Published: June 22, 2009 08:28 am      

IN BRIEF | Girl Scouts sponsoring reading project

Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania is partnering with families in the region to give girls the leading edge in school and with their peers through the “Follow the Reader” family reading project.

Any girl preparing to enter first grade this fall can register as Girl Scouts and receive a copy of the “Follow the Reader” activity book to complete over the summer with an adult family member.

All activities in “Follow the Reader” are designed to be fun – with girl-led, cooperative and learning-by-doing exercises.

It offers girls the opportunity to improve thinking and language skills, develop vocabulary, increase listening and attention, stimulate creativity, display confidence and become enthusiastic about learning.

Cost is $13 per girl and includes $10 membership and “Follow the Reader” book.

The project is designed to prepare girls academically and provide them with activities to increase their development, while introducing them to Girl Scouting.

Information: (800) 248-3355 or visit www.gswpa.org.

Alumni group to hold dinner on July 18

Franklin High School Alumni Association has presented $10,000 worth of scholarships to 18 Conemaugh Valley High School graduates.

The 2009 awards were presented by association president Frank J. Single of Mineral Point during the student’s senior banquet on May 12 at the Masonic Temple in Johnstown.

Since its inception in 1965, the association has given approximately $130,000 worth of scholarships beginning with the 1966 Class of Conemaugh Valley High School, which was formed following the merger of Franklin and East Conemaugh school districts.

Two former teachers at Franklin, the late William Salem and Nicholas Strippy, began the program.

With the help of alumni, some from as far away as California, the funds have been perpetuated for more than 40 years.

Funds are raised by generous donations from alumni and proceeds from the association’s annual dinner dance, which will be held July 18 at the Holiday Inn, downtown Johnstown.

‘A Night of Joy’ at Davidsville church

“A Night of Joy” dinner-theater by Ready for Eternity Players will be presented at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Carpenter Park Mennonite Church, 2662 Carpenters Park Road, Davidsville.

Proceeds benefit the church’s youth and conference retreat.

Tickets are $22 for a couple, $12 per person and $8 for children younger than 12.

Information: 288-1138.

Book sale to benefit flood memorial

Friends of Johnstown Flood National Memorial are collecting donations for a book sale that will be held Aug. 7-9 at the 1889 Clubhouse, Main Street, St. Michael.

Donated books should be dropped off at the Johnstown Flood National Memorial from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Proceeds from the sale will benefit the flood memorial.

Information: 539-6752.

Cresson Lake receives grant

Cresson Lake Playhouse in Loretto has received a grant award of $1,000 from the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, which was made possible through the Robert Waters Charitable Trust.

Playhouse executive director Elaine Mastalski said the grant will be used to assist with expenses of the annual children’s theater arts and education festival.

The festival allows students, teachers and parents from a nine-county area to view and participate in live theater.

Yoga to begin July 6 at Bottle Works

Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, 411 Third Ave. in the Cambria City section of Johns-town, will present summer yoga sessions with Judith Sullivan from July 6 through Aug. 3. No class will be held July 13.

There will be two classes each Monday – one at 5:30 p.m. and one at 6:45.

Cost for the four-class session is $26.

Pre-enrollment is necessary by calling 255-3863.