BUSINESSES STEP UP TO HELP DARE

The generosity of several business owners in Monroeville and Penn
Hills and an outreach program by the O'Hara Township Police
Department have come together to add a little more color and fun to
teaching kids about the dangers of substance abuse.

The Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, or DARE, is a
nationally recognized program that works primarily with
fifth-graders. Pupils are led through workbook and group activities
by a member of local law enforcement to learn about the dangers of drug use.

But with the addition of a new DARE car -- a 2006 Dodge Magnum
complete with a specially created red, white and blue DARE paint job
-- kids in the Fox Chapel Area School District might find a flashier
presentation in this year's program.

The vehicle was donated by Mike Auffenberg at Monroeville Dodge.

"I'm familiar with the [DARE] program," he said. "If there was a
community group to donate a car to, that would be the right one in my mind."

Two other businesses--Autograph Signs, of Monroeville, and Signs by
Tomorrow, of Penn Hills -- stepped up to design and laminate the
distinctive graphics on the car exterior.

O'Hara police Chief Jim Farringer said Jeff Goodwin, owner of
Autograph Signs, called him "out of the blue" one day to offer his services.

The chief thought initially that Mr. Goodwin was pitching for a job
to do the DARE car paint work. "Then he said, 'Well, actually I want
to donate this to you,' and I asked him when [we could meet] and he
said 'What are you doing this afternoon?' "

Mr. Goodwin has a personal connection to the program -- his daughter
is in the Fox Chapel Area School District and will be in the program
in just two years.

"I was looking for an opportunity to contribute to the community ...
and they're teaching my daughter and the other kids about avoiding
drugs and I thought it a worthy cause," he said.