The Almanac - April 19, 2026

The making of America’s first president

Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of 12 weekly stories focusing on America’s 250th birthday, as told through the lens of our communities and the role many of the places we call home played in shaping the nation before, during and after the Revolutionary War. This week we begin in Winchester, Va., more than a quarter-century prior to the revolution — a time when colonists’ loyalty to the monarchy remained high — where a young George Washington began to emerge as a leader. That experience in Winchester — and also throughout the western front as a surveyor and then a military commander — helped lay the groundwork for the man that would help shape a nation.

By Brian Brehm

The Winchester Star

WINCHESTER, Va. —

Before he was the father of our country, before he led Continental Army soldiers across an icy Delaware River, before he inherited his family’s Mount Vernon estate in Northern Virginia, America’s future first president was just a kid named George. It wasn’t until a young George Washington came to Winchester, Va., that he started to become the man whose face would one day adorn the $1 bill. Washington was born on Feb. 22, 1732, at Popes Creek Plantation (now Wakefield) near Colonial Beach, Va.,

and moved with his family to Ferry Farm near Fredericksburg, Va., when he was 3 years old.

When his father, Augustine Washington, died in 1743, an 11-year-old George inherited Ferry Farm while his older half-brother, Lawrence Washington, inherited a family estate near Alexandria, Va., called Mount Vernon. Lawrence and George became particularly close over the next few years, and the older brother, along with his in-laws in the prominent

Fairfax family in nearby Belvoir, Va., wanted to ensure he would have the skills to succeed in life.

In 1748, the head of the Fairfax family, Thomas, Sixth Lord Fairfax of Cameron, invited a 16-year-old George Washington to join a surveying expedition of Virginia’s Northern Shenandoah Valley, which was part of Fairfax’s approximately 5 million-acre Northern Neck Proprietary. Washington agreed and arrived in Frederick Town, Va., on March

Plaid proud

Tartan Day a

By Eleanor Bailey ebailey@thealmanac.net

Scottish or not, there was something for everyone that attended Pittsburgh Tartan Day on April 11 at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Bethel Park.

The free annual event, which celebrates Scotland’s declaration of independence from England’s territorial claims, featured entertainment from bagpipers, fiddlers, dancers, workshops, vendors, raffles, gifts and, of course, traditional Scottish fare from meat and shepherd’s pies to biscuits, scones and Fern cakes.

“We’ve actually already sold out of our fern cakes, which is unbelievable,” said Pam Maniet, who is the chairperson of the Tartan Day celebration. “This is one of the biggest crowds I’ve seen.”

Fiona McGrath particularly enjoyed one of the newest attractions. Westie Rescue of Pennsylvania was one of two new exhibitors. The other was Britsburgh, an organization that promotes British history, culture and traditions.

The Westie Rescue is a nonprofit organization that helps rescue West Highland

Terriers connect with foster families for adoptions.

“They’re just lovely dogs,” said McGrath, who is Scottish and has been a Tartan Day committee member for years.

McGrath enjoyed the popularity of this year’s Tartan Day, which in part recognized the church that hosts the event, because like the country, it’s celebrating its 250th anniversary. The church was founded by a Scottish minister.

“Because of the cooler weather this morning, we had a bit of a slow start but things really have peaked. The energy level has really picked up and people have been very enthusiastic. I’ve talked to a lot of first-time visitors and that’s always a positive to have new people attending the event.”

Cheryle Gasiorowski from Mt. Lebanon and her friends, Janice Schmac from Bridgeville and Carrie Sukal from Brentwood, attended Tartan Day for the first time. They were among the first arrivals when the doors opened at 10 a.m. The event ended at 4:30 p.m.

Gasiorowski, who has Scottish roots, purchased a scarf from the tartan store

16, 1748, marking the start of the most formative decade of his life.

Washington spent the next three years surveying Frederick Town — which, in February 1752, changed its name to Winchester — and surrounding land parcels owned by the Sixth Lord Fairfax. He also visited Barbados with his brother in 1751 in an effort to help Lawrence Washington overcome tuberculosis, but Lawrence succumbed to his illness on July 26, 1752.

Also in 1752, George Washington joined the Virginia Militia with the rank of major and established his base of operations in Winchester. Meanwhile, France and Great Britain were competing for territory in the Ohio River Valley.

Virginia Lt. Gov. Robert Dinwiddie sent Washington to western Pennsylvania in late 1753 to demand that French forces leave the Ohio Valley. When the French refused, Washington launched a surprise attack on May 28, 1754, that killed 10 French soldiers and marked the start of the French and Indian War. The Battle of Jumonville Glen happened near what today is Uniontown, Pa., at that time part of the Ohio Country.

Following the skirmish, Washington and his men hastily built Fort Necessity in nearby Farmington, Pa. On July 3, 1754, French and SEE AMERICA PAGE A2

Bissell models one of

tish kilt outfits during Tartan Day celebrations. At age 78, he started to take pipe lessons. He said his goal is to wear his most formal attire called a Prince Charlie and play “Amazing Grace” and the “Flower of Scotland” at the gravesite of Maxwell McCachren, who was responsible for saving many lives during the Johnstown Flood of 1889.

Becomes youngest to finish Bataan Memorial Death March

in Heavy Division

A marathon in the high desert of New Mexico tests even the most seasoned endurance athletes. The terrain is unforgiving – a grueling mix of pavement, dusty dirt trails, and the infamous sand pit, a 2- to 3-mile stretch of beachlike sand that saps strength with every step. For competitors in the Heavy Division, the challenge intensifies: Each participant must carry a rucksack weighing at least 35 pounds for the entire course.

It’s no surprise that Men’s Health has called the Bataan Memorial Death March the “toughest race in America.”

This year’s event, held March 21 at White Sands Missile Range, drew more than 6,000 participants from across the country, many of them active-duty and reserve military per -

sonnel. Only about 20% chose to compete in the Heavy Division. Among them was Juliette Hirzel. The 14-yearold Upper St. Clair native became the youngest person in the event’s 37-year history to complete the Heavy Division. To avoid disqualification, Hirzel carried a pack weighing exactly 40 pounds – nearly 38% of her body weight. An eighth-grader at Fort Couch Middle School, Hirzel is no stranger to the event.

Three years ago, she completed the march in the Light Division, which does not require carrying weight. During the 2023 opening ceremony, she met former prisoner of war Valdemar DeHerrera, the last known surviving member of the Battle of Bataan.

SEE BATAAN PAGE A2

By Brad Hundt bhundt@observer-reporter.com

In what was then the western edge of the Soviet Union, personnel at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant were carrying out a routine safety test in the early hours of April 26, 1986, when there was an unexpected power surge in one of the reactors. It exploded, killing two engineers and severely injuring two others. That result would have been bad enough, but the impact of the disaster at Chernobyl was long-lasting and severe.

Other workers at the power plant later died as a result of radiation exposure, at least 70,000 people living in the vicinity of Chernobyl were

evacuated, and the industrial city that surrounded it became a ghost town. All told, it’s believed that thousands of people later died as a result of cancers linked to the radiation that escaped from the destroyed reactor. It’s believed to have cost upwards of $700 billion, and became a potent symbol of Soviet dysfunction just five years before the USSR crumbled.

Almost 40 years to the day after Chernobyl became a household word around the world, the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall in Carnegie is hosting a remembrance of the disaster on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Chernobyl 40 Years Later:

SEE 40TH PAGE A2

Native American soldiers attacked, forcing Washington to surrender the fort and return to Mount Vernon, which was passed down to him following his brother’s death.

After the defeat at Fort Necessity, Washington considered resigning from the militia but stayed on and delivered a detailed report regarding his Ohio Valley mission to the Virginia House of Burgesses in Williamsburg. The report was subsequently published in several newspapers in the colonies, making Washington a well-known figure and leading to his promotion to lieutenant colonel.

In May 1755, Washington joined British Gen. Edward Braddock on an expedition to Pittsburgh with the intent of capturing the French stronghold of Fort Duquesne. Braddock’s troops were ambushed on July 9, 1755, and Braddock was mortally wounded, leaving Washington in command as his soldiers fled south. Washington was then promoted again, this time to colonel, and put in charge of the entire Virginia Regiment. He returned to Winchester

Bataan

FROM PAGE A1

DeHerrera, who died in July 2025 at age 105, left a lasting impression.

That meeting inspired Hirzel to return – this time to complete the Heavy Division in honor of the soldiers who endured the original Bataan Death March during World War II. Balancing school, violin, piano, softball, and cross-country, Hirzel trained for months leading up to the event. Her preparation included early morning weightlifting sessions at the Upper St. Clair recreation center and weekly pre-dawn marches along the Montour Trail, sometimes beginning as early as 3 a.m.

Much of her training took place during the harsh Pittsburgh winter, often in below-freezing – and occasionally below-zero – temperatures. Race day conditions, however, presented the opposite extreme, with temperatures climbing into the mid-90s. One unexpected benefit of winter training, she noted, was that trudging through snow helped simulate the resistance of desert sand.

Physical preparation was only part of the challenge. Hirzel also had to develop mental resilience. Because White Sands Missile Range is an active military installation, spectators are not permitted along the course. Unlike most marathons, there are no cheering crowds, music, or signs of encouragement.

“It’s basically just your thoughts, the beautiful view of the desert, and the pain for hours,” Hirzel said. “There is absolutely no shade, and the sun is intense – very different from what I’m used to in Pittsburgh.”

More than a marathon

The march commemorates one of the darkest chapters in U.S. military history.

Following Japan’s invasion of the Philippines in the months after Pearl Harbor, more than 80,000 American and Filipino troops were forced to surrender after the

in October 1755 and based his command there.

In December 1755, Washington was still living in Winchester when he launched his first political campaign. With three candidates seeking two available seats in the Virginia House of Burgesses, Washington finished a distant third to Hugh West and Thomas Swearingen. He returned his focus to his military career.

fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942. It marked the largest surrender of U.S. forces since the Civil War.

What followed was the Bataan Death March, during which captured soldiers were

To protect Winchester from enemy incursions, Washington ordered the construction of Fort Loudoun, with work continuing for nearly a year and a half.

Fort Loudoun had timber and earthen walls that were 16 to 17 feet high and about 8 feet thick, plus bastions in each corner to store weapons and supplies. The barracks inside the fort were designed to house up to 450 soldiers, but historians say

forced to travel more than 65 miles in extreme heat through the Philippine jungle. Thousands died from exhaustion, starvation, disease, or execution. Among them were an estimated 500 to 650 Americans. Those who survived faced years of brutal conditions in prisoner-of-war camps.

Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who had been ordered to evacuate prior to the surrender, famously vowed, “I shall return.” He fulfilled that promise in October 1944, and by July 1945, Allied forces had liberated the Philippines. The remaining prisoners were freed following Japan’s formal surrender on Sept. 2, 1945.

Honoring the

Greatest Generation

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 45,000 American World War II veterans were still living as of the end of 2025 – less than 0.5% of the 16.4 million who served. Most are now in their late 90s or older, and their numbers con-

that no more than 125 men stayed there at any one time. From December 1756 through December 1758, one of the fort’s residents was Washington himself.

In July 1758, Washington took another shot at the House of Burgesses. Learning from his political defeat three years prior, he and his campaign manager, James Wood, spent $51 — the modern-day equivalent of about $2,500 — on beer, rum punch, wine, cider and brandy, and offered libations to any man who voted for Washington.

The ploy worked and, even though Washington was seeing to military duties in Maryland on Election Day, he and candidate Bryan Martin soundly defeated incumbents Swearingen and West.

After a decade spent mostly in Winchester, Washington left the city for the final time in December 1758. He returned to Mount Vernon and, one month later, married Martha Dandridge Custis. Washington settled into the life of a gentleman farmer until 1775, when he was appointed commander of the Continental Army for the duration of the American Revolution.

As it turned out, Fort Loudoun was never needed because fighting in the French and Indian War had died down by the time construc -

tinue to decline rapidly.

The Bataan Memorial Death March serves as a living tribute to their sacrifice.

For Hirzel, that history provided powerful motivation during the most difficult moments of the race.

“When I was tired and in pain, I thought about the soldiers who had to complete a much longer march as a matter of life and death,” she said. “When they finished, they became prisoners of war. I knew that when I finished, I’d be going back to an air-conditioned hotel and a nice dinner. That gave me the will to keep going – I had it so much easier than they did.”

Despite the grueling experience, Hirzel hasn’t ruled out returning.

“When I crossed the finish line, I was so exhausted that I told myself, ‘I’m never doing this again,’” she said. “But after a few days of recovery, I started thinking about the beautiful desert, the history, and the people we’re honoring. So – maybe one day.”

40th

tion finished. The fort’s stones and timbers were repurposed by local residents for the construction of homes and businesses, and the only remaining vestige of the fort, not far from Winchester’s downtown pedestrian mall, is a water well that was dug by Washington’s men.

But the office that Washington used in Winchester from September 1755 to December 1756 is open seasonally for tours. The little log building that he occupied is now the middle room of George Washington’s Office Museum, located at the corner of Braddock and Cork streets in downtown Winchester.

On the grounds is a cannon that was left by Gen. Braddock in Alexandria. It is among a number of artifacts displayed at the office, which include some of Washington’s personal effects, surveying equipment and a scale model of Winchester circa 1755 that shows Fort Loudoun. In the next installment, as the war for independence from British rule breaks out in the colonies, we’ll examine the role cities such as Frederick, Md., had in serving as vital supply routes during the Revolutionary War. We’ll also learn about Dr. Matthew Thornton of New Hampshire, the final of 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence.

FROM PAGE A1

A Day of Commemoration” will include the screening of a documentary, a dance piece inspired by the events at Chernobyl, a display of photographs by Peters Township resident Michael Haritan and more.

The library has previously displayed some of Haritan’s Chernobyl photos , and when Haritan pointed out that the 40th anniversary was looming, they decided to put together a more wide-ranging look back.

“I jumped at the chance to work with (Haritan) again,” according to Walker Evans, the library’s director.

The Chernobyl disaster happened in what is now Ukraine, close to the border with Belarus, and another spur for the library to host the commemoration is Carnegie’s Ukrainian heritage and the number of residents with Ukrainian roots in the borough. It’s also the home of the Ukrainian Cultural and Humanitarian Institute, which assists Ukrainians with resettlement in the United States and sends aid to Ukraine.

Evans points out, though, that you don’t need a Ukrainian heritage, a deep understanding of Soviet history or even a background in nuclear technology to find the saga of Chernobyl fascinating.

“There are a number of angles from which you can approach it,” he said.

Starting at 11 a.m. and continuing until 3 p.m., the commemoration of the Chernobyl disaster will start with a screening of “The Babushkas of Chernobyl,” a 2015 documentary about women who simply returned to the homes that they abandoned after the reactor exploded and chose to live in them regardless of the dangers.

A panel discussion at 1:30 p.m. will explore the historical impact of Chernobyl, along with its health and scientific consequences. Also on tap – the Steel City LUG, an adult group of Lego enthusiasts, will construct a replica of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor that exploded, and it will be raffled off.

For information, go online to carnegiecarnegie.org.

and the friends all enjoyed the music, particularly the bag pipes. The Balmoral Pipes and Drums as well as the MacDonald Pipe Band were among the featured instrumentalists along with Sean Patrick Regan, who played bagpipes as well as gave a tutorial to beginners.

“I absolutely loved it,” Gasiorowski said of Tartan Day. “The bagpipes, I have to say, were my favorite. The music was amazing.”

While the event also featured several dance units such as Gabriele Pealer and Heather and Thistle performing traditional Highland dances, Schmac said

they reminded her of youth. “When I was little, my grandfather taught me the sword dance,” she said.

Sukal soaked it all in. Because of her friends, she has been adopted as Scottish.

“Everything’s been beautiful. … It’s just really nice to see a group of people celebrating their heritage and enjoying every aspect of it and having a great time.”

Daria Fogarty shared Schmac’s opinion. She enjoyed the treats from the Highlands with her grandmother, Jo Whittfeldt. Whittfeldt’s daughter was a bagpiper and her son was a drummer in a pipe band. Her mom’s family is from the Isle of Sky.

“Mom’s still part of the St. Andrew’s Society of Pittsburgh and my daugh -

ter still keeps in touch with her bagpipe friends. Daria doesn’t want to play them because she hears her mom play them in the house all the time,” Whittfeldt said.

“Tartan Day gives people a taste of what it is to be Scottish and learn the history and culture behind the clans. I’m trying to explain this to (Daria). What and why the tartans are different colors and how the colors came to be and the difference between the great kilt and the marching day kilt. It’s a lot, but it’s been a great day and a good event.”

Emily Jackson of Uniontown agreed. She is Scottish, hailing from the McAllister clan.

Jackson, who used to play in the MacDonald Pipe

Band, also is a fan of the popular “Outlander” television series. She had to take a selfie with the fictional characters Jamie Fraser and Claire Randall stationed in one of the church’s corridors.

“I’ve read all the books,” she said of Diana Gabaldon’s nine-volume series.

Debbie May of Bethel Park knows all about kilts as she attends Tartan Day every year. Additionally, she and her husband are members of Bethel Presbyterian Church.

“It’s a wonderful event,” she said as she looked over plaid patterns for sale from one of the vendors. “It’s really interesting. Everything is good. I enjoy coming here, getting something to eat and listening to all the music. It’s always a great day.”

Bethel Park inducts 2026 Distinguished Alumni class

Five honored for leadership and community impact

Bethel Park High School recently inducted its 2026 Class of Distinguished Alumni.

The ceremony honored five graduates for their professional achievements and contributions to local, national, and international communities. The honored graduates had a significant impact on the community and beyond through their accomplishments and contributions.

Honorees include a retired Marine Corps colonel, a longtime dance instructor, a government diplomat, a naval officer and business executive, and a nonprofit founder supporting individuals with disabilities and veterans.

Bethel Park latest induct-

ees included: Col. David L. Barraclough, Judy Murtaugh Volpatti, Damiean M. Ferrese, Lt. Cmdr. Roger S. Graham and Margaret Ann Manella.

A member of the Class of 1971, Barraclough recently retired after 31 years in the United States Marine Corps. During his service, he built Habitat for Humanity homes, adopted an elementary school, and raised over $70,000 for children with special needs. In addition he mentored thousands of Marines.

A 1976 graduate, Volpatti has owned and taught at Judy Murtaugh Dance Studio for nearly 50 years. She has instructed an estimated 10,000 students while focusing on inclusivity and

instilling lifelong values of compassion and creativity.

After graduating in 2004, Ferrese leveraged his studies in French and German into dual bachelor’s degrees

and a career in government and international trade. He worked in diplomatic service as an Agricultural Attaché in Nairobi, Kenya. Graham graduated

FEATURED BRANDS

high school in 1988. He served nine years as a Naval Flight Officer with two deployments. He later transitioned to the Naval Reserves while leading Teleflex’s Interventional Cardiology business unit. He has supported veterans through Make-A-VetSweat.

A member of the Class of 1969, Mannella founded PA Connecting Communities. This nonprofit organization supports over 3,000 individuals with intellectual

and developmental disabilities, autism, and veterans, providing services ranging from employment and behavioral support to youth transition programs.

Established in 2013, the Distinguished Alumni program continues to celebrate the personal and professional accomplishments of Bethel Park High School graduates. It highlights the ways alumni contribute to their communities and fields of work.

Clarinetists advance to Region I band

Two Upper St. Clair High School clarinetists have been selected to advance to the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Region I Band. Juniors Kaitlyn Burns and Kiki Smith will participate in the event March 19-21 hosted by Upper St. Clair High School. Kaitlyn and Kiki were among the four Upper St. Clair musicians who participated in the PMEA District 1 Band West Festival held at South Park High School. Other musicians included Thomas Mallison, euphonium, and Any Scherer, alto saxophone. The District 1 Band West performed under the direction of Mr. Dennis Glocke, retired director of concert bands at Pennsylvania State University. The Upper St. Clair students receive music instruction from Nick Deutsch, high school band director.

PMEA District 1 includes Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties. PMEA Region I combines District 1 and District 5, which includes Beaver, Butler, Lawrence and Mercer counties. a nine-county region that includes Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Mercer, Washington and Westmoreland counties.

Dedicate new scoreboards, AED devices

By Eleanor Bailey ebailey@thealmanac.net

Opening day for any baseball organization brings out the kid in everyone. Evan Sivetz and Brandon Long were not exceptions.

The Bethel Park Baseball (BPB) board members were just as thrilled as Donovan Kelton to play ball when action commenced in the organization’s spring season on April 11 at Simmons Park.

“I love baseball a lot,” said Kelton. The 8-year-old Pinto Baseball player is a first baseman, shortstop and outfielder. “Getting to play ball is the best part of opening day.”

For Sivetz it was a day to remember his playing days as well as work with Long on the particulars concerning the opening day festivities.

The Bethel Park Community Foundation and Pittsburgh Pirates Charities made a large investment toward the purchase of three scoreboards for the fields at Simmons Park. They were christened and dedicated during on-field ceremonies.

West Penn Hospital donated automated external defibrillators that have been installed at Sim-

mons Park as well as the municipality’s facilities at Millennium Park and UPMC Field. These units are located inside each concession stand and available for use in the event of a medical emergency. In addition to daylong baseball games, Bacon

and

“It’s an exciting time for me because I remember how special opening day was,” Sivetz said. “Once you have kids in it, you want to make it the best for them, too.”

Long noted that these indeed are special times for him and his son, Oliver, 8. They recently attended opening day when the Pirates edged the Baltimore Orioles, 5-4, on April 3 in front of a sold-out crowd at PNC Park.

“It was great just to see all the little kids there like there are here today,” said Long, who handles sponsorships, events and audits in BPB. “The Pirates are on the upswing.”

So is BPB. Long said that the organization had 150 children signed up in the 7- and 8-yearold age group. He estimated that there are even more participants

in T-Ball. The group offers other leagues as well as enjoys a “successful” travel program.

He credits the high school baseball team’s record for the upswing of interest in the little leagues. A perennial playoff power, the Black Hawks won back-to-back state championships in 2021 and 2022.

“The success of the high school team reflects on how many people come out,” Long said. “These little kids want to be just like them. It’s pretty exciting around here.”

The BPB is thrilled with its partnership with the community foundation as well as the Pirates Charities. Long said the three scoreboards alone cost a little over $50,000 and that was before BPB had to pay for the installation.

“A lot of money was put into this,” Long said.

Britney Hollick said the community foundation was more than happy to contribute to the cause. The organization’s president was on hand for the scoreboard dedication ceremony and opening day festivities.

“We knew that Simmons Parks was a big part of the community, so we wanted to make sure that we were able to give all the kids the opportunity and to update the field and play on the field with brand new scoreboards,” she said.

The partnership between BPB and the foundation received thumbs up from Nicole Kildoo. She and her daughter, Emry, who was getting a butterfly image painted on her face attended opening day while her sons played baseball.

“I think this is awesome,” Kildoo said. “It’s great what they are doing.”

Brittany Halbig agreed.

“Opening day is wonderful. They put up a big sign. The scoreboards are great. The kids have a hat and the Pierogi was here,” Halbig said. “My son even got the game ball. So, it’s been super exciting. We all love baseball.”

It’s an activity nobody outgrows.

“There’s something special about the sport of baseball that sticks with you,” Sivetz said. “It’s a team sport that teaches lifelong lessons. It’s not just catching the baseball and hitting but they’re learning more important things besides what goes on between the lines like trust, honesty and preparation.”

sports

SOUTH FAYETTE DOMINATES THE ALMANAC GIRLS ALL-STAR SQUAD

By Eleanor Bailey ebailey@thealmanac.net

For the second year in a row, South Fayette ruled the courts. The Lady Lions captured their second straight state championship by again defeating Archbishop Wood, 45-35, in the PIAA Class 6A final played March 21 at the Giant Center in Hershey. Additionally they captured their fourth WPIAL title in five years and grabbed another undefeated section banner.

In compiling a 30-1 overall record, South Fayette did not lose a game to any team in Pennsylvania. The Lady Lions’ lone loss was to Miami Country Day, 56-54, in the Tampa Bay Invitational. The Spartans went on to win the Florida Class 2A state championship.

So it comes as no surprise that the Lady Lions dominate the 2026 edition of The Almanac girls basketball all-star team. Four starters, who possess NCAA Division I basketball scholarship offers, comprise the squad, which consists of a first and second team of the best players in the readership region. The all-star unit was selected with the help of the area coaches and with consideration for each player’s body of work and by covering the teams throughout the season.

Juliette Leroux headlines the squad as the Most Valuable Player (see related article) and includes Bryan Bennett as the Coach of the Year as well as Haylie Lamonde, Ryan Oldaker, and Lailah Wright as first-team selections.

Additionally all four players and Bennett were recently named to the all-state team, which is compiled through a statewide vote of high school sports writers. Leroux was named Class 5A Player of the Year while Bennett garnered Coach of the Year honors.

Wright engineered the South Fayette offense, which averaged 68 points per game. The junior point guard averaged 9.6 points per game while dishing up 4.6 assists. She spearheaded a defense that surrendered only 34 per game, picking up 3.8 steals per game. She also managed four rebounds in each outing.

“Lailah was the engine of this team, setting a relentless tempo on both ends of the floor while serving as an elite, lockdown defender,” said Bennett. “Her ability to dictate the pace and disrupt the opposition’s rhythm was a driving force behind our championship success.”

Oldaker was a driving force particularly during South Fayette’s playoff run. She led the Lions in scoring in the PIAA final with 15 points. She had nine points, 11 rebounds, two assists and a steal in the WPIAL championship game, a 57-38 win over Thomas Jefferson.

“Ryan was a dynamic three-level scorer for us, yet her true value often lay in the gritty, ‘unseen’ plays that held us together,” Bennett said. “Whether it was a key deflection or a block out, she consistently did the little things that don’t show up in a box score but are the true hallmarks of a champion.”

For the season, Oldaker averaged 11.8 points. In addition to grabbing 4.5 rebounds, she averaged two steals per game and provided 2.1 assists. Oldaker is committed to Marist University.

Lamonde is bound for the University of South Carolina Upstate to continue her playing career. The senior guard led the Lady Lions in scoring with a 14.8 average. She scored more than 1,000 points during her scholastic career.

“Haylie was a constant offensive threat who kept defenses off balanced by being able to score from deep while maintaining the explosive ability to attack the rim,” said Bennett. “This versatility made her nearly impossible to guard and provided the perfect scoring balance for our championship run.”

In addition to scoring, Lamonde made an impact in other statistical categories. She averaged 2.9 rebounds to go with two assists and two steals a game.

Ryan Prunzik of Upper St. Clair rounds out The Almanac’s first five.

The senior point guard guided the Lady Panthers to the semifinals in the WPIAL playoffs after losing six seniors, four of them starters from last year’s district champion and state runner-up squad.

An all-section, first-team performer, Prunzik averaged 12 points per game and dished up eight assists. She also cleaned the glass with five rebounds a game. Prunzik also led the team defensively with four steals each outing.

“Ryan was the heart and soul of our team and a great leader,” said USC head coach Suzie McConnell-Serio. “She made everyone around her better. She set the tone at both ends of the floor and was such a fierce competitor. Ryan was our leading scorer, our playmaker and best defender. She will be tough to replace.”

SECOND TEAM

Along with Peters Township’s Bri Morreale and Taylor McCullough, Kat Boff from Bethel Park, Alyssa Davis from Chartiers Valley and Kat Polstyanko from Upper St. Clair headline the second team on the Almanac’s girls all-star squad.

A four-year veteran, Morreale was the keystone of the Lady Indians’ offense and a big reason why they won some 78 games in her scholastic career. She led the 2025-26 team in scoring with a 12.8 average. Morreale also is noted for scoring the game-winning basket in Peters Township’s upset win against South Fayette during the WPIAL Class 5A championship game in 2025.

Morreale capped her career by entering the 1,000-point club as well as finishing as the program’s all-time leading 3-point shooter.

“Bri has an extremely high IQ as a basketball player and an incredible 63.4 percentage in field goal efficiency,” said head coach Steve Limberiou.

McCullough, like Morreale, was a second-team all-section selection. She averaged 12 points a game for the Lady Indians, who finished 18-12 overall and reached the PIAA state semifinals. A sophomore, she scored a game-high 20 points in Peters Township’s overtime upset win against York Suburban in the PIAA Class 5A tournament.

“Taylor played her best in the biggest games,” said Limberiou.

Boff was the workhorse for the Lady Hawks, who finished 12-10 overall but missed out on a playoff berth on the last day of the regular season. A senior, she

played 29 minutes each game.

She averaged 11 points, five rebounds and three steals a game to go along with three deflections on defense.

“On a team that didn’t score a lot she was a pest on defense and a consistent leader,” said BP skipper Steve Norman. “We share the ball and rarely have one sided scoring but Kat did have multiple 20 pt games.

Only a sophomore, Davis led Chartiers Valley in most categories. She managed 16 points per game, grabbed seven rebounds and accumulated three steals each outing for the Lady Colts.

Polstyanko also has a bright future as she too is a sophomore. A first-team all-section selection, she averaged 11 points and five rebounds for the Lady Panthers.

“Kat was really good at scoring in transition for us,” said McConnell-Serio. “She also impacted the game offensively with being able to score around the rim. Defensively, she was a difference maker with her length.”

HONORABLE MENTION

Among the players to merit honorable mention were: Ella Vierra from South Fayette along with Mt. Lebanon’s Elizabeth Twyman, Anessa Donoghue, Chloe Shea and Cali Green.

A two-year starter, Vierra was a second-team all-section selection. She averaged 8.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game for the Lady Lions.

“Ella is a two-way force whose explosive athleticism allows her to excel in all three phases of the game,” said Bennett. “Whether she is guarding the opponent’s best player as an excellent defender or showcasing her versatile scoring ability, her physical presence is a constant game-changer.”

A junior, Twyman led Lebo in scoring and rebounding with 8.9 points and 6.2 boards per game.

“Elizabeth was our most consistent player all year, game in and game out,” said Blue Devils head coach Mark Walsh.

A junior, Donoghue provided 7.6 points. 3.0 rebounds and 2.4 points per game for Mt. Lebanon, which lost to eventual Class 6A champion Canon-McMillan in the quarterfinals of the WPIAL playoffs. The focal point of opposing defense, Walsh also noted Donoghue’s “outstanding hustle” and defensive play.

A senior, Shea managed 7.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and two assists for the Blue Devils, who beat North Hills in the first round of the playoffs and finished 7-16 overall after the loss to the Lady Macs. “Chloe ran the paint for us and did a great job,” Walsh said. “She was a very good defender.”

Green doubled as a forward and a center for the Blue Devils. A 5-foot-10 junior, she averaged 6.5 points to go along with four rebounds per game. “Cali was our top post player,” Walsh said. “She always guarded the other team’s best big and did a very good job defending.”

TOP ROOKIE

McKenna Helfrick garnered Almanac Rookie of the Year accolades. A freshman, she averaged eight points, four rebounds and three steals a game

for the Lady Colts, who finished third in Section 5 behind South Fayette and West Allegheny.

“McKenna played the most minutes for us this season,” said CV skipper Mike Semplice. “As a freshman, she completely controlled our offense.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Among the players to watch include: Naiya Turner and Addy Owen from Bethel Park as well as Emily Smith from Mt. Lebanon and Kenzie Rumberger from South Fayette.

Turner and Owen averaged 28 minutes of playing time per game. The freshmen duo combined for 12 points each outing for the Lady Hawks. They also managed three steals and three deflections per game.

While Owen played the point guard position, Turner excelled at small forward. Head coach Steve Norman predicted “both are candidates for MVP” in the coming years.

“Both routinely guarded the opponents best two players regardless of size,” he said. “We didn’t play a single team in section or out of section who had a freshmen impact their team as

much as ours did.

A sophomore, Smith made her mark on defense. She grabbed 3.2 rebounds a game while supplying four points to the offense. “Emily guarded the other team’s best player especially during the latter part of the year,” said Walsh. A freshman guard, Rumberger was the first sub off the bench for the Lady Lions. She earned second team all-section honors.

Leroux named Almanac MVP

By Eleanor Bailey ebailey@thealmanac.net

Juliette Leroux credits an ancient adage for her success in basketball. Her attitude indeed determines her altitude.

“Let’s just say you have to have a positive mindset all of the time,” she said. “It’s really a mental game, so if your mental goes down, then your physical goes down. Just retain that mental ability then everything should go well.”

During her scholastic career at South Fayette, everything certainly did go well. A four-year letter winner in both basketball and volleyball, Leroux accumulated a lot of hardware – eight medals, three WPIAL titles, two district runner-up trophies, two PIAA championships and one state runner-up award.

Additionally, she will have her name stitched on the banner hanging from the gymnasium rafters for joining the 1,000-point club.

“I can’t describe how incredible I feel and how extremely proud,” she said of the legacy she is leaving behind. “I’ve had an amazing career.” Leroux has added two additional accolades as her athletic endeavors at South Fayette come

to a close. She has been named the state’s Class 5A Player of the Year as well as The Almanac’s Most Valuable Player for girls basketball.

Of the distinctions she said, “I’m really proud of myself. All the hours that I put in, day and night, finally paid off.

“So many good things have happened (for me) with basketball,” she added. “It’s been really rewarding.”

South Fayette head coach Bryan Bennett acknowledged that hard work and a positive attitude propelled Leroux to great heights.

“Since her freshman year, Juju has continued to develop her skills,” he said. “She is driven to improve and consistently puts in the work at practice each day. By continually adding new elements to her game, she established herself as one of the top players in the state.”

Leroux sets herself apart from her peers because she is “an elite, three-level scorer” adds Bennett.

“Her explosive athleticism al -

lows her to impact the game in a variety of ways,” he continued. “She has the ability to finish at the rim or can knock down shots from deep. This skill set makes her a constant matchup nightmare.”

A 5-foot-10 swing guard, Leroux averaged 14 points per game as the Lady Lions rolled up a 30-1 record this winter that resulted in an undefeated section title, a WPIAL banner for the third time in her career and a third appearance in the state finals. During her scholastic career, South Fayette posted a 106-15 overall record.

Leroux played key roles in South Fayette’s back-to-back PIAA Class 6A championship wins against Archbishop Wood. She tossed in 10 points and grabbed a teamhigh seven rebounds in this year’s 45-35 win against the Vikings. She garnered all-state acclaim for her 15-point, 7-rebound performance in the 2025 state final win, 45-37, against the Vikings.

“It’s incredible that we got to go to states last year and when I was a freshman, so to win there twice is unheard of, especially for a public school,” she said. “I’m extremely proud of my team. We’ve been successful this whole season.”

Additionally, Leroux averaged 6.4 rebounds a game this winter. She also chipped in with 2.3 assists and three steals in each outing.

After going undefeated during section action, South Fayette embarked on defense of its state title but encountered a roadblock in the quarterfinals of the district playoffs. After putting up a strong showing, Trinity’s upset bid fell short as the Lady Lions survived the scare, escaping with a 26-23 victory.

“I would say our Trinity game was the hardest step in the process. It was close when we only won by three. So I feel like that was the time to settle down and

focus on our strengths coming into the next game. I feel like we really did that.”

Leroux added that the Lady Lions never doubted the outcome.

“We know each other and really depend upon the team concept. We know that we just had to calm down, and go back to the basics. We’ve been in that space for years, so we know to be patient when times are tough, and we kind of instill that in our younger girls, too.”

Leroux does not underestimate the impact her play has affected the future of the program. She’s looking forward to having her name on the 1,000-point banner for future players to see.

“I’m extremely proud and seeing the younger girls who will look up to me, too, is incredible. I can’t describe it as anything else.”

Leroux also acknowledged that she did not succeed on her own. She is grateful for a multitude of people, particularly her parents –

Francois and Lori – coaches and teammates.

“They’ve contributed to my success. They’ve put up with my attitude when I’ve had a bad practice. I want to be successful so I’m definitely hard on myself. My coaches watch endless hours of film and prepare us really well for all of these games.”

That foundation has readied Leroux for the next step in her career. In the summer she will transition to the collegiate game when she attends training camp and drills in preparation for her enrollment at Florida Atlantic University located in Boca Raton.

“I’m gonna miss this so much,” Leroux said of South Fayette. “I love my team and I love how we have had so much success, but I’m gonna bring my skills that I learned here and bring them down to Florida, and hopefully have some success out of that, too. If I keep a positive mindset, then things should work out well.”

sights & sounds

‘Buddies at Ballfield’ a hit at Bethel Park

By Eleanor Bailey ebailey@thealmanac.net

To celebrate World Autism Awareness day, on April 7, the Bethel Park High School baseball team hosted its “Buddies at the Ballfield” game against the South Fayette Lions at Purkey Field.

Members of the Best Buddies Club, which is a national initiative that pairs students with disabilities with their able-bodied peers, participated in several pregame events, including running the bases and throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Students also helped announce the lineup for the Hawks and worked the scoreboard.

“It’s a special day for best buddies, and I get to play baseball with my friends,” said left fielder Brayden Bruckner. The junior has been a member of Best Buddies since his freshman year.

“The first time it was introduced to me, I thought it was a great organization and it helps everybody. It’s just an honor to celebrate these students because

they deserve to have the same opportunities that we do,” Bruckner said.

Patrick Zehnder agreed. In addition to his duties as manager of the Black Hawks, he is a special education teacher at the high school and an assistant coach for the school’s unified bocce team.

“These students are an important part of our community. They are the unsung heroes of society.

“These kids can accomplish amazing things and just with a little bit of support and guidance here and there,” he continued.

“These kids can do anything that you and I can do. I think too often people assume that they can’t.

So being able to shine a light on them is both good for them and good for us.

“Raising awareness for autism and celebrating students who maybe don’t get a lot of notoriety is really deserving because of the great attitudes that they have and for all the work that they do to contribute to Bethel Park.”

While Bethel Park has sponsored events like this, it was the

first time the Black Hawks hosted. Zehnder added that this year it’s taken off and reached a whole new level.

In addition to game festivities, food trucks were on site. There were raffles and specially designed socks being sold to raise funds for the Best Buddies Club.

Led by Julie Hernandez, the group is designed to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have a friend. The Club consists of 125 members.

“The Bethel Park Best Buddies Club is a student-led friendship club,” Hernandez explained. “Our club creates opportunities for friendships between high school students with and without intellectual/developmental disabilities. Our club has monthly activities on campus or in the community.

“Baseball Buddy Night is one of our favorite events of the year,” she continued. “Students also have the opportunity to be

matched with a buddy to spend more time together and develop a deeper friendship.”

For the occasion, assistant baseball coach and peer PE teacher Jared King designed a special edition uniform that was worn not only by the players but also by Best Buddies members. On the purple (the color of autism) jersey were colored stripes on the sleeves. Each shade represented the five mission pillars of the organization. They are yellow for one-to-one friendships, lime green for integrated employment, orange for leadership development, lavender for inclusive living and sky blue for family support.

Linda Bruckner, who is a peer PE teacher at the high school, noted the jerseys were popular as the players and students alike proudly donned them during the day at school.

“It’s a super fun day,” she said. “The team loves this day, and the students do too. It’s a super-fun event with a lot of activities. The purpose is to get as many people involved in as many of our school activities as we can and raise awareness for students of all abilities. I think we’re succeeding.” Hernandez agreed.

“We’ve created a truly special day of memories.”

Prehistoric creatures take over Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

“Scraposaurs” is the latest attraction at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden located at 799 Pinkerton Run Road. Running through October, the exhibit features 15 imaginative sculptures crafted entirely from recycled metal and found objects, set across the garden’s expansive 65 acres.

Created by award-winning artist Dale Lewis, Scraposaurs transforms discarded steel and scrap materials into whimsical representations of prehistoric life. From a charming 2-foot-tall baby musk ox to a towering 11-foot Tyrannosaurus rex, the installation offers a playful and intriguing experience for visitors of all ages.

Positioned throughout the garden’s natural landscape, each sculpture is designed to spark a sense of

discovery. Guests can explore curated gardens and woodlands while encountering these raw yet intricate creations, each accompanied by native plantings that complement their natural surroundings.

“Each piece I create starts with materials that have already lived a life,” said artist Dale Lewis.

“By reimagining discarded metal into something joyful and engaging, I hope to inspire people to think differently about reuse and to see the beauty and potential in what might otherwise be overlooked.”

Beyond its visual impact, Scraposaurs emphasizes the connection between art, nature, and environmental stewardship. The exhibit highlights how raw materials, plant life, and even ancient creatures are part of a broader, interconnected story of

what’s happening

TOURS

EARTH DAY

LeboGreen will host the 17th annual Mt. Lebanon Earth Day Celebration set for April 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Main Park on Cedar Boulevard.

The event offers new ideas, energy, and a renewed commitment to an environmentally resilient future with family-friendly activities and eco-forward vendors and innovations.

LeboGreen is a group of Mt. Lebanon citizen volunteers devoted to conserving energy, water and waste in the community. The group works with residents, elected officials, institutions, businesses, nonprofits, and the Mt. Lebanon Resiliency Board to educate the community and to encourage the implementation of sustainable strategies.

The organization hosts a free community “Sustainability Series” at various dates throughout the year. Visit mtlebogreen.org/events for more details on Earth Day or further information on upcoming events.

FLEA MARKET

A flea market will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25 in the cafeteria of Keystone Oaks High School. Proceeds benefit the KO chapter of Educators Rising. Refreshments will be available. Admission and parking are free. For more information contact koeducatorsrising@gmail.com.

ART & STEAM

An arts fest and STEAM expo will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. April 25 at Bethel Park High School.

evolution and transformation.

To further enrich the experience, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden will offer new drop-in programs throughout the exhibition’s run. These programs will encourage visitors to explore how reusable materials, artistic expression, and ecological awareness all intersect.

“I am delighted to be joining Pittsburgh Botanic Garden at the launch of such an incredible installation,” said Abigayle Tobia, who is the new executive director for Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. “This exhibit perfectly reflects our mission. It brings together art, nature, and education in a way that is both inspiring and approachable. It’s a joyful, immersive experience that invites visitors to explore, learn, and connect with the environment.”

The Penn Woods Classical Academy located in Scott Township is holding tours at 10 a.m Tuesdays of the school and presentations about classical education. The pre-kindergarten through seventh grade academy will add a grade each year to 12th.

RSVP to info@pennwoodsclassical. org or call 412-447-5181.

5K RUN

The Library VFW Post 6664 is hosting a 5K run and 2M walk at 9 a.m. on May 2. The event starts at Pleasant Street and the Montour Trail. Fee is $25 ($30 on race day). Visit www.getmeregistered.com to sign up. Search VFW Post 6664.

GRAVE EVENT

America 250! Grave Dedication Ceremony at Bethel Cemetery, located at 2999 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park, will be held at 11 a.m. May 2. The event is co-hosted by the Bethel Fife and Drum Chapter, NSDAR and Pittsburgh Chapter SAR. Fifteen Revolutionary War patriots are buried at the cemetery

Bethel Presbyterian Church will open its history room for the day so attendees can learn about the cemetery and church, which is also celebrating its 250th anniversary. Email bethelfifeanddrum@gmail.com for more details.

WOODVILLE

A Mother’s Day Tea will be held at 2 p.m. May 9 at Woodville located at 1375 Washington Pike.

With its blend of creativity, sustainability, and outdoor exploration, Scraposaurs promises a dynamic experience that evolves with every visit. Scraposaurs and related drop-in programs are included with admission or membership. More information and tickets are available at: https://pittsburghbotanicgarden.org/scraposaurs/ Pittsburgh Botanic Garden also features Garden of the Five Senses, Allegheny Plateau Woodlands, and Hillside Pollinator Garden. Spring and summer hours are Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The facility is closed Mondays. Visit PittsburghBotanicGarden.org or call 412-444-4464 to purchase tickets or learn more.

In addition to tea and sandwiches inside the historic Neville House, Jessica Young will speak. Her topic will be What to Wear to the Revolution: Clothing in America from 1760-1789. Visit woodville-experience.org to order tickets or call 412-221-0348 for more information.

CRAFTER CALL

Applications are being accepted for John McMillan Presbyterian Church’s annual Christmas Affair.

Space is limited for the event scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 7 at 875 Clifton Road, Bethel Park. Each year, more than 50 artisans showcase a wide variety of handmade goods and holiday gifts at the event, which also includes a festive Gingerbread House, chance auction and the Kris Kringle Kafé. Admission is free.

Crafters interested in applying or learning more should call 412-7591634 or email: christmasaffairjmpc@ gmail.com.

CONCERT

A free concert featuring the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra will be held at 7:30 p.m. May 17 at Heinz Hall. The program includes Respighi’s Pines of Rome, the Overture to Beethoven’s ballet The Creatures of Prometheus, Leonard Bernstein’s Three Dance Episodes from “On the Town,” and Rachmaninoff’s Isle of the Dead.

The concert also features PYSO cellist Albert Dong, the winner of the 2025-26 season conducting compe-

tition. He will lead the orchestra for Beethoven’s Overture to The Creatures of Prometheus. Visit pyso.org/tickets/ to reserve tickets.

FLEA MARKET

Church of the Atonement, 618 Washington Ave., Carnegie, will have its Spring Flea Market April 24 and 25. The event will run from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. each day. However, on April 24 it will close at noon and reopen at 1 p.m. for the bag sale. Cash only will be accepted.

Items available will include kitchen items, small appliances, clothing, shoes, puzzles, decorations, gift ideas and home goods. Proceeds will support the church’s community outreach programs.

Donations will be accepted until April 19. Televisions, large electronics and large furniture cannot be accepted for this sale. For more information, call 412-279-1944.

SPEAKER

Bower Hill Church hosts author and scholar Andrew Root. He will speak April 22 on ways that congregations can maintain and build spiritual vitality in a climate of decline and fragmentation.

Root, a professor of youth and family ministry at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., will speak at the second session of a three-part speaker series. The session will run from 4 to 8 p.m. at Cefalo’s Banquet and Event Center, located at 428 Washington Ave. in Carnegie Dinner is included with the $35 registration.

Root is author of “When Church Stops Working.” He is also author of the six-volume “Ministry in a Secular Age” series and hosts the podcast of the same name.

Visit www.bowerhillchurch.org/ speakerseries or call 412-561-4114 to register or for more information.

BOOK SALE

The Friends of the Jefferson Hills Public Library’s annual Book & Boutique Sale will run from April 23-26 in the community rooms of the library, located at 925 Old Clairton Road.

A preview party will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. April 23. Presale tickets are $10. Day-of-the event price is $12. Hours for the regular sale are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 24 and 25. Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with 50% off boutique items and $5 bag or $10 medium box sale.

Tickets can be purchased at the library. Call 412-655-7741 for further information.

CONCERT

The Unity Presbyterian Church will present Brent Vernon and Sam at 5 p.m. April 25. The free concert will be held in the sanctuary of the church, located at 1165 Greentree Road. A free-will offering will be collected.

Since 1995, Vernon, who is a singer/ songwriter/ventriloquist, and his pal Sam have criss-crossed the United States, Ireland, Australia, Canada and the Caribbean sharing a ministry through a variety of concerts and presentations in churches, schools, and at special events.

Allrealestateadvertisementsinthisnewspaperaresubjecttothe FederalFairHousingAct,whichmakesitillegaltoadvertise“any preference,limitationordiscrimi-nationbasedonrace,color,religion, sex,handicap,familialstatusornationalorigin,oranintentionto makeanysuchpreference,limitationordiscrimination.” Statelawsforbiddiscriminationinthesale,rental,oradvertisingof realestatebasedonfactorsinadditiontothoseprotectedunder federallaw.

Wewillnotknowinglyacceptanyadvertisingforrealestatewhichis inviolationofthelaw.Allpersonsareherebyinformedthatalldwellingsadvertisedareavailableonanequalopportunitybasis.

Brubo Elite Chair Lift Available in Peters Twp. $500 412-715-6657

BUNK BED - With mattresses and bedding. Like new. $275. 412-613-7965

CD Player - Sony CDP-CE500 5 Disc Compact Disc Changer with remote $150 724-809-5746

CD’S Music (62) Coolio, The Roots, Common $10 Each 724-513-9390

CHILD’S TABLE/CHAIR SET Costco. Sturdy, foldable. Like new. $40. 724-413-1119 CHRISTMAS TREE Artificial (2) 4 1/2’ and 30” $30. each 724-513-9390

Comforter, king size with shams chocolate reverses to cocoa like new $20.00 724-222-5098

Crystalite Pets Christmas ornaments like new $10 724-746-0473

Cube Display table to accent plants or statue $110 724-513-9390

Danish modern, teak wine rack, over 50 years old like new $50 724-746-0473

or best offer. 724-222-4698 COMPANION LAWN CRYPT Crypt for 2 at Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray, Devotion section, Lot 117-B. $6,500, will negotiate. Call 386-416-9605 COMPANION MAUSOLEUM Space for 2, includes opening and closing. Notre Dame Mausoleum, Queen of Heaven, McMurray. $18,500 or best offer. 724-350-7941 or 724-416-7975

FOREST LAWN GARDENS 2 spaces in Garden of Devotion, 2 burial vaults, Tier #156-C, Level 3 and 4. Includes transfer fee.

$5,000 obo. 724-267-4858

JEFFERSON MEMORIAL CEMETERY - Companion lawn crypt for 2, in the Garden of the Pillars of Faith, Lot #1270. $4,000. I will pay transfer fee and endowment fee. 412-831-0433

WASHINGTON CEMETERY Three plots, Section 12. $2,200 each or best offer. Call for information, 727-831-9920 Other Animals

DoudouX Huggies 360 Bed Available in Peters Twp. $800 412-715-6657

DRILL PRESS - Hitachi, floor model B16RM, 15”h x 63.25”, with vice. Used once. $175. 724-413-1119 End tables $50 412-217-2314

EXERCISE BIKE - Recumbent. Loaded with

HANDGUN - 9mm, 8 shot. HI-point.

- Dewalt D55140,1 gal. 135psi. Weighs 24, $120. 724-745-1324