The Almanac - Dec. 24, 2023

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SOUTH HILLS COMMUNITY NEWS

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A new facility Bethel Park to break ground on elementary school

Twas the night before Christmas Lily Guthrie, 6, of Bethel Park, had visions of sugar plums dancing in her head as she hoped that Santa would visit and fulfill her Christmas wishes while Christians around the world anticipated the arrival of Christ.

The Almanac wishes all its readers a very Merry Christmas or Kwanzaa during this holiday season.

Photos by Eleanor Bailey/ The Almanac

Changes coming in EMS service in BP

Candy canes are a minty sweet Christmas tradition

By Katherine Mansfield Staff writer

mansfield@observer-reporter.com

Along with Christmas tunes sneaking onto the airwaves between pop hits and gingerbread lattes featuring prominently on coffee shop menus, candy aisles filled with red-and-white striped sweets are a tell-tale sign that the holidays have arrived.

“The candy cane’s just always been there,” said Dede King, a mother of eight who lives in Centerville. “You go to a party, it’s there. You sit on Santa Claus’ lap, he gives you one. No matter what other things are brought out at Christmastime, the candy cane remains prominent as what you always remember.”

Not only are peppermint candies the treat of the season, they’re steeped in tradition and lore. One legend claims the candy cane originated in Germany in 1670, when the Cologne Cathedral choirmaster commissioned a local candy maker to manufacture sugar sticks to keep kids quiet during the Christmas Eve ceremony.

The story goes that the choirmaster requested the candy be white, to symbolize Christ’s sinless life, and crooked to signify the shepherds that visited him at birth (the imagery justified handing out candy in church).

SEE SWEET PAGE A2

UPPER ST. CLAIR Middle school robotics team advances to states PAGE A4 What’s happening, B3

A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. Jan. 9 for the new Bethel Park Elementary School.

The school will welcome students in grades K-5 in the fall of 2026. It will be located at the current site of Neil Armstrong Middle School, 5800 Murray Ave. When completed, the cutting-edge facility will span 280,000 square feet and is designed to distinguish between primary and intermediate-aged students.

Notable features include two cafeterias, two gymnasiums, two playgrounds and two libraries, one of which will be an early literacy center for emerging readers and the other, a main library equipped with integrated technologies and an outdoor rooftop patio.

Additionally, three STEAM labs will offer a technology-infused, multi-disciplinary curriculum.

The new facility will have several security measures in place, making it the most secure educational building to be constructed in Bethel Park.

The $132 million project is part of the district’s plan to modernize its facilities. Once the new school is completed, the district’s five current elementary schools will be closed.

Also as part of the project, the district is renovating Independence Middle School to create more efficient learning spaces and additional classroom space for sixth-grade students, who will transition to the renovated building in the fall of 2026.

Recent modernization efforts also extend to the facilities and operations center, including the transportation area. Plans also are being finalized to add a new facility next to the high school’s artificial turf fields, featuring concessions, restrooms and storage space.

KATHERINE MANSFIELD/OBSERVER-REPORTER

In the early 1920s, Robert McCormack’s Atlanta-based company, Bob’s Candies, began selling made-by-hand candy canes during Christmastime. In the 1950s, an automated candy cane- making machine was invented that allowed for easy spinning and striping and mass production, and today candy canes of all flavors - including these fruity Starburst ones - are enjoyed as decorations, hot cocoa garnish and snacks all holiday season long.

SPORTS Peters Township’s DiLucia named Almanac MVP PAGE B1 Real estate transactions, A6

Beginning in January, Bethel Park residents in need of assistance for medical emergencies should call 911 rather than the Bethel Park Dispatch Center.

Allegheny County’s 911 Center will take all emergency medical calls for the Tri-Community South EMS Communities, which consist of South Park, Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair.

As part of this, Tri-Community South EMS will operate in conjunction with neighboring community EMS systems providing enhanced engagement.

“This change will allow Bethel Park to sustain its emergency operations, create consistency and assure mutual aid among EMS providers,” said municipal manager Kristen Denne. “The caller requesting emergency services

will not notice any difference in call taking or dispatching.”

For all other emergencies, including fire and police service and non-emergency services, residents should call Bethel Park Dispatch Center at 412-833-2000.

“Whether residents dial 911 or the Bethel Park Dispatch Center at 412-833-2000, they’ll get an emergency dispatcher to provide services in a timely manner,” said Denne.

Tri-Community South EMS serves 33 square miles in suburban Allegheny County including the communities of Bethel Park, South Park and Upper St. Clair.

The changes will be in place for all three communities starting in January.

Visit /bethelpark.net for more information on the municipality. Visit www.tcsems. org for more details on Tri-Community South EMS.

SIGHTS & SOUNDS Residents showcase their festive firs PAGE B3 Classifieds, B4-6

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South Fayette receives Moonshot grant The South Fayette Township School District received $70,000 in funding through Remake Learning’s Moonshot Grant program, provided by The Grable Foundation and The Benedum Foundation. The award is a result of a successful application showcasing the district’s bold ideas for the future of K-12 education and willingness to challenge what has become the status quo in primary and secondary schools.

“South Fayette strives to always be future-focused, student-centered, and innovation-driven,” said Dr. Matthew Callison.

Callison, who is Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, is tasked along

BP woman named dean of University of Pittsburgh Dental School

By Jon Andreassi Staff writer

jandreassi@observer-reporter.com

When naming the next dean of its dental school earlier this year, the University of Pittsburgh reached within its own ranks to select Marnie Oakley.

Oakley, of Bethel Park, began in the role at the beginning of October. She started at Pitt in 1996 and Oakley had previously acted as interim dean for 18 divided months.

She came to Pittsburgh by way of Mountain Top in Luzerne County. Oakley recalls traveling to the city to watch her brother play football for Pitt.

“For me, it was such an expansion of the world. Especially a cultural expansion, an academic expansion, of the world that I grew up in,” Oakley said.

Oakley considers herself an artist, and that affinity for art is what drew her to dentistry. She found it to be a way to practice medicine while drawing from her artistic abilities.

“It’s an element of health care that offered you the ability to really hone in on those dexterity skills. I found that pretty rewarding,” Oakley said.

As she moves forward as dean, Oakley hopes to be able expand access to Pitt’s dental program.

“What we aim to do is target individuals who might not see themselves in a health care field, and do our best to reduce all the barriers to them accessing that,” Oakley said, adding that there are grant opportunities for reduced or free tuition.

For those who have trepidations about visiting the dentist, Oakley reminds that oral health is “clearly and definitively linked to overall health.

“Things can happen quickly in the mouth. Infections and disease, while they may appear isolated, can certainly be a deleterious effect on one’s entire body,” Oakley said.

“I think that is my strongest message, to say stay on top of your oral health, for sure.”

with Dr. Kristin Deichler, assistant superintendent, with implementing the award.

“The Moonshot Grant pushed us to look 10 to 15 years into the future and really consider where we want to be as an educational institution,” Callison added. “As it turns out, our vision is an extension and expansion of what we have already begun to do in our schools.”

Much of the district’s grant application revolved around a developing Freight to Plate program, which is intended to challenge traditional notions of classroom-based learning and conventional career exploration by integrating agriculture with culinary arts and cultural education. Funds from the

grant will be used to purchase a 16-foot food trailer complete with commercial-grade kitchen that will be used for demonstrations and hands-on interaction.

As a result of a grant received last year, South Fayette has already installed a Freight Farm on campus – a solar-powered, vertical, hydroponic, climate-controlled growing environment located within a shipping container.

South Fayette students are currently involved in planting, tending, harvesting, and marketing produce grown in the farm. The district has partnered with Parkway West Career and Technical Center to make crops available for the culinary program as well

as an on-site restaurant and store.

The Moonshot Grant will allow for expanded use of the existing freight farm, and the mobility of the Freight to Plate trailer will allow for a broader range of instruction and participation.

“Our community has grown exponentially over the past decade,” said Superintendent Dr. Michelle Miller. “We have welcomed students from dozens of different backgrounds into our schools and are seeking ways to encourage involvement and reduce barriers among various cultures to build a more inclusive community.

The more we have thought about it, the obvious connec-

tion - the universal language - is food.”

The existing freight farm plans to add beehives (also funded through the Moonshot grant), and the ability to develop a cohesive Freight to Plate program with the food trailer. The practice bridges the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application, and makes it possible for students to investigate a variety of interests and career possibilities from farming and beekeeping, to environmental science, to banking, business and marketing, culinary arts, and more.

The climate-controlled freight farm allows for the cultivation of ethnically-diverse items that may not be typical

in the region. Those plants become ingredients cooked up in the Freight to Plate trailer, which serves as a mobile classroom that will be accessible to both urban and suburban learners. The opportunities for career and cultural discussion, exploration, and participation are endless.

In addition to being a mobile agricultural hub, proposed plans for the Freight to Plate trailer include that it double as a video production studio allowing for sessions within the trailer to be aired live or recorded and rebroadcast.

South Fayette anticipates an immediate launch of its grant proposal including purchasing the fully outfitted trailer by January 2024.

Sweet FROM PAGE A1 The sugary confection arrived in the U.S. sometime in the late 1800s. Some credit German-Swedish immigrant August Imgard with popularizing the candy cane: In 1847, Imgard spruced up his Christmas tree by hanging white candy canes alongside paper ornaments - and the trend spread throughout Wooster, Ohio.

The first mention of “stick candy” was recorded at the 1837 Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association exhibition. While “The Complete Confectioner, Pastry-Cook, and Baker” published a recipe for redand-white peppermint sticks in 1844, the first mention of the term “candy cane” didn’t appear until 1866, in a short story published in Ballou’s Monthly Magazine.

Both the original stick candy and the candy cane are available year-round at Sweets by Mrs. C, a Christmas-themed sweets and ice creamery in Monongahela.

Every day of the year, people are welcome to order peppermint ice cream - which sells well in spring, summer, fall and especially winter - or to grab a candy cane on the way out the door.

“Being an all-year-round Christmas store, we always keep candy canes out.

They’re just next to the register on our little bakery display cases,” said Heidi Hoffman, who owns the shop.

The candy canes are free, something many visitors don’t realize, and a secret Hoffman shares to the delight of young customers.

“When they’re being good, I tell them Mrs. Claus told me to make sure that when I see good little boys and girls, to give them a candy cane,” Hoffman said.

She hands over a candy cane, gratis, and “their eyes light up,” she said.

Those who don’t love the pepperminty taste of candy canes gravitate toward Sweets by Mrs. C’s sweet, fruity and sour stick candies (flavors include butterscotch and root beer, bubble gum and blueberry, lemon, green apple and grape).

Recently, candy canes have adopted the stick candy’s approach to flavor.

In 1995, Starburst released a line of candy canes that taste just like the mouthwa-

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEDE KING

Each Christmas, Santa Claus leaves the King family in Centerville gifts and candy canes, and enjoys the peppermint holiday confection himself while polishing off cookies and milk. Dede King said her kids delight in seeing candy cane crumbs near the chimney, where Santa apparently makes his grand entrance and exit.

COURTESY OF HEIDI HOFFMAN

Candy canes are a year-round delicacy at Sweets by Mrs. C’s in Monongahela, where guests are treated to the red and white peppermint sticks spring, summer, fall and winter. Sugar sticks, the precursor to candy canes, are also available – and sugar stick’s variety of flavors has seemingly inspired new lines of candy canes as of late, including Funfetti and pickle-flavored Christmas candies.

tering chews the brand is beloved for. Other big brands have followed suit. There are Lifesaver and Nerds candy canes, and more tempered wintergreen ones, too. While it may be gray in Southwestern Pennsylvania in Decem-

ber, one can taste the rainbow with a pack of Skittles-flavored candy canes, opt for a breakfast-themed treat with Froot Loop or Fruity Pebbles candy canes, or double up dessert with Funfetti-flavored candy canes.

The spiciest snacker might indulge in a Hot Tamale candy cane, while the die-hard Pittsburgh Picklefest-goer will dill-light in pickle-flavored candy canes. Other candy cane flavors that actually exist include ketchup, ham, pizza and rotisserie chicken. There’s also gravy, mac and cheese and wasabi candy canes, for good measure.

“We have went as far as the Oreo ones before. They (my kids) didn’t like them.

They said that candy canes shouldn’t be a chocolate sort of flavor,” King said, adding with a laugh, “Honestly, I would probably like the pickle ones before I like a peppermint one because I like pickles.

King said every now and again her children indulge in cherry candy canes, but it’s the classic peppermint ones that play a large role in their Christmas tradition: When Santa Claus visits Christmas Eve or early Christmas morning, he leaves a trail of candy canes around the living room.

“He comes down the chimney. There’s a candy cane that will be laying on the hearth; that’s his first step into the house,” King said.

“There is a trail that goes back and forth, almost like they’re falling out of his pockets while he’s pulling gifts

out. When he goes to drink his milk and eat his cookies, he also sits and munches on a candy cane. He accidentally gets them in his milk. He’s kind of messy.”

Before heading out to neighboring houses, Santa, King said, trims the family’s stockings and Christmas tree in peppermint candy canes.

“That adds the magic to the tree,” King said.

King concedes she isn’t a fan of peppermint candy canes, unless they’re a garnish in her hot chocolate, but said the red and white striped candy features prominently in her childhood memories, and is happy to pass along the tradition to her children.

She also noted that the lasting impact of candy canes at Christmastime may stem from the meaning others make of the crooked stick candy.

“Later on, they started bringing up how, when you turn the candy cane upside down, it’s the ‘J’ that has to do with Jesus and the legend of the candy cane,” King said.

“Since that’s the meaning of Christmas, it would seem appropriate that they would turn the candy cane upside down. One direction it has to do with Santa Claus, the other direction it has to do with Jesus. There is a true meaning and then there are the fun traditions.”

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 Katherine Mansfield 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.

For delivery, call 724-941-7725 or 724-222-2201 or email circulation director Jeffrey S. King at jking@observer-reporter.net.

For the online edition, visit www.thealmanac.net

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Members of the Upper St. Clair robotics team, nicknamed Blue Biohazardz, qualified for the state competition by finishing third in the district championships.

USC robotics team advances to states An Upper St. Clair robotics team advanced to the PA-WestFLL championships by placing third overall in the Western Pennsylvania FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Grand Championship. The team, dubbed Blue Biohazardz, also placed second in Robot Design and ninth in Robot Performance. This marks the first time that a USC robotics team has advanced in this competition.

Blue Biohazardz is comprised of eighth-graders Sadie Dilmore, Noa Guizzi, Lily Seal, Suhavi Singh, Mahi Thacker, Emma Wakefield and Betsy Zheng as well as seventh-grader Aanya Jha.

Jake Seal, Amrit Singh and Susan Wakefield coached the club.

More than 60 teams from throughout the region competed in the event, which was held in December at Aliquippa Junior Senior High School. In total, eight USC teams with 60 students from Boyce and Fort Couch middle schools participated.

Teams were scored in four categories – robot design, innovation, core values, and robot performance. Including Blue Biohazardz, five of the eight Upper St. Clair teams were recognized for their performance at the FLL Grand Championship:

n MicroBitz: third place, Core Values n Cruisers: fourth place, Robot Performance n Mechanical Mayhem: sixth place, Robot Performance; and Engineering Excellence Award n Roboyce: 10th place, Robot Performance Upper St. Clair’s middle school competitive robotics program is led by Matthew Wilson. He credits the program’s success to the commitment of its students and their coaches who spend anywhere from four to 12 hours per week practicing for scrimmages and the Grand Championship.

Friendly competition is at the heart of FLL Challenge, as teams of students in grades 4-8 engage in research, problem-solving, coding and engineering – building and programming a LEGO® robot that navigates the missions of a robot game. As part of Challenge, teams also design an innovative solution to a real-world problem relevant to the theme.

In addition to the competitive middle school FLL teams, USC Robotics has four high school level FIRST Tech Challenge teams as well as non-competitive robotics clubs for students in grades 5-12.

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Brock’s Christmas Wish to See Again

My name is Brock. I am a little guy and six years old. I have had a hard and lonely life living in a “holler” in WV, chained to a tree. I have never had a toy or a blanket.

My family fed me, but never showed me any love. I am now blind and have Lyme’s disease. At Angel Ridge Animal Rescue, a veterinarian will make me better and try to restore my sight. My Christmas wish is to know the love of my own family, and to be able to see the faces of the people who love me. Please contribute to Brock’s veterinary bill and eye surgery.

God Bless and Merry Christmas!

Send your tax-deductible donation to: Angel Ridge Animal Rescue, PO Box 94, Meadowlands, PA 15347 Name Phone Address Amount You can also donate through PayPal at aranres@yahoo.com

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real estate transactions 3013 Aljean Drive $237,000 4311 Anna St. $234,900 2521 Applegate Ave. $255,000 6003 Boxer Drive $409,900 916 Clifton Road $295,000 2208 Lenox Drive $174,000 5150 Library Road $2,700,000 5908 Monongahela Ave. $190,000 243 Rocky Ridge Road $449,000 922 Tanglewood Drive 2274 $237,000

BRIDGEVILLE Alan Tuszynski and Melissa Lenner Brendan Michael Ackelson

Jordan Ramage Estate of Dennis Lueckert

1090 Bank St. 263 St. Clair St.

$325,000 $285,000

CANONSBURG Austin and Kayla Long Isaac Miles

Ryan Hart Jamie Stiles

1122 First St. 308 Hawthorne St.

$295,000 $195,000

Christopher Berdine

1270 Havelock Ave.

$302,000

Emily Olah

826 Kerry Hill Drive

$210,000

Estate of William OConnell Nicholas Kenneth Fowkes

822 Lindenwood Drive 975 Vallevista St. 1317

$210,000 $235,000

CASTLE SHANNON Casey and Sarah Light Christine Johnson and Dahlia Tanya Johnson Burke Liam Michael Storey and Isabella Maria Sestito Thomas Mimidis CECIL Chad and Laural Ziemba Cartus Financial Corp.

Bret and Katie Dockter Lisa Marie O’Dell Steven Creamer NVR Inc. Cool Valley Development Co. LLC Cool Valley Development Co. LLC Cool Valley Development Co. LLC Jordan Lunardini and Candace Corcoran Cool Valley Development Co. LLC Mt. Pisgah Development Ltd. Cool Valley Development Co. LLC Chad and Jamie Borghini Central Penn Capital Management LLC Alan Flanagan Jr. and Kathryn Flanagan Stephen Kikla Jason Eckle and Bridget Shinnick

MT. LEBANON Ian Faight Nicholas and Amy Kokkinos John Barrett and Erin Thomas Amarpreet LLC Michael Mascaro and Majd Jawad

Graziani Family L.P. 1080 Breezewood Drive $220,000 Joel Nortridge 3002 Brookstone Drive $776,000 Cartus Financial Corp.

3002 Brookstone Drive $776,000 Charles King 1422 Deer Creek Crossing Drive $345,000 NVR Inc. 489 Dogwood Ln $361,455 McConnell Trails LLC 539 Dogwood Ln $95,800 Mt. Pisgah Development LLC Hahn Road $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $164,122) T & R Development Inc. 63 Lewicki Road $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $162,659) Hidden Acres Holding Co. Inc. 8-78 Lewicki Road $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $358,835) NVR Inc. 1002 Magnolia Ct $517,415 Silverhill Development L.P. Morganza Road $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $221,179) Scioto Land Development LLC Morganza Road $1,091,360 Mero Development LLC 431 Morganza Road $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $213,997) William McDade 19 Parkside Drive $515,000 Estate of Margaret Ann Maguire 1007 Sir Robert Drive $180,100 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $312,970) NVR Inc. 2005 Tamarack Ct $495,435 TOA Cecil LLC 361 Victory Ln $751,417 Timothy Rowe Davis 156 Vista Drive $371,000

Kevin Connelly Daniel Martin Barry Friedman Olga Elena Casalduc Delgado trustee Jeffrey Hatton

348 Birch Ave. 833 Eisenhower Drive 1155 Firwood Drive 265 Gilkeson Road 1017 122 Highridge Cir

$275,000 $547,000 $600,000 $185,000 $485,000

Members of Grace Lutheran Church voted to donate its property and its contents to Life Builders in support of the organization’s work in the community. The 7,882-square foot facility, located at 6810 Hilldale Drive, served members in South Park and the surrounding communities, including Bethel Park.

Life Builders was established in 2021 by Shiloh Church. Its mission is transforming lives, building families and strengthening communities demonstrated through Christian principles.

Life Builders impacts the lives of hundreds of children and families in the community by addressing food insecurities and health education, residency requirements, financial literacy, clothing needs and

LIFE BUILDERS WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2021 BY SHILOH CHURCH. ITS MISSION IS TRANSFORMING LIVES, BUILDING FAMILIES AND STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES DEMONSTRATED THROUGH CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES. warm weather apparel, student school supplies, and holiday gifts through such programs as Community Garden and Beyond Food; KIN-nect, Loads of Love and Building Blocks to Success, CommUnity Days, and Kicks 4 Kids.

Pastor Kelly Gilliam is excited about the transition.

“We are so thankful for this generous donation to help us as we continue to grow,” she said.

“Life Builders looks forward to broadening its impact in the community by fighting against food insecurities, educating children and families through high-quality enrichment programs, financial literacy courses, home buying information, and other services. Supporting children and families is at the core of what we’re committed to do.”

John Harris Victor Guerra Wilma Novogradac

NORTH STRABANE Robert Shough III and Gabrielle Shough CP Angel Pad Owner LLC

Keith Coyner Jr. Angel MHP LLC

Rajiv Koirala and Bimal Shrestha Lawrence Swingle and Terri McKay Gregory Joseph and Sheryl Fraser NVR Inc. Edward Eckle Haleigh Michelle Myers and Michelle Leigh Mardos Gautam and Prachi Patel Vinwell Partners LLC

Brandy Braun Brad Miller Estate of ElizabethAnnShepelak Kvartek

122 Surrey Drive 1050 Surrey Woods Drive 101 W Fair Meadows Drive

$480,000 $460,000 $29,900

Anastasia Augenstein

117 Alyson Drive

$614,900

PETERS Samuel and Kara Felicetti Eric Joseph Bielich and Natalie Victoria Bielski Hyde & Dixon Homes LLC Athena Kalogeris

196 Longuevue Drive $730,000 631 Shady Drive E 2300 $153,000 750 Washington Road Apt 809 $230,000

602 Braeburn Way $800,000 60 Carl Ave. 2848 $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $2,070,012) 76 Management L.P. 305 Crossing Drive $625,000 NVR Inc. 109 Heather Drive $659,012 Sara Jean Redinger 1102 Linden Vue Drive $410,000 Pinehurst Land Partners LLC 5 Marigold Ct $121,000 Albino Scandolari 135 Queens Way $223,000

Robert Freedline Robert Lang Seraphim Livanos

Jason and Kyleen Alter Stephen and Cassandra Carr Bryan Thomas and Jill Hosko Joel Magnotti and Madison Gestrich

115 Brandywine Drive $585,000 113 Brookdale Cir $172,200 139 Brookwood Road $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $110,135) Parimala Kamath 105 Coventry Ct $702,500 Edward Copus 106 Meredith Drive $1,390,000 Kinsale Land Partners LLC 313 Piedmont Drive $240,000 Estate of Shirley Semko 385 Scott Ln $220,100

SCOTT Mark Anthony and Cheryl Ann Romain Robert Miller III and Shannon Schmidt Joseph Digiorno and Miranda Brazinski Jared and Julia Gentile Todd Donovan Hillary Ann Rumburg Lou Ann Kerst Keith and Karen Penkrot

Estate of George Harry Smith Sondra Gefsky Caitlin Becker Joseph Baker Patrick Priest Estate of Marjorie Morgan Mary Ann Sever David Bowers

1902 Berkwood Drive 3 Crosswinds Drive 2030 Elmbrook Ln 1324 Meadowlark Drive Orchard Spring Road 1715 52 Robinhood Road 634 Robinwood Drive 1086 500 Rockfield Road

$260,000 $289,000 $230,000 $311,000 $225,000 $235,000 $185,000 $300,000

SOUTH FAYETTE Jonathan Levy and Molly Lewis Jefrey Thomas Cooper Ansley Galicic Vision Holdings Group LLC 412 Property Brothers LLC Debra Corsino trustee

Faith Musko Jordan Dane Murman Nancy Stoner James Roncace Estate of Leonard Desmet Craig Ignatz

2923 Big Meadow Ct 110 E Russets Cir 532 Hunters Path Road 507 Hunters Path Road Unit 12 1141 201 Parks Road 8028 Saddlewood Drive

$221,000 $227,500 $225,000 $96,000 $830,000 $525,000

Leonard Smith Kenneth Zatawski

152 Boxfield Road 2471 Broadlawn Drive

$600,000 $465,000

Sharon Guidi Kretschmar Scott Rizzo Gautam Patel John Machi Jamil Alkhaddo

450 Clair Drive 2574 Corteland Drive 1361 Redfern Drive 2604 Rossmoor Drive 1013 Tall Trees Drive

$490,000 $585,000 $530,000 $480,000 $851,972

UPPER ST. CLAIR et al Ronald Schoedel Jr. and Morgan Schoedel Joseph Patrick Devlin and Hannah Elise Safcik William Grace and Michell Takac Shan Gao and Guangkuo Zhen Thomas Douglas and Nancy Travers Sean and Kimberly Bryson

Real Estate Transactions provided by <RealSTATs>. Contact <RealSTATs> at 412-381-3880 or visit www.RealSTATs.net.

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DECEMBER 24, 2023

BEST OF THE BEST DiLucia named Almanac MVP

By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net

Nolan DiLucia dominated the action at quarterback this fall by passing for 3,131 yards and 30 touchdowns while leading Peters Township to its first WPIAL football title and initial appearance in a state championship contest.

Since Nolan DiLucia could throw a baseball, it made sense to the Peters Township youth football team’s offensive coordinator, who just happened to be his father, to make him a quarterback.

“The rest is history,” said the son of Michael and Jennifer DiLucia.

At only age 16, DiLucia is already a legend at Peters Township High School. If he does nothing more in his remaining two varsity seasons, his legacy will have been cemented because he led the Indians on a historic run this autumn.

DiLucia guided Peters Township to its first WPIAL title in school history. The Indians also won two PIAA playoff games and made their initial appearance in a state championship contest.

The Indians steamrolled to a 15-0 record, that featured a conference crown and district banner, before succumbing to Imhotep Charter, 38-13, on Dec. 8 at Chapman Memorial Field on the Cumberland Valley High School campus in Mechanicsburg.

“Nolan was our general. A commanding leader of the team,” said Peters Township head coach TJ Plack. “He was extremely important to our offense. Without him, we are a decent team. Hands down, we are a state championship team with him. Nolan did a fantastic job.”

As a sophomore signal caller, DiLucia led the WPIAL in passing, completing 229 of 379 attempts for 3,131 yards and 30 touchdowns. He also ranked third on the team in rushing with 489 yards on 110 carries for a 4.45 average. He tacked on eight more scores.

For his efforts, DiLucia garnered many postseason accolades. In addition to earning all-conference acclaim, he has been named Almanac Most Valuable Player.

“It’s a blessing,” he said. “It truly was an awesome year but I could not have done this without my family, coaches, teammates and God. I am a true believer (in God). I pray every game and ask Him to help and bless me and the whole team.”

Since he was a youth, DiLucia has been endowed with talent. He started playing baseball at age 5 then picked up other sports such as basketball

PHOTOS: ELEANOR BAILEY/ THE ALMANAC

and football. Through AAU, he blossomed into a top-notch player like his father, who played Division I baseball for a time before finishing up his degree at Bethany College. DiLucia starts in center field for his travel club and in right for the high school team.

DiLuciawasdelightedwhenhisfathergavehimthenodatquarterback.

“I could throw the baseball far. So they made me a quarterback. I am happy they did because it meant I could touch the ball every play,” he said. “Then I got better, and I liked it even more.”

In 2022, DiLucia played a backup role to Chris Cibrone, who passed for nearly 2,000 yards. In the final game of that 6-4 campaign, he made his debut as a starter.

DiLucia finished his freshman year with 384 passing yards and three touchdowns, having completed 37 of 71 attempts. He also managed 53 yards rushing and two scores.

Of the experience DiLucia said, “It helped me transition. I got some great game experience and it helped me to get ready for my

Nolan DiLucia scrambles for yardage before being pushed out of bounds during WPIAL 5A championship action against Pine Richland. The Peters Township quarterback passed for 184 yards and three touchdowns and rushed 81 more yards in the 43-17 win over the Rams.

SEE DILUCIA PAGE B2

Peters Township leads list of Almanac football all-stars

By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net

Peters Township had a historic, not to mention memorable, football season in 2023, and while it took a team effort to produce a 15-1 record that featured a conference championship, WPIAL title and runner-up showing in the state, the Indians benefited from some all-star performances by several individuals.

Guided by coach TJ Plack, the Indians featured a sophomore quarterback that threw for a Plack district-high 3,131 yards in Nolan DiLucia and a stout defense that racked up five shutouts while allowing a league-low 161 points.

So it comes as no surprise that the Indians dominate the 42nd edition of The Almanac’s football all-star team. The 2023 squad was selected with input from the area coaches. Consideration was also given to statistics as well as games viewed by the editorial staff.

While DiLucia leads the list as MVP (see related story), Plack gained Coach of The Year recognition for fashioning the championship club in his eighth season at the helm.

Plack piloted the path to the Indians’ inaugural WPIAL

title in three attempts since 2019 and to its first PIAA championship appearance.

“Everything fell into place,” Plack said. “It was eight years in the making “It took a great group,” he added. “We had a bunch of talented athletes that truly cared about each other. They sacrificed and did what was necessary for the team to be successful.”

In addition to DiLucia, the Indians were particularly successful because of the individual achievements of Carter Shanafelt, Franco Muscatello, Mickey Vaccarello, Jake Velgich, Nick Courie, Justin Tornatore, Eliot Schratz and Nick McCullough. In addition to being selected as Almanac allstars, they all were first-team all-conference performers Shanafelt was also recognized for his punting and kicking skills.

Because of these assets, Shanafelt he emerged as the team’s scoring leader.

He kicked 67 extra points and seven field goals to go along with 12 touchdowns.

Shanafelt averaged 33.93 yards a punt and 58.33 yards per kickoff. He also rolled up a team-high 814 yards on 44 receptions.

“First and foremost, Carter was an integral component of our offense,” said PT head coach TJ Plack. “We

have a couple playmakers on the outside but they are led by him. His speed and confidence make him a weapon.

Plus, he has made a huge contribution to our special team units as a place kicker and punter.” Plack said.

Muscatello and Vaccarello made contributions on both sides of the ball. A junior, Muscatello earned first-team all-conference recognition on offense as a guard and on defense as a tackle while Vaccarello duplicated the feat at tight end and linebacker.

Muscatello paved the way for the offense to accumulate 5,906 total yards as well as score 74 touchdowns; Muscatello 34 through the air and 40 on the ground.

Defensively, he recorded 33 tackles over 13 games. He added six sacks, two forced fumbles and 11 TFL Vaccarello led the team with 13 sacks and 29 TFL. He was credited with a safety and 61 solo tackles as well Vaccarello as 39 quarterback hurries and four pass deflections. On offense, the 6-4, 210-pound H-back had 16 receptions and one touchdown to go along with one rushing score.

A junior, Vaccarello already has five scholarship offers, among them Syracuse, Boston

College, Michigan, Wisconsin and Miami (Ohio). Vaccarello, who owns a 4.83 GPA and excels in basketball, has also visited Notre Dame.

“That’s a real good athlete out there,” Plack said of Vaccarello.

With the addition of Velgich, Courie, Tornatore, Schratz and McCullough, the Indians had the best defense in the district as well as conference.

“The whole defense was fantastic.

Those guys made plays,” Plack said.

“Jake was a great captain.

Velgich There were no better cornerbacks than Nick (McCullough) and Eliot.

Nick (Courie) was the reason why we Courie were so good.

Justin was a coach on the field.

I don’t know what we would do without those guys. They were some of our best players. The cool thing was how well they got along and worked together.”

Tornatore was the team’s leading tackler with 68 solo putdowns.

He had three sacks and two Tornatore interceptions.

Schratz and Courie followed with 58 and 54 tack-

les. Schratz led the team with seven interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

M c Schratz Cullough managed 34 tackles with one sack and one TFL. He picked off five passes. Velgich McCullough helped anchor the line at tackle. In addition to 13 solo tackles, he had a fumble recovery and three TFL. Schratz and McCullough made contributions on offense and special teams. McCullough had 26 receptions for 464 yards and six TDs. Schratz had one rushing score to go along with 430 return yards and 218 more on 53 punt returns.

BP keeps pace

While Peters Township collectively had the best team in Class 5A, Bethel Park had perhaps the best individual as Ryan Petras claimed offensive player of the year in the Allegheny Six Conference for the second season in a row. The 5-9, 170-pound multi-position performer played wide receiver and running back on offense and in the secondary on defense.

A return specialist as well, Petras also served as the team’s punter.

“Ryan is one of the best players in the WPIAL,” said BP skipper Phil Peckich. “He can play any Petras skill position on the field and he’s an athlete with elite speed.

An all-state performer in football as well as in baseball as a shortstop, Petras ranked sixth in the WPIAL in receiving with 734 yards on 52 receptions and a 14.1-yard average. He added 428 yards rushing on 47 carries.

Defensively, he made 30 solo tackles, picked off three passes and had two tackles for a loss. He scored touchdowns off an interception, punt return and kickoff during the regular season.

His teammate, however, dominated the defense as the Black Hawks gained a playoff spot though they finished 4-7 overall.

A 6-3, 240-pound junior, C l a n c y Orie gained all-conference laurels at end. DeOrie fensively, he recorded 65 tackles, 51 of them solo. He added eight TFL and five sacks. Offensively, he was credited with 18 quarterback hurries. He blocked two passes and had another deflection.

SEE STARS PAGE B2

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• DECEMBER 24, 2023

Stars FROM PAGE B1 A Division I recruit, having visited UNLV, Delaware, Villanova, Lafayette, Harvard, Pitt and Penn State among others, Orie maintains a 4.4 GPA. “Clancy is a defensive lineman who can play on the edge or the interior. Exceptional twitch, knee bend, and strength,” said Peckich.

USC foursome

At 8-2 overall, Upper St. Clair sported the fourth-best record in Class 5A yet failed to make the WPIAL playoffs because of a 3-2 record in the Allegheny Six Conference.

That detail did not negate the performances produced by four of the Panthers’ stars.

All managed all-conference first-team representation.

F o r two years in a row, Nate Stohl achieved first-team accolades at offensive Stohl guard as well as defensive tackle. The 6-3, 265-pound junior compiled 65 tackles. He also recorded seven sacks.

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A threeyear starter, Marco Carone led a rushing offense that ran for 1,850 Carone yards during the regular season. The 6-4, 270-pound offensive tackle will play at the University of Pennsylvania in the Ivy League next fall.

A 6-2, 195-pound junior, Hellmann anchored the defensive unit at linebacker. He Hellmann accumulated 57 tackles. He also picked up three sacks.

Because of his versatility, Julian Dahlem was an at-large all-conference selection. After Dahlem sharing starting quarterback duties as a sophomore, the 5-10, 175-pound junior converted to wide receiver but continued to play in the defensive secondary and on special teams as a return specialist.

Dahlem hauled in a teamhigh 30 passes for six touchdowns. He accounted for 750 all-purpose yards for the Panthers and ranked second on the team in rushing and scoring. On defense, he managed three interceptions.

A two-sport standout, Dahlem is the starting point guard on the basketball team.

Lebo scores 3

During an injury-ridden season under first-year head coach Mike Collodi, Mt. Lebanon managed a 5-6 record with a playoff appearance.

Three individuals excelled enough to garner all-star recognition both on the Almanac list as well as the Tri-County Five Conference team.

Fred Lasota led the Blue Devils in rushing with 474 yards on 101 carries as well as Lasota in scoring with seven touchdowns. He ranked second in receiving with nine receptions for an 8.1-yard average. Lasota garnered second-team all-conference laurels at running back.

Connor Young and Beckham Dee were among the last remnants of Lebo’s state championship club. Both were sophomore contributors when the Blue Devils racked up a 15-0 record in 2021 complete with a conference, WPIAL title and PIAA banner.

Both slogged through the season. They weathered injuries but garnered enough playing time to gain sec-

DiLucia FROM PAGE B1 next games. I came into the season this year, knowing the pace and other things necessary but I also knew what I had to do to get better.”

During the offseason, DiLucia trained with Ralph DelSardo, a quarterback coach, as well as Ed Withholder, a speed and strength trainer. He also

ond-team all-conference accolades — Young at defensive tackle and Dee as an at large selection on offense although he will play linebacker in college.

Dee, who during the summer earned an appointment to the United State Air Force AcadeDee my, recently accepted a PWO (preferred walk-on) offer from Penn State University. The 6-1, 220-pound senior recorded 10 solo tackles and had one interception as well as a fumble recovery on defense. He also averaged 3.5 yards a carry on offense and scored two touchdowns.

Some 22 universities pursued Young, who is a 6-3, 260-pound lineman.

Schools such Young as Army, Air Force, Holy Cross, Penn, Dartmouth, Columbia and Brown embraced his 4.4 GPA and membership in the National Honor Society but the United State Naval Academy won the battle for his athletic acumen.

“Connor’s a big kid with a great motor for a defensive linemen. He never takes plays off and he has tremendous leadership skills, both vocal and in showing by doing,” Collodi said. “His work ethic is second to none and he’s extremely intelligent. That’s a great combination. His non-

stop tenacity and his athletic ability stood out to me as I am sure it did for the college recruiters.”

Because of the efforts of Tyler Glover and running back Austin Efthimiades, Chartiers Valley qualified for the WPIAL 4A playoffs in a conference that has produced the state champion as Aliquippa captured both the district banner and a fifth PIAA crown.

A 5-11, 180-pound senior, Efthimiades led the Colts in rushing with 1,080 yards on 197 carEfthimiades ries. He also racked up nine touchdowns.

He gained all-conference honorable mention recognition at running back.

A 6-2, 215-pound senior, Glover earned first-team all-conference honors at inside Glover linebacker and punter. He was a second-team selection at tight end.

Defensively, he collected 59 tackles, recorded six sacks, picked off one pass and had four tackles for loss of yardage. Offensively, he caught eight passes for 197 yards. He scored two touchdowns.

Glover, who has offers from Hampden-Sydney College and Clarion Univer-

Nate Deanes dominates both sides of the ball such that he gained first team Allegheny Six Conference laurels at both running back and defensive back. Michael Gimigliano earned first team recognition at wide receiver.

Both were bright spots in an otherwise lackluster season for South Fayette as the Lions missed the playoffs for the second straight season after compiling a 4-6 overall record.

A 5-9, 180-pound senior, Deanes rushed for 487 yards on 93 attempts and scored 7 touchdowns.

Deanes He caught 15 passes for 138 yards and a 9.2-yard average and another score.

Defensively, he had 32 solo and 7 assisted tackles.

A return specialist on kickoffs and punts, he averaged 31.7 yards a return on kicks and 11.5 on punts.

A 6-2, 200-pound two-way starter, Gimigliano led the entire WPIAL with 59 reGimigliano ceptions for a team-high 865 yards and nine touchdowns. On defense, he had 33 solo and 19 assisted tackles. 5 TFL, a sack and a deflection.

attended summer workouts, lifting sessions and training camps with his teammates.

He said that he was readily accepted among the upperclassmen, including the seniors, because of his previous playing experience with them. As a youth, he played up in age groups.

“Because I played with all the seniors when I was young, we became good friends. We connected well together. I trusted them and they trusted me. It all worked out.”

DiLucia hopes his future plans work out. In his remaining high school seasons, he anticipates leading the Indians to more championships. Personally, he hopes to garner an athletic scholarship. He’ll embrace either football or baseball offers.

“Expectations are to get back to the finals. It was awesome winning the WPIAL championship and playing in the state finals. Any of my teammates will tell you that if you ask everyone,” he said.

“I think we have the potential to be just as good next year because of our coaches and the players we have returning.

Those guys learned a lot. Now the sophomores and juniors need to stay healthy and step it up.”

As for his future DiLucia added, “I love playing both football and baseball so I will look to whichever offer is better and what will help me and my family. I think God will help me. He’ll lead me in the right way.”

Duo guides CV

sity among others, is also a standout wrestler for the Colts.

Two top Lions

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DECEMBER 24, 2023 • B3

OH, CHRISTMAS TREE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CINDY DICK AND ANDREA GROSSO

ABOVE LEFT: Cindy Dick’s Santa Christmas tree features Santa-related ornaments. ABOVE RIGHT: Andrea Grosso’s snowman tree is pictured.

Residents showcase their versions of the festive firs

By Karen Mansfield Staff writer

kmansfield@observer-reporter.com

It’s the Christmas season, and homes are decked out with wreaths, garland, candles in the windows, snow globes, and stockings.

But the Christmas tree, without a doubt, is the star of holiday decorations.

And people deck out their trees in the most creative of ways – from family ornaments collected over the years (who hasn’t draped their festive firs with homemade Christmas ornaments crafted by their kids at school?) to Grinch-themed trees to classic red-andwhite-themed trees. The Christmas tree tradition can be traced to 16th-century Germany, where Christians began to decorate evergreens – or, sometimes, simple pyramid-shaped stacks of wood – inside their homes.

The tradition of adding candles to the tree branches is often attributed to Martin Luther, the 16th century Protestant reformer.

Legend has it that Luther was inspired by the stars in the night sky amid the evergreens. To recapture the scene for his family, he placed a tree in the main room and decorated it with lighted candles.

By the early 20th century, Americans were decorating Christmas trees with homemade ornaments and garland – think apples, nuts, berries, and popcorn, and with the invention of electricity, having a Christmas tree in the home became a cherished family tradition.

Here are some fun, creative and beautiful Christmas tree themes area residents have displayed to add cheer to their homes.

KAREN MANSFIELD/OBSERVER-REPORTER

Marc and Daria Svaline display a Hummel Christmas tree.

The Svalines have nearly 50 Hummel ornaments that they have collected since they were married in 1974.

A second tree is decorated with all things musical.

Svaline said he has gotten so many music-related ornaments as gifts over the decades that it made sense to have a music-themed tree. Among his favorites is a steel drum band ornament – Svaline started the Wash High steel drum band in 1985 and turned it into one of the nation’s premiere ensembles.

Grinch Tree

Troy and Emma Kerley of Lawrence pay homage to the ultimate “mean one” and Who-ville with their Grinchthemed Christmas tree. It is the second year the Kerleys put up the Grinch tree, which complements the couple’s many Grinch-themed decorations.

Santa Tree

A classic Pittsburgh Steelers table-top tree

Hummel Tree and Music Tree Marc and Daria Svaline of Bridgeville display two Christmas trees each year: one features Hummel Christmas glass ball ornaments, while the other is decorated with music ornaments – an

homage to Marc Svaline’s 35year career as a music teacher and band director at Washington High School.

Marc Svaline bought the first Hummel ornament in 1974, when the couple got married. Every year, he’d purchase another Hummel for the tree.

PHOTO COURTESY WENDY TRONKA

When the Hummel series stopped in 1999, the Svalines switched to Lenox ornaments for a handful of years. Hummel started a new series in 2005, and the couple has collected those ornaments ever since. There are 48 Hummels adorning the pencil tree in their main room.

Former North Strabane Township resident Cindy Dick loves all things Santa. Her Santa-themed tree pays homage to the man in the red suit with a variety of Santa ornaments on her evergreen. The tree includes several sports-themed ornaments, travel-related ornaments, and some treasured keepsakes that once belonged to Dick’s grandmother.

The crowning touch for the Santa-centric tannenbaum is a Santa tree topper.

Snowman Tree

Another former North Strabane Township resident,

Andrea Grosso, displays a Snowman Christmas tree.

Grosso decorated the allwhite tree with a snowman head, three black bulbs for buttons, and stick arms, and wrapped a scarf around the tree.

Red-and-White Tree

Tom and Jackie Zeni of South Strabane Township have decked out their beautiful red-and-white Christmas tree with Baldwin brass spinner ornaments and NOMA bubble lights. Satin red-andwhite bulbs and crystal icicles and snowflakes adorn the tree, which is topped off with a Hallmark Santa Claus topper. Tom Zeni meticulously places each ornament on the tree in symmetrical fashion, a project that takes about three days to complete. The candle-shaped bubble lights contain a liquid that bubbles when it reaches 103 degrees.

Steelers Tree

Die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan Wendy Tronka of Wheeling, W.Va., displays a table-top Steelers tree adorned with Steelers decorations. It includes a Steeler snowman, nutcracker, and Santa Claus, along with Pittsburgh legends including Hines Ward, Franco Harris, Troy Polamalu and more.

One of Tronka’s favorites is a medallion engraved with Heinz Field.

what’s happening PT LIBRARY The Peters Township library will ring in 2024 with a Noon Year’s Eve event from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 29. All ages can attend and create a craft, explore activities, enjoy snacks, and help count down to midnight. Activities will be set up in the multipurpose room and lobby.

On Jan. 6 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. the library will host the Pittsburgh Classical Guitar Society Ensemble. Music lovers of all ages can enjoy an afternoon of folk music

from around the world, including Late Renaissance dance music.

Register at ptlibrary.org or call 724-941-9430 for more details.

COIN CLUB The South Hills Coin Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9 at the Bethel Park municipal building, located at 5100 West Library Ave. All members and the general public can attend. The meeting’s program will discuss the upcoming coin show to be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel & Suites located at

164 Fort Couch Rd. in Bethel Park. There will be 20-plus dealers buying gold and silver coins and currency. Call 724-984-66111 for more information.

SH WOMEN The South Hills Women’s Club will meet at 8 p.m. Jan. 8 at Vanadium Woods Lobby, 50 Vanadium Road in Bridgeville. Following a brief meeting, there will be the annual White Elephant Gift Exchange.

Bring a wrapped gift (funny, regift, or fine antique) and have fun while getting to know the group.

Refreshments and dessert will be served. New members and guests interested in attending should call Sue at 412-953-3209.

PT REC The Peters Township recreation center will offer Social Media 101 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 11 for ages 55 and over as an introduction to apps such as Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.

Visit www.peterstownship.com to register or sign up in person. Fee is $5 ($8 nonmembers). Call 724942-5000 for more details.

PICKLEBALL The Peters Township recreation center will offer pickleball classes beginning Jan. 9. Six- week classes for beginners will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays and 11 to noon on Thursdays or 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays for advanced beginners. A drill clinic for intermediate and advanced players will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays beginning Jan. 11. Fees are $120 ($180 nonmembers).

Register at www.peterstownship. com or call 724-942-5000 for more details.