Northern Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce, New Kensington

The flood of September 17th, 2004 affected many in the area. The Newport Business School in New Kensington was hit pretty hard. Patricia Lattanzio, the Chief Operations Coordinator of the Northern Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce, had first hand opportunity to see the devastation at the Newport Business School in New Kensington.

The following is what Patricia had to say first hand:

I would like to let everyone know of a very important need for Books. I stopped at Newport Business School in New Kensington, and while I was there I could not believe the devastation I saw. The school has no heat and space heaters are being used in the rooms. The first floor was totally lost in the flood. The Library in the basement was all lost along with student’s personal belongings and books in their lockers. The front entrance to the school is blocked and all classes are being held in the upper floors. The school said they will rebuild, they are trying, but it will take time.

I spoke to the Director, Mike Schoma, about the Chamber doing a Book Drive. I asked him if there were certain books he needed. All books, Business Subjects, Auto biographies, all variety of books would be appreciated to build a new Library for the students.

We would appreciate all the help you can give to make this Book Drive a success. This is school is part of our community, so let’s pull together and make available the new Library for them. There is no deadline and ANY donations will be accepted. A new furnace is on its way.

The Northern Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce building will be the drop off point and they will be boxed and someone from the school will pick them up. They can be dropped off from 9am to 4pm Mon-Fri, or you can call and we will make arrangements to be here at a convenient time for you.

Patricia Lattanzio of the Northern Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce can be reached 724-339-6616 if you need further information or have any questions.

Northern Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce
858 Fourth Avenue
New Kensington, PA 15068