COMMISSIONERS PROCLAMATIONS AND RESOLUTIONS ... Pam Snyder—Chairman, Archie Trader—Vice Chairman, & Chuck Morris—Secretary
Contact: Elizabeth Menhart, Communications Director/Tourism (724-852-5210)
Greene County Office Building, 3rd Floor
93 E. High Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370 Phone: 724-852-5210
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday
Our Commissioners are happy to serve the residents of Greene County.
November 16, 2011 — COMMISSIONERS' DESIGNATE COUNTY PROPERTIES SMOKE-FREE PROCLAMATION
Greene County Commissioners passed a resolution at their Nov. 16 agenda meeting designating several county-owned properties as smoke- and tobacco-free. In partnership with Penn State Cooperative Extension and Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Young Lungs at Play program — which advocates the creation of tobacco-free parks, playgrounds and recreational areas for children — the county has revised its no-smoking policy to include the following outdoor facilities: Alpha Aquatic Center in Waynesburg, Wana B Park and Pool in Carmichaels, Mon View Park and Pool in Greensboro, the county tennis courts in Waynesburg and the 4-H Building at the Greene County Fairgrounds. Smoking or the use of tobacco products will only be permitted within designated smoking areas at each location. Smoking and tobacco use is currently prohibited within county buildings and within 15 feet of all entrances and exits.
"On behalf of the Young Lungs at Play program, we really appreciate your cooperation in adopting this public health initiative," said Betty Anderson, YLAP program assistant. "This represents a major step forward in protecting the health and welfare of Greene County children."
Anderson presented the commissioners with YLAP signage that will be displayed at the county’s recreational properties.
Pictured: from l. to r., are Commissioner Chuck Morris, Anderson, Commissioner Pam Snyder and Commissioner Archie Trader.
October 6, 2011 — PA PROMISE FOR CHILDREN MONTH PROCLAMATION
Greene County Commissioners proclaimed the month of October 2011 Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children Month in Greene County at their Oct. 6 regular meeting. Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children is a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of providing young children with access to quality early learning opportunities, according to the PA Promise for Children Web site. The proclamation recognizes the parents, teachers and local organizations that are making a difference in the lives of young children in Greene County, and encourages residents to help children reach their promise by learning more, getting involved and sharing stories about early education.
"This is our promise to provide a better start for our children through our early learning providers," said Human Services Administrator Karen Bennett.
Pictured: from l. to r., Commissioner Chuck Morris, Bennett, Commissioner Pam Snyder and Commissioner Archie Trader.
October 6, 2011 — DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION
Greene County Commissioners proclaimed the month of October 2011 Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Greene County at their Oct. 6 regular meeting. According to information provided by Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania, the Greene, Fayette and Washington offices responded to more than 2,200 domestic violence-related hotline calls; provided services to more than 2,500 new victims, children and significant others; and offered more than 18,000 hours of counseling to all victims, children and significant others.
"Even though people may think domestic violence only happens in the big cites, domestic violence does happen behind closed doors in homes in Greene County," said Cheryl McCready, Greene County office coordinator for Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania, formerly Washington Women’s Shelter, Inc. "This proclamation makes it possible for more awareness and recognizes that there is a problem."
McCready presented the commissioners with business cards containing the three counties’ hotline numbers and purple ribbons, the symbol of domestic violence awareness.
Pictured: from l. to r., are Commissioner Chuck Morris, McCready, Commissioner Pam Snyder and Commissioner Archie Trader.
SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 — FASD AWARENESS DAY PROCLAMATION
Greene County Commissioners proclaimed Sept. 9, 2011, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day in Greene County at their Sept. 8 regular meeting. The proclamation is designed to raise awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and the difficulties the disorder brings to the lives of affected children and their families. According to the proclamation, FASD affects approximately one of every 100 live births. The proclamation emphasizes that the disorder is the only birth defect that is 100 percent preventable and that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The date of the awareness day reflects the ninth day of the ninth month of the year to represent the nine months of pregnancy. Prevention Specialist Tracie Sypin and Human Services Administrator Karen Bennett presented the commissioners with T-shirts that the Human Services staff will wear on Sept. 9 in support of FASD Awareness Day.
Pictured: from l. to r., are Commissioner Chuck Morris, Sypin, Commissioner Pam Snyder, Bennett and Commissioner Archie Trader
SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 — EMPLOY OLDER WORKERS WEEK PROCLAMATION
Greene County Commissioners proclaimed the week of Sept. 18-24, 2011, Employ Older Workers Week in Greene County at their Sept. 8 regular meeting. The proclamation recognizes the value that older workers bring to the workplace and the important role they play in the current and future work force.
The Senior Community Service program of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging promotes the benefits of employing older workers and provides training opportunities for income-eligible older individuals.
Commissioners recognized Sonja Bowlen, an older worker employed in the county veterans’ affairs office, who thanked the county and the Area Agency on Aging for hiring her.
Pictured: from l. to r., are Commissioner Chuck Morris; Bill Garrow, SWPA AAA supervisor for Greene County; Matt Uram, SWPA AAA job developer; Bowlen; Commissioner Pam Snyder; Karen Bennett, human services administrator and SWPA AAA board president; and Commissioner Archie Trader.
JULY 14, 2011 — AGRITOURISM WEEK PROCLAMATION
Greene County Commissioners proclaimed the week of Aug. 7-13, 2011, Agritourism Week in Greene County at their July 14 regular meeting. The proclamation recognizes agriculture as a leading industry in Greene County, with more than 1,000 farms contained on more than 150,000 acres of land, according to the 2007 U.S. Department of Agriculture Census of Agriculture. Greene County Tourism is producing a full-color guide and interactive Web page listing businesses that promote agricultural tourism in the county. The guide is scheduled to be published the week of the Greene County Fair.
The proclamation encourages county farms and businesses to collaborate with Tourism in promoting agritourism opportunities. Also, click here for more about our Greene County agritourism.
Pictured: from l. to r., are Commissioner Chuck Morris; Tom Headlee, Conservation District board treasurer; Bernie Fox, tourism board member; Joy Eggleston, tourism board member; Elizabeth Menhart, tourism director; Andrew Corfont, tourism board president; Commissioner Pam Snyder; Jim Cowell, owner of Frosty Springs Farm in Waynesburg and Conservation District board secretary; Commissioner Archie Trader, Conservation District board vice chairman; and Robbie Matesic, tourism board member and executive director of economic development for Greene County.
JULY 14, 2011 — TOBACCO FREE CAMPUS PROCLAMATION
Greene County Commissioners signed a proclamation of support for Southwest Regional Medical Center and the SRMC healthcare group at their July 14 regular meeting. The hospital and its offices will focus on promoting a healthier lifestyle for patients and employees by becoming a tobacco-free campus effective Aug. 1. According to the National Workforce Institute, employees who smoke cost an average of $3,391 more a year for healthcare and lost productivity.
"This is one step in a positive direction, and we appreciate your support," said Sheryl Wilkinson, MSN, RN, ICU and cardiopulmonary director and wellness coordinator for the hospital.
Pictured: from l. to r., are Commissioner Chuck Morris; Joy Eggleston, SRMC senior public affairs officer; Sheryl Wilkinson; Tina Cooley, a SRMC building service worker who recently quit smoking; Commissioner Pam Snyder; and Commissioner Archie Trader.
MAY 12, 2011 — NATIONAL HOSPITAL WEEK PROCLAMATION
Greene County Commissioners proclaimed the week of May 8-14, 2011, National Hospital Week at their May 12 regular meeting. The proclamation celebrates the history and technology of hospitals and the dedicated and compassionate health care professionals at Southwest Regional Medical Center.
Pictured: from l. to r., are Commissioner Chuck Morris; Joy Eggleston, SRMC senior public affairs officer; Dave Liberatore, SRMC diagnostic imaging technician; Dr. Jami Boris, SRMC hospitalist; Commissioner Pam Snyder; Commissioner Archie Trader; and Amber Grim, SRMC certified registered nurse practitioner (C.R.N.P.).
MAY 12, 2011 — NATIONAL NURSES WEEK PROCLAMATION
Greene County Commissioners recently proclaimed the week of May 9-13, 2011, National Nurses Week. The proclamation recognizes the nearly 3.1 million registered nurses across the country and the increasing demand for registered nursing services due to the aging population, expansion of life-sustaining technology and growth of home health care services. The theme of National Nurses Week is “Nurses Trusted to Care” in celebration of the ways in which registered nurses strive to provide safe and high-quality patient care.
Pictured: from l. to r., are Commissioner Chuck Morris; Laura Chesslo, R.N., Southwestern Home Care; Michelle Laughlin, R.N., Southwest Regional Medical Center director of quality; Commissioner Pam Snyder; and Commissioner Archie Trader.
MAY 12, 2011 — MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION
Greene County Commissioners proclaimed the month of May 2011 Motorcycle Awareness Month at their May 12 regular meeting. The proclamation acknowledges the need for more motorcycle awareness on the part of other motorists and is part of PennDOT’s new motorcycle safety campaign, “Live Free Ride Alive.”
Representatives from the Greene County chapter of the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education (A.B.A.T.E.) accepted the proclamation.
Pictured: from l. to r., are Commissioner Chuck Morris; Carl Landers, A.B.A.T.E. member; Debbie Schaffer, A.B.A.T.E. chapter president; Commissioner Pam Snyder; Deny Walk, A.B.A.T.E. chapter legislative coordinator; and Commissioner Archie Trader.
MAY 12, 2011 — EMS WEEK PROCLAMATION
Greene County Commissioners proclaimed the week of May 15-21, 2011, Emergency Medical Services Week at their May 12 regular meeting. The proclamation recognizes the value and accomplishments of emergency medical services providers. This year’s theme is “EMS: Everyday Heroes.”
Pictured: from l. to r., are Commissioner Chuck Morris; EMS Southwest EMT Emily Fuller; Mike Onusko, senior director of emergency and outpatient services for Southwest Regional Medical Center; Commissioner Pam Snyder; paramedic Heather Hughes; Commissioner Archie Trader; EMT Angela Carter; and Rob Bowman, EMS Southwest director of operations.
MAY 12, 2011 — OLDER AMERICANS MONTH PROCLAMATION
Greene County Commissioners proclaimed the month of May 2011 Older Americans Month at their May 12 regular meeting. The proclamation encourages Greene County residents to honor older adults and the family members, professionals and volunteers who help care for them.
Pictured from l. to r., are Commissioner Chuck Morris; Leslie Grenfell, executive director of Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging, Inc.; Bill Garrow, SWPA AAA supervisor for Greene County; Karen Hoy, Eldercare site supervisor; Freda Pyle, member of the Greene County Senior Citizens’ Council; Commissioner Pam Snyder; Commissioner Archie Trader; Pat Lemley, president of the Greene County Senior Citizens’ Council; and Stacy Stroman, Community Action Southwest senior services director.
MAY 11, 2011 — FOSTER PARENT APPRECIATION MONGH PROCLAMATION
Greene County Commissioners proclaimed the month of May 2011 Foster Parent Appreciation Month at their May 11 agenda meeting. The proclamation recognizes the love, care and support foster families provide to the more than 29 Greene County children who are receiving foster care.
John Fox, Children and Youth Services caseworker supervisor, distributed blue ribbon pins promoting foster care and acknowledged foster parents Dave and Tammy John of Waynesburg.
"They are a wonderful resource and truly a credit to folks who foster children, and we appreciate their efforts immensely," Fox said of the Johns, who have been foster parents for nearly 18 months.
"We know that there is a real need for foster parents in the county," said Commissioner Pam Snyder. "We’d like to thank the Johns and also encourage other residents to step up and become foster families as well."
Pictured: from l. to r., are Commissioner Chuck Morris; foster parents Dave and Tammy John of Waynesburg; Commissioner Pam Snyder; and John Fox, CYS caseworker supervisor.
MAY 11, 2011 — PROTECT OUR CHILDREN FROM TOBACCO SMOKE POLUTION (POCFTSP) MONTH PROCLAMATION
Greene County Commissioners proclaimed the month of May 2011 Protect Our Children from Tobacco Smoke Pollution (POCFTSP) Month at their May 11 agenda meeting. The proclamation encourages county residents to educate themselves, their families and their communities about the harmful effects of tobacco smoke pollution on the health and vitality of children.
Pictured: from l. to r., are Commissioner Chuck Morris; Shanna Yourchik, community engagement group coordinator; and Commissioner Pam Snyder.
MAY 11, 2011 — MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION
Greene County Commissioners proclaimed the month of May 2011 Mental Health Awareness Month at their May 11 agenda meeting. The proclamation is designed to increase public awareness of severe mental illness and promote greater access to effective treatments for those who suffer from the potentially disabling symptoms of mental health disorders. The commissioners recognized Kevin Morris of Mather, who recently received an Exceptional Parent award from Value Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania, and thanked him for his dedication to taking care of others and working with the county’s mental health program.
Pictured: from l. to r., ., are Commissioner Chuck Morris; Kevin Morris with his award; Melanie Balogh, mental health caseworker; and Commissioner Pam Snyder.
APRIL 21, 2011 — WEAR PURPLE DAY PROCLAMATION
Greene County Commissioners proclaimed Friday, April 29, 2011, Wear Purple Day at their April 21 regular meeting. The proclamation supports the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Greene County, which will be held April 30-May 1 at the Waynesburg Central High School Raider Field of Pride. Purple is the official color of Relay For Life.
Margie Smith, senior community income development representative for the American Cancer Society, thanked the commissioners for their continuing support of Relay and all of its related events and activities.
"You’ve never closed a door on us, and we are so appreciative," Smith said. "Our goal this year is to raise $180,000, and we are well on our way to reaching that goal."
Pictured: from l. to r., are Commissioner Chuck Morris; Jacki Headlee, Relay For Life of Greene County co-chair; Smith; Commissioner Pam Snyder; and Commissioner Archie Trader.
APRIL 7, 2011 — NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK PROCLAMATION
Greene County Commissioners proclaimed the week of April 10-16, 2011, National Volunteer Week at their April 7 regular meeting. The proclamation recognizes the Greene County volunteers who have contributed to the fight against poverty by dedicating their time and talent to helping those in need.
"Thank you for recognizing volunteers in Greene County," said Virginia Beck, Community Action Southwest volunteer coordinator. "There are a lot of people doing great things for their communities."
Pictured: from l. to r., are Commissioner Archie Trader; Beck; and Commissioner Chuck Morris.
APRIL 7, 2011 — SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION
Greene County Commissioners proclaimed the month of April 2011 Sexual Assault Awareness Month at their April 7 regular meeting. The proclamation acknowledges that one in four women and one in six men are sexually assaulted in their lifetime and that more than 22,000 children will become victims of sexual abuse each year in Pennsylvania. The proclamation encourages advocates, educators and volunteers across the county and the state to work together to eliminate sexual violence and provide support to survivors.
Kable Dale, legal advocate, counselor and prevention educator for the Sexual Trauma Treatment and Recovery Services (STTARS) program, presented the commissioners with several items related to promoting the month, including seeds for white daisies, the symbol for recovery from sexual violence.
"Our statistics are not the lowest, but they’re not the highest,” Dale said. “We have a great sexual assault response team, and we have a great foundation to keep this movement going."
Pictured: from l. to r., are Commissioner Archie Trader; Renee Presto, STTARS program prevention/education specialist; Dale; and Commissioner Chuck Morris.
APRIL 6, 2011 — COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ASSOCIATION OF PA DAY PROCLAMATION
Greene County Commissioners also proclaimed April 7, 2011, County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania Day in honor of the 125th anniversary of the organization and its continuing support and leadership for all counties in the Commonwealth. The proclamation encourages all county officials, employees and residents to participate in activities that honor county government and its contributions to the community and recognizes CCAP as "the voice of county government."
APRIL 6, 2011 — APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH PROCLAMATION
Greene County Commissioners proclaimed the month of April 2011 Child Abuse Prevention Month at their April 6 agenda meeting. The proclamation acknowledges that child abuse is the leading cause of out-of-home placements in Greene County. The proclamation also encourages Greene County residents to assist the county’s Children and Youth Services program and advisory board as they work to protect children from physical, sexual and emotional abuse
In 2010, CYS responded to 76 reports of child abuse, including 46 physical abuse cases and 30 sexual abuse cases. In 2011, the office has already responded to 24 abuse reports, including 17 physical abuse cases and seven sexual abuse cases.
"That’s what keeps us busy — we are trying to keep kids safe everyday," said CYS Administrator Dee Dee Blosnich, who presented the commissioners with blue ribbon pins, the symbol of child abuse prevention. "CYS does everything we can regarding child abuse reports.".
Pictured: from l. to r., are Commissioner Chuck Morris; Amy Jo Metz, CYS intake/abuse supervisor; Blosnich; Commissioner Pam Snyder; and Commissioner Archie Trader.
March 17, 2011 — NATIONAL WOMEn'S MILITARY HISTORY MONTH PROCLAMATION
Greene County Commissioners proclaimed the month of March 2011 National Women’s Military History Month at their March 17 regular meeting. The proclamation recognizes the contributions and sacrifices of women in the military throughout history. Dalene Watson, director of veterans affairs, accepted the proclamation and spoke about the history of women in the military, noting that many women disguised themselves or used male pseudonyms to enlist during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Today, more than 200,000 women are on active duty, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
Pictured: from l. to r., are Commissioner Archie Trader, Watson and Commissioner Pam Snyder.
MARCH 2, 2011 — DAFFODIL DAYS PROCLAMATION
Greene County Commissioners proclaimed the week of March 14-20, 2011, Daffodil Days at their March 2 agenda meeting. This year marks the 37th anniversary of the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days program, which involves the sale of the flowers and related items every March. The daffodil is the symbol of hope in the fight against cancer.
Pictured, from l. to r., are Commissioner Chuck Morris; Carlyn Grimes, local Daffodil Days committee chair; Commissioner Pam Snyder; Jackalyn Delach, Waynesburg University Daffodil Days volunteer; and Commissioner Archie Trader.
MARCH 2, 2011 — INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION
Greene County Commissioners proclaimed the month of March 2011 Intellectual Disabilities Awareness Month at their March 2 agenda meeting. The proclamation offers advocates of developmental disabilities an opportunity to educate the public, policymakers and other system professionals about the challenges that come with intellectual disabilities. The proclamation also recognizes the thousands of service providers that encourage individuals with intellectual disabilities to lead full and productive lives within society.
Commissioners recognized Melody Jackson of Carmichaels, an Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities program consumer, and her accomplishments as she works to become a more independent and active member of the community.
Pictured: from l. to r., are Commissioner Chuck Morris; Deneen Chulick, IDD supports coordinator supervisor; IDD consumer Melody Jackson of Carmichaels; Commissioner Pam Snyder; Nancy Kennedy, Pennsylvania MENTOR residential staff; Violet Lawless, IDD supports coordinator; and Commissioner Archie Trader.
For general information, please contact the Information Services at 724-852-5399 / Toll Free: 1-888-852-5399. County Office Building, 93 E. High Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370
