School is out for summer, and parents are likely already hearing that “there’s nothing to do around here” from their kids. To that, we say, “Get out!”
No, seriously. Get out of the house. The South Hills – and the city of Pittsburgh – have so much to offer for everyone, no matter what age. There’s no excuse to sit at home in front of the television or computer.
While we haven’t had the best summer weather so far, the cooler temps are perfect for taking a bike ride on the Montour Trail. With the new bridges that cross Morganza Road in Cecil Township and more recently, the Valley Brook Bridge #1 that connects the Arrowhead Trail to the Montour Trail, it’s easier and safer than ever to take a leisurely ride.
Summer camps and vacation Bible schools abound in the area. Need proof? Just check the pages of this paper for the information!
Local libraries offer a number of free programs for bookworms of all ages and levels as well. The libraries are vital assets to the community, and we encourage residents to take advantage of as much as they have to offer.
This weekend, the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum celebrates its 50th anniversary with a two-day series of events.
In the city, the Dollar Bank Pittsburgh Three Rivers Arts Festival continues with as much awesome art, live music and family-friendly activities as one can imagine. Why not take a ride in on The T, and take in different views of the suburbs while you are at it?
Fishing at Canonsburg Lake is always a great option, as is heading to one of the area’s many parks to throw a frisbee, play on the playgrounds or just take a walk and have a picnic lunch. Mt. Lebanon offers free movies and live music in its Main Park. Speaking of free live music and parks, Canonsburg’s Town Park also has a weekly concert series on Sunday evenings.
Upper St. Clair’s Outdoor Classroom has a number of exciting educational classes to choose from, and we are fortunate to live in an area with a number of public swimming pools.
Coming up are Peters Township Community Day on June 29, North Strabane Community Day on June 22 and a number of Independence Day celebrations. The Washington County Fair takes place in August, and the Washington Wild Things season goes until September.
Dear Graduates,
First, congratulations on your accomplishment. It’s quite a milestone. And, while it may sound cliche, and maybe you have heard it many times in the recent weeks, the world is your oyster right now.
Opportunities abound. Never again are you going to have so many options at your fingertips. College, trade school, the military, taking a year off to travel, or even going right into the work force are all options. And, never again are you going to have so much freedom as you will in the next two and a half months. Enjoy this time while you have it – next summer, you’ll likely be interning, serving your country or working to pay the bills.
If there is one piece of advice that we can offer to you, it is to really think about the direction you are going in. While you have more options now than you ever will, the path you chose to take will directly affect the rest of your life. At 17 or 18 years old, that’s a lot of pressure to make a decision.
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t afford college – because you can. Financial aid, student loans, work study programs and more make this possible.
If going to school to learn a trade is the decision you have made, go for it. A four-year college isn’t for everyone, and you will be most successful in something you are actually interested in learning and doing.
If you want to serve in the military, don’t let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t. You already are a brave and admirable person for wanting to serve your country.
Should you chose to take a year off from school and travel, by all means, go for it. But, do it responsibly. The education you will get from seeing how other cultures live is second to none. But, make sure that one year off doesn’t turn into two, three or even a lifetime without going back to school.
Finally, if you have decided to go straight into the work force, congratulations on making the decision to become a productive member of society.
Truth be told, you will look back on this summer five, 10, even 15 years from now and realize how good you had it.
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