Announcements

Don’t Be A Victim: Scams and Identity Theft

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There are nearly 2 million residents over the age of 65 in Pennsylvania, the third highest percentage of elderly residents in the U.S., reports the PA Office of Attorney General. Scam artists are well aware of these potential targets.

To educate the community about threat of these crimes and how to avoid them, the Peters Township Public Library will host Don’t Be A Victim: Scams and Identity Theft on Wednesday, October 5 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the library.

Registration is required for this program. Register online or call 724.941.9430 #1.

Featured speakers for the program will be State Senator Guy Reschenthaler; Specialist Philip Little from the PA Office of Attorney General; and Douglas E. Grimes, Chief of Police, Peters Township Police Department. Senator Reschenthaler will relate his experiences with identify theft and scams as a District Judge. Philip Little will be discussing the different ways people become victims of identity theft and scams, and how you can learn to minimize your chances of becoming a target. Chief Grimes will provide a local perspective with examples of the trends his department is seeing and the increase in reported cases.

“It is important that the public recognizes phone calls or email solicitations that request personal information such as dates of birth, social security numbers, bank account information, or credit card information are almost always a SCAM,” explains Chief Grimes. “People have to remember that your bank, the IRS, your credit card company, etc. already know your account number and your personal information.  So if they have to call you and ask for it, something is drastically wrong – hang-up!”

An Evening with Abraham Lincoln

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On Thursday, September 8 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. the library will host An Evening with Abraham Lincoln. Impressionist Richard Miller will share stories and anecdotes from Lincoln’s presidency and early years. Questions are encouraged to enhance the interaction with the audience.

Miller is a member of the Association of Lincoln presenters and portrays Lincoln several times a year at parades, fairs, and other events. He is an avid reader of books about Lincoln and finds him to possess an outstanding sense of humor.

Registration is closed for this program.

Looking at Lincoln Exhibit

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Beginning Tuesday, August 30 through Tuesday, September 27, the library was chosen by Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History to host the exhibit Looking at Lincoln: Political Cartoons from the Civil War Era. This national traveling exhibition explores the Civil War and issues of slavery through political cartoons depicting Abraham Lincoln and his policies. These cartoons are vividly biting; they invite us to put aside twenty-first-century assumptions and look at events through the eyes of people living in the era. Among the highlights are: a California printing of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln and political cartoons relating to the election of 1860. As Americans continue to debate the legacy of slavery, these cartoons provide a historical point of reference for current events. The public is invited to view the exhibit during library hours.

Community Blood Drive Aug 24

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The need for blood products in our region is critical, especially with Labor Day approaching.  The Central Blood Bank will be conducting a Blood Drive at the library on Wednesday, August 24 from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.  All participating donors will receive an “I Bleed Black and Gold” Steelers t-shirt.

Appointments can be made by visiting www.centralbloodbank.org.  Click on “Donate Blood” and then “Make an Appointment” and search for group code C594.  You may also call 1.866.366.6771.  Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are strongly encouraged.  Remember to eat a healthy meal, drink plenty of fluids, and get a good night’s rest before donating.  Bring a valid ID to your appointment.  Each donation helps save three lives!

Your Property Reassessment

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Over 700 persons filled the Peters Township High School for Your Property Reassessment: What Does It Mean? on Monday, August 1 at 6:30 p.m. Library staff organized the event to help residents understand the recent property reassessment that was conducted in Washington County.

Guest speakers for this event included Commissioner Harlan G. Shober, Jr., County Director of Administration Scott Fergus, and Attorney Susan Key. Topics discussed included:

  • The Status of Washington County’s reassessment
  • The Appeal Process: How it Works
  • How to Look at Your Property Values
  • Examples of Assessed Values vs. Millage Rates/Taxe

The program was videotaped by Peters Township Community Television and can be viewed here. It is also being broadcast locally on Channel 7 or Channel 38. Check the current broadcast schedule for dates and times.

If property owners are not satisfied with the new value, they may submit an appeal with the Washington County Board of Assessment Appeals not later than Wednesday, August 10, 2016.

Visit the Property Reassessment Information on the library web site for links to the online resources discussed during the program.