WINTER 2016 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

WINTER 2016

www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home

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

ROBBINS BOBBITT SALES DIRECTOR

BONNIE BAGAY

LYNNE BINGHAM

MAUREEN CAVANAUGH

REBECCA CHURCH

LEANNE DRESMICH

BOB ELLISON

SHANNON GALLAGHER

JANET HENSLER

SUSAN HIGHLEY

DIANE HORVATH

JESS HUTCHINSON

FRANKIE JO KUNSELMAN

MARIE MAGERAS

JENNIFER MATRASCIA

KATHY MCCLOSKEY

PATTY MORGAN

ERIN MUSCIANO

SUE MUSULIN

TIM REITMEYER

DORA RUDDICK

MARY SAPIENZA

CORAL STENGEL

DALE SWANTON

Would you like to join our team?

Call for a confidential discussion: Robbins Bobbitt,Sales Director 412-833-3600 WENDY VESPA

JODY YURCICH

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232-8104

Pictured clockwise from top: David V. Glorioso, M.D.; Mark A. Cedar, D.O.; Robert J. Pagano, M.D., Lisa A. Oliva, D.O.; Nicholas A. Bellicini, D.O.; Xuong Lu, M.D.; David L. Limauro, M.D.

2589 BOYCE PLAZA ROAD • UPPER ST. CLAIR South Hills Endoscopy Center is an independently owned and operated facility, which may lower your out-of-pocket health care costs.

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Compassionate, personalized Anesthesia Care delivered by our partnering Nurse Anesthetist team

St.Clair Hospital and Mayo Clinic Working Together. For a

ealthier You.

St. Clair Hospital is among the nation’s leaders in high quality, high value healthcare.

Because of this commitment to excellence, we have been selected to be a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

This clinical collaboration — unique to western Pennsylvania — will provide St. Clair’s outstanding physicians with direct access to the world-renowned expertise of Mayo Clinic. It will ensure that our patients, even those with the most challenging medical diagnoses, will receive the highest standard of care — close to home, at no additional cost.

Together, St. Clair Hospital and Mayo Clinic are building a healthier community, a community that starts with a healthier you.

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’16

Winter 2016 • Volume 22 • Issue 4 www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home

Features & Around the Township 16

School District 29

Christmas Season Was Always Busy With My Mother

18

Judge Arnoni Discusses Opioids

22

Coach’s Corner, Featuring Josh Helmrich

24

Pumas, Mustangs, and Panthers

USC High School Cultivates Supportive Culture

32

USC Educator Selected as Emerging Leader

36

Twists, Turns, and Detours on the Road of Life

38

•

usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us

Township 54

Sewers 101 Update

56

Think LED for a “Green” Christmas

62

USC Recreation Special Events

Guides/ Directories 14 Dining Out 46 Pinebridge 48 Life Planning 84 Advertiser Index

“Wild” Animals

Photo Ops 44

Township Reminders

69

65 67

Students’ Actions Result in Playground Expansion

Day in the District

Stanley Cup Visits USC

73

Outdoor Family Movie

82

68

Out and About

Westminster’s Permanent Art Collection

Cover

The winter cover of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is sponsored by Louis Anthony Jewelers. See feature article on pages 12 and 13 to find out what’s new in the world of watches and jewelry.

20

Heartfelt Reflections from Istanbul

WINTER 2016

www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home

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

30 Upper St. Clair

Halls of Fame 2016

54

Ash Trees and Honey Bees

34 Forty-One Years of Musical Excellence 4

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2016

70

Allegheny Land Trust

PAHIC PA8613

eichenlaub.com

412.767.4769

providing premier landscape services for more than 40 years

The award-winning, official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a not-for-profit 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. This year marks 22 years of our publication.

The 88th 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.

Spring 2017 edition deadlines: Articles—January 12 Advertising—January 16

Summer 2017 edition deadlines: Articles—June 22 Advertising—June 26

Publishers Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Superintendent of Schools Steering Committee Mark S. Mansfield, 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,

Advertising Executive Lynn Dempsey, Advertising Executive Dorothy Clark, Graphic Designer Alison Hess, Marketing Executive

Mark Mansfield, Paul Fox, Linda Dudzinski, Terry Kish, Colleen DeMarco, Lynn Dempsey, Dorothy Clark, and Alison Hess.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a non-partisan Town-

ship, School District, and community magazine.

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.

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 above. Add $10 to cover international mailings.

The next issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY will be the Spring 2017 issue and will be published in March 2017. Articles that were submitted but not published in this issue are on file for consideration in upcoming issues. Articles and announcements may be sent to: Editor

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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

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 Ad file submission: dclark@uscsd.k12.pa.us

Website www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home Email usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us Board of School Directors

Buffy Z. Hasco, President Angela B. Petersen, Vice President Amy L. Billerbeck Barbara L. Bolas Phillip J. Elias Patrick A. Hewitt Frank J. Kerber Harry F. Kunselman Louis P. Mafrice, Jr.

6

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Township Board of Commissioners Mark D. Christie, President, Ward 4 Rex A. Waller, Vice President, Ward 2 Nicholas J. Seitanakis, Ward 1 Robert W. Orchowski, Ward 3 Ronald J. Pardini, Ward 5 Russell R. Del Re, At Large Daniel R. Paoly, At Large

Winter 2016

Thank you to our volunteer contributors this issue: Judge Ronald Arnoni, Cindy Brophy, Rachel Heins Carlson, Mark Collins, Deb Conn, John D’Angelo, Betty Digby, Leigh Harkreader, Heather Holtschlag, David Kutschbach, Dr. David Limauro, Jay Lynch, Jim Meston, Jim O’Brien, Ruthann Omer, Helen Palascak, Douglas Petrick, Patricia Petrusik, Jim Render, Emanuel Romanias, Ron Sarrick, Gary Schafer, Mandy Seiner, Jennifer Slagle, Chef Chris Slaney, Julie Travaglini, Kemal Tumerkan, Tina Vojtko, and Marilyn Walsh.

Young Writers Guild (YWG) promotes and encourages young writers in the Upper St. Clair School District to provide articles of interest for our community magazine. Email usctoday@uscsc.k12.pa.us to find out how your student can contribute.

The 88th issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint publication of the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair. © Copyright 2016.

All rights reserved.

Reproduction of this magazine, in print or web version, in whole or in part, without the expressed written consent of the Editor, is strictly prohibited.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2284 Fax: 412-851-2592 Email: usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us Township­: 412-831-9000 School District: 412-833-1600 Printed by Knepper Press 2251 Sweeney Drive, Clinton, PA 15026-1818 724-899-4274 Design by DMC Design 412-824-7844 • www.dmcdesign.com

Real Estate Agents Who Make a Real Difference!

Barbara Baker Team*

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Frank Conroy & Florine Kelly

Brian & Karen Cummings

Bob Dini

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Kathy Hallberg

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Lori Maffeo

Bobbie Mikita

Barbara Kurdys-Miller

Melissa Prunzik

Joann Robb

Michele Schocker & Ruth Weigers

Mary Lou Stipanovich

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412.833.7700 1679 Washington Road www.ThePreferredRealty.com * Barbara Baker Realtor®, Terry Abbott, Ciara Higgins, Lori Ritchey and Kristen Shaw- All licensed assistants ©2016 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchise of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed. If your home is currently listed with a Broker, this is not a solicitation.

A Winter Note from the Publishers Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole

Matthew R. Serakowski

Welcome to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY’s winter issue. Having started this collaborative township and school district project in 1994, we are now completing our 22nd year and 88th edition of informing our residents of what’s happening in Upper St. Clair. We enjoy sharing our information so that you stay up-to-date with the activities, events, and newsworthy stories in and around our community.

You would think that there’d be the occasion when we would run out of things to write about, but, fortunately, that has never been the case. In fact, with such an involved community, awardwinning schools, and a township that dedicates itself to exceptional service, there’s always something to write about and sometimes too much for the space afforded.

What we do appreciate is that our residents enjoy sharing their stories, too. You just need look at our feature articles in the front and back of the magazine to notice how fortunate we are to have volunteer contributors in the truest sense of the word, both in this publication and within our community-at-large. See the volunteer list on page 6 and notice how many people have contributed to this edition by writing for us, and then page through the magazine to find and read their article. You might be the next author! Why not?

Turning our attention to this especially warm time of year—and, no, we’re not speaking of the outside temperature and related weather—we’re talking about the warmth that comes from within and shows through the kind and thoughtful things we do for one another during a typical holiday season. Share your warmth by giving back, paying it forward, being a kind neighbor. Characteristic of Upper St. Clair, we are grateful that you tirelessly espouse to what is good, what is helpful, what is right, and not only during this season, but also throughout the year and year after year, as well.

When you have the chance, thank the businesses that advertise in our publication. They generously underwrite this magazine so that there is no financial obligation to our residents. When you have the choice, please choose them (see page 84 for the advertiser index). And thank our small dedicated staff of TODAY who proudly give their service to this magazine and, ultimately, to you the reader (see page 6 for staff recognition).

During this season, may your home’s front door open widely and often to friends, neighbors, and those in need. Rest assured, these are life’s moments that become wonderful memories. We’ll be back in the New Year for our next edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. Until then, happy holidays!

Sincerely,

Sincerely,

Matthew R. Serakowski 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

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

TODAY, the award-winning, official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home 8

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2016

usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us

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BEDNER ESTATES New Decorated Model Home NOW OPEN – Stop By & Tour!

Two New Floorplans in Upper St. Clair The Torino and The Hayworth Sold Exclusively on our Remaining Cul-De-Sac Home Sites • Large, Wooded Home Sites with 120+ Feet of Usable Backyard • Gorgeous Brick and Craftsman Style Homes from the $420s • Homes include Granite Kitchen Countertops, Gourmet Islands, Stainless Steel Appliances and Upgraded Cabinetry • Easy Access to I-79, Route 19 and Downtown Pittsburgh

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Watches

What’s new in

·

Watchmaking and automobile racing have

shared a connection for some time, including classics like the Rolex Daytona and the Baume & Mercier Capeland Shelby Cobra 1963 Limited Edition. The Shelby Cobra (shown at right) was created specifically for auto racing. With tachymeter, chronograph and date functions it was designed for legibility, no matter what the conditions. An unprecedented combination

·

of complexity and simplicity.

VINTAGE INSPIRATION. As one watch expert

pointed out, it takes a lot more research-and-development money to introduce a new movement than to issue a watch based on one that’s already been made. Hence, the interest in watches with a vintage appeal like the TAG Heuer Monaco (at left). But there’s more to it than that: vintage watches offer a beauty of design and suggestion of inherent, time-honored value that’s

·

especially appealing in today’s fast-paced, high-tech world.

CASUAL ELEGANCE. It’s the sartorial code for a way of dressing that’s

effortlessly chic, nonchalant and stunning. And it applies to so many of the season’s most attractive watches like the Carl F. Bucherer Pavrati ScubaTec (at right).

Look for round faces, blue dials, controlled sizes and straps made of luggage

·

tan or camel leather. Instant class.

BLACK. Ever since all-black watches became block-buster hits,

every company has introduced their version. And this year, nothing changed.

Watches with predominately black faces and black straps continue the bold, modern look that remains strong for men and women. Like the Dior VIII Black Ceramic Ladies Watch (shown at left.)

JEWELERS 1775 NORTH HIGHLAND ROAD PITTSBURGH, PA 15241

412.854.0310 12

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2016

&

Longer necklaces and chokers.

Jewelry

Anyone who sold off their old gold chains should be kicking themselves. We’re seeing longer delicate chains with semi-precious jewels, like those shown from Vianna Brasil;

Anthony Jewelers, let your accessories shine.

we’re also seeing shorter necklaces layered closer to the throat as well as bold, highon-the-neck collar and choker designs.

Some looks continue to grow in popularity season after season. Stacking rings and bracelets, for example, continue to evolve and are great because layering allows people to easily add pieces

More playful designs. Have a bit of

and pair things with

fun. Fine jewelry as a whole is getting

existing pieces. And

less serious and more everyday wear-

in bridal, many

able. What’s trending: brightly colored

women prefer the look and symmetry of two wed-

gemstones in patterned designs,

ding bands on each side of the engagement ring.

jewelry with lace-like patterns and themes, pendants and charms that add personal meaning to pieces, and the return of carved and engraved gemstones with a spiritual nature. Jewelry with special meaning is worn as a reminder of those you love.

Beaded Bracelets. Unique and collectible, beaded bracelets from the Amelia Jewel Collection (shown at left) make a statement that is both personal and fashionable. Precious gemstones and one of a kind components lend endless options that let your wrist do the talking!

JEWELERS 1775 NORTH HIGHLAND ROAD PITTSBURGH, PA 15241

412.854.0310 Winter 2016

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

13

DINING OUT

509 Painters Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15228 Dine In, Take Out or Take-n-bake BYOB

Hours: Monday: Closed Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11am-9pm Friday, Saturday: 11am-10pm Sunday: 12-8pm

“We toss’em they’re Awesome!”

412-564-5748

www.crustcafeandpizzeria.com

Take a break from the stove and oven this holiday season.

Visit a local restaurant we’ve listed and have wait staff cater to you!

14

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2016

DINING OUT Eat In for a Dine Out Experience

Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe from Executive Chef Chris Slaney of Pazzo–an Italian Bistro Ingredients: 1 pound spaghetti pasta, cooked al dente 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 small yellow onion, minced 1 clove garlic, minced 1/4 cup white wine 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Salt and pepper to taste 4 eggs, scrambled 8 pieces of cooked bacon, chopped Directions: Cook pasta until al dente.

In small saute pan, heat olive oil, minced onion, garlic, and bacon.

Transfer to larger pan. Fold eggs into mixture with cooked pasta on low heat until eggs are cooked.

Add Âź cup Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste, white wine.

Serve in large bowl. Top with remaining Parmesan cheese.

Pan Asian Cuisine

670 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, PA, 15228

412.531.6666

www.jadegrille.com Winter 2016

412.531.8666

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

15

Christmas Season Was Always Busy With My Mother Jim O’Brien

My mother, Mary O’Brien, celebrated her 96th birthday on Christmas Eve 2002, which was the last birthday she celebrated.

In her later years, I started interviewing her all the time, trying to find out information about family and friends, but her mind was quite selective in what it was willing to release. My dad, Dan, drank too much and smoked too much, and that contributed to his death at age 63. Mom remembered that, but all she’d say was, “I always loved him.

He always loved you kids. He never left us.”

Some years back, I wasn’t impressed with that explanation. But the more mothers I meet at book-signings whose husbands are no longer part of the family, I realize that my dad not leaving us was a plus in my life. I knew that my mother and father loved me. They had their moles, but they never thought (or let me believe) I had any.

“He didn’t drive, but he took you kids to a lot of places,” she’d say. “He always went to work,” she continued. “During the Great Depression, he didn’t have a job for about six or seven years. But he went out every day and knocked on doors to ask for work.

He’d do what he could to make money. He always brought home some money.”

That story has become my personal mantra. I’ve never been afraid to knock on doors and ask for work.

I still smile when I think of Mom’s story when I come home with money in my pocket.

Christmas time was a busy time of year for both my parents. My dad went to a lot of parties, most of which were held in neighborhood bars and speakeasies. There were 36 bars in a mile-long stretch between Hazelwood Avenue and the Mary O’Brien, with Jim O’Brien, during her days at Asbury Homestead Bridge in my hometown Heights; photo credit Cornelia Karaffa of Asbury Heights of Hazelwood. My dad was familiar staggering. The winos would stand outside with most of them, and ran a tab in a half dozen or so. I delivered newspapers and bum money until they had enough to to most of them from the time I was ten to buy some Tiger Rose.

I met one of my first pro football playthe time I was 13, so the bar owners knew ers, Chuck Cherundolo, who had been a me, too. I was “Dan’s son,” they’d say. They center at Penn State and with the Steelers. treated me well.

He was a wine salesman. So were two When my dad cashed his paycheck local boxing heroes, Fritzie Zivic of from Mesta Machine Company in West Lawrenceville and Charlie Afif from the Homestead at the Hazelwood Bank at Hill.

Zivic was a storied world champion. one end of town, he walked, not always Mom and I would lunch at local restausteadily, a veritable minefield on his way rants, including Isaly’ s .

To me, Isaly’s was home. He had to leave a lot of that money The Colony or LeMont of Hazelwood.

The at many of those bars to clear his accounts. waitresses all knew my mom and me.

That My mother never knew how much he’d be turning over to her by the time he reached started a lifetime tradition of my mother our front door. Sometimes, she acted as if and I taking the opportunity to enjoy she’d just hit the jackpot, sometimes she lunch together. “I don’t think you and your mother ever saw one another when you was saddened by the shortfall.

Christmas time was a busy time of were not eating,” my wife, Kathie, would year for my mother, as well. She worked jokingly tease.

Around the Christmas season when I as a sales clerk at the Pennsylvania State was nine years old, I asked my mother to Store on Second Avenue. Everybody was buy me a toy printing press, an Ace model, buying liquor and wine to celebrate the when we were shopping at the Hazelwood season. I met many interesting characters Variety Store one day. She didn’t turn me whenever I’d stop in to see my mom. She down.

I truly believe that’s what got me worked a swing shift, and I’d join her for started in the business I’m in, and my lunch on the days she worked the early mother was my biggest fan. shift. Sometimes I’d have to wait in the I miss the mother of my childhood. Her back of the store, between the tall rows of memory wasn’t so good at age 96. She knew whiskey and wine, and I’d read the labels. me most of the time.

I was her “Jimmy,” I recall thinking many were quite attrac“her boy.” tive sounding.

“You’re lookin’ good,” she’d Some customers came regularly and OZ T say, over and over. “You’re as cute A were well known. There was “Duffy FROM as Christmas!” n the Drunk” and “Duffy the Boxer” and a woman with scraggly gray hair Check out Jim O’Brien’s new known to the workers as “Swing and book, From A to Z: A Boxing Memoir from Ali to Zivic.

Sway” for her awkward walking moVisit his website at tion. Unkind critics would say she was ien O’Br OIR MEM IC XING ZIV A BO ALI TO M O R F

Jim O’Brien says his mother, Mary, and dad, Dan, were in love in a playful way. Photo from the O’Brien family photo album 16

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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A Healthier U(SC)

Winter Workouts— How to Stay Motivated in Cold Weather Heather Holtschlag, Owner, Healthy Fit PR

potential injury, as can exerYou know the feeling. cises such as dead lifts and The alarm goes off before the practicing proper squatting sun comes up, and you can feel technique,” Marasco noted. the chill in the air even before Marasco also said that it is you get out of bed. A glance out best for people to stick with the window confirms your susa regular exercise regimen picions: cold air and a snowy throughout the entire year, yard. Getting in a workout will as taking longer breaks from not be easy. exercise in the winter, when “In my experience, it seems we often are not as motivated, to be more challenging to keep can make it harder to get up with an exercise regimen back into a regular program in the winter time due to cold during the warmer months. temperatures and weather con“If your preferred activity or ditions,” said Maura Marasco, exercise is typically done outfitness coordinator at the side, try to find other options Upper St. Clair Community Maura Marasco where you can still exercise & Recreation Center. “If you and work toward your goals think about it, we are always inside.” traveling during the summer months and If you have given up hope on getting out of exercising outdoors. It is easy, convenient, and enjoyable. When winter and treacherous the house on those cold, snowy, and otherwise weather approaches, we aren’t often as moti- dreary winter days, Marasco offers hope with vated or as willing to make that commute to the following workout samples that can be performed indoors, with or without weights. the gym, park, or outdoor trail.”

While maintaining the momentum to exer- Circuit Training Perform each exercise for one minute with cise during the cold winter months can often be as challenging as a workout itself, there are no rest. After the tenth exercise, rest for one to some things you can do inside to keep your ac- two minutes. Repeat the entire workout one tivity levels up and to prevent your motivation more time.

1. Push-Ups from dwindling. According to Marasco, activi 2. Sit-Ups ties that are performed primarily outdoors, like 3. Squat Jumps rowing, running, and biking also can be done 4. Plank indoors. “If you want to run indoors, find a 5. Tricep Dips gym with an indoor track or treadmills. If you 6. High Knees prefer to do something else, try a different piece 7. Alternating Lunges of cardio equipment, such as an elliptical or sta 8. Jumping Jacks tionary bike, or take a class. Maybe give circuit 9. Mountain Climbers training a try. All of these types of exercises will 10. Leg Raises help to keep your heart rate up, while working your muscles and keeping you in shape and on Tabata Training Tabata is a great way to get an intense worktrack with your goals.”

Marasco advises that outdoor runners, out in a short amount of time. The format is 20 particularly those who run during the cold seconds of hard work, followed by ten seconds months, should determine their limits for when of rest. Repeat eight times. Each round should they will not run outside. Those can include take approximately four minutes to complete. weather conditions such as ice, rain, or snow, Round 1: 1. Push-ups (20 seconds); rest (10 seconds) or when the temperature drops below a certain 2. Squats (20 seconds); rest (10 seconds) degree. “If you do take your exercise outside during these months, be prepared for the many Round 2: 1. Jumping Jacks; rest encounters you may face,” she said. “During 2. Burpees; rest your preparation, be sure you have the proper exercise clothing and footwear. If your exercise Round 3: 1. Mountain Climbers; rest requires a certain type of equipment, make sure 2. Sit-ups; rest it is safe to use in the cold.”

There may also be some exercises that can Round 4: 1. Alternating Lunges; rest aid you in your outdoor workout endeavors.

2. Fast Feet; rest n “Core exercises can help to save your back from Winter 2016

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17

RONALD A. ARNONI, DISTRICT JUDGE District Court 05-2-20 Office: 412-835-1661; Fax: 412-835-4060 5100 West Library Avenue, Bethel Park, PA 15102

Judge Arnoni Discusses Opioids

In this article, I would like to discuss a serious problem affecting the young and old, the rich and poor, and one that does not discriminate by race or religion. That problem is opioid addiction, a national epidemic. Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illicit drug heroin as well as prescription pain relievers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, fentanyl, and others.

Addiction is a chronic brain disease characterized by an individual habitually pursuing gratification and/or relief by substance use.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics, more people died from drug overdoses in 2014 than in any year on record. The majority of drug overdose deaths, more than six out of ten, involved an opioid. Since 1999, the number of overdose deaths involving opioids (including prescription opioid pain relievers and heroin) nearly quadrupled. From 2000 to 2014, nearly half a million people died from drug overdoses.

Seventy-eight Americans die every day from an opioid overdose.

In Allegheny County alone there were more than 500 related drug overdose deaths in 2015. In addition, 2.5 million emergency department visits are attributable to drug misuse or overdose. In 2012, 259 million prescriptions were written for opioids, which is more than enough to give every American adult his or her own bottle of pills. Four in five new heroin users started out misusing prescription painkillers, and 94% of opioid-addicted people in treatment who responded to a 2014 survey said they chose to use heroin because prescription drugs were far more expensive and harder to obtain.

Statistics also show that opioid abuse and addiction cost Americans over $484 billion annually. This amount includes healthcare costs, lost wages, car accidents, crime, and criminal justice system costs. Opioid addiction is linked to at least 50% of the major crime in the U.S. At least half of all suspects arrested for violent crimes, including homicide and assault, were under the influence of opiates.

As many as two-thirds of detained juveniles may have a substance use disorder. Drug abuse is implicated in at least three types of drug-related offenses: (1) offenses of drug possession or sales, (2) offenses related to drug abuse, such as stealing to get money for drugs, and (3) offenses related to a lifestyle that predisposes one to engage in illegal activity; gang violence, for example.

What can we do about this epidemic? There are three areas of involvement that can have a positive impact. The first area is education. Did you know that 60% of high schoolers and 32% of middle schoolers have seen drugs used, kept, or sold on school grounds? Every day, 2000 teens in the U.S. try prescription drugs to get high for the first time. Many of you are familiar with the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program and the “Just Say No” campaign. Unfortunately, these programs have not proven to be effective. There is a new high impact, multimedia presentation called NOPE (Narcotics Overdose Prevention and Education).

The NOPE presentation is purposefully blunt and evokes powerful emotions. For example, a 911 call from a desperate mother who just found her 17-year-old son dead from a painkiller overdose is played at an assembly in a Pennsylvania high school. There was 18

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complete silence as the students listened to the recording while looking at an urn containing the teen’s ashes and photos of dozens of other teen overdose victims. The response from students, parents, and teachers has been positive.

The second area is parental involvement. Parents need to be aware of the warning signs of drug abuse. They are, but are not limited to: changes in eating and sleeping habits, changes in physical appearance, changes in behavior and personality, changes in school performance, and changes in friends and interests. If you see these signs or suspect your child is using drugs, take action immediately by confronting your child! If you cannot handle the situation on your own, seek professional help, including counseling or a treatment program. Parents can, hopefully, prevent children from using drugs by creating strong family ties. Research has consistently shown that the more often young people sit down at the dinner table with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink, or use drugs. Parents should also talk to their kids about drugs, make time for them, praise them when they do something good, set rules and boundaries, give them responsibilities, and monitor their social media activities.

The third area of impact on opioid abuse is governmental and judicial involvement. Since 2015, the CDC has sponsored and funded the Prevention for States program to advance prevention.

Through 2019, the CDC plans to give selected states annual awards between $750,000 and $1 million. Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) are the most promising state-level intervention. They are state-run electronic databases used to track the prescribing and dispensing of controlled prescription drugs to patients. They are designed to monitor information for suspected abuse and can give a prescriber or pharmacist critical information regarding a patient’s controlled substance prescription history.

This information can help prescribers and pharmacists identify patients at high-risk who would benefit from early intervention.

Lastly, drug abuse treatment can be incorporated into criminal justice settings in a variety of ways. Examples include treatment in prison, followed by community-based treatment after release, drug courts that blend judicial monitoring and sanctions as a condition of probation, and treatment under parole or probation supervision. Drug abuse treatment can benefit from a collaboration of criminal justice professionals, substance abuse treatment providers, and other social service agencies.

In my courtroom, I work with the Assistant District Attorney and police officers in an attempt to place addicted individuals into a rehab facility, searching for the best treatment available. On my criminal day, there are representatives in my courtroom whose main concern is to deal with addiction. We look for all possible solutions to this problem.

We first must recognize the urgency of the opioid epidemic.

Education and good parenting should help to prevent our children from becoming future drug addicts. And, as importantly, our governmental agencies and courts, as well as our health care professionals, need to work together to identify and combat substance abusers and the negative repercussions to our society. n

Winter 2016

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

19

Heartfelt Reflections from Istanbul Kemal Tumerkan

Editor’s note: Kemal Tumerkan, an AFS exchange student from Turkey during the academic year 1970–71, graduated with the USC class of ’71. He returned to Upper St. Clair for his 20th, 30th, 40th, and 45th class reunions. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY asked Kemal, who is now age 63, to reflect on his year attending USC High School and living in our community.

If I had to say just one sentence for that year, I would say that it was like an island in the ocean that is very distinctive than all the rest of my life. My year in USC corresponded to the ages of 17 and 18; very precious years in one’s life and when one is open to accept new things. In addition, the world was not as “small” as it is today. A student coming to USC from Turkey today would not experience the gap that I had experienced.

So, what were the differences that I observed?

My relationship with family members was different. I loved and respected my dad back at home, but we had a somewhat formal relationship. However, with Mr. Smith, my host father, I could discuss free will, politics, or play pool or ping pong as if he was Asli, Baris, Isil, and Kemal root for the Steelers from their home in Istanbul. a friend. Respect was certainly there, but it was less different for me. However, as I said, these days the differences formal. Similarly with the mothers. It was just a difare much less, so I consider myself lucky to have been able to ferent family model.

The attitude in school was also different. We had to wear a compare the two different worlds of that time.

It is easy to notice how much U.S. movies, music, history, and jacket and tie in high school in Turkey. I still remember the announcement on the first day of USC High School, stating that culture impacted our lives at that time and today. This impact has we could not come to school in bare feet. I remember this being pros and cons, but this is for another discussion.

I was naive enough not to be suspicious about the reason the only dress code—which was a huge difference! The teachers were much easier to communicate with, and being able to choose behind being hosted in a foreign land. Today, I am happy to have between classes rather than a fixed curriculum was a nice change. witnessed that neither during my stay nor after I returned home, Another nice difference was the balance between the academic no one forced me or even wanted to convince me to act or talk in life and sports or social activities. Something else to mention was favor of the U.S. I am really thankful for that. When in America technology. We had limited TV broadcasts in Turkey at that time at USC and also after I returned, I was always comfortable with and no color TV at all. Having 13 channels in USC, which were standing up for what I believed was right, and I felt no pressure to change my views whatsoever in exchange for the favor of my visit. all in color, was impressive!

However, my year in USC enabled me to clearly separate I must admit, fast food restaurants like McDonald’s and Pizza Hut, as well as the variety of stores at South Hills Village, were between the thoughts and wishes of the ordinary people anyalso very attractive for my age. The first McDonald’s and Pizza where in the world and government acts of any country. As Mr. Holloman from the USC community said to me after we spent Hut stores in Istanbul didn’t open until the mid-80s.

The much freer contact between girls and boys, and espe- a week together with his family touring some eastern states of cially how girls could be the first to start a relationship, was very the U.S., “What should amaze us is not the differences between people, but the similarities.”

Let me also give you some feedback on what I observed during my stay in 1970-71. I felt that the society I sampled from USC stood on several concepts. Even if my observations are correct, I cannot judge whether or not these were intentional, maybe partly.

So, here are those concepts: • Challenge. Challenge is created at every possible area to energize the individual and the society. This includes challenging oneself, as well.

• Appreciation. To make society happier, content, respectful to one another, and give self-confidence to individuals.

• Free will. To hold people responsible and inspire that they are capable.

• Free speech. For efficiency in communication and to reach better conclusions.

• Integrity. To build trust between people; thus increasing the The Tumerkans enjoy a view of the Datca Peninsula, efficiency of all types of relations and easing reconciliations. the location of their summer home in southwest Turkey.

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Now, time to switch from observations to real life. For those of you who wonder what I did after I left USC, I studied chemical engineering and I have an MS degree from Bosphorus University of Istanbul. After graduation in 1976, I married a classmate, Isil, and recently we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. We have two kids—Asli and Baris—indeed two grown-ups, who live in Istanbul. After working for a local company on pressure vessels, I then worked for an international company, Unilever, for 27 years and retired at the end of 2009. During my time with Unilever, I tried to become an expert of packaging technology.

Even while working, I enjoyed writing, but more for challenging myself than to be read. I have two published books and several others which were not published and probably never will be. We still live in Istanbul, but spend more time in Datca, the southwest coast of Turkey. Nature is beautiful and peaceful there.

Everyone from USC is welcome to share the beauty of the Datca Peninsula with us. I am very happy that some of my friends from high school have already done so.

I am happy that I had a chance to share my thoughts with you.

While writing this article, I felt like I was chatting with friends and also searching for the naive young boy who once was your guest. Upper St. Clair, with all of its parts—the Smith family, friends, neighbors, school, all the differences and similarities that I observed, all the joy of my younger days, everything that I learned and with so many good memories, and still continuing friendships—has been a very important part of me.

USC has been a beautiful island in my life and I am very, very thankful for that.

Editor’s note: TODAY asked Kemal’s host sister, Susan (Smith) Jaskot, for her reflections on her family’s wonderful days with Kemal. Below is Susan’s response. Susan, USCHS class of 1971, currently resides in Burke, Virginia.

Kemal lived with our family when we lived in USC at 1711 Partridge Run Road. My parents applied to be AFS hosts because my father spent his junior year of college in France, and he always appreciated the welcome he received in France and how much his world-view changed by living abroad. He wanted to give back by hosting a visitor from a foreign country in the United States for a year. Once we were accepted as AFS hosts, we expected that our student guest would be female since I was the high school senior and the AFS student guest is likewise supposed to be a high school senior and of the same sex as their host “sibling.” However, AFS had more male applicants that year than female, so they thought our family would host a young man since my brother, Dan Smith, was just a year behind me at USC. We agreed, and so Kemal came to us in August 1970 and became like a brother to Dan and me.

(Our family was just our two parents and Dan and me.)

I’ve always been very touched that Kemal is so loyal to our high school class and feels so close to everyone. It testifies to the warm welcome he received from our teachers and classmates.

My family had moved to USC from Boston the previous year, so I came to USC as a junior. I, too, immediately felt a part of the great class of ’71.

My memory is that Kemal came to love American hamburgers and Baskin-Robbins ice cream. He always seeks those foods whenever he is back in the U.S. I think he also experienced snow (or at least big snowstorms) for the first time while he was in this country.

A photo clip from the USCHS St. Clairion, circa October 1970

Kemal was known in our class for his sense of humor, always cracking jokes. He was a big fan of singers Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck. He told us that he was known for his singing of their hits back in his Turkish high school, and he sang some of those hits in the USC talent show in 1971. They were extremely soulful, especially sung with a Turkish accent!

Kemal was really good at ping pong. We had a table in our basement, and Kemal would take on all comers, especially my brother and his friends, and beat them. I think my dad was the only one to give him serious competition.

Both of my parents are now deceased, but Kemal visited my father in Virginia after attending the class reunion in 2011, which I also attended. His visit to my dad, who was in a nursing home with Parkinson’s disease at the time, meant a lot to me. Kemal was especially close to my father, as he writes.

I have not yet made it to Turkey to visit Kemal and Isil, but my parents visited them twice, and my daughter spent her spring break with them while on a college semester abroad program in Russia. Kemal and Isil treated her royally! They are so ready to welcome anyone associated with the great USC class of ’71! n

The Terrible Towel has a home in Istanbul.

Kemal welcomes your feedback at kemaltumerkan@gmail.com.

Winter 2016

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

21

Coach’s Corner Featuring Josh Helmrich

Jim Render, USCHS Football Coach

One of the responsibilities of a head football coach is to make yourself available to the media who have questions about your football team. Depending on who or what the subject is, interviews can be fun, painful, or stressful, and they always have time constraints. I once growled at Mike White of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette following a tough loss. “Why do you want to interview me? Go over to the other locker room and talk with the winner,” I said. He still reminds me of this exchange 20-some years later. On the other hand, I can turn on the charm when the bright lights of the TV camera come on. Let’s just say, in my career I have done my fair share of interviews about games, players, and championships and all things relating to the great game of football. Some are memorable, while others are easily forgotten.

One very memorable interview I did was in 1995. The guy who conducted the interview was a third grade student at Baker Elementary. His project, as a gifted student, was to write a book.

I, along with my star player Cullen Hawkins, were the subjects of his book titled So You Want to Play Football?

Author’s introduction page I think you will enjoy this book. It should be very helpful for beginners. It tells what equipment you will need to play football safely. It explains the goals of the game.

It contains an interview with Mr. James Render, the head football coach of Upper St. Clair. It also has an interview with Cullen Hawkins, an outstanding football player at USC. I have included the 1995 season record. There is a word search for you to work. I have enjoyed putting this book together. Now, it is your turn to enjoy it also.

(Written by Josh Helmrich, for a third grade academic assignment)

It was the first time I had met Josh Helmrich. It certainly would not be the last. When he became a middle school student and his classmates went to social events on weekend nights, Josh chose to be a ball boy and experience Friday night lights with me and the varsity football team. I might add that he was outstanding at his job, which continued into his freshman year. It was my belief 22

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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that the freshman quarterback should serve an apprenticeship on the sidelines so that he became accustomed to the fast action before he actually played. It is a tradition that has served us well over the years.

In the fall of 2002, Josh Helmrich stepped onto the stadium field as a very confident football player. Although not tall or known for speed, he had a very strong arm and his throwing motion was excellent. His accuracy was quickly noticed and respected by all. Admittedly, I was somewhat hesitant to put a sophomore in the game as the starting quarterback, so an older teammate was given first crack. It soon became apparent that the offense needed a spark and Josh was inserted into the game.

On his very first play, Josh faked an outside toss sweep and gave the ball to Edmund Nelson on the inside. The result was a 50yard touchdown run. On our next offensive position, the young quarterback threw his first pass. It was a bootleg pass to the right side and tight end Drew Serdy, coming from the left side, caught the ball and took it to the end zone. At that point, Josh Helmrich directed USC for two plays and for two touchdowns. Not a bad way to start your high school quarterback career.

Entering his junior year, Josh was clearly named our starting quarterback as well as our punter. We were rolling along quite well until misfortune struck when Josh suffered a torn ACL in week seven. It was one of those non-contact injuries where the knee does not perform the way it is intended. The team did make it to the 2003 WPIAL championship game, but we were defeated by a stronger Pittsburgh Central Catholic team.

Following his surgery, Josh spent the winter, spring, and early summer months getting ready for his senior year. He stated that he was motivated by the desire to return to play with his teammates of long standing. He recalled several memories from the season of 2004 when Danny Cafaro scored five touchdowns in one game, five different ways. He caught a pass, intercepted a pass, returned a kickoff, returned a punt, and ran one into the end zone for the final touchdown. Josh relived the night against North Hills when his good friend Bobby Petrini caught several of his passes for big plays and a touchdown. Of course, there were many stories about the heroics of Sean Lee, including the night against Bethel Park when he ran the ball 31 times for 231 yards and had a big pass interception as well as a great punt return.

Coaches from Penn State and Pitt, including head coach Walt Harris, were on the sidelines to evaluate and recruit the USC Most Valuable Player. As for Josh, he came all the way back to lead his team to an undefeated regular season as well as make First Team All Conference.

“High school football is definitely a huge highlight in my life,” Josh said. (Read a related article by Kevin Gorman, Pittsburgh

Tribune Review, August 21, 2014, about Sean Lee, Danny Cafaro, and Josh Helmrich at http://triblive.com/sports/kevingorman/6458306-74/ cafaro-football-helmrich.)

Although Josh was recruited by several small colleges to play quarterback, the USC Class of 2005 valedictorian opted for Yale. His college football career was mostly as a punter on a team that won the 2006 Ivy League championship. He recalled that he met and competed with young people from all over the country and he felt his high school experiences were as good or better than anyone else’s. The political science major graduated from Yale in the spring of 2009.

The National Football League (NFL) has an internship where they bring recent college graduates into what they call a blue chip managing and training program. The idea is for the intern to rotate through three various departments of the NFL for a two-year period. For example, there is a Department of Entertainment and Player Marketing, and one of Sponsorship Sales. Another area is TV Deals, including Snapchat and Facebook. Naturally, this was an area of interest for the recent Yale graduate. Out of a field of 1500 applicants, Josh was one of only seven who were chosen in 2009.

Josh had great experiences during his internship and was in the final two weeks of his last department rotation when he was summoned to a staff meeting. The chairman announced they were creating a new position and were looking for a short, Ivy League smart guy with a strong right arm. It was in this fashion that he learned he was being offered a Josh Helmrich, on the field at the Pro Bowl permanent position at the headquarters of the NFL. Today, Josh Helmrich serves as the director of Media Strategy and Business Development. His pet project these days is “Next Gen Stats,” which is short for Next Generation Statistics. The average NFL fan would have little idea about what is going on within the game they are watching. The NFL is currently taking the initiative to obtain comprehensive information by placing tracking devices on players shoulder pads and game officials’ jerseys. Each tracking device captures its location at ten times per second. From this, they can learn how far and fast players run. According to Josh, the statistics that can be created are limitless. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) infrastructure is deployed in all of the stadiums, including at the London and Mexico games. When asked how will NGS impact the game and fan experience in the future, Josh stated that “football fans are tech-savy, which will allow them to understand the game in a deeper, more meaningful way. More data will allow all of us to better understand the strategy unfolding on the field and how impressive our athletes really are in comparison to other Olympic level athletes.” Coaches can also monitor team conditioning based on a player’s actual workload in a game. Josh was recently quoted in The Friday Report, an internal NFL employee newsletter, when he said, “We are only scratching the surface of what can be done with NGS data.”

Josh is also involved in working with the Wilson Company, the maker of NFL footballs. They are already putting chips in Attending a 2009 college graduation party in USC are, left to right, Sean Lee, Coach Jim Render, and Josh Helmrich the balls to measure revolutions per minute, spiral efficiency, and, of course, speed. In the Wilson scoring system, a score of 1000 or better is great. A portable temporary passing and testing area was constructed just outside of the NFL offices, in the heart of New York City. Josh was winning the employee competition when football commissioner Roger Goodell arrived to participate in the experiment. The commissioner questioned that Josh, in fact, scored over 1000, and sent for Josh to come back and throw again. The young employee told Mr. Goodell that his arm was sore. Roger said, “Too bad; get in there and throw. If you score 1000 or higher, I will double your bonus.”

Josh again scored over 1000, and at press time he is patiently waiting for his bonus money.

The son of USC residents Joel and Barbara Helmrich, Josh was a winner when I met him as a third grader, and nothing Josh Helmrich throws a chip-tested NFL football in the temporary testing to this day has changed my view of him and his potential. n area set up in NYC, while Roger Goodell (right) and others look on Winter 2016

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

23

Pumas, Mustangs, and Panthers on Seegar Road Jay Lynch

There’s no need to ask if you nostalgically remember Chuck Taylor All Star basketball shoes. You, or your kids, likely wear them with fashionable pride, after decades of popularity with teens and rock stars. But, in the old days they were considered boringly functional.

When I was playing basketball for USC High School (1968–1971), our coaches issued Chuck Taylors as our official team shoes, out of respect for prominent players from our parents’ generation who wore them, like Bob Cousy. However, at the time, fashion for USC High School boys was transitioning from khaki pants and button down shirts to bell bottom jeans and madras shirts. So, we were delighted when Coach Perinis assembled us in the locker room for a big surprise. He had worked out a deal with Puma, a name we knew from sponsorships with players of our generation, like NBA star Walt “Clyde” Frasier. Puma wanted to test a new shoe prototype with high school players, so they agreed to provide us with shoes for free, and welcomed our reviews after the season. Our response was a single word: groovy! They were sleek low-tops, with white leather and the famous Puma stripe, conveniently matching USC school colors (at the time). Coach Perinis asked that we respect the kind offer by taking good care of our new shoes.

When I showed them to my father, he was only mildly impressed, but liked the fact that they were free. My mother shared my enthusiasm, but had other things on her mind. Some of her friends were seeking re-election to the USC School Board and she needed help delivering pamphlets to families who had volunteered to distribute them door-to-door.

As a 17-year-old boy, I was always looking for an opportunity to drive her car, so I jumped at the opportunity when she offered to let me deliver the pamphlets. The car was one of her few materialistic indulgences. It was a sweet six-cylinder 1966 Ford Mustang, with a convertible top, spokes and spinners, and a four-speed stick shift.

I was having a great time cruising around USC Township and delivering bundles of pamphlets in my mom’s far-out car, beeping the horn and waving to friends. Especially girls.

One of the “drop off” addresses was 200 Seegar Road— the Gaber home. You may be familiar with Seegar Road. It’s a series of rolling hills from Fort Couch Road to McMillan Road. Number 200 is a “high side” house, with a steep Cont. on page 26

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Pumas, Mustangs, and Panthers Cont. from page 24

driveway located near the crest of one of the hills. I drove up the driveway and turned the car around in the landing adjacent to the garage, so that I could exit without backing up. I turned the car off, got out, and proceeded to walk to the front door, carrying the pamphlets. As I reached to ring the doorbell, I happened to look back at the driveway and was astounded to see the Mustang in motion. It was starting to roll down the driveway. I realized that the landing area wasn’t completely flat and that I had forgotten to put the car in gear and set the brake.

little girl said, “See Daddy, I told you I saw a teenager in a letter jacket driving his car from the outside.”

I sustained no injuries, except for my pride. The money that I’d saved from a summer of tarring driveways was spent on replacing the Mustang’s front bumper, as my father refused to submit an insurance claim. “I’m not paying higher premiums for your blatant ineptitude,” he said. He used big words when he was angry, as they saved him from throwing more quarters into my mom’s curse jar.

Mr. Palumbo at South Hills Nursery thought the event was pretty funny, and gave me a big discount on the replacement trees that I purchased and planted for the Gabers. Punishment from my mom was typical. I was prohibited from using her car until her anxiety subsided, which was about 20 minutes. As usual, she was just happy that her son was not hurt.

I didn’t tell my parents about the mea culpa I would have to deliver to Coach Perinis at our next practice. I had been wearing my new Pumas during the car-wrangling event. The asphalt of Seegar Road had shredded and blackened the pristine white leather. My 1966 Ford Mustang convertible toes were visible when I was wearing the shoes without socks.

Thinking that I could avoid major punishment with a minor Unsure of what to do, I dropped the pamphlets and ran toward investment, I went to Kaufman’s (now the Galleria) and Gimbels the car. As it headed down the driveway, it gained speed, with (now Target), in search of matching replacements. No luck. Being minor slowdowns each time it hit and destroyed one of the many prototypes, retail stores weren’t selling those particular shoes. ornamental trees that lined the drive. Even worse, the angle of Some readers might remember Coach Perinis. Truly a great the driveway made it easy for the car to roll onto Seegar Road. It guy, he was always calm, friendly, and encouraging to his students continued to gain speed as it headed down the hill, which was and players. I didn’t want to upset him. But, at our next practice, I even steeper than the driveway. I finally caught up to the car and showed him what was left of my shoes, and told him the whole story. was running alongside the open window on the driver’s side. I I expected punishment, but got a well-reasoned response that wasn’t sure what to do. I felt like a dog that chases a car but has no I’ll always remember. He said, “Jay, you have to weigh the good idea what to do when it catches it. The car was drifting to the left against the bad. You forgot to set the parking brake, you damaged while the road was turning right, ensuring eminent impact with your mother’s car, you ruined several trees, and you destroyed large trees, or phone poles, or taking a nasty plunge into a ravine. your new shoes. That’s four in the bad column. On the other hand, As a 17-year-old, I had minimal fear of self-inflicted injury, so I you reacted quickly, you put yourself in danger by trying to atone attempted to steer the for your mistake, and car away from danger you prevented greater by lunging through damage. That’s three the open window and in the good column. I grabbing the steercall it even.” I asked, ing wheel with both “The math mistake’s hands. An effective in my favor, Coach, technique for saving but how’s that even?” the car, but brutal He responded, “There on my legs and feet, will be lots of laughs which were dragged in the teachers’ lounge along the pavefrom this one!” ment as my head, Coach Perinis arms, and shoulders told Doug Brown, were inside the car. our team trainer, to Thankfully, the car re-issue my old pair slowed considerably of clunky Chuck when it entered a Ta y l o r A l l S t a r s .

1970-71 USCHS boys’ basketball team, in their Pumas, with Coach Perinis (back center) valley by Murdstone Wearing them, to my Road. It went partially up the next hill, and then rolled slightly surprise, was the extent of my punishment. In today’s world, backwards to settle and eventually stop in the valley. though, it wouldn’t seem like punishment at all; rather, it would be I released the death grip I had on the wheel, and fell to the a fashion statement. So, USC teens, what’s the moral of the story? pavement. Shaken by the ordeal, I was relieved that I’d prevented If you borrow your mother’s car, be sure to wear old shoes. n further damage to my mom’s Mustang. A family having dinner Jay Lynch, USCHS class of 1971 and a USC resident, welcomes your on their porch had witnessed the event and came to my rescue. A feedback at bkefather@yahoo.com.

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Double Dutch Daycare Mandy Seiner

M y f i r s t d a y w o r k i n g at the Kienderbenkske in Limburg, the Netherlands, was a hectic one. I had recently arrived in the small village of Well to study for a semester and run a program that employed students from my school in local kindergartens and elementary schools to support Dutch children while they learned basic English. It was a Tuesday morning, 10 a.m., the week before Carnaval. The upcoming holiday was a festival that celebrated the reversal of social norms and rules and helped transition into the beginning of Lent.

All of the tots in the daycare were wearing Carnaval costumes, dressed up as superheroes, clowns, and a variety of animals. A few of the youngest kids threw toy trucks at one another, not seeming to grasp the concept of wheels. Two girls in Elsa dresses and one in a Spiderman costume stood on a table, dancing to music that was either inaudible to me or nonexistent. One child wearing a dragon onesie ran circles around my coworkers, the fabric of her costume sagging and dripping a substance I could only hope was water. Two of the oldest boys, who we later deemed Mohawk and Minion because of their outfits, could not keep themselves from climbing on my colleague, Ari. I watched from the kitchen as he collapsed on the couch opposite me under the weight of their wriggling bodies. To my right, three boys in clown costumes clamored over one another in the ball pit. Spider-Elsje, as Ari called her, paraded across the Kienderbenkske floor in plastic dress-up heels and her superhero outfit, head held high.

I had worked closely with young children while teaching preschool in Boston,

Mandy Seiner (left), with students in the sandbox

but didn’t know exactly what to expect from the Dutch daycare center when I arrived there to teach English. I asked one of the school’s employees to write out a list of classroom rules that I could forward to my volunteers, as we were unsure of what the children were and weren’t allowed to do. She sat down on the floor next to me, computer in lap, and pulled up a blank Word document. She went to type, but paused, finger to her mouth.

“How do you call the… wash bin?” she inquired. She threw her arm out to stop the dragon child galloping by and plopped her on the floor next to me.

“Why, her front is all wet.”

“Oh, the sink?”

“Yes, yes, do not allow them to play in the sink.” She began typing. The final rule list read: No running.

No playing with the sink.

No playing in the babybox.

They can play on the windowsill, but no jumping off it.

With these rules in mind, I moved to sit with a young boy who was coloring in a picture of a bird. He scribbled back and forth with a blue crayon, paying no attention to the lines on the page. I pointed at the picture and said “blue.” He stopped coloring mid-stroke and slowly moved his gaze upward until he met my eyes. “Nee,” he stated disdainfully, “blau.”

He returned to his bird, and I sat, a little dumbfounded, wondering how to work around his certainty.

The children began winding down when their teachers announced lunchtime. Ari and I sat with Minion while he ate. He appeared a bit more cognizant than the rest of the children, listening to everything we said to each other whether he understood or not. He asked if we spoke “Engels,” and when I responded that we did, he stared straight at me and growled “I. Am. Speed.” Unsure of how to respond, Ari and I both laughed and looked at his teacher. She said he was a big fan of the Disney movie Cars. She asked Minion if he knew anything else in English, and he sat for a moment before responding, brow furrowed.

“I love you.” n

Mandy Seiner, USCHS Class of 2014, is a student at Emerson College studying writing, literature, and publishing. She spent a semester abroad in the Netherlands last school year, working with kindergarten and elementary school students.

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SD Upper St. Clair School District Board of School Directors

Buffy Z. Hasco President 412-833-5712 2017*

Patrick A. Hewitt 412-831-0178 2019*

Amy L. Billerbeck 412-833-2712 2019*

Angela B. Petersen Vice President 412-831-7182 2019*

Frank J. Kerber 412-833-4873 2017*

Barbara L. Bolas 412-833-9841 2019*

412-851-1115 2017*

412-851-0622 2017*

Frosina Cordisco Director of Business and Finance

Dr. John Rozzo Assistant Superintendent

Dr. Judy Bulazo Director of Curriculum and Professional Development

Ray Berrott Director of Technology

Amy Pfender Director of Student Support Services

*Date indicates expiration of term.

To reach personnel, call 412-833-1600, and follow the automated directions.

Administrator

Dr. Sharon Suritsky Assistant/Deputy Superintendent

Phillip J. Elias 412-257-1198 2019*

The 2016-17 regular meetings of the Upper St. Clair Township Board of School Directors are held at 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at the Central Office Board Room, unless otherwise noted. No regular Harry F. Kunselman Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. meeting is scheduled for July.

School District Central Office Administration

Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Superintendent of Schools

http://www.uscsd.k12.pa.us

Secretary/Email Address Extension

Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole................................ Mary Ann Stabile.............................2201 Superintendent of Schools mstabile@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. Sharon Suritsky................................... Donna Faccenda..............................2218 Assistant/Deputy Superintendent dfaccenda@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. John Rozzo............................................ Mary Ann Stabile.............................2201 Assistant Superintendent mstabile@uscsd.k12.pa.us Frosina Cordisco........................................ Dawn Machi.....................................2220 Director of Business and Finance dmachi@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. Judy Bulazo.......................................... Donna Faccenda..............................2218 Director of Curriculum dfaccenda@uscsd.k12.pa.us and Professional Development Ray Berrott.............................................................................................................2059 Director of Technology rberrott@uscsd.k12.pa.us Amy Pfender............................................... Terri Lott...........................................2283 Director of Student Support Services tlott@uscsd.k12.pa.us Melissa Garvin............................................ Cheryl Ellison...................................2116 Asst. Director of Student Support Services cellison@uscsd.k12.pa.us Bradley Wilson .....................................................................................................3318 Supervisor of Customized and Online Learning Sheila Gorgonio.....................................................................................................2826 Director of Advancement sgornonio@uscsd.k12.pa.us Joseph Conners......................................................................................................2560 Chief of School Police Jonn Mansfield........................................................................................................ 3450 Director of Transportation Tina Vojtko............................................................................................................2215 Communications Specialist tvojtko@uscsd.k12.pa.us School District Building Administration

Melissa Garvin Asst. Director of Student Support Services

Bradley Wilson Supervisor of Customized and Online Learning

Sheila Gorgonio Director of Advancement

Dr. Lou Angelo............................... High School Principal Dr. Timothy Wagner ..................... High School Associate Principal for

Program Planning and Innovation Daniel Beck.................................... High School Assistant Principal Christine Mussomeli...................... High School Assistant Principal Joseph DeMar ................................ Fort Couch Middle School Principal Erin Peterson.................................. Fort Couch Assistant Principal Daniel O’Rourke............................ Boyce Middle School Principal Dr. Patrick McClintock-Comeaux... Baker Elementary School Principal Mark Miller.......................................Eisenhower Elementary School Principal/

Supervisor of Elementary Education Dr. Claire Miller............................. Streams Elementary School Principal

Upper St. Clair School District Notices Online The required annual notices to parents of children who reside in the Upper St. Clair School District are available online at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us. Kindergarten information will be placed on the Upper St. Clair School District website in January 2017.

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USC High School Cultivates Supportive Culture Tina Vojtko, USCSD Communications Specialist It was a warm spring day and I was standing in the hallway of the high school alongside Principal Lou Angelo when two male students passed by, one wearing a ball cap. Dr. Angelo gently leaned in and softly said, “Excuse me gentlemen,” to the two young men. In his soft, polite tone, he asked, “Would you mind doing me a favor? Would you please remove your hat inside the building?” The student immediately obliged, and Dr. Angelo thanked him as the teenagers continued on their way.

“Treat them as the young adults you want them to be,” Dr. Angelo said as I commented on his pleasant exchange. This mutual respect is a hallmark of the Upper St. Clair culture and experience.

The high school has taken a proactive approach to creating a positive school climate. High school students have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of their classmates through their involvement in the Peer Mentor, Partners in Physical Education, Partners in SHOP, and Leadership Academy programs.

Students in grade 11 are eligible to apply to serve as peer mentors in order to assist freshmen with the transition from middle school to high school. Each freshmen homeroom is assigned a peer mentor who provides information, encouragement, and support throughout the year. Each year, approximately 60 juniors serve as mentors in the program.

Partners in PE is a group of general education students who receive their own physical education credits while supporting students with special needs in physical education classes. Partners in SHOP provide similar assistance and encouragement in SHOP@ USC, where they produce and sell USC spirit items. The partners also participate in a variety of social activities throughout the year.

During the summer, USC offers a one-week Leadership Academy for students in grades four through 12. Age-appropriate experiences are offered at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, focusing on commitment, teamwork, integrity, and courage through the actions of leadership.

“Our programs provide students with opportunities to make a difference in their school community by demonstrating care, concern, compassion, empathy, and encouragement,” Dr. Angelo said. “The impact that these programs have, individually and collectively, is profound.”

In addition, the high school staff consistently communicates specific themes with students throughout the year. “One other strategy we use is by continually communicating several themes to our students,” Dr. Angelo said. “These are introduced each year during our class meetings, and then we continue to emphasize these themes throughout the year through student communications, social media, and the like.”

The USCHS themes are: • You matter. What you do and say impacts others. What you do and say has value.

• We are a team. Your contributions matter, so be a positive contributing member of our team. (Our team includes all students and all adults in the building.)

• Together we can do anything. Our goal is to help each and every student achieve his/her dreams and ensure that the high school experience is positive, motivating, and impactful.

“Other messages from our class meetings include: If you want your high school experience to be happy and great, then don’t just let it happen, make it happen by intentionally planning and assembling choices that will lead to your desired outcome. You have the power within to achieve your dreams, all you have to do is have the belief in yourself to define your ideal future,” said Dr. Angelo.

Developing a positive climate extends beyond the classroom, as the school’s athletic program also promotes leadership and sportsmanship. Each November, six high school student-athletes are selected to represent the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League Summit on Sportsmanship. The event typically includes speakers from collegiate and professional athletic teams, sports-related organizations, television personalities, and others who focus on leadership, hard work, respect, integrity, commitment, and goal-setting. Every school in the WPIAL is represented, with attendance at approximately 600. Attendees are expected to take the lessons they learned back to their school’s teammates and classmates.

The high school plans to expand upon a student-athlete leadership program that was developed by Jerry Malarkey, a high school guidance counselor and head baseball coach. The program, Athletes Taking Action, focuses on peer mentoring and helping athletes make good decisions.

Under Act 31 of 2016, all Pennsylvania school districts are required to have an antihazing policy. The Upper St. Clair Board of School Directors approved Policy 6009 “Hazing” on September 26. The policy is posted on the District’s website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us. Under “Information,” look for “School Board Policies.” n

Welcome USC School District New Hires USC welcomes the following new hires to our School District: Amy Barker (Streams), Andrew Bowers (Fort Couch), Paula Colussy (Bus Garage), Anne Conrad (Streams), Dana Sussman Freedman (Fort Couch), Lauren Gaudelli (Eisenhower), Lisa Giannuzzi

(Fort Couch), Mary Beth Harkelroad (Fort Couch), Heather Herbay (Baker), William Hulpa (Bus Garage), Kelly Krakosky (USCHS), Gary Lamb (Bus Garage), Anthony Marino (Central Office), Kelsey Morgan (Eisenhower), Dorothy Podrasky (Bus Garage),

Anne Rhodes (Streams), Jennifer Rudzke (USCHS), Amanda Sabo (Streams), John Seybert (Fort Couch/Eisenhower), Carrie Shade (Streams), Edda Sheatsley (Boyce), Brooke Tarcson (USCHS), Tina Vojtko (Central Office), Mary Ann Wiles (Eisenhower), Robert Wolfe (Bus Garage).

Welcome!

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Upper St. Clair Halls of Fame 2016 Eleven well-deserving Upper St. Clair High School alumni were inducted during the 17th annual Upper St. Clair Halls of Fame ceremony, held this year on Friday, September 23 at the high school. After a reception in the school’s Arts lobby, members of this year’s class were inducted into the Halls of Fame. Afterward, the inductees celebrated during a special dinner, then proceeded to Panther Stadium for the “Parade of Honor” prior to the start of the USC vs. Fox Chapel football game.

Inducted into the 2016 Halls of Fame were (USCHS graduation year in parentheses): Academics Karen Ho (1988) Mahesh Krishnan (1988) Joseph (J.J.) Plecs (1988) Todd Ollendyke (USC staff)

Karen Ho

Mahesh Krishnan

Joseph (J.J.) Plecs

Todd Ollendyke

Chelsea Baratz

Benny Benack, III

Academics

Arts

Athletics

Arts Chelsea Baratz (2004) Benny Benack, III (2009) Anthony Jeselnik (1997) Michael Kopp (1978) Earl (Bud) Marlett (USC staff/volunteer) Athletics Oren Eschenasy (1987) Michael McHugh (1992)

Established in 2000, the Upper St. Clair High School Halls of Fame annually identifies and honors those who have distinguished themselves in academics, the arts, or athletics at USCHS and at the collegiate or professional levels and who, in so doing, have contributed to the pride and prestige of Upper St. Clair High School. n

Anthony Jeselnik

Michael Kopp

Earl (Bud) Marlett

Photo credit: Terry Kish Oren Eschenasy

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Michael McHugh

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USC Teacher Attends National Research Conference Upper St. Clair High School science teacher Dr. Colin A. Syme was one of 200 teachers selected to attend the Society Research Teachers Conference held in Washington, D.C. this fall.

Sponsored by the Society for Science & the Public, the annual conference brings together science research teachers at all levels of experience to share best practices, troubleshoot the challenges involved Dr. Colin Syme in supporting students in independent science research, and learn more about the Regeneron Science Talent Search and the Society. “Since this conference was attended by 200 teachers nationwide (100 previous attendees and 100 new attendees), it was an amazing opportunity for me,” Colin said.

This year, Dr. Syme is teaching a pilot STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) course at USCHS titled Laboratory Research And Techniques in Science (LabRATS). “The conference was on establishing science research programs at the high school level, so it was an opportunity to see how other educators deliver this content in the classroom,” Colin said. “There were many sessions and workshops at the conference, which ranged from the basics of beginning a research program at a high school to how to obtain grant funding and develop collaborations with researchers in academia and industry. I was looking for opportunities to enhance this programming at the high school to provide a real-life, authentic learning experience for students.”

The conference included large group and break-out sessions and addressed topics, including completing research in a high school lab, finding and placing students in summer programs, obtaining pre-approval for projects relating to humans and

animals, combating plagiarism, and reaching underserved students.

“I am hopeful that the conference’s varied content will provide not only insight and guidance for my own efforts moving forward but also provide some ideas for other science teachers and, possibly, some insight for the high school administration on how these programs are accommodated in the schedule,” Colin said. “Since a strategic goal of USC School District is focused on re-imagining the high school, this conference may provide information on how to best fit research into the schedule.”

“It is exciting when we see our colleagues move from being great teachers in the classroom to also becoming leaders of thinking and innovation within their discipline,” said Dr. Lou Angelo, Upper St. Clair High School principal.

Colin joined the high school science faculty in 2009. In addition to the LabRATS course, he currently teaches honors anatomy and physiology and has also taught biology.

A native of Scotland, Colin earned a doctorate in physiology from Aberdeen University and a bachelor’s degree in immunology and pharmacology from Strathclyde University. Both universities are located in Scotland. In addition, he completed his teacher certification at Duquesne University.

“I moved to Pittsburgh from Scotland to work as a postdoctoral scientific researcher at the University of Pittsburgh in 1998, which I did until 2007,” Colin said. “I conducted research in areas including cystic fibrosis, osteoporosis, and diabetes.”

Subsequently, Dr. Syme served as an adjunct faculty member at LaRoche College, teaching anatomy and physiology, and at the University of Pittsburgh, teaching freshman biology labs. He has published more than ten peer-reviewed publications.

While teaching at Upper St. Clair, Colin was awarded a $2000 ING Unsung Heroes Award in 2012 for his proposal titled “Zebra Fish: A Tool for Project-based Learning.” n

ACT Scores Hit Five-Year High at USCHS Upper St. Clair High School’s class of 2016 earned the school’s highest average ACT scores during the last five-year period. The 2016 scores were officially released on August 24.

The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science.

Each test is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, and a student’s composite score is the average of the four test scores.

“It’s always great to see quantifiMurphy Miller able evidence of the hard work that our students, faculty, and entire school community put forth,” Dr. Lou Angelo, Upper St. Clair High School principal, said.

Senior Murphy Miller earned the highest possible ACT composite score of 36, an achievement reached by less than one-tenth of one percent of ACT test takers. Among the high school graduating class of 2015, only 1598 of more than 1.92 million students earned an ACT composite score of 36.

Murphy, the son of Edward and Emily Miller, is a member of the high school varsity hockey team. n

USC five-year ACT Scores chart Winter 2016

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USCHS Ranked #113 in the Nation

Upper St. Clair High School has been named one of America’s Top High Schools by Newsweek magazine and has ranked 113th in the nation. Ranked fifth in Pennsylvania, Upper St. Clair is one of only 28 high schools in Pennsylvania and four in Allegheny County to earn this distinction in 2016.

“Our students, families, faculty, and entire school community have a strong commitment to quality education and are willing to work hard to reach their fullest potential,” Dr. Lou Angelo,

Upper St. Clair High School principal, said. “Educational excellence is the culture in Upper St. Clair and it’s rewarding to see hard work recognized.”

According to its website, “The Newsweek high school rankings assess schools based on a broad range of data to determine which institutions do the best job of preparing students for college.”

Newsweek ranks the nation’s top 500 high schools based on criteria that includes proficiency rates on state standardized assessments college enrollment rate, graduation rate, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate participation and scores, SAT and ACT scores, counselor-to-student ratio, and student enrollment retention from grades nine through 12. n

USC Educator Selected as Emerging Leader

Dr. Timothy M. Wagner, associate principal for program PASCD Emerging Leaders have typically been in the profession planning and innovation at Upper St. Clair High School, has been between five and 15 years, have a marked interest in making a named an Emerging Leader by the Pennsylvania Association for positive contribution to education policy and practice, and have Supervision and Curriculum Development (PASCD). The PASCD invested in professional growth opportunities aimed at improving Emerging Leaders program recognizes and prepares young, student outcomes. The PASCD 2016 class is both professionally promising educators to influence education and regionally diverse, ranging from classroom programs, policy, and practice at the state level. teachers and administrators to higher educa“Dr. Wagner is among the most promising tion faculty and educational consultants. young leaders that I’ve encountered through“I’m pleased to welcome Dr. Wagner to out my career,” said Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole, PASCD’s Emerging Leaders program,” said superintendent of schools. “His intelligence, PASCD president Dr. Jeff Taylor. “Dr. Wagner educational knowledge, passion, empathy, and joins a passionate group of educators from ability to connect with others in a meaningful around the state dedicated to providing the way make him such an asset to our school best educational experience for Pennsylvania’s district and our greater community.” students, and I look forward to working with Having joined the Upper St. Clair faculty him.” in the fall of 2007, Tim began his teaching Emerging Leaders are enrolled in the procareer as an elementary teacher. Throughout gram for two years and receive mentoring and his tenure with the District, he has also taught professional development opportunities. In middle-level English and social studies and addition, they are able to develop and expand has served as a gifted education coordinator their network of educational leaders throughDr. Timothy Wagner for students in grades seven through 12. From out Pennsylvania.

2013 to 2015, Tim served as the middle school “Given the scarcity of public funding English language arts curriculum leader. He sources, we must begin to look at ourselves was promoted to his current position as associate high school as not 500 school district silos in Pennsylvania, but instead as principal for program planning and innovation in July 2015. partners who share resources, ideas, and human capital in order “Dr. Wagner has consistently been a positive contributing to best serve our children,” Tim said. “Ultimately, we are in a member of our team, and I am both excited for and proud of him service profession, and, as such, leaders need to build a network for his selection as an Emerging Leader,” said Dr. Lou Angelo, that encourages, supports, and grows its members. The Emerging Upper St. Clair High School principal. “He will serve as an excel- Leaders cohort promotes the collegiality that helps us sustain.” lent representative of our district and community.”

This year’s PASCD Emerging Leaders were invited to apply for Beyond Upper St. Clair, Tim is an adjunct faculty member the competitive program based on self-nominations and recomin the Washington & Jefferson College Education Department. mendations made by past program participants, current PASCD His scholarly interests relate to curriculum design, leadership members, and the greater education community. An advisory development, school-based behavioral health, and the school panel comprising PASCD leaders and current ASCD and PASCD experience of child refugees.

Emerging Leaders reviewed and selected this year’s class. n A graduate of Washington & Jefferson College, Tim earned a The 2016 PASCD Emerging Leader class is sponsored in part by bachelor’s degree in child development and education. In addition, Eduplanet21. For more information on PASCD’s Emerging Leaders he holds a master’s degree in applied developmental psychology program or to learn more about PASCD and PASCD membership, visit www.pascd.org. and a doctorate in education from the University of Pittsburgh.

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Three Seniors Selected to Keystone Boys State

Tyler Clark

Alex Yerina

Steven Yerina

Three Upper St. Clair High School students were

among the 26 from Allegheny County selected to participate in Keystone Boys State (KBS), which was held June 9–15 at Shippensburg University. Tyler Clark, Alexander Yerina, and Steven Yerina attended the weeklong civic leadership program organized by the American Legion Department of Pennsylvania.

A total of 237 rising high school seniors attended the KBS program this year. Students had the opportunity to learn about leadership, state and local government, and civic participation.

Boys State was founded in 1935 by two Illinois Legionnaires to teach young men about the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of American citizens. The program focuses on hands-on participation in simulated city, county, and state governments.

Operated by students elected to various offices, KBS activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, a band, and recreational programs.

“The young men who attended KBS this year exceeded our high expectations. Through participation in a simulation of the political process, they are presented with the problems facing communities across Pennsylvania and learn to compromise and

collaborate to solve them. I have full faith that they will take these lessons home with them, inspired to solve those problems for real,” said KBS director Jacques Weedon.

The simulated city councils and state legislature of this year’s program passed legislation fighting poverty, improving public schools, reducing urban blight, and incentivizing innovation—all challenges that are currently facing Pennsylvania.

The program has produced notable alumni that include President Bill Clinton; Adm. Jon Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations; U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito; Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker; astronaut Neil Armstrong; national news anchor Tom Brokaw; businessman and former basketball player Michael Jordan; and entertainer Jon Bon Jovi, among others.

“Over the years, Boys State has produced a long line of outstanding individuals who are leaders in their communities and have made exceptional contributions to our nation. KBS has graduates who are doctors, educators, military leaders, elected representatives, and businessmen. The success of our graduates is a testament to the power of this week and the work of the American Legion to strengthen the core values and institutions of the United States,” said Darren Fossett, KBS dean and 2006 alumni.

This year’s attendance was the largest in more than a decade.

The program is free to participants, who receive a sponsorship from their local American Legion Post.

Applications for next year’s Keystone Boys State, which will tentatively be held June 18–24, opened this fall. Interested individuals can apply online through the website of the American Legion Department of Pennsylvania (http://pa-legion.com/programs/student-programs/keystone-boys-state/). n Winter 2016

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Forty-One Years of Musical Excellence Written by members of the USC Band Parents Association The Webster’s dictionary defines the word “music” as 1) sounds that are sung by voices or played on musical instruments, and 2) the art and skill of creating and performing music. On September 17, the South Hills community was treated to a visual and auditory display of music at the 41st annual Upper St. Clair Marching Band Festival hosted by the Upper St. Clair Band Parents Association (USCBPA). The 130-member-strong band, directed by Don Pickell and assisted by Kierah Hanna (auxiliary coach) and Patrick Jones (drumline coach), was joined by marching bands from Avella, Baldwin, Brashear, Derry Area, Keystone Oaks, Montour, Shaler, South Park, and West Mifflin. The event featured the music of Queen, Fall Out Boy, Diana Ross, Coldplay, The Beatles, and more.

Closing the show, the Upper St. Clair Panther Marching Band energized the crowd with its show, A Night at the Movies, which included music from well-known movies, such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the James Bond thriller Skyfall, and Wayne’s World. The band was led on the field by drum majors Tarun Reddy, Tommy Bednarz, and Bill Lang and by auxiliary captains Devon Garcia, Megan Meissner, Emily McFarren, Raahema Durrani, and Alaina Hallstein.

Year after year, the annual band festival provides entertainment for families and fans of all ages. “It’s a night dedicated to

showcasing the many talents of student musicians from all over the Pittsburgh area. It’s a chance to see small bands, large bands, dancing bands; there is quite literally something for everybody at the band festival,” said USC Band Parents Association president Tara Rankin. “The festival offers something new each year, and the visiting bands are continually changing, giving the South Hills community a chance to see a wide variety of performance styles.

In the past several years, we’ve not only had local area high schools at our show, but also the Robert Morris University Marching Band, the West Virginia University Marching Band, and the Steeline, the official drumline of the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Rankin said.

The band festival is sponsored by the USCBPA, the booster organization responsible for providing support to all the instrumental groups at Upper St. Clair High School. The primary function of the USCBPA is to serve as an advocate and encourage participation in the many instrumental programs at USC High School, including marching band, jazz band, concert band, wind ensemble, and orchestra.

District-wide, more than 165 students participate in these ensembles, keeping the music program vibrant and enriching the lives of those who attend concerts and programs. Throughout each school year, the instrumental ensembles present more

than ten concerts, all of which are free and open to the public. March, which is nationally recognized as “Music in our Schools Month,” offers three concerts as well as six performances of the USC High School musical, which is a collaborative effort between instrumentalists and vocalists.

Extending beyond our local community, the student instrumentalists at USC also have an opportunity to showcase their talents on a bigger stage. Each spring, students in various ensembles participate in a music department trip, and those experiences are meaningful and exciting for the students. This year, the Panther Marching Band, in conjunction with the Pantheon Choir will travel to Norfolk, Virginia, to participate in the 63rd annual Parade of Nations at The Norfolk NATO Festival.

“The yearly trip gives students a chance to not only perform in exciting venues, including New York City’s Lincoln Center and Washington, D.C.’s Cherry Blossom Parade, but to also participate in music clinics, Broadway musical workshops, and master classes with collegiate staff and nationally renowned music instructors,” Rankin said. n Visit www.uscbpa.org for complete information about the Upper St. Clair Band Parents Association, its activities, and fundraising initiatives. For a complete list of performing arts events, visit the Upper St. Clair School District calendar at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us.

Upcoming Performances

What USCHS Jazz Ensemble Concert USCHS Instrumental Concert USCHS Jazz Ensemble Holiday Performance

When Where Tuesday, November 22, 7 p.m.

Boyce Middle School Theater Wednesday, December 21, 7 p.m.

USCHS Theater Thursday, December 22, noon PPG Wintergarden in downtown Pittsburgh

Save the Date Exciting news for both the high school music department and the USC community!

The Notre Dame band will perform a 7 p.m. concert in USCHS’s theater on Saturday, May 13. As details develop, information will be found on the District’s website.

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USC Junior Performs with National Drum Corps Upper St. Clair High School junior Robbie Halpner spent this past summer performing throughout the nation with the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps, one of the 22 world class corps that make up Drum Corps International.

Comprising 151 performers, including 80 brass and 35 percussion musicians as well as 36 members of the color guard, the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps is a competitive marching program for individuals ages 15 to 21. Based in Tempe, Arizona, members are selected by competitive audition.

“We are extremely proud of Robbie for being selected to participate as a member this year. Being part of a corps is a tremendous accomplishment for any performer; however, at age 16, Robbie is definitely one of the younger members,” Julie Halpner, Robbie’s mother, said. “The average age of an academy member is 19 and almost three-fourths of all drum corps participants are full-time college students. In addition to being the first new corps to make it to finals in the last 14 years, the Robbie Halpner academy also has the youngest average age of any finals corps this year, she said.

Robbie performed as the synthesizer player, responsible for the keyboard part as well as all electronic sound in the 2016 show.

“His journey with the academy began at audition weekend last December, and once he earned a contract, he traveled to Tempe monthly to participate in rehearsals before leaving at the end of May to begin daily training,” Julie said.

The academy spends five weeks rehearsing and perfecting its 12-minute show—focusing on musicality, technique, precision and visual impact—before touring for seven weeks. The academy participated in 28 competitions across 16 states, performing in notable venues, including the Rose Bowl Stadium, the Alamodome, the Georgia Dome, and Lucas Oil Stadium, as well as smaller high school and college stadiums nationwide. The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps performed at Baldwin High School Stadium on August 3rd.

“Pittsburgh is fortunate to host two competitions each year; the first was at Gateway High School in June, the second was at Baldwin High School in August,” Julie said. “We were incredibly excited that Robbie’s corps performed at the Baldwin competition.

The event was attended by members of the Upper St. Clair High School marching band, as well as several other local marching bands and drum corps fans from all over the region.”

The culminating event was the Drum Corps International finals, which was held in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis before a sold out crowd. This year marked the first time in the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps’ history that it advanced to the final round of competition, finishing 11th among a field of 38.

Robbie is a member of the USCHS wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, and marching band. He co-founded the high school percussion ensemble club, and for his IB-MYP project he created a Fort Couch Middle School drumline, which performed at Fort Couch basketball games last winter. n

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Winter 2016

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USC Adds Bike Patrol to High School Campus This past September, USC School District added a bike patrol to its school safety measures at the high school campus.

Throughout the school day, school police and security officers use a mountain bike to canvass Panther Pass and the stadium as well as staff and student parking lots. In addition, bike patrols will be used during football games, dances, the marching band festival, graduation, and other events.

Chief of school police Joseph Conners views the bike patrol as an important tool to keep students, staff, and visitors safe while furthering opportunities for positive student and community engagement.

“Interaction between our officers and those we serve is crucial in a school setting,” Chief Conners said. “The bike patrol removes the natural barriers that exist with a patrol car and increases the opportunity for interaction and engagement on the school’s grounds.”

In addition to being able to more quickly navigate the school’s congested parking lots and roadways, the bike patrol can access the stadium and other areas of campus that are difficult to reach by car.

“School safety is our number one priority,” said Dr. Lou Angelo, USCHS principal. “The addition of a bike patrol is a proactive measure that will greatly enhance our efforts to provide a safe environment for all during and beyond the school day.” n

School security officer John Clayton with chief of school police Joseph Conners 36

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Twists, Turns, and Detours on the Road of Life Douglas Petrick

Focusing on the process will allow you to see the big picture.

Experiences in life—good and bad, big and small, short-term and longterm—transform us in many ways and leave a profound imprint on who we are today.

Additionally, these experiences will help create who we will become in the future… even if we can’t see that far out yet.

If you’re an adult, no doubt you’ve encountered circumstances that have changed your path in life. No matter your age, change is about the only constant, and each person reacts to change differently. Whether you embrace it or avoid it, change helps you evolve as you age.

Young people often see permanence in impermanent things. The idea of becoming is foreign to them. At their age, we all thought we were—end of story. But the truth is, everyone is a work in progress. How do we become better teachers, siblings, parents, partners, mentors, coaches, and spouses? We each have to learn to deal with subtle, and some not-so-subtle, outside forces that push things forward, adapt, evolve, and grow. Inertia takes hold only when we resist the forces that can change our lives. The ability to acknowledge that there are forces that continually propel us forward—and that even small modifications in our lives can yield large movements—enables us to teach our students lessons within lessons. * The excerpt above is from my first blogpost writing as a contributor for Wiley Exchanges. When I was hired by the Upper St. Clair School District to work as a physics teacher at the high school 15 years ago, my life was very different compared to the experience that it is now. Sure, I’m still an educator, but some of the duties and methods used today didn’t even exist in 2002. Technology has drastically transformed how communication takes place. Writing about education wasn’t a blip on my radar then; I was a teaching rookie coming from a previous career in architectural engineering. I certainly hadn’t yet earned the right to dispense advice on effective teaching strategies. Furthermore, my path to USC High School was a different route than most staff had traveled, and I hoped to absorb as much wisdom from the veterans that held court in the building.

Jumping headfirst into an unknown endeavor can be daunting, whether it’s a hobby, a new job, a new school, a new addition to the family, or a new home. You may have made a conscious decision to force this change, or perhaps you had no say in the matter. Regardless of what got you to this point, we all know that strange feeling of anxiety that rears its head when you’re on the cusp of the unknown. Uneasiness can sometimes set in, testing your mental strength. Each experience can pose its own unique set of challenges.

This past spring, I chose to push the envelope in my own life by taking on a foreign endeavor, writing blogposts related to education for Wiley Exchanges. Taking on this new challenge had me feeling excited, nervous, and slightly intimidated. However, I knew that trying something new and slightly out of my comfort zone would force me to grow as an individual. Since I’m a big proponent of reflection in all areas of my life, writing about the methods and techniques that have helped me in the classroom would surely allow me to reflect on my chosen trade. I know that reflection leads to deeply understanding and, eventually, change; so at a minimum, I would emerge from the process a slightly better educator.

For anyone who is facing a new endeavor, there are some sound principles that I have used that can help smooth your transition into an unfamiliar routine. These principles are rooted in common sense and can help anyone stay focused when change rears its exciting (and sometimes ugly) head.

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Have a strong support structure. When I spoke with my to fire as they had in the past. “Use it or lose it” the old adage editor Christopher Ruel before deciding on writing a blogpost, we says. The more experience you’ve had in life, the more important discussed other options with which to communicate online with your strengths become. Not only are your strengths an extenthe intended audience—slides, podcasts, etc. Chris is an amazing sion of your resiliency, but they are how others will identify you. editor and extremely supportive. He kept many options open and Strengths are what push us through tough times; they are an old helped me navigate to the one which would fit me best. When trusted friend. Playing to your strengths allows you to exercise we discuss ideas for upcoming blogposts, he provides honest and those things you do so well. When you are moving forward, it insightful critiques of each draft. Writing can be a collaborative becomes easier to bolster your weaknesses. And when you play process, and I am lucky to work with someone who shares that to your strengths, moving forward is second nature.

Draw inspiration from anywhere. Have you ever read a vision like Chris. Having a strong support structure in place will book and didn’t want it to end, or left a theater and couldn’t stop help you better navigate a new path.

My brother, Jon,—also an educator—has written a series of thinking about the movie? When something touches a nerve— blogposts for an educational non-profit. He has had a great deal positive or negative—consider using it as inspiration for your new of success with his musings and unique take on teaching, and Jon endeavor. Inspiration for my writing comes from anywhere and assured me that writing is something I would be successful doing everywhere—while listening to a podcast, hearing a great quote if I wrote from the heart and rooted each post in actionable items. in conversation, running on the trail, watching a documentary, Having a mentor is critical to success; they’ve already traveled the thinking about a loved one, etc. If you feel something that resopath which you are currently navigating. Having a strong sup- nates, write it down; then revisit and reflect on it. Most of my port structure will give you confidence to keep moving forward. inspiration for writing on education is derived from non-education Think big picture. Getting an opportunity to write has a lot sources. If you can make connections and draw inspiration from of benefits, even if no one ever reads it! The collaborative process outside your “local world,” it’s easier to impact others that may of writing has allowed me to reflect on why I do what I do. It’s not have previously shared your views. Making non-traditional afforded me the opportunity to revisit the past and look at it with connections will change you and change your audience.

Next time you encounter a challenge in life that pushes the a new, but more experienced, view. Thinking big picture is a gift that allows you to step back and really focus on the essence of envelope, try implementing some of the principles discussed the how’s and why’s of navigating uncharted territory. This can herein. Having a plan can no doubt ease your mind in troubled be simply put: why are you doing this? This new lens provides times. Staying centered is what helps me keep forging ahead, you with an outsider’s point of view so you can consider what even if the wheels feel like they may fall off at any given moment.

What strategies have you used in your own life to deal with are the most important details needed to communicate. Thinking big picture will give you a different perspective and allow you to change? I’d be interested in learning how you have navigated your own personal growth. Learning from others has allowed me focus on the spirit of the challenge.

Enjoy the process. I like to run in my spare time; it’s a hobby to continually evolve, even if I can’t quite yet see the twists and from which I derive a lot a pleasure for many different reasons. turns that lie ahead. n I consider the process of training for a race the most enjoyable *Excerpt from “An Educator’s Journey: How I Solved for part of running. I consider the races I run a check for my fitness, X and Discovered Why,” written by Douglas Petrick on Wiley and these competitions help me modify my training. Strange?

Exchanges.

More of his blogposts can be found at Wiley ExNot really; during the process, you learn to identify both your changes: https://hub.wiley.com/community/exchanges/educate/ strengths and your weaknesses, and you can see your development blog/2016/08/16/an-educator-s-journey-how-i-solved-for-xalong the way. You have opportunities to crash and burn (and and-discovered-why?elq_mid=9422&elq_cid=5104447. learn) throughout the journey. If you enjoy the process, the trek itself, you will learn and vividly remember these valuable lessons along the way. Sure, the output at the end is important, but it’s similar to the tip of the iceberg; the process is the bulk of the ice under the surface of the water that no one can see but you. If you enjoy the process, the final creative burst at the end, be it a blogpost or 5K race, becomes so much more fulfilling.

Play to your strengths. We’ve heard it millions of times: “work on your weaknesses.” Trying to bolster your deficiencies makes sense, but not at the expense of your strengths. Everyone has a natural skill set that has helped him or her travel How much have you evolved over the A familiar routine can be a source of comfort through life, which is why it’s important past five, ten, 15, or 20 years? when navigating unfamiliar roads. to continue exercising your strengths. If Douglas Petrick, a physics teacher at Upper St. Clair High School, is a regular blogpost you don’t exercise a specific set of muscles contributor to a series for educators on Wiley Exchanges. Visit Wiley Exchanges to read more for an extended period of time, it can be of his work. In addition to teaching, Douglas is a spouse, father, coach, and runner. He enjoys a real challenge to get those same groups spending time with his family, reading, writing, and listening to podcasts in his downtime.

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Students’ Actions Result in Playground Expansion Take four fourth grade girls, a survey of student interests presented to Streams Elementary principal Dr. Claire Miller, student meetings with the District’s director of business and finance and the director of building and grounds, a student and principal PTO presentation, a school community “Walk, Run, Play” event, and voila—the result is a new playground expansion!

That’s the short version of how a playground expansion project came to be at Streams Elementary. Here are the finer points.

In the fall of 2015, Calliana Duke, Kate Robbins, Shivani Kamineni, and Aashna Banerjee went to Dr. Miller with a petition from fourth graders wanting an expansion of playground equipment at Streams to include the addition of swings. Although Dr. Miller suspected that the size of the playground and adjacent sports field did not allow for the safe addition of swings, she embraced the possibility of this becoming a learning experience for these students, as well as a pathway to other potential improvements to the school’s playground space.

Dr. Miller met with the students to discuss the possibilities, and a meeting was scheduled with Frosina Cordisco, director of business and finance, and Joe Wightkin of ARAMARK physical plant services, so that the students could present their case and hear about the possibilities and regulations.

Frosina and Joe surveyed the area, and while it was not suitable for swings, it did offer the potential of an expansion.

They were quite impressed by the students’ dedication to this project and their poise in presenting their data.

The girls got to work on the next steps of the project, researching various pieces of playground equipment and soliciting input from their peers. They zeroed in on pieces of Posing for a photo after installing the new equipment which playground equipment they felt would be fun, different from what was currently on the playground, appealing to various ages, and would provide enjoyment for years to come. They met with Curtis Bischof from General Recreation, Inc. to finalize the equipment choices.

Next, they investigated costs, which were anticipated to be over $30,000. This led to a presentation to the Streams PTO. The District agreed to be responsible for site preparation costs, but a substantial amount of PTO support would be needed. It turned out that the PTO was in a position to make a significant contribution, looking for the best project to support for all kids.

It seemed a perfect match, but more funds were needed.

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Although the team of fourth graders had moved on to Boyce, Dr. Miller and the PTO kept their plan for action alive throughout the 2015–16 school year. Funds were raised at PTO events throughout the year, including a special event called “Walk–Run– Play” that was designed to raise the final funds. Staff member Lauren Kopick teamed up with Barb Rahr, the school’s physical education teacher, Dr. Miller, and a team of parents to design a 5K walk/run on the Streams campus.

On a windy morning in May, dozens of Streams families turned out to participate.

Members of the original planning team returned to Streams to start the race, and Kayla Keegan sang the National Anthem to open the festivities. Grade levels competed for their team colors, as race donations were turned into votes for the color of the new equipment.

Third grade raised the most money, thereby determining that the new equipment would be green. It was the perfect way to wrap up the fundraising drive for the A day of fruitful work project.

With great anticipation, the equipment was ordered and arrived on campus for installation this past summer. The final task was to find a group of dedicated parent volunteers to install the equipment. Leria Miles, president of the Streams PTO, gathered a terrific team of worker volunteers, including Ron Miles, John Quevedo, Justin Hollingsworth, Matt Weaver, Todd Lancaster, Jim Clougherty, Katie Perrotti, Chris Kashak, Todd Brinkman, Giuseppe Mammana, and Dr. Miller.

This team gathered early on a very hot Saturday morning to work with Curtis Bischof, assembling and installing the equipment. What a generous and lasting contribution they each made to the future of Streams School over the course of the next six hours. At the end of the day, there was great pride in what had been accomplished!

With the new playground equipment in place, a special dedication ceremony was held in October, with individually painted rocks lining the path to the new playground. This project, which took root in the imagination of four fourth graders, had come full circle, touching many lives along the way. These students learned that even in fourth grade, their actions could truly make a difference for the future of many students and community members, as they enjoy the expanded playground at Streams. n

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Elementary STEAM Camp Reimagines Kennywood Park Seventy Upper St. Clair students in kindergarten through grade four participated in a week-long summer STEAM Investigations Camp at Baker Elementary. The camp focused on re-engineering aspects and characteristics of Kennywood Park to make it more environmentally friendly while safeguarding its tradition of providing a great experience for its patrons.

Led by Pam Dillie, a third grade teacher and science curriculum leader, along with seven other elementary teachers and six volunteers, students used their imaginations, creativity, and the Engineering Design Process to complete challenging, multi-step projects and activities.

“Students first created homemade bubble wands with recyclable materials to perform a Bubble Bonanza show,” Pam said.

“Campers also designed eco-friendly, rip-roaring rollercoasters fashioned out of recycled pool noodles, using their knowledge of potential and kinetic energies, as the park is known for unique rides!” The desire to help Kennywood be more energy efficient led to the week’s most popular challenge—the creation of solar ovens. “Our student engineers designed ovens that were transportable, durable, sustainable, and powered by the sun, which proudly cooked s’mores treats to a Bubble Bonanza proper temperature that any amusement park visitor would gobble up,” she said.

As a culminating activity, students participated in a field trip to Kennywood Park that included information regarding the history and science behind the park and its roller coasters.

Led by former Kennywood owner Andy Quinn, students received a behind-the-scenes look at the park and its many secrets. “He helped our students understand which Racer coaster will always win and why,” Pam said. “A big relief for many campers was the discovery that the Jack Rabbit and Thunderbolt coasters are supposed to shake, rattle, and rumble, because of the science behind their wooden structures!”

The young Upper St. Clair scientists and engineers were also intrigued to learn about the various designs and engineering of coasters and their hills, turns, and speeds. “Campers were impressed that The Phantom’s Revenge was awarded the fastest

coaster title for nine years running and that the Sky Rocket’s design uses gravity and opposing magnets to create one terrific experience,” Pam said.

The week concluded with the “kidnapping” of Kenny the Building roller coasters out of Kangaroo. All three Upper St. recycled pool noodles Clair elementary principals were lead suspects in the case.

Upper St. Clair Police Detective Lt. Gallatin introduced students to forensic science. “By using the science behind finger printing, our campers determined that Dr. Patrick McClintock-Comeaux, Baker Elementary principal, did indeed capture the marsupial for his own enjoyment! Don’t worry, Kenny is safely home at the park and Dr. McClintock-Comeaux has been released from camp’s custody,” Pam said, with a smile.

Pam deemed the 2016 STEAM Investigations Camp a great overall success. “Campers, and staffers alike, relished in the challenges they faced each day. They united together as teams to concoct one-of-a-kind creations that assisted Kennywood Park with eco-friendly alternatives for its day-to-day operations,” she said. “Student scientists continued to amaze one another by continually reinventing and re-engineering ideas until they successfully met the client’s needs.”

STEAM Investigations Camp will return next summer as the Kenny the Kangaroo student scientists as“crime scene” sist their new client, PNC Park, to engineer new green technologies, including pitching machines and water filtration systems, to benefit baseball players and Pirates fans, alike. n

Rylee Kalocay Emerges as National Champion R y l e e K a l o c a y, an Upper St. Clair fourth grader at Streams Elementary, was in San Diego this summer to compete in the Scotts Major League Baseball Pitch Hit & Run National Championship, held during the 2016 MLB All Star Week. Eightyear-old Rylee was one of 24 finalists out of 625,000 competitors from the United States and Canada who competed in various levels of the event.

After winning several competitions at the local and sectional levels, Rylee qualified as a finalist by placing first in the youngest division of competitors (7–8-year-old girls’ softball division) at

the team championship held at PNC Park this past June. First place winners from each MLB team championship were ranked according to overall score, and winners with the top three highest scores in each age group advanced to the national finals in San Diego. Rylee emerged from the finals as the national champion!

National finalists received an all-expense paid trip to San Diego and had the opportunity to participate in an array of festivities, including a skills clinic led by the USA Women’s Olympic Softball Team, FanFest, shagging balls in the outfield during the Home Run Derby, and attending the MLB All Star Game.

Since arriving back in Pittsburgh, Rylee was invited to throw the honorary first pitch out at a Pittsburgh Rebellion Softball game, the Pony League World Series, and a Pittsburgh Pirates game. n Winter 2016

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Pawprints...

SD PTC

Baker

Eisenhower

Council Beth Huzjak, PTC President As our thoughts turn toward the holidays and ringing in the New Year, I am reminded about all of the work our administrators, teachers, and PTA/PTO/PTSO volunteers do to ring in a new school year in USC. After all, it has been said that September is like a second-chance January, and the “New Year” for our students, started months ago! In preparation, the PTA, PTO, and PTSO units at each of our six schools, as well as Parent Teacher Council, were busy providing back-to-school services and hosting fall activities.

In September, our Welcoming Committee hosted a dinner in the high school nutrition center to welcome new families in grades one through 12 to our District. Administrators, school board members, and PTA/PTO and PTSO presidents were on hand to serve food generously donated by local restaurants and mingle with new students and their families.

On the heels of Back-to-School Online, our directory committee published another highly valued family directory in both a mobile app and printed form.

Earlier in September, we hosted an “Open Mike” night with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Patrick O’Toole and his staff, providing residents with an important and informative discussion about our District. (Look for another Open Mike session this coming spring!)

We also created two new council committees to help serve the needs of our students. Our STEAM committee will provide supportive services in the form of after-school coding classes to fourth grade students whose curiosity has been sparked by the District’s current offerings.

Our Caring & Sharing committee was created so that we are better able to offer assistance to families within our District experiencing a time of crisis, hardship, or need.

Don’t miss out on these and the many other things Council does for you. Visit the PTC page on the District website, or like us on Facebook at Upper St. Clair Parent Teacher Council to stay involved and informed.

USC High School Sally Ondrejko, PTSO President The transition from being a parent of an elementary/middle school student to that of a high school student can seem quite sudden.

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one might have felt. As a freshman parent, one has limited knowledge of how to navigate the myriad choices in academics and extracurricular activities. One may worry about how, in just four short years, one will be able to pack in all the learning and guidance one’s child will need to thrive on his or her own.

Fortunately, there are resources to help. The high school counseling department website provides a good place to start. On the menu on the left side of the screen, choose “Counseling Department Links.” You will reach a page which lists information links by grade level about activities to focus on for that year. Each fall, the counselors hold class meetings at which they hand out copies of these helpful “road maps,” so be sure to check with your student after his or her class meeting. The counselors themselves are good resources for parents as well as for students.

What other resources are available? Certainly, the parent network is one. PTSO meetings serve to help one feel less isolated. In addition, however, there are books and websites. Below is a list of several resources I wish had existed, or I had known about, as a freshman parent (or even as a junior parent): • Wendy Mogel. The blessing of a B Minus: Using Jewish teachings to raise resilient teenagers.

(2011) (Applicable for families of all faiths) • Frank Bruni. Where you go is not who you’ll be: an antidote to the college admissions mania.

(2015) • Daniel Goleman. Emotional intelligence: why it can matter more than IQ. (1995) • Frances Jensen. The teenage brain: a neuroscientist’s survival guide to raising adolescents and young adults. (2015) • Lynn O’Shaughnessy. “How my daughter made the most out of college” (May 8, 2014) http://www.thecollegesolution.com/how-mydaughter-made-the-most-out-of-college/ • www.diycollegrankings.com • www.thecollegesolution.com • www.road2college.com • www.mykidscollegechoice.com • http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds (National Center for Education Statistics) • www.commondataset.org (Common Data Set Initiative) • http://collegecompletion.chronicle.com (Graduation rates and data for 3800 colleges) This list, with links and annotations, can be found on the PTSO webpage on the USCHS website under the heading “Parent Resources.”

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Fort Couch Middle School Melanie Lenthall, PTSO President One might think that getting ready for the new school year as president of the Fort Couch PTSO would start maybe a few weeks before school begins. Not so!

It starts in early spring, with finding those extraordinary volunteers who want to chair an event. We were fortunate that many of our prior chairpersons could continue with their positions, but for those open positions, we relied on our Fort Couch Facebook page, created this past April. This is a new and wonderful resource for anyone who wants a snapshot of what is happening at Fort Couch. It enabled us to fill those spots quite efficiently, and all before June!

We also set in motion securing our social nights and booking the DJ. Our first social was September 8, and with school only being in session a little over two weeks, one can see why that had to be done early! These evenings are very important to the students. It is a great outlet for meeting friends, dancing, playing games, and getting out of the house. For parents (who are allowed by their children!), this is a great opportunity to chaperone and enjoy a fun time with our students.

Our Fort Couch Middle School webpage was updated before the summer, so families knew who to reach out to with questions or for information.

With so much at our fingertips, the FC PTSO strives to keep the information going out to our families on par with the District and the school.

With this in mind, over the summer we also combined two forms into one: the Student Activity Fee/FC PTSO membership form, and included it with the school’s packet to minimize the mail and paperwork we know our families get overwhelmed with at the beginning of the school year.

As our families are always present on our minds, so is the staff at Fort Couch. The beginning of our school year unfolded like years past with the traditional Welcome Breakfast. It was a wonderful way to start the year and to show our appreciation to Fort Couch staff.

So much work and preparation go into getting things set for the new school year, and it’s not just the president working behind the scenes alone. It is many collaborating together for a smooth transition—the new and prior executive boards, chairpersons, the Fort Couch front office, and our principals. I cannot thank them enough for their time and help in getting our school year off to a great start!

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... a USC Parent Teacher Council Feature Boyce Middle School Katy Loomis, PTO President At Boyce Middle School, the “staff worked incredibly hard over the summer to make improvements to our already outstanding facility,” says Daniel O’Rourke, Boyce principal. “One of the themes this year is ‘Enhancing Excellence,’ and these projects do just that.”

Morning announcements start each day with a new look, including updated audio/video equipment to enhance the TV studio operations. In the library, Ginny Husak is offering two new clubs to accelerate STEAM creativity.

“Scratch” focuses on coding basics, and “Little Bits” utilizes colorful electronic building blocks to encourage creativity and building.

The Innovation Hub is especially exciting.

The Hub has two connected spaces—a STEAM Design classroom where students can tinker, engineer, and build, and a Makerspace Shop to apply their skills to project-based learning.

“Communication, collaboration, creativity, and problem solving are reinforced throughout the Innovation Hub,” according to Matt Henderson, the STEAM Design instructor. “I’m looking forward to having the students learn about themselves through this process of STEAM Design. It’s going to be a great year!”

The inner courtyard has undergone a transformation with beautiful landscaping creating a peaceful outdoor area for teachers and classes.

The courtyard also is home to the student council rock garden. The recess blacktop area doubled in size, providing a permanent home for the gaga pit and four square games, with plenty of space for basketball, visiting, and more. Inside, the staff added bright color to the walls and more dedicated areas for artwork.

There are new fifth and sixth grade art display boards near the cafeteria and an illuminated glass display case to showcase expressive art (EA) classes and their projects outside the library.

The PTO will continue to support Principal O’Rourke and the staff as they explore opportunities to make Boyce an even better place for students to learn!

Baker Elementary Kristie Proud, PTA President We are off to a great start to the 2016–17 school year for Baker Elementary! Fall was especially filled with school spirit, as it is one of the busiest times of the year. The PTA volunteers were excited about activities that have been traditions for decades, as well as fresh ideas that we hope will become annual events.

October marked our annual Baker Boo Bash, which students have grown to love over the years. The school turns into a carnival with food and games, and the kids walk away at the end of the night with a bag full of fun prizes, ear-to-ear smiles, and very tired parents! New

to the Baker Boo Bash this year was classroom art that was auctioned off to family members.

This was memorable because each child got to put his or her thumbprint or paintbrush on what eventually became a unique and special piece of art that any family would welcome to hang in their home.

At the elementary level, teachers and parents know that kids not only love to read, but they are motivated when there is some incentive to do so. I can distinctly remember two third grade classrooms having a friendly reading competition and the number of books that were read between those classrooms was astonishing! Along the same lines, the PTA will be introducing a new fundraiser that we hope will become an annual tradition.

Reading is such a critical part of elementary education and what better way to promote that but with a Read-A-Thon. For ten days in January, Baker students will be encouraged to read, read, read! The PTA will be sponsoring a Read-A-Thon, complete with ribbons, prizes, and opportunities to share our love of reading while working together towards a common goal.

Having successfully fulfilled our initiative to provide enough iPads for the entire school population over the last few years, the Baker PTA has set its sights on raising funds for a new goal: renovating the Baker playground!

The existing equipment has served more than a decade of Baker children, and is now showing signs of all the hours of enjoyment it provided.

In addition, the renovated playground will be more accessible for all student needs. To provide the type of playground that the students and faculty will enjoy for years to come, we hope to raise the needed $40,000.

While the school continues to celebrate fundraisers that have become beloved traditions, we are always looking for new ideas and ways to provide for our students. Baker is such a special place, and the PTA is fortunate to have such tremendous faculty and students to serve!

Eisenhower Elementary Jill Hicks, PTO President The fall always proves to be a very busy and exciting time for everyone at Eisenhower, and this fall was no exception!

We kicked off the school year with our annual Open House. The evening provided a wonderful opportunity for our families to meet their child’s teacher to gain better insight about school curriculum and also to provide a snapshot of what a typical day at Eisenhower looks like.

The Eisenhowler, our school’s largest fundraiser and highlight of our fall activities, was held on October 21. It did not disappoint in offering family fun to our students and families.

Hundreds of people flocked to the school for an Winter 2016

evening filled with games, prizes, a silent auction, and gift basket giveaway. Our fundraising efforts paid off with the success of the ’Howler, and proceeds from this event will continue to help fund other PTO activities and events.

Eisenhower also held its ever-popular Fall Book Fair. Students and families love the book fair because it offers a wonderful variety of books to add to their home libraries.

Our first, third, and fourth graders were treated to their annual grade level breakfasts this fall. Each grade level had a unique breakfast theme with first grade being “Rise and Shine,” third grade being “Pittsburgh Pride,” and fourth grade being “Panther Pride.” Students and their families from each grade level enjoyed delicious breakfast treats while socializing with their classmates.

Our school’s second graders held their annual social this fall, as well. The “Game Night” theme for this evening was a huge hit with the students! Students and their families participated in a variety of games that included Second Grade Jeopardy, Pictionary, Charades, and, the most popular game, Family Feud.

The annual Harvest Party and Parade was a great success! Staff and students dressed up in their favorite costumes and paraded around the school for all to see. After the parade, students played games and made crafts in their respective classrooms to celebrate the fall season.

Streams Elementary Leria Miles, PTO President When you walk into Streams, you might notice that we have been in a season of celebration since school first began. And rightfully so, as Streams Elementary turned 50 this year! We have set ourselves on the path to making this year the best one yet!

First, we welcomed the new class of students, the incoming kindergarteners. This process started on the last day of school in June with the annual “Kindergarten Connection.”

Every kindergartener and his or her family were invited to a party at the McLaughlin Run Activity Center (MAC) that included games, crafts, Rita’s ice, and lots of good conversation.

The kids were greeted by the school’s principal, Dr. Claire Miller, and the parents were welcomed by the PTO Welcome Committee. Each kindergarten family was presented with a welcome bag and all of the new students decorated paper dolls to look like themselves. Those dolls were then hung up on the main bulletin board to welcome the kids as they arrived at Streams for the first time. The fun didn’t stop there, as every Tuesday throughout the summer the kindergarten class was invited to a “playdate in the park” to get to know each other and have some connections before the school year began. I am happy to report that the children recognized Cont. on page 82

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Did You Know? Did You Know?

SD Did You Know? Did You Know?

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USC Senior Qualifies for International Triathlon Amatheon Bohan, a senior at Upper St. Clair High School, placed in the 2016 National Age Group Triathlon championships in Omaha, Nebraska, qualifying to represent Team USA at the International Triathlon Union’s World championships in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, next September. Amatheon finished 11th in the 17–19 age group, the third fastest 17-year-old.

In addition to competing in triathlons, Amatheon is a member and captain of both the Upper St. Clair High School men’s swim and ultimate frisbee teams.

Amatheon Bohan

Two Receive Carnegie Library Teen Media Awards More than 300 Allegheny County middle- and high-school-age teens vied for awards in Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s 2016 Teen Media Awards competition. Presented on August 10 at the Carnegie Lecture Hall in Oakland, the Library’s Teen Media Awards were divided into two parts—The Ralph Munn Creative Writing Awards and the Labsy Awards— and recognized a broad range of creative work.

USCHS senior Mahima Reddy placed second in the prose category for “Dear Thotappa,” while Ben Nadler, USCHS class of 2016, took first place in the film category for “The Art of Play.”

First place winners in each category received $250, Ben Nadler while second place winners received $100.

USC Girls Undefeated in Softball Tournament The Upper St. Clair girls fast pitch softball team went undefeated to capture the championship at the 10 and under Bridgeville tournament this past July.

The tournament spanned across four days and included eight competitive teams from around the region.

Team members included USC fourth graders Sydney Fisher, Rylee Kalocay, and Olivia Terlecki; fifth graders Rachel Carson, Julia Cedar, Calla Dressler, and Olivia Wunderlich; and sixth graders Delaney Andrejcik, Logan Colussy, Taylor Hunkele, Ava Pries, Sarah Robert, Sydney Rozzo, and Emily Teklinski.

The girls were coached by Jason Hunkele, Ray Carson, John Rozzo, Leo Robert, Mike Fisher, Jim Pries, and John Terlecki.

Allegheny General Hospital’s Open Heart Surgery Observation Program has welcomed more than 10,000 area students since its debut in 2008, providing the opportunity for students who are considering a career in medicine to watch an open heart surgery from an overhead observation room.

Students from USCHS’s anatomy and AP biology classes vie for these highly regarded sessions and apply through written essay.

USC resident Dr. Walter McGregor, director of Robotic and Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery for AHN and director of the Thoracic Surgery residency program at AGH, usually tries to ensure that the students observe one of his cases. He then provides time afterward to answer questions the students may have about what they observed.

STEAM Academy Nearly 45 students participated in the STEAM Academy held this past June at Upper St. Clair High School. Students explored sculpture, rocketry, and the school’s FabLab throughout the weeklong academy. The academy included hands-on STEAM-related activities, geared to students entering grades nine through 12. This marked the fifth year for this summer program.

USC Positive Athlete Award Winner Jack O’Leary, a senior at Upper St. Clair High School, was recently named one of 28 Positive Athlete Award winners from throughout Western Pennsylvania. Jack was honored as the 2015–16 Most Positive Athlete for boys’ golf.

Former Pittsburgh Steeler Hines Ward presented Jack with his award along with a $500 scholarship at the fifth annual C Harper Positive Athlete Awards this past June held at the Sen. John Heinz History Center and Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum. In total, more than 1000 student-athletes from 150 area schools were nominated by coaches, athletic directors, principals, teachers, parents, and others.

Jack O’Leary with Hines Ward

Girls’ Volleyball Earns Second AVCA Team Academic Award The Upper St. Clair High School girls’ volleyball team is one of only 260 high school girls’ teams in the nation to earn the 2015–16 American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award. This marks the second consecutive year that the team has received this honor.

“We are incredibly proud that for the second year in a row our team has been selected as a recipient of the AVCA Team Academic Award,” Alex Hinsley, USC girls’ volleyball coach, said. “I believe we are one of only two WPIAL schools to receive the award (Bishop Canevin being the other).”

The award, which was initiated in the 1992–93 academic year, honors members of collegiate and high school volleyball teams who collectively display excellence in the classroom during the school year by maintaining at least a 3.30 cumulative team grade-point average on a 4.0 scale or a 4.10 cumulative team GPA on a 5.0 scale.

2015–16 USCHS girls’ volleyball team

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SD Luminaria

Lighting the way to a historical and USC tradition Mark Collins Have you ever driven through the various neighborhoods of Upper St. Clair on Christmas Eve to see the streets and driveways lit up by hundreds of softly glowing candles? These Luminaria, simply made from small candles placed in brown paper bags and weighted with sand, are part of a Christmas holiday tradition dating back more than 300 years.

Spanish merchants, inspired by Chinese lanterns, designed Luminaria or farolitas and made them popular in New Spain. To this day, Luminaria displays decorate streets, parks, and homes in New Mexico, especially the cities of Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Luminaria or “festival light” also refers to the small bonfires which are lit, one per night during the nine days of Las Posadas, which ends on Christmas Eve. Observed mainly in Mexico and Guatemala, the 16th-century festival of Las Posadas celebrates the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. In the reenactment, people process, guided by each night’s bonfire, to pray at a Nativity scene.

However the word and the tradition of Luminaria as a “little lantern” (the literal meaning of farolita) has spread gradually to other communities nationwide, including our own Township of Upper St. Clair, and it has become a long standing tradition.

To order your Luminaria kit, including 12 candles, bags, and sand, which is delivered to your door, visit the USC band parents’ website at www.uscbpa.org and click on the “Order Luminaria” link to order online.

Paypal or credit cards are accepted for payment. Alternatively, complete

The Luminaria program in Upper St. Clair is organized as a fundraiser by the USC band parents organization and benefits all USC music department students. This year, the band parents and students will assemble the kits December 1-2, and deliver them to residents on Saturday, December 3. The band will also take walk-up orders on any of these days (Dec. 1, 2, or 3).

Over the years, many local residents, churches, and homeowner associations have participated in this tradition of lighting Luminaria as a symbol of warmth, peace, and friendliness. One resident notes, “My parents would drive through USC neighborhoods so that we could see the Luminaria. I remember with great fondness that Christmas Eve tradition.” Another writes, “We always made the Luminaria part of our annual family Christmas tradition. The kids would assemble the Luminaria and then we would all go outside to light the candles at sunset.”

If you’ve not yet participated in Luminaria, consider becoming part of the tradition this year. If Luminaria are already part of your family tradition, then welcome back and, perhaps, help spread this tradition to your families, friends, and neighbors by purchasing kits for them. It would be a beautiful sight to light up the entire USC community on Christmas Eve this year! n and mail the order form found below with your payment. For orders of 20 kits or more, there is a $2 discount per kit. For more information, contact Richard McCormick at uscbpaluminaria@gmail.com or call 412-831-3947.

Luminaria Kit Order Form Name: ________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ City:_________________________________________________________ State:___________________Zip: __________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________________________ # of kits: _______________ x $12/kit = Total enclosed: $_______________ Make check payable to: USC Band Parents Association Mail to: USC Band Parents Association, 328 Clair Drive, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Winter 2016

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SD

Day in the District

Photo credit: Terry Kish 44

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SD SERIES

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USC Grad Studies Chinese in Taiwan Anthony Abinanti, a member of the Upper St. Clair High School class of 2016, was awarded a National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) scholarship for 2016– 17. Anthony will study Chinese in Taiwan for the year.

Anthony, who has a passion for learning foreign languages and international relations, is one of only approximately 600 competitively selected students from across the United States who will receive a scholarship to study Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Anthony Abinanti Korean, Persian, Russian, or Turkish overseas this year. While in Taiwan, Anthony will receive formal instruction and informal language practice in an immersion environment.

This marks the third opportunity for Anthony to participate in an international immersion experience. He earned a similar

NSLI-Y scholarship last year to study in Xiamen, China, during the summer of 2015. During the summer of 2014, Anthony spent one month in Salamanca, Spain, through a Spanish scholarship with the Oxbridge Academic Programs.

The NSLI-Y program seeks to increase the number of Americans who can engage with native speakers of critical languages. The goals of the NSLI-Y program include sparking a lifelong interest in foreign languages and cultures, and developing a corps of young Americans with the skills necessary to advance international dialogue and cross-cultural opportunities in the private, academic, and government sectors.

NSLI-Y is administered by American Councils for International Education in cooperation with AFS-USA, American Cultural Exchange Service, AMIDEAST, iEARN-USA, Legacy International, Russian American Foundation, Stony Brook University, the University of Delaware, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Wisconsin.

Applications for the NSLI-Y programs are available at www.nsliforyouth.org each fall for the following year. For information about U.S. Department of State-sponsored exchange programs, visit http://exchanges.state.gov. n

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Pinebridge Commons Pinebridge Commons

FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY

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by Mary Kay Chaffee Eric J. Reitz DMD & Jennings & Co., CPA Beth Troy, DMD Jimcor Associates, Inc. Richardson Family Timothy Kerr, DMD & Cindy Brophy, State Farm Ins. Romana Pautler Kerr, DMD Suburban Dry Cleaners Larry E. Manalo, DMD Travel Leaders, Kiernan Ent. Melissa D. Michel, LPC Wininsky Law Offices

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Get Your Home and Car Winter-Ready Cindy Brophy, State Farm

Winter’s on its way! Get ready by preparing your home and vehicle for colder weather. You can improve your safety, save money, and keep comfortable throughout winter with a few simple steps: At home, have you…

• Cleaned the gutters? Clear debris from gutters and test downspouts for drainage to protect against water damage.

• Trimmed trees? Cut back dead or dying limbs and any branches that touch the roof or siding. When it’s windy, branches can rub or scratch the surfaces of your home and cause damage. They also could fall during a storm or break under heavy snow and ice.

• Stopped the air leaks? Eliminating air leaks will improve your home’s comfort and efficiency. Your first checks? The basement and the attic.

Attic leaks allow warmed air to escape, and have the effect of drawing cold air in through basement leaks. Use a can of spray foam insulation to plug up the offenders in both areas.

• Scheduled a heating system inspection? Have your furnace professionally inspected and cleaned to reduce the risk of a breakdown and to keep the system running efficiently. If you have a fireplace, have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected and ensure that your damper opens, closes, and seals tightly.

• Winterized outdoor faucets? Remove all hoses or devices attached to outdoor spigots. Have in-ground sprinkler systems blown out, and turn off water to outdoor spigots. Be sure to drain any water left behind in the pipes.

Your vehicle, have you…

• Had your vehicle serviced? Ask your mechanic to perform an inspection: Test the battery and brakes, inspect the exhaust, check the cooling system, check fluids, change the oil, and make sure all components are

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working properly. Check the vehicle’s owner’s manual for information on the correct fluid types and recommended service intervals.

• Checked the wiper blades? Inspect your wiper blades to make sure they’re functional and in good condition. If you live in an area that typically sees lots of snow and ice, consider installing winter blades.

Store an ice scraper in the car, and stock up on windshield washer fluid rated to withstand -30 degrees or lower temperatures.

• Monitored the fuel line? Today’s ethanol fuels remove small amounts of water from your fuel system to help prevent freezing. In addition, you can help avoid freeze-ups by keeping your vehicle in a heated garage, avoiding refueling while the tanker truck is at the station (water and deposits from the tanker could end up in your fuel line), and keeping your gas cap secured. Another solution is to always keep the tank at least half-full.

• Inspected the tires? Check for uneven wear, cupping, sidewall cracking, and other damage or deterioration. Also examine tire treads to make sure the grooves are deep enough to grip slick surfaces. If your tires fail the following test, replace them with all-season tires or, in extreme winter environments, with winter snow tires. Wonder if your tires have enough tread? Try the penny test. Stick a penny (Lincoln head first) into one of the grooves that goes completely around the tire. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is worn down below 2/32 of an inch and should be replaced.

• Stocked the trunk with emergency equipment? Essentials include flares, jumper cables, a shovel, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, extra batteries, non-perishable snacks, and cold-weather gear. n

Article provided by Cindy Brophy, State Farm® agent. This information is not intended to effect coverage under any policy. See ad on page 47.

Pinebridge Commons Troy Orthodontics provides care for the communities of Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, and the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Dr. Beth Troy and Dr. Eric Reitz take the time to place and adjust braces on every patient, giving individualized attention in a caring environment.

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Our primary goal is to give your child positive memories that instill lifelong hygiene habits.

Office hours are Monday through Friday.

Evening appointments are available.

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Life Planning

This is beautiful.

This is home.

Discover Providence Point—and discover distinctive retirement living.

This is where fine food and resort-level amenities combine with the finest in maintenance-free living and a wellness program that evolves with your needs.

This is retirement as it truly should be.

This is Providence Point.

Act now to reserve your Phase II home. Call today!

412-489-3550

www.ProvidencePoint.org 500 Providence Point Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15243 A Baptist Homes Society Community

Boomers Drive Changes to CCRCs Marilyn Walsh, Providence Point An older generation of senior citizens used to say they wanted to stay in their homes no matter what. But, today’s aging boomer is different. They grew up traveling, changing jobs and homes, and they use new technologies. For many, their grown children are now spread across the globe. These boomers are finding that they do not necessarily want the responsibility and burden of home ownership, preferring to visit children, travel, and pursue outside interests.

Boomers are changing the face of senior living… just as they have changed many things in our society throughout the years.

They are spurring new awareness about Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) and helping to accelerate change. CCRCs are retirement communities with accommodations for independent living, personal care/assisted living, and nursing home care, offering older adults a continuum of care. CCRCs have been around for several decades, but are rapidly changing to meet the demands of the new senior citizen.

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Providence Point, built in Pittsburgh’s South Hills in 2009, is a prime example of the new CCRC. There are a variety of different floorplans in both patio homes and apartments. There are a variety of LifeCare plans to accommodate budget and estate goals. There are several dining venues, an art studio, fitness center, spa, and pool. There is a golf simulator, WiFi, and events, including wine tastings and international-themed dinners. There is also a vast calendar of social, intellectual, and cultural programs. Now, after seven years of solid growth, the community is planning to expand, fueled by the demands of this large, aging demographic group.

Seniors move into CCRCs for many reasons. For some, it’s the peace of mind knowing that the spouse or their children won’t be burdened with required care.

There’s ease for traveling. There’s an active social life. Bob Kocent, executive director at Providence Point, commented, “Today’s retirees want quality accommodations and amenities. They are savvy shoppers and understand the value of the Winter 2016

continuum of care. At Providence Point, our LifeCare agreement assures future healthcare needs will be met, which helps protect our residents’ assets. If we plan for the best possible life, we will be prepared for whatever comes. Seniors who do their homework can usually develop a plan for a retirement lifestyle and senior living option that suits their goals,” stated Bob. No one knows what life will bring, but having options available is important. n

Providence Point’s salt-water pool is used regularly for free swim and aquatic classes, including water aerobics, yoga, and water volleyball.

See ad for Providence Point, a Baptist Homes Society Community, on this page.

Life Planning

Clinical Depression Washington Health System

We’ve all felt down in the dumps before.

Things in life can happen that will make us unhappy from time to time. However, many people experience true clinical depression in their lifetimes, including 20% of all women and ten percent of all men, according to Dr. Katie Tadolini, a primary care Dr. Katie Tadolini physician at Washington Health System Primary Care - Lakeside. Those who suffer from depression often find it difficult to talk about, but just like high blood pressure or diabetes, depression is a serious disease that can be treated and relieved.

So what is the difference between just feeling down and true clinical depression? “To be diagnosed with clinical depression, one must have a period of two weeks or longer during which there is either depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure, and at least five other symptoms that reflect a change in functioning,” says Dr. Tadolini. These symptoms can include things like sleep problems, change in eating, loss of energy, problems concentrating, and changes in self-image.

It is important to know the symptoms of depression so that you can identify them in yourself or a loved one. Medical professionals often use the mnemonic SIGECAPS, which stands for sleep disturbance, interest/ pleasure reduction, guilt feelings or thoughts of worthlessness, energy changes and fatigue, concentration/attention impairment, appetite/weight changes, psychomotor disturbances, and suicidal thoughts and sadness.

In order to be diagnosed with depression, a person needs to have five of these symptoms.

“The big thing with depression is that it doesn’t discriminate and can affect any population at any time in life,” says Dr. Tadolini. Depression is slightly more common in females and seems to affect younger adults at the highest rate, but it truly is a disease that can affect anyone.

If you think you might be depressed, it is very important that you

reach out to someone, preferably your primary care physician. The major barrier for many patients is that the disease itself creates a feeling of isolation and sufferers mistakenly think that they are the only one to feel this way. Dr. Tadolini always tells her depression patients that, “It’s like drowning, except you see everyone around you breathing.”

Though depression often seems like a hopeless disease, treatment options abound. Dr. Tadolini believes the best treatment option is a combination of therapy and possible medication. Not everyone needs medication to treat depression, but advancements in medicine have given us many more safe and effective options than in the past.

The important thing to remember is that everyone reacts differently to different medications, so what works for patient A may not work for patient B. There is a lot of trial and error involved. A common problem is that patients don’t feel their medication working right away and they discontinue it. However, all medications take about four to six weeks to reach peak effectiveness and dosage adjustments are common. It’s important to be patient throughout this process for best results.

Talk therapy, typically cognitive-behavioral therapy, is often a very effective mode of treatment. Other non-medication treatment options have also shown great results, including aerobic exercise, yoga, and meditation.

Depression rarely gets better on its own, so treatment is very important. The goal of treatment is not to cure depression, but to put it in remission. Those who are susceptible to depression may experience recurrences throughout their lifetime, and that is why it is important to monitor symptoms and be proactive with treatment and self-care.

If you have noticed changes in your mood that have lasted two weeks or more, it’s time to talk to your primary care physician. n To make an appointment at WHS Primary Care - Lakeside, phone 724-969-1001. See ad for Washington Health System on this page.

PRIMARY CARE REDEFINED Dedicated to providing comprehensive, accessible, and cutting-edge healthcare across the lifespan.

Same day appointments available Early mornings, evenings, and Saturdays Walk-ins welcome Accepting new patients

To schedule, please call (724) 969-1001.

whsdocs.org | whslakeside.org 1001 Waterdam Plaza Drive, McMurray

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Life Planning Watson Institute Education Center SEWICKLEY

The Watson Institute Social Center for Academic Achievement (WISCA) LEAP Preschool SHARPSBURG

Friendship Academy PITTSBURGH

Watson Institute Education Center South SOUTH FAYETTE

Our Family is Growing !

Led by a team of educators and a mission focus of nearly 100 years of providing educational services and supports to children with special needs, the Watson Institute announces its newest location in South Fayette/Bridgeville.

(412) 741-1800 Fax 412-741-2454 Toll-free (866) 893-4751, ext. 2805 Admissions/Referrals (412) 749-2805

www.thewatsoninstitute.org

STRETTA

for GERD tha your daily PP Stretta—a Non-Invasive Treatment for GERD Dr. David Limauro

I have written for this publication in the past about

gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a condition in which acid from the stomach flows backward up into the esophagus. This can cause a burning chest/upper abdominal discomfort, sour taste, rifting, and sometimes regurgitation of partially digested food into the mouth, among other symptoms.

GERD occurs occasionally in almost all of us from time to time, but 20–30% of Americans experience symptoms at least weekly.

Previously I’ve discussed the symptoms, complications, and medical treatments of GERD in some detail. In today’s article, I would like to introduce a new treatment that bridges the gap between medications and surgery for GERD. Many persons with GERD will respond very well to medications (estimated 70%), but there are certainly some who seem to be resistant or refractory to the usual medical therapy. Of the many persons with GERD, it is estimated that perhaps five percent will have surgery. The surgeries include laparoscopic fundoplication (surgically wrapping the stomach around the esophagus) as well as surgically-implanted devices. Surgery is a big step, in my opinion, and in my practice, I generally reserve it for those with very severe GERD, those with large or complicated hiatal hernias, or those who are truly intolerant to medications.

There is a new and unique therapy, the Stretta procedure that may be a bridge between medications and surgery for GERD pa50

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tients. Stretta uses radiofrequency energy delivered through an endoscope. It is a non-surgical, safe, and effective option for patients with chronic GERD. Because Stretta doesn’t require surgery or introduce foreign implants, it can be used in a variety of patients.

Stretta does not significantly alter the anatomy and it works by strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter (muscle between Dr. David Limauro the esophagus and stomach). The DR. DAVID treatment results in improved muscle tissue, increased muscle wall LIMAURO thickness, less transient LES relaxations, reduced acid exposure is a board-certified in the esophagus, and improved reflux symptoms. gastroenterologist in and Stretta studies have shown a high rate of effectiveness private practice servdurability with very low complication rates and much lower costs ingten patients thewith over compared with surgery. There is over years ofin data South Hills and city shown 20,000 procedures done with Stretta. Clinical studies have of Pittsburgh, includthat 86% of Stretta patients have remained off daily GERD medicaing of St.patients Clair and tions at four years. Additionally, 64% haveUPMC remained Hospitals and rate off daily GERD medications at tenMercy years. The complication for the procedure is less than oneSouth percent.Hills TheEndoscopy procedure takes Center in Upper St. Clair. Dr. Limauro and his family reside in the

Ih disea flows nal d into t us fro Prev Here surge

M well t there tant o Of th that 5 lapar ping t using Su gener GERD tal he

Life Planning

e c i v r e S in ’17 Be a “GUIDE” advertiser and get noticed!

The spring 2017 edition of TODAY will showcase the Celebration Guide, the Dining Guide, and the Home Improvement Guide.

Connect with a TODAY sales representative who will service your advertising needs with confidence.

Phone:

412-833-1600, ext. 2284 Email:

usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us

about one hour, there is no hospital stay, and patients are typically able to return to normal activities within a few days.

Target populations for Stretta appear to be the 30% of persons who don’t get complete relief with daily proton pump inhibitor medications (PPIs like the brands Prilosec/Protonix/Nexium) or those persons who may not want surgery. Stretta may also be a good option for patients with atypical symptoms of GERD, such as sore throat, hoarseness, and chronic coughing (laryngopharyngeal reflux), patients with GERD after bariatric surgery (especially the gastric sleeve), and those who have GERD many years after having anti-reflux surgery. Increasingly, however, as more patients are concerned about the possible side effects of long-term use of medications, the Stretta procedure may also be used in typical GERD patients.

We continue to live in very exciting and innovative times with respect to the advances in modern medicine. In my opinion, the Stretta procedure is yet another example of this, and it appears to be a novel and effective treatment for GERD which is now an option for our patients. n Dr. David Limauro is a board certified gastroenterologist in private practice serving patients in the South Hills and city of Pittsburgh, including St. Clair and UPMC Mercy Hospitals and South Hills Endoscopy Center in Upper St. Clair. See ad for South Hills Endoscopy on page 1.

Winter 2016

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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T Township Commissioners

2016–17 Township of Upper St. Clair Meeting Dates

Mark D. Christie

Rex A. Waller

Nicholas J. Seitanakis

Robert W. Orchowski

Day 412-831-9000 2017*

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-5065 2017*

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-220-4434 2019*

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-1868 2019*

President Ward 4

Vice President Ward 2

Ward 1

Ward 3

Ronald J. Pardini

Russell R. Del Re

Daniel R. Paoly

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 724-941-1199 2019*

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-287-9076 2019*

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-862-5995 2017*

Ward 5

At-Large

• 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 at the C&RC 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 Service Board meets as needed.

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

• The Library Board meets as needed.

At-Large

*Date indicates expiration of term.

All business regarding the operation of the Township is conducted at the regular meetings 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.

Township Administration

Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager

Mark S. Mansfield Asst. Township Manager & Director of Administration

Douglas Burkholder Chief of Police

Mark P. Romito Director of Finance

Adam A. Benigni Director of Planning & Community Development

Amy Sommer Director of Information Technology

To reach Township personnel, call 412-831-9000 and follow the automated directions.

Administrator Extension Matthew R. Serakowski........................................................216 Township Manager Mark S. Mansfield.................................................................219 Asst. Township Manager & Director of Administration Douglas Burkholder..............................................................238 Chief of Police Mark P. Romito......................................................................218 Director of Finance Adam A. Benigni....................................................................501 Director of Planning & Community Development Amy Sommer Director of Information Technology George Kostelich, Jr...............................................................271 Director of Public Works Helen M. Palascak.................................................................247 Director of Library Paul Besterman......................................................................656 Director of Recreation & Leisure Services Other Services Police–Administration............................................ 412-833-1113 Tri-Community South EMS–Administration........ 412-831-3710 USC Volunteer Fire Department–Administration.... 412-835-0660 Animal Control..................................................... 412-833-7500 Community & Recreation Center....................... 412-221-1099 Cable 7................................................................... 412-831-1030 Emergency–Police, Fire, EMS ............................. 412-833-7500

George Kostelich, Jr. Director of Public Works

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Helen M. Palascak Director of Library

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Paul Besterman Director of Recreation & Leisure Services

Winter 2016

USC Township website:

www.twpusc.org

Highlights of the Board of Commissioners’ Meetings July 5, 2016

August 1, 2016

Approximately 62 people attended.

Approximately 9 people attended.

Recognitions • Commissioner Christie presented Proclamations to Matthew Burton, Benjamin Diffendal, and Jack Ryan Johnston for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

Recognition • Commissioner Christie presented a Proclamation to David Corbin for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

Directory of Important Numbers Police/Fire/Ambulance Emergency

412-833-7500 Township Offices are open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Monday - Friday

Administration/Township Manager 412-831-9000, ext. 216 Community Development 412-831-9000, ext. 501 Finance/Tax – 412-831-9000, ext. 226 Recreation – 412-221-1099 Public Works – 412-831-9000, ext. 271 Public Works Hotline (Emergency After Hours) 412-833-7500 Police Administration – 412-833-1113 Animal Control 412-833-7500 Tri-Community South EMS 412-831-3710 Volunteer Fire Department (Fire Station) 412-835-0660 Library – 412-835-5540

Left to right are Commissioner Mark Christie, Benjamin Diffendal, Jack Ryan Johnston, and Matthew Burton The Board • Continued Public Hearing Re. PLC16-0004–Siena at St. Clair–Outdoor Dining–Phase I–Conditional Use Approval to the Regular Board Meeting of August 1, 2016.

• Continued Public Hearing Re. PLC16-0005–Siena at St. Clair–Outdoor Dining–Phase II–Conditional Use Approval to the Regular Board Meeting of August 1, 2016.

• Adopted Decision No. USC-PRD 1-2016 Re. PLC16-0002–Tuscany Pointe–Planned Residential Development–Tentative Approval with modifications and additional conditions.

• Adopted Resolution No. 1618 to authorize adopting and submitting to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection a planning module for land development for Tuscany Pointe as a revision to the Official Sewage Facilities Plan.

• Adopted Resolution No. 1619 approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Allegheny County Conservation District to establish the roles of the respective parties and designating the Township Manager as authorized agent to execute the MOU. • Adopted Resolution No. 1620 to authorize adopting and submitting to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection a Planning Module for land development for Fair Acres Planned Residential Development Parcel “A” situated in the Municipality of Bethel Park as a revision to the Official Sewage Facilities Plan.

• Adopted Resolution No. 1621 authorizing the Township Manager, as the Designated Official, to submit the application for traffic signal approval to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for the traffic signal at the intersection of Boyce Road and Boyce Plaza Road.

Approval of Contracts • AmbCoach, Inc. Indiana, PA Rate per Billable Ambulance Trip........................$17.05 Ambulance Billing Services (Tri-Community South EMS) • Kaza Fire Equipment, LLC Ebensburg, PA.................................................$680,914 2017 Rosenbauer Commander 4000 Chassis Pumper Fire Truck • W. G. Tomko, Inc. Finleyville, PA...................................................$95,675 Gas Service Line Replacement–Municipal Tennis Courts

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David Corbin and Commissioner Mark Christie The Board • Adopted Bill No. 5-16 granting Conditional Use Approval for Siena at St. Clair–Outdoor Dining Phase I on property located at 111 Siena Drive, subject to one modification and condition.

• Adopted Bill No. 6-16 granting Conditional Use Approval for Siena at St. Clair–Outdoor Dining Phase II on property located at 100 Siena Drive and 120 Siena Drive, subject to one modification and condition.

• Adopted Resolution No. 1623 adopting the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program for 2017-2021.

• Adopted Resolution No. 1624 to establish the public hearing date of September 6, 2016, for PLC16-1301–Zoning Map Amendment for Rezoning 1320 Mayview Road from C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District and R-L1 Low Intensity Residential District to R-3 Medium Density Residential District.

• Failed to approve a contract with R & B Contracting & Excavating, Inc. for the Perimeter Trail Installation–Boyce Mayview Park Project, which includes the Southern Extension Trail, the Morton Trail, reforestation of the Southern Perimeter Trail, and sign installation.

The Township of Upper St. Clair, founded in 1788, is a 10.5-square-mile, primarily residential community (19,000+ residents) located 10 miles southwest of Pittsburgh. This family-oriented community boasts an award-winning school district, excellent recreation,and a safe environment. Upper St. Clair has been named one of the “Top Ten Best Places to Live” by U.S. News & World Report.

Winter 2016

Frequently Called Numbers

Cable 7 (Public Access Television) 412-831-1030 District Judge Ronald Arnoni 412-835-1661 League Of Women Voters 412-261-4284 Post Office – 1-800-275-8777 School District – 412-833-1600 South West Communities Chamber of Commerce – 412-221-4100 Tennis Administration – 412-831-7556 Three-Hole Golf Course 412-831-7556 Utilities & Services

Comcast Cable Communications Sales, Service, and Billing 1-800-266-2278 Allegheny Power – 1-800-255-3443 Columbia Gas Company 724-416-6300 Dominion People’s Gas Company 1-800-764-0111 Equitable Gas Company 412-395-3050 PA American Water Company 1-800-565-7292 Verizon – 1-800-660-2215

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Sewers 101 Update

Ruthann Omer, P.E. and Jennifer Slagle, P.E. Do you know what a sanitary sewer is? Do you get your monthly sewer bill and wonder “What am I paying for?” In the past, we updated you on basic sewer knowledge, wet weather issues, mandates from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), and what that means to our region in the upcoming years. This article is a short review and update on USC Township and its sewer issues.

Let’s start with an overview of basic sewer knowledge and wet weather issues.

Basic Sewer Knowledge Your house or building has a private sewer lateral that is connected from your structure’s plumbing to the Township’s sanitary sewer collection system. This collection system is a series of pipes that connect all the individual private laterals together. (“Laterals” are the private sanitary sewer lines that collect sewage from a residence or commercial building to the Township-owned sewer line). The collection system could be on any side of your structure, in the street or on the side or in the back of your property. Upper St. Clair Township sanitary sewers flow through miles of pipe to connect to an interceptor, or trunk sewer, which then flows to the Allegheny County Sewer Authority (ALCOSAN) wastewater treatment plant.

The wastewater treatment plant removes pollutants from the sewage and discharges the treated water to the river.

In Upper St. Clair, there are two separate pipe systems. One system carries the wastewater (sewage) from the plumbing systems in homes and commercial buildings to the treatment plant (ALCOSAN).

The second system, also owned and maintained in part by USC Township, conveys stormwater runoff from wet weather events directly into the streams.

Wet Weather Issues in our Region The Clean Water Act from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), PADEP, and Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) mandate that ALCOSAN and the municipalities in its service area make improvements to their systems. These mandates are known as “consent orders.”

During rain or snow melt, stormwater and ground water enter the sanitary sewer system through cracks and joints in the pipes and manholes. These cracks have developed over decades, as many of these sanitary lines were installed more than 50 years ago. The addition of wet weather flow causes the system to exceed the capacity of the pipes and forces sewage to leave the sanitary sewer system. This is known

as an “overflow.” Additionally, properties may experience sanitary sewer backups into their basements when the pipes cannot handle the additional flow from stormwater entering the sewer system.

Billions of dollars will be required to address overflow problems in our region, which initiated new discussions about the affordability of addressing wet weather and water quality issues.

A new round of consent orders was issued in December 2015 to all 83 municipalities in the ALCOSAN service area.

Phase I Consent Orders from PADEP and ACHD were issued to all of the municipalities to identify areas where reductions in stormwater and groundwater inflow in the sanitary system can reduce overflows and improve water quality in the region’s streams and rivers. The Phase I Consent Order focused on two primary goals: regionalization and source reduction.

What is Regionalization?

Currently, 83 municipalities and a dozen authorities operate and maintain sewers systems that lead to ALCOSAN’s treatment plant, located on the northside of Pittsburgh along the Ohio River. Each of these systems is operated independently of each other. There are miles of lines that convey flow from more than one municipality known as “multi-municipal lines.”

Ash Trees and Honey Bees

Gary Schafer, Parks and Forestry Administrator While some folks may not consider the Ash as one of the most majestic native trees in our region, it still has a place in our landscape to provide beauty, shade, and home to wildlife. So, it was sad to say goodbye to one of the stately Ash trees at USC’s three-hole golf course this past summer.

This 100-plus-year-old Ash was treated several times with imidacloprid, but the tree met its match this past year. Imidacloprid is an insecticide injected into the tree to help fight off the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). When EAB was first discovered in 2002, efforts were focused on what and how much damage would the non-native insect do, and how could it be stopped.

Over the next few years, scientists studied EAB behavior and identified chemical and biological treatments to help slow 54

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

the spread of the insect. They discovered that imidacloprid treatments and parasitic wasps had the potential to help combat EAB; however, it was not the answer to stop the insect.

Over the next several years, Ash trees throughout Upper St. Clair Township’s parks were treated with imidacloprid.

Under light infestation of the non-native borer, the imidacloprid treatments helped to protect the trees. However, as years went by, the insects’ population grew, and the heavily attacked trees didn’t seem to stand a chance to survive. It was unfortunate that many of the somewhat unnoticed Ash trees now stood out like sore thumbs in the middle of summer; not a leaf on the trees, and the bark practically stripped from hungry woodpeckers looking to fill their Winter 2016

Pictured are the honey bees in the hive body bee box. For identification purposes, the queen is intentionally marked with a white dot on her thorax.

bellies with EAB larvae.

Since the loss of many of our Ash trees to the EAB attacks, new insecticides have emerged that show great potential to ward off the heavy attacks. A few Ash trees are left standing in Wiltshire Park and are treated with TREE-äge. These treated trees appear to be holding up quite well.

Now back to our Ash tree next to the second tee box at USC Township’s golf course. This tree began its decline from the EAB attacks in 2010, so treatments of

While these lines are typically larger in size, they may not have been constructed with the capacity to convey the current flow.

Problems can also occur in an upstream community that may cause backups or overflows in downstream communities.

The intent of regionalization is to promote partnerships between municipalities and ALCOSAN to identify the causes of overflows and develop system-wide and cost effective solutions. Multi-municipal facilities will be analyzed for potential transfer of ownership of the larger lines to ALCOSAN. Regional planning is key to identifying cost effective improvements and investments into the region’s aging system.

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What is Source Reduction?

As mentioned, the addition of wet weather flow can cause the system to overflow and force sewage to leave the sanitary sewer system. The intent of the source reduction study is to identify areas in the Township’s overall system to remove stormwater and groundwater inflow and infiltration. Potential areas of analysis are along streams, direct storm connections from roof and yard drains, broken laterals, defective lateral connections, and areas of high groundwater. The source reduction study will identify the areas in USC Township and the other 82 municipalities to focus efforts and develop cost effective solutions.

Where Are We Going?

Upper St. Clair Township has worked diligently to correct items identified in previous PADEP and ACHD orders and mandates. The Township regularly televises its sanitary sewer system, identifies the areas to be repaired or replaced, and budgets for corrective actions. You may notice contractors working in or around your neighborhood, especially if you have a manhole located on your property.

The current Phase I Consent Order involves studies that identify items which may be areas of concern within Upper St. Clair, as well as problems that may be occurring in the system downstream and between USC and the ALCOSAN treatment plant. The Phase I Consent Order requires: • A Source Reduction Study • Demonstration Project • Cooperation with ALCOSAN on transfer of trunk sewers

the imidacloprid continued for a few years.

By 2015, it was evident that there was too much damage to the trunk of the tree.

Scheduled for removal in the early months of 2016, the Township contracted with Davey Tree Experts to safely remove several Ash trees on the golf course property. The hope was to do this work when the ground was well frozen, so minimal damage would be done to the golf course. Unfortunately, not all of the work was completed on the one cold winter day, so the final tree was scheduled to be removed this past July.

On July 15, 2016, the Davey Tree Experts crew was ready to finish the contracted work. They arrived at the site early in the morning, and quickly scoped out the area and developed the game plan for the removal of this three-foot diameter tree. They began cutting into the tree, and in just an hour, the tree was cut to the ground, with dried up fragile branches scattered about.

Until this point, everything had gone according to plan. But, suddenly, the crew’s day got really interesting. About 20 feet up the trunk of the tree was a small hole that led to a cavity in the tree. Completely unexpected were the approximately 30,000 honeybees in residence!

Quickly, Dick Till from Davey Tree Experts called John Crist, an expert beekeeper (or apiarist), who keeps bees at the Gilfillan Farm. Cool as ice, John soon arrived at the site to explain his procedure for removing the agitated honeybees. He brought extra suits for the work crew and fired up the smoker to calm down the bees.

As the crew began cutting into the tree trunk to find the hive, John squirted some sugar syrup on nearby logs to distract the bees. In just a few moments, evidence of the hive was clearly visible, and John was reaching into the cavity, pulling out the beecovered honeycomb. Honey was dripping off the comb as he placed the honeycomb Winter 2016

• Cooperation with ALCOSAN on flow targets • Progress Reports • Tap Control Plans • Penalties The Source Reduction Study and Demonstration Project is to be completed by December 1, 2017, for all municipalities and authorities. This will lead to another round of orders (mandates) once the data has been reviewed and processed.

Through the coordination efforts and analysis required by the current Phase I Consent Order, the region will work to identify goals and targets to improve water quality. The key is to develop a long-term plan for our region that is affordable and attainable. n For additional information, check 3 Rivers Wet Weather website at www.3riverswetweather.org and the ALCOSAN website at www.alcosan.org.

sheets in frames of the hive body bee box he had brought. Within a few minutes, John filled all the frames in the hive body with the honeycomb and as many bees as he could gather. The hive was transported to Gilfillan Farm, where it joined the other hives that John manages.

It wasn’t clear that day if John had captured the queen; however, about a week later, John located the queen in the bee box and painted a distinct white dot on her thorax to identify her. (An international marking system color codes the year the queens are introduced to a hive. The color for 2016 is white.)

I have corresponded with John since the day we took down the Ash tree. He mentioned that the hive is doing well and continues to grow. So, as sad as it was to say goodbye to the once stately Ash tree on USC’s golf course, we were relieved and happy to know that a honeybee hive was ultimately saved and continues to thrive. n UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

55

T Think LED for a “Green” Christmas Ron Sarrick, Sustainability Administrator As I take a moment to reflect back to a much warmer period of time, I’m reminded that the A/C that failed to work at my home in July was a blessing to have fully operational in August. The loss could have been extremely uncomfortable with the heat and humidity that the summer months gave us! However, here we are now in a more comfortable temperature and season, with colder days to come.

With the holidays around the corner, it will soon be time to consider the festive lighting that brings joy when decorating our homes and offices. Consider purchasing the LED brands of lights. A bit costlier, they are more reliable. Most people have experienced the never-ending attempts to find the bulb or two that makes the entire set of incandescent lights inoperable. Go with the extra expense and buy the LED! You should get longer life and less problems with bulb burn-outs.

When buying lights, look for the UL label—which means that the unit has passed tests conducted by the Underwriters Laboratories for safety—on the cord. Some manufacturers choose not to go the UL route, so not all sets of lights will have this designation. See the following link for more information: http://www. ul.com/aboutul/what-we-do/.

The other reason to buy LED lights is that they use less power than other lighting, which translates into savings for the user. By purchasing LED lighting, the aggregate savings will provide a great deal of energy for other uses.

Lighting, in general, is in a period of change; from incandescent, compact fluorescent, high pressure sodium, and others to LED. Light Emitting Diodes, or LED, appear to be the future of lighting, as they are very colorful, the intensity can be controlled, and they consume less power. For additional information, visit: http://www.theledlight.com/ leducation.html or https://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Light-emitting_diode.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

What is an MRF? Recently, I attended a Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania (PROP) conference in Harrisburg. There was a planned tour of Penn Waste, the newest MRF (materials recycling facility), which was completed in 2015. This is where all the recycling material in the general area is dumped, sorted, and prepped for market.

While the facility was clean, well-lit, and well-staffed, a primary objective of the company was the safety and wellness of its employees. I was surprised to learn that they start their work morning by doing a few group exercises on the work floor. The company also effectively uses various marketing techniques to increase the recycling knowledge of its patrons.

Should you wish to know more about MRFs, the local MRF (pronounced “murf”) is Greenstar and is operated by Waste Management, USC Township’s current recycling and trash hauler. Located at 4100 Grand Avenue on Pittsburgh’s Neville Island, tours of this facility are available upon request.

Recycling Moment Take the time to watch the brief recycling messages to the USC community which are available on the USC Public Access Channel (PAC). Glenn Ward, PAC’s coordinator, has assured me that my talent should keep me at the most local level, to which I say “thanks” for his honesty! All Winter 2016

kidding aside, I hope that the “Recycling Moment” gets some notice. Should you have questions, please contact me, Ron Sarrick, at 412-831-9000, extension 264, or sarrick@twpusc.org.

All in One USC Bin There seems to be some confusion about our every-other-week “single stream” recycling at curbside. All of your recycling materials go in the maroon and gray USC-issued recycling bin. No other bin will be picked up as recycling. Boxes should be broken down to allow for ease of discarding into the bin, so you may have to tear down larger boxes. Only those recycling materials that are in the bin will be loaded by the Waste Management driver.

Cardboard laid to the side of the bin will NOT be loaded as recycling. Do your best to get all cardboard in the recycling bin for the pickup or save it until the next recycling pickup date.

A list of materials approved to go into the recycling bin is in your “Trash and Recycling Information” guide, most recently issued by USC Township in December 2015. You can also find these items listed on the bin lid. The recycling materials guide may change over time, so be sure that you are looking at the most recent version!

Sustainable USC Upper St. Clair Township’s effort in sustainable activity has once again placed it in the Green Workplace Challenge (GWC) for 2016–2017. This is an outreach program of Sustainable Pittsburgh that invites non-profits, businesses, schools, universities, and governments, both local and regional, to join in a friendly competition. The overall objective is to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Learn more about GHG at: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions. n

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Did Your Rain Garden Grow as Expected?

David Kutschbach, Superintendent of Projects Summer is long gone, and abundant zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, and beans are a distant memory.

And while gardeners fantasize about next year’s plantings, winter can be a good time for garden maintenance.

Rain gardens are no exception and, like vegetable gardens, they need basic maintenance for best results.

Rain gardens are designed to hold and temporarily store stormwater runoff from roofs, driveways, and other non-porous surfaces like sidewalks or patios.

You may find these rain garden tips useful: • Trimming. Flowering plants should be trimmed after they have finished blooming for the season. Old flowers should be pinched off to promote continuous blooming. Tree pruning should be done during the winter or prior to late March before new buds begin to blossom.

• Weeding. It is inevitable that weeds will find their way into the mulch and soft soil of your constructed rain garden. Do not use chemical weed killer in the rain garden as it will defeat the purpose of filtering impurities from the stormwater. Instead, hand pull the weeds or use a gardening tool to loosen the roots from the soil.

• Mulching. The loose soil layer within the rain garden should be covered with two to three inches of shredded or chipped wood mulch material. The mulch will help reduce soil compaction, help control weed growth, and preserve soil moisture.

• Watering. Even a rain garden requires moderate watering during extended periods of hot, dry, and drought conditions.

Winter 2016

• Fertilizing. Rain gardens should be planted with native plant species. Carefully selected native species will absorb and remove excess nitrogen and phosphorous typically carried within stormwater. Native species are selected to adapt to variable water levels, soil types, and differing exposures to sun and shade; therefore, fertilizing rain gardens is not necessary.

Only minimal maintenance is necessary to develop and maintain a rain garden. Rain gardens can provide an aesthetically pleasing garden to the eye and the psychologically calming effect that gardening can create. Looking for a New Year’s resolution for 2017?

Discover the joy of gardening—flower, vegetable, or rain garden—this coming year! n

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

57

T From the Director’s Desk: Use Share Connect— Connections Working to Bring People Together Helen Palascak, Library Director

Not a day goes by that I don’t hear of a library encounter which has helped someone resolve an issue or problem in his or her life. It might be something simple: a recipe found, a new title suggestion, directions given, or a form printed from a website. Sometimes the stories are more personal and emotional. Help and comfort given to a grieving widower, support given to a person uncomfortable with technology, help provided to a job seeker who returns to tell us he got the job! Then, there are the smiles that begin new friendships.

Helen Palascak Occasionally, there are the unexpected connections. A simple connection may make someone’s day. Just recently a musician performing at the library mentioned the foreign city his wife’s family lives in. An audience member was thrilled to tell him that it is the city in which she was born. After the program, I saw them having an animated conversation, which I’m sure brought back many memories for her. Another simple connection happened when a nanny snapped a photo of a child in the library and sent it to the parents. The dad happened to be driving by and made a quick decision to stop and visit his child enjoying the library!

More complex connections have brought together people who may never have known each other, who now are in a business relationship with one another. One example is the connection library patron Patrice Romzick made when she attended the library’s very first 3D Printing Workshop. (3D classes are scheduled monthly and fill quickly. Check the library events calendar for the next one!)

Patrice runs a small business selling specialized cookie molds. The molds make an impression in the dough, but do not cut it.

Cooks using the many (hundreds of various sizes and shapes) molds have had to improvise cutters, often cutting around the shape by hand, or purchase expensive metal cookie cutters which may or may not fit the mold exactly. Patrice saw how designing a cutter and printing with the 3D printer would produce a perfect cutter for every mold. Aaron Hartman, our instructor from Bits To Pieces, a 3D printing company, worked with Patrice to design a prototype, and she has purchased her own 3D printer to make molds on demand. Now that’s a connection!

Stop by the library today. It could be your day to experience a library connection.

Patrice writes: Through the 3D printing classes at the USC Township Library, I learned that this technology was a perfect fit for my business, Springerle Joy LLC (www.springerlejoy.com). I needed to make low volumes of custom cookie cutters to fit the Swiss cookie molds that I sell online. The perimeters of many of my cookie molds are intricate, and customers did not want to cut them out by hand. Custom metal and injection molded cutters were too expensive because of the high costs of tooling.

At the class, I met instructor Aaron Hartman, owner of Bits To Pieces (www.b2p3d.com), a 3D printing and design firm. Using his expertise in industrial design and 3D printing, Aaron helped me evaluate the technology in terms of costs and productivity. The 3D printer met all my requirements.

Three months later, Aaron has designed over 30 sophisticated cookie cutters that none of my competitors can match. The plastic material is FDA approved and dishwasher safe. I manufacture the cutters using a FlashForge Creator Pro 3D printer in my office. All I do is select the design, press a button on the printer and set the timer on my iPhone to return when the cutter is finished.

This printer is like magic! It never gets tired, stays precise after making hundreds of cutters, is quiet, odor free, and even works in the dark.

Customers love the cutters, and I expect that the availability of these custom cutters will increase sales of my cookie molds substantially.

Thanks to Helen Palascak, USC Township Library director, for bringing this technology to our library patrons. n

Left to right are Patrice Romzick, Helen Palascak, and Aaron Hartman

3D printing machine, with finished mold

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Love Your Library September Campaign Thanks to the generosity of the Jack Buncher Foundation, all participating Allegheny County libraries received a pro-rated portion of a $125,000 match pool to support their general operations. All donations received during September 2016, up to a maximum of $500 per donor per library, counted toward the match pool.

Many thanks go out to so many in our community who participated in this campaign and a special thanks to the Jack Buncher Foundation for providing such a generous match pool.

We are so grateful that you love Upper St. Clair Township Library!

Library staff members Deb Conn and Colleen Miles love our library!

Coming in December. . .

The Aeolian Winds of Pittsburgh holiday concert is coming in December. Enjoy an evening of music and refreshments in the library. Call the library for details.

USC Township Library Hours 412-835-5540 www.twpusc.org

Monday–Thursday, 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m.

Friday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday, 1–5 p.m.

Outside book and video return available 24/7

Holiday Closures: Thanksgiving—Closes at 5 p.m., Wednesday, November 23 and closed Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25 Christmas—Closed Friday, December 23; Saturday, December 24; Sunday, December 25; and Monday, December 26 New Year’s—Closed Saturday, December 31 and Sunday, January 1 Winter 2016

E-INFO @ the 24/7 Library Never go without something to read, listen to, or watch again! No problem if the weather outside is dreary, all of the following can be found on the library website page “e-info, the 24/7 library.” All you need is a library card!

Books: Use the Overdrive link to read online, or download to your e-reader. For kids, click into BookFlix, a fun interactive space for kids to read and do related activities.

Magazines: You have two options: Zinio has a wide selection, and then there are more in Overdrive, including the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette newspaper.

Audio: Again, try out Overdrive for audiobooks. Hoopla also has audiobooks always available.

Music: Freegal has music. Download up to five music tracks a week and they are yours to keep.

Video: Hoopla is the place to stream movies or TV shows.

General Information: I know, we all Google, but if you are looking for an authoritative article on anything, log into the online Encyclopedia Britannica or World Book Online. There are versions of each for kids and young adults, too.

The Early World of Learning in the World Book product has lots of fun games for preschool kids.

Your Virtual Librarian: Select Reads on the library’s home page will show you the newest books added to the library’s collection, as well as let you create custom lists based on criteria you choose. With Awards Lists and Author Spotlights, it’s almost as good as visiting the library!

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Winter Classes for Kids and Families Snow is falling and books are calling!

Visit the library this winter and enjoy a variety of activities, including the popular weekly classes for kids of all ages.

The library’s weekly classes for kids run for six weeks from Monday, January 16 through Friday, February 24. Classes require pre-registration. Registration begins Wednesday, January 4 in person at the library.

For more information, visit the library’s website at www.twpusc.org/library/libraryhome or come to the library and pick up a printed brochure.

Babies & Toddlers Storytime Children ages 4–24 months with a grown-up Babies & Toddlers Storytime combines interactive play, action rhymes, songs, and books, all designed to hold the attention of the library’s youngest participants.

Mondays or Tuesdays, 10 a.m.

Twos & Threes Storytime Children age 2–3 ½ years old with a grown up Twos & Threes Storytime features books and stories, action rhymes and songs, and puppets and play to entertain your child.

Tuesdays, 11 a.m. or 1:45 p.m.

Wednesdays, 10 a.m.

Preschool Storytime Children ages 3 ½, 4, and 5 years old who are ready to spend a half-hour on their own Stories, songs, finger plays, and bookrelated activities are featured in Preschool Storytime, which concludes with an ending activity for participants and their caregivers.

Thursdays, 10 a.m. or 1:45 p.m.

Fridays, 10 a.m.

Library Explorers Kids currently in Kindergarten Explore math in a fun and exciting way at the library! This session of Library Explorers will feature activities developed by the Crazy 8s Math Club, which sneaks arithmetic lessons into fun games.

Tuesdays, 10 a.m. or 1:45 p.m.

Book Trek Kids in 1st–4th grades Express yourself this winter through creative art workshops developed by Hervé Tullet, author and illustrator of Press Here, Mix It Up, and Let’s Play.

Tuesdays or Wednesdays, 4 p.m.

Math Mites Children ages 4 and 5 years old who are not yet in Kindergarten Preschoolers can learn early math skills through stories and hands-on activities at the library’s Math Mites class.

Wednesdays, 1:15 or 2:15 p.m.

Special Events for Kids and Families

Check out the special events for kids and families occurring throughout the winter at the library. Complete information for each program can be found on the library’s website at www.twpusc.org/library/library-home or pick up a printed brochure at the library.

Winter Reading Program: Get Fired Up for Reading!

Kids in Kindergarten through second grade are invited to participate in the 2017 Winter Reading Program. Following along with a reading guide, participants will get a dragon scale to help the library form a reading dragon. Participants who read all of the books will get to pick a prize from the mystery box!

Wednesday, January 4–Friday, March 3 Third Grade and Fourth Grade Family Battle of the Books Families with children in third or fourth grade can participate in the ultimate challenge of book knowledge. Read the pre-selected books to prepare for a quiz show, featuring questions based on the books you’ve read. All participants will get a prize, and trophies will be awarded to the first, second, and third place families at each Battle. Additionally, the elementary school with the most points will win a trophy and bragging rights.

Registration for both Battle of the Books programs begins Monday, January 16 in person at the library.

Battle Dates/Time: Third Grade–Monday, February 27, 6 p.m.

Fourth Grade–Thursday, March 2, 6 p.m.

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Paws for Reading Kids in first through fifth grades are invited to come in to the library and read to dogs that are licensed through Therapy Dogs International. These dogs love to listen to stories read by boys and girls!

Dates/Time: Thursdays, January 19 and February 16, 5:30 p.m.

Family Storytime Families with children ages two to seven years old are invited to spend a fun evening sharing stories, songs, and games.

Dates/Time: Thursdays, January 12 and March 16, 7 p.m.

A Special Storytime If your child has difficulty sitting through a regular storytime, perhaps the library’s monthly Special Needs Storytime will work for you. This monthly storytime is designed for children ages three to six years old. A parent or guardian is asked to attend with the child and help guide him or her through the activities. We are hoping that this storytime will help children and their parents feel comfortable and safe in a storytime setting.

Dates/Time: Mondays, January 16, February 13, and March 13, 7 p.m.

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Craft Time at the Library

Themed crafts for the seasonal holidays will be available to make at the library during regular library hours. Parents and caregivers are asked to assist their child during craft time.

Celebrate Thanksgiving Wednesday, November 16– Wednesday, November 23 Make a Holiday Ornament Monday, December 12– Thursday, December 22 Celebrate Winter Wednesday, January 4–Sunday, January 15 Celebrate Valentine’s Day Monday, February 6– Tuesday, February 14

Events for Tweens and Teens at the Library

Kids in middle school and high school are invited to attend Teen Fun Nights each month at the Township library.

For up-to-date information, see the flyers on the Teen Library website at www.twpusc.org/library/teens. If you’d like to receive the teen program announcements, email Colleen Miles at milesc@einetwork.net with your name.

Winter events will include: • Readers Theater • Monthly Art Workshops • Cabin Fever Fun with Giant Games • Book Speed “Dating” • Book Jeopardy

Dear Librarian, recently told me that my My first grader’s teacher s this ” level. What exactly doe child is reading at the “D ks at this level? mean and how do I find boo Concerned Parent Dear Concerned Parent, s a system of leveled reader USC School District uses e th appropriate books. Th to help match students wi level ate xim pro the book’s ap letter designation describes of readability. d library Readers are divide The Township’s children’s 1, ity: Easy-Reader, Reader into four levels of readabil locate you p hel Library staff can Reader 2, and Reader 3. o als can el. The library staff books for your child’s lev r er books that will help you show you how to find oth child learn reading skills. it help you! I hope you’ll vis Remember, we’re here to the library soon.

Sincerely, Deb Conn Your Librarian

I WANT TO BE A FRIEND! ❑ Yes, I'd like to sign up today.

Please accept my tax deductible donation payable to Friends of the Library of USC. FRIEND

$10 per household + $____ (donation) = _____Total

GOOD FRIEND (entitles you to a Friends of the Library coffee mug)

$25 per household + $____ (donation) = _____Total Name: ______________________________________ _____________________ Date: __________________ Address: ____________________________________ ____________________________________________ Phone: ______________________________________ Email:_______________________________________

❑ Yes, call me for volunteer opportunities.

1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 www.twpusc.org Winter 2016

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USC Recreation and www.twpusc.org

Special Events Thanksgiving Spin-A-Thon Friday, November 25 A great way to burn off your Thanksgiving feast! Classes are free with a donation. Three class times available: 9:30–10:30 a.m., one-hour class 12:30–1:15 p.m., 45-minute class 1:20–2:05 p.m., 45-minute class Holidays at the C&RC Saturday, December 3 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Celebrate the holiday season with musical performances, craft making, sweet treats, and a special visit from Santa at noon! Bring along your camera. Free for C&RC members and non-members.

Enjoying time with Santa

ZUMBA® Jingle Jam Saturday, December 10 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Join in for a holiday ZUMBA dance party.

Wear your jingle bells!

MLK Day of Service Monday, January 16 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Make it a day on—not a day off! In honor of the day, youngsters can join together to spend part of the day “on” at the C&RC completing community service projects that benefit our greater community. (The time spent can count toward community service hours required by school districts or other organizations.) Participants will have time “off” to enjoy lunch together, cooperative games in the gym, and a snack at the end of the day. Students in grades seven and eight will be assigned to assist with younger age groups. Participants should bring a packed lunch.

High school and adult volunteers are welcome; contact staff at the C&RC at 412-221-1099, extension 655 or 613, to find out more about the volunteer requirements and opportunities.

Age Requirement: Grades 1–8 (Grade K with an adult) Fee(s): $18 (includes a T-shirt; select a size at time of registration), high school and adult volunteers are free.

Making a blanket for the day “on” service project

Having fun and working out in holiday attire

Coming “Om” for the Holidays Sunday, December 11 12:30–2 p.m.

Come breathe deeply, let go of stress, and recharge your body and mind during the busy holiday season.

Very Merry Mix Saturday, December 24 Saturday, December 31 10:15 a.m.–noon Three of your favorite group exercise classes rolled into a one-and-a-half-hour-long workout. Space is limited. Register at the C&RC. A donation of three non-perishable food items is required at time of registration.

Winter Wellness Dash Saturday, January 14 Noon Start your New Year off right by attending the annual one-mile run/walk. A great winter activity for family and friends, it’s open to all ages and fitness levels.

Fee(s): $5 per person (Children ages five and under are free.) * * Registration closes at 9 p.m., Friday, January 13. Winter beanies are guaranteed for the first 100 participants, ages six and up.

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Participants pose during MLK Day of Service 2016.

Valentine’s Day Workout Sunday, February 12 12:30–2:30 p.m.

Fun, partner-based boot camp and yoga classes; bring your significant other, family member, or friend!

Give the Gift of Fitness

25% off all personal training services and nutrition services* *All sessions must be purchased between December 1, 2016–January 31, 2017.

25% off all regular priced aquatic, fitness, and cycling coupon books *All coupons must be purchased between December 12–24.

Winter 2016

Start Your New Year’s Resolution at the C&RC Group Exercise Free Trial Week January 2–8 All group exercise classes (fitness and aquatics) are free for C&RC members and non-members. *Class space may be limited. Participants will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

Fit City Challenge January 14–February 25 Are you fit? Join in as the C&RC competes against other recreation centers to see which is the fittest city. Whether your goal is to get stronger, lose weight, or both, this will be a true test of physical fitness. Track your fitness progress using the leaderboard on the Bestest App, and use workouts provided to you through Virtuagym App. Weekly weigh-ins, challenges, and workouts will be provided throughout the program.

New Programs for All Ages Family Workshops-Room Poster POP ART On a large poster board, you will use paints, markers, crayons, and cut-outs and do some printmaking to create a super personal poster of your very own. Ages 3–12 with adult.

Monday, February 20 10 a.m.–noon.

Glow-in-the-Dark Art Combining art and science, these workshops will not only be fun, but also educational! Open to grade 3 and up.

Glow-in-the-Dark Bouncy Balls Tuesday, January 31 6:15–7:45 p.m.

Glow-in-the-Dark Lamp Thursday, March 16 6:15–7:45 p.m.

DIY Printmaking Print custom stationery, Furoshiki-style gift wrap, and patterned fabric, using printing, painting, stamping, and stencil techniques.

Ages 13 through adult.

Tuesdays, February 7–28 6:30–8 p.m.

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Leisure Services 412-221-1099

Studio Acrylics Students will learn different techniques while creating in a relaxing social atmosphere. Ages 13 through adult.

Mondays, February 27–March 20 9:30–11 a.m.

Create an Amusement Park with Minecraft Learn new redstone techniques and use special mods to create amazing rides and games. Learn and apply Minecraft physics to produce bigger and better roller coasters. Student creations will be available for download at home following the class. Ages 7–13.

Instructor: Staff of HI-TECH Learning Saturday, November 19 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Minecraft Machines Holiday Camp Apply engineering and mechanical concepts in Minecraft to design and create your own machine. Students will use a special Minecraft mod that allows use of mechanics, new redstone devices, and expands what is possible in Minecraft. Minecraft machines will be available for download following the class. Ages 8–12.

Instructor: Staff of HI-TECH Learning Thursday and Friday, December 29 and 30 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Get to the Point! Introductory Fencing Workshop Instruction will cover proper fencing form and technique, basic fencing skills, including footwork, blade work, and distance, as well as fencing etiquette, rules, and sportsmanship.

The final day of the workshop will conclude with a mini-tournament with prizes for all participants. All fencing equipment will be provided. Register by January 5.

Grades 3–5 and 6–8.

Saturday, Sunday, Monday (MLK Day) January 14, 15, 16 Times: Grades 3–5 Grades 6–8 Saturday, 9 a.m.–noon Saturday, 1–4 p.m.

Sunday, 12:30–2:30 p.m. Sunday, 2:45–4:45 p.m.

Monday, 9 a.m.–noon Monday, 1–4 p.m.

Skin Care Remedies Right at Home This class will teach you how to use household items like yogurt, tofu, avocado, and even sardines to create your perfect skin without leaving your home. Vegan and gluten-free options will be included. Mixology lists and application demonstrations will be provided. Grades 7 through adult.

Friday, December 9, January 20, or February 24 6–8 p.m.

Contour Like a Pro Learn the pros’ tips to highlighting, strobing, contouring, and blending. Makeup palettes will be provided for the demonstration, but feel free to bring your own products. You will be given a detailed overview and demonstration of foundation matching, what “contour” means, contouring for different face shapes, and blending. Ages 16 through adult.

Saturdays, December 10, January 21, or February 25 12:30–2:30 p.m.

Active & Engaged Seniors Seniors at Leisure Program Every Friday afternoon there’ll be something fun to do! This program is free for all seniors, age 55 and older, both USC residents and surrounding community residents. No C&RC membership required. All activities are held at the C&RC, unless otherwise noted.

Boomer Balance and Flexibility–First Friday Gentle exercise for older adults, incorporating an active warm-up, chair and/or standing work, stretching to promote flexibility, and special exercises to enhance balance.

Fridays, November 4, December 2, January 6, February 3, March 3 12:15–1 p.m.

Art Experience–Second Friday Professional Artist Rikki Walsh will offer a hands-on art activity. Options include watercolors, pastels, sculpting, and more!

Fridays, December 9, January 13, February 10, March 10 1:30–3 p.m.

Movie Matinees–Third Friday Join seniors from around the area to view old favorites and new releases on a big screen; pizza lunch and light refreshments served.

Fridays, November 18, December 16**, January 20, February 17, March 17 **The December 16 Movie Matinee will be held at the MAC (McLaughlin Run Activity Center), 1770 McLaughlin Run Road 12:30–3 p.m.

Game Day–Fourth Friday Cards? Mah Jongg? Jigsaw puzzles? Tripoley?

Bridge? Grab your friends or make new ones and play the afternoon away! A different game will be scheduled for each session.

Fridays, January 27–Bridge, February 24–the Wii, March 24–Five Hundred *No program November 25 and December 23 12:30–3 p.m.

Winter 2016

Five Makeup Essentials Learn the five essential makeup products the pros do not want you to know about. Great for makeup on the go and taking your look from day to night or from a basic face to a full glam face using five products. A coveted makeup artist pro cost-effective product list will be provided.

Palettes will be provided for the live demonstrations of each step along with a face chart and list of tips and products. Ages 16 through adult.

Sundays, December 11, January 22, or February 26 12:30–2:30 p.m.

American Mah Jongg for Beginners Gain a basic understanding of the game’s fundamental components, including pieces, rules, and playing strategy. No Mah Jongg experience or knowledge is required and a practice Mah Jongg set is provided for the duration of the four-week class session. Note: A 2016 NMJL Card is required. Ages 13 and up.

Thursdays, February 23, March 2, March 16 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Winter Pickleball Tournament Saturday, February 18 Start Time: 10:30 a.m.

Calling all pickleballers! This will be the second annual one-day adult pickleball tournament. Registration will be accepted for men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and coed doubles teams. Pool play. Brackets will be created based on registration. Registration deadline is February 16. Ages 16 and up.

Gold Card Offered by the USC School District to residents age 62 and older. Card admits holder to School District drama and musical performances, athletic events, and other events free of charge. Applications taken at School District reception desk at 1820 McLaughlin Run Road.

Silver Card Offered by USC Township to residents age 62 or older.

Card admits holder to the Municipal three-hole golf course, outdoor tennis facilities, specified Community & Recreation Center programs, and other activities designated and sponsored by the Township of Upper St. Clair. Applications are available at the Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park.

ACCESS 65 PLUS is a shared-ride transportation service program for senior citizens age 65 and older.

Contact Chaz McCrommon, assistant community programs coordinator, at 412-221-1099, ext. 603, for information about this program and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Senior Citizen identification card for the Port Authority Transit (PAT) system.

For more information on any Older Adult programming, contact Chaz McCrommon, assistant community programs coordinator, at 412-221-1099, ext. 603, or mccrommon@twpusc.org.

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Fighting the Flu

John D’Angelo, Tri-Community South EMS Flu is an illness of the nose, throat, and lungs that is caused by a constantly changing virus. The so-called flu season usually hits its peak December through February, although the flu virus can be active at any time of the year. The flu is a very dangerous illness for everyone, but it is especially dangerous for children and older adults because it can lead to further complications, including pneumonia. In fact, 90% of those who die each year from the flu are older adults.

Flu is spread from contact within six feet of an infected person or by touching anything that has the virus on its surface, such as a door handle. The infected person can pass on the virus even before he or she feels any symptoms, and the contagious period can last as long as a week after the symptoms appear.

What can we do to protect ourselves from the flu? First, it is recommended that everyone above the age of six months get the flu vaccine every year. A good many people erroneously believe that the flu can be contracted from a flu shot or from the vaccine nasal spray. The flu shot is composed of dead viruses and the nasal spray contains highly weakened viruses, so it is highly unlikely that the flu can be contracted through either means. Also, the vaccine is composed from three to four strains of the flu virus that

It’s Tri-Community South EMS Subscription Month. Support EMS. Subscribe today!

Visit www.tcsems.org or phone 412-831-3710. have been predicted to be most prevalent for that particular year.

A person can get the flu even after receiving the vaccine because he or she may have been exposed to a strain of the flu virus that was not included in the vaccine.

Antiviral drugs, including Tamiflu and Relenza, cannot protect a person from getting the flu, but they can make a person who has the flu feel better faster. However, always consult your doctor before using these medications. Remember also that, because the flu is a viral infection, antibiotics will have no effect in treating the symptoms.

Finally, constant hand washing is a must if a person is serious about protecting him or herself. Also, several studies have shown that using plain soap and water is just as effective as using antibacterial soaps in preventing both colds and the flu. n Members of Tri-Community South EMS have been proactively fighting the flu virus for the past several years by providing free flu shots for the residents they serve. Call 412-831-3710 for more information.

CPR and Pennsylvania’s Good Samaritan Law John D’Angelo, Tri-Community South EMS

When a cardiac arrest occurs, quick action is necessary if the victim is to have any chance of survival. In too many instances, however, would-be rescuers hesitate to give aid because of uncertainty over the issue of civil liability in these cases. Below is a list of some of the most commonly asked questions about the law as it pertains to would-be rescuers in CPR emergency situations.

What is a “Good Samaritan Law?” Good Samaritan laws were enacted to protect would-be rescuers from liability in medical emergency situations so that people will be encouraged to act freely without fear of a lawsuit.

1. Are “Good Samaritan” provisions basically the same in every state? Although every state has a “Good Samaritan” law, the provisions can vary greatly from state to state. For instance, Vermont is one of two states in which a bystander can be punished if he or she does not render assistance in a medical emergency. In Pennsylvania, an individual has no legal duty to perform CPR on a cardiac arrest victim.

However, once an individual begins CPR, he or she cannot abandon the victim.

2. Do you need a valid CPR certification in order to perform CPR in an emergency situation? In 1978, the Pennsylvania legislature expanded the “Good Samaritan” law to protect from liability any person who has a certificate in CPR training from either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. Thus, the law protects trained lay persons. The would-be rescuer, however, must be employing techniques and methods consistent with the training received.

3. Can a CPR-trained rescuer be sued if the cardiac arrest victim dies? By definition, a victim of cardiac arrest has no pulse 64

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and is not breathing and is considered to be clinically dead when CPR efforts are begun. Therefore, the victim would be no worse off if CPR efforts fail than if no efforts were made at all. In this case, the would-be rescuer could not be held liable since the victim was dead before rescue efforts were begun.

4. Can a CPR rescuer be held responsible for subsequent physical injuries, such as broken ribs, that occur as a direct result of his or her actions even though the victim survives? If a victim survives a cardiac arrest episode because someone has performed CPR, the survivor cannot hold the rescuer liable for any physical injuries that may have occurred.

The victim cannot have a complaint because, if no one had performed CPR, the victim would be dead.

5. Do the same rules and laws apply to those such as medical professionals and first responders who are doing CPR as part of their professional responsibilities? In general, those who are performing professional duties and are being paid to do so are usually held to higher standards of performance and stricter legal parameters. However, medical professionals who voluntarily assist in CPR emergencies generally are given the same latitude as a non-professional would have in the same situation. n

Members of Tri-Community South EMS hope that no one would hesitate to assist in any emergency situation. To that end, TCS offers low-cost CPR and first aid classes twice a month if you wish to become trained. For more information, visit www.tcsems.org where you can register for a class. This article is presented only as a guideline and is not intended as a substitute for legal advice.

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New Dispatcher in USC The Upper St. Clair Police Department welcomed new emergency dispatcher Evan Lorenzato to its staff this past July.

Evan, a native of Bridgeville, is a 2015 graduate of West Virginia University. USC Police Chief Douglas Burkholder said that Evan is a great addition to the dispatch staff and will be dispatching emergency calls for the police, fire, and emergency medical services within USC Township. n

Dispatcher Evan Lorenzato

“Wild” Animals

As many residents know, Upper St. Clair participates in a joint animal control program with Castle Shannon, Dormont, Greentree, Mt. Lebanon, Scott, Whitehall, and Carnegie, as well as providing on-call animal control services to Rosslyn Farms and Heidelberg. Whether it is picking up stray animals and attempting to reunite them with their owners or dealing with nuisance animals like racoons or groundhogs, an animal control officer’s day is

Locating a lost dog using the fire department’s thermal imaging cameras

rarely dull, and at times, can be amusing!

Tony Capazolli, an animal control officer for 27 years, recently took time to speak with TODAY, relaying a couple of humorous calls he remembers.

Years ago, Tony responded to a call from a family about “something in their kids’ toy box.” When the animal control officer arrived, everyone was standing outside.

Entering the home and locating the toy box, Tony remembers cautiously removing toys, only to discover a life-like toy lizard. Tony said that no one in the family remembered it, and when they originally looked in the toy box, they didn’t realize that it was a toy!

Another call Tony responded to was about a snake under the passenger seat of a convertible. The owner of the car and police were near the vehicle when Tony arrived. Everyone there was afraid to take a closer look at what appeared to be part of snake under the passenger seat. Without getting too close, Tony used a mirror to try and identify what was there. He discovered the owner’s snake skin purse. The “snake” that everyone saw was part of the strap.

Winter 2016

One of the more recent, and touching, stories that Tony shared happened earlier this year. After hours of searching with neighbors, Animal Control called the USC VFD to assist in locating a lost elderly dog.

Using the fire department’s thermal imaging cameras and manpower, the dog was quickly located approximately 250 yards down a steep, wooded ravine. USC VFD assistant chief Mike Moore, with the help of other firefighters, carried the dog up the ravine, where it was reunited with its grateful owners.

If a resident needs assistance with animals running at large, nuisance animals, or reporting injured or killed animals, Tony encourages them to call for animal control service. Your call might become one of Tony’s favorite new memories! n The emergency number for Animal Control is 412-833-7500. Contact animal control through County Dispatch at 412-279-6911 or contact the police department and request Animal Control. To learn more about Animal Control or Clair’s Kennel, refer to the winter 2013 edition of TODAY, pages 50–51.

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Winter Storm Emergencies Winter storm emergencies are just

that—emergencies. The Township of Upper St. Clair’s administrative staff, Police Department, and Public Works Department are on call 24 hours a day to help residents and businesses by making the streets safe.

During the winter season, Township residents are asked to be patient and understanding. To help the Police and Public Works Department during storms, the Township asks the cooperation of residents in the following areas: 1. Keep calls concerning snow removal to a minimum. Public Works and Police phone lines need to be kept open for emergency calls only during storm situations.

The Township is as eager as you to have the streets cleared quickly. Major roads such as Route 19, Boyce Road, McLaughlin Run Road, Lesnett Road, McMillan Road, Fort Couch Road, and Mayview Road are plowed first as a matter of public safety and for emergency vehicles.

2. Do not shovel or plow snow back into the streets. This is a violation of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code and creates additional traffic safety problems.

3. When streets are plowed, snow will be pushed in front of driveways. Unfortunately, there is no other place for the snow to go.

4. The Public Works Department is not permitted to assist residents by clearing driveways, sidewalks, or paths to mailboxes. Public Works employees work as many hours as necessary to make streets, inlets, cul-de-sacs, sidewalks, and parking lots safe for all vehicles and pedestrians.

5. Under emergency situations, there may be delays or cancellations of garbage collection and recycling pickup. Please do not call the Township during a snow emergency to ask about garbage collection. Until the snow situation is under control, it is impossible to say when garbage collection will be back on schedule. Check Cable 7 or the Township’s website at www.twpusc.org for information on garbage collection.

6. The Township cannot recommend contractors or companies that provide private snow removal. Please refer to advertising publications.

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7. The Township receives numerous calls regarding sidewalks not being adequately maintained during heavy snow periods.

Sidewalks with unshoveled snow may cause problems for residents, school children, mail carriers, delivery persons, etc. Chapter 109 of the Township Code states that the standard removal time of snow and ice from sidewalks is within 12 hours after the snow or ice has ceased to fall or be formed. There are several Township-owned sidewalks that are posted “No Winter Maintenance” and are not covered under this ordinance.

8. Please keep fire hydrants clear of snow.

They are for your safety.

Public Works Snow Removal— How It Works

The Public Works Department is on call 24 hours a day to help residents with snow removal emergencies and related situations. During severe snow situations where plowing is needed, the main state and Township roads have priority, which in some cases requires residential roadways to be designated secondary priority.

The department deploys 15 trucks equipped with salt spreaders and plows to clear approximately 110 miles of roadway, all Township-owned parking lots, buildings, and all School District parking lots.

The department is currently contracted to perform snow and ice removal on all state-owned roadways within the Township, including Route 19, Boyce Road, Mayview Road, Lesnett Road, McLaughlin Run Road, Fort Couch Road, and McMillan Road. It does not have maintenance responsibilities for Allegheny County-owned roadways, including Painters Run Road, Bethel Church Road, and Drake Road.

Some considerations regarding the snow removal services that you receive as a resident of USC include: 1. The Public Works Department must be alert to air temperatures and road Winter 2016

www.twpusc.org

surface temperatures. Sodium chloride (rock salt) is effective to about 23° Fahrenheit. At temperatures below 23°, road surfaces will require additions of liquid calcium chloride. Traffic causes rock salt to act more quickly, so streets with heavier traffic will show the results of sodium chloride application sooner than less traveled roadways.

2. Air Science Consultants are contracted by the Township and available on a 24hour basis to provide periodic advance weather forecasting.

3. Peak traffic occurs between the hours of 6-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m. Decisions to delay school must be made by school administration.

4. The Public Works Department minimizes the use of chemicals by plowing whenever possible. Generally, accumulations over one inch with additional snow predicted may require plowing as dictated by temperatures and information obtained from Air Science Consultants.

5. Constant monitoring of road conditions helps the Public Works administration coordinate snow removal actions to ensure total roadway coverage. All snow removal vehicle drivers assist and back each other up to ensure effective roadway salting and plowing.

6. Walks will be cleared at the Township building, C&RC, and tennis bubbles as soon as possible. The Recreation Center schedule is checked to ensure clear walkways prior to scheduled activities.

7. Excessive snow may require opening of inlets or location of fire plugs.

8. The Public Works Department has instituted an anti-icing process into the snow removal operation. This process consists of applying manufactured salt brine to the roadways prior to a storm event. As you encounter these Public Works’ trucks applying the product, please give them the space and right of way needed.

T

Township Reminders 2016 Trash-Recycling Holiday Collection Holiday

Collection Date

Thanksgiving.......................... Friday, November 25 for the

normal Thursday collection There is no change in the regular trash and recycling schedule for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

2016 Fall Yard Debris/Leaf Waste Collection—Saturdays

Township of Upper St. Clair’s Christmas Tree Recycling Project December 26, 2016 – January 31, 2017 The trees will be ground for mulch for residents’ use.

Please remove all plastic tree bags!

Tree drop off will be at the empty lot across from the Public Works Building on Truxton Drive. Check the Township website at www.twpusc.org, view Cable 7, or call 412-831-9000, ext. 271, if you need more information.

Place your fall yard debris and leaf waste in compostable bags, then place the bags at curbside by 6 a.m. the morning of pick up. Collection will take place the following two Saturdays: November 19 and December 3.

Attention Dog Owners

Deer Management Update

Pennsylvania law requires owners to obtain dog licenses in January of each year. Violations can result in fines of up to $300 per day. To be in compliance with this law, dog owners must obtain the Allegheny County License

by January 1 of each year.

The Allegheny County application is available at: • The Upper St. Clair Police Department • The Upper St. Clair Reception Desk • Online at www.county.allegheny.pa.us/treasure/dog.aspx The Upper St. Clair license, which should be obtained in January of each year, is a “Pet License.” Chapter 41 of the Township Code defines a pet as “any dog, cat, or other domesticated animal kept for pleasure rather than utility.”

The Upper St. Clair license application is available at: • The Upper St. Clair Reception Desk • Online (PDF) at www.twpusc.org There is no charge for the Upper St. Clair license, but proof of rabies vaccination is required.

Upper St. Clair Township continues its partnership with Whitetail Management Associates and contracts with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services to help manage the Whitetail deer population within the Township. Before USDA involvement with USC in 2004, the Township recorded an all-time high number of reported deer vehicle collisions (207). The Township reversed this trend through more aggressive culling efforts and last year the total number of accidents involving deer was 84. The deer population in some areas of the Township appears to be normalized. However, due to limited culling opportunities in portions of the Township, there is still significant herd growth, which creates a challenge to reduce the deer-vehicle collision occurrences much beyond the current level.

The Township is fortunate to have residents assist in its efforts by offering private property for the culling programs.

Residents who would like consideration for inclusion in private property culling for the Deer Management program should contact Debi Bakowski, Township personnel, at 412-831-9000.

Winter 2016

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Around the Township Westminster’s Permanent Art Collection Betty Digby

Westminster Presbyterian Church, with its towering steeple, has been an Upper St. Clair landmark for many years. The majestic white spire was added during a 1958–59 building enlargement, but the formation of the congregation began shortly after the end of World War II, when a young Marine chaplain named John Galbreath held a worship service for 118 members of the community in the auditorium of Clifton School, near the site of today’s high school. In 1946, it took a lot of door-knocking for a young minister to form a church and develop ways to serve the community’s needs. The original church building was dedicated in 1949. Since then, the building and congregation have continued to expand, with outreach that affects not only people in our local communities but also those in other lands. It is a congregation with caring hearts, inspired by the spoken and written word, music, and the visual arts.

For 39 years, volunteers maintained a changing art gallery in the reception area of the church. But last fall, as volunteer support waned, the gallery committee of Nancy Barnard, Sandy Conley, Betty Digby, Shari Valicenti, Pam George-Valone, and Sue Wyble, along with Jan Baumann, the church’s staff volunteer coordinator, dedicated its efforts to the creation of a welcoming, meaningful, permanent exhibit. They searched for months for artwork that would have a spiritual connection. It was a challenging task, for art is very personal and no one form or style appeals to all. Many artists were invited to present work and over 100 submissions were received. After careful evaluation, 12 pieces The emerged as the final selection.

Westminster The Westminster Permanent Permanent Collection Collection was unveiled in early September.

Viewers have called this collection “spectacular” and “awe-inspiring” and it is something very special. It’s an assemblage of work by skilled artists whose spirit defines their creations. Each piece stands on its own, but the collection as a whole is joined by a common thread that gives meaning to life.

One’s attention is immediately drawn to Rochelle Blumenfeld’s portrayal of ballet dancers with arms reaching to the heavens, to the metaphorical rendering in which Alexandra Eldridge uses eggs and a bird as messengers of eternity, and to the portrait of three intercity children which elicits the appeal that Peggi Habets strives to accomplish. Surrounding these are paintings by other highlyrespected artists. Using his transparent watercolor technique, Bill Vrscak captures a Pittsburgh icon just after a brief summer shower; Shari Finney uses a vessel to invite one to contemplate certain relationships in life; Ron Donoughe’s autumn plein air painting of the river at McConnell’s Mill is reflective; Blue Sky Green by Ron Thurston is bold and colorful; and the silkscreen print Tree Portrait 003 by Justin George and Michael Burch of 68

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New Academy Press is a four-level art design. Hanging together are a photograph of a coneflower by Nancy Koch and a painting of a peony by Maura Kohler Keeney, both macro botanicals, yet dramatically different.

Gallery committee members, left to These celebrated artists— right, are Sue Wyble, Shari Valicenti, Blumenfeld has work in the Betty Digby, Pam George-Valone, Carnegie Museum of Art, Heinz and Nancy Barnard. Not pictured are History Center acquired the entire Sandy Conley and Jan Baumann. exhibit of Donoughe’s painting series of 90 Pittsburgh neighborhoods, Eldridge was commissioned to paint a mural in the 17th century Palace des Vosges in Paris, and Vrscak is one of the most popular and widely-published transparent watercolor artists in the country—all have won awards and recognition for their works.

In the midst of all of these pieces is an original Japanese folk art print by Sadao Watanabe. When the concept of a permanent collection was first introduced, the name Watanabe was suggested.

Only one of the committee members recognized the name; but within a few months, everyone knew the story of this humble man, whose works can be found in major museums throughout the world and in the White House and Vatican. This bonding came about because shortly after the quest for artwork began, two members of the gallery committee were in the church archives searching for historical data, when one discovered an article in an October 1977 issue of the church’s newsletter announcing the opening of “The Gallery” and describing at length the technique and fame of the sole exhibiting artist, Sadao Watanabe. The two members looked at each other in disbelief. The finding was unnerving! It was like a “God wink.” A biblical print by Watanabe became essential.

One other exceptional piece of art that will be included when a national tour ends is Pamela George-Valone’s fiberart quilt that was part of a South African tribute to the life of Nelson Mandela.

To recognize and feature the work of gifted artists within its congregation, We s t m i n s t e r h a s Members’ Showcase dedicated the hallway leading to the sanctuary as the Members’ Showcase. This, too, has an outstanding, eclectic collection of art.

Everyone is welcome to view the Westminster Permanent Collection and the Members’ Showcase during church office hours: weekdays, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sundays, 8:30 a.m.– noon. n

Stanley Cup Visits USC Upper St. Clair residents had a chance to extend the excitement of the Pittsburgh Penguins quest for the Stanley Cup when the most coveted trophy in sports traveled to the C&RC on September 13.

Eddie Johnston, retired senior adviser for Hockey Operations for the Pens, and his wife, Diane, generously shared the Cup with the community for two hours, enabling fans to personally view, and take photos with, the oldest professional sports trophy in North America.

A large crowd had already gathered and snaked out the door when EJ hoisted the Cup to clapping and cheering. n

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania’s NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania’s ANNUAL 1ST1STANNUAL

G re e n L i g h t G a l a G re fore nMental L i g hIllness t Gala

for Mental Illness Thursday, December 1, 2016 Heinz Histor y Center 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

PRESENTING SPONSORS Thursday, December 1, 2016 Heinz Histor y Center 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

JoinPRESENTING us for a nightSPONSORS of live music

by Move Makers Band, delicious hors d’oeuvres catered by Common Plea and a special auction featuring a painting by renowned Pittsburgh artist, Johno Prascak.

Kids and adults alike clapped, cheered, and smiled during this special event.

PRESENTING SPONSORS

Thursday, December 1, 2016 Heinz Histor y Center 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

You can purchase the tickets by visiting our website: www.namiswpa.org and clicking on the advertisement for the Green Light Gala.

Complimentary valet parking.

Cocktail attire. Black tie optional.

G re e n L i g h t G a l a for Mental Illness

Eddie Johnston hoists the Cup for all to see.

1ST ANNUAL

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania’s

Eddie and Diane Johnston pose with the Stanley Cup.

USCHS Class of 1971 Reunion Members of USCHS’s class of 1971 traveled from near and far to renew friendships and to share wonderful memories during their 45th reunion gathering held this past July at Al’s Cafe. Getting the award for traveling the furthest was USC foreign exchange student Kemal Tumerkan who came with his wife, Isil, from Turkey to enjoy the camaraderie. See page 20 for Kemal’s article “Heartfelt Reflections from Instanbul.”

Do you have a USCHS reunion coming up? If so, take a photo and email it to TODAY at usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us. We would love to publish it for you! n

Taking time out for a group photo are members of the USCHS class of 1971

Winter 2016

Left to right are Kemal Tumerkan, Elaine Wills Fitzgerald, and Isil Tumerkan UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

69

Allegheny Land Trust— a New Source for Environmental Education Julie Travaglini, Allegheny Land Trust, Education Program Director

For 12 years, The Outdoor Classroom served as the region’s well-loved and well-respected source for environmental and outdoor educational programs, hosting thousands of school children, scouts, and families throughout the years in a wide range of programs from field trips to merit badges, family hikes, and teacher workshops.

After the downturn of the economy and subsequent widespread budget cuts, not only at school districts but funding sources as well, The Outdoor Classroom was unable to find sustainable funding to remain open. On June 1, 2016, The Outdoor Classroom hosted its final program. Many wondered what educational opportunities would still be available after the closure of such a specialized organization.

Fortunately, Allegheny Land Trust realized the benefits and importance of offering outdoor and environmental education programs to the community. Allegheny Land Trust (ALT) hired The Outdoor Classroom’s two full time staff members, Jessica Kester and Julie Travaglini, to start ALT’s educational programming at the ground level. With Jessica serving as the vice president of education and Julie serving as the education program director, ALT has gained two passionate and respected educators to get its programs up and running.

Allegheny Land Trust will be offering conservation-focused educational programming at a variety of its conservation lands, with Wingfield Pines in Upper St. Clair being one of the focus sites. The abandoned mine drainage system at Wingfield Pines will open up a wide range of programming available only at this site. Water quality testing through the multiple ponds, macroinvertebrate, and biodiversity surveys as well as wetland health studies are programs available at such a distinctive and valuable location. Wingfield Pine’s wetland boardwalk affords students and adults alike the opportunity to witness wildlife, including snapping turtles, muskrats, water snakes, green herons, frogs, and even beaver up close in their natural habitat. Wingfield Pines is unique in that its multitude of habitats provides a place for rare or uncommon species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians to reside. Aside from the five abandoned mine drainage ponds and the wetland boardwalk, Wingfield Pines also has access to Chartiers Creek, which offers the opportunity for study of both lentic and lotic bodies of water. Wingfield Pines will host programming for school groups, family hikes, community events, and Boy and Allegheny Land Trust Volunteer Day Girl Scout programs.

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Allegheny Land Trust hopes to offer programming at some of its other locations, as well. Dead Man’s Hollow offers yet another unique—some would say “haunting”— experience.

The incredible and dark history of Dead Man’s Hollow spans hundreds of years and includes accidents, natural disasters, and even murders. In 1883, a dynamite explosion at George Flemming’s stone quarry caused the death of multiple workers. Dead Man’s Hollow then became the site of Bowman Brick Company. In 1898, the brick company burned to the ground; and while nobody was seriously injured, the cause of the fire was never determined. The Bowman Brick Company was soon replaced by Union Sewer Pipe Company. The success of the company was short lived, as it, too, burned to the ground in a massive fire in 1925. The remnants and remains of these companies can still be seen today in Dead Man’s Hollow, including the boiler room of Union Sewer Pipe Company and pieces of bricks and terracotta pipes. Allegheny Land Trust hopes to use the astounding background of this property for field trips, family hikes, and Girl and Boy Scout programs.

Allegheny Land Trust also owns Sycamore Island, located in the Allegheny River in Blawnox. Sycamore Island is the last remaining privately owned and undeveloped island in Allegheny County. Allegheny Natural Heritage Inventory has ranked Sycamore Island of “high importance” in its Allegheny River Biological Diversity Area study. ALT hopes to partner with Steel City Rowing Club to offer excursions to Sycamore Island during teacher workshops to study the biodiversity found there.

On the horizon is ALT’s newly launched program, Science Sprouts, which aims to provide quality, hands-on nature programming for children ages two to second grade. Science Sprouts can provide fieldtrip-based programming on one of its conservation lands, or ALT can bring nature directly into your early childhood classroom with one of its many interactive lessons.

While Allegheny Land Trust, Jessie, and Julie work to create high quality, standards-based curriculum and programming, keep an eye on ALT’s website (www.alleghenylandtrust.org) and the monthly email news blasts for more details on upcoming educational opportunities and events. n

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A summer look at the Wingfield Pines wetland boardwalk

For more information on program availability or to schedule a program, contact Jessica at jkester@alleghenylandtrust.org or 412-741-2750, extension 210. For information on Science Sprouts or to discuss customized programs and availability, contact Julie at jtravaglini@alleghenylandtrust.org or 412-741-2750, extension 209.

Winter 2016

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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A Gem in the South Hills

The Community Foundation of USC supported the installation of a shell on the USC Theater stage, plus the purchse of an $80,000 STEINWAY CONCERT D GRAND PIANO.

In addition to its in-house use by USC students, the ACOUSTIC SHELL and CONCERT GRAND PIANO have made the Theater the most prized and appreciated venue for such organizations as the River City Brass Band, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Chamber Orchestra, Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra, PA Music Educators Association Jazz Festival,

Pittsburgh Suzuki Institute and the South Hills Junior Orchestra.

Musicians and performers alike declare it to be the best venue in the area, after Heinz Hall.

Some of the other artists who have performed on the stage include Marvin Hamlisch, The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Eddie Palmieri Latin Jazz Band, and Spiro Gyra.

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l-r: Abby Petras, Jackson Quevedo, Amelie Hanekom, Isabella Hanekom

front: Finn and Ryan back: Jen and Liam McKigney

Aubrey Lang and Hannah Rieger

Mike and Lynn Cummins

THE SEVENTH ANNUAL FREE OUTDOOR FAMILY MOVIE SPONSORED

BY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF USC August 18, 2016

Grace, Justine and Evelyn Walker

Kelly, Peyton, and Jeff Bezek

Thanks to trustee Leanne Adamo who spearheaded the event this year.

Winter 2016

Maggie Lowden and Caroline Wright

Aubrey Suneja

Paragkumar, Namya and Melly Makadia

William, Amanda and Grace Nasmen

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Traveling with TODAY Traveling with TODAY Read the following criteria to find out how to submit information.

• Clear, close-up photo of USC resident(s) holding his or her TODAY magazine.

• Digital photo or hard copy 35mm accepted. ‣‣ For digital, attach jpg (at least 300 dpi) and send via email, including required information (see below) in the body of the email. ‣‣ For 35 mm, attach post-it to back of hard copy photo, listing the required information (see below).

• List name(s) of resident(s), group, and specific photo location.

• List objective of visit—leisure, volunteer, career, etc.

• Include email address or phone number should further contact be necessary.

• Deliver one 35 mm photo with details to the USC Township receptionist in an envelope marked “ USC TODAY,” or • Email one digital photo with details to usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us, with “TODAY” listed in subject line.

The Gollihugh family traveled to Ireland for a family vacation this past summer and took along TODAY for its first trip to this Gaelic island in the North Atlantic. Standing in front of Avoca Mill, the oldest weaving mill in Ireland, County of Wicklow, are Vernon and Catherine Gollihugh.

Note: Submitted photos and information for this feature section will remain on file for upcoming editions until published.

Vernon and Catherine Gollihugh

How is it that UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY didn’t travel, but

rather stayed in the Township to welcome the Stanley Cup to Upper St. Clair for its Traveling with TODAY feature? Thanks to Eddie and Diane Johnston, the prestigious Cup graced the C&RC, giving TODAY the distinct honor of being in the midst of the Township’s excitement this past September. See more information and photos on page 69.

Eddie and Diane Johnston, posing with TODAY and the Stanley Cup

2016 Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair !

Board of Trustees

Veterans Monument Giving Campaign It’s Never Too Late to Give

The yearlong Veterans Monument giving campaign “Give TODAY. They Already Did.” initiated by UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY in 2013 raised funds and awareness of the need to continually recognize our veterans. The contributions made are earmarked for the perpetual maintenance of the park so that future generations can enjoy it as we do today. Making a recent contribution in appreciation of 1st Lt. James Roberts was Donna M. Roberts.

For those interested in making a contribution, please visit twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home and click on “Past Issues” where a “Features” dropdown Seated, left to right: Tim Wagner, Angela Petersen, Steven Stockton, Ponny Conomos Jahn, Terry Rubright; standing: Gregg Zegarelli, Rachel Lowden, Paul Fox, Beth menu will display a pdf file of the Veterans Monument Erlanger, John Tarcson, Leanne Adamo, Beth Ellis, Daphna Gans; absent from photo: Park donation form that can be used in conjunction Tim Wagner, Angela Petersen, Steven Stockton, Ponny Conomos Jahn, Terry Rubright!

Jim Bennett, Ray Berrott, Buffy Hasco, Lauren Trocano. See more information on the with your tax-deductible contribution. n Gans! egg Zegarelli, RachelCommunity Lowden, Paul Fox, Beth Erlanger, John Tarcson, Betl Ellis, Daphna Foundation of Upper St. Clair on pages 72 and 73.

m photo: Jim Bennett, Ray Berrott, Buffy Hasco, Lauren Trocano 74

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2016

Paint on the Farm—an Artistic Celebration of Our Local Farm History Rachel Heins Carlson, Historical Society of Upper St. Clair, President

We all need an opportunity to reconnect with those things that bring balance and well being to our lives.

Saturday, August 27 at Gilfillan Farm provided the perfect chance to explore the creative features inherent in both a historic property and in ourselves.

The gallery displays works of the day.

The first annual Paint on the Farm event was a fun-filled day of activity at the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair’s (HSUSC) premier property on Orr Road in Upper St. Clair. After a morning yoga stretch sponsored by Yoga Flow in the farm fields, six local professional artists positioned themselves around the property for a plein air art experience that featured the beautiful landscape, architecture, and late summer greenery that is experienced only when someone steps foot onto the breathtaking Gilfillan property.

Concurrent to local professionals creating their artwork, David Csont offered a daylong workshop during which amateur painters learned tips and techniques that enhanced participants’ ability to paint outdoors. In addition, a group of high school volunteers, led by Dr. Tim Wagner, HSUSC’s education director, offered a variety of arts and crafts activities for children, including an additive group collage that is publically exhibited. Children of all ages enjoyed using clay and paint and found natural objects to try their hands at the design process, thanks to the efforts of USCHS students and Splat art studio volunteers.

As each professional artist completed his or her works An artist, working on her throughout the day and Giant Eagle’s chicken-themed food water color painting truck offered a midday meal, scores of residents explored the farm, took a tour of the historic Gilfillan home, and engaged the artists in processing the depth of their creations.

The evening was capped off with Cows, Canvas, and Cocktails, a soiree designed to offer artists an opportunity to sell their work from the day, raise funds for the Gilfillan Farm, and to bring community members together. Susan Wagner curated the gallery and Linda Csont coordinated the art sales.

Enjoying the crafts With entertainment by Tone/Overtone and tantalizing food choices from Atria’s, HSUSC’s exclusive caterer, more than 80 attendees enjoyed a night of art, music, and camaraderie.

Modeled after other regional plein air art events, but characterized by the charm that typifies Gilfillan Farm, the first annual Paint on the Farm was a wonderful success. Proceeds from the event and artwork sales benefited the HSUSC and specifically the historic restoration of key buildings on the property.

The Historical Society of Upper St. Clair looks forward to continued opportunities, including a second annual art event that invites community members to share in the peace and beauty of our treasured Gilfillan Farm. n For more information about Gilfillan and rental opportunities or other Historical Society of Upper St. Clair sponsored events, or to get involved in supporting the society’s mission as a volunteer or benefactor, visit www.hsusc.org or call 412-304-8609.

Winter 2016

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75

412-561-5405

info@outreachteen.org Dear Outreach, Every night it’s the same thing; nagging my child to do homework, complaints that she can’t or it’s too hard, arguing, yelling, and tears. I know she is capable, she just will not try. The worst part is that she is losing confidence in herself. Please help!

Frustrated Parent If you need more support, contact Outreach 412-561-5405 or info@outreachteen. org. Outreach Teen & Family Services is a non-profit, confidential counseling service, offering counseling and educational programs to teens and parents.

Dear Frustrated Parent, Addressing behaviors and attitudes surrounding school and homework is sometimes more important than addressing academic issues themselves. So often, negative thoughts can defeat a child before they even get started. Begin by letting your child know that frustration and mistakes are all part of the process. The brain is just like any other part of the body; it needs exercised and pushed in order to get in shape. Too often, kids will see their mistakes and struggles as signs that they are not smart, when in fact that is what they should be aiming for. Remind your child that when things are hard, his or her brain is getting a good workout and it is learning and growing.

Teach your child to cope with frustration by deep breathing and repeating positive self-statements. Help him to correct negative thinking patterns. For example, turn “I don’t understand this” into “I don’t understand this yet, but I will.” Don’t hover or rescue her right away. Allow your child time to work out problems on his or her own; this will increase the child’s self-confidence over time. Finally, remember to encourage hard work and effort, not the end result or a grade. n

Recreational Arguing and Respect Jim Meston

Some wise observer of human nature once concluded that it doesn’t matter who you marry because once you’re married you’ll find out it really isn’t who you thought it was anyway. When we first meet someone that we would like to date, we try to impress them and we are on our best behavior. If the relationship blossoms into a romantic attraction, the effort to conceal our faults intensifies. The courtship that follows rarely displays our warts, and neither enamored participant focuses on the other’s irritating habits or bad behaviors. To say that “love is blind” is an oversimplification. In my day, no one lived together before they married. Today, more couples experience shared space before they marry. This trial run sometimes illustrates that the person you experience over time is not the love of your life. The good news is this can save a great deal of legal expense and heartache later on.

The Drama Begins When you finally do marry your true love and you begin to discover things about your mate that you never realized, you might not say anything about what bothers you because you love that person and don’t want to hurt his or her feelings. We are careful not to find fault because our love permits a broad capacity for understanding and forgiving. We conceal our irritation of our mate’s bad habits and behaviors.

These ill feelings, though, may fester under the surface until an occasion causes them to boil over in an exaggerated and aggressive way, leaving the recipient partner stunned by the level of anger as a result of whatever triggered the explosion. The partner being criticized will usually recover and instinctively return the bombardment, lobbing bottled up feelings to even the score. Major 76

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

disclosures may result with hurtful statements flying back and forth with little regard for the damage they can cause to the relationship.

Most of us never took an educational course to teach us how to be a good partner and communicate feelings in a non-judgmental way. We didn’t learn how to say “It bothers me when you do (whatever it is) and I’d like it if you didn’t do that.” You need to learn to say what the other one did wasn’t wrong, you just say it bothers you. This approach provides the opportunity to share and exchange perceptions. As an example, when you see a movie with your spouse, you might conclude that it was a great movie, while your spouse might think it stinks. An argument could break out, with each person defending his or her points of view.

Alternatively, an exchange of perceptions could take place where the conversation would be something like this: “Tell me why you liked it.” or “What made you not like it?”

This strategy can be used in many scenarios, and will usually result in allowing a more informed exchange of ideas and feelings to be brought to light. It also results in engaging more creative discussions, fostering a better understanding of one another’s feelings, and reducing bickering and heated arguments.

Value Differences The key to discussing differences is to value the other person’s perceptions and opinions and to explore why differences exist. It requires that the need to be right takes a back seat to what is right, or at least provides the ability to understand why the other person doesn’t see something the way you see it.

It’s not so easy to do. Our egos, all too often, clutter up the process. Many marriages end up in divorce and unhappiness because differences are resolved in a competitive Winter 2016

way instead of a collaborative way.

The attitude that “I’m right and you’re wrong” has ruptured many a relationship, inJim Meston cluding marriages.

If a married couple’s differences aren’t resolved and they continue to stay together, they may enter into the stage of marriage described by humorist Garrison Keillor as “recreational arguing.”

Regardless of how effectively couples resolve their differences, recreational arguing can become a common way to pass time. It brings some excitement into the day-to-day routine and can easily become the favorite indoor sport of choice for many couples. A little recreational arguing probably won’t be permanently harmful to either perpetrator’s ego or self worth, but over time it can reduce the possible joys in life.

Young people have an expression when someone insults or slights another. It’s called “dissing” or being “dissed.” No one likes to be dissed. Alternatively, everyone likes praise, appreciation, and, most importantly, respect.

If there are things that we don’t like about ourselves, it’s far too easy to transfer our negative feelings onto another person. Doing that alienates us from that person and will create unhappiness and rob us of potential pleasure.

Confronting differences with respect for another person’s perception is the key to making relationships happier, more productive, and enduring. I believe that this is something that we all should strive for. n To read Jim’s blogs on a variety of subjects, visit http://curbstonepulpit.wordpress.com.

What Do You See in USC? Taken by Linda Ambroso this past summer is a serene photo of our community’s gem, Gilfillan Farm.

Many of our residents enjoy taking photos, and it’s so easy to do with today’s smart phone! Our newest recurring feature “What Do You See in USC?” will showcase photos of our community taken by our residents.

Email a high resolution photo to usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us, including the text “What Do You See in USC?” in the email’s subject line, and provide the photographer’s name and a detailed description (what, where, when) of the photo in the body of the email so that we can share the wonder that you captured.

Also, remember to take along your most recent edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY when you travel for pleasure or business. Email a high resolution photo of yourself or your group holding our community magazine and provide a few words about the nature of your travels and who traveled with you. Then, share our publication by leaving it behind for others to enjoy.

See more detailed submission information in our ever-popular “Traveling with TODAY” feature, found on page 74 of this edition.

Enjoying the beauty of summer’s foliage, this photo of wild hibiscus was taken by Dan Wyse in the wetlands of Boyce Mayview Park, near Chartiers Creek.

Gilfillan Farm, standing tall, proud, and ready to serve (see also “Paint on the Farm” article on page 75 for a community-involved event)

Hibiscus, nature’s eye candy

St. Clair Hospital Joins Elite Mayo Clinic Care Network St. Clair Hospital patients are now benefitting from the expertise of physicians at the world renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minneapolis. In late August, St. Clair Hospital announced it had established a clinical collaboration with Mayo Clinic, as the newest member of the elite, by-invitation-only Mayo Clinic Care Network. Membership in the network provides access to Mayo Clinic clinical expertise, educational resources, and research, and enables St. Clair physicians to directly consult Mayo Clinic specialists in the care of patients with challenging medical conditions, at no additional cost to patients or insurers. St. Clair is the only hospital in Western Pennsylvania to be invited to join the 40-member network.

St. Clair Hospital medical staff is now taking advantage of these and other Mayo

Clinic resources and services: • eConsults. St. Clair physicians connect electronically and directly with Mayo Clinic specialists for their input on a patient’s care; • eTumor Board. St. Clair physicians present and discuss complex cancer cases with a multidisciplinary panel of Mayo Clinic specialists; and • AskMayoExpert. St. Clair physicians and staff are using a database for reference at the point of care, to review the latest Mayo Clinic-vetted information on the treatment of various conditions.

Moreover, healthcare professionals of all disciplines at St. Clair Hospital may access Mayo Clinic’s extensive medical library, including patient education materials and archived Grand Rounds Winter 2016

presentations, featuring Mayo Clinic physicians, scientists, and distinguished guest speakers.

Prior to being invited to join the network, a hospital undergoes a meticulous evaluation process by Mayo Clinic’s team.

To be selected, St. Clair was required to meet Mayo Clinic’s high standards for clinical services and hospital operations, and had to demonstrate shared values, particularly a commitment to true patientcentered care.

U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Mayo Clinic as the number one hospital in the nation and number one in more specialties than any other hospital in the U.S. n For more information, visit www.stclair.org.

See St. Clair Hospital ads on pages 2 and 81.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

77

Prof iles

on People with a USC Connection

Know of a resident to profile?

Send information to: Editor,

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

Attorney Melaine Shannon Rothey of Upper St. Clair was elected the 108th president of the Allegheny County Bar Association (ACBA), where she will serve a one-year term through June 2017. She was president-elect of the 6000-member ACBA in 2015 and served in that capacity for the past year. Rothey has been an active member of the ACBA since 1984 and is a member of the association’s family law section and Women in the Law division. She has regularly served on seminar panels for the ACBA and the Pennsylvania Bar Institute in the areas of custody, support, and equitable distribution. She is a fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

Rothey is also heavily involved in the Allegheny County Bar Foundation (ACBF) and the Neighborhood Legal Services Association (NLSA), organizations that focus on the charitable pursuits of the Pittsburgh-area legal community. She is currently on the board of directors of the NLSA and is a former member of the board of trustees of the ACBF. Rothey, who has been practicing law for 32 years, is a senior attorney at Jones, Gregg, Creehan & Gerace, LLP, where she heads the firm’s domestic relations department and concentrates her practice in all aspects of family law.

Melaine Rothey Rothey obtained her BA from Marquette University in 1979 and her JD from the Duquesne University School of Law in 1984.

A Colorful Life—Designing a Path from India to Europe to USC Leigh Harkreader

When Manisha Rawat was seven, she dreamed of designing and decorating homes—literally. Every night, she’d fall asleep in her home near the city of Ranchi in northeast India, imagining that she was working directly in the pages of her favorite magazine Inside Outside, moving a staircase there or expanding a room here and Manisha Rawat repainting the room’s accent colors.

Even before she could read the English language architecture and design magazines, she knew this was her life’s calling. But after getting a five-year degree in architecture from the prestigious college of MSRIT in Bangalore—the “Silicon Valley” of India—she spent five years doing architectural planning before putting much of her professional aspiration on hold to raise two sons. Along the way, she found herself on an international path, winding through England, the Netherlands, and Austin, Texas, before settling in the South Hills of Pittsburgh in 2012.

After a brief stay in Greentree, the Rawats settled on Upper St. Clair for its schools, diversity, and because it had the right suburban mix, complete with school buses for her kids.

Now, with one son entering his senior year of high school and more flexibility than ever thanks to her husband’s telecommuting IT job, her passions have rekindled, giving her the freedom to help friends and family redo their living spaces. More recently, she’s launched her own interior design business from her home in a neighborhood near Fort Couch Road and Route 19. Slowly, by word of mouth, and with the help of her Facebook page @ManishaDesigns, her business as an interior stylist is growing.

“You spend a lot of time in your house and make many memories there; it should reflect your personality,” says Manisha.

Whether it’s the initial consultation with a walk-through and 78

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Winter 2016

personalized questionnaire, or the care she takes to start with the pieces and colors that already exist in a home, Manisha is intentional about ensuring her work reflects each customer’s personal interests and budget.

“Everything I choose, it’s not from some exclusive shop, it’s based on what design elements the homeowner already has, combined with accents from Target and T.J. Maxx,” she says. And lots of colorful paint.

In fact, she gets her inspiration for color from her upbringing in India, as well as Western Pennsylvania’s outdoors, where she spends many hours caring for her vegetable and flower gardens.

In the four years she’s lived in Upper St. Clair, Manisha and her family have come to love it, even if it is quite different from anywhere she’s lived before. “On my first trip to Pittsburgh, I couldn’t imagine living here; there were hills and snow,” she recalls. But she’s now fond of the very aspects that, at first, surprised her. “It’s a bit slower compared to big cities, and people take the time to talk with you and they want to get to know you,” she says.

Manisha said that like the wide range of people who live here, each house is different and uniquely styled. It’s a task that Manisha is up to—helping homeowners further express that style, inside and out. “People dress themselves, why not dress your home, too?” she says. n A bedroom designed by Manisha Leigh Harkreader is a Realtor® with Coldwell Banker in the South Hills of Pittsburgh and a USC resident for 30 years.

Congratulations to 2002 USC Arts Hall of Fame member and former USC drum major Sean Garnhart, USCHS Class of 1988, on winning an Emmy for Outstanding Sound Editing for a Nonfiction Program (Single or Multi-Camera) 2016 for his work on “Cartel Land” on A&E.

Susan Highley,

ABR, CRS, SRES

$230 Million Sales in 26 Years

Sean Garnhart

Hannah Cafaro was selected as a 2016 recipient of an Alcoa Foundation Scholarship. Hannah, a USCHS 2016 graduate and the daughter of Jane Blemker and Joseph Cafaro, attends the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she is studying biology and psychology.

At Upper St. Clair High School, Hannah was a member of the Dean’s List, National Honors Society, and Hannah Cafaro National Society of High School Scholars, as well as co-president of the Kids Helping Kids Club, co-leader of the USC Biology Club, and a featured artist in exhibits at the school. Additionally, Hannah volunteered at Children’s Hospital of UPMC Pittsburgh, Animal Friends, and through mission trips and activities with her school and Zion Lutheran Church.

Highley “Your Real Estate Needs Are My #1 Priority”

Knowledgeable Dedicated Accessible Dependable c) 412.889.1214 o) 412.833.3600 ext 268

Narcan and the Invincibility of Youth

www.shighley.howardhanna.com

Patricia Petrusik

In October of 2015, our physician general of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Dr. Rachel Levine, signed into law Act 139, which is a standing order to make Narcan/ Naloxone available for all residents of the Commonwealth. Narcan, or Naloxone, can revive an overdose patient. However, not all pharmacies stock the kit.

Some addicts use alone and there is no one to call for help. Not all addicts are revived with all of their cognitive abilities intact. Not all first responders can get to a patient quickly.

Remember, we are a city of bridges, winding roads, and endless construction. An addict who has overdosed before has a heightened chance of doing so again. Older addicts, or those with underlying health problems, who are fresh out of recovery, or use a substance that is mixed with something else like fentenyal or use opioids along with alcohol, pills, or cocaine are more likely to overdose.

Yes, you can die the very first time you try a drug. Not all police, schools, ambulance services, or parents of students who are using drugs stock the Naloxone kit. Act 139 is a good start, but mandatory treatment needs also to occur. All pharmacies, schools, police, ambulance services, and parents of students who are abusing drugs need to stock the kit.

I recently presented at the Transition Conference on “The Transition Needs of Students in Recovery.” One of the audience members told me that her students admitted they were not afraid of overdosing. They attended opioid parties and took Narcan with them as a precaution. This is an unfortunate example of the perceived invincibility of our youth today.

For the sake of our kids, we need to do more! Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing, brain disease. The first time may be voluntary, but after repeated use the abuse becomes involuntary. The power of addiction can affect everyone, regardless of sex, color, religion, or economic status. Each one of us, most likely, knows someone who is addicted, dead from drugs, or in recovery. Many people have become addicted simply by taking their medication as prescribed by their doctor. Most doctors have never enrolled in a class on drug and alcohol use and abuse. Currently voluntary until July 23, 2015, there were no narcotic prescription guidelines for doctors to follow.

As a patient, has your doctor asked you about addiction issues? Has a doctor attempted to educate you on the unrelenting power of addiction or offered a holistic approach to your pain? Will your insurance company pay for a holistic approach to pain that includes exercise, nutrition, or pain management? This August, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania established a state database for prescribing prescriptions.

Doctors are required to check and see what current medications their patients are taking. This database is an effort to stop pill mills operated by doctors whose greed has turned them into unsuspecting drug dealers. These steps are a good start and are long overdue. Doctors have been taught how to treat pain; now they need to learn how to treat addiction.

Parents and schools need to do more to teach drug prevention. Forget the stigma. And, as always, teaching starts with being a good role model and introducing positive coping skills. n

As creator of www.theslipperyslopeofsubstanceabuse.com, Patricia believes in teaching drug prevention across the curriculum, beginning as early as kindergarten. She developed “Slippery Slope of Substance Abuse,” an educational game for children K-12. In addition, there are math lesson games—Meth Math, Crack Cocaine, and Heroin Hell—and the latest, Narcan and the Invincibility of Youth. Visit www.theslipperyslopeofsubstanceabuse.com to find out more.

Winter 2016

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1. Clean your chimney. Dirty chimneys can cause chimney fires.

Pro tip: Turn off the electricity to the supply outlet before working on outdoor wiring.

2. Make sure your outdoor lights are meant for outdoor use. Purchase lights that have a label from a recognized testing laboratory, and follow labeling for number of light sets that can be connected end-to-end. Discard any strings of lights with frayed cords, cracked lamp holders, or loose connections.

3. Use safe ladder practices when hanging lights.

4. Be careful when getting decorations out of a low attic. Watch for exposed nails, wires, low-hanging rafters or cross-beams. In addition, openings between truss chords can present a fall hazard.

5. Turn off all indoor and outdoor lights before you go to bed.

6. Place candles on steady, non-flammable surfaces and away from curtains and other flammable items. Keep them out of reach of children and pets. Blow candles out when you leave the room.

Pro tip: Install working smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area.

7. Always have a working fire extinguisher in the house and keep it easily accessible.

8. With so much holiday cheer, don’t get distracted and leave cooking food unattended.

Pro tip: Before setting up the tree inside your home, trim two inches off the base of the stem diagonally so it can absorb water. Add water each day to ensure the tree is well watered.

9. Keep trees away from heat sources, including radiators and fireplaces.

10. Do not overload electrical circuits or extension cords.

11. Always turn Christmas lights out before leaving home or going to sleep.

Pro tip: Don’t shoot your eye out!

12. Keep sidewalks and steps shoveled and de-iced to prevent slips and falls.

Santa’s tip: Don’t drink and drive. Santa would call a cab… or Rudolph!

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 230 home fires each year as a result of Christmas trees. Electrical failures or malfunctions are a factor in one third of all Christmas tree fires. A little safety can go a long way for keeping the “happy” in your holidays!

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THE REGION’S OSPITAL LEADING IN PATIENT SAFETY. Awarded the only ’A’ Grade four years in a row.

The Leapfrog Group, a national, independent, hospital-safety watchdog, has once again awarded St. Clair an ‘A’ grade in its Hospital Safety Score report, distinguishing St. Clair as the region's only hospital to have won this award four years in a row. The grades rate how well hospitals protect patients from preventable medical errors, injuries and infections. To learn more about our Hospital Safety Score, or St. Clair Hospital’s performance as a national leader in quality and patient satisfaction, please visit

ST. CLAIR ACCEPTS ALL MAJOR INSURANCES

1000 BOWER HILL ROAD

www.stclair.org.

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M T. L E B A N O N , P E N N S Y LVA N I A 1 5 2 4 3

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STCLAIR.ORG

Out & About

Pawprints Cont. from page 41

one another at Kindergarten Orientation held on the first day of school!

The first weekend of the school year was a special one, too, as 12 parent-volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help install new playground equipment at the Streams playground (see article on page 38). The children have had lots of fun enjoying the result of so much hard work.

The PTO kicked off the school year with 82

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

a PTO 101 meeting to give parents that are new to Streams an opportunity to hear from chairpersons from the various PTO committees.

New volunteers signed up for various activities and the spirit of volunteerism was invigorating!

Our largest fundraiser of the year, Stravaganza, was held on October 21. It was a royal affair, complete with kings, queens, and all the likes of a full royal court! The Streams PTO Winter 2016

uses the proceeds from Stravaganza to provide assemblies, field trips, classroom technology and other special events for the students.

From grade level special nights, to harvest parties, to open mics held in parent-volunteer homes, many opportunities were presented to encourage student and parent involvement in the enrichment of learning experiences at Streams. n

Should I Stay or Should I Go? Real Estate Round Up Emanuel Romanias

Those of us who are 50 years of age and older make up approximately 40% of the U.S. population. This subset includes the G.I. Generation (1904–1924), The Silent Generation (1925–1945), Baby Boomers (1946–1964), and the beginning of Generation X (1965 and 1966). According to the MetLife Mature Marketing Institute, 80% of the 50-plus crowd owns their own home, with two thirds of that group owning their home free and clear, no mortgage or debt.

A common myth is that most families will end up “dumping” an elderly parent or relative into a nursing home. In fact, this represents less than five percent of the elder population. Various challenges arise as we age, often times affecting our living arrangements. Suddenly, you find yourself in a home that is now larger than you need due to the death of a spouse or children fleeing the nest. Perhaps you find yourself in failing health and require some form of daily assistance.

The point is that living conditions often change to coincide with life-changing circumstances. Yet, studies show that more and more people prefer to stay in their existing homes as they grow older, often times in spite of life-changing events. Socialization and maintaining existing ties to friends and community are major motivators for the 50-plus crowd.

My mother was a perfect example of this. After my father passed and Mom’s age advanced, I repeatedly offered to have her come live with me or move her to a retirement community. Our conversation always followed the same pattern: Me: Mom, whatever you want to do I’ll help you do it—move in with me, get a small townhouse, move into a retirement community, whatever you want.

Mom: Absolutely not! As long as I’m able to function, I want to stay in my own home.

Mom peacefully passed at the age of 89, in her home.

If you find yourself pondering the notion of staying in your existing home or moving, ask yourself: Is my home and community SAFE? • Safety. Is your home structurally sound and in a neighborhood that you feel safe? Is the home’s lighting adequate and is the wiring up to code?

• Access. Are friends and family nearby so that you don’t feel isolated? Can you move around in your home with ease (i.e., doors and hallways are easy to move through, steps are not too steep or too narrow, cabinets are easy to reach)? Are shopping and services nearby and is transportation easy to access?

• Fits needs. Do you require one-level living and can you handle the repair and maintenance of your property? Are you comfortable with the climate and are there adequate support services nearby?

• Ease of use. Is your property wheelchair accessible and is your bathroom equipped with assistance bars? Does the surrounding community promote ease of movement (e.g., sidewalks, walking paths, easy access to public transportation)?

These are just some of the criteria you should take into account when deciding if it is best to stay in your existing home or move to a different location. Whichever you decide, be SAFE! n Emanuel is a Realtor® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty and can be reached at eromanias@thepreferredrealty.com. See ad on this page.

B U S I N E S S E S AT Y O U R S E R V IC E Custom Made Window Treatments Roman shades, pillows, bedding and more.

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USC residents since 1991, with over 14 years of experience.

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Office 724.941.3000 Cell 412.370.3447

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HOUSE CLEANING Family Owned and Operated 25 Years Experience Upper St. Clair Referrals Available

412-848-0530 • 412-561-4331 Winter 2016

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SIMPLIFY Be seen in

’16

Advertiser Index

Winter 2016

www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home

Advertiser Page

Advertiser Page

Affordable Decks ................................................................................... 65

* Kerr Family and Cosmetic Dentistry ...................................................... 46

Affordable House Cleaning..................................................................... 83

* Louis Anthony Jewelers ...............................................Front cover, 12, 13

* ARAMARK ............................................................................................. 35

* Manalo, Larry E., D.M.D. ....................................................................... 47

Arbor Tree Specialist, Inc. ...................................................................... 19

Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center ............................................................. 25

Bennington Law Firm, LLC..................................................................... 51

NRM Contracting & Building Designs.................................................... 57

* Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, The Preferred Realty, Rt. 19 South ..7

Pediatric Dentistry South ....................................................................... 47

BISTECCA - STEAKHOUSE - WINE BAR ............................................... 15

* Pinebridge Commons Associates .......................................................... 46

Brookside Lumber ................................................................................. 71

Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater ............................................ 45

* Calabro Tire & Auto Service .................................................................. 57

Plastic Surgical Assoc. of Pittsburgh, Robert W. Bragdon, MD, FACS .. 51

Chase Custom Creations ....................................................................... 83

Preferred Drapery & Blinds.................................................................... 19

Chinese Acupuncture & Herbs Center, LLC ........................................... 50

Providence Point, a Baptist Homes Society Community ........................ 48

* Coldwell Banker–The South Hills Office .......................Back outside cover

RE/MAX Premier Group–James Roman ................................................ 33

Coldwell Banker–Lynn Dempsey ........................................................... 71

* Rusmur Floors ...............................................................Back inside cover

CRUST Café and Pizzeria ....................................................................... 14

* St. Clair Hospital ............................................................................... 2, 81

* Cupelli & Cupelli, Drs. .......................................................................... 27

* Scott Bros. Windows and Doors ............................................................ 25

What They Said Advertising in UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY allows me to reach customers who are looking for the personalized attention they seek when purchasing custom window treatments. I make it easy by providing measuring through installation and everything in between!—Vivian Dibrell, Chase Custom Creations Eichenlaub Landscapes for Living............................................................ 5

* Sesame Inn ........................................................................................... 14

Extended Day Services .......................................................................... 45

South Hills Endoscopy Center ................................................................. 1

Heartland Homes Bedner Estates ........................................................... 11

Southwest Gastroenterology Associates................................................... 9

* Howard Hanna USC Office ............................................Front inside cover

* State Farm Insurance–Cindy Brophy ..................................................... 47

* Howard Hanna–Maureen Cavanaugh .................................................... 27

Sydney B. Moore Estate Sales ............................................................... 83

* Howard Hanna–Susan Highley .............................................................. 79

The Romanias Group at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices .................. 83

* Howard Hanna–Diane Horvath .............................................................. 35

The Watson Institute .............................................................................. 50

Infinity Custom Homes ............................................................................ 3

Troy Orthodontics .................................................................................. 47

Jacksons Restaurant + Bar ..................................................................... 14

Washington Health System .................................................................... 49

Jade Grille ............................................................................................. 15

* Wellington Real Estate–Patty Thomas & Rebecca Lutz .......................... 17

* Keller Williams–Sandy and Marshall Goldstein .................................... 75 The winter 2016 issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a great opportunity to advertise!

Our advertisers know this and have responded wonderfully by placing their ads in our publication! *The above advertisers, who are advertising in this issue, have contributed their support for a minimum of 44 issues. Thank you.

Upcoming guides for the Spring 2017 issue include Celebrations, Dining, and Home Improvement.

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Winter 2016

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