[naviga:h3]Highmark Walk benefit hits home[/naviga:h3]

Glade Run Lutheran Services in Zelienople is encouraging those who care about the programs it provides to participate in the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community on May 9.

Due to social distancing protocol in the coronavirus pandemic, participants are asked to walk in their own neighborhoods or parks where they can remain at least 6 feet from others.

Donations for the walk can be made through June 30 by visiting gladerun.org, clicking on the “donate now” button and typing “Highmark Walk” into the notes section.

Funds from the walk benefit the 4,200 children and families Glade Run serves annually.

[naviga:h3]Trail board asks hikers to be mindful[/naviga:h3]

Chris Ziegler, president of the Butler-Freeport Community Trail, said Monday’s board meeting has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Those using the trail are reminded to stay at least 6 feet from others and to park in designated areas and not behind the Summit Township building at the Bonniebrook trailhead

Ziegler also said moving the cones surrounding the sinkhole near the gate at the Bonniebrook trailhead is prohibited. Horses are not permitted on the trail at this time due to wet conditions.

In addition, the plan to move the caboose officials bought from Cellar Works Brewing to the trailhead in Cabot has been postponed indefinitely due to the pandemic.

A membership drive for the trail remains active, and users are encouraged to join by visiting butlerfreeporttrail.org.

[naviga:h3]Bells to ring Sunday to thank front liners[/naviga:h3]

The Butler Township commissioners and staff are asking residents to participate Sunday in “Bells Across Pennsylvania,” a program meant to thank the workers and first responders during the coronavirus pandemic.

The commissioners are asking residents to do a good deed for a “hometown hero” friend or neighbor who is an EMT, police officer, health care or sanitation worker, employee at a store or others who continue to work and uphold the community during the pandemic.

A phone call, note, treat or any other message of thanks also is encouraged.

At 7 p.m., all Pennsylvania residents and houses of worship are asked to ring a bell for three minutes to recognize and honor those on the front lines, show solidarity with elected officials and residents on the front lines, and demonstrate a resolve to beat COVID-19 across the state.

[naviga:h3]GCC will increase scholarship awards[/naviga:h3]

Grove City College will increase its financial aid awards available to students this fall to help families navigating college costs during the coronavirus pandemic.

An additional $2.5 million from the college’s endowment and other gifts will be awarded for the 2020-21 academic year, according to a news release from the college.

All needs-based aid recipients, which is 66 percent of the school’s 2,300 students, should see a 20 percent increase in scholarship amounts.

The amount of funded scholarships will exceed $10 million.

In addition, special consideration scholarships will be available to provide assistance for students who otherwise might not be able to remain enrolled at the college. More information is available at gcc.edu.