Weathering 2020 - Pine Township
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FALL/WINTER 2020
Weathering 2020
CONTACTING THE TOWNSHIP OF PINE HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER!
The township now offers the option to communicate directly
through our Access Pine App on Apple or Android as well as the
Access Pine botton on your home page. Information can be
submitted with your information or anonymously. You have the
ability to map the location & attach pictures. Access Pine will
allow you to comment on all things Pine. We can’t wait to hear
form you!
November 3rd, 2020
https://www.alleghenycounty.us/elections
https://www.votespa.com
THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTIONS
CAN BE CONTACTED THROUGH
THE LISTED WEBSITES OR YOU
MAY CALL 412-350-4500 FOR
MORE INFORMATION
2 Pine Branches | Fall/Winter 2020
Inside this issue:
In this Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Weathering the Storm
Budgeting Through the Pandemic . . . . . . 4-5
Garbage & Recycling . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Keep the Township Beautiful
What is MS4? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
AHN Wexford Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Wexford Volunteer Fire Company
Neighbors Helping Neighbors . . . . . . . . . 11
Northern Regional Police Department
Letters from the Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Our Community
New Businesses & PRSD . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Northern Tier Library . . . . . . . . . 14-15
Pine Richland School District . . . . . . . 16
Calendar (Fall/Winter) . . . . . . . . . 17-18
Need to Know Numbers . . . . . . . . . . 19
230 Pearce Mill Road • Wexford, PA 15090
P: 724-625-1591 • F: 724-625-1560
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Michael J. Dennehy, Chair
Ed Holdcroft, Vice -Chair
Pasquale (Pat) Avolio
Jack Donahue
Ryan Colombo
FOLLOW US:
For more information visit twpofpinepa
our website at:
www.twp.pine.pa.us @TwpofPine
twpofpine
twp.pine.pa.us 3
WEATHERING THE STORM
COVID-19
Budgeting through the Pandemic
Pine Has Your Back – Financially Speaking
2020 has been a difficult year. Everyone’s been affected in one way or
another by the Covid-19 pandemic. We’ve all suffered and made sacrifices,
and economic hardships can be seen all around us. The impact on local
governments has been no different. They’ve had to cancel events, close
community centers and playgrounds, cut services and reduce staff. Some
have had to reduce road paving and other essential services. Sadly, things
may not get better for a while.
How Bad is it for Local Governments?
The University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs’ Center for Metropolitan Studies predicts that,
by the end of 2021, 112 of the 534 municipal governments in the 10-county region of southwestern Pennsylvania may not have
sufficient revenues to continue operations*. That’s upwards of 20% of the region’s municipalities. A municipality in such dire
financial condition only has a few options. It can raise taxes, borrow money, cut services, reduce staff, or a combination of all
these.
Can Pine Weather the Storm?
When everyone’s hurting, the last thing a local government wants to do is place an
additional hardship on its citizens by raising taxes.
Fortunately, Pine is well positioned to “weather the storm” until the skies clear. Over the
years, with the sound guidance of the Board of Supervisors, the Township has been able
to pay off debt and set aside funds while keeping taxes low. The years of careful planning
should help us get through rough patches like this. After all, it’s the same way you would
run a household budget. And if we are handling taxpayer money, we should be every bit as
careful with it as we would be with our own money. Here are just a few of the ways Pine
has acted as a good financial steward: This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY
Pine must adopt a balanced budget each year. Unlike the Federal Government, deficit spending is not allowed. This means
the Township must have the resources to pay for everything proposed in the budget, whether through current year’s revenue,
accumulated savings, or, if necessary, borrowing.
Steps to Ensure Financial Security:
Debt Free - we paid off all our debt in 2013 and have not borrowed
anything since. That avoids a great deal of interest expense;
Established a Rainy Day Fund – technically called an “Economic
Stabilization Account” – setting aside a portion of our savings to be
used only in case of emergency;
Deferred Unnecessary Expenditures – when the Pandemic hit, the
Board decided to wait on some of the items in the 2020 budget until
the future becomes more clear.
4 Pine Branches | Fall/Winter 2020
What Do I Get for My Local Tax Dollar?
A Few of the Services Provided by Municipalitites:
Currently, the median household in Pine pays just over $900 a year in Police
local tax. Yes really, $900. That’s based on the median home value of
$305,000 (per Allegheny County Real Estate Assessment) and median Fire Protection
household income of $152,000 (per the US Census Bureau). That Snow Removal
translates to about $2.50 per day per household. Road & Infrastructure Maintenance
What does the Township provide in return? Well, municipal Parks & Recreational Opportunities
governments have a mandate to provide certain services to their Libraries
citizens. Planning & Zoning
The challenge is, how do we do this in a year when revenues are way
down? So far, Pine’s 2020 tax revenues are about 5% below the 2019 level, and 2021 may not be much better. Rest assured,
Pine’s Finance Department and Township Management will be working more closely than ever with the Board of Supervisors to
put together a 2021 budget that will enable Pine to provide the same high quality services that our residents have come to expect
without causing any additional financial burdens. That’s what good government is all about.
*excerpt from GSPIA alert “Emerging GSPIA Research Shows Nearly $1 Billion in Tax Revenue Losses for Municipalities in
10-County SWPA Region”, 5/19/20.
Did You Know the Township of Pine Never Fully Shut Down during the COVID 19 Pandemic?
The Board of Supervisors, along with senior staff, decided the Township needed to remain open for the benefit of continuing to
serve our residents. The Township implemented an emergency response plan to keep employees and residents safe and healthy
without fully closing.
During the “Shutdown” phase, the Township rotated staff to minimize interaction between employees and added additional
COVID specific cleaning supplies for high touch surfaces. By having a plan and the ability to implement it, the Towship staff could
continue to serve the community.
As the Township has navigated our new normal, we have added several online services to keep residents informed and able to
continue to do business with the Township. Some of these online services include; payments for permits, submitting documents
such as non-solicitation forms, and recreational burn permits. Residents can also report Township concerns using “Access Pine”
from either our website or the app found in the Apple Store or Google Play Store.
Our Public Works Department continued to maintain Township roads and facilities through all the phases. And our Board of
Supervisors has only canceled one meeting for COVID since February. We were able to host meetings via ZOOM, and when
appropriate, we met in person following state guidelines.
The Township Supervisors and staff would like to thank our residents for their patience and support during the COVID 19
Pandemic. We look forward to continuing our service to the Township of Pine community.
To submit suggestions for additional services the Township may offer, please email the Township at solszewski@twp.pine.pa.us.
Thank
You
twp.pine.pa.us 5
GARBAGE & RECYCLING
Reducing Waste During Quarantine
Township of Pine: Hard Recycle Event
Reduce | Reuse | Recycle
Open to All Residents & Non-Residents
Saturday | November 21st, 2020
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Municipal Building Parking Lot
230 Pearce Mill Road | Wexford, PA 15090
724-625-1597
New This Year!
ECS&R Environmental Coordination Services & Recycling, Inc.
ECS&R will be onsite to collect TV’s, computer monitors, small Freon containing devices, fluorescent bulbs, batteries, and other
electronics. For more information please visit: https://ecsr.net/
Pre-Registration is REQUIRED by registering online: https://ecsr.net
You will be given an appointment time to drop off your items.
Items will be weighed, and fees collected at the time of drop off. Please refer to the fee chart below.
Waste Type Cost per Pound
Universal Waste (i.e. fluorescent bulbs, batteries) $1.50/lb
Cathode Ray Tube Televisions & Monitors $0.68/lb
All Other Electronics $0.56/lb
Small Freon Containing Devices $0.65/lb
ECS&R Accepts: Cash, Credit Cards or Check
Please note for safety reasons ECS&R requests patrons to wear a mask & remain in their vehicles during off-loading.
NOT Accepted at the Event:
Explosives, Fire Extinguishers, Radioactive Material, Elementary Mercury, Ammunition,
Medical Waste, Syringes, Smoke Detectors, Large Appliances, Compressed Gas
Garbage & Recycling
Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic and limited Public Access, Tags are no longer offered through the Township of Pine.
To purchase additional garbage tags
1. Residents may pre-pay by credit card and schedule large item pick-ups by calling Vogel Customer Service (724-625-1511) at least
48-hours in advance of your regular collection day. Pick-ups are subject to vehicle capacity, limited personnel, and maybe deferred
to another day.
2. Residents may order and purchase trash tags directly from Vogel Disposal. Credit cards are accepted, and the stickers will be mailed
to the resident. Please allow 7-10 business days to receive your order. Pick-ups may be subject to advance scheduling.
6 Pine Branches | Fall/Winter 2020
HOW TO REDUCE WASTE DURING COVID QUARANTINE
Over the past six months, Americans’ at-home time has gone through the roof. One of the side-effects of the shutdown has been a
dramatic increase in residential waste and recycling. All of your trash - from your plate scrapings to your shredded work documents -
now ends up in your carts. That creates several issues:
You may not have room in your cart(s) for everything you want to get rid of.
You may find your cart(s) heavier and harder to move.
Our drivers have a more challenging time getting through their route, which may decrease their speed and efficiency.
Your family may see that your habits generate more waste than you thought.
Here are some of the ways you can reduce your weekly waste output.
Avoid single-use plates and utensils.
Although you may find yourself unloading the dishwasher more often, avoid the temptation to use paper plates and plastic utensils.
Reuse plastic takeout containers.
There has never been a better time to order takeout from your favorite local restaurants! Save the plastic containers for leftovers,
storing other food, organizing kids’ craft supplies, storing screws and nails, etc. Just check the bottom of the container to make
sure it’s microwave, freezer, and/or dishwasher safe.
Skip pre-cut/packaged fruits and vegetables.
Most grocery stores offer conveniently pre-sliced fruits and vegetables, wrapped in plastic or stored in plastic containers. Not only
does this generate more waste, but pre-cut foods tend to go bad faster! Go all-natural and buy whole fruits and vegetables.
Make your own juices, smoothies, sauces, stocks/soups, and baby food.
These foods/drinks are often just pureed, processed versions of the food you can buy whole. Instead of buying foods/drinks in
plastic, glass, or squeeze pouches, spend a little extra time to whip up your own. It’ll be fresher and more delicious, as well as
generate less waste!
Invest in a reusable water bottle or opt for glassware.
Whether you’re still on-the-go or staying home, you can avoid plastic water bottles by using reusable glassware or water bottles.
Just remember to wash and sanitize your bottle often, especially if you’re taking it out of your home.
Learn about composting.
Vegetable peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, grass clippings, leaves, and kitchen scraps can be turned into compost for your
garden. Invest in composting supplies and learn the process, and you’ll have healthy compost in 3-12 months. If you don’t have a
garden but still want to keep organic waste out of the landfill, contact local farms to see if they can use compost. (For the record,
food waste is a healthy part of the landfill system. When it breaks down, it generates methane gas that we use to power our
Compressed Natural Gas vehicles. So whether you compost or not, your food waste will be put to good use!)
Reduce junk mail and paper bills.
Take yourself off of mailing lists. Change your magazine subscriptions to digital-only. Ask to receive bills via email instead of by
mail. Here are is a website you can use to reduce “Junk Mail.” https://www.ecocycle.org/junkmail
Any effort to reduce waste is worthwhile. We recognize that these days, some waste is unavoidable. Grocery stores are forbidding
reusable grocery bags, cafes are refusing refillable coffee cups, and restaurants use takeout containers.
Just make choices that are smart, safe, and sustainable for you, your family, & your garbage can!
twp.pine.pa.us 7
K EEP T HE T OWNSHIP B EAUTIFUL
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System
WHAT IS MS4?
What is Stormwater Runoff?
Stormwater runoff occurs when water from rain or
snowmelt flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces such
as driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent stormwater
from naturally soaking into the ground.
Development typically replaces the natural landscape
with impervious surfaces like roads, roofs, and parking
lots. When stormwater cannot sink into the ground, it has
nowhere to go but to flow across the surface of the land.
Why Does It Matter?
Stormwater washes pollutants off roads, lawns, and other
surfaces and carries them into the nearest body of water.
These pollutants can harm fish and wildlife populations, kill
native vegetation, contaminate drinking water supplies, and
make recreational areas unsafe.
What is Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)?
Polluted stormwater runoff is commonly transported through Municipal
Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s), from which it is often discharged
untreated into local water bodies. To prevent harmful pollutants from being
washed or dumped into an MS4, operators must obtain a National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and develop a stormwater
management program.
https://www.twp.pine.pa.us/266/Stormwater-ManagementMS4
8 Pine Branches | Fall/Winter 2020
2020-2021 Winter Road Service Policy
By the time this issue reaches our residents, winter weather may be upon us. Therefore, we ask our residents to review the
Township’s Winter Road Service Policy. Most important, please bear in mind that the Township provides winter maintenance
only to Township roadways. State roads are the responsibility of PENNDOT. Please do not call the Township to request
service for State roads. Contact PENNDOT directly at 800-FIX-ROAD or 412-781-3260. Please contact Allegheny County
maintenance for snow removal or any maintenance issues for the County roads in Pine at 412-350-2490. A full list of
Township, State, and County roads may be found on the Townships website at www.twp.pine.pa.us.
Township roads are serviced by a priority system based on the amount of traffic flow or their use by school busses. The
major arteries are addressed first, secondary roads and developments are then plowed and salted. Cul-de-sacs are last
because they are not thruways for the majority of motorists. On-duty police officers will alert the Director of Public Works
when roads have reached the point where they require attention.
To assist the Department of Public Works in the clearing of the roadways during a snow event residents are required by
Ordinance 241 to do the following:
• DO NOT PARK IN THE STREET. Snowplows and salt trucks cannot thoroughly clean the streets with cars parked
on them. Vehicles should be parked in driveways during a snow event.
• WAIT until the roadway in front of your house is plowed before cleaning out the end of your driveway. There is no
feasible way for Township crews to plow roads without leaving snow at the end of your driveway.
• Do not shovel or plow your driveway onto the main roadway. Snow should be piled on the sides of the driveway.
At the end of the driveway, pile snow on the opposite side of the direction the snowplow travels on the main roadway.
By doing this, the snowplow will not put as much snow back into your driveway.
• Help to reduce the possibility of a broken mailbox post. Our plow operators take precautions to avoid hitting
mailboxes, but visibility during a storm is reduced significantly. Make sure posts are not installed within the street
right-of-way. Also, check for deterioration of the posts to reduce the possibility that the weight of plowed snow won’t
cause the post to fall over.
PLEASE NOTE:
The Township is NOT responsible for clearing or maintenance of private roadways, private driveways, parking lots,
sidewalks, mailboxes, or obstructions within the street right-of-way.
twp.pine.pa.us 9
AHN WEXFORD HOSPITAL
Wexford Hospital Remains on Schedule for Opening in 2021
In late 2017, Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network (AHN) announced plans to open a new, 160+ bed full-
service hospital in Pine Township known as AHN Wexford Hospital. Today, nearly one year from its anticipated opening, the
345,000-square-foot facility stands proudly along Perry Highway thanks to hundreds of talented individuals including architects,
engineers, contractors and skilled laborers.
“Despite the many unexpected challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the exception granted for construction of
healthcare facilities enabled us to continue to make progress with the building of this beautiful, state-of-the-art facility and we
are excited about opening its doors next year,” said Allan Klapper, MD, President, Wexford Hospital.
On the interior, AHN clinicians and healthcare professionals at every level are working diligently to bring the hospital to life. AHN
Wexford will offer a comprehensive array of advanced, patient-centered programs and services for residents of Pittsburgh’s
northern suburbs, including women and infant care; cardiac, neurosurgical, orthopedic, and cancer care; a 24-room emergency
department and short-stay observation unit; an adult intensive care unit (ICU); operating rooms that provide minimally-invasive
robotic surgical capabilities; all-private inpatient rooms; and a host of other patient- and family-friendly clinical programs,
amenities and services.
Located adjacent to AHN’s Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion, the hospital will feature an intuitive, patient- and family-centered
design which aims to foster a first-class patient and visitor experience. In addition to amenities such as free self-parking and
complimentary valet parking, large inpatient rooms will have ample sitting space and recumbent sleeping options.
Among the hospital’s hotel-like concierge services, patients will be able to control their environment, enabling them to set the
temperature, lighting and entertainment to their satisfaction, and order from a room-service menu. Exterior views providing
patient rooms with natural light will make for an attractive, comfortable environment that promotes health and wellness.
With the new hospital comes the creation of more than 750 jobs with many positions now being recruited for and filled. To join
a team of outstanding caregivers and healthcare professionals, visit www.ahn.org/wexford to access a link to currently open
positions.
10 Pine Branches | Fall/Winter 2020W EXFORD V OLUNTEER
F IRE C OMPANY
Station 228
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Many members of the community give us compliments on our stations, vehicles, and equipment. We are very fortunate to
have first-class facilities and equipment. Still, the most important part of our organization is our people. The Wexford Volunteer
Fire Company is an organization of neighbors helping neighbors. We are always looking to bring in new people to the Wexford
Volunteer Fire Company to help us serve the community.
Do you have a desire to give back to the community? We provide many opportunities to serve your fellow neighbors, and it is
easier than you may think to become part of our organization. We have both emergency and non-emergency roles available that
suit many interests.
For traditional firefighter roles, all necessary equipment and training are provided at no cost to our members. Basic firefighter
training classes are available locally in North Park through the Allegheny County Fire Academy, with multiple course offerings
offered throughout the calendar year. Weekly training drills are provided at the station each Tuesday evening for members to
improve and maintain their skills.
Emergency roles exist for those
interested in being a traditional
firefighter and those who want to help
but may not want to enter a burning
building.
If you don’t have an interest in
emergency response, we still have
options for you through administrative
membership. The possibilities for
administrative membership are almost
limitless as we could use assistance
with anything from event planning to
equipment maintenance. We could find
the best fit for your talents, and the time
commitment would be as your schedule
allows.
There are many benefits to joining the Wexford Volunteer Fire Company. The opportunity to meet new people, build new
friendships, and become connected to the community is an immeasurable value. Some tangible benefits include access to a
fitness area at the station, fire company social activities, discounted Pine Community Center membership, and a full scholarship
to the Community College of Allegheny County for those willing to complete training and serve as a firefighter. Everyone serving
with us will have plenty of opportunities for self-fulfillment as they train, work, and respond to serve the community
We hope you will seriously consider becoming a part of a talented group made up of your fellow neighbors working together to
help protect the community. We have membership options for anyone aged 14 and over. To learn more, please set up a no-
obligation meeting with our membership committee by calling 724-935-1491 and leaving a message, submitting a membership
interest form through our website at www.wexfordvfc.com/volunteer-firefighter-opportunities/
twp.pine.pa.us 11N ORTHERN R EGIONAL
P OLICE D EPARTMENT
Letters from the Chief
Trick-Or-Treat
One of our favorite nights of the year is quickly approaching. Whether you are a toddler or a senior, Halloween can be enjoyed
by all. The Northern Regional Police Department likes this night as much as anybody else. So much so, we put extra officers out
patrolling our neighborhoods. We do everything we possibly can to drive through all of our communities within our 53 square mile
jurisdiction. However, we want to share a few safety tips to make this night safe and enjoyable for the kids and motorists as well.
Have your child wear some reflective material or glow sticks
We highly recommend a parent or adult guardian escort children under
12.
Try to limit your driving between the hours of 6 PM-8 PM.
If having food delivered, please try to have it done before 6 PM or after
8 PM.
Make sure all masks properly fit your child so they can see out of them.
Northern Regional Police Officers will be equipped with bags of candy to
share with Trick or Treaters.
So, when you see the “Red and Blue” lights, give them a wave and get a
treat.
On behalf of the Northern Regional Police Department family,
We wish you all a safe and happy Halloween!
Sincerely,
Chief John Sicilia
To Our Residents,
2020 has been quite an interesting year, to say the least. We have been faced with many obstacles, including a life-altering
pandemic, economic struggles, and social unrest not seen in decades. Regardless of your financial status, race, or occupation,
we have all been affected in one way or another.
But with all of this negativity, many of you thought of us. Countless times in the last several months, I have been asked how the
Officers are holding up. My answer is always the same; we have never felt more appreciated than I can recall in my entire career.
If you watch the news, you would think many people have lost trust in Law Enforcement across the Nation, but this hasn’t been
the case here in the Township of Pine. This trust did not happen by coincidence or overnight. It has been building from years of
working together, treating people fairly, and being invested in the communities we serve. The show of support from the residents
has been overwhelming. The meals, the cards drawn by children, the notes sent, and all the positive comments on social media
are greatly appreciated. Please know how much that friendly wave, the thumbs up, or the smile means to the officers. On behalf
of the Northern Regional family, I would like to thank all of you for your love and support.
Be well,
Chief John Sicilia
Chief of Police, Northern Regional Police Department
12 Pine Branches | Fall/Winter 2020OUR COMMUNITY
The Township Welcomes
!:
New Businesses!
• Banfield Pet Hospital | Pet Hospital • Rock n Joe Coffee House | Coffee Shop
• Bebam Studio | Sewing & Alterations • Sarri Group, LLC. | Logistics
• Glam to Go Studio LLC. | Hair Salon • Simply Whimsical | Boutique
• Grass Island, LLC. | Spa • Sir Pizza | Restaurant
• Nextaff of Pittsburgh | Employment Services • The Loft Creative Play Studio | Creative Play Studio for Children
• Physio Solutions | Medical Review Services • Tonic Salon | Hair Salon
• Physio 2 Go | Physical Therapy • Western PA “Top Gun” Basketball Academy | Sports Instruction
• Pittsburgh Psychological Wellness, LLC. | Psych. Services • Zang Tae Kwon Do | Martial Arts Instruction
Pine-Richland Kicks off New School Year
Students at Pine-Richland School District are back in school. Families have the option of studying 100% virtually or a hybrid
A/B Day with an alternating schedule of in-person and virtual classes, and students K-3 had an additional option of 100%
in-person. With the reduced number of students on campus daily, the district is able to practice physical distancing. Also, the
district is following mask, hygiene, and sanitizing protocols.
Due to Guidelines: Athletic/Activity Events By Invitation Only
As you may already be aware, Pine-Richland School District is following the Allegheny County Health Department,
Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, and Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League guidelines by
limiting 25 or fewer people at indoor events and 250 or fewer people at outdoor events.
Given those requirements, Pine-Richland athletic/activity events are not open to the public. Spectator admission will be
by invitation only and communicated by a team’s coach or sponsor. This approach is critical to ensure our ability to safely and
effectively manage the event. It is important that community members understand that if unauthorized spectators are
present, the competition may be paused or postponed.
twp.pine.pa.us 13N ORTHERN T IER L IBRARY
What is Happening at the Library?
During these uncertain times please check our Facebook page or website northerntierlibrary.org for the most up to date
information! We will be posting updates as well storytimes and other activities on The Northern Tier Regional Library Facebook
page.
Temporary Hours
Monday-Saturday 10:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Bridget’s Book Club
The Shining by Stephen King One Day in December by Josie Silver
An empty, secluded hotel seems like the perfect place for a Do you believe in love at first sight? For Laurie, it happened just
writer to reconnect with his muse and his family. And so the like in the movies. Their eyes met, and she just knew. And then
Torrance family begins a long winter a caretakers for an empty her bus pulled away…
hotel that will spend the winter cut off from the rest of the world.
Laurie is so sure that they are meant to be that she spends a
The pressure begins to build…the family can’t shake the feeling year searching for him at bus stops and cafes. A year later they
that the hotel is somehow alive. Danny, a young child, displays reconnect at a Christmas party – and Jack (the man from the
the ability to “shine” – which means that he sees things that he bus) is on the arm of Laurie’s best friend, Sarah.
should not see, and can read people’s thoughts. The longer they The novel follows ten years of friendship, heartbreak, an
stay, the more powerful the shining becomes. examination of roads not taken – and, in the end, a heartwarming
The Shining was Stephen King’s third novel, and cemented his love story.
reputation as a master of horror. Join us on Thursday, October 8 Join us on Thursday, November 12 at 7:00 for a discussion of
at 7:00 PM for a spooktacular discussion. One Day in December by Josie Silver.
Please contact the library for Zoom meeting details. Please contact the library for Zoom meeting details.
Experience Kits Maker Monday Projects
While the logistics are a little different this year due, we are still Instructions will be uploaded to our Facebook page and kits will
able to bring you FREE ADMISSION to some fun new historical be ready for lobby pick-up.
sites. This year, you can visit:
1. Heinz History Center (plus, as an extra bonus, you can Oct 5: Mini Hexagon Shelves - use wooden sticks and glue
visit Fort Pitt Museum and Meadowcroft!) to create mini shelves
2. Pennsylvania Trolley Museum Oct 12: LED Flashlight - use a mini LED light, battery, and
3. Lincoln Highway Experience craft materials to make a small flashlight
4. Air Heritage Museum & Aircraft Restoration Facility
Oct 19: Macramé Wall Hanging - make a small wall
5. McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center decoration with yarn
Check out all five experience kits during the 2020-2021 season
and be entered into a raffle for a gift card! Travel the region Oct 26: Paper Pumpkins - use craft materials to make a
and learn about the history of Western Pennsylvania! With festive fall pumpkin decoration
Passport to Pittsburgh, each time you check out an experience
Nov. Projects: TBD
kit library staff will mark your passport; when completed, leave
your passport with us and you will be entered into a raffle (to be
drawn April 2021!).
14 Pine Branches | Fall/Winter 2020Childrens Programming
Take-Home Crafts
Weekly available staring on Mondays each week
September 14 – October 5; October 19 – November 23
Kids (and adults!) of all ages are invited to create and enjoy a simple weekly take-home craft with us this fall. Please call or register
online to reserve a weekly supply kit that can be picked up and enjoyed at home. Registration is required each week to account for
supplies.
Weekly available staring on Mondays each week
The Weekly Project
September 14 – October 5; October 19 – November 23
Welcome to The Weekly Project, a program featuring a variety of activities that can be enjoyed from home like cooking, crafting, art,
and STEM. Every week will showcase a different project for children to do with their families, and some weeks will include take-
home materials. This program is for kids of all ages. The weeks with a take-home kit will require registration to account for supplies.
Virtual Toddler Storytime
Tuesdays; September 15 – October 6; October 20 – November 24 | 10:30 AM
A time to move, dance, share stories and songs with your busiest friends! These virtual storytimes are for toddlers and their families,
and will be available to watch on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/northerntierlibrary
Fresh Air Storytime
Wednesdays; September 16 – October 7; October 21 – November 25 | 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Join us on our side lawn (located next to the library’s main parking lot) every Wednesday in September as long as weather permits
for a Fresh Air Storytime! We ask families to bring a blanket or foldable lawn chair, and to observe social distancing during the
program. Adults must wear a mask at all times and make sure the little ones are observing appropriate norms.
Please bring a rattle or noise making toy to play along with our music! Families will be able to take home an activity kit or craft each
week. We’ll post the dates for the outdoor storytime at the beginning of each week. There will be no video recording of these outdoor
sessions. We request that families register if attending so we can make sure we can gather in the space safely.
Virtual Preschool Storytime
Thursdays; September 17 – October 8; October 22 – November 19 | 10:30 AM
A storytime for our graduating toddlers. Longer stories, exciting new rhymes and songs, but still all of the fun. These virtual
storytimes are for families with preschoolers, and will be available to watch on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/
northerntierlibrary
twp.pine.pa.us 15New guidance and regulations emerge each week. If the guidelines change, the district will communicate with the community.
There are options for viewing games or performances. You can access the PRTV planned schedule for live coverage by visiting
www.pinerichland.org/live. You can view the live events via these resources as well:
Website Streaming via PRTV Online: www.pinerichland.org/live
Armstrong Cable Customers: Channel 211
Consolidated Communications Customers: Channel 404
Thank you for your help and cooperation as the district works together to keep our students in school and playing.
Pine-Richland School District Identifies Key Strategic Initiatives
The district has identified its Strategic Plan initiatives for 2020 – 2021. More information about each topic will be shared
throughout the year at www.pinerichland.org/sp1923. Key initiatives include:
COVID-19: Program Flexibility (Hybrid and Virtual Options)
Safety, Security, and Culture (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Schools; Social Justice; Public Health; and Security)
In-Depth Program Review (Art, World Language, and Special Education) and Implementation (Most Depts.)
Budget Awareness and Future-Focused Financial Planning
Redistricting Model and Transition
Student Information System/Financial Information System Implementation
Brendan Anderson John Faber Joshua Pazin
Students Earn Semifinalist Status
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation is
recognizing students for earning semifinalist
status in its annual recognition program. Seniors
earning status include Brendan Andersen,
John Faber, Joshua Pazin, Rebecca Peng, and
Samuel Stella. These students are among 16,000
semifinalists in the United States. They are being
recognized for their work on the Preliminary SAT/
National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. They
will have the opportunity to qualify for finalist
status and compete for merit scholarships.
Rebecca Peng Samuel Stella
16 Pine Branches | Fall/Winter 2020FALL/WINTER CALENDAR
November thru April
November 2020
December 2020
January 2021
twp.pine.pa.us 17February 2021
March 2021
April 2021
18 Pine Branches | Fall/Winter 2020TAX SERVICES
Jordan Tax Service (Property/School Tax):
724-731-2315 x125
Keystone Tax Service (Earned Income Tax (EIT):
888-328-0565
PUBLIC SERVICES
Non-Emergency/Emergency Numbers
NRPD NON-Emergency: 724-625-3157
WVFC NON-Emergency: 724-935-1491 FALL/WINTER 2020
Police/Fire Emergency: 911
The Township of Pine boasts a number of scenic
School District spots to enjoy the changing of the seasons. The
Pine Richland School District: 724-625-7773 expanded trail system allows a safe alternative to
driving for even more outdoor enjoyment. For more
UTILITY SERVICES information about the Township of Pine please see
our website @ www.twp.pine.pa.us, or contact us
Cable / Internet / Telephone @ 724-625-1591
Armstrong: 1-877-486-4666
Consolidated Communications: 1-724-443-9535
Frontier: 1-855-664-9443
(Residential) 1-800-921-8101 Water
West View Water Authority: 1-412-931-3292
Electric
Duquesne Light: 1-888-393-7100 Septic & Well Water Information & Testing
Pennsylvania Power/First Energy: 1-800-720-3600 Allegheny County Health Department:
1-412-578-8040 or 412-578-8047
Garbage
Vogel Disposal Service, Inc.: 1-724-625-1511 Electric Suppliers
For a complete list of electric suppliers licensed
Gas with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
Columbia Gas: 1-888-460-4332 (PUC) you may visit the website of your local
Peoples Gas/Equitable: 1-412-395-3050 utility company or www.puc.pa.gov. You can also
1-800-764-0111 compare local electric providers with the Consumer
Affairs Guide to Pennsylvania Electric Companies.
Sewage
McCandless Township The Northern Regional Police Department can assist
Sanitary Authority: 1-412-366-8481 with the removal of dead deer for residents on
Township of Pine Roads ONLY.
Breakneck Creek
Sanitary Authority: 1-724-625-1699 They can be reached at the NON-emergency police
number, 724-625-3157.
Marshall Township
Muni-Sanitary Authority: 1-724-935-3090 For State Roads contact the Township
at 724-625-1591.
(Requires a Dye Test)
twp.pine.pa.us 19230 Pearce Mill Road Wexford, PA 15090 P: 724-625-1591 F: 724-625-1560 A Great Place To Live! The Newsletter is published by the Township of Pine to inform residents of municipal programs, community activities and items of general interest. It is mailed to all households free of charge. Comments and suggestions are always welcome by calling the Township during office hours. The Township of Pine provides services on an equal opportunity basis.
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