Bethel Park Mayor Jack Allen – “Borough Official of the Year”

Kim Weightman • February 5, 2023

Mayor Jack Allen received the Allegheny County Boroughs Association’s “Borough Official of the Year” award on Saturday, Feb. 4 at the Rivers Club in Pittsburgh.

“To be given this award is an accomplishment that I never imagined receiving,” said Mayor Allen. “But it’s definitely a group effort. We work together as a team in Bethel Park and this award is a reflection of that.”

The award is given to an official who makes an extraordinary contribution to local government.

“It’s an honor to serve with Mayor Allen as he always puts Bethel Park first,” said Municipal Council President Tim Moury. “He’s willing to help in times of need for our community. And, he’s a calming force when we’re faced with challenges.”

Known as the “Voice of Bethel Park,” Mayor Allen is the main voice residents hear on phone messages and Bethel Park TV (BPTV) announcements for information and community updates. They also see him regularly at Municipal Council meetings highlighting resident and local business accomplishments, awards and achievements.

“I truly enjoy showcasing our incredible community members at Council Meetings,” said Mayor Allen. “This is one of the main highlights of my job as Mayor.”

Recognitions that he announces include anniversaries, birthdays, Gold Star and Eagle Scout Awards through both his office and the American Legion, and proclamations recognizing service of organizations such as Kids to Parks, EMS Week, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness, School Choice Week, Extra Mile Day, National Library Week, Bells across Pennsylvania, Helper Recognition Week, Veterans Day, Motorcycle Awareness, Police Department Week, Fire Department Week, and MS Awareness Week.

Mayor Allen also hosts a local business show, “Jack of All Trades,” and recently won a Greater Pittsburgh Community Media Award for an episode featuring one of Bethel Park’s adjacent communities, Castle Shannon Borough.

Along with these duties, Mayor Allen also hosts the annual 90+ Club Luncheon for Bethel Park residents age 90 and over. He organizes volunteers for beautification efforts across the Municipality and visits elementary schools to read books to students and answer questions related to government and Bethel Park. His other annual events include the Halloween and Holiday Lighting Contests held in October and December.

“These programs have become iconic events and participation has substantially increased over the years,” said Moury.

Mayor Allen also performs numerous weddings and ribbon-cutting ceremonies and attends many special events for Bethel Park businesses and residents.

As a veteran, he’s a strong proponent of Bethel Park’s veteran population, personally assisting in the development and organization of annual Memorial Day activities, including a parade, remembrance services and a veteran luncheon. In 2013, Mayor Allen also initiated the Bethel Park Military Banner Tribute Program to honor Bethel Park veterans. He organizes the rotation of the National Colors on local veteran graves at the Bethel Park Cemetery and plans bus trips for American Legion Post 760 members to visit other American Legion posts.

“Mayor Allen is a remarkable leader and is truly deserving of this award,” said Moury.

Mayor Allen was first a Bethel Park Council Member in 1997, representing Ward 2 and went on to become mayor 10 years ago.

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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 .