‘CALL ME GUS’
From teen band to band of soldiers, Charleroi native reflects on career
By Rick Shrum
For the Observer-Reporter rshrum@observer-reporter.com
Gus Pagonis grew up in Charleroi three-quarters of a century ago, amid smokestacks and among countless Mon Valley kids who likewise were uncertain of their lifetime trajectories.
“I was in a rock ’n roll band in the Valley when I was younger,” Pagonis recounted. “I think I was 15 or 16. My dad would say, ‘Do you want to be a bum all of your life or go to school?’
His father, an immigrant from Greece, pushed his son. “He sent me to a steel mill, where he knew the foreman,” Gus said. I realized that I don’t want to do that all of my life.”
So upon graduation from Charleroi High School, Pagonis enrolled at Pennsylvania State University, which led to his trajectory.
Always B Smiling to unveil Sensory Garden during event
By Jill Thurston Staff writer
jthurston@observer-reporter.com
Bennett Huibregtse, or “B,” was a special young man who smiled even through difficult challenges in his short life and inspired the growing campus of buildings along the Montour Trail on Valleybrook Road, appropriately named “Always B Smiling.”
A Miles for Smiles event is planned for July 20 to celebrate the life of Huibregtse, and proceeds will help continue the programs offered for special needs individuals of all ages. The family event includes a 116-yard dash, 5K, food and activities, performance by the Spectrum Band and tours of the new Sensory Garden. The festivities start at 8 a.m. at Always B Smiling, 106 Valleybrook Road in McMurray, along the Montour Trail. Registration is free, but required at www.alwaysbsmiling.org.
The second phase of the Always Be Smiling campus, the Sensory Garden includes musical instruments along its borders, features that twirl, and swings.
The Sensory Garden was designed at a cost of $261,000 and paid for by the Washington County Local Share Account generated from gaming proceeds. Located just outside of the garden is a greenhouse, providing space for handson gardening activities “that
nurture not only plants, but also confidence, joy and a sense of purpose,” said co-founder Kristen Huibregtse, Bennett’s mother.
Washington fitness studio sets record for kettlebell weight lift
By Jill Thurston Staff writer jthurston@observer-reporter.com
COURTESY OF TERRIE SUICA-REED
Lt. Gen. Gus Pagonis and his son, Gust, a military veteran as well, attended the recent celebration of surviving World War II veterans at Stage AE in Pittsburgh.
RICK SHRUM/FOR THE OBSERVER-REPORTER
Former Steelers star Rocky Bleier, left, and Lt. Gen. Gus Pagonis converse during a celebration of World War II veterans at Stage AE in Pittsburgh on June 6.
COURTESY OF TARA BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHY
Members of the group who set the kettlebell record are, from left, Krystle Gavin, Bianca Niccolai, Rachel Ferry, Samantha Carobine, Legend Thurman, Lisa Bruce, Kaitlyn Sweet, Trenton Sweet, Camilla DeFelice, Brittany Martin, Laura Glomb and Payton Etier.
Liz Smolka, with son Benjamin, 7, along with volunteers, participate in the Saturday rides along the Montour Trail with Always B Smiling.
in their strength level,” Sweet said. “They each settled on a weight they could swing for an hour. It was not based on body weight, but what they achieved through training.”
Studio co-owner Kaitlyn Sweet used a 15-pound kettlebell, which accounted for a little over 10% of her body weight. She said she felt euphoric after finishing.
“I felt really excited and accomplished. You are so exhausted, but have so much adrenaline going.”
Trenton Sweet received notification from the World Record Certification Agency on May 19 by email stating, “We are thrilled to inform you that the total weight that you provided, which is 209,072.13 kg (460,915.89
pounds) has significantly surpassed the Guinness World Record of 52,068.85 kg (114,792.16 pounds).”
The previous record was set on June 15, 2024, in Bari, Italy, by a team of 12. Both of the Sweets were
Garden
FROM PAGE A1
The greenhouse, built with donor funds, will be equipped with ADA-compliant growing tables, gardening tools and will be similar to an indoor/outdoor classroom. During programming, participants will be paired with a buddy, giving the parent or caregiver some respite time to relax on the grounds.
Kristen and Dean Huibregste created the nonprofit five years ago after the loss of both of their children to autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease, with the aim of helping individuals with special needs family members. Matthew Huibregtse passed away shortly after birth, and Bennett at the age of 16, in 2020.
Shortly before Bennett died, his parents ordered an adaptive bike, called a “Duet” bike from Norway.
The Duet bike allows the participant to sit in a chair attached to the front of the bike, which is operated by a “pilot” seated behind. The seating arrangement gives a totally different perspective for the rider than the typical trailer pulled behind the bike.
“A Duet bike is very costly. Bennett only got to use it a couple months before he left this earth,” said Kristen Huibregste. The Tandem Connection kept the bike after Bennett died and even offered rides.
“Then people were donating bikes and we had three bikes, so we offered more rides,” Kristen said. The fleet is now up to six Duet bikes. Growth continued through donors and grants with first a building to house the bikes, called Matt’s Garage, and then a 2,000-square-foot activity and learning center that opened last year.
Programming has branched out from biking to include adaptive yoga, adaptive sports, creative arts, Baking for a Cause and now horticulture therapy.
“We have been organic in our growth, through word of mouth. It’s spread and we are growing by leaps and bounds. Our programming has grown by 400% over the last year,” Kristen Huibregtse said.
Liz Smolka of Mt. Lebanon and her son Benjamin, 7, found Always B Smiling through another event. Now she brings her son to the group bike rides on Saturdays, and she rides along. “Any gross motor activity he thrives at, so this is perfect for him to be able to sit back and enjoy it,” Smolka said. Benjamin is blind and non-verbal.
Saturday rides are designed to allow siblings and parents to ride bikes with their family member who is riding on the Duet bike. Electric bikes are available for use by family
members. Three volunteers are needed for each Duet bike – a pilot and two side riders.
“This gives them the freedom to come out as a family, something they may have never done before,” Kristen said. There’s always an ice cream social afterward.
“Everything is complimentary to our families and participants. We know from raising Bennett that we need to support the family and siblings and parents as much as the participant because everyone is on that journey together,” she said.
Smolka is among the parents who appreciate the programming at Always B Smiling.
“There are very few places that have things that are inclusive for kids who may be different, so it’s allowed us to have special time and allowed him to do things he loves that I can also enjoy with him, because sometimes you get robbed of that. You don’t get to do a lot of the things that you envision with your kids,” Smolka said.
While biking is the favorite activity for Jacob Fawcett, 28, of Castle Shannon, he also likes being the “lead baker” in the kitchen for Baking with a Cause, a program that teaches skills while giving back to the community.
“There’s not enough for kids over 21 with special needs,” said Annette Fawcett, Jacob’s mom. Jacob’s parents both ride bikes during the group rides with Jacob. “We search high and low for activities for him, especially in the South Hills, there’s just not a lot. This has just been a blessing,” Fawcett said.
The center is primarily staffed by volunteers. Programming is available through Sign Up Genius. Go to www.alwaysbsmiling.org to register for Miles for Smiles or to become a volunteer.
confident the team would break the record.
“I knew we would, but I didn’t know we would break
it by that much,” said Kaitlyn Sweet. Because of the cost associated with having a Guinness
World Record representative on site, the group opted to video the one-hour event using two camera angles for the judges to review and certify the results remotely, which took about 10 days.
Asked how he felt after swinging a kettlebell for an hour, Sweet said, “Absolute exhaustion. Everybody was exhausted. We had an ice plunge set outside and pretty much everyone did the plunge and then laid there to cool off.” Team members included Krystle
and
They will celebrate their accomplishment with a group dinner. In addition to kettlebell training, Energy Fitness
dio offers yoga and
Reflects
“Penn State was a land grant school and all males then had to take two years of mandatory training,” he said, referring in his instance to Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC).
“I liked it and stayed another two years” before being commissioned into the U.S. Army.”
It was the early stages of a 29-year military career that, literally, was star-studded.
William Pagonis – “call me Gus” – retired with the threestar rank of lieutenant general and acclaim for his duties in the Persian Gulf War of 19901991 – a conflict that began with Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait.
Then a major general, Pagonis served as Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf’s director of American logistics during that war, pitting Iraq and a coalition of 35 nations led by the United States. Pagonis was the first American to arrive in Saudi Arabia, hours after it was decided to send troops.
“Everyone thought the war would last a while,” Pagonis said during a recent telephone interview from his home in Evans City, Butler County. “The enemy had a lot of troops. No one thought it would last 100 hours, but it was over in a matter of days. We landed about 500 troops a day.
“We annihilated the enemy and secured the area. Schwarzkopf promoted me to three star and President H.W. Bush approved.”
Pagonis was promoted to lieutenant general during the war and retired in October 1993 with a resume that included two tours in Vietnam. He earned numerous military awards during his three decades in uniform, including
a Silver Star, a Bronze Star Medal, a Combat Infantry Badge and a Distinguished Service Medal.
He also received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Penn State en route to writing a book, “Moving Mountains: Lessons and Logistics from the Gulf War.”
Pagonis remains highly devoted to the military, and patriotic. Asked about the U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities a little more than a day earlier, he said Tuesday morning: “I know as much as you know. We have no facts, but we have to think the president made the right decision.
You can’t allow Iran to fully develop nuclear weapons.”
Pagonis is a sprightly 84 now, enjoying life with a closely knit and nearby family while overseeing an Arabian horse farm. He and his wife, Cheryl, originally from Indiana, Pa., met at Penn State and entered the military at the same time.
They have been married for 61 years, having taken their vows at St. Spyridon, a Greek Orthodox Church in Monessen, on June 14 – appropriately Flag Day. His father, an immigrant from Greece, and mother, originally from Aliquippa, were storekeepers in the Valley.
Gus heaps praise on his spouse for successfully helping to guide their family.
“There is a lot of wear and tear on a military family,” he said.
“There is a high percentage of military kids who eventually go into the military.”
The Pagonises have two sons, Gust and Robert, veterans who reside near them.
Gus and Cheryl also have four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Gus, Cheryl and their sons were part of the capacity crowd that attended “Rocky Bleier’s Roll Call for the Greatest Generation,” an
event honoring 18 veterans of World War II at Stage AE on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. This was on June 6, timed to coincide with the 81st anniversary of the D-Day Invasion and the 250th birthday of the Army.
Dr. Terrie Suica-Reed, a coordinator of the celebration and a civilian aide to Dan Driscoll, secretary of the Army, was pleased that the Pagonis family was well represented, despite a pleasant rejection from the lieutenant general.
“I asked him to be keynote speaker,” Suica-Reed said. “He graciously turned me down, saying he didn’t want an emphasis on him, that other people were more deserving.”
“Gus made everyone feel welcomed at being at an elite event.”
Pagonis said simply: “This was for World War II veterans.”
“He is the last living senior official from the Gulf War,” Suica-Reed said. “Schwarzkopf and Colin Powell have passed. Gus played a key role. He is a great leader, and a strong individual with a lot of kindness.”
The June 6 program, Suica-Reed said, will likely be a model for a similar military celebration targeted for May or June 2026 in Pittsburgh. Planning is underway for an event that would recognize veterans of different wars and other historical events for the nation’s 250th birthday.
Gus Pagonis enjoyed the June 6 gala.
“The event we attended was extremely professional and well done,” he said. “Terrie is amazing. She looks out for veterans in many ways.”
So does he. As diligent and calculating of a soldier as he was, though, Pagonis said he has a simple hope for the future: “There will be no more wars.”
Gavin, Bianca Niccolai, Rachel Ferry, Samantha Carobine, Legend Thurman, Lisa Bruce, Kaitlyn Sweet, Trenton Sweet, Camilla DeFelice, Brittany Martin, Laura Glomb
Payton Etier.
Stu-
barre.
COURTESY OF TARA BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHY
Eleven women and one man swing their way to the world record at Energy Fitness Studio in Washington.
COURTESY OF TERRIE SUICA-REED
Former Pittsburgh Steeler Jon Kolb, left, and his son, Caleb, flank Terrie Suica-Reed and Dok Harris, son of former Steeler star Franco Harris.
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ALWAYS B SMILING
Artist’s rendering of the Sensory Garden, part of Phase 2 at the Always B Smiling campus in McMurray
Bennett Huibregtse enjoyed a ride with his dad, Dean, on his Duet bicycle. Bennett had only a few months with the bike before passing.
SF and USC students qualify for national exam
Dan Mano and Hannah Luo from South Fayette as well as Thomas Slowey and Jeffery Zhang from Upper St. Clair challenged themselves to take the local chemistry Olympiad exam through the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) program.
Sponsored by the American Chemical Society to stimulate and promote achievement in high school chemistry, the program has four tiers: local, national, international and study camp.
Award. Receiving certificates and honorariums were Sophiko Chumburidze of Mt. Lebanon High School, Tyler Wendt from South Park High School, John Rainone of Upper St. Clair High School and Sydney Athanas of Seton LaSalle. John Rainone was selected as Bethel Fife and Drum Chapter’s DAR Good Citizen. This award recognizes and rewards high school seniors who exemplify the qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism in their schools and communities.
The students are selected by their teachers and peers. Once a student is chosen as their school’s DAR Good Citizen the student is invited to participate in the scholarship portion of the program. This consists of a personal statement and essay.
Scholarships are awarded at the state, division and national levels.
The top 20 students from the National Exam will participate in a summer study camp, and four of those students will be selected to represent the United States in the International Chemistry Olympiad Exams to be held July 5-14 in Dubai.
Mano and Luo are Advanced Placement Chemistry students at South Fayette High School. Both are juniors.
Slowey is a senior while Zhang is a junior.
Carnegie
Fort Couch earns top honors at music festival
Fort Couch Middle School music students earned Superior ratings, the highest possible distinction, at the High Note Music Festival, held recently at Duquesne University.
Participating ensembles included the choir and cast of “Into the Woods,” directed by Thomas Hunsberger; the Symphonic Wind and Honors Jazz ensembles, directed by John Seybert and Jacob Schuster; and the orchestra, directed by Karen Chisholm.
The festival provided students an opportunity to perform for a panel of professional adjudicators, all of whom are experienced secondary and postsecondary music educators.
Following their performances, students participated in interactive clinics with adjudicators to further develop their individual and ensemble skills.
From left are Donna Skinnell, Good Citizens
John Rainone, Sophi-
Chumburidze; Bethel Fife and
pictured is Sydney Athanas.
of the Daughters of the American Revolution honored four high school seniors with its Good Citizen
Mano, Luo and Zhang will take their national exam at
Mellon Univer-
sity while Slowey will be tested at John Carroll University.
Dan Mano and Hannah Luo
Thomas Slowey Jeffery Zhang
Genevieve Ressler, Isaac Stelmaszek, Sunny Liu, and Oliver Paoly were among those recognized during the High Note Music Festival
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Growing together
Foster Grandparent Program celebrates 60th anniversary
By Paul Paterra Staff writer ppaterra@observer-reporter.com
Linda Robinson loves children, and Wesley Family Services’ Foster Grandparent Program provides her with the chance to work with them.
“Working with children is incredibly rewarding because of the genuine joy and positive impact it allows,” she said. “I witness their growth, learn from a unique perspective and I’m happy that I’m making a lasting difference in their lives. It makes me happy to see that they grasp whatever you’re teaching them.”
The foster grandparent program was established in 1965 to provide those 55 and older with an opportunity to connect with children with special needs and in the community, serving as mentors, tutors and caregivers. It is funded through AmeriCorps, and locally sponsored by Wesley Family Services.
The 60th anniversary of the program was recently
celebrated with a luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn, Southpointe. More than 100 senior volunteers from Washington, Greene and Fayette counties were honored. The program
was presented with a certificate of congressional recognition by a member of state Rep. Summer Lee’s staff.
“The foster grandparent program connects old -
er adults with children in need,” explained Rebecca Maletto-Cornell, director of the program. “They provide mentorship and support while enriching the lives of both the volunteer and the youth, whether it comes to social skills or emotional support. We operate under the three famous words –help, guide and assist. That’s what our foster grandparents do, they help, guide and assist. They meet that child where they are and help them overcome any obstacle they may see from a teacher’s standpoint and allow them to be their best self.”
Robinson, 67, of Donora, has participated in the program for nine years.
“I work with the children, helping each child develop social skills,” Robinson said.
“We are to provide guidance and encouragement to all children who need extra support. We help students learn important skills such as independence, self confidence and social skills. I also work with the teachers, enhancing academic skills.”
Foster grandparents receive a small stipend, and are partnered with public and private schools, Head Start programs, day cares,
child development centers and after-school programs.
“It’s always in a classroom setting,” Maletto-Cornell said. “There’s always structure involved.”
Steven Smart, a teacher at Ringgold North Elementary School, became involved when he was at Monongahela Elementary Center. He works in conjunction with Robinson, or “Miss Linda,” as he called her.
“It’s been amazing to have the foster grandparents in my classroom,” Smart said. “It helps because there’s an extra
South Fayette, BP hire assistant principals
O’Brien holds a master’s de-
Tonya O’Brien has
O’Brien will join Dr. Natasha Dirda, principal, and Thomas “T.J.” Salopek, assistant principal, in early August. She is coming to South Fayette from the Beaver Area School District, where she served as an elementary assistant principal and principal for grades three through six. Prior to that, she taught
Tonya O’Brien Brennan Hoffer
Lurline Cadogen accepts the Apple Award for her teacher, Brittany White, from Each One Teach One Learning Center.
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF WESLEY FAMILY SERVICES
At a recent luncheon celebrating the 60th anniversary of the foster grandparent program, volunteer Lynn Swan Sheppard of Point Breeze received the Directors Award.
adult in the room to work one-on-one with children who need extra help or extra attention with academics or behavior. It’s great for the grandparents to work in a school environment with so many children who love and care for them. It’s very rewarding. Miss Linda and I are very close. She’s almost like my own grandmother. It’s a beautiful thing.”
The program operates in six counties (Washington, Fayette, Greene, Allegheny, Beaver and Butler) in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Programs involved include Blueprints; Ringgold North and South Elementary schools; East End United Community Center and Asbury Preschool, both in Uniontown; Pathways, and California Area School District.
Children in the program range in age from birth to 21. Some foster grandparents will
stay with the program for that long, or even longer
“Once they start, it becomes a calling,” Maletto-Cornell said. “Most of them say, ‘I don’t know what I’d do without it; it gave me a reason to get up every morning.’ It becomes an extension of family and becomes something they really look forward to.”
Maletto-Cornell added that many grandparents involved have seen some positive benefits as a result of their time with the kids.
“I have one grandpa who has lost a lot of weight because he’s moving,” she said.
The children, too, have benefited. Annual surveys chart the students’ progress and routinely the majority of the students improved.
“It’s that extended relationship they have with everyone involved in that classroom,”
Maletto-Cornell said. “They learn from each other.”
Anyone who may be interested in becoming a foster grandparent may call 412660-6841 or 412-660-7303.
Would you like to get the newest addition to your family published in The Almanac for free? With our New Arrivals series, your precious baby’s photo can be published in The Almanac newspaper and website on July 27, 2025! Deadline for photo submissions is July 21 2025 at 11:59PM.
Submit online at w ww.thealmanac.net/newarrivals
Or fill out the form and mail a photo and self-addressed, stamped envelope to: The Almanac, Attn: New Arrivals, 122 S. Main St., Washington, PA 15301
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Block color (Circle one): Pink Blue
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Sponsored by First Middle Last
Concert series starts July 13 in Bethel Park
The 2025 Dean Streator Summer Concert Series, sponsored by the Bethel Park Community Foundation, begins July 13. The Community Band South will present a program of marches, popular favorites and concert pieces at 2:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Bethel Park Community Center, 5151 Park Ave.
Doors open at 1:30 p.m.
Parking is limited. Future concerts will follow on five Sunday afternoons through Aug. 17. However, there will be no concert July 27 due to the Bethel Park Art and Music Festival, which will be held July 26. The following musical ensembles will perform: New
Vintage Band on July 20; Allegheny Brass Band on Aug. 3; Pittsburgh Banjo Club on Aug. 10 and the Keystone Chorus on Aug. 17.
Concerts are free but contributions to the Community Foundation are accepted. The foundation funds scholarships and projects that benefit Bethel Park residents in the areas
McMurray Road intersection to close in Peters Township
The intersection of East McMurray and Bebout roads will close to traffic beginning July 7 and continue through mid-September.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the closure to allow crews to continue reconstruction work as part of the improvement project.
EAST MCMURRAY WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN FULTON AND DEMMEL DRIVES. THOMPSONVILLE ROAD WILL BE CLOSED AT PARKWOOD LANE.
of arts and culture, health and recreation, education and safety.
Peters
The Peters Township summer concert and events series continues. Free Wednesday night concerts with food trucks begin at 7 p.m. at Peterswood Park.
Beer and wine are permitted at concerts only, but not at special events. The concert line-up for the remainder of summer is: July 9; Pure Gold, July 16; The Clarks, July 23; My Own Worst ’90s Band, July 30; Change of Heart, Aug. 6; The Delaneys, Aug. 13; Come Together (6 p.m. start), Aug. 20, and The Pittsburgh Doo Wop Big Band (6 p.m.) Aug. 27. Special events include: July 18; The Wild Robot, Aug. 8; Wild World of Animals, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 3, and “BeetleJuice BeetleJuice,” Oct. 10. Visit www.peterstownship. com or call 724-942-5000 for more details.
real estate transactions
The closure begins at approximately 7 a.m. East McMurray will be closed to traffic between Fulton and Demmel drives. Thompsonville Road will be closed at Parkwood Lane.
Local access will be maintained.
Bebout Road remains closed through late July between East McMurray and Sugar Camp.
Posted detours for East McMurray Road are Route 19/Washington Road and Valley Brook Road.
Posted detours for Bebout are Valley Brook Road, Route 19/Washington Road and East McMurray roads.
Additionally, Old Washington Road can be used for the Thompsonville Road detour along with the aforementioned routes.
Crews from Plum Contracting are reconstructing the intersection – an infrastructure investment of $4.1 million. The scope of work includes widening East McMurray to accommodate northbound and southbound left-turn lanes, along with a minor alignment shift, and widening Bebout Road to include a westbound rightturn lane.
Construction is anticipated to last through late November, depending on weather and operational conditions.
Strength of character
Kuntz wins Waldie scholarship stipend
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor
ebailey@thealmanac.net
An adage about luck applies to Mallory Kuntz. For if she didn’t have bad luck, she would have no luck at all.
Each year that Kuntz attempted to play the sports she loved for Bethel Park High School, she suffered a catastrophic injury. She tore her ACL three times.
After being a starter on both the basketball and soccer teams from grades 5 through 8, she
Records broken at Lebo Olympics
Several records were broken during the Lebo Olympics held recently at the Mt. Lebanon High School stadium track. Standards reach back to 200y when the event was called the Jesse Owens Track and Field Meet.
Mae Kiley set a new record in the softball throw for girls ages 7-8. Her winning toss measured 78 feet and shattered the old mark set by Francesca Carnevale.
In that same age division, Savannah Rentschler tied the 6-foot, long jump standard held by Mary McElhattan, Isla Henderson and Jeea Prince. In the girls 5-6 age bracket, Paula Carnevale tied Mae Kiley’s record of 45 feet in the tennis ball throw.
Charkie Walker and Levi Mayer smashed records in the boys competition.
Walker covered 200 meters in 40.15 seconds to edge James Winschell’s old record by a half of a second in the age 5-6 race while Mayer won the boys 7-8 long jump with a record leap of 6 feet, 4 inches. Jackson Dileonardo owned the previous mark of 6 feet, 3 inches.
Mt. Lebanon High School track coach Oscar Shutt organized the event and track team members served as volunteers. The recreation department distributed awards to medal and ribbon winners.
sustained her first tear during her first high school practice. Six games into her sophomore year, she ripped the ACL in her other knee. During a summer league game after her junior year, she incurred another ACL injury.
Despite excruciating pain, mental anguish and personal hardship, Kuntz persevered. Throughout each rehabilitation, she underwent a process of development. While she certainly recovered physically, she also matured mentally and grew as a person.
Each setback, Kuntz said, was a “unique character-building experience” that shaped the person she is today.
“The first time it happened, I was devastated for myself,” Kuntz said. “Thinking there was no reason to go to practice every day for a sport I couldn’t play, I made a poor choice to not join the team my freshman year. I focused on myself and put my rehab commitments above supporting my teammates and best friends from the sidelines.”
Kuntz said the decision was a missed opportunity to “build character” as she could support and cheer for others instead of dwelling on her own situation.
“During my second and third tears, my mindset shifted,” Kuntz said. “My injuries made me realize the importance of supporting others around you, even if you are not personally achieving your own.
“Each time I came back from an injury, I felt immense support from my teammates.
DiSora selected to U18 camp
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net
Natalia DiSora of Upper St. Clair was selected for the United States Under-18 Women’s National Team Training Camp held in Fayetteville, Ga.
The soccer camp, which ran concurrently with a camp for the Under-19 team, brought together players that would be in the eligible player pool for the 2026 FIFA Women’s Under-20 World Cup, which will be played in Poland during September 2026.
After attending the camp, DiSora returned to play defense in the Pittsburgh Riveters SC’s first round playoff game against the Minnesota Aurora.
Prior to her call-up for the U.S. camp, DiSora played every minute at center back in the Riveters’ inaugural season. The team defeated Steel City FC, 2-1, to clinch the Great Forest Division title before embarking on playoff action in the USLW League. The Riveters were 6-1-3. DiSora is also a member of the Riverhounds Academy’s 2006/07 ECNL Girls team as well as a rising senior at Upper St. Clair High School.
A Wake Forest commit, DiSora earned all-state accolades as a junior playing for the Panthers.
“Natalia is the ultimate competitor. She is an excellent 1v1 defender and has great strength, power and speed in her play,” Riveters head coach Scott Gibson said. “She is fearless in the way she can escape pressure with the ball and is a handful to play against. Natalia is a very versatile player and can play anywhere along the back line and midfield.”
Mertz
Mertz named POTW
In other professional soccer news, Robbie Mertz was recently recognized as a USL Championship Player of the Week. He earned the distinction for Week 13/14 and for his play in the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC win over Detroit City, 2-0. Mertz assisted on the opening goal of the game with a long diagonal pass to Perrin Barnes. Additionally, Mertz knocked in the second goal.
Mertz’s feat was remarkable because it came less than 48 hors after the birth of his first son. On top of his goal contributions, Mertz now has eight career matches with multiple goal contributions. He hit a pair of milestones with his 20th goal in a Riverhounds uniform while playing his 150th match in all competitions for the club.
Brushes with greatness
Bethel Park natives Mallory Kuntz and Steve McGinnis have had their brushes with greatness.
As a youth, Kuntz participated in the South Hills Kids Triathlon held for 20 years at the South Park Wave Pool while McGinnis enjoyed watching his son, Brendan, compete in basketball. At the time, the competitions featured relatively unknown athletes like Josh Matheny of Upper St. Clair and T.J. McConnell from Collier Township.
Mallory watched her brother, Logan, finish fourth behind Matheny in the 2010 and 2011 youth races. Matheny, who won his 8-year-old age group and finished runner-up as a 7-year-old, has grown up to be an Olympian and World Championship swimmer. He competed in the 2024 Summer Games in Paris and will be participating in the 100and 200-meter breaststroke events during the 2025 World Aquatic Championships being held July 11 to Aug. 4 in Singapore.
They were truly happy to see me back on the field and thriving. I made the choice to learn from them.”
Kuntz became the “best sideline cheerleader” the Lady Hawks ever had. She was the ear ready to listen and the heart set to empathize. In a different way, she led.
By focusing on helping others thrive, Kuntz cultivated her character and that particular quality enabled her to turn her luck around.
KUNTZ PAGE B2
“It was a heck of a heat,” said Mallory’s mom, Amy. “A future Olympian as well as a kid from West Mifflin who plays in the NHL.” Logan had his own respectable career. He played volleyball at Seton LaSalle High School in Mt. Lebanon and later golfed at Westminster College.
Kuntz’s other brother, Nathan, currently is a senior at Loyola in Chicago. He is the manager of the men’s basketball team.
Meanwhile, McGinnis’ son played against T.J. McConnell, who shattered scoring records at Chartiers Valley High School before becoming
Mallory Kuntz is pictured with
COURTESY OF MALLORY NEIL
Natalia DiSora dribbles down field during a Riveters soccer game. The Upper St. Clair native recently participated in the U18 national team’s training camp.
Robbie
Helping a friend
DeLallo steps in as C-M football coach
By Jerin Steele For The Almanac jsteele@osberver-reporter.com
When Brian DeLallo resigned from his head coaching position with Bethel Park football in 2022 for health reasons, he received a phone call from his good friend and Canon-McMillan coach Mike Evans.
“He kind of knew I was in a bad place emotionally and told me that I couldn’t step away from football for a year,” DeLallo said. “He knew I was worried about my health, but he created a spot on his staff where I didn’t have to be on the field all the time and could be in the meetings. It helped me stay connected to the game that year.”
Now DeLallo is returning the favor by helping Evans in a time of need.
Evans is taking the year off from coaching the Big Macs while he’s battling cancer and he asked DeLallo to step in as the interim coach.
DeLallo gladly accepted the offer and will coach Canon-McMillan this fall.
“When Mike called me and explained to me what was going on, I knew I had to help him out,” DeLallo said. “I’m doing a lot better now healthwise and he’s battling and I can help him. It’s almost come full circle.”
Once his year on the Canon-McMillan staff ended, DeLallo returned to Bethel Park to be the defensive coor-
Camp
FROM PAGE B1
Over the course of his 69 minutes on the field, Mertz connected on 80 percent of his passes overall (24 of 30), and his accuracy was the exact same on passes in the attacking third of the field (12 of 15). He also led the team with seven total crosses and three chances created playing the attacking midfield role in the Hounds’ formation.
It is the first time Mertz has been named Player of the Week in his USL Championship career and the first time a Hounds player has won the honor in 2025. He won the honor with 54 percent of the vote by the USL National Media Panel, besting joint runners-up Kyle Edwards of Hartford and Dariusz Formella of Phoenix.
In his sixth season with the Riverhounds, Mertz has scored two goals and dished up one assist during 12 matches this season. In total, he has 18 goals and 19 assists.
A 28-year-old midfielder, Mertz is an Upper St. Clair High School graduate and a member of its athletic Hall of Fame for his soccer prowess. He enjoyed a stellar college career at the University of Michigan before he turned pro.
Brushes
FROM PAGE B1
a professional player. Most recently, McConnell led the Indiana Pacers to the NBA finals before losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 for the championship title.
“They were in seventh grade,” McGinnis recalled. “I caught it on my phone. Here was this skinny kid and he makes this basket and points to the stands, motioning “3” and I’m thinking that’s so sweet. Who is this dude?
“I edited the video and sent it to one of my buddies and he goes, “Man, that looks like two future NBA players. He was half right,” McGinnis said with a laugh.
While McConell is excelling in the NBA, Brendan McGinnis is serving his country. After he attended Duquesne University and was a member of the NROTC, Brendan is now a lieutenant on active-duty with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 and an SJO.
dinator for his former assistant Phil Peckich.
He is the Dean of Students at Bethel Park and said he received full support from the Bethel Park administration when he approached them about going back to coach at Canon-McMillan.
“It’s really been an effort of two different school districts,” DeLallo said. “Mike’s wife teaches in the Bethel Park School District. When I made the decision to come over to (Canon-McMillan), I met with the administration, and they told me I have to go do it. I was helping a friend and the husband of one of our own. Jen’s a great teacher and helps coach track at Bethel Park and is really involved with the district. It’s a great collaboration between Bethel Park and Canon-McMillan making sure I have some flexibility in my schedule to coach and help Mike out.”
DeLallo and Evans have been good friends for many years. They met through Evans’ wife, Jennifer. At the time, Evans was the offensive line coach at PennWest California.
The two talk on the phone three to four times a week.
“We discuss everything from food to football,” DeLallo said. “Mike’s a talker, so we’ll go three or three-and-a-half hours sometimes.”
DeLallo had some familiarity with the players and coaching staff from his stint two years ago, which has helped the transition go smoothly.
He said the turnout for summer workouts has been excellent and the players are determined to put their best foot forward in all aspects, while Evans continues his fight with cancer.
“This group in particular is really tight with Mike,” DeLallo said. “They’re a closeknit group with one another.
There’s a sense within them that they want to have a great year and dedicate their performance to Mike.”
Evans and DeLallo are aligned on many philosophies when it comes to football, but they also approach some facets of the game differently.
DeLallo has made some tweaks with how the Big Macs will operate this year and has been pleased with how the players have responded to him.
“Mike and I talk a lot about how we’re not identical people and we’re going to do some things differently,” DeLallo said. “I’m asking these guys to buy-in to some different stuff.
Mike and I are very similar, but we do have some differences. Building that trust with the kids is key and to their credit they have been really open minded about some of the changes. I think they trust me, because a lot of them know me from 2023.”
Upper St. Clair golfer earns Impact Award
Olivia Ziegler of Upper St. Clair was honored with the Impact Award during the TEN Junior Golf Tournament held recently at Laurel Valley Golf Club in Ligonier, Pa.
The award is presented to one male and one female golfer who exemplify the four pillars of the TEN Foundation – golf, education, faith and community.
A sophomore, Ziegler is a two-sport varsity athlete at USC. In addition to golf and dance, she also participates in the school musical, is active in her church, and serves as a buddy at Casey’s Clubhouse. As part of the recognition, she received a $1,000 grant to donate to the charity of her choice.
Kuntz
FROM PAGE B1
Kuntz recently was recognized as the 2025 Ken Waldie Memorial Scholarship winner. The award carries a $18,000 stipend for which Kuntz will apply to her education at Purdue University.
The largest monetary scholarship given at Bethel Park High School, the Ken Waldie Award honors the 1973 alumnus by providing opportunities for young athletes to achieve their academic and athletic dreams. It was established to commemorate Waldie, who perished Sept. 11, 2001. He was a passenger aboard the first plane to crash into the World Trade Center in New York CIty. Waldie swam at Bethel Park as well as the United States Naval Academy while also serving as president of his classes. He maintained excellence in the classroom as well as demonstrated leadership.
“I thought Mr. Waldie’s story was really inspiring. He was a leader and a hard worker,” Kuntz said. “I strive to be both of those too. I aspire to be like him. So it was really an honor that I was picked to continue his legacy,” said the 18-year-old daughter of Amy and Mike Kuntz.
In addition to demonstrating workmanship and leadership qualities as well as fulfilling other requirements, applicants like Kuntz had to write about character. According to Terry Crump, who was one of the founders of the scholarship along with Waldie’s classmates, Steve McGinnis, Tom Etzel and Frank DelPercio, the essay that Kuntz submitted was “the best”
SCHOLARSHIP PRESERVES WALDIE LEGACY
The Ken Waldie Memorial Fund, Inc was established by the Friends of Waldie Organization as a tribute to the Bethel Park High School graduate, who was tragically killed Sept. 11, 2001.
The group consists of classmates Steve McGinnis, Frank DelPercio, Terry Crump and Tom Etzel,
To date, Waldie’s classmates have awarded 23 Bethel Park High School students more than $185,500 to distinguished seniors for their college pursuits. Additionally, they have contributed to The Almanac’s Waldie/Shaeffer Scholarship Award from 2002-2017. There have been 15 Almanac winners.
The fund and scholarship will end after the award’s 25th year. “It’s a little bittersweet that it’s coming to an end. We are getting older,” said McGinnis of the founding foursome who are all retired now and at or hitting the 70-year-old mark. “It’s been far more successful than we ever expected. It really evolved and has gotten bigger and better every year.”
Waldie was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 11 that struck the first World Trade Center Tower. He was a swimmer in high school and at the United States Naval Academy. After fulfilling his five-year military commitment, Waldie used his mathematics degree to gain employment with Raytheon Corporation. While working, he earned a masters degree and graduated first in his class.
Forty-six at the time of his death, Waldie left behind a wife, Carol, three sons, Andrew, Jeffrey and Jonathan, and a daughter, Meredith, along with a brother, Jack, and three sisters, Jane, Mary Louise and Grace.
Visit: www.forukenny.com for more information on the scholarship or to submit an application for next year’s award.
the selection committee had ever received in the 24-year history of the award.
Mallory wrote about her scholastic experiences as well as her trials and tribulations. She defined character as the daily actions and small choices made when no one is watching. She said that she learned to build up others around her while remaining true to herself.
“My character wasn’t built overnight,” Kuntz said. “My team on the bench helped.
Character is about putting aside what’s comfortable and easy in order to do what’s best for others.”
At Purdue, Kuntz intends to continue doing just that. She plans to major in business as well as engineering with an emphasis on the environment. This summer, she is traveling to Peru and will learn about water sustainability in the Amazon.
“I’m really interested in that and what they’re doing there. So I hope to use some of
Ziegler was one of three students from USC to compete in the invitation-only tournament. Siblings Connor and Colin McKenzie also competed in the nationally-ranked event. Connor is a graduating senior, who will continue his playing career at Robert Morris University. Colin is an eighth grader. The TEN Junior is a 36hole stroke play tournament for middle and high school students ages 12-18. This year, 60 players were selected from more than 300 applicants, based on their golf achievements, academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Fencing winners
The Peters Township team of Alex Brown, Alex Zimmerman, Tyler Weyandt captured first place during the Epee finals of Pittsburgh Interscholastic Fencing Association (PIFA) league’s championships held recently at Seneca Valley High School. Additionally, the team of Owen Neuberger, Peter Seidling and Wyatt Vance secured second-place honors. Peters Township also had a female team entered in the competition. Kelcie Amos, Josie Myers, Elle Gensler and Emily King combined for runner-up recognition.
that for some of the projects that I will be working on back here. I’m really interested in environmental engineering and a lot of that is focused on helping others and finding solutions to problems.”
Through her class work, not just through sports, Kuntz resolved issues.
She maintained a 4.512 GPA and belonged to the National Honor Society. She was a two-time AP quarterly champion and the secretary of the Spanish Club.
Additionally, Kuntz earned the Joan of Arc Medallion for completing 200 community service hours. She volunteered at the SHIM food pantry and traveled on mission trips with her church group. She was a group leader at Vacation Bible School and a youth official and camp instructor with the Bethel Park Soccer Association. Most recently, Kuntz participated in the Pittsburgh Marathon.
“After my third surgery, they told me I could run and I didn’t have any plans to play soccer further so I needed something to do,” Kuntz explained. “It was a great event. Because I couldn’t play, I found other ways to compete.”
As a member of the DECA Club, she competed at the state and national level and attended the international conference. Her team placed first in the state competition. She also earned an excellence award.
By watching her coaches and listening to her mentors, Kuntz said she also learned how to motivate others. She hopes to apply those techniques when faced with group projects in college.
“Some people can do more and some people can do less, but everyone can still contribute in their own ways,” she said. “For example, I was on the bench but I still felt like I was able to contribute and motivate people. That’s what I tried to do from the bench, even though I wasn’t on the field playing.
“Coaches are there to be honest with you and tell you when you’re not doing something right. I’ve learned that and I’m willing to tell other people when they have got to pull a little bit more weight. This whole experience has helped me to become a better leader. I’ve learned to get through so many setbacks, fought back and moved forward from it. That’s helpful.” Beneficial have been the bonds Kuntz created while attending Bethel Park High School. She believes that when she reaches the age of Waldie’s friends, who are all enjoying retirement, she will still be in contact with her classmates because Bethel Park is a “special place” in which to live.
“I think it’s cool how close Mr. Waldie’s friends still are and how much they cared about him to honor and support his memory. I hope that I still have people like that when I’m gone.
“That’s Bethel Park though,” Kuntz added. “I definitely have a lot of tight friends, definitely people like that. We hang out together, keep in contact. I think that comes from playing and participating in a team sport. Making those friendships is really important. It makes your team better when you’re close friends and you tend to have better chemistry on and off the field.”
Pictured with Olivia Ziegler (center) are Colin and Connor McKenzie.
Canon-McMillan head coach Mike Evans is taking a oneyear medical sabbatical. The Big Macs will be coached by former Bethel Park coach Brian Delallo this fall.
Brian DeLallo
sights & sounds
Eco-friendly options
Dormont store dedicated to sustainability, zero waste
By Brad Hundt Staff writer newsroom@observer-reporter.com
DORMONT – It would take most of us a year, maybe, to get through one of those jumbo boxes of 200 tall kitchen trash bags you can buy at a big-box store.
It would take Marty Smyczek 400 years.
Smyczek has been so diligent about leading a life that produces minimal waste that it took him two years to fill one garbage bag when he was living in a house in South Fayette Township.
It all started on New Year’s Day in 2017 and, according to Smyczek, “I made it a personal challenge to see how low I could go. I audited everything I did in my life. … I’m creating the same amount of trash right now.”
And he has extended his zeal for sustainability to a store he operates in Dormont.
Called Zieros, it stocks products that will generate as little waste as possible. The range of eco-friendly wares he has available includes everything from biodegradable dish cloths to rock crystal deodorant and bamboo safety razors and sporks for children.
“Everything is a full-on research project of its own,” Smyczek explained. “Everything in here is the product of mind-numbing research.”
There are other stores in the Pittsburgh region that offer sustainable products and other stores that are dubbed refilleries because they offer customers the opportunity to replenish their supplies of household or personal care items in containers that are either biodegradable or reusable.
But Smyczek said his store is built on “almost 20 years of zero waste and sustainable experiences,” and is committed to offering everyday goods at reasonable prices.
“Zieros isn’t comparable to any other store that doesn’t seriously put sustainability first,” he said. “The rest are just typical business models trying to sell as much as they can, to everyone they can, no matter the items they are selling.”
Smyczek looked at putting Zieros in other Allegheny
what’s happening
BOOK SALE
The Bethel Park Lions Club will hold a Pop Up Book Sale on Saturday, July 12, from 9
a.m. to 9 p.m. All items are priced at $1 or less. A $5 fill-a-bag special will be held at 7 p.m. Donations of used books can be left in the pavilion at Lions Park starting on Monday, July 7.
BP LIBRARY
The Bethel Park library offers the following:
■ Book Hawks Book Club meets at 3 p.m. July 10 in the Fireplace Room. The club is open to all homeschooled and high school students in grades 9 to 12.
■ Perler Bead Fun at 6:30 p.m. July 15. Students in grades 7 to 12 create designs with beads during this hands-on crafting session.
■ DIY Sharpie mugs at 6:30 p.m. July 29. Design a oneof-a-kind mug and learn how to make a mug cake as well.
■ Percy Jackson party at 6:30 p.m. July 8. Compete in an Olympian contest and go on a Quest during this themed fun and food event. Grades 5 to 12 can attend.
■ Back to the Future at 6:30 p.m. July 16. Bring old memories to life in the digital age. Register at bethelparklibrary. org or call 412-835-2207 for more details.
HIKE
Explore Peters Lake Park on July 17 from 10 to 11 a.m. or 2 to 3 p.m. Ages 3 to 5, accompanied by an adult, can attend. Participants will create a nature-inspired art piece in addition to discovering wildlife and flowers.
Registration deadline is July 15.
Visit www.peterstownship. com to register or call 724942-5000 for more details.
COIN CLUB
The South Hill Coin Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. July 8 at the Bethel Park Municipal building, 5100 West Library Ave. Members and the general public can attend. A 50/50 will be offered and children’s prizes awarded. The club will celebrate its 65th anniversary, and a summer pizza party will be held during this month’s program. Applications for membership are being accepted. Call 724-984-6611 for details.
TOUCH A TRUCK
South Fayette will host a Touch A Truck event July 13 at Fairview Park, 129 Greenwood Drive. Participants can explore trucks, buses, tractors, and emergency vehicles while also enjoying food, activities and game booths. Peterswood Park will also be the site of a Touch-A-Truck event from 10 a.m. to noon July 12. This free family event will feature a variety of trucks as well as a Blackhawk helicopter landing, courtesy of the Pennsylvania National Guard. Visit peterstownship.com or call 724942-5000 for more details.
CARNIVAL
Concordia of Bridgeville will host a summer carnival and petting zoo from noon to 3 p.m. July 12 on its campus, 3570 Washington Pike in Bridgeville. The event is free and open to the public. Tours of the facility are also available.
County communities, but finally settled on Dormont because “I wanted to be in a community where (residents) could walk and they wouldn’t be exposed to a more sustainable option. The people I want to expose this to are just walking by.”
Planting Zieros in Dormont is also something of a homecoming for Smyczek, who is 44 and a graduate of Keystone Oaks High School. Now a Scott Township resident, he explained that his parents were raised on farms, so he naturally used and reused everyday items. But his interest deepened starting around 2008, and after he was laid off from a job as a graphic designer in 2012, “down the rabbit hole I went,” Smyczek said. In his everyday life, Smyczek composts all organic materials and patches his
Email msirianni@concordialm.org or call 412-8010293 for 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. Visit greentreeboro.com for more details.
THEATER
The South Park Theatre presents “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying” until July 13. Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday viewing begins at 7:30 p.m. Visit southparktheatre.com for tickets or more information.
SCIENCE
Mad Science Camps are being held this summer in Mt. Lebanon and Peters Township. Ages kindergarten through fifth grade can participate.
Camps are held from 1 to 4 p.m. Red Hot Robots runs from July 7-11. Forces in Flight is the subject of the July 21-25 camp. Nature’s Secrets will be explored Aug. 4-8.
Mt. Lebanon camps are held on the second floor of the recreation center while Peters Township camps are offered at the recreation center located at 700 Meredith Drive.
Visit mtlebanon.org to register or call 412-343-3409 for more details in Mt. Lebanon.
In Peters Township, register online at www.peterstownship.com or in person at the
jeans rather than purchasing new ones. In his store, signs urge patrons to take photos with their phones rather than scribble notes in order to save paper. He also brings his own to-go container to restaurants, and has mostly given up meat for legumes, rice and beans, but he does admit that “meat is a treat for me.”
“I’ve developed a ‘zero waste and sustainable’ mental filter which everything in my life goes through,” Smyczek said. He did say that he doesn’t hold a “100% view 100% of the time” on sustainability, but “it’s like 99.9%.”
“Because in emergencies all bets are off,” he pointed out. “If it’s an end-of-theworld scenario, and the only option is to eat a crappy, plastic-wrapped fast-food cheeseburger, it’s being eaten.”
recreation center located at 700 Meredith Drive. For more information, call 724942-5000.
LEBO REC
A variety of exercise and fitness classes from pilates to yoga as well as Zumba and Tai Chi are offered throughout the summer through the Mt. Lebanon recreation department. Hockey and learnto-skate programs are also available. Visit mtlebanon.org to register or for more details regarding times, dates and fees. These classes are also available on a drop-in basis for $9 per visit.
Reduced tickets to Kennywood, Sandcastle and Idlewild amusement parks are available for purchase from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the recreation office.
Registration for adult and junior clinics are being accepted. Contact head pro Megan Foster at mgustinefoster@mt.lebanon.org for more details. Additionally, new programs such as cardio tennis, live ball and junior Friday night match play are being offered.
Summer playground camp for students having completed grades K-3 are being offered July 7-11; July 14-18 and July 21-25. Space is available at Foster and Howe.
Summer baseball clinics run from 9 to 11:30 a.m. July 14-18 and July 28 to Aug. 1. Ages 7 to 15 are eligible to participate.
Visit mt.lebanon.org to register for activities or call 412-343-3409 for further details.
Smyczek works to spread the message about living a more sustainable life through “Sustainable Saturday” sessions at the Dormont Public Library, where he leads discussions and workshops. Among the topics that have been covered are bike repairs, sewing and recycling.
On a recent afternoon, Susan Mucha of Crafton made her first visit to Zieros. After purchasing a few things, Mucha said she is always working to be more sustainable in her everyday life.
“I’ve been recycling stuff for a long, long time,” she said.
Eco-friendly products can sometimes be more costly
than typical, conventional items, but Smyczek believes Zieros is “not about selling more junk to people. It’s about helping them make more sustainable decisions.” He also holds the view that “the problem isn’t consumption, it’s overconsumption.”
“Overconsumption is a big problem in all aspects. And it’s up to us as individuals to understand this, and take back the power that we have given to companies that are pushing us all to consume, consume, consume. And use only what we need.” More information on Zieros is available at zieros.life.
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.
GRAND PRIX
The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix will be held July 10-20 at various locations in Pittsburgh. The vintage automobile event spans 10 days and features two weekend races in Schenley Park, car shows, parties, parades and motorsports activities. Visit: pvgp.org 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.
FOOD TRUCKS
Food Truck Fridays are back at the Peters Township Municipal Complex at 610 East McMurrary Road. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. the following dates will feature the following vendors: July 11, Cousins Maine Lobster; July 25, Truckin’ Triangles; Aug. 1, Chicks’ N Waffles; Aug. 5, Hummus Pittsburgh. Admission is free. Visit www. peterstownship.com for more details or changes to the vending line-up.
PT REC
The Peters Township recreation center is offering the following programs:
■ Dance Explorations Session 4 begins July 9 and runs for four weeks. Ages 3 meet from 6 to 6:40 p.m. Ages 4 to 6 meet from 6:50 to 7:30 p.m. This introductory class combines ballet, jazz and tumbling to develop self-confidence, musicality and body awareness. Fee is $40 ($60 nonmembers).
■ Cricut, which instructs on craft-cutting machine glass, is offered Fridays beginning July 11 from 1:25 to 2:15 p.m. Students work with paper, fabric, vinyl, HTV and other materials to broaden skills. Fee is $50 ($75 nonmembers).
■ Speed & Agility classes begin July 7 and are held Mondays for four sessions. Ages 8 to 11 meet from 5 to 6 p.m. Ages 12-15 meet from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. The program focuses on speed, agility and proper sprinting mechanics for athletes in any sport. Fee is $75 ($113 nonmembers). Visit www.peterstownship. com to register or call 724942-5000 for more details.
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.
Marty Smyczek operates Zieros and is a graduate of Keystone Oaks High School in Dormont.
PHOTOS: BRAD HUNDT/OBSERVER-REPORTER
ABOVE LEFT: Recycled toilet paper is on sale at Zieros in Dormont. ABOVE RIGHT: Eco-friendly soap bars are among the things that can be found at Zieros.
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$75 724-941-5292
Southwestern style doll perfect condition
$10 724-228-7069 Table saw As is $50 or best offer 412-908-3289 Table Saw 10” with stand multiple blades and fences $80 724-941-5292
Tennis Racket, Wilson excellent condition
$50 724-986-0165
Throw blanket 50 x 60 teal green
$10 724-413-7168
TIRES - Cooper Grand Touring
C S5, 225 60 17 6/32. $50 724-941-5747
TIRES - Cooper mud and snow. (2) 235-6R-18; (2) 215-55-R17.
$250 for all. 724-514-7139
TIRES (4) - Pirelli, 235-50-18, 6/32 tread. $125 or best offer. 724-986-4934
TOOLS - Vintage woodworking tools and wooden chest.
$100. 412-908-3289
Torches & gauges
$300 724-747-5140
TOTE BAG Tommy Hilfigger Navy/white holds laptop
$20. 724-413-7168 Tread mill
$250 724-747-5140
Umbrella outdoor green
$15 or best offer 724-222-3612
Upholstered chair wood trim, smoke and pet free home
$90 724-513-9390 VCR SV2000
$25 412-833-1463
Vintage Chinese Hand Carved Wood Wooden Box Chest, Brass Closue circa 1940’s $50 724-809-5746
Vintage General Electric portable AM-FM Radio Model 7-2880B from the 70’s $50 724-809-5746
Vivian Leight figure music box from Gone with the wind
$15 412-833-1463
WEDDING GOWN - designer name. Like new. Size 8 $300. 724-747-0528
Weights and new bares $85.00 724-747-5140 Welding rods about 1700.00 for $250 724-747-5140
C
COLUSSY CHEVROLET
3073 Washington Pk. Bridgeville, PA 15017 412-564-9829 www.colussy.com
SOUTH HILLS FIAT Washington Road, McMurray, PA 724-941-4300 www.southhillsauto.com
FORD FOX FORD 743 E. High Street, Waynesburg, PA 724-627-3151 www.foxfordwaynesburg.com
SOLOMON FORD Routes 40 & 43 Brownsville, PA 724-785-5500 www.solomonauto.com
STAR LAKE FORD Main St., Burgettstown, PA 724-947-3381 www.starlakeford.com
WASHINGTON FORD 507 Washington Road, Rt. 19, Washington, PA 888-706-6128 www.washingtonford.com
GMC BUDD BAER GMC 83 Murtland Ave. Washington Pa 724-249-6047 www.buddbaergm.com
HARLEY DAVIDSON STEEL CITY HARLEY DAVIDSON 1375 Washington Road, Washington, PA 724-225-7020 www.steelcitymotorcycles.com
#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
HYUNDAI WASHINGTON HYUNDAI 305 WashingtonRd. Rt. 19 at Strabane Square Washington, PA 724-222-2216 www.washhyundai.com
JEEP ROTOLO’S JEEP 58 Route 88, North Charleroi, PA 15022 888-269-6183 www.rotolomotors.com
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
KIA SOUTH HILLS KIA Washington Road, McMurray, PA 724-942-3000 www.southhillsauto.com
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
SOUTH HILLS JEEP Washington Road, McMurray, PA 724-941-4300 www.southhillsauto.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
THREE RIVERS AUTO SALES 30 South Central Avenue Canonsburg, PA 15317 724-338-2923 www.3riversvw.com
TREGEMBO MOTORS I-70 Exit 32B,
