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Millvale Community Library aided by grant, volunteers
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The Millvale Community Library project received another grant from the Portiuncula Foundation, operated by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities in Millvale.
The foundation awarded $15,000 for the heating and air-conditioning system, bringing its total gifts to $25,000. Portiuncula gave the library $10,000 in 2010 for the same purpose.
In a collaboration with the library, Carlow University students helped secure the grant.
"In the spring of 2011, one of the university's classes provided a wide range of worthwhile research, including leads on potential grants," said Brian Wolovich, founder and library board president. "In the fall of 2012, one of their classes learned about grant writing by actually writing grants for the library."
More money is needed to pay for an efficient and green heating and air-conditioning system, which could cost about $50,000. Mr. Wolovich said a grant application has been made for the other $25,000 needed. If that grant doesn't come through, cuts in the quality of the system would have to be made to fit the money available, he said.
Initiated in 2003, The Portiuncula Foundation administers gifts and charitable funds formerly held by the St. Francis Health Foundation, St. Francis Hospital of New Castle and St. Francis Medical Center, as well as donations to the religious community.
The name Portiuncula is an Italian word used by St. Francis of Assisi that translates into "little portion."
Volunteers continue to be invaluable to the library's completion, Mr. Wolovich said, including two construction companies, PCCampbell of Pittsburgh and E5 Industries of Ambridge, which have been donating time to do finish work at the 213 North Ave. site.
The library also is taking a step toward independence.
After receiving its 501(c)3 status from the IRS, it is separating from its fiscal sponsor, New Sun Rising, a nonprofit organization founded by Mr. Wolovich and his brother, Scott, to support grass-roots projects.
Volunteers can help out at a work session from noon to 7 p.m. today. For information about the project or volunteering: 412-977-7672.
First Published June 14, 2012 5:53 am
