Norwin area happenings include scavenger hunt, tax rebates

Pet Friends plans scavenger hunt

Pet Friends Inc. of Irwin, will hold a scavenger hunt/word game fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 15 in downtown Irwin.

The event will include a meet and greet with the cats and dogs that are available for adoption, a police K-9 demonstration, a scavenger hunt and word game with prizes, a basket auction and face painting.

All scavenger hunt participants will be given wrist bands at registration along with a printed list of participating businesses.

Money raised through the event will help Pet Friends continue its work of fostering, rescuing, spaying and neutering, and providing essentials for cats and dogs waiting to be adopted.

Businesses can participate by donating an item for the Irwin raffle basket or by volunteering as a place where scavenger hunt participants can receive a letter for the game.

Participating businesses can put a flyer, coupon or business card in the registration bags to be given to each adult participant.

For more information, contact Lisa Cimbala at treasurer@petfriendsinc.com.

Tax rebates for emergency responders increased

North Huntingdon has increased the tax rebate from $250 to $500 for volunteer emergency responders — such as firefighters — for the township’s 1% earned income tax.

The commissioners recently approved the hike as an incentive to get more people to volunteer. To qualify for the full amount, a person must meet all the criteria, such as responding to emergency calls and participating in fundraisers.

The increased rebate will not take effect until 2022, for service rendered in 2021.

Commissioner Brian Blasko said at a recent township meeting that only about 15 firefighters received the current maximum rebate of $250.