

ABOVE LEFT: Nate and Alex Swanson of Bethel Park
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Staff Writer
ebailey@thealmanac.net
Sarah Knight of Upper St. Clair is the healthy living director at the Spencer YMCA in Bethel Park.
So why was she eating an ice cream donut at 10 a.m. on Aug. 6 in front of Bethel Bakery with her daughter, Sylvia, and her client, Joan Horoho of Mt. Lebanon?
“This is our training session,” she joked.
“Kinda crazy,” she added, “but a good kind of crazy.”
Knight was not alone. Hundreds of customers lined up for the confection, created specifically for Bethel Bakery’s 70th anniversary celebration. The glazed donut was split in half and filled with ice cream made at the Penn State Creamery. Peach,
The crowd inside Bethel Bakery is typical for a Saturday morning. On Aug. 6, the business celebrated its 70th anniversary with special treats, festivities and games.
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Staff Writer ebailey@thealmanac.net
Stephen Walsh remembers his first paid day working at Bethel Bakery. It was Halloween 2009. He was a 14-year-old freshman at Bethel Park High School. He recalled not wanting to work at the bakery; after all, he had grown up in the business.
“As soon as you could stand on a bucket, you started to work there,” he said.
Walsh’s sisters, Patty, Cami and Maria, were already employed at Bethel Bakery. Plus, his father, John, owned the company started by Morris and Anna Walsh in three attached garages on South Park Road in 1955.
“All they ever did was talk about the bakery at home, and I just kind of didn’t want anything
By Karen Mansfield Staff writer kmansfield@observer-reporter.com
Giant Eagle has joined the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs network, a company co-founded in 2022 by the Mt. Lebanon native and businessman to make prescription drugs more affordable to American customers.
Giant Eagle pharmacy customers who participate in the Cost Plus Drugs program can now pick up qualifying prescriptions at one of more than 200 Giant Eagle pharmacies throughout Pennsylvania and four other states.
Cuban said at an Aug. 6 press conference in Robinson Township that his goal is to “dramatically reduce the cost of drugs.”
“But we also think that it is just as important to introduce transparency to the pricing of drugs so patients know they are getting a fair price. Partnerships with retailers like Giant Eagle Pharmacy help us move our mission forward,” said Cuban, who was joined by Giant Eagle CEO Bill Artman to announce the partnership.
By Jon Andreassi
writer
DRUG PAGE A2
Giant Eagle and Mt. Lebanon native Mark Cuban recently announced the supermarket chain’s new partnership with Cuban’s prescription drug discount program at a Robinson Township press conference.
The building at 615 E. McMurray in Peters Township may be torn down for the construction of Coughlin’s Law Kitchen & Ale House.
LAW PAGE A2 SEE WALSH PAGE A2 SEE BAKERY PAGE A2
Brian Vetere noted the plans are not set in stone, as they have not purchased the property while waiting for other fac-
and financing.
vanilla and “Death By Chocolate” were flavors from which customers could choose.
“Delicious,” said Kevin Hancovsky, who picked peach.
A Bethel Bakery employee, Hancovsky had the day off but came to the establishment for the celebration and the sweet confection.
“It’s a combination they have never had before, but it’s really good,” said Hancovsky, who recently graduated from PennWest Edinboro with a degree in fine arts.
The Walsh family, which has owned the bakery since 1955, saw friends from Busken Bakery in Cincinnati demonstrate the concoction at a convention in Atlanta in March 2020.
“We saw them do this concept out of a food truck and I have always wanted to try it,” said Stephen Walsh, who assumed ownership of Bethel Bakery from his father, John, in 2023. “This was the perfect event to bring it out for and being a Penn State graduate, it had to be Creamery ice cream.
Because August is Peach Month, that flavor had to be picked, Walsh added.
The specialty donut is not a permanent item on the menu.
“It’s just for special occasions,” Walsh said.
Bethel Bakery’s 70th anniversary was significant because it celebrated the day Morris and Anna Walsh opened the franchise out of a three-car garage building
FROM PAGE A1
The Dallas-based Cost Plus Drugs gets rid of hidden fees and pharmacy benefit managers – who serve as middlemen between pharmacies, drug manufacturers, wholesalers and health insurance companies – by negotiating prescription prices directly with drug manufacturers.
“Unlike a lot of the industry, where they’ll mark it up to as much as they can charge, our mark-up is only 15%, which means our prices are a lot lower than people are used to getting,” Cuban said.
Here’s how it works: Giant Eagle pharmacy customers can sign up for the Team Cuban Card online and review the list of medications that are currently available through the program.
Customers then submit
FROM PAGE A1
“Working with the planning commission of Peters Township has been very, very, you know, just smooth sailing. They’ve been great. They’ve been very helpful so far,” Vetere said.
Vetere added that the South Hills has always been a priority for expanding Coughlin’s Law, which began with its original location on Mount Washington.
PHOTOS: ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
TOP: Laura and Mackenzie Whitfield try to identify the ingredients that go into a confection created by Bethel Bakery during festivities celebrating the 70th anniversary of the business. BOTTOM: Joan Horoho of Mt. Lebanon and Sarah Knight of Upper St. Clair, along with her daughter, Sylvia, enjoy a post-workout treat during Bethel Bakery’s 70th anniversary celebration.
located a few shops from the current location on Brightwood Road in Bethel Park. Morris, 95, passed away on Jan. 2, 2024.
“We miss him. We all do,” Stephen Walsh said. Walsh noted that on Aug. 1, the actual day
the prescription or refill for the covered medication at a Giant Eagle pharmacy and show their Team Cuban Card at checkout to receive the medication at the price published on the company’s website.
Giant Eagle has taken on thousands of new customers from 80 Rite Aid locations in Pennsylvania and Ohio from the bankrupt Rite Aid Corp.
The supermarket chain also has pharmacies in Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana.
Cost Plus Drugs has partnered with more than 16,000 pharmacies in the U.S. Independent pharmacies including Martin’s Pharmacy in Connellsville and Standard Pharmacy in Belle Vernon, have joined the Team Cuban Card network, according to the Team Cuban Card’s pharmacy locator page. For more information, visit www.teamcubancard.com.
the bakery opened, he and his dad, John, walked down to the location on the corner of South Park Road after their work day had finished.
“Standing there it’s hard to imagine my grandfather on that day, 70 years ago, and
opening the bakery in those three garages and what it’s become not just for our family but for the community. This space is where his dream started and continues.”
On a typical busy Saturday, the celebration continued until 4 p.m. Customers were able to purchase buttercream tarts specifically designed for the occasion as well as participate in activities that included a “Guess The Ingredient” game, cookie decorating, airbrush tattoos and a free photo booth.
Laura Whitfield enjoyed the event with her daughter, Mackenzie. They successfully identified six of the seven ingredients that went into a confection.
“This was very cute,” Whitfield said. “A very fun event for the kids.”
Walsh
over ownership of
ed by Morris
the
and operated business
“Having grown up in the business, I knew it would be hard to walk away,” Walsh said. “I wanted to keep it going.
While the Whitfields were partial to the mini cheesecakes, Yum Yum cupcakes and muffins the bakery makes, the Swanson family favored the donuts. “The ones shaped like a pretzel,” said Nate.
The Swanson family relocated to Bethel Park 13 years ago when Mark started working for BNY Mellon. While his wife, Marissa, is from the North Hills area, Mark is from Warren. They have two additional children, Alex and Madeline.
“We usually stop at the bakery every couple of weeks and our in-laws live down the road. So we are driving by here all the time,” Mark said.
“This reminds me of my hometown,” he added. “It’s a great community here. I feel
like we have a small-town mentality here yet you have the amenities of the big city just minutes away.”
Eileen Rosleck from Carrick attended the party with her friend, Kathleen Emery of Brentwood.
“Best cakes ever,” Rosleck said. “When my family has a birthday, it’s Bethel Bakery. Lots of bakeries are good, but we’ve been coming here for so many years. They’re worth the trip.”
Even from the YMCA, which is a short walk from Bethel Bakery.
“It’s a mile and a quarter,” said Knight. “We actually walk from the Y to Bethel Bakery. So that’s a good way to work off the donut. We loved it, and we absolutely love Bethel Bakery.”
If approved by council, the liquor license would be transferred from 3529 Washington Ave., Finleyville, the former site of The Hunting Lodge Restaurant.
The property around the building at 615 E. McMurray Road has become overgrown. Vetere said if their plans move forward, that building would be torn down for the construction of a new one. However, it could still take more than a year to see Coughlin’s Law open its doors in Peters Township.
“We’re just very, very excited about the project. We’re just hoping everything goes smoothly, and open up in September, October of 2026,” Vetere said.
“We’ve always dreamed about putting one out here, and we were looking at properties and something came up,” Vetere said. “We just love the location, love that town center, community feel.”
to deal with it. So I was really dreading my first day working in the back on the prep crew,” Walsh said.
Walsh made friends at the bakery, and as he grew older, he took on more responsibilities, especially during the summer months when he was on break from his studies at Penn State University. Upon college graduation, he went to work full time with Hub Group, a logistics company based out of Chicago.
Walsh, however, grew nostalgic.
“I realized I missed working with my hand, and I missed working for my family,” he said.
Walsh not only was drawn back to the bakery, he yearned to carry on its legacy. Today, at age 30, he owns Bethel Bakery.
Since assuming ownership on July 1, 2023, Walsh has kept Bethel Bakery in the forefront among pastry shops. It continues to be the go-to bakery in the South Hills and Washington County.
In fact, the business opened a second location at 2500 Washington Road in North Strabane to complement its original storefront at 5200 Brightwood Road in Bethel Park.
“It’s been a pretty smooth transition,” Walsh said of taking over the reins. “It was pretty seamless. [My first day] was a pretty uneventful day.”
Walsh admitted there “definitely” is some pressure to carry on the legacy, but his family is “supportive” of his choice to run the enterprise.
In fact, Walsh’s aunts and uncles as well as his father continue to work there.
John Walsh works part time because he says that he loves “the people, the product and the process” –in that order. He also swells with pride while acknowledging his son’s dedication to the company, which recently celebrated its 70th anniversary.
The younger Walsh resides in Bethel Park with his wife, Kate, and their newborn, Eleanor. Additionally, his inlaws relocated from Philadelphia to the South Hills.
“People want to have that same experience that they remember when they were growing up and having this birthday cake and they want their kids to have that same experience. So keeping that tradition going is probably one of the most important things we hope to recreate today, 10 and even 20 years from now.”
“I see Stephen getting to the 100-year mark because he’s only 30. I see that happening,” Walsh said. “He’s all about it.” Keeping the brand going is the young entrepreneur’s objective. He says that one of his “biggest challenges” is replicating the past in today’s trip to the bakery as well as enjoying eating the confections.
The South Fayette Township School District appointed Michael E. Ziemianski as school police officer. He started in the newly created position with the district on Aug. 11.
“Over the years, we have partnered with South Fayette Township Police Department to have a School Resource Officer positioned primarily at the high school. With changes in staffing at the police department, we began investigating the option to enhance our campus security to include our own full-time police officer as a district employee,” said Dr. Michelle Miller, superintendent.
Ziemianski is a major in the Army National Guard and has served for the past year as a resource officer with the Fort Cherry School District. He will be responsible for ensuring a safe and secure learning environment at South Fayette Township School District.
Michael E. Ziemianski
“I am motivated to incorporate my experience and expertise with the well-established processes and protocols of the school district,” said Ziemianski. “I look forward to meeting the students when they return to school. I hope that they quickly feel comfortable with me not
only as a protector, but also as a resource for military and career-related guidance.”
Ziemianski attended the Valley Forge Military Academy where he earned an associate’s degree in business. He also holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s from Argosy University, both in business administration.
Serving in the National Guard since 2001, he worked in sales and accounting in the education and health-care settings for seven years before joining the Mt. Pleasant Township Police as a patrolman.
In his role at South Fayette, he will monitor and assess the campus environment, oversee school security officers, provide guidance and education on emergency response topics, and be a resource for students and staff in conflict resolution and crisis intervention.
Gavin
times,
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor
ebailey@thealmanac.net
South Hills embarked on its quest for a Pony League championship with a 4-2 win over Bronx, N.Y., in Game 2 of the World Series but suffered back-to-back, one-run losses and was eliminated from the competition played at Lew Hays Field in Washington.
Despite the outcome, South Hills manager Chris Peters was pleased with his team, which was only formed two months before the tournament and won its Host qualifier with a 6-1 record after only having practiced and scrimmaged a handful of times.
“These guys came together right away and bonded for a common goal, which was to win the world series,” Peters said.
South Hills started strong in that endeavor.
In the opener played Aug. 8, South Hills overcame a first-inning deficit to beat the Bronx. The team used a three-run third frame to forge the victory.
A two-run double by Johnny Parris highlighted the ral-
ly. Parris drove in three runs in the game.
Brody Cole led the offensive attack with a 2-for-4 effort that included a double.
Gavin Stock reached base in all four of his plate appearances, drawing three walk and recording a single while also picking up a stolen base.
Cameron Lavery had two hits while Jonah Koontz added the seventh of the hits for South Hills in the game.
Koontz recorded the win on the mound, pitching 2.1 scoreless innings after James Snyder started the game and worked 1.2 frames. Cole and Stock finished out the game in relief.
South Hills dropped an 8-7 decision to Monterrey Mexico in its second tournament game. The team was held to six hits.
Parris carried the big stick, going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI. His tworun double staked South Hills to a 2-0 lead.
After a Monterrey rally, a two-run single by Koontz gave the advantage back to South Hills.
In the top of the seventh, Parris stole a base and scored on a two-base error to tie the
contest at 5-5 before Koontz tagged his round-tripper.
Monterrey used a two-run homer to highlight a bottomof-the-seventh rally and iced the victory.
South Hills was eliminated from further competition when the squad succumbed to Bay County from Michigan, 6-5.
Things looked bright for South Hills as Drew Opferman socked a three-run homer in the bottom of the first inning. It was the first of his two round trippers in the game.
However, Brody Kuhn responded with a solid 6.2-inning relief effort on the mound where he scattered four hits.
Additionally, Joe Melick drove in the game-winning run as Bay County rallied for the win. Melick also had a solo homer in the second stanza and scored a run, giving his team a 5-4 lead in the sixth.
South Hills tied the game, 5-5, when pinch-hitter Brodie Curry singled and Cole followed with an RBI double off the top of the wall in right center field. Those were the only hits for South Hills after Opferman’s home run in the third.
“I am proud of my team. They put forth a tremendous effort. The Pony League World Series is a tough tournament to win. The competition is always strong,” Peters said.
“We played two really emotional games the first two nights and I thought our intensity was still there against Bay County. We just fell a little short.”
Among the other players contributing to the success of the South Hills club were: JT Snyder, Declan Wicker, Lino Andraca, Tyler Carrie and Dylan Koehler.
Peters was assisted by coaches John Sanche and John Koutsogiani.
Notes: Prior to the World Series, players participated in the Washington & Jefferson College Skills Competition, which included a home run derby and the fastest baserunners contests.
South Hills came in second to Monterrey, Mexico in the team home run derby event while Brody Cole finished second in the fastest runner contest with a 13.78 time. En Chen from Chinese Taipei won the event in 12.98 seconds.
Reston Lehman is one of six returning starters from a Peters Township defense that surrendered 10.7 points per game. A Pitt recruit, he is a 6-4, 230-pound senior outside linebacker for the Indians.
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net
Once shunned off the field, Reston Lehman of Peters Township is enjoying the last laugh. Since youth football, he has blossomed into a 6-4, 230-pound outside linebacker that is bound for the University of Pittsburgh after he completes his senior season for the Peters Township Indians.
“I was bullied out of the sport,” Lehman said. “Because I was smaller when I played in kindergarten, the kids picked on me. So, I quit.”
Because everybody was parading around “wearing their jerseys” to school, Lehman started playing football again in fourth grade. By his freshman year in high school, he was relishing the ultimate revenge. He was starting on the varsity squad while the kids who “bullied” him sat on the bench.
“It was a great feeling,” Lehman said.
The sentiment continued through his four years as a starter for the Indians. Not only has Lehman provided thrills on the gridiron, he has guided all of his teammates and the Peters Township program to heights never experienced.
As a sophomore, he helped the Indians capture their first-ever WPIAL championship. Peters Township finished 15-1 overall and as PIAA Class 5A runner-up as well that season.
Last fall, Lehman led the Indians to another berth in the WPIAL championship
game. Peters Township lost to Pine-Richland in the Class 5A final and finished 11-2 overall.
“To get to this spot has taken a lot of really hard work,” Lehman said. “By working hard, you get what you deserve.” Lehman’s efforts have garnered him all-state, all-district and all-conference laurels and the attention of many recruiters. He entertained scholarship offers from Penn State, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Missouri, UCLA and Wisconsin before picking Pitt as his college choice. He is tabbed as a defensive end for the Panthers.
“I liked the idea of staying close to home,” Lehman said. “I love Coach (Pat) Narduzzi and Tim Daoust, the defensive line coach. It seemed like an easy pick.
Four years ago, it seemed a simple option for Peters Township head coach TJ Plack to plug Lehman into a defense that has allowed only 10 points per game the past two seasons and 16 in 2022. Lehman has started 39 games so far in his career.
“Reston’s ferocious. He goes to the whistle and battles to the very end,” Plack said. “He moves extremely well, gets around the block, makes the big play and is a great leader.” Plack added that Lehman could be one of the best players Peters Township has ever had.
Lehman comes by his talent naturally. His father, Chad, played lacrosse at Arizona State and Pitt.
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net
The 2025 high school football campaign kicks off at 7 p.m. Aug. 22 with Week Zero contests, but don’t tell the participants these games are meaningless.
While they have no bearing on conference standings, they certainly carry significance because they pit rivals against one another. Bragging rights as well as pride are on the line especially when Mt. Lebanon and Upper St. Clair compete.
In The Almanac’s Game of the Week, the Blue Devils host the Panthers.
“Boy, the rivalry is pretty intense,” said Greg Perry.
Although he is a long-time Dormont resident and Keystone Oaks High School graduate, Perry is relatively new to the backyard brawl between these two South Hills neighbors, separated by a mere 3.7 miles. Perry enters his second season as Lebo skipper. Last fall, he suffered
(All games kickoff at 7 p.m.)
Upper St. Clair at Mt. Lebanon
Canon-McMillan at Peters Township
South Fayette at Chartiers Valley Seneca Valley at Bethel Park
his first loss at the helm when the Panthers thumped the Blue Devils, 42-22. He has also attended two heated battles between the school’s basketball clubs last winter.
“Those were some intense battles,” he noted. “It’s as good as it gets. The kids know each other well and the community support for both schools is unbelievable. The games between them are great for high school football and sports in general.” Mike Junko “understands” the rivalry well. He played football and baseball for the Panthers, winning WPIAL titles in each and a PIAA championship on the gridiron. He even taught at Mt. Lebanon High
School and served as an assistant coach for the Blue Devils before returning to his alma mater in his current capacity as educator and head football coach.
“I think highly of the people there and am grateful for what they did to help advance my career, but when you are hired at USC, you understand the mission. The game means a great deal to both communities and one of the boxes that needs to be checked is that game.”
The players have waited for this date. It’s been circled on the calendar, particularly by Blue Devils like Patrick Smith. He quarterbacks the Lebo offense and starts at linebacker on defense. Last fall, he amassed more than 1,000 yards in both the passing and rushing departments last fall
“It’s motivation every day,” Smith said of the opportunity to avenge the USC loss. “It’s all we have been thinking about. Whenever I get tired in practice, I think about last year’s game.”
South Fayette opened the 2025 high school golf season with victories in two tournaments, establishing the Lions as the boys’ team to beat in the South Hills and perhaps the WPIAL.
The Lions were the 2024 WPIAL Class 3A and PIAA state runners-up to North Allegheny by three and four strokes respectively. They return three of their top scorers from that final match while the Tigers fielded three freshmen in their line-up last fall.
Brady Newman led South Fayette to a one-stroke win against Peters Township Red, 380-381, during the Tri-County Athletic Director’s Association (TCADA) championships played Aug. 8 at the Nemacolin Country in Beallsville. Canon-McMillan and Peters Township White placed third and fourth.
A senior, Newman earned medalist honors with a 3-under-par 69.
Camden Reyes from Peters Township finished in the runner-up slot. He carded a 71.
Sam Bishop took third, shooting an even par 71. The South Fayette senior was the medalist during the Jerry Roman Memorial Chairman’s Cup played three days later on Aug. 11 at Cedarbrook Golf Course, which is the site of this year’s WPIAL team championships in October.
Bishop led the Lions to the team title, this time by a broader scorer over the Indians. South Fayette finished with a 382 while Peters Township followed with a 394.
Other Top 10 performers at the TCADA match included: PT’s Tyler Ondrejko (4th) and Finn Sobehart (8th) Jefferson-Morgan’s Urijah Teasdale (5th), Canon-Mac’s Chase Werthman (6th) and
Ben Taczak (7th), Ben Vojacek (9th) from Brownsville and SF’s Jackson Stephens (10th).
Rounding out SF’s line-up during the TCADA outing were: Noah Nickolas, Hudson Vennum and Hayden Downs.
PT’s Red squad also included: Jackson Baxter, Kaden Holleran and Andrew Davis while John. Blackwell, Caden Benson, Owen Fallon, Braden Merck, Jack Rollinson and Greyson Szokoly spearheaded the efforts of the PT White.
Vennum followed Bishop’s performance during the Chairman’s Cup. He tied for medalist honors with a 74. Nickolas tied for seventh with four others, including Joey Boff from Bethel Park.
For the Indians, Holleran tied for fourth.
In the Chairman’s Cup girls competition, Ellie Benson carded a low score of 75 and led Peters Township to a runner-up showing against Pine-Richland. Both teams finished with 352 team scores. The Rams won the crown, however, when the throw-out score was counted.
South Fayette and Bethel Park placed fourth and fifth with team scores of 355 and 366 respectively.
PT’s Betty Glyptis tied for fourth in the individual standings. She posted an 82.
The Indians won the JV division with a 415 team score. South Fayette (431) and Bethel Park (469) placed second and third.
The Lions’ Jackson Ankrum took home medalist honors, edging PT’s Caden Benson in a tiebreaker. Both carded 80s.
Ty Wood, Blackwell and Szokoly rounded out the top five for the Indians while Chris Opitz tied SF’s Dylan Morford for sixth.
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The Panthers have held the upper hand in the rivalry, winning the past four showdowns and owning a 6-1 record in the last seven encounters.
“We have had success recently, but our kids need to stay hungry in this rivalry and know that they are playing against a much improved opponent,” Junko said.
“For a Week Zero game, Mt. Lebanon is a tough place to play but there is no better way to start the season than against your primary rival and in that type of atmosphere.
“It is a big stage,” Junko continued. “Both communities care about the outcome of this game and Mt. Lebanon is a team that plays hard for four quarters.”
Smith anticipates a “fun” affair with his comrades as well as his friends in the stands.
“Everybody will be there. It’s going to be exciting. A game like this really gets you ready for the season.”
That’s the primary objective.
“The expectations around here don’t change,” Junko said. “This is a rivalry game and the focus is on winning. We will certainly find out more about our younger players and new starters in this game, but the intention is to throw them in the fire and see if they can thrive.”
After graduating nearly two dozen seniors from last year’s conference championship club, plenty of Panthers will be tested, especially on defense as USC returns only three true starters – John Banbury, Bryce Jones and Nico D’Orazio. So in order to post the W, the Panthers must stop Smith.
“Their quarterback is excellent,” Junko said. “He is dangerous as a thrower and a runner. He is a tough kid that is not easy to bring down.
“It is an early season game so we need to be fundamentally sound in our tackling,” he added.
Offensively the Panthers plan to “attack the entire field”
by finding a pass-run balance with four-year starter Ethan Hellman at quarterback and Dante Coury and Banbury in the backfield.
Junko also noted Lebo’s Division I weapons. Three players are already Ivy League commits – Smith, Penn; Grayson Beck, Princeton; and Joe Malone, Cornell.
“We will need to know where they are on the field at all times,” Junko said.
According to Perry, the Blue Devils are better prepared for the showdown than they were last year. Lebo returns eight starters on offense and six on defense. Three players are already Ivy League commits –Smith, Penn; Grayson Beck, Princeton; and Joe Malone, Cornell.
“We didn’t get it done last year,” Perry said. “Obviously we need to be ready. We feel we are better at this point than this point last season. We need
to ride our horses and get out early and gain confidence if we are to be successful.”
Peters Township will ride its Division I recruits to a successful season. Already, quarterback Nolan DiLucia is bound for Villanova while outside linebackers Lucas Shanafelt and Reston Lehman are committed to Stanford and Pitt respectively.
The Indians were WPIAL Class 5A runners-up last season and feel they have some unfinished business. In addition, DiLucia, Lehman and Shanafelt played key roles on the 2023 PIAA runner-up squad.
“We really want that WPIAL championship,” Lehman said. “A state championship is a goal, too, but that is really hard to win. I learned that speed and strength are really important and good schemes. Two years ago, they had us in speed and strength but not in schemes.”
The Indians will demonstrate they have the complete package when they host neighboring Canon-McMillan. The season opener is a rivalry within a rivalry as the head coaches are mutual friends.
For TJ Plack, the contest is an opportunity to renew acquaintances with Brian DeLallo. He is the Big Macs’ interim coach as Mike Evans, a Peters Township graduate, has taken a sabbatical for health reasons.
DeLallo previously served as head coach at Bethel Park, where Plack resides. When they were combatants in the Allegheny Six Conference, the two coaches had a standing bet where the loser bought wings for the winner. In another confrontation between regional foes, Chartiers Valley hosts South Fayette. The Colts are under the direction of Steve Spence. He served as an assistant coach for 15 seasons at Washington and Jefferson College before being hired at CV.
Spence looks to 17 seniors, including Tayshawn Lewis, to improve upon last year’s 3-6 overall record that included a 1-4 showing iin the Big Six Conference. A veteran free safety with multiple scholarship offers, Lewis was the team’s top returning rusher with 922 yards on 97 carries for a 9.5-yard average and 12 touchdowns.
The Lions, who are under the direction of Marty Spieler for the second year, look to Anthony Charles and Drew Welhorsky to improve upon last year’s 6-5 overall mark that included a 1-4 slate in the Allegheny Six Conference.
While Charles is a Minnesota recruit, Welhorsky is again expected to be among the WPIAL’s top signal callers. Welhorsky completed 141 of 226 passes for 1,881 yards and 16 scores last season. He also rushed for 1,030 yards on 187 carries for an additional 12 touchdowns.
Finally, Bethel Park hosts Seneca Valley in its Week Zero battle.
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His sister, Mackenzie, played on Peters Township’s state basketball championship team and broke lacrosse scoring records before excelling at Liberty University. She is currently studying nursing at Duquesne University.
His brother, Mark, whom Lehman said was his “biggest influence” played baseball at West Point and also joined the hockey team. He is a second lieutenant stationed in Colorado.
While he did dabble in hockey for a few years until he realized he “couldn’t stop on skates”, Lehman participated in lacrosse last spring and threw the javelin on the track team.
“Javelin’s a hobby,” Lehman said. “Lacrosse helped me a lot for football, especially with man-to-man coverage.” Lehman’s coverage last season on the gridiron resulted in four sacks, 11 tackles for loss, three interceptions, two
Age: 18
Birthdate: April 18
Parents: Chad and Jenn
Siblings: Mark, Mackenzie
Year: Senior
Sports: Football, lacrosse, track
College choice: Pitt
Major: Business
Food: Flank steak, rice and broccoli. “It’s a delicious meal.
My mom makes it.”
Restaurant: Fiori’s or Juniper Grill
Book: The Great Gatsby
Color: Blue & Gold
Athlete: T.J. Watt
Music: “I listen to house music, a bunch of numbers and remixes. Chill music basically
forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. In 2025, he hopes to increase those numbers. “Double digits sacks, 10 or more,” he said but added his emphasis is on the team.
to get me in the right mood to play. It calms me down.” Did you know: Reston is a member of the Peters Township High School unified bocce team. “I love it because it brings a lot of kids together. It’s fun to do with them. I enjoy it.”
With whom would you like to have dinner: My grandma, Bonnie Lehman. “She passed away when I was young, but I heard she was awesome.” Life lesson learned from sports: Discipline People might be surprised to know this about you: “We are all close friends on the football team.”
“We wanted to be good as a whole. Being able to play the run and pass game, rush the quarterback and get takeaways.
“We want to win a WPIAL and state championship,” he continued. “So I have to be a leader in practice, workouts and on the field and make sure everybody is doing their job. We all need to put our heads down and work hard and stay consistent.”
By Brad Hundt Staff writer bhundt@observer-reporter.com
It’s been a long time – a long, long time – since the likes of a Ford Mercury Woody, a Bel Air Nomad or a Lincoln Continental Club Coupe could be seen traveling down Corrigan Drive in South Park.
But those cars, and many more makes and models from the automotive past, will be on display on Sunday, Aug. 31, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the annual Rev ’Em Up For Kids car cruise event comes to South Park’s main drag.
While the car cruise itself is a regular part of late summer, this summer’s event will be different since a portion of Corrigan Drive will be closed off for all the participating vehicles to park.
“We’re excited (about) the layout,” said Jim Gastgeb, the organizer of the car cruise.
Proceeds from the car cruise will benefit the UPMC Children’s Hospital Founda-
tion. Drivers of participating vehicles are being asked to pitch in $10, and cash donations are encouraged for spectators. The main sponsor of the car cruise is the Pasta Too restaurant in Bethel Park.
Food vendors, a kids zone, music and more will be part of the car cruise.
“If you love (a car), bring it,” Gastgeb said. “There’s really no right car to bring.”
The Peters Township Recreation Center will be closed Aug. 28 through Sept. 1 for floor resurfacing. The center will reopen Sept. 2.
SH CHABAD
A Pre-High Holiday Seniors Lunch will be held at 1 p.m. Sept. 3 at the Chabad of the South Hills location at 1701 McFarland Road.
Honey cake, holiday program and a talk on heart health will be featured. Suggested donation is $5. The event is wheelchair accessible.
RSVP to 412-278-2658.
Chabad will also hold the following events:
■ Tee Off Together, sponsored by the South Hills Men’s Club, at 1 p.m. Aug. 24 at Topgolf. Register at Chabadsh.com/golf
■ Jewish New York trip on Sept. 7. Cost is $125 for the tour, which will visit The Rebbe's resting place, Crown Heights Tour, shopping, Chabad world headquarters and a kosher restaurant. Flight and dinner are purchased individually. Register at chabadsh.com/jny/.
■ Ladies Pre-High Holiday Fashion Show at 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Grey Parrot, 320 Castle Shannon Blvd. Cover: $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Sign up at Chabadsh.com/ladies
For more details or questions call 412-278-2658 or email barb@chabadsh.com
The College Club of Carnegie resumes meetings on Sept. 6 at Scoglio's Restaurant in the Pinebridge Mall, located at 1580 Mc Laughlin Run Road, Suite 102, in Upper St. Clair. Social begins at 11:30 a.m. with luncheon served at noon. "Bingo Blitz"
is the meeting and a 50/50 raffle will be held to benefit the club’s scholarship program.
Women with post-secondary education should call 412279-4458 for membership or further information.
The South Hills High School Class of 1963 will hold an 80th birthday celebration at a buffet luncheon from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 13 at Salvatore’s Events & Catering, 5001 Curry Road. Cost is $40. Call 412-854-2740 for details and to register. No walk-ins.
The Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival will be held Aug. 22 to 24 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Green Tree.
At 7 p.m. on Friday, there will be a fireside chat with Kimberly McAlindon. She will discuss how knitting has played an important role in her life.
At 7 p.m. on Saturday the theme is Live From Pittsburgh, It’s Saturday Night. Host Laura and guests will share projects and participate in fun and games.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday there will be a createwith-clay event. The Make It Take It session is hosted by Songbird Artistry.
Volunteers from the Bethany Community Ministries will offer Learn-to-Knit or Crochet classes. Registration required.
Stacy Wiener from S.A.C.K. will be on hand to demonstrate how to make soap sacks.
Marketplace hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. for advanced registration and day passes. Admission is $15
The road closure and show vehicle entry point will be at the traffic light at the intersection of Maple Springs Drive and McConkey Road at Corrigan Drive. The car cruise will be at that intersection down to the Allegheny Police stable crosswalk, which is located near the Allegheny County Fairgrounds. The road closure will begin at 9 a.m., and the show vehicle gate will open at 10 a.m.
Visit: pghknitandcrochet.com for more details.
Auditions for the South Hills Children’s Choir will be conducted Aug. 28-30. Ages 11 to 18 can try out for the organization’s intermediate and advanced choruses. Visit www.shcchoir.org/join. html to arrange an audition. Ages 8 to 10 can join the group but are not required to audition. However, they must register at shcchoir.org.
Highlights of the upcoming season will be a musical trip to the United Kingdom to perform in Canterbury and London. The group will also sing at the Ann Arbor Youth Chorale in February. For more details call 724949-0048 or email office@ shcchoir.org.
Pittsburgh Opera will host a piano sale from Aug. 21-24 at its headquarters the Bitz Opera Factory, located at 2425 Liberty Ave. in the Strip District. Over 250 pianos will be available, across all price points. To make an appointment call 412-4545555 or register online at pittsburghoperapiano.com. Complimentary on-site parking is provided. All pianos are sold at institutional prices not normally available in retail stores. There is a wide range of brand-new Yamaha grands, uprights, digitals, hybrids, and Disklavier player pianos, as well as other used pianos sold at significant discounts. All of the pianos - new and loaned - come with manufacturer warranties and technical services. Delivery and special financing is available, and trade-ins are welcome.
The annual Concordia Hospice of Washington Butterfly Release will be held
Spectator parking will be available off Brownsville Road, close to the fairgrounds. Accessible parking for those with disabilities will be at the Nurse’s Lane parking lot, across from the horse barn on Corrigan Drive.
In case of rain, the car cruise will be rescheduled for Monday, Sept. 1. Send an email message to revup4kids@gmail.com for more information. Additional information is also available at www.facebook.com/revemupforkids.
from 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 24 at Valley View Farm, located at 102 Orndorff Road in Waynesburg. Admission is free. Those in attendance can honor and celebrate the memory of a loved one by purchasing a butterfly to be released. Donation is $10 and tax-deductible. Proceeds benefit Concordia Hospice of Washington’s mission of providing care and support for patients and their families. Visit the events section of www.ConcordiaLM.org or call 724-250-4500, ext. 2109 for more details.
BP LIBRARY
The Bethel Park library is offering the following programs:
■ Scam and fraud awareness from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Aug. 19 in the adult program room. First National Bank Assistant Branch Manager Dawn M. Massaro will present.
■ “How to pay for college” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27. PHEAA's Higher Education Access Partner for Allegheny County Amy Sawdey will present information on the financial-aid application process, what types of aid are available for students, and strategies to consider about affordability before getting ready to apply for post-secondary school admission.
■ “Kindergarten, Here I Come” at 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. Aug. 20 in the youth program room. The library will celebrate the day for registrants with stories, songs, refreshments and a keepsake craft.
■ Registration is required for all programs.
■ Visit bethelpark.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
The Woodville Historic House will commemorate the
U.S. Armed Forces 250th anniversary from noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 24 at its site located at 1375 Washington Pike.
Visitors will be immersed in live military drills spanning 250 years, view comprehensive guns and weapons and explore hundreds of hand-painted miniatures and dioramas representing the North American and European armies. A featured first-person presentation will bring to life Martin R. Delany, an African American abolitionist, physician and first Black field officer in the army.
Admission is free.
Visit www.woodville-experience.org or call 412-2210348 for further details.
DERBY
South Hills Church of the Nazarene, 5601 Library Road, will hold a Pinewood Derby from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 23. There are three levels of participation: kids, ages 5-12; youth, ages 13-18; and adults, ages 19 and up. The entry fee is $7 per car. Registration is open until Aug. 20 at shcn.churchcenter.com.
The Green Tree Summer Concert Series offers live music from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 28 at the gazebo, located at 895 Greentree Road. The Mingo Creek Band performs July 3. Visit greentreeboro.com for more details.
Peterswood Park hosts
Market In The Park from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 27. A variety of produce and other items are available for purchase. Food trucks are featured weekly. Visit the recreation department’s Facebook page for listings. Visit www.peterstownship.
com or call 724-942-5000 for more details.
Dormont AARP meets the second Thursday of every month at noon at the Wallace Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1146 Greentree Road (at intersection with Potomac Avenue). New members are always welcome. For information, call 412-563-3961.
The Ruthfred Acres Woman’s Club meets at 11:30 a.m. on the fourth Monday of the month at the Arby’s Restaurant at 3205 Library Road in Bethel Park. In addition to its philanthropic endeavors, the club socializes and participates in activities, most notably Game Day. Longtime member Joan Morton hosts Game Day and for a $2 charitable contribution, members and guests can enjoy food, cards and games. Email lois.illar@ verizon.net for more details or membership information.
Female bowlers are wanted to participate in a league beginning in September. The group bowls at 9:30 a.m. Mondays through April at Mt. Lebanon Lanes. Call 412-977-4407 for more information.
The Association of University People (AUP) is seeking members. Singles 50-plus with a four-year college degree are eligible for enrollment and to participate in club activities, including picnics, monthly dinners, book group, Scrabble, games and outside concerts and trips such as to local wineries. Email Aupsingles@gmail. com or call 412-353-9088 to become a member or obtain more information.
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NISSAN ALTIMA 2003 fair condition, 129,000 miles $1,500 724-747-4092
OLDSMOBILE 1985 98 REGENCY BROUGHAM 2 owners, 58,000 miles with working air, no rust or accidents. Light grey paint is acceptable. The new whitewall tires and spoked hubcaps match the stainless steel bumpers in perfect condition. The 98 Brougham sports a rear half-leather roof and matches well with working opera lights. The new grey headliner covers a near perfect grey interior. Dash is without cracks, the power seat has
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