❤️ In this Issue of Murrysville Local Scoop…

🍎 Spotlight on Franklin Regional's Leaders During National Principals Month

⏰ Murrysville Rep. Pushes for 8:15 a.m. School Start Times in Pennsylvania

👻 Blue Spruce Plaza's Halloween Bash

🌸 The Lillian Kellman Nature Reserve: Murrysville's Tranquil Oasis

🌞 Murrysville Weather

⭐️ We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

🚌 Murrysville Rep. Pushes for 8:15 a.m. School Start Times in Pennsylvania

State Representative Jill Cooper from Murrysville is leading a push for later school start times in Pennsylvania, proposing an 8:15 a.m. start for secondary schools. Targeting the 2026-27 school year, this initiative is informed by a 2019 study on the adverse effects of sleep deprivation in adolescents.

The medical community, including the U.S. Department of Health, has raised alarms about the chronic sleep challenges teenagers face. Cooper, representing the 55th District, emphasizes the academic and health challenges stemming from inadequate sleep.

While school districts in Pennsylvania currently set their own start times, Cooper's proposal seeks to standardize this, backed by recommendations from major health organizations. The proposal also aims to foster community dialogue on the importance of adequate sleep for students.

👉 Full Story @ TribLive

🍎 Spotlight on Franklin Regional's Leaders During National Principals Month

As the leaves change and October sets in, there's more to celebrate than just the onset of fall. National Principals Month is upon us, and it's a prime opportunity for our community to recognize the dedicated leaders steering our local schools.

The Franklin Regional school district boasts a team of exceptional principals:

At Franklin Regional Senior High, the leadership trio comprises Mr. Ronald Suvak, Mrs. Casey Pope, and Mr. Heath Curran. Their combined efforts have consistently elevated the high school experience for our students.

Guiding the middle schoolers are Dr. Tawnia St. Amant and Ms. Kristi Burgh at Franklin Regional Middle School. Their dedication ensures a smooth transition for students as they navigate these pivotal years.

Dr. Robert Buffone at FR Intermediate School champions innovative learning, preparing students for their next academic steps.

And laying the groundwork for our youngest learners is Mrs. Lauren Reiber at FR Primary School, ensuring a strong start to their educational journey.

These leaders not only manage the day-to-day operations of their respective schools but also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our community's youth. As we move through October, let's extend our gratitude and appreciation for their unwavering commitment to education and excellence.

👻 Blue Spruce Plaza's Halloween Bash: Trick-or-Treating, Costume Contest, and More

The Blue Spruce Plaza in Murrysville, located on Rt. 22, is gearing up for a festive Halloween celebration on Sunday, October 29th. From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., the plaza invites everyone, both young and old, to partake in trick-or-treating and a costume contest. Children can enjoy complimentary face-painting services from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Participating sponsor stores, identifiable by a special window poster, will be handing out treats. For those entering the costume contest, photographs will be taken at the Completely Booked store. These images will then be showcased on Facebook the following day, October 30th. The costumes that garner the most votes will be awarded a special gift basket courtesy of the event sponsors.

The Lillian Kellman Nature Reserve: Murrysville's Tranquil Oasis

Nestled within the heart of Murrysville, the Lillian Kellman Nature Reserve, a 56+ acre neighborhood park, stands as a testament to nature's enduring charm amidst urban sprawl. Located at 3490 Kellman Drive, this nature and trail-oriented park, in conjunction with the adjacent Peter and Victoria Skena Nature Reserve, offers a serene retreat in one of the city's most densely populated regions.

The reserves are characterized by their lush wooded expanses, interspersed with loop trails that beckon to both seasoned hikers and casual strollers. A defining feature of this sanctuary is the gentle stream that meanders through, culminating in a picturesque pond. Intriguingly, the dam of this pond serves as the boundary between the Kellman and Skena Reserves.

For those eager to explore, the Murrysville Trail Alliance (MTA) has issued a detailed map, ensuring that every visitor can navigate the reserves with ease. Accessibility has been thoughtfully planned, with parking areas for the Kellman Reserve available at both the end of Kellman Drive and Evergreen Drive. Meanwhile, the Skena Reserve boasts its own parking area on North Hills Road.

Venturing to the Lillian Kellman Nature Reserve

For those journeying from Monroeville and heading east on Route 22, the path to tranquility is straightforward:

1. Turn left onto Vincent Hall Road, guided by the traffic light near McDonald’s.

2. After a block, another traffic light will greet you. Here, turn right onto Old William Penn Highway, a junction marked by a bank, supermarket, and a smattering of shops.

From this point, visitors have two options:

For the Kellman Drive Entrance:

• Make the initial left onto North Hills Road.

• After approximately 1-1/2 miles, turn right onto Meadow Gate Road.

• Shortly after, the second right will lead you onto Kellman Drive, with the entrance to the nature reserve awaiting at its end.

For the Evergreen Drive Entrance:

• Continue east on Old William Penn Highway for roughly half a mile.

• A left turn onto Evergreen Drive will lead you on a half-mile journey, culminating at the entrance and parking area of the nature reserve.

In an era where the clamor of city life often overshadows nature's whispers, the Lillian Kellman and Peter & Victoria Skena Nature Reserves serve as a gentle reminder of the beauty that lies just beyond our doorsteps. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these reserves promise a rejuvenating experience, one trail at a time.

We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Murrysville area residents in an upcoming issue of Murrysville Local Scoop?

We ❤️ Local Businesses!
We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "Murrysville Local Scoop" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Murrysville together!

👇Select an option below:

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Franklin Regional Sports Schedule For This Week

Wed, Oct 25
4:00 pm - Girls 8th Grade Basketball vs Kiski Area (Kiski Intermediate School)
5:00 pm - Girls 7th Grade Basketball vs Kiski Area (Kiski Intermediate School)

Thu, Oct 26
11:00 am - Varsity Cross Country at WPIAL Championship (White Oak Park)

Fri, Oct 27
4:00 pm - Girls 8th Grade Basketball vs McKeesport (Home)
5:00 pm - Girls 7th Grade Basketball vs McKeesport (Home)
7:00 pm - Varsity Football vs Penn Trafford (Senior Recognition) (Home)

Sat, Oct 28
10:00 am - Junior Varsity Football vs Penn Trafford (Penn Trafford High School)

Tue, Oct 31
3:30 pm - Girls 8th Grade Basketball vs Norwin (Blue) (Norwin Middle School)
4:30 pm - Girls 7th Grade Basketball vs Norwin (Blue) (Norwin Middle School)

Upcoming Murrysville Area Events

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

Family Halloween Festival at Bella Terra Stables
October 28th from 11am-2 pm and 3 pm-6 pm
Bella Terra Stables
4913 Logan Ferry Rd, Murrysville
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