South Fayette Connect - Spring 2022 - Volume 7, Issue 2

SOUTH FAYETTE

SPRING 2022 ◆ VOLUME 7, ISSUE 2 ◆ FREE THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF SOUTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP

CONNECT aves a life 4 s r e c fi f o e c li Po ols 18 Swimming po eadiness 20 r n e t r a g r e d Kin rade 24 Historical pa

Italian Cooking 12

Hickory on the Green 6

Neighborhood Brews 14

CONTENTS

SPRING 2022

Departments Manager's Message.................................................................................................. 1 South Fayette Shorts................................................................................................ 2 Ask Abbey: Glass Recycling................................................................................. 3 Meet ... Matt Saunoras.............................................................................................. 3 Neighborhood Spotlight: Hickory on the Green......................................... 6–7 Around the Township................................................................................................ 8–10 Business.......................................................................................................................... 11–15 Stormwater: Dry Wells............................................................................................. 16 Code Corner: Swimming Pools........................................................................... 18–19

On the Cover A robin prepares for spring in South Fayette's Hickory on the Green neighborhood in March.

Photo by Andrea Iglar.

News Police officer saves the life of a resident ....................................................... 4 Mike Kuchta is recognized for reviving a man who suffered cardiac arrest.

A brief history of South Fayette .......................................................................... 5 The township is named for the Revolutionary War hero Lafayette.

Features

6

Cut, Color & Play ....................................................................................................... 20–23 Community programs help children get ready for kindergarten.

Photo Features How Public Works Built a Headwall.................................................................. 17 Memorial Day Parade: Historical Photos........................................................ 24–25 Military Service Photos............................................................................................ 25

Happenings

Inside Adeline Trivilino, 4, sharpens her pencil skills for kindergarten during a preschool class at Kiddie Academy in South Fayette. Photo by Andrea Iglar.

Public Zoom Discussion: Comprehensive Plan.......................................... 3 Earth Cleanup Week................................................................................................. 9 Library Programs........................................................................................................ 26–27 Bunny Hop Trail........................................................................................................... 29 Movies in the Park...................................................................................................... 29 Summer Camps........................................................................................................... 30–31 Recreation Programs & New Registration Website.................................. 32 Glass Recycling Collection.................................................................................... 33

Sponsor Advertisements ◆ Thank you!

Presenting Dollar Bank.......................................................... 28

Diamond John Kosky Contracting................................ 11 Kiddie Academy of South Fayette............ 11

Gold Herbert, Rowland & Grubic......................... 12 Ivybrook Academy........................................... 12 Goldberg, Kamin & Garvin.......................... 15 Schulz Lawn and Garden............................. 15

20

Manager's Message JOHN M. BARRETT

R

ecently I had the opportunity to sit down with Joe Horowitz to reflect on the changes South Fayette Township has experienced over his 10 years with the South Fayette Township Board of Commissioners.

Commissioner Horowitz shared stories and personal accounts of the growth and advancement of township operations, including the police department.

Hearing him reflect on the significant changes in the community inspired me to think about the next 10 years and what events will define our progress.

What comes to mind for me is the construction of our new, 36,000-square-foot municipal center, including a police station. This building will be a major milestone for South Fayette and a testament to the hard work of our past and present community leaders.

The facility will provide township offices, public meeting facilities and a modern police station that will support the police department’s status as a professional law enforcement agency.

Projected to be completed next summer, the 18,000-square foot police station will include space for in-house training, evidence storage, much-needed office space and, of course, a proper kennel for Ellie Faye, our police bloodhound.

Additionally, the new building will house our administrative offices, commissioners chamber and public meeting room. The larger, more modern facility will provide staff with sufficient space and equipment to carry out operations and grow along with the community.

As you can imagine, I am excited to see this project unfold. I sincerely appreciate the efforts of former boards, township employees and other community leaders who have paved the way for progress.

We will continue to pay it forward and work hard to ensure future generations also are set up for success.

Have a conversation about the future of community roads, development, housing, land use, parks & more

Gwen A. Rodi, President Rebecca Sray, Vice President Keith Dernosek Joseph Horowitz Lisa Malosh

TOWNSHIP MANAGER John M. Barrett

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andrea Iglar

ART DIRECTOR Andrea Iglar

GRAPHIC DESIGN Andrea Iglar Paula Willis Kristen Bagwell

CONTRIBUTORS Dan Dernosek John Kanaskie

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 2022. 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 SouthFayettePA.com/ads.

SOUTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

PUBLIC DISCUSSION

THURSDAY MAY 5, 2022 7 PM

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

PRINTING Knepper Press

M ZOO T CHA

Get link at SouthFayettePA.com/CompPlan

CONNECT WITH US

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 | Spring 2022 | 1

South Fayette

SHORTS

Police officer sworn in Daniel Garfold has joined the South Fayette Township Police Department.

Officer Garfold, of Ross, formerly served part-time in the Millvale and West View police departments.

He graduated from the Allegheny County Police Academy and holds an associate degree from the Community College of Allegheny County.

District Judge Maureen McGrawDesmet administered his oath in March.

Leaf collection set for Sat. May 7 Curbside leaf collection is Sat. May 7 in South Fayette. The night before pickup, place leaves and other yard waste at the curb in biodegradable paper bags no heavier than 25 pounds each. Yard waste may include leaves, hedge/tree/garden trimmings, brush, lawn edging and grass clippings. The collection is being completed by Waste Management. Report missed pickups at southfayettepa.com/request.

Boyce-Mayview road work occurring until November Improvements to the intersection of Boyce and Mayview roads in South Fayette started in March and are expected to be completed in November.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation project includes bridge replacement, additional turn lanes and flood control work. Find closure details, detour maps and project updates at southfayettepa.com/roads.

Download free mobile app Get what you need, when you need it, with the free South Fayette CitizenLink mobile app, available from the App Store (Apple) and Google Play (Android).

STOP THEFT FROM CARS

The contracts include $12.39 million to DiMarco Construction Co., Inc. of Clairton for general construction; $1.599 million to R&B Mechanical Inc. of Bethel Park for heating, cooling and ventilating (HVAC) work; $1.345 million to McCurley Houston Electric, Inc. of New Castle for electrical construction; and $1.048 million to Vrabel Plumbing Company, LLC of Gibsonia for plumbing work.

Public invited to discuss community vision South Fayette residents, business leaders and taxpayers are invited to an online public discussion at 7 p.m. Thurs. May 5 about the future of development, land use, housing, roads, parks and more. The forum is part of the process of updating the township's 10-year Comprehensive Plan. Find the meeting Zoom link at southfayettepa.com/compplan.

Ambulance subscriptions offered

leave valuables

Honor renewed

in the car."

JOHN R. PHOENNIK SOUTH

South Fayette CitizenLink

Construction is set to start in April and last about 14 months.

night. Never

door every

SouthFayettePA.com

The South Fayette Township Board of Commissioners in February awarded $16,382,200 in contracts to build a 36,000-square-foot municipal center with a police station on 10 acres at 323 Hickory Grade Road.

SouthBridge EMS in South Fayette is accepting subscriptions for ambulance service. Annual membership is valid from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023. Options range from $50 to $80 a year. Details: 412-221-5115 or southbridgeems.com/membership.

"Lock every

2|

Contracts awarded to build municipal center and police station

FAYETTE

CHIEF

@SouthFayetteTownship

OF

POLICE

@SouthFayetteTwp

For the fifth year, South Fayette Township has been named an Allegheny County Banner Community. The designation recognizes an outstanding commitment to professional development, prudent fiscal management, transparency, accountability and proactive communications.

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

South Fayette Township

Meet

MATT SAUNORAS

M

G

lass recycling in South Fayette Township will be held Saturday, May 7 through Thursday, May 12 in the parking lot behind the township building, 515 Millers Run Road. Please see the flyer inside the back cover of this magazine for details.

In partnership with local communities, the Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC) also has installed permanent recycling dumpsters for dropping off household glass at these locations: Moon Township Public Works Garage Lot 1115 Stevenson Mill Road, Moon Township, PA 15108 Weekdays, 7 AM to 3 PM Village Square Mall Parking lot of Fine Wine and Spirits 5000 Oxford Drive, Bethel Park, PA 15102 All colors of glass bottles, jugs and jars are accepted. Empty all containers. Caps, lids and labels are acceptable.

Examples of materials that are not accepted include glassware, stemware/wineglasses, glass bakeware, mirrors, window glass, cut glass, porcelain, ceramics, light bulbs and televisions.

For additional locations and dates, visit prc.org/glass. For special collections of TVs, electronics and household chemicals, visit prc.org/collectionevents.

Abbey Scheerer is an administrative assistant with South Fayette Township.

Submit your township-related question by email to magazine@sftwp.com or mail South Fayette Township, Attn: Ask Abbey, 515 Millers Run Road, South Fayette, PA 15064. Check South Fayette Connect every quarter to see if your question made it to print!

att Saunoras became interested in a career as a mechanic when he began tinkering with his first car at age 18.

Now, he has 15 years of experience repairing and maintaining cars and trucks, including 10 years with Ford and five years with South Fayette Public Works. When it comes to fixing vehicles, he enjoys problemsolving: "It keeps you thinking all the time," he says.

Hometown: Lifelong resident of South Fayette Education: South Fayette High School; CCAC associate degree in automotive technology Family: Wife, Sarah First Car: 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix First Job: Building and grounds maintenance at Southpointe Hobbies: Bass fishing locally and trout fishing in the Laurel Mountains Favorite Food: Extra-cheese pizza Bucket List: Take his first airplane flight and visit the Grand Canyon Favorite TV: Seinfeld Memberships: McDonald Sportsmen's Association and Gladden UP Church Best Quality of South Fayette: "The people."

Fun Fact: A licensed state inspector, Matt completes safety inspections of all township vehicles and police cars: "I write about 55 inspection stickers every year."

— Andrea Iglar South Fayette Connect | Spring 2022 | 3

'True hero'

Video

Watch the recognition of police officer Mike Kuchta on YouTube

Police officer saves the life of a resident

Mike Kuchta recognized for reviving man in cardiac arrest

By Andrea Iglar It was a Friday afternoon in December when South Fayette police officer Mike Kuchta responded to the call.

He had been driving on Alpine Road when he heard a 911 dispatch that a man was suffering cardiac arrest on Hickory Heights Drive, a mile away.

Officer Kuchta arrived on scene within two minutes—even before the ambulance.

He performed CPR and employed an automated external defibrillator (AED)—a medical device that delivers electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm to someone whose heart has suddenly stopped beating.

By all accounts, Officer Kuchta saved the life of Tim Postufka.

In February, Mr. Postufka attended the South Fayette Township Board of Commissioners meeting, where officials recognized Officer Kuchta.

"He jumped right in and performed the life-saving actions that allow me to be here today," Mr. Postufka said. "And make no mistake, he's a true hero."

The Board of Commissioners, Township Manager John M. Barrett and Police Chief John Phoennik presented Officer Kuchta with a certificate of recognition for his actions, which “saved the life of a citizen who was in cardiac arrest” on December 17, 2021.

Chief Phoennik said that Officer Kuchta had insisted “he was just doing his job, and I want to tell Mike it is your job, but it’s a job well done.”

Officer Kuchta (pronounced COOKtah) has served the South Fayette Township Police Department since 2003.

He is the only certified Emergency Medical Technician in the department and uses his skills to instruct fellow officers in CPR and first aid.

South Fayette police officers respond to an average of 125 ambulance calls per month, often rendering aid and comfort until the ambulance arrives, Chief Phoennik said, noting that AEDs are kept in all township police cars.

Only 2 percent of people found in cardiac arrest survive, he said.

“Too often, we do everything we can to find it wasn’t enough,” Chief Phoennik said. “But today, I can proudly stand here and say Officer Kuchta’s actions on December 17 did, in fact, save Mr. Postufka’s life.”

Mr. Postufka and his wife, Cheryl, have been residents of South Fayette for 20 years.

“His actions on December 17 gave new meaning to the adage of protect and serve,” Mr. Postufka said. “My wife and I, and my family and friends, will be forever grateful to you."

▲ South Fayette Township commissioners Joe Horowitz, left, Gwen Rodi and Lisa Malosh recognized police officer Mike Kuchta, second from left, in February. (Photo

by Andrea Iglar) ◀ South Fayette police officer Mike Kuchta, left, saved the life of Tim Postufka when the township resident suffered cardiac arrest in December.

(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Postufka)

4|

SouthFayettePA.com

South Fayette CitizenLink

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

South Fayette Township

Happy 180th Birthday SOUTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP Established March 16, 1842

By Andrea Iglar South Fayette Township has a rich heritage and a bright future.

Officially established on March 16, 1842, the community is named for Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834), a French general who served the United States in the American Revolution.

General Lafayette is celebrated for his support of representative government and his contributions to the achievement of American independence.

The area that is known today as South Fayette Township originally was claimed by both Pennsylvania and Virginia, according to the history book "Images of America: South Fayette Township" (Arcadia Publishing, 2015), written by Charlotte Smith on behalf of the Historical Society of South Fayette Township.

In 1788, the area became part of Moon Township, one of the seven townships in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

Two years later, Fayette Township was carved out of Moon Township.

Finally, in 1842, Fayette Township was divided into two townships—North Fayette and South Fayette.

In celebration of South Fayette's 175th anniversary in 2017, the township held a variety of events throughout the year.

A time capsule, buried in Preservation Park, will be unearthed in 2042 to mark the community's bicentennial.

La al r e

f ay

ette

Ge

Township named for Revolutionary War hero Lafayette

n

A brief history of South Fayette

The South Fayette historical society, established in 2004, works to preserve community history.

Email the group at sfhistory3@aol.com.

Formerly a farming and mining town, South Fayette today takes pride in being "A Community Growing Together."

South Fayette's population was 18,358 in the 2020 Census, a 27.3% increase over a decade. A quarter of the population is under age 18.

The community's certified real estate value, including commercial and residential properties, exceeds $1.8 billion.

The history book dedication alludes to the importance of history and progress in the community: "To the residents of South Fayette Township, your past was remarkable, your present is always developing, and your future is limitless."

More South Fayette history: southfayettepa.com/history.

South Fayette Connect | Spring 2022 | 5

South Fayette

NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT

Hidden Gem

Hickory on the Green residents enjoy privacy and convenience

By Andrea Iglar

Hickory on the Green Homeowner Association: Hickory on the Green Homeowners Association Built: 1993 to 1997 Management Co.: Community Management Professionals, LLC Number of Homes: 99 Home Type: Townhouse Developer: F. Lynn Foltz Street: Clubview Drive Location: Bordered by Hickory Heights Golf Club, Alpine Road and Interstate 79 HOA Top Issues of Interest: Development, Roads & Safety Maintenance: The homeowner association hires contractors to cut the grass, shovel snow from communal parking pads, and maintain the roofs and gutters for all units. Residents are responsible for shoveling snow from their driveways and sidewalks.

Fun Fact: A total of 22 home resales occurred from 2019 to 2021. Most of them were in 2020, during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Website: hickoryonthegreen.com

6|

Hickory on the Green residents say the neighborhood is a hidden gem.

The 99-townhouse community, off Alpine Road in South Fayette, is convenient to shopping, parks and highways, while also retaining a quiet charm.

Tracey Valko, a lifelong township resident, downsized six years ago and moved to Hickory on the Green.

“What I really like about this community is it has its own little niche,” she said. “We’re nestled in this little hollow.”

The entire neighborhood lines a single street, Clubview Drive, a long cul-de-sac that is bordered

by Hickory Heights Golf Course to the north and Alpine Road and Interstate 79 to the south.

Despite its similar name, Hickory on the Green has no affiliation or direct access to the golf course or to the nearby Hickory Heights neighborhood.

Hickory on the Green is close to Washington Pike and Fairview Park, and it’s a quick drive to I-79 near Bridgeville and the new Southern Beltway interchange at

Route 50.

Ms. Valko—who grew up on County Line Road and previously lived in Hunting Ridge and Saddlewood—appreciates her proximity to grocery stores and restaurants on Washington Pike and the convenience of jumping on the Southern Beltway to go to Pittsburgh International Airport.

“Everything you need is right here,” Ms. Valko said. “I feel very fortunate.”

Mary Jo Gross, president of the Hickory on the Green Homeowners Association, moved to the neighborhood eight years ago.

When she first had visited the neighborhood it was spring, and she was impressed by the visual appeal of the community.

“Everything was so green, the trees were blooming, and that was my very, very first impression,” Ms. Gross said.

“I thought all the homes were well kept. Visually it looked very nice, and that continues to be the case.”

Over the past three years, 22 homes in the neighborhood have changed hands. In 2020 alone, resales spiked to 13.

Donna Luczko greets every newcomer.

Part of Clubview Drive encircles a grassy island with a neighborhood gazebo and Little Free Library.

Photo by Andrea Iglar

◀ Vera Henry, left, and Micheline Stabile collect animal shelter donations in the fall. ▶ Whitt Lobdell, right, visits with his daughter and grandchildren.

Submitted photos

As a 14-year resident and chairperson of the Welcome Committee—one of the homeowner group’s eight committees— Ms. Luczko personally chats with new neighbors and invites them to join social clubs and attend events.

“I’m excited to tell them all the good things about the area and about our neighborhood and what kind of activities we have,” Ms. Luczko said. “When people are leaving, I like to stop and wish them good luck also.”

Social activities include the annual “hello summer” Sundae Sunday ice cream social and “goodbye summer” hotdog social; a holiday light-up event; restaurant outings; and card, book and lunch clubs.

Neighborhood gatherings usually are held outside near a gazebo, where a Little Free Library book exchange also is located.

There is no clubhouse or communal indoor space.

In addition to social events, residents engage in community service and charity-driven activities.

They clean up litter along Alpine Road, donate food to the South Hills Interfaith Movement, collect donations for the Washington Area Humane Society and donate gift cards to a women’s shelter.

“We are involved not just in our neighborhood but the broader community,” Ms. Luczko said.

Built from 1993 to 1997, Hickory on the Green began mostly with retirees but has evolved to include a variety of people, including children, working professionals and even a set of adult twin sisters.

“I’m happy that it’s a nice mixture of ages and families and singles because I think that makes for a stronger community,” Ms. Luczko said.

Wendy S. Bell (not the TV/radio personality) moved from Mt. Washington to the golf course side of Hickory on the Green in 2003.

“It’s quite a bit of room, so when people said that they came here to downsize—I did—I found that it was pretty much the same amount of space that I had in my house,” she said.

About half of the townhomes feature back decks overlooking trees, and beyond that, the golf green.

Units on the golf course side typically have a spacious, threelevel floor plan with a finished basement, two bedrooms and a loft on the third floor, and main-floor living/dining with a kitchen, laundry area, and primary bedroom and bathroom.

A resident for 19 years—and an officer of the homeowner association for most of that time—Ms. Bell plans to stay in Hickory on the Green.

“Once you’re involved, then you want to stay because it’s what you’ve made as your community,” she said.

“You have an investment in it, and you know the people and you like your neighbors.”

Trees blossom along Clubview Drive in the spring.

Submitted photo

Ninety-nine townhouses line Clubview Drive, a half-mile-long road that ends in a cul-de-sac.

Photo by Andrea Iglar

South Fayette Connect | Spring 2022 | 7

rship

s pace acco

mm

od

at

125

Th

g l ar

o ew

es

e

South Fayette AROUND THE TOWNSHIP

peo

PARKING THE U-HAUL

ple.

Traveling church settles in South Fayette Amplify Church offers Sunday services with live music

By Andrea Iglar It used to be the entire church was in a U-Haul truck.

Since 2019, Amplify Church had been unpacking equipment from a moving truck each Sunday at various temporary locations in the South Hills.

This year, the church settled into a permanent home in South Fayette Township.

Amplify Pittsburgh South opened 5,845 square feet of renovated space in Bursca Business Park and began holding Sunday evening services in January.

Campus pastor Jon Lloyd said the project took nearly a year.

“The way it came out exceeded anything I could have expected,” he said.

The non-denominational Christian church also operates in Pittsburgh, Plum and Philadelphia.

South Fayette services normally are

held at 6 p.m. every Sunday, featuring a message from the pastor, modern worship music and livestreams from the Pittsburgh campus. Length is about 90 minutes.

The facility, which accommodates about 125 people, includes a large worship space with a stage and three learning centers for children up to fifth grade.

The entire Lloyd family, of Bethel Park, is involved in the South Fayette campus.

Jon’s wife, Nikki Lloyd, runs the children’s ministries. Their son Braden, a high school senior, is a drummer in the band. Daughter Riley, 14, helps with child care, and Noah, 13, is on the audio-visual production team.

Music features instruments such as electric guitar, bass and keyboard. Since 2011, Amplify Sound has released several recordings, including a live album and DVD featuring original songs.

“Music is a huge part of what we do as a church,” Mr. Lloyd said.

This summer, Amplify plans to launch a teen program and host food trucks.

Special services this spring will be held at 7 p.m. on Good Friday and 10 a.m. on Easter Sunday.

New attendees are welcome to drop in for a service or to contact the church for a tour and additional information.

Mr. Lloyd said the church aims to help people feel they belong.

“One of the most important aspects of church is to give people an opportunity to feel they can be part of a family-like organization, make friends and feel valued,” he said.

Amplify Church, 600 Bursca Drive, Suite 603, South Fayette: 412-793-1600; Facebook, Instagram, YouTube; Amplify Church mobile app; amplifychurch.com.

◀ Jon and Nikki Lloyd, second and third from left, are pastors at the South Fayette campus of Amplify Church.

Their daughter, Riley, left, and sons, Noah and Braden, also are involved in the church.

Submitted photo

8|

SouthFayettePA.com

South Fayette CitizenLink

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

South Fayette Township

Free concert set for Gladden UP Church The public is invited to a free concert with South Fayette resident and baritone singer Anthony Brown on Sat. May 7 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Gladden United Presbyterian Church, 755 Millers Run Road, South Fayette 15057.

Mr. Brown (anthonybrownbaritone.net) will perform his program “Songs and Stories of Peace, Hope and Justice.” Using songs and stories from his international travels, Mr. Brown illustrates how music is a powerful tool for bringing people together.

Georgia Metsger, a member of Gladden UP Church, said the concert was organized for Mother’s Day weekend as an opportunity to meet others in the township.

“We just want to bring the community together and hear Tony sing,” she said.

Seating is first come, first served. Donations to the church are welcome but not required.

—Andrea Iglar

South Fayette baritone singer Anthony Brown

South Fayette Connect | Spring 2022 | 9

South Fayette AROUND THE TOWNSHIP

South Fayette students chosen for '18 Under 18' South Fayette High School students Griffin Hurt, left, and Zachary Betz have been chosen as "18 Under Eighteen" honorees by Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania.

The program showcases the talents and achievements of youth ages 10 to 18 across Western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia.

Griffin, a programmer, is developing educational software to help teach computer science to students across the globe. As an attendee of the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Academy—a cancer research program for high schoolers—he worked to improve research in image analysis by using machine learning.

Zachary, who is on the autism spectrum, is co-chair of the student diversity committee called SHOUT (Social Handprints Overcoming Unjust Treatment) and has given a TEDx Talk on the benefits of autism. He co-authored the book “Raise Your Voice: The Stories of SHOUT.” Junior Achievement of Western PA, a nonprofit based in South Fayette Township, recognized the students during an event at the National Aviary in February.

Submitted photo

—Andrea Iglar

Lions club donates to UPMC Children’s The Bridgeville Greater Area Lions Foundation has donated $8,000 to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh to help address pediatric cancer.

The nonprofit club raised funds through a yearly pasta dinner, secretary Dan Hupp said.

“Many of us know children who have gone through the rigorous but critical treatment for cancer,” Mr. Hupp said.

“We chose to partner with UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation because of the great research programs and outstanding treatment that children and their families receive from UPMC Children’s Hospital.”

Children’s South is located on Millers Run Road in South Fayette. The center includes pediatric outpatient services, primary care and after-hours care.

The local Lions club, part of Lions Clubs International, serves South Fayette, Bridgeville, Collier and Heidelberg.

▼ South Fayette Township Manager John M. Barrett, left, and Ashley Laber of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, middle, join Lions club members Dan Hupp, Laura Underhill and Joe Meliton at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh in January for the club's presentation of an $8,000 donation check to help address pediatric cancer.

—Photo & text by Andrea Iglar 10 |

SouthFayettePA.com

South Fayette CitizenLink

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

South Fayette Township

South Fayette BUSINESS

Car wash opens on Washington Pike ModWash, based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has opened a car wash at 3101 Washington Pike in South Fayette Township, next to Sheetz.

The facility includes a 120-foot wash tunnel and 20 vacuum and cleaning bays for customers. Single washes and packages are available.

Since 2020, ModWash has opened 37 car washes across 14 states, including eight locations in Pennsylvania. Another 183 sites are in development.

ModWash is open daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.: 412-679-7631; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter; modwash.com.

—Photo & text by Andrea Iglar

Diamond Sponsor ◆ Earth Cleanup Week ◆ Thank you!

Diamond Sponsor ◆ Concert in the Park ◆ Thank you!

Now performing weekdays and weekends Learning is a passionate and personal pursuit. For each child, it carries its own momentum, power and rhythm. Confidence and creativity grow in and out of the classroom, and at Kiddie Academy®, we recognize that it's never too early to nurture every learning opportunity. kiddieacademy.com/south-fayette (412) 221-5658

Kiddie Academy of South Fayette 3169 Washington Pike South Fayette, PA 15017 South Fayette Connect | Spring 2022 | 11

South Fayette BUSINESS

c

igi g

reets guests.

Ch

ef

m

Piacére!

as

Lu ot

From Sicily to Johnstown to South Fayette Couple moves Valentour's Italian restaurant to Sturgeon neighborhood

By Andrea Iglar When people ask John Tummino what region of Italy he cooks from, he says Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

That’s because he learned to make Italian food from his Sicilian grandparents, Joe and Rose, who lived in that city, 70 miles east of Pittsburgh, when he was growing up.

For about three years, John and his wife, Elaine Tummino, ran Valentour’s Family Restaurant and Pub in McDonald Borough.

In February, they said “piacére” (a pleasure to meet you) to South Fayette Township, where they reopened their Italian eatery in the former Lemon Tree Lounge, a log cabin-style building in the Sturgeon neighborhood.

While its location has changed, the restaurant continues to serve a variety of family-inspired homemade recipes for sauce, gnocchi, meatballs, stuffed peppers and more. All dishes are made to

order.

The Tumminos aim to provide not only homemade food but also a homey feel.

“It’s the food and the experience we’re pushing, not get in, get out,” John said. “Here it’s meant to be slow, calm, eat at your own pace.”

The Tumminos, who live in Mt. Pleasant, Washington County, had met when they worked at Mariani’s Italian Restaurant (now McClelland’s Public House) on Millers Run Road in the Cuddy neighborhood of South Fayette.

After working in the restaurant business for many years, the couple decided to open their own place, with John running the kitchen and Elaine operating the front of the house.

“It’s just a nice feeling of coming in and you know that this is your place and people are coming to see all of us,” Elaine said.

Many customers also come

Gold Sponsor ◆ Bunny Hop Trail ◆ Thank you!

to see Luigi, the chef mascot who frequently appears on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

The restaurant is named for the Valentour family that historically owned the building where the eatery originally opened in McDonald. The Tumminos kept the name when they moved.

The South Fayette location, with plentiful parking, sits along the Panhandle Trail, opposite mainstay family restaurant Hunner’s Pizza and Restaurant—creating more food options for trail users, visitors and local residents.

“We’re proud to be next to Hunner’s because they’re a quality place, and hopefully we help each other out,” John said.

Valentour’s offers a full bar and Italian-focused menu of appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, entrees and desserts.

Some of Valentour’s most popular dishes include the spicy Harlot Pasta, blackened

chicken Alfredo, a pesto-based chicken and broccoli, and Pasta Valentour, which includes a rustic homemade Alfredo that uses butter, wine and Parmesan rather than heavy cream.

Elaine said the neighbors in Sturgeon have been welcoming, and John said he looked forward to being a good neighbor in return.

“It’s already a nice neighborhood,” John said. “We want to keep it that way, and we want to make sure that they can be proud of having us here.”

Valentour’s serves dinner from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. To-go ordering is available.

Valentour’s Family Restaurant and Pub: 400 Arlington Ave., South Fayette 15082; 724-9262041; Facebook @valentours110; valentoursrestaurant.com.

Gold Sponsor ◆ Movies in the Park ◆ Thank you!

NOW ENROLLING SOUTH FAYETTE CAMPUS

Reserve Your Spot Today 412-676-7600 | IVYBROOKACADEMY.COM 12 |

SouthFayettePA.com

South Fayette CitizenLink

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

South Fayette Township

▲ ▲ John and Elaine Tummino prepare for the day in the dining room of Valentour's Family Restaurant and Pub in South Fayette. ▲ John Tummino's grandparents, Rose and Joe Tummino, were born in Sicily and lived in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He learned Italian cooking from them. ▶ The restaurant includes a full bar (right, top). Valentour's is located in a log cabin-style building along the Panhandle Trail in the Sturgeon neighborhood (right, bottom).

Photos by Andrea Iglar South Fayette Connect | Spring 2022 | 13

s

ted above the taps

Re

Jee p

re w

ing.

Jeep of Beers

at

nB

de

ri

un mo

co

co

South Fayette BUSINESS

Recon Brewing opens at Hastings Butler-based business honors original jeep

By Andrea Iglar When Kristin Karam began working for Recon Brewing in Butler five years ago, her go-to drink was a vodka cranberry.

“I’m a beer person now,” she said.

Her favorites are hazy India pale ales and sours—just a couple of the rotating beer styles brewed in Butler and served at the new Recon taproom in the Hastings neighborhood of South Fayette Township.

Three friends opened the original location in 2017 in Butler, a city 35 miles north of Pittsburgh where the original military jeep was invented.

The Recon name comes from the Bantam Reconnaissance Car, or BRC, the jeep prototype that Butler’s American Bantam Company created in 1940.

Levi Leyland tends the bar at Recon Brewing.

The BRC is credited as the grandparent of the Jeep, and in its honor, Recon Brewing named its flagship India pale ale "BRC." The owners—Toby Wehr, Dave Bestwick and Nate Bacher—are friends who met in the fire service in Butler Township.

“It was perfect because they all had their strengths and they learned from each other,” said Ms. Karam, the assistant manager and social media manager.

Levi Leyland, a longtime bartender and the head lead at Hastings, said the owners have cultivated a family-like atmosphere that is supportive of staff and welcoming to the community.

“We want [Recon] to be an extension of everybody’s living room or dining room,” Mr. Leyland said.

The South Fayette taproom opened in February with nine Recon beers on tap, plus seasonal cocktails and a rotating selection of wine and cider from local producers KingView Mead and Narcisi Winery.

Mr. Leyland’s favorite beer is Witchn’ Brew, an aromatic farmhouse ale brewed with ginger and licorice root.

Some other rotating selections include Hastings Brown Ale—made especially to celebrate the South Fayette location—and an amber lager called 14 Leatherheads, a nod to the term for leather firefighter

helmets and the people who wear them.

To-go options include growlers filled with any Recon Beer that is on tap, as well as a rotating selection of 4-pack cans.

Steve and Benny’s Chicken Shack offers a menu of sandwiches, loaded mac and cheese bowls, and salads that pair well with the brews. The eponymous Benny Dougherty said the eatery also has a food truck in Butler and a brick-and-mortar location in Monaca, Beaver County.

In addition to Butler and South Fayette, Recon operates in the Meeder neighborhood of Cranberry. Both Hastings and Meeder are Charter Homes & Neighborhoods planned developments that include homes and businesses.

Ms. Karam said Recon Brewing offers a family-friendly atmosphere that encourages neighbors to chat and interact.

“Craft beer creates almost a coffee shop vibe but for beer lovers,” she said.

Recon Brewing is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays.

Recon Brewing: 1401 Hastings Crescent, South Fayette: 412-914-8262; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok; reconbrewing. com/hastings.

Primanti Bros. coming to town Primanti Bros. Restaurant & Bar, known for stacking sandwiches with fries and coleslaw, is set to open in late 2022 at The Piazza in South Fayette Township.

In addition, the second regional location of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, a steak and seafood restaurant, is expected to open this fall.

Burns Scalo Real Estate is building The Piazza, a 50,000-square-foot retail development, on the former Star City site at Interstate 79.

Other planned tenants include European Wax Center and IMAGE Studios.

—Photo & text by Andrea Iglar 14 |

SouthFayettePA.com

South Fayette CitizenLink

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

South Fayette Township

▲ Nate Bacher, left, and his friends Toby Wehr and Dave Bestwick opened Recon Brewing in South Fayette in February. ◀ Levi Leyland pours one of the nine brews on tap (left, top). Recon Brewing's grand opening drew a crowd (left, middle). Recon sits in the Hastings Crossroads business district (left, bottom) of the Hastings neighborhood in South Fayette. (Photos courtesy of Charter Homes & Neighborhoods) ▼ Longtime employees Kristin Karam, left, and Levi Leyland are in charge of daily operations in South Fayette. (Photo by Andrea Iglar)

Gold Sponsor ◆ Accessible Hunt ◆ Thank you!

Gold Sponsor ◆ Earth Cleanup Week ◆ Thank you!

South Fayette Connect | Spring 2022 | 15

South Fayette STORMWATER

Well, well, well ...

Here is 'sump-thing' to consider Dry wells, or sump pits, could help manage water on your property

By John Kanaskie How do you deal with stormwater on your property?

A common issue among residents is figuring out how to release rainwater and snowmelt without affecting neighbors or roads.

Our stormwater ordinance, in short, states that water from your property cannot discharge into the street or directly impact neighboring properties.

In years past, French drains and downspout drains were connected to the sanitary sewer (where your toilet flushes to) or released into the street.

As time went on, problems with these methods became apparent.

First, stormwater could

overwhelm the sanitary sewer system, backing up pipes during heavy storms and causing wastewater runoff.

Second, directing water into the street caused icy roads in winter—and the salt applied to melt the ice deteriorated roads more quickly.

Now, everyone is required to connect directly to the storm (not sanitary) sewer system or to release stormwater on your own property where it can infiltrate the nearby soil.

But what if you don’t have a nearby storm sewer, or your property is graded such that water flows onto your neighbor’s property?

One solution that many

residents find works for them is called a dry well, or sump pit.

A dry well, simply put, is a large underground chamber lined with filter fabric and filled with stone. A stormwater drain pipe (such as a home’s downspout) is run to the pit, where the water is collected and slowly allowed to infiltrate the surrounding soil.

The system is covered with fabric and a thin layer of vegetated soil. Usually there is an overflow pipe for times when water cannot leach into the ground quickly enough because of heavy rain.

The dry well can be simple or complex depending on your situation. An optional feature

for the overflow pipe is a popup emitter that remains flush to the ground and has a lid that opens up, or “pops up,” when water needs to be emitted.

Pictured is a sample diagram of a dry well. Your contractor can help develop the design that is best for your property.

Guidelines for calculating the size of a dry well can be found in the township's stormwater management ordinance: southfayettepa. com/managestormwater.

For additional information, contact township stormwater coordinator John Kanaskie: jkanaskie@sftwp.com.

▼ This diagram of a sample dry well, or sump pit, shows how water can be collected into an underground chamber and then gradually allowed to infiltrate the surrounding soil.

16 |

SouthFayettePA.com

South Fayette CitizenLink

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

South Fayette Township

HOW PUBLIC WORKS BUILT A

HEADWALL 1

Dig footer

2

Build form for headwall

4

Finish concrete

S

tormwater improvements on McVey Street in the Sturgeon neighborhood are helping to prevent flooding onto neighboring property and the road.

This winter, South Fayette Township Public Works built a 6-foot-tall, 12-foot-wide headwall where a stream enters a pipe to cross underneath McVey Street.

A headwall is a type of retaining wall built at a pipe inlet to funnel water into the pipe, improve drainage, and support and protect the stream banks and roadway from erosion.

3

Pour concrete from truck

5

Remove the form once the concrete cures

Workers also doubled the size of the inlet pipe from 15 inches to 30 inches to handle heavier water flow.

Public Works Director Butch Truitt said that prior to the work, the inlet had clogged, causing water to overflow into a neighbor's driveway and basement and flood the township-owned McVey Street.

“Most towns would contract this out, but our crews were able to get it done in-house,” Mr. Truitt said. “It saves us a ton of money.”

Earlier in the winter, crews also built two additional stormwater inlets on McVey Street to help collect water from the road.

—Andrea Iglar

Photos by Dan Dernosek South Fayette Connect | Spring 2022 | 17

South Fayette CODE CORNER

Be cool when you put in a pool

By John Kanaskie ools are a source of relaxation, an avenue for exercise and a fun social gathering spot.

Because of these benefits, many homeowners have the goal of installing a swimming pool in their backyard.

But before you get to yell “cannonball!” there are a few things you need to know.

Pools are not appropriate for every property, and they can be a dangerous addition to a home. Children ages 1 to 3 are especially vulnerable to residential pool injuries and drownings, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

To help ensure the safety of residents, South Fayette Township has adopted comprehensive rules for the installation of in-ground pools, above-ground pools, hot tubs and saunas.

Before you get started, check your property survey to see if there is an easement on your lot; there is a good chance there is one.

Pools—or any structure, for that matter—cannot be built in an easement.

18 |

SouthFayettePA.com

South Fayette CitizenLink

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

South Fayette Township

An easement is a right to use someone else’s property. For example, utility companies often are granted easements on strips of land so they can access underground pipes or wires.

Second, check with your homeowner association, which might have its own restrictions about swimming pools in your development.

If these two items check out, it’s time to obtain a building permit from South Fayette Township.

When you apply, you must include a copy of your property survey along with an illustration of the proposed pool and barrier. (A barrier typically is a fence or a cover, or in the case of an above-ground pool, the pool sides if they are at least 48 inches tall.) This information will be used to determine zoning compliance.

The permit process ensures you adhere to the requirements of the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, a set of laws adopted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and South Fayette Township.

Examples of regulations include: •

Swimming pools, hot tubs and saunas must be located at least 10 feet from any property line.

•

Swimming pools are not allowed in the front yard.

•

The entire perimeter of an in-ground pool must be fenced or secured with an appropriate barrier.

•

All hot tubs must be covered, and the cover must be locked when the hot tub is not in use.

•

All saunas must be locked when not in use.

•

Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, and they must swing outward, away from the pool.

Township inspections and an electrical inspection by an independent, certified electrical inspector are required during pool installation.

For above-ground pools, the township may require a topographic plan to determine if the property is appropriate for construction of a pool, or to determine compliance with barrier requirements if there are differences in ground elevation around the pool. This step helps prevents people from jumping into the water from higher ground outside the fence.

Upon issuance of your building permit, you will receive a paper copy of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s “Swimming Pool Safety Barrier Guidelines.” Also available online, the document offers guidelines for pool barriers that can help prevent drowning incidents involving young children.

All private swimming pools, hot tubs and saunas that are built as an accessory to a home may be subject to annual inspection to determine ongoing compliance with township zoning regulations.

Please note that some land grading requirements also might apply to your pool project.

If any excavation of soil is required, you must comply with the township grading ordinance. The excavated soil placement cannot affect stormwater flow or change the slope of any hillside. Excavated soil cannot be placed in easements, either.

Discuss this issue with the zoning officer when obtaining your pool permit.

Lastly—although the township doesn’t require it—we highly recommend that you enjoy your swimming pool!

John Kanaskie is the code enforcement officer for South Fayette Township.

SWIMMING POOLS Code: 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code Purpose: Regulates the minimum requirements for the design, construction, alteration, repair and maintenance of swimming pools, spas, hot tubs and aquatic facilities Benefits: Prevents child drownings; safeguards public health and safety Applies to: All zoning districts In-Ground Pool Permit Fee: $105 Above-Ground Pool, Hot Tub or Sauna Permit Fee: $55 Pool Safety Barrier Guidelines: southfayette.com/pools Get Started: southfayettepa.com/building

South Fayette Connect | Spring 2022 | 19

20 |

CUT, COLOR & PLAY Community programs help children get ready for kindergarten

T

By Andrea Iglar

eaching preschoolers to cut with scissors and control a crayon is just as important as teaching them their ABCs. This is the idea behind kindergarten readiness, the practice of preparing children to go to school.

While some preparation is more academic—counting numbers, recognizing letters, singing the alphabet— kindergarten readiness focuses on helping 4- and 5-year-olds develop their muscles, independence and social savvy so they are ready to start learning as soon as they hit the classroom.

South Fayette resident Danielle M. Puhatch, a pediatric occupational therapist, said honing emotional, social and physical skills prepares children for academics.

“Having your whole body ready for kindergarten is important,” she said.

In the South Fayette School District, children can enter the half-day kindergarten program if they are five years old by September 1.

South Fayette kindergartners begin learning letters and numbers during their second week of classes. By the end of the school year, they are expected to be able to read, add and

◀ Adeline Trivilino, 4, sharpens her pencil skills during a prekindergarten class at Kiddie Academy in South Fayette in March. ▶ During a kindergarten readiness program at the South Fayette Township Library, fiveyear-olds Leo Chen, left, and Nolan Rectenwald pick up pom-pom balls with plastic pincers. The task strengthens their fingers—a prerequisite for being able to correctly write with a pencil and cut with scissors in kindergarten.

Photos by Andrea Iglar South Fayette Connect | Spring 2022 | 21

subtract.

Janelle Reck, a kindergarten teacher at South Fayette Elementary School, said some of the most important skills for incoming kindergartners are saying their full name, asking for help and independently completing tasks like zipping their coat or packing their backpack.

“The more that they can do, the more efficient and smoothly the day runs,” Mrs. Reck said. “It helps them learn because then they are just ready to go.”

Many options exist for kindergarten readiness, “Any exposure to including preschool programs, library programs kindergarten preparation and informal family and education I can give activities. him is important."

The South Fayette —Jill Gregory, parent Township Library offers a free kindergarten readiness program for children entering kindergarten this fall. Weekly activities run through April 20. Another session is scheduled for April 26 to June 14 at the Bridgeville Public Library.

The first library class in March focused on cooperation and friendship. Seven children began by sharing their name and favorite color, and then they sang a song together. They learned the American Sign Language action for “friends.”

Nicole Seitz, children’s outreach specialist for the library, led several games and activities.

“Because we are getting ready for kindergarten, we’re

Mireya Madden, 5, of South Fayette concentrates on coloring during her pre-K class at Kiddie Academy.

Five-yea

r-ol

ds

Isa

Photo by Andrea Iglar

learning about listening and raising your hand and sharing and following directions,” she told the 4- and 5-year-olds.

During one game, the children stood in line until Ms. Seitz called upon one to take a certain number of steps forward as a giant step, baby step, bunny hop or ballerina twirl.

Another activity involved using large tweezers to pick up pom-pom balls and place them on a plate—a finger-strengthening exercise that prepares kids to correctly write with a pencil and cut with scissors.

The children also worked together to keep a ball on top of a moving parachute, and they listened to Ms. Seitz read a story.

Finding images in an “I Spy” book strengthened their eyes, helping them find details and spot items that were the same or different—a skill that helps when preparing to read and write letters.

Later sessions built upon past skills. Topics included practicing fine motor skills by writing, drawing, cutting and gluing, as well as learning about shapes, identifying patterns, and sorting by color, shape and size.

“They need to know it is fun to learn new things, and then they’ll want to do it more,” Ms. Seitz said after class. an Nolan Rectenwald, 5, attended the library , left, a x program. His mother, Jill Gregory, said he also e Ol attends a preschool program. ac “Any exposure to kindergarten preparation and education I can give him is important,” she said. “And it gives him a chance to socialize with his future classmates.”

At Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care in South Fayette, 42 children are preparing to attend kindergarten this fall.

Pre-K teacher Cathy Boyle, who holds a degree in elementary education, said all activities in her class help the kids get ready for “big school.”

“Preschool is now what kindergarten used to be,” Ms. Boyle said. “It is really preparing them.”

Kiddie Academy operates year-round, following a curriculum and “graduating” children each spring. Pre-K teacher Megahn Howard enjoys seeing the children grow throughout the year.

“The social and emotional skills they are going to need, not only in kindergarten but later in life, start now,” she

22 |

SouthFayettePA.com

South Fayette CitizenLink

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

South Fayette Township

◀ Four- and fiveyear-olds work on classroom skills in Megahn Howard's pre-K class at Kiddie Academy in South Fayette.

Photo by Andrea Iglar

▶ South Fayette resident Danielle Puhatch, far right, and her friend Grayson play with a puzzle. Ms. Puhatch, a pediatric occupational therapist, says playing helps prepare children for school.

Submitted photo

ish

said. “To see that spark when they start being able to make the connections, it’s wonderful.”

South Fayette School District offers the Little Lions Early Learning Academy for 4- and 5-year-olds.

Early childhood education teacher Desiree Dennison said the programs prepare children to receive academic knowledge in kindergarten.

She said the social aspects of being in a classroom are important, especially for children who may not have been nd Anabe in social settings during the ll a Ta COVID-19 pandemic. ra b Everyone involved in kindergarten readiness agrees that parents are key to children’s success in kindergarten.

“We have to be a team with the parents,” pre-K teacher Ms. Boyle said. “They do reinforce what we’re doing.”

Some of the best preparation involves activities like finger painting, playing in sand and climbing on playgrounds.

If that sounds like good oldfashioned play, it’s because it is.

“Play is essential for learning your own body and how it moves,” Ms.

im

ake

the sign for "frien

ds" a

t

Puhatch said.

Physical movement builds muscles, sharpens the senses and develops fine motor skills—the refined movements of small muscles in hands and fingers.

Children who spend too much time with screens often lack finger strength because they use only their thumbs for video games, Ms. Puhatch said.

“What we’re seeing is their hands are super-weak, and they can’t manipulate pencils and crayons," she said.

She recommended parents encourage children to engage in hands-on activities, noting that even simple chores and household tasks, such as carrying shopping bags or washing dishes, can help hone skills.

Another good practice is to expose children to a variety of sights, sounds, textures, smells and foods, so they are less likely to be distracted or alarmed by unfamiliar sensory input at school.

Outings to parks, grocery stores, museums and other places provide a range of experiences to preschoolers.

“The more exposure you can give your children to sensory experiences like movement and sound and touch and taste,” Ms. Puhatch said, “the easier it is for them to be in different environments and be ready to learn.”

Kindergarten registration: southfayette.org/enrollment.

▲ South Fayette preschoolers Maddoc Boxx, top, and Lily Warnock share a laugh at Kiddie Academy in March. Learning social skills is an important part of kindergarten readiness.

Photo by Andrea Iglar

South Fayette Connect | Spring 2022 | 23

th

el

ary. ib r

▼ Larkin Hotel

◀ VFW Post 586 Flag

The flag on the right represents James F. McClusky Post 586, the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in South Fayette, incorporated in 1943.

Memorial Day Parade

These historical photos, courtesy of Bob and Carol Kurchena, show Memorial Day parade activities, circa the early 1940s, on Millers Run Road in the Cuddy neighborhood of South Fayette Township.

2022 Parade A Memorial Day parade is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, May 30, 2022. The route starts on Washington Avenue at Station Street in Bridgeville and continues south onto Washington Pike in South Fayette, ending at Melrose Cemetery.

24 |

◀ Original township building & police station Bridge ▼

▲ Quarture's store

SOUTH FAYETTE SALUTES MILITARY BANNER PROGRAM ◆ SOUTHFAYETTEPA.COM/BANNERS ◆ 412.221.8700

SFC Donald Antonucci

SP4 Raymond C. Bourg

PFC Matthew Cavanaugh

SN Vincent D. Cavanaugh

Raymond Schollaert

Pfc John N. Wauthier

Army

Navy

Army

Army Air Corps

Army

Army

South Fayette Connect | Spring 2022 | 25

26 |

SouthFayettePA.com

South Fayette CitizenLink

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

South Fayette Township

South Fayette Connect | Spring 2022 | 27

Presenting Sponsor ◆ Bunny Hop Trail ◆ Thank you!

Proud sponsor of Bunny Hop Trail April 14, 2022 South Fayette Office & Loan Center Gateway Shoppes at Newbury Market 160 Millers Run Road Bridgeville, PA 15017 412-257-2780 • dollar.bank Lobby Hours: Mon. - Thurs.

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Friday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• Walk-Up and Drive-Up Personal Teller Machines & ATMs

Drive-Thru Hours: Mon. - Sat. 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

• Latest technology to best meet your banking needs

• Safe Deposit Boxes

Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC. Copyright © 2022, Dollar Bank, Federal Savings Bank.

28 |

SouthFayettePA.com

South Fayette CitizenLink

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

BRA060_22

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

South Fayette Township

2022

es

pr

Trail

BUNNY HOP

ts en

DRIVE-THRU

EVENT

Thursday, April 4 1 2

P M

FAIRVIEW

PARK,

-

3

SOUTH

P M FAYETTE

SFBUNNYHOP2022.EVENTBRITE.COM LIMITED LIMITED TICKETS TICKETS PER PER TIME TIME SLOT SLOT

FRE E TIC KET S REQ UI R ED

Fairview Park, Fridays @ Dusk

South Fayette Connect | Spring 2022 | 29

30 |

SouthFayettePA.com

South Fayette CitizenLink

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

South Fayette Township

SUPER HERO CAMP July 11 - 15 Ages 4 - 6 @ 9:30 AM - 12 PM Ages 7 - 9 @ 12:30 PM - 3 PM

SOCCER SKILLS CAMP July 25 - 29 Ages 3 - 5: 8 AM - 9 AM; $100 Ages 6 - 14: 9 AM - 12 PM; $165 Boys Home Park

Morgan Park $150/child

KIDS Summer CAMPS

Ultimate Obstacle Course Camp July 18 - 22 Ages 4 - 6 @ 9:30 AM - 12 PM Ages 7 - 9 @ 12:30 PM - 3 PM

Fairview Rotary Pavilion $150/child

Fizz, Boom , Bang Space Lab Camp Camp June 27 - July 1 July 25 - 29 9 AM - 12 PM 9 AM - 12 PM Fairview Lafayette Pavilion Fairview Lafayette Pavilion $169/child; Ages 6 - 12 $179/child; Ages 6 - 12

Register at:

SOUTHFAYETTEPA.COM/RECREATION New online registration STEP 1: CLICK "MY ACCOUNT" TOP RIGHT + CHOOSE "SIGN UP NOW" STEP 2: ADD YOURSELF & CHILDREN/HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS STEP 3: RETURN TO HOMEPAGE & CHOOSE "CAMPS"

South Fayette Connect | Spring 2022 | 31

Spring Tennis

Saturdays, May 7 - June 4 @ Fairview Park Pee Wee (Ages 5 - 6); 11 AM - 11:30 AM; $50/child Junior Beginner (Ages 7 - 10); 9 AM - 10 AM; $100/child Junior Advanced (Ages 11 - 15); 10 AM - 11 AM; $100/child Stories for springTime

Saturday, April 23, 1:30 PM @ Fairview Lafayette Pavilion; Family Friendly; Free SfBfitness w/ Katie

South Fayette Fire Hall; $12/class; $55/5 classes; $84/8 classes; $120/12 classes Kettlebell Fitness: Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Cardio Kicks & Sticks: Thursdays @ 9 AM - 10 AM Adult yoga Mondays, April 11 - May 23, 7 PM @ Sturgeon Fire Hall; $11/class

Spring Recreation Registration: SouthFayettePA.com/Recreation

Parks and Recreation Website How to Create a new account Click at top of the screen Click at bottom of the screen Enter your account information Click to add partner and/or children

More Help?

Visit: SouthFayettePA.com/RecFAQ

Register for programs

Rent park pavilions

Search community events

WWW.SOUTHFAYETTEPA.COM/RECREATION 32 |

SouthFayettePA.com

South Fayette CitizenLink

@SouthFayetteTownship

@SouthFayetteTwp

South Fayette Township

@SouthFayettePA

South Fayette Township

SOUTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP Satuurday, May 7 – Thurrsday, May 12, 2022 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., self-serve drop-off Goldberg, Kamin & Garvin, LLP South Fayette Township Owens-Illinois CAP Glass

South Fayette Township Municipal Building 515 Millers Run Road, South Fayette, PA 15064 Location is under video surveillance No bags or boxes in the recycling bin please

South Fayette Connect | Spring 2022 | 33

MISSED PICKUP? SOUTHFAYETTEPA.COM/REQUEST

Trash & Recycling Garbage is collected weekly and recycling every 2 weeks. If a holiday falls before pickup day, collection is delayed one day.

Do not bag recyclables.

No glass in recycling bins.

Waste Management wm.com ◆ 1-800-866-4460

South Fayette Township

515 Millers Run Road, South Fayette PA 15064 412-221-8700 SouthFayettePA.com Staff Directory John M. Barrett, Township Manager

April Thurs. April 7 Fri. April 8 Trash Collection Recycling

Thurs. April 14 Fri. April 15 Trash Collection

May Thurs. May 5 Fri. May 6 Trash Collection Recycling

Thurs. May 12 Fri. May 13 Trash Collection

June Fri. June 3 Sat. June 4 Trash Collection Recycling 1-DAY DELAY DUE TO MEMORIAL DAY

Thurs. June 9 Fri. June 10 Trash Collection

Thurs. April 21 Fri. April 22 Trash Collection Recycling

Thurs. April 28 Fri. April 29 Trash Collection

Trash, Recycling & Reuse Info

Thurs. May 19 Fri. May 20 Trash Collection Recycling

Thurs. May 26 Fri. May 27 Trash Collection

Glass Recycling Sat. May 7 Thurs. May 12 Township Building 515 Millers Run Road

Thurs. June 16 Fri. June 17 Trash Collection Recycling

Thur. June 23 Fri. June 24 Trash Collection

Thurs. June 30 Fri. July 1

Administration

Parks & Recreation

Peggy Patterson, Executive Assistant Shannen McKahan, Finance Officer Patrick J. Catena, Assistant Manager

Paula Willis, Director Ian McNeill, Assistant

Communications & Community Development

John Phoennik, Chief of Police Dana Korbe, Police Secretary Police Business Office: 412-221-2170 Emergency & Dispatch: 9-1-1

Andrea Iglar, Director

Police

Planning, Building & Code

Public Works

Gary Hartz, Planning/Zoning Director Joe Niedermeyer, Building Code Official John Kanaskie, Engineering/Code Abbey Scheerer, Administrative Assistant

Butch Truitt, Director Dan Dernosek, Foreman

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

South Fayette School District 412-221-4542, SouthFayette.org

Historical Society of South Fayette Township

Emily Brady, sfhistory3@aol.com, SouthFayettePA.com/history

Tax Collectors

Real Estate Tax, Kevin Biber: 412-221-9250, SouthFayettePA.com/tax Earned Income Tax, Jordan Tax Service: 412-835-5243, JordanTax.com

Trash Collection Recycling

Municipal Authority (Dye Tests & Sanitary Sewers)

July

South West: 412-221-4100, SouthWestCommunitiesChamber.org Pittsburgh Airport Area: 412-264-6270, PAACC.com

Fri. July 8 & Sat. July 9 Trash delayed 1 day (Independence Day)

Jerry Brown, 412-257-5100, MATSF.net

Chambers of Commerce

Volunteer Fire Departments in South Fayette

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

Police, Fire, Ambulance: 9-1-1