Bethel Park

Ice Dreams Bethel's Marissa Christenson:

Special Section: Health and Wellness Page 19

WINTER 2013 icmags.com

Free skate gold medalist and member of Pittsburgh's U.S. Figure Skating Team Page 34

School District News Page 37

Contents winter

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features 12 Taking It To the Next Level Jack Allen is ready for his new challenge as mayor.

19 Special Section: Health & Wellness Great ways to live a healthy, happier, longer life.

34 Go for the Gold Marissa Christenson, 12, won a gold medal earlier this year at the State Games of America, and is a member of Pittsburgh’s first competitive U.S. Figure Skating team, the Steel City Blades.

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on the cover

Sixth grader Marissa Christenson of Bethel Park represented the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the 2013 State Games of America held in Hershey this summer.

The competition drew over 10,000 athletes from 45 states.

departments 4 6 8

From the Publisher IN the Loop IN Person

10 37 48

IN Events School District News INCognito

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sponsored content Business Spotlights 15 Soldiers & Sailors Commemorates Anniversary 21 Chiropractic Health: Valaw Chiropractic 43 Conservation Consultants, Inc.

Industry Insights 25 Health Care: South Hills Orthopaedic Surgery Associates 29 Health Care: Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists

33 Your Child's Education: St. Louise de Marillac School 36 Child Care: The Goddard School 46 Your Finances: Ameriprise Financial

IN Community is a publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Bethel Park area and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Bethel Park | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 3

FROM THE

PUBLISHER PUBLISHER Wayne Dollard EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Julie Talerico j.talerico@icmags.com REGIONAL EDITORS Mark Berton [South, West and Erie] m.berton@icmags.com

At Seven Springs with my wife Lisa and our three sons.

Top-notch health care, education, banking and technology are what make Pittsburgh known, but our communities are what make us home.

Home – where you live, go to school, shop, work and play – is what IN Community Magazines is all about. Each quarter, we bring you the latest news and information about schools, businesses, nonprofits and the people who make them exceptional. We also bring you coverage of interesting events and articles about historical sites you may pass every day without even knowing. We like to surprise you with little-known facts about your community and profile intriguing people who’ve made their mark locally – and sometimes even globally.

One thing that makes our communities in western Pennsylvania special is the beautiful seasons. As autumn comes to an end and the snow begins to fall, we hope you take some time to enjoy the many winter activities our area has to offer and hit the slopes, sled ride, cross-country ski or ice skate at one of our many beautiful parks. Or simply build a snowman in the backyard!

The staff at IN Community Magazines wishes you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year!

Wayne Dollard Publisher

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in the

Loop What’s news in Bethel Park

Smith, Maher, Miller come together to honor District Judge

Democratic and Republican state legislators from both the Senate and House of Representatives came together this week to pay tribute to Magisterial District Judge Robert C. Wyda who passed away unexpectedly on August 5 at his home in Bethel Park.

Citing Judge Wyda as model public servant, Sen. Matt Smith and Representatives John Maher and Dan Miller sponsored condolence resolutions to honor his memory in their respective chambers.

“Judge Wyda left behind a legacy of doing what’s right, administering the law in a fair manner, and helping to improve the lives of the individuals who stood before his bench,” Smith remarked. “He will be remembered by the General Assembly as well as the many individuals he helped throughout his lifetime.”

Wyda, who served as an assistant district attorney and assistant court administer as well as a commander in the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps, served the Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair area as Magisterial District Judge from 2000 until his death.

Maher and Miller co-sponsored House Resolution 422, which passed unanimously.

The resolution honors the life of Judge Wyda and extends condolences to his family.

Maher said, “Rob Wyda was a dear friend, a good-hearted man, and a great public servant.”

“As a public defender I covered a variety of cases in front of Judge Wyda,” Miller added.

“His reputation as a fair and decent judge doesn’t adequately reflect his contribution to the bench, or his contribution to his community. His work made a difference in people’s lives and he will be deeply missed.”

Both the House and Senate observed a moment of silence for Judge Wyda.

Bethel Presbyterian Holds 40th Annual Holiday A-Fair

Bethel Presbyterian Church women will have a Christmas theme as they celebrate their 40th annual Holiday A-Fair on Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A quilt show, antique sale, and a historic display of items made by members in the early years all offer shoppers interesting things to see.

There is no admission charge.

More than 30 vendors also will have unique handcrafted items for sale.

There will be a bake sale and drawings for each of the large theme gift baskets that fill a room. Some of the baskets include gift certificates along with many useful items.

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A luncheon, which includes a special chicken salad, the choice of two other salads from a wide variety, rolls, beverage and choice of a homemade dessert also is offered at a cost of $7 for adults and $3 for children. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event provides funds distributed to women’s charities including the South Hills Interfaith Ministry (SHIM), Family Promise, the Pregnancy Resource Center, East End Co-operative Ministries, Shelter for Battered Women and Presbyterian national and international disaster and relief work.

Parking is available at the side and rear of the church at 2999 Bethel Church Road, and people will be in that area to give directions.

On the Calendar

The Joy of Christmas Craft Show Saturday, November 23 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

St. Louise DeMarillac School & Parish Center 320 McMurray Road Upper St. Clair Admission and one ticket for Chinese Auction: $2.00 115 crafters, bake sale, candy sale Lunch available Sponsored by the DeMarillac Guild

John McMillan Christmas Affair

The John McMillan Presbyterian Church will be hosting its annual Christmas Affair on Saturday, November 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.. This event includes over 55 crafters and features the “JMPC Bakery,” “Gingerbread House,” a “Chinese Auction,” “Kris Kringle Kafe,” and an “Angel Emporium Tree.”

Admission is free and all proceeds benefit local and world-wide missions. Don’t miss the Christmas Affair at John McMillan Presbyterian Church, 875 Clifton Road, Bethel Park on Saturday, November 2nd. For more information call 412.833.4704 or email us at jmpc.ChristmasAfair@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook at John McMillan Christmas Affair Craft Show.

BP Band Participates in the 46th Annual Festival of Marching Bands

On Saturday, Oct. 5, Bethel Park High School was awash in the music of marching bands as Charleroi, Mercer, Greater Latrobe, Montour, North Hills, Riverview and host Bethel Park all played their tunes and strutted their stuff to a standing-room-only crowd.

Championships over the summer. The competition is called “America’s Youth on Parade” and is held at Notre Dame University.

The Modernettes competed in four events and won four first place awards. The Juvenile Modernettes, twirlers between the ages of 7-12, won the Juvenile National Show Corps Championships with a show about “A Day in Pittsburgh” and also won the Juvenile National Pom Pon Championships with their award winning-routine “Rockin’ Robin”.

The Senior Modernettes, twirlers between the ages of 13 and 20, won the Senior Show Corps Championships and the Senior National Pom Pon Championship with a perfect score in choreography.

Both the Juvenile and Senior Modernettes Show Corps advance to the Grand Finals.

Marine Corps League Looking for Members, Volunteers

The Marine Corps League perpetuates the tradition and spirit of all Marines and Navy FMF Corpsmen who proudly wear, or have worn the eagle, globe and anchor of the Corps.

Members of the Marine Corps League join together in camaraderie and fellowship for the purpose of preserving the traditions and promoting the interests of the United States Marine Corps, banding together those who are now serving in the USMC and those who have been honorably discharged from that service.

The entire membership is made up of volunteers. In light of the current situation in the Mid-East, the group is also focusing its efforts in assisting families easing their financial burden when visiting wounded family Marines in Bethesda Hospital.

The group faces the common nonprofit hurdle of financing the worthy causes. One program to raise funds is the Rose Program seeking donations from local residents.

Non-Marines and civilians are invited to join the detachment as associate members along with current and former Marines as full members. Anyone interested in helping out this worthy cause should call Commandant Bob “Bullet” Daley at 412.780.9886.

The group is headquartered at American Legion Post 760 and meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

Modernettes Compete

The Modernettes, a competition baton corps from the South Hills, attended the National Baton Twirling Association National

Juvenile Modernettes: Front – Captains Mandy Cooper, Emily Clopp 1st Row – Abby Clopp, Darah Augenstein, Liberty Cooper, Riley Evans, Ella Zelinsky, Alaina Smith 2nd Row – Lauren Toth, Emily Klein, Riley Gloecki, Alexis Kiesling, Reese Watson, Kira Greer, Kendyl Seibert 3rd Row – Madison Bartone, Amanda Clark, Jenna Nymick, Lianna Robbins, Victoria Smith, Elizabeth Trost

This is a competition where all 1st place Show Corps compete against each other. The Senior Modernettes were again victorious winning the “Grand National Championship” title.

The corps was judged on variety and difficulty of twirling, teamwork, general effect, showmanship and dance.

The week prior to the N.B.T.A. nationals, both corps competed at the Twirling Unlimited International Competition in Canton, Ohio. Again the Juvenile and Senior Modernettes won all 1st place awards and the Senior Modernettes won the “Outstanding Corps of the Day. ” The Senior Modernettes are the reigning “World” Show Corps and Pom Pon Champions winning the title at Neuchatel, Switzerland in 2012. The World Championships are held every 3 years. The Modernettes have represented the United States at every World Competition winning the gold in Holland 1990, France 1993, Italy 1996, taking silver in England 2000, then again winning gold in France 2003, Holland in 2006, Belgium 2009 and Switzerland 2012.

The Modernettes are the only Pom Pon corps from the U.S.A. to win gold in Pom Pon World Competition. They are a nonprofit organization and are under the direction of Sherry Vignoli Parisi.

For information about joining the corps or for performances, please call Ruby Daugherty and Sherry School of Dance at 412.835.9626 or 724.969.0608. ■

Senior Modernettes: Front – Captains Stephanie Tamasy, Noelle Melani, Julia Cicchinelli, Danielle Fiorentini 1st Row – Allie Chisholm, Caitlyn Ahlborn, Nicole Klein, Sarah Ott, Emily Hofmeister, Samantha Pauley, Breanna Schinkovec, Kelly Kaufman, Bayleigh Novotney 2nd Row – Katie Seibert, Jenna Maloney, Cayla Caviris, Breanne Wenk, Lauren Greer, Kaitlin Schreiner, Jordan Balkovec, Kassie Opfar, Vicki Wenger, Page Weinstein 3rd Row – Megan Teres, Carissa Caviris, Gabby Levy, Miranda Scott, Lindsey Young, Meah Watson, Julia Maloney, Tiffany Melani, Taylor Evans Bethel Park | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 7

Words for the Wounded Captain Ed Hrivnak is helping veterans with his recently published book, “Wounded: A Legacy of Operation Iraqi Freedom.”

By Tracy Fedkoe

It felt like the American public had forgotten about the wounded.

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hen Ed “Riv” Hrivnak joined the military at 17 after graduating from Bethel Park High School, he had many ambitions for his future, but a writer wasn’t one of them. After serving four years in active duty, and 16 in the reserves with a deployment to Iraq before his retirement, writing has provided a way for Hrivnak to continue to give back to the military through his recently published book, “Wounded: A Legacy of Operation Iraqi Freedom.”

After training, Hrivnak spent the early 1990s in Desert Storm as a member of the Air Force Nursing Corps. After his four years of service, he transferred to the reserves and attended college at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash., where he received his B.S.N. He worked as a trauma nurse after graduation and remained in the reserves where he was an instructor flight nurse, loadmaster and airflight crew member.

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His wife Jennifer and twin brother Eric were also reservists and they were living normal lives until September 11, 2001, changed everything. Waiting on pins and needles, Ed’s deployment didn’t come until early 2003 when he was commissioned as a flight nurse on a medevac crew. He had earned the rank of captain, but was thankful to be one of the few who got to fly tactical missions rather than work the desk job of crew management.

His first stint was based out of England and the medevac crew would fly to Kuwait to pick up wounded and fly them back to a base in Germany. With an average crew of three nurses and four medics, the crew went wherever they were needed. Once Baghdad was secured, they flew directly into Iraq to pick up the wounded.

“We didn’t even know where we were going to sleep each night,” said Hrivnak. The difficulty of the mission was compounded by the fact that he had minimal contact with his wife and brother for several months, as they had also been deployed.

The C-141 transport jet they flew could hold nearly 100 patients, and their largest load was 87 at one time. With limited crews and supplies, the work was intense and every minute counted in life or death situations for many soldiers. “It was overwhelming at times,” Hrivnak said, “but we just kept going because we had to.” Hrivnak began to write notes on surgical tape to help him record and sort through the madness of each day. Improving his method of note taking, he began keeping a journal and sending emails to family and friends in 2003. The recipients were so moved by the heartfelt honesty of his writing that they felt compelled to forward the message on to others. Soon he was getting fan mail from people he didn’t even know, some of them military stationed all over the world.

His first published article appeared in April 2003 in the Tacoma News-Tribune. In 2004, he was published in VFW magazine and Stars and Stripes. He submitted some of his work from his journal, “Medevac Missions,” to the

National Endowment of the Arts for an anthology of wartime writing, and was one of 87 chosen from over 3,000 submissions. “I forgot all about it and never thought I would be selected,” said Hrivnak.

“Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience” was edited by historian Andrew Carroll and published by Random House.

Shortly after, it was made into a documentary film and Hrivnak was selected as one of the 11 out of 87 authors to be included. “Operation Homecoming” won two Emmys and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature.

After returning from overseas, Hrivnak was still serving in the reserves and was asked to assist the Assistant Surgeon General’s Office of the U.S. Air Force in conducting research on the stress of caring for combat casualties. He spent four years traveling and interviewing returning nurses and medics and told their stories with brutal honesty. Hrivnak has lectured at colleges, trauma conferences, and to international audiences and continued to write about his own experiences. Helping other veterans motivated him to turn his journals into a book. “It felt like the American public had forgotten about the wounded. No one truly understood the sacrifices of the military and their families,” he said.

A project that spanned two wars and 10 years, “Wounded” is a collection of true stories, told through the honest and heartfelt words of Hrivnak as a flight nurse on the medevac crew. It is a story of pain and suffering, of life-altering injuries and the actions and emotions of the crew who treated the wounded and saved their lives. Completing what he started in his journal, the book also covers the difficult transition veterans face when reintegrating into society. The main audience has been military personnel and their families as well as medical professionals. “Our experiences are not unique. Maybe this book will help veterans realize they are not alone,” he said. “I have been thanked by so many veterans already.” That makes bringing back all of the pain worth it.

Selling more than 500 copies in the first few months, “Wounded” was self-published by Hrivnak in May 2013 through Amazon. A successful book launch party was held at the Garfield Book Company at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma where hundreds came out to support Hrivnak in his hometown. The cover is an original rendition of an actual medevac flight mission entitled “Baghdad at Sunrise” by Lt. Colonel Rob Chatfield, a retired Air Force aviator.

After 20 years, Hrivnak is officially retired from the military, but is still giving back through his writing and speaking engagements. He is glad to share his story with Veterans groups and the staff and patients at military hospitals and also offers therapeutic reading and writing workshops. Ten percent of the net profits from “Wounded” will be donated to Heartbeat, a Washington state non-profit organization providing emergency assistance services, and support for injured service members and their families.

Writing has helped Hrivnak to work through the senselessness of the war, hoping he can help others do the same. Hrivnak has also been published in New Yorker, the Seattle Times, the Pittsburgh PostGazette, and several international nursing journals. His war stories have aired on PBS, NPR, ABC World News, and numerous talk shows.

Just this year, his work has been included in “Standing Down, Great Pieces of Wartime Literature,” chosen by the National Endowment for the Humanities and includes works from Tolstoy, Homer, Lincoln, and Hemmingway.

“Riv” is the assistant fire chief at the Central Pierce Fire & Rescue in Puyallup, Wash., where he lives with his wife Jennifer and his two children, John, 6, and Shae, 4. He earned his helicopter pilot’s license on his own and volunteers for the Snohomish County Sheriff ’s Department for flight rescue missions in the North Cascade Mountains. Hrivnak’s book is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and the Garfield Book Company. ■ Bethel Park | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 9

Second Annual Wingstock Raises Money for Autism By Tracy Fedkoe What’s better than good wings and good music? That’s easy — great wings and great music, and all for a great cause. Level 20 Sports Bar and Restaurant hosted the second annual Wingstock benefit for the Autism Society of Pittsburgh on Sunday, September 15.

The idea for the event started when Level 20 owners Colin and Tracy Amos got to know a family who had a child with autism and moved to Bethel Park because of the great support that the school district provides children with special needs. The harsh reality that families of autistic children need so much more support, they decided to take a stand and host a charity event to benefit local families dealing with autism. “If we help one child, it makes a difference,” said Colin Amos.

Capitalizing on the restaurant’s most popular menu item, they decided to offer an all-you-can-eat wing special featuring eight gourmet varieties, including House Dry Rub, Buffalo, Cajun, Jameson BBQ, Sweet Chile, and Chipotle. Sweet Chile proved to be the flavor of the day. The family event provided a casual atmosphere for people to relax, eat, drink, enjoy the music, and gather with friends in support of families living with the challenge of autism.

The entertainment for the event was provided by See the Summer, an up-andcoming local band who played a mixed variety of tunes from folk music and classic rock, to top 40 hits, all with their own unique style. The band is made up of three Bethel Park teachers, including Ashley Thomas who plays guitar and sings, Brittany Thomas keeping the beat with percussion and vocals, and Dylan August on guitar and vocals. The band has built a following since they started playing public venues in 2011 and hopes to be able to write and record some new songs in the near future.

They played at the event last year and eagerly accepted the invitation again to donate their time, not just because they love to share their music, but also to help support the Autism Society of Pittsburgh. “This charity means more to us because we interact with children with autism every day in our jobs,” said August, a teacher at Independence Middle School. In addition to clubs, they also enjoy playing other charity events for nonprofits and churches, which allows their music to be enjoyed by families and friends of all ages.

To give the band a break so they could enjoy the wings, Bethel Park sophomore Cailey Klink played a set of popular tunes and even included two of the original songs she has written and composed. Cailey started guitar at Monster Music when she was seven and has played at Level 20 in the past and at open mic nights at local establishments for a few years now. This was her first charity experience. “It was like

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a double win. I was thrilled to be able to play at Level 20, and it made it even better knowing I was helping support a worthy cause,” she said. “I would love to do more of this in the future.”

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event were donated to the Autism Society of Pittsburgh, where they money will be used to fund child and parent programs, counseling, advocacy and community service, as well as their main event, Camp Speak, held every summer. “We really rely on support from outside fundraising to run our programs and parent support groups. This event was great because it not only helped to raise money, but also increased awareness,” said Heidi Hess, manager of community outreach for the Autism Society of Pittsburgh. Autism is on the rise today and current statistics indicate that one in 88 children is diagnosed with some form of autism.

The fundraiser has brought in over $1,200 since its inception and the owners of Level 20 say they plan to continue the event and make it bigger and better next year. This year’s event was held in the Level Lounge on the main floor, but the restaurant also has a 4,000-square-foot multi-use banquet facility on the second floor complete with a state-of-the-art sound system, lighting, a full bar, pool tables, large screen TVs, and more that can accommodate up to 170. They hope to pack the house next year for the 3rd Annual Wingstock Autism Benefit to be held on a Sunday in July 2014. Visit the restaurant’s Facebook page or website at www.level20lounge.com for details.

Information on See the Summer can be found on their Facebook page as well. ■

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Taking It To the Next Level

{Jack Allen is ready for his new challenge as mayor.}

By Tracy Fedkoe

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ith 16 years on Bethel Park Council, and 27 living in the community, many residents know Jack Allen as a neighbor, friend, volunteer or representative. Now that he’s our new mayor, IN Community-Bethel Park thought it would be a good time to get to know Jack Allen as he takes on his new role for the next four years.

Jack Allen grew up in Clairton and attended Baldwin Middle School and High School. As the oldest of three boys in his family all named John, he was always known as Jack. He went to the University of Pittsburgh and served in the U.S. Army before starting his career, which included working for the Pennsylvania Treasury Department for 12 years, where he called on and interacted with many local governments.

Jack and his wife Mary Kay raised their three daughters in the community and all three live close by. They are also the owners of the Dairy Queen on Library Road as well as another Dairy Queen in Robinson Township. Not coincidentally, ice cream is one of his favorite treats.

His public service for Bethel Park began 17 years ago when he contacted a former council member with a concern and received the suggestion of “Why don’t you run?” He ran in 1998 and won the Republican nomination even though he was apolitical. Allen has been the council representative in Ward 2 for the past 16 years, after being

reelected three times. In addition to serving as vice president for 14 years, he served as the council liaison to the Uniform and Non-Uniform Pension Committees, Municipal Authority, and contributed to the success of numerous projects including the Community Center, Veterans Memorial, American Legion Banner program, and is on the committee working on the new BP volunteer fire station.

Jack and Mary Kay Allen Jack Allen with his family at the beach

I wanted to do something different and contribute in a new way.”

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Allen considered running for mayor four years ago, but when it was confirmed that mayor and friend Cliff Morton was running for one more term, he decided to wait. This year, it was his time.

“I wanted to do something different and contribute in a new way,” he said. After campaigning door to door, Allen officially won the election in November, but sealed his victory in the May primary when he won the Republican nomination as well as the Democratic nomination by receiving 618 write in votes since there wasn’t a Democratic candidate on the ballot.

The role of mayor in the municipality of Bethel Park is different from the city and other surrounding communities. Under the Home Rule Charter, the manager and all services such as the police, maintenance, and other departments report directly to the council and they are responsible for drafting and passing ordinances, which are signed by the mayor. In fact, the mayor only votes if there’s a tie. The mayor’s role here is to serve as the official spokesperson and lead the community, maintain balance, and act as a liaison between the citizens and council. “Jack’s talent at working out the issues and debating will be an asset in his new role,” said Tim Moury, current council president.

Allen hopes to work with council and maintain the positive relationships he has built over the years. He is looking forward to developing new ideas and working to build connections with the state to seek available funds for development. “I feel I have a good understanding because of my experience with the council and state,” said Allen. He is currently president of the South Hills Area Council of Governments (SHACOG) and although his term will expire at the end of this year, he still wants to be involved with the members to share information and continue to build relationships with neighboring communities.

Mayor Morton left some large shoes to fill, but Allen doesn’t plan on changing programs started by his predecessor, and noted there are no major issues that need to be fixed right now. He hopes to be able to start some traditions of his own, welcoming new families to the community and recognizing the businesses here. “I am looking forward to the fun part. I don’t think it will be quite as involved as council and I don’t have to crunch numbers,” he joked.

When he’s not working for Bethel Park, Allen and his wife enjoy traveling with their children and grandchildren and he is not afraid to admit to going to Disney World every year. He is a member of several social/civic organizations such as the American Legion where he serves on the board and even cooks wings for local events. He is a musician who plays about five different instruments, and also enjoys singing karaoke. He has been told he does a mean Kenny Rogers, but the beard has nothing to do with it.

Allen will face the challenge of his new role as mayor similarly to his four terms on council, focusing on his main goals of making Bethel Park a better place and helping the people here. “I don’t mind the phone calls,” he said. “In 16 years only one person has called back and said, ‘Thank you.’ We don’t expect that.” Allen has also been known to plow the driveways of his friends and neighbors. Mayor Jack Allen will be sworn in at the reorganization meeting on January 6, 2014, at 8 p.m., at the Municipal Building. For more information, visit bethelpark.net. ■ Bethel Park | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 13

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Soldiers & Sailors Commemorates Anniversary

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oldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc. will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 with the launch of a new exhibit display and a celebration featuring the museum’s own landmark version of the Gettysburg Address.

On November 19, 1863 President Lincoln delivered the dedication remarks at the new Gettysburg National Soldiers Cemetery. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is a masterpiece of American literature. Not only was the address brilliantly succinct but the president’s remarks eloquently defined the core meaning of the Civil War for those engaged in it at the time and for generations to come. After the war the Gettysburg Address was memorialized and memorized by citizens, schoolchildren and veterans across the land.

During construction of Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum, architect Henry Hornbostel presented his vision for decorative elements in the building including his sketch for an allegorical painting over the auditorium stage with President Abraham Lincoln as the central figure. At the time (1909) the architect predicted the cost of such a work of art to be $45,000.00 which was nearly half of the entire decoration budget. Although no further written record exists of the discussion generated among the Board of Directors, it appears that the members opted for the simplicity of using words of the Gettysburg Address rather than an allegorical painting.

The 270 words meant so much to the Civil War veterans responsible for the erection of Memorial Hall that the immortal speech, hand painted in 7” letters, became the focal point above the stage in the 2,300-seat auditorium. That rendition 18 feet high x 70 feet long is the largest painted version known to exist.

Soldiers & Sailors will further mark the occasion of the 150th anniversary year of the Battle of Gettysburg by opening a new exhibit featuring previously unknown artifacts associated with an important Union general who played a pivotal role in the battle.

A sword along with other artifacts on display belonged to one of the true heroes of the Gettysburg battle, Brigadier General Gouverneur Kimble Warren. An 1850 graduate of West Point, G.K. Warren was already having an eventful military career as one of the commanding officers of the famous 5th NY Zouaves, when he was appointed to the post of Chief Topographical Engineer to the Army of the Potomac in February 1863.

On July 2,1863, while surveying the positions occupied by Union forces from an elevated prominence known as Little Round Top, Warren noticed that the Federal left flank was exposed and, if not immediately covered, could be exploited by the enemy with drastic results. Orders to defend the hill were sent to elements of the 5th Corps where they were acted upon by Col. Strong Vincent of Erie who quickly rushed his brigade to defend the crest of the hill just as the enemy made contact. After fierce fighting Vincent’s Brigade held Little Round Top and thus contributed greatly to the final Union victory.

Warren’s sword, telescope, spur and brass drawing instrument on loan to Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum (2013) were passed through his immediate family and are on public display for the first time.

Bethel Park | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 15

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Great Ways to Live a Healthier, Happier, Longer Life in Bethel Park

Bethel Park Health & Wellness Section

By Michele Thompson

Though finding the fountain of youth (or miracle product) is unlikely, you can embrace the following ways to feel and look younger. Gleaned from age-defying experts this list is a must-keep for your desk or refrigerator.

So turn the page — hack into the havoc that aging can wreak on your body! ››

Bethel Park | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 19

H e a l t h & W e l l n e s s / Bethel Park

Health & Fitness Exercise to live longer.

Bethel Park has many walking and biking trails to help you stay fit. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), regular exercise helps control blood pressure, body weight and cholesterol levels, and reduces the risks of hardening of the arteries, heart attack and stroke. Not to mention you will look and feel better!

Warm up and cool down. Regardless of the types of exercises you do, warming your muscles as well as cooling down with slow rhythmic stretches is key to avoiding injury, reducing soreness, and speeding up your recovery.

Commit to daily fitness. Getting out there and staying active translates into better health and well-being — both physically and mentally.

Focus on total fitness. ACE recommends aerobics and muscular conditioning along with exercises to stretch your body and promote good posture.

Year-round exercise. Don’t ditch your fitness routine because of inclement weather. Try new activities, such as snowshoeing, swimming at an indoor pool, or fitness classes at your local fitness or senior housing facility.

Join a health club. Be social and get fit. This one’s worth its weight in sheer motivation points.

Take supplements. Don’t mega-dose, just take a daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplement.

Get aerobic. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends getting moderate aerobic activity 30 minutes per day, five days per week or 20 minutes of vigorous cardiovascular activity, three days per week.

Break it up. Instead of 20 or 30 minutes of exercise, break up your cardio into 10-minute segments throughout the day.

Make working out fun. Getting out of the house and traveling to interesting places where you can walk around is one of the best ways to get exercise without even trying, and you get to enjoy the sightseeing, too.

Put a set of dumbbells by your television set — and use them!

Stop smoking. Nuff said.

Pump it up. Margaret Richardson, author of Body Electric, says one pound of fat burns three calories a day while one pound of muscle burns 30 plus.

Go green. Eat organic, use eco-friendly products and practice green living to protect your health as well as the environment.

Challenge yourself. To counteract age-related muscle loss, do exercises with progressively challenging resistance.

“The fitness programs at Bethel Park Community Center offer wonderful physical fitness opportunities for our residents and provide them with a way to reconnect with friends and neighbors and form new friendships,” said Cathy Muscato, community center director at Bethel Park Department of Recreation and Leisure Services.

Health and Wellness continued on page 22 20 724.942.0940 to advertise | Bethel Park

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Chiropractic Health

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The Time to See a Chiropractor is NOW

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ike many chiropractors, Dr. Liane Moan decided to pursue a career in the field after dealing with her own lower back pain. At the time, her mother recommended a chiropractor’s help in eliminating the pain, and after three days, she made the appointment that changed the trajectory of her life.

Today, she’s not only the head of her own practice, but she’s a complete convert to the benefits that chiropractic care affords patients of all walks of life.

“The bottom line is chiropractic adjustments work wonders.

It’s amazing how effective it is, but for some reason, people tend to wait or delay seeking treatment until their pain crosses over from being in the acute stages into the chronic stages,” Dr. Moan said. “I have some patients who have been in agony for close to a year before they bumped into one of my other patients who referred them to me. They made an appointment and they were stunned how effective it was, and I’m stunned at how stunned they are.

People get off the table and they’re dancing around, and I’m wondering, ‘Why did you wait so long?’”

Valaw Chiropractic specializes in gentle, specific chiropractic adjustments. Some patients come in for physical therapy, but the majority are simply seeking a remedy to the everyday aches and pains the strains of a modern world puts on their backs.

“Usually, they can expect some trigger point work to break up the parts of the muscle that is causing spasms or tightness, and we find the specific cause of the pain to stretch out the appropriate muscle or muscles that are responsible,” Dr. Moan said. “Or if the pain is focused around one of the vertebrae, our goal is to determine which segments are involved and adjust them to allow optimal blood flow for that disc or discs to be able to heal.”

Dr. Moan has been practicing since 2006, and has treated patients from all walks of life, from 8 weeks old to senior citizens.

She also provides chiropractic pregnancy care and nutritional regimens. Valaw Chiropractic accepts most major insurances, cash and check, and has plenty of free, off-street parking for patients.

Her first-floor offices make it easier for patients with advanced to severe pain to seek the relief that they need.

“Almost all insurance plans cover some kind of chiropractic care, but so few people elect to do something about their back pain, which is a mystery to me,” Dr. Moan said. “While studies have shown that more than 86 percent of people suffer from lower back pain at any given time, only 8 percent of those people actually utilize chiropractic care. There’s literally a majority of people living with pain that they don’t have to live with, and yet choose to do nothing about it. And if they did choose to do something about it, many of them would find their pain recede or disappear within a handful of visits, if not immediately.”

Valaw Chiropractic is located at 2971 South Park Road in Bethel Park. To make an appointment, or for more information, call 412.835.4211.

Valaw Chiropractic Liane Moan, DC 2971 South Park Rd., Bethel Park

412.835.4211

Dr. Moan’s practice is located in Bethel Park, where she resides with her family. She rceived her degree from Logan College of Chiropractic in 2004. For more information please contact Dr. Moan at lianemoandc@verizon.net or call 412.835.4211.

Bethel Park | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 21

H e a l t h & W e l l n e s s / Bethel Park

Eat Healthy Eat an anti-inflammatory diet. Holistic guru Dr. Andrew Weil recommends eating a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and minimal processed foods to reduce inflammation in your body.

Eat all natural. Avoid high-calorie foods full of sugar, fat and artificial ingredients and concentrate on eating high-nutrient, high-flavor foods such as fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices.

Eat many small meals. Eat something every three hours to keep your metabolism high and your blood sugar and insulin levels steady.

Don’t skip breakfast. The easiest meal to skip but the most important. Eat something small, even if you aren’t hungry.

Read labels. Opt for products with at least three grams of fiber, low sugars and no hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils.

Eat less and live longer. Maoshing Ni, author of Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways To Live To Be 100, suggests the “three-quarters rule,” essentially not eating any more after you feel three-quarters full.

Drink tea. Ni recommends daily tea because tea is a proven

Eat and drink coconut. The type of saturated fat in coconuts does not contribute to heart disease and it is rich in lauric acid, which boosts your immune system.

Avoid bad fats. Bad fats include saturated fats, which are primarily derived from animal products, and trans fats, which are used in commercial fried foods, margarines, and baked goods like cookies and crackers.

Spice it up. Dr. Wendy Bazilian, author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet: Lose Weight with the Power of SuperNutrients, recommends high-antioxidant spices and herbs such as cinnamon, ginger, curry, rosemary, thyme, oregano and red pepper.

Drink up. Drinking water throughout the day can decrease your urges for sweets, lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, minimize pain associated with arthritis, migraines, and colitis, hydrate your skin, and help with your digestion.

Limit your alcohol intake to one or two drinks per day. According to the Centers for Disease Control, too much alcohol can increase your risk for developing various diseases and physiological and social problems.

preventive and treatment for hardening of the arteries and has potent antioxidant powers.

Sideline the soda. The phosphoric acid in carbonated beverages, particularly colas, can put you at risk for osteoporosis.

Slim down with soup. People who eat soup before a meal reduce the total number of calories they consume.

Drink red wine. Red wine is

Sink your teeth into superfoods. Experts say superfoods can help ward off heart disease, cancer, diabetes, cholesterol, bad moods, high blood pressure, and improve digestion, skin, hair, nails, bones and teeth. Superfoods recommended by WebMD.com are beans, blueberries, broccoli, oats, oranges, pumpkin, salmon, soy, spinach, green and black tea, tomatoes, turkey, walnuts and yogurt.

Eat more healthy fats. According to University of Michigan Integrative Medicine, healthy fats to include in your diet are monounsaturated fats, found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and some plant foods as well as polyunsaturated fats, like omega-3s found in fatty fish and omega-6s found in nuts.

P Eat a variety Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, dairy, and omega-3 fats better ensures you get all the nutrients your body needs.

22 724.942.0940 to advertise | Bethel Park

renowned for its many health benefits, primarily for the heart. However, new research from the Institute of Food suggests that wine may also protect you from potentially fatal food-borne pathogens, such as E. coli, salmonella, listeria, and H. pylori.

Marinate your meat.

Research from the Food Safety Consortium recommends marinades with rosemary, thyme, peppers, allspice, oregano, basil, garlic and onion to cut down on carcinogens.

H e a l t h & W e l l n e s s / Bethel Park

Stress Control Smile. Smiling lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and the stress

P

hormone cortisol.

Humor your stress

Aromatherapy. Essential oils improve your mood, reduce stress and even improve your memory. Try lavender, lemongrass, cinnamon or cedarwood.

Laughing improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, releases tension, and improves your immune system.

Let nature take your stress away.

Being outdoors with green plants, fresh air and the sounds of nature is a proven stress buster.

Yoga. The Mayo Clinic recommends practicing yoga to reduce stress and anxiety.

Get kneaded. Research from the Touch Research Institute indicates that regular massage lowers heart rate, blood pressure, anxiety levels, depression, hostility, and the stress hormone cortisol.

See a therapist. Mental health professionals can help you deal with stress.

Begin with breathing. The first thing you ever did for yourself was breathe. And consciously focusing on your breath remains the epitome of self-care throughout your entire life.

Health and Wellness continued on page 24

Bethel Park | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 23

H e a l t h & W e l l n e s s / Bethel Park

Fighting

Childhood Obesity One Child at a Time

By Heather Holtschlag

Imagine – for the first time in four generations, a child’s life expectancy may not match his/her parents. One in 10 American children is obese, and between 16 to 25 percent of children are overweight. Children average a weight of about nine pounds heavier today when compared to the 1960s, and the average teenager’s weight has increased by 12 to 16 pounds, according to government statistics. Beyond the issue of just being overweight is the risk factors associated with obesity, including heart disease, certain types of cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

Fit-Trix Fit-Kidz, located in Bethel Park, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is devoted to the prevention of childhood obesity in the western Pennsylvania region. The purpose of Fit-Trix FitKidz is to educate children and parents on the importance of achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight by adopting increased physical activity and healthy eating.

“We promote fitness, proper nutritional habits and self-esteem in a fun, positive and safe environment,” said Lynn Ross, owner of FitTrix Fit-Kidz. “Our 45-minute program provides a full body workout regardless of fitness ability. We focus on cardio, hydraulic and resistance training with kid-friendly equipment, including BOSU balls, punching bags and agility ladders.”

Fit-Trix Fit-Kidz also encourages small lifestyle changes that may provide immediate health benefits for children, such as lower blood cholesterol levels, increased independence and productivity and reduced demands for health care services. And, staff members are committed to disseminating these healthy lifestyle messages to children of 24 724.942.0940 to advertise | Bethel Park

all ages, regardless of their ethnicity or socioeconomic status.

Ross said that the main purpose of Fit-Trix Fit-Kidz is to teach kids that fitness can be fun, so that they can develop a healthy lifestyle to maintain throughout their entire lives. The staff members do this by providing a fun and safe environment where they teach healthy behaviors to children at young ages, hoping that by doing so, the children will carry their good habits well into adulthood.

“At Fit-Trix Fit-Kidz, we believe that exercise and proper nutrition are the pinnacles of preventing obesity in children and adolescents,” Ross explained. “We differ from other gyms in that we work by appointment, which helps make the children we see to remain accountable to their fitness goals and gives the staff the opportunity to work with and get to know each child on an individual basis.”

According to Ross, there are a number of benefits that can have an impact on children as they begin an exercise program.

These include an improved body mass index (BMI), an increase in self-esteem, a boost in athletic performance, increased flexibility and endurance, and an increase in lung capacity and fat burning through cardio exercise.

“Strength conditioning also will increase a child’s bone density and improve tendon and ligament strength,” Ross noted.

For more information about Fit-Trix Fit-Kidz, call 412.831.1200, stop by the facility located at 4941 Library Road in Bethel Park, or visit the website at www.fittrix.org.

Health and Wellness continued on page 26

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Dr. Manning Treats “Shoulder to Fingertips”

W

hen Christopher M. Manning entered medical school, he knew he wanted to go into the field of surgery.

“Surgery is very ‘hands-on’ and it demands an intricate knowledge of human anatomy and physiology,” he said. “Results are often instantaneous. Truly, there is no more drastic way to affect a cure for an ailing patient.”

And he figured he would enjoy orthopaedic surgery, “because in addition to being required to have comfort in operating on all areas of the body, from the spine to the fingers and toes, orthopaedic surgery lends itself to physicians who have a feel for engineering, biomechanics, and even carpentry.”

Then, when he finished his years of orthopaedic residency at UPMC, he decided to focus on the hands. “The hand is such a complex part of the body,” he said. “Surgeries of the hand are very delicate, requiring a level of comfort with treating disorders of nerves, arteries, tendons, and bones. It’s very precise and rather elegant.”

So Dr. Manning now focuses his practice on ailments that affect the hands and upper extremities. Common problems treated are carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger fingers, fractures and ligament tears, arthritis, tennis elbow, bicep tendon tears, and shoulder ailments such as torn rotator cuffs or arthritis.

“So basically if it’s in the shoulder down to the fingertips, I take care of it.”

According to Dr. Manning, the treatment for these injuries can be as simple as teaching patients what type of range of motion or strengthening exercises to do and what type of activities to avoid.

Hand and upper extremity problems are often treated with different kinds of splinting, cortisone injections and therapy. Most problems can be treated well non-operatively, but surgeries are available to those who don’t respond to conservative treatments.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Dr. Manning’s job is when he is able to treat a patient for different problems as they may occur over time, allowing him to establish a nice relationship with his patients. He added, “Unfortunately, patients who get one hand problem, such as carpal tunnel, are often predisposed to develop other problems such as arthritis or trigger fingers, or even rotator cuff problems. I worried that a career in orthopaedics would mean that I would not really get to know patients as well as, say, a family doctor. But I found that is far from true.”

Dr. Manning said he treats all ages, especially people in their 70s, 80s and 90s. “These folks are more active than ever and are

working out and staying fit. I think because of that, I’m seeing many more patients with muscular-skeletal problems—things that otherwise wouldn’t bother them if they hadn’t been so healthy and active. It’s a good problem (for them) to have.”

Dr. Christopher Manning is a partner of South Hills Orthopaedic Surgery Associates, P.C., and practices with Derrick J. Fluhme, M.D., Brett C. Perricelli, M.D., and Damon B. Combs, D.P.M. For more information, call South Hills Orthopaedic Surgery Associates at 412.283.0260. There are offices in Bethel Park and McMurray.

Bethel Park | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 25

H e a l t h & W e l l n e s s / Bethel Park

Get Fit In Bethel Park Here are just some of the fitness classes available:

Bethel Park Community Center

LifeSpan Senior Services @ the Bethel Park Community Center

Beginner Yoga, Basic Yoga and Yoga Flow, with instructor Lynn Duda, LMT, E-RYT, are just some of the affordable programs being offered at the community center in early January. A new way to get fit and have fun is by participating in Walk Live (Walk Aerobics). For people over 18 of all fitness levels, Walk Live is Leslie Sansone’s indoor aerobic walking program which has been helping people get fit for more than 25 years. Taught by Cheryl Janusek, certified Walk Live instructor, the fee is $40 (add $5 for non-residents) for a seven-week session beginning on January 8, 2014 to February 19, 2014 on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. For more information on registration and other information on all programs, visit the website.

Seniors can enjoy fitness classes on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9:15 am to 10:15 a.m., Tai Chi classes on Thursdays at 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and line dancing on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for just $3 a class! For more information, contact Nadia Jones, the coordinator, by phone or email.

5151 Park Ave, Bethel Park; 412.851.2910 bethelpark.net

5151 Park Avenue, Bethel Park; 412.831.7111 bethelpark@lifespanpa.org

Locke’s Personal Fitness, Inc.

88 Ft. Couch Road, Suite 102, Pgh.; 412.835.5411 lockespersonalfitness.com

Bethel Park Public Library

5100 West Library Ave., Bethel Park; 412.835.2207 bethelparklibrary.org Bethel Park Public Library offers a variety of health and wellness programs for free or a donation to the library. For more information on the program schedule, call or visit the website.

South Park Ice Skating Rink

The personal trainers at Locke’s Personal Fitness are experienced experts at getting people in shape through exercise and nutrition.

Visit the website or call for more information about dropping in for a yoga or Zumba class for just $10.

Buffalo Dr., South Park; 412.833.1499 alleghenycounty.us Free learn-to-skate Lessons for individuals five years old and up will be offered in January, 2014. Registration and other information are available on the website.

Health and Wellness continued on page 28

26 724.942.0940 to advertise | Bethel Park

Protect Young Athletes The risks of sports-related traumatic brain injuries among professional athletes are making national headlines. However, prevention should begin at childhood, especially among those involved in contact sports.

Each year, approximately 300,000 people in the United States experience sports-related concussions.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury most often caused by a sudden bump or blow to the head or other parts of the body.

It also can be caused by a fall. As a result of the sudden impact, the brain moves around in the skull causing chemical changes. These changes make the brain more sensitive to stress and other injuries until it fully recovers. In addition, the immature brain of a young athlete is known to take longer to recover.

Most people who have experienced a concussion realize that something is wrong, however, the symptoms can be tricky, so those around the injured person must pay close attention for the warning signs. This is especially apparent among football players who are conditioned to being knocked down and getting back up again, only to realize later that they’ve been hurt.

Many athletic directors for public school require that athletes who participate in “high-risk” sports must have a baseline neurocognitive

symptoms of a concussion Difficulty concentrating Difficulty completing tasks Changes in behavior Worsening headache Persistent double vision Excessive drowsiness Stroke-like symptoms test before their first contact football practice, within the first week of cheerleading or before the first game for other sports.

Although treatment for concussions is individualized, almost all physicians recommend physical and mental rest immediately after the injury. This includes no texting, video games, TV, reading or physical activity. It’s also important to understand that medications will mask the pain and do not heal the brain. In fact, anti-inflammatory medications can be dangerous because they increase the risk of bleeding. However, there are situations where medications are warranted.

It is paramount to have an evaluation and obtain clearance by a physician experienced in diagnosing and treating concussions before returning to sports activities.

Source: UCF Pegasus Health/UCF College of Medicine

Health and Wellness continued on page 30

Source: Medical News Today

28 724.942.0940 to advertise | Bethel Park

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re you or a loved one affected by obesity? Are you looking for help?

Your answer could be right here in your own community. At Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists along with Hope Bariatrics, Dr. Tunc Aksehirli is here to answer your questions and help you control the biggest fight of your life – your weight.

What is obesity?

Obesity is a medical condition that is associated with having excess body fat. If your body weight is more than 20% higher than it should be, you are considered obese. Morbid obesity is when you are more than 100 pounds over your ideal weight. The standard used to measure body weight is the Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI is a statistical measurement derived from your height and weight.

How can obesity be unhealthy for you?

Most people who are obese suffer from many common medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, depression, sleep apnea, heartburn and arthritis to name a few. Large medical studies have also suggested a two-fold increase in endometrial and breast cancers in those who are morbidly obese, a decrease in life expectancy of 10-15 years, as well as a 50 to 100% higher rate of death from all causes.

Does losing weight help to lessen these medical problems and risk of death?

The good news is that losing weight is very effective in controlling or eliminating many obesity-related illnesses. Here are some examples of how weight loss can improve your health: Type II Diabetes 82-96% resolved Hypertension 62-70% resolved Obstructive Sleep Apnea 74-98% resolved Heartburn 72-95% resolved Risk of Mortality (Death) 89% decreased in a 5-year period Quality of Life 95% improved

Which avenue of weight loss is right for a person who is morbidly obese?

The best way to find out is to first make an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss your obesity and health issues. A referral to our bariatric program may be the next best step to evaluate all the medical and surgical options that best suit your individual needs. Find out more at www.jeffersonsurgical.net or www.hopebariatrics.com.

To set up an appointment/inquire about the Bariatric Surgery Program through Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists/Hope Bariatrics, please contact Patricia Patton, RN, Bariatric Nurse Specialist at 412.267.6260. For a surgical consultation at Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists, please call 412.469.7110.

Article submitted by Tunc Aksehirli, M.D., Fellowship trained Bariatric and Laparoscopic Surgeon, American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, American College of Surgeons.

Main Office 1200 Brooks Lane, Suite 170 Jefferson Hills, PA 15025 Bethel Park 1000 Higbee Drive, Suite 102 Bethel Park, PA 15102

Charleroi 1200 McKean Avenue, Suite 107 Charleroi, PA 15022

BRENTWOOD 3720 Brownsville Road Pittsburgh, PA 15227

Peters Township 455 Valleybrook Road, Suite 300 McMurray, PA 15317

Is it possible to lose weight on my own with diet?

Unfortunately, the answer is very hard to predict. Many of the conditions associated with obesity make it very difficult to lose weight with conventional diet plans. The body will crave food with insulin spikes and most people, after they lose the weight, will gain it all back. The odds are that many of you reading this article may have already experienced that.

How does a person go about losing weight to help live better and longer?

There are three recommended treatment options for obesity, depending on the individual’s BMI: 1. Lifestyle Modification (for BMI > 25)

These include changes to your diet, behavior, and physical activity.

2. Pharmacotherapy (for BMI > 30)

These include medications for individuals dealing with medical

issues as a result of their obesity.

3. Bariatric Surgery (for BMI > 35 with other medical conditions

or BMI > 40 with no other medical conditions).

What types of bariatric surgeries are offered?

Bariatric surgery, also called metabolic surgery, is often indicated for patients who are morbidly obese. We offer three types of minimally invasive surgeries, and we would discuss which surgical option would be best suited for you based on your criteria.

Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass

Adjustable Lap Band

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Bethel Park | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 29

Say What?

Your mother was right when she warned you that loud music could damage your hearing, but now scientists have discovered exactly what gets damaged and how. In a research report published in the September 2013 issue of The FASEB Journal, scientists describe exactly what type of damage noise does to the inner ear, and provide insights into a compound that may prevent noise-related damage.

“Noise-induced hearing loss with accompanying tinnitus and sound hypersensitivity is a common condition which leads to communication problems and social isolation,” said Xiaorui Shi, M.D., Ph.D., study author from the Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery at the Oregon Hearing Research Center at Oregon Health and Science University. “The goal of our study is to understand the molecular mechanisms well enough to mitigate damage from exposure to loud sound.”

To make this discovery, Shi and colleagues used three groups of six- to eight-week-old mice, which consisted of a control group, a group exposed to broadband noise at 120 decibels for

three hours a day for two days, and a third group given single-dose injections of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) prior to noise exposure. PEDF is a protein found in vertebrates that is currently being researched for the treatment of diseases like heart disease and cancer. The cells that secrete PEDF in control animals showed a characteristic branched morphology, with the cells arranging in a selfavoidance pattern which provided good coverage of the capillary wall. The morphology of the same cells in the animals exposed to wide-band noise, however, showed clear differences - noise exposure caused changes in melanocytes located in the inner ear.

“Hearing loss over time robs people of their quality of life,” said Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal. “It’s easy to say that we should avoid loud noises, but in reality, this is not always possible. Front-line soldiers or first responders do not have time to worry about the long-term effects of loud noise when they are giving their all. If, however, a drug could be developed to minimize the negative effects of loud noises, it would benefit one and all.”

H e a l t h & W e l l n e s s / Bethel Park

health &Wellness DIRECTORY Justin Petrolla, M.D.; Jose Ramirez-Del Toro, M.D. The Orthopedic Group 1145 Bower Hill Road, Ste. 301, Pittsburgh www.theorthopedicgroup; 412.276.7022 Offering cutting-edge non-surgical rehabilitation, Drs. Justin Petrolla and Jose Ramirez-Del Toro are both members of The Orthopedic Group, 10 orthopedic specialists with offices in three counties. Our physicians treat orthopedic conditions from head to toe. Drs. Petrolla and Ramirez specialize in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, providing non-surgical treatment options for sports and work injuries, post-concussive care, arthritic conditions and spine pain.

Academy of Podiatry 412.831.1515 The Academy Of Podiatry, with offices in Bethel Park, McKeesport and Banksville, provides complete foot and ankle care. Since 1997, our friendly and knowledgeable staff offer the best treatment options possible. Dr John Snyder D.P.M. and Dr. Jason Hughes D.P.M. are highly skilled professionals with extensive backgrounds in education, memberships and hospital privileges.

All procedures are performed at our state-of-theart medical facilities, and we offer conservative and surgical treatments.

Health and Wellness Directory continued on page 32 30 724.942.0940 to advertise | Bethel Park

Bethel Park | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 31

H e a l t h & W e l l n e s s / Bethel Park

health &Wellness DIRECTORY Continued

The Skin Center 1.800.429.1151 Theskincentermd.com

Steven R. Crandall, DMD 412.833.6166 stevencrandalldmd.com

Recognized as one of the top cosmetic surgery medical spas in the country and the largest in the region, The Skin Center Medical Spa is the premier destination for facial rejuvenation, body contouring and the treatment of vein disorders. All surgical and nonsurgical treatments are performed with precise artistry and compassionate care; under the direction of our founding medical director and board-certified cosmetic surgeon, Dominic Brandy, MD.

Steven R. Crandall, DMD is a dental practice that prides itself on providing comprehensive treatment for our patients and their families. We are dedicated to providing optimal care through comprehensive diagnosis and treatment planning.

We strive to provide our patients with the most esthetic, comfortable, functional and long lasting dentistry that is possible to their situation to allow them to keep their teeth for a lifetime.

Valaw Chiropractic 412.835.4211 2971 South Park Road

Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists 412.469.7110 www.jeffersonsurgical.net

Dr. Moan has been practicing since 2006, and has treated patients from all walks of life from 8-weeks-old to senior citizens. Valaw Chiropractic also provides chiropractic pregnancy care and nutritional regimens. We accept most major insurances, cash or check, and has plenty of free, off-street parking for patients. Our first-floor office is convenient for patients with advanced to severe pain to seek the relief they need.

With more than 152 years of combined surgical experience in the fields of General Surgery, Breast Care, Bariatric Surgery, Surgical Oncology, Colorectal Surgery and Screening, Capsule Endoscopy, Advanced Laparoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Wound Care, and Emergency Surgical Care, Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists is one of the premier general surgery practices in the Pittsburgh region located conveniently in the South Hills suburbs.

The Orthopedic Institute Monongahela Valley Hospital (MVH) 1163 Country Club Rd., Monongahela 724.258.1218 Changing joint replacement surgery as we know it, MVH’s Orthopedic Institute offers patients less discomfort, quicker recovery times, greater satisfaction and measurable results. Our team of healthcare professionals provides superior personalized care, helping patients return to their best. MVH is one of only 550 facilities nationwide designated a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip ReplacementŽ, recognizing facilities that deliver high quality and low cost.

32 724.942.0940 to advertise | Bethel Park

Bethel Park | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 33

Marissa Christenson, 12, won a gold medal earlier this year at the State Games of America, and is a member of Pittsburgh’s first competitive U.S. Figure Skating team, the Steel City Blades.

By Pamela Palongue

34 724.942.0940 to advertise | Bethel Park

A

s the temperatures start to fall and snowflakes fill the air, ice rinks become the place to be for skaters of every level; some of whom skate for the pure joy of it, others for the exercise and those who practice with Olympic ambitions.

Bethel Park resident Marissa Christenson dreams of becoming a choreographer, producing routines for Disney or perhaps even an Olympic hopeful. The 12-year-old recently represented Pennsylvania in the figure skating division of the 2013 State Games of America held in Hershey, which drew over 10,000 athletes from 45 states. She earned a first place finish and a gold medal in the pre-preliminary free skate competition for individual skaters.

Christenson is also a member of Pittsburgh’s first competitive U.S. Figure Skating team, the Steel City Blades.

She began skating at age four, when she and her mom attended a “Learn to Skate” class at Robert Morris University Island Sports Center.

Incredibly, the beginners class was taught by Elena Valova, 1984 Olympic gold medalist in pairs skating and 1988 silver medalist, as well as three-time world champion. Valova eventually became Christenson’s coach.

“I really felt that when we took the beginners class, Marissa seemed to have a knack for skating, more than the other children,” says Marissa’s mom, Maria. “She’s had to work really hard at the athletic part of skating, but the artistic side of it seems to come very naturally to her.”

She also credits skating with having increased her daughter’s confidence and mental concentration. Although the sixth grader is a bit shy off the ice, she skates with great poise and control, successfully landing two axels at the State Games.

Not all skaters will be able to progress to Christenson’s level of landing double flips, toe loops and salchows, but even beginning-level skaters can glean health benefits from ice skating and particularly figure skating. It’s a low-impact aerobic activity and a great cardio workout.

Figure skating alternates between jumps and spins and gliding. This change-up helps to increase endurance. Most think ice skating increases leg strength only, but it’s great for abdominal and lower back muscles too. It also helps improve balance and coordination and many of the moves performed in figure skating require flexibility, another important fitness marker. There are great mental benefits to skating, as the mind shifts from stressful thoughts to maintaining balance and performing a choreographed routine.

Many local skaters are members of the Pittsburgh Figure Skating Club which includes younger, competitive skaters as well as adults who enjoy skating purely for exercise and enjoyment.

When asked what she enjoys most about skating, Christenson replies, “The shows we put on!” She will be participating in the upcoming American Cancer Society Tribute of Light, which will be a part of Pittsburgh’s Light Up Night in November.

For more information, visit PittsburghFSC.com. ■

Bethel Park | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 35

Sponsored Content

Child Care

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Childproofng Your Home

s a parent, you probably never stop worrying about your child. Is he or she A happy? Healthy? Safe? While you can’t control everything, there are steps that you can take in your home to help improve your child’s safety and well-being. Now that the winter weather is upon us and we will all be spending more time indoors, it is the perfect time to examine your house, specifically for the safety of small children.

Childproofing your home can be an overwhelming task. The most effective way to start is to evaluate your home, room by room, from your child’s perspective. If your child is crawling, get down on your hands and knees. Is your child toddling or walking? Get down to his or her level and check out the view. If you were crawling, toddling or walking where would you go? What looks tempting or interesting? What is within reach? Where could you climb? While not all accidents can be avoided, below are some general childproofing tips to help you get started. Remember to evaluate every area in your home for potential dangers.

Also keep in mind that childproofing is an ongoing process. As your child grows and develops (e.g., crawling, toddling, walking), you will need to reevaluate your childproofing efforts upon each milestone.

Furniture & Appliances k Secure heavy furniture and appliances to walls wherever possible. k Store heavy items on the bottoms of furniture such as bookshelves and cabinets so they are not top-heavy. k Keep furniture and/or office drawers closed when not in use – climbing children tend to use these as ladders. k Make sure heavy appliances, such as televisions and computers, are pushed back from the edges of furniture – bolt them to the wall if possible. k Cover pointed edges of furniture with guards or bumpers k In the kitchen, use a stove guard to prevent your child from touching the burners or pulling at hot pots. k Use plastic covers if the stove’s knobs are within your child’s reach.

k Always lock your oven or invest in a lock to prevent your child from opening the oven door.

Doors & Windows k Keep windows and doors closed and locked when not in use. k Use door knob covers. Be sure that these covers are sturdy enough not to break, but also allow doors to open quickly by an adult in case of emergency. k Use door stops or door holders on doors and hinges to keep little fingers safe. k Place marks or stickers on glass and sliding doors to make them visible. k Keep furniture away from windows. k If you have double-hung windows, open them from the top. k Never open low windows more than four inches. k Use window stops, to prevent windows from opening more than four inches.

Blinds, Curtains & Draperies k Keep your child’s crib or bed away from blinds, curtains or draperies. k Keep blind, curtain and drapery pull cords out of your child’s reach. k Cut or remove pull cords. k Replace pull cords with safety tassels. k Use inner cord stops. k Make sure that older blinds and drapery cords have tie-down devices to hold the cords tight. k When purchasing new window coverings ask for those with child safety features.

Bathroom k Keep the toilet seat down when not in use. k Install a toilet lid lock to prevent your child from lifting the lid. k Always unplug appliances such as curling irons and hair dryers after each use (and never keep anything plugged in near water). k Keep all medications and vitamins in a locked cabinet. k Keep razors, scissors, tweezers and other sharp bathroom objects in a high or locked cabinet. k Set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees or lower to help prevent burns from hot water. k Install anti-scald devices on faucets and showerheads. k Use a non-slip mat in the bathtub and on the floor next to the bathtub to prevent slips.

Cabinets, Closets & Drawers k Secure cabinets, closets and/or drawers with locks or child-proof latches. k Store sharp, potentially harmful objects and dangerous products in high cabinets, out of your child’s reach.

Stairways & Other Areas k At the top and bottom of stairs, use safety gates that screw in place; they are more secure than those that stay in place with pressure. k Use safety gates that children cannot dislodge, but that you can easily open and close so you will be less likely to leave them open. k Use safety gates to prevent your child’s curious exploration into dangerous areas around your home such as the kitchen, bathroom, pool and hot tub.

Electrical Outlets k Cover or replace all electrical outlets. k Plastic Outlet Protectors –These devices fit directly into the outlet holes to prevent the insertion of foreign objects. If using these protectors, make sure they are large enough not to be a choking hazard. k Tamper Resistant Outlet Covers – These outlets look just like regular outlets, but use a plastic shutter to prevent the insertion of foreign objects. k Tamper Resistant Outlet Face Covers – These receptacle covers have plates that slide over the outlet holes when not in use. Some require replacing the entire outlet cover; others install over the existing outlet face cover. k Use a power strip safety cover on all in-use power strips.

This Industry Insight was written by Bob & Lori Santo.

Bob & Lori Santo are the owners of The Goddard School®, located at 825 East McMurray Rd. in Peters Township. Goddard offers both full- and part-time Infant/ Preschool/Kindergarten programs. For more information, visit www.goddardschools.com or call 724.941.6464.

36 724.942.0940 to advertise | Bethel Park

School District News

Inside 38

Pinwheels For Peace

39

State Awards Pre-K Counts Grant to BPSD and Tender Care

39

Soccer Boosters Donate $9,400 to District

40

Be a Buddy, Not A Bully

41

Second Graders Celebrate Fall with an Apple Festival

42

Homecoming Week Was a Magical One

Elementary Students Make

Pinwheels for Peace

Bethel Park School District

ethel Park

In celebration of September 21 being the International Day of Peace, Bethel Park elementary students made Pinwheels for Peace.

This district-wide project, coordinated by the district’s three elementary art teachers—Kristen Ritchie (Franklin and Memorial), Kelly Eckert-Graffam (Lincoln and Penn) and Amy Mittner (Washington and Memorial)—gave students the opportunity to artistically express their vision for peace.

Some students used symbols such as peace signs, rainbows and happy faces to demonstrate their idea of peace, while others used words or colors to convey their feelings.

The project coincided with many of the schools’ Open House dates and parents were treated to an outdoor display of pinwheels when they arrived at school for Open House.

The project also enabled the teachers to introduce their students to the installation art movement and explain that art is not just confined to a museum.

“The Pinwheels for Peace Project was a good project to start off the school year,” explained Miss Ritchie. “Students had the opportunity to express themselves in a colorful, non-traditional way that made for a great display for their parents.

“Besides learning that art is something that is all around us, the students also had the chance to reflect on the concept of peace and what it means to them.”

The teachers enjoyed collaborating on this district-wide project and anticipate doing more of these types of projects in the future.

Memorial Third Grader Ella Morgan takes a serious approach to her Pinwheel.

Lincoln Second Grader Ana Winowich and her Pinwheel for Peace.

Franklin Fourth Graders (left to right): Abby Quickel, Katerina Velisaris, Olivia Magnu, Zachary Bradford and Allie Scarlett help Miss Ritchie set up the Pinwheels for Peace in time for Open House.

(Left to right): Penn Second Graders Michael Bonuto and Kylee Zinsmeister stand in front of their school’s Pinwheels for Peace display.

The Pinwheels for Peace display at Washington.

38 | Bethel Park

The Pre-Schoolers use finger paint to learn how to write their names with their fingertips.

“What a wonderful experience this is to be able to provide this service for our families,” said Mrs. Albert. “Besides providing these children with the basics to succeed in school, the program also provides our staff with an opportunity to identify children who may need early intervention services.”

The grant is renewable for the next five years and the Bethel Park School District looks forward to the continued partnership with Tender Care to prepare students for school success.

Soccer Boosters Donate $9,400 To District The Bethel Park Soccer Boosters generously donated almost $9,400 worth of clothing and equipment to the Bethel Park School District to benefit the Bethel Park High School Boys and Girls Soccer Teams.

Specifically, the Boosters donated a Mule Pro Trainer and 90 warm-up jackets and pants for the Varsity and Junior Varsity Teams.

This is in addition to the $2,700 the Soccer Boosters donated to the school district last spring to help pay for lighting at the new Bethel Park High School Athletic Complex.

To thank them for their generous contribution, the Bethel Park Board of School Directors presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Booster Club Representative Deanne Buczkowski.

Deanne Buczkowski (left) from the Beth el Park Soccer Boosters, receives a Certificate of Appr eciation from School Board President Donna Cook .

The Pre-K Counts children work with their teacher to answer questions to complete a graphing problem.

Bethel Park | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 39

B ethel Park S chool District

The Bethel Park School District and Tender Care Learning Center were awarded a Pre-K Counts Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education in the amount of $176,550, to fund 15 full-day and 15 half-day enrollments for children ages three and four for 180 days at Tender Care, providing qualifying families and children with quality pre-school instruction.

The program began at Tender Care on September 16 and will run through June 27, 2014. Both the full-day and half-day programs operate five days a week with days scheduled off throughout the school year. Students in the full-day program receive five hours of instruction each day and the half-day students receive two and one half hours of instruction.

Bethel Park Director of Elementary Education Dr. Dorothy Stark and Director of Special Education Lori Sutton are working closely with Tender Care Senior Director Susan Albert to oversee this program that is designed to give children that extra boost to prepare them for kindergarten success.

“We are extremely excited to be able to bring this program to Bethel Park,” said Dr. Stark. “This program enables families, who might not otherwise be able to have their children participate in pre-school education, with the opportunity to take advantage of this experience that is designed to provide them with the valuable skills needed to be successful in kindergarten.”

While the overall goal of the program is to reach out to families who do not have access to pre-school education for their children, the individual goal is to ensure that every child that participates in the program is ready for kindergarten.

Two of the district’s Kindergarten Teachers had an opportunity to meet with the Tender Care Staff to make sure what is being taught at Tender Care aligns with the Bethel Park kindergarten curriculum.

At Tender Care, teachers utilize the Creative Curriculum from Teaching Strategies, which emphasizes numerous concepts such as letter recognition, with the students being able to write their names; fine motor skills, including how to use pencils, scissors and paint brushes; number recognition, graphing, science and social studies, where the children learn about their community.

Pre-School children roll a dice to determine the number of play cookies to put on their plate.

Bethel Park

State Awards Pre-K Counts Grant to BPSD and Tender Care

Assembly Teaches Students To

‘Be a Buddy, Not a Bully’ Over the past 16 years, the Bethel Park School District has enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Mayor Clifford Morton, who has given countless hours of his time to visit our schools to read to students, talk to them about what he does and to encourage them to do their best and stay in school. Over the years he has also invited numerous students and staff members to attend the monthly Bethel Park Council Meetings to be publicly recognized for the outstanding things they do in the classrooms and on the athletic fields.

With his decision not to seek re-election in 2013, Mayor Morton wanted to give back one last time to the Bethel Park School District and he approached Susan Brozek Scott and her team at Afterschool

Bethel Park School District

ethel Park

Kindergarten students in Mrs. Vighetti’s room and the Afterschool Buddy characters.

40 | Bethel Park

Buddy to perform a show in the elementary schools.

Afterschool Buddy is a full-service multimedia production company dedicated to teaching children important lessons that will stay with them long after the school day is over. Topics include the environment, respecting others and themselves, and health and fitness, to name a few.

Ms. Brozek Scott met with Bethel Park Director of Elementary Education Dr. Dorothy Stark and it was decided that al elementary schools could benefit from an assembly at the beginning of the school year devoted to the topic of bullying.

The Afterschool Buddy team wrote and produced a multimedia production especially for Bethel Park that was staged at all five Bethel Park elementary schools, featuring Afterschool Buddy characters Aunt Junk, Jake Poodles and Manny Cat, as well as a new character, Bart the Bully.

The show featured songs, videos and skits that reinforced the message to “Be A Buddy, Not A Bully.” Students talked about how it feels to be bullied and what to do when someone is bullied.

Aunt Junk escorts Manny Cat to the Lincoln Assembly.

The students learned the song, “There’s Room Here for Everyone,” featuring the lyrics, “When a bully starts, you can stop it. Stand up and say, ‘Hey kid, drop it!’ We’re all friends and there’s room here for everyone.”

They also learned a dance to accompany the song.

“The timing of the assembly fit in well as the district begins its anti-bullying efforts for the school year,” said Dr. Stark. “We were happy to welcome Mayor Morton and the Afterschool Buddy cast to our schools to reinforce our efforts.

“We especially thank Mayor Morton for everything he has done for our schools over the years. He will truly be missed.”

The Room Moms worked hard to get the apples ready for the Festival.

Nousha Molina has fun with the Apple Taste Test.

Samantha Wagner is excited about participating in the Apple Taste Test.

Washington students were all smiles as they cheered, “Be a Buddy, Not a Bully!”

Students learned to work together to make apple sauce.

Second Grade students in Jill Schall’s classroom at Memorial Elementary School celebrated fall with a classroom Apple Festival.

To prepare for the Festival, the students learned about Johnny Appleseed and all of the different kinds of apples.

Thanks to the help of Room Moms Annette Lorenzi, Sandy Lepri and Penny Kern, who cut up over 70 apples, the students were able to participate in two activities—a taste test and apple sauce making.

For the taste test, students were given a slice of six different apples.

After they tasted each apple, they were given a score sheet and had to rank the taste of the apple with either a smiley face or a frownie face. The students seemed to favor the Red Delicious variety!

Students worked in four separate groups with the moms to make apple sauce, taking turns to add the ingredients and stir the mixture before putting it into the crock pot.

For many of the students, it was their first opportunity to make apple sauce, which they were able to enjoy by the end of the school day.

Bethel Park | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 41

B ethel Park S chool District

Kindergarten students in Mrs. Vighetti’s room and the Afterschool Buddy characters.

Bethel Park

Jake Poodles greets William Penn students after the assembly.

Homecoming Week Was a

Do you believe in magic? If you participated in any of the 2013 Bethel Park Homecoming Week festivities, you do, because it was a magical week!

The great tradition that is Bethel Park Homecoming literally “kicked-off” on Sunday, September 22 with the annual Powder Puff Flag Football Game at Bethel Park Stadium between the Senior and the Junior Girls. This year’s contest was a close one, with the Seniors edging out the Juniors by a score of 16-6.

The weather cooperated and it was a beautiful fall night for football and a parade, as the Homecoming Parade traveled down Broad Street and ended at the Stadium.

Leading the way was the Bethel Park High School Marching Band, followed by this year’s Grand Marshall, Bethel Park High School Assistant Principal Jay Johnson.

The Parade featured the winners of this year’s Homecoming Awards, members of the Homecoming Court, the Cheerleaders and community groups such as the Boy Scouts and YMCA. Of course, no parade is complete without the Bethel Park Fire Department.

Before the Homecoming Football Game kicked off between Bethel Park and Peters Township, the Homecoming Awards were presented to: BPHS seniors Molly Graham and Logan Vignovic (Spirit Awards); BPHS Science Teacher Barbara Eisel (Faculty Award) and Athletic Department Secretary Lynn Sivetz (Service Award).

This year a Special Award was presented to Shannon Wyda in memory of her husband,

Bethel Park School District

ethel Park

It wouldn’t be a Bethel Park Homecoming Parade without the Bethel Park High School Marching Band leading the way!

(Left to right): Lynn Sivetz, Barbara Eisel, Logan Vignovic and Shannon Wyda were this year’s Homecoming Awards recipients. Molly Graham was with the Marching Band and was unavailable for the photo.

(Left to right): Aaron Coplan, Sean McClaine and Emily Augustine were part of this year’s Homecoming Committee.

Meet this year’s King, Queen, Princess and Prince (left to right): Liam Wolf, Chelsea Conway, Sarah Buczkowski and Dan Vater.

42 | Bethel Park

District Magistrate Robert Wyda, who passed away suddenly this past summer. The students wanted to recognize and thank Judge Wyda for all of the positive contributions he gave to the school. The students also decided to change the name of the Service Award to the Robert C. Wyda Service Award in his memory.

At the halftime of the football game, the Homecoming Court was introduced: Jarrod Cingel, Zach Laufer, Nick Pilotta, Dan Vater, Liam Wolf, Lindsay Boss, Sarah Buczkowski, Chelsea Conway, Channing Johnson and Kara Kosmer. Following the introductions, Dan Vater was crowned Homecoming Prince and Sarah Buczkowski was crowned Homecoming Princess. Liam Wolf was crowned Homecoming King and Chelsea Conway was crowned Homecoming Queen by last year’s Homecoming Queen Lucy Sedor-Franzak.

And to cap a perfect evening, the Hawks shut out Peters Township 24-0 to win the football game!

“Do You Believe In Magic?” was the theme of this year’s Homecoming Dance, which was held in the BPHS cafeteria and outdoor courtyard. Besides dancing, the dance also featured a Magic Show, in keeping with this year’s theme.

This year’s Homecoming festivities were chaired by Angela Sanctis and Chelsea Conway, with assistance from a hard-working committee: Sean McClaine, Emily Augustine, Ben Wallace, Adithya Krishnachand, Zac Enick, Sean Becker, David Erzen, Harrison Zelt, Austin Smith, Ethan Wdowiak, Nick Galietta, Valerie Poutous, Molly Graham, Matea Pranjic, Jon Anischenko, Liam Wolf, Maggie Wolf, Tatiana Ruzzini, Courtney Cox, Athena Kalogeris, Aaron Coplan, Jess Cook, Jarrod Cingel, Megan Douds, Logan Vignovic, Kaileigh Poe, Zach Fullerton, Alanna Lizun, Katie Zilcosky, Maddie Gregg, Morgan Schmidt, Courtney Conway, Stephanie Trozzo, Katie Petronie, Abigail Thompson, Kailee Kilmer, Pheobe Gorges, Ashley Santus and Rachel Rousseau.

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It starts with an interview to understand how your home is impacting your quality of life.

The auditor then analyzes your home using advanced diagnostic tools such as a blower door to measure and locate air leaks, an infrared camera to inspect the quality of insulation and other tools that assess the condition, function and safety of your home's systems.

Critical health and safety concerns such as excessive carbon monoxide, natural gas leaks or equipment malfunction are immediately brought to your attention.

Based on the assessment of the entire house, your auditor will develop a comprehensive written plan that details the most cost effective strategies to improve your comfort and save you energy and money. With the audit report in hand, you'll have the evidence you need to make informed decisions in order to seek out contractors to implement the plan.

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A whole-house audit doesn't just focus on a single aspect of your home, but rather all of the components as a system. An unbiased wholehouse audit will give you the information you need to achieve a more comfortable, safe and affordable home.

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Contact CCI

For more information or to schedule a whole-house energy & safety audit, call 412.773.7163 or visit our website using this easy to type URL: http://bit.ly/13jWJhu

Bethel Park | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 43

44 724.942.0940 to advertise | Bethel Park

Don’t Let Emotions Get the Best of Your Retirement Savings

I

ran into my good friend, Marlene Rubican, at DeLallo’s Restaurant.

Since we don’t see each other often, it was nice to have the chance to talk. During our chat, Marlene suggested that my next magazine article be about the fear that TV reporting creates for Americans and how this fear affects the way in which they manage their personal finances. I sipped my Chianti and this article started to come together.

Retirement is one of the most emotional and stressful life changes a person can face. The events that may come with retirement – selling your home and relocating, managing health issues and living on a fixed income – can produce behaviors that defy logic. But as you near retirement, making a snap decision is the last thing you want to do. Here are a few strategies to help you prepare for retirement in the midst of a fluctuating economy: Think long-term about your retirement. It’s hard to resist being influenced by economic news and events, but the key is to let rational thinking rule your decision making when it comes to money. For example, if you experience a bad day at the office and you’re eligible to retire, you may decide to retire early. But taking a deep breath or sleeping on it will help you better think about the big picture and usually leads to a better solution. Thinking through each financial decision carefully, and getting objective advice from someone you trust, will empower you to make the best decision for your future.

Don’t become engrossed in day-to-day market activity. This one thing is certain: markets rise and markets fall. If you are planning to retire, or are in retirement, now is not the time to try and beat the market at its own

game. To minimize the impact financial swings might have on your retirement, determine your appropriate risk tolerance and stick to it.

You can always readjust your portfolio, but try not to react in a panic at the sight of a market downturn. Consider working with a financial advisor who can help you identify investments that are appropriate for your risk tolerance level to help you keep your financial goals and plans on track despite economic swings.

Consider contingency plans. It may be counter-intuitive to think about the negative what-if scenarios, but examining a possible future without your spouse or thinking about how you would manage a lifethreatening health issue is especially important as you enter retirement.

Along with these scenarios, consider how a major economic event like a recession or high inflation may impact your retirement savings. Then create a plan to protect your financial security as much as possible in these circumstances. By doing a bit of contingency planning now, you can make the best retirement decisions for you and your family members.

Anticipate what retirement looks like for you. Write down your thoughts about what will happen during an average week in your life as a retiree. Having a solid idea of what you picture your retirement to be like can lead you to maintain a calm mindset when you’re worried about your short-term finances. Working toward a few specific retirement lifestyle goals may help you stay focused on the longterm and avoid making emotional decisions with your money. To help with this, think about some goals you have for your retirement that don’t come with a large expense, like volunteering or spending more time with your grandkids.

Don’t let your emotions push logic aside when planning and saving for retirement. Minimize highly emotional decisions by communicating frequently with your spouse or other trusted confidante and consider working with a financial professional who can help you maintain a longterm vision of your current financial situation and goals for the future.

This Industry Insight was written by Daniel E. Martin.

Daniel E. Martin is a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Bethel Park, PA. He specializes in financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice since 1976 with Ameriprise Financial (formerly American Express Financial Advisors). Contact Dan’s office at 412.831.6240 extension 208, located at 88 Fort Couch Road, Suite 210, Pittsburgh, PA 15241. Dan is licensed/registered to do business with U.S. residents only in the states of PA, OH, WV, AZ, CA, CT, FL, IL, IN, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OR, SC, TX, and VA. Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. ©2013 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Business Directory

Bethel Park | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 47

inCOGNITO

Did you know?

There was a plane crash on Old Ox Road?

48 724.942.0940 to advertise | Bethel Park

I

magine sitting by the fireplace in your farmhouse on a cold January afternoon. Perhaps you’re thinking about the evening’s State of the Union address President Franklin Roosevelt is scheduled to give.

Europe is at war and you might not even know where Pearl Harbor is – yet. Your radio is playing Artie Shaw’s “Frenesi” in heavy rotation.

Suddenly, a loud roar breaks the silence and you look out the window just in time to see an airplane miss your home by 15 feet and crash in your field. That’s how William M. Frairie must have felt that day.

Frairie witnessed the plane crash around 1:45 in the afternoon.

Pilot Roy Brown and James Dipple were in the Stinson Cub headed to Washington, D.C., with a brief detour to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh.

While the two were seasoned fliers with their plane recently inspected, the engine sputtered out. Seeing nowhere in the area to land, Brown spotted a level clearing beyond Frairie’s land, but when the engine died altogether, they didn’t have enough airspeed to glide much farther, sending them into a nose dive that flung Brown from the plane and left Dipple hanging upside down in the cockpit. Dipple was able to make his way to Frairie’s home for help and was on a train to Cleveland by nightfall. Brown was treated for head wounds.

Did You Know? We are looking for little-known facts, history or other interesting stories about your community. Please send your ideas to editors@icmags.com. Thank you! ■

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