# life & culture (blogs) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 3 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover life & culture. Page: Feed: --- ## [Chartiers Valley hopes success continues into ‘26](https://www.thealmanac.net/chartiers-valley/2026/aug/23/chartiers-valley-hopes-success-continues-into-26/) _2026-08-23 · Eleanor Bailey · The Almanac_ Winning changes everything. Just ask Steve Spence. After guiding Chartiers Valley to a 7-4 record, complete with a playoff appearance, last fall, Spence enters his second season as coach with high expectations for the Colts. “We have raised the bar at CV,” he said. “By no means has it been just me. All the coaches \[…\] ## [Experience, skill make Bethel Park a contender](https://www.thealmanac.net/bethel-park/2026/aug/23/experience-skill-make-bethel-park-a-contender/) _2026-08-23 · Eleanor Bailey · The Almanac_ If experience equals success, then Bethel Park should be one of the football teams to beat in the Class 5A Allegheny Six Conference. “When you look at the people who return, I’m not sure there’s a team that returns as much (as we do) in the league,” said Phil Peckich, who enters his fourth season \[…\] ## [Fronk returns to lead Mt. Lebanon](https://www.thealmanac.net/mt-lebanon/2026/aug/23/fronk-returns-to-lead-mt-lebanon/) _2026-08-23 · Eleanor Bailey · The Almanac_ Bruce Fronk looks nothing like the young Arnold Schwarzenegger from “The Terminator” but the Upper St. Clair resident borrowed his legendary catchphrase upon returning to Mt. Lebanon in the capacity of varsity football coach. Yes, after a three-year hiatus, Fronk is back. In 2017, he came to the school district as a teacher and in \[…\] ## [Upper St. Clair hosts Mt. Lebanon in football opener](https://www.thealmanac.net/sports/2026/aug/23/upper-st-clair-hosts-mt-lebanon-in-football-opener/) _2026-08-23 · Eleanor Bailey · The Almanac_ The 2026 high school football season gets underway with two of the WPIAL’s storied programs butting helmets in the Battle of the South Hills when Upper St. Clair hosts Mt. Lebanon at 7 p.m. Aug. 28. “This is a great way to start the season,” said USC skipper Mike Junko. “Both towns really show up \[…\] ## [Finishing is the mission at Upper St. Clair](https://www.thealmanac.net/football/2026/aug/23/finishing-is-the-mission-at-upper-st-clair/) _2026-08-23 · Eleanor Bailey · The Almanac_ Second-best doesn’t play well at Upper St. Clair. So after years of almost, the Panthers are prepared to finish this football season. “Expectations here never change,” said Mike Junko, who enters his eighth season as USC head coach. “Challenge for a conference title and find a way to win a WPIAL championship.” The Panthers own \[…\] ## [South Fayette’s past dictates return to ranks](https://www.thealmanac.net/south-hills/2026/aug/23/south-fayettes-past-dictates-return-to-ranks/) _2026-08-23 · Eleanor Bailey · The Almanac_ South Fayette football is going back to the future to regain its rank in athletics at the high school. Since winning back-to-back state championships in 2013 and 2014 and a WPIAL title in 2018, the program has become stagnant. Since the turn of the decade, the Lions have enjoyed only one winning season. From 2020 \[…\] ## [Nothing set in ink this season at Peters Township](https://www.thealmanac.net/south-hills/2026/aug/23/nothing-set-in-ink-this-season-at-peters-township/) _2026-08-23 · Eleanor Bailey · The Almanac_ The No. 2 pencil will be the most valuable piece of equipment in the Peters Township tool box this football season. “I threw the pens out,” said TJ Plack, who enters his 11th year as Indians head coach. “There are no pens in the office. We’re going to be doing a lot of erasing.” The \[…\] ## [It’s all relative for Bethel Park’s Novak](https://www.thealmanac.net/bethel-park/2026/aug/19/its-all-relative-for-bethel-parks-novak/) _2026-08-19 · Eleanor Bailey · The Almanac_ Max Novak relates to Tom Brady, but not because the Bethel Park quarterback compares himself to the NFL’s greatest signal caller. “Definitely, his story’s stuck with me,” said Novak. “When (Brady) wasn’t the best and nobody wanted him, picked him last, I feel like he overcame a lot and I feel like I had to \[…\] ## [Peters Township boys off to fast start on the links](https://www.thealmanac.net/south-hills/2026/aug/18/peters-township-boys-off-to-fast-start-on-the-links/) _2026-08-18 · Eleanor Bailey · The Almanac_ Peters Township placed four golfers in the Top Six and coasted to victory in the Tri-County Athletic Director’s Association (TRICADA) Championships played Aug. 14 at the Nemacolin Country Club. The Indians followed up that showing by taking the title at the Jerry Roman Memorial Chairman’s Cup played Aug. 17 at Cedarbrook Golf Course. Caden Benson \[…\] ## [What’s Happening – Week of Aug. 16](https://www.thealmanac.net/life-culture/2026/aug/13/whats-happening-week-of-aug-16-2/) _2026-08-13 · Eleanor Bailey · The Almanac_ LEBO REC Registration is being accepted at mt.lebanon.org for Mt. Lebanon recreation programs. Offered are: Karate on Mondays and Wednesdays for ages 7 to adult, beginners through all belts, beginning Aug. 24 Sporties for Shorties for ages 3 to 6 beginning Aug. 31 with morning and afternoon sessions available. The program helps children develop strength, \[…\] ## [Anthony Ettinger on LinkedIn (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/07ipSXOCjxJX) _2026-08-13 · **Sponsored**_ Public LinkedIn profile at linkedin.com/in/anthonyettinger. ## [South Hills eliminated in Pony World Series](https://www.thealmanac.net/sports/2026/aug/13/south-hills-eliminated-in-pony-world-series/) _2026-08-13 · Eleanor Bailey · The Almanac_ South Hills had high expectations for its second straight appearance in the Pony World Series but the East Zone champion saw an early exit from the tournament. The team of 13- and 14-year-old all-stars from Peters Township and surrounding communities, however, went two-and-out in the event played Aug. 7-12 at the Historic Lew Hays Field \[…\] ## [Peters Township hires Bethel Park’s Heuler as girls soccer coach](https://www.thealmanac.net/bethel-park/2026/aug/13/peters-township-hires-bethel-parks-heuler-as-girls-soccer-coach/) _2026-08-13 · Eleanor Bailey · News – The Almanac_ Rob Heuler of Bethel Park experienced an odd feeling when he recently attended a captain’s practice in his new capacity as Peters Township High School varsity girls soccer coach. “I walked into the stadium with different eyes,” he said. “I felt only open arms. It was awesome and welcoming.” For the better part of his \[…\] ## [Belle Vernon’s Humbert hired as Bethel Park AD](https://www.thealmanac.net/bethel-park/2026/aug/12/belle-vernons-humbert-hired-as-bethel-park-ad/) _2026-08-12 · Eleanor Bailey · The Almanac_ Matt Humbert has been hired as the new athletic director at Bethel Park High School. He replaces Laura Grimm, who left Bethel Park in June to become the athletic director at Winchester Thurston School. Humbert comes to Bethel Park via Belle Vernon. He spent 11 years in a similar position at Belle Vernon Area School \[…\] ## [Big Thrills and New Attractions Await at the 2026 Washington County Fair](https://www.thealmanac.net/uncategorized/2026/aug/09/big-thrills-and-new-attractions-await-at-the-2026-washington-county-fair-2/) _2026-08-09 · Digital Team · The Almanac_ Long before the trailers of livestock roll onto the fair- grounds, before the scent of funnel cakes and corndogs lace the air, a team of organizers and volunteers have been working for months on making this year’s fair the event of the summer. And once the last visitor has passed through the gates and the \[…\] ## [Car Cruise in South Park highlights Labor Day weekend fun](https://www.thealmanac.net/bethel-park/2026/aug/07/car-cruise-in-south-park-highlights-labor-day-weekend-fun/) _2026-08-07 · Eleanor Bailey · News – The Almanac_ Jim Gastgeb’s fascination with the automobile began as a youth when he accompanied his father on trips to the local dealership to buy a new car for the family. “Back then it was either a four-door Chevy Impala or a station wagon,” said Gastgeb, of Bethel Park. “I would always be glancing over at the \[…\] ## [Bethel Park hosts another successful National Night Out](https://www.thealmanac.net/bethel-park/2026/aug/05/bethel-park-hosts-another-successful-national-night-out/) _2026-08-05 · Eleanor Bailey · News – The Almanac_ Bethel Park has gone to the dogs. And drones, too. In an effort to take a bite out of crime, the municipality showcased both during National Night Out held Aug. 4 at its new digs, the Park Avenue playground and parking lot. The vicinity adjacent to the Bethel Park Community Center is a venue change \[…\] ## [Four Tags for My To-Do List](https://www.themikeburke.com/four-tags-for-my-to-do-list/) _2026-08-03 · Mike · Mike Burke_ The frog system sorted tasks by effort and impact. It worked, until I realized those are the wrong axes. ## [Bethel Park architect designs new Sarris Candies factory store](https://www.thealmanac.net/uncategorized/2026/aug/02/bethel-park-architect-designs-new-sarris-candies-factory-store/) _2026-08-02 · By Conner Goetz · The Almanac_ For Emma Cline, creativity, collaboration and a healthy dose of fun are the keys to sweet success. Leading the tight-kit Fukui Architects team that designed the new Sarris Candies factory store in Canonsburg was a “fun, full-circle moment” for the Bethel Park native, one she will savor for the rest of her career. “It was \[…\] ## [What’s Happening – Week of Aug. 2](https://www.thealmanac.net/news/2026/jul/30/whats-happening-week-of-aug-2-2/) _2026-07-30 · Eleanor Bailey · News – The Almanac_ FESTIVAL The South Hills Jewish Festival will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 2 at 1700 Bower Hill Rd. There will be a live concert with Chasidic singer Berel Faiden,cultural crafts, petting zoo, inflatables, magic show, Jewish book sale, lawn games. There will be kosher wine and food for sale. GARDEN CLUB The \[…\] ## [Photography brings focus to Bethel Park artist’s life](https://www.thealmanac.net/bethel-park/2026/jul/28/photography-brings-focus-to-bethel-park-artists-life/) _2026-07-28 · Eleanor Bailey · News – The Almanac_ Harry Blichfeldt of Bethel Park, just like Johnny Cash’s legendary song, has been everywhere, man. Almost. “I haven’t been to Alaska nor Yosemite,” he said. The state and the national park are on the bucket list of Blichfeldt. A nature photographer for 34 years, Blichfeldt was among the 115 artists showcased at the third annual \[…\] ## [One OS for your AI workforce (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/xRoNNWbJkAmL) _2026-07-28 · **Sponsored**_ Build, direct, and supervise an AI workforce from a single operating workspace. ## [Bethel Park Arts & Music Festival a crowd pleaser](https://www.thealmanac.net/news/2026/jul/28/bethel-park-arts-music-festival-a-crowd-pleaser/) _2026-07-28 · Eleanor Bailey · News – The Almanac_ Andy Amrhein is well known in Bethel Park because he has a hand in virtually everything happening throughout the municipality. The owner of Evey True Value Hardware and Rental Store on Library Road, he’s involved in Bethel Park’s Fantastic Four Charities, including the community and education foundations, historical society and public library. Yet nothing pleased \[…\] ## [Drone academy opens world of aviation to female high school students](https://www.thealmanac.net/editors_pick/2026/jul/27/drone-academy-opens-world-of-aviation-to-female-high-school-students/) _2026-07-27 · Eleanor Bailey · News – The Almanac_ Even before the Wright Brothers lifted a plane off the ground at Kitty Hawk, the favorite form of aviation in America’s classrooms has been the humble paper airplane. But the paper airplane’s hegemony is facing some stiff headwinds from the drones that are zipping around our skies in ever-increasing numbers. There are thousands of people \[…\] ## [Absence Note Actions 2.0](https://www.themikeburke.com/absence-note-actions-2/) _2026-07-27 · Mike · Mike Burke_ My son was in elementary school when I built the first version of my absence note automation. One teacher, one email, done. Then he started middle school. ## [Bethel Park grad celebrates 50 years in public television](https://www.thealmanac.net/editors_pick/2026/jul/24/bethel-park-grad-celebrates-50-years-in-public-television/) _2026-07-24 · Eleanor Bailey · News – The Almanac_ It took moving away for Rick Sebak to see Pittsburgh with fresh eyes. After graduating from Bethel Park High School in 1971, Sebak did what many other people did in those days – he shook off the soot and grime of what was then the still-industrial Steel City and lighted out to the Sun Belt. \[…\] ## [What’s Happening – Week of July 19](https://www.thealmanac.net/news/2026/jul/20/whats-happening-week-of-july-19-2/) _2026-07-20 · Eleanor Bailey · News – The Almanac_ ARTS & MUSIC The Bethel Park Art & Music Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 25 along the Park Avenue streetscape, from the School House Arts & History Center to the community center. Admission is free. The music schedule at the community center is: 10 a.m. Jessica Lee & Friends \[…\] ## [Assume the Reluctant Learner](https://www.themikeburke.com/assume-the-reluctant-learner/) _2026-07-20 · Mike · Mike Burke_ Every organization I've ever worked for has had some version of the same ritual. Once a year, an email arrives from someone you've never met, telling you to complete training you didn't ask for. The subject line is always urgent. The training never is. ## [Pennsylvania’s online casino market is on a historic tear, and Washington County is right in the middle of it](https://www.thealmanac.net/news/2026/jul/13/pennsylvanias-online-casino-market-is-on-a-historic-tear-and-washington-county-is-right-in-the-middle-of-it/) _2026-07-13 · ogdendigital · News – The Almanac_ The Keystone State has quietly become the biggest online casino market in the country. Here’s a look at why the numbers keep going up, what’s behind the surge and what all this means for folks in Washington County. Pennsylvania’s never been shy about gambling. From the slot floors at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows on \[…\] ## [What I Kept from Four Thousand Weeks](https://www.themikeburke.com/what-i-kept-from-four-thousand-weeks/) _2026-07-13 · Mike · Mike Burke_ People love to use perfectionism as an interview answer: “my biggest weakness is that I just care too much about quality.” It feels like stolen valor to me, because perfectionism is one of my biggest problems. Not the silver-lining version. The version where I don’t start things I am absolutely capable of doing. I hold \[…\] ## [Your Bills Can Create Their Own Reminders](https://www.themikeburke.com/your-bills-can-create-their-own-reminders/) _2026-06-30 · Mike · Mike Burke_ Autopay seems like the obvious move. Set it and forget it; one less thing to think about. But when I looked at my trash bill, I noticed something that changed my mind. If I use autopay, they charge me on the date the bill is issued. If I pay manually, I get an extra month \[…\] ## [20 Years as an Educator](https://www.themikeburke.com/20-years-as-an-educator/) _2026-06-25 · Mike · Mike Burke_ The first year I taught Earth Science, I was one day ahead of the kids. Half my schedule was gym and the other half was science; anatomy was in my wheelhouse, but two of my three science classes were Earth Science, and I was not ready. I survived on Netflix documentaries and two colleagues I \[…\] ## [Crush Every Threat in Real Time (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/DIpfJHuC3Bjs) _2026-06-25 · **Sponsored**_ One agent for real-time detection, exposure tracking, and active defense. ## [The Knowledge Walk- Getting 20 Years of Expertise Out of My Head](https://www.themikeburke.com/the-knowledge-walk-getting-20-years-of-expertise-out-of-my-head/) _2026-04-20 · Mike · Mike Burke_ A few months ago, a non-trainer coworker asked me for advice on facilitating a live class. I was happy to help; I’ve been teaching in some form for over twenty years, and if there’s one thing I feel confident talking about, it’s how to run a room. I shared what I could, and felt good \[…\] ## [MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide](https://www.themikeburke.com/macvoices-holiday-gift-guide/) _2025-12-29 · Mike · Mike Burke_ I was on MacVoices this week as part of their annual Holiday Gift Guide series. Chuck Joiner and I talked through some of my favorite gift recommendations for the Mac users/Explorers in your life. The episodes also feature recommendations from Bart Busschots and Kirschen Seah, so check out the full conversation for their gift ideas. \[…\] ## [GuideAlong for National Parks](https://www.themikeburke.com/guidealong-for-national-parks/) _2025-12-22 · Mike · Mike Burke_ In the summer of 2007, my girlfriend (now wife) and I went on a Globus bus tour through Italy. You know the type: the bus drops you off at a museum, you wear an earpiece while the tour guide talks into their microphone and holds a little stick in the air so you can follow \[…\] ## [My Dictation Workflow](https://www.themikeburke.com/my-dictation-workflow/) _2025-12-15 · Mike · Mike Burke_ I’m so bad at spelling that I’m actually better at grammar; using a semicolon is easier than remembering whether I comes before E. As a result of my terrible spelling and tendency to avoid frustration, I’ve been trying to dictate my writing since middle school. If you’ve ever wondered how many children gleefully received Dragon \[…\]