Draft ordinances to be unveiled

The City of Monongahela and the Borough of New Eagle will hold a public meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday to unveil the draft Joint Zoning Ordinance and updated Subdivision and Land Development ordinances.

The meeting will be held at New Eagle Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall, 156 Chess St., New Eagle.

The proposals are part of the town's joint comprehensive plan, which was adopted in 2008.

Staff from Mackin Engineering Co., consultant for the project, along with representatives from the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington will present information. This project was funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program, Local Government Academy Multi-Municipal Planning Grant and Community Development Block Grant funds.

For more, call Amy Wiles, a planner, at 412-788-0472.

Questions on tricky transitions answered

A Transition Parent Night will be held at Canon-McMillan High School from 6 to 8 p.m. next Thursday.

Guest speaker will be David Carson, author and admissions counselor at La Roche College. Mr. Carson wrote "Survival Guide for College-Bound L.D. Students."

In addition to Mr. Carson, many local agencies, schools and colleges will be in attendance to answer questions that parents and students with disabilities may have about transition from high school to post-secondary education, employment and independent living.

For more, visit www.cmsd.k12.pa.us and follow the links.

Mini golf gets planners' recommendation

Developers Jerry and Paul Fitzgerald want to build an 18-hole miniature golf course at 2070 Greentree Road on land above Rita's Italian Ice.

The Fitzgeralds own the Rita's Italian Ice building and consider the golf course to be an accessory use of their property.

Planners gave a recommendation for the project earlier this month.

Easements and leases with a neighboring veterinarian, Dr. Alan Mann, would be required for access to parking and a portion of the course.

The Fitzgeralds' attorney, John Linkosky, said easements are in place to access part of Dr. Mann's property for parking and to house a temporary building for washrooms and storage.

Fifth Ward commissioner Tom Castello said he had spoken with neighbors about the business, which would be open from noon to 10 p.m.

"We all think it's a great idea," he said.

Commissioner Bill Wells said that a fence is needed to protect players and to keep golf balls from straying onto Greentree Road and the businesses below.

Paul Fitzgerald said he and his brother would place a chain across the parking lot at night, an idea that Commissioner David Jason favored.

Blood drive at high school

The South Fayette High School Health Careers Club is sponsoring a blood drive from 7:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 30 in the high school gym.

Donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health.

All student donors, regardless of age, must obtain a Central Blood Bank Parental Consent Form from the school nurse, have it signed by a parent or legal guardian, and return to the high school nurse. Proper identification is required to donate blood.

Adults are also welcome to donate. Call 412-209-7000 or go to www.centralbloodbank.org to schedule.

Service groups may apply for grants

South Hills-based Women of Southwestern PA Inc. is looking for charitable groups that serve family interests to apply for $2,500 grants from the group's annual Symphony of Food fundraiser.

To qualify, an organization must provide service in the counties of Allegheny, Washington, Fayette or Greene, have nonprofit status, receive no federal funds for specific projects, and benefit women and or families' interests.

Applicants should send a letter listing the group's mission, a copy of the IRS 501(c)(3) status; specify the amount requested and state how the grant would be used to: WOMEN of Southwestern PA, Inc., c/o Philanthrophy Committee, P.O. Box 1112, McMurray, PA 15317. Submission deadline is May 15. Visit www.womenofswpa.org.

Samuel Hazo is special guest

Award-winning poet and author Samuel Hazo will be the featured speaker at the Upper St. Clair Township Library author luncheon at 1 p.m. April 18 at St. Clair County Club.

Dr. Hazo, of Upper St. Clair, was chosen the first State Poet of the Commonwealth by Gov. Robert Casey in 1993 and served until 2003.

Tickets, $30, are at the library main desk, where menu items also may be selected through April 10.

Tracks under bridge to be fixed

The CSX tracks beneath Walnut Street, near the Boston Bridge span of Youghiogheny River, will be lowered using a federal grant.

The $865,813 grant is part of $121 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding announced last month for rail and pedestrian systems in Pennsylvania. Work will start later this year and is not expected to impact adjacent properties, the bridge or the river.

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