UNITED WAY Program will help children learn basics

SHARON, Pa. -- The United Way of Mercer County will take the lead in funding a summer program for pre-kindergarten children.
The agency announced at its annual meeting this week that it will put up $30,700 to help finance the program.
The Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission is putting in $10,000, while the FirstEnergy Foundation will contribute $5,000 to complete the financing.
The program is the direct result of the United Way's asking area school superintendents about needs evident in the community.
The superintendents recommended launching the pre-kindergarten program for the Farrell, Hermitage, Mercer, Sharon, Sharpsville and West Middlesex school districts to help children learn basic educational skills.
It will be limited to 20 children per district and will run for six weeks, with transportation and lunch provided.
The program will be taught by Head Start teachers and assisted by an early childhood-certified or primary teacher from each district.
In other matters, the agency presented its Volunteer of the Year award to Vera Hubicz of Sharpsville, a volunteer for more than 13 years.
Hubicz is a retired nurse who has dedicated her energies to community service.