SCARY SEASON
Halloween happenings and trick-or-treat times. PAGES B8, C6 ZONE 2
@SHillsAlmanac Our 48th Year
www.thealmanac.net
October 23, 2013
ELECTION 2013
Five vie for four seats in PT school race Terri Johnson Regional Reporter tjohnson@thealmanac.net
DEANA CARPENTER/STAFF
Jefferson Middle School Chef Dave Misterka and Agriculture Secretary George Greig prepare zucchini and squash for students.
Vegecation
Ag secretary visits Jefferson Middle School in Lebo By Deana Carpenter Staff writer dcarpenter@thealmanac.net
During a recent visit to Jefferson Middle School in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary George Greig made certain students ate their vegetables. And, most ate all of their veggies, or at least sampled them, without complaint. “I never had squash before,” said sixth-grader Marley Young. “It’s actually pretty good. Carter Davidson, another sixthgrade student, agreed. “I like it,” he said. Must have been the way the vegetables were prepared. During a cooking demonstration Oct. 15, Greig, along with school chef Dave Misterka stir-fried fresh yellow squash and zucchini from Wexford Farms. While October is National Farm to School Month, with the 14th through the 18th deemed as Na-
DEANA CARPENTER/STAFF
Sixth-grader Patrick Anderson ate 12 containers of the local veggies. He’s surrounded by his friends.
tional School Lunch Week, Mt. Lebanon uses produce from local farms. This month, the district is spotlighting Wexford Farms. “We try hard to be sure we’re getting local vegetables and fruit,” explained Jefferson Middle School Principal Dr. James Walsh. Greig stressed, “It’s very impor-
tant to eat local foods whenever you can.” He added doing so supports local farmers and the local economy. “Food tastes better when it’s fresher,” Greig added. He also urged the students that when they go shopping with their families to look for local foods, specifically with the PA Preferred label. PA Preferred is the official brand of agricultural products grown or made in Pennsylvania. While students, like Casey Coco, thought “it cool” that Greig came to their school, Chef Misterka hoped the demonstration showed “how simple it is” to prepare fresh, local foods that taste good and are cool to eat. Patrick Anderson certainly thought the concoction delicious. The sixth-grader may have liked the zucchini and squash more than any other student at Jefferson. “I had 12,” he said, pointing to the stack of sample sized bowls that he had finished. “I liked it,” he said.
In Peters Township, five candidates are running for four available seats on the school board. Two of the incumbents, Lori Cuervo and Cindy Golembiewski, lost their bid for re-election in the May primary. During races for school boards, candidates are permitted to file as Republicans and Democrats. All of the candidates did with the exception of newcomer Jamison Hardy. He filed as a Republican only and was nominated by his party in the May primary. Incumbent board member David Hvizdos, a Republican, cross filed on the Republican and Democratic tickets. While Hvizdos lost on the Republican side, he was nominated on the Democratic ticket. Vying for the four available seats are incumbent Sue Smith, who won on both tickets, incumbent
Hvizdos, nominated by the Democrats, Hardy, nominated by the Republicans, and newcomers Lisa Anderson and Rebecca Bowman, who won on both tickets. In an interview by the Washington County League of Women Voters, each of the candidates was asked what strengths they would bring to the school board, if elected. Smith, an incumbent, said her background was her strength. She has taught for six years and possesses a master in business administration. Smith said the most important issues was the ability to become fiscally responsible and her top priority is education. Anderson, a newcomer and an attorney, has been involved in the PTA for the past 12 years. Her main concern is to provide an excellent education for all students, including her two school-age children. SEE PT PAGE A4
Two candidates seek SF commissioner seat By Deana Carpenter Staff writer dcarpenter@thealmanac.net
After nearly 20 years on the board, Tom Sray is not running for re-election leaving a vacancy for township commissioner in South Fayette. And, two candidates are vying for the open seat. Jessica Cardillo and Marsha McFalls are both life-long residents of the township as well as South Fayette High School graduates. Both are concerned about recent issues in the township including poten-
Cardillo
McFalls
tial mining at the former Mayview Hospital site, commercial and residential development, and the status of the vacant Star City building. “I’m a fourth-generation resident in South Fayette. My children are fifth-generation. My roots and my heart are here,” Cardillo said proudly. SEE SF PAGE A4
Train shows to be held in Castle Shannon, South Park By Deana Carpenter Staff writer dcarpenter@thealmanac.net
In time for the holiday season, train enthusiasts in the South Hills are gearing up for two exciting exhibits: one Oct. 27 in Castle Shannon and the other Nov. 24 in South Park. Dubbed the “First Train Show of Christmas,” the Castle Shannon event runs from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. inside both of the borough’s fire halls. Free on-site parking is available. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Proceeds benefit the
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Castle Shannon Volunteer Fire Department. “It’s another way for us to fund raise,” said Fred Molly. The Castle Shannon firefighter helped to organize the show, which attracts vendors from as far away as San Diego. In addition to about 60 vendors, the show will feature 100 tables of trains and train-related items. There will also be a 40- by 25-foot display. “It’s exclusively a train show,” Molly said. So no other toys will be for sale. “It’s a good place to go and compare notes and talk trains,” he added.
Great getaway
Lancaster provides a great place to visit for area residents. Page B1
For further information on the Castle Shannon show, call 412-833-4441. Meanwhile, the third South Hills Model Train and Die-Cast Show will be held 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Library Fire Company on Library Road. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and $1 for children. Free parking will be available at the fire hall and at the Port Authority lot across the street. According to John Wozniak, who has been involved with the show since SEE TRAINS PAGE A5 Last year’s train show at the Library Fire Department.
Across the South Hills... A2 Classifieds ..................D1-8 Deaths ............................ A5 Editorial.......................... A4 Entertainment ............ C4,5 Opinion .......................... A4
Milestones ..................... C8 Pets ................................. B7 Religion ....................... B2-6 Sights & Sounds .......... C4 Sports .......................... C1-3 Together......................... B1
Backyard Brawl
USC-Lebo a classic matchup on the gridiron. Page C1