The Almanac - March 22, 2026

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SKIMMING OFF THE TOP Beware of thieves

By Jen Garofalo

jgarofalo@heraldstandard.com

You swipe your card, take your purchase and walk out of the store.

It’s a pretty common scenario. It’s also one that can leave you with less money in the bank or less room on your credit card.

Skimming and shimming cases are on the rise everywhere, said state police Trooper Kalee Barnhart. Both are designed to take information that enables thieves to essentially clone credit and debit cards (skimmers from the magnetic strip on the back, shimmers from the rectangular chip on the front).

That data can be used to withdraw money and make unauthorized purchases. It can also be sold online, Barnhart said, and “happens around here more

than we know.” Often, it’s only discovered when money goes missing from a bank account, or the balance on a credit card unexpectedly jumps. The devices cost U.S. financial institutions and consumers more than $1 billion annually, according to data from the U.S. Secret Service.

Starting last week, the agency partnered with state police to conduct spot checks at businesses looking for the devices.

What are they?

Skimmers use fake overlays that are almost identical to the front of an ATM or point-of-sale terminals in a store or at a gas pump, Barnhart said. Shimmers are placed inside of the card reader.

Both take seconds to install and remove, Barnhart said.

When someone places a debit or credit card into the slot of a card reader, the device captures

the card’s data. Then, thieves retrieve that data via Bluetooth, an SD card or by removing the device and downloading the data.

Self-checkouts, card readers at gas pumps and ATMs are prime targets for the devices, Barnhart said.

How to spot them

There is no way to be 100% certain a card reader is safe to use, but taking some precautions can reduce the risks.

Before withdrawing money from an ATM or swiping your card, Barnhart suggested looking at the machines for unusual looking card readers, keypads that look bulkier than normal or stickers in strange places.

Barnhart also suggested giving the card reader a gentle tugemphasis on gentle - to see if it’s

By Karen Mansfield

kmansfield@observer-reporter.com

Allegheny Health Network is looking for a new site to build a state-of-the-art hospital to replace the existing Canonsburg Hospital in North Strabane Township, citing logistical constraints.

Among the locations being considered is a site in Southpointe’s business district.

In November 2023, AHN announced plans to build a new, $232 million facility with 50 to 100 beds on the Medical Boulevard campus where the current 43-year-old hospital is located.

Construction of the roughly 300,000-square-foot hospital and a campus that included a medical office building and other facilities was projected to begin in 2024, with the new hospital slated to open in 2027.

But AHN scrapped those plans after a re-evaluation of the project determined the proposed site was logistically challenging.

Subsequent feasibility studies of the plan showed that maintaining safe and effective operations of the current hospital while building a new one would be extremely difficult.

An AHN official said March 16 in an email that the health network is “still exploring our options for the new hospital’s location, including property in Southpointe.”

The health network has not set a deadline for reaching a decision on a location. Once the site is selected, AHN will provide a timeline for the hospital’s opening.

Despite a change of location, the hospital still aims to build a new facility that will include an array of expanded services, including primary, emergency, and critical care; state-of-the-art surgical capabilities; advanced cardiac, orthopedic, and neurosurgical care; and various multi-disciplinary programs, including women’s health.

As AHN finalizes construction plans, the health system will determine the exact scope of services that will be offered at the new hospital.

AHN and Highmark Health have invested more than $2 billion over the past decade to improve access to care across Western Pennsylvania and beyond, including the construction of new hospitals, community cancer centers, surgery centers, and health and wellness pavilions, as well as the expansion and enhancement of capabilities, services and technologies at its existing hospitals, officials said.

By Brad Hundt bhundt@observer-reporter.com

Mt. Lebanon is receiving close to $1 million from federal and state governments to make structural improvements to its community recreation center.

A grant totaling $850,000 is coming from the federal Community Projects Fund, and $100,000 is from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Local Share Account. The money will be used to connect parts of the recreation center, which is on Cedar Boulevard and was built in 1977. As it stands, recreation center visi-

tors have to leave and use an outside ramp if they want to move between the first and second floors.

At a ceremonial check presentation March 11, U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio said, “This project will bring more opportunities to Lebo residents, especially kids and seniors.”

According to Keith McGill, Mt. Lebanon’s municipal manager, “The Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center opened in 1977 as a state-of-the-art facility so advanced it was where the Pittsburgh Penguins practiced. In the years since it was built, we have looked more closely at ensuring accessibility so all our residents, visitors and staff can take full advantage of the recreation programs we offer.”

Meanwhile, several nonprofit entities in Mt. Lebanon that could be susceptible to targeted hate have received nonprofit security grants from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. They are: n Beth El Congregation of the South Hills, $25,000 n Chabad Lubavitch of the South Hills, $25,000 n Penns Woods Classical Academy, $45,051 n Seton LaSalle Catholic High School, $100,000 The Attawheed Islamic Center in Carnegie is also receiving a $100,000 nonprofit security grant, according to the office of state Sen. Wayne Fontana.

South Fayette teacher named Beacon of Hope

Dr. Payal Mital has been named a Beacon of Hope by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Association for Multicultural Education (PANAME).

Mital is a biology teacher at South Fayette High School,

The recognition aligns with PA-NAME’s 2026 conference theme, Hope, and honors educators who embody what scholar Paulo Freire described as a critical, action-oriented form of hope grounded in reflection, responsibility, and transformative prac -

tice. Mital was nominated for the meaningful impact she makes within her educational community and for her courageous, justice-centered leadership.

“I believe hope in education is a deliberate act of courage – one that calls us to transform systems, not simply navigate them,” said Mital. “For me, hope is not abstract; it is the daily commitment to shaping classrooms, communities, and policies that expand possibility for every learner.”

At South Fayette, Mital serves as the co-sponsor

of SHOUT (Social Handprints Overcoming Unjust Treatment), partnering with students to cultivate leaders who challenge injustice, think critically about the world around them, and act with empathy and conviction.

Through her work as a Teach Plus Policy Fellow, she has engaged in statewide advocacy to strengthen and diversify the educator pipeline, championing equitable representation and opportunity.

In addition, Mital serves as a BEAM (Be -

longing, Empowerment, and Mentorship) facilitator for educators of color in Southwestern Pennsylvania, helping to build spaces where educators can lead boldly, support one another, and sustain their impact. She is also a founding member of Teaching is My Favorite Color, an affinity group aiming to establish a robust ecosystem where educators of color can collaborate, learn from one another, and access meaningful mentorship opportunities.

South Fayette announces administrative moves

South Fayette school directors approved a number of administrative changes at their Feb. 24 meeting.

Thomas “T.J.” Salopek has been appointed the new principal of South Fayette High School.

Salopek will take over for Dr. Natasha Dirda, who has accepted the position of assistant superintendent with the Mt. Lebanon School District. Dirda will remain at South Fayette until June 30.

Salopek, who is currently one of the school’s assistant principals, began his career teaching social studies at North Allegheny Senior High School for five years. He then became assistant principal at Pine Richland High School, where he served from March 2019 through June 2021. He returned to North Allegheny as assistant principal from August 2021 until he transitioned to South Fayette in June 2024.

Justin Liberatore has been appointed principal of South Fayette Intermediate School. Liberatore began his career at South Fayette as a teacher from 2006 to 2008.

Liberatore brings five years of classroom experience and 20 years of administrative leadership to the role.

A 2021 Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation Most Valuable Principal (MVP) recipient, Liberatore brings five years of classroom experience and 20 years of administrative leadership to the role. Since 2008, he has served in the West Jefferson Hills School District as a middle school vice principal and later as principal of McClelland Elementary in Pleasant Hills.

The district is conducting searches for an additional assistant principal for the high school and an assistant principal for the intermediate school.

places that are poorly lit.

Prevention efforts

loose. If it is, she recommended contacting the local police department to report it.

Ironically, police can use the data from a skimmer that’s been discovered to trace back when the device was placed, and check video surveillance to see who placed it, she said.

“If we have the skimmer in hand, with the Secret Service, we can work together and hopefully make an arrest,” she said. Guarding your money

Would-be thieves will place skimmers or shimmers “on the easiest locations for them,” Barnhart said. That means out of sight of cameras, or in

She suggested using ATMs inside of banks when possible. So are there safe ways to use a debit or credit card at stores?

“They’ve not figured out how to steal information using Apple Pay or Google Pay,” said Barnhart.

Using the tap-to-pay feature on a card also adds an extra layer of security, she said.

And there is one foolproof way to find out if someone is skimming from one of your accounts: “Keep track of your statements to make sure your purchases are yours,” said Barnhart.

If something seems suspicious, reach out to the bank or credit card company. They’ll cancel the card if the purchase is fraudulent.

The partnership with state police and the Secret Service - Operation Skimmer Community Check - builds on an initiative that is taking place across the country. In 2025, the Secret Service partnered with law enforcement to visit 9,000 stores across the country, checking 60,000 gas pumps, pointof-sale terminals and ATMs.

Michael Peck, the assistant special agent in charge in the Secret Service’s Criminal Investigative Division, said many business owners are surprised when the checks are done.

“It has happened multiple times when a manager tells us they have checked their store. We ask if we can check. They give us the go-ahead, and we spot

a skimmer right away,” Peck said in a release issued by the Secret Service.

Western Pennsylvania isn’t immune from this type of fraud. Cases crop up often, said Barnhart. One of the bigger ones occurred in 2022 when two men placed skimmers at self-checkouts in Sam’s Club locations in Washington, Allegheny and Butler counties.

The amount of money stolen was never specified, but monetary loss isn’t the only thing victims of skimming and shimming contend with.

“It feels like a violation of your privacy when your information is stolen,” Barnhart said.

Businesses interested in having their machines or card readers checked can email rogagliard@pa.gov.

the almanac

South Fayette student places third in spelling bee

Diya Thirumurugan, an eighth-grader at South Fayette Middle School, placed third in the 76th annual Western Pennsylvania Spelling Bee. The spelling bee, held in Lawrence Hall on the Point Park University campus, featured 14 competitors, all of whom were finalists in the regional qualifier bee. The qualifier round, conducted online, included 73 students from Western Pennsylvania. Stu -

dents in first through eighth grades competed in spelling bees at their schools, and one champion per school advanced to the regional qualifier bee. A sixth-grade student at St. Ambrose Academy in Bellevue placed first in the competition and will represent the Western Pennsylvania region at the Scripps Spelling Bee May 2628 in Washington, D.C.

When did I get so old?

Late February brought a big day – a very big birthday for me: The big 6-0. Wow!

Sixty.

A friend texted me birthday wishes and when I remarked on the significant number, he said, “How did that happen?” This made me chuckle and then started me wondering, how did that happen in what seems like a blink of any eye? When did I get so old?

Sixty sounds like such an “old” age compared to 15 or 20. When I wake up in the morning I don’t feel 60 -- though I’m not really sure what 60 is supposed to feel like. It seems like we are to imagine having all sorts of aches and pains and creaky bones and overall general deterioration. Other days, that’s exactly how I feel! Skiing for decades has taken a toll on my knees with emerging bits of arthritis, but nothing painful or unmanageable so far. There are far more occasional aches and pains and creaky bones than there were in the 20s, that’s for sure. Yet overall, I am still enjoying very good health, which is something I give thanks for each and every day.

Many of my girlfriends began fretting as we all approached age 30 as they remained unmarried or wanted to start having children and worried about age affecting those prospects.

Thirty didn’t seems like any big deal to me, and when 40 rolled around, I celebrated like a typical middle-ager having a moment of a midlife crisis with a great night at a bar where I lived in Baltimore surrounded by close friends all dancing to a talented band blasting our favorite hits from the 1980s.

Kristin Emery

Fifty was a tough pill to swallow, but I washed it down with delicious chianti while enjoying my first trip to Italy. One of my best friends joined me, and we had such a fantastic time that I actually embraced entering the 50s armed with more wisdom and life experience.

The past two decades have brought much joy and love but also sorrow as I lost my parents, several close family members and even a dear friend who was way too young. And this past 10 years brought me the most happiness ever as I found the love of my life and got married.

When I was younger, I would hear women in their 50s and 60s talk about how comfortable they were with themselves at that age and now I know exactly what they meant. We all continue growing as people year by year and it is a privilege to age – no matter how much we joke about not wanting to get old.

I can’t say turning the big 6-0 hasn’t bothered me a little bit, but not as much as I expected. Maybe because I’m still always 29 in my head. If I could only convince my body of that!

Kristin Emery can be reached at kristinemery1@ yahoo.com.

USC’s middle school speech and debate team debuts with win

The newly formed Fort Couch Middle School Speech & Debate Team earned multiple top finishes at its first-ever competition at the North Allegheny Middle School Tournament.

Competing against students from the North Allegheny, Bethel Park, Pine-Richland and Mars Area school districts, Fort Couch students participated in four events: Congress, Impromptu, Original Oratory and Prose and picked up the following honors:

Prose

• 1st Place - Genevieve Ressler

• 5th Place - Caroline Fingal

Impromptu

• 2nd Place - Kenzie Petrick

Original Oratory

• 1st Place - Ava Fingal

• 2nd Place - Brayden Wong

• 5th Place - Michelle Li Congress Chamber 1

• 2nd Place - Maria Kantor

• 3rd Place - Ananya Varshney

• 4th Place - Prahan Munnaluri

• 6th Place - Nirvan Seth Congress Chamber 2

• 2nd Place - Kriti Kulkarni

• 4th Place - Rowan Pollock Fort Couch communication arts teacher Erin Lemon serves as the team’s faculty sponsor. She credits members of the Upper St. Clair High School speech and debate team with helping launch the middle school program. Fort Couch will host its first middle school speech and debate tournament April 8.

Upper St. Clair teachers earn statewide award

Four Upper St. Clair middle school teachers were honored with the Promising Practitioners Award from the Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education during the organization’s state conference held recently in King of Prussia.

Fort Couch Middle School teachers Conan Rooney and Jeremiah Beaver, along with Boyce Middle School teachers Erin Lee and Katherine Fedko, received the recognition for their positive impact in the early years of their middle school careers.

Lee is a fifth-grade math teacher, and Fedko is a sixth-grade English language arts teacher. Rooney teaches seventh-grade science and Beaver teaches seventh-grade social studies.

According to PAMLE, the Promising Practitioners Award is presented to teachers who are beginning their

middle school careers and have already made a meaningful impact on their schools and communities. Recipients demonstrate effective middle level practices in their daily instruction. In addition to the individual honors, Boyce and Fort Couch middle schools were formally recognized during the conference as Schools to Watch. Announced in December 2025, Boyce and Fort Couch earned re-designation for the sixth time. Both schools were first named Schools to Watch in 2008 and have earned re-designation in 2011, 2014, 2017, 2020, 2023 and now 2026. They join DuBois Area Middle School and Pine-Richland Middle School as the only Pennsylvania schools to achieve seven total Schools to Watch recognitions.

Well-rested Zoukovski claims gold at states

Wins 100 free race

Nazar Zoukovski knows the remedy for a sleepless night. A long daytime nap.

That recipe proved golden for the Upper St. Clair High School swimmer during the PIAA Class 3A championships held March 11-14 at the Kinney Natatorium on the Bucknell University campus.

Between the preliminary qualifying session in the morning and the evening finals, Zoukovski snoozed in his hotel room. He returned more than refreshed. He was revived.

During the 200-yard freestyle final, he breezed to victory to claim his first state gold medal.

“I didn’t have the best of rest the night before. For some reasons, my body didn’t want me to go to sleep,” he said.

“After I posted a good time in my preliminary race, and our team went back to our hotel, I took a nap. A two-hour nap,” he emphasized. “I believe that was part of the reason I swam so well in the final.”

Zoukovski won the race in 44.19. It was a personal record by six tenths of a second and a tad quicker than runner-up Dom Davis and teammate Ben Whiteford, who finished third in 44.80.

“I was very pleased,” Zoukovski said of his result. “It was definitely a heart-warming moment because I have been trying to do this for so long.”

As a sophomore, Zoukovski took the bronze medal. As a junior last year, he finished fifth.

“I wanted to get a state title by the end of my high school career,” he said. “It’s exciting for it to be the last race at the end of it.”

Zoukovski stuck to his strategy and left no room for doubt as to who the best swimmer was.

“On the starting block I was thinking if I went out fast and got to the wall first after 50 that no one could catch me because I have endurance. I told myself to go out as fast as you can and bring it home with all that you’ve got. I felt strong in the water.”

Zoukovski covered the first 50 in 20.01. “Separation kicked in during the second 50,” he added.

South Fayette steamrolls way into state finals

Lions top PT second year in a row

By Eleanor Bailey ebailey@thealmanac.net

For the second year in a row, South Fayette (29-1) advanced to the state finals in girls basketball, and for the second straight season, the Lady Lions beat Peters Township in the semifinals to earn its spot in the PIAA Class 5A championship game played March 21 at the Giant Center in Hershey.

In 2025, the Lady Indians wrested the WPIAL title from South Fayette, but the Lady Lions got their revenge beating Peters Township in the state semifinals.

This winter, the teams met in the district semifinals with South Fayette posting a 66-27 victory. On March 17 in the PIAA semifinals, the result was similar as the Lady Lions again steamrolled over Peters Township, 67-24, at Bethel Park High School.

“South Fayette is a really good team and It’s a great opportunity to have played them in the state semifinals for a second consecutive season,” Limberiou said

“South Fayette is as a baseline 25 more points talented than any other team in the WPIAL,” he added. “They’re the best team from a talent perspective that I’ve seen in my time coaching.”

South Fayette’s starting three seniors are all committed to colleges – Ryan Oldaker to Marist; Juliette Leroux to Florida Atlantic and Haylie Lamonde to the Uni-

“It was great to see him take charge from the beginning,” said USC skipper David Schraven. “The race was never in doubt. As I was watching the second 25, I said to myself ‘he’s got this.’”

Zoukovski won the race in part due to his attention to detail.

“For me, the main part was execution. I had done all the work. The only thing left was get in the water and execute.

“I was excited to swim. When I touched the wall, there was this tremendous excitement.”

Zoukovski said the victory avenged his showing in the 50 free. He finished fourth.

“I messed up my 50,” he said. “So the 100 was my revenge.”

Zoukovski’s showing in the sprint was not too shabby considering it was his first year swimming that distance. Last year, he competed in the 200 free. He switched to the shorter event when he posted a big drop from 20.7 to 20.2 in his 50 free time this season.

“The problem with the 50 though is there is no room for error. In the 200, while it’s a quick race, you can mess up a little,” he explained.

The 100-yard distance appeals to Zoukovski because it’s the best of both worlds. Of his signature swim he said, “It’s my favorite race. There’s the speed aspect to it and it’s not too boring. There’s a ton of excitement surrounding the race. Everyone watches it.”

Everyone will be following Zoukovski’s progress once he matriculates this fall to the University of Arizona. While he swims for the Wildcats, he will also major in business with the hopes of getting into a career revolving around supply chain management.

“I’m excited for where my career takes me,” he said. “My immediate goal is just to see a lot of improvement. I haven’t done much weight lifting so hopefully that will take me to the next step.”

Noting Arizona is one of the Top 5 programs in the country he added that he also wants to contribute to the team as much

NAZAR ZOUKOVSKI

Who is he: Upper St. Clair senior who won a PIAA championship in the 100-yard freestyle

Age: 18

Parents: Ala Shurpa and Andrey Zoukovski

Siblings: Matvey

College choice: Arizona

Major: Business

Career goal: Doing something in the realm of supply chain logistics

Color: Purple

Food: My mom’s homecooked meals or Borscht soup

Restaurant: Chipotle.

Athlete: Michael Phelps

Person you would like to have dinner with: Conor McGregor. “He is quite funny and gives good life advice.”

What is your best advice to young swimmers: Write all your goals down on paper and keep working hard.

Life lesson swimming has taught you: Discipline. If you have discipline, you can go a long way.

People might be surprised to know this about you: My parents are from Belarus. I used to go there a lot but the war hinders that now. I would love to visit there again because we have a lot of relatives still living there.

Swimmers shine at PIAA championships

By Eleanor Bailey ebailey@thealmanac.net

Nazar Zoukovski of Upper St. Clair

may have been the only gold medalist from the South Hills at the PIAA swimming and diving championships held March 14-16 at Bucknell University but plenty of other area athletes excelled during the competition.

For starters, Zoukovski’s squad finished third overall in the team standings. North Allegheny won the Class 3A title with 227 points. La Salle College was the runner-up with a 190 score. The Panthers, meanwhile, finished with 144 points. Peters Township placed in the Top 10 and Mt. Lebanon was 11th.

Noting that NA is double in size to USC and La Salle is a private school, USC head coach Dave Schraven said that he was pleased with USC’s showing at states.

versity of South Carolina, Upstate – while remaining starters – Lailah Wright and Ella Vierra – have attractive Division I offers.

Vierra led the offensive attack against Peters Township. She pumped in a gamehigh 19 points.

“She played a complete game,” SF head coach Bryan Bennett said. “I thought she played under control and poised. I think what people forget about her is that she’s only a sophomore. She has the skill of a senior, but she’s such a young kid and is still learning the game. She did a great job on both ends of the floor.”

South

“We figured out the points and barring any misfortune we were seeded third. So we hoped to perform well enough to stay in third,” Schraven said. “NA swam awesome, especially their relays, but I was very pleased with how we performed.”

In addition to Zoukovski’s win in the 100-yard freestyle, he finished fourth in the 50 free. He anchored the 200 free relay team of Ben Whiteford, Tom Howard and Danis Vakufac to the silver medal behind only NA. He was also a member of the third-place medley relay team of Whiteford, Vakufac and Howard.

“Records are made to be broken,” Schraven said of the medley mark. “We held that record for 11 years. We had a good run.”

Whiteford had a good individual run.

A senior bound for Northwestern, he took third in the 100 free and finished fourth in the backstroke.

NA also won the medley and shattered the state record set by USC in 2015. The Tigers’ time was 1:29.19. NA now holds all three PIAA records in the relays, including the 400 free.

“We were hoping for 1-2 in the free but Ben was touched out by a tenth,” Schraven said. “It was great to see him with Nazar on top of the podium because those two have been swimming together since they were 9. They have come up through the ranks. They are good friends and make each other better.”

Whiteford was only several tenths of a second out of first place in the backstroke. However, his time of 48.06 was a personal best.

Post-season laurels are sure to come the Panthers’ way as Schraven said that he was confident Whiteford and Zoukovski along with both relays swam well enough to achieve All-America status. Official notification will arrive in July when the final list is compiled.

Carter Wells contributed to USC’s third-place showing at states. A junior, Wells secured seventh place in diving with 446.55 points.

Freedom’s Cody Smith won the Class 3A competition with 541.35 points, breaking the Bucknell University record of 418.65 set by Navy’s Bradley Butcher back in 2017.

“Carter did well, made the podium and scored nice team points for us,” Schraven said.

“He returns next year. Tom (Howard) and Danis (Vakufac) are back, too. So we are hoping to maintain our strong tradition.”

as possible and qualify for the NCAA Division I championships.

The sky is the limit for Zoukovski, says Schraven.

“Nazar is a really strong freestyler and he uses his legs well, which is especially important in the 100 and 200,” Schraven said. “He’ll have a great college career because he has all the pieces in place. He will be with other guys at the same skill level and he will do well. Arizona also has a great new coaching staff and they will prepare him to hit the ground running. I’m looking forward to what he can do.”

Because his parents were born in Belarus, Zoukovski can compete under that flag in the Olympics, perhaps the Summer Games scheduled for 2028 in Los Angeles. Because of the high-training he anticipates at Arizona, he says that is a goal within his reach.

“Definitely the goal is to go to Olympic Trials for the USA or because I have dual citizenship I could swim for Belarus,” he explained. Schraven said that he would “support” that choice.

“It is so hard to make the U.S. team so he should explore every option he has,” Schraven said. “The qualifying times are still really fast. You still have to hit certain standards. So it’s still a big deal to make.”

At any rate, by virtue of his state championship, Zoukovski is in rare company at USC. His name now goes up on the record books alongside the likes of Josh Matheny, who competed in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris after a standout career at Indiana University.

“It’s definitely a thrill to see your name on the board with big names like that,” Zoukovski said. “It’s a surreal moment.”

Catherine Miller is a big part of the future of the USC girls team. A freshman she finished sixth at states in the 100 butterfly with a 56.15 time. She swam a personal record time of 55.90 in the prelims. Miller broke the school record in the event earlier this season. Rinzen Sherpa of Mt. Lebanon has a bright senior season ahead. After winning his first WPIAL title, he set

a new school record and secured the sixth spot on the podium for the 200 individual medley with his 1:50.44 time. He added 10th in the breaststroke.

In the Class 1 Para Division, Finn Thompson of Mt. Lebanon finished sixth in the 50 free.

Additionally, Noah Lododa won his consolation heat in the 50 free. His time was 20.98 and he finished ninth overall.

AvaKomoroskifromPetersTownship brought home silver and bronze

medals in her events. The junior finished runner up to Molly Workman in the 100 free. She was third in the 50. Workman won the 50 free in 22.22. She added gold medals in two relays to earn Swimmer of the Meet honors. The State College swimmer, whose mother swam at NA and father coached at Penn State, is committed to the University of Virginia.

Peters Township’s 200 medley relay team of Isaac Lee, Wyatt Stetor, Ryan Smith and Logan Hartman finished seventh to earn a state medal.

The 400 free relay was eighth. Individually, Stetor placed seventh in the 200 IM and eighth in the 500 free.

Jackson Edwards of Bethel Park finished fourth in the 100 fly and sixth in the 100 backstroke. He was the WPIAL champion in both events. Upper Dublin beat out NA for the girls team title by 32 points, 257-225. Peters Township was 20th in the team standings. In Class AA, DJ Poe from South Fayette finished fifth in the 500 free.

Lamonde and Oldaker followed Vierra with 14 and 13 tallies respectively.

South Fayette jumped ahead, 145, before settling into a 34-13 lead by intermission. A 10-point run to start the third quarter put the contest in “Mercy Rule” mode. The Lady Lions won the frame, 23-3, then outscored the Lady Indians, 10-8, while subbing in all players off the bench.

Meanwhile, Taylor McCullough led Peters Township’s attack, picking up 11 points.

The Indians, who played without starting sophomore Jordyn Welsh (ACL injury incurred in state quarterfinals), graduate two senior starters in Bri Morreale and Alina Sopko. Despite this year’s 18-11 overall record, Morreale and Sopko won 81 games in their scholastic careers, advanced to multiple final fours in the district, won a WPIAL crown and reached the state’s semifinals twice.

“Those two were around before we started winning a lot and they were bought in before Peters Township girls basketball was popular,” Limberiou said. “That’s what I’m so appreciative of is that they believed from the beginning. They’re complete winners and very good kids. That’s what I’m most proud of more than anything.”

For some Lady Lions, like Leroux, this is their third trip to the PIAA finals. Last year, they won the state title in girls basketball for the first time in program history.

South Fayette (29-1) looked to defend its title when they faced Archbishop Wood, last year’s championship opponent, in the PIAA championship.

“It’s really exciting, because this is our third time going to the state final,”

Lions senior Juliette Leroux said. “It’s a once in a lifetime experience for some teams, so I’m really grateful to be able to go three times now. I’m super proud of our team. We were really strong from start to finish.”

SHORT & LONG

South Fayette took the short route to the semifinals while Peters Township took the long road.

As the District 7 champion, the Lady Lions beat Penn-Trafford, 5828, in the second round and Baldwin, 65-41, in the quarterfinals. Both games were played at the AHN Arena on the Peters Township High School campus in McMurray.

SF’s patented person-to-person, full-court defense forced 20 Warrior turnovers while Ryan Oldaker (15), Haylie Lamonde (12) and Lailah Wright (10) scored in double figures. Juliette Leroux pitched in with seven points and seven rebounds.

The Lions led, 13-7, after the first frame, thanks to a three-quarterscourt 3-pointer at the buzzer by Wright. They stretched the margin to 28-15 by intermission.

SF held the Warriors to five field goals and 13 points in the second half.

The Lady Lions outscored Penn-Trafford, 17-8, in the third quarter.

The Warriors, who finished third in the WPIAL and 21-7 overall, were led by Raya Johson’s nine points.

Meanwhile, the Highlanders gave the Lady Lions all they could handle on March 14. South Fayette led by only three points midway through the third quarter before going on a 26-5 scoring spree to spearhead the victory.

“We didn’t come out ready to play and that’s on me,” South Fayette coach Bryan Bennett said. “I give Baldwin all the credit in the world. They came out with a great game plan and their kids believed in it.”

Lamonde triggered SF’s rally, scor-

ing six points to push the lead to 4836. After another layup by Lamonde, a driving bucket by Wright and an Oldaker trey, the Lady Lions led, 55-36.

Lamonde finished with a gamehigh 22 tallies. Oldaker finished with 15 points, nine off 3-pointers, and Leroux followed with 10 markers.

For the Highlanders, who finished the season at 23-6 overall, the Bernotas sisters, Lynsey and Laci, each scored 14 points. Julianne Ott followed with 10 tallies.

As the District 7 fourth-place finisher, Peters Township traveled over 1,000 miles to qualify for the semifinal game played a mere seven miles away at Bethel Park High School.

The Lady Indians opened PIAA Class 5A tournament action by edging Susquehannock, 46-41, on its home court. Maddyn Mehl led the attack with 12 points. Alina Sopko and Jordyn Welsh followed with 11 and 10 tallies.

In the second round, Peters Township traveled to Altoona and upended Manheim Central,54-32.In the quarterfinals, the Lady Indians dispatched York Suburban, 54-48, in overtime at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.

All three opponents represented District 3, with York Suburban being the champion.

“In some ways I’m not surprised,” Peters Township coach Steve Limberiou said about his team’s playoff run. “I’ve said all along our section is not just the toughest in Pittsburgh, but in the state. You’ve seen that the WPIAL has done well in the (state) playoffs. We’re battle tested with kids that played a ton of playoff games last year. I think they’re used to big environments and they’ve played good basketball.”

Peters Township, which qualified for the postseason by beating Bethel Park in the final game of the regular season, took control quickly against

Manheim Central (19-9), which upset WPIAL runner-up Thomas Jefferson in the opening round of the state tournament. The Indians led 16-11 after one quarter and 31-13 at intermission. The margin swelled to 40-15 before the Barons rallied. Bri Morreale, who has scored over 1,000 points in her career, fired in a game-high 18 points. Mehl finished with 12 markers while Welsh and Taylor McCullough chipped in 10 tallies apiece.

In the overtime triumph against York Suburban, the Lady Indians overcame adversity. They lost Welsh, a standout sophomore forward, to an ACL injury less than a minute into the contest.

According to Limberiou, Caitlyn Malloy did a commendable job filling in for Welsh. She, too, is a sophomore. “You have to give a lot of credit to Caitlyn Malloy. With the game going to overtime, she probably played 32 minutes and she did a great job. (York Suburban) has some size and is pretty athletic around the rim and she really fought in there. She also hit a big three. I’m really proud of her. When her time came, she was ready for it.” McCullough led the offensive attack with 20 points. Mehl followed with 17 markers.

After falling behind, 14-10, after one quarter, Peters Township trailed, 26-23, at halftime. The Lady Indians used a 7-0 run to make it 30-30 with four minutes to play in the third quarter. They led 36-33 after the frame. After McCullough tied the game at 43 with a layup forcing overtime, free throws by Morreale (2) and Mehl thrust the Lady Indians into the lead for good, 49-46, with 46 seconds to play.

Peters Township made nine 3-point field goals in the win against York Suburban, which finished 24-3 overall.

sights & sounds

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MT. LEBANON

Influential Community Women

By Brad Hundt bhundt@observer-reporter.com

MT. LEBANON – They piloted helicopters, investigated financial crimes, appeared in musical revues, opened libraries and engaged in political activism.

Those are some of the accomplishments of women who were from, moved to or had significant links to Mt. Lebanon. Their achievements are being spotlighted in the exhibit “Barrier-Breaking Women” at the Historical Society of Mt. Lebanon on Washington Road. It will be there through the end of March, which is Women’s History Month.

“Barrier-Breaking Women” grew out of a Smithsonian poster exhibition, “Picturing Women Inventors,” which the Historical Society hosted last year. They decided to accompany the exhibit with a focus on Mt. Lebanon women who blazed their own trails and made breakthroughs, particularly during moments in history when the role of wom -

en was particularly circumscribed.

Two themes that quickly developed were “this idea of mentoring and paving the way and lifting each other up,” ac -

what’s happening

CV EXPO

Celebrate CV, a fun, interactive expo, will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

March 31 at Chartiers Valley High School. In addition to information on clubs and activities, there will be art displays, performances, games, food trucks, Kona Ice and Coffee Tree Roasters.

Visit cvsd.net or call 412-429-2201 for more information.

PASSOVER

A Passover Seder will be held at 7 p.m. April 1 at Chabad of the South Hills located at 1701 McFarland Road.

Gourmet cuisine will feature handmade Shmurah Matzah during this meaningful and interactive Seder. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

RSVP to Chabadsh.com/Seder or for more information.

SENIOR NEWS

The Upper St. Clair Police Department

will host a Senior Safety Seminar from 9 a.m. to noon on April 6 at the Community and Recreation Center.

The seminar focuses on scams targeting the senior community while providing insight into how these schemes work and practical tips to avoid becoming a victim.

Pennsylvania State Trooper Gagliardi, and representatives from the FBI and AAA will be present.

COIN CLUB

The South Hills Coin Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. April 14 at the Bethel Park municipal building located at 5100 West

Library Ave.

cording to Jenny Wood, vice president of the Historical Society’s board and its programming committee chair. “This really struck a chord for us.”

One of “barrier-break -

All members and the general public can attend.

This month’s program will be Part II on mint error notes. A 50/50 will be held and children’s prizes will be awarded. Applications are being accepted for membership. Call 724-483-1647 for more information.

SH WOMEN

The South Hills Women’s Club will meet at 7:15 p.m. April 13, at the Scott Township Lodge, Park Drive, Carnegie.

Judy Sutton from the Heinz History Center will speak on the first ladies of Western Pennsylvania. Those in attendance will hear stories of women who broke down barriers and made lasting impacts on the region.

New members and guests can attend. Refreshments and dessert will be served.

Call 412-965-4714 to register or for further information.

RAFFLE

The deadline to enter the Pymatuning Area Getaway Raffle is April 30.

The Friends of the South Park Township Library is again sponsoring their seven-day, six-night Pymatuning Lake Cottage Getaway.

Tickets can be purchased at the South Park Township Library’s circulation desk. Ticket donations are $1 for 1, $5 for 7, or $10 for 15.

Tickets will be drawn April 30 at the library. The prize must be redeemed by Nov. 15.

David Hummel of Your Town Realty donated the prize, which includes a stay in a furnished two-bedroom cottage along the shores of Pymatuning Lake, which offers fishing, boating, swimming, wildlife watching, hiking trails and picnic areas.

Search “Airbnb Twilight Cottage Pymatuning” to preview the retreat package, valued at $980.

PT REC

Registration for the following Peters Township recreation department activities is being accepted online and at the Peters Township recreation center.

Visit www.peterstownship.com and sign up or stop at the center located at 700 Meredith Dr.

Spring Into Art from 2 to 3 p.m. April 1. Young artists create blooms and bugs as they bring the season to life with each brush stroke. Fee is $5 ($8 nonmembers). Pre-registration is required by March 27.

Eureka: The Inventor’s Camp from 1 to 4 p.m. March 30 through April 2. Kindergarten through sixth-grade students participate in hands-on, invention-themed activities that highlight breakthroughs that change the world through exploration. Fee is $110 per child.

Teen Volunteer Social from 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 25. Ages 13 to 17 work behind the scenes and help prepare for the township’s Bunny Hop and Egg Scramble. Community service hours will be awarded while learning new skills and socializing.

Floral Design Workshop from 1 to 2:30 p.m. April 18. Fee is $15 ($23 nonmembers). A $22 material fee is due

ing women” in the exhibit is Kathryn Peoples, whose efforts led to the opening of Mt. Lebanon’s first library in 1932. When the Depression was at its deepest point, Peoples spearheaded a drive to build a library within Mt. Lebanon’s municipal building, using unemployed carpenters to build shelving, and deploying members of the Lions Club and the Boy Scouts to collect books that could be used in the library.

Another is Jeanne Picard, who pursued a career as a dancer in New York before settling in Mt. Lebanon. Picard took an interest in flying a helicopter when they were known as “windmill planes” or “auto-gyros,” and is credited with being the first woman to fly a helicopter in the Pittsburgh region.

Some of the women featured in the exhibit made their impact felt through politics – in the 1970s and 1980s, Mary B. Larsen, Carolyn Byham and June Delano were the first women to break through what had been an allmale bastion and be elected to Mt. Lebanon’s board of commissioners. Mt. Lebanon also was the home of some note -

the first day of class. Participants create a garden-style vase arrangement and learn professional floral techniques.

EGG HUNTS

An egg scramble will be held at 2 p.m. March 28 on the Great Lawn at Rolling Hills Park. A sensory-friendly event will occur at 2:45 p.m.

Following the bunny hop, participants bring their own basket and hunt in age-appropriate groups. The event is held rain or shine. Fee is $5 ($8 nonmembers).

A flashlight egg hunt will be held on April 2 at Grasshopper Field in Peterswood Park. Ages 9 to 12 hunt at 8 p.m. Ages 13 to 17 search at 8:30 p.m.

Participants should bring a basket or bag as well as a flashlight. Registration deadline is March 31. Fee is $5 ($8 nonmembers).

Visit www.peterstownship.com to register online or call 724-942-500 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.

worthy political activists, including Eleanor Smeal, who lived in Mt. Lebanon in the 1960s and became a leading feminist in the decade after, leading the National Organization for Women.

There was also Midge Miller, who founded the Bower Hill Braillists Foundation, which produces reading material for individuals who are visually impaired or blind, and Elaine Wittlin, the proprietor of a real estate company who worked to bring people of color and Jewish families to the township.

“She really helped to change the dynamic in Mt. Lebanon,” Wood explained.

A slideshow based on the exhibit has been posted to YouTube. Following “Barrier-Breaking Women,” the Historical Society of Mt. Lebanon will be hosting an exhibit built around the theme of “Friday Night Lights,” and the culture and activities that have been built up around Friday night high school football and Mt. Lebanon’s Blue Devils.

For more information, go to the Historical Society’s website, lebohistory.org.

SOUTH ARTS

The South Arts Pittsburgh will host a spring artists market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 2-3 at the Schoolhouse Arts & History Center, 2600 South Park Road in Bethel Park.

The market will include local vendors as well as members’ artwork for sale. Artwork and photos are framed and ready to hang.

In addition to original artwork and photography, there will be jewelry, cards and matted prints available.

Cash, checks or credit cards accepted. Reginald’s Coffee will be open to purchase coffee/tea.

Ten percent of sales goes to the Bethel Park Historical Society for continued improvements to the schoolhouse. Visit www.southartspittsburgh.org for dates future shows but direct questions to southartspitt@gmail.com

GOLF OUTING

The 26th annual Nora Helfrich Memorial Golf Outing will be held May 21 at Lindenwood Golf Club.

This is the sole fundraiser for Tri-Community South EMS and proceeds will go toward the purchase of a Lucas Device, used when responding to cardiac arrest calls.

A golf package, which includes green fees/cart, continental breakfast, refreshments, lunch, prizes and buffet dinner, costs $150 per player. Visit eventbrite. com to sign up for the golf outing. Sponsors, prize donations and themed gift baskets are being sought. Call 412-831-3710 or visit tcsems.org for more details.

$2,500 each. 412-295-2177

CEMETERY PLOT (1) Jefferson Memorial Cemetery Chapel Circle Section 26 $400 OR BEST OFFER 412-225-7067

CEMETERY PLOTS (4 plots) Jefferson Memorial Cemetery, located in “Garden of the Virtues”, will subdivide. $2,000 412-221-0956

COMPANION LAWN CRYPT

Crypt for 2 at Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray, Devotion section, Lot 117-B. $6,500, will negotiate. Call 386-416-9605

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. $4,500. I will pay transfer fee and endowment fee. 412-831-0433 MT. LEBANON CEMETERY Companion crypt, lower level by Peaceful Fountain, location 13B, Level 4. New is $25,000. Selling for $18,500. Call Rose, 973-610-7726 or email: roseikelly@gmail.com

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

724-228-7069

COAT - Men’s full-length wool dress coat, beige, size medium. Like new. $20. 412-217-8800

Craftsman 16” scroll saw, cast iron base, table tilts, great condition $175 724-942-7295

Drill Bosch Battery operated $120 814-440-5631

DRINKWARE-Fostoria “Invitation”; 12 water, 12 wine, 12 champagne $300 724-941-2873

DVDs - Jon & Kate Plus Eight, complete series, Seasons 1-5. $10. 724-809-5746

Electric Fire Place, remote 40” high 14” wide $80 814-440-5631

EXERCISE BIKE - Recumbent. Like new. $125. 724-632-6810

Fireproof safes (2) $20 each 724-228-7069

GOLF CART 1985 EZ-GO

Gas. Excellent condition. $1,475, will negotiate. Call 412-220-8035 (no texts)

GOLF CLUBS - Full set, Buick Motor Division endorsed. Used very little. $125. Bill, 412-952-9253 (Washington)

GUN STOCK - For AR15, slidefire, bumpstock, new. Text me for photos. $99. 724-984-5368

HANDGUN - 9mm, 8 shot.HI -point. Brand new in box! $199. Text for more pix, 724-984-5368 All firearm sales must comply with all state and federal regulations. HEATED VEST - Milwaukee, XL. New in box, with charger. $125. 724-926-2158 Holmes air purifier $20 724-228-7069

Microwave small dorm size $10 228-7069 Oil Lamps (2) $20 412-563-3132 Otter Box Galaxy S24 Holster, Defender Series XT Brand new 3 for $10 724-809-5476 Panasonic HDTV DLP TV and stand, Model PT-50DL54, great for gaming and movie night $150 or best offer 724-344-9243

PHONE SYSTEM - BUSINESS Includes greeting module, all office intercom, multi-lines, and 13 phones. $2,500 412-310-0210 PINBALL MACHINE - Williams Blue Chip electromechanical pinball. Manual included. $195. Email rick7447@yahoo.com (Venetia) Pirates “Beat Em Bucs” chalkware plaque from 1960 excellent $50 412-860-1801 PRUNER - Greenworks 6-inch, 24V cordless pruner combo. New. unopened. $100. 412-535-3744

REMOTE CONTROL TRUCKS (2) 1 Duratrax Warhead EVO Nitro

Snow Tires VW (4) studed good condition $80 814-440-5631

TIRES - Winter Bridgestone

Blizzak P225/40 R18 WS90 9/32 tread.

Two for $150.

AUDI

AUDI WASHINGTON 453 Racetrack Road,Washington, PA 866-414-9744 www.audiwashington.com

BUICK

BUDD BAER BUICK 83 Murtland Avenue, Washington, PA 724-249-6047 www.buddbaergm.com

CHEVROLET

BORTZ CHEVROLET 249 Roy E. Furman Hwy. Waynesburg, PA 15370 724-627-6171 www.bortzchevy.com

SOLOMON CHEVROLET 1777 McClellandtown Rd, McClellandtown, PA 724-602-4678 www.solmonchevy.com

SUN CHEVROLET Route 19, McMurray, PA 724-941-5160 www.sunchevy.com

WASHINGTON CHEVROLET

Intersection of Rt. 19, I-79 & I-70, Exit 19A Washington, PA 724-222-2800 www.washingtonchevy.com

CHRYSLER

SOLOMON CHRYSLER Routes 40 & 43 Brownsville, PA 724-785-8000 www.solomonauto.com

SOLOMON CHRYSLER 2605 E Roy Furman Hwy, Carmichaels, PA 724-966-2600 www.solomonauto.com

SOUTH HILLS CHRYSLER 3344 Washington Rd, McMurray, PA 15317 724-941-4300 www.southhillsauto.com DODGE

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

SOLOMON DODGE 2605 E Roy Furman Hwy, Carmichaels, PA 724-966-2600 www.solomonauto.com

SOLOMON DODGE

HILLS FIAT 3344 Washington Rd, McMurray, PA 15317 724-941-4300 www.southhillsauto.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

SUBARU

SOUTH HILLS RAM 3344 Washington Rd, McMurray, PA 15317 724-941-4300 www.southhillsauto.com

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

THREE RIVERS AUTO SALES 30 South Central Avenue Canonsburg, PA 15317 724-338-2923 www.3riversvw.com

TREGEMBO MOTORS I-70 Exit 32B, Bentleyville, PA 724-239-2200 www.tregembomotors.com WARNE MOTORS INC. 107 East Pike Street Canonsburg, PA 724-746-5956 www.johnwarnemotors.com