The Almanac - Dec. 17, 2023

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SOUTH HILLS COMMUNITY NEWS

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‘MISS PAT’ ENDS 53-YEAR CAREER AT MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY PAGE A5

COURTESY OF CHABAD OF THE SOUTH HILLS

Light up the night The Hanukkah celebration drew a big crowd in front of the Washington County Courthouse on Dec. 11.

Local Jewish community turns out for Hanukkah celebrations

A large crowd gathered in front of the Washington County Courthouse Dec. 11 to celebrate Hanukkah. This was the second year Chabad of the South Hills hosted the event. The Mt. Lebanon-based synagogue has been reaching out to Washington County since the closure of Beth Israel’s synagogue in Washington.

Speakers at Monday’s celebration included Washington police Chief Dan Rush and county Commissioner Larry Maggi. “It was a spectacular evening filled with great company, delicious Hanukkah treats, lively music, and lots of Jewish pride from the Jewish community and beyond,” said Rabbi Mendel Wolowik in an email. Chabad of the South Hills also held a celebration the first night of Hanukkah at the Dormont pool parking lot, which included the lighting of a large menorah and an 8-foot tall dancing robot.

Chabad of South Hills kicked off the first night of Hanukkah in Dormont with a party in the Dormont pool parking lot, featuring an 8-foottall dancing robot.

BETHEL PARK PUSHING HARD ON WRESTLING MATS PAGE B1

LIGHT DISPLAYS BRING SPECIAL TWINKLE TO HOLIDAY SEASON PAGE B3 What’s happening, B3 Real estate transactions, A6 COURTESY OF CHABAD OF THE SOUTH HILLS

Rabbi Mendy Rosenblum of Chabad of the South Hills speaks at the Hanukkah celebration in Washington County.

JON ANDREASSI/ THE ALMANAC

Classifieds, B4-6

Avoid a grueling yule Mental health professionals weigh in on identifying, coping with holiday stress

By Mark Hofmann

For the Observer-Reporter newsroom@observer-reporter.com

Peters Township captains Carter Shanafelt (5), Justin Tornatore (0) and Jake Velgich (6) sadly accept the runner-up trophy after falling to Imhotep Charter, 38-13, in the PIAA 5A championship game.

An emotional ending

Peters Township lost its first and only game of the 2023 football season when the Indians dropped a 38-13 decision to Imhotep Charter in the PIAA 5A championship game played Dec. 8 at Chapman Memorial Field on the Cumberland Valley High School campus. The Indians finished their historic season with a 15-1 record that included their first WPIAL title in school history. In addition to being state runner-up, Peters Township also claimed a conference championship. For more details on the game and the season, turn to B1.

Photos by Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac

ABOVE: Thomas Aspinall consoles Darius McMillon (9) after the state championship loss. AT LEFT: Matt Orsi (3) cannot hold back the tears after the loss in the state final.

While many focus on the festive fa-la-la-ing of the holiday season, underneath the smiles and seasons greetings likely lurks some stress.

“Definitely financial stressors occur as well as emotional stressors, and those are for obvious reasons,” said Rebecca Manches, a licensed professional counselor with Life Solutions Professional Counseling Center in Hopwood, Fayette County.

We spoke with several mental health professionals who offered a few suggestions to help ease some of the pressures associated with the hectic holiday season.

Family frustrations

Melissa Helfer, a licensed professional counselor with SEE STRESS PAGE A2

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PHOTOS: PAUL PATERRA/OBSERVER-REPORTER

ABOVE LEFT: Santa poses for a photo with Anuka Bhattacharya, 6. ABOVE RIGHT: Zachary and Savannah Leithauser sport smiles with Santa Claus after sharing their Christmas wish lists.

Chartiers Primary Center hosts sensory Santa experience

By Paul Paterra Staff writer

ppaterra@observer-reporter.com

There was some shyness among some of the youngsters as they entered the room to see Santa Claus, but in most cases they grew more comfortable and shared their Christmas wish lists with him.

Chartiers Valley Primary Center hosted a sensory-friendly Santa experience Dec. 6, which allowed students and families to meet Santa in a quiet environment.

“It’s for children and their families for whom it might be a little overwhelming to go to a traditional visit with Santa,” explained Deidra Stepko, primary center principal.

The children and their families were brought into a private room with Santa, and were given as much time as they wanted for their visit.

“We empowered the families that whatever they and their children need to make this a positive experience, that’s what we’re going to do,” Stepko said. “It’s an environment in which Santa is sitting back, waiting for the kid to be comfortable and come to him. They’re not waiting in

Riley Palema, 9, tells Santa what he wants for Christmas.

line, where it’s chaotic. Calm and flexible are our themes for the evening.”

This was the first year of the program in Chartiers Valley. Stepko brought the idea with her from her tenure in the Belle Vernon School

District, where she was the principal at Marion Elementary School.

Fifteen families signed up to participate. Pictures were taken of each child with Santa, which will each be given to the family.

Savannah Leithauser, 6, sported a huge smile as she chatted with Santa, telling him all she wanted for Christmas. The kindergarten student handed Santa a note saying, “I love you,” and told him that he would be greet-

Stress FROM PAGE A1 Cristina Panaccione and Associates Counseling LLC in McMurray, said family dynamics are a dominant stressor during the holidays, especially in families where there is trauma, addiction or conflict.

Stephanie Brown, a licensed clinical social worker and clinical supervisor at the Canonsburg office of the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh, said they usually see people with a lot of family conflict.

“There are certain boundaries pushed or held to, or there may be different relatives that passed away, so those are triggers as well,” Brown said, adding that echoes of the pandemic still remain with many people and can manifest in different ways. “Unfortunately, people lost family members to COVID-19 and people can still be uncomfortable being with that.”

Those who are still concerned about contracting

COURTESY OF METROCREATIVE

No one can do it all. Mental health experts suggest tempering expectations so getting things done during the holiday season does not become overwhelming.

the coronavirus should be up front about that, and forgo attending or holding gatherings to meet their comfort level, said Angela Vaslavsky, a supervisor and licensed professional counselor with Connellsville Counseling Services in Fayette County.

“Try to see both ends of the spectrum and just communicate what’s going on. Ask, ‘Is it OK for me to come over?’ so you’re not running around in your own head,” Vaslavsky suggested.

No matter the point of family tension, Helfer said, the first thing to do is identify the stressors and their triggers.

“It could be something somebody says, a certain place, environment, a person, certain language – know those, and figure out how you want to cope with it,” Helfer said.

Financial frets

The pressure to give gifts combined with inflation can

ed with cookies when he arrived at the family’s house on Christmas Eve. “Savannah was super excited,” said her mother Amanda. “She came home and immediately made a list for Santa.” make for not only a rough holiday season, but impact a person’s 2024 financial outlook.

“People feel the need to spend more and don’t have the funds,” said Julie Krizner, executive director of Axiom Family Counseling in Uniontown.

Parents, in particular, may feel the need to fulfill a child’s wish list – which, as any mother or father can attest, can come with a monetary gut punch. Vaslavsky suggested making a realistic budget and sticking with it, which may include foregoing some people who were regulars on your gifting list.

To avoid awkwardness, “contact them and communicate,” Vaslavsky said.

That could include offering alternatives like lowering the amount spent, making a gift from the heart, or nixing gifting in favor of spending time together.

“No matter what you spend and what’s under the tree, remember that someone was thought of,” Manches said.

Shopping stressors

For some, going to the store to shop for gifts in per-

Savannah visited with Santa with her brother Zachary, 9, a third-grade student in the Chartiers Valley School District.

“This was nice for them, just the calmness is a good thing,” said mom Amanda.

Anuka Bhattacharya, 6, said there would not be cookies for Santa, but a pie.

Her parents said Anuka was anticipating her visit with Santa all day long. She didn’t want to sit on Santa’s lap, but she did give him a big hug.

Jordan Griffie, 5, was a bit shy at first, sitting with his back to Santa for a while.

Eventually, he sat on his lap for pictures. He told Santa of his wish for gifts such as Hot Wheels and Legos, his smile broadening as he talked about each toy.

Riley Balema, 9, promised Santa cookies with his face on them.

“It was such a feel-good event,” Stepko said. “We had so many families express gratitude that we had an event like this. All of the volunteers were talking about doing it again next year. So, I think everything is in line to do it again and do it even better.” son brings a whole host of other stressors.

Some still remain concerned about contracting COVID-19, worry about not snagging the perfect gift, or feel overwhelmed by the crowds.

Those who feel anxiety while shopping during the time when stores are at their busiest need to walk in both knowing and accepting that there will be long lines and waiting, and that the stores will be packed, Manches said.

“As long as you prepare yourself for those situations, you’ll be better able to deal with them,” she said.

If the environment – in the stores or anywhere – becomes too overwhelming, Manches suggested walking away, and heading outside for a literal breath of fresh air.

“A lot of times, that’s all you need,” she said. “Be mindful of yourself and what your body is telling you.”

Welcome restrictions

While there are many ways to cope with difficult times during the holidays – deep SEE STRESS PAGE A3

the almanac SOUTH HILLS COMMUNITY NEWS

122 South Main Street, Washington, PA 15301 Phone: 724-941-7725 / Fax: 724-941-8685 General Manager Robert Pinarski Executive Editor Liz Rogers Sports Editor Eleanor Bailey Staff Writer Paul Paterra Staff Writer Jon Andreassi

Published by the Observer-Reporter, The Almanac is distributed free every week to homes in Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon, Peters Township, South Fayette and Upper St. Clair.

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For the online edition, visit www.thealmanac.net

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DECEMBER 17, 2023

• A3

AT&T flips switch on 5G tower in Peters Twp.

By Jon Andreassi Staff writer

jandreassi@observer-reporter.com

COURTESY OF METROCREATIVE

Experts suggest having frank conversations to alleviate the pressure of holiday gift giving during difficult financial times.

Stress FROM PAGE A2 breathing, venting to a friend, listening to music – it’s important to know your limits.

“Set boundaries to go somewhere for a certain amount of time and really look at the choices you have.

That way, you’re not sitting with it,” Helfer suggested.

Brown said a person should be firm on their boundaries, feeling confident of what their needs are and how they can be met.

“It’s sitting down and being realistic with yourself with what your limits are and not feeling obligations and pressures both financially and emotionally,” Brown said.

Another way to cope?

Learning to say “yes” to “no.”

“People try to have a romantic vision of the holiday,” Krizner said, suggesting they level their expectations and opt out of overwhelming tasks or gatherings.

“You don’t have to go everywhere and do everything,” she said.

Krizner added that people also need to be mindful to maintain healthy habits like drinking plenty of water and getting sleep as the hol-

idays also tend to bring an increase in alcohol consumption thanks to an increase in parties.

“Practice self-care, take breaks, plan ahead so you will not feel so bogged down,” Vaslavsky said.

“My advice is to just be patient,” Manches said. “Whenever getting frustrated or feeling anxious or irritated by a situation, having those feelings and emotions does not change the situation for you.”

Elected officials and representatives of AT&T were at Peterswood Park Friday morning to mark the completion of a 5G cell tower.

The 85-foot-tall structure is located behind Hofbauer Field, and should improve cell service in the area. David Kerr, president of AT&T Pennsylvania, noted the topography of the area provides challenges for providing coverage.

“In Western Pennsylvania we have some elevation challenges, especially in Peters Township … This really augments our network and allows us to provide some additional coverage and capacity,” Kerr said.

Kerr was joined Friday by state Rep. Natalie Mihalek, Washington County Commissioner Nick Sherman and Commissioner-elect Electra Janis.

Mihalek noted how poor cell reception had been in Peterswood Park before the 5G tower.

“Beyond the convenience factor of it, you really need

Seeking help

JON ANDREASSI/OBSERVER-REPORTER

AT&T’s new tower is 85 feet tall and will provide access to FirstNet, a network that prioritizes bandwidth for emergency calls. Pictured are, from left, incoming Peters Township Police Chief Joseph Glover, Township Manager Paul Lauer, Commissioner-elect Electra Janis, Commissioner Nick Sherman,state Rep. Natalie Mihalek, and President of AT&T Pennsylvania David Kerr.

it for emergency responders,” Mihalek said. “It’s one thing to be stuck in that roundabout traffic over the summer when it was under construction with no bars …

But it’s another when you have so many seniors in the area, and a growing population of seniors. They’re more and more relying on their cellphone instead of a landline.”

Kerr explained that the tower includes “Band 14 spectrum,” which allows access to AT&T’s FirstNet. Basically, FirstNet is a network that will always prioritize available bandwidth for emergency calls. The company describes it as a “VIP lane” for public safety officials.

“If there is an emergency in the township this Band 14 on this tower right here gives what’s called priority and preemption to first responders,” Kerr said.

According to Kerr, it has taken AT&T about a year to bring the tower to fruition.

“We’re here to celebrate today, and I just really appreciate … the chance to really acknowledge this thing,” Kerr said.

JOHN MCMILLAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

While the experts say many can navigate holiday stressors on their own, there are times that seeking professional help is the best course of action.

Those who find themselves feeling overwhelmed, in despair or perpetually agitated, or those who develop disruptive sleeping or eating patterns related to stress should reach out to a mental health provider.

Vaslavsky said there are many resources that people may not know about, including calling 988, a crisis line that is available to anyone at any time.

“There are so many professionals out there willing to help out,” Manches said.

“All you need to do is make a phone call.”

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• A5

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BETHEL PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT

Pat Wasemann sits with Eric Hamilton, a physical education teacher at Memorial Elementary School.

‘Miss Pat’ ends 53-year career at Memorial Elementary

By Paul Paterra Staff writer

ppaterra@observer-reporter.com

Despite being in her 90s, Pat Wasemann didn’t want to retire.

But it got to the point where she just had to stop being a noon aide at Memorial Elementary School in the Bethel Park School District – a job she held for more than five decades.

“I guess the Lord told me enough is enough,” Wasemann said recently. “I get tired. I lost the strength in my legs. I can still walk, but I can’t stand very long. I didn’t want to (retire). I wish I was still there. My age kind of crept up on me.”

“Miss Pat,” as she was called, retired at the end of the 2022-23 school year after 53 years at Memorial, where she was beloved by staff and students alike.

Wasemann, who turned 92 on Nov. 15 and still drives, started the job after moving to Bethel Park from Wheel-

ing, W.Va., in 1969. Her daughter Linda, now 63, was a fourth-grade student at the elementary school at the time and told her mother about the opening for a noon aide.

“She gave me a note and said would you like to make some pin money,” Wasemann recalled with a chuckle. “I’m not sure if it was even a dollar an hour at that time. I thought, ‘I can do that.’ I put my application in and of course I got hired. The rest is history.”

Her duties as a noon aide included tending to children in the cafeteria and making sure they were behaving.

“Most of the time we were there for about two hours,” Wasemann said.

For about 20 years, Wasemann also helped with cleaning the building in the summer.

In recent years, Wasemann greeted kindergarten students at the front door as they were dropped off by parents and buses.

She could be found sitting on a bench waiting for the

students, a bench that has since been dedicated in her honor as “Miss Pat’s Bench.”

What kept her at the job for so many years?

“It was just getting out of the house, just seeing people, meeting people every day,” Wasemann said.

Among the many friends Wasemann she’s made over the years is Eric Hamilton, the school’s physical education teacher. The two still meet for lunch on occasion.

“His wife lets him go out to lunch once in a while,” she said with a laugh.” I used to see him every day. That’s one of the things that I miss, that I don’t get to see him every day.”

Hamilton has been with the district since 2010, starting as a traveling physical education teacher.

“One day I just sat down and started talking to her.

From that point on whenever I was (at Memorial) we were hanging out,” he recalled.

“She’s hilarious. She’s sharp as a tack. She’s a great friend.

Pat Wasemann retired at the end of the 2022-23 school year after 53 years of service to the Bethel Park School District. She was 91 at the time of her retirement.

We have great conversations.

I’m thankful to be friends with her for this many years.”

During the COVID 19 pandemic, the two would communicate via Zoom and they regularly email one another.

“I have two kids and she loves to hear about them,” Hamilton said. “She was everything to the school. For kindergartners in the afternoon, she was the first face they saw. She saw all the kids at lunch. They all knew Miss Pat. She loved them.”

Eric Chalus, Memorial Elementary School principal for 20 years, agreed that Wasemann meant a great deal to the school. He remembered Wasemann at times standing

with her hands on her hips if there was some misbehavior.

“She was like an icon,” he said. “Without Miss Pat, it’s like we’re missing something.

She’s been here for so long.

She would tell me how to do things. Her sense of humor is unbelievable. The staff loves her to death and the kids love her. It’s not the same without her. I can’t say enough great stuff about her.”

In addition to Hamilton, there is plenty Wasemann misses about being at Memorial. “(I miss) seeing the people, my aides and my friends,” she said.

Wasemann’s retirement does not mean she is sitting still. She still volun-

teers weekly with Meals and Wheels, something she has been doing for 51 years, and is still an active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Upper St. Clair.

It was a rewarding ride for Wasemann after 53 years at Memorial Elementary. Some of the parents and grandparents of current students remember Wasemann from their time as students there.

“My biggest reward is seeing them out at the store or somewhere and they remember me,” she said. “Most of the time they have something good to say about me.That’s one of my best rewards is that the students remember me and talk to me.”

Dollar Tree closed Signs have recently been posted at the Dollar Tree in Peters Township indicating the store is closed “until further notice.”

No reason for the shutdown of the business located at 4043 Washington Road was provided. Dollar Tree’s website lists the store as “temporarily closed,” and the company did not respond to an email requesting comment prior to Thursday’s deadline.

JON ANDREASSI/ OBSERVER-REPORTER

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sports

SECTION

B

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DECEMBER 17, 2023

Duties still to do

ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC

Mason Kernan is expected to be one of the top wrestlers this winter. The senior was 10 matches away from entering the Century Club after a 5-0 start in the Dry Tech Duals.

Bethel Park pushing hard on wrestling mats

By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net

posted a school-record 139 wins and had 59 career pins while capturing two PIAA titles. Joling compiled a 10948 record with 52 pins and 10 major decisions during his four-year scholastic career.

So, this year, CV will rely on the freshmen as well as veterans such as sophomore Michael Lawrence (22-14), senior Tyler Glover (22-9), junior Logan Connolly (2014), junior Howard Clellan and sophomore Morgan Silberman.

The Bethel Park wrestlers have such a busy December, they have little time for Christmas shopping.

The Black Hawks opened the 2023-24 campaign competing in the Dry Tech Duals at Greenville High School. In a single day on Dec. 9, they won four matches; thumping Girard, 60-12, Erie McDowell, 68-6, Meadville, 41-16, and Tyrone, 57-14, and dropped one decision, 39-24, to Bald Eagle.

Bethel Park also competed in the King of the Mountain Tournament held Dec. 15-16 at Central Mountain High School before embarking on section dual meet competition at 7 p.m. Dec. 20 at Peters Township.

The Black Hawks will spend the holidays in Canonsburg competing in the prestigious Powerade Tournament from Dec. 29-30 at Canon-McMillan High School.

Two more rivalry matches to start the new year Jan. 3 at home against Upper St. Clair and Jan. 10 at Mt. Lebanon will ready the Black Hawks for their showdown with the Big Macs. Bethel Park hosts Canon-McMillan at 7 p.m. Jan. 17.

The Big Macs are the defending WPIAL 3A champions.

“Canon-McMillan,” predicted Tyler Nauman will be the toughest opponent. However, the Black Hawks look to finish top 4 in the WPIAL this season added the second-year coach. Bethel Park also anticipates advancing “multiple individuals” to Hershey for the PIAA championships set for March 7-9.

Bethel Park returns four key veterans including standout Mason Kernan. After racking up a 5-0 record in the Dry Tech Duals, Kernan was 10 wins away from entering the Century Club. He sported a 90-14 overall record. A senior, Kernan was 33-5 overall last winter with a section title and sixth-place showing in the regionals. The 139-pound grappler is a West Virginia University recruit.

Ryan Walsh has returned to the mats after missing last season to an injury. He was a 30-plus match winner as a freshman and a bronze medalist in the section. A junior, Walsh is a standout pitcher and has committed to play baseball at Virginia Tech.

Senior Landon Hartman sported a 26-7 record last winner while junior Etahn Higgins posted a 25-13 mark.

Nauman expects freshmen Pierce Reinhart, Caleb Crawford, Colton Fisher and Ian Buchelli to make an immediate impact in the line-up. All were junior high state qualifiers with Reinhart being a state medalist.

The Black Hawks will also rely upon: Jaden Palombine, Seth Miller, Aiden Bench, Aden Stout, Jonah Stearman, Dheyaa Danyan, Maksim

SEE APPEAL PAGE B2

SEE PUSHING PAGE B2

PHOTOS: ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC

Dante Recker (50) picks up yardage after making an interception for Peters Township before being brought down by Imhotep Charter defender Nick Williams.

PT reflects on season, future

By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net

After guiding Peters Township to its first appearance in a state championship game, TJ Plack earned a well-deserved day off.

The Indians head football coach spent the time doing ordinary things like raking leaves, arranging doctor appointments and putting up Christmas decorations.

“Getting my life in order,” he explained. “Taking care of all the things I pushed off.”

From August through Dec. 8, when the Indians dropped a 38-13 decision to Imhotep Charter in the PIAA Class 5A championship game, Plack had dedicated his life to his football family, which consisted of 11 assistant coaches, three trainers and 84 teenage players that he often calls

sons when addressing them on and off the field.

Hence, delaying everyday tasks was understandable, even worthwhile, because the Indians experienced the best season in the history of Peters Township football.

The Indians racked up 15 consecutive victories before the state final loss at Chapman Memorial Field on the campus of Cumberland Valley High School. Their 15-1 record included a conference championship and the school’s first WPIAL football banner.

“It’s been an incredible season,” Plack said.

The disappointing ending did not negate the Indians’ body of work, which included five shutouts from the best defense in the district. The crew had allowed only 123 points before surrendered a season-high 38 against the

Ethan Wertman (4) sits stunned on the Peters Township bench after watching Imhotep Charter roar to a 24-7 halftime lead during the PIAA 5A championship football game.

The Panthers went on to victory, 38-13, while Wertman missed the second half due to an injury.

Panthers in the state final.

Imhotep Charter featured a handful of Power Five recruits including Kenny Woseley (Penn State), Jabree Wallace-Coleman (Georgia)

and Mikal Davis (Army).

Moseley kicked five extra points and a 30-yard field goal. Wallace Coleman rushed for 214 yards on 30 carries and scored a touch-

down on a 68-yard run in the third quarter. Davis rushed for three touchdowns and tossed a 50-yard scoring SEE DUTIES PAGE B2

Mt. Lebanon runner CV wrestling has competes in nationals worldwide appeal

By Eleanor Bailey

Logan St. John Kletter from Mt. Lebanon was among the top high school distance runners that participated in the 44th Foot Locker National Cross Country Championships held Dec. 9 at Morley Field at Balboa Park in San Diego.

A senior, St. John Kletter finished 34th overall with a time of 18:45.4. Elizabeth Leachman from San Antonio, Texas, won the race in 16:50.7.

St. John Kletter qualified for the nationals by successfully competing in one of four regional 5K races held over the Thanksgiving weekend. At the Northeast Regional held Nov. 25 at Franklin Park in Boston, she finished fourth with a 17:30 time.

A North Carolina recruit, St. John Kletter was the 2023 PIAA champion. She is a twotime WPIAL winner.

Rivals Drew Griffith from Butler and Ryan Pajak from Ringgold dominatedtheboysdivision.

Griffith, who finished runner-up to Pajak in the regional, captured the national title with a 15:06.9 time. He became the first COURTESY OF VICTAH SAILER FOR PHOTORUN.NET Pennsylvania runner to win the Logan St. John Kletter competed in the Foot Locker nachampionship. Pajak finished tional cross country championships. The Mt. Lebanon second with a 15:12.1 time. senior and North Carolina commit finished 34th overall SEE NATIONALS PAGE B2 with an 18:54.5 time.

Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net

Chartiers Valley boasts an international flavor on the wrestling mats this winter.

“We have kids from somewhere around nine or 10 different cultures and countries on our team,” said CV coach William Evans. “It is pretty wild. We are like an English Premier League Soccer Team, very multicultural.

“The kids really embrace diversity,” he added. “It’s great.”

Two of the newcomers are expected to make an immediate impact on the line-up. Tilek Sadyrbekov and Maksim Rybalko are both freshmen that Evans says have looked good in the preseason.

“We are looking forward to seeing them compete this year,” he said. “They both have exciting styles, and are capable of scoring big points for us.”

Last year, the Colts had two big point winners in Dylan Evans and Brody Joling. Both are now wrestling in college, at Pitt and Davidson, respectively. Evans

Tyler Glover is one of the key veterans returning to the Chartiers Valley wrestling lineup this winter.

B2

• DECEMBER 17, 2023

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sports

the almanac

Peters Township soaking up success

By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net

ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC

Bethel Park mat boss Tyler Nauman shares a lighter moment with his wrestlers during a dual meet against Mt. Lebanon last winter.

Pushing Miller, AJ Tomaino, Hunter Goelz, Mikey Gibson, Pierce Reinhart, Lucas Fowler, Tanner Kareis, Bruce Greco, Umid Mamed, Cordan McDonnell, Michael Baburkin, Zach Mingo, Diyor Islomov, Mike Nelson, Rael Majetich, Ali Yasin and Shayel Monger.

“Overall we have depth this season and a hard-working group looking to grow day in and day out and compete,” Nauman said. “By continuing to train

and grow each day, support and push one another on and off mat daily, we intend to achieve our goals. We are working on being as tough as we can, securing bonus points and wrestling every match the same.”

While consistency is key, Nauman has learned to adapt to his style and tailor his coaching skills to each grappler.

“Every individual/wrestler is different and you have to stay consistent but coach each differently to what they respond best. Keep it light and fun while pushing hard,” he said.

Nationals

Appeal

FROM PAGE B1

FROM PAGE B1

Griffith, who is a twotime WPIAL champion, won the PIAA title this autumn. Pajak is also a district and PIAA champion. The pair will continue their careers at Notre Dame.

The 5,000-meter course has launched the professional careers of an impressive array of prestigious runners in years past, including Grant Fisher, Drew Hunter, Molly Seidel, Cole Hocker, Ryan Hall, Meb Keflezighi and Kara Goucher.

Additionally, the Colts will rely upon Sam Burgunder, Colton Standard, Adel Ali, Tyler Delgrande, Shar Khan, Jacob Potanko, Danish Hussain, Jaxson Shimko, Ryan Raja, Jonathan Garside, Tyler Tulowitzki, Tamerlan Kapitonov, Liam Gallocher, Shirin Musaev, Oleksandr Horyn, Travis Schoonover, Michael Medina, Nicholas Pruchnitzky and Russian Karimov.

“We have a nice amount of depth throughout the lineup, and a great team culture but we

FROM PAGE B1

Peters Township girls basketball coach Steve Limberiou wants his players to be like sponges.

“I’m always trying to be a constant learner and evolve as a coach,” Limberiou said. “Ultimately, it’s not so much about what you know as a coach. It’s about what your players are able to absorb from you and apply on the court.

“You can be a great basketball mind, but if that knowledge isn’t being transferred correctly to your players then it is not very useful.”

The Lady Indians have soaked in Limberiou’s knowledge. They were off to a 4-0 start before opening section action at Bethel Park on Dec. 14.

They will face Baldwin on Dec. 18 and Fox Chapel on Dec. 21 before taking a holiday break.

Peters Township ushers in the New Year visiting Upper St. Clair at 7 p.m. Jan. 2. The Lady Panthers are the defending section champions.

They were the WPIAL 6A runner-up in 2023.

“USC is on top until they are not as the saying goes,” Limberiou said. He added that Chartiers Valley is also a team to watch in the section because of its veterans as well as the addition of a transfer student.

ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC

At 6-foot-3, Natalie Wetzel provides a prominent presence inside for Peters Township. The junior averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds a game last season for the Lady Indians.

“They have a very talented roster,” he said of the Colts.

“I don’t want to make it seem like the other teams will not be challenging because everyone in this section is competent and well coached. It’s always hard to pick one section opponent as the most challenging because, in my opinion, this is the best section in the WPIAL. There are no off nights.”

Because of Natalie Wetzel and Gemma Walker, the Lady Indians experience few off nights in their performances. The duo provided one of the top 1-2 punches in the WPIAL last season.

A junior, Wetzel averaged 18 points and nine rebounds a game. A senior, Walker provided 20 tallies. She also dished up four assists a game.

Both are major Division I recruits that provide the Indians with a strong inside presence.

“Obviously Gemma and Natalie are a special duo,” Limberiou said. “It is reasonable to expect both to take a step forward defensively and from a leadership standpoint.”

Sophomore Bri Morreale returns to the starting lineup. The Almanac’s Rookie of the Year, she averaged nine points and converted 40 percent of her 3-point field goal attempts.

Senior Peri Cendroski contributed quality playing minutes during last year’s 13-11 season. She fired in 16 points during PT’s playoff win last winter against Butler.

“Peri is a significant bench piece for the team as a shoot-

“HAVING A BUNCH OF GUYS THAT JUST LOVE TO WRESTLE MAKES THIS FUN. THEY’RE DOING IT EVERY DAY. THEY WORK HARD, WRESTLE HARD, AND HAVE BEEN IMPROVING A TON.” — WILLIAM EVANS, CHARTIERS VALLEY COACH are inexperienced and a little thin in the lower weights,” Evans said. “The kids we have are working hard and coming along well. It’s just going to take some time for them to develop.

“Having a bunch of guys that just love to wrestle makes this fun,” Evans added. “They’re doing it every day. They work hard, wrestle hard, and have been improving a ton. Now we just

need to see their willingness to compete and to embrace some tough battles together.”

Afteropeningtheseasonwitha 2-3showingintheDryTechDuals and competing in the Doug Conroy Memorial Duals at Ringgold this past weekend, the Colts open section action at home against South Fayette on Dec. 20. Mat time is 7 p.m. CV rings in the new year with a trip to Trinity for a 7

Duties FROM PAGE B1 strike to Johann Hennigan.

He finished with 70 yards rushing and 184 yards passing on eight completions.

The Indians could only muster 152 yards of offense and two TD receptions by Thomas Aspinall against the Panthers, who managed 481 total yards.

“I think our kids played extremely hard. They just ran up against a very talented, tough team,” Plack said.

The Indians were skilled enough to dominate the district this autumn. They defeated Pine-Richland, 43-17, to win their first WPIAL title.

“Winning the WPIAL championship game had to be the most special moment of the season,” said Plack, who had guided the Indians to two other district championship appearances in 2019 and 2010.

p.m.showdownonJan.3.

“Trinity looks pretty good this year,” Evans said.

“As far as our goals are concerned, we just want to go out there and wrestle hard and develop. Enjoy what we are doing, and focus on getting better for February and March.”

That is when the individual competition commences with sectional, regional and state “Sure, we have never experienced playing in Heinz Field or Acrisure stadium with all those yellow seats but the WPIAL did make it feel special. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon and win or lose, it felt like it had a different feel.

“The student section,” Plack added. “They were amazing.

They were positive all year and this group was phenomenal.

In it for the right reason and it was awesome sharing our accomplishment with them and the entire community, which has been so supportive of us.

I never realized how many Peters Township football fans there were. I keep getting texts and notes. I don’t know if any of us do that enough but I have gotten hand-written letters and emails from a lot of people. It’s good stuff.”

The senior class and its 16 members set the tone. While Jake Velgich, Carter Shanafelt, Ethan Werman and Justin Tornatore filled the roles as captains, Dominic Sirianni, Nate Miller, Matt Orsi, Vinny

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er who provides floor spacing,” Limberiou said.

In the post, 6-3 junior Daniela Radulovich complements Wetzel and 5-8 senior Melanah Khalil is making an impact.

“We have uncommon size around the rim with two 6-3 girls. They will need to protect the paint, force opponents into taking contested 2s around the rim and score efficiently on the offensive end.”

“This team has the potential to be a really good rebounding group,” Limberiou added.

“There is also a good collection of above average outside shooters who should hopefully allow us to play with good spacing offensively.”

Sophomore guard Alina Sopko, junior forward Megan Castor and freshman guard Maddyn Mehl have shown flashes and are capable of contributing to the team’s success, says Limberiou. Freshman guard Cam Gambill and sophomore forward Emma Malloy have transitioned well since the soccer season ended.

Additionally, Mara Radulovich, Maddy Rost, Grace Nelson, Abby Dunbar and Ashlyn Morreale are all freshmen listed on the varsity roster.

“Our goal is to maximize our potential as a group,” Limberiou said. “Wherever that journey takes us, we are excited to find out.” tournament action. The sectionals will be held Feb. 24 at South Fayette. The southwest regional is set for March 1-2 at Canon-McMillan and the PIAA 3A championships will once again be held at the Giant Center in Hershey from March 7-9.

The wait is critical to a successful journey for the grapplers, says Evans.

“Throughout my years of coaching I’ve learned to be a lot more patient,” he said.

“Everything doesn’t have to come right away. So my advice to my wrestlers is to just believe in the process and be disciplined to keep doing what we are doing every day.”

Sarcone, Chris Cibrone, Eliot Schratz, Dante Recker, Brady O’Connor, Tegan Antosh, Tanner Mindach, Paris Fishell and Aspinall contributed their leadership skills.

“Our senior class upheld the standard of what we have been trying to accomplish these last six to eight years.

Our locker room was great.

When you have a bunch of talented athletes it could go one of two ways and this group was special especially in how they all interacted with the sophomores and juniors.

You never knew who was in what class. There was such a good relationship among the players. Nobody cared who got the credit. They all just wanted to win and they sacrificed and did what needed to be done for the team.”

Next autumn, the expectations will be high as the Indians return six to seven starters on both sides of the ball, including sophomore quarterback Nolan DiLucia, who passed for more than 3,000 yards this fall, as well as Division I recruits Mickey Vaccarello and Reston Lehman. Nick Courie and Nick McCullough are also juniors who played key roles on the stout defensive unit.

“The theme will be ‘back to work’ and these underclassmen understand that,” said Plack. “It’s back to ground zero and we need to build a new team. It will be interesting to see the chemistry of that team and who emerges and becomes the leaders.”

After the holidays, the Indians will ramp up for the 2024 campaign with weight room work and team-building activities and drills. Plack will be busy too, entertaining college recruiters as well as designing championship t-shirts and working with new booster club administrators while continuing his duties as dad and educator.

“My first two jobs are being a father and teaching,” he said. “During the season, myself and players have been stretched so thin. We were maxed out. There will be a little bit of time to relax but duties are not done yet.”

sights&sounds the almanac

•

DECEMBER 17, 2023 • B3

BRIGHT DELIGHTS COURTESY OF THE BOYER FAMILY

South Fayette residents Sissy and A.J. Boyer enjoy putting on an annual Christmas light show for their community.

Professional or homemade, light displays bring special twinkle to holiday season

By Jon Andreassi Staff Writer

jandreassi@observer-reporter.com

Eye-catching lights are a staple of the Christmas season, and there are multiple spots in the region where families can enjoy next-level holiday displays.

For the full experience of driving through a jolly trail of lights, there is Overly’s Country Christmas in Greensburg.

Located at 116 Blue Ribbon Road, Greensburg, at Overly’s a carload of up to eight people can drive through the light show for $25. Overly’s Facebook page provides a schedule for visitors.

Just over the state line in West Virginia, Oglebay Resort in Wheeling hosts its “Festival of Lights” until Jan. 7.

The Festival of Lights operates nightly from dusk until midnight.

According to its website, the 6- mile route features more than 100 lighted attractions.

Oglebay asks that visitors make a $30 donation per vehicle. A donation comes with a pass that allows access to the light show through the rest of the season, and an Oglebay coupon book.

There are also many people who go above and beyond to put on intricate light shows for their communities.

Sissy and A.J. Boyer have transformed their home at 712 Wheatland Circle in South Fayette into a winter wonderland. Those who visit can tune their radio to 87.9 FM to listen as the lights dance to the music.

“I’ve been changing the music up.

There are a couple that are really good with the light show, they dance really nice to them. I try to change it up a little bit. Sequences are different each time,” A.J. said of this year’s display.

Neighbors look forward to the light show every year, and it is always well-received by the children in the community.

“That’s kind of what makes it good for me. Knowing that people other than me are going to enjoy it,” A.J. said.

The Boyers do not have children of their own, which has made the

excitement for the display each year extra special for them.

“The looks on their faces – it’s priceless,” Sissy said.

They Boyers have a mailbox out front for kids to drop off their letters to Santa Claus. Sissy would not reveal how she knows Santa, but assures that he will respond to each letter that includes a return address.

The couple run their light show from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

In Connellsville, John Lypson uses his display to help give back to the community.

Lypson has been programming light shows at his home at 409 Wills Road for several years. He enjoys building the computer programs that enable the show to operate.

“The computer sequencing takes roughly four hours of computer work to produce one minute of song. It is a lot of computer work,” Lypson said.

Each year Lypson and his family collect non-perishable food items and monetary donations for Connellsville Area Community Ministries. Lypson estimates that last year they collected about $1,000 and more than 1,000 pounds of food.

Lypson has considered ending what has become a neighborhood tradition.

“Every year I say this is it. This is the last time. Until I hear the children’s voices outside laughing and excited and seeing them get into the Christmas spirit. Then I’m excited to build more stuff and build more computer programs,” Lypson said.

Lypson runs his light show from 5 to 9 p.m. daily. Music for the show is played through 88.1 FM. Also in Connellsville, Robert Vanorsdale has turned his love of Christmas lights into a business called Pixel Pro Displays.

Vanorsdale has been putting on a light show at 211 Van Drive for about 15 years, and Pixel Pro has been in business for seven of them.

Vanorsdale said Pixel Pro works with clients internationally to help homeowners build their own shows.

“We don’t install anything,” Vanorsdale explained. “We design it,

and then we make it for them or we tell them what to buy and how to do it. But most times, we make everything and ship it to them.”

They also have worked with commercial clients, such as Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Vanorsdale operates the light show at his house from 5:30 until 9:30 p.m. Monday through Sunday and plays music over 88.1 FM He said his passion for Christmas lights goes back to childhood, when his father would load the family in the car to go look at lights.

“I can tell you I remember the memories of looking at Christmas lights, and how much that was something that meant a lot to me,” Vanorsdale said. “I know there are people that can’t do a lot for Christmas, and I’m glad I can be a part of everybody’s holiday tradition.”

COURTESY OF THE LYPSON FAMILY

John Lypson, of Connellsville, collects donations for Connellsville Area Community Ministries.

COURTESY OF VANORSDALE FAMILY

Robert Vanorsdale turned a passion for Christmas lights into a business, Pixel Pro Displays, that helps others create their own light shows.

what’s happening BP LIBRARY The Bethel Park Library offers the follow this month: n Information on foster care, adoption and ways to support children and families, presented by Jackie Pleska from Adoption Connection, at 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 13. n Bedtime stories and pajama drive at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 14 for all ages, but most suitable for preschool through second-grade students.

Participants may wear PJs and slippers and enjoy five-minute stories.

The library will also be collecting new pajamas to be donated to Jeremiah’s Place, an organization that provides emergency childcare services for newborn through age 6.

n Holiday tea party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 15. In addition to tea and finger sandwiches, there will be holiday music, games and sweet treats. Fee is $10. n A celebration of the new Percy Jackson series at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Grades six and up can attend this activity that will include “The Lightning Thief” book trivia, crafts and blue food.

Visit www.bethelparklibrary. org or call 412-835-2207 for more information.

PT REC Winter Wonderlab with local Mad Scientists will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 16 at the Peters Township recreation center. Ages 5 to 12 can attend. Fee is $42 ($63 nonmembers).

Visit www.peterstownship.

com or call 724-942-5000 to register.

INSTAGRAM Ages 55 and over can learn the ins and outs of Instagram during a clinic set for 2 to 3 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Peters Township recreation center. Participants should bring phone, tablet or computer for assistance. Fee is $5 ($8 nonmembers). Call 724-942-5000 for further information.

LADIES NIGHT Peters Township parks and recreation will hold a ladies night from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Dec. 13 at the community center. Ages 18 and over will make a cinnamon stick vintage holiday sign to their holiday home decorating.

Fee is $10 ($15 nonmembers). Sign-up deadline is

Dec. 8. Visit www.peterstownship.com or call 724942-5000 to register.

JAZZ CONCERT A jazzy little Christmas concert with dessert will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15 at Crossroads Ministries Church located at 81 Walter Long Rd. in Finleyville.

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound will perform selections from their collection of songs, including those from a production named among the Best Christmas albums in 2019. Visit: www.crsmin. com for tickets.

BLUE CHRISTMAS Fairhaven United Methodist Church will hold Blue Christmas for those feeling somber about the holidays.

The quiet service featuring seasonal readings, soft mu-

sic, candle lighting, prayers, quiet carols and time to remember and reflect will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at the old country church located at the junctions of Route 51 and 88 in the South Hills.

For more details visit: www. fairhaven-church.com/ or call 412-881-4000.

CAROL FESTIVAL A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. Dec. 17 at St. Bernard Church on Washington Road in Mt. Lebanon.

An organ prelude begins at 3:40 p.m. Choir members, handbell ringers and instrumentalists will participate in the concert that will feature timeless readings from Scripture illuminated by fitting anthems and familiar carols. Admission is free.

Cookies will be served

following the service. Visit smamusic.org or call 412848-8351 for more details.

AARP AARP chapter 3016 meets the second Thursday of the month year-round at Unity Presbyterian Church, 1148 Greentree Road. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. with light refreshments served. Anyone over 55 can attend.

WEIGHT LOSS TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) chapter 475, Carnegie, meets every Thursday at Chartiers Lifespan, 300 Lincoln Ave. in Carnegie. Weigh-in is at 2 p.m. Class follows from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Contests, programs and exercises are offered at a reasonable price. Call 412-818-7489 for more details.