the almanac J U N E 16, 2024
SOUTH HILLS COMMUNITY NEWS
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SOUTH FAYETTE STUDENTS RAKE IN DIGITAL AWARDS PAGE A3
PHOTOS: ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
This figure of a wizard is a highlight of the garden at Kathryn Cashman’s home in Mt. Lebanon. It was carved after a diseased elm was cut down in 2005. The estate is one of seven on the 34th annual Mt. Lebanon Garden Tour to be held June 23.
Gorgeous greenery Gardens to be showcased in Mt. Lebanon
MT. LEBANON’S SHIELDS NAMED GATORADE PLAYER OF THE YEAR PAGE B1
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net
Whether one has a green thumb or not, there is something for everyone during the 34th annual Mt. Lebanon Garden Tour, to be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 23. The event, which features seven private plots, promotes the public library, and that makes Kathryn Cashman a willing participant to showcase her home in Virginia Manor. “When they told me that they usually sell about 500 tickets, I was shocked,” Cashman said. “So, I am nervous. I can do one person at a time, but 500 over five hours? That will be a challenge “But if it helps the library, that’s the whole reason for doing this because I am just not a very public person. I am absolutely sure of that. I like my privacy.” Though she is more gregarious, Natalie Drozda is also apprehensive about showcasing her yard in the Seminole Hills section of the municipality, but for different reasons.
MAGICAL WORLD OF UNICORNS COMES ALIVE AT CONVENTION CENTER PAGE B3 What’s happening, B3 Real estate transactions, A6
Natalie Drozda prunes her hydrangea in preparation for the 34th annual Mt. Lebanon Public LIbrary’s SEE GARDENS PAGE A2 annual Garden Tour, to be held June 23. Drozda’s home is one of the gardens to be showcased.
Classifieds, B4-6
‘Friendly competition’ Ham radio Field Day events planned throughout Southwest Pa. By Jon Andreassi and Paul Paterra Staff writers
newsroom@observer-reporter.com
Amateur radio clubs across the country are getting ready to participate in the annual American Radio Relay League Field Day next weekend. In Allegheny County, the South Hills Amateur Radio Club will gather with other Pittsburgh area clubs at Babcock Grove, off Sesqui Drive in South Park. The Washington Amateur Communications (WACOM) will be setting up June 22 and 23 at Mingo County Creek Park in Finleyville at the historic log cabin near the observatory. In Fayette County, the Uniontown Amateur Radio Club will operate off of the club’s property at 433 Old Pittsburgh Road, Uniontown. Clubs and individuals throughout the United States and Canada participate each year.
COURTESY OF MT. LEBANON FIRE DEPARTMENT
Mt. Lebanon firefighter Chris Neal and his daughter Abigail Neal. Abigail was found dead along with her mother inside of a vehicle in South Park.
Mt. Lebanon Fire Department raising money for firefighter who lost child
COURTESY OF WACOM
Ham radio operators participate in the 2023 Field Day event.
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) has organized the event since 1933. It serves as a training exercise as well as an opportunity to introduce the public to ham radio. Field Day is the most popular on-the-air event held
annually. More than 40,000 operators from thousands of locations participate, testing their ability to set up and operate under simulated emergency conditions. SEE RADIO PAGE A6
By Jon Andreassi Staff writer
jandreassi@observer-reporter.com
The Mt. Lebanon Fire Department started an online fundraiser this week to help with funeral expenses for the 10-year-old daughter of one of its firefighters. According to the Allegheny County Police Department,
the body of Abigail Neal was found in a vehicle about 7:20 p.m. June 7 at Diana Grove in South Park. Also in the car was 43-year-old Serena Guan, the child’s mother. Police said there were no obvious signs of trauma, and that the cause and manner of death have yet to be determined. Allegheny Coun-
ty police’s homicide unit is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call the department 1-833-ALLTIPS. The Mt. Lebanon Fire Department posted a GoFundMe to raise money for Neal’s funeral costs. SEE MONEY PAGE A3