HAVE YOU SEEN ME?
BY DONALD THOMA
Ever wondered why the traffic signal quickly changes from green back to red? Are the signals malfunctioning? What are those flashing white lights on the traffic signals? These lights are Traffic Signal Preemption Devices. Many traffic signals on Rt. 30 and some on Rt. 136, along with other major arteries in Hempfield Township and surrounding municipalities have added Traffic Signal Preemption capabilities to the traffic lights (most recently on the Route 30 corridor).
WHAT IS THE DEVICE AND WHAT DOES IT DO?
Traffic Signal Preemption (also called traffic signal prioritization) is a system that allows the normal operation of traffic lights to be preempted by the detection of an approaching emergency vehicle. These systems manipulate traffic signals that are in the path of an emergency vehicle, halting conflicting traffic and allowing the emergency vehicle right-of-way, thereby reducing response times and enhancing traffic safety.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SEE MY LIGHT TURN GREEN AND THE WHITE LIGHT IS FLASHING?
• First and foremost be aware that an emergency vehicle (fire, police, or EMS) is approaching from behind you (in most cases).
• Take safe actions to allow them to pass
• If the light turns green use extreme caution. Emergency vehicles may use the turning lanes to get around long lines of traffic.
• If can see the emergency vehicle stuck in traffic behind you, such as a divided road, and has nowhere to go, begin to move forward and pull to the right as soon as it is safe. BE CAREFUL as other drivers may react differently.
• Be aware of multiple emergency vehicles that may be going to the same emergency.
• Keep alert of traffic in front and behind you.
Serving our Community by Providing Care, Comfort, and Compassion • Rehabilitation including physical, occupational, and speech therapies; available seven days a week • Access to physicians 24/7 • Direct admissions from home for skilled care • IV therapy • Comprehensive wound care • Disease management programming • Private rooms available 1118 Woodward Drive, Greensburg, PA (724) 836-4425 • HempfieldManor.com HCF Family of Companies comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin,age, disability, or sex. English ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-866-453-7413 xxx 45805 Spanish ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-866-453-7413 xxx 45805 Chinese注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援 助服務。請致電 1-866-453-7413 xxx 45805
10 p ubli C Safe T y
THE 2ND ANNUAL HEMPFIELD NIGHT OUT
August 3rd, 2023 ◊ 6:30 - 9:30pm
220 Forbes Trail Road, Greensburg, PA 15601
Local businesses, police, first responders, mental health professionals and others will be there for the community to talk with. There will also be fireworks, giveaways, kids’ activities and more. The event will happen rain or shine.
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Kona Ice will be at all events!
Smail Auto Group Amphitheater at Hempfield Park for our Amp Up Your Summer Concert & Fun Series!
Makers Markets on select concert days (July 15th, August 12th and September 16th). Applications for vendors will open on April 10th!
FREE CONCERTS
Events are family-friendly, easy parking and ADA accessibility, lawn seating, concessions or Food Trucks for each show, pets welcomed (leashes required)
Free popcorn available, come early for some fun movie themed activities!
Every other Tuesday starting June 13thAugust 22nd at 6:00 PM. $15 drop-in fee or register for all 6 for $80. Register for the full summer at www.hempfieldtwp.com/parks
2023 Schedule
YOGA IN THE PARK WITH THE SPACE GBG
MOVIES AT THE PARK
Date Entertainment Time Genre Food Truck May 27 (Sat.) The Cash Out Show 7:00pm Tribute Benvenitu June 3 (Sat.) Big FAT Jazz 7:00pm Jazz Billu's Indian Grill June 9 (Fri.) Live Hosted Trivia 6:00pm Young Adult June 16 (Fri.) Remember the Titans 8:30pm Family June 18 (Sun.) Chuck Blasko & the Vogues 2:00pm Oldies Benvenitu July 1 (Sat.) Cornhole Tournament 2:00pm Young Adult Rescue Dogs Tim Schmider 6:00pm Country Part Time Cowboys 7:00pm County July 7 (Fri.) Hempfields Got Talent 6:00pm Family July 15 (Sat.) Jane West 6:00pm Americana Earth Wheel & Fire Habatat 7:00pm Funk July 21 (Fri.) Puss In Boots: The Last Wish 8:30pm Family July 29 (Sat.) Andy Davis Band 7:00pm Country Rescue Dogs August 12 (Sat.) Flying Blind 7:00pm Alternative Steel City Chimneys August 18 (Fri.) The Super Mario Bros. Movie 8:30pm Throw Back August 26 (Sat.) Pendulum 7:00pm Tribute Pit Take BBQ September 2 (Sat.) The Band Saddle 7:00pm Country Benvenitu September 16 (Sat.) The Shiners 6:00pm Rock Rescue Dogs East Coast Turn Around 7:00pm Rock 12 Summer
SUMMER IS COMING AND WE’RE EAGER TO SEE EVERYONE FOR SOME FUN IN THE SUN!
Detailed schedules and additional information will be posted on the Summer Day Camp section of the Hempfield Township website throughout the winter months so be sure to keep an eye out!
Camper enrollment is based on the 2023/24 school year.
Junior Camp: Incoming 1st – 3rd Graders
Senior Camp: Incoming 4th – 6th Graders
CIT: Incoming 7th - 9th Graders
Camp registration will begin on April 3, 2023 at 8:30AM for Hempfield Residents (April 17, 2023 for non-residents)
Summer Day Camp includes:
Early Bird Registration Discount (until May 1st)
Sibling Registration Discounts (on full camp registration ONLY)
Daily Morning & Afternoon Snacks
Lunch Available (additional fee will apply)
FULL CAMP REGISTRATION
Camp Swag
Weekly Pool Trips
Weekly Field Trips
Weekly Themed Parties
End of Camp Family Picnic
Enrollment in all 10-weeks of Summer Day camp!
RESIDENT CAMPERS
$1,500 per camper
Only $30 per day!
NON-RESIDENT CAMPERS
$1,800 per camper
Only $36 per day!
Early bird 5% discount and sibling 5% discount only applicable to Full Camp Registration
COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING
FULL CAMP REGISTRATION
$750 RESIDENT/$850 NON-RESIDENT
WEEKLY REGISTRATION
$80 RESIDENT/$90 NON-RESIDENT
Pre Camp Training Required and additional leadership questions requested at registration.
PARTIAL CAMP REGISTRATION
Camp that fits your schedule!
WEEKLY REGISTRATION
resident Campers: $165 non-resident: $185 Choose your week!
PARTIAL WEEK REGISTRATION
resident Campers: $120 non-resident: $140 3-days per week, selected at registration
EARLY DROP OFF & LATE PICK UP
Early Drop off begins at 7AM - $25/week
Late Pick Up ends at 6PM - $25/week
NEW Ms. Connie’s
Pre-School Camp
Introducing Ms. Connie’s Pre-School Camp: Ms. Connie will cover elements from all of her programs including Super Scientist, Music Makers and more. Bring your pre-schooler and help them prepare for kindergarten in the fall. Parent/guardian may stay. *Fridays campers are invited to join the big kids at summer camp for lunch and some special activities! Limited spaces available.
Location:
Hempfield Park, Pavilion A
Ages: 4 & 5
Dates: June 19th - June 30th
Fee: Full Camp: Resident $180; Non-resident $100
Weekly Registration: Resident $90; Non-Resident $100
Time: 9-11am
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EASY WAYS TO REGISTER
ONLINE
log on to: www.hempfieldtwp.com Click on the “Parks & Recreation” button, and then click the “Register now” button. All major credit cards are accepted.
IN PERSON
Register at the Hempfield Township Athletic Complex during normal operating hours. Subject to State guidelines. Check website prior to registration.
STAY ACTIVE WITH PARKS & RECREATION! 2
For help with online registration: phone-square 724-834-7232
ENVELOPE-SQUARE parks@hempfieldtwp.org.
Hempfield Parks and Recreation does not accept cash payments or over-the-phone registrations.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS
NEW MOMMY & ME GYMBOREE
Join other moms with newborns for some light fitness and socializing. We will start with circle time and then move to group movements.
FUN FOR ONE
Come and spend social and recreational time with your child. Our program consists of movement, tumbling, interaction and playtime. Parent/guardian participation required.
TERRIFIC TWO’S AND THREE'S
instructor: Michelle Dunlevy
age: 0-1
location: Hempfield Township Athletic Complex
fee: $50
Dates: Mondays 5/22 - 6/12
Time: 11am - 12pm
instructor: Connie Madarish
age: 1
location: TBD
This toddler play group includes various activities such as games, music, crafts, movement and storytelling for fun & interaction. Parent/guardian participation required.
SUPER SCIENTISTS
Come join Professor Connie for fun scientific experiments. Each week kids will do experiments and have an introduction to different scientific concepts. Parent/guardian participation required.
MUSIC MAKERS
instructor: Connie Madarish
age: 2-3
location: TBD
Dates: Mondays 7/17 - 8/14
Time: 10-11am or 5-6pm
fee: $50
Dates: Tuesdays 7/18 - 8/15
Time: 10-11am or 5-6pm
fee: $50
instructor: Connie Madarish
age: 4 location: TBD
Music classes can increase your child’s vocabulary, develop math and reasoning skills, and encourage creativity. During Music Makers class, the children will copy rhythms, follow tempos, and match pitches. We’ll play simple instruments, learn songs, dance, sing, and even use items we find around the house to make music. Each class will center around a different theme. Get ready to explore all types of music from classical to country. Parent/guardian participation required.
Session 1 (age 1) 9:30-10:30am
Session 2 (ages 2 - 3) 11:30am-12:30pm
Dates: Wednesdays 7/19 - 8/16
Time: 5-6pm
fee: $50
instructor: Connie Madarish
location: TBD
Dates: Fridays 7/21 - 8/18
fee: $50
RESIDENT REGISTRATION BEGINS MAY 1ST, 2023 NON-RESIDENT REGISTRATION BEGINS MAY 8TH, 2023
14 p ark S & r e C rea T i O n
JULY 7TH HEMPFIELD’S GOT TALENT
Join us in honor of the Hempfield Township’s 250th Anniversary as we sing, dance and entertain our hearts out for a chance to take the title of Hempfield’s Most Talented 2023. Guest judges include AGT semifinalist and hometown legend Aubrey Burchell as well as Aaron Mykel Gray, Owner of Practice Makes Perfect Music Studio. All ages may participate, any talent, registration required. Show ‘em what you’ve got, Hempfield!
Performances held at Hempfield Park Amphitheater & begin at 6pm. $10 to register as a performer. Free to attend.
JULY 15TH
THE GREAT AMERICAN CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
2-5pm. Bring a partner or the whole crew for a cookout and some summer fun before the concert in the park! Registration required; $15/team.
MAESTRO MINDS GROUP MUSIC PROGRAMS
All Maestro Minds Classes Held at:
3251 Route 136 Darragh, Hempfield Township
www.maestromindsmusic.com
GROUP STRINGS
Current students with lesson experience who have completed grades 1+ (at Maestro Minds or surrounding area instructors)
ORFF EXPLORATION
fee: $125
Time: 9 - 9:45 am
For Students who have completed grades 1-4. (at Maestro Minds or surrounding area instructors) The Orff Schulwerk, or simply the Orff Approach, is a developmental approach used in music education. It combines music, movement, drama, and speech into lessons that are similar to a child’s world of play. It was developed by the German composer Carl Orff and colleague Gunild Keetman during the 1920’s.
BEGINNER GROUP UKULELE
Students who have completed grades 4+(at Maestro Minds or surrounding area instructors) Bring your own Uke or we can rent you one for the duration of the class for $25.
fee: $125
Dates: Wednesdays 6/28 - 8/9; No Class 7/19
Time: 10-10:45am
Dates: Wednesdays 6/288/9; No Class 7/19
fee: $125
Time: 11 - 11:45 am
MINI MUSICAL THEATER EXPLORATION
This fun summer class is a non-performance opportunity for your little one to learn all about the stage and musical theater by playing acting games, singing, and dancing! This is the perfect class for your child to try musical theater and also learn the basics to use in his/her next performance onstage! Join us for 8 weeks of fun! Class limited to 15 students. For students entering Kindergarten or 1st grade for the 2023-2024 school year.
MINI MAESTRO DAY CAMP
For students entering Kindergarten and 1st grade for the 2023-2024 school year
musical Theater
Singing, Acting, and Musical Movement!
Wednesday - Mia & Jen
Drawing & painting Thursday Jessica
maker Space friday Jessica
Dates: Wednesdays 6/28-8/9; No Class 7/19
fee: $225
Time: 5 - 5:30am
Dates: Mondays 6/5 - 7/24
fee: $110
Time: 9:30 - 11am
Dates: 7/12 - 7/14
15 p ark S & r e C rea T i O n
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: WHACKY RECORDERS
In this 8 week course students will be introduced to recorders. Along with learning the proper playing technique you will also learn how to read basic notes and rhythms AND you get to keep your recorder! All materials are provided!
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: BOOMWHACKERS
In this 8 week course students will learn basic rhythms and note reading patterns while playing with Boomwhackers! We will learn a ton of fun popular songs as a group all while you learn real music theory, pitch matching, and more!
ages: 5-10
fee: $22/wk
Dates:
Mondays 6/12 - 7/31
Time: 5 - 6 PM
instructor:
Practice Makes Perfect location: Municipal Building
ages: 5-10
fee: $20/wk
Dates:
Mondays 6/12 - 7/31
ADULT FITNESS & WELLNESS PROGRAMS
Time: 10 - 11 AM
instructor:
Practice Makes Perfect location: Municipal Building
HATHA YOGA
Hatha Yoga is a systematized exercise joining mind, body, and spirit. Stretch, stamina, balance, and strength are addressed through the poses (asanas). Anyone is able to reach a goal with yoga since it is an individual activity in a group setting. All participants will be directed on their own path to healthier lives. Please bring a yoga mat and water. Bring a towel or small pillow for your neck or back if you need.
ZUMBA TONING
Zumba Toning brings the fun and flavor of Zumba Fitness as we move and groove to Latin and world rhythms but adds an extra emphasis on toning and sculpting to define muscles. Light hand weights (1-3 lbs.) are provided or you may bring your own.
This class is brought to you by Empowered Fitness LLC and instructed by a licensed Zumba Toning instructor and AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor.
ZUMBA FITNESS
Zumba Fitness takes the “work” out of the workout by mixing low and high-intensity moves for an interval-style calorie burning dance fitness party to Latin and World rhythms. A perfect combo of fun and fitness. No dance experience is needed. This class is brought to you by Empowered Fitness LLC and instructed by a licensed Zumba instructor ad AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor.
instructor: Candice Graytok
fee: $50
ages: 18+
Times: 6:30 - 7:30 pm
instructor:
Penne Steiger
fee: $45
ages: 16+
Times: 6:30 - 7:30 pm
instructor: Candice Graytok
fee: $50
ages: 18+
Times: 6:30 - 7:30
location: Municipal Building
Dates:
Mondays 7/10-8/21; No Class 7/24
location:
Hempfield Park
Amphitheater
location: Hempfield Township Athletic Complex
Dates:
Thursdays 6/22-8/10
Dates:
Tuesdays 6/6-8/1; No Class 7/4
YOUTH PROGRAMS
16 p ark S & r e C rea T i O n
YOGA IN THE PARK
Join us for an outdoor flow every other Tuesday this summer at Hempfield Park hosted by our friends from The Space GBG. All skill levels welcome! Bring a water bottle, yoga mat and towel. Namaste.
instructor: The Space GBG
fee: $15/class
ages: 18+
Times: 6:00 - 7:00 pm
BEYOND THE SCALE: HEALING FOR HEALTH & WEIGHT OPTIMIZATION
This live Zoom workshop will be a fun and interactive way to learn about lowcarb/zero-carb living! Participants will learn how diet plays a role in healing and preventing chronic disease, and how that healing leads to weight optimization. We will cover how to get started, stay committed to your health, and how to handle dining out and social situations. Topics may also include binge eating, insulin resistance, cognitive function and brain health, and processed food/sugar/ carb addiction. Additional resources that may be provided are guest speakers, a printable habit tracker, recipes, and book and website recommendations.
We will meet via Zoom each week at the session/day/time chosen. A zoom link will be sent to each participant. The first segment of each meeting will be a presentation and/or guest speaker. The second segment of each meeting will be for participants to share and ask questions. Please contact thecandidcarnivore@ gmail.com with questions specific to this workshop. The instructor is a certified health coach specializing in zero carb and fasting modalities with a mission to individualize programs to meet clients where they are in their health, wellness, and weight optimization mission. The co-host is a food addiction recovery mentor with over 20 years of experience in the medical field.
BECKNER WORKS: FIT FROM HOME
This is a beginner level class for anyone looking to learn workouts to do from home. We will learn the basic movement patterns, how to properly execute them and do a workout from the comfort of your home. Dumbbells of your size/choice required for some movements. Taught by Suzy Beckner SUF-CPT.
location: Hempfield Park Amphitheater
Dates: Every other Tuesday beginning 6/13- 8/22; No class on 7/4
instructor: The Candid CarnivoreStephanie Scheeren and Amy Labbe
fee: $49/ person / session
ages: 18+
Times: Tuesdays 6pm or Saturdays 9am
location: Virtual
Dates: Every other Tuesday beginning 6/13 - 8/22; No class on 7/4
Session 1: 6/6 - 7/29
Session 2: 7/11 - 8/5
Session 3: 8/8 - 9/2
instructor: Suzy Beckner
fee: $50
ages: 18+
Times: 6:00 - 7:00 pm
location: Virtual
Dates: Thursdays 6/29 - 8/3
Disalvo’s Station Wedding & Banquet Venue
Historic Train Station in Latrobe, PA The Most Unique Event Space in the Laurel Highlands
539-0500
1903
(724)
DisalvosRestaurant.com
17 p ark S & r e C rea T i O n
HEMPFIELD SUMMER VOLLEYBALL CAMP
This will be primarily a camp that will try to accommodate various ages, skill levels and degree of experience. All skill groups will focus on basic skill development but will include advanced strategies and offensive and defensive techniques for the more experienced players. Players will have the opportunity to develop setting and hitting strategies commensurate with their role on their team.
BEGINNER FIELD HOCKEY CLINICS
Introductory field hockey fundamentals, rules and gameplay are taught in a fun safe learning environment. Field Hockey Stick and mouthguard required.
YWCA FIELD HOCKEY CAMP
YWCA Field Hockey Camp is instructed by some of the best in the area. We will work on fundamentals, rules of gameplay, offensive and defensive strategies as well as skill refinement. Field Hockey Stick and mouthguard required.
HEMPFIELD SUMMER BASKETBALL CAMP
instructor: Sheron Watson
Dates: 6/12-6/16
location: Hempfield Township Athletic Complex
Group a: Grades 3 - 5 • Time: 9am - 11am • fee: $95
Group b: Grades 6 - 7 • Time: 9am - 1pm • fee: $105
Group C: Grades 8 - 9 • Time: 9am - 1pm • fee: $105
instructor: YWCA Field Hockey
Dates: 6/12 - 6/16
location: Wildflower Field
fee: $60
instructor: YWCA Field Hockey
Dates: 7/31-8/4
location: Wildflower Field
fee: $115
The Hempfield Rec. Summer Basketball Camp is devoted to helping young players improve their basketball skills in a fun, enthusiastic and safe environment. Campers of all ability levels are welcome. Players will be grouped based on grade and skill level.
Grades: Incoming K-4th
Dates:
Mondays 6/2, 7/7 and 8/4
Time: 10am - 12pm
Grades: Incoming 5-8th
Dates: 7/31 - 8/4
Time: 5 - 8pm
instructor: Bill Swan
Dates: 7/31-8/4
location: HTAC
fee: $70
ages: Grades 2 - 9
Dates: 7/31 - 8/4
Time: 9am - 12pm
YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAMS
S C O T T E LEARN D MD MAGD ENERAL & COSMETI R Y 18 p ark S & r e C rea T i O n
KIDS YOGA
We'll dance and play games while learning yoga poses. We begin with meditation and end with relaxation exercises every class.
instructor: Nikki Hayes
ages: 7-12
Time: 5 - 6pm
may 24th - I Am Art
July 26th - Turtle Time
location: Municipal Building
fee: $15/session
June 28th - Mermaids and Pirates
august 30th - Back to School
YOUTH PICKLEBALL
Come out and learn the basics of the fastest growing sport in the nation by one of the most esteemed instructors in the area!
instructor: Alexis Duncan
Dates: Fridays 7/21, 7/28 and 8/4
location: Hempfield Township Athletic Complex
RISING STARS BASKETBALL CAMP
This three day training intensive camp will take players’ abilities to the next level. Highlights include offensive and defensive drills, team strategies as well as improving individual skill sets. Tournament style play implemented.
instructor: Keith Rockmore and Staff
Dates: 7/31-8/4
fee: $40
Grades: Ages 7-13; adult supervision requested
Time: 10 - 11am
location: HTAC
fee: $120
ages: 12-15
Dates: 7/31 - 8/4
Time: 9am - 12pm
YOUR COMPANY’S EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PACKAGE IS HIGH ON THE LIST OF CONSIDERATIONS FOR EVERY POTENTIAL EMPLOYEE.
The current tight labor market has many employers re-evaluating how to best attract and retain the best employees.
We can provide a no obligation evaluation of your package and how it stacks up against the competition.
friday 7/28: 4-8pm • Saturday 7/29: 12-5pm • Sunday 7/30 12-5pm
DO WE ATTRACT GOOD EMPLOYEES? www.TracyCo.com
HOW
506 Pellis Road Greensburg, PA 15601 (724) 834-1090 19 p ark S & r e C rea T i O n
WORKSHOPS & EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT
PRECIOSA CLAY JEWELRY WORKSHOP & BRUNCH
Clay earring workshop hosted by Preciosa Clay Earring's CEO where everyone will get the opportunity to make their very own clay earring creation, spend time with friends, and enjoy brunch and a mimosa bar! The entrance fee includes brunch, access to professional clay sculpting tools, clay molds, 1 free brick of clay, paint, gold/rose gold/silver flakes, paint, glitter, garnishing materials and hypoallergenic sterling silver or gold plate silver hardware to accessorize your very own earrings! You will learn the art of creating the ever so trendy clay earrings by the CEO of Preciosa, have all the tools you need at your fingertips and a brunch bar where you and your friends can hangout and not only make memories that will last a lifetime but make something in your own style that you can wear every day!
ORGANIZING 101: LET CLUTTER FLY
Ashley Lechman is a Certified Professional Organizer. There are some great tools and techniques to transform your home into a more manageable and accessible space for your family.
INTRO TO SPANISH
instructor: Ashley Lechman
instructor: Allie Gerstel
location: Municipal Building
fee: $65
ages: 8+ (with adult supervision)
Date: Saturday 5/27
Time: 11:30am-1:30pm
location: Municipal Building
fee: $50
This is a course for an introduction to basic Spanish for families. We will learn greetings and farewells, descriptive adjectives, colors, and numbers. Lesson one we will introduce greetings and farewells. Lesson 2 we will add in adjectives and colors. Lesson 3 we will add in numbers. Lesson 4 we will practice with our vocabulary to hold basic conversations. During lessons 1-3 students will be given new vocabulary to study for the following lesson so that we may use those words in our lesson activities.
ages: 18+
Date: 5/4 and 6/3
Time: 6 - 7pm
instructor: Danielle Wolff
location: Virtual fee: $50/family
BEYOND OBEDIENCE: WHAT EVERY DOG OWNER NEEDS TO KNOW
may 6th- Dog Park Safety – Learn how to enter the park the right way and how to spot a troublesome dog. How to talk to other owners and how to keep your dog safe. This class also demonstrates how to correctly break up dog fights and to have your dog play appropriately with other dogs. Real answers to real life scenarios.
June 3rd- Meet & Greet Done the Right Way – Not a cookie cutter class with generic answers. One on one instruction and demonstration with every owner. Stopping negative dog reactions on the spot. Fearful dogs are welcome.
July 1st- Keeping Your Dog Safe in Public – Whether going to pet stores, outside restaurants, or just walking the park or neighborhood, you need to have a game plan that keeps everyone safe. Loose Leash is worked on in this class.
august 5th- Stop Dog Bites with Children – If you are expecting a newborn or have a niece or nephew that just gets too excited, we can show you how to stop negative dog (and human) behavior in its tracks.
ages: Families with Kids 7+
Date: Mondays 6/5-6/26
Time: 5-6pm
September 2nd- Open Clinic – Bring your dog and any concerns you have. No aggressive dogs please. This class is designed to help you with common problems like jumping on people, play biting, loose leash, potty training and any other issues that you just can’t seem to fix.
Requirements: One adult owner per dog please. Please have shot records ready. Bring water bowl and plenty of treats. No retractable leashes. No aggressive dogs or dogs in heat please. Lawn or foldable chairs are welcome.
instructor: Learning to Lead- Ed Delancey location: Hempfield Dog Park fee: $150/class; $600 series
ages: 18+
Date: 1st Saturday
of each month MaySeptember
Time: Noon
20 p ark S & r e C rea T i O n
NATURE PROGRAMS
ages: All ages welcome; under Time: 5 - 6 PM
BEGINNER FORAGING
We’ll be exploring how to find the hidden treasures of nature. Themes include conservation, observation, identification, safety and general knowledge of natural bounty. Rain or shine.
ART IN NATURE: BUILDING CREATURES WITH DAISHER
Students will explore nature to find inspiration for constructing different animals and creatures.
MINDFUL CRAFTING
Mindful crafting is a beginner arts & crafts class using some repurposed materials along with new items to create a beautiful functional project each week!
ages: 5-12
fee: $50
Dates: Mondays 5/22 - 6/12
Time: 5:30 - 6:30pm
instructor: Croushore location: Hempfield Township Athletic Complex
Master of Science Graduate Programs • Counselor Education Criminology • Curriculum and Instruction • Dual Criminology and Counselor Education • Instructional Design and Technology • Management: Operational Excellence • Educational Leadership • Special Education Graduate Certificate Programs • Early Childhood Director Credential • Management: Operational Excellence • PreK-12 Online Instruction Endorsement PreK-12 Reading Specialist Office of Graduate and Continuing Education 724-805-2933 gradadmission@stvincent.edu www.stvincent.edu/graduate Complete your master’s online or in-person! Graduate Tuition Discounts Available for Business, Criminology and Education Programs! • 10% for those who live or work in Westmoreland County • 15% for active duty members of the military, members of the reserve units and law enforcement officials Discounts cannot be combined GRADUATE PROGRAMS 724-834-6899 • tinytownlearning@gmail.com Now Accepting Applications For Fall 2023 MONDAY-FRIDAY 9:00 - 2:00 180 DAY SCHOOL YEAR Wrap Around Care Available Keystone Star 4/4 Center NAEYC Accredited Pa Certified Teachers Over 30 years Providing Quality Care & Preschool To qualify your family must be at or below the following income guidelines Total Household Size/Income: 1 - $43,740 2 - $59,160 3 - $74,580 4 - $90,000 5 - $105,420 6 - $120,840 7 - $136,260 8 - $151,680 9 - $156,820 10 - $161,960 Pre-K CountsFREEPreschool! Early Learning Center 21 p ark S & r e C rea T i O n
22 p ark S & r e C rea T i O n
23 p ark S & r e C rea T i O n
TRIPS
SEVEN SPRINGS WINE FESTIVAL
We will venture to the Seven Springs annual wine Festival, which offers a tantalizing experience for anyone who loves wine. The festival features complimentary wine sampling from Pennsylvania wineries, as well as the ability to purchase your favorite wine. Enjoy live entertainment as well as featured food vendors.
STAY UP TO DATE!
ages: 21+
fee: $45
Date: August 26
Times: 10am - 6pm
Please log in to your civic rec account to make sure your email, address and telephone number are current in order to receive the latest updates and notifications.
Interested in instructing a program? Interested in Volunteering?
Please contact Program Coordinator Kelly Ditson phone-square 724-834-7232 x211 ENVELOPE-SQUARE kditson@hempfieldtwp.org
STAY TUNED FOR ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS THIS SUMMER INCLUDING…
Youth Lacrosse Basics
Nerf Wars
Speed, Agility and Quickness Camp
Youth Sports Camp
Kickball/Dodgeball Mania
Harrisburg: 717-612-9880
Fayette: 724-323-8020
Pittsburgh: 724-935-8188
www.gibson-thomas.com
Indiana: 724-471-2246
Washington: 724-249-2603
Ft. Myers: 239-776-2908
Established 1916
Youth Dryland Hockey
Hempfield Rec Track & Field
Lifeguarding Certification
CPR/First Aid Certification
Are you 55+ and looking to meet new people and get active? Join us the second Wednesday of every month for programs just for you!
Requires registration- See page 12 for info!
Activity Title Date Time Location Cost
10am
Lunch Bunch: Cheesecake Factory 5/10
Bus departs from Hempfield Park $20 Lunch Bunch: Hotel Saxonburg 6/14 10am Bus departs from Hempfield Park $20 Lunch Bunch: The Kitchen on Main 7/12 10am Bus departs from Hempfield Park $20 Lunch Bunch: The Historic Stone House 8/9 10am Bus departs from Hempfield Park $20
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HOURS OF OPERATION: Park Office - Field and Building Rentals
» Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
» Closed: April 7, May 30, July 4, September 5
MEMBERSHIP CARDS
HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP ATHLETIC COMPLEX
Located at Hempfield Park, 220 Forbes Trail Road, Greensburg, PA 15601
We invite you to visit one of Hempfield Township’s premier facilities featuring a 1/10th of a mile indoor walking track, three multi-purpose athletic courts, and a concession stand.
HTAC SUMMER HOURS (April - October):
Monday – Sat.: 8am – 8pm
Sunday:12pm – 5pm
HTAC Closed: April 9, May 30, July 4, September 5
Anyone attending HTAC to use the walking track, open court, or participating in Adult Pick-up Sports MUST have an HTAC Membership Card to enter. Cards are available at the complex during business hours and are free to residents or an annual $20.00 fee for non-residents.
RENTAL OPTIONS
Open Court Time: Full Court Hourly Rentals:
Birthday Parties:
$5 per entry $50 per hour per court $200 - Includes use of one full size court for 3 hours, variety of sports equipment, tables and chairs (Up to 32 children)
Full building rentals are available, please contact us for more information
ADULT PICK-UP CO-ED SPORTS
age: 18 location: Hempfield Township Athletic Complex
Join us for adult pick-up sports! All you have to do is show up each week and pay $5.00 with your HTAC membership card. No extended commitments are necessary. See below for a schedule of adult pick-up sports:
INDOOR PICK-UP SPORTS SCHEDULE
AM 9:00am to 11:00am PICKLEBALL PICKLEBALL BEGINNER PICKLEBALL PICKLEBALL PICKLEBALL PM 6:00pm to 8:00pm
SOCCER PICKLEBALL VOLLEYBALL BASKETBALL
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
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HEMPFIELD REC. WOMEN’S SOFTBALL LEAGUE
Interested in playing adult women’s slow pitch softball? A 12-game season will be played in June & July on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 6:45 & & 8:30 PM. Fee includes: field usage, playoff umpire fees and game balls. Teams are responsible for their own uniforms and half of umpire regular season fee ($15.00). The season will end with a singleelimination tournament as well as an All-Star Game and Home Run Derby. Deadline to register – Friday, May 13. Please register as an individual if you are looking for a team to play on.
HEMPFIELD REC. FALL SOCCER
The Hempfield Recreation Soccer League is intended for boys and girls ages 4 – 10. It provides the children the opportunity to learn soccer and play at a recreation level!
u5 (birthyear 2018)
Residents: $45
Non-Residents: $55
ages: 18+
Days: Mondays & Wednesdays
Games: June & July; Pending Weather
Times: 6:45 PM & 8:30 PM
location: Hempfield Park
fee: $300 per team (8 Team max) $35 Individual
Uniforms are included and will be given to all participants. All games and practices will be played at Hempfield Park (Leggett Field). registration deadline – august 10.
This is an 8-week program and games will begin on Saturday September, 9th.U8 and U10 divisions will begin practices on the week of September 4th.
Volunteer Coaches and Referees Needed
u6 (birthyear 2017)
Residents: $45
Non-Residents: $55
u8 (birthyear 2015/16)
Residents: $65
Non-Residents: $75
u10 (birthyear 2013/14)
Residents: $65
Non-Residents: $75
BASKETBALL SUMMER RISING LEAGUE
10-game regular season, top 4 teams make single elimination playoff bracket. Please call Trey Hudock, Assistant Director, at 724-834-7232; ext. 210 for information.
Dates: June – July (Exact Dates TBD)
boy’s teams (local school district):
8th Grade Heading into 2023-2024
fee: $325 per team
9th Grade Heading into 2023-2024
SPORT SPONSORSHIPS
This is an opportunity for you to spread the word of your business and sponsor one of our leagues or even just a team! We have various options for you to choose from, but you can get your business logo on the back of our league shirts, hang a sign during the season, and also get recognition in Headlining Hempfield!
If you are interested, please contact thudock@ hempfieldtwp.org or 724-834-7232 ext. 210.
RECREATION SPORTS & SPORTS
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PAVILIONS!
We also have 6 pavilions located in various places in the park! Some of them have different amenities to help meet all of the needs for all types of parties!
Additional fee for non-residents and special events. There is a $75 refundable security deposit upon your reservation.
TOURNAMENTS!
Looking for a place to host your next tournament? Hempfield Park is the place for you! You are able to reserve any of our fields for the days needed to host your own tournament!
We are also going to have our own tournaments where you can get a team and try to win! Please look out near the beginning of the season to find out when our tournaments are!
If you are interested in hosting your own tournament on one of our fields, please contact thudock@hempfieldtwp.org
Hitmen Baseball
Planned tournaments for the upcoming season:
U14 Baseball: June 8-11th
U10, U12, U13 Baseball: June 28th – July 2nd
Register for these select tournaments at www.hempfieldtwp.org/parks
Our Sport Facilities!
Here at Hempfield park we take pride in our beautiful fields located throughout our 90 acres! Listed are our rates if you are interested in hosting a practice, game, tournament, or even just a gathering at one of our fields! $15/Hour for lights if needed!
Mazeroski Field, Wildflower Field, Leggett Field + Multi-Purpose
Sports: Baseball/Softball, Soccer, and More
Practice Rate: $30/2 Hours
Game Rate: $40/2 Hours
Full Day (8am - 11pm): $300
LEAVE YOUR LEGACY IN THE PARKS
Over the past 5 years, Hempfield has actively sought state and federal grants, and solicited major gifts for improvements at Hempfield Park. The Township secured over $1.4 million dollars in funding, and is contributing over $400,000 in additional funds from the Hempfield Parks Fund.
We are now seeking your support! A Legacy or Site Amenity sponsorship will leave a lasting impression on our community.
Pickleball/Tennis Courts
Sports: Pickleball and Tennis
Practice Rate: $15/hour
Consider showing your support with one of the available sponsorships for the Hempfield Park Rehabilitation Project:
futbol
Legacy Sponsorships:
Wildflower Field • Leggett Field
Pavilion F • Dog Park
Site Amenity Sponsorships:
Memorial Park Benches • Memorial Trees
Water Fountains • Pet Waste Stations • Bleachers
For more information about Legacy and Site Amenity sponsorships please contact the Interim Director of Parks & Recreation at parks@hempfieldtwp.org
Capacity Restroom Kitchen Weekday Cost Weekend Cost Pavilion A 224 Yes Yes $175 $225 Pavilion B 72 No No $75 $125 Pavilion C 72 No No $75 $125 Pavilion D 160 Yes Yes $150 $200 Pavilion E 224 Yes Yes $175 $225 Pavilion F 120 Yes Yes $150 $200
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School Safety & Security: Achieving our Mission
The Hempfield Area School District, in its commitment to excellence, shall engage and educate all students for personal success through a shared responsibility with the student, family, and community in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment.
Above is the mission statement that is read at each public school board meeting, printed on meeting agendas and posted on our District’s website as a reminder of our purpose. Each word was carefully crafted by a team of educators, parents and community members. Everyday we work to actualize this statement. The phase “in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment” is fundamental to achieve all desired outcomes included in the mission. Safety and security are top priorities of the Hempfield Area School District. Providing a safe, secure and nurturing environment requires attention to both the physical and mental needs of students, staff and community. The District implements measures, practices and procedures to address physical safety and security with a focus on continuous improvement. A safety and security committee, composed of administrators, first responders and a school board member, meets regularly to assess our facilities and practices. The PA State Police, the Hempfield Township fire and emergency representative, and Emergency Medical Services are a few of the team members who provide input and feedback to the District. The PA State Police recently conducted a “Risk & Vulnerability Assessment” of all nine school buildings, which includes a critical examination of each physical facility and the implementation of safety procedures. Their recommendations provide guidance for future training and budgetary planning.
Teachers and staff participate in quarterly ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) training facilitated by Chief of School Police Len Lander and other members of the District’s armed school police force. Teachers are engaged in simulations within their assigned school and classroom. Drills are a regular part of the school schedule and teach automatic responses, which include sheltering in place, escaping and resisting an intruder, depending upon the circumstances. In addition, all exterior doors are routinely monitored to assure they are secure. The District has many other physical security measures, including cameras in the interior and exterior of all facilities. Visitors with a legitimate reason for entering school buildings are carefully screened upon arrival and must wear a visitor badge at all times during the visit. Our students play a key role in safety. They are the eyes and ears of the school and are often the first to know of a potential safety issue. Our students are constantly reminded to report any concerning information to a
teacher, coach, administrator or anonymously using the Safe-2-Say tool immediately. The school police work to establish a positive rapport with students so that they feel comfortable reporting concerns. Student emails and web searches are regularly scanned by Securly, a system that detects and alerts administration when words or phrases related to harm are identified. Each school has a team trained in threat assessment to determine the best response to a received report. The District added behavior specialist services and school-based counseling services, in addition to each school’s counselor. Any students needing support with outside services may be referred to the Student Assistance Program (S.A.P.).
A nurturing environment exists when all students feel they belong. All schools incorporate Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports or PBIS. PBIS is a schoolwide systems approach aimed at establishing positive student culture and individualized behavior support necessary to create a safe and effective learning environment for all students. Students are taught the expected school behaviors and are recognized for demonstrating these expectations. Those who fail to meet the expectations are engaged in reteaching, along with consequences.
As a parent and grandparent, I recognize the importance of school safety and security for our students, parents, staff and community. The District has and will continue to dedicate time, efforts and resources so that we can better
Hempfiel D a rea S CHOO l Di ST ri CT
Hempfield Area School District 2023-2024 School Calendar
This calendar may be altered if needed
may be used as "Flexible Instructional Days (FID)" with remote instruction rather than a snow day.
August 2023 February 2024 M T W T F Total M T W T F Total 1 2 3 4 1 2 103 7 8 9 10 11 5 6 7 8 9 108 14 15 16 17 18 12 13 14 15 16 113 21 22 23 24 25 2 19 20 21 22 23 117 28 29 30 31 6 26 27 28 29 121 September 2023 March 2024 M T W T F Total M T W T F Total 1 7 1 122 4 5 6 7 8 11 4 5 6 7 8 127 11 12 13 14 15 16 11 12 13 14 15 132 18 19 20 21 22 21 18 19 20 21 22 137 25 26 27 28 29 26 25 26 27 28 29 140 October 2023 April 2024 M T W T F Total M T W T F Total 2 3 4 5 6 31 1 2 3 4 5 143 9 10 11 12 13 35 8 9 10 11 12 148 16 17 18 19 20 40 15 16 17 18 19 153 23 24 25 26 27 45 22 23 24 25 26 158 30 31 47 29 30 160 November 2023 May 2024 M T W T F Total M T W T F Total 1 2 3 50 1 2 3 163 6 7 8 9 10 55 6 7 8 9 10 168 13 14 15 16 17 60 13 14 15 16 17 173 20 21 22 23 24 62 20 21 22 23 24 178 27 28 29 30 65 27 28 29 30 31 180 December 2023 June 2024 M T W T F Total M T W T F Total 1 66 3 4 5 6 7 4 5 6 7 8 71 10 11 12 13 14 11 12 13 14 15 76 18 19 20 21 22 80
25 26 27 28 29 First Day of School: 8/24/23 First Snow Day: 2/19/24 Up
January 2024 Second Snow Day: 4/2/24 M T W T F Total Third Snow Day: 4/1/24 1 2 3 4 5 84 Fourth Snow Day 3/28/24 8 9 10 11 12 89 Fifth Snow Day 5/30/24 15 16 17 18 19 93 Modified Day K-12: 11/9/23 22 23 24 25 26 98 Last Day of School: 5/29/24 29 30 31 101 Graduation Day: 5/29/24 Color Coding Inservice Days: 8/17/23 8/18/23 8/21/23 8/22/23 Green Inservice Pink Vacation/Holidays 10/9/23 2/19/24 Yellow Clerical Blue End of the 9 Weeks Act 80 Day: 11/10/23 Beige Modified Half Day K-12 (Students Only) Clerical Days: 8/23/23 1/15/24 5/30/24 Red Act 80 Purple School Picnic School Picnic 6/3/24 Approved: 29
to five (5) days
Hempfield area High School revitalization Set to break Ground This Summer
As the preconstruction process is nearing an end, the Hempfield Area High School revitalization construction will soon break ground. Over the winter, the design process for the first phase of the project was completed, which was a micro-level look at specific layouts. This work required high levels of communication and collaboration between CORE Architects, LLC and the construction management team, SitelogIQ, and each high school department to ensure their specific needs were met.
To minimize the disruption to education, the construction will take place over nine phases with careful attention to what’s done and when. Phase 1 is anticipated to start in July 2023 and is projected to conclude in October 2024.
This phase includes a renovation of current locker rooms, original and auxiliary gymnasiums, and fitness center on the first floor. These spaces will be repurposed into offices and collaborative areas
for high school administration, special education, information technology, nurses, counselors and school security. This area will become the new main entrance with a secure vestibule for visitors. Space in this area is dedicated to include the Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES) Lab, a student-operated store, cafe and technology help desk, where students will apply lifelong learning skills. The second floor space that currently houses the original gymnasium and several science classrooms will also be renovated in Phase 1. The art wing will be relocated to this area and will include expansions with studios for ceramics, 2D art, 3D art, digital art, photography and an engineering lab, and more. Academic classrooms in this vicinity, including several science classrooms, will also be renovated.
With the current gymnasium and swimming pool areas being repurposed, new construction will also be a part of Phase 1 for the new gymnasium, swimming pool and locker rooms. These new builds will be located near the field house. This new location provides convenience and safety with all athletic facilities located in the same area. Academic areas will be secure from athletic spaces during evening and weekend activities.
Any classrooms that are affected and relocated will stay in the same location for the entire 20232024 school year, regardless of construction completion. The next phases are planned to begin in May 2024.
Who is your next: Neighbor? Colleague? Employee? Voter?
Please help the Hempfield Area School District identify what our community values in a Spartan student and graduate. As we begin this process, we are asking community members to complete a brief survey to prioritize the desired characteristics of a Spartan. The characteristics will help create what is called a “Portrait of a Graduate” with benchmarks to support the path to graduation.
For more information about our process, please visit our website hasdpa.net.
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HAHS Offers Alumni Tours at HAHS
With the upcoming high school revitalization project, the Hempfield Area Administration and Foundation Funds Committee are providing tours of the high school facility to alumni prior to the start of the project. Individuals choosing to participate must R.S.V.P using the adjacent QR code or by emailing Jenn Krivus, krivusj@hasdpa.net for a selected date and time. The tour will take approximately an hour and a half. All tours are guided and begin in the high school auditorium on the stated date.
DATES AND TIMES FOR TOURS:
Friday, May 26 at 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 30 at 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 8 at 1 p.m.
Friday, June 16 at 9 a.m.
Thursday, June 22 at 1 p.m.
Hempfield Area Welcomes Dr. David Palmer as High School Principal
Dr. David Palmer joined Hempfield Area School District as the high school principal this semester. Dr. Palmer replaces Kathy Charlton who retired. He brings much experience to the role as he comes to the District after serving as South Park High School principal for seven years. He started his education career at Career Connections Charter High School in Pittsburgh as a science and biology teacher, while serving as the science department chair. His administrative experience started soon after as Burgettstown School District middle/high school principal for two years. He then moved into its central office as the assistant superintendent and interim superintendent.
Dr. Palmer learned he most enjoys building leadership and became principal of Deer Lakes High School for one year prior to moving onto South Park High School. Before starting his career in education, he served in the U.S. Army for six years as a sergeant and squad leader.
Academically, Dr. Palmer attended the University of Pittsburgh for both his bachelor’s degree in English writing in 1995 and his Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2017. He earned his teaching credentials, Superintendent Letter of Eligibility and master’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania in 2006. He resides in Elizabeth, Pa., with his wife, Nancy, and teenage daughters Rachel and Sarah. Both girls are cheerleaders at Elizabeth Forward High School. Dr. Palmer’s current hobbies are restoring a 1967 Ford Falcon and golfing. We welcome Dr. Palmer to the District and look forward to his wealth of knowledge.
Community Member?
To complete our survey, please scan the QR code to the right, email cavanaughc1@hasdpa.net for a paper survey or type this URL into your browser: https://forms.gle/szEiAnXGHoTr2cdV6
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Winter Sports Champions
The following athletes and teams have represented Hempfield Area School District well with their respective titles:
Congratulations, Spartans!
Megan Rivard Named Finalist in National Merit Scholarship Program
Hempfield Area High School Senior Megan Rivard has been named as a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Rivard is a straight A student, ranking second in her class out of 406 students. She is secretary of the English National Honor Society (NHS) and actively participates in NHS, Social Studies NHS, Science NHS and Rox Club, a club for female empowerment. Rivard plans to attend Northeastern University in Boston to study Computer Science and Linguistics.
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a highly competitive, country-wide academic program for recognition and scholarships. Approximately 1.5 million high school students enter the program each year. To participate in the program, students must be actively enrolled in a high school in the country and take the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) or the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) before their senior year.
Of the 1.5 million entrants, approximately 50,000 with the highest PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index scores qualify for recognition in the National Merit Scholarship Program. In September of this school year, more than two-thirds of the approximate 50,000 recognized students were named as “commended students.” Then,16,000 of the 50,000 commended students became semifinalists. In February, over 15,000 semifinalists were notified of their advancement to finalist standing.
HASD Superintendent Tammy Wolicki said, “We are very proud of Megan Rivard for being named a National Merit Finalist. This recognition is well deserved.”
Throughout this spring and summer, winners will be announced by the National Merit Scholarship Program. Approximately 7,250 finalists will receive a Merit Scholarship award.
Congratulations and good luck, Megan!
BOYS BOWLING WPIBL Western Regional Champions
DOM FALCON WPIAL Champion (50 Yd Freestyle) (Swimming)
ELI CARR WPIAL Champion (139lbs) (Wrestling)
COMPETITIVE CHEER TEAM & GAMEDAY SQUAD
2023 WPIAL Titles (3rd Consecutive)
2023 PIAA 3A Large Champions (2nd Consecutive)
Hempfiel D a rea S CHOO l Di ST ri CT
2023 UCA Super Varsity Division 1 GameDay National Champions
Senior Angela Long Wins President’s Volunteer Service Award
Angela Long, Hempfield Area High School senior, was recognized with the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) for her amazing work. She is the first student honoree to bring this recognition to the District.
Long donates her time at Fort Allen Elementary School under the high school’s career field experience program, which allows seniors to take a half day for work, college classes or volunteer opportunities.
In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the PVSA to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action.
The PVSA has continued, under each administration, honoring volunteers who are using their time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges facing our nation. Led by the AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, this program allows approved certifying organizations, like non-profits or schools, to recognize their most exceptional volunteers.
Long said she heard about this award during an outside community activity. After scheduling her senior year and preparing for her career experience at Fort Allen, she researched the PVSA. She learned how the District could become a certifying organization and connected with Dr. Lisa Maloney, Supervisor of Pupil Services.
Three to four times a week, Long volunteers at Fort Allen in Kindergarten, 3rd and 5th grade classrooms. While there, she observes and learns how the teachers orchestrate their classes. During her volunteering, she has read aloud to the classes, worked one-on-one with students and guided social studies lessons.
“I am very thankful for all of the teachers I have worked with,” said Long. “Each has been extremely kind and welcoming. I am so grateful for this opportunity and have learned an enormous amount already.”
When she’s not at Fort Allen volunteering, she dedicates her time as an assistant instructor at BRAVE Martial Arts. Long is a third degree black belt in Tang Soo Do and has been teaching for the last five years. In her time there, she has achieved assistant instructor status and advises different groups of future instructors through creating lesson plans and leading classes. She also regularly assists with preschool-aged students. Long is involved in the Fort Allen Buddies program with English language learner students. She is a current member of the Spanish, English and Social Studies National Honor Societies, as well as serving as junior and senior class treasurer. Long has also lettered in girls varsity tennis, where she serves as team captain. Upon graduation, Long plans on attending college and majoring in early childhood education to become an elementary school teacher. She hopes to come back and work for her alma mater some day!
Quality Childcare Quality Childcare Serving the families of Westmoreland County since 1966! PROFESSIONAL AND CARING STAFF TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN GROW Education Coordinator Inc us on Coordinator Health Specialist Nutrition Specialist Certified Teachers and CDA s FOR CHILDREN AGES BIRTH-5 724-836-0099 www shchildservices org VISIT US AT: CALL : 7 locations near you: Greensburg Irwin Jeannette Ligonier New Florence New Kensington Scottdale
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HAHS Creates New IT Club
Hempfield Area High School (HAHS) created a new Information Technology (IT) Club for students to get hands-on, internship-like experience working with the School’s IT Department. The idea for the club started within the IT Department and fully took off in January with the help of Mr. Paul Fantaske, the club’s faculty sponsor. The purpose of the club is to spark student interest in the IT field as well as giving students another opportunity to gain experience with technology outside of their daily coursework.
Under the supervision of the IT Department and Mr. Fantaske, students serve as a point of contact for the student body for Chromebook-related issues. They are learning how to develop and work in a professional environment with training from IT staff on screen repairs, keyboard replacements, shell replacements and more. Students also are responsible for data entry to maintain a record of all repairs or troubleshooting steps.
“I think the work they are doing and the lessons that they learn can translate into any setting,” said Mr. David Vilchek, HASD Director of Technology. “I just think it is a neat way to engage the students and take what they have learned with their course work and apply it into a real world setting.”
As students graduate from HAHS and move on to local universities, they may have the opportunity to apply for an internship with the IT Department whether it is for school credit or additional experience.
Kindergarten and Pre-K Counts Registration is Open!
Hempfield Area School District is now accepting registrations for the 2023-2024 school year for Kindergarten and its Pre-K Counts Program. Kindergarten registration must be completed online and can be found on the District’s website by selecting “Student Registration” on the home screen. We look forward to welcoming the class of 2036 to the Spartan community.
Each building will have a Kindergarten Transition Night on April 20 at 6 p.m. for students who are fully registered by that date. The evening will consist of station activities for the children and parent information in preparation for Kindergarten. This event is full of valuable information and insight into the Kindergarten program. In addition to Transition Night, there will be group activities scheduled for our incoming Kindergarten students shortly after the current school year ends, and an orientation will be held in August. There will be more information provided for
these events in the near future, so be sure to watch our school websites for updates.
The District’s Pre-K Counts Program is also accepting applications. This process is outlined on the District’s website under “Academics,” then Pre-K Counts, which has specific requirements for enrollment. Our Pre-K classrooms are housed at Stanwood Elementary, West Hempfield Elementary and Fort Allen Elementary. The program is full-day, five days a week and follows the HASD calendar. This program has limited enrollment seats that will fill quickly. Please be sure to read the informational letter posted on the website for details.
If you are interested in either program, begin the application process outlined on the District’s website at www.hasdpa.net. Please contact Dr. Rieffannacht, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education, at rieffannachtk@hasdpa.net if you have any questions.
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Teachers Receive Educational Grants
This past semester, two educational grants were awarded to teachers from the HASD Scholarship & Charitable Donation Fund. The grants were awarded to Wendover Middle School special education teachers Jennifer Koteski and Brynn Matthews and Pre-K Fort Allen Elementary teacher Karly Vesely. Each year the Foundation Funds Committee, composed of District, business, community and philanthropic leaders, awards educational grants of up to $1,000 to innovative teachers. The Committee also awards multiple student scholarships. Teachers must submit an application detailing their project idea. Koteski and Matthews were given $1,000 from the Fund for their outdoor learning environment. Their objective is to create a safe outdoor space to enrich the students’ educational experience. A group of special education students will work with their teachers and community members to design and create a safe, welcoming environment. The purpose of the space will be to provide flexibility to the classroom setting, provide a sensory space and create a location for positive incentives. The outdoor space is projected to be finished this spring. Similarly, Vesely was given just under $1,000 from the Fund for her pre-K outdoor play space. The purpose of this space is to create a developmentally appropriate outdoor play space while encouraging physical activity, increasing social and emotional development, and improving creative thinking. Vesely plans to incorporate a gravel pit with trucks, outdoor easels, playhouse, sand and water table, raised gardens and more. Her class will participate in a gardening unit this spring to grow flowers for the space. The play space should be finished over the summer.
Congratulations teachers!
Wendover Middle Recognized As PA Schools to Watch
Hempfield Area School District’s Wendover Middle School has been recognized as a Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn: Schools to Watch (PA STW), a part of a recognition plan developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. Wendover is the third of the District’s middle schools to receive this award.
PA STW state leaders selected Wendover based on its academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and organization structures and processes. Strong leadership, dedicated teachers, and a commitment to assessment and accountability around continuous improvements were additional requirements for the recognition.
“Wendover receiving this recognition is a big accomplishment that we don’t take lightly,” said HASD Superintendent Dr. Tammy Wolicki. “We are proud to
have all three middle schools in the National Forum’s PA STW program.”
Schools are recognized for a three-year period, and at the end of three years, they must demonstrate progress on specific goals to be redesignated. The program requires both strengths and areas for continuous improvement to obtain the redesignation.
To celebrate the achievement, the District held a celebration for Wendover Middle School in February. In addition, the school was recognized at the Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Educators State Conference in February in King of Prussia, Pa. The school will be recognized nationally in Washington, D.C. at the National Forum’s National Schools to Watch Conference in June. The National Forum will also host a celebration locally in the near future.
Karly Vesely
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Brynn Matthews & Jennifer Koteski
WESTMORELAND CLEANWAYS AND RECYCLING
355 Pleasant Unity Mutual Road, Greensburg, PA 15601 phone-square 724-879-4020 ENVELOPE-SQUARE info@westmorelandcleanways.org
www.WestmorelandCleanways.org
Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, sponsors and promotes programs that address the proper disposal of solid waste through education, recycling, special collections, and the cleanup of illegal dumpsites and littered areas throughout Westmoreland County.
For the most up-to-date information about recycling opportunities here and across the county, including our services and the items collected at our recycling center, please visit our website, Facebook page, or give us a call. The office is normally open Monday-Friday 9:00-4:00.
THE RECYCLING CENTER
New Material Accepted!
HOURS
Mondays: Noon—5 p.m.
Wednesdays: 8 a.m.—1 p.m.
Fridays: 8 a.m.—1 p.m.
2nd Sat. of each Month: 8:30 a.m.—Noon
Forget everything Westmoreland Cleanways has ever said about which plastics are locally accepted for recycling. As all of that has changed… at least here at the Recycling Center!
As of February 2023, Westmoreland Cleanways now accepts plastics containers # 1-7 as well as vinyl fencing and vinyl siding.
(In curbside, home recycling programs, the acceptable list of plastics has not changed. It is still only plastic bottles and jugs, #1-2)). When dropping off material:
• Plastics must be rinsed of food waste or chemical residue.
• Labels can remain on the containers.
• Keep the plastic lids on the containers (metal lids can be placed in our scrap metal bin)
• Place plastic items loose into the yellow bins (not in plastic bags or boxes)
• The expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) will continue to be collected inside building 11.
• Vinyl siding and vinyl fencing must be 4ft. or smaller in length.
ACCEPTED MATERIAL:
Includes any plastic containers with the recycling mobius symbol 1-7 marked on it. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Bottles and jugs
• Yogurt containers
• Detergent containers
• Clamshells
• Take-out containers
Along with PLASTICS, the other acceptable materials include: clear, green, brown, and blue bottle and jar glass, scrap metal, Freon appliances, televisions, computers and other household electronics, tires, used motor oil, lead acid batteries, CFL and fluorescent tubes, paper, cardboard, soft and hard back books, block and food grade foam (polystyrene) and corrugated plastic signs (some fees apply).
UNACCEPTABLE MATERIAL:
• Straws and plastic silverware
• Plastic Bags
• Plastic piping like PVC and ABS pipes
• Toys
• Buckets
• Rigid plastic such as gasoline and kerosene containers
• CD cases
• Plastic shelving
(As this is a new program, the list of acceptable and unacceptable material will be updated, as we get feedback from our plastic recycling vender.)
WEEKLY HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION EVENT
Although Hempfield residents have curbside collection of electronics and household hazardous waste (HHW) through their garbage hauler, (scheduling with County Hauling is required), our Recycling Center remains an available option.
Noble Environmental is on site every WEDENSDAY 8am-1pm (regular operating hours) collecting household hazardous waste at a cost of $.80/lb. (credit/debit cards only for payment)
ACCEPTED HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE: 5-gallon containers or smaller of: Oil Based/Latex Paint, Deck Stains, Flammable Liquids, Drain Cleaners, Pool Chemicals, Fertilizers, Antifreeze/Automotive Fluids, Putties, Adhesives, Glues, Wood/ Metal Finishing Products, Water Sealers, Household Cleaning Agents, Herbicides/Pesticides.
PROHIBITED ITEMS:
Explosives, ammunition, radioactive materials, pharmaceuticals, syringes, medical waste, smoke detectors, mercury containing devices, and elemental mercury
For questions about acceptable materials, check with Noble Environmental at 412-567-6566.
**HHW will only be accepted on the 1st & 3rd WEDNESDAYS of each Month at WCR!
Westmoreland Cleanways employees are not legally permitted to handle HHW at any time and material cannot be stored on site**
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HAVE THE PARTY BUT REMEMBER TO KEEP IT CLEAN!
With the warmer weather of spring and summer, family reunions, graduation parties, sporting events, church bazaars, car shows, and community festivals are in full swing. They are a fun time to spend with friends and families. However, they are also events that can create a lot of waste and litter opportunities. For example, these events typically use single use plates, cups, napkins, table clothes, bottles, cans, balloons, and other decorations that get thrown away after the party. Plus, as they are all light weight they can easily be caught in the wind and become litter. When organizing these get-togethers, consider how to make the event as waste free as possible by using reusable items when feasible and offering a recycling option when not. Try to avoid litter by ensuring all lightweight items are tied down or, as in the case of plates and napkins, have a weight of some sort on top of them. Also, use lids on the garbage cans. The lids help to keep unwanted critters away while also preventing garbage from blowing out of the can.
Although Westmoreland Cleanways can’t help with all your “waste free” party needs, we can loan out recycling bins at no charge. Our loanable ClearStream recycling bins consist of a metal x-frame base and plastic lid that are easily transportable. The bins can be borrowed for a 1-day event such as a family reunion, for a few days at a festival/ fair, or even a few months for long term events such as baseball or soccer seasons. Please visit the website or contact us for more information.
MEDRETURN DRUG TAKE-BACK PROGRAM
It is not safe to store unused medications, especially opioids, in the home. Nor is flushing medications down the toilet a responsible way to dispose of medications as it creates environmental hazards. To properly dispose of medication, visit a MedReturn collection box. Many of the local police stations and pharmacies have collection boxes available during regular business hours. Including, but not limited to: City of Greensburg Police Dept. (PD): 724-838-4324
Irwin PD: 724-864-3103
City of Latrobe PD: 724-537-5526
Latrobe Area Hospital/Excela Health: (724) 832-4000
Outpatient Registration Walkway, West 2nd Ave. Mt. Pleasant Borough PD: 724-547-7210
Penn Township PD: 724-863-1119
Wmd. County Park Police 724-830-3469
For a complete list of sites in the County: www.ddap.pa.gov/ Prevention/Pages/ Drug_Take_Back.aspx
Preparing items for disposal at a MedReturn location:
• All medications must be in a sealed container such as the original container or a zip-lock bag. They cannot be put into the MedReturn box loose.
• Liquid pharmaceuticals should remain in the original container.
• Personal information should be removed or blotted out with a permanent marker.
CERTIFICATE Items Accepted:
• Prescription and over-the-counter solid medications, liquids, creams, ointments
• Tablets and capsules
• Pet medicines
CERTIFICATE Items NOT Accepted:
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Compressed cylinders or aerosols (e.g., asthma inhalers)
• Iodine-containing medications
• Thermometers
• Alcohol & illegal drugs (i.e. marijuana, heroin, LSD, etc.)
**PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR DROP OFF LOCATION FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF ITEMS ACCEPTED OR NOT ACCEPTED.
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It’s going to be another super fun summer at the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library as we celebrate kindness and community with this year’s theme of “All Together Now!” Your librarians are busy planning lots of free fun for all youth ages birth through 18. We’ll have story times and much more. We’ll be offering programs with sewing, crafting, robotics, games, escape rooms, kindergarten prep, and much more!
Make sure you check our website in mid-May to see what we’re offering. Please note; registration for all summer programs will begin Tuesday, May 30 at 6 AM. Visit the Events Calendar on our website to register.
SUMMER READING KICKOFF!
Thursday June 8 at 11 AM at St. Clair Amphitheater in Greensburg PA
It’s an “All Together Now” Magic show! Come be amazed with magician Steve Haberman as we kickoff a summer filled with fun and friendship. Registration recommended but not required.
STAGED PERFORMANCES
We will once again be having Stage Right! present their StagED performances for children. Come see a show at either St. Clair Park Amphitheater in downtown Greensburg or at the Hempfield Amphitheater. Show titles to be announced later. Performances in St. Clair Park are on Mondays at 1:00 PM on the following dates: June 12, 19, 26 and July 10, 17 and 24. Performances at Hempfield Park will be on Wednesdays at 10 AM on the following dates: June 14, 21, 28 and July 12, 19 and 26.
FAMILY MAKER DAYS
Family Maker Days will continue throughout the summer! All ages (grownups too!) are invited to come and make stuff here at the library on the second Saturday of each month (June 10, July 8 and august 12) from 1-3 PM. Every Family Maker Day includes lots of fun activities such as Legos, building blocks, sewing machines, robotics, paper crafts, or maybe something else! It’s a fun time to be creative and make your own creations. No registration required.
FAMILY PLACE NATIONAL NETWORK
The Library is pleased to announce that we have been selected to be part of the Family Place national network of libraries. The mission of Family Place Libraries is “to increase the capacity of libraries throughout the nation to recognize and realize their full potential as community hubs for healthy child and family development, parent and community involvement and lifelong learning beginning at birth.” Check back at the library to learn about how we will be developing new programs especially for parents and young children to grow and learn together.
BEANSTACK SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
Don’t miss out on our annual summer reading challenge on the Beanstack app! All ages can participate in this fun challenge of logging time spent reading and completing special activities to earn raffle tickets for great prizes! This year’s challenge will run from June 8th to august 7th. All youth that complete the challenge will be invited to our End of Summer Celebration at Hempfield Park on August 2!
ONE THOUSAND BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN
Is your family participating in our One Thousand Books before Kindergarten Challenge? This challenge on the Beanstack app is for all children who have not started Kindergarten. Families can keep track of how many times they read aloud to their child. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be 1000 different books! You can even count books your child listens to in story time, at preschool, or even audiobooks! Every year we’re going to have a special party for these early readers at the library to celebrate the program and have some fun. Join us on Monday June 12 at 10:30 AM for our first party!
NOW ENROLLING FOR NEW 1000 BOOKS PROGRAM IN CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT
Greensburg Hempfield Area Library is enrolling children in its very own version of the nationally-hailed early-literacy initiative 1000 Books Before Kindergarten. The concept is simple. The execution is simple. The benefits are BOUNDLESS! It only takes one book a day. You'll be earning up to six free books.
Research has proven the direct link between children's success in school and later in life to early exposure to books and being read to aloud. GHAL has always promoted early literacy and provides are wide variety of free programs to help boost the minds of our littlest library visitors.
GHAL's 1000 Books "Bee-fore" Kindergarten program will enroll any child age birth to six years old (or upon entering kindergarten, whichever occurs first). Parents and primary caregivers can enroll their child at any time of the year, at any age within those pre-kindergarten years.
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Greensburg Hempfield Area Library’s (GHAL) Read to Succeed program, created and conducted by GHAL children’s department staff member Lauren Harris, has been selected as the State’s most exemplary program of 2022 for the pre-kindergarten age group and will be featured in a seven-to-10 minute video interview in the Pennsylvania Summer Library Program Showcase. Every year, the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Office of Commonwealth Libraries, combs through Summer Program Impact Reports to find ones that epitomize desired outcomes based on established criteria including skill development, impact on community, outcomes achieved, changes in target audience, and encouragement of equity, belonging or inclusion.
The Showcase is used as a training and idea sharing tool for public libraries across the commonwealth to improve or enhance their current offerings.
As a local kindergarten teacher and seeing firsthand a need in the community, Harris created the Read to Succeed program in 2017 to help pre-school children prepare for kindergarten with weekly activities and themes that are paired with a story, games and crafts that exposes the participants to foundational skills needed for kindergarten success. Since then, hundreds of children have completed the program. Parents are thrilled to have this type of resource for their children and at no cost. One even said "I picked up our materials for Read to Succeed and holy cow! I know the amount of time, preparation, counting, separating and planning that went into the program. The dice in the container, so it’s quieter and doesn’t fly away... you thought of everything. That is an amazing bag of materials! Thank you so much for your time and dedication!”
Children also share their appreciation even at such a young age. "I learned the ABCs from Miss Lauren’s reading class,” said one. Another said "I learned to write my numbers better."
Fine motor skills, name writing, letter, number and shape recognition, letter sound production, and object counting are the skills that are built upon week after week for six weeks that also can be practiced at home. Each week the child gets to take home and keep the book that is used for that week’s session.
GHAL is very proud of Lauren and all her hard work. In fact, Head Children's Department Librarian Jessica Kiefer said "I was pleasantly surprised when Corri Hines and Heather Warren Smith, both from Bureau of Library Development- Office of Commonwealth Libraries, reached out and asked if we would be part of the PA Summer Library Program Showcase. I know how hard Lauren works, and what an incredible job she does, so I was thrilled to be able to highlight that and share what she does with the program. It's a very valuable program and one that I am truly pleased that we are able to offer to the community."
The current program is full; however, another will be offered this summer. registration for those programs begin Tuesday, may 30 at 6 a.m.
library program Selected as 2022's best in State
GHAL'S Lauren Harris, local teacher and library staff member, has been honored by the state's Office of Commonwealth Libraries for her outstanding kindergarten prep program offered for free at the Library.
The program is completely self-paced, but the more your read aloud to your precious one the more you both get out of it. The time spent reading during this program will strengthen bonds and establish a reading routine. The ultimate goal isn't the number of books... it's the time together building bonds & reading for fun. 1000 books may seem like a monumental task; however, we're here to assure you it's easier than it seems. If you read one book per day for a year, that's already 365 books. By the end of two years, you're at 724. Before the end of year three, you've already hit your goal! And, it doesn't have to be 1000 different books. It can be the same book over and over and over again... children love repetition, and it's actually good for their developing brains. Audiobooks count, Wonderbooks count, reading to more than one child counts, so enroll all of your eligible children. Any type of reading you do aloud with your child counts. In the early days of the program, you'll likely gravitate to board books and picture books, then on to developmental-type books with shapes, colors, letters and more progressing further still to first readers and even chapter books. Fear not! We can make suggestions and even create a reading list just for your child(ren) based on their likes. If you'd like more information on this program and when enrollment will begin, stop by the Library for a brochure.
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HEMPFIELD AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
4347 Route 136 Greensburg, PA 15601
An engraved brick is a wonderful way to honor a graduate, teacher, sports team, or to memorialize someone special like a former teacher, coach, Hemp eld Area graduate, etc.
Your brick will be permanently displayed on the front walk of the campus of Hemp eld Area High School.
Size: 6” x 9” Engraved $150.00 1-4 Lines
MAXIMUM: 13 Letters per line including spaces, hyphens, periods
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Mail your completed form, along with a check made payable to Hemp eld Area School District Superintendent’s O ce, Hemp eld Area School District, 4347 State Route 136
NON PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #88 GREENSBURG, PA
