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Day Shift 14 Park History 16 Brain Train 12 HIP, HIP Hooray for Community Day! p. 18 Santa arrives Dec. 6 th page 21 SOUTH FAYETTE CONNECT Free Fall 2019 Volume 4, Issue 4 www.SouthFayettePA.com of South Fayette Township The Of ficial Magazine

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Page 1: HIP, HIP Hooray for Community - CivicPlus

Day Shift 14 Park History 16 Brain Train 12

HIP, HIP Hooray for Community

Day!p. 18

Santa

arrives Dec. 6 th

page 21SOUTH FAYETTEC O N N E C T

FreeFall 2019Volume 4, Issue 4 www.SouthFayettePA.com

of South Fayette TownshipThe Official Magazine

Page 2: HIP, HIP Hooray for Community - CivicPlus

C O N T E N T S   FALL 2019 

DepartmentsManager's Message ................................................................................................. 1

South Fayette Shorts ............................................................................................... 2

Meet ... Evonne Williams ....................................................................................... 3

Around the Township ............................................................................................... 4–5

Business ........................................................................................................................ 6–7

Stormwater .................................................................................................................... 8–9

NewsTownship updates park rules ............................................................................... 3

Regulations help ensure parks are used safely and properly.

Oak Ridge Volunteer Fire Department opens social hall ...................... 5Newly built space is available for rentals.

FeaturesBrain Training ............................................................................................................... 12–13

Fitness program aims to slow the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Day Shift ......................................................................................................................... 14–15A typical shift in the life of a police officer is anything but routine.

The History of Fairview Park ................................................................................ 16–17South Fayette's largest, most popular park is created from former Mayview State Hospital land.

Photo FeaturesBreast Cancer Awareness Month ...................................................................... 3

Sola Salon Studios in South Fayette raised money for the foundation A Glimmer of Hope.

Use Your Gourd ........................................................................................................... 10Preschoolers use pumpkins to learn about science at the South Fayette Township Library.

Beer for Books ............................................................................................................. 10The annual fundraiser collected more than $6,000 for the South Fayette Township Library.

Hip, Hip, Hooray for Community Day .............................................................. 18–19The annual event drew record attendance to Fairview Park.

Camp Champs ............................................................................................................ 21More than 220 children participated in eight weeks of Summer Playground Camp.

Just Keep Truckin' On .............................................................................................. 22–23Families explored big trucks, buses and more at Touch-a-Truck.

HappeningsLibrary Programs ....................................................................................................... 11

Holiday Celebration .................................................................................................. 21

Fall and Winter Recreation Programs & Bus Trips ................................... 25

On the CoverSouth Fayette Youth Cheerleaders lift sixth-grader Lindsay Cole, 11, during a performance at South Fayette Community Day on Aug. 24. Photo by Mitchell Straub.

InsideEllie Leech, 3, and Zachary Grella, 4, investigate pumpkins during a preschool science program at South Fayette Township Library. Photo by Andrea Iglar.

10

18

Page 3: HIP, HIP Hooray for Community - CivicPlus

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSRaymond Pitetti, President

Gwen A. Rodi, Vice PresidentJoseph Horowitz

Lisa MaloshRebecca Sray

TOWNSHIP MANAGERJohn M. Barrett

EXECUTIVE EDITORAndrea Iglar

ART DIRECTORAndrea Iglar

GRAPHIC DESIGNAndrea IglarPaula Willis

CONTRIBUTORSHarry Funk

John KanaskieJosh Milteer

Colleen PatelMitchell Straub

ABOUT THIS MAGAZINESouth Fayette Connect is a free magazine

published and distributed quarterly by South Fayette Township for the benefit of its citizens.

The magazine is a nonprofit source of public information aimed at building a strong sense of

community identity and pride.

If your delivery is missed, please inform your postal carrier. No portion of this publication

may be reproduced without permission of the editor. © Copyright 2019. All rights reserved.

ADVERTISINGSouth Fayette Connect offers advertisements in exchange for sponsorship of certain community

events and programs. For details, contact the magazine editor or visit

www.SouthFayettePA.com/ads.

PRINTINGKnepper Press

CONNECT WITH US www.SouthFayettePA.com/magazine

[email protected]; 412-221-8700, ext. 231 515 Millers Run Road / South Fayette, PA 15064

Manager's MessageJOHN M. BARRETT

T his issue of South Fayette Connect explores the tremendous community asset that is Fairview Park.

Just as water, sewer and public safety are considered essential public services, parks are vitally important to establishing and maintaining a good quality of life, ensuring the health of families and youth, and contributing to the economic and environmental well-being of a community and a region.

And like other essential services, physical improvements to the township network of parks must be properly planned and accounted for to be effective.

Recently, the township developed a Comprehensive Recreation Plan that looks at each park and proposes a series of

improvements to make our facilities even more robust and appealing to residents. The plan is the result of a team effort, with guidance not only from design professionals but also from a steering committee of residents, volunteers from the Parks and Recreation Board and hundreds of citizens who provided feedback throughout the planning process.

Ultimately, the result is a well-conceived plan that will guide park improvements for the foreseeable future. Once adopted, staff will begin developing a strategy to put the plan into action. The township will seek funding through grants and other partnerships, with the aim of using as little tax money as possible.

For Fairview Park, the plan includes a splash park, additional baseball and multipurpose fields, a wooded, fenced dog park and a network of walking trails that will greatly enhance the park. Residents can view the plan, including illustrations and cost estimates, at www.southfayettepa.com/parksplan.

The South Fayette Township Parks and Recreation Department is uniquely situated to provide crucial benefits to our citizens. Our parks are public commons that serve as the glue that brings and holds the community together. Please continue to recognize and support our department’s effort to improve the human condition and make South Fayette a great place to live, work and play. I hope you enjoy this edition of South Fayette Connect!

Sincerely,

John M. BarrettSouth Fayette Township Manager

Scan QR Code with smartphone app for

instant website access!

GreenDollar Bank ...........................................................24Washington Financial Bank ..........................20

DiamondDunkin' ....................................................................23Goldberg, Kamin & Garvin ............................9Jen Crouse, Realtor / Howard Hanna ......23Kiddie Academy South Fayette ..................6Mitall Division of KU Resources Inc. ........18The Watson Institute ........................................6

GoldAllegheny Health Network ............................8

The Almanac ........................................................5Brentwood Bank .................................................5Colussy Chevrolet..............................................4The Crafty Jackalope ........................................19Gardner Moving..................................................22Herbert, Rowland & Grubic ..........................4John Kosky Contracting ..................................9Silhol Builders Supply ......................................22South Fayette Soccer Association ............19The Stephens Team, Keller Williams ........8T.J. Maxx ..................................................................7Xtreme Car & Truck/Sunoco ........................7

Sponsor Advertisements - Thank you!

South Fayette Connect | Fall 2019 | 1

Page 4: HIP, HIP Hooray for Community - CivicPlus

Trick-or-Treat is on HalloweenTrick-or-Treat in South Fayette Township is set for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thurs. Oct. 31.

Haunted Cabin opens Oct. 23Scouts BSA Troop 248 hosts the annual Haunted Cabin fundraiser from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Weds. Oct. 23 through Sat. Oct. 26 at Killbuck Lodge, 248 Clinton Ave., Oakdale. Cost is $5 a person. Details: 724-693-0549.

Library launches logoThe South Fayette Township Library launched a new logo in July. Featuring a green color traditionally associated with South Fayette, the logo shows a book—the foundation of the library—with pages open to reflect the breadth of resources, programs and services offered. “Libraries are so much more than just books now,” library director Ben Hornfeck said. Details: www.southfayettelibrary.org.

Election Day is Nov. 5Voting is 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tues. Nov. 5. Find polling places at www.southfayettepa.com/voting.

License plate readers installedLicense plate readers have been added to the intersection of Washington Pike and Route 50 in South Fayette. Police Chief John Phoennik said the purpose is to aid investigations, not to enforce traffic. The readers, connected to a regional system, capture license plate numbers and other characteristics of passing vehicles. Data is stored at the Allegheny County District Attorney's office.

Swag bags offered to HOAsSouth Fayette Township has launched an online "roll call" for homeowner associations to share their comments, concerns and contacts. Any HOA managers or officers who check in get a free South Fayette swag bag! Go to www.southfayettepa.com/hoa.

Free glass recycling offeredThe Pennsylvania Resources Council is offering a free glass recycling collection Sat. Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Moon Township Municipal Building, 1000

Beaver Grade Road. All colors of glass bottles and jars are accepted. Details: www.prc.org/glassrecycling.

Leaf collections held Saturdays Nov. 2 and Nov. 16Curbside leaf collection will be held Saturdays Nov. 2 and Nov. 16 in South Fayette Township. The night before pickup, place leaves and other yard waste at the curb in biodegradable paper bags no heavier than 25 pounds each. Yard waste may include leaves, hedge/tree/garden trimmings, brush, lawn edging and grass clippings. Recycling guide and calendar: www.southfayettepa.com/recycle.

Little Lions enrollment requests accepted in DecemberEnrollment requests for the Little Lions Early Learning Academy at South Fayette High School may be made from Dec. 6 to Dec. 21. Eligible students must be 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2020, and live in South Fayette. Registrants will be selected through a lottery on Jan. 9, 2020. Details will be posted on the school district website: www.southfayette.org.

Recycling bins stay at propertyIf you move, your home's recycling bin stays. Recycling bins are the property of South Fayette Township—with the exception of any additional bins that a resident may have personally purchased—and must remain with the original address for the next occupant to use. Also, defacement and non-recycling use of the township's bins are prohibited. Details: www.southfayettepa.com/bins.

Hindi translation addedSouth Fayette Township's website now includes a special button for English-to-Hindi translation, plus translation to other languages: www.southfayettepa.com.

South FayetteSHORTS

'Connect' magazine again named top in nationFor the second year in a row, South Fayette Connect earned first place in the magazine category of the 2019 Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards from the National Association of Government Communicators, a professional group that includes federal, state and local agencies.

The awards program recognizes quality, creativity and cost-effectiveness in government communications across the U.S.

Magazine executive editor Andrea Iglar, the South Fayette Township Director of Communications and Community Development, received the award in Washington, D.C. in June from association president Chris O'Neil (pictured).

Chief chat set for Nov. 21South Fayette Township Police Chief John Phoennik invites citizens to share comments and questions at "Coffee with the Chief" Thurs. Nov. 21 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Sturgeon Volunteer Fire Department, 526 Main St., South Fayette 15082. Refreshments are provided.

Pictured: Chief Phoennik, far right, chats with a resident at the McDonald's in South Fayette during the July session.

2 | SouthFayettePA.com @SouthFayetteTownship @SouthFayetteTwp South Fayette Township @SouthFayettePA

Page 5: HIP, HIP Hooray for Community - CivicPlus

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sola Salon Studios, 3031 Washington Pike in South Fayette, hosted a Cut-a-Thon fundraiser Oct. 6 for the foundation A Glimmer of Hope.

Back row, from left: Operations manager Cassie Farkas; salon owners Bon'Sel Lightfoot and Kelly Weisner; guest singer Aubrey Burchell, a 2018 American Idol contestant; and salon owner Derek McCance. Front row, from left: Salon owner Tracie Caputo; Sola administrative assistant Lisa Nicklow; and salon owner Beth Faunce. Also participating, but not pictured, are salon owners Nikki DeVito, Shelly Casto and Alyssa Bazala.

MeetEVONNE WILLIAMS

A struggle with breast cancer this year hasn't kept Evonne Williams, administrative

assistant for the South Fayette Township Police Department, from staying active: "I think it's better to keep busy," she says. In August, Evonne was declared cancer-free.

Hometown: Lifelong South Fayette resident (except 4 years in Buffalo, NY)

First Job: U.S. Army Commissary, Collier Township

First Car: 1968 blue Mercury Cougar with black vinyl roof

Hobbies: Sewing baby doll clothes for infant granddaughter; quilting; viewing wildlife on her acre of land

Activities: Part-time job at fabric and craft store for 15 years; township Safety Committee recorder

Bucket List: Visit Las Vegas

Best Qualities of South Fayette: Open spaces and police officers: "Especially when I got ill, they really went out of their way to help me."

Fun Fact about Evonne: She is the second generation among four generations of living female family members, including her mother Jean Veneski, 89; daughter, Erin Farrow; and one-year-old granddaughter, Mackenzie. (Pictured: The family attends a bell-ringing ceremony this

summer to mark the end of Evonne's radiation treatments.)

— Andrea Iglar

Township updates park rulesRegulations help ensure parks are used safely and properlyBy Andrea Iglar

Did you know that all South Fayette Township parks are designated smoke-free and tobacco-free?

The rule is part of an updated ordinance of park regulations approved by the township Board of Commissioners in September.

The regulations apply to all township-owned parks, trails and other recreational areas, including Fairview Park, Morgan Park, Sturgeon Park, Boys Home Park, Preservation Park, and the Treveskyn property.

"More and more people are visiting the parks, and we want to make sure the parks are being used safely and properly so everyone can enjoy them," Park and Recreation Director Paula Willis said.

Here is a sample of park regulations:

• Pets must remain on physical leashes at all times in all parks, except for dogs whose owners hold a valid permit for the off-leash zone in Fairview Park.

• No parking along roads or in grass.

• No bringing outside garbage or recyclables to dump into park bins or dumpsters.

• Games, contests or sports are permitted only in fields, courts or other areas designated for such use. Athletic fields may be closed when conditions warrant it.

• Organized sports or activities involving more than 15 adults, and all non-resident groups, must have township approval or a facility rental permit to use the parks.

• Private lessons or other organized activities, whether free or paid, are prohibited on township property unless they are organized through the township, or unless the organizer holds a valid facility rental permit.

• Anyone organizing a park activity must provide proof of insurance, with South Fayette Township listed as an additionally insured entity. If the event involves children, organizers must provide copies of their background safety clearances.

• Small photography shoots, such as those for weddings or family photos, do not require permission; however, a group may be asked to move if the area has been reserved or if the photography interferes with other recreational activities.

• Any large or commercial photo shoot or film production, beyond simple home video, must receive township approval or a facility rental permit in advance.

Park regulations are enforced by township employees and police officers. Violations may result in suspension of park privileges or a maximum fine of $600.

Complete rules are available at www.southfayettepa.com/parkrules.

Questions? Contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 412-221-8700. Emergencies: 9-1-1.

South Fayette Connect | Fall 2019 | 3

Page 6: HIP, HIP Hooray for Community - CivicPlus

Members of the South Fayette Senior Citizens Association gather to play the card game 500 at noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays (except for the third Thursday of each month) in the South Fayette Township building, 515 Millers Run Road. Details: Call 412-221-8700 or visit www.southfayettepa.com/seniors.

Seated, clockwise from left below: Sharon Allan, Mary Bushmire, Rose Rederer and Bob Kraus. Standing, from left: Mary Bernice Doyle, Joyce Conroy, Gloria Duchess, Shirley Petrillo, Chari Schumm, Rita Brown, Janet Johnson, Peggy Wagner and Margie Smith. (Photo by Andrea Iglar)

SMILES in SPADES

Honor roll restored

Residents this summer refurbished the

World War I honor roll and memorial

at the corner of Dutch Hill and

Battle Ridge roads in South Fayette

Township.

The monument's plaque, along with

a planter and American flags, honors

62 veterans from the Thoms Run area

who served from 1917 to 1919, plus four

who died serving.

The group, whose members requested

to remain anonymous in this

publication, volunteered to clean, paint

and restore the monument.

The township reimbursed the

residents for supplies purchased to

complete this effort.

—Andrea Iglar

Gold Sponsors - Community Day - Thank you!

South FayetteAROUND THE TOWNSHIP

South Fayette graduate promoted to Army colonelAnthony Zupancic, a 1993 graduate of South Fayette High School, was promoted in June to full colonel at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he teaches English.

A 1997 graduate of West Point, he served the U.S. Army in Kuwait and Afghanistan. He holds a doctorate in English.

Colonel Zupancic (pictured, right, at West Point) lives in Washingtonville, New York, with his wife, Michelle, and their two daughters.

4 | SouthFayettePA.com @SouthFayetteTownship @SouthFayetteTwp South Fayette Township @SouthFayettePA

Page 7: HIP, HIP Hooray for Community - CivicPlus

Oak Ridge VFD opens social hall Newly built space available for rentalsBy Andrea Iglar

A newly built, 7,500-square-foot social hall is available for rentals next to the fire station at 1214 Oakridge Road in South Fayette Township.

The Oak Ridge Volunteer Fire Department has completed construction of the hall and is accepting rentals for the space.

The prior social hall, which was demolished, hadn’t changed much for more than 30 years.

“It was just outdated,” firefighter Riley Supan said. “We decided as a department to start fresh.”

The two-year, $1.1 million project serves as a long-term source of income for the all-volunteer organization, founded in 1956. Construction was funded mostly through loans, so hall rentals and other fundraising events will help pay off the debt.

The fire department’s building committee was headed by Riley’s father—Fire Chief Bill Supan, who is in the construction business—and Assistant Chief John Olszewski.

The hall rental committee includes fire department members Mr. Olszewski, Brynne and Bill Allcorn, Megan and Kevin Sperring, and Kelli Supan and son B.J.

The new hall—named The Orchard at Oak Ridge because the property used to be an apple orchard—accommodates up to 320 people.

Amenities include tables and chairs, a 50-foot-long bar, an equipped kitchen and spacious restrooms with a bridal antechamber.The new hall, Riley Supan said, “blew my expectations out of the water. It turned out really well.”

For prices and availability, please contact the social hall: 724-693-8883; [email protected]; www.oakridgevfd.com/hall-rental; or find The Orchard at Oak Ridge on Facebook.

Gold Sponsors - Community Day - Thank you!

FREE delivery is now available in South Fayette!

To get started, call: 724-222-2200 ext. 8184or go to www.thealmanac.net/startitup

Oak Ridge Volunteer Fire Department member Riley Supan stands inside the newly

built social hall. (Photo by Andrea Iglar)

PATHFINDERConstruction of the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s 13-mile, $800 million Southern Beltway is progressing in South Fayette.

Left: The Southern Beltway takes shape in September in a valley below County Line Road, opposite Interstate 79 and heading northwest toward Hickory Grade Road and Pittsburgh International Airport.

The highway is expected to open in fall 2021; connections to and from I-79 are set to open in 2022, according to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. The beltway will join I-79 with Route 22, providing direct access to Pittsburgh International Airport.

—Text & photo by Andrea Iglar

South Fayette Connect | Fall 2019 | 5

Page 8: HIP, HIP Hooray for Community - CivicPlus

Diamond Sponsor - Community Day - Thank you!Diamond Sponsor - Fireworks - Thank you!

South FayetteBUSINESS

Sheetz under wayConstruction of a Sheetz gas station and convenience store is under way at the corner of Washington Pike and Bursca Drive in South Fayette Township.

The $4 million project, including a drive-through and sales of beer and wine, is expected to be complete before the end of the year.

—Andrea Iglar

Watson InstituteSewickley | South Fayette | Sharpsburg | Friendship(412) 749-2889, option 3 | Toll-Free (866) 893-4751

www.thewatsoninstitute.org

4 Convenient Locations to Serve You!The Watson Institute offers a comprehensive array of outpatient services for mental and behavioral health diagnoses including:• Psychological Testing• Psychiatric Evaluations• Medication Management• Wraparound Services• Wraparound Evaluations• Social Skills Group Therapy• Individual & Family Therapy• Art & Music Therapy

Call today to make an appointment!

Bar under new ownershipDozens of beers on tapBy Andrea Iglar

A bar and restaurant called Tap That launched in August in the former Iron Creek Bar & Grille in the Cuddy neighborhood of South Fayette Township.

Owner Jeffrey Lynn of McCandless (pictured) said the name refers to the 36 draft—mostly craft—beers on tap.

A fan of India pale ale, Mr. Lynn bought the business after 24 years as an employee, manager and operations director in the food service industry, mostly with larger organizations.

But, he said, “I like the local bar feel. I like to get to know the clientele. I like everybody to know everybody else.”

Tap That serves pub fare, including appetizers and handhelds such as the “South Fayette Stack,” a giant roast beef sandwich.

Tap That, 611 Millers Run Road, opens

daily at 11 a.m. and serves food until 11 p.m. Bar hours are until 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, and until midnight Sunday through Wednesday.

Details: 412-564-5292, or find on Facebook, Instagram and the mobile app Untappd.

6 | SouthFayettePA.com @SouthFayetteTownship @SouthFayetteTwp South Fayette Township @SouthFayettePA

Page 9: HIP, HIP Hooray for Community - CivicPlus

Gold Sponsors - Community Day - Thank you!

@ Interstate 79 in South Fayette140 Millers Run Road 15017

Visit us at Great Southern Shopping Center 1155 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017

savings. style.

shop tjmaxx.com

Elmcroft new owner of senior living homeElmcroft Senior Living took over in June as owner of the personal care community formerly operated by Broadmore Senior Living at 3275 Washington Pike in South Fayette Township.

Elmcroft, based in Oregon, operates more than 90 senior living communities across the country.

Recent improvements in South Fayette include facility upgrades, room remodeling and the addition of round-the-clock nursing staff.

“We’re really focused more on personal care,” said Executive Director Kim Migliozzi, herself a licensed practical nurse.

“Care is our number-one priority at Elmcroft.”

Pictured: Ms. Migliozzi, left, greets resident Nilda Franchino in the Elmcroft lounge.

Details: 412-221-0202 or www.elmcroft.com.

—Andrea Iglar

MATERIAL MovementSouth Fayette family opens boutiqueBy Andrea Iglar

Tim Skeen has a knack for decorating and fashion.

That’s why his wife, Beth, let him pick out her clothing for their 2004 honeymoon.

Now, the South Fayette resident is putting his skills to work at Material Movement, the boutique he opened in September in the Morgan neighborhood.

“It’s been Tim’s dream since I met him,” Beth said. “He’s always had that artsy feel.”

The shop, which Tim designed in an industrial-chic style, offers an assortment of carefully chosen clothing, jewelry, accessories, home decor and gifts, including pillows, key chains and earrings customized with the South Fayette name or school logo.

“Everything here is something I would buy my wife,” Tim said.

The boutique also offers creative pieces

that Tim has fashioned from unusual materials. For example, chess pieces are made of pipe; railroad spikes are bent into bottle openers; and a dragonfly sculpture uses butter knives for wings.

“Everything is made of a different material,” Tim said. “I wanted to incorporate everything under ‘Material’ Movement.”

The boutique is a labor of love that Tim manages to fit into his busy schedule, which includes working at a job overseeing construction projects and taking sons Tyler, 13, and Trey, 10, to their sports games.

But Tim says the effort is worth it: “It’s just a passion I have.”

Material Movement, 540 Millers Run Rd.: 412-564-5557; find on Facebook & Instagram.

Tim Skeen, above right, and wife Beth opened Material Movement Boutique on Millers Run Road in South Fayette in September. Tim's metalwork includes a lantern shaped like a human figure (top right, holding an 'open' sign) and a crab made with a horseshoe and wrenches (middle). The shop offers clothing, jewelry (bottom right), accessories, decor and gifts. (Photos: Andrea Iglar)

South Fayette Connect | Fall 2019 | 7

Page 10: HIP, HIP Hooray for Community - CivicPlus

Gold Sponsors - Community Day - Thank you!

South FayetteSTORMWATER

Fish serves as reminder that only rain goes in the drainThere’s a reason storm drains soon may look a little fishy.

South Fayette plans to install markers on storm inlets in some neighborhoods showing a masked fish and the words: “Drains to Drinking Water. Please Don’t Dump.”

The message serves as a constant reminder that only rainwater and snowmelt are permitted in the drains, and any other substance—such as swimming pool water, car wash runoff and grass clippings—are prohibited from entering the stormwater system.

While the township will not be able to place markers on every inlet, the “no dumping” rule applies to all storm drains, regardless of location.

Also, postcards with removable refrigerator magnets of the fish image are available free of charge at community events and at the township office, thanks to the Allegheny County nonprofit organization 3 Rivers Wet Weather: www.3rww.org.

—John Kanaskie

Be Cool When You Drain Your PoolProtect water sources by draining swimming pools safelyBy John Kanaskie

Alas, swimming season is over! It’s time to winterize your pool.Preparing your swimming pool for the colder, landlubber months usually involves

draining at least some of its water, and proper draining helps keep waterways, and ultimately our drinking water, safe and clean.

Pollutants Are Fewer When You Use the Sanitary SewerPool water can be contaminated by chlorine and other chemicals, and if a pool has been sitting unattended for a while, the water can contain bacteria that is harmful to humans, wildlife and vegetation.

This pollution is the reason pools must be drained into sanitary sewers—not storm drains, streets or yards.

The only safe way to drain your pool is to direct the water into the sanitary sewer system, which sends water to a treatment plant—the same place as toilet sewage, dirty dishwater and laundry wastewater.

How to Access the Sanitary SewerFind your sanitary sewer cleanout (or in some cases, sewer vent) by looking for the end of a pipe sticking out of the ground around the house or along the sewer line.

Cleanouts provide access to sewage lines. Modern cleanouts usually are capped with a small lid (inset image). Sewer vents are topped with circular grates.

To access the sanitary sewer, hold the raised square on the lid of the cleanout and unscrew the cap. Place a hose between your swimming pool and the cleanout. To prevent backflow, do not touch the hose to the bottom of the sewer pipe while draining.

If you are unsure how to access the sanitary sewer, please contact the Municipal Authority of the Township of South Fayette: 412-257-5100 or www.matsf.net.

Only Rain Goes in the Storm DrainOnly rainwater and snowmelt are permitted in the storm sewer system, which includes grates, inlets and drains commonly seen along curbs and parking lots.

Anything in the stormwater system ends up in rivers and other natural waterways, eventually making its way to our faucet and into our drinking glasses. That’s why pool water cannot be drained into storm sewers.

For more information about stormwater, visit www.southfayettepa.com/water.

John Kanaskie is Engineer Technician with South Fayette Township: [email protected].

www.myWatershedWatch.org

8 | SouthFayettePA.com @SouthFayetteTownship @SouthFayetteTwp South Fayette Township @SouthFayettePA

Page 11: HIP, HIP Hooray for Community - CivicPlus

Diamond Sponsor - Earth Cleanup Day - Thank you!

Gold Sponsor - Earth Cleanup Day - Thank you!

Flood RepaiRsFollowing severe storms in July, South Fayette Township Public Works made repairs and improvements to the stormwater system to help reduce flooding along the Millers Run corridor.

A crew in September installed five, 8-foot-long stormwater pipes in the creek bed at the corner of Westbridge Drive and Morgan Hill Road to help direct water into a creek that feeds Millers Run. Each pipe of reinforced concrete is 6 feet in diameter and weighs more than 7 tons. Below: Mark Mitchell watches as a crane lowers a pipe. Far right: Employees (from left) Mark Mitchell, Mike Meglen and Ryan Tropeck direct placement of a pipe.

Bottom: Along Wabash Avenue this fall, Barry Miller and Mark Mitchell construct a storm drain designed to collect some water before it flows downhill to Millers Run Road.

—Andrea Iglar

Photos by Andrea Iglar

South Fayette Connect | Fall 2019 | 9

Page 12: HIP, HIP Hooray for Community - CivicPlus

The second annual Beer for Books on Sept. 19 raised $6,400 to enhance programs and services at the South Fayette Township Library. The event included a basket raffle, live music and craft beers at Helicon Brewing in Oakdale, which donated all proceeds to the library. The fundraising allowed the library to receive a portion of a matching pool from the Jack Buncher Foundation in honor of Love Your Library month, a countywide initiative in support of community libraries.

Children learned scientific concepts using gourds in a session of Preschool STEAM themed Pumpkin Science at the South Fayette Township Library in October.

Clockwise from top right: Ellie Ferdinand, 4, investigates the surface of a pumpkin. Sam Ferdinand, 2, learns whether his height is more or less than the circumference of a pumpkin. Myer Katz, 3, attempts to lift a heavy orange pumpkin as Srihita Chellaboina, 3, watches. (Photos by Andrea Iglar)

Use Your GourdBelow: Adrienne Gebrard, 4, feels the weight of a yellow pumpkin.

Above Left: Enjoying the fundraiser at Helicon Brewery are South Fayette Township Library Board members, from left, Jackie von Thun, William Caye, Kelly Keller, David Alligood, Charline Barnes Rowland, Lori Palmieri, Robert Milacci and Cindy Cox. Above Right: Library Board member Michaela Remtulla and her spouse, Rahim, support the event. (Photos by Josh Milteer)

Beer for Books

10 | SouthFayettePA.com @SouthFayetteTownship @SouthFayetteTwp South Fayette Township @SouthFayettePA

Page 13: HIP, HIP Hooray for Community - CivicPlus

FALL@LibraryThe South Fayette Township Library, 515 Millers Run Road, hosts a variety of activities for children, young adults and adults. Programs are free and held in the library/township building unless otherwise noted.

Register at www.southfayettelibrary.org under “Events” or call 412-257-8660

Youth

Hogwarts-Themed Breakout Room (Ages 11 & up)Weds. Oct. 30, 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. Bridgeville Public Library, 505 McMillen St.Tweens, teens and adults may register for one of three, 45-minute time slots. Each team (up to six people) solves codes, ciphers and puzzles to find out the contents of a locked box. Everything needed to win is included in the room. Knowledge of the Harry Potter world is helpful, but not required.

Trick-or-Treat at the LibraryThurs. Oct. 31, 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Visit the library in your boo-tiful costume!

Crank-y Contraptions (Grades 4 - 6, or Ages 10 - 12) Mon. Nov. 4, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.Learn how to make your own cranks, gears, cams and sliders to create movable toys from recycled materials.

Storytime with the Grinch (All ages)Weds. Dec. 18, 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.South Fayette's own special Grinch reads his story for 30 minutes, followed by photos with the Grinch, crafts and snacks.

Young Adult Book Club (Teens & Adults)Second Monday of each month, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Are you an adult or teen who likes to read and talk about YA? Join us at Panera Bread, 1025 Washington Pike.

Preschool STEAM Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

DIY Club (Ages 11 & up)Wednesdays, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.Do it yourself! Learn to make things.

American Girl Book Club (Grades 2 - 5)Second Saturday of each month 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Read and discuss American Girl books, and then enjoy activities based on the historical stories. November's featured doll is Kaya, a member of the Nez Perce tribe of the 1700s. December features Kirsten, a Swedish

immigrant living on the American prairie in the 1850s. January focuses on Julie, who grew up in San Francisco in the 1970s.

Adult

Living with Diabetes, Thurs. Nov. 7, 7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.Although diabetes is a lifelong disease, people can take steps to manage it and prevent serious medical problems. Learn about the different types of diabetes, treatments and how to prevent complications. November is Diabetes Awareness Month.

War Stories from the Veteran's Breakfast Club Tues. Nov. 19, 7:00 p.m. Award-winning historian and author Todd DePastino, Ph.D., shows photos and tells extraordinary World War II stories from veterans he has met and interviewed in the region. Mr. DePastino also is executive director of the Veteran's Breakfast Club, a nonprofit dedicated to sharing veteran's stories with the public.

Sushi-Making Demonstration and Hands-On ClassSat. Nov. 23, 11:00 a.m.A sushi chef demonstrates how to make spicy tuna rolls, and everyone gets one to eat! Participants also make crunchy California rolls with plenty of help from the chef. Cost is $15 a person; please register and pay at the circulation desk.

Create a Thanksgiving CenterpieceTues. Nov. 26, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.Make a beautiful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table or as a hostess gift. Please bring a pair of scissors and a box to transport your arrangement home. Participants also may bring wine and snacks if desired. Cost is $15 a person for materials; please register and pay at

the circulation desk.

Scrabble, Mondays 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Coloring for Adults Tuesdays 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Movie Matinées Fridays, 1:00 p.m.

Between Two Libraries Book Discussion Group, First Tuesday of each month 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Savannah Devore with Bella Capelli Hair Academy braids Maria Schrock's hair during a back-to-school hairstyling program in July at the library. Photo by Andrea Iglar

South Fayette Connect | Fall 2019 | 11

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Fitness program aims to slow the symptoms of Parkinson’sStory & Photos by Andrea Iglar

Robert A. Rudzki hasn’t stopped to smell the roses since high school.

Loss of smell is a condition of Parkinson’s disease that the South Fayette Township resident has in common with about 12,000 others in southwestern Pennsylvania who have been diagnosed with the disorder, which affects the brain and nervous system.

For Mr. Rudzki, loss of smell was an early sign of Parkinson's. But along with other area residents, he is taking steps to delay progression of the disease.

“It’s easy to think of Parkinson’s as a death sentence,” said Mr. Rudzki, who was diagnosed five years ago.

“The better way to think about it is an opportunity to make friends and contribute to the evolution of the care of the disease.”

Mr. Rudzki began participating last year in a fitness class called Delay the Disease, a program operated nationally by nonprofit health system OhioHealth.

The wellness program, designed for people with Parkinson’s, aims to slow symptoms such as altered balance and gait, slowed movements, diminished voice volume, stiffness, stopped posture and less animated facial expressions.

Local classes are held afternoons at Country Meadows in South Fayette Township and Westminster Recreation & Outreach Center in Upper St. Clair.

Certified instructor and fitness trainer Jeannine Hartman said the exercise class bridges the gap

between patients and their neurologists.During a session in the gym at Westminster in

September, Ms. Hartman led about a dozen participants through a variety of physical activities, often adding a mental challenge such as recalling names or counting in multiples of three.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can involve physical, mental, social and emotional components, which can be addressed by moving the body, raising the heart rate and working the brain, Ms. Hartman said.

“The cognitive training is the key to the program,” she said.

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, the disease effects dopamine-producing neurons in a certain part of the brain. Symptoms generally develop over the course of years, and they can differ from one person to another.

The cause and cure are unknown, but treatments may include medications and surgery. Parkinson’s is not fatal, but complications can cause serious problems.

Since Larry Pancari of South Fayette has been attending the exercise classes at Country Meadows, he said, “I feel more limber than I did before.”

Both classes were filled with upbeat music, laughter and friends swapping stories.

“The class is energizing, physically and mentally,” Mr. Rudzki said. “It’s fun, which is important because if you don’t have fun, you’re not going to keep at it.”

Details: www.ohiohealth.com/delaythedisease.

BRAIN TRAININGCountry Meadows fitness director Joyce Gross, left, practices forming a surprised facial expression with resident Mary Ann Hix. People with Parkinson's tend to lose facial animation.

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DELAY THE DISEASECountry Meadows of South Hills 3570 Washington Pike, South FayetteClasses: Mon.–Thurs., 1 p.m.–2 p.m. (free)412-257-2855, ext. 55120www.countrymeadows.com/southhills

Westminster Recreation & Outreach Center 2040 Washington Road, Upper St. ClairClasses: Tues. & Thurs. 2 p.m.–3 p.m. and Tues. 1 p.m.–2 p.m., starting Oct. 29 ($10/class)wroc.westminster-church.org; 412-835-6630

Early Warning SignsSome early signs of Parkinson’s Disease may include:

• Small, cramped handwriting• Loss of sense of smell• Rigid facial expression• Tremors, especially in finger, hand or foot• Constipation• Voice becomes monotone, hoarse or quiet• Stooped posture• Stiffness and slow movement

If you notice more than one sign, please consult a doctor.

PhotosClockwise from top left:◀ As part of a brain exercise, Country Meadows residents Roberta Hyre, left, and Jim Perrine clap their hands and knees while calling out names of bodies of water.

▼ South Fayette residents Rita DeMore, left, and Larry Pancari lift weights at Country Meadows.

▼ Steve Saksa of Peters and South Fayette resident Robert A. Rudzki, right, close their eyes and practice their balancing skills as instructor Jeannine Hartman, left, guides them through a series of exercises along the gym wall at Westminster.

◀ Gene Ewing of Scott reaches for a balloon during a hitting game in the gym at Westminster.

South Fayette Connect | Fall 2019 | 13

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By Andrea IglarFor Mike Kuchta, it was a typical day on the job with the South Fayette Township Police Department.

Early in his 12-hour shift on a Thursday in September, Officer Kuchta was patrolling the central part of the township when he pulled up next to a man in a parked car.

Winding down his window, Officer Kuchta asked, “You OK?”The guy was fine; he was an office employee eating lunch.But it was Officer Kuchta’s duty to stay observant and check on unusual

situations to help ensure the safety of citizens.“Usually everyone’s just doing their thing,” Officer Kuchta said. “I’m not here

to make their life miserable. I just want to make sure everything is OK.”Especially in the summertime, he frequently drives through the

neighborhoods to wave to residents and say hello to the children. Such interactions are part of a normal day for a police officer.While every day isn’t exciting—one could argue it’s better when it is

quiet—no shift is ever routine in a round-the-clock police department.“You really never know what you’re going to get,” Officer Kuchta said.

“Anything can happen any time.”

Each shift starts with donning a uniform and as much as 15 pounds of equipment.

Officer Kuchta wears a belt and bulletproof vest that carry a radio, flashlight, pocketknife, taser, gun and ammunition, pepper spray, two pairs of handcuffs, tourniquets and rubber gloves.

His SUV, a Ford Police Interceptor, contains additional supplies and tools, such as secured weapons, ballistic armor, a collapsible baton, extra handcuffs, a dog snare, an automated external defibrillator (AED) for heart issues, a first-aid kit and oxygen tank, Narcan to counteract overdoses, a blanket, caution tape, a fire extinguisher, flares and even teddy bears to cheer up children in crisis.

While South Fayette is recognized as a safe community, officers need to be prepared for anything, said Officer Kuchta, who served in Wilkinsburg for two years before joining the South Fayette department 16 years ago. Officer Kuchta (pronounced COOK-tah) also is an emergency medical technician and CPR trainer.

“Just because it’s South Fayette Township doesn’t mean crime doesn’t happen,” he said.

The police vehicle’s backseat is designed to transport someone who has been arrested, while the front is equipped with technology that allows Officer Kuchta to use the car as a mobile office.

During his morning patrol, Officer Kuchta heard ongoing dispatches from Allegheny County’s 9-1-1 center. Some were informational—an ambulance call for a nosebleed and a bulletin about a stolen car—while others prompted immediate action.

A typical shift in the life of a police officer is anything but routine

Day ShiftPreparation is Key

Top Photo: South Fayette Township Police Officer Mike Kuchta is prepared for anything when he hits the road in his police SUV, which serves as a mobile office.

Left: Officer Kuchta receives dispatches and information about regional police calls on a computer mounted in the front of his vehicle. Other technology includes a video recorder (above the rearview mirror) ▶

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A typical shift in the life of a police officer is anything but routine

Day Shift

When Sgt. Jason Hensel pulled over a car near Interstate 79 for an expired registration, Officer Kuchta joined him to assist.

“You usually try to back up an officer on a traffic stop,” Officer Kuchta said. “There never is a routine stop.”

Flipping on his safety lights, Officer Kuchta stopped behind Sgt. Hensel’s vehicle, at which time a car-

mounted video camera automatically began saving its recording.

Officer Kuchta radioed his location to dispatch, exited his vehicle, spoke with his colleague, and stood by for a few moments as the sergeant issued a warning to the driver. Officers can scan a driver’s license or registration card and then produce a warning or citation on a small printer that’s attached to the dashboard.

Traffic enforcement always is part of a typical shift, Officer Kuchta said, and each officer has leeway in how to deal with specific situations.

“Using your discretion is a pretty powerful tool as an officer. You don’t always have to write a ticket,” Officer Kuchta said, recalling advice he heard 20 years ago from an experienced officer: “Write them a ticket or give them an ear-beating, but don’t do both.”

“I’m here to help people,” he said. “I’m trying to educate them a little bit. You don’t have to make it a bad experience.”

After a takeout lunch, eaten at the station with fellow officers, Officer Kuchta drove back and forth between two parties who had been involved in a

domestic dispute the night before.“Basically, we’re just keeping the peace,” Officer Kuchta said. “That’s what a police

officer does a lot of the time: mediates problems.”Back at the station, Officer Kuchta completed some administrative tasks,

including a phone call and report related to a car accident.As the officer in charge of storing and documenting evidence, he also researched

the proper procedure for accepting a certain type of evidence, which would be securely stored in a locker and then sent to the Allegheny County crime lab for testing.

Before the end of his shift, Officer Kuchta also would need to complete a Daily Activity Report, showing how he spent his time and helping keep the next shift in the loop.

Every police shift—whether day or night, routine or unusual, active or quiet—requires officers to stay on guard and be ready for anything in order to serve and protect citizens.

“I’m impressed with how many people thank me for my service,” Officer Kuchta said.“The majority of us are just out trying to do the right thing and do a good job and

enforce the law.”

Preparation is Key

▶ and a printer to create warnings and citations (above the dashboard vents).

Right: Officer Kuchta pulls out a red pouch containing Narcan, a medication that counteracts overdoses, from his police vehicle. The car also contains an automated external defibrillator for heart issues, an oxygen tank and other first-aid supplies.

Photos by Andrea Iglar

"Anything can happen

any time."—Police Officer Mike Kuchta

South Fayette Connect | Fall 2019 | 15

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At 191 acres, Fairview Park is South Fayette’s largest park and site of the township’s biggest annual event, South Fayette Community Day.

Located in the southeastern corner of the township and known for its beautiful, expansive views, Fairview Park also is the community's most popular park.

It is home to athletic fields, sports courts, rental pavilions and open spaces—with improvements and additional amenities on the horizon.

All the park property stems from the former Mayview State Hospital, a sprawling Pennsylvania psychiatric facility that operated under various names from 1893 to 2008.

In its heyday, the hospital complex included about 1,000 acres, 4,000 patients, 80 buildings, a farm, a coal mine and a post office.

Over the past 41 years, multiple land acquisitions from Mayview have combined to form Fairview Park.

OriginsFairview Park officially was born Oct. 4, 1978, when the state donated precisely 12.378 acres of former Mayview farmland to South Fayette at no cost, under the condition it would be used for recreation.

However, it appears the township leased the property prior to purchasing it.

A 1975 engineering plan labels some property adjacent to the Fairview Manor neighborhood as an “area leased to township for Fairview Park by Mayview State Hospital.”

Additionally, when the park was being developed in 1981, a letter mentions “the existing backstop and nearby dilapidated play equipment area to be dismantled”—an indication that limited park amenities had been built while the township was leasing the site.

Ken Chambon, a longtime resident of the nearby Lakemont Farms neighborhood, remembers playing PONY League baseball at Fairview Park as a young teenager around 1966.

“The first existing baseball field was turned around; you hit toward the park entrance,” he recalled. “There were a couple old swings there too, nothing elaborate. So it’s come a long way.”

1980sOnce the deed was in hand, the township planned its first major park construction project: a picnic shelter (today known as the Entrance Pavilion) and one ballfield (now called Field A).

“This area if very densely populated and is in dire [need] of recreational facilities,” according to a 1978 grant proposal. “Money is needed to develop this park.”

In 1980, South Fayette accepted a $50,000 matching grant from the state for the $100,000 project, which was built by the end of 1981. The new ballfield replaced the old backstop.

Restrooms were added in 1983, and later, a playground and

The History ofFairview Park

South Fayette’s largest, most popular park

created from former state hospital

property

A ribbon cutting for Fairview Park's second ballfield, called Field B, is held circa 2001. (File photo)

Lost Souls of Fairview Cemetery in Fairview Park is a burial ground of patients who died at Mayview State Hospital from 1913 to 1918. (Photo by Andrea Iglar)

16 | SouthFayettePA.com @SouthFayetteTownship @SouthFayetteTwp South Fayette Township @SouthFayettePA

Page 19: HIP, HIP Hooray for Community - CivicPlus

courts for tennis and basketball.Fairview Park also includes

the tiny Lost Souls of Fairview Cemetery, a burial ground of patients who had died from 1913 to 1918 under care of the hospital, which at the time was called Pittsburgh City Home and Hospital. A monument there remembers the deceased.

Paula Willis, the township Parks and Recreation Director, said the cemetery is one example of the visible legacy of Mayview

State Hospital.“It’s important to preserve the history,” she said.

1990sAround 1991, the township embarked on a lengthy process to expand Fairview Park by purchasing 110 acres of surplus hospital property.

The sale finally was completed in 1996 at a cost of $75,000—half the appraised value at the time—according to county and township records.

“It just gave an opportunity to expand Fairview Park to what it is today,” said Mr. Chambon, who served as a township commissioner from 1990 to 2002.

Today, Allegheny County lists the property’s total value at more than $707,700.

That portion of parkland now includes a second ballfield (dedicated circa 2001), three multipurpose athletic fields, a dog-walking zone, natural trails, a playground and a large rental pavilion with restrooms (Public Works finished construction in 2014).

2000s and BeyondMayview State Hospital closed in 2008, and two years later, the private entity Aloe Brothers LLC paid $505,000 for the remaining 170 acres of Mayview property, including 39 abandoned buildings.

After tearing down buildings—which included extensive asbestos abatement—Aloe Brothers in 2017 sold 69 acres of the property to South Fayette Township for $1.1 million. The township’s cost was offset by a $395,000 state grant.

The land purchase increased the size of Fairview Park by 56 percent. Plans are in progress to develop the additional acreage, which includes a roadway connection with Mayview Road.

Public feedback has been accepted as part of the process of developing a Comprehensive Recreation Plan, which will serve as a guide to making future improvements at Fairview Park and other township parks.

In a survey last year, 47 percent of respondents said Fairview is the park they visit most often—making it the most popular park.

“There is so much potential at Fairview Park,” Ms. Willis said. “We’re excited to see what the future brings.”

An eagle sculpture, left, perches over Fairview Park in September. Construction of the pavilion, left, was completed by South Fayette Township Public Works in 2014. The fields, above, sit on property acquired from the former Mayview State Hospital in 1996. (Photo by Andrea Iglar)

Story byAndrea Iglar

A ribbon cutting for Fairview Park's second ballfield, called Field B, is held circa 2001. (File photo)

The Entrance Pavilion in Fairview Park, pictured here in fall 2015, was built around

1980 and rehabilitated in summer 2018. (Photo by Colleen Patel)

South Fayette Connect | Fall 2019 | 17

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Diamond Sponsor - Community Day - Thank you!

Hooray for

Community Day!

From left, volunteers Ila Joshi and Numa Kamal pose for a selfie with Shakthi Srikanth, winner of the Social Media Photo Scavenger Hunt.

Danielle Gioia, left, and her children, Maggie and Luca, enjoy the activity zone. (Photo: Harry Funk)

18 | SouthFayettePA.com @SouthFayetteTownship @SouthFayetteTwp South Fayette Township @SouthFayettePA

Page 21: HIP, HIP Hooray for Community - CivicPlus

Gold Sponsors - Community Day - Thank you!

Watch the Highlights

Video

THEN

NOW S outh Fayette Community Day, presented by Dollar Bank, drew about 6,000

visitors and 70-plus volunteers to Fairview Park on Aug. 24, 2019.

Attendees enjoyed three stages of live entertainment, more than 100 vendor booths, food concessions, a zip line, a petting zoo, inflatable and mechanical activities, games,

a performance by the South Fayette Youth Cheerleaders

(pictured at far left) and more.

Now: Riley Montgomery, left, marvels at Uncle Sam on stilts, performed by Joe Lyons, at South Fayette Community Day in 2019. (Photo: Harry Funk) Then: Cyndi and Jerry Brown, middle, smile at their daughter, Amber, 1, as a puppeteer entertains her at a community event in Fairview Park in 2000. (File photo)

Pete Hewlett of South Fayette sings and plays guitar with rock and pop band Hewlett/Anderson. (Photo: Mitchell Straub)

Audrey Logan of South Fayette sings children's princess-themed songs. (Photo: Mitchell Straub)

Above: Adam Rossi of Adam Solar Rides helps a visitor test an electric skateboard.(Photo: Mitchell Straub)

Left: Rebecca and Mady Colangelo volunteer at the township booth.(Photo: Harry Funk)

Left: Lucille Hoyt meets a goat at the petting zoo. (Photo: Harry Funk) Right: The event drew record attendance.

2019

2000

South Fayette Connect | Fall 2019 | 19

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From dance class to dorm rooms...We go where they go!

Ask about FREE ATMs NATIONWIDE!

South Fayette Office173 Millers Run RoadBridgeville, PA 15017412.221.1026

Green Sponsor - Summer Playground Camp - Thank you!

20 | SouthFayettePA.com @SouthFayetteTownship @SouthFayetteTwp South Fayette Township @SouthFayettePA

Page 23: HIP, HIP Hooray for Community - CivicPlus

Now: Four campers have fun outside the Rotary Pavilion in Fairview Park in July 2019.

Then: In 2000, friends enjoy camp near the Entrance Pavilion at Fairview Park.

Thanks to its popularity, South Fayette Township's Summer Playground Camp, sponsored by

Washington Financial Bank, was extended from 6 to 8 weeks this year. A total of 229 children participated in the camp, held from June 17 to Aug. 9 in Fairview, Morgan and Boys Home parks. Counselors guided kids as they enjoyed a variety of outdoor programs and activities. (2019 photos by Andrea Iglar)

Left: Counselor Collin Wilhelm plays ball with brothers Sam (middle) and Vinnie Gatto in Fairview Park in July.

CAMP CHAMPS

THEN

NOW

Scan QR code for

video!

2000

2019

South Fayette Connect | Fall 2019 | 21

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Gold Sponsors - Touch-a-Truck - Thank you!

GARDNER MOVINGMike Gardner

P: 412-257-4443 F: 412-257-8506 E: [email protected]

757 Millers Run RoadSouth Fayette, PA 15057 GardnerMovingPGH.com

Let Our Movers Do The Heavy Lifting

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

Est.1921

Just Keep Truckin' On

22 | SouthFayettePA.com @SouthFayetteTownship @SouthFayetteTwp South Fayette Township @SouthFayettePA

Page 25: HIP, HIP Hooray for Community - CivicPlus

Diamond Sponsors - Community Day - Thank you!

More than 1,000 people attended South Fayette Township's annual Touch-a-Truck, presented by

Kiddie Academy South Fayette, in July at the former Star City Cinemas site.

Children and adults explored trucks, buses, tractors, construction equipment and other vehicles. Visitors also enjoyed activities, booths, food concessions and rides on a trackless train.

The nonprofit Trucks for Maddox Charitable Trust collected two truckloads of donated toy trucks to help bring smiles to disadvantaged children.

Gina Kampi, intern with the township's Parks & Recreation Department, organized the event.

Photos, clockwise from top left: A girl tries out a big steering wheel. A boy

wears a South Fayette hat. Cameron Geros, 6, perches atop a tractor. A youth sits in a South Fayette Township Public Works truck. Audrey Fletcher, 3, checks out a lawnmower. Hong Chau Culkin, left, exchanges a laugh with Chi Chi Contrucci. Families explore an Allegheny County Port Authority bus. (Photos by Dan Thompson)

—Andrea Iglar

Just Keep Truckin' On

South Fayette Connect | Fall 2019 | 23

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Presenting Sponsor - South Fayette Community Day - Thank you!

24 | SouthFayettePA.com @SouthFayetteTownship @SouthFayetteTwp South Fayette Township @SouthFayettePA

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South Fayette Connect | Fall 2019 | 25

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Dec - JanFri. Dec. 27 Sat. Dec. 28

Trash Collection1-day delay due to

Christmas

Fri. Jan. 3 Sat. Jan 4

Trash CollectionRecycling

1-day delay due to New Year's

Thurs. Jan. 9 Fri. Jan. 10

Trash Collection

Thurs. Jan. 16 Fri. Jan. 17

Trash CollectionRecycling

Nov - DecThurs. Nov. 21 Fri. Nov. 22

Trash CollectionRecycling

Fri. Nov. 29 Sat. Nov. 30

Trash Collection1-day delay due to

Thanksgiving

Thurs. Dec. 5 Fri. Dec. 6

Trash CollectionRecycling

Thurs. Dec. 12 Fri. Dec. 13

Trash Collection

Thurs. Dec. 19 Fri. Dec. 20

Trash CollectionRecycling

Trash & Recycling Curbside CollectionGarbage is collected weekly. Recycling is picked up every 2 weeks. Pickup

in South Fayette is split into Thursday and Friday. In case of a holiday delay, Thursday pickup is moved to Friday, and Friday pickup is moved to Saturday. Observed holidays are New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th,

Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Find your service day at www.SouthFayettePA.com/2019calendar. Place bins at the curb the

night before. Please do not bag recyclables.

Community ResourcesSouth Fayette Township Library

Benjamin Hornfeck, 412-257-8660, SouthFayetteLibrary.org

South Fayette Area Senior Citizens AssociationMargie Smith, 412-221-3730, SouthFayettePA.com/seniors

South Fayette School DistrictDr. Kenneth Lockette, 412-221-4542, SouthFayette.org

Historical Society of South Fayette TownshipEmily Williamson-Brady, 412-257-3523, SouthFayettePA.com/history

Tax CollectorsReal Estate/Property Tax: 412-221-9250, SouthFayettePA.com/tax

Earned Income Tax: 412-835-5243, JordanTax.com

Municipal Authority (Dye Tests & Sanitary Sewers)Jerry Brown, 412-257-5100, MATSF.net

South West Communities Chamber of CommerceMandi Pryor, 412-221-4100, SouthWestCommunitiesChamber.org

Volunteer Fire Departments in South FayetteCuddy, Fairview, Oak Ridge, Sturgeon: SouthFayettePA.com/fire

Police, Fire, Ambulance: 9-1-1

South Fayette Township

facebook.com/SouthFayetteTownshipinstagram.com/SouthFayettePA

twitter.com/SouthFayetteTwplinkedin.com/company/SouthFayetteTownship

Collection Calendar:SouthFayettePA.com/2019calendar

Recycling Resources:SouthFayettePA.com/recycle

Parks & RecreationPaula Willis, Director x 217

Engineering, Planning & BuildingAndrew W. Blenko, Director x 229

Gary Hartz, Building Code Official x215Joe Niedermeyer, Inspector

John Kanaskie, Engineer Technician

Public WorksButch Truitt, Director x 223

Nick Nickolas, SuperintendentDan Dernosek, Foreman

FinanceNancy Degenhardt, Director x 225

Shannen McKahan, Assistant

Communications & Community Development

Andrea Iglar, Director x 231

PoliceJohn Phoennik, Chief of Police

Evonne Williams, Police SecretaryPolice Business Office: 412-221-2170

Emergency & Dispatch: 9-1-1

South Fayette Township515 Millers Run Road, South Fayette PA 15064

412-221-8700www.SouthFayettePA.com

John M. Barrett, Township ManagerPeggy Patterson, Executive Assistant x 210

Oct - NovThurs. Oct. 17Fri. Oct. 18

Trash Collection

Thurs. Oct. 24 Fri. Oct. 25

Trash CollectionRecycling

Thurs. Oct. 31 Fri. Nov. 1

Trash Collection

Thurs. Nov. 7 Fri. Nov. 8

Trash CollectionRecycling

Thurs. Nov. 14 Fri. Nov. 15

Trash Collection

Waste Management:wm.com 1-800-866-4460

Trash, Recycling & Reuse

Information