the almanac A U G U S T 11, 2024
SOUTH HILLS COMMUNITY NEWS
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GOFUNDME STARTED FOR FAMILY OF FORMER BP SUPERINTENDENT PAGE A3
PHOTOS: ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
Raven Oelschlager (center) adjusts her fire hat while her sister, Cali (left) and brother, Bentley (right) enjoy their pizza during National Night Out events in Bethel Park.
No dampened spirits BP weathers a stormy National Night Out
BETHEL PARK’S PETRAS A PROPER FIT FOR PRINCETON PAGE B1
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net
National Night Out in Bethel Park had a little of everything. Booms of thunder. Strikes of lightning. Buckets of rain. Even a rainbow. Despite the tempest that interrupted the two-hour event on Aug. 6, the few hundred citizens hung in there and enjoyed oodles of fun mixed with ice cream and pizza, face painting and airbrush tattoos along with a mountain of freebies. There was even an appearance by SpongeBob SquarePants as well as the Minions. “Everyone is in good spirits so we might as well stay,” said Lexi Gahagen. Although Gahagen and her two children, Reed and Owen, were huddled in the middle of the covered picnic pavilion in Miner’s Memorial Park, they were soaking wet due to the pop-up downpour. “We are very wet,” Gahagen said, “but the rain doesn’t bother us. I feel this is the best part. Everyone is still smiling.”
ODDITIES & CURIOSITIES EXPO CREEPS INTO CONVENTION CENTER PAGE B3 What’s happening, B3 Real estate transactions, A6
Lexi Gahagen and her children Reed and Owen had a wet and wild time during National SEE STORMY PAGE A2 Night Out at Miner’s Memorial Park in Bethel Park.
Classifieds, B4-6
Bethel Park mourns passing of beloved teacher Haefner loses battle with pancreatic cancer By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net
Amber Haefner was many things to many people, and her passing on July 25 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer has carved a hole in the hearts of the Bethel Park community, particularly the school district for which she was employed as a special education teacher. In a Facebook post, following Haefner’s death at age 40, the school district shared the tragic news and expressed its “profound” sadness. “She was a beloved teacher at our high school,” the post said. “Her kindness, warmth and love touched the lives of all who knew her, leaving an indelible mark on our community.” Born Amber Rose Speranza, she was married to Justin Haefner and mother to Izabella and Elliana. The
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“Amber was an amazing mom, educator, coach and friend,” said Heather Semplice-Scott. “She made an impact on so many that we will remember her forever. We love and miss her.” While Semplice-Scott’s heart goes out to Haefner’s husband and children, she noted her death also caused a void for her students as well as some athletes. Haefner and Semplice-Scott coached softball together at Bethel Park. SempliceScott noted Haefner’s demeanor as a dedicated coach and willingness to go the extra mile for anyone. “Amber always brought love, Amber Haefner laughter and joy into our lives,” Semplice-Scott said. “She thought of daughter of Gino and April Speraneveryone before herself. She taught za had two sisters, Jamie and Gina. us the true meaning of sacrifice, how She was the sister-in-law of Kristo be a motivator and a fighter.” ten McAlpine and aunt of Kyle and SEE MOURNS PAGE A2 Amber Haefner is pictured with her daughters, Izabella and Elliana. Kelsey.
CO M M UN ITY DAY Free Admission
Sat. August 24 * Fairview Park * 1 1 AM - 5 PM Music - Vendors - Food - Entertainment - Activities