Adults

Vietnam Memories Videos

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The Peters Township Library Foundation in partnership with The Peters Township Public Library has filmed and produced a selection of “Vietnam Memories” to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Tet Offensive and to delve more deeply into the experiences of local Vietnam veterans and the recollections of local residents.  Visitors are welcome to watch the Vietnam memories currently playing in our library lobby or with this link to our YouTube Channel. Our intention in providing this brief oral history is to honor those who served by sharing their stories and experiences firsthand to teach younger generations and the general public about this difficult time in our nation’s history.  In addition to thanking our guest speakers, we also offer special thanks to Jim McNutt and Diane Lioon for their commitment to making this project a reality. We also wish to thank PTHS Art Teacher, Lauren McCutcheon and the PTHS Art Club student volunteers, Cassie Tomlin, Rebecca Nelson and Kim Mincin for their assistance in painting our bunker scenery.

The Vietnam Memories videos are now airing on Comcast Channel 7 and Verizon Channel 38 on Mondays at 10:00 a.m., Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m., Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m., Thursdays at 11:00 p.m., and Fridays at 4:30 a.m.

George Dvorznak – An officer in the US Army in May 1967, George was stationed at the Long Binh Base, which housed the 3rd Ordinance Battalion’s largest ammunition dump in operation at the time. This is his story of the night the ammunition dump exploded.

Ron Worstell – Drafted by the US Army in 1968, Ron was assigned to the Infantry to provide security along the Ho Chi Minh Trail near the Cambodian border. He talks about his experiences with the Vietnamese villagers and how his 18 years of volunteer work at the Vietnam Memorial Wall have helped him overcome his survivor’s guilt.

Jim McNutt – In 1968 Jim McNutt was a US Army news correspondent in Vietnam. He was assigned to cover the action with the 60th Infantry Division’s Mobile Riverine Force as they patrolled the Delta south of Saigon. This is his exciting story of a surprise ambush attack while doing his job.

Jim Puhala – Jim was a helicopter pilot with the 1st Cavalry Division of the US Army. On November 8, 1967, he was called to provide fire support for US troops who were under heavy attack by the VC along Highway 1 in Vietnam. Hear his account of his helicopter being shot down and the crew rescued.

Richard Gotch – A MACV Advisor for the US Army in 1966, Richard’s job was to be the liaison between the US Armed forces and the South Vietnamese ARVN troops at the US Fort at Song Be. This is his story of an NVA battalion decimating the ARVN troops as they charged over a mountain into Cambodia.

Peter Bonadio, MD – Dr. Bonadio was assigned to the artillery headquarters near Chu Lai in August of 1969. He made his “rounds” via helicopter to three nearby firebases to inspect facilities and treat soldiers. He also provided first aid to the local villagers, sometimes with surprising results.

Judge Mike McCarthy – In 1970, Mike was a Seabee in the US Navy assigned to the Delta region in Vietnam. This is the story of how his team replaced a section of a footbridge which crossed the river while fellow Navy swift-boats distracted the enemy with firepower.

Patricia Fink – Patti showed her support for the POWs of the Vietnam War by wearing her POW bracelet from 1971-1973. The bracelets were a fundraiser for her mother’s Marine Corp Ladies Auxiliary. She shares stories about the support that the Auxiliary gave to the wounded Vietnam Veterans in Pennsylvania.

Vietnam Veterans Discuss PBS Series “The Vietnam War”

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To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Tet Offensive and to delve more deeply into our veterans’ experiences and perspectives, the Peters Township Public Library will partner with the Veterans Breakfast Club for a unique panel discussion.

On Monday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m., four Vietnam veterans will meet to share their thoughts about the documentary series The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns & Lynn Novick, focusing on Episodes 1 and 6. The discussion will be moderated by Todd DePastino, founder and executive director of the Veterans Breakfast Club. Register online to attend the discussion or call 724.941.9430 #1.

The four veterans on the panel will include:

George Dvorznak who served with the Army in Vietnam from May 1967 – May 1968 as the commander of the 229th Supply & Service Co. in Long Binh near Saigon.

 

 

 

Ron Worstell who was drafted into the Army in March 1968. He served as a radio operator with the 1st Infantry Division west of Saigon from September 1968 – June 1969. Worstell has returned to Vietnam twice, once for humanitarian work, and serves as a volunteer at The Wall Washington D.C.

 

 

 

As Duquesne University ROTC graduate, Ed Blank shipped with the Army’s 40th Signal Battalion to Vietnam in August 1966 and then became the commander of the 267th Signal Company while in country. Based for much of the time in Qui Nhon, Blank’s company traveled much digging trenches and setting up poles for the miles of telephone line needed to connect the far-flung Army forces.

 

Andy Nigut served with the Marine Corps—2nd Battalion, 5th Marines—in I Corps near the DMZ in 1968, when he was grievously wounded by an enemy rocket attack. After a long recovery, Andy became a counselor, and, with other young combat veterans, wrestled with the VA to create street-level counseling outreach that today is known as the Vets Center.

 

 

 

The Peters Township Public Library will offer free screenings of The Vietnam War Episodes 1 and 6 for persons interested in viewing a portion of the ten-part, 18-hour documentary series prior to the April 6 program. No registration is needed to attend any of the free screenings.

Episode 1 “Déjà vu” (1858 – 1961): After a century of French occupation, Vietnam emerges independent but divided.  Running time: One hour and 23 minutes

  • Monday, March 19 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 20 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 21 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
  • Monday, April 2 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Episode 6 “Things Fall Apart” (January 1968 – July 1968): Shaken by the Tet Offensive, assassinations and unrest, America seems to be coming apart. Running time: One hour and 25 minutes

  • Monday, March 26 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 28 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 29 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 4 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

New Adulting 101 Series

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Sometimes becoming an adult is not all that you thought it would be – laundry to do, bills to pay, a car to take care of, AND you have to cook your own dinner!

To help you learn the skills you need to be an adult without having to call home every 10 minutes, the Peters Township Public Library is kicking off a new Adulting 101 series on Saturday, February 24 at 11:00 a.m. with Say WHAT? How to Communicate Like a Grown-Up. This free class will cover how to write a cover letter and resume, prepare for an interview, and keep your internet reputation something your mom would be proud to see. Lisa Raymond, instructor of Public Speaking, and Persuasion and Professional Communications at Robert Morris University, will discuss how to communicate professionally. Refreshments provided. Register online or call 724.941.9430 #1.

Upcoming classes geared toward 16 to 25 year-olds will include:

  • Saturday, March 24, 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. – Oops! My Button Fell Off: Clothing Care Basics
  • Saturday, April 28, 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. – Show Me the Money: Banking Basics
  • Saturday, May 19, 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. – Beyond Ramen: Healthy, Easy Recipes
  • Saturday, June 30, 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. – Car Care Tips for the Clueless

“As a library, we wanted to become another resource for the young persons in our community to help them live better lives and become independent adults,” said Sue Miller, Assistant Director of the library and facilitator of the series. “These free classes will be a fun and informative way to learn some basic skills and build confidence in handling new situations. We’ve got an enthusiastic group of professionals lined up to offer these monthly classes.”

More details about future classes will be available soon!

Get Ready for Tax Season!

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The library participates with the IRS and Pennsylvania Department of Revenue to provide a limited number of Federal and State Tax forms for the convenience of the community. As soon as tax forms/publications become available, they are placed in our Tax Distribution Area located on the second floor of the library near the elevator.

Tax forms available on the second floor:

  • 1040 Form
  • 1040 Instructions
  • 1040 EZ Form
  • 1040 EZ Instructions
  • 1040 A Form
  • 1040 A Instructions
  • Reproducible Book of Forms

Pennsylvania Tax forms are also at the library including the Rent Rebate Form. 

The library serves as a venue for volunteers from the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program. This program offers free AARP Tax-Aide tax form assistance for low and moderate-income taxpayers, with special attention to those 60 and older. The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program has concluded for 2018. 

IRS Tax Tip 2018-08

Millions of Americans use IRS Free File to file their federal taxes. It’s safe, secure and free. Taxpayers can use either name-brand software or the Free File Fillable Forms. Combining IRS Free File with direct deposit is the quickest and safest way to get a refund.

Here are five things to remember about IRS Free File:

  1. Access Free File at IRS.gov. IRS Free File is available only through IRS.gov. Taxpayers can choose a Free File company offer that they qualify for and then click on that link to prepare and e-file the return.
  2. Free File Can Find Tax Breaks. The tax software’s question-and-answer format helps eligible taxpayers find tax breaks. This could include tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. The software then selects the appropriate tax forms and does the calculations automatically.
  3. It is Free for Everyone. Taxpayers with income of $66,000 or less can use brand-name software. Taxpayers who earned more can use Free File Fillable Forms. This option allows taxpayers to complete IRS forms electronically. It is best for those who are familiar with doing their own taxes.
  4. File from personal devices. Taxpayers may use their smartphones or tablets to electronically prepare and file their tax returns with IRS Free File through the IRS2Go app for Android and iOS devices or by visiting www.IRS.gov/freefile from the device.
  5. Easy Online Extensions. For those who cannot finish their return by the April 17 deadline, it’s easy to use Free File to request a six-month extension. An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. If taxpayers owe federal taxes, they should estimate the amount they owe and pay it with the extension request. This helps avoid penalties and interest.

Federal and State Tax Assistance Information at Peters Township Public Library

On January 4, the IRS announced that the 2018 tax filing season would begin on January 29. The IRS set the opening date to ensure the security and readiness of key tax processing systems in advance of the opening and to assess the potential impact of recent tax legislation on 2017 tax returns. The IRS is currently working to finalize the forms and instructions to reflect the legislation which passed in late December. As a result, some shipments may come later than normal. While most IRS tax forms, instructions, and publications will be available electronically on IRS.gov by the beginning of the filing season (Jan. 29), the printing and distribution process for printed products takes longer to complete.

New and Notable Non-fiction!

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Mary has just finished adding more “New and Notable” Non-fiction to the display on the first floor. Stop in and see what’s available or reserve a copy through our online catalog!
  • An American Family: A Memoir of Hope and Sacrifice by Khizr Khan (92 KHAN)
  • Be Fierce: Stop Harassment and Take Your Power Back by Gretchen Carlson (658.3145 CAR)
  • Bunny Mellon: The Life of an American Style Legend by Meryl Gordon (92 MELLON)
  • Fantasyland: How America Went Haywire: A 500 Year History by Kurt Andersen (973 AND)
  • The Inner Life of Animals:  Love, Grief, and Compassion : Surprising Observations of a Hidden World by Jeffrey M. Masson (591.5 WOH)
  • It’s All Relative:  Adventures Up and Down the World’s Family Tree by A.J. Jacobs (929.1 JAC)
  • Secret Marvels of the World:  360 Extraordinary Places You Never Knew Existed and How to Find Them by Alex Howard (910.202 LON)
  • Sisters First:  Stories from Our Wild and Wonderful Life by Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush (92 BUSH)
  • Soonish:  Emerging Technologies that will Improve and/or Ruin Everything by Kelly and Zach Weinersmith (601.12 WEI)
  • The Storm Before the Storm:  The Beginning of the End of the Roman Empire by Mike Duncan (937.05 DUN)

PT Library celebrates 60 years!

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In 1957 the USSR launched Sputnik, “American Bandstand” made its television debut, The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss was published, and Peters Township opened a library.

Sixty years later, the Peters Township Public Library is having an Open House on Sunday, October 22 from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. to mark this milestone in the library’s history. The “birthday bash” will be filled with free, fun, family-friendly activities including live music from noon until 2:00 p.m., a balloon artist, a photo booth, a prize wheel, birthday cake and ice cream. The first 100 children attending the celebration will receive a hardcover copy of The Cat in the Hat compliments of the library.

At 12:30 p.m. Storytellers Barbara Seels and Mary Jo Sonntag will help capture favorite memories with “What’s Your Library Story?” Beginning at 1:00 p.m., members of the Donaldson family will present a photographic display “110 Years of Donaldson’s Crossroads.” From 2:00 to 2:15 pm Library Director Myra R. Oleynik will share some details about the Peters Township Public Library’s history. Following Mrs. Oleynik, Dr. Robert W. Moore, PTHS Valedictorian from the Class of 1968, will review “A Sampling of Peters Township History and Resources for Finding Much More” until 3:00 p.m.

To thank their patrons for 60 years of loyalty and support, the library will offer a Fine Amnesty Week. Explains Library Director Myra Oleynik, “We have cardholders that we haven’t seen in a while either due to outstanding fines or misplaced materials, and we simply want to welcome them back with a special surprise to celebrate the library’s 60th birthday.”  This initiative will apply only to fines and materials borrowed from the Peters Township Public Library and NOT to fines and materials borrowed from other libraries in the Washington and Greene Greater Information Network (WAGGIN).

FINE AMNESTY WEEK DETAILS:

  • Return any overdue Peters Township Public Library materials to the library’s outdoor Book Drop or indoor Book Return Bin from Monday, October 16 through Sunday, October 22 and overdue fines will be waived.
  • Patrons with late fees may email dfinnegan@ptlibrary.org and type “HBD PTPL” in the subject line. Provide your name and the names of any family members in the message, and your late fees on Peters Township Public Library materials will be cleared.
  • OR, you may call 724.941.9430 and Press #1 anytime during regular library business hours between October 16 – 22 to speak with a Library Assistant to clear your records and to update any changes in your account.