Patch Picks: 8th Annual Men’s Culinary Classic Set for Saturday

Did we mention there will be a pierogie-eating contest?

Male chefs are preparing samples of their specialty dishes and guests will vote for their favorite dish in six categories—including one for boys—at the 8th Annual Men's Culinary Classic slated for Saturday at the Washington County Fairgrounds (Hall #1). The event is slated from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The evening of family fun includes good food, music, a pierogie-eating contest, Chinese auction, raffles and a 50/50 drawing.  "This year we added a photo booth and there are some very creative dishes being prepared," one of the organizers, Julianna Lawrence, said. Tickets are $15 in advance ($20 at the door) for adults and $7 for kids. Children 5 and younger are free.  All proceeds benefit Community Action Southwest, a non-profit that works with …

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On Point with Sen. Tim Solobay

Good News for Patients and Health Workers

Here's the latest from Sen. Tim Solobay, D-Canonsburg.

Progress in the affiliation agreement between Highmark and West Penn Allegheny Health System is good news for the people of southwestern Pennsylvania who depend on these two health-care giants. And it’s not just patients who are breathing a sigh of relief—thousands of employees were affected by the difficult negotiations that led to the recent agreement over debt financing. Highmark recently submitted an amended affiliation agreement to the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance, and I hope the department can act quickly to create stability for the patients and health-care workers of the region. You can see the amended filing and submit a comment about the plan by clicking here. You can also submit comments by email to: rbrackbill@pa.gov. …

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scott Stilwell

9:32 am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Regarding privatizing the state stores, I think a compromise could be reached that may satisfy all parties involved. I suggest that a clause be placed in the sale agreement that requires the private owners to retain existing employees at current wages, benefit levels, etc for at least a year.   more ›

On Point with Sen. Tim Solobay

Gas Extraction Means More than Just Jobs

Read about this and more in Sen. Tim Solobay's weekly column.

The discovery of large natural gas deposits in the Marcellus Shale, and the development of technology to extract it, means more to this region and the country than jobs and economic growth. It also brings the potential to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, which would improve national security and shield our economy from instability in the Middle East. Oil and gas industry executives, along with local government officials met recently at Waynesburg University to discuss how we can transition more vehicles from gasoline to compressed natural gas. The bottom line is that converting cars and trucks is only part of the problem.  Converting our re-fueling infrastructure will be more of a challenge. It would mean linking compressed gasoline …

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Community Action Southwest to Receive State Child Abuse Prevention Grant

The grant totals $120,000.

Community Action Southwest has been awarded a $120,000 state grant to help enhance child abuse and neglect prevention programs and outreach efforts in Greene and Washington county communities—including Canonsburg, Cecil and North Strabane. State Reps. Brandon Neuman, Jesse White and Peter J. Daley II, and state Sen. Tim Solobay, announced the grant Tuesday. The legislators said the grant was awarded through Pennsylvania’s Children’s Trust Fund, which is administered by the state Department of Public Welfare’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning. “The impacts of child abuse and neglect can cost families, schools, service providers and others tens of thousands of dollars both immediately and later on in life,” said Neuman, D-North…

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Tax Preparation Volunteers Needed

Community Action Southwest is seeking volunteers in Washington and Greene counties for its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

Community Action Southwest is seeking volunteers in Washington and Greene counties for its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. The program provides low- to moderate-income households with free tax filing services. The tax preparation help will be available in February and March at locations throughout Washington and Greene counties, including many local offices, including those of state Sen Tim Solobay. Volunteers can attend upcoming events to find out more about how the program works and what training can be provided.  Last year, VITA volunteers helped to file 583 income tax returns for $534,640 in refunds. For additional information or to RSVP for an open house event, please call Rachael at 724-225-9550, extension 427. Community …

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Amanda Gillooly

1:18 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Thanks for the kind words! If I can be of further assistance, please feel free to call me anytime at 724-510-5659.   more ›

Shred Some Pounds (of Paper)

State Sen. Tim Solobay and Canonsburg will offer residents free document shredding.

As income tax season reminds residents how many sensitive personal documents they have stored at home, state Sen. Tim Solobay and Canonsburg borough are teaming up with a local business to help get rid of the backlog. DocSolutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Community Action Southwest, will provide free document shredding in the borough parking lot at 68 E. Pike St., Canonsburg, on April 20. “Keeping unnecessary piles of records with personal information is inviting trouble,” Solobay said. “Throwing these documents into the trash could put them in the wrong hands. It’s best to shred personal records when they’re no longer needed.” Residents can bring their unneeded papers from 9 a.m. until noon. The event is for individuals only, and not…

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Smith Township Solar Park to Receive Grant

Canonsburg's John Bevec was the development manager for the project.

A Washington County solar energy project will receive $350,000 in state assistance, marking another public-private partnership helping to make the region a leader in new energy production for the next generation. The Community Networks Solar Park in Smith Township covers 2.5 acres and creates clean power for the local electric grid. Developers will receive a grant from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. Developing diverse sources of energy for consumers is critical to preserving the environment and lowering our dependence on foreign fuel. Along with projects promoting natural gas production, solar and wind energy are all part of a new wave of cleaner power without a connection to the Middle East. The $1.2 million project…

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CAS, Solobay to Offer Free Tax Help

Help is open to anyone who made less than $50,000 in 2011 in Washington and Greene counties.

Community Action Southwest and state Sen. Tim Solobay are partnering to offer free, basic, online income tax filing assistance to qualified working taxpayers in two of his district offices. “Too many people can’t afford to get qualified help and miss out on key tax breaks,” Solobay, D-Canonsburg said. “I’m glad to host these great volunteers who put so much time into helping others get their taxes sorted out.” Last year, through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, CAS assisted more than 500 households in Washington and Greene counties in filing their income taxes, bringing back $580,000 in refunds. CAS operates its VITA Program in partnership with the IRS and through funding from the United Way of Washington County and the Greene …

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