Wayne Library System is seeking a grant to enhance learning possibilities for adults across the county in need of computer skills.
Molly Rodgers, System Administrator, received approval Thursday for a letter from the Wayne County Commissioners supporting the grant application. She said that she is hoping for a grant totaling around $60,000 from  a private organization, the International City County Municipal Association (ICMA).
This is a highly competitive grant, with about 100 applications anticipated nationwide and only as many as 10 that may be successful, she said. The money would fund computer skills training and 10 lap top computers. These could be set up at diverse locations in the county such as a church or grange hall or other site. Rodgers said that the Library System’s community survey pointed out the need for computer training and adult life-long learning skills, but some respondents said local public libraries were too far to access.
Basic computers skills can improve chances to find jobs, she noted. The Library System is partnering with Wayne Memorial Hospital, Workforce Wayne, Wayne County Builder’s Association and county agencies to the project.
Home emergency kits
Steve Price, representing Wayne County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), urged county residents to be prepared in the event of an emergency by assembling a home emergency kit. Free booklets detailing what a kit should contain, and other tips families should know in the event of an emergency, are available at the EMA office at the Dimmick building next to the Courthouse.
Precautionary tips listed deal with a variety of emergencies, including weather crises or  events including biological, chemical and radiological threats. These can occur both by industrial accidents or from deliberate releases such as in a terrorist strike.
Suggested items for a winter emergency car kit include blankets/sleeping bags, high calorie, non-perishable food and drinks, shovel, tow rope, flashlight with batteries, windshield scraper and brush, booster cables,. First aid kit, extra, dry clothing, utility knife, sack of sand or kitty litter, tool kit, compass, road maps, books, puzzles or games to occupy children, and extra medication.
There is also important tips for keeping pets safe in an emergency. Commissioner Tony Herzog commented that this aspect takes on special poignancy since Hurricane Katrina, when people weren’t leaving their homes because of their animals.
While replenishing non-perishable foods in a home emergency kit, Wayne County EMA suggests donating the foods that have not expired, to the County Food Pantry.
Price said that a good web site for emergency preparedness tips may be found at www.readypa.org. See also the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency site at www.pema.state.pa.us. The county web site has more information (County Links; Emergency Management); see www.co.wayne.pa.us.
The Wayne County Food Pantry may be contacted at (570)253-4646; Wayne County EMA, 253-1622.