Lincoln’s national day of fasting noted

State leaders pass proclamation in observance of the anniversary of the
president’s call for national prayer


BY PATRICK CLOONAN

Tuesday marks the 150th anniversary of a national day of fasting and prayer, proclaimed by President
Abraham Lincoln in the midst of the American Civil War.

“I do hereby request all the people to abstain, on that day, from their ordinary secular pur­suits, and to unite, at their several places of public worship and their respective homes, in keeping the day holy to the Lord, and devoted to the humble discharge of the religious duties proper to that solemn occasion,” said the docu­ment  Lincoln signed on March 30, 1863.

“Insomuch as we know that, by His divine law, nations like individuals are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world, may we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war, which now desolates the land, may be but a punishment, inflicted upon us, for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national
reformation as a whole people?” the president asked.

Sen. James Harlan of Iowa introduced that proclamation on March 2, 1863. It was passed by Congress
the following day.

“Lincoln proclaimed nine such days in his short presidency,” said state Rep. Rick Saccone, R-Elizabeth Township, principal sponsor of a state House resolution passed on March 21 of this year that recognizes Tuesday as “National Fast Day.”

“In our country’s history, we recognized similar resolutions over 200 times,” Saccone said. “Lincoln’s proclamation was published in newspapers across the country (and) the day was observed by citizens across the
nation.”

“In observance of this day we are reminded that it stands as an opportunity to seek God’s guidance for all our leaders and grace upon His people,” said state Rep. Harry Readshaw, D-Carrick, one of 27 co-sponsors of
House Resolution 17. Readshaw is known for his inter­est  in the Civil War and its climactic July 1-3, 1863, battle in and around Gettysburg, Adams County.

“It is a demonstration that vividly expresses President Lincoln’s wisdom and reverence as a person of God,” Readshaw said. “As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s proclaiming a ‘National Fast Day,’ we should also recall the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg and the historical facts that indi­cate  the religious beliefs of President Lincoln that guided the nation during the Civil War.”

“We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven,” the president proclaimed in 1863. “We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God.”

Saccone is among those who think God has been forgotten in modern times.

“In a time when our culture is spiraling downward into a moral abyss, we have, as Lin­coln  said, lost touch with God,” Saccone said at a Wednesday Harrisburg news conference. “We have fashioned a moral vacuum into which all manner of depravity is allowed to rush in, and is even encouraged to rush in, while any trace of virtue, God or the Holy Scriptures is consciously sucked out.”

Saccone’s office said nine other lawmakers and some pro-life advocates also attended that news conference.


Patrick Cloonan is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-664-9161, ext. 1967, or pcloonan@tribweb.com.

Clairton Public Library at 616 Miller Ave. is having a blood drive Monday from 1-6 p.m.

Sign up at the library’s front desk or call 412-233-7966 for more information.

DAILY NEWS

In observance of National Volunteer Month, Clair ton Area Chapter 1612 of the AARP honored Charles “Chuck” Zwingler as an out­standing  volunteer during a recent meeting.

He was chosen by the Ser­vice  Award Committee for service to his chapter and community. He received a certificate and a pin from the National AARP.

Zwingler been a member of the chapter since 2001 and has served on various com­mittees.

His input has added to the success of the chapter. He’s served as first and second vice president and was presi­dent for two years. He has been treasurer and assistant treasurer.

While not serving as an officer, Zwingler takes part in the chapter’s choral group — Yankee Doodle Dandies.

He is involved with his church, volunteering in vari­ous capacities and singing in the choir.

When not serving with the AARP chapter or his church, he is active in the commu­nity.

He volunteers with Meals on Wheels and helps with the Clairton Food Bank.

He’s also interested in local history and is a member of the McKees­port Regional History and Heritage Center.

County Treasurer John K. Weinstein said the deadline for paying county real estate taxes at a 2 percent discount is Tuesday.

That day, the treasurer’s office, Room 108 in the county courthouse, will be open until 7:30 p.m. Normal closing time on other weekdays is 4:30.

Bills also can be paid online at www. alleghenycounty.us/treasure. 

The deadline for face value tax is May 31. The delinquent tax period begins June 1.

PennDOT District 11 said short-term lane  closures on Route 51 in Jefferson Hills will begin on Monday, weather permitting.

Crews will be taking test borings on the roadway between Wray Large Road and Worthington Avenue for an upcoming improvement proj­ect.  Restrictions will occur as needed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays through May 10.

PennDOT advises motorists to use caution, slow down and expect changing traffic pat­terns when traveling through the area.

CLAIRTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

5KRUN / 2 MILEWALK
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2013

Save $3-5 and get a FREE T-shirt by registering by May 1st.

Registration begins 8AM at Clairton Park Swimming Pool

Run begins promptly at 9AM

Entry Fees:
$20 – Adult Registration ($25 after May 1)
$12 – Age 17 and under ($15 after May 1)

Register by going on line at www.active.com or by Paper Form


For more information, contact Kathy Tachoir at 412-233-9857 or you can Email: Click here: Clairton Chamber of Commerce 5K Race 

Police chief says residents can sign up by calling 412-233-6213

BY MICHAEL DIVITTORIO

Clairton police plan to reinstate  a home safety initiative. 
  
Starting May 1, officers will meet with residents at their homes, by appointment, to check the security of access points. 

“We’ll do checks as simple as making sure locks on windows  work and providing any information that we can to better  secure their residences,” police Chief Rob Hoffman said. “We basically have a checklist that we’ll go by
... as well as help the residents feel more comfortable inside their homes.

“There’s nothing that really prompted this program. We haven’t done it in a while. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide any funding to fix any items that need to be secured. We can be suggestive on what needs to be done.”

Hoffman said residents can sign up for the program by calling 412-233-6213.

“It will run until we complete the list,” the chief said.  Senior citizens will be given priority. 

Hoffman believes the program  will be well received.

“We conducted this about five years ago with success,” Hoffman said. “The officers had an opportunity to meet with some of the residents, talk about some of their concerns and safety issues. The officers were able to give suggestions on how to better  secure (their homes). ... We checked about 40 different residences. I remember making  numerous suggestions to better secure their residences.

“I think it will be a positive. I believe people will take advantage  of the program. We will call upon the
assistance of the fire department if there’s any type of issues regarding smoke detectors, or if (residents)  have
any questions that would be out of our realm.” 

But some residents are skeptical.

“I think in a way it could (help) ’cause a lot of people’s homes (aren’t) properly sealed like mine,” resident Laura Crouch said. “If they really (want to) g et in they will find a way, like just breaking the window. I rent, but I know my landlord wouldn’t mind (a police check). I’d be  for it.”  “I am not sure this could make it a safe place since most of the crimes have little  to do with these sorts of safety issues,” resident Peggy Sedor Bayer said. “Not sure if I would sign up or not. I am more afraid of the drive-by shootings, shootings at public places, random fires, than I am about house break-ins. Of course I care about that, but it doesn’t seem to be the biggest threat in town, and it seems a waste of time for the real issues here regarding safety.”

  “I don’t think this will help those who have lived here for a long time,” resident Mary Lou Alfonsi said. “It may help those new to the city. I won’t sign up for it.”

Councilman Richard Ford said Hoffman spoke about the program at a recent council meeting and would like it expanded.

“If people are volunteering for police to come check the locks and things, it’s a good idea,” Ford said.

“It helps the people to be secure. I’m confi­dent  that our chief and police department will be doing that. Maybe there’s a program where we can talk to one of the stores so they can give them a good deal on locks and stuff. I don’t want (officers) to just tell (residents their locks are) bad and go fix it.”

Michael DiVittorio is a staff writer for Trib  Total  Media. He can be reached at  412-664-9161, ext. 1965 or  mdivittorio@ tribweb.com.

This is a reminder to put out your recyclables along with your garbage this week.

The CHANCE group will present its sixth annual performance on Thursday from 6 -8 p.m. in the Clairton High School auditorium.

This year’s dance performances will benefit the HERO’S Scholarship Fund for ...Clairton students. Participants are in second through 12th grades.

Tickets are $3 at the door.

There will be a 50/50 drawing and Chinese auction baskets.  Please bring a few dollars to support the Chinese auction and to try your luck at the 50/50 drawing. 
Remember...this is for a good cause.

Director Trevor Miles goes over dance moves with students, from left, Jalaya Papson, Kenyahna Jamison and Kira Paredes.