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  • 🌳 Discover Pleasant Valley Park + Panthers' Roaring Win + Balancing Academics and Well-being

🌳 Discover Pleasant Valley Park + Panthers' Roaring Win + Balancing Academics and Well-being

Issue #016 - October 2nd 2023

In this Issue of Murrysville Local Scoop…

🏈 Panthers Claw Their Way to Victory in a Thriller Against Plum Mustangs

Health Survey Sparks Debate

🌲 Nature's Playground: The Wonders of Pleasant Valley Park in Murrysville

🗓️ FR Sports Schedule

🤩 We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

And more…

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🏈 Panthers Claw Their Way to Victory in a Thriller Against Plum Mustangs

On a crisp Friday night, September 30, 2023, the Franklin Regional Panthers and the Plum Mustangs faced off in a game that had the local crowd on the edge of their seats. The Mustangs hosted the showdown, but it was our Panthers who stole the spotlight with a roaring victory of 45-26. Both teams were hungry for their first conference win of the season, but it was the Panthers who feasted on the field.

The game kicked off with our junior kicker, Joey Bayne, splitting the uprights for a field goal, putting the first points on the board for the Panthers. The Mustangs retaliated with a touchdown but missed the extra point, nudging ahead with a score of 6-3. They managed to snag another touchdown after an interception, widening the gap to 13-3 as the first quarter winded down.

As the second quarter rolled in, the Mustangs galloped ahead with a 56-yard touchdown, stretching their lead to 20-3. But the Panthers, embodying the spirit of Murrysville, began to claw back. Our junior running back, Kyle Dupill, sprinted through the Mustangs' defense for a five-yard touchdown, trimming the lead to 20-9 as the teams headed into halftime.

The second half was where the Panthers really showed their mettle. They forced a punt from Plum, and Kyle Dupill, the star of the night, dashed into the end zone for his second touchdown, tightening the score to 20-17. Though the Mustangs responded with a touchdown, the Panthers were unyielding. Kyle Dupill charged through again, not once, but twice, flipping the score in favor of Franklin Regional at 31-26.

The excitement didn't stop there. Senior wide receiver Jailen Graham sprinted down the field for another Panthers touchdown, extending the lead to 38-26. As the Mustangs turned the ball over on downs, Kyle Dupill sealed the deal with his fifth rushing touchdown of the night, bringing the final score to 45-26.

With this win, the Panthers improved their season record to 4-2, igniting excitement and pride throughout Murrysville. They're now gearing up to host the Norwin Knights next week, and the community is buzzing with anticipation. This victory wasn't just a win on the scoreboard, but a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Franklin Regional Panthers and the unwavering support of the Murrysville community.

Franklin Regional's Proposed Mental Health Survey Sparks Debate: Balancing Academics and Well-being

Franklin Regional School District is considering implementing a student mental health survey to better understand and address the mental well-being of its students, with the aim of effectively allocating resources. The proposal is set to be reviewed by the district's curriculum committee on October 2.

This initiative has sparked a debate regarding the extent of a school's involvement in mental health issues and the role of parents in such decisions. Some stakeholders argue for a primary focus on academics, while others, citing the changing societal circumstances, advocate for a balanced approach towards mental health to ensure students' overall success.

The proposed survey would be anonymous, providing an opt-out choice for both parents and students. The discussion reflects a broader concern about the evolving responsibilities of educational institutions in supporting the holistic development of students.

👉 Read The Full Story Here @ TribLive

🌲Nature's Playground: The Wonders of Pleasant Valley Park in Murrysville

Nestled in the heart of Murrysville, Pleasant Valley Park is a sprawling 250-acre sanctuary that offers a tranquil escape from the urban hustle. Acquired by the municipality in 1999, this park, located at 2557 Pleasant Valley Road, has since blossomed into a haven for hikers, day-walkers, and trail bikers.

As you step into Pleasant Valley Park, you are greeted by the gentle rustle of leaves and the chirping of birds, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life. The park boasts a network of compacted earth trails, meticulously crafted to blend with the natural contours of the land. These trails, a labor of love by dedicated groups of volunteers, meander through rolling fields, dense woodlands, and alongside tranquil streams, offering a peaceful retreat for those looking to reconnect with nature.

One of the unique features of Pleasant Valley Park is its educational aspect. As you traverse the trails, you'll come across small placards identifying various tree species. The park is home to a rich variety of trees including pine, maple, and oak, making it not just a recreational venue, but also an informal outdoor classroom for botany enthusiasts.

The thoughtful construction of the trails is evident as small bridges facilitate easy crossing over streams, and in some areas, trails gently traverse the shallow streams themselves, adding a touch of adventure to your exploration.

The main access to Pleasant Valley Park is facilitated through a parking lot along Pleasant Valley Road, ensuring convenience for visitors. However, it's noteworthy that there are no utilities on site, underscoring the park's commitment to preserving its natural ambiance.

Delving deeper into the park’s offerings, the Murrysville Trail Alliance highlights an extensive system of single-track trails built by volunteer hikers and mountain bikers. These trails, mostly wooded, include several stream crossings adorned with footbridges, providing a picturesque setting for outdoor adventures.

Moreover, murrysvilletrails.org elaborates on the park’s year-round appeal. The 262 acres of woodlands, open fields, hilltops, and remote valleys provide excellent areas for many outdoor activities. The network of single-track trails is ideal for hiking or mountain biking, with loops of various lengths. Old farm roads within the park are well-suited for family hikes, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing, making Pleasant Valley Park a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

For those interested in exploring a well-marked trail, AllTrails features a 3.5-mile loop trail in Pleasant Valley Park, which is generally considered an easy route, taking an average of 1 hour and 23 minutes to complete.

Whether you are a seasoned hiker, a casual walker, or someone simply looking to escape the urban grind, Pleasant Valley Park offers a slice of tranquility amidst its lush landscapes and unspoiled beauty. Its simplicity and untouched natural surroundings make it a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike.

This feature is a tribute to the community's efforts in not only preserving a piece of nature but also creating a space where people can unwind, learn, and appreciate the simpler things in life.

Franklin Regional Sports Schedule For This Week

  • October 2, 2023:

    • Girls Junior Varsity Tennis vs Penn Trafford at 3:30 pm - More Info

    • Girls Freshman Volleyball at Hempfield at 4:00 pm - More Info

    • Girls Varsity Soccer vs Gateway at 6:00 pm - More Info

  • October 3, 2023:

    • Middle School Cross Country WAADA Championship Meet at 3:00 pm - More Info

    • Girls Varsity and Junior Varsity Tennis vs North Allegheny at 3:30 pm - More Info

    • Middle School Swimming vs Kiski Area at 4:00 pm - More Info

    • Boys Junior Varsity Soccer at Gateway, Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball at Highlands at 6:00 pm - More Info

    • Girls Varsity Volleyball at Highlands at 7:15 pm, Boys Varsity Soccer at Gateway at 7:30 pm - More Info

  • October 4, 2023:

    • Boys Junior Varsity Golf JV Championship Cup at 9:00 am - More Info

    • Girls Junior Varsity Tennis JV Doubles Tournament at 10:15 am - More Info

    • Middle School Football vs Norwin at 4:00 pm - More Info

    • Girls Junior Varsity Soccer at Greensburg Salem at 6:00 pm, Girls Varsity Soccer at Greensburg Salem at 7:30 pm - More Info

  • October 5, 2023:

    • Middle School Swimming League Relay Meet @ Greater Latrobe at 4:30 pm - More Info

    • Boys Junior Varsity Soccer vs Penn Hills, Girls Junior Varsity Soccer at Hampton, Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball vs Greensburg Salem at 6:00 pm - More Info

    • Boys Varsity Soccer vs Penn Hills Senior Recognition, Girls Varsity Soccer at Hampton, Girls Varsity Volleyball vs Greensburg Salem at 7:30 pm - More Info

  • October 6, 2023:

    • Varsity Football vs Norwin at 7:00 pm - More InfoShare Murrysville Local Scoop

Upcoming Murrysville Area Events

Westmoreland Hayride and Corn Maze!
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2023 AT 5 PM
Gearhard Farms
More info

Octoberfest Flea Market, Food, Vendor Sale and More!
Sat, Oct 7, 1 – 9 PM
5111 Greensburg Rd, Murrysville, PA
More Info

Murrysville Free Day Rally
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2023 AT 8:30 AM
5070 William Penn Highway Murrysville
More Info

Family Halloween Festival at Bella Terra Stables
Tue, Oct 10, 11 AM – 6 PM
Bella Terra Stables
4913 Logan Ferry Rd, Murrysville
More Info

Touch-a-Truck / Trunk-or-Treat
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2023 AT 3 PM - 7 PM
3235 Sardis Rd, Murrysville
More Info

SOS/Helltown 2nd Annual Chili Cook Off
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2023 AT 12 PM - 4 PM
Helltown Taproom Export
More Info

Annual Act'oberfest
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2023 AT 1 PM - 5 PM
Red Barn Winery
More Info

Family and Friends Game Day
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2023 AT 1 PM - 5 PM
First United Methodist Church of Murrysville
More Info

The Ancient Art of Bonsai
MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023 AT 6 PM
Murrysville Community Library
More Info

Mother of Sorrows Trunk or Treat
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023 AT 6:30 PM
Mother of Sorrows Parish
More Info

Trick or Trot 5k
Sat, Oct 28, 1 – 3 PM
3091 Carson Ave, Murrysville, PA
More Info

4th Annual Trick or Trot 5k and Kids Tot Trot
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023 AT 8:30 AM
Murrysville Community Center
More Info

The Pittsburgh Doo-Wop Big Band's event
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023 AT 6:30 PM
Franklin Regional High School Murrysville Pa
More Info

Drive-Thru "Pop-Up" Glass Recycling and Food Pantry Donations
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2023 AT 9 AM - 2 PM
4200 Sardis Rd, Murrysville
More Info

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