WHere tHe WILD tHINGS Are
Rehab facilities aim to care for injured wildlife
By Jon Andreassi Staff writer jandreassi@observer-reporter.com
Last month while Mary Bailey was walking her dog in Whitehall, she came across an injured rabbit that was struggling to move.
Bailey, of Brentwood, described the creature as having its left hind leg broken.
“You could actually see the muscle and bone,” Bailey recalled.
She attempted to contact the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh, which operates a wildlife rehabilitation center in Verona. It was about 7:30 in the morning, so the facility wasn’t open, but Bailey said a recorded message offered detailed instructions on what to do in such a situation.
So she scooped up the rabbit and headed to Verona.
“I was petting the rabbit, which I probably should not have been doing, just to keep him calm and happy. I was surprised how soft and furry he felt,” Bailey said.
The Humane Animal Rescue’s “Wild Side” facility is one of few wildlife rehabilitation centers in the region. None exists in Washington, Greene or Fayette counties. In Westmoreland County, there is Wildlife Works, located at 836 Chestnut St. in Youngwood.
When Bailey arrived at the Humane Animal Rescue facility, she handed over the rabbit and signed a form relieving her of all responsibility.
By Brad Hundt Staff writer
bhundt@observer-reporter.com
When Kathy Sabol was president of the Washington’s Rotary Club in 2002 and 2003, the organization counted more than 100 people as members – business owners, lawyers, doctors, some of the leading professionals in the community.
Sabol is president of Rotary again, serving another oneyear term that will take her into 2025. This time, though, she is confronting a landscape
that has changed considerably from what it was two decades ago. Now, membership has been sliced in half in Washington, with just 53 people taking on the mantle of “Rotarian.”
“We are striving to rebuild our numbers,” Sabol said. Washington’s Rotary chapter is far from alone, though, when it comes to shedding members and grasping for ways to bring new recruits into the fold. Across the world, Rotary has been losing more members than it has been gaining, with about 44,000 new people sign-
Several Peters Township trees have stood for more than a century
By Jon Andreassi Staff writer jandreassi@observer-reporter.com
The Peters Township home where Dr. Joseph Falbo lives was constructed in 1795, and he was recently “shocked” to learn that two trees on the property may be as old as the house itself.
A pair of ginkgo trees form a sort of natural gateway to the front of Falbo’s home on Bebout Road. The trees, along with other natural features, provide a good deal of privacy, as the home is difficult to spot from the road.
Tom Sierzega is a friend of Falbo and asked if he could study the trees to determine their age.
“We were very happy to do so,” Falbo said.
Sierzega sits on the Peters Township Environmental Quality Board, which embarked on a project to estimate the ages of some of the oldest trees in the area. They have identified the approximate ages of 15 trees, all on the property of township residents.
“We’ve decided that some of these older trees, with all the development that is going on, it’s important to kind of save them and let people know they are here and the benefits they provide,” Sierzega said.
The process to study the township’s trees began prior to the pandemic, which put the project on hold.
“After COVID we started up again, and so now we’ve completed identifying the trees,” Sierzega said.
To figure out how old the trees are, Sierzega worked with Dr. Jason Kilgore, the chair of the biology department at Washington & Jefferson College. Kilgore came prepared with a formula and equipment to get the job done.
The ginkgos at Falbo’s home were determined to have been around since approximately 1795. The oldest tree they studied was a white oak along Kimber Drive that has survived since colonial times. Kilgore and Sierzega believe the tree was planted in approximately 1695.
The formula Kilgore used is to multiply the diameter of the tree by the tree’s “growth factor.” He explained that each species of tree has a different growth factor. A white oak, for example, has a growth factor of five. So a white oak that is 20 inches in diameter would be around a century old.
ing up every year, but 51,000 departing. Stephanie Urchick, the Canonsburg resident who is president of Rotary International until next June 30, has conceded that Rotary has a “Romeo” problem – short for the perception that the organization consists of “Rich Old Men Eating Out.”
Other longstanding civic organizations have been faced with similar problems. Nationally, the Jaycees, Lions, Optimists, Civitans and Kiwanis have all confronted declining membership numbers.
In fact, Washington’s Kiwanis Club will be officially folding at the end of September after lasting a little more than 100 years, simply because its membership has been reduced to about five people, all of them retirees.
“We’ve run out of people, run out of steam and run out of energy,” Wil White, the club’s secretary, said last month. When White first joined Kiwanis in 2000, he noted that there were more than 100 members.
An intern works at the wildlife rehabilitation center.
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF PETERS TOWNSHIP peters township public works employees install a plaque at the base of a gingko tree on the property of Dr. Joseph Falbo.
Jerry and Rose Pappert stand in front of the white oak on their peters township property.
COURTESY OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF WASHINGTON rotary volunteers pack boxes for the Food Helpers program in Washington County.
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF HUMANE ANIMAL RESCUE OF PITTSBURGH
LEFT: Lee Ann Hill and Lauren Gibbons examine a turtle at Humane Animal rescue’s wildlife rehabilitation center.
RIGHT: taylor morgan and Lauren Gibbons treat a hawk at the wildlife rehabilitation center.
When civic organizations first took root in communities in the early part of the 20th century, they dedicated themselves to doing good through offering scholarships, leading litter removal efforts, helping children and collecting eyeglasses. They also provided striving professionals a way to connect and network. The prominence they have had in many small towns has been highlighted by the club logos that are frequently featured on the road signs that greet people as they cross into the city limits. If you were anyone in these communities, you almost invariably had to belong to one of these groups.
However, membership in civic groups has been slowly declining for decades, and lately seems to have gathered speed. As long ago as October 1992, The New York Times was reporting on service clubs rallying “to reverse their slide.” And it’s not just service groups like the Kiwanis or Rotary that have been slumping. Parent-teacher organizations no longer attract the interest they once did, veterans groups like the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion have lost members, and church attendance has tumbled to the point where almost half of Americans say they rarely or never go to a house of worship.
Sociologists and other experts have pointed to a number of factors for this, including greater mobility and roots in
Wildlife FROM PAGE A1
communities that are not as deep, and even the fact that we often consume entertainment in solitary settings, such as when we watch television or play games on smartphones. When it comes to civic organizations, some experts have pointed to the hectic schedules that many younger professionals now maintain, and the networking opportunities that once made membership in civic organizations so enticing can now be accomplished by signing onto Linkedin or friending someone on Facebook.
Irene Fiala, a sociology professor at PennWest Univer-
“If he wasn’t able to be saved, they could humanely put him down,” Bailey said.
Katie Kefalos, director of wildlife rehabilitation for Humane Animal Rescue, described the rabbit as having a left leg broken in multiple places and a significant wound in its right leg.
“Unfortunately, that is not something we are able to repair. So we did have to humanely euthanize,” Kefalos said.
Though the rabbit could not be saved, it was spared a good deal of pain and suffering.
At the hands of the elements, Kefalos said the rabbit would languish while being picked apart by insects.
“It is not a peaceful death,” Kefalos said.
When someone reports an injured animal, Kefalos said it is sometimes clear just from the description that the animal will need to be euthanized.
“We advise people to bring it in. We can end its suffering in a humane and kind way rather than leave it to the elements,” Kefalos said.
Humane Animal Rescue will accept just about any rodent or bird, though they are currently not able to accept raccoons. They also treat bats, foxes and coyotes.
White-tailed deer are among the animals they won’t treat.
“We also do not take in bears for the very obvious reason. We are in a residential area,” Kefalos said.
She added they do not take in venomous snakes for, again, obvious reasons.
If you see an injured bear or deer, or wildlife in general, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is another option.
Andy Harvey, a state game warden and information and education supervisor for the game commission’s southwest office, recommends that people not interact with the animals.
“There is always potential they could harm you. It is a wild animal … they are trying to protect themselves. We want to limit any exposure to that, and we certainly don’t want to see anybody with the public get hurt,” Harvey said. Harvey added that what is most helpful
sity’s Edinboro campus, explained that now people often do not work in the communities where they live. The rise of remote work in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to “a loosening of social ties,” she said.
She also points to “a cultural shift” that has seen people moving away from formal organizations, and the dues and obligations that are attached to them. Instead, they are picking and choosing what causes and endeavors they want to volunteer for.
“People have more options when it comes to joining organi-
to the game commission is when the caller is a good observer and provides a detailed description of what is wrong. Sometimes, the animal may be able to recover without human intervention.
“We want to give the wildlife every chance they can to make it on their own. Raptors, birds of prey, they fly into things. They could fly into a window,” Harvey said.
If given some time to recuperate, Harvey says those birds will likely fly away of their own accord.
With birds, fledglings are also commonly mistaken as being injured when they are out of the nest, but Harvey assures this is normal.
“See if it is something that could just be misinterpreted, or something that is going to require a response,” Harvey said.
For the Humane Animal Rescue, Kefalos said whether or not someone should approach an animal is situational. They will provide guidance on how certain species can be safely gathered and transported.
However, if the caller is at all uncomfortable, Kefalos recommends they keep their distance.
“It depends on how active and responsive the animal is,” Kefalos said. “If it is a bit too intense, we do advise for them to call for backup.”
If an animal’s injuries are treatable, Humane Animal Rescue will develop treatment plans. As the recovery process advances, they are put into bigger cages, and eventually outdoor, “pre-release” cages.
They will monitor animals to make sure they have the physical capabilities to return to their habitats. Birds, for example, need to be able to fly properly.
“We need to make sure all the flight muscles are still there, or the coordination is still there. They need outdoor time, flying time, before they are able to be released,” Kefalos said.
According to Kefalos, older animals will generally be taken to within a mile of where they were originally found. An orphaned baby, however, may be taken to one of their 70 release sites.
The Humane Animal Rescue’s Wild Side facility can be reached at 412-3457300. The game commission’s dispatch center for wildlife emergencies is 1-833742-9453.
zations and groups,” Fiala said.
For better or worse, those who have maintained their memberships in civic organizations tend to be older. Eleanor Chapman, secretary of the Waynesburg Lions Club, believes “the new generation isn’t interested in service.”
Vicki Furmanek, the president of Washington’s Lions Club, pointed out that she is in her 60s and she is one of the younger members of the group.
“Most of us are retired,” Furmanek said. “We need more young people.”
It’s much the same story for the Kiwanis in Uniontown.
Ashley Perez, the group’s president, explained that there are about eight really active members for their activities through the year, which include gathering coats for kids in the wintertime and bell-ringing at Christmas for the Salvation Army.
“We’ve really struggled,” Perez said. “We’re trying to do different things to bring different people. If we could grow a bit, we could do more.”
Urchick first joined the Rotary club in McMurray in 1991. In a recent interview that appears on the Rotary International website, Urchick said Rotary’s falling membership numbers
should lead some local Rotary clubs to take a look at what they are offering and changes they could make to increase interest. She explained that “some people are not finding value in their club experience. They’re not really leaving Rotary; they’re leaving a Rotary club. We need to get clubs to examine what’s happening.”
In Washington, Sabol believes that COVID-19 “was a big factor” in the decline in the Rotary club’s membership, but some of the other factors were the result of a format dictated by Rotary International. The club’s dues were “very high,” Sabol acknowledged, coming in at about $1,000 per year, and members were held to a rigid schedule of meeting attendance – they had to be at 75% of the organization's weekly meetings over the course of a year in order to keep their membership current. Following new directives from Rotary International, the meeting schedule has now been whittled down to twice per month, with a “brown bag” lunch approach. Happy hour events have been instituted and the annual cost of membership has dropped to $360.
“Membership is picking back up,” Sabol said, adding that she hopes to add one new member per month.
And as she leads Rotary again, what does she tell people about why they should perhaps be that one new member?
“It’s a great way to network with a wide range of people from different backgrounds, different professional backgrounds and get involved in the community,” Sabol said.
FROM PAGE A1
To determine diameter, Kilgore said they use diameter tape at breast height, 4 feet 5 inches, and measure the tree’s circumference.
The growth factor is also affected by the tree’s environment, and whether it gets enough sun and water. Kilgore said they could not take all these factors into consideration, but that the trees they studied were in good condition.
“Many of these trees were growing in an open location. They had grass around them,” Kilgore said.
Falbo is an optometrist and operates Family Eyecare North in Seven Fields, Butler County.
He describes himself as a history lover, particularly American history. The age of the Bebout home was part of the appeal when he and his wife moved there in 1996.
According to Falbo, they have a Pennsylvania deed and a survey dated March 1785, when the property stretched across 393 acres. He notes that when the house was originally deeded it was actually in the territory of Virginia.
“The only original deeds were housed in the courthouse in Virginia, which unfortunately burned during the Civil War,” Falbo said.
The ginkgos always caught their eye, but Falbo was surprised to hear how old they actually are.
“I was really pleased to hear that they’ve been here that long,
but a little surprised that they are that old. Because they do look so vibrant and healthy,” Falbo said.
Kilgore explained that these large species of trees are helpful to their environments. They capture significantly more carbon than smaller trees, and produce plenty of insects for birds.
“A large white oak produces thousands of larvae of many different species that birds can then consume,” Kilgore said. To that end, Kilgore hopes that other communities take notes from Sierzega and start studying their own trees.
“I think what Tom is doing is novel and monumental because he is trying to convince landowners to save their trees. Their large trees have a lot of ecological value,” Kilgore said.
Trees
JON ANDREASSI/OBSERVER-REPORTER
Tom Sierzega stands next to a 300-year-old white oak tree on Kimber Drive.
COURTESY OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF WASHINGTON
Rotary members Kathy Sabol, Amy Podgurski Gough and John Tecklenburg volunteer at the Washington Pride festival in June.
USC students named All-Americans
Seniors Aaryan Kumar, Manav Patel, Ishaan Sharma, Nikhita Thakuria and Isabel Vilensky as well as 2024 graduates Arnav Kumar and Theeya Chen were honored for their academic rigor, competitive speech and debate success, and personal excellence.
All belonged to the USC speech and debate team, coached by teachers Ben Edwards (social studies) and Dave Watson (English).
The academic All America award recognizes high school students who have earned the degree of Superior Distinction (750 points); completed at least five semesters of high
school; demonstrated outstanding character and leadership; and earned a GPA of 3.7 or higher.
The team, which is open to students in grades 9-12, is currently accepting new members.
USC resident earns caddie scholarship
By Eleanor Bailey The Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net
Luana Silvestre Cesar is not a golfer, but the Upper St. Clair resident is learning.
the first two scholars enrolled at Northwestern University, 12,040 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars. This year, there are 1,130 recipients enrolled at 24 universities nationwide.
Last spring USC won its fifth state title at the 2024 Pennsylvania High School Speech and Language (PHSSL) State Championships.
Practices are held from 2:50 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the high school’s LGI room. The competition season begins in late October and the regular season goes through February.
“Before this year, I had maybe played a total of 20 holes, but I am trying to pick up the game,” she said.
Cesar has an incentive. She hopes to compete in a yearly caddie golf tournament open to all Chick Evans Scholarship winners.
“I would love to participate,” she noted because a majority of the scholars from the scholarship house play in the event.
Because Cesar is a caddie, she applied for the full, fouryear scholarship. The nation’s largest scholarship program for caddies has helped thousands of hardworking young men and women gain a college education. In 1930, the Western Golf Association and celebrated amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr. established the Evans Scholars Foundation, whose mission was to provide full tuition and college scholarships to caddies with limited financial means. Since
Cesar will attend Penn State University, where she will study Spanish with the career goal to become a teacher.
“This scholarship will help me attain my goals because it relieves me from the financial stress and gives me a network of resources that can help me in my student and professional life,” Cesar said.
Additionally, Cesar will be living in the scholarship house with the other scholars.
According to the WGA website, the scholars live and work together in community, with each chapter electing its own officers, running social and service activities and participating in campus programs.
“This creates a supportive environment with people who have had similar work experiences and are now working toward the same goal of graduating from college,” Cesar said.
Aaryan Kumar Arnav Kumar Isabel Vilensky Ishaan Sharma
Manav Patel Nikhita Thakuria Theeya Chen
Luana Silvestre Cesar is pictured on graduation day with family members: grandmother Aparecida Rosa Silvestre; younger brother, Leonardo Cesar; mother, Fabiana; and father, Leandro Cesar. The 2024 Upper St. Clair High School graduate will continue her education at Penn State University as an Evans Scholarship winner. The four-year stipend affords caddies a college education.
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Caddie
FROM PAGE A4
Cesar is following in the footsteps of her brother, Lucas. He, too, caddied at the St. Clair Country Club, beginning in 2017, and received the same scholarship.
Cesar started caddying there in 2020. In addition to her duties, she has also worked in the bag room.
“My favorite parts of the job are connecting with people I never thought I’d have anything in common with, enjoying the beautiful golf course, and laughing with my coworkers,” Cesar said.
Darlene Pauley, human resourc-
es specialist at St. Clair Country Club, said Cesar was an exemplary employee.
“Luana is very deserving of the Evans Scholarship. She is an amazing individual with a story like no other,” Pauley said.
Cesar recently became a United States citizen, immigrating from Brazil.
She started the Hispanic Food Club at Upper St. Clair High School, and brought foods from different Latin countries. “So the members could experience a little bit of the culture through food,” she said. Additionally, Cesar was part of the Global Education Week Committee. Held annually in November at the high school, it enabled students time to explore different parts of the world by attending different activities. A four-year member of the Spanish Club, Cesar also belonged to the National Honor Society and earned the National Hispanic Recognition Award. She also earned an MYP certification through the International Baccalaureate program at USC.
sports
SEMPER FI
Marine workout a reminder for Lions
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net
When South Fayette finds itself in a precarious position this football season, perhaps a must-stop at the goal line on defense or must-win game against a conference opponent to make the playoffs, the Lions will recall that hot and humid summer day when the Marines came to practice and led them through their grueling workout.
“Definitely, that’s in the back of our minds when we play,” said Silas Aitken. “Just thinking how far we pushed ourselves that day. What we went through for one practice was their average workout every day.”
Back in late-July, Sgt. Austin Angress, along with fellow Marines Mat Orosco and Michael Spotts, put the Lions through their paces. The workout, which replaced SF’s routine drills, featured calisthenics, runs and team-building skills.
“Everyone seemed to enjoy it,” Angress said. “They love the workout. They love the grind. They love when we put them through this.
“We want them to work together,” he continued. “The moment you start branching out from each other, then you are thinking about yourself and are isolated. We don’t want that at all. The Marines always work together. From day one, you build cohesion and camaraderie. We all suffer in training but you gain that full relationship.”
Although a well-conditioned wrestler, Talan Mizenko admitted he ached, particularly after completing 500 air squats while his group performed wind sprints. “That was challenging,” he admitted. “The workout was like no other. Pushing through it is everything.”
Aitken agreed. He said the workout was as much mental as it was physical. He noted how, during the drills, there were players who accomplished things that they didn’t think they could. In the process they discovered something about themselves that they did not know they had.
“Kids have in their head ‘I can only go so far until it hurts’ and you really
don’t know until you have somebody pushing you past that point, telling you that you can go farther. You never know what that is like until you get pushed past your breaking point.”
While some may have grappled with push-ups, others battled different drills. However, all the Lions survived the workout because they remained united.“
“There were times where mentally it got in your head. When things start to hurt, your mind tells you not to go father so you have to push yourself. There were times where I struggled with things,” Mizenko said.
“For me, telling myself, ‘I can. I can do this.’ It lifts me up and allows
myself to push through whatever I am doing. Eventually that is what we all did and we encouraged each other to go farther. As a team, that’s important. That’s what we need.”
Aitken and Mizenko both said the team came together during the summer practice. While the chemistry was always there, the workout solidified the group.
According to head coach Marty Spieler, the session served a twofold purpose toward the objectives of the program.
“We are only here to do two things. One, win championships. Win not just to come out and compete,” he said. “No. 2 is once we leave
South Fayette, we have a plan to be successful in everything we do.”
So Spieler’s objective was to expose his players to options like the military through the Marine workout and to understand the sacrifice and commitment servicemen make. “It is above and beyond,” he told his players. “What they do for us is immeasurable.”
Spieler also noted the core principles he hoped his players gathered from the training. The Marines and Spieler noted that there will be “stresses” in the lives of the players and that they had “to get over the barriers” by doing their part.
“In the locker room, we are only as good as the worst player on our team. It’s not the same in every situation. So it’s important that you all
By Eleanor Bailey
The Almanac Sports Editor
ebailey@thealmanac.net
At age 33, Michael Hull has entered a new phase in life.
While he remains passionate about sports, he no longer is the standout performer that garnered Almanac Male Athlete of the Year honors in 2010 and went on to play five seasons in the NFL. Instead, he is a spectator with more important responsibilities in life.
“Honestly,” he said of his hope for the future, “I want to be the best father to my kids and best husband to my wife.
I want to raise a great family.”
In Nashville, Hull is doing exactly that. He works as a real estate investment firm to provide a living for his clan, which consists of his wife, Kelsey, and their two children, Matthew, 3, and Tatum, 1. “Raising two little athletes,” he said with a laugh. “Hopefully, my kids want to play sports one day. If not, I hope that they are passionate about something like I was about sports.”
While he attended Can -
on-McMillan High School, Hull certainly approached athletics with zeal. In fact, he was a four-sport athlete for the Big Macs.
As a junior, he led the WPIAL in rushing with over 1,300 yards. Though ravaged with injuries and illness his senior season, he still managed to record 97 tackles and earn acclaim from multiple news outlets. He also played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, in which was picked as the game’s MVP. Plus, he was
selected to play in the prestigious Big 33 Classic.
A three-year letter winner in baseball, Hull helped the Big Macs win a state championship in 2008. He also competed in track, posting a personal-best time of 11.56 seconds in the 100-meter dash to medal at the PIAA championships. He also threw the shot put, notching a top throw of 42-2 at the 2010 Dick Dei Track Classic.
So far this scholastic football season, Peters Township has flexed its muscles against Class 6A and 5A competition. On Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. the Indians will host Class 4A foe Trinity in another clash in preparation for conference action, which commences Sept. 27 at Upper St. Clair. The Indians opened the campaign with convincing victories against Canon-McMillan, 42-17, and McKeesport, 42-7, followed by Friday’s (Sept. 6) battle at Mt. Lebanon.
Now the Indians take on one of the top quarterbacks out of the Big Six Conference, not to mention the WPIAL. In 2023, Jonah Williamson became one of only a handful of WPIAL players to pass for more than 1,000 yards as well as rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season. The Trinity signal caller was named the Offensive Player of the Year in the conference after he completed 127 passes out of 212 attempts for 1,860 yards and rambled for 1,012 yards on 164 rushes.
However, PT’s junior signal caller is Williamson’s match and more. After leading the WPIAL last season with more than 3,000 passing yards, Nolan DiLucia ranked No. 4 in the district with 32 completions for 472 yards.
DiLucia demonstrated his versatility in a 42-7 win against McKeesport on Aug. 30. He connected on 12 aerials for 173 yards and rushed for one touchdown.
DiLucia’s top targets against the Tigers were Nick McCullough (four grabs for 57 yards) and Eli Prado (four catches for 44 yards). McCullough pulled in a 35-yard scoring strike from DiLucia.
On the ground, Cole Neupaver picked up 115 yards and a touchdown, measuring two yards. Nick Courie registered two TD runs while Anthony Maiello supplied the extra points. PT’s defense has excelled. Against the Tigers, the Indians forced four turnovers and held leading rusher Anthony Boyd to 29 yards rushing. Ian Watson recovered a fumble for a 19-yard touchdown. Keenan Doran picked up two loose footballs. Reston Lehman intercepted a pass as well as had a fumble recovery.
ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC Julian Dahlem finds the path to the end zone clear after he eluded Canon-McMillan defenders. Dahlem scored three times and picked
ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
Former Canon-McMillan standout Michael Hull (left) had his football jersey number officially retired before the Big Macs’s game against Upper St. Clair. Pictured with Hull from left are: his father, Tom, wife, Kelsey holding daughter, Tatum (1), his mother, Donna, holding son, Matthew, 3.
PHOTOS: ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
\South Fayette High School football players crawl through a human arch created by their teammates during their workout with the Marines.
ABOVE:
PT golf Peters Township shot an even par 190 and set a new high school course record during a Section 5 AAA boys’ match played Sept. 3 against Bethel Park on the front nine of the Nemacolin Country Club course.
In the 190-234 triumph, Colton Lusk and Griffin Hansberry both fired 3-under-par 38s to lead the Indians. Nick Haught followed with a 39.
Shane Williams, Ben Miller and Ryan Watterson also contributed to the victory, PT’s 10th of the season.
Also golfing in the match were Camden Reyes, Jackson Baxter, Finnegan Sobehart and Ryan Hillebrand.
Earlier this season, the Indians equaled a course record they set in 2022 when they carded a 173 in their section opener. The score was 7-under par as a team on the Lindenwood Blue course.
In addition to being undefeated in section competition at 7-0, the Indians previously won the Morgantown Invitational played at the Pines Country Club. The Indians combined for a 288 score to finish ahead of Cabell Midland (300), Morgantown (318) and George Washington (338) Lusk earned medalist honors in the event for the third year in a row. The senior shot a 5-under 66.
With 74 scores, Hansberry, Haught, Williams and Miller all tied for third place.
Other golfers for the Indians in the tournament included: Watterson, Baxter and Reyes.
PT soccer
In boys’ soccer, Peters Township battled Trinity to a 1-1 draw before starting section action against rival Mt. Lebanon. Jeven Kelley scored the lone goal for the Indians.
Football
BP hosts WM
Despite losing all-state performer Ryan Petras at the start of the season, due to shoulder surgery, Bethel Park has managed to dominate the gridiron enough to move into the Top 5 of the WPIAL Class 5A rankings as well as Top 10 in the state’s ratings by Pennsylvania Football News.
JaVaughn Moore is a big reason for BP’s ability to bounce back from adversity.
While the senior racked up 930 yards rushing last season, he already had picked up 307 yards on 28 carries this season. Heading into Sept. 6’s contest at Armstrong, Moore ranked ninth in the WPIAL in rushing. He was averaging 11 yards per carry.
During only one half of work in a 49-13 victory at Mars on Aug. 30, Moore rambled 195 yards on 11 carries. He scored three touchdowns on runs of 7, 79 and 58 yards.
Moore’s running mate, David Dennison, also surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark in the triumph against the Fighting Planets. A junior, Dennison galloped 142 yards on 18 carries. He scored twice
Marines
fought and finished and made your teammates proud,” Spieler said.
“We might need you in the fourth quarter. We might need somebody else in another instance. So we need guys to be prepared to step up whenever we call on you.”
After graduation, some players will be called upon to serve their country. The drills with the Marines introduced them to the Corps. Angers said it’s a different way to engage with the community and teams, get their military name out there and tell about the Marines.
“We don’t just shoot guns. There are jobs for all walks of life,” Spotts said.
“We want our student-athletes to explore all options,” Spieler emphasized.
“How do you know what’s
on 7- and 28-yard jaunts. He also rushed for a 2-point conversion.
Tanner Pfeuffer has also keyed the Black Hawks’s success. The senior signal caller ranked in the Top 20 among WPIAL passers with 365 yards on 19 completions. Against Mars, Pfeuffer completed 7 of 11 attempts for 120 yards and a 52-yard scoring strike to Mitchell Paschl. Pfeuffer also rushed for a 3-yard touchdown.
Luke Yimin converted five extra points.
The Black Hawks will host West Mifflin at 7 p.m. Sept. 13. It is Bethel Park’s home opener after road games at Seneca Valley, Mars and Armstrong. BP outscored the opposition, 99-27, in its first two contests.
Lebo vs. Central
Mt. Lebanon opens Class 6A Quad County Conference action on the road against Central Catholic at 7 p.m. Sept. 13.
The Vikings, along with North Allegheny, have dominated the WPIAL’s largest classification. Central Catholic has won eight district titles, three of them in the past six years. They have appeared in eight state finals, winning four times.
“Central and NA are the two-headed monster,” said Lebo head coach Greg Perry. “They have been on top and will remain the favorite until somebody knocks them off.”
To be that team, the Blue Devils have to play better than they have. They started off the season with a loss to arch rival Upper St. Clair then succumbed to Penn-Trafford, 28-7, before taking on defending WPIAL Class 5A champion, Peters Township, in last weekend’s fray. (Results too late to appear in this edition of The Almanac.)
In the loss to Penn-Trafford, Grayson Beck accounted for the lone Lebo score. He pulled in a 7-yard scoring strike from Pat Smith. Brady Lowe converted the extra point to tie the contest at 7 before the Warriors reeled off three unanswered scores, two in the fourth frame.
SF rolling
Drew Welhorsky has South Fayette on a roll. The junior quarterback guided the Lions to their second straight win, 28-6, against Shaler before tackling Canon-McMillan on Sept. 6.
In the win against the Titans, Welhorsky completed 14 of 20 passes for 167 yards and a 32-yard TD to Aiden Mar-
tincic. Welhorsky also rushed for 100 yards and scores of 25 and 1 yards. It was the second game in a row, Welhorsky racked up 100 yards both rushing and passing.
Also against Shaler, Silas Aitken ran for 100 yards. He scored on a 44-yard rush.
Alex Deanes also led the offensive attack. He had six receptions for 87 yards.
The Lions travel to Elizabeth-Forward for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Sept. 13.
USC at Hampton
Upper St. Clair will visit Hampton for a 7 p.m. clash on Sept. 13 before hitting a challenging stretch in the schedule. The Panthers will also visit McKeesport on Sept. 20 before tackling Allegheny Six Conference competition, opening with defending WPIAL 5A champion Peters Township on Sept. 27 followed by trips to South Fayette and Bethel Park on the first two Fridays of October.
The Panthers, who battled Franklin Regional on Sept. 6, started the 2024 campaign with resounding back-to-back victories against Mt. Lebanon and Canon-McMillan.
Julian Dahlem has been the dominant force on offense. He has compiled consecutive 100-yard games and
had 272 yards rushing on 22 carries.
In a 41-6 win against the Big Macs, Dahlem, who played point guard on USC’s WPIAL championship basketball team last winter, picked up 174 yards on 14 carries. He scored three touchdowns, including a 65-yarder that ignited a 31-point run in the second half to salt away the victory. He also completed three passes Against the Big Macs, Dante Coury rushed for 87 yards and a touchdown while Jacob Echeverria-Lozano kicked two field goals of 20 and 46 yards and converted five extra points.
Defensively, Nate Stohl led with eight solo tackles and two sacks followed by Van Hellman with six tackles, five of them solo. Michael Albert recovered a fumble and Randy Yan had a Pick-6 for the Panthers. Baldwin at CV
After opening the 2024 campaign on the road, Chartiers Valley hosts Baldwin at 7 p.m. Sept. 13. The Colts opened the season with a 26-0 loss to South Fayette but had its second game at West Allegheny postponed because of inclement weather. The Colts played at Indiana on Sept. 6.
behind the closed door unless you look at the opportunities,” Spotts added.
Mizenko is considering the Marines. He said he might enlist immediately after graduation but he wants to wrestle in college and perhaps pursue a sales degree.
“For me, I would love to wrestle four years in college
Hull also excelled in wrestling. Despite having a separated shoulder from the football season, Hull clinched the WPIAL team title for the Big Macs with a victory in the final bout of the 2010 Class 3A finals.
Hull went on to play football at Penn State University, where his father, Tom, and uncle, John, competed. As a Nittany Lion, he earned Big Ten Linebacker of the Year laurels and first-team All-Big Ten accolades. In 2015, Hull was signed
so ROTC might be an option for me,” he said.
Aitken would consider that route as well. He wants to continue playing football in college while earning a degree in exercise science then working in the fitness industry.
“The thought has crossed my mind. Nothing is set in stone,” he said.
by the Miami Dolphins. He played five seasons in the NFL as a middle linebacker before a knee injury ultimately ended his career. He was released on March 18, 2020.
While he has received numerous honors and accolades, Hull recently experienced one of the most touching moments in his athletic career when he was invited back to his alma mater to have his high school football jersey retired. The ceremony occurred prior to kickoff of the Upper St. Clair versus Canon-McMillan football game played Aug. 30 at Canonsburg Memorial Stadium.
“It’s an awesome experience. Great,” said an emotion-
“I have always had respect for the military. I appreciate everything they do for us. Sometimes people take for granted what they do for us every single day. What we went through (in our practice) was their average workout every day.”
Whether during an upcoming game or long into the future, the players will long recall the lessons learned that hot morning in July.
al Hull. “A lot of people helped make this happen over the years and it was good to see so many of the guys. They have meant so much to me.
“My whole career, probably the people that I have met and shared a locker room with, have provided for me the highlight in my career,” Hull continued. “Those experiences and memories I will have forever.”
Hull said coaches like Guy Montecalvo instilled in him a strong work ethic that guided him to success in both athletics and academics. Not shying away from the difficult task also propels him in everyday life.
“It taught us skills we will need for the rest of our lives,” Mizenko said. “Even the little things like, ‘yes sir, no sir’ that’s respect and that’s important to have in life. The way they pushed us goes a long way in forming men with strong minds and bodies.”
Anybody can be like Mike, says Hull, if they adhere to the tenets that motivated him.
“Find something that you are passionate about and work hard as hard at that thing so you can be successful. That’s what it’s all about in life. Doesn’t matter if it’s education, music or athletics. If you are passionate about it, then pour everything into it, and you will find success,” he assured.
“I had really good coaches and was surrounded by downto-earth people. They instilled in me a love and appreciation for hard work. I was able to take that with me for the rest of my career and I was able to accomplish everything that I wanted to.”
ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
United States Marine Corps officers (from left) Michael Spotts, Austin Angress and Mat Orosco were invited to lead a practice by head coach Marty Spieler as a way to introduce the players to post-graduate options, such as the service, as well as promote principles, such as teamwork and camaraderie, which are helping the Lions gel throughout the season
sights & sounds
DIPG race to honor USC’s Levine
By Eleanor Bailey The Almanac Sports Editor
ebailey@thealmanac.net
As a nurse in the operating room at St. Clair Hospital, Cindy Fabus remains steadfast, but the Bethel Park woman struggles every day to keep her emotions in check.
And Sunday, Sept. 15, will be no different. Fabus and her husband, David, will put on happy faces as they greet runners and walkers at the finish line of the Joey Fabus Superhero Run over DIPG 5K Race, which begins at 9 a.m. at Bethel Park High School.
“It’s hard, but at the same time, we can’t let this be something we don’t do,” Fabus said.
In its ninth year, the race is run in memory of Fabus’ son, Joey. He died Jan. 21, 2015, at age 8 from an inoperable brain tumor caused by Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG).
Currently the survival rate is 0%.
“We were compelled to start a foundation for Joey and for people affected by the disease,” Fabus said. “What we do (on race day) is nothing compared to what families are going through. So we want to be there for the people who need us the most.”
This year, Sam Levine and his family need the Joey Fabus Childhood Cancer Foundation Inc. The organization raises funds and awareness for DIPG with the hopes of finding better treatments and a possible cure for the dreaded disease.
what’s happening
EMBROIDER
The Peters Township recreation center will host an embroidery workshop from 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 13. Learn basic stitches to intricate designs by decorating fabric with a thread and needle. Bring one item of clothing to embroider. Fee is $5 ($8 nonmembers). Visit www.peterstownship. com or call 724-942-5000 to register.
BOOK SALE
The Friends of the Community Library of Castle Shannon will hold a book sale from Sept. 12-14 in the lower level community room of the building, located at 3677 Myrtle Ave. Hours are: Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday is $5 bag day. Available will be an assortment of children’s and adult books as well as CD’s, DVD’s and puzzles. The sale will be held in the lower level community room at 3677 Myrtle Avenue in Castle Shannon.
MOM & ME
The Peters Township recreation center has added the Mommy and Me Fit Mamas program, which teaches how to incorporate little ones into the daily workout routine. The class meets Tuesdays from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Fee is $40 ($60 nonmembers). Visit www.peterstownship. com or call 724-942-5000 for more details.
LADIES NIGHT
A ladies night will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Peters Township recreation center. Participants will make a one-of-a-kind pumpkin sign from puzzle pieces. Fee is $10 ($15 nonmembers). Sign-up deadline is Sept. 20. Visit www. peterstownship.com or call 724-942-5000 to register.
FOOD FEST
The annual three-day Mediterranean food festival will be Sept. 27-29 at the St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church of Bridgeville, located at 3230 Washington Pike. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Hand-made items by church members include generational recipes like grape leaves and kibble. Phone and online orders are welcome. Dine in, take-out, or curbside options are available. All major credit cards are accepted. Parking is free. Seating is available indoor and outside. Email stgeorgebridgeville.org or call 412-221-2277 for more details.
HAUNTED TRAIL
The Peters Township Haunted Trail will be held from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Oct. 4 and 5 beginning in Peterswood Park at the community recreation center. The 24th annual event is titled ’80’s Horror Night. There will be hayrides,
Levine is this year’s ambassador for the race. A 2024 Upper St. Clair High School graduate, he just entered his freshman year at Ohio State University.
After suffering from headaches, Levine was diagnosed with DIPG earlier this year. He continued to play lacrosse for the Upper St. Clair boys’ varsity team. He had a senior recognition to remember as the18-yearold son of Stephen and Kara Levine received a standing ovation from an overflow crowd assembled for a home match against rival Bethel Park.
“Every year, we have a special honoree or guest and when we heard about Sam’s story, the choice was obvious,” Fabus said. “While it is heartbreaking, we are pleased to do
this. Sam brings to light how close to home this disease can be. Once people become familiar with it, they get on board with support and do what they can to help. The hope is to help this individual and the community.”
While Levine may not be able to attend the event, his family, relatives and friends are expected to be on hand for pre- and post-race activities.
Registration remains open for the event. Price for the 5K is $30 ($15 for ages 0-12). The cost for the 1-mile family walk is $15.
Entry fees increase after Sept. 14.
Late sign-up starts at 7:30 a.m. race day and closes at 8:30.
“We are excited about this year’s race because entries are slightly above last year’s and there is always
an uptick before the run happens,” Fabus said.
At the finish line, emotions spill over for Fabus.
“Once you see the people there and that they are there to honor Joey and to try to help over people, it’s overwhelming in a positive way,” she said. “I just can’t put into words the feeling and the hope it brings, especially for people with DIPG. Every year, I am pleasantly surprised by all the people who come out and support the cause.”
Participants are encouraged to compete in their favorite super hero costume.
Visit runsignup.com/Race/PA/ BethelPark/JoeyFabusRace to register.
a DJ and Auntie Anne’s food truck. Participants should wear proper footwear for weather and uneven terrain. Admission is $5 and tickets can be purchased at the event only. Call 724-9425000 for more details.
CRAFT SHOW
The Labouré Ladies Guild ’s annual “Joy of Christmas” Craft Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 23 at St. Louise de Marillac School and LeGras Parish Center, located at 320 McMurray Road in Upper St. Clair. In addition to 115 artists and craftsmen, there will be a bake sale, crafts raffle and 50/50. Lunch and snacks will be available for purchase. Admission is $2 and includes a ticket for the crafts raffle. No strollers are permitted.
PT POLICE
Applications are due Sept. 10 for the Peters Township’s citizen’s police academy. Applications are available at the police department or on the township and police department websites and should be emailed to georosz@peterstownship.com, faxed to 724-942-5004 or hand-delivered to the Peters Township Police Department, 200 Municipal Drive, McMurray, PA 15317.
The program runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Sept. 24 and continuing until Nov. 19 at the police department located at 200 Municipal Drive in McMurray. Class size is limited to 25 participants. Ages 18 and older must complete an application, sign a release and waiver from liability, and give permission for the Peters Township Police Department to conduct a background check.
BP LIBRARY
“Friday The 13th” will be featured in the Bethel Park library’s Movies In The Park program. The film will be shown beginning at dusk on Sept. 13 at Park Avenue Field. Movie-goers should bring blankets or lawn chairs as well as their favorite snacks.
The library will also offer:
■ Laughter Yoga from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Sept. 9 at the library. The course for all adults combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing techniques
■ Meditations at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25. Sheila Forester will discuss participation in transmission meditation, an advanced form of meditation that contributes to well-being and service to the world. Visit bethelpark.librarycalendar.com to register or for more information regarding additional events to be held in September.
ANCESTRY
The Mt. Lebanon Genealogy Society will meet at 1 p.m.
Sept. 16 at the Mt. Lebanon Library. Sierra Green, an archivist at the Detre LIbrary and Archives at the Heinz History Center, is the guest speaker and her topic will be Tracing Your Blue Collar Ancestors. New members are welcome. For further details email: malcolm.andrews1949@gmail.com.
COIN CLUB
The South Hills Coin Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Bethel Park Municipal Building located at 5100 W. Library Ave. Club members and the general public can attend this program, which focuses on the coinage history of Iceland. A 50/50 will be offered and children’s prizes will be awarded. Applications are now being accepted for membership. For more information call 724-984-6611.
SH ELKS
The Pittsburgh South Hills Elks will feature kitchen specials beginning Sept. 9. Dinners will be available for eat-in or take-out from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the lodge located at 2789 South Park Road in Bethel Park.
The lodge will also host a crafter and vendor show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 28.
Call 412-831-0616 for details on either event.
FALL FUN
A fall fantastic walk through the leaves will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Sept. 26 at Peterswood Park. The event includes themed crafts and games for ages 3 to 5 accompanied by an adult. Fee is $5 ($8 nonmembers). Visit www.peterstownship.com to register by Sept. 23.
BINGO
The Bethel Park boys and girls basketball teams will host a bingo night at 6 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Castle Shannon Fire Hall. Games begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and include pasta dinner, soft drinks and beer. Books and daubers can be purchased at the door. Email Bphsgirlsbasketball@gmail.com for reservations or further details.
SH CHABAD
The Chabad of the South Hills presents Faith & Resilience Israel after Oct. 7 with guest speakers Moria Azulay and Or Barak.
Azulay served as a combat soldier in the Jordan Lions Battalion. She is a social media content creator and, since Oct. 7, has been creating content for Israel Advocacy Organizations. Barak served as a combat support in the Gaza Divisions. He is a photographer and currently works as a producer of music videos and films.
The event will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at a private residence. Address will be
given upon registration by visiting www.chabadsh.com/ Israel. Suggested donation is $18.
TINSEL LUNCH
A limited number of tickets are available for the Giant Oaks Garden Club’s annual Tinsel luncheon and fundraiser to be held Nov. 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn at Southpointe. This year’s theme is “Sleigh Bells Ring.” Tickets are $40 per person and includes luncheon and a full day of vendor shopping, raffle baskets valued at a minimum of $100, door prizes, and a 50/50 drawing. Call 412-303-0268 to order.
SFA NIGHT
A back-to-school night will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 13 at the former St. Francis Academy building, 1401 Hamilton Road. Presented by the Elizabeth Seton Center, former classmates can attend, reminisce and see how their legacy lives on at their alma mater. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be available at the open house. For further details or questions, call 412-561-8400, Ext. 245.
MAGIC SHOW
O’Ryan the O’Mazing will be featured at a children’s magic show at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Peterswood Park amphitheater. Admission is free. Beedle’s ice cream food truck will be on site. Visit www.peterstownship. com or call 724-942-5000 for more details.
I-PHONE 101
An informative session teaching the basics of the iPhone will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Peters Township recreation center. Fee is $5 ($8 nonmembers). Visit www.peterstownship.com or call 724-942-5000 for more details.
NURSES CLUB
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Registered Nurses Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 17 at Salvatore’s located at 5001 Curry Road. Melissa Gilbert will discuss “The Medical System and Mental Health Care in Bhutan.” All registered nurses can attend. Call 412-8861792 for more details.
JOB FAIR
The Municipality of Bethel Park, in cooperation with the Bethel Park Chamber of Commerce, will conduct a job fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Bethel Park Community Center, located at 5151 Park Ave. Admission is free. A variety of free resources will be available for job seekers, including resume assistance, advice on setting up LinkedIn profiles, job search techniques, Interviewing tips as well as sign-ups for free Bethel Park Library
computer courses. The Job Fair Steering Committee includes those from local businesses, Municipal officials and staff, the Bethel Park Chamber, and Bethel Park Library. Businesses that wish to participate should visit www.bethelpark.net/jobfair for more details.
LADIES
NIGHT
The Peters Township Newcomers and Neighbors Club will host a ladies night out at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at Valleybrook Country Club. Women are invited to meet members and learn about the organization, which was created in 1965 as a ladies civics and social organization. Reservations are required. Visit www. ptnc.org to RSVP.
FOOD TRUCKS
A food truck festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 14 at Rolling Hills Park in McMurray. In addition to a variety of food vendors, there will be a bounce house, face painting and a DJ providing music. Admission is free. Visit www. peterstownship.com or call 724-942-5000 for details.
GARAGE SALE
The third Garage Sale in the Park, sponsored by the Bethel Park Business Association, will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 14 on Industrial Boulevard in Bethel Park. Vendors are needed. Cost is $20 for a 10-by-10-foot space. Email saws60bp@gmail.com or call 412-831-5402 to sign up or for more information.
GRIEF GROUP
Good Samaritan Hospice, a mission of Concordia Lutheran Ministries, will host a free weekly grief support group from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays beginning Sept. 17 at Concordia of the South Hills, located at 1300 Bower Hill Road. Led by Sister Mary Clark, the series will focus on aspects of attendees’ grief in an emotionally safe and respected space. The sessions will provide an opportunity for adults to share with others who have experienced the loss of someone close to them. Groups are informal and small. Registration is required. Deadline is Sept. 6. Call 1-800-7202557 to register. Visit www. Good-SamaritanHospice.org for more information.
LEBO REUNION
The organizing committee has booked a block of 15 rooms for $159 per night at the Crowne Plaza, located on Fort Couch Road.
For more details on any of the events, email mpattersonmd@gmail.com or rdfinkel@yahoo.com.
BAND FESTIVAL
The Mt. Lebanon Blue Devils Marching Band will host a Festival of Bands on Sept. 28 at the high school. The Mt. Lebanon Blue Devil Marching Band PIMBA Competition will be held Oct. 12. Visit leboband.com for times, ticket prices and more details.
CRAFT SHOW
The Bethel Park Elks Lodge No. 2213 will host a craft show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 28. Vendors can rent space for $25. Reservations are due by Aug. 7. Make checks payable to Elks Lodge BPOE 2213 and mail to 2789 South Park Road. Vendors are asked to donate one craft for a special raffle basket to benefit the lodge. Email cindy-delouis@ hotmail.com or call 412-9733317.
FALL HARVEST
The Southwestern Registered Nurses Club will hold a fall harvest brunch scholarship fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 29 at Salvatore’s, 5001 Curry Road. Tickets are $35. In addition to a buffet brunch, music will be provided, and gift baskets and raffles will be held. Deadline for reservations is Sept. 19. Call 412-655-9420 to register.
FITNESS
The Westminster Presbyterian Church at Upper St. Clair will host the following fitness classes:
■ Stronger bones, better balance from 10:10 to 11:10 a.m. Tuesdays beginning Sept. 3 through Oct. 29. This gentle, low-impact, joint-friendly workout that strengthens the spine, helps rebuild bone and teaches balance to help reduce the risk of fractures. Fee is $72.
■ Parkinson’s workout with boxing on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:10 a.m., 10:10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. through Oct. 30
■ Pickleball for Parkinson’s from 1 to 2:45 p.m. Thursdays
The Mt. Lebanon Class of 1984 will hold its 40th reunion Sept. 20-22 at a variety of locations. Friday’s schedule includes high school tours from 2:45 to 4 p.m., and buffet dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. at Cefalo’s Banquet Center for $75 per person. Visit: myevent.com/ Lebo84 for reservations. Saturday’s schedule includes Mediterra brunch on Beverly Road as well as stops at Primanti Brothers and The Saloon. Sunday’s events center around attending the Steelers game against the Chargers at 1 p.m.
■ Gentle Yoga: This slower-paced class emphasizes a gentle form of the classical poses and slow-moving postures. Students can use a chair for balance. Time is 9 to 10 a.m. Fridays beginning Sept. 13. Fee is $63. Visit wroc.westminster-church.org or call 412835-6630 to register.
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