< PreviousYour SchoolsYour Schools N STORY BY DOUG HUGHEY PHOTOS SUBMITTED Pittsburgh Technical College Congressman Chris Deluzio hears a lot about the need for workers in the trades in his district. In fact, he hears it from just about every sector. “We hear about it in healthcare, we hear about it from manufacturing trades, service workers,” he says. “We hear it from many of the highly skilled trades.” It’s a need that isn’t unique to Deluzio’s district, which encompasses the Moon Area community. Across the country, there’s been a great reshuffling in the workforce in recent years, as 50 million people left their jobs in search of opportunities elsewhere and millions of people retired altogether. That trend exacerbated a skills gap in many trades where older workers had been approaching retirement age and not enough younger workers were stepping up to fill those roles. Deluzio says federal policies that incentivized the outsourcing of manufacturing overseas haven’t helped the situation. The good news for the Pittsburgh region is that there are resources for training workers to fill those in-demand jobs. “I think our region is lucky in that we have strong apprenticeship programs with unions in the trades and training at trades schools,” says Deluzio. “It’s not a small thing.” Among the trade schools in Deluzio’s district is Pittsburgh Technical College. Located just outside of Oakdale in North Fayette Township, the college offers training in a wide variety of in-demand fields. Its courses range from nursing, to HVAC, IT, criminology, electronics, welding, hospitality, culinary arts, business and more. In all, the school offers courses across 25 programs of study, and awards both associate and Bachelor of Science degrees. At one time a for-profit drafting school, PTC has evolved over the past 75 years to meet the changing needs of the economy. According to PTC President and CEO Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith, the school boasts a 96% in- field placement rate, with 75% of graduates remaining in the area. The school also estimates that two-thirds of its graduates from 2015 to 2020 have contributed over $89 million to the regional economy. Dr. Harvey-Smith says one of the school’s biggest hurdles to training students has been the cost of tuition, as 90% of those who apply to the school need some form of financial assistance. Because PTC is a private nonprofit institution, and doesn’t receive public funding, the assistance it can offer is limited. To that end, the school formed a new foundation earlier this year to fund financial aid for students. It has also secured several prestigious grants in recent years, including four National Science Foundation grants worth $5.9 million. Earlier this year, Deluzio helped the school secure another $3.7 million that will aid PTC as it looks to expand access and develop the workforce. The funds were awarded to the school through the Employee Retention Tax Credit program included in the CARES Act. The legislation, which was first signed into law by former President Donald Trump, allows ERTC funds to be awarded to employers that retained workers during COVID-19. Dr. Harvey-Smith says the funds will help PTC back scholarships and support services for students, as well as to retain workers and fund initiatives aimed at training students for in-demand jobs in Allegheny County. “At Pittsburgh Technical College, one of our top strategic priorities is to expand access to higher education for all students in our region through scholarships and grants,” says Dr. Harvey-Smith. “These funds strengthen our ability to serve our mission of providing comprehensive access to advanced technical education.” PTC first applied for the funds in the summer of 2021 but had yet to receive them before Deluzio intervened on the school’s behalf. The congressman says the funds paid to the school represent the initial amount originally requested plus interest. After announcing the release of the funds, Deluzio toured PTC, where he met with students and faculty. He says he sees trade schools like PTC continuing to play a significant role in developing the area’s workforce. “These are not easy jobs,” he says. “They require training in the classroom and on the job. We see that across the region. It’s really important to our region and makes it attractive to investment.” He points out that the White House also recently identified Pittsburgh as one of five cities in the U.S. where federal legislation has made trades training a priority. The Biden administration has designated those five cities as Workforce Hubs, which it defines as cities where workers will be needed to fill jobs incentivized by the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the CHIPS and Science Act. The pieces of legislation have been aimed at infrastructure improvement, construction of renewable energy resources, semiconductor manufacturing and other projects. For more about Pittsburgh Technical College, visit ptcollege.edu. Congressman Deluzio helps PTC secure $3.7 million to bolster trades training ABOVE: Congressman Chris Deluzio tours Pittsburgh Technical College on April 10 with school President and CEO Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith. BELOW: While there, Deluzio visited classrooms and met with instructors. 20 • Allegheny West Magazine • July/August 2023July/August 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 21Moon Area School District News Three Moon Area students were selected to represent the middle school at the 2023 PMEA Singfest in May. Sixth grade students Brynn Rodemoyer and Rocky Silva, along with fifth-grader Caitlyn Covington, were selected to represent Moon Area at the festival. They performed alongside 150 other students from 28 surrounding districts. Moon Area’s selectees rehearsed throughout the day May 12 and performed a concert that evening. The festival was held at West Allegheny High School, with Steven Schmidt, director of the Talisman Choir for Pittsburgh Youth Chorus, serving as guest conductor. Middle school students selected for PMEA 2023 Singfest Brynn Rodemoyer, Caitlyn Covington and Rocky Silva represented Moon Area at the PMEA Singfest in May. This year, Allard Elementary participated in a school-wide reading incentive program called the Reading Club. Each student received a Reading Log and was encouraged to read on his/her free time. As students read books, points were earned. Students received a book bag charm as they reached the 25 Point Club, the 50 Point Club, the 75 Point Club and the 100 Point Club. Students who reached 100 points celebrated with a pizza party. The Reed and Shutey Team at Compass Real Estate helped support the program. Allard Reading Club ABOVE: These students reached the 100-point club in Allard’s Reading Club and were awarded with a pizza party. BELOW: Students earned points throughout the year by reading and keeping a log. Rocco Reilsono wins Garden Club Award Seventh-grader Rocco Reilsono’s poem won the Moon Township Garden Club’s Poetry Contest. As the winner, his entry was submitted to the state, where he earned second place. Ms. Zajicek shared the poetry contest with her life science students. About 100 students decided to enter a poem in the contest. Rocco’s winning entry is below: The Vast Land We Call Nature By: Rocco Reilsono From seeds to the trees, To the pollen smells of bees, O’ how we all love nature From all the types of flowers, To the plants we devour, O’ how we all love nature From the ants on their logs, To the jumping frogs, O’ how we all love nature From the bark on the trees, To the low humming of fleas, O’ how we all love nature From rivers to the streams, To the sun’s constant gleam, O’ how we all love nature From the birds that chirp, To an animal taking a slurp, O’ how we all love nature Even into the night, When the sun isn’t at its height, O’ how we all love nature Rocco Reilsono accepts a certificate from members of the Moon Township Garden Club in recognition of his poem that won the club’s poetry contest. 22 • Allegheny West Magazine • July/August 2023 Middle school students recently had the opportunity to experience real- world STEAM applications thanks to support from the Moon Area Education Foundation and Eaton Corporation. The goal of the project was to give students experience tackling problems that they may encounter in everyday life. They also learned how the things they use every day actually work. “There is a shortage of workers in the trades,” said Mr. Finn. “Perhaps one of these experiences sparked an interest for a student who could turn it into a career.” Students in grades five through eight had the opportunity to participate in their tech ed and/or STEAM classes. Middle School teachers Mr. Finn, Mr. Hilpert and Mr. Hepak made the event possible. STEAM in the Real World Come set up a booth and benefit Moon Area Schools Thursday, Sept. 21 5:30-8 p.m. Follows the Homecoming Parade! For a $25 donation, get a 10’x10’ space intermixed with carnival games, informational booths and food vendors. It’s the perfect place to show off a home-based business, side hustle or even advertise a main gig. For more information and to register, email Mrs. Klisavage at bklisavage@moonarea.net. Fifth through eighth grade students tried their hand at different trades through an initiative made possible by grant funds. New and familiar administrators embrace roles The district is excited to welcome several new administrators for the 2023- 2024 school year. In addition, Moon Area is thrilled to see several current administrators take on new roles within the district. Welcome to Moon! Mr. Alan Alcalde will be the district’s new athletic director. He has worked with students in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including most recently serving as the athletic director at Beaver Area School District. Dr. William McGahee will be the new principal at Brooks Elementary School. Dr. McGahee previously served in a variety of roles at North Allegheny School District, including senior high assistant principal, cyber academy assistant principal, cyber academy supervising administrator and middle school assistant principal. Dr. Brian Pohland will be the new assistant principal at the middle school. Dr. Pohland comes to Moon Area from the City Charter High School, where he served as assistant principal. Prior to that, he worked as a teacher in the Pittsburgh Public School District Classical Academy. Mr. Matthew Tumulty will be the new assistant principal at the high school. Prior, Tumulty worked at the South Side Area School District for 14 years. There, he served as a teacher, dean of students and high school principal. Same faces, new places Mrs. Ashley Beeson will be the district’s new director of pupil services. She was previously the principal at Bon Meade Elementary School for eight years. Mr. Dave Gallup will be the district’s new assistant director of K-12 curriculum and instruction/school safety and security coordinator. Mr. Gallup has served MASD in a variety of roles since 2014. July/August 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 23 The #1 Cochran automotive group has grown quite a lot over the years. Headquartered in Monroeville and founded in 1965, the company now operates 35 new-vehicle franchises selling 19 different makes across five counties in Pennsylvania and one in Ohio. In the western Allegheny County suburbs alone, the business operates three dealerships: #1 Cochran Nissan West Hills in Moon Township and #1 Cochran Buick-GMC and Kia in Robinson Township. “We’ve been busy, it’s been exciting for us,” says Rob Cochran, the company’s president and CEO, referring to several new acquisitions the company has made in just the past year. The business also operates 11 Body by Cochran Collision Centers and a wholesale parts distribution center. Altogether, #1 Cochran employs more than 1,550 people. To service its wide range of customers, and keep pace with retirements, Cochran says the company has needed to hire about 30 to 40 new automotive technicians every year. Finding enough of those workers, though, hasn’t always been easy, and at one point that led the company to consider some new measures. “We were looking to do something in a pretty major way that would give back to the community and the industry in the technical trades,” says Cochran. “We wanted to develop the technicians for tomorrow’s vehicles. There’s a need in the industry, so, our first thought was, should we start our own school?” While considering the idea, Cochran says he engaged with Allegheny County Treasurer John Weinstein. Cochran says Weinstein, a personal friend, advised him to instead speak with Dennis Wilke, president of Rosedale Technical College in Kennedy Township. That led to the two sitting down for lunch. “Dennis and I had a lot of common themes and similarities, including our alma mater Carnegie Mellon,” says Cochran. “We hit it off. And it was apparent that their culture and what they stand for and believed in was consistent with ours.” Last year, Rosedale and #1 Cochran finalized a partnership that includes #1 Cochran providing $100,000 worth of scholarships each year to students enrolling in the automotive and collision repair programs at Rosedale. The partnership was announced in February and the first round of scholarships were awarded in May, with $110,000 going to students from eight area schools. As part of #1 Cochran’s $2.25 million philanthropic pledge, Rosedale’s automotive center has been named the #1 Cochran Technological Excellence Center. Rosedale students are also able to take on a paid apprenticeship at #1 Cochran while they’re still in school that can turn into a full-time job once they graduate. For those who are hired full time, the company will pay up to $250 per month in student loan assistance for two years and provide $200 per month in tool allowance for the first year of their employment. Students aren’t required to complete an apprenticeship with #1 Cochran, as other dealers offer similar opportunities, but the option is available to them. Cochran says the scholarship program is unique and that he’s hoping it will become a model for others in the industry. He says he wants it to help under-served populations and an automotive industry that is currently facing a shortage of workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 733,000 job openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the U.S. That number is expected to persist. Wilke says the need for workers in the trades isn’t unique to the automotive industry. He says that, across the industries Rosedale trains students in, the college is seeing significant demand from employers. The college also trains students in HVAC, electrical, diesel, welding and truck driving. Wilke says a day doesn’t go by that he doesn’t get a call from an employer in one of these fields, and on any given day at Rosedale it isn’t unusual to see a company delivering a presentation in an effort to recruit. On June 1, the school hosted a career fair that attracted 200 businesses in need of workers across those industries. “It kind of demonstrates the need across all of our programs,” says Wilke. “Whether it’s Cochran, other dealerships, electrical companies, trucking companies, there’s a need out there.” Wilke says the college’s enrollment numbers have also spiked in recent years. A couple of years ago, the school admitted 405 students, the largest class in Rosedale’s 75-year history. The college’s previous record had been 372. The demographics of those students are shifting as well, says Wilke. He says that at one time, about 85% of the school’s students had attended vocational school. Now, 85% come from traditional high school settings. As well, he says that at one time about 80% of Rosedale’s students were Pell Grant eligible, which the federal government defines as having a significant financial need. Now, just 40% fall into that category, he says. Given the rising cost of a bachelor’s degree, and the sometimes unclear pipeline to employment some courses of study offer, Wilke says students are increasingly considering other options. Programs in the trades that can be completed in fewer years than it takes to get a bachelor’s, transition directly into a job and leave students with less debt, are among them. “We think that’s a risky move, to potentially lay out $250,000 on a four-year degree without a career plan. Maybe that’s not the best move for middle income folks,” says Wilke. “If you place a smaller bet, that’s a more sure thing to get employment, you can always go from there.” Wilke says Rosedale’s students have gone on to management- level jobs and that in every one of the school’s programs there’s a graduate who has opened a business. “I’ve been hearing more and more this is the age of the entrepreneur,” he says. “One easy way to start a business is to get a skilled trade.” Wilke says the school is also increasingly seeing students who are either transferring from a college setting or deciding to attend As demand for workers in the trades grows, Rosedale teams with # 1 Cochran to deliver hundreds of thousands in scholarships STORY BY DOUG HUGHEY #1 Cochran president and CEO Rob Cochran is pictured with Rosedale Technical College president Dennis Wilke at an event held in February to announce a new partnership that will deliver scholarships to students. PHOTO SUBMITTED 24 • Allegheny West Magazine • July/August 2023 24 • Allegheny West Magazine • July/August 2023Rosedale as opposed to a traditional college from the outset. In that regard, he says Rosedale is increasingly competing with four- year colleges. A few years ago, the school underwent a major renovation when it took over part of its building that it had been leasing and converted it into offices with a spacious lobby fitting of a four-year institution. With polished floors and several vehicles on display with their exterior panels removed, the space could just as easily pass for the lobby of a museum or a corporate headquarters. There’s even a gift shop selling t-shirts. Throughout the building, there are other major renovations underway, thanks to two RACP grants the school secured worth $2 million. One of those projects is a $1.6 million classroom consisting of a two-story structure that will be used to teach students how to run HVAC and electrical. The school is also investing $1 million to overhaul its automotive classrooms and build a student success center, which looks like a library with a study area. The school is updating its HVAC classrooms as well and making a variety of other improvements. “Students are coming to us with high expectations,” says Wilke. “They may go to Penn State one day and Rosedale the next. We need to be able to compete with that.” Cochran and Wilke both admit there’s a stigma that persists about the trades, however, but say that attitudes are changing. “I would say many of us, including Dennis and I, do think we’ve gone through a period where the allure, the necessity, the marketability of a four-year degree versus other options that young people have in some ways may be overstated, because there are viable options and alternatives,” says Cochran. “It’s not just true to auto technical trades, but true for all of the technical trades.” When current Rosedale collision repair student Ben Jia was in school at Mt. Lebanon High School, he was well aware of the stigma surrounding trades training. He says many of his peers looked down on vocational students or even those considering taking classes at a community college. This past December, Jia graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a computer science degree. Long before he graduated, however, he realized he didn’t have an interest in the field. He finished his degree at the urging of friends and family, but just a few months later was enrolled at Rosedale. Now, he’s completing an apprenticeship at Diehl Auto in Robinson Township as he works toward graduating next March. Jia says he didn’t become interested in cars until he tried to fix his late father’s BMW. A professional violinist with the Pittsburgh Symphony, Jia’s father passed away in 2021 after battling colon cancer. He had an interesting past, Jia says, and even escaped China during the Cultural Revolution. Jia says he finds collision repair to be complex, interesting and fulfilling. At the moment, he’s looking forward to repainting a 1992 Mazda Miata he owns for one of his courses. He’s been restoring the car in his free time. “For the first time in my life I am really enjoying school,” he says. “They’re great people, great teachers. I’ve just learned so much in the past six months.” On any given day at Rosedale, there are lots of student projects happening. In automotive classes, students are rebuilding a vintage MG, custom painting car panels and working on custom cars. Some days, they’re learning from representatives from manufacturers like Volkswagon, Nissan or Mazda, or pulling apart cars donated by those companies. Wilke says about a dozen additional manufacturers have visited the school this year thanks to its new partnership with #1 Cochran. In HVAC classes, students are running coolant lines through water to see how long it takes to make a block of ice and in an electrical classroom they’re fishing electrical through framing while building complex circuits. While sit-down classes are part of their education, much of the learning for students is hands-on, and after a couple of months in school they can interview for an apprenticeship with an employer. That can translate into an entry-level, full-time position and a steppingstone to a career. At that point, Wilke says Rosedale graduates typically owe about $12,000 in debt. Comparatively, college students earning a bachelor’s degree graduate with about $30,000 in debt, according to data gathered by U.S. News. Wilke and Cochran are hoping that more students continue to take an interest in the trades. While their new partnership will make an education more accessible, they’re hopeful demand for workers will continue to drive interest. “Over the last three to seven years there have been more technicians retiring than entering,” says Cochran. “With the rapid changes in vehicle technology and ongoing shortage of skilled techs, there’s a critical need for people who do the essential work of keeping vehicles safe on the road. It just made sense for us to lend our support within the region and create a pipeline for younger people to get involved and create a great career.” ABOVE: Rosedale’s recent expansion included a newly renovated lobby. RIGHT: Auto body students get ready to work on panels in the paint booth. FAR RIGHT: Renderings show several classrooms currently under development. PHOTOS BY DOUG HUGHEY July/August 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 25 July/August 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 25On the Horizon On the Horizon ; Robinson Farmers Market, Mondays, 3-7 p.m., upper parking lot at Archangel Gabriel Catholic Parish, Facebook: Robinson Farmers Market at Holy Trinity. Moon Market and Music, second and fourth Wednesdays through September, 5-9 p.m., music 7-9 p.m. (6-8 p.m. in September), Moon Park, produce market, food trucks, craft beers and wine, kid-friendly activities, live music, www. moonparks.org/events/calendar.asp#. Crafton Mini-Golf, Fridays and Saturdays through Aug. 26, 7-9 p.m., Steuben and Linden Streets, $2/person (cash only), www.craftonborough.com/parks-recreation. Outdoor Movie: “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” July 20, Settlers Cabin Park, Moccasin Shelter, starts at dusk, alleghenycounty.us/special-events/summer-movies.aspx. Movies in the Moonlight, movies start at dusk, Moon Park Amphitheater, July 21: “Minions, The Rise of Gru,” Aug. 18: “Lightyear,” Sept. 9: “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” Oct. 6: “The Mummy (1999),” www.moonparks.org. Alina’s Light Walk & Run for Love, July 22, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., race starts 9 a.m., Settlers Cabin Park, 5K run and walk, awards for runners, train rides, petting zoo, bounce houses, magic show, inflatable axe throwing, food/beverages, beer garden (ages 21+), DJ/music, adults $40, children 6-12 $20, ages 5 and under free, includes shirt, bracelet, food, alinaslight.com, register by July 1 for t-shirt. Kids’ Moon Park Amphitheater Events, 6 p.m., Moon Park Amphitheater, Aug. 2: Wild World of Animals, Sept. 6: Rock and Roll Pet Store, free events, www.moonparks. org. Crafton-Ingram Rotary Rib Festival and Llama Plop, Aug. 3, 4-7 p.m., Crafton Borough Park, dinners include fixings, choice of either baby back ribs or barbeque chicken, raffles, auctions, door prizes, llama plop, food tickets available at door, visit @cirotary on Facebook for more and to purchase llama plop tickets. Archangel Gabriel School Festival, Aug. 3-5, 5:30-10 p.m. nightly, Archangel Gabriel Parish in Robinson Township, rides, games, casino, food trucks, home-cooked meals, live entertainment, bingo, white elephant sale, more, benefits Archangel Gabriel School, archangelgabrielpgh.org. North Fayette Community Days, Aug. 5, 2-10 p.m., Donaldson Park, food vendors, inflatables, pony rides, petting zoo, games, entertainment throughout the day, fireworks display, north-fayette.com/335/Parks-Recreation. Coraopolis Second Saturdays Street Festival, Aug. 12, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Mill Street in downtown Coraopolis, live music, food vendors, activities, more, coraopolisfoundation.org/events. Robinson Township Summer Concert Series, Aug. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Burkett Park, Spirit of Dixie Band, www.townshipofrobinson.com/special-events. Oakdale Street Fair, Aug. 14-19, starts 6 p.m. nightly, live entertainment starts 7 p.m., downtown Oakdale, carnival games, live music, food vendors, parade on Aug. 18, Facebook: Oakdale Hose Company. Kennedy Township Community Days, Aug.16-19, Fairhaven Park in Kennedy Township, rides, live entertainment, fireworks, details TBA. Findlay’s Fair in the Woodlands, Aug. 18, 7 p.m. start; Clinton Park, live bands, inflatables, vendors, kids’ activities, more, Aug. 19, parade on Route 30 at 10:30 a.m., fair starts after, www.findlaytwp.org/184/Parks-Recreation. Moon Township VFD Car Cruise, Aug. 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Moon Park, DJs, raffles, benefits fire department, moontwpfire.com/car-cruise. Moon Wizarding Festival, Sept. 9, 2-7:30 p.m., Moon Park, free event featuring 30+ artists and craft vendors, showing of “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” to follow. Robinson Township Autumn Festival, Sept. 16, 12-9 p.m., Burkett Park, rides, games, food vendors, live music by Dancing Queen, www.townshipofrobinson.com/special- events. Findlay’s Rhythm and Ribs BBQ, Sept. 17, 3-9 p.m., Clinton Park, live music and BBQ, featuring music by Alt Rocks and two other bands, www.findlaytwp.org/184/Parks- Recreation. Robinson Township Lions Club Corn Hole Tournament and Steelers Watch Party, Oct. 1, 12 p.m. check-in, 1 p.m. start, Clever Park Rotary Shelter, includes hot dogs, sides, draft beer, silent auction, raffle baskets, $50/team, $10 non-players, $5 child 10+, under 10 free, robinsonlions.org. Robinson Township Car Cruise, Oct. 7, 12-4 p.m., Robinson Town Centre, Oldies Music with DJ Dan, www. townshipofrobinson.com/special-events. Summer happenings in and around the area Follow Allegheny West Magazine on Facebook and Instagram for event reminders and more. Events subject to change. Reference the contact information provided for the most up-to-date details. 26 • Allegheny West Magazine • July/August 2023July/August 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 27P Parks and Rec 2023 Fire Truck Golf Ball Drop, Aug. 16, 6-8:30 p.m., Montour Heights Country Club, music, raffle, prizes, closest to the pin wins $1,500, farthest from the pin wins $500. See page 26 for upcoming events Youth Programs Secret Agent Lab, Aug 14-18, 9 a.m.-noon, Moon Park Office Classroom, discover how chemistry and the science of forensics can come to the aid of a secret agent, $140 Moon residents/$145 non-residents. Red Hot Robots, Aug. 14-18, 1-4 p.m., learn about the uses of robots and experiment with different robots, $170 Moon residents/$175 non-residents. Seniors (ages 55+) The Senior Connection, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Tapestry Senior Living: 550 Cherrington Parkway, meet friends to socialize and enjoy activities, cards, books, puzzles, ping pong, shuffleboard, crafts, more, visit moonparks.org to see a daily schedule, free membership with one-time $10 purchase of a membership card, register in person at the front desk of the Senior Connection: Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., (412) 305-4090. Trivia Challenge, Aug. 2, 1:30 p.m., Senior Connection at Tapestry, $5, register by July 26. Crazy Hat Summer Potluck, Aug. 17, 12:30 p.m., Senior Connection at Tapestry, registration required, $20, register by Aug. 10. Burgers and Bingo in the Park, Aug. 24, 12:30 p.m., Moon Park - Eaton Pavilion, $20, register by Aug. 10. Bus Trip to Blennerhassett Island, Aug. 20, departs 8 a.m. from the Carriage House, returns about 9 p.m., travel round trip to Parkersburg in West Virginia and enjoy a ride on the Island Belle Sternwheeler to Blennerhassett Island, boxed lunch, 30-minute wagon ride, browse gift shops, $165, register by July 25. Senior Yoga at Tapestry, Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Sept. 5, 10 a.m., Tapestry, $45, register by Aug. 10. Moon Parks and Rec. Programs Adult Fitness (ages 15+) Hip Hop Cardio, July 27-Sept. 7 (no class Aug. 24), Thursdays, 7-8 p.m., Robin Hill Center, have fun dancing while getting fit to music, six-week session, $45 resident/ $50 non- resident. Yoga for Beginners and Beyond, Wednesdays, Aug. 9-23, Thursdays, Aug. 10-24, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Robin Hill Center, three-week sessions, $30 resident/$35 non-resident, Pilates, Aug. 2-Sept. 6, 7-8 p.m., Robin Hill Center, six-week session, $45 residents/ $50 non-residents. Programs subject to change. Visit www.moonparks.org for the most up-to-date details and to register. Follow Allegheny West Magazine on Facebook and Instagram for event reminders and more. 28 • Allegheny West Magazine • July/August 2023y > Learning Curves Learning Curves The off-season is a time of opportunity for athletes CONTENT SUBMITTED BY D1 TRAINING PITTSBURGH WEST As all student athletes are well aware, the regular sports season is no cakewalk. Throughout, they must juggle practices, games, school and other responsibilities that are all competing for one’s time. That’s why the off-season is so valuable, as it provides athletes with time to focus on the conditioning that often gets pushed aside during the regular season. Here are some of the benefits of an off-season training program: Of course, while the off-season provides plenty of opportunity for conditioning, it’s also important to remember that athletes need to maintain a balance between training and rest. Over training can lead to burnout or increased risk of injuries. Athletes should thus work closely with their coaches, trainers and other professionals to develop a well-structured off-season training program that aligns with their goals and allows for appropriate recovery time. The D1 Training approach At D1 Training, we believe in training the entire body as a unit in order to produce an optimal human response to performance. We don’t follow gimmicks or fads. We utilize trusted and proven training techniques to build the world’s best athletes and deliver them in age-appropriate programs under the direction of our expert coaches. Nothing at D1 is random. Every workout and every day follows a strategic eight-week training cycle that is meticulously planned and backed by sports science. With one-on-one personal training, small group training, team training, and class membership training, D1 offers a range of options to help every athlete meet their goal. Consistent training, along with proper nutrition and sleep, will keep an athlete performing at their best. At all times, our number one goal is to provide proper training for the specific athlete in front of us. D1 Training Coach Peter Fisher,CSCS, encourages athletes to view their training not just as a means to be better at their sport but to build a physical and mental habit that will stick with them long after their competitive playing days are over. The idea of training evolves from sports performance into being physically and mentally resilient in life and building these skills at a young age leads to greater competency in movements, development in self-esteem and self-efficacy, and an interest that will stay with athletes forever. D1 Training Pittsburgh West is located at 6522 Steubenville Pike, next to Golf Galaxy, in Robinson Township. Call them at (412) 775-3953 or visit them online at www. d1training/Pittsburgh-West. Focused conditioning Without the immediate demands of competition, athletes can devote more time to conditioning. This allows them to improve their strength, speed, agility, endurance and flexibility. Physical fitness improvements gained during this time will serve them well once the regular season starts. Correcting weaknesses The off-season also provides an opportunity for athletes to identify and address weaknesses in their conditioning. By working harder, they can target specific areas that need improvement, such as strength imbalances, mobility limitations and inadequate aerobic capacity. Putting in extra effort allows athletes to correct these weaknesses and build a more well- rounded physical foundation. Competitive advantage Not everyone works hard during the off season. Some athletes see it as time off. The athletes who do train during this time can thus gain a competitive advantage. By working harder, athletes improve their physical attributes and surpass their competitors who may only be maintaining their current fitness level or even regressing. Resiliency and injury prevention Conditioning during the off-season helps athletes develop greater resiliency and reduce their risk of injuries. A well-conditioned body is better equipped to handle the physical demands of training and competition. Athletes who put in the effort are more likely to maintain their conditioning and reduce their chances of setbacks due to fatigue or overuse injuries during the season. Mental fortitude and discipline Throughout the regular season, athletes have a coach standing over their shoulder telling them what to do much of the time. That’s not the case in the off-season. By taking the initiative, athletes can develop mental fortitude and toughness, as well as the determination and ability to overcome challenges. This mental conditioning can be just as crucial as physical conditioning when it comes to performing under pressure during the regular season. July/August 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 29Next >