Greensburg, PA 15601-9310 (724) 834-7232 • www.hempfieldtwp.com
Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors
R. Douglas Weimer Chairman dweimer@hempfieldtwp.org
Bill Bretz Vice-Chair bbretz@hempfieldtwp.org
Jay Anderson Treasurer janderson@hempfieldtwp.org
George Reese Supervisor greese@hempfieldtwp.org
Tom Logan Supervisor tlogan@hempfieldtwp.org
Township Staff
Aaron K. Siko Township Manager / Secretary asiko@hempfieldtwp.org
Austin Erhard Director of Public Works aerhard@hempfieldtwp.org
Lloyd N. Fait Director of Finance lfait@hempfieldtwp.org
Marissa R. Haynes Director of Parks & Recreation mhaynes@hempfieldtwp.org
Anthony J. Kovacic Township Fire Chief & Director of Emergency Services akovacic@hempfieldtwp.org
Celebrating Supervisor Tom Logan’s 18 Years of Service
Hempfield Township proudly recognizes Supervisor Tom Logan as he retires after 18 years of dedicated service to our community. Serving since 2008, Tom has been a steady, trusted leader whose commitment to public service has shaped the Township in meaningful ways. In addition to his long tenure on the Board of Supervisors, Tom devoted many years to serving as the Township’s Treasurer, providing careful oversight of Hempfield’s finances and ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
Throughout his service, Tom’s thoughtful decisionmaking and genuine care for residents have earned him deep respect from colleagues, staff, and the community. The Township also extends sincere appreciation to his wife, Joann Logan, and the entire Logan family for their support throughout his many years in public office.
As Tom begins this next chapter, we offer our heartfelt thanks and wish him and his family health, happiness, and a well-deserved retirement. His leadership and contributions will continue to benefit Hempfield for years to come.
George Reese Supervisor
Tom Logan Supervisor
Doug Weimer Chairman
Bill Bretz Vice-Chairman
Jay Anderson Treasurer
Hempfield Area School District
4347 State Route 136, Greensburg, PA 15601 (724) 834-2590
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 Board of Directors
Jerry Radebaugh Board President radebaughj@hasdpa.net
Dr. Scott Learn Vice President learns@hasdpa.net
Jennifer Krivus Secretary krivusj@hasdpa.net
Michael Alfery Board Member alferym@hasdpa.net
Dr. Mark Holtzman Superintendent holtzmanm@hasdpa.net
All meetings are held at the Hempfield Township Municipal Building
Jennifer Bretz Board Member bretzj@hasdpa.net
Diane Ciabattoni Board Member ciabattonid@hasdpa.net
Vince DeAugustine Board Member deaugustinev@hasdpa.net
Tracy Miller Board Member millert@hasdpa.net
School District Staff
Dr. Matthew R. Conner Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education connerm@hasdpa.net
Dr. Jamie Schmidt Director of Innovation, Strategic Partnerships, & Safety schmidtj@hasdpa.net
JANUARY
MARCH
Jennifer Stape Board Member stapej@hasdpa.net
Paul Ward Board Member wardp@hasdpa.net
Krisha DiMascio School Board Solicitor dimasciok@hasdpa.net
Paul Schott Business Manager schottp@hasdpa.net
Robert M. Reger Director of Human Resources regerr@hasdpa.net
T2026 Township BudgeT
Keeping Taxes Low, Investing Wisely
he 2026 Hempfield Township Budget shows a year of disciplined financial management amid rising costs and tightening revenues. Inflation continues to affect everything from asphalt and equipment to insurance and utilities, while long-term obligations like pensions and healthcare steadily grow. Through careful planning, operational efficiency, and measured investment, the Township remains focused on keeping taxes low for our residents and delivering the high level of service the community expects.
Despite receiving only a small share of each tax dollar, the Township serves over 41,000 residents, maintains over 265 miles of roadway and 66 bridges, supports 10 fire stations, and maintains 3 parks and a growing network of public facilities serving the entire community.
For example, Public Works now relies on datadriven software to guide paving schedules and stormwater maintenance. Parks and Recreation has implemented cost recovery measures and expanded community partnerships to support programs and events. Public Safety continues to modernize equipment and staffing structures, while Finance and Administration have streamlined accounting systems and improved cash management to maximize limited revenues.
The 2026 Capital Budget anticipates more than $15 million in funding for projects that sustain long-term community value. Projects such as the Sheraton Drive intersection improvements, SCI Greensburg redevelopment, continued work on the Hempfield Municipal Complex, and Hempfield Park enhancements are approached strategically to balance cost with opportunity and leverage $5.8 million in grant funding.
"Every dollar is working harder than ever."
The Township’s every dollar is working harder than ever. Fuel, materials, and labor costs continue to climb, while revenues have largely plateaued. Departments have reviewed operations in order to trim costs where possible.
For every dollar you pay in property taxes, just two pennies stay with Hempfield Township.
Hempfield Township Hempfield
Hempfield’s Aa2 Moody’s credit rating and decades of balanced financial performance demonstrate the Township’s steady hand. As costs rise and economic conditions shift, leadership continues to prioritize stability, transparency, and responsibility. Hempfield Township is tightening its belt, protecting its core services, and investing wisely in the future all while keeping taxes low for residents.
Hempfield Township 1132 Woodward Drive Greensburg, PA 15601-9310
724-834-7232
HempfieldTwp.com
Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
PLANNING A PROJECT?
If you are planning on constructing a fence or wall, your project may require a building permit from the Hempfield Township Community Development Department. Building permits can be applied for online via the Township Service Center. Here a few other things to consider with fences and walls.
• A retaining wall, four feet and above, will require a building permit and engineered drawings.
• Any fence will require a building permit.
• Fences may be constructed up to the property line; however, it is strongly recommended to set back any fence from the property line for easy maintenance.
• Fences shall be setback a minimum of 5 feet from any road, public or private, and 5 feet from any fire hydrant.
• Fences may be 6-feet in height in any side or rear yard; however, may not be more than 4-feet in height in any front yard.
WINTER PROPERTY MAINTENANCE UPDATES
DID YOU KNOW?
All of the Township’s Codes are available online! Every chapter of the Code of Hempfield Township is available to view online. Users of the ECODE 360 platform can easily review, save, and print every section of the code book, including zoning and fire ordinances, and much more! Follow the QR code to get started today!
WANT TO OPEN A BUSINESS?
The Community Development Department is here to help. We can assist business owners with ensuring compliance with applicable zoning regulations, obtaining occupancy permits and assist in the land development or building permit process. If you're looking to start a business in 2026, please reach out!
As the snowflakes start to fly, please be aware that during snow events we ask residents to not park on the streets to allow our Public Works employees the room they need to keep our roads clear. If we do come across a vehicle impeding the roadway you may get a visit from one of our friendly Code Officers asking you to move your vehicle, and we would appreciate it if you could do so in a timely manner. Failure to do so may result in a ticket.
Recreational fires are permitted so long as they are contained in a stone/steel ring, fire pit, or other means designed for recreational purposes.
Burning fall leaves?
Residents are welcome to burn yard waste and twigs on Saturdays between the hours of 8am and 2pm. Fires are required to be a minimum of 25 feet away from any other combustible materials, and 30 feet from any property line. Additionally, they need to be tended by an individual throughout the duration of the burn and have a water supply closely available. No non-yard waste materials are permitted to be burned.
Residents are welcome to burn yard waste and twigs on Saturdays between the hours of 8am and 2pm. Fires are required to be a minimum of 25 feet away from any other combustible materials, and 30 feet from any property line. Additionally, they need to be tended by an individual throughout the duration of the burn and have a water supply closely available. No non-yard waste materials are permitted to be burned.
Looking to Build?
Permits are required to build sheds, fences, pools, additions, accessory structures, etc. If you have any questions relating to building or if your project requires a permit, please reach out to our department at 724-834-7232.
Hands on Hempfield SPRING CLEAN-UP DAY
1284
Rt.66 Greensburg, PA 15601
Motor home, camper, and recreational vehicle Safety
Motor homes, campers, and recreational vehicles are used for living and traveling. Each year, fires in them cause deaths, injuries, and millions of dollars in damages. Fires can start in the kitchen. They can start in the engine area. Sometimes the fires are electrical. With a few simple safety tips you can help prevent these fires from happening.
SAFETY
TIPS
• Install smoke alarms. Make sure they work.
• Stay in the kitchen while you cook. Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop.
• Only use one heat-producing appliance plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time. Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet.
• Refrigerators, furnaces, ovens and stovetops use propane. Check them for leaks. Keep an updated gas leak detector on board.
• Have your propane system inspected to make sure it still works properly.
• Know two ways out. Make sure windows open easily.
• Have everyone practice the home fire escape plan.
• Do not keep camping heaters and lanterns on while sleeping.
• Before setting up a campfire, make sure it is allowed.
• If campfires are allowed, they need to be at least 25 feet away from anything that can burn.
• Have your vehicle serviced by a qualified mechanic.
• Keep a portable fire extinguisher on board. Only adults who know how to operate it should use it. Only use it if the fire is small and can be contained. Make sure everyone else is leaving. Make sure someone is calling the fire department.
Carbon Monoxide Awareness
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas. You cannot see it. You cannot taste it. You cannot smell it. CO poisoning can result from leaks in the exhaust. It can happen because of improper use of appliances. Sometimes CO comes from another vehicle. Make sure you have a working CO alarm.
FACT
When the vehicle is used as a structure, the most common area for these fires to start is the kitchen or cooking area. This is followed by the engine area, running gear, or wheel area. Check for safety inside and outside of the vehicle.
Quick! Secure!
COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION PLATFORM
The Hempfield Emergency Management Agency has been using NIXLE platform for many years. While we have many residents already signed up to get the alerts, we want to expand that number and encompass as many residents as we can. The purpose of the NIXLE platform is to keep those signed up informed of major issues or advisories that are affecting Hempfield Township and allow them to be better prepared in case of emergencies.
By signing up for the Nixle Platform you are helping us to expand communications between the Hempfield Township Emergency Management Agency/
Hempfield Fire Department and community; increase public safety and awareness; and have a more informed and prepared township!
The NIXLE platform provides us
neighborhood level information to residents. Nixle is the most precise, neighborhood-level, geo-targeted system available. Residents can choose to receive the information through e-mail, text-messaging or web access. If users have a cell phone plan with “unlimited” texts, it won’t cost them anything. If not, standard text-messaging rates will apply. There are no other costs involved in subscribing.
Registration is simple, quick and secure. Nixle protects the privacy of its users and does
information to third parties. Nixle’s website is very informative and provides answers
residents may have and
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - APPLY TODAY
PUBLIC WORKS
WINTER & SNOW-SEASON REMINDERS
As we head into the fall and winter months, Hempfield Township would like to remind residents of a few important seasonal policies and practices. These guidelines help keep our roads safe, maintain efficient public works operations, and ensure that everyone can navigate winter weather as smoothly as possible.
Hempfield Public Works does not provide in-house pickup for electronics, hazardous waste, brush, or leaves. These services are handled at no cost to residents by County Hauling. To schedule a pickup of electronics or hazardous waste, residents may call (724) 929-7694 and select extension 2. Yard waste will be collected on your regular trash collection day. All loose leaves, grass clippings, and other yard debris should be placed in biodegradable bags. Limbs and branches must be cut and bundled into lengths of four feet or less to ensure proper collection. Following these guidelines helps keep waste collection safe and efficient throughout the colder months.
During the winter, residents are also asked to be mindful of snow emergency routes, which are in effect from November through April. Parking is restricted along these routes so that snowplows and treatment vehicles can clear the roadways effectively. Even on streets that are not officially designated as snow emergency routes, residents are strongly encouraged to avoid parking on the street whenever possible. Parked vehicles limit the maneuverability of plows, which can delay snow removal and reduce the quality of roadway treatment. This is especially true in culde-sacs, where space is limited. If vehicles block
access to a street or cul-de-sac, it may not be possible for crews to fully clear the roadway.
When shoveling or plowing your driveway, it is important not to push or throw snow into the street. This creates safety hazards and can undo the work of the plow crews. Instead, shovel snow onto the curb line or another area of your property that will not interfere with traffic. If possible, try to clear the end of your driveway after the plows have made their final “widening pass,” which will help minimize the chance of additional snow being pushed back across your driveway entrance.
Throughout the winter and early spring, Hempfield Public Works crews continue to perform regular maintenance across the Township. In addition to snow and ice control, this work includes catch basin repairs, pipe replacements, right-of-way clearing, and road surface repairs. Residents are encouraged to report roadway concerns such as potholes, drainage issues, or damaged signs through the Township’s website at www.hempfieldtwp. org. Simply click the “Report a Concern” button to submit an issue directly to our Public Works team.
Westmoreland County averages roughly 34 inches of snow each year, which is higher than the national average. With that volume, snow and ice events are a routine part of our winter season. By following these guidelines—keeping streets clear of parked vehicles, properly handling snow removal at home, and reporting maintenance issues promptly—residents play an essential role in keeping our community
Giving And Sponsorships
GIVE A GIFT THAT LASTS A LIFETIME!
As Hempfield Parks & Recreation facilities continue to grow, we invite community-minded individuals to make a gift of their choosing to the Hempfield Parks Fund. The Fund, housed 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.
Giving Commitment Form
NAME OF INDIVIDUAL / COMPANY / ORGANIZATION
PHONE
ADDRESS
CONTACT PERSON
EMAIL
League & Camp Sponsorship
League & Camp sponsorships help the department continue to provide these opportunities to all by supporting the programming, facility, and staff costs. Sponsors will be recognized in the description of the program and event with their logo for the whole year, as well as in promotion before and during the program. This is a great way to promote your business to a wide community audience!
Event Sponsorship
Hempfield Township offers many special events that welcome thousands of community members to the parks. By participating in an Event Sponsorship, your business will be seen by thousands in the community.
Choose a special event and Sponsorship level for great results for your business and the community!
WEBSITE
Donations can also be mailed directly to the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County at 41 W Otterman Street Suite 520 Greensburg, PA 15601.
CHOOSE YOUR LEAGUE & CAMP SPONSORSHIP LEVEL:
⚪ ACORN
$250 - $999
⚪ SPROUT $1,000 - $1,999 ⚪ TREE $2,500+
SELECT ONE ⚪ Summer Day Camp ⚪ League: _______________
SELECT YOUR LEVEL AND EVENT:
⚪ presenting
$1,000
Logo on event materials, logo & link on social media and/ or website, vendor booth space, title sponsorship and additional perks ⚪ Gold
⚪ Egg Stravaganza (Spring)
⚪ Date with Daddy Dance (Spring)
⚪ Fall Family Festival (Fall)
⚪ BENCH • $1,500
$500 - $999
Logo on event materials, name & link on social media and/or website, vendor booth space
Legacy Donation
Legacy benches are available to donors seeking to support the park, or honor someone’s legacy. Each sponsor will receive a permanently mounted bronze plaque with their message or logo at their choice of Hempfield Township-owned park.
⚪ silver
$101 - $499
Name on event materials, name on social media and/or website, vendor booth space
⚪ Light Up the Park (Winter)
⚪ Amp Up Your Summer Concert Series (Summer) (Presenting or Gold only; 8 available)
⚪ TREE • $300
Legacy trees are available to donors seeking to support the park, or honor someone’s legacy. Each donor receives a 5” x 8” cast aluminum plaque mounted on a 24” aluminum stake at their choice of Hempfield Township-owned park.
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING? ⚪ Contact me about volunteering opportunities
⚪ OPTION 1
Invoice
⚪ OPTION 2
Enclosed is my gift of $ .00
Hempfield Township Parks and Recreation will contact you with final details for any necessary logos or verbiage. Please make all checks payable to Hempfield Parks and Recreation Fund and mail form and check to Hempfield Township Parks and Recreation 1132 Woodward Drive Greensburg, PA 15601.
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 1/10thof-a-mile indoor walking track, three multipurpose athletic courts, and a new vending area.
HEMPFIELD PARKS AND RECREATION
HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP PARKS & REC OFFICE:
» Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
» Closed: New Years Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving & Christmas Day
HEMPFIELD PARK:
» April 1st – October 31st
» Open Daily from Dawn - Dusk
HTAC FACILITY USAGE RESTRICTIONS
FOUNDER'S PARK:
» Open Year Round
» Water Features On May - October
HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP PARKS AND RECREATION AT WESTMORELAND MALL:
Open during programming. Check calendar for class times and schedule. Subject to change and dependent on Mall operating hours.
» Children 0 -13 do not need a membership but must be accompanied by a parent/guardian in the facility at all times.
» All individuals 14 and older MUST have a membership.
» Minors age 14 – 17 must have a parent with a membership present to obtain a membership.
» November 1st - march 31st: Mon-Sat 8am-10pm ⋅ Sun 8am-8pm
» Closed: New Years Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
» Adjusted hours on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve
HTAC INDOOR WALKING TRACK
The HTAC Indoor Walking Track is a great place to get exercise while staying out of the elements. Walking is free with membership. Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM the track is designated for walkers ONLY.
RENTAL OPTIONS (fees subject to change)
$5 per entry (required for anyone 5+)
$60/hour per court for residents. $80/hour per court for nonHempfield residents.
To reserve courts, contact kharrell@hempfieldtwp.org
$200 for 3 hour Birthday Party Rental: Rental includes tables, chairs, bleachers and variety sports equipment (dodge balls, kickballs etc.) for up to 32 children.
Courts rentals are done no further than 6 months in advance.
Full building rentals are available. Contact us for more information.
All payments required at time of reservation.
HTAC MEMBERSHIP
Hempfield Residents: fRee! Military ID: fRee!
Non-Hempfield Residents: $20.00
Non-Hempfield Resident Seniors (55+): $10.00
Anyone accessing 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 main desk during business hours and are free to Hempfield Township residents. Membership cards MUST be present to scan upon arrival to the facility. Reprint of lost cards are available for $5.
ADULT (18+) PICK-UP SPORTS SCHEDULE
(NOVEMBER - MARCH ONLY); Subject to change without notice
SOCCER
MONDAYS, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
ADULT PICK UP – PICKLEBALL (INDOOR)
MONDAY – FRIDAY, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
TUESDAYS, 8:00 PM – 10:00PM (November & December ONLY)
FRIDAYS, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM (January-March)
All other times are set aside for Open-Court Play, rentals or Township authorized activities. During Open-Court play, courts are first come first serve. Court usage times and rules are subject to change at the discretion of the Hempfield Township Department of Parks and Recreation.
ADULT PICK UP PICKLEBALL RULES
Membership Required and $5.00 Open Court Fee
The following rules are in place to provide equal and fair opportunities for all players
VENDING MACHINES INSIDE THE ATHLETIC COMPLEX!
New Vending Machines Available with snacks, games and essentials. HTAC Lobby - Credit Card only.
HEMPFIELD PARK FACILITIES
FIELD RATES
Listed below are our rates for hosting a practice, game, tournament, or even just a gathering at one of our fields!
Field requests begin on March 2nd and the fields will be open starting April 1st
Pickleball Courts (2 Courts)
PAVILIONS
Pavilion rentals will begin on January 5th at 8:30 AM for Hempfield Township residents and January 12th for non-residents. Reservations available online or in person at the Hempfield Township Athletic Complex (220 Forbes Trail Road Greensburg, PA 15601). Pavilion Rentals are available from April 1st - October 31st.
Ask us about our pavilion add-ons such as picnic bags, tables, and chairs! There is a $75 refundable security deposit upon your reservation.
FOUNDERS PARK (Hempfield Municipal Complex)FACILITIES
RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES
Join us at our new park with your future parties and events! For any other rental questions/ inquires, please reach out to the Parks office for more information! There is a $75 refundable security deposit upon your reservation.
Junior Camp: Incoming 1st – 3rd Graders
Senior Camp: Incoming 4th – 6th Graders
Teen Adventure Camp: Incoming 7th – 9th Graders
March 25 at 5:00pm
Dates to Remember
Camper Information Session at the Westmoreland Mall
8AUGUST 14
- FRI 9am-4pm
LONG
Summer Day Camp Includes:
⭐ Daily Morning & Afternoon Snacks
⭐ Camp Shirt (Additional Shirts $10)
⭐ Weekly Crafts & Projects
March 31
Themes & Field Trips Posted
⭐ Weekly Themes
⭐ Visitors & Parties
⭐ Weekly Pool or Splash Pad Trips
April 1 Registration Opens for Hempfield Residents
⭐ Weekly Field Trips
⭐ Lunch Monday & Friday
June 5 at 4:00pm Meet the Counselor Night (Registrants Only) at HTAC
SQUARE Form Checklist: Due 1-week prior to camper's first day Forms can be found at www.hempfieldtwp.com/326/Summer-Day-Camp after April 1st or with registration receipt.
Registration
Camper enrollment is based on the 2026/27 school year.
Camp registration will begin on Wednesday, APRIL 1 at 8:30 AM for Hempfield Residents (Wednesday, April 8 for non-residents). Registration can be completed online or in person at the Hempfield Township Athletic Complex.
FULL CAMP REGISTRATION
Enrollment in all 10-weeks of Summer Day camp!
RESIDENT CAMPERS
$1,600 per camper (Only $32/day!)
NON-RESIDENT CAMPERS
$2,000 per camper (Only $40 per day!)
PARTIAL CAMP REGISTRATION
Weekly registration 3 days minimum
RESIDENT CAMPERS
$180 per camper
NON-RESIDENT CAMPERS
$200 per camper
Future Camp Counselors
Apply online at www.hempfieldtwp.com > I Want to Find > Job Opportunities.
Need a summer job! Love kids! Join our dynamic statt for the summer! Applications for Summer Day Camp Staff will be available on Monday, January 5, 2026. Want to learn more about the job? Come to the Counselor Information Session on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at the Storefront at the Westmoreland Mall.
Positions include: Camp Assistant, Head Camp Counselor, Summer Day Camp Counselor, and Camp Crew
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT:
5% off of FULL CAMP registration (does not apply to partial camp registration) until April 15th
SIBLING DISCOUNT:
25% off FULL CAMP registration each registrant after the 1st child. Siblings must reside in the same household (does not apply to partial camp or Early & Late Care registration).
EARLY DROP OFF & LATE PICK UP
Offered for an additional $30.00 Per Week. Must Register.
Stay Active with Parks & Recreation! 2 Easy Ways to Register
EASY WAYS TO REGISTER
ONLINE
log on to: www.hempfieldtwp.com. Click on the “Parks & Recreation” button, and then click the “Register now” button. All major credit cards are accepted.
For help with online registration: phone-square 724-834-7232 ENVELOPE-SQUARE parks@hempfieldtwp.org.
IN PERSON
Register at the Hempfield Township Athletic Complex during normal operating hours. Subject to State guidelines. Check website prior to registration.
Hempfield Parks and Recreation does not accept cash payments or over-the-phone registrations.
Attention: All credit card purchases include a 3% fee + $0.30 fee for each transaction.
location Key:
HAHS: Hempfield Area High School
HMP: Hempfield Municipal Park
HP: Hempfield Park
HTAC: Hempfield Township Athletic Complex
FUN FOR ONE
FP: Founders Park (new!)
PMR: Public Meeting Room
V: Virtual
WM: Hempfield Storefront in Westmoreland Mall (Macy's Wing, lower level)
CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS
Come and spend social and recreational time with your child. Our program consists of movement, making crafts, interaction and playtime. Parent/guardian participation required.
sessiON 1
date: Fridays Jan. 30th - Mar. 27th
Time: 10:00 - 11:00AM
deadline: Jan. 23rd
TERRIFIC 2’S AND 3’S
This toddler playgroup includes various activities such as games, crafts, movement, and storytelling for fun and interaction. Parent/guardian participation required.
sessiON 1
date: Tuesdays Jan. 29th - Mar. 30th
Time: 10:00 - 11:00AM deadline: Jan 22nd
Ages: 1-2
Program registration opens for residents on September 2nd at 8:30 AM and nonresidents on September 8th at 8:30 AM Registration closes one week prior to program start. Please note, all dates and locations are SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
instructor: TBD location: WM fee: $60 R / $70 NR
sessiON 2
date: Fridays Apr. 10th - May 29th
Time: 10:00 - 11:00AM
deadline: April 3rd
Ages: 2-3
instructor: TBD
sessiON 2
date: Tuesdays Apr. 7th - May 26th
Time: 10:00 - 11:00AM deadline: March 31st
location: WM fee: $60 R / $70 NR
LITTLE ALL STARS
This parent-and-me playgroup is designed to get your little all-star moving! Through a mix of sports-themed games, movement exercises, and fun activities, children will work on coordination, agility, balance, and basic motor skills.
sessiON 1
date: Jan. 26th - Mar. 30th
Time: 12PM-1PM
deadline: Jan. 19th
MRS. B’S BABY BEES
Cuddle up for a cozy 30-minute lap-sit class filled with gentle songs, sweet stories, and snuggles. Designed for our tiniest bees and their grown-ups, this experience fosters bonding, early language development, and joyful interaction through music and storytelling.
MRS. B’S TODDLER BEES
A joyful hour of discovery! Toddlers will explore music, sensory play, arts and crafts, and movement while building early social and developmental skills. Each class invites toddlers to learn, play, and grow in a warm, welcoming hive of activity—perfect for your busy little bee.
INTRO TO MARTIAL ARTSNINJA PRESCHOOL KARATE
Come learn some superpowers! Our martial arts classes help preschool and elementary-age kids build confidence, focus, respect, and self-control—the real foundations for success in and out of school. Through fun, high-energy lessons, kids will develop coordination, balance, and discipline while learning basic martial arts skills in a supportive, encouraging environment. Each class is filled with movement, teamwork, and plenty of smiles!
instructor: Greg Dunn
Ages: 2-5
sessiON 2
date: Apr. 6th - May 25th
Time: 12PM-1PM
deadline: Mar. 30th
Ages: Up to 18 months location: WM fee: $65
location: HTAC fee: $60 R / $70 NR
date: Mondays Jan.5-Feb.9
Time: 4:30PM-5:00PM deadline: Dec. 29
Ages: 18-30 months
location: WM fee: $65
instructor: Brave Martial Arts
Ages: 4-6 Years
location: WM fee: $30 R / $40 NR
date: Mondays, Feb 2 - Feb 23
date: Mondays, Jan.5-Feb.9
Time: 5:00PM-6:00PM deadline: Dec. 29
Time: 5:45PM-6:15PM deadline: Jan 26
Talking to your aging parents about how they will spend their later years can be a difficult conversation to have. We can help, because we understand the sensitivity of the issue as well as the wide range of options available to them. Let us help start the conversation.
Brookdale Latrobe
Personal Care | Secured Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care
724-537-5255
500 Brouwers Drive, Latrobe, PA 15650
YOUTH AND TEEN PROGRAMS
MAD SCIENCE - DETECTIVE SCIENCE
In Detective Science, children use science to crack a case! The crime happens just before the Bustertown bakeoff. Mr. Baker’s big, fat, chewy, chocolate chip cookie is sabotaged and his recipe is stolen. Analyzing all evidence is what helps pinpoint the perpetrator.
MAD SCIENCE - ST. PATRICK’S DAY STEM PARTY
In this fun class, we’ll discover what the pH scale and leprechauns have in common. We’ll celebrate all things rainbows - rainbow from paper, food dyes, and universal indicator. Learn how you can make your own pH indicator with something found right in your refrigerator.
MAD SCIENCE - ROCKET SCIENCE
Join us for Rocket Science, where kids will launch their investigation of rocket propulsion using the compressed air inside balloons for thrust. The class will race balloon rockets, be challenged to devise a balloon-powered rocket car, and experiment with the fast-moving air produced by spinning propellers.
WESTMORELAND DANCE ALLIANCE
Ages: 5-12
instructor: Mad Science
location: WM
Ages: 5-12
instructor: Mad Science location: WM
dates: Jan 20
Time: 1:00 - 4:00PM fee: $35 R / $45 NR
dates: Mar 17
Time: 1:00 - 4:00PM fee: $35 R / $45 NR
Ages: 5-12
instructor: Mad Science location: WM
Dance! Dance! Dance! Get ready to Discover Dance! This program is run by the amazing facility of Westmoreland Dance Alliance. Students will learn a combination of Ballet, tap, and tumbling. These programs will take place at the Westmoreland Dance Alliance Studio at 801 N, Greengate Road, Suite 335.
KNIGHT SCHOOL PITTSBURGH ELEMENTARY CHESS
dates: May 10
Time: 6:00 - 7:30PM
$30 R / $40 NR
location: Westmoreland Dance Alliance
dates: Jan 9 - Feb 7 fee: $80 R / $90 NR
Ages: 5-11
location: WM fee: $120 R / $130 NR
Welcome to The Knight School Pittsburgh - Elementary Chess Class! Where chess and fun collide! Students will dive into an exciting world of strategy and creativity through awesome Tactix Bands, zany puzzles, and a playful yet challenging curriculum designed for young players of all skill levels. Join the chess party today and discover how learning chess can be both smart and fun! sessiON 1
date: Thursdays Jan. 15th - Feb. 19th
sessiON 2
date: Thursdays Feb. 26th - Apr. 2nd
sessiON 3
date: Thursdays April 9th - May 7th Apr. 2nd
ADULT FITNESS AND WELLNESS PROGRAMS
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.
CHAKRA YOGA
This class focuses on different Chakra every week. Focus is on yoga poses on a specific Chakra, a guided meditation, and then a reflective art project.
CHAIR YOGA
Ages: 18+
instructor: Candice Graytok location: PMR
Time: 7:00 - 8:00PM
Ages: 18+
instructor: Trisha Eliason location: WM
Chair yoga is a gentle and restorative form of yoga that is done while seared, or while using a chair for support. It modifies traditional yoga poses, such as hips, side twists, and bends, so that they can be done from a seated position. These modifications are good for seniors, those with mobility or balance issues, and individuals recovering from injuries. Make sure to dress comfortable in non-restrictive clothing. Yoga mats are not necessary as chairs will be provided.
YIN YOGA
Join us for a relaxing, all levels class that incorporates gentle movement, focused breathing and poses within your comfort zone. Work toward increasing flexibility and balance, while taking time to step out of every day stress.
INTRO TO PICKLEBALL
Pickleball is a fast, fun-paced sport that has gained popularity exponentially around the world. It combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. Students will be introduced to basic rules and shots, such as serve, return, dink, lob and volleys. One hour of skills and drills and one hour of play.
VOLLEYBALL BASICS
Skill Introduction-Underhand and Overhead Serves, Overhead passing, Setting, Forearm Passing, Spiking. For girls and boys who may wish to get involved in the middle school program.
dates: TBD
Time: 6PM-7PM fee: $40 R / $50 NR
Ages: 18+
instructor: Trisha Eliason location: WM dates: TBD Time: 11:00AM - 12:00PM fee: $40 R / $50 NR
Ages: 18+
instructor: Kathleen Connelly-Tobin
location: WM
dates: Jan 13 - Feb 3
Time: 5:30PM-6:30PM fee: $40 R / $50 NR deadline: Jan 6
Ages: 50+
instructor: Alexis Duncan
location: HTAC
Ages: 6th - 8th graders, co-ed
instructor: Sharen Watson
location: HTAC
dates: Mondays and Wednesdays Mar 2 - Apr 29
dates: TBD Time: 11:30AM - 1:30PM fee: $70 R / $80 NR
Time: 7PM-9PM fee: $60 R / $70 NR deadline: Feb 23
WORKSHOPS
GUITAR FOR NEWBIES
101
This introductory course is for those that are new to the guitar. over the course of the 4 sessions, you learn the fundamentals of guitar such as tuning terminology, basic theory, and basic chords. By the end of this course, you will be able to play several songs from what you learn.
Requirements: You must bring your own guitar. There are none to loan. Bring a pen and something to take notes on.
201
For those continuing from course 101 or still new to guitar, this 6-session series expands chord knowledge, introduces theory and exercises, and builds confidence. By the end, you'll play more songs and better understand the instrument. Guitar required. Please bring a pen and paper.
SEASONAL POP-UPS
CANDLE WORKSHOP
Ages: 12+ location: WM
Age: 6+
location: WM
date: Thursday Feb 5 – March 12 fee: $40 R/
Age: 6+
location: WM
date: Thursday Feb 5 – March 12 fee: $40 R/ $50 NR Time: 7PM-8PM insructor: Skip Cromer
Ignite your creativity—and your connection! In this fun and interactive workshop, couples will learn the art of candle making while enjoying a relaxed, romantic atmosphere. You’ll choose your favorite scents, blend your own custom candles, and create something special together to take home. Perfect for a unique date night or a cozy evening out! All materials are provided. dates: Feb 18 Time: 6PM8PM
PAINT NIGHTS WORKSHOP
Get ready for a night of creativity and connection! During Family Paint Night, families will work together on a shared canvas to create one beautiful masterpiece. No painting experience needed—our instructor will guide you step-by-step while you laugh, paint, and make lasting memories. All supplies are included; just bring your imagination and your family!
FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS WORKSHOP
Bloom into creativity! In this hands-on workshop, participants will craft both a real and a faux bouquet, learning tips and techniques for arranging flowers beautifully. Whether you love fresh blooms or want a long-lasting decorative piece, this class is perfect for expressing your creativity and taking home two gorgeous arrangements. All materials are provided!
WELCOME MAT WORKSHOP
Make your entrance unforgettable! In this hands-on workshop, participants will design and personalize their own front door welcome mat using stencils, paints, and creative techniques. Perfect for adding a warm, unique touch to your home or as a thoughtful gift. All materials are included—just bring your creativity!
VISION BOARD WORKSHOP
Vision Board; Dream it. See it. Do it! In this hands-on workshop, participants will create a personalized vision board to visualize their goals and set intentions for the year ahead. We’ll explore the Wellness Wheel to reflect on different areas of life—career, health, relationships, personal growth, and more—then guide you through writing clear, realistic goals that align with your values. All materials are provided; just bring your creativity and an open mind!
$15 R / $25 NR
Feb 11
dates: Mar 18 Time: 6PM8PM fee: $40 R / $50 NR deadline: Mar 11
dates: Apr 15
Time: 6PM8PM
dates: May 13
$25 R / $35 NR deadline: Apr 8
Time: 6PM-8PM fee: $40 R / $50 NR deadline: May 6
dates: Jan 14
Time: 6PM-8PM
$15 R / $25 NR deadline: Jan 12
BARK IN THE PARK
SPECIAL EVENTS
location: Hempfield Dog Park dates: Apr 4
Time: 10AM-1PM
fee: $0 R / $10 NR
Bring your furry friends out for a tail-wagging good time! Enjoy fun games, treats, and social time for our four-legged pals. It’s a paw-some day to celebrate our community’s pets! Vendors Wanted! We’re looking for: Pet groomers, Adoption groups & shelters, Trainers, Pet supply vendors, And more! Interested in being a vendor? Contact Hempfield Parks & Recreation at programs@hempfieldtwp.org to join the fun!
REC ON THE RUN
Stay active, have fun, and connect with your community! Rec on the Run brings quick, engaging recreational activities to parks, neighborhoods, and community Events. Enjoy games, sports, and interactive activities for all ages. Book REC on the RUN for special events like neighborhood block parties and community yard sales. Registration is required 30 days in advance of your event! Email Programs@hempfieldtwp.org for more information.
SPORTS LEAGUES
HEMPFIELD REC CO-ED SOFTBALL LEAGUE
This league is intended for Co-ed (18+). Teams are preassembled, registered by a team captain/coach. Teams will play a 8-game regular season schedule, with a seeded playoff tournament to concluded the season.
HEMPFIELD SPRING SOCCER
Volunteer Coaches needed
Ages: 18+
location: Wildflower Field
dates: Mondays and Wednesdays June 3 - July 29
If interested in coaching or have any questions, please contact gdunn@hempfieldtwp.org. U5
Born in 2021 fee $70 R / $80 NR
U6
Born in 2020 fee $70 $80
CHAIR VOLLEYBALL
U8
Born in 2019–2020 fee $95 $105
Get ready for some fun, laughter, and friendly competition! Our Chair Volleyball League is a seated, low-impact version of traditional volleyball that’s perfect for all ability levels. Played with a beach ball and a net, participants stay seated while serving, passing, and spiking their way to victory. This program is a great way to stay active, improve coordination, and enjoy teamwork in a relaxed, social environment. Gather your friends or join a team and come experience the excitement of volleyball—chair-style!
U10
Born in 2016–2017 fee $95 $105
Game start Times: 6:45PM and 8:30PM fee: $300 NR / $320 per team. Teams pay $25 umpire fee/game.
Born in 2014–2015 fee $95 $105 deadline: March 31st
U12
Ages: 55+
location: HTAC
dates: Apr. 2nd- May 21st
TRIPS
TRAVEL LUNCH BUNCH
Time: 1PM - 2PM deadline: Mar. 26th
fee: $15 R / $25 NR
Get together for lunch and adventure! Departure and arrival times dependent on locations. Cost includes transportation only.
OUT Of THe fiRe CAfe
date: Feb 10
Time: 10AM-2PM
Ages: 55+
deadline: Feb 3
fee: $25/35
sHAKespeARe
ResTAURANT ANd pUB date: March 11
Time: 10AM-2PM
Ages: 55+
deadline: March 4
fee: $35/45
leViTY BRewiNG CO.
date: April 8
Time: 10AM-2PM
Ages: 55+ deadline: April 1 fee: $25/35
leVel Up piCKleBAll ClUB
date: May 13
Time: 10AM-2PM
Ages: 50+ deadline: May 6 fee: $40/50
ONE HEARTBEAT
by Mallory Bitar, 9/26/2025
Ateam can be defined as a “group of players”, but football head coach, Nick Keefer, describes the Hempfield Spartans as a “family”, a family who always puts one another above themselves. Keefer shares that the key factor to their family dynamic is sacrifice. Whether those sacrifices be in the weight room, on the field, or in the locker room, he states that “selflessness is what makes us feel like family”.
Coming off of his first three statement wins, the team sent a jolt of energy through the stands and sidelines alike, Keefer has high standards and expectations for the rest of the season. “A big win is great, but it only means something if we use it as a stepping stone to keep improving each week,” Keefer says.
Coach Keefer has notoriously been known as a ‘Girl Dad’, and he brings his parenting to the football field to build their family dynamic. The coaches alongside Keefer aid in making sure they are known for their father figure attributes. Trust goes a long way within a team, and the football coaching staff does a great job to create just that. Keefer explains how “the players know we care about them as people first, not just athletes. When a player feels that genuine support, he’s more likely to buy into the team and push himself to be his best”.
To many of the players, football is the place that they’ve made lifelong friends and grew closer through every obstacle. Captain Dom Detruf states that the team has “all been best friends growing up and all talk all the time, even outside of football”. With such strong bonds being built off the field, that familiarity translates to the way they play every Friday Night.
Captain Brayden Gerst adds that “every year [to this point], we’ve come short of the outcomes we want,
to win and make a playoff run together as a team”. Each of the four captains agree on their tight knit friendships being a main way that they stay such a family and achieve the goals they strive for.
Every team goes through a season where they embrace the highs and battle the lows, and this team is no exception. When an individual player experiences something unexpected, the whole team and coaching staff comes together as a family. “Our players do a great job lifting each other up—whether we’re celebrating a win or fighting through adversity, they know they’re never alone”.
“Football mirrors life,” Keefer says, sharing that the way you respond to setbacks, is the way you’re defined. He hopes to make an impact on the players long term, aside from just football saying, “Wins and losses will fade, but the lessons they learn—how to face challenges, support others, and lead—will stay with them for life”.
Keefer describes his team/family by saying that “ We compete hard, we love each other, and we’re proud to represent Hempfield together”. As the season rolls on, one thing is clear—the Spartans are playing for more than just the scoreboard; they’re playing for each other.
Be a Contributing Member of an Ever-Changing Society Mrs. Sweeney Joins Project 18
by Audrey Wagner, 9/26/2025
Make sure you’re a contributing member of an everchanging society,” Mrs. Sweeney emphasizes to her students at the end of every class.
As a 1995 Hempfield Area graduate, Mrs. Sweeney has always had a passion for learning and teaching history. “In high school,” she said, “I used to take these up-run magazines from the New York Times just because I wanted to read them and learn everything I could. I just loved history.” It was this passion that drove her up through college and back to Hempfield Area School District to educate students on the importance of history, and with that, ignite that same love for learning within them.
In her years prior, she had spent 16 years teaching Ancient World History to 7th grade students at West Hempfield Middle, before seizing her opportunity to begin teaching Project 18 at our high school. “I never thought I would leave the middle school. It was comfortable; I knew exactly what to do and how to be. High school is so different from middle school,” Sweeney opens up about her adjustment to teaching at this new level. When adapting to a new chapter of one’s life, it is normal to have feelings of uncertainty. Mrs. Sweeney shows us that in spite of that, having confidence in yourself and hope for the future can carry you through those times and push you to grow into a confident and capable individual. “I love it, best decision I’ve ever made,” Sweeney expresses in regards to her first month as Hempfield Area’s Project 18 teacher.
Project 18, founded in 1973 by Mr. Rich Redmerski, is based on teaching civic responsibility in our place within our community. It highlights the way that we can make a greater difference in our school, environment, city, and state by teaching us how to be responsible, community minded members. By encouraging community involvement in its students, Project 18 promotes determination and exposure to real-world issues, allowing students to navigate and strive to make a difference in their community. Sweeney
notes the disparaging difference in funding towards STEM education versus civics instruction in our country. She hopes to bridge this gap as she continues her career at Hempfield Area High School. “This class is all about application, which is so important. We are sending you off into adulthood, you have to learn to speak with people,” Sweeney stated.
Learning how to be a contributing member of an ever-changing society is arguably the most important trait someone could have. It shapes our environment, our effectiveness in societal issues, and our capability of shaping a brighter future. Mrs. Sweeney hopes to spark this ambition in her students as she develops their knowledge on the necessity of civic education and responsibility.
Hempfield
Instructing Our Littlest Spartans
by Kaite Kuhn and Aubrie Payne, 10/27/2025
Area High School offers a unique program: a preschool for children ages three to five. The preschool operates every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday with children attending from the beginning of period two,8:00 a.m., until around period four, 10:00 a.m.
Our Little Spartan Preschool is a program directed by Family Consumer Science teacher, Mrs. Stas. Together with her Child Development students, she instructs preschool aged students as they prepare to enter kindergarten.
The individualized way of learning provided to each child in the program helps to promote curiosity, creativity and early academic readiness. The program has been extremely successful over the years attracting high school students and families within our Hempfield Area community as well.
“The curriculum integrates STEM, English Language Arts, and socialemotional learning through play-based and hands-on experiences. Because there is such a large high school student-to-preschool/child ratio, each preschooler receives personalized attention that supports their growth across all developmental domains—social, emotional, physical, and intellectual—while also preparing them for kindergarten.”
From the moment they arrive, the children are engaged in meaningful play and learning experiences that support their development in a nurturing environment. The preschool also benefits high school students who participate as helpers. These students are enrolled in Child Development II and III and gain hands-on experience working with young children.
According to Stas, “the preschool provides high school students with authentic, hands-on teaching and caregiving experiences that bring child development theory to life.” She further emphasized the value in learning pedagogical skills, classroom management, and developmental observation techniques while applying physical,intellectual, emotional, and social growth of young children. “This practicum allows them to see how developmental milestones unfold in real time and helps them gain confidence, professionalism, and empathy—all essential qualities for anyone pursuing education, healthcare, human service careers, and the most important career...parenthood.”
Based on our observations, it is clear that the preschoolers love their interaction with the high school students who are part of the program.
The purpose of the program is twofold: to serve as a laboratory classroom for high school students exploring careers that involve children, and to provide a nurturing, developmentally appropriate preschool experience for young learners in our community. “It’s a model of community-to-classroom collaboration—connecting theory to practice and fostering meaningful intergenerational learning,” says Stas. The design of this program helps provide a developmentally appropriate preschool experience for the young learners involved.
Stas wants her students to leave the program with strong communication, leadership, and collaboration skills, as well as a deep understanding of child development and empathy for learners of all ages. Her goal is to teach responsibility, creativity, and adaptability, “skills that are valuable whether they become teachers, nurses,counselors, or parents someday,” she says.
“Most importantly, I hope they recognize the power of connection—the impact one caring, intentional educator can have on a child’s confidence and love of learning.” The early childhood development classes and preschool is a great way for students to learn important skills and gain an in-depth understanding of child development. The class structure and design can have a lasting impact on the students that partake in the course, as long as the students are open and willing to learn, listen, and grow.
Each morning, when the preschoolers arrive, a helper takes their coats, backpacks, and snacks. The children are then given toys like Play-Doh, rubber balls, trucks, or blocks to play with until 8:15 a.m. At that time, Mrs. Stas rings a bell to signal that it’s time to clean up. The children are taught to clean up after themselves, push in their chairs, and hand their toys to the helpers. This routine teaches them important life skills such as manners,responsibility, respect, and friendship.
After cleanup, they sing the morning song to welcome everyone and share one thing that’s on their mind or heart for the day. This builds a sense of community and encourages self-expression.
The group explores the letter of the day and color of the week. These kinds of activities keep the preschoolers excited, included, and engaged while helping them learn through play. The children also participate in their structured lesson for the day keeping them active and promoting healthy movement, balancing learning with play.
Stas indicates that the transformation is the most rewarding part of the program. She loves seeing high school students who may begin the year unsure of themselves grow into confident, nurturing educators. “There’s a beautiful reciprocity that happens: the preschoolers look up to the high school students, and in return, the high school students realize how much they are learning from the children. Watching that mutual joy, patience, and growth unfold each day is what makes this program so special.”
Mrs. Stas enjoys watching the kids grow through learning, but also how special it is to see the high school students grow throughout the course as well. Her final thoughts certainly spoke volumes as she smiled and said, “I am truly grateful to have been given the opportunity to teach this course.”
EMBRACING A NEW ROLE:
MS. EMILY SANDERS, OUR DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT
by Maddie Black,
We are incredibly excited to introduce Ms. Emily Sanders as our new deputy superintendent, a role that’s becoming increasingly popular in larger school districts. Ms. Sanders describes her position as the middle ground of management between a superintendent and assistant superintendent who focuses on more broad aspects; she oversees K-12 and all the departments that are in a district. Though she has only been in this role for a month, she is already adjusting to working with the other administrators. Dr. Holtzman, Dr. Connor, and Ms. Sanders collectively step in when they need to and share a lot of the work.
When she first came to Hempfield Area, Ms. Sanders had nothing but Dr. Holtzman’s words to rely on. His enthusiasm for the student body, excellent athletic teams, school spirit, and engaged students drove her expectations far. It’s safe to say that those expectations were met when she went to our first football game against North Hills, which she described as “absolutely crazy.” Sanders says that she wants “to be involved in student events to get a sense of what everyone is like.”
However, her focus lies more in the classroom. She is excited to find new, innovative ways to deliver classes for students to possibly help them in future careers. Sanders discusses sitting down with the principals to “look at classes, curriculum, and teaching style to be more futurefocused and set students up for success.” There may be classes that students are interested in that Hempfield Area may not offer, and she wants to bring those to life.
Ms. Sanders’s passion for education stems from her mother, who was an elementary teacher for 35 years. Sanders began her career as an English teacher for grades 7-12 before moving along to administrative roles. Starting at Clarion University, she got her teaching degree before moving onto her Masters at the University of Pittsburgh. Along the way, she earned many certifications that allow her to be where she is today including principal, superintendent, and curriculum certifications.
While being transferred into a new field with administration, Ms. Sanders also teaches as a professor at Waynesburg University. She usually teaches two online classes that range from curriculum design and instructional strategies where she focuses on teaching across content areas- which came in handy during Covid. On top of all of that, Sanders is also a Professional Development Director for a nonprofit organization that specializes in STEM education, Matt’s Maker Space.
From Newcastle and Beaver Area to small, urban districts like Monessen City, rural areas like West Middlesex Area, to larger districts like Baldwin-Whitehall and Peters Township, Ms. Sanders has immensely diverse experiences. As daunting as it is, Ms. Sanders sees Hempfield Area’s size and the broad range of students she is covering as an opportunity. Through such a vast background, she says that she has “brought something with [her] from every experience to hopefully make connections with all different kinds of people.”
In terms of teamwork, Ms. Sanders has expressed her enthusiasm about working with Dr. Holtzman again. They originally
became acquainted at Pitt as they had classes together. Later on, the two had mutual colleagues who believed they could balance each other out and work well together. Thus, Dr. Holtzman hired Ms. Sanders at Beaver Area. She states, “I think we compliment each other well because we are strong in different areas. I learned a lot of things from him when we first worked together.” The familiarity will support her as she embarks on this new chapter of her life. “It is so much better to be able to come to work and know that I am going to laugh today and know that we can trust each other to pull our own weight.”
On a personal note, Ms. Sanders lives in Cranberry Township with her cat and three dogs, including Kimber, her certified therapy dog. She keeps busy with several side jobs that she is very passionate about. She says,“So far, things are going great. I’m excited to meet everyone and
9/26/2025
Hempfield Area Mini-Thon is back for year four with the theme, Be a Hero! A hero, according to the Oxford dictionary, is “a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities”, but it is so much more than that. Heroes are those who make a difference each and every day.
This is the goal of this year’s Hempfield Area Mini-THON. While not only wanting to surpass last year’s total, the team also wants to intercede for those who are engaging in the fight against cancer. Over the past three years, Hempfield Area Mini-THON has collectively raised $186,706.63 with the 2025 total: $67,589.64 surpassing priors years. Each dollar raised goes towards the fight, and the class of 2026 has been inspired to add to this growing number.
“Our goal this year is to push everyone to go above the bare minimum because the kids need it” says the team’s social media advisor, Nico Kapusta.
Mini-THON is a year-long fundraiser that culminates with a 12 hour version of Penn State’s 24 hour THON, where students engage in activities and dance for a cure. Created by Four Diamonds who covers 100% of Cancer related medical expenses, the organization has helped more than 4,800 children and their families.
September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month where we recognize children and their families who are fighting this trying disease, support research, and raise awareness. Instead of our typical gold out game however, this year, Mini-THON members have teamed up with Student Council to participate in the biggest game of the season: Homecoming on September 26. With their linking theme of heroes, students prepare to inspire and be inspired by our Hempfield Area School District Community.
Mini-THON has become about more than just raising funds, it’s about coming together as a class to make a difference. Mrs. Ashley Testa, teacher and advisor says, “this is so much more than a fundraiser; it’s an opportunity for students to come together, to stand for something bigger than themselves, to work collectively to achieve a goal, and to watch others thrive in the face of the ultimate challenge.”
Testa has been spearheading this event with student administrators for four years and says she is never worried about the total raised, but more so, about the lessons learned and the experiences had along the way. “This is a year-long endeavor,” she says, “if students raise $1, that’s one more dollar that will aid in this fight. I’m always impressed with the astronomical
by
dollar amount, of course, but more I am impressed by the character development and the impact made by a group of high school students.”
In the past few years, Hempfield student, Alex Vucish, together with his mother Jessica, and graduate, Jamie Hague, along with other community members have shared their battles with pediatric cancer. These stories showcase who the true heroes are- those engaged in the fight. Hearing about these Hempfield Area experiences makes students recognize that this battle is not far from home. Hempfield Area MiniTHON student administrative team. This year’s admin team is made up of eight seniors: Abby Harvey, Hailey Uhrinek, Hannah Goldsmith, Cooper Santangelo, Mallory Bitar, Nico Kapusta, Ainslee Bailey, and Lauren Howard, (pictured above). With early registration open, the class of 2026 is already creating teams and coming together. Our main event won’t take place until March 27, 2026; until then, community members can get involved by sponsoring a team, participating in events, contributing to our main event with food and drink, or donating to our Donor Drive: fourdiamonds. donordrive.com/hahsminithon
Fighting this battle alone is no easy feat, but as a community, we can come together in order to stand heroically for those who can’t.
Abby Harvey, 9/26/2025
History Chasing
Led by captains Ryan Ewing, Jonathan Stetchock, and Isaiah Bittner, Hempfield Area’s Boys Cross Country Team has been having a season to remember.
by Mallory Bitar, 10/27/2025
With two invitational victories, a third-place finish at another, and their first section title in over a decade, the Spartans have proven to be one of the most dominant teams in the area—defeating 81 teams so far this season. Being ranked as first in the WPIAL and seventh in the state, the boys are setting their sights on making school history at the upcoming WPIAL Championships on October 23 at White Oak Park. The team entered the season with high ambitions: to win every major meet they attend. So far, they’ve accomplished nearly all their goals, leaving just the WPIAL and State Meets on their list. As captain Ryan Ewing explains, the WPIAL title remains their main focus — and would mark a historic first for Hempfield.
“This team has really bought in and believed in one another,” said Athletic Director Brandon Rapp. “They’ve worked hard every day, pushed each other to get better, and shown what can happen when a group commits to a common goal. I’m excited to see what they’ll accomplish at WPIALs and States”.
Cross Country, however, is as much a test of mental toughness as it is of speed. Long-distance running pushes athletes beyond comfort, demanding constant focus and resilience. The captains agree that the hardest battles happen in the mind. The runners rely on each other for encouragement and strength, “Trying to keep your mind focused while being extremely tired is tough,” states Isaiah Bittner, “I go into each race with confidence from my teammates and coaches”.
Jonathan Stetchock shares that with the mental game of long distance running, “You’ve really got to flip your mindset, focus on what you have done. Once you get to that point, it’s just a matter of putting in as much work as you can”.When their bodies reach the point of exhaustion, the captains each rely on their own strategies to stay composed. Ewing says he repeats positive affirmations like “Believe” to keep calm, while focusing on breathing. “I know my body will quit a thousand times before my mind will,” he said. Stetchock emphasized pacing: “You don’t want to hit true exhaustion until the very end. Concentrating on the people around you helps”. Bittner focuses on form and breathing, keeping his composure when it matters most.
Looking ahead, each captain has his own path. Ryan Ewing plans to attend Robert Morris University or Grove City College to continue running while majoring in mathematics to become an actuary. Jonathan Stetchock intends to study software and biomedical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, and Isaiah Bittner hopes to continue his running career in college, though he remains undecided on where he’ll attend.
More than anything, the captains say this season has taught them the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and gratitude. Being a senior has sparked the realization of how much their teammates mean to each other. They’ve learned to appreciate the people around them, value every moment, and support one another through every challenge.
We wish the Spartans the best of luck at their upcoming meets!
CHILDREN, TEEN, AND FAMILY PROGRAMS!
The Greensburg Hempfield Area Library Children’s Department has lots of fun and exciting programs planned through the chilly winter months and into the spring!
GHAL Brings STEM into the Next Generation with the Sphero Global Challenge
This has been an exciting year for coding and robotics at the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library. Thanks to the Digital Literacy and Workforce Development grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, the Children’s Department has offered programs in basic computational thinking and coding for children since 2023. Beginning in the fall of 2025, two teams of children are participating in the Sphero Global Challenge.
Sphero Global Challenge is an annual robotics competition for students that promotes STEM learning through hands-on activities with Sphero robots. Our Elementary and Middle School teams are working on various missions in line with this year’s theme which is “Wilderness Survival.” The children build custom attachments and program their Robots to navigate various missions, like navigating terrain, finding food, sending rescue signals, and engineering shelters.
This January, the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library is proudly holding a
“Sphero Challenge Showcase” on Tuesday January 27, 2026 at 6:00pm. Children from each of the teams will be on hand to demonstrate what they can do with their Sphero Robots, and to display their various missions. The children will also be happy to answer any questions about what it’s like to be a part of a Global Challenge team, and how they work together to make these missions possible. Everyone is invited to see their coding programs in action and cheer them on as they submit their challenges for judging in February!
Spring Reading Challenge
The Spring Reading Challenge for all ages will happen from Monday, February 23 through Monday, April 27, 2026. Download the free Beanstack app and create your account to join the challenge by tracking the time you spend reading. Just keep track of your time to meet your goals, earn virtual badges, and raffle tickets for great prizes!
Story Times & Children’s Programs
Baby Lap Sit Story Time
Weekly @ 10:00am
For babies and their caregivers, features both songs and stories
January 14, February 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, 2026 - 6:00pm
This program helps prepare preschoolers for kindergarten by practicing skills with fun activities. Plus, each kid will receive a book to keep at each session! This program builds upon skills, so please only register if you can commit to attending 4 of the 5 sessions.
Child-led interactive play-based program. Parents and caregivers will spend quality time playing with their little ones while meeting new families and making connections. In addition, community experts will be on hand to provide support to interested families.
Chinese Year of the Horse (5 and Up)
February 14, 2026 - 10:30am
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with storyteller and artist Huan Li from China! Participants will listen to a story and create horse themed paper cut art projects and decorative red envelopes inspired by Lunar New Year traditions!
As always, all library programs are free, but many require registration. Visit our Events calendar on the library’s website, or follow the links in the social media events to register. Registration for all programs will begin at 6:00am on Monday, January 6, 2026. These are just a few of the programs that we will be offering in the winter & spring months. Be sure to follow the library’s social media and check our website for more great programs as they become available.
Pre-Teen & Teen Programs
Teen Advisory Group (TAG) (13-18 years)
January 10, February 7, March 14, April 9, 2026 - 11:00am
Looking for volunteer opportunities? Join the library’s Teen Advisory Group and help plan programs, make decorations, volunteer for events and activities, and much more!
Middle School Meet-Up (Grades 6-8)
January 21, February 18, March 18, April 22, May 20 - 6:00pm
These programs are just for middle school aged youth. Each session features a different activity like making friendship bracelets or chocolate candy. Themes TBA
Teen Time: Miniature World (13-18 years)
February 9, 2026 - 6:00-7:30pm
Use craft supplies to create the tiny world inside a tin container. Create bookshelves, store your trinkets, or make your own design!
Adult Programs
Book Clubs
GHAL offers a variety of book clubs and discussion groups for every literary preference. Participants are welcome to bring their own copy, eBook, or borrow from the Library’s collection - available at the reference desk.
Journey Through the ClasSics
January 20, 2026 - 2:00-3:30pm - A Room with a View
February 17, 2026 2:00-3:30pm - The Red Badge of Courage
March 17, 2026 - 2:00-3:30pm - Middle March
April 21, 2026 - 2:00-3:30pm - Native Son May 19, 2026 - 2:00-3:30pm - Title TBA
Revisit some of the most acclaimed books in history, or discover ones you may never have read before! This club ventures through the past and illuminates what makes a classic transcend time.
Read Between the Wines
January 8, February 12, March 12, April 9, May 14 - 5:00-6:30pm - Titles TBA
Do you find yourself and your friends deep in a lively discussion about your newest read over a glass of pinot? That’s what Read Between the Wines is like! Enjoy a season of hot takes, popular books in a variety of genres, and of course a perfectly paired beverage to go with it.
Tech ClasSes
January 14, 2026 - 10:00am-12:00pm - Cyber Security
January 21, 2026 - 10:00am-12:00pm - Tech Q & A
Dive into the technical world and learn about the helpful topics and programs that make using technology easier. Feel free to bring your own device or utilize the tech available at the Library for the class.
Socrates Cafe
Saturdays - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Gather together for healthy discussion about current events and topics. This meeting takes place weekly via Zoom, so attendees are encouraged to join from the comfort of their home. Respectful conversation is encouraged.
Family and AlL Ages Programs dIY Maker days
January 10, February 7, March 14, May 9 - 1:00-3:00pm
Like to make stuff? This is your chance to tinker, build, craft, and create. Each of our monthly Maker Days features a variety of exciting activities and equipment. Themed activities TBA.
Land of Stories
March 5, 2026 - 5:30-7:30pm
Celebrate your love of books as you explore the land of stories. All ages are invited to explore different areas and activities from beloved books and genres.
Authentic Perspective @ GHAL
January 22, 2026 - 6:00-7:30pm - Rewiring for Calm: Understanding the Mind-Body Connection
March 26, 2026 - 6:00-7:30pm - Flow and Focus: Finding Joy in Everyday Activities
May 21, 2026 - 6:00-7:30pm - The Power of Connection: Building Supportive Relationships
Join GHAL and Authentic Perspectives for a look into mindfulness and meditation, stress’s impact on the nervous system, and ways to improve engagement, calm, and focus.
CELEBRATE GENEROSITY, NOT WASTE: A GREENER APPROACH TO THE HOLIDAYS
The holiday season is a time of giving, but it is also a very wasteful time of year. In the United States between Thanksgiving and New Years, Americans generate 25% more trash than any other time of the year. This surge is driven by factors like online shopping, gift wrapping, and food waste. This increase in household garbage is not the type of “giving” that the holiday season is about nor is it the type of present that mother nature appreciates. This year, include Mother Nature on your gift giving list by utilizing a few waste management techniques.
CHRISTMAS DECORATION AND LIGHTS
• Bring unusable Christmas lights to Westmoreland Cleanways for recycling. We partner with Michael Brothers Hauling to collect them. Michael Brothers will then recycle the string lights and donate the proceeds from their recycling to Project Bundle-Up.
• Buy durable decorations that can be used year after year.
• Donate unwanted decorations and shop for new decorations at thrift shops to minimize wastefulness.
ONLINE SHOPPING
• Recycle packaging material from the shipments.
• Hempfield’s curbside recycling program accepts cardboard boxes and packing paper, as does the Westmoreland Cleanways Recycling Center
• Westmoreland Cleanways also accepts most plastic bags, air pillows, plastic mailers, and block packaging foam (Styrofoam) at the Recycling Center. (These items are unacceptable in Hempfield’s curbside recycling program)
• Read reviews and check size guides before purchasing items online, as up to 80% of online returns are landfilled. Unfortunitaly, it can be cheaper for the retailer to landfill online returns than to process, inspect, repack, and mail it to another customer.
GIFT WRAPPING
• Holiday greeting cards, envelopes, wrapping paper and gift bags can be recycled. However, avoid items with glitter or metallic foil, as these embellishments prohibit the item from being recycled.
• Choose bows and ribbon that can be reused the following year or simply bypass the ribbon all together. Bows and ribbon are not accepted for recycling. They get tangled in and damage the sorting equipment at material recovery facilities (specialized plants that receive, separate, and prepare recyclable materials for marketing).
HOSTING PARTIES
• Consider using reusable table clothes and tableware. (Thrift shops are a great place to find these items.) Although convenient, singleuse plastic items aren’t recyclable and when thrown away in a landfill last for hundreds of years before they degrade into microplastics.
• Be mindful of preparing too much food or cookies. In 2024, it was estimated that 316 million pounds of food went to waste from Thanksgiving meals across the U.S.
• Have reusable containers available for leftovers, for both yourself as well as for your guests. Put out recycling bins for your guests to use. Cans, plastic bottles, and even cookie and popcorn metal tins (5-gallon tins or smaller) are accepted in Hempfield’s curbside recycling program and at Westmoreland Cleanways Recycling Center.
Westmoreland Cleanways also accepts glass bottles and jars (which are not accepted in Hempfield’s recycling program).
The holiday season can be “Green” in more ways than just red and green decorations. By making conscious choices to minimize our waste this holiday season, collectively we can significantly decrease the amount of garbage generated and help protect our environment.
Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that operates a recycling center for hard-to-dispose material, offer bi-monthly household hazardous waste collections, support the cleanup of illegal dumpsites and littered areas, and educate through presentations, table displays and school visits.
Address:
355 Pleasant Unity Mutual Road
General Public Operating hours:
Monday: Noon-5pm
Greensburg, PA 15601
General Public Operating hours:
Monday: Noon-5pm
Wednesday: 8am-1pm
Customers with large loads, please call the office to schedule a drop off
Wednesday: 8am-1pm
Friday 8am-1pm
Friday 8am-1pm 2nd Saturday of each month: 8:30-Noon
Separate material as follows for ease in unloading vehicles. When applicable materials MUST BE clean of all food. When fees apply, cash, debit/credit and checks are accepted. Donations are never expected but are appreciated.
Plastics: #1-7 CONTAINERS ONLY, if apt twist lids back on bottles, NO straws, buckets, toys, pipes, or rigid plastic
Vinyl siding: 4 ft. or smaller in length
Glass bottles and jars: Sort by color: clear, brown, and green and blue together. NO lids/corks, window/sheet glass, ceramics, mirrors, Pyrex, candles, Plug-in air fresheners
Scrap Metal (e.g. non-refrigerant appliances, propane tanks, gas grills, lawn mowers, car parts, tools, microwaves)
Aluminum and Bi-Metal Cans (e.g. pop, soup, vegetable cans)
Reusable mobility equipment: knee scooters, walkers, rollator walkers, canes, manual wheelchairs and shower benches. Must be in good condition-no rust, no missing parts.
Electronics (partial list, call the office if in doubt)
· Radios, Stereos, tape/CD players (no stand alone speakers)
NO medical devices, small appliances– coffee pots, blenders, lamps, vacuum cleaners or rug scrubbers, VCR tapes/DVDs/ CDs
Lead Acid Batteries (all other batteries collected during HHW event)
Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
CHRISTMAS TREE CYCLING
Consider purchasing a real tree instead of an artificial one. Artificial trees are nonbiodegradable and not recyclable. Most will eventually end up in landfills, where it takes thousands of years for the PVC plastic to degrade to microplastics. On the other hand, live/real Christmas trees while growing at U.S. Tree Farms provide jobs, support complex eco-systems, absorb carbon dioxide and other gases, release oxygen, stabilize soil and provide refuge for wildlife. Even after the holiday season, these real trees continue to give back to the environment as they can be recycled back into the environment through tree cycling.
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)
$5.00 each
UV bulbs: e.g. for tanning bed, black light $7.00 each
Specialty bulbs: e.g. CFLs, fluorescent tubes 4ft or smaller, u-bend, halogen, HID, high pressure sodium, LED, $1.00 each
Fluorescent tubes, longer than 4ft. $2.00 each
Shoes (both reusable and unusable)
EPS (expanded polystyrene) # 6 Foam (Styrofoam): White
Block Packaging, Coolers, Colored and White food service trays (e.g. cups, plates, egg cartons, take out containers)
NO Packing peanuts, insulation, “Spongey ” block packaging, or cloth -like sheets
Plastic Bags and Plastic Wrap,clean,dry and free of residue
Store bags
Produce/Bread bags
Ice bags
Re-closable bags
Cereal box liners
Case overwrap
Newspaper sleeves
Dry cleaning bags
Bubble wrap
Plastic mailers
Shrink wrap
NO net/mesh, degradable/compostable, frozen food, prewashed salad candy/chip bags, mulch, soil, pet food, or 6pack rings,
�o�se�old �a�ardo�s Waste Collec�on (e.�. paint�, ba�erie�, oil, �a�oline, pe��cide� 1�t and �rd �edne�day o� eac� �ont�, $0.80/lb, credit or debit card only
TREE CYCLING IN HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP
Recycle your live Christmas trees by dropping them off for tree cycling at no cost. The trees are chipped by Hempfield employees and used as mulch to beautify community parks and eventually decompose into valuable humus to nourish and renew the soil.
REAL CHRISTMAS TREE DROP OFF DETAILS:
• Hempfield High School Auxiliary Parking Lot between rt. 136 and Middletown Road
• December 26, 2025-January 16, 2026
• Open drop off.
Remove the tree from any tree bags and make sure it is bare of ALL decorations and lights. Visit www.westmorelandcleanways.org for other drop-off locations within Westmoreland County.
