South Fayette Connect - Summer 2023 - Volume 8, Issue 3

At the Front

SUMMER 2023

On the Cover

Dominique Robinson's Labrador mix littermates Cody, left, and Cole run free at Bark Park in Fairview Park during the grand opening of the off-leash dog woods in May.

News & Features

Photo Features

Happenings

Photo by Andrea Iglar

Mary Ellen James of South Fayette meets Louis, a giraffe at the Pittsburgh Zoo, during a visit in May with the South Fayette Township Library.

Photo by Andrea Iglar.

Manager's Message JOHN M. BARRETT

og owners and their furry friends are jumping for joy that our Bark Park is open at Fairview Park.

The wooded, fenced off-leash dog park is the latest feature that South Fayette Township has added to our parks for the public to enjoy. You can find details in this issue of South Fayette Connect (p. 24).

The township values the positive impact of parks and recreation. We have prioritized investment in athletic fields and park amenities to encourage active, healthy lifestyles for children and adults.

Our Bark Park, fields, courts, playgrounds, pavilions and other outdoor public spaces serve as opportunities for friends to gather, families to celebrate and community spirit to blossom. South Fayette Township Parks and Recreation is offering an all-star lineup of community events, camps and programs this season to help you enjoy the outdoors.

For starters, a free movie at Fairview Park will be screened one Friday night each month. Bring chairs, blankets and snacks to enjoy a family movie under the stars (p. 40).

Enjoy our annual Fourth of July fireworks from Fairview Park, neighboring Boyce Mayview Park or your favorite community viewing location (p. 40).

Touch-a-Truck on Sun. July 16 at Fairview Park features the world’s only fanbuilt replica of Optimus Prime, a truck from the Transformers franchise (p. 38).

South Fayette Community Day on Sat. Aug. 26 at Fairview Park provides a day of outdoor fun for everyone, just as kids are returning to school (p. 42). And in October, check out the Evelsizer 5K Run and Walk (p. 41).

The township also is offering a creative array of camps and recreation programs for all ages (p. 35). Plus, Summer Playground Camp for kids ages 5 to 12 is held every weekday through Aug. 11 in our parks (p. 36).

I hope everyone finds time this summer to put down the remote control and enjoy the outdoors, including the wonderful parks and public spaces in South Fayette Township.

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Gwen A. Rodi, President

Rebecca Sray, Vice President

Keith Dernosek

Joseph Horowitz

Lisa Malosh

TOWNSHIP MANAGER

John M. Barrett

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Andrea Iglar

ART DIRECTOR

Andrea Iglar

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Andrea Iglar

Paula Willis

Kristen Bagwell

CONTRIBUTORS

Colleen Patel

Abbey Scheerer

Daniel Thompson Photography

ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE

South 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 and local government 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 2023. All rights reserved.

ADVERTISING

South Fayette Connect offers advertisements in exchange for sponsorship of certain community events and programs. Contact the magazine editor or visit SouthFayettePA.com/ads.

South Fayette SHORTS

Sponsor and vendor signup under way for Community Day

Businesses and organizations are invited to register for vendor spaces and sponsorships for South Fayette Community Day on Sat. Aug. 26. The free event draws about 6,000 people to Fairview Park each year. Details: southfayettepa.com/communityday.

Blood drive set for July at Country Meadows

Restrooms, water fountains added to Boys Home Park

Magazine earns national writing award

South Fayette Connect earned an award for the Neighborhood Spotlight article series in the National Association of Government Communicators' 2023 Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Awards.

Magazine editor and article author Andrea Iglar, right, accepted the award from the professional organization's president, Tabitha Clark, in April.

The series, which highlights residents of planned neighborhoods and homeowner associations, won second place in the writer's portfolio category. First place went to the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The annual awards program recognizes quality, creativity and cost-effectiveness in government communications.

South

Fayette

Vitalant is holding a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wed. July 26 at Country Meadows, Building 2 Chapel, 3570 Washington Pike, South Fayette 15017. To schedule a donation, call 412-209-7000 or visit vitalant.org.

Police can provide home security checks during vacations

Going on vacation but concerned about the security of your home? South Fayette police officers can perform security checks on your premises while you are away for an extended period. Complete a request form and return it to the police station during regular business hours: southfayettepa.com/vacationchecks

Recreational fires prohibited on Air Quality Action Days

Recreational fires and other wood burning activities are restricted on Air Quality Action Days, according to Allegheny County. Report nuisance burning to the county at 412-687-2243, or for immediate response, call 911 for police. Find additional information about open burning guidelines and rules at southfayettepa.com/burning.

New restrooms and water fountains with bottle fillers are open at Boys Home Park in South Fayette. The permanent facility sits next to the inclusive-equipment playground and a 40-person pavilion. Request pavilion rentals at southfayettepa.com/recreation.

Township employees complete first-aid training

South Fayette Township office staff and Public Works employees completed first-aid training in April through the American Heart Association. Jim Corrins of SouthBridge EMS instructed 23 township employees how to perform CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). All police officers are regularly certified in first aid. Employees of the Municipal Authority of the Township of South Fayette also participated in training.

student to speak at cancer fundraiser

South Fayette High School rising senior Tyler Schepis will be a keynote speaker at the annual American Cancer Society Coaches vs. Cancer Tipoff Reception on Tues. Sept. 26 at the PNC Park Home Plate Club.

Schepis, a survivor of stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, will share his story of resilience, recovery and the important role of his support system.

The event also includes food, auctions and featured keynote speaker Debbie Antonelli, a Hall of Fame member and ESPN college basketball analyst.

South Fayette resident Stacy Hurt, a stage 4 cancer survivor and member of the local cancer society board, said, “We have all been affected by cancer in

one way or another, and this is a great way to glean positive lessons from sportsmanship to help us fight back against it.”

Coaches vs. Cancer aims to raise $100,000 for advocacy, research and patient support to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, treat and survive cancer.

Details and sponsorship opportunities: https://e.givesmart.com/events/uo4

Ask Abbey

Is door-to-door solicitation allowed?

Yes, door-to-door salespeople must obtain a permit from the South Fayette Township Police Department. Check for active permits: SouthFayettePA.com/DoorToDoor.

The door-to-door sale of goods and services generally is permitted as long as each salesperson obtains a permit from the South Fayette Township Police Department.

If you spot someone selling door-to-door in your neighborhood and would like to verify the person is permitted, you can check for active permits on the township website: southfayettepa.com/doortodoor.

If the website does not list a salesperson as a permit holder, or if you are unable to access the website, call 911 immediately and ask a police officer to investigate. Please note that calling 911 handles dispatching for all police situations, including nonemergencies. If you call the police station directly, they will ask you to call 911 instead.

All solicitation is prohibited at the following times:

• Before 8:30 a.m.

• After dusk on weekdays

• On Sundays and legal holidays

Solicitors must visibly wear or display their permit at all times. Certain neighborhoods prohibit door-to-door sales.

If you are interested in obtaining a solicitation permit, you can find the application and guidelines on the township website. Submit the application, along with a valid driver's license/ID, current photo and state background check, to the police department’s administrative assistant at least three business days before soliciting, along with a payment of $50 per person, per day.

Any solicitor violating township guidelines is subject to a citation and fine.

Abbey Scheerer is an administrative assistant with South Fayette Township. Submit your questions to South Fayette Township, Attn: Ask Abbey, 515 Millers Run Road, South Fayette PA 15064 or send an email to magazine@sftwp.com.

Dana Korbe became administrative assistant for the South Fayette Police Department last year. Having served as a volunteer firefighter since 2007, she was drawn to working in public safety. "I feel like you can really make a difference," she says.

Hometown: Grew up in Pittsburgh, near Mt. Oliver; lives in Carrick

Family: Boyfriend Joey; son Mark, 19; and daughter Brianna, 12

Education: Graduated from Carrick High School; earned associate degree from Pittsburgh Technical Institute; trained as a firefighter

Activities: Active firefighter and board member of Mt. Oliver Volunteer Fire Company

Hobbies: Visiting her camp in Slippery Rock, near Lake Arthur

First Jobs: Waitress at The Ferris Wheel restaurant; attendant at the carousel in Century III Mall

First Car: 2008 Chevy Cobalt

Favorite Music: Country

TV: "Roseanne" reruns

Food: Tacos with pico de gallo

Bucket List: Visit Hawaii and Aruba

Best Qualities of South Fayette: "It's a growing community, and the residents here are really pleasant."

Fun Fact: Dana is among four generations of her family to serve the Mt. Oliver fire department, including her grandmother, mother, father, uncle, brother and son.

— Andrea Iglar

Forest Ridge

Homeowner Association: Forest Ridge Garden Club Association, Inc.

Built: 2000-2007

Number of Homes: 129

Home Type: Single-family

Builder: Ryan Homes

HOA Top Issues of Interest: Block Parties, Safety, Stormwater & Ponds

Location: Former 90-acre Obreza family cattle and hay farm along Old Oakdale Road

Streets: Sunridge Drive, Forest Ridge Drive, Forest Edge Drive, Forest Glen Court, Forest View Drive, Terrace View Drive, part of Old Oakdale Road

Fun Fact: The only two stop signs on Old Oakdale Road (besides at either end) are for the two entrances to Forest Ridge. One entrance serves Sunridge Drive, and the other serves the rest of the internal streets. Most homes on Old Oakdale Road between the stop signs belong to Forest Ridge.

BLOCK PARTY

Social events connect diverse neighborhood

Forest Ridge residents share food, music, culture and conversation

By Andrea Iglar

Mandi Kumar moved to Forest Ridge in South Fayette during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, when neighbors were keeping to themselves.

Although the isolation was understandable in 2020, Kumar missed the atmosphere of her native Missouri neighborhood, where kids constantly played at each other’s houses and adults got together for card games and parties.

To help connect people and bridge cultures in Forest Ridge, Kumar launched a social committee of the homeowner association, and volunteers in June held their second annual block party.

“We’re trying to get our neighborhood vibe back,” said Kumar, who is secretary of the Forest Ridge Garden Club Association.

lots of friends here,” Vinny Moghe said. “They can come and join us and they get exposed to Indian culture, and we also go to their parties.”

For example, the Moghes invite their neighbors to Diwali celebrations, and they go to their friends' place for Thanksgiving.

At the block party, the homeowner group provided meat and vegetarian options for grilling, and neighbors supplied potluck dishes. Musician Juan Vasquez set up a tent and speakers in his driveway to sing and strum acoustic guitar. People played games, painted faces and pet dogs.

Forest Ridgeneighborssocializ e and listentomusic .

As the golden hour approached on a Sunday evening, more than 80 adults, teenagers and children gathered in the Terrace View Drive cul-de-sac to enjoy refreshments, listen to live music, play yard games and chat with neighbors.

Residents hailed from all over the country and world.

Homeowner association treasurer Li Huang and his wife, Qian Hao, were one of the first Chinese families to move into Forest Ridge in 2012. Their children, ages 7 and 9, go to the South Fayette School District just a mile away.

“I love my neighborhood,” Huang said. “Everyone’s so nice. It’s a very diverse neighborhood. Very quiet, very safe.”

Sucheta and Vinny Moghe, who were born in India and have lived in South Fayette since 2007, are self-described empty nesters but plan to stay in their singlefamily home in Forest Ridge.

“We like the community, and we have

Jean Nagy and her husband, Chris, moved to Forest Ridge 21 years ago and were among the first dozen homebuyers. They built on the east side of Old Oakdale Road, drawn by the natural setting of trees, ridges, valleys and farmland. Initial homeowners were close-knit, but neighbors drifted apart over the years.

Now, the social events are helping make Forest Ridge a community where people know each other by their first names, Nagy said.

“Mandi is doing a fabulous job trying to bring us together,” she said. “I like that they’re incorporating all of the cultures of the people who live here.”

The social committee also has organized Easter egg hunts and holiday house decorating contests. Kumar—whose husband, Dhiraj, is from India—is planning a Diwali luminary display this fall.

Other social committee members are Becky Mitchell, Nicole Kelly, Megan Meyer and Ashley Stephens.

“We all desire to bring everyone together and provide opportunities for all cultures, seasons of life and different ages of kids,” Stephens said.

Block Party Scenes

Clockwise from bottom: Children play in a yard next to the Terrace View Drive cul-de-sac. ◆ Adult volunteers help kids with face painting and stencils. ◆ Social committee head Mandi Kumar greets neighbors Sucheta and Vinny Moghe. ◆ Qian Hao and Li Huang relax with Chris Cunningham while Lucius Cunningham pets Sunny. ◆ Sarah Logan, 17, and neighbor Bailey Cunningham pause for a pose. (Photos by Andrea Iglar)

South Fayette Township Public Works employees share a laugh after a luncheon in May at the Alpine Hunting and Fishing Club in South Fayette to mark National Public Works Week.

From left are Joe O'Neill, Alan Desmet, Korey Loeffler, Mark Mitchell, Trenton Delaney, Lou Quattro and Joe Bastaroli.

The American Public Works Association campaign focused on how public works connects the community through infrastructure and service, enhancing quality of life.

Smoothing Out the Bumps

Crews from South Fayette Township Public Works worked in May to patch potholes and eroded pavement on Cecil Sturgeon Road in South Fayette. Joe Bastaroli, below, uses a roller to compact newly laid asphalt. At right, Alan Desmet shovels steaming asphalt from a hot box as John "JB" Barrett uses an asphalt lute to smooth the surface. Public Works is considering options for additional repairs to the rural road.

—Photos & text by Andrea Iglar

—Photo & text by Andrea Iglar

Volts and Jolts

Cars & Coffee event marks Tesla opening Electric-vehicle owners celebrate new dealership in South Fayette

By Andrea Iglar

Before her first road trip in a Tesla, Jody Wilkinson of South Fayette was anxious about traveling in an electric vehicle.

How often would the car need to be plugged in? How long would each charge last?

But it turned out to be easy. The touchscreen computer in her husband Don’s Model 3 mapped a route showing each spot the car would need to plug in to a Tesla Supercharger between Pennsylvania and Virginia—once on the way south, once at the destination and once heading back. No gas stations were needed.

“After my first trip, I was not afraid at all,” Wilkinson said. “The car plans it for you.”

Now, Wilkinson owns a Tesla Model Y, an all-electric compact SUV with an estimated range of more than 300 miles.

“I just fell in love with it,” she said. “It was time to get a new car, so there was no other choice.”

Wilkinson and fellow Tesla owners are charged up about the electric vehicle company’s new store in South Fayette Township.

Dozens of Tesla drivers gathered on a Saturday morning in May for a Cars & Coffee event at the sales and service center. The store opened in November at Newbury Market, near BJ’s Wholesale Club and Topgolf.

The event included a ribbon cutting, refreshments, company swag, test drives and the opportunity for car owners to socialize.

In 2015, Marc Svaline of South Fayette had traveled to

Cleveland to buy his Tesla Model S because there were no local dealerships at the time. When a Tesla center opened in Wexford in 2017, he would drive 30 miles north on Interstate 79 for service. Now, he is about 3 miles from the South Fayette shop.

Tesla general manager Jessica Beron said the company chose the location largely because it is easily accessible from I-79, the South Hills and the Robinson area.

She said the branch plans to hold owner appreciation events and meetups periodically.

“We love our owners,” Beron said. “Our owners advertise for us, and we want to make sure they have a good experience.”

Model 3 owner Andy Quayle of Munhall said he likes to attend events to chat with fellow Tesla drivers about car tips and tricks.

“Everybody’s friendly,” he said. “There’s lots of stories exchanged about cars.”

Jim and Sandy Butchko of Economy each have a Tesla but prefer different approaches to driving. Jim Butchko is tech savvy.

“Mine has the full self-driving, so I put in the address for here this morning, and it basically drove itself," he said.

Sandy Butchko prefers driving her Tesla in a more traditional fashion. “It’s basically a giant computer on wheels,” she said. “I don’t do all the tech. I like to be in control.”

Coraopolis resident Scott Spencer, who grew up in South Fayette, enjoys the handling, minimal maintenance and simple

Gold Sponsors ◆ Concert in the Park ◆ Thank you!

dashboard of his Tesla Model 3. He uses the one-pedal driving feature that can speed up and slow down the car using only the accelerator pedal, so he rarely uses the brake.

He spends $30 a month to charge his Tesla.

“It’s economically better than a gas vehicle,” Spencer said.

Technician David Savor was among more than a dozen Tesla employees who attended the event. A mechanic for 30 years, he joined Tesla four years ago.

“I see electric cars as being the wave of the future, so I jumped ship on gas cars,” he said.

Members of Three Rivers EVA, an electric vehicle club, attended the South Fayette event. The organization promotes electric vehicles as a better, more environmentally friendly energy

alternative for transportation.

Club member Rick Price, who also is executive director of Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities, said more than 66,000 electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles operate in Western Pennsylvania, including over 7,700 in Allegheny County.

“Tesla has the biggest number of electric vehicles right now in the country,” he said.

Tesla enthusiasts can stay up to date on local events through the Facebook page called Pennsylvania Tesla Owners Club –Pittsburgh.

Tesla, 1400 Brockwell Street, Newbury Market, South Fayette: 412-319-5316; tesla.com

Gold Sponsors ◆ South Fayette Community Day ◆ Thank you!

Tesla staff, electric-vehicle owners and other guests join store manager Jessica Beron, in front with scissors, and South Fayette Township commissioner Rebecca Sray, center left, in May for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the dealership opening at Newbury Market. Opposite: South Fayette residents Jody Wilkinson, left, Don Wilkinson and Marc Svaline join fellow Tesla owners Sandy Butchko and Jim Butchko at Cars & Coffee. (Photos by Andrea Iglar)

European Wax Center expands into South Fayette

Hair removal salon opens at The Piazza

By Andrea Iglar

European Wax Center has opened in South Fayette for people interested in professional body waxing services.

Store manager Meghan Phillips said new and recurring guests are pleased with the convenient location in The Piazza at South Fayette, a shopping center near the Interstate 79 interchange.

“What sets us apart is the experience the guests have when they come into our centers, where it’s service and product,” Phillips said. “It really is a time to have that little bit of selfcare even if it’s just a quick 15 minutes in their day.”

The hair removal salon offers a full slate of face, body, brow and Brazilian waxing services.

First-time guests are eligible for a complimentary bikini line, underarm, nose, ear or brow wax. Repeat customers can earn free waxes.

The South Fayette center opened in March, joining nearly 50 other locations in Pennsylvania and more than 940 stores across the country.

Founded in 2004, Texas-based European Wax Center began as a family-owned business and today leads the out-of-home waxing industry, using a proprietary process to remove hair, according to the company website.

South Fayette franchisee Ryan Glastein of New Jersey has been involved with European Wax Center for 12 years. He owns six centers, including those in Robinson and Moon, and he previously sold development rights to other franchisees.

Glastein was seeking to expand to the South Fayette area when a real estate broker proposed The Piazza.

“When I saw it, I jumped on it right away,” he said. “The Bridgeville-South Fayette market really fills a good market for us based upon demographics on who the EWC customer is.”

While people traditionally removed body hair at home or found the service at a nail salon, the business model of European Wax Center fills a niche in the out-of-home waxing market by providing a “clean, high-tech, topof-the-line wax,” Glastein said. Trained estheticians and cosmetologists offer services in private treatment rooms. EWC-branded retail products are available for purchase.

European Wax Center at The Piazza, 193 Millers Run Road, South Fayette: 412-861-5001; waxcenter.com

Gold Sponsor ◆ Movies in the Park ◆ Thank you! Gold Sponsor ◆ Bunny Hop Trail ◆ Thank you!

European Wax Center store manager Meghan Phillips, left, and operations director Carly Sorco meet up in the hair removal salon in The Piazza at South Fayette.

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South Fayette AROUND THE TOWNSHIP

Building Progress

Construction of South Fayette Township's 36,000-square-foot municipal center on Hickory Grade Road, including administrative offices, public meeting chambers and a police station, is set to be completed in late summer. The main entrance, marked by a tall overhang (below left), leads to the main lobby featuring stone walls and customer service windows (below right).

Diamond Sponsor ◆ Concert in the Park ◆ Thank you!

Diamond Sponsor ◆ Community Day ◆ Thank you!

—Photos & text by Andrea Iglar

Place, Push, Pull

Food service workers trained in first aid

Sturgeon fire chief shows restaurant staffs how to use choking rescue device

By Andrea Iglar

Food workers are on the front line of first aid.

Craig Delaney, chief of the Sturgeon Volunteer Fire Department in South Fayette, trained local restaurant employees in May how to use LifeVac, a choking rescue device.

“They’re the front line,” Delaney said. “They’ll be the first ones to know if someone’s choking.”

The suction action of the device can help dislodge food from the throat or windpipe when other options are ineffective or unavailable, he said.

Delaney donated the LifeVac and provided free training to the two eateries in his fire district—Valentour’s Family Restaurant & Pub and Hunner’s Pizza & Restaurant.

“It’s nice that he’s taking a proactive approach for the community,” Valentour’s coowner John Tummino said.

When someone is choking, the first step is to call 911, but bystanders can help until medics arrive, Delaney said.

“If these folks are able to start first aid, it’s important,” he said.

The fire chief told restaurant workers that if they think someone has an airway blockage, first ask the person if they are choking and say you can help.

Next, firmly hit the choking person between the shoulder blades several times.

If that doesn’t work, perform the Heimlich

maneuver, or abdominal thrusts, if trained to do so. The technique involves applying sudden, sharp pressure to the abdomen, just below the rib cage.

As a final resort, use LifeVac until medics arrive.

The fire chief outlined the steps to use LifeVac.

First, fetch the device and twist together two parts—the suction device and a mask.

The kit comes with a standard mask size and a smaller one for infants.

Next, lie the choking person flat if possible and place the mask over the nose and mouth.

Holding the mask firmly in place, push down the plunger, pull up swiftly and repeat until the device draws the food or other obstruction from the airway.

“It’s place, push, pull,” Delaney said.

Amanda Ewing, a Hunner’s employee, said she was considering buying a LifeVac to help her children in case of choking.

“Now I know how to use it, and I can help my customers too,” she said.

Choking is the fourth top cause of accidental death, according to the National Safety Council.

LifeVac was invented and produced in the U.S.

The company website, lifevac.net, reported in June that the device has saved more than 1,000 lives.

▲ Craig Delaney, chief of the Sturgeon Volunteer Fire Department in South Fayette, shows server Hope Caleffe how to use the LifeVac choking rescue device at Valentour's Family Restaurant.

▶ At Hunner's Restaurant, owner Shelly Freshwater, left, and Amanda Ewing prepare to practice using the LifeVac.

Photos by Andrea Iglar

PUBLiC SAFETY 101

Kindergartners from the South Fayette School District visited the municipal building in May to learn about public services. They explored safety vehicles from the South Fayette Township Police Department, South Fayette Volunteer Fire Department and SouthBridge EMS, and they visited the police station and South Fayette Township Library.

—Photos & text by Andrea Iglar

Seven-lane bridge opens

Following three extended weekend closures this spring, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has completed the bulk of the $10.78 million project to widen the Chartiers Bridge between South Fayette Township and Bridgeville Borough. Temporary lane restrictions may continue to occur as needed.

The bridge over Chartiers Creek was widened from four lanes to seven lanes. Going toward Bridgeville (Rite-Aid), two lanes continue straight, and one lane is dedicated to turning right onto Chartiers Street.

Heading toward South Fayette (Midas), one lane turns right onto the Interstate 79 northbound on-ramp; one lane turns onto Millers Run Road/Route 50; one lane continues straight on Washington Pike; and one lane turns left into The Crossings at South Fayette shopping center (Aldi, Starbucks).

Also, one lane was added to Chartiers Street at Washington Pike, and one lane was added to the I-79 northbound on-ramp in South Fayette.

Contractors, including Joseph B. Fay Company of Pittsburgh and Lomma Crane & Rigging of South Fayette, work on bridge construction in April.

The

—Andrea Iglar

This view of the widened and reconfigured Chartiers Bridge faces South Fayette Township. The bridge connects Washington Pike in South Fayette (the Midas side) with Washington Avenue in Bridgeville (the Rite-Aid side).

bridge crosses Chartiers Creek, which is the dividing line between the two municipalities.

Photo courtesy of PennDOT

Photo by Andrea Iglar

Bridge history

These historical photos of the Chartiers Bridge are marked "Bridge Closing, March 1985." It appears that a procession of classic cars crossed the bridge to mark its temporary closure prior to a project 38 years ago. Work likely updated the bridge design and replaced the truss, which is the load-bearing structure forming the triangular shapes.

—Andrea Iglar

1985

Happy Trails

About 30 people joined South Fayette Parks and Recreation for a stroll on the Panhandle Trail in June to celebrate the American Hiking Society's National Trails Day. Adults, children and leashed pets met at the Sturgeon trail station, walked at least a mile round-trip and enjoyed trail-themed giveaways.

South Fayette freshman earns Eagle Scout rank

Ishaan Chahande, 15, a freshman at South Fayette High School, has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Scouts BSA organization.

A member of Troop 228 based in Bethel Park, he is the son of Shashikant and Swati Chahande of South Fayette.

For the required community service project, Ishaan built U.S. flag retirement boxes for Scott Township. He and 18 volunteers spent 180 hours working on design and construction.

Submitted photo

—Photos & text by Andrea Iglar

Debbie Underhill

Kishore Kadam, left, Khushi Kadam, 1, and Praveen Gurukunta

Parks and Recreation Director Paula Willis, second from right, and community members

M A T U R E D R I V E R

I M P R O V E M E N T

C O U R S E

This PennDOT-approved course is designed for drivers age 55+. You can refresh your driving technique, regain lost confidence and develop a positive driving attitude. No actual driving is required. Upon completion, you may be eligible to receive a reduction of your auto insurance premium for 3 years, per state law.

SN James Smelko Navy

SP4 George P. Smelko Army

Under the Hood

Police inspect trucks for safety

South Fayette issues 21 citations and 52 warnings

Story & photos by Andrea Iglar

Police officers converged on Route 50 in South Fayette this spring to inspect commercial trucks.

Stationed on a concrete median strip between Newbury Drive and Millers Run Road, officers from 11 departments in the South Hills pulled over tractor-trailers, landscaping trucks, box trucks and other motor vehicles that require a commercial driver’s license to operate.

Officers who are certified inspectors under the federal Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program checked vehicles and driver paperwork for compliance with a long list of safety standards.

South Fayette police investigator Rebekah Schultz said the periodic event reduces risk for all motorists.

“It makes our roads safer for the community,” she said.

Officers inspected 48 trucks, finding a total of 73 violations.

Schultz issued 21 citations and 52 warnings. Six vehicles were put out of service immediately, either being towed away or repaired on the spot by a company’s mechanic. Two drivers were prohibited from continuing to drive commercial vehicles.

Schultz said common problems included bad brakes, worn tires and insufficient driver paperwork.

A portion of the fines will go to the South Fayette Township Police Department, but Police Chief John Phoennik said moneymaking is not the purpose.

“With the township growing so fast, we have an increase in truck traffic," he said. "One of our goals as police officers is to keep the roads safe, and part of doing that is conducting these inspections.”

Inspectors worked for nearly seven hours on May 12. On each truck, they checked under the hood, examined the underbody, ensured loads were secure, and verified that windshield wipers, brake lights and other functions worked. They prepared an examination report for each vehicle.

Officer Schultz belongs to the South Hills Area Council of Governments “crash team” that investigates all fatal and potentially fatal car accidents in member communities. Most of the truck inspectors also are team members.

Phoennik said the inspections aimed to decrease the chance of accidents around Interstate 79.

“We chose Route 50 because of the heavy truck traffic,” he said. “We’re trying to make that area safer.”

Gold Sponsor ◆ Touch-a-Truck ◆ Thank you!

Gold Sponsor ◆ Concert in the Park ◆ Thank you!

▲ Elizabeth Township police officer Arthur Brunazzi, left, and Bethel Park officer Andrew Volchko check under a truck hood. ▼ Jefferson Hills officer Ryan Pokorny examines a truck for compliance with a safety checklist.

▲ Jefferson Hills police officer Ryan Pokorny examines the underbody of a commercial truck on Route 50 in May. ▼ South Fayette police investigator Rebekah Schultz enters citation details into her car laptop on behalf of inspector Richard Griffith, a South Park police officer.

Diamond Sponsor ◆ Accessible Hunt ◆ Thank you!

◀ Local volunteers with Sewa International USA include, from left, Hasmukh Patel of Peters, Ajit Paranjpe of South Fayette, Shweta Chakradeo of Pine and Tejas Pawar of South Fayette.

The volunteers, whose hands are formed into a namaste gesture as a greeting, organize a variety of service projects.

IN THE SERVICE OF OTHERS

▶ Local volunteers with Feed My Starving Children include, from left, Kelly Gilmore of South Fayette, Celina Farabaugh of South Fayette and Michelle Stonemark of Cecil.

Farabaugh holds a MannaPack, a fortified rice and soy blend that volunteers prepare and donate to hungry youth across the globe.

Photo by Andrea Iglar

Photo by Andrea Iglar

Sewa International USA

Area volunteers clean up parks and help underserved communities

By Andrea Iglar

Plastic bottles and empty potato chip bags shouldn’t be discarded on the ground.

That’s why local adults and teens with Sewa International USA volunteered to clean up litter in Fairview Park this spring.

“Being a resident here, we use all these trails and parks very often,” said Ajit Paranjpe, who has lived in South Fayette for 23 years.

“My kids play lacrosse at Fairview, my older son likes to ride his bike on the Panhandle Trail or just go on a hike. So that’s why they were interested in helping with the cleanup.”

About 20 volunteers from the Pittsburgh chapter of the Hindu faith-based service group collected litter in the park as part of the township’s Earth Day activities.

The effort was the tip of the iceberg for the nonprofit, whose members work year-round to serve local communities

and promote volunteerism.

The organization name borrows from the Sanskrit word “sewa” (pronounced SAY-vah), which translates to “service” and embodies the concept of selfless service performed without expectation of reward or repayment.

The group largely includes people with roots in India, but all adults and high school students are welcome to volunteer.

Tejas Pawar of South Fayette, an IT consultant, previously taught math at a nonprofit and joined Sewa for more opportunities to serve.

“They gave me the structure to push my volunteerism forward, so that’s why I became part of this organization,” he said. “It’s just part of my daily life now. I don’t do it to get satisfaction. This just has to be done.”

Pittsburgh chapter coordinator Shweta Chakradeo of

Feed My Starving Children

Local mothers work to feed hungry youth across the globe

By Andrea Iglar

One million meals purchased and packaged—that’s the milestone Celina Farabaugh expects to reach at her annual food-packing event in the South Fayette Intermediate School gym this fall.

Since 2016, the South Fayette resident has led a local effort to help feed hungry children, through the South Hills MobilePack event of Minnesota-based Christian nonprofit Feed My Starving Children.

This year’s fundraising goal is $43,000—enough to buy and prepare 147,000 packets of fortified rice and soy that will be shipped to malnourished youth across the globe.

“On September 9th we will pack our millionth meal in that gym,” Farabaugh said. “There’s going to be a lot of tears.”

Since 2015, the South Fayette group has packed 856,440 meals for communities in the Dominican Republic, Haiti,

Kenya, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Zambia. Farabaugh became involved with the charity when she took her two daughters to volunteer for a two-hour packing session in 2015. After learning the organizers were moving out of the country, she felt compelled to take over as event host—a role that requires a written commitment to raise tens of thousands of dollars, organize hundreds of volunteers and pack thousands of meals for worldwide distribution.

A full-time, stay-at-home mother, Farabaugh had pondered the responsibility before making the leap, gaining support from her Mothers of Preschoolers group and her husband, Jeff.

“Being a mom of young kids at that time, and just the idea that I wouldn’t be able to feed my kids and what that would be like for me, it’s hard to wrap your head around that,”

"Once you see these things, you really know that people everywhere need some help."

—Ajit Paranjpe of South Fayette, volunteer with Sewa International USA

"You look at what just a few hours can accomplish and how life-changing it is across the world. How could you not want to do this?"

—Kelly Gilmore of South Fayette, volunteer with Feed My Starving Children

Pine helped launch the local branch after the height of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, when volunteers emerged to sew 500 masks, donate 300 meals and send 17,000 medical oxygen concentrators to India.

“The main goal is to give back to the community that we live in and show our kids by our own actions that this is how we serve,” Chakradeo said. “The passion should be there to help someone.”

The chapter includes a volunteer pool of about 80 adults and 35 teens, including 15 youth who live in South Fayette.

Teens who serve for 100 hours in a year can earn the President’s Volunteer Service Award from the White House. Last year, 10 students qualified.

“The certificate is one part of it, but the actual goal is planting that social entrepreneurship seed,” Chakradeo said. “We let them take lead; we let them arrange the programs; we let them take the leadership roles.”

Focus areas of Sewa International include supporting family and child welfare, promoting volunteerism and helping with disaster recovery.

Chapter treasurer Hasmukh Patel, a real estate consultant from Peters, said projects stem from individual volunteers.

“It’s organic,” he said. “When somebody gives us an idea, we’re there to help out.”

Last year, Paranjpe, an IT professional, applied for and received a grant from his employer to purchase baby supplies, winter clothing and hygiene products.

He stacked the items in his garage in The Berkshires neighborhood prior to distributing them to three Pittsburgh-area nonprofits: the Latino Community Center, Foster Love Project (for foster children and families) and Living in Liberty (to combat human trafficking and support survivors).

“We were able to spend up to the last penny,” Paranjpe said. “We don’t have any administrative expenses because all our volunteers have fulltime jobs, so we don’t get compensated.”

Other group activities have included constructing a community garden, helping at a medical camp for refugees and collecting baby diapers. Pawar organized a women’s cricket tournament earlier this month to benefit a Sewa program for

Farabaugh recalled. “So it was just kind of like, what can I do to help with this situation?”

Eight years later, Farabaugh continues to lead the charitable effort, hand-in-hand with volunteers Kelly Gilmore of the Hickory Heights neighborhood and Michelle Stonemark, a Cecil resident who grew up in South Fayette.

The women said they gain personal satisfaction from the endeavor and consider it a valuable learning experience for their children.

Stonemark said it’s important for everyone, including her three kids, to give back to people who are less fortunate.

“I’ve always been a very serviceminded person,” she said.

Gilmore said the effort has been a “wonderful teaching opportunity” for her four children, who have learned about service by participating in the fundraising and packing process.

“The kids literally see full circle what they’re doing, who they’re helping,” she said.

Over the years, children have raised money by filling empty M&M candy tubes with coins. Some years, these quarters added up to more than $5,000.

The national Feed My Starving Children organization works with orphanages, churches, nongovernmental organizations and others to distribute food to children in need.

Several permanent meal-packing sites are available in some states, with periodic “mobile” events held around the country. The South Hills MobilePack held in South Fayette is the only such event in Western Pennsylvania.

The MobilePack accepts donations from individuals and organizations, including employer matches.

Other fundraising comes from events, including a lip sync contest emceed by 3WS radio host Jonny Hartwell. The audience votes for their favorite performances with cash, and the act drawing the most dollars wins the championship. This year’s battle raised $12,000.

girls.

Paranjpe said his family’s first experience volunteering with Sewa was a food drive.

“I really liked the idea that donating a small amount of food is not a big deal for a family, but together we were able to collect 15,000 pounds of food,” he said.

Founded in 2003, Sewa International USA is part of a larger movement that started in India in 1989. The 5,000-volunteer nonprofit is based in Houston, Texas, and includes 43 chapters across 25 states.

When there is a disaster anywhere in the world, volunteers band together to help. But local chapters routinely focus on serving neighbors.

Paranjpe, who was born in India, said the popular portrayal of America was

that everyone was rich. But volunteering with Sewa, he witnessed local poverty and struggles up close, and his perspective changed.

“Once you see these things, you really know that people everywhere need some help,” he said.

Chakradeo, a trained pharmacist who serves as a volunteer firefighter in Cranberry, said volunteering helps teens understand that many people are not as fortunate as them.

“When they step out of that bubble, they grow and their perspective changes,” she said. “The empathy goes a very long way.”

Sewa International USA, Pittsburgh Chapter: Facebook @SewaPittsburgh; sewausa.org

▲ Sewa volunteers deliver winter garments and hygienic items to the nonprofit Living in Liberty in November 2022.

“It’s been a huge success,” said Stonemark, who had launched the idea. “It’s just a blast.”

Fundraising proceeds cover the costs of nutritious ingredients. Each 13.2-ounce meal pack contains six servings of rice, soy, dried vegetables and a vitamin blend, meant as a dietary supplement. The meal is cooked with boiling water.

Packing day will include more than 700 volunteers working two-hour shifts to quickly and accurately measure, pour, bag, weigh, seal, label and pack food, which Feed My Starving Children officials will load onto a trailer and haul away for distribution.

Volunteers may be as young as 5 years old when accompanied by an adult.

Individuals, families

and groups are welcome to participate.

The committee said packing day feels like second Christmas.

“It’s the most amazing day,” Gilmore said. “You look at what just a few hours can accomplish and how life-changing it is across the world. How could you not want to do this?”

You can donate any time to Feed My Starving Children - South Hills Mobile Pack at give.fmsc.org/southhills.

Volunteer registration opens in early August at the same link. For updates, follow the Facebook group @southfayettemobilepack or “Feed My Starving ChildrenSouth Hills MobilePack.”

Submitted photos

Submitted photos

▲ Clockwise from left, volunteers Mike Suchoza, Barb Crawford, Jack Crawford and Lynne Suchoza place labels on MannaPack meal supplement bags.

◀ Mike Segeleon, left, and fifth-grader Charlotte Gilmore volunteer at the Feed My Starving Children meal-packing event in September 2022.

◀ Students Arnav Chaturvedi, left, Sohum Paranjpe, Rohan Paranjpe and Pranav Sindhe hoist a long piece of debris during their litter cleanup at Fairview Park in April.

Off the Leash!

Bark Park opens at Fairview Park

Off-leash dog woods celebrated with treat-breaking ceremony

By Andrea Iglar

▲ Mike Milteer, left, and Mair Milteer exit Bark Park with Cutch, a Doberman, in May.

Photo by Andrea Iglar

◀ Kylo Ren explores a wooded path at Bark Park in June.

Photo by Colleen Patel

Wilson bounded around the picnic shelter, fluffy tail in the air.

Leslie Kaucic's 6-year-old golden retriever was one of the first dogs to visit the off-leash Bark Park when it opened in May at Fairview Park in South Fayette.

“He likes the trail style,” Kaucic said. “It’s a different type of dog park, and he really enjoys it like this.”

Bark Park includes 5 acres of woods and a 1-mile loop trail with paved and gravel paths. The entrance is double-gated, and the entire area is subtly fenced.

Amenities include the shelter, waste stations, and water fountains for people and pooches.

For small dogs, a separately fenced section within the Bark Park will open in the fall, once the grass grows.

The dog park is open to the public from dawn to dusk, and it does not require a permit or fee.

The Bark Park name refers both to the woof of a dog and the covering of a tree. More than 2,200 people and dogs visited during its first month.

The township invited humans and dogs to explore Bark Park during a grand opening celebration May 4 that included dog-themed music and vendors, paw-shaped cookies for humans and bone-shaped treats for dogs.

Instead of a traditional ribbon cutting, township officials broke a giant homemade dog treat and fed pieces to Cody and Cole, the animal companions of Dominique Robinson of South Fayette.

After the treat-breaking, Robinson took the 3-year-old Labrador mix littermates into the Bark Park.

“This is the first time they’ve been able to roam in a large, open space,” she said. “They got a great workout.”

Paula Willis, the South Fayette Parks and Recreation Director, said the community asked for a unique dog park rather than a typical grass square because people value

▼ Gloria Burnett, left, and her dog, Cooper, socialize with Parks and Recreation Board member Mary Chambon and Ben, a long-haired mini dachshund. Becca Delaney attends the treat-breaking ceremony with lap dog Ellie and little pup Flynn Ryder. (Photos by Andrea Iglar)

▶ Bark Park has 5 acres of fenced woods and paths where dogs can run free. Amenities include a picnic shelter, waste stations, and water fountains for people and pooches. (Photo by Andrea Iglar)

▶ South Fayette resident Dominique Robinson, right, holds the leash of her dog Cody, a Labrador mix, as he bites into an oversize dog treat during the Bark Park grand opening ceremony at Fairview Park.

Participants include, from left, Keith Dernosek, Gwen Rodi and Rebecca Sray of the South Fayette Township Board of Commissioners and Jason Mount of the Parks and Recreation Board.

▼ Cody laps water from a dog fountain. Leslie Kaucic of South Fayette enjoys a wooded path with golden retriever Wilson.

Fairview Park’s trees and natural elements.

At Bark Park, she said, “You’re enjoying the outdoors, but your dog is still safe within the fenced-in area, and other park users are also safe.”

Bark Park replaces the former hilltop off-leash dog zone at Fairview Park. Dogs must be leashed in all parts of township parks, except inside Bark Park, where dogs can run freely. Users enter at their own risk and must follow the posted rules.

The free-run dog woods was outlined in the 2019 Comprehensive Recreation Plan, which included public input. The area is designed to retain a barrier-free feel while adding amenities and the security of a fence.

Becca Delaney, visiting with pets Flynn Ryder and Ellie, liked that the dogs could run around in a large, stimulating natural environment with trees and logs, rather than just her fenced-in backyard. “It’s like no other dog park I’ve ever been to,” she said.

Mair Milteer visited with her 5-year-old Doberman, Cutch—named for baseball outfielder Andrew McCutchen.

“It’s a much needed and much appreciated place,” she said.

Steve Mack visited with his 10-month-old French bulldog, Louie, who played well with Cutch despite their size difference. Doreen Hurley of neighboring Upper St. Clair brought her 7-year-old dog Winnie. “Most dog parks are just square, but this one has trails to walk around,” she said.

Jason Mount, president of the South Fayette Parks and Recreation Board, thanked community members for contributing to a crowdfunding account for Bark Park benches. Bark Park is the first new feature to open at the Mayview redevelopment site, which formerly housed part of Mayview State Hospital. The overall project also will include a splash pad, pavilion, permanent restrooms, three ball fields with artificial-turf infield, and a park entrance from Mayview Road.

“When this whole project is done, Fairview Park is really going to be something that stands out, not just for the residents, but also their furry friends,” Willis said.

Bark Park at Fairview Park, 129 Greenwood Drive, South Fayette. Follow the signs to Bark Park. Details: southfayettepa.com/dogs.

Photos by Andrea Iglar

FUTURE FOREST

South Fayette students add 100 trees to Fairview Park

Third-graders will grow up alongside trees they planted

On a sunny day in May, 4-foottall kids poured from school buses into Fairview Park to plant trees. Clara Kitongo of Tree Pittsburgh held up a sapling.

“Do you know how big this tree is going to get?” asked Kitongo, manager of the environmental nonprofit’s One Tree Per Child program.

“You won’t even be able to see the top of it,” she said. “But right now, you’re taller than this tree. We’re planting many trees like this today.”

About 300 third-

graders from South Fayette Intermediate School, along with 70 adult volunteers, planted 100 trees on a grassy knoll across the road from the Rotary Pavilion.

Tree Pittsburgh, based in Lawrenceville, led the effort in partnership with the school district and South Fayette Township Parks and Recreation. The Allegheny County Clean Air Fund donated a dozen types of trees, such as pine, hickory, magnolia and oak.

Tree Pittsburgh education coordinator Maeve Rafferty told students the oak trees could grow up to 80 feet tall.

“We’re going to be

Story & photos by Andrea Iglar

About 300 thirdgraders from South Fayette Intermediate School planted 100 trees at Fairview Park in May. For each sapling, they dug a hole, placed the root ball, refilled the hole with dirt, circled the sapling with mulch and secured wire fencing around the plant. Within about five years, the trees will create 1 ½ acres of canopy in the township park.

planting future forest here at Fairview Park, and hopefully you can come back and look at the trees that you planted today,” she said.

Small groups of students, each with an adult volunteer, chose a sapling, dug a hole, placed the root ball, refilled the hole with dirt, circled the sapling with mulch, and secured wire fencing around the plant to deter deer.

Ana Mares, 9, helped plant an American bladdernut. “It was so nice, getting outside and getting to plant trees,” she said.

Serenity Boyer, 9, said she enjoyed learning how to plant trees. “I loved it,” she said. “It was really fun.”

School principal Tom Kaminski said the activity enhanced the students’ environmental science education, which includes growing plants under lights inside the classroom.

“To actually see it in real life and what it looks like, I think it’s a valuable thing,” he said.

While the children clearly knew their science, many said their favorite part of the day was digging in the dirt.

Avery Orlando, 8, helped dig a hole for a serviceberry—one of the biggest saplings of the bunch. “It was fun to try to get the extra dirt out,” she said.

Austin Collavo, 9, who also liked digging, said his reaction to the activity was, “Wow, I've never planted a tree before.”

Ridhi Chouti, 9, said what she liked most about trees was “that they produce oxygen,” and she had the most fun dumping mulch from a bucket. “It’s so satisfying,” she said.

During an interactive discussion with the children, Rafferty explained how forests benefit wildlife and people.

“The trees that you’ll be planting today, they’re going to be good for the bees and the butterflies and the bats and the birds,” she said. “But you know what? Trees can also benefit us humans. You all come to this park a lot. You’re going to be very happy to have more trees here.”

Rafferty described a variety of environmental, health and social benefits of trees, saying they produce oxygen, improve

air quality, filter water, provide wildlife habitat, grow food and more. Temperatures are about 10 degrees cooler under a tree, she said.

In about five years, the new trees will create 1 ½ acres of canopy in Fairview Park, said Jake Milofsky, the director of tree care and reforestation for Tree Pittsburgh.

Paula Willis, the township Parks and Recreation Director, thanked the children for planting trees.

“I hope you get to watch the trees grow while you continue to come and visit the park as you grow up,” she said.

Story

Breathing down your neck

by Andrea Iglar

South Fayette library patrons meet giraffe

Zoo outing and talk enhance book pick "West with Giraffes"

nexpected things happen when often poking from an opening at the top. The driver braved an assortment of dangers, from rough roads to unpredictable weather.

The giraffes—later named Lofty and Patches—were headed for the San Diego Zoo, having already endured a 52-day overseas journey from Africa, survived a hurricane along the U.S. coast, and completed a 15-day quarantine in New Jersey.

Heather Terrell, who coordinates animal transportation for the Pittsburgh zoo, said modern air travel and a focus on animal welfare have made moves quicker, safer and more

Louis, for example, was born in the Los Angeles Zoo and transported to Pittsburgh by land. His trip took 2 to 3 days, much shorter than the 12 days the cross-country trip with giraffes took 85 years ago.

“That was a long transport,” Terrell said. “I would like to think that we’re doing it better now.”

Some features and challenges of animal transportation have remained the same. For example,

Louis, a Masai giraffe, stands 18 feet tall at the Pittsburgh Zoo.

& photos

Kathy Brown erupts into laughter as she feels a giraffe breathing down her neck at the Pittsburgh Zoo.

when the Pittsburgh zoo transported elephants, staff members had to make sure the animal crate and vehicle would fit through the Fort Pitt Tunnel.

“In the book, they talked about being able to get under tunnels and had to lower the tire pressure,” Terrell said. “We had to check all of that to make sure the height was going to fit through those tunnels we were going to use.”

Terrell coordinates roughly a dozen animal transports each year, internationally and within the U.S. Depending on travel distance and other factors, animals may go by ground or air. Smaller creatures can hitch rides in the animal cargo areas of commercial airlines, just like dogs and cats.

Animals may be transported between facilities for many reasons, such as the opening of new exhibits, habitat renovation, breeding, companionship, the need to alleviate crowding and rescue operations.

Transportation plans require government permits, animal health certificates and other paperwork. The zoo must build or buy a proper crate and provide for the animal’s needs.

The overall mission of the zoo is to connect people to wildlife

and to inspire nature conservation.

Georgia Metsger of South Fayette said it was exciting to hear about the puzzle pieces that must fit together to transport animals. “It was like a Rubik’s cube,” she said.

After learning about animal transportation, the library group visited the zoo’s two Masai giraffes. Comfortable with humans, Louis craned his neck among the visitors, accepting pats on his snout.

While the giraffes in the book liked to eat onions, Louis prefers sweet potatoes, carrots and leafy greens, caretaker Emily Lethaby said. She handed Louis some Romaine lettuce, and his 20-inch tongue curled the leaves into his mouth.

Joe Cochran of South Fayette experienced the sensation of the giraffe licking his hand and said the result wasn’t the most pleasant scent, but the experience was cool.

“The tongue was like sandpaper, but the giraffe was so gentle,” he said.

Brown, who had last visited the zoo 18 years ago, appreciated that the library organized the adventure. “Our library goes above and beyond,” she said. “I never would have gone to the zoo if it hadn’t been for this program.”

South Fayette Township Library patrons and employees meet the giraffe named Louis at the Pittsburgh Zoo in May (left), after hearing a presentation from Heather Terrell, who coordinates animal transportation for the zoo (right). The visit aimed to enhance the reading of "West with Giraffes," a novel based on the true story of driving giraffes cross-country in 1938.

In 1938, a giraffe pokes its head and neck from a tall wooden crate that people are loading onto the bed of an International D-40 truck, which would transport a pair of the animals from New York to the San Diego Zoo in California.

SUMMER TENNIS

SUMMER SESSION 2: JULY 17-AUGUST 18; FAIRVIEW PARK COURTS: FEE VARIES

PEE WEE (AGES 5 - 6): M/F @ 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

JR. BEGINNER (AGES 7 -11): M/W/F @ 9 AM - 10 AM

JR. ADVANCED (AGE 11 - 16): M/W/F @ 10 AM - 11 AM

BABYSITTING COURSE

SAT. SEPT. 16; TOWNSHIP BUILDING; 10 AM - 5:30 PM; $155/CHILD; AGES 11 - 15

CSI: HOW STEM IS USED TO SOLVE CRIMES

SAT. SEPT. 30; TOWNSHIP BUILDING; 9 AM - 4 PM; $110/CHILD; RISING 5TH-8TH GRADERS

Puzzle Palooza

THURS. JULY 20 @ 6:30 PM

SF TWP. BUILDING

AGES 7 TO 99

$5 per 2- to 6-PERSON TEAM

HOW FAST CAN YOU BUILD A

500-PIECE PUZZLE?!

1ST, 2ND & 3RD TEAMS

WIN PRIZES!

SFBFITNESS WITH KATIE LOGAN

WEDNESDAYS 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

THURSDAYS 9 AM - 10 AM

PRICING VARIES; SOUTH FAYETTE FIRE HALL

ADULT YOGA

MONDAYS, 7 PM - 8 PM

$11/CLASS; STURGEON FIRE HALL

FAMILY & FRIEND

CPR/FIRST AID

WED. AUG. 9 @ 6:30 PM

SF TWP. BUILDING

ALL AGES: $26/PERSON NON-CERTIFICATION

Photos by Daniel Thompson Photography

PRESENTED BY SPONSORS

SAT. SEPT 16 - THURS. SEPT 21, 2023

7 AM - 7 PM SOUTH

Municipal Building, Back Parking Lot

515 Millers Run Road, South Fayette PA 15064

Owens-Illinois, Inc.

CAP Glass

NOT ACCEPTED

cut glass

glass bakeware mirrors

porcelain and ceramics

stemware

light bulbs

TVs

window glass

other materials including recyclables

Support PRC programs TODAY prc.org/donate

Location under video surveillance

All colors of glass bottles, jars and jugs ONLY

Caps, lids and labels are acceptable

Empty all containers

For a complete schedule of PRC's Traveling Glass Bin locations, visit prc.org/glass

TV & ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

Televisions (all types & sizes)

Computers & Laptops

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Printers, Copiers, Fax Machines & Scanners

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MISSED PICKUP?

SouthFayettePA.com

/request

TRASH & RECYCLING

Garbage is collected weekly and recycling every 2 weeks. Place at the curb before 6 AM on pickup day. If a major holiday falls on a weekday before pickup day, collection is delayed one day. Do not bag recyclables. No glass in recycling bins.

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

July

Fri. July 7

Sat. July 8

Trash Collection 1-DAY DELAY DUE TO INDEPENDENCE DAY

Thurs. July 13 Fri. July 14

Trash Collection Recycling

Thurs. July 20 Fri. July 21

Trash Collection

Thurs. July 27

Fri. July 28

Trash Collection Recycling

RECYCLING EVENTS

TVs & Electronics Sat. July 29, 10am-2pm Boys Home Park Household Glass

Sat. Sept. 16-Thur. Sept. 21

Township Building

Details: pages ##

August

Thurs. Aug. 3 Fri. Aug. 4

Trash Collection

Thurs. Aug. 10 Fri. Aug. 11

Trash Collection Recycling

Thurs. Aug. 17

Fri. Aug. 18

Trash Collection

Thurs. Aug. 24

Fri. Aug. 25

Trash Collection Recycling

Thurs. Aug. 31 Fri. Sept. 1

Trash Collection

Trash & Recycling Info

Sept.

Fri. Sept. 8 Sat. Sept. 9

Trash Collection Recycling

1-DAY DELAY DUE TO LABOR DAY

Thurs. Sept. 14

Fri. Sept. 15

Trash Collection

Thurs. Sept. 21

Fri. Sept. 22

Trash Collection Recycling

Thurs. Sept. 28

Fri. Sept. 29

Trash Collection

South Fayette Township

515 Millers Run Road, South Fayette PA 15064

412-221-8700

SouthFayettePA.com

Staff Directory

John M. Barrett, Township Manager

Administration

Peggy Patterson, Executive Assistant

Shannen McKahan, Finance Officer

Patrick J. Catena, Assistant Manager

Communications & Community Development

Andrea Iglar, Director

Planning, Building & Code

Gary Hartz, Planning/Zoning Director

Joe Niedermeyer, Building Code Official

John Kanaskie, Engineering/Code

Abbey Scheerer, Administrative Assistant

Parks & Recreation

Paula Willis, Director

Ian McNeill, Recreation Coordinator

Police

John R. Phoennik, Chief of Police

Dana Korbe, Administrative Assistant Police Business Office: 412-221-2170

Emergency & Dispatch: 9-1-1

Public Works

Vitali Alexandrov, Director Dan Dernosek, Superintendent

Community Resources

South Fayette Township Library 412-257-8660, SouthFayetteLibrary.org

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

South Fayette School District 412-221-4542, SouthFayette.org

Historical Society of South Fayette Township

sfhistory3@aol.com, SouthFayettePA.com/history

Tax Collectors

Real Estate Tax, Kevin Biber: 412-221-9250, SouthFayettePA.com/tax

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

Municipal Authority (Dye Tests & Sanitary Sewers)

412-257-5100, MATSF.net

Chambers of Commerce

South West: 412-221-4100, SouthWestRegionalChamber.org

Pittsburgh Airport Area: 412-264-6270, PAACC.com

Volunteer Fire Departments in South Fayette

& Fri. Oct. 20

Trash & Recycling

SF/Cuddy, Fairview, Oak Ridge, Sturgeon: SouthFayettePA.com/fire

Police, Fire, Ambulance: 9-1-1