The Almanac - Feb. 22, 2026

Junior Achievement honors Peters Township sixth-grader

By Paul Paterra ppaterra@observer-reporter.com

A Peters Township sixth-grader is among the youngest Junior Achievement 18 under Eighteen honorees for 2026, presented by the EQT Foundation.

Lily D’Antonio, who turned 12 on Feb. 7, created the Childhood Inclusion Pageant, which creates empowering, accessible events celebrating every child’s unique strengths.

Lily admits to dealing with bullying and a feeling that she didn’t belong. The Peters Township Middle School student turned those challenges into an initiative to help others who may feel the same way.

“The purpose of the pageant was to create a space for individuals who are typically made to feel (that they don’t fit in) to give them an opportunity to feel confident and beautiful,” Lily explained. “They get to have a day to spend with their families and friends that is truly about them, celebrating their abilities and their strengths. It’s about giving them one day out of the 365 days of the year that’s truly focused on them and them only.”

The Childhood Inclusion Pageant is held annually on the Saturday before Martin Luther King Jr. Day at St. John XXIII Parish’s Pope Benedict Center

As many as 100 dresses are donated for participants as well as free makeup services. Community members donate baskets for raffles, and others volunteer the time on the day of the event. All proceeds go to charity. The most recent pageant, the second held, raised $4,000 for Variety Pittsburgh, a program for children with disabilities, and $800 for the Peters Township Best Buddies program.

The 2025 pageant had 14 participants, and this year there were 17, rang-

ing in age 2 to 20. Participants model their dresses but are judged in various personality categories.

“It’s very focused on them and are they having a good time and the positivity of the event that we try to portray in as many ways as possible,” Lily said. This year’s participants came from as far as Charleston, W.Va., and Butler County.

Lily said the 2024 Miss Little Italy Pageant in Bloomfield triggered the idea for her annual event. She initially entered the pageant because she thought it would be fun and ended up winning.

“I met so many people from the pageant community who are doing community service initiatives,” Lily said.

“That really opened my eyes to how many kids who feel like they’re left out on a regular basis and how important it is to get involved in the community, even though I was only 10 years old. I

was able to blend my love for working with these individuals with something that was relevant to me.”

Christy D’Antonio, Lily’s mother, is proud of her daughter’s accomplishments.

“Seeing her be able to give back to these individuals and families is personally rewarding to me,” Christy D’Antonio said. “I think her impact has been greater than I could have ever imagined with her vision becoming a reality in such a quick window of time. I definitely think there’s only more greatness coming in the next couple of years.”

This is the fifth year for the Junior Achievement’s 18 Under Eighteen. During that time, 90 youths from across 10 counties have been recognized. Lily is the fifth Washington County resident to be honored and one of the youngest to receive the honor.

“In just five years, we’ve had the privilege of elevating 90 young people whose ideas, compassion, and leadership are transforming communities,” said Patrice Matamoros, president of Junior Achievement. “This program not only recognizes achievement, but it builds a lasting alumni network where honorees collaborate, inspire, and even launch new initiatives together. We see those same qualities in this year’s class and can’t wait to watch their impact grow.”

Other awardees for this year include Vanshika Jain of Mt. Lebanon High School and Lily Baumgardner of Baldwin High School.

Jain, 16, is founder of the student chapter of DTCare, leading more than 60 students in distributing more than $20,000 in annual donations to children and families in need. Baumgardner, 16, is the founder of “Hear About

Citizen Science Lab founder talks with South Fayette students

By Brad Hundt

bhundt@observer-reporter.com

Anyone who has ever struggled with a quadratic equation or a Bunsen burner can take comfort in the knowledge that Andre Samuel once failed microbiology and chemistry classes.

However, that didn’t prevent him from ultimately earning a doctorate in biology at Duquesne University and founding and leading the Citizen Science Lab. The Citizen Science Lab is designed to help students in disadvantaged communities learn about the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. One location is in the Landmark Building in Bethel Park while another is in the works in Pittsburgh’s Hill District.

“I didn’t like science classes, though I liked science,” Samuel said. He talked about his life and work at South Fayette High School on Feb. 12 for a Black

History Month event sponsored by the school’s SHOUT (Social Handprints Overcoming Unjust Treatment) organization.

An aversion to science classes wasn’t the only hurdle facing Samuel – the product of a broken home, he had a tough upbringing in Washington, D.C., where addiction and “sleeping on the streets” were part of the picture. He cites Thanksgiving morning in 1995 as the day he woke up “from a terrible binge” and decided to point his life in a newer and healthier direction.

“Hip hop and ‘Star Wars’ kept me grounded,” according to Samuel.

“There were rap artists who had messages of advancement for people of color. … I identified with the dark side and the Force. I would often say to myself,

‘Don’t fall into the dark side.’”

Samuel eventually earned a biology degree at the General University of the District of Columbia, then another

Andre

Science Lab in 2015.

degree from George Washington University in genomics and bioinformatics, both fields that involve the study of DNA. He received his degree from

‘A Time to Act’ Mt. Lebanon grad collabs on world premiere opera

By Brad Hundt bhundt@observer-reporter.com

Crystal Manich remembers the fear. She remembers the safety drills, the whispers, the sense of panic that would arise at the sight of a student in a trench coat.

Manich was a junior at Mt. Lebanon High School in April 1999, when the mass shooting happened at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., that left 15 people dead and more than 20 injured. The horror of the massacre riveted the country, and was of particular interest in Mt. Lebanon, which had a demographic makeup similar to that of Littleton.

Then, just a year later, a Mt. Lebanon man went on a shooting spree across Allegheny and Beaver counties that left five people dead and one person injured. On the verge of graduation, it shook Manich and her classmates even further.

“People were very scared,” Manich remembered. “There were fake threats and rumors going around. Tensions were really high.”

Manich used some of those long-ago experiences in writing the libretto for “Time to Act,” a world premiere opera that is being presented by the Pittsburgh Opera starting Feb. 28 at the Bitz Opera Factory in the Strip District. A collaboration with composer Laura Kaminsky, “Time to Act” touches on issues surrounding trauma and school violence as a group of students gather to stage a production of Sophocles’ “Antigone.”

With “Time to Act,” “I wanted to place myself back in that moment,”

said Manich, who is also directing the production. The sense of trepidation surrounding school shootings has lingered – and arguably, intensified – in the years since Columbine. It now hangs over the school days of young people today “and that was something I wanted to explain in the piece.”

Manich first started working on “Time to Act” in 2018 in Puerto Rico, which she now calls home. By 2022, she had penned a couple of drafts and had an online meeting with Kaminsky, and work on the opera began in earnest.

“We started reconstructing what the story should be,” Manich said. “She really wanted to work on this with me.” A resident of Peters Township when she was a child, Manich’s family eventually moved to Mt. Lebanon, and she credits the high school’s arts program for fueling her interest in theater and opera. She worked in the school’s television studio, co-hosted a weekly movie review program that was carried on a community public access channel and aspired to be an actor. However, she served as an assistant director on a production of the musical “Fiddler on the Roof,” and discovered that she had an aptitude for directing. From there, she attended Carnegie Mellon University and began a varied career that has encompassed work not only in opera, but also musical theater, plays, and with Cirque du Soleil. It has taken her around the world, from Argentina to

Bower Hill church to host speaker series

Bower Hill Community Church will observe its 75th anniversary with a speaker series.

The three-part public series, “Faith Forward: The Future of Congregational Life,” offers a wide-ranging discussion about American religion and congregational life. The series will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. March 11, April 22 and May 13 at Cefalo’s Banquet and Event Center, 428 Washington Ave., Carnegie. Dinner is included with registration.

Speakers are expected to include nationally renowned experts and local congregational leaders.

“We want to invite the community to take part in a robust discussion with some of the top experts in their field – those who have been tracking both the challenges and the opportunities that are facing the American religious congregations,” said the Rev. Brian Snyder, pastor of Bower Hill. “We also want to engage in dialogue with local leaders who have been on the front lines of nurturing and reinventing congregational life for churches and synagogues.”

The series opens with a data-driven look at religion in America, led by political scientist and pastor Ryan P. Burge. Burge is the author of several books, including the recently published, “The Vanishing Church.” Burge is expected to share insights about religious decline and polarization and their implications for democracy and community life.

He is a professor of practice at the John C. Danforth Center at Washington University in St. Louis and author of the popular Substack newsletter, “Graphs about Religion.” He also was pastor of a small American Baptist Church for 17 years, which ultimately closed. Andrew Root, a professor of youth and family ministry at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., picks up the conversation April 22. His books include “When Church Stops Working,” and the six-volume “Ministry in a Secular Age” series, and he hosts a podcast of the same name.

The series concludes May 13, as local congregational leaders talk about how they’ve approached such challenges and

what they’ve learned along the way.

The Rev. Liddy Barlow, executive minister of Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania, will moderate the discussion.

Panelists include Gregory D. Jones, adjunct professor of theology at Duquesne University and a member of Bridgeville Baptist Church, which shares space with Bower Hill; the Rev. Tracy Keenan, recently retired missional presbyter with New Castle Presbytery in Delaware and a former pastor of Bower Hill; and Eric Schaffer, adjunct professor of law at the University of Pittsburgh and past president of Rodef Shalom Congregation, which is in the process of merging with Temple Sinai.

They will discuss approaches to collaboration, shared space, mergers and other innovative strategies.

The cost is $35 per event, or $90 for all three, with registration required at least one week in advance of each event. To register or for more information, go to www. bowerhillchurch.org/speakerseries or call 412-561-4114.

Australia and beyond. Her resume includes work on productions of “The Marriage of Figaro,” “Aida,” “Macbeth,” “Carmen” and many more. She has also directed a feature film, “The Copper Queen,” and will be directing the Pittsburgh Opera’s production of “Falstaff,” which will be presented in April and May. She is also writing another new opera,

“Triangulo,” which is being billed as the world’s first mixed martial arts opera. Now that she has directed many, many more productions since that production of “Fiddler on the Roof” at Mt. Lebanon High School all those years ago, what does it take to be a good director?

“I think you have to be a collaborator,” Manich said. “A dictator isn’t a good director.” For more information on “Time to Act” and performance times, go to pittsburghopera.org.

Honors

Her,” a women’s empowerment event that brings together accomplished women from across Pittsburgh to speak with women at Baldwin High School. In addition to their recognition, honorees participate in the Intern to VP Professional Branding and Leadership Development Training Program, presented by Moments of Focus LLC.

As for the future, the hope is for Lily to create a nonprofit, making the pageant part of larger initiatives.

“My perspective has changed as to what fitting in is,” D’Antonio said. “Fitting in to me now is I’m creating spaces where everyone fits in. You don’t always have to be a certain mold or act a certain way or look a certain way to be a part of a conversation or be in the room. I do feel a sense of belonging and meaning and purpose, especially now that I’m starting this stuff.”

Duquesne after moving to the area in 2004 when his wife started attending the University of Pittsburgh Law School. They were here on a “threeyear plan,” Samuel noted, but “we’ve been here ever since.” As a scientist, his specialties include the development of a vaccine for hookworm, the toxicology of certain drugs and the reactivation of tuberculosis in nonhuman primates. In 2015, Samuel founded the Citizen Science Lab with the idea that children – particularly those who might not have considered a career in the sciences – would have access to a laboratory and tools close to where they live. The South Hills location has multiple labs, and last April ground was broken for a $5.8 million facility in the Hill Dis-

trict on the site of what had been the Martin Luther King Jr. Reading and Cultural Center. Once it’s completed, it will be called the MLK Center for Scientific Excellence, and will have a space for drone aviation, public art spaces, quiet study spaces, a greenhouse and more.

Samuel emphasized the importance of connecting with other people throughout a career.

“Networking is a huge part of your success,” he said. “Networking got me the half-million dollars to start the Citizen Science Lab.”

He did recently take a threemonth sabbatical, but Samuel said he is still very much committed to the Citizen Science Lab.

“I never considered not going back,” Samuel said. “I came back fired up. I’m not going anywhere. It’s very hard to leave what you built yourself.”

SF senior reaches national semifinals

South Fayette High School senior Pranita Chakkingal has been selected as a national semifinalist for the National Honor Society (NHS) Scholarship, earning an award of $3,200. The NHS Scholarship program, administered by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), recognizes outstanding high school seniors who exemplify the four pillars of the National Honor Society: scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

Since 1946, NASSP has awarded more than $30 million in scholarships to NHS students nation

wide. This year, $2 million is being awarded to 600 students across the country.

Pranita’s selection as a national semifinalist reflects her strong aca -

demic achievement, commitment to service, and leadership within both the school and broader community. Each year, NHS Scholarship recipients are selected based on their demonstrated service mindset, commitment to learning, leadership in action, and ethical, compassionate decision-making. Eligible students must be NHS members in good standing, high school seniors planning to pursue postsecondary education at an accredited institution, and verified NHS student account holders.

USC places 6th in national cheer championships

Two Upper St. Clair

High School teams placed sixth at their national championships held recently at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla.

The competitive cheer team and the dance team competed at the Universal Cheerleaders Association National High School Cheerleading Championship and the Universal Dance Association National Dance Team Championship.

The USCHS dance team, which features 24 dancers, placed sixth out of 16 schools in the Large Varsity DII – Game Day category and 6th out of 14 teams in the Hip Hop category.

Game Day is a three-minute perfor -

mance that highlights school spirit within three components: the school’s fight song, a sideline dance and a performance routine.

Hip Hop is a two-minute routine. USC’s theme this year was Medusa.

Courtney Wregget along with assistants Kaylea Gallagher and Grace Weidinger coached the teams.

“It’s important to note that not everyone gets invited to nationals,” Wregget said. “You have to be given a bid to attend through competing at local and regional competitions or attending a camp.”

The USC Dance Team has been competing at nationals on and off since the early 2000s and has been competing in Hip Hop since 2012. This

marks the highest placement the dance program has had for Hip Hop.

The competitive cheer team consists of athletes from the varsity and junior varsity sideline cheerleading teams that cheer for football and basketball. To compete, cheerleaders must try out as the skills needed are more difficult and practices are more intense and demanding.

For more than 40 years, the National High School Cheerleading and National Dance Team championships have been the culmination of the season for teams across the nation and are among the most prestigious national championship competitions in the country

Bethel Park teen excels on big stage ‘NATIONAL CHAMPION’

By Paul Paterra ppaterra@observer-reporter.com

Though only a freshman at Long Island University, Chela Miller already has earned the title of national champion.

The 2025 graduate of Bethel Park High School and her teammates captured first place in the Division I Spirit Gameday National Championship Jan. 1618 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla.

The win was special for the teen who admittedly suffers from anxiety, depression and a learning disability.

“The UCA College National Championship was the time of my life,” Miller said recently. “I chose to try out at Long Island University’s cheer program knowing their history of winning at (Universal Cheerleading Association) College Nationals in the Spirit Program Gameday Division. You can imagine my excitement when I made the team.”

Winning the national championship is nothing new for Long Island. This marked the fourth straight year that the Shark Nation Spirit Squad won the title.

a well-rounded athletic personality.”

body are in the zone.”

The dean’s list student is also excelling in the classroom.

Miller, 19, started taking part in competitive cheer as a freshman in high school, but has been competing in baton twirling and poms since elementary school. She also has a background in gymnastics and dance.

Being a cheerleader and majorette paved the way for six other Bethel Park students to do the same, including Chela’s younger sister Lyla.

“I enjoy the excitement that cheer competing alongside the dance team brings to the floor,” she said. “The energy on the mat is intense. You are surrounded by teammates who all have the same goal – to come home with the national title.”

While a student at Bethel Park High School, Miller made history as the first athlete to simultaneously participate as both a cheerleader and a majorette.

It was important for her to be involved in both for several reasons, chief among them her mental health.

“Staying active through physical activity is the best medicine for my anxiety and depression,” Miller said. “These activities allowed me to focus on achievable goals, since academics weren’t always a strong point for me and I found the school day very stressful. Being a multi-sport athlete is beneficial for skill sets and coordination, puts you at less risk for injury, and produces

“I was often asked which activity I would be giving up, and it was reiterated to me that doing both would be impossible,” Miller said. “To know me is to know I love a challenge, so I accepted it. I was met with some negativity, but the outweighing positivity took over. Truthfully, it came easy.”

In addition to her latest victory as a collegiate champion, Miller holds multiple state and regional titles in individual baton twirling as well as several national team championships.

“This is the most difficult thing I’ve had to explain, that someone who suffers from anxiety can perform in front of a large crowd,” Miller said. “For me, performing just comes naturally. The best way to describe how I feel when I’m performing in front of people would be in ‘flow.’ I’m confident. I’m where I’m meant to be, my mind and

“Making the dean’s list with my learning disability was a big accomplishment for me,” Miller said, adding that the school provides a success coach, which has helped her considerably. “This has been a tremendous support, being a learning-disabled student and athlete. My professors have a really great understanding of learning disabilities and have been very helpful. I still have the same amount of work, just a little more guidance to process what they are asking for. It really helped build my confidence in academics.”

The sports management major was cheer captain for each of her four years in high school and hopes to someday get into coaching.

“I love building up my fellow athletes,” Miller said. “For me, especially with my learning disabilities, details matter. That’s where the management aspect will come into play. I see my sister and I doing something in cheer and twirling in our adult lives. It’s who we are.”

USC students advance to PJAS state competition

Six Upper St. Clair High School stu -

dents earned first-place awards at the regional Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competition Feb. 7 at Baldwin High School, qualifying them for the state competition May 17-19 at Penn State University.

The first-place winners are Conrad Davis, Claire Dietiker, Aanya Jha, Antara Mondal, Hadley Maxwell and Daniiar Zamirbekov. Claire, who earned a perfect score, also received a special award from the Society of Women Engineers.

In addition, Sophia Henderson earned second-place honors at the regional competition.

The Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS), is a statewide science competition for students in

grades 7-12. The program promotes excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while also emphasizing research skills, public speaking, long-term planning and perseverance.

The Upper St. Clair students were led by Dawn Mostowy, biology teacher. She said the PJAS experience allows students to steer their science, math or computer science projects in directions that excite them.

PJAS is organized into 12 regions across the commonwealth. Upper St. Clair competes in Region 7, which includes Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. Students must earn a firstplace award at the regional level to advance to the state competition.

Valentine’s Day cards brighten seniors’ holiday

By Paul Paterra ppaterra@observer-reporter.com

well as folks from day cares and businesses.

Anne Dutton, scheduling manager for Senior Helpers of Southwest Pittsburgh, said this is the organization’s third year of collecting Valentine’s Day cards for the seniors. This year’s effort generate more than 1,000 more cards for distribution.

“We reach out to local schools and day care centers and some of our caregivers’ children and ask them to make Valentine’s cards for the seniors,” Dutton said. “Once we collect them all, we divide them up and deliver them to our clients and then we go to local nursing homes and senior centers, depending on how many (cards) we have, and deliver them to the residents.”

Dutton said the idea came from discussions about what they could do for the organization’s clients.

“I said something about Valentine’s cards, and

it just snowballed from there,” she said. “Now, all Senior Helpers from coast to coast do it.” The cards go a long way in battling isolation among

senior citizens during a holiday that can be difficult for those who live alone. According to AARP, 82% of U.S. adults prefer to spend Valentine’s Day

with someone rather than alone. The cards help to ensure seniors feel loved and appreciated during the holiday.

Cards were delivered to senior care facilities and nursing homes Valentine’s Day weekend, with some deliveries made by the children of caregivers. Deliveries this year went to the Helmsley House of Upper St. Clair, Provincial Bethel Park, The Pines of Mt. Lebanon, Friendship Village of South Hills in Upper St. Clair and Celebrations Villa of South Hills. “Just the smiles on their faces make it worth everything,” Dutton said.

Mt. Lebanon wants more than section banners

WPIAL trophy in swimming the goal

By Eleanor Bailey ebailey@thealmanac.net

A pile of section plaques sit in a corner of Tom Donati’s office inside the Mt. Lebanon High School natatorium.

“Collecting dust,” he said. “Paper weights,” he added.

This year’s section titles for both the boys and girls swim teams are “a nice accomplishment” says Donati but they are not the goal. At Mt. Lebanon the aims are WPIAL and state titles.

So the Blue Devils enter the District 7 championships set for Feb. 26-27 at the University of Pittsburgh’s Trees Pool with one objective in mind.

“We’re chasing a trophy,” said Donati, who is in his 14th season at the helm at Mt. Lebanon.

Defending champion North Allegheny, which has 19 boys and 29 girls titles, including 17 in a row, is the “clear cut” favorite to take home the top trophy.

According to Donati, the Blue Devil boys, who finished third last year, Upper St. Clair, which placed fifth in the state in 2025, and Peters Township are contenders for the runner-up team title in Class 3A.

Mt. Lebanon went undefeated in section dual meet competition with 6-0 slates.

The boys posted a 12-1 over-

through the

William Thomas

the backstroke leg of the 200-yard individual medley race during a dual meet against Peters Township. The Mt. Lebanon senior will compete in the 200 and 500 freestyle races during the WPIAL championships being held Feb. 26-27 at Trees Pool.

all record with the lone loss to North Allegheny while the girls finished 10-3 overall.

“By far my girls are my most improved team,” said Donati, who has been coaching for 35 years.

“Credit them, particularly after the graduation losses we had. The culture, work ethic and being one together with the boys team is the reason for their success.

“Expectations at WPIALs, obviously, are for best times,” Donati continued.

“We want to be at our best and get faster. Success with the team goes with that.”

Mt. Lebanon enters the WPIAL championships with high expectations because they not only have 16 boys and eight girls qualified for individual events but because they can group their best into strong relay teams.

There are three relays –200 medley, 200 free and 400 free – among the 12 featured events included in the WPIAL swimming and diving championships. Relays contribute more points to a squad’s score than individual races so they are an important strategy for those teams vying for championships.

That’s why arch-rival Upper St. Clair is a threat to Lebo’s goals.

The Panthers feature seniors Nazar Zoukovski and Ben Whiteford.

Zoukovski is the reigning champion in the 100 free and while the top two finishers in the 50 free have graduated, Whiteford is back as the bronze medalist.

Zoukovski is committed to the University of Arizona while Whitford is a Northwestern recruit.

Gibbons, McGarrity win sectional titles

By Eleanor Bailey ebailey@thealmanac.net

Cole Gibbons from Mt. Lebanon and Nick McGarrity from Peters Township captured championships at the Southern Sectional and advanced to the WPIAL Class 3A wrestling tournament with the hopes of winning district crowns and beginning their quests for state championships.

“It means a lot to win the section,” Gibbons said. “Now I’m focused on winning the WPIAL.”

Gibbons entered the Southern Sectional held Feb. 14 at South Fayette High School as the top seed in the 160-pound weight class and demonstrated why by scoring technical falls, 19-4, against Max Gould from Moon and Bryce Catanzaro of Upper St. Clair, 19-3, in his opening matches. In the championship bout, Gibbons decisioned Mason Calgaro, 7-3. A soph-

omore, Calgaro sported a 33-14 record heading into the match against Gibbons, a familiar adversary.

“I have wrestled with Mason before in practice, so I knew it was going to be a battle,” Gibbons said. “I was happy with how I wrestled and how I was able to get in a lot of shots.”

The top six finishers at three sectionals, the others were the North held at Butler and Eastern held at Norwin, advanced to the WPIAL championships held Feb. 20-21 at Canon-McMillan High School.

The top seven finishers in the district advanced to the Western Regional set for Feb. 27-28 also at Canon-McMillan. The top five regional finishers qualify for the PIAA tournament to be held March 5-7 at the GIANT Center in Hershey. Meanwhile, sectional titles are old hat for McGarrity. A junior, he picked up his third trophy after having

won crowns at 107 pounds as a freshman and sophomore.

After pinning his first two opponents in the opening rounds of action, McGarrity posted a major decision, 164, against Trinity’s Jackson Hoy to claim the 114-pound title.

A Stanford University recruit, McGarrity entered the WPIAL individual tournament as a defending district champion. He placed sixth and third at states in 2024 and 2025.

Two other area grapplers advanced to the finals at the sectional meet and advanced to the WPIAL tournament. Mt. Lebanon’s Evan Sala and Bethel Park’s Ian Bucheli finished as sectional runners-up.

In the 127-pound final, Sala dropped a major decision to Trinity’s Dominic Canali, 10-2, while Bucheli lost a hard-fought match to

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“USC has great high school swimmers. Not just Zoukovski and Whitford but they have two others behind them that makes them capable of winning at least two of the relays. That’s a lot of points right there.

“We have to dig deep,” Donati said. “We can’t worry about anybody but ourselves and take care of business.”

Donati predicts both Zoukovski and Whitford will win both their individual events. Plus, the Panthers are favored to win in the relays.

Lebo’s top male swimmers are Rinzen Sherpa and William Thomas. A junior, Sherpa has top times of 1:51.09 in the 200 individual medley and 56.48 for the 100-yard breaststroke. A senior, Thomas has top times of 1:43.29 and 4:44.10 in the 200 and 500 freestyle events.

In addition, Michael Zhu is an added weapon for the Blue Devils. A senior, he will compete in the 100 free and breast.

“Rinzen, William and Zhu were made for WPIALs,” said Donati. “They are excited to compete and they give us three great relays.” Class 3A competition

PT swimmers looking for a strong showing at WPIAL championships

By Eleanor Bailey ebailey@thealmanac.net

With more than a dozen qualifiers, Peters Township is looking for a strong showing at the WPIAL swimming championships to be held Feb. 26-27 at the University of Pittsburgh’s Trees Pool.

“Our team will be ready to swim lifetime bests and hopefully earn more swims to the PIAA Championships than last season,” said PT skipper Alex Hardwick enthusiastically.

Class 3A competition commences on both days at 9:45 a.m. Race events on Thursday in order will be: 200 medley relay; 200 freestyle; 200 IM; 50 free; 100 butterfly and 200 free relay. Order of events on Friday are: 100 and 500 free; 100 backstroke, 100 breaststroke and 400 free relay. WPIAL champions along with those meeting the qualifying standards advance to the PIAA championships set for March 11-14 at Kinney Natatorium on the campus of Bucknell University.

A strong dual meet season, in which the boys and girls combined for a 21-4-1 record, has Hardwick optimistic about the WPIAL championships, where the Peters Township

men finished ninth in last year’s team standings.

“The team this year is more battle tested than any of my prior seasons,” said Harwick, who has been at the helm for three years.

“We have had many meets come down to final races and having to come back from a deficit at the halfway point. The team continued to rise to the occasion and build around each other. They have grown together and I am anxious for them to showcase their talent.” Ava Komoroski is Peters Township’s most decorated swimmer, having claimed a WPIAL title last year. The junior is the reigning 100 free champion. Last year, Komoroski was runner-up to Mt. Lebanon’s Sylvia Roy in the 50 free. Roy is a freshman at the University of Virginia.

“As a seasoned upperclassman this year, we are looking for Ava to defend her title and make her mark at the PIAA championships,” Hardwick said. “Ava loves competition and we expect her to be a fierce competitor.”

With Isaac Lee and Wyatt

Stetor, Harwick expects the boys to be in contention in the team competition.

North Allegheny is looking for its fourth straight title and 20th in program history. The Tigers won last year’s crown with an astounding 415 points.

“Our boys will be hoping to finish in the Top 5 at WPIALs,” Hardwick said.

Lee, like Komoroski, is entered in the 50 and 100 free races. He will also swim legs on two relays.

Last year, Lee finished seventh in both individual events.

Upper St. Clair senior Nazar Zoukovski is the reigning champion in the 100 free and while the top two finishers in the 50 free have graduated, Ben Whiteford, also from USC, is back as the bronze medalist.

“Isaac is going to be a powerful sprinter in the WPIAL Class AAA field,” Hardwick predicted.

“I can’t wait to see the power he brings not only to his individuals but also our relays. Looking forward to watching his final WPIAL Championship meet,” Harwick added of the senior.

Meanwhile, Stetor is among the top competitors in the 200 IM and 500 free. Last year, he was the only freshman in Class 3A to make an individual PIAA final.

“Wyatt is coming off a great freshman campaign,” Hardwick said. “He is one of the top swimmers in the state for his class and is looking to take his first-year experiences to new heights. He’s a great leader and teammate,” Hardwick added.

In addition to Stetor and Lee, Alex Carothers (500 free), Logan Hartman (50 and 100 free), Lukas Hartman (200 IM and 100 breast), John David Lewis (100 and 200 free), Alejandro Rodriguez (100 back) and Ryan Smith (100 fly and back) are among the other individual male WPIAL qualifiers for Peters Township.

In addition to Komorowski, Mackenzie Bauer (breast), Addison Bowers (200 IM and 100 breast), Julia Linneman (diving), Stacy Liu (breast) and Megan McChesney (50 free) are qualified in the girls competition.

Titles

FROM PAGE B1

Montour’s Jacob Chacon, 11-8, in the 145-pound championship bout.

Several other Almanac area grapplers earned berths in the WPIAL championships.

Ben Mares from Mt. Lebanon joined Gibbons and Sala. He finished fifth at 152. Carson Elder (fourth at 127), Caleb Crawford (fifth at 139), and Colton Fisher (fourth at 152) from Bethel Park joined Bucheli while Gabe Green (sixth at 107) and Landen Pusateri (fifth at 189) from Peters Township joined McGarrity in the district tournament.

South Fayette advanced three wrestlers to the district tournament. Connor Dean finished fifth at 107. Pete Leventis took third at 139. Brock Dennison secured sixth place at 145.

Chartiers Valley had four qualifiers: Michael Lawrence, third at 172; Musabek Sadyrbekov, fourth at 189; Tilek Sadyrbekov, fifth at 139; and Wyar Alozie, sixth at 215. Upper St. Clair also had four qualifiers: Berek Worstell, sixth at 172, Bryce Catanzaro, fourth at 160, Luca Coury, sixth at 172 and Alex Zevallos, fifth at 285.

commences on Thursday and Friday at 9:45 a.m.

Race events on the first day of competition in order will be: 200 medley relay; 200 freestyle; 200 IM; 50 free; 100 butterfly and 200 free relay. Order of events on the second day are: 100 and 500 free; 100 backstroke, 100 breaststroke and 400 free relay. Among Lebo’s other male qualifiers for the WPIAL meet are: Matthew Burton (100 fly and breast); Lee Campbell (50 free and back);

Matthew Coleman (200 IM and breast); William Coleman (200 and 500 free); Peter Goslin (200 IM and back); Matthew Harrold (fly); Rafael Labriola (200 free and fly); Noah Loboda (50 and 100 free); Ethan Lopert (back); Anton Skorski (fly and back) Finn Thompson (50 free) Thomas Vilardaga (200 and 500 free) and Benjamin Watterson (200 IM and 500 free). Among Lebo’s female qualifiers for the WPIAL championships are: Sarah Albu (200 and 500 free); Gwyneth Davis (fly and back); Lillian Evan (fly and back); Colleen Hart (200 and 500 free); Clara Shellenberger (breast); Evelyn Smith (50 free and fly); Quinn

Thompson (50 free and back) and Leah Werzyn (fly). After graduating Sylvia Roy, a four-time 50 free and 100 backstroke champion as well as multiple WPIAL record-holder who is now at the University of Virginia, the Lebo girls are still in a rebuild, says Donati. Expectations are to advance a relay and/or an individual to states as well as finish in the

Top 10 of the team standings.

WPIAL champions along with those meeting the qualifying standards advance to the PIAA championships set for March 11-14 at Kinney Natatorium on the campus of Bucknell University.

“We are a work in progress,” Donati said. “We are still young and the future is bright.”

Mt. Lebanon turns up the heat

Pressure results in win over Rams

By Eleanor Bailey ebailey@thealmanac.net

Mt. Lebanon head coach Joe David knew Pine-Richland had outstanding shooting guards. He just didn’t know how well the Rams could handle pressure.

When he decided to turn up the heat, David found out. The Rams committed 17 turnovers, 11 in a decisive second half, as the Blue Devils shook off a sixpoint, first-half deficit to score a 55-42 victory over Pine-Richland in the first round of the WPIAL Class 6A boys basketball playoffs.

“We backed off in the first half but once we saw how they reacted, we pressured them hard in the second half,” David said. “They turned it over and we created a lot of steals and freed up my shooters offensively.

“If you are pressing them hard, in transition, it makes it hard for them to find the guy

they are trying to stop.”

Liam Sheely entered the tournament as one of the top scorers in the WPIAL with a 20.4-point average and earned Pine-Richland’s attention. However, Lebo’s most recent 1,000-point career scorer racked up 21 of his game-high 29 points in the decisive second half.

Lebo was particularly impressive during a four-minute span. After tying the match, 3232, with 1:07 to play in the third quarter, the Blue Devils used a 17-4 run to open up a 49-36 advantage at the 5:12 mark in the fourth and final frame.

During the spurt, the Blue Devils picked up most of their 11, second-half turnovers as five of them occurred in the third quarter. Lebo recorded 14 steals in the game with Jacob Zaber registering seven of them.

Lebo also dominated the glass. Even though the Rams boasted 6-foot-9 center Doolin Stober, the Blue Devils out rebounded Pine-Richland, 30-21.

Patrick Smith, who scored 10 points, led with 10 boards while Sheely followed with seven.

“Rebounding was big,” David said. “Our offensive rebounding in particular was great. “ With the win, Lebo improved to 15-8 overall and advanced to face No. 2 seed New Castle (211) in the quarterfinals. The semifinals are set for Feb. 23 and the championships are scheduled

for 9 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Petersen Events Center. The top four teams in Class 6A qualify for the PIAA tournament.

“We’re glad to move on,” David said. “We have a game under our belt and at this point I think all the teams are beatable.”

CLASS 5A

In first-round Class 5A boys’ action, top-seeded Chartiers Valley (20-2) dispatched Mon-

tour, 61-48.

The Colts trailed by one, 1110, after eight minutes and held a 28-23 lead at intermission before breaking open the contest with a 15-5 advantage in the third quarter.

Four players finished in double digits for the Colts: Julius Best (16), Julian Semplice (14), Danny Slizik (11) and Luca Federico (10).

Peters Township (16-7) and South Fayette (10-13) were both eliminated from the Class 5A tournament after first-round losses to Hampton and Penn Hills respectively.

In the Indians’ 50-45 loss to the Talbots, Dylan Donovan fired in 13 points while Lucas Saxe pitched in with 10 tallies. In their 48-27 loss to Penn Hills, the Lions scored only 14 first-half points, seven in each frame. They were outscored, 11-2, in the third quarter. Their only double-digit frame was the fourth when they chipped in 11 points.

Owen Keener, Dylan Monz and Tyson Wright all scored seven points in the loss for South Fayette while Calix Clark led Penn Hills with 22 markers and Amon Hawthrone followed with 13.

Girls teams advance in WPIAL playoffs

By Eleanor Bailey ebailey@thealmanac.net

South Fayette began its quest for a WPIAL title in girls basketball when the Lady Lions dispatched Kiski Area, 78-19, in the first round of the Class 5A tournament.

The Lady Lions started slowly, trailing 3-2, before charging to a 25-3 lead after one frame and 48-4 advantage by intermission, thus invoking the Mercy Rule for the final 16 minutes of play.

Haylie Lamonde and Juliette Leroux led the offensive attack, firing in 18 and 16 points respectively.

With the win, the Lady Lions improved to 22-1 overall while the Cavaliers ended their season at 11-11. South Fayette also earned a spot in the PIAA tournament, which commences March 7. The Lions are the defending Class 5A state champion.

South Fayette, which won WPIAL titles in 2016, 2022, 2023 and 2024, took on Trinity (17-6), a 50-48 winner over West Allegheny, in the quarterfinals played Feb. 18 at Peters Township. The winners advanced to the semifinals, which were held Feb. 21.

The WPIAL Class 5A girls final is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Feb. 27 at the Petersen Events Center on the University of Pittsburgh campus.

Peters Township, which edged South Fayette, 40-36, in last year’s district championship game, embarked on its title defense by upending Plum, 56-46. It was the Lady Indians seventh win in a row.

Peters Township (14-9) entered the tournament as the tournament’s 12th seed after winning six games in a row to clinch a playoff spot. The Mustangs (18-5) were Section 1 champions and seeded No. 5, thus beneficiaries of a home contest to open postseason play.

“I don’t think we view it as an upset, really,” said PT skipper Steve Limberiou. “We were confident going in. We knew we needed to play well. The scoring was balanced, which is what you need in the playoffs.”

For the Indians, who constructed a 24-17 halftime lead, four players registered double digits. Taylor McCullough led the way with 17 tallies. Jordyn Welsh and Bri Morreale followed with 13 and Alina Sopko supplied 10 markers.

“Taylor did a great job,” said Limberiou. “She’s dynamic, athletically. I thought a lot of the scoring was defense leading to offense. She got her hands

on the ball defensively and that led to a lot of offense for us.”

Riley Stephans topped all scorers with 21 markers while Tori Glogowski supplied 10 tallies for the Mustangs.

By virtue of their victory, the Indians qualified for the state tournament and advanced to the quarterfinals to take on Baldwin, a 52-37 winner over Chartiers Valley.

In the game, Lynsey Bernotas (16), Isabella Niles (14), Julianne Ott (12) led the Highlanders. Alyssa Davis fired in 22 points for the Colts, who finished 8-15 overall.

In the Class 6A tournament, Mt. Lebanon eked out a victory over North Hills, 44-41. Both teams sported 7-15 records after the outcome.

With the win, the Blue Devils advanced to the quarterfinals to face top-seeded Canon-McMillan (18-4).

After the Blue Devils jumped off to a 15-9 lead, the Indians closed the gap by halftime, trailing by a point, 20-19. Though North Hills led, 29-28, after three quarters, Mt. Lebanon opened up a five-point lead, 38-35, with 2:07 to play thanks to a pair of 3-pointers by Chloe Shea and Emily Smith as well as a bucket by Cali Green. Down the stretch, Anessa Donoghue connected on three

of four free throws and Elizabeth Twyman cashed in on another. Donoghue and Twyman led Lebo in scoring with 12 and 13 tallies respectively.

sights & sounds

By Rick Shrum

Baked Bean brews up excitement in Mt. Lebanon Bethel Park to present musicals

When Ali Catto and Hannah Olsen committed to open a coffee shop in Mt. Lebanon, they used the old bean – their brains – to agree on a name that reflected the variety of coffee drinks and baked goods that would be available to patrons.

They christened it The Baked Bean – baked items and coffee beans.

The co-owners opened on Jan. 24, just before the monstrous snowstorm landed on Pittsburgh and much of the nation. Consumer response has been almost as prolific as the blizzard was.

“You should have seen the first day. It was non-stop,” Catto said. “It was so cold before the snowstorm that we filtered customers into the sitting area.”

Baked Bean sits at 380 Broadmoor Ave. in the Sunset Hills neighborhood. The building is compact, especially when curious customers enter en masse, which has been the case the first three-plus weeks.

“It is surprising to see this neighborhood has been super excited about this,” Catto said, “and now customers are coming from elsewhere. It’s hum-

bling and we appreciate it.”

Even when the shop is jammed, the interior is cheery and appealingly adorned, the aromas abundant, the chocolate chip and sugar cookies massive. “They are as big as your head,” Catto said.

She and Olsen have taken over a space that had been unoccupied for a while, and are following their predecessor’s tradition. The building had previously been the home of Mo-Joes, a coffee shop as well.

Launching this enterprise is a natural for the owners.

Catto, a Mt. Lebanon High School graduate and resident

what’s happening

BLACK HISTORY

Mt. Lebanon will celebrate Black History Month from noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 28 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1066 Washington Road. Parking is available off Mayfair Drive. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.

“Honoring Legacy, Inspiring Action” is the theme and guests can explore, celebrate and connect through education, food, activities and fellowship. The event is free but registration is encouraged.

Visit tinyurl.com/lebobhm2026 to sign up.

SHWC

The South Hills Women’s Club will meet at 7:15 p.m. March 9 at Scott Township Lodge, located on Park Drive in Carnegie. After the meeting, the group will hold its annual White Elephant gift exchange. Participants should bring a wrapped gift (funny, re-gift or fine antique). Refreshments and dessert will be served. Those interested in attending should call 412-965-4714. New members and guests can attend.

PRESCHOOL

Enrollment for the South Hills Jewish Preschool beginning in the fall is being accepted. Ages 18 to 36 months are eligible. This is a Reggio-Inspired, playbased, hands-on experience. Visit SHJewishPreschool.com for more details.

Call 412-346-6322 or email hindy@shjewishpreschool.com for enrollment information.

CHABAD

Purim At The Stadium will be held at 5:15 p.m. March 3 at Chabad of the South Hills located at 1700 Bower Hill Road. Tickets are $18 for adults and

$12 for children with a $54 family maximum limit.

This halftime entertainment “Concession Stand” Dinner features sports theme fun and an animated Megillah reading as well as other activities. Visit Chabaedsh.com/Stadium to order tickets.

COIN CLUB

The South Hills Coin Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. March 10 at the Bethel Park Municipal Building located at 5100 West Library Ave.

All members and the general public can attend the program on United States mint errors. A 50/50 will be offered and children’s prizes will be awarded. Applications are now being accepted for membership. Call 724-483-1647 for more information.

BP TEA

A beach-themed tea will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. March 14 at the Bethel Park Community Center. Sponsored by the Bethel Park library, the event will feature games, sand art, a dance party with a live DJ as well as tea and light refreshments. There will be a raffle for the 2026 American Girl Doll of the Year: Raquel. Tickets are two for $30 and $10 for each additional admission and can be purchased at the library.

Visit bethelpark.librarycalendar. com/ or call 412-835-2207 for more information.

PT REC

Registration for the next session of activities as well as one-day classes being offered in March and April is being accepted online and at the Peters Township recreation center. Visit www.peterstownship.com

and a mother of three, owns a mobile coffee trailer and has a baking business. She sells coffee drinks and baked goods from the trailer.

She said Olsen, a Cranberry area resident, owns three businesses, including one for which she makes French macaroons, which are available at Baked Bean.

“Hannah owns a shared kitchen space where we do our baking.” Olsen said, adding that the co-owners hope to eventually bake at their shop.

Arriving at this juncture was not an easy journey for these young entrepreneurs.

“We had no project manager so everything took time,” Catto said. “It took 10 months from signing the lease to opening. We needed electrical and plumbing work and Hannah had a baby (in the interim).

“You’re always leaning in

this industry.”

Baked selections, other than the massive cookies, also include croissants, biscotti, muffins, shortbread bars and cupcakes. Cherub Cherry Chai is the signature specialty drink for February.

Frappes, lattes, iced coffees, specialty lemonades and hot and iced tea are on the menu as well. Beans for the drinks are a specialty house blend from Nicholas Coffee and Tea Co. in the Market Square district in downtown Pittsburgh.

Catto and Olsen have a staff of 10 working at the shop near Julia Ward Howe Elementary School.

This Baked Bean is certainly not a canned vegetable, but a coffee/bakery shop that has made an instant impression.

The store on Broadmoor is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

to view the list of offerings and sign up or stop at the center located at 700 Meredith Dr. Among some of the activities are:

Dance with DnB Magnets is offered from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays beginning March 10 for ages 5 to 17 and from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for ages 18 and over. Students learn dance styles such as Bollywood HipHop with fusion of semi-classical, folk and contemporary styles. Fee is $150 ($225 nonmembers).

Jiu Jitsu for ages 7 to 15 on Mondays from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. Fee is $120 ($180 for nonmembers). Learn this martial art through drills, exercises and partner-based training.

Youth hip hop starts March 3. Classes run from 6:35 to 7:20 p.m. Tuesdays. Fee is $50 ($75 nonmembers). Ages 5 to 12 learn basic dance moves and routines featuring various styles of old school, street dance, modern funk while gaining coordination, muscle memory and confidence in social settings.

Dance Explorations starting March 4 and offered Wednesdays from 6:15 to 6:55 p.m. for ages 3 to 5. Fee is $40 ($60 nonmembers). This introduction to dance combines ballet, jazz and tumbling while developing children’s self-confidence, musicality, mobility and body awareness. Call 724-942-5000 for more information.

SR. LUNCH

A lunch for seniors will be held at 1 p.m. March 25 at the Chabad of the South Hills location at 1701 McFarland Rd. In addition to lunch there will be a presentation on how to improve balance. Suggested donation is $5. The event is wheelchair accessible

Bethel Park High School will present “The Little Mermaid” while Independence Middle School will present “Footloose” as their spring musicals.

“The Little Mermaid” will be performed at 7 p.m. March 11-14 in the high school auditorium.

Tickets are $15 and available beginning March 1 on the school district’s website.

Based on the 1989 Walt Disney Animation Studios film and the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, the musical tells the story of Ariel, a young mermaid who longs to experience life above the sea. In pursuit of true love, she strikes a dangerous bargain with the sea witch Ursula, trading her voice for a chance to become human. With the help of her friends Flounder, Scuttle and Sebastian, Ariel must find a way to set things right under the sea.

The stage adaptation features a book by Doug Wright, music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman, with additional lyrics by Glenn Slater. The production includes beloved songs such as “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World,” along with new material written for the stage. Its underwater setting presents unique technical challenges, requiring creative staging and movement to give the illusion of characters swimming and gliding.

In sticking with the school’s long-held tradition, this year’s production will feature a double cast, with senior Scotlyn Paxton and sophomore Sydney Glover sharing the role of Ariel.

Additional lead roles have also been double cast including senior Andrew Hughes and junior Liam Coll as Prince Eric; and senior Ashlyn Schmidt and junior Soph Willis comprising Ursula. Chorus teacher, Mr. Todd Kuczawa will once again direct the production.

“Footloose: Youth Edition” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. March 5-7 in the middle school auditorium.

Tickets are $10 and currently available for purchase through the district website.

“Footloose: Youth Edition” is a one-hour adaptation of the high-energy musical designed especially for young performers, bringing the beloved story and iconic score to the stage.

The show follows Ren McCormack, a teenager who moves from Chicago to a small farming town where dancing has been banned by a strict local preacher, sparking conflict between generations and challenging the town’s rigid traditions.

As Ren forms a bond with the preacher’s rebellious daughter and faces opposition from her jealous boyfriend and wary townspeople, the story reveals deeper themes of loss, understanding, and the need for connection between parents and children.

Set to the Oscar- and Tony-nominated Top 40 hits from the chart-topping Footloose soundtrack, along with additional songs written for the stage, the musical celebrates the power of listening to young people and leading with empathy and open-mindedness.

Some of the lead roles include Jordan Chamberlin as Ren McCormack, Bria Lang as Ariel Moore, Corey Gordon as Willard Hewitt, Catherine Radinick as Rusty and Matthew Lawton as Rev. Shaw Moore. Teachers Tricia Quinque, Jeff Schilling, Nina Persi and Todd Richert share the show’s directorial responsibilities.

Visit www.bpsd.org for tickets or more information.

private lessons.

Pre register at 412-278-2658

BUS TRIPS

The Peters Township recreation department is offering the following bus trips: Tea with Knotts: This bus trip travels to Morgantown for a guided day tour that includes breakfast at Apple Annie’s Bakery, shopping, viewing the Don Knotts statue, lunch at the Tea Shoppe, wine tastings at Forks of Cheat Winery and plant shopping at Miller’s Greenhouse. The bus departs at 7 a.m. and returns around 8:15 p.m. on May 7. Fee is $160. Registration deadline is March 16.

Babushkas & Hard Hats: This bus trip explores Pittsburgh’s steel heritage and highlights the people, places and events that shaped the Steel City. Tourists will visit the Bost Building, Carrie Blast Furnaces and Pump House while learning about the 1892 Homestead Strike. Lunch is included. The bus departs at 8 a.m. and returns at 4:30 p.m. on July 23. Fee is $210. Registration deadline is May 4. Call 724-942-5000 or visit www.peterstownship.com for more details.

LEBO REC

The Mt. Lebanon recreation department is offering the following:

Twilight Reiki & Sound Bath Healing from 7 to 8 p.m. Fridays beginning March 6 in Room A. Reiki is a Japanese relaxation method similar to yoga and meditation.

Karate is offered Mondays and Wednesdays beginning March 2 for ages 7 through adult, beginner through all belts. Adult racket clinics for juniors and adults as well as newly added weekly programs including cardio tennis, live ball and

Exercise and fitness classes from pilates, yoga, Zumba and Tai Chi.

Visit mtlebanon.org or call 343-3409 for more details or to register.

The recreation department is hiring seasonal workers for pool manager and supervisors as well as summer playground camp supervisors and counselors. The department is also in need of a sports camp counselor, maintenance workers for the center and tennis/ racket facility as well as the golf course.

Visit the Human Resources page at mtlebanon.org for more information.

BP LIBRARY

The Bethel Park library is offering the following programs this month:

Money Management for Teens at 6 p.m. Feb. 25. Students in grades 7 to 12 will learn how to take control of their finances.

Life-size Candyland on Feb. 21. There are three sessions: 10:30 a.m. noon and 1:30 p.m. for ages 4 to 7. Teen Advisory Board member Olivia Anderson designed the program that invites children to journey through the library, transformed into the game, with stops at stations to create crafts, play games and collect stamps.

Pet Adoption Day at 6 p.m. Feb. 24. Children in kindergarten through second grade, accompanied by a caregiver, adopt a pet reading buddy and rotate through various centers that will prepare them to become responsible pet owners. Visit the library’s event page online at bethelpark.librarycalendar.com to register or for more details on each program. Call 412-835-2207 for more

information.

BP MARKET

The next Bethel Park winter indoor market will be held Feb. 17 at the community center, located at 5151 Park Ave. Hours are 4 to 7 p.m. Future dates are: March 3, 17 and 31. No-Cook Tuesdays begin March 3 and run through April 28.

LUNCH

A senior luncheon will be held Feb. 25 at the Chabad of the South Hills, 1701 McFarland Rd. in Mt. Lebanon.

“Safe Driving Through the Ages” will be presented in addition to lunch. Suggested donation is $5. The event is wheelchair accessible. Call 412-278-2658 to RSVP or for more information.

BINGO

A charity bingo, benefiting Angel Ridge Animal Rescue and Bailey’s Cat Haven, will be held March 15 at the Bethel Park Community Center, located at 5151 Park Ave. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Games start at 1:30 p.m.

Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Admission covers all regular and special games. Players can compete for payouts of $100 for regular games, $200 for specials, and $500 for the cover-all jackpot. A Chinese Auction, 50/50, pull tabs, a “Pot of Gold” raffle will also be featured. Food and beverages will be available for sale. Advance tickets are available at Bailey’s Cat Haven in South Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily and Angel Ridge in Washington from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

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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

GMC 1777 McClellandtown Rd, McClellandtown, PA 724-602-4678 solomonautogroup.com

HARLEY DAVIDSON

STEEL CITY HARLEY DAVIDSON 1375 Washington Road, Washington, PA 724-225-7020 www.steelcitymotorcycles.com

HONDA C. HARPER HONDA 106 Harper Drive Belle Vernon, PA 15012 724-929-8000 Ext. 227 Chuck Calcek www.charperhonda.com

WASHINGTON HONDA Rt. 19, Strabane Square Washington, PA 15301 724-222-2213 www.washhonda.com

HYUNDAI

WASHINGTON HYUNDAI

305 WashingtonRd. Rt. 19 at Strabane Square Washington, PA 724-222-2216 www.washhyundai.com

JEEP

ROTOLO’S JEEP

58 Route 88, North Charleroi, PA 15022 888-269-6183 www.rotolomotors.com

SOLOMON JEEP

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

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

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

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