The Almanac - March 29, 2026

For the second year in a row, South Fayette captured a state championship in girls basketball. The Lady Lions defeated Archbishop Wood, 45-35, in the PIAA Class 5A final played on March 21 at the GIANT Center in Hershey. In 2025,

Month

By Brad Hundt

bhundt@observer-reporter.com

Right now, to borrow from the title of a James Brown song, the technology industry is a man’s world. Even as women make up 58% of undergraduates enrolled in colleges and universities and make up almost half of the United States’ labor force, just 27% of those employed by tech companies are female. And just 3% are Black women.

“This is still a very male-dominated industry,” according to Cheroc Slater, a senior customer success account manager with Microsoft. “I didn’t let that deter me.” Slater was one of five women panelists who discussed their work in the tech industry at South Fayette High School March 18. They talked about the twists and turns they’ve experienced in their careers and what might be on the horizon in the tech field, particularly as artificial intelligence gains more of a foothold. The panel was put together to mark Women’s History Month by the South Fayette High School organization

SHOUT (Social Handprints Overcoming Unjust Treatment). Along with Slater, other participants were Lynette Lortz, a cybersecurity and computer science teacher at South Fayette High School; Kolica Davis, an identity and access management project manager with PNC Bank; Taryn Malavite Bagg, manager of IT business applications for Eos Energy; and Christine Htoon, senior engineering program manager with Google. All five participants agreed on the importance of developing people skills, having mentors

By Eleanor Bailey ebailey@thealmanac.net

Coming into the Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s Interscholastic Unified Bocce Ball State Championships, Chartiers Valley had nothing to lose.

The Colts had entered the postseason seeded eighth after eking out a wild card berth in the first round of the playoffs. They upended the 2024 state champions during the regional round of competition to earn a berth in the state finals held March 18-19 at the GIANT Center in Hershey. There they unseated the 2025 state winner before beating Haverford, 9-1, in the championship match.

“We were definitely the underdogs,” said Vickie Cushey, who shared coaching duties with Mary Ellen Peduzzi. “We had to go through the last two state champions en route to our title.”

The Colts beat Peters Township, which won the 2024 title, in the regionals. They eked out a win against Blackhawk, the 2025 winner, in the state tournament.

“We are so very proud of the team,” Cushey said. “They worked so very hard to make this happen. It is most definitely an honor and so unexpected.

“Playing and then winning against the top teams in the state made the victory even sweeter. Just

getting to states is special in and of itself, but then bringing home the state title just makes the whole experience even more memorable.”

Some 492 teams started the unified bocce season with Chartiers Valley being one of the final eight to reach the state tournament. The Colts started practicing in early winter and showed marked improvement as the regular season progressed.

The Chartiers Valley bocce team consists of two smaller units – CV 1 and CV 2. Both squads experienced success. CV 1 posted a 7-3 record and earned the No. 3 seed heading into the playoffs. CV 2 finished 6-4 overall and just missed out of a playoff berth because of tiebreaker rules.

“We stayed consistently around third and fourth place within our division and improved with each game we played as we started playing really well down the stretch and went on a roll once playoffs started,” Cushey noted.

During the regular season, Chartiers Valley competed against high school teams from Bethel Park, Upper St. Clair, Peters Township, Carlnton, South Fayette and Montour.

During the regional tournament at RIZE Sports in Leetsdale, the Colts competed in the afternoon session with Somerset Area,

and being flexible. Lortz noted, in fact, that she concentrated in history, art history and library sciences when she was an undergraduate and found herself in the tech world

because “I needed a job. I never would have expected it.” And while being able to carry out tasks like coding is important, Htoon said people skills and “trying to get other people to align with you and their vision” is also critical. She added that being

Upper St. Clair students display Olympic spirit

Upper St. Clair elementary and middle schools brought the Olympic spirit to life recently.

Boyce Middle School celebrated Random Acts of Kindness Week with an Olympic-inspired theme that encouraged students and staff to “Pass the Torch of Kindness.”

The weeklong celebration brought the spirit of the Winter Olympics into the school community through activities designed to highlight teamwork, perseverance and compassion.

“It was such a special week,” said Amy Antonio, a school counselor.

“Our theme this year was “Pass the Torch of Kindness,” inspired by the spirit of the Winter Olympics, and we were able to weave that theme into many of the activities and celebrations throughout the week.”

Students reflected on acts of kindness by writing them on paper “flames” and adding them to a large torch display. As the display grew, it served as a visual reminder that kindness spreads when shared.

The school embraced the Olympic theme. During “Champions Deserve a Recharge” Pajama Day, students were reminded that even champions need rest. Olympic events were live streamed in the nutrition center during lunches, creating an energetic atmosphere as students gathered to cheer on athletes and celebrate sportsmanship.

Students and teachers also participated in an Olympic-themed door decorating contest that combined messages of kindness with school spirit. Winners, selected by Student Council vote, included teachers Kristen Wilson, grade 5, and Ashley Thomas, grade 6.

The celebration concluded with a special visit from Upper St. Clair High School junior mentors, who partnered with homerooms for a collaborative activity. Each student

Careers

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writing an email message and scheduling a meeting are important.

Lortz explained that “getting out there and talking to people” is also essential, along with finding experienced professionals who will act as mentors.

Continuing to learn and be flexible is particularly crucial as artificial intelligence continues to upend the technology realm and other industries. Slater said, “It’s not going away. AI is here to stay. It’s moving fast and furious and it’s not going away.”

Despite some prognostications that AI will be a wholesale job killer, Slater has a more optimistic outlook. She forecasts that rather than making whole categories of jobs and workers redundant, AI will “create more jobs, it’ll create new roles in an organization. It’s not going to take over our careers or jobs.”

Few would question that technology is a growing field. It’s believed that thousands of jobs will be added in the industry over the next decade. Malavite Bagg said, though, “Anyone can be in IT, but it still is a lot of work. You have to put in the work.” She added, “Make sure you are pursuing what you want to pursue, not what someone else wants you to do.”

received a personalized “gold medal” recognizing a positive trait identified by classmates, reinforcing the week’s message of encouragement and appreciation.

Boyce students also extended kindness beyond the school community. The Outreach Committee, a branch of Student Council, partnered with the counseling department to host a fundraiser benefiting Mothers Hope Foundation. Through the sale of Valentine Grams, the school raised more than $3,400 – more than double its $1,500 goal – to support individuals and families affected by cancer. Meanwhile at Streams Elementary, first- and second-grade students learned about teamwork and global awareness through friendly competition.

After studying the history and traditions of the Olympic Games, each group selected and represented a country, proudly embracing the values the games promote around the world.

“Students brought energy, excitement, and so much heart to the experience,” said Lauren Bogus, a second grade teacher who is also the International Baccalaureate

(IB) Primary Years Program coordinator.

Students competed in five Olympic-style events, cheering one another on throughout the activities. Throughout the competition, they focused on teamwork, sportsmanship, perseverance and encouragement.

“We connected our learning to the IB Learner Profile, seeing students shine as communicators, caring teammates, risk-takers and principled competitors,” Bogus said. “It was beautiful to watch them lift one another up and celebrate effort just as much as achievement.”

One of the day’s most meaningful moments was the creation of an “Olympic Chain of Love,” a growing paper chain filled with words of encouragement, inspiration, and positive affirmations. Link by link, it became a symbol of unity and kindness across all teams.

The celebration concluded with a closing ceremony, where students

cheered for each country and recognized not only winners, but also the spirit of participation and friendship.

“The day reminded us that being

‘Olympic-sized’ isn’t about medals –it’s about heart,” Bogus said. “When we compete with courage, lead with kindness, and stand together as a team, we all win.”

GLP-1 pill offers new weight-loss option

By Kristin Emery

Patients wishing for an alternative to weight loss drug injections now have another option.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a daily pill form of Wegovy, making it the first oral GLP-1 available on the market for weight loss. Manufacturer Novo Nordisk called the new once daily Wegovy pill a game-changing alternative to the weekly injections of GLP-1 medication. Oral pill Wegovy not only removes the need for patients to stick themselves with a needle each week, it doesn’t need to be refrigerated and is less expensive to produce. That means it will likely be cheaper for patients to obtain.

The big question is whether insurance carriers will opt to approve coverage for the pill more often than they do for the more expensive injectable version.

Wevogy in pill form is the same as the injectable GLP-1 version, which has been approved for diabetes patients and for weight loss to combat obesity. GLP1s work by slowing down how food moves through the stomach (delaying stomach emptying) and

curbing the appetite. They are designed to mimic the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone to manage blood sugar, stimulate insulin release, suppress glucagon and send satiety signals to the brain. Combined with proper nutrition and exercise, they have shown to be very effective in helping people lose weight and control blood sugar levels.

FDA approval for weight loss use means doctors can prescribe GLP-1s for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obesity) or with a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbidity such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure.

So how will the FDA approval of Wegovy in pill form change the landscape for patients wanting to use GLP-1s for weight loss?

“It is too early to tell

right now,” says Dr. George Eid, chair of the AHN Bariatric & Metabolic Institute. “Historically, patients have expressed interest in oral pill format rather than injections. It tends to be more convenient. As far as affordability, it looks like it is going to be a little bit cheaper than the injectables.”

And Wegovy may not be the only GLP-1 drug available in pill form for long.

Drug manufacturer Lilly also has another weightloss drug in pill form up for approval by the FDA this year. If approved, it could be on the market by the end of 2026.

Eid said the GLP-1 drugs has lessened the demand for surgical weight loss procedures such as gastric bypass.

“GLP-1 drugs have affected the number of bariatric surgeries being performed. For obvious reasons, patients tend to prefer medication over surgery,” says Eid. “However, there is growing evidence showing the benefit of bariatric surgery over medications in many areas, for example, in patients with severe level of obesity such as BMI above 50, patients with obesity and diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

We have to keep in mind that obesity is a heterogeneous disease and not all patients respond to the same type of treatment.”

Eid was one of the authors of a recent study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showing that bariatric surgery offers greater weight loss and lower costs over time compared to GLP-1s. The research shows 40% of U.S. adults are now considered obese, leading to a dramatic surge in the use of the popular but pricey weight-loss drugs.

What a winter it was

The calendar has officially turned to spring now and everyone is breathing a collective sigh of relief that bitter cold and snow may be left behind for many months. What a winter it was in Southwestern Pennsylvania along with much of the east coast. Snow fell as far south as Florida (flurries were even spotted in Sarasota and Naples for the first time in decades) with inches of the white stuff even piling up in Myrtle Beach.

For the Pittsburgh region, many people suspected we might be due for a normal or even very cold and snowy winter after a few years of barely any notable snowfall. Neither meteorological winter (December/January/February) nor astronomical winter (Dec. 21-March 20) disappointed on either count. December ended 3 degrees colder than normal with a total of 18.4 inches of snow. Jan. 31 marked the coldest temperature of the season at 11 below officially in Pittsburgh. January overall brought the deep freeze with the temperature for the month averaging 5.4 degrees below normal and the snow total at 18.1 inches (11.2 inches of that fell on Jan. 25 alone). February was chilly but not as severe, winding up 0.7 degrees below normal with 8 inches of snow.

Pittsburgh’s total snowfall during meteorological winter officially was 44.5 inches, which ranks 19th on the list of snowiest meteorological winters and 30th for coldest during that period with a mean temperature of 28.3 degrees. It also ranks as the coldest meteorological winter in the past 50 years. That snowfall total also left Pittsburgh about one foot above average for the entire season –quite a contrast to the past two winters with paltry snow totals. Then came March. The first

Emery

Kristin

two weeks of March included damaging thunderstorms with tornado warnings, a daily record rainfall one day, a daily record high of 77 degree, then wind gusts higher than 60 miles per hour that knocked out power for tens of thousands of people. Pittsburgh International Airport measured the fourth strongest wind gust there on record at 66 mph (the highest ever was 83 mph in 1992). Along came another cold plunge along with up to 5 more inches of the white stuff in spots. On March 16, Pittsburgh hit of high of 60 degrees ... and also measured 6.3 inches of snow in the same 24-hour period. Talk about wacky weather! Did I also mention that a minor earthquake was detected just to the west last week along with a fiery meteor being spotted just to the northwest near Cleveland accompanied by a sonic boom? Is that it for snow this season? Southwestern Pennsylvania does average around 1 inch of snow in April, and we have even seen measurable snow before on Mother’s Day. Yet now that spring has officially sprung, Mother Nature appears to be getting the hint and temperatures across the tri-area are forecast to moderate over the next week and hover near normal for a little while.

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

GRASS CUTTING

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Pill FROM PAGE A2

The study concluded that, for obese patients, bariatric surgery achieves greater weight loss at lower ongoing cost when compared to GLP1’s. The study covered 30,458 patients treated between 2018 and 2023 and found that over two years, bariatric surgery resulted in around 18% lower costs compared to medications, mostly because of sustained high

pharmacy costs. In pa -

tients with a BMI of 40 or higher, bariatric surgery led to nearly three times as much weight loss compared to medications.

The social stigma attached to people wanting to use these drugs to aid weight loss has been significant, and Eid says that warrants more public education about obesity.

“Bias has always been present and based on perception rather than science,” he says. “There is plenty of evi -

dence showing that obesity is not about poor willpower. Obesity is a physiologic disease that requires treatment similar to other diseases we treat.”

As for whether people see the GLP-1 drugs as an easy fix for weight loss or management, Eid put it into perspective.

“The best way to put it is using the following analogy: Patients who are living with obesity feel like they they are swimming against the current. No matter how

strong a person is, at some point they will get tired and pushed back.

“The treatment options we have, being medication or surgery or a combination of both, are meant to stop the current so when patients put the efforts in, those efforts produce good results which can last for years to come,” he said. “Patients still have to swim to shore, but at least this time - with the help of medications or surgery - they have a chance for success.”

Call Joe today for a FREE grass cutting estimate.

Peters Township moves forward with traffic calming plan

By Jon Andreassi jandreassi@observer-reporter.com

Peters Township council voted to begin implementing a traffic calming plan on a local road.

Council members unanimously agreed to begin phase one of the plan to slow vehicles down on Hill Place Road, where the speed limit is 25 mph.

Township Manager Paul Lauer explained prior to the March 23 vote that speeding has long been an issue on the roadway connecting Thomas and Springdale roads.

“Back in 2009 we did an initial project there that involved putting in fog lines and rumble strips in the center. That problem persists, and what has been proposed is a series of signs and pavement markings across the road delineating the curves, as

well as putting rumble strips across the road,” Lauer said.

Lauer added that an open house was held with residents of Hill Place Road, and a majority was supportive of the proposals.

Phase one will also include the installation of radar speed signs that display the current speed of passing vehicles.

Phase two would involve implementing speed humps and speed cushions. According to Lauer, the project in total would cost about $6,000.

Councilman Frank Arcuri expressed skepticism that the measures will change driver behavior.

“That speeding is going to go on no matter what, and if you think those things are going to slow anything down, you’re out of your mind,” Arcuri said.

“Oh, I think it’s going to be very difficult to control speeding on Hill Place,” Lauer replied.

Councilman John Binsse suggested that the speed limit could be higher than 25 mph on Hill Place.

“This is actually a discussion (Peters Director of Engineering Mark Zemaitis) and I have had with regard to this road. It may well be, what the real problem is, the speed limit is too low,” Lauer said.

Also at Monday’s meeting, council approved a $120,130 purchase of two Ford dump trucks for the public works department.

Council also voted to approve an ordinance that will restrict truck traffic on a handful of township roads to local deliveries only.

Those roads are Juniper Way between Thompsonville Road and Manor Way; Locust Drive between Franklin Drive and Manor Way, and the entirety of Beacon and Manor Ways.

Moments in Time

sports

UNITY ENABLES SOUTH FAYETTE TO REPEAT

Lady Lions win second straight PIAA title

By Eleanor Bailey ebailey@thealmanac.net

During their two-year reign as state basketball champions, the South Fayette girls epitomized the true meaning of team.

Their run, which featured a 59-3 overall record, culminated in a 4535 victory over Archbishop Wood in the PIAA Class 5A championship game played March 21 at the GIANT Center in Hershey.

In 2025, the Lady Lions also beat the Vikings, 45-37, to claim the crown and cap a 29-2 season.

“I’m extremely proud of our team,” said South Fayette head coach Bryan Bennett. “They remained focused and worked hard all season long.

“We were able to accomplish everything because of their incredible bond and unselfishness. It’s rare to find a group that genuinely puts the success of the collective above their own individual highlights.”

Any one of the five starters could

have been superstars, marquee players, as they all attracted attention from major college recruiters. In fact all three seniors starters will play at Division I programs in the fall.

While Juliette Leroux, Haylie La-

Bocce

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Richland, Knoch, Peters Town -

ship, Mt. Lebanon, Pine-Richland and Gateway. The morning session featured teams from Blackhawk, Albert Gallatin, Fort Cherry, Greensburg Salem, Penn-Trafford, Sto-Rox, Western Beaver and Aliquippa.

Blackhawk and the Colts placed first in their sessions to qualify for the state championships. Chartiers Valley was seeded eighth in the regional after eking out a wild card berth in the first round of the playoffs.

“We made the most of our second chance,” Cushey said

“Our expectations for the state championships were to go into the games with the same mindset we had at regionals. Work together and have fun,” Cushey enthused.

During the divisional round of the playoffs held at the end of February, CV defeated Bethel Park but lost to Peters Township in the championship game.

“Luckily we earned a wild card berth and still advanced to the regional round,” explained Cushey, who is an Emotional Support/ Learning Support teacher at the high school.

Sixteen teams competed in the regional at RIZE Sports, a stateof-the-art facility opened in 2023 and dedicated to developing youth and scholastic athletic programs throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Approximately 150 high school Special Olympics athletes, Unified partners (student athletes without intellectual disabilities), coaches, volunteers, teachers, parents, and community members come together in friendly competition.

“Sports are about bringing people together, and RIZE Sports is all about empowering young people to excel – so we were proud to once again host the tournament this year,” said Scott Markovich, general manager of RIZE Sports.

“It’s a beautiful sight watching the community rally around these young athletes working hard to reach their fullest potential and showcasing their talent, determi-

monde and Ryan Oldaker will play at Florida Atlantic, University of South Carolina Upstate and Marist respectively, none averaged more than 14 points per game this season. Together they won 106 games, four section banners and three WPIAL titles during their careers at South

Fayette. They appeared in three state championship games, winning the past two crowns, and all four district finals.

“Words cannot describe what these three seniors meant to me and this team,” Bennett said. “While they are all outstanding basketball

players, more importantly, they are even better people.”

The three seniors have played basketball together since fourth grade and continued competing on the AAU circuit to improve their skills.

Oldaker summed up the mutual respect and love the three have for each other when she said after their final scholastic game together that Lamonde and Leroux mean the world to her.

“They’re literally my best friends,” she said. “I love them so much.”

Their passion for each other and the game showed during the PIAA final as each senior contributed in her own way.

Oldaker led the offensive attack. She scored a game-high 15 points. She converted five of her 8 field goal attempts. Her three pointer with 4:52 remaining afforded South Fayette its largest lead at 39-27. She scored three free throws in the final 77 seconds to help seal the victory.

nation, and sportsmanship.”

The Colts were determined to avenge their loss to Peters Township, which was the No. 1 seed. They upset the Indians, 9-3, in the quarterfinals.

Chartiers Valley went on to defeat Knoch, 7-4, in the semifinals.

The Colts beat Somerset, 6-4, in the regional finals.

Cushey and Peduzzi concurred that the team’s secret to success was “camaraderie, commitment to having fun and hard work.”

That combination again contributed to Chartiers Valley’s success in the state tournament, which included a 5-4 victory over Bald Eagle in the opening round of the competition.

“They all worked together and had fun,” Cushey stressed. “They came together, buckled down and got the job done. Everyone listened to one another and made a number of clutch rolls. We also didn’t give up.”

Cushey noted that resilience

when the Colts fell behind Blackhawk, 3-0. Chartiers Valley maintained composure and rebounded to beat the 2025 state champion, 5-4, before securing the state title with an impressive win against Haverford, 9-1.

“We didn’t panic and eked out the victory,” Cushey said of the pivotal win against the Cougars.

When the Colts returned to Chartiers Valley, the squad received a hero’s welcome. Team members including Tony Montana, Ben Heinzl, Logan Vaites, Luke Waldron, Babu Sagdullayev, Katie Daley and Amanda Wyandt, were escorted home to the high school by the borough’s police as well as fire and EMS trucks.

“The community was so proud of us and came out to support us,” Cushey said. She added that a support team of parents and paraprofessionals made the trip to Hershey, too. The group offered a tremendous amount of support and encouragement not

to mention snacks.

Additionally, PCN broadcast the championships. The matches and proceedings were streamed throughout the district’s schools as classes were in session when the state competition was held..

“The players were so honored and excited to have won and having the sport televised opened up the opportunity to give more kids the understanding what a Unified Sport is and cheer on the team,” Cushey said.

Facilities, such as RIZE, also offer exposure for the sport.

“Sports are about bringing people together, and RIZE Sports is all about empowering young people to excel – so we were proud to once again host the tournaments this year,” said Scott Markovich, general manager of RIZE Sports.

“RIZE has really embraced this event over the past few years and has given our athletes and unified partners the chance to compete in high class facilities,” said

Andrew Fee.

“Together, we’re building inclusive communities where every student can compete and shine,” added the vice president for strategic partnerships for Special Olympics Pennsylvania.

Special Olympics Pennsylvania provides year-round training and competition in 21 Olympic-type sports to more than 15,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities or closely related developmental disabilities.

Chartiers Valley formed its Unified Bocce team back during the 2022-2023 school year. In that inaugural season, the team finished seventh.

“Three years later, we have a few members from that original team. They are still a part of this. So it was definitely special for those students to get a second chance and this time bring home that state title,” Cushey concluded.

Old -

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

hallmarks of a champion.”

Against the Vikings, Leroux controlled both ends of the court. She tallied 10 points and grabbed seven rebounds for the Lady Lions, who never trailed in the game. For the season, Leroux maintained a 14.8-point scoring average. She led the team in rebounding with 6.4 boards an outing. She managed three steals and 2.3 assists per game. Leroux scored more than 1,000 points in her scholastic career.

“Juju is an elite, three-level scorer whose explosive athleticism allows her to impact the game in a variety of ways,” Bennett said. “She has the ability to finish at the rim or can knock down shots from deep. This skill set makes her a constant matchup nightmare.”

Lamonde pitched in six points against Archbishop

Wood. She added an assist and two rebounds in the game, which was tied twice in the first quarter, before the Lady Lions flexed their muscles.

Another career 1,000-point scorer for the Lady Lions, Lamonde averaged 14.8 points per game. She added 2.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.0 steals as well.

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

Underclassmen Ella Vierra and Lailah Wright rounded out the first five. Along with Kenzie and Kylie Rumberger, the duo established themselves as the torchbearers to carry on the success for the Lions well into the future.

A sophomore, Vierra dominated all aspects of the game during the PIAA final. She scored eight points, collected five boards, blocked two shots and dished up two assists.

A junior, Wright registered six points and six rebounds. The point guard picked up two assists and two steals.

The Rumberger sisters, Kenzie and Kylie, provided quality minutes in their reserve roles. While Kenzie is a freshman and Kylie is a junior, both are guards for the Lady Lions.

Kenzie Rumberger, Reagan Dedes, Caroline Kelly, Ava Quinn, Erin Barish, Sara Scott, Payton Galish and Hayley Solomon are ninth graders on the roster.

will treasure their experience as Lions, especially their triumphant ending in the state finals.

Additionally, South Fayette features sophomores Alaina Clingan and Liz Porter along with a plethora of freshmen. In addition to

“We are hopeful to have continued success next season,” Bennett said. “We have an outstanding group of kids who are returning that have improved each day this season.”

Nonetheless the seniors will be missed and they too

“It means so much,” Leroux said. “Ending my senior season winning states with some of my best friends is something I wouldn’t trade for the world. Being here junior year was good and all but getting back here my senior year and winning was a great experience.”

sights & sounds

HOME BENEATH THE BIG TOP

‘Water for Elephants’ comes to Benedum

By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

After a devastating loss, a young man hops aboard a moving train with no clear destination — only to find an unexpected sense of home among the performers of a traveling circus.

Hailed as a critic’s pick by The New York Times, the musical “Water for Elephants” — based on Sara Gruen’s bestselling novel — will be at Pittsburgh’s Benedum Center Tuesday and continue through April 5.

The story, which takes place during The Great De-

pression, blends romance, spectacle and danger during an era when grit was part of survival and bonds were formed under the Big Top. Returning to her hometown

Helen Krushinski, who plays Marlena in the production, is looking forward to coming home.

“I only performed at the Benedum once while growing up and can’t wait to return again,” said Krushinski, who graduated from Pine-Richland High School in Gibsonia. For local audiences, “Water for Elephants” is a chance to

experience a story of resilience, love and belonging.

“It has so much heart,” Krushinski said.

Her path to the national tour began early. She began performing at age 4 at the Wexford Dance Academy. When she was 7, she performed in “Seussical” while continuing to take ballet classes.

“It was my first love,” she said.

When Krushinski’s mother, with a background in musical theater and opera, opened her own acting studio, Krushinski continued her immersion in the arts.

“I’m grateful for the foundation that she instilled in me,” Krushinski said.

By high school, Krushinski had set her sights on a career in theater, earning a spot in the University of Michigan’s competitive musical theater program. After graduation, she moved to New York to pursue professional opportunities.

Like many performers, she faced challenges during the post-pandemic slowdown. While auditioning, she supported herself by being a part-

what’s happening

GIANT OAKS

The Giant Oaks Garden Club will meet April 2 at St. David’s Episcopal Church located at 905 McMurray Rd. Lunch and meeting will be held at 11:15 a.m.

Lauren Henschel from Wildlife Works will speak at 1 p.m. The company is dedicated to rehabilitation and release of distressed wildlife. Henschel will introduce her program, accompanied by a few animals and items for sale.

The luncheon fee is $6 for guests. Guests need to register by calling 412760-4221.

GRANTS

Women of Southwestern PA Inc. is accepting grant applications to benefit children and women in need in Washington, Fayette, Greene, Allegheny, Beaver and Westmoreland counties. The deadline to apply for funding requests up to $3,500 from nonprofit charities and community organizations is April 30.

To qualify, charities must have IRS 501c(3) status, request funds for specific projects which have no state or federal funding and must benefit women or children. Visit www.womenofswpa.org for more details.

Women of Southwestern PA has disbursed more than $1.3 million during the past 26 years, including more than $130,000 to 47 nonprofits in 2025.

RECITAL

A piano recital will be held 3 p.m. April 11 at Center Presbyterian Church. The event benefits the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ARDC). Affiliated with UPMC, ARDC is dedicated to improving the diagnosis and treatment

of Alzheimer’s Disease, and is among the national and international leaders in cutting-edge research.

SPRING FLING

The College Club of Carnegie will hold its “Spring Fling Gathering” at noon on April 11 at the Olive Garden Restaurant located at 971 Greentree Road. A 50/50 raffle to benefit the scholarship program will be held. Women possessing a post-secondary education can attend. Call 412-279-4458 for more information.

REUNION

The St. George, Allentown, Veterans community reunion will be held at 3 p.m. April 19 at Salvatore’s Event Center located at 5001 Curry Road. Presented by the St. George Church Preservation Society, the event is open to parishioners, alumni, veterans, Allentown neighbors, family and friends. In addition to dinner and fellowship, there will be door prizes and raffles. Seating is limited. Visit the St. George Store at www. SGCPS.net for reservations. Call 412-502-5062 or email contact@ SGCPS.net for further information.

JOB FAIR

The Municipality of Bethel Park, in collaboration with the Bethel Park Chamber of Commerce, will host a free job fair from 4 to 7 p.m. April 9 at the community center, located at 5151 Park Ave. With over 1,500 full-time, part-time, remote, and seasonal positions available from more than 30 employers, this event is an opportunity for job seekers of all ages and skill levels to find work.

In addition to making business contacts, applicants can access free resources

time nanny and later worked at a preschool—determined to stay the course until the right role came along.

That opportunity, it turned out, ended up being like nothing she’d ever done before. With the greatest of ease

“In ‘Water for Elephants,’ Marlena is the equestrian and trapeze artist married to ringleader August. She keeps things under control,” said Krushinski.

The role requires not only skill in acting and singing, but also a significant amount of physical skill. During auditions, Krushinski got an early clue when she was asked if she was afraid of heights.

“I started slowly, just sitting on the trapeze, then worked my way up to being 2 feet off the ground with a mat. By week two, I was at show

height,” Krushinski said, adding that although she is confident about her safety, there are safety measures in place.

“The actor playing Jacob is pretty strong and is capable of catching me should something go wrong,” she explained.

There’s always something to see on stage with a production that relies heavily on physicality.

“The cast is so strong. There’s always something happening,” Krushinski said.

“People are flying, climbing scaffolding—it’s just magical.”

A visual spectacle

Critics have praised the production for its staging.

Theater journalist Joe Dziemianowicz noted the production’s “clever stagecraft,” including moments involving a big circus tent. “It’s raised in no time flat before our eyes and makes for a wonderfully

theatrical moment,” he said. Dziemianowicz said he found himself focused on the projected backdrop of the sky that shifts from a warm and inviting blue, to a more forbidding and isolating orange streaked with gray. He described it as “like a giant mood ring.”

“I think people may be surprised at the spectacle—the music, the circus acts, the puppetry,” said Krushinski. “It all comes together beautifully at the end.”

Krushinski said that returning to Pittsburgh adds another layer of meaning to her work.

“Knowing that my community helped nourish my love for the arts and that they’ll be there watching — it’s going to feel like nothing I’ve ever felt before,” she said.

like resume assistance, LinkedIn profile setup, job search tips, or prepare for summer seasonal employment.

Spaces are still available for businesses seeking employees. Spots are limited. Sign up at www.bethelparkpa.gov/jobfair by April 3.

PT REC

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

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.

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).

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).

Floral Design Workshop from 1 to 2:30 p.m. April 18. Fee is $15 ($23 nonmembers). A $22 material fee is due the first day of class. Participants create a garden-style vase arrangement and learn professional floral techniques.

SAT Prep. In conjunction with the Huntington Learning Center, high school students can take a practice exam at 2 p.m. April 26 at the recreation center. At 7 p.m. April 29 students receive results

and a review workshop will be held. Fee is $145 ($218 for nonmembers). Visit HuntingtonHelps.com or call 724-9422890 for more details.

Summer Day Camps in chess, sports, theater, science, volleyball and cooking. Visit www.peterstownship.com to register online, stop at the center located at 700 Meredith Dr. or call 724-942-500 for more information.

FLEA MARKET

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

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

Donations will be accepted until April 19. Televisions, large electronics and large furniture cannot be accepted for this sale. For more information, call 412279-1944.

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 hand-made 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.

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, play-based, hands-on experience. Visit SHJewishPreschool.com for more details.

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

COOKIES

For The Love of Dogs and Cookies event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 11 at Odd Fellow’s Hall, located at 3684 Finleyville-Elrama Rd.

Tickets are $20 and include lunch buffet, beverages and door prizes.

Raffle items and cookies will be sold separately.

Children ages 12 and under are admitted for free.

Proceeds benefit Mojo’s Wallet and South Hills Pet Rescue

For tickets or to donate a raffle item, call or text 724-288-0118.

THANK YOU TO UPMC | WASHINGTON, ALL OF OUR SPONSORS AND VENDORS, THE PENNSYLVANIA TROLLEY MUSEUM AND EVERYONE WHO JOINED IN THE FUN! SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand Your power. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee. Say this prayer 3 times a day for 3 consecutive days and then you must publish it and it will be granted to you.

GOLF CART 1985 EZ-GO Gas. Excellent condition. $1,475, will negotiate. Call 412-220-8035 (no texts)

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. Misc. Furniture $20 724-579-9781

PHONE SYSTEM - BUSINESS Includes greeting module, all office intercom, multi-lines, and 13 phones. $2,500 412-310-0210 Queen Size bed and frame $100

(no texts) ROTOTILLER Craftsman, rear tine. $100. 724-809-5574 RUN TILL SOLD! Sell Your Merchandise $301 & up for just $19.99* (*for 3 lines) It’s easy to

724-228-3448 dayinsurance.com Megan Chicone State Farm Agent 807 E. McMurray Road 724-731-0700 www.meganchicone.com

Tom Yakopin, Agent/Owner 1100 Washington Road, Washington 724-228-7187 westpennhealth.com

Cemetery Plots

BURIAL PLOTS (2) - Garden of Ruth at Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray. $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

COMPANION MAUSOLEUM Space for 2, includes opening and closing. Notre Dame Mausoleum, Queen of Heaven, McMurray. $18,500 or best offer. 724-350-7941 or 724-416-7975 FOREST LAWN GARDENS 2 spaces in Garden of Devotion, 2 burial vaults, Tier #156-C, Level 3 and 4. Includes transfer fee.

$5,000 obo. 724-267-4858

JEFFERSON MEMORIAL

CEMETERY - Companion lawn crypt for 2, in the Garden of the Pillars of Faith, Lot #1270. $4,500. 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

Miscellaneous

Antique wooden desk $50 724-579-9781

BOOM POLE - 3-point hitch. $100. 724-809-5574 Cedar Chest $25 724-579-9781

ContentsInclude: 2VictorianSofas,2VictorianChairs,MarbleTopCoffeeandEndTables,HurricaneLamps,Fireplace Screen,MirrorandSconces,GrandmotherClock,Area Rugs,RoomSizeRugs,Runners,WallCurio,2CornerCurios,Buffet,KinkadeChinaCabinet,Table&6Chairs,Noritake“Ontario”China,Servicefor12andServingPieces, Lenox,CutGlass,AntiqueBrassPedestalPhone,Candelabra,CandleSticks,KnickKnacks,OrnateMirror,Precious Moments,MarieOsmondDolls,Pictures,GlassTopTable with4GreyTuftedChairs,Microwave,Clock,SetofFarberwarePots&Pans,KnifeSet,BeautifulBedroomwith QueenPosterBed,Dresser&Mirror,Armoire,Nightstand, FootStools,OversizedLeatherChair,Clothing,FloorLamp, DualRecliningSofa,EndTable,WallShelving,Steeler Memorabilia,SteelerMugs,Curios,OakShelf,Technics StereowithReceiver,Equalizer,CDPlayer&Cassette Player,Bookcases,CedarChest,TVs,FoldingTable& Chairs,BrotherSewingMachine,Cabinets,Chestof Drawers,WickerNightStand,WickerChair,OfficeSupplies, OfficeChair,Shredder,Globe,AstronautBookends,Clock, Vanity,LotsofToys,DisneyPrincessDolls,LargeDollhouse withLotsofAccessories,Barbies,BeanieBabies,McDonald Toys,Frames,Baskets,Vases,Luggage,Vacuum,Christmas,PopUpChristmasTree,WhiteStorageCabinets, RubbermaidCabinet,CraftsmanToolChest,CircularSaw, Sander,Wrenches,HandTools,SolarLights,andSO MUCHMORE!!DON’TMISSIT!!

Directions: EastMcMurraytoBeboutRoadtoOrchardHilandsDrive,RightonRidgeviewto228RidgeviewDrive **CASHONLY!!PLEASEBRINGYOUROWNHELP!! MURDOCHESTATELIQUIDATION www.murdochestatesales.com

AUDI

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

BUICK

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

SOLOMON BUICK

CHEVROLET

BORTZ CHEVROLET

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

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

COLUSSY CHEVROLET 3073 Washington Pk. Bridgeville, PA 15017 412-564-9829 www.colussy.com

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

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

WASHINGTON CHEVROLET

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

CHRYSLER

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

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

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

DODGE

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

SOLOMON DODGE

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

SOLOMON DODGE Routes 40 & 43 Brownsville, PA

724-785-8000 www.solomonauto.com

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

FIAT

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

FORD

FOX FORD

743 E. High Street, Waynesburg, PA 724-627-3151 www.foxfordwaynesburg.com

SOLOMON FORD Routes 40 & 43 Brownsville, PA 724-785-5500 www.solomonauto.com

STAR LAKE FORD 1212 S. in front of Main St 724-947-3381 www.starlakeford.com

WASHINGTON FORD 507 Washington Road, Rt. 19, Washington, PA 888-706-6128 www.washingtonford.com

GMC

BUDD BAER GMC 83 Murtland Ave. Washington Pa 724-249-6047 www.buddbaergm.com

2605 E Roy Furman Hwy, Carmichaels, PA 724-966-2600 solomonautogroup.com SOLOMON GMC 1777 McClellandtown Rd, McClellandtown, PA 724-602-4678 solomonautogroup.com

HARLEY DAVIDSON

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

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

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

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