the almanac N O V E M B E R 2, 2025
SOUTH HILLS COMMUNITY NEWS
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Tourism agency announces local grants for American Spirit program As the country prepares to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary next year, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency announced grants for six new projects totaling $150,000 through the American Spirit Grant Program that will enhance recreation, preserve history and strengthen community spaces across the county. The first round of American Spirit Grant Program projects was approved by the tourism agency’s board last month, and reflects the organization’s commitment to honoring Washington County’s role in American history while investing
in the county’s future. Through the program, the agency is dedicating $25,000 to each municipality in Washington County for a community project to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. From new pavilions to historical reconstructions, the projects are designed to provide lasting benefits for visitors and local communities and their residents. “These projects reflect the very best of Washington County – our history, our sense of community and our shared commitment to honoring the past while improving public spaces for future gener-
ations,” said Jeff Kotula, who is president of the Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency. “Each of these municipalities has stepped forward with meaningful projects that will serve both residents and visitors as we celebrate America 250 during 2026.” In the first round of American Spirit Grant Program grant approvals, six municipalities submitted applications and were approved by the tourism board. MIKE JONES/OBSERVER-REPORTER North Franklin Township partnered with the Washington County Historical The Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency is celebrating the country’s 250th SEE GRANTS PAGEA2 anniversary through the American Spirit program.
HONORING VETS SUBMITTED
Josh and Dezzarea Hartman with their children Mya, Brynn and Wes
GoFundMe raises $50K for Claysville teacher after accident By Jon Andreassi Staff writer
Veterans Day observance on tap in local communities Several South Hills communities will conduct Veterans Day observances on Nov. 11. Navy Seal Brian Loughridge will be the keynote speaker at a ceremony set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial off Cedar Boulevard in Mt. Lebanon. Loughridge is also a Mt. Lebanon volunteer firefighter. Commissioner Craig Grella will deliver the welcome remarks and Pastor Doug Heagy from the Mt. Lebanon United Lutheran Church will give the invocation and benediction. Scout Troop 284 will present the colors
and lead the Pledge of Allegiance while the Triple Trio from the high school will sing the national anthem and “God Bless America.” A ceremony honoring members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces will be held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Upper St. Clair Veterans Park, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road. Co-hosted by the Upper St. Clair School District and the Township of Upper St. Clair, the event is free and open to the public. The program will feature musical performances by the Upper St. Clair High School Chanteclairs and a trombone quartet composed of members of the high school’s Wind
Ensemble, along with band director Nick Deutsch. Located adjacent to the township’s municipal building and library, Upper St. Clair Veterans Park features seven monuments recognizing each branch of the military: the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, and National Guard. Parking is available in the side lot of the municipal building, near Clair’s Kennel and the library entrance. SEE VETERANS PAGEA2
Hoping for sweet success Wedding Cookie Table Community eyes new world record By Karen Mansfield newsroom@heraldstandard.com
Laura Magone has a sweet idea. Magone, founder of The Wedding Cookie Table Community on Facebook – a group that has grown to include more than 381,000 bakers worldwide in the decade since she launched it – aims to set the world record for The World’s Largest Christmas Cookie Exchange. It’s a lofty goal, but the Christmas cookie exchange
isn’t the WCTC’s first attempt at a record-breaking venture. In 2019, the group established the Guinness World Record for largest wedding cookie table. Held in Magone’s hometown of Monongahela, the event included 400 bakers – professional and amateur – who made 88,425 cookies to capture the title. Magone also started Cookie Table University, which hosts events that feature cookie-bakCOURTESY OF WCTC ing demonstrations, vendors, The Wedding Cookie Table Community established the record for the World's Largest Wedding Cookie Table in Chess SEE COOKIE PAGE A2 Park in Monongahela on Aug. 11, 2019, with 88,425 cookies.
LOCATION South Fayette student designs veteran monument PAGE A6 What’s happening, B3
SPORTS Zeng captures WPIAL cross country championship PAGE B1
jandreassi@observer-reporter.com
Josh Hartman was not sure if it was his wife on the ground after a utility pole fell following their son’s soccer game last week. “As I took a couple more steps, I realized it was her,” Hartman said. Dezzarea Hartman, a kindergarten teacher at Claysville Elementary School in McGuffey School District, was struck by a utility pole broken by a downed tree on Oct. 19 at Evans Field in South Park. Josh Hartman said she suffered three vertebrate fractures. She underwent surgery and had rods and screws inserted in her back. Josh said Dezzarea was holding their 3-year-old daughter, Brynn, and walking back to their car when the accident occurred. Brynn was unharmed. “I still don’t understand how Brynn survived unharmed,” Josh said. “I don’t like to think about what could have happened. I just feel really blessed that the outcome, while horrible, could have been so much worse.” In the days following the accident, Dezzarea’s friend Megan Scott set up a GoFundMe campaign to help the Scott Township family with their medical bills. As of Tuesday afternoon, the fundraiser had nearly reached $60,000 of its $65,000 goal. Josh said Scott had asked for permission to create the GoFundMe. He expected a few hundred dollars, maybe $2,000 at most. He called the outpouring of support “absolute insanity.” “It’s very touching. It’s emotional that people would reach out and help us … That’s not a small thing to give money,” Josh said. Josh expressed gratitude for many people at the scene who helped his wife and family. He said Anthony Pistorius jumped in to help hold Dezzarea despite having to reach through live wires. He also credited Sarah Jakubovic, a nurse, who prevented others from administering CPR. “I just remember her refusing to leave Dez’s side. She was the only medically trained person. If they had given her CPR, it would have been a horrible mistake from the injury she had,” Josh said. Josh said Dezzarea has been recovering at UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, and will soon move to a rehabilitation facility in Sewickley. He described Friday as being an “encouraging day,” with Dezzarea being able to stand and take some steps. SEE TEACHER PAGE A2
SIGHTS & SOUNDS Tick bites can result in health problems. PAGE B3 Classifieds, B4