[naviga:h3]Masks, waivers required at Alameda[/naviga:h3]

The Butler County Parks and Recreation Department announced Thursday any guests visiting Alameda Waterpark must wear a mask.

Guests will be required to wear a mask everywhere in the facility; however, guests are asked to not wear their masks while in the water. Guests will also be required to sign a waiver form upon entering the water park.

For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 724-284-5383.

[naviga:h3]Gospel Fellowship hosts blood drive[/naviga:h3]

VALENCIA — The Gospel Fellowship Presbyterian Church, 161 McFann Road, will host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 18.

Sarah Hagan is hosting the drive in honor of her grandfather, Cranberry Township resident Nick Protos, the senior pastor at Gospel Fellowship for 26 years until he retired from the ministry in 2019.

In May, Protos found out his multiple myeloma (cancer) came back with a vengeance, Hagan said. Since then, he has required at least seven transfusions of blood and blood products.

To make an appointment to give blood: Visit vitalant.org and click on the “Donate Blood” button. On the new window, choose Donor Login (previous donor) or New Donor (haven’t donated to Vitalant before) and search with group code G0010219; or call 412-209-7000.

[naviga:h3]New guidelines for free school meals [/naviga:h3]

There are new federal annual adjustment income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price school meals and free milk for the 2020-21 school year, according to the state’s Department of Education.

The guidelines took effect Wednesday.

The guidelines are used by schools, institutions, and facilities participating in the National School Lunch Program (and USDA Foods in Schools), School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program for Children, Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program.

U.S. Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera said issues of food insecurity were especially highlighted during the state-mandated school closure due to COVID-19 from March through June, during which time 24 million meals were served in the state.

To apply, households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) need only include the SNAP or TANF case number on their application.

Households enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals and should complete a Household Meal Benefit Application.