South Fayette Connect - Summer 2019 - Volume 4, Issue 3

SOUTH FAYETTE

CO N N E C T

The Official Magazine of South Fayette Township

S

S ou om F a at m ye th .

Au un tt g ity e .

2 4 Da th y !

C

Free Summer 2019 Volume 4, Issue 3 www.SouthFayettePA.com

Play Day! page 20

Red, White & Blue 7

ABCs of HOAs 14

Cup with a Cop 9

CO N T E N T S

SUMMER 2019

Departments Manager's Message.................................................................................................. 1 South Fayette Shorts................................................................................................ 2 Meet ... Jamie Campbell .......................................................................................... 3

On the Cover

Connor Esch, 13, enjoys sharing a two-person Expression Swing at South Fayette's Morgan Park during Kids Play Day in May. Photo by Andrea Iglar.

How Do I ... Know Who Maintains My Road?............................................... 3 Business ......................................................................................................................... 4–5 Around the Township................................................................................................ 6–7 Public Safety................................................................................................................. 8–9

News Road improvements planned for 2019............................................................. 3 First responders honored in park....................................................................... 10 Preservation Park signs installed....................................................................... 11 Youth Specialist expands library programs................................................... 18 Play Day celebrates grant-funded Expression Swings............................ 20

Features

20

Stay Cool ........................................................................................................................ 12 Follow these safety tips during extreme heat.

"Where Is That Water Coming From?"............................................................. 13 Here's how to figure out why stormwater is ending up in your yard.

The ABCs of HOAs..................................................................................................... 14–15 Learn about the special rights and responsibilities of homeowner associations.

Brain Practice............................................................................................................... 16

Inside

Mark Mitchell of South Fayette Township's Public Works Department installs signs at the newest community park, Preservation Park, in June. Photo by Andrea Iglar.

Playing Mah Jongg requires both luck and skill.

A Spoon & A Smile.................................................................................................... 17 An independent Meals on Wheels delivers lunch and dinner to local seniors.

Happenings Fireworks...................................................................................................................................................... 6 Movies in the Park.................................................................................................................................. 10 Bus Trip.......................................................................................................................................................... 16 Library Programs & Beer for Books Fundraiser................................................................. 19 Summer Camp & Activity Guide.................................................................................................. 21 Touch-a-Truck............................................................................................................................................ 22 South Fayette Community Day..................................................................................................... 25

Photo Features Cup with a Cop............................................................................................................ 9 South Fayette police officers meet families and enjoy frozen yogurt with kids.

Tickling Their Senses................................................................................................ 18 Children get active during Sensory Storytime at the South Fayette Township Library.

Bag It Up......................................................................................................................... 22 South Fayette Township Public Works picks up litter during Earth Cleanup Day.

11

Manager's Message

JOHN M. BARRETT

T

his issue of South Fayette Connect explores the relationship between the township and homeowner associations, or HOAs. When you consider the concentrated number of South Fayette residents who belong to an HOA, it is easy to see the value in strengthening our working relationship with HOA boards and their members.

While HOAs differ slightly in their organization and standards, they all exist for one very simple reason: to preserve and protect the value of property.

By providing maintenance to common areas and stormwater facilities, HOAs set examples for their members to follow.

They also can play a vital role in resolving neighborhood property disputes. When properly functioning, an HOA can be a great ally to the township and an asset to the community as a whole.

In many ways, the mission of South Fayette Township and the mission of an effective HOA are aligned. Just as an HOA exists to preserve and protect the value of property, the township exists to preserve and protect public investments, interests and infrastructure.

The township strives to provide all residents with efficient services such as providing a safe and reliable road network, maintaining a well-trained and organized police force, offering park amenities and recreational programs, and enforcing local codes and ordinances. We also strive to create a sense of community by coordinating public events and providing forums for open communication and discussion.

South Fayette Township would like to form strategic, mutually beneficial partnerships with all HOAs. With this aim in mind, we have devoted a page on the township website to HOAs—www.southfayettepa.com/hoa—where homeowner associations can check in through the HOA Roll Call to share their needs and concerns. Our staff is available to attend an HOA board meeting or answer questions about your specific neighborhood.

I would like to emphasize that the township provides the same services to all residents regardless of whether they belong to an HOA. If you need assistance with any township service, please contact the township office, visit the website at www.southfayettepa.com or follow us on social media.

I hope you enjoy this issue of South Fayette Connect!

Sincerely,

John M. Barrett South Fayette Township Manager

Sponsor Advertisements - Thank you!

Green Sponsor Dollar Bank............................................................24 Kiddie Academy South Fayette...................23

Platinum Mitall Division of KU Resources..................11

Diamond Goldberg, Kamin & Garvin.............................12 John Kosky Contracting...................................12

Gold Gardner Moving..................................................5 Prime 1 Builders...................................................6 Silhol Builders Supply.......................................5 Sohn Orthodontics.............................................7 Treeline Church....................................................7 Watson Institute...................................................6

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Raymond Pitetti, President Gwen A. Rodi, Vice President Joseph Horowitz Lisa Malosh Rebecca Sray

TOWNSHIP MANAGER John M. Barrett

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andrea Iglar

ART DIRECTOR Andrea Iglar

GRAPHIC DESIGN Andrea Iglar Paula Willis

CONTRIBUTORS Richard DeYoung John Kanaskie B.J. Supan

ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE South Fayette Connect is a free magazine published and distributed quarterly by South Fayette Township for the benefit of its citizens.

The magazine is a nonprofit source of public information aimed at building a strong sense of community identity and pride.

If your delivery is missed, please inform your postal carrier. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the editor. © Copyright 2019. All rights reserved.

ADVERTISING South Fayette Connect offers advertisements in exchange for sponsorship of certain community events and programs. For details, contact the magazine editor or visit www.SouthFayettePA.com/ads.

PRINTING Knepper Press

CONNECT WITH US

www.SouthFayettePA.com/magazine magazine@sftwp.com 412-221-8700, ext. 231 515 Millers Run Road / South Fayette, PA 15064

Scan QR Code with smartphone for instant website access!

South Fayette Connect | Summer 2019 | 1

Township joins Instagram

South Fayette

SHORTS

South Fayette Township has expanded its social media presence to include Instagram. Use the handle @SouthFayettePA to find and follow the page, and stay tuned for fun photos, videos and event hashtags this summer.

Community Day vendors and sponsors wanted South Fayette Township is accepting vendor and sponsor registrations for the fourth annual South Fayette Community Day on Sat. Aug. 24 in Fairview Park. Sponsors at the Gold level and above receive a free magazine ad, plus many other promotional benefits.

About 3,500 people attended last year's event, which includes a variety of live music and entertainment, kids activities, vendor booths, food and more. Free admission. Details: 412-221-8700 or www. southfayettepa.com/communityday.

Eagle Scout recognized South Fayette Township resident David Gubinsky, left, has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Board of Commissioners President Ray Pitetti, right, presented him with a certificate during the May board meeting. As part of his project for Scout BSA Troop 2, David built an outdoor xylophone and chalkboard in the Nature Play Area at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden in neighboring North Fayette.

Wood chips available from recycling facility

Swag bags offered to HOAs South Fayette Township has launched an online "roll call" for homeowner associations to share their comments and concerns. HOAs that check in by July 31, 2019, get a free South Fayette swag bag! Go to www.southfayettepa.com/hoa.

Free mulch is available at the wood waste recycling facility at Boys Home Park, along Ridge Road in South Fayette.

Hours are dawn to dusk. Also, residents may drop off tree limbs that are less than 8 inches in diameter. Prohibited items include plastic bags, grass clippings, tree stumps and nonorganic materials.

Recreation Director honored as outstanding professional South Fayette Township Parks and Recreation Director Paula Willis is recipient of the 2019 Outstanding New Professional Award from the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society.

Each year, the award recognizes an individual who demonstrates strong leadership skills, innovative approaches, good strategic planning ability and a record of building and sustaining partnerships that benefit the community.

Recipients have fewer than 11 years of full-time experience in the Parks and Recreation profession.

Ms. Willis, who joined the township in 2015 after working for Brentwood Borough, accepted the award in April.

Grass clippings prohibited in streets, curbs and storm drains Grass clippings and other debris are not allowed to be deposited into streets, curbs or storm sewers. If grass is accidentally blown into the street by a lawnmower, it must be cleaned up immediately. To properly dispose of grass clippings, let them decompose in the yard or place them into regular trash bags and leave them at the curb for weekly garbage collection. This courteous practice will enhance the appearance of your neighborhood and help prevent storm drain clogs. Details: 412-221-8700 or www.southfayettepa.com/code.

2|

SouthFayettePA.com

@SouthFayetteTownship

Top left: Piers for two bridges are poised along Route 50 (top left), just west of The Original Farmers Market in the Gladden neighborhood of South Fayette Township.

The bridges will carry the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s Southern Beltway across Route 50 and Millers Run Road. Top right: Work is under way along Interstate 79 and County Line Road at the South Fayette-Cecil border to construct an interchange that will connect I-79 with the Southern Beltway. The 13-mile, $800 million Southern Beltway is expected to open in 2021 to join I-79 with Route 22 near Pittsburgh International Airport. (Photos by Andrea Iglar)

@SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

Road improvements planned for 2019

Meet

JAMIE CAMPBELL

More than 80 streets included in project

By Andrea Iglar A total of 86 township-owned streets are set for resurfacing this summer.

More than eight miles of roadway are being improved as part of South Fayette Township’s 2019 road improvement program. A bid for $823,260 was awarded in May to contractor Youngblood Paving to perform the work.

Additionally, Youngblood will complete roads that had been scheduled for last year but were not completed due to weather.

The annual road plan is based on a study that assessed, classified, prioritized and rated all 70-plus miles of township-owned roadway (see www.southfayettepa.com/roads).

In addition to facilitating the annual road program, Public Works continues to repair storm inlets and address various road maintenance issues, including keeping CecilSturgeon and Cecil-Reissing passable for residents while the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s Southern Beltway contractors use those roads for construction vehicles.

Work on the following roads involves sealing and/or applying Grip-Tight asphalt emulsion, with base repair as needed: Alpine Rd (from Route 50 to Hickory Grade) Appleglen Ct Belle Terre Ct Big Meadow Rd Blythe Rd Bridge St Caledonia Ct Chrismar Ct Degrave Dr Dutch Hill Rd Elm St Enfield Ct Fairview Dr Fifth Ave First Ave Firwood Dr (from Old Oak Rd to Pinewood Dr) Forest Edge Dr Forest Glen Ct Forest Ridge Dr Forest View Dr

Fortune Ct Fourth Ave Gene Dr Gilmore Hill Rd Goldenrod Ct Harvest Ct Hook St Horseshoe Cir Hunting Ridge Rd Hunting Ridge Tr Kingsbrook Dr Kingston Ln Kingswood Ln Kramers Ln Locust Ln Maple Aly Marion Dr Marley Way Meeting House Rd Melrose Ct Morgan Hill Rd Morgan St

Morning Wind Cir Nesbit Rd Northridge Dr Oak St Oakwood Cir Old Oakdale Rd (from Millers Run to School St) Olde Orchard Dr Open Meadow Cir Oyster Bay Ct Patti Dr Petricca Dr Pheasant Rise Ct Pin Oak Dr Pinch Rd Pinch Rd Ext Pine Aly Pointview Dr Poplar Ln Princeton Dr Rahner-Wood Dr Railroad St

Ravenwood Dr Redrome Cir East Redrome Cir West Russets Cir East Russets Cir West Ruth Way Second Ave Shady Ln Sharps Cir Sixth Ave South Point Ct South St Spruce Aly Summit Ridge Dr Sundance Dr Sunridge Dr Sygan Rd Terrace View Dr Third Ave Toftrees Dr Westbridge Dr Willowick Ct Winesap Ct

Also, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation plans to perform routine maintenance and repair on state-owned roads, including Route 50, Battle Ridge Road, Millers Run Road, Union Avenue and Robinson Run Road.

PennDOT plans to start a major intersection improvement project at Boyce Road and Mayview Road in summer 2020—a year later than originally announced—in order to accommodate traffic detours related to the Southern Beltway project.

How Do I ... Know Who Maintains My Road ?

Public roads within South Fayette Township are owned either by the township, county or state. Other streets are privately owned by an individual, a developer or a homeowner association. All road owners are responsible for providing their own maintenance, such as paving, storm drain repair and snow plowing.

1

Pennsylvania owns Route 50, Washington Pike, Boyce Road, Mayview Road, Route 978 (Union Avenue and Battle Ridge Road), Robinson Run Road, Presto-Sygan Road, Oakridge Road, Millers Run Road and part of Thoms Run Road, plus certain bridges.

2

Allegheny County owns part of Thoms Run Road and multiple bridges.

3

South Fayette Township owns and maintains about 70 miles of local streets and a few bridges, plus plows snow and clears brush for certain state-owned right-of-ways through contractual agreements.

F

or more information about road ownership, maintenance and projects, please visit www.southfayettepa.com/roads.

I

n addition to operating machinery and repairing storm drains for the South Fayette Township Public Works Department, Jamie Campbell maintains a Black Angus cattle farm on Sygan Road. He enjoys sitting on his porch swing overlooking the agricultural views: "It's the best seat in the house," he says.

Hometown: Grew up on his family's 5,000-pig farm in South Fayette Education: Graduated from South Fayette High School; studied meat cutting at vocational school Family: Wife, Tammi; grown children Kylie and Jacob; first grandchild due this summer First Job: Meat cutter in grocery store First Car: 1976 Ford pickup truck Favorite Food: Barbecue Best Summer Activity: Family cookouts Favorite Vacation: Traverse City, Michigan Bucket List: Skydiving Best Qualities of South Fayette: The school system, his longtime friends and the diversity of land uses: "You've got to keep the open space and the scenery."

Fun Fact about Jamie: Before joining Public Works more than 12 years ago, he worked for a construction company that restored historical buildings.

— Andrea Iglar

South Fayette Connect | Summer 2019 | 3

South Fayette

BUSINESS

Retail space built at entrance to Bursca Business Park Chinese food restaurant New Dragon Express and a Pizza Hut delivery/ takeout eatery will be the first two tenants in The Shoppes at Bursca, a 14,000-square-foot shopping plaza at the foot of Bursca Business Park in South Fayette.

Developer Burns Scalo held a ribboncutting in May at the corner of Bursca Drive and Washington Pike.

In a related project, Sheetz is expected to open in October on the opposite side of Bursca Drive. The gas station and convenience store will replace the existing shopping center, from which New Dragon will relocate.

South Fayette resident Jason Cannon, of the real estate services firm CBRE, said he aims to lease space to three or four additional service-oriented tenants in The Shoppes at Bursca.

“We’re focusing on servicing this community and being an amenity to the office parks,” he said.

Township Commissioner Gwen Rodi said road improvements planned in the area will improve traffic and “help feed and build our business district.”

South Fayette fifth-grader Maria Gabriel, left, and Chartiers Valley student Jenna Sexton participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for JA BizTown in South Fayette in April. (Photo courtesy of Junior Achievement)

Kids in Business Junior Achievement to open JA BizTown in South Fayette

By Andrea Iglar Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania plans to open JA BizTown this fall in Abele Business Park in South Fayette Township.

The interactive, simulated business community teaches youth about the workforce, entrepreneurship and finance.

The 10,000-square-foot educational facility expects to host 12,000 students in fourth, fifth and sixth grade each year from throughout the region.

The nonprofit youth organization held a groundbreaking in April to celebrate the start of renovations at 90 Emerson Lane, Suite 1403.

The ceremony featured South Fayette fifth-grader Maria Gabriel, honored as the first mayor of JA BizTown, and Chartiers Valley student Jenna Sexton.

The Junior Achievement program includes instruction and a visit to JA BizTown, where students receive job assignments and work in teams at model businesses, which are housed in 18 simulated storefronts sponsored by real local companies.

“We believe as corporations, we have a responsibility to give back to our communities that we serve,” said South Fayette resident Pamela Petrow, president and CEO of Vector Security, a JA BizTown sponsor.

Dennis Gilfoyle, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania, said 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of Junior Achievement nationally and the 80th anniversary in Western Pennsylvania.

“This new experiential learning opportunity will build upon our history of inspiring students in our community to dream big and reach their potential,” he said.

Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania: 412-208-4747 or www.jawesternpa.org.

Vehicle vendor joins Newbury The car dealership Carvana has opened a car vending machine in Newbury Market in South Fayette Township.

Cutting the ribbon, from left, are Ruby Scalo, Chris Pogue-Geile and Tommy Feldmeier of Burns Scalo; Mr. Cannon; township Commissioners Rodi and Rebecca Sray; South West Communities Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mandi Pryor; and Burns Scalo President Jim Scalo.

After purchasing a vehicle online, customers have the option to schedule delivery or to make an appointment to pick it up at the company’s 70-foottall, glass-enclosed elevator.

The $4 million facility is located at 1300 Brockwell Street near Topgolf. Details: www.carvana.com.

—Andrea Iglar 4|

SouthFayettePA.com

@SouthFayetteTownship

—Andrea Iglar @SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

Kelsey Steranko opened her own hairstyling business this spring inside Sola Salon Studios in The Crossings at South Fayette shopping center.

A sign (inset) at her Level Seven Salon muses upon lost ponytail holders. (Photos

by Andrea Iglar)

What Are They Building?

Cut and Color

Mattress Warehouse is building a 4,920-square-foot store in South Fayette Township at the intersection of Washington Pike and Route 50, on the site of a former BP gas station.

Enterprising salons find space in South Fayette

By Andrea Iglar Whether moving up or sizing down, enterprising beauty professionals are finding space inside the new Sola Salon Studios in South Fayette Township.

Kelsey Steranko, a hairstylist who previously worked for large salons, took her first step into business ownership in April by launching Level Seven Salon inside Sola.

“I was just ready for the next step and to have more freedom,” she said.

Down the hall, South Fayette resident Jennie Norrell opened Solitaire Studio to replace the 2,000-square-foot salon she formerly owned.

“For me, it was about downsizing so I could do what I love just for me,” she said. “I can continue to be my own boss without managing all that square footage.”

Sola offers 26 two- and three-chair studio spaces to independent hairstylists, nail technicians and other beauty professionals who want to own their business while also benefiting from shared amenities.

Under annual contract, salon owners pay weekly fees to Sola to license their spaces, which they name, operate and market themselves.

Sola covers expenses such as building utilities, maintenance of common areas and Wi-Fi, plus offers perks like product discounts and free classes.

“Everybody here is their own boss; we just kind of support them in being their own boss,” said Sola manager Cassie Farkas.

Sola Salon Studios in South Fayette, 3031 Washington Pike, is the seventh franchise in the Pittsburgh area and the ninth in Pennsylvania. More than 400 are across the U.S. Find salon professionals, and book with them directly, at www.solasalonstudios.com.

Management of New Jersey is constructing a self-storage facility on the site of the former Knights Inn motel in South Fayette Township, next to the Hampton Inn on Hickory Grade Road. The property is adjacent to the Interstate 79 interchange in South Fayette. (Photos by Andrea Iglar)

Gold Sponsors - Earth Cleanup Day - Thank you!

GARDNER MOVING Est.1921 Mike Gardner

P: 412-257-4443 F: 412-257-8506 E: GMoving@verizon.net

757 Millers Run Road South Fayette, PA 15057 GardnerMovingPGH.com

Let Our Movers Do The Heavy Lifting FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

South Fayette Connect | Summer 2019 | 5

South Fayette

AROUND THE TOWNSHIP

Fireworks July 4th Fairview Park

Local government managers discuss business community

Photo by Richard

Vivid Imagin

The South West Communities Chamber of Commerce hosted a panel of local municipal leaders in May to discuss development, transportation, public-private partnerships and other issues important to businesses in the region.

Community Outlook 2019, held in The Club at Nevillewood in Collier, featured South Fayette Township Manager John M. Barrett along with other representatives of the chamber’s member municipalities.

Pictured from left are Upper St. Clair Assistant Township Manager Mark Mansfield, Carnegie Borough Manager Stephen Beuter, Bridgeville Borough Council President Michael Tolmer, event emcee Joe Verduci of Brentwood Bank, chamber Executive Director Mandi Pryor, Collier Township Manager Kyle Thauvette, Heidelberg Borough Manager Janice Adamski, Mr. Barrett and Scott Township Manager Denise Fitzgerald.

—Andrea Iglar

Gold Sponsors - Movies in the Park - Thank you!

Convenient South Fayette Location!

The Watson Institute offers a comprehensive array of outpatient services for mental and behavioral health diagnoses including: • Psychological Testing • Psychiatric Evaluations • Individual Therapy • Medication Management • Wraparound Services • Wraparound Evaluations • Social Skills Group Therapy The Watson Institute

New Homes Design Build Additions & Renovations Commercial Interiors

412.257.0160 6|

SouthFayettePA.com

prime1builders.com

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

Call today to make an appointment!

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

230 Hickory Grade Road | South Fayette, PA 15017 412-749-2889, option 3 | Toll-Free (866-893-4751) www.thewatsoninstitute.org

Patriotic Wreaths

The South Fayette Senior Citizens Association created Fourth of July wreaths during a program hosted

by Sarah Grebinoski, adult program coordinator with the South Fayette Township Library. Displaying their work, from left, are Mary Gates, Ms. Grebinoski, Margie Smith, Joyce Bartolomeo, Joanne Petrillo and Pat Pyle. (Photo by Andrea Iglar) DeYoung

nations

South Fayette Middle School students painted oversize wood cutouts of Easter eggs this spring in teacher Nicole Canofari’s Life Skills class. Tom Luck, a resident of the Sygan Hill neighborhood, used the pieces to help decorate a township welcome sign at the intersection of Millers Run and Presto-Sygan roads. Clockwise from far left: Izaya Partee and Brianna Heim; Justin Fowler and Catelyn Giaquinto; Kaylie Swider; Anthony Falcone (photos by Andrea Iglar); and Robert Wiggers (submitted photo).

Gold Sponsor - Movies in the Park - Thank you!

Gold Sponsor - Community Day - Thank you!

SUNDAYs 10 AM Pittsburgh Technical College (1111 MCKEE RD, OAKDALE)

Bring your Family and Join us!

Check us out Online www.treeline.church

@treelinechurch

South Fayette Connect | Summer 2019 | 7

South Fayette

Little Kids in the Big World

PUBLIC SAFETY

South Fayette student attends FBI leadership academy South Fayette High School student Gavin Watkins is attending the 22nd annual Federal Bureau of Investigation Youth Leadership Academy in June at FBI headquarters in Quantico, Virginia.

Gavin is among 60 students from the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico chosen for the program by the FBI National Academy Associates' Western Pennsylvania Chapter, an organization of senior law enforcement professionals.

The academy includes instruction related to criminal justice, police organization and function, criminal law, and the structure and operation of criminal courts, as well as leadership skills and ethics.

The group tours the bureau headquarters building in Washington, D.C., and meets the FBI director.

A press conference was held in April to notify Gavin (pictured, center) that he was chosen. Congratulating him, from left, are South Fayette Township police Sgt. Jeff Sgro, who is the School Resource Officer; Allegheny County Housing Authority Police Chief Michael Vogel; Castle Shannon police Lt. Brian McKeown; and South Fayette Police Chief John Phoennik.

In school, Gavin participates in football, lacrosse and Future Business Leaders of America.

—Andrea Iglar 8|

SouthFayettePA.com

@SouthFayetteTownship

About 300 South Fayette kindergartners learned about public safety and services in May when they visited the South Fayette Township Municipal Building and toured a police car, South Fayette Volunteer Fire Department fire truck and SouthBridge EMS ambulance, plus visited the police station, South Fayette Township Library and Morgan post office. Top: Kindergartner Milla Galaganova speaks with South Fayette police Officer Sawyer Gray. Right: Postmaster Joe Windsheimer sells a postcard stamp to kindergartner Kendal Bourg. (Photos by Andrea Iglar)

Police officers trained in 'less lethal' practices South Fayette Township police officers have received training on new equipment that aims to reduce the chance of lethality when circumstances require using stronger force.

Sgt. John Leininger and Sgt. Bryan Monyak recently completed Less Lethal Impact Projectiles instructor certification through the National Tactical Officers Association, a nonprofit organization serving the law enforcement community.

In April, the duo trained all South Fayette police officers on less lethal force policy, technology and practical scenarios.

The department purchased two “less lethal” launchers and related projectiles for about $2,000.

“We’re giving ourselves another option outside of deadly force,” Sgt. @SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

Leininger said. “It still has lethal capabilities, but that’s not the intention.”

The launchers may be used in certain serious scenarios instead of a gun to reduce or eliminate the chance of a fatality.

Police Chief John Phoennik said that officers must decide what level of force is necessary to control a situation and make an arrest. Levels of force may range from tactics such as a uniformed presence or verbal de-escalation to physical force or weapon use.

“Less lethal equipment gives us another option in the use-of-force continuum to keep our officers and the public safe,” Chief Phoennik said.

—Andrea Iglar

@SouthFayettePA

CUP with a COP Children under 13 enjoyed a free cup of frozen yogurt with South Fayette Township police officers at the second annual Cup with a Cop in May at YoFresh Yogurt Cafe in South Fayette. Officers chatted with kids, fitted bike helmets, gave away stuffed animals and enjoyed frozen treats with families.

Clockwise from top: South Fayette police Officer Mike Kuchta enjoys a cup of frozen yogurt with Hana Bouassida, 6; Mac Rudolph, 4, shows his police-themed toy helicopter and hat to Officer Markus Buchanan; Prin Chatanantavet, 7, sits in a big chair to enjoy his frozen yogurt; Police Chief John Phoennik greets Bryce Blackwell, 10, and Pierce Mitchell, 4; Officer Buchanan shows his patrol bicycle to Zane Willy, 4, Jude Willy, 6, and Carlisle-Islaannie Willy, 3. (Photos by Andrea Iglar)

Two police officers added The South Fayette Township Police Department has added and filled two officer positions.

Officers Rebekah Schultz and Alex Korkus (pictured) were sworn in by District Judge Maureen McGraw-Desmet during the May Board of Commissioners meeting, raising the total number of officers to 20.

The department previously had

employed 20 officers, but the number had dipped.

Police Chief John Phoennik said the addition “is going to provide a better service to the community.”

Officer Korkus previously worked for Emsworth, Stowe, Ingram and Reserve.

Officer Schultz had served in Peters and Frazier.

—Andrea Iglar South Fayette Connect | Summer 2019 | 9

First responders honored in park For his Eagle Scout project, Riley Supan (inset) built a First Responders Memorial (right) in Preservation Park, the newest community park South Fayette Township.

The installation includes three brick pillars representing police, fire and emergency medical personnel. A special flag shows colored stripes representing first responders—blue for police, red for fire, white for the emergency medical service and yellow for dispatchers.

“I have been a firefighter for four and a half years and have worked hand in hand with fellow firefighters, dispatchers, police officers and paramedics, so I wanted to honor them,” Mr. Supan said.

Mr. Supan graduated from South Fayette High School in June. He serves the Oak Ridge Volunteer Fire Department in South Fayette.

—Text & photos by Andrea Iglar

10 |

SouthFayettePA.com

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

Park Signs Installed South Fayette Township Public Works installed signs this spring in Preservation Park. The community's newest park, located along Seminary Avenue in South Fayette just outside Oakdale, includes three multipurpose fields, a half-mile walking trail and views of a farm preserve.

(Photos by Andrea Iglar)

Left: Cory Supan, John "JB" Barrett and Mark Mitchell install a sign in Preservation Park. Center: Mr. Mitchell, on the aerial platform of a bucket truck, guides installation of a 20-foot-tall park entrance sign at the corner of Seminary Avenue and Triple Tree Lane, as Mr. Barrett and Mr. Supan anchor the base below.

Right: Gage Niedermeyer, a seasonal employee, levels a sign showing maps and rules.

Platinum Sponsor - Touch-a-Truck - Thank you!

Investigating the Past, Evaluating the Present, Shaping the Future!

117 Sagamore Hill Road| Pittsburgh, PA 15239 | 724.327.7474 | www.kuresources.com South Fayette Connect | Summer 2019 | 11

Stay Cool Follow these safety tips during extreme heat

By B.J. Supan For many of us, summer means more time spent outside, whether it’s working around the house or lounging at the pool.

Many people don't realize that compared to all the other weather-related hazards, extreme heat—at least two to three days with temperatures above 90 degrees and high humidity— claims the greatest number of lives annually.

Regardless of your summer activities, it's important to take extra steps to stay safe so you can make the most of your summer.

Here are some tips to help you do just that: Wear clothing that is loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored. Wear a hat to shade your face.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Drink plenty of fluids.

Fema News Photos

Know signs of heat-related illnesses, such as muscle

Diamond Sponsor - Kids Play Day - Thank you!

12 |

SouthFayettePA.com

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

cramps, dizziness, headache, nausea, confusion and high body temperature.

Protect skin by wearing plenty of sunscreen, and be sure to reapply it often.

Prepare your home for hot days by covering windows and doors and adding insulation to keep the heat out.

Check on family, friends and neighbors during hot days; older adults are especially susceptible to heat-related illness.

Never leave children, adults or pets in a vehicle on a hot day.

Know places in your community where you can go to stay cool, such as a library or shopping mall.

For more information, please visit www.ready.gov/heat.

B.J. Supan is Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator for South Fayette Township.

Diamond Sponsor - Touch-a-Truck - Thank you!

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

Illustration of child jumping into puddle: Freevector.com

“ Where is that water coming from? ”

By John Kanaskie Are you trying to figure out where in the heck all that water in your yard is coming from? A commonsense approach to stormwater is an easy and inexpensive way to begin solving water issues on your property. Here are some tips and tricks to help start you on your way to solving stormwater problems.

Look at the topography (it’s all downhill from there) •

It’s common knowledge that water flows downhill. Look for sources of water above the problem area.

•

If you have a low spot with no drainage, that’s where the water is going to pond.

Play in the sun (but don’t forget the sunscreen) •

Grab the hose and run water into your downspout drains.

Look and listen to observe where water is discharging.

Check road inlets and over hillsides.

•

Run water into your yard and/or driveway drains, if you have any. Again, look and listen.

•

After a span of a few days with no rain, while running water into any drain, look for wet spots in the yard. You may have a broken pipe.

•

Look for storm drain cleanouts. Unscrew and remove the cap while running water into the downspout, driveway and yard drains. Listen for flowing water. (Do not open sanitary cleanouts. The township can help you determine what kind of cleanouts you have.)

•

After a few days of dry weather, walk around your property looking for flowing water. You may have a natural spring.

•

Look at how the property is graded. Water should flow toward swales and inlets but never toward your house.

Play in the rain (but not during a thunderstorm) •

Put on some boots, grab a rain poncho or umbrella, and head out into the yard when it’s raining. See where and how the water flows.

•

Is water bubbling out of the drain at the bottom of your downspout? You may have a clog.

•

Do you see where your downspout’s drain discharges its water? Some drains send water directly into your yard, while others connect to a roof drain collector (a larger pipe that runs across multiple properties) or into the municipal stormwater system. Downspout drains should not discharge onto someone else’s property.

•

Observe how water flows down the street gutter. Is water hopping the curb and making its way to your driveway or yard instead of a storm inlet?

•

Look at your gutters to see if water is flowing over the edge instead of into the downspout. Look for leaks.

•

If you have a French drain, see if water is leaving the discharge pipe. If not, it may have failed.

Residents are welcome to contact the township with questions about stormwater issues related to their property, but please note the municipality's actions are limited on private property.

The township can address problems with its public storm inlets and pipes, and can send violation notices for issues such as unlawful discharge from other properties. The township cannot tell individual residents how to fix a problem. When in doubt, please contact a professional.

Questions? Contact John Kanaskie at jkanaskie@sftwp.com, or visit www.southfayettepa.com/water.

John Kanaskie is the Engineer Technician for South Fayette Township.

How to wash away your yard’s stormwater problems South Fayette Connect | Summer 2019 | 13

The

abcs Homeowner associations have special rights and responsibilities

HOAs usually assess monthly or annual dues to pay for operational costs and maintenance of shared property such as such playgrounds, gardens, swimming pools, clubhouses or stormwater detention basins.

M

ost planned communities in South Fayette operate under a homeowner association (HOA), community services association (CSA) or similar organization that aims to preserve neighborhood characteristics and enrich property values.

Thousands of township residents belong to an HOA, and membership in these groups includes certain rights, responsibilities and opportunities.

What is an HOA? A homeowner association is a legally recognized, nonprofit entity with automatic, mandatory membership for its homeowners.

Members are required to comply with their HOA rules and standards, which are established through deeds, covenants and other legal documents that are put in place when a home is purchased.

In order to preserve architectural and aesthetic elements specific to a neighborhood, HOAs may define requirements for design elements such as paint color, landscaping, window style or fence height, as well as regulate issues such whether a resident can park an RV in the driveway or build a shed.

An HOA normally is created by either a residential real estate developer or a group of property owners. Pennsylvania does not require the formation of HOAs, but the state legally recognizes them and has established rules and responsibilities for them to adhere to.

“Restrictive covenants, when created by the developer, can be almost anything,” said Don Housley, a Realtor and representative of the township’s consulting engineer firm.

“Once construction is done, and most if not all of the lots are sold, these restrictions may go away unless provisions exist for their continuation,” Mr. Housley said. “Generally, if the developer wishes the restrictions to continue, an HOA is formed and then at some point, the HOA is provided with the power to govern over their own neighborhood.”

Most HOAs are governed by a set of bylaws that outlines the structure of the organization. Elected board members may manage the HOA as volunteers, or they may hire a management company to perform the necessary duties.

14 |

SouthFayettePA.com

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

Who enforces regulations in my neighborhood?

Active homeowner associations are set up to enforce their own covenants. They tend to have the power to take swift action when finding a violation. HOAs can place liens on a member’s property, sue a homeowner or levy fines in situations where sometimes the township cannot.

South Fayette Township, the local government, is unable to enforce the private HOA regulations.

However, the township does have the right to enforce its own laws and regulations within neighborhoods that South Fayette have an HOA. The township launched an onlin enforces local ordinances and to gather updat the International Property association c Maintenance Code of 2000 information abou by issuing citations, fines important to H or other penalties for code Check in by Ju violations. www.southfayett If you have a question or get a free South F problem within your planned community, please check with your HOA first.

If an HOA says it cannot enforce an issue, you may submit your concern online at www.southfayettepa.com/request to determine if the township can help.

Swag

Who takes care of neighborhood roads?

South Fayette Township maintains only public roads.

In a new housing plan, the developer or HOA privately owns the roads in the neighborhood throughout construction.

Once the roads are completed and built to public standards, the developer may offer a road for public dedication.

Following a legal adoption process, the township usually assumes ownership (although sometimes, for various reasons, the developer or the HOA keeps some or all roads private).

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

of

Story & Photos by Andrea Iglar

hoas Once South Fayette secures ownership of a road, the township can acquire funds from the state’s Municipal Liquid Fuels Program.

“Once a road is made public, we can get some money to help maintain it,” township Public Works Director Butch Truitt said.

In some cases, several years can pass before a road is offered for public dedication, such as when a new neighborhood is in the process of being built.

During this period, the developer or HOA bears all the expenses of salting, plowing, repairing, paving or otherwise maintaining its roads. The township is legally prohibited from using public tax money to maintain private roads unless specifically contracted and paid to do so.

Bags!

Who maintains stormwater basins?

Most planned neighborhoods include their own stormwater basins to control water Township has that “runs off” the development. Basins are ne HOA Roll Call designed to collect rainwater and snowmelt ted homeowner and redirect it into natural waterways to contacts and reduce flooding and erosion. ut what topics are The vast majority of stormwater basins HOA residents. in the township are owned by HOAs, with uly 31, 2019, at a handful owned by other private entities ttepa.com/hoa to or the township. HOAs are responsible Fayette swag bag! for maintaining and repairing their own stormwater facilities.

An important task of HOAs is to provide the township with the results of periodic inspections of their basins and related stormwater management system—including HOAowned storm pipes—in line with the original engineering design and by following the recommendations of a storm system design professional.

In addition to HOAs providing their own inspections, the township is required by the state to inspect all stormwater facilities from time to time for compliance with the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program, managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection under the federal Clean Water Act. The program—which includes all HOA-owned detention basins—requires each

community’s stormwater management system to return clean water to streams, creeks and rivers. Polluted water could lead to fines and penalties.

“The MS4 program has become a prominent focus in South Fayette,” said John Kanaskie, the township’s engineer technician.

Under the MS4 program, South Fayette Township has implemented a process to regularly inspect detention basins throughout the community. Inspection reports, along with required maintenance information, will be sent to basin owners this year and kept on file at the township building. HOAs must repair any problems discovered during inspections.

How do we close a road for a block party?

Neighborhood gatherings such as block parties are great ways for neighbors to meet and connect, and the township encourages these events when properly planned and organized.

It is the HOA’s responsibility to block the road with sawhorses, cones or other items that are readily movable in case of an emergency. Roads cannot be blocked by vehicles or big equipment.

“Streets must remain passable to emergency vehicles,” Police Chief John Phoennik said.

To temporarily close a road for pedestrians during a neighborhood block party, an HOA representative must contact public safety personnel at least two weeks in advance: •

Police Department business office: 412-221-2170

•

Fire Department (Fairview, Oak Ridge, South Fayette or Sturgeon): www.southfayettepa.com/fire

•

SouthBridge Ambulance: 412-221-5115

Can I park along the street?

To park on the street overnight in areas where parking hours are regulated, residents must request permission from the police department in advance by calling the business office at 412-2212170. Otherwise, vehicles at the curb may be cited or removed if necessary.

When possible, please avoid parking on the street during winter plowing in order to allow safe, efficient snow removal.

South Fayette Connect | Summer 2019 | 15

Brain Practice

From left: Betty Gabler, Mim Bizic and Mary Ellen O’Brien get ready to play Mah Jongg in April. (Photo by Andrea Iglar)

Mah Jongg takes luck and skill

By Andrea Iglar

Mah Jongg players enjoy the tile game each week at the South Fayette Senior Center. Standing, from left: Bonnie Klein, Sis Wilhelm, Mary Louise, Pat Maines, Gerry Benish, Barbara Lersch, Rose Gantner, Donna Tozzi and Wanda Puza. Seated, from left: Gloria Duchess and Stacey Tozzi. Missing: Rita Brown and Connie Verges. (Submitted Photo)

Here is a quick round of “What Am I?” I am a game.

My players shuffle, deal, match suits and compete to win hands.

I use tiles, not cards.

What am I? Answer: Mah Jongg, an ancient game invented in China and introduced to the U.S. 100 years ago.

Adults gather weekly at the South Fayette Senior Center to play the tile game, which mixes fun with brain exercise.

“It’s always brains and luck,” said Sis Wilhelm, who was among the group that began organizing regular Mah Jongg games about 18 months ago. “You really have to think to be able to play it.”

Mah Jongg may be played in various styles with slightly different rules. The South Fayette group plays American-style Mah Jongg, following the “Official Standard Hands and Rules.”

Each year, The National Mah Jongg League, a New York City-based organization founded in 1937, revises the hands and rules card “to add more excitement to the game,” according to the league website.

Mah Jongg is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, with millions of dedicated players around the world, plus Internet and computer versions, the league website says.

Normally, four players representing north, south east and west sit at a table covered with a Mah Jongg mat that helps tiles glide.

A total of 152 tiles display five suits—flowers, winds, bams, cracks and dots—plus wild jokers. Players draw from a pool of tiles and try to form hands that are listed on the official card.

When a player collects a winning set, she declares, “Maajh!”

“It’s a game of skill, but there’s also a lot of luck involved, just like in Scrabble,” said player Mim Bizic, comparing Mah Jongg to another well-known tile game.

The tiles themselves can be works of art.

Stacey Tozzi purchased a vintage, hand-painted, circa-1940s set online. “I wanted a special set I could have forever,” she said.

Ms. Tozzi and her mother, Donna, had learned the game about 25 years ago from her great-aunt Jewel in Naples, Florida.

The South Fayette group enjoys snacks, socializing and Mah Jongg every Wednesday, as well as every third Thursday, at 10:30 a.m. in the South Fayette Senior Center, 515 Millers Run Road. Experienced players are happy to teach newcomers.

Details: Call Gloria Duchess at 724-673-3950 or Sis Wilhelm at 412-276-4961. For more information about the game of Mah Jongg, visit www.nationalmahjonggleague.org.

16 |

SouthFayettePA.com

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

&

A Spoon A Smile

Nonprofit service offers daily meals and volunteer opportunities

By Andrea Iglar

On a May morning, more than a dozen employees and volunteers with South West Meals on Wheels efficiently carried out their elaborate choreography of preparing, packaging, organizing and delivering food.

As a result, about 100 people across the southwest region, including South Fayette Township, received two fresh, healthy meals—a bagged lunch and a hot dinner—plus a visit from a friendly volunteer.

“Someone is bringing you food, someone is checking on you every day and someone is following up if you’re not OK,” said Candy Mageras, site manager for the independent, nonprofit, nongovernmental food program.

Cost is $7 a day to support the organization’s operation, which is based inside the Goodwill Manor apartment complex on McMillen Street in Bridgeville. The independent organization is not affiliated with Meals on Wheels America.

Nearly all of the food is donated by grocery stores such as Trader Joe’s, which contributes fresh, non-expired produce, meat and other items. Based on available ingredients, cook Mari Murphy designs the meals, which recently included sandwiches, salads, watermelon, beets, baked chicken, mixed vegetables, rice and pie, plus a quart of milk.

Rita Parmeter of Carnegie, a retired nurse, enjoyed preparing the salads: “You try to make them look vibrant so it’s something they will want to eat,” she said.

South West Meals on Wheels generally serves adults 60 and

older who are homebound or otherwise unable to acquire and prepare food for themselves. However, clients who are younger or experiencing difficult circumstances also may be accepted.

Clients can sign up themselves, or else a family member, caretaker or medical professional can request service on their behalf. There are no income requirements or contracts.

The organization offers free test meals and the flexibility to choose the number of days per week that customers receive meals and visits—anywhere from one to five days, Monday to Friday.

“For a lot of them, we’re the only faces they see from the outside world,” Ms. Mageras said.

Volunteers appreciate the opportunity to serve. Manjula Germanwala of Green Tree said she enjoys talking with clients personally when delivering food, and she takes a daffodil to each client in the springtime.

“I want people to be happy,” she said. “I want to share my love and kindness because life is too short.”

Individual volunteers must be 18 or older, but youth children are welcome to volunteer with their parents—a practice that Ms. Mageras has begun with her own sons and daughter in order to teach the importance of helping others.

“They’ve been raised on Meals on Wheels,” she said. “They have a bunch of built-in grandparents.”

To sign up or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, call 412-279-5670 or visit www.southwestmealsonwheels.org.

Top left: Volunteer Gerrie

&

Ketler of Mt. Lebanon spoons rice into meal trays. Top

right: Volunteer Manjula

Germanwala of Green Tree

organizes meals for delivery.

Left: Cook Mari Murphy prepares baked chicken.

Right: Volunteers Geeta

Goswami of Scott and Shirley Furmanek of Robinson help prepare lunch and dinner.

(Photos by Andrea Iglar) South Fayette Connect | Summer 2019 | 17

Youth specialist expands teen programs Library staffer also launches Sensory Storytime

By Andrea Iglar Teens can look forward to more programs this summer at the South Fayette Township Library.

Carrie Lowery has joined the library as Youth Services Specialist to expand programming and outreach, plus coordinate a year-round volunteer program for youth.

“For teens, I want the programs to represent them,” Ms. Lowery said. “I want this to be a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere for them.”

Known around the library as Ms. Carrie, she also started a weekly Sensory Storytime for toddlers who are on the autism spectrum or who have other special needs.

The program, held at 11 a.m. Thursdays, provides a friendly environment for children ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers. All children, including siblings and friends, are welcome.

Kids participate in songs, stories and sensory activities that support physical, mental and emotional well-being. For example, they may play with water toys, practice balance by skipping across simulated river rocks or mimic facial expressions to learn about emotions.

Ms. Lowery, who lives in Bethel Park, formerly worked for Western Allegheny Community Library in North Fayette and for various school districts as a substitute teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in special education.

Now, Ms. Lowery holds a full-time position that she splits between the South Fayette and Bridgeville libraries.

“It’s such a wonderful, collaborative workplace,” she said. “It’s one of the best jobs I could ever ask for.”

Tickling Their Senses

The South Fayette Township Library holds Sensory Storytime at 11 a.m. Thursdays for children ages 2 to 5 with special needs and their caregivers, siblings and friends.

Clockwise from left: Brady Quirk, 3, plays with water toys; Zephan Philip, 2, dances amid bubbles; and Zoe Chen, 4, skips across simulated river rocks, followed by her two-year-old brother, Leo Chen. (Photos

by Andrea Iglar) 18 |

SouthFayettePA.com

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

SUMMER@Library

The South Fayette Township Library, 515 Millers Run Road, hosts a variety of activities for children, young adults and adults. Programs are free and held in the library/township building unless otherwise noted.

Adult

Youth

Register at www.southfayettelibrary.org under “Events” or call 412-257-8660 Middle Grade Maker (Ages 11 & up) Thursdays starting June 20, 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Explore the do-it-yourself world by making projects such as circuit wands, green screen pictures and Harry Potter robes.

T-Rex Tea Party (All ages) Sat. July 13, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Stomp down to the library for a "pterafyingly" good time with tea, snacks, crafts and a ton of fun!

Urban Watersheds (Grades 3 – 5) Weds. July 17, 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

ALCOSAN teaches kids how our actions affect watersheds.

Shark Week Party (All ages) Thurs. July 25, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of activities celebrating sharks.

What's for Lunch? (Grades K – 5) Fri. July 26, 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

ALCOSAN leads games and activities exploring the food chain.

Munchin' Micros (Grades K – 5) Fri. Aug. 9, 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Discover the awesome world of microbes with ALCOSAN. Rock Your Locker (All ages) Thurs. Aug. 15, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Create cool decorations to customize your school locker.

Science in the Summer Tues. Aug. 13 - Fri. Aug. 16 Grades 2 - 3: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Grades 4 - 6: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Explore the biology of bodily systems.

YA Book Club (Teens & Adults) Second Mondays, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Members choose the young-adult literature to read in this easygoing book club at Panera Bread, 1025 Washington Pike.

Create Your Own Pittsburgh Adventure Weds. July 10, 7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.

Discover Pittsburgh's hidden gems with Rossilynne Culgan, author of "100 Things to Do in Pittsburgh Before You Die." How to Shop for Nutrition Thurs. Aug. 1, 7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.

Pittsburgh Chiropractic and Wellness explains how to shop so nutrition and health are top priority. Find out the truth about organic food, the Top Ten toxic foods and other hot topics.

Pierogi-Making Class Sat. Aug. 10, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

St. Peter & St. Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Carnegie leads a hands-on demonstration of how to make pierogies.

Everyone makes and cooks a dozen potato and cheese pierogies. Each participant must bring a rolling pin and a container to transport pierogies home. Cost is $10/person. Please register and pay at the circulation desk by Aug. 5.

Learn about Wills, Tues. Aug. 27, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Attorney Deborah Lesko discusses wills and powers of attorney.

Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention Weds. Sept. 18, 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.

Find out the warning signs and risk factors of suicide, and learn strategies to prevent this leading cause of death. September is National Suicide Awareness Month.

Scrabble, Mondays, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Coloring for Adults, Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Movie Matinées, Fridays, 1:00 p.m.

September is Love Your Library month.

Thanks to the generosity of the Jack Buncher Foundation, the South Fayette Township Library will receive a portion of a match pool to support general operations. Donations received during September 2019, up to a maximum of $500 per donor, will count toward the pool.

South Fayette Connect | Summer 2019 | 19

G

ina Esch regularly visits Morgan Park in South Fayette for her younger children’s softball and baseball games.

Now, her 13-year-old son, Connor, can have fun in the park, too, by enjoying an adaptive seat on a two-person, universal playground swing.

“The word ‘ability’ is a huge part of the word ‘disability,’” Ms. Esch said. “For children with disabilities, like our son, to have the ability to swing is great.”

Thanks to a grant, Morgan Park now includes two sets of GameTime Expression Swings, which allow an adult and a child, or two children, to swing face-to-face.

“The ability to not only swing but to have the chance to have meaningful facial connections with people while doing it is beyond fantastic,” Ms. Esch said.

To celebrate the swings, South Fayette families and friends played outside during Kids Play Day on May 8 in Morgan Park, 515 Millers Run Road. Under sunny skies, two families took the official first swings.

Connor, who attends the Watson Institute in South Fayette, and his sister, Lauren, 10, a student at South Fayette Intermediate School, shared the Expression Swing Universal, which includes a standard swing facing an adaptive seat for children over five years old.

Connor also shared a swing with his mother, Gina, to the delight of his father, Jason, and seven-yearold brother, Logan.

“We feel so honored that we

“For children with disabilities, like our son, to have the ability to swing is great.”

—Gina Esch, South Fayette

Play Day! Story & Photos by Andrea Iglar

Top: Eight-month-old Tharun Narayan smiles at his sister as he swings. Center: Gina Esch and her son, Connor, share the Expression Swing Universal. Enjoying Kids Play Day below, from left, are Lyla Stoneking,4, with mother Traci; Venkat Mantraratnam with daughter Shreya, 7; Ariya Chovatia, 2; and Manit Kaushik, 10.

20 |

SouthFayettePA.com

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

were asked if one of our students could be the student that gave the first swing,” said Watson Institute's Chief Operating Officer Marilyn Hoyson, who attended the event.

Eight-month-old Tharun Narayan of South Fayette and his sister, Sasthra, 5, shared the second Expression Swing, which features an infant/toddler seat facing a standard swing.

The swings were made possible thanks to a $3,500 Play for Change grant through the nonprofit Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative, a group of 25 organizations dedicated to advancing the importance of play at all ages and in all aspects of life.

South Fayette Township was the only municipality to receive the grant, which is funded by the Grable Foundation and the Benedum Foundation.

Sarah Siplak, director of the collaborative, said the Play for Change team had never heard of Expression Swings until they received the grant application from township Parks and Recreation Director Paula Willis.

“We’re incredibly excited about what these offer to communities as far as intergenerational play,” Ms. Siplak said.

Adults and children of all ages attended the free event, which included games, music, bounce houses, balloons, township-themed flying discs and sunglasses, and activities hosted by the South Fayette library and Snapology.

“With children so distracted by all forms of technology, an event like this is a great way to bring kids out and remind them how to have old-fashioned fun in the park,” Ms. Esch said.

@SouthFayettePA

South Fayette Connect | Summer 2019 | 21

South Fayette Township Public Works employees were among the staff, community volunteers and students who braved chilly weather in April to pick up litter along seven miles of roads and the Panhandle Trail during the township’s annual Earth Cleanup Day. Pictured from bottom left are Public Works crew members Matt Saunoras, Mike Cardillo, Ryan Tropeck, Jamie Campbell and Mike Meglen. (Photos by Andrea Iglar)

Bag It Up!

22 |

SouthFayettePA.com

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

Green Sponsor - Touch-a-Truck - Thank you!

South Fayette Connect | Summer 2019 | 23

Green Sponsor - South Fayette Community Day - Thank you!

24 |

SouthFayettePA.com

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

Trash & Recycling Curbside Collection Garbage is collected weekly. Recycling is picked every 2 weeks. Pickup in South Fayette is split into Thursday and Friday. In case of a holiday delay, Thursday pickup is moved to Friday, and Friday pickup is moved to Saturday. Observed holidays are New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Find your service day at www.SouthFayettePA.com/2019calendar. Place bins at the curb the night before. Please do not bag recyclables.

July Fri. 5 Sat. 6

Trash Collection Recycling 1-day delay due to July 4th holiday

Thurs. 11 Fri. 12 Trash Collection

Thurs. 18 Fri. 19 Trash Collection Recycling

Thurs. 25 Fri. 26 Trash Collection

Collection Calendar: SouthFayettePA.com/ 2019calendar Recycling Resources: SouthFayettePA.com/ recycle Waste Management: wm.com 1-800-866-4460

August Thurs. 1 Fri. 2 Trash Collection Recycling

Thurs. 8 Fri. 9 Trash Collection

Thurs. 15 Fri. 16 Trash Collection Recycling

Thurs. 22 Fri. 23 Trash Collection

Fri. 29 Sat. 30 Trash Collection Recycling

Sept.

Fri. 6 Sat. 7 Trash Collection 1-day delay due to Labor Day

Thurs. 12 Fri. 13 Trash Collection Recycling

Thurs. 19 Fri. 20 Trash Collection

South Fayette Township South Fayette Township

515 Millers Run Road, South Fayette PA 15064 412-221-8700 www.SouthFayettePA.com facebook.com/SouthFayetteTownship instagram.com/SouthFayettePA twitter.com/SouthFayetteTwp linkedin.com/company/SouthFayetteTownship

John M. Barrett, Township Manager Peggy Patterson, Executive Assistant x 210

Parks & Recreation

Finance

Paula Willis, Director x 217

Nancy Degenhardt, Director x 225

Engineering, Zoning & Building

Communications & Community Development

Shannen McKahan, Assistant x 219 Gary Hartz, Building Code Official Joe Niedermeyer, Inspector John Kanaskie, Engineer Technician

Public Works Butch Truitt, Director x 223 Nick Nickolas, Superintendent Dan Dernosek, Foreman

Andrea Iglar, Director x 231

Police John Phoennik, Chief of Police Evonne Williams, Police Secretary Police Business Office: 412-221-2170

Emergency & Dispatch: 9-1-1

Community Resources South Fayette Township Library

Benjamin Hornfeck, 412-257-8660, SouthFayetteLibrary.org

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

Thurs. 26 Fri. 27 Trash Collection Recycling

South Fayette School District

Dr. Kenneth Lockette, 412-221-4542, SouthFayette.org

Historical Society of South Fayette Township

Emily Williamson-Brady, 412-257-3523, SouthFayettePA.com/history

Tax Collectors

Real Estate/Property Tax: 412-221-9250, SouthFayettePA.com/tax Earned Income Tax: 412-835-5243, JordanTax.com

Trash, Recycling & Reuse Information

Municipal Authority (Dye Tests & Sanitary Sewers) Jerry Brown, 412-257-5100, MATSF.net

South West Communities Chamber of Commerce

Mandi Pryor, 412-221-4100, SouthWestCommunitiesChamber.org

Volunteer Fire Departments in South Fayette

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

Police, Fire, Ambulance: 9-1-1