One Hot Cookie Hermitage Ribbon Cutting

We are pleased to welcome Bergen Giordani, her daughter, Morgen Chretien and One Hot Cookie to Hermitage!  Their newest location is in the Hermitage Square Plaza next to Starbucks.  Bergen, Morgen and their families have deep roots in the Shenango Valley and have developed a successful brand in the Youngstown area.  One Hot Cookie offers a variety of cookies, cookie cakes, brownies and other sweet treats that are freshly baked and kept at 110 degrees in their warming cabinet with a variety of toppings that can be added onsite.  Customers may eat-in or carryout and packaged treats are available for purchase, including gourmet popcorn.  Bookings for birthday parties are available and next year a mobile Cookie Camper will be added that can be reserved for offsite parties and gatherings.  The Hermitage location is open Tuesday – Sunday, 12 pm to 9 pm, and can be reached at 724-551-0541 or by visiting www.onehotcookie.com  

Small Business Advantage Grant Program Accepting Applications

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is accepting applications for its Small Business Advantage Grant program through March 22, 2024, or until funds are exhausted.  The program is a first-come, first served program so it is important to apply early.  It provides reimbursement grants up to $5,000 to $8,000, based upon the environmental impact of the project, and requires a match of 50% to 20%, based upon the same factors.  Over the years, a number of Hermitage businesses have accessed this grant program.     

Eligible projects must improve energy efficiency or reduce pollution or waste by upgrading or replacing equipment or supplies, improving processes, or reducing runoff into affected waterways.  Additionally, eligible projects must save the small business a minimum of $500 per year and at least 20% of annual energy consumption or pollution-related expenses.   Lighting, HVAC, boiler, and digital x-ray upgrades are the most common project types, but a wide variety of projects are eligible for funding.

In order to qualify, an entity must be a Pennsylvania-based, for-profit business with 100 or fewer full-time employees.  Application guidance, required forms and information are located on the Department’s webpage at: https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/GrantsLoansRebates/SmallBusinessOmbudsmanOffice/Pages/Small%20Business%20Advantage%20Grant.aspx

Citizens have the convenience of submitting service requests instantly through their smartphones or online, while also being able to access crucial city information such as events and alerts. In case any queries arise, city employees can directly communicate with residents to collaboratively address the issues. 

The See Click Fix platform offers access to the following city resources:

• Initiate requests or express concerns effortlessly through the accessible "Start Request" button.
• Include multiple photos when submitting a request.
• Access our website, social media platforms, and online form submission

Visit https://apps.apple.com/us/app/seeclickfix/id322000552 to download the See.Click.Fix app in the Apple store

Visit https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.seeclickfix.ma.android&hl=en_US&gl=US to download the app in the Google Play store

Utilize our desktop site to file a request at https://www.hermitage.net/421/Report-a-Concern

Countywide Property Reassessment – Know the Facts and Avoid Imposters

The Mercer County Commissioners have begun the process of reassessing the fair market value of all properties in the county.  The last reassessment in Mercer County occurred in 1970 and, over the years, inequities have developed.  The reassessment is designed to correct those inequities.  The reassessment process is required by law to be revenue neutral and is not designed to increase taxes.  Instead, it is about fairness in the assessed value of properties.

The County Commissioners have hired Tyler Technologies to collect data relative to every property in the county.  Tyler has hired field representatives to examine the outside of properties and gather information from owners and occupants.  Tyler field staff wear a bright yellow Tyler Technologies vest, have a Mercer County photo ID badge, and will never ask to enter your home.  Currently, field staff is in the West Middlesex/Shenango Township area and will not reach Hermitage until late this year.

A recent report indicated potential imposters in the Hermitage area with orange forms hung on doors requesting homeowners/occupants to call a toll-free phone number and schedule an indoor home inspection.  Mercer County District Attorney, Peter Acker emphasized: “Tyler Technologies does not ever ask to enter anyone’s home.”  Tyler also does not use orange colored door hangers, does not use a toll-free phone number, and it is not currently in the Hermitage area.   Any concerns should be reported to Tyler Technologies at 724-662-7549 or mercercountypa@tylertech.com,  and to the Mercer County District Attorney’s office at 724-662-3800, Ext. 2287.     

Hermitage's Growing Recreational Landscape and City Integration Plans

1. Dek Hockey Project Progress: Construction for the full-sized Dek Hockey rink at the Hermitage Athletic Complex has begun after a $217,430 contract was awarded to GEM Building Contractors & Developers. The state grant of $231,000 significantly covers the estimated $300,000 project costs, with completion expected this year.
2. Recreational Plans Approval: The Hermitage Board of Commissioners approved two master site plans, outlining additional facilities for the Hermitage Athletic Complex and Stull Nature Reserve. Plans include playfields, shelters, trails, pickleball courts, a rock-climbing area, parking, restrooms, a bicycle pump track, and more. These plans will guide development and aid in securing funding from the state and private foundations.
3. Successful Paving Program: Hermitage concluded its 2023 paving program, achieving a historic milestone in the number of streets paved. The program included the paving of several streets, including Tamara Trail, Timber Lane, Lori Lane, Maria Lane, Fairlawn Drive, S. Crescent Drive, Greenwood Drive, Fern Street, King Drive, Concord Road, and Trace Street.
4. City Expansion and Merger Process: In September, the Board of Commissioners introduced an ordinance to amend the Hermitage Zoning Map, incorporating properties from the Borough of Wheatland. The public hearing for the ordinance is scheduled for November 21, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., marking a crucial step in the merger process between the two municipalities, set to take effect on January 1, 2024

25^TH Annual Hermitage Holiday Light Parade

Join us for the 25th Annual Hermitage Holiday Light Parade on Saturday, November 18th, starting at 6:00 PM. The parade kicks off at the intersection of State Street and Kerrwood Drive and participants should stage in and around the Hermitage Towne Plaza site. To simplify setup, we strongly recommend constructing floats at this location. For flatbed rentals, contact the transportation committee at (724) 981-0800; they can be delivered a day before the parade.

Remember, all large floats must be at their designated staging area by 4:00 PM, and all participants should arrive no later than 5:30 PM. Detailed participant staging locations and contestant identification numbers will be provided at the mandatory parade staging meeting on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 5:15 PM in Room #303 of the Hermitage Municipal Building, located at 800 North Hermitage Road. Don't miss this festive event!

To download a parade registration packet, please visit: https://www.hermitage.net/DocumentCenter/View/2412/Holiday-Light-Parade-Registration-Form

Join us for the Winter Solstice Sound Bath, a time of letting go. Our intention for this class is to detox from the responsibilities of daily life, and the unnecessary old patterns we create and release what we do not want to take with us into the new cycle of the coming year. Thursday, December 21 at 8:00 p.m. in the Hermitage Municipal Building (800 N Hermitage Rd.) Registration is $25. Class size is limited. 

**Please bring a yoga mat or towel to lay on and if you'd like, a blanket/pillow for additional comfort**

To register,  please visit : https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/cityofhermitage/activity/search/detail/373

Embracing the Magic of Winter Solstice: A Celebration of Light and Renewal

As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, nature seems to beckon us to gather around fire, embrace the warmth of community, and celebrate the Winter Solstice. The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, and offers a moment of reflection, connection, and anticipation for the return of light.  Come together with friends and family by the fireside as we commemorate our second annual Winter Solstice Celebration and the traditional Burning of the Yule Log. 

Join us on December 21st to cast aside our worries from the past year and celebrate our intentions for the new year.  Experience the magic of a moonlit horse-drawn wagon ride, revel in the melodies of Jane Gregg and Mark DeWalt, and round off the festive evening with roasted chestnuts, comforting beverages, or a bite to eat! It's a night of gathering together that you won't want to miss."

Winter Solstice & Burning of the Yule Log 

Thursday, December 21st from 5:30 to 8:00

Rodney White Park

Live Music by duo Jane Gregg & Mark DeWalt

Horse-drawn wagon rides by Emptynest Farm

Roasted Chestnuts from the Apollo Maennerchor Club

Draft Horse Warm Beverages

Big Rail Brewing Beer Wagon

Third Eye Pies

Unstable Eats

We prioritize your safety and well-being!

FREE SAFETY CLASSES presented by the Hermitage Police Dept. 

 We are pleased to announce a series of safety classes aimed at promoting personal safety and well-being. These classes are designed to equip you with essential knowledge and skills to navigate various aspects of life more safely. Join us for these informative and empowering sessions!

Event Dates: August 9th, September 13th, October 11th & November 8th 

Event Time: 6pm – 7pm

Event Location: Room 303, City of Hermitage Municipal Offices

Admission to these safety classes is free, but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED to secure your spot. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Spots are LIMITED (60 MAX per class)

Shop Pink Friday!

Pink Friday celebrates and promotes small businesses, whether they operate online or have physical storefronts. It's a day dedicated to recognizing and supporting the backbone of local communities—the small businesses. This movement encourages consumers to #ShopSmallFirst and prioritize shopping at small businesses before the larger retailers on Black Friday.

It's a great initiative to promote and support small businesses, which play a vital role in our communities and local economies

The NEW Valley YMCA

Discover the latest updates from the Valley YMCA! With fresh leadership at the helm, the Valley YMCA proudly announces the launch of its new website and Facebook page. Access valuable information about the Hermitage location by visiting www.grovecityymca.org and selecting the 'Valley' branch.

Stay connected and engaged by following the Valley YMCA on their official Facebook page: VALLEY YMCA OF HERMITAGE.

UPCOMING YOUTH SPORTS

FALL YOUTH BASKETBALL Co-Ed Ages 3-12

Program runs Nov 13th-Dec 23rd

Registration Deadline: October 30th

We're excited to introduce our 'Hidden Gem' series 

Calling all residents of Hermitage and Mercer County! 

We want to uncover the hidden gems that make our community shine!

Do you have a favorite local spot, a hidden gem that you believe deserves recognition? We'd love to hear from you!

Share your cherished secret locations, lesser-known attractions, or special spots that hold a special place in your heart. Whether it's a scenic park, a cozy café, a unique shop, or any other hidden gem, we want to know!

Send your submissions to ealerts@hermitage.net and let us know what makes your hidden gem so extraordinary. Feel free to include a photo and a brief description. We can't wait to discover the hidden treasures of our beautiful community together!