KEYSTONE CLIPS Red Cross issues call for volunteers

The Mercer County Chapter of the American Red Cross is looking for volunteers. The agency needs people to work in emergency services to assist families in local fires as well as to respond to larger-scale disasters. Military services is looking for people to work with families trying to contact active military personnel. Blood services runs a canteen at each blood donation site that is staffed by volunteers, and health and safety needs people to help offer first aid, lifeguard and other training. Anyone interested in lending a hand can contact Diane R. Buckley, director of emergency services, at (724) 981-3205, Ext. 22.
Time to spare
Sharon Councilman Lou Rotunno pulled out his pocket date book at last week's council meeting when council decided to reschedule its September meeting. He handed it to Fred Hoffman, council president, who wanted to check the calendar, but when it came to picking a date, Hoffman didn't immediately hand the calendar back. When council agreed to a Sept. 26 meeting, Rotunno asked Hoffman, "Fred, what's my calendar say? Am I available?" Hoffman couldn't resist the opening. "It says you're leading a boring life. There's nothing in there for two weeks," he quipped.
Airport grant
The New Castle Municipal Airport is getting $532,000 under the state's Block Grant and Aviation Development Program, said state Rep. Chris Sainato of New Castle, D-9th. The money will be used for easements on airport runways and for the second phase of tree obstruction removal. The airport is owned by the New Castle Airport Authority.
Road repair money
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has agreed to pay New Beaver Borough $20,000 to repair Britton School Road, said state Rep. Frank LaGrotta of Ellwood City, D-10th.
Although not listed as an official detour by the turnpike, the road was used extensively by motorists while the bridge on Pa. Route 168 was closed. During that time, the road was severely damaged. LaGrotta said the money should be given to the borough before the end of August.
XCONTRIBUTORS: Harold Gwin, Vindicator Sharon Bureau, and Laure Cioffi, New Castle Bureau.