News You Can Use

October 6, 2006

Work Zone Safety Laws Online Survey

What should you do when approaching a flashing light mounted on a road sign that reads "Active Work Zone When Flashing"? Statistics indicate many motorists are confused about how to proceed through an area where men, women and heavy equipment are building new highways or repairing our existing roads. During 2005, the results were 1,885 crashes and 30 fatalities in PA highway work zones.

Avoid being among that group. Take a confidential online survey designed to measure public awareness of PA's work zone laws. The results of the PA Department of Transportation online survey will be used to determine what, if any, changes can be made to work zone signing, speed limits, and lighting to help improve safety. Strengthen your knowledge of active work zones safety laws.

Farm Show Complex to Host 61st Pennsylvania National Horse Show

America's largest indoor multi-breed horse show and one of the equestrian world's premier events rides into the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center from October 12-21, 2006. Nearly 1,200 of the finest American and international show horses and riders will participate in ten days of exciting equestrian competition for $340,000 in prize money.

The event's highlight is the $65,000 Grand Prix de Penn National, Saturday night, October 21. Among the competitors are recent and former Olympic and World Cup medalists from the United States and other nations, and top professionals from across the U.S. and beyond.

Travel to Harrisburg to enjoy the 7,700 seat coliseum and the complex featuring 26 acres of stabling, warm up, arenas, vendors and seating under one roof. Stay for the dining, attractions, and shopping located in the Harrisburg area, which also offers 8,500 hotel rooms and easy highway access from all points.

Can't get away? Watch the Pennsylvania National Horse Show and the United States Equestrian Federation Medal Finals live, just click on the links below:

Equestrian.org and GoMobileBroadband.com

ProductionsEast.com

LiveBroadcast.tv

View the latest on the national competition, including an opportunity to peruse the lists of previous winners. 

2006 Calendar of Events -- PA Farm Show Complex

The remaining months of 2006 will find the PA Farm Show Complex hosting an antique show, a business expo, a cheerleading competition, a dog show, a motorcycle show, rodeo finals and a Christmas and gift show, among numerous others.  Explore the 2006 Calendar of Events.

Visitor's information, including links to local hotels and activities:

Love is in the Air

The PA Game Commission (PGC) reminds the motoring public, the white-tailed deer population will be quite active in the coming weeks as they become consumed in the fall breeding ritual commonly referred to as the "rut." Testy bucks will spar as they struggle to be the one contributing to the gene pool for future generations of deer.

PGC tips for safe travel:

• Don't count on deer whistles or deer fences to deter deer from crossing roads in front of you. Stay alert.
• Watch for the reflection of deer eyes and for deer silhouettes on the shoulder of the road. If anything looks slightly suspicious, slow down.
• Slow down in areas known to have a large deer population; where deer-crossing signs are posted; places where deer commonly cross roads; areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forestland; and whenever in forested areas between dusk and dawn.
• Deer do unpredictable things. Sometimes they stop in the middle of the road when crossing. Sometimes they cross and quickly re-cross back from where they came. Sometimes they move toward an approaching vehicle. Assume nothing. Slow down, blow your horn to urge the deer to leave the road. Stop if the deer stays on the road; don't try to go around it.

View for more tips, including the legal requirements if you experience a collision with a deer: 

Learn how nature protects a species from predation and the PGC strives to support the breeding ecology of deer:

PGC Wildlife Notes

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Approach the Pennsylvania State Capitol from the east to catch a glimpse of the East Wing fountain across from Soldiers' Grove.  During October 2006, the fountain will delight passersby as it sprays pink water in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The Pennsylvania Department of General Services, the Commission for Women and the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition coordinate the annual campaign to remind people of the importance of early detection and treatment of breast cancer.  In Pennsylvania alone, one-in-seven women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at some point in her life. This disease continues to be one of the most common types of cancer among Pennsylvania women.

You can participate in breast cancer awareness through any of a long list of activities and events -- throw a coin in a fountain, purchase jewelry, sip a cup of tea, swing a golf club, order a vehicle license plate. Whatever your interest, there is now a way to support the fight against breast cancer.

Subscribe to "Pink Link", a monthly email newsletter and "FrontLine", a quarterly publication of the PA Breast Cancer Coalition, for information on the continuing battle against breast cancer

Fall 2006 Frontline (PDF)

Archaeology Month

Pennsylvania declares Archaeology Month as a dig for a French and Indian War-era fort ensues just a few miles outside of the state's capital city near the banks of the Susquehanna River. Along with discovering the remains of the original Fort Hunter, the dig has unearthed 8,000 year old artifacts.

Archaeology Month increases awareness of the important historic and prehistoric archaeological sites in the Commonwealth. These sites are part of the heritage of all Pennsylvanians. Everyday, archaeological sites are destroyed. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology, Inc., and the Pennsylvania Archaeological Council hope that through the Archaeology Month events, more Pennsylvanians become aware of this part of our history and work to protect our endangered resources. Check out the PA Archaeology Month October 2006 Calendar of Events

Learn more about archaeology in PA

View the Fort Hunter dig scheduled to continue through next fall

Fort Hunter Mansion and Park

Focus on Flu

Focus on Flu, the PA Department of Health's online source for influenza information, is preparing for the 2006-07 flu season. The Department is focusing on flu prevention tips for all of us:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and following food preparation, before eating and after using restrooms or changing diapers.
• Be careful what you touch. Hands transmit germs.
• Cover your nose and mouth with hands or tissues when coughing or sneezing. Wash hands afterward to prevent spreading germs to doorknobs and other items. Discard tissues right away.
• Get plenty of rest, eat properly, and dress appropriately for the weather.
• When ill, prevent the spread of germs by staying home from school or the workplace, if possible.
• During flu season, minimize time in crowded areas, such as shopping centers, and avoid contact with those at high risk for the flu, such as the elderly and those with chronic illness.
• If over the age of 65, pregnant, or if you have a chronic illness or disease, talk with your doctor about a flu and pneumonia vaccination.

On October 13, 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expected to begin posting a weekly U.S. map reflecting the location of verified cases of influenza.  Currently posted are recommendations for using antiviral agents for influenza for the upcoming flu season.

Link to the American Lung Association's Flu Clinic Locator. Type in your zip code for locations, phone numbers, dates and times of a convenient flu clinic. The locator will also provide you with mapping and distance information. Locate a flu clinic near you.