast Care Center, in partnership with National Breast Cancer Foundation, is providing free mammograms to women with limited resources.  To learn if you qualify for a free mammogram please call the Allegheny General Hospital Breast Care Center at 412-359-6543. 

Please pass this on to any woman that you know who has difficulty accessing health care or who is without insurance.  Regular mammograms are important!  Don’t delay!  Call to schedule an appointment or CHC (412-456-1877 x200) can help to schedule an appointment for you! 

Friday, September 3, 2010

Services for Older Adults

Shared by Commonwealth Libraries in the Compendium Extra:

Social Security Administration News

Social Security is asking the public to help the agency celebrate its 75 years of public service by sharing personal stories on how Social Security has touched their lives. To share a story, visit www.socialsecurity.gov and click on the box entitled "Social Security celebrates 75 Years of Public Service."

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid News

Please share the links below with your patrons:

Affordable Care Act Saving Money for Medicare and Taxpayers

CMS Issues Final Drug Manufacturers Agreements for Coverage Gap Discount Program

July/August 2010 Ask Medicare

Premiums for Medicare Prescription Drug Plans to Remain Low in 2011

Collaborative Summer Reading Program

Shared by Commonwealth Libraries in the Compendium Extra:

Become a member of the Collaborative Summer Reading Program (CSLP) to have access to an early literacy component, rules of use for the graphics and logos, Public Service Announcements (PSA), and information on serving children with disabilities.

Upcoming Summer Reading Themes and Slogans

2011
General Theme: World Cultures
Slogans:
Children's Program: One World, Many Stories
Teen Program: You are Here
Adult Program: Novel Destinations

2012
General theme: Nighttime
Slogans:
Children's: Dream Big, Read
Teen: Seize the Night
Adult: Between the Covers

2013
General Theme: Underground