The Almanac - March 17, 2024

‘Eclipseapalooza’

Solar eclipse will have people looking skyward, traveling in April

By Brad Hundt Staff

Thousands of years ago, eclipses were something to fear.

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On April 8, the routine of a Monday afternoon is going to be interrupted for millions of people across North America when the moon passes between the Earth and sun in what has been dubbed the Great American Eclipse. It will extend all the way from the Mexican state of Sinaloa to the

Canadian province of Nova Scotia, be the first total solar eclipse in North America since August 2017, and the last for 20 years. The Pittsburgh region has not experienced many total solar eclipses. The last time it happened in this region was June 1451, and one is not on the horizon for the next couple hundred years. This time around, it is just outside the zone where the eclipse will be total – if you are in Southwestern Pennsylvania, the sky will get somewhat darker but not completely so, about 2 p.m. on April 8, according to Amanda Iwaniec, who directs visitor engagement at the Carnegie Science Center. “It will be noticeable,” she said, adding that what makes this eclipse unique is that it covers such a wide range of territory and so many populated areas that are in or near the zone where the eclipse will be total. Some of the places in the totality zone are

BP’s Allen Levine gets citizen of the year honors

But

State Sen. Patrick J. Stefano, R-Connellsville, left, and the late state Rep. Peter J. Daley view the 2017 solar eclipse in

ASSOCIATED PRESS

People look to the sky as the 2017 eclipse happens in Nebraska.

BRAD HUNDT/OBSERVER-REPORTER

Allen Levine, left, accepts citizen of the year honors from Magisterial District Judge Ron Arnoni.

Eclipse

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happening at Lake Erie Speedway and a brewery will be having a party in its parking lot; and an abundance of watch parties are on tap in and around Buffalo. They are set at a ballpark, a drive-in theater and a vineyard, among many other locations.

Lucas County, Ohio, which includes Toledo, could end up seeing as many as 800,000 visitors on the day of the eclipse, according to Caleigh Heuring, director of marketing and communications for Destination Toledo, the city’s tourism agency. To put that in perspective, that’s twice the entire population of the whole county. Heuring explained that they are anticipating that most of the visitors will be trekking from parts of Indiana and Michigan where the eclipse will not be total.

Honors

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launched a spin-off program, “The Talking Machine Show,” in 2021, and has branched out into other shows too: “By Request,” which is centered on jazz; “The Speedy Gourmet,” which is set in Levine’s kitchen, and has him cooking a meal in 20 minutes or less; and “Maria’s Ideas Teaches Us to Paint,” in which the artist Maria Prascak teaches Levine and others how to paint. As if his duties in front of the camera were not enough, Levine is a trustee for the Bethel Park Community Foundation and is a trustee of the Bethel Park Public Library.

“I love promoting other people,” Levine said. For his efforts, Levine received citizen of the year honors late last month from Magisterial District Judge

That day in Toledo could well be described as “Eclipseapalooza.” Most school districts in the region have canceled classes for the day, a massive eclipse party is planned at the University of Toledo’s football stadium, the Toledo Zoo is hosting events and businesses are being asked to switch off automatic lights that might come on when the eclipse is total about 3:08 p.m.

Ronald Arnoni. The judge has been giving out the honor annually to individuals or organizations that make valuable contributions to the communities in his district, which also takes in part of Upper St. Clair. “Al is a treasure for our community,” Arnoni said, before presenting Levine with a medal in his chambers. “He knows so many people and he’s ready to help when he’s called … Al is what makes Bethel Park a great place to work.” Levine will share the citizen of the year designation this year with the police and fire departments of Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair. Representatives of both departments were there to accept the honor.

“These people do special things every day, to save a life or put their own lives in danger,” Arnoni said. Citizens of the year are nominated each year by members of the Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair communities.

“A lot of people are taking the day off, or working remotely or taking a half-day,” Heuring said.

And because the eclipse is later in the day, Heuring’s office is urging visitors to stay overnight so there is not a crush of people clogging roads and highways when it’s over.

“It truly is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Heuring said.

Camera

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According to PennDOT, over the last five years there has been a 38% reduction in speeding in a work zone, meaning a driver was going at least 1 mph over the limit, and a 47% reduction in “excessive” speeding, which means a driver was going at least 11 mph over the limit.

If a driver is caught by one of the speed enforcement vehicles, they will receive a warning in the mail, a $75 fine for a second offense and a $150 fine for subsequent offenses.

With the legislation signed by Shapiro, anyone who received a warning or fine during the pilot program will have their violations reset to zero.

The law also makes adjustments to how frequently drivers can be ticketed. If a camera catches someone

to a family vacation spot on Lake Erie to celebrate her birthday on the day of the eclipse. “We’re trying to plan some ritual to do for the eclipse,” Mitter said. “We want to do something special.”

Bayleigh McCullough, a 2021 graduate of Trinity High School, studies nursing at Niagara University in New York,

speeding, they will not receive a second violation until 15 days after the mail date of the first violation. Pennsylvanians can check on where cameras have been posted and whether they are still active at workzonecameras.penndot.gov.

According to data provided by PennDOT, in 2021 there were 39 camera deployments in Washington County that resulted in 730 violations, while Fayette County had 21 cameras and 1,836 violations.

PennDOT did not set up any cameras in Greene County in 2020 or 2021. Fayette also had no active cameras in 2021. Numbers provided for Washington County in 2021 and 2022 include all violations that came as a result of drivers speeding through construction on the Southern Beltway project, which includes a portion of Allegheny County.

and the campus is about a 10-minute drive from Niagara Falls. She and some friends are planning on watching the eclipse at the falls. “It’s going to be a pretty big event,” she said.

The plans of Steven Pascoe are a little more fluid right now. A professional photographer and videographer in Washington, he is going to look at the forecast about three days before the eclipse, determine

In 2021, including the Southern Beltway there were 161 camera deployments, and 68,718 violations issued. The following year there were half as many cameras, and more than 18,000 violations.

In 2023, the final year for the pilot program, Fayette and Washington counties did not have any traffic cameras, but Greene County had 10, resulting in 18 speeding violations.

According to PennDOT, the camera program runs at a deficit. Fines generated more than $7.2 million for the state transportation agencies, but the program costs about $2.5 million more than that to operate.

PennDOT uses this fact to emphasize that the goal of the project is about safety in work zones.

where in the totality zone there will be the least cloud cover and head there. He could end up as close as Erie or as far away as Indiana. Wherever his destination, he plans on photographing it and posting video to the internet.

“I’m going to play hide-andseek with the weather,” Pascoe said. “It’s something I’ve never done, so it’s special in and of itself. But it’s also such a special astronomical event.”

“This program is not about revenue – it’s not about issuing violations – it’s about saving lives,” reads a statement from PennDOT. “We would rather issue no violations and see all motorists travel safely through every work zone.”

According to PennDOT, 14 people died in 2022 as a result of 1,293 work zone crashes. There have been 90 PennDOT workers killed in accidents since 1970. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has had 45 workers die in work zone accidents dating back to 1945. “Many injuries and fatalities in work zones can be prevented if drivers simply slow down, and that’s the goal of this program,” said Pennsylvania State Police Director of the Bureau of Patrol Major Robert Krol in the press release. “The cameras have been effective in making our work zones safer, and we look forward to seeing additional results from the program’s full-time implementation.”

Laura Mitter agrees. That’s why the Mt. Morris resident is traveling

NASA

During the April 8 total solar eclipse, the moon’s shadow will fly across North America in less than two hours. The path of this shadow, the path of totality, is where observers will see the moon completely cover the sun for up to four and a half minutes.

PHOTOS: ASSOCIATED PRESS ABOVE: The moon blocks the sun during a 2017 solar eclipse in Oregon. AT RIGHT: A 2017 solar eclipse as seen from the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

WOMEN awards grants to nonprofits in 2023

OVER THE PAST 23 YEARS, WOMEN HAS DONATED OVER $980,000 TO LOCAL GROUPS THAT BENEFIT WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN NEED WHO RESIDE IN SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA.

sylvania.

WOMEN is a nonprofit, charitable and social organization based in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Members are all volunteers, and every dollar donated remains in western Pennsylvania.

Grants for the 2023 cycle were made in the categories to the following organizations:

Mental health

Anchorpoint Counseling Ministries

Samaritan Counseling Center of Western PA, Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh

Family support

Alternatives Yes

Community Human Services

Light of Life Ministries

North Hills Community Outreach

South Hills Interfaith Movement

Little Sisters of the Poor

Always B Smiling

Horses with Hope, PA

Women Work

Pittsburgh Bereavement

Doulas

United Way of Washington

County Infant and childcare

Beverly’s Birthdays

Church of the Covenant

Focus on Renewal

Greene County United Way

Mid-Atlantic Mothers Milk Bank

Child advocacy

CASA of Allegheny County

Watchful Shepherd USA

Cancer support

Cancer Bridges Hair Peace Charities Lending Hearts

Young Adult Survivors

United

Food Insecurity

Crop and Kettle Food and Kids at Hamilton

Presbyterian Church

Meals on Wheels (Crossroads, South Park and South West) Washington Salvation Army

Homelessness

Garden Home Ministries Sisters Place, Inc.

WOMEN of Southwestern Pennsylvania hosts two fundraisers yearly: Symphony of Food in January and a golf outing in May. For more information about grant applications, donating, sponsorships or becoming a member, please visit womenofswpa.org.

Two trail projects in Allegheny County will receive $1.8 million in funding

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do,” said Chuck Lazini, president of South

“A LOT OF THOUGHTFUL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT WENT INTO MAKING SOUTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP THE THRIVING COMMUNITY THAT IT IS TODAY, BUT THERE IS STILL WORK WE HAVE TO DO.”

— CHUCK LAZINI, PRESIDENT OF SOUTH FAYETTE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Fayette’s board of commissioners. “We are thankful to the SPC for recognizing and valuing the merits of our grant application and awarding us with this funding.”

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission receives an allotment of federal

funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation that it can award to entities that have improvement projects which qualify under three areas: congestion mitigation, carbon reduction and transportation alternatives.

‘Not what I wanted’

Kernan wrestles to third at PIAA championships

By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net

Mason Kernan’s scholastic wrestling career did not end as planned.

While the Bethel Park senior earned a spot on the podium at the Giant Center in Hershey, his medal did not gleam gold. Bronze, instead, adorned his neck after placing third in the 133-pound weight class during the PIAA Class 3A championships.

“Growing up, all I ever dreamed about was winning a state championship,” Kernan said. “I’m happy I came back to take third but it’s still not what I wanted at all.”

After falling to Tahir Parkins of Nazareth, 11-4, in the semifinals, Kernan dropped into the consolations. He had to win two matches to take third.

“Mason has always wanted to be a state champion and fell just short of that,” said BP mat boss Tyler Nauman. “He’s a competitor and wanted to be at the top of the podium.

“When a goal you’ve had for a long time becomes unattainable it is very hard to rebound but Mason did just that and got the next best thing. I’m beyond proud of him.”

Bethel Park, Upper St. Clair advance to PIAA quarterfinals

After dramatic first-round victories in the PIAA boys basketball tournament, Bethel Park (15-13) and Upper St. Clair (22-5) advanced to the quarterfinals with wins against Fox Chapel (1612) and State College (13-13) respectively.

In a second-round Class 5A contest played March 12 at the AHN Arena in Peters Township High School, the Blackhawks defeated the Foxes, 48-43. BP reeled off the first 10 points of the third quarter, erasing a seven-point halftime deficit, to reach the elite eight for the first time since the turn of the century.

Held to 13 points in the first half, the Hawks rebounded, outscoring the Foxes, 18-4, in the decisive third frame.

“I liked what we were doing in the first half. We just weren’t hitting any shots,” explained BP floor boss Dante Calabria.

Jefferson Morrefield-Brown (4)

PIAA Class 5A boys’ basketball playoff action. Pfeuffer

five points in a pivotal fourth quarter to help Bethel Park beat Fox Chapel,

“At halftime, I told them to just keep playing with enthusiasm and energy. We are going to make a couple and if we don’t, we’re going to still play as hard as we can. They really took it over there in the third quarter,” he noted.

PIHL to crown new champs

Peters Township, South Fayette teams toppled

The PIHL will crown new Penguins Cup champions in Class AAA as well as AA when the league hosts the finals March 18-19 at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.

Pine-Richland and Penn-Trafford saw to that as the Rams and Warriors toppled the defending champions during recent PIHL playoff action.

Pine-Richland (17-4-1) used a three-goal, third period to topple two-time Class AAA champion Peters Township, 4-2, in the semifinals played March 11 at the Robert Morris University Island Sports Center.

While Parkins went on to capture the championship, Kernan recovered to beat Chris Dennis from Central Bucks West, 5-2, and Baldwin’s Ramil Islamov, 4-0, in his consolation bouts to grab the third spot on the podium.

“Knowing (Parkins) won the title didn’t make it easier,” Kernan noted. “Coming back was pretty hard because that was my goal. I had to push it out of my mind until the wrestling was over.”

Kernan began his state tournament with a dramatic win by ultimate tiebreaker against Dennis. He then dispatched Central Dauphin’s C.J. Ferret, 5-1, to reach the showdown with Parkins.

“We knew Mason’s first match was going to be tough as they all are once you reach the state tournament,” Nauman said. “Mason stayed poised and confident as he rode out (Dennis) for two straight periods.

“Earlier this season and last season, Mason may not have done this. Mason has not only grown in his wrestling skills but his confidence and mindset. He showed just that and a lot of heart to get this victory.”

It was the third meeting this season between the two squads, but the first time this winter the Rams triumphed. They did so by overcoming a 2-0 deficit and reeling off four unanswered tallies to post the victory. With 2:44 to play in third period, Josh Lanyard notched the game-winning goal. Zack Howard added an empty-netter for an insurance tally. Peters Township jumped off to a 2-0 lead, scoring goals within 29 seconds of each other in the first frame. Brady Holleran registered the initial tally at 2:31 while Charlie Caputo followed at 2:40. Caputo’s goal was assisted by Zach Palmieri.

Pine-Richland cut the lead in half, 2-1, when Benjamin Baileys scored on a power play at 7:53 of the second stanza.

Zachary Howard and Cullen Campbell assisted.

In the third period, Aj Verszyla tied the contest, 2-2, with his even-strength goal at 5:45.

The Indians outshot the Rams, 30-26, but Brett Sudac stopped 21 attempts on goal after the Rams fell behind by two scores. Kyle Thomas turned away 22 shots for the Indians, who finished the season at 15-5-1 overall.

Peters Township reached the semifinals by edging Upper St. Clair, 3-2, in overtime during a first-round playoff game held March 5 at Printscape Arena in Southpointe.

Teams eliminated in PIAA playoffs

After two rounds of PIAA girls’ basketball playoff action, there were no local survivors as South Fayette (19-9), Chartiers Valley (178) and Peters Township (242) wrapped up their seasons with decisive defeats.

The Lady Lions dropped a 48-28 decision to Oakland Catholic (26-2) on March 13 at AHN Arena in Peters Township High School.

South Fayette, which only 11 days earlier earned its third straight WPIAL 5A championship, was no match for Josephine Fontanna. The 6-2 sophomore scored the eight of OC’s first 10 points as the Eagles opened up a 15-4 advantage. Fontanna finished with 14 points.

The Eagles went outside as they stretched the margin to 27-10 at halftime and 40-22 after three quarters.

Kayla DeAngelo scored all 12 of her points on 3-point field goals in the span while Alayna Bivins knocked down one trey. Bivins finished with 13 tallies, six in the final frame.

The Lady Lions buried five 3-points in the second half, four in the third quarter. They finished with six for the game.

PHOTOS: ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC

Nicholas McGarrity of Peters Township is shown here wrapping up a sectional title against Mt. Lebanon’s Jonathan Emma. McGarrity went on to place sixth

Mason Kernan

Juliette Leroux led with 10 tallies followed by six points from Erica Hall and five markers from Haylie Lamonde.

In the first round of state competition, South Fayette

easily dispatched Red Land, 48-20. Erica Hall (14) and Juliette Leroux (12) scored in double figures for the Lady Lions, who held the Patriots to no points in the second quarter and led, 33-6, at halftime. In PIAA Class 6A action, CV and PT managed split decisions.

ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC

Lainey Yater (center) keeps a stiff upper lip as Erica Hall (32) tears up and Alexa Ankrum (13) attempts to console them after South Fayette’s season came to an end with a loss to Oakland Catholic, 48-27, in the second round of the PIAA 5A playoffs. The Lady Lions were three-time WPIAL champions.

ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC Tanner Pfeuffer puts up a shot against

during

scored

48-43.

ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC

Ella Cupka has her shot blocked by Norwin defender Ava Christopher. Blocked shots and steals in the second half enabled the Knights to overcome a 31-24 deficit and defeat Chartiers Valley, 56-47, in a PIAA Class 6A second-round playoff game. Cupka finished with 13 points.

Playoffs

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The first round, the Colts edged Altoona, 44-43, while the Indians defeated Lebanon, 69-49.

For CV, Lilac Turnbull exploded for 18 points while Emma Reynolds followed with 15 tallies.

For PT, Gemma Walker pumped in 30 points while Natalie Wetzel provided 21. The duo also paced the Indians in their second-round loss to Spring-Ford, 75-53. In the game played March 12 at Bald Eagle High School in Bellefonte, Walker managed 24 points while Wetzel chipped in 14.

CV put up a valiant effort before falling to Norwin, 56-47, in a second round contest played March 12 at AHN Arena.

Nick Brown and Sam Davis took over, tossing in six and five points respectively in the period. Brown scored a gamehigh 16 points and Davis finished with 12 tallies.

“They are the catalyst,” Calabria said.

3-pointer in the third quarter.

“We had a great effort by Tank (Pfeuffer) and Mike Bruckner came off the bench and played well. All the guys gave the effort and that’s what we need to win.”

Asher White led the Foxes with 15 points. He buried four 3-pointers, three of them in the waning minutes.

They listen and they try to do everything we ask. And I ask a lot of them and they try to do it. That’s all I can ask for is the effort.”

BP opened tournament action by toppling Hershey, 59-54, which finished with a 21-4 record.

Mathias buried six, 3-pointers and finished with 22 points. Davis provided 20 tallies.

Lauren Palangio led the Knights with 16 tallies. Kendall Berger followed with 15 and Bella Furno chipped in with 14.

CV fell behind, 7-0, to start the game but took the lead, 19-12, before settling into the seven-point halftime advantage. The Lady Knights went on a six-point run to overtake the Lady Colts for good three minutes into the final frame. During the spree, Norwin forced a number of turnovers, created key steals and blocked several shots to insure the victory.

The WPIAL Class 6A champions overcame a 3124 halftime deficit to dispatch the Lady Colts, who buried seven of their nine 3-point field goals in the first 16 minutes of play. The Knights tied the game at 37-37 but CV forged its last lead when Ella Cupka connected on a long-range shot to start the final frame. Cupka finished with 13 points as did Lilah Turnbull. Emma Reynolds chipped in 11 markers.

The Hawks, however, received a strong effort from Tanner Pfeuffer, particularly on the boards, as well as from Jack (six points) and Mike Bruckner (four points). Pfeuffer pumped in five points, all in the fourth frame as BP held off the Foxes. Mike Mathias countered with five markers, including a key

PIHL

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Camden Martin scored the game-winning goal nearly five minutes into the extra period.It was his second score of the game.

Martin registered the first goal of the game. Joey Wateska assisted before Eli Rankin evened the score two minutes later for the Panthers. Dylan Yealy assisted Rankin’s goal coming at 11:41 of the first period.

After a scoreless second stanza, Cavan Fisher put Peters Township in the lead again.

Kernan

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After the

“We have had our ups and downs this season but when we come out and play that hard I’m proud of them,” Calabria said. “They bought in.

Bryce O’Donnell and Brady Holleran assisted the tally at 10:53. Yealy provided an unassisted even-strength goal at 12:45 to tie the contest in the third period and push the teams to overtime.

In Class AA, Penn-Trafford toppled South Fayette, 4-3, in a first-round PIHL playoff game March 4 at the Mt. Lebanon Ice Center. After trading goals in the first period, the Warriors broke open the game with single tallies in the second and third stanza. Gavin Paterson scored the tie-breaking goal at 16:16 of the second period. Robert Thatcher added the insurance, and game-win-

have beaten before. They know what you do.”

Meanwhile, USC was coming off a dramatic win against Central Dauphin, 57-53, when the Panthers routed the Little Lions, 63-43, in a Class 6A game played March 13 at the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown. Against State College, USC unleashed 10 3-pointers and racked up 23 points to pull away by intermission, 36-20.

Tyler Robbins (15), Brett Meiner (11) and Christian Ito (10) scored in double figures for the Panthers. The Panthers and Little Lions met in the second round because USC overcame a

ning tally, at 16:14 in the third period.

Twenty-one seconds later, Jackson Brandebura scored off an assist from Robert Chiappetta but Tyler Funk thwarted South Fayette’s comeback attempt, making 31 saves in the net.

Tyler Brandebura scored the first goal of the game to give the Lions a 1-0 advantage. Trevor Dalessandro and Nolan Murphy assisted the tallied, which occurred at 6:11. After Ben Zierski’s equalizer 18 seconds later, Bennett Malky put South Fayette back into the lead at 10:18. Eli Petter and Brady Fleck assisted. Cam Kiste tied the contest at 16:44.

17-point deficit against Central Dauphin and State College outlasted Mt. Lebanon, 65-58, in triple overtime. Against the Rams, Meinert scored seven points in the final 40 seconds of play to spearhead the Panther win. A senior, he finished with 15 tallies.

Ito scored 11 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, including nine off 3-point field goals. Robbins tossed in all 13 of his points in the second half. His dunk, off an assist from Julian Dahlem, ignited USC in the final four minutes of action.

In Lebo’s loss to the Little Lions, Nate Girod pumped in 22 markers while Riley Farabaugh provided 16 points.

Grayson Sarnowski and Zachary Bender shared time in the nets for the Lions, facing 34 shots on goal.

Other games

Bethel Park and Mt. Lebanon’s run in the playoffs was short. Both dropped out of the action in the first round. The Black Hawks lost to Pine-Richland, 3-1, while the Blue Devils succumbed to Seneca Valley, 3-0, in games played March 4 at the Baierl Ice Complex in Warrendale. Ryan Tierney registered the lone goal for Bethel Park. Dough Hartman assisted the second-period power-play goal.

had to wrestle Dennis again as well as Islamov, whom he has wrestled several times in section duals as well as district and regional competitions to gain a state berth.

Kernan noted that the consolation match with Dennis was harder than the medal bout with Islamov. “I struggled with that kid the first match but it’s trickier when you are wrestling guys you

At the local and regional level, all Kernan did was win. He posted a 39-4 record this winter, complete with sectional, WPIAL and Southwest Regional titles. He was 124-18 in his career.

“Being a state champion was a long time goal and a lot of wrestlers never rebound after that dream is taken from them but Mason was able to do just that,” Nauman said. “It wasn’t easy.”

Kernan has one scholastic match remaining before he

matriculates to West Virginia University. He was selected to participate in the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic to be held March 30 at AHN Arena in Peters Township High School.

Kernan will compete on the WPIAL team at 4 p.m. The girls all-star match will be held at 3 p.m. The Pennsylvania all-stars will square off against the best wrestlers from the United States at 6 p.m. Kernan was not the only Almanac athlete to place at the PIAA state championships.

Nicholas McGarrity from Peters Township took the sixth position on the podium. After falling in the first round, the freshman rebounded with a pin and two narrow decisions, assuring himself of a medal. McGarrity though lost his two final matches, 7-3 to Emilio Albanese from Emmaus and Max Tancini from Perkiomen Valley, 4-1. He finished 43-4 for the season. In the inaugural girls tournament, Grace O’Korn joined McGarrity on the podium. The Peters Township senior secured sixth place at 142.

Singer, songwriter, nomad

Joshua Radin takes the stage in Pittsburgh

By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger For The Almanac newsroom@observer-reporter.com

Down-to-earth, devoid of bells and whistles, unafraid, vulnerable and minimalist – these are all words that describe Joshua Radin.

The world-renowned artist counts among his credits a staggering 1 billion streams and 1 million records sold — an exemplary feat he accomplished simply, with a guitar in his hands and a song in his soul.

A musician’s journey

When it comes to becoming a musician, you could say that Radin was a late bloomer. “I’ve always loved music and went to many concerts during my lifetime, but hadn’t really accomplished much creatively,” said Radin, who, by the age of 30, had sold a few screenplays.

When he finally purchased a guitar, his intention was to use it primarily as a “meditative device.” That changed soon after his friend, actor and “Scrubs” star Zach Braff, heard Radin play a song in his New York apartment.

“I was going through a breakup with a girl and Zach thought the song was really good,” Radin said, adding that Braff passed it on to television producer Bill Lawrence. Before long, the ball started rolling and social media began taking notice.

“This was the Myspace days, and people were asking me where they could find my albums,” said Radin, pinpointing the moment when a lightbulb went on in his head.

what’s happening

Peterswood Park. Times are 1 p.m. for ages 2 and under; 1:20 p.m. ages 3-5; 1:40 p.m. for ages 6 to 9 and 2:15 for sensory-friendly all ages. Fee is $5 for members and $8, nonmembers. Registration deadline is March 20. Visit peterstownship.com or call 724-942-500 to sign up.

GARAGE SALE

412-218-7939.

VET REC

The Bethel Park baseball team will honor military veterans before its game against Shaler on March 27 at Purkey Field. Veterans should arrive by 3:30 p.m. The recognition ceremony starts at 3:45 and the first pitch will be thrown at 4:15. To participate, veterans should email Tamiam74@yahoo.com or call 412-445-0408.

EGG HUNT

The Peters Township recreation department will conduct an egg scramble March 23 at Grasshopper Field in

The Carnegie United Methodist Church will hold a garage sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 23 at 419 Washington Ave. All books are free as is a piano. Kitchen and dishware are four for $1. All purchases are cash only. Visit www.shpumc. org or call 412-885-4308 for more information.

HOLY HOUR

Divine Mercy Sunday will be celebrated April 7 at Holy Child Church, part of Corpus Christi Parish, located at 212 Station St. in Bridgeville. A Holy Hour with prayers, procession with the Blessed Sacrament and benediction will start at noon after the 11 a.m. Mass. Call 412-2763374 for more details.

“I can do this,” he said.

Radin explained that he has always been creative, starting out as a painter, then going into screenwriting, always seeking an audience. When people began noticing his singing and songwriting, it was like a whole new world.

“It was the first time people began writing to me, and it was organic, and now I’m traveling all over the world,” Radin said, listing places he’s visited, from Antarctica, to Buenos Aires, the American Midwest and the East Coast.

EGG HUNT

Mt. Lebanon will conduct an egg hunt at 11 a.m. March 23 in the main park for children through age 7. The starting line is just above Martha’s Playground near Pavilion 3. There will be photos with the Easter Bunny in the recreation center, second-floor lobby, following the hunt. Visit mt.lebanon. org or call 412-343-3409 for more details.

EGG SALE

The 56th annual Ukrainian Easter egg sale will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 24 at St. Peter and St. Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Carnegie. Other Ukrainian crafts and folk art will be available for purchase in the church hall. The kitchen will be open and serving traditional Ukrainian food, homemade Easter Pascha bread and baked goods.

The Rev. John Charest will lead tours of the church at noon, 1 and 2 p.m. Visit orthodoxcarnegie.org for more details.

Taking stock

Radin’s solitary lifestyle due to COVID, led him to another light-bulb moment.

“During the pandemic I was locked away in my house for so long that I began consuming more things, but none of it was kindling any kind of joy for me, so I decided to give away my things and live as a nomad,” said Radin.

It’s a decision he made approximately two years ago and one he hasn’t regretted. The experience provided

SOFTBALL

Registration is open to teams and/or players wanting to compete in the Men’s Church Softball League of the South Hills. Games are played as doubleheaders on Saturdays in Bethel Park or Bridgeville. The regular season runs from May through July and into August for playoffs. For more information regarding fees and the league, contact league commissioner Bob Keibler at 724-518-6072 or rkeibler@nacahtech.com.

CHABAD EVENTS

A pre-Purim seniors lunch will be held at 1 p.m. March 19 at Chabad of the South Hills in Mt. Lebanon. The event, which is wheelchair accessible, features Hamantaschen, a holiday program and a presentation by Comfort Keepers on The Importance of Stimulating the Mind. Suggested donation is $5. Call 412-278-2658 to register. Purim in the Shuk will be held at 4:30 p.m. March 24. There will be a Megillah reading, candy shuk, henna

him inspiration for his most recent EP “though the world will tell me so.”

Now when Radin goes to gigs, he’s not weighed down by excess baggage.

“It’s like a second life for me and I meet the most incredible people everywhere I go,” he said. On being vulnerable

Radin’s performances lack the bells and whistles on which many other performers rely.

“I think one of the reasons people are so loyal is because I try to make myself as vulnerable as possible,” said Radin, speaking of the symbiotic relationship he has with his audience.

“I try to write about things that I’ve gone through and the more vulnerable I make myself, the more the audience tends to respond,” he said.

Hope Alcocer is a fan who hails from New York and learned of Radin’s talent while watching “Grey’s Anatomy.”

“After hearing ‘Fear You Won’t Fall,’ I was hooked,” she said.

Alcocer has been a fan ever since and has seen him play at least 12 shows over the past 15 years.

“My love for Josh’s music is something that I kept in

artist, face painting, make your own spice blends, Israeli-style dinner and Hebrew name bracelets. Admission is $18 for adults and $12 for children with a $54 family maximum. RSVP chabadsh.com/purim/. Chabad’s Purim Celebration will take place at 11 a.m. March 24 in Washington. The event will feature Megillah reading, brunch and Hamantaschen. Admission is free. Sponsorship opportunities are available. RSVP to ChabadSH.com/celebrate at which time the location will be given.

CASH BASH

The Bethel Park Lions Club will conduct a cash and prize bash from 6 to 10 p.m. March 23 at the community center, located at 5151 Park Ave. Tickets are limited to 200 and cost $60 per person. Admission includes hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert, drinks plus $2,500 in 20 cash prizes. Additional $25 prizes are awarded weekly based on ticket number. Call 412-8542740 for tickets.

my heart and played at different times during the highs and lows in my life,” she said, adding that when she was ready to let someone in, she took him to a Radin show and much to her surprise, he proposed. “Josh saw it and serenaded us, inviting us to return for the next night’s show,” said Alcocer, adding that, at the wedding, instead of asking the guests to sign a guestbook, she asked them to sign a Joshua Radin vinyl record instead. “He finds the beauty and humor in the rollercoaster of love and continues to create for his listeners around the world.”

Radin said that it’s times like these that he really appreciates his experiences and is excited for what the future holds.

“The more regions I travel to, the more experiences I’m going to have. I’ve realized my soul is aided by hopping on a different train and not knowing the destination. Every day is like a clean slate,” he said.

The singer/songwriter will be taking the stage at Pittsburgh’s City Winery located at 1627 Smallman St. on Tuesday, March 26, and Wednesday, March 27.

CHOIR RUN

The South Hills Children’s Choir’s Soles for Songs 5K race will be held at 9 a.m.

April 6. Entry fee is $30 for runners or walkers, who will traverse the Panhandle Trail starting at Helicon Brewing in Oakdale. Proceeds benefit the choir. Shirts and goodie bags are guaranteed to those who sign up by March 15. Visit shcchoir.org/events.html to register. Email Peggy at solesdirector@gmail.com for further details.

ALPHA PHI GRANTS

The Alpha Phi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an honor society for women educators, is accepting applications for its grant-in-aid award. Women who are in their junior or senior year of college, majoring in education, and attending a Western Pennsylvania university or college are eligible to apply. Two grants of $1,500 each will be awarded. Applications are available at alphaphipa.weebly.com and due to the chapter webmaster by April 1. Awards will be made in May 2024.

Singer/songwriter Josh Radin, set to perform in Pittsburgh, has chosen to live a nomadic lifestyle.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Josh Radin came late to music, first using his guitar as a “meditative device.”

Singer/songwriter Josh Radin draws on personal experience to create music.

Armand

Jamie

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TREGEMBO

It’s time to start hopping!! Easter is coming down the bunny trail…it’ll be here before you know it. March 31 is the date this year, and you know how time flies when we’re having fun! We are already starting to get ready for all your Easter goodies! Check out our Easter Order Form On-line (from our website) and pick out all your favorites! Our teams are already cutting hickory wood for smoking the cured hams for SpringHouse Hickory Smoked Hams (you can choose ready to cook-which Bev says, “everybody wants their house to smell like that amazing smell!” OR already cooked, pulled and panned, ready to heat and serve). The bakers are grinding the walnuts and apricots for Nut Rolls and Apricot Rolls (Poppyseed rolls available too.) The salad gals are making dressings and getting ready for all the salads that will roll out of here those two days before Easter. And the milk guys are ordering the flavors to make yummy special milks for the Spring season. The young people are cubing bread for stuffing, peeling apples for Apple Crumb Pies, and starting to stock up on their peeled potatoes for the holidays. The Pie Team are crimping crusts and mixing up Apple Magic and Fruit Magic for From-Scratch Pies while the cookie team is cranking out oodles of SpringHouse cookies! And the weatherWow! Isn’t it great!! Come on out to the farm for good fun and good eats!!

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 23 - 10a, Noon, 2p

Order your tickets on-line (again, from the website) for a fun session with the Easter Bunny hunting eggs in the pasture and the hillside spots (per age group), along with some singing, some cookie decorating, some duck and bunny petting, and a wonderful time of memory-making for everyone!! (Along with a gift for every “hunter”!)

This Week’s Menu Features

Along with our Classics: Stuffed Boneless Pork Chops, Chicken and Gravy over Buttermilk Biscuit, Old-Time Cabbage Rolls, and John’s Saucy Meatloaf EACH DAY we will also have:

Tuesday, March 12: Stuffed Peppers, City Chicken (Pork on a stick)

Wednesday, March 13: June’s Garden Lasagna

Thursday, March 14: Alfredo Stuffed Shells, Caprese Chicken

Friday, March 15:Salmon Patties/ Creamed Peas, Italian Lasagna, Old Fashioned Corned Beef

Saturday, March 16: Spice Rubbed Ribs, Country Fried Chicken

Sunday, March 17: Old-time Liver and Onions, Carving Ham with Pineapple Molasses Glaze