Kids love to tell Santa Claus all about their wish lists.
Bill Cross delivered news that effectively granted plenty of property owners’ wishes.
In welcoming guests to the annual Holiday “Lite” Up Night on Nov. 23 in Shaler, the longtime Ward 7 commissioner mentioned tax increases on the way for 2025 in other municipalities.
“But I’m letting you know that there will be none in Shaler Township,” Cross announced, to a good bit of applause.
And that was just the beginning.
The day’s chill and steady drizzle seemed to do little to dissuade folks from celebrating the season and enjoying a multitude of attractions, including the opportunity for youngsters to visit with Santa after he and Mrs. Claus disembarked from an Undercliff Volunteer Fire Company track during a procession along Mt. Royal Boulevard.
First, Santa led a countdown to the star atop a giant tree next to Shaler Middle School being illuminated for the season. Meanwhile, inside the school and next door at Shaler North Hills Library were full of activities for people who wanted shelter from the weather.
Cross expressed gratitude to numerous organizations, such as UPMC Health Plan for sponsoring horse-drawn carriage rides and local police, emergency medical services, volunteer fire companies and fire police “for keeping us all safe.”
Further thanks went to the township public works department for taking on the role of Santa’s Helpers, and office staff members and other volunteers for organizing what turned out to be a fun and fantastic event, never mind the weather.
