est Jefferson Hills BOROUGH OF JEFFERSON HILLS NEWS
Recreation Camp Wraps Up Another Summer of Fun
The Borough’ s Summer Recreation Camp wrapped up another successful season, once again filling every available camper spot within hours of opening registration and generating a waitlist. From June 16 through August 15, a total of 210 children participated in the nine-week program held at Andrew E. Reilly Memorial Park( 885) and Gill Hall Park.
This year, the Borough welcomed a new Camp Director, Lauren Giansante, who previously served as a site director. With her leadership and enthusiasm, she brought fresh energy to the program and helped create a positive, memorable experience for all campers. Each day, campers played two sports or active games and participated in a STEAM project, craft, or group activity. Both sites also offered weekly themes and special events that kept campers active and engaged throughout the summer.
At Gill Hall Park, themed activities included Olympic Week, Hero Day with visits from EMS, JHFR, and JHPD, a candy sale to benefit Children’ s Hospital, a field trip to Premier Gym and Cheer, a visit from the Steel City Gamerz truck, tie-dye day, water day, and a food drive for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Similarly, 885 participated in Olympic Week, Squid Games Week, Hero Day, Pancakes with Parents( where campers and counselors made and sold pancakes to enjoy with their families, also supporting Children’ s Hospital), a field trip to Premier Gym and Cheer, the Steel City Gamerz truck, tie-dye week, water week, and a food drive for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
This summer also featured a brand-new partnership with the Jefferson Hills Public Library. Newly hired Library Director Rachel Brehm visited both camps weekly to lead hands-on projects that combined learning and fun. Campers participated in activities like designing marble runs, creating Kusama-inspired dot art, making candy sushi while learning about sushi chefs, crafting and flying paper kites, exploring a nature box filled with wildlife facts and real fur samples, and plenty more creative and educational fun each week.
Families interested in next year’ s camp are encouraged to watch the Borough’ s website and social media channels in spring 2026 for registration updates. A new online recreation and registration platform is currently in development and is expected to simplify the sign-up process for future camps.
Special thanks to Camp Director Lauren Giansante, site directors Michael Denimarck and Travis Woodburn, and the entire team of counselors whose hard work, energy, and commitment made this summer’ s program such a success.
Curbside Yard Waste Collection Returns This Fall
This fall, Jefferson Hills residents can once again take advantage of convenient curbside yard waste collection provided by County Hauling. The service will be available during three designated collection weeks: October 20 – 24, November 17 – 21, and December 1 – 5. Yard waste will be collected on residents’ regular trash pickup days during these weeks. No advance scheduling is necessary. Simply place yard waste at the curb by 6:00 a. m. on your normal collection day.
Accepted yard waste includes leaves, shrubbery, and garden residue, as well as bundled branches and twigs no more than three inches in diameter and four feet in length. All materials must be placed in biodegradable bags or securely tied in bundles. Items placed in regular garbage or recycling bags will not be accepted, and residents should avoid including dirt, rocks, grass clippings, and mulch.
This seasonal collection program provides an easy and ecofriendly way to clean up outdoor spaces and maintain neighborhood appearance. Be sure to take advantage of this free service!
Chief Brian Chalfant Recognized Nationally for Bravery and Service
Jefferson Hills Fire-Rescue Chief Brian Chalfant was recently recognized in Firehouse Magazine as part of its 2024 Valor & Community Service Awards, a publication that highlights the courageous efforts of firefighters across the country.
The article details an incident on August 23, 2024, when Chief Chalfant, while off duty, responded to a residential fire in Elrama, PA. Upon arrival, he found an individual trapped on the second floor. He quickly climbed a ladder, reached the window, and helped lift the victim out to another firefighter. As fire conditions rapidly deteriorated, the room flashed over with Chief Chalfant still inside. While attempting to exit, he fell 15 feet and sustained second- and third-degree burns to his hands, arms, and back. Despite worsening fire conditions and personal injury, he remained focused on saving a life.
This national recognition reflects not only Chief Chalfant’ s extraordinary bravery in a life-threatening situation but also the deep commitment of Jefferson Hills Fire-Rescue and fire service professionals everywhere who risk their own safety daily to protect others.
To read the full article in Firehouse Magazine, visit firehouse. com.
46 WEST JEFFERSON HILLS