SUMMER 2007

Community Day Issue

50 th

Edition

ALL ROADS LEAD TO COLDWELL BANKER Hope Bassichis x263

Roberta Allen x266

Lynn Dempsey x242

USC High School

Baker Elementary School

Janine Dillon x227

Eisenhower Elementary School

Jane Dodson x299

Justin Llewellyn x270

Judy Hlister x215

Kate Jones x264

Elaine Krelis x218

Log Cabin House

Pat Paslowski x310

Streams Elementary School

USC Fire Department Stacy Romanias x260

Toni Petrucci x222 Sharon Stanek x297

Sandy Wiedt x210

Boyce Middle School

Three Hole Golf Course Fort Couch Middle School

USC Library

Paula Smokonich CB Settlement Services x284

SOLD Whether winding through the roads of our beautiful Upper St. Clair community or leading you through the intricacies of your next real estate transaction, let a professional Coldwell Banker agent be your guide. Call any of the Coldwell Banker agents listed here to be your South Hills Real Estate Community Connection.

South Hills/USC Office 1699 Washington Road 412-833-5405

Coldwell Banker速 is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned and Operated by NRT Incorporated.

Summer 2007

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

IT’S TIME WE REDEFINED HONOR STUDENT. Today’s world demands a definition that encompasses more than academic success.

It requires a “transcript” that demonstrates the ability to do the right thing as well as the smart thing.

A high grade point average alone will not guarantee a successful career or a purposeful life. This is the very reason why California University of Pennsylvania has, for more than 150 years, dedicated itself to preparing students for both fulfilling careers and meaningful lives. We do more than pay lip service to our core values of integrity, civility and responsibility. We integrate them into the classroom, campus activities and everyday student life.

These values are fostered by faculty who devote time and personal attention to help motivate, inspire and bring out the best in every man and woman who studies here.

So our students graduate with more than academic kudos and a diploma to show for their efforts.They graduate with a different degree of honor. For livelihood. And for life.

That is our mission and our difference. Building Character. Building Careers.

www.cup.edu A proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

Chatham College

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first-year students. � Every first-year student is provided with a

new HP Compaq tc 4200 tablet PC for use throughout our wireless campus. � Nearly 95 percent of Chatham under-

graduate students receive some form of merit- or need-based scholarship.

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� All students have the opportunity to earn

their bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Chatham in as few as five years. � Students may cross-register with

Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, with free shuttle service between campuses. � All sophomores have the opportunity

to travel abroad. � All students ride Pittsburgh public

transportation free with Chatham ID.

www.chatham.edu Chatham College

800-837-1290 � admissions@chatham.edu � Woodland Road � Pittsburgh, PA 15232

Summer 2007

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Publishers Douglas A. Watkins Township Manager Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Superintendent of Schools Steering Committee Mark S. Mansfield Senior Assistant Township Manager Paul K. Fox School District Representative Editors and Staff Linda M. Dudzinski, Editor-in-Chief Terry Kish, Associate Editor Colleen DeMarco, Office Manager Lynn Dempsey, Senior Advertising Associate Erin Gibson Allen, Advertising Associate Kathy Christie, Advertising Associate

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

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

The 50th 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.

School Board Directors

Township Board of Commissioners

Mark G. Trombetta, President David E. Bluey, Vice President Barbara L. Bolas Carol B. Coliane Glenn G. Groninger Daniel A. Iracki Jeffrey W. Joyce Angela B. Petersen William M. Sulkowski

Ched Mertz, President, Ward 4 Bill Bates, Vice President, At Large Preston W. Shimer, Ward 1 Kenneth L. Brown, Ward 2 Robert W. Orchowski, Ward 3 Frank E. Marsh, Ward 5 Karen M. McElhinny, At Large

Thank you to our volunteer contributors this issue: Brianna Albert (YWG), Erin Gibson Allen, John Bik (YWG), Dr. John Bornyas, Dina Fulmer, Wayne Herrod, Kathleen Himler, Ginny Husak, Joe Keith, Ben Kikta (YWG), Cathy Lavin, Bobbi Jo Leskovich, Teres Lucot, Jeff Morris, Jace Palmer, Jim Render, Jerry Roach, Jennifer Roberts, Maria Simon (YWG), Derek Schill (YWG), Mary Lynne Spazok, Liz Williard, and Connie Wilson.

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

Thanks you to USCHS students Maria Simon and Cullyn Thomson for their help with this issue.

The next issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY will be the Fall 2007 issue and will be published in August 2007. 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:

Young Writers Guild (YWG) promotes and encourages young writers in the Upper St. Clair School District to provide articles of interest for this community magazine.

The 50th issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint publication of the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair. © Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.

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 Township Library. If you did not receive a copy in the mail, please call 412-833-1600, extension 2284.

Editor, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or email UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY at usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us.

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. Add $10 to cover international mailings.

Deadline for articles and advertising for the Fall 2007 issue is June 7, 2007.

Reproduction of this magazine, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of the Editor is strictly prohibited.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 412-833-1600, extension 2284 Fax: 412-851-2592 Township­: 412-831-9000 School District: 412-833-1600 Printed by Pentagon Printing Corporation 18 West Steuben Street • Pittsburgh, PA 15205 412-922-0422 • Fax: 412-922-2922

Article Information Editor-in-Chief Linda Dudzinski–phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2681 Advertising Information Office Manager Colleen DeMarco–phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2284 fax: 412-851-2592 Visit Our Website: www.twpusc.org/magazine

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

Email Us at: usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us

Summer 00 • Volume • Issue

Features and Around the Township

Community Day 2007—Saturday, May 19 Don’t miss out on the community’s annual get-together!

Familiar Faces Volunteers at Gilfillan are a devoted bunch.

Behind the Scenes Take a peek at the back stage preparation for the high school’s spring musical.

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Volunteers Extraordinaire!

Residents Tucker Roche and John Macuga keep rec basketball bouncing at the high school level.

66

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Library volunteer Mary Jane Cover

5

Activities at Eisenhower

6

Chemistry and girls’ basketball

Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair Meet an active trustee and see what’s happening at the foundation.

6

Chemistry On and Off the Court High school girls’ basketball coach Ernie Koontz—his style works!

Township

Boyce Mayview Park… Trails are Expanding Completed trails offer residents exercise and relaxation.

0

Fifty Years of Volunteers The Township Library relies on those willing to give.

Stormwater Management—Building a Rain Garden Local homeowners and businesses can help reduce polluted rainwater runoff.

Keep Up With CPR Changes Tri-Community South EMS offers a wide selection of courses.

School District

District Welcomes New Superintendent Dr. Patrick O’Toole is set to tackle common goals.

50

Ethics Committee Off to a Productive Start The high school takes a proactive approach to developing an honor code.

5

Athletes Taking Action A student-athlete mentoring club forms.

56

Paw Prints PTA achievement award, Reflections, and Odyssey of the Mind take front and center stage.

Guides 6 5 0 6

Pinebridge Commons Dining Home and Garden Summer Activities Fashion Boutique

Cover The cover of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine, showcasing Community Day 2006, is underwritten by Coldwell Banker, South Hills/Upper St. Clair Office at 1699 Washington Road, and the South Hills Real Estate Connection Group (SHREC). See feature layout of the SHREC Group on pages 1, 14, and 15. See Community Day 2007 information on pages 8 through 11.

Summer 2007

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

5

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

Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole

Douglas A. Watkins

We are especially proud to introduce and celebrate the summer 2007 issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, our 50th edition. Thirteen years have passed since introducing our premier community magazine in 1994.

In the first publishers’ letter written by Douglas A. Watkins, Township Manager, and Dr. William A. Pope, Superintendent of Schools, dated September 1, 1994, it states, “It’s a challenge and a duty for those of us who serve in government and education to do our jobs to meet the needs of over 20,000 residents and persons who are employed in Upper St. Clair.”

In reviewing this statement, we can honestly say that our commitment to Upper St. Clair has not changed and, in fact, has remained the same, 50 issues and 13 years later. Our high level of commitment to the quality of life for our residents and the quality of education for our students remains steadfast, and this magazine is a testimony to what we provide to the citizens of Upper St. Clair.

As always, we invite you to get involved in our community in whatever way you can provide.

An easy and fun way to involve yourself this month is to take to the streets with us and enjoy Upper St. Clair’s 29th annual Community Day on Saturday, May 19. We plan for and set aside one day each year to support this large-scale community gathering. Come to enjoy the camaraderie of family, friends, and neighbors at this all-day event; don’t be left behind! See pages 8-11 for a timeline and list of activities.

In due time, we hope to celebrate our magazine’s 100th edition, another milestone. To reach that result would mean that you hold this publication in high regard and look forward to receiving it each and every issue. For now, we hope you use the summer months to relax, and may family and friends grace your front door.

Have a wonderful summer!

Sincerely,

Sincerely,

Douglas A. Watkins Township Manager

Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Superintendent of Schools

Township of Upper St. Clair 412-831-9000 Fax: 412-831-9882 Website: www.twpusc.org Email: uscadmin@twpusc.org 6

CELEBRATING OUR

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

50 Edition dition th

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

Highley Dedicated Knowledgeable Accessible Dependable $75 Million Sales in 16 Years

Susan Highley

ABR, CRS, SRES 412-833-3600 Cell 412-889-1214

Featuring Southwestern Pennsylvania Artists pottery, paintings, jewelry, glass, sculpture, wood, metal, paper, fiber . . .

632 Washington Road Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228 412-343-3808 www.planetartgallery.com

Summer 2007

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

29 Annual Community Day—May 19, 2007 th

Activities

Annual Community Day Schedule 6:30 a.m. . ..................................Junior/Senior Mud Volleyball

Behind Recreation Center 7:30-9:30 a.m. ............................................... Fair Booth Setup

Recreation Center Parking Lot 7:45-8:30 a.m. ..................................Run for Fun Registration

High School Stadium—Registration form on page 9

Mud Volleyball will begin at 6:30 a.m. This annual event for high school juniors and seniors kicks off the 29th Annual Community Day Celebration.

Run for Fun will begin at 9 a.m. sharp! Please pre-register by completing the form on page 9 and mailing it prior to the May 7 deadline. The 3.1 mile non-sanctioned race will begin in the lower parking lot at the Upper St. Clair High School stadium.

The race is open to runners of all ages. Race day registration is between 7:45 and 8:30 a.m. Warmups begin at 8:30 a.m.

The annual Community Day Parade will begin at 11:30 a.m.

The parade will follow the route from Truxton Drive, down McLaughlin Run Road, then to Panther Pass to the high school.

It’s All About Games from 1-2 p.m. at the Municipal basketball courts. Fort Couch and Boyce Middle School students can participate in a timed obstacle course and other challenges.

A water balloon toss for middle school-aged students will take place at 2:30 p.m.

The annual Community Day Treasure Hunt will be held at noon. Calling all pirates and children in search of treasure! Come and participate in the Treasure Hunt by searching for clues to give you a chance to win assorted prizes. A Sandbox Search will be available for the youngest treasure seekers.

The 1857 Gilfillan Farm House, a work of restoration in progress, and the surrounding buildings will be open on Community Day from noon-3 p.m. Visit the farm for house tours, wagon rides, to see the farm animals, and much more.

Country Fair Games will be held noon-3 p.m. at the Gilfillan Farm House. Join us for crafts, games, and special activities designed for children up to grade four.

The Fun and Kid-Friendly Inflatable Attraction and Rainbow Express Train will be located in the library parking lot noon-4 p.m.

These activities will be offered free of charge thanks to donations from our patrons.

The Petting Zoo will be located behind the library and will be open from noon-4 p.m. Children can visit the animals at no cost. There is a minimal fee for food and milk for the animals.

Clair’s Kennel will be open noon-3 p.m. Get information regarding your pet’s care and licensing. See where runaway pets are temporarily held. Talk with an animal control officer. Animals will be available for adoption.

The Log House will be open for tours noon-3 p.m. and will have demonstrations, crafts, and activities for the whole family.

The Duck Race, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, will start at 3 p.m. Watch for information on pre-purchasing your duck, or buy your duck at the Community Foundation booth on Community Day. For more information, see page 66. 

9 a.m. (Warmups at 8:30 a.m.) ............................. Run for Fun

High School Stadium Entrance 10-11 a.m. ............................................ “Hottest Dog” Contest

Stage Area—Registration form on page 9 10:45 a.m........................................ Three on Three Basketball

Municipal Basketball Court 11 a.m. . ....................................................................... Bake Off

Stage Area (See page 10) 11 a.m.-5 p.m.......................................................... Fair Booths

Open Entertainment 11:15 a.m. . ....................................................#1 Artist Contest

Stage Area (See page 10)

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

11:30 a.m. . ..................................................................... Parade Noon........................................................................ Pony Rides

Behind Recreation Center

Treasure Hunt

Table near Recreation Center Noon-3 p.m......................................... Log House Open House

Clair’s Kennel Open House

Gilfillan Farm Tours

Country Fair Games

Gilfillan Farm House Noon-4 p.m........ Fun and Kid-Friendly Inflatable Attraction

and Rainbow Express Train

Library Parking Lot Noon-4 p.m..............................................................Petting Zoo

Library Parking Lot 1-2 p.m..................................................... It’s All About Games

Municipal Basketball Courts 1 p.m.................................................................... Diaper Derby

Municipal Little League Field

Registration form on page 9 1:30 p.m....................................................Run for Fun Awards

Stage Area 2:30 p.m..................................................... Water Balloon Toss

Municipal Little League Field 3 p.m......................................................................... Duck Race

McLaughlin Run Creek

Shuttle Bus Parking Shuttle bus service will be available to the Municipal Building every half-hour starting at 10 a.m. from the following locations:

• Boyce Middle School • Fort Couch Middle School • Gilfillan Farm • USC High School • Westminster Presbyterian Church (South Lot) Please be advised that permit parking only will be permitted in the Public Works parking lot.

Community Day 2007 Community Day Run for Fun When: Saturday, May 19, 2007. Warmups begin at 8:30 a.m.

USC’s “Hottest Dog” Contest Community Day—May 19, 2007 10-11 a.m. at Stage Area Sponsored by Howard Hanna of USC

Race begins at 9 a.m. sharp!

Where: Upper St. Clair High School. A 3.1-mile, moderately

hilly course, starting and finishing at Panther Stadium.

FIVE CATEGORIES OF COMPETITION

Advanced Registration:

$7 registration - Race entry plus a high-quality, custom-designed USC Community Day Run for Fun T-shirt. Select size below on registration form. $3 registration - Race entry with no T-shirt.

Mail prior to May 7, 2007. Mail registration to the address below.

Pre-registered runners should pick up their race packets between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m. on the day of the race at the high school track parking lot on Truxton Drive.

Late Registration: $4 the day of the race. Registration will be held

at the high school parking lot on Truxton Drive the morning of the race from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. Please arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. to allow time for registration and warmups before the start of the race.

Awards will be presented at the stage area at 1:30 p.m. Race results

will be posted at the Recreation Center on Community Day. Come run for fun and exercise. Bring the whole family!

No pets please! Trophies for first, second, and third places will be awarded in the following age groups. (Please note, this is not a sanctioned race.)

MALE • 8 & under • 20 to 29 • 9 to 11 • 30 to 39 • 12 to 14 • 40 to 49 • 15 to 19 • 50 & over

FEMALE • 8 & under • 20 to 29 • 9 to 11 • 30 to 39 • 12 to 14 • 40 to 49 • 15 to 19 • 50 & over

Run For Fun Registration Form

Prizes will be awarded to the top three dogs in each category.

All participants must register in advance.

Name:_ ________________________________________ Address:________________________________________ Phone number:__________________________________ Dog’s name:_____________________________________ Category dog is entered in:_ _______________________ Send registration form and current immunization record with $3 entry fee to: Howard Hanna Real Estate 180 Fort Couch Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Questions should be directed to: Mary Kay O’Hare at 412-833-3600 Please register prior to May 11, 2007.

Proceeds benefit the Free Care Fund of Children’s Hospital.

Diaper Derby

The Diaper Derby, a crawling race, will be held in the outfield area of the Municipal baseball field. The Diaper Derby will be held at 1 p.m. sharp!

Proud parents can enter their babies in the Diaper Derby. Categories include 1 day to 6 months and 6 months, 1 day to 1 year old. The winners in each age group will receive a prize. Registration may be done in advance by mail or by bringing a registration form to the event.

Name_____________________________________________

Diaper Derby Registration Form

Age as of May 19, 2007_____________ Sex____________

Name of baby______________________________________ Address___________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Telephone_________________________________________

Address___________________________________________ Telephone Number_________________________________ T-shirt sizes: Child’s

Adult’s

qS qM q S q M q L q XL q XXL

Make checks payable to:

Upper St. Clair Community Day Return this form by May 7, 2007 to: Deb White 195 Kent Drive Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

q Male

q Female

Age as of May 19, 2007 q less than 6 months

q between 6 months and 1 year

CONSENT RELEASE FORM: I agree to hold the Township of Upper

St. Clair, the Community Day committee and volunteers, and/or any employees thereof harmless and blameless for any accident or injury which may occur while participating in the Diaper Derby.

CONSENT RELEASE FORM: I agree to hold the Township of

_________________________________________________

Upper St. Clair, the Community Day committee and volunteers, and/or any employees thereof harmless and blameless for any accident or injury which may occur while participating in the Run for Fun.

Parent’s Signature

_________________________________ _ ______ Signature

• Best Dressed Dog • Best Pet Trick • Most Colorful Dog • Cutest Puppy • Owner and Dog Look-Alike

(Parent/Guardian if Under 18 Years of Age)

Date

Date

Return this form by May 11, 2007 to:

Department of Recreation and Leisure Services Township of Upper St. Clair 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Summer 2007

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Community Day 2007 First Annual Drawing Competition

“What I like best in Upper St. Clair!”

Sponsored by Prudential Preferred Realty Youth Drawing!

Categories of Competition: Elementary Middle School High School Recognition, ribbons, and certificates to winners Name Address Phone Grade Winners announced at Community Day

For more information, contact: Diane Paul 412-833-7700 Send registration form and drawing by May 10, 2007 to:

Prudential Preferred Realty 1679 Washington Road Pittsburgh, PA 15228

The Gilfillan Heritage Doors are Open for Community Day—May

Come experience the Gilfillan Homestead and Farm on

Community Day and be a part of Upper St. Clair history. Once again, the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair will open the Gilfillan property from noon to 3 p.m. for house and barn tours, horse drawn wagon rides, and visits with the farm animals. Come see the restored vehicles, the shearer and the spinner, and the herb garden. There will be crafts for young children and games, too. Make sure you see the newest addition to the farm—the new calves!

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

Friends Booth at Community Day Again this year, the

Friends of the Library will sponsor a used book booth, displaying a wide selection of inexpensive books for browsing and buying.

Friends members should stop by the booth to pick up a free book of their choice. If you’re not a member, you can join on the spot and receive your chosen free book as a signing bonus!

In addition, each book purchaser will have an opportunity to participate in a Chinese auction of his or her choice from several valuable special book sets that will be displayed at the booth.

Be sure to stop by and say hello while you’re roaming the midway at Community Day! The proceeds are used to assist the USC Township Library in its ongoing purchases and programs. n

Community Day 2007 Students Auxiliary–Josh Jackson Booths–Rachel Billak and Margaret McManus Diaper Derby–Molly McCann Entertainment–Anna Kate Babnik and Claire Aloe It’s All About Games–Rob Shogry Mud Volleyball–Hannah Mann

Parking Lots–Collin Feduska and Corey Gill Run for Fun–Neil Apfelbaum and Arjun Prabhu Parade–Clay Roehner Publicity–Jackie Cozma and Sri Komanduri T-Shirts–Kathleen Tepe, Brittany Howie, and Emily Heise Three-on-Three Basketball–Louie Tambellini

Township and School District Representatives Cable 7–Glenn Ward Township of Upper St. Clair– Paul Besterman, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services George Kostelich, Superintendent of Operations Dave Kutschbach, Superintendent of Projects Ronald J. Pardini, Chief of Police United Senior Citizens–Amy Kerman Upper St. Clair Historical Society, Gilfillan Homestead and Farm– Jean Brown Baker PTA, Treasure Hunt–Tracy DeCock Eisenhower PTA, Run for Fun–Deborah White Streams PTA, Diaper Derby–Kelli Sharkey-Winseck Boyce Middle School PTA, It’s All About Games– Janine Millinski-Gross and Shari Leckenby

PTA Cooperative Effort–Parade Baker Elementary School–Tracy DeCock Boyce Middle School–Donna Forster Eisenhower Elementary School–Susan Wagner and Jeanne McNamera Fort Couch Middle School–Carlo Roehner Streams Elementary School–Kristen Fagelson PTA Council–Carlo Roehner Upper St. Clair High School– Danny Holzer, Director of Student Activities Sheila Bartlett, Assistant Director of Student Activities 1830 Log House Association–Kim Guzzi

Fair Booths, Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m.—Plan to Spend the Day Patrons: Thanks to the following patrons for their financial support of Community Day! ARAMARK Nutrition Services Bower Hill Auto Body Chuck’s Complete Auto Service Comcast Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair Friendship Village of South Hills

Giant Eagle Market District Lorenzato Automotive Service Moe’s Southwest Grill Rusmur Floors Carpet One South Hills Financial Group St. Clair Country Club

Taylor Rental/Party Plus The Gateway Engineers, Inc. Traffic Control Equipment & Supplies Co., Inc. Upper St. Clair Chamber of Commerce

A Community Day wrap-up, including additional patrons will appear in the Fall 2007 issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY.

United Senior Citizens Participate in Community Day 2007 The United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair (USC-USTC) will

once again be participating in Upper St. Clair’s annual Community Day. Stop in at the Recreation Center and see what they have to offer this year. The aromatic, great-tasting coffee will be ready early, and they’ll have an assortment of freshly baked goods for sale. Smiles and friendly chitchat are free! 

Community Day It’s time for Community Day in Upper St. Clair There’s fun things to do for everyone there Good friends and neighbors all coming together Let’s hope it’s sunshine and not stormy weather.

Many activities and games for all to do And for the youngsters, there’s a petting zoo Treasure hunts, bake-offs, and delicious food galore Parades, arts and crafts, and so very much more!

There’s baseball, basketball, and even mud volleyball Watch the participants as they slip, slide, and fall Obstacle courses and other challenges happen this day They’ve even added some new things, I’d have to say.

Please remember the date so you can join in the fun It makes our community much stronger for everyone We look forward to this day to kick off the summer If you don’t show up, it will be a real bummer.

—Jay Walsh Summer 2007

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Familiar Faces Community Day 2007 will be more

Mary Lynne Spazok

exhilarating than ever. Question any second grader and they will tell you about Gilfillan Farm. Every October, our public school academic curriculum ensures that these youngsters achieve knowledge of Upper St. Clair’s vibrant history. From that hands on visit, they learn that Mr. Sickle from Greenfield Farms in Perryopolis will bring his farm animal petting zoo, sheep for shearing, and Belgian horses for those ever-popular wagon rides. On Saturday, May 19, these pupils will guide their families about the farm where they will recognize many “familiar faces.”

St. Clair students then paid tuition. She continued her education at the University of Pittsburgh, then accepted her first job, teaching first graders in Mt. Lebanon.

Before retirement a retail career included management of a trendy area gift shop.

Dorothy has an innate gift for all things beautiful. Other volunteer efforts include St. Louise de Marillac Church, USC and Ruthfred Acres Women’s Club, and the South Hills Knitters Guild.

Margaret “Peg” Harmon is a threeyear member of the USC Historical Society, bringing 50 years of volunteer experience to her post. At the farm, she is a front

and family backgrounds, afford everyone the opportunity to learn and appreciate the efforts of our forefathers. Peg’s other volunteer efforts include Westminster Presbyterian Church, Baker and Streams Schools, Trotwood Garden Club (the 1830 Log House Herb Garden), and Bowling Green State University Alumni Board.

Today, at her home, that childhood victory garden tradition continues with the cultivation of an aromatic organic garden. About Gilfillan, Peg has a high regard for this environmental, historical, and educational treasure. The homestead gives a foundation to Upper St. Clair to

Dorothy Holden

Peg Harmon

Jean Brown

Dorothy Palombo Holden, a volunteer of 40 years, has dedicated the last five to Gilfillan. Her attitude is, “If you join a group, you should help wherever you are needed. A person learns as much from the past as he does from the present.” Therefore, she can be found as a USC Historical Society docent at Gilfillan’s formal parlor.

The farm is special to Dorothy because South Hills Nursery, with a lot of green space, two plow horses, barn cats, and a myriad of trees and flowers, was her home. She says, “I can’t imagine living without them.” Early on, Dorothy attended McMillan School (now St. John Capistran Church). The school housed four rooms with eight grades. What you didn’t learn the first time around you learned the second. In ninth grade, Dorothy moved on to high school in Mt. Lebanon where Upper

door greeter and an upstairs tour guide.

Describing furnishings, but as importantly the family who inhabited these rooms, are Peg’s responsibilities. She states, “It is fun, instructive, and gives me a sense of contributing to my community.” Born in Meadville, Peg finds working at Gilfillan reminiscent of nurturing the family victory garden. The family cocker spaniel, Buff, helped Peg tend to parsley, thyme, and rosemary herbs as well as scrumptious summer vegetables. After chores, leisure activities included swimming, snow skiing, and suburban street competitions such as Kick the Can. Loving grandparent visits always included a game or two of Chinese checkers. In this age of transient families, grandparent visits are so valuable. Stories of family heritage, which include interactive lessons about history, national, local,

enlighten the past and ensure the future. Peg asserts, “We are indebted to the Gilfillans and the Upper St. Clair Historical Society for spending untold hours to preserve the house, maintain the grounds, and man the open house events for all to partake in.”

In past UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY articles, you have learned that Jean Brown has dedicated the past five years to the conservation of Gilfillan. Stopping by for photos and research, I quickly came to learn that her niche of tranquility is the family farmstead. She is most often found in the Historical Society office (a wooden table and chair) where dancing sunlight illuminates the workspace year round. It is here that newspaper clippings, photos, and personal account correspondence are carefully read, then filed for future reference. Written, phone, and cyber inquiries are the norm

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

since genealogy is quite popular—nearly a full time job for families. Inquiring minds are seeking missing links to their past. One may not be a direct Gilfillan descendant, but this restoration is a vital archive of bygone generations. From across the country, data requests and appeals to tour the farm during a hometown visit aren’t unusual. Jean states, “It is the USC Historical Society’s principle to collect, file, and distribute past information about the area.” Because it is her nature to volunteer, she genuinely appreciates the sacrifice of time and effort made by youth and adult volunteers. Preservation of Gilfillan Farm is paramount to Jean because,

with the USC Historical Society but his added eff ort s in cl u de t he U SC At hl et ic Association, Westminster Church, and (since 1981) the Bethel-St. Clair Rotary.

He is best known for flipping those pancakes and frying that fish! So, how was Ed inspired to serve? Ed states, “I’ve been in the service business (residential construction) since age 12. Woodworking was a childhood hobby. Volunteering is a natural extension of my professional career.” At the transportation garage, he takes pleasure in illuminating the details of pristinely restored sleighs, wagons, sleds, and buggies.

Next stop on the tour is the oldest

everyone, it is the start of ‘clean and green’ along the main road of our community.”

Gilfillan Farm brightens the present and assures the smooth progress of Upper St. Clair’s environmentally-friendly future.

Familiar face Brendan Brown has just completed his freshman year at college. During Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks, he was excited to return to the grounds and his hefty herd of heifers. His exact words were, “I love being here.” Look for Brendan and his gang during your visit to Gilfillan. n

Pat Sphar

Ed Harmon

Brendan Brown

“History repeats itself. We need to learn from our mistakes while creating a positive environment for future generations.”

Animal rescue is paramount in the life of Pat Sphar. Additionally, over the past five years, she has been a dedicated Gilfillan volunteer. That is why you will find Pat in the big barn where children and adults learn about its workings. Seated on bales of straw (always itchy!), participants are mesmerized with her vivid descriptions of farm machinery, tools, barn construction, and daily life. Interactive banter is exciting for the children. They contribute while coming to understand just how difficult farm life was for the pioneers. She is quick to point out the fun times as well.

In 1931, Ed Harmon was baptized as Ferl Edwin at his childhood home in Brookside Farms. He is a four-year volunteer

structure on the property, the Spring House. It was constructed by Adam Patterson. This well, with a working pump, is 60-feet deep and maintains a 55-degree water temperature. The tour continues with the privy (outhouse), smokehouse, summer kitchen, grape arbor, and finally, the dinner bell. Ed’s expertise is derived from summer vacations spent at his grandparents’ farm in southern Ohio. Duties included milking cows, feeding pigs and calves, then tending the chickens. R and R included riding horses and the neighbor’s mules, and playing baseball with other “farm hands.” Thanksgiving was a timehonored tradition where women prepared scrumptious feasts while men hunted small game. Ed feels about Gilfillan that, “This most valuable farm and land in the South Hills is a breath of fresh air. Fortunately for

Attention second graders—bring your family to Gilfillan Farm on USC Community Day, Saturday, May 19. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll about the grounds or a formal tour, everyone is welcome to benefit from living history. Activities begin at noon and continue until 3 p.m. Handicap facilities are available. Signs indicate parking on site. There is no parking on Orr Road. Rain or shine, bring your camera and see you there!

Summer 2007

Side Note: Interested in local history?

Become a member of the USC Historical Society where new volunteers are always welcome. See Jean Brown or any “familiar face” for details. Monetary donations are also appreciated.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

Summer 2007

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Pittsburgh CLO’s 2007 Summer Season Pittsburgh CLO’s 2007 summer festival of musicals at the Benedum Center will feature the very best of live musical theater—

timeless stories, unforgettable melodies, and inspired dance numbers.

Subscriptions range in price and flexibility. For information, visit www.pittsburghclo.org or call the subscription hotline at 412-281-2822.

Groups of ten or more should call the group sales hotline at 412-263-2560 to learn more about special discounts and priority seating.

Disney’s High School Musical—May 31–June 17

Camelot—July 17–22

To kick-off the season, the Pittsburgh CLO embraces the opportunity to introduce young audiences to the magic of live musical theater through a show that their generation has already enthusiastically embraced.

British stage and film legend Michael York comes to Pittsburgh with the National Tour of a new production of Lerner and Loewe’s Camelot. Audiences can expect a different experience from Camelots of the past, with the opportunity for spectacular staging.

Oklahoma!—June 19–July 1

Cats—July 24–29

When this Rodgers and Hammerstein masterpiece made its Broadway debut in 1943, it launched a new era in American musical theater—fusing story, song, and dance through reflective choreography. Come see Pittsburgh CLO’s commitment to the art of musical theater and acknowledgement of what some hail as the best musical of the century.

Enjoy the magic and mystery of Cats! After running 21 years at London’s New London Theater, enjoying 18 years on Broadway, and receiving seven Tony Awards® (including Best Musical), it’s time for Cats to make its Pittsburgh CLO debut. A true musical theater phenomenon, Cats features 20 timeless Andrew Lloyd Webber melodies.

White Christmas—July 3–15

The Full Monty—July 31–August 5

Full of dancing, laughter, and some of the greatest songs ever written, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas promises to be a merry and bright theatrical experience for the entire family. This stage adaptation of the holiday movie classic by the same name will delight audiences with Berlin’s most treasured music.

Sure to knock your shirts and pants off, this independent British film became a Broadway sensation with its contemporary musical theater production. Come see it in Pittsburgh! n

Summer 2007 UPPER UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 1717 Summer 2007 ST. CLAIR TODAY

Behind the Scenes Liz Williard Every spring, approximately 7000

people come to Upper St. Clair High School to be entertained by the multi-talented students belonging to the pit orchestra and cast of the school’s renowned spring musical production. They enjoy the acting, singing, dancing, and music offered on stage and from the pit. What is not seen by the audience is the work that occurs back stage, both during the show and for months preceding opening night.

Each production actually begins when the producers and directors get together to select which show will be presented.

There are quite a number of factors that go into that decision. Research is done to see what new and exciting shows may have become available during the past year. Can we afford to purchase the rights to produce that show? How difficult is the music, and can it be adapted and orchestrated for the student musicians? One of the policies of Upper St. Clair High School staff is that there be a place on stage for every student who wants to be there. This can create a cast of well over 100 students. Can the show be adapted to include all

Evan Garfield and

Chuck Dodd

these budding thespians? The music and drama directors must also assess the talent and vocal ranges of the students who will compose the cast.

Once the show has been selected, auditions are held to determine who will play each role. Because of the large size of the cast, extra parts are often created and cast from the chorus. If the show involves dancing, the choreographer holds dance auditions and selects the dance ensemble.

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The technical staff begins their creative process with set, costume, lighting, and make-up design.

Each designer begins with a copy of the script, a cast list, and research of the show, including its time period. Sometimes set construction plans are Left to right: Marti Clister, Dierdre Carey, Ruth Warmbein, available for basic ideas, Karen Williams (assistant costume designer), Dianna Ploof, but the set designer must and Liz Williard (costume designer and wardrobe manager) come up with the plan for how ideas will be conveyed within USC’s everything is not rented from New York! time and budgetary limits. There must also Every piece of costume that is seen on stage be room on stage for the unusually large comes from USC’s costume department. cast. Scenery pieces must be designed to Whether pieces are recycled and altered move quickly and easily around and on from the existing inventory, discovered and off stage. By the beginning of January, as hidden treasures from resale shops, or right after holiday break, set design and sewn from scratch, over 1000 pieces of construction has already begun. costume are used for each production.

While there is an adult staff member Again, the creative design process bein charge, a great deal of the work is com- gins with a script and cast list. Historical pleted by parent volunteers and student research is undertaken to keep the look of crew members. These devoted individuals each production accurate. The actors are put in hundreds of hours, usually working measured and the work begins. Designevenings and Saturdays for months ers select the patterns and fabrics to be preceding opening night. Once the used for each costume, but the process is plans are underway, lumber, hard- very much a team effort. Again, student ware, paint, and special materials and adult volunteers devote months to must be purchased and turned selecting, sewing, fitting, altering, and from raw material into forests, perfecting the actors’ clothing. houses, castles, towns, and anyWhat is affectionately referred to as thing else the show may require. the “sweatshop” is a room jammed with USC’s stage has been everything sewing machines, ironing boards, supfrom downtown Paris to the sew- plies, and works in progress. The student ers of New York City. As the show crew head is responsible for keeping track evolves during rehearsals and of each piece of costume and knowing to staging, it often becomes neces- whom it has been assigned. She directs sary to change designs and add or eliminate pieces of scenery and set. The crew takes all changes in stride, and does what needs to be done.

While the construction crews are hammering and sawing away, hanging lights, and programming sound cues, on the other side of the stage wall an equally demanding job is beginning. All actors on stage must look their parts. Before a single line is spoken or song is sung, the actors’ costumes tell Left to right: Lisa Ripper (student costume head), the audience something about Rachel Schneider (assistant student costume head), the show and each character. No, and Emily Kauffelt (next year’s musical studen

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

t costume head)

PRO100017 Expect4.875x10 BW

her student crew as they ensure that each actor has the pieces they need, help the seamstresses complete the often intricate costumes, and inventory the entire show’s costumes. The students then distribute the costumes to the actors on D-Day and collect them again closing night.

To complete the actors’ looks, members of the make-up and hair crew also spend hours learning how to turn lovely teenage girls into witches, make kids in their teens look old, and create whatever other looks the show requires. Training sessions are held during the production process and techniques are perfected. During dress rehearsals and performances these crew members arrive hours before curtain call to begin the actors’ transformations.

They are often standing in the wings to achieve miraculous renovations as the show evolves and characters make drastic changes in their appearances. How do you turn a handsome young man into a wolf?

Ask the hair and make-up crew!

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They’re expecting.

Future residents of Providence Point, Judy and Rich Klaber

And the big day is finally here, because construction is now under way at Providence Point!

Ruth Warmbein sewing costumes

A tremendous amount of work goes into preparing for spring musical. The professional quality of each Upper St. Clair production would not be possible without the very special group of volunteers known as the “theater angels” who are usually, but not always, parents of the students involved with the show. These unrecognized heroes help make the spring musical a memorable experience for all. From manning backstage study halls to set construction and costume sewing, they take on tasks with cheerfulness and dedication.

The next time you sit in the theatre and enjoy a high school musical production, add a little applause at the end of the performance for the folks behind the scenes. n

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Volunteers Extraordinaire Jim Render T h i s i s n o t a n a r t i cl e about

championship athletes, outstanding musicians, or multi-talented artists. It is not about excellence in education or the best and brightest in anything. It is not about the prom, USC Community Day, or problems associated with being a teenager. This is just a nice story about a couple of men who like to give their time on Thursday evenings so that a lot of boys can have an opportunity to play basketball and have fun. Longtime residents Tom “Tucker” Roche and John Macuga are two men that make this a real feel-good story.

In 1994, when John was the commissioner of boys’ basketball for the Upper St. Clair Athletic Association, he entered into discussions about extending the recreation program that ended at eighth grade to include high school students, grades nine through 12. Meetings were held with former Township Recreation director Melanie Finley and former Upper St. Clair High School athletic director Mike Sheleheda to discuss gym times and logistics. As a result, the program was founded, and resident Mike McGroarty became the first director. In 1998, the reins were turned over to Roche and Macuga.

Tucker and John became friends through their sons and through athletics. The sons have since graduated and are now young adults who still help their fathers when available. As for Tucker and John, their friendship remains close and their efforts to continue the recreation basketball program remain solid. In fact, they have expanded the program to the point where they now have 120 players on 12 teams, and all of them get to play every Thursday night in one of six games beginning at 6 p.m., with a new game starting every 45 minutes.

Each contest has four quarters with an eight-minute running clock. At the fourminute mark, all players are rotated so that everyone plays each quarter. In the last two minutes of the game, the senior captain of each team can play any five players of his choosing and the clock is then stopped for fouls, a ball out-of-bounds, or called time outs. There are no parental coaches or parental involvement in the high school recreation basketball program. Tucker and John run the clock and keep the scorebook.

There are two certified WPIAL game officials.

With the oversight of the referees and the two “commissioners,” emotional displays or 20

disagreements between the players are not tolerated. Occasionally, the two men give a fatherly talk to a participant to remind him of the expectations of the league.

Tucker serves as the “competition committee.” He selects the teams by putting tall guys with short guys, seniors with freshmen, and veterans with rookies. Captains are seniors who have been in the program for four years. In the event there are more than 12 senior veterans, their names are placed in a hat and selections are randomly pulled. The captain serves as the leader and “coach.” Many times, some team members don’t know each other and, of course, freshmen come in somewhat shy and intimidated. One of the many benefits of this system is that before long the younger player becomes “one of the guys,” with respect and teamwork being merged into lasting friendships.

Thursday night hoops

John’s job is to make the schedules, keep the standings, and chart the scoring leaders.

All of these statistics are posted weekly in the high school commons. The standings are then used at the end of the season for seedings in the March Madness Tournament, which culminates the season. It should be noted that each players pays $50 to the Township Recreation Department for the privilege of playing in the league. This year, there was a waiting list to be placed on a team. Each team is known by the color of its jersey.

While the NBA has great games between the Lakers and the Heat, we have had memorable contests between the Carolina Blues and the Kelly Greens. Teal versus Maroon usually is a barn burner as well. Since barns are scarce in Upper St. Clair, all games are played in the gymnasium at Boyce Middle School.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

John Macuga and Tucker Roche

Booster club members and parent volunteers are quite often necessary to supplement the needs of teams, bands, dancers, and clubs of all kinds. For the most part, booster clubs and parental support groups are one and the same. As a football coach, I’ve often felt that an ideal situation would be to have “boosters” that do not have a vested interest (a son or a daughter) as a reason to be members of a booster club. On the other hand, we have had some outstanding parents that have done superior jobs in fundraising and organizational work for our teams. If we could just get them to stay involved beyond their child’s graduation—like Kathy Hess who remains the treasurer of the Upper St. Clair Football Boosters—that would be great!

Tucker Roche and John Macuga are volunteers extraordinaire. They remain involved in their work for the sake of the kids. They like what they do and they take pride in knowing that they are getting kids off the couch and helping boys get both exercise and enjoyment through a recreational activity. Both men feel that they are giving something back to the community, having just completed their ninth year of service that runs from early December to the end of March.

John is an operations manager for Falconi Automotive Inc. in Moon Township.

His wife, Debbie, helps him by keeping basketball data. Tucker is a regional sales manager for Vesuvius, a maker of furnaces for steel mills. His wife, Joanne, brings dinner to the men each Thursday evening, keeping this an all-in-the-family event. Although the Macugas and Roches are not looking for a pat on the back, give them one anyway. If you are a player in the USC recreation basketball program, past or present, take the opportunity to give Mr. Macuga and Mr. Roche a simple “thank you.” That is how they get “paid.”

On a personal note, you guys are my kind of “boosters.” n

U. S. House of Representatives Timothy F. Murphy

U.S. Congressman for the 18th District of Pennsylvania 322 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-2301 Fax: 202-225-1844

504 Washington Road Pittsburgh, PA 15228 Phone: 412-344-5583 Fax: 412-429-5092

Website: http://murphy.house.gov/ E-mail: murphy@mail.house.gov

Local Hospitals Among Safest in the Nation When people go to a hospital,

they expect to get better. Unfortunately, for 90,000 people seeking medical care each year the exact opposite is true; they die from a healthcare associated infection.

Luckily for the people in Southwestern Pennsylvania, our local hospitals have an outstanding record of reporting, reducing, and eliminating these infections, making them some of the safest in the nation.

Healthcare-associated infections can be caused by a virus or bacteria, contaminating a patient while at a hospital or healthcare provider, which was not present when the patient was admitted. An infection can enter a patient at the site of surgery, IV, or even skin. Patients who acquire infections have longer hospital stays and higher medical bills. However, most of these infections are preventable if proper steps are taken.

Our local hospitals are some of the best in the nation at eliminating deadly infections. Allegheny General Hospital reduced the rate of central line-acquired infections from 19 to almost zero within 90 days by educating and training healthcare staff on infection control. Over the course of three years, it was estimated that eliminating these infections saved more than $2 million and 47 lives. Overall, Southwestern Pennsylvania hospitals have reduced central line infections by 55% over three years. In addition, the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare system has reduced MRSA infections by 85% in an inpatient surgical unit.

These hospitals have been successful because they implemented patient safety guidelines. Simple steps such as improving placement of hand hygiene and protective equipment has helped lead to a 50% increase in soap and sanitizer use. Training 100% of the staff on how to prevent the transfer of germs, and making sure clean, correct supplies are available are other successful techniques. Pennsylvania is also the

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only state that collects data on healthcareassociated infections and reports it to the public, giving hospitals further incentive to reduce the rate of infections.

There are several steps patients can take to further reduce the risk of healthcare associated infections. Infections are caused by staff and visitors not washing their hands, unclean medical instruments (including stethoscopes, latex gloves, etc.), and bacteria found on hospital charts, beds, and medical equipment (x-ray machines, wheelchairs, etc.). Patients should feel comfortable demanding hospital staff wash their hands or use anti-bacterial soap before treating them for any condition, and healthcare workers should make sure they follow patient safety guidelines. Patients should also make sure all their visitors wash their hands.

The federal government also has the ability to play an important role in reducing healthcare associated infections. Every time a Medicare patient contracts a healthcare associated infection, the federal government reimburses the hospital or caregiver for the cost of treating it. This is similar to taking your car to a mechanic to have the radiator fixed, and when you get it back the brakes don’t work. You wouldn’t expect to have to pay the mechanic for the additional cost of repairs.

I have recently introduced the Healthy Hospitals Act, H.R. 1174, which will provide incentives to hospitals that significantly reduce their infection rates or meet the goal of eliminating them. The legislation also requires hospitals to collect data and report it to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which will make the information publicly available. Encouraging hospitals to reach the goal of zero healthcare-associated infections will help ensure patients are confident and comfortable, knowing they will be well cared for each and every time they enter a hospital. n Summer 2007

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Go Organic!—Part II Container Gardening

Mary Lynne Spazok Help make our world a better source and finally, easy to cover at night, if place and “go organic!” Organic veg- needed, to protect from pesky predators.

etable and flower gardening not only promotes but enhances the natural diversity of biological cycles. Rather than paying $6.98 for a bag of spring greens at the big box store, save cash and the ecosystem by becoming a container gardener in 2007.

Resolve to work in harmony with nature.

The perfect garden for city dwellers is the half barrel, more commonly known as the whiskey barrel. In early spring, begin the search. The half barrel may not be available at every garden center each year.

Whiskey barrel with ornamentals

The reason? Whiskey barrels are recycled at the point of manufacture. They are not released from duty until the end of year number two. Therefore, they are only available every other year. Just because your favorite nursery stocked them last year doesn’t mean they will be available at that same site this year.

Your best bet is to do research. To save time and energy let your fingers do the walking. Before delivery, determine how many barrels you will need. I suggest three: one barrel for ornamentals, one for herbs, and one for vegetables. Before delivery and placement, decide on the exact growing location for the best result: full sun, close proximity to the kitchen, handy to a water

Four bricks per barrel is the standard for proper air circulation. For drainage, each barrel needs eight to ten one-inch holes.

When placing the order, include enough bags of quality pre-fertilized, sterilized soil suited to herbs, vegetables, or flowers.

The half barrel will hold eight to ten transplants. Disease resistant varieties will ensure success. Choose small varieties without blossoms, taking care to avoid lofty and leggy plants. All-American favorites are mint and dill. For aggressive growers, purchase a separate barrel for each since they will quickly overtake a garden. I learned from the Greenline website that eight sweet basil plants and two parsleys make up a well-rounded pesto garden. Are you an avid griller? Plant rosemary, two parsley, two lemon thyme, two chives, and one sweet marjoram. Add Greek oregano to the mix for the overall well-rounded herb garden. Chives are best planted close to the barrel’s edge as they will, in due course, drape over the edge. Plan to position tall growing basil and rosemary at the rear of the barrel where they will not overshadow shorter vegetation. Simple maintenance includes the snipping of the center plant blossoms to encourage side growth. Feed and water often. Harvest herbs early in the day; full sun boosts intense oils, which diminish robust flavor. Eventually, overcrowding may occur. Simply, pull a plant and use it immediately.

Natural elements protect the environment allowing the land and water system to be freed from man-made fertilizers. Therefore, an organic gardener’s task is to avoid the use of radical pesticides and chemicals.

Lady beetles or Ladybirds, commonly

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

known as ladybugs, are a gardener’s best defense. Their bright color brings cheer to the garden as they devour insect pests, especially aphids. Releasing commercial varieties is a great way to get started. Oval or domed in shape, we easily recognize the red orange variety with up to 15 black spots. The Twice Stabbed Lady Beetle is very fashionable in black with a solitary red spot. Adults and larvae feed mainly on aphids, and other soft-bodied insects.

In one ladybug’s lifetime, 5000 aphids will meet their demise. Ladybugs do require a source of pollen, so include scented geraniums within your barrels.

If garden space is limited or your neighbors are overzealous with synthetic pest control, mail-order ladybugs are for you.

Specifically select Hippodamia Convergens rather than the Asian variety, Harmonia Axyridis. The Asian variety causes those annoying indoor ladybug infestations.

Our native species is happy to hibernate outdoors while the Asian species requires warmer temperatures thus, an inside pest.

The cost for 1500 Convergens is as low as $5.95 plus shipping. Upon receipt, release before sun-up or after sun down. They navigate by the sun. Pre-water the release area. Free moisture on leaves is a sticking point while providing refreshment. Cool nights are ideal since ladybugs crawl more than fly in cool weather. Finally, if your plants and flowers are severely infested, drape a thin sheet over the plant then release the bugs. The ladies will zealously gorge on those niggling aphids.

Want to spice things up? Celebrate Herb Day in October. Reap the benefits of your half barrel garden(s) by using herbs to enhance personal health, beauty, and often a bland culinary routine. What could be tastier than fresh herb butter? Drying is the most common method of herb preservation. Shelf life is six months. Prepare by dusting the plant and washing only if necessary. Remove dead or damaged foliage, bundle, and tie with string. In a warm, dry, airy place (removed from sunlight) hang upside-down for two to four weeks.

Crumble the herbs, remove the stems, then

place in a dark area in an airtight container. Because of concentrated flavor, one teaspoon of dried herbs substitutes for one tablespoon of fresh. Other preservation methods include microwaving, bake drying, and freezing.

An outstanding resource for beginners is membership in the Western Pennsylvania unit of the Herb Society of America. Founded in 1958, its mission is to share knowledge. Hands-on learning experiences include tending of the Old Economy Herb Garden in Ambridge or closer to home, the Elizabethan Garden at Oakland’s Phipps Conservatory. Additional information is available at www.westernpahsa.com or by calling 724-733-7303.

I write this on Valentines Day while swirling crystals dance wildly on the wind.

Oh, where is the searing summer sun? We yearn for it and are sometimes a slave to it. But because skin cancer is on the rise, I would be remiss not to remind you to minimize your exposure. The gardener’s

foe, skin cancer is most common when the sun’s ultraviolet light and radiation attack exposed body parts. That makes sense— we’re less covered up in the summer. Solar energy units, termed photons, are invisible rays of ultraviolet light that are readily absorbed by skin cells, causing irreversible damage. Wow! UVB exposure causes sunburn, swollen blood vessels, and redness to the epidermis. DNA genetic material damage may lead to skin cancer. The immune

system’s Langerhans cells suffer. This hampers the skin’s ability to repair itself. So, avoid the risk of melanoma.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat (and don’t forget the ears), limit gardening to early morning or late evening, wear protective gear (sunglasses and white or light colored protective clothing that reflects the sun), and time and again apply a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of no less than 15. This new year can be the start of a healthier you.

Ergonomically friendly, half barrel gardening can be for everyone. Less expensive and sturdier than terra-cotta, whiskey barrels will last for years. Recycled, their aged beauty exudes nature’s charm. They are an ideal choice to breathe new life into a lackluster area. Ros Creasy of HGTV’s Gardening by the Yard states, “We don’t need to create something new to have something new to us.” Whether its flora, fauna, herbs, or vegetables, raised bed gardening is hassle-free. Roll out the barrel in 2007 and go organic! n

“Open Gardens Day Tour” Touts Upper St. Clair Gardens The Botanic Garden of Western

Pennsylvania is hosting its 2007 Open Gardens Day Tour on Sunday, June 10, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Twenty-three spectacular gardens have been selected for this tour, over half of which are in the South Hills.

Gardens in Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon, and Castle Shannon join North Hills gardens located in Allison Park, Bradfordwoods, Gibsonia, McCandless, and Wexford.

If you want to stay local or if you desire to travel north to see many of the lovely private gardens, you will be inspired to embrace gardening and all that it has to offer. The tour will include the following gardens in Upper St. Clair, each of which contains water features.

Described as “The Park” garden, 1450 Candlewood Drive has been a work in progress for 30 years resulting in achieving a first place (co-winner) award in the 2006 Great Garden Contest for the large category sponsored by the Botanic Garden of Western Pennsylvania and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. A pianoshaped pond contains a prize collection of

Rear garden at 1820 Woodlands Drive

colorful koi, water lilies, and tropical plants.

The garden at 2350 Rexford Drive has continually been a work in progress for ten

years. With more additions each year, it never ceases to amaze. With big ponds and trellises draped with trumpet vine, it is a picture perfect garden.

At 1820 Woodlands Drive, this very formal garden was professionally designed and installed and is professionally maintained.

The rear garden is accented with two ponds fed by a “mountain spring” and a perennial garden flourishes with miniature lilacs and herb garden. The entire property at this address is a woodlands garden with a wonderful water feature. Located on slightly less than two acres of conservation land, almost all of the trees and shrubs have been left to grow in their natural state.

Wild and whimsical, expansive or serene, the gardens on tour illustrate the vast gardening mosaic available in Western Pennsylvania. To join the tour, call 412-444-4464. Tickets are $30 for H o rt i c u l t u r a l S o c i e t y o f We s t e r n Pennsylvania members, $40 for nonmembers, and $80 per ticket for the bus tour with a private tour guide and lunch. n

Summer 2007

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

From Here

Erin Gibson Allen

A girlfriend re-

cently asked me if the rumors about me were true. I admitted that yes, the word on the street was accurate: I had been frequenting a bunco group. To some, joining a bunco group represents complete immersion into suburban motherhood, akin to cooking with a crockpot or being a Brownie troop leader.

As is often the case with stereotypes, however, the image of the recipe-exchanging, bunco-playing woman is over-simplified and superficial. No, I don’t own a housedress, but yes, I confess, I do play bunco.

At the risk of sounding defensive, bunco is more edgy than an outsider might expect. Suggestive of “bingo” and “fun,” perhaps the name itself conjures the wholesome image of white-picket suburbia. Even its history, however, casts doubt on this squeaky-clean reputation. According to The Wall Street Journal, bunco, a dice game of chance, originated in seedy parlors during the Gold Rush, a period not known for its wholesomeness. To keep the scurrilous behavior of bunco parlors in check, the police even established “bunco squads.” The game dwindled in popularity around 1940, but has resurfaced recently, particularly in suburban areas. Apparently, 59 million women in the United States have played bunco, with 21 million of us playing on a regular basis. Perhaps suburban women have resurrected one of America’s most engaging yet under-appreciated pastimes.

Part of what makes going to bunco so interesting is that the women talk openly about what’s on their minds. At a recent gathering, on a break between rounds, while I was dipping my fingers into a bowl of M&Ms and contemplating my complete lack of luck, a friend asked me what I’d be writing about next for this column. I replied that I was unsure. Did she have any ideas?

Yes, she did. After a moment of discussion other women were drawn into our conversation. An animated and opinionated school of women swarmed in front of me, conferring on a topic dear to their hearts: turning 40.

Approaching this milestone myself, I took notes about what the women had to say.

Prospecting

If we’re honest about the statistics—the average life expectancy of the American woman currently stands around 80.1 years—the 40th birthday serves roughly as the marker for middle age. While this milestone has a reputation for inspiring dread, dismay was not the attitude of the women gathered on this cold Friday night.

Turning 40, the group insisted, is a transition that offers opportunity combined with confidence. Listening to the women share their experiences with this important life event, I sensed no room for arguing that entering middle age was anything but a pleasant and powerful event.

Many of the women I talked to that night had decided to stay at home when their children were born. Entering middle age roughly coincided for several of them with the tectonic shift of their youngest child entering first grade, giving them previously unheard of amounts of time. After years of scheduling play dates, chasing toddlers away from staircases, and fishing choking hazards out of wet mouths, for nine months out of the year their houses grew strangely quiet from the early morning rumble of the school bus until approximately three in the afternoon. With the onset of the school year, these women’s days opened up before them like the skies of Oz after a Kansas tornado.

My friends offered some interesting advice to me on how to spend this newly discovered time; my family would not notice what I did with these precious hours. I asked for clarification. If I stepped up my work at home, and, say dusted the tchotchkes, polished the wood furniture, and organized kitchen cupboards, my friends explained, my family would come home after work or school and react the same as if I, instead, went to an exercise class, bought a cup of coffee, and read a novel. Heads nodded in assent with this bit of advice. Family happiness, they were saying, does not depend on the mother’s uninterrupted management of the home like ground control when the shuttle takes off. A mother may, it seems, safely step away from the controls once the family has left for the day.

The first two pieces of advice (be positive about the prospects for middle age and get out and enjoy yourself), led the group to the next logical question, which was

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

more difficult to answer. Exactly what is it that newly emancipated at-home mothers want to do? After the exercise, coffee, and book, then what? Return to a career put on the back burner? Work part-time at a new job or start a small business? Earn a solid income or volunteer in some meaningful capacity? Write a best-selling book or go back to school? Reaffirm a focus on building a strong family life? Some moms wondered if they should keep life simple, or if they should ratchet up their days full of new ventures. The preciousness of an at-home mom’s unfettered hours heightens the significance of the decision of exactly how they are best spent.

This matter of choosing the most fulfilling use of this valuable free time quieted the dice-rolling women. No one could answer that question with the same confidence they used to declare that turning 40 is something to celebrate. The women pressed their lips together, contemplating the challenge of deciding, finally, what it is that each of them wants. Surely the answer lies in finding the right balance among the surfeit of choices and varies with each woman and her family’s needs.

With competing options and desires, the middle-aged mother can be left with some heavy soul-searching.

Playing bunco is not totally unlike turning 40. They both have a bad rap, but perhaps the reality of both is that they present opportunities for at-home moms to get out of the house. They’ve both been unfairly maligned, but with the proof of positive experience, the idea of both events being enjoyable seems to be gaining in popularity. If my friends are any indication, many women approach middle age with ambivalence. While sanguine about their choices, they are circumspect about achieving the right balance among family, finances, and personal fulfillment. In the meantime they continue to get out of the house and roll the dice, confident in the prospects of their future. n I’d like to hear your thoughts on contemporary parenting in Upper St. Clair.

Please share your ideas about my column with me in person, or e-mail your thoughts to me at eallen@uscsd.k12.pa.us. Let me know if, like me, you’re from here.

Summer Dining Guide 2007

patio’s open • First

Place, AOL City Guide’s 2007 Member’s Vote, “Pittsburgh’s Mediterranean Hot Spot”

• First Place, 2006 Reader’s Vote, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review • First Place, “Best of Pittsburgh,” Pittsburgh City Paper • First Place, 2006 Reader’s Choice, South Hills Record

Advertise in our Dining Guide

$ $

412-563-3466 With this coupon, complimentary Red Pepper Hummus or Stuffed Grape Leaves appetizer with purchase of any dinner.

Amel’s

USC

Lunch Til 5 • Dinners • Sandwiches Night Owl Menu • Open 7 Days

$ $

Amel’s Restaurant

McNeilly Road at Sussex • 412-563-3466 Summer 2007

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

5

Township of Upper St. Clair Ched Mertz

President, Ward Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-833-3631 2009*

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 Upper St. Clair Township Library or on the website at www.twpusc.org. For more information, call 412-831-9000.

Bill Bates

Vice President, At Large Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-257-8115 2007*

The 2006-07 USCHS football team was recognized at a Township meeting.

January , 00 Approximately 0 people attended.

Township News

Preston W. Shimer Ward

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

Kenneth L. Brown Ward

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-4512 2009*

Robert W. Orchowski Ward

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-1868 2007*

Frank E. Marsh Ward 5

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

The Board: • Tabled PLC06-0010, Baker Plan of Lots, preliminary and final subdivision approval, 210 Johnston Road, to the regular meeting of February 5, 2007.

• Continued the public hearing of PLC06-0011, Ross Development Company, Final Development Plan, 1630 Washington Road, unified conditional use/preliminary land development approval, to February 5, 2007.

• Voted to make an annual contribution of $250 to the Local Government Academy’s Michael P. Lynch Scholarship Fund.

• Tabled discussion regarding appointment of a financial advisor to the Township to February 2007.

February 5, 00 Approximately people attended.

Recognitions and Proclamations: • Commissioner Bates recognized and congratulated the members and coaches of the 2006-07 Upper St. Clair High School “Panther” football team for winning the Quad A PIAA state championship. Commissioner Orchowski presented individual proclamations on behalf of the Board to coaches and team members.

The Board: • Continued the public hearing of PLC06-0011–Ross Development Company, Final Development Plan, 1630 Washington Road, unified conditional use/preliminary land development approval to March 5, 2007.

• Continued the public hearing of PLC06-0012—WIN Upper St. Clair, L.P., Revised, 1614 Washington Road, unified conditional use/preliminary and final land development approval to March 5, 2007.

• Adopted Bill No. 2-07 granting preliminary and final subdivision approval to the Nowicki Plan of Lots, a re-subdivision of Lot 10 in Trotwood Acres South Plan, subject to certain conditions.

• Adopted Bill No. 3-07 amending Chapter 51 entitled “Building Construction” and Chapter 61 entitled “Fire Prevention” to incorporate changes in the International Building Code (IBC)/2006 Specific to Numbering.

• Voted for the formation of a Leadership Circle for the Michael P. Lynch Scholarship Fund of the Local

Government Academy and appointed Commissioner Shimer as delegate.

• Voted to authorize staff to explore the opportunity of selling the white wooden barn intact prior to completing the demolition and reuse/sale of salvageable timbers from the white wooden barn and the demolition of the root cellar in Boyce Mayview Park.

• Authorized the execution of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Contribution Agreement for the Route 19 Turn Lane at Boyce Road Extension.

• Appointed Susquehanna Group Advisors, Inc. as a financial advisor to review the terms and structure of the anticipated Bond issue for the Township to be underwritten by Ferris, Baker Watts.

• Approved the reappointments of Debra Burkey Piecka, Angela Petersen, Jeffrey Kranz, and Edward Kavo and the appointments of Lynn Boucek, Gary Seech, Amy Billerbeck, and Joseph Krenn to the Youth Steering Committee.

Board Approval of Contracts: • Allegheny Ford Truck Sales–Pittsburgh ...........$56,334 One 2008 Ford F-550 super duty cab and chassis One 2008 Ford F-550 regular cab and chassis • Day Fleet Sales–Monroeville ............................$22,470 One 2007 Ford Expedition 4X4 police utility vehicle • Woltz & Wind Ford, Inc.–Heidelberg..............$62,245 Three 2007 Ford Crown Victoria police interceptor packages • E.H. Griffith, Inc.–Pittsburgh......................$89,864.47 Two Toro Groundsmaster 328 – 4 WD mowers One Toro Groundsmaster 3500-D sidewinder One Toro Greensmaster 1600 One Toro Infield Pro One Toro Line Painter • Trans Associates–Pittsburgh...........................$100,000 Engineering consulting services for the widening of Mayview Road (SR 3005) at the Boyce Mayview Park Driveway • The Gateway Engineers–Pittsburgh .................$17,500 Surveying services for Mayview Road (existing conditions) for the widening of Mayview Road (SR 3005) at the Boyce Mayview Park Driveway • American Geotechnical & Environmental Services– Canonsburg ...................................................$45,410 Geotechnical investigation and technical services for the widening of Mayview Road (SR 3005) at the Boyce Mayview Park Driveway

2007 Township of Upper St. Clair Meeting Dates Karen M. McElhinny At Large

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-221-1732 2009*

*Date indicates expiration of term.

• 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.

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

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

• The Civil Hearing Board meets as needed.

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

Visit the Township’s website - www.twpusc.org

6 2007 6 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

Upper St. Clair Police Department Bicycle Registration and Safety Program–Saturday, May The Upper St. Clair Police Department will spon-

sor a bicycle registration and safety program for Upper St. Clair residents on Saturday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Municipal Building rear lot.

Registration will include a bicycle inspection, a rider skill course, repair and traffic safety instruction, and safety videos.

Participants will receive a bicycle license plate, an adhesive reflector strip, and safety pamphlets. A license number will also be stamped into the frame of the bicycle.

Each participant will have chances to win a new bicycle, a safety helmet, and other prizes. Complimentary beverages will be provided.

Parents are urged to bring their children to the bicycle registration and safety program. For additional information, contact the Police Department administrative office at 412-833-1113, daily 8 a.m to 4 p.m. î Ž Police officer Ralph Lemak with 2006 bike winner Shelby Zahren

Block Party Time is Any Time!

1. Send a letter or download a Block Party Request Form (www.twpusc.org) requesting permission for a block party with a specific date to: Township Manager 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241.

2. You will receive a letter granting authorization to have the party in your neighborhood. Activities must be held between noon and 10 p.m.

3. The Public Works Department will deliver barricades to your residence a day or two before the event and will pick up the barricades soon after the event. The street may not be barricaded for more than six hours.

4. Residents in the neighborhood are responsible for providing adequate access for public safety vehicles during the event. Please be considerate to neighbors who may not be involved in the festivities.

5. The Police and Fire Departments give informational talks to kids. Call 412-833-1113 or 412-835-0660 to schedule a time.

6. If you have additional questions, call 412-831-9000.

Summer 2007

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

The Trails at Boyce Mayview

Walter Jarosh, Township Forester

Taking a break on the bridge

Volunteer efforts continued through the

winter and spring to expand the trail system in Boyce Mayview Park. Over nine miles of natural surface, marked hiking trails await your visit, and maps highlighting the trail system are available at the Upper St. Clair Township Recreation Department.

The spring wild flowers are abundant on Trillium and Woodlands Trails. MidMay to early June are prime times to view a cascade of ever-changing wildflowers such as May apples, sessile trilliums, Dutchman breeches, squirrel corn, fire pinks, and violets. Did you know that violets can be found in blue, white, and yellow? Come and explore; they await your visit.

Trillium Trail will also lead you to the wetlands or the Chartiers Creek flood plain where you may see blue heron, ducks, geese, beaver, and over 100 different species of birds.

Experts agree that a woodlands hike is an excellent way to relieve stress and relax; what better way than on the trails at Boyce Mayview! n

Cutting back bushes

Creating another trail

Hiking one of the many trails

Placing stones in front of the bridge

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

The Boyce Mayview Park Community Recreation Center Site Plan The site plan (shown on page 29) illustrates the location of the proposed Boyce Mayview Community Recreation Center in relation to the recently developed ball fields and access roadways.

Architects for the proposed Boyce Mayview Community Recreation Center, WTW/Larsen, are completing the final design with the expectation that bids will be taken in the fall for this long anticipated project.

Amenities are to include an outdoor pool with slide, large zero-depth entry area, interactive water toys, and sand play areas. The Community Recreation Center will contain two gymnasiums, walking track, senior/teen program area, cardio and resistance training equipment, two fitness program areas, men, women, and family changing areas, indoor pool area with four lap lanes, slide, whirlpool, vortex, and birthday party/classroom areas. A large multipurpose classroom area with two warming kitchens and a large lobby area with a fireplace are also planned.

If the project continues on schedule, bids would be received in late 2007. A decision on the Boyce Mayview Park Recreation Center would be forthcoming thereafter. n

Summer 2007

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

29

Planned site for Boyce Mayview Park Community Recreation Center

Multiple Purpose Grass Fields

Baseball Field

Softball Field

Library

Fifty Years of Volunteers A grass roots volunteer effort by the members of the

Marnie Yerkes files order forms.

Upper St. Clair Woman’s Club established the Book Nook at Mitchell’s Corner as the Township’s first library in 1957. Members of the club and another organization, Friends of the Library, volunteered to raise funds and staff the Book Nook until 1968 when the library became a department of the Township. Volunteers have continued to be important providers of our library services through these 50 years.

Automation has changed many procedures in libraries—no more stamping date due book cards, and no more card catalogs for endless filing and searching. However, some library duties such as helping patrons, and keeping books and other materials in order will never change.

Some of the volunteer opportunities now available in the library’s adult services are: • Shelf management, and keeping magazines and audiovisual materials in order.

• Searching for lost materials.

• Filing records.

• Checking materials in and out at the circulation desk.

• Mending books.

If you are interested in volunteering at the library, come in and fill out a form to let the library staff know what you would like to do and the times that you are available. n

Ada Bates repairs books.

Adult Summer Programs Mary Trocano receives a certificate of appreciation for her 45 years of dedicated service to the Upper St. Clair Township Library (20 years as a volunteer and 25 years on staff) from Township Manager Douglas A. Watkins.

• Conversation Salons • • Travel: Hot Spots and Best Deals• • Heart Health• Call the library at 412-835-5540 for information and registration.

Susan Lynch shelves books that she checked in at the adult circulation desk.

On February 12, 2007, library technician Vanessa Ryzner collected books from the old blue book returns for the last time.

books turned the first Farrel Levine re book returns. w to the ne

0

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

Driving up to th e ne will save steps w returns and time.

Get a Clue @ the USC Library Our Award Winning Summer Library Program Ready to Read for Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Kindergartners Children begin acquiring pre-reading skills from birth. Ready to Read is designed to help young children obtain these skills with fun and entertaining parent-directed activities.

Your child will receive an activity guide complete with information about ready to read skills, activities, songs and rhymes, an activity log, and instructions.

As your child completes the weekly activities, he or she will earn fun rewards: bubbles, Play-Doh, sidewalk chalk, stickers, and more.

Registration for Ready to Read begins Monday, June 4. This six-week program ends on Thursday, July 26.

Summer Library Reading Program for School Age Children Kids who read succeed! The summer reading program is a fun way to encourage your child to spend time reading. New research indicates that children who read during the summer are more likely to retain what they have learned in school the previous year, and therefore do better when they start a new school year.

Program participants will receive their own personal reading

log to record the titles of the books they have read or that their parents have read to them. Children will receive one ticket for each book read for a weekly drawing of prizes. The more you read, the greater your chance of winning. Readers are also rewarded with coupons for treats, meals from local businesses, and candy.

Registration begins Monday, June 4. Reporting begins Monday, June 18 and runs through Thursday, July 26.

Award for Best Practices Upper St. Clair Township Library won a 2007 Best Practices award for its Ready to Read for Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Kindergartners program developed by Debra Conn and Eileen Smith. The Pennsylvania Library Association awards this honor to showcase the best library-sponsored early learning programs in the state.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • Summer Programs • • • • • • • • • • • • • Art in the Park

Calling All Sleuths

The library will begin the summer with its 11th annual art experience for preschoolers on Friday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to noon.

This program will feature mysterious themes and activities. It will be the place to be for kids who have completed kindergarten and first grade.

I Love to Read Here’s an opportunity for kids who have completed first and second grades to practice their reading skills with student volunteers.

New this year—canine volunteers! Norman and Rona Pookman, volunteers for Therapy Dogs International, will be bringing their dogs that love to hear stories read by boys and girls.

Storytimes The library will be holding four weeks of storytimes for Babies and Toddlers, Twos and Threes, and Preschoolers.

Teen Volunteer Opportunities for Summer The library is looking for a limited number of student volunteers to help with its summer programs. Students who have completed sixth grade or higher may apply. This is a good way to get volunteer hours before school starts in the fall.

Registration for summer volunteering will begin on Monday, May 21 and will continue until all slots are filled.

Opportunities are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about volunteering at the library, students should contact Colleen Miles at 412-835-5540 or milesc@einetwork.net. n

Spy School @ the Library Kids who have completed second to fourth grades are invited to attend four weekly sessions where they’ll learn skills used by detectives and spies.

Check the website or stop in the library for a summer brochure with all the details on these programs and more.

00 Summer Library Hours Monday–Thursday : 0 a.m.- p.m.

Friday–Saturday : 0 a.m.-5 p.m.

Closed Summer Sundays Memorial Day–Labor Day Closed Wednesday, July and Monday, September Website: www.twpusc.org/library Phone: - 5-55 0 Summer 2007

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Annual Used Book Sale 2007

Stormwater Management— Building a Rain Garden Stormwater runoff is not clean

Bargain books for all ages and tastes will again be featured at the Friends

of the Library Used Book Sale, May 9–15 at the large multi-purpose room near the main entrance of the library. With book prices ranging from a quarter to $3 each, this opportunity is too good to pass up!

Wednesday, May 9 (5:30-8:30 p.m.) is Preview Night for members only. Opening time will be 10 a.m. on all other days, except Sunday, May 13, when the sale will be closed for Mother’s Day. Closing time on Thursday, May 10, will be 8:30 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, May 11–12, the sale will close at 5 p.m.

Monday and Tuesday, May 14–15, are Bag Days. Fill a bag with books for only $3 on Monday (open until 8:30 p.m.) and just $2 a bag on Tuesday (closes at 1 p.m.), the last day of the sale.

Bring the family and stock up on good reading! All proceeds are used to assist the USC Township Library in serving the needs of the community. n Wednesday, May 9—5:30-8:30 p.m. (Members only preview night) Thursday, May 10—10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

Friday, May 11—10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday, May 12—10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday, May 13—Closed (Mother’s Day) Monday, May 14—10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. ($3 Bag Day) Tuesday, May 15—10 a.m.-1 p.m. ($2 Bag Day)

community wide flea market SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2007 (Rain or Shine)

Place: Time:

USCHS Stadium Parking Lot 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sale)

Setup beginning at 6:30 a.m.

Space is limited, so sign-up for your space early. Only Upper St. Clair residents may receive a space prior to May 12. After that date, other reservations will be accepted. Sellers are responsible for providing their own table.

Please complete the following form and mail to: Upper St. Clair Recreation, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Name________________________________________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone____________________________________________________________________________________ Number of spaces needed*______________________________________________________________________ *(A space is two parking spaces, 9’ x 18’ each, one for automobile and one for setup.)

Fee per space is $10–resident, $15–nonresident. Check should be made payable to Upper St. Clair Recreation.

32

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

rainwater! Stormwater runoff carries many pollutants from streets, driveways, parking lots, and rooftops into the nearest body of water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), stormwater run-off is the number one threat to our fresh water supply today. When we remove green areas, we increase the volume of surface runoff and degrade the quality of water because we don’t let water soak in. More impervious surface area in a watershed means more polluted water running off.

Rain gardens are a way for homeowners and businesses to participate in the reduction of polluted runoff, simply by planting a specialized garden.

A rain garden, in its simplest form, is a shallow depression in the earth landscaped with permeable soil and hardy grasses, shrubs, or trees, and covered by a thin layer of mulch. Rain gardens collect the stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces by redirecting stormwater to the depressed area, and allow it to percolate into the ground instead of draining into sewers or waterways. The depressed area of the garden stores water, provides time for evaporation, and allows the particulate material to settle to the bottom.

By directing stormwater through rain gardens we are decreasing the quantity of water that will reach our rivers, and the water that does arrive will arrive slower, and be cooler and cleaner than when the water was flowing directly into the storm sewer. More information on building a rain garden can be found at www.raingardens.org. n

Article courtesy of The Gateway Engineers, Inc. (See ad on page 73.)

USC-US C T

Photo by Bang-Ying (Eddie) Zhu Several of the high school spring musical production leads of Into the Woods (front row) performed songs during their visit at a USC-USTC luncheon.

United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair Are you a retired resident of Upper St. Clair, age 55 or older? Would you enjoy: • Making new friends, • Playing bridge or other card games, • Bowling, • Shooting pool, • Going on day trips, • Listening to interesting speakers and musical entertainment, • Or just talking with friends, old and new?

The members of the United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair (USC-USTC) cordially invite you to have lunch at the Upper St. Clair Recreation Center on McLaughlin Run Road on any Wednesday that is convenient for you. The Center is open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. for the Township’s senior citizens. Not only will you be served a hot lunch, beverage, and dessert, but you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy interesting and varied programs, presentations, day trips, and entertainment—all sponsored by the Township’s Department of Recreation and Leisure Services.

Upcoming programs include attending a performance of The Gin Game, outings at Boyce Mayview Park, speakers on local interest subjects and on issues for older adults, and entertainment just for fun and camaraderie.

For additional information about the Township’s program or other services available, including registration for ACCESS, the Port Authority Senior citizen pass, or the Recreation Department’s Silver Card, contact Amy Kerman, Older Adult Coordinator, at 412-831-9000, extension 296, or kerman@twpusc.org. n

Gold Card

Silver Card

Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair, apply now for your Gold Card. Enjoy dra ma and musical per for manc es, ex cit ing athletic events, and other activities, courtesy of the Upper St. Clair School District.

If you are a resident 62 years of age or older, just stop by the School District receptionist desk and ask for your Gold Card! It’s a great way to experience your community.

Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair, the Rec re ation and Lei sure Ser vic es Department offers for your consideration the Silver Card. Holders of this card are entitled to free admittance to the three-hole golf course, outdoor tennis facilities, and family swim at the High School pool.

Any resident age 62 and retired or age 65 with no restrictions is eligible for the Silver Card Program. Applications are available at the Recreation Department, so stop in and ask for your Silver Card!

Summer 2007

Visit Our BEST PICKS

www.sandygoldstein.com UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Keep Up With CPR Changes Tri-Community South EMS (TCS)

continues to urge residents of Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, and South Park to keep current in lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In April 2006, the American Heart Association introduced its Guidelines 2005 for CPR. If you haven’t had a CPR training update since then or if you’ve never been trained in CPR before, now would be an excellent time to get training. If you have a current CPR card, it is still good until the recommended renewal date on the card, and you should continue to use the Guidelines 2000 training you received until you complete your next renewal.

The new guidelines are based on ongoing research that reveals the most effective techniques and procedures to increase the chance of survival for a person whose heart has stopped beating effectively. The American Heart Association evaluates this research and makes changes in CPR training every five years. The Guidelines 2005 changes are among the more significant ones since the review and update process began in the late 70s. The emphasis is on good, continual chest compressions with minimal interruptions. The chest compression rate and the chest-compression-to-breathing ratio have increased.

TCS holds training classes every month at its headquarters at 5490 Progress Boulevard in Bethel Park. TCS can teach your group of six or more students at your location or at its site. Discounted rates are available for groups of 20 or more, scouting groups, students, and senior citizens.

TCS is a Community Training Center (CTC) of the American Heart Association.

For the past decade, TCS annually has ranked in the top ten providers of CPR instruction in Pennsylvania, holding the top spot for the past three years.

TCS 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 for the general public 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, 34

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 student receives the Family and Friends booklet and a course attendance card. There is no age requirement, prerequisite, or test. Each module takes two hours to complete. The full course is four hours long.

• Heartsaver CPR. This is a credentialed course for the general public 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, and information on injury prevention and cardiac arrest prevention. It includes the use of barrier devices for ventilation of non-breathing patients and demonstrates but does not provide training in the use of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

A skills performance is required to earn a card. Students receive a pocket mask with their materials. The course is four hours long.

• Heartsaver AED. This is a credentialed course for the general public, particularly those who have access to an AED at home, school, church, organization, or workplace.

It covers the material presented in the Heartsaver CPR course, plus the use of the AED. A skills performance is required to earn a

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

card. Each student will receive a textbook and pocket mask to keep. The course is four hours long.

• Heartsaver First Aid. This is a credentialed course for the general public that covers information and training in the general principles of first aid, recognition, and emergency treatment techniques for medical emergencies and injury emergencies, and optionally, environmental emergencies and the material from the Heartsaver CPR and Heartsaver AED courses. A textbook and pocket mask are included. A skills performance is required to earn the card.

The first aid module is three hours long; with the additional CPR and AED modules, the course 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. Skills performance and a written exam are required. The textbook is also required.

The course is six hours long.

In addition to the American Heart Association courses, TCS also offers First Aid training from the American Safety and Health Institute, and offers Child Safety Seat installation assistance and inspection by personnel certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Canine CPR classes are offered at the Always Compassionate Veterinary Clinic, 4701 Clairton Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15236.

Call Tri-Community South EMS if you are interested in taking this class. n To register for classes and for information on class fees, dates, times, and locations, or for information on recertification classes or the other classes and services the system offers, call Tri-Community South EMS at 412-831-3710, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or visit its website at www.tcsems.org. The 2007 class and location schedule is available online for your convenience.

EMS: Extraordinary People, Extraordinary Service

Tri-Community South EMS (TCS) is observing National Emergency Medical Services week from May 20-26, 2007. Since entering service on December 31, 1977, TCS has answered over 120,000 emergency calls and has done over 21,000 non-emergency transports in Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, and South Park.

In addition, TCS employees and volunteers provide stand-by medical coverage at school district and community gatherings, provide community education in such subjects as CPR, Personal Safety, Child Car Seat installation and safety, assist local organizations in providing flu vaccines, and assist in community health fairs for local hospitals and organizations. Every member of TCS’s staff puts dozens of hours annually into continuing education.

National EMS week, sponsored by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), was first designated in 1974 by President Gerald Ford to honor EMS providers nationwide who deliver lifesaving care all day, every day, with little fanfare and little recognition. “EMS is a vital part of every community, but recognition of its contribution is often lost in the broader focus on fire, police, public health, and homeland security,” said ACEP President Robert E. Suter, DO. “The events during this week are important to bring together local communities to honor the more than 750,000 EMS providers nationwide and to raise public awareness about important health and safety issues.”

This year’s EMS week theme is “EMS: Extraordinary People, Extraordinary Service.”

The men and women of EMS are indeed extraordinary. They have to see things that no person should have to see, and do things that most people would refuse to do, all as a matter of course.

The service they provide is extraordinary, too, far beyond anything imagined in past generations.

With a combination of technology, knowledge,

skill, and compassion, EMS providers save lives that once would have certainly been lost, reduce suffering, and provide comfort and reassurance to people who are in the greatest need. Whatever the health care emergency, EMS providers are there when you need them.

In 2007, Emergency Medical Services are under greater pressure than ever, and Tri-Community South EMS is no exception. Support from federal and state governments has been almost totally eliminated. EMS is excluded from most Homeland Security grant support, though EMS is likely to be the most critical first responder if lives are to be saved in any homeland security emergency. In fact, EMS receives less than five percent of all DHS support, though EMS providers constitute more than 33% of all Homeland Security first responders.

TCS has not been successful in garnering any support from these means. Businesses in the community are often controlled by national and international parent companies, and most refuse to support local EMS in any way, and generally will not even subscribe to the service. Yet, these same businesses demand the very highest levels of service. In general, EMS is a victim of a culture that says, “I demand this service, and I demand that someone else pay for it.”

TCS is owned and operated by the Township of Upper St. Clair, the Municipality of Bethel Park, and the Township of South Park. As such, it enjoys the full support of the local governments in the communities it serves.

Still, it does not use municipal tax revenues to fund its operations. All revenue comes from subscriptions, insurance reimbursements, and user fees. All of these revenue streams have decreased. Subscription support from citizens has been eroded by the deceptively named EMS Tax that supports municipal services, not EMS. Medicare and other insurers continue to restrict the amount they pay for ambulance service and exclude more services from eligibility for reimbursement. Some insurers refuse to pay EMS providers directly for service, sending payment to the insured person instead. All too often, these people then keep the payment and refuse to pay for the EMS service, and the EMS agency has to resort to the courts to receive any payment, usually much less than the billed amount. Some people simply refuse to pay for the EMS services they received.

These are among the reasons that EMS providers nationwide are by far the lowest-paid public safety workers. Yet these extraordinary people continue to provide extraordinary service, day or night, in all weather, in spite of all hazards, whether appreciated or abused by those they serve, whether remembered or forgotten by those they’ve saved. EMS week is a small token of the appreciation that these extraordinary people are due. n Summer 2007

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Author Speaks About Battle of Iwo Jima Derek Schill, Ben Kikta, Brianna Albert Town Hall South recently invited

author James Bradley to speak at the Upper St. Clair High School Theatre.

We had the privilege of interviewing the extremely well spoken Bradley, who offered us much insight into his work and opinions about World War II, specifically the battle of Iwo Jima.

After finding three boxes of his father’s war memorabilia, particularly letters, James was inspired to learn the stories of the other men in the flag raising photograph.

Following about five years of research, interviews, and four trips to Iwo Jima, Bradley decided to write a book about those boys, one that would connect the

Left to right: Derek Schill, Brianna Albert, James Bradley, Ben Kikta, and USCHS social studies teacher Todd Flynn

“Boys fought in Iwo Jima,” said Bradley, the son of a surviving flag raiser in the famous Iwo Jima photograph. One of these boys happened to be James Bradley’s father, John Bradley, who was 19 years old when he raised the flag at Iwo Jima.

John Bradley, like most other war veterans, never spoke of his experiences.

The traumatic, but heroic, events that took place on the island were kept secret from the Bradley family until John’s death.

image of that famous flag raising to the brave veterans who took part in it. His dream of a top-selling book, however, was not initially shared by publishers. After over 20 refusals from various publishers the book was finally published, and Flags Of Our Fathers quickly rose to the top of the New York Times’ best seller list.

Flags of Our Fathers chronicles various events that took place during the prolonged Battle of Iwo Jima, and focuses particularly

on the individuals involved with the flag raising. The book has already been made into a major motion picture. Along with the first book and movie, James Bradley is the author of a second book, Flyboys, and plans to publish a third book this year, called The Imperial Cruise.

In addition to writing, Bradley launched the James Bradley Peace Foundation, which sponsors American students to be immersed in Asian culture and schooling for one year. He hopes that through his organization he can promote international awareness and inspire future peace.

Bradley believes that only “peace makes peace,” and the only way to avoid war is to fully understand cultures other than our own. n

Local Benefi t Raises Funds and Awareness The Mt. Lebanon Junior Women’s Club (MLJWC),

a civic, philanthropic, and social organization founded in 1968, held its tenth annual charity benefit “Passport on the Orient Express” this past March at the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel.

The benefit was a spectacular evening featuring casino games, an amazing silent auction, basket raffles, music, and dancing.

The major grant recipient of this year’s fundraiser was The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh. In past years, MLJWC has hosted successful events for charities benefiting women and children including Matt’s Media for Kids with Cancer, Gwen’s Girls, Kids Voice, PAAR, and the Children’s Home of Pittsburgh.

For more than a century, The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh has been committed to being the primary regional provider for children and young adults with special needs. Today, The Children’s Institute provides individualized treatment

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

programs along a broad continuum of care including inpatient and outpatient care in its Squirrel Hill facility and satellite offices, The Day School, and Project STAR. The Children’s Institute does not host an annual benefit; therefore, this event provided a significant fundraising opportunity. The MLJWC grant will support Camp Success, an innovative program that provides summer camp experiences for low-income children with special needs and their siblings.

These families struggle to find summer programs for their children because of the barriers of expense, transportation, and the exclusion of non-disabled siblings. n For more information on The Children’s Institute, visit www.amazingkids.org. For more information on the Mt. Lebanon Junior Women’s Club visit www.mljwc.com.

Summer 2007

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

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togethers, an outdoor kitchen may be the perfect place for you. A well-designed outdoor kitchen will provide an added living and entertainment area for you and your family and could also boost the resale value of your home. Whether you build your outdoor kitchen from the ground up or on an existing patio, there are limitless possibilities to how elaborate your space can be. Some outdoor kitchens include a cooking center, gleaming grill, sink with hot and cold water, modern appliances, and cabinets with ample storage space, rivaling their indoor counterparts.

Most outdoor kitchens are planned and designed with guests in mind.

This is important because it usually determines the size of the kitchen’s grill area and the space needed for dining and furniture. Just as important, the best outdoor kitchens start with a good location. Placing a barbecue area next to the house, particularly the indoor kitchen, is ideal for convenience. An outdoor kitchen should also have minimum exposure to the harsh elements. To ensure this, they are typically built with a roof or canopy providing shelter. Utilities also play an important role for an outdoor kitchen. A sink will require a water supply with proper drainage, and electricity is needed for outdoor appliances and lighting.

At the center of an outdoor kitchen is the cooking grill. Today’s high-end grills are typically expansive units featuring all the bells and whistles to make cooking on them as consistent and convenient as cooking on an indoor range or in an oven. Extra-large grilling surfaces offer tremendous cooking capabilities and multi-zoned burners allow you to cook simultaneously at different temperatures. Like an indoor kitchen, the outdoor version needs sufficient counter space for food preparation and serving. Choosing durable counter materials that are easy to clean and that hold up to the elements will save money in the long run. For interested homeowners, there are lots of options to choose from.

One thing is certain though, the backyard cookout has evolved from the days of simply slapping burgers on the grill and relaxing in a lawn chair to something that offers even more for you and your family. n Jeff Morris, of Case Handyman & Remodeling, and his team service the South Hills communities and surrounding areas, specializing in many interior and exterior renovation projects. Case HR is located at 2335 Washington Road, Fox Ridge Square in McMurray and can be reached at 724-745-9888 or 412-253-0972. (See ad on page 41.)

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A Passion for Building Joe Keith, President, Aidan Contracting, Inc. “A Passion for Building” is an

ideal that encompasses much more than simply building or remodeling a home.

While construction and renovation is by no means a nominal task, a contractor with the ability to design, build, and truly understand the service he provides as well as the responsibilities that accompany that service is a contractor who is passionate about his profession. The process of adding to or renovating your home can potentially create a life altering experience, at least temporarily. When homeowners invite a contractor into their home, it is imperative that they enjoy the comfort of knowing that the contractor embraces the responsibilities that accompany that privilege.

The single most important requirement that homeowners in affluent townships and neighborhoods demand of a contractor is quality. Achieving quality is a two-fold process. A finished product that meets and exceeds the highest of expectations is a function of both design and the implementation of that design. Not only does this ensure that a homeowner benefits in terms of a finished product as originally intended, but it further allows the homeowner to enjoy the “best-bang-for-the buck.” A significant benefit to the design-build process

is the ongoing value-engineering service provided before and during both design and construction.

While quality is, and always will remain, essential to a successful project, often lost throughout the residential industry are the equally important aspects of scheduling and service. A residential contractor with experience in the commercial industry has the ability to translate those commercial skills and procedures to their residential projects in order to maintain schedule and efficiency not only during construction, but throughout the design, selection, and closeout phases as well. Additionally, a contractor who self-performs his work as opposed to subcontracting items such as concrete, carpentry, drywall, plaster, and hardwood flooring offers complete control of a project and will “drive the schedule” while maintaining the integrity of the workmanship. These qualities enable the contractor to present a homeowner with a construction schedule prior to the project and follow through with that commitment. While self-performance of the work certainly enhances the contractor’s ability to uphold his quality and schedule obligations, it further provides the homeowners with the security of

knowing that the contractor’s direct, permanent employees are working in their home, and not subcontractors and their employees whom the contractor may not have had the opportunity to screen. This provides for a contractor who will enter your home with the utmost respect and consideration for you and your family.

The loss of a kitchen, bathroom, or a major portion of your home or property during the construction phase is disruptive. The key to making this typically uncomfortable process temporary and not life altering is the selection of a contractor who is truly passionate about the service he provides. The importance of a contractor who understands and appreciates the hardships inherent in a renovation or addition project cannot be overstated. Selecting that contractor who offers a complete turnkey service of design, scheduling, and construction minimizes the uncomfortable disruptions, making your project a pleasant experience while building a relationship that will stand the test of time. n To learn more about Aidan Contracting, visit their website at www.aidancontracting.com.

(See ad on page 40.)

Anyone Can Paint Jerry Roach Anyone can paint. Professional painters hear this quite

often, and the statement is basically correct. However, do you want just “anyone” painting the largest investment that most of us have, our homes? The truth is that generally you cannot afford not to have an experienced painting contractor take care of all of your painting needs. Tend to what you know, but with today’s changing technology and environmental concerns (mold, for example), surface preparation, types and colors of paints have become challenging, for even the most confident of homeowners. In addition, proper equipment is often required to correctly and safely paint multiple story entry ways, exterior overhangs, and the like—equipment that most of us don’t keep lying around in our garages.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

With the ever-increasing pace of today’s lifestyles, the idea of painting becomes one more household chore tending to be put on the backburner. Normal painting maintenance should be reviewed by a professional contractor every three to five years. A written proposal, along with a certificate of insurance, should be provided by the painter at no cost to you.

With spring in full bloom, you should have already evaluated your exterior and interior painting needs. Early planning is important since reputable contractors become very busy as the season arrives. n Roach Brothers Inc., located in Upper St. Clair, can be reached at 412-914-1155. (See ad on page 47.)

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Upper St. Clair School District Board of School Directors

Pledge to America’s Schoolchildren

School District News

The National School Boards Association’s

Mark G. Trombetta President 412-831-8543 2007*

David E. Bluey Vice President 412-835-6145 2009*

Barbara L. Bolas 412-833-9841 2007*

Carol B. Coliane 412-851-0784 2009*

Glenn G. Groninger 412-854-5345 2007*

Daniel A. Iracki 412-833-6882 2009*

Jeffrey W. Joyce 412-257-1704 2007*

Angela B. Petersen 412-831-7182 2007*

Pledge to America’s Schoolchildren is a nationwide, grassroots campaign designed to encourage every member of Congress to publicly show their support for America’s schoolchildren.

Specifically, members of Congress are pledging their support to the pledge’s five key goals that will increase federal funding for public Left to right: Barbara Bolas, USC school board member and NSBA president-elect, Marianne Neel, schools, make improvements Representative Tim Murphy, and Barbara Hinkle in the No Child Left Behind law, support voluntary preschool programs, and help school districts attract and retain excellent teachers.

During NSBA’s Federal Relations Network Conference in Washington, D.C. in January, school board members from all over the country met with members of Congress in a grassroots effort to get their support for public education. School board members urged Congress to improve the No Child Left Behind law to more accurately reflect how our schools are doing by using growth models to measure student achievement. They also urged Congress to give states more flexibility in assessing students with disabilities and students not proficient in English. School boards support H.R. 648, a bipartisan bill introduced by Representative Don Young (R-AK) that calls for more than 40 specific improvements to the law, and S. 348, introduced by Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), that also pushes for many meaningful improvements.

As a result of the grassroots efforts, the number of signatures on the pledge more than doubled. NSBA president-elect Barbara Bolas (an Upper St. Clair school board member), Marianne Neel of West Jefferson Hills school district, and Barbara Hinkle of Greensburg Salem school district met with Representative Tim Murphy (R-PA-18), who signed the pledge.

NSBA continues to encourage local school board members to follow up with their members of Congress who have yet to sign the pledge. It is NSBA’s goal to get all members of Congress to sign the pledge and commit to its goals. To date, nearly 170 members of Congress, representing 39 states and territories, have signed the Pledge to America’s Schoolchildren. n This pledge represents my commitment to ensure America’s schoolchildren receive the highest quality public education and make certain that my schools continue to fulfill their essential role in our communities. Through my efforts in Congress, I pledge to actively support and collaborate with my local school boards to promote excellence and equity in raising student achievement.

As a Member of Congress, I pledge to work and vote to:

William M. Sulkowski 412-221-9516 2009* *Date indicates expiration of term.

2007 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

• Improve the No Child Left Behind Act to give my school district(s) better measures for student and school performance, and the support needed to close the achievement gap.

• Help my school district(s) meet the needs of students with disabilities by supporting the funding goals of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA).

• Support school readiness programs for children entering kindergarten in my school district(s).

• Help my school district(s) to attract, train, and retain highly qualified and effective teachers.

• Help my school district(s) to provide all students with 21st century skills and knowledge, including math, science, and technology.

District Welcomes Dr. Patrick O’Toole as New Superintendent Spring usually comes in like a lion and goes out

like a lamb, but this year the Upper St. Clair School District marked the start of spring with a new superintendent, Dr. Patrick O’Toole.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree in Dr. Patrick O’Toole, Superintendent, USC elementary educaSchool District tion from Clarion University, Dr. O’Toole holds a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Pittsburgh, where he also earned his Ed.D in administration and policy studies.

Dr. O’Toole started his career in education in Sandusky, Ohio, where he taught sixth and seventh grades. After teaching for eight years, he took an educational leave to attend the University of Pittsburgh. While at Pitt, Dr. O’Toole did an internship with the Upper St. Clair School District in 1988, working with Dr. William Pope and Dr. Cathy Luke. His next

position was associate high school principal at Greenville High School in Mercer County.

From there, Dr. O’Toole went to Shenango High School in New Castle, serving as principal.

After seven years as principal at Shenango, he took a job as superintendent at Shenango Area School District for three years before accepting a position as superintendent of the South Butler School District.

As he started his new job as superintendent with USC, Dr. O’Toole said he was looking forward to the challenge of working in a district with such a fine reputation and using his experience to continue to make improvements.

He commented that he believes in establishing good working relationships and good communication with the instructional leadership in order to be able to work with them to get things done. “We should all be working toward common goals,” he stated. Dr. O’Toole also commented that teachers are a critical component of the educational system, and they need the support of administration.

“Our job is about kids,” said Dr. O’Toole.

“We’re in the kid business.” He explained that if he’s having a bad day all he has to do is get out

and see the kids and the learning that is taking place to feel better.

Dr. O’Toole said that the job of superintendent is as much financial as academic, and he expects to face challenges with Act 1 and finding creative ways to balance the budget within the parameters of the legislation.

While Dr. O’Toole was one of nine children, he and his wife, Tracey, have one child, Patrick Kiernan, age three. He said Tracey, who is a chemistry teacher at Shenango Valley High School, is excited about the move to USC, even though relocating could be difficult. “It’s a good thing we’re in same profession,” Dr. O’Toole remarked, realizing that she understands what the job will require.

Right now, Dr. O’Toole’s biggest hobby is his son. They are both big baseball fans, and love going to Pirate games.

Dr. O’Toole revealed that once he started school, he never missed a day in grades one through 12. While he admits that he’s been blessed with good health, he said that his attendance record revealed to him that he liked school—and he continues to like it to this day! n

Lou Angelo— a Winning Assistant Principal If you had to describe Upper St. Clair High

School’s assistant principal Lou Angelo in one word, “champion” would fit the bill.

Lou grew up in Baldwin, graduating from Baldwin High School in 1990. A serious competitor in javelin, after graduation Lou went to the University of Illinois, a school with one of the top javelin coaches in the country. While at Illinois he won a Big 10 championship and set a Big 10 record. In the summer of 1993, when Lou was in Finland training and competing, he found out his coach decided to accept a job at Florida State University.

Lou explained that he always wanted to go to school at Florida State, so he called his parents and asked them to find out what he needed to do to transfer there. In addition to finishing his bachelor’s degree in English education at FSU, he also won an ACC championship and was named an All-American in 1994. Lou said he still holds the school record in javelin—233 feet, ten inches.

Following graduation from FSU in 1995, Lou continued training in javelin. He qualified for the 1996 Olympic trials, but an injury held him out. After a rotator cuff injury permanently sidelined him in 1998, Lou moved back to Pennsylvania.

Lou Angelo, USCHS assistant principal

While looking for a job that summer, Lou noticed an ad for an English tutor in Upper St. Clair. He asked Charlie McKinney (then a science teacher and coach at Baldwin, now a varsity football coach at USC) if he knew anything about the ad, and Charlie asked if Lou would be interested in coaching. Lou was hired by the District as a commons aide, and as a coach for football, and track and field.

The next year he was hired as a teacher in the English department.

His five years of teaching at USC were filled with memorable events. One of the highlights was coaching 2003 PIAA shot putt champion

Rob Rankin. Another highlight was earning his master’s degree in educational administration from Duquesne. But perhaps the most lifechanging event during that time was meeting and marrying his wife, Whitney.

Lou said he and Whitney kept their relationship very quiet while they were dating, but it was fun working in the same building. Describing his wife as “one of the greatest women I’ve ever met,” Lou said they enjoy spending time reading, talking, and taking walks together.

Lou took a job with the Baldwin-Whitehall School District when a position as athletic director opened up, working there for “two years and one fall sports season.” Calling it a “great experience,” Lou said it meant a lot to him to be able to give back to the community where he grew up.

Now back at Upper St. Clair, Lou said it was a wonderful opportunity to return to a place committed to achieving greatness. “We’ve had some really great leaders,” he commented, adding that USC leaders place a lot of emphasis on relationships with people.

Stating that he’s had great leaders in his life—including his parents, both educators— Lou commented, “I’ve been very blessed.” n

Summer 2007

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MESH

Strategic Planning Session

Dr. John Bornyas, Director of Programming, Operations, and Middle Level Education

Community Resource Guide Supplementing multicultural cur-

Members of MESH, left to right, front row: Angela Petersen, Arti Shah, Rebecca Smith, Shellie Yeung, Shree Kumar, and Prabha Sankaranarayan; back row: Beth Hasco, Amy Billerbeck, Frances Hipps, Diana Johnson, Carol Murray, Barbara Peresie, and Dr. John Bornyas.

On Saturday, February 10, 2007, members of MESH (Multicul-

tural Education for Social Harmony) met for the entire day to develop a strategic plan for the organization. At the group’s November 2006 meeting, the MESH steering committee determined a need to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for the organization. Action plans were developed in three areas: curriculum and community resources, community activities, and School District organization and operations.

MESH is a group of Upper St. Clair families, community members, and School District employees who work together on a voluntary basis to facilitate social harmony in our schools and community. The inspiration for MESH grew from discussions between members of FAAD (Families of African American Descent) and School District officials, mainly Dr. William A. Pope, Superintendent of USC Schools from1989-2003.

In September 1996, the name MESH was adopted, and a mission statement and action plan were established. A MESH steering committee composed of parents, community members, and School District employees was established in January 1997. n

riculum through inclusion of guests in the classroom, school assemblies, and extra curricular activities representative of a diverse community continues to be an initiative of MESH, a school and community group in Upper St. Clair.

MESH understands that diversity powers innovation. If you have experiences that demonstrate how diversity results in growth and innovation, and would like to share those experiences with USC students, we need your expertise.

Contact MESH to be part of the resource guide for multicultural classroom presentations and other MESH activities in the Upper St. Clair School District. n

High School Ethics Committee Off to a Productive Start Jace Palmer, M.Ed., M.P.M., Assistant High School Principal The information age and the rise of the

Internet for both personal and educational use have required schools to adjust their response to an ever-increasing problem: cheating. Most adults probably remember peers from their youth copying homework in homeroom, seeing other students’ wandering eyes during tests, or even doing some of these things themselves! Today’s students are faced with an overwhelming amount of information, and the available technology makes instant access to data and research material a potential problem for educators.

Quite frankly, the temptation to “pass off” plagiarized assignments and other homework as “original” work is an obstacle that many kids face in today’s society.

In response to these challenges, the Upper St. Clair High School administration has embarked on a year-long project in an attempt to develop a student honor code which primarily addresses issues 50

of academic integrity such as cheating, plagiarism, and other issues of dishonesty in school. Should anyone question the validity of such an endeavor, consider the following data collected by Duke University’s Center for Academic Integrity.

• Over 70% of the 18,000 students surveyed at the high school level have admitted they engaged in serious cheating (60% admitted to plagiarism).

• Most of these students do not see anything wrong with cheating.

• Over 50% of these students have plagiarized work they researched online.

During fall 2006, high school principal Dr. Michael Ghilani began the process of envisioning a response to dealing with some of these realities within the culture of contemporary high schools. As a result, an Ethics Committee was formed. To date, the committee has met several times. The

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

ultimate goal is to produce an honor code for the high school that becomes an integral part of the daily routine for the students, faculty, and administration. The committee is composed of students, teachers, counselors, principals, and current parents of high school students. So far, progress has been both steady and thought-provoking.

Once the honor code is in place, Upper St. Clair High School will be one of the select few public high schools to have such a written code in place. Such initiatives have traditionally been reserved for private schools and institutions of higher education.

One positive endeavor will be a site visit from a consultant with the Center for Academic Integrity. (This organization’s website is www.academicintegrity.org.) Ultimately, our initiatives will go a long way toward helping our students to do the right thing and make the right choice, even when nobody is looking. n

Did You Know?

Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did

Pictured, left to right, are Rachel Batchelor (guest conductor and ’95 USCHS graduate), and USC students Santino Tomasetti, Emily Summers, Daniel Atman, Lisa Moore, Brian Willson, Sarah Nadler, Joey Kennedy, and Luke Steinhauer.

PJAS Science Fair Congratulations to the USC students who competed at the PJAS Science Fair competition on Saturday, February 3. Receiving second place awards were Chrissy Lee and Peter Wang. Receiving first place awards and moving on to the state competition were Kevin Goodlet, Varun Viswanathan, and Jessica Frey. Special congratulations to Jessica Frey for also receiving sponsor awards from the American Chemical Society and Westinghouse Corporation Women Engineers.

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USC Alum Directs Students USC students participated in the Junior High District Chorus Festival at Trinity High School in February.

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Academic World Quest Team Congratulations to the USCHS team for finishing first in the Academic World Quest competition sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh. In March, team members Tyler Lehman, Neha Mehta, Andrew Savinov, and Shawn Summers represented the region at the national competition in Washington, D.C. Designing Women Congratulations to Ashley Soriano and Carolyn Valeo as one of the top ten webpage design teams in Pennsylvania. They attended the Future Business Leaders of America state competition at Hershey in March.

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Rosemary Richardson instructs her kindergarten class.

Streams’ Richardson Honored The Teacher Excellence Center recently announced that Streams kindergarten teacher Rosemary Richardson was named one of the top 100 teachers to be honored at its fourth annual Celebration of Teaching. On Thursday, April 19 at the Carnegie Music Hall, the 100 honorees were recognized and the top seven teachers were announced as Teachers of Excellence. n

2006-07 USCHS Winter Sports Results Left to right: Jessica Frey, Anna Rosati, Maya Craig, and Jillian Vlah

Four Finalists in Shakespeare Competition Four USC students, along with 42 other area students from over 1000 participants, were honored as finalists in the Shakespeare Scene and Monologue Competition this past February. Jessica Frey performed as Macbeth from Macbeth, and Anna Rosati, Maya Craig, and Jillian Vlah performed as the three witches from Macbeth.

Sport

Wins

Losses

Boys’ Basketball 14 11 Girls’ Basketball 22 5 Wrestling 5 7 Boys’ Swimming/Diving 3 8 Girls’ Swimming/Diving 5 6 Diving: Amanda Lohman, PIAA-fourth place, WPIAL-first place Rifle 7 7 Ice Hockey 14 6 Summer 2007

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Athletes Taking Action Athletes helping athletes make good decisions

Athletes Taking Action members (left to right) Aly Walker, Brittany Howie, Pat Gannon, Claire Aloe, Rocky Cersosimo, and Adam Chrissis

On February 2, 2007, 50 student-athletes at Upper St. Clair

High School took part in an all day workshop designed to train them as leaders and to serve as mentors to younger student-athletes.

The instruction was conducted by Ron and Kathy Coder, who have both implemented a similar program at the University of Pittsburgh.

Several current Pitt athletes participated in the day-long training and assisted in break-out sessions with the high school athletes.

The workshop was sponsored by Athletes Taking Action, which is coordinated by Amy Podobnik, the parent of a high school athlete, and Jerry Malarkey, Upper St. Clair High School baseball coach and guidance counselor. The underlying philosophy of Athletes Taking Action (ATA) is that successful student-athletes manage to balance the demands of academics and sports by making choices that are positive and productive. The choices they make in their academic, athletic, and personal lives make it possible for them to achieve at high levels in all areas of their lives; therefore they are in a position to help younger student-athletes make a smoother transition to Upper St. Clair High School.

Podobnik and Malarkey met with the Coders, and shared the students’ ideas about a mentoring program. The Coders offered to present a program to train student-athletes how to develop skills needed to be effective mentors and leaders. Fifty students volunteered to take part in the training, which challenged the athletes to be very intentional about the choices they make on a daily basis.

David Abdul, a University of Pittsburgh field goal kicker, understands what happens when you make a series of bad choices.

Abdul commanded the attention of everyone in the room by sharing openly and honestly what he experienced one night when he made a series of bad choices that started with the decision to drink while underage and ended with the death of a friend.

When asked, “How did this training impact you?” Rocky Cersosimo, an 11th-grade hockey player responded, “Making decisions as a teen is generally never easy, and choosing to always do what is right can be overwhelming at times. It seems to me that it takes a certain amount of courage and discipline to make good choices, especially when it comes to being an athlete. Athletes Taking Action has also helped me realize the impact my choices can have on others. The training I just completed will help me mentor younger athletes to make them feel accepted and comfortable in

Students listen to presenters during the day-long workshop

Workshop participants

A group of parents initially met to discuss concerns they had about choices being made by young people in the community. Ideas were discussed, and it was decided that the missing piece was input from students. A small group of 12 student-athletes was invited to attend a meeting and to share their ideas on how to “step up” and make a difference. The students suggested a mentoring program in which older athletes would be paired with younger athletes to serve as contact persons who could be consulted regarding questions pertaining to student-athletes at the high school.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

their sport, in their school, and in many social situations. Life is all about choices; I hope we can help each other make good ones.”

Claire Aloe, a field hockey player, responded, “As an athlete and high school senior, I am proud to be a member of ATA. Upper St. Clair is fortunate to have superb athletic programs, and through ATA USC can further its athletic and student development. ATA represents what younger student-athletes need—the guidance and support of determined upper class teammates.”

The next step will be to match mentors with prospective student-athletes in eighth and ninth grades. The mentors will be responsible for initiating contact with younger athletes through phone calls to ask how things are going and to answer questions the students may have about the high school. In the fall, athletes who took part in the training will be asked to recruit teammates to become mentors.

Young people can make a difference in their community and among their peers. Athletes Taking Action is an attempt to assist Panther student-athletes who want to make positive contributions to Upper St. Clair and who want to influence the decisions of younger student-athletes by their own positive leadership roles. n

Notes from Fort Couch A map of the Lewis and Clark expedition

iser

Daffodil Days fundra

• In the Communication Arts classes, the seventh graders “dressed for success” as they delivered a formal informative speech on a topic of their choice. The criteria for their speech topic included a subject they could speak about for three to five minutes, a topic they could research from at least five different sources, and a topic that interested them.

For many of them, the opportunity was their first foray into formal public speaking. Hats off to the seventh graders! They did a great job with ethos, pathos, and logos.

• Fort Couch was the highest placing middle school in the region’s Stock Market Game. Team members Ryan Miller, Matt Snyder, Troy Schoeppner, and Ben Zhang were “given” $100,000 to invest and they earned the most money!

• Thespians Michele Mellick, Daniel Ryave, Maya Chandrasekaran, Vanessa Murray, Nathaniel Blecher, Colin Burns, and Brent Heard participated in the annual Shakespeare Monologue and Scene Contest held at the O’Reilly Theater on February 8.

• At the annual Math Counts competition held at the University of Pittsburgh on Saturday, February 10, two Fort Couch students placed in the top ten—Akhil Venkatesh and Avisha Shah. The team, coached by Susan Fleckenstein, consisted of Jessica Cohen (captain), Avisha Shah, Rachel Szucs, Jason Wassel, Akhil Venkatesh, and Vijay Viswanathan.

• They couldn’t make it to New Orleans, but the French Club celebrated Mardi Gras by making crêpes, while the seventh-grade French classes made Mardi Gras masks and the eighth-grade French classes made French-themed Mardi Gras floats.

• Fort Couch offered to its students the Pennsylvania Math League Contest on Tuesday February 27. The contest consisted of 40 multiple choice questions, with a separate contest for seventh and eighth graders.

• German students from Fort Couch participated in the German Day Competition held on March 8 at Washington and Jefferson College. They presented a song called Marmor, Stein und Eisen (Marble, Stone and Iron), and created traditional German Lebkuchenherzen (gingerbread hearts).

• The students in the Fort Couch Middle School Gifted Program organized the Daffodil Days fundraiser benefiting the American Cancer Society, raising over $800 selling daffodils and stuffed bears! Isabelle Abrams, Greg Bennett, Michael Boyas, Adam Bussey, Michelle Hoch, Stephanie Ross, Rachel Szucs, Michaela Staats, Vijay Viswanathan, Vinay Viswanathan, Sterling Cahn, Suzanna Zak, Jessica Cohen, Avisha Shah, Jason Wassel, and Vijay Venkatesan delivered the daffodils and bears on March 21, the first day of spring.

• The eighth grade IB team did an interdisciplinary unit with Lewis and Clark and the novel Streams to the River, River to the Sea. The students worked in groups and traveled the path that the Corps of Discovery took to the Pacific Ocean, completing various tasks along the way. n

Summer 2007

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New Things are Happening at Boyce Middle School Library Ginny Husak, MLIS, Boyce Library Media Specialist

As the new librarian at Boyce Middle School, I may be a

new face at Boyce, but I am not new to Upper St. Clair. I have been a teacher in the District since 1990, with most of my time spent teaching third grade at Streams Elementary. This summer, I finished a master’s degree in library and information sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. I am excited to tell you about some new things that are going on at the Boyce library.

In the fall, we welcomed author Margaret Peterson Haddix.

Thanks to the generous support of the PTA, we were able to get such a well-known author. She is best known for her “Shadow Children Series” that include seven titles beginning with Among the Hidden and ending with Among the Free. When speaking to small groups of fifth and sixth graders, she shared with the children how she gets ideas for her books. She made quite an impact, because her books continue to fly off the shelves!

One new activity that is being offered through the library this year is Book Club. Book Club meets once a week during Pride Time. We read and talk about selected books. So far we have read, Among the Hidden, The Great Gilly Hopkins, and The Face on the Milk Carton. It’s a great way to relax at the end of the day, enjoy discussing a book together, and get to know new people. We are now up to 80 members and always welcome new participants.

Another new program that is motivating readers is Reading Counts. Reading Counts is a program offered by Scholastic Books where students take ten-point quizzes on the computer after reading a book. They receive small prizes based on the number of points they accumulate. The more they read, the better the prizes! It has been a great success so far, and I look forward to adding more to the program next year.

To celebrate “Read Across America Day” on March 2, we held the Academy Awards of Books. Students nominated and then voted for books in various categories. We rolled out the red carpet, and winners were announced in style at a school-wide assembly.

We also held a parent and child book club called “Bond with Books” in April, and we’ll finish the year with a school-wide “Battle of the Books.”

There’s always something exciting going on at Boyce’s library for our students to enjoy and take part in! n

Eisenhower Elementary Bull’s-eye!

A New Addition The winter break was an exciting and busy time for Eisenhower principal Mark Miller. He, his wife, Rachel, and their sons, Sam and Nate, welcomed Ben to their family on December 28.

Nate, Ben, and

Parents at Eisenhower are being encouraged to take an active role in their children’s education by asking them each day what their learning targets were. The students should be able to tell their parents exactly what they learned in each subject. Since Eisenhower began the initiative to clearly define their learning goals before, during, and after every lesson, they’re seeing student learning on the rise.

Sam Miller

00th Day Celebration The 100th Day of School celebration was a huge success thanks to the hard work of Eisenhower parent Chrissy Sileo and the PTA. After a couple of school cancellations due to weather, the celebration finally took place on Thursday, February 8. In keeping with the futuristic theme, the children were asked to dress as if it were the year 2107. Also in keeping with the theme, activities throughout the day were in intervals of 100. Prizes were randomly drawn and given away to students every 100 minutes.

5

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

Quality time with dad at Reading Night

Iceberg and fans at Reading Night with Dad

Reading Night with Dad Eisenhower’s Reading Night with Dad on February 23 had something for everyone—from sports, to mystery, to comedy.

Judging by all the smiling faces, the event was a huge success! n

Spanish Pen Pals at Baker Bobbi Jo Leskovich, Baker Spanish Teacher While on sabbatical in , I had the

opportunity to visit Colegio Publico, Manuel Alveriz Iglesias, an elementary school in Salinas, Spain. That first visit initiated a pen pal relationship between our two school districts that continues today.

Manuel Alveriz Iglesias is a small public school that has approximately 150 students from grades one through six. When this correspondence began ten years ago, I was teaching at Fort Couch Middle School where my eighth grade students wrote to a sixth grade class. In the fall of 1998, the FLES program began in the elementary schools and I elected to transfer to Baker. This created the perfect opportunity to expand the pen pal program to grades two, three, and four.

This year, there are four classes from Baker that have pen pals: second grade—Pam Dillie and Kristy De Nee’s classes; third grade—Stacey Templeton’s class; and fourth grade—Pam Petrarca’s class.

We send letters and small gifts to our Spanish pen pals about three times during the school year. My students always get excited when they see me carrying a box to Spanish class because that signifies their Spanish pen pal letters have finally arrived all the

Third grade students in Salinas, Spain

way from Spain.

The Baker PTA plays a very important role in this endeavor due their generous donations. Their continued contributions help make this program a big success. n

Summer 2007

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Pawprints A USC PTA Council Highlight of Our Schools The USC PTA Council is an important link between the

local PTAs and the district, regional, state, and national PTAs. USC PTA Council works to support and speak on 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.

Schill Receives Honorary Life Achievement Award Brian Schill was recently honored for his outstanding dedication and service to our PTAs and the children of our District.

Brian received the Honorary State PTA Life Achievement Award from the USC PTA Council at February’s meeting.

Left to right: PTA council advisor Suzanne Kennedy, award recipient Brian Schill, and Carol Murray, PTA council president

Reflections

to right) are Representing Fort Couch (left reography), Michele Mellick (dance cho Taylor Manalo Marissa Bowman (literature), o (visual arts); rejk Ond ri Sha and re), ratu (lite Parkinson missing from photo is Christie (visual arts).

Representing Streams Elem entary (left to right) are Paige Keith (photograp Ryan Bentley (musical com hy), and Isabel Tarcson (musica position), l composition).

56

Reflections is the PTA’s arts recognition and achievement program. In existence for over 30 years, this year over 60,000 children participated in this national program, with Upper St. Clair students submitting over 120 entries. The purpose of Reflections is to encourage creativity, with this year’s theme designated as “My Favorite Place.”

Students interpret the theme in any way they feel appropriate and submit entries in any of the following arts areas: visual arts, literature, photography, and musical compositions plus dance choreography and video production for six through 12th graders. In addition, there are specified categories in visual arts and photography for special needs students.

The artwork is judged on artistic ability, creativity, and interpretation of the theme, and judges are local professionals in their fields. All entrants were honored at each school’s local art show. Winners from each school’s local PTA unit went on to compete at the council, then district, levels. From there, winners go to states and, finally, nationals!

Reflections deadlines are usually in October, so start thinking about next year’s theme “I Can Make a Difference.” The students pictured represented USC at state level competition.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

Representing Baker Elementary (left to right) are Meghan Haverlack (visual arts) and Alex Wilkinson (photography).

Representing Eisenhower is Rachel Diffendal (literature).

right) are Representing USCHS (left to y) Matt Boyas (photograph position). and Peter Rosati (musical com

Odyssey of the Mind

Kathleen Himler, USC OM Program Coordinator The following three teams qualified for advancement to the OM State Tournament held in Altoona on April 14: Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Tournament second place, Division III, for the USCHS team of Lucas Wilson, Adeeb Yunus, David Bucholtz, Johnny Simons, Raymond Van Cleve, Noah Simmons, and Chris Meenan, coached by Ed Wilson; Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Tournament first place, Division I, the Boyce Middle School team of Nikhil Narayanan, Aditya Thakur, Brenna Carse, Joshua Kane, Genny Tankosich, Rishabh Kewalramani, and Shubham Kokkula, coached by Beckie Kane and Karen East; and Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Tournament first place, Division II, the Boyce Middle School team of Sharon Gao, Michael Hartman, Garrett Himler, Andrew Belack, Katherine Kepler, Jarrod Browne, and Michele Scherf, coached by Diane Belack and Kathleen Himler.

Boyce Division I team members (left to right) are Nikhil Narayanan, Aditya Thakur, Brenna Carse, Joshua Kane, Genny Tankosich, Rishabh Kewalramani, and Shubham Kokkula (front and center); not pictured are Beckie Kane and Karen East (coaches).

Odyssey of the Mind is a program that encourages our

young people to be creative. The participants engage in openended challenges to find solutions. Giving a quick, easy, obvious answer may be the way they excel elsewhere, but in OM, finding an original, creative solution is the goal.

This school year, USC had 94 young people, grades K-12, participate in this extracurricular program. With teams consisting of no more than seven team members plus at least one adult coach, our USC teams excelled once again!

The highlights of the OM season so far have been the participation of 12 of our teams in the Spontaneous Fun Day Skills Tournament on Saturday, February 17, and the participation of 13 USC teams in the Southwest Pennsylvania Regional Tournament held on Saturday, March 3.

At Spontaneous Fun Day, in Division III, one of USC’s high school teams—Riyana Bilimoria, Bridget Hubbard, Abby Massaro, Molly Patterson, and Rachael Simmons, coached by Reid Simmons and Gwen Patterson—took second place.

USCHS OM team members (left to right) are Lucas Wilson, Adeeb Yunus, David Bucholtz, Johnny Simons, Raymond Van Cleve, Noah Simmons, Ed Wilson (coach), and Chris Meenan (kneeling).

Boyce Division II team members (left to right) are Sharon Gao, Michael Hartman, Garrett Himler, Andrew Belack, Katherine Kepler, Jarrod Browne, and Michele Scherf; not pictured are Diane Belack and Kathleen Himler (coaches).

Teams that place first or second in the state tournament will be invited to participate in the 28th OM Worlds Finals Tournament.

This year it will be held in East Lansing, Michigan, on May 23-26.

Participants from around the world will compete for the coveted OM Worlds championship. While the competition is fierce, there is also a feeling of camaraderie among competitors. Here, teams have the chance to learn about other cultures through a common goal—to be as creative as they can!

The USC OM board consists of eight members who oversee the administration of the program from sign-ups in the fall through Community Day in the spring. A special thanks is extended to the USC Recreation Department and the USC School District for accommodating the OM teams with the use of meeting rooms and facilities throughout the season.

OM is available to all USC families. If you are interested in finding out how your child can join next school year, look for the sign-up forms that circulate through the schools in September, or email Kathleen Himler, USC OM program coordinator, at khimler@yahoo.com. n

Summer 2007

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

57

Upper St. Clair High School Halls Of Fame Mission Statement: To identify and to honor those who have distinguished themselves in academics, the arts, or athletics at the high school, collegiate, or professional level and who, in so doing, have contributed to the pride and prestige of Upper St. Clair High School.

A former student must meet the following criteria to be considered for any of the three Halls of Fame. The individual must be

a graduate of Upper St. Clair High School and must be away from the high school for at least five years. The individual must have made a positive contribution during high school as well as significant achievements after leaving USCHS. Students are nominated by members of the high school staff, an Upper St. Clair alumnus, or the Upper St. Clair community.

Administrative staff, teachers, and coaches are also eligible. Each Hall of Fame committee will include representatives from the high school staff, alumni, and the community. Nominees must earn a 75% vote of a quorum of the committee.

During and after high school, the student could have excelled in one or more of the following: Arts • School and Local Awards • District and Regional Awards • • State and National Recognition • Contributions in the Field • • Post Graduate Recognition • Collegiate Recognition • • Professional Accomplishments • • School Service and/or Leadership in Field • • Benefactor of the Arts • Contributions to Society • • Excellent Citizenship •

Athletics Academics • Academic Honors • National Merit Recognition • • National Honor Society • Valedictorian • • Student of the Year • Scholarship Awards • • School Service and/or Leadership • • Post Graduate Recognition • Collegiate Recognition • • Publication of Work • Professional Accomplishments • • Contributions to Society • Excellent Citizenship •

2007 Halls of Fame Inductee Nomination Nominee’s Name: ________________________________ ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­My nominee should be honored in the Upper St. Clair High School Halls of Fame because: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ (include a separate sheet, if necessary)

All Nominations Due May 31, 2007.

Please submit your name, address, and phone number along with your completed nomination to: Linda Moses Assistant Principal’s Office Halls of Fame Committee Upper St. Clair High School 1825 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 58

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

• High School Awards and Records • • WPIAL or PIAA Champion • Post Season Recognition • • National Recognition • Multiple Sport Consideration • • Post Graduate Recognition • • Collegiate Accomplishments • • Professional Accomplishments • • Leadership Accomplishments • • Other Hall of Fame Honors • Media Recognition • • Excellent Citizenship •

Meet the Teacher

What a Team!

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college, her parents encouraged her to go to school for something other than teaching!

Ginny said the staff and administration at Eisenhower are a true team, which makes the school a special place to be. She commented, “It makes you want to go to work in the morning.”

Combining a teacher’s duties with her other jobs as a wife and mother doesn’t leave a lot of free time, but when she’s off Ginny said she enjoys walking her dogs at Arrowhead Trail at Peterswood Park and spending time with her family. She also likes reading and on weekends will find time to cook “now and then.”

Keep reading to learn more about Ginny Stempkowski.

Ginny Stempkowski

In this issue of TODAY we feature

Ginny Stempkowski, a fourth level teacher at Eisenhower Elementary. In addition to teaching in the District, Ginny and her family are proud to call Upper St. Clair home. She and her husband, Lou, have two daughters: Lizzie, a sophomore at the high school; and Emily, a sophomore at Penn State, main campus. Emily is following in her mother’s footsteps and majoring in elementary education.

The path Ginny took to become a teacher isn’t the one most people take, but she said, “It worked for me.” After her children were born, Ginny made the decision to stay at home. But when Lizzie went to first grade, she decided to look for a job. She went to work part-time as a teacher’s aide at Streams Elementary, and found that she loved working with kids. During her third year of working as a teacher’s aide and after deciding she wanted to do more, Ginny went back to night school at the University of Pittsburgh to earn enough credits for Pitt’s certificate program. In fall 2000 she went back to school full time to earn her teaching certificate.

While it took some time, Ginny’s decision to become a teacher isn’t that surprising. The youngest of five children, Ginny’s three older sisters all became teachers. When Ginny was heading off to

Name: Ginny Stempkowski School and subject area: Eisenhower, fourth level.

Education: BA in journalism, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; teaching certificate, University of Pittsburgh.

Favorite subject when she was in school: English, followed by German.

(Ginny minored in German in college and studied in Austria during her senior year).

Least favorite subject: High school chemistry. “It was the subject that caused me the most trauma!”

Why she became a teacher: “I loved working with kids. Even when I was a student at IUP, most of my free time was spent around children—tutoring them in reading or working with them in the church nursery.”

What people might be surprised to know about her: Ginny truly lives her motto that it’s never too late to learn something.

When she was 40, she decided she was going to learn to ride a bike. Because of her willingness to try something new, she is now able to join her husband for bike rides on Arrowhead Trail at Peterswood Park. n

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Jump Rope for Heart The gym was jumping at Baker Elementary as students

raised money for and awareness about heart disease during Jump Rope for Heart. In addition to having fun, students were able to learn various jump-rope skills including double bounce, single bounce, single side wings (hands together, swing rope from side to side), heel exchange, toe exchange, jogging step, cross to straddle, skier (jump side to side like skiing), side straddle, jumping, speed jumping, arm crosses, helicopter, and jumping to music.

Improve your heart health like the students at Baker and grab a jump rope. The students might even offer you help with your technique! n

Jump Rope for Heart participants

Streams School at a Glance–Spring 2007 Kindergarten students: • Celebrated the 100th day of school with their fourth grade buddies, counting many items, writing stories, and drawing pictures.

• Learned about our country, flag, and presidents.

• Studied the senses in the Asset Science Unit.

First level: • Studied weather and reported observations during afternoon announcements.

• Visited the USC Township Library for a tour to see what resources are available.

• Celebrated the 101st day with centers that focused on place value of 100.

Second level: • Used science notebooks to record data from experiments of the balancing and weighing unit in Asset Science.

• Learned new math skills for addition and subtraction, with and without regrouping.

• Prepared fairy tale character theater presentations in PYP classes.

Third level: • Celebrated Continent Day, with parent volunteers making presentations to the students about a specific country.

• Held a Continent Day food festival where students sampled foods from other countries.

• Did lots of jumping during “Jump Rope for Heart,” raising money for the American Heart Association, while gaining a better understanding of how the body works as part of the Asset Science Unit on the human body.

In special subjects, students in Guidance: • Participated in “Don’t Stress the Test” week with lessons and activities designed to help students and families with test-taking strategies and stress-coping skills.

• Continued to work actively toward completing the Caring Starfish, as part of the “We Care” program. A fishing net in the school’s hall displayed the students’ Caring Starfish.

Physical Education: • Maneuvered through an obstacle course, which allowed students to practice agility skills.

Music: • Began fourth level chorus rehearsals for the spring musical Borders to Bridges.

• Fourth level studied jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong.

• Third level learned about instrument families and performed in canon.

• Second level studied Peter Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake.

• First level made “golliwogs,” while discussing Claude Debussy and his composition Golliwog’s Cake Walk.

Art: • Completed medieval castles, arctic landscapes, weaving and sewing, and volcano models, along with many other projects for the students’ final portfolios.

• Displayed students’ works at Streams, the School District’s Central Office, and the Township Library Children’s Department for all to enjoy.

Spanish: • Continued to build students’ conversational language skills, while studying colors, penguins, and the human body, and used songs, games, and projects.

Library: • Utilized Power Library and OPAC to find materials for research projects.

• Read books from various genres. n

Fourth level: • Designed and created dams as a culminating project for the land and water unit in Asset Science.

• Conducted research and presentations to the school community as part of PYP Inquiry Exhibition projects.

• Tackled more challenging children’s literature and made great strides into academic independence, preparing for the transition to Boyce Middle School.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

Obstacle course used in physical education classes

Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend John Bik, USCHS junior

Left to right, front row are Chelsea Ciolli, Brittany Sortino, Rachel Henderson, Lisa Rigano, Danielle Amelio, Jennifer Pamplin, and Molly Patterson; back row are Erica Goldblatt, Colleen Campbell, Sally Gerwel, Rachael Hewitt, Liz Henry, Alise Connelly, and Kristin Rhoa; missing from photo is Emily Mahla.

The Upper St. Clair Lady Panthers are

proud to call Boyce Field their new home. After spending the last few years sharing time at the Township’s Municipal field, the high school softball team will have a brand new field to call their own. Last fall, after the USC school board approved the move and renovation, the former baseball field at Boyce was converted to a stateof-the-art softball field. Future plans for the field include new dugouts, batting cages, and a scoreboard. Once completed, this facility will be one of the nicest softball fields in Western Pennsylvania.

The Lady Panthers will not be the only team playing at this facility, as it will also be enjoyed

by the USC youth softball recreation and middle school softball teams. The high school team is excited to start the 2007 season and play host to the many visiting schools. The Panthers marked the opening of the new facility with a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 26. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Panthers’ first game on the field was against the Carlynton Cougars.

The team, coaches, and boosters thank the USC school board and school administrators for their support of this project. The Lady Panthers are eager to show off their new “diamond.” As they say, diamonds truly are a girl’s best friend! n

Dance, Dance, Dance

Congratulations to senior co-captains

Jillian Godla, Kaitlynn Kopach, and Katherine Roarty; seniors Marissa Day, Laura Morgan, Lauren Roach, and Ashley Rodrigo; juniors Patty Meegan, Kristen Momyer, and Rachel Reilly; sophomores Alivia Kandabarow, Kayleigh O’Connor, and Ashley Polydor; and freshman Jillian Londino—the 14 members of the Upper St. Clair High School Dance Team who’ve wrapped up an actionpacked, successful year!

Immediately after tryouts in spring 2006, dance team members began planning numerous fundraisers, seeking sponsors, and intensely practicing and perfecting their dance routine for a summer competition. In addition, they danced in the parade and manned a food booth at USC Community Day, and held car washes throughout the summer to help fund the year’s activities. In July, a week of dance

team camp and competition was held at Slippery Rock University, where dance members wowed the judges and qualified for the Universal Dance Association’s national competition at Walt Disney World in February.

After the July competition, the team returned to USC and held a dance clinic at the high school for younger dancers.

Dance team members persevered, along with their coaches Joyce Vance and Beth Va n c e Wa n t j e , through several months of dance choreography, countless hours of practice, and performances at school and at basketball games in preparation for the national competition at Walt Disney World. USC’s team placed 17th out of more than 60 teams from all over the United States, performing their jazz-style dance to “Pleasantly Blue.” n

Summer 2007

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6

USC Summer School Program 2007 Application forms available at all school buildings beginning May 1, 2007 Back-To-School Reading Camp (Grades K-1) Students who have completed kindergarten or first grade may enroll in a special workshop designed to help compensate for regression that may take place during the summer months of play and relaxation. Phonemic awareness and phonics skills will be emphasized and some time will be devoted to story comprehension.

Location: Eisenhower Elementary School Dates: August 6–10 Hours: 8:30-10 a.m. (exiting kindergarten)

10:15-11:45 a.m. (exiting grade 1) Fee: $55 Elementary Math Lab (Grades 1-4) This lab is for students who are experiencing difficulty with mathematics. Manipulatives, learning games, and individual practice will be a part of this lab.

Location: Eisenhower Elementary School Dates: June 25–July 13 (no class July 4) Hours: 8:30-10 a.m. (exiting grades 3, 4)

10:15-11:45 a.m. (exiting grades 1, 2) Fee: $125

$10 discount if registered by May 25.

Elementary Reading Lab (Grades 1-4) This lab is for students who are experiencing difficulty with reading. Each child will experience small group instruction designed to meet individual learning needs. Learning games and independent practice will also be a part of this lab.

Location: Eisenhower Elementary School Dates: June 25–July 13 (no class July 4) Hours: 8:30-10 a.m. (exiting grades 1, 2)

10:15-11:45 a.m. (exiting grades 3, 4) Fee: $125

If taking both Reading and Math Lab,

fee is $235 per child.

$10 discount if registered by May 25.

Links to Learning through Mathematics (Grades 5-8) This program is for middle school students who need to improve their skills in mathematics.

The instruction will focus on the state standards and concentrate on the needs of each student.

Location: USC High School Dates: June 25–July 13 (no class July 4) Hours: 8:30-10 a.m. (exiting grades 7, 8)

10:15-11:45 a.m. (exiting grades 5, 6) Fee: $125 Links to Learning through Reading (Grades 5-8) This program is for middle school students who need to improve their skills in reading. The instruction will focus on the state standards and concentrate on the needs of each student.

Location: USC High School Dates: June 25–July 13 (no class July 4) Hours: 8:30-10 a.m. (exiting grades 5, 6)

10:15-11:45 a.m. (exiting grades 7, 8) Fee: $125 High School English and Math (Grades 9-12) Classes in English and mathematics will be held for students who need to repeat coursework.

Enrollment will be through the Guidance Office at the high school.

Location: Upper St. Clair High School Dates: June 25–August 3 (no class July 4) Hours: 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Fee: $100 per semester (three weeks)

$200 for the year (six weeks)

The USC Football Boosters Annual Golf Outing

Monday June 4, 2007 St. Clair Country Club

18 Hole Event • 9 Hole Terrace Scrambles

Wellness Education (Grades 10-12) (Changes have been made to this program, please see application and attachments for details.)

Location: Upper St. Clair High School

Large Gym Dates and times:

11th and 12th grades (30-hour session)

June 25–July 5, 7:30-11:30 a.m.

(July 6–make-up day, no class July 4) Refer to application attachments for a calendar schedule.

10th grade, Option A: 30-hour session/one semester July 9–18, 7:30-11:30 a.m.

(July 19–make-up day) Refer to application attachments for a calendar schedule.

10th grade, Option B: 60-hour session/two semesters July 9–27, 7:30-11:30 a.m.

Refer to application attachments for a calendar schedule.

Make-Up Session July 30–August 3: This time is available for those students who may have missed a wellness education class during the summer session. See calendar for specific curriculum make-up days.

Fee:

$150 for 30 hours $275 for 60 hours

~ Registration Information ~ • Registration for classes will begin first week of May. See applications for registration deadline dates. Please note that class size is limited and enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration discounts are applicable for certain elementary level classes.

• All classes are subject to cancellation based on enrollment.

• Applications for high school classes are available at the Guidance Office in the high school. Elementary and middle school class registration forms are available in the office at each school building.

• Student transportation to summer school is a parental responsibility.

• Families for whom tuition presents a hardship are encouraged to contact the counselor at their child’s school building.

As Always, We Look Forward to a Fun-filled, Sold Out Event.

Hope to See You There.

Go Panthers!!

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

• Students who do not attend Upper St. Clair schools will be accepted depending on availability of space.

• Make checks payable to Upper St. Clair School District.

Upper St. Clair School District Calendar (May–July 2007) May 2007

June 2007

July 2007

USC Kennywood Day Monday, June 18

Rides open at 11 a.m.

e is Bus servic om fr le availab dle School. h Mid C Fort ouc

Ticket Sale Price

$18

Ticket sales available from Kennywood personnel on Friday, May 18 at the following school buildings at the designated times: High School....................7 a.m. Eisenhower................8:15 a.m.

Fort Couch.....................9 a.m. Baker.........................9:45 a.m.

Boyce.........................9:45 a.m. Streams...................10:30 a.m.

St. Louise de Marillac .....12:15 p.m.

Watch for mailings or call PTA Kennywood representative Linda Jones at 412-831-2416 or Cheryl Ellison at School District Central Office at 412-833-1600, extension 2202.

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Westminster Presbyterian Church

A Caring Community of Faith

Barefoot School/Vacation Bible School Avalanche Ranch - A W ild Ride Through God’s W ord Music  Bible Stories  Crafts  Games  Snacks  Fun

June 25 - 29 All are invited!

Westminster Presbyterian Church

2040 Washington Rd.  Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Call 412-835-6630 or visit www.westminster-church.org Traditional Worship at 8:30 & 11:00 a.m.

Contemporary Worship at 9:45 a.m.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

Two Locations Eisenhower Elementary in USC South Fayette Elementary

Serving Grades K-7 in Upper St. Clair, Peters Township, Bethel Park, South Fayette and surrounding districts

June 21-August 31 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Flexible Scheduling Swim Trips Field Trips Enrichment Classes Extended Day Services

Including Sports, Cooking, Art, Crafts, Science, & Much More!

Please visit us at www.ExtendedDay.com or call (412) 221-1980

Have a “Blast” this Summer

Summer 2007

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

65

Around the Township Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair “Creating a sense of community by enhancing the quality of life for all the people of Upper St. Clair.”

News from Around the Township

The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair (CFUSC) invites you to meet one of its active members To some volunteerism is an abstraction, but to Diane Vater, it is a way of life. Former treasurer and current Education and Lifelong Learning Focus Committee chair of the CFUSC, Diane has been a trustee since 2003 and a dedicated volunteer all of her adult life.

Diane holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton and an MBA from the Katz School at the University of Pittsburgh.

Diane Vater She and her husband, Chuck, an attorney with Tucker Arensberg, have two daughters: Allison, USCHS 2001 and a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, is with Delloite Consulting in Chicago; Elizabeth, USCHS 2006, is finishing her freshman year at Miami University of Ohio.

Diane spent most of her “paid work” career at PNC, first as a trainer of credit analysts, then as a commercial lending officer.

Following the birth of her children, she turned her considerable energy to volunteer work. St. Paul’s Episcopal Nursery School in Mt. Lebanon was the first beneficiary of her talent; she served as treasurer and a member of the board of trustees. It was there, she says, that she learned how to be a good parent from the school’s director. Following that stint, she became a member of the St. John Capistran parish council, chaired its education committee, served on its building committee, and taught CCD classes.

When her daughters were at Eisenhower Elementary, Diane started the school’s first outreach program through the PTA. The programs she developed (Warm Hearts-Warm Hands and Coins for Cots) were designed to teach young children that their lives in Upper St. Clair are not typical and that those who have been given much have a responsibility to share their blessings with others.

Diane next focused on the high school counseling resource center, where, with a cadre of 20 other volunteers, she spent

Dina Fulmer

seven years organizing the mountains of college material which inundates the high school every year and was responsible for helping students research college and scholarship information.

Several years ago, she initiated the college admissions greeter program, which pairs admissions representatives with volunteers when they visit the high school.

From that, she was a natural to help organize a partnering effort between the CFUSC and the high school counseling department to sponsor the “Becoming a Competitive College Applicant” seminars, the fifth of which was held this past March. Recently, Diane was able to share her knowledge of the college application process with the students of Seton-La Salle when she volunteered as a replacement for a guidance counselor on a leave of absence.

Diane took over the QUEST for Lifelong Learning program of the CFUSC in fall 2003, developing course offerings for the community that ranged from Shakespeare’s plays, to investment strategies, to environmental topics. While QUEST is currently in hiatus, being redesigned to appeal to a broader group of people, Diane is still very enthusiastic about it since it gave her (and all those who participated in it) the opportunity to meet people she otherwise would not know. She would certainly welcome suggestions for courses that would appeal to a broad spectrum of residents.

In her not-so-copious free time, Diane enjoys working on her golf game, reading, and playing social bridge. She and Chuck travel to Hilton Head, Arizona, Florida, and to Chicago to visit their daughter. Only recently empty nesters, they have not yet started globe-trotting. Born and reared in Pittsburgh (the couple were classmates at Canevin High School), Diane and Chuck are fortunate to have family living in the Pittsburgh area. ”Service is a part of me,” says Diane. We do not yet know what her next project will be, but we can be sure that if she sees a need, Diane will fill it.

The 2007 CFUSC Duck Race The CFUSC anticipates an exciting duck race to cap off the 2007 Community Day activities on Saturday, May 19. Purchase your duck ticket(s) prior to Community Day from a foundation member, or stop by the CFUSC’s booth prior to the 3 p.m. race along McLaughlin Run Creek to get your lucky duck.

006 Winners include:

First place: Paul Fox–Apple iPod Second place: Girish Godbole–portable DVD player Third place: Pat Conlon–$50 gift certificate to Mitchell’s Fish Market Fourth place: Max McTierman–$25 gift certificate to Outback Steakhouse y duck

g the luck

Purchasin

Fifth place: Dina Fulmer–$25 gift certificate to Bravo’s

66 66 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007 2007

CFUSC member Angela Petersen Representative and Tim watches for the Murphy synchronize start of the duck race

First in a Series of Three with the Pittsburgh Symphony Chamber Orchestra A wonderful musical opportunity for USC residents occured this past January when the CFUSC hosted a performance by the Pittsburgh Symphony Chamber Orchestra and conducted by PSO Concertmaster and violin soloist Andrés Cárdenes in the Upper St. Clair High School Theatre.

The chamber orchestra concert was not a part of the Community Outreach and Engagement series, of which the Upper St. Clair community, through CFUSC, has been a part for the past 13 years. This concert was a preview of Andrés Cárdenes a new relationship with the PSO that adds another level of musical programming for our community.

This initial concert was offered as a fundraising opportunity for CFUSC, with proceeds going toward the purchase of a grand piano for the theatre.

The concert also served as a preview of the three-concert series that will be offered in the USC theatre during the 2007-08 season.

For more information on the concert series, call the CFUSC office at 412-831-1107.

Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair’s Recreation Clubs The CFUSC sponsors three outdoor recreation clubs: fly fishing, trail bike, and bocce. We urge you to come out and play!

Ed DiGangi chairs the USC Fly Fishing Club. The club meets monthly, organizes several fishing outings, hosts a summer family picnic, and sponsors a fly fishing expo in March. The website www.uscflyfishing.org provides up-to-date information on club activities and directions to several Western Pennsylvania trout streams.

The USC Trail Bike Club plans to participate in three organized rides in 2007. These include the MS 150, the Tour de Sewickley, and the Rotary Club Bike-a-thon. Contact George Pitcairn at gp@gwpitcairn.com for more information.

The USC Bocce Club’s annual tournament will start in late May. The home court is at Baker Park. A training video is available to familiarize you with the rules, strategies, and techniques of play. Sign up on Community Day at the CFUSC’s booth or by calling Roy Johnson at 412-835-7330.

Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair Grants and Awards

CFUSC member Jim Bennett presents a prize to some parade float winners.

Some of the opportunities the CFUSC has made possible for the residents of Upper St. Clair during the past two years include: • Offered bus shuttle service for Town Hall South lecture series • Offered USC Community Day float prizes • Provided practice goals for the Lacrosse Club • Provided a stipend for Town Hall South speaker to meet with students • Provided a grant for Bangkok, Thailand, exchange program • Provided a grant to start a Robotics Club at the high school • Provided the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Fiddlesticks concerts • Provided the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra concert • Provided the PSO Pops concerts • Provided the Regional Environmental Education Center (REEC) plantings • Sponsored USC Fly Fishing and Trail Bike Clubs • Sponsored a community seminar on school finance • Sponsored an Artists-in-Residence Program at the high school • Sponsored the “How to Become a Competitive College Applicant” seminar series • Sponsored the QUEST for Lifelong Learning at USC program • Supported the purchase of new JV hockey jerseys • Supported the purchase of USCHS Swim Club touch pads • Supported the Odyssey of the Mind competition • Supported the Log House Committee antique auction • Supported the Kathaka Gunjan Indian Dance program • Supported the USC Volunteer Fire Department building campaign • Supported the “Break It Down” sharing of cultural traditions • Supported the Mongolian Performing Arts performance in USC • Supported the purchase of a sewing machine for the Theatre Wardrobe Department • Underwrote the cover of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Winter 2005 edition

Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair Phone: 412-831-1107 Fax: 412-220-7780 Website: www.mainstreetusc.com Email: mainstreetusc@adelphia.net

Summer 2007

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Ernie Koontz—Chemistry on the Court Wayne Herrod Chemistry is defined as a science that

deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances and the transformations that they undergo. Chemistry can also be loosely defined as the interaction of people working together. During the last 30 years, Ernie Koontz has used chemistry in all areas of his career.

Ernie has been a chemistry teacher at Upper St. Clair High School for 30 years and has taught thousands of its students science. During the last 22 years, with basketball in hand, Ernie has taken hundreds of young ladies and developed a team chemistry that has led to the success of the Upper St. Clair Lady Panther’s basketball team.

Ernie and Joan, his wife of 23 years, have three children: Heather who is graduating (with honors) from Seton Hill University this spring; Jim, a high school senior at Ringgold (graduating with honors) who will be attending PittGreensburg in the fall and playing baseball; and Stephanie, an eighth grade honor student, who participates in softball, basketball, cheerleading, and gymnastics.

Do you notice a common thread among Ernie’s children and academic excellence?

Well, Ernie has hundreds of “daughters” on the basketball court who are honor students as well. Maintaining good grades is a requirement if you want to play for Ernie. “Two words will tell you of my philosophy,” said Ernie. “Student. Athlete.

But notice that the word student comes

Assistant coach Fred Lease (left), assistant coach Mike Vuono (center), and head coach Ernie Koontz (right center) talk to the team before tip off.

first. In my 22 years as head coach of the Lady Panthers, our team’s cumulative QPA is 3.40. If a player falls below our 3.0 guideline, she must bring up her grades before she can play again. Upper St. Clair has a system that can let us know (as often as every two weeks) how our kids are stacking up academically. There is help available for anyone who falls below the guideline. This guideline is a team rule, stars included. My philosophy is: if you don’t work in school, you won’t work on the floor.”

Coach Koontz conducts his class, his practices, and his games in a cool, calm manner. There is no excitement, no screaming, and no show. “I want to win as much as anyone out there.

However, I’ve always felt that I should be in control. If I’m not, how can I expect my players to be calm and play in control? Some might think because I’m not very demonstrative at game time that I don’t care. I’m letting you know that we get our kids ready at practice.

If something needs to be said, it’s said at Ernie Koontz (right) with USCHS science students practice.”

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

This style obviously works for the Lady Panthers. Under Coach Koontz’ tutelage, USC has a record of 437 wins and only 146 losses. (Coach Koontz also has 31 wins at Carmichaels.) The Lady Panthers have qualified for 15 WPIAL playoff berths and have won nine section titles, with six second-place finishes. They have played in six WPIAL championship games and have come away with four wins. The team has participated in 12 PIAA tournaments and won the PIAA state title in 1999.

Ernie was named “Coach of the Year” five times by the Post Gazette, three times by the Tribune Review, and seven times

by The Almanac. In addition, he is the recipient of the prestigious Don Barth Award (named after the legendary North Catholic basketball coach who won 800 games).

I asked Coach Koontz what he liked best about coaching; he answered without hesitation, “I am so proud of the 35 girls who have been awarded college athletic scholarships.”

Dr Terrence Kushner, assistant superintendent and former principal at the high school was happy to discuss Coach Koontz.

“Ernie has always had a great relationship with the School District, both as a teacher and coach. There are four things that to me stand out about Ernie: 1. He is extremely organized, 2. He has an amazingly calm manner and disposition, 3. He is totally cooperative, and 4. He is extremely successful.”

USCHS athletic toughest section in director Ted Petersen the WPIAL. Ernie’s compares Ernie’s pronon-section schedule gram to that of Jim also consists of some Render’s football proof the top teams in gram. “When I think the state. “You don’t of Ernie and his team, get better unless you I also think of Coach play good teams,” Render. Both coaches says Ernie. “A harder are thorough and toschedule prepares us tally prepared. They for our section and are both winners. You for the playoffs.” can count on their Ernie Koontz, teams to show up and who has earned deplay, and most likely grees from California win. They are deterUniversity and mined to make their the University of kids better people and Pittsburgh, loves his better athletes, and family, his full-time Ernie Koontz and sophomore Emily Mueller they both appear to Coachafter job, and coaching a playoff game with Pine Richland succeed at that.” the Lady Panthers.

Fred Lease, who has served as Ernie’s If you’ve seen any of the Panther playassistant for the last ten years had this to ers, either on or off the court, the word say: “Ernie has always put the kids and lady comes to mind. Their actions are their education first. When it comes to bas- a wonderful and positive reflection on ketball, Ernie is organized. Our practices Coach Koontz. They play hard, they play are planned to the minute, which helps physical, and they play to win. However, us get us ready to play each game. When they do it with class, the way Ernie wants the game starts, our team is prepared and it done. ready. Teams that play us know they are in Former player Beth Friday summed it for a well-prepared, disciplined team that up best for all the young ladies who have plays hard.” played under Ernie, “Coach Koontz…

Ernie’s winning record is even more I absolutely love him. He’s the best!” telling when you consider that the Lady There’s no better chemistry than that! n Panthers play in what is arguably the Similar to that of Oakland Catholic, the Upper St. Clair girls’ basketball program has been an elite program with quality players for some time. I questioned Ernie about ten USC players and asked him to give me a quick comment on each of them who have graced the court over the past 12 years.

Mandy West ’95—Best shooter I have had. Tremendous range and shooting skill.

Jamie Brown ’95—One tough player. Loved to compete.

Kerry Brown ’95—A totally complete player who complemented her twin sister, Jamie.

Cheryl Klick ’96—Outstanding ball handler. Very quick. A winner.

Andrea Gianni ’98—Great floor leader. Physical and tough.

Beth Friday ’99—Best post player I’ve ever had. The ultimate garbage man around the hoop (a true compliment!).

Teneice Johnson ’00—Great penetrator and defender. Driven to win.

Leigh Sulkowski ’02—Smooth, polished, and outstanding.

Played everywhere.

Kyra Kaylor ’03—Best all-around player at USC. Physical and all heart.

Courtney Pawlak ’04—She used everything she had and willed her way to win.

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Happenings USC Lions to Hold Art Fundraiser

American Cancer Society Relay For Life®

USC Lions will hold an “Auction of Fine Art,” a fundraiser on Saturday, May 12 at St. Louise de Marillac Church LeGras Hall beginning at 7 p.m.

Art will be available for previewing when the doors open, with a live auction to follow. The auction will be conducted by a professional auctioneer who is sure to please. In addition to the art auction and to help satisfy your taste buds, there will be hors d’oeuvres, wine and cheese, and coffee and dessert.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to reduce limitations that may result from loss of vision.

Admission to the fundraiser is $10 per person or $15 per couple. For tickets and information, contact Dave Clark at 412-833-5678, Wes Hurst at 724-941-8329, or Ken Marshall at 412-221-8095. n

Relay For Life® is a fun-filled, overnight event designed to bring together those who have been touched by cancer in our communities. During this year’s south event, teams of people will gather at Bethel Park High School from Saturday, June 23 at 10 a.m. to Sunday, June 24 at 10 a.m. and take turns walking or running laps at the track. Each team will try to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.

Relay For Life® is much more than a walk around a track. It is a time to remember those lost to cancer and celebrate those who have survived. It is a time for people who have shared the same experience to comfort and console one another. Relay For Life® gives you the power to help accelerate the Society’s progress toward a future where cancer doesn’t take the lives of friends and family. It offers people a chance to fight back against cancer through advocacy efforts and learn about the Society’s programs and services available to cancer patients, caregivers, and families in our area.

Visit www.acsevents.org/southhillsrelay to sign up your team, include a cancer survivor to participate in the opening ceremony and walk alongside fellow survivors in a victory lap, or invite those who are passionate about fighting this disease an opportunity to experience inspiration and empowerment to fight back against cancer. n

Sammy’s Six-Hour Birthday Run A mid-summer celebration of running, nature, and personal transcendence will take place on 50 acres around Upper St. Clair’s Gilfillan homestead on Saturday, July 14 from 6 a.m. to noon. Not far from the suburban jungle of shopping malls, highways, and congestion, participants will walk or run around and around on the serene 1.25-mile woodchip-surfaced trail loop.

Now in its fourth year, word of this event has spread and runners show up from far reaching places such as Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Continuing the tradition, delicious fruit pies are awarded to the top three finishers. Participants can either run or walk the entire six hours or any potion thereof. Everyone keeps track of his or her own laps and sets personal goals for the day.

Entry fee is $1 for Greater Pittsburgh Roadrunner members and $2 for all others. A well-stocked aid station will be available.

Contact Sam Bertenthal at 412-854-5494 for more information.

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

The Newcomers’ Club of Upper St. Clair is a social organization for women who have moved to the Township within the past two years or who have had a significant lifestyle change. This group is designed to develop fellowship and acquaintances among new residents and also promote assimilation into the civic life and social activities of Upper St. Clair.

USC Newcomers’ is a great way to help make your transition into the area a bit easier and more comforting. The club offers many activities and special interest groups such as book club, mom and tots playgroup, family outings, and girls’ night out, along with many other fun events.

Club members invite you to join them at one of their monthly welcoming coffees to help you learn more about the group.

For more information, contact club president Lynne Amatangelo at 412-221-4424 or lamatangelo@verizon.net.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

Save the Date for a Christian Graduation Celebration Since 1994, churches in and around Upper St. Clair have sponsored a Christian Baccalaureate for USC graduates. This year the event is planned for Thursday, June 7, at 7 p.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. All denominations are welcome to participate, and the entire community is invited to attend.

The Christian graduation celebration is a ceremony for local Christian graduating seniors, their families, and their friends. The purpose of this event is to celebrate the accomplishments of the students and it is also an opportunity to reinforce their conviction to Christian principles.

This is a church-sponsored, student-led, adult-supported event. Graduates will wear caps and gowns. A new goal for the event this year is for its length to be shorter than it has been in previous years. Mark your calendars and plan to have your graduating student participate and for you to attend.

Student musicians, readers, vocalists, and ushers in grades nine through 12 are needed for the ceremony, as are adult leaders. For further information about the baccalaureate, to volunteer to help coordinate the event, or to volunteer as a student musician or vocalist, contact Mary Nolte at mary.nolte@comcast.net or 412-854-4072. n

Summer Camp–

Making Summer a Time to Remember

Jennifer Roberts, Administrative Director, Extended Day Services Remember the first few days of summer? Kids can’t wait to sleep in,

hang out, and generally do nothing for three whole months. Unfortunately, on about day three of this new routine, children begin asking the age-old question, “We’re bored, what can we do?” Luckily for parents, children learn quickly that hanging out at home all day is not an exciting option. That’s where summer camp enters the picture. Summer camp can take the long, boring, do-nothing days of summer and transform them into a fun-filled, activity-rich time to remember!

Summer camp provides an exciting opportunity to make new friends, experience new things, and gain new skills. Sports, cooking, science, music, drama, art, crafts, tournaments, contests—children are exposed to hundreds of different activities!

In addition, weekly trips to the swimming pool and other exciting field trip destinations create an entire summer experience that won’t soon be forgotten!

This summer, over 200 elementary school-age children will spend their summer days at Extended Day Services (EDS) Summer Camp at Eisenhower School where they can create their own summer memories. With activities like blindfolded pudding run, water balloon dodge and the frozen T-shirt melt, what kid wouldn’t have the time of his life! With moms and dads shying away from such messy adventures as the ice cream eating tournament and the Jell-O slide at home, anything goes at camp!

With so many opportunities for new experiences, summer camp is especially important to children of differing abilities as they are exposed to the fun and excitement of camp while learning from their typically developing peers.

How will your children spend their summer this year? This summer, fill their days with gym games, water sports, and s’mores. This year, make summer a time to remember! n

For additional information about Extended Day Services Summer Camp, contact Kelly Chaney at 412-221-1980 or visit the EDS website at www.ExtendedDay.com. (See ad on page 65.)

Summer 2007

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

71

Sweet Charity On February 6, 00 , the South Hills

and Cloverleaf YMCA Indian Princess program hosted its annual ice cream social. The social was sponsored

by Chick Fil-A and Brentwood Bank, and featured entertainment from The Broadway Kids of the Center for Theater Arts, Pulling Strings Academy of McMurray, storyteller Mitch Small, and the famous Shriners clowns.

South Hills families Emily and Melissa Lloyd show just some of the items collected also brought donations at the Indian Princess ice cream social. of food, clothing, books, and change for charities in exchange for Lloyd commented, “We added the raffle raffle tickets. As a result of these do- for charities to educate children on the nations, the Indian Princess program importance of giving back and to support donated more than 500 pounds of food the YMCA mission of building strong to the Pittsburgh Food Bank, 1500 items communities. The response from the of clothing to the South Hills Interfaith attendees was overwhelming as everyone Ministries, 800 books to Your Child’s had a great time and made a very subPlace, and $268 to YMCA Camp AIM. stantial contribution to some wonderful YMCA program director Kate Pelkofer organizations.” n and Longhouse Chief Mike “Moondog”

Don’t be chicken

USC Citizens for Land Stewardship USC Citizens for Land Stewardship (CLS), a local 501(c)(3) non-profit

organization, works to give a voice to environmental and land issues in the Township.

Members have made many contributions to our community, including the following field work and outreach programs.

Advertise in the Call 412-833-1600, ext.2284

• Audubon bird counts.

• River sweep clean-up of McLaughlin Run and its tributaries.

• Displays and programs at the Upper St. Clair Township Library.

• Nature programs and hikes.

• Support the cardboard and recycling program.

• Monitor the McLaughlin Run water quality.

To keep the community aware of local conservation issues, CLS provides education and communication projects including newsletters, an informative, up-to-date website, and timely presentations.

For more information, contact the CLS at 412-831-3289 or visit its website at www.usccls.org. n

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

Maria Simon Over the years,

assigned by Honors English 11 teacher Mrs. Beth Hendrickson, where students were supposed to try to change the world. Molly and Samantha are in the same English class, and chose to write about their project for lights on Corrigan Drive Circle. Molly said that Mrs. Hendrickson, after learning of the girls’ idea, was very supportive. road is now safer.

Molly decided that the best place to beOn October 22, 2006, Molly McCann gin was by emailing Allegheny County chief was driving Samantha Jones, Jen Findle, executive officer Dan Onorato. She said that and Jen Rudolph home from the 100-Acre although she did not get an email response Manor Haunted House, where all four at first, she continued to email him. When girls had been volunteering with Interact, he did respond, he sent her a list of people a popular club at the high school. On their that she should contact to proceed with the way home they got lost and were involved project. She followed his instructions and in a horrible car accident on Corrigan she, Samantha, Jen, and Jen were able to Drive Circle. The car flipped over, sending meet with someone from Allegheny County shards of glass everywhere. One girl ended a few weeks later at the site of the accident. up lying in a pile of the glass. When they Molly said that when they got to the circle got to the hospital, they learned something to meet, they could see skid marks on the very disturbing. They learned that most road. They realized that another accident people who get into accidents on Cor- had recently taken place. rigan Drive Circle are killed. They were The project was approved. If they could extremely lucky to be alive. raise $2500, lights would be installed.

The girls already knew how they would raise the money; they had come up with the idea of a jewelry party a week after the accident. The jewelry party took place at the high school and was a great success.

They raised $2235, leaving them slightly less than three hundred dollars shy of the goal amount. Officials from Allegheny County agreed to fund the difference.

By February there were posts on Corrigan Drive Circle Left to right: Jen Rudolph, Molly McCann, Jen Findle, marking the location where the and Samantha Jones at the fundraiser for lighting lights would be placed as soon at South Park’s Corrigan Drive Circle as good weather arrived. With The first time that the girls were all the installation of these lights, which are together again was three days after the like the usual flood lights used on the accident. They decided that they needed highway, this area is significantly safer. to, as Molly said, “make something out Because of four Upper St. Clair students, of the accident.” They needed to make many lives may be saved.

Corrigan Drive Circle a safer place to drive, The girls’ success shows that anything which could be done by having lights can be accomplished if enough effort is put installed. forth. As Molly says, “there is always room The plan quickly took shape. Helping for change.” A little persistence and planthis process along was an English project, ning can make the world a safer place. n Corrigan Drive Circle in South Park has been the site of numerous car accidents. Because of four juniors from Upper St. Clair High School, however, this stretch of

Summer 2007

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

73

Summer Fashion Trends to Heat Up Your Wardrobe or Cool it Down!

Teres Lucot, Owner, Trunk Shows Boutique

~ Fashion Boutique ~

Quite a few elements of change have emerged in the fashion

world this summer season. With warm days approaching, along with some cool nights, it’s a great idea to look at what the season has to offer in design and wearability. Six themes are in high demand this season: organic, spectator classics, subtractive design, industrial, romance, and world music.

The world is ever changing with high tech, instant reward, Internet, and the fast lane. What remains true is nature.

Recently, while much attention has been paid to organics in the food industry, the clothing industry is also magnetized by the look of nature—foliage greens, stone grays, sandy browns, and wood tones; loose and layered, casual and relaxed. The Asian emphasis is a big trend with wraps, ties, pleats, and folds. There is a lack of crisp lines. The fabrics are natural fibers and natural-feeling synthetics.

Textured, stretchy, and wrinkled illustrate the innovation and durability of these newfound fabrics.

Theme two involves the spectator classics—classics from the 1920s and 30s, and anything with a nautical jaunt. The colors are bi- or tri-color combinations with solids, geometrics, polka dots, retro patterns, and novelty prints. The look is classic with sophistication and refinement, showing well-constructed ensembles with emphasis on accessories.

A third prevalent theme in the fashion industry this season is “less is more,” showing basic colors and neutrals, cool blues, and grays. The look is sleek and modern, streamlined, simple, and fuss-free—tailored, with the spotlight on the garments’ lines or cuts of garments. The fabrics, of course, also reveal a wet-look, sateen and/or glazed or coated look.

One can see this in handbags, shoes, and high fashion garments from the big fashion houses.

Fashion apparel also uses the industrial theme. Numbers are important, along with dark hues and silver tones mixed with intense safety colors. The look is active and utilitarian—a multi-purpose look with hoods, jumpsuits, toggle closures, zippers, snaps, bungee cords, and organizational pockets. The fabrics are denim, techno fabrics, jersey knits, and a wicking material to pull moisture away from the body.

The fifth theme gathers its inspiration from the romance period, reminiscent of the Regency period in England. Neutrals, gold, and pastels accompany print patterns. The prints can be ones of small-scale nature motifs, wallpaper damasks, and jacquards. The look is elegant, with empire waist bodices, and combines masculine and feminine styles. The vest, skinny pants, and antique feel are also a “must” in the interlude of romance. The necktie has an influence here also. Emphasis is on ribbon, pleats, buttons, draping, and details, and fabrics are sheer, lace, and wrinkled. Lightweight denim, cotton voile, linen, silk, tweed, and herringbone make their way into this look.

The last theme is world music or international culture. The colors are wide-ranging with vibrant combinations, from prints and ethnic stripes to pop art. The designs are floral, patchwork, tribal, bandana paisley, plaid, geometric, and camouflage.

There is a Latin influence, accompanied with peasant separates. The eclectic look combines some traditional elements with varying cultures.

These five themes are influencing designers to make active wear and clothing for day to weekend casual, accompanied by jewelry, handbags, and shoes showing the same themes. I anticipate home accessories and interior design moving in these fashion directions also.

Interpret your look and style any way you’d like. Your pocketbook may dictate how much you can spend. If that’s the case, accessorizing can help you freshen your wardrobe any season. Mixing and eclectic are in, as are neutrals, brights, and patterns. There is nothing like summertime to try a new color, or a patterned top or bottom. If you prefer, purchase a handbag or a piece of jewelry that will help give you that “different” look—one you are comfortable with.

There are quite a few elements of change in the fashion world this summer season. Get ready! Now is a great time to look through your wardrobe before temperatures heat up. Sort your clothes into three categories— keepers, losers, and maybes—then add or discard as necessary. n Trunk Shows Boutique, located at 30 Donati Road in Upper St. Clair, can help you with the look you want. (See ad on page 75.)

Cut, Color, and Style— Let Your Stylist Help Connie Wilson, Owner, Serenity Day Spa & Salon Are you looking for a change in your look, nothing too drastic,

but different? Are you spending time searching through the latest fashion magazines hoping to find that perfect hairstyle, or watching celebrities on T.V. and saying, “I want my hair to look just like that!”? Maybe you just want a new and fresh look for that special party on Saturday night.

The fact is, caring for your hair can be time consuming, especially if you are active in sports or work out. There are many factors to having and maintaining beautiful hair. Diet, hydration, rest, as well as style and color play a major role in achieving beautiful hair. Eating a well-balanced diet full of vitamins and proteins and drinking plenty of water to hydrate the hair are essential.

Cut and color are important to achieving that perfect look. Layered hair, for example, is one of the most popular hairstyles today. Layers increase volume and allow you to play with color and highlights to achieve that fashionable look.

Once you’ve chosen that perfect style, proper maintenance is essential.

Use the appropriate hair products to keep your style looking beautiful.

Your hair products should feed the hair from the root to the end. Your 74

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

products should prevent dryness, frizz, and split ends, achieving the healthy beautiful hair you desire. Remember, too many products can weigh hair down.

Visit your salon on a regular basis to maintain that beautiful look. Your stylists will analyze your hair and your lifestyle, then suggest the proper products for your individual needs.

Choosing an experienced stylist to give you that perfect look can be stressful. When choosing your stylist, remember to pick one that can advise you of a hairstyle that fits your personality and lifestyle. Just because you want a particular hairstyle does not mean that it will work for you. Hairstyles depend on the shape of your face, texture of your hair, skin tone, and how much maintenance you want to spend on a daily basis. Good stylists help make all these decisions easier. Isn’t that what we’re looking for? n Serenity Day Spa & Salon, a full service day spa and hair salon located at 423 Chartiers Street in Bridgeville, can be reached by calling 412-257-2691. (See ad on page 75.)

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30 Donati Road • Pittsburgh, PA 15241 Phone: 412.833.6467 www.trunkshowsboutique.com Summer 2007

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

5

Your Thoughts About TODAY—A Survey UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY wants to hear what you have to say about this community publication, which celebrates its 50th edition with this issue.

Realizing that this quarterly magazine is 100% funded by those who advertise in the publication (including our magazine’s covers), our financial resources are restricted to that revenue. With these funds, the magazine editors’ commitment is to produce a publication of substance—one that informs you about our Township and our School District.

Please take the opportunity to complete this survey, and hand deliver it to the Township reception desk at 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, mail it to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY “Survey,” 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, USC, PA 15241, or email your responses to usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us.

Results of the survey will be posted in a future issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. Thank you for your time and thoughts.

1. On average, how much time does the primary household organizer spend reading the magazine? q Greater than one hour, q One hour, q Less than one hour, q None 2. How many people in your household read the magazine? q Four or more, q Three, q Two, q One, q None 3. Which of the magazine’s main sections do you read? Rank in order of importance–1 (most) through 4 (least): ___ School District, ___ Township, ___ Around the Township (including features and guide articles), ___ Ads, q Read all equally 4. Which of the magazine’s advertising guides are useful to you?

Rank in order of importance–1 (most) through 9 (least): ___ Dining, ___ Educational Resources, ___ Fashion, ___ Health & Wellness, ___ Holiday Gifts, ___ Home Improvement, ___ Life Planning, ___ Summer Activities q Use all equally

___ Home & Garden,

5. Have you used the advertising in this magazine to help you contact a retailer or service professional? q Yes q No 6. Do you use the magazine’s Advertiser Index, located in the back of each issue, to help you search for retailers or professional service providers who advertise in the magazine? q Yes q No If yes, how often? q Each issue, q Frequently, q Occasionally 7. Do you keep back issues of the magazine? q Yes q No If yes, how long? ______________________________ 8. Have you visited the magazine’s website at www.twpusc.org/magazine? q Yes q No If yes, how often? ______________________________________________________ 9. In general, rate the quality of this publication. q Excellent, q Good, q Fair, q Poor 10. Do you have an interest in contributing to this magazine in a voluntary capacity? q Yes (please specify) ______________________________________________________ q No 11. Additional comments: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name (optional): ______________________________________________________________________________ Address (optional): ____________________________________________________________________________ UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is currently inventorying its back issues. There are a number of older issues available to residents of Upper St. Clair. Should you want extra magazines from a particular issue, call the magazine office at 412-833-1600, extension 2284, and leave a message for office manager Colleen DeMarco, or send your request by email to usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us, indicating in which issue(s) you are interested.

Issues dating back to Winter 2001 are also available online. Visit www.twpusc.org/magazine.

6

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

BUSINESSES at your Service

Sneeze!

Ready, Set,

Allergy season will soon be upon Pollen, a microscopic substance prous, and pollens are beginning to rise in duced by trees, grasses, and weeds, is carried

the Pittsburgh region, causing allergy by wind and insects. Children’s Hospital patients to suffer. Grass pollens and molds operates a pollen counting station that currently are the predominant cause of provides official pollen counts for Western allergic symptoms in the region according to Pennsylvania to the National Allergy Bureau David Nash, MD, clinical director of and to local media outlets. The counts inAllergy and Immunology and clinical clude measurements of tree, grass, and weed director of the Asthma Center at Children’s pollens as well as molds that are airborne in Hospital. In Pennsylvania, the region. grass pollens are high Allergies affect an estimated Allergies affect an 50 million Americans from early May until estimated 50 million and are the most common late June, and ragweed Americans and are the pollens increase from chronic disease most common chronic mid-August through disease in children, acin children… mid-October. cording to the American “Allergies can be controlled by avoid- Academy of Pediatrics. Symptoms include ing triggers, such as pollen, and through sneezing, nasal congestion, wheezing, and the use of over-the-counter or prescription red, itchy eyes. medications such as antihistamines and A pollen count is helpful to let people nasal steroids,” said Dr. Nash. Dr. Nash know what types of pollen are in the air suggests that if pollens or molds are high, and at what levels. “Ideally, if people do people with allergies should drive with their best to avoid prolonged exposure to their windows up and air conditioner on. pollens and coordinate their medications Another suggestion is to bath or shower with the various seasonal allergies, they immediately after being outdoors. Allergy should have no restrictions in terms of sufferers should also not wear clothing that being outdoors,” said Dr. Nash. n has been dried outdoors.

Angels’ Place—A Place to Grow

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Angels’ Place is a non-profi t agency where a full range of family services

foster growth and development, not only of student parents, but also their children.

The welcoming doors to Angels’ Place (formerly Mom’s House) opened in 1984 in Pittsburgh’s Brookline area. Additional centers have since opened in Swissvale and on the Northside.

This organization, with its three locations, offers a beacon of hope for two generations of young people—student parents and their children. Assistance is provided in the following areas:

Custom Design Mouldings Wood Repair & Restoration Wood Staining & Finishing Faux Finishing Plaster and Dry Wall Repairs Venetian Plaster

Double Shredded Mulch Red Mulch • Chocolate Brown Mulch Black Mulch • 2B Gravel • Pea Gravel River Rock • Mushroom Manure Sand • Topsoil ANNUALS • HANGING BASKETS • PERENNIALS

• Child care and early childhood education for newborns to five years old while student parents attend class and work toward brighter futures.

• Tutoring when needed.

• Facilitated discussion of parenting, nutrition, health, safety, and legal concerns.

• One-on-one counseling and group counseling.

• Assistance in meeting basic needs including food, clothing, and nursery furniture.

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How can you help?

You can tutor or teach. You can donate. You can volunteer.

Visit www.angelsplacepgh.org, call 412-321-4447, or email info@angelsplacepgh.org for further information.

Summer 2007

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Advertiser Index

What’s new? Our email address is!

Contact us at usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us with your questions or comments.

We hope to hear from you. • See survey on page 76.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2007

Terry Abbott

Diane Damian & Helane Tobin

Barbara Baker/ Bob Main

Deidre Dougherty

Lynn Banbury

Jodi Bilski

Bonnie Christmas

You’re #1 To Us! Real Estate Specialists Who Make a Real Difference!

Megan Gustine Foster

George Herrington

Florine Kelly

Karen Frank

Lora Le Clark

Frank Conroy/ Barbara Kurdys-Miller

Bob Dini

Alexis Fitch

Wayne Freund

Debbie Graulty

Liz Hoyson

Sally Kauper

Prudential Preferred Realty Route 19 South Office

Pat Hogan

Lori Maffeo

Elva Marotta

Michelle Schocker/ Ruth Weigers

Judy Ward

Shirley McGinnis

Betsy Raber

Mary Ann Zupon Jane Compagnone, Manager

Jo Ann Robb

Bryan Russo

Diane Paul

Assistant Manager

Preferred Realty

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Summer 2007

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Lavish Contemporary ranch on a gorgeous lot w/pool & water falls. Quality details, marble flooring, 4 car grg! $1,800,000 Sydnie Jones 412-344-0500

Grand Provincial! Marble entry w/curved staircase, gourmet kitchen, den, familyrm, gamerm, and 3 car garage! $625,000 Barbara Cusick 412-833-5405

Charming stone Colonial in “Old Trotwood” on almost 1 acre, totally updated, 4Br, 3.5Ba, den, gamerm, patio! $595,000 Nancy Heffernan 412-344-0500

Huge ranch with open floor plan, gracious entry, gourmet kitchen, 5Br, 3+1Ba, library, familyrm, 3 car garage, much more! $574,900 Michelle Bonnar 412-833-5405

Custom built Provincial, 2 sty entry, sunken livingrm & familyrm, cherry kit, 5Br, 3+2Ba, 2nd flr laundry, 3 car grg! $500,000 Kathy Enick 412-344-0500

Quality abounds in this stunning 4Br Tudor featuring all the latest amenities on a beautiful landscaped lot! $489,900 Sydnie Jones 412-344-0500

Spacious, quality Provincial on a double lot! Lovely kitchen, den, familyrm, gamerm, 5Br, 3.5Ba, screened porch! $375,000 Ginny Macaul 412-831-5555

Lovely Colonial featuring entertainment size living & dining rooms, 3Br, 2.5Ba, familyrm fireplace, patio! $269,000 Sue Kelso 412-344-0500

One of a kind contemporary in move-in condition! Great room sizes, 4Br, 2+2Ba, familyrm, walk-out gamerm! $265,000 Kathi Kernan 412-344-0500

Brick Cape Cod, gourmet kitchen w/window walls, diningrm glass double doors, 3Br, 2.5Ba, familyrm, 2 decks! $228,900 John Conti 412-344-0500

Large brick ranch, 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, living room & game room fireplace, porch, 2 car garage! $209,900 Julie Leslie 412-344-0500

Fabulous open floor plan! Great decor, updated 4Br, 2+2Ba Colonial, 2 fireplaces, den, gamerm, level lot! $224,750 John Geisler 412-344-0500

Beautiful 2 bedroom, 3.5 bath townhouse in move-in condition, patio off kitchen, game room, garage! $164,500 Hope Bassichis 412-833-5405

1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

This magazine was printed on recycled paper.

Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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Presorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Pittsburgh PA Permit No. 206