BPVFC & Schoolhouse Arts & History Center OPEN HOUSE this Sunday (Oct. 6)

Kim Weightman • October 2, 2024

This Sunday (Oct. 6) from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., the public is invited to attend the Bethel Park Volunteer Fire Company’s Annual “Open House” at the Brightwood Rd. Fire Station – 5213 Brightwood Rd.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to meet and support the dedicated professionals who volunteer their time to serve Bethel Park as well as see firsthand how donations are used in responsible manner to protect the community,” said BPVFC Deputy Fire Chief Russ Beeson who’s been with the BPVFC 11 years and has been a fireman for 33 years.

The day will consist of both educational and fun activities including:

12 p.m. - A Lithium-Ion Battery Presentation discussing the concerns of lithium-ion batteries.
1 p.m. - Fire Extinguisher Discussion where the BPVFC will educate guests on the best types of fire extinguishers to use.
2 p.m. - Live Vehicle Rescue Simulation showcasing the Hurst “Jaws of Life” and what steps need to be taken to remove a victim pinned in their vehicle.

Throughout the day, “Freddie the Fire Truck,” donated by the Bethel Park Community Foundation, will be on hand to greet guests; free fire helmets will be given to children; and guests will receive free hot dogs, free safety information, and much more!

A number of supportive local businesses and organizations will also be on hand to greet guests including the Friends of the Bethel Park Public Library (will be distributing free children’s books), Evey True Value Hardware, Michael Brothers (who donated the lithium batteries & vehicle used in the demo), Bethel Bakery, and Britney Hollick Insurance.

“Lithium-Ion Batteries are very common,” said Beeson. “And being as common as they are there are inherent dangers people aren’t aware of. Recently an electric vehicle was involved in an accident, and it took 25,000 gallons of water to put the fire out, an exuberant amount of water, and the battery had to be cooled for 30 days so that it wouldn’t reignite. Cell phones, computers, and power tools also use these batteries. So this presentation will be extremely important for the public to attend.”

Schoolhouse Arts & History Center

Additionally, the Schoolhouse Arts & History Center (2600 South Park Rd.) will be holding an Open House and an Art Show by South Arts Pittsburgh from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. this Sunday as well.

“We started this Open House a few years ago and have held it in conjunction with the Fire Company’s Open House to highlight the history of Bethel Park,” said Bethel Park Historical Society President Tim Moury. “It offers the community another event to enjoy while they’re in the area and helps us to showcase our building as renovations continue.”

Free tours of the Schoolhouse are part of the Open House.

“In Bethel Park, we’re fortunate to have such an amazing Fire Company. A big thing they do is take the time to not only protect residents, but educate them,” said Andy Amrhein, owner of Evey True Value Hardware. “In my world of home improvement, there have been numerous discussions on lithium batteries. People want to know what to do with them, ask if they’re dangerous, and how to handle them if they catch on fire. They also want to know how to dispose of them. Because of this, I think everyone should attend the presentation on Sunday to learn more and ask questions about these batteries. And, this event is a wonderful way to meet our volunteer fire fighters!”

Guests can park along Park Ave., St. Valentine’s Church Parking Lot, and along Brightwood Rd.

For more information, visit www.bethelparkvfc.com.

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Avoid Street Parking During Snow Events

By David Cable • December 9, 2025

Thank you for your cooperation!

Bethel Park Farmers' Market #1

By Kim Weightman • December 2, 2025

The Bethel Park Farmers Market, heading into its 20 th year in 2026, has been named the region’s top farmers market in the “Observer‑Reporter’s Best of the Best Awards,” earning the #1 spot after two rounds of community voting and a gala announcement at the Hilton Garden Inn Southpointe in Canonsburg last month. The award program, organized annually by the Observer-Reporter, celebrates the businesses, organizations, and people the local community believes deserve recognition. The top three vote‑getters in each category are honored at an invite‑only gala, where winners are announced live. “This recognition reflects years of dedication from our staff and volunteers,” said Recreation Director Jason Mentel. “The staff has dedicated considerable effort toward earning this award over the past several years. Sarah’s contribution was instrumental in elevating Bethel Park Farmers Market to achieve this recognition.” Farmers Market Coordinator Sarah Komatsu attended the gala and said, “I was fully shocked and thrilled. It’s been such an honor to steward the Market as it enters its 20th year. I’m grateful to the community who has shown up for two decades, to our incredible vendors, and to all the Market managers before me.” The Bethel Park Farmers Market, sponsored by the Bethel Park Community Foundation and St. Clair Health, continues to grow in accessibility and community impact. This past season featured: Fifty-two vendors , including nearly 20 rotating vendors for variety and six new vendors. Weekly attendance averaging 1,000–1,500 visitors , with peak weeks exceeding 2,000. Record sales reported by multiple vendors throughout the summer. Expanded accessibility through the Food Assistance Match (FAM) program, which doubled SNAP benefits up to $100 weekly, and senior vouchers that increased purchasing power for fresh produce and farm goods. On‑site doctors from St. Clair Health offering blood pressure checks and health conversations, elevating the Bethel Park Farmers’ Market experience. Highlights from the 2025 season included a new food court area, themed events such as National Bee Day and Cow Appreciation Day, musical entertainment, a special cooling tent complete with fun activities such as hula hoops and bubble machines, Market scavenger hunts for children, and partnerships with local organizations for a school supply drive. Assistance for those needing support in transporting their Market goods to their vehicles was also available. Looking ahead, Komatsu plans to expand vendor variety - including food items for those with specialized diets (such as gluten free) and continue building a welcoming, family‑friendly atmosphere. The 2026 season will open Tuesday, May 5, 2026 , and run weekly through September, from 3–7 p.m. at the same location (South Park VIP parking lot off of Corrigan Dr. near the ice-skating rink). Any new vendors interested in participating during the 2026 season can add their name to the waitlist by visiting https://www.bethelparkpa.gov – “Recreation” – “Farmers Market.” 2025 vendor fees were $400 for a full season, $250 for half season, and $150 for once‑a‑month vendors; food truck fees were $500 for a full season and $250 for half season. Komatsu also credited her summer assistant, local Bethel Park High School student Bane Stalder, for his support with the Market and also in managing FAM and troubleshooting. “I couldn’t do it without him,” she said. “He’s already looking forward to returning next season.” For more information, vendor applications, or volunteer opportunities, contact the Bethel Park Farmers Market at farmersmarket@bethelparkpa.gov .