Steelers vs. Browns feud looms
The Mercer County Chapter of the American Red Cross wants to know what color you bleed. The chapter is holding its Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns Blood Feud on Nov. 22 at Hermitage VFW Post 6166 at 5550 E. State St. The feud, pitting Steeler fans against Browns fans, will run from noon to 6 p.m. with a post-game celebration from 6 to 7 p.m. The feud is the chapter's largest blood drive each year, and Dan Dilley, donor resource assistant, said the event is expected to draw 200 participants. WPIC Radio's PIC Sports Line show will broadcast live from the site from 5 to 7 p.m., and a large-screen TV will broadcast highlights of both teams. DJ Freddy Fresh will spin tunes all day. Every donor will get a Feud T-shirt. To register, call Dilley at (724) 981-3205.
Toy drive begins
The Mercer barracks of the Pennsylvania State Police has launched its annual toy drive to benefit needy children in Mercer County. All toys collected will be distributed with the assistance of the Mercer County Children's Aid Society. Police ask that only new toys be donated and, for security reasons, toys shouldn't be gift wrapped. That also allows families who will be getting the toys to view and select what they think their children will most want. New toys are being accepted at the police barracks at 826 Franklin Road (U.S. Route 62) now through Dec. 10.
Smokeout coming up
State Rep. Rod Wilt of Greenville, R-17th, is encouraging residents in his district to participate in the 2005 Great American Smokeout on Thursday. The district covers portions of Mercer, Lawrence and Crawford counties. The event was launched by the American Cancer Society in the 1970s to help people quit smoking. Smokers interested in quitting but who feel they need additional help can contact their local American Cancer Society office or visit the society's Web site at www.cancer.org, Wilt said.
Grant appreciated
State Rep. Frank LaGrotta of Ellwood City, D-10th, applauded the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission for awarding a $7,125 grant to the Lawrence County Historical Society. During his tenure in the house, LaGrotta said he has supported funding for Pennsylvania museums and the preservation of historic sites. The grant is part of the PHMC's General Operating Support Grant program, which awards funding annually to museums and official county historical societies. This year PHMC is awarding 85 of the grants to museums in Pennsylvania for a total investment of $3.85 million, as well as 50 grants totaling $396,875 to county historical societies.