Coronavirus Updates

Updated July 9, 2020: 3:41 PM

Eviction Protection Order Signed

A new executive order protects homeowners and renters from eviction or foreclosure until Aug. 31.

The order, signed by Governor Tom Wolf, applies to individuals if they have not received assistance from a new program administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency or are not already receiving relief through one of several federal foreclosure moratorium programs or judicial orders.

Lenders and property owners that receive funds through the PHFA program agree not pursue foreclosure or eviction actions as a condition of participation in the program.

Eligibility information and applications for renters and homeowners is available on the PHFA website.

Relief Fund Helps Those Who Provide Fresh Food

Pennsylvanians now have access to $10 million for businesses that have worked to maintain access to fresh, healthy food throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Fresh Food Financing Initiative COVID-19 Relief Fund is available to for-profit, nonprofit, or cooperative entities impacted by COVID-19, including grocery stores, corner stores, convenience stores, neighborhood markets, bodegas, food hubs, mobile markets, farmers markets, on-farm markets, urban farms, and food aggregation centers with a direct connection to direct-to-consumer retail outlets.

To be eligible, more than 50 percent of sales must be from staple and perishable foods to consumers and the retailer must serve customers that live in a low-to-moderate income area. Applicants must also provide access to affordable, high-quality fresh produce, meat and dairy products and other healthy grocery items for low-to-moderate income shopper sand must accept SNAP and WIC.

Applications will be accepted through August 14, 2020. For full details on Fresh Food Financing Initiative COVID-19 Relief Fund eligibility, award amounts, additional prioritizations, and criteria visit agriculture.pa.gov/foodsecurity.

Updated July 1, 2020: 3:13 PM

Masks Now Required When Leaving Home

Masks are now mandatory in all public places in Pennsylvania, according to an order from Governor Tom Wolf under Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine’s authority under the Disease Prevention and Control Act.

Effective July 1, masks must be worn whenever leaving a residence, including:

• Outdoors and unable to maintain a social distance of six feet.
• In any indoor location where the public is gathered.
• Waiting for or riding on public transportation.
• At visits with healthcare providers.
• Any workplace where interaction with the public occurs.

Exemptions are made for those with medical conditions or for whom a mask would create an unsafe working condition. Additionally, those under two years of age are not permitted to wear a mask.

Updated June 11, 2020: 3:13 PM

Camp Cranberry to Begin June 29

A summer tradition will continue as Camp Cranberry prepares to kick off June 29.

The Township’s Parks & Recreation staff has been hard at work preparing for another amazing summer of outdoor activities. They’ve also added new protocols to keep staff and campers safe.

Camp begins Monday, June 29, and will run until Friday, August 21.

Many exciting weekly themes are ready to roll for the kiddos, including Star Spangled Summer, Mini Superheroes, Little Einstein’s, Once Upon a Fairytale, Space Rangers, and Sports Extravaganza.

Protocols that follow state and CDC recommendations will be put in place to ensure the safety of staff and campers.

To view sign-up information and a camp schedule, visit cranberrytownship.org/campcranberry.

Updated June 5, 2020: 3:13 PM

Trash Stickers Again Available in Person

Stickers for extra trash bags and large items are again available for purchased from Customers Service inside the Municipal Center beginning Monday, June 8.

Stickers can still be purchased online at cranberrytownship.org/302/Collection-Stickers.

CRT Donates to Food Bank

The Township’s Community Response Team donated nearly $1,000 worth of food and supplies to Gleaners Food Bank.

The team, using donations, purchased items from Costco in the Township and dropped them at Gleaners location at St. Ferdinand Catholic Church.

To get involved with the CRT and help those in need, visit cranberrytownship.org/CRT.

Updated June 4, 2020: 11:43 AM

New Protocols in Place at Cranberry Highlands Golf Course

New protocols are in place at Cranberry Highlands Golf Course as Butler County transitions to the green phase of the state’s re-opening plan on Friday, June 5.

The new rules follow CDC guidelines and the PGA Back2Golf initiative and can be found at cranberryhighlands.com.

Library Outlines Re-opening Plan

Cranberry Public Library will re-open for in-person browsing and checkout/return of items on Wednesday, June 10.

Visitors are asked to maintain social distancing and masks are required. Those feeling ill should stay home and not visit the library until the required monitoring time has passed. Library staff will follow CDC and state guidelines to help slow the spread of coronavirus.

Items placed on hold before the closure available for pickup. If no longer interested in borrowing these items, please contact us at 724-776-9100.

All other in-person library services remain suspended, including use of meeting rooms and study tables. Additionally, donated items are not being accepted at this time.

Until further notice, temporary hours of operation are:

• Mondays – 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Tuesdays – 1-7:30 p.m.
• Wednesdays – 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Thursdays – 1-7:30 p.m.
• Fridays – 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Saturdays – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sundays - CLOSED

Updated June 3, 2020: 11:43 AM

Parks to Re-open Fully June 6

All areas and equipment within Cranberry Township parks will be fully open beginning Saturday, June 6.

All gates will be lifted, and most restrooms will be operational. Fields that were previously closed will open following safe guidelines based on their governing bodies.

Playground and fitness equipment will be open with social distancing guidelines in place. Additionally, users should wash hands frequently and limit face touching. Those using the equipment are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer.

Updated June 2, 2020: 5:34 PM

Municipal Center to Open June 8

The Municipal Center will re-open to visitors beginning Monday, June 8.

The building will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

The Township Police Department will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, with fingerprinting taking place from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesdays.

The Senior Center remains closed at this time.

Waterpark Questions Answered

With the Waterpark set to open June 20, there are many questions being asked about procedures and protocols.

A FAQ section has been added to the Waterpark website and can be found at cranberrytownship.org/waterpark.

Updated June 1, 2020: 2:22 PM

Cranberry Township Waterpark to Open June 20

Just in time for summer, Cranberry Township’s Waterpark at North Boundary Park will open for the season beginning Saturday, June 20, 2020.

To keep both attendees and staff safe during the coronavirus pandemic, several new protocols will be in place, including:

• The pool is open to current Waterpark members and Cranberry Township residents only.
• This includes all memberships previously purchased – both residents and non-residents – prior to April 15, 2020.
• Proof of Cranberry Township residency is required for daily admission.
• The number of those admitted each day will be limited. When capacity is reached, new guests will not be allowed in until others exit.
• Enhanced sanitation protocols and operating procedures will be in place and follow CDC guidelines.
• Guests can enter through the main entrance only.
• The sand volleyball court and sand play are closed this season.
• Limited deck chairs are available, but guests are encouraged to bring their own to help with sanitation efforts.
• Consideration is being given to aquatics programs to ensure the safety of staff and participants.
• The concession stand is open with limited menu options. No outside food is permitted, although lunch box coolers are still permitted. The concession stand will have limited operating hours from noon to 6 p.m.

Hours for the Waterpark are 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through Labor Day. Daily admission will increase by $1 for each pricing tier. Special night swim events will be announced at a later date.

To purchase a resident membership, visit cranberrytownship.org/waterpark.

Updated May 29, 2020: 3:31 PM

Butler Going Green

Butler County will move to the green phase of the state’s reopening plan on Friday, June 5.

In the green phase outlined by Governor Tom Wolf:

• Restaurants and bars can open at 50 percent capacity.
• Hair salons and barbershops may open at 50 percent capacity and by appointment only.
• Gyms and spas can open at 50 percent occupancy.
• Childcare may open following guidelines.
• Entertainment venues such as casinos, theaters and malls may open at 50 percent capacity.
• Telework is still encouraged, and all businesses must follow state and CDC guidelines.
• Construction can return to full capacity.
• Large gatherings remain restricted to less than 250 people, and masks are still encouraged with social distancing in place.
• Visits to prisons and hospitals may resume.

All local counties, except for Beaver County, will move to the green phase.

Updated May 28, 2020: 2:02 PM

Fire Company Honors Graduates

The Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company helped recognize Seneca Valley High School’s graduating seniors on Thursday.

The department flew a large banner featuring the names of graduates from Tower Truck 21 in the Seneca Valley parking lot. The Township Public Works department helped rig the banner.

Congratulations to the 2020 graduates!

Firefighter Contest Winners Announced

Winners of the Cranberry Township Fire Safety Coloring Contest have been chosen.

Those receiving the most social media likes in their age group are:

Shane M. - Ages 5 and Under
Julia M. - Ages 6-12
Cassie R. - Ages 13-17
Jessica L. - Ages 18+

Winners can pick up prizes at the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Department located on Route 19 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

CRT Beautifies Memorial

The Veteran’s Memorial in North Boundary Park received a little TLC from the CRT.

The Township’s Community Response Team spent a rainy Friday morning pulling weeds, planting flowers and beautifying the area just in time for Memorial Day.

To get involved with the Community Response Team, visit cranberrytownship.org/CRT.

Updated May 11, 2020: 3:18 PM

Video Highlights Communication Efforts

As the community tries to grasp the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, Cranberry has put an emphasis on keeping residents informed and worked to share the positive stories that have come from this trying time.

To view the video, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bS2Q42vqCNg&feature=youtu.be.

Updated May 8, 2020: 2:29 PM

Real Estate Tax Deadline Eased

Property tax deadlines will be extended after a move by the Board of Supervisors.

During their May 7 meeting, the Board voted to extend the payment date for “face amount” real estate taxes until November 30, 2020. The original deadline was June 30.

The move is in accordance with Act 15 of 2020, implemented by Governor Tom Wolf, requesting municipalities to extend the date, as well with recent action by County Commissioners to extend the deadline for the county portion.

Beginning December 1, 2020, the normal 10 percent penalty will be applied to unpaid bills.

Updated May 6, 2020: 4:00 PM

Graham Park Pond Fully Stocked

The Graham Park Pond is officially stocked with catfish and open to eager anglers.

The catch-and-release pond is open from dawn to 11 p.m. daily. A full list of rules is posted at the site, and users are reminded to practice social distancing while fishing.

Updated May 5, 2020: 4:00 PM

EPA Outlines Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidelines

The Environmental Protection Agency and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has outlined steps to properly clean and disinfect homes and offices.

The guidelines cover public spaces, workplaces, businesses, schools and homes and follow protocols outlined in the federal government’s Opening up America Again program.

Learn more at https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/guidance-cleaning-and-disinfecting-public-spaces-workplaces-businesses-schools-and-homes.

Excess Waste Protocol Outlined

With residents spending more time at home, they are also likely creating more trash and recycling.

To ensure pickup of those materials runs as efficiently as possible, residents are reminded that prepaid stickers are needed for items outside of trash carts.

That includes household items that are too bulky to be bagged, bundled or put in the trash cart such as extra trash bags, bicycles, lamps, lawn chairs, sofas, mattresses, box springs, washer and dryers.

With the Municipal Center closed, residents have options for purchasing stickers.

Vogel Disposal Customer Service will charge customers directly on a credit card for items placed outside of the trash cart without a sticker and will honor contracted sticker prices. Call Vogel Disposal at 724-625-1511 in advance of your collection day to pay and arrange for pickup off extra items.

Updated May 4, 2020: 3:41 PM

Community Response Team Spruces Up Municipal Center

Nearly two dozen volunteers with the Township’s Community Response Team joined Public Works staff to spruce up the Municipal Center on Monday.

The group spread mulch around shrubbery on the Center grounds, taking advantage of sunny, clear skies.

The group of volunteers is part of the Community Response Team, an initiative started by the Township to link volunteers with projects, as well as residents who are in need of assistance.

To get involved, visit cranberrytownship.org/CRT and complete the form.

Updated April 24, 2020: 12:47 PM

Unemployment Application Available

Self-employed workers, independent contractors and others not typically eligible for benefits can now file for unemployment benefits on the state’s unemployment compensation system website.

To apply and learn more, click here: https://bit.ly/3bBYHRw.

Updated April 21, 2020: 3:03 PM

Front-Line Workers Given Meals

The Rotary Clubs of Cranberry Township joined together Tuesday to serve over 100 meals to the front-line workers serving Cranberry Township.

Meals were distributed to Police, Fire, EMS and Public Works employees by Rotary members. The meals were provided by John Marshall Catering.

Updated April 20, 2020: 2:12 PM

Annual CTCC Community Days Canceled

The 2020 edition of CTCC’s Community Days promised to be the most incredible occasion in its 44-year history.

However, uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic has led organizers to make the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event.

Planning for Community Days, which draws more than 30,000 people over three days, typically begins in January, with vendors and entertainment booked in early spring. The prudent decision to cancel was deemed appropriate considering the current public health crisis, and with the deepest concern for all those being affected.

Cranberry Township must remain focused on providing essential services, while keeping employees and residents safe. Canceling the event allows the Township to concentrate on the challenges the coronavirus presents to the community.

Community Days will return in 2021, with a fun-filled weekend set for July 8-10. This event promises to be a celebration of the community that has come together during this pandemic. That, after all, is the spirt of CTCC: helping make the community better each day.

Girl Scout Camps Canceled

The Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania announced that all summer resident camps at Camp Hawthorne Ridge, Camp Redwing, Camp Skymeadow, and Camp Conshatawba are canceled through August 31. Those camps are also closed.

Updated April 17, 2020: 4:03 PM

Volunteers Pack Hand Sanitizer for First Responders

Township first responders have a new tool in their belts to stay safe thanks to donations and the efforts of volunteers.

Volunteers filled 500 hand sanitizer bottles to be used by Township fire, EMS, police and other community workers at the Township’s Public Safety Training Center.

The Township received 55 gallons of hand sanitizer from a local chemical company in March, and later located bottles and sprayers to distribute the liquid. Volunteers from the Township’s Community Response Team labeled, dispensed, assembled and packed the 1-ounce bottles.

Census Dates Moved

The 2020 Census will be delayed slightly due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Census Bureau temporarily suspended 2020 Census field data collection activities in March, with hopes of reactivating field offices beginning June 1.

The window for field data collection and self-response is expected to be moved to October 31, 2020. This will allow for apportionment counts to be delivered to the president by April 30, 2021, and redistricting data to be delivered to the states no later than July 31, 2021.

To complete the Census, visit 2020census.gov.

Coronavirus Scams Reported

Several scams related to the coronavirus have popped up in recent weeks.

The scams include asking for bank information, offering financial assistance and asking for emails and passwords to update computer software.

Residents are advised to use caution and never give out passwords or bank account information.

For more information on consumer warnings, visit fcc.gov/covid-scams.

Updated April 16, 2020: 3:25 PM

School Districts Helping Medical Professionals

Butler County front-line workers are a little safer thanks to a large donation from county schools.

County superintendents collected personal protective equipment from labs, art rooms, nurses’ offices and other areas in their schools. The equipment was donated to Butler Memorial Hospital.

The donation included goggles, safety glasses, gowns, face masks and gloves.

Additionally, the Seneca Valley School District is using 3D printers to create headbands and face shields for first responders. Partnering with 3DPPGH, a Pittsburgh-based printing group, dozens of masks were created for Cranberry Township’s fire, police and EMS workers. Scott Garing, Chief of Fire and Emergency Services, was on hand to accept the donation.

To donate to the school’s creation of the masks, visit https://mtyc.co/4jb13g. To donate supplies or request equipment for a health care agency, Annie Mersing, Seneca Valley Foundation Development Director at mersingam@svsd.net.

Sewing Collaboration Grows

With more masks needed, the Township’s collaboration with Cranberry Sews It Flat continues to grow.

Seven more volunteers have joined the group through the Township’s Community Response Team. They will deliver more than 100 masks to our first responders this week, with several hundred more expected in the coming weeks.

To join the group, donate, volunteer or request help, visit the Community Response Team page at cranberrytownship.org/CRT.

Updated April 13, 2020: 2:05 PM

Response Team Expands Reach

Thanks to a generous donation from MarkWest Energy Partners, the Township’s Community Response Team is expanding its reach to neighboring communities in Southwest Butler County.

The Community Response Team was created as the Township’s response to helping residents who were adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Since its inception, volunteers have stepped up in great numbers to assist their neighbors in shopping for essential needs, while supplies have been purchased with monetary donations.

The need, however, isn’t contained within Cranberry Township, and the MarkWest Energy Partners donation will allow the CRT to assist even more people.

Residents in Harmony, Zelienople, Evans City, Jackson Township and Lancaster Township can request assistance by visiting cranberrytownship.org/CRT and completing the form, or by calling 724-776-4806.

Updated April 8, 2020: 4:31 PM

Mask Partnership

With Governor Tom Wolf asking all residents to voluntarily wear a mask when leaving their homes, the Township’s Community Response Team is partnering with Cranberry Sews It Flat to protect its employees.

Volunteers are in the process of sewing nearly 700 masks for Township personnel, along with other professionals and essential businesses in the region.

The group is in need of material donations, including:

• 100% quilting fabric made of a poly/cotton blend or all cotton.
• New cotton sheets
• ¼” flat braided elastic or double fold bias tape or ribbon ¼” to ½” wide
• Fiskars 45 mm blades for rotary cutters
• Laundry detergent, unscented if possible
• Cotton or poly cotton spools of thread for sewing machines and cones for serger machines

Items can be dropped off at the Township’s Public Safety Training Center between 9 a.m and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To volunteer as a seamstress, fill out the form at CranberryTownship.org/CRT.

For guidance on how to make your own mask, visit https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Stop-the-Spread.aspx.

Updated April 6, 2020: 4:23 PM

Tax Filing Date Changed

The deadline to file earned income tax has been moved to July 15 in the Township. This date in in-line with state and federal filing deadlines. The deadline change does not apply to business privilege, local service tax property taxes. The schedules for those taxes remain the same. More information can be found at cranberrytownship.org/1179/Local-Taxes.

Food Assistance

As residents face uncertainty spurred by the coronavirus, one thing nobody should have to worry about is their next meal.

Those eligible for emergency food assistance are those out of work without pay, including service workers who are unable to get shifts or hourly wage employees of non-essential businesses that have voluntarily closed.

A self-declaration of need form must be submitted, as well as information on household size and income levels. For more information or to apply, visit agriculture.pa.gov

Updated April 1, 2020: 3:45 PM

Response Team Holds Event

The Cranberry Township Community Response Team held its first volunteer event Wednesday, with 18 volunteers shopping for essential items for those in need.

The volunteers were given gift cards to shop for items and returned them to the Township’s Public Safety Training Center to be distributed. Items included essential groceries, cleaning supplies and medications.

More than 80 individuals have signed up to volunteer for the program. To volunteer, donate or request help, visit cranberrytownship.org/CRT.

Protect the Shield

Spartan Mounts, a Township-based 3-D printing company, is using its equipment to create face shields to be used in local hospitals. The company’s 23 printers use plastic components to create the shields that will help keep healthcare workers safe.

Updated March 27, 2020: 1:43 PM

EMS Receives Donation

Cranberry Township EMS continues to receive donations from the community. Passavant Memorial Homes donated 30 N95 masks, 50 surgical masks and a box of gloves. A Township resident donated 15 Tyvek suits, 40 P95 masks and two boxes of gloves. Thank you for keeping our first responders safe!

Updated March 25, 2020: 2:10 PM

Community Response Team

In good times and bad, the Cranberry Township residents have a history of supporting one another. Fundraisers, charity drives and service projects are commonplace and a large part of what makes the Township a great place to live, work and play. Now, with many members of our community facing an unprecedented shutdown of daily life, that community spirit is needed more than ever. That’s why the Township is seeking individuals to help ease the burden the pandemic is having on the community. Volunteers will help provide those in need with essential basic human needs like food, water, or toiletries. By doing this, they can help make the day a little brighter in a term of uncertainty. Healthy volunteers who want to help, as well as residents in need of assistance are asked to contact the Township via links at CranberryTownship.org/CRT or by calling 724-776-4806.