Pinball wizards
The parking lot outside the Phoenix Theatres multiplex in Collier Township was packed on the afternoon of Friday, July 25, but it wasn’t all moviegoers eager to check out the “Fantastic Four” movie or the latest “Superman” reboot. They were there for Pinburgh 2025, the pinball tournament that lured enthusiasts from around the country. It unfolded in Rezzanine Esports, a gaming venue on the second level of the multiplex. When tickets went on sale in February, tickets sold out quickly. Pinburgh 2025 also had the Women’s International Pinball Tournament.
Brad Hundt/Observer-Reporter
for prizes that totaled over $40,000.
JON ANDREASSI/OBSERVER-REPORTER Cali Cats Rescue’s building is boarded up after a car drove into it.
BP cat rescue looks to rebuild after car crashes into building
By Jon Andreassi Staff writer
The director of a Bethel Park cat rescue said the aftermath of a car crashing into their building has been “heartbreaking.”
The accident occurred at about 5 p.m. July 14 at Cali Cats Rescue at 2776 South Park Road, according to Amanda Jeney. Jeney, director of the rescue, was not present at the time, but a volunteer was
present when the car went into the building’s “community room,” where there were six free-roaming cats, and one in a cage waiting to be released. A woman apparently was mistakenly in the Cali Cats
BP festival a hit with arts, music fans
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net
The Bethel Park Arts & Music Festival suffered no sophomore slump. In its second season, the event topped all attendance and participation records from its inaugural year. Despite sweltering heat, patrons of the arts, fans of all music genres and foodies flocked to the community center, schoolhouse arts and history center as well as booths and vendors set up along Park Avenue to shop, learn, dine and listen. Nearly 100 artists, more than a dozen food trucks and numerous musical acts performed and participated in the daylong festival held July 26.
“Fabulous,” said Andy Amrhein, who co-chaired the event with Christine McIntosh. “We had a little bit of rain in the morning before everything started but as you can see the shuttle buses are full and when you go into the buildings, you can’t move.
kicks
It’s elbow to elbow. The food truck vendors are packed and the dining room tents are full. “Everybody is happy.” Amrhein noted the delight of the police force and fire
ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC Maverick Fronk enjoys kicking the football while his father, Bruce, serves as his placeholder. The two were having some fun during a break in South Fayette High School summer football drills. The elder Fronk serves as the defensive coordinator for
against rival Chartiers
The Pinburgh pinball tournament brought players across the country to Collier Township.
ABOVE: Steve Bowden of Chicago competes in the Pinburgh pinball tournament at Rezzanine Esports in Collier Township. LEFT: Competitors at Pinburgh 2025 competed
Photos:
PHOTOS: ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
Gary and Susan Maglin purchase art from Denise and Keith Bastianini at one of the vendor tables inside the Bethel Park Schoolhouse Arts & History Center during the Bethel Park Arts & Music Festival.
Scarlett Mahaffey, 7, of Bethel Park paints a scene of mountains, grass and flowers on a rock provided at the library’s booth during the Bethel Park Arts and Music Festival.
shopdesignerconsignor.com
A passion for fashion
New Eagle woman opens vintage clothing shop
By Paul Paterra Staff writer
ppaterra@observer-reporter.com
Ever since Olivia Vizzuett was a little girl, she’s had a passion for fashion.
The Monongahela resident has turned that passion into a profession with her women’s clothing store, Cheetah Lounge Vintage, which opened earlier this year at 207 Main St., New Eagle.
“I just appreciate it,” Vizzuett said of fashion. “It’s been a hobby of mine. In high school, just on a whim, I started selling clothes on this app called Depop. The whole time I was in high school and during my life after high school, one of the most prevalent things to me was starting my own business.”
The shop is in a building bought by her grandfather, Lawrence Kumpf, who initially rented the property to sell Christmas trees. Eventually, he bought the building that housed an ice cream parlor, Tasty Freeze, changing its name to The Twist, which served food along with ice cream. The family ran The Twist until 2018.
“He was the hustler of the family,” Vizzuett said. “That’s where we get it. It wouldn’t be possible without him. Thanks to my grandfather we have the space that we have. That’s why he jumped on this corner, because there were so many opportunities to be had. He would be so proud of us.”
Cheetah Lounge Vintage is a stone’s throw from another family business, the Whistle
Festival
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departments as well as the Tri-Community South EMTs.
“There’s nothing going on in the municipality (except the festival) and only two bandaids had to be given out,” he said. “Plus there is plenty of free water available to people who need it.”
The artists and musicians were most pleased. They did brisk business throughout the day, which ran from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“The artists are ecstatic and the musicians are loving it,” Amrhein said. “We have had twice as many musical acts this year over last year.”
There also was expansion. The event was open to teen artists and musicians, many of whom came from the local high schools. Additionally, the South Park Theatre’s youth division also set up a forum, performing in between musical acts on the main stage.
“The teens are the future of the industry,” Amrhein said.
“So the sooner we get them involved and interested in the arts and music, the better.”
The event was a concerted effort by the recreation department, public works, public safety and the school district, along with individual local talent, such as Mia Taylor, who is the sound design director for the Pittsburgh Opera, and Lynn Streator, music director. The Bethel Park Community Foundation, Bethel Park Education Foundation as well as the public li-
Stop Antique Mall, owned by her sister Isabella, which opened in February at 205 Main.
“It’s really nice for the both of us, having two businesses right alongside each other,” Vizzuett said. “The customers that come into our stores, we send them over to each other and vice versa. Me, my sister and my mom work as a team. We plan everything together. I think we have the perfect space here. We are really lucky with what we have.”
Vizzuett said the inventory at Cheetah Lounge Vintage includes clothing in sizes from extra small to extra large, and
from assorted eras and styles, mostly 90s and Y2K fashion, but there are also pieces from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.
“When customers come in, I always tell them to look through everything,” she said. “I organize my store by style. It’s kind of like a treasure hunt.”
Vizzuett said the store’s vibe is reminiscent of Studio 54, the former Manhattan nightclub.
“I wanted it to be real flashy and crazy,” she said. “That was the inspiration for all of the decor I picked out. There’s animal print everywhere. There’s pinup girls.”
When they’re not working in their Main Street shops, Vizzuett, her sister and mother, Sherri, are at farmers’ markets selling Mexican food products.
“We have a variety of salsas,” she said. “My sister makes tamales, empanadas. We have had that business for close to 35 years.”
Those products also are available after 2 p.m. on Fridays at the Cheetah Lounge.
“Our commercial kitchen is there, and we still have a take-
brary were among the event’s primary sponsors.
“Everybody wanted to help make this the preeminent event of the summer for the community and a free event for the artists and musicians. It’s such an amazing event.”
Even the neighbors agreed.
While walking his dog, Quincy, on the morning of July 26 John Sigg noticed the tents and vending tables being assembled along Park Avenue. He learned from a neighbor about the event and decided to attend.
Proximity and appetite also coaxed Sigg off his backyard hammock. After listening to the music, he ventured over to the Cousins Maine Lobster truck for a New England roll.
“I was going to be hearing the music from my house all day so I thought I might as well come over here, listen to music and get something good to eat,” Sigg said. Since she missed the festival last year, Donna Holliday thought it would be nice to pe-
ruse the art works and spend money or raffle tickets. In addition to winning an art prize, she eyed up the Lottery ticket basket.
“I’d love to win that, but apparently so does everybody else,” she said, giving a nod to the overflowing brown bag housing the stubs. “It’s always popular.”
Gary and Susan Maglin purchased prints from Keith Bastianini and his wife, Denise, inside the air-conditioned Bethel Park Schoolhouse Arts & History Center.
“I wouldn’t say that by any means that we are art aficionados,” Gary said. “We just appreciate art. We never know what’s going to catch our eye.”
out window,” Vizzuett said. “It is a goal of ours whenever we get more time, we would like to expand to offer our Mexican food for take-out.”
Vizzuett, 23, continues to study online at Southern New Hampshire University, majoring in human services. However, her plan is to stick with her current career.
“I knew I always wanted to get my degree so I’d have something to fall back on, but I’ve always struggled with this anxiety about
any corporate job,” she said. “I don’t think I could see myself handling professional phone calls or working in an office. It just scared me. Outsiders probably think running your own business would be scary, but I grew up with a family background in the business. I think that’s why I just gravitated toward it.” Cheetah Lounge Vintage is open noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, noon to 7 p.m. Thursday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Some of the clothing items available at Cheetah Lounge Vintage
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF OLIVIA VIZZUETT
Olivia Vizzuett at her new Cheetah Lounge Vintage clothing store in New Eagle
PHOTOS: ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC Zac Starr’s Synchronize Band performs for fans during the Bethel Park Arts & Music Festival.
TOP: Eliza Sterbal was one of the young performers during the Bethel Park Arts and Music Festival. A rising Bethel Park High School sophomore, she sang a variety of Broadway songs to entertain the crowds. BOTTOM: Kimora Stewart of Bethel Park displays her creations during the Bethel Park Arts and Music Festival. The developer of Hearts and Jewels Cakebox Ceramics, she was one of the young artists invited to participate in this year’s event.
Dave Brown hands his 50/50 raffle tickets to Christine McIntosh as Jacquelyn Volpe looks on. Brown gave the Bethel Park Arts and Music Festival two thumbs up. “It’s a great event. It’s the art, the great music and the food trucks. I love the whole thing,” he said.
Rebuild
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Rescue parking lot while looking for a neighboring dance studio.
“(Bethel Park police) wouldn’t give us very much information. They said she hit the gas instead of the brake,” Jeney said.
Bethel Park police did not return a phone call seeking additional information.
Neither the volunteer nor the cats were injured.
“The cats live in the room. Nobody was hurt, fortunately,” Jeney said.
The incident has hindered Cali Cats’ ability to accept cats. Jeney says there is no space for them unless they can be placed with foster families, as she prefers to have cats be free-roaming and not placed in cages.
“I guess that’s the biggest thing. We can’t do our normal intakes there,” Jeney said.
She added that they cannot use the office or computers at the building, either.
“They had to shut power off to the front half of the building,” Jeney said.
Cali Cats Rescue plans on rebuilding, but reconstruction has yet to begin.
According to Jeney, they are waiting on word from the driver’s insurance company to help pay for the damages.
“We really don’t have any cats there currently. It just doesn’t feel the same; everything is boarded off,” Jeney said.
One bright spot, however, has been support from the community.
When the crash initially happened, Jeney said they were able to find fosters for the cats that needed to be moved out of the building.
Overall, Jeney says the situation has
“put a damper” on their volunteering and socializing schedules. It has also been difficult to see the rescue’s community room in disrepair.
“We put so much work into there since April, and it’s heartbreaking to see it all boarded up,” Jeney said.
“We had a few extra donations come in, which is always nice. The community is always supportive if you’re doing a good thing, I guess. That’s what we’ve come to see,” Jeney said.
Concordia of Bridgeville has significantly lowered its retirement living rates – making our comfortable, caring community more affordable than ever.
Join us for a special two-day open house and see firsthand why so many seniors are choosing a worry-free lifestyle at Concordia.
Featuring:
“The Financial Benefits of Retirement Community Living” Seminar Presented by Connor Hagey, Director of Retirement Living
Registration suggested by Aug. 13, and walk-ins are welcome. Call Director of Admissions Maureen Sirianni at 412-801-0293.
COURTESY OF CALI CATS RESCUE
Damage at Cali Cats Rescue after a vehicle drove into the building.
Eight Days of Summer Fun at Pennsylvania’s Oldest Agricultural Fair
By Emily King
For more than two centuries, the Washington County Agricultural Fair has been a beloved tradition that brings together the best of rural heritage and summertime fun. Now in its 227th year, the fair returns to the Washington County Fairgrounds on Saturday, August 9, with eight full days of agricultural showcases, family-friendly activities, live music, and grandstand favorites like the Demolition Derby. As the oldest fair in Pennsylvania—and one of the oldest in the nation—it continues to evolve while celebrating the community’s deep farming roots. We spoke with Wayne Hunnell, Vice President of the Fair Board, to get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into planning the fair and what visitors can look forward to in 2025.
Each day, the fair has a lineup of events, with the biggest shows taking place in the grandstand arena in the evening.
Historically, the top attended event at the fair has been the School Bus Demolition Derby and School Band performance, which both happen on Wednesday, August 13.
“A few years ago, we had the marketing class from Carnegie Mellon do a marketing study on why people attended the fair, their main reason for coming, and what they liked the best. The top of the list was the livestock shows and being able to see the live animals. The second largest reason was for the fair food. For our area the derbies are always a big draw annually,” says Hunnell. But last year, a new addition to the fair lineup came close to topping the attendance for School Bus Demolition Derby day—the rodeo. Up until 2024, the fair had not held a rodeo for ten or more years. It was such a success that the board brought it back for 2025 and anticipates the event to be a huge success again.
The fair will be hosting several concerts with local talent like Ruff Creek, Aaron Margaria, the Skyliners, and Bon Journey, and newcomer Morgan Gruber Acoustic Trio, Scott Blasey and Good Karma. The Washington County Agricultural Fair typically does not schedule a large concert for the grandstand arena because of local competition makes it hard to get big names on the schedule. The entire concert series, presented by Dollar Bank, takes place in the Show Tent.
Families with young children will be able to find a
variety of kid-friendly events on every day of the fair. The livestock shows and petting zoo are usually the main draw for family fun.
“There is always a large variety of animals with the cows, goats, lambs, miniature horses, and usually some other more exotic animals like camels and llamas,” says Hunnell.
Kids love to watch cats, dogs, and birds perform tricks and magic in the “Rock n’ Roll Pet Kids Show”, which occurs daily. The “Stone Age Show” is also a hit with the younger audiences, where kids can meet life-sized dinosaurs in a fun and engaging performance that encourages audience participation. They also enjoy the sillier competitions, like the milk chugging contest.
“Planning and scheduling the various events is one of the harder tasks and there are activities that overlap,” says Hunnell.
Not only does that mean that fair-goers have to make some decisions on what they most want to see, but it also creates a challenge for the 4-H and FFA kids who are participating. Some of the events that they would like to compete or participate in may overlap. The Fair Board keeps this in
mind when they plan the fair events, hoping to ensure that there are as few scheduling conflicts as possible.
With a thoughtfully curated schedule that blends agricultural heritage with crowd-pleasing entertainment, this year’s fair promises something for everyone—whether you’re coming for the animals, the funnel cake, the school bus demolition derby, or the rodeo. Behind every event is the hard work of the Fair Board and local volunteers who strive to create an experience that reflects the spirit of the community. So mark your calendars for August 9–16 and come ready to make memories at the 227th Washington County Agricultural Fair.
For more information about the fair and a list of events, please visit washingtonfair.org.
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sports
Rising to the occasion
Welhorsky ready to outperform the rest
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor
ebailey@thealmanac.net
Drew Welhorsky, like many of his South Fayette football teammates, wears a green silicone bracelet on his left wrist. The wristband features four printed white letters, all capitalized Os.
“Outlast, overcome, outwork,” he easily rattles off the first three but struggles to remember the fourth, which is out-power.
Forgive Welhorsky. For while he outdoes most in the first three categories, he’s more likely to finesse opponents than wield strength over them.
Welhorsky passed for 1,881 yards and 16 touchdowns and also rushed for 1,030 yards and 12 more scores as a junior last year. The 6-1, 195-pound signal caller also was a standout in lacrosse, leading the Lions to a second straight WPIAL runner-up trophy this spring. He was named the Class 2A Player of the Year after tallying 80 goals and providing 69 assists to raise his career totals to 359 points, 209 goals and 150 assists.
“No matter what the competitive situation he is in, Drew will compete,” said Lions football coach Marty Spieler. “He’s fiery. He accelerates well. He has great body control, a quick release and the ability to extend plays. He challenges defenses. He rises to the occasion.”
Welhorsky also never gives up. He never quits. He persists. He keeps his chin up. Whether in a real-life situation or in the context of an athletic competition, Welhorsky says, there is always adversity. “You work through it and you keep going,” he said. “I don’t get down on myself. I stay positive.”
Welhorsky is ready to lead the Lions to a better fate this fall than last season. In 2024, he burst onto the scene, leading South Fayette to six straight victories before ending the season with a five-game slump, including a decisive defeat, 49-28, against Penn-Trafford in the first round of the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs.
“Towards the end of the year, we got tired and I got down on myself. Some of the late-season decision-making I’d want to change but it’s a learning experience,” Welhorsky reasoned. “You just have to stay true to yourself and the team. Not get too high or two low.”
ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
South Fayette quarterback Drew Welhorsky is a dual-threat quarterback, capable of throwing the ball or rushing for big yardages. He passed for 1,881 yards and 16 TDs while collecting 1,030 more rushing for 12 scores.
“Staying mentally focused and finishing strong are two goals this season because I want the team to make the playoffs. Maybe get a home playoff game and win it.”
Winning more than one conference clash is also imperative even though Welhorsky noted the Allegheny Six with Peters Township, Upper St. Clair, Moon, Bethel Park and Baldwin is one of the toughest divisions in Class 5A.
He welcomes his role as a team captain to help the Lions “pull through the closer games” and achieve their expectations.
“That means just being a better leader than I was last year,” Welhorsky said. “It’s just another step in
DREW
WELHORSKY
an artist.
Age: 17
Parents: Michael and Melissa
Birthdate: July 30
Siblings: Kendall, 15. She plays volleyball, basketball and softball.
School: South Fayette
Year: Senior
GPA: 3.7
Sports: Football, lacrosse
Organizations: Ski Club
Food: Steak
Restaurant: Capital Grille
Read: Great Gatsby
Color: Blue
Music: I like it all but Hip Hop is my pump-up music and I like Drake as
Favorite athlete: Kobe Bryant. “Because of his mentality and because he is so inspirational.”
If you could have dinner with anybody, dead or alive, who would it be: Kobe or Drake Life lesson sports has taught you: Discipline, team work and time management People might be surprised to know this about you: I like to hike. I have taken a lot of trips out west and walked in national parks like Moab in Utah and Sedona in Arizona.
South Fayette pair pick colleges
Two South Fayette girls basketball players made oral commitments to continue their careers at the college of their choice.
Ryan Oldaker committed to Marist University, a Division I school in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. The Red Foxes (16-15) compete in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
Oldaker also had offers from Mercyhurst, Campbell, Albany and Rider.
Oldaker will join fellow South Hills standout Kate Robbins on the Marist roster. An Upper St. Clair graduate, Robbins is a rising junior forward for the Red Foxes. She was a 1,000-point scorer at USC.
Juliette Leroux recently committed to Florida Atlantic University, which is located in Boca Raton. Colgate, Brown, Cornell, Boston, Eastern Michigan, Iona, LaFayette, William and Mary, Massachusetts, Delaware, Cleveland State and St. Bonaventure were among the many other collegiate programs offering Leroux scholarships. A rising senior, she maintains a 4.1 GPA and is a dual-sport athlete, also excelling in volleyball.
Both Oldaker and Leroux gained second-team all-state recognition on the Class 5A squad for leading the Lady Lions to their first-ever state championship, a WPIAL runner-up trophy and a 29-2 overall record. Both were all-section and all-WPIAL performers.
During the PIAA final, a 4537 win over four-time reigning champion Archbishop Wood, Leroux led the Lions with 15 points and seven rebounds. Oldaker provided 10 tallies and dished up two assists. During the seasons, Leroux averaged 12.1 points and 4.5
rebounds a game while Oldaker provided 12.4 points per game to go along with 2.1 assists and 3.7 rebounds. According to Lions head coach Bryan Bennett, Leroux and Oldaker were “impact” players on both ends of the floor and “played a
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor
At 6-feet-5, 196 pounds and only 17 years old, Anthony Charles has room for growth. After his senior season of football at South Fayette High School this autumn and four more years playing at the University of Minnesota, Charles may very well be ready to pursue his boyhood aspiration.
“Playing in the NFL has been my dream since I was a kid. Nothing compares to that experience of playing the game at the highest level,” Charles said. “It’s the hardest thing I’m going to do in my life but I am willing to put the work into it.” Lions coach Marty Spieler expects nothing less. He notes that Charles has all the tools and dimensions.
“He’s long and lean. Extremely explosive,” Spieler said. “He can cause havoc. There’s a large growth process that takes place from high school and in college but Anthony has the potential.” Charles has the genes, too. His mother, Latae, played basketball at Marshall University. A Cleveland native, his father, Antonio, played football at Youngstown State. While his older brother, Michael, could have played Division I football, he opted to pursue studies in cybersecurity at Penn State. His younger siblings, Trindon and Kingston, are both football players, while his sister, Aniyah, is an eighth grader who excels in basketball as well as volleyball.
“My parents and my family have been the most influential people in my life,” Charles said. “While I did play basketball a little bit because I was always tall, I loved football a lot more.”
Juliette Leroux, a rising senior at South Fayette, committed to play at Florida Atlantic University.
PHOTOS: ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
Ryan Oldaker, a key member of South Fayette’s state championship girls basketball team, committed to play in college at Marist.
As a freshman, Charles started taking football seriously. Because his mother wanted him to attend a private school, Charles played at Bishop Canevin High School for two years. He transferred to South Fayette, growing into a dominant edge rusher. As a junior last year, he had 28 tackles, six sacks and two forced fumbles.
“It was a good transfer,” Charles said. “When I got here, I weighed about 175. I gained about 30 to 40 pounds.
Charles noted it wasn’t easy moving to a new school let alone a new football program, one that competed at the Class 5A level instead of 1A.
“For me personally, it was hard. When I first got here, I didn’t know the team and how to work with the team. I was anxious and nervous because I didn’t know anybody.,” he said.
“Over time this team became like a family to me. They all got my back. They really embraced me and were hospitable. Now they are all my brothers and I love them all.”
The feeling is mutual. With a season under his belt, Charles is expected to play a crucial role in South Fayette’s success this autumn.
“Anthony is a great kid. Well-liked in the locker room,” Spieler said. “We expect him to be a leader. Our expectations for him as our entire defensive line is to be disruptive and do their best to put our defense in the best position.
“Anthony sets the edge. He really gets off the line with a lot of speed and acceleration. He’s got a really good pass rush and can be a splash play difference-maker.”
ANTHONY CHARLES
Book: Lord of the Flies
Age: 17
Birthdate: April 24
Parents: Antonio and Latae
Siblings: Michael, Trindon, Kingston, Aniyah School: South Fayette
Year: Senior GPA: 3.45
Sports: Football, track College choice: Minnesota.
Major: Psychology
Food: Buffalo chicken wings
Restaurant: Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
Those qualities made Charles a hot commodity in collegiate circles. Rivals. com rated him a three-star recruit and Big Ten schools like Penn State, Michigan, Michigan State and Wisconsin, along with West Virginia, Cincinnati and Syracuse, came courting.
Charles, however, accepted a scholarship offer from Minnesota, which went 8-5 in 2024 and defeated Virginia Tech, 24-10, in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte, N.C.
“When I made my official visit, I fell in love with Minnesota. I loved the hospitality,” he said. “It felt like family. After my conversations with the coaches, I knew this was where I wanted to be.”
Charles, who will major in psychology, felt the Gophers could facilitate his future objectives.
“My goals are similar to what they are now. Contribute and get to the NFL,” Charles said.
Minnesota will help Charles attain those aspirations there because he says that he is going to get bigger, stronger, faster. “I am going to develop as much as I can. That appealed to me.”
This fall, helping turn the
Color: Purple Music and artist: Hip Hop. Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole
Favorite athlete: Myles Garrett.
People might be surprised to know this about you: I know how to play the piano.
If you could have dinner with anybody, dead or alive, who would it be: Jesus. “That would be a surreal experience.”
Lions into a champion matters to Charles. South Fayette finished 1-4 in the conference and 6-5 overall in 2024.
“I want the team to go as far as possible – get to states,” he said. “Personally, I want to contribute as much as I can and be the best player that I can be. Because I know my position well and can be physical and get off the line very fast and because we have a lot of chemistry, our team can go places. I feel you can go anywhere as long as you put the work in.”
From now until he realizes his ultimate goal, Charles labors on. He even sloughed off a broken thumb incurred during the Aaron Donald Camp this summer and plugged away at his training.
“Getting through adversity and hard times is a life lesson that sports teaches you,” he said. “I’m not half of what I am now since I started taking football seriously. Coaches felt I could. They saw my potential. It wasn’t just them, it was also my parents, family, friends and myself that instilled in me that I can go wherever I want. If I can reach my potential, I can do anything.”
BP youth trains at Real Madrid Academy
Jacob Cunningham of Bethel Park recently returned from an unforgettable international experience after participating in a Real Madrid Academy Training Camp in Spain.
A third-grade student at Memorial Elementary School, Cunningham earned the opportunity to train in Madrid after impressing coaches at a Real Madrid camp he attended over the summer. His per-
sports briefs
Bowling
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 412-9774407 for more information.
Soccer
The Mt. Lebanon fall soccer program begins Sept. 8. Games are held at Bird Park or Dixon field from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays through October. 20. Practices are held once on a weekday evening at the coach’s discretion. Leagues are offered for pre-school boys and girls at least age 4, kindergarten kids (coed), as well as boys and girls (non-coed) enrolled in first and second grade for 2025-26 school year. Early bird fees are applied through July 28. The last day to register is Aug. 4 by 8:30 a.m. Visit mtlebanon.org to sign up or call 412-343-3409 for more details.
Fabus Run
Registration is being accepted for the Joey Fabus Superhero 5K Run/1 Mile Walk,
maturing as a player. I want to be the best I can possibly be.”
formance caught the attention of the academy’s staff, leading to an exclusive invitation to train at the club’s world-renowned facilities.
While abroad, Cunningham spent the week honing his skills at the Real Madrid training complex, touring historic landmarks in the city, and visiting some of Spain’s most iconic soccer stadiums. A highlight of the trip included attending a match between
Real Madrid and Leganés, where he witnessed the passion and intensity of European football firsthand. Cunningham’s talent continued to shine during the camp, earning him the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2014–2015 age group. In recognition of his outstanding performance, he was awarded a full scholarship to attend the Real Madrid summer training camp in Pittsburgh.
which will be held at 9 a.m. Sept. 14 starting at Bethel Park High School. Fees are $30 for the run and $20 for the walk. Runners 12 and under are charged $15. Fees increase Sept. 13. Joey was an 8-year-old boy who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in May 2014. His cancer, DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma), has no survival rate, and on Jan. 21, 2015, he died from the disease. Visit jfccf.org to learn more about the disease. Visit runsignup.com/Race/ PA/BethelPark/JoeyFabusRace to register. Call 412-758-1121 or email fabusangels6pgh@verizon. net with further questions.
Pens Run Registration for the 13th annual Pittsburgh Penguins 6.6K Run and Family Walk is being accepted. Visit www. mariolemieux.org to sign up.
While the in-person event will be held Oct. 5 beginning and ending at PPG Paints Arena, virtual participants can run or walk their 6.6K (4.1 miles) anywhere, any-
He played wherever they placed him. His first season, he was a tailback then moved to quarterback his second year.
time from now until race day. The 3.3K walk (2.05 miles) is also offered to individuals and groups/families of four, and there are volunteer opportunities available for race weekend.
All proceeds benefit the cancer research and patient care initiatives of the Mario Lemieux Foundation, as well as the youth initiatives of the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation.
Back again this year is the Pet Walk. Pets can walk in the 3.3K in-person or participate virtually in the 6.6K run. Registered pets will receive a finisher bandana.
Additionally, participants can choose to become a fundraiser and receive unique Penguins prizes while collecting additional funds for the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation and Mario Lemieux Foundation.
There are volunteer opportunities available for the race event as well.
Visit www.mariolemieux. org to register for the race or learn more about volunteer and fundraising opportunities.
Welhorsky comes by his talent naturally. He comes from a “big football” family” that has collegiate experience.. His dad, Michael and uncle, Steven, played at Slippery Rock University while his granddad, Steven, played defensive tackle at the University of Maryland.
Welhorsky, himself, picked up the game in kindergarten.
“They needed someone to do it,” he explained. “So I stuck with it ever since. I just liked the leadership role and being able to help out at all the spots.”
Welhorsky supplemented football with lacrosse, picking up the sport in fifth grade. After the COVID pandemic, he resumed playing in the seventh grade and eventually won a starting spot as an attack on the varsity squad as a freshman.
“I really like both sports. The speed of lacrosse and the full-team aspect of football. You need 11 guys in each to be successful,” he said.
Welhorsky’s success on the football field this fall could determine his future plans. While he has talked to Robert Morris and other Division II and III schools concerning lacrosse as well as Carnegie Mellon, Bucknell, Lehigh and Towson State regarding football, he has no scholarship offers yet.
Welhorsky admitted it’s “disappointing” but he knows his time will come.
“I’m not sure which sport I’ll play at the moment. The key is to get the best education I can,” said Welhorsky, who hopes to major in business or finance. “It’s hard to think about my high school career coming to an end but the focus is on the team. That keeps me humble and team centered. To me, the team is what’s important.”
Drew Welhorsky SUBMITTED
Jacob Cunningham
sights & sounds
PROMISING RESEARCH
Could a vaccine prevent breast cancer?
By Kristin Emery
For the Observer-Reporter newsroom@observer-reporter.com
New research is showing promise that a vaccine may be able to fight one type of the most common cancers in women.
Phase one clinical trials examined immune response to a new breast cancer vaccine by measuring antibodies in white blood cells. Researchers hope the vaccine could eventually prevent and treat breast cancer that affects 1 in 8 women.
“The trial looked primarily at patients with triple negative (estrogen receptor negative, progesterone receptor negative, HER2 negative) breast cancer and showed a 75% immune response,” says Dr. Chirag Shah, Division Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology with Allegheny Health Network (AHN).
Phase one of the trial saw 35 women – most of whom had triple negative breast cancer – get the test vaccine and undergo blood testing to measure antibodies against alpha-lactalbumin.
“That molecule, α-Lactalbumin (aLA), is expressed in lactating breasts and in 70% of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cases but not at other times or in other tissues,” said Shah. “The protein is no longer found after lactation in normal, aging breast tissues but is present in most triple-negative breast cancers. If breast cancer develops, the vaccine is designed to prompt the immune
system to attack the tumor and keep it from growing.”
If proven to be successful, the vaccine eventually could be used not only to target existing TNBC tumors but also to help prevent it by alerting the body that the protein is being produced and to create antibodies to destroy it. Previous research done on mice has shown the vaccine can activate the immune system to prevent such tumors from forming.
Three-phase study
The Cleveland Clinic is working to develop the TNBC vaccine, and the first part of the trial involved patients getting a set of three shots spaced out by two weeks. The study is made up of three planned phases. Phase IA includes patients who completed treatment for early-stage, triple-negative breast cancer within the past three years and are currently tumor-free but at high risk for recurrence. “Phase IB includes individuals who are cancer-free and at high risk for developing
what’s happening
AQUA PARK
The Rolling Hills Aqua Park will open Aug. 4. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. on Sundays. The park is located at 110 Warriors Way in McMurray. Membership passes can be purchased online at www.peterstownship.com. For more details, call 412770-2025.
BP LIBRARY
The Bethel Park library is offering the following programs:
■ “Ukraine is my love and my sorrow” at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 6 in council chambers. Lesya Jurgovsky, president of the nonprofit “Sunshine for Tomorrow Foundation,” will speak about Ukraine before the war, its impact on people both locally and globally, and how to support orphans, refugees, and children with disabilities. A U.S. Army veteran originally from western Ukraine, Lesya aims to raise awareness about the effects of war, including PTSD, and bring aid to those affected.
■ 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.
breast cancer who have elected to voluntarily have a preventive mastectomy to lower their risk,” said Shah. “Primarily, these are women with BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 mutations.”
Phase IC will include patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer who have received preoperative chemoimmunotherapy and surgery and are being treated with pembrolizumab following surgery. These patients have residual cancer
in the breast tissue, making them at risk of recurrence.
Beyond this trial, there are other studies underway evaluating vaccine or immunologic approaches for breast cancer and other malignancies.
“These trials are promising, but there is still significant work to do,” Shah said. “Also, work is needed for other types of breast cancer beyond triple negative breast cancer. Overall, to date the trials have shown promising safety profiles as well.”
What makes creating a cancer vaccine so challenging is that tumors grow out of an individual’s own cells. That makes them unique as opposed to vaccines that target organisms like a certain strain of flu virus, smallpox or measles.
Other breast cancer vaccine trials are also being conducted that would work toward treating and preventing different types of the disease. Some vaccine research is targeting specific mutations in patients’ tumors and others are
working on identifying and targeting proteins in breast cancer cells. In addition to the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) vaccine, other trials underway include a vaccine targeting the HER2 protein that some cancerous tumors produce. Another area of research and vaccine trials is focused on tailoring a vaccine for an individual patient’s tumor by identifying unique mutations in the cancer cells and targeting those with the vaccine.
■ Registration is required for all programs.
■ Visit bethelpark.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
USC OPENINGS
The Upper St. Clair School District is hosting open interviews for custodians, nutrition center workers, substitute teachers (must be PA certified) and substitute paraprofessionals weekdays from 5 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 13 at the high school (enter via the Arts Entrance).
Applicants can apply for one or more positions online (uscsd.org/employment) in advance or complete the application process on site. Candidates should bring a resume.
Email amack@uscsd.k12. pa.us or call 412-833-1600 ext. 2279 with questions.
CONCERTS
The D. Streator Summer Concert Series, sponsored by the Bethel Park Community Foundation, continues with the following groups:
■ Pittsburgh Banjo Club on Aug. 10
■ Keystone Barbershop Chorus on Aug. 17. Concerts begin at 2:30 p.m. at the Bethel Park Community Center.
Admission is free but donations are accepted and benefit the Bethel Park Community Foundation. Call 412-851-2910 for more information.
GARDEN
The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Allegheny County will hold a garden in the park event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 16 at the demonstration garden in South Park, located at the corner of Corrigan Drive and Brownsville Road.
There are three distinct areas: the Moon Garden
with white and silver plants that create a magical and enchanting space as the sun sets each evening, the Spectrum Garden showing off all colors of the rainbow, and the Gravel Garden, which highlights plants that thrive in dry, nutrient-poor conditions.
Throughout the event expert speakers will be inside the South Park Theatre providing presentations on native plants, adaptive gardening, deer and drought resistance plants and backyard meadows. Master gardeners will be on site to answer gardening questions, offer tomato and garlic tastings, and provide information on a variety of backyard gardening topics. Local gardening and environmental organizations will also share their knowledge and resources.
The first 200 attendees receive a native plant. A free scoop of Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream will also be provided.
There is no admission fee and no pre-registration required.
CAT DAY
National Cat Day is Aug. 17 and Bailey’s Cat Haven is celebrating by holding an adoption event from noon to 3 p.m. at Pet Supplies Plus, located in the South Park Shops in Bethel Park.
A variety of cats will be available for adoption. All cats are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, and ready to join their new families. Visit angelridgeanimalrescue. org/adopt-a-cat to help expedite the adoption process by filing out an application. Cash or checks are accepted for all approved adoptions.
Located at 2650 Brownsville Road in South Park, Bailey’s Cat Haven is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays, noon to 3. Email: baileyscathav-
en@gmail.com with further questions.
COIN CLUB
The South Hills Coin Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at the Bethel Park municipal building, 5100 W. Library Ave. Members and the general public can attend. Hands that held history – early American coppers will be the topic of discussion. A 50/50 raffle will be held and children’s prizes awarded. Applications are now being accepted for membership. Call 724-9846611 for more details.
BASH SET
An end of summer bash will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 9 at Simmons Park in Bethel Park. Sponsored by the Bethel Park recreation and community center, the event will bring back childhood favorites such as tugof-war, red rover and kickball. There will be sidewalk chalk contests and face painting as well as miniature golf and local vendors offering handson activities. A DJ will spin summer classics, and there will be a photo booth. Visit www.bethelparkpa.gov for more details.
ART SHOW
Art At The Farm will be held July 31 through Aug. 2 at Gilfillan Farm, located at 110 Orr Road. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair and the McMurray Art League, the event features artists who will paint in the open air and make the items available for purchase. The Gilfillan Gala will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 2. Bertha and The Belles will provide live music. Paintings created at a special exhibition will be available for purchase. Tickets at $5 per person are available online at mcmurrayartleague.com. Admission at the gate is $10.
FLEA MARKET
The Bethel Park Lions Club will host a flea market from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 16 at Lions Park, 5757 Irishtown Road. Outside space is available for $20. Call or text 412-951-4196.
CLUB LEBO
A Back-to-School Pool Party will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Mt. Lebanon outdoor swim center. Mt. Lebanon middle school students entering grades 6 to 8 can attend. Fee is $8 ($10 at the gate). In addition, five parent volunteers with clearances are needed to help with the event. Visit mtlebanon.org to signup or volunteer. Call 412-3433409 for more information.
NIGHT OUT
National Night Out will be celebrated from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 5 at Miner’s Memorial Park in Bethel Park. Hill’s Food Truck joins the line-up offering up nostalgic items from childhood. In addition to Beedle’s Ice Cream Truck, there will be music provided from the Pittsburgh DJ Truck as well as face painting, a balloon artist, character visits and raffles. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the community center on Park Avenue.
AUP
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.
CONCERTS
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.
PT MARKET
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.
KIDS MARKET
Children’s Market Days will be held July 30 and Aug. 27 during regular hours (4 to 7 p.m.) at the Peters Township Market in the Park program. Ages 17 and under can set up their own tables and sell homemade, homegrown or handcrafted items. Fee is $10 per table per day. Email LMorris@peterstownship. com for more details.
DORMONT AARP
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.
TICKETS
Discount tickets for summer amusement are available for in-person sales at the Peters Township recreation center located at 700 Meredith Dr. Any day passes for ages 4 and older cost: $43 each for Kennywood; $35 each for Sandcastle and $42 each for Idlewild & Soak Zone. All sales are final. Visit www.peterstownship.com or call 724942-5000 for more details.
Dr. Chirag Shah
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Vehicles Wanted
HANDICAP WHEELCHAIR VAN wanted. Call 412-818-7711.
Air Conditioning / Heating
Coleman Mitchell Heating & Cooling 412-21-248 or 724-745-7422
www.colemanmitchell.com
Shearer Heating-Cooling Sales & Service “BIG On Service” 724-222-1830 or 724-745-3361 Shearerhvac.com
General Services
GEORGE ZUBASIC - (BIG Z) Roofing•Chimney Repairs• Gutters•Soffit•Fascia•Siding (Since 1976) 412-580-3985 Hire a HANDYMAN IN A VAN
If it drips, squeaks, cracks, leaks or if it’s just plain ugly, give us a call. We do all types of home repairs and home improvements. We specialize in carpentry, decks, kitchens, baths, floors and interior painting. We fix houses. Call Greg, 412-513-5012 30 Years Experience. A division of Topper Contracting Licensed & Insured PA # 076800
South Hills Exteriors
Gutter cleaning, gutter guards, sealing and fastening, downspouts, aluminum facia. Insured - Free Estimates PA #044557 412-881-7926, Dave
Landscaping
Klein’s Lawn Service • Core Aeration •Overseeding •Hedges & Shrub Trimming •Mowing •Fully Insured 412-854-3605
Masonry GREGG
MASONRY/CONCRETE
New and Repairs Brick, Block, Stone, Chimney and wall repairs, sealing, pointing PA #024106, 724-998-8301
Miscellaneous 84 AGWAY Stop by and see us! Not just a feed store anymore. 1025 Rt. 519, 84 PA 724-222-0600
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