This week, members of West Hills Emergency Services hosted boys and girls from Scout Troop 670, along with members and families of the Kittanning Rotary Club to demonstrate a newly acquired fire safety simulator.  The simulator was purchased through a grant from the Kittanning Rotary Club, and allows the department to teach fire safety with a hands on approach, making it a more memorable experience.  After a lesson by West Hills Emergency Services safety officer Joel Boguslawski, on common household fire hazards, what to do in the event of a fire, and stressing how important it is to “Get out and stay out if you are in a fire,” each child was able to try their hand at extinguishing fires using the simulator and a fire nozzle.  The lessons continued with reminders to ensure that smoke detectors are installed in their homes, and that the batteries are changed twice a year.  Additionally, the importance of carbon monoxide detectors was also explained, and the group learned about the junior fire fighter program at West Hills Emergency Services where they can get involved beginning at age 14.  The evening was just one example of local organizations coming together to provide more opportunities for members of the community; and in this case, working together to promote fire safety.  Through the support of community members, more partnership can be formed.  These organizations are always open to new members, and invite you to check them out.  The Kittanning Rotary Club meets each Monday at noon at the Richard G. Snyder YMCA.

Dear members of Rotary District 7280, 

You have no doubt seen the devastation of Hurricane Dorian as it has passed over the Bahamas.  As the storm tracks north, it has the potential of inflicting more devastation to parts of the East Coast of the United States.  In the coming days and weeks there is going to be a tremendous need in these areas.

Our new Zone 33/34 partners, which include the areas affected, have set up a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), which is administered through The Rotary Foundation, to accept donations for relief.  Through this fund you can either designate that your donation go to the area of most need or you can specify a specific Rotary District to receive your support.   All funds received will be directed by local Rotary clubs in the areas affected and 100% of the monies raised will go directly to those in need.   All donations are tax deductible. 

I ask that you please take time to review the attached which offers information on how you can donate to the Donor Advised Fund.  The areas covered by the various districts, either affected or potential affected, is listed under how to donate by “check” on the attached form.   

Another very important way you can help is to send a donation to Shelter Box USA through the following link, www.shelterboxusa.org/donate .  While Shelter Box does not have a restricted fund established for Hurricane Dorian, any gift to their Deployments Essentials fund is restricted to gear and expenses directly associated with ShelterBox disaster responses.

Thank you for taking time to review this information and on behalf of our fellow Rotary Districts, I thank you for any support you can offer.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Yours in Rotary Service,