RISKY BUSINESS
Online gambling among youth on the rise
By Karen Mansfield Staff writer
It’s one of the most anticipated times of the year for sports fans: the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl.
And sports betting ads are everywhere.
Turn on the television, and you’re bound to see an ad – often featuring a celebrity popular with the younger generation – promoting the use of one of the many sportsbooks operating in the betting industry.
Gambling rates among teens and young adults are climbing, and experts say easy access to sports betting and other forms of online wagering has led to gambling problems among some of them.
“HAVE THE CONVERSATION WITH YOUR KIDS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF PROBLEM GAMBLING. RESPECT THAT IT’S MEANT TO BE FOR PEOPLE 21 AND OLDER, BECAUSE THE BRAIN, THAT PREFRONTAL CORTEX, HASN’T FULLY DEVELOPED YET.”
JODY
BECHTOLD, CEO OF
THE BETTER INSTITUTE
bling of Pennsylvania. “And especially with sports betting, there are an endless number of wagers that can be placed. It’s gone from being a one-time bet, like will the Steelers beat the Ravens and cover the spread, to now, where every down, every pitch, every time a player has the ball or is shooting a basket is an opportunity to place a wager, and you can do it for virtually every collegiate or pro sport anywhere. The availability has increased at a meteoric level. And the more normalized it becomes, the more likely you’ll see kids become engaged.”
Magisterial district judge is co-author of book on leadership
By Brad Hundt Staff writer
bhundt@observer-reporter.com
There’s been plenty written about leaders, and there are scores of courses, seminars, books and training sessions that seek to help cultivate their leadership skills.
So, the question is: Are leaders born that way, or is leadership a learned skill?
It can be both, according to Ron Arnoni, a magisterial district judge whose district includes Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair. The jurist believes that leaders are “not afraid to do the hard stuff.”
“There are different types of leaders for different types of situations,” Arnoni added.
A 2023 survey by the NCAA of 3,527 18- to 22-year-olds found that sports betting is widespread in that population. Fifty-eight percent said they had participated in at least one sports betting activity, with 4% of them betting daily. About 6% of those participating in sports betting reported losing more than $500 in a single day. And about 28% of students have bet using a mobile app or website.
gambled for money in 2023, and up to 6% are considered addicted to gambling.
Additionally, McGill University’s International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors reports between 60% and 80% of high school students
“Obviously, we’re not seeing kids walking into casinos – there are policies to prevent that – but kids are accessing it other ways, including online betting through apps and websites and offshore betting,” said Josh Ercole, executive director of the Council of Compulsive Gam-
Online sports betting has become far more accessible since a 2018 Supreme Court decision that ruled the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was unconstitutional. So far, 39 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized online sports betting or some type of online gambling.
USC students take trip into outer space
Dozens of Upper St. Clair High School students recently took a trip to outer space thanks to a visit from the Pittcon Planetarium. Science classes took turns filtering into the school’s
gym for the chance to experience the
planetarium. An outreach program of the Pittsburgh Conference for the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh and the Society of Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh, the portable planetarium provided 30-minute lessons about the sun, planets, stars and constellations. A cross between an igloo and a bounce house, the planetarium stands 14 feet tall and 30 feet wide. The planetarium can accommodate 25 to 30 students at one time.
Arnoni offers additional thoughts on leadership and how people can excel with “Navigate Your Path to Success,” a book co-written with motivational speaker Brad Killmeyer. It offers advice on how to be a leader, how to communicate more effectively, the benefits of feedback, and more.
BP native named executive director of State Library of Ohio
By Jill Thurston Staff writer jthurston@observer-reporter.com
Mandy Knapp, 42, a native of Bethel Park, was recently appointed to lead the State Library of Ohio as its executive director.
A resident of Westerville, Ohio, Knapp has more than 20 years of experience in both public and academic libraries.
In her new role, Knapp will supervise a staff of about nine employees, communicate with the State LibraryBoard and work collaboratively on the vision to bring information to people.
In a press release, State Library Board President Janet Carlton said, “Ms. Knapp’s extensive and varied background in libraries and public library administration positions her as an outstanding candidate to head the State Library.”
Mandy Knapp
Knapp holds a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management from Ohio State University, a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Otterbein College in Ohio.
COURTESY OF RON
COURTESY OF FAYETTE COUNTY DRUG AND ALCOHOL COMMISSION
Logan Embacher, a prevention specialist for Fayette County Drug and Alcohol Commission, delivers a “Stacked Deck” presentation at a Fay-
ette County high school. Stacked Deck is one of the programs offered by the drug and alcohol commission to address youth gambling.
Book FROM PAGE A1
“Navigate Your Path to Success” contains more than 30 interviews with business leaders and other high-profile individuals from the Pittsburgh region who have risen to the top of their professions, and they illuminate the various paths to success that they have traveled. They include state Sen. Camera Bartolotta, who represents all of Washington and Greene counties and a portion of Beaver County in the state Senate; Bill Sarris, the president and CEO of Canonsburg-based Sarris Candies; Steve Blass, the former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher and World Series champion; and Jim McQuade, the president and CEO of Dollar Bank.
Arnoni said that 90% of those interviewed are “old friends that I’ve had a relationship with for many years. They are people I have a great respect and admiration for.”
Before becoming a judge and author, Arnoni has had a varied career that has included being a mayor, a councilman and managing an environmental company. To highlight leaders in the Upper St. Clair and Bethel Park communities, Arnoni has given out citizen-of-theyear honors to individuals who have been exemplary volunteers, lead nonprofit endeavors and have otherwise given their communities a boost.
“I’m a person who believes we can learn something new every day,” Arnoni said. “I find it fascinating to learn different ideas and concepts.”
The judge believes, first and foremost, that a key to success is “doing it, going for it.”
“You can achieve anything you want if you put your mind to it,” Arnoni explained.
Additional information on “Navigate Your Path to Success” can be found at ourleadfamily.com.
Space
FROM PAGE A1
Biology teacher Dawn Mostowy arranged the planetarium visit.
“We are trying to find ways to expose our students to more content relating to earth/space science as we are seeing this being added to the science standards,” Mostowy said. “Pittcon was only able to run 30 sessions out of the 60 schools that had requested, so we were lucky.”
According to the program Pittcon website, “our planetarium demonstrations allow students to observe the sky, various constellations and individual stars or planets from any point on the surface of the earth at any year or time of day.”
The Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh (SACP) and the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh (SSP) are nonprofit organizations dedicated to furthering science education, both locally and nationally.
Pittsburgh Curling Club taps into sport’s growing popularity
By Paul Paterra Staff writer ppaterra@observer-reporter.com
The sport of curling has grown in popularity since debuting in the 1998 Winter Olympics.
According to the United States Curling Association, there are 185 curling clubs across the nation with about 23,500 participants.
Among them is the Pittsburgh Curling Club, whose roots go back to 2002 on Neville Island as part of the Robert Morris University sports facility. Now, the club has its own facility at 491 McCory Road in McKees Rocks.
“Two weeks before the world shut down for the pandemic (in 2020), they opened the doors to the dedicated facility in McKees Rocks,” explained Ian Andrew, a club member. “It is a nonprofit organization, but we do have our own building. We own the land up there. We’re able to have private events.”
Recently, the club hosted the four-day inaugural World Five-and-Under tournament (5&U Worlds), which attracted not only teams from the United States, but also Canada, Israel, the Philippines and India.
“Our goal is to celebrate the unique artistry and the athleticism of curling, and provide
Risky
FROM PAGE A1
Sports betting is becoming widespread across college campuses in the U.S. – at least eight major universities have entered partnerships with sports-betting companies or sportsbooks – and experts worry that it can take a toll not only on students’ finances, but on their mental health as well.
Teens and young adults don’t necessarily have the tools to understand the risks and rewards of gambling in a healthy way, said Jody Bechtold, a social worker and globally recognized gambling addiction counselor who is CEO of The Better Institute in Mt. Lebanon.
“I can tell you, there are six clinicians in my practice and we are getting referrals constantly. We were inundated over winter break with parents reaching out about their college-age students,” said Bechtold. “We’re seeing a lot of freshmen having a terrible freshman year because they owe a bookie, and the bookies are seniors on campus. And the amounts they owe are staggering. It’s not unheard of to hear a freshman ask a parent for $10,000 to pay off the bookie. There is a whole other level of gambling going on.”
Bechtold devoted her career to gambling addiction after a young adult she counseled became addicted to gambling –
This is the stone that is guided along the ice toward a target area.
an accessible, unforgettable experience for fans, getting to see high-level curling, in person, for the first time,” said James-Grant Robertson, 5&U Worlds co-founder in the lead-up to the tournament. “Pittsburgh’s dynamic sports culture and welcoming community make it the perfect setting for this international event.”
A Five-and-Under Tournament features participants over 21 who have less than five years of curling experience. It was the brainchild of John Shuster, who led Team USA to gold in the 2018 Winter Olympics, the first American team to win a gold medal in curling.
“It just gives newer curlers
spending a $700 paycheck on slot machines at a Pittsburgh deli – and ultimately took his life.
Gambling addiction has among the highest suicide rates of addiction, between 20 and 40%, she said.
Bechtold encourages parents to have a conversation with their children about gambling, and to help them understand the strategies used by gambling sites to lure people into betting more frequently and in larger amounts.
“Have the conversation with your kids about the dangers of problem gambling. Respect that it’s meant to be for people 21 and older, because the brain, that prefrontal cortex, hasn’t fully developed yet.”
Ercole noted that those who start gambling at younger ages are more likely to develop a gambling problem later on.
From fun activity to addiction
Rob Minnick, now 25, grew up near Philadelphia and started gambling on daily fantasy sports when he was 18.
But, he said, his sports betting morphed from a fun activity into a gambling addiction. While his friends would place a couple of bets on 76ers, Eagles or Phillies games, Minnick found himself spending six to eight hours a day on sports betting apps.
When Minnick went to college, he started gambling on an offshore gambling app, and
ly recalls Bethel Park’s public library and Carnegie Library.
that got into it a little later in life a chance to be competitive without absolutely getting their butts kicked by juniors who were born on the ice,” Andrew said. “We’re hoping this kind of takes off. The Fiveand-Under in the U.S. has really exploded in popularity.”
Curling is a sport in which players slide heavy granite stones on a sheet of ice toward a target area segmented into four concentric circles. The path of the rock may be further influenced by two sweepers with brooms or brushes, who accompany it as it slides down the sheet, and sweep the ice in front of the stone.
What once was a sport in which those who were fanat-
an online bookie extended a line of credit to him.
He won’t divulge how much money he lost during the six years he gambled, but said he found himself in debt several times and had to work as many as 80 hours a week to pay off his gambling debts. The worst part, he said, was telling his parents he had lost large sums of money and asking them for money to cover his debts.
He sought help through a therapist and attended Gamblers Anonymous meetings, but hit rock bottom in 2022, after celebrating a big win by treating himself to a trip to Paris.
“Two hours after I landed, I was playing slots,” said Minnick. “And I thought, ‘That’s weird. You’re in Paris. Why are you doing that?’” With the help of multiple resources and self-exclusion from casinos, Minnick was able to quit gambling. He hasn’t placed a bet since November 2022.
As part of his recovery journey, Minnick now educates and raises awareness about the dangers of problem gambling. He shares his experiences and insights on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and his blog, “Rob - One Day At A Time” (ROBODAAT).
“I don’t want to see people make the same mistakes I made,” said Minnick. “The message isn’t ‘don’t gamble.’ Gambling isn’t evil. But if you
ics took to the ice in the early morning hours – the only time ice was available – has transitioned to a sport with dedicated clubs having more accessible ice time.
The Pittsburgh Curling Club, with about 100 members, also has a number of other activities, such as learnto-curl events, which are open to the public. Curling leagues take place just about every night of the week. The club also has hosted curling parties.
“Throughout the year, we’ll do a lot of bonspiels – that’s what curling tournaments are known as,” Andrew said. “On any given night, we’ll have between 20 and 32 people there.
can’t understand why you’re doing it anymore, it’s gotten to a dangerous point.”
And sports betting companies “nudge” students, Bechtold noted. Once they sign up for an app, they start getting push notifications and promotions where the company gives them an amount of money up front for them to gamble “for free,” as a way to keep people engaged in sports betting.
“Operators are pushing free play and incentives to keep you hooked. And once people have lost money on sports betting, they turn to online casino slots to get their money back. So it starts with sports betting and goes to online casino games where they try to get back what they lost,” said Bechtold.
There’s also a correlation between video gaming and gambling. Young people who play video games often win a loot box or coins, making it a perfect segue to other forms of gambling.
Ercole said over the past few years, he has seen more calls coming to the helpline from the 25- to- 34-year-old demographic. The largest number of calls in November 2024 – 25% – came from the 25- to- 34-year-old age group, followed by the 35to- 44-year-old group with 20% of calls.
“We’ve seen a shift since 2018 in the demographic we’re receiving calls from, with the 18 to 24 range expanding. We are finding it’s related to sports betting,” he said.
There’s an opportunity to be there every night. (Curling) is becoming more accessible because more clubs have dedicated ice.”
Steve Buffington, president of the curling club, expects another jump in club members come 2026, the year of the next Winter Olympics.
“We’ll expect to get membership out of that,” Buffington said. “Popularity and interest in curling really peaks in Olympic years when there’s a lot of curling on television.” The club also is handicap accessible. The Grand National Curling Club Wheelchair Championship is scheduled at the Pittsburgh Curling Club April 11-13.
Andrew, of Bridgeville, said he became interested in the sport when he first saw it on television during the 1998 Winter Olympics. He was a student at Allegheny College in Meadville and admitted he probably should have been studying when he stumbled upon something that would soon become a passion. “I probably should have been studying for finals or midterms and it was on at 3 a.m.,” Andrew said. “I said, ‘What is this magic?’ I was able to go and try curling at a reasonable hour. I went out and tried it and now they can’t get rid of me.”
Fayette County Drug and Alcohol Commission has had a full-time problem gambling prevention specialist on staff since 2021. It offers gambling-related programs to school districts in the county, including “Stacked Deck,” a program aimed at students in grades nine through 12, and “Kids Don’t Gamble … Wanna Bet?” which is geared toward late elementary to middle school students.
“We did a needs assessment in 2016, and we did identify underage gambling as an issue,” said Lee Winterhalter, prevention supervisor for the county’s Drug and Alcohol Commission. “There is a lot of education that needs to be done in regard to gambling, which is an issue throughout the commonwealth and across the country.”
According to the results of the 2023 Pennsylvania Youth Survey, there is “clear evidence that underage youth actively participate in gambling.”
Bechtold and Ercole said it’s important for parents to have open, honest conversations with their children about the risks and consequences of gambling, particularly online gambling.
They encourage parents to start the conversation early, before kids are exposed to online platforms, and to establish guidelines regarding online activities and monitor online activity and intervene if they notice signs of excessive gambling.
FROM PAGE A1
A 2001 graduate of Bethel Park High School, Knapp found her calling as an undergraduate at Otterbein. “That’s where I fell in love with libraries,” she said. Always a reader, she fond-
“My mom, as a special treat growing up, would take us to Carnegie Library.”
She began her career at Worthington (Ohio) Library. Her most recent position was manager of the Westerville Public Library’s Uptown Branch.
Her past achievements
“But I never really considered it as a job until I went to college and I had a work study job. My work study job was to work at the college library, Courtright Memorial Library, and I felt like I entered this whole adult world where having a job isn’t so bad,” Knapp said.
the almanac
include managing the Ohio eBook Project, and she was instrumental in the Guiding Ohio Online Americorps program placing AmeriCorps volunteers serving as technology trainers in rural libraries.
Knapp has been honored as an American Library Association Emerging Leader and Journal Mover and Shaker. “I think what I bring (to the State Library) is a true passion for libraries and for helping people. I sincerely believe every person is worthy, and the only reason people make bad choices is because they don’t have the right information. So connecting people with good information is the way to lift up everyone,” said Knapp.
Isabel Vilensky
USC’s Vilensky wins Grand Prix
The competition is open to musicians ages 5 to 30. The Concert Festival International Competitions offers an opportunity for young musicians, soloists and chamber ensembles, composers and teachers to perform in various concerts, competitions, showcases and master classes. In addition to the concert festival, Vilensky is active in the Upper St. Clair High School music department. An alto, she has been selected for Pennsylvania Music Educa-
IN ADDITION TO THE CONCERT FESTIVAL, VILENSKY IS ACTIVE IN THE UPPER ST. CLAIR HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT. AN ALTO, SHE HAS BEEN SELECTED FOR PENNSYLVANIA MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION DISTRICT AND REGIONAL HONORS CHOIRS.
tors Association district and regional honors choirs. Vilensky serves as president of the Speech & Debate team and earned Academic All America honors from the National Speech & Debate Association. She has competed nationally for speech and debate as well as Future Business Leaders of America and Future Problem Solving. In addition, she has earned recognition at regional Model UN and Model EU competitions Last fall, Vilensky was a semifinalist in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Competition and an AP Scholar with Distinction. She is a member of the National Honor Society and was named a 2025 Coca-Cola Scholar semifinalist.
Please recycle this newspaper
COURTESY OF THE PITTSBURGH CURLING CLUB
ABOVE LEFT: The Pittsburgh Curling Club has about 100 members and hosts a number of activities. ABOVE
RIGHT: These youngsters sweep to move the stone in a curling contest.
FROM PAGE A2
Buffington, in his second stint as club president, has a similar story that has led to about two decades of curling.
“I saw curling during a ski trip to Western Canada,” he said. “The house that we happened to rent only had one television channel. The national curling tournament for men was on television. It was about the only thing that we could get on television while we were there. We were trying to figure out what the sport was all about. When I came back a friend of mine had a curling stone as a doorstop. He was one of the founding members of our club. He called me and my
wife and said they were going to start curling. The rest, as they say, is history, I guess.”
The Moon Township resident joined the Pittsburgh Curling Club shortly after it was formed.
Andrew admitted curling is a bit more physical than one would think.
“It will surprise you how exhausted you will be at the end, I promise you,” Andrew
said. “The better you get, the more exhausted you are.”
Anybody interested in joining the Pittsburgh Curling Club may do so on the club’s website.
“Anybody is welcome to drop in and see what’s going on through the week,” Andrew said. “It’s a great community sport. It’s a chance to have fun and play what is often referred to as chess on ice. It’s a very strategic game.”
USC senior wins Congressional App Challenge
Darcy Vilkner of Upper St. Clair has been named the 2024 Congressional App Challenge winner for Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District. The Upper St. Clair High School senior won for the creation of the app, Cosmic Armada.
Cosmic Armada is a neon, retro-style multiplayer video game designed for web, iOS, and Android platforms. The game transforms mobile gaming into a group activity, allowing up to six players to share a single touchscreen for an engaging and interactive experience. Players navigate spaceships across a futuristic hexagonal grid, competing to avoid collisions, outmaneuver opponents, and be the last ship standing.
“Darcy’s creativity and technical expertise are a testament to the brilliance of our young people in PA-12,” said Congresswoman Summer Lee, who announced the winner Jan. 14.
Lee said that the app reimagines the ways we use technology, turning what’s often a solitary experience into a fun, collaborative activity.
“Darcy has demonstrated not only impressive coding skills but also a passion for bringing people together through technology,” Lee added. “This is exactly the kind of innovation that will keep Pittsburgh at the forefront of STEM and gaming industries.”
In developing Cosmic Armada, Vilkner used JavaScript and employed advanced techniques, like shader effects, to create the game’s vivid visuals and immersive arcade-inspired synthpop soundtrack. Her motivation stemmed from a desire to make technology more interactive and so-
cial while practicing advanced graphic design techniques. The Congressional App Challenge provides students across the country with an opportunity to showcase their coding and problem-solving skills. Vilkner faced challenges in designing a game that accommodates multiple players on a single device while ensuring smooth gameplay and an intuitive interface.
At Upper St. Clair High School, Vilkner is a member of the National Honor Society and orchestra, recently being selected for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 1 Honors Orchestra. In addition, Vilkner participates in robotics, including competing on teams in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) and the VEX Robotics Competition.
The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition that inspires students to engage with computer science and coding. The 2025 Congressional App Challenge is open to all students in Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District. Submissions are being accepted until Nov. 1. Visit congressionalappchallenge.us to learn more about the Congressional App Challenge.
Darcy Vilkner
PHOTOS:
Eyes on the prize
Bryan
SF targeting another WPIAL title
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor
ebailey@thealmanac.net
South Fayette girls basketball coach Bryan Bennett has one simple task as the Lady Lions embark on their quest for a fourth straight WPIAL championship.
“We are fortunate to have talented kids,” Bennett emphasized. “My job is to not mess it up.”
So far, Bennett has upheld his part of the bargain.
By defeating Chartiers Valley, 69-43, on Feb. 3, the Lady Lions captured the Section 3 banner with a 12-0 record. By toppling Norwin, 69-43, South Fayette improved to 20-1 and solidified its hold on the No. 1 seed for the Class 5A tournament.
The Lady Lions made a statement, Bennett says, with the win over the Knights, who have won three WPIAL titles, last year as well as in 2015 and 2016.
“Norwin is a powerhouse. Class 6A school with a strong tradition,” Bennett said. “It was a good test for us to face a different team that was a little more physical and more deliberate in what they do. They also had size and five to six really good players. Things we haven’t seen that as the playoffs progress we may see.”
While the Knights varied from Chartiers Valley, the results were the same for the Lions. South Fayette dismantled the Colts, cruising to a 24-5 lead that stretched to 25-point plus advantages throughout the second half.
“I know some of our games may look lopsided but there is a lot of talent in our
during a
up a
in 16
section,” Bennett said. “Our kids are always focused and working hard. I am so proud of this group.
Against Norwin, Haylie Lamonde (13), Ryan Oldaker (11) and Lailah Wright (11) finished in double digits. Oldaker (16), Lamonde (14) and Wright (11) also reached double figures against the Colts.
“I am very pleased with the way we are playing. CV, like Norwin, is an outstanding team. Extremely well-coached and extremely talented,” Bennett said.
The Lions ooze talent themselves. Oldaker leads the club in scoring with a 12.8 average but Juliette Leroux and Lamonde follow with 13.3 and 11.4 averages. Wright, who manages 9.5 points per game, dishes up 4.2 assists and causes 3.0 turnovers a game to lead the Lions in those categories.
Cierra Rexrode, Ella Vierra, Luci LeMendola and Alexa Ankrum had also been big contributors for South Fayette.
PT among teams vying for Class 5A boys crown
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor
When the WPIAL announces the playoff bracket for the Class 5A boys’ basketball tournament at 2 p.m. Feb. 10 on KDKA Radio, Baldwin and Montour are expected to grab the top seeds, but look for Peters Township to make its presence known in the single-elimination event that culminates with championship action Feb. 27 through March 1 at the Petersen Events Center.
“Baldwin and Montour are probably the teams to beat but there are a lot of really good teams in 5A,” said Peters Township coach Joe Urmann. “Our expectations are to embrace the challenges ahead and take them one game at a time.”
The Indians are playoff-tested, having beaten South Fayette and Ringgold for a berth out of Section 3 won by the Highlanders and have challenged Chart-
iers Valley, which is playoff bound out of Section 4 won by the Spartans.
“Our game versus South Fayette was a lot like a playoff game. It was an electric environment with playoff seeding implications on the line,” Urmann said. “And Chartiers Valley is a very good team,” he added.”
The Colts boast Jayden Davis, who recently topped 2,000 points for his career. The senior shooting guard exploded for 38 points against the Indians while Julian Semplice followed with 18 tallies. He followed up with 30 tallies in an 85-61 win against Blackhawk on Feb. 4. Semplice and Danny Slizik finished with 15 and 10 tallies.
Dylan Donovan, who had 21 points in the win against the Lions, fired in 22 markers against the Colts for the Indians. He led the way with 20 markers in the rebound win against the Rams, 77-45. Also
against Ringgold, Sean Thelk and Nick McCullough finished with 15 and 12 tallies.
“We didn’t have an answer for Jayden in the second half,” said Urmann, “but I was pleased with the confidence we gained and how well we executed and played together against South Fayette. We take those things with us into the playoffs.”
Urmann also noted that while it’s tough to pay two high quality teams on back-to-back nights, that experience can help the Indians to continue to grow down the stretch.
During the run towards a playoff spot, the Indians have played without Mickey Vaccarello. A Stanford football recruit, he graduated in December and left for spring drills and California after Peters Township’s overtime win against Bethel Park in mid-January.
CROWN PAGE B2
At 6-foot-10, Tyler Robbins towers about the competition and makes Upper St. Clair the team to beat in the WPIAL Class 6A boys basketball tournament. Playoff action commences Feb. 13 with championship action scheduled for Feb. 27-March 1 at the Petersen Events Center on the Pitt campus. The Panthers are the defending Class 6A champions.
USC anticipates top seed in Class 6A
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net
When the WPIAL announces playoff pairings in boys’ basketball on Feb. 10, expect Upper St. Clair to draw the No. 1 seed in Class 6A. The Panthers are the defending district champions. Additionally, they have been ranked first throughout the 2024-25 regular season.
“They are the best team out there right now,” said Mt. Lebanon floor boss Joe David.
“There is no team like them. With their height they are like the size of a college team and their experience,” he continued. “In 30 years, none of us as coaches will ever see a team like that. They are very, very good.
“They have to be the favorite,” David continued. “It’s theirs to lose. It’s going to take a good effort to beat them.”
The Top 10 teams in Class 6A qualified for the postseason, including USC’s section rivals Imani Christian, Central Catholic and Mt. Lebanon as well as Fox Chapel, New Castle, Seneca Valley, Butler and Norwin.
USC is expecting tough competition throughout the playoffs, which start Feb. 13.
“We know we will be getting everybody’s best shot. Every game will be a battle,” predicted USC head coach Dan Holzer.
“Every team in this tournament is good and it may sound
cliche or generic but we are everybody’s Super Bowl. People love to beat St. Clair.” Before heading into their section finale hosting arch rival Mt. Lebanon on Feb. 7 (results too late for print edition), Montour and Imani Christian were the lone teams to defeat the Panthers. The Spartans were the top-ranked squad with Baldwin in Class 5A. Imani Christian was ranked No. 3 behind Central Catholic in Class 6A. The Panthers lost to Montour, 59-50, in mid-December during the Harry Jenkins Classic at La Roche University. The loss to Imani Christian, 63-58, occurred Jan. 30 at CCAC-Alleheny and snapped a 13-game winning streak by the Panthers. USC previously defeated the Saints, 74-32, in the initial Section 2 encounter on Jan. 7.
“Imani was a wake-up call because we were just cruising along there,” Holzer said. “They made a lot of shots and we did not respond well.” The Saints could pose problems for playoff teams, including the Panthers. They had won back-to-back WPIAL and PIAA titles before voluntarily moving up to compete in the Class 6A division.
“They are a concern because they are so athletic,” Holzer said. “They cause problems because they are so fast. They have quick hands and feet and present obstacles offensively and defensively.”
ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
PHOTOS: ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
Bennett instructs his South Fayette players during a timeout in the action of their section game against Chartiers Valley. The Lady Lions defeated the Lady Colts, 69-43.
Ryan Oldaker (24) of South Fayette attempts to put
shot
section game against Chartiers Valley. Oldaker fired
points in a 69-43 win over the Lady Colts.
ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
Jake Wetzel (33) and Nick McCullough (23) of Peters Township battle Tyson Wright (0) of South Fayette for the rebound. Wetzel was fouled on the play while tangling up with Dylan Head (31).
“There is a lot of talent on the floor and we have at least six kids that could be averaging 18-20 points a game for another team but on our team they are averaging 10,” Bennett said.
“They have all bought into the team and accepted that concept. Their togetherness and unselfishness have been key. They know that our success hinges on everybody.”
While Leroux and Lamonde are “hitting their strides” after being hampered by an injury and slow start respectively, Oldaker has been a “consistent” performer that goes “unnoticed” in finer aspects of the game because of her ability to rack up points.
“All look at her as a scorer, which she obviously is a great one, but she goes hard after it on the glass,” Bennett said. “She does so much for us. Plays hard and strong defense. I don’t think she gets credit for her rebounding and defense.” Wright gets kudos for taking charge on the offense. A sophomore, she stepped in to fill the point guard position vacated when Lainey Yater matriculated to Saginaw Valley State.
“We didn’t have to think about a point guard or a fast break for four years. So we were worried after losing Lainey,” Bennett said.
“We knew Lailah was a talent last year, but she worked so hard in the off season to become so much better. She’s a die-hard basketball kid that doesn’t tire, and that’s good because we never have to take her off the floor. She has really stepped into the role.”
While the Lions enter the playoffs as the favorite to win a championship, they are familiar with the role of underdog. South Fayette stopped Chartiers Valley’s attempt to four-peat. The Lady Colts won WPIAL titles in 2017 as well as from 2019 through 2021.
Crown FROM PAGE B1
“Mickey was such a valuable part of our team on both ends,” Urmann said. “We can’t replace him but we can fill the holes by committee and adapt.”
The Indians have also altered aspects of their game and corrected flaws that have contributed to significant losses such as the back-to-back defeats against Thomas Jefferson, 73-71, at home and at Baldwin, 71-57.
“We’ve grown in our ability to take care of the ball,” Urmann said. “Our turnover percentage is down and we are shooting our free throws a bit better.”
“No one wants to see us win again. I don’t blame them,” Bennett said. “I remember being in those shoes when Coach (Tim) McConnell was doing it and we were fortunate to beat them that one year.
“We know the target is on our back, but we know what it’s like to be in the other shoes. We talk about that constantly and we are prepared. We know we are going to get everyone’s best shot. We know what we are going to get and it doesn’t get easier. We know we can’t let up.”
In Class 5A there are too many teams that want to pounce on the Lions. Bennett also says that it’s too early to predict a final between South Fayette and Peters Township. The two teams have been ranked 1-2 all season and they have not lost to any WPIAL squads, only teams from Ohio.
The Indians, like the Lions, are undefeated section champions as are Penn-Trafford and Franklin Regional. Shaler and Thomas Jefferson, even Chartiers Valley, are also teams to watch in the playoffs.
“There are eight or nine teams that can win this,” Bennett predicted. “Class 5A is really deep. So, it’s one game at a time as it’s always been.”
For the Indians to be successful during the postseason will require additional focus on the details and intangibles.
“We need to be super connected in all phases of the game,” Urmann said. “We need to bring championship-caliber effort and attitude.”
Peters Township’s female counterparts have plenty of both. The Lady Indians head into the playoffs as one of the top-ranked teams in Class 5A along with South Fayette. Both finished as undefeated champions in their respective sections and have not lost to any WPIAL club.
Natalie Wetzel makes the Lady Indians a solid bet to win their first district title since the 2019 club went undefeated and also won a PIAA championship. The University of Miami recruit fired in 23 points in a 58-49 win against Thomas Jefferson and 15 markers in a 63-19 win against Uniontown to secure the Section 4 title.
Wetzel is averaging 21 points and 11 rebounds a game. She was nominated to participate in the McDonald’s All-American game.
TJ coach Matt Gould gave the Lady Indians a strong endorsement. The Jaguars have qualified for the playoffs along with section opponents Baldwin and Bethel Park.
“They have one of the best teams in the state, with one
of the best players in the state and a supporting cast that’s about as good as you’ll see at the high school level,” Gould said.
Indeed, Taylor McCullough (10), Bri Morreale (10) along with Daniela Radulovich and Alina Spoko played key roles in the triumph over TJ while Jordyn Welsh contributed 12 points in the victory against the Raiders.
BP girls
While Peters Township and South Fayette are the area favorites in Class 5A, Bethel Park expects to make some noise in the tournament.
“There’s always a surprise in the playoffs when a lower seed comes in with a great game plan and upsets someone no one thought they’d upset,” said BP floor boss Stephen Norman. “Playoffs are a different scenario than a regular season.
“I don’t think we’ll enter any game thinking the outcome is already decided,” Norman continued. “You have to play
Top FROM PAGE B1
At 6-foot-10, Tyler Robbins presents problems for USC’s opponents. The Miami (Ohio) recruit averages 15.2 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3 blocked shots per game. His younger brother, Ryan, a 6-8 sophomore, manages seven points per game off the bench. The duo fired in 18 and 10 points respectively to lead the Panthers to their most recent win, 55-38, against Hempfield.
The Panthers have answered adversaries, who attempt to collapse their defenses inside, with the outside accuracy of Niko Gidas and Jake Foster. Both connect on 37.8 percent of their 3-point field goal attempts and have averaged 8.3 and 7.3 points per game respectively for USC.
Kaamil Jackson has been effective inside and outside, averaging 6.5 points per game while Julan Dahlem quarterbacks the offense, dishing up six assists per game to go along with 5.1 points.
“We have great team chemistry,” Holzer said. “We share the ball really well and have balanced scoring. Defensively, for the most part, we’ve been doing a good job making opponents take contested shots.”
USC has held opponents to under 40 points per game while putting up nearly 63 on the scoreboard. During their interlude between the regular season and the playoffs, the Panthers plan on honing their defensive attack..
“We are going to focus on improving our team defense,” Holzer said. “We’ve done a nice job so far of being able to guard the other team’s best players. Our guys know what their roles are and we have good balance.”
Holzer cautioned though that the team must continue “to keep getting better” because anything goes in the playoffs.
“It really doesn’t really matter where you have been seeded. After all these years, I have learned that anything can happen,” said Holzer,
the right way to win games in the playoffs, find the hot hand, look for the best matchups, control pace, we’ll have to do those things against whomever we end up getting matched up with.”
With split decisions against Albert Gallatin, 57-33, and Baldwin,52-40, the Lady Hawks clinched a playoff spot out of Section 4. In the win against the Colonials, Ella Sabatos (18), Fiona O’Neill (13) and Sadie Orie (12) finished in double digits. In the loss to the Highlanders, Sabatos led with 14 tallies. Orie leads the Lady Hawks in scoring with a 16.7-point average with Sabatos following with 13.9. Sabatos pulls down a team-high 9.2 rebounds a game while O’Neill follows with a 3.3 average.
Since losing six games in a row in the middle of the season, the Lady Hawks are hitting their stride. According to Norman, they have identified their highest priorities to win games. They are dictating pace, limiting turnovers and
who won last year’s title out of the No. 3 seeded slot and the 2021 crown as the No. 1 target.
“You have to be prepared because these are one-and-done situations.”
One team in the tournament that would love to end USC’s hopes is Mt. Lebanon. The Blue Devils are rounding into shape now that Liam Sheely has recovered from a broken bone in his hand suffered during a preseason practice.
Sheely has averaged nearly 20 points per game since his return to the line-up. He fired in 19 tallies in a 64-45 non-section win against Bethel Park. Sam Deibert (16), Jacob Zaber (12) and Carter Gould (10) also scored in double figures for the Blue Devils. That trio is regularly averaging double figures for the Blue Devils.
“Liam is one of the best players in the WPIAL,” Holzer said.
Since Sheely’s return to the line-up, the Blue Devils won 8 of 10 games, including six in a row. That streak includes a 73-61 triumph against Imani Christian on Feb. 4. Sheely (19), Deibert (19), Santino Fiumara (16) and Zaber (13) all finished in double figures for the Blue Devils, who outscored the Saints, 25-12, in a decisive third quarter after being tied, 36-36, at intermission.
“We have done well with Liam in the line-up. Obviously he’s our best player and he’s leading us in a big way,” said David. “I’m also proud of what we have done without him though. We have gotten better and improved. Become stronger as a group,” he continued. “So we are fresh and not burnt out. We are in good shape heading into the playoffs.”
Holzer does not underestimate the Blue Devils. He doesn’t expect them to be a “dark horse” in the tournament because he says he knows them so well, equating their long-standing rivalry to that of North Carolina versus Duke in ACC competition.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they go far,” he said. “They are playing well and they are as good as anybody in the tour-
identifying when to transition offensively. Plus, they have controlled their destiny.
“That has allowed us to play more confidently and without the same risk of missing out of the playoffs like we did last year,” he said.
“We have been playing well as of late, executing game plans, playing multiple defenses and limiting second-chance points. That’s pretty much the recipe for success in basketball. If we keep playing the way we have been, I think we’ll be in good shape.”
In Class 6A, Upper St. Clair and Mt. Lebanon have qualified for the girls basketball playoffs. Before meeting in their section finale, the arch rivals posted respective wins against Hempfield, 66-43, and Connellsville, 57-24. Rylee Kalocay topped 30 points against the Spartans. Meredith Huzjak followed with 15 markers. For the Blue Devils against the Falcons, Payton Collins fired in 27 points.
nament. Do they scare me? Anybody we play scares me. You just can’t assume anything in this tournament. All the teams are a concern.
“We are looking forward to playing,” Holzer continued. “It’s an exciting time of the year. When you make the playoffs, you know you had a good season but we want to keep it going.”
Last year may be the impetus that pushes Lebo through the postseason. In 2024, the Blue Devils were upset by Baldwin, losing in overtime in the semifinals of the Class 6A tournament.
“A lot of guys like Carter, who played in that game, remember how we blew it last year. Obviously it’s in the back of the minds of guys like Liam, Zach, Santino and Patrick (Smith). We’d love to get back to a championship,” David said.
David believes his Blue Devils have the intangibles to go along with their talent.
“I like how we are playing defensively and the way we have been competing. There’s a lot of fight in my guys. A lot of intensity. I love their competitive spirit. They have the potential to beat anybody.”
As a lower seed in a 10team tournament, Lebo’s path to the Petersen Center will be challenging but the Blue Devils are battle-tested and primed for the playoffs after finishing the regular season with consecutive games against Imani Christian, USC and Peters Township, which qualified for the Class 5A tournament.
“It’s been non-stop playoff games for us and that has kept us sharp,” David said. “The playoffs are always the same. You are playing all good teams. If we want to move forward and advance, then we have to beat good teams. Recently we have faced some very good, well-coached clubs and it’s been about survival. That’s what the playoffs are all about. Survive and advance,” David concluded. “We hope to continue that progress; getting better, improving and winning.”
ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
Lailah Wright (1) of South Fayette skies to the basket for a layup against Chartiers Valley. Wright scored 11 points in a 69-43 victory against the Colts.
ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
Lucas Rost (2) drives past Jake Levisuer of South Fayette. Rost scored on this hoop to help Peters Township to victory.
sights & sounds
Yinzer fever
Mon merchant’s ‘Ital-Yinz’ mug sales explode after television appearance
By Paul Paterra Staff writer
ppaterra@observer-reporter.com
A normally quiet Sunday afternoon was interrupted by the repeated chiming of Michelle DeHosse’s cellphone.
The New Eagle woman quickly learned that the sounds coming from her phone were notifications of orders pouring in for one of the items she sells in her Etsy shop, an “Ital-Yinz” mug.
“That was bizarre,” DeHosse said. “After the seventh or eighth (notification), I figured this got shared somewhere or someone mentioned it.”
She eventually learned her mug got a sizable boost from nationally known sportscaster and talk show host Pat McAfee. McAfee, a native of Plum, displayed one of the ItalYinz mugs during an appearance on the NFL Network’s “GameDay” program.
“I don’t know where he got it,” DeHosse said. “It’s been a wild couple of weeks,” she said in an interview last week. “Usually, the first couple of weeks in January are pretty quiet. Not this year.”
DeHosse, 51, is the owner of Sparkles by Shell at 246 W. Main St. in Monongahela and an online Etsy shop by the same name.
“This insanity started in 2005,” DeHosse said of her crafting shop.
“This is my 20th year in business.”
The 1991 graduate of Ringgold High School was working as a legal secretary at the time, but had a lifelong passion for crafts. She
PHOTOS: PAUL PATERRA/OBSERVER-REPORTER
Michelle DeHosse with some of the store’s “Ital-Yinz” apparel.
wanted to buy a football-themed rhinestone shirt, but found them to be expensive. So she decided to make one.
“I bought all of the supplies, hand set all of the rhinestones with tweezers, used an iron to put it on a shirt that I liked and sold eight,” DeHosse said. “That’s how this all started. I’ve always enjoyed being crafty somehow. Even as a child.”
Sparkles by Shell, a nod to the rhinestones and her first name, moved from her home to the West Main Street location in 2012.
what’s happening
LIBRARY
The Bethel Park Library offers the following:
■ Adult Winter Reading on Feb. 10 at Panera, Feb. 17 at Starbucks, Feb. 24 at AMC Movies and March 3 at Lowe’s. Participants read books and compete for prizes from binoculars to camera and video photo recorder. All entries must be received by March 2.
■ How to Tell Your Story at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20. Emma Folts and Halle Stockton of Public Source present.
■ Keeping Your Orchids Alive at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26. Gary VanGelder presents.
■ This or That Thursdays from 3 to 5 p.m. Teens can hang out in the lounge and enjoy a snack while meeting people while participating in activities such as crafts, board games, cards and puzzles.
■ Harness The Power Of AI at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 13. Participants learn about AI by leveraging tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini through real-world applications. Participants learn skills to create images, generate text and produce realistic voices. Visit www.bethelparklibrary. org to register for a program or call 412-835-2207 for more information.
CHAMBER
SWR
The South West Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a coffee hour from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 11 at Brentwood Bank in South Fayette, 3039 Washington Pike in Bridgeville. Members attend for free. Nonmember fee is $15. Participants should bring business cards to exchange. Visit: southwestregionalchamber.org to register.
BLOOD DRIVE
In recognition of Heart Health Month, Vitalant will conduct blood drives throughout February. All
blood types are needed. Donors receive a free mini-physical that includes pulse, blood pressure and cholesterol level checks as well as a $10 gift card.
Upcoming drives will be held at the following sites:
■ Center Presbyterian Church at 255 Center Church Road in McMurray from noon to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 12 and 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 28.
■ NovaCare at 400 Technology Dr. in Canonsburg from noon to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 10.
■ Frank Sarris Public Library at 35 North Jefferson Ave. in Canonsburg from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 21.
Visit vitalant.org, download the Vitalant blood donor app or call 877-258-4825 for more details.
MUSEUMS
Admission to the Senator John Heinz History Center and Fort Pitt Museum is free for ages 17 and under through March 31.
The History Center and Fort Pitt Museum are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. At the History Center, families can explore six floors of award-winning exhibitions and interactive learning spaces. At the Fort Pitt Museum, families can take in-depth exploration of the history and culture of American Indian tribes who once called Western Pennsylvania home
Visit heinzhistorycenter.org for more information.
SH
CHABAD
Chabad of the South Hills offers the following:
■ Tu B’Shvat Focaccia Garden at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Bower Hill Road location. Participants explore the Torah’s seven stages of growth while creating focaccia garden bread. Fee is $18.
■ Kids Do Shabbat at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, at the Mc-
DeHosse admitted didn’t know exactly what the man wanted.
“He had to write it out for me because I couldn’t grab the ‘yinz,’” she said.
What he requested was the words “Ital-Yinz” sandwiched by the Pittsburgh skyline at the top and the boot of Italy at the bottom.
QR code were purchased. “When you scan it, it doesn’t say anything nice,” DeHosse admitted. “That is not something I would ever wear, but apparently a lot of people will.
In recent years, her online presence has exploded.
“This was the first year my online stores blew the storefront out of the water,” DeHosse said. “All of my online stores had record sales. Everybody wants to shop online now.”
Her “Ital-Yinz” line of products sprung from a request from a customer about five or six years ago.
“A gentleman came in and saw my ‘Yinzer’ line in the window,” DeHosse said. “He wanted something to say “Ital-Yinz.’ Some of my best sellers are from customers’ requests.”
“I put it in the window and I put it in my Etsy shop and it started moving,” DeHosse said.
She has other products sporting the “Ital-Yinz” logo, too, including T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts and ornaments.
“They are a very good seller for me, especially during the Steelers and Penguins seasons,” DeHosse said.
“We ship these all over the country. We just shipped one to Hawaii.”
The mugs were not her first time one of her products went viral.
During the week of Thanksgiving, more than 700 hoodies sporting a
“I have two rules. I’ll make anything you want as long as you don’t make me wear it, or it doesn’t bring the Secret Service to my door.” DeHosse said she’d like to connect with McAfee in some way, but wasn’t sure how she would go about it.
“I’d send him a T-shirt, but I don’t know what size,” she said.
She loves her job and lights up when she talks about it.
“I play all day,” she said. “Whether it’s sitting in front of a computer designing, working on the embroidery machine, printing shirts, I am the luckiest (person). I really am. This is definitely not work. When this isn’t fun anymore, I’m done.”
Farland Road location. The children direct this family experience, where candles will be lit together followed by a four-course traditional kid-friendly dinner. Participants should come dressed in their shabbat finest. RSVP by Feb. 5.
■ Senior Lunch at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the McFarland Road location.
The Power and Impact of Socialization as We Age is the topic of discussion. Suggested donation is $5. The event is wheelchair accessible. RSVP to 412-278-2658 Visit www.chabadsh.com/ Shabbat for more information or to register.
SP LIBRARY
The Friends of the South Park Township Library are selling raffle tickets for a seven-day, six-night stay at the Twilight Cottage in the Pymatuning Area. The cottage sleeps four and is located 400 feet from Pymatuning Lake, which offers walleye and muskie fishing. The lake area also offers boating, swimming and hiking trails. Tickets cost $1 for one; $5 for seven or $10 for 15 and are available at the library. The drawing will be held March 20.
The Friends of the South Park Township Library are looking for donations for its annual book sale. The group accepts books – hardback, paperback, adult, children’s – fiction and non-fiction – and media – Blu-ray, records, albums, CDs, DVDs – as well as toys, games and puzzles.
Donations will be accepted April 7 to 22 during normal hours of operation in the library’s vestibule. The book sale will be held April 24-26.
HEART HUNT
The Horticulture and Conservation team are using natural and found materials to craft heart-shaped designs throughout the 65 acres at the Pittsburgh
Botanic Garden, located at 799 Pinkerton Run Rd. Hearts in the Garden will be on display through Feb. 16 and is included with daily admission. Patrons can pick up a clue sheet to help them find hidden hearts. Visitors can also enjoy heart-themed specials in the Canopy Café and shop for nature inspired merchandise along with spring gardening tools, seeds and décor.
Visit PittsburghBotanicGarden.org or call 412-4444464 to purchase tickets or more information. Fall/Winter hours are Tuesday - Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The garden is closed Mondays. The cafe is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
NURSES CLUB
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Registered Nurses Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 18 at Salvatore’s, located at 5001 Curry Road. Alice Teagarden will speak about “Dealing with Grief.” All registered nurses can attend. Visit www.swparnclub. weebly.com for more details.
FUNDRAISER
The Always B Smiling fourth annual B Together night will be held Feb. 22 at the St. Clair Country Club. Doors open at 6:00 p.m, with dancing until 11. The event offers a culinary journey across America, featuring Chicago’s deep-dish pizza, Texas BBQ, Kentucky bourbon, New Orleans spice, and Pittsburgh classics. There will also be games, auction items and live entertainment from RML Jazz and Mingo Creek bands. Tickets are $150 per person. Visit alwaysbsmiling. org to purchase prior to Feb. 10. There will be no tickets sold at the door.
CLUB LEBO
A Valentine’s Day Dance, sponsored by Club Lebo, will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, at Mellon Middle School. Fee is $8 ($10 at the door). Visit mtle-
banon.org to register online. Only Mt. Lebanon students can attend.
SAFE DRIVING
PennDOT approved Seniors For Safe Driving events will be held to help automobile operators, ages 55 and older, refresh skills and knowledge of the rules of the road. Upcoming courses will be held locally at:
■ The Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 18
■ Bethel School House from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 12.
To register for a class call 724-283-0245 or 1-800-5594800.
Visit www.SeniorsForSafeDriving.com to register online or further information.
COIN CLUB
The South Hills Coin Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Bethel Park Municipal Building, 5100 West Library Ave. All members and the public can attend. In addition to the topic of discussion “1933 gold confiscation,” there will be a 50/50 raffle with children’s prizes. Applications are being accepted for membership. Call 724-984-6611 for details.
PT REC
The Peters Township recreation center is offering the following activities:
■ Senior luncheon from noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 12. The free event features a performance by Room 100. Attendees should bring a covered dish or dessert to share. RSVP is necessary.
■ Love Bug. Ages 3 to 5 can celebrate Valentine’s Day with crafts, games and a treat on Feb. 13. Times are either 10 to 11 a.m. or 2 to 3 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fee is $5 ($8 nonmembers).
■ Tiny Tots Gym Time from 1 to 3 p.m. on the first and third Friday of the month.
Ages 5 and under socialize and burn off steam during unstructured playtime with a variety of toys and balls. Parents must accompany and supervise their children. Fee is $5 ($8 nonmembers).
■ Creative Kids: Iceberg Slime from 2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 17. Ages 6 to 10 can create squishy slime inspired by icy glaciers. Fee is $5 ($8 non-members).
■ DIY Time for ages 18 and over from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20. Participants will build and paint a wooden truck to decorate for each season. Participants can bring snacks to share. Fee is $10 ($15 nonmembers). Sign-up deadline is Feb. 13.
Visit www.peterstownship. com or call 724-942-5000 to register or for more details or questions regarding any of the events.
VENDORS NEEDED
Vendors are being sought for the Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival to be held this summer.
Deadline for class proposals and vendors is Feb. 15. Visit /www.pghknitandcrochet.com or email pghfiberfestival@gmail.com with further questions.
The annual festival will be held Aug. 22-24 at the Double Tree Hotel in Green Tree.
YOGA
The Flo Yoga Studio, a boutique yoga and sculpt studio, has opened in the South Hills Village Mall. Peters Township resident Dara Lisant-Weber is the founder and instructor.
The studio offers hot yoga, sculpt, restorative yoga, power yoga, unheated yoga, beginner-friendly classes and kid’s yoga. In honor of its grand opening, the studio is offering two weeks of unlimited yoga sessions for $35. Visit www.floyogastudio.com for more details or to book a class.
Michelle DeHosse, owner of Sparkles by Shell, shows off the “ItalYinz” mug.
EQUALHOUSINGOPPORTUNITY
Allrealestateadvertisementsinthisnewspaperaresubjecttothe FederalFairHousingAct,whichmakesitillegaltoadvertise“any preference,limitationordiscrimi-nationbasedonrace,color,religion, sex,handicap,familialstatusornationalorigin,oranintentionto makeanysuchpreference,limitationordiscrimination.” Statelawsforbiddiscriminationinthesale,rental,oradvertisingof realestatebasedonfactorsinadditiontothoseprotectedunder federallaw.
Wewillnotknowinglyacceptanyadvertisingforrealestatewhichis inviolationofthelaw.Allpersonsareherebyinformedthatalldwellingsadvertisedareavailableonanequalopportunitybasis.
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AUDI
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BUICK
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SOLOMON BUICK 1777 McClellandtown Rd, McClellandtown, PA 724-602-4678 solomonautogroup.com
CHEVROLET
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COLUSSY CHEVROLET
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SOLOMON CHEVROLET
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WASHINGTON CHEVROLET
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CHRYSLER
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SOLOMON CHRYSLER Routes 21 7 88 Carmichaels, PA 724-966-2600 www.solomonauto.com
SOUTH HILLS CHRYSLER Washington Road, McMurray, PA 724-941-4300 www.southhillsauto.com
DODGE ROTOLO’S DODGE 58 Route 88, North Charleroi, PA 15022 888-269-6183
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FIAT
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FORD
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GMC
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SOLOMON GMC 1777 McClellandtown Rd, McClellandtown, PA 724-602-4678 solomonautogroup.com
HARLEY DAVIDSON
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HONDA C. HARPER HONDA 106 Harper Drive Belle Vernon, PA 15012 724-929-8000 Ext. 227 Chuck Calcek www.charperhonda.com
WASHINGTON HONDA Rt. 19, Strabane Square Washington, PA 15301 724-222-2213 www.washhonda.com
HYUNDAI WASHINGTON HYUNDAI 305 WashingtonRd. Rt. 19 at Strabane Square Washington, PA 724-222-2216 www.washhyundai.com
JEEP
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SOLOMON JEEP Routes 21 & 88, Carmichaels, PA 724-966-2600 www.solomonauto.com
SOLOMON JEEP Routes 40 & 43, Brownsville, PA 724-785-8000 www.solomonauto.com
SOUTH HILLS JEEP Washington Road, McMurray, PA 724-941-4300 www.southhillsauto.com
KIA
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LINCOLN
SOUTH HILLS LINCOLN Route 19, McMurray, PA 724-941-1600 www.southhillslincoln.net
MAZDA
BUDD BAER MAZDA 83 Murtland Avenue, Washington, PA 724-993-4430 www.buddbaermazda.com
MERCEDES-BENZ
JOHN SISSON MERCEDES-BENZ 470 Washington Road Adjacent to Gabriel’s, 724-206-6000 www.johnsissonmercedes.com
NISSAN
JOHN SISSON NISSAN
470 Washington Road Adjacent to Gabriel’s, Washington, PA 724-223-8600 www.johnssissonnissan.com
RAM
ROTOLO’S RAM 58 Route 88, North Charleroi, PA 15022 888-269-6183 www.rotolomotors.com
SOLOMON RAM Routes 21 & 88 Carmichaels, PA 724-966-2600 www.solomonauto.com
SOLOMON RAM Routes 40 & 43 Brownsville, PA 724-785-8000 www.solomonauto.com
SOUTH HILLS RAM Washington Road, McMurray, PA 724-941-4300 www.southhillsauto.com
SUBARU
BUDD BAER SUBARU 71 Murtland Avenue, Washington, PA 724-222-0700 www.buddbaersubaru.com
TOYOTA
SOUTH HILLS TOYOTA 2403 Washington Road Canonsburg, PA 15317 724-743-1144 www.southhillstoyota.com
VOLKSWAGEN
THREE RIVERS VOLKSWAGEN 3694 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 724-941-6100 www.3riversvw.com
Pre-owned dealers
#1 COCHRAN PREOWNED MARKETPLACE 150 Racetrack Road Washington, PA 412-349-1794 www.cochran.com
PREMIERE AUTO SALES 667 E. Maiden St., Washington, PA 724-223-0600 www.premiereautosales.com
RT. 18 HOMES AUTO SALES 940 Henderson Ave., Washington, PA 724-225-5308 www.18autosales.com
THREE RIVERS AUTO SALES 30 South Central Avenue Canonsburg, PA 15317 724-338-2923 www.3riversvw.com
TREGEMBO MOTORS I-70 Exit 32B, Bentleyville, PA 724-239-2200 www.tregembomotors.com
WARNE MOTORS INC. 107 East Pike Street Canonsburg, PA 724-746-5956 www.johnwarnemotors.com
