The Almanac - Nov. 10, 2024

DAY FOR GIVING

Thanksgiving Gratitude Run to benefit PT family

By Jill Thurston Staff writer

[email protected]

Aaron Smith, 44, of Peters Township, told his wife before he passed away that cancer “brought more good to my life than bad,” his wife, Jessica, recalled. “When he said it, I shook my head and said I didn’t think I agreed. But there was a lot of good that came from this,” she said.

From the tragedy experienced by the Smith family came a new opportunity to help others in need.

Smith, beloved husband and father of three children, died November 16, 2023, after a hard-fought battle with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and was the inspiration for The Gratitude Run, a 5k run held along the Montour Trail in Peters Township for the first time on Thanksgiving Day 2023 to benefit the Smith Family.

The effort raised close to $100,000, Jessica Smith said. It was so successful, race planner Chris Weiss, Smith’s neighbor, saw a way to help others in the community and

Wastewater impoundments, injection wells sources of controversy over last 20 years

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the sixth in a series of stories reflecting on 20 years of gas drilling in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

By Brad Hundt Staff writer

[email protected]

To understand why wastewater impoundments and injection wells have been a key component of natural gas drilling in the 20 years since the first drilling rig was erected in Washington County, it’s helpful to turn the clock back further than 20 years. Much, much further. Close to 400 million years ago.

That’s when much of Pennsylvania and the states around it were a sea, teeming with sea scorpions, forerunners of clams and much tinier creatures. Once the sea receded, the rich organic matter and clay that were part of that sea became soft rock, and all the algae and plankton became methane and was buried under layers of rock that’s built up over centuries.

Extracting that methane is where hydraulic fracturing comes in. The natural gas industry uses millions of gallons of water every year for that task. It mixes water with sand and

Dr. Daniel Castagna Castagna named superintendent of Chartiers Valley School District

The Chartiers Valley School District (CVSD) School Board held a special meeting on Oct. 24 and voted 6-3 to appoint Dr. Daniel Castagna as its new superintendent, effective January 2025.

“We’re excited to welcome Dr. Castagna to the Chartiers Valley School District,” said Darren Mariano, board president. “The board believes Dr. Castagna’s vision and dedication will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission to provide a high-quality education relevant in today and tomorrow’s world while maintaining fiscal responsibility. His experience in turning around school districts and fostering educational innovation is exactly what we need to address our district’s challenges and opportunities.”

Most recently, Castagna served at Woodland Hills and demonstrated a commitment to fiscal responsibility, overseeing the district’s first tax reduction in 41 years, lowering the millage rate, and building a record fund balance. Despite financial pressures, Castagna maintained and expanded key academic programs, including advanced robotics, music, and Advanced Placement courses, while increasing student enrollment. His balanced approach to financial management and student success has earned him recognition across the state.

Chicco Baccello

239 S Main St Washington, PA • 724-222-2900

111 W Pike St

Canonsburg, PA • 724-701-0364

chiccobaccello.com

Upper St. Clair assistant principal Beck recognized

Dr. Dan Beck, assistant principal at Upper St. Clair High School, has been selected as the 2025 Robert E. Lavely Assistant Principal of the Year by the Pennsylvania Principals Association in conjunction with the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ (NASSP) National Assistant Principal of the Year program.

The state and national Assistant Principal of the Year program recognizes outstanding middle level and high school assistant principals who have demonstrated success in leadership, curriculum and personalization.

This marks the second time Beck has earned statewide recognition for his leadership and support of students. In 2020, he was named the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils Principal of the Year.

Much of Beck’s leadership efforts are centered on establishing and nurturing a school community where students feel a sense of belonging. He supports various student programs that focus on well-being and safety, including the school’s student support services team, ninth-grade student mentoring, Student Council, and No Place for Hate. In addition, he contributes to academic programs, including the school’s Leadership Academy, Peer-Tutoring, SmartDesk, and the district’s curriculum recommendations.

He attributes this distinction to the Upper St. Clair education community.

“This recognition is a reflection of the dedication of outstanding colleagues, an active student body, engaged parents, and a

Criticism

FROM PAGE A1

chemicals and injects it into the ground to fracture rock and release gas that would otherwise be extraordinarily tough to reach.

And the process generates millions of gallons of wastewater that is not usable for drinking or agriculture. When that water is not being used, or before it is hauled away for disposal, it is placed in impoundments that can take up several acres. Some of the wastewater is also deposited in injection wells, of which there are about 800 throughout the United States, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and they are used not only to dispose of water used in fracking, but also for chemicals, food and municipal wastewater. Both impoundments and injection wells have been a source of controversy and concern in the 20 years since natural gas drillers swooped into the region.

While proponents of the industry maintain that impoundments have become safer with time and trial and error,

supportive community,”

Beck said.

Beyond Upper St. Clair High School, he engages with the local and national education community to apply research into practice to impact school policy. He is currently partnering with the University of Pittsburgh to improve support for neurodivergent students across the country with the Schools Unified in Neurodiversity (SUN) program and is a representative for Education Next, a group of educational stakeholders working to advance student success and policy in Pennsylvania public education.

Beck joined the Upper St. Clair High School leadership staff in 2013. Previously, he taught secondary English in the Greensburg Salem School District and the Berlin Brothers Valley School District. He earned his doctorate and undergraduate degrees from Duquesne University and a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

He is now in consideration to be named the National Assistant Principal of the Year.

Beck and his wife, Kelly, have two young children, Carter and Lyla. They live in Upper St. Clair.

critics say that the impoundments risk the water supplies and health of residents who live near drilling sites. Injection wells, critics contend, can leak and even cause earthquakes. A proposed injection well in Nicholson Township in Fayette County was scrapped last year following fervent opposition from nearby residents, and it prompted the county to tighten its regulations surrounding injection wells.

“Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry is proud of our strong environmental performance record, especially as it relates to effectively managing and protecting our water resources,” according to Dave Callahan, president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition. “Through collaboration with stakeholders, especially state regulators and community-level partners, our industry continues to implement efficient and safe solutions to how we do our work.”

An industry trade group, the Marcellus Shale Coalition, says that 95% of the water used in the natural gas industry is recycled, and that operations in this region are now “benchmarks in other gas-producing regions across the country.”

Run

FROM PAGE A1

created a nonprofit with the idea of making it an annual event.

The Gratitude Run (participants may also walk) is scheduled for this Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, at 9 a.m., starting at the softball fields in Peters Township behind Peterswood Park. The event will benefit the Serena family of Peters Township. Jeff Serena, husband, father and local business owner, is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.

There is no charge to register for the run at https://www. thegratituderun.org/.

Weiss and his wife, Joy, proposed the idea of a run to benefit the family at a party held at Aaron Smith’s request just a couple of weeks before he died.

“When the doctors came to us early in November last year and told us there was nothing more they could do, and he would have a few months, Aaron turned to me and said, ‘Can we have a party?’ The open house was attended by hundreds. Weiss asked the Smiths at that time if he could organize a run with a GoFundMe to help with expenses.

“It just emphasizes how this community has been so amazing. Chris and Joy came to us and said, ‘We’d like to do this run, we’d like to set up this GoFundMe,’ and I was initially reluctant because I felt like everybody had already done so much for us. Chris said, ‘People want to help, and this is a way for them to help.’ So we agreed,” Jessica Smith said.

The first run was hastily pulled together by Weiss to help the Smith family, but

Role

FROM PAGE A1

“Fiscally responsible leadership isn’t just about balancing budgets – it’s about making tough decisions that allow us to invest in our students’

However, the potential dangers of impoundments were highlighted a decade ago when Range Resources, the energy company that has adopted the highest profile in the region, was fined a record $4.1 million by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for leaks and other problems that had surfaced at six of its Washington County impoundments.

The agreement reached between Range Resources and the DEP also mandated that the company close five of its impoundments and make improvements to two others.

The DEP found that a leak at an impoundment in Amwell Township caused by a tear in its liner contaminated groundwater and led to the removal of 15,000 tons of soil. Another impoundment, located in Hopewell Township, developed a hole, according to the DEP, which led to diluted fluid used in fracking leaking into a tributary of Cross Creek.

Christopher Abruzzo, who was then secretary of the DEP, said that the fine levied against Range Resources established “a new, higher benchmark for companies to meet when designing future impoundments, which is an

Supporting Member

Aaron Smith would pass away a week before the run took place.

Weiss put a pamphlet together and spread the word. He had no idea if there would be five people or a hundred participants. News of the run went viral pretty quickly, Weiss said, to the extent that the township called him to ask what he was planning.

“That morning was a really tough day; it was Thanksgiving, it was just a few days after the funeral. But, we had this run to go to. It was a beautiful cool, crisp morning, not a cloud in the sky, and we got up and we went, and I’m so glad we did,” Jessica Smith said. “We showed up and saw more than 300 people there, everyone walking up, hugging us. Instead of sitting home being sad, we had this amazing community just continuing to rally around us.”

futures while providing real relief to our communities,” Castagna said.

As part of his mandate, he will lead efforts to update the district’s curriculum to prepare students for the demands of the AI-driven economy. From expanding STEM programs to integrat-

environmental win for Pennsylvania.” Matt Pitzarella, then a spokesman for Range Resources, expressed disappointment that the violations occurred, but that “newly established best practices and technologies” would be implemented.

Range Resources has declined to provide comment for this series.

Dave Hess was secretary of the DEP from 2001 to 2003 in the administrations of Tom Ridge and Mark Schweicker. He left the post before the Marcellus Shale boom began, and now writes about it in his blog, PA Environment Digest. Hess believes that some of the problems with water impoundments were the result of drillers working on different terrain than the Texas landscape where they had been fracking before they arrived in Pennsylvania. He also agrees that impoundments have become safer over the last two decades. “Initially there were a lot of problems,” he said. A more pressing issue today, in Hess’ estimation, are the pipelines that are being constructed to carry wastewater that could be subject to leaks or other problems.

In addition to his work as an attorney, Aaron Smith was involved in the community, coaching teams for his children, Wyatt, 14, Sadie, 12, and Josie, 10, and serving on the township planning commission, among other boards.

“He was always ready to lend a hand to a friend or neighbor and even help serve meals with the kids and me at the City Mission during Thanksgiving while he was going through chemotherapy. No matter how much pain he was in, he would have a smile on his face and say he was good. This Gratitude Run and giving back to others couldn’t be more aligned with who he was at his core.” Jessica Smith said the funds will go toward her children’s education. “It’s just a huge burden lifted off of me because I’m now the primary breadwinner,” she said.

ing AI and data literacy into the classroom, his leadership will ensure that Chartiers Valley’s students are ready to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Castagna’s five-year contract includes a base salary of $250,000.

Castagna’s career in edu-

“The fact that there are no regulations on the pipelines is a real issue,” Hess said. “I think it deserves close scrutiny. … There are no standards for how they are constructed or routed.”

Lisa DePaoli, the communications director for the Center for Coalfield Justice, says that the impoundments may have improved through better construction, but “anything that is open to the air like this poses a danger.”

Some of the water from those impoundments can be disposed of by placing it in an injection well. The first injection well was used by the oil industry in the 1930s to get rid of brine. No injection wells are in Washington, Greene or Fayette counties. The closest one is in the Allegheny County community of Plum, and there are 19 in Pennsylvania, according to 2023 data from the EPA. In neighboring Ohio, there are more than 200. In 2022, an application for an injection well was submitted to Fayette County officials, who handle zoning for Nicholson Township, where the injection well would have been located.

After residents expressed vehement opposition to the proposed injection well, the

Following the 2023 run, Weiss formed a 501c3 and put together an all-volunteer board of directors, with Jessica Smith serving as marketing director and secretary. Their plan is to continue helping a family in the community each Thanksgiving.

“We are keeping it in Peters Township now with the hope that someone else will replicate it in other communities in order to help as many people as we can,” Weiss said. “One thing I’ve learned through this is everyone is going through something; we all have some burden we are carrying through life, and if we can just help each other and let people know you’re not alone, there’s this community around you and what better day to than Thanksgiving to kick off that season of giving and maybe burn a few calories before we start eating a lot,” Jessica Smith said.

cation began as a classroom teacher before ascending to leadership roles, including his tenure as superintendent of West Mifflin Area School District and, most recently, Woodland Hills. Dr. Joseph Dimperio is serving as interim superintendent.

application from Virginia-based G2 STEM LLC was withdrawn. Earlier this year, Fayette County’s commissioners approved an ordinance that, among other things, has a setback distance of 2,500 feet, or a little less than a half-mile, for injection wells. State Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa, a Republican who represents the area in Harrisburg, co-sponsored a measure that would prohibit injection wells in Pennsylvania. She said the material in the wastewater “would present possible health risks if they are allowed to mix with our drinking water.” Grimm Krupa said the wells were not an “acceptable risk … considering the severe consequences that may result if an accidental spill or leaking incident occurs.” In a fact sheet the group has provided, the Marcellus Shale Coalition states that “strict well-monitoring protocols are required by the EPA for operating these wells.” They also say, “Injection wells are an economical method of disposal for wastewater resulting from oil and gas production and have proven to be a safe alternative for managing drilling and production wastes for decades.”

community news

USC native receives award for first novel

By Jill Thurston Staff writer

[email protected]

Longtime Upper St. Clair

resident and photographer

Kathy Kasunich received a bronze medal in September from the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA) for her novel, “Always Remembering,” published in 2022.

Her first novel, an historical fiction romance, is based on a real-life couple, her parents, Mike, a medic, and Helen, during World War II.

Now a resident of Williamsburg, Va., Kasunich began the novel before moving to Williamsburg in 2017 and completed it during the pandemic.

“The idea came to me after my parents passed away. My dad had a bunch of memorabilia and so did my mother.

I feel like it was just sort of thrown into my lap and I had to go with it,” Kasunich said.

“I realized I needed more information as far as the battles and what was going on in Europe with his division. I did a lot of research and some interviews. I actually found some people who were still alive who were in his division, so I talked to them. I really wanted it to be authentic, as if you were in the war with him,” Kasunich said.

Her book follows the journey of her father’s division, the 42nd Rainbow Division. The MWSA said in a press release: “‘Always Remembering’ offers a meticulous and engaging account of one of World War II’s most distinguished divisions, known for being the first unit to liberate Dachau Concentration Camp.”

Unedited letters from her father to her mother are included in the book. Drawing from the letters written, diaries and stories told by her mother, Kasunich also explores the challenges of navigating a long distance relationship during the uncertainties of war.

Letters were their only means of communication.

“It was a rocky start. They couldn’t talk to each other,” Kasunich explained. She takes the title of the book from how

her father signed his letters, “Always remembering, never forgetting, loving you forever.”

Her father served in France, Germany and with the army of occupation in Austria and was abroad for three-and-half years. The two married when he returned. Kasunich recently published an anthology of short stories, “Christmas on the Bay,” available on Amazon and she is working on her next historical fiction novel, set in Williamsburg during the 18th century.

My Problem is Your Opportunity!

You could be one of the few to buy a furnace at 20% savings!

I have run into a problem I am not used to. October is normally our boom time for replacing residential furnaces. BUT the warmer temperatures have killed our replacement business.

Well, now it looks like my problem is your opportunity.

Last week I went to lunch with one of the furnace manufacturers. He is also laced with the same problem. I told him, “I have hired technicians for the Winter rush and I have got to keep them busy!” I told him that I agree to offer a big discount to my customers if he will help me out. He called his office and they agreed to give me an unbelievable price cut.

But their price cut ends once I make up for the furnaces I normally would have purchased in October.

So Here is My Offer: I am offering you the biggest discount I have ever offered. I hope I do not ever have to do this again.

You can save 20% off the average price for one of our energy efficient furnaces.

With this price it shouldn’t take any time to make up for the sales I have lost. At that time this offer will end.

So do not delay. Call

HONORING UPPER ST. CLAIR SCHOOL DISTRICT

MARCHING BAND

Row 1: Elise Parrish

James Barker

Carlee Santel

Becca Geisler

Liam Mulhern

Abby Smith

Micah Blac

Row 2: Summer Delaney

Zoe Roberts

Angela PlouGe

Ava Mosler

Maria Khila

Teddy Aumer

Krishna Sathya

Vagheeswar

Lauren Blanke

Manav Patel

George Abdel-Messih Hayden Laza

Row 3: Julia Campagna

Kyriaki Smith

Kaitlyn Burns

Zena Meyer

Ava Wynne

Maddie Weber

Charlotte Swanson

Divya Singh

Ritu Gupta

Chiara Rocco

LeAnn Anderson

Anya Chen

Row 4: Julia Campagna

Kyriaki Smith

Kaitlyn Burns

Zena Meyer

Ava Wynne

Maddie Weber

Charlotte Swanson

Divya Singh

Ritu Gupta

Chiara Rocco

LeAnn Anderson

Anya Chen

Row 5:

Isabella Robinson

Spencer Hills

Lindsey Fitzgerald

Nick Andrews

Adam Khila

Edwin Krofcheck

John Whitman

Colin Burns

Liam Black Annabelle McCaGrey

Row 6:

Lexi Hettich

Lucy Parrish

Thomas Mallison

Eliana Buries

Oliver Paoly

Ben Robinson

Antonin Rocco

Jonah Durbin

Jackson Kulzer

Trevor Bhandari

Blake Davis

Claire Clodfelter

Row 7: Natalie Slagle

Chloe Faist

DANCE TEAM

Harrison Barker

Max Parrish

Michaela Pacella

Micha Gaydos

Michael Earley

Bernard Huang

Evan Sirota

Hudson Honeycutt

Nigel Bailey

Eli Tarr

Not Pictured:

Joy Tang

Ella Zegarelli

Arjun Kairi

Row 1: Gigi Spina, Nina Speranza, Riley Moorhead, Gianna D’Orazio, Sasha Boyette

Row 2: Olivia Zeigler, Madison Gavin, Makaela Mellinger, Lexi Manning, Eliza Ogrodnik, Malia Reynolds

Row 3: Felicity Lalley, Gianna Kania, Francesca Manning, Claire Reyes, Kiran Khurana

Row 4: Daphne Collins, Abby Meyer, Alexa Galbraith, Gianna DeNoon, Cristina DiPaolo, Caroline Jones

Bethel Park School District earns statewide distinction

Bethel Park School District was recently designated as a Great Pennsylvania School.

The Great Pennsylvania Schools (GPS) designation recognizes state public schools that provide students access to rigorous programming, are community-centric, demonstrate financial well-being, and display resilience.

“This prestigious distinction further confirms that we are on the right track as a school community,” said Superintendent Dr. James Walsh.

“Four years ago, we set out to be the ‘best in our class,’ and this demonstrates that we are well on our way in that journey. It’s a testament to our staff, who are always seeking better ways to educate our students and support their families. It’s further affirmation that our efforts are indeed paying dividends.”

To receive the recognition, districts had to meet the criteria established in the four

categories. Districts that provide students with academically rigorous programming must confirm that 100% of their teachers are certified and that students have access to career and technical education, gifted education, advanced placement or international baccalaureate

courses, and JROTC programming.

To demonstrate a district’s position as the community’s centerpiece, it must exemplify innovation in school programming, regularly celebrate students’ and staff’s successes, and provide academic and extracurricular offerings for students.

The final criteria – resilience and fiscal health –measure a district’s planning efforts that lead to successful academic programming. To meet the resilience criteria, a district must implement an emergency preparedness plan and provide mental health support to students.

A district meets the financially healthy criteria by having an elected or independent auditor conduct a financial audit annually, making the final district budget available for public review before adoption, and following school code requirements for bids and quotations when purchasing goods and services.

sports

TWICE IS NICE

By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor [email protected]

Fittingly Mia Deramo gave Abbey Spalla a piggyback ride off the field at Highmark Stadium because she carried South Fayette to victory, 4-0, against Fox Chapel in the WPIAL Class 3A girls soccer championship match.

A junior midfielder, Deramo scored twice in the contest. She tallied her first goal in the 12th minute. After Gabby Beinecke’s shot on goal was bobbled in the box, Deramo deposited the ball into the back of the net, providing the Lady Lions the only goal they would need to repeat as WPIAL champions.

“Getting that (first goal) was amazing,” Deramo said. “We just kept on pushing and finding the crosses. It was a great team effort and I am so proud of everyone. We knew we had to score and we did.”

Deramo scored again in the 63rd minute. She converted a penalty kick to finalize the scoring for the Lady Lions.

“Mia eats this stuff up,” said SF head coach Nick Rosser. “She loves playing on this level. She is like all of my girls. They love to compete and they embrace playing on this level.

“They like to have pressure on them. They handle it well,” he added.

South Fayette (19-3) entered the contest as the defending Class 3A champion. The Lady Lions used an overtime goal by Deramo to topple Moon in double overtime in last year’s final.

Fox Chapel defeated North Allegheny, 1-0, also in double overtime to capture the 2023 Class 4A crown. The Foxes (18-3-1) entered the Class 3A tournament seeded No. 1 ahead of the Lions, who were seeded second.

The Lions beat Kiski, 4-0, Bethel Park, 3-2, in double overtime, and No. 6 Mars, in a shootout, 4-2, to advance to the championship match played on Nov. 2 while the Foxes eliminated Indiana, 8-0, Montour, 7-1, in overtime and Plum, 3-0.

“The girls are always prepared for good competition and they knew they had good competition,” Rosser said. “They like to compete and they like to have some kind of pressure on them.”

Beinecke alleviated the pressure when she scored at 30:52, providing a two-goal cushion for the Lady Lions at intermission.

Both Deramo and Rosser had high praise for the freshman striker.

“Gabby is incredible,” Deramo said. “The future is bright for her. It’s an honor to play with her. I hope she can keep pushing.”

“Gabby is wicked,” added Rosser.

“She’s the full package. There’s a lot

that she can do. She’s awesome to watch on the field. She’s very fast, loves the game and has a drive to score.” Emma Ferrari, who assisted on Beinecke’s tally, pushed South Fayette’s advantage to three goals when she scored at 52:43. Caitlyn Thompson earned the shutout in goal. She made six saves as Fox Chapel outshot the Lady Lions, 12-4.

“Our backline, they’re incredible, pushing up, and our goalkeeper is good at communication,” Deramo said. “(Caitlyn) talks to the backline and tells them where to go, and I think that really helped us move together and work as a team.”

As a team, the Lady Lions won the Section III crown with an undefeated 10-0 record. They also added their second district title in school history with the win against the Foxes.

“It’s great to win back-to-back,” Deramo said.

“It’s amazing,” added Rosser. “We have worked so hard for this. The girls put the effort out there all the time. They play all out every day.”

The Lady Lions now have their sights set on the big prize. They embarked on state tournament action at home against Dubois (17-3) in

PT wins WPIAL title Indians fall in PIAA tourney

By Eleanor Bailey

Sports Editor

Almanac

[email protected]

After experiencing the thrill of victory, Peters Township suffered the agony of defeat as its championship soccer season came to an abrupt ending. In the same fashion that the Lady Indians captured their third WPIAL title for girls soccer – beating Seneca Valley in a shootout on Nov. 1 – they lost to Central Dauphin (17-2-1) on penalty kicks in a first-round PIAA match played Nov. 5 at Confluence Financial Partners Stadium on the Peters Township Middle School campus.

“Once

Martin converted the decisive penalty kick in the WPIAL Class 4A championship match played at Highmark Stadium when they succumbed, 4-2, in a shootout to Central Dauphin to finish their 2024 campaign with a 19-1-1 record.

“I am super proud of our season and our body of work. To finish undefeated against WPIAL teams is not

Peters Township wins WPIAL field hockey title

By Eleanor Bailey

Kokoszynski and Updyke provided the insurance tallies in the second half. Two minutes into the third quarter, Updyke tipped in a Forlini attempt. With four minutes remaining in the stanza, Kokoszyznski corralled a loose ball off a penalty corner and

done very often at the 4A level, and to win our first WPIAL championship in 12 years,” said Vereb. “Unfortunately, it has to end unless you win it all.”

Peters Township’s season appeared to be ending earlier than the shootout round as the Lady Indians fell behind, 2-0, when Kayden Williams scored twice at the 33:26 and 29:28 marks in the second half.

With 27:36 remaining in regulation, Julia Spergel narrowed the gap with PT’s initial tally. Spergel added the equalizer with 7:37 left in the second half.

Though the Indians dominated the remainder of regulation – they put 17 shots on goal and had 10 corner kicks in the match – they could not produce a game-winning goal.

After two, 15-minute overtime frames, the match remained deadlocked and headed into the penalty-kick phase.

After their first attempt hit the crossbar, the Rams converted on shots by Lea Carmona, Erika Murphy, Jazmine Zakhar and Katherine Reynolds.

Marina Hajnosz and Camryn Klein scored for the Lady Indians during the shootout.

“We really didn’t lose tonight because of penalty kicks,” Peters Township coach Pat Vereb

Twice

FROM PAGE B1

their quest for a PIAA championship. South Fayette blanked the Beavers, 5-0.

Beinecke registered a hat trick while Ferrari and Mia Patel tacked on the other tallies. Deramo recorded two assists. Beinecke and Emily Sinton also managed assists.

“We are just here to win. Win as much as possible,” Rosser said. “We’d love to win it all.”

Please recycle this newspaper

said. “We dominated the last 20 minutes of the second half, and we dominated both overtimes with numerous corner kicks and throw-ins, but we didn’t finish, and finish out the game the right way.”

Central Dauphin goalkeeper Mikayla Martincheck made 15 saves while Molly Kubistek stopped three shots for the Lady Indians.

“That’s a fantastic team over there,” said Central Dauphin coach Chris Jones. “I hate to say it, but we were in the same position as them last year. We didn’t lose a single game, then you get in the state playoffs and end up losing.”

The Lady Indians have the memory of the WPIAL championship match to ease the anguish caused by the loss to the Rams.

Hockey

FROM PAGE B1

match played Nov. 5 at Confluence Financial Partners Stadium on the campus of Peters Township Middle School, the Lady Indians succumbed to Hershey, 5-0. Avery Weaber scored twice for the Trojans (129-0), who were the fourthplace finishers in District 3. She gave Hershey a 1-0 advantage with her first goal, coming with 12:35 remaining in the second stanza. She added the second tally on a penalty kick at the 8:39 mark in the third frame.

Peters Township scored all five of its penalty kicks and edged Seneca Valley, 5-4, in that department to claim the district crown. The Indians won previous titles in 2010 and 2012.

While Martin took the final, and decisive kick, Paige Malley, Hajnosz, Klein and Fallan Malley also converted in the shootout.

Shootout and overtimes have been a playoff pattern for the Lady Indians. In fact, Peters Township lost to Seneca Valley, 2-1, in overtime during the 2018 WPIAl final.

“I think we’ve lost our last four shootouts, so it’s been a very nerve-wracking week preparing,” Vereb said. “We were 5-for-5 (in the final), so we did well., but we were awful,” he noted in a semifinal

win against North Allegheny. Peters Township dominated the action during the WPIAL championship match. They put 17 shots on goal and had five corner kicks, four of them in the overtime periods.

Kubistek faced 10 shots and was credited with four saves.

“It was one heck of a game, and definitely a team effort,” Kubistek said. “I am so glad these seniors can go out with a WPIAL championship.”

Peters Township graduates nine seniors including: Klein, Sophia Guna, Ellie Gambill, Elliana Hajnosz, Kess Wolfe, Addison Pirosko, Anna McAfee, Natalie Faingnaert and Paige Malley.

Editor’s Note: Jonathan Guth contributed to this article.

South Fayette, Bethel Park split in playoff openers

It was a split decision for two local football teams during the first round of the WPIAL playoffs.

While Bethel Park (9-2) advanced to face Woodlands Hills in the quarterfinals after thumping Greater Latrobe (5-6), 42-7, in the Class 5A opener played Nov. 1, South Fayette dropped a 4928 decision to Penn-Trafford and wrapped up its 2024 campaign at 6-5 overall.

In the loss, Drew Welhorsky continued to dominate with his passing and elusive rushing.

The junior rolled up 128 yards on the ground and 186 yards through the air. He completed 19 of 26 aerials and two scoring strikes of 13 and 36 yards to Ben Cavanaugh and Sylas Aitken. Welhorsky rushed for touchdowns of 26 and 10 yards.

Aitken led the Lions with six receptions for 74 yards.

Cavenaugh and Ray Schuler each caught four passes.

Luke Gillen converted the extra points.

Welhorsky finished the season as one of the top passers and rushers in the WPIAL. He passed for 1,881 yards

Lebo 2ond

Pine-Richland won its sixth straight WPIAL field hockey championship and seventh overall when the Rams edged

and 16 scores. He rushed for nearly 1,000 yards. The Warriors broke open a tight contest by scoring three consecutive touchdowns in the final frame. The Lions trailed, 21-14, at halftime and 28-27 after three quarters.

In BP’s win over the Wildcats, Tanner Pfeuffer completed 13 of 16 passes for 178 yards. His top targets were Ryan Petras, six receptions for 101 yards, and Mitchell Paschl, four grabs for 57 yards.

Javaughn Moore rolled up 142 rushing yards. He scored four times on runs of 4, 4, 17 and 1 yards.

Petras rushed for two touchdowns, measuring 11 and 8 yards.

Pfeuffer and Moore entered their quarterfinal clash on Nov. 8 at Woodlands Hills among the leaders in the WPIAL in passing and rushing respectively.

Pfeuffer ranked No. 3 with nearly 2,500 passing yards and 29 touchdowns. Moore ranked No. 4 with more than 1700 yards rushing. Paschl and Petras were among the receiving leaders in the district.

Mt. Lebanon, 1-0, in the Class 3A final.

In addition to the 2024 crown, the Rams won previous banners in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Pine-Richland (20-0-0, 120-0 Section I) scored its lone goal at the 12:42 mark of the third quarter. Junior forward Anna Merlack gathered in a rebound from a shot taken

by Georgia Rottinghaus and deposited it into the net for the game-winning goal. The senior midfielder was set up on a penalty corner by Madeline Mill. The Rams reached the championship match with an 11-0 win over fourth-seeded Norwin, while Lebo defeated third-seeded North Allegheny, 1-0, in the semifinals. With the win, the Rams advanced to their seventh PIAA playoff appearance while the Blue Devils ended their season at 12-5-0 overall. They finished runner-up to the Rams in Section 1 with a 9-3-0 slate. The Rams lost to Mechanicsburg, 2-0, in their firstround state playoff game.

sights & sounds

‘A bookshop with a mission’

Woolly Bear Books and Gifts marries nature, love for literature, and all things local

By Katherine Mansfield

For the Observer-Reporter [email protected]

CARNEGIE – It’s a Wednesday in mid-October, and mid-morning light spills through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Woolly Bear Books and Gifts, drenching some titles in sunshine, casting others in shadow. Wooden shelves set against bold orange and white walls are heavy with books that return one to a childhood bedroom or first apartment; covers that welcome a gentle caress, or inspire wonder.

Gifts by local artisans are scattered amongst the titles. There are jars of warm honey from local Bumble Berry farm; loose leaf tea in flavors like “poet’s study;” bookish bookends; Taylor Swift and cat knick-knacks; Dungeons and Dragons die ornaments, hand-glazed by a local artist, and other novelties.

“I want this place to be crammed full of product,” said Michael Ploetz, who opened Woolly Bear in downtown Carnegie on Halloween.

“I don’t have a lot of space to begin with, but I just think it’s cool to walk around and, like, everywhere you turn, there’s just something weird and unique to look at. That’s kind of the vibe I’m bringing here.”

Woolly Bear is certainly a vibe. The space is cozy-chic and inviting, its New York City publishing world meets Pittsburgh, with a dash of your whimsical best friend’s style and pure imagination. Not only is Carngie’s first bookstore in decades a vibe, it’s also a dream-come-true.

“I’ve wanted to do this for a long time,” said Ploetz, who was born and raised just outside of Buffalo, N.Y. “When I was deciding where to go to college, I wanted to pick a place that wasn’t too close to my parents’. I was looking at Pittsburgh, and we went to go visit Pitt, and I just loved the whole campus, the fact that it was in the city, but kind of outside of the city.”

During his college years, he worked at an established bookstore in Shadyside, where the creaking floorboards, the scent of new books, and the novelty items

KATHERINE MANSFIELD/FOR THE OBSERVER-REPORTER

Michael Ploetz grew up in Buffalo, graduated from he University of Pittsburgh, and spent six years in New York City before returning to the City of Champions to open Woolly Bear Books and Gifts at 117 E.t Main St., Carnegie. Ploetz looks forward to connecting avid readers with beloved and brand-new titles, and other local novelties.

enchanted him. After four years living in Pittsburgh, he was off to the Big Apple.

“My degree was in marketing, but I always kind of thought of myself as a book person, first and foremost. If you’re a book person, publishing is the dream. So I wanted to do it, and I went out there and got a job in publishing,” he said.

Life in the city that never sleeps was wonderful, but when New York shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ploetz’s tiny apartment became confining, and his only outlet was New York’s parks. During the pandemic, he started indoor gardening –and decided to make the leap and move back to Pittsburgh, where the cost of living was much more affordable.

Though he continued working remotely in publishing, Ploetz’s desire to open a bookstore grew. In August, Ploetz mentioned to Dagny Como, who owns Dagny’s eatery in Carnegie, that he was looking for real estate. She told him the corner space at the property across the street was recently listed for lease. Ploetz hurried over, called the number listed, and, like a chapter already written, secured the space for his literary venture.

The shop’s name, Woolly Bear, is a nod to Ploetz’s passion for nature (he graduated from Phipp’s Conservatory’s master gardener program Oct. 31), and a fun play on words: the creature is often nicknamed the “woolly worm,” and, as a mas-

what’s happeing

PT REC

The Peters Township recreation department is offering the following:

■ Turkey Trot will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Nov. 19. Ages 3 to 5 will create a Thanksgiving-themed craft, learn about the holiday and engage in games and other activities. Participants must be accompanied by an adult.

Fee is $5 ($8 nonmembers).

Sign-up deadline is Nov. 15

■ Zumba classes for six weeks in November/December. Debbie Colditz instructs. Classes are offered from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. Tuesdays; 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Wednesdays or Fridays at 9:15 a.m. for one hour or 90-minute sessions. Fees are $38 for members ($57 for nonmembers). The 90-minute sessions are $57/$85.

■ Social Media 101 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 14. Fee is $5 ($8 nonmembers). Participants learn about Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and X. Bring a cellphone, tablet or computer.

Visit www.peterstownship. com or call 724-942-5000 to register or for more details.

SH CHABAD

A pop-up Jewish NY Deli

will visit the Chabad of the South Hills, 1701 McFarland Road location, from 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 24. Pastrami and

corned beef sandwiches, potato knishes, matzo ball soup and Dr. Brown soda will be available. Pre-orders are required by Nov. 21 at www. chabadsh.com/deli.

The Chabad of the South Hills location at 1700 Bower Hill Road will conduct the six-session “Nurturing Relationships” seminar starting Nov. 13 from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Rabbi Mendy Rosenblum will dispense Jewish wisdom for building deeper, richer connections in relationships.

A senior lunch will be held at 1 p.m. Nov. 13 at Chabad of the South Hills, 1701 McFarland Road. In addition to lunch, there will be a presentation on diabetes, meal planning and healthy eating. Suggested donation is $5. Call 412-278-2658 to preregister.

The Grand Chanukah Seniors Lunch will be held at 1 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Chabad of the South Hills McFarland Road location. In addition to a festive holiday program there will be a kosher lunch, hot latkes as well as raffle prizes. The event is wheelchair accessible. Suggested donation is $5. Call 412-278-2658 for more details.

CRAFT SHOWS

■ The Waters of McMurray on Valley Brook Road will hold a Christmas craft sale

cot, is a tribute to bookworms entering the bookshop.

“Some insects, like Monarch butterflies, everyone is so, so familiar with, but there’s a ton of different insects and plants that are native to the area, that people know a little less about,” Ploetz said. “Everyone in the area is kind of familiar with woolly bear caterpillars, but they don’t know that much about them. When I was a kid, I used to think these caterpillars were super fun. They’re so weird-looking and they’re fuzzy and they kind of look a little scary, but they’re actually completely harmless. Kids can pick them up and examine them.”

When touched, the woolly bear caterpillar curls into a furry little ball. Legend has it the wider the band of rusty orange between the caterpillar’s black tips, the milder coming winter will be. That legend was cemented in the collective conscience in 1948, when Dr. C.H. Curran, curator of insects at the American Museum of Natural History, predicted the coming winter’s weather by collecting many woolly bear caterpillars and examining their rust bands, and published his forecast through a friend at The New York Herald Tribune.

“I wanted (a name) that kind of builds that association between books and plants. I want to have a lot of books about gardening, about the natural world, for readers of all ages, but especially for kids, because I think it’s important

from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 16. Admission is free.

■ The Upper St. Clair League of Arts will host its 50th Sugarplum Artisan Marketplace through Nov. 12 at 1770 McLaughlin Run Road. Times are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Sunday and Tuesday, when the show closes at 2 p.m. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted for purchases.

■ A Christmas decoration and holiday sale is scheduled for Nov. 15 and 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Church of the Atonement, 618 Washington Ave., Carnegie. Decorations include Nativity sets, artificial trees, seasonal sweaters as well as coats and socks. A portable Singer sewing machine is also available. Donations will be accepted Nov. 11 and 12. Call 412-276-0366.

■ The St. Raphael the Archangel holiday craft show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 16 in the Sts. Simon and Jude school gymnasium, 1625 Green Tree Road. In addition to 75 tables of crafts, there will be a Chinese auction of items made by participants, a bake sale and lunch available for purchase. Parking and admission are free. Proceeds benefit the Faith Formation program at the parish.

■ A Christmas vendor and craft fair will be held from 9

to get interested in that from a young age,” Ploetz said.

Behind a honeycomb glass wall and to the right, Woolly Bear Book visitors will find the store’s adult section, which includes a wall brimming with books like Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring,” Nick Pyenson’s Spying On Whales” and Bill Gates’ “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster.” He also has copies of Douglas W. Tallamy’s book, “Nature’s Best Hope,” which the bookstore owner recommends.

The nature section grows alongside shelves filled with sci-fi celebrity Brandon Sanderson’s tomes, Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” and other science-fiction and fantasy titles.

As a lifelong reader (sparked, like many Millenials, by the Harry Potter series), Ploetz appreciates the importance of early reading, and has an entire section devoted to babies and kids, middle-grade, and young adult titles. Among them: several Dr. Seuss and Bluey books; “Matilda,” and other books by Roald Dahl; the Percy Jackson series; and everything by Sarah J. Maas.

In the age of Amazon and online book-sellers, at a time when articles caution people are reading less than ever, why open a brick-and-mortar bookstore?

“I don’t know where the reading-is-dead-thing comes from,” Ploetz said. “Having worked in publishing, I can definitely tell you that people are reading more now than ever. We’re definitely selling books at a greater

a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 16 at St. Valentine Church’s Frawley Hall, 2710 Ohio St., Bethel Park. Tables are available for $40 ($45 after Oct. 18). Email teachbech@gmail. com for more details.

■ The Pittsburgh Christian Academy craft show will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 16 at the school, 1922 Pennsylvania Ave., West Mifflin. Fee per table is $35. Email [email protected] to reserve a table or for more information. In addition to crafts, the event will feature basket raffles and a bake sale.

■ The Labouré Ladies Guild ’s annual “Joy of Christmas” Craft Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 23 at St. Louise de Marillac School and LeGras Parish Center, 320 McMurray Road, Upper St. Clair. In addition to 115 artists and craftsmen, there will be a bake sale, crafts raffle and 50/50. Lunch and snacks will be available for purchase. Admission is $2 and includes a ticket for the crafts raffle. No strollers are permitted.

COIN CLUB

The South Hills Coin Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Bethel Park municipal building, 5100 W. Library Ave. Mel Fisher’s topic of discussion will be “A Man and His Treasure.” A 50/50 drawing will be held and

“There is a huge, passionate base for independent bookstores,” said Michael Ploetz, owner of Woolly Bear Books and Gifts in Carnegie. “One thing that indie bookstores do that Amazon can’t is operate as a showroom. You can come here and browse, and you could find things you never would have found on Amazon.” Things including “poet’s study” flavored tea and yinzer mugs, pictured here.

rate than ever before. And that’s not just eBooks, it’s also physical books. People are buying new books. During COVID, there was a huge increase in reading. I know some industries suffered, but publishing was doing super well.”

Printed books will always need a show floor, which is how Ploetz referred to his space, a place where people can walk in, touch titles, discover books the algorithm wouldn’t recommend, and ask for help finding their next read from a reader himself.

“I will always go straight to the bookstore if I’m ever visiting a new city. I think it gives you a different side of the city. So my hope, too, is that people visiting Carnegie will stop down here, grab a coffee, grab a sandwich, just come over and look around.

I’ll be carrying some local products to try to show off some of the people who are making food and art in the area,” Ploetz said.

He envisions Woolly Bear working with the Andrew Carne-

gie Free Library just up the hill to host local author book readings and signings, collaborating with local businesses like Apis Meadery and Carnegie Coffee Company to host book club gatherings, educating the public about the parking lot’s eco-friendly rain garden, and supporting the other shops along Main Street. Ploetz also looks forward to working with his guests to curate the shop’s selection, tailoring it to the tastes of Carnegie residents and visitors.

“This isn’t just another bookshop,” Ploetz said. “This is a bookshop with a mission, and there’s somebody behind the counter who really wants to get people interested in these particular topics and hopes to spread it by selling books.”

Woolly Bear Books is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Shop online 24/7 at woollybearbooks. com, and connect with the indie bookstore on Instagram @ woollybearbooks.

children’s prizes awarded. Applications are being accepted for membership. Call 724-984-6611 for details.

WOMAN’S CLUB

The Ruthfred Acres Woman’s Club will meet Nov. 12 at the Bethel Park Historical Society Schoolhouse Arts and History Center, located at 2600 South Park Road. The meeting will start at noon with lunch. The day’s program, followed by a business meeting, will begin at 1 p.m.

Retired Air Force veteran Brian DeLong will speak. DeLong is the regional director of the Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. Email: rawc1946@gmail. com for details on the club’s charitable projects or to become a member.

VET EVENTS

Mt. Lebanon will conduct a Veterans Day ceremony at 4 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Veterans Memorial, off Cedar Boulevard, near the Recreation Center. Retired Lt. Col. Ed Jackson, USAF, is keynote speaker

For the 21st year, Chartiers Valley High School will conduct a flag-raising ceremony at 10 a.m. Nov. 11. All veterans are invited to attend. Email teachers Jen Heffley or Dave Harhai with questions.

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Registered Nurses

Club will hold its Veterans Day Memorial Program at noon on Nov. 11 at the Nurses War Memorial Monuments, located on Corrigan Drive in South Park. All military nurses will be honored and a wreath will be placed at the monuments. VFW Post 6664, Library, will also participate to honor all military and place a wreath at the Purple Heart monument.

BP LIBRARY

The Bethel Park library offers the following this month: ■ A gingerbread workshop will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 30 in the library’s program room. Ages 2 to 18 create and ice gingerbread houses to add to their holiday decor. The library provides iced tea cartons and graham crackers while participants bring candy and a can of icing to share. ■ Dino-Roar will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 in the program room. Kindergarten through fourth-grade students can travel back in time to discover fossils and learn about the time period where massive plant eaters and vicious carnivores roamed the earth. Registration deadline is 10 a.m. Nov. 13. Visit: bethelpark.librarycalender.com to register for the programs. Call 412-8352207 for more details.

Allrealestateadvertisementsinthisnewspaperaresubjecttothe FederalFairHousingAct,whichmakesitillegaltoadvertise“any preference,limitationordiscrimi-nationbasedonrace,color,religion, sex,handicap,familialstatusornationalorigin,oranintentiontomake anysuchpreference,limitationordiscrimination.” Statelawsforbiddiscriminationinthesale,rental,oradvertisingofreal estatebasedonfactorsinadditiontothoseprotectedunderfederallaw. Wewillnotknowinglyacceptanyadvertisingforrealestatewhichisin violationofthelaw.Allpersonsareherebyinformedthatalldwellings advertisedareavailableonanequalopportunitybasis.

EAST BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP

ESTATESALE

BETHELPARK (15102)

SATURDAY,NOVEMBER16th,8am - 4pm

ContentsInclude: CamelBackSofa,WingBackChairs, GrandfatherClock,FauxPlants,LivePlants,CoffeeTable, EndTable,FloorLamps,TVStand,HisenseTVs,ArmChair, Books,Baskets,EthanAllenDropLeafEndTable,FanBack Chair,Pictures,Mirrors,Glass&BrassDiningTable&4 Chairs,WineRack,PedestalCakePlate,CandleSticks,Candles,Console,Table&4Chairs,SpiceRack,CanisterSet, KnifeBlock,Microwave,IronstoneDinnerware,CookieJar, CoffeeMaker,Toaster,Bakeware,CrockPot,Pans,TeaPot, Pitchers,Clock,StainlessTrashCan,StairLift,QueenBed, WickerDresser&Mirror,WickerStackTables,WickerChair, WickerHamper,ClockRadio,Luggage,Women’sClothing, Purses,Shoes,Throws,Linens,Shelf,ShowerCurtain,Manor HouseDresser&Mirror,HighBoyandNightStand,Queen Bed,QueenBedding,JewelryBox,Jewelry,Apt.Refrigerator, FallFrontDesk&Chair,Lamp,CedarChest,FloorFan,DVD Player.RollAwayBed,HooverWindTunnel&Lightweight WindTunnel,SewingBox,IroningBoard,Iron,SmallLamp, AreaRugs,FireplaceTools,GEWasher,GEDryer,Shelving, StepStool,Christmas,ChristmasTree,LawnChairs,Lawn Tools,GardenPots,Hose,Shepherd’sHookandSOMUCH MORE!!DON’TMISSIT!!

Directions: Route88toLoganRoad.ImmediateRightto1217 LoganRoad.

**CASHONLY!!PLEASEBRINGYOUROWNHELP!! MURDOCHESTATELIQUIDATION www.murdochestatesales.com

UPPERST.CLAIR (15241) TERRIFICSALEINWESTMINSTER!!

SATURDAY,NOVEMBER16th,8am - 4pm SUNDAY,NOVEMBER17th,9am-3pm

ContentsInclude: BrownJordanWroughtIronPatioTablewith GlassTop,2WroughtIronChairs,Settee,2SideTables, PineappleSundial,ConcreteStatues,LargeCeramicPlanter, 2SetsofMetalFooDogs,FoldingTopGameTable,SouthwoodReproductionSetteewithDownPillow,InlaidCoffee Table,BrassSconces,TeaService,ServingPlatters,AnniversaryClock,BrassDuckBookends,Books,StainedGlass, Candlesticks,PeacockFireScreen,FireplaceTools,Mirror, HurricaneCandleSticks,AntiqueMantelClocks,Mining Lamps,Candles,Pictures,Paintings,Bookcase,WroughtIron Tables,Chairs,ArmChair,Bookcase,TheromPaintingfrom England,TeaCartonWheels,Armoire,MarbleSofaTable, BrassMagazineRack,Lenox,WroughtIronCandleSticks, GingerJars,Crystal,Glassware,Trays,TeaSet,TeaPots, Wreaths,SpodePlates&CalendarPlates,MikasaChina, Bust,BrassCandleSticks,CachePot,IceBucket,Silver Plate,NapkinRings,Doilies,Linens,PlacematSetfromItaly, HollyPlates,LenoxChristmasPlatter&CandleSticks,Table &6Chairs,TrendGrandfatherClock,Florals,CopperTree, PedestalCakePlate,BlueFostoriaGoblets,Sugar&Creamer fromPortugal,StaffordshireIronstoneDinnerware,Boullion Set,CobaltStemware,MartiniGlasses,Stemware,Pyrex,Al Clad,Pots&Pans,CastIron,CrockPot,Geo.Foreman, Cookbooks,StainlessTeaPot,BakingPans,CopperCanister Set,CoffeeMaker,KrupsMeatGrinder,TurkeyRoaster, SmallInnductionCooktop,KingBedwithMetalHeadboard, Mirror,CedarChest,Shoes,Purses,Coats,Clothing,Jewelry, IroningBoards,OreckCordlessIron,Desk,DeskLamp,OfficeChair,OfficeSupplies,DellMonitor&Keyboard,Lamps, Clock,Books,SlideRule,Globe,FileCabinets,MarbleTop Table,PioneerAmplifier&2Speakers,PigCollection,Dog FireplaceScreen,ShipPictures,AntiqueShipPictures,RussianPictures,EndTables,Bookcases,Coral,TVStand,LG TV,SurroundSoundwith4Speakers,WeightBench, Weights,AnkleWeights,Albums,CDs,DVDs,Magazines, SwivelRecliner,TiltTopTable,FloorFan,HoneywellHeater, AreaRugs,AntiqueWoodenOfficeChair,TileTopTable, Table&4Chairs,KLXSpeaker,SonyReceiver,SonyCD Player,Headphones,Binoculars,Trunk,Fan,Heaters,LG Monitor,LogitechKeyboard,ComputerStand,BoseSpeakers,Butler,Baskets,SingerSewingMachine,DysonAirMuscleVac,HooverHandBrooms,HooverWindTunnel,Hoover RugScrubber,BissellLittleGreenPlus,RowentaSteamer, Rollator,ShowerSeat,KodakCarouselProjector,Slidesof theVaticanandIreland,AntiqueZenithWaveManagement Radio,AntiqueZenithTrans-OceanicRadio,AntiqueHallecrafters–ModelSX-111ShortWaveRadio,2Microscopes, ElectricMeter,TubeTester,Chandelier,Christmas,Corning GlassOrnaments,PigOrnaments,StepStools,Ladders,Gas Cans,ShopVac,6”BenchGrinder,WroughtIronColumns,4 HancockTireswithWheelsfromaLincoln,2TonJack,GardenSeat,ConcreteGardenPots,ConcreteStatues,GardeningPots,Cage,Hose,SmallCraftsmanToolBox,Hand& LawnTools,Vice,FlagthatFlewovertheCapital,2Outdoor FallFrontTables,andSOMUCHMORE!!DON’TMISSIT!!

Directions: Route19toDevonwood,RightonMurdstone,Left onTrotwood,LeftonOutlookto235Outlook.

**CASHONLY!!PLEASEBRINGYOUROWNHELP!! MURDOCHESTATELIQUIDATION www.murdochestatesales.com

ELECTRICWHEELCHAIR -Jazzy, includescharger.Needsnew batteries. Originally$3,200. Used.Sellfor$700. 412-310-0210

HANDICAP SCOOTER

$275. 724-693-9844

HARMONICA - Hohner Chromatica. Over 100 years old; produced in 1921. $60. 724-809-5746

Hedstorm Child’s rocking horse plastic never used $40 724-228-3107 or 724-263-0600

HOT TUB - Marquis Model V65L, 3 or 4 person, 65” x 84” x 30”, with cover and lift device, 22 therapy jet pods. Requires 220 hook up.

$1,800. 724-941-1589

Impact wrench electric 1/2 inch Milwaukee, with socket set used once $175 724-632-6810

Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville

“ParrotHead Golf Team” Golf Ball and Tees Set unopened $12 724-809-5746

LEATHER BIKER STYLE MOTORCYCLE JACKET Woman’s. New.

$150 724-255-4182

Murano glasses (6), 4” high, made in Italy, hand blown new $50 724-746-0473

Music CDs (62)

Coolio, The Roots, Common and more $10 each 724-513-9390

PISTOL - Springfield 911 380 caliber, 3 clips, holster, case, ramp, polished. Like new. $525. 724-583-2713

All firearm sales must comply with all state & federal regulations.

PLAYBOY MAGAZINES (38) Take all for $125. 724-513-9390

PLUMBING TOOLS - Apollo 5 valve backflow test gauge or Hot Shot 320 thaw machine with extra cables. $500 each. 412-951-5734

Prince Charles / Lady Diana Royal Family Wedding collector tin St. Pauls Cathedral $20 724-809-5746

Pumpkin sign, plywood 20 x 28, metal rods to archor $20 724-746-0473

Radio Flyer red metal wagon never used $40 724-228-3107 or 724-263-0600

REMOTE CONTROL TRUCKS (2)

1 Duratrax Warhead EVO Nitro and 1 Traxxas Revo Nitro, plus lots of parts. $600 for both. 412-849-6903 (no texts)

RIFLE - Calico 22 LR 2 - 100 round magazines, folding collapsible stock. $725 724-583-2713

Rocking chair, modern all wood excellent condition $35 724-945-5282

RUN TILL SOLD! Sell Your Merchandise $301 & up for just $19.99* (*for 3 lines) It’s easy to place your ad. Call: 724-222-2200 Fax: 724-222-3982 Email: orclass@observer-reporter. com Mail: Observer Publishing Co. 122 South Main St. Washington, PA 15301 Attn: Classified Dept. DEADLINE: THURS. 10 A.M.

SHOWBOOTH10x20foot,or 10x10 , in-cludes rolling carrying cases,lighting,bridge,frontpillar, sidedisplaytableswithlockable doors, $15,000new.Mustsell. $3,500412-310-0210

Snowboard OBX excellent condition used once $20 724-228-3107 or 724-263-0600

Snowman illuminated wire color amimated New still in box $40 724-228-3107 or 724-263-0600

Steeler yearbooks and Media guides 1987-2010 various

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

CHEVROLET

BORTZ CHEVROLET

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

COLUSSY CHEVROLET

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

SOLOMON CHEVROLET 1777 McClellandtown Rd, McClellandtown, PA 724-602-4678

www.solmonchevy.com

SUN CHEVROLET Route 19, McMurray, PA 724-941-5160

www.sunchevy.com

WASHINGTON CHEVROLET

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

CHRYSLER

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

SOLOMON CHRYSLER Routes 21 7 88 Carmichaels, PA 724-966-2600 www.solomonauto.com

SOUTH HILLS CHRYSLER Washington Road, McMurray, PA 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 Routes 21 & 88 Carmichaels, PA 724-966-2600 www.solomonauto.com

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

SOUTH HILLS DODGE Washington Road, McMurray, PA 724-941-4300

www.southhillsauto.com

FIAT

SOUTH HILLS FIAT Washington Road, McMurray, PA 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 Main St., Burgettstown, PA 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

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

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 Routes 21 & 88, Carmichaels, PA 724-966-2600 www.solomonauto.com

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

SOUTH HILLS JEEP Washington Road, McMurray, PA 724-941-4300 www.southhillsauto.com

KIA

SOUTH HILLS KIA Washington Road, McMurray, PA 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 Routes 21 & 88 Carmichaels, PA 724-966-2600 www.solomonauto.com

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

SOUTH HILLS RAM Washington Road, McMurray, PA 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

#1 COCHRAN PREOWNED MARKETPLACE 150 Racetrack Road Washington, PA 412-349-1794 www.cochran.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