PITTSBURGH — In December 2004, while taking in a tennis lesson at the Oxford Athletic Club in Wexford, a Beaver County woman collapsed with no pulse. It was caused by a condition known as A-fib that causes her heart to beat out of rhythm.

Club staff members Lori Danik of Cranberry Township and Brian Smay of Emsworth quickly responded and began to administer CPR on the victim until an ambulance arrived.

The woman survived.

Because of their actions in saving this woman's life, Danik and Smay were presented with an Award of Merit from the Allegheny county Chapter of the American Red Cross. They were honored at a ceremony in October.

Danik said the National Lifesaving Merit is designated for individuals who are Red Cross certified and through a true act of volunteerism are able to assist in preserving a life.

"During a crisis you do what you need to do, and you don't pay attention to what you did. It was kind of a blur," Smay said of their actions.

In the minutes before the ambulance arrived, Danik, Smay and an off-duty emergency room nurse alternated as they administered chest compressions.

"An AED machine was on hand, and within 90 seconds we had administered the first shock," Danik said. "After that she tried to take a breath, but her breathing was weak, so we continued with the CPR."

"I was very relieved when we were able to save her," Smay said. "It was my first experience with CPR since I was certified in 1991."

As recipients of this award, both Oxford employees were presented with a letter signed by President Bush, a medal and a letter from the American Red Cross detailing their heroics.

"It was quite an honor to receive this award," Smay said.

HARRISBURG — A state senator who represents a portion of Butler County received an award Dec. 14 for his service to local government.State Sen. Bob Robbins, R-50th, received the first Virgil F. Puskarich Award from the Pennsylvania State Association of Elected County Officials.Robbins is a member of the Local Government Commission, a bi-partisan legislative service agency that provides research assistance on local government to the General Assembly.He was recognized for his dedication and knowledge of local government and his ability to find answers and solve problems, reflecting the attributes of the late Puskarich, the former executive director of the Local Government Commission.Receiving the award was particularly noteworthy for Robbins, who was a long-time friend of Puskarich.<B>The Society of St. Vincent de Paul</B> recently received a donation of food vouchers totaling $2,770 from the Rotary Club of Butler.The vouchers, valued at $10 each, will be distributed to families in need along with the society's Christmas baskets.<B>The Zelienople Historical Society</B> has announced it's recently elected officers and trustees to serve throughout 2006.Officers re-elected to serve a second term are: president <B>Mary Cameron</B>, vice president <B>Dorothy DeBortoli</B>, secretary<B>Margo Hogan</B> and treasurer <B>Weltha Myers</B>.Newly-elected trustees beginning three-year terms are: <B>Margaret (Peg) Foyle</B>, <B>Anissa Tekelenberg</B>, <B>Charlotte Hartman</B> and <B>Robert Foyle</B>.For information on the Historical Society, call 724-452-9457.<B>Sugar Creek Rest Home</B> recently served as a collection site for the Toys for Tots campaign.With the help of donations from the Heritage Region Jeep Alliance, two large boxes of toys were collected.Employees at the home also donated funds to purchase additional toys.