Category: News || By Staff and Wire Reports

Carnegie Library of McKeesport is raising money by hosting a "non-event" on Friday night --- and visitors are invited not to attend.

Admission --- or rather, non-admission --- to the "non-event" costs $25, and while any donations will be accepted, donors who purchase a ticket at the suggested price will be entered into a raffle, a library spokeswoman said.

Although the library is busier than ever, state budgets cuts of $50,000 (a 21.9 percent reduction) and major unexpected repairs to the main library's roof, tower and air conditioning system have depleted the institution's savings.

In addition to the 108-year-old main library, a registered historic landmark, the Carnegie Library of McKeesport operates branches in Duquesne, Elizabeth Township and White Oak.

Contributors are being asked to "provide (their) own entertainment," according to the library: "Have a glass of wine. No complaints about the weather, the music or how much you 'hate these things'! Enjoy yourself by staying home while thinking of and being thankful for this treasure we know as the library ... We hope you see this as a fun way to raise some emergency money so that we can face 2011 feeling a little more confident."

Official hours for the "non-event" are 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, and the raffle will be held at 8. To participate, donate online at the library's website , or send a check plus name, address and phone number to Carnegie Library of McKeesport, 1507 Library Ave., McKeesport 15132.

. . .

Local Student Wins $600 on 'Let's Make a Deal': A student at Penn State's campus in McKeesport is $600 richer after a trip to Hollywood and an appearance on the TV game show "Let's Make a Deal," hosted by comedian Wayne Brady.

Katie Walos, a senior majoring in corporate communications at Penn State Greater Allegheny, made the trip in August with her best friend, Vicki Wargo, as both were celebrating their 21st birthdays. The two attended the Aug. 20 taping at the Sunset Bronson Studios in Los Angeles dressed as playing cards.

Although both women were interviewed by a show screener, only Walos was selected to play a game. According to a Penn State press release, Walos had to promise not to reveal her participation until the show aired Nov. 10 over CBS stations nationwide, including KDKA-TV (2) in Pittsburgh.

Walos told a Penn State spokeswoman: "I'm glad it's out in the open now and I can talk about it with my family and friends. It was a great experience. A once-in-a-lifetime experience."

. . .

Social Workers Honor Gergely: State Rep. Marc Gergely has been named one of two "legislators of the year" by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

A spokesman said Gergely, a Democrat from White Oak and former McKeesport Area school director, was selected for his "ongoing efforts to enact public policies that would make social workers as effective as possible."

Gergely is the author of legislation that would require social workers, marriage counselors and other therapists to be licensed in Pennsylvania. Currently, unlicensed therapists are allowed to treat patients in Pennsylvania.

Although the bill passed the Democratic-controlled House, it stalled in the Republican-controlled Senate.

The NASW represents 150,000 therapists, counselors and social workers in the United States and more than 6,000 in Pennsylvania. Gergely was recognized by the group during a luncheon Oct. 22 in Pittsburgh.

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