Congressman John Murtha (1932-2010)

Sadly, longtime United States Representative John Murtha, a Democrat from Pennsylvania who represented the 12th Congressional District for over 35 years, passed away at the age of 77 on February 8th. After serving in the Marine Corps, Congressman Murtha became the first Vietnam veteran to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Before his tenure in Congress, he was a Pennsylvania State Representative from 1969 to 1973, representing the Commonwealth’s 72nd District. Neither his dedication to the Commonwealth and his country nor his many achievements will soon be forgotten. My heartfelt condolences go out to Congressman Murtha’s family and friends and to those who had the pleasure of working with him. He will be greatly missed.
 

Winter Weather Safety

It’s a historic season in Western Pennsylvania as we recently endured one of the worst winter storms in the history of our area. Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter, and it seemed to come all at once. While hopefully we’ve seen the worst of it, remember that conditions can still be dangerous. It’s important that your sidewalks, stairs and driveways are shoveled and salted and that there’s a clear path in and out of your home and to your mailbox. It’s also a good idea to check on your family, friends, and neighbors, especially senior citizens, to ensure that everybody has heat and food during these cold winter months.
 

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Winter Events

Are you looking for a fun and educational way to spend a Saturday with your family? Visit the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium’s Docent Councils Annual Winter Safari, held every Saturday in February and March in the Tropical Forest and PPG Aquarium. This year's topic is animal adaptations. Discover how animals learn to survive in even the most extreme environments.

Also, registration has begun for the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium’s Breakfast or Lunch with the Easter Bunny. The events will be held Saturday, March 27; Sunday, March 28; and Saturday April 3 at 9:30 a.m. and Noon. Enjoy great food, watch an animal presentation, decorate cookies, and of course, visit with the Easter Bunny. This event sells out quickly, so don't wait. To register, visit www.pittsburghzoo.org, click ‘Plan your visit,’ and then ‘Events calendar.’
 

H1N1 Flu Virus

While the H1N1 influenza virus, commonly known as “swine flu,” has drifted off of the front pages and out of conversation lately, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a statement just last week reminding us that the battle against this potentially deadly disease is not yet over, and may even return in later months. The most important step that you can take to prevent the spread of H1N1 is to get vaccinated. Visit www.achd.net for the vaccination clinic nearest you in Allegheny County or www.h1n1inpa.com for more tips on prevention and information on the virus. It’s also extremely important to wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, to cough and sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve (not your hand), and to stay home if you’re feeling sick to prevent the spread of the virus to others.
 

Fontana Fact!

The Carnegie Library in Allegheny City, the first library given under the Carnegie formula, was opened to the public on February 13, 1890 after being dedicated by President Benjamin Harrison. The design was by Smithmeyer and Pelz, the Washington architectural firm that designed the Library of Congress.