Published: June 28, 2009 11:35 pm      

In brief: Grants awarded to Portage organizations

The Portage Area Endowment Fund Community Projects Organization has announced that a $2,000 grant has been awarded to Portage Area Youth Association and a $3,000 grant has gone to Portage Area Joint Recreation Commission. The grants were made possible through the Portage Area Endowment Fund, a fund within the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies.

The Portage Area Joint Recreation Commission requested the grant to help fund a power placement and lighting project of the “Kids Place” area of Crichton McCormick Park. The lights will deter vandalism and the additional power will provide expansion of local festivals and future expansion of the park.

The Portage Area Youth Association requested the grant to construct a batting cage and a new practice field. The Youth Association also operates within Crichton McCormick Park and sponsors T-ball, softball and baseball programs to boys and girls of the Portage Area.

Laurel Valley Elementary to host pre-K classes

LIGONIER – The Learning Lamp and Ligonier Valley School District are joining forces to bring on-site pre-kindergarten services to Laurel Valley Elementary School.

The goal of the service is to create a more seamless program that will better prepare children in the school district academically and socially for kindergarten and beyond.

Applications are being accepted now for the 2009-10 school year. The program will operate from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

The Learning Lamp at Laurel Valley is open to children who turn 4 before Sept. 1. Parents will need to provide a copy of their driver’s license, child’s birth certificate, Social Security card and a copy of a current physical including immunization records to register. Tuition is based on income and scholarships are available to eligible families. Full tuition is $320 per month.

Class size is limited to 20 students. For more information or to register, call the Learning Lamp at 262-0732 or (866) 785-5267.