West View Community Packs Gym for Wizards, Playground Fundraiser

More than 1,000 people turned out Monday night for the Harlem Wizards Game against the North Hills Playground Players, which was held to  

"Oh my God, we're like almost in tears," said Eileen Shamonsky, chair of the fund-raising committee for the West View Elementary Parents and Teachers Association, during halftime. "I can't believe the community." 

The total amount raised Monday night was not yet tallied, Shamonsky said.

Tickets were $10 per adult and $8 per student in advance, and $12 per adults and $10 per student at the door. 

The cost for a new out-of-the-box play set is estimated at $35,000, said Elizabeth Streza, co-chair of the design committee. A custom play set—which the group prefers—will run about $64,000. 

The school district doesn't budget money for the playground equipment, leaving the design and cost of the play areas to the PTAs. After the playgrounds are installed, however, the district maintains the equipment. 

Monday's game, held at the North Hills School District junior high school gym, is the second fundraiser the PTA has held. The first, a bingo in the fall, raised about $1,500. 

"It certainly looks like the organization's done a great job," said John R. Henry during halftime Monday night. 

And for a good cause: The playground, he said, is 25 years old.

"It's time to replace it," he said. "We want to raise enough money to have a safe place to play."

The Harlem Wizards basketball team, known for its fancy footwork, tricks and athleticism, , visiting each of the schools in the district. 

"The kids love them," Shamonsky said. "These guys are great." 

The Playground Players lineup included North Hills School District Superintendent Patrick Mannarino, of Magisterial District Court 05-2-02, West View Police Chief and Borough Manager Bruce Fromlak and a number of his staff. 

"It was a blast being on the court, getting to play with these guys," said Officer Matt Holland. "I just had a ton of fun." 

The team lineup for the Playground Players included:

• Sonny Amato – kindergarten teacher, McIntyre Elementary
• John Curran – English teacher, 
• Bruce Fromlak – police chief and borough manager, 
• Stephen Garcia – response to intervention teacher,
• Bruce Goodworth – grade 4 teacher, West View Elementary
• JoAnn Harrop– Lifestyle & Fashion reporter, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
• Matt Holland – police officer, West View Borough
• David Lieberman – principal, 
• Tom Lisak – social studies teacher, North Hills Senior High School
• Steve Long – special education teacher, North Hills Senior High, and baseball coach
• Kevin Lyons – physical education teacher, North Hills elementary schools
• Patrick Mannarino – superintendent, 
• Chris Mikula – physical education teacher, West View Elementary
• Richard Opiela – judge
• Brett Parkhill – grade 1 teacher, 
• Dennis Scharding – learning support teacher, West View Elementary
• Jesse Simpson – principal, West View Elementary
• Doug Sundo – special education teacher, , and track coach
• Todd Towne – West View Borough Police
• Patrick Weber – physical education teacher, Highcliff Elementary
• John Zawalnicki – guidance counselor, West View Elementary

The Playground Players were coached by Ms. Diane Oberst, an art teacher at Ross and West View Elementary schools and coach of the North Hills girls’ seventh-grade basketball team. 

Miss “O” was assisted by retired Ross Township police officer/DARE Officer Robert Muchenski (Officer Mutch) and Johnny Angel, lead singer of Johnny Angel & the Halos. Additional support for the Playground Players was provided by the North Hills eighth- and ninth-grade cheerleading squads.