Fall celebrations
Cecil, Hickory, Houston host annual festivals
By eleanor Bailey
Sports Editor
in Western Pennsylvania: fall festival season.
Three big celebrations will be occurring on three consecutive weekends in Washington County.
Cecil Township kicks off the fun with its fall festival Sept. 28 and 29 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
As the leaves begin to change and a crisp breeze fills the air, Cecil Park, located on Route 50, transforms into a wonderland of entertainment with vibrant activities and joyful celebrations.
The heartbeat of the event lies within an array of bounce houses. Colorful and whimsical, they invite children of all ages to jump to their hearts’ content as giggles echo through the air. The rhythm of the festival is set to live music that fills every corner, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and joy. And what’s a festival without delectable treats?
PHOTOS: KATHERINE MANSFIELD/FOR THE OBSERVER-REPORTER
Mike Barbaryka looks in astonishment at never-before-seen images of the 2004 flood that devastated Carnegie. twenty years ago, Barbaryka, his wife and their then-4-year-old son lived in Bridgeville, and, after being rescued by firefighters, found refuge with a relative in the Honus Wagner apartments in Carnegie.
‘We came back’ Carnegie marks 20th anniversary of historic flood
By Katherine Mansfield
Apples, bagged, baked
Crowds weave through Cecil park in pursuit of the perfect craft during the township’s annual fall festival. this year’s event is set for Sept. 28 and 29.
the rev. Joseph Louisi leads a prayer and a moment of silence Sept. 17 in remembrance of Dennis Santiago, a Carnegie resident and member of the deaf community, who was killed in the 2004 flood.
lost to the storm. Five more perished statewide as a result of Ivan.
“The water was up to the top of this bridge. We were stuck on that bridge,” said Carnegie police Chief Jeffrey Kennedy, pointing to the Mansfield Boulevard Bridge. “I was a sergeant at the time. Me and one of my guys, the old chief, was actually stuck on the bridge, so we took a boat, we actually brought a boat out there. The boat hit the bridge and ripped a hole in the boat. So we ended up getting stuck on there, too.”
Throughout the evening, other longtime Carnegie residents and leaders recounted their flood experiences. Mayor Stacie Riley was, at the time, working for her father at All Pro Painters and, as the water began rising, worked with other employees to move equipment to safety.
“In a rush to save the server, computers, files, we missed our opportunity to evacuate,” she said. “When the bottom panel on the garage door gave way, the water surged in. The courtyard between the two buildings transformed into a swiftly moving river so treacherous that two boats actually capsized trying to rescue us.”
Night fell and still Riley and others awaited rescue. She recalled shivering, and palpable anxiety, and finally, around 1:30 a.m., climbing a ladder into a U.S. Coast Guard aquatic tank.
“The experience was both intense and emotional,” Riley said.
While Riley had others to lean on during the worst of it, Greg Romeo, who ran a pharmacy in Carnegie for 25 years and currently co-owns Carnegie Coffee Co. with his wife, Ashley Comer, was safely at home, enjoying a beer, aware of the rains but blissfully unaware of the flood destroying his business. It wasn’t until a friend urged him to return to Carnegie that Romeo headed, through the storm, back to the borough.
“It was pitch black, because, of course, all the electricity was out. It was the scariest thing,” he told those gathered.
Romeo said he parked his car and began wading into water, toward his shop.
“The closer I got, the higher the water got. By the time I got to the windows, with Ashley on my back, I looked into
And it doesn’t forget. During the ceremony, the Rev. Joseph Louisi, who presided over St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in 2004 and now serves as chaplain at Jefferson Hospital, said a prayer and led a moment of silence in remembrance of Dennis Santiago, the 35-year-old Carnegie man, and part of the area’s deaf community, who lost his life in the floods.
“That Santiago was remembered, that was touching,” said Marianne Skiba, who attended the anniversary event in honor of her mother, now deceased, who lived through the flood. “Carnegie doesn’t forget its own.”
Another tender moment: Riley poured blessed rose petals over the bridge, into Chartiers Creek, before the Rev. Bob Popichak, of Holy Ghost Orthodox Church, blessed the first responders in attendance.
property and homes and businesses. People rebounded,” Kennedy said. “The town’s really come back, better than it’s ever been.” Over refreshments inside the historical society, some people exchanged stories of their own, and their town’s, resilience, while others studied never-before-seen flood photographs by local photographer Matt Polk.
“This town is amazing,” state representative and Carnegie native Anita Kulik said. “Carnegie came back, as it always has, as it always will. It is a sad day when we remember what happened. But we have to celebrate the fact that we came back.”
my pharmacy, and there was a current of water just swirling around, and vitamins and diapers and everything was swirling. I was like, ‘Oh, my God, I’m done, I’m finished.’ I thought I was the only one that got flooded, I swear,” he said. “I came down the next morning … and the whole town was destroyed. I couldn’t believe it.”
another and downtown’s remaining businesses.
It wasn’t the devastation Romeo called on the crowd to remember, though. It was the way people posted signs of encouragement in their windows, the way neighbors helped each other clean, the way locals supported one
“Carnegie can handle anything,” Romeo said. “It has a storied past of Honus Wagner and steel mills and hardworking, blue-collar people. That spirit is just, that is what Carnegie is. It’s tough. It does not give up.”
Though a somber affair, during the event, one uplifting theme emerged: When the storm passed, Carnegie emerged stronger than ever.
“That’s what’s the big deal about this: We thought the town was going to just shut down because so much loss of
Polk’s photographs will be on display inside the Historical Society of Carnegie, 1 W. Main St., through the end of this month, and the public is invited to drop in between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays to see the images and visit the museum’s other displays.
For more information on the Carnegie Historical Society, visit https://www.facebook.com/HistoricalSocietyofCarnegie.
Carnegie Mayor Stacie Riley pours blessed rose petals into Chartiers Creek Tuesday evening, as part of the community prayer service marking the 20th anniversary of the borough’s great flood.
“It’s nice that they did this today, isn’t it?” said Marianne Skiba, right, a Carnegie resident who lived in New York City at the time of the flood, which impacted her mother and brother. Here, Skiba talks with state Rep. Anita Kulik, center, and Mayor Stacie Riley, left, while Historical Society of Carnegie secretary Jeff Keenan looks on.
PHOTOS: KATHERINE MANSFIELD/FOR THE OBSERVER-REPORTER
The Rev. Bob Popichak sprinkles Carnegie first responders with holy water Sept. 17 during the community prayer service marking the 20th anniversary of the flood caused by Hurricane Ivan. Several of those present had responded to the emergency Sept. 17, 2004.
Attendees can indulge in a mouthwatering array of food options that cater to every palate, from classic comfort foods to delightful seasonal treats that embrace the flavors of fall.
Additionally, there will be a towering rock climbing wall for the adventurers and thrill seekers, pony rides, pumpkin-painting stations and whimsical mascots, affording opportunities for selfies not to mention laughter.
There’s also plenty for the shopping enthusiasts as the grounds will feature vibrant vendor stalls that showcase an eclectic mix of crafts, arts, and one-of-a-kind products and treasures from local artisans.
Visit the Cecil Township Facebook page for further information.
Apples are the signature fruit of the season and they will be prepared in multiple ways as Hickory hosts its annual festival Oct. 5 and 6.
The Hickory Apple Festival is the largest fundraiser for Mt. Pleasant Township Volunteer Fire Company, which serves more than 3,500 residents and
IN ADDITION TO OVER 175 FOOD AND CRAFT VENDORS, THE HOUSTON PUMPKIN FESTIVAL WILL HAVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT AS WELL AS SEVERAL ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN. THE FOURTH ANNUAL SCARECROW CONTEST WILL ALSO BE HELD. FREE TO ENTER, WINNERS RECEIVE CASH PRIZES.
a number of businesses along its 88 miles of roads. The event kicks off with a pancake breakfast held both days from 7 a.m. to noon. Festival booths offering crafts, homemade brick oven bread, soup, apple crisp, dumplings and pies will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In addition to everything apple, the festival will offer live entertainment and attractions.
Among the activities are a bounce house, petting zoo, face painting, and rock and roll pet show. There will be chainsaw sculpting, blacksmithing, rope making and mine bale making demonstrations as well as children’s characters roaming the festival grounds.
In addition to apple treats, food options include fire roasted chicken, funnel cakes and deep-fried Oreos, kielbasa, pierogies, hot dogs, hamburgers, French fries and nachos. There will be fresh ground cornmeal and bagged apples for baking along with chilled as well as warm apple cider for purchase.
A free shuttle is offered from surrounding parking sites along Routes 18, 50 and 519. Overflow and weather back-up locations are at Fort Cherry High School and the Hickory U.P. Church.
Visit www.hickoryapplefest.com for more details as well as a list of vendors and crafters participating in the event.
The Houston Pumpkin Festival will be held Oct. 11 to 13 at the American Legion Post No. 902 picnic grounds, located at 124 W. Pike St. Hours are 10 a.m to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The 41st annual Pumpkin Parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 and runs along Pike Street from Shady to Cherry avenues. The hour-long march features floats, marching bands, dance groups, area haunted houses as well as local fire departments and dignitaries as well as politicians.
The Pumpkin Prince and Princess will be crowned at noon during opening ceremonies on Friday, Oct. 13.
In addition to over 175 food and craft vendors, there will be music and entertainment as well as several activities for children. The fourth annual Scarecrow Contest will also be held. Free to enter, winners receive cash prizes.
The pumpkin festival, which benefits the Houston Volunteer Fire Department, offers parking and a free shuttle from the Houston ballfields.
Visit www.houstonpumpkinfestival.net for further information Admission is free to all three festivals.
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In this file photo, a Canonsburg youngster patrols for candy during the Houston Pumpkin Festival parade.
Sustainable shopping
By Rick Shrum For the Observer-Reporter
At times, when she reflects upon opening an environmentally friendly market, Holly Rudoy wonders a bit.
“If you told me a year ago that I’d be doing this, I wouldn’t have believed you,” she said, smiling. There was a lot of research ahead, tons of preparation and a formidable amount of uncertainty. But she persevered and launched Wonderfill Low Waste Market last winter, in the Sunset Hills section of Mt. Lebanon. And she wonders about that decision rarely and only momentarily.
Wonderfill, at 370 Broadmoor Ave., is a “refillery,” a shopping option that is gaining popularity across the continent. Instead of purchasing products at a conventional grocery, Wonderfill customers can buy refills of laundry detergent, dish soap and other products in the amounts they need – reducing potential waste. Payment is based on the weight of the product acquired. Many of the products are locally sourced.
The store operates out of a modest two-story building that appears to be a cottage, but is not. The area, Rudoy said, has been zoned commercial since the 1970s. Signage is not ostentatious.
Patrons can fill containers they own, purchase from the store or select from free containers that are available. “The point is to eliminate single-use plastic,” Rudoy said. “This keeps people from buying a full bottle of a product. Buying
things here kind of eliminates packaging.
“Everything we have is compostable, biodegradable or recyclable. There are no harsh chemicals with our products, no artificial colors. I don’t think we have any plastic. We also have some concentrated products, which also cuts down on waste.”
She pointed toward a laundry detergent that “is very concentrated. It is 37 cents an ounce and you need only two tablespoons per load.” Rudoy said another item, which she referred to as “unbleach,” has about 30 uses, including laundry, carpets, mattresses, sponges, and deck scrubbing.
Her neatly appointed shop has a formidable number of products and items, including locally sourced beeswax candles in the image of puppies. There also are tote bags made from recycled cotton, reusable dish cloths and other goods.
Rudoy, who grew up in Mt. Lebanon as well as her husband, Bruce, had to work hard at opening the store. She initially needed a site, of course, and received a fortuitous boost from Eric Milliron, manager of economic development in the municipality, “who suggested this place.”
Rudoy said her permit was approved in December, “so we really did not gear up until
January.” She did participate in Mt. Lebanon’s Uptown Winter Market before the holidays, “which was a success for us. We thought, ‘Hey, this might work.’”
It has, according to the owner.
“Every month, things have gotten better and better. About 50% of our customers are regulars and we are getting new customers. People living nearby walk in. It’s really word of mouth.”
Clare Moore, a teacher from neighboring Dormont, is among the regulars. She appeared with her daughter on a recent Wednesday, filling at least one bottle.
Rudoy, and her wares, also are appearing at two
South Hills farmers markets: in Uptown Mt. Lebanon the second Saturday of the month through October, and in Bethel Park the first Tuesday through September. Wonderfill, she added, also does special events for nonprofits.
About 500 refilleries, registered with the Refillery Collective, exist across North America, according to Rudoy. There are few in Southwestern
Pennsylvania, the largest being in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood in Pittsburgh.
Although Holly is the owner, this is a family endeavor for all. Husband Bruce, an attorney in Pittsburgh, “helps me with everything.” Daughter Maddy, 27, a nurse, helps test products, and son Zach, 25, a tech consultant, assists with the website and logo. They are filling, and refilling, needs.
Wonderfill Market is awash in body soap, laundry detergent and other refillable products.
Beeswax candles of puppies could easily light up some lives.
A woman’s place is in the auto shop
Women taking on more repair and technical roles in automotive world
By Brad Hundt Staff writer
bhundt@observer-reporter.com
One of those moments in life when you are at your most vulnerable is when you are stranded alongside the road.
As other cars and trucks go roaring by, you are stuck. Going nowhere. A tire is flat or the gas tank is empty, or the battery has given up the ghost.
Most of us would feel a rush of gratitude when the tow truck pulls up, the driver gets out and starts working to get us back on the road. But once when Charlene Taylor arrived to assist a driver, he refused her help.
The reason? Taylor is a woman.
There are people who will think a woman is going to work on their car is “the greatest thing,” the Trinity High School graduate explained, but then there are those who are taken aback that a woman is working in what has long been considered the province of grease-covered, blunt-spoken guys.
“I’ve gotten used to it,” said Taylor, a Washington resident. “It’s one of those things.”
Becky Tom, the co-owner of EQ Muffler in Uniontown, encountered the same resistance recently. An older man walked into the shop to ask about his daughter’s car. Tom told him she could answer his questions – she is certified to work on vehicles – but he insisted on speaking to one of the men in the shop.
“People can be like that,” Tom said. “There was no trust. He wanted to hear nothing that I had to say.”
The old joke has it that if men see a car with its hood up, they will automatically gravitate to it, furrow their brows and look over the engine, radiator, battery and belts even if they don’t have a clue how a
PHOTOS: BRAD HUNDT/OBSERVER-REPORTER
Taryn Russell works on a car at Kilkeary’s Auto Body in Eighty Four.
car works and aren’t even remotely handy with a wrench or pliers. But even though the world of cars has long been considered a men’s club as tough to get into as a treehouse guarded by 8-year-old boys, the world of auto maintenance, repair and towing is seeing a slowly growing number of women breaking into it.
According to 2022 figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 12% of those employed in the automotive repair sector are women. It’s a considerable leap compared to 1999, when women made up only 1.4% of employees in the field. This could be the result of schools placing added emphasis on technology and engineering in recent years, but it also likely is a reflection of how notions of what constitutes “women’s work” and “men’s work” are being blurred or disappearing altogether. The percentage of women in automotive repair is comparable to the percent-
age of male nurses – 13% of registered nurses in America are men, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Rebecca Ames, the general manager of Kilkeary’s Auto Body, which employs a couple of women on it repair floor, said she was hesitant as recently as 10 years ago to put a female in the mix, citing “the guy talk” and a general boys-will-be-boys attitude that could be found in auto shops. Now, however, she believes women are accepted as valued co-workers.
“The women who are in this industry are highly capable,” Ames said, noting that many of them have to work harder than their male counterparts in order to prove themselves.
“We just want somebody to work on cars,” Ames added.
Probably the most high-profile showcase for women at work on cars is the Girls Auto Clinic in the Philadelphia suburb of Upper Darby. Founded by entrepreneur Patrice Banks,
she got the idea for the Girls Auto Clinic – which is staffed entirely by women – because of how intimidated she felt taking her own car to the shop for repairs. She decided to ditch her career as an engineer at DuPont and learn the ins-and-outs of fixing her own car.
“I was afraid I was going to be taken advantage of,” Banks told the NPR program “Fresh Air” in 2018. “I was tired of feeling helpless and having to go talk to a guy.”
The website for the Girls Auto Clinic trumpets the rise of the “shecanic,” and points visitors to workshops and educational resources on car care. Visitors to the Girls Auto Clinic can also stop at an adjoining salon for pedicures, manicures, facials and waxing while they wait for their vehicle to be fixed.
Avalon Mathias doesn’t have a beauty bar at Top Notch Automotive, the business she has operated in Finleyville for the last eight years, but it’s “a small shop with big goals.” Mathias has been working on cars since she was 16 and growing up on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. She “grew up poor,” Mathias explained, and being able to repair what they had was a money-saving necessity.
“I always just kind of liked tinkering with things and figuring out how they worked,” Mathias explained.
As she was learning the ropes, Mathias said she sometimes took some flak because of her gender, but she is guided by the idea that you should “do no harm and take no s**t.”
“You can’t be easily offended,” Mathias said. “You have to work hard to prove yourself.” Kate Dunlap agrees. A painter at Kilkeary’s Auto Body, she says women in the field “have to work twice as hard” to prove themselves.
“It takes a lot of hard work and dedication,” she said. “I can do everything pretty much from start to finish.”
Taryn Russell is an apprentice at Kilkeary’s Auto Body, and learned about repairing vehicles from her grandfather.
“When I was little, I helped my pop,” she said. “He showed me that I could do it.” Would she recommend that other women make the jump into auto repair and maintenance? “I do,” Russell said. “I think it’s something we will benefit from.”
Kate Dunlap paints a car at Kilkeary’s Auto Body in Eighty Four.
Vote
Specialists UPMC
Peters Township school board accepts donations
The Peters Township School District school board voted to accept several donations at its meeting Monday. School directors voted unanimously to accept a $10,158 donation from the Peters Township Wrestling Association, which will go toward new wrestling mats in the district’s middle school.
Kuhn Golf Academy donated $1,025 toward the planned golf practice facility at the high school. The board also accepted a couple of smaller donations toward the project.
The 917 Society, a non -
profit that aims to educate young people about the U.S. Constitution, donated pocket-sized Constitution books for the district’s eighth-grade students.
Jason Camilletti was absent from Monday’s meeting. The board will meet again at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21.
Please recycle this newspaper
Kriti Gupta
Upper St. Clair’s Gupta is making an impact
Upper St. Clair High School
senior Kriti Gupta is passionate about helping students from underfunded communities succeed. Through the non-profit organization Chance to Change Lives-Kids (CCL-Kids), she has positively impacted hundreds of elementary students in a nearby community.
ized how fortunate I was to have the resources that the Upper St. Clair School District provided for students to complete the COVID-19 school year successfully,” Gupta said.
“Inspired by the outpouring of community support, I wanted to give back to students in need in our neighboring communities.”
products for Womanspace East, a homeless shelter serving families with dependent children in the greater Pittsburgh area.
In the spring of 2021 when Gupta connected with the McKeesport elementary school.
“I found that learning through service is just as important as classroom education,” Gupta said. “Through service activities, we discover our strengths and a sense of gratitude and compassion for the communities around us.”
Most recently, Gupta led a group of her peers in providing school supplies and other necessities for students and teachers in the McKeesport Area School District. The Upper St. Clair group delivered 192 new backpacks filled with folders, notebooks, colored pencils, pens, erasers, glue sticks and scissors as well as additional supplies and personal hygiene products to United Elementary School.
Volunteers included USC seniors Maya Hamade, Opal Miller, Sreshthi Chakraborty, Nishma Ghirmine and Aden Shah, freshman Layla Hamade, as well as Fort Couch Middle School eighth graders Divya Singh and Ritu Gupta.
The first wave of the pandemic in 2020 sparked Gupta’s passion for helping others.
“As I witnessed the world around me changing, I real-
“I researched and found this underfunded school as a contender for the backpack drive,” she said. “What drove me to choose McKeesport was their drive to make their community more inclusive and diverse, caring about each student and their respective families and the communities around them.
CCL-Kids’ mission statement is, ‘Every student deserves a chance at success,’ which I felt was so highly regarded at the McKeesport Area School District.”
During her sophomore year, Gupta’s efforts resulted in a donation of 96 backpacks filled with school supplies for the McKeesport students as well as feminine hygiene
In total, more than $25,000 was raised for Gupta’s nonprofit initiatives. In 2023, she was recognized by Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania’s 18 Under 18 award for her community service.
At Upper St. Clair, Gupta is involved with several student organizations, including the Natural Helpers program; the Pantheon, Clarion and Chanteclairs choirs and the spring musical. She is a member of the varsity rowing team and serves as a new student ambassador.
Gupta intends to keep helping others as she plans for life beyond high school.
“I believe every student deserves a chance to succeed,” she says. “I want to be a part of making that happen.”
sports
Puzzle solving
West Mifflin, 62-14, he tossed five TD strikes.
BP piecing together success on the gridiron
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net
Bethel Park did not collapse when it learned one of its best players would miss most of the football season because of a shoulder injury. On the contrary, the Hawks have flourished.
Without Ryan Petras, who had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder in mid-August, Bethel Park started the 2024 campaign with resounding wins against Seneca Valley, 50-14, Mars, 49-13, Armstrong, 46-7, and West Mifflin, 62-14. With a 51.7-point average, they are the highest-scoring team in the WPIAL while allowing just 12 tallies a game.
That’s a remarkable commentary when one considers Petras has been a big cog in the BP operation since his freshman year.
An all-state performer, Petras has 1,148 career rushing yards and 108 receptions. Last year, he caught 52 passes for 734 yards and rushed for 409 more yards on 53 carries. He scored 14 touchdowns. Additionally, he started in the secondary and excelled on all kick returns. He even punted for the Black Hawks.
A Princeton recruit, who will play two sports for the Tigers, Petras also has been a starter on the baseball team since his freshman year. He played center field on BP’s state championship club in 2022 and started at shortstop the past two springs.
“When Ryan had the MRI and we knew that he would be out for a little bit, we knew we had to have guys step up,” said Tanner Pfeuffer. “What helped though was when he was playing baseball, we were having spring drills. So we had an idea of who would step up. We all have done a great job of filling his great shoes.”
While the Hawks have had many talented players stepping up to fill the void created by the absence of Petras in the line-up, Pfeuffer has been the catalyst behind BP’s success. As the senior signal caller, he had no choice.
“It’s my job to put us in a good position to win games,” he said.
A three-year starter, he recently equaled his personal record of five touchdown passes in one game when he tossed five scoring strikes in BP’s impressive win against West Mifflin.
“As a sophomore, I had that many against Moon. So I tied (my record),” Pfeuffer said. “This is more meaningful though because at the beginning of the year, we had high expectations of ourselves.”
SEE PUZZLE PAGE B2
TANNER
Age: 18
Birthday: May 15
PFEUFFER
Parents: Maryann and Richard
Siblings: Cassie, RJ, Logan, Colton
GPA: 4.2
Sports: Football, basketball Activities: National Honor Society, Math Club
Career choice: Engineering
Color: Orange Food: My mom’s lasagna
Movie: Dark Knight
Music: Pink Skies by Zach Bryan
Athlete: Patrick Mahomes
Dream destination: Bahamas. “Because of the clear water and beaches.” Person with whom you would like to have dinner: Kevin Hart. “He’s such a funny guy that it would be interesting to have a conversation with him.” What do you do in your spare time: Work at Big Shot Bob’s House of Wings. “I love the garlic-butter parmesan wings. They are so good. The best that I have ever had. I can probably pack 15 of them away in one sitting.”
People might be surprised to know this about you: “I’m an uncle! My sister, who lives in South Fayette, has three children: Brooks, 4, Sage, 2, and Noa. She’s a newborn.”
Life lesson sports has taught you or is teaching you: “Be thankful for every game. With what is going on in the NFL with concussions and the cardio stuff, you never know when your last game will be. So enjoy it. Every game and every practice.”
Peters Township, USC clash in conference opener
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor
ebailey@thealmanac.net
Allegheny Six Conference action commences Sept. 27 and Upper St. Clair will have its hands full as the Panthers host Peters Township at 7 p.m. Not only are the Indians the defending conference champions, they are the reigning WPIAL champions in Class 5A and returning PIAA runners-up.
Four games into the 2024 campaign, Peters Township continues to be the talk of the town. The Indians rank No. 1 in the WPIAL and in the state after winning their first four games in dominating fashion. They are racking up 36.7 points per game and allowing just 7.5.
USC head coach Mike Junko also noted the Indians have won 20 of their last 21 games. “That is a great run,” he said. He added, “Peters has earned its ranking on the field. Their defense is as good as it was last year, maybe better. Their offense is built around one of the best quarterbacks in the WPIAL. They have speed on the outside and do a great job of attacking defenses vertically and horizontally.”
In beating Trinity, 35-6, Peters Township exhibited all those aforementioned qualities.
Nolan Dilucia completed 11 of 22 aerials for 234 yards
Lady Indians dominating the links
By Eleanor Bailey
The Almanac Sports Editor
ebailey@thealmanac.net
After capturing a WPIAL and PIAA championships last fall, the Lady Indians of Peters Township have not rested on their laurels in girls’ golf. On the links in 2024, they are on a record pace to repeat the feats they accomplished in 2023.
The Lady Indians are undefeated in their matches this fall. They also clinched their sixth straight section banner.
Most recently, they set a new school record for lowest team score. On Sept. 12, Peters Township defeated rival Upper St. Clair, 143-170, at St. Clair Country Club.
“It was an amazing achievement to set a school record but that just didn’t happen that day,” said PT head coach Mike Lacey.
“It was years of practice and preparation by these dedicated student athletes.”
and two scoring strikes of 57 and 22 yards to Lucas Rost and Jeremy Poletti. DiLucia, who led the WPIAL last year with more than 3,000 yards passing and stood in at No. 3 after four games with 912 yards and seven scores, also tacked on a 9-yard TD run against the Hillers.
Cole Neupaver rushed for a 57-yard touchdown and Nick Courie closed out the scoring against Trinity with a 3-yard TD. Anthony Maiello converted six extra points.
Meanwhile, USC is ranked No. 3 in Class 5A behind the Indians and Pine-Richland, which played in back-to-back WPIAL championship games. The Panthers boast one of the highest-scoring offenses in the WPIAL with a 47.5-point average per game. They rolled up 62 in a rout of Hampton to move to 4-0 on the season.
USC’s offense versus PT’s stout defense is one of the major keys to the game.
“We have to find a way to move the ball on offense and try to contain their offensive firepower,” Junko said. “Moving the ball offensively against the top-rated defense in the WPIAL is a big concern as is trying to contain their offense. They are so explosive and their quarterback has an excellent skill set.”
Against USC, Ellie Benson and Betty Glyptis both carded even-par 35s. Sophia Severns followed with a 37 while Brooke Vowcheck provided a 37 to the team’s record score of 143, which was 3-over par. While their scores did not count, Gabby Catalogna and Olivia Ondrejko participated in the match. Individually, Benson repeated as the sectional champion when the individual competition started Sept. 17. She carded a 74 at the Section 2 match played Sept. 17 at Hickory Heights Golf Course. Severns (81), Vowcheck (84) and Glyptis (89) also advanced.
The WPIAL individual championships commence with first-round action Sept. 23 at the Willowbrook Country Club in Apollo. The final round will be played Sept. 30 at the Butler Country Club.
ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
Nolan DiLucia is one of Upper St. Clair’s primary concerns when the Panthers host the Indians and their versatile quarterback at 7 p.m. Sept. 27 in the Allegheny Six Conference opener.
Peters Township recently set a school record when the Lady Indians defeated Upper St. Clair, 143-170, in section girls golf action. The Indians are the defending WPIAL and PIAA champions. Pictured from left are: Gabby Catalogna, Sophia Severns, Betty Glyptis, Brooke Vowcheck, Ellie Benson and Olivia Ondrejko.
Clancy Orie celebrates after making a touchdown reception during Bethel Park’s 61-14 win against West Mifflin.
Fisher wins section tennis title
Cami Fisher became the fifth girl in Bethel Park High school history to capture a section singles tennis title when she defeated Mt. Lebanon’s Jackie Tang, 6-4, 6-0, in the Section 4-AAA finals. Fisher breezed through the early rounds of the competition, blanking Lindsay Worthington from West Allegheny and Neve Zuzek from Peters Township in pro sets, 10-0. She outlasted her teammate, Mackenzie Smock in the semifinals, 7-5, 6-3, to reach the championship match.
“Mackenzie played well, consistently and with a lot of pace,” Fisher said. “It’s hard to play against your teammate because we play against each other all the time.
“Throughout the tournament, I felt like I played consistent and my mental game was focused on each point. My serve was effective, too,” Fisher added.
Fisher advanced to the WPIAL Class 3A champion-
SPORTS BRIEFS
ships. The top three finishers in the district finals advanced to the PIAA singles tournament to be held in November at the Hershey Racquet Club. Fisher was seeded third behind returning champion Meriwether McCargo from Shady Side Academy and Amelia Williams from Penn-Trafford.
Smock and Yang as well as Michelle Yang also advanced to the WPIAL tournament by virtue of their respective third, runner-up and fourth-place showings in the sectional held at the Bethel Park tennis courts.
Boys soccer
The Peters Township men’s soccer team gained sole possession of first place in Section 4-AAAA by defeating rival Upper St. Clair, 4-0. In the match played Sept. 17 in McMurray, Colin Froelich scored twice while Alex
Against the Titans, Pfeuffer completed 14 of 22 passes. He targeted Mitchell Paschl for two TDs of 59 and 32 yards. Clancy Orie (19 yards), JaVaughn Moore (4) and Jovian Smith (19) hauled in the other scores.
“I trust the guys around me,” Pfeuffer said. “They are doing their jobs. When I throw the ball, I know they will make plays.
“We are very connected as a team. We play as a big group,” he added. “The guys who have stepped up have always been good athletes. They have been in the program for awhile and have always shown what they can do. They are especially talented.”
According to Pfeuffer, Moore is an exceptional talent. The 5-11, 190-pound senior tailback leads the WPIAL in rushing with 735 yards on 70 carries. He is averaging 10.5 yards per carry. He’s also managing 24.3 yards per catch.
Against West Mifflin, Moore rushed for 173 yards and two scores of 7, 22 and 4 yards. He also had four receptions for 64 yards and one score.
Pfeuffer said that Moore’s performances have taken the pressure off him to pass. “An awful lot,” he said. “When JaVaughn’s having 200 yards of offense, it makes it difficult for defenses. So he helps a lot with that (the passing game.)
“JaVaughn is also a good receiver. He can catch the ball. He’s also so athletic and fast that after he makes the pass plays, he’s able to pick up more chunks of yardage.
“What he’s doing is special,” Pfeuffer continued. “He’s put in the hard work during the offseason and the line is opening up holes for him. He’s doing a great job.”
Paschl and Jack Bruckner have filled the void at wide receiver and on special teams admirably. Paschl had five receptions for 119 yards against West Mifflin. Bruckner returned a kickoff 84 yards for a touchdown.
Paschl ranks among the Top 15 receivers in the WPIAL with 18 catches for 364 yards and a 20.2-yard average. Bruckner has 13 grabs for 239 yards and an 18.4yard average. Orie, David Dennison, who rushed for a TD against the Titans, Smith, Randall Bergia and Santino Nowozeniuk present additional targets for Pfeuffer.
“We have a ton of talent. So I am not surprised we are doing so well,” Pfeuffer said. “We have guys like Mitchell and Jack who are going to make plays. They get open, win the defensive battle, catch the ball and make big plays after that. I have all the trust in the world in them. They are making a name for themselves.”
Pfeuffer has attached his moniker to the list of WPIAL passing leaders. Ranking second in the district, he has completed 50 of 75 attempts for 941 yards and 13 touchdowns. He has thrown only one interception in four games.
Pfeuffer has reached the apex by “trusting” his training and “staying relaxed” in the pocket.
At age 5, Pfeuffer started playing the game by retrieving footballs for his brothers, RJ, Logan and Colton. All were quarterbacks and played at rival Peters Township when the family lived in that school district.
FROM PAGE B1
Last year, Benson finished runner-up to Myra Morgan from Elizabeth-Forward. Both players are juniors.
“Ellie will be one of the favorites to win the WPIAL individual championship,” Lacey said.
Parise and Brett Martin recorded single tallies.
Markus Bizyak earned the shutout in goal. He was supported by the backline play of Brayden Apple, Camden Glass, Caden Hensler and Adam Smiga.
The Indians also recorded shutouts against Ringgold, 5-0, and Connellsville, 8-0.
Bizyak and Aaron Peterson combined in the nets against the Rams while Jack Stewart also helped out against the Falcons.
Martin (2), Parise, Logan Peters and Keedan Kelly recorded the goals against Ringgold. Kevin Kelly (2), Martin (2), Parise, Dante Pusateri, Grant Woodward and Gabe Marino provided the offense against Connellsville.
With the wins, the Indians improved to 4-0 in the section and 7-1-1 overall.
Girls soccer
The Lady Indians from Peters Township picked up shutout wins against Thomas Jefferson, 2-0, and Mt. Lebanon, 3-0, to improve to 3-0-1 in Section 2 and 7-0-1 overall.
Against the Jaguars, Rylie Busch and Paige Malley each found the back of the net while Molly Kubistek and Kaitlyn Strine combined for the shutout in goal.
Against Lebo, Taylor McCullough, Paige Malley and Cam Klein recorded the goals. Marina Hajnosz contributed two assists. Klein also assisted one goal. Kubistek earned the shutout in the nets.
Girls golf
Upper St. Clair’s Olivia Ziegler and Addy Schedd along with Bethel Park’s Sarah Jakel and Kaylee Kreigline met the qualifying standards during the Section 2-AAA golf match played Sept. 17 at the Hickory Heights Golf Course and advanced in the WPIAL individual tournament.
“They were probably the most influential. Because they played, so did I,” Pfeuffer explained.
By his sophomore year, Pfeuffer was a starter for the Black Hawks, completing 115 of 179 attempts for 14 scores and 1,507 yards. As a junior, he was 115 for 226 for 1,888 yards and 21 TDs while reducing his interceptions.
In addition to lifting weights as well as working on speed and agility, he played basketball. As a forward, he helped the Hawks go deep into the district and state playoffs.
Pfeuffer also worked with Dan Kovacs.
A personal trainer at Amerifit Fitness Club in Mt. Lebanon, he once held world records in powerlifting. Additionally, Pfeuffer trains with Dakota Conwell. An Upper St. Clair graduate, who passed and rushed for more than 1,000 yards his senior season, Conwell played at Arizona before transferring and setting records at West Liberty University.
Pfeuffer acknowledged that all these externals have contributed to his success.
“During the offseason, I have put on weight and added strength while basketball has helped me with speed. With the trainers, I am able to work on personalized things.
“Because of my experience, I am staying relaxed in games and that allows you to play better,” Pfeuffer continued. “I’m definitely a lot calmer. My sophomore year I was so nervous. Making dumb mistakes.
“This year I’m able to make all the throws on the field whether its’ a tight window or down the field on a go-route. I know the coverage. I see the defenses. It’s not a surprise what they will be doing.”
Pfeuffer is not shocked by his team’s start and ability to persevere through adversity. Bethel Park’s continued success propels him, not personal milestones.
“Stats can’t win football games,” he explained. “I just want to help the team win
and accuracy off the tee as well as her scoring average.”
Benson has lowered her totals and is averaging even par (36) this fall.
games. The only thing that matters to me is our (team) record. Whatever I can do to elevate my game and put the team in a position to win games is all I care about.”
On Sept. 27, the games become more concerning because Bethel Park commences with Allegheny Six Conference competition. The Hawks host Moon at 7 p.m. After visiting Baldwin, Bethel Park enters a stretch of must-win games if it wishes to contend for the conference title.
The Hawks will host Upper St. Clair Oct. 11 and South Fayette Oct. 18 before visiting Peters Township on Oct. 25. The Indians are the defending WPIAL champions and 2023 PIAA runners-up in Class 5A.
Noting that Bethel Park captured its only district banner in 2008 and that the Hawks have a countdown clock to critical contests on a wall in the locker room, Pfeuffer said the focus remains a cliche. The Hawks have adopted a one game at a time approach to conference action.
“We are ready. We are excited. Our goals are to win the conference. Go 10-0. Beat our rivals and win a WPIAL and PIAA championship but we can’t lose sight of the shortterm goals. Each week we have to play our best football. Each game is like any other game. 1-0 is the goal each week.
“We can’t take any team lightly. We have to maintain the same mindset that has gotten us here thus far. We have to stay connected. You win the game Monday through Thursday in practice. You put your best foot forward on Friday night.
“As a team, we are like a giant puzzle. The pieces are coming together,” Pfeuffer continued. “When Ryan comes back, that’s just another part of the jigsaw. We’ll just continue to do our normal stuff but we’re making it difficult for defenses to pick and choose what to cover because we have so many good athletes ready to go.”
Setting a school record in a section match, says Lacey, comes with expectations that “championships must follow” but claiming the title will be a challenge.
Ellie Benson repeated as sectional champion and leads a parade of Peters Township golfers, including Sophia Severns, Brooke Vowcheck and Betty Glyptis into first-
Against the Talbots, USC exhibited explosiveness and showcased a signal caller with a distinctive style.
Ethan Hellmann completed six of 10 aerials for 131 yards. He connected on scoring strikes of 27 and 19 yards to Bryce Jones and Michael Albert.
“Ethan has done a great job of managing the game and taking care of the football,” Junko said. “He is such an intelligent kid that has the respect of his coaches and teammates.
“Ethan is such a great competitor,” Junko continued. “It doesn’t matter if he is playing Turkey bowl in his backyard or under the Friday night lights, the kid just loves to play the game.”
Dante Coury and John Banbury have demonstrated a passion for running the football. Both submitted 100-yard rushing games against the Talbots. Each also scored two touchdowns.
“Both backs bring a unique skill set to the position,” Junko said. “Dante runs with great vision and speed. John has a knack for finishing runs and reading his blockers. They have both done a great job of taking on the first free defender and extending runs.
“The running back position was a question mark for us at the beginning of the season,” Junko continued. “Both backs have really stepped up for us.”
Because of the offensive line, USC’s rushing attack has flourished. In addition to Coury and Banbury, Nico D’Orazio and Josh Snyder (2) rushed for touchdowns against the Talbots. In addition to Princeton recruits, Albert and Nate Stohl, Mason Geyer, Bobby Fleckenstein and Reese Pirain have excelled on the O-line.
“Mason has solidified the center position. He does a great job of quarterbacking the O-line,” Junko said. “Bobby plays with an edge and has great feet for a tackle. Reese is a new starter for us and he has improved each week. He is really coming into his own.”
Since Junko took the helm in 2019, the Panthers are 2-3 against the Indians. Peters Township thumped USC, 31-0, last fall en route to its 15-1 record. Oth -
er than a 31-3 USC win in 2021, the other games have been decided by eight points or less.
“Both communities expect a physical battle every time our teams lock horns,” Junko said. “I don’t think this edition will be any different.
“Their kids play extremely hard on every play. It will take a great effort by our team to try and get a win against them.”
Other games
In Allegheny Six Conference action Sept. 27, South Fayette hosts Baldwin at 7 p.m. while Bethel Park entertains Moon. The Lions made their way into the top 5 among WPIAL Class 5A programs thanks to a 4-0 start that included an impressive win at Elizabeth-Forward, 38-19. Drew Welhorsky has moved into the ranks among the top quarterbacks in the league after his five-touchdown, 279-yard performance against the Warriors. He connected with Ben Cavenaugh (39 and 40 yards), Tyson Wright (20 yards), Ray Schuler (38 yards) and Alex Deanes (53 yards) for scoring strikes. Luke Gillen kicked a 41yard field goal along with five extra points to complete SF’s scoring.
After four games, Welhorsky ranked sixth in the WPIAL in passing. He has completed 54 of 77 aerials for eight touchdowns and 855 yards.
Baldwin is coming off a 2113 loss to Chartiers Valley, a team which South Fayette shut out, 26-0, to start the season. The Highlanders were winless in their first four games.
In CV’s win against Baldwin, Tayshaun Lewis rolled up 165 yards rushing. He scored on 21- and 84-yard runs. Luke Miranda also ran for a touchdown on a 24-yard scamper. Patrik Jurisic kicked the extra points.
The Colts host Laurel Highlands at 7 p.m. in their Big Six Conference opener in Class 4A action. Mt. Lebanon dropped to 0-4 overall after a 59-7 loss to Central Catholic. In the Quad County Conference loss, Patrick Smith passed for 174 yards on 16 completions. Noah Schaerli was the top target, pulling in five passes for 103 yards. The Smith-Schaerli connection accounted for the lone score (49 yards).
The Blue Devils will host Seneca Valley at 7 p.m.
“She has really improved this year. I have seen a big jump in her driving distance
Last year, Vowcheck was a Top 10 finisher in the individual championships while Catalogna finished 22nd overall. As a team, the Lady Indians are looking to pocket their fourth district title in five years. Peters Township won back-to-back WPIAL championships in 2022 and 2023.
“We have a giant target on our back,” Lacey conceded.
Consistency will contribute to bringing home another trophy on Oct. 10. That is the date for the WPIAL boys and girls team championships to be held at the Cedarbrook Golf Course in Belle Vernon.
the way we have been playing,” said Lacey. “So far, the girls have stayed focused and have supported each other. They get to play with a partner from their team each match and they really support each other out there on the course.”
Boys golf
Peters Township advanced six golfers during the Section 5AAA boys’ qualifier hosted by Canon-McMillan at the Lindenwood Golf Course.
“We just have to keep playing
Griffin Hansberry and Colton Lusk finished second and third to medalist Michael Qualich from Baldwin. They carded 73 and 74 respectively while Qualich won the match with a 1-under 71 over the 6,455-yard course. Nick Haught finished sixth with a 75 while Ryan Watterson and Shane Williams rounded out the Top 10 in ninth and 10 places with 77 scores. Ben Miller qualified in 12th position with a 79.
Mt. Lebanon advanced two golfers in Max
and
per
as both reached the target
of 81. Bethel Park qualified Joey Boff. The sophomore shot an 80. The first round of the WPIAL individual tournament will be held Sept. 23 at the Youghiogheny Country Club in McKeesport while the final round for the championship will be played Oct. 1 at the Oakmont Country Club. Links
Pirain
Coo-
Whalen
score
round action to be played Sept. 23 at the Willowbrook Country Club in Apollo. The championship round will be played Sept. 30 at the Butler Country Club.
Cami Fisher
ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
JaVaughn Moore (6) shakes off tacklers during Bethel Park’s 62-14 win against West Mifflin. The senior rushed for 173 yards and two touchdowns as well as caught four passes for 63 yards and another score in the win against the Titans. With 735 yards on 70 carries, Moore leads the WPIAL in rushing.
sights & sounds
Theatrical showings
Pittsburgh Silent Film Festival to celebrate essential centennial films
By Brad Hundt Staff writer
bhundt@observer-reporter.com
The Pittsburgh Silent Film Festival will be celebrating nine essential films that are turning 100 this year when it gets underway Sunday, Sept. 29.
The nine movies will screen at seven different venues in the Pittsburgh area, with musicians providing live accompaniment for each film. This is the festival’s second year, and it coincides with the fourth annual Silent Movie Day on Sept. 29, which was co-founded in 2021 by Chad Hunter, a Mt. Lebanon resident and director of the Pittsburgh Silent Film Festival.
When interviewed last year about the festival, Hunter noted that even though films from the earliest days of cinema can now be readily viewed on streaming services, DVDs, YouTube and TCM, they were created with a theatrical audience in mind.
“That’s the way they were meant to be seen,” he said. “They were pieces of art meant to be shown theatrically on a big screen.”
The festival will start with a screening of the 1924 Harold Lloyd comedy, “Hot Water,” at Keystone Oaks High School in Dormont. It is being presented by the Pittsburgh Area
THE NINE MOVIES WILL SCREEN AT SEVEN DIFFERENT VENUES IN THE PITTSBURGH AREA, WITH MUSICIANS PROVIDING LIVE ACCOMPANIMENT FOR EACH FILM. THIS IS THE FESTIVAL’S SECOND YEAR, AND IT COINCIDES WITH THE FOURTH ANNUAL SILENT MOVIE DAY ON SEPT. 29, WHICH WAS CO-FOUNDED IN 2021 BY CHAD HUNTER, A MT. LEBANON RESIDENT AND DIRECTOR OF THE PITTSBURGH SILENT FILM FESTIVAL.
what’s happening
BOOK SALE
The Friends of the Bethel Park Library will be holding a used book sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. The event will be held under the tent in front of Evey True Value Hardware at 5779 Library Road in Bethel Park. Book donations will be accepted at Evey’s through Friday Oct. 29.
OPEN
HOUSE The Peters Township Fire Department will hold an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fire Station No. 1 at 245 E. McMurray Rd. The hazards of lithium-ion batteries will be discussed at
The classic film, “The Hands of Orlac,” is being shown as part of the Pittsburgh Silent Film Festival.
Buster Keaton’s “The Navigator” is one of two Keaton comedies that will wrap up the Pittsburgh Silent Film Festival.
to a lunch with honey cake and holiday program, there will be a presentation by Comfort Keepers on adapting homes to the challenging needs of seniors. Suggested donation is $5. Call 412-2782658 to pre-register.
WOMEN’S CLUB
The South Hills Women’s Club will meet at 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14 at Vanadium Woods Lobby, 50 Vanadium Road in Bridgeville. A healthcare consultant, Scott Sheets, will discuss Medicare options and the changes coming to the program in 2025. New members and guests can attend. Call 412-965-4714 or 412-4141232 to attend or for further questions.
COLLEGE CLUB
The College Club of Carnegie will meet Oct. 5 at the Olive Garden Restaurant, located at 971 Greentree Road. The event begins with a social at 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch at noon.
“The Cool Days of Autumn” will be the theme. A 50/50 raffle will be offered to benefit the scholarship fund. Women with a post-secondary education can attend. Call 412-279-4458 regarding membership or further information.
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.
CARNIVAL
The South Fayette Homecoming Carnival will be held from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at the high school stadium. Admission is free. In addition to carnival games, there will be a bounce house, obstacle course,
dunk tank, food trucks and a performance by the Little Green Machine at 8 p.m. The event is sponsored by the South Fayette Student Government Association.
FOOD FEST
A Mediterranean food festival will be held Sept. 27-29 at the St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in South Fayette. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday as well as noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Menu items include: grilled lamb chops, grape leaves, spinach and meat pies, Syrian bread as well as rice, Kibbee and baklawa. Seating is available inside or outdoors. Takeout is also available. Visit stgeorgebridgeville. org or call 412-221-227 for more details.
CONCERT
Wellspring Church will host an outdoor event featuring music, neighbor social and treats at 6 p.m. Sept. 29 at 3831 Morganza Rd. The 45-minute concert will feature songs by well-known artists such as Brandon Lake, Third Day, Phil Wickham, and Anne Wilson. After the show, there will be drinks, snacks and a campfire. Visit wellspringchurch. org/concert-in-the-field for more details.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Keynotes is accepting applications for the 2025 Music Scholarship Competition, to be held May 10, 2025, at The Fine Arts Theater of Mt. Lebanon High School. Cash awards totaling more than $16,000 will be awarded. Instrumentalists must be under 26 years of age by June 1, 2025, and vocalists must be under the age of 30. The student must be a full-time music major at a college, university or music school or a graduating high school senior accepted for admission as a full-time music major. Contestants must be current legal residents of Pennsylvania for one year, or if out-of-state, attending a school in Pennsylvania, can provide proof of Pennsylvania address, i.e. campus address, university mailings, apartment or utility bills.
Call 412-260-6972 or email houdini5@hotmail.com for an application. An online scholarship application is available at keynotesmusicscholarship.com. Deadline for submission is April 30, 2025.
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-ofa-kind pumpkin sign from puzzle pieces. Fee is $10 ($15 nonmembers). Signup deadline is Sept. 20. Visit www.peterstownship. com or call 724-942-5000 to register.
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.
LEBO ART
The 10th annual Mt. Lebanon Artists’ Market will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 28 and 29, in the Academy Avenue parking lot, just behind the Mt. Lebanon Saloon. The juried arts festival will feature 67 artist booths. There will be an expansive collection of 2D work, jewelry, wood, sculpture, glass, ceramics, fiber, wearables, mixed media, leather and metal. Admission is free. Parking is $1 on Saturday and free on Sunday in the nearby North Parking Garage on Washington Road. Visit mtlebanonartistsmarket.com; @ mt.lebanonartistsmarket on IG or facebook.com/mtlebanonartistsmarket for 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 412-973-3317.
SH ELKS
The Pittsburgh South Hills Elks lodge will also host a crafter and vendor show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 28 at 2789 South Park Road in Bethel Park. Call 412-8310616 for details.
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.
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, 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 724-942-5000 for more details.
SPIDERS
An event highlighting spiders will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Peters Township community recreation center. Ages 3 to 5 accompanied by an adult can attend. The program features spider webs and attendees can make spider-themed crafts and play Halloween games. Fee is $5 ($8 nonmembers). Sign-up deadline is Oct. 8. Visit www.peterstownship. com or call 724-942-5000 to register.
PT SAFETY
Peters Township will host a public safety day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 12 at the police department, located at 200 Municipal Dr. Police, fire and EMS will present a day of learning along with emergency vehicles and equipment displays. There will be CPR demonstrations, mock crime scenes, crash reconstruction, police station tours as well as visits from the North Strabane K9 Unit
sights & sounds
and the Pittsburgh Police Mounted Unit. Food trucks will be on site.
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.
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.
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
■ 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 412-835-6630 to register.
CRAFT SHOW
The John McMillan Presbyterian Church’s annual Christmas Affair will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 2 at 875 Clifton Road in Bethel Park. More than 45 vendors will be featured along with a gingerbread house, auction items and Kris Kringle Kafe. Admission is free. All proceeds benefit local missions.
Theatre Organ Society with organist Peter Krasinski playing a vintage Wurlitzer theater pipe organ. A hand-colored version of the 1902 classic silent short “A Trip to the Moon” will also be shown. “A Trip to the Moon” and “Hot Water” will be screened at 2 p.m. on Sept. 29. On Monday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m., the Lon Chaney drama, “He Who Gets Slapped,” is set to be shown at Mt. Lebanon Public Library. No tickets are required, but seating is limited.
“Waxworks,” described as “the granddaddy of all horror anthology films,” will screen at the Parkway Theater in McKees Rocks at 7 p.m. Oct. 1. It will be accompanied by a live DJ.
A film widely considered a landmark in gay silent cinema, “Michael,” will be shown at the Harris Theater in downtown Pittsburgh with piano accompaniment on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 7:30 p.m.
Conrad Veidt, who appeared in the silent classic “The Cabinet of Dr. Calgari” and later played a Nazi major in “Casablanca,” stars in “The Hands of Orlac,” scheduled to be screened at the Lindsay Theater in Sewickley on Thursday, Oct. 3, at 7:30 p.m. It will be accompanied by the Pittsburgh Composers Quartet. The influential Soviet propaganda film, “Strike,” will screen at the Glitterbox Theater in Homestead on Friday, Oct. 4, at 8 p.m. A 16mm print will be used and it will be accompanied by the band Ill Fitting Party and Friends.
“Grass: A Nation’s Battle for Life,” an ethnographic film about a nomadic tribe in Iran, will be shown at the Frick Pittsburgh Saturday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m. It will be accompanied by live music from Iranian santoor player Mahtab Nadalian. It is being screened in conjunction with the exhibit “Treasured Ornament.” The festival will wrap up with a Buster Keaton double feature at the Harris Theater. The Pittsburgh Film Orchestra will accompany “The Navigator,” and “Sherlock Jr.” will be shown with live piano by Tom Roberts. It is set for Sunday, Oct. 6, at 5 p.m. Hunter was a film archivist at George Eastman House in Rochester, N.Y., one of the most extensive film archives in the United States. While there, Hunter rediscovered and preserved two silent films that many believed had been lost: the Harold Lloyd comedy, “Lonesome Luke’s Lively Life”; and “Mystery of the Hindu Image,” the earliest existing work from director Raoul Walsh. In Pittsburgh, Hunter led the Hollywood Theater in Dormont and the Rangos Giant Cinema at the Carnegie Science Center through transitions from film to digital projection. Hunter also leads the Pittsburgh Silent Film Society. Ticket links and additional information on the Pittsburgh Silent Film Festival can be found at www.pittsburghsilentfilmsociety.org. Film FROM PAGE B3
SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER28th,8am-4pm SUNDAY,SEPTEMBER29th,9am-3pm
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