Headlining Hempfield Fall 2023

IN

ISSUE:

Excela Health and Butler Health System are now

Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors

George C. Reese Chairman greese@hempfieldtwp.org

R. Douglas Weimer Vice-Chairman dougweimer@hempfieldtwp.org

Tom Logan Treasurer tlogan@hempfieldtwp.org Bill Bretz Secretary bbretz@hempfieldtwp.org

John Silvis Supervisor jsilvis@hempfieldtwp.org

Township Staff

Aaron K. Siko Township Manager asiko@hempfieldtwp.org

Marissa R. Haynes Interim Director of Parks & Recreation mhaynes@hempfieldtwp.org

Douglas J. Cisco Director of Public Works dcisco@hempfieldtwp.org

Lloyd N. Fait Director of Finance lfait@hempfieldtwp.org

Patrick L. Karnash Director of Planning & Zoning pkarnash@hempfieldtwp.org

Anthony J. Kovacic Township Fire Chief & Director of Emergency Services akovacic@hempfieldtwp.org

James P. Shaw Director of Code & Safety jshaw@hempfieldtwp.org

Headlining Hempfield is Produced by West Media Group

Editing/Copywriting Assistance – Jenn Krivus, Callie Krueger Design/Layout – Stephen Mueseler

Hempfield Township 1132 Woodward Drive Greensburg, PA 15601-9310

724-834-7232 | www.hempfieldtwp.com

Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm

Hempfield Township

Board of Auditors Meeting - 5:00 pm Planning Commission - 6:00 pm

Supervisors Public Work Session

Supervisors Public Meeting Zoning Hearing Board - 6:00 pm Closed

All meetings are held at the Hempfield Township municipal Building

All meetings begin at 7:00 pm unless otherwise noted.

Seated Front Row:

Jennifer Bretz, Board Member; Diane Ciabattoni, Board Member; Dr. Kimberlie Rieffannacht, Assistant Superintendent Elementary Education; Dr. Tammy Wolicki, Superintendent; Dr. Jeanne Smith, Board Member; Jennifer Krivus, School Board Secretary

Seated 2nd Row:

Bob Reger, Director of Human Resources; Dr. Matt Conner, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education

Standing:

Dr. Tony Bompiani, Board Member; Dr. Scott Learn, Board Vice President; Mike Alfery, Board Member; Paul Schott, Business Manager; Vince DeAugustine, Board Member; Paul Ward, Board President; Jerry Radebaugh, Board Member;

MISSION STATEMENT

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.

Hempfield Area School District 4347 State Route 136 | Greensburg, PA 15601-9310 | 724-834-7232

www.hempfieldtwp.com

Hempfield Area School District Board of Directors

Paul Ward Board President wardp@hasdpa.net

Dr. Scott Learn Board Vice-President learns@hasdpa.net

Jennifer Krivus

Board Secretary krivusj@hasdpa.net

Mike Alfery Board Member alferym@hasdpa.net

Jennifer Bretz Board Member bretzj@hasdpa.net

Diane Ciabattoni Board Member ciabattonid@hasdpa.net

Vince DeAugustine Board Member deaugustinev@hasdpa.net

Jerry Radebaugh

Board Member radebaughj@hasdpa.net

Dr. Jeanne Smith Board Member smithjs@hasdpa.net

Dr. Tony Bompiani Board Member bompianit@hasdpa.net

Krisha DiMascio Board Solicitor dimasciok@hasdpa.net

School District Staff

Dr. Tammy S. Wolicki Superintendent wolickit@hasdpa.net

Dr. Matthew R. Conner Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education connerm@hasdpa.net

Paul Schott Business Manager schottp@hasdpa.net

Dr. Kimberlie B. Rieffannacht Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education rieffannachtk@hasdpa.net

Robert M. Reger Director of Human Resources regerr@hasdpa.net

Changing the Landscape of Healthcare in Western Pennsylvania

It’s a new and distinct healthcare choice in western Pennsylvania. Offering a depth and breadth of superb clinical programs, services and expertise that is locally based, locally controlled and available to patients without the need to travel long distances.

Combining the talents and capabilities of Excela Health and the Butler Health System, the new Independence Health System now becomes the third largest in our region.

At Butler Health System and Excela Health we’ve changed our name. But not our commitment to provide outstanding patient experience and outcomes. To be physician led and community focused.

And to change the landscape of healthcare in western Pennsylvania. www.Independence.Health

Sponsorship packages for tables, tickets and event elements are available. Formal Attire.

For more information, please call 724.834.7232 extension 125 or email hempfield@hempfieldtwp.org

Hempfield Parks & Recretion Fund. managed at the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, is an endowment to ensure your donation is invested in supporting the Parks & Recreation facilities in perpetuity. Your gift will support the planning, construction and ongoing improvements to our facilities.

$50 per person, $90 per couple Raffles, Dancing, Food Stations

Cocktail Hour 5:00PM - 6:00PM

A great way to remember this special occasion is by purchasing a commemorative HT250 ornament. Ornaments are available in two styles and can be purchased at the Hempfield Township Municipal Building (1132 Woodward Drive, Hempfield, PA), Hempfield Township Athletic Complex (220 Forbes Trail Road, Hempfield, PA) or Hempfield Fire Station 500 for $10.00. Proceeds from this purchase will benefit the Hempfield Parks Fund.

HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC WORKS

Hempfield Township Public Works has been diligently working through the spring and summer to improve the infrastructure of the Township. A number of in-house stormwater, catch basin, and paving projects were completed by the Department throughout the Township, including:

2023 Hot Mix Paving

This past Spring, the Board of Supervisors approved an ambitious paving program for 2023. Totaling over 2.5 million dollars, this project including paving the Fox Ridge, Borbonus Acres, Maplewood, and Sandworks Plans, as well as Walton Tea Room Road. In total, approximately 10 miles of roadway were repaved. Our Hot Mix program was complimented the sealcoating (“tar and chipping”) of approximately 11 miles of roadway.

Shady Lane Culvert

Replacement of an aging concrete stream culvert with a 48” concave pipe. The project included the replacement of a channelizing wall on the outlet side of the pipe and the repaving of the roadway. Estimated to cost over $100,000.00 if contracted, this project was completed in house more than half the cost.

Green Valley Road Dirt, Gravel, Low Volume Road (DGLVR) Project

A grant was secured through the Westmoreland County Conservation District’s Dirt, Gravel, and Low Volume Road Program as the main funding source for this project. Work consisted of the installation of four cross pipes to carry stormwater from the high side of Green Valley Road and outlet it just outside of the right-of-way. Large rock was placed at the outlet of each pipe to allow the water to slow down and drop sediment out of it prior to entering the nearby stream. A 200-foot section of roadway abutting the stream was also repaired and shielded to protect from future erosion. Through the DGLVR Program Public Works was able to address a long-standing stormwater issue effect our roadway while also improving the quality of the stream.

FALL AND WINTER SEASON

As we enter the Fall and Winter season, here are a few things from you to keep in mind:

Hempfield Public Works does not offer “in-house” pick up of hazardous waste, electronics, brush, or leaves. These services are provided at no cost by County Hauling. The schedule pick-up of electronics or hazardous waste please call (724)-9297694 and select extension 2. Yard Waste will be collected on your regular collection day along with your trash. Please bag all loose yard waste in biodegradable bags and cut and bundle any limbs or branches into bundles four feet long or less.

Please be mindful of posted snow emergency routes. These are areas where street parking is restricted from November to April.

Even if your road is not posted as a “snow emergency

route” please avoid parking on the street if you can. A roadway clear of parked vehicles gives our drivers the room they need to plow and treat them.

Cul-de-Sacs are an especially difficult area to treat. Please allow our drivers as much room as possible by parking off-street.

If vehicles parked in the roadway create an obstruction, it may not be possible for our crews to fully clear the roadway.

When shoveling your driveway, do not throw snow into the street. Please shovel snow onto the curb or anther area of your property.

If possible, finish clearing your driveway entrance AFTER the final “widening” pass by the snow plow.

Throughout the winter and spring seasons, Hempfield Public Works will continue routine maintenance throughout the Township including catch basin repairs, pipe replacements, right-of-way maintenance, and roadway repair. To report a roadway concern please visit our website (www.hempfieldtwp.org) and click on the “Report a Concern” button.

RESIDENTIAL BURNING REGULATIONS:

All outdoor burning or fires in areas of RESIDENTIAL dwellings shall be:

Limited to twigs and yard waste during the hours of 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on SATURDAYS. Controlled in a safe manner and has an attended water supply or equal at all times

Occurring at least 50 feet from any structure and 30 feet from any property line.

GARBAGE, NEWSPAPERS or PAPER PRODUCTS, RUBBER, TIRES, PAINT, ANIMAL WASTE, PLASTICS, DIAPERS, TOXIC MATERIALS, or any other SOLID WASTE is PROHIBITED from being burned AT ANY TIME. (Check the Township's garbage and recycling guidelines and programs available through Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling for alternatives to disposing of these types of materials)

Burning of any type is prohibited on any paved portion of a street, alley, or public grounds.

WHAT IS A RED FLAG WARNING?

According to the International Association of Fire Chiefs IAFC, and the National Weather Service, a Red Flag Warning is a critical fire weather warning issued only by the National Weather Service for a select area. This warning means that the forecasted conditions will include: Warm temperatures, Low humidity in dried fuel moistures, Strong winds expected within 24 hours

• During Red Flag conditions be mindful of any burn bans.

• Do not dispose of cigarettes on the ground or from a moving vehicle.

Outdoor fireplaces, grills, fire pits, and stone rings used exclusively for recreational purposes and/or for food preparation are exempt from these regulations provided the activity is conducted not closer than 15 feet to any property line.

1st

2nd

The combination of these conditions may produce an increased risk of wild land fire, or rapid-fire growth if an incident were to occur. During a Red Flag Warning, ALWAYS follow the instructions provided by your local fire department and maintain a heightened awareness of anything that can generate a spark or flame. ALWAYS be prepared to take action if a wildland fire develops in your area.

• Extinguish outdoor fires completely and never leave fires unattended.

• Soak BBQ charcoal ashes in water and dispose of them in a metal can.

For more information about wildfire danger, burn restrictions, and wildfire prevention and education, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website at http:Udcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Wildfire.

• Immediately report any unattended fires to 911

Offense: Warning issued; Fire to be extinguished

Offense: Prosecution, Up to $1,000 fine

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 familyfriendly, easy parking and ADA accessibility, lawn seating, concessions or Food Trucks for each show, pets welcomed (leashes required)

September 16th: Amphitheater Walking Paths @ 5PM Hempfield Township Parks & Recreation is excited to support local Makers to showcase their talents, artistry and craftsmanship for shoppers and tourists who are looking for something unique and local. By offering a market space exclusively for Makers throughout our Amp Up Your Summer Series, local Makers have an opportunity to build their brand, establish a local customer base and network – all while showcasing their wonderfully crafted goods!

Remaining 2023 Schedule

HOMEGROWN HEMPFIELD

STAY ACTIVE WITH PARKS & RECREATION!

ONLINE

EASY WAYS TO REGISTER

2

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.

RESIDENT REGISTRATION BEGINS MAY 1ST, 2023

IN PERSON

Register at the Hempfield Township Athletic Complex during normal operating hours. Subject to State guidelines. Check website prior to registration.

For help with online registration: 724-834-7232 parks@hempfieldtwp.org.

Hempfield Parks and Recreation does not accept cash payments or over-the-phone registrations.

NON-RESIDENT REGISTRATION BEGINS MAY 8TH, 2023

YOUTH PROGRAMS

MONTHLY 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 month!

fee: $15 / session

dates: Third Tuesdays: 9/19, 10/17, 11/21, 12/19

LEVEL 1 ages: 6-12 time: 5-6pm

TINY TAP & BALLET

An introduction to tap and ballet. Your child will learn positions and movement to music. Tap and ballet shoes not necessary. Must wear leotard/loose fitting clothes.

TINY TAP & JAZZ

age: 7-10 year olds

fee: $60

dates: Thursdays 9/7 - 10/26

HEMPFIELD REC SWIM CLASSES

fee:

dates: Sundays 9/10 - 10/29

LEVEL 2

age: 4-6 year olds

fee: $50/$60

dates: Thursdays 9/710/26

location: HTMB Public Meeting Room

location: HAHS Swimming Pool

INTRO TO WATERCOLOR & GOUCHE PAINTING

age: 10+

fee: $80

dates: Fridays 9/29-11/3

location: HTMB Public Meeting Room

instructor: NaTese Gotierrez

location: Public Meeting Room

ages: 12+ time: 6-7pm

instructor: Leyna Wright

location:

HTMB Public Meeting Room

time: 6-7pm

time: 7-8pm

instructor: Leyna Wright

time: 7-8pm

instructor: Hempfield Aqua Club

time: 5-7pm

instructor: NaTese Gotierrez

PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

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

This toddler play group includes various activities such as games, music, crafts, movement and storytelling for fun & interaction. Parent/guardian participation required.

MUSIC MAKERS

instructor: Connie Madarish

age: 1 year olds

location: TBD

dates: Mondays 9/18 - 11/13

time: 10-11am or 5-6pm

fee: $50

instructor: Connie Madarish

age: 2-3 year olds

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) 10-11am

SUPER SCIENTISTS

Session 2 (ages 2 - 3) 11:30am-12:30pm

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.

instructor: Connie Madarish

ages: 4-6 year olds

location: TBD

dates: Tuesdays 9/19 - 11/14

time: 10-11am or 5-6pm

fee: $50

instructor: Connie

Madarish

location: TBD

dates: Fridays 9/22 - 11/10

fee: $50

dates: Wednesdays 9/20 - 11/7

time: 5-6pm

fee: $50

ADULT FITNESS & WELLNESS

INTRO TO PICKLEBALL

Have you heard of Pickleball? Would you like to try it out? Come learn the basics of this fast-growing racquet sport. This Intro class will teach you the court boundaries, scoring, and simply the feel of the ball and paddle. The paddle being like a big ping pong paddle and the ball like a wiffle ball. Join us for this fun instructional class. Classes fill fast!

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 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 and AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor.

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.

instructor: Alexis Duncan

fee: $60

ages: Adults 18+

location: HTAC

instructor: Penne Steiger

fee: $50

location: HT Municipal Building

instructor: Candice Graytok

dates: Thursdays 10/5-11/2; No Class 10/26

time: 12-2pm

ages: Adults 18+

dates: Mondays 10/212/4; No Class 10/23 & 11/27

time: 6:30-7:30pm

fee: $50 ages: 16+

SESSION 1 Tuesdays 8/8 - 9/26, 7-8pm, HT Municipal Building

SESSION 2 Tuesdays 10/3-11/28; No Class 11/7, 7-8pm, HTAC

instructor: Candice Graytok

fee: $50 ages: 16+

SESSION 1 Thursdays 8/24-10/12, 7-8pm, HTAC

SESSION 2 Thursdays 10/19-12/14; No Class 10/26 or 11/7, 6:30-7:30pm, HTAC

BEYOND THE SCALE: LOW CARB HEALTH & WEIGHT LOSS

instructor: The Candid Carnivore

fee: $50

location: Zoom

ages: Adults 18+

time: Tuesdays 6:00pm OR Saturdays 9:00am

ACTIVE ADULT WEDNESDAYS

tueSdayS OR SaturdayS

OCTOBER SESSION 3,10,17,24 7, 14, 21, 28

NOVEMBER SESSION 7, 14, 21, 28 4, 11, 18, 25

JANUARY SESSION 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 6,13, 20, 27

Active Adult Wednesdays: The second Wednesday of the month is for Active Adult Programming! Join us for a variety of different programs!

WORKSHOPS & EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT

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.

SIP & SCULPT

instructor:

Preciosa Jewelry Owner

Allie Gerstel

instructor:

Ashley Lechman

location: HTMB Public Meeting Room

location: HTMB Public Meeting Room

fee: $65 per person

ages: 8+

STAY UP TO DATE!

fee: $35 per person

ages: 16+

date: 10/7

time: 2-4pm

date: 10/7

time: 11am-2pm

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.

Look out for these New Programs Coming this Fall!

BRICK BUDS: Lego Building fun for the whole family

PARENTS NIGHT OUT

LARGER THAN LIFE GAME NIGHT!

HOW DO WE ATTRACT GOOD

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.

TEEN TIME

HOLIDAY BUS TRIP: Location TBA!

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 fee: $5.00 location: Hempfield Township Athletic Complex dates: April - December 31

Join us for adult (ages 18+) pick up sports at Hempfield Township Athletic Complex! $5.00 per person (Membership required). See below for a schedule of adult pick-up sports:

INDOOR PICK-UP SPORTS SCHEDULE

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY AM 9:00am to 11:00am PICKLEBALL PICKLEBALL BEGINNER PICKLEBALL PICKLEBALL PICKLEBALL PM 6:00pm to 8:00pm SOCCER PICKLEBALL VOLLEYBALL BASKETBALL

Fall/Winter (November 1st – March 31st) is 8pm - 10pm (No EVENING Pick Up Sports from January – March)

RECREATION SPORTS

HEMPFIELD REC INDOOR SOCCER LEAGUE

The indoor soccer league is a 10-game regular season that is played on Sundays at the Hempfield Township Athletic Complex. The top 4 teams in each division will make a single elimination playoff. This is a team registration program and will be asked to fill out a team roster.

HEMPFIELD REC BASKETBALL

fee: $225 per team (Teams will pay ref fees for the regular season)

divisions: Separate Boys & Girls divisions for 10U, 12U, 14U, High School. Adult (18+) will be co-ed. Min 4 Max 8 teams per division

dates: Season begins Sunday November 19th

register by: October 29th at 11:59pm

The first Saturday of the season will be January 6th, 2024. Volunteer coaches needed! If you are interested in coaching for have any questions, please contact thudock@hempfieldtwp.org

register by: November 20th

Grade Groups Days

Kindergarten- Age 4 Co-Ed

1st & 2nd Co-Ed

late registration: November 25th ($20 late fee)

Evaluations for 5th-12th grade will be in early December. Check our website for specific dates and times! Please no requests for grades 5-12 Teams will be picked by coaches after evaluations are complete.

HIGHLIGHTS AROUND THE PARK!

There have been multiple improvements happening at Hempfield Park throughout the past year and more to come in the future! The lower concession stand near Mazeroski Field has been renovated along with the restrooms and our new Summer Day camp office! Included in that project was new concrete walkways surrounding the baseball field. We are also looking forward to getting new walkways and paving throughout some parts of the park. Our next project is to upgrade our stormwater drainage system.

The Hempfield Township Athletic Complex has also been getting some upgrades! Hempfield Township teamed up with C.M. Eichenlaub Co. to get new court dividers along with new a new basketball hoop system to raise/lower the hoops.

Exciting things are happening at Hempfield Park, and we could not do it without the help from our staff and partners! We would like to thank our Public Works Department, Green Mechanical, Gibson & Thomas, Raffle Construction, Westmoreland Conservation District, and our staff!

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!

Pavilions are available to rent until October 31st! There is a $75 refundable security deposit upon your reservation.

OUTDOOR PICK-UP PICKLEBALL SCHEDULE

Our outside pickleball courts will be open until October 31st! Come join the crowd and play against others during our pick-up times during the week.

BASKETBALL SCOREKEEPERS NEEDED!

We are looking to hire scorekeepers for our rec basketball season! This season starts in the beginning of January and runs until the middle of March. Scorekeeping includes running the scoreboard along with the book for our games. If you are interested or want to find out more information, please contact thudock@hempfieldtwp.org

Tennis/Pickleball Court Rental Policy

Can’t get enough time on the courts? Reserve them to guarantee your time! Reservations get you 2 tennis courts or 4 pickleball courts. Courts are available every day from 12pm – 11pm

• Courts are $15 per hour for the whole fenced in area (Extra $15 per hour for lights if needed)

• Reservations must be made Monday-Friday between 8am-4pm

• Needs to be 24 hours in advance

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.

• Payment must be completed at time of reservation

• Cancellations need to be made 24 hours in advance or rental fee is forfeited

Consider showing your support with one of the available sponsorships for the Hempfield Park Rehabilitation Project:

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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

LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

As school opens for the 2023-2024 school year, there will be several notable changes. The consolidation of three to two middle schools made for a busy summer with the reassignment of staff, relocation of materials, new middle school bus routes, student scheduling and much more. Harrold School will operate as a ninth grade school for the duration of the revitalization of Hempfield Area High School. No decisions have been made at this time for the future of Harrold School beyond the revitalization project. The Hempfield Area High School revitalization project will break ground in September, beginning with Phase 1. Overall, the building revitalization project will completely renovate existing academic spaces, providing a 21st century learning environment while adding athletic and performing arts spaces. The project will reimagine the current high school campus site with improved security, building performance and energy efficiency, technology and more.

From a security standpoint, the new updates will ensure all doors will be outfitted with intruder-protection hardware. The building itself will be updated with new mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, along with power, lighting and data upgrades and

building envelope improvements that will save the District operation and maintenance costs. Communication systems, such as the Public Address System, will be updated and include current technologies that address needs in an emergency for staff, students and first responders.

The new building will be an updated learning environment that will allow the implementation of new learning methods. In terms of technologydriven education, a new STEAM wing will be furnished with new finishes, casework and equipment. The accessible performing arts auditorium will be equipped with a new control

booth, sound and lighting systems. New band and choir rooms will increase storage and set shops for the performing arts wing. Workforce-development continues to be a District initiative. The revitalization project provides opportunities to educate students on career opportunities across the construction industry. In addition, the new building design incorporates areas that will promote workforce skills for special education students with the incorporation of a studentoperated cafe and store. Students will apply the skills of inventory, basic food preparation, money exchange and customer service. Products sold in the student store will be produced by students, such as the technology media class. Cloudcast, the district’s technology provider, initiated a student club in the 20222023 school year with members repairing and addressing Chromebook needs and will now have a designated area to repair devices. A television studio will provide hands-on experience for student produced news.

Our planned hybrid construction will utilize Guaranteed Energy Savings Agreement (GESA) and Public Bid Contracting to significantly reduce risk for the

Perspective Auditorium View

District. These methods will provide greater control over scheduling, minimize classroom disruption and enhance local contractor participation. The District has also applied for state and federal grants for all applicable scopes of work to leverage taxpayer investments in the project.

In addition to the high school, the main entrance of each school will be configured with additional locking mechanisms installed on the doors of the school office areas to limit accessibility within the school. Wendover Middle School currently has this design as it was incorporated when the school was last renovated.

Confidentiality of Student Records

The privacy rights of parents, students, and student records are mandated by Federal and State regulations as well as District policy. The complete explanation of these rights, the student records involved, and the procedures for the access and release of these records can be found in the district student handbooks or on our website at www. hasdpa.net and selecting Our District>School Board>Policies and selecting Policy #216.

Special Education Services for Exceptional Children

HASD provides a free, appropriate public education to exceptional children. In compliance with State and Federal laws, HASD will provide protected handicapped children without discrimination or cost to the student or family those related aids, services, or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefit of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. Complete details of this process can be found in the district student handbooks or on our website at www.hasdpa.net and selecting Academics> Special Education.

Other major capital projects completed this summer include air conditioning improvements at Maxwell Elementary, West Hempfield Elementary, West Hempfield Middle School and West Point Elementary. A roof replacement occurred at Maxwell Elementary School and West Point Elementary’s gymnasium. The improvements will support the District’s staff and students in achieving our mission of engaging and educating all students for personal success through a shared responsibility with the student, family and community in a safe, secure and nurturing environment.

By Dr. Tammy S. Wolicki, Superintendent

Title IX/Section 504 Statement

The Hempfield Area School District is an equal opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or handicap/ disability in its activities, educational programs or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504. Publication of this statement is in accordance with state and federal laws including Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures or inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 may be directed to the Supervisor of Pupil Services, Title IX Coordinator at Hempfield Area School District, 4347 Route 136, Greensburg, PA 15601 (724-850-2229)

Perspective Gym View

Marcy Stein, class of 1984, was acknowledged as a 2023 Distinguished Alumni recipient during the class of 2023’s graduation ceremony.

Stein was introduced by four graduating students: Ardella Antimarino, Abigail Blahovec, Julia Snider and Shawn Murray.

Marcy Stein Recognized As a 2023 Distinguished Alumni

Stein is an expert in providing project oversight on behalf of overseas equity partners in real estate developments. Stein has a master’s degree in construction from Pratt Institute School of Architecture and a bachelor’s degree in communications from Ithaca College. Her clients represent investment funds from various locations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Japan and Israel. Over the past 25 years, Stein has held a range of positions within the construction, finance and real estate industries in New York City. She has received several awards throughout the 2000s, including the 40 under 40 in 2003 by the New York Real Estate Journal, the Top 50 Women in Real Estate in 2005 by Real Estate Weekly, the Women of Valor Award from the St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelter and the Top 20 Women in Real Estate

in 2006 by Development New York. In addition to an impressive resume, Stein has also completed community development work in Kenya and Rwanda. In Rwanda, she personally created an Agriculture Program through a public school that includes a community garden and a poultry program to address hunger and nutrition issues. Each year, the Hempfield Area School District recognizes distinguished alumni and displays their photos on the Wall of Fame located in the foyer of the Hempfield Area High School auditorium. Alumni can be nominated using an application on the District’s website. To become an Inductee, individuals must be distinguished at the top of their field and have achievements beyond personal gain.

Photo Credit: Robin Aukerman

Rising Junior Heading to Germany, Thanks to CBYX Scholarship

study abroad in Germany. Jointly funded and managed by the U.S. and German governments, the program provides an opportunity for high school students, college students and young professionals to experience life-long learning through unique abroad experiences.

Rising junior Julia Zyvith was recently honored with a Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Scholarship, a high school program that provides 350 scholarships for students to

Zyvith is not the first Hempfield Area student to receive this opportunity. Claire Bryan, 2022 alumnus, was a 2020-2021 CBYX recipient, and Kaitlyn Krause, 2023 alumnus, received the scholarship in 20222023. Krause spent this past

school year in Germany. This month, Zyvith will leave for a language immersion program in the U.S., and then she will travel to Germany until June 2024. Erica Shafran, German teacher and World Language Department Co-Chair, shares the opportunity and details of the program with her students each year. She explained that many of the students know the previous recipients, which helps inspire them to apply. “Living in another country and speaking

another language gives students a superpower,” explained Shafran. “They learn to understand not just another language but also another culture. It makes them very aware that there is a whole wide world out there just waiting for them.”

Shafran also explained that knowing another language and culture can lead to employment advantages and even higher salaries for her students’ futures. Congratulations recipients and good luck to Julia in Germany!

Hempfield Area Recognized as Best Community for Music Education

The Hempfield Area School District was recognized once again as a National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education award for 2023. The award program recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music part of a well-rounded education. Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.

HEMPFIELD AREA CLASS OF 2023 EXCELLENCE

The class of 2023 earned a one year total of $1.41 million in awards and scholarships. The five students earning the highest grade points average for the class of 2023 are Matthew Dugan, Megan Rivard, Ryaan Pal, Elizabeth Bair and Logan Eisaman.

They will be attending the following universities next year: matthew dugan: University of Notre Dame megan rivard: Northeastern University

ryaan pal: UCLA elizabeth bair: Northwestern University logan eisaman: Penn State University

Photo Credit: Robin Aukerman

Thirteen Grads Earned PSMLA Global Scholars Designation

Thirteen of our recently graduated students were recognized as 2023 Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association (PSMLA) Global Scholars designation. This program recognizes students in Pennsylvania who participated in interdisciplinary studies and activities that are global in order to develop global awareness and better prepare themselves for personal and professional success in an increasingly global society.

The following graduates were among the 143 Pennsylvania students who earned the 2023 designation:

• Emma Ackerman

• Riley Benvin

• Allyson Bitner

• Owen DeMatt

• Emma Forrester

• Jenna Gallentine

• Santiago Giordanelli

2022-2023 HEMPFIELD AREA RETIREES

Congratulations to our 2022-23 Hempfield Area Retirees!

• Femi Horral

• Allison Kohler

• Ashley Larocque

• Maggie Miller

• Carly Shaner

• Julia Snider Congratulations!

Substitute Positions Needed

The Hempfield Area School District is accepting applications for the following positions:

• Substitute Teachers

• Substitute Nurses (RN or LPN certification required)

• Substitute Custodians

Please visit www.hasdpa.net > Our District > Human Resources for more information about required clearances and how to apply.

front row: Julie Fallas (High School Counselor), Daniella Bellanca (West Hempfield Elem. Third Grade), Bernadette Tabita (Maxwell Elem. Third Grade), Melissa McKee (West Point Elem. & Wendover Middle Nurse), Joanne Hervol (High School Chemistry), Tammy Gray (Stanwood Elem. Second Grade)

Second row: Terri Reiss (High School Counselor), Kathy Charlton (High School Principal), Vince Testa (Fort Allen Elem. Physical Education), David Uhring (High School English), Doug Cook (High School Chemistry), Jennifer Busato (West Hempfield Middle Art), Nancy Flinner (West Hempfield Middle Music), Wendy Milne (Stanwood Elem. Art), Susan Skirpan (Fort Allen Elem. Special Ed.) Karen DiOrio (Wendover Middle Spanish)

Michele Boronky (High School Building Aide), Patricia Shean (Harrold Middle Building Aide) Bob Grabowski (West Hempfield Elem.), Greg Saunders (Electrician), Kim Trout (Harrold Middle Secretary) Teresa Provenzano (West Point Elem. Paraprofessional), Joann Rouse (Wendover Middle Secretary)

retirees not pictured: Ed Yoschak (Wendover Middle Social Studies), Shawn Westerlund (High School Social Studies), Ray McCanna (High School Social Studies), Maureen Conrad (Food Service Harrold Middle), Melanie Cancro (Stanwood Elem. Food Service), Beverly Watkins (Wendover Middle Food Service.)

Project

18 Celebrates 50 Years of Civics Education

This upcoming school year marks the 50th anniversary of the Project 18 program at Hempfield Area High School. Project 18 is a course dedicated to teach students about state and local government. The class was originally created by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in response to 18-year-olds receiving the right to vote. Hempfield Area is the only school district in Pennsylvania that still offers the course.

The award-winning class has made a positive impact in the community. Registering voters, completing community service, becoming educated voters and even running for office themselves are only a few significant contributions the class has provided for its students. Project 18 teacher Mr. Ken Stough describes the class as a nonpartisan focus on how people can get involved with state and local governments as opposed to federal.

To kickoff the anniversary celebration, Stough and his previous 77 students held their annual high school talent show with a few extra surprises last spring. The two founders of the program, Mr. Jim Steeley Sr. and Mr. Rich Redmerski, were both in attendance as the 2023 Project 18 President Blake Naegar announced the creation of a new scholarship named in honor of Redmerski, who taught the course for 30 years.

“The reason it’s only in Hempfield now is it’s hard to teach; you have to be into it and create new materials every year,” said Stough. “It’s really a testament to him (Redmerski) that the class stayed alive all those years.”

After the scholarship announcement, Representative Eric Nelson (R-57) then awarded Steeley and Redmerski state-level certificates of recognition and appreciation. The talent show raised $1,400 towards the newly established scholarship.

As the 2023-2024 school year begins, Stough is excited to continue the class’s legacy with the 50th anniversary students.

Where Everyone Belongs Implemented As Middle School Transition Program

With the upcoming changes in terms of school transitions, the Hempfield Area School District is implementing a middle school transition program titled, “Where Everybody Belongs,” also known as WEB. This is a research-based middle-school orientation and transition program that welcomes rising 6th and 7th grade students to make them feel more comfortable throughout their middle-school experience.

Built on the belief that students can help fellow students succeed, the program trains mentors from the rising 8th grade class to be WEB leaders. As positive role models for their peers, WEB leaders will guide 6th and 7th grade students through their transition to middle school to help them discover what it takes to be a successful middle school student.

Though the administration has been planning WEB since the spring, the year-long program truly begins this fall. Before the start of school, WEB leaders will be trained, and 7th and 8th graders will attend orientation and tours of their

new buildings. Incoming 6th graders will attend school on August 24, the day before the start of school, for orientation and tours led by the WEB leaders and coordinators to give 6th graders an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the school and their schedules.

WEB components including social follow-ups, academic follow-ups and leader initiated contacts will continue throughout the whole school year. Academic follow-ups will focus on academic and character development in the classroom, while social follow-ups will connect students outside of the classroom at social events to increase student engagement and positive school climate. Throughout the year, student leaders will also connect with their assigned students on an individual basis.

The overall goals of WEB fall into three categories: safety, information and connection. The District hopes to reduce bullying, rumors, isolation and harassment while creating a process that supports student-to-student information sharing in a more involved environment.

2022-2023 Project 18 Students

Ken Stough, Rich Redmerski and Eric Nelson with Redmerski’s recognition

Middle

School Students Participate in Art As Innovation Expo

Hempfield Area School District’s middle schools participated in the 2022-2023 Art Expo at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg. The expo invited sixth through eighth grade students who demonstrated

artistic interest and skill to showcase their year-long exploration of art in an exhibit at the museum. This year’s theme was Art As Innovation with a focus on outsider art and folk art. Outsider art are pieces created by self-taught,

frequently excluded artists. Many of their pieces fall into the category of folk art, which refers to objects usually made to be useful and visually appealing. In most cases, these types of work create innovative artwork that often features nontraditional materials and unique techniques. Students that participated in the Art Expo were asked to create art that conveyed a message meaningful to them. They were encouraged to think outside “the artistic box” by using different materials, techniques and methods. The collaboration and support from the middle school art teachers allowed Hempfield students a chance to explore their artistic abilities to the fullest!

Elementary Art Students Participate in Artists of the 21st Century Exhibit

This past spring, elementary art students participated in the Artists of the 21st Century exhibit at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Ligonier, PA. The Museum held the 25th annual student art exhibition in conjunction with National Youth Art Month.

Hempfield Area elementary schools were happy to participate in the exhibit for its 15th consecutive year. Each elementary school’s art teacher selected students to showcase their pieces. This year’s participants were Maddie Bittner (Fort Allen), Gabrielle Trickett (West Point), Addilyn Stratton (Maxwell), Rowan Baker (Stanwood), Bethany Harper (Stanwood) and Samadhi Waduge (West Hempfield Elementary).

The students and their work were welcomed during the opening ceremony on March 4, 2023, and the exhibit was on display through April.

Enrolling for Head Start, Early Head Start, and Pre-K Counts

Free, quality pre-school experiences for families that qualify

Seven centers located throughout Westmoreland County shchildservices.org

Call 724-836-0099

Charlotte Auckerman, Piece: Gene’s World

Aubrie Payne, Piece: Spring Flowers

Art teacher Tim Kearns with West Point Elementary’s Gabrielle Trickett

Artists Volunteer

Time and Talent

Hempfield Area High School’s Chapter of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) and other art students were extremely active in the 2022-2023 school year. At the start of this year, student members created a student-run store featuring student-made art. To kickstart the market, students, along with art teachers Emily Daignault and Tom Billeck, held a Grand Opening Coffeehouse event. With the profits from the store, they were able to purchase new art materials and fund a field trip to the Carnegie Museum of Art.

NAHS members volunteered at the high school’s Rain Rally and helped young artists during the elementary schools’ March Arts Events. They photographed multiple school and community events as well as painting and building the high spring musical set. Along with helping around the District, members also participated in

numerous community-service projects including ceiling tile painting for the Westmoreland/ Fayette County Private Industry Council’s new STEM Lab. Students in the NAHS, art studio portfolio, photography portfolio and independent study classes visited the Westmoreland Museum of American Art to view its collections and create art of their own. The trip helped students plan and execute their own exhibition in the school as well as in the Student Art Exhibition at Westmoreland Museum of American Art in April. At the end of the year, students in portfolio courses helped organize the annual Hempfield Area High School Student Art Exhibition to celebrate several student artists with videos, animations, ceramics, sculptures, drawings and more. Visitors were encouraged to experience the two interactive art installations and listen to live musical performances by high school students.

Hempfield Area Welcomes Two New Middle School Assistant Principals

SARAH HARTZELL, a Hempfield Area School District graduate, will join Wendover Middle School as an assistant principal. She comes to the new position with 15 years of experience in the education field. Ms. Hartzell obtained her bachelor’s degrees in accounting, business and family consumer sciences: childcare administrator from Seton Hill University. She received her master’s degree with a focus in principal administration from California University of Pennsylvania. Her lengthy list of certifications includes Superintendent Letter of Eligibility, Supervisor of Special Education, Administrative Program for Principals PreK12, Elementary K-6, Special Education N-12, Early Childhood N-3, and Family and Consumer Sciences K-12. Ms. Hartzell comes to Hempfield Area from River Valley School School District in Indiana County where she served as a middle school principal. She also has previous experience including director of special education and elementary principal at Harmony Area School District; and program director/coordinator of program services, family/community liaison specialist and special education teacher at Pressley Ridge Day School. Ms. Hartzell began her career as a special education teacher at Clelian Heights School for Exceptional Children in Greensburg, PA.

Ms. Hartzell currently resides in Indiana, PA with her daughter Lacey and her dogs Fitz and Millie. Welcome Ms. Hartzell!

MS. JENNIFER PURKISS will serve as the new assistant principal at West Hempfield Middle School. Ms. Purkiss isn’t new to the Hempfield Area as she previously worked as the dean of students at the high school, was a special education and regular education teacher and served her principal internship at Harrold Middle School. Ms. Purkiss obtained her bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from Duquesne University. She received her master’s degree in general special education and her principal’s certification from the University of Pittsburgh. Her certifications include Behavioral Specialist License and Principal Certification Pre K-12. In addition to her experience at Hempfield Area, Ms. Purkiss completed additional principal internships at Franklin Regional School District high school and Penn Trafford School District elementary school. She began her teaching career as a special education teacher at Auberle Alternative Education Center in Homestead, PA and Pace School in the Pittsburgh area.

Ms. Purkiss resides in North Huntingdon, PA and enjoys baking, running and playing with her four dogs. She is excited to build family-school partnerships and support a positive school environment.

Summer Camps Support Summer Learning

Over the summer, the Hempfield Area School District offered eight summer enrichment camps free of charge to any student. These camps were supported by the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds to respond to students’ academic, social and emotional needs while addressing the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on underrepresented student subgroups. The District applied for and was awarded $57,245 which can only be used as summer school grant funding. Some of the camps offered include Camp Spartan, Summer Band Camp, Performing Arts Camp, Kinder Camp, Math Applications Sports & Games, STEAM Landmarks & Culture Around the World, A Colorful Adventure with Amber Brown and Young Writers Workshop. Each camp had a focus and an identified age group of participants.

Camp Spartan was offered to kindergarten and first-grade students to help them prepare for the next school year with engaging review games, activities and crafts. The camp included both ELA and math tools to prevent learning loss over the summer.

Kinder Camp focused on helping rising first graders prepare for their next school year with activities in music, art, math and more. Summer Band Camp provided an opportunity for middle grade students who are interested in band to join together to work on skills, tone production, technique and ensemble work. Similarly, elementary and middle school students with an interest in performing arts were encouraged to participate in Performing Arts Camp, where they worked on music, dance, acting, basic stage technique and more.

Fourth and fifth graders were offered the Math Applications Sports & Games camp where they learned how to reinforce math concepts while using sports and activities. Students learned to keep score in bowling, learned shooting percentages and how angles can help athletic success. STEAM Landmarks & Culture Around the World students were able to connect STEAM, ELA History and Geography by traveling around the world and learning about famous landmarks and cultures through hands-on manipulatives and cultural celebrations. A Colorful Adventure with Amber Brown was a camp based loosely on the book “Amber Brown is Not a Crayon” and challenged students to participate in reading, math, writing and more activities that mirrored the story. Finally, Young Writers Workshop was a middle-school camp for young writers to explore their own voices.

In addition to enrichment camps, the District offered Learning with a Purpose, a program to remediate math, English, science and social studies skills for credit recovery. In collaboration with the Central Westmoreland Career and Technical Center (CWCTC), the program offered authentic, real-world learning experiences for Hempfield Area students in grades 6-12. Last year’s Learning with a Purpose students found the program to be very beneficial in both the academic and real world. “I learned several skills over the course of summer school because the instructions were clear cut and easy to follow, as well as the shorter days making it easier for me to find determination to work compared to the longer school day,” said Richie Domingos, a former Learning with a Purpose student. Each of these programs provides our students with the opportunity to address summer learning loss and ensure they are prepared for next school year.

Camp Spartan students ventured around Fort Allen Elementary on a nature walk.

Young Writers Workshop visits Westmoreland Museum of American Art for writing inspiration.

Hempfield Area School District Adjusts Curriculum and Adds New Courses

The Hempfield Area School District takes pride in delivering an excellent academic environment that caters to the overall student. To uphold this commitment, the District implements a curriculum cycle review to update resources that aligns with current standards. This year’s recommended updates include science curriculum for all grades and world language (Spanish & French) curriculum for grades 6-12. For the updated science curriculum, each grade level will adopt STEAM-based learning, collaborative learning, hands-on activities and more. Vertical alignment will be implemented from school to school as there will be a better transition in learning between each grade level. The future curriculum for world language focuses on getting more students involved and engaged in language courses. At the high-school level, different world language classes will be scheduled and offered to give all students more options to include in their schedules. High school students will be encouraged to enroll in language classes, to involve themselves in the Global Scholars Program and more. At the middle-school level, exploratory classes will be offered in 6th and 7th grades, with Spanish 1 and French 1 available as a core class in 8th grade. In addition to new curriculum updates, each high school department carefully

considered new electives to fulfill graduation requirements that engage students where their interests lie. Fifteen new courses were offered for the 2023-2024 school year and will be held based on student interest. Zoology and two new physics courses will be offered as new science courses. Zoology will focus on the diversity of the animal kingdom to fulfill the learning gap in current Biology curriculum due to the Keystone Exams. Honors Physics will ultimately bridge the gap between our current Physics 1 course and AP Physics 1 courses. AP Physics C: Mechanics gives students yet another opportunity to receive college credits as this course is equivalent to a first year higher education physics course. The Mathematics, Sports, Gaming and Social Stats class is designed to increase student understanding of statistical real-world data and situations. This can include examples of professional sport leagues, video games, marketing, social media, political data and more. College Literature, Sitcom Analysis, and Horror, Fantasy & Science Fiction are three classes offered in the English department. College Literature is a dual-enrollment course that will allow students to read varying genres with a deep analytical approach to prepare for higher education courses while earning college credits through Seton

Hill University. Both Sitcom Analysis and Horror, Fantasy & Science Fiction will be just as engaging as they sound. The Sitcom Analysis course will critically analyze sitcoms to better understand the changing norms in American society. The Horror, Fantasy & Science Fiction course will use critical lens analysis to engage with texts from the various genres of fiction. For social studies, students are now offered Study of Personality II and World War II and The Holocaust as courses. Study of Personality has long been a popular elective course with topics important to students’ understanding themselves and others. Because of the popularity, we are now adding a class to expand on this interest. World War II and The Holocaust course is an intricate deep dive into that part of our history and will focus on the causes, process and legacy of this troubling time period. Three technology classes introduced include Bots IQ, Graphics 4 and Power & Energy II. Bots IQ was previously a club activity that has grown and now demands a dedicated class time for students that are interested in engineering and manufacturing robots. Graphics 4 students will have the opportunity to perfect their skills through real-world, hands-on tasks by completing graphic design needs for the District. Power & Energy II will build off of Power & Energy I and create more advanced skills and activities.

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Band and Choir Students Travel for Performances

Over the past school year, the Hempfield Area Marching Band and Choir traveled to different states to showcase their talents. At the beginning of May, the marching band traveled to San Antonio, TX to march in the Fiesta Flambeau Parade, America’s largest illuminated parade. The band marched proudly for an audience of over 700,000, while displaying their new illuminated Hempfield sign made by graphic design students and Rob Ronald of the maintenance department. The band placed 3rd in the parade’s Out of State category. To celebrate their success, they spent the rest of the trip visiting

the San Antonio Riverwalk and Alamo, Six Flags and YO Ranch, where they saw exotic species. In June, 50 members of the high school choir traveled to New York City to perform at Carnegie Hall. The students performed with Seton Hill’s Una Voce Chamber Choir and were under the direction of Seton Hill University choral director, Dr. Mark A. Boyle. The choir was joined by Greensburg-Salem’s Show Choir as well as choirs from Tennessee, California and Georgia. The trip was full of learning, laughing and music-making.

2022-2023 Athletic Recognitions

The following are team and individual athletic recognitions from the 2022-2023 school year.

Section Championship Team

Bowling – Girls

County Championship Team

Cross Country – Boys

County Championship Individuals

Wrestling – Eli Carr

Wrestling – Lucas Kapusta

Wrestling – Ethan Lebin

Wrestling – Charlie Mesich

Swimming – Dominic Falcon

Swimming – Camryn Watters

WPIAL Championship Teams

Bowling – Boys (Western Regional)

Competitive Spirit

Softball

WPIAL Championship Individuals

Wrestling – Eli Carr

Swimming – Dominic Falcon (50m)

Track & Field – Liz Tapper (Shot Put & Discus)

Track & Field – Peyton Murray (Discus)

PIAA Runner-Up Team

Softball

PIAA Championship Team

Competitive Spirit

PIAA Championship Individuals

Track & Field – Liz Tapper (Shot Put)

Track & Field – Peyton Murray (Discus)

National Championship Team

Competitive Spirit – GameDay

Reflecting on Harrold Middle School

As Harrold Middle School is transitioning into Harrold School for the time being, we felt it was important to reflect on the history of the school. The school first opened in 1930 for grades 1-10. Before Harrold’s opening, students attended one-room schoolhouses up to 8th grade, which all closed as Harrold opened. By WWII, Harrold was a 7th-10th grade building and operated as such until 1956 when Hempfield Area High School opened. With nearly 100 years of history, Harrold Middle School has educated thousands of students and employed many staff members. Each has their own personal experiences and fond memories of the building.

Ed Behanna, class of 1959, attended Harrold from 1953-1955. Behanna described Harrold as a melting pot that brought together students from all the elementary schools. His particular group was talented, and he remembers assembly talent shows and football games against Youngwood and Irwin. His class was the first to transition into and graduate from the high school.

He fondly remembers standing outside of Harrold watching workers construct the high school. When it finally came time to open, Behanna was one of the students selected to help pick the name, colors, song and mascot of the new school. For Behanna, the transition was easy as both students and some teachers moved to the high school together.

Teresa Graziotto, 8th grade math and science teacher, started substitute teaching at Harrold Middle School in the late 90s. In the 97-98 school year, she was hired and has taught nearly every subject since then. Graziotto’s experience at Harrold was more than just a workplace for her; so saying goodbye was very sad.

“My place is in middle school, especially Harrold Middle School. It was my home,” said Graziotto. “I grew up there. I was a young kid in my twenties starting my teaching career, and now it’s years later and I’m the veteran teacher.”

Over her years at Harrold, Graziotto reflected on her favorite Harrold memories which included: costume

ball and haunted house and the student-faculty rock concert. The Costume Ball and Haunted House were put on by the student council and the band. Students and teachers decorated a section of the building into three different areas: graveyard, clown room, seance room. Students wrote a script about a former student who haunted the school, and teachers led students through the haunted house with the script. It was such a success that screams could be heard from the costume dance happening down the hall. Another popular Harrold event over the years was the Faculty/Student Rock Concert put on most recently by chorus teacher Dan Lauritzen. Students and teachers would plan a show for the last day of school with performances by both faculty and students. Similar to Graziotto, Steve Miller, math, science and computer applications teacher at Harrold, felt the school was a family.

“When I started at Harrold, I was a single guy living at home,” said Miller. “Now I’m married with two kids, both of whom attended Harrold Middle School and one recently a Hempfield Area graduate. The staff of Harrold

Middle School has experienced every life event with me for 24 years, and I with them. They are like family.”

Miller has certainly been a huge factor in Harrold’s family as he has taught on both floors of the building, for four different principals and in six different classrooms. On top of that, he has organized fundraisers, planned field trips, coached three different middle school sports (in addition to high school teams), created/updated three different websites and so much more. Though he couldn’t pick just one, a few of Miller’s favorite Harrold memories include the studentfaculty rock concert, dodgeball for charity, water-powered bottle rockets and egg drops, awards assemblies, 7th grade auctions, dances, concerts and more.

“More than anything else, it was the students that made Harrold Middle School special,” said Miller. “Their positive attitude, work ethic, desire to be successful and

90s Quilt: Made by students in the 90s, hangs

The Herald Yearbook copies from 1954, '56, and '57. yearbooks, graduation pamphlets, festival programs from over the years

1948 Honor Card

Grade 1 class from 1934-35 school year

Harrold Jr. High School in early 1930s (courtesy of Baltzer Meyer Historical Society)

willingness to try new things always made Harrold a great place to be. I was, and forever will be, lucky to have been a teacher at Harrold Middle School. And I look forward to seeing some of those students again and meeting a new group at West Hempfield Middle School.”

Donna Eicher, retired history teacher, taught at Harrold from 1992-2006. Her absolute favorite part was the kids, specifically her 8th graders. As a former elementary school teacher, Eicher’s transition to middle school was a new experience, and she received great help from her colleagues, specifically Ed McCormick. Her favorite memories include chaperoning dances, putting on plays and building a stronger relationship with her video lab students, many with whom she still keeps in contact. Eicher acknowledged that Harrold Middle School employees made the environment amazing. She looked forward to going to work everyday and even hated retirement at first because she missed her students.

“I loved school. I went into school everyday with a smile and left everyday with a smile,” said Eicher.

Gene Brisbane attended and taught at Harrold. Brisbane attended Harrold from 1964-67 and taught various 7th grade subjects for 16 years. He also has family ties to the building. Brisbane’s grandfather, C. Scott Brisbane, worked as the assistant principal at Harrold and coached nearly every sport offered. To commemorate his impact, the Brisbane family has dedicated an award in his name since 1963.

Brisbane’s great aunt also taught at Harrold up until the opening of the high school where she continued teaching. But, the Brisbane line didn’t stop with Gene. His wife and three children are Harrold alumni, and four of his grandchildren have or will be attending Harrold.

Brisbane explained how nice Harrold’s atmosphere was both from a student and teacher perspective. He and his family are sad to see the change but hope to keep it alive through displaying artifacts and continuing past awards.

Like Brisbane, Jim

Steeley Jr. attended Harrold and now teaches at the high school. Steeley spent his 7th-9th grade years at Harrold from 1982-1985. While there, he played on a number of successful sports teams, such as football, basketball, and track and field. Steeley was one of the last groups to still be considered a “Harrold Chief.” Originally, each separate school had its own mascot and color. Harrold students were the Chiefs and sported the color red. Steeley still has his bright red Chiefs letterman jacket.

Steeley credits the friendships and relationships developed at Harrold for changing his life. One funny memory he shared was when Harrold was going through renovation and students had classes in trailers outside. One of their “games” was to cram at the end of the trailer to see if it could be tipped. For the record, it never worked. “From my classes, to the dances, to the sports teams I played on, I have nothing but wonderful memories of being a Harrold Chief,” explained Steeley. “It did exactly

what it should’ve done, it transitioned me from the simplicity of elementary school into a mature setting, and it prepared me on so many levels for being successful at the high school.”

Like many already mentioned, Steeley credits those inside the school for its success. He said teachers such as Jeanne and Del Smith, Jack Serenko, David Kaylor and coaches like Don Miller, Pat O’Hara and many more had a positive impact on him as a young man and a student. To Steeley, he couldn’t have asked for a better principal than Denny Leshock, whose actions and wisdom enforced that students could have fun without sacrificing accountability.

“Harrold Middle School was not the building,” said Graziotto. “Harrold Middle School was the family that was created by everyone in our building: students, teachers, school counselors, principals, secretaries, paraprofessionals, PCAs, custodians, cafeteria workers, etc. WE all created the atmosphere that was Harrold Middle School where everyone was cared for and valued.”

All Relics Courtesy of Jim Steeley

Random, leftover trophies that have been at Harrold for years

Copies of school newspaper (1940)

hangs in the halls of Harrold.

Jim Steeley’s Harrold jacket from 1983-1985

Harrold Banner presented by the class of 1936

HASD Foundation Funds Awards Annual Scholarships and Educational Grants

For more than a decade, the Hempfield Area School District Scholarship and Charitable Foundation Funds (HASD Foundation Funds) have supported teaching and learning through college scholarships to Hempfield alumni and grants to classroom teachers for innovative projects. More than $68,000 has been awarded to deserving students and teachers since 2011. This includes nearly $20,000 in scholarships to academically outstanding graduating senior students and more than $48,000 for educational grants to teachers, and special District projects that drive innovative teaching and learning. None of this impact would be possible without the generosity of our donors near and far. Hundreds of teachers donate monthly to the Foundation Funds and hundreds more community members who live in, work in, graduated from or have ties to Hempfield Area School District support through regular donations to the Funds. Every contribution counts and goes right back into the hands of deserving students and teachers.

about tHe foundation fundS

The Hempfield Area School Board created two Foundation Funds in 2011, one to support student scholarship (Scholarship Foundation Fund) and one to support grants and special district projects (Charitable Foundation Fund.) These Hempfield Area School District (HASD) Scholarship and Charitable Foundation Funds are intended to aid district students and teachers by providing support beyond what is available through state and local funding. Money from the Foundation Funds supports those initiatives that fall outside the district budget – initiatives that would otherwise not be funded.

The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County (CFWC), an affiliate of The Pittsburgh Foundation which is one of the country's oldest and largest community foundations, was chosen to invest and manage the HASD Foundation Funds. CFWC provides support and advice in all legal matters, awarding scholarships and grants, raising funds and establishing successful practices to ensure that the HASD Foundation Funds endure to support future generations.

All contributions are tax-deductible and used only in the Hempfield Area School District to benefit its students and enhance district initiatives. The Funds are governed by a volunteer committee that includes several community members (many Hempfield Area alumni), a representative from the Hempfield Area Education Association, two school board members, the district superintendent, and the business manager.

Join us! The Foundation Funds Committee is charged with meeting three - six times per year to decide on scholarship, educational grant, and special project awardees and organize fundraisers.The Foundation Funds Committee is seeking interested community members who want to help. We especially encourage alumni or parents of graduates to consider joining their team. Membership applications are on the district webpage at www.hasdpa.net.

Would you like to have a big impact on the future of Hempfield and our community? Become a supporter today. You may choose to designate your gift to either the Scholarship or the Charitable Funds. In addition, you may opt to honor or memorialize a friend or family member.

acHieve one of our GivinG levelS:

Spartan Donations of $1,000 or more in one calendar year receive special recognition.

Royal Blue and Silver Donations of $500 to $999 in one calendar year receive special recognition.

Legacy Society

Friend of the Funds

Donations of $1 to $499 in one calendar year impact students and teachers.

A planned gift/bequest of any type impacts students and teachers in perpetuity. Talk to your attorney, financial advisor or the Foundation Funds.

tWo eaSy WayS to donate:

• By check – Write your check to CFWC/HASD (either to the Scholarship or Charitable Fund) and mail it to HASD Foundation Funds, 4347 Route 136, Greensburg, PA 15601

• By credit card – Go to www. cfwestmoreland.org/giveHempfield or scan the QR code on this page and click “Donate now.” Choose the Foundation Fund (Scholarship or Charitable) to which you wish to donate and complete the necessary information. You can even arrange for a monthly credit card donation to be automatically deducted for the Foundation.

WESTMORELAND CLEANWAYS AND RECYCLING

355 Pleasant Unity Mutual Road, Greensburg, PA 15601

724-879-4020

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 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

As of June 2023, Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling is now accepting plastic bags and wrap. We are excited each and every time a new material is added to the Westmoreland Cleanways lineup, but plastic bags and wrap especially so. Like all plastics made from fossil fuels, plastic bags and plastic wrap don’t biodegrade either in a landfill or as litter. Instead, they break down and become microplastics which have been detected in marine organisms from plankton to whales, birds, terrestrial animals, in drinking water and even in the human body. We do encourage residents to reduce and reuse, as those are better behaviors for the environment. However, in our throwaway society that is not always easy to do. Recycling plastic bags and wrap is a MUCH better alternative than landfilling the items or allowing the plastic to become litter.

Other acceptable materials include: plastic containers, 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).

BI-MONTHLY 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 the 1st and 3rd 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

PROHIBITED ITEMS:

• Explosives, Ammunition

• Radioactive Materials

• Pharmaceuticals

• Syringes

• Putties

• Adhesives

• Glues

• Wood/Metal Finishing Products

• Water Sealers

• Household Cleaning Agents

• Herbicides/Pesticides

• Medical Waste

• Smoke Detectors

• Mercury Containing Devices

• 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**

Separate material as follows for ease in unloading vehicles: Cash, debit/credit and checks accepted

Plastics: #1-7 CONTAINERS ONLY, rinse out food and chemical residue, (NO straws, buckets, toys, pipes, or rigid plastic) NO

Vinyl siding: 4 ft. or smaller in length

Glass bottles and jars: CLEAN, Remove lids and corks, metal lids can by recycled with scrap metal

Sort into three groups: clear, brown, and then green and blue together

Refrigerant-containing Appliances (frig, freezers, A/C, dehumidifiers, etc.):

Scrap Metal (non-refrigerant appliances, propane tanks, gas grills, lawn mowers, car parts, tools, misc.):

Must be Recycled by Law: (anything directly connected to a computer system): Whole, Intact, Complete TVs all types CRT tube; flat screen, plasma, rear projection, consoles

EPS (expanded polystyrene) # 6 Foam (commonly known as Styrofoam) CLEAN OFF ALL FOOD RESIDUE):

· White Block Packaging Foam, Coolers

· Colored and white food service trays (cups, plates, grocery store trays, egg cartons, fast food containers

NOT RECYCLABLE: Packing peanuts, Rigid foam sheet insulation typically used in construction; “Spongey” block packaging, wreath bases

Tires (* Members receive a discount)

Passenger/Light Truck Tires: $4.00 Off Rim/$5.00 On Rim*

Tractor Trailer: $15.00 Off Rim/ $18.00 On Rim*

Agricultural/farm tractor: $80.00*

Highway/construction/heavy equipment: $80.00*

Bulbs and Fixtures: Ballasts (PCB or non-PCB)

each Tanning bed bulbs

Specialty bulbs: CFLs luorescent tubes 4ft or smaller, u-bend, halogen, HID, high pressure sodium, LED, etc. $1.00 each Fluorescent tubes 8ft or longer

Plastic Bags and Plastic Wrap, clean dry and free of any residue

Store bags

Produce/Bread bags

Ice bags

Reclosable bags

Cereal box liners

Case overwrap

Cardboard (corrugated, chip board, cereal boxes) Books (hard and softback) Sorted Office Paper (white; staples and paperclips OK)

Not Accepted:

· Household trash

· Batteries: single use, alkaline, rechargeable household and tool batteries, loose lithium ion laptop batteries, etc.*

· Furniture: wood, fabric, mattresses, box springs, toilets

· Incandescent Light Bulbs

· Ink/toner cartridges

· Paints, Household Hazardous Waste*

Newspaper sleeves

Dry cleaning bags

Bubble wrap/Plastic mailers

Newspaper (black and white, color inserts)

Mixed paper (file folders, junk mail, magazines, phone books) Coroplast signs (corrugated plastic signs)

· Pianos, organs

· Medical Equipment

· Small appliances (coffee pots, blenders, mixers, lamps)

· Vacuum cleaners, rug scrubbers, dishwashers

· Specialty Glass: window/sheet glass, ceramics, mirrors, Pyrex, candles, Plug-in air fresheners

· Bags that are net/mesh, degradable/compostable or for frozen food, pre-washed salad candy/chip bags, mulch, soil, pet food, or 6-pack rings,

*Noble Environmental is on-site 1st and 3rd Wednesday of month, collecting Household Hazardous Waste, paints and batteries at $0.80/lb. (credit cards only)

Drop off plastic bags and wrap at Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling

General Public:

Mondays: Noon - 5pm

Wednesdays: 8am - 1pm

Fridays: 8am - 1pm

2nd Saturdays: 8:30am—Noon

EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS

Along with operating a Recycling Center, part of our mission is to educate Westmoreland County residents on proper waste disposal—waste reduction, recycling, composting and the importance of not littering. We offer free educational programs to students, youth groups, and adult groups. Please consider scheduling a FREE educational presentation. Visit our website for a complete list of presentation topics and/or contact the office for more information.

Businesses/Large volume generators:

Tuesdays: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Thursdays: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Call to schedule an appointment.

HAVE THE PARTY BUT REMEMBER TO KEEP IT CLEAN!

Westmoreland Cleanways promotes recycling at special events and outdoor spaces. We offer a loaner program in which recycling 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 football or soccer season. Please 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/ Independence Health System: (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.

Exciting Changes at the Library

Greensburg Hempfield Area Library is proud to announce being one of only six libraries from across the state of Pennsylvania to be awarded a Family Place Library™ grant this year. This national initiative supports public libraries as they build on the knowledge that good health, early learning, parental involvement, and supportive communities play a critical role in a young child's growth and development. It establishes them as the community center for all of these elements to come together in one convenient location.

This means GHAL will be expanding its existing programs and services for children and families. This fall, Library staff will be working to expand the play space area for children and families. The “Play with Me—It’s the Key Interactive Family Play Space” will include a kitchen, train table, and new doll house, among others. Once complete, families and children will be welcome to come and enjoy the area any time the Library is open.

Families also will benefit from the Family Place Library™ resources. A new five-week program dubbed “Play. Learn. Connect.” purposely will focus on strengthening family

Rewards for Reading

Do you Beanstack? This free app, paid for by the Library, allows patrons of all ages to sign up for GHAL’s reading challenges. This easy-to-use app helps keep track of time spent reading, listening to eBooks or being read to. It also stores books and activities completed as well as streaks, reviews, and rewards. It’s a great tool to encourage reading at any age!

The All-Year Challenge continues this fall as well as the Fall Reading Challenge which begins Monday, September 25 and runs through Monday, December 11. Simply download the free Beanstack app from Google Play or the Apple App Store; create an account; add family members; log time spent reading; complete fun activities; collect virtual badges; and earn raffle tickets for great prizes.

Also using the Beanstack app, families can participate in the free One Thousand Books Before Kindergarten Program. This challenge is specifically for children who have not started Kindergarten. Children can be enrolled

bonds; encouraging learning through hands-on play; providing on-site, professional support from local child and human service organizations for caregivers; and offering just the right amount of information at the right time as to not overwhelm caregivers with a bunch of information that may not be pertinent to their situation. Each session will address a different topic which may include early literacy, speech and language, development and hearing, nutrition, play and movement, and child development and parenting.

Likewise, GHAL’s new “Parenting Collection” will allow caregivers to find parenting advice, tips, research, and scholarly material on a variety of topics and challenges that may arise when raising children. As always, the Library’s programs and resources are offered free of charge.

“The Library recognizes and prioritizes the essential importance of early childhood literacy and development when children’s brains are developing rapidly and they’re gaining cognitive, social, emotional and language skills. Healthy development in the early years of life, particularly from birth to 5 years of age, provides the building blocks needed for a lifetime of well-being and educational success,” said Library Director Jamie Falo.

at any age and at any time during the year. Families keep track of how many times they read aloud to their child with a goal of 1,000 books before the child starts school. Children will earn free books as the program continues. Special activities and parties will be held throughout the year to celebrate the young “readers.” Don’t worry! It doesn’t have to be 1,000 different books. Reading the same book over and over is perfectly okay and, actually, beneficial. By beginning to read to your child at/near birth, it only takes one book per day to surpass the program goal. Books your child listens to in story time, at preschool, or even audiobooks count toward the goal.

Free Programs All Fall

GHAL will continue to offer many great programs and story times at its Greensburg and Youngwood locations for youth ages birth through 18. All library programs are free, but most require registration. Fall program registration will begin Monday, August 28 at 6:00 a.m. Those shown here are just a small sample of the programs being offered this fall. Please visit ghal.org to learn more and register.

FAMILY MAKER DAYS CONTINUE!

Saturdays: 9/16, 10/7, 11/4, 12/16 • 1:00 to 3:00 pm

For all ages

One Saturday a month try out a bunch of exciting Maker Space activities and equipment for the whole family. Building, sewing, crafting, electronics, designing, and making stuff are just some examples of the kind of Maker activities. No registration required.

BABY LAP-SIT STORY TIME

Ages 5 months through 17 months.

Thursdays, 9/21 through 11/30 (no story time 11/23) from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.

This story time is just for babies and their caregiver. Stories, songs and rhymes for the littlest library friends. Registration required.

TODDLER STORY TIMES

Ages 18 months through 35 months (three options).

Tuesdays, 9/19 through 11/28 from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.; OR Wednesdays, 9/20-11/29 from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.; OR Thursdays, 9/21-11/30 (no story time 11/23) from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. This special story time is just for toddlers. Have some fun with songs, movement and stories. Please bring a blanket and stuffed animal with you each week. Each story time during the same week at GHAL will be the same; please choose one per week to attend. Registration required.

READ TO SUCCEDD: PRESCHOOL EDITION

Ages 4 to 5 years.

Mondays, 9/25, 10/30, 11/27, 12/18 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Join this fun program for preschoolers! Each week, children explore a different theme with a fun story that the registered child gets to take home and keep, games, activities, and a craft. This program is designed to expose preschoolers to foundational skills needed for kindergarten success

Save the dates

The Library Libations fundraiser returns on Friday, October 6! Pennsylvania Avenue will shut down for the can’t miss event of the year: Wine and Dine on the Center Line. Hosted by GHAL’s board of trustees, attendees will celebrate the Family Place Library™ title and be treated to a red-carpet entrance, VIP reception and cocktail hour, silver service dinner, silent auction, gift bags, and more. For tickets, email gre.fund@ WLNonline.org

GHAL’s Annual Fall Family Frolic and Food Truck Festival Fundraiser (aka- the Pumpkin Patch Walk) will be back at the Library on Saturday, October 21!

The evening of Friday, November 3 is sure to thrill crime-solving sleuths! GHAL is holding a murder mystery fundraiser party dubbed “Blood on the Books.” Tickets will be available soon.

including honing fine motor skills; recognizing their names, letters, numbers and shapes; and counting objects. Because skills learned are built upon from session to session, weekly participation is required. Please register only if you are able to commit to attending the four sessions. This program will be taught by a local kindergarten teacher. Registration required.

LEGO CHALLENGE CLUB

Ages 6 to 11 years.

Tuesdays, 9/5, 10/3, 11/7, 12/12 from 6: 00 to 7:00 p.m.

Get ready… get set… build! Use LEGOs and your own creative know-how to tackle a fun new challenge each session. What can you create? It might be a disaster island, your own golf hole, or a stellar zoo habitat. Registration required.

EARLY READER BOOK CLUB

Ages 6 to 9 years. Wednesdays, 9/27, 10/25, 11/29 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Get excited about reading! This book club is bursting with games, activities, and crafts. Each month there will be a special theme. Everyone will choose and read their own book related to that theme. Then, they’ll share what they read and have lots of fun with games crafts and activities. Registration is required.

TWEEN BOOK CLUB

Ages 9 through 12 years. Wednesdays, 9/20, 10/18, 11/15, 12/20 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Calling all readers! Come hang out with the best book club around! When you join this book club, you’ll get to choose the themes you read about and the activities that you do. What kind of activities? You’ll help decide… maybe candy making, completing an escape room, or something else. Participants will bring a book to share based on a monthly theme. Contact the library to find out this month’s theme. Registration required. 724-837-5620

Last year’s wreath decorating content and raffle was so popular, GHAL is bringing it back this November. Watch for announcements regarding deadlines for registration, wreath entry and drop off, voting, raffle ticket sales, and announcement of winners.

Be sure to visit the annual Library Winter Wonderland during downtown Greensburg’s Luminary Night on December 7!

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