Tourism agency announces local grants for American Spirit program
As the country prepares to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary next year, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency announced grants for six new projects totaling $150,000 through the American Spirit Grant Program that will enhance recreation, preserve history and strengthen community spaces across the county.
The first round of American Spirit Grant Program projects was approved by the tourism agency’s board last month, and reflects the organization’s commitment to honoring Washington County’s role in American history while investing
in the county’s future. Through the program, the agency is dedicating $25,000 to each municipality in Washington County for a community project to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. From new pavilions to historical reconstructions, the projects are designed to provide lasting benefits for visitors and local communities and their residents.
“These projects reflect the very best of Washington County – our history, our sense of community and our shared commitment to honoring the past while improving public spaces for future gener-
ations,” said Jeff Kotula, who is president of the Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency. “Each of these municipalities has stepped forward with meaningful projects that will serve both residents and visitors as we celebrate America 250 during 2026.”
In the first round of American Spirit Grant Program grant approvals, six municipalities submitted applications and were approved by the tourism board.
North Franklin Township partnered with the Washington County Historical
HONORING VETS
Veterans Day observance on tap in local communities
Several South Hills communities will conduct Veterans Day observances on Nov. 11. Navy Seal Brian Loughridge will be the keynote speaker at a ceremony set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial off Cedar Boulevard in Mt. Lebanon. Loughridge is also a Mt. Lebanon volunteer firefighter.
Commissioner Craig Grella will deliver the welcome remarks and Pastor Doug Heagy from the Mt. Lebanon United Lutheran Church will give the invocation and benediction.
Scout Troop 284 will present the colors and lead the Pledge of Allegiance while the Triple Trio from the high school will sing the national anthem and “God Bless America.” A ceremony honoring members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces will be held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Upper St. Clair Veterans Park, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road. Co-hosted by the Upper St. Clair School District and the Township of Upper St. Clair, the event is free and open to the public. The program will feature musical performances by the Upper St. Clair High School Chanteclairs and a trombone quartet composed of members of the high school’s Wind
By Karen Mansfield newsroom@heraldstandard.com
Laura Magone has a sweet idea. Magone, founder of The Wedding Cookie Table Community on Facebook – a group that has grown to include more than 381,000 bakers worldwide in the decade since she launched it – aims to set the world record for The World’s Largest Christmas Cookie Exchange. It’s a lofty goal, but the Christmas cookie exchange
isn’t the WCTC’s first attempt at a record-breaking venture. In 2019, the group established the Guinness World Record for largest wedding cookie table. Held in Magone’s hometown of Monongahela, the event included 400 bakers – professional and amateur –who made 88,425 cookies to capture the title.
Magone also started Cookie Table University, which hosts events that feature cookie-baking demonstrations, vendors,
Ensemble, along with band director Nick Deutsch. Located adjacent to the township’s municipal building and library, Upper St. Clair Veterans Park features seven monuments recognizing each branch of the military: the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, and National Guard. Parking is available in the side lot of the municipal building, near Clair’s Kennel and the library entrance.
is celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary through the American Spirit program.
By Jon Andreassi Staff writer jandreassi@observer-reporter.com
Josh Hartman was not sure if it was his wife on the ground after a utility pole fell following their son’s soccer game last week.
“As I took a couple more steps, I realized it was her,” Hartman said.
Dezzarea Hartman, a kindergarten teacher at Claysville Elementary School in McGuffey School District, was struck by a utility pole broken by a downed tree on Oct. 19 at Evans Field in South Park.
Josh Hartman said she suffered three vertebrate fractures. She underwent surgery and had rods and screws inserted in her back.
Josh said Dezzarea was holding their 3-year-old daughter, Brynn, and walking back to their car when the accident occurred. Brynn was unharmed.
“I still don’t understand how Brynn survived unharmed,” Josh said. “I don’t like to think about what could have happened. I just feel really blessed that the outcome, while horrible, could have been so much worse.”
In the days following the accident, Dezzarea’s friend Megan Scott set up a GoFundMe campaign to help the Scott Township family with their medical bills. As of Tuesday afternoon, the fundraiser had nearly reached $60,000 of its $65,000 goal. Josh said Scott had asked for permission to create the GoFundMe. He expected a few hundred dollars, maybe $2,000 at most.
He called the outpouring of support “absolute insanity.”
“It’s very touching. It’s emotional that people would reach out and help us … That’s not a small thing to give money,” Josh said.
Josh expressed gratitude for many people at the scene who helped his wife and family. He said Anthony Pistorius jumped in to help hold Dezzarea despite having to reach through live wires.
He also credited Sarah Jakubovic, a nurse, who prevented others from administering CPR.
“I just remember her refusing to leave Dez’s side. She was the only medically trained person. If they had given her CPR, it would have been a horrible mistake from the injury she had,” Josh said.
Josh said Dezzarea has been recovering at UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, and will soon move to a rehabilitation facility in Sewickley. He described Friday as being an “encouraging day,” with Dezzarea being able to stand and take some steps.
MIKE JONES/OBSERVER-REPORTER
The Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency
SUBMITTED
Josh and Dezzarea Hartman with their children Mya, Brynn and Wes
GRANTS
FROM PAGE A1
Society and will reconstruct the Augusta Town Courthouse. Originally built in 1776 and recognized as the first courthouse west of the Monongahela River, the log structure will be rebuilt near the township’s new Waterside Park, providing an educational and cultural destination. Nottingham Township will develop the Andrew Devore Pavilion at Sherwood Park,
COOKIE
FROM PAGE A1
and giant cookie tables. The events draw Facebook members from across the United States.
The group’s efforts to celebrate the Southwestern Pennsylvania tradition of wedding cookie tables, and their success at doing just that has gained recognition. The Wedding Cookie Table Community has been featured on local and national news media, including a segment on NBC’s “Today” show.
So, when Magone read an article about a Christmas cookie exchange in Cleveland, Ohio, that drew 300 bakers who produced 21,600 cookies, she started thinking about holding one in Washington County.
“I thought, ‘Well, that’s really nice, but my Wedding Cookie Table Community could do so much more than that,'" said Magone. “In the back of my mind, I thought, ‘I’m going to work on that in 2025.’” Magone, a business consultant who also works as a documentary filmmaker and historian, believes the event will be a sweet success.
So, on Nov. 30, from 1 to 4 p.m., teams of 10 members (or fewer) will gather at Kringle’s Kitchen in the Washington County Fairgrounds in an attempt to set a world record.
Even better, said Magone, is that teams from across the country and around the world can participate remotely by setting up cookie exchanges in their areas. On a Facebook page Magone started for The World’s Largest Cookie Exchange, information on setting up the cookie exchange and gathering and submitting evidence is provided.
The response has been spectacular. So far, more than 1,700 bakers have joined the site, and teams have formed from locations including Chicago, Tucson, Ariz., Los Angeles, and Seattle.
In Toledo, Ohio, Team Sugar Plum Sweets – “rolling pins held high!” they said – is ready to bake. So is Team Buckeye Baking Crew from Findlay, Ohio, and Team Baking Spirits Bright from Pittsburgh.
“I’m just thrilled with the number of teams we have and the states that are represented,” said Magone, who noted
named in honor of a Revolutionary War soldier and early township settler. The 24-by24-foot lighted, landscaped and ADA-accessible pavilion will support growing demand for shelter rentals and complement the park’s existing amenities.
Peters Township will install a four-faced commemorative street clock in the heart of its Town Center. The clock, adorned with both the township and county seals, will serve as a symbol of community pride and a gathering point
near the public library and municipal complex. An accompanying plaque will honor the founding of Washington County, Peters Township and America’s 250th anniversary.
Somerset Township has identified its newly acquired township park on Vanceville Road as a priority site for improvements, beginning with a 24-by-48-foot pavilion. The project will provide covered gathering space and will lay the foundation for future enhancements outlined in the township’s park master plan,
that teams from Canada and New Zealand have signed up, too. “People from all over the country are excited to be a part of it.”
The cookie exchange is sponsored by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency.
“In Washington County, we’re always looking for new and unique events that celebrate our history and our heritage, and Laura and WCTC have met both those goals with the cookie tables and Cookie Table University," said Jeff Kotula, president of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency.
“I think everybody can remember – and still look forward to – going to weddings and having these beautiful cookie tables; it’s a part of our heritage. And the same thing with Christmas cookies. Laura and the cookie table community have been doing a great job of keeping the heritage alive and introducing it to a new generation.”
Here’s how a cookie exchange works: Each person brings a designated number of one kind of cookie to swap with other bakers who also bring along one kind of cookie. So, everyone arrives with one type of cookie and leaves with a variety of sweet treats.
For the WCTC record-setting attempt, teams must register with the Facebook group, which can be found by plugging in “World’s Largest Cookie Exchange.” Teams within 75 miles of
the fairgrounds will convene there (out-of-towners will determine their own meeting place), set up and decorate their tables, and exchange cookies with the members of their team.
Team members are asked to bring 10 dozen cookies for the exchange, and an additional two dozen cookies that will be added to a “community table” for munching and sampling.
“We have some groups planning outfits to match their tables: One group is dressing up as elves. People are getting very creative,” said Magone.
Teams also are asked to submit two to four recipes “and a photo of a batch of cookies that are artistically arranged as if they are ready for Santa” that will be considered for inclusion in “The World’s Largest Cookie Exchange Cookbook.”
Judges will pick one team with the best decorated table, cookies and outfits at the fairgrounds location and each team member will receive a set of bakeware from USA Pan.
Judges also will choose one remote winning team that will be given a bakeware set for each member.
The event will be open to the public, with a $5 admission fee.
Magone, the daughter of a steelworker and a homemaker and the granddaughter of Italian immigrants, is proud of her roots and her family’s culinary traditions.
Growing up, cookies were a staple of family gatherings, and during the holidays, the
P.T. council considers changes to recreational scheduling policy
By Jon Andreassi Staff writer
jandreassi@observer-reporter.com
At its next meeting, Peters Township council will consider a resolution to change the policy for scheduling recreational activities at the municipality’s facilities on Sunday mornings.
Currently, Peters does not allow activities at its fields before noon on Sundays. Earlier this month the township’s parks and recreation board voted to recommend that council eliminate that policy due to increased participation in youth sports.
“This has been in place the entire time that I’ve been here,” said Township Manager Paul Lauer. “It has been reconsidered a couple times. Council did not want to interfere with families who desire to attend church services on Sunday as a family.”
Lauer added that previous councils simply wanted some time during the week where “organized children’s activities just didn’t interfere with family time.”
Council members decided at their meeting on Nov. 27 that they would vote on a resolution next month that would
allow for youth sports to schedule activities at township facilities on Sunday mornings. However, “township-sponsored” events would still be restricted.
The resolution will be on the agenda for council’s Nov. 10 meeting.
“Times have changed. It’s not uncommon to have these types of activities on Sunday morning,” Lauer said, adding that enrollment in youth sports is “way up.”
Council meetings occur at 7:30 p.m. at the Peters Township municipal building at 610 E. McMurray Road.
which is currently under development.
South Franklin Township will use its grant money to assist in the construction of a new multipurpose stage at the community park. This new venue will host concerts, festival celebrations and cultural events, creating opportunities to attract visitors to the township and providing a place for residents to gather and celebrate.
West Pike Run Township will construct a new 20-by30-foot pavilion at Crescent
kitchen was filled with the aroma of her mother’s pizzelles and biscotti.
“I grew up in the mid-Mon Valley steeped in the cookie table tradition. I had a mom and all of her friends and all of my aunts who baked for weddings,” said Magone. “Anybody from the area knows this is just what we do. It was inevitable that I’d become a cookie maker. My interest in cookies is not only in the baking, it’s in the cultural part of it.”
Side note: recently, Magone called into the Bubba Show on 100.7 FM where she weighed in with host Mark “Bubba” Snider on when wedding guests can start eating cookies at the reception (immediately, she said).
The Pittsburgh cookie table, a staple of weddings in Southwestern Pennsylvania, captures the spirit of community, says Magone. Baking is a labor of love.
“It epitomizes who we are. It’s about more than cookies. It’s about relationships and friendships and people nurturing each other,” said Magone. “It reminds us of our roots. We think about our parents and our grandparents and our aunts, and it’s a way of keeping them with us.”
That spirit of community has led WCTC to participate in outreach during times of tragedy and struggle. Group members have baked cookies for Pittsburgh Police Zone 4 and first responders following the Tree of Life shooting in 2018, organized cookie tables for those impacted by the school shooting in Uvalde in 2022 (the group also donated stuffed animals and grief books), put together a cookie table for the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 United Airlines Flight 93 crash in Shanksville, Somerset County, and bakes cookies for nonprofit organizations and events.
“The bakers in my community have the biggest hearts,” said Magone.
Magone said she never imagined the WCTC would have grown into an impactful site, where bakers not only exchange recipes and advice, but a community of women and men who make a difference in their communities.
“Out of everything I’ve done in my life, the Wedding Cookie Table Community is what I will be remembered for,” said Magone, with a chuckle. “And I am happy for that.”
Heights Park, which is the township’s only public park and serves as a hub for family reunions, community picnics and local events.
The American Spirit Grant Program has been designed to support community-based projects that enhance tourism, recreation and historical awareness across Washington County. Collectively, these initiatives will leave a legacy for the county’s residents while welcoming visitors to Washington County throughout the America 250 celebration
in 2026 and beyond. The application and approval process is ongoing, with applications being accepted on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply, but grant projects must be completed by July 4 to be eligible for funding.
“We are also looking forward to future applications from all our local municipalities,” Kotula said. Go online www.washcogrant.com for more information on program guidelines and the application process.
VETERANS
FROM PAGE A1
Bethel Park has planned a full day of activities at the Schoolhouse Arts & History Center, located at 2600 South Park Road. Free donuts and coffee will be available from 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tables will be set up by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the American Legion and display photos of local veterans. Wreaths Across America will also be sold during this time period
Individuals can drop off veteran photos from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 10 in the DAR and classroom areas of the schoolhouse. Limit one photo per veteran. Free presentations will be offered in the evening in the auditorium situated on the second floor of the schoolhouse.
From 7 to 8 p.m. “Homecoming: Sgt. Hamilton’s Long Journey” by producer David Solomin of WQED will be shown. From 8 to 8:30 p.m. How to Conduct Veterans Record Research will be the topic of Beth Reuschel’s discussion. Those present will learn how to research veterans and military records. A question-and-answer session will follow.
The chamber, which serves Bethel Park, Castle Shannon and South Park, will host its annual Veterans Day Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Bethel Park Community Center, located on Park Avenue. Veterans attend for free while guests are admitted for $20 each.
Visit bpchamber.org to register.
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Registered Nurses Club will hold its annual Veterans Day Memorial Service at noon on Nov. 11. The event
TEACHER
FROM PAGE A1
He described his wife as a long-term planner, and said she had been concerned about setting up plans for a substitute teacher and even-
will take place at the Nurses Memorials on Corrigan Drive in South Park. Guest speaker is 1st Lt Amanda Clark, who is currently serving in the Pennsylvania ARNG. The South Hills Honor Guard, VFW Post 6664 will present a 21-gun salute and Taps at the Purple Heart Monument. Bagpiper Bradley Wilson will play a medley of military songs and memorial wreaths will be placed. The public can attend.
One day before Veterans Day, Thomas Jefferson High School will host a "From a Distance" event featuring Donna Groom of The Skyliners at 7 p.m. Nov. 10. The special community celebrations honors veterans and supports the Life Changing Service Dogs For Veterans mission. The show features Groom presenting real letters sent from soldiers to their families or letters written by families to those serving in the military, accompanied by music from that era. These letters span the period from the Civil War to Afghanistan. Tickets are $22 for adults and $11 for students. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. All proceeds from ticket sales, raffles and donations directly benefit Life Changing Service Dogs For Veterans, which supports the placement and training of service dogs for those who have served. Veterans. Visit: https://tjhs.ludus. com to purchase tickets in advance.
Finally, Chartiers Valley High School will conduct a flag-raising ceremony, honoring all who served, at 10 a.m. Nov. 11. Refreshments will be served following the event. All veterans can attend. Veterans should RSVP to jheffley@cvsd.net or kkelsch@cvsd.net.
tually getting back into her classroom.
“I think it’s sinking in that she can take a little more time. It certainly helps with the GoFundMe,” he said. “I think that GoFundMe really, really helps take some stress off of her.”
The Municipality of Bethel Park will host a free TV and Electronics Recycling event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Allegheny County South Park Wave Pool parking lot.
The event is open to households and small businesses and is being coordinated by JVS Environmental.
According to JVS, the company’s last-sponsored
event was one of the largest in the South Hills. During that event, JVS serviced over 500 vehicles and processed more than 100,000 pounds of e-waste. Citizens can dispose of televisions (all types & sizes), computers & laptops, monitors, other computer accessories, gaming consoles, telephones, radios, microwaves, and more.
Prohibited items include smoke detectors, loose batteries, medical equipment, curling irons, personal hygiene items, paper, general rubbish, and light bulbs. Full details of all accepted and prohibited items can be found at www.bethelparkpa. gov.
Event questions can be directed to nguarino@bethelparkpa E-recycling event scheduled Nov. 8
COURTESY OF LAURA MAGONE
Wedding Cookie Table Community prepared black and gold Pittsburgh Cookie Tables twice when the Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards, which recognize excellence in television production across the Mid-Atlantic region, including Pennsylvania, were hosted in Pittsburgh.
Mt. Lebanon Public Library named Library of the Year
By Brad Hundt Staff writer bhundt@observer-reporter.com
Mt. Lebanon Public Library has been named Pennsylvania’s library of the year by the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLa).
It is the first library in Allegheny County and in the Pittsburgh region to receive the honor, which was first given in 2018. The Mt. Lebanon Public Library was given the award for its leadership, its service within the PaLa and for the steps it has taken to protect access to information.
Earlier this year, the library’s board designated it a book sanctuary, which means the library collects and protects endangered books, makes those books accessible and offers educational programming on book banning.
In a news release, Library Director Robyn Vittek said, “Our library is a shining example of a community coming together to prioritize and support the idea that libraries are for everyone.” She added that board and staff members and volunteers “work hard every day to provide a safe, welcoming space that champions intellectual freedom, creative expression, and personal fulfillment for families, residents, and patrons of all ages. This recognition is not just a celebration of our library; it’s a celebration of our community and the people who make it thrive.”
The library has been a part of the Mt. Lebanon commu-
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nity for close to 93 years. Last year, the library circulated more than 700,000 items and its staff answered more than 23,000 reference questions. Of the 34,000 residents in Mt. Lebanon, 56% have active library cards.
Previous recipients of PaLa’s library of the year honors include the Weinberg Memorial Library at the University of Scranton, the James V. Brown Library in Williamsport and the Chester County Library.
Bethel Park conducting community-wide food drive
In response to the ongoing government shutdown and its impact on local families, the Municipality of Bethel Park has partnered with SHIM (South Hills Interfaith Movement) and the Blackhawk Family Relief Fund to launch a community-wide food drive.
“As benefits are lost, we want to make sure no one is turned away,” said Mayor Jack Allen, who announced the initiative in a phone message to all residents. “This is about neighbors helping neighbors - and making sure no one goes hungry during this difficult time.”
Bethel Park Council president John Oakes agrees, “Bethel Park has always been a community that steps up
for one another. This food drive reflects the compassion and resilience of our residents - and I’m proud to see so many partners working together to make it happen."
Residents can donate non-perishable food items at the following locations during regular business hours:
■ Bethel Park Police Station (5100 W. Library Ave.)
■ Bethel Park Community Center (5151 Park Ave.)
■ Reginald’s Coffee (Schoolhouse Arts & History Center – 2600 South Park Rd.)
■ Jugo-Slav Club (5225 N. Pennsylvania Ave.)
South Hills Movers has provided all collection boxes, and Shop ‘n Save is making a
donation to help kickstart the effort.
Monetary donations will be accepted by Chris Van Dyke, president of the Blackhawk Family Relief Fund. Checks can be made payable to: Blackhawk Family Relief Fund and mailed to 5799 Glen Ora Dr., Bethel Park, PA 15102 All funds will be distributed through SHIM. For those in need a food distribution will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6 and from 10 a.m. to noon (drive-through) Friday, Nov. 7 at SHIM’s Bethel Park location, 5301 Park Ave. Residents unable to attend these pickup times may call 412-854-9120 to make alternate arrangements.
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MT. LEBANON MUNICIPALITY
The exterior of the Mt. Lebanon Public Library, which has been named library of the year by the Pennsylvania Library Association.
Konnor Abele
Agnes Alexander
Harper Altrogge
Iris Anderson
Bridget Battenfelder
Parker Boyce
Colin Bozick
Ari Broverman
Hazel Browne
Emma Cheskawich
Clara Chisholm
Claire Connolly
Anthony Consentino
Daniel Davies
Harlow Delehanty
Elizabeth Divine
Andrew Divine
Adrian Dolfi
Sabine Du Mont
Sonny Dunlap
Linnea Engman
Jocelyn Erskine
Milo Foster
Holden Frye
Calvin Glessner
Garrett Glynn
Delaney Graybill
Xavier Graybill
Chai Green
Elizabeth Guszkiewicz
Jacob Guszkiewicz
Katherine Hamiton
HONORING MT. LEBANON SCHOOL DISTRICT
MARCHING BAND
Emma Heisel
Lucy Hernandez
Edith High
Wyatt Holliday
Evelyn Holzer
Haruya Iyobe
Caiden Jory
Robert Kennedy
Bruno Kollar
Kelsey Larson
Ky Larson
Eli Lasus
Aaron Levinthal
Katrina Lucchino
Zev Margolis
Mason McBride
Georgia McElwain
Xander McFarland
Lizzie McKenna
Spencer Miller
Brady Miller
Stuart Monocello
Paxson Murral
Alex Murray
Alex Neergaard
Katrielle Nicholson
Liam Novosat-Clark
Leo Nowatzki
Isaac Ober
Adriana Oliveros
Margo Peterson
Abbott Piontkowski
Cadence Pratt
Grace Prendergast
James Quisenberry
Clay Raff
Haven Schilken-Ruscitti
Anika Schmid
Anisha Schmid
Eleanor Schulte-Albert
Sam Shaw
Amelia Siemianowski
Emma Smail
JJ Soderberg
Elise Stock
Luca Stock
Caroline Stafford
Liam Streitmatter
Gino Surkosky
Eli Sutter
Margot Teh
Lila Thomas
Alexander Thompson
Finn Thompson
Elora Tighe
Alejandro Voisin
Lucy Wang
Anja Williams
Amelie Williamson
Max Wolfe
Lily Wyland
Samantha Young
Madeline Zapko
Movin’ on
Walsh reflects on career as he nears retirement
By Paul Paterra Staff writer ppaterra@observer-reporter.com
From the time he was a child, it seemed that Dr. James Walsh was destined to be an educator.
He recalled gathering up his sister’s stuffed animals so that he could teach them, passing out and collecting papers from them.
“I was fascinated by the work and by the challenges, and all of the creativity of education,” he said. “I knew I was going to college to be a teacher.”
Now, after more than three decades, Walsh has decided to bring his career to a close. At the end of this school year, he will retire as the superintendent of the Bethel Park School District.
“Personally, it was time to move on,” he said. “I think I’ve accomplished more than I imagined possible for myself professionally. I want to be able to dedicate more time to my family and other pursuits.”
Walsh, 57, started with the district in March 2021. He said there was a new school board in place that prioritized educational programs and infrastructure.
“They felt there had been too much neglect of (programs and buildings), so they pushed us to develop a strategic plan that would address the neglect,” he said.
“We never had administrators that would get that involved in the community, wanting to meet not just the business owners, but the actual residents,” he said. “You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone with a negative word to say about him.”
Before Bethel Park, Walsh had many steps along his educational journey.
Walsh started his teaching career in Charles County, Md. He returned to the area as a teacher in the Peters Township School District in 1998.
Two years later the self-described “armchair quarterback” started to get the itch to try his hand at administration. Walsh took a position as an assistant principal in the Hopewell School District, which was in the midst of a major renovation project. It was while he held this position that there were major watershed moments in education - No Child Left Behind and the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
“Those two events early in my administrative tenure really shaped me a lot on how I would approach the work of school leadership and, ul timately, district leadership,” Walsh said.
After three years as assistant principal and three more as a principal, Walsh became Aliquippa’s first-ever director of curriculum and instruction. During that time, the academically distressed district made Adequate Yearly Progress for
Part of the plan included replacing the district’s six elementary schools with one: Bethel Park Elementary School. The $133 million school will open for the 202627 school year. Other modernization efforts included renovations at Independence Middle School and work at the facilities and operations center, including the parking area. Andy Amrhein, owner of Evey True Value Hardware, has worked closely with Bethel Park superintendents for about 45 years as a community leader. He said the district has had many great superintendents over the years, but classified Walsh as “the best.”
COURTESY OF THE BETHEL PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT
Dr. James Walsh is retiring as the superintendent of the Bethel Park School District at the end of the school year.
the first time.
Walsh then moved on to the district at which he was once a student - Mt. Lebanon. The 1986 graduate spent three years as a curriculum supervisor in the district before becoming principal at Jefferson Middle School.
This was followed by a sixyear stint as superintendent of the Burgettstown School District before coming to Bethel Park.
Bethel Park Assistant Superintendent Mandy Figlioli also worked with Walsh at Burgettstown.
“He leads in a way that he genuinely tries to encourage everyone to have a voice in the matter and works in a way that allows you to take creative risks,” she said.
When asked what he will miss the most upon his retirement, Walsh had a quick answer: “The people.”
From the start of his career to his time in Bethel Park, Walsh said he’s been fortunate to learn from incredible educators. He’s hopeful he may have helped those who worked with him learn, too.
As he gets ready for his last year at Bethel Park, Walsh said he is proud to leave behind a legacy that prioritized education and infrastructure, and fostered a sense of community within the district.
“I feel like there has been a cultural shift here at Bethel,” he said. “I think we’ve come a long way, both physically and spiritually.”
Author of Whiskey Rebellion novel to appear at Bradford House Meeting House
Jack Maurer, the author of a novel that dramatizes events surrounding the Whiskey Rebellion, will be at the Bradford House’s Meeting House in Washington Thursday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m. His novel, “March in the Morning,” is set in July 1794 and is about the events leading to the Battle of Bower Hill, the first clash of the Whiskey Rebellion. Maurer’s narrative illuminates both the rebels and those who were charged with upholding the law of the newly established federal government.
Maurer grew up less than a mile from the site of the Battle of Bower Hill and developed a lifelong fascination with the Whiskey Rebellion in childhood. He spent four decades as a corporate communications executive, holding senior positions with companies including PPG Industries, Bayer, Washington Steel and more.
The program is part of the Bradford House Museum’s mission to preserve and inter-
pret the history of Washington County and the Whiskey Rebellion era. For more information and
to register, go online to bradfordhouse.org, or send an email message to info@bradfordhouse.org.
COURTESY OF THE BRADFORD HOUSE
Jack Maurer, the author of the novel “March in the Morning,” will be at the Bradford House’s Meeting House in downtown Washington Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.
South Fayette student designs veterans monument
A new alumni veterans monument graces the entrance to South Fayette High School. This student-led contribution was spearheaded by freshman Jasim Khilji as part of his Eagle Scout service project. The five-sided brick monument honors district alumni who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Atop the structure rests a 24-pound stone eagle on a liberty bell, symbolizing strength, sacrifice, and freedom. Each side of the monument bears one of the five military branch emblems.
For Khilji, the project was personal because he comes from a family with deep respect for the military.
“I wanted to create something lasting for the South Fayette community that shows our gratitude to alumni veterans,” he said. “This monument will stand as a reminder of their courage and service.”
Khilji led every aspect of the project from developing the design and presenting proposals, to writing letters, fundraising, and coordinating with professionals. He worked hands-on throughout the construction, often alongside his family, fellow Scouts, and community volunteers.
Khilji’s grandfather, Khalid, a Scout and civil engineer, served as Scout coach and mentor on the project.
South Fayette Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michelle Miller and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kristin Deichler supported Khilji ’s vision, giving him the necessary support to design and execute the project.
“Jasim’s dedication, leadership, and determination embody the best of South Fayette,” said Miller. “This monument is a powerful tribute to our alumni and a reminder of the values we hold dear.”
Khilji worked with the district’s Facilities Director Steve Timmins and Director of Student and Community Engagement Dr. Chuck Herring on determining the best campus location for the monument. The project was made possible thanks to the generosity of local businesses,
professionals, and community members including materials donations from Miller’s Ace Hardware and the Bridgeville Home Depot as well as services and labor from the Pullman Co. Engineering and design expertise were provided by contacts with GAI Consultants, the Department of Defense, and GeoMechanics Inc.
The military emblems were contributed by Scoutmaster Tom Taylor from the Oakdale Troop 248. Khilji’s parents, Zirgham Khilji and Nazish Habib, provided the stone eagle centerpiece.
The monument is awaiting the addition of a $4,000 custom-engraved granite bench donated by Gaydos Monument Co.
PHOTOS SUBMITTED Jasim Khilji is pictured with his family during the unveiling of the alumni veterans monument.
Jasim Khilji works on the monument. As part of his Eagle Scout service project, the South Fayette High School freshman created the monument as a tribute to alumni serving in the military.
sports
‘DON’T GET RATTLED’
South Fayette’s Zeng captures WPIAL cross country championship
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net
Before embarking on its quest for a WPIAL championship, Peters Township celebrated an undefeated regular season in football.
By shutting out Bethel Park, 35-0, on Oct. 24, the Indians captured the Allegheny Six Conference championship with a 5-0 mark.
The win marked the fifth time this season the Indians held an opponent scoreless. They have allowed just 6.3 points a game while averaging 34.3 on offense.
The triumph clinched the No. 2 seed for the Indians in the Class 5A tournament. Pine-Richland gained the No. 1 spot. The two teams met in last year’s final at Acrisure Stadium with the Rams posting the victory and earning the championship trophy.
Peters Township gained a first-round bye in the tournament and will host a quarterfinal contest at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7. The Indians face the winner of the North Hills
(3-7) at Bethel Park contest played Oct. 31. (Results unavailable at press time.)
In the regular season win against the Black Hawks, Nolan DiLucia completed 18 of 23 passes for 258 yards and two scoring strikes of 4 and 28 yards to Jeremy Poletti and Lucas Rost. Rost finished with five receptions for 67 yards while Lucas Shanafelt led with seven grabs for 94 yards.
DiLucia, who has passed for over 8,000 yards in his scholastic career, also rushed for a 3-yard touchdown.
Cole Neupaver accounted for the first two scores on rushes of 47 and 3 yards. Neupaver finished with 129 yards rushing.
Bright spots in the loss for the Black Hawks, who finished the regular season at 6-4 but 2-3 in the conference, were Evan Devine and Santino Nowozeniuk.
Devine completed nine passes for 147 yards. Nowozeniuk pulled in seven of those aerials for 133 yards.
Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net
Positioned in the middle of the starting line among hundreds of runners from 27 teams, Angela Zeng from South Fayette bolted to the front. However, at the merge point, a mere 100 yards ahead, the sophomore appeared to be swallowed up by the pack of harriers as they sloped down the hill and rounded the bend out of sight of spectators.
“Something we preach as a team is not to panic. Don’t get rattled,” said SF head coach Joe Winans. “Just stay calm, cool and collected.”
Winans added that when something like that happens, his harriers are plotting their response.
“What do I have to do to handle the situation that I have been given? What’s my next move? How do I deal with this? These are situations we asked our kids and Angela does this as well as anybody.”
Zeng’s answer was to “finesse” her way out of the predicament while sticking to her game plan.
As a result, she emerged as the WPIAL Class 3A champion. She regained her advantage halfway through the first mile and won the race in 17:49.70, a full 28 seconds ahead of runner-up Piper Munyon from Gateway.
Acknowledging she adhered to the
team’s philosophy and “stayed calm”, Zeng added, “I could play to whatever because I was able to finesse my way out and stuck to the race strategy.
“At first, I went out strong, but not hard. I maintained that and after the first 800 meters, I was feeling really good. I felt like it was time to go. So I just went and never looked back.”
That Zeng was able to maintain her 5:42-plus pace throughout the race without breaking much of a sweat came as no surprise to Winans.
“She’s an absolute machine,” he said.
“I would love to hook her up to some of those machines that test VO2 max and other things, because when it comes to her ability, she’s amazing. Some of it is innate, natural, what she was born with, but Angela has found the right sport where she can take her talents and really maximize those abilities and use them to her advantage. That's something she does better than anybody I've seen.”
As a youth, Zeng played soccer. “Like everybody else,” she said. She transitioned to running in middle school when she performed for the track team. When she entered high school, she started running cross country.
Immediately, she found success. She finished fourth in the WPIAL last fall before moving into the top slot on Oct. 23 when the district championships were
South Fayette returns to soccer final
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor
ebailey@thealmanac.net
Despite a shaky start, South Fayette defeated Moon, 4-1, in a WPIAL girls soccer semifinal game played Oct. 27 at Dormont Stadium and returned to the Class 3A championship match for the third year in a row.
The Lions were scheduled to face Fox Chapel, a 2-1 winner in overtime against Plum, in the finals set for 8 p.m. Oct. 29 at Highmark Stadium. (Results unavailable at press time.)
South Fayette defeated the Foxes, 4-0, in last year’s championship match. In 2023, the Lions edged Moon, 1-0, in double overtime.
So, the Tigers were a familiar foe to the Lions even though they competed in different sections this fall. Both teams won their respective divisions with undefeated records.
“Honestly, we were a little nervous about how we were going to look,” said Quinn Miller. The Tigers took advantage of those jitters, jumping into the lead, 1-0, on a goal by Emma Marquis in the 10th minute of the contest. Miller scored the equalizer on a penalty kick then Gabby Beinecke followed with her 50th career goal to put the Lady Lions in the lead for good, 2-1.
held at White Oak Park in McKeesport.
To become a champion, Zeng completed her school workouts. But she also often trained on her own. She learned how to hit her paces and run with the pack.
“She worked so hard all summer and all season and you could see all that came through in the WPIAL championships,” Winans said. “That was the cherry on top of what we’ve been seeing.”
There is much more to see of Zeng beyond the PIAA championships, which were set for Nov. 1 in Hershey. She has two more years of cross country remaining not to mention three seasons of track left.
“With a kid like her who's that motivated, that driven, the sky’s the limit,” Winans said.
“I find myself as a coach pulling the reins, as opposed to going to the whip. So oftentimes, she's asking to go a little quicker, a little quicker, a little quicker. We work well in that sense that we kind of balance one another out.
“It’s knowing when to push and when to pull and she's learning that, she's knowing when to do those things on her own now. So having a kid like that on your team, who understands training and racing and tactics and strategy, is fantastic. She's such a consummate student of the sport.”
PHOTOS BY ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
Angela Zeng of South Fayette (3632) led the charge out of the starting gate during the WPIAL Class 3A cross country championships. The sophomore won the race in 17:49.70.
PHOTOS BY ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
Nolan DiLucia intercepts a pass on defense for Peters Township in a 35-0 win against Bethel Park. A four-year starter as a defensive back, DiLucia is also the leader on offense, having passed for more than 8,000 career yards in his scholastic career.
Peters Township’s Benson tops all area golfers at PIAA
Peters Township senior Ellie Benson led all local golfers during the PIAA individual golf championships played Oct. 20-21 at Penn State. Benson shot back-toback 74 rounds and finished fourth in the Class 3A girls tournament with a two-day total of 148.
Benson was seven strokes off the winning pace set by Mya Morgan. The Elizabeth Forward senior captured the title with a 141. It was the second straight title for the Central Michigan recruit.
Morgan shot a 3-under-par 69 on the first day of the competition and an even par 72 in the final round to become the first WPIAL golfer to repeat as champion since the classifications were split into two in 2012.
Benson’s teammate Betty Glyptis finished tied for 16th place. She shot consecutive rounds of 78 to finish with a 156. Glyptis was runner-up to Morgan in the WPIAL championships while Benson, who was district champion in 2024, took third. Olivia Ziegler was the only
other local female competitor in the tournament. The Upper St. Clair finished 34 after back-to-back 88 rounds.
Two area boys placed in the Top 20 during the state tournament.
South Fayette teammates Sam Bishop and Brady Newman finished tied for ninth place and 16th overall respectively.
Bishop shot 76 in the second round after opening with a 70, carding a 146 overall, while Newman posted a 147 after rounds of 71 and 76.
Bethel Park athlete wins world title
Sophie Chinn from Bethel Park won a world title in creative weapons during the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) Tournament of Champions held recently in Phoenix.
Competing in the girls 9-10 age division, Chinn used two nunchucks simultaneously with a form she created with the help of her instructor and family and set to music to clinch the title in Creative Weapons.
The ATA Tournament of Champions brings together the top 10 point-ranked competitors from the USA and Canada, with points being earned throughout various regional and national tournaments throughout the year.
In addition, champions selected from other countries around the world likewise traveled to Arizona to compete head to head for the world championship titles.
Chinn is a fourth grade student in the Bethel Park School District. And a second degree Black Belt in Taekwondo.
She is the daughter of Michael Chinn, from Columbus, Ohio, and Nicole (Mihailoff) Chinn, of Munhall.
Chinn trains under the tutelage of Master Cameron Stadtfeld at ATA McMurray Martial Arts Academy in Canonsburg.
Fox Chapel’s Carson Kittsley captured the PIAA Class 3A boys title with an 8-under 136. After a first round one-under-par 70, he lit up the course carding a 66 in the final round to edge Latrobe’s Jack Sacriponte by one stroke.
A junior, Kittsley is only the third WPIAL golfer since the event was first held in 1935 to win consecutive titles. The legendary Arnold Palmer (1946, 1947) and Knoch graduate Jeff Dickson (1991, 1992) were the other two to achieve the feat.
Cecere joins soccer academy
Gino Cecere of Venetia joined the Philadelphia Union Soccer Academy. The 13-year-old is attending the private school, designed for players seeking a pathway to gain exposure to the professional game.
Cecere played soccer in Peters Township and for the Beadling Soccer Club previously. At Beadling, he played on the MLS Next platform, which is the highest platform for youth soccer.
Philadelphia Union is leading the way for youth development. It has made a commitment to player development through a homegrown program, one which Cavan Sullivan pursued. Sullivan is the youngest player to make his MLS Debut for Philadelphia at age 15.
Upper St. Clair and Chartiers Valley entered the playoffs on a positive note.
The Panthers defeated Baldwin, 56-8, to finish in third place in the Allegheny Six Conference. They entered their first-round playoff contest against Plum (5-5) with an 8-2 overall record.
In the win, Ethan Hellmann completed 10 0f 13 passes for 182 yards and five touchdowns to Nico D’Orazio (19 and 5 yards), Drew Sanderson (55), Randy Yan (26) and James Gardner (12). Hellmann also rushed for a 32-yard score.
John Banbury returned a punt for a 33-yard touchdown and Andrew Gaither had a Pick 6 for 63 yards.
Jacobo Echeverria Lozano converted all of the extra points.
Thanks to a shutout win against Ringgold, 38-0, Char Valley finished the regular season with 7-3 overall record and clinched a berth in the Class 4A playoffs to face McKeesport (7-3).
In the triumph against the Rams, Luke Miranda completed 9 of 12 passes for 127 yards. He tossed scoring strikes of 8 and 42 yards to Damien Holloway and Julius
FROM PAGE B1
“We brought it after the first 10 minutes and then we showed who we are,” said senior goalkeeper Caitlyn Thompson. “We dominated.” In the second half, the Lions exploded for two tallies. Freshman Silvanna Rossi scored first and Mia Deramo followed with the next goal.
“Going into the second half we really showed what this team is capable of,” said Miller. “We left it all on the field. It was amazing.” With the loss, the Tigers slipped to 18-2 and into the consolation contest to determine the WPIAL’s thirdplace finisher and qualifier for the PIAA tournament, which
Best. Miranda also rushed for a 6-yard touchdown.
Tayshaun Lewis rolled up 219 yards rushing for the Colts. He rushed for two touchdowns, measuring 75 and 12 yards. Also in the win, Luke Waldron kicked a 23-yard field goal. Waldron also contributed five extra points. Meanwhile, Mt. Lebanon and South Fayette ended their seasons on losing notes.
While the Blue Devils dropped a 14-7 decision to Norwin, the Lions succumbed to Moon, 24-21. For Lebo, which finished
starts Nov. 4. With the win, South Fayette improved to 18-1-1 overall. The lone blemishes on the record are a loss to West Allegheny and a tie to Peters Township, both of which occurred during the first two games of the season.
The Lady Lions reached the semifinals after beating Montour, 5-3. In the win, Rossi and Deramo each scored two goals. Beinecke added the other tally as well as two assists. Deramo, Lily Chiappetta and Miller each had assists.
Meanwhile, North Allegheny ended Peters Township’s quest to return to the Class 4A final when the Tigers blanked the Indians, 1-0, in the first game of the doubleheader Oct. 27 at Dormont Stadium. The Lady Indians had
the season 2-8 overall, Patrick Smith completed five aerials for 145 yards and a 67-yard scoring strike for 67 yards to Maxton Siegel.
For the Lions, who finished 5-5 overall but 1-5 in the Allegheny Six Conference, Drew Welhorsky completed 12 passes for 123 yards and Aayden Wright rushed for 120 yards. Welhorsky rushed for a 7-yard score and tossed a 30yard TD strike to Wright. He also completed a 2-point conversion pass to Bo Stover.
Luke Gillen kicked two field goals, measuring 27 and 35 yards for the Lions.
reached the semifinals by blanking Canon-McMillan, 2-0. In that quarterfinal match, Marina Hajnosz scored both tallies.
Peters Township was the defending WPIAL champions, having defeated Seneca Valley, 1-0, in a shootout during last year’s final, and the top-seed in the Class 4A tournament. They finished the year at 15-3-2 overall after winning the Section 2 crown with a 10-0 slate.
Averie Bierker scored the winning goal with 11:40 remaining in the game while Jordan Beemer recorded the shutout for the Tigers. With the win, NA improved to 16-3-2 overall and advanced to face Seneca Valley in the Class 4A final at Highmark Stadium.
ZENG FROM PAGE B1
So are Zeng’s competitors but Winans anticipates she will be prepared to ante up in the future.
“Angela has set the tone and everybody sees what it takes to win. Everyone else sees that and the rest of the group is going to come up to challenge her. They say getting to the top is hard but it’s even harder to stay there. But her arc is pretty big because of her attention to detail and being a student of the sport. We’re going to see that she can still grow even over the next couple of years here (at South Fayette).”
SECOND
FROM PAGE B1
The Lady Indians entered the PIAA team tournament as the WPIAL champion. Individually, Glyptis and Benson finished second and third in the WPIAL.
Zeng helped the Lady Lions to a third-place finish in the team standings and a berth as a squad in the PIAA team championships, which were also held Nov. 1 in Hershey. Norwin won the Class 3A crown while Fox Chapel finished runner-up.
Other top finishers for the Lady Lions included: Madeline Stock (19th), Nina DiMartini (24), Brenna Schmitz (38) and Abby Poe (41). Ellena Gibbs and Violet George also competed in the race. Stock, DiMartini, Schmitz and Poe are all seniors.
“I’m super proud of my girls,” Winans said. “Norwin and Fox Chapel raced very well. We knew they were going to be challenging teams but my girls ran really well.” Among the other area harriers running well in the WPIAL races and qualified for the PIAA championships included: Adelaide Lulich from Peters Township, who placed ninth overall in 18:39.70 Lyra Stiglitz (12th), Marisol Montoya (21st), Evan Yurasko (6th) and Will Zadecky (25th) from Mt. Lebanon Nolan Sarkett from Upper St. Clair, who finished fourth overall in 15:43.20 Griffin Martin from South Fayette (14th). Adeline Benacquista (12th) and Sophie Kanownik (20th) from Chartiers Valley. Visit www.gingerbreadmanrunning.com for complete race results.
In boys team golf action, South Fayette finished fourth with a 296 score on the Penn State Blue Course. Unionville won the Class 3A title with a 2-under 286 team total while Radnor and State College finished tied for second place with 287 scores. Sam Bishop led the Lions. The senior recorded five birdies and finished with a 3-under 69.
Brady Newman and Jackson Stephens followed with a 73 and 74. Noah Nickolas added an 80. Although his score was not counted toward the team’s total, Hudson Vennum golfed in the finals for the Lions. South Fayette entered the PIAA tournament as the WPIAL champion.
ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
Lucas Rost of Peters Township gains touch yardage after making a reception in a 35-0 win against Bethel Park. In the win, he had five catches, including one for a touchdown.
PHOTO BY ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
Ellie Benson watches her shot during WPIAL Class AAA team tournament action. The Peters Township senior finished fourth in the PIAA individual championships played Oct. 20-21 at Penn State.
Sophia Chinn
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Gino Cecere
PHOTO BY ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
Griffin Martin (back) of South Fayette finds himself boxed in by Norwin’s Benjamin McBride, North Allegheny’s Wyatt Case and Butler’s Brendan Eicher during the Class 3A race during the WPIAL cross country championships. McBride won the contest in 15:27 while Eicher, Case and Martin placed third, eighth and 14th respectively. Martin clocked a 16:05.40 time.
sights & sounds
SMALL PEST: BIG PROBLEMS
Tick bites can result in serious health problems
By Paul Paterra Staff writer ppaterra@observer-reporter.com
Before June 2024, Sandy Mansmann said she could multitask with ease and remember everything. Then she was bitten by a blacklegged tick.
Now, the 84-year-old Nottingham Township woman said she lives with fatigue, achy joints and brain fog.
Mansmann is one of thousands of Pennsylvanians who have been diagnosed with Lyme disease, an infection caused by a tick bite.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pennsylvania has led the nation in Lyme disease cases for 11 of the last 12 years, accounting for 30% of all reported infections in the United States during that time.
Emily Struckhoff, extension program specialist at Penn State University, said this is a result of the high population of blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, in the state.
“We have a lot of really good habitat for ticks,” she said. “(They) love forest areas, areas with a lot of tree cover, brushes, and shrubs.”
Mansmann lives right across from Mingo Creek County Park and deer regularly come through the 15 acres worth of trees in her yard.
“It’s a breeding ground (for ticks),” she said.
Struckhoff said people typically have no idea a tick has attached itself because its bite is imperceptible and its size – about two-tenths of an inch – can be too. Once it’s attached, a tick can remain for about a week, feeding on blood and growing bigger until it falls off.
After Mansmann’s infection started, she found herself in bed for two
days, cold and exhausted.
“I couldn’t even get up to get a thermometer, but I knew I had a fever,” she said.
A doctor diagnosed her as having Lyme disease about one month later. She was prescribed a course of drugs to help curtail the infection and remains on three medications to help manage her lingering symptoms.
A lover of the outdoors, Mansmann has become vigilant when she comes inside, checking herself for disease-transmitting ticks. The drought, she said, lessened the number of them, though there were still baby ticks, which are called nymphs.
DeAnna Martin, director of Washington Park, said she’d received complaints about ticks near the park’s baseball field. They, too, were nymphs.
Martin said they were “almost translucent” because they had not yet fed on blood.
The city hired a landscaping com-
what’s happening
GRIEF SEMINAR
Eric Horwith will talk about grief during a community seminar to be held at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Discovery Commons located at 2000 Cool Springs Dr. in Bethel Park. Refreshments will be served from 4 to 4:30 p.m.
An adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh, Horwith is the regional manager of Home, Health and Hospice. He will share his personal journey through grief and the inspiration behind his book. In addition, practical tools to support healing and insights to help find peace after loss will be offered. Space is limited so reservations are required. Call 412-430-4630.
LEBO REC
Mt. Lebanon will offer a Festive Tree Painting creation class Nov. 3 in room B on the second floor of the recreation center. Ages 5 to 8 attend from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Ages 8 to 12 meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Participants paint on an 11 x 14 stretched canvas. Fee is $25 ($30 nonresidents). The recreation department also offers an array of fitness and exercise classes, including Pilates, yoga, Tai Chi and Zumba. Additionally there are a variety of ice skating and hockey courses. Call 412-343-3409 for more details or visit mtlebnon.org for registration information.
PT REC
Peters Township offers the following at the recreation center:
■ SAT Prep course at 2 p.m. Nov. 9. Check-in is at 1:30. The scores-back workshop follows at 7 p.m. Nov. 12. Participants will take a full-length practice test and receive feedback regarding results. Fee is $145 ($218 nonmembers)
■ Little Kernels. Ages 3 to 5 meet from 10 to 11 a.m. Nov. 11 for a Thanksgiving-themed class about corn, pilgrims and fall as they engage in crafts, games and hands-on activities. Pre-school students must be accompanied by an adult. Fee is $5 ($8 nonmembers).
■ Junior All-Stars from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Nov.
4. Ages 5 to 8 learn the fundamentals of basketball while enhancing their skills and building teamwork. Fee is $100 ($150 nonmembers).
■ Iron Flow from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays. Certified instructor Sarah Potter leads the class that offers nonstop workouts designed to target different muscle groups. Fee is $38 ($57 nonmembers).
■ A Superhero Night will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Peters Township recreation center. In addition to meeting a variety of super heroes, attendees can compete in action-packed games and participate in activities. Costumes are encouraged to be worn. Fee is $5 ($8 nonmembers). The registration deadline is Nov. 5. Visit www.peterstownship.com to register. Call 724-942-5000 for more details.
GENEALOGY
The Mt. Lebanon Genealogy Society will meet at 1 p.m. Nov. 17 in the audio-visual room at Mt. Lebanon Public Library. World War II historian and memorabilia collector Don Grimm will discuss military dog tags, their history as well as importance and understanding in identification of soldiers in the army. No reservations required. All can attend. Email: Malcolm.andrews1949@gmail.com with questions.
FORT PITT
“Native Allegheny, Past and Present” will be presented from 3 to 7 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Fort Pitt Museum. In addition to the program about the Delawares, Shawnees, Senecas and other native people who settled the region, there will be guided exhibition tours and a reception. Visit heinzhistorycenter.org/events for more details or to purchase tickets.
CRAFT SHOWS
■ The Upper St. Clair League of the Arts will host its Sugarplum Artisan Marketplace from Nov. 6-11 at the McLaughlin Run Road Activity Center, located at 1770 McLaughlin Run Road. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday. Gifts
pany to treat the baseball and softball fields, and the dog park.
“Unfortunately, it’s not something that’s ever going to completely go away, but we’re going to try to mitigate it to the best of our ability,” Martin said.
There are a number of things people can do to lessen their chances of being bitten.
“The first thing is to be aware of when and where you might find ticks,” Struckhoff said.
Ticks are most prevalent in the fall and late spring, most typically in woody areas or grassy fields.
Other precautions can also lessen your risk, including wearing long pants, sleeves and socks (“If ticks can’t get onto your skin, they can’t bite you,” Struckhoff said.); wearing lighter colored clothing to more easily see a tick that’s latched on to clothing; and using repellants like Deet or treating clothes with the insecticide permethrin.
MANSFIELD/OBSERVER-REPORTER
Mansmann now holds public meetings to raise awareness about the symptoms of Lyme disease and how it occurs, with one scheduled for this Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Citizens Library in Washington. She loves to be outside, but finds herself frustrated because she can’t always do that because there is too much risk.
That awareness is important, said Struckhoff.
“We absolutely want people to continue going out and enjoying the outdoors,” she said. “Just be aware that ticks may be out there, know what steps can be taken to prevent bites and what to do if you are bit. That can give you some peace of mind.”
for all seasons, home accents and paintings will be among the items available for purchase.
■ The 51st Holiday-A-Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8 at Bethel Presbyterian Church, located at 2999 Bethel Church Road. Vendors offer a variety of items and a salad buffet, including the church’s signature chicken salad, a choice of two other salads, rolls, homemade cookies and drink will be available. There will be gift-basket raffles and baked goods for purchase. Proceeds benefit the church’s women’s association, which provides funds for many local and international ministries such as SHIM, Brothers Brother, Meals on Wheels, Samaritan’s Purse, Agape International and the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank.
■ A craft and vendor show will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8 at Peters Township High School, 121 Rolling Hills Drive. The sixth annual event is a fundraiser for the senior class. In addition to over 100 crafters and vendors offering artwork, vintage clothing, skin care products, home goods, jewelry, candles, decor and holiday items, there will be food trucks on site.
■ The John McMillan Presbyterian Church’s annual Christmas craft show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8 at 875 Clifton Road in Bethel Park. More than 45 vendors will offer handmade gifts and treasures. There will also be a gingerbread house, a chance auction, and the Kris Kringle Kafé. Admission is free.
■ The St. Raphael the Archangel holiday craft show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 15 in the SS. Simon & Jude School gymnasium located at 1625 Green Tree Road in Scott Township. There will be 75 tables of crafts, a Chinese auction of items made by the participants, a bake sale and lunch available for purchase. Parking and admission are free.
■ The Independence Middle School PTSO craft show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 22 at the school, located at 2807 Bethel Church Road. in Bethel Park. Over 40 crafters/vendors will
be selling artwork, jewelry, crochet items, baked goods, 3D printed items, tumblers, nail polish strips, wreaths, pottery, pet gear, purses, sewing items, soaps, essential oils, jams, laser engraved items and crystals. There will also be gift baskets. The Nedals Gyro and Tom’s Coffee food trucks will be on site as well as a concession stand to purchase food and drinks.
■ The South Hills Pet Rescue will hold a holiday craft show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 6 at Giant Oaks Winery, 3540 Washington Ave. in Finleyville. Admission is free. Ticket raffle and food available.
FITNESS
A cardio drumming fitness class will be offered from 1 to 2 p.m. Fridays beginning Nov. 7 at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Upper St. Clair. The class can be done sitting or standing. Call 412835-6630 for more details. Visit croc.westminster-church.org for a complete list of classes.
NURSES
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Registered Nurses Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 18 at Salvatore’s, 5001 Curry Road. Lisa Hopkins from Encompass Health Rehabilitation will speak on “The Art of Flexibility and How it Promotes Wellness” in an interactive session. All registered nurses can attend. Visit www.swparnclub.weebly.com for more information.
PANCAKES
The Scouts BSA Troop 2 pancake breakfast fundraiser will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 16 at Bethany Presbyterian Church, located at 740 Washington Ave. in Bridgeville. Tickets are $5 for seniors, ages 65 and older, as well as children under 5. All others are charged $10. Meal includes unlimited pancakes, sausage with vegan options, coffee, orange juice or milk and apple sauce. In addition to a hearty breakfast, attendees can chat with Scouts and learn about the organization. Contact info@troop2-pa.org for tickets or more details. Tickets are available at the door.
BLOOD DRIVE
Our Lady of Hope Parish will hold a blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 22 in Frawley Hall at St. Valentine’s Catholic Church, located at 2700 Ohio St. in Bethel Park Visit vitalant.org to schedule an appointment or call 412-726-6942 or 412-884-1283 for more details. Donations in November are eligible for entry into a contest to win one of two $10,000 gift cards.
PRAYER EVENT
The Magnificat Prayer Breakfast for Women will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 15 at the Diocese of Pittsburgh Pastoral Center-O’Connor Hall, 2900 Noblestown Road. In addition to breakfast, praise, worship and fellowship, the Rev. Daniel J. Roberts, a recently ordained priest who previously had a long career as an actor in Los Angeles, will speak. Registration is $35. Visit www.magnificatpittsburgh.org to register online.
BOOT DRIVE
The Tri-Community South EMS is collecting boots and clean blankets for the homeless and vulnerable population at 5490 Progress Blvd. Donations also can be dropped off until Dec. 4 at the Bethel Park, South Park and Upper St. Clair libraries as well as Brentwood Bank in the South Park Shops.
EMS
The subscription drive to the Tri-Community South (TCS) 2026 Ambulance Subscription Service, located at 5490 Progress Blvd. in Bethel Park, has begun. Subscribers receive a 50% discount off out-of-pocket expenses related to emergency ambulance service provided by TCS excluding Lift Assists (always $250) and treatment without transport (always $300). Service runs from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026. Subscriptions are $70 per individual and $90 per household. TCS has served Bethel Park, South Park and Upper St. Clair since 1977. Visit tcsems.org to subscribe. Call 412-831-3710 for further details.
KAREN
Sandy Mansmann of Nottingham Township was diagnosed with Lyme disease after being bitten by a deer tick in 2024. She still takes medication to help manage its symptoms.
METROCREATIVE
Fall is peak time for ticks, which can cause Lyme disease.
Road, Washington 724-228-7187 westpennhealth.com
EQUALHOUSINGOPPORTUNITY
Allrealestateadvertisementsinthisnewspaperaresubjecttothe FederalFairHousingAct,whichmakesitillegaltoadvertise“any preference,limitationordiscrimi-nationbasedonrace,color,religion, sex,handicap,familialstatusornationalorigin,oranintentionto makeanysuchpreference,limitationordiscrimination.”
Statelawsforbiddiscriminationinthesale,rental,oradvertisingof realestatebasedonfactorsinadditiontothoseprotectedunder federallaw.
Wewillnotknowinglyacceptanyadvertisingforrealestatewhichis inviolationofthelaw.Allpersonsareherebyinformedthatalldwellingsadvertisedareavailableonanequalopportunitybasis.
Garage Sales
PRE-HOLIDAY
CLOTHING SALE
Manufacturer’s rep selling 100s of top quality sample pieces. Many colors, styles and sizes, mostly L and XL. T-shirts $4, 3 for $10. Hats
412-877-5246
CEMETERY PLOTS (4 plots) Jefferson Memorial Cemetery, located in “Garden of the Virtues”, will subdivide. $2,000 412-221-0956
COMPANION LAWN CRYPT Crypt for 2 at Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray, Devotion section, Lot 117-B. $7,000, will negotiate. Call 386-416-9605
FOREST LAWN GARDENS Spaces 1 and 2 in the Garden of the Five Flags, Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray. $6,000 or make offer. 724-745-8547
Grave plots (4) Lafayette Memorial Park Garden of St. John $550 each or $2,000 all 4 724-632-5904
MT. LEBANON CEMETERY Companion crypt, lower level by Peaceful Fountain, location 13B, Level 4. New is $25,000. Selling for $18,500. Call Rose, 973-610-7726 or email: roseikelly@gmail.com
QUEEN OF HEAVEN CEMETERY CRYPTS for 2. Original papers on file. $14,000. 724-263-0176
ContentsInclude: Sofa,Chairs,EndTables,CoffeeTable, Lamps,GrandfatherClock,Victrola&Records,FauxPlants, AntiquePictures,Mirrors,ChurchPew,Bookcases,Books, MagazineRacks,Pedestal,ChinaCabinet,Glassware, Figurines,PerfumeBottles,CatFigurines,Blenko,Fenton, CrystalCross,EmettKelleyFigurines,Crocks,StainedGlass, GlassFlowers,GlassGrapes,CuckooClock,Hitchcock Bench,MarbleTopMagazineRack,TiffanyStyleLamp,Pa. HouseChinaCabinet,Table&4Chairs,AntiqueBuffet, Etagere,FallFrontDesk,Desk,HPComputer,CanonPrinter, ComputerStand,OfficeSupplies,GlassFrontBookcase, HitchcockTable&4Chairs,Microwave,BreadBox,Toaster, Cookbooks,StonewareDinnerware,DresserandMirror, FigurineLamps,ChestsofDrawers,KingBed,JewelryArmoire,Jewelry,Men’s&Women’sClothing,Purses,Shoes, Coats,Hats,HatBoxes,Linens,Chifforobe,Benches,Cedar Chest,Dolls,StuffedAnimals,TV,TVStand,VintageSony AM/FMwithTurntable,VHSTapes,WaterfallDresser&Mirror,ChestofDrawers,CoatRack,FullBed,AsianLamps, PlantStand,BirdCage,GolfPictures,SteelerPainting,Drop LeafTable,AntiqueRockingHorse,JaguarPlanters,Jaguar Lamps,AntiqueSingerCabinet,SewingNotions,Irons,Quilts, ThrowPillows,Easels,Hoover,KenmoreCanister,Stationary Bike,VintageLaundryCart,CanningJars,SleeperSofa, WoodenBed,AntiqueLamps,MCMLamp,Pedestal,Dehumidifier,VintageGERefrigerator,G.E.Washer,G.E.Dryer,Golf Clubs,MetalCabinets,Christmas,RedwoodTable& Benches,ConcreteFigurines,LawnTools,Blowers,Snow BlowerandSOMUCHMORE!!DON’TMISSIT!!
Directions: Route19toSouthernHilandsto113Southern Highlands.
G.I.JOEACTIONFIGURES &BARBIEDOLLS *BEFORE1995* FIGURES,VEHICLES, CLOTHING,ACCESSORIES. $CASHPAID$ANY CONDITION. CALL:(315)-920-2292 OREMAIL: Wantedoldtoys@yahoo.com Location:Pittsburgh,PA * * WANTED * * Old Sports Cards & Watches Stereo Radio, Records, Turntables, Amplifiers 412-715-3210
Miscellaneous All Around Fence Co. Pressure Treated Yellow Pine Posts 7896 National Pike Uniontown 724-439-0331 allaround@allaroundfence.com
Autos
BUICK 2002 CENTURY LIMITED Like NEW, 60,000 miles. $9,500 724-929-5439 Corvette 1986, black, automatic, 23,000
Trucks
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 2605 E Roy Furman Hwy, Carmichaels, PA 724-966-2600 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 2605 E Roy Furman Hwy, Carmichaels, PA 724-966-2600 www.solomonauto.com
SOUTH HILLS CHRYSLER 3344 Washington Rd, McMurray, PA 15317 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
2605 E Roy Furman Hwy, Carmichaels, PA 724-966-2600 www.solomonauto.com
SOLOMON DODGE Routes 40 & 43 Brownsville, PA
724-785-8000 www.solomonauto.com
SOUTH HILLS DODGE 3344 Washington Rd, McMurray, PA 15317 724-941-4300 www.southhillsauto.com
FIAT
SOUTH HILLS FIAT 3344 Washington Rd, McMurray, PA 15317 724-941-4300 www.southhillsauto.com
FORD
FOX FORD
743 E. High Street, Waynesburg, PA 724-627-3151 www.foxfordwaynesburg.com
SOLOMON FORD Routes 40 & 43 Brownsville, PA 724-785-5500 www.solomonauto.com
STAR LAKE FORD 1212 S. in front of Main St 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
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 2605 E Roy Furman Hwy, Carmichaels, PA724-966-2600 www.solomonauto.com
SOLOMON JEEP Rt. 40 & 43, Brownsville, PA 724-785-8000 www.solomonauto.com
SOUTH HILLS JEEP 3344 Washington Rd, McMurray, PA 15317 724-941-4300 www.southhillsauto.com
KIA
SOUTH HILLS KIA 3644 Washington Rd, McMurray, PA 15317 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 2605 E Roy Furman Hwy, Carmichaels, PA 724-966-2600 www.solomonauto.com
SOLOMON RAM Routes 40 & 43 Brownsville, PA 724-785-8000 www.solomonauto.com
OLIVERIO AUTO 1110 Laurel Hill Road McDonald, PA 15057 724-926-2155 www.oliverioauto.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
SOUTH HILLS RAM 3344 Washington Rd, McMurray, PA 15317 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
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
