The Penn-Trafford Area Recreation Commission raised $4,000 at the Friends of PTARC Gala last month for the driveway and parking lot of the PTARC/Shelley Proskin Recreation Center.

The event, which was held at the Greensburg Country Club in the previous years, was held at Pluma Restaurant in Irwin to save money.

But PTARC director Cheryl Kemerer said the profits were about the same as last year.

"We didn't realize some of the things that came with the country club that we had to pay extra for with Pluma, and we spent more on entertainment this year," Kemerer said. "People aren't really interested in the entertainment, but you learn some things as you go along."

Kemerer said architect Rich Rauso will begin working on the bid specifications for the parking lot.

Activity guide

The PTARC summer activity guide is complete, and there are some changes this year.

Because attendance at recreational swim sessions has been sinking in recent years, family swim sessions will be offered instead. Families will be able to use the pool on June 18 and 25 and July 9 and 16 for $49.

Kemerer said because pre-registration is required, she'll know if there are enough families attending to pay lifeguards to work.

Other new programs include field hockey, rodeo, skateboard and street hockey classes. Cooking and beaded bracelet classes also will be offered.

Kemerer expects to mail the activity guide to the community this week.

Discount Tickets

Discount amusement park tickets will go on sale on Monday.

Tickets to the Baltimore Aquarium, Cedar Point, Colonial Williamsburg, DelGrosso's Amusement Park, Hershey Park, Kennywood, Pittsburgh Zoo, Sandcastle and Geauga Lake Ohio are available.

Tickets will be on sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2001 Municipal Court in Harrison City.

Summer day camp

PTARC will hold its summer day camp for first- through sixth-graders at the PTARC/Shelley Proskin Recreation Center beginning in June.

A pair of three-week sessions will begin June 9 and July 7. The cost is $199 for Penn-Trafford residents and $239 for nonresidents.

A two-week session will begin Aug. 4. The cost is $134 for residents and $159 for nonresidents.

Registrations will be taken at the PTARC offices at 2001 Municipal Court in Harrison City. For more information, call 724-744-2171, ext. 204 or 205.

Donation

PTARC will donate $500 to the Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center for three students to compete in SkillsUSA State Competitions in Kansas City, Mo.

Students from the school have saved money for the commission by working with the PTARC/Shelley Proskin Recreation Center, Kemerer said, so it's time to give back.