ACLA Older Adult Forum

Tips from the Social Security Administration

2012-01-19T11:53:00.000-05:00

Social Security Column

EARN (AND KEEP) MORE MONEY

By Martin Keegan

Social Security District Manager in Pittsburgh, PA

You probably already know that there was an increase in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) monthly payments at the beginning of the year. If you receive monthly Social Security or SSI payments, you received a 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment beginning with your payment for the month of January 2012.

For people who receive Social Security retirement benefits, there’s more good news. In addition to receiving a little more each month, you may now earn more income without offsetting your benefits because the “earnings test” numbers also have gone up.

If you have reached your full retirement age (age 66 for anyone born between 1943 and 1954), the earnings test does not apply and you may earn as much money as you can without any effect on your benefits. However, if you are younger than full retirement age, collecting benefits and still working, we do offset some of your benefit amount after a certain earnings limit is met. For people under full retirement age in 2012, the annual exempt amount is $14,640, and if you do reach that limit, we withhold $1 for every $2 above that limit from your monthly benefit amount. For people who retired early, continue working and will obtain full retirement age in 2012, the annual exempt amount is $38,880 and we will withhold $1 for every $3 you earn over the limit from your monthly benefits.

You can learn more about the earnings test and how benefits may be reduced by visiting our website, www.socialsecurity.gov, and searching on the topic “earnings test.”

Find out what your full retirement age is at our Retirement Age page, www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/ageincrease.htm

You also may want to read our publication, How Work Affects Your Benefits. It’s available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10069.html.

Social Security Administration Updates

2012-01-19T11:52:00.001-05:00

Visit the website of the U.S. Social Security Administration and sign up for email newsletters to keep you abreast of changes and updates in Social Security programs. Newsletters available for subscription include: public service announcements, help with mediare and prescription drug costs, eNews, disability research, Social Security news and many other topics. Visit www.ssa.gov/govdelivery to learn more!

GO DIRECT

2012-01-18T14:24:00.002-05:00

Winter Storms Can Be Hazardous to Your Federal Benefit Check

With electronic payments you can count on your money despite severe weather

Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Financial Management Service

If you get federal benefit payments by paper checks, you should know that you are required by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to switch to an electronic payment method. By getting your money electronically, you will help save taxpayers millions of dollars each year. You must make the switch by March 1, 2013, but you don’t have to wait for the deadline. The winter months are the perfect time to switch and take advantage of the reliability and ease of electronic payments.

Ice, snow and subzero temperatures can leave you trapped in your home and temporarily interrupt important services like mail delivery. If you rely on paper checks for your federal benefit payments, a winter storm can leave you without access to your money at a time when you need it most.

Last winter was a record-setter for many parts of the Northeast. Accuweather.com predicts above normal winter precipitation for most of the Northeast during January and February 2012.It’s important to take action now to protect your money before a winter storm hits.

Winterize Your Money Today

Switching to electronic payments is a simple step you can take to ensure your money gets to you on time, every time. With electronic payments, your money won’t be slowed down by winter weather and you won’t need to leave your home to cash or deposit a check. The Treasury Department recommends two electronic payment options:

· Have a bank or credit union account? Sign up to get your money by direct deposit to a checking or savings account. Your federal benefit payment will go straight into your account on payment day each month. On time, every time.

· Prefer a prepaid debit card? Switch to the Direct Express^® Debit MasterCard^® card. You money will be posted to the card account on payment day each month. You can make purchases and get cash back with purchases at no charge anywhere Debit MasterCard^® is accepted. There are no sign-up fees, overdraft fees or monthly fees. Some fees for optional services may apply. For information on card fees and features, visit www.GoDirect.org. No bank account or credit check is needed.

Switching is Fast, Easy and Free

To switch to direct deposit or the Direct Express^®card, contact your federal benefit agency office, visit the Treasury Department’s Go Direct^® campaign website at www.GoDirect.org, or call the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center at (800) 333-1795. For direct deposit to a checking or savings account, you can also make the switch at your local bank or credit union.

Winterize your federal benefit payments now before a winter storm gets between you and your money. Switch to direct deposit or the Direct Express^® card today. For more information, including an instructional video on how to sign up, visit www.GoDirect.org.

Book Websites

2011-10-26T13:38:00.001-04:00

We read because we love books. Fact or fiction, we love what they have to offer. Not only do we love the content, we love the positive effects reading has on our brains! Time spent reading means a stronger, healthier brain!

If you love to keep up with new books, or if you follow a series by an author, these websites are great tools to help you stay current and informed! Maybe you will be inspired to read something new, or share your new finds with a book club!

Diabetes Expo on November 5, 2011

2011-10-21T12:10:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, November 5, the American Diabetes Association will present a Diabetes Expo in Pittsburgh. This event is free to the public and offers health screenings, cooking demonstrations, and experts to offer prevention and management tips.

Visitors to the Expo can choose to follow a "Pathway For Better Health" at the event. Choose what pertains to you: prevention/pre-diabetes, type I, or type II diabetes. Each Pathway has specific workshops and topics related to healthy eating, active living, and motivation, among other things!

This event is located at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on November 5, 2011. Contact Terri Seidman at 412.824.1181 ext. 406 or tseidman(at)diabetes.org for more information.

Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services Offers Evening Hours

2011-09-29T14:47:00.000-04:00

From the Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services

Starting in October, Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh’s low vision program will have evening appointments available on Tuesdays at our Homestead office, 1800 West Street. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 412-368-4400.

BVRS’s low vision program provides services to people who have some usable vision. Our specially trained optometrist performs an exam to determine the person’s level of vision, and then prescribes optical aids designed to maximize remaining eyesight. The new hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

MORE ABOUT BVRS
Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh, a 101-year-old private nonprofit, has been a leader in programs and services for people of all ages who are blind, vision impaired or have other disabilities. We believe in independence through rehabilitation. Our mission is to change the lives of persons with vision loss and other disabilities by fostering independence and individual choice.

We offer comprehensive and personalized computer instruction, employment and vocational services, personal adjustment to blindness and deaf blindness training, independence skill building, in-home instruction, and low vision services for persons with vision loss. BVRS is a United Way Agency of Excellence in Health and Human Services formerly known as Pittsburgh Vision Services of Oakland and Bridgeville, and is accredited by The National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving People with Blindness or Vision Impairments (NAC).

Contact:
Debra Meyer
dmeyer@PghVis.org
412-368-4400, ext. 2287

Consumer Health Coalition | Recovery and the Transformation of Health Care

2011-09-29T13:41:00.001-04:00

From our partners at the Consumer Health Coalition:

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Kenneth Thompson as our final guest speaker in Consumer Health Coalition’s Speaker Series. Dr. Thompson will be taking the place of Frederick Frese, PhD, who had to cancel at the last moment.

This final segment of our speaker series is titled "Recovery and the Transformation of Health Care." We hope that you can join us on Tuesday, October 11,2011 to join in the discussion and to hear from this expert.

Kenneth S. Thompson MD is a public service psychiatrist who has focused his career on community/population health and improving psychiatric services. He is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh. Until recently he was the Medical Director of the Center for Mental Health Services in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the US Department of Health and Human Services, where he provided expert psychiatric consultation to public policy formation and implementation. In particular he has been engaged nationally in improving mental health care, developing and implementing recovery oriented services and evidence based service, integrating primary care and behavioral health services and creating a population health approach to mental health. He has also had a leading role in developing SAMHSA's initiatives in global health. He now serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Recovery Innovations, a non-profit behavioral health services provider that focuses on leading the development of recovery oriented services.

Session Will Be Held At:
Carlow College—Antonian Theatre
3333 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Free Parking Available in Lot C
Single Sessions $20
Free to Carlow Students with valid college ID

To register for the session, please call Leslie Bachurski at 412-456-1877 ext. 200 VISA and MasterCard accepted.

Allegheny Green + Innovation Festival.

2011-09-14T13:00:00.000-04:00

The Allegheny Green + Innovation Festival is a one day event that provides information to residents across our region on ways to integrate green and sustainable practices into theireveryday lives. To date, nearly 60 exhibitors and vendors have registered for the festival. The festival will feature a special children’s area where Reuse-a-palooza, a program designed by Creative Reuse Pittsburgh, will provide hands-on exploratory activitiesfocusing on creative reuse of materials.

For a full highlight of the festival and the printableflyer for display and sharing in the library, visit the InOur Community feature from the ACLA website.

Allegheny Green + Innovation Festival
September 24
11 am – 5 pm
Hartwood Amphitheater – Middle Road

Respite Resource Fair & Community Forum | Monday, September 26, 2011

2011-09-01T14:47:00.002-04:00

This Respite Resource Fair & Community Forum may be of interest to your community.

Monday, September 26, 2011
6:00 – 8:00 PM
UCP/CLASS
4638 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (Oakland)
RSVP by Phone: 412-683-7100, Ext. 4230 or Toll Free: 1-888-954-2424
Or Email: acrc@ucpclass.org

Caregivers, family members (including children and adults with special needs), service providers, funders and individuals interested in respite care are encouraged to attend. Click here for the flyer.

Pittsburgh Social Security Office to Begin Closing at 3:30pm Daily

2011-08-05T14:34:00.001-04:00

An update from Social Security:

Congressional Budget Cuts Force Reduced Public Hours

Effective August 15, 2011, the Pittsburgh Social Security office will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30p.m. – a reduction of 30 minutes each weekday.

While agency employees will continue to work their regular hours, this shorter public window will allow them to complete face-to-face service with the visiting public without incurring the cost of overtime. Congress provided Social Security with nearly $1 billion less than the President requested for the budget this fiscal year, which makes it impossible for the agency to provide the amount of overtime needed to handle service to the public as we have in the past.

Most Social Security services do not require a visit to an office. For example, anyone wishing to apply for benefits, sign up for direct deposit, replace a Medicare card, obtain a proof of income letter or inform us of a change of address or telephone number may do so at www.socialsecurity.gov or by dialing our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.

Self-neglect a big abuse issue for county's aging

2011-07-13T16:51:00.001-04:00

This June article may be of interest particularly when looking at what role libraries can and do play in providing resources and referrals to reduce self-neglect and senior abuse. What are your thoughts?

http://www.postgazette.com/pg/11166/1153747-455.stm

Writing the Last Chapter

2011-07-13T12:58:00.003-04:00

From our partners at the Jewish Healthcare Foundation:

Join WQED Multimedia for a special series of community conversations featuring our locally produced documentary, The Last Chapter, and expert discussion panels. We’ll discuss how individuals can take control of the conversation around end-of-life planning and care.

In The Last Chapter, WQED takes viewers inside the hospital, hospice, homes, and lives of palliative and hospice care recipients and providers. Medical, ethical, practical, and spiritual issues are explored from several perspectives as we discover how patients seeking palliative and hospice care can take an active role in their own end-of-life planning, make decisions about their treatment, and communicate their needs to caregivers.

Each community conversation will consist of a screening of The Last Chapter, an expert panel discussion that explores issues surrounding end-of-life planning and care, and a Q&A period. Each session will have a different focus:

Writing the Last Chapter: Controlling Your Narrative
Thursday, July 28, 2011 – 6:30 pm
Understand how individuals can take control of the conversation around end-of-life care and planning.
RSVP online.
Writing the Last Chapter: Talking about Dying…and Living
Thursday, August, 25, 2011 – 6:30 pm
Learn how individuals can share their goals and desires related to end-of-life planning with others.
RSVP online.
Writing the Last Chapter: Decisions with Your Team of Professionals
Thursday, September 15, 2011 – 6:30 pm
Explore how individuals can manage their conversations about end-of-life planning and care with professionals, and who you should put on your "team” of confidants and advisors.
RSVP online.

At each session, WQED will provide free educational materials designed to help individuals think about and plan for end-of-life issues and care.

Registration: These sessions are free and open to the public, but seating is limited. RSVP online using the links above. You may also contact outreach@wqed.org for more information.

Parking: Limited free parking is available in the WQED staff and visitor parking lots after 5:00 pm, with additional free overflow parking available in the Carnegie Mellon parking lot located at Forbes and Morewood Avenues (after 5:00 pm).

Join the Conversation: Can’t make it to the in-person sessions? You can still join us live online during the panel discussions to ask your questions. You may also submit your questions for our panelists beforehand by emailing outreach@wqed.org.

The Last Chapter is sponsored by the Jewish Healthcare Foundation. For more information about The Last Chapter or to watch the documentary online visit WQED Multimedia.

Allegheny County Department of Human Services | Resource Guides

2011-07-07T16:21:00.000-04:00

There are a number of helpful resource guides on the DHS website including the updated Community Referral Packet from the Allegheny County Department of Human Services may be of interest to your library as a reference tool.

The guide is made to be used by social/human services professionals to assist in identifying resources, both within the DHS system and throughout the community, for the individuals they serve.

Topics in this guide include the following:

Child Care
Crisis Hotlines
Early Intervention
Employment
Entitlements
Family Support Centers
Fathers/Men’s Resources
Financial Help
Food
Furniture / Household Items
Grandparents Raising Children
HIV/AIDS & Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Housing
Identification
Legal
Legal Services – Children’s Court
Mental Retardation/Intellectual Disability
Mentoring
Parenting Education
Pregnancy – Support / Counseling/Residential
Service Coordination Units
Sexual Minorities
Telephone and Message Help - Communications
Utility Assistance
Veteran Services
Violence Prevention and Help for people who are Incarcerated, Ex-offenders and their Families

The Last Chapter | WQED Local Documentary Premiere

2011-06-16T11:22:00.006-04:00

The Jewish Healthcare Foundation and WQED are proud to announce the premiere of The Last Chapter on Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. on WQED-TV.

Everyone has a story. We can all look back on our lives and break them down into “chapters.” The same holds true for patients with a life limiting illness who are living out – or thinking about – their last chapter. This one-hour documentary will take you inside the hospital, hospice, homes and lives of palliative and hospice care recipients and providers. Explore medical, ethical, practical and spiritual issues from a variety of perspectives and discover how patients and families are taking an active role in their own end-of-life planning.

For more information visit Caregiver Champions, an initiative of the Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF), supports family and informal caregivers by helping them to better care for themselves, reduce stress and gain access to important caregiving information and resources.

Patricia Dobler Poetry Award

2011-06-14T13:47:00.002-04:00

Carlow University presents The Patricia Dobler Poetry Award

This contest is open to women writers over the age of 40 who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, currently living in the U.S., who have not published a full-length book of poetry, fiction, or non-fiction (chapbooks excluded). Current Carlow students or employees are not eligible.

Submission guidelines:

Each poem must be unpublished, up to 75 lines per poem
Up to two poems, of any style, per submission
Submissions must be postmarked by or before September 1, 2011
Submissions received after September 8, 2011 will not be accepted, regardless of postmark date
Winner will be notified by September 20, 2011

With each two-poem submission, submit the following:

Cover sheet with name, address, phone number, email, and titles of poem(s)
Check/money order for $20, made payable to Carlow University
Clearly addressed, standard letter sized self-addressed, stamped envelope for notification

The author's name, address, and any identifying information should not appear on any poem.
All entries will receive a copy of Voices from the Attic.

Send entries to:
The Patricia Dobler Poetry Award
Jan Beatty, Director of Creative Writing
Carlow University
3333 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

The winner will receive the Patricia Dobler Poetry Award, in the form of round-trip travel and lodging as a participating guest of Carlow's MFA residency in Pittsburgh, PA, January 3-13, 2012. The winner will also receive a copy of Voices from the Attic, and a reading at Carlow University with judge Denise Duhamel.

For more information, please contact Ellie Wymard, PhD, at 412-578-6346.

Generations and their Gadgets

2011-06-03T13:29:00.003-04:00

A Pew Internet study describes the use of various gadgets across the generations. Not surprisingly, Millenials and Generation Xers are the biggest users of most of the items. A significant number of adults over 65 are own cell phones, desktop computers, or laptops. E-book reader and tablet ownership is low for all the age groups. Visit here to see the whole summary.

Protective Services Persentation

2011-06-03T10:57:00.003-04:00

A presentation on Protective Services (PS) will be featured at the annual public hearing conducted by the Advisory Council of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services/Area Agency on Aging (DHS/AAA) on Tuesday, June 14, 2011, at 10:00 a.m., in the Gold Room (4^th floor) of the Allegheny County Courthouse (436 Grant Street, Downtown Pittsburgh).

In addition to supporting the independence of older adults, the DHS/AAA investigates reports of abuse, neglect, abandonment and financial exploitation of older adults, takes steps to reduce the risk of harm to them and works actively to promote prevention strategies in communities. The AAA’s PS unit currently investigates about 1,500 reports of need annually, and is one of the most active units in the state.

The presentation will cover the special challenges faced by PS investigators, how to identify elder abuse, common characteristics of victims, case studies, and local and national trends in the field. The presentation will provide valuable information to individuals and groups interested in developing greater public awareness and prevention of elder abuse in their communities, including municipal service personnel (police, EMS , etc.), health and human services professionals, clergy, caregivers of older adults, and public services groups, among others.

The main purpose of the hearing is to solicit comments on the 2011-2012 Area Plan and Budget Prospectus. Persons wishing to make comments may register in advance by calling the DHS/AAA at 412-350-4083 to schedule a time slot; a maximum of five minutes is allotted to each speaker. Following the scheduled speakers, additional (unscheduled) speakers may provide comments, as time permits.

The hearing is also an opportunity for older adults, caregivers and other interested individuals to ask questions and offer comments about aging services in general. All oral and written comments will be recorded in the proceedings of the hearing and sent to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.

Written comments will be accepted before, at or after the hearing. All written comments must be received no later than 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 15, either by e-mailing them to the above contact, or mailing them to Allegheny County Department of Human Services/Area Agency on Aging, Attention: Planning Section, 441 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

Senior Spaces

2011-05-31T09:33:00.003-04:00

AARP recently issued an article discussing changes libraries are making in order to attract older adult patrons. The goal was to provide interactive programming and an opportunity to connect with others. The article includes many examples of programs, including technology workshops, board and video games, and craft clubs. The full article can be found here.

This page features a list of 25 Ways to serve older adults, written by the librarian behind the senior space movement, Allen Kleinman.

For more information about the original Senior Space project at Old Bridge Public Library in Old Bridge, New Jersey, visit the links provided on this page.

Library Night at PNC Park

2011-05-04T15:58:00.001-04:00

Library Night at PNC Park will be Tuesday, July 19, 2011 beginning at 7:05 pm. Forms are available on the Southwest Chapter of the Pennsylvania Library Association website. Complete 2011 Library Night to order tickets. Complete 2011 Pirate On-Field Event Entry to be entered into a drawing to participate in pre-game and during game activities.

Essay: Seniors have a lot to give

2011-05-04T11:37:00.000-04:00

This essay by 16-year-old McKenzie Fritz was written during this fall's Allegheny Intermediate Unit gifted and talented journalistic writing and reporting apprenticeship and published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Tuesday, January 4, 2011. Read the essay here.

Legal Presentations For Older Adults

2011-05-04T10:47:00.004-04:00

Are you curious about…

Living Wills, Powers of Attorney, or Credit Card Issues

Learn about how Living Will and Power of Attorney documents are used, why they are important, and the recent changes in Pennsylvania law that affects them. Credit card issues will also be addressed. What happens when credit card companies or debt collection agencies sue to recover delinquent credit card balances? What defenses are available once a credit card company or a collection agency files a lawsuit against a consumer?

Dates and Locations

May 9 from 10:30-11:30
Penn Hills Senior Center
(412) 244-3400
Morrow School, 147 Jefferson Road, Penn Hills, PA 15235

May 12 from 10:30-11:30
Plum Senior Center
(412) 795-2330
499 Center-New Texas Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15239

May 13 from 11:00-12:00
Greenfield Senior Center
(412) 422-6551
745 Greenfield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217

May 23 from 1:00-2:00
New Image Center/Sharpsburg
(412) 781-1175 ext. 2107
209 – 13th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15215

May 26    10:00-11:00
Century III Mall Senior Center
(412) 216-3169
2nd Floor (next to Dicks Sporting Goods)
Clairton Road, West Mifflin, PA 15123

May 27 from 10:00-11:00
Seton Center/Brookline
(412) 344-4777
1900 Pioneer Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15226

June 1 from 10:30-11:30
West Deer Senior Center
(724) 443-8220
4834 Route 910, Allison Park, PA 15101

A program for adults age 60+, by the Allegheny County Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging.

Age-Related Vision Challenges | Saturday, May 7

2011-04-22T15:41:00.001-04:00

This upcoming event of the Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh may be of interest to older adults and caregivers in your communities.

Age-Related Vision Challenges
Blindness Awareness Day for Seniors and their families
Saturday, May 7, 2011
9:30 a.m.—noon
Radisson Hotel, Green Tree
101 Radisson Drive

off the Parkway West Green Tree exit
Registration starts at 9:00 a.m.; no charge / free parking.

This Blindness Awareness Day focuses on age-related vision loss with presentations by these specialists, who will discuss what the diseases are; the symptoms; what treatments are available, and where you can go for help.

Dr. Louis Lobes – Macular Degeneration
Dr. Marshall Stafford – Cataracts and Glaucoma

There will be ample time for your questions for the specialists. The event also will include demonstrations of low-vision aids aimed at helping those who are losing their vision learn to improve and enjoy their lives.

Blindness Awareness Day is made possible by The Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services Pennsylvania Association for the Blind* presented by Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh
1800 West Street, Homestead, PA 15120, 412-368-4400.

www.blindvr.org
*with funds provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Top Ten Most Frequently Challenged Books-2010

2011-04-21T10:04:00.004-04:00

An entry from the Office for Intellectual Freedom's Blog:

The Office for Intellectual Freedom has released its Top Ten Most Frequently Challenged Books list of 2010, as part of ALA’s State of America’s Library report during National Library Week.

1. And Tango Makes Three, by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson
2. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie
3. Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley
4. Crank, by Ellen Hopkins
5. The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins
6. Lush, by Natasha Friend
7. What My Mother Doesn’t Know, by Sonya Sones
8. Nickel and Dimed, by Barbara Ehrenreich
9. Revolutionary Voices, edited by Amy Sonnie
10. Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer

And Tango Makes Three is an award-winning children’s book about the true story of two male Emperor Penguins hatching and parenting a baby chick at New York’s Central Park Zoo. The book has appeared on the ALA’s Top Ten List of Frequently Challenged Books for the past five years and returns to the number one slot after a brief stay at the number two position in 2009 behind Lauren Myracle’s Internet girl series ttyl, ttfn, and l8r g8r. There have been dozens of attempts to remove And Tango Makes Three from school and public library shelves. Those seeking to remove the book have described it as ”unsuited for age group,” and cited “religious viewpoint” and “homosexuality” as reasons for challenging the book.
OIF recorded a total of 348 challenges in 2010. For every challenge reported to OIF, however, we estimate that there are 4 or 5 challenges that go unreported. We continue to monitor challenge situations across the country, providing information and assistance to librarians and teachers facing attempts to remove or restrict materials in schools and libraries. The good news is that, thanks to the dedication of countless individuals, materials do remain accessible to users in a majority of cases. OIF thanks you for your work and commitment to defending the freedom to read! Check out our challenges to library materials page for more information on how to report a challenge and get support from the Office for Intellectual Freedom.

Banned Books Week will be held September 24 through October 1, 2011.

Free Training for Seniors and Caregivers

2011-04-21T10:00:00.001-04:00

Below is information from our partners at the Consumer Health Coalition on a FREE training next week for seniors and caregivers.

The training is being done by a national group, “Community Catalyst” and by Consumer Health Coalition. The focus is to educate folks on how to be a better advocate and a self advocate and how to utilize one’s personal story to make it powerful, compelling, and impacting.

Here are details:
WHAT: “Lift Up Your Voice” Advocacy Training for Seniors and Caregivers

WHEN: Tuesday, 26 April and Wednesday, 27 April, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm --- Dinner provided both nights!

WHERE: 4 Allegheny Center, Mezzanine Room, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 --- on the North Side!

To register, please contact Sally Jo Snyder at (412) 456-1877 x 203 or ssnyder@consumerhealthcoalition.org

Directory of Health Centers and Clinics for the Underinsured or Uninsured

2011-04-19T09:32:00.005-04:00

Allegheny County Health Department has recently expanded and updated its directory of local health centers and clinics that serve people with minimal or no health insurance.

Click here to access the directory as a PDF.

Screen-Free Week

2011-04-15T14:30:00.003-04:00

Allegheny County Department of Human Services Encourages Kids and Adults to Go Screen-Free April 18-24

PITTSBURGH—The Allegheny County Department of Human Services will join thousands of schools, libraries and community groups nationwide in a coordinated effort to encourage millions of Americans to turn off televisions, computers and video games from April 18-24 and turn on the world around them. Screen-Free Week is a chance for children to spend more time with friends and family reading, playing, pursuing hobbies and being more physically active. “Screen-

Free Week is a much-needed opportunity to remind children and families of the alternatives to allowing the screen media to dominate our lives,” said Glenna Wilson, DHS Office of Community Services Safe Start coordinator. “We hope this awareness week will encourage everyone to make screen-free time a significant part of their lives so they can rediscover the joys of life disconnected from technology.”

On average, preschool children spend more than four and a half hours a day consuming screen media, while older children spend more than seven hours a day, including multi-tasking. Excessive screen time is linked to significant problems for children, including childhood obesity, poor school performance, sleep disturbances and problems with attention span.

Screen-Free Week (formerly TV-Turnoff) is coordinated by the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, a national advocacy organization devoted to reducing the impact of commercialism on children. Since the week’s founding in 1994, it has been celebrated by millions of children and their families worldwide.

For more information, visit www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/screen-free-week2011.aspx .
For national information, visit http://www.screenfree.org/ .

Steel Valley: A memoir in stories and poems

2011-03-23T09:13:00.000-04:00

A special event shared by one of our member libraries, the Carnegie Library of Homestead:

Michael Adams will read from his book Steel Valley and lead a discussion afterwards of life in the Steel Valley during the heyday and decline of the steel industry. He will be joined by Charlee Brodsky, a professor of photography at Carnegie Mellon University, for Thursday’s presentation at the Homestead Library.

Where: Carnegie Library of Homestead
510 E 10th Ave
Munhall PA 15120

When: Thursday, April 14 5 to 6:30PM

This event is free.

Michael Adams grew up in West Mifflin, PA. He has a Master’s degree in planning from the University of Pittsburgh and worked as a planner for the Allegheny County Planning Department in the 1970s. His latest book is Steel Valley (2010 Lummox Press http://www.lummoxpress.com/lummoxpress/indexlp.htm ) . He is the author of five other books and winner of the 2007 Mark Fischer Poetry Prize. He now lives in Lafayette, CO with his wife, Claire.

Charlee Brodsky, a professor of photography at Carnegie Mellon University, has photographed the steel valley from when the mills were standing in the 1980s until they were razed and the Waterfront built. She produced two books, one with Judith Modell Schacter entitled Homestead, A Town Without Steel; and From Mill Town to Mall Town with writers Jane McCafferty and Jim Daniels.

Alan Paul, author of BIG IN CHINA: My Unlikely Adventures Raising a Family, Playing the Blues, and Becoming a Star in Beijing

2011-03-18T14:05:00.001-04:00

From our partners at Barnes & Noble at the Waterfront:

Visits Barnes & Noble at the Waterfront
Thursday, April 7 @ 7:00 pm

Homestead, PA, March 10, 2011 – Suburban dad and Allderdice High School graduate, Alan Paul was supposed to be moving to China for his wife’s once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Instead, he ended up with an incredible adventure of his own, founding and fronting Woodie Alan, a Chinese blues band, that would be named “Beijing’s Best Band” and becoming a national touring sensation. He also became an award-winning columnist, as he sought to capture the exciting vibrancy of his new home in the capital of the world’s largest and most rapidly developing nation.

In BIG IN CHINA: My Unlikely Adventures Raising a Family, Playing the Blues, and Becoming A Rock Star in Beijing, Paul recounts these life-changing years playing music and raising three American children in Beijing. Thought provoking and passionate, BIG IN CHINA is an entertaining account of one man’s personal journey and transformation.

Join Barnes & Noble at the Waterfront as we welcome Alan Paul for a discussion and signing of BIG IN CHINA Thursday, April 7 @ 7:00 pm.

For additional information on these and other Barnes & Noble events at the Waterfront, contact Nancy Heron, Community Relations Manager, at 412-462-4798.

Life's Journey to a Better End Conference - Friday, April 1

2011-03-16T09:34:00.002-04:00

Journey to a Better End Conference, presented by the Better End Committee and Southwestern Pennsylvania Partnership for Aging will host their annual conference on Friday, April 1, 2011 at the Hospital Council of Western Pa in Warrendale.

This conference is designed to help professionals and individuals understand how to start the conversation about End of Life, what constitutes the continuum of End of Life Care and what tools are needed to provide individuals to make informed decisions about this care.

For more information click here.

Book Club Night @ Drue Heinz Lectures - Monday, March 21

2011-03-15T10:57:00.000-04:00

From our partners at Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures:

Yann Martel, Man Booker Prize-winning author of LIFE OF PI, will appear at the Drue Heinz Lectures on Monday, March 21, 2011, 7:30 pm, at the Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland. This lecture is Book Club Night with a raffle on site in the Carnegie Music Hall Foyer. Enter your Club to win FREE BOOKS by one of next season’s featured authors! Also, as always there will be an audience Q&A and a book signing with the author. Tickets starting at $15.

Tickets are available at 412-622-8866, www.pittsburghlectures.org, or at the Carnegie Music Hall box office the night of the event.

The last Drue Heinz lecture with Stacy Schiff, author of CLEOPATRA: A LIFE, will be at the Lectures on Monday, April 4.

Knit and Crochet Festival

2011-02-09T09:34:00.002-05:00

The 7th Annual Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival will take place February 11, 12, and 13 at the Four Points Sheraton North, Mars, PA 16046. The weekend is full of events and classes. Visit here to find out more!

Websites for Older Adults Bookmarks

2011-02-02T09:35:00.004-05:00

A bookmark with websites for agencies relevant to older adults is available here. It can be printed for distribution.

Community Voice Mail and Travelers Aid of Pittsburgh

2011-01-14T11:00:00.000-05:00

Wanted to pass along information about Community Voice Mail and Travelers Aid of Pittsburgh for your reference.

Travelers Aid of Pittsburgh

Travelers Aid of Pittsburgh is a non-profit, United Way agency providing social service programs to people in need of public transportation. The only organization of its kind in Western Pennsylvania, Travelers Aid provides public transportation options for individuals stranded in Pittsburgh or in need of local transit when they can't afford it.

The extensive network of programs designed by Travelers Aid is in response to the needs of travelers from all walks of life. Through their work with Human Services Providers, Travelers Aid assists with travel for over 1.5 million trips per year. This model is currently being employed in over 90 locations in Allegheny County with an enrollment of over 35,000 low-income individuals and families.

Community Voice Mail

Community Voice Mail (CVM) helps people living in poverty, transition and homelessness rebuild their lives by connecting them to jobs, housing, information and hope. We do this by providing them with a stable voice mail number at no cost to use to receive vital messages that they would miss otherwise.

Winners of the 2011 John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Awards

2011-01-14T10:44:00.000-05:00

For Immediate Release

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 14:18
Contact: Steve Zalusky

SAN DIEGO - Five libraries are winners of the John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award, which recognizes and honors outstanding achievement in library public relations.

The John Cotton Dana (JCD) honor has been awarded continuously since 1946 and is sponsored by the H.W. Wilson Co., the H.W. Wilson Foundation and the Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). It is considered the most prestigious of all library awards in the field of public relations.

“This was a very difficult judging year,” said JCD committee Chair Kim Terry. “The quality was outstanding. We had entries from a variety of libraries - several academic libraries applied with fabulous campaigns. Many of the submissions came from small- to medium-sized libraries. It’s amazing that in these challenging economic times how wonderfully gifted libraries are at leveraging what they have to produce effective marketing campaigns. Libraries have come a long way.”

The following five libraries were honored:

Loudoun County Public Library, Leesburg, Va., for “Try Poetry” - a year of building community through the borderless conversation of poetry. The program developed a long partnership with the public school system, created a unique relationship with the juvenile detention center and offered a variety of captivating presentations to the community. Extensive media coverage in the Washington Post and other outlets, as well as highly respected authors, poets and actors helped to inform and excite all ages of the community.
Anythink Libraries of Adams County, Colo., built a “library of the future,” responding to a voter-approved funding increase. A new customer service philosophy and branding increased population awareness and use in all areas, including a 42-percent increase in cardholders and 66-percent increase in visitors. The district Anythink name and orange swirl has become a nationally recognized signature for the library.

The University of California Santa Cruz Library for its hugely successful campaign surrounding its acquisition of the Grateful Dead archives. In addition to coverage in many national newspapers and magazines from the Wall Street Journal to Rolling Stone, the library’s Facebook page for this archive has more than 48,000 friends - second only to the Grateful Dead’s own Web page - and they have received $1.5 million in donations.

The Edmonton Public Library, Edmonton, Alberta, for “Rebranding the Edmonton Public Library,” a masterful blending of the work of professional designers and library staff that let each do what they do best. The simple, stylish logo and the slogan “Spread the words” were taken by library staff and customers and used in a guerilla marketing strategy that was impossible to ignore and hard to resist. The success of this campaign was built on a strong foundation of shared values, clear assessment, strategic marketing and a committed and enthusiastic library staff. The result was a colorful, adaptable, effective campaign that also happens to be a lot of fun.

Worthington Libraries, Worthington, Ohio for the “Find Yourself Here” rebranding campaign, a unique, informative and fun way to position the library as an information source and inviting destination. Beginning with staff communications guidelines and expanding to service provision, the library was positioned as a place where everyone belongs and is accepted. The net result was a 35-percent increase in online homework usage and a 36-increase in the circulation of downloadable books.

Sampling of Guidelines for Services to Older Adults

2011-01-06T14:07:00.001-05:00

The Commonwealth Libraries Older Adult Advisory Committee is developing recommendations for services to older adults in public libraries. Here is a sampling of national and state guidelines which can be used as a great catalyst for improving what we do!

ALA Guidelines for Library and Information Services to Older Adults
Created by the Library Services to an Aging Population Committee, Reference Services Section, Reference and User Services Association of the American Library Association. (2008)

Canadian Guidelines on Library and Information Services for Older Adults
A position statement created by the Canadian Library Association. (2009)

Webjunction Competency Index for the Library Field
Slides 30 to 33 (pages 20-23) focus on adult and older adult services. The competencies for the Index were compiled from input from a spectrum of library practitioners and leaders, and from competencies defined by other library organizations. (2009)

Libraries & Seniors: Strengthening Services for Older Missourians
The report and recommendations of the Task Force on Library Services for Older Adults. (2009)

Wisconsin Public Library Standards
Adult standards are throughout this document created by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. (2010)

Public Libraries, Lifelong Learning, and Older Adults: Background and Recommendations
Written by Connie Van Fleet, M.L.I.S., Ph.D., of the School of Library and Information Science at Louisiana State University for the Public Libraries and Community-Based Education: Making the Connection for Lifelong Learning conference. (1995)

Federal Benefit Payments Are Going All-Electronic

2010-12-30T12:17:00.001-05:00

Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Financial Management Service
Learn more at www.godirect.org.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury now requires all federal benefit and nontax payments to be paid electronically. People applying for Social Security, Veterans benefits or other federal benefits on or after May 1, 2011, will receive their payments electronically starting with their first payment. People currently receiving federal benefit checks will need to switch to an electronic payment option by March 1, 2013.

Those who do not choose an electronic payment option at the time they apply for federal benefits or those who do not switch by the deadline will receive their benefit payments via the Direct Express^® Debit MasterCard^® card, so they will not experience any interruption in payment. People who are already receiving benefit payments electronically do not need to take action. They will continue to receive their payment as usual on the payment day.

Having federal benefits paid electronically by direct deposit into the bank or credit union account of one's choice or into a Direct Express^® card account is safer, faster and more reliable than receiving paper benefit checks. In 2010, more than 540,000 Treasury-issued checks were reported lost or stolen, and had to be reissued.

With direct deposit, the Treasury Department sends an electronic message to one's bank or credit union account on the usual payment day with the exact amount of the benefit payment from Social Security, VA or other federal agency. People don’t have to worry about their money being stolen out of their mailbox and there’s no need to make a trip to cash or deposit a check. Plus, it’s better for the environment and saves taxpayer dollars.

Partner Update: IRS

2010-12-30T11:40:00.001-05:00

Where’s My Refund?—one of IRS’ most popular online features—gives taxpayers access to information about the status of their individual federal income tax refunds. This is regardless of whether they ask IRS to direct deposit their refunds to one, two or three accounts; apply any or all of their refund toward the purchase of U.S. Savings Bonds, or; mail them paper checks. Taxpayers can access Where’s My Refund? in English or Spanish at www.irs.gov. Taxpayers without internet access can get the same information by calling IRS’ Refund Hotline at 1-800-829-1954.

Where’s My Refund? is convenient
Taxpayers can use Where’s My Refund? to verify when their refunds are scheduled for direct deposit or mailing. Taxpayers can also find out if their refund, or a portion of their refund, will be reduced to offset an outstanding balance with the IRS or other government agencies.

How Where’s My Refund? works
Taxpayers can access Where’s My Refund? from a link on the front page of IRS.gov. Easy online instructions and prompts guide taxpayers.

Search results include information about:

• “Refund” returns received and in processing;
• “Refund” returns received and under review;
• The expected mailing dates or direct deposit dates of refunds (in the case of split refunds,

Where’s My Refund? will confirm the refund was split but will not specify the amount deposited to each account or to which accounts deposits were made);

• Errors that changed the amount of refunds;
• Refund offsets to other government agencies;
• Processing delays due to other tax liabilities, SSN mismatches, etc; and
• Refunds returned to IRS as undeliverable.

Where’s My Refund? only contains information about returns showing a refund due the taxpayer, i.e., taxpayers filing returns with balances due or credit-elects cannot obtain information.

Refunds and Offsets
Through Where's My Refund?, taxpayers have access to information about their tax refunds and any offsets. Electronic filers can access their refund information within 72 hours of submitting their returns; paper filers can use Where’s My Refund? three to four weeks after mailing their returns. In the case of refund offsets, Where’s My Refund? advises taxpayers about any IRS or Financial Management Service (FMS) adjustments to refund amounts for math errors, offsets, etc., and provide telephone numbers if taxpayers want additional information. This is in addition to notices from IRS or FMS explaining in detail any refund adjustments or offsets. This information is available in both English and Spanish.

Sample Refund and Offset messages
“We are sorry. We cannot provide any information about your refund. It can take up to 3 weeks to process your return. Please wait at least one week before you log-on again to check the status of your refund.” This message appears for all returns that have not progressed far enough in IRS processing for our system to provide a status. For e-filed returns, this message could appear up to 12 to 24 hours (or 48 hours on weekends) after taxpayers receive acknowledgements from their preparers, online transmitters, or the IRS.

“You should receive your refund by (date).” This is a projected date, providing there are no errors on the return or other delays. For e-filed returns, taxpayers should receive direct deposits the Friday before the projected date. E-filers expecting paper checks will receive their refunds a week after the projected date.

“Your refund may be reduced to pay a past due obligation such as child support, another federal agency debt, or state income tax.” This message is displayed when there is an indication from FMS that the taxpayer’s refund, or a portion of their refund, may be offset to pay a past due obligation to another governmental entity. If this applies, FMS will send a notice informing the taxpayer of any offset. The details of the debt are not provided to the IRS. Taxpayers should direct their inquiries regarding the offset or debt to the agency identified on the notice.

“Your refund has been reduced by $ [Offset Amount] to pay a past due obligation such as child support, another federal agency debt, or state income tax.” This message is displayed when we receive an update from FMS that an offset has actually occurred. If this applies, FMS will send a notice informing the taxpayer of the offset. The notice will indicate to which agency debt the offset was applied. The FMS phone number is also provided in the case the notice has not been received by the taxpayer.

Refund Date Projections
IRS projects the refund date using the best available information, but variances may occur due to the timing of direct deposits through the banking system and mail delivery for paper checks. Taxpayers may receive direct deposits on e-filed returns a few days earlier than the posted dates. Taxpayers checking their mailboxes for refunds may receive their checks a few days later.

Thanks to community partner Regis Bodnar for sharing this IRS update.

Senior Safety

2010-12-03T09:50:00.004-05:00

The Pennsylvania Resource Council has created a brochure: Sure Bets for Senior Safety-Protect Older Persons from Potentially Dangerous Hazards in the Home. It features safety tips, warnings about household chemicals, and contact information for local and national organizations.

To view or print the PDF brochure, click here.

End of Life Discussion

2010-12-03T09:41:00.006-05:00

A recent article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review highlights the Pennsylvania Department of Aging's effort to encourage Pennsylvanians to talk to their loved ones about end-of-life decisions. The agency has just released a series of "Just Talk About It" videos-filmed in Pittsburgh. The article emphasizes the importance of talking about end-of-life decisions before a critical illness happens.

Full article by Chris Togneri.

Underinsured or Uninsured? A Guide to Health Care Resources in Allegheny County

2010-12-02T12:52:00.001-05:00

The Allegheny County Health Department has recently updated and expanded its directory of local health centers and clinics that serve people with minimal or no health insurance.

The directory has been expanded to include an improved listing of dental services as well as other resources such as the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Ways to Work and Gilda’s Club, which offers free support groups and programs for those living with cancer and their loved ones. This Guide may be duplicated and distributed in your work with community members.

A Few Good Articles

2010-12-02T11:50:00.000-05:00

If they haven’t already crossed your desk, you may enjoy these articles on book clubs, golden years collection development, and a cooperative model for services to older adults.

Party On! at Your Book Discussions: Shouldn't a book club be about the fun of sharing?
American Libraries | July 2010

Collection Development: The New Golden Years
Library Journal | July 2010

A Senior Program Grows in Brooklyn: Brooklyn Public Library's Service to the Aging
Public Libraries | September/October 2010

Adults and Social Media

2010-11-30T13:49:00.007-05:00

The Pew Internet and American Life Project has issued a report on older adults and their use of social networking online.

Report Overview: (From Pew Internet)
While social media use has grown dramatically across all age groups, older users have been especially enthusiastic over the past year about embracing new networking tools. Social networking use among internet users ages 50 and older nearly doubled—from 22% in April 2009 to 42% in May 2010.

Between April 2009 and May 2010, social networking use among internet users ages 50-64 grew by 88%--from 25% to 47%.
During the same period, use among those ages 65 and older grew 100%--from 13% to 26%.
By comparison, social networking use among users ages 18-29 grew by 13%—from 76% to 86%.

“Young adults continue to be the heaviest users of social media, but their growth pales in comparison with recent gains made by older users,” explains Mary Madden, Senior Research Specialist and author of the report. “Email is still the primary way that older users maintain contact with friends, families and colleagues, but many older users now rely on social network platforms to help manage their daily communications.”

One in five (20%) online adults ages 50-64 say they use social networking sites on a typical day, up from 10% one year ago.
Among adults ages 65 and older, 13% log on to social networking sites on a typical day, compared with just 4% who did so in 2009.

At the same time, the use of status update services like Twitter has also grown—particularly among those ages 50-64. One in ten internet users ages 50 and older now say they use Twitter or another service to share updates about themselves or see updates about others.

For the full report, click here.

Partner Update: Consumer Health Coalition

2010-11-17T14:45:00.001-05:00

From a recent update from the Consumer Health Coalition in CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR OF THE CAREGIVER!

Today we celebrate the Year of the Caregiver!

Why? Family caregivers play a crucial, often under-appreciated, role in our families, communities and in our health care system.

Caregivers are on the front lines.

They fight hard for the well-being of family members and friends who are patients, many of whom suffer from multiple chronic conditions. They navigate our fragmented, poorly coordinated health care system, often at great personal cost, to get the job done for those who need them. It’s no easy task!

Caregivers are our heroes.

So in this Year of the Caregiver, we simply want to say: Thank you. We appreciate you and all your hard work.

Caregivers also need our support.

It shouldn’t be so hard to ensure that our loved ones get the care they need and deserve. We know what would help: doctors and specialists working together as a team, medical records at our fingertips, and patients and their families no longer left to fend for themselves.

There is a better way. That’s what the Campaign for Better Care is all about – and that’s why we are proud supporters of this critical Campaign.

So, today, in honor of all the caregivers in our lives, let’s show our solidarity. Join Consumer Health Coalition and the PA Campaign for Better Care – and thousands of coalition organizations and activists across the country – and add your voice to the Campaign for Better Care’s tribute wall.

Take a moment and add your photo (or video) to this new interactive website “wall” and show support for caregivers and the Campaign that is fighting for them -- and fighting for the patients they support.

It’s easy. Go to www.CampaignforBetterCare.org/Wall and click “Add Your Voice.”

Kick off the Year of the Caregiver in (social media) style. Make your voice heard – help us fight for Better Care – participate in the tribute wall project today!

Thank you for your support.

Foster Grandparent Program Senior Expo

2010-11-09T09:53:00.002-05:00

The Foster Grandparent Progam will be hosting a Senior Expo on Thursday, November 18 from 10AM to 2PM

Speak with representatives from local agencies and health care providers
Enjoy refreshments
Enter for a chance to win door prize

The expo will be held at: 225 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

For more information contact Michael Parker at 412-263-3168

Hosted by the Foster Grandparent Program, locally sponsored by the American Red Cross; in partnership with Unizon Health Plan, A United Group Company.

Tax Preparation Volunteers Needed

2010-11-03T09:45:00.002-04:00

A message shared by the United Way of Allegheny County on behalf of the Money In Your Pocket Coalition:

Are you looking for a volunteer experience where you can make an immediate and measureable difference in someone’s life?

The United Way of Allegheny County and the Money In Your Pocket Coalition need your help this tax season to provide free tax preparation assistance for low-income individuals and families in Allegheny County.

Last year, more than 125 students, professionals, and retirees dedicated over 4,000 hours to Allegheny County’s free tax campaign. Volunteers prepared 4,486 tax returns and helped return $7.8 million in tax refunds back to local residents, including $3.1 million in Earned Income Tax Credits.

For the clients we serve, these tax refunds helped put food on the table, pay off debt, make rent or mortgage payments, and pay for heat and electricity during Pittsburgh’s winter months. Learn more about the free tax campaign at http://www.pghfreetaxes.org.

Am I eligible to become a volunteer tax preparer?

If you have experience doing your own tax returns (or just want to learn), we need you! Tax preparation volunteers have basic computer skills, enjoy working with others, and successfully complete two days of tax training and IRS certification (provided by the MIYP Coalition free of charge).

Time commitment:

Your short-term time commitment is 3 or more hours per week from January-April. Scheduling is easy, and includes daytime, evening, or weekend hours.

Training:

You choose one of the following tax training weekends:

January 8^th and 9^th from 9 am to 5 pm

January 15^th and 16^th from 9 am to 5 pm

January 22^nd and 23^rd from 9 am to 5 pm

Free Tax Site Locations:

South Side

Monroeville

Downtown

East Liberty

Lawrenceville

North Side

We hope you will join us for the 2011 tax season, and ask that you:

• Fill out and save the attached volunteer application form

• Email it back to us as an attachment at freetaxes@uwac.org

• Or print it out and fax it to us at 412.456.6893

When we receive your application, we’ll register you for training and forward your application to your chosen site. You will receive a confirmation email within one business day. Please return your completed application by December 31, 2010. If you have questions or need more information, email us at freetaxes@uwac.org or call 412.456.6785.

Please pass this message along to your contacts and networks! The Money In Your Pocket Coalition includes Just Harvest, Family Resources, Goodwill of Southwestern PA, United Cerebral Palsy, Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, and the United Way of Allegheny County.

Partner Update: AARP

2010-10-29T14:33:00.001-04:00

From the AARP Pennsylvania E-News Monthly, October 2010:

AARP Launches Mobile Device Apps

AARP recently launched its first foray into mobile content with the debut of four new digital apps. The new AARP app for iPhone and iPod touch enables AARP members to carry a digital version of their membership card, allowing them easier access to member benefits, activities and programs. AARP also introduced three separate apps for AARP The Magazine, AARP Bulletin and AARP VIVA that are available for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users.

The AARP Apps are available for free at www.itunes.com/appstore. For additional information or instructions on how to access the mobile apps, visit www.aarp.org/mobile.

Create The Good By Helping Military Families

Create The Good is where good people connect with opportunities to help communities in whatever way works for them. Nothing could be simpler.

Every day, you can find new opportunities to do service in your community that fit your life and interests.
For those of you who prefer work at your own pace, we’ve created Do It Yourself toolkits.

This month consider Helping Military Families. Deployed military members leave behind spouses, children and parents who must try to maintain life as usual while their loved one is away. Often, they are left to settle into a new community without the benefit of local family and friends. Giving a bit of your time can make a world of difference.

Visit CreateTheGood.org for more opportunities, tools and ideas to help improve your community.

VETERANS DAY DISCOUNTS 2010

2010-10-29T14:27:00.000-04:00

From a community partner at the IRS:

Eat Free at Applebee's
Military veterans and active-duty Service Members will be able to eat free at any Applebee's across the U.S. on Veteran's Day, Thursday, Nov. 11, 2010. There will be six entrées available from the menu. Guests will be asked to show one or more of the following as proof of service: a U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organization Card, a photograph in uniform, or wearing a uniform in person. For more information about Veterans Day at Applebee's, visit the Applebee's website: http://www.applebees.com/vetsDay/default.aspx.

Military Eat Free at Golden Corral
Golden Corral's 9th annual Military Appreciation Monday dinner will be held on Monday, November 15, 2010, from 5 to 9 pm in all Golden Corral restaurants nationwide. The free dinner meal is a special "thank you tribute" to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, or in the National Guard/Reserves, you are invited to join us for Golden Corral's Military Appreciation Monday dinner. To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 2.2 million free meals and contributed over $3.3 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization. Website for more information: http://www.goldencorral.com/military/

McCormick & Schmick's Complimentary Lunch or Dinner
Veterans will be able to choose a complimentary lunch or dinner entree on Sunday, November 7. Some of the mouth-watering selections include Cashew-Crusted Tilapia, Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Seafood Fettuccini Alfredo and Cedar-Planked Salmon. http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/featured-promotion/Veterans-Appreciation-Day.aspx

Salute from Outback Steakhouse
As an expression of Outback Steakhouse's appreciation to our Country's veterans and active duty military*, a free Bloomin' Onion and beverage of choice (one non-alcoholic drink or one draft Anheuser Busch beer except where prohibited by law) will be available to them at every Outback in the country on Veterans Day. Please visit: http://www.outback.com/pressroom/pr_101018.aspx for details.

Home Depot and Lowe's Military Discount
Home Depot and Lowe's have long been known to offer a 10% holiday discount to military members and their families and in many cases veterans and retirees. These promotions were usually limited to the main military holidays such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Veterans Day. Well, no longer - both companies have announced these offers are available every day of the week.
http://themilitarywallet.com/home-depot-lowes-10-military-discount/

Fee Free Day at National Parks
To honor America's service men and women, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced that areas managed by the department would not charge entrance fees on Thursday, November 11, 2010.

Colonial Williamsburg Free Admission
Colonial Williamsburg honors America's Veterans with a procession down Duke of Gloucester Street, 4:30 p.m., beginning at the Capitol. The parade culminates in a public ceremony, with militia and cannon crew firing volleys in recognition of those who serve. Hear Colonial Williamsburg's Fifes and Drums, and speakers from past and present. Active duty military, guard and reservists, retirees, veterans and their dependents enjoy free admission passes Friday through Wednesday, Nov. 6-11. Learn more
http://www.history.org/visit/eventsAndExhibits/calendar/index.

Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet Festival | Call for Library Groups

2010-10-29T14:12:00.000-04:00

A message from the Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet Festival:

The Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet Festival is compiling a list with contact information of knitters, crocheters, spinners and weavers who meet in the Greater Pittsburgh area and will publish it in our Festival Program for February 2011. It occurred to us that many such groups may meet in the public libraries. If such a group meets in your library please let them know about this opportunity to inform other like-minded individuals about their group. If they would like to have their group published on the list or have any other questions about the list or the Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival they can submit information or contact us at pghknitandcrochet @gmail.com or call 412-963-7030.

Partner Update: Neighborhood Legal Services Association

2010-10-28T13:43:00.001-04:00

From Neighborhood Legal Services Association:

This past year, Neighborhood Legal Services Association received funding from the Pittsburgh Foundation to develop a resource manual to assist clients who are experiencing driver’s license problems address/overcome them. Over the summer, we convened a group of workforce development agencies to review a draft version of the driver’s license resource manual. We have since incorporated the feedback gathered during the review to finalize the manual and have also produced 3 companion brochures for you to use in helping clients address.

We are now making these resources available to you -- in electronic format. We believe workforce development professionals and case managers will find the Manual a valuable resource in their efforts to assist clients overcome driver’s license problems. The manual is very comprehensive and contains detailed explanations and instructions as well as sample forms used by PennDot. The brochures and FAQ sheet provide concise information in a simplified format that will be most helpful to clients.

These resources include:

These resources are available online on the www.PaLawHelp.org website where a new Drivers License and Professional License subtopic is now active under the Consumer and Employment topics. The materials are also available by clicking the links below:

Consumer: http://www.palawhelp.org/link.cfm?3176

Employment: http://www.palawhelp.org/link.cfm?3175

If you have any questions or require additional information, please feel free to contact me or our new Employment Law attorney, Elizabeth Tuccillo, Esquire at tuccilloe@nlsa.us or via phone at (412) 586-6119.

Carnegie Museum of Art | André Kertész: On Reading ($2 Off)

2010-10-21T16:36:00.000-04:00

The Carnegie Museum of Art will be featuring the exhibition, André Kertész: On Reading, beginning October 23, 2010 running through February 13, 2011. Receive $2 off admission by presenting a library card from any Allegheny County library.

André Kertész: On Reading includes photographs from the 1920s to 1970s that examine the power of reading as a universal pleasure and illustrate Kertész’s ability to capture the poetry and choreography of life in public and private moments. Balanced between geometric composition and playful observation, these glimpses of everyday people and places show how Kertész forever changed the course of photographic art. This is the first exhibition of Kertész’s photographs to be shown in Pittsburgh. Read the full press release.

Checks for Vets by Joseph Scott McCarthy

2010-10-18T16:06:00.003-04:00

Author and veteran advocate Joseph Scott McCarthy recently spoke at the Older Adult Forum to share his expertise with local library staff and book Checks for Vets, A Guidebook to Help Wartime Service Veterans and Their Surviving Spouses Receive VA Pensions to Pay for Long-Term Care. This valuable resource that you’ll want for your library is available through Ingram, Amazon, B&N, Joseph-Beth and more. As was testified to at our meeting, this information can change lives!

Joe McCarthy is a veteran advocate with more than eight years’ experience working with Aid and Attendance and Housebound pensions. With the help of veteran service officers at the American Legion, county veteran service officers, and VA personnel, he has educated and guided thousands of veterans and their surviving spouses through the VA pension process. Joe has given numerous presentations explaining VA pension benefits to veterans’ organizations, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, hospital staff, social workers’ organizations, and lawyers who work with veterans.

Joe did his research for the book with the help of the Whitehall Public Library. He regularly posts updates on his website, www.checksforvets.com and blog, www.checksforvets.com/blog.

Joe also has some limited time to go out to speak give public presentations. This is a great resource to share with a local partners! (info@checksforvets.com, 877.249.8387)

ALCOSAN Community Meetings - October & November 2010

2010-10-15T09:25:00.000-04:00

Below is forwarded from Joe Agnello, a consultant for Allegheny County Sanitary Authority. Just in case any of you needed this schedule to post.

Attached is an announcement about public meetings the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority will be holding soon to present updated information about proposed solutions to sewer overflows. These meetings are part of the process of developing a Wet Weather Plan (a plan of corrective measures) that is to be finalized by 2013 and fully implemented by 2026. In all probability, this is going to be a multi-billion-dollar investment to modernize a critical piece of the region's infrastructure. Please use this attachment as you wish to help spread the word about these important meetings. Thank you for your consideration.

Thanks to Heather Anderson at the Community Library of Castle Shannon for sharing this information.

Volunteers for the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, Pittsburgh, PA

2010-10-12T13:41:00.000-04:00

A recent call for volunteers from the chair of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games:

Please share this link with anyone you know that is interested in volunteering for the 2011 National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, August 1-6, 2011. The NVWG are the World's largest annual wheelchair sports competition.

The NVWG are hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. The NVWG was an important part of my rehabilitation and re-integration and remains as relevant for today's young Veterans and active-duty wounded, injured or ill.

We need 3,000 volunteers to ensure an outstanding games for our wounded, injured, or ill military Veterans and active-duty troops. Volunteers are needed starting today and as well as during the Games.

Registration for athletes will begin in January, 2011. We would also like to get the word-out to WTU's, Marine WWR, and eligible Veterans.

The 2011 NVWG volunteer registration website is up and running on our website and people can begin self registering or registering their groups via our online tool.

www.pittsburgh.va.gov/NVWG

Users are now able to self register and/or register their group by clicking on the "Volunteer" link.

I have the honor of Chairing the NVWG 2011 Pittsburgh Local Organizing Committee, and hope that you will lend your support.

Best wishes,

Rory A. Cooper

Local mystery author Kathleen George to visit Lauri Ann West Memorial Library

2010-10-05T14:18:00.000-04:00

Come to the Lauri Ann West Memorial Library to meet local mystery author Kathleen George this Thursday at 7 pm. The library will host a reception and book talk beginning at 7 pm on Thursday, October 7 with acclaimed mystery writer Kathleen George. Kathleen George lives in Pittsburgh where she is a professor of theatre at the University of Pittsburgh. Her latest novel The Odds was nominated for an Edgar award for best novel of the year by the Mystery Writers of America. She is also the author of the acclaimed novels: Taken, Fallen, and After Image, the short story collection The Man in the Buick, scholarly theatrical books and articles, and many short stories. Many of her books use Pittsburgh locations in their plots. Please invite any book discussion groups in your area.

Lauri Ann West Memorial Library

1220 Powers Run Rd.

Pittsburgh, PA 15238

412-828-9520

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

2010-09-22T09:39:00.002-04:00

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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