SPRING 2004

The meek shall inherit the earth, but they’ll never own the room.

Rug & Home

Norman Centre II v (412) 831-2460 2

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2004

Celebration Guide “Specializing in Haircolor”

f–

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st 0p Sophi and Sat. from 8:0

ri.

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Every F

Signature Service Eclectic Dining Experience American Cuisine, International Flair serving lunch and dinner, dinner Monday–Saturday

(formerly Jamie’s)

introduces MagicTan… the 60 second tan!

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1725 Washington Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

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(next to Houlihan’s)

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a

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

3

If the faces are familiar, familiar it’s not surprising.

Because ninety-one percent of the 1,900 employees of St. Clair Hospital live in the South Hills. Including all 60 members of our Board of Directors.

Who better, ter then, to ter, understand and serve the healthcare needs of the 300,000 other residents who call the South Hills their home?

But while you may know some of the people who work here, you might not know that they’re also the

Here’s Who Leads One Of America’s Best Community Hospitals. Recognize Anybody From The Grocery Store Or Soccer Practice?

same people responsible for making St. Clair Hospital one of the 100 Top T Hospitals in the t nation, and one of the 100 Best Places to Work in PA. Who care for over 48,000 emergency patients each year year.

Who make up a nursing staJ that continuousl continuously receives high rankings for inpatient satisfaction, as determined by Press Ganey, Ganey the healthcare industry’s leading satisfaction measurement Frm. And who share one thing in common. A Fky-yea Fk r tradition of creating a culture of caring second to none.

It’s something we think day about every day.

W Whether you happen to see us at St. Clair Hospital.

Or at the next PT PTA meeting.

The Healing Power of Our Community.

1000 Bower Hill Road

4

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2004

Pittsburgh, PA 15243

www.stclair.org

34

Spring 2004

• Volume 10

•

Issue 1

Features and Around the Township 13

One Mission Completed, a New One Begins Senator Pippy shares his homecoming message.

18

Rants from a Curbstone Pulpit Jim Meston speaks his mind on subjects of interest.

26

44

The Diamond at Ligonier—A Gem of a Day Trip A trip to Ligonier has Mary Lynne Spazok talking about it.

46

Washington Wild Things Spring is the start of baseball season and the Washington Wild Things are ready to play ball.

74

St. Louise de Marillac Dedicates New Parish Center Outgrowing its facilities, St. Louise builds expansive center.

School District 28

New Faces on School Board Meet our two new Directors of the School Board.

30

School District Takes Steps to Prevent Bullying The USC Bullying Prevention Program is underway.

32

Boyce Students Spend Time in the Past

77

Each spring Boyce students experience Civil War Days.

38

High School Students “Operate” at AGH Cooperative venture enables students to shadow physicians.

Township 52

Township Board of Commissioners Welcome New Member Meet our new Ward 1 Commissioner Preston Shimer.

54

Budget Highlights The Department of Finance discusses revenues and expenses.

60

Upper St. Clair Police Say Yes to Wellness Our Township Police emphasize health management.

61

A Cable Update Answering your questions on cable services and FCC control.

Cover 14

This cover of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine features artist renderings of the new home of Dr. Lori L. Cherup’s plastic surgery practice. RADIANCE, A Private Outpatient Surgery Center, L.L.C., will be located at 703 Boyce Road at Washington Pike. See pages 14 through 16 for a feature article.

Cover design by Stonewood Graphics, Inc.

Publishers

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a community magazine that is dedicated to promoting the Township

Dr. James D. Lombardo Superintendent of Schools

and School District of Upper St. Clair by recognizing the gifts and contributions of the people who live and work here.

Douglas A. Watkins Township Manager

The thirty-seventh issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine is made possible through the combined resources of the staff and volunteers of the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair. Thanks are extended to the staff and volunteers for their enthusiasm and efforts on this continuing project.

Steering Committee Thomas A. Labanc School District Representative Mark Mansfield Assistant Township Manager Editors and Staff Linda M. Dudzinski, Editor-in-Chief Paul K. Fox, Managing Editor Cindy Kane, Township Associate Editor Terry Kish, School District Associate Editor

School Board Directors

Township Board of Commissioners

David E. Bluey, President Angela B. Petersen, Vice President Barbara L. Bolas Russ Del Re Albert E. Ferrara, Jr. Glenn Groninger Jeffrey W. Joyce Clark R. Nicklas Mark G. Trombetta, M.D.

Frank E. Marsh, President, Ward 5 Robert W. Orchowski, Vice President, Ward 3 Preston Shimer, Ward 1 Gloria S. Smith, Ward 2 Bill Bates, At Large Ernest T. Harris, At Large

Colleen DeMarco, Office Manager Lynn Dempsey, Advertising Nancy Beaulieu, Advertising Teri McMinn, Advertising Nancy Barnard, Photographer Jim Render, Writer Vince Yevins, Accountant

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a non-partisan Township, School District and community magazine.

Voluntary Contributors

The next issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY will be the Summer 2004 issue and will be published in May. Articles that were submitted but not published in this issue are on file for consideration in upcoming issues. Articles and announcements may be sent to: Editor, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241.

Dina J. Fulmer, Editor/Writer Wayne Herrod, Writer Ann Kravitz, Writer Jim Meston, Writer Mary Lynne Spazok, Writer A special thank you to Barb Hull for her assistance and contributions to the magazine.

The thirty-seventh issue of

Political advertising and political commentary are not accepted. The publishers of this magazine reserve the right to reject advertising or articles inconsistent with the objectives, image and aesthetic standards of the magazine.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine is published and mailed quarterly to residents and businesses

in Upper St. Clair. Extra copies of the magazine are available at the Township of Upper St. Clair Municipal Building and the Township Library. If you did not receive a copy in the mail, please call 412-833-1600, extension 2284.

Subscription Information If you know someone living outside the Township who would enjoy receiving UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, please send $12 to cover mailing and handling for the next four issues with name and address, including zip code to our address listed to the left.

Deadline for articles for the Summer 2004 Issue is closed.

Deadline for articles and advertising for the Fall 2004 Issue is Thursday, June 10, 2004.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint

publication of the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair.

Article Information

© Copyright 2004. All rights reserved.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 412-833-1600, extension 2284 Fax: 412-851-2592 School District: 412-833-1600 Township: 412-831-9000

Linda Dudzinski 412-833-1600, extension 2681 (email: ldudzinski@uscsd.k12.pa.us) Advertising Information

Colleen DeMarco Lynn Dempsey Nancy Beaulieu Teri McMinn

412-833-1600, extension 2284 (email: cdemarco@uscsd.k12.pa.us) (email: ldempsey@uscsd.k12.pa.us) (email: nbeaulieu@uscsd.k12.pa.us) (email: tmcminn@uscsd.k12.pa.us) Visit our Website:

Printed by Pentagon Printing Corporation 18 West Steuben Street • Pittsburgh, PA 15205 412-922-0422 • Fax: 412-922-2922 6

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2004

www.twpusc.org/magazine/index.htm

Fax: 412-851-2592 Fax: 412-831-9694 Fax: 412-851-2592 Fax: 412-851-2592

The POWER of TEAMWORK

Freedo Fr eedom “Do what you want when you want.”

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Mary Ann Zupon USC Residents Since 1976

Preferred Realty Independently owned and operated.

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412-833-7700 Ext. 271/229

If staying in control of your life is important to you when choosing a retirement community, community then you’ll appreciate the lifestyle you could enjoy at Friendship Village V of South Hills. assures you all the Life at Friendship Village V today plus a package of freedom you value today, convenient services that can help you stay active and independent. Our professional staf takes care of the tiresome home staff maintenance tasks, freeing you to pursue your own interests and activities every day. day Plus, our life-care concept means you will have a lifetime of health care, so you stay in control of your future, no matter what your health situation. Don’t wait to start enjoying the richest, most rewarding life possible. Take T control of your future and call Friendship Village V to arrange your private, no-obligation tour of an elegant Carriage Home or lovely apartment. Call (724) 941-3100 today. today Friendship Village V of South Hills is recognized for excellence by the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

7

1820 McLaughlin Run Road • Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

Dr. James D. Lombardo

Douglas A. Watkins

The Township and the School District of Upper St. Clair proudly present the 37th issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. This edition celebrates the beginning of a new year, a new season— a time for renewal and reflection.

Many things about the magazine have changed over the years—the look, the staff, the volunteers, the way we do things—but what has remained is our continued commitment to provide a community magazine for residents to read and enjoy. If there is something you believe would be of interest to our readers, please contact us and let us know.

This issue includes stories from Senator John Pippy and his successful return from Iraq (page 13), a Malawi minister’s mission to our hometown (page 51), and a Boy Scout adventure to New Mexico (page 76). The world has seemingly gotten smaller as evidenced by the stories we share— welcoming returns from abroad, traveling miles from our homes to seek pleasure elsewhere, and others traveling miles away from their homes to visit and share with us.

So sit back and enjoy this issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY as we continue to bring you a new season of stories, adventures and accomplishments of our Township, our schools and our residents.

We wish you all a wonderful spring season.

Sincerely,

Sincerely,

Dr. James D. Lombardo Superintendent of Schools

Douglas A. Watkins Township Manager

School District of Upper St. Clair 412-833-1600 Fax: 412-833-5535 Website: www.uscsd.k12.pa.us Email: info@uscsd.k12.pa.us 8

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Township of Upper St. Clair 412-831-9000 Fax: 412-831-9882 Website: www.twpusc.org Email: uscadmin@twpusc.org Spring 2004

WE

UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN

I N S U R I N G A H O U SE A ND A H O M E .

Y Your home is more than a roof over your head. It’s a valuable asset that shelters you and your valued possessions. As your insurance advisor we know you need an insurance company that understands advisor, the way you live. With more than 115 years of experience, a well-earned reputation for prompt and fair claim settlements, and special expertise in insuring fine homes and their contents, we know Chubb is as different from other insurance companies as a home is from a house. To see how we can create a personal insurance program from Chubb to meet your sophisticated needs, please call us.

Alcorn Christie Insurance Agency 110 Roessler R R Road Suite 200C Pittsburgh, PA 15220 Phone: (412) 563-7828 Fax: (412) 563-7833 E-mail: mchristie@alcornchristie.com

C O V E R A G E B E YO N D YO U R E X P E C TAT I O N S Chubb refers to the insurers of the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies. Actual coverage is subject to the language of the policies as issued. Chubb, Box 1615, Warren, NJ 07061-1615.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

9

Poison Prevention Month As it celebrates its 33 years of service, the Pittsburgh Poison Center at Children’s

Hospital of Pittsburgh is expanding its role as a national leader in the education and treatment of poisoning emergencies. March is Poison Prevention Month, and the Pittsburgh Poison Center (PPC) has partnered with Giant Eagle pharmacies in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia to raise awareness of poison centers throughout the region. Pharmacies in all three states give away hundreds of thousands of sheets of Mr. Yuk stickers and other educational materials.

Such outreach efforts have led to increased awareness of the PPC and its toll-free hotline, 1-800-222-1222, which was established last year, and answers calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. According to Edward Krenzelok, PharmD, director of the PPC and an Upper St. Clair resident, the hotline connects a caller anywhere in the nation to the nearest poison center.

Due partially to this new hotline, calls to the PPC have continued to increase over the past three years. The PPC received 96,794 poisoning calls in 2003; 87,209 in 2002; 79,960 in 2001 and 75,937 in 2000. Calls to the PPC from Upper St. Clair in 2003 totaled 309, with 195 calls made for exposure and 114 calls requiring information.

“Poison centers are a valuable asset to the community. Not only do we provide life-saving information in the event of a poisoning, but with educational efforts like Mr. Yuk, we’re able 10

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

to make families aware of household dangers and prevent poisonings,” Dr. Krenzelok said.

Other outreach efforts of the PPC include the development of a statewide monitoring system. The system tracks poison center calls to determine if there is any link to calls that could point to a large-scale poisoning such as a biological or chemical attack.

Nationally, poisonings continue to increase, with nearly 2.4 million cases reported to the American Association of Poison Control Centers in 2002, a 4.7% increase from the previous year.

Alternative Cleaning Products Some ordinary household cleaning products are considered hazardous materials. An easy way to familiarize yourself with most household hazardous wastes is to look on container labels for danger symbols. Products may be poisonous, corrosive, highly flammable or even explosive.

Alternative products can be made by using simple ingredients found in most stores.

Some of the basic ingredients include: baking soda, water, vinegar, borax, lemon juice, salt, a pump spray bottle and a little “elbow grease.”

Remember, some of the alternatives work more slowly and require more scrubbing than their commercial counterparts, but they are safer for your family and the environment. Non-toxic alternatives are also less expensive.

Spring 2004

General Cleaning Solutions All Purpose Cleaner 1/2 gallon hot water 1/2 cup washing soda Mix well; wash surface; rinse.

Window and Glass Cleaner 1 gallon water 1/2 cup white vinegar Apply with cloth or mist/spray bottle; dry with clean cloth.

Wood Furniture/Floor Polish 1/2 cup white vinegar 1/2 cup vegetable oil Mix well; rub on surface; buff with clean, dry cloth.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner 1/2 cup borax Drop of mint extract Scrub bowl with mixture using a brush.

Mall Walking Ann Kravitz It’s spring! It’s spring! I am always

relieved when the weather becomes more temperate and the snow is finally gone.

This past winter I found a way to keep the winter cold at bay by “mall walking.”

Weight control for me means walking, and for most of the year I love to walk the streets in my neighborhood. In bad weather many people use an indoor walking machine. I don’t have one, but even if I did, it would probably be a dust collector. I really find them boring. So, this past winter I found a way to beat the cold and fulfill my commitment to staying in shape.

I decided to mall walk.

I’ve tried this before with friends. In time commitments changed and walking in the mall was the easiest activity to eliminate. So this time I decided to walk by myself, on my own schedule, and listen to books on tape. I thought I would try walking on the lower level only. With friends I had walked the mall on the upper level predominantly. Of course that meant that I had to walk through the Food Court. Anyone who has ever been on a diet knows that

to walk through a food court unable to eat the food being offered is like working in a candy shop where employees aren’t permitted to sample the merchandise. It’s no less than self-torture.

In addition, walking with friends meant that not only did I have to submit myself to food court self-torture, but I also had to keep up one side of a conversation, which usually was just “a-huh...

a-huh… a-huh.” So it’s no surprise that my eyes wandered to the store windows as I was passing. Everything looked wonderful—the lines, the patterns, the styles and of course everything came in at least five coordinating colors. Trés chic! At the moment it didn’t occur to me that I already had many of those things in my closets and drawers. That is, of course, if you include all the things I’d purchased over the years that still look (and are) brand new. I couldn’t give them to Goodwill quite yet. Perhaps that style will come back. Don’t they all eventually?

I started listening to books on tape on car trips. But then I found it difficult to get out of the car upon arrival at my destination. I had also listened to tapes while I performed household chores. All of a sudden, making dinner and washing the dishes became effortless. And if I hadn’t finished the chapter, I could wash down the counters a few extra times. When the

Continued on page 81

Have a ball.

Come out to the ballpark in Washington ashington where you’ll enjoy

professional baseball with the Washington Wild Things, the area’s newest baseball team. The ballpark is state-of-the-art, intimate, and tickets are affordable! Y You’ll ou’ll be so close to the field, you’ll actually smell the leather!

T Ticket prices range from $5.00 ($4.00 for seniors and kids) to $10.00. Every seat is the best seat in the house. Call us toll free at 1-866-456-WILD to get your tickets.

W We’ve got a new baseball team in a new ballpark with a new attitude! Located 2 miles from the I-70 and I-79 interchange in Washington County.

County Exit 15 on I-70.

Exit 15 on I-70

(just 25 minutes from Wheeling and Pittsburgh)

724-250-9555 • Toll T Free: 866-456-WILD www.washingtonwildthings.com

Spring 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

11

Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair “Building a sense of community by supporting activities and programs that enhance the quality of life for our residents.”

Dr. Terrance Kushner (left), USCHS principal, receives a $40,000 check from James Bennett, Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair Board of Trustees Chairperson, representing the funds CFUSC secured for the High School’s acoustic shell.

New this spring is a trip to Washington, D.C., led by former USCHS social studies curriculum leader Paul Pryor. Paul took his honors high school students to Gettysburg and Washington, and since his retirement, has been leading other school groups and adult groups as well. The three-day two-night trip will occur April 23 to 25 and will include performances at the Kennedy Center and Ford’s Theater. Per person cost will be $399, double accommodations at the Hilton Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia. All meals are included. The itinerary also includes visits to Arlington Cemetery, National Air and Space Museum, Holocaust Museum, Jefferson and Roosevelt Memorials and Korean, Vietnam and Lincoln Monuments.

Anyone who is not a regular recipient of Quest mailings is requested to call the Community Foundation Office at 412-831-1107 or send an email to cfusc@adelphia.net to be placed on the mailing list.

The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair

augments the many advantages to living in Upper St. Clair by providing financial support for special programs and projects that are not funded by tax dollars. The four focus areas of the Foundation are Education and Lifelong Learning, Fine and Performing Arts, Recreation and Leisure and Technology and Science. Quest, which seeks to promote educational enrichment opportunities for community residents, educators and students, is under the Education and Lifelong Learning focus area.

Quest—Educational Offerings Quest, Upper St. Clair’s neighborhood university, is underway with its sixth session of classes that began the week of February 23.

This session will conclude the week of March 29. Many enjoyable and informative classes are offered under Diane Vater, Quest’s new Curriculum Director.

• The Historical Setting of the Bible: The Middle East in the Biblical Period—Dick Pollard, instructor • Invest Better Than the Rest— Rest—Jay Descalzi, instructor • Smart Gardening—instructor from USC Citizens for Land Stewardship • The Tempest, exposition of Shakespeare’s works— Jane Hollman, instructor • I Wish I Could Draw—Ned Garnhart, instructor • Mary Baker Eddy: An Amazing 19th Century Woman— Ned Garnhart, instructor • How to Become a Grandparent Life Skill Developer— Kay Atman, instructor

Roger Brown giving a lesson on fly-casting at Canonsburg Lake on June 28, 2003, as part of the Recreation and Leisure focus area activities.

A representative of Bike Outfitters, Great Southern Shopping Center (center), held a bike safety seminar in front of Boyce School on Saturday, April 26, 2003.

It was followed by a ride on the Panhandle Trail, part of the Montour Trail.

Both activities were sponsored by the Recreation and Leisure Committee.

Community Foundation Contact Information Phone: 412-831-1107 • Fax: 412-257-4160 Website: www.mainstreetusc.com/cfusc • Email: cfusc@adelphia.net 12

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2004

Senate of Pennsylvania

SUSAN HIGHLEY

John Pippy

State Senator - 37th District Senate Box 203037 • 168 Main Capitol Building Harrisburg, PA 17120 Area Offices: 650 Washington Road, Suite 106 • Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228 610 East McMurray Road, Suite 105 • McMurray, PA 15317 Phone: 1-866-736-7477 (1-866-SEN-PIPPY) Fax: 412-262-6394 Website: www.senatorpippy.com • E-mail: jpippy@pasen.gov

One Mission Completed, A New One Begins

January 7, 2004, is now added to my list of memorable days, such as my wedding day and the birth of my children.

I can barely describe the emotions I felt and shared with the men and women of the 332nd Engineers when we rolled in for that wonderful welcome-home ceremony in Kittanning. We appreciated the outpouring of support of the community as much as we did seeing our loved ones… well, almost.

Seriously, I think we all thought about the reception we would receive after spending so many long months in Kuwait and Iraq. The ceremony and the welcoming were truly appreciated.

Public opinion on the current coalition mission in Iraq varies and that’s okay.

This is America, the land where the people can have divergent viewpoints. The value

of that freedom was driven home by our time on duty. Here in the United States with our hundreds of television channels, radio stations and newspapers, it’s sometimes difficult to fully appreciate our freedom or understand the indescribably oppressive conditions under which the Iraqi people suffered.

The 332nd Engineers returned with a deeper appreciation for our homeland and the freedoms and the luxuries that we enjoy. Personally, I returned with a deeper respect for the young people serving in our armed forces. As a company commander, I believed in the strength and dedication of men and women serving under me, but the true test came when we served in extreme weather conditions and with primitive facilities. The mettle of the 332nd Engineers was put to the test, and each member surpassed my expectations. They, and all of the men and women serving in Iraq and the neighboring region, upheld the finest traditions of our nation and our military.

Now, we are back and I am ready to return to my duties as your state Senator.

I only had a brief opportunity to visit the

Experience you can trust . . .

service you can

COUNT ON! Over 13 years in the South Hills Area Ar

412.833.3600 ext. 268

Continued on page 81 Spring 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

13

LORI L. CH Y My Life in Upper St. Clair

ou may be wondering what correlation exists between that lovely white building on the cover of this magazine and me. That building, and the efforts necessary to develop it, are the culmination of my education and life as a physician and surgeon, all which started in 1964 when my family moved to Upper St. Clair.

My name is Lori Cherup, and I am a product of USC. I went to Eisenhower Elementary, to Fort Couch Middle School when it was sixth through eighth grades, and to the Upper St. Clair High School when it was aqua blue. I always loved school. I would get there as early as possible in the morning to talk to my friends (Sally Colussy being one of them). I felt such pride and compulsion about my schoolwork—I would rather die than get anything less than an “A.” Miss Hollman, Mr. Beck and Mr. Argiro were some of my favorite teachers.

Because I dated a boy who eventually went to Princeton University, I thought (in my Elle Woods kind-of-way) that I should apply there also. Luckily I was accepted, and that was the springboard that changed my life. Upper St. Clair prepared me with the tools to compete Lori Cherup, USCHS Class of academically at Princeton. The 1972 yearbook photo; values I learned here served as Head Pantherette the reference point from which I judged the variety of experiences I would have both there and in medical school. Experience them I did! Although I went to college vaguely interested in medicine and cherished my father, E. David Cherup, M.D., as a role model, my activities there such as varsity gymnastics, cheerleading, The Triangle Club musicals, philosophy courses on Nietzsche, a thesis on Yeats, and a fair amount of socializing with some very attractive Princeton men, left me as a 1976 graduate in NYC (everyone went there after graduation!) not exactly sure of my purpose in life. One night I got an otitis media (earache) and ended up in Roosevelt ER. When a young resident on call relieved my acute pain that night, I decided right then that there was nothing more worthwhile in life than being a doctor and helping people in that very basic way. When I called my parents to tell them that I was dedicated to doing whatever it took to get into medical school, they supported my decision and me. This support and my decision largely shaped the rest of my life.

If high school teaches you (figuratively) to read Dr. Seuss, and college teaches you to draw the illustrations for it, then medical 14

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2004

school teaches you to translate the Dead Sea Scrolls and teach it to Harvard Divinity students. I never learned to think so precisely or scientifically until my thought process impacted the life of another human being. While at my medical school, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, I saw some of the first cases of AIDS in NYC in 1980, I did lumbar punctures on acetaminophen-overdosed suicide victims at three in the morning, I was on call in Roosevelt ER the night John Lennon was shot in 1981, and I delivered babies for 14-year olds in Harlem Hospital where everyone in the room yawned, except me.

In the midst of this cultural and intellectual shock, I met and married Alexander Kandabarow. If you were swimming across the ocean and thought you might not make it, but then you bumped into a rock, Alex would be that rock. If you need back surgery, Alex is your guy: steady, steady, steady. We navigated through NYC and New Jersey together and landed for our orthopedic and surgery residencies at the UPMC flagship right here in Oakland.

The next five years flew by. I survived by sheer will. General surgery residencies in the mid-eighties did not like women residents. I imagine it was similar to the environment at West Point when the first women cadets arrived. I never saw daylight. I was a slave to my senior residents. But I did some amazing things like crack a chest in the ER, wire up a chest on the cardiac service, hold some retractors on complicated pediatric surgery and make rounds at midnight on the transplant service with Dr. Thomas Starzl.

Every notable doctor in Pittsburgh circulated through Presby in those five years. If you brought your child to Children’s to have his laceration sutured, you saw me first—the resident. Near the end, I knew that I fit in best in personality with the more creative, more charismatic plastic surgeons that I had met there, and Dr. Starzl’s generous reference letter catapulted Alex and me to Chicago to finish our training in spine and plastic surgery.

You might ask: when did you ever give any thought to a family? My handsome and oldest son, Alex, was born during a year of research at UPMC on cardiac and muscle transplantation. My loveable Grant was born in Chicago, in the middle of my burn unit rotation. Two nights before he was born I put a Swan-Ganz catheter into a child whose brother had thrown him and a bottle of alcohol on the floor and lit a match under him. That child died within two hours upon arriving in the burn unit that night—a memory I will never forget. Somehow, in the midst of all this reconstructive surgery, I learned from my teachers the seeds of aesthetic surgery and its principles. My heart and intellect took

ERUP, M.D. flight. I really understood and liked aesthetic surgery. When I finished my plastic surgery residency, I decided my best shot at starting a practice was coming back to Upper St. Clair where people knew the Cherup name.

With a $60,000 loan from PNC in September 1989, I opened a 900 square foot office building at 1500 Oxford Drive, assisted by a gal Friday that I had interviewed in my mother’s living room. I was accepted on staff at St. Clair, AGH, Canonsburg and Ohio Valley hospitals, and later also at UPMC and Mon Valley. My father and my dear uncle, Glenn Rankin, referred many patients from their family practice to me—patients with plastic surgi-

children. In 1992 I spent every morning from 6 to 8 a.m. studying for the test of all tests, and thankfully passed the two-day ordeal known as the certifying exam for the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

I believe my practice has grown for a number of reasons. First, I really enjoy connecting emotionally with my patients. I know most of them very well.

Their general health is a concern to me, and I, like my father, want to be their family doctor for plastic surgical problems. Many patients have returned to my care many times—I love that!

times on the phone during the week prior to a surgical procedure. My staff keeps me on track and organized. So many patients, when thanking me, thank me also for the instructions and advice they receive from my office professionals.

It’s time for a short discourse on the merits of aesthetic surgery. If you bought a very expensive house, whether it was perfect and brand new, or older and needing

Left to Right: Susanne Vidale, our biller; Beth Hyland; Dr. Lori; Monica Hall; Kathy O’Connor

Second, I try very hard to give each patient the best surgical outcome possible, given his or her pre-existing anatomy and health. There are limits!

I ask patients to do difficult things and to endure discomfort for the sake of achieving fantastic results. Conversely, when patients expect excellent results and sabotage our efforts with smoking, consuming too much alcohol, and inattention to post-op instructions, I get frustrated and would rather not participate in such an exercise.

Third, over half of the process of rendering good surgical care must be credited to the flawless and diligent effort of my excellent office staff. I definitely have six individuals who care about my patients’ welfare as much as I do. Most of my staff, led by office manager Mrs. Beth Hyland, have been with me for over four years—we do not have a revolving door where a patient might see a different receptionist every time he or she comes to the office.

It is not unusual for my plastic surgery educated staff to talk to patients five to ten

Dr. Cherup: I wanted to thank you for all the great care you have provided to me during this difficult time.

I feel very lucky to have you as a doctor. You and your staff provide such quality care—with a warm concern for your patients.

It’s nice to see such a well organized office. Once again, thank you for all your help. cal problems: carpal tunnels; skin cancers; keloid scars. I also remember some of the harder problems—a ten-year old girl absent a right breast, huge buttock sores in nursing home patients and amputated fingers. Because of the excellent training I’d received in the residents’ aesthetic surgery clinic at the University of Chicago, I felt quite comfortable performing my first aesthetic surgeries on my own patients: breast augmentations; breast reductions; facelifts. I was quite busy running to ERs, operating at hospitals, managing my growing office and staff, and raising my three

repairs, you would work on it, maintain it and upgrade it—you would not purposely put junky furniture in it, or damage it. Our bodies and faces are just like houses. Aesthetic surgery improves on what is normal, but not optimal. It maintains youth and vitality to those who want to remain physically at their best at each age of life. It’s not a necessity, but it’s so much more than icing on the cake—it truly makes people feel invigorated and more self-confident. It needs to be carried out by a thoughtful, knowledgeable and creative surgeon. Just as you would not hand your house repairs over to an amateur, I strongly recommend that if you are considering plastic surgery, you seek out a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Yes, I’ve had some plastic surgery—why not? Inside I feel like I’m still 19 years old.

Now, back to the main story.

It’s no surprise that, as I began to do more procedures in my office, I felt I was getting better results and had more control over the intra-operative and post-operative care. Our hospital professionals work very hard to help the surgeons and cater to their needs, but occasionally I have to work with people who are unfamiliar with the procedure being done or just don’t particularly like plastic surgery. Most lay people don’t realize that surgeons do not get reimbursed

Spring 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

15

RADIANCE for their supplies used when they treat patients in their offices. By building my own operating room near my office, I can control everything that happens to a surgical patient before, during and after a procedure. I can get paid for all that care rendered and I can control my schedule for better efficiency. The goal at the end of the tunnel is to “surgically have it all”—outstanding predictable care for patients undergoing plastic surgery with economy of time and resources for the surgeon.

In April 2002 I began working with The Lettrich Group architects on plans for an office building and surgery center.

My good friend, business and personal accountant Kathy L. Hess, CPA, of Upper St. Clair, carried out the financial feasibility study. My wonderful parents, in a moment of vision, loaned me funds to help purchase a lot in South Fayette on Washington Pike and Boyce Road. (I will dedicate the building to them with a ceremony this month.)

I have a good location for patient accessibility. Patients from Wexford, Monroeville, West Virginia, Ohio, Erie and of course Pittsburgh can easily get to the Bridgeville exit of I-79. We obtained approval for the plans from the Department of Health, Labor and Industry, South Fayette Township, and expect approval from Medicare and JCAHO. I settled on a general contractor, McHolme Builders, Inc., who built parts of Dr. Phillip Ripepi’s Southwestern Surgery Center and The Pointe in North Fayette. Mr. Gene McLane of PNC Bank at the St. Clair branch won the loan bid, and was instrumental in Current: 180 Fort Couch Road Suite 450 Pittsburgh, PA 15241

Radiance: 703 Boyce Road at Washington Pike Bridgeville, PA 15017

Phone: 412-833-1117 Fax: 412-833-9445 Email: info@drcherup.com Website: www.drcherup.com

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Surgical technician Darlene Bedillion with Dr. Cherup; Above Left: Dr. Cherup and Darlene in surgery

and experienced aesthetician Susan Mowry, R.N. When the patient arrives for surgery on a later date, she or he will enter underneath the large portico at the backside of the building off the Boyce Road driveway.

On the lower level, the Radiance Surgery Center will be complete with two general anesthesia-prepared rooms and one local sedation-prepared operating room. There will also be pre- and post-op recovery units staffed with our hand-picked professionals including my surgical technician, Darlene Bedillion, C.S.T. I will perform all kinds of reconstructive plastic surgery, including skin cancer excision, scar revisions, breast reconstruction and hand surgery, as well as facelifts, liposuction and breast augmentation. I am now recruiting and negotiating with other surgeons, including ophthalmologists, gynecologists and general surgeons to also utilize the facility, and it is going well.

My husband even tells me he can perform some smaller spine surgeries in the center.

We have plans for an overnight care facility and are looking for a nearby location.

There are a few things I enjoy more than thinking about plastic surgery: jogging around our wonderful high school on a sunny afternoon, watching my sons play football and cheering on our team, running on the treadmill next to my beautiful daughter, Alivia, or shopping with her, and having a relaxing dinner with my husband.

I love my home, I love our township, and I’m very happy to be here in USC living out my dreams.

getting construction started in September 2003. With some help from the weather, we expect the building to be complete, and we anticipate passing our Medicare and state inspections in late June.

When arriving at our two-story reception room in our upper level office, patients will be greeted by our receptionist, Monica Hall, sip on freshly brewed coffee or tea, and enjoy our commissioned artwork “Panopticon” hanging from the vaulted ceiling. In the consultation room I will evaluate the patient, and he or she will be given a thorough exam and information package regarding the problem. Digital photos will be taken in a separate photography room to ensure I have good pre-op photos for study and documentation.

My patient coordinators, Kathy O’Connor and Beth Hyland, handle the arrangements between insurance carriers and primary care physicians, discussing financial and insurance issues in the privacy of a coordinator’s office. A sunny conference room looking out onto Boyce Road will allow for discussions with family members while we care for the patient. Our upstairs office will also be the home of Radiance Advanced Skin and Laser Center led Left to Right: by our beautiful #51 Kevin Reidy, Lori Cherup, Alex Kandabarow, Alivia, #17 Alex, #23 Grant

Spring 2004

example, a $100,000 house would have a $85,000 assessment for computing the county portion of the property tax. Residents must fill out a homestead exemption form to be eligible. To check on your status, please visit website www.county.allegheny.pa.us or call Councilman Gastgeb’s office.

County of Allegheny Vince Gastgeb

County Councilman - District #5 Allegheny County Courthouse - Downtown Office 436 Grant Street • Room 119 • Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Phone: 412-350-6490 • Fax: 412-350-6499

Act 77 Senior Discount Program

Bethel Park Municipal Building District Office 5100 West Library Street • Bethel Park, PA 15102 Phone: 412-854-2470 E-mail: vgastgeb@county.allegheny.pa.us

Taking Stock in County Issues County Councilman Vince Gastgeb

is starting his second four-year term as a member of the Allegheny County Council.

Councilman Gastgeb serves the communities of Bethel Park, Upper St. Clair, Mt. Lebanon and South Fayette and serves as the Minority Leader on County Council. He resides in Bethel Park with his wife, Barbara, and their three children. Below are some topics and programs of interest to Upper St. Clair residents.

South Hills District Office Even though County Council is considered a part-time position, Councilman Gastgeb has opened a South Hills district office for the convenience of his constituents. The

office is located in the Bethel Park Municipal Building down the hall from the library and is open Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The office space is donated and the office is staffed by senior citizen volunteers. The operation of the office is funded at Councilman Gastgeb’s personal expense. The staff does a great job answering questions and responding to inquiries. Most forms and literature can be picked up from the downtown office.

As a senior citizen, you may be eligible for the Senior Tax Relief program on the County portion of your property taxes. The requirements are: 1. Age 60 or older as of December 31, 2004 2. Total income of $30,000 or less (including all income) 3. Home owner in Allegheny County for at least ten years If you qualify, you would be eligible for a 30% reduction on the county portion of your property tax. Both the Homestead Exemption form and the Act 77 Senior Relief form are available at Councilman Gastgeb’s office.

Both programs are “rolling”—once you’ve applied, you’re automatically registered.

Homestead Exemption Allegheny County Council passed a law to extend a $15,000 Homestead exemption to homeowners within the county. As an

Continued on page 19

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Rants from a Curbstone Pulpit Jim Meston Rant, as defined in the dictionary, is “to

speak or declaim in a violent, loud manner, rave. Violent, loud or extravagant speech.”

George Carlin and Dennis Miller are well known for their rants as defined in the dictionary, including a large smattering of vulgarity. Andy Rooney’s rants are more to my liking, a tad more civilized.

Andy is a lucky guy. Every Sunday evening on 60 Minutes he gets to rant about things that bug him. Most of his five minutes of ranting is just an act. I doubt that much of what he rants about affects him personally, but it is entertaining and I find myself agreeing with him as he rants away.

There’s something cathartic about getting things off your chest by verbalizing and ventilating whatever it is that consistently bothers you.

I wish to rant about a few things in Upper St. Clair that bother me to avoid a stomach ulcer or internal combustion.

Spotlighting what bothers me won’t change the world, but it could have a positive effect on some people’s behavior and help make our community a better place to live.

Man’s Best Friend When my children were young we housed an assortment of pets. Just like most families, we had rabbits, gerbils, fish, turtles, cats, and of course, dogs. If a dog is considered to be “man’s best friend,” there’s a lot of work to do on this personal relationship—dogs require much attention.

My kids loved all of their pets and we, as parents, consoled them when their pets died. All parents understand this. You do your best to soothe your child’s sadness.

A cat we once had was hit by a passing car and was flattened right in front of our house. I tried many approaches to balm the agony of loss. In desperation, I finally commented, “Kitty is in Heaven with God.” One of my children stopped crying and asked, “What’s God want with a dead flattened cat?” There’s no answer for that.

Dogs need to be house trained—it’s worse than diaper training a child. Dogs need their exercise. They need to do “their business” somewhere other than in the house. Many times, while mowing my lawn, I found our dog’s “doggie packages.” My wife and I soon decided that five 18

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

kids were enough and we didn’t need dogs to complete our family.

I live adjacent to the Fort Couch School field. I used to enjoy walks in that field. I don’t anymore. I now stay on the street or sidewalk. The field has become a dumping ground for “doggie business.” There is an Upper St. Clair ordinance requiring all dogs to be walked on leashes and all dog droppings to be picked up.

The shrubs and the mailbox on my front lawn is a warm-up ground (number one) for dogs on their way to the field to leave behind number two. Some dog owners will pull their dog away from the warming up action on my lawn or the lawns of my neighbors. Some owners also carry plastic bags and scoopers and use them as necessary. Hats off to them and brick bats to those owners who choose not to clean up their dog’s mess. Many a kid has carried Rover’s remains home on the sole of his shoe after playing in this field, and I’m sure Fort Couch isn’t the only field where this practice occurs.

A dog owner I know said that the major violators are evening dog-walkers.

He always cleans up after his dog—thank goodness, for his is one big dog!

Parents and Athletics In my day we didn’t have Little League.

We just played ball in an open field—no parents involved and it was a lot of fun.

I attended a small high school where the coaches and teachers knew most of the students’ parents personally. I played three sports. My mother once thought I wasn’t getting enough playing time and she threatened to call the coach. Thank goodness she never did. In those days it was extremely rare for a parent to hassle a coach about their child’s playing time.

That’s not the case in today’s world.

Little League sports today is a big part of a child’s athletic beginning and his development. Parents should get one thing straight—the coach’s son or daughter usually gets to play all the time. Parents should stop obsessing about this one. It’s the unwritten reward for coaching the team. If you don’t like that, then sign up to coach a team yourself and play your kid as you see fit. There are, however, strict rules and

Spring 2004

guidelines developed by the Upper St. Clair Athletic Association (USCAA) that spell out how much minimum playing time a player should receive. Coaches and parents of little leaguers should know and follow these rules.

If a coach fails to follow these rules after a parent’s gentle reminder, report him or her to the USCAA. Parents who whine about a coach or the system need to stop their own actions—they themselves need to grow up.

High school sports are different. In high school you play to win and the coach is obligated to play the best players. It frequently happens in Upper St. Clair that parents interfere and protest the playing time of their child. Some parents are civilized in their approach, while others become hostile and even vindictive toward coaches. Parents contaminate their child’s perception of his coach when they openly discuss unfair treatment. This affects the child’s attitude and can negatively influence his performance on the playing field.

If a child isn’t complaining to his parents about unfair treatment or minimal playing time, parents should keep their feelings to themselves.

If a child is complaining, parents should encourage the child to talk with the coach and ask him what he can do to get more playing time. The first and best step is to allow the athlete to attempt to resolve the problem—let him stand up for himself. It just might make him a more responsible person. If the unfair treatment or perceived favoritism continues the High School athletic director is responsible to check out the complaint.

Our coaches should be respected. They work hard and the results they consistently achieve bear out the fact that they are good at what they do, often in spite of the negative behavior of some parents.

Integrity: “Rigid adherence to a code of behavior or standard of value. The state of being unimpaired: soundness: wholeness. The quality or state of being of sound moral principles: uprightness, honesty and sincerity.”

Our public officials, coaches and teachers have the obligation to be effective and fair, conducting their responsibilities with integrity. Citizens, in return, owe them respect and civility.

Ranting too often can be harmful to one’s longevity. The deer continue to eat my beautiful flowers, but so do the rabbits.

Let ’em have them. I choose to rant on what can be improved.

Phew… I feel better now. I may apply for the postion of Andy Rooney’s understudy. I’m certainly old enough.

Taking Stock Continued from page 17

Smoke Detector Program In order to promote safety regarding fire prevention, interested residents may apply for a free smoke detector and installation through the Allegheny Health Department. Please call 412-247-7800 to register or call Councilman Gastgeb’s office for further information.

Washington County

South Park Many updates and improvements have occurred in South Park. Some of the improvements include new picnic groves, a new baseball/softball field, new playgrounds and a new gazebo. In 2004, the following projects have had appropriations: • New skateboard park • Remodel and refurbish the ice skating rink • Remodel and refurbish the outdoor concert amphitheater • Install a new traffic signal at Corrigan Drive and Maple Springs Drive Councilman Gastgeb has been a leader in improving the park system in Allegheny County. He authored new parks legislation to separate the parks by creating a new department, thus allowing private funding through the Foundation community.

Councilman Gastgeb has made it a priority to improve the recreation climate in county facilities and in the townships and boroughs he represents by securing county grants and introducing innovative ideas.

Painters Run Road Construction Complete Work has been completed on a new roadway from Gilkenson Road to Robb Hollow Road. This project completed Phase 1, which consisted of widening Painters Run Road to four lanes, improving the sewer and water systems and improving turning lanes and access to the intersecting roads. The $2.8 million project was completed in late 2003. The second phase of the project calls for completion of an improved four-lane road from Robb Hollow Road to Bower Hill Road. Phase 2 is undergoing engineering studies and is not fully funded at this time. Even farther out in time, Phase 3 will allow for a direct spur from Bower Hill Road to Interstate 79. Councilman Gastgeb is seeking funding for this project so that Upper St. Clair gets priority and timely completion.

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Megan’s Law Update Councilman Gastgeb promoted legislation providing for a local component to allow for easy access to violent sexual predators by accessing a link on the Allegheny County police website at www.county.allegheny.pa.us.

Spring 2004

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Professional Tips on Window and Door Replacement Dave Scott Window replacement can play an integral role in updating any

home. Quality windows not only significantly improve a home’s energy efficiency, but when chosen carefully and installed professionally they also enhance the architectural design of a house, increase the home’s esthetic daytime lighting, reduce exterior maintenance and generally increase a home’s value.

Window shopping, however, can be a trying time for many consumers, especially considering the maze of choices, widely varying price ranges and conflicting sales pitches. Use these window shopping tips to simplify the process: • Work with a specialty window contractor who does this type of work on a daily basis and who can assist you in making the best decisions on product and installation for your home. Choose a contractor that is local to the area, works in your neighborhood and has good references.

• Choose high quality windows with a reliable warranty. The windows Scott Bros. recommends and installs primarily are Andersen products—wood windows offering a maintenance-free vinyl-coated exterior with the beauty of a natural wood or painted interior finish to match any decor.

• Choose windows with Low-E glass for maximum energy efficiency.

Low-E glass features transparent metallic coatings that can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs year-round. These Low-E windows have another considerable benefit customers want—they reduce fading on furniture, flooring and window treatments caused by sunlight.

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Spring 2004

• Select energy-efficient windows that require minimal maintenance.

A wood window with a vinyl-coated exterior provides maximum energy efficiency, low maintenance and the beauty of a naturalwood interior finish.

• Increase your home’s curb appeal. Remove unsightly storm windows and eliminate the need for exterior maintenance caused by peeling paint and weathered caulking. Consider installing a feature window such as a bay or bow and adding window accessories.

A feature window not only floods a room with natural light for you to enjoy, but also adds a unique design element that can pay off significantly should you decide to sell.

• One of the most popular window accessories are grilles. Grilles are available in different styles and designs and include installation on the exterior, the interior, or inserted between the panes of glass.

Other beautiful window enhancements include stained glass panels.

• Obtain customer references. Most reputable contractors have a list of references in your area that will provide you with valuable insight about the company you will be working with on your project. Don’t hesitate to ask for references, then call them.

• Final tip from Dave, “Plant your corn early!”

Dave Scott, a long-time resident of the Upper St. Clair area and owner of Scott Bros. Windows and Doors, has served this community and all of South Hills with quality window and door sales, installation and service for over 20 years. See Scott Bros. Windows and Doors website at www.scottbroswindows.com or call Dave at 724-745-2376.

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Remodeling Hints for the Kitchen Tina Glisan Remodeling a kitchen can be the biggest and most exciting

project you will ever encounter as a homeowner. It can also be the most stressful. There are tons of questions that need to be addressed.

A good place to start is by contacting a professional to help with the job. You can start by visiting your local home improvement store, contacting a professional kitchen designer or researching your questions through the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).

The first thing to think about is your budget. Like any major purchase, you should only spend what you can afford. There are many factors and expenses that go into remodeling your new kitchen. Once you have set your budget, your kitchen designer will assist you in using it wisely.

According to the NKBA, your cabinet selection will account for approximately 35-48% of your entire budget. You need to keep this in mind if you also want to incorporate things such as professional grade appliances. On average, oak cabinets can cost 15–20% less than cherry cabinets. Labor will account for approximately 16%, countertops 13-20% and you still need to figure in the cost of appliances, lighting, flooring and fixtures.

If you are trying to achieve a certain look or style, you may consider bringing in an interior designer to help with your project. A professional interior designer can help pull the entire project together and make sure that your new kitchen works well with the house you already love. Most upscale remodeling centers have interior designers

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Spring 2004

on staff to work with kitchen designers at no additional cost to you.

You can also hire an outside designer to work on your project but be prepared to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 per hour.

If you want to save a little money, there are a few things that you can do yourself. Most people can tear out old cabinets and take up old flooring. Just be careful not to damage the walls. You can also paint or wallpaper the walls yourself. Although doing some of the work may save you money, professional installation can alleviate a lot of headache and ensure your products are properly installed according to the kitchen that was designed. Most kitchen remodels may involve an electrician in addition to a plumber.

Allowing enough time for the job to be completed is also very important. The extent of your remodel will determine how long your project should take. A good kitchen designer should be able to predict a timeframe for your job. Remember, this is a big project and the things may be a little messy for a while, but with the right professional help, the result will be well worth the work and the wait.

Tina Glisan is an interior designer for Maggie’s, located at 3328 Washington Road in McMurray. Maggie’s has on staff interior designers, kitchen/bath designers and installers. Its showroom displays kitchens, baths, windows, doors, flooring, wallcoverings, fabrics and window treatments in addition to a finishing touches boutique.

For additional information call 724-969-0380 or visit www.maggiesshowroom.com.

Judge your window contractor by the company he keeps.

• Scott Bros. received the designation as the leading Certified ARS Contractor in the Pittsburgh area. This designation signifies our knowledge and expertise in the sales and installation of high-performance, low maintenance Andersen® product lines.

• We pride ourselves on our professionalism and customer service. Scott Bros. comes highly recommended in the South Hills area by customers, distributors and lumberyards.

• You Y can be confident that Scott Bros. will assist you in making the best decision in product and installation for your home. TTogether with a fair and competitive cost we will give your project our undivided attention.

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Taste of the Nation Pittsburgh

Beth El Receives Award

Monday, April 26, 2004 Marriott City Center Downtown Pittsburgh 5:30–8 p.m.

Beth El Congregation of the South Hills has been

Event Ticket: $75 Event Ticket and V.I.P Steelers Vodka Caviar Reception: $250 Call for Tickets: 412.681.1110 Taste of the Nation Pittsburgh is a premier food and wine

event that attracts professionals who care about community and good food. It features the area’s best restaurants, chefs, wine merchants, caterers, and purveyors while raising necessary resources for the most effective local area non-profit organizations, including Greater Pittsburgh Community Foodbank, Just Harvest and Hunger Services Network.

24

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2004

recognized with the prestigious Solomon Schechter Gold award in the category of Education for their program, “Learning Together: Educating Teachers, Parents and Children in the New Millennium.” Beth El Congregation’s Education Vice President, Deborah Scheimer, accepted the award at the United Synagogue Biennial Convention in Dallas, Texas.

Through a Covenant Foundation award and in partnership with the Jewish Education Institute of Pittsburgh, Beth El launched this new two-year professional development program for teachers in 2002. It is expected to be a model for other synagogue schools and is an inspiration for the South Hills community.

Beth El Religious School is noted for its formal and informal educational programming which enhances its students’ Jewish education. This award reflects the congregation’s commitment to supporting and enhancing its professional staff.

Cultural

Corner

Upper St. Clair High School

2004 Spring Musical What: “Fiddler on the Roof” When: March 19, 20, 26, 27 at 7:30 p.m.

March 21 matinee at 2 p.m.

March 24, 25 at 6:30 p.m. (family nights) Where: USCHS Theatre (All seats reserved) How: Visit the Box Office March 1–17 for ticket presale.

Mornings on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays: 10:30 a.m.–noon Evenings on Mondays, Wednesdays: 6:30–8 p.m.

Cost: $10 presale, $15 at door

SOLD

The Box Office will also be open one hour prior to the start of each show, when VIP tickets and turn-backs will become available for sale. Call the Box Office at 412-851-2060 for information.

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Presents

Forever Blowin’ Bubbles

The Music of Fred Rogers When: 8 p.m. Saturday, March 27 What: Benefit Gala— Lucas Richman, conductor

PNC Broadway Series Presents Jesus Christ Superstar When: Tuesday, April 6–Sunday, April 11 What: This magnificent new production is truly a superstar.

Ticket Information: Phone: 412-392-4900 Heinz Hall Box Office: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. daily Website: www.pittsburghsymphony.org

Southwinds Craft Fair Southwinds will hold its 13th annual spring craft festival on Saturday, April 3 at Castle Shannon Memorial Hall (Route 88 South), from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Homemade lunches, bake sale and Chinese auction will be part of the day’s activities. Admission is one dollar for persons 16 and over. The event benefits Soutwind’s services for 50 mentally retarded and developmentally challenged adults.

For information, call the Development Office at 724-941-7600.

Golf Benefit Family Hospice and Palliative Care’s annual golf benefit will be held Monday, May 17 at Valley Brook Country Club in McMurray. Proceeds benefit services for hospice patients and their families. Call 412-572-8812 to register.

Once in a great while a show comes along with a message that all want to hear. If it makes you laugh, applaud and cry, then it succeeded.

“Forever Blowin’ Bubbles” is a salute to the greatest country in the world. Never in the history of television has there been a show that has not lost its appeal or audience.

The Lawrence Welk TV Show has remained on television for 50 years. Why?— because it’s a professional, timeless and pure Americana presentation.

The stage show played in Reno, Nevada, last year to sold out audiences. It features original stars such as: Jack Imel, Marylou Metzger, Gail Ferrell, Clay and Sally Hart, Joe Feeney, Tanya Welk, Ava Barber, Bob Ralston and Ken Delo.

When: Wednesday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: USCHS Theatre Cost: $32 and $35.75 Additional amenity: A pre-show meal at Salvatore’s can be arranged for $14.50 per person, inclusive, by calling the office of JB Promotions, Inc. at 1-800-482-3531.

USC Community Day 2004 When: Saturday, May 15 Where: USC Recreation Center Spring 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

25

The Diamond at Ligonier—

A Gem of a Day Trip

Mary Lynne Spazok

Early to bed, early to rise. Set the

alarm for a daft 5:45! A one-minute nippy shower is sure to invigorate your sanity.

Today’s destination is the “Antiques on the Diamond” sale at Ligonier. Arrive no later than the 8 a.m. opening—fill the tank with gas and pack excursion necessities such as agenda, water, cash and jeweler loupe the night before. Include a lightweight jacket.

After all, the mountainous Laurel Highlands often harbor a cool dawn mist. Munch on a breakfast bar on the way to the Pennsylvania Turnpike at Monroeville. Travel the I-76 toll road east to Donegal, Exit 91. Make one left turn and a sharp left again to State Route 711 South, the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Twenty minutes later, passionately join energized early birds that flock to this June or August outdoor exposition. Free meter parking is sponsored by the Ligonier Chamber of Commerce. East and West Main Streets leap to life with vendors whose alluring wares are cleverly put on show. Briskly tour the exhibit in its entirety to secure your premium picks. He who hesitates will surely be sorry!

The second round, the “browse” mode, allows one to ponder the absolute necessity and purchase of that object d’art! Voraciously sought and quickly sold are reclaimed architectural artifacts. Deep-rooted trees in pristine courtyards shade bargain hunters and browsers, curious children or inquisitive adults who relish toys of the past, rare wicker and just about anything else one yearns for. Indoor shops open mid-morning. Congenial proprietors offer a miscellany of merchandise along with the treat of complimentary coffee and bakery.

Hungry? Re-energize by cruising just 2.5 miles west on the Route 30 Lincoln Highway to Idlewild Park. Ensconced with mature maples and mountain laurel, the Loyalhanna Creek’s cool breezes tame the dog days of summer.

Devour lip-smacking munchies, then top it off with a wholesome dessert. Perhaps you’ll choose a crispy candy apple (fruit), creamy homemade ice cream (calcium), or a gooey, whipped crème and strawberry topped funnel cake (no nutritional value whatsoever!) Calories be gone with a visit to the beloved Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood of Make-Believe which lavishes happy-go-lucky amusement.

Then, embrace the ecstasy of the wild and crazy Soak Zone.

Conquer the 14 water slides, the

Spring 2004

giant Tipping Bucket and the Little Squirts Wading Pool. At day’s end, return to the Olde Idlewild section of the park for one last ride on the Rollo Coaster (wooden) or Wild Mouse. This park is immaculate with first-rate comfort amenities. Park manager Brandon Leonetti is a very gracious host.

Another family adventure where wildlife abounds is the Living Treasures Animal Park, State Route 711. View over 500 ani-

mals such as black bears, tigers, kangaroos and many exotics. Be in awe of the petting zoo but beware of those tenacious goats who nibble at just about anything or anyone. Delight the kids with the time-honored pony trot. Lastly, gather for a wagon ride that underscores the beauty and strength of the colossal Clydesdale horse team.

Heading home, bypass the turnpike for a leisurely ride along Route 31 West Heritage Route to Mt. Pleasant. Enjoy the undulating countryside where chubby cows graze serenely on rich farmland—the touchstone of Westmoreland County. Even late in the day, however, there are several viable activities for your continued enjoyment.

Once past the Doughboy Soldier (roundabout) monument in Mt. Pleasant, browse

at the Smith Glass Factory Outlet and Mt. Pleasant Glass Center. However, if superfired entertainment is a must, go back in time to the Greater Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival. Weekends here are bustling with celebratory medieval traditions. The skill of armored contact jousting on horseback is amazing. Patrons of all ages relish in the merriment of interactive activities. At day’s end, exit the parking lot and turn left to return home using Interstate 70 West to Washington. Continue to the South Hills along Route 19 or I-79.

Daytrip activities abound at quaint Ligonier. This scenic neighborhood offers white water rafting, excellent fly-fishing,

hiking, biking and winter skiing. Wildflower photography is best during April and May while the fall foliage peaks in midOctober. Get a wee bit Scottish in September.

Whoop it up with step dancing and bagpipers at Idlewild’s Highland Games. Glittering in the Laurel Highlands, the “Diamond at Ligonier” is truly a gem!

Historical Note: Fort Ligonier, constructed by the British in 1758, was a stronghold during the French and Indian War. Decommissioned in 1766, it continues to be a full-scale restoration in progress. The fascine (a cylindrical bundle of sticks for construction, such as a fortress) cannon artillery battery is of particular interest. It is here that British General Arthur D. St. Clair’s military career endured 35 years of glory, sacrifice and heartbreak.

Present your AAA membership card for a discount on the nominal entry fee.

Idlewild Park 724-238-3666

Living Treasures Animal Park 724-593-8300

Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce

website: www.ligonier.com

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Spring 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

27

Upper St. Clair School District Board of School Directors

2004 School Board Announces Presidency At the Upper St. Clair Board

of School Directors reorganizational meeting held on December 1, 2003, the board appointed Dave Bluey as 2004 school board president and Angela Petersen as school board vice president.

David E. Bluey President 412-835-6145 2005*

Angela B. Petersen Vice President 412-831-7182 2007*

Barbara L. Bolas 412-833-9841 2007*

Russ Del Re 724-941-3336 2005*

Past president Mark Trombetta hands over the gavel to Dave Bluey.

New School Board Members

Glenn Groninger, School Board Vice President Angela Petersen, School Board President Dave Bluey and Russ Del Re There are two new members on the Upper St. Clair School Board

Albert E. Ferrara, Jr. 412-835-2709 2005*

Glenn Groninger 412-854-5345 2007*

Jeffrey W. Joyce 412-257-1704 2007*

Clark R. Nicklas 412-831-1027 2005*

Mark G. Trombetta, MD 412-831-8543 2007* *Date indicates expiration of term.

28

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2004

resulting from the general election held this past November.

Elected to a four-year term is Glenn Groninger. A 1987 graduate of Upper St. Clair High School, Glenn received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware in 1991 and his MBA from the Katz Business School at the University of Pittsburgh in 2000.

As a banker with PNC, Glenn’s career has focused on government banking, a background that he feels will be valuable during the board’s budget process.

Glenn and his wife, Kristen, have three daughters: Mattie, six; Kate, four and Mary, two. Not surprisingly, Glenn is interested in focusing on improving elementary education in the District.

In addition to serving on the school board, Glenn serves on the board of the Crossroads Foundation, a non-profit organization. He is also involved with the Republican Committee of Upper St. Clair, activities at St. Thomas More Church and community soccer.

Elected to a two-year term is Russ Del Re. He said he is looking forward to helping the school board run the School District as dictated by the Pennsylvania School Code.

A graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School, Russ attended the University of Pittsburgh. He is employed by P. J. Dick, Inc. as a general superintendent.

Russ and his wife, Sharon, have four boys: Derek, 18; Brandon, 16; Michael, 13 and Garrett, ten.

Some of the community activities Russ is involved with include the Township’s Fire Codes and Appeals Board, the Youth Steering Committee and the Upper St. Clair Athletic Association.

While not an elected official, another relatively new face on the school board is that of Ted Brooks. He has been solicitor for the board since February 2003. Ted works for Tucker Arensberg Attorneys, specializing in school law. He graduated from Bucknell University and the University of Pittsburgh Law School.

A Mt. Lebanon resident, Ted and his wife, Lynette, have two children, Amanda and Ben. The 2004 regular meetings of the Upper St. Clair Township Board of School Directors will be held at 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at Central Office’s School Board meeting room. No regular meeting is scheduled for July.

2003 Fall Sports Results

Girls Tennis

USCHS Team

Section

Season

Cross Country—Boys Cross Country—Girls Field Hockey Football

6 6 1

9-3 2-9 8-8 12-1

Golf—Boys

6

17-2

Golf—Girls

2

16-0

7 5 4

21-4-1 15-6 14-0

—Katie Trachock Soccer—Boys Soccer—Girls Tennis—Girls

Boys Soccer

Achievement

Conference Champion, WPIAL Runner Up Section Winner, WPIAL Champion Section Winner, WPIAL Champion (tenth year) Section Winner WPIAL Individual Champion PIAA State Champion

Section Winner, WPIAL Champion, State Champion —Singles (Shayna Miller) Section Singles Champion —Doubles Section Winner (Carrie Miller and Amanda El-Tobgy) PIAA State Double’s Champion Volleyball—Girls 8 10-5

Girls Golf

Boys Golf

Boys Football

A Tribute to Outgoing Board Members The School District and its administration would like to thank

and recognize Dina Fulmer and Dr. William (Bill) Sulkowski for their years of service and dedication to the Upper St. Clair school system while serving on the Board of School Directors.

Dina was elected to the Board in 1983 and served as a director for 20 years. Dina was instrumental in strengthening the District’s curriculum and adding advanced placement courses—a focal point of her desire to become a board member in the first place. Dina has been an advocate for our youth and for public education in her years of service.

Under Dina’s guidance the District won ten Excellence in Education Blue Ribbon awards. She helped develop the International Baccalaureate program and helped initiate the early start of foreign language instruction.

Dina served on the Board under three different administrations— previous Superintendents Robert Christiana and Dr. William A. Pope and current Superintendent Dr. James Lombardo.

Dina did not seek re-election this past fall, wanting to travel and visit family with her husband, Jerry.

Bill, a practicing dentist, was elected to the School Board in 1999, beginning his four years of service in December of that year. In addition to serving on several committees, he served Dina, at her last School Board as chairperson of the Arts, meeting as director.

Activities and Athletic committees in 2002 and 2003.

We wish both Dina and Bill the very best and we appreciate what they’ve done for our schools and community.

Spring 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

29

School District Takes Steps to Prevent Bullying Eloise Stoehr, Supervisor of Pupil Services Among the many challenges

and includes firm limits on unacThe Starfish ceptable behavior. The elements of facing educators each day is recognizing Loren Eisley the program include school-wide and reducing the barriers to learning that students may experience. For some interventions, classroom-level interOnce upon a time there was a wise man that would go to the ventions, individual interventions, students it’s the struggle with academic ocean to do his writing. One day he was walking along the shore. and community interventions. At work, for others it’s the many pressures As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a each school a coordinating commitand conflicts occurring in their families, dancer. He began to walk faster to catch up. tee has been established to provide and for others it’s the hurt and fear of As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young being left out, teased or bullied. Re- man wasn’t dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, training and ideas for other staff members. For the middle and elementary cent studies have demonstrated that picking up something very gently, and throwing it into the ocean. schools simple rules have been estaba significant amount of absenteeism at As he got closer he called out, “Good Morning! What are you lished and posted for all to see. school is tied to illness caused by the doing?” The young man paused, looked up and replied, “Throwing While the program was initiated at stress of bullying and social pressures. starfish into the ocean.”

Schools have a responsibility to foster our middle schools during the 2002-03 The wise man asked, “Why are you doing that?” a school climate where students are The young man replied, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. school year, it was initiated at the elementary level during this school year. free to learn. The goal of the Olweus If I don’t throw them out they’ll die.”

The school-wide rules established for Bullying Prevention Program, currently “But young man,” the wise man replied, “don’t you realize that the elementary schools are quite simibeing implemented in our elementary there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it… lar to those at the middle school. The and middle schools, is just that.

You can’t possibly make a difference!” four program rules are: With funding made possible The young man listened politely. Then he bent down, picked up 1. We will treat everyone with respect. through Pennsylvania’s Safe School another starfish and threw it into the sea and replied, 2. We will try to help students who Initiative Grant Program, the Upper “It made a difference to that one!” are mistreated or bullied.

St. Clair School District has: provided 3. We will report to an adult if training for elementary and middle school staff to become more aware of both di- bullying prevention. Understanding the how, someone is being mistreated or left out.

4. We will make it a point to include students rect and indirect bullying; surveyed our students when and where it occurs is another. The survey at the elementary and middle school levels to results received from our middle school students who are left out.

The theme of the program is “We Care” assess the occurrences of bullying, and initiated in Spring 2002 and from our elementary students activities within the schools to address the issues in Spring 2003 are generally similar to survey and all elementary students have learned the connected to bullying. results nationwide. Approximately 17-20% in a story of “Carey, the Caring Starfish.” A starfish Direct bullying is characterized by activities national sample of students between grades four logo is being used to help remind students of the importance of acts of caring. School-wide that are physical (hitting, kicking, shoving, spit- to ten reported being bullied. ting), verbal (taunting, teasing, racial slurs, verbal Long-term effects for those being bullied activities will take place throughout the year; sexual harassment), and non-verbal (threatening, include lower self-esteem and higher rates of but the classroom-level activities are essential obscene gestures). Indirect bullying is subtler but emotional depression. Consequences for bullies for helping to promote a positive school climate. is also hurtful. It includes such physical actions as include developing a pattern of conduct—dis- Classroom interventions include the consistent getting another person to assault someone, verbal ordered behavior that may continue into young use of sanctions and positive reinforcement, inactions such as spreading rumors, and non-verbal adulthood. Even those who are bystanders are corporation of anti-bullying themes across the actions such as deliberately excluding someone affected. These effects include feeling afraid, curriculum, and regular meeting or discussion from a group or activity. feeling powerless to change things, feeling time to address bullying/peer relations and Some may assume that these experiences guilty and developing a diminished empathy for practice positive social skills.

Parents and the community are also are just the rites of passage that children go victims. Effects of bullying in the school climate through while growing up. Unfortunately, can include interference with student learning, instrumental in producing a caring school they often leave lasting negative impressions creating a climate of fear and disrespect, and environment. Their involvement in the bulor worse. There is a difference between bullying, having students perceive a lack of control and lying prevention program includes support for rough-and-tumble play and real fighting. caring in the school environment. Bullying most the school’s rules and procedures for dealing In rough play versus bullying, there is usu- often occurs when students are in settings with with bullying/harassment infractions. Parents ally a relationship among the parties, facial reduced adult supervision. When bullying oc- are encouraged to let school personnel know expressions and the general atmosphere are nor- curs, students more often tell peers or siblings when their child reports being bullied or actmally congenial, the intention for both parties than parents or teachers. It is because of this ing as a bully. School counselors are available is to have fun, and there is a balance of power that one of the major outcomes of the Olweus to help parents work out ways with their among the parties. Real fighting usually takes program is to help peers and bystanders as well child to address the issues of being bullied place in a one-time occurrence and the power as adults become empowered to make it clear or bullying.

PTA Council’s Together in Parenting between the parties is relatively equal. Bully- that bullying is not acceptable. ing occurs when someone is exposed repeatedly In implementing the Olweus program, the (TIP) committee sponsored a program this and over time to negative actions on the part of goals of the bullying prevention program are past October regarding the bullying prevenone or more persons. Bullying implies there is set forth. They are to reduce existing bully/ tion program. The Youth Steering Committee an imbalance in power or strength. The person victim problems among school children, held a program in February 2003 specifically who is bullied has difficulty defending himself. prevent the development of new bully/victim addressing parent involvement. A CD ROM In bullying, there is an intention to do harm. problems and improve peer relations and im- self-study program developed by parent and Bullying equals peer abuse. prove school climate. It is critical to develop a committee member, Debbie Piecka, is availHelping staff and students understand the school climate that is characterized by warmth, able for parents by contacting the guidance definition of bullying is an important step to positive interest and involvement from adults counselor at your child’s school.

30

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2004

Special Teacher–Special Award

Michelle Zirngibl—a special teacher.

Upper St. Clair High School Life Skills

teacher, Michelle Zirngibl, was one of ten teachers from across the nation to receive the prestigious 2003 Shaklee Award. This award is designed to recognize outstanding teachers and programs of children with special needs in the United States and other countries worldwide.

2003 Shaklee winners received a $1000 unrestricted award and the Shaklee Teacher Award sculpture at the award dinner held in Wichita, Kansas. Michelle was especially excited about the opportunity for the award winners to participate in the Shaklee summer session, where the winning teachers got to interact and explore critical issues related to the education of children with disabilities. “It was the most amazing experience of my life.”

Included among the facilitators and presenters at the Shaklee Institute were Jim Wong, an international business entrepreneur; Alba Ortiz, Ph.D., Professor of Special Education at the University of Texas at Austin; Dixie Jordan, Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights, and Gerald J. Him, Consultant-in-Charge with the Los Angeles County Office of Education.

Another highlight of the Shaklee summer session for Michelle was when the award winners got the chance to address all those attending the closing banquet.

Michelle attended Clarion University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in education. She is currently attending the California University of Pennsylvania, working toward a masters degree in school counseling.

Known for generating new ideas, Michelle is focused on meeting her students’ needs. One of the areas the Life Skills Support classroom focuses on is vocational training and work placements ranging from supported training within the School District to competitive job sites such as the local grocery store or childcare facility. She was instrumental in developing

FRIENDS (Finding Relationships in Every New Direction) to increase the socialization between the students in the Life Skill support program and students in the general education program. Approximately 50 mainstream students volunteer on a weekly basis to work with the Life Skills students, participating in a variety of recreational activities. According to Michelle, the Life Skills students don’t always have the opportunity to have friends outside their typical classroom group. FRIENDS help them fit in with others at the high school.

This past fall Upper St. Clair residents had the chance to help raise money for the Life Skills program when they had dinner at King’s Family Restaurant on November 12. King’s donated ten percent of the sales plus all the tips collected during the two-hour evening event to the USCHS Life Skills program.

Local celebrities working that evening included KDKA’s Yvonne Zanos, Joe Grushecky, former Pittsburgh Steeler and USCHS Athletic Director Ted Petersen, USC Superintendent Dr. James Lombardo, retired USC Superintendent Dr. William Pope, retired Baker Elementary School Principal Ted Barnett, USCHS baseball coach Jerry Malarkey, and USCHS football coach Jim Render, who brought his entire coaching staff to help.

In addition to an enjoyable dining experience, residents also had an opportunity to participate in a silent auction with prizes

donated from many South Hills businesses.

Michelle said the business community was wonderful and provided many great prizes.

She was especially grateful to King’s Family Restaurant, saying the evening would not have been possible without them.

Michelle said the $2315 raised during Celebrity Night would be used to fund some of the Life Skills programs, including their annual holiday dinner which was held on December 12. With the help of parents, school board members and administrators, the Life Skills students prepared a special dinner for their families at this event.

Other activities planned by the Life Skills students are a Mothers’ Day tea and an overnight trip.

Michelle said events like Celebrity Night give the Life Skills students a chance to show the community that everyone can do something. She said it reminded her of a saying by Hillel the Elder that she heard at the Shaklee Institute: “A single candle can light a thousand more without diminishing itself.”

The Shaklee Institute is sponsored by Heartspring, a private, not-for-profit school in Wichita, Kansas, with over 65 years of experience in improving the lives of children and youth with complex disabilities.

Michelle (bottom right) with other award recipients.

National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Students Thirty-three Upper St. Clair High School students are recognized for their success in the 2004 National Merit Competition. Congratulations!

Semifinalists Patrick Furlong, Gwen Howell, Alexander Kandabarow, Lorelei Kelly, John Kernan, Rebecca Kovel, Jacob Lambach, David Lo and Michael Riley.

Commended Students Karim Benbourenane, Stephen Colelli, Emily Engel, Nadezhda Evstiounina, Sanjiv Gollakota, Philip Gorman, Ashley Harsh, Nicole Harsh, Gregory Heilman, Sam Hornak, Dylan Kipp, Elizabeth Krah, Jenna Krall, Akshaya Kumar, Lindsay Lynch, Neha Mehta, Sean Murphy, Tyler Orchowski, Anjeli Prabhu, Matthew Shea, Shannon Spies, Jason Stern, Christopher Viccaro and Andrze Wojcieszynski.

Spring 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

31

Boyce Students Spend Time in the Past Gary Navoney

Every spring for the past 15 years, fifth level students from

The final part of the presentation is the demonstration of the firing of two different types of firearms. Mr. Perenis and Mr. Studnicki walk the students through the nine steps involved in firing a Springfield musket rifle. As a comparison, Mr. Navoney demonstrates the difference in firing a Civil War carbine. This demonstration is always a high point of the reenactment for the students.

In addition, Mr. Navoney and Mr. Perenis have created two characters from the Civil War—one Union soldier and one Confederate. As one of their presentations Mr. Navoney takes on the character of Jonathan Suratt, a carpenter from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, who moves to Fredericksburg, Virginia, and eventually becomes a soldier in the 22nd Virginia Rifles.

Mr. Perenis becomes Alex Patterson, a farmer from Washington County who becomes a soldier in the 9th Pennsylvania Reserve

Boyce Middle School have experienced the Civil War in a unique and rewarding manner. As part of their social studies curriculum the students culminate their unit of learning with an up-close and personal look at the many aspects of being a Civil War soldier.

Two days are selected as Civil War Days when students are involved in the many facets of Civil War life. Students have the opportunity to engage in many of the experiences a soldier might have had, including the making of hardtack, a staple of the Civil War soldier; music and songs of the period; visits by re-enactors Mary Todd Lincoln and Abraham Lincoln; a presentation related to the first submarine used in naval combat, the C.S.A. Hunley; writing of letters and journals and publishing a Civil War newspaper complete with photographs. Because these activities were created by the Boyce teaching staff, each one is related to the teacher’s area of expertise.

One of the components of Civil War Days is the presentation by living historians. Gary Navoney, gifted coordinator at Boyce, Left to right: Steve Stu dnicki and Gary Navon display the 9th Pennsylva ey and Alex Perenis, a retired physical education teacher from the nia Reserve Regimenta l flag. high school give the students an in-depth look at the life of a Civil War soldier.

Volunteers. The two characters describe their reasons for taking Students examine various soldiers’ uniforms, weapons, and up arms to defend what they believe is right. In their narrative, other accoutrements seeing and feeling what the soldiers looked the two soldiers describe their chance meeting during picket like and how they lived in the field. duty. This meeting will lead to a developing friendship that On the second day students are recruited into the 9th would last a lifetime.

Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer with the outdoor Many individuals helped bring history to life classroom being used as the recruiting station. at Boyce, including former Superintendents Dr. (They considered themselves the “Nasty Ninth.”)

Robert Christiana and Dr. William Pope, who Thanks to re-enactor Mr. Steve Studnicki, the raw offered their support and encouragement durrecruits see the importance of their regimental ing their tenure. The present administration, flag (made by Steve) and select their color bearer Superintendent Dr. James Lombardo, Dr. Pat and color guard. The students are separated into Dunkis, Director of Education and Instructioncompanies. Later the companies are formed into al Principal K-6, and Dr. John Bornyas, Director a regiment, and with colors flying, the students of Education and Instructional Principal 7-12, march to the beat of a drum to Camp Boyce some continue to lend their support as do Mrs. Karen 100 yards away where young soldiers see tents Brown, principal at Boyce, and Boyce staff. lined up and the campfire burning, typical of a On Thursday, April 29 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Union camp. Under the direction of Mr. Perenis, Boyce Middle School extends an invitation to the students, in line formation, witness what it the community to experience part of Civil War was like to live in close quarters with 5000 other Gary Navoney (right) recruits student Days. If you are near the school and hear Civil Ethan Kallick for the Pennsylvania men. Mr. Perenis also explains the importance of War music or smell the aroma of a campfire, Reserve Volunteer. drilling—an essential job of the young soldiers. stop by and spend some time in the past.

32

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2004

A Good Grade for ARAMARK Jim Render ARAMARK Corporation may be one of

the Upper St. Clair School District’s best-kept secrets. On one hand, its work is done behind the scenes and taken for granted. On the other hand, its work is very much out in front and its presentation is on display every day.

ARAMARK is probably graded more often than all the English, history and math papers combined. So let’s examine ARAMARK and reveal just how valuable they have become in the operation of our educational institution.

ARAMARK actually has two divisions working within the District. One group feeds us and one group cleans and repairs our facilities. So even though much of the work is done before the students arrive and long after they are gone, ARAMARK must also get passing grades in the presentation of food and services.

ARAMARK School Nutritional Services has been providing USC students nutritionally balanced meals for 15 years. During this partnership with the District, there have been many changes in our nutrition center. We have come a long way from the old typical “Type A” lunch to multiple selection menus that are analyzed weekly for their nutritional content. Students who visit our high school from other districts are in awe of the selection with which our students are accustom. USCHS students have daily choices that include pizza, hamburgers, homemade soups and salad bar, a full service deli, yogurt parfaits and specialty wraps as well as a south of the border Mexican and taco line. All of this, of course, is in addition to the Main Street Café where the main course menu changes daily to further meet our students’ needs. There is also a morning breakfast that includes cereal, egg and sausage sandwiches as well as the always-popular bagels with hash brown potatoes and cheese. If that is not enough, you can get dessert that includes soft ice cream, frozen yogurt and, of course, chocolate chip cookies.

As a partner with the School District, ARAMARK Nutrition Services has been a sponsor of the Athletic, Arts and Academic Halls of Fame ceremonies and has provided the appetizers prior to the ceremony along with the dinner following the inductions. They have also

High School nutrition center staff is proud of their award.

Russ Phillips and Joe Wightkin

contributed to the MS Walk, the District-wide student directory and the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine.

In August 2003, the High School was the recipient of the Allegheny County Outstanding Food Safety and Sanitation Award. This award is rarely presented to schools and is a tribute to the dedication of the nutrition center employees and their willingness to go the extra mile.

By the way, ARAMARK also provides catering services to community groups in need of their expertise.

ARAMARK has provided the District’s management of the custodial and maintenance operations since 2001. They are the world leader in managed services with approximately 200,000 employees in 18 countries. ARAMARK’s logo of “Managed Services, Managed Better” means that Upper St. Clair School District can confidently have its food service and its facilities managed by ARAMARK and concentrate on what USC does best—educate its students! Through national contracts and negotiated agreements, ARAMARK will save Upper St. Clair School District over $150,000 during the life of its contract.

This past year, in exchange for an extension of its contract, ARAMARK purchased a state-of-theart Musco lighting system for the high school’s Panther stadium. These fixtures are much more energy efficient, reduce light pollution, allow for a low and a high setting and provide a measurable increase of light on the field. Brightness was increased by almost 50%. The stadium renovation project, which included additional permanent seats with full handicap accessibility, expanded concessions, storage space and two new light towers, was paid for by Sprint, AT&T and T-Mobile. This partnership was formed so that satellite antennas could be mounted on top of the light towers to give our Township better wireless coverage for both residents and government agencies, including police and emergency units. The project was worth over two million dollars and was managed by ARAMARK with no disruption to school operations and no cost to the School District. It was a win-win situation for the phone companies, ARAMARK, the high school and our community.

Russ Phillips is the director of the nutrition center and Joe Wightkin is the director of facilities for the ARAMARK Corporation.

Spring 2004

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33

Journey to Hershey—So Sweet!

Pam Dillie

Students in Pam Dillie’s second level class at Baker created the Hershey banner from Hershey Candy bar wrappers and every Baker student signed it. The banner made the trip to Hershey Park with the team.

What community spirit!

The Upper St. Clair High School

boys’ soccer team has high expectations when they begin a season—in fact, Mounds of expectations. The Panthers routinely contend for the Section 5 championship and often fare well in the WPIAL championships, winning a WPIAL title as recently as the 2000 season. When this year’s squad came in second in their section to perennial

Tony Robino sets the ball in motion.

rival Peters Township and followed that performance with a strong WPIAL playoff run, the general belief was that the season was successful. But when the Panthers bowed out of the WPIAL playoffs with a loss to highly ranked Fox Chapel, the best part of their season was still in front of them. Upper St. Clair’s journey to the PIAA State championship was as sweet as the candies that made Hershey famous.

The Panthers’ run that ended with a huge PayDay in Hershey began with a game against State College High School from Huntingdon. The game was closely contested from beginning to end. Trailing 2-1 with time running short, senior Jeff Rickel scored a Whopper of a goal with just 16.9 seconds left on the clock to send the game into overtime. A goal by junior Scott Dillie with 7.9 seconds remaining in the fourth and final overtime turned the Little Lions into Kit Kats and sent the Panthers onto the second round.

The next opponent for the Panthers was Hampton, who advanced by defeating WPIAL champion Peters Township

Upper St. Clair School District Report Card In accordance with the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001, the Upper

St. Clair School District presented its first annual School District Report Card. This report, mailed to families registered in the Upper St. Clair School District, provides detailed information about student achievement under the NCLB provisions. It contains data from the 2002 and 2003 Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) tests given to students in grades five, eight and 11 in mathematics and reading and was mailed this past fall.

If you would like to review a copy of this report contact School District administration offices at 412-833-1600, extension 2202 or visit the District’s website: www.uscsd.k12.pa.us and click on to District Information where the USCSD Report Card link can be found.

34

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2004

in the first round. As always, Upper St. Clair’s defense was Good, and Plenty of the credit for the win went to junior goalkeeper Andrew Baldasare for a key save on a penalty shot in the first half. Goals by junior Brett Fackenthal and senior Jeff Rickel made the Panthers Jolly Ranchers, and sent them onto a showdown with another rival—Mt. Lebanon.

The Mt. Lebanon game was a rematch of the previous year’s WPIAL championship game. Brett Fackenthal’s second tally of the match was on a Bazooka of a shot, and was the game winning goal. The game’s final score was 3-1 and avenged a loss by the same score in the 2002 WPIAL championship.

The victory over Mt. Lebanon sent the Panthers to Hershey to meet West Chester East in the PIAA championship game. In another closely fought

Cole Conboy, Mike Walters-Slezak and Mitch Minerd are all smiles after the winning goal.

battle the Panthers used 80 minutes of regulation time and over two minutes of overtime to decide the match. At the 2: 40 mark of overtime, a corner kick by senior captain Tony Rubino was settled just outside the goalie box by junior Mitchell Minerd. Minerd sent the ball towards goal where it was deflected by Scott Dillie before junior Andy Machi scored the championship goal off a beautiful header. When the ball hit the back of the net the Upper St. Clair stands were full of Hugs and Kisses.

The Panthers’ journey to the chocolate capital of the world proved that they are the best boys’ soccer team in the state— bar none!

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35

Chess at Fort Couch Middle School Judy Casturo, Fort Couch German Teacher to play at designated times during the school week.

The large board opens the game to spectators. The sites and sounds of a game in progress attract visitors and everyone enjoys watching the strategies and the interaction of the students as they play the game and have fun interacting with each other in the competition.

Morning chess lessons are being offered at Fort Couch by Upper St. Clair resident Eric Berthoud. Mr. Berthoud is Student matches at morning chess lessons.

Instructor Eric Berthoud (right) enjoys a challenging game of chess with a student.

The German Room at Fort Couch

has become the gathering place for students who have an interest in learning to play chess. The floor in Room 101 is made of tile installed in the pattern of a black and white chessboard. Local businesses and individuals contributed funds to purchase a set of large chess pieces from Europe. Students are now able to play chess as they do at outdoor parks in Germany.

All students at Fort Couch are welcome

Life size chess board invites observer participation.

a chess instructor who has conducted classes at Baker, Streams, Fort Couch and Boyce. He also teaches chess at the USC Municipal Building on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Chess utilizes logic and involves basic science dealing with matter, space and time. Mr. Berthoud sees the game as an excellent mind exercise and encourages students to value the game of chess.

Joni Palmer, Meredith Dodd and Carrie Carpenter

Smooth Sailing Upper St. Clair is home to a national sailing champion!

Meredith Dodd, a senior at the High School, was part of the crew that won the Adams Cup last fall at Lake Norman, North Carolina. The U.S. Women’s Sailing Championship is one of the oldest sailing championships for women in the country.

It has been held every year since 1924, with the exception of 1942-45 (World War II) and 2001 (September 11 terrorist attacks).

In order to reach the finals for the Adams Cup, crews had to qualify in their district. Meredith said the semi-finals for the district that included Pennsylvania were held in Deep Creek, Maryland. Her crew won all four of the races they sailed, advancing them to the finals.

At the finals, which were held October 20-25, Meredith and crew competed against 11 teams from across the country. She explained that each team sailed 11 races, changing boats each time. The boats used in the competition were the Flying Scot, a 19-foot vessel. The boat maker provided 11 new boats for the competition, all of the same weight and construction.

Since the boats are identical, the contest is a test of each crew’s skill, according to Meredith. She explained that points are awarded for how each team places at the finish of each race—one point for first place, adding one more point for each additional place.

Therefore, 11th place would earn 11 points. “You want to get a low score,” she laughed. Her team took the championship with a total of 31 points.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2004

d

Meredith Dod

Sailing with Meredith during the competition were Joni Palmer and Carrie Carpenter. Joni was skipper of the team, and is involved with the sailing program at the Naval Academy. Carrie is the daughter of the builder of the Flying Scot. Meredith said that she normally competes against Joni and Carrie, but the three women decided to join forces to try to take the Adams Cup. Meredith plans to attend Washington College in Maryland after graduation and continue sailing. She said the sailing team at Washington College is on the water in both fall and spring, traveling along the east coast for competitions.

Last December, Pennsylvania sponsored

a contest to pick a new state slogan, with a separate contest for elementary school students. The winning elementary slogan is to be placed on specially designated Pennsylvania license plates and the winning class gets free computers. Proceeds from the sale of the license plates will buy computers for schools statewide. The judges were looking for a line that was “short, sweet and uniquely Pennsylvania.”

We thought it would be interesting to find out what some of the third and fourth level students at Eisenhower thought our new state slogan should be. Students from the homerooms of Mrs. Muha, Mrs. Stempkowski, Mrs. Kapadia, Mrs. Stack, Mrs. Zora, Mrs. McManus and Miss Atkins participated. Visit www.visitpa.com to see if any of our Upper St. Clair students won.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

up early for school, but this past fall three Upper St. Clair High School seniors got the chance to experience the very early morning hours of the medical profession.

Sarah Hill, Kate Simons and Gwen Howell, along with their teacher, Nancy Dombowsky, were at Allegheny General Hospital (AGH) in the wee hours of the morning of October 27 to observe surgery as part of a cooperative venture between the Allegheny Cancer Center at AGH and USCHS advanced science students.

The students met with Mark Trombetta, M.D., a senior physician in the Department of Radiation Oncology at AGH. The surgery the students were observing that day was the placement of flexible plastic catheters used in brachytherapy, a type of cancer treatment where radioactive seeds are placed in or near a tumor.

This method delivers a high dose of radiation to the tumor, while reducing the radiation exposure to healthy tissue around the tumor.

When the group met with Dr. Trombetta in the morning, he explained the patient’s medical condition and the procedure they would observe. The patient had had breast cancer seven years earlier, which had reoccurred. The treatment option selected for this case was brachytherapy. Dr. Trombetta explained that plastic catheters would be placed in different planes of the breast to deliver radiation to the tumor. “Dummy” seeds would be placed in the catheters during the procedure to determine the actual number of radioactive pellets to be inserted.

Once the patient was out of surgery, the “dummy” pellets would be replaced with radioactive pellets. The radioactive pellets would remain in place for two or three days while the patient was in the hospital, then the catheters would be removed and the patient could go home.

After Dr. Trombetta spoke with the students, he went to check on his patient while instructing the students to get breakfast. While in the cafeteria, Sarah Hill said she was “excited to see surgery.” Sarah plans to attend Penn State, but hasn’t yet decided on a major. Kate Simons said she was thinking about becoming a doctor. She said she liked science, and was “just amazed at how everything works.” Kate plans to attend Spring 2004

Georgetown University. Gwen Howell was interested in how things work, especially the physics involved with the procedure such as determining the angles to deliver the radiation.

After breakfast it was time to get into scrubs and head to the operating room (OR). Allegheny General is a teaching hospital, and Dr. Trombetta had two residents working with him. He thoroughly explained everything happening in the OR to the students, from the importance of proper hand washing techniques prior to surgery to what the nurse anesthetist was monitoring during the procedure. The students got to observe the entire procedure from start to finish, with just a few “light-headed” minutes. (No one passed out!)

This chance for advanced science students to explore careers in cancer treatment is due to an innovative partnership between USCHS and the Allegheny Cancer Center at AGH. By shadowing AGH physicians, nurses and researchers, students are exposed to possible future career avenues. It also helps the teaching staff at the hospital develop a course of study for the students participating in the program.

Dr. Trombetta sees the cooperative venture as a win-win situation for both organizations. He said it is a great educational benefit, and it fits the mission of the cancer center. In addition to shadow days and the developing course of study, students will structure some of their own course of study with classes and hands-on experience. “We’re really excited about it,” Dr. Trombetta said.

Marjie Heins, the gifted and engineering teacher at the High School said the program is

Gwen Howell, Sarah Hill and Kate Simons

very much student generated. Some students may be interested in working with patients, others interested in lab work, while still others may have an interest in computers and how research data is compiled.

Heins said that students in this pilot group are all in advanced science classes and have the interest, drive and ability to handle their regular course work and carry something extra.

“There is a need for students to get hands-on experience before they make a career choice,” said Heins. “Some of them think research is glamorous, but like any job, there can be some drudgery as well. You never know how these things can affect kids.”

An Artist in the House Elementary School. Described as “3-D fire on stems,” the textured flames are made of casts of the students’ hands.

The hand casts represent the helping hands and support that came after September 11.

Mrs. Rishel describes Ms. Loney as “a perfect match of artistic greatness with good kid skills.” Ms. Loney visited the school in spring 2003 and met with each class for a full art period. She told the students what her life was like as an artist, and worked with them in brainstorming sessions to get ideas for the Streams’ sculpture.

Blass. and Meghan s ne Since Streams was in the proJo on lis Al ter) works with cess of a major renovation during the last Jan Loney (cen school year, Ms. Loney asked the students to remember and describe what it was like to be in Students at Streams Elementary have had the opportunity this year to work with met- a school in transition. She asked them to recall the sights, sounds, smells and emotions associalier, Jan Loney, their “artist in residence.”

Streams art teacher Helen Rishel explained ated with the construction at school.

When school started this past fall, Ms. that an artist in residence is a contracted person assigned to work with students on a particular Loney met with students to finalize plans for project and see it through to its completion. The their project. “Kids are so creative,” stated Ms. culmination of the project is a permanent piece Loney. “I enjoy helping them translate their of artwork that is a collaborative effort between ideas into finished works of art.”

The three main ideas that were considered artist and students.

Karla Perelstine, a Streams parent, was in- for the finished product included a free standstrumental in bringing Ms. Loney to the school. ing sculpture that would be housed outside the Mrs. Perelstine was working on another project school, a bas relief above the school’s centrum, with the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts and or a mobile that would hang in the school’s learned about their artist in residency program. library. In November, the decision was made to When Streams was going through its create a bas relief representing Streams—past, present and future. renovations last year, Mrs. Perelstine thought how “neat” it would be to incorporate parts of the old school into a piece of installation art in the remodeled school. After getting approval from the School District and Streams principal Beverly Krill, school personnel contracted with Loney to be their artist in residence.

Mrs. Rishel said the Pittsburgh Center Allison Burner , Allison Jone s, Daniel Zora for the Arts, through a and Taylor M aggs partnership with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, was instrumental in matching the Mrs. Rishel said their bas relief, sometimes artist with the school. “We could have contracted with anyone.” stated Mrs. Perelstine, referred to as low relief, will involve using cold “but we were looking for someone who had cast metal which will be poured into a mold or over some other piece of art. Eight textured worked with children.”

Ms. Loney, an artist with a studio in panels will fit into a hexagonal opening that Lawrenceville, works primarily in metal. Her will hang at the top of the centrum.

Work on the piece is to be completed by largest work was the United Flight 93 memorial sculpture in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Ten late March, with a grand unveiling at Streams feet tall, it’s located just outside Shanksville Spring Exhibit on May 13.

Spring 2004

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39

Paw Prints Welcome to Paw Prints, a school news column provided by the USC PTA Council.

Our Schools

Challenger Center for Space Science Education

PTA Council The PTA Council is an important link between the local PTAs and the district, region, state, and national PTAs. Upper St. Clair PTA Council and local units belong to District 10, Region VII of the Pennsylvania PTA. District 10 and Region VII have the same boundaries as Allegheny County. The Pennsylvania PTA is one of the 54 state congresses that make up the National PTA. USC PTA Council works to support and speak on the behalf of children and youth in the schools of our community, seeking better education, more resources and safer schools in the lives of our children.

Together in Parenting Together in Parenting (TIP) programs provide support and education concerning difficult parenting issues. Meetings are held in the Fort Couch LGI Room. The community is invited to attend the following two Thursday meetings scheduled at 9:30 a.m: March 18—Body Image and Adolescent Health Issues with Jan Mancini, Nutritionist May 20—Kids In Sports with Joe Luxbacher, Ph.D. Health, Physical Recreation, Education Dept. of Athletics, University of Pittsburgh Odyssey of the Mind Odyssey of the Mind (OM) has 14 USC teams competing this year. The local PTA’s financial support of OM facilitated payment of all national and regional registrations. Competition at Moon Township High School was held March 6. Writing, theatrical, creative and scientific talent abounded. It’s an awesome experience for students and coaches alike! OM competition—where no two solutions are alike!

We’ll update you with competition results in the next issue of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. 40

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Boyce On Valentine’s Day, students enjoyed ice cream for treats with their choice of toppings.

Sixth grade students practiced to participate in the local competition for Mathcounts, which was held at University of Pittsburgh in February. Mathcounts is a competitive math program designed to build math skills and develop problem-solving strategies. State competition is held in March and national competition is held in May. Achievement tests for sixth level students run March 8-12, while fifth level students take the PSSA math and reading tests March 22-31.

The fifth level students’ annual trip to the Challenger Center for Space Science Education at Wheeling Jesuit University, West Virginia, is scheduled for April 14-21. This is a big project for the students as they simulate the experience of a space station.

Sixth level students, and those lucky parents who volunteer to join them, get to experience Deer Valley between May 5-21. This is a planned three-day, two-night educational field trip to the Deer Valley YMCA camp located approximately forty-five minutes south of Uniontown.

The Boyce book fair and spring exhibit will be held on April 28 and 29. Student work is displayed for parents and the PTA holds a book fair.

Eisenhower December was a busy month. The children participated in a Math-a-Thon to benefit The Make-A-Wish Foundation. Teacher Janice Kapadia tallied over $7000 raised by the students. Everyone enjoyed winter parties. Peggy Griffith, Outreach Committee chairperson reported that the annual collection of hats, mittens and scarves surpassed last year’s by 100 items for a total of 397 pieces. These items were donated to the Salvation Army homeless shelters.

Students enjoyed the second annual Reading Night with Dad. First and second level students each enjoyed their annual breakfast and fourth level students danced the night away at their annual hoedown. As a part of a giving project, students collected approximately 1200 books and donated them to Children’s Hospital.

Principal Mark Miller held the first meeting of the Eisenhower Elementary Technology Committee. Eisenhower’s building renovation provided the school with a media room and this committee is charged with brainstorming about what equipment will most benefit the students and how to secure resources (grants, corporate donations and fundraisers) to pay for the equipment. Anyone with an interest in technology is encouraged to join this committee whether or not they have children at Eisenhower or in

Spring 2004

the School District. Please contact Eisenhower School at 412-833-1600, extension 8000.

For more information on what’s happening check out Eisenhower’s website at usc-eisenhower.org.

Streams At Streams, November’s book fair and December’s holiday shop ended the old year, and 2004 was ushered in with a new year of activities and programs that started with an ice skating party in January at Ice Castle in Castle Shannon.

Special nights for kindergarten, first and second level students and their parents were held during January and February. Each student was an honored guest for the evening that featured an age appropriate program followed by refreshments.

The busy Family Activities committee hosted a bingo night on February 6. Snuggle Up and Read Night took place on March 4, with students and their families taking time out to relax while listening to guest readers.

High School Winter activities and sporting events have been in full swing and spring events have begun.

In February the junior class sponsored a Sadie Hawkins formal dance, where it is customary for girls to invite boys.

The Sadie Hawkins formal dance, where it is customary for girls to invite boys.

Academics, athletics and the arts—our High School supports the many students and teams who excel at their endeavors. Spectators are encouraged to attend athletic events and support our teams! Congratulations to the students who received academic honors awards at the CalcuSolve competition, the PSSAs, and the National Merit program. Also, congratulations to the music students who were selected and participated in various regional competitive music festivals.

“Fiddler on the Roof” was chosen as this year’s musical, and the cast and orchestra have put in many hours of rehearsal. See page 25 for performance dates, times and ticket information.

Upper St. Clair School District 2004 Calendar (March–May/Week One) The 2004 May–June portion of the School District calendar will be printed in our Community Day issue and mailed at the beginning of May. March 2004 2 3 4 8

9

10

11

12

15 16

17 18

19 20 21 22

23

24

BA – Kindergarten Registration EI – Kindergarten Registration ST – PTA Council Meeting @ 9:30 a.m.

ST – Kindergarten Registration EI – 1st Level Social @ 7–8:30 p.m.

HS – Choral Booster Meeting (Choral Room) @ 7 p.m.

BO – 6th Level Achievement Tests BA/EI/ST – 1st and 2nd Level Achievement Tests BA – Outreach Project CO – Academics, Arts & Extra Curricular Activities School Board Committee mtg. @ 7 p.m.

BO – 6th Level Achievement Tests BA/EI/ST – 1st and 2nd Level Achievement Tests BA – PTA Meeting (LGI Room) @ 9:30 a.m.

ST – PTA Meeting @ 9:30 a.m.

BA – Outreach Project HS – Band Parents’ Board Meeting (LGI Room) @ 7:30 p.m.

BO – PTA Meeting (LGI Room) @ 7 p.m.

BO – 6th Level Achievement Tests BA/EI/ST – 1st and 2nd Level Achievement Tests BA – Outreach Project FC – PTA Meeting (Multi-Purpose Room) @ 9:30 a.m.

BO – 6th Level Achievement Tests BA/EI/ST – 1st and 2nd Level Achievement Tests BA – Outreach Project BO – 6th Level Achievement Tests BA/EI/ST – 1st and 2nd Level Achievement Tests EI – PTA Meeting @ 9:30 a.m.

BA – Outreach Project BA/EI/ST – 4th Level Achievement Tests CO – Finance, Facilities & Operations School Board Committee Mtg. @ 7 p.m.

BA/EI/ST – 4th Level Achievement Tests HS – Winter Sports Banquet HS – Music Trip Chaperones’ Meeting (Township Multi-Purpose Room #2) @ 6–10 p.m.

HS – PTSO Meeting (Room 148/149) @ 9:30 a.m.

BA/EI/ST – 4th Level Achievement Tests BA/EI/ST – 4th Level Achievement Tests ST –3rd Level Special Night @ 7–9 p.m.

EI – Kindergarten Social @ 7–8:30 p.m.

BA/EI/ST – Kindergarten Registration (Central Office) @ 6:30 p.m.

BA/EI/ST – 4th Level Achievement Tests HS – Spring Musical “Fiddler on the Roof” (Theatre) @ 7:30 p.m.

HS – Spring Musical “Fiddler on the Roof” (Theatre) @ 7:30 p.m.

HS – Spring Musical “Fiddler on the Roof” (Theatre) @ 2 p.m.

HS – PSSA 11th Level Math/Reading Test FC – PSSA 8th Level Math/Reading Test BO – PSSA 5th Level Math/Reading Test BA/EI/ST – PSSA 3rd Level Math/Reading Test CO – School Board meeting @ 7 p.m.

HS – Band/Choral Pre-Trip Meeting (Theatre) @ 7 p.m.

HS – PSSA 11th Level Math/Reading Test FC – PSSA 8th Level Math/Reading Test BO – PSSA 5th Level Math/Reading Test BA/EI/ST – PSSA 3rd Level Math/Reading Test HS – Spring Musical “Fiddler on the Roof” (Theatre) @ 6:30 p.m.

HS – PSSA 11th Level Math/Reading Test FC – PSSA 8th Level Math/Reading Test BO – PSSA 5th Level Math/Reading Test BA/EI/ST – PSSA 3rd Level Math/Reading Test BA – 4th Level Open Mike (LGI Room) @ 9:30 a.m.

25

26

27 29

30

31

HS – Spring Musical “Fiddler on the Roof” (Theatre) @ 6:30 p.m.

HS – PSSA 11th Level Math/Reading Test FC – PSSA 8th Level Math/Reading Test BO – PSSA 5th Level Math/Reading Test BA/EI/ST – PSSA 3rd Level Math/Reading Test HS – Spring Musical “Fiddler on the Roof” (Theatre) @ 7:30 p.m.

HS – PSSA 11th Level Math/Reading Test FC – PSSA 8th Level Math/Reading Test BO – PSSA 5th Level Math/Reading Test BA/EI/ST – PSSA 3rd Level Math/Reading Test FC – Social (Gym/Multi-Purpose Room/Nutrition Center) @ 8–10 p.m.

HS – Spring Musical “Fiddler on the Roof” (Theatre) @ 7:30 p.m.

HS – PSSA 11th Level Math/Reading Test FC – PSSA 8th Level Math/Reading Test BO – PSSA 5th Level Math/Reading Test BA/EI/ST – PSSA 3rd Level Math/Reading Test Third Marking Period Ends HS – PSSA 11th Level Math/Reading Test FC – PSSA 8th Level Math/Reading Test BO – PSSA 5th Level Math/Reading Test BA/EI/ST – PSSA 3rd Level Math/Reading Test HS – River City Brass Band (Theatre) HS – Washington DC Trip HS – PSSA 11th Level Math/Reading Test FC – PSSA 8th Level Math/Reading Test BO – PSSA 5th Level Math/Reading Test BA/EI/ST – PSSA 3rd Level Math/Reading Test

21

22 24 26 27

28 29

30

HS – Washington DC Trip HS – PSSA 11th Level Math/Reading Test FC – PSSA 8th Level Math/Reading Test BO – PSSA 5th Level Math/Reading Test BA/EI/ST – PSSA 3rd Level Math/Reading Test FC – Early Dismissal @ 1:40 pm FC – Spring Exhibit/Nationality Fair @ 7–9 p.m.

2 HS – Washington DC Trip HS – American Theatre “Little Mermaid” HS – PSSA 11th Level Math/Reading Test FC – PSSA 8th Level Math/Reading Test BO – PSSA 5th Level Math/Reading Test BA/EI/ST – PSSA 3rd Level Math/Reading Test 5 – 9 Spring Recess – No School 12 Teacher Inservice – No School CO – Academics, Arts & Extra Curricular Activities School Board Committee Mtg. @ 7 p.m.

14 HS – Band Parents’ Board Meeting (Band Room) @ 7:30 p.m.

BO – PTA Council (LGI Room) @ 9:30 a.m.

BO – NASA 15 HS – Voice Recital (Theatre) @ 7 p.m.

FC – PTA Meeting (Multi-Purpose Room) @ 9:30 a.m.

BO – NASA 16 BA – Variety Show @ 7–9:30 p.m.

BO – NASA 18 HS – Music Trip Chaperones’ Meeting (Township Multi-Purpose Room #2) @ 6–10 p.m.

19 Report Cards Distributed – Third Report BO – NASA CO – Finance, Facilities & Operations School Board Committee Mtg. @ 7 p.m.

HS – 9th Grade Harrisburg/Philadelphia Trip BO – Band/Choral Concert (High School Theatre) @ 7:30 p.m.

BA – PTA Meeting (LGI Room) @ 9:30 a.m.

ST – PTA Meeting @ 9:30 a.m.

BO – NASA HS – 9th Grade Harrisburg/Philadelphia Trip HS – PTSO Meeting (Room 148/149) @ 9:30 a.m.

HS – MESH Meeting (Nutrition Center) @ 6:30 p.m.

BO – PTA Meeting (LGI Room) @ 9:30 a.m.

BO – NASA EI – 3rd Level Social @ 7–8:30 p.m.

ST – 4th Level Special Night @ 7– 9 p.m.

BO – Parent Deer Valley Training (LGI Room) @ 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

HS – Pre-Trip Concert (Theatre & Gym) @ 7 p.m.

CO – School Board Meeting @ 7 p.m.

HS – “Power of One Decision: 10 Seconds Can Change Your Life Forever” Presentation by Bobby Petrocelli (Student Presentations During Day/Parent Presentation) @ 7 p.m.

HS – Principal Advisory Committee @ 8:30 a.m.

EI – Spring Concert @ 7:30 p.m.

BO – PTA Book Fair HS – Band/Choral Music Trip ST – 4th Level Open Mike @ 9:30 a.m.

BO – Early Dismissal @ 1:45 p.m.

BO – Spring Exhibit/Book Fair @ 7– 9 p.m.

HS – Band/Choral Music Trip

May 2004 (Week One) 1

April 2004 1

20

Legend: BA – Baker Elementary BO – Boyce Middle CO – Central Office EI – Eisenhower Elementary FC – Fort Couch Middle HS – High School ST – Streams Elementary

HS – SAT I & II HS – Band/Choral Music Trip HS – Band/Choral Music Trip HS – AP Exams HS – AP Exams/IB Tests HS – River City Brass Band (Theatre) @ 8 p.m.

HS – AP Exams/IB Tests HS – PTA Council @ 9:30 a.m.

FC – Choral Musical (High School Theatre) @ 9:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.

BO – Deer Valley Begins HS – AP Exams/IB Tests BA – Early Dismissal @ 12:45 p.m.

BA – Spring Exhibit/Book Fair @ 7–9 p.m.

BO – Deer Valley ST – Spring Musical @ 7:30 p.m.

HS – Senior Fourth Marking Period Progress Reports Sent HS – Spring Art Exhibit (Theatre Lobby) HS – AP Exams/IB Tests BO – Deer Valley

2 3 4 5

6

7

USC Community Day

2004

Saturday, May 15 USC Recreation Center parking lot and surrounding grounds

Spring 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

41

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Primary Physicians Research Hickory Heights Land Co. REFCO Jimcor Associates, Inc. Eric J. Reitz, DMD & Timothy Kerr, DMD & Gary J. Yanniello, DMD Romana Pautler Kerr, DMD South Hills Financial Group Larry E. Manalo, DMD State Farm Insurance William McVay Suburban Dry Cleaners Weidmann Technical Services

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2004

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Calling All Walkers

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Race for the Cure®

Calling all walkers! Enter the 16th annual MS Walk in Pittsburgh, sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society on Sunday, April 18, 2004.

Check-in begins promptly at 8 a.m. at the Chevrolet Amphitheatre with the walk beginning at 9 a.m.

For more information visit www.nmss-pgh.org or phone 412-261-6347.

On Sunday, May 9, 2004, the Pittsburgh Race for the Cure® begins at Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park. Mother’s Day is the perfect day to walk and show your support for breast cancer research.

For more information visit

www.pittsburghraceforthecure.org or phone 412-521-2873.

Spring 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

43

Savvy Seniors USC Seniors—Activities Abound Are you determined to get out and

ctor of Recreation Paul Besterman, Township Dire the company and Leisure Services, enjoys of Arlaine and Don Regelin.

efs.”

Compliments to the “ch

meet new people? A great way to start is to join the United Senior Citizens Program sponsored by the Upper St. Clair Department of Recreation and Leisure Services.

One of the activities enjoyed by members of the United Senior Citizens is their annual holiday luncheon, which was held on December 17, 2003. It was a fun-filled afternoon with wonderful food, entertainment and fellowship.

Open to retired residents of Upper St. Clair, 55 years and older, this group usually meets at the Township Recreation Center each Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for senior citizens’ lunch, activities and programs. In addition to the Recreation Center activities, day trips to various performances and places of interest are scheduled throughout the year.

Lynn Walcoff, coordinator of the United Senior Citizens program, said that their group is designed to accommodate today’s active seniors, and that everyone gets something different out of it. “It’s a good way of meeting people in the Township or rekindling relationships.”

If you have questions about the Township’s program or about other services available to senior citizens please contact Lynn Walcoff at 412-833-9000, extension 296.

Vivian Lesnett played the pian o to open the holiday program .

Corinne Gastineay cha ts with Assistant Township Ma nager Mark Mansfield.

What is a PDA? What is a PDA for purposes of this article? While many

regard a PDA (personal digital assistant) as a hand-held device allowing you to organize your life in the click of a button, this article deals with a different PDA—the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.

The PDA, under the direction of Secretary Nora Dowd Eisenhower, manages the statewide system of 52 area agencies on aging. The network of services under the responsibility of the PDA include family caregiving, transportation, home and community-based services, Alzheimer’s programs, health and wellness education, senior community centers and nutritional programs, adult day services and protective services for older people at risk of abuse or neglect. Additionally the PDA administers the largest state-funded pharmaceutical assistance program for the elderly in the United States. As Secretary, Dowd Eisenhower advises the 44

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2004

Governor, other cabinet officers and members of the General Assembly on matters affecting older adults.

One area continuing to receive much attention these days is managed care plans for older adults. Where can you find answers to your questions? Together with the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) the PDA has recently issued Choosing a Medicare Managed Care Plan—A Guide for Medicare Beneficiaries. It assists older Pennsylvanians in choosing a Medicare managed care plan that is right for them.

Did you know that one out of every four persons on Medicare in Pennsylvania is enrolled in a Medicare managed care plan? With this guide, senior citizens and family members can compare plans, benefits, costs and member satisfaction. To receive a free copy of this publication, call 1-800-783-7067 or click on the PDA’s website: www.aging.state.pa.us.

Representative John A. Maher 2547 Washington Road Suite 711 Pittsburgh, PA 15241

Phone: 412-831-8080 or 724-942-6940 Fax: 412-831-8083 or 724-942-6941

Prescription Drug Programs Major changes to prescription drug pro-

grams were signed into separate laws on both the federal and state level as 2003 came to a close. Because the federal Medicare program has national impact, most media reports focused on the federal changes that are being phased in over several years. The simultaneous reporting of state and federal governmental discussions made the issue of health care benefits somewhat confusing.

I have found too many Pennsylvanians are unaware of the expansion of Pennsylvania’s existing prescription drug programs. Pennsylvania instituted its Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly, known as PACE and PACEnet, 20 years ago. Changes updating these programs took effect at the beginning of January, and these programs still can be applied for now.

From the time that the Pennsylvania Lottery was introduced, a share of lottery proceeds has been dedicated to helping seniors with the high costs of prescription drugs. As lottery earnings have increased, the number of Pennsylvanians enrolled in these programs has expanded bit by bit, but the income eligibility requirements still left most Upper St. Clair residents ineligible.

The legislature approved dramatic changes to the eligibility requirements at the end of last year, allowing many more of our neighbors to finally get help with the cost of prescription drugs through Pennsylvania’s programs.

When considering whether an individual may be eligible, keep in mind some key distinctions between PACE and the Medicare program.

First, you can be eligible for Pennsylvania PACE or PACEnet regardless of whether you qualify for Medicare. Second, unlike Medicare, PACE and PACEnet do not limit the assets you can own in order to be eligible. Too often, Pennsylvanians have the misconception that their Medicare status or amount of assets affects PACE and PACEnet eligibility. They do not!

PACE and PACEnet income limits have expanded significantly. For couples, you can have income up to $31,500 and be eligible for PACEnet. Couples with incomes up to $17,700 are eligible for the entire PACE program.

Single seniors can have incomes up to $23,500 and be eligible for PACEnet. Individuals with incomes up to $14,500 are eligible for the entire PACE program.

The PACEnet changes include another important improvement. The deductible will now be measured monthly rather than annually. This change, while it sounds simple, will allow many who have occasional need for expensive prescription drugs to receive help as soon as their prescriptions cost more than $40 in any single month. Until now, help would not begin until $500 had been paid out of pocket during the year. This change also helps those with low incomes for whom paying the first $500 before receiving any help was a hardship. Now, paying the deductible is more manageable at $40 each month, instead of paying the first $500 out of pocket beginning each January.

The PACE and PACEnet programs are not Medicaid. Tax dollars do not support the programs. They are funded entirely by lottery proceeds. But not all Pennsylvanians who might be eligible for the programs even apply. A recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Commonwealth Fund, conducted in Pennsylvania and seven other states, found that nearly a quarter of seniors skipped doses of their prescription drugs or did not fill prescriptions because of the cost.

No one should have to choose between taking medications to keep themselves healthy and paying their monthly bills, but sadly this happens. With higher income eligibility levels, many seniors who were not eligible in the past are now eligible for prescription drug assistance from PACE or PACEnet.

If you would like additional information about PACE or PACEnet, or for help with an application, call me at 412-831-8080, or visit my local office at 711 Summerfield Commons (the office park adjacent to the Boyce Road and Route 19 intersection).

Pennsylvania has a plethora of programs for people of all ages and all incomes. Frankly, I believe that the jumble of programs and red tape is inefficient, and I continue to push to streamline programs, eliminate those that are not accomplishing their goals, and otherwise work to make government more accountable and less cumbersome. In this case, however, applying for the PACE or PACEnet program is straightforward. If you think you might be eligible, I would be happy to help you get enrolled.

Spring 2004

Julia Zaitz

Mortgage Loan Consultant

(412) 851-3993

Andrea Twardy

Mortgage Loan Consultant

(412) 851-3962

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

45

Washington Wild Things Wayne Herrod

Wild Thing, you make my heart sing. You make everything, groovy.

—Troggs 1966 Today there is a new group of Wild Things—the Washington Wild Things—and

they are making lots of hearts sing. Playing in the independent Frontier League, this minor league baseball franchise was an immediate success since its inception in 2002.The success of this venture has been the direct result of the involvement of a group of South Hills residents.

All principal owners are long-time Upper St. Clair residents except for Jeff Coury, who has ties to the South Hills area and Robert Coury, who is currently building a home in Upper St Clair. Owners Stuart and Francine Williams, John Swiatek and former Director of Baseball Operations Kent Tekulve have each lived in Upper St Clair for almost 20 years.

In 2000, then State Representative Leo Trich formed a nonprofit group named Ballpark Scholarships Inc. (BSI), whose purpose was to raise money to build a baseball stadium with the goal of bringing minor league baseball to Washington. The BSI group felt that this was a great way to bring more jobs into the area and create community interest in Washington. As the field was being built, the Washington group had to find investors willing to bring a baseball team to the area.

Representative Trich contacted John Swiatek knowing of John’s interest in sports and community development. John visited four cities with minor league ball clubs and determined that minor league baseball was not only a lot of fun but brought with it lots of community, fan and local business involvement. Done correctly, it could be a successful and rewarding business venture. John contacted Stuart and Francine Williams, then part owners of the Meadows Racetrack. John knew Stuart through their involvement in The Washington Council on Economic Development, where John and Stuart were both founding members. Stuart had a reputable history of involvement in civic and charitable projects.

46

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

An ownership group was formed on December 10, 2001, including Stuart and Francine Williams, Robert Coury, Jeff Coury, John Swiatek, Bob and Barb Crown, Dermontti Dawson, Terry Engel, Ray Pronto and Marshall Bishop. BSI was under great pressure as the stadium was nearing completion and BSI had no franchise. In less than six months the Wild Things would open their inaugural season at Falconi Field.

To ensure the success of the franchise, the group hired the best baseball people available.

Ross Vecchio was brought in from the St. Louis Cardinals organization to be general manager and former Pirate great Kent Tekulve was hired as Director of Baseball Operations. Kent recently retired but was an important part of the organization’s beginning and the success of the franchise. As President John Swiatek said, “Kent

Spring 2004

Autograph session

Top inset: Seventh inning stretch smiles Bottom inset: Josh Loggins, catcher— 2003 most valuable league player

was with us before we had a name or a staff. He was an integral part of this entire operation and will be missed. He will always be considered part of the Wild Things family.”

The group then entered into negotiations with the Frontier League and purchased a franchise that was originally located in Canton, Ohio. It was time for the Washington Wild Things to “play ball!”

“Play ball” has its own meaning at a Wild Things event. The owners decided to run this franchise with the philosophy of finding out what’s first class—then doing it one better.

Francine summed it up by saying, “Our charter is to create an affordable, family-style recreation and entertainment facility for the entire area.”

Goal accomplished!

The family event starts with the beautiful Falconi Field, appropriately nicknamed “Field of Dreams.” Baseball America, considered the definitive authority on minor and major league baseball, recently named Falconi Field as the third best independent minor league stadium in all of America.

The quality of baseball does not take second seat. Six of the Wild Things players have signed with major league teams. The Wild Things have won over 60% of its games and have appeared in the playoffs both years since inception.

A ticket to a Wild Things game is one of the hottest tickets in town. Great plays! Long homeruns! Lots of people have seen the Wild Things at Falconi Field. With the availability of lawn seats (great seats by the way) the team has averaged over 100% attendance for the first two years and sold out 38 of 44 games for the 2002-03 season.

Attending a Wild Things baseball game is much more than just seeing great baseball. There’s something for everyone at this place—with great and inexpensive ballpark seating to beautiful party rooms. There is also a picnic area, hot tub seating and a kids play area.

Concessions are reasonable and Wild Things apparel and souvenirs are available for purchase. It’s an affordable, exciting evening for the entire family, young and old. You can sing for your dinner (on the dugout and in full view of the crowd) or eat ice cream—lots of it—to win prizes. Kids can race the Wild Thing mascot to win a shirt (the Wild Thing rarely wins.) There are also major promotional giveaways at most games including caps, shirts and bobbleheads of your favorite players and the ever-popular team mascot.

The Wild Thing is second to none when it comes to mascots. He cavorts through the stands, dances on the dugouts, agitates the opposition (in good taste, of course), hams it up with the fans and poses for photographs with everyone. He alone is worth the price of admission! Just ask the kids. The Wild Thing is in huge demand for many events and once you see him you’ll know why. You’ll find yourself watching and enjoying his fun antics as he fires up the crowd.

A friendly smile smile.. A war warm embrace. A cheer cheerful ful greeting.

At Asbury Heights, caring about the people we serve is more than a job—it’s our mission.

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Elana, Mandy and The Wild Thing

If you’ve ever gone to a major league game your chances of getting an autograph are nearly impossible. Not so at a Wild Things game. The players are happy to sign autographs after each game. They are very accessible and eager to please their fans.

Have you ever dreamed of getting a game ball (without buying one at the souvenir shop)?

I dreamed for over 45 years until I got one this past year. I had the ball autographed and have it proudly displayed in my home. I felt like a little kid. But that’s what happens at a Wild Things event. Everyone becomes a kid for a few hours.

So if you want to attend a minor league event and have a major league great time, make plans to attend a Wild Things game this summer. Try it once and I bet you’ll be back for more, whether you’re a baseball fan or not.

For more information, contact Asbury Heights toll-free at 1.877.865.9877 or call SIRS toll-free at 1.877.405.7477.

Asbury Heights †Operated by United Methodist Services for the Aging 700 Bower Hill Road • Pittsburgh, PA 15243-2040 www.asburyheights.org

Spring 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

47

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Gifts Out of Africa A Minister from Malawi Teaches USC Congregation about the Spirit of Mission Lauren Trocano What could an African missionary offer to a Presbyterian congregation in

Upper St. Clair—a community of affluence, comfort and security?

Renewal, inspiration, joy, hospitality, and faith—those are just a few of the answers given by members of Westminster Church.

They, along with 25 other Pittsburgh-area congregations, welcomed Rev. Dr. Silas Ncozana (pronounced en-cho-zah-nah) as their “missionary in residence” during his mission to the USA. Silas and his wife, Margaret, began their year in Pittsburgh last May. Their visit is an extension of an ongoing partnership between Presbyterians in Pittsburgh and Malawi, a small nation of 11.5 million people located south of Tanzania.

From October 5–19, 2003, Silas and Margaret were assigned to Westminster. All of the Pittsburgh churches that welcomed the couple tried to strike a balance between booking them for as many events as possible and allowing them some time for rest.

Westminster was no exception.

Silas preached at Sunday worship, met with deacons, elders, staff and youth groups, visited senior citizen residences and private homes in the area, and even attended a Rotary breakfast.

“Silas has a very impressive resume,” recalls Rob Wagner, chair of the Westminster Mission committee. “I was seated with him at a dinner one evening, and brought up the subject of his diplomatic career.” Silas has served as General Secretary of the Synod of Blantyre and as Malawi’s ambassador to several nations in Africa and Europe, including Germany, Austria, Poland, Russia, the Vatican, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi.

“He is a very well-educated, well-traveled man, but clearly, his heart lies in Malawi.”

Margaret had her own important role to play during this visit, both by Silas’ side and on her own. “Margaret spoke to the Presbyterian women about the role of the women’s guild in the Malawian Church,” says Marilyn Rubino, a deacon at Westminster and a USC wife and mom. “The more she told us, the more we were amazed. When someone joins their church, the women dress in uniform and go to visit. They worship with them in their homes, and if there’s no room, then they worship on the porch or in the yard.

They also go out and care for the sick, bring

Silas and Margaret

Silas Ncozana

food to the hungry, comfort the grieving— and they do it all day.”

“Margaret’s stories are a challenge to us,” continues Rubino. “She helped us to understand that mission is more than raising money. There is a very important face to face element that we often miss out on.”

Marta Winks, a 1980 USCHS graduate, had the opportunity join a mission trip to the famine-plagued Changali region of Malawi last spring, and she saw firsthand the generosity of the Malawian spirit. “No matter how little they have, they give with great joy,” says Marta.

To demonstrate this lesson, Silas and Margaret brought lots of kwacha—the Malawian equivalent to pennies. During the Westminster youth service, they had the children proceed into the church, dancing and singing and carrying the kwacha—the way offerings are taken in Malawi. The usual shyness and reserve soon gave way to exuberance, inspired by Silas and Margaret’s unselfconscious style of worship.

“None of us, especially the children, knew what to expect from an African missionary,” notes Marilyn. “The kids’ response was overwhelming.”

“Reverend Ncozana came to our Wednesday night youth group, and had us all singing an African hymn,” says May Hignett, a senior at Upper St. Clair High School. “At first it was uncomfortable—the words seemed like random sounds—but he made us all feel comfortable. We really respected him for being so enthusiastic and open in sharing his culture with us.”

Meanwhile, Margaret was singing and dancing with the younger children on Family Fun Night. “They laughed with her, embraced her, and just enjoyed her warmth and exuberance,” says Rubino.

In Malawi last spring, Marta’s group took the opportunity to visit Westminster’s sister church in Zomba, and Silas happened to be

with Westminster

youth.

there. “I introduced myself, knowing that he would be coming to Pittsburgh, and my first impression was of this big gray-haired teddy bear,” says Marta. “We were met with singing and dancing, and eventually I was pulled into the circle.”

Marta Winks, Senior Pastor Bob Norris and several other church members who have been to Malawi, describe Silas and Margaret as the embodiment of the joyful spirit of the Christian Church in Africa. “Their faith is simple, but not simplistic,” says Marta.

Rev. Norris agrees. “I would call Silas a humble man with a spiritual stature beyond most. He gave us the opportunity to see ourselves through a different lens—to see what we lack and what we might wish to be.”

“When we think about Africa and missionaries, we immediately think about what we can give, how we can help,” says Marilyn, “but we received ten-fold anything we thought we could give them.”

“He made us understand that the African Church has a wealth of gifts to share with us,” adds Rob Wagner. “He helped us better understand the reciprocal nature of mission.”

Silas will return for two more weeks at Westminster, March 27 through April 9.

“This gives Silas a chance to follow up on the seeds he planted here in October,” says Rev. Julie Thompson. Silas will once again preach, teach and share with the congregation and the community, including Fishers of Men, a men’s group from Westminster, St. Thomas More and Christ United Methodist Church.

The Westminster youth group will welcome Silas and Margaret as guests of honor at a dinner auction on Wednesday, March 31 in the church’s Fellowship Hall. The event will help raise money for Westminster’s ongoing mission projects and is open to the public.

For more information about Silas’ preaching schedule and the dinner auction, contact Westminster Presbyterian Church at 412-835-6630.

Spring 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

51

Township of Upper St. Clair Township Board of Commissioners Welcomes New Member

Frank E. Marsh President, Ward 5

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 724-941-6244 2007*

Robert W. Orchowski

Vice President, Ward 3 Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-1868 2007*

Preston W. Shimer Ward 1

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-221-1736 2007*

Sworn in on January 5, 2004, were Robert Orchowski, Board of Commissioner Vice President and Commissioner of Ward 3; Bill Bates, Commissioner at Large; Frank Marsh, Board of Commissioner President and Commissioner of Ward 5 and Preston Shimer, Commissioner of Ward 1.

Preston Shimer was elected to the

Gloria Smith Ward 2

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-833-1284 2005*

Bill Bates At Large

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-257-8115 2007*

Ernest T. Harris At Large

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-1119 2005*

Township Board of Commissioners as Commissioner from Ward One for a four-year term, effective January 5. Preston brings with him experience from the private and governmental sectors to help the Township as it continues to upgrade its information systems and deal with increasing requirements for documentation and electronic record keeping. Following his election in November, he enrolled in a ten-session, (45 classroom hours) course sponsored by the Local Government Academy for Newly Elected Officials. Assistant Township Manager, Mark Mansfield is a lecturer instructor in this course.

“I hope to bring fresh ideas and a broad, long range perspective to help my fellow commissioners govern,” said Preston. “I am sure my corporate, governmental and

small business experience as a professional records and information manager will be helpful. In addition, I have a keen interest in the way we use land in our Township and want to see us use this limited resource for the benefit of all our citizens. I value the role of government to our civilization and I am proud of our local government and the professionalism of its staff.”

Preston has been an Upper St. Clair resident since 1977. He served as a USC School Board Director from 19851987 and is a founding member and director of the USC Citizens for Land Stewardship. Preston has other significant association and professional board member experience and has served on community service projects including Quest, the Community Foundation’s life-long learning project.

A Tribute to Ed Long The Township of Upper St. Clair would

*Date indicates expiration of term.

The seat on the Board of Commissioners from Ward 4 is open, resulting from the resignation of Cheryl Bayne. This vacancy will be filled by appointment of the Board of Commissioners on Monday, March 1, 2004.

The term of Board of Commissioner of Ward 4 expires on the first Monday of 2006.

52

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

like to thank Edward S. Long for his dedication to our community as a member of the Board of Commissioners for some 22 years.

Ed’s efforts, both as a former Board president and chair of various committees, contributed significantly to the growth and overall quality of life in our Township. We sincerely appreciate his community service and support, and wish him all the best.

Spring 2004

Ed Long

Highlights of the Board of Commissioners Meetings All business regarding the operation of the Township is conducted at the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Citizens are invited to comment on any Township matter. Complete Board minutes can be found at the Library or on the website at www.twpusc.org. For more information, please call 412-831-9000.

September 2, 2003

November 3, 2003

December 1, 2003

Approximately ten people attended.

Approximately 48 people attended.

Approximately 22 people attended.

The Board: • Adopted Bill No. 20-03 to authorize the acceptance of Public Improvement IMP03-0003, Storm Sewer Improvements (2520 and 2524 Appletree Drive).

• Adopted Bill No. 21-03 to amend the 2003 Budget to reflect the changes in appropriations created due to the issuance of the general obligation bonds.

• Rejected July 22, 2003, bids for the McLaughlin Run Natural Streambank Restoration Phase III.

Proclamations: • Commissioner Long presented a Proclamation recognizing Tri-Community South EMS for receiving the Achieving Excellence in Defibrillation (AED) Response Award for the Best Small Community Automatic External Defibrillation (AED) program in the United States. The Proclamation was accepted by Nora Helfrich, Director of Tri-Community South EMS.

The Board: • Moved to close the public hearing on the 2004 budget. Voted to hold a special meeting Monday, December 8, 2003, to enact the 2004 budget.

• Adopted Bill No. 28-03, granting final approval for South Hills Village Mall Expansion and Additions, Phase I, Proposed National City Bank.

• Adopted Bill No. 29-03, amending Chapter 118 of the Township Code, entitled “Taxation.”

Board Approval of Contracts: • North American Salt Company— Overland Park, KS Sodium Chloride................................$ 31.25/ton

The Board: • Adopted Decision USC-PD 3-03, granting tentative approval for South Hills Village Mall Expansion and Additions, Phase I, Proposed National City Bank.

• Adopted Bill No. 25-03, granting preliminary and final subdivision approval to the Deerfield Manor Plan No. 9, First Revision, subject to certain conditions.

• Adopted Bill No. 26-03, authorizing condemnation of property to implement the proper completion of Quigg Drive.

• Adopted Bill 27-03, authorizing the acceptance of the deed of dedication and recordation of the document to permit transfer of Manordale Road property.

• Moved to change the date of the public hearing for the 2004 Budget to Monday, November 24, 2003.

October 6, 2003 Approximately 50 people attended.

Proclamations: • Commissioner Bates presented a Proclamation recognizing the week of October 5-11, 2003, as Fire Prevention Week. Russell Rauch, Deputy Fire Chief for Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department, accepted the Proclamation.

The following members of the USCVFD were honored for their years of service: Drew Gerlach– five years, Justin Willott–ten years, Gerald Kopach, Jr.–20 years, Daniel Ferguson–25 years, Donald DeLeo–30 years.

A $171,571 check was presented to the USCVFD, which represents the 2003 state allocation to the Volunteer Fire Department Relief Association.

The Board: • Continued the public hearing to November 3, 2003, Re. South Hills Village Mall Expansion and Additions, Phase I, Proposed National City Bank.

• Adopted Bill No. 22-03, granting preliminary and final subdivision approval to the Durning Plan of Lots subject to certain conditions.

• Adopted Bill No. 23-03, granting final approval to the Offices at Clair Boyce, a planned office center, 2600 Washington Road, subject to certain conditions.

• Adopted Bill No. 24-03, granting final approval to the Wells Building, 1220 Mayview Road, a nonresidential, planned development • Established November 10, 2003, as the public hearing date for the 2004 budget.

Board Approval of Contracts: • Glassmere Fuel Service, Inc.—Tarentum Gasoline and Diesel Fuel ........................ OPIS Daily Pittsburgh Average Index plus fixed margin of $.0771/gallon • Aquatic Resource Restoration Co.—Seven Valleys, PA McLaughlin Run Natural Streambank Restoration Phase III.............................. $ 68,148

Board Approval of Contracts: Dynix Corporation—Provo, UT Library System Upgrade .............................. $59,311

December 8, 2003 Special Meeting Approximately two people attended.

The Board: • Adopted Bill No. 30-03, adopting the 2004 Budget.

Board Approval of Contracts: BFI—Carnegie Refuse/Recycling (five-year contract based on per unit pricing)........ 2004 $745,153.28 2005 $778,166.40 2006 $802,041.96 2007 $825,917.52 2008 $850,677.36 David W. Jones Co.—Charleroi Public Works Garage Emergency Generator................................. $ 98,750 Grunau Fire Protection Co.—Moon Township Public Works Building Fire Sprinkler System ................................. $ 68,875

2004 Spring Yard Debris Leaf Waste Collection A spring yard debris-leaf waste collection will take place on Saturday, April 17. Please have your filled compostable bags placed at curbside by 6 a.m. on this day for pick up.

Township of Upper St. Clair Meeting Dates • The Board of Commissioners meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building.

The regular public meeting is held the first Monday of the month in the Board Meeting Room.

The informational and general affairs meeting is held the last Monday of the month in the Board Meeting Room.

• The Planning Commission meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

• Parks and Recreation Board meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m., no meeting in December.

• Zoning Hearing Board meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m.

• Civil Hearing Board meets as needed.

• Building/Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board meets as needed.

Spring 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

53

¿

Department of Finance August G. Stache, Jr., Director of Finance

2004 Budget Highlights

For more information see www.twpusc.org.

General Fund

The 2004 Annual Operating Budget maintains all 2003 municipal service levels, and the real estate tax rate will remain at 2.60 mills. General Fund revenues are expected to increase 5.33% over 2003 to $12,615,521, while operating expenses will increase 3.96% to $10,821,764. The remaining difference of projected revenues over operating expenses of $1,793,757 will be used to fund the Debt Service Costs for 2004 of $1,531,212 and the transfer to Capital Projects Fund of $400,000 along with $137,455 of the General Fund Balance being used to fund the remaining budgeted expenditures. The 2004 annual operating budget will maintain the General Fund Balance at a level necessary for the Township to maintain its AA+ Bond Rating.

Real Estate Taxes represent 32.7% of the revenues needed for the 2004 General Fund Budget. An increase of $26,903 is projected from this revenue source.

Earned Income Taxes represent 44.1% of the revenues needed for the 2004 General Fund Budget. The projected increase of $529,660 is based upon actual collection patterns for 2003 and economic trends for 2004.

Sanitary Sewer Fund Revenues for this fund are derived from user fees calculated as a percentage of each resident’s ALCOSAN charge. Residents should expect to see a 15% increase in the rate charged by ALCOSAN, and a multiplier rate increase from 1.67 for 2003 to 1.95 for 2004.

Major expenses for this fund consist of the following four items: 1. Personnel services represents 7.85% of this budget and increased by $88,901 due to a revised allocation of human resources to this fund and related fringe benefit cost. This revised personnel allocation is necessitated by additional duties undertaken to meet DEP and EPA requirements.

2. Sewage processing fees from the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) represents 52% of the annual Budget. This increase was anticipated as a part of the deliberations for the 2003 Bond Issue. The debt service payment for 2004 is $461,531. The Fund Balance is projected to be $364,402 from $353,780 in 2003.

3. Corrective Action Plan—$600,000 has been allocated to carry out the DEP and EPA mandated repair and reconstruction of sewer lines.

4. The Township is currently reviewing sewage flow stabilization with Major Revenue Sources

Real Estate Tax $4,155,850 Earned Income Tax 5,092,855 Occupational Privilege Tax 70,000 Real Estate Transfer Tax 775,000 Public Utilities Tax 20,000 Local Option Sales & Use Tax 270,000 Licenses and Permits 102,850 Fees and Fines 321,250 Rental Income 62,400 Investment Earnings 60,000 Service Agreements 218,750 Other Non-Tax Revenue 478,500 Recreation Fees 349,219 Fund Reserve Totals

54

2004 Upper St. Clair Township Sewer User Multiplier Rate The Township of Upper St. Clair hereby gives public notice to all Township sewer users that the 2004 Sewer User Multiplier rate has increased from 1.67 for 2003 to 1.95 for 2004. The higher multiplier rate is attributed to debt service payments for the sanitary sewer portion of the 2003 bond issue. Due to new Clean Water Act mandates established by the EPA, the Township is required to repair and rehabilitate aging sewer lines earlier than expected. This is being accomplished through a bond issue paid for over the next 30 years.

The sanitary sewer portion of the bond issue is approximately $7.3 million.

This notice reminds all property owners that they are responsible to see that all sewage charges for their property are properly assessed and paid timely to avoid penalty and interest charges. If a property owner does not receive a sewer bill by mail, he or she should contact the Township Tax Office for a new sewer bill. No appeals will be granted due to a property owner not receiving a sewer bill.

Only payments received in the tax office or postmarked by the due date will avoid penalty and interest charges.

Capital Projects Fund The bulk of revenues for 2004 come from an appropriation from the General Fund of $500,000. Interest earned for 2004 is budgeted at $7500.

Major expenses for this fund consists of the Boyce Mayview Perimeter Trail–$170,000, Police Department vehicles–$129,800, purchase of data processing equipment and software–$146,500, and Public Works vehicles and equipment–$153,000.

For more information see www.twpusc.org.

General Fund Appropriations by Major Programs

2003 Budget

Total Revenues

Bethel Park and ALCOSAN in the McLaughlin Run watershed, and corrective action with Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon, and Scott in the Painters Run watershed. These projects, which are required by DEP and EPA, will become budget matters once the plans are further developed. The recent legal action by the Pennsylvania Environmental Defense Fund (PEDF) may impact future programming.

See Notice: “2004 Upper St. Clair Township Sewer User Multiplier Rate” below for further information.

2004 Budget

$26,903 529,660 2,000 25,000 10,000 6,400 3,900 (15,000) 13,000 30,000 6,984

0.65 10.40 2.86 3.23 0.00 3.70 6.22 1.21 0.00 -25.00 5.94 6.27 2.00

$11,976,674 $12,615,521 $638,847

5.33%

65,761

$4,182,753 5,622,515 72,000 800,000 20,000 280,000 109,250 325,150 62,400 45,000 231,750 508,500 356,203 137,455

71,694 109.02%

$12,042,435 $12,752,976 $710,541

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

2003 Budget Budget

Increase Percentage (Decrease) Change

Spring 2004

5.90%

General Government $1,261,507 Public Safety 3,675,410 Community Development 503,078 Public Works 2,965,488 Refuse Collection 811,250 Recreation & Leisure Services 554,012 Library 616,420 Unallocated Insurance Costs 22,780 Total Operating Expenditures

Capital Improvements Debt Service Payments Sub Total Total Appropriations

Fund Reserve Totals

2004 Budget Increase Percentage Budget (Decrease) Change

$1,265,813 3,942,799 517,695 3,099,808 745,153 587,451 639,220 23,825

$4,306 267,389 14,617 134,320 (66,097) 33,439 22,800 1,045

0.34 7.28 2.91 4.53 -8.15 6.04 3.70 4.59

$10,409,945 $10,821,764

$411,819

3.96%

(365,000) 663,722

-47.71% 76.51%

765,000 867,490

400,000 1,531,212

$1,632,490

$1,931,212

$298,722

18.30%

$12,042,435 $12,752,976

$710,541

5.90%

-

-

0.00%

$12,042,435 $12,752,976

-

$710,541

5.90%

2004 Earned Income and Net Profits Tax Rate Notice and Payment Schedule

2004 Real Estate Tax Notice and Payment Schedule

The Township of Upper St. Clair and the Upper St. Clair School District hereby give public notice to all earned income and net profits taxpayers of the Township of the rate and payment schedule for each taxing body for the year 2004.

The Township of Upper St. Clair and the Upper St. Clair School District hereby give public notice to all real estate taxpayers of the Township of the payment schedule of each taxing body for the year 2004.

2004 Earned Income and Net Profits Tax Rate For 2004, the Earned Income and Net Profits tax rates of the Township and the School District are .75% and .50%, respectively, of taxable income as defined

by Act 166 of 2002. Thus, the total USC taxpayer’s rate for 2004 is 1.25%.

2004 Earned Income and Net Profits Tax Payment Schedule Date Tax Period February 2 ...................4th Quarter, 2003 Tax Estimate Due April 15.........................2003 USC-40 Due April 30 ........................1st Quarter, 2004 Tax Estimate Due August 2 .......................2nd Quarter, 2004 Tax Estimate Due November 1 .................3rd Quarter, 2004 Tax Estimate Due This notice reminds all taxpayers that they are responsible for filing all estimates and final returns in a timely manner. If a taxpayer does not receive quarterly tax estimates for 2004 or a 2003 USC-40 form by mail, they should contact the Township Tax Office at 412-831-9000. No appeals will be granted to a taxpayer for not receiving these forms by mail.

Only quarterly tax estimates received in the tax office or postmarked by the appropriate tax period due date will avoid penalty and interest assessments. Also, in accordance with section 3.2.1.5 of the Upper St. Clair Earned Income and Net Profits Tax Ordinance, 90% of a taxpayer’s liability for 2004 must be paid by January 31, 2005, or a taxpayer will be subject to underpayment penalties and interest.

This notice also reminds all taxpayers that all 2003 USC-40s will be audited by the Township’s Tax Office through a comparison of data shared by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. This information is usually shared with the Tax office approximately two to three years after a return has been filed. Tax notices assessing the additional tax and underpayment penalties and interest will be sent to any taxpayers that have understated their income.

2004 Township Real Estate Tax Schedule Date Tax Period April 30 ........................................ Tax bills mailed April 30–June 30.......................... 2% discount July 1–August 31 ......................... Face Amount September 1–November 30.......... 10% penalty December 1 .................................. Lien date For 2004 the Township mileage rate is 2.60 mills of the assessed valuation of your property.

2004 School District Real Estate Tax Schedule Date Tax Period July 1............................................ Tax bills mailed July 1–August 31 ......................... 2% discount September 1–November 1............ Face amount November 2–November 30.......... 10% penalty December 1 .................................. Lien date The School District will adopt its real estate tax millage rate for the fiscal year 2004-05 at the June 2004 School Board meeting.

This notice reminds all taxpayers that they are responsible to see that their property is properly assessed and taxed and to ask for appropriate tax bills if they have not received them by mail. No appeals will be granted due to a taxpayer not receiving a real estate tax bill.

Only payments received in the tax office or postmarked by the tax period due date will be given the two percent discount or avoid the ten percent penalty.

Municipal Primary Election—Tuesday, April 27, 2004 Polls Open 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Monday, March 29, 2004, is Voter Registration Deadline Date.

(Date subject to change pending Pennsylvania legislative action.)

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If you have questions regarding the election, registration or absentee ballots, please call the Allegheny County Elections Department at 412-350-4500 or visit www.twpusc.org. The Township Library and the post office have voter registration forms.

Please exercise your right to vote!

Ward District Polling Place 1

1

Township Building, Library Multi-purpose Room, Ground Floor - McLaughlin Run Road

1

2

USCVF Department - Morton Road

1

3

Fort Couch Middle School, Multi-purpose Room (Miranda Drive Entrance) - Fort Couch Road

1 2

4 1

Fort Couch Middle School, Multi-purpose Room (Miranda Drive Entrance) - Fort Couch Road Fort Couch Middle School, Gymnasium (Miranda Drive Entrance) - Fort Couch Road

2

2

Westminster Presbyterian Church - Washington Road

2

3

Fort Couch Middle School, Multi-purpose Room (Miranda Drive Entrance) - Fort Couch Road

2

4

Fort Couch Middle School, Gymnasium (Miranda Drive Entrance) - Fort Couch Road

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Ward District Polling Place 3 1 Recreation Center - McLaughlin Run Road 3

2

St. Louise de Marillac School - McMurray Road

3

3

Recreation Center - McLaughlin Run Road

4

1

USCVF Department - Morton Road

4

2

Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium - Boyce Road

4

3

Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium - Boyce Road

4

4

Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium - Boyce Road

5

1

Wesley Institute, Gymnasium - Johnston Road

5

2

Wesley Institute, Gymnasium - Johnston Road

5

3

Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium - Boyce Road

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By law, Pennsylvania’s primary is held on the fourth Tuesday of April in presidential election years.

Next year Governor Ed Rendell plans to ask state Legislature to move up the date for the 2008 presidential primary so that Pennsylvania becomes a factor in picking presidential candidates.

Spring 2004

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

55

Community Development Flood Protection Flooding and other surface drainage problems can occur well away from a river, lake or ocean. When you are looking at a property, it is always a good idea to check possible flood hazards. Be aware: • The force of moving water or waves can destroy a building.

• Slow moving floodwaters are forceful enough to knock people off their feet or to float a car.

• Water-soaked contents, such as carpeting, upholstered furniture and mattresses often suffer irreparable damage and may have to be disposed of after a flood.

• Some items, such as photographs and heirlooms, may never be restored to their original conditions.

Municipal Building, can provide more information, such as depth of flooding above a building’s first floor, location of floodplains, and past flood problems in the area. For your safety, Upper St. Clair regulates all construction and development in floodplains to ensure that buildings will be protected from flood damage.

What You Can Do The Township’s efforts depend on your cooperation and assistance. Here is how you can help: • Do not dump debris of any kind into creeks, ditches, ravines, or streams.

Dumping is a violation of Chapter 83 of the Township Code. Even grass clippings and branches accumulate and plug channels,

If you see building or filling without a Township permit posted, contact the Department of Planning and Community Development at 412-831-9000.

Flood Insurance If you do not have flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent. Homeowners’ insurance policies typically do not cover damage from floods. However, because the Township of Upper St. Clair participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, local residents can purchase a separate flood insurance policy. The Township has just received a lower rating of an eight out of ten, which provides for a ten percent reduction in insurance. It is backed by the federal government and is available to all residents, even for property outside of a floodplain.

Any property is subject to flooding.

Surface water can accumulate from heavy rain, melting snow, a broken water main or a ruptured swimming pool. Insurance agents may require photographs of the front and back of your house, an elevation certificate (if you are in a floodplain), a completed and signed application, and a check for the first year’s premium. For sample flood insurance applications, visit the Flood Protection Library in the Township Library.

Stormwater Information • Floodwaters are not clean; they carry mud, disease, farm chemicals, road oil, and other noxious substances that cause serious health hazards.

• The impact of a flood (cleaning up, making repairs, and suffering personal losses) causes great stress to you, your family and your finances.

Township Flood Services Upper St. Clair participates in the Community Rating System, which is a program of providing flood hazard information and services.

The first step to protect your home from flood damage is to assess the flood hazard. A complete Flood Protection Library, including flood maps and flood protection references, is available at the Upper St. Clair Township Library. The Department of Planning and Community Development located in the 56

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

causing danger during rains.

• If your property is next to a creek or ditch, please keep the banks clear of brush and debris. The Township has a response program to help remove major blockage such as downed trees.

• If you see evidence of dumping of debris in creeks or ditches, contact the Public Works Department or the Department of Planning and Community Development.

• Always check with the Department of Planning and Community Development before you build, alter, grade, or fill on your property. A permit may be needed to ensure that projects do not cause problems on other properties. If you are in a floodplain, special building codes may apply. The Community Development Department personnel will walk you through any application and answer your questions.

Spring 2004

The Township is in the process of submitting an application for a permit to the Department of Environmental Protection for the Stormwater Phase II program as mandated by the federal government. This program places requirements on stormwater discharges associated with construction activities and discharges for municipal storm sewers. There are projects that the Township has currently undertaken to protect our streams and waterways from hazardous discharge. Be sure to check our website on a regular basis for updates on Stormwater Management and Flood Protection and the steps the Township is taking to meet the federal requirements in order to keep Upper St. Clair a safer place to reside.

This information is published annually as a part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System recertification and is also available on the Township website at www.twpusc.org.

Curb Markers Promoting a Pollution-Free Environment While driving around the Township, you may have noticed

Walter Jarosh, Superintendent of Buildings and Township Forester and Boy Scout Bobby Schmitt.

red and black curb markers placed by sewer drains. These markers remind residents that anything dumped into the sewers drains untreated directly into our neighborhood streams. The Township has been fortunate to have help from local boy scouts in affixing the Upper St. Clair logo’ed curb markers to all of the storm sewer inlets.

They’ve started placing the markers on the curbs in the northern end of the Township and are working their way south. This project will be moving into your neighborhood, so keep your eye out for a curb marker on the inlets. Be sure to remind your neighbors that there is no dumping in the storm sewers. Keeping streams clean creates an environment free of pollution.

The curb marking program remains ongoing. There are still lots of curbs to mark! If you would like to help, please contact the Department of Community Development at 412-831-9000, extension 501 for more information. All volunteers are welcome.

A Wetland Visit Walter Jarosh, Superintendent of Buildings and Township Forester

Walter Jarosh discusses Boyce Mayview Park and its wetlands.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) Wetlands

located in Upper St. Clair can provide an interesting and educational outdoor afternoon visit. “Wetlands” is a collective term for marshes, swamps, bogs and similar transitional ecosystems that develop between open water and dry land. All wetlands share three common characteristics: a wetland hydrology or water regime, soils that are saturated near the surface and hydrophytic or wetland plants. These areas can be found in every state in the United States. They may be termed Alaskan wetland, northern shrub bogs, inland marshes, southern bottomland hardwood swamps, prairie pothole wetlands, Atlantic coastal saltwater marsh, or the riparian wetlands found along local streams.

The PENNDOT wetlands border the BoyceMayview property owned by the Township.

Walking access is available from the parking area near the bottom of the hill on Boyce Road, or from the designated “Trail Parking” at the Boyce Road garden area. The distance is approximately one half or one mile, respectively. This wetland is a manmade, constructed wetlands

site. It was built in 1989 by the Department of Transportation to replace wetlands impacted by the construction of Route 279 north of Pittsburgh. At one time wetlands were considered wastelands until more recently, when scientists discovered that wetlands are valuable natural resources that provide many important benefits to people and their environment. Wetlands help improve water quality, reduce flood and storm damages, provide important fish and wildlife habitat and support recreational activities.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with state and local governments, is responsible for restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the nation’s waters. Because of the value of wetlands as an integral part of those waters, the EPA is also charged with protecting wetland resources.

Armed with all this information, you may decide to go see why this area is special. Put on comfortable shoes, grab a water bottle, some binoculars and your favorite bird identification guide, and off you go exploring. Oh, take a snack or light lunch, because when you get there and really begin enjoying the sights, time will quickly gobble up the lunch or

dinner hour. On one quick 11 a.m. visit to the wetlands with a bird enthusiast en route to lunch, it was hunger that finally forced us to leave at 3:30 p.m. Blue heron, Canada geese, mallard ducks, muskrats or beavers are common exciting sightings for many first-time visitors. Regular visitors may see any of the more than 150 different bird species that have been recorded living in or migrating through the area. Turkeys, deer and squirrel abound in the surrounding wooded hillsides, along with an ever-changing seasonal procession of wildflowers and butterflies. This area is an ecological treasure for the nature observer, or can provide a fun walk on a nice afternoon or evening. If you have not been there, ask your children, they probably have, as many of the teachers include a wetland visit within their curriculum.

Please call 412-831-9000 if you have additional questions or need more detailed information. The Township building reception area also maintains a pamphlet on the Boyce Nature Trail, provided by David Foley as a part of his Eagle Scout project. While not specific to the wetlands, it provides Boyce Trail wildlife information and discusses the natural process of succession from wetlands to forest.

Spring 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

57

USC Volunteer Fire Department Spring-Cleaning Vital for Fire Safety Russell Rauch, Deputy Chief Spring-cleaning is an annual ritual

for many people. Just as the first crocus of spring ushers in a new beginning for nature, our spring-cleaning habits signify a fresh start for us after the long winter months.

Spring-cleaning can take on another meaning. It’s the ideal time to check our homes and yards for dangerous materials and unsafe conditions and to spend the time to protect our families and our properties.

Start by taking a few minutes to plan your safety clean up day. You will want to check each room in your house, including the attic and basement. Also, don’t forget the garage, yard and storage shed. Plan to do several different things: First, Remove All Hazards.

Check and correct things like: • Frayed or damaged appliance cords, wiring, fuses or breakers.

• Remove piles of rubbish, trash and yard debris.

• Remove stacks of paper and magazines— take them to recycling centers.

• Check for water leaks, especially near electrical appliances.

• Check for good clearance between heating appliances and combustibles.

Second, Properly Store Flammable Liquids and Home Chemicals.

Make sure that: • Gasoline and cleaning fluids are well marked and out of reach of children and pets. Store in a cool, dry place outside the house.

• Clean up work areas. Put dangerous tools, adhesives, matches or other work items away and out of any child’s reach.

• Inventory all home and yard chemicals, paints and poisons. Store them according to their label. Properly dispose of any that are expired or leaking or that look bad, but don’t throw them in the trash or down the drain.

• Make sure that all your chemicals are kept under lock and key and out of reach of children and pets.

Third, Check Fire Protection and Safety Equipment. This is important!

• Check your smoke detector. Do it now while you’re thinking about it. If you need one and can’t afford to buy one, call the USC VFD. We’ll help you. If you need help checking or replacing a battery, call us. But most importantly, make sure your smoke detector works.

• Check fire extinguishers for proper type and placement.

• Make sure all doors and windows open easily for fast escapes.

• Make sure your street numbers are posted properly and are visible.

• Check and make sure you have a working flashlight and battery-powered radio for the approaching storm season.

And Last, Plan Your Escape Now. • Sit down with your family and make sure that everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire.

• Make sure you have two ways out of every room and that you have a meeting place outside the house for the whole family.

• Practice the plan. Even the best plan is no good if you don’t practice it!

You can do a lot to protect yourself, your family and your property. In fact, you are the key to your safety. A little time spent on simple common sense prevention will do a lot to make your house a safer place. We are here to help you! Please call us at 412-835-0660 and we will show you more ways that you can protect yourself all year long.

2004 Volunteer Fire Department’s Annual Fund Drive Coming to a Mailbox Near You The Volunteer Fire Department’s annual fund drive begins in May with

a mailed donation request sent to all Township residents and businesses. The Fire Department needs your support in order to continue to provide quality emergency fire and rescue services to the community. Funds are used to maintain the Department’s two stations and seven vehicles along with purchasing and maintaining all the specialized equipment necessary to protect the community. Without the support from friends and neighbors, our 45 volunteers would not be able to continue their commitment to the community.

The Fire Department solicits funds by mail only and does not solicit funds by telephone. There are some legitimate fire related organizations that solicit funds by telephone, however, the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department does not receive any funds donated to these organizations.

Please take this opportunity to support the volunteer firefighters who respond to your call for assistance with your tax-deductible donation.

USC volunteer firefighters left to right: Jerry Kopach, President; Drew Gerlach, Second Assistant Chief and Russ Rauch, Deputy Chief.

58

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2004

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Spring 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Upper St. Clair Police Department Upper St. Clair Police Say Yes to Wellness Lieutenant John Sakoian Chief Ronald J. Pardini recognized Upper St. Clair police

officers with “Wellness Excellence” in November 2003. The 27 Township police officers participated in an annual Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) test, which measures each officer’s cardiovascular endurance by a one and one half mile run as well as tests of strength, flexibility, agility and body fat composition. The four top scoring officers were Deputy Chief Douglas Burkholder, Lieutenant John Sakoian, Randy Garofalo and Daniel Milan. Based on Federal Law Enforcement fitness standards, over 60% of the Upper St. Clair officers are ranked in the top ten percent nationally and 80% of our officers ranked in the top 20% of U.S. Law Enforcement.

Chief Pardini recognizes that having physically fit officers builds morale, increases productivity, lowers absenteeism, reduces injury rates and provides numerous other benefits. He began a mandatory wellness program for the Department in 1995.

The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center certified three Upper St. Clair police officers as physical fitness program coordinators. Instruction is provided in personal fitness, aerobic and anaerobic exercise, stress management, nutrition, rest and medical risk factors. Implementing a fitness program sent a strong message that the Chief is committed to his officers and will do all that he can to improve their health and welfare. In the interest of the community and the officers, the wellness program stresses the necessity to maintain a healthy lifestyle which guards against illness factors such as tobacco abuse, alcohol abuse, improper nutrition, stress, improper rest and lack of exercise. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to health management.

2003 police officer wellness winners from left to right: Deputy Chief Douglas Burkholder, Randy Garofalo, Daniel Milan, Chief Ronald Pardini and Lieutenant John Sakoian.

Wellness Tips from the Coordinators • • • • • • • • •

Eat balanced and regular meals with your family.

Stay within three percent of your target weight based on age and gender.

Get plenty of rest.

Schedule a physical and consult with your doctor before beginning a fitness program.

Begin your exercise program with 10-20 minutes of warm up and stretching. Vary your workouts, three days a week for at least 30 minutes in duration. Finish with a ten-minute cool down and stretching.

Reduce stress by communicating, listening to good music, laughter, massage, positive attitude, prayer, meditation and controlling emotions.

Lifestyle changes should exclude tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse.

As in fighting crime, prevention is better than a cure.

Take a positive leadership role in your family.

Call the Upper St. Clair police at 412-833-7500 or 724-941-7500 when you need help. We are here to protect and serve you.

Upper St Clair Police Prepare for Terrorism

Recent graduates of the Terrorism Preparedness seminar.

T h e S o u t h H i l l s C o u n c i l o f G ov e r n m e n t s (SHACOG) Police Chiefs Advisory Committee authorized

the training of 13 South Hills area police departments in preparation for a “Critical Incident.” The Upper St. Clair Police Department assisted in coordinating the training of 200 South Hills officers for a unified mutual aid response to a variety of incidents. The two-day classes were repeated for 14 weeks in 2003 until all of the officers received training. The lesson content included critical incident management, the 60

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2004

incident command structure, hazardous materials, weapons of mass destruction, explosive devices, police rapid deployment, simulated tabletop exercises and physical deployment exercises. The SHACOG training was modeled from the Upper St. Clair in-service annual police training program.

Police Chief Ronald Pardini began preparing Upper St Clair officers in 1989 with the formulation of a Special Investigative Tactical Team (SITT). The team of 12 officers was formed and trained in anticipation of an extraordinary crisis event requiring special skills for a successful resolution. In 1995 all of the officers were trained in these skills through the Upper St. Clair in-service training program. For the last three years, the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) began funding by annual grants, the Upper St. Clair police training that now includes officer participation from police departments in Allegheny and Washington Counties. Some of the specialized lesson content was expanded into the SHACOG program for the purpose of multiple community preparedness and effective mutual aid.

Upper St. Clair police officers recognize the responsibility they have to ensure the safety and quality of life for Township residents. They also cherish the community support from Upper St. Clair residents.

A Cable Update The Township receives a variety of calls

throughout the year with regard to cable services. The largest number of calls is generated when price increases are announced.

The following will give readers a brief history and current status of cable regulations and provide relevant customer information.

There has been a long history of regulation and deregulation of the cable industry due to its status as a natural monopoly.

Currently, the cable industry is in a cycle of deregulation as there are no longer effective regulations by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) concerning cable rates.

In 1984, the cable industry complained about being hampered by local cable rate regulations. The cable industry felt that the regulations prevented it from receiving additional fees that would allow providers to upgrade their cable services to compete with the then newly developing satellite industry. Thus, in 1986, cable rates were deregulated by an act of federal legislators.

This deregulation caused many consumers to experience astronomical hikes in their cable bills. The Federal Cable Act (Act) was therefore enacted in 1992. The Act enabled local governments to regulate cable rates where there was no effective competition among cable companies or other similar entities.

The only cable channels exempt from the regulation were premium channels such as HBO, Cinemax, Showtime and the like. Furthermore, consumers upset over cable rates and service could formally file complaints with the FCC. A new act, the Telecommunications Act of 1996, discontinued the complaint service as of March 31, 1999. Basic service rates—basic service being “broadcast signals, local public, educational and government access channels”—are still subject to local government regulation but only under formulas set by the FCC. Cable tier rates, however, are no longer under the purview of any government unit.

As a result, basic rates change only within the confines of the FCC formulas, but rates for tier services and premium channels are seeing large price increases because federal law states that these rates cannot be regulated.

In response to rate increases, some customers have inquired about the possibility of replacing Adelphia, the Township’s current cable operator. Adelphia has a non-exclusive franchise agreement to provide cable service to the Township. At the conclusion of the prior agreement, Adelphia had “an expectation of renewal” under federal law.

Adelphia would have to violate its contractual agreement with the Township for its cable

franchise to be revoked. Possible violations include non-compliance with certain state laws, the practice of fraud, the inability to restore cable service for a 72-hour period or the failure to maintain insurance coverage.

Federal law requires local governments go through a long, expansive process to terminate a cable franchise.

There are different resolution methods and rights cable consumers possess. The FCC lists several options for consumers in the current deregulated cable industry. These options include filing complaints with their cable company, contacting their local U.S. congressman and acquiring satellite service.

For a list of these options and additional information on cable regulation, visit the FCC website at www.fcc.gov.

Many Upper St. Clair residents subscribe to other Adelphia services such as long distance telephone service and high speed Internet access. These services are not covered under the Township’s cable agreement with Adelphia. It should also be noted that Adelphia has an absolute right to change the cable packages offered to customers. In response to price increases or package changes, customers have the right to downsize their service selection within 30 days of receipt of notice of such change with no charge for the downgrade.

Under the terms of the franchise agreement, Upper St. Clair customers also receive a ten percent discount for prepaying their cable bill for the entire year by the end of January.

Adelphia has regularly extended this prepayment period well into February. Prepayment also protects customers from price increases during the calendar year. Should a customer upgrade during the year, however, the difference between the initial package and the upgrade package is not discounted.

The franchise agreement prescribes the technical and service standards that a cable provider is expected to operate under, as well as compensation matters. In addition to the payment to the Township of a five percent franchise fee on locally subscribed cable services, the franchise agreement with Adelphia provides for a full time television production employee to support Upper St. Clair’s Public Access facility, Cable 7.

Spring 2004

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Library

Art in Our Library Linda Messer

“Anne” Judy Winters Have you ever noticed the lithograph of the young girl

hanging near the adult circulation desk? She is now more beautiful and radiant than ever, thanks to Friends of the Library who provided for her reframing and conservation. Her name is Anne Bellows Kearney and she was the daughter of George Bellows (1882-1925), one of the most popular American artists of his time. Mr. Bellows was one of a group of painters in New York known as the Ashcan School who broke from established artistic traditions. They were urban and social realists who painted the inner city and life as they “Anne” saw it. Mr. Bellows was considered an astute observer of America and its people.

Anne Bellows was born in 1911. After a childhood spent in the art world of New York she married Michael Kearney. Eventually Michael’s work with McGraw Hill brought them to Pittsburgh. They moved their family (including two sons) to Upper St. Clair where they lived on Murdstone Road. Anne became interested in our Township Library, which was still new and growing. She became an active volunteer and continued helping the Library for the rest of her life. Her generosity also included the donation of the lithograph of her done by her father in 1924 when he was considered the premier lithographer in America. It is one of an edition of 50 signed by the artist and the printer.

George Bellows was an adoring husband and father whose wife and two daughters were often the subjects of his work. Many of his family portraits hang in museums around the country, including The Carnegie in Oakland. There are four lithographs and one oil painting, “Anne in White” in the permanent collection, although not all are on display at any one time.

There are two books on the artist in the Library, The Lithographs of George Bellows and The Paintings of George Bellows by Mahonri Sharp Young.

Walter Jeffery (Friends past president), Leslie Herock and Sandra Castro.

Framing and Conservation of the Library Art Collection The Friends of the USC Library generously provided funds

to frame and conserve the two new Youngblood prints, and to reframe and conserve the original three Youngblood prints, as well as the Bellows lithograph, “Anne.” J. J. Gillespie Co. of McMurray was hired for the projects and the artworks were placed in the capable hands of owner, Sandra Castro and framer, Leslie Herock.

The original three Youngblood prints exhibited effects of light and acid damage because non-conservation materials had originally been used. Acid-free mats and glass offering UV protection were utilized to prevent further damage. Beautiful new frames both support and enhance the images. Similar materials were used on the two new acquisitions.

The reframing of “Anne” deserved the highest quality materials. Museum mounting boards and a gold-leafed fillet matching the finish of the frame, which is original to the piece, were used. Glass with UV protection will protect the piece from light damage.

All of these beautiful pieces are now on display in the Library and will provide enjoyment to future generations of our patrons.

The Friends of the Library Used Book Sale Wednesday, May 5—Tuesday, May 11, excluding May 9

National Library Week April 18–24, 2004

The Library is Open Monday–Thursday 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m.

Friday–Saturday 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. • Sunday 1–5 p.m.

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Spring 2004

New Nat Youngblood Prints Ever ything to Make Your House a Home

“General Forbes Arrives at Fort Duquesne 1758”

If you have been to the Library recently, you may

have seen two new prints on display by Pittsburgh artist, Nat Youngblood. The titles are, “General Forbes Arrives at Fort Duquesne 1758” and “Forks of the Ohio Occupied by the French 1754 to 1758.” Friends of the Library purchased these prints, as well as three other Youngblood prints, “Pittsburgh Autumn,” “Dawn of Renaissance II,” and “Octagonal Barn” which have graced the Library’s walls for a number of years.

The two new prints originated from commissions by the architectural firm Stotz, Hess and MacLachlan as part of their design for the Fort Pitt Museum that opened in 1971. They are part of a series that depict the story of the forts and taking back the Point from the French. Originally executed as paintings, the images were reproduced using the digitally based “Giclee” printing process and were limited to 75 prints per painting.

J a r o I n t e r i o r s, I n c.

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About Nat Youngblood Nat Youngblood is an artist who is so familiar to us that

we pass his prints in the Library without really thinking about them. Maybe that’s because we have the warm feeling of being near old friends. With the addition of two new prints, the Library’s collection now numbers five.

Those of you who are younger may not remember that Nat was Art Director of the Pittsburgh Press for 17 years. The Press was the evening and Sunday newspaper for many years. During his tenure with the paper and for 20 years before that, he painted 400 covers for the Sunday magazine section. Nat Youngblood was a welcome weekly visitor. We looked forward to seeing his artistic interpretations of our history and scenes of local interest.

Nat has won many awards and has exhibited in local, regional and national shows. Part of his life was spent in the southwest where he painted local scenes. A one-man show was held in Santa Fe. The Youngbloods lived in Brookside Farms for a number of years but moved to a farm in West Middletown, Washington County after his retirement. He resides there today. Washington and Jefferson College awarded Nat an honorary Doctor of Arts degree.

Westminster Presbyterian Church members invite you to experience our caring community of faith. Listed below are some of the many activities to which you’re invited!

WROC (Westminster Recreational Outreach Center) Classes...The Bridge...Mission to Haiti...Youth Crossfire & Crossroads...Sunday Worship at 8:20, 9:40 & 11:00 a.m. ...The Year of the Bible...Children’s Choirs...Christian Formation Seminars...Labyrinth Walk...Handbell Choir...Spirit Alive...Fishers of Men.net...Stephen Ministry...Counseling Center...Nursery School & Childcare...WOW Dinners...Children’s Day In...Retired Men’s Luncheon...Local Missions...The Yahweh Cafe’

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2040 Washington Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Call 412-835-6630 or visit www.westminster-church.org for details Spring 2004

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Library Continued from page 63

Children’s Library Programs—Spring 2004 Storytimes Bedtime Stories Held at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 29 and Monday, April 19 in the children’s story room for pre-schoolers ages three and one half and older. Wear your PJs. Babies and Toddlers Held on Mondays at 10 and 11 a.m. beginning April 19 in the children’s story room for babies and toddlers from four to 24 months and caregiver.

Time for Twos Held on Thursdays and Fridays at 10 and 11 a.m. beginning April 15-16 in the children’s story room for children ages two to three and caregiver.

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Pre-school Storytime Held on Tuesdays (10 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.) and Wednesdays (10 and 11 a.m.) beginning April 13-14 in the children’s story room for pre-school (age three to five).

More than a Story Held on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 4:15 p.m. beginning April 14-15 for children in kindergarten, first and second grades. (Length: approximately 30 minutes)

Special Programs American Girl Morning Try your hands at some crafts inspired by the American Girl books. Held on Saturday,

March 20 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for children, kindergarten and older, accompanied by an adult.

New Babies Storytime Explore the ups and downs of new babies.

Held on Sunday, March 21 at 2 p.m. for new and expectant brothers and sisters, ages two to six.

Book Discussions Mothers and Daughters Join us for an hour of sharing ideas about books in the Children’s Library. Each month a title or subject is selected for discussion. Multiple copies of the titles are available or can be ordered from other libraries.

Who: Girls in fifth through eighth grades and their moms Dates: Monday, March 15, 7 p.m.

Adaline Falling Star

by Mary Pope Osborne Monday, April 26, 7 p.m.

Bad Girls by Cynthia Voight Who:

Girls in third and fourth grades and their moms Dates: Tuesday, March 2, 7 p.m.

Your Favorite Book Page Turners (Mothers and other grown-ups) Join Eileen and Debra for fun and friendly book discussions at 7 p.m. on March 23 and May 18. Call the Library at 412-835-5540 and ask for the Children’s Library. We’ll give you the latest details!

J. J. Gillespie Company— Oldest Art Gallery in America The beautiful prints in

Board Certified in Internal Medicine Accepting new patients at both locations Allegheny St. Clair Professional Building Professional Building Suite 204 1050 Bower Hill Road 490 East North Avenue A Suite 203 Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Pittsburgh, PA 15243

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

the Library, framed and preserved by J. J. Gillespie Co. of McMurray, conserve some of our local history.

The art gallery of J. J. Gillespie Co. is also a piece of Pittsburgh history, having been in continuous operation since its founding in 1832. It is believed to be the oldest art gallery in America. Current owner, Sandra Castro, resides in Upper St. Clair. The founder, John Jones Gillespie, was only 17 years old when he opened his gallery on Wood Street. His timing was perfect. Our young country was expanding westward, steamboats bringing new industry and new wealth to Pittsburgh. The gallery catered to the needs of those of means who wanted to decorate their large homes, but it also became a gathering spot for local artists—becoming a center of the city’s art life.

Spring 2004

After it had passed through the hands of several owners, Sandra purchased the gallery in 1998 and moved it to its present location on Washington Road. Although located in a modern building, the gallery displays furniture and photographs associated with its illustrious history.

J. J. Gillespie’s strives to maintain its heritage yet provides well-lit display areas, modern framing equipment and convenient parking. Sandra’s goal is to continue the gallery’s legacy of making original artwork available to everyone.

The Township of Upper St. Clair

Directory of Important Numbers

Federal and State Elected Officials

Police/Fire/Ambulance Emergency

Federal Government

412-833-7500 • 724-941-7500

Elected Executive Officials President George W. Bush Vice President Dick Cheney Comments Line: 202-456-1111 Fax: 202-456-2461

Township Offices are open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Monday - Friday

Elected Legislative Officials U.S. Senators Website: www.senate.gov Arlen Specter - 412-644-3400 Fax: 412-644-4871 Rick Santorum - 412-562-0533 Fax: 412-562-4313 U.S. House of Representatives Website: www.house.gov Tim Murphy–18th District 412-344-5583 • Fax 412-429-5042

Pennsylvania State Government Elected Executive Officials

800-932-0784 www.state.pa.us Governor Ed Rendell Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll Auditor General Bob Casey, Jr. State Treasurer Barbara Hafer Acting Attorney General Gerald Pappert Elected Legislative Officials State Senator John Pippy 724-942-7210 • Fax: 724-942-7211 37th District State Representative John Maher 412-831-8080 • Fax: 412-831-8083 40th District District Justice Sally A. Edkins 724-941-6724 Information from Facts for Citizens published by the League of Women Voters. 412-261-4284

VOTER REGISTRATION 412-350-4500

Registration closes March 29, 2004

Administration/Township Manager 412-831-9000, ext. 216 Community Development 412-831-9000, ext. 501 Finance/Tax – 412-831-9000, ext. 226 Recreation – 412-831-9000, ext. 256 Public Works – 412-831-9000, ext. 271 Public Works Hotline Emergency After Hours 412-833-7500 Police Administration – 412-833-1113 Animal Control 412-833-7500 or 724-941-7500 Tri-Community South EMS 412-831-3710 Volunteer Fire Department (Fire Station) 412-835-0660 Library – 412-835-5540 Township INFO LINE (24-hour access) 412-854-5353 Frequently Called Numbers

Cable 7—Public Access Television 412-831-1030 Sally Edkins, District Justice 724-941-6724 League Of Women Voters 412-261-4284 Neighborhood Greetings 412-561-8845 Post Office – 1-800-275-8777 School District – 412-833-1600 Tennis Administration – 412-831-7556 Three-Hole Golf Course 412-831-7556 USC Chamber of Commerce 412-833-9111

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is to mitment My com ur create yo help you l home beautifu

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Utilities & Services

Adelphia Cable Communications Sales, Service and Billing 1-888-683-1000 Allegheny Power – 1-800-255-3443 Columbia Gas Company 412-344-9800 Dominion People’s Gas Company 1-800-764-0111 Equitable Gas Company 412-395-3050 PA American Water Company 412-344-4400 Verizon – 1-800-660-7111 Spring 2004

Bonnie

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Bonnie Detwiler ext. 158 Marlene McNaughton ex. 122

412-831-0100 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Recreation and Leisure Services Department Help Wanted

Upcoming Events

Do you really want to work at the mall this summer? Why not have a summer job where you can make a difference in a child’s life? The Recreation Department is now accepting applications for part-time summer positions. If you’re not afraid of hard work and you love working with children, then we want to talk to you about employment this summer. We’re accepting applications for summer program directors, camp counselors and lifeguards.

Easter Egg Hunt The Bethel St. Clair Rotary Club, USCHS Interact Club and USC Recreation and Leisure Services Department will be sponsoring an Easter Egg Hunt at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 3 with a rain date of April 10 at the three-hole Municipal golf course on McLaughlin Run Road. Games, crafts and special activities will be provided by the Interact Club beginning at 10 a.m. “Hopping” to see you there!

Community Day 2004

Watch for the summer edition of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine for specific details and times of the many activities that are being planned for Community Day 2004 to be held on May 15.

The Recreation and Leisure Services Department is still accepting applications for the Community Day parade from any interested community organization. All community groups are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please contact the Recreation Department prior to April 9 for a participation form at 412-831-9000, extension 256.

Camp Positions The Recreation Department offers camps for children ranging in age from preschool through 12 years. Those interested in applying to work in these camps for the summer must be willing to celebrate Halloween in July, explore the jungle in the wilds of Upper St. Clair and travel to lands of make-believe. Children have big imaginations and the right candidate must be able to explore all of these places and more. Employment will consist of assisting and implementing daily activities for children. Ability to lead activities and supervise young camp participants required. Minimum age for Camp Counselors is 16. Camp Director applicants must be a minimum of age 18 with previous experience working with children in a camp/school environment.

Thank you to the many volunteers who helped with our fall and winter programming.

Without their support these programs would not be possible: Community Volunteer: Ken Stuart Student Volunteers: Jen Keane, Kaitlin Krysevig, Kate Lester, Loreleigh Lewis, Cara Mignogna, Leah Senneway, Jamie Snyder, Matthew Sullivan, Allison Dixon, Maria Gaudio, Stephanie Maloney, Jess Mittelman

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Spring 2004

Township Recreation Program Brochure Watch for the 2004 Spring and Summer Township Recreation Program brochure arriving at the homes of all residents in early April. Take a minute to check out all of our new program offerings. There’s something for all ages and interests. Registrations are accepted in person or by mail. Registration forms are included in the brochure. Register early to guarantee a space.

Have you ever thought you might like to share a special skill or interest that you have with others? Why not consider offering a new class through the Recreation Office? Simply send us a small course outline, and we would be happy to work with you to develop new program ideas.

Tri-Community South EMS

Receiving recognition from Upper St. Clair Board of Commissioners for the Achieving Excellence in Defibrillation Award were Emily Cook, Todd Gooch, John Bower and Nora Helfrich.

Tri-Community South EMS (Tri-

Community) received national recognition at the National Center for Early Defibrillation (NCED) Conference of Champions in Washington, D.C. on October 24, 2003. Tri-Community earned the Achieving Excellence in Defibrillation Award.

Tri-Community is the emergency medical service system owned and operated by the Townships of Upper St. Clair and South Park and the Municipality of Bethel Park for the benefit of their residents. The NCED is a non-profit information clearinghouse based at the University of Pittsburgh dedicated to saving lives that would otherwise be lost to sudden cardiac arrest. Tri-Community was recognized for its outstanding achievements in community awareness and training and in its efforts to get Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) placed throughout Upper St. Clair, South Park and Bethel Park.

An AED is a device used to rescue victims of sudden cardiac arrest. In sudden cardiac arrest, a person’s heart suddenly stops beating. This is usually caused by a disturbance in the small electrical impulses the heart muscle creates to coordinate the beating. The resulting condition is called Ventricular Fibrillation or V-Fib. This condition is fatal if it persists untreated for more than a few minutes. In the past cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, was the only treatment the average person could give to a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. By performing CPR, the rescuer provides blood flow to the brain and other vital organs until the beating action of the heart can be restored.

The definitive treatment to restore that beating action is electrical defibrillation, which is the delivery of a concentrated electrical shock to the heart muscle.

Until about ten years ago, only medical professionals could provide electrical

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defibrillation. Defibrillators, the devices used to provide this treatment, were complex, expensive, required constant maintenance and could only be operated by someone trained in reading and interpreting the machine’s display of the heart rhythm. Advancements in computer processing power and the development of lightweight, long-lasting batteries in the 90s permitted the development of the portable, easy-to-use Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). As a result, for the first time someone other than a medical professional could administer definitive care to a victim of sudden cardiac arrest.

Though early AEDs were easy to use, they remained prohibitively expensive for widespread public use, and Pennsylvania law still reserved their use to medical professionals. In 1992 Tri-Community joined in a pilot program with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), St. Clair Hospital, Physio-Control Corporation, and the police and EMS agencies of several South Hills communities to study the effectiveness of early defibrillation by police officers. Police officers were trained

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The results of the UPMC study, one of the first, were supported by the results of other, similar studies in other settings. As a result, the American Heart Association decided to incorporate the use of the AED into its educational programs. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania approved the use of the AED, not only by police officers, but also by trained citizens. Tri-Community offers this training to residents of Upper St. Clair, South Park and Bethel Park, and to any organization or group who serves these Continued on page 68 Spring 2004

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Tri Community South Continued from page 67

communities who has or is planning to get an AED of its own.

Tri-Community achieved another first in 2003 when it hosted the national rollout of the new American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid course. The course complements the Heart Association’s existing Heartsaver Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillation (AED) training courses. Tri-Community was the first training center in the nation to hold instructor training courses for Heart Association regional faculty members and has held its first public training courses.

Tri-Community is a Community Training Center (CTC) of the American Heart Association and ranks annually in the top ten providers of CPR instruction in Pennsylvania. In 2003 Tri-Community was the number one ranked CTC in Pennsylvania and the second-ranked CTC in the Mid-Atlantic region with nearly 8500 citizens trained from July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2003.

Tri-Community offers all of the American Heart Association’s training courses. At present these include: CPR for Family and Friends This is a non-credentialed course that covers the recognition and emergency treatment techniques for heart attack, cardiac arrest, stroke and choking or airway obstruction in adult patients. It also includes recognition and emergency treatment techniques for cardiac and respiratory emergencies in infants and children, and information on injury prevention and cardiac arrest prevention. The adult and infant-child modules can be taught individually or as one full course.

Each module takes two hours to complete.

The full course is four hours long.

Heartsaver CPR This is a credentialed course that covers the recognition and emergency treatment techniques for heart attack, cardiac arrest,

stroke and choking or airway obstruction.

It also includes: recognition and emergency treatment techniques for cardiac and respiratory emergencies in infants and children, information on injury prevention and cardiac arrest prevention, the use of barrier devices for ventilation of non-breathing patients, and demonstrates, but does not provide, training in the use of the AED. The course is four hours long.

Heartsaver AED This is a credentialed course that covers the material presented in the Heartsaver CPR course plus the use of the AED. The course is four hours long.

Heartsaver First Aid This newest course is a credentialed course that covers information and training in the general principles of first aid, recognition and emergency treatment techniques for medical and injury emergencies, and optionally, environmental emergencies and the material from the Heartsaver CPR and Heartsaver AED courses. The first aid module alone is three hours long. With the additional CPR and AED modules, it is seven hours long.

Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers This is a credentialed course for professional rescuers and healthcare workers who are required to obtain and maintain CPR credentials as a part of their licensure, certification or employment requirements.

It includes the material from the Heartsaver CPR and Heartsaver AED courses plus two-rescuer resuscitation, bag-valve-mask ventilation, advanced obstructed airway techniques and special resuscitation situations. The course is six hours long.

For additional information on the above classes and other services Tri-Community offers, please call 412-831-3710, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. TriCommunity South EMS is located at 2470 Slater Road in Bethel Park.

Family Hospice and Palliative Care Offers Two Bereavement Groups Afternoons (1-2:30 p.m.) second Tuesday of the month at Southminster House Evenings (7-8:30 p.m.) third Monday of the month at the Unitarian-Universalist Church Call 412-572-8829. Pre-registration is not required.

Special Events Family Hospice and Palliative Care will hold an Interfaith memorial service in spring 2004 to honor the memory of Family Hospice and Palliative Care patients.

Please call 412-572-8800 for more information.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Local Resale Store to Benefit Family Hospice and Palliative Care

Spring 2004

Karen Haddad Eckstein opens FHPC’s Family Heirlooms.

In her role as Director of Community

Relations at Family Hospice and Palliative Care, Karen Haddad Eckstein, an Upper St. Clair resident, has coordinated the opening of a new upscale resale shop in Mt. Lebanon. In addition to providing the area with a unique shopping experience, all proceeds from Family Heirlooms support Family Hospice and Palliative Care’s mission to provide comfort care to people with a lifelimiting illness and their families. Family Heirlooms provides local residents with an opportunity to buy gently used clothing and antique items such as furniture, jewelry and accent pieces. With a constantly changing inventory, Family Heirlooms is a fun and special place to stop by and browse.

Karen, who has lived in Upper St. Clair for 22 years, has been researching nonprofit resale shops throughout the country and found that it would be a great asset to the area. Many community members will welcome the opportunity to donate items to Family Heirlooms as the donation will be tax deductible and will help to fund the many programs being offered by Family Hospice and Palliative Care.

Family Hospice and Palliative Care, which has served Pittsburgh area residents and families since 1980, provides care to people in their own homes, nursing and personal care homes and hospitals. Community bereavement support groups are also offered in many areas. In addition to donations, Family Heirlooms is also looking for volunteers to work in the store.

The resale shop is located at 530 Washington Road, next to Rolliers Hardware in Mt. Lebanon. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Call 412-531-4750 for more information or to arrange a donation.

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69

Around the Township

Medallion Ball 2003 Mary Lynne Spazok

Congratulations to the 19 Medallion Ball honorees of Upper

St. Clair! The 40th Medallion Ball, led by His Excellency Reverend Donald W. Wuerl Catholic Bishop of Pittsburgh, was held at the Hilton Ballroom on Friday, November 28. Saint Lucy’s Auxiliary to the Blind acknowledged 112 young women. The inspiring mission of St. Lucy’s is to encourage a lifetime commitment of volunteer service—a praiseworthy tradition of loving care.

St. Lucy’s Auxiliary, founded in 1957, engages in and sponsors projects and activities that ultimately benefit and assist Pittsburgh Vision Services. This agency was born from the merger of the Greater Pittsburgh Guild for the Blind and the Pittsburgh Blind Association. The undertaking of this union is “to reduce the limitations that may result from loss of vision.” They take great pride in recognizing high school seniors and graduates who have made significant contributions to their community and have shown an unselfish willingness to share. Having performed at least 100 hours of volunteer service, young women of all faiths have been awarded the celebrated Joan of Arc Medallion.

Photography was provided by Rocky Raco Studio.

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Diana Abriola

Colleen Allegretti

Emily Barkas

Emily Bird

Ashley Churilla

Emily DeFrancesa

Caroline Degnan

Kathleen DeLeo

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2004

Taryn Duff

Jennifer Hays

Jennifer Kline

Melissa Lantz

Elizabeth Mulholland

Courtney Pawlak

Katherine Peterson

Lauren Sapienza

Holland Thomas

Four Teens Kick Off Volunteer Program Caring for others is not just for adults—it’s for all ages.

Laura Thompson

Elizabeth Zeszutek

The inspiring mission of St. Lucy’s is to encourage a lifetime commitment of volunteer service— a praiseworthy tradition of loving care.

Four local teenagers are doing just that and have taken time away from their studies, sports and social life to help provide comfort and caring to hospice patients. These teens are visiting Family Hospice and Palliative Care patients in local nursing homes. Their time is being spent talking and reading with patients as well as sharing music and stories. In some cases the teens help patients put together a written life review or a memorable photo album.

All volunteers in this program are required to complete 15 hours of training with the hospice staff prior to volunteering.

For more information on the teen volunteer program call Peggy Stanton at 412-572-8806.

Left to right: Erin Ramsey, Upper St. Clair High School junior; Laura Korhonen, Mt. Lebanon High School senior and exchange student from Finland; Akshaya Kumar, Upper St. Clair High School senior; Raksha Kumar, Upper St. Clair High School sophomore Spring 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

71

Profiles of USC Residents

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Dayle Bonifield holds his medals of honor and stands with USCHS social studies teacher Todd Flynn.

Left to right: Jim O’Brien, award recipient; Andy Russell, former Pittsburgh Steeler and keynote speaker at the 2003 Keeping the Faith fundraiser, and John Zanardelli, Asbury’s Executive Director and CEO.

Jim O’Brien was presented with Dayle Bonifield, a long-time resident

of Upper St. Clair, was transferred from Ohio to Pittsburgh in 1971. Before retiring in 1989, he was the regional business manager for the Limbach Company Mechanical Contractors. Many of you may have seen Dayle working on election days at the Ward 3 voting site at the Township Recreation building where he serves as majority inspector. He is also a regular Upper St. Clair stadium trackwalker, mostly early in the mornings. Like many World War II veterans, Dayle does not easily speak about his experiences or boast of any military accomplishments. You must earn his trust and confidence before you get to know about his valor in combat.

Dayle Bonifield was born October 9, 1924, in Dresden, Ohio, Muskingum County, which is in central Ohio. He entered the U.S. Army in March 1943. After a year and a half of training and preparation, he was assigned to the 63rd Infantry Division and arrived in Marseille, France, in December 1944. The next few months were among the heaviest combat action of World War II. Dayle Bonifield would be awarded both the Bronze and Silver Star as well as a Purple Heart. His Silver Star citation reads as follows: “Sgt. Bonifield, with outstanding, daring and aggressive leadership, led his platoon at a dead run ahead of accompanying tanks into an enemy position which lay beyond 700

yards of open ground, exposed to hostile fire, and captured or killed the enemy. Continuing the attack of Lampolshausen (Germany) at the same rapid pace, Sgt. Bonifield and his platoon drove through the city and established a defense line on the far side, while the remainder of the company was engaged in clearing the town. Sgt. Bonifield’s magnificent courage and outstanding gallantry under fire reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the armed forces of the United States.”

—April 9, 1945 Upon returning from Europe in December 1945, he entered the private business sector and also became a member of the Army Reserves. On September 22, 1946, he married his wife of 58 years, Betty.

They have three boys, two girls and nine grandchildren. Dayle became active in Boy Scouts, participating in Ohio scouting activities for over 15 years. As a side note, the Boy Scouts used to be the ushers at Ohio State football games and Dayle spent over 30 years attending all of OSU’s home games. This included driving from Pittsburgh after his 1971 transfer so that he could volunteer to usher as well as watch the Buckeyes.

On October 15, 2003, Dayle received word that he’d been accepted for induction into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor in recognition of the Silver Star he received while serving during World War II in the United States Army. Congratulations Dayle!

Look for an article in the Summer 2004 issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY on Todd Flynn’s coverage of World War II in his USCHS classes.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2004

the Asbury’s Executive Director’s Medallion in recognition of his outstanding service to senior citizens, Christian leadership, and continuous commitment to enriching the lives of older adults served by Asbury Heights.

Asbury Heights is a Mt. Lebanon longterm care community for older adults.

Asbury’s Executive Director and CEO, John Zanardelli, presented the award to O’Brien at the 2003 Keeping the Faith dinner this past October.

The author of the popular “Pittsburgh Pride” sports history series, a member of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, and a columnist for The Valley Mirror and The Almanac, O’Brien is the inspiration behind Asbury’s annual Keeping the Faith fundraising dinner.

This event, which has raised more than $170,000 for the Benevolent Card Fund since 2000, has welcomed local sports celebrities Tunch Ilkin, Chuck Tanner, Rocky Bleier and Andy Russell to speak at Asbury.

O’Brien’s mother, Mary O’Brien, prompted Jim’s involvement with Asbury Heights. A satisfied resident of Asbury for more than four years until her death in March 2003 at age 96, Mary appeared with Jim in a print advertisement for Asbury Heights that ran in local newspapers for more than two years. In addition to his mother, both of O’Brien’s in-laws, the late Harvey and Barbara Churchman, were Asbury residents.

Daniel P. Grealish has assumed the newly created

position of chairman at Henderson Brothers, Inc., one of the area’s largest and leading independent insurance agencies. He will maintain his day-to-day involvement in the company, while directing his energies toward strategic planning, acquisitions and client interaction. With more than 25 years of experience, Dan, 47, has in-depth knowledge on all aspects of the insurance business, with an emphasis on negotiating rates, customer retention and succession planning.

He is a board member for the United Way of Allegheny County and the YMCA of Pittsburgh, and has also volunteered on behalf of the Hill House Association, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and the Pittsburgh Public Theater. Dan was named Volunteer of the Year by the YMCA in 2001, and was recognized as a 2003 Pacesetter by SBN Magazine. Dan is a 1978 graduate of West Virginia University.

Fritz Woelfel was recently named a state winner, a

mid-Atlantic region winner and a national finalist for the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. This award is presented to students who exemplify excellence in athletics, academics and community service. The Shady Side Academy senior attended the National Wendy’s Heisman awards banquet in New York City this past December.

Fritz excels in soccer, basketball and track, setting numerous records and leading teams to sectional and WPIAL competitions. Academically, he has achieved a 4.0 GPA and attained a perfect math score on that portion of the SAT, coming close to a perfect score in the verbal portion as well. Fritz, a three-time class president and three-time sports editor of the school’s newspaper, is also a voting member on the Shady Side Academy Admissions Committee.

Fritz has participated in many community service projects and is involved with Children’s International Summer Villages (CISV), a unique youth exchange program developed to promote international youth comradeship.

Fritz was recently awarded three gold medals in the regional Science Olympic competition and a gold medal as the Pittsburgh Tribune Review’s Outstanding Young Citizen. Among other designations he was named this year’s Duquesne Mind, Heart and Spirit award winner.

Fritz is slated to attend Duke this fall, hoping to pursue a career in business. He is the son of Karen and Fred Woelfel and the brother of Stephanie Woelfel.

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Garrett Cimina, fourth level student at Eisenhower, was

recently honored by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) for his achievement on the Explore test. This optional test is an eighth grade test covering academic topics such as mathematics, reading, science and English. It is administered statewide by CMU for academically gifted students.

Garrett was recognized for having the highest total score as well as the leading scores for reading and English in his grade level. Garrett is the son of Rick and Stephanie Cimina and the brother of Trent Cimina.

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73

St. Louise de Marillac Church Dedicates New Parish Center William G. Batz, St. Louise Campaign 2000 Committee Co-chair On January 25, 2004, the community

of St. Louise de Marillac Catholic Church in Upper St. Clair dedicated a new parish center at 320 McMurray Road. Most Rev. Donald T. Wuerl, Bishop of Pittsburgh, presided at the Mass and dedication event. The new LeGras Parish Center bears the married name of the 18th century pioneering social worker and the church’s patroness. The project represents the first phase in a multi-year program to expand facilities to meet the needs of the church’s growing population.

“Forty years ago, 400 families erected our initial school building,” noted Father Thomas Kredel, pastor of St. Louise Church. “Twenty years later, a community of 1800 families built the church. Now we serve 3000 families and over 10,000 people in the same facility. We faced over-subscription in current programs, unmet pastoral needs and still more enrollment growth in coming years, especially with development in neighboring Peters Township. Investment in more adequate facilities has been urgent for some time,” said Kredel.

Specific planning for the $4.4 million Phase I project began three years ago after a decade of studies by a series of parish groups. “The initial project not only addressed parish space needs,” noted David McLean of the architectural firm of Graves & McLean, which designed the facilities and oversaw construction by the Mosites Corporation, “it also resolved significant traffic and parking problems of standing concern to Township and fire officials.”

The LeGras Parish Center holds approximately 16,000 square feet of space 74

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

for use by 70 different parish organizations that minister to youth, adults and seniors throughout the region of Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park and Peters Township. The center holds offices for parish staff, ample work and meeting rooms for social services, and an 8000 square foot conference facility on the lower level with full professional kitchens. The lower level facility will be suitable for large-scale receptions and overflow services on major holidays.

“We now have the room to meet the needs of many parish ministries,” noted Father Kredel, “and particularly our growing community of seniors.” Construction of the center is expected to relieve pressure on the St. Louise School facility that serves up to 600 students during the day, and over 1100 in evening education programs.

As part of the initial project, the LeGras Parish Center and adjacent church were accented by a new, 40-foot lighted bell tower with three bronze bells—the largest weighing 3800 pounds. The three bells, cast in the 1890s, were acquired from the closed Annunciation Church on Pittsburgh’s north side. The bells ring before each Mass, and chime the Angelus prayer at noon and six o’clock p.m. daily. Located at one of the highest topographical points in the Township, the tower upholds a six-foot bronze cross over the 27-acre parish campus.

Spring 2004

Land surrounding the new center was extensively re-graded to create a full-size football/soccer field with an integral baseball field, along with a full-size baseball field with amphitheatre seating. This replaced two small ball fields adjacent to McMurray Road. New lighted parking, on a level plane with the center and church, added 140 spaces.

In coming years, a plan for Phase II of the overall project calls for 15,000 square feet of library, computer and classroom additions to St. Louise School. Phase III would add 5000 square feet to the church building itself. “The generosity of the people in the St. Louise parish community,” said Father Kredel, “will stand as a testament to their faith and as a means of transmitting that faith to generation after generation for many decades to come.”

The LeGras Parish Center is open daily.

Visitors of all faiths are welcome.

Photography provided by Pamela C. Batz

Knowing Our Neighborhoods Deerfield Manor Tom Boyd Deerfield Manor is a friendly community of

approximately 315 homeowners located south of Boyce Road and just east of Route 19 on the southern boundary of Upper St. Clair. The development is geographically contained and known for its public spirit, sense of community and beautiful neighborhoods.

The original Deerfield Manor acreage was farmland owned by the Houston Family for two generations. The Becker family acquired the land in 1956 and on several trips to see the property noticed large numbers of deer roaming the area and decided to name the planned development Deerfield Manor. Prior to Becker’s purchase, the ground had been rented to the Dormont-Mt. Lebanon Sportsman’s Club. The Sportsman’s Club featured trails through the woods including archery, pistol and rifle target areas and a clubhouse located on what is now Redfern Drive, just off Morton Road.

In 1956 and 1957 Thorntree Drive, Cedarvue

Drive, Fairgreen Drive and Pinetree Drive from Thorntree to Fairgreen completed the initial development of Deerfield Manor. These lots were called Deerfield Manor Plan No. 1. Over the years additional lots were developed with the newest lots named Deerfield Manor plan No. 7. In addition to the Becker development, James W. Stewart developed Williamsburg Woods in 1965 consisting of 18 lots on Pinetree Drive near Circle Drive. The distinguishing characteristic of these homes was the gas lanterns placed along the roadside on the front lawn of each house. In 1980, William E. Thomas purchased land on Gloucester Drive and Airy Hill Drive and finished development of the area begun by Mr. Stewart.

Deerfield Manor is characterized by an active homeowners association.

It is the oldest such organi-

zation in the Township. The first meeting of the Deerfield Manor-Williamsburg Woods Homeowners’ Association was held on February 1, 1975. Its purpose was to represent and give all residents a voice on issues that affect both Deerfield Manor and the Township. A Board of Directors, consisting of representatives from each street and elected for three-year terms, runs the association.

The association publishes a telephone and address directory each year and holds an annual public meeting in February for all Deerfield Manor residents. In addition, the association sponsors two clean up days during the year—one in the spring and one in the fall. The summer garage sale is always a success, pulling in people from all over Pittsburgh. Finally, the September family block party is the premier social event of the year where both adults and children can meet and become acquainted. The day includes games and events for the children, picnic food and late night dancing for adults. Last year, 225 adults and children attended the block party.

In 2002, Deerfield Manor developed its own website, www.mainstreetusc.com/deerfield/ dfindex.htm, to enhance communication of local issues and events with its residents. As Deerfield Manor approaches its 50th year anniversary, its future looks as bright as its past.

Block party photos by Joyce Wilson.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

75

A Boy Scout Adventure Ray Van Cleve

As we top Mt. Philips, we look toward

the sky and see a very welcoming sunset. In the next minute we hear reports of a bear sighting and we see storm clouds gathering in the distance. Just as we put up our dining fly hail the size of pennies, starts to pound down all around us. We shiver under our fly and wait for it to stop. Then we remember the other half of our crew is still hiking up the worst part of the trail, and we start to worry. They arrive 20 minutes later. We look out of the fly and see the sun through the clouds. I know that this hike, which has led us up to an elevation of 11, 711 feet, is worthwhile and that we are having the time of our lives!

In July 2003, Boy Scout Troop 366 from Westminster Presbyterian Church went to Cimarron, New Mexico, to hike the biggest Boy Scout reservation in the United States—the Philmont Scout Ranch. Twentyfour scouts and scout parents (six fathers and one mother) went to Philmont for an 80-mile hike. It is located approximately 100 miles west of Taos, New Mexico, in the Sangria De Christo Mountains. We hiked the terrain for 11 days and had a great time.

Philmont is one of many high adventure camps operated by the Boy Scouts of America. Scout troops from all over the world come here to hike the 137,000 acres of forest, mountains, streams and trails. It started in 1937 with a land donation from Waite Phillips, an oil tycoon and an avid outdoorsman from Oklahoma.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

About 15,000 boy scouts and leaders go to Philmont every summer. Groups are divided into crews of 12 each who set out on an itinerary called a trek. Our troop divided into two crews of 12 each. In the first crew, crew 7-05 E-1, parents Steve Stockton, Tom Blank and Angela Petersen went with scouts Sean Stockton, Peter Blank, Kevin Hoch, Pat Foley and Matt and Rob Petersen and adult scouts Steve Stockton Jr. and Chris and David Foley. Our second crew, crew 7-05 E-2, parents John Van Cleve, Chris Burns, Paul Tomiczek, and Gil Kaufman were assigned scouts Ray Van Cleve, Ben Burns, Paul Tomiczek, Matt Kaufman, Dan Williams, Chris Peterson and Troy and Trent Sustich. Crew 7-05-E-2 traveled alongside a crew from Tyler, Texas, who coincidently shared the same itinerary.

In order to succeed on such a difficult and challenging adventure, we had to practice and get in shape before the trip. The troop went on four smaller hikes, including a hike in the Laurel Highlands and one to Old Rag Top Mountain in Virginia before venturing out to New Mexico. Some of the hikes were more successful than others.

For example, on our hike in West Virginia, we lost the trail beneath two feet of snow.

At Old Rag Top we had to stop our hike short and turn around when we found that the rest of the trail was more like

Spring 2004

climbing a wall than a path. We did have some enjoyable hikes, though, and we got to experience working together as a crew while enjoying the great outdoors. Since we live in a semi-low altitude of 2500 feet above sea level in Pittsburgh, we needed to get used to the thinner air in the higher elevation area of New Mexico.

We spent two full days at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico and spent one day touring around Albuquerque. We then took a four-hour school bus ride in 95-degree heat to Philmont. When we got to the Philmont base camp we were greeted by a ranger who showed us where we would be hiking and informed the crew leaders of the routes for the hike. At camp, we were instructed on the tasks, responsibilities and adventures that we would be facing when we hit the trail the next day. The two crews said goodbye to each other and were off shortly after lunch. Both crews employed a ranger for the first two days of the hike.

The ranger helped us learn about what to do in the event of an outdoor emergency, how to prevent bears from attacking, how to purify water, how to set up camp and how to survive in the wilderness.

Surviving in the wilderness is challenging. We woke up around six or seven every morning, ready to hike a trail within

an hour. We hiked early in the day to keep from walking too much in the afternoon heat and to get to the next camp before it got too late in the day. Each night we would plan who would lead our expedition the following day, when and where we could get water, and what the activities would be.

Once up and out of bed, we would break camp by taking down the dining fly and our tents and prepare our 50-pound packs for the new day. After this we would have breakfast. Breakfast was usually a little bit of beef jerky, a cereal bar, and some other type of high caloric food that we sometimes ate on the trail to save time. We would hike five to ten miles until we made it to our next campsite. Both crews avoided major trouble, but both experienced minor incidents.

For example, one day Dan Williams’ sleeping bag came dislodged from his pack and fell down a deep rocky ravine. The ravine was far too steep to climb down to search for the bag. As we hiked down the trail we kept our eyes out for the bag. At one point we stopped and several scouts climbed close to the ravine to get a closer look.

Amazingly, Ben Burns found the bag.

During the day we sometimes stopped for an activity, water or both. Some of the best experiences at Philmont were the activities. At most staffed campsites there were many activities to choose from. The activities were different from activities

in our modern day life. They included black powder shooting, pole climbing, tomahawk throwing, rock climbing, skeet shooting, black-smithing, conservation work, horse riding, geological mine touring, gold panning and farm chores such as goat milking, donkey feeding and our personal favorite, chicken chasing. At each station we learned about the activity and its history.

An outcome of the trip was developing camaraderie among our crew. We had to work together as team and help each other complete all the tasks and activities. The friendships we developed strengthened with each passing day. The best part of each day was called “roses, thorns and buds”—a three part discussion when we reviewed our favorite part of the day (the rose), the worst part of the day (the thorn), and what each of us looked forward to the next day (the bud).

This trip was a life-changing experience for me and I’m sure for everyone else who went along. It’s left a lasting impression on every scout and parent who embarked on this wonderful journey.

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Ray Van Cleve is a ninth grade student at USCHS. He is working on his Eagle Scout and hopes to have it completed by summer 2004. He would like to work as a ranger at Philmont someday.

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A T-Shirt Tribute

Proud to Represent The Township of Upper St. Clair

Kathy Richardson My oldest son, Cam, is 21.

From the tiny shirt commemorating his first trip to Hilton Head, to numerous gifts from relatives, his collection of tshirts increased in shocking proportions. As he outgrew them, one at a time, I hesitated to give many of them away because of the personal and sentimental memories each of them evoked. I decided instead Ben, Garrett, Grandpa Paul Kienholtz to save the shirts and make a and Cam hold the quilt of honor. quilt for him when he graduated from high school. As the years passed I began saving his two younger brothers’ (Garrett and Ben) shirts as well.

The collection really started to pile up, resulting from the many Township sports the boys participated in throughout the years. This surplus allowed me to make a special t-shirt quilt for my dad’s birthday several years ago. Through the years my father has attended just about every game the boys played in, which makes the quilt a fitting tribute to their biggest fan.

Charles P. McCullough Township Attorney Township of Upper St. Clair

412.566.1212 www.tuckerlaw.com

A Spring Visit to Oakmont Join the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation on a tour of Oakmont Saturday, April 24, 12:30 to 5 p.m. including tea at Oakmont Country Club.

Spring 2004

For tour fee and reservations: Phone: 412-471-5808, ext. 527 Email: marylu@phlf.org.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

77

This is No Make-Believe Ballroom!

Jack Kerr This is no make-believe ballroom!

No sir-eee. It’s a country club ballroom filled with enthusiastic dancers having a great time with a hundred or so of their friends.

And they’re taking advantage of one of the area’s best entertainment buys.

Think about it for a minute.

Where else can you find a “package” like this? Four dinner dances held at four of the area’s finest country clubs, featuring live music from either small combos or full orchestras, and for just $275 per couple!

The answer is probably “Nowhere,” except if you happen to be a member of the South Hills Cotillion Club. For more than 40 years, this group of ballroom dancers has been tripping the light fantastic on area dance floors. In the past, the dances were held at venues such as the Horizon Room at the old Pittsburgh Airport, the Buffalo Inn at South Park and that granddaddy of all local dance halls, Linden Grove. More recently, four country clubs have been the popular choice.

Membership in the club is limited to 75 couples. The reason is simple. Any more, and the dance floor becomes too crowded and these folks love to dance. As soon as the music starts, couples rush to the floor—even if they haven’t finished dessert! It seems that no matter what dance step the music calls for, the floor is filled. Foxtrots, sambas, waltzes, rhumbas, cha-chas, jive, and even some of the more recent disco steps. You’ll see dancers galore on the floor.

The club is governed by a volunteer board of directors made up of eight member couples. Each dance is “hosted” by two couples who arrange the details such as

contracting with a club and music group, menu selection, reservations and seating, so that everything goes smoothly for the members to simply enjoy the evening and the dancing.

A highlight at most of the dances is a demonstration held at intermission by professionals or students from some of the area’s finest dance studios. Two of the most recent of these were presented by the Dryden Dance Center (John Dryden, director of the studio, is a renowned coach of Olympic level ice dancers), located on Painters Run Road in Upper St. Clair, and the Arthur Murray Studios. Cotillion members always enjoy these outstanding performances wishing they could dance equally as well!

The dances are held from November to May at Valleybrook, St. Clair, Edgewood and South Hills country clubs. While it is not mandatory, most of the gentlemen arrive in tuxedos and the ladies in equally formal or semi-formal dresses and gowns.

It’s really a whole lot like the senior prom, with emphasis on “Senior.”

The evening begins with cocktails at 6, dinner at 7, and dancing from 8 to 11 p.m.

Everyone has a name tag so that names and faces become familiar in short order.

Anyone who is a guest is introduced and greeted to feel welcome. And the guest or guests are certainly encouraged to join the club if a vacancy exists.

While the local dance scene is still somewhat top heavy with the more frenetic dance styles of disco and hip-hop, there are many who still adhere to the smoothness and grace of the various styles of ballroom dancing. More recently, however, there seems to be a gradual increase, both in the available venues that provide music and dance floors, and in the number of dance clubs that emphasize ballroom dancing.

So if you and your partner are lovers of smooth and sophisticated dancing, take a few minutes to dust off that old tux and ball gown, brush up on those steps you remember and get yourself out to one of the dance floors around town for an evening of great fun and exercise.

For more information, call 412-221-5976 or visit www.southhillscotillionclub.org.

Photographs taken by Jack Rickard.

Ballroom Dancing on the Rise The past decade has seen a marked increase in the popular-

ity of ballroom dancing in the Pittsburgh area. Dance clubs, both old and new, have provided the opportunity for couples to take part in this wonderful pastime. The Top Hatters, for example, hold six dinner dances annually at the Upper St. Clair Woman’s Club on Edgewood Drive which, by the way, has an excellent dance floor. The dress is fairly formal and the music is live.

Ballroom dancing has also caught on with many local chapters of fraternal organizations. A quick look in the newspaper sections such as the “Weekend Mag” in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette or the “Entertainment” section of 78

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2004

the City Paper will reveal dances at many Elk, Moose and Eagle halls, usually on Friday and Saturday nights. Some music is live while some is played by a D.J. and there are always plenty of dancers.

Other dance floors can be found at restaurants and lounges such as Peter’s Place in Bridgeville, Linden Grove in Castle Shannon and Jimmy G’s in Sharpsburg. And all of these are in addition to really large dance halls such as the Palace Inn in Monroeville and the Palisades in McKeesport.

So it’s easy to see that after a somewhat dormant period, the popularity of ballroom dancing is again on the rise!

USCommunicates Community Philanthropy Free Income Tax Assistance The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site number 141 will be at the South Hills Bible Chapel, room number 002 for the 2003 tax year. South Hills Bible Chapel is located at 300 Gallery Drive in McMurray, approximately six miles south of South Hills Village.

Free tax service is being offered now through April 15, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The doors of the church will open at 8 a.m. There will be no Saturday hours and the office is not open on Good Friday, April 9. No appointments will be scheduled—walk-ins only. Please do not call the church regarding VITA. VITA volunteers will also assist taxpayers in the preparation of PA tax returns, Real Estate/Rent Rebate forms, PACE forms and local wage taxes.

Please bring all pertinent tax documentation including copies of Federal and PA returns for the 2002 tax year and any tax packages received in the mail.

Recycling— A Cleansing Experience While recycling may not, in fact, cleanse your soul, it will make you feel good about allowing others to reuse your discarded products. So, what are you waiting for? Get busy spring-cleaning and recycle what you can.

Car batteries: Advance Auto Parts, NAPA Auto Parts Cardboard, magazines and phone books: Unipaper Recycling Company at 412-429-8522 Clothes: Consignment shops (Glad Raggs–adult, Penny Stix–children), Goodwill, Boys and Girls Club, Vietnam Vets, Salvation Army, SHIM Oil: PEP Boys, Advance Auto Parts, Bethel Park Transmission, Jiffy Lube Plastic Bags: Giant Eagle Recycle Bin Tires: Sears, NTB, Calabro; $1.50 per tire Consult the Upper St. Clair Refuse and Recycling 2004 calendar, call the recycling hotline at 1-800-346-4242 and visit the website www.greenworks.tv for further information.

The Township of Upper St. Clair recycles plastics bearing the numbers 1 and 2, aluminum and metal cans and newsprint every other Thursday on your regular garbage pick up day. Please remove labels and wash out jars and cans as necessary.

Town Hall South Gives Back to the Community

Left to right: Susan Miller, Ann Gabler, Ann Compton and Bob Norris.

Town Hall South just completed its 35th

season as a premier lecture and luncheon series in the South Hills of Pittsburgh and has returned a total of $358,903 to the community since its inception. The purpose of Town Hall South is two-fold: It provides an enriching program for the community and also provided service through philanthropic gifts to a wide range of local organizations.

In the 2002-03 season over $7000 in gifts was granted to Bethlehem Haven, Family Links, Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, Interfaith Hospitality Network of South Hills, Mainstay Life Services, Miryam’s, Primetime Adult Care, SHIM, Upper St. Clair High School Theatre, Washington City Missions, Washington Women’s Shelter, Westminster Presbyterian Church youth group and Westminster Counseling Center.

Gifts are determined each January by the Town Hall South board and are distributed at the final lecture in March.

Financial contributions vary annually but are always at least ten percent of subscription ticket sales.

Applications for gift consideration are mailed by request to local service organizations each December. A summary of each application is reviewed and evaluated by the board according to four guidelines: •Funding is ecumenical.

•Gifts are made to organizations.

•Funding focuses on, but is not limited to, the South Hills area.

•No more than half of the available money is granted to any one group.

Lectures are held on Tuesday mornings from October through March of each year at the Upper St. Clair High School Theatre with membership sold as a series. The 200304 lineup of speakers included White House correspondent Ann Compton, geographer and author Harm de Blij, comedian and psychotherapist Dr. Will Miller, author and commentator Bruce Feiler, and journalist and Middle East expert Judith Miller.

Ticket and series information for the 2004-05 season will be announced later this summer. Call the hotline at 412-831-6168, extension 99 for more information.

Classifieds Iron Horse Hobby Shop, headquarters for toy train fun, everything for the model railroader.

Collector items, books, videos and expert repair shop. Celebrating our 25th year serving you.

1950 Painters Run Road, USC, 15241. Call 412-221-2250.

There’s No Place Like Home, Petsitting, member National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. Bonded, insured. Excellent references. Customized individual care in your pet’s comforting, familiar surroundings. Daily walks. Dogs, cats, birds, fish. Call Dee: 412-854-9815 or 412-851-1387. Email: likehome@usadatanet.net.

To place your small business or professional ad in the classified section, send 35 words or less with a check for $75, made payable to the Township of Upper St. Clair, to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241.

Spring 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

79

Local Clubs and Organizations Directory 1830 Log House Association Kimberly Guzzi ......................................................412-851-0570 American Assoc. of Retired Persons M. Virginia Flynn ....................................................724-941-0365 American Assoc. of University Women Helpline........................................................... 1-800-326-AAUW Bethel-St. Clair Breakfast Rotary Robert G. Hackett ............................................... 412-835-2036 Bethel-St. Clair Evening Rotary Club Tom Atkins..............................................................412-831-2844 Boy Scouts of America Chris Handa .........................................................412-471-2927 Boyce Road Gardeners Phyllis Kender, Registrar ....................................... 412-221-3118 Camp Fire Boys/Girls Karen Driscoll ....................................................... 412-835-1332 Civil Air Patrol Glenn Ward.......................................................... 412-221-0846 Community Foundation of USC Linda Serene, Executive Director....................... 412-831-1107 Democratic Committee Chris McNally ....................................................... 412-851-1918 Different Strokes Tennis League Gina Braun ...........................................................412-221-5717 Friends of the Library Kim Kanik, President ............................................412-854-0319 Friends of the Montour Trail in Bethel Park Peter Kohnke, President ...................................... 412-854-1835 Girl Scouts of USC Colleen Pikras .......................................................412-854-8150 Junior Woman’s Club, a Department of the Woman’s Club of USC Nancy Novic ........................................................ 412-835-9607 League of Women Voters Trudy Rose ............................................................ 412-831-3448 Lifespan Virginia Jorofcik, Executive Director .................. 412-464-1300 PTA Council Lori Feldman .........................................................412-833-2513 Parent/Teacher/Student Organization (PTSO) Donna Kavo .........................................................412-833-8467 South Hills Chamber of Commerce www.shchamber.org ..........................................412-833-1177 South Hills Chorale (Performances) Jean Wright.......................................................... 412-429-9501 South Hills Cotillion Club www.southhillscotillionclub.org ..........................412-221-5976 South Hills Interfaith Ministry (SHIM) Jerry Ellis, Executive Director .............................. 412-854-9120 South Hills Junior Orchestra Janet Vukotich .....................................................412-341-5160 South Hills Kennel Club Thomas Oelschlager ........................................... 724-941-3313

Town Hall South Diane Paul............................................................ 412-831-7945 USC Athletic Association Mike McGroarty, President ..................................412-831-8977 Baseball......................Rick Murray .................. 724-941-7183 Boys’ Basketball .........Jeff Conn ..................... 412-257-3239 Girls’ Basketball..........Tom Burke..................... 412-221-8591 Football ......................Joe DeMarco .............. 412-221-1325 Softball........................Steve Zemba ............... 412-831-7531 Fall Soccer..................Bill Littrell ....................... 412-835-7533 Traveling Soccer ........Bruce Stutzman ........... 412-831-8884 Wrestling .....................Chris McNally............... 412-851-1918 Fields & Facilities ........Bill Barnard ................... 412-833-9374 Concession Stand .....Roseanne Geyer ......... 412-854-4314 USC Band Parents Matt and Cindy Hinnebusch .............................724-941-0387 USC Band Used Instruments James and Donna Mikula ...................................412-220-1160 USC Chamber of Commerce Rosemary Siddall ................................................. 412-833-9111 USC Citizens for Land Stewardship Tracey Buckman.................................................. 412-831-3289 USC Coterie ...........................................................412-833-7374 USC Historical Society Jean Brown .......................................................... 412-833-2323 USC Hockey Club Chuck Greenberg............................................... 412-851-9493 USC League for the Arts Fran Quinlan, Co-President ................................412-835-1970 Joan Newman, Co-President..............................412-835-8127 USC Library Lois Hoop, Director .............................................. 412-835-5540 USC Lions Club Wesley Hurst ......................................................... 724-941-8329 USC Lions Club Plastic Trash Bag Sales Wesley Hurst ......................................................... 724-941-8329 USC Newcomers Club Marie Klos, President ............................................412-221-7998 USC Republican Committee Jim Bolas............................................................... 412-833-9841 USC Senior Citizens Lynn Walcoff, Coordinator.................................. 412-831-9000 USC Swim Club Terry Kish, Co-President ........................................412-854-1395 Toni Temples, Co-President ..................................412-851-7285 USC Volunteer Firemen Russell Rauch ....................................................... 412-835-0660 USC Welcome Wagon Terri Sweet .............................................................412-854-3234 USC Woman’s Club Nancy Novic ........................................................ 412-835-9607 YMCA South Hills Area Martin Brocco ...................................................... 412-833-5600

Eight of our local clubs and organizations are profiled in this issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY: Boy Scouts of America (page 76); Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair (page 12); PTA Council (page 40); South Hills Cotillion Club (page 78); Town Hall South (page 79); USC Library (pages 62, 63, 64); USC Seniors (page 44); USC Volunteer Firemen (page 58).

Please call the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY office at 412-833-1600, extension 2284 if you would like your club or organization to be in our directory or if our information is incorrect. Thank you.

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Spring 2004

Mall Walking Continued from page 11

book was getting really good, I was sure I would run out of kitchen chores. Well, I’d think, I could do some ironing, I could water the plants, or maybe clean out the toilet bowl in the powder room. I hadn’t ironed clothes in 15 years, but after all, I was desperate.

I am a woman with solutions. I decided I could go to the mall, listen to my book for an hour as I walked, and come away feeling good about myself. I know it’s not nice to brag, but I did feel a stab of pride at my ingenuity. And so, my new “solution” was put into place. I listened to books on tape as I walked alone, walking only on the lower level.

At first, I tried to look down to keep my eyes on the lines on the floor. Occasionally, I would glance at a store window as I ambled by. But each book kept my mind just about fully focused. One day my mind wandered. It really was a second-rate book.

But I noticed that there were certain patterns of behavior that seemed to occur in the mall.

First I noticed that other mall walkers always walked in the same direction.

I noticed that because one lady chose to go in the opposite direction. I had to look at her with every pass. After four or five passes I felt a little bit of familiarity and I began to wonder if I should smile. Unable to make up my mind, I compromised with something just short of a smile. That means you can’t show any teeth. I was glad when she wasn’t there one day. It had been just a tiny bit stressful.

It occurred to me that there were fewer shoppers on the lower level. Even with fewer people, there were still some of the same dilemmas. Upon coming up to a group of ladies chatting and walking, should I pass on the left or on the right?

The right side might startle them, because everyone is so accustomed to passing on the left when driving. I had to admit I was ambivalent. Sometimes there just wasn’t enough room to pass because these ladies would spread themselves across the entire walkway. Realizing that walkways narrow around kiosks, I would immediately speed up so as to get past them before they reached the kiosk. Would you call that “mall strategies?”

It’s spring again and I can return to the streets. They never looked so good!

One Mission Completed, A New One Begins

Enrich your life

Continued from page 13

Senate Chambers when I was sworn in last year, and I am now ready for a much lengthier stay.

I assure you that after my recent military experiences, I am more than ready to meet the challenges facing our Commonwealth, especially the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. No matter how hot the debate may get among Senators, it certainly won’t match the heat of Iraq at noontime.

I have already been asked about my priorities as Senator. In reality, they don’t differ much from those I held as a State Representative. I worked for programs that promoted economic development and job growth then, and those efforts will continue to be my top priority.

One of the key areas in the economic arena will involve our relationship as a state and region with US Airways.

Through my service on the Port of Pittsburgh Commission and the Allegheny Airport Authority, I recognize the impact the retention or loss of US Airways would have on our local economy. I plan to play an active role in the effort to retain the airline and all of the jobs in our region that it supports.

During my absence, the Senate passed a major economic stimulus package. I applaud and support that effort. We, as a Commonwealth, must encourage growth at all levels. It’s great to land a new major employer, but at the same time we can never forget the smaller businesses that sustain our communities.

Additionally, we must work to find ways to provide residential property tax relief.

The need for this relief was driven home by the Allegheny County reassessment and is more and more apparent as property tax bills continue to increase.

Finally, I would be remiss if I failed to thank all of the wonderful people who supported my unit and me over the past few months. Your letters, your gifts and your prayers were deeply appreciated by all of the men and women of the 332nd Engineers.

I promise to serve you to the best of my ability in Harrisburg.

Spring 2004

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

81

Advertiser Index Advertiser

Page

Alcorn Christie Insurance Agency ......................................................................... 9 * Amel’s Restaurant ............................................................................................... 69 * Angelo Associates, Inc. ...................................................................................... 21 Asbury Heights ................................................................................................... 47 * Blackstone Fine Jewelers ...................................................................................... 1 Brenlove Real Estate Management ...................................................................... 17 * Café Georgio’s .................................................................................................... 69 * Calabro Tire & Auto Service ............................................................................... 59 * Carlson Wagonlit Travel ...................................................................................... 42 Cathy Davin Interior Design ................................................................................ 65 Changing Seasons .............................................................................................. 81 Cherup, Lori L., M.D. F.A.C.S. .............................................Front cover, 14, 15, 16 * Clark Construction Company ............................................................................. 23 * Coffey Contracting Company .............................................................................. 21 * Coldwell Banker–Route 19 South/Galleria, USC, South Hills, Peters Twp. Offices ............................................... 48, 49, 50 * Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Inc. Corporate ..............................Back outside cover Coldwell Banker–Waterdam Farms ..................................................................... 35 Coldwell Banker–Leigh Harkreader and Kathi Kernan ..................Back inside cover *Coleman Music Studio ........................................................................................ 33 Crandall, Steven R., D.M.D. ................................................................................ 38 * Cupelli & Cupelli, Drs. ....................................................................................... 75 Deckmasters Technologies ................................................................................. 20 Ferry Electric Company ...................................................................................... 21 Foltz Development Company .............................................................................. 19 Franz, V. Steven, D.M.D. ..................................................................................... 45 Friendship Village of South Hills .......................................................................... 7 * Gabler & Associates, P.C. ................................................................................... 35 * George Girty Landscape Design ......................................................................... 21 Gurtner, Steven M., D.M.D. and Gurtner, Maggie, D.M.D. .................................. 10 * Henderson Brothers, Inc. .................................................................................... 73 * Herman J. Heyl Florist .......................................................................................... 3 * Howard Hanna Real Estate Services ............................................Front inside cover Howard Hanna–Maureen Cavanaugh ................................................................. 81 * Howard Hanna–Susan Highley ........................................................................... 13 * Howard Hanna–Diane Horvath ........................................................................... 39 Howard Hanna–Kathy McCloskey ...................................................................... 75 Iron Horse Hobby Shop ...................................................................................... 79 J.J. Gillespie Gallery ........................................................................................... 64 Jacksons Restaurant-Rotisserie-Bar ..................................................................... 3 * Janet Hays & Company Dance Studio ................................................................ 35 Jaro Interiors, Inc. .............................................................................................. 63 Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh ................................................ 39 Keller Williams–Sandy and Marshall Goldstein .................................................. 25

Advertiser

Page

* Kerr Dentistry ..................................................................................................... 43 Kitchen Connections Inc. .................................................................................... 84 * Lesko Builders and Remodelers ......................................................................... 20 MAGGIE’S ........................................................................................................... 84 MAIN LINE II ........................................................................................................ 9 * Manalo, Larry E., D.M.D. .................................................................................... 42 Mellon Private Wealth Management Services ..................................................... 55 New Perspectives Counseling Center ................................................................. 77 Northwood Realty–Bonnie Detwiler and Marlene McNaughton .......................... 65 Petrelli & Sons, A., Inc. ...................................................................................... 22 Piccolina’s Restaurant ......................................................................................... 43 * Pinebridge Commons Associates ....................................................................... 42 Pittsburgh Youth Ballet ....................................................................................... 37 * Prudential Preferred Realty–Route 19 South ....................................................... 83 Prudential Preferred Realty–Pat Hogan and Mary Ann Zupon ............................... 7 * Prudential Preferred Realty–Judy Ward .............................................................. 61 * Regis McQuaide & Co. Master Remodelers, Inc. ................................................ 24 * Robin Richards Hand Colored Black & White Photography ................................ 33 * Scott Bros. Windows and Doors ......................................................................... 23 * Sesame Inn ......................................................................................................... 69 * Silk Road Gourmet Chinese Restaurant .............................................................. 69 South Hills Orthopaedic Surgery Associates, P.C. .............................................. 59 Southern Shores Realty ...................................................................................... 59 Southpointe Golf Club ........................................................................................ 27 St. Clair Fitness & Racquet Club ........................................................................ 59 * St. Clair Hospital .................................................................................................. 4 * State Farm Insurance–Cindy Brophy .................................................................. 42 Steel Valley Orthopedic Associates, Inc. ............................................................. 35 Studio 7 Salon ...................................................................................................... 3 * Swing Line Windows, Inc. .................................................................................. 22 The Body Forum ................................................................................................. 37 The Classroom Restaurant .................................................................................. 69 The Thomas Studio of Performing Arts, Inc. ....................................................... 77 There’s No Place Like Home ............................................................................... 79 Tucker Arensberg Attorneys–Charles P. McCullough, Esq. ................................. 77 Valley Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. ............................................................... 23 Venkatesan, Malathi Dr. ...................................................................................... 64 Washington Mutual Home Loans–Andrea Twardy and Julia Zaitz ....................... 45 Washington Wild Things ..................................................................................... 11 Wellington Real Estate–Patty Thomas ................................................................. 67 Westminster Presbyterian Church ....................................................................... 63 Willow Brook ~ Rug & Home ................................................................................ 2 Window & Kitchen Specialist .............................................................................. 24 * You’re Invited ........................................................................................................ 3

Advertise with UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, in publication since 1994.

Phone: 412.833.1600, extension 2284 • Website: www.twpusc.org/magazine/index.htm *The above VIP advertisers, who are advertising in this issue, have contributed their support for a minimum of 18 issues.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2004

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Spring 2004

Check out these fabulous Upper St. Clair area homes!

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Meticulously maintíd 4 BR w/ wrap around porch on a professionally landscaped lot.

Cul de sac location w/ luxurious amenities.

Janine Dillon 412-833-5405 $539,000

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Fabulous updated Colonial on level lot!

4 BR, 3.5 BA, 1st fl laundry, familyroom, den, gameroom, 2 fplc, spiral staircase.

Kathy Enick 412-344-0500 $375,000

2 sty stone home on 1 acre wooded lot. 4 BR, 4 BA, 1st fl den, FR w/ stone fplc, LR fplc, DR built-ins, 2 car gar. Home Warranty!

Cindy Demel 412-831-5555 $369,500

Stately updated Colonial. Gourmet white kitchen w/ granite top center island. 4 BR, 3.5 BA, FR, den, gameroom and quality!

Edith Gidwani 412-344-0500 $309,900

4 yr old 4 BR, 2+2 BA w/ finished gamerm.

Light, sunny, neutral! 1/2 acre lot, prof lndscpd, FR stone fplc, deck, hot tub.

Gretchen Donnelly 412-831-5555 $299,999

Updated 4 BR, 2.5 BA Colonial, familyroom, gameroom, LR fireplace, ceramic, hardwood, neutral decor. Move right in!

Kathy Enick 412-344-0500 $285,000

Beaut maint'd 5 BR, 3 BA w/hdwd flrs & spac mstr BR ste. Incl FR w/new carpet, built-ins & more. 4th BR has sep full BA. Helen Richter Cramer 412-831-5555 $277,500

Spacious 4 BR with neutral decor, new ceramic tile, crown moldings, 1st fl den, refnshd hdwd flrs. AON Home Warranty!

Stacy Romanias 412-833-5405 $283,500

4 BR Brick w/lge bright E-I-K w/bay wndw & adjng lndry. Hdwd flrs, ceramic tile BA, 25' LR w/lbfplc, FR,sunrm, lndscpd yard.

Helen Moore 412-833-5405 $269,500

Charming! Double deck leads to 1 acre lot w/woods & treehouse. Old style side porch w/ceiling fans. Slate roof, hdwd fls, built ins.

Kathy Sekeras 412-833-5405 $209,900

Fab Calif contemp Ranch with 3 BR, 3 BA, FR, GR, walls of windows & deck to priv double lot in back. Unique opportunity!

Michelle Bonnar 412-833-5405 $198,500

Custom 3 BR stone Ranch on .4 acre. Hdwd flrs, large rms, 2 log fireplaces, huge new gamerm, newer wndws, lots of potential!

Barbara Cusick 412-833-5405 $149,900

Stone & frame Ranch w/ private back yd, EIK, LR/DR combo, LR lbfplc, hdwd flrs, conv loc, Home Warranty, needs TLC. Suzanne Sala 412-831-5555 $144,900

Charming stone Colonial in “Old Trotwood”. 4 BR, 4.5 BA, familyroom, den, quality througout, parklike lot.

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