landing at what is now called the Frick Pittsburgh. She has remained at the Frick for 21 years, moving up the ranks in its curatorial, education and learning departments. The director of learning and visitor experience since 2013, Dunyak Gillen was named interim executive director last year following the departure of Elizabeth Barker, who had been the Frick’s executive director since 2019. In April, Dunyak Gillen was able to take the “interim” out
Park
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Township engineer Mark Zemaitis told council that current estimates put the construction at about $7.45 million.
“That’s in today’s numbers. The climate of construction is ever changing, so keep that in mind,” Zemaitis said.
However, this vision for Rolling Hills Park is likely still a ways off. Township Manager Paul Lauer proposed to council that when they begin the budget process later this year, they should plan to begin soliciting bids at the end of 2027 and starting construction in 2028. Elected officials will also have to decide whether or not to raise taxes slightly to fund the project.
As part of Lauer’s proposed timeline, he suggested raising the current 1.7 millage rate by at least 0.1 mill. That would cost the average homeowner in Peters an additional $35.10, and bring the municipality about $344,167 annually.
“The other thing that I think is important to note is, you know, there is no municipality in Washington County that provides the services that Peters Township does, or provides them as robustly, ” Lauer said, adding that taxes in Peters remain relatively low compared to neighboring municipalities. According to Lauer, the township would also have to commit to a $10 million bond issue in 2028 for the park and other planned projects.
The first phase of redeveloping Rolling Hills Park was the soon-to-be-completed aqua park. That project was scaled down significantly when bids far exceeded its $10 million budget.
Councilman Tom Pirosko wondered if the township should move faster on the next phase to avoid ballooning costs.
“So how much will the cost increase in two, three years for construction? Because I mean, I remember when I was running for council the aquatic center was going to be $10 million. Then a couple years later we go out to bid, it’s 17-and-a-half,” Pirosko said.
Lauer did suggest there could be an accelerated timeline where Peters both raises taxes and takes on the $10 million bond issue next year to begin bids in January 2026, but that he does not believe that would be a financially prudent course.
“In all deference to (Gateway Engineering), they don’t know what it’s going to cost, we don’t know what it’s going to cost until you go out and bid it,” Lauer said. “Is it going to cost more to do it next year than this year? Yes. How much more? I don’t think anybody can tell you that.”
of her title when the Frick’s board of trustees chose her to be the executive director of the complex, which includes its art museum, the 23-room mansion once owned by industrialist Henry Clay Frick and the Car and Carriage Museum. After a national search, the board concluded that “the best person for the job was already at the Frick,” according to Steve Pavsner, the board’s chair. “We appreciate the work Amanda has done to keep the Frick on the right course in her role as interim executive director and have tremendous confidence in her ability to steer the Frick forward.”
Cyclists
“It’s a privilege to have this opportunity,” said Dunyak Gillen, who has more recently made her home in Mt. Lebanon with her husband, attorney Eric Gillen, their daughter, a dog and two cats. She said her goals as executive director include making the Frick “accessible and user friendly.”
The Frick Museum was launched in 1970 and contained the art collection of Helen Clay Frick, the daughter of Henry Clay Frick. Her father was the right-hand man of steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, and the elder Frick amassed his own considerable fortune, some of which
he poured into collecting art.
But he also acquired a whiff of notoriety as a result of his union-busting tactics and his role in a violent confrontation between striking steelworkers and Pinkerton agents in a strike at the Homestead Steel Works in 1892 that resulted in 16 deaths.
During the stretch the Frick was shuttered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, Dunyak Gillen and other personnel at the museum started thinking about how that history could be integrated into tours of the mansion. Thus was born the revamped tour that’s been
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parking plaza downtown along the Eliza Furnace trail, known as the “jail trail” in Pittsburgh. On weekends, her rides leave from the same location or from Bicycle Heaven in Manchester. She also leads rides that extend into suburban areas including the Panhandle Trail as well as routes in Verona, Oakdale and Ambridge.
While not his original intention, John Palmieri of Upper St. Clair is bringing together mountain bike riders of all skill levels and ages.
When he returned to the sport in 2015, Palmieri said, he really didn’t know any other mountain bikers. By chance, he met people while riding in South Park. That small group continued to expand until Palmieri asked his wife to help him set up a Facebook group for what became known as High Speed Dirt Mountain Bike (HSD MTB). The group’s grown to nearly 4,000 members.
“At the heart of it, we are really a grassroots meet up,” Palmieri said of the no-cost, no-waiver group. “HSD is for any new rider or existing rider looking to catch up with a group, meet new people and ride new trails.”
HSD meets Mondays at the South Park Ice Rink on Corrigan Drive at 6 p.m. and divides into skill level groups.
In Fayette County, mountain bikers have some great options at Ohiopyle State Park. The Ohiopyle Biking Club creates, maintains and rides the trails in the park.
The nine-mile Clay Mine Mountain Bike Trails are among the newest of the park’s 25 miles of bike trails, said Jesse Wilson, club board member
Shops
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along the Great Allegheny Passage across the street from the train station visitors center. The bike shack, which is the main mechanical repair location that just opened last week and is available for riders through the end of September, is prepared to fix “acute emergencies” such as flat tires and gearing issues, but workers there can perform more extensive repairs and tune-ups as well.
“We’re set up to handle that person coming off the trail with a flat or (broken) derailers or that acute emergency,” Martin said. “We also have a back of the house set-up for bigger jobs.”
If riders aren’t sure what their bike needs for the season, Trek Bikes on Route 19 in McMurray offers free safety checks and repair estimates without an appointment, store manager Jack Lackner said.
“Customers can roll them in any time a Trek shop is open,” Lackner said of the brand, which has six loca-
Writer Mike Jones
Staff Writer Jill Thurston
■ Western Pennsylvania Bicycle Club: http://wpabikeclub.com
■ Women at Work Cycling Club: https://womenatworkcyclingclub.com.
■ High Speed Dirt Mountain Bike: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ hsdmtb/
and one of the ride leaders. A professional building company helped with the project, which includes about six miles of machine-built trails. Less rocky and technical, they are more beginner friendly, Wilson said. Spring through fall, the club has Wednesday night rides that can also double as trail work nights.
Ride times and details are announced on the group’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
“We’d love to get more people out to the park to ride and experience the state park,” Wilson said.
As the name suggests, members of the Mt. Lebanon Cycling & Caffeine Club stop for a cup of brew while they cycle the roads of Pittsburgh and Washington County.
The group, comprised only of road riders, has existed for the better part of 35 years, said Dave Bodnar, one of the founding members. They set out at 7 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, starting at the Coffee Tree in Mt. Lebanon on Beverly Road. Saturday rides
called “Gilded, Not Golden,” that also includes perspectives of people whose lives might have been a little bit more hardscrabble than what the Fricks experienced.
“We didn’t feel (the tours) were as useful as they could be in 2020 and 2021,” Dunyak Gillen said. Now, the tours note what life was like for, say, steelworkers who labored in Pittsburgh’s mills in the late 19th century.
“He is complicated,” Dunyak Gillen said of the elder Frick.
Aside from her work at the Frick, Dunyak Gillen has been a board member of the Mid-Atlantic Association of
Museums, was the president of the Historical Society of Mt. Lebanon in 2024, and teaches a graduate course on museum education and public programming at Duquesne University.
In the months ahead, Dunyak Gillen said she will be part of planning exhibits that will be at the Frick over the next couple of years, and continue to demonstrate the museum’s value at a moment when cultural institutions are facing budget cuts and questions about their missions.
“It’s very exciting to think about what comes next,” she said.
last about three hours as they head to the Pittsburgh Zoo, crossing over Mt. Washington and stopping at La Prima coffee shop near the Convention Center. Sunday rides span between twoand-half to four hours as the group rides from Mt. Lebanon out to Cecil and Midway in Washington County, with the option to return or extend on a longer route.
Donning bright red, yellow and white matching jerseys, the Fort Couch Potatoes was formed by a group of teachers at Fort Couch Middle School in Upper St. Clair.
Ride captain and Fort Couch science teacher Greg Calvetti describes the group as friendly and noncompetitive with an average pace of 12-15 mps and a “no drop” policy, which means they will wait for riders who fall behind.
Saturday morning rides typically last one to two hours, meeting in different locations to ride on various routes including the Panhandle Trail, the Montour Trail, South Park roads and trails in and around downtown Pittsburgh.
Calvetti said riders range in age from 20s to 70s and new riders are welcome.
tions across the Pittsburgh region. “They can do a safety check or get a higher level of
service. For us, it’s very easy for us to get a quick look at their bike.”
Lackner suggests annual inspections and tune-ups to ensure all the “safety points”
of the bike are properly torqued and secure. But he said riders can do their own simple tasks each year, such as washing their bikes and using bicycle-grade lubricant on the sprocket and gears to keep their rig rolling.
“A clean bike can go a long way, especially in Western Pennsylvania with all the crushed limestone trails we have,” Lackner said.
With so many great trails –such as the Montour and Panhandle in Washington and Allegheny counties, the GAP and Sheepskin in Fayette County and the Greene River Trail in Greene County – there are many options for riders to get back on that bicycle.
“We’re in such close proximity of the Montour and Panhandle, so there are some awesome options for riders,” Lackner said, alluding to his bike shop’s location in Peters Township Martin agreed, saying residents in this region are fortunate to have such a robust trail system right in their backyard.
“The beauty of the GAP and other trails is they’re free,” Martin said. “But you gotta keep that bike moving.”
COURTESY OF WOMEN AT WORK LLC Women at Work riding group is run by Robin L. Woods.
MIKE JONES/OBSERVER-REPORTER
David Poe moves a bicycle back into place on the show floor at his Tandem Connection shop in Cecil Township after inspecting it Friday afternoon.
Open House Events
Thursday, May 15 and Friday, May 16 1-3 p.m.
Concordia offers the best in quality, security and value - and we’ll explain how we set ourselves apart in a brief information session with and delicious appetizers and refreshments followed by tours.
Registration is preferred, but walk-ins will be accepted. To RSVP, call Director of Marketing Christie Wahlen at 412-294-1351.
South Fayette Mini-THON sets record
Despite recent storms and power outages, South Fayette High School held its annual Mini-THON Friday and Saturday and set a national record.
The event raised $350,493 for the Four Diamonds fund to fight pediatric cancer, a 4% increase from 2024 and South Fayette’s third consecutive national record for the most ever raised by a Mini-THON.
The Mini-THON was primarily organized by the honors management class and involves students throughout all grades in the high school.
The class set an all-time sponsorship record, raising more than $120,000 in sponsorship funds.
“The growth of this event has brought the South Fayette community together, and anyone part of this has certainly left their mark in the legacy of Mini-THON at South Fayette,” Hillebrand said. “With the help of your teachers, administrators and fellow students, you can truly make a difference for those battling pediatric cancer.” South Fayette initially set the national record for Mini-THON fundraising in 2023 with a total exceeding $336,000. The following year, that record was exceeded by $2,000.
Peters TownshipBoutique Shop Hop
Saturday, May 17 | 10 AM - 4 PM th Peters Township
Visit each participating boutique, collect a stamp at each stop, and complete the card for a chance to win the GRAND PRIZE RAFFLE!
Designer Consignor of Peters Township
2858 Washington Rd
Arabesque Women’s Boutique
3204 Washington Rd
The Frog N Princess Children’s Boutique
3202 Washington Rd
Lux Jewelers
3515 Washington Rd
Lula Boutique for Women & Children
3911 Washington Rd
Pasquale Custom Tailor & Boutique
4000 Washington Rd
Opal Rose Women’s Boutique & Salon
4067 Washington Rd
Bloom Home Market
619 East McMurray Rd
Bombash Botanical Co.
628 East McMurray Rd
Vintage to Vogue Boutique
502 Valley Brook Rd
Its New to Me Consignment
522 Valley Brook Rd
Local business owner stresses the importance of native
By Jon Andreassi Staff writer
jandreassI@observer-reporter.com
If you’re looking to spruce up your property with flora, Gina DellaSalla urges that you are mindful to keep it native.
DellaSalla, a horticulturalist, is the owner of Cedar Bridge Botanicals, and will be at Citizens Library in Washington next week to discuss why it’s important to plant native plants while avoiding invasive species.
Her presentation, “Why Native Plants,” will be at 5:30 p.m. May 15, and those interested can register at citlib.org or by calling 724-222-2400. It is free to attend.
“Native plants are a huge passion of mine. This will be a beginner-friendly class,” DellaSalla said.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture encourages the removal of several invasive species if they are on your property. That includes the Callery pear, also known as the Bradford pear.
plants
According to DellaSalla, Bradford pear trees are distinguished by their white, smelly flowers.
“They have really nice fall colors,” she said. “They are causing a lot of problems as far as being kindling for wildfires.”
DellaSalla added that people also enjoy the burning bush for its bright red colors in autumn, but it also should be avoided. English ivy is another plant that will grow out of control if it is not dealt with quickly.
“That will eventually grow large enough to kill if you have native trees around … They can just run rampant, coat the floors of the forest and tear down the trees,” DellaSalla said.
According to DellaSalla, these invasive plants can harm the local environment because many pollinators will avoid them unless it becomes necessary for survival.
“A lot of our pollinators are super specialized,” DellaSalla said.
Caterpillars typically only eat milkwood. The ones that grow into Karner blue butterflies rely on lupine flowers.
“By supporting the pollinators, which are at the very bottom, you’ll be supporting everything high up,” DellaSalla said.
Helping inform people about what is best to plant and what to avoid is part of the reason she started Cedar Bridge in 2019. She typically sets up at local farmers markets to sell plants and seeds, but is also currently leasing space out of Enchanted Alchemy at 237 S. Main St. in Washington. She encourages those interested in planting native to come to Citizens Library with questions.
“I’ll have lots of take-home information if they would be interested in that as well,” DellaSalla said.
The event was chaired by Ava Altavilla, Cooper Hillebrand, Noah Mathias and Tessa Schwarzmiller.
COURTESY OF SOUTH FAYETTE SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Mini-THON set a national record by raising $350,493.
COURTESY OF GINA DELLASALLA
Pursuit of happiness
Peters Township’s McMillon makes dream come true
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor
ebailey@thealmanac.net
Donovan McMillon of McMurray believes in the Declaration of Independence not to mention the Constitution, particularly the Ninth Amendment. For unalienable rights mentioned in those documents catapulted the 2021 Peters Township High School graduate to success.
“If there is anything football has taught me, it’s positivity and happiness,” said McMillon. “Because whether you are playing football or doing whatever, life is about the pursuit of happiness. Football has kept me in positive spirits and it continues to make me happy.”
Immediately after the 2025 NFL Draft concluded, McMillon emerged ecstatic. Although undrafted, the 6-2, 203-pound safety received a call from Cleveland. The Browns wished to sign him as a priority free agent.
He reported to Cleveland, put his signature on a contract and embarked on his professional career during rookie minicamp, which was scheduled for May 9-11. The expectation is to be invited to training camp in August and to ultimately win a spot on the regular season’s 53-man roster. Sitting through the draft was “definitely stressful” but a “fun experience” said McMillon. He added that whether drafted or not, he made his goal happen.
“Obviously, everybody’s dream is to get drafted but mine is to get to the NFL,” he said. “I get a chance to sign a contract and a chance to play for an NFL team. I’m pretty excited about my opportunity. My goal is to do whatever it takes to make the roster, get on the field and help the team win.”
When the NFL Draft ended, McMillon had several inquiries. He talked to the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders. He went with the Browns because of their need for safeties as well as Ephraim Banda, who served as a safeties coach and co-defensive coordinator for the University of Miami during his 11-year collegiate career.
“Each team would give me a chance but when I went through the list some teams, like the Steelers, already had six or seven safeties on their roster. Some had up to eight. Others as little as four,” McMillon said.
His
Shelley, is a “calming” influence, while his father, Darrin, is the person he “looks up to the most” and helped him negotiate adulthood and “becoming a man” as well as football. His brothers, Darius, Dane and Davin, are his “best friends” whom he is excited for their own futures.
“I had a gut feeling about Cleveland. I looked at who was coaching and I’ve known (Banda) for a long time and they have one of the best special teams coaches. With the Browns, there’s a great opportunity to make some noise.”
During his amateur career, McMillon made such a commotion.
Out of high school, he was one of the WPIAL’s most heavily recruited players during his tenure at Peters Township. He was ranked as high as 15th among safeties in the nation.
An All-State performer, he led the Indians to a 20-3 record and consecutive WPIAL Class 5A championship appearances his junior and senior seasons.
McMillon also excelled in wrestling. He was a WPIAL and PIAA state Class 3A runner-up at 182 pounds.
“Peters Township is where it all started,” McMillon said. “It was about learning to take advantage of every opportunity and do the right things no matter who is watching. The 100 pushups every day. The extra work. Going to the field. Being part of a program,” he added.
McMillon said it was exciting to be part of the rebuilding process at Peters Township, which hadn’t won a conference championship since 1975 before picking up back-to-back banners in 2020 and 2021.
“It all came together. We switched the program around. It continues to grow and that’s exciting. Peters Township gave
me nothing but blessings and helped set me up to play in the SEC and ACC.”
After playing two years at the University of Florida, McMillon transferred to Pitt. He started two seasons at safety, earning second-team All-ACC honors. He led the Panthers in tackles in each of the last two years, combining for 220 tackles and one interception.
McMillon became the first Pitt player to record consecutive 100-tackle seasons since 2008. Additionally, he appeared in and contributed to all 50 possible games throughout his four-year college career.
College football prepared McMillon. He became both a better player and person, ready to tackle the next phase of his life.
“It was a maturity process. Becoming a man and readying for a grown-up job,” said McMillon, who graduated from Pitt this spring with a communications degree, with an emphasis on journalism and broadcasting. “From a football aspect, I became an unspoken leader. Football taught me to do what’s supposed to be done at a high level. To prepare, to study film and to push myself to be perfect in practice so things come easy in games.”
At the next level, McMillon shifts into preservation mode. In the NFL, McMillon said that players physically prepare themselves to play from the beginning of May to “quite possibly” February.
WPIAL playoffs commence with many local angles
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net
The WPIAL announced pairings for the high school baseball and softball playoffs and several area teams will begin pursuit of championships this week.
First-round action commences on May 12 and conclude with the finals in baseball at EQT Park in Washington and Lilley Field on the PennWest University campus in California’s. Six baseball and six softball champions will be crowned.
Visit www.wpial.com for complete brackets and matchups.
Though unheralded Mt. Lebanon hopes to return to the finals. The Blue have competed in the Class 6A finals for the past three years, claiming championships in 2022 and 2023 before falling to North Allegheny, 1-0, in 2024. The Blue Devils also won titles in 2006, 2002, 1993 and 1959 for six total.
Since finishing third in Section 2 with a 7-5 record, the Blue Devils have been preparing for the postseason. They have taken advantage of a two-week break before their first playoff game.
“We’ve practiced really hard each day to get ready to win two games on back-to-back days and find our way into the WPIAL championship,” said Lebo manager Patt McCloskey.
In the 8-team field, North Allegheny and Canon-McMillan claimed the Section 1 and 2 banners respectively. The Class 6A mix includes Seneca Valley, Butler and North Hills from Section 1. Norwin and Hempfield complete the bracket.
“It’s a very competitive field,” McCloskey said of Class 6A.
“We saw a number of very good teams with very good pitchers from both our section and the North throughout the year. So it’s very hard to pick a clear favorite.”
Noting the Blue Devils played a “number of really
competitive games” within the section, he said consistency will determine success.
“We just need to play a solid game in the playoffs to win,” McCloskey said.
Class 5A
Bethel Park used a solid effort to topple Mt. Lebanon, 6-2. The non-section clash on May 6 as well as a contest against Canon-McMillan helped the Black Hawks prepare for their playoff run in the Class 5A tournament. In the triumph, Michael Bruckner clubbed three hits and drove in two runs. Ryan Petras and Nick Rillo tagged two hits each. Eric Miehl smacked a tworun single while Noah LeJeune, Joey Levis and Aaron Hofbauer also had hits in the win. Owen White earned the win on the mound, striking out seven and scattering two hits over four frames. Tyler Stewart and Rillo finished the game in relief of White. The Black Hawks enter the playoffs as the Section 2 champions, their 37th in program history.
Although Bethel Park has won three state titles in the past four years, the team has not won a WPIAL banner since 1987. They were district runners-up in 2024, falling to Penn-Trafford, 4-3. Peters Township used a 2-1 victory over South Fayette on May 6 to solidify its grip on second place in Section 2. In the bottom of the second, Brody Takacs homered to tie the game, 1-1, for the Indians. The Lions scored previously in the top half of the frame. Brayden Harris doubled, went to third on a single by Owen Keener and scored after back-toback walks were issued to Anthony Diodata and Bo Stover. Brad Bucci scored the game-winning run on a wild pitch and throwing error.
Marathon madness: Spectating truly takes a commitment
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor
ebailey@thealmanac.net
A 5 a.m. wake-up call on a Sunday did not go ignored, even though it’s my one day to really relax. This May 4 was the 41st running of the Pittsburgh Marathon and I was participating. No, not as a runner. Rather as a spectator and a cheerleader for my favorite contestant – Michael Bailey – my nephew and Godson. Even crafted a sign with a catchy slogan – “Scale of 1-10, U.R.A. 26.2” – for him and the 3,784 participants in the long and arduous race. Clad in Gortex and equipped with cowbells, not to mention coolers packed with emergency supplies like water, Gatorade, Goo and nutrition bars for the participants, Michael’s Mobile Army
assembled near Caste Village and departed the South Hills. The caravan included Patricia Ward, an avid runner and marathon veteran not to mention Michael’s aunt. Her husband, Mike, served as chauffeur. He bypassed road closures, found free parking spaces and the best viewing sports to watch the runners parade past, like Sidney Crosby skating through defenders on his way to a goal. Positioned on the Southside, underneath the Garmin-sponsored 10-mile marker, we waited. And waited. See, the gun for the race’s 7 o’clock start had yet to sound. To pass the time, Mike asked, “Are you writing about this?” Before an answer could be formulated, a blast from the past approached.
Other than my 14 nephews and nieces, my kids are the athletes whom I have covered
on a weekly basis for as long as there have been Pittsburgh Marathons in my role as sports editor for The Almanac and contributor for the parent paper, The Observer-Reporter in Washington. And, crossing the street to greet me was one of them. Matt DiGiacomo was a Mt. Lebanon standout. He excelled in football and volleyball, a rare combination that screamed “feature story” back then.
After graduating high school, he attended St. Vincent College then earned a law degree from Widener University in 1996. Additionally, he spent nine years as an active duty Judge Advocate in the United States Army. He currently serves in the homicide unit as the Allegheny County Assistant District Attorney.
ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
Nolan Wilson of Upper St. Clair hurls a pitch to the plate during regular season baseball action. The WPIAL playoffs commence this week with first-round action on May 12.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Donovan McMillon tries on a Cleveland Browns cap for size. The Peters Township High School graduate agreed to a free agency contract and was to attend rookie minicamp from May 9-11.
Donovan McMillon celebrated with his family, whom he dubbed “his rock” in his bid to attain his goal of having an opportunity to play in the NFL.
mother,
PHOTOS: ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
ABOVE: Braedon Scherer was among those participating in the Pittsburgh Marathon relay. Participants ran segments of the course, which added up to the 26.2-mile distance, in an effort to raise money for their organizations. Scherer represented Urban Impact, a nonprofit located on the North Side. LEFT: Michael Bailey gives the thumbs up sign as he begins his final push toward the finish line in the 26.2-mile race.
A Moon resident, DiGiacomo was helping at the Southside Chamber of Commerce booth on Marathon Day because his girlfriend works in that area of Pittsburgh.
While we charted Michael’s progress through the West End via an “app”, we also watched as the frontrunners jockeyed for position, which eventually saw Mulgeta Birhanu Feyissa from Ethiopia edge out Milton Rotich in the male division as well as Jane Bareikis beat out Aberu Mekuria Zennebe in the female category.
Before long familiar faces trotted by. Some waved. One smiled.
Mike asked, “Did you know him?”
I replied, “I think it’s the poster.”
“No,” Tricia stressed. “He knew you.”
Mike added that I had better figure it out by the end of the race in case I ran into him again.
He looked like Noah Lejuene but I doubted the Bethel Park senior would be running in a marathon because his baseball team is in the midst of its own pursuit. The Black Hawks are chasing after a WPIAL championship after winning their 37th section title. They were PIAA state champions in 1988, 2021 and 2022. After Michael reached the 10-mile marker, on target for a sub 4-hour pace in his first marathon attempt, his following scooted off to Shady Side. Endurance was not reserved for only marathoners. Though parking was juxtaposed between two viewing positions, walking was required to see him rounding S. Aitken Street onto Walnut followed by a short sprint to yet another vantage point along East Liberty and Baum Boulevard. Old acquaintances were renewed and new friendships were forged along the path.
Met Matt Freed. He’s the only person other than Phil that I know from Punxsutawney. He worked for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette before the labor
dispute caused him and many of his brethren to go on strike.
A freelance photographer now, he was working the marathon.
The marathon attracted nearly 50,000 competitors and over 250,000 spectators, but it’s not just a 26.2-mile run. It included a half and back-half marathon, 4-mile fitness challenge, champions mile, toddler trot, pet walk, 5K and a relay.
The relays are a way for organizations and charities to raise funds. Teams cover 26.2 miles but members run segments of varying distances, passing a baton to the next runner at designated exchange zones.
Braedon Scherer participated in the marathon relay. A Shaler native, he played soccer at Eden Christian Academy before matriculation to Robert Morris University, earning a degree in marketing.
Scherer represented Urban Impact, which is a nonprofit on the North Side. The organization was the No. 1 fundraising charity in the 2024 marathon, raising over $94,000 for underserved youth in Pittsburgh.
Scherer loves his job, where he specifically works with children from grades 1 through 6 but also with high school and college students at summer camps.
“I get to mentor them and build them up and grow as much as possible,” he said. “They help me grow, too.”
Scherer hoped to help spread the good news Urban Impact promotes by supporting his fund-raising efforts, which can be found at uifpgh.givevirtuous.org/donate/missionaries--fellows.
ones pushing each other onward with encouraging words. Darting down Polish Hill, and onto Liberty Ave to the crossroads with 24th Street, spectators could be heard uttering familiar course chants such as “You Got This” as knees screamed in pain. Instead of running shoes, one of us had worn waterproof hiking boots for the forecasted rainstorms that never occurred.
Even Michael gave the thumbs up. He kicked it up a notch and crossed the finish line with a 3:46.22 chip time.
Playoffs
FROM PAGE B1
After we found Michael at the intersection of East Liberty and Baum Boulevard, looking as fresh as one could be 20 miles into a marathon, the sprint was on to our last possible viewing spot, before the baton would be turned over to his fiancé, Fabienne Hudson. The Mount Lebanon High School graduate was positioned at the finish line. She would stream the arrival of the conquering hero for those on the text loop. That group included out-of- town folks such as Michael’s parents, Bill and Barb, in Virginia and Uncle Jim in Atlanta.
It was a tense time and a tight turnaround for Michael’s Mobile Army as the cheerleaders became the
A day after his effort, Michael shared in a text message that he was feeling ok. “Pretty sore and going down stairs is tough.” Yet he was pleased with his performance. “I think if I got serious about it I could break 3:30, but don’t think I’d ever be near Boston qualifying time.”
He added that he wasn’t sure he’d do one again.
“I really enjoyed the event and the crowds, especially my mobile fan club,” he enthused. “The training time commitment is tough to maintain.”
Watching a marathon too is a commitment. A labor of love.
Jack Stewart and David Oberschelp combined on the mound to win the game, which was played over two days because of a weather suspension. With the win, the Indians improved to 7-4 in section and 12-6 overall while the Lions fell to 5-6. South Fayette’s final section contest was played May 7, making results unavailable at press time. The Lions were tied for the fourth and final playoff spot with Trinity. Both were a half-game behind third-place Upper St. Clair, which finished the regular season with a two-game showdown with Chartiers Valley. (Results also were unavailable for this edition of The Almanac.) While Section 2 went down to the wire filling the four playoff slots, Plum captured the top spot out of Section 1. Latrobe, Penn-Trafford and Franklin Regional join the Mustangs in the playoffs. In Section 4, Thomas Jefferson won the banner followed by Baldwin, Connellsville and Montour. Shaler, Pine-Richland, Fox Chapel and Mars earned the playoff spots out of Section 3.
“It’s not about being the fastest or strongest. It’s about longevity and if your body can take that so that when December rolls around you are not falling apart.” When he arrives in Cleveland, McMillon said he plans to continue working on his strength and speed. He’s “going all in at 180 percent” yet he’s adopting the philosophy of players who have lasted in the league.
“Perfecting my craft, being me and playing football like I do is the plan but the best ability in the NFL is availability and consistency. Go do your job and be available and stay healthy. Taking care of your body is the most important thing you can do. Anything other than that is a bonus.”
Spotless 2 story vinyl sided residence has 3 bedrooms. Enter this home from the covered rear porch into a large kitchen with 3 walls of cabinetry, stainless steel appliances can stay. Large open formal Dining Room has big window, wall to wall carpeting and ceiling fan. Large open Living Room has wall to wall carpeting, ceiling fan and access to a covered front porch. Additional room on this oor has amazing closet space and storage. Upstairs the front primary bedroom has two closets, 2 windows, additional storage above stairway, exposed original wood oors. Second bedroom has nice closet, display shelving, ceiling fan. third bedroom is carpeted, attic pull-down stairs. Full
and pendant
in 3rd
Access for
Make it a shower! Full
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and
and game
Laundry, Toilet and shower. Storage shelves under front porch. Newer hot water boiler, glass block windows. Shed. Attached carport. Wow!
AUDI AUDI WASHINGTON
453 Racetrack Road,Washington, PA 866-414-9744
www.audiwashington.com
BUICK
BUDD BAER BUICK
83 Murtland Avenue, Washington, PA 724-249-6047 www.buddbaergm.com
SOLOMON BUICK 1777 McClellandtown Rd, McClellandtown, PA 724-602-4678 solomonautogroup.com
CHEVROLET
BORTZ CHEVROLET
249 Roy E. Furman Hwy. Waynesburg, PA 15370 724-627-6171 www.bortzchevy.com
COLUSSY CHEVROLET
3073 Washington Pk. Bridgeville, PA 15017 412-564-9829 www.colussy.com
SOLOMON CHEVROLET 1777 McClellandtown Rd, McClellandtown, PA 724-602-4678
www.solmonchevy.com
SUN CHEVROLET Route 19, McMurray, PA 724-941-5160
www.sunchevy.com
WASHINGTON CHEVROLET
Intersection of Rt. 19, I-79 & I-70, Exit 19A Washington, PA 724-222-2800 www.washingtonchevy.com
CHRYSLER
SOLOMON CHRYSLER Routes 40 & 43 Brownsville, PA 724-785-8000 www.solomonauto.com
SOLOMON CHRYSLER Routes 21 7 88 Carmichaels, PA 724-966-2600 www.solomonauto.com
SOUTH HILLS CHRYSLER Washington Road, McMurray, PA 724-941-4300 www.southhillsauto.com
DODGE ROTOLO’S DODGE 58 Route 88, North Charleroi, PA 15022 888-269-6183
www.rotolomotors.com
SOLOMON DODGE Routes 21 & 88 Carmichaels, PA 724-966-2600 www.solomonauto.com
SOLOMON DODGE Routes 40 & 43 Brownsville, PA 724-785-8000 www.solomonauto.com
SOUTH HILLS DODGE Washington Road, McMurray, PA 724-941-4300
www.southhillsauto.com
FIAT
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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
SOLOMON GMC 1777 McClellandtown Rd, McClellandtown, PA 724-602-4678 solomonautogroup.com
HARLEY DAVIDSON
STEEL CITY HARLEY DAVIDSON 1375 Washington Road, Washington, PA 724-225-7020 www.steelcitymotorcycles.com
HONDA C. HARPER HONDA 106 Harper Drive Belle Vernon, PA 15012 724-929-8000 Ext. 227 Chuck Calcek www.charperhonda.com
WASHINGTON HONDA Rt. 19, Strabane Square Washington, PA 15301 724-222-2213 www.washhonda.com
HYUNDAI
WASHINGTON HYUNDAI 305 WashingtonRd. Rt. 19 at Strabane Square Washington, PA 724-222-2216 www.washhyundai.com
JEEP
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
SOUTH HILLS JEEP Washington Road, McMurray, PA 724-941-4300 www.southhillsauto.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
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
