In brief: Bridgeville, Carnegie area news and events, week of Feb. 24, 2025 and beyond

Park grants awarded in Carnegie

Carnegie was awarded $200,000 from state grant funding to make the Irishtown Tot Park and Carnegie Municipal Park more accessible to children with disabilities.

It’s part of funding authorized by the Commonwealth Financing Authority in January to improve local parks and economic development projects.

The Irishtown Tot Park project includes equipment, multisensory and ground-level play items, quiet spaces, ground cover, and removing old equipment. It comes from the state’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program.

“This investment ensures that all children, regardless of ability, have the opportunity to play, explore and enjoy our community’s parks,” said State Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Carnegie. “Creating inclusive, accessible spaces is essential to fostering a welcoming environment for every family in Carnegie. I’m proud to support this funding, which will make a lasting impact on our children and their quality of life.”

Projects awarded from the Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund include about $215,000 to the Boys and Girls Club for HVAC replacement at the Carnegie Clubhouse; $80,000 for an addition project to Mancini’s Bakery Inc. in McKees Rocks and a little over $253,000 to the Municipal Authority of the Township of Robinson for the Route 60 waterline replacement from Church Hill to Tidball roads.

Chartiers Valley comings and goings

Chartiers Valley school board approved some personnel moves at its Jan. 28 and Feb. 11 meetings.

Appointments include Sean Thurston, long-term substitute social studies teacher; and Jennifer Craig, ESL long-term substitute.

The board accepted resignations from Beth Wright, business manager; Sarah Koons, high school yearbook advisor; Linda Caryll, non-CDL driver; Shaista Naheed, high school cafeteria employee; Danielle McCrerey and Chelsea Zuccaro, paraprofessionals; and Marcia Zucconi, ESL long-term substitute.

Supplemental appointments include William Douglas, varsity boys soccer coach; Michelle Opferman, nurse mentor; and Scott Crimone, social studies mentor. Named football assistant coaches were Tyler Caragein, Cody Hearst, Bill Gallagher, Frank Spence, Bob Jazwinski, Alex Baroffio and Joe Delsardo.

Spring craft show slated

A spring craft show will benefit the Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Department.

The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 6 at the fire department, 370 Commercial St.

Entry is free. There will be 70 crafters, food trucks, basket raffles and a 50/50 raffle.

CV chain of command gets update

Chartiers Valley School Board approved an updated chain of command structure in an effort to streamline parent communication and ensure efficiency within district schools.

“This framework will help clarify roles and responsibilities, ensuring that concerns and inquiries are directed to the appropriate personnel for timely resolution,” Superintendent Daniel Castagna wrote in a letter to families.

The chain of command can be found on the district’s website.

Fish fry season just around the corner

The parish of St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church’s fish fry will be held every Friday during Lent, except Good Friday, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. beginning March 7 at Ss. Simon and Jude Church in Scott.

The fish fry is at the Parish Life Center Gym, 1601 Greentree Road.

Offerings include baked and fried fish, fish sandwiches, crab cakes, shrimp, pierogi, mac and cheese, french fries, lobster bisque and more. The menu will be posted in the bulletin and online at straphaelcgs.org.

In addition, the Carnegie Ancient Order of Hibernians’ fish fry will be at the Ukrainian American Citizens Club, 302 Mansfield Blvd., beginning March 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. There, people can enjoy fried and baked fish, haluski and more.

College Club of Carnegie to meet

The College Club of Carnegie will meet on March 1 at the Walnut Grill Robinson, 1210 Settlers Ridge Center. There will be a social at 11:30 a.m. with a luncheon following at noon.

“Hello Spring” will be the theme of the meeting.

A 50-50 raffle will be offered to benefit the scholarship fund program.

Women with postsecondary educations are invited to call Therese Condit, membership chairperson, for information at 412-279-4458.

Robinson appointed to boards

State Sen. Devlin Robinson, R-Bridgeville, was appointed to the State Employees’ Retirement System Board by Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, R-Hempfield.

“Our commonwealth employees work hard to make Pennsylvania a great place to live, work and visit,” Robinson said. “I appreciate the opportunity to serve on this board to ensure our employees enjoy the secure retirement they’ve earned.”

The board prepares members to have financial success and security in retirement. It is one of the oldest and largest statewide retirement plans for public employees in the country.

Robinson is chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee.

Robinson’s appointment expires Nov. 30, 2028.

Robinson was also appointed to the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission. The commission establishes certification and training requirements for municipal police officers as well as education and training standards for police schools and academies.

“Our police officers risk their personal safety for our communities on a daily basis,” Robinson said. “I look forward to serving on this commission to ensure municipal police officers receive proper training and have the resources needed to support their critical service to our commonwealth.”

The commission compiles an annual report for the governor and General Assembly with recommendations to improve law enforcement and the administration of justice.

Seventeen people serve on the commission

The board appointment expires in 2028.

Trips approved at Char Valley

The Chartiers Valley school board approved Erika Pierce, orchestra director, to travel to the 2025 NAfME All-Eastern Music festival with two merit-selected students from April 23 to 27.

Directors also approved Intermediate School Principal Peter Schintz to travel to the Austin Convention Center to attend the SXSW EDU (South by Southwest EDU) conference from March 2 to 6.

Fire and EMS grants awarded

A slew of Bridgeville-area volunteer fire companies and ambulance services received grant funding through the state’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program.

The grant funding includes: Bower Hill Volunteer Fire Department, $14,170; Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Department, $14,385; Carnegie Volunteer Fire and Rescue, $13,524; Crafton Volunteer Fire Department, $15,461; East Carnegie Volunteer Fire Department, $13,309; Glendale Hose Co. No. 1, $13,739; Greentree Volunteer Fire Co., $13,524; Heidelberg Volunteer Fire Department, $12,448; Kirwan Heights Volunteer Firemans Association, $28,739; Presto Volunteer Fire Department, $15,891; Rennerdale Volunteer Fire Department, $13,955; and Scott Township Emergency Medical Services, $15,000.

“Our fire and EMS companies provide life-sustaining support to our communities,” said State Rep. Dan Deasy, D-Pittsburgh. “They are vital to our everyday safety and these grants are just a portion of state dollars coming back to assist them in continuing to serve.”

The grant program is administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner and is available for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services and rescue squads.

Eligible projects include facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training and certification, education and public outreach, and recruitment and retention efforts. In addition, fire companies were permitted to apply for construction savings accounts for the purposes of new facility construction.

“These grants represent a vital investment in our community’s safety and emergency response capabilities,” said State Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Carnegie. “Every dollar helps our volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel access the resources, training and equipment they need to protect our neighborhoods. Supporting these dedicated first responders, who selflessly serve our community day and night, remains one of my top priorities.”

Help keep Collier beautiful

Collier’s cleanup day is scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon April 26 at the community center, 5 Lobaugh St.

Register to volunteer as an individual or a group by calling 724-693-0780 or at colliertownship.net. Preregistration is required.

Participants will meet at the community center’s banquet room for check-in and receive their cleanup location. Vests, gloves and trash bags will be handed out to each volunteer. First responders will be out to ensure safety at each location and to assist with traffic control.

Lunch will be served following the cleanup.

Glass recycling available in Carnegie

Carnegie will host a glass recycling event from 9 to 11 a.m. March 1 at the borough building, 1 Veterans Way.

Accepted items include glass bottles and jars with their lids and corks removed.

Breakfast with Easter Bunny set in Collier

Collier Parks and Recreation will host a breakfast with the Easter Bunny from 10 a.m. to noon April 6.

Fees are $10 for members, $12 for non-members, free for children 3 and younger.

Register before April 2. Call 724-693-0780 to register.

Spring craft show set in Collier

Collier Parks and Recreation will host a spring craft show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 15 at the Community Center, 5 Lobaugh St.

The vendor registration fee is $35. Call 724-693-0780 or email debzymroz@colliertwp.net for more information or vendor registration.

Admission for guests is free.

Green Tree projects get financial boost

State grant funding will support two recreational projects in Green Tree.

A renovation project on the Green Tree Swimming Pool’s restroom and concession stand was awarded $65,000, and $225,000 was awarded to convert Point Park University Field to a synthetic turf surface.

The money comes from the state’s Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund.

“These projects directly impact the 27th District,” said State Rep. Dan Deasy. “I’m always looking to bring these state dollars back for our communities and these projects that enhance the quality of life for residents.”

3 perform at district chorus

Chartiers Valley students Chanel Paige, Lee Basehore and Averie Capozzoli performed at the PMEA District 1 Chorus festival hosted at Mt. Lebanon High School on Feb. 7.

The festival was conducted by Dr. Amy Vorhees, music faculty at Susquehanna University.

Chanel and Lee successfully auditioned for the event, claiming the top two spots for their voice part in November. They placed in the top five of voice this past week, and will advance to Region Chorus in March at Waynesburg University.

Entries welcome for student poetry contest

Ligonier Valley Writers is accepting entries for its 34th annual student poetry contest.

Students in grades four through 12 who live in Western Pennsylvania are welcome to enter. Cash prizes are awarded in each of nine categories for first-, second- and third-place. There are no entry fees.

Submissions must be emailed by March 11. For entry forms and rules, visit LVWonline.org.

Carlynton superintendent forums on tap

Carlynton Superintendent John Kreider has been hosting a series of parent and community forums this school year.

The remaining forums are scheduled for 6 p.m. March 3 at Crafton Elementary and 6 p.m. April 24 at Carnegie Elementary.

Register online at the district’s website.

Collier manager coffees scheduled

Collier is inviting people to have coffee with the township manager on several days this year.

The remaining dates, starting at 9:30 a.m., for “Manager Coffees” are May 21, Aug. 19 and Nov. 18. at the Community Center, 5 Lobaugh St.