pper St. Clair
FALL 2011
COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
! s n o i t a t ec
USC Football
G
p x E t a e r
Education IN Upper St. Clair – Can’t be beat! Veteran’s Park Breaks Ground
Contents Upper St. Clair | FALL 2011 |
FA L L 2 0 1 1
Health and Wellness News You Can Use
What’s Inside
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© 2011 UPMC
page 2
Serious Games for Stroke Recovery
page 3
Use Your Head to Stop Strokes
page 4
Healthy Eating for Busy Families Achoo! Don’t Get the Flu
page 5
Giving Women Options for Fibroid Treatment Magee’s Fibroid Treatment Center helps women determine the right solution for themselves
37 page 6
A New Level of Pinpoint Accuracy That’s Patient Friendly
page 7
Take the Hit of a Concussion Seriously
Publisher’s Message COMMUNITY INTEREST
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FEATURES
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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
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SPOTLIGHTS
ON THE COVER
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Education in USC | 14 UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use Houses of Worship | 49 Real Estate in Upper St. Clair | 63 Special Value Coupons | 80
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USC Newcomers Kickoff | 6 Treasure Hunt Opens New Retail Location in the South Hills USC Football | 10 Gone Fishing | 24 Upper St. Clair Veteran’s Park Breaks Ground | 26 Upper St. Clair Lion’s Club | 30 Lion’s Club of USC Helps with Leader Dog Training | 32 Strong Senior CLass Leads USC Lady Panthers Soccer Team Resident Profile: Vicki Li | 57 Today’s Bathroom Remodeling Trends | By Jeff Morris | 71 EVLA Minimally Invasive Procedure Brings Immediate Vein Relief | By Louis Certo, MD FACS | 72 How to Protect Your Assets | By John R. Brown III | 74 What’s New in Hearing Aids for 2011 | By Dolores Y. Payne, M.A., CCC-A, Audiologist | 78
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Beinhauer Family Services The Goddard School | 77
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Coach Jim Render's Panthers Take to the Field.
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pper St. Clair FALL 2011 Welcome to the Fall issue of Upper St. Clair Magazine. As the summer winds down, and the kids get ready to go back to school, I sincerely hope that you and your family had some time to get away from it all and relax. It seems that these days, parents driving the family taxi, and kids with their sports/lessons/parties rarely get a chance to enjoy the slow pace of an ever more elusive “lazy summer.” Ask yourself – when was the last time everyone ate together around a family table? When did everyone gather to play a board game? Does anyone remember board games? If your answer was “That one night that the power went out,” then you might be trapped in the 21st Century jail of hyper-life. (I made that term up, but I can do that – I’m the publisher.) I’m not an old guy, unless you ask my kids, but I thin k that life should be simpler. Moms, dads, brothers, sisters, should all try to spend some time with each other as a family more than that one night when the power goes out. Family time is an important part of being a community. And every community should value quality time with their families – it’s how we teach our children values, etiquette, and more importantly, how to participate in a family stru cture so they can pass on to their kids what you worked so hard to build. Recently, I saw a commercial where a father shut off the main power to the house so that the family could enjoy dinner together and blamed the outage on a thunderstorm. The Xboxes were dead. The Facebook was closed. The kids came downstairs in disillusionment to ask what happened. While the commercial was pushing some tasty d inner product, the message was more palatable – you have to make family time. I would take that message one step further – you have to make family time a priority. I hope that it’s one of yours. Have a great Fall!
IN Upper St. Clair is a community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Upper St. Clair area and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. PUBLISHER
Wayne Dollard M A N AG I N G E D I TO R
Marybeth Jeffries marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com O F F I C E M A N AG E R
Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com WRITERS
Pamela Palongue GRAPHIC DESIGN
Cassie Brkich Anna Buzzelli Sharon Cobb Susie Doak
Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda
P H OTO G R A P H E R S
Garyyonphotography.com
Wayne Dollard Publisher
A DV E RT I S I N G S A L E S
In this fall edition of Upper St. Clair you’ll find interesting topics related to education. We thought it was appropriate to address this issue as all of us can somehow relate to the “back to school” idea. The notion of continually learning something new, whether in middle school or as an older adult in the community, is not a new concept, just one we should consider as the seasons change. In the featur es in this edition you will notice one overriding concept- that the Upper St. Clair School System is second to none. The dedicated school staff and parental support seem to have had a lasting impact on these students. Their attitudes, test scores, academics and extra-curricular activities all play a part in developing future, first-class members of this community. I hope you will let me know if you run into some person either at school or church that you think we should be writing about in the magazine. You can always email me at the magazine, m.jeffries@icmags.com
Derek Bayer Brian Daley Gina D’Alicandro Tina Dollard Jason Huffman Lori Jeffries Connie McDaniel Brian McKee David Mitchell
Tamara Myers Gabriel Negri Robert Ojeda Annette Petrone Vincent Sabatini Michael Silvert RJ Vighetti Nikki CapezioWatson
This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2011. CORRESPONDENCE All inquiries, comments and press releases should be directed to: IN Community Magazines Attn: Editorial 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968
Winter content deadline: 11/5 www.incommunitymagazines.com
Marybeth Jeffries Managing Editor
Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.
Upper St. Clair | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 5
by Heather Holtschlag
he Upper St. Clair Newcomers’ Club recently kicked off its 2011-2012 year with a “Party on the Patio” at Bravo Cucina Restaurant at the Galleria. Nearly 20 members and their significant others enjoyed the summer breeze while dining on delicious food and sipping cool drinks while catching up on everyone’s summer. “It was a great way to start the new year,” said Jennie Grigonis, Couples Events co-chairperson. “It was nice reconnecting with fellow members and catching up on our summer activities. It also was great to meet other members and their husbands whom I had not yet met. We are looking forward to another fun Newcomers' year!" Several activities are planned for another great year of fun and friendship. The annual fall kickoff event will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 13, at Al’s Café. Club board members who are responsible for planning monthly events and activities throughout the year will be on hand to discuss their positions and answer questions from new and potential members. Appetizers, drinks, door prizes and a free membership to be awarded in a raffle are just some of the planned activities. In addition to scheduled activities, the USC Newcomers’ Club hosts regular monthly events, such as Book Club; Ladies Day Out fieldtrips to Pittsburgh-area attractions, including the Carnegie Museum and Phipps Conservatory; Ladies Night Out dinners at local restaurants; and a wide array of Family Events, which, in the past, has included pumpkin picking at Simmons Farm, ice skating, and an evening at a Washington Wild Things game. The group also hosts In-Home Movie Nights on the last Wednesday of each month and crafting nights at the USC Library one Friday each month. Kids also are a big part of the Club and meet regularly to play together through the Moms & Tots playgroups. These playgroups are hosted at members’ homes in the winter and at area parks in the summer. "Playgroups have been a great way to meet other moms in the area with children the same age as mine,” said Heather Ziegler, corresponding secretary. “We are able to swap parenting strategies and tips, while our children are able to make some of their first neighborhood friends.” The USC Newcomers’ Club boasts a membership of more than 100 women who have moved into the community from surrounding
Ann Marie Dingmann and Rachel Lowden coordinated the annual Progressive Dinner, which marked the end of the 2010-2011 Newcomers' year.
Children in the Newcomers’ Playgroups play at the Carnegie Science Center. From left to right: Priya Few, Luis Dugal, Maya Dugal, Sophie Eggers, Scott Wardle 6 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
Upper St. Clair
townships, different states, and even other countries. Although general membership is limited to five years to ensure that the group will always be open to new members, an alumni membership recently was introduced to members who would like to continue as an active participant of the Club for an additional five years. Though alumni members are not permitted to serve as an officer or on a committee, they are allowed to participate in all Club activities, and may serve as an advisor to a previously chaired committee for transition and training purposes. Members pay annual dues of $25 per year; an alumni membership is $30 per year. “When my husband and I decided to move to Upper St. Clair, I wanted to make it a smooth transition for myself and my family,” said Dawn Hall, Couples Events co-chairperson. “For this to happen, I knew I needed to meet people and connect with the community. After reading some books and doing research online, I decided to contact the USC Newcomers’ Club. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the club was for women and that there were MANY activities planned to meet most people’s interests, especially the events they host for couples and families. The dues are extremely reasonable, which made my decision to join an extremely easy one. Becoming actively engaged in social activities with the Newcomers’ Club has made moving to USC a wonderful experience for me.” Other upcoming events include the annual Vendor Dinner, which will take place in November, a family holiday party in December, a couples holiday
Stephanie and Bill Robinson celebrate the Newcomers’ year at Party on the Patio at Bravo Cucina Restaurant, Galleria.
party in January and the annual Progressive Dinner in May. “I moved to Upper St. Clair from Charleroi and joined the Newcomers’ Club to meet people in the community,” said Deni LaskeyFew, Club Historian. “I found out about the group from a fellow member who invited me to join her at the fall kickoff event. My favorite aspect of the group is the Moms & Tots playgroups, which have given both me and my daughter the opportunity to build wonderful friendships.” Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 7
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elebrating its 48th year in business is Treasure Hunt, one of our region's most reputable buyers and sellers of gold, silver, and rare coins. With gold prices near all-time highs, people realize that it is a great time to sell their outdated or unwanted jewelry. There are many places to consider when selling your gold and silver and coins and jewelry. The modus operandi of founder John Meredith was and continues through his son to be honesty, integrity, and exceptional customer service. It is that philosophy which has steered his business to its present strong share of the gold buying market in the greater Pittsburgh area. Treasure Hunt celebrates its 48th year in business with the opening of a new main location, conveniently across the street and a mere one-half block up the hill from its previous 1687 Washington Road (Rt 19) storefront. Treasure Hunt joins the Presidential Plaza next to Ethan Allen at 1680 Washington Road and opened on August 23rd to a generous showing of happy customers. The new store puts a twist on its previous setup. Treasure Hunt's new location has individual consultation booths, which offer privacy, comfort, and
confidentiality between customers and Treasure Hunt's expert staff. The new store offers a jewelry section composed by Gemologist Debbie DeChicchis with a beautiful display and selection of gold, silver, and platinum jewelry studded with diamonds and other gem stones. True to its roots, Treasure Hunt also devotes an entire section to its vast offering of rare United States coins. Treasure Hunt has always been a family business. With the help of wife Barbara Rotheram Meredith, John Robert Meredith founded Coins Inc. in 1963 as a dealer in rare coins and precious metals. It all started with one leased department in Gimbel's which grew into six. When Gimbel's closed in 1986, Meredith moved the business to Kaufmann's with great success. Following Meredith's passing in 1995, his son John Rotheram Meredith purchased the company and moved the base of operations to suburban Mt. Lebanon doing business under the new name Treasure Hunt. With the assistance of his sister, Vice President, Jeannette Meredith Dodd, Meredith expanded from the South Hills into Cranberry, Monroeville, Irwin, Allison Park, Latrobe, and most recently Belle Vernon, with each branch managed by family and close friends. As gold and silver prices have boomed, Treasure Hunt's expanse has allowed its
TREASURE HUNT OPENS NEW RETAIL LOCATION IN THE SOUTH HILLS By Rob Benhart
employees to offer generous sums to delighted customers. As Meredith explains, “Our business is about repeat and referral customers. We need each customer to have a positive experience
so they will not only want to come back, but also want to recommend Treasure Hunt to their friends and family. A big part of the positive experience is our high offers, which have made more than a few people cry — in a good way, of course.” In 2002, an ounce of gold was worth less than 300 dollars. Now, nine years later, the same ounce of gold is worth over 1700 dollars. There has never been a more opportune moment to liquidate your precious metals, but sellers should beware of low quotes and mail-in companies. Meredith says,“Our happiest customers are the people who have shopped around, then come to Treasure Hunt. Our high payouts are often-times shocking next to the offers of our competitors. It's our slogan because we truly hear it every day: 'You really do pay the most!'”
Upper Mt. Lebanon St. Clair || Fall Fall 2011 2011 || incommunitymagazines.com incommunitymagazines.com 99
SCRIMMAGE PHOTOS BY GARY YON
U S C FOOTBALL
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Upper St. Clair
By Rick Shrum
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o head coach in WPIAL football history has more victories than Jim Render. And few teams have won more Western Pennsylvania championships than the one he leads—Upper St. Clair High School.
Both are poised to upgrade their resumes. The Panthers have the resources to be one of the elite squads in WPIAL Class AAAA this season. Led by three Division I recruits, they have the look of a juggernaut, one that could thrive from the Sept. 2 opener against Shaler Area, through the regular-season finale against arch-rival Mt. Lebanon, and beyond. The players are talented and experienced, and directed by a venerable and successful coaching staff, headed by Render. In addition, the home schedule is favorable, and the five-year lapse since Upper St. Clair’s last championship season is long enough to stoke a powerful desire to win. Upper St. Clair’s offense features nine returning starters and players who have varsity experience at the other two positions. Six defensive starters also are back from a squad that finished 8-3 last season, which ended with a 16-14 loss to North Hills in the WPIAL quarterfinals. The most visible player is Dakota Conwell, a 6-foot-1, 215-pound senior. Conwell, a quarterback and linebacker, accounted for about 2,000 yards of offense last season, split almost evenly between rushing and passing. But he also is a stalwart on defense, where he is entering his third season as a starter and where the University of Pittsburgh recruited him to play. Conwell made a verbal commitment to those Panthers in July. The surname is certainly familiar. Dakota’s older brother, Dane Conwell Jr., was the leading rusher on the Panthers’ 2006 team, which won WPIAL Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 11
and PIAA titles. Dane Jr. is playing at California University of Pennsylvania, a Division II program.
Joe Moore was the head coach, Jeff Delaney and Dave Vanchina were standouts, and there was no overtime in title games.
Their father, Dane Sr., played at West Virginia University in the early 1980s.
Most of the Panthers’ storied football history, however, is attributable to A year from now, Dakota Conwell will be Render, 69, a native of Dover, Ohio. This joined at the major-college football level will be his 33rd season at Upper St. by two classmates, Ian Park and Jack Clair, 43rd as a head coach, which Schwaba, who have committed to includes stints at Carrollton, Ohio Northwestern University of the Big Ten (1969-71) and Uniontown (1972-78). Conference. They are good friends, but they maintain they selected that school In his final regular-season game at Independent of the other’s decision. Uniontown, Render led the Red Raiders to a victory at Mt. Lebanon in a Park, who is 6-4 and 290 pounds, is showdown for the Western Conference Upper St. Clair’s biggest player. He has championship. He then bolted for Upper been a starting offensive guard since St. Clair in 1979 and quickly his sophomore season, and is now a transformed the Panthers into a fixture on the right side. He also will consistently sound program. In the play on the defensive line this year. 32 years since, he has experienced the vast majority of his record 343 WPIAL Schwaba likewise is a physical force at victories. 6-5, 245 pounds. He is beginning his second season as a starting tight end Render is expected to reach 350 this and defensive end, a player who was fall, and could go well beyond. recruited to play offense at Northwestern. The regular-season schedule should benefit the Panthers, who will play five Fellow seniors Jake Radziukinas, a of their nine games at home, including two-way lineman; Mike Wilcox, a the opener with Shaler and the finale receiver and cornerback; and Killian against Mt. Lebanon. They also will play Mulkern, a kicker, will be key figures host to Norwin on Sept. 9, and to Great in the Panthers’ chances for success. Southern Conference foes Baldwin on So will running backs Max Paxton Sept. 30 and to Canon-McMillan on and Zach Deitrick. Oct. 14.
U S C FOOTBALL
Mt. Lebanon, with standout running back Luke Hagy, will be an obstacle to be sure. The Blue Devils also are among the top teams in WPIAL Class AAAA, and their rivalry with the Will this team embellish the trophy case Panthers is among the best in the that shimmers proudly along WPIAL. Mt. Lebanon won last year, 14McLaughlin Run Road? Expectations 10, but Upper St. Clair prevailed in the are great, as they frequently are with previous six encounters. this program. This year’s matchup could feature two Upper St. Clair has won five WPIAL undefeated teams vying for the Great championships, all in the largestSouthern title. But the loser wouldn’t be enrollment classification, all under an underdog in the pending playoffs, as Render – in 1988, 1989, 1992, 1997 and both teams have the potential to be a 2006. The Panthers also ruled the state WPIAL champion. in 1989 and 2006. The Panthers certainly know about They also shared WPIAL titles, and are poised to pursue them championships in 1974 and 1975, when again.
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T
he Upper St. Clair School District Middle School renovation project is now nearing completion after over two years of construction on Boyce and Ft. Couch Middle Schools. Teachers, parents, and students have endured construction for two years, but most residents have been patient with the project because they understand the positive additions that the two schools will receive once the project is over. The middle school renovations are part of a decade long renovation project that the district has undertaken. The first ambitious renovation was that of the high school which was completed back in June of 2000. Upper St. Clair High School has become the go-to, “state-of-the-art” model for high schools in the area. Its aesthetically pleasing designs both inside and out are a mere
Boyce Middle School has seen mostly school’s cafeteria. Every single classroom is renovations, but they have scored one very either new, or has been completely renovated. large, coveted item. Boyce now features a “state- Each classroom now boasts the newest of-the-art” theatre, much like the theatre at the educational technology. Every classroom has an high school. This theatre has stadium seating, interactive Promethean board, which is basically featured sound and lighting technology, and will an electronic chalkboard. This board allows allow for more theatre productions in the teachers to do traditional things such as writing district by being a second featured theatre notes on the board, but also allows the teachers besides the high school. Boyce also has scored a to show movies, PowerPoints, relevant YouTube new cafeteria, and an expanded gym. It will also clips, and even more. On each side of the be highlighting more glass and natural light Promethean board there are Marker Boards, coming in from the outside and from the inn er which give the teacher more space for courtyard. Another educational upgrade for conventional presentation to the class. Boyce is that there are a series of “classroom Besides the prominent boards in each bundles.” Every class is paired up with another, classroom, subtle things such as lighting prove and each pair of classrooms now has it’s own to make a difference in a student’s learning private room for additional educational experience as well. Teachers are able to use activities. This also allows for the future, for if stage lighting to illuminate themselves while not
s n o i t a v Reno Near n o i t e l p Com
By Leigh Lyons
bonus to the technologically sou nd education environment that is provided within those attractive walls. After the high school was completed, the district moved on to renovating the three elementary schools in the township. Eisenhower, Baker, and Streams were all renovated at that time. Reconstruction and renovation of all three elementary schools were completed in September of 2003. Lastly, the middle schools were set to be renovated start ing during the 2009-2010 school year. The completion date has been pushed back a few months as do most large construction project end dates tend to be. The completion date is now estimated to be sometime during October of 2011, as stated by the construction manager P.J. Dick Corporation’s company website. Out of the two middle schools, Ft. Couch was slated to have more new construction, while Boyce was set to have more renovation work. The total cost of the renovation project to both Boyce and Ft. Couch has been estimated to be around $53 million. With that money, both schools have seen dramatic differences through the new construction and renovations during this project. 14 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
overpowering the students. The lighting is also sensory lighting which means that the lights will not be on when not necessary, and this will ensure both energy and money are conserved. Ft. Couch also has extra “small group instruction” rooms for each the district sees an infusion of new students, “team” of 4 classrooms. This “small group then these extra rooms will be used for instruction” room gives teachers an extra option classrooms if necessary. Boyce can also bra g for educational activities, and also allows them now about the new turf athletic field that is installed on the lower fields. It should be noted to pull a student aside for extra learning opportunities if necessary. that the development and installation of these With all of the new add itions to both fields is a separate contract from the one for schools, teachers have had to teach, and renovating Boyce and Ft. Couch Middle Schools even though it was done at roughly the students have had to learn, in a construction environment for the better part of two years, but same time. The field will be new turf, and will it seems as though their patience will be allow for other high school and middle school rewarded very soon with the completion of this athletic teams to gain entry onto another highmassive project. In the end, each school has quality athletic field. Ft. Couch Middle School has seen more new upgraded classroom technology, green conservation, artistic and athletic areas, and construction than the other middle school throughout this project. Ft. Couch replaced the much more. The renovation project has pr ompted other nearby school districts to push district bus garage that was on the side of the building with a new academic wing. There is also their own school renovations, as it always seems a completely new gymnasium for the students to as though Upper St. Clair is leading the pack in anything involving education. enjoy. The old gymnasium is now acting as the
Upper St. Clair
Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 15
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Upper St. Clair
The
of Getting Into
By Leigh Lyons
he secret art of getting into college, sadly, does not exist. Please don’t be mad at my misleading title because while there is no one key element to gaining acceptance into the college of your dreams, there are proven elements to a successful candidate’s application portfolio that can be shared with prospective students from the Mt. Lebanon School District. The obvious top elements of importance to admissions officers are still SATs and high school GPA, but there is so much more that a school is looking for. You are off to a good start- Upper St Clair graduating seniors scored well above their national counterparts with an average SAT score of 1129. Students have consistently scored above the national mean average of 1017 in both the Critical Reading and Mathematics sections of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT). Below is a list of the top five elements that admissions officers look for in a prospective student’s application (information compiled from top news magazines and former admissions officers from various schools): SATs and GPA: SATs and GPA have always been important, and they are still the most important aspects of a student’s application profile. Extracurricular Activities: Colleges don’t want a long list of random activities from a student. They would prefer you to become a “specialist” in one area, rather than be a jackof-all-trades. A former admissions officer at a top school said that colleges are looking to have a well-rounded student body of individual specialists. Personal Essays: Show the real you. They don’t want you to make up extravagant stories, and they don’t want you to talk about taboo subjects such as natural disasters. Also, you do
not want to become redundant. Explore new ways to tell more about yourself without being repetitive. Start Early: Most academic advisors will tell you to have a plan, and start early. The “Common Application” that is used by many schools is not available until August 1, but usually there is an early version available to get ahead. Be Careful About S ocial Media: Social media has become an intricate part of everyday life to students, but they must be careful. Admissions officers will not usually search specifically for a student’s social media profile/account, but oftentimes “tips” are sent to them, and they must explore them. Do not have anything discouraging on your profile that could be used against you. You may also use this space to show your talen ts; if you are a photographer, you can have a portfolio of pictures you have taken. We hope that this quick list will help you in your quest to be accepted into whichever college you choose, but remember, there really is no set formula in the application process. The best way to go about the application process is to be prepared, be organized, and be yourself. Sometimes you can have excellent grades, and a great score on the SAT, but you may be denied admission for reasons outside of your control. A former admissions officer said that a student who lives on a farm in North Dakota is not judged by the same criteria as a student living in a Pennsylvania suburb, like Upper St. Clair. This is something you cannot control, and therefore should not worry about. Just do the best you can with the main elements you can control, and we wish you the best of luck in the college application process. Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 17
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or the sixth year in a row, Upper St. Clair Schools have been ranked the number one school in the state by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking is based on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment Exam test scores. The PSSA tests are designed to evaluate school districts on the effectiveness of each district’s curriculum to teach reading, writing, mathematics, speaking and listening to their students. The Pittsburgh Business Times utilizes a computerized mathematical formula, which examines a school district’s scores for the past three years, weighting the latest year to give it greater significance and also to index improvement or decline in the school district’s performance. According to Ethan Lott, research director at Pittsburgh Business Times, they have been ranking the school districts for the past seven years in order to provide a more complete picture of the schools’ achievements. “It’s important to look at the whole picture, not just one school’s test scores. To view just one set of scores would
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be like selling a house without checking the comparables [for price adjustment.]” The raw data of test scores from 105 school districts in the region are ranked first and then compared statewide. “Upper St. Clair, Mt. Lebanon, North Allegheny, Hampton and Peters school districts rank in the top five regionally consistently,” said Lott. Although the PSSA scores evaluate the schools on academic performance only, they are closely viewed by individuals relocating to the area and even businesses considering the region for commerce. Lott has observed a strong correlation between economics and test scores, with greater economic advantages resulting in higher test scores. Parental involvement also appears to be a key to success in the equation. “When parents have greater freedom from financial worry they are able to focus more time on school work and academics, rather than worrying about where the next meal is coming from,” said Lott. Conversely, schools with more students in at-risk homes have
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lower test scores. There are a few exceptions, such as one school district which ranked 99th economically in the region, yet finished 70th in the academic rankings. “There seems to be a culture of achievement in Upper St. Clair,” added Lott. The school’s website states that 98% of students graduating from Upper St. Clair High School will continue their education at a higher institution of learning such as a college, university or junior college. Additionally, the school has garnered ten United States Department of Education Blue Ribbon “Excellence in Education” awards, which honor schools that have high achievement levels. The value in comparing schools may be in the lessons to be learned from school districts that are extremely efficient in preparing students academically for college and for life. If educators can unlock the formula for success at top level schools, they may be able to duplicate the process at schools with less academic achievement to give all students a better chance for learning and more favorable
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outcomes. As Oscar Wilde once wrote: “Success is a science; if you have the conditions, you get the result.” A complete list of Pennsylvania school rankings is available online at the Pittsburgh Business Times website, www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh.
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he Upper St. Clair School district has publicly acknowledged the opportunity for local businesses to step in and help educational initiatives in the wake of the recent federal and state budget cuts. Using the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, local business owners can make monetary contributions to support continual academic growth in a given school district. The tax credit is anywhere from 75-90% of the total investment and is applied against the tax liability of that specific business for the tax year in which the contribution was made. The way the Educational Improvement Tax Cred it program works is that the funding received would stream through an approved Educational Improvement Organization. In Upper St. Clair’s case, the approved Educational Improvement Organization is the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair. The Community Foundation would then apply the contribution to the public school district to support an Innovative Educational Program. Right now, there is only one app roved Innovative Educational Program in Upper St. Clair, which is the prestigious International Baccalaureate program. However, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Patrick O’Toole, has stated in a memo dated June 15, 2011 that the school district is currently “applying to receive designation for our elementary science curriculum, newly created leadership initiative, SWEP and Challenge programs in the elementary and middle schools, and Distance Learning initiative at the high school.” Upper St. Clair School District has been widely renowned for its academic excellence through the years, and with this Educational Improvement Tax Credit program, the hope is that local businesses will invest in the school district, and hopefully, the cutting edge academic programming in Upper St. Clair will not be effected. Usually, when there are major academic budget cuts at both the federal and state level, the first programs to be hampered, or cut, are the arts. Music and theater programs are done away with, or severely detracted from, and arts programs in Upper St. Clair are very important. Superintendent Dr. O’Toole also stated that the contributions from the EITC program will
may you try to apply them to an earlier year. They are not refundable or transferable.
“help make funding available for everything from our music and theater programs to our language and arts initiatives.” Now that you know what the program will enhance in the district, you may be wondering if you would be eligible to contribute money, and if so, if the tax credits would be applied to your business.
Visit this website: www.newpa.com/find-and-apply-forfunding/funding-and-program-finder/educatio nal-improvement-tax-credit-program-eitc and brush up on any questions or concerns you may have. Then you may contact the DCED Center for Business Financing, Tax Credit Division, 4th floor, Commonwealth Keystone Building at 400 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120. You can call at 717.787.7120 or email RAEITC@state.pa.us. App lications are approved on a first-come-first-served basis by the date they are received. You may also contact Liz Hall at 412.833.1600 ext. 2826 for additional information.
Here are some essential facts to get you started:
Any business that is authorized to do business in Pennsylvania, and is subject to one or more of the following taxes: Corporate Net Income Tax, Capital Stock Franchise Tax, Bank and Trust Company Shares Tax, Title Insurance Companies Shares Tax, Insurance premiums Tax, Mutual Thrift Institution Tax, or Personal Income Tax of S corporation shareholders or Partnership partners.
(Continued on page 22)
A tax credit may be applied against the tax liability for your business for the tax year in which your contribution is made. A tax credit may be applied equal to 75% of the contribution that you make up to a maximum of $300,000 per taxable year. The 75% can be increased up to 90% if your business agrees to provide the same amount for two consecutive years. If you contribute to Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organizations, then your business may receive a tax credit equal to 100% of the first $10,000 contributed, and then up to 90% of the remaining amount you contribute up to a maximum of $150,000 a year. There are certain terms that you will have to follow to ensure that your business will receive the requisite tax benefits. If your business is approved, you must provide proof to the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) within 90 days of the notification letter that your contribution was made within 60 days of the notification letter. Also, if you do not use the tax credits awarded to you in the year the contribution was made, you lose them. They may not be carried over to the next year, nor Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 21
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hool Distr District • USC C Sc ict • School USC School
Applications have already started being accepted as of July 1, 2011, so this would be a great time to think about contributing some capital to the EITC program. Not only would your business be gaining tax credits, but you will also be positively affecting what may arguably be the most influential and important business of them all: education. While schools struggle to keep important academic programs a live in this time of economic turmoil, Upper St. Clair seeks to not only maintain the level of excellence its residents have grown accustomed to, but to further their academic progress. One way to ensure that this academic progress is not stifled would be to invest in the education process and the programs that are so directly linked to its success. Upper St. Clair’s International Baccalaureate program has helped the school to receive multiple Blue Ribbon Awards in recent years. The IB program currently has over 630,000 students at 2,347 schools in 128 countries that participate in the program. A program like this is both impressive and useful, and with your contribution, Dr. O’Toole would like to build on this one program’s success and initiate many more successful aforementioned programs. The EIT C program can hopefully save any unfortunate cutbacks in schools around the state, but it will only work with your help. If your business is looking to contribute some money to a worthy, important cause, please look into contributing it to the EITC program.
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Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 23
“Gone fishing” might be a saying most popular on bumper stickers or T-shirts. But for one Upper St. Clair High School teacher and his students, it is something completely different. Tim Robbins, a health and physical education teacher at USC High School, instructs a fly fishing class, a unit of the wellness program that is part of the school curriculum. The unit lasts about two months and consists of classroom instruction about fly fishing, followed by a fieldtrip to the Alpine Club in South Fayette, where students can practice what they have learned. “Part of the discussion during my interview with the school focused on my passion for health and physical education, and I mentioned that I thought fly fishing would be a valuable learning experience and that it would be a great addition to the curriculum,” said Robbins, who started teaching at USC High School in 2009. “Bringing the fly fishing program to USC meant introducing an exciting,
yet informative, course to students who might not have been previously exposed to fishing of any kind.” Catherine Engel, a senior, participated in the program last spring. “I learned almost everything there is to know about fly fishing such as when to use the different types of cast, the names of the pieces of the rod, where and when there are ideal fly fishing conditions, and how to physically cast the line itself,” she said. “I really enjoyed how different the unit was from all of the other typical gym class units. It was a nice break from physically demanding sports and it provided a more relaxed atmosphere for the class.”
The fly fishing concept was started by two science teachers at Baldwin High School, Chuck McKinney and Paul Hindes. Robbins spent 12 years at a health and physical education at Baldwin prior to his tenure at USC High School. McKinney and Hindes had started a fly fishing club called Family Tyes. “The fly fishing program started 33 years ago when a colleague gave me a Christmas present, which was a box of flies he tied, along with the promise that he would teach me how to fly fish,” Hindes explained. “The only thing he asked in return was that we pass the skill onto others, a promise we fulfilled through the Baldwin High School Fishing Club, which was part of a program that provided positive alternatives to the negative influences challenging students.” Over the years, the program continued to grow and in 1993, Family Tyes was founded as a non-profit organization that currently serves more than 25 schools and youth organizations and also sponsors youth membership-based club programs. The goal of the organization is to connect youth to outdoor activities that are meaningful, educational and fun and promote leadership, business and life skills development and community involvement.
Alex LeClaire is on the right holding the rainbow trout that she just caught. Twin sister Julia is on the left.
E N GO
Caitlyn Ollendyke is on the left holding the rainbow trout that she just caught. Abbey DeIuliis is on the right.
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Upper St. Clair
“Fly fishing activities provide meaningful educational, recreational and fun connections to the outdoors that help youth learn how vitally connected people, water, bugs and fish are and need to be,” Hindes said. “These living classroom activities support science, environmental, math and physical education standards. The knowledge and skills required are difficult to learn on your own, and this creates the opportunity to break down barriers and build meaningful relationships as experienced mentors teach our youth. We all need a place to escape and recharge our batteries, and there is nothing better than the healing powers of water. Anyone can learn to fly fish; it is a lifetime activity.” The fly fishing unit is taught to students in 11th grade at USC High School. “We feel it is important for juniors and seniors to learn more about individual sports and lifetime activities,” Robbins explained. “Juniors take a wellness class during the spring semester, as that is the
best time to teach the unit due to the fact that the spring is the time when the fish are most active.” According to Robbins, there are about eight classes in the unit. The first class is a lecture teaching the students about the components or equipment used in a fly fishing system, the knots that are used to tie the lines together, how to cast in different situations, and general knowledge needed to participate in the unit. Students then spend a couple of days practicing casting and knot tying, and they need to be proficient in casting if they want to participate on the fieldtrip. Finally, students spend some time tying different flies that will be used on the trip. The fieldtrip is when the students are able to put to use the skills and knowledge they gained during the course of the unit. Last year, 110 students went on the fieldtrip to the Alpine Club, a group that was so large, it had to be broken into two groups, Robbins said. On the first day of the fieldtrip, the water conditions were tough due to the heavy amount of rainfall the area had the previous week, Robbins explained. On the second day, however, the water conditions were ideal and
! G N I H FI S
the students counted more than 250 fish that were caught. The fish they caught consisted of trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and even a bullfrog. The program is designed to teach students that there are practical and real life connections to what they learn in classroom curriculum lessons, according to Hindes. Students work together in teams and learn that they are responsible and accountable to each other, along with clearly demonstrating that they have learned the knowledge and skills required. “I think learning a unit like fly fishing is invaluable to the students at USC High School. With the high academic standards placed upon our students, physical activity is a great way for students to relieve stress,” said Robbins, who also is a fisherman. “Fishing has long been known as a fun, relaxing way to get your mind off of the everyday stresses that life can give you. The best part of teaching this class for me is the joy I see on the students’ faces after catching a fish. It truly is a special moment. I have had numerous students in the past two years tell me that the fly fishing fieldtrip was the most fun and educational trip that they have had in their high school careers.”
g ltschla er Ho h t a e By H
Tyler Green is on the left holding the trout that Carleton Gibson just caught.
Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 25
lans are going forward quickly as ground was broken for the Upper St. Clair Veterans Park at a ceremony on July 29, attended by several veterans and residents, with addresses by Sen. John Pippy and Rep. John Maher. The design, which was selected from a combination of submissions from USC High School students and the community at large, is coming together with a dedication date of Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 201 1 planned. The park honors our veterans in an environment that will recognize their service and at the same time serve to educate the public on the seven branches of our armed forces and their history. Although less than 20% of the money for the $640,000 project still needs to be raised, according to Tracey Taylor-Perles, public relations chairman for the park, there is still time to contribute to the pro ject and have a lasting legacy on the park grounds. “Anyone making a contribution over $1,000 will have a permanent dedication within the park,” said Perles. Contributors may have their names inscribed on a slab of granite or may choose to honor a special veteran by having the veteran’s name engraved instead. Two key elements that still require sponsorship at this point; the National Guard Monument and one of the three monuments to be included in the Dedication Plaza area of the park.
Although the park was begun with a $5,000 donation from USC High School students as seed money, the majority of the fundraising has been a grass roots effort. Flag poles used throughout the park were sponsored by community members for approximately $10,000 each and major monuments were $18,000 each. Members of the Veterans Monument C ommittee, which was made up of veterans, township officials, school board members and residents, met with local philanthropic and civic organizations to solicit donations. Donation levels range from Benefactor starting at $1,000 and going up to Patriot level at $15,000 or more. The park, which will be located directly across the street from the Upper St. Clair High School on McLaughlin Run Road, will serv e as an interactive facility for students to explore and learn about history and hopefully to interact with veterans and historians who will give future presentations at the site. The park will provide a serene atmosphere with benches located throughout for quiet
reflection. Black granite monuments will cast a powerful image on the landscape and will contain a narrative history of the particular branch of s ervice or period of history and will have a collage of images of soldiers and sailors displayed on the opposite side. No individual names will be used on the monuments except where it is necessary to relate a particular historical account. This was purposefully done to honor all those who have served, rather than to single out a few individuals. The landscaping has been generously donated by a local contr actor and a perpetual care fund will insure that the township will be able to continuously care
By Pamela Palongue
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Upper St. Clair
for the site. There will be opportunities for citizens to contribute to the maintenance of the park, as flags will need to be replaced periodically due to normal wear and tear. Plans are incomplete at this time for the dedication ceremony on Veterans Day. Taylor-Perles suggests watching local newspapers and the local cable channel 7 for details on the event. If you would like more information on the pa rk or how to contribute to the memorials, please visit the website at www.uscveteranspark.org.
Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 27
hen that first cool snap of autumn arrives, it brings to mind falling leaves, warm fireplaces and candles glowing throughout the house. Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year, especially in Pennsylvania, but a few precautions will insure that all your fall memories will be happy ones.
Though it’s so tempting to burn those leaves after raking them all up into a pile, don’t do it. Even a small, well-contained fire can quickly get out of hand and burn acres of ground and homes. According to Russ Rauch, secretary of the Upper St. Clair Fire Dept. and volunteer firefighter with over thirty years of experience, no open burning is permitted in Allegheny County. This includes burning leaves in a trash barrel as well. Rauch suggests putting the leaves in a trash bag and then checking the township website for collection days. Another favorite fall activity is sitting around the fireplace with a hot cup of tea or cocoa. But fireplaces require maintenance in order to be used safely. Fires frequently leave behind a chemical called creosote that builds up in fireplaces and must be removed by chimney sweeping. Creosote is even more common when burning unseasoned woods such as pine and spruce. Oak, hickory, cherry or maple woods that have been covered and drying for at least six months work best in fireplaces. A tip for checking the dryness of the wood is to look at the ends of the wood; if they are not cracked, the wood is not properly dry. Also, never burn painted woods since they may give off toxic fumes while burning. Rauch suggests having your chimney swept at least once a year and twice a year if it is used frequently. A chimney sweep will also inspect your fireplace for any other potential problems. In October the days will become shorter as we turn our clocks back one hour. When you change your clocks, change the batteries in your smoke detector and CO detector. “Changing the batteries when you change your clocks insures that your smoke and CO detectors will have fresh batteries at least twice a year,” says Rauch. Most homes have smoke detectors, but many families elect not to install CO detectors, believing that they are not necessary. However, every year, hundreds of people die as a result of unintentional CO poisoning. CO is short for carbon monoxide, a gas created when gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil or methane burns incompletely. It is also the gas given off from the exhaust of vehicles. If your home has gas heating, a gas stove, a fireplace or an attached garage there is an 28 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
Upper St. Clair
By Pamela Palongue
increased risk of CO poisoning. CO is particularly dangerous because, unlike natural gas, it has no odor. CO detectors are inexpensive and easy to install. Candles in the window are a welcome sight on a chilly autumn evening. According to the United States Fire Administration’s latest figures, approximately 23,600 residential fires are caused by candles and result in over 150 deaths annually. There’s no need to throw out the scented candles though if a few small precautions are taken to prevent fires. One of the most important things to remember is to never leave a candle unattended, which includes going to a different area of the house or falling asleep with a lighted candle. It is especially important never to leave a small child unattended in a room with a burning candle. It may seem obvious, but never place candles near flammable materials such as paper, books or clothing. This also includes placing a candle in a window where there are blinds or curtains which may catch fire. Another safety concern is the candleholder. Make sure that the container you are using for the candle is actually meant to be used as a candleholder and able to withstand heat. It should also be large enough to contain not only the candle, but the wax drippings as well. Place the candles on a flat, sturdy surface at a height where children and pets are unable to reach them or knock them over. Make sure the wicks are trimmed to no more than ¼” and avoid candles which may have combustible items embedded in them, such as pine cones. In a power outage, try to avoid walking and carrying a candle. Tripping is far more likely in a dimly lit room and the candle may easily ignite the room’s items if dropped. Finally, never use a candle when checking pilot lights or fueling kerosene heaters or lanterns. The flame can easily ignite the fumes and result in a major fire. In addition to fireplace, leaf burning and candle safety, Rauch also advises homeowners to continue to store propane tanks outside in the winter time. October 9 through the 15 marks National Fire Prevention Week. It is an excellent time to inspect your home and make sure that there are no potential fire hazards for you and your family. The Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Dept. website at www.uscvfd.org contains several tips for fire safety in the home. The fire department is highly-trained in fire safety and prevention and may be contacted through the website or at their non-emergency number 412.835.0660 with any questions. Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 29
by Heather Holtschlag
he chances are good that if you visited the Farmer’s Market located in the parking lot of Westminster Presbyterian Church between 4 and 7 p.m. on any given Thursday from June to September, you saw men in blue shirts walking
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Photos by Debbie Mountain
November, and the sale of 30 gallon, 33 gallon and kitchen trash bags and brooms, which can be purchased and delivered to homes and businesses throughout the year. The club also hosts a holiday party at Atria’s
goes to organizations that help the blind or the visually impaired.” The group’s current roster boasts 22 to 25 members, and all but one are male, although they would like for that to change. “We would
Goose Creek Gardens Ltd. Loafer's
around the grounds. Those men are the reason behind this Farmer’s Market. They are members of the Upper St. Clair Lions Club. The Lions Club was founded in Upper St. Clair in 1955, according to Ed Kubancek, 2011-2012 Lions Club president. The national organization was founded in Chicago in 1917 and is currently the largest service organization in the world with 1.3 million members in 45,000 clubs in more than 200 countries. “Perhaps the biggest benefit of joining this group is the comradeship among the members,” Kubancek said. “We enjoy working and socializing together.” Because Helen Keller is the inspiration behind The Lions Club, the main focus of the group is to fight blindness and provide aid to the blind and visually impaired. Locally, the Club hosts several fundraisers throughout its year, which runs from July 1 to June 30, including the Farmer’s Market, a leaf bag sale that takes place at the USC Department of Public Works Garage on Saturday mornings in October and
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every year, and raffles off a gift certificate to Atria’s at the end of the Farmer’s Market season. The raffle is free and people can enter when they visit the Farmer’s Market. The Club also collects used eyeglasses that are recycled and redistributed to those who need them. Drop-off points are located at various businesses in the surrounding communities, including the South Fayette Shop n Save; the libraries in Bridgeville, South Fayette and Scott Township; Everett and Hurite Optical in Peter’s Township; Bridgeville Presbyterian Church; Eyetique in South Hills Village; and Change Eye Group on Greentree Road. “Look for the blue and white collection box and make sure it says Upper St. Clair Lions Club,” Kubancek noted. The Lions Club of Upper St. Clair also raises money to pay for eye examinations and eyeglasses for the needy. There are several organizations, located in Upper St. Clair and in surrounding communities, that benefit from the efforts of the Lions Club, including Leader Dogs for the Blind, Western Pennsylvania School for the Blind, Radio Information Service, South Hills Interfaith Ministries Food Bank, Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh, USCBethel Meals on Wheels and the USC Library. “Our members genuinely enjoy doing the work that brings in the money to aid the blind,” Kubancek said. “Every penny we collect
Upper St. Clair
Billy’s Country Smokehouse from Greensburg, PA.
Jessie Luber of Blue Bird Organic Farm offers certified organic produce.
welcome any woman who would like to join our group,” Kubancek said. “We acquire many of our new members through our current membership. The new members have dinner with us and decide whether they would like to join. We do not require that any specific criteria be met to join our group; membership is open to anyone.” According to Kubancek, the majority of the members are veterans of the club, having joined between 15 and 25 years ago. He is one of their newer members, having joined just five years ago. The club has five officers who serve a oneyear term: a president; a first vice president who will become president the following year; a second vice president, who will become president in two
Simmons Farm
Bidview Acres Farm and Flowers
Sandhill Berries of Mt. Pleasant, PA sells homemade pies, jams and jellies
years; a secretary and a treasurer. A nominating committee nominates the officers and that list of names is read at three different meetings, to ensure that all of the members are pleased with the selection. “Although my year as president has just started, it has been a good one so far,” Kubancek noted. “My plans for the year include placing special emphasis on recruitment. I would love to increase our membership, so I plan to make one of our monthly meetings a recruitment meeting, where current members would bring at least one prospective member with them. My fundraising goal is to raise about $8,000.”
Zach Volzer of Wild River Kettle Korn offers Caroline Mountain a free sample.
The club hosts dinner meetings twice a month – the first and third Wednesdays – at 7 p.m. at Peter’s Place, during which various speakers are invited to come in and give presentations. The speakers are usually representatives from the organizations that the club service, and the representatives often provide updates on how the club’s money has been put to use and how it has helped those in need. Representatives from Beacon Lodge, a camp for the blind located in eastern Pennsylvania, also frequently speak at the meetings about the services the camp provides, what life is like for a blind camper and the environment that they set up for
campers to remain as independent as possible. In addition, club members receive two magazines, one national and one regional publication, and an online video magazine called Lions Quarterly. Dues are $60 a year, and all a person has to do to join the group is simply express interest and fill out an application. “If someone likes to go out and be social, this is the club to join,” Kubancek said. “The social element of the group is my favorite aspect. There is always an opportunity to develop new friendships that will last for many years to come.” For more information about the Upper St. Clair Lion’s Club, or to inquire about joining, call Ed Kubancek at 412.257.8787.
Little Athens Restaurant, Sewickley, makes all types of Greek food. River View Dairy sells fine artisanal goat cheese.
Pita Land makes gyros and other Lebanese food.
Christoff's Farm, Bridgeville
USC Lion's Club members Burt Bowman, Bill Andrews and Charlie Popovich.
Tim We’s Hawaiian Shaved Ice hits the spot on a hot day.
Paul's Orchard of Burgettstown offers fruits and veggies. Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 31
B y L e i g h Ly o n s
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Upper St. Clair
f you are not a member of a local Lions Club, chances are that you know someone who is. The Lions Club is a world-renowned organization that was established in 1917 and is, in fact, the largest service organization in the world. There are over 1.3 million members spread throughout 45,000 clubs, and displayed in over 200 countries around the world. Upper St. Clair Lions Club President, Ed Kubancek, said that, “Every activity that the club participates in is designed to benefit the blind.” The Upper St. Clair Lions Club has done a variety of service activities to draw attention, and contribute money, to the cause of blindness. The USC Lions Club has recycled eyeglasses in the past, supported eye banks and clinics, and have also supported hospitals and eye research centers as well. The local chapter in U pper St. Clair was established back in 1955 and has made significant contributions to local visually related organizations. This summer, a new and exciting opportunity presented itself to the USC Lions Club, and they were eager to accept the challenge. One summer night, while attending the Upper St. Clair Farmer’s Market, a young lady approached the USC Lions Club tent with a dog, actually a leash, in h and. This young lady’s name was Marielle Snyder, a high-school freshman at Upper St. Clair. The dog accompanying Marielle was a five-month-old Labrador puppy, named Murphy. Marielle is responsible for Murphy, and his well-being, for the next seven months or so until he is returned to the Leader Dogs For The Blind in Rochester, Michigan, where he hopefully will be given to his next owner in the hopes of aiding him/her in the journey of life. Murphy’s next owner will be legally blind, which is a requirement of the Leader Dogs For The Blind program, and Murphy will undoubtedly help the new owner in ways that most of us cannot even imagine. Dogs that make it through the Leader Dog training program are incredibly valuable to the blind community in helping guide them throughout daily life. It would be impo ssible for the Leader Dogs For The Blind program in Rochester to raise all of these puppies from birth, train them, care for them on a daily basis, and then distribute them to their new owners. Because of this, goodhearted people like Marielle Snyder and her family offer to step in to raise and train these dogs for one year, and then return the dogs to the Leader Dog program in Michigan for final train ing and distribution. While these “foster” dog parents have the dogs, they are responsible for their health and wellbeing. If you are currently a pet owner, then you are aware that veterinarian costs can often be very expensive, even if your pet does not have any major illnesses. This is where the Upper St. Clair Lions Club stepped in to help Marielle Snyder and her five-month-old puppy, Murphy. The Lion s Club recognized the incredible deed that Marielle had undertaken by agreeing to raise and train Murphy for a year, and they decided, as a group, that they would sponsor the veterinarian expenses of Murphy until he is returned to Rochester, Michigan. Guide dogs, like Murphy, must be trained and exposed to a great deal of things within their first year of life. “Foster” dog
parents, such as Marielle, are responsible for housetraining their dog and teaching them manners, such as staying off of furniture, and not jumping on counters and tabletops. They also must practice basic obedience with their puppies, such as commanding them to “sit,” “stay,” “heel,” and “come.” Another important aspect in training these young puppies is to expose them to a variety of people, animals, a nd environments so that they will be better prepared once out on their final mission of guiding their eventual blind owner through everyday life. Besides the financial responsibility, the Leader Dogs For The Blind program thinks that the most important details for a person raising a Leader puppy is consistency in the puppy’s training, and being able to provide daily care for the puppy. The program reall y is not possible without the help of the “foster” dog parents. If someone lives near Rochester, Michigan, then they are able to come to Leader Dogs For The Blind for veterinarian checks, and obedience classes, but when someone like Marielle who lives a great distance away chooses to help raise the puppy, there are more obstacles to consider before taking on the year long job. The fact that the Upper St. Cla ir Lions Club stepped in to help sponsor the Labrador puppy, Murphy, helps Marielle and her family, and ultimately, helps the dog as well. Mr. Kubancek indicated that the USC Lions Club would gladly help anyone else who would be willing to volunteer to raise a dog for Leader Dogs For The Blind program in the future. Mr. Kubancek believes that the final product of a dog who is successfully trained in the Leader Dog s For The Blind program is worth about $30,000; however, the actual worth of such an exceptional guide dog is really immeasurable, as it cannot be calculated just exactly how beneficial this dog will be for it’s blind or visually impaired owner. If you think that you, or someone you know, might be interested in learning more about the Leader Dogs For The Blind program, feel free to go to the organization’s website at www.leaderdog.org, or call them at 1.888.777.5332. If you are interested in joining up in helping the Upper St. Clair Lions Club in any of their activities benefiting the blind and visually impaired please contact Mr. Ed Kubancek at 412.257.8787, who is the President of the USC Lions Club, and can inform you of their upcoming events.
Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 33
By Leigh Lyons
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Upper St. Clair
ach year, the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League, better known as the W.P.I.A.L., crowns an AAA Girls Soccer Champion. This year, the Upper St. Clair Lady Panthers hope to be the team raising the championship trophy at season’s end. The Upper St. Clair girl’s soccer program has had a storied past since girl’s soccer became a W.P.I.A.L. sport nearly thirty years ago. Upper St. Clair has won five W.P.I.A.L. championships, which puts them only one title behind rival Mt. Lebanon for the most in the W.P.I.A.L. The team this year features something phenomenal that doesn’t come along often in sports; this year’s team will feature thirteen seniors, a number unheard of in any team sport except football. U.S.C. girl’s soccer has always had a plethora of talent, but with thirteen seniors this year, saying
this team has a “deep bench” would be a severe understatement. The seniors have trained together long before they stepped onto the field as freshmen. Senior midfielder Katey Woistman said, “The majority of the seniors have been playing together since YMCA soccer when we were 5.” The seniors and their families realized long ago that they had something special brewing. “Our parents tell us it was obvious to them when we were in our elementary years that we would be a powerhouse class because the township had to create two Travel A teams for our age group. The commitment to the sport and each other has been strong since the beginning,” senior defender Addie Brown said. With these young women having forged strong bonds long ago, this season will be the culmination of years of hard work and friendship. U.S.C. has not won a W.P.I.A.L. championship since 2002, but many around the community believe this could be the year they reclaim the title. These girls are anxious and ready to write their own chapter in Upper St. Clair girl’s soccer history. Senior midfielder Hannah Wilhelm said, “It would be nice to have our year hanging on the W.P.I.A.L. banner in the U.S.C. gym like years past, but if we can pull this off, then it’s going to mean so much more than that because it’s with girls that I respect and love, and have for years.” Usually, in high school soccer, if a team has four or five solid, experienced seniors to lead the team, they are considered very fortunate. So what can be said about a team that has thirteen such players? These girls aren’t saying much; they are staying focused with their eyes on the ultimate prize. “All thirteen of us have the same mind set of determination, perseverance, and dedication-- hoping to make our last year together be one to remember,” Brown said. Senior Jackie Pion agrees: “We are all so close on and off the field, and we know how to cooperate with one another to motivate the team, and set a good example for the younger players.” The amazing thing about this group of seniors is not just the sheer volume of the class size, but that they have something that cannot be taught: chemistry. Any sports fan knows that team chemistry is a fickle thing; a team can have the best players possible, but still not succeed, which often leaves people scratching their heads, wondering what could have been. The fact that these girls can continue to build and sustain team chemistry is rea lly what sets them apart. Senior Katey Woistman speaks on the team’s chemistry: “I have never been on a team that has had this much chemistry on, and off, the field. As a team, we always come ready to work and practice as if it were a championship game.” Chemistry aside, the team has talent and experience; many of the seniors have had multiple years on the varsity squad, with five seniors having been on varsity since their freshman year. Nine starters from last year’s team will return. Senior Hannah Wilhelm said, “The experience helps us because we all know our positions, and what we need to do on the field in order to achieve what we want to this year.” This group is skillful, quick, dedicated, fair and competitive, and perhaps the best quality about them as a group is that they don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. What matters is that the team comes away with the win. They don’t care who scores the winning goal, but just that they can celebrate the victory as a team. What matters is that they stick together, through wins and losses, through rain or shine, ‘til season do they part. What matters is that these thirteen seniors end this season like they started their freshman season, and many years even before that—together. Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 35
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FA L L 2 0 1 1
Health and Wellness News You Can Use
What’s Inside
© 2011 UPMC
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Serious Games for Stroke Recovery
page 3
Use Your Head to Stop Strokes
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Healthy Eating for Busy Families Achoo! Don’t Get the Flu
page 5
Giving Women Options for Fibroid Treatment Magee’s Fibroid Treatment Center helps women determine the right solution for themselves
page 6
A New Level of Pinpoint Accuracy That’s Patient Friendly
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Take the Hit of a Concussion Seriously
Serious Games for Stroke Recovery Robotics and gaming offer fun — and effective — therapy for patients in rehabilitation It’s hard to resist playing video games that allow us to escape from the ordinary. That bit of fun and distraction is exactly what doctors are prescribing for patients at the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s Center for Stroke Rehabilitation — and the results are impressive. Located at UPMC Mercy, the center regularly uses robotics and gaming technologies, along with traditional therapies, as part of its treatment plan.
An individualized approach “Because strokes result in a loss of important physical and mental abilities, they can be devastating to patients and their families,” says Jennifer Shen, MD, the center’s medical director. “No two stroke patients are alike, so we create a specific multidisciplinary treatment plan for each patient that can include speech, occupational, and physical therapies.” The one common element in stroke rehabilitation is repetition, which is essential to increased strength, motor learning, and recovery. But while repetition is key to the healing process, it can soon lead to boredom.
Defeating the boredom factor To keep patients engaged and involved in their therapy, the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute established the Robotics and Gaming Center at UPMC Mercy. The center’s technologies — which include the GameCycle®, Lokomat®, Nintendo® Wii , Armeo®Spring, and Armeo®Boom — allow for precise, measured, and varied repetition that can be adjusted for individualized care. The ArmeoBoom is in clinical use nowhere else in Pittsburgh, and in very few places across the country. (See the box below to learn more about some of these technologies and their role in a patient’s rehabilitation.) TM
UPMC’s Robotics and Gaming Center Robotics and gaming technology are fast becoming valuable tools in stroke rehabilitation. In addition to the ArmeoBoom, the robotics and gaming technologies available at UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s Center for Stroke Rehabilitation include: GameCycle: A stationary hand cycle that’s used with a commercial video game to combine cardiovascular and balance exercises with flexibility and strength training. The GameCycle was invented at the University of Pittsburgh. Lokomat: A robotic treadmill for people who can’t walk on their own that allows them to build leg muscles while retraining the brain to control leg movements. ArmeoSpring: Like the ArmeoBoom, it provides fun and motivating therapeutic exercises for arms and hands to help patients relearn tasks.
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Dr. Michael Boninger shows how the ArmeoBoom’s games and simulated tasks allow rehab patients to work hard and have fun.
“Rehabilitation can be tedious because it takes a lot of repetition to teach the body to move again,” explains Michael Boninger, MD, director of the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute. “Using robotic equipment, such as the ArmeoBoom, for rehabilitation is kind of sneaky. It allows patients to enjoy playing a game while they’re actually working very hard at rehabilitation.” To use the ArmeoBoom, patients strap their arm into a sling attached to an overhead boom. Robotic supports allow patients to move their arm while playing reach-and-retrieval computer games such as solitaire and placing apples in a shopping cart, along with simulated tasks, such as cooking or cleaning. “Besides injecting a much-needed sense of fun and adventure into the challenges of rehabilitation, the computer games on the ArmeoBoom provide quick feedback that gives patients a sense of accomplishment that is very important,” says Jaclyn Glosser, MS, OTR/L, CBIS, an occupational therapist at the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute who works with patients on the ArmeoBoom. Dr. Shen agrees that instant feedback is important in stroke rehabilitation. “It can be very hard for stroke patients to see that they are making progress,” she notes, “but with the ArmeoBoom, patients see what they can do. With even the smallest movement, patients recognize that they are getting better.” For more information about the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s Center for Stroke Rehabilitation, call 1-877-AT-REHAB (1-877-287-3422) or visit www.UPMC.com/RehabInstitute.
Use Your Head to Stop Strokes Be smart about your heart — and stroke treatment — to protect your brain The myths about stroke are numerous. Among the most popular — and perhaps one of the most dangerous — is that stroke is something that happens only to older adults. In fact, a recent report by the American Stroke Association showed a sharp rise in stroke hospitalizations among men and women ages 15 to 44, while rates declined by 25 percent among older adults. “The biggest mistake people make is thinking it won’t happen to them,” says Tudor Jovin, MD, director of the UPMC Stroke Institute. “Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age,” he says.
“You’re at risk any time your blood pressure or cholesterol are up. It’s far better to prevent a stroke than to deal with the consequences.” — Lawrence Wechsler, MD
Lowering your risk is the best way to avoid the life-changing impact a stroke can have on you and your family. When a stroke does occur, fast action is critical to minimize damage. The window of opportunity for the most successful stroke treatment is just three hours after onset.
Think FAST
Prevention: What you can do
Use this simple acronym to help determine whether you’re witnessing a stroke:
“Heart disease increases your chances of having a stroke, so it’s important to control the risk factors,” says Lawrence Wechsler, MD, chair of the Department of Neurology at UPMC. While you can’t do anything about your age, family history, or ethnicity (African-Americans have a higher incidence of stroke), you can control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking.
Face:
Can the person smile (or does one side of the face droop)?
Arms:
Can the person raise both arms (or does one side drift downward)?
Speech: Can the person speak clearly or repeat a simple phrase?
“You’re at risk any time your blood pressure or cholesterol are up. It’s far better to prevent a stroke than to deal with the consequences,” Dr. Wechsler says.
Time:
Treatment: Time lost is brain lost
Act FAST
Every minute after the start of a stroke means greater risk of permanent damage or death. One of the best treatments for ischemic strokes — where a clot blocks blood flow to the brain — is the quick administration of the clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). While UPMC doctors have had success beyond three hours with a special procedure to retrieve the blockage or dissolve it with drugs administered directly into the clot, time is critical.
Strokes require immediate medical attention, so knowing the warning signs is crucial, says Maxim D. Hammer, MD, director of stroke services at UPMC Mercy. Stroke symptoms can include sudden onset of:
For patients experiencing a hemorrhagic stroke caused by bleeding in the brain, fast action is needed to repair the leaking blood vessel.
Call 911 If you suspect someone has suffered a stroke, call for emergency medical help immediately so treatment can begin without delay. Specialized stroke centers — such as UPMC’s Stroke Institute at UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC Shadyside, UPMC St. Margaret, and UPMC Mercy — have experts available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to diagnose and treat patients. The UPMC Stroke Telemedicine Program also uses technology to provide fast treatment to patients at other UPMC hospitals throughout western Pennsylvania.
Call 911 immediately, if someone exhibits any of these warning signs!
• Paralysis or weakness in the face or limbs, especially on one side of the body • Problems with balance or walking • Vision problems • Slurred speech • Problems communicating or understanding • Severe headache To learn more about stroke prevention and treatment, visit www.UPMC.com/Today.
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Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan
Healthy Eating for Busy Families America is getting fatter and Pennsylvania is helping to lead the way as one of the nation’s top 20 “most obese” states. Our busy lifestyles encourage unhealthy eating habits, like eating on the run and high-fat/high-sugar snacking. But with a little effort, you can gradually transform your family’s diet from “fat” to “fit”!
Achoo!
Don’t Get the Flu
Start your day off right Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Kids who eat breakfast — especially those packed with “brain food” like protein, vitamin C, and omega 3 — are more alert and focused in school; adults have more energy and concentrate better.
Unpredictable. That’s the best way to describe flu season, which officially begins in late October and winds down in May. Winter is prime flu season, but it can peak as early as October or as late as April.
• Is cereal your family’s breakfast of choice? Look for low-sugar, high-fiber options and top with fresh fruit and low-fat milk (1% or fat-free). • Get your creative juices flowing with easy-to-make fruit and yogurt smoothies. • Crunched for time? Grab a hard-boiled egg and toast, or top an apple or banana with peanut butter for a tasty “breakfast to go.”
It’s impossible to know what the 2011-12 flu season has in store for us. What we do know is that the flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe reactions, and it can even be fatal. Every year, more than 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized with the flu. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get vaccinated every year.
Think smart when it comes to fast-food lunches No time to pack your own lunch? Use these healthy strategies when dining out: • Say no to fried, sautéed, or creamy foods. Opt for roasted, grilled, broiled, steamed, or baked meals. • Beware of add-ons (like mayo, butter, and salad dressing) that quickly increase calorie counts. • Replace sodas with water or fat-free or 1% milk. Even diet sodas can be bad for you! • Go online for the nutrition information on your favorite meal. Don’t just focus on calories: look at factors like fat and sodium content.
Who is at risk? Even healthy children and adults can become very sick from the flu and spread it to family and friends. You can pass on the flu before even knowing you are sick!
Who should get the flu vaccine? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone over the age of six months gets vaccinated. Those at higher risk for serious complications from the flu include: • People age 65 and older • Children younger than five, but especially children younger than two • People with health conditions such as asthma, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, as well as kidney, liver, and neurological disorders • Pregnant women
Make dinner a family affair
Others who should get a flu shot: • Health care workers
Eating together as a family offers countless benefits — including serving more balanced, nutritious meals and the chance for parents to serve as “healthy eating” role models.
• Residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, as well as family and friends who have contact with a resident
• Talk to your children about portion control, with fruits and vegetables comprising half of every plate. • Reduce the amount of meat your family eats by gradually introducing healthy alternatives into your meals, like fish, whole grains, and beans. • Look for seasonal produce that is grown locally. In the fall, that means vegetables like pumpkins and squash, and fruits like apples and pears. Interested in learning more about nutritious eating? Check out the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new guidelines at www.choosemyplate.gov.
• Caregivers of young children, especially infants under six months who are at the highest risk of flu-related complications
What is the best time to get vaccinated? The sooner you get a flu shot, the sooner you’ll be protected. However, experts agree: it’s never too late. If you have questions about getting a flu shot, talk to your doctor. To locate a physician in your area, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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www.UPMC.com/Today
Giving Women Options for Fibroid Treatment Magee’s Fibroid Treatment Center helps women determine the right solution for them Robin Eberle of Butler, Pa., never had a problem with her periods. But when this mother of five hit her mid-40s, her periods became heavier and lasted longer. “There were times I couldn’t even leave the house,” she recalls.
In the past, the leading treatment for UFTs has been a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). “It’s still the only way to totally prevent fibroids from recurring,” says Philip Orons, DO, chief of interventional radiology at Magee. “But women who are planning to have Before embolization children or who are some years away from menopause may want to consider other options.”
Fibroids
Her gynecologist prescribed an ultrasound, then an MRI. Based on those results, he diagnosed Robin with uterine fibroid tumors (UFTs) and referred her to the Fibroid Treatment Center at MageeWomens Hospital of UPMC.
For Robin, her treatment of choice was a uterine fibroid embolization, a minimally invasive procedure requiring little downtime. Using a thin catheter, about the size of a spaghetti strand, Dr. Orons injected small particles into the blood vessels that “feed” the fibroids to stop the flow of blood to them. “The procedure literally changed my life,” says Robin.
As many as three out of every four women have UFTs, but the majority never even know it. For women like Robin, though, these non-cancerous growths in the wall of the uterus can literally take over their lives.
The Fibroid Treatment Center
After embolization
Established in 2008, the Fibroid Treatment Center offers the region’s most comprehensive approach to UFTs. “We bring together gynecologists and interventional radiologists with extensive expertise in treating fibroids,” says Richard Guido, MD, the center’s founder and director. “Our focus is educating women on their full options so they can choose the best treatment plan for themselves.” The center’s structure also offers women much-valued convenience. “During a one-day visit, you can have necessary diagnostic tests done, the results of these tests evaluated, and then meet with our physicians for a counseling session to determine your best plan of action,” says Dr. Guido.
The center offers a full range of other options, including pain medication, hormonal therapy, and surgery. It also has a research component that includes trial procedures unavailable elsewhere.
To learn more Women are encouraged to first have a conversation with their doctor if they think they may have UFTs. If you’re looking for a physician in your area, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). You can also visit the Fibroid Treatment Center’s webpage at www.UPMC.com/Magee. The center also will host a Community Health Talk at Magee on Thursday, Sept. 29. For details, call 412-641-4435.
Do You Have UFTs? Chris D’Amico, RN, MSN, CRNP, UPMC Mercy’s obstetrics/ gynecology administrator, says that uterine fibroid tumors can be as small as a marble or as large as a grapefruit. “It’s not clear why fibroids occur, although family history seems to play a role,” she explains. “They’re also seen more frequently among African-American women.” She advises that women be alert to these early symptoms: • Heavy bleeding • A sense of pelvic pressure • Pain during intercourse
“Symptoms usually appear in the late 30s and 40s, and they often can be controlled through hormonal therapy or other medication,” says Ms. D’Amico. “But others require more aggressive treatment, such as surgery or uterine fibroid embolization.” For most women, the symptoms of fibroids significantly diminish during menopause. It’s important to know that other conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of UFTs. That’s why it’s vital to have regular checkups, and keep an open line of communication with your gynecologist or family doctor. For more information, visit www.UPMCMercy.com.
1-800-533-UPMC
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A New Level of Pinpoint Accuracy That’s Patient Friendly TrueBeam allows UPMC cancer specialists to enhance treatment and patient comfort TM
Martha Makin of Somerset, Pa., says she’s “done it all” since being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2007. Not a candidate for surgery, the 69-year-old grandmother first received chemotherapy, followed by multiple radiation treatments that required her to remain still on a hard surface for long periods. But her most recent radiation treatment in April used a new form of technology that left her impressed and enthusiastic. “I was amazed at how fast and comfortable it was,” she says. “It’s definitely my choice for future treatments!”
Determining the right treatment “We see many cancer patients who are not good candidates for conventional surgery, particularly among the elderly,” explains Neil Christie, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon with UPMC. “Additional medical complications or hard-to-reach tumors just make surgery too risky.” Radiation therapy is often used in such instances to shrink or eliminate tumors. For Martha, her age and type of tumor made her a good candidate for the Novalis® powered by TrueBeam STx system, selected by UPMC cancer specialists for the precision, speed, and comfort it offers patients. TM
“TrueBeam is one of the most advanced radiation technology available,” says Dwight E. Heron, MD, FACRO, professor of radiation oncology and otolaryngology, and vice chairman for clinical affairs, Department of Radiation Oncology at UPMC Cancer Centers. “It’s letting us treat challenging cancers of the brain, lungs, spine, neck, and prostate with much greater precision.”
Another UPMC first When UPMC introduced TrueBeam STx to Pittsburgh last November, it became one of the first 20 medical centers worldwide to do so. But like all technologies, TrueBeam is just a tool. Its real potential is realized through the talents of those who use it. “In the late 1980s, UPMC was the first center in the United States to use Gamma Knife® technology for radiosurgery of the brain. Since then, we’ve advanced our knowledge through research and the innovative use of technology,” notes Dr. Heron. “Our multidisciplinary team approach gives patients a highly individualized plan of treatment based on their specific needs. TrueBeam now extends the kind of care we can offer them.”
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How it works Some cancerous tumors are located in a hard-to-reach part of the body, while others “float” in an organ, or shift position when a person breathes or coughs. Just like a sharpshooter often struggles to hit a moving target, such cancers make it hard to directly aim radiation at a tumor. “But TrueBeam’s built-in imager produces sharp, ‘real-time’ 3D images that fine-tune a patient’s position during treatment, even while breathing,” explains Dr. Heron. “It’s able to track a tumor’s exact location within a millimeter.” UPMC specialists are combining TrueBeam technology with RapidArc®, another radiotherapy technique that delivers a powerful, faster, more uniform dose of radiation. Radiosurgery and other radiation treatments can now be accomplished two to eight times faster, with fewer side effects reported by patients. “These and other minimally invasive treatments are really redefining how we treat cancer,” notes Dr. Christie. “We’re no longer limited by conventional procedures.”
To learn more The TrueBeam system is housed at the Mary Hillman Jennings Radiation Oncology Center at UPMC Shadyside. UPMC provides access to a number of physicians that can refer interested patients to the center. For a list, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).
Take the Hit of a Concussion Seriously UPMC Mercy is focusing on athletes, parents, and coaches as the front line in building awareness In 2010, an alarming number of professional athletes from a variety of sports were diagnosed with concussion, with some top players forced to sit out important games or their entire season. When a high-profile professional athlete suffers a concussion, it makes front-page news and raises awareness of the dangers of concussion to any athlete in any sport.
It can happen to anyone “A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI),” says Cara Camiolo Reddy, MD, medical director of the brain injury program at the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute at UPMC Mercy, and medical advisor to the Sports Medicine Concussion Program at the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine. “And it can happen to anyone at any age — from elite athletes to weekend warriors, high school athletes to grade-school soccer players.” Most mild concussions go unreported or undiagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which estimates at least 10 to 20 percent of all individuals involved in contact sports suffer some type of concussion. But the majority of sports- and recreation-related concussions happen at the high school level. “As doctors, we’ve learned significantly more about concussions over the past 20 years,” says Dr. Camiolo. “As a result, everyone — athletes, parents, coaches, trainers, and sports fans — is more aware of the signs and symptoms of concussions than ever before.”
A heads-up for athletes No two concussions are alike and symptoms aren’t always definitive, so young athletes may just shrug them off. Peer pressure can also be especially strong motivation for a teenager to hide the symptoms of a concussion. When an athlete suffers a broken leg or a broken arm, it’s obvious the player is hurt. “But a concussion isn’t visible, so it’s hard for a player to be sidelined with an injury that no one can see,” says Dr. Camiolo. “That’s why it’s so important to provide an atmosphere where young athletes are comfortable admitting their symptoms and asking for help.”
Did You Know? • You do not have to experience loss of consciousness to have a concussion. In fact, most concussions, even ones with serious lingering effects, do not involve loss of consciousness. • Any athlete thought to have sustained a concussion should be removed from practice or the game, and a medical evaluation must be done before that athlete can return to the sport. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, referral to a concussion specialist is warranted. • At last count, 27 states had passed concussion legislation, and in several others (including Pennsylvania) legislation is pending.
Education is key The UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program has been at the forefront in educating athletes, families, coaches, trainers, and health care professionals on how to prevent, recognize, and respond to a concussion. “We take advantage of every opportunity to talk about how serious concussions are, and how devastating this injury can be,” she says.” During a recent visit, a young patient explained his injury to Dr. Camiolo saying, ‘I got hit, but thought I was okay — until my teammates told me I wasn’t acting right and said I should go sit down.’ “If young athletes are educated about concussions to the point where they are looking out for each other, it tells me that we’re getting the message across,” she adds. She also stresses that the effects of having another concussion in close proximity to the first can be very dangerous. Her advice to coaches and parents of young athletes? “When in doubt, sit them out!”
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UPMC Mercy 1400 Locust St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219
UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC. This publication is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment. Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health.
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From horseback riding to whitewater rafting, Megan was always up for an adventure. But an unfortunate ATV accident left her with a broken back and neck, and unable to move her legs. After recovering from 17 hours of surgery, Megan elected to go to the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute for inpatient rehabilitation. It was a daily struggle, but working with world-class doctors, therapists, and state-of-the-art equipment, she worked to sit up, stand, and walk again. She’s come so far, in fact, she’s not only riding her horse again, but she is soon jumping into life’s ultimate adventure. This October, Megan will be, quite literally, walking down the aisle to be married.
To learn more about the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s seven locations, including UPMC Mercy, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) or visit UPMC.com/MyRehab. Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
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Second Annual
Photos by Debbie Mountain
Life guarding is usually very serious business requiring impeccable swimming ability and extensive CPR and first aid knowledge and training. The Second Annual Life Guard Showdown gave some local life guards the opportunity to sharpen those life saving and swimming skills while competing against other life guards and having some fun in and out of the pool. The competition held at the pools at the Community and Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park featured seven events including a written exam, first aid and CPR tests, a number of swimming relays and an obstacle course in the pool referred to as “the great challenge relay.”
“The event is designed to be fun and educational,” said Chris Biswick, Aquatic Supervisor of the facility.
Mike Kelly, John Quinn and Lilly Olsakovsky taking written test.
Five teams made of three life guards each competed. Two teams from Upper St. Clair took first and second place while one of two Whitehall teams took third place. A team from Avonwoth also took part. Sam Mesiner, Tim Mancini and Mary Eddins (USC team 2 taking written test).
Sam Mesineri, John Quinn and Mike Kelly during 300 relay
Chris Biswick, Aquatic Director
USC team 1 in back board challenge.
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Upper St. Clair
Winners of this year’s Life Guard Showdown, Mike Kelly, John Quinn and Lilly Olsakovsky of USC.
John Quinn, Mike Kelly, Sam Mesineri and Mary Eddins.
Mike Kelly, John Quinn and Lilly Olsakovsky performing the CPR portion of the challenge.
The Great Challenge
Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 47
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Upper St. Clair
HOUSES
We are interested in highlighting your church! If you are a member of the clergy from this area and would like to contribute an inspirational message that all of our readers might enjoy, please contact Marybeth Jeffries, Managing Editor at marybeth@ incommunitymagazines.com for more information.
OF
WORSHIP
A Restoration Church ...............................................724.941.3480
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.............................724.941.7467
Berean Fellowship Church ......................................412.220.4673
Peters Creek Baptist Church...................................412.833.6111
Beth-El Congregation of South Hills ......................412.561.1168
Ruthfred Lutheran Church .......................................412.835.7140
Bethel Presbyterian Church....................................412.835.0405
South Hills Assembly of God ...................................412.835.8900
Beverly Heights Presbyterian Church ...................412.561.5100
South Hills Bible Chapel...........................................724.941.8990
Bower Hill Community Church................................412.561.4114
South Hills Church of the Nazarene.......................412.831.6333
Center Presbyterian Church....................................724.941.9050
South Hills Community Baptist Church..................412.833.1313
Christ the King Church .............................................412.595.7181
Southminster Presbyterian Church........................412.343.8900
Christ Community Church of South Hills ...............412.519.4097
St. David’s Anglican Church....................................724.941.4060
Grace Fellowship Church ........................................412.334.3803
St. David’s Anglican Church....................................724.941.4060
Christ United Methodist Church .............................412.835.6621
St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church...............412.221.2277
Covenant Family Church ..........................................724.263.7147
St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church.................412.835.7800
Faith Lutheran Church..............................................412.835.4590
St. John Capistran Roman Catholic Church .........412.221.6275
First Church of Christ, Scientist ..............................412.561.1125
St. Louise DeMarillac Roman Catholic Church....412.833.1010
Good Shepherd Church............................................412.276.2446
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.....................................412.531.7153
Good Shepherd Church............................................724.941.9418
St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church ...........412.833.0031
Holy Child Parish .......................................................412.221.5213
Temple Emanuel ........................................................412.279.7600
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church .......................412.833.3355
Unitarian Universalist Church of the South Hills 412.561.6277
Hope Lutheran Church .............................................724.941.9441
Upper St. Clair Alliance Church..............................412.835.4775
Lebanon Presbyterian Church ................................412.466.7184
Westminster Presbyterian Church.........................412.835.6630
Mt. Lebanon Christian Church ................................412.531.8554 New Day Assembly of God......................................724.941.1661 New Song Community Church................................412.341.1293
If your place of worship was not on our list, please e-mail the information to marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com.
Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 49
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1According to Earth 911.com News, over 7 billion pounds of polyvinyl chloride (PVC, a type of plastic) are thrown away in the U.S. each year. Only about 1 quarter of 1 percent is recycled. It makes a person think. But one man wanted to do more than just think. He saw some of his neighbors taking advantage of the recycling program in his neighborhood, while many others didn’t seem to be interested in participating at all. He began to wonder if there was something that could be done to create awareness of the recycling program and how to inspire people to take part. Andrew Baram had always had a passion for recycling and taking care of the environment. A native of Philadelphia, Baram and his family moved to Mt. Lebanon nine years ago. “This is a garden spot!” says Baram, “I know people will want to preserve this if they are just aware of how easy it is.” That’s how the idea of a recycling competition came to Baram. He formulated an idea where the different boroughs of the south hills could compete for the largest increase in the amount of recycled items. He approached Mt. Lebanon Public Works Director Tom Kelley with the idea and it was quickly put into action with Mt. Lebanon coordinating the competition. Eight south hills communities are participating in the competition, Mt. Lebanon, Dormont, Baldwin, Brentwood, Jefferson Hills, Peters, Pleasant Hills, Scott and South Park. They will vie to win the Trash Bin Trophy. The competition was put forth in Jan. 2011 by the Waste Reduction Committee of Mt. Lebanon. There will be a prize for the largest percentage increase of homes participating in recycling and also the largest increase in total tonnage of recycled items. Since the boroughs all have different population size, this gives the competition a level playing field, since it will be based on comparing the borough’s previous year of recycling. Although Mt. Lebanon and South Park appear to be in the lead at the present time, all boroughs have experienced dramatic increases in the amount of recycled materials and the competition will continue until the end of the year. On a personal level, Baram really does practice what he preaches. He takes the bus to work to his downtown job, he regularly composts and his family of four produces less than a bag of garbage a week! “It’s so easy to recycle now that Single-Stream Recycling is in place,” says Baram. Single Stream basically means that residents no longer have to sort items into categories such as glass, paper, cardboard, etc. Baram also notes that many families are not recycling cardboard. “I know some people who are recycling, but they are not recycling cardboard.
Upper St. Clair
I just think awareness is the major issue here.” Another item for the recycling bin are aseptic containers. Aseptic containers are the square boxes used for liquids such as drink boxes and milk. We now have recycling plants that have the capability to re-use these containers in the Pittsburgh area. Baram, who describes himself as the unofficial chair of the Waste Reduction Committee of Mt. Lebanon, hopes that this competition will become an annual event and that recycling grows because of it. Some local corporate sponsors have pitched in to help promote the contest with a $500 sponsorship. They include PNC Bank, Waste Management, Allied Waste and Green Star Recycling. Besides corporate sponsors, Baram has also tried to integrate his recycling efforts with the local school district. He coordinated with Mt. Lebanon High School to produce a short video detailing the entire process of recycling. Eventually he feels that landfill space may become so scarce it will create a ‘pay as you go’ situation where residents will be asked to pay for exactly what they throw out. One European country already has a similar plan in place for reducing consumption. Ireland began charging 15-cents for each plastic bag disposed of in 2002. Just a year later, plastic bag use had dropped by 90 percent. The idea is that paying for what is thrown away, increases awareness of consumption. Ron Sarrick, Sustainability Administrator of Upper St. Clair, is hopeful about the chances of Upper St. Clair in the recycling competition. “We’re sort of in the middle of the pack right now, but we’re continuing to try to get the word out about the competition,” says Sarrick. They have placed an article in the local magazine and are currently preparing an announcement for the local cable channel. Although Sarrick feels that the community was doing a pretty good job before, he adds that there is always room for improvement. And on a positive note, the township has seen increases of between 8% and 9% in overall recycling. Sarrick states that Upper St. Clair will definitely participate in the competition next year and feels that since more people will be aware of the contest next year, the numbers will be even better. “We’re really still trying to get the word out for the second half of the competition between now and January, “ says Sarrick. “We can do better and that’s our aim. We want to get those items that are being placed in the trash inappropriately going to recycling rather than to the landfill.” 1Wills, A. (2010, May 24). The Numbers on Plastics. Earth911.com. Retrieved June 2010 from http://earth911.com/news/2010/05/24/the-numbers-on-plastics/
Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 51
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Upper St. Clair
The Rotary Club of Upper St. Clair-Bethel Park would like to invite you to our 23rd annual Chicken Bar-B-Que to be held on Saturday, October 8th, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Westminster Church on Washington Road near South Hills Village Mall. You will receive 1/2 chicken, cole slaw, baked beans, dinner roll, dessert and drink. Tickets are $10 in advance/$12 at the door. Feel free to dine in or take advantage of our drive thru service. This fundraiser benefits the St. Francis Early Learning Institute, Camp Aim, Southwinds, YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee, South Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM), Military Connections, Operation Troop Appreciation, Family Hospice, American Cancer Society and many other benevolent organizations. Sponsorship opportunities are available. If you are interested in promoting your business to over 3000 potential customers while at the same time donating to several charities please respond no later than September 15th. For tickets or additional information, contact Brian Schill at 412.833.6229 or BLSchill@aol.com. For additional information visit www.rotary-usc-bp.org.
Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 53
Jean Burke, Audrey Faccenda and Nora Ragase
Photos by Debbie Mountain
Flea Market
John and Pat Mann
Henry Harrison
Rose Cassidy and Nancy Provil Laura Johnson 54 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
Upper St. Clair
Most flea markets are good for a bargain or two but not all of them help people in need like the Annual Timeless Treasures Flea Market at St. Louise de Marillac on July 15 and 16. Before the doors were opened to the public, many pots and pans were donated to “Mission Make a Difference,” an organization which helps service men and women needing some help getting back on their feet when returning from active duty, according to Jerry Popovich, President of the Demarillac Guild. The Guild also donated other items to people in Flea need before the sale began. “The event is more than a flea Market market, it’s like social work for us,” said Popovich.
Matteo and Guiliana Amorosa
Proceeds from the event will benefit the church as well as a number of local and global charities. Dolores Weinheimer, Ann Marie Bargiband and Anne Bate
(Standing) Pinky Quealy, Jerry Popovich (President of the DeMarillac Guild), Mary Frances Glausser (Event Chair), Cathy Allen and Peggy Wolf. (Seated) Barbara Koenig
Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 55
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Upper St. Clair
or many, a trip to Italy would be a dream come true. For 16-year-old Vicky Li, however, that dream became a reality recently when she traveled there with the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra (PYSO) to take part in the Florence Youth Festival. Li, an Upper St. Clair High School senior, plays the viola, an instrument that is similar to the violin, though larger and darker in tone. Although she began playing about seven years ago, it was not until two years ago that she got involved with the PYSO. In that time, she has endured long rehearsals, but also has met several fellow musicians. “The group consists of kids in middle school, high school and first-year college students,” Li said. “We practice for three hours a week and perform three concerts a year at Heinz Hall that are free to the public. I used to play in other concerts, as well, but have not performed with a group other than the PYSO for quite some time.” A 101-piece orchestra, chaperones, staff, PYSO board members and family members made the trip to Italy, where they played four festival concerts in the Tuscany region – Zavattarello, San Gimignano, Montecatini and Florence – and played music by Bernstein, Vaughan Williams, Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, Barber, Berlioz and Respighi. The group also visited several other cities during their 10-day stay, including Milan, Venice, Rome and Pisa. “I was thrilled to be going on this once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip,” Li said. “Being somewhat of a history geek, I was thrilled just to imagine that I was walking the same floor as Michelangelo did in the Sistine Chapel or some Roman citizen in the stands of the Coliseum. But even without all of that history, Italy was beautiful. Experiencing their culture just by listening to them speak their Italian language was pretty surreal. The trip definitely sparked my interest in Italy, and I am going to try and study abroad there in college or find some research opportunity during the summer that would allow me to go there during college.” Although she did not need to compete for the trip to Italy, Li did have to take part in a highly competitive audition to become a member of the PYSO. “The audition was very nerve-wracking. Everyone was so nice, but somehow that made me even more nervous,” Li said. “Dan Meyer, who was the conductor at the time of my audition, said that I played well and asked me to audition again a couple of months later, so at least I knew my status immediately following my audition. Many others had to wait a couple of weeks for their audition results to arrive in the mail. I received an acceptance letter about a week after my second audition. My hands were shaking when it was opened; I was mixed between trying to read the print on the paper while trying not to look at all. I imagine that is what it will feel like when I start applying to colleges.” The Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1946 to provide educational opportunities and the finest orchestral training to young musicians in the Pittsburgh area. Li’s involvement with the PYSO requires weekly rehearsals, usually on Saturday afternoons, from September to May. The entire group is comprised of about 85 to 90 musicians, mostly between the ages of 13 and 20, who are coached by members and directed by conductors of the Pittsburgh
Continued on page 58 Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 57
Continued from page 57
Symphony Orchestra, an affiliation that the PYSO has enjoyed since 1962. “The best part of the PYSO is the people who are involved in it,” Li noted. “Regardless of temperament, I have made friends in PYSO who are some of my closest friends because of the amount of time we spend together during rehearsals. We all shoulder a bit of the burden to produce the best music possible, and that is a pretty powerful common interest. While on tour, we are mixed together with people who play in other sections of the orchestra who have never met before. Because of this, I have become friends with people whom I never would otherwise have the opportunity to interact during a normal, non-tour year of PYSO.” As for her future plans, Li said that she is beginning her search for a college and plans to pursue a double major of biology and physics. She also plans to pursue her passion for music and the viola in college by playing in pit, chamber music or college orchestras.
Send your tradition or recipe to m.jeffries@icmags.com
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Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 59
Kayla Warmbein and Keeley Carson
Michele Mellick and Erin Koller
Riley Bakayza and Catherine Ramser
Lauren Neubert
Becky Segerdahl and Dane Bakayza (dance parents)
Photos by Debbie Mountain Keeley Carson and Julie Segerdahl 60 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
Upper St. Clair
Casey Bakayza and Eden Auslander (Little sister helpers)
The Upper St. Clair High School Dance Team held a Car Wash fundraiser at the Chick-fil-A on Washington Road on Saturday, Aug. 27. The USC Dance Team raised money for their regional competition which will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio in February. The group dances at many school events and competitions throughout the school year and features girls in ninth through twelfth grades.
Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 61
Patricia Arnold 412-496-7683
Therese Hoetzlein 412-606-4702
Kris Freund Price 412-559-5661
Karen Auffenberg 412-303-0046
Darlene Kruth 412-874-0415
Judi Scheidler 412-654-8195
Verlie Brooks 412-708-9415
Bill Matyger 412-951-1005
Karen Demma 412-427-7139
Marlene McNaughton & Bonnie Detwiler 412-537-7333 412-298-6646
Jeff Earley 412-225-4553
Marilyn Mielnicki 412-377-3422
Cheryl Volchko 412-915-0931
Patricia Sharpe 412-576-1251
Dan Gillette 412-403-7071
Diane Miller 412-759-0137
Audrey & Frank Wadsworth 412-831-0100
Eric Graziano 412-523-9234
Dennis Moorcroft 412-302-7022
Deborah Yu 412-606-8824
FREE HOME WARRANTY! Mention this ad to any of the agents shown. $500 value.
REAL ESTATE
UPPER ST. CLAIR
IN Community Magazines proudly announces a comprehensive look at the Upper St. Clair real estate market. In this section, you’ll find interesting information about creating beautiful spaces to live in, and other interesting facts about your community. F E AT U R E S T O R Y
FALL LANDSCAPING IDEAS When the dog days of summer are behind us and that first crisp snap of fall is in the air, energy seems to make a rebound and even the animals seems livelier, more alert. During this time, there’s nothing more wonderful than taking advantage of those last days of warmth to get outside and enjoy the outdoors by doing a little yard work. This is a great time to rake up all those leaves on the ground. But don’t just throw them into a trash bag to be hauled away. Leaves are great for composting and may have as much as three times the amount of minerals as fertilizer. They need to be shredded to be easier to work with, but this is easily accomplished by running a mower back and forth a few times over a pile of leaves. Also, be sure to add a little nitrogen to your compost pile with the leaves. - by Pamela Palongue
If your summer flowers have faded, be sure to trim back dead leaves and blooms and add some fall flowers for some more vibrant color. Mums and sunflowers can be purchased in pots to accent any garden with a fall palette, but don’t forget purple as a great contrasting color to oranges, yellows and sienna. Some fall flowers with purple accents are pansies, purple coneflowers, asters and mums. All of these will grow well in zone 6. For some green accent, you might try growing some arugula in a pot or self-watering container. This spicy, leafy plant has long been popular in France and Italy and actually grows better in the fall than in the summer. The leaves will add zest to your salads and other fall dishes. Although the planting time for arugula is in the spring, seedlings can be purchased and transplanted, however they also do well if left in containers or pots.
Even if you’re not particularly good at growing plants and flowers, there are many ways to accent your lawn and garden with minimal effort and maintenance. Brightly colored pumpkins placed around pathways and steps give a whimsical touch to decorating. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight and directly on the ground and your pumpkin may well last for two to three months in the cool fall climate. Other low-maintenance decorations for fall are corn stalks and bales of hay. Hay bales also provide extra seating in outdoor areas. Summer may be over but your yard can still be a bright, cheerful place full of beautiful, living things.
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Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 63
REAL ESTATE
UPPER ST. CLAIR
By Pamela Palongue
o you have anyone addicted to power tools living in your home? Do their eyes glaze over when they enter the local hardware store? Do they sometimes try to replace the washers in your washerless faucets? Have they been known to use a jack hammer to refinish your hardwood floors? If this sounds familiar, there is help. In my own case, I will never forget the moment I realized I was married to a compulsive handyman. It was a summer day that began like any other. I had left early in the morning for some weekly grocery shopping and a few errands. I returned just a few short hours later to find my husband standing in the middle of the bathtub amid wall tiles and debris up to his knees. He froze in midswing of the sledge hammer with drywall dust still floating silently down around us. The bathroom wall had been taken down to the bare plumbing, presumably to fix a minor leak. When he saw my look of horror, he sheepishly told me that he had to break down the wall in order to gain access to the plumbing. When I pointed out that we would no longer be able to take showers, he reminded me how much money we were saving by not calling a licensed plumber. This incident was not the main cause of the divorce, as I largely blame myself for leaving him unsupervised in the house with access to heavy equipment. I have since learned that with a few easy, inexpensive changes, you too can leave your home with the comfort of knowing it will be reasonably intact upon your return. The easiest solution is to prevent the purchase of power tools in the first place. When your handyman casually mentions that he has to “stop by the lumberyard and pick up a few things,” distract him by mentioning the playoffs, offering to cook his favorite food or showing him the latest issue of the Victoria’s Secret catalog. Next, use the parental controls on your TV set to block out HGTV, DIY Network or any other channels that may convince your handyman that he can add a wing to the house over the weekend. Cover ALL appliances with several rolls of duct tape. (This will deter him from taking them apart.) Although this is not guaranteed to prevent the dismantling of your refrigerator, it will slow him down considerably. Finally, if all else fails, tell him the local electronics store has just introduced a new line of plasma screen TVs that are 9 x 20 feet, the exact dimensions of the north wall of your house. Keep in mind that he will likely be extremely disappointed upon learning that no such TV exists outside of the Starship Enterprise on Star Trek. He may instead buy an extreme number of video games and cameras, but at least he cannot destroy the house with Dungeons and Dragons.
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Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 65
REAL ESTATE
UPPER ST. CLAIR
MAKING YOUR HOME MORE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL GENERATIONS According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center in Washington, D.C., homes where multiple generations of family have blended together under one roof are on the rise. With economic constraints and the high cost of child care, it is easy to see why children, parents and grandparents living together in one dwelling makes sense in many situations. It’s also easy to see why multigenerational dwellings which appeal to the needs of all ages are quickly becoming the trend. From this perspective a ranch-style house with one floor is a good choice. Seniors with mobility problems will not have to deal with steps, but also parents will not have the added worry of their young children falling down stairs. Another important feature of multi-generational homes is the “mother-in-law suite.” This is generally an area of the house that is designed for an aging parent, giving them a degree of privacy and independence while
still being a part of the nuclear family household. They are sometimes located in a basement for easier access for those with mobility issues and often times will have a separate entrance, giving the appearance of a mini-apartment. They usually always include a bedroom and private bath, and may also have kitchenettes and small living areas as well. When accessibility becomes an issue with an older adult, there are many options for making the home more accessible without giving it the industrial-style, nursing home appearance. This is an important consideration when it comes to the re-sale of the house. First of all, if an individual is wheel-chair bound, doorways must be made larger to accommodate the chair. With a modern contemporary home,
this may be accomplished by removing walls for a more open floor plan—which appeals to buyers—or widening doorways with attractive archways. This will make the change look more intentional and less like a temporary fix for a mobility problem. Many times it becomes necessary to install grab bars in baths and showers for the safety of senior family members. Although there are many industrial style models from which to choose, there are a few companies on the web that are sensitive to the attractiveness of the grab bars and offer styles in decorative brass and silver. Walk-in showers and baths can be constructed with attractive glass enclosures that fit everyone’s style and are still accessible for seniors. A few changes to your home can help make it safer for seniors and children and more valuable when it comes time to re-sell. - by Pamela Palongue
Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 67
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Upper St. Clair
b u s i n e s s
BEINHAUER
BEINHAUER-BOGAN
BEINHAUER-FRYER
BEINHAUER
Peters Twp.
Canonsburg
Bridgeville
Dormont
724-941-3211
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412-221-3800
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724-745-8502
If you don’t know the Beinhauer name, you must be new to the community. Beinhauer Funeral Homes have been part of the community since 1860, with six generations of the family, nurturing and growing their business, along with operating the second oldest active crematory in the United States. The Beinhauer family strives to be a part of the communities they serve. “The family business is important to all of us, and there’s a great deal of heritage and legacy that has been established by past generations. We’re making impressions and building relationships today within our communities, continuing a legacy of heritage and trust,” says Rick Beinhauer, the company’s leader and a fifth generation family member. Beinhauer is proud to have the sixth generation currently active in the family business with Scott Beinhauer, licensed funeral director. The Beinhauer family serves five communities in the South Hills—Peters Township, Bethel Park, Bridgeville, Dormont/Mt. Lebanon, and Canonsburg. Their locations are family-friendly, providing children’s rooms, cafés where food and beverages can be served, and a community room where dinners and luncheons can be scheduled. “We have a lot of service based groups that meet in our community room. A church group meets at the Peters Township location every Sunday at 10 a.m.,” says Scott Beinhauer. The decision to open up the community room to groups was twofold: One, it gave the funeral home a place for large groups to assemble or hold ceremonies; second, it was a way to give back to the community that has supported them over the decades. “We wanted to make available a space that anyone in the community could use; for example, educational seminars and continuing education courses for nurses, seniors, caregivers, hospices, and veterans, to mention a few. An annual memorial service is held in the community room for any family that wishes to attend. In Bridgeville, we have a digital resource sign that not only informs the community about funeral service information, but also other community events, such as programs at the library, Rotary functions, community day, church fairs, and other newsworthy information. Our community Outreach program has provided us
7
• CALL TODAY FOR DETAILS • Familyyear Owned & Operated 1860the dash in of death, and then since you have • Personalized “Celebration the of Life Services” at the area’s guaranteed lowest co middle. We focus on the dash— • Only Beinhauer can provide complete Cremation Services using our own Crematory operated by everything in the middle that that person has • Cemetery Services at Woodruff Memorial Park and new Community Mausoleum~Free Ve
done for their family and community. We help the family celebrate and honor the life BEINHAUER CARES that was lived,” says Scott Beinhauer. The Beinhauer family also manages Woodruff Memorial Park Cemetery, located
the opportunity to grow and strengthen our relationships within the community.” Beinhauers can personalize services for their clients in a way that other funeral homes can’t. No other funeral company can provide the options they can in-house with their own staff. “We’re in the business of helping families create an event or service that is an extension of their loved one’s life—something that provides a meaningful experience for the family and the community,” says Scott Beinhauer. Some of those personal touches include an interactive website, personalized DVD videos, and webcasting of funerals, which, through the use of a password protected website, can give those with physical considerations or travel limitations the ability to attend a loved one’s funeral service over the Internet. “There are a lot of little things that are done for funerals. People create photo collages that chronicle their loved one’s life, or bring in personal items that represent one’s hobbies or lifestyles. You have the year of birth and the
on Route 19 in North Strabane Township. The newly constructed Community Mausoleum offers magnificent crypt entombment as well as extensive cremation niches, including bronze and beveled glass and a beautiful indoor chapel. Adjacent to the human cemetery, Peaceful Pastures provides a final resting place for pets of any kind, including the area’s only pet funeral and cremation center, which houses its own crematory. For more information on Beinhauer Family Funeral Homes and their cemetery and cremation options, call 724.969.0200 or visit them at www.beinhauer.com.
Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 69
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Upper St. Clair
hether you are doing a whole house remodeling project or just a bathroom renovation, you have a lot of design options to consider. Today’s bathrooms aren’t just functional afterthoughts. Nowadays homeowners want their bathrooms to be attractive – and they see them as places to relax and unwind. If you’re remodeling, think about the feeling you want your bath to evoke – and make sure its design harmonizes with the rest of the house.
by dowsing you from above rather than at an angle like regular showers.
Adding Comfort: People want to feel pampered in the bathroom, so a big remodeling trend is adding comfortable instead of just utilitarian features. Radiant heating installed under the floors helps alleviate the problem of cold tiles in the morning. This system adds a little to your remodeling costs, but it can become the room’s primary heat source. It is also energy efficient since the tiles retain the warmth after the heater is turned off. Another comfort addition is a home steam room, which can be little more than an enclosed shower stall. The design considerations for a steam room can be tricky since such a system must be completely enclosed and insulated on all surfaces. You can also turn your bathroom into a spa retreat.
Increasing Light and Space: People want more light in their bathrooms and are remodeling to add windows and skylights. Seeking more space, some homeowners convert a small bedroom into a bathroom. Homeowners are also focusing on the quality of bathroom air. Nowadays fans can have a remote motor elsewhere, like in the attic. This allows them to be much more powerful and quieter with only a small increase in cost. Some fans have humidity sensors that switch them on automatically, and many fans are Energy Star rated. This Industry Insight was written by Jeff Morris, owner and CEO of Case Handyman & Remodeling, located at 2335 Washington Rd. in Canonsburg, PA. Case offers a variety of home repair services, from full-house remodeling to simple handyman jobs. For more information, visit www.caseremodeling.com or call 724.745.9888.
Universal Designing: The principles of universal design dictate that a home is made accessible to people of different heights and abilities. If you’re remodeling your bathroom, don’t just think about your needs now; think about what you will want in the future. You may later appreciate grab bars, easy-to-use controls, and seats in the shower, or a walk-in bath and shower enclosure. Think about wall-mounted sinks that allow room for a wheelchair underneath. These features will not only make your home easier to use, but will increase its resale value. Greening Features: Green remodeling is as popular in bathrooms as it is in the rest of the house. Homeowners can install low-water use shower heads, low-flow or dual-use toilets, energy-efficient lighting, and green building products such as sustainable woods and recycled glass countertops or tiles. Touchless faucets are now available for residential use and can reduce wasted water. Special water recirculation systems and graywater usage are gaining popularity in areas with water conservation needs. Learn more about green bathroom remodels. Adding Luxury Showers: Many homeowners are remodeling their bathroom to expand the shower area and make it more like its own room – one that can accommodate two people at a time. His-andhers shower heads are showing up as are shower areas designed to work without doors. Shower stalls can be luxuriously appointed with mosaic tiles, lots of glass, or hinged doors. Some people install multiple shower heads on one fixture that can simultaneously massage and shower different parts of the body with water jets. Other popular shower heads are oversized and simulate rainwater Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 71
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Upper St. Clair
uring the recent federal debt limit negotiations in Washington D.C., a client asked for our assessment of the markets and what changes we might recommend in his and his wife’s accounts. We immediately scheduled a meeting with them. In discussing the economy, we used an analogy to a three-legged stool: one leg is corporations, one leg is the consumer and the last leg is government. We pointed out that corporate profits are at a record high and that corporate balance sheets are holding record levels of cash (28% of current assets). The corporate leg is as strong as it has ever been. Then we turned to the consumer who had a debt service ratio of 14% and a savings rate of only 1.9% at the peak of the market in 2007. At the end of June 2011, the consumer debt service ratio had been reduced to 11.3% and the savings rate was averaging close to 6%. This demonstrated that the consumer has made enormous strides in putting his fiscal house in order. Regarding government, we suggested that you have to distinguish between state and local government as opposed to the federal government. State and local governments cannot spend money they do not have, and their ability to borrow money is very restricted. During the last 12-18 months, through the end of March 2011, state and local governments have made huge strides toward achieving fiscal order. State and local government employee levels have been reduced significantly. Collectively, they are
modest position in a commodity index to provide additional protection against inflationary pressures. With this all said, we acknowledged there is still a lot of uncertainty in the market. Regarding their concerns, we recommended that they consider making their portfolio a little more liquid, while maintaining the majority of their diversification. no longer operating at deficits but rather at surpluses. Now this does not mean that some states like California and Illinois are not dealing with major problems, but most states and municipalities have made significant progress and are on the right track. Our client then asked, if there was a major debacle in the federal debt limit negotiations, how their portfolio could be affected. Our client’s portfolio is very conservative: 12% cash, 38% bonds and 50% stocks. We explained that if there was a major market correction, both their stocks and bonds could be affected. With their strong earnings and balance sheets, the effect on corporations would not be based on fundamentals but would be more emotionally driven by rhetoric out of Washington. Also, considering stocks, we explained that in an inflationary environment, corporations have the ability to adjust their operations and survive, possibly even prosper. With bonds, we have tried to position clients defensively in anticipation of higher interest rates. We also explained that there is also a
Although they decided to only slightly increase their cash position, our client felt very relieved at the conclusion of the meeting.
We acknowledged there is still a lot of uncertainty in the market. Regarding their concerns, we recommended that they consider making their portfolio a little more liquid, while maintaining the majority of their diversification. They took satisfaction in the knowledge that they were proactive in reviewing everything in respect to what is going on in the U.S. markets and in the world. They realize there is still a lot uncertainty out there but take comfort in the fact that they have thought things through as best they can. They both felt that they now have a better understanding of their investments and how they fit together within the planned strategy.
This Industry Insight was written by John R. Brown III. Bill Few Associates, Inc. 740 Washington Road, Suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15228 412.630.6000 www.billfew.com
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Early Childhood Education Helps Children to Succeed Bob & Lori Santo have been operating The Goddard School at 825 East McMurray Road in Peters Township since January 2007. The Goddard School offers both full and half day programs for children six weeks to six years of age. They also offer before and after school care, as well as full day kindergarten in their year round offering. During the summer months, Goddard also offers a Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, and 3rd Grade readiness program. Half day offering is 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., and full day offering is from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. The curriculum includes Language Arts (English), Sign Language, Spanish, Science, World Cultures, Manners, Dance, Music Appreciation, Everyday Mathematics and Newbridge Math, Yoga, and Physical Fitness. Technology is integrated into our program whenever possible. Some Importa nt Factors to Note about The Goddard School Safety/Security – We have security cameras surrounding our building, and we record those entering/exiting premise for 30 days. We have Finger Safe , a patented door hinge protector for children’s fingers. We leverage the strictest of health and safety standards through Goddard’s Quality Assurance program. Degreed Teachers – We have 9 classrooms, and in every classroom our lead teacher has a 4 year degree in early childhood education/elementary education. For Preschool age (3+) and older, all faculty have a 4 year teaching degree. Training – We provide faculty training on a regular basis. This is done on in-service days as well as at staff meetings. Licensing / Accreditations – In addition to having our PA Department of Public Welfare license, we are license d by the PA Department of Education for our Emerging Preschool/Preschool/ Prekindergarten/Junior K/Kindergarten classrooms. We moved through the rigorous application process of The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA). We recently received our MSA accreditation after that 18 month process. Quality Assurance – Goddard Systems, Inc conducts two, unannounced Quality Assurance audits per year (at our School and every Goddard School). These detailed audits ensure that all Goddard Schools uphold the high standards that help to maintain its reputation of quality education for children. Onsite Owner(s) – Goddard requires that the owner is on-site. This management oversight facilitates the Education Director/Assistant Director to focus in the operation of the school (training/coaching teachers, curriculum implementation, student focus, etc). It enables our staff to deliver our operational services to our stakeholders exceedingly well. Parents interested in taking a tour of the facilities or getting to know the staff can call Bob or Lori Santo at The Goddard School at 724.941.6464 or for more information, check out their website www.goddardschools.com. Upper St. Clair | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 77
ne of the most exciting changes in hearing aids continues to be the addition of wireless capability. This feature allows the hearing aid wearer to stay “connected” with devices that are important to his or her lifestyle. Examples of this would include staying connected while using mobile phones with Bluetooth technology, watching television, or listening to music. A small remote control can transform hearing aids into a rich sounding stereo headset which allows the wearer to stream television, IPOD music and other audio sources directly into their hearing aids. No removal of the hearing instruments is needed to enjoy specific listening situations. Some hearing aids can be used with a rechargeable battery unit. This charging unit is often times beneficial for persons with limited vision and/or dexterity problems, such as arthritis, who struggle changing small batteries.
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The year 2011 brings good news for hearing aid wearers that need a lot of power due to a more severe hearing loss. When new technology in hearing aids comes out, it is often not available in stronger power aids at the onset. Happily, I can now report that several manufacturers have true power hearing aids that come in the smaller cases and have much of today’s advanced technology, including wireless that was previously only available in lower gain aids. If you would like to learn more about the advances that have been made in hearing aids, it is recommended that you make an appointment for a hearing test. With this information, the audiologist can discuss more thoroughly your hearing and how today’s hearing aids may be beneficial to you. Submitted by Dolores Y. Payne, M.A., CCC-A Audiologist – Allegheny Hearing Instruments
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