PT council OKs police social worker position
By Jon Andreassi Staff writer jandreassi@observer-reporter.com
Peters Township council voted last week to formally establish a social worker position within its police department.
Council voted unanimously at its meeting Monday to approve resolutions both creating the position and laying out the duties of the eventual hire.
Peters police Chief Joseph Glover said last month the social worker will
assist officers with issues related to mental health and social welfare.
Glover used the example of a hoarding situation, and said police officers are not typically trained to be able to help someone in that situation.
According to the newly approved policies and procedures governing the social services coordinator position, officers can request that the employee ride along when responding to calls.
The social worker will also be ex-
pected to respond to situations involving substance abuse or suicide threats. The guidelines for the position also expect that the new hire will engage with the community in the form of community trainings, educational programs and small group meetings.
Peters Township will be the first municipality in the county to have a police social worker.
The social services coordinator will be paid a salary of $66,000. Peters Township is receiving $42,500
Sweet old time
annually from Washington County for five years to offset the cost.
Councilman Frank Arcuri said at the meeting that the continued existence of the position after those five years will depend on how beneficial the social worker proves to be.
“I think, really, the county should have set it up as a regional thing so that the use of this type of person could benefit all the police departments and municipalities in the county,” Arcuri said. “I know that they’re throwing money at us, and I
think that’s great, but I think that going forward, after this five-year period, I would not spend the money on that unless it’s very, very beneficial to the township.”
Township Manager Paul Lauer agreed that an arrangement with neighboring municipalities could be a way to push the idea of a police social worker forward.
“If everybody chipped in, you could have several of these and they could be of use throughout the county,” Arcuri said.
ABOVE: Twins Alexa, left, and Elliona Tredrow, 4, of Houston, adopt a cuddly new friend at the plush pet auction in the Kid’s Korner at Sweet Sunday. They are the daughters of Courtney Cherry. LEFT: From left, Judy Sandy, food service director of City Mission; Larry Maggi, Washington County commissioner, and Lisa Scarmazzi, principal of Scarmazzi Homes, had he sweet job of judging the desserts.
PHOTOS BY Liz Rogers/Observer-Reporter
By Karen Mansfield Staff writer kmansfield@observer-reporter.com
With the federal enforcement deadline just a few months away, the state Department of Transportation is holding a series of events across the state to help residents obtain REAL IDs.
Starting May 7, residents 18 and older must show a REAL ID, a passport or other federally approved identification to board domestic flights and certain federal buildings.
PennDOT is helping to expand access for those in need of a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card before the deadline by holding a series of REAL ID Days events across the state, including from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 3 at the Bridgeville License Center, 1025 Washington Pike. During the events, centers will exclusively process REAL IDs on Mondays, when the centers are typically closed.
Pennsylvania residents who want to board an airplane for a domestic flight will need a REAL ID driver’s license or identification
card. If their driver’s license is not ID-compliant, they will need another form of approved identification, such as a passport, to board their flight or enter secure federal facilities, including military bases and some federal offices. The REAL ID driver’s license cards have a small star in the upper right corner to indicate they meet federal regulations security standards.
“PennDOT is committed to making it as convenient as possible for Pennsylvanians to obtain a REAL ID if they want one,” said Kara Templeton, PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services. “Because we’re seeing an increase in demand, we decided to offer our REAL ID Days as a way to ensure we are meeting the needs of the public and providing them with the best possible customer service.” Bring the following documents: ■ Proof of identity: Examples include an original or certified copy of a birth certificate with a raised or embossed seal, or a valid, unexpired U.S. passport.
SEE REAL ID PAGE A2
By Mike Jones Staff writer
mjones@observer-reporter.com
In the nearly three years since the Elrama Tavern burned down, owner Susan Grimm wasn’t always sure they’d be able to rebuild and reopen the popular restaurant. There were ups and downs along the way with three different builders and six unique designs, all while money was tight with her family losing its main source of income. But Grimm persevered, and she received hugs and plenty of praise from loyal customers Monday when the new Elrama Tavern officially opened its doors to the public for the first time.
By Brad Hundt Staff writer bhundt@observer-reporter.com
PITTSBURGH – Jon
Meacham says he is neither a Republican nor a Democrat, has written about presidents as removed in time and temperament as Andrew Jackson and George H.W. Bush, makes biblical references when discussing America’s history and emphasizes that the country was not founded on ethnicity or geography but “on an ideal.” So, how does he view this moment in American life?
“I believe we are in a serious but survivable crisis of American democracy and
institutions,” Meacham said. He explained at the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh Wednesday that President Donald Trump and his team were put in office through a democratic election, but one month into Trump’s second term in the White House, “autocratic forces brought to power by democratic means” have placed democracy at risk.
Meacham said,
“We are facing, I believe, a fundamentally moral question – are enough of us going to see each other not as rivals, or as foes, but as neighbors? Without a sense of neighborliness, this does not work.”
USC resident named CFO of Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh
Beth L. Wright of Upper St. Clair has been named Chief Financial Officer as well as new vice president of the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Carnegie Museums team,” Wright said.
“I’ve been visiting the museums all my life, and I still feel the awe that the four Carnegie Museums inspire on every visit. I can now look forward to being a part of bringing the joy of the museums to future generations.”
A CPA, Wright is currently Director of Finance and Operations for the Chartiers Valley School District. She previous-
“I’VE BEEN VISITING THE MUSEUMS ALL MY LIFE, AND I STILL FEEL THE AWE THAT THE FOUR CARNEGIE MUSEUMS INSPIRE ON EVERY VISIT.
— BETH L. WRIGHT OF UPPER ST. CLAIR
ly served as CFO and Senior Director of Enrollment for Propel Schools Inc., where she served a regional network of eight public charter schools and the Propel Schools Foundation.
Earlier, Wright served as an Accounting Manager at EQT Corp. and a senior audit manager at R.D. Hoag &
Associates, P.C.
She received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. She will join Carnegie Museums on April 22
“Beth Wright impressed the search committee as an experienced professional with highly relevant experience
in a complex organization with many structural similarities to our institution,” said Steven Knapp, President and CEO of Carnegie Museums. “She has a strong record as a collaborative leader, an excellent listener, and a hands-on manager who earns the loyalty of her staff and the respect of her colleagues.”
Talks FROM PAGE A1
The 55-year-old, Pulitzer Prize winner and a visiting professor at Vanderbilt University was at the Heinz History Center as part of Washington & Jefferson College’s Symposium on Democracy. A private event for W&J students, faculty, alumni and invited guests, Meacham was the symposium’s keynote speaker.
“I really didn’t think this was going to happen,” Grimm said as she looked around at the lunchtime crowd packed into the brand new restaurant with nearly every table filled and the bar lined with customers. “This is amazing. It’s emotional.”
It was on March 31, 2022, that fire quickly engulfed the restaurant along Route 837 in the Elrama neighborhood of Union Township a few hundred feet southwest of the Allegheny County line. The building was a total loss, although all of the staff members and customers were able to escape, with one worker suffering minor burns while trying to put out the fire. The rebuild was costly, Grimm said, and she was unsure whether her family would have enough money to finish the work. But they were able to open the sparkling new building – located on the same property as before – that can accommodate up to 150 people, with two main dining areas and a third room that can host parties, along with two outdoor decks that will open when the weather improves. A soft opening was held for family and close friends several days last week before beginning normal operations Monday with people walking in the door before they officially opened at 11 a.m.
“What we have is the community, their support and a beautiful place,” Grimm said.
That was evident by the reception Grimm receives from customers who affectionately call her Susie. Roy Duttine and Norm Zak immediately gave her a hug as the two regulars from the old place took their seats in the dining room.
Firefighters are shown in this file
Tavern restaurant in Union Township after it was destroyed by fire March 31, 2022.
“I’m so happy to see you,” Duttine told Grimm. “This is great.”
As Duttine and Zak settled down for lunch, both raved about the restaurant’s soups while also being thankful that Grimm and her family found a way to rebuild.
“When it burned down, you wondered if it was going to come back,” Duttine said.
“Then you see the progress (during construction) and you think, ‘Yeah, they’re going to do it.’”
That sentiment was echoed by Vince DiAngelo of Clairton, who was a regular and found a seat at the bar to enjoy a sandwich and bowl of beef stew. DiAngelo said he’s made many great friends along the way at the Elrama Tavern, and was always hopeful that it would reopen. He walked in the door five minutes before it officially opened, but he wasn’t even the first customer there.
“I just think Susie does a great job. They serve great food,” DiAngelo said. “I come for the food, but I also come for the friendship.”
For now, Grimm and her staff are still getting acclimated with the new surroundings. Grimm lamented the restaurant is a work in progress, since the former location had a certain charm about it being an old house built in 1900. But it’s already off to a good start with a cozy atmosphere that Grimm expects will be made even more personable as they work to decorate it in a similar fashion as before.
“The hard part is trying to make it feel that way again,” said Grimm, whose family has owned the restaurant since 2006. “We’ll get there in time.”
Go to www.elramatavern. com for more information about the Elrama Tavern, including its operating hours.
“WHEN
IT BURNED DOWN, YOU WONDERED IF IT WAS GOING TO COME BACK. THEN YOU SEE THE PROGRESS (DURING CONSTRUCTION) AND YOU THINK, ‘YEAH, THEY’RE GOING TO DO IT.”
— ROY DUTTINE, ELRAMA TAVERN CUSTOMER
One of the most visible and accessible historians in America, Meacham has contributed essays and op-eds to The New York Times, Time, The Washington Post and a host of other publications. He won the Pulitzer Prize for biography in 2009 for “American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House.” Some of his other books include “Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power,” “His Truth is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope” and “And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle.” With his historian’s perspective, Meacham explained that the 2020s share some similarities to the 1920s –both decades were marked by “disorientation, shifting demographics, changing technologies and the internationalization of news.” Meacham also pointed out that the 1920s were marked by isolationism, high tariffs, and widespread skepticism about people and institutions, following the devastation of World War I and influenza pandemic that swept across the globe in 1918 and 1919.
“It’s the most analogous period to our own, I believe,” Meacham said.
Meacham also believes that President Trump’s rise
Real ID
FROM PAGE A1
■ Proof of Social Security number.
■ Two proofs of current, physical Pennsylvania address, such as current driver’s license or identification card, vehicle registration, or a utility bill with the same name and address.
■ Proof of identity document, such as certified married certificates or court orders approving a change in legal name, or adoption decree. Note: if your current name is the same as what is reflected on the proof of identity document (a passport or birth certificate), proof of legal name change does not need to be shown.
The REAL ID law, passed in 2005 in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, aims to strengthen na-
to power and his domination of America’s politics over the last decade can be credited to some numbers. He said that in 1965, 77% of the American people trusted the federal government to do the right thing. By the 2010s, that had cratered to just 12%. Then there are the economic realities confronting many families – the Commerce Department has said that a family of four should have an annual income of about $130,000 in order to attain a middle-class life. The actual annual median income of American households is $80,000. Meacham said the $50,000 gap “is reflected in that dip in trust in government.”
“You have gasoline on the floor for the populist fire,” Meacham said. “And the details don’t matter very much. People feel because globalization is so big, so complicated, it’s very, very hard to follow what is happening to the country, what is happening to one’s life.”
With his two presidencies, Trump has been trying to create “a real life version of professional wrestling,” Meacham said, “where there is conflict, where there are characters, there are storylines, there are heroes and there are villains. But most of all, there is action.” He added, “That is not democracy. That is exhausting.” Thanks to the long view that comes with writing about and thinking about history, Meacham also said that no moment in our political and cultural life is everlasting.
“There is no permanent victory,” he said. “We live in a fallen, frail and fallible world. And we must fight and struggle for victories that are necessarily provisional.”
tional security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. REAL ID was originally supposed to take effect in 2008 but has been delayed multiple times for several reasons, including the COVID-19 pandemic. So far, more than 2.5 million Pennsylvanians have chosen to opt into the REAL ID program.
Transportation Security Administration officers who staff the ticket document checking station at airports will not allow travelers into the checkpoint without a REAL ID-compliant license or another form of acceptable ID after May 7.
For more information about REAL ID's and a complete list of REAL ID Days events, visit PennDOT’s REAL ID website. Drivers can still obtain REAL IDs during normal business hours.
photo walking around the remnants of the Elrama
PHOTOS: MIKE JONES/OBSERVER-REPORTER
Norm Zak of West Mifflin leaves the Elrama Tavern after enjoying lunch Monday on the first day the restaurant reopened to the public nearly three years after fire destroyed the original location on the same property.
Beth L. Wright
Two USC seniors named Presidential Scholar candidates
Two Upper St. Clair High School seniors were recently named candidates in the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. Jamie Barrett and Yuhong Shi were selected for their outstanding performance on the SAT or ACT exam. They are among 110 Pennsylvania students to earn this honor.
In addition to being selected as U.S. Presidential Scholar candidates, both students have previously been recognized for their academic achievements.
Barrett was named a semifinalist, and Shi earned commended status in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship
Program. Both are members of the National Honor Society and were named AP Scholars with Distinction for their high performance in Advanced Placement coursework.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established
in 1964, by executive order of the President.
“It recognizes the accomplishments of some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors,” Simone Olson, executive director of the U.S. Presidential Schol-
ars Program, said. “Scholars are chosen for leadership and service to school and community and they demonstrate exceptional scholarship; visual, creative and performing arts talent; and accomplishment in career and technical fields.”
Application for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is by invitation only. To be considered further, candidates must submit candidacy materials, including essays, self-assessments, secondary school reports, and transcripts. Candidates are evaluated on their academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities, and an analysis of their essay.
Santel named lead trumpet in All-State Jazz Band
Upper St. Clair High School
senior Carlee Santel was selected as Lead Trumpet in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association All-State Jazz Band. She is one of only 18 musicians from throughout Pennsylvania selected for the ensemble.
The PMEA All-State Festival is set for April 9-12 at the Kalahari Resorts and Convention Center in Pocono Manor, Pa. The All-State Jazz concert will be performed at 6 p.m. April 11 at Pocono Mountain High School East.
In addition to successfully auditioning for the 2025 PMEA All-State Jazz Band ensemble, Santel was selected for several other PMEA ensembles – District 1 Honors Band, Honors Orchestra, and Honors Band; Region Band; and Western Region Orchestra. Carlee receives music instruction from Nick Deutsch, USCHS band director.
Last year, Santel was named first chair at the PMEA All-State Band Festival, advancing to the 2025
All-Eastern Honors Band, sponsored by the National As-
sociation for Music Education (NAfME).
The All-Eastern Honors Ensembles will perform during the 2025 NAfME Eastern Division Conference, April 24-27 in Hartford, Conn. Santel also excels academically. She is a member of the National Honor Society. Last fall she was named an AP Scholar with Distinction for her achievement in Advanced Placement coursework and was recognized for her performance at the Model United Nations Conference.
Dormont hosts karaoke fundraiser
The Dormont Arts and the Dormont community will host a one-of-a-kind fifth anniversary musical celebration of the spirit of the Dormont CoronaChoir on March 22.
The milestone event features a choir reunion and singa-long in the pool parking lot, led by CoronaChoir founder Amy Kline, followed by an indoor karaoke night at the Dormont Recreation Center.
The evening of music, food, and entertainment supports Dormont Arts’ creative projects and events in Dormont.
Community members can participate in the choir reunion with their families. No registration is required.
Karaoke is only for ticket holders ages 18 and older. Visit dormontarts.com to purchase.
The event schedule is as follows:
■ Choir Reunion & Singa-long: 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. in the Dormont Pool Parking Lot. Participants sing with the Dormont CoronaChoir to relive the memories and
celebrate this milestone anniversary.
■ High on the Hog BBQ Food Truck: Available starting at 5:30 p.m. in the parking lot. ■ Karaoke Night: 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the recreation center. In addition to a DJ and karaoke there will be competitions in such categories as Best Costume, Best Dance Moves, and Best Overall Performance. Beverage vendors include Voyager Cider and Back Alley Brewing. 18 and older only.
Tickets are $30 for general admission or $35 the day of the event and at the door. The Dormont CoronaChoir was born during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing neighbors together in song while maintaining social distance. Over time, the CoronaChoir evolved into Dormont Arts, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering local arts and culture through creative community events. For tickets or more information email kimberly@ dormontarts.com or call 412867-6163.
Carlee Santel
Jamie Barrett
Yuhong Shi
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USC advances in international debate competition
A team of Upper St. Clair High School students has advanced to the Top 32 in the 2024-25 International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) debate competition.
Team members include Mana Barimani, Maxim-Levi Shevchenko, Priyaharshini Sivakumar, Nikhita Thakuria and Pari Varshney.
The students are part of the Speech & Debate Team, which is coached by Ben Edwards and Dave Watson.
Upper St. Clair is one of only two schools in Pennsylvania to advance to the next round of competition. The other is North Allegheny.
Sponsored by the Brewer Foundation and New York University, the IPPF is the first and only contest that gives high school students around the world the opportunity to engage in written and oral debates on issues of public policy.
“We commend all the advancing teams for their achievement on this global stage,” William A. Brewer III, chairman of the Brewer Foundation and founder of the IPPF, said. “This is among the most complex
and pressing issues on which our students have ever debated. As advocates, our law firm started this competition with a vision to promote what we see here – an extraordinary level of academic research, scholarship, and discourse.”
This year, 283 teams, representing schools in 26 countries and 30 U.S. states, submitted qualifying round essays affirming or negating the 2024-25 IPPF topic, “Resolved: Equitable access to pharmaceuticals should be prioritized over protecting intellectual property rights.” Those essays were reviewed by a committee, which determined the “Round of 64” teams based on the overall quality of each 3,000-word essay.
In November, the “Round of 64” teams began a single-elimination, written debate competition. Each team was assigned a position (affirmative or negative) and then volleyed papers back and forth with another team via email. A panel of judges reviewed the essays in the order they were presented and selected the winning teams. In that round, Upper St. Clair High School advanced over a team from
Freezing for a reason
My name is Apollo. I am a 4-year-old pittie mix boy. I have ear issues that are so painful and almost cost me my life. My human, who loved me very much, was unsuccessful in trying to help me, and she was ready to put me to sleep. The good people at Angel Ridge Animal Rescue took me in and my new vet has a plan to help me. A specialist must remove the ear canals in both of my ears and do some other surgical procedures. The cost of my surgery will be $10,000, $5,000 for each ear. I will only be able to live if this surgery is successful. I am a good boy and I love everyone. I want to live a happy and pain free life with a new family of my own. Please help with my vet bill and say a prayer that my surgery is a success.
Neev Academy in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The “Top 32” round is currently underway. The Upper St. Clair team now debates a team from duPont Manual High School from Louisville, Ky.
The advancing “Sweet 16” teams will be announced on Feb. 17. The “Elite 8” team, selected on 30,
SUBMITTED PHOTO
The team of Mana Barimani, Maxim-Levi Shevchenko, Priyaharshini Sivakumar, Nikhita Thakuria and Pari Varshney is representing Upper St. Clair High School in the round of 32 of the International Public Policy Forum debate competition.
James Protin and Amanda Bilitski jump into the
Plunge pool at Acrisure Stadium on
Protin
Bilitski
cfsbank fundraising team, which
tion. Freezing
FDA approves AI-powered device to help detect skin cancer
By Kristin Emery For the Observer-Reporter newsroom@observer-reporter.com
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. That’s why regular skin checks are important for early detection along with consulting a doctor if you notice any unusual lesions or moles on your skin. A family practitioner will often examine the spot and refer patients to a dermatologist if anything appears to warrant concern.
Now, a new, high-tech device called DermaSensor is helping patients and family doctors get answers more quickly and without those sometimes-unneeded referral visits. One Westmoreland County family practice office is one of the first in the country to use it.
“Once you understand how this unit works, and how the company was promoting it to family physicians, it was an easy decision,” says Dr. Kevin Wong of PT Family Medicine in Penn Township. “It is a unique invention that greatly enhances our ability to diagnose a condition accurately
and timely. We have been using it as needed on appropriate patients in our office setting.”
Wong met DermaSensor's Chief Commercial Officer Larry Anderson (who incidentally is a Pittsburgher) while he was exhibiting the device at a family medicine conference. The two discussed the unique nature of the technology and its upcoming FDA approval.
“I told him I'd be happy to get it into my office as soon as it was available,” said Wong. “After its approval, I was fortunate to receive the first commercially available unit in the country.” He says the device is proving to be very useful in assessing the risk of a questionable skin lesion being cancerous.
What is it?
DermaSensor is an innovative artificial intelligence-pow-
ered medical device that is transforming the approach to skin cancer detection. It particularly focuses on the three most common skin cancers: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. DermaSensor uses Elastic Scattering Spectroscopy (ESS) to analyze skin lesions by projecting light onto them and examining how that light scatters off of cellular and subcellular structures. Those scattering patterns help differentiate between benign and potentially cancerous cells.
“We have a fairly accurate diagnosis immediately,” Wong says. “If it says ‘monitor’, there is over a 97% chance of it being benign. If it says, ‘investigate further,’ depending on a scale of 1 to 10, the rating correlates with an increasing risk of cancer of either squamous, basal or malignant melanoma. With the ability to be seen very quickly by a family physician versus waiting months to a year to be seen by a dermatologist, the difference in patient care is obvious.”
How does it work?
In the clinic, a physician or nurse puts the tip of the DermaSensor on a lesion. The device then flashes a pulse of light and analyzes the spectral information of the backscattered light using an AI-powered algorithm. The device’s creators intend for it to be used in family doctor’s offices to help detect cancerous lesions that may currently be missed – or to rule out cancer and give patients an answer without having to book, wait for and pay for a dermatologist visit or unnecessary biopsy.
The FDA tested and cleared DermaSensor earlier this year saying it is safe and effective in clinical use. Studies show it has a high sensitivity rate in detecting the three common skin cancers that may be missed in routine exams. Early detection of skin cancers can greatly increase treatment success and patient survival rates, and Wong says this device helps identify suspicious lesions early, allowing for timely intervention.
PT Family Medicine has had the device for only a few months but results so far have been good, with Wong describing it as a quadruple win.
“For the patients and their satisfaction, it's a timely evaluation and definitive diagnosis made at their family doctor's office versus potential months or up to a year's wait to get into a dermatologist's office,” he adds. “Family doctors can be effective in treating their patients without delays caused by insurance networks and dermatologist shortages.” For dermatologists, he hopes it can get patients needing expertise in to see them earlier.
“You don’t want to delay care for a patient with malignant melanoma, where delays can drop survival rates quickly,” Wong says. “Lastly, it is a win for insurance companies when they realize that timely diagnosis will save them money in treating cancer cases sooner and avoiding unnecessary biopsies.”
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
LEFT: Dr. Kevin Wong uses the DermaSensor on a patient’s skin lesion to determine if it warrants concern or further treatment. ABOVE: Wong demonstrates the DermaSensor on a patient.
4 area boys teams head to PIAAs
Four area boys basketball teams will embark on quests for state championships when the PIAA tournament commences with Class 6A action on March 7 and Class 5A play on March 8.
The tournament continues with second-round and quarterfinal action before the semifinals will be played March 21-22 followed by the championships a week later, March 28-29, at the Giant Center in Hershey.
Upper St. Clair prepped for their state appearance in much the same manner as it had done in three of the past five years. The Panthers participated in their seventh WPIAL championship game, challenging New Castle in the Class 6A final played Feb. 28 at the Petersen Events Center on the University of Pittsburgh campus. (Results too late for publication in the March 2 edition of The Almanac.)
USC, which won titles in 1996, 2005, 2021 and 2024, reached the 2025 championship match by dispatching Woodland Hills, 63-41, in the quarterfinals and Central Catholic, 59-39, in the semifinals.
Against the Wolverines, Tyler Robbins (17), Nico Midas (14), Kaamil Jackson (11) and Ryan Robbins (11) scored in double figures.
“Central is a great team,” said USC guard Jake Foster. “Playing them three times in a year is never easy but I felt like if we just stayed to our keys we’d be fine. Our coaches had us set up for what we needed and we went out and executed.”
The Panthers stretched a 15-8 first-frame lead to 20-10 before settling into a halftime advantage of 29-14, thanks to Foster. The sophomore scored seven of his game-high 12 points in the decisive second stanza.
FOR PETE’S SAKE
Three area girls teams advance to finals
Three area female girls’ basketball teams participated in WPIAL championship games over the weekend at the Petersen Events Center on the University of Pittsburgh campus and two additional clubs joined them in PIAA tournament action that commences March 7-8.
For South Fayette (24-1), its 67-32 triumph against Mars put the Lady Lions in their fourth Class 5A final in a row. For the lone seniors, Cierra Rexrode and Alexa Ankrum, it’s just become a habit, a four-year routine.
“I don’t think we ever accepted that we weren’t going to go back,” Rexrode said. “Just based on all the hard work we’ve put into the season and the years before this.”
The Lions, winners of the 2016 title as well as banners from 2022-24, faced Peters Township in the Class 5A final on Feb. 28. The Lady Indians, who won a district and state title in 2019, advanced to the championship game with a hard-fought win against Thomas Jefferson, 46-43. It was the third time this season that Peters Township (22-3) played and beat the Jaguars (20-5).
“I’m not surprised by what happened,” PT coach Steve Limberiou admitted. “You go all week and give them the coach speak of (it’s hard to beat) a team for the third time. Of course, it isn’t. They beat a team (Penn-Trafford) that was undefeated, so I can’t say I’m surprised the game was the way it was.”
Limberiou noted the Lady Indians “survived” abysmal shooting by playing outstanding defense.
“We showed a lot of resolve and that’s what it takes to win,” he said.
The Indians overcame a 17-6 deficit to beat the Jaguars. They tied the game, 24-24, in the third quarter on a jumper by Daniela Radulovich, who finished with 13 points.
Peters Township took leads of 3433 and 37-35 on three, 3-point field
goals by Taylor McCullough. The freshman scored all 12 of her points in the second-half comeback.
Natalie Wetzel punched PT’s ticket to the “Pete” when she buried a 3-pointer, giving the Indians a 44-41 advantage. The University of Miami
(Fla.) recruit dropped in a game-high 15 points.
The Indians reached the semifinals by dispatching Indiana, 51-32, while the Jaguars upset No. 3 Penn-Trafford, 66-60, in overtime. Peters Township opened tournament action with a 66-58 win against Fox Chapel. Meanwhile, South Fayette’s path to the “Pete” was paved with victories against Greensburg Salem, 57-30, and Baldwin, 67-31, before thumping Mars, the No. 13 seed which had upset Shaler in the first round of the competition. In the win against the Fighting Planets, Lailah Wright scored 14 of her game-high 16 points in the first half. Ryan Oldaker and Juliette Leroux followed with 14 and 10 tallies. Ankrum finished with eight markers. While Wright is a sophomore, Oldaker and Leroux as well as the versatile Haylie Lamonde are junior starters.
“When we came into high school, we were with Division I players like Maddie (Webber) and Ava (Leroux),” Rexrode said of the Villanova and Emory University sophomores. “It’s really cool to have a junior class with this much talent,” Rexrode said. “We know when we’re gone, they’re going to continue to push the team and hold everyone accountable.”
Meanwhile, Upper St. Clair earned a berth in the Class 6A championship game by thumping Mt. Lebanon, 5539, in a semifinal game played Feb. 25 at Bethel Park High School.
Rylee Kalocay fired in 19 points while Meredith Huzjak followed with 12 markers.
By Jonathan Guth For The Almanac
jguth@heraldstandard.com
Cutting weight is a necessary evil in the sport of wrestling but it paid off for Nicholas McGarrity.
The Peters Township sophomore entered individual tournament action at 107 pounds after wrestling the regular dual meet season at 114 and captured his second straight district crown.
“It isn’t the worst cut when you wrestle hard and eat the right foods, but you get those cravings for certain foods,” McGarrity admitted. “I feel like wrestling at 107 is much better for me.”
During the WPIAL Class 3A
championships held at Canon-McMillan High School, McGarrity scored a major decision, 11-0, against Connellsville’s Tommy Gretz in the 107-pound final.
McGarrity is halfway towards being a four-time WPIAL champion.
“I hope to be able to get four WPIAL titles, but right now, the big thing is getting back to states,” McGarrity said. McCarrity, who was a regional champion last winter, finished sixth in the state in 2024. By winning the WPIAL title, McGarrity advanced to the Western Regional tournament, held Feb. 28-March 1 also at Canon-McMillan.
ELEANOR BAILEY
Upper St. Clair head coach Dan Holzer hugs Jake Foster after his 12 points sparked a victory over Central Catholic, 59-39, in the WPIAL Class 6A semifinals.
Olivia Terlecki (left) and Meredith Huzjak (right) celebrate after Upper St. Clair defeated Mt. Lebanon, 55-39, to advance to the WPIAL Class 6A championship game to face Norwin.
PHOTOS: ELEANOR BAILEY
Natalie Wetzel (14) of Peters Township jumps for joy while an exuberant Taylor McCullough (No. 24) applauds immediately after the Lady Indians dispatched Thomas Jefferson, 46-43, to advance to the WPIAL Class 5A championship game at the Petersen Events Center.
Township’s
McGarrity
The top five regional finishers advanced to the PIAA championships set for March 6-8 at the Giant Center in Hershey.
A Southern Sectional winner, McGarrity was 79-8 overall heading into the regional. Seeded No. 1 in the WPIAL, he embarked on his second district championship run with back-to-back falls against Paxton Newell from Kiski Area (0:28) and Shaler’s Anthony Jones (1:09). He dispatched Franklin Regional’s Beau Fennick, 2-0, in the semifinals.
“It is all about surviving and advancing when it comes to these postseason tournaments,” McGarrity said. “You just have to take it one match at a time.”
In the final, McGarrity got the upper hand on Gretz early.
“I felt really good about getting that first takedown,” he said then added, “I thought I did really well on top. I would say top is my best position.”
As the WPIAL champion, McGarrity was in the top position to advance to Hershey but he acknowledges his path to the podium at states will be a familiar one.
“I expect to see a lot of these guys I wrestled again, which is why I was glad to have been so dominant during this (WPIAL) tournament,” McGarrity said. “I hope to do a little bit better in my semifinals match next time, but I was happy with the way I wrestled.” Darius McMillon wrestled well enough to join McGarrity at regionals. The Peters Township senior took third at 152.
McMillon avenged a second-round loss to Luke Dunlap, 5-2, and beat the
South Fayette senior, 9-7, in the third-place consolation bout. McMillan wrestled back with wins against Upper St. Clair’s Derek Worsted, Belle Vernon’s Kole Doppelheuer and North Allegheny’s Griffen Reid to reach the bronze-medal match.
With the wins, McMillon entered the western regional with a 127-26 overall record. He is 48-5 on the season.
With his fourth-place finish, Dunlap advanced to the western regional. During the WPIAL championships, he entered the Century Club, recording his 100th and 101st career wins against McMillon and Mt. Lebanon’s Cole Gibbons, 7-2.
Dunlap’s teammate, Talan Mizenko, also qualified for the western regional. He finished fifth at 139. Mizenko is three wins away from entering the Century Club with a career record of 97-44. He is 33-7 on the season.
Mt. Lebanon diver takes third
Malcolm Thompson from Mt. Lebanon scored a career-best 501.85 points and took the bronze medal during the WPIAL Class 3A diving championships held Feb. 22 at North Allegheny High School. With the showing, Thompson qualified for the PIAA championships to be held March 14-15 at the Kinney Natatorium on the Bucknell University campus in Lewisburg.
A senior, Thompson is a Fordham University recruit. Ethan Maravich from North Allegheny won the
boys diving title with a 532.30 score while Fox Chapel’s Jackson Hagler finished runner-up with 515.75 points.
Thompson
Joining the trio at states will be Upper St. Clair’s duo of Carter Wells and Kobe Yuyi. A sophomore, Wells finished fourth with a 499.20 score.
A senior, Yuyi secured sixth place with 374.15 points. NA also grabbed the gold
the WPIAL.
in the girls’ competition with Maggie Lapina. The sophomore racked up 477.80 points, 10.45 ahead of runner-up Mya Lee from Mars. USC’s duo of Delaney Burnette and Livia Tranquilli followed in fifth and sixth places. A junior, Burnette scored 424.55 points. A sophomore, Tranquilli posted a 422.70 score. Other area participants in the diving competition included: Bethel Park’s Cooper Kicinski and Courtney Felicetti as well as Lydia Ruth from Peters Township and Lindsay Anderson from South Fayette.
New Castle earned its trip to the 6A final by beating Mt. Lebanon, 67-56, in a semifinal match played Feb. 24 at North Allegheny. The Hurricanes used a 15-3 run late in the third quarter to separate themselves from the Blue Devils.
Despite playing with an injured shoulder, Liam Sheely fired in 21 points to lead Lebo. Carter Gould followed with 13 tallies.
Despite the loss, Mt. Lebanon qualified for the PIAA tournament.
The Blue Devils played Central Catholic to decide the third- and fourth-seed out of
In Class 5A, Peters Township (18-7) used overtime to dispatch Mars, 58-52, while Chartiers Valley (22-3) upset No.1-ranked Montour, 47-44, to set up the WPIAL championship match on March 1 at the Petersen Events Center.
(Results unavailable at press time for the March 2 edition of The Almanac.)
In a semifinal contest played Feb. 25 at Moon, Dylan Donovan led the Indians with 22 points, including a pair of free throws that provided the cushion for victory in the final 26 seconds of action in the overtime frame.
Donovan converted 8 of 10 shots from the charity stripe in the game. He scored four points in the overtime frame, in which Peters Township
Green (19) and Payton Collins (12) scored in double digits for the Blue Devils.
For the Blue Devils, Anessa Donoghue was tops with 15 tallies.
The Panthers reached the semifinals by beating Pine-Richland, 43-22, in the quarterfinals. Kalocay led all scorers with 22 tallies. Huzjak added nine markers.
Lebo outlasted Seneca Valley, 47-45, in overtime to reach the semifinals. Cali
Despite their semifinal losses, Mt. Lebanon battled Canon-McMillan to see who would enter the PIAA Class 6A tournament, scheduled to start March 7.
The top three Class 3A teams earned berths in the state playoffs. Bethel Park entered the PIAA Class 5A tournament as the No. 8 team out of the WPIAL.
After falling to Mars, 55-42,
outscored the Fighting Planets, 10-4. In a game that featured 13 lead changes, Jake Wetzel and Sean Thelk each tallied nine points. Nick McCullough and Lucas Rost finished with eight markers. Rost scored four points in overtime. Meanwhile, CV battled back from a 15-point deficit to upend the Spartans, who were ranked first in the state with a 23-2 record. In the game played Feb. 25 at Mt. Lebanon, Jayden Davis fired in 20 points and Danny Slizik provided 14 tallies for the Colts. Slizik made two key 3-pointers to key a 17-8 third-quarter comeback while Davis hit a pair of goahead buckets and made the final two free throws to ice the victory.
in the quarterfinals, the Lady Hawks dropped into the consolation bracket to determine their state playoff seeding. In those games, Bethel Park dropped a 48-42 decision to Baldwin as well as a 50-37 outing against Indiana. In the loss to the Highlanders, Sadie Orie and Ella Sabatos both tossed in 13 points. Orie (13), Kat Boff (11) and Sabatos (10) finished in double figures against Indiana. PIAA tournament action begins in the Class 5A girls division on March 8.
sights & sounds
Washington Symphony teams up with Steel City Ukuleles
By Brad Hundt Staff writer bhundt@observer-reporter.com
About 12 years ago, Amber Rozel had just moved to the area, was a new mom and, in her words, “professionally bored.”
So, the veteran music teacher decided to drop in on a meeting of Steel City Ukuleles. Back in those days, the group’s membership numbered only about 60, with many of the players drawn in by the promise of the ukulele’s sunny sound and the ease of playing it – once you master a handful of simple chords, its fans say, you’re on your way.
In the dozen years since, Steel City Ukuleles’ membership has increased more than tenfold – it now counts about 800 people in its ranks, has branches that cover the northern and southern parts of the Pittsburgh metro area, and hosts meet-ups in Butler County, Dormont, West View and other locations.
And on Saturday, March 8, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 9, at 3 p.m., the Washington Symphony Orchestra (WSO) is teaming up with Steel City Ukuleles for “The Great Outdoors” at Washington & Jefferson College’s Olin Fine Arts Center.
With spring just a few weeks off, classical works that summon up the world outside will be performed, and the orchestra will be joined by about 60 members of Steel City Ukuleles to play the pop classics “Here Comes the Sun,” “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World.”
The seed for the “Great Outdoors” concert was planted about seven years ago. Rozel and WSO conductor Yugo Ikach were talking at a party at a house in East Washington following a concert, and Rozel, who also plays violin and viola with the orchestra and is its librarian, mentioned that she was part of Steel City Ukuleles. From there, the idea for the concert started to develop.
According to Rozel, they were initially considering teaming up with different Pittsburgh-area groups for one concert. Along with Steel City Ukuleles, they were thinking about corralling ensembles that play mandolins, harps, classical guitar and banjo. However, “with COVID, it never came to pass,” Ikach said.
The notion never entirely faded away, though, and when the orchestra was planning its 2024-25 season
GARDEN CLUB
The Giant Oaks Garden Club will meet at 1 p.m. March 6 at St. David’s Church, 905 McMurray Road. Gannon Boone of Bartlett Trees will discuss how to trim your trees and shrubs. Guests are welcome but need to register by calling 412-760-4221. Lunch fee for guests is $6.
The Giant Oaks Garden Club awards two $1,500 scholarships a year to high school seniors planning to study a gardening related discipline, horticulture, landscaping, civic development and beautification or conservation of the environment. Guidance counselors have applications or call 412-7604221 for further information.
BOOK SALES
The Friends of the Community Library of Castle Shannon will hold a book sale from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 13, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 14 and 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 15. The Saturday sale features a fill-a-bag with books for $5.
The sale will be held in the community room in the lower level of the library located at 3677 Myrtle Ave.
FLEA MARKET
The Church of the Atonement will hold a flea market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 14 and 15 with a snow date of March 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. at its Carnegie location, 618 Washington Ave. The market will close at noon Saturday and reopen at 1 p.m. for a
“we tried to find something different and unusual, and Yugo said, ‘It’s time, let’s do it,’” Rozel said. Joining forces with a horde of ukulele players might not seem like standard operating procedure for a symphony. But, Ikach explained, it’s one of the “nutty things we do” in the name of accessibility.
“I don’t know of any other orchestra that’s done that,” Ikach said.
Local high school students will perform alongside the WSO through the orchestra’s Side-by-Side Education Program. Cassandra Muhr, the WSO’s general manager, said the program “is not only an invaluable learning experience for the students, but it also deepens the community connection and celebrates the future of music.”
Tickets are available online at washsym.org or by phone at 412512-1662. Admission is free for children aged 12 or younger and discount tickets are available for seniors and students.
bag sale. Sale merchandise includes kitchen items, bedding, linens, clothing, headboard, sewing machine, mixer with attachments, kerosene heater decorations and luggage.
Donations will be accepted March 9-11. Call 412-2760366.
LUNCHEON
The Pittsburgh Alumnae Panhellenic (PAP) , a chapter of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) will hold its annual scholarship benefit luncheon at 11 a.m. March 29 at South Hills Country Club.
Advance ticket purchases are required no later than March 15. Cost is $55 for adults, $35 for collegians and $20 for children. For 108 years this event has raised funds to support local collegiate members in their academic pursuits. This year’s event will include a fashion show featuring styles from Vintage Grace Boutique, as well as a cash bar and raffle auction. Sorority women and their friends can attend.
Contact Catherine, at papbenefit@gmail.com for reservations, tickets or more information.
PANCAKES
A Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. March 4 at Center Presbyterian Church, 255 Center Church Road in Peters Township. Menu includes choice of buttermilk or blueberry pancakes,
sausage and fruit. Beverages included. Proceeds benefit Food Helpers. Call 724-941-9050 for more details.
RAFFLE
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.
PT REC
The Peters Township recreation center is offering the following programs:
■ Cricut/Silhouette Craft Class for ages 18 and older from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. Fridays. Participants learn mechanics by working with paper, fabric, vinyl and HTV among others. The class is for beginners (no machine required) or those looking to broaden their skills. Fee is $50 ($75 nonmembers). There is also a $25 material fee due the first day of class.
■ Evening yoga for ages 18 and over from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Susan Volkar instructs traditional postures, meditation and relaxation techniques for releasing stress for a healthier lifestyle. Fee is $70 ($105 nonmembers).
■ Zumba for ages 16 and over from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Wednesdays or Fridays. Latin and international music is combined with dance themes to create effective fitness. Fee is $50 ($75 nonmembers).
■ Burn and Sculpt for ages 18 and over from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Mondays. The course blends low-impact cardio moves with strength exercises for a total body workout. Fee is $50 ($75 nonmembers).
■ Core and Kickboxing for ages 18 and over from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Fee is $50 ($75 nonmembers).
■ Morning Mash Up for ages 16 and up Fridays from 9 to 10 a.m. The fitness program features Tabata, boot camp stations and HIIT cardio/ strength drills. Fee is $45 ($68 nonmembers).
■ Butz and Gutz from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Fridays. Workouts focus on abdominal muscles, glutes and hips to strengthen and stabilize the core and problem areas. Fee is $25 ($38 nonmembers).
■ Jiu-Jitsu for ages 7 to 12 from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. and for ages 13 to 17 from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Mondays. Participants learn the martial Art through various drills, exercises and partnering in a fun environment that promotes self confidence, discipline, self esteem and fitness. Fee is $120 ($180 nonmembers).
■ Jump Start Sports: Ages 3 to 5 meet from 5 to 6 p.m. Ages 6 to 9 meet from 6 to
7 p.m. Classes begin March 12 and additional classes are held Tuesdays through April 16. Fee is $100 ($150 nonmembers). Participants move through a rotation of sports such as basketball, soccer and lacrosse and learn the fundamentals, improve skills and build teamwork.
■ Zumba: Back to Basics –Keep Fit For Life will be held from 11 to noon Wednesdays for ages 18 and over while Zumba Gold will be held from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. Thursdays for ages 50 and over. Fee is $50 ($75 nonmembers).
■ Pickleball instruction will be offered for ages 18 and over and an introductory course will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Equipment, rules, scoring and skills will be covered. An advanced course will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for experienced players. Fee for either six-week course is $120 ($180 nonmembers).
■ Facebook 101 will be held from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 11 for those wanting to learn the ins and outs of the social medium. Fee is $5 ($8 nonmembers).
Visit www.peterstownship. org to register online or stop at the recreation center, located at 700 Meredith Drive. For more details, call 724-942-5000.
COIN CLUB
SH WOMEN
The South Hills Women’s Club will meet at 8 p.m. March 10 at Vanadium Woods Lobby, 50 Vanadium Road in Bridgeville. Featured guest Amanda Dunyak Gillen will speak on “The History of the Frick Pittsburgh, the Frick family and mansion, the Clayton.” Gillen is the Director of Learning & Visitor Experience at the Frick Pittsburgh. Refreshments and dessert will be served. Call 412-965-4714 or 412414-1232 for reservations or further information. New members and guests can attend.
PURIM
The Chabad of South Hills will host Purim In The Palace with an animated Megillah reading and royal feast at 5 p.m. March 14 at the 1701 McFarland Road location. The magical adventure will also feature a createyour-own potion as well as enchanted edible apples. Admission is $18 for adults and $12 for children with a $54 maximum per family. RSVP to: Chabadsh.com/purim/.
The South Hill Coin Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. March 11 at the Bethel Park Municipal Building located at 5100 West Library Ave. Part 2 of the gold confiscation of 1933 will be discussed. The public is invited. A 50/50 will be offered and children’s prizes to be awarded. Applications are being accepted for membership. Call 724-984-6611 for more information.
BRAD
In this 2014 photo, Sunny Park leads a group of ukulele players at a meet-up of Steel City Ukuleles in Pittsburgh’s Regent Square neighborhood.
COURTESY OF THE WASHINGTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The Washington Symphony Orchestra performing at Washington & Jefferson College’s Olin Fine Arts Center
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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
