South Fayette Connect - Spring 2024 - Volume 9, Issue 2

p. 32 STEER into Spring! STEER into Spring!

INSIDE

WM UPDATES 4

FIRE SAFETY 5

ROAD PAVING 8

BERKLEY RIDGE 6

SUMMER EVENTS 22

At the Front

News & Features

On the Cover

Charlotte, 5, of South Fayette enjoys a trackless train ride at Bunny Hop in the Park at Fairview Park in March.

Photo by Daniel Thompson.

Photo Features

Manager's Message

JOHN M. BARRETT

With the mild spring weather upon us, many South Fayette residents will take the opportunity to visit our township parks.

We have been upgrading park amenities to benefit the public, as well as youth and adult athletic associations (page 12).

In Morgan Park, we have completed a renovation project that includes an additional parking lot and a new pavilion with a concession stand, picnic tables and four restrooms. The upgrade will bolster the efforts of the South Fayette Baseball and Softball Association to support 1,000 children whose sport season is in full swing.

We have installed lights on two multipurpose athletic fields in Fairview Park, where various teams practice and compete. The park’s new driveway connection to Mayview Road provides convenient access to a new splash pad and pavilion that we plan to open this year.

As our community continues to grow, investing in our parks, athletic fields and public spaces becomes more important, and we are up to the challenge.

In this issue of South Fayette Connect, you will find information about our Summer Kickoff Concert, Fourth of July fireworks, South Fayette Community Day and a host of other family-friendly events, programs and camps in our parks.

I invite you to visit our parks and enjoy the spring weather. I will see you there!

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Chuck Lazzini, President

Tim Postufka, Vice President

Mark Hondru

Leigh Ann Oravecz

Rebecca Sray

TOWNSHIP MANAGER

John M. Barrett

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Andrea Iglar

ART DIRECTOR

Andrea Iglar

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Andrea Iglar

Paula Willis

Kristen Bagwell

CONTRIBUTORS

Roy Engelbrecht Photography

Abbey Scheerer

Sean Sims

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 the public. The magazine is a nonprofit source of information aimed at connecting people with local government and fostering 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 2024. All rights reserved.

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

O'Neil awarded K-9 vest

The South Fayette Township Police Department’s K9 O’Neil, a German shepherd, will receive a bullet- and stab-protective vest thanks to a donation from the nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

The vest is sponsored by Doug and Kim Kost of Beaver Falls. Delivery is expected in May. The dog’s handler is Officer Alex Korkus (pictured with O'Neil in Fairview Park).

Police seeking historical photos

The South Fayette Township Police Department is seeking historical photos of officers, facilities, vehicles and other police history to display in the new station. Contact Chief John Phoennik: jphoennik@sftwp.com or 412-221-2170.

Leaf collection set for Sat. May 4

Hauler WM will hold a curbside leaf and yard waste collection Sat. May 4 in South Fayette. 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. Households that normally receive curbside waste collection are eligible (single-family homes and multi-family dwellings with four or fewer units). Report missed pickups at southfayettepa.com/request.

Donate used eyeglasses

Apply now for summer jobs

South Fayette Township Public Works is seeking summer help, ideal for high school or college students age 16 and up, and seasonal positions (spring to fall) for adults 18 and up. Apply at southfayettepa.com/jobs.

Class of 1974 hosts June reunion

The South Fayette Junior-High School

REUNIONS REUNIONS

Class of 1974 is hosting a 50th reunion on Sat. June 8 at Hickory Heights Golf Club in South Fayette. Classmates may contact Nancy (Sowinski) Klemash for details: nancyk8486@aol.com.

Class of 1975 plans 50th reunion

The South Fayette Junior-High School Class of 1975 is seeking classmates to attend a reunion in 2025. Please provide your name, phone and email to SF50th1975ClassReunion@gmail.com.

The Bridgeville Greater Area Lions Club is collecting used eyeglasses for adults and children. Collection boxes are located at the South Fayette Township Library, 515 Millers Run Road, and at the optical center inside BJ’s Wholesale Club at Newbury Market in South Fayette. The nonprofit Lions Clubs International donates the glasses, including sunglasses and reading glasses, to people in need around the world. Details: bgalions.org.

Connect your homeowner group

If you are a member of a homeowner association (HOA), please update your contact information with South Fayette Township, and tell us what issues are important to your neighborhood: southfayettepa.com/rollcall.

Grant to boost Fairview trails

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission has awarded South Fayette Township a grant of $802,060 for the Fairview Park Trail Network. The funding will expand trails and walkways within the park and improve connections with nearby homes and businesses.

Medication drop box, internet exchange area move to new police station

The South Fayette Township Police Department's medication disposal box and safe internet purchase exchange location have moved to the new police station, 100 Township Drive.

Deposit expired or unwanted drugs in the take-back bin in the lobby weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The internet exchange area is marked by a sign in the parking lot outside the police entrance. Residents conducting custody exchanges or buying/selling an item through a website may meet in the area, which is under 24/7 video surveillance. Details: southfayettepa.com/policeprograms.

▲ SAFETY IN THE TRENCHES

South Fayette Public Works completed training in February with National Trench Safety of Pittsburgh. Employees learned about excavation, soils, safety in confined areas and related topics. The crew met in the Lafayette Room at the South Fayette Township Municipal Center.

Other recent safety training topics have included fire extinguishers, cold weather injuries, ladders, and hand and arm protection.

"These programs are crucial in maintaining our workforce's readiness and ability to respond to various scenarios, while also emphasizing the importance of workplace safety," Public Works Director Vitali Alexandrov said.

Alan Desmet worked three summers with South Fayette Township Public Works and eventually joined the department fulltime in February 2021. He often works on improving the community's stormwater system. "I like the construction and doing different things every day," he says.

Hometown: Grew up in South Fayette; lives in North Fayette

Education: Graduated from South Fayette High School; studied criminology at Community College of Allegheny County and Indiana University of PA

Hobbies: Hunting; riding his ATV and side-by-side at Hatfield-McCoy Trails in West Virginia

First Job: Cashier at South Fayette Sunoco

First Car: 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee, white

Favorite Music: Classic rock and country

Favorite Food: Steak and potatoes

Favorite Vacation: Water skiing, boating and relaxing at his parents' lake house in Edinboro

Bucket List: Visit Las Vegas and Colorado

Best Quality of South Fayette: "South Fayette people are pretty good people."

Fun Fact: Alan usually doesn't travel far from home. His immediate and extended family members have tended to stay in the township, too. "Most of us are all South Fayette locals," he says. "We've been here forever. We don't go away."

— Andrea Iglar

Diamond Sponsor ◆ Bunny Hop ◆ Thank you!

—Photo & text by Andrea Iglar

What do I need to know about automated trash collection?

WM (Waste Management) is converting garbage collection to an automated system and will deliver new trash carts to homes in late April.

When will I receive my new trash cart?

WM (Waste Management) will deliver one free garbage cart to every South Fayette home that receives curbside collection. Delivery tentatively starts April 22 and will take about a week to complete.

How do I dispose of old garbage cans?

Store-bought garbage cans cannot be used for automated collection. If you would like to dispose of an unused can, you can mark it “TRASH” and place it at the curb for WM to collect.

How do I change the size of my cart?

The default size of the garbage cart is 96 gallons (unless special arrangements have been made). Other available sizes are 64 gallons and 35 gallons. If you wish to swap out the size of your cart, you can contact WM at least 60 days AFTER initially delivery by calling 1-800-8664460 and saying “SERVICE CHANGE.”

How do I get additional carts?

For additional waste carts, you must contact WM and pay an annual fee. The charge is for the additional service and disposal, not for the cart itself.

• If you would like an additional garbage cart, you will need to pay a yearly fee to WM, which is $110 in 2024.

• For another recycling cart, the annual fee to WM is $93 in 2024. The additional cart will have the WM logo (not SF).

• To order additional carts, call WM at 1-800-866-4460 and say “SERVICE CHANGE.” The phone system will direct you to an agent to place your order and pay for your cart.

What if I am new to the township?

If you are moving into a newly built home, call WM at 1-800-866-4460 and request delivery of a garbage cart and a recycling cart. Every eligible residence receives one 64-gallon recycling cart and one 96-gallon garbage cart at no charge. The carts must stay with the home if you move.

What other changes are happening this year?

• WM only will take trash that fits inside the carts. WM will not collect anything that is placed next to or outside the cart.

• Bulk items are limited to 2 per month, per household. Bulk collection is the second full week of every month (WM starts each week with Monday; check the calendar on the back cover of South Fayette Connect).

Bulk items include furniture, appliances, etc.—not extra loose trash bags.

• You may place glass in your recycling cart again.

For more information on automatic garbage collection and other changes to waste service, please visit southfayettepa.com/automated.

Abbey Scheerer is an administrative assistant with South Fayette Township.

To submit a question to Ask Abbey, email magazine@sftwp.com or mail South Fayette Township, Attn: Ask Abbey, 100 Township Drive, South Fayette PA 15017.

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Protect your family from home fires

Test smoke alarms, make escape plan and close bedroom doors

By Sean Sims

Fire is fast! Thick, black smoke can fill your home quickly, giving you as little as two minutes to escape.

Fires burn faster and hotter in today's homes due to the high amount of plastic used in nearly everything from electronics to furniture to carpeting. These plastics produce deadly smoke and toxic gases, which kill more people than flames do.

You can take three simple steps to protect yourself in the event of a home fire:

1. Smoke Alarms: Make sure you have working, interconnected smoke alarms inside and outside each sleeping area. Test your alarms monthly by pressing the test button. Replace batteries twice a year, and replace alarms completely every 10 years—or sooner for carbon monoxide (CO) or combination smoke/CO alarms.

2. Home Escape Plan: Leave everything behind, get low and go! Develop and practice a home escape plan. Know two ways out of every room in your home. Choose an outside meeting place where your family will gather. Once you are out, stay out even if a family member or pet is trapped.

3. Close Before You Doze: To give yourself the most time possible to escape, fully close your bedroom door every time you sleep. Closing the door separates you from potentially deadly smoke. Closing children's doors at bedtime puts a safety barrier in place that gives them more time to escape, especially if adults cannot reach them quickly.

Sean Sims is a captain with the Oak Ridge Volunteer Fire Department.

Images courtesy of Fire Safety Research Institute (top) and U.S. Fire Administration

South Fayette NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT

Berkley Ridge

Homeowner Association: Berkley Ridge Homeowners Association

Management Company: Innovative Management Inc.

Years Built: 2012–2014

Number of Homes: 45

Home Types: Single-family

Builders: Heartland Homes and NVR, Inc.

HOA Top Issues of Interest: Code enforcement, parking, safety

Location: Former vacant farmland off Oakridge Road

Streets: Berkley Ridge Drive and Farmview Drive

Fun Fact: The neighborhood is built on 40 acres of former Torre family horse farm property. Scenic Ridge Farm, a horse boarding facility, owns the remaining 20 acres, including a barn and riding arena near the entrance to Berkley Ridge.

Squeaky wheels get the job done

Residents form homeowner group to finish building Berkley Ridge

By Andrea Iglar

The squeaky wheels got the grease in Berkley Ridge.

When completion of the South Fayette housing development dragged in 2015, a few residents banded together to finish neighborhood construction, form a homeowner association (HOA) and adjust the community regulations.

Today, two of those residents remain on the board of the homeowner group— Danny Cerrone Jr. and Craig Molinaro. The third, Jennifer Wolf, has since moved out of state.

“Before the HOA formed, Jen and myself and Craig were squeaky wheels for the neighborhood,” Cerrone, the board secretary, said in March.

“We formed the HOA so that it was the advocate for all the neighbors, not just the three of us as concerned residents.”

Amid building the community of 45 single-family homes, the developer failed to complete construction of roads, stormwater detention basins, streetlights and other features.

we did at the beginning because I don’t know how long our neighborhood would have sat unfinished,” board president Molinaro said.

The next step was to customize the generic regulations and standards initially established for homeowners.

“We wanted to have the voice of the neighborhood kind of build that declaration instead of it just being given to us,” Molinaro said.

The homeowner board surveyed neighbors and found the main points of contention were that rules prohibited residents from storing garbage cans outside, installing swing sets in side yards and building sheds.

The homeowner group proposed rule changes during an annual meeting, and residents voted to amend the Berkley Ridge bylaws to allow sheds and swing sets and to let residents neatly tuck cans in their driveways.

Subdivision developers are responsible for building infrastructure, and they sell lots to homebuilders.

The township could not accept Berkley Ridge Drive or Farmview Drive for snow plowing or other maintenance until $150,000 in work was correctly completed.

“It wasn’t a little bit of work,” Cerrone said. “It was a lot.”

The residents retained a property management company to help form the Berkley Ridge Homeowners Association.

The resulting homeowner board worked with the township to access the developer’s escrow money and pay to complete the work.

“People were very appreciative of what

Cerrone— an attorney specializing in construction matters—said amending the founding documents allowed residents to dictate what they wanted.

Cerrone coaches community soccer, baseball and basketball and serves on the township Planning Commission. He lives on Berkley Ridge Drive with his wife, Shannan, and children Amelia and Miles.

“It’s a nice, quiet community with a lot of great families,” Cerrone said.

Molinaro, a resident of Berkley Ridge Drive since 2013, had lived in the Northridge community before moving to Berkley Ridge so his family could build and customize a home from the ground up.

“It was kind of always a dream for us to do that,” he said. “We really love South Fayette.”

▶ South Fayette resident and Our Black Rose co-founder Kelleigh Boland, right, shares a care package with Police Chief John Phoennik at the South Fayette Township Municipal Center in March. Police officers will provide the packages to local survivors of suicide loss.

South Fayette police partner to provide care packages

Officers collaborate with co-founder of nonprofit that supports survivors of suicide loss

By Andrea Iglar

South Fayette Township police officers are partnering with a homegrown nonprofit to provide care kits to suicide loss survivors.

Our Black Rose, a nonprofit organization co-founded by South Fayette resident Kelleigh Boland, provides the packages in memory of Patrick Butler, who died by suicide in 2020 in Westmoreland County. He was 34 years old.

Boland remembers Patrick, her youngest brother, for helping people in need and creating joy for everyone around him.

“Our Black Rose is meant to be the legacy of how my brother Patrick lived his life, not how he died,” Boland said.

Police Chief John Phoennik said offering the care kits to survivors after a loved one's recent loss is an opportunity to support the community beyond the typical duties of first responders.

“It’s something we can do to help our residents in times of crisis,” he said.

Within about a week of a reported suicide loss in South Fayette, a police officer will offer survivors condolences and a care package from Our Black Rose.

Last year, Allegheny County reported 147 suicides, with a half-dozen in South Fayette.

Compelled by their personal experiences, Boland—who works full-time in the nonprofit sector—and her mother,

Lori Butler, decided to help fellow survivors of suicide loss.

They designed a package of gifts and resources to help survivors connect, remember and seek support. Boland’s father, Dennis, and her other brother, Brian, agreed to the idea.

In 2021, crowdfunding raised $11,000 from family, friends and South Fayette neighbors, and in 2023, Our Black Rose gained 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.

The black rose referenced in the organization’s name symbolizes life and beauty even in darkness.

So far, Our Black Rose has distributed more than 200 care packages, mostly in collaboration with 40 funeral homes throughout Allegheny County.

The South Fayette Township Police Department is the first law enforcement agency to work with Our Black Rose.

Boland—a former Saddlewood resident now residing in Lafayette Meadow— proposed the partnership to Phoennik during Coffee with the Chief, an event where the police chief invites the public to meet with him informally to share ideas and ask questions.

Boland said her family creates each care package by hand. They tie each black gift box with a teal ribbon, and encase the contents in purple tissue paper, to honor the colors of national suicide prevention.

The package opens with a letter from the family that begins, “The unimaginable has happened and our hearts are with you. A death by suicide leaves many unanswered questions, but you are not alone.”

Enclosed materials include a journal and pen, forget-me-not flower seeds, a tote bag to hold memorable items, Our Black Rose bracelets to help build community and diminish the stigma of suicide loss, and various self-care, legal and grief resources.

“We included resources from experts that we have found helpful in our grief journey,” Boland said.

The kit also includes an option to send the family information about the deceased person so Butler can mail survivors handwritten cards on difficult days during the first year of loss.

The care package acknowledges the mental and physical effects of suicide loss and provides people with a community of support, Boland said.

“If you are a suicide loss survivor, please know that we see you and acknowledge your loss,” she said. “This care package is our family's way of assuring you that you are not alone in this.”

To learn more about Our Black Rose, make a donation or request a free care package for a suicide loss survivor, please visit ourblackrose.org

Photo by Andrea Iglar

Road work starts in spring

$1.7 million earmarked for paving program in South Fayette

By Andrea Iglar

The road paving program set for South Fayette Township this year involves 14 streets and two parks.

Mele & Mele & Sons, Inc. of Braddock will conduct milling and asphalt paving on more than 3 miles of roadway in Abele Business Park, Fairview Manor and other areas of the township.

A new, 26-space public parking lot will be paved in Boys Home Park.

Paving also will occur at a new salt shed facility in Fairview Park, at the corner of Mayview Road and Recreation Road.

Work is expected to start in April.

"We've been consistently starting our paving early to ensure all of the work gets done quickly and efficiently," Township Manager John M. Barrett said.

The $1.7 million paving program includes $.1.5 million from the general fund paving budget.

Another $100,000 comes from the Public Works capital budget for the salt shed facility.

The balance is an insurance payment from WM to repair damage caused by a garbage truck fire on Battery Drive North.

About a week later, a 2-inch asphalt binder course is applied. Finally, the roadway is topped with a 1½-inch layer of asphalt wearing course.

The resulting pavement may last up to 15 years, depending on the road’s traffic volume, water drainage, underlying soils and other factors.

Mele & Mele & Sons was the lowest responsible bidder of four paving companies.

Inspectors from Gibson-Thomas Engineering Co., Inc. will oversee the project. Prior to paving, the firm will take photos and videos to document existing conditions.

After paving, the contractor will restore any road striping, wedge curbs and other features disturbed by the project to their original condition.

Public Works has been completing road repairs and storm inlet work to prepare for the paving contractor.

The paving plan was based on a fiveyear guide that Gibson-Thomas prepared, plus data gathered using RoadBotics, which uses artificial intelligence to assess video

Roads on paving list

Abele Business Park

Abele Road

Emerson Lane

Old Pond Road

Villani Drive

Fairview Manor

Firwood Drive (from Woodhaven Drive to 166 Firwood Drive)

Greenwood Drive (from Woodhaven Lane to Firwood Drive)

Meadow Drive

Woodhaven Drive

Township parks

Boys Home Park: Additional parking lot

Fairview Park: New salt shed facility for Public Works at Mayview Road and Recreation Road

Other areas

Christine Court (from Lindsay Lane to Parkes Farm Drive)

Public Works

Road Maintenance

The South Fayette Township Public Works Department prepares roads and storm inlets for the paving contractor and performs additional road maintenance throughout the year. Highlights include the following:

Trimming overgrown trees and vegetation along roads and rights-of-way

Inspecting, cleaning, repairing and improving stormwater systems

Replacing guardrails

Installing road signs

Patching potholes

Sealing pavement cracks

Painting lines

Remediating landslides

Sweeping streets

Local family advocates for kids with speech disorder

South Fayette Township officials recognize Apraxia Awareness Day

By Andrea Iglar

First-grader Delaney Vecchio, 7, was mostly nonverbal until age 4 due to a disorder called childhood apraxia of speech.

Her mother, Amber Vecchio, said the family moved to Lafayette Meadow in South Fayette Township two years ago for the resources available in the reading program at South Fayette Elementary School.

“Delaney is incredibly bright and intelligent and knew exactly what she wanted to say, but had a very difficult time getting the words out,” Vecchio said.

Over the past couple of years, Delaney has made significant progress, and the South Fayette community has embraced her differences, her mother said.

“She will continue to thrive here, and I am happy to call the

area our home,” Vecchio said.

The word "apraxia" refers to a loss of the ability to perform complex muscular movements.

In March, the township Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution recognizing May 14 as Apraxia Awareness Day.

Vecchio, who proposed the proclamation, serves on the board of directors of the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit Apraxia Kids. She said the resolution helps bring awareness and attention to the neurological speech disorder.

“It’s about people being able to take an extra minute to listen to Delaney and be able to understand what she and other kids like her are trying to say,” Vecchio said.

Diamond Sponsor ◆ Movies at Fairview ◆ Thank you!

Diamond Sponsor ◆ Summer Concert ◆ Thank you!

Two videos of Delaney, the first in August 2022 and the other a year later, show her progress. In kindergarten, Delaney talks about going to a water park but is unable to avoid stuttering—a complication that is not traditionally characteristic of kids with apraxia but can occur during language development, Vecchio said.

A year later, words flow from Delaney about her community: “I like it so much."

Vecchio said her daughter's speech, literacy and ability to develop healthy relationships with peers continues to progress thanks to her educational team.

According to the resolution, childhood apraxia of speech causes children to have significant difficulty learning to speak and is among the most severe speech deficits in children.

Kids with apraxia need early, appropriate and intensive speech therapy to learn to speak.

When the township board approved the resolution, Delaney told the commissioners, “Thank you.”

For more information about childhood apraxia of speech, visit apraxia-kids.org

▲ Delaney Vecchio, 7, holds a resolution recognizing May 14 as Apraxia Awareness Day. Her mother, Amber Vecchio, second from right, serves on the board of the nonprofit Apraxia Kids. Township commissioners Tim Postufka, left, Leigh Ann Oravecz, Mark Hondru, Rebecca Sray and Chuck Lazzini (not pictured) approved the resolution in March. ◀ Delaney and Amber Vecchio address the board. (Photos

PRT is improving transit for every rider. We’re adding QR codes to bus signs so you’ll know when your bus will arrive. We’re making it easier to get on board with our new Ready2Ride® mobile ticketing app.

And, we’re investing in all electric buses to help reduce emissions today-to help improve air quality tomorrow. Yes, PRT is making changes. But more importantly, we’re making a difference.

Diamond Sponsor ◆ Joy-Thru Fairview ◆

by Andrea Iglar)

PARK PROJECTS

◀◀ Jack Clark of Advance Sign Co. posts rules for the splash pad at Fairview Park in March. The recreational water feature is expected to open this summer on the Mayview site.

◀ A team from the South Fayette Youth Lacrosse Association plays under lights on a multipurpose field at Fairview Park in April. The lights were newly installed last year and functioning by fall.

▼ A newly built shelter with an equipped concession stand, picnic tables and four restrooms is opening this spring in Morgan Park. A walkway connects the structure with a new paved parking lot.

The South Fayette Baseball and Softball Association will use the concession stand during ball games. Dan Cali, the association president, said the facility is "an amazing upgrade" from the previous facility, which has been torn down. More than 1,000 youth participate in the ball program.

— Andrea Iglar

▲ SCOUTS COMPLETE EAGLE PROJECTS

The South Fayette Board of Commissioners in March recognized township residents Alec Richards, center left, and Pranav Kunaparaju for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout with BSA Oakdale Troop 248. At Allegheny County's Settlers Cabin Park, Alec made improvements that redirect rain from the Waterfall Trail to reduce erosion. In South Fayette, Pranav installed 500 storm drain markers noting the importance of keeping out pollutants to ensure clean drinking water.

▼ SENIORS MEET FOR BINGO

Members of the South Fayette Area Senior Citizens Association enjoy bingo and snacks at 12:30 p.m. Fridays at the Senior Center, 515 Millers Run Road.

In February, the group included, from left, Arlene Chirumbole, Alice O'Block, Herman Vock and Kathleen Brown.

The group provides social and recreational opportunities for members age 55 and over and their spouses. Other activities include card games and a monthly luncheon.

Details: 412-221-8700 or southfayettepa.com/seniors.

—Photos & text by Andrea Iglar

Art classes offered

Selva Priya Sahadevan has opened an art studio, Getitfromnature Arts, on Millers Run Road in South Fayette.

The township resident hosted a grand opening in March for family, friends, students and guests.

South Fayette ninth grader Ishi Gupta, 15, top left, displays a portrait she is painting during her weekly art classes.

Below, children wait for Sahadevan to cut the ceremonial ribbon with Chuck Lazzini, president of the township Board of Commissioners. Afterward, Sahadevan, holding a piece of the ribbon at left, shares a laugh with guests.

The studio offers in-person and online art classes for all ages and hosts paint night events and parties.

Getitfromnature Arts, 295 Millers Run Road, South Fayette: 412-2302360; getitfromnature.wixsite.com/ priyaarts.

Iglar

—Photos & text by Andrea

Popular

restaurant

opens in South Fayette

Raising Cane's held a grand opening in South Fayette Township in February with prizes, music and a ribbon cutting.

The chicken fingers restaurant is open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight, and until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, in The Piazza at South Fayette near the I-79 interchange.

First customer Kyle Gullion of Cecil, left, had waited in line since 10:30 p.m. the night before the restaurant opened. He celebrates with South Fayette resident Jonathan Mehalic, a winner of free food for a year.

Raising Cane's, 189 Millers Run Road, South Fayette: 610-553-5581; raisingcanes.com.

—Photo & text by Andrea Iglar

SUNNY SIDE UP

Rooftop solar panels produce power for South Fayette Township Municipal Center

Rooftop solar panels at the South Fayette Township Municipal Center nearly stopped producing power during the solar eclipse this spring.

When the moon came between the sun and Earth, blocking about 97% of sunlight for several minutes on April 8, power generation plunged to a fraction of the usual rate.

“It’s just like it became nighttime for that moment,” said Mark Goyke, solar special projects division manager for Scalo Solar Solutions, LLC of Thornburg.

As the moon moved away from the sun, power production quickly ramped back up, he said.

Solar panels depend on light, not heat, and will generate the most electricity in summer months. Moonlight does not produce energy.

“The moon is absorbing all that [solar] energy,” Goyke said.

“We’re just getting a reflective light off it.”

Scalo Solar, part of Scalo Companies, has funded and installed a $171,200 solar power plant atop the 36,000-squarefoot municipal center at no cost to the township.

Scalo Solar expects the system will produce about 93 megawatt hours of electricity this year, offsetting about half the power consumption of the municipal offices, meeting chambers and police station. Actual benefits will become apparent after the building operates for a year.

Eventually, the public will have access to an online dashboard showing real-time solar energy data at the municipal center.

Jack Scalo, president and CEO of Scalo Solar, said his company benefits from significant federal tax credits while selling the township electricity for 10% cheaper than the utility

Story by Andrea Iglar & Photography by Roy Engelbrecht

▲ This drone image shows 191 solar panels on the roof of the South Fayette Township Municipal Center, 100 Township Drive.

▶ Mark Goyke, left, of Scalo Solar Solutions trains local firefighters and township staff in March on emergency procedures for the solar panel system.

◀ The solar panels are expected to produce half the electricity needed for the South Fayette administrative offices, meeting chambers and police station.

company would charge.

Scalo Solar will own the system for six years and then transfer ownership to the township for zero dollars, he said.

“I’m donating the solar,” Scalo said. “It’s part of giving back and advancing the solar business.”

Municipal governments do not pay taxes and therefore are not eligible for tax credits, but a private business like Scalo Solar can take advantage of incentive programs.

“It’s a good example of how we can partner with the private sector,” Township Manager John M. Barrett said.

The municipal building immediately consumes its own solar energy as it is produced, so the township buys less power from the electric company, reducing utility bills.

When the demand for electricity decreases, such as weekends and evenings, West Penn Power buys unused solar power at retail rate, offsetting the township's electric bill even more.

The approximate life of the solar panel system is 25 years, which matches the life expectancy of the roof, Scalo said.

Scalo Companies was the roofing contractor for the municipal center.

Each of the 191 solar panels weighs 72 lbs. and measures about 4 feet by 6 ½ feet. An inverter converts direct current (DC) electricity that the solar panels generate to alternating current (AC) electricity, which the electrical grid uses.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, solar technologies capture and convert sunlight into useful forms of energy.

Photovoltaic cells in solar panels absorb energy from sunlight. This energy creates electrical charges that move in response to an internal electrical field in the cell, causing electricity to flow.

Clockwise from Top:

▶ From 1952 to 1954, Elmer Gardner was an Army corporal in the 536th Military Police Co.

Elmer Gardner was among early officers who laid the groundwork for the South Fayette police department.

BY ANDREA IGLAR

EBADGE OF SERVICE

lmer Gardner, 92, was born on Sygan Hill, and he still lives in the same neighborhood.

The lifelong South Fayette resident was one of the township’s earliest police officers, serving the department from 1955 to 1965.

“South Fayette has really changed,” Gardner said during an interview at his home in April. “It really grew up, the township.”

Born Dec. 18, 1931, Gardner attended

▶ The South Fayette Township Police Department had six officers in this newspaper photo circa the early 1960s.

Migliorini, Kelly and DiOrio were the first police officers in 1951. Gardner is the sole survivor of this group.

▼ Elmer Gardner wore this South Fayette police badge from 1955 to 1965.

▶ Gardner used this tie clip engraved with "Patrolman E. Gardner" and "State of Pennsylvania."

the Sygan primary school and graduated from Lafayette High School in Morgan in 1949.

He worked for a contractor until the Army drafted him in 1952 to serve in Germany—not Korea as he expected. He was a corporal in the 536th Military Police Company.

Upon honorable discharge in November 1954, Gardner returned home. About a month later, he received a call from someone who worked for the township.

Gardner recalled the conversation: “He said, ‘Were you in the military police?’ I said, ‘Yeah.’ He said, ‘Are you interested in being a policeman?’ I said, ‘Sure.’”

Gardner joined the police in early 1955. The South Fayette department had been established only a few years earlier, in 1951, with three officers and one Plymouth squad car.

In the early days, officers timed speeding with everyday wristwatches, and the most common problem was public drunkenness, Gardner said.

Activity occurred mostly in populated areas such as Morgan Hill, Sygan Hill, National Hill and Sturgeon.

“Back then, there was hardly anything,” Gardner said.

"Everything had to revolve around Morgan.”

Eventually, Gardner and fellow officer Carl Wolcutt attended police school one night a week for

Front row: Samuel Migliorini, left, and Richard “Dick” McTeague. Standing from left: Armeil Kelly (first police chief), Carl Wolcutt (later the Greentree police chief), Elmer Gardner and Albert “Blackie” DiOrio.

Image courtesy of Elmer Gardner

six weeks, but they never had to attend an academy or take a civil service exam.

During his years as a police officer, Gardner met his future wife, Geraldine Heirendt (now deceased), and eventually had two daughters, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

His daughters, Denise Carmichael and Dawna Downey, live nearby on Sygan Hill, along with numerous extended family members.

Gardner served the South Fayette Volunteer Fire Department in the Cuddy neighborhood for many years, joining fellow firefighters on a bowling team that played at Sygan SNPJ Lodge No. 6.

After a decade, Gardner left the police department for the Allegheny County Port Authority, where he worked as a bus driver until retirement.

By the time Gardner quit the police in 1965, South Fayette had six officers.

Today, the police department has 23 officers, an administrative assistant and two police dogs.

Police Chief John Phoennik, a South Fayette officer for 34 years, said the modern department is built upon the service of past officers.

“I truly appreciate Elmer and the other early police officers for laying the groundwork for where we are now,” Phoennik said.

▲ Police Chief John Phoennik, left, meets with Elmer Gardner, 92, at the former officer's home on Sygan Hill in South Fayette in April. Gardner displays the keystone-shaped, green and white patch that he wore on his arm as a police officer from 1955 to 1965. (Photo by Andrea Iglar)

▼ In 1963, Elmer Gardner stands with a South Fayette Township police car parked at the Morgan municipal building, which was built in 1958. (Photos courtesy of Elmer Gardner)

VIDEO

Watch YouTube video of former police officer

Elmer Gardner talking about his history

Meet Nikki Erlick

Author Q&A on Monday, May 20 @ 7:00pm

Author Nikki Erlick will join us for a LIVE Q&A. The library will host a shared viewing session with refreshments, or attendees may participate remotely. All are welcome!

What is One Book, One Community?

The South Fayette community coming together through the reading and discussion of a common book.

What is The Measure about?

When every person, all over the globe, receives a small wooden box bearing the same inscription and a single piece of string inside, the world is thrown into a collective frenzy, in this novel told through multiple perspectives that introduces an unforgettable cast of characters.

Why should I participate?

A shared reading experience is a springboard to conversation about our lives, connecting friends and neighbors throughout South Fayette.

FEATURING

SUMMER KICKOFF CONCERT

CELEBRATE THE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER

NO BAD JUJU

THURS. JUNE 20

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

FAIRVIEW PARK - SOUTH FAYETTE

LIMITED PARKING IN FAIRVIEW PARK, STARTING AT 7 PM

ADDITIONAL PARKING AT BOYCE MAYVIEW PARK NO PERSONAL FIREWORKS, OPEN FIRES OR ALCOHOL

FAIRVIEW PARK 9:30 PM

Bring blankets, chairs, snacks and bug spray, and enjoy a family movie under the stars

South Fayette Township Parks & Recreation

Spring & Summer Programs

Yoga

Mondays

April 22 - June 10 @ 7 PM

Sturgeon Fire Hall

$11/class Adult

sfBfitness

Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM

Thursdays @ 9 AM

SNPJ Sygan Lodge 6 $12/class

Tennis

Saturdays

May 4 - June 1

@ Fairview Park

Pee Wee (ages 5-6) @ 11 AM

Jr. Beginner (ages 7-11) @ 9 AM

Jr. Advanced (ages 12-16) @ 10 AM

Pricing varies

JumpBunch

Amazing Athletes

Tuesdays

May 7 - June 4

Fairview Park

$70/Ages 3-5 @ 5 PM

$80/Ages 6-9 @ 6 PM

Pickleball Lessons

Be in Your Body Breathwork

Tuesdays @ 6 PM

June 4 - July 30

South Fayette Senior Center

$25/class or $89/4 classes

Art in the Park

Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM

June 12, July 10, Aug. 7, Sept. 4

Fairview Park

$25/class

Parents Night

Out Child Care w/ Babysitting Logistics

Saturday, June 22

@ 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Ages 3-9

South Fayette Senior Center

Wednesdays & Fridays

May 1 - May 31

Morgan Park

Beginner @ 9 AM

Intermediate @ 11 AM

Advanced @ 10 AM

Pricing varies

$35/child

Ages 7 - Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult

Kids in the Kitchen

Thursdays June 27- August 1

Ages 4-6 @ 9 AM

Ages 7-11 @ 10:30 AM

South Fayette Senior Center

$145/child

Puzzle Palooza

Tues. June 18 @ 6:30 PM

South Fayette Township

Municipal Center

$5 per 2- to 6-person team

SouthFayettePA.com/recreation

412-221-8700

SF PARKS & REC SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

JUMPBUNCH SPORTS: SUPERHERO CAMP

June 24-28

Ages 4-6 9:30AM-12PM

Morgan Park

$145 (early bird) or $165 after May 6

JUMBUNCH SPORTS: FUN IN THE SUN CAMP

July 8-12

Ages 4-6 9:30AM-12PM

Fairview Park Rotary Pavilion

$145 (early bird) or $165 after May 6

BRIXOLOGY LEGO CAMP DINO WARS CAMP: BATTLE OF THE BEHEMOTHS

July 22-26

Rising 1st-5th graders 9AM-12PM

Fairview Park Rotary Pavilion

$182

HOOP STARS BASKETBALL

May 30-July 11

Thursdays

Ages 3-5, 5:45PM-6:45PM

Ages 6-9, 6:45PM-7:45PM

Morgan Park $110

July 15-19

Ages 6-12 9AM-12PM

Fairview Park Lafayette Pavilion

$180

SOCCER SHOTS

June 5-July 24

Wednesdays, times vary per age group

Ages 2-5, $130

Ages 6-8, $140 Boys Home Park SOUTHFAYETTEPA.COM/RECREATION

local banking for the community we all call home

SINCE 1899

Since our founding in 1899, we have seen our community grow and thrive generation after generation. Our devotion to the people we serve has remained at the heart of everything we do. From sponsoring local events, to volunteering to clean up our neighborhoods, to funding scholarships for high school students, Washington Financial Bank remains completely focused on making an impact - not just for our customers but for the areas we serve. When you walk into our bank, expect to be greeted by name and treated like family. Because we believe that when you choose to bank with a local bank, it should feel like home.

Thanks for attending with a SPRING in your step!

BUNNY HOP IN THE PARK

March 28, 2024

Fairview Park

South Fayette

Photos by Daniel Thompson

Six-year-olds Nora Hoffer, left, Madison Boris & Ella Joseph

Carli Ryan with children Levi, left, Kendall & Asher

Mackenzie Scarmazzi, 6, left, and Nicole Scarmazzi, 5, with the Easter Bunny

MISSED PICKUP?

SouthFayettePA.com /request

MAY

Thurs. May 2

Fri. May 3

Trash Collection Recycling

Thurs. May 9

Fri. May 10

Trash Collection

Thurs. May 16

Fri. May 17

Trash Collection

Bulk Collection Recycling

Thurs. May 23

Fri. May 24

Trash Collection

Fri. May 31

Sat. June 1

Trash Collection

Recycling

1-DAY DELAY DUE TO MEMORIAL DAY

Trash & Recycling

Garbage is collected weekly and recycling every 2 weeks. Do not bag recyclables. Place bins at the curb before 6 AM on pickup day. Bulk collection is the 2nd full week of each month. If an observed holiday falls during the week before your pickup day, collection is delayed one day.

Waste Management wm.com

◆ 1-800-866-4460

JUNE

Thurs. June 6

Fri. June 7

Trash Collection

Thurs. June 13

Fri. June 14

Trash Collection

Bulk Collection Recycling

Thurs. June 20 Fri. June 21

Trash Collection

Thurs. June 27 Fri. June 28

Trash Collection Recycling

JULY

Fri. July 5 Sat. July 6

Trash Collection

1-DAY DELAY DUE TO INDEPENDENCE DAY

Thurs. July 11

Fri. July 12

Trash Collection

Bulk Collection Recycling

Thurs. July 18 Fri. July 19

Trash Collection Thurs. July 25

Fri. July 26

Trash Collection Recycling Automated

South Fayette Township

The South Fayette Township offices, meeting chambers and police station moved to a new building (GPS: 323 Hickory Grade Rd)

100 Township Drive, South Fayette PA 15017

Ph: 412-221-8700

Web: 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 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

Ambulance & Emergency Medical Services

SouthBridge EMS: 412-221-5115, SouthBridgeEMS.com

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

Police, Fire & Ambulance: 9-1-1