The original item was published from November 26, 2019 4:02 PM to January 8, 2021 9:28 AM
The last few days provided amazing examples of the community spirit that makes Cranberry such a desirable place to live, work and play.
On Thursday evening our Board of Supervisors approved a series of items that put into action the final steps of the Route 228 Corridor Master Plan adopted in 1995: the MSA Thruway.
This Thruway will provide long-term benefits to the traveling public. It will avoid Route 228 from experiencing the well-known back-ups witnessed on Interstate 79 Northbound at Route 910, while also alleviating traffic on Route 228 itself.
The project is dedicated to the leadership and support of MSA Safety, the force behind the development of Cranberry Woods. It is also the last step in a partnership to build a mirror-quality development on the north side of Route 228 known as Cranberry Springs. Between these two high-quality developments, over 10,000 family sustaining jobs will exist.
Then Friday night in partnership with the Butler/Cranberry Eagle, a greatly enhanced Santa’s First Stop was launched, attracting well over 4,500 individuals. The Eagle arranged for over 15 magnificent ice sculptures to be on-hand, sponsored by a host of local organizations.
Ernie DiMartino of DiMartino Ice, the producer of hundreds of these types of shows, said he has never seen so many children at one of these events. That is what Cranberry is all about: bringing families together.
Cranberry is also about giving back, and that spirit was on full display Friday as attendees to the First Stop event packed a Township ambulance with toys, games, stuffed animals and dozens of other items. Those gifts will be given to Toys for Tots and will bring some holiday cheer to those less fortunate.
Friday night also showcased nearly 40 holiday trees decorated in the Municipal Center. Each tree represents the great work of the many organizations that make Cranberry such a desirable place to live, work and play.
I am so very proud to work for a community that values partnerships to advance shared visions. To sustain those partnerships requires honesty and respect for each, and this past weekend showed that those qualities are the DNA of our community.
If you have a comment, please email me at jerry.andree@cranberrytownship.org.