Bonding over books
Silent book clubs offer low-key forums for meeting up with friends, reading
By Karen Mansfield Staff writer
kmansfield@observer-reporter.com
The Silent Book Club at Aslin Beer Company wasn’t silent when the November meeting began.
On a recent Tuesday, three dozen members of the Pittsburgh chapter gathered on the top floor of Aslin, a brewery in the Strip District, and chatted, laughed, and ordered burgers and drinks.
Then, about a half-hour later, the floor fell quiet, as people opened their books – hardcovers, softcovers, and Kindles – or popped in earbuds to listen to audiobooks.
Unlike traditional book clubs, Silent Book Club’s Pittsburgh chapter doesn’t require people to read the same title. They bring whatever they’re reading – fiction or non-fiction – and read independently for about an hour. Reading time is sandwiched between socializing at the beginning and end of the meeting.
It’s a no-pressure way to get reading done, spend time with friends, meet new friends, and get out in the community, said Teresa Torlone of Charleroi, co-leader of the Pittsburgh chapter.
“It’s really blown up,” said Torlone. “We have this little community that loves getting together for meetings, but outside of meetings, too,” said Torlone.
Indeed, the Silent Book Club has become a global phenomenon.
It was founded in San Francisco in 2012 by a toddler mom who wanted to finish a chapter of a book without distraction, so she met up with a friend at a neighborhood bar with the goal of reading in companionable silence.
Today, Silent Book Club has more than 1,400 chapters in all
Beat the holiday blues
By Karen Mansfield Staff writer
kmansfield@observer-reporter.com
Holidays feel overwhelming?
Support is available, said state officials.
“The holiday season can bring about a range of feelings and experiences - some of which can be difficult or feel isolating. Please know that if you are going through hard times or find this time of year to be challenging, you are not alone,” said Department of Human Services Secretary Valerie A. Arkoosh. “No matter what you are feeling or struggling with, you don’t have to go through this time on your own. Support is available, and we urge Pennsylvanians to use these resources for themselves or share them with loved ones or friends.”
Mental Health Resources
People struggling with their mental health or considering self-harm, have difficulty with other behavioral needs, or who are looking to help a loved one, can call or text 988 to reach the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
The Lifeline is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 988 is a direct link for
support. Anyone who calls, texts, or chats with 988 will be connected immediately
Members of the South Hills Chapter of the Silent Book Club read during a monthly meeting at The Porch at Siena in Upper St. Clair.
PHOTOS: KAREN MANSFIELD/OBSERVER-REPORTER
ABOVE LEFT: Lydia Liszewski of Hermitage attended the November meeting of the Silent Book Club at Aslin Beer Company in the Strip District. ABOVE RIGHT: Members of the Pittsburgh chapter of the Silent Book Club meet monthly to read silently and to socialize before and after the silent reading period starts.
50 states and in 54 countries. There are chapters in Upper St. Clair, Pittsburgh, Robinson Township, the Brownsville Free Public Library, and Dormont.
Torlone, 33, said Silent Book Club has been billed as a book club for introverts, but it’s ideal for bibliophiles who don’t like the idea of spending time reading a book someone else picked.
“For me, I like that there’s no homework. We all just get together and we all read different books. It’s just like-minded people getting together and getting to spend time with people without the pressure of meeting a deadline to read a book and talk about it,” said Torlone.
On this Tuesday, Lydia Liszewski, 23, of Hermitage, sat cross-legged in a leather seat reading a paperback copy of “The Saturday Night Ghost Club,” by Craig Davidson, a gothic/horror story with a Stranger Things-meets-StandBy-Me vibe. It was her second meet-up.
“I saw the Silent Book Club on Instagram, and I love to read, so I came with my friend and I really liked it,” said Liszewski, a research technician. “I thought it would be nice to read with other people. I liked the idea of it.”
In a corner booth, Megan McManus of Wexford chatted with her high school best friend.
“I started coming last winter. I just really liked the idea that you don’t need to read the same book as everyone else,” said McManus, an environmental project manager and owner of Petite Bindery, a book binding and sprayed edges company who also attends the SBC South Hills Chapter meetings. “In other book clubs, you have to read a book on a schedule and I don’t like that. My work is stressful enough. I like to read my own books on my own time.”
Torlone ran across Silent Book Club one night in May 2023 while scrolling through TikTok, and she immediately called her best friend, Amanda Palombo.
“I called her around 11 p.m. a night and said, ‘Hey, I want to do this. Do you want to do this with me?’ She immediately said yes, and within 20 minutes we had submitted and asked for permission to start our own chapter. We told our husbands what we wanted to do, and my husband said he’d expect nothing less of us,” said Torlone, laughing.
In June 2023, they hosted their first meeting. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month, and as many as 100 bookworms have turned out for a meeting.
health crisis response counselors. Callers also can connect with the Veterans Crisis Line or receive assistance in Spanish. Pennsylvania’s Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Resource guides offer information related to mental health screenings, help with finding a mental health or SUD treatment
“I don’t think that either one of us thought it would grow to this scale, truly. It was just an opportunity for us to meet people who love to read, but I’m grateful that it’s turned into what it has. We’re a super-friendly group. You can mingle and talk if you want, but if you want to hole up by yourself, that’s absolutely acceptable as well,” said Palombo. “It gives people an opportunity to come together and find other things that they might enjoy, too. It’s really flexible,
professional, resources for housing insecurity, help with trauma, and assistance with contacting your county assistance office and drug and alcohol office, and applying for benefits.
Substance Use
Disorder Resources
People seeking substance use treatment or recovery resources for themselves or a loved one can call the toll-free PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). The confidential hotline is
and that’s super appealing to a lot of people.”
Among the titles read at the November meeting: “The Midnight Library,” a novel by Matt Haig; “Me Talk Pretty One Day,” a collection of essays by humorist David Sedaris; “Oathbringer,” the third in high fantasy writer Brandon Sanderson’s series “The Stormlight Archive; and “Demon Copperhead,” the 2023 Pulitzer prize-winning novel by author Barbara Kingsolver. Stevie Hosler of Bethel Park is co-leader of the SBC South
available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is staffed by trained professionals who will connect callers to resources in their community. Callers can also be connected with funding if they need help paying for treatment. Treatment Atlas (treatmentatlas.org) also is available for Pennsylvanians and their loved ones to search for and compare substance use disorder treatment facilities based on criteria such as location, services offered, and insurance accepted.
Hills chapter, which celebrated its one-year anniversary in November.
Hosler started attending Silent Book Club meetings in Pittsburgh after work shortly after the chapter launched, but the meeting time conflicted with her schedule.
“I talked with Amanda and Teresa and said I thought it would be cool if I had a club in my part of town,” said Hosler, who started the group with Laura Cannella. “They were on board, and about a monthand-a-half later, we had the
“While the holidays are usually filled with celebrations, gatherings and cherished times with family and friends, the very same things can be overwhelming and triggering for those who are battling a substance use disorder. We want everyone to know that no one is alone. Help is always available,” said state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Deputy Secretary Kelly Primus. “DDAP’s Get Help Now resource is just one phone call away. It’s open every hour of every day; some-
first meeting for the South Hills Chapter.
At first, 12 people showed up. Now, once a month, 40 to 50 regulars and newcomers pack the Porch at Siena in Upper St. Clair.
“Within three months, we were outgrowing spaces,” said Hosler, who held the chapter’s first meeting at South Park Library and moved to Panera Bread at the Galleria of Mt. Lebanon before The Porch welcomed the group.
Hosler emphasized people can read anything they like, any way they want to.
And she pointed out that silent book clubs provide the opportunity for people to do something individually while also doing something collectively.
The Pittsburgh and South Hills chapters include social activities at their meetings –they’ve hosted book swaps and
one will always be on the end of the other line – including on holidays.” Naloxone
Naloxone is a medication that can reverse the effects of opioids during an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain and restoring breathing.
Pennsylvanians can obtain naloxone at their local pharmacy by using the secretary of Health’s standing order (found on PA.gov) or can get it mailed to their home through
book signings and Q&A discussions by local authors, and the South Hills chapter hosts book bingo and other events.
“I do think people enjoy the community aspect of it. I think that’s the biggest thing for me as a woman in her 40s, it can be difficult to make meaningful friendships with all of the things that I have going on. I feel like I’ve made lifelong friends with these people, who have so much in common with me,” said Hosler, who is currently reading “Throne of Secrets,” a fantasy romance by New York Times bestselling author Kerri Maniscalo. “I now hang out regularly with some of the women I’ve met who are now my friends and who I have so much in common with. It’s a great community where everyone is so welcoming, and we’re bonded by a common interest but it’s become so much more.”
NEXT Distro. Residents can also get naloxone mailed to their home when completing a short training through a partnership with Next DISTRO. Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen encouraged people to be vigilant for signs that someone may need a helping hand or a listening ear during the holiday season.
“Another way to help neighbors and loved ones who may be struggling with substance use disorder is by carrying
SEE BLUES PAGE A3
KAREN MANSFIELD/OBSERVER-REPORTER
Best friends Teresa Torlone, left, of Charleroi, and Amanda Palombo, right, of Butler, started the Pittsburgh chapter of the Silent Book Club about a year and a half ago.
SHIM volunteer receives United Way IMPACT Award
South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) is receiving a grant from United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania to honor the efforts of volunteer Mary Ann Shiring, a recipient of one of United Way’s IMPACT (Individuals Making Progress and Creating Transformation) Awards.
United Way agency partners were invited to nominate volunteers for the awards. Of the 160 agencies invited, 32 submitted nominations.
“The IMPACT Awards provide an opportunity for United Way to honor volunteers who have dedicated their lives to uplifting this community,” said Bobbi Watt Geer, United Way president and CEO. “We are inspired when we see these volunteers in action because they show us that everyone has a part to play in contributing to our region.”
naloxone… because you never know when you will have the opportunity to save a life,” said Bogen. Resources for Older Adults
The Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resource Centers (the PA Link) assists older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing information and connecting them to supports, including assistive technology to access telehealth services, check-in calls and options to help reduce social isolation. Any older adult needing support can contact the PA Link Call Center at 1-800-753-8827 or go online to www.carelink.pa.gov.
In addition, Pennsylvania’s 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), covering the state’s 67 counties, provide virtual and in-person activities, including health and wellness programs.
SHIM will receive $5,000 to support the food pantry op-
erations including food, supplies and fuel for the trips volunteers make to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to collect food to distribute through SHIM’s pantry. Shiring has donated more than 1,000 hours to helping her neighbors through SHIM for the last five years.
She volunteers in the food pantry, both with preparations and with distributions.
“SHIM is grateful for the 200-plus volunteers who dedicate more than 15,000 hours each year,” said Jim Guffey, SHIM executive director. “Mary Ann stands out for her leadership and consistency. Not only does she focus on helping our clients, but she focuses on supporting her fellow volunteers. Mary Ann takes time to appreciate her team, which increases productivity and helps SHIM maintain high levels of volunteer participation for these vital tasks.”
DHS and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging also want families who find themselves caring for children who lost parents or whose parents are not able to be their primary caregiver to know that help is available via the KinConnector helpline. The helpline is staffed by Kinship Navigators who are prepared to help families locate, understand, and access resources that can help them during the holiday season. Contact KinConnector at 1-866-546-2111 or online at kidconnector.org.
Resources for People with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism
oped by self-advocates to provide helpful tips and suggestions for people with intellectual disabilities and autism to manage stress during the holidays. These tips include:
■ Being aware of potential sensory issues and trying to explain them to other people so they can assist if you’re feeling overstimulated
■ Talking to a trusted friend or family member about expectations for gatherings
■ Using coping skills and having an exit plan if you need to excuse yourself
BP hires assistant manager
Jahd Burns has been named Bethel Park’s new assistant municipal manager. He assumed the role Nov. 12.
Burns has extensive experience in community planning and engagement as well as project management and looks forward to putting his background to use in his new role.
“The holiday season comes with expectations of joy and happiness, but not everyone’s experience is the same. Older adults may have feelings of isolation, loneliness, depression, or disconnect if they experienced the loss of friends and loved ones or feel a lack of belongingness,” said Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich. “If any older adult is struggling, we want them to know they are not alone, and that the Department of Aging and AAAs have resources to support them. These resources range from engaging with a caring voice on the other end of a phone call to gathering safely with like-minded individuals for socializing and participating in activities. I encourage any older adult who may need support to please reach out to us.”
DHS’ Office of Developmental Programs has resources devel -
■ Making sure you have a safe, comfortable place when you come home to decompress
■ Understanding self-care and
knowing what works best for you in
holiday situations. Additional information and resources can be found at www.myodp.org or www.paautism.org. Public Assistance Programs
DHS encourages Pennsylvanians having trouble meeting basic needs to apply for programs such as Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), cash assistance, and other programs that can help them stay healthy and safe through the winter months. People can apply at any time through compass.dhs.pa.gov. Blues
Most recently, Burns worked as an associate project manager for E. Holdings Inc.; prior to that he worked at the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh as a housing administration and community outreach coordinator and at Maximus Inc. as an outreach supervisor.
In those roles, his work on annual budgets, strategic planning, and staff management will be applicable to his new position with Bethel Park.
Burns has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and a Master of International Development from the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs with a major in urban affairs and planning.
Burns, who’s originally from North Central Pennsylvania, lives in the Brookline neighborhood of Pittsburgh.
Jahd Burns
METROCREATIVE
Resources are available for those who struggle during the holidays.
USC excels at Lit Festival
Upper St. Clair middle and high school students excelled at the South Hills Literature Festival (Lit. Fest!) held recently at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall. USC teams earned two firstplace, two second-place and one third-place finish in the middle and high school Battle of the Books.
Students from more than 25 school districts came together to celebrate literature, workshop poetry from the newly resurrected International Poetry Forum, and compete in the annual Battle of the Books. The event is organized and funded by the South Hills Area Gifted Teachers’ Committee.
Gifted education teachers
Sherri Garvey and Tom Yo-
chum prepared the Upper St. Clair students for the event. The Boyce Middle School students were led by Garvey and the Fort Couch and USCHS contingents were headed by Yochum.
“Upper St. Clair School District had its best-ever showing at the event, winning both the high school and middle school divisions and nearly sweeping the medal stand,”
The team of Sophia Whitman, Sophia Henderson and Maria Alfredson-Themudo earned first place in the High School Division, while Raana Parchuri, Aaron Jiang, John Whitman and Malo Dubreil finished third.
Three teams of Fort Couch Middle School eighth-graders exhibited their literary knowledge, earning one gold and two silver finishes in the Middle School Division.
The team of Mateo Lin, Alex Zhang, Luka Beric and Brayden Wong won first overall. Tied for second place were the team of Seth Pedretti, Will Kreizenbeck, Owen Maher, Max Belczyk and Aadi Kaushik, and the team of Hannah Rideout, Mira Murthy, Claire Dietiker and Lindsey Fitzgerald.
SF student’s artwork chosen for state AG’s calendar contest
Yaara Mohideen Bilal, a fifth-grader at South Fayette Intermediate School, is a winner in the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s 28th annual Drug-Free Calendar Contest.
Her artwork will be featured in the 2025 calendar.
In accordance with National Substance Abuse Prevention Month in October, fifthgrade students across the state were encouraged to create an original piece of artwork that illustrates a drug-free message.
Bilal entered the contest as part of a project she did
in class with teachers Sarah Manly and Matt Caprio. Winning works of art from 13 students were selected to appear in the 2025 calendar, which is circulated across the state in efforts to educate the public about the dangers of drug use. Bilal also won $529 for her PA 529 College Saving Program, a tax-advantaged program that helps families save for educational expenses. A luncheon was scheduled for Dec. 18 at the Office of the Attorney General in Harrisburg to honor Bilal and the other contest winners.
Yaara Mohideen Bilal displays a letter she received from Michelle Henry, Pennsylvania’s attorney general, informing her that she was a winner in the Attorney General’s Drug-Free Calendar Contest. Bilal is with her classmates and Tom Kaminski, principal of South Fayette Intermediate School.
The team of Mateo Lin, Alex Zhang, Luka Beric and Brayden Wong won first overall in the middle school division during the South Hill Literature Festival.
The team of Sophia Whitman, Sophia Henderson and Maria Alfredson-Themudo earned first place in the high school division at the South Hills Literature Festival.
Yochum said.
School boards elect officers Reynolds earns Eagle Scout rank
The Upper St. Clair School Board unanimously elected Dr. Danielle Wetzel as president and Michael Mascaro as vice president during its annual reorganization meeting Dec. 2. Both offices are oneyear appointments.
Wetzel, who served as vice president during 2024, was first elected to a four-year term on the school board in 2021. Mascaro, also elected in 2021, is completing his first four-year term on the board.
Dr. John Rozzo, superintendent of schools, thanked outgoing president Jennifer Schnore for her leadership. Schnore was first appointed to the school board in January 2020 and was elected to a four-year term in 2021. She served as president throughout 2024 and vice president in 2023. The board also approved its 2025 meeting schedule. The first meeting of the new year is Jan. 13, when there will be a Fast Track Curriculum Recommendation Presentation at 6 p.m.
Other meeting dates are Feb. 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2, June 11, Aug. 4, Sept. 3, Oct. 6, Nov. 3 and Dec. 3. The Chartiers Valley School Board reelected Dr. Darren Mariano as president and elected Louise Huehn as vice president. Additionally at its Dec. 3 meeting, Dr. Michael Sable was hired as assistant superintendent and Dr. Lesley McDonough as high school principal.
The next board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 14 in the intermediate school auditorium.
Quinlan David Reynolds of Scout Troop 4, from Bethel Park/Upper St. Clair was recognized for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in a Court of Honor ceremony held at St. Louise de Marillac Church in Upper St. Clair. The final hurdle in the quest for this highest Rank for Boy Scouting is a community service challenge titled “Eagle Project.” The candidate for Eagle must be in charge of all aspects of the project. The tasks include planning, financing, implementation, completion and final presentation of the completed project to a committee of Boy Scout leaders. Reynolds’ project benefitted St. David’s SHIM (South Hills Interfaith Movement) Garden. It consisted of building a set of outdoor stairs on a steep hillside.
Reynolds raised $2,300 through a spaghetti dinner and donations, exceeding his expenses. As a result, $1,089 was donated to St. David’s. Reynolds organized five workdays, during which 22 Scouts volunteered 207 hours,15 adults contributed 115 hours and two others volunteered two hours for a total of 324 hours. Russ Spicuzza, Elk Scouting Representative of South Hills BPOE Lodge 2213 in Bethel Park, gave a short congratulatory talk and presented the new Eagle Scout with two framed Certificates of Merit, one each from the local and national Elks Lodge (Chicago). He also presented him with a small American flag and gold lapel pin, which represents 80-plus years of the relationship between the Elks and Scouting.
Please recycle this newspaper
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Quinlan David Reynolds is pictured with Russ Spicuzza from the South Hills BPOE Lodge 2213.
Global Education Week celebrated at USC
Upper St. Clair High School celebrated Global Education Week (GEW) throughout the week of Nov. 18. Embracing the theme of Game On!, the event featured guest speakers, film screenings, demonstrations and a variety of games and contests.
Led by Doug Kirchner, social studies teacher and curriculum leader, the GEW committee included numerous staff and students. Teachers included Bethany Chase, Marc-Andre Clermont, Nikki Colella, Jessica Peconi, Ron Sivillo and Erika Valentine. In addition, several staff members coordinated and led specific events, including Janine Despines, Human Library; Tom Marquis, Cultural Talent Show; and Tom Yochum, Global Trivia.
“Our annual goal for Global Education Week is designed to bring our school community together in engaging, exciting, and eye-opening ways to celebrate our cultural backgrounds, to help us all be more globally mindful, and to take humanitarian action,” Kirchner said. “With this year’s theme of Game On!, we sought to show how sports and games of all kinds have the power to unite us.”
Approximately 30 students served on the planning committee with several leading different events and activities.
The week kicked-off with a school-wide opening ceremo-
ny. Student clubs and athletic teams were invited to participate in an Olympic-style processional as the marching band played “Summon the Heroes.”
During the ceremony, Upper St. Clair High School graduate and U.S. Olympics swimmer Josh Matheny delivered words of inspiration via video message. Roberto Clemente Jr. served as keynote speaker and challenged students to make their mark on the world.
Students heard from a variety of speakers that included a professional soccer player, a senior writer at The Athletic, a 13-year-old speedcuber, and a little person who has won multiple gold medals at international athletic competitions.
The culminating events included a Cultural Talent show with 15 student performers and a Global Awareness Fair that featured over 30 student organizations with interactive booths. Throughout the week, students collected gently used sports equipment and clothing to benefit the Clemente Foundation and Open Field. “Each of our events attempted to layer in messages that extend beyond sports and games; messages of unity, perseverance, inclusion and humanitarianism,” Kirchner said. “These are messages that are good to be reminded of, particularly in what seems like divided times. Through Global Education Week, we always try to show that we have more that connects us than divides us.”
USC team among Top 64 in international competition
A team of Upper St. Clair High School students has been named one of the Top 64 teams for the 2024-25 International Public Policy Forum (IPPF). Team members include Mana Barimani, Maxim-Levi Shevchenko, Priyaharshini Sivakumar, Nikhita Thakuria and Pari Varshney.
The Upper St. Clair students are part of the Speech & Debate Team, which is coached by teachers Ben Edwards and Dave Watson.
In its 24th year, the International Public Policy Forum is the first and only contest that gives high school students around the world the opportunity to engage in written and oral
debates on issues of public policy. This year marks the second-largest year in competition history, with 283 teams representing schools in 26 countries and 30 U.S. states in the qualifying round.
Upper St. Clair High is one of only three Pennsylvania schools to qualify for the Top 64. The other schools include Pine-Richland and North Allegheny high schools.
“The IPPF presents an opportunity for high school students to engage in one of the largest and most competitive debate contests in the world,” William A. Brewer III, founder of the Brewer Foundation and
Chairman of the IPPF Advisory Board, said. “The Top 64 teams now enter into written elimination rounds that will test their research, writing and advocacy skills.” The round of 64 begins immediately. Teams will continue to debate the topic, “Resolved: Equitable access to pharmaceuticals should be prioritized over protecting intellectual property rights.” Teams will volley a series of essays back and forth via email. A panel of judges will review the essays in the order they are presented, and the winning teams will advance to the Top 32 round. The process continues for several rounds, until the final eight teams are named. In the first round, Upper St. Clair is competing against Neev Academy, located in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The winner of this round will advance to face the Top 32 against the winner between schools from Kentucky and Australia. This format continues until the final eight teams emerge. Those teams earn an all-expense-paid trip to the IPPF Finals in New York City in May 2025. In New York, teams compete in oral debates in front of a panel of judges that include professionals in law, business, politics, debate and academia. The IPPF Champion will be awarded a $10,000 grand
Upper St. Clair High School, led by social studies teacher Doug Kirchner, recently participated in Global Education Week.
sports
Singularly significant
Individual efforts shaped outcomes for athletes in 2024
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor
ebailey@thealmanac.net
2024 marked a significant time period in sports throughout the South Hills region where personal achievements trumped team accomplishments. From the professional through the amateur ranks, individuals impacted the athletic landscape, not to mention contributed to the eventual outcome of the specific sport. These one-of-a-kind competitors dominate The Almanac’s annual sports year in a review. Here’s a look at the Top 10 stories that grabbed the area headlines in sports.
Olympic odyssey
Four area amateur athletes embarked on journeys to compete on the worldwide stage as the Summer Olympics dominated the scene.
Josh Matheny of Upper St. Clair made the biggest splash.
During the U.S. Olympic Team Trials held June 15-23 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, he earned a berth in the Summer Olympic Games by finishing second in the 200-meter breaststroke event. After five different heats, featuring 25 swimmers from 20 nations, the 21-year-old son of Dr. Jeff and Kristin realized his dream and qualified for the finals of the 200-meter race at the Paris La Defense Arena. On July 31, Matheny clocked a 2:09.52, nearly .2 faster than his semifinal time, and finished seventh overall.
Fans of Matheny gathered in the auditorium of his alma mater to watch his races and to view Leon Marchand’s triumph. The Frenchman won the race with a time of 2:05.85.
When Matheny returned home in August, he gifted an Olympic flag to his coach David Schravern to be displayed in the USC natatorium, where he has set many school and
pool records as well as won multiple WPIAL and PIAA gold medals en route to claiming Observer-Reporter and Almanac Male Athlete of the Year laurels in 2022.
An All-America swimmer at Indiana University, Matheny has set his sights on competing in the 2028 Summer Games to be held in Los Angeles.
Matheny may not be alone in California as Sylvia Roy of Mt. Lebanon made waves during her U.S. Olympic Team Trials debut. The University of Virginia recruit competed in the 100- and 200-meter backstroke events, posting personal best times of 1:00.95 and 2:12.41. In the 100 back, she won her heat and was a mere .22 off the mark of 1:00.77 to qualify for the semifinals.
Roy entered the winter scholastic swim season as a three-time WPIAL champion in the 50-yard freestyle as well as 100 back. She set the state record with a 52.90 time in winning the 100 back at the 2024 PIAA championships. Additionally, Matheny’s scholastic team is on the rise again as Nazar Zouskovski already is a WPIAL champion in the 100-yard freestyle. The sophomore helped the Panthers sweep the event as Kaitlyn Connors also won the 100 during the finals held Feb. 29 and March 1 at the University of Pittsburgh’s Trees Pool. Zouskovski and Connors, a Duquesne University freshmen, both earned two medals in their individual events at the PIAA championships.
Zouskovski also helped the USC boys finish runner-up to NA in the team competition, thanks to winning the 400 free relay and adding seconds in the medley and 200 free relays.
Ryan Frank of Mt. Lebanon provided the other swimming highlights. During the regular season, Frank took down the Blue Devil pool record held by
Matheny before going on to capture the gold medal in the 100-yard breaststroke during the WPIAL championships. A Carnegie-Mellon University freshman, Frank was the recipient of the WPIAL Scholar-Athlete Award due in part to his 5.3 GPA as well as National Honor Society and Cum Laude Society membership, not to mention an additional pool record in the 200 medley relay.
Days after the Summer Olympics closed, the Paralympics commenced and Eric McElvenny from Bethel Park competed in the triathlon event. The former Marine officer placed ninth in the PTS4 division. It was his second Top 10 finish in the international event, having placed sixth in the 2020 Games in Tokyo.
Finally, another USC graduate, Savannah Shaw made her debut in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for track and field held in Eugene, Oregon. The 2018 Observer-Reporter and Alma-
nac Female Athlete of the Year competed in the 5,000-meter run held at Hayward Field but did not advance out of the qualifying heats.
Promising pros
While Paul Skenes cemented his place in MLB baseball lore with his pitching debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates, grabbing National League Rookie of the Year status for his 11-3 record, 19.6 ERA and 170 strikeouts, several South Hills athletes made an equal impression in the professional world.
David Shields of Mt. Lebanon grabbed the headlines locally when he signed an MLB contract with Kansas City on July 22. The Royals had selected the 18-year-old southpaw in the second round of the amateur draft held July 14-16 in Fort Worth, Texas. He was the 41st overall pick. The son of Kevin and Marcia Shields had been a University of Mi-
ami recruit before making the decision to turn pro.
Despite battling a bout with mononucleosis, the 6-foot, 210-pound pitcher dominated the mound this past spring, posting a 5-1 record with a 0.96 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 35 innings. He batted .383 and started in centerfield for the Blue Devils, who advanced to the WPIAL finals for the second year in a row.
In two seasons as a starter, Shields compiled an 11-3 record that featured 169 strikeouts in 102 2/3 innings and included a no-hitter in the 2023 district finals and a stellar showing in the PIAA state final. Shields was Pennsylvania Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year as well as The Almanac/Observer-Reporter baseball MVP for two years in a row.
While another Mt. Lebanon product, Austin Kitchen, signed with the Miami Marlins on June 25 after being designated for assignment by
the Colorado Rockies, Mason Miller made his mark in the American League. The Bethel Park native, like Skenes, made history when he recorded a 103.6-mph pitch during the MLB All-Star Game played July 16 in Arlington, Texas. Miller also became the last pitcher to throw a pitch at the Oakland Coliseum on Sept. 26 and finished with 2.49 ERA and 104 strikeouts for the Athletics this fall.
In the professional football ranks, Justin Watson became a Super Bowl champion for the third time in his career when the Kansas City Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers in overtime, 25-22, on Feb. 11 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The South Fayette High School graduate caught three passes for 54 yards, including a 25yard clutch catch in the pivotal fourth quarter. He also recovered a second-quarter fumble to help the Chiefs win back-toback titles. Watson, 27, won his first Super Bowl ring with Tampa Bay in 2021. Ironically, the Buccaneers beat the K.C. Chiefs, 31-9. In hockey, Christian Humphreys was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche during the seventh and final round of the 2024 NHL Draft held June 2829 at the Sphere in Las Vegas. The Peters Township native attended development camp before heading to the University of Michigan, where he is committed to play for the 2024-25 seasons. Humphreys played the past two seasons with the U.S. National Team Development Program, scoring 58 points on 23 goals and 35 assists with the U18 team and 43 points with the U17 club.
Josh Matheny celebrates after advancing to the semifinals of the 200-meter breaststroke race during the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
Josh Matheny (top red ring) enjoys some down time in Paris after competing in the 200-meter breaststroke race during the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
ABOVE LEFT: David Shields after being selected by the Kansas City Royals at the MLB amateur draft held in Texas.
ABOVE RIGHT: Justin Watson let Meghan Ziegelmeyer wear his Super Bowl ring while posing for a photo. A South Fayette High School graduate, Watson paid a visit to Friendship Village in April to see his grandmother. AT RIGHT: Mason Miller had a standout year on the mound for the Oakland A’s. The Bethel Park native tossed the fastest pitch in the MLB All-Star game among other feats.
The Peters Township girls golf team captured a second straight PIAA state championship title as well as a third straight WPIAL banner.
Efforts
FROM PAGE B1
Go girl, go
THE WPIAL held its first championships for female wrestling and also the PIAA approved flag football as a new spring sport for female athletes.
Valarie Solario from Canon-McMillan became the first district as well as state champion in girls’ wrestling. Several other area grapplers earned medals at the WPIAL finals and gained PIAA berths.
Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon and Upper St. Clair sported flag football teams this spring. The district and state teams received sponsorship from the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles. PT on par
In addition to clinching a sixth straight section banner, Peters Township won its third straight WPIAL title for girls golf with a 317 score to outdistance NA by 36 strokes on Oct. 10 at Cedarbrook Golf Course in Belle Vernon.
During the Class 3A team tournament played Oct. 23 on the White Course at Penn State University, the Lady Indians also claimed their second straight PIAA state championship when they outlasted Manheim Township, clinching the crown only after a successful four-hole playoff.
Ellie Benson, who was the WPIAL individual champion, birdied the final hole to seal the victory. Benson carded a 75 during regulation while Sophia Severns and Brooke Vowcheck followed with 76 scores.
Betty Glyptis and Gabby Catalogna rounded out the competition for the Lady Indians, who completed an undefeated season.
On the boys’ side, South Fayette finished runner-up to North Allegheny in the WPIAL and the PIAA. The Lions finished two strokes behind the Tigers at states. Sam Bishop led the Lions. He submitted the best score of the match with an 8-under 64 that included nine birdies. Brady Newman shot 74, and Randy Fisher and Jackson Stephens each shot 76. Noah Nickolas finished with a 79.
Individually, Colton Lusk from Peters Township captured the WPIAL Class 3A title. Lusk shot a 4-under-part 67 on the fabled Oakmont Country Club on Oct. 1 to clinch the championship. He shot a 74 in the first round played at Southpointe Golf Club.
Milestone makers
Danny Holzer, Mike Ermer and Brian Kattan hit personal milestones as coaches for their respective teams.
On Dec. 10 after a 57-42 win against Norwin, Holzer recorded his 500th career victory as the Upper St. Clair High School boys’ basketball
coach. He is only the 21st coach in WPIAL boys basketball history to reach 500 career wins. Holzer has guided the Panthers to four WPIAL district crowns in 1996, 2005, 2021 and 2024.
Earlier this year, the Panthers beat Baldwin, 64-41, to capture the Class 6A crown. During the game played March 2 at the Petersen Events Center, Tyler Robbins led the way with 22 points, 12 rebounds and five blocked shots.
USC lost to Central York, which went on to win the state title, in the PIAA playoffs and finished 22-6 overall.
Ermer and Kattan both won their 200th games as lacrosse coaches at Mt. Lebanon.
When the Blue Devils beat rival USC on May 1, Ermer became the first skipper in the history of WPIAL lacrosse to reach the mark. Kattan entered the 200-victory club this season with an 11-10 triumph over the Panthers.
The Mt. Lebanon boys and girls both captured WPIAL titles on May 23 at Joe Walton Stadium on the RMU campus. The boys defeated North Allegheny, 15-10, while the girls beat Pine-Richland, 16-11.
Quinn Murdoch scored four goals in the girls triumph while Morgan Daniels, Sarah Hudak and Lucy Pryor registered hat tricks. Nora Austin and Grace Goslin completed the scoring.
In boys’ wins, Miles Halter had six goals and three assists. Sullivan Kish, Fred Lasota and Jack Estabrook had two goals each while Joey Hetz, Luke Prezioso and Keegan Green tacked on single tallies. Brody Lockwich had 10 saves.
While the Lebo girls lost to Conestoga on June 8, 18-7, to end its sea-
son at 20-1, in state quarterfinals, the Lebo boys finished 18-5 overall after falling to Garnet Valley, 17-8, in the quarterfinals on Jun8 at Panzer Stadium on the PSU campus.
In other lacrosse action, the Chartiers Valley girls finished runner-up in Class 2A to Mars, falling to the Planets, 14-6, in the championship match on May 23.
The South Fayette boys’ historic season ended with a loss to Mars, 20-10, in the PIAA state semifinals played June 11 at North Allegheny. The contest was a rematch of the WPIAL final, which the Planets won, 16-5.
SF finished 21-3 with a WPIAL runner-up trophy and final four appearance in the state for a program instituted in 2016. Hoop hysteria
For the third year in a row, South Fayette captured a WPIAL title in girls’ basketball. The Lady Lions claimed the Class 5A title when they dispatched Armstrong, 70-63, at the Petersen Events Center. Juliette Leroux led the way with 18 points. Haylie Lamonde and Erica Hall both contributed 17 tallies. Lainey Yater dished up six assists to go along with nine points.
South Fayette lost to Oakland Catholic, 48-28, March 13 in the PIAA playoffs to end its championship season.
Bethel Park was a surprise entrant in the boys’ postseason. The Black Hawks lost to Moon, 67-51, in the PIAA Class 5A quarterfinals on March 15 at Chartiers Valley.
In January, three Peters Township players surpassed the 1,000-point plateau in their careers.
In a 59-55 overtime win against Bethel Park, Gemma Walker scored
a game-high 22 points. The milestone came off a layup with more than a minute left in the first quarter. Natalie Wetzel assisted on the fast break and then Walker assisted on Wentzel’s 1,000 point, which came less than a week later. On Jan. 30, Jack Dunbar scored 19 points, including his career 1,000th in a 79-23 win over Connellsville Streak snapped
For the first time in 38 years, Chartiers Valley won a Penguins Cup. During the PIHL Class A title tilt, the Colts came from behind to edge Greensburg Salem, 2-1, in overtime on March 19 at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry. Tyler Held scored the game-winning goal at 1:42 into overtime. Romeo Isoldi scored the equalizer at the 10:49 mark in the third period.
CV’s 23-1 season ended in the state finals played March 23 in Havertown. The Colts squandered a 2-0 advantage provided by Noah Callender, who led all of Class A in scoring with 30 regular-season goals, and lost to Hershey, 4-2.
Peters Township and South Fayette were toppled in the PIHL playoffs. The Indians lost to Pine-Richland, 4-2. The Rams used a threegoal, third-period to oust the Indians on March 11 at the RMU Island Sports Center. SF lost to Penn-trafford, 4-3, in the first round of the PIHL playoffs March 4. The Lions were Penguins Cup and state champions last winter.
Kicks for kids
South Fayette and Peters Township dominated the pitch. The Lady Lions won their second straight WPIAL soccer title when they blanked Fox Chapel, 4-0, in the Class 3A final played Nov. 2 at Highmark Stadium.
Mia Deramo scored the first and final goal while Gabby Beinecki and Emma Ferrari provided the other tallies. Caitlyn Thompson earned the shutout in goal. She made six saves as Fox Chapel outshot the Lady Lions, 12-4.
South Fayette’s championship season came to an end when the Lady Lions dropped a 1-0 decision to Mars in a PIAA Class 3A quarterfinal soccer match played Nov. 9 at Newman Stadium on the North Allegheny High School campus. The Lions finished 20-4 overall.
In the Class 4A final, Cailin Martin converted the decisive penalty kick during a shootout that enabled Peters Township to beat Seneca Valley for its third WPIAL title in girls soccer.
Marina Hajnosz and Camryn Klein scored the other goals for the Lady Indians during the shootout. Peters Township’s season ended in the first round of the state playoffs when they lost in a shootout to Cen-
tral Dauphin to finish their season at 19-1-1. Julia Spergel scored two goals for the Lady Indians.
Netters win
Mt. Lebanon won its second team tennis title in three seasons when the Blue Devils upended defending champion Bethel Park, 3-2, on Oct. 17 at the Swanson Tennis Center on the Washington and Jefferson College campus.
Lebo dominated the doubles action when Sylvie Eriksen and Sarah Stroh combined for a win over Cassie Sierka 7-5, 6-1, and Allie Garcie and Maggie Meehan dispatched Amelia Lancet and Sara Walters.
Michell Yang sealed the win with a victory at No. 2 singles against Mackenzie Smock, 6-3, 7-5. Cami Fisher and Julia Gobbie won at No. 1 and 3 singles for the Black Hawks
Individually, Yang and Jackie Tang combined to win the WPIAL Class 3A doubles title in tennis with a straight set win, 6-4, 6-0, over Shady Side Academy’s Brooke Henderson and Alexandra Merkel. The duo finished runners-up in the state. The Lebo juniors Michelle Lerman and Anya Zubenko from Council Rock South in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, in the PIAA championship match played Nov. 2 at the Hershey Racquet Club. In other tennis action, Fisher was a third-place finisher in singles in the WPIAL and a PIAA qualifier. Upper St. Clair’s tandem of Ronan Gibbons and Ari Plutko finished runners-up in the WPIAL boys doubles. On the run
Logan St. John Kletter of Mt. Lebanon won the 1,600- and 3,200-meter events at the WPIAL Class 3A championships for the second straight spring. She shattered the WPIAL record in the 3200 winning in 10:19.78. May 15-16 at Slippery Rock University. She went on to win both at the PIAA championships May 24-25 at Shippensburg University. She clocked a personal-best time of 4:38.54 in the 1600, fastest time ever by a WPIAL runner and won the 3200 in 10:21.46, 12 full seconds ahead of runner-up Morgan Roemer from DuBois.
Olivia Renk from South Fayette won the 100-meter dash in 12:05. She won the 200 meters in 24.87. Renk anchored the 4x400 relay to a silver medal.
In cross country, South Fayette finished third in the Class 3A team finals held Oct. 24 at White Oak Park with 128 points. North Allegheny won its seventh straight title and Norwin finished runner-up. Freshman Angela Zeng led the way, finishing fourth overall with a personal best time of 18:16.10.
South Fayette finished eighth overall in the team standings during the PIAA championships held Nov. 2 in Hershey. Zheng was 28th overall.
ABOVE LEFT: Upper St. Clair dominated the competition in boys’ basketball this winter, capturing a WPIAL championship and reaching the quarterfinals in the PIAA Class 6A tournament. ABOVE RIGHT: Danny Holzer poses with his family after notching his 500th career win as boys basketball coach at Upper St. Clair. The Panthers defeated Norwin, 57-42, for the milestone victory. Pictured with Holzer (center) are his mother, Andrea (front), wife, Carol, and son, Riley.
An excited Mia Deramo gives Abbey Spalla a lift while Fox Chapel players in the background anguish over their loss to South Fayette, 4-0, in the WPIAL Class 3A championship soccer match.
sights & sounds
Little Lake Theatre celebrates a successful year LANDMARK SEASON
In 2024, Little Lake Theatre enjoyed a year of success, a year that combined artistic growth, community connection, and exciting new programming.
The landmark season, made possible by the steadfast support of its patrons and partners, marked one of the most significant financial years in the theater’s history, with record-breaking subscription numbers and a 35% increase in ticket sales revenue.
The community’s enthusiasm for live theater was also evident in the record number of auditioners, showcasing the thriving talent in Washington County and beyond.
This season of growth and innovation was anchored by the introduction of The Lakepass, a flexible subscription program that has been embraced enthusiastically by the theater’s patrons. Designed to give audiences more control over their theater experiences, The Lakepass is on track to surpass the record-breaking subscription numbers of 2024.
One of the season’s most celebrated events was the inaugural Broadway at the Ballpark, a collaboration with the Washington WildThings and sponsored by GBU Life. Held under the lights at WildThings Park, this unique production brought together music, theater, and baseball in a dynamic celebration of the performing arts.
Another standout initiative was the launch of the Senior Soliloquies Program, funded by PNC Bank. The program provided free theater training for senior citizens, empowering them to explore their creativity and share their talents. Several participants went on to perform in Little Lake’s productions, exemplifying the program’s impact on individuals and the broader community.
Accessibility was a key focus of the season. Alongside sensory-friendly performances of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and audio-described performances of Wait Until Dark – made possible by partnerships with Audio Describe Pittsburgh and Vision
Services of Greene and Washington counties, thanks to the support of EQT and Range Resources – Little Lake also enhanced its facility with physical improvements, including a newly paved parking lot and additional handicap parking spaces, thanks to the generous support of the Local Share Fund and Washington Tourism, ensuring a more welcoming and accessible environment for all patrons to enjoy the magic of live theater. Little Lake Theatre also unveiled a new website, made possible by the Washington Community Foundation. The updated digital platform enhances patrons’ ability to learn about productions, book tickets, and engage with
what’s happening
CHANUKAH
A Chanukah Festival will be held at 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, at the Dormont Pool parking lot, located at 1801 Dormont Ave. There will be a grand menorah lighting, fire show, fire truck gelt drop, photo booth, music, latkes, donuts and hot drinks. Admission is free. Visit www. chabadsh.com/MENORAH for more details.
PT REC
The Peters Township recreation center is offering the following activities:
■ Chess & Pizza – Ages 5 to 12 learn the game while eating pizza. Classes by Knight School instructors are held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays for eight weeks beginning Jan. 3. Fee is $200 ($300 nonmembers). No experience necessary.
■ Cricut – Ages 18 and over will learn how to work a silhouette machine while using paper, fabric, vinyl, HTV and other materials.
Classes run from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. Fridays for eight weeks beginning Jan. 3. Fee is $50 ($75 nonmembers). A $25 material fee paid to the instructor is due the first day of class.
■ Jiu Jitsu — Ages 7 to 12 meet Mondays beginning
Jan. 6 from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. Ages 13-17 meet from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Fee is $120 ($180 nonmembers). Master Alex Burdelski from C.S. Kim Karate instructs. The grappling-based martial art covers drills, exercises and partner-based training.
■ Karate – Ages 3 to 5 meet from noon to 12:45 p.m. Thursdays beginning Jan. 9 while ages 6 to 12 meet from 6 to 7 p.m. The C.S. Kim Karate School instructs in this martial arts discipline that improves coordination and fitness through high-energy drills and skill work. Fee is $80 ($120 nonmembers). Uniform is $30 and orders will be placed during the first class.
■ Penguin Playtime – Ages 3 to 5, accompanied by an adult, can join in a fun-filled activity inspired by their favorite flightless friends from 2 to 3 p.m. Jan. 10. Registration required. Deadline is Jan. 6.
■ Stuck in a Snowglobe –Ages 6 to 10 will create a one-of-kind snowglobe with themselves pictured inside from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 17. Fee is $5 ($8 nonmembers).
■ Dance Explorations –Ages 3 meet from 6 to 6:40 p.m. Wednesdays beginning
the theater in exciting new ways. Innovation took center stage with the debut of Play in a Day, showcasing the talent and creativity of over 60 local artists. In just 24 hours, these artists created and performed nine original plays, demonstrating the vibrancy and collaborative spirit of the local arts community.
“2024 has been a truly transformative year for Little
Lake Theatre, and we owe that success to the incredible support of our community,” said Patrick Cannon, Artistic Director of Little Lake Theatre.
“It’s humbling to see the joy, connection, and inspiration that live theater can bring to people’s lives.”
Visit littlelake.org for more information about Little Lake Theatre, subscription plans, and the upcoming season.
Jan. 15 while ages 4 to 6 meet from 6:50 to 7:30 p.m. Fee is $40 for the four classes ($60 nonmembers). The course offers an introduction to dance and combines ballet, jazz and tumbling to develop self-confidence, musicality and body awareness. Participants should wear leotards, tights and ballet shoes.
Visit www.peterstownship. com or call 724-942-5000 to register or for more details or questions regarding any of the events.
TAXES
Registration is open until Dec. 31 for volunteers interested in helping with the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s 2024-25 Free Tax Preparation Coalition. Preparers and greeters are needed.
Volunteer tax preparers complete returns for households earning up to $65,000 to ensure that payers receive the full tax refunds they earned. Greeters welcome people to the tax sites and help complete paperwork. No prior tax preparation experience is necessary. Free training is provided in early January. Daytime, evening and weekend shifts are available. The tax sea-
son runs from mid-January through April 15. Visit swpafreetaxes.org to sign up.
COIN CLUB
The South Hills Coin Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Bethel Park Municipal Building, located at 5100 West Library Ave. The program is the annual show-and-tell event. A 50/50 raffle will be held and children’s prizes will be awarded. The general public can attend. Applications are available for membership. Call 724-984-6611 for details.
The club will also celebrate its 65th anniversary from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel & Suites Pittsburgh South, located at 164 Fort Couch Road. More than 40 dealers will be present. Parking and admission are free. Call 724-984-6611 for details.
NURSES CLUB
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Registered Nurses Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 21 at Salvatore’s, located at 5001 Curry Road. Lynne Ireland-Knight, CEOLS, will speak. Her topic is “End of Life Doula.” All registered nurses can attend.
Visit www.swparnclub.weebly.com for more details. Additionally, the club offers scholarships to students entering their final year of studies in the following programs: RN diploma, ASN or ADN, BSN, RN-BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD or comparable program.
Residents from 10 counties, including Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, and Washington, can apply by visiting www. pittsburghfoundation.org or by mailing to: The Pittsburgh Foundation, Five PPG place, Suite 250, Pittsburgh, PA ,15222-5414, ATT: Scholarship Department. Deadline for completed application is the end of March of the year prior to the final year or term. Sign up at swpafreetaxes. org.
AUP MEET
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.
The Association of University People (AUP) invites singles 50 and over who are fouryear college graduates to join them for activities and to meet new people. Activities include monthly dinners, social gatherings, concerts, meeting up at local wineries, and day trips. Those interested can attend three activities as guests before joining. To obtain more information about AUP or become an AUP member, call and leave a message at 412-353-9088 or email Aupsingles@gmail. com.
COURTESY OF LITTLE LAKE THEATRE ABOVE: The original barn that housed Little Lake Theatre is pictured. AT RIGHT: Little Lake Theatre presented sensory-friendly performances in 2024, including a presentation of “Wait Until Dark.”
BRAD HUNDT/OBSERVER-REPORTER
Patrick Cannon, artistic director Little Lake Theatre, talks about the 2024 season in this file photo from March.
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