Rep. Phil English takes trip to Israel

Rep. Phil Englishtakes trip to Israel
SHARON, Pa. -- U.S. Rep. Phil English of Erie, R-21st, joined a congressional delegation Saturday for a one-week trip to Israel to gather a firsthand view of the region.
The tour is designed to give members of Congress some background when it comes to making U.S. policy toward Israel and the Middle East.
"At this delicate time with the region clearly in crisis, we felt it was important to get firsthand information," English said. The group will get briefings from both Israeli and Arab officials, including leaders of all major political groups as well as representatives of a cross section of Israel's population.
English also plans to meet with peace process negotiators and defense and economic negotiators. The congressman said he will visit key strategic sites as well as absorption centers for Ethiopian and Russian immigrants, military bases and holy sites.
Jeep rodeo setfor New Castle
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- A Jeep rodeo is planned for 2 p.m. next Sunday at Pearson Park. Free dash plaques will be given to the first 150 Jeeps registered for events.
Contests cost $5 to enter. Also, there will be prizes for best in show, oldest, ugliest and best restoration. Face-painting and prize packs are planned for children. Bands will play from 2 to 5:30 p.m. and prizes will be drawn every hour. For more details, e-mail hrja@hrja.org. Admission is free and alcohol is prohibited.
Administrator retiresfrom Agency on Aging
MERCER, Pa. -- A longtime administrator for Mercer County Area Agency on Aging Inc. is retiring. Deputy Director Bruce Smith has submitted his resignation and will retire Aug. 31 after 25 years of service. His resignation was accepted by the agency's board of directors Thursday. Ann Marie Spiardi, executive director, said there are no plans to fill the vacancy immediately. The board is looking at doing some restructuring of its administrative positions first, she said. In other business, the board named Amy Perrine of Grove City as manager of its Grove City Senior Service Center, filling a vacancy there. It was a lateral move for Perrine, who previously served as care manager for the agency, and her salary will remain at $25,988, Spiardi said.
Golf event raises fundsfor cancer research
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- More than $8,000 was raised for the American Cancer Society by the Lynn Davis Y-103 Lifetime Television for Women Golf Scramble Aug. 8 at Tam-O-Shanter Golf Course.
Mercer and Mahoning County ACS units will split the proceeds and use them for research and to aid breast cancer survivors with local programs, such as free mammograms for women ages 35-49 who meet eligibility guidelines.