[naviga:h3]Food distribution by USDA extended[/naviga:h3]

The state’s Department of Agriculture announced the extension of food program benefits for people hurt by coronavirus precautions. Originally approved by the USDA on March 27, the Disaster Household Distribution program, set to expire at the end of May, has been approved through June 25.

The waiver eliminates the need for individuals to verify financial eligibility upon arrival at a food bank or pantry. Those in need of food through June 25 simply need to show up and receive their food. In addition to removing barriers for Pennsylvanians to access food, the waiver allows the Department of Agriculture and its partners to distribute USDA Foods — including meats, vegetables, fruits, canned goods, cereal, rice, pasta, eggs, milk, and more — to those in need.

The department estimates that in 2020, the Bureau of Food Assistance will move more than $80 million of USDA foods through Pennsylvania’s charitable food system in all 67 counties.

[naviga:h3]Butler Library offers grab & go for books[/naviga:h3]

Beginning Monday, the Butler Area Public Library is offering patrons the ability to place a hold on a book with their library card and pick it up at their convenience.

In the Grab & Go program, a hold can be placed online at bcfls.tlcdelivers.com or by calling 724-287-1715. Library personnel will call the patron with a pickup time when their items are ready. Patrons will go to the lobby to pick up their materials, which will include a receipt with a due date.

Hours for Grab & Go pickup are 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Vulnerable population hours for pickup are 9 to 10 a.m., Tuesday and Thursday.

[naviga:h3]Mars graduation Q&A planned[/naviga:h3]

Mars Area High School will host question and answer sessions at 6 p.m. June 11 to discuss this year’s graduation ceremony and walk.

Parents and students may access the virtual meeting at https://meet.google.com/xog-dafi-mpv or by phone at 1-563-316-2604 (PIN: 332 682 287#).

Lindsay Rosswog, principal, along with members of the school’s graduation team, will be available to answer specific questions about the ceremony, cap/gown and graduation packet distribution and expectations for graduates and their families.

Mars Area High School’s Class of 2020 graduation ceremony and walk will be held at 6 p.m. June 12. More information is on the district’s website.

[naviga:h3]Drive-by goodbye ceremony planned[/naviga:h3]

Mars Area School District elementary teachers and staff members will bid farewell to students as part of a “K-6 Drive-By to Say Goodbye” event from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday.

The drive-by will take place on the Doc’s Way access road, connecting Three Degree Road to Mars Area Elementary School.

Teachers will be stationed along the sides of the access road to wave and say goodbye to their students.

Parents are asked to note that all traffic must enter Doc’s Way through Three Degree Road and exit by the access road connecting Mars Area Elementary School to the Mars Area Primary Center’s rear entrance and onto Brickyard Road.

Parents are also asked to adhere to the provided schedule of arrival times and to keep their vehicles moving. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be canceled.

See the district website for more information.