Young
South Hills ramps up for Halloween FRIGHTFUL FUN
Spooky season has arrived, and ghosts as well as goblins will be out in force seeking treats until Oct. 31. Traditional trick-ortreat events will be hosted throughout the South Hills. With an array of activities, Bethel Park covers the gamut for those in search of frightening and fun thrills. From 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31 the municipality will hold trick-or-treat throughout the neighborhoods. Participating homes passing out candy should turn on porch lights. Those not participating should leave lights off.
The annual Spooktacular Parade will begin at 9 a.m. Oct. 26.
There are two parade routes for the northern and southern portions of the community. Routes are available on the municipality’s Facebook page as well as at www. bethelparkpa.gov.
Spectators can dress in costume as a variety of special vehicles provide surprises for them along the way.
The community’s decorating contest will be judged between Oct. 21-30. There will be one winner per ward. Winners will be announced at the November council meeting. To nominate a home call 412-831-6800, extension 211, or email: jdavin@bethelpark.net.
The Find Salty Junior competition continues through Oct. 28.
Each week the skeleton mascot will appear throughout the community. When residents find it, they should take a picture and submit it via the municipality’s social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram and X. The contest closes Friday at noon. Winners are selected via a randomizer app live at 4 p.m. each Monday during the Bethel Park Minute.
Ten winners will receive a $25 gift card. Winners will be announced at the Nov. 11 council meeting.
A favorite Halloween attraction is Haunted Hundred Acres Manor, featuring zombies, creatures and monsters at 1 Hundred Acres Drive in the heart of South Park.
Hours are 7 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday as well as Sunday. Friday and Saturday times are 7 to 11:30 p.m.
While the attraction opened in mid-September on a limited basis, it will operate continuously from Oct. 24-Nov. 1 with lights out to be determined on Nov. 2. Visit www.hundredacresmanor.com to order tickets.
Free shuttles to the attraction are offered from 30 Corrigan Dr.
Peters Township Peters Township, like Bethel Park, is also holding a home-decorating contest. Judging will be held Oct. 23 and winners will be announced Oct. 25. Participating homes will be posted so fans can drive by and check out the displays. Also on Halloween, in Peters Township, the recreation center will hold a parking lot bingo from noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 31. Players should dress in their favorite Halloween costume to be eligible to win special prizes. Bingo is played from the comfort of participants’ cars. Winners
New rules
Peters council takes action to curb ‘electric motorcycle’ use
By Jon Andreassi Staff writer
Peters Township council enacted an ordinance Monday aimed at controlling the use of “electric motorcycles” by the local youth.
Council passed the ordinance unanimously. Chairman Tom Pirosko was absent from Monday evening’s meeting.
Peters Township police Cpt. Judd Emery was on hand and told council they have received daily reports of young people riding electric motorcycles in the municipality. Emery said the bikes have no pedals and can reach speeds in excess of 35 mph.
The new rules require that electric bike operators be at least 16 years old, and anyone under the age of 21 is required to wear a helmet. Electric bikes are only permitted to be ridden on paved pathways, and not allowed on township owned property after dusk. Parents can be held responsible if they permit any unauthorized use of electric bikes. The township will be required to post signs informing residents of the regulations.
Township Manager Paul Lauer explained that the ordinance is one step in curbing what has become an issue in Peters Township.
“We don’t want anyone to believe that by adopting this ordinance we’re going to solve this problem easily. The fact of the matter is a lot of the activity we’re seeing, particularly when these bikes are being used on roadways, is already against the motor vehicle code. It’s just not easy to catch them,” Lauer said.
20 years on, fracking’s potential health impacts eyed
Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a series of stories reflecting on 20 years of gas drilling in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
By Karen Mansfield Staff writer
kmansfield@observer-reporter.com
Twenty years after the first gas well was fracked on the Renz farm in Mount Pleasant Township, Washington County, a body of evidence points to the possible correlation between the drilling technique and health harms, ranging from cancers, respiratory ailments, lower birth weights, and cardiovascular disease.
The industry maintains that drilling for natural gas is safe, but an increasing number of studies suggests that fracking poses a threat to public health, say public health groups and health professionals.
Last October, the ninth edition of the fracking science compendium, which includes more than 2,300 peer-reviewed medical and scientific papers, media investigations and government reports, was released and concluded that fracking poses serious health issues.
Included in the compendium was a set of three studies completed in early 2023 by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, conducted after dozens of concerned community members in Southwestern Pennsylvania demanded an investigation into the cause of more than 67 rare cancer cases, including Ewing sarcoma, in a four-county area.
According to the PA Health and En-
vironment Study, released in August of 2023, children living within a mile of a well had a five to seven times greater risk of developing lymphoma. Additionally, people with asthma living within 10 miles of wells during the production phase had a four to five times greater chance of their asthma worsening. And babies whose mothers lived within 10 miles had higher odds of being born un-
derweight and small for gestational age, the study states.
Another study, conducted by Yale University in 2022, showed that young children living about a mile from natural gas wells were two to three times more likely to develop acute lymphoblastic leukemia than children who do not live near a gas development.
“The science is in. Study after study shows fracking can’t be done safely anywhere, including in Pennsylvania,” said Dr. Ned Ketyer, president of Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania and who lives in Washington County, the most heavily fracked county in the state. “Look, we have enough scientific and medical studies, we have enough data to say fracking is dangerous, and the closer you live to it, the higher the risk to you and your family.”
Pennsylvania is the nation’s second-largest natural gas producer after Texas. Industry groups, including Marcellus Shale Coalition, a Pittsburgh-based organization for the natural gas industry, dismiss several shale gas studies used by opponents as filled with ambiguous and suspect statistics that “goalseek the desired conclusions.”
They maintain there is no evidence that fracking harms public health or contaminates groundwater or air, and that natural gas is safely and responsibly extracted.
The coalition said that the Pitt study, in particular, carried “significant flaws, including no new research being conducted nor actual site-level measurements taken,” and pointed out that the study found no link between unconventional natural gas activity and childhood leukemia, brain or bone cancers.
“Protecting the health and safety of our employees, their families, and the communities in which we operate is our highest priority. As an industry rooted in science and engineering, we take objective and transparent research seriously. Research based on actual field monitoring by qualified professionals in Pennsylvania and across the nation demonstrates that natural gas development is protective of public health and the environment,” said David Callahan, president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, in an email.
“In fact, because of this safe development, increased use of natural gas has reduced air pollutants detrimental to human health, along with greenhouse gas emissions, and has delivered up to $1 trillion in public health benefits for Pennsylvania residents. Our industry’s commitment to health and safety is second to none, and our members will continue to responsibly develop clean, reliable, domestic natural gas that is essential to modern life.”
It also pointed to findings from “dozens of peer reviewed studies that confirm natural gas is developed safely and responsibly” and to recent results of air emissions monitoring at well pads as part of CNX Resources’ “Radical Transparency” initiative that, the company said, shows emissions easily meet science-based air quality standards.
Said CNX Resources Chief Risk Officer Hayley Scott at an address at last month’s Shale Insight Conference in Erie, “We all want to do everything we can to keep our communities (which includes us) safe.”
Safety questioned
But a number of residents in the region who have experienced illnesses since fracking boomed question fracking’s safety.
Ketyer and other local health advocates argue that while they
can’t prove causation, “public health research is designed to find correlations and associations, and not establish causation,” and that there is, indeed, a link.
During the fracking process, natural gas is extracted by drilling thousands of feet underground and injecting massive amounts of water and a mix of chemicals to break up layers of shale rock. According to studies, people who live near production and distribution sites are exposed to pollutants including benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, diesel exhaust, fine particles, and nitrous oxides, all of which can impact health and contaminate soil, water and air.
Ketyer and other experts worry that those living near fracking wells and infrastructure including compressor stations and pipelines in Southwestern Pennsylvania are paying a heavy price.
Jodi Borello, a community organizer for the nonprofit Center for Coalfield Justice and co-founder of MAD-FACTS (Moms and Dads - Family Awareness of Cancer Threat Spike), contends that she, her family and neighbors have suffered health problems since a well pad and pigging station were placed 1,500 feet from her South Franklin Township home in 2011.
“Almost immediately we started smelling things, and all of us had issues. We had nose bleeds, sinus issues, dizziness, headaches, nausea, rashes that covered our bodies,” said Borello, a mother of three who started to keep a journal detailing the family’s symptoms.
Starting in 2012, Borello said, methane was vented from the pigging station seven days a week, three times a day for nearly a decade.
She said she installed a Dilos monitor (an air-quality monitor that measures particulates) in her son’s bedroom that once recorded particulate pollution nearly 900 times the level deemed safe by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Borello’s testimony at the 43rd statewide grand jury was a key part of the two-year investigation that, in 2020, called out the state Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Health for “failing to oversee the fracking industry and fulfilling their responsibility to protect Pennsylvanians from the inherent risks of industry operations.
The grand jury made eight recommendations to better protect Pennsylvanians.
Those recommendations included expanding setbacks from 500 feet to 2,500 feet from homes and 5,000 feet from schools and hospitals, and disclosing all chemicals used during drilling and fracking – something the gas industry is not required to do for “proprietary” reasons.
But Alison Steele, executive director of the Pittsburgh-based Environmental Health Project, said meaningful action has lagged in Harrisburg. The 2,500-foot buffer proposal – which the gas industry says would effectively shut down drilling – remains stuck in the House of Representatives.
“We have a mountain of studies pointing to health harms, but we’re still not seeing enough of a meaningful health protective response from the government, from people who are tasked with protecting the health of Pennsylvania’s residents,” said Steele. “We have a massive gap between what is known in the scientific community about the health harms of fracking, and how that is being
reflected in health protective policy.”
Bryan Latkanich of Deemston said his life “has been a nightmare” since Chevron put a well pad and pump station on his property in 2013.
“It has sucked all the joy out of life,” said Latkanich, a former counselor at Washington County jail who is now on disability and battling a host of illnesses, including a brain tumor, stage four kidney failure, and congestive heart failure.
Latkanich’s 14-year-old son, Ryan – who broke out in a rash and welts when his mom bathed him in April 2013 – has been diagnosed with severe asthma and suffered from incontinence, ringing in his ears, and other health issues.
Latkanich is suing Chevron in Washington County Court, claiming he and his son were sickened after the company drilled the natural gas well on the property.
“I remember I stepped into the water after Ryan got out of the tub and it was the slipperiest substance I felt. It did not feel right,” he recalled. “And that was the beginning of all of this.”
A toxicology study of Latkanich’s and Ryan’s urine and saliva showed the presence of high levels of benzene and styrene in their bodies, and additional tests showed Ryan had been exposed to hydrocarbons and radiation, Latkanich said.
“I worry about my son. The anxiety and stress from this is off the charts,” said Latkanich. “My health is destroyed, my house is destroyed. I don’t want anyone else to have to go through what I’m going through.”
‘An accidental advocate’
Janice Blanock, of Cecil Township, who co-founded
MAD-FACTS at Center for Coalfield Justice with Borello, calls herself “an accidental advocate.”
In 2016, her 19-year-old son, Luke, died from Ewing sarcoma. Only about 200 cases of Ewing sarcoma are diagnosed in the U.S. each year, but 27 cases – including six in the Canon-McMillan School District – were diagnosed in Southwestern Pennsylvania during a 10-year period.
Blanock, who suspects Luke’s illness was linked to fracking, said, “there are enough studies that show kids are getting sick.”
Through MAD-FACTS, Blanock and Borello promote common sense solutions to help protect families who live near fracking, and to educate others about fracking.
“I wasn’t aware of what fracking was. When Jodi and I created (MAD-FACTS), we wanted parents to be informed. Sometimes you feel like you’re taking three steps forward but get knocked back one or two, but you just keep pushing forward and spreading the word and getting people involved. We’ve got to do it together, we’ve got to do it as a team,” said Blanock.
“I lost an exceptional child. He could have been a great leader in this world and we certainly need those now, so I’ll keep pushing on.”
Blanock said she would like Gov. Josh Shapiro – who as Pennsylvania’s attorney general said there was a need to hold oil and gas companies to account – to put the eight grand jury recommendations into action.
Borello, along with Lois Bower-Bjornson, a field organizer with Clean Air Council who hosts “Frackland Tours” in Washington County to give elected officials and members of the media a first-hand account of what it is like to live near fracking and related operations, travel monthly to Harrisburg.
They set up a MAD-FACTS table, organize meetings with legislators and do drop-in visits.
“It’s really relationship-building with legislators, getting to know them and letting them know what’s happening. They see us and they know us, and we’ve been met with positive responses and we’ve been met with negative responses,” said Bower-Bjornson, who started the tours after her family – including her four children – started getting sick with nosebleeds, rashes, and swollen limbs, when natural gas compression stations were built within a mile of her home. “It’s a chance to get our message out,” she said.
On Nov. 4, Cecil Township supervisors are set to vote on changing the oil and gas ordinance that would place surface drilling operations 2,500 feet away from “protected structures,” but waive that distance if all homeowners within that buffer zone agree to permit drilling. Josh and Michelle Stonemark, who live about 530 feet away from a well pad in the township, plan to attend the meeting. The couple moved into what they thought was their dream home around Christmas of 2018, and drilling began in 2020.
“Every time they drill, it’s 24/7 noise, the smells, it’s not sleeping, it’s constant anxiety about whether or not my kids are going to get sick,” said Michelle Stonemark.
She said she and her husband and their three children have experienced health problems, which she declined to disclose.
“It’s unbearable at times,” said Stonemark, who has installed two air monitors in the family’s back yard. “I want people to know that these problems are real. We have seen the impacts, we have dealt with them. We’re being impacted on a daily basis. They exist.”
Lisa DiPaoli, communications director at Center for Coalfield Justice, said it’s critical to work for policy change, especially with the Appalachian hydrogen hub on the horizon.
DiPaoli said CCJ isn’t seeking to stop fracking (although other groups would like an outright ban), but wants to make sure regulations are in place that will better protect the communities where fracking takes place.
She pointed to a recent poll conducted by the Ohio River Valley Institute and Upswing Research & Strategy that suggests Pennsylvanians are open to stricter regulations on the fracking industry. The survey of 700 likely voters across the state showed that 90% of respondents support measures such as requiring fracking companies to disclose all chemicals used and increasing the distance between fracking operations and schools. It also found that 80% of respondents support classifying fracking fluids as hazardous materials. A majority of Pennsylvanians (58%) oppose a complete ban on fracking.
“We recognize we can’t just stop fracking because, first, we need the energy, and second, we don’t want anyone to lose their jobs, but there has to be a just transition toward cleaner energy sources,” said DiPaoli.
Center for Coalfield Justice, an environmental justice nonprofit, says it is working for a clean environment in local communities.
Michelle and Josh Stonemark in front of their Cecil Township home
community news
According to Emery, it is difficult for police to identify who is riding the bikes, and officers do not pursue them due to safety concerns.
“Our problem is stopping them. We’re not going to chase a motorcycle, we’re not going to chase a kid on a motorcycle and then have something bad happen,” Emery said.
ELECTRIC BIKES ARE ONLY PERMITTED TO BE RIDDEN ON PAVED PATHWAYS, AND NOT ALLOWED ON TOWNSHIP OWNED PROPERTY AFTER DUSK.
Emery said officials need to communicate with parents that the bikes require a driver’s license to be used on the roadways, as well as proper vehicle registration.
“They can ride them on private property. They can’t ride them on the roadways,” Emery said.
Councilman Frank Arcuri expressed concern that the use of the electric bikes could lead to someone being seriously injured.
“I don’t want to see that happen … That’s why we’re trying to do what we can,” Arcuri said.
Emery agreed, but said it is “inevitable” if local adolescents continue misusing the bikes. He did not mince words about the potential consequences.
“It’s gonna happen. One of these kids is going to get seriously hurt or killed on one of these motorcycles,” Emery said. “We’re doing the best we can.”
PLEASE RECYCLE
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N. Franklin Drive, Suite 2 Washington, PA 15301 www.swiftaudiology.com
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Fun
FROM PAGE A1
honk their horns. Prizes, not money, will be awarded. Register by Oct. 28.
Visitwww.peterstownship.com or call 724-942-5000 for more details on Halloween activities.
Mt. Lebanon
Hours for trick-or-treat in Mt. Lebanon will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.
The annual Pumpkin Patch Parade will start at 11 a.m. Oct. 26 and pass along the sidewalks between Shady and Lebanon avenues along Washington Road.
The event is free and features antique and sports cars, community organizations as well as mascots. Following the parade, children can trick-or-treat at participating businesses along Washington Road. Signs will be posted in store windows of
participating businesses. Other events
South Fayette will hold trick-or-treat from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31. Police officers and volunteer firefighters will patrol the neighborhoods.
Upper St. Clair will also hold trick-or-treat from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31 throughout the township. Trunk-n-treat
Crossroads Ministries will hold a trunk-n-treat event,
rain or shine, Oct. 30, at its facility located at 81 Walter Long Road in Finleyville. Church members will dress up, decorate their cars and hand out candy to children, who must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required for the three different time slots: 6:30 to 7 p.m.; 7 to 7:30 p.m.; and 7:30 to 8 p.m. Visit www.crsmin.com to sign up for tickets. Call 724-348-1620 for more details.
Would you like to get the newest addition to your family published in The Almanac for free? With our New Arrivals series, your precious baby’s photo can be published in The Almanac newspaper and website on October 27, 2024! Deadline for photo submissions is October 21, 2024 at 11:59PM. Sponsored
sports
thers and finished with 100 yards on 13 carries during the triumph.
Late-season arrivals bolster Bethel Park Getting stronger
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor
Despite a 14-10 loss to Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park improved in multiple ways.
While the defeat may have cost the Black Hawks the Allegheny Six Conference title, it made them a formidable foe in their future football games for many reasons.
The Black Hawks, who were 7-1 overall before hosting South Fayette on Oct. 18, visited Peters Township in their regular-season finale at 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at Confluence Stadium. Regardless of their final two regular-season results, the Black Hawks would likely qualify for the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs, scheduled to start Nov. 1 and culminate with the championship contest set for either Nov. 22 or 23 at Acrisure Stadium.
“We have a resilient team. We know who we are. This will make us stronger,” said BP coach Phil Peckich after the loss to the Panthers. “There is a lot of football to play.”
As they negotiate the last leg of the regular season and approach the playoffs, the Black Hawks do so with a significant addition to the lineup.
Ryan Petras returned to his starting slots at wide receiver and defensive back for the first time this year during the USC game.
An all-state performer and conference Player of the Year for two seasons, Petras had surgery to repair a torn labrum in
PT teams enter soccer playoffs on positive note
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net
The Peters Township women’s and men’s soccer teams completed the regular season on positive notes and entered the WPIAL playoffs ranked among the top seeds in the Class 4A division.
The Lady Indians maintained their No. 1 rating when they toppled Fox Chapel, 3-0, in the battle of unbeaten teams.
In the triumph, Paige Malley scored a brace while Marina Hajnosz provided the other tally. Molly Kubistek recorded the shutout in the nets.
Additionally, the Lady Indians blanked Burrell, 3-0, in a non-section contest played Oct. 15. Malley again scored twice. Taylor McCullough added the other tally.
Cailin Martin contributed two assists while Kubistek combined with Kaitlyn Strine for the shutout in the nets. With the wins, the Indians improved to 16-01 overall They were the Section 2 champions with a 9-0-1 slate. The lone blemish to their record is a 2-2 deadlock with playoff-bound Upper St. Clair.
The Panthers, who dropped the rematch, 2-0, on Oct. 2, finished runner-up to Peters Township in the division with a 6-2-2 record. Canon-McMillan (11-3-1) and Mt. Lebanon (9-6-1) joined the Lady Indians and Panthers (9-5-2) in the Class 4A tournament. In Class 3A, South Fayette is the reigning champion. The Lady Lions won the Section 3 title with a 10-0 record. Ranked No. 5, they were 13-3 overall heading into their regular-season finale against Fox Chapel. Bethel Park joins the Lady Lions in the Class 3A playoffs. The Lady Hawks finished fourth in Section 2 with a 6-4-2 slate. They were 9-5-3 heading into their regular-season finale against South Park. In Class 4A men’s soccer, Peters Township men ranked No. 2 behind Plum after finishing the regular season at 15-1-1 overall.
The Indians won the Section 2 crown with a 10-0 mark while the Mustangs were undefeated Section 1 winners and entered the postseason with a 15-0-3 overall record.
The Indians posted wins against Woodland Hills, 6-1, and Brashear, 8-0, in preparation for the playoffs. Brett Martin, Jeven Kelly (2), Anthony Maiello (2), and Alex Parise tallied the goals against the Wolverines. Against Brashear, Dante Pusateri, Carter Helbig and Bennett Lewis scored twice while Kelly and Caden Hensler recorded single tallies.
Pusateri, Parise, Kelly, Cole Celedonia and Gabriel Marino collected assists. Markus Bizyak, Aaron Peterson and Jack Stewart combined for the shutout in the nets.
In addition to Peters Township, USC, Canon-Mac and Lebo qualified out of Section 2 for the Class 4A tournament. The Bethel Park boys and Chartiers Valley are entered in the Class 3A playoffs. Pairings
The WPIAL announced playoff pairings on Oct. 16. In the Class 4A boys division, Peters Township drew the No. 2 seed behind Plum. Because of a firstround bye, the Indians advanced to the quarterfinals to be played Oct. 26. Peters Township will play the winner of the Mt. Lebanon at Seneca Valley contest, set for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 22. Upper St. Clair will host Pine-Richland at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 22. The winner plays No. 3 Fox Chapel in the quarterfinals. In Class 3A, Bethel Park hosted Montour Oct. 19 while Chartiers Valley visited No. 3 Indiana. The Lady Hawks will visit Thomas Jefferson while South Fayette will host Kiski at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 21 in first-round girls’ action. The Peters Township girls enter the Class 4A tournament as the top seed. They host a quarterfinal match on Oct. 24. Their opponent will be the winner of the Pine-Richland vs. Greater Latrobe first-round battle on Oct. 21. Opening action in the Class 4A tournament also features Mt. Lebanon visiting Norwin and Upper St. Clair hosting Butler. at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 21. Both games kick off at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 21. The WPIAL soccer championships are scheduled for Oct. 31 through Nov. 2 at Highmark Stadium.
Peters Township wins third straight WPIAL golf title
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net
Peters Township lived up to its billing in golf when the Lady Indians secured their third straight WPIAL title. They compiled a 317 team score and outdistanced their closest competition – North Allegheny – by 36 strokes to claim the Class 3A championship on Oct. 10 at Cedarbrook Golf Course in Belle Vernon.
“When you have four of the best golfers in the WPIAL, you better win this,” said PT skipper Micke Lacey.
Only a week prior, the Lady Indians placed four golfers in the top six during the individual championships. They also had the WPIAL individual champion in Ellie Benson.
But a team championship was not a given.
“Golf is a crazy game,” Lacey said. “You never know what is going to happen.”
Over the first five holes, the unthinkable appeared to be occurring on the 5,200-yard Red
Course. Few pars and even less birdies were being recorded.
“At the beginning, we struggled. Some started with bogeys and things like that,” Lacey said.
“When you win two in a row and you bring everybody back, there is pressure to win again and that was part of it,” he continued. “Some of it was
nerves. They didn’t want to be the one that didn’t shoot the score that we needed to win.”
Lacey knew, however, it was just “a matter of time” before the Lady Indians showed their true colors.
“I was not concerned because I knew they would be able to turn it around. I have seen them play all season long
and what they were doing on the first five or six wholes wasn’t the way they normally played. They weren’t going to bogey every hole out there.
“We calmed our nerves and got back into our rhythm,” Lacey continued. “We really turned it around, especially on the back nine.” Benson played a fairly even round, 37 out and 39 in for a low score of 76. Brooke Vowcheck followed with a 77 (38-39). Sophia Severns lowered her front nine score by three strokes and finished with an 81 while freshman Betty Glyptis bettered her front nine by five strokes to card an 83. Gabby Catalogna also played 18 holes and contrib-
uted an 87. Only six other girls in the field from nine other teams shot a lower score.
“We took care of business,” Lacey said. “They played well. The best we’ve shot in a WPIAL championship.”
For Lacey, the squad shares a sense of compassion and consideration that contributes to its success.
“They are the nicest girls to be around. They like each other. There is no animosity or jealousy and that’s not easy to do with high school kids. These girls actually want to see each other do well. So it’s nice to see them win. You want to see them get that reward for all their hard work.” For the Lady Indians, there is more work to do. Not only will four of them compete for individual state honors, they will be out to defend their PIAA title when state tournament action commences Oct. 21 at Penn State. Peters Township won the Class 3A team championship in 2023.
Mason Geyer (left) along with Nate Stohl (58) and Austin Middleton (50) gang up and tackle JaVaughn Moore (6) of Bethel Park during Upper St. Clair’s 14-10 victory. The trio have helped USC rank among the top defenses in the WPIAL, limiting opponents to 10 points per game.
ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC Peters Township fired a 317 and won its third straight WPIAL title for girls’ golf.
SF boys finish runner-up in WPIAL golf
By Eleanor Bailey The Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net
South Fayette entered the 2024 scholastic boys’ golf season with high hopes.
The Lions returned five starters from last year’s squad that placed fifth in the WPIAL and featured one of the top players in the district.
“Coming into the season we thought we could get to the finals and hopefully do something,” said SF skipper Bobby Ruffolo. “We had everybody back from last year and that was great. The goal was to try and get a WPIAL championship.”
Three shots separated the Lions from that objective.
During the WPIAL Class 3A finals played Oct. 10 at the Cedarbrook Golf Course in Belle Vernon, South Fayette finished runner-up to North Allegheny. From the blue tees on the 6,413-yard Gold course, the Lions fired a 389 while the Tigers posted a 389 score.
“It’s not fair to say it’s a disappointment but we set a goal that we fell a little short of. Three shots,” Ruffolo emphasized.
“The boys played great. We are very, very proud of them.” Jackson Stephens led the Lions with a 1-over-73. Randy Fisher and Sam Bishop followed with 76 and 77 respectively. Noah Nicholas and Brady Newman finished with 80 and 83.
Fisher and Trevor D’Alessandro are the lone seniors in the line-up. Both are standout hockey players, who helped
the Lions capture the school’s first Penguins Cup as well as state championship in 2023.
“Both are fantastic students and great kids,” Ruffolo said. “It’s nice having them on the team because they know how to win and are familiar with the feeling. Unfortunately, they also know how that feels not to win.”
Ruffolo added Fisher and D’Alessandro are good
enough golfers to also continue their careers in college if they chose that route but emphasized their love of hockey.
“They will be successful in whatever they do,” he predicted.
The future is bright for Stephens, Newman, Nicholas and Bishop and the Lions. They are all juniors.
“We are losing two great seniors but we also have four of our top six back next year,”
Ruffolo said. “We had unbelievable play out of all our juniors. Jackson, Brady, Noah and Sammy have been phenomenal players all year.”
“So the goal obviously is to try to get back here and try again. That’s all we can do.”
While the team has to wait until next year because only the top team from Class 3A in the WPIAL advance to the state tournament, Bishop has qualified for the PIAA individual championships set for Oct. 21-23 at Penn State. He finished tied for ninth place in the WPIAL tournament to advance to the state championships. “Sam has been one of the best in the WPIAL so we are looking forward to see what he can do moving forward and I am really excited to see what the team can do next year.”
“You want to go back and prove yourself again but there are so many good teams and we are not necessarily expected to win,” Lacey said. “We have to play the same team we beat by five strokes and five is not a lot. It’s a couple holes, a couple bounces.”
Experience though provides Peters Township an edge.
“We have been close before. We played the course before. We know what to expect,” Lacey agreed. “But it’s a coin flip. One bounce here or there will determine who wins. It will be close. We are not heavy favorites. Not like the WPIAL,” he added.
“We got here though. That is the hard part.”
NOTES: Upper St. Clair finished seventh in the team standings. The Lady Panthers posted a 377 team score.
Bolster
his right shoulder in mid-August. A Princeton recruit, he intends to play football and baseball for the Tigers.
In leading the Black Hawks to the WPIAL semifinals and an 11-2 record as a sophomore, he collected 1,437 all-purpose yards with 17 touchdowns. Last season, he caught 52 passes for 734 yards and rushed for 409 more yards on 53 carries. He scored 14 touchdowns. Against USC, Petras caught five passes for 85 yards. He also had one kick return for 30 yards.
“Ryan did a great job of what we asked him to do,” Peckich said. “There was some game rust but even a professional athlete would have that after such a long layoff.
Moore rushed for 98 yards on 27 attempts against USC. He had four receptions and scored the lone touchdown on a 7-yard run that tied the game midway through the third quarter.
Jackson Friday emerges as another plus for the Black Hawks. He kicked a 36-yard field goal that provided Bethel Park a 10-7 lead over USC with under four minutes to play. He has provided 16 extra points so far this year.
Peckich noted Friday has been the third kicker BP has used this season because of concussions. All have come from the successful soccer team, which is qualified for the Class 3A playoffs after clinching the Section 2 title.
“I can’t say enough about that kid,” Peckich said. “That was close to his maximum and under such pressure.”
In the win against USC, Dahlem rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown while Banbury powered his way to 102 yards on 19 carries. Heading into the game with Baldwin, Dahlem had 866 yards rushing and 12 scores while Banbury had 340 yards and three touchdowns. Coury has 554 yards and eight TDs.
Against BP, Ethan Hellmann completed three passes for 67 yards. The senior signal caller connected with Charlie Bywalski for the game-winning touchdown. In heavy coverage, Bywalski leaped up and caught the 24-yard scoring strike with 48 seconds to play in the game.
ing, we are going to be here for him when he does. We’ll run until they stop us and then we’ll pass.”
USC has run the ball well because of the blocking of its offensive line. It features Princeton recruits Nate Stohl and Michael Albert as well as Brock Gillespie, Mason Geyer, Reese Pirain and Bobby Fleckenstein.
and Addy Shedd followed. Myla and Madalyn Burchill also contributed for the Panthers.
“Ryan will continue to grow. He will get back to being Ryan Petras. We just saw glimpses of that.”
Though it was stymied by the USC defense, Bethel Park will continue to display the flashes that make it the most potent offense in the WPIAL. The Hawks average 45.8 points per game even after their season-low output of 10 against the Panthers.
Tanner Pfeuffer continues to lead the WPIAL in passing. The senior signal caller has completed 100 of 163 attempts for 1,798 yards and 23 touchdowns. He has thrown only two interceptions. In the loss against USC, Pfeuffer completed 11 aerials for 141 yards.
JaVaughn Moore remained the No. 2 rusher in the WPIAL with 1,385 yards on 163 carries for an 8.3-yard average. Moore, who is the team’s third-leading receiver with 16 catches for 279 yards, leads BP with 22 touchdowns and in scoring with 134 points.
Until the season concludes, Bethel Park will be under pressure to perform because each game could be the last once the playoffs commence.
“Collectively we have to get better as a team and a staff,” Peckich said. “We have to play better as a team in these environments (like USC).
“Our conference is good. There’s a good chance that anybody can beat anyone on Friday night. There’s a good chance that we could see any of these opponents again.”
Bethel Park can take some consolation from its loss to USC. When the Black Hawks beat USC for the conference crown in 2022, the Panthers avenged that defeat in the semifinals of the playoffs to reach the championships.
Baldwin at USC
Upper St. Clair added a wrinkle to its offensive attack when it defeated Bethel Park, 14-10, and the Panthers will get an opportunity to finetune that passing attack when they host Baldwin at 7 p.m. Oct. 25 in the regular-season finale.
In rolling up an undefeated record, the Panthers have relied upon the rushing of Julian Dahlem and John Banbury after Dante Coury injured his ankle.
Bywalski noted that he had “run that route a lot” during offseason workouts with Hellmann. He also had three previous game-winning touchdowns last year against Norwin, Moon and Canon-McMillan.
“So this is nothing new for me and Ethan. We are on the same page. We have confidence in each other.”
USC head coach Mike Junko maintains faith in Hellmann, who has completed 24 of 49 aerials for 578 yards and nine touchdowns this fall.
“I tip my hat to Ethan,” Junko continued. ‘Here’s a quarterback who has to come in and out of the game. Often, it’s hard to find a rhythm. When you need him on a big play, on a team that runs the ball a lot, to go out there and make a play and put that ball perfectly in there, well, I am so proud of him.”
Junko said that whenever the Panthers find themselves in a tight game, like the Bethel Park contest, they know they are going to have to throw the ball and make the play.
“We never lost faith in our ability to throw the ball,” he said. “It’s great to see us make a play by throwing the football.”
While Hellmann says there’s a “frustration” in a quarterback not being able to throw, at the end of the day, he trusts Junko and his game plans.
“We run the ball well but whenever he needs that pass-
In part to many of those linemen, the Panthers also make it tough for opposing offenses. USC ranks among the top teams in the WPIAL in defense, allowing only 10 points per game. The defensive front of Stohl, Albert, Geyer and Austin Middleton applies the pressure while the middle of Van Hellmann, Carter Stein, Banbury and the secondary of Bryce Jones, Nico D’Orazio, Dahlem, Bywalksi and Randy Yan contain both the passing and rushing attack.
Peters Township
The Indians took a page out of the Panthers’ playbook and used the running game to dispatch South Fayette, 38-3. Nolan DiLucia rushed for 108 yards on nine carries and scored a touchdown on a 34yard run. DiLucia also completed 15 of 20 passes for 182 yards and a 21-yard scoring strike to Reston Lehman. Eli Prado caught five passes while Nick McCullough had four receptions while Nick Courie rushed for two scores of 3 and 2 yards and Darius McMillon added an 8-yard touchdown run. Anthony Maiello kicked a 43-yard field goal.
For the Lions, Luke Gillen kicked a 43-yard field goal and Ben Cavenaugh caught four passes.
While the Indians are hosting Bethel Park in the Allegheny Six Conference finale, South Fayette travels to Moon for the final regular season game that should decide the playoff fate for both squads. Kickoffs for both games are 7 pm. Oct. 25.
Other games
Mt. Lebanon hosts Norwin in the Quad-County Conference finale at 7 p.m. Oct. 25 while Chartiers Valley travels to Ringgold for the Big Six Conference finale.
The Blue Devils suffered a 42-34 loss to Penn Hills in previous non-conference action.
In the loss, Patrick Smith rushed for 215 yards and three touchdowns of 53, 18 and 1 yards. He also completed 15 passes for 206 yards. Noah Schaerli pulled in six receptions for 104 yards and a 28yard touchdown. Kris Kambitsis also had six receptions. Sam McAuley scored the other touchdown on a 9-yard run in the fourth quarter. The Colts are coming off a 49-21 loss to Trinity. In the defeat, Luke Miranda tossed touchdown passes of 73 and 8 yards to Julius Best and Owen Weagraff. Tayshaun Lewis rushed for an 11-yard score. Pat Jurisic kicked the extra points.
Mia Capriotti led USC with the low score of 89. Olivia Ziegler
ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
South Fayette finished runner-up to North Allegheny for the Class 3A title during the WPIAL team championships for golf. The Lions racked up a 389 score while NA finished first with a 386.
ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC Sophia Severns of Peters Township watches as her shot approaches the hole on No. 18 during WPIAL Class 3A girls team championship action.Severns shot an 81 for the round.
sights & sounds
Pumpkin power
Now is the time to add this superfood to your diet
By Kristin Emery
For the Observer-Reporter
newsroom@observer-reporter.com
It’s now officially autumn, and that means fall fun like planning Halloween costumes, picking pumpkins to carve and enjoying pumpkin-flavored everything.
As more pumpkin-inspired products hit the market, be aware that they may not be as healthy as you think, even though they contain a superfood.
Pumpkin is a squash that is considered a superfood and contains antioxidants like beta-carotene (converted into vitamin A), and vitamin C, which both protect cells from damage.
“Vitamin A and C, which act as antioxidants to protect eye health, promote healthy skin cells, and boost our immune system,” says Alianna Anselmi, Registered Dietitian at the Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Comprehensive Weight Management Center. “Pumpkin is also high in fiber, which supports good digestion and blood sugar management. In addition to its vitamin and mineral content, pumpkin is low in calories, providing less than 50 calories per cup.”
Start fresh
Fresh pumpkin puree is made by roasting sugar pumpkins, which produce a more yellow-golden color. Fresh pumpkin puree requires extra time and effort and can be messy, but not much different than
making a jack-o’-lantern. “Canned pumpkin puree can be produced from a blend of sweet pumpkins and squashes, like butternut, which are often steamed, producing a deep orange color,” says Anselmi. “Canned pumpkin is quick and convenient; all you have to do is open the can. If you decide to skip the hassle of pumpkin carving and use canned pumpkin puree, make sure you are getting the real deal: Look for cans that say ‘100% pure pumpkin’ on the label.”
One common mistake with pumpkin recipes (especially baking) is assuming pumpkin pie mix is the same as pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie mix contains pumpkin, a variety of spices, sugar, and other additives/preservatives. Pumpkin puree contains just one ingredient: pumpkin.
what’s happening
PT REC
The Peters Township recreation center will be open to ages 7 to 11 from 10:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 25 for fun and games. Children should wear gym shoes and bring a water bottle. Fee is $5 ($8 nonmembers).
Magnetic Magic will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 24. Ages 5 to 12 can attend. Fee is $42 ($63 nonmembers).
Jeopardy will be played from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 29. Participants test trivia skills and knowledge of events in categories ranging from history and pop culture to science and literature.
A Minute To Win It event will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30. Ages 5 and over can participate in this family-bonding, competitive event. Wear comfortable clothes. Fee is $1 per member ($3 per person for nonmembers).
Superhero Night will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8. Ages 10 and under can meet their favorite characters and participate in action-packed games and activities. Costumes are encouraged. Fee is $5 ($8 nonmembers). Visit www.peterstownship. com or call 724-942-5000 to register or for more details on any program.
CHABAD
A presentation on how to navigate Medicare will be the topic for Seniors in the Sukkah at 1 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Chabad of the South Hills location in Mt. Lebanon. Suggested donation is $5. Pre-registration is required. Contact barb@chabadsh. com or call 412-278-2658. Additionally, Rabbi Mendel Rosenblum will conduct a six-week course on Jewish wisdom for building deeper, richer connections in relationships from 7:30 to 8:45
While pumpkin is nutritional and the spices in a pumpkin spice blend (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves) have been shown to have health benefits such as reducing inflammation and helping with digestion, many “pumpkin spice” flavored products don’t necessarily contain any real pumpkin or spices.
“I tell my patients they should not associate all the nutritional benefits of pumpkin with their venti Pumpkin Spice Latte or piece of pumpkin roll,” says Anselmi. “Unfortunately, lots of sugar and fat is added to these products, even if they use some amount of real pumpkin. Frequent intake of these types of highly processed food items can provide excessive amounts of calories with no nutritional value, causing weight gain and increased risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes.”
For example, a 16-ounce pumpkin spice latte from a popular coffee retailer has 390 calories, 50 grams of sugar, 14 grams of fat, and none of the fiber offered when eating natural pumpkin.
Pour on the pumpkin
Looking to incorporate more pumpkin into your diet? It can be roasted, pureed into soup, or incorporated into muffins, breads or pancakes. If you’re using a whole pumpkin, don’t throw away the seeds.
“Pumpkin seeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation, lower heart disease risk, improve mood stability, and enhance quality of sleep,” says Anselmi. “These seeds also contain high levels of zinc and magnesium, which can help keep your immune system and bones strong. Best of all, you can add them to just about any meal (sprinkle on salads, oatmeal or yogurt for a healthy crunch).” Or you can snack on the seeds alone for a healthy on-the-go treat.
It’s easy to add real, healthy, beneficial pumpkin into your meals and beverages at home. Anselmi recommends looking for pumpkin-flavored items that contain real pumpkin but low amounts of sugar and other highly
processed ingredients such as pumpkin Greek yogurt, pumpkin bisque and pumpkin ravioli. She also recommends protein supplements to her patients and notes they come in pumpkin flavor.
“These are a great way to enjoy this seasonal flavor while getting 20 to 30 grams of protein,” says Anselmi. “The premixed shake is a great replacement for traditional coffee creamer which is often high in sugar and lacking in protein.”
Here are a few of Anselmi’s favorite pumpkin recipes:
■ Craving something sweet with nutritional benefits? https://kalejunkie.com/copycat-trader-joes-pumpkin-granola-bark.
Go beyond pie with savory, roast ■ ed pumpkin: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/281985/balsamicroasted-pumpkin-with-goat-cheese. ■ Pumpkin bread in a pinch (this is Anselmi’s go-to recipe for something quick to bring to any fall gathering): https://tasty.co/recipe/2-ingredient-pumpkin-bread.
p.m. Wednesdays beginning Nov. 13 at Chabad of the South Hills, Bower Hill Road location. Email rabbi@chabadsh.com or call 412-344-2424.
FLEA MARKET
The Church of the Atonement will hold a flea market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 25 and Oct. 26 at 618 Washington Ave. in Carnegie. Household articles, linens, decorations, puzzles, clothing, socks, winter coats and shoes are among the items for sale. For questions or to donate, call 412-276-0366.
ELKS EVENT
The Pittsburgh South Hills Elks 2213 will hold a dinner dance from 5 to 10 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Bethel Park Lodge located at 2789 South Park Road. Tickets are $25. Dinner entree is prime rib with baked potato and salad. RSVP by Oct. 23 by calling 412-831-0616.
COLLEGE CLUB
The College Club of Carnegie will meet Nov. 2 at Bella’s on Fort Couch, 91 Fort Couch Road. Doors open at noon with lunch to follow. “Giving Thanks” is the theme. Entertainment will be provided by G.C. Gibson, vocalist and keyboard artist. Mystery gift packages and a 50/50 raffle will be held to benefit the scholarship fund. Women with a post-secondary education can attend. Call 412-279-4458 for further information.
PT LIBRARY
New York Times-bestselling author Patrick Radden Keefe will be featured at The Peters Township Library Foundation’s seventh annual Novel November event. This Q&A-style interview will take place Nov. 7, followed by questions from the audience and a post-event book signing.
Tickets are $30 for adults and $5 for students. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $75 and include a reception with music and light refreshments from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. in the Peters Township High School cafeteria. VIP ticket holders will receive either “Rogues,” “Empire of Pain” or “Say Nothing” (as supplies last) and attend a pre-event book signing by Keefe. Call 724-941-9430, extension 3113, for more details.
BP LIBRARY
Renowned paranormal researcher Edward Ozosky will discuss eerie tales and recorded deaths at The Handel House, located along Brownsville Road near Wallace Road. Presented by the Bethel Park library, the program runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 7 in council chambers.
VET EVENT
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Registered Nurses Club will hold its Veterans Day Memorial Program at noon on Nov. 11 at the Nurses War Memorial Monuments, located on Corrigan Drive in South Park. All military nurses will be honored and a wreath will be placed at the monuments. VFW Post 6664, Library, will also participate to honor all military and place a wreath at the Purple Heart monument.
Heather L. Kowger, MSCRNA, BS Emergency Medicine, BSN and Lt Colonel USAF, is the guest of honor. The Rev. Jon Brzek, U.S. Navy chaplain (Ret.) and parochial vicar of St Joan of Arc/St. Catherine Laboure Parish, will also participate. Bagpiper Bradley Wilson will perform military music.
BLOOD DRIVE
Our Lady of Hope Parish will hold a blood drive from
8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 23 in Frawley Hall of St. Valentine’s Catholic Church, located at 2700 Ohio St. in Bethel Park. To schedule an appointment to donate, visit vitalant.org or call 1-877-25VITAL. For more details or a list of available times contact Lisa Malle at 412-726-6942 or Mary Balogh at 412-884-1283. Those who donate blood from Nov. 1 to Dec. 1 are automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $10,000 gift cards.
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 SHOWS
■ 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.
■ The St. Raphael the Archangel holiday craft show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 16 in the SS. Simon and Jude school gymnasium, located at 1625 Green Tree Road. In addition to 75 tables of crafts, there will be a Chinese auction of items made by participants, a bake sale and lunch available for purchase. Parking and admission are free. Proceeds benefit the Faith Formation program at the parish.
■ A Christmas Vendor and Craft Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 16 at St. Valentine Church’s Frawley Hall, located at 2710 Ohio St. in Bethel Park. Tables are available for $40 ($45 after Oct. 18). Email teachbech@ gmail.com for more details.
■ The Pittsburgh Christian Academy craft show will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 16 at the school, located at 1922 Pennsylvania Ave. in West Mifflin. Fee per table is $35. Email rhorick25@pittsburghchristianacademy.org to reserve a table or for more information. In addition to crafts, the event will feature basket raffles and a bake sale.
■ 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.
ART MARKET
The Upper St. Clair League of Arts will host its 50th Sugarplum Artisan Marketplace from Nov. 7 to 12 at 1770 McLaughlin Run Road. Times are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Sunday and Tuesday, when the show closes at 2 p.m. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted for purchases.
FREE ENTRY
The History Center and Fort Pitt Museum offer free admission to children, ages 17 and under, through Nov. 30. Regular rates apply to adult visitors.
The History Center features six floors of award-winning exhibitions and interactive
learning spaces, as well as the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum. Fort Pitt, located in Point State Park, tells the story of the region’s role during the French and Indian War, the American Revolution and the birthplace of Pittsburgh through interactive exhibits, like-like figures and artifacts.
Both museums are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit heinzhistorycenter.org for more information.
VET DAY
Mt. Lebanon will conduct a Veterans Day ceremony at 4 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Veterans Memorial, off Cedar Boulevard, near the Recreation Center. Retired Lt. Col Ed Jackson, USAF, is the keynote speaker.
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.
Alianna Anselmi OBSERVER-REPORTER
Pumpkins aplenty at Simmons Farm Market in Peters Township in 2023 photo
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JOHN SISSON MERCEDES-BENZ
470 Washington Road Adjacent to Gabriel’s, 724-206-6000 www.johnsissonmercedes.com
NISSAN
JOHN SISSON NISSAN 470 Washington Road Adjacent to Gabriel’s, Washington, PA 724-223-8600 www.johnssissonnissan.com
RAM
ROTOLO’S RAM 58 Route 88, North Charleroi, PA 15022 888-269-6183 www.rotolomotors.com
SOLOMON RAM Routes 21 & 88 Carmichaels, PA 724-966-2600 www.solomonauto.com
SOLOMON RAM Routes 40 & 43 Brownsville, PA 724-785-8000 www.solomonauto.com
SOUTH HILLS RAM Washington Road, McMurray, PA 724-941-4300 www.southhillsauto.com
SUBARU
BUDD BAER SUBARU 71 Murtland Avenue, Washington, PA 724-222-0700 www.buddbaersubaru.com TOYOTA
SOUTH HILLS TOYOTA 2403 Washington Road Canonsburg, PA 15317 724-743-1144 www.southhillstoyota.com VOLKSWAGEN
THREE RIVERS VOLKSWAGEN 3694 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 724-941-6100 www.3riversvw.com
Pre-owned dealers
#1 COCHRAN PREOWNED MARKETPLACE 150 Racetrack Road Washington, PA 412-349-1794 www.cochran.com
PREMIERE AUTO SALES
667 E. Maiden St., Washington, PA 724-223-0600 www.premiereautosales.com
RT. 18 HOMES AUTO SALES 940 Henderson Ave., Washington, PA 724-225-5308 www.18autosales.com
THREE RIVERS AUTO SALES 30 South Central Avenue Canonsburg, PA 15317 724-338-2923 www.3riversvw.com
TREGEMBO MOTORS I-70 Exit 32B, Bentleyville, PA 724-239-2200 www.tregembomotors.com
WARNE MOTORS INC. 107 East Pike Street Canonsburg, PA 724-746-5956 www.johnwarnemotors.com
